Garland Journal by Cheryl Smith

VOL XVIII ISSUE 16 MARCH 20, 2019

MY TRUTH Cheryl Smith Publisher

Another Woman Worth Celebrating

Sometimes for whatever reason, folks come into our lives and have an impact. Some folks we are glad to see coming and then others we’re glad to see them leaving. Still others come into our lives and before long we forget they existed. Life is strange because you meet folks and feel you have met your soul mate. Many of those relationships don’t last. It’s a wonderful thing when you meet someone who brightens your life, warms your spirit and makes you feel good. Which brings me to my truth. I think the first time I interviewed the Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson, it was in 1990. She was in her car and it was a phone interview about

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

something related to the office she held at time, Texas State Senator. We talked at length and I remember my tape recorder failed me. I don’t recall the topic but I do remember that she was very accommodating and responsive. Over the years we had very little interaction and then one day something ama-zing happened. We clicked. The stars aligned. I already knew she was an elect-ed official, the first nurse to serve in the Texas House and Senate, and also U.S. Congress. She advocates for veterans and a number of other causes and issues, like science and technology; or others we rarely hear about, like Lupus, foreign affairs, or leading the only veto override during President Bush’s terms. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Congresswoman Johnson has strong family ties and feelings of loyalty to those she trusts and respects. And she’s very knowledgeable and focused. Let me tell you. She brings joy into my heart. I look forward to seeing her, even if just to share a moment or two. Some of those special moments have been spent at Heroes House where we join businessman Gary Hasty as we feed and visit with veterans who live at the two Dallas locations. Even when I am out of town, I return back to Dallas for those special days so I can interact with the valiant men and women who served our country. During the first event, I realized just how deeply the Congresswoman cares for veterans and is committed to addressing their issues, of which there are many. I remember learning more about the needs of those incarcerated as told by Joyce Ann Brown; who spent nine years, five months and 24 days in prison for a crime she did not commit. Before meeting Ms. Brown over 30 years ago I thought everyone behind bars actually committed a crime. Not! The incarcerated are human too. We shouldn’t forget that. With veterans I’ve always held them in high esteem, sometimes feeling sorry for them for having to go to foreign countries fighting for the rights of others when they couldn’t share equal rights upon returning home. Through Cong. Johnson, Mr. Hasty and my nephew Andre Smith, as well as those at Heroes House; I’ve learned so much about the lives of men and women who serve in the

Continued on page 5

Garland Club hosts “Go Red” Event

The local Garland, Texas Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC) held its annual “Go Red for Healthy Heart” program last month. Attendees gathered at 10:00 AM dressed in red attire at the fellowship hall of the Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church of Garland. The room was beautifully decorated with red balloons and other red heart décor. Garland Club founder, Mrs. Ruby Armstrong, chaired the event and member Patsy Pritchett gave opening remarks and introduced the guest speaker. Prior to the speaker presentation, guests went through a buffet line of delicious

breakfast food and beverages, then reassembled for a “heartwrenching, sister-to-sister” type speech from Mrs. Dee Baker Amos. Mrs. Amos is Vice President of Health Strategies with the American Heart Association. She electrified the audience with stories of her life growing up and every woman in the room identified with her experiences. She shared stories of strong African American women that shaped her life and the pitfalls that we, as black females, too often fall into! Why? Mrs. Amos explained it had to do with a “theme” she chose to deal with this year. The theme is “the failure to put ourselves on our own TO DO list.” She followed this

revealing failure with the fact that IF we don’t begin to care for our own health, we will not be around to care for the wellbeing of our families! Valuable statistics were shared by the speaker and material on the following subjects was distributed to each lady in attendance:: • Heart Disease in African Americans • The Truth About High Blood Pressure • Know the Facts About High Blood Pressure • Risk Factors for Stroke • Stroke, TIA and Warning Signs • Be a Stroke Hero

See Go Red, on page 3

Dee Baker Amos, Vice President of Health Strategies with the American Heart Association with Founder of the Club and Chair of the program, Ruby Armstrong

Former council member receives Outstanding Texan Award Former Garland City Council Member B.J. Williams was honored with the Texas Legislative Black Caucus (TLBC) Outstanding Texan Award at the 2019 African American Legislative Summit. Williams, a member of the Garland City Council from 2012 to 2018, was nominated for the award by Representative Rhetta Andrews Bowers (HD 113) for his service and

involvement in his community. Each year, the TLBC Outstanding Texan Award is given to individuals who are making significant contributions to their community through their time, actions, talents and dedication. Linda Griffin and Ricky McNeal were also honored with the award. Griffin has been a member of the Garland Independent School District’s

Board of Trustees since 1998. McNeal is the current President and Political Action Chair of the Garland NAACP. “Linda, B.J. and Ricky are three individuals who have given so much to the City of Garland over the years,” said Representative Bowers. “It was my honor to nominate them to receive this prestigious award and I am happy to see them get the recognition they deserve.”

B.J. Williams

Long-time educator authors book on leadership Dr. Jennifer Wimbish, the first African American president of Cedar Valley College (CVC), of the Dallas County Community College District, in her recently released book “Leadership Wisdom For All Generation,” takes you on a journey, including her walk with God, from her childhood in the segregated South, to her college presidency, as she shares character and leadership principles gleaned from her mentors –wise authentic leaders. She provides in each chapter a short autobiography, followed by character and leadership lessons learned from her mentors. Dr. Wimbish concludes the book by presenting lessons derived from her own experiences. According to Dr. Wimbish, the

Dr. Jennifer Wimbish

book is linked to her commitment to transgenerational learning. She believes strongly that each generation must leave a legacy that includes the learning of wise individuals, thus preparing

tomorrow’s world leaders. One endorser of the book noted that, Dr. Wimbish provides leadership principles that are valuable, life-changing, and that challenge all to lead with integrity. Her written accounts of leaders “Words of Wisdom” from her past serves us well today. Dr. Wimbish’s personal journey and voice on leadership is one that inspires, and results in a mustread book for every current and emerging leaders. A millennial from the college graduating class of 2020 said, “Leadership Wisdom for all Generations is both simple and insightful. Dr. Wimbish manages to express her message in a compelling fashion that is reminiscent of listening to

one’s own family. This book stays true to its title by offering aphorisms which will resonate with any one—regardless of age.” UPCOMING BOOK SIGNINGS Thurs, April 4, 4-6:00 pm, Brookhaven College, Bldg S/Rm 003, 3939 Valley View Lane, Farmer, Branch. Sat, April 6, 2:30 – 4:00 pm. University of North Texas,Dallas, Founder’s Hall Bldg, Rm 101, 7300 University Hill Blvd. Sun, April 7, 1-3:00 pm, Half Price Bookstore, Highway 67, Cedar Hill, Texas.

FAMU plays key role in Medical Marijuana Research BY CARMA HENRY

Florida A&M University (FAMU) has a unique opportunity to educate Floridians about medical marijuana and its use as an alternative health remedy. In 2016, the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative, also known as Amendment 2, was approved by 72 percent of the state’s voters. The legislature approved funding for FAMU to “educate minorities about marijuana for medical use and about the impact of the unlawful use of marijuana on minority communities.” FAMU’s Marijuana Education and Research Initiative was established as the foundation for a repository of information about marijuana and a leader in research on the subject of medical marijuana. The initiative strives to educate Florida’s minority communities about the availability and uses of medical marijuana and to help these communities understand systemic problems associated with the

selective enforcement of marijuana laws and the consequences of the illicit use of marijuana. Peter Harris, J.D., is the director of the FAMU Marijuana Education and Research Initiative. He served the what industry as a strategic advisor to firms seeking a license from the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use to grow marijuana, manufacture medicine and dispense products for over a year. Prior to that, he provided consulting services to organizations seeking to impact the development of the industry in Florida. According to Harris, FAMU has an opportunity to play a vital role in the state’s development and use of medical marijuana. “We want to impact the health of Florida’s communities through our education and research efforts,” said Harris. “We also want to influence economic and behavioral issues, while engaging Florida’s diverse minority communities in the changes that are sure to come.”

Harris also stated that, “Our colleges and schools ranging from pharmacy, education and allied health to our institutes of public health, agricultural and food sciences as well as psychology and social sciences are integral not only to the growth and development of the nascent industry, but FAMU is also producing the future workforce.” Cynthia Hughes-Harris, Ph.D., dean of FAMU’s School of Allied Health Sciences explained that FAMU has received state funds to address the many critical and relevant questions related to the use of marijuana through the interdisciplinary efforts of faculty and students. “As marijuana use has become legalized in many arenas, particularly for medicinal purposes, more questions have arisen as to how marijuana can and should be used,” said Hughes-Harris. She added, “These questions are aimed at multiple populations, but they are particularly important to marijuana

use in minority communities. FAMU is particularly qualified to address these issues due to the talents and skills of the faculty, as researchers and as educators, combined with our understanding of our target communities throughout the state of Florida.” Additionally, the University also launched a major research initiative to award mini-grants to support faculty and graduate student research projects. Their work will help to establish FAMU as a national source of information regarding marijuana’s impact on minority communities. As part of the roll out, FAMU has hired Salter Mitchell Public Relations to help craft the messaging that will launch the statewide media campaign. The University has also collected data and conducted focus groups with the various minority communities it is charged with informing.

This article originally appeared in The Westside Gazette.

GARLAND JOURNAL - MARCH 20, 2019

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

March 21, & 28

Women’s History Month

GDMP: Social Media Series, Social Media 101. At Grow DeSoto Market Place. Register: www.growdesoto.org 7:30am-8:30am Free Class. Every Thursday in March.

Recurring Events

March 21

Reggae Sunday Brunch at Hero’s Lounge 3094 N. 35 Fwy. Dallas. 11am. Caribbean Breakfast & Lunch. Feeding The Needy Hosted by: Hollywood Hernandez Live 1698 Corsicana St. Dallas. 3pm-5pm. Written & Witnessed Presented by: Andrea Tosten & Jas Mardis at Oak Cliff Cultural Center 223 W. Jefferson Blvd. FREE 10am-8pm. Until 3-29-19. Marvelous Marriage Monday’s at Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. Dallas. 7pm-8:30pm 1st & 3rd Monday Info: covent@friendshipwest.org A fool for Love Play Directed by Dan Quattro, at The Margo Jones Theatre 1121 1St Ave. Dallas. 8pm-10pm. Dates 3-9-31, 2019. Tickets: www.ticketstothecity.com Summer Enrichment Camp at Bishop Arts Theatre 215 Tyler St. Dallas, 7am-5pm. 6-3-725, ages 6-12. Enroll: Tiffany Jackson 214-948-0716 ext. 307 education@bishopartstheatre.org. Black Dance Aesthetics with Michelle Gibson at South Dallas Cultural Center 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave. Tickets & Times: www.artandseek.org 3-23-4-13. Dallas Opera Presents: La Boheme at Winspear Opera House 2403 Flora St. # 500. Box Office: 214-443-1043 Times & Dates vary. 3-15-3-31.

March 20 1st Day of Spring H.B. Stowe’s “Uncle Tom Cabin,” published, 1852

Natural Hair the Movie at The Warehouse 1125 E. Berry St. Ft. Worth. Doors Open at 5:30pm. Tickets: www.info@jimaustinonline.com. Soul Jazz Thursdays with Funk Train at Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave. Dallas, 8pm-12am. Meet & Greet Candidate Mixer at The Dock Bookshop & Dock Community 6637 Meadowbrook Dr., Ft. Worth. 7pm-8:30pm. Conversations at The West Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020W. Wheatland Rd., Dallas 7pm. Tickets: www. secure.goemerchant.com D CEO Woman’s Leadership Panel at Lorenzo Hotel 1011 S. Akard St. Dallas 8:30am-10:30am. Tickets: eventbrite.com . Spirit of McKinney Awards Banquet at Aristide-McKinney 6200 TPC Dr. 6:30pm-9pm. Four Perspectives On Social Justice & The DFW Legal System Host: Young Progressive Christians of Dallas at Northhaven United Methodist Church 11211 Preston Rd. 7pm.

Carol Burnett: Back by Popular Demand at Winspear Opera House 2403 Flora St. #500. 8pm. Tickets at Box Office.

March 23 Aids Walk South Dallas 2019 at Martin Luther King Community Center 2922 MLK, Jr. Blvd. Register: https://awsd2019. eventbrite.com. Black Violin Kev Marcus & Will B. at Annett Strauss Square 2389 Flora St. Dallas. 9:30pm. Tickets attpac.org. 3rd Annual Chuck’s & Cocktails Day Party at Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave. Dallas. 3pm-8pm. Eventbrite.

March 22-23

March 22-24

14th Annual Paul “PBO” Bryson Basketball at St Philips School & Community Center 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Registration: www.stphilips1600.org/athletics/PBTourney.cfm.

March 22 Friendship-West 15th Annual Annett Reid-Jordan Gala “The Crystal Ball” at Hilton Garden Inn 800 N. Main St. Duncanville. 7:30pm.

March 20

Brunch and Brushes at Dottie Lynn Recreation Center 3200 Norwood Ln. Arlington. 9am-11am. Tickets: www.apm.activecommunities.com.

Showcase Nu Lota Chapter Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. at Maverick Activities Center UTA 500 W. Nedderman Dr., Arlington. 6:22pm.

Roberto Carlos: Amor Sin Limite at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory 300 Las Colinas Blvd. Irving. 8pm.

DFW Alumni Greek & Stixx Essential Smoke & Sip Saturday at Astute Gentlemen 14223 Inwood Rd., Farmers Branch, 3pm-8pm. Music Lounge: Ladies of Soul at South Dallas Cultural Center 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave. 7:30pm. $10 at Box Office 214670-0315. DFW Association of Black Journalists “How to get the News….” at TBAAL 1309 Canton St., 10am-12pm. Register: Call 214-941-0110. Theta Alpha Foundation Mardi Gras at Crown Plaza Hotel on Stemmons Fwy, Dallas. 7:30pm-1am. Tickets: eventbrite.com.

10 Summers Presents: The Debut Tour of Ella Mai at the House of Blues 2200 N. Lamar St. Dallas. 7pm. Via Live Nation. Community Resource Workshop Senior Services & Section 8 to home ownership Host: Candidate for City Council District 5 Ruth Torres at Logos Fellowship Church 842 Hillburn Dr. Dallas. 5pm-8pm. Info: www.Torres4PleasantGrove.com. Lunch & Learn Understanding The Construction Timeline Process (DISD/RBCA) at Dallas ISD Education Center 9400 N. Hwy 75 13th Fl. Ste #1350 Rm. 211:30am-1pm.

March 27 Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Mixer from 5:30pm-7pm. Location: TBA Visit : www.IrvingHCC.com. Womanist Disclosure Preaching/Teaching/Activism at Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. 7pm. Buddy Guy & Special Guest Jimmie Vaughn at The House of Blues 2200 N. Lamar St. 7pm.

Nick Mason’s Saucerful Of Secrets at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory 300 Las Colinas Blvd. Irving. 7:30pm. Dein Perry’s Tap Dogs at Winspear Opera House 2403 Flora St. 7:30pm. Vegan Brunch Celebrate The Vegan Life Style at The City of DeSoto Civic Center 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd. 2pm-5pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

The Black Police Association Community Town Hall Meeting at Black Police Association Greater Dallas, 211 Center St. 2pm-5pm.

Chicago 463 N. Hwy 67, Cedar Hill, 3pm.

Black Beauty Glitz and Glamor Designers Patrick Wright and Pucci Lisenbee never before seen fashion at South Dallas Cultural Center 300 Fitzhugh Ave. 6pm. Info: 214-939-2787,

Candidate Mix & Mingle!!! At Taste N See Chicken and Waffles 2880 W. Berry St. Ft. Worth, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Free.

Seven African Americans challenged taxation without representation 1780

“The Nest” Contest “The Pitch” Host: DEC Redbird & Comerica Bank at DEC @ Redbird 3662 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. 6pm-8pm.

RoundTable Writers Breakfast “Backsliders” Feat: Victor McGlothin at TBAAL Room T-203, 10am. 1309 Canton St. Tickets: TBAAL Box Office 214-743-2400.

Winning Up to Go Big in 2019 with Dr. Christi Monk at Sixty Vines Uptown 500 Crescent Ct., Dallas. 5:30pm-8:30pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

March 26

4th Annual Clinton R. Allen Speak Out At South Dallas Cultural Center 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave. 10am-4pm. Register: www.mothersagainstpolicebrutality.org.

March 24 2019: The Bar-Kays: Zapp Band at Music Hall at Fair Park Dallas. Tickets: www.1.ticketmaster.com.

Aretha Franklin, Soul Singer 1942 Memphis Tennessee the “Queen of Soul”

Golden Life Fashion & Culinary Show at Cedar Canyon Dude Ranch 4523 University Hills, Lancaster. 7pm-12am. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

BRIDGE Check In- Mixer Host: Bridge Ft. Worth at Kung Fu Saloon 2818 Morton St. Ft. Worth 6:30pm-8:30pm. RSVP Eventbrite. Down for the Count “One Act Play Festival” at Bishop Arts Theatre 215 Tyler St. Dallas. Tickets: www.bishopstheatre.org.

Beauty, Business, Brains A Conversation with Juliann Addo founder/owner of Adwoa Beauty at South Dallas Cultural Center 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave. Fri- 6:30pm Sat.- 5pm. Free.

March 21-22

A Conversation with Kamala! at Embassy Suites by Hilton DFW Airport North 2401 Brass Pro Dr. Grapevine, 6pm7:30pm Tickets: www. secure.actblue.com.

Fort Worth ISD’s Racial Equality Summit at Fort Worth ISD 100 N. University Dr. 8:30am-4:30pm. Free.

African American Museum 2019 Thelma Daniels Distinguished Lecture Series in Women’s Health Speaker: Dr. Lauren Cross at 3536 Grand Ave. 2pm.

Prom dress Extravaganza at Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas 4804 Worth St, 4pm-7pm.

The City Manager’s Office Holds Community Meeting Article III Form Districts at Hitt Auditorium 1441 N. Beckley Ave. Dallas, 6pm-7pm.

Lil Boosie Host: K104-FM Dallas at Gas Monkey Live 10110 Technology Blvd. E. Dallas. 7pm-12am. Tickets: www.myk104.com.

State of Black Women Mental Health At Bill J. Priest Institute 1402 Corinth St. Dallas. 9am. Speakers: Megan Pickens LPC-S, Dr. Stacia Alexander & Dr. LaWanda N. Evans.

Think Out Be Light Fashion Show – World Down Syndrome Day Host Zoe Communications Agency at Hilton Garden Inn 800 N. Main St., Duncanville. 6:30pm-9:30pm. Tickets: www. thinkoutbelight.com.

Downtown Comedy Charles Walden at Clarence Muse Café Theater 1309 Canton St., 9pm. Tickets: TBAAL Box Office 214743-2400.

Spring Diversity Mixer: The Funky East Dallas Democrats (AKA the FEDD’s)at Ten Eleven Grill 1011 Corinth St., Dallas. 6:30pm-8:30pm

A Celebration of the Spirit & Soul Brest Cancer Awareness Visual Art Exhibit. Opening Reception at African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave., 6pm-8pm.

Black Friday – DFW African American Unity Mixer at JC’s Event Center 901 N. Polk St. Ste. #370. DeSoto. 7pm-10pm.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Reception at Home of Jeff Tillotson 5110 Southbrook Dr. Dallas, 6pm-8pm.

Womanist Discourse Preaching/Teaching/Activism at Friendship-west Baptist Church 2020 W, Wheatland Rd. Dallas. 7pm-8:30pm.

Fourth Fridays DeSoto Arts Commission Feat: RJ & Zydeco Smoove at DeSoto Corner Theatre 211 Pleasant Run Rd. 7pm. Reservations: ArtsDeSoto.com.

Meet & Greet Dr. Keisha K. Lankford CHISD, Place 2. at Old

2nd Annual Dallas Plus Size Takeover Fashion Show at Wyndham Garden Dallas North 2645 LBJ Fwy. 5pm-10pm. Tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk. Black Men Heal Host: Benisha Jones at Pan African Connection 4466 S. Marsalis Ave., Dallas 2pm-5pm. Free. Sweet Spot Sundays Host: So Live Entertainment at Vinetti’s 14833 Midway Rd. Addison, 5pm.-12am. Tickets: Eventbrite. Plug Me In Sis Networking, Guest Speaker: Shavonda With a V, at Aldeez 7879 Spring Valley Rd. #115, Dallas. 8pm.-11pm.

March 25

Cardio Hip Hop w/ JessieMae at JC Fitness Club L.L.C. 901 N. Polk St. Ste. #370. DeSoto, 6:30pm. Tickets: www.jcfitness

March 28

Happy Birthday to Team Member our Man on the scene! Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez

Karamo Live! Author: My Story of Embracing Purpose, Healing & Hope at Winspear Opera House 2403 Flora St. Dallas 7:30pm. Tickets: attpac.org. Freedom Fund Banquet NAACP Grand Prairie at Ruth Jackson Center, 3113 S. Carrier Parkway. 7pm-10pm. Eventbrite. Dallas Mayoral Forum at Dallas Scottish Rite 500 s. Harwood St., Dallas, 6pm-7:30pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. The Entrepreneur Magnet Launch Event at African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave. Doors open at 6:30pm. Register: www.theentrepreneurmagnet.eventbrite.com.

AROUND GARLAND Around GARLAND

neighborhood. Dinner is provided, so please RSVP Contact: Laura Castillo City of Garland 972-2052451 lcastillo@garlandtx.gov.

Potions Class at sacred Journey Fellowship 1215 Main St., Garland. 7pm.9pm. Join Nikki and Alyssa for our potions class! We’ll be making a refreshing and cleansing salt scrub to take home for your spell/spa days!

March 28 D.I.Y. Home Irrigation Class Understanding your home sprinkler system can green up your grass and your wallet! at Garland Greenhouse 1221 Spring Creek Dr. Garland. 6:30pm.-8:30pm. Learn the basics of watering in our hard clay soil. We’ll also cover super easy repairs and drip irrigation. This is a hands-on learning experience for even the most novices of homeowners. To register contact: Laura Castillo City of Garland 972-205-2451 lcastillo@garlandtx.gov.

March 20-31 Frozen, Peter Pan, Willy Wonka, Les Miserables Auditions & Class at Breitling Performing Arts 303 Main St., Garland, 4pm.-7pm. Auditions and Classes Share with friends and family. Call for an audition time!

March 21 Senior Social Hour: Class Act Tap Company at Garland Library 625 Austin St. Garland. 2pm.-3pm. Put on your dancing shoes! The Class Act Tap dancers will tap their way into the Nicholson Memorial Library System’s Senior Social Hour. The dancers are part of The Class Act Tap Company, a service organization of 40 women, each over the age of 50. The company members serve North Texas as volunteers by providing tap dancing shows free of charge. The dancers have performed at conventions, civic and charity events, corporate and military functions, and are well known on the Dallas senior entertainment circuit. Their tap routines are set to a variety of musical styles including patriotic, Broadway, and western music. http://ow.ly/QJ7G30nLQ7n Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Senior Social Hour programs are free and open to anyone 55 years of age and older. Donations of gently used books and media for the Friends of the Library book sale are accepted at the program. No registration is required to attend the event, but seats do fill up quickly. Doors open 30 minutes prior to performance. Please be aware that photographs and video may be taken at Library programs for use in print and/or electronic media at the Library’s discretion. Due to planned construction, event locations are subject to change. Please visit our website, www.library.garlandtx.gov, or call the library for the latest information.

March 22-23

March 29-April 7 Dallas Black Dance Theatre Dancing Beyond Borders Series at Eisemann Center for Performing Arts 2351 Performance Dr. Richardson. Tickets: www.eisemanncenter.com Featuring choreographer Tommie-Waheed Evans’ powerful work as he transcribes Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s ‘WE SHALL OVERCOME’ speech into dance. Dynamic. Ravishing. Stunning. This is the perfect setting to indulge in the best of Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Both DBDT and DBDT: Encore! Perform with meticulous technique and artistry, crowd-pleasing season highlights in Richardson. Date Night at Painting with a Twist 819 W. Arapaho Rd., Richardson. 7pm.9pm. Tickets: www.paintingwithatwist.com New Art! This is one of our favorites! It’s called Date Night! Paint it with us Friday night! Coffee and Cops Host: Richardson Police Department at Community Neighborhood Cooperative 514 Lockwood Dr., Richardson, 8:30am.-9:30am. Enjoy a cup of coffee with the Richardson Police. This is a wonderful opportunity for our citizens to meet their Richardson police officers. For any additional information please contact Officer David Beregszaszy (972744-4938) with the Richardson Police Crime Prevention Unit.

March 23 Country Legend Ronnie McDowell in Concert at Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State Street, Garland, 6pm-9pm. Ronnie McDowell with Curb Records sings his original hits (“Older Women”, “The King Is Gone”, “Watchin’ Girls Go By”, “Personally”, “It’s Only Make Believe”) and a tribute to Elvis segment with the Shake Rattle and Roll girls! Special guests include George Dickerson singing classic country and Elvis hits. Moses Snow sings the 50s-style young Elvis hits, while Gib Maynard brings back the spirit of the electrifying Jerry Lee Lewis. Tickets: 972-400-0430, 254-498-3564 or available online at https://ronnie-mcdowell-march-show.myshopify.com.

Stomp at Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson. Friday 7:30pm. Saturday 2:30pm. & 7:30pm. Tickets: www. eisemanncenter.com. STOMP, the international percussion sensation, makes its Eisemann Center premiere in March 2019. A unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy, STOMP has created its own inimitable, contemporary form of rhythmic expression: both household and industrial objects find new life as musical instruments in the hands of an idiosyncratic band of body percussionists. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.

March 22 Holistic and Innovative Programs that Engage and Empower High Risk at Arzell Ball Center 410 S. Greenville Ave., Richardson, 9am.11am. Holistic Elevation LLC and Richardson Independent School District would like to invite you, our community colleagues, network associates, and professionals working with youth to a FREE networking opportunity and to discover holistic and innovative programs that engage and empower high-risk students. Tickets & Info.: www.holisticelevations.com.

Garland Club – NANBPWC, Inc. in association with The Community Multicultural Commission – City of Garland Presents: 2019 Women’s History Project: Visionary Women: Champions of Peace and Nonviolence at Dallas County Commissioner’s Office 715 Rowlett Rd., Garland10am-12pm. The program is dedicated to the memory of Goldie Locke, a Community Leader, Founding President of the Garland Branch NAACP and the driving force behind the Garland Independent school District’s NAACP Excel Awards to recognize middle school youth’s academic accomplishments. Acknowledgments and Presentations: Wathenia Clark, President, Garland Club-NANBPWC, Inc. Jennifer Nguyen, Chair of Community Multicultural Commission. FREE EVENT, RSVP: Gilda Smith 214-680-8491 or garlandbpwclub@gmail.com Limited Seating.

March 24 Mesquite JBF – Spring Sale at Just Between Friends Dallas/ Mesquite 1700 Rodeo Dr. Mesquite. 12pm.-6pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. Want to SAVE BIG? Get the most for your MONEY!! 3 days of shopping 36,000 sq. ft. of bargains. Just Between Friends Dallas has everything you need for a growing child under 1 roof. Anyone can sell with JBF and everyone can save. This is one sale you can’t afford to miss.

March 26 Neighborhood Leader Meet & Greet at The Atrium at Granville Arts Center 300 N. Fifth St. Garland. 6:30pm.- 8:30pm. Hear City updates, network with other neighborhood leaders and learn of possible opportunities for your

MAMMA MIA! Hosted by Company of Rowlett Performers at Plaza Theatre 521 W. State Street, Garland. Time varies. Mamma Mia! Music and Lyrics by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson Book by Catherin Johnson First the music, then the musical, then the movies! ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make Mamma Mia! A guaranteed smash hit for any theatre. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Director: Donna Covington Musical Director: Kelly Schaaf Choreographer: Hannah Smith.

March 29-31 25th Richardson-Plano Alumni Chapter Staycation Weekend Host: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity at Multiple Locations 1981 N. 75 Exp. Richardson. Tickets by Eventbrite. The Richardson Plano (RPA) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is having there “25th Anniversary Silver Staycation Weekend”. The RPA Guide Right Foundation will host several fundraisers during the weekend of Friday, March 29 - Sunday, March 31, 2019. Friday: Top Nupe - 11:30 AM - 4 PM, Top Golf, The Colony, Stogies and Nupes - 5 PM - 8 PM, Cigar International, The Colony, Nupe Night – 9pm.-Until Flashlight. Saturday: Hospitality Hour and Book Signing - Doubletree Hilton-Richardson 12pm.-2pm. 25th Anniversary Black Tie Affair - featured Speaker Captain Ron Johnson. 6pm.-1am. Sunday: St. Jude Sunday - Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Plano. The Richardson Plano Guide Right Foundation is (501 c3) Non-Profit Organization. The net proceeds from the Black and White Ball will benefit our Guide Right Youth Foundation and our outreach programs.

March 31 Shh!! We have a Plan at Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts 2351 Performance Dr. Richardson. 2:30pm-4:30pm. Tickets: www. eisemanncenter. com.

All about DIRK! GARLAND JOURNAL - MARCH 20, 2019

Dallas MAV surpasses Wilt Chamberlain on NBA All-Time Scoring List

Photos by Michael Lark and Dorothy J. Gentry

1. Dirk Nowitzki shoots a fadeaway jumper to pass Wilt Chamberlain on NBA All-Time Scoring List Photo : Michael Lark 2. A Fan shows support of Dirk with a picture of Wilt Chamberlain 3. Dirk speaks to media after making history

Super Self-Care Power Summit to Celebrate Women and Well-Being Deya Direct, Life Coach, award-winning author and founder of the “SuperPowHer Podcast” is celebrating Women’s History Month and the podcast’s first year anniversary by hosting the “Super Self-Care Power Summit: Heal, Elevate, Ignite.” This empowering day of self-awareness, health and wellness will host over 100 women on Saturday, March 30, 2019 from 11 am to 4 pm at SPACES - McKinney Avenue in Dallas. Media personality Shannon Hart will serve as the emcee. “This self-care event will celebrate femininity and humanity, encouraging us to breathe, heal, and renew, while also providing essential tools for living better and loving stronger,” said Deya Direct, founder of the Super Self-Care Power Summit and the SuperpowHer Podcast. “It’s a safe place for women from all walks of life to gather to learn from one another’s experiences with open and honest conversations without carrying the burden of having all the answers or having it all together.” “Super Self-Care Power Summit: Heal, Elevate, Ignite” will provide an ultimate self-care experience that will feature an array of highlights including engaging panel conversations with mental health and wellness experts from across the country, interactive yoga workshops, life and

· SAVING OUR SUPERWOMAN (SOS): Lead by TV and Radio Personality Claudia Jordan, this discussion will help women understand that she must prioritize herself. Women will be reminded of their worthiness and receive self-care tips that can be implemented in the midst of life challenges. Shannon Hart

business coaching sessions, facials and mini massages. Attendees will also be able to enjoy selfie booths, shop with vendors, and participate in icebreakers to kick start self-care rituals and routines. The following are among the exciting featured panels and topics taking place throughout the day: · IT’S AN INSIDE JOB: This session will address wellness from a holistic perspective and include OBGYN Jessica Shepherd MD, Nutritionist and Trainer Paul Ritter, Skin Expert and Facialist Tomorrow Lee as well as celebrity fashion designers and instructor partners Nikki Chu and Monica L.

· THE MAN WHISPERER: Sure to be a hit, this session will help provide an understanding of the hearts and minds of men. Consisting of single, married and divorced men, this panel will speak from their hearts about how they cope emotionally. This discussion will be moderated by Neuropsychologist Ryeal Simms, The Relationship Scientist and Deya Direct also known as “The Man Whisperer.” Open to women and men, of all ages and backgrounds, tickets are $50 for general admission and $150 for VIP and are can be purchased by visiting www. SuperPowHer. eventbrite.com. A percentage of proceeds raised will benefit Dress for Success Dallas. For sponsorship and vendor opportunities, please contact info@deyadirect.net. For event updates, stay connected on Facebook and Instagram @DeyaDirect.

GO RED,

continued from page 1 • Know Your Numbers • Want to Quit Smoking? •E-Cigarette Side Effects and Comparison The Garland NANBPW Club will host its annual Founders’ Day Celebration on April 13, 2019 at the Hyatt Place Hotel, 5101 President George Bush Highway in Garland, Texas. The silent auction will begin at 11:00 AM followed

by the program at 11:30 AM. The Garland Club is led by President Wathenia Clark, a Life Member of the Association and the Recording Secretary for the South Central District of the NANBPWC. The local group provides valuable programs in the Garland community every year.

Note: For more information on the NANBPWC, INC. Garland Club, visit their Facebook page at: NANBPWC,

Program guests, Wathenia Clark, President of the NANBPWC Garland Club and Patsy Pritchett who introduced keynote speaker

GARLAND JOURNAL - MARCH 20, 2019

QUIT PLAYINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

The Price of Freedoms! BY VINCENT L. HALL

Activist, author and award-winning writer

NOTE: Honoring this paperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and my own commitment to full transparency requires a simple disclosure. Marsha Jackson is a former coworker in both the corporate and in civil rights settings. However, the mounting environmental risks and swelling disrespect that she has been shown must be addressed. Below is a letter that Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price has conveyed to the appropriate State, County and City representatives with purview on the issues that Ms. Jackson is facing. Mr. Toby Baker Executive Director - TCEQ Although I am an ardent defender of jurisdictional protocol, I have watched the dilemma at 9725 State Highway 310 deteriorate to the level that

compels me to call on each of you to take immediate action. The potential environmental crisis, not to mention the looming fire and safety hazards posed by a mountain of roofing material cannot be allowed to continue. Let me commence this complaint by admitting that as I drove by the roofing recycling plant last week, I fell prey to a â&#x20AC;&#x153;dĂŠjĂ vuâ&#x20AC;? moment. Those of us who are charged to protect Southwest Dallas County have seen this movie before, and it hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been long ago. It did not end well then, and this cascading catastrophe wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t either. The fires that engulfed and simmered at the Vista Tire Disposal & Recycling plant on Fulghum Road in Hutchins were eventually abated, but the ancillary issues remain. And although there were no residential dwellings within

sight of the plant, the mountain of tires eventually caught fire and posed a threat to the general public in that area. Fighting the blaze and ashes there necessitated the use of bulldozers, construction equipment and the bravery of several of our first responders. This was not just a seminal event in our district; it was a travesty that required three days of time, talent and treasure just to extinguish. We cannot continue to allow the City of Dallas and the State of Texas to writeoff, or overlook the pressing environmental and safety concerns in this community. It is trite and probably unpopular in some circles to say thisâ&#x20AC;Śbut this could never happen north of the Trinity. The worth of our community continues to be devalued or under-appreciated by the leaders of this city and state.

CBC: Not always in headlines, but never on sidelines

By DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX

hat does the Con-g ressional Black Caucus do?Â It takes Majority Whip James Clyburn to make it understandable.Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only what we make happen, but what we stop from happening,â&#x20AC;? Clyburn told a standing room only crowd at the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Black History Month Celebration.Â His words are instructive for folks who get their news from sound bites and tweets.Â The legislative process is rarely fully televised, and those who put brakes on nonsense proposals never make the headlines.Â The February 26 event made it clear, in celebration, that the CBC is often effective on the front lines and the sidelines. The 116th Congress includes 55 members of the CBC, an incredibly diverse group of African Americans who approach Black liberation (although some might not use the term) differently.Â

Among the 55, there are five who now chair House committees, including Congressional representatives Maxine Waters (D-CA), who chairs the Financial Services Committee, Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) who chairs the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Robert â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bobbyâ&#x20AC;? Scott (DVA) who chairs the Education and Labor Committee, Bennie Thompson (D-MS) who chairs the Homeland Security Committee, and Elijah Cummings (D-MD) who chairs the Government Oversight Committee.Â Cummings was the only one of the five who was not present, understandably so when one reflected on his leadership in the hearing that examined Michael Cohen, the jail-bound attorney who formerly represented the Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prevaricator-inChief. Each of them talked about the challenges they face in their roles, especially the fact that progressive legislation that leaves the

House of Representatives is often unlikely to pass the Re p u b l i c a n - d o m i n a t e d United States Senate and the obstreperous Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (my words, not theirs).Â But each also talked about issues they will address in their leadership.Â Congresswoman Waters can

subpoena tax returns and bank records.Â She spoke of the many ways banking boards lack diversity and plans to establish a diversity and inclusion subcommittee as part of the Financial Services Committee.Â Bennie Thompson and Eddie Bernice Johnson talked about

Mountain of roofing material is a fire and safety hazard. I would also be remiss if I did not commend the courage and tenacity that has been exhibited by Ms. Marsha Jackson. Her solo attempts to have these issues addressed have been futile, but the fight is not over. Ms. Jackson has spoken with rep-resentatives in my office. We followed the jurisdictional standardized model that has been used. We directed her to the City, the State. We realize that while it is on our general purview, we are not the principal arbiter. We asked her to contact the TCEQ who is responsible for simple quality of life issues; like clean water, clean air and the

ability to look outside your back door and see something other than a mountain of materials that could catch fire at any moment and wipe out a neighborhood. The fact that Ms. Marsha Jackson seemingly everyone, save the taller by the dayâ&#x20AC;ŚLetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stop it!! broadcast and print media (Carbon copies were sent to Mayor Mike has neglected her cries for Rawlings; Tennell Atkins, City Council environmental justice can go no District #8; T. C. Broadnax, City Manager; longer. We must address these Christopher J. Caso, City Attorney; issues now!!! Senator Royce West; Dominique Artis, Please do not hesitate to Dallas Fire Chief; Robert De Los Santos, call my office at your earliest Dallas County Fire Marshall; and, John convenience. The old adage is Creuzot, Dallas County District Attorney). that dung runs downhill and the longer we wait the worse it Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist will get. The mountain grows and award-winning columnist

directing money to HBCUs and about the ways that some universities are able to get the majority of federal dollars.Â Congressman Bobby Scott intrigued me when he talked about the way the media is interested in drama, not substance.Â On a day when he dealt with both the minimum wage and higher education legislation, most of the questions he got from the media were about Blackface and other scandals in Virginia. The search for the salacious has been the theme of the 45 administration.Â One does not have to search far to

predatory lending easier and more exploitative; when education regulations are being changed to make access for Black and other students of color even harder than it is now; when labor regulations are being changed to exploit unions.Â The federal minimum wage, at $7.25, has not increased in a decade.Â Â As such, the Raise The Wage Act should be making headlines.Â Instead, all cameras, all eyes are on the scandals that dominate this administration. In celebrating the Congressional Black Caucus, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not touting

find payments to prostitutes, pandering to potentates, and other chicanery.Â The real trickery, however, is happening when our regulatory structure is being decimated, when payday lending rules are hanged by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to make

their perfection, because the collective caucus is flawed as any other organization.Â My biggest bone to pick with Caucus members is all of them wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sign or align themselves with HR 40, the reparations legislation that Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) introduced

Government for The People By Hon. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON Congresswoman

During the most recent congressional election I joined my colleagues in the House of Representatives in making a promise to voters that our political agenda would have as a priority making government more responsive to the will of the people, and that we would work to restore voting rights. A major step in making good on those promises was made recently when legislation that

I co-sponsored was passed in the House of Representatives. Called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;For the People Actâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the measure would make Election Day a holiday for federal employees, giving them amble opportunity to vote. Additionally, the legislation would expand voting rights for American citizens, usher in campaign finance reform and expand ethics laws. Every single Democratic

member in the House of Representatives voted for the measure, while every Republican voted against it. Americans are owed a transparent government and should know how candidates that propose to govern them handle their own finances. The measure would require the president and the vice president to make public 10 years of their federal income tax filings. In

fact, every candidate for the White House would have to do the same. Unfortunately, special interest groups have excessive influence in our government. The measure addresses this by requiring that certain political action committees and nonprofits that contribute to candidates reveal the names of donors that contribute more than $10,000.00.

The legislation focuses on government reforms we badly need in our election system. It modernizes our voter registration methods and prohibits state governments from purging their voting rolls. It ends the practice of gerrymandering by establishing bi-partisan commissions that will decide the boundaries of congressional districts. I believe that Republican members of the House that voted against the legislation acted against the will of the American people who in poll after poll say that they want more transparency in government, and want free and fair elections. Or democracy should be guided and driven by the American people. It should not be controlled by a few who are able to put millions of dollars

30 years ago.Â Many say the reparations conversation is impractical.Â From my perspective, if you are interested in economic justice, you must be interested in restorative and reparatory justice for the descendants of the enslaved people who built this country.Â That means developing public policy to close the wealth gap.Â That means developing public policy to increase access to education.Â That means educating a nation with leaders and teachers who seem to think it is okay to run around in Blackface, hand children cotton bolls or more alarmingly, have children (in South Carolina) actually pick cotton and sing slave songs.Â That means examining the ways that racist (yes, racist) legislation has exacerbated, not closed the wealth gap. Our Congressional Black Caucus and, indeed, the Democratic Party that all of them belong to, is flawed, but there are accomplishments, as well.Â The challenge for us is to lift up the accomplishments amidst a culture that values scandal instead of achievement. Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist. For booking, or for more info visit www.juliannemalveaux.com

into the election process without anyone knowing who they are, and what they stand for. The Senate majority leader has indicated that he opposed the reforms in the House legislation and would not bring it to the floor of the Senate. That he does at his own peril, and that of his party. The last national election that resulted in a democratic majority in the House of Representatives demonstrated that people want change. It also showed that they were allied with the legislative reforms that the Democratic Party recommended, especially those outlined in the legislation that we passed.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson represents the 30th congressional district of Texas in the US House of Representatives. She also chairs the Science Committee in the House.

Celebrating great contributions during Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s History Month Garland

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GARLAND JOURNAL - MARCH 20, 2019

Wordz of Wilson

Self Made

UNCF delivers first ‘State of HBCUs’ Address in Washington

BY CHELLE LUPER WILSON International Thought Leader

The recent release of the Forbes Billionaires List, particularly the naming of Kylie Jenner as the world’s youngest self-made billionaire, was not without controversy. Considering her family’s sizable fortune, professional contacts, and 24/7 access to the public through the Kardashian/Jenner/West presence in the press and on social media; debate ensued on whether or not she is “selfmade.” Forbes stands by the description, noting their definition of “self-made” is someone who built a company or established a fortune on their own, rather than inheriting some or all of it. Of the 2,153 billionaires listed in the article, 13 are Black, and of those only three are women. It’s apparently not easy for some to make it. Madam C. J. Walker famously stated, “I got my start by giving myself a start,” proudly referring to herself as America’s first female Black millionaire. But she was not, her former mentor was.

Annie Turnbo Malone, a self-taught chemist developed the first nationally- known brand of hair-care products and established Poro College, the first educational institution in America dedicated to the study and teaching of Black cosmetology. In 1923, the Philadelphia Tribune reported that Malone paid the highest income tax of any African American in the country. Malone chose to live conservatively, giving away much of her fortune. The St. Louis Colored YWCA and Colored Orphan’s Home were built with her financial contributions. For years, Malone personally financed the education of two full-time students in every HBCU in the country. Malone’s businesses employed hundreds, some say thousands, which undoubtedly improved African American communities. As historians are unearthing more stories about the first Black millionaires, it is increasingly evident that Malone’s commitment to the community was not unique.

They had very good lives with beautiful houses and all sorts of luxuries, but even their vast wealth could not shield them from the harsh reality of being Black in America— so they did something about it. Their tradition of building economic wealth not just for self but community is still present today. This week, Jay-Z (who Forbes lists as the 6th wealthiest entertainer) used the philanthropic division of his entertainment company to help secure dismissal of the case against Jabari Talbot, the 11-year-old Florida boy who refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Last month, Jay-Z hired the attorney to help with 21 Savage’s immigration case. He and Meek Mill launched a criminal justice reform organization targeting parole and probation policies. Biggie said “mo’ money, mo’ problems,” but based on these and so many more examples, mo’ money could solve mo’ problems. What could our neighborhoods look like with

more investment by those who have a connection to and care for the community? What could our schools look like with more resources and attention? What would it mean for our health if more funds were available for research into chronic conditions that disproportionately affect us? What would the home ownership rate for African Americans look like with more Black-owned banks in the community? What changes could be made to judicial systems if we had effective lobbyists and legislators advocating for the dismantling of structural racial bias? What could happen to African American unemployment if there were more thriving Black owned businesses? What would America and the world, for that matter, look like with more Black wealth? There’s only one way to find out, so support or start a Black business today and let’s plan to add more to Forbes “selfmade” list in 2020.

Surviving R. Kelly, Michael Jackson, Bill Cosby… and who else? BY JOY DOSS, SPECIAL TO THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER

“I got through two episodes of the Lifetime series documentary “Surviving R. Kelly” before I was in distress and completely revolted. That’s all.” — Joy Doss, Special to The New Tri-State Defender

As rational, thinking adults, we kinda knew something was amiss with Michael. We subscribed to the Peter Pan and/or asexual fallacy ’cause we needed to. We knew “Aruh Smelly” was stinkin’ no doubt. Hello? Aaliyah. We just didn’t know how funky it was. For me, it took a sec to completely divest (“TP.3 Reloaded,” “Chocolate Factory,” “12 Play”). His music was permissive. It created a space for a spring awakening, let’s say. It worked for us, as my generation was coming of age. At least it worked when we thought he was talking about women who had already come of age. Welp. He has been scrubbed from my entire musical existence for the past several years, not even a digital trace left behind. “Backyard Party” got me caught up for awhile (radio only) but then I heard my baby girl singing along and it turned my entire stomach. No mas. I got through two episodes of the Lifetime series documentary “Surviving R. Kelly” before I was in distress and completely revolted. That’s all. AND SIR, THAT WAS YOU ON THOSE VIDEOS!! And hits keep coming. So just stop. “Pill Cosby” was a stunner. America’s Dad? C’mon man! Sixty women ain’t telling the same lie bruh. “The Cosby Show,” “Fat Albert” and “A Different World” are still required TV in my household. The man changed the game. He upended stereotypes of black families and young black people, giving live and direct portraits of black excellence. And he gave us full bodied, round, multidimensional characters. Why,

MY TRUTH

Continued from page 1 military. We haven’t done all we can and we need to do a whole lot more for them. Cong. Johnson does so much, on so many levels. It’s interesting that folks criticize but don’t do their homework. I’ve watched her with the veterans. I’ve also seen her in action in Washington D.C. She’s not sitting on her hands and anyone who tells you that is showing how misinformed they

Bill, whyyyyy? Our collective cultural conscience has been assaulted. It feels like a gut punch. Like everything we thought we knew now makes no sense. The world has gone mad I tell ya! It’s probably fair to say that many of us feel violated too, though obviously in a verrrry different, metaphorical way. We do place unrealistic expectations of perfection on our icons and public figures and pastors even. However, it’s totally reasonable to expect common decency and a minimal subversive behavior. Minimal is subjective I know, as is how you define subversive. I’m absolutely not judging anybody’s freaky sneaky, but isn’t there a line somewhere? Gotta be. I couldn’t even bring myself to watch HBO’s “Finding Neverland” documentary. Couldn’t do it. Can’t even talk about it. I just have to own my hypocrisy here. MJ isn’t getting the same treatment as these other two and I will brazenly listen to his music. Maybe “Off The Wall” and the music before was pre-creepy. Nonetheless, a couple of people made some good counterpoints. From a very damning Forbes article: “The allegations surrounding Jackson largely faded over the last decade for a reason: unlike the Bill Cosby or R. Kelly cases, the more people looked into the Jackson allegations, the more the evidence vindicated him.” And this part: “…there is a remarkable consistency to the way people who knew the artist speak of him – whether friends, family members, collaborators, fellow artists, recording

are. One day in D.C. with her and I was practically running to the airport! She visits with constituents, attends meetings and receptions, votes, interacts with other leaders and meets with staff, all day long! I slipped away for lunch, and a break. I was tired! But she kept on going, serving and leading! One time I introduced her on a program. As she approached the lectern, I greeted her and she paused and held on to me. Then she asked how my mom was doing, and equally

engineers, attorneys, business associates….” That isn’t even the damning part. It unpacks some of the facts and inconsistencies from top to bottom. Read the full article (https://bit.ly/2GZCHo7) and judge for yourself. But how do we survive the upheaval? It ain’t by pointing the finger at others. I mean yes, (Harvey) Weinstein. Yes, Woody Allen. Yes, Roman Polanski. President 45 and all the king’s men too. And yes, there is very clearly an imbalance in the way justice – and judgment – is meted out. See also: Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, etc. Weinstein for sure deserves a bid. But let’s be honest. Most black folks ain’t studdin’ them. Most of y’all probably don’t know enough about Weinstein, Allen or Polanski to effectively boycott their movies. This was painful like family. All of this to say, I don’t have an answer. We won’t be able to mitigate the inevitable disappointment in people, celebrity or not. So, purge them or not, cancel them or not. Protect your psyche. Be mindful of triggers. Find better models, expect less and cut swiftly. To be sure, we’ll still only know what we’re intended to know. Let’s cherish what and who we do have. Don’t be so quick to dismiss or to delight in the downfall of others. Be real life models of good men and women so when it all falls down again, the younger ones can still look up. And we can all stay up. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

important, how was I doing. She knew I had become a caregiver and for her to take a moment, speaks to her heart. And while some say there should be term limits for those serving in elective office, there’s something to be said about seniority, especially on the national level when you consider the tenure of most committee chairs. The longer you serve, the more you’ll see how seniority is celebrated and respected. It is often said those closest to you are the last to see the

greatness in you. I saw firsthand the respect paid to her as she moves from meeting to meeting interacting with the top leaders of this nation. We should all do a better job of seeing the good in one another while we can show appreciation. I see the good and the greatness in the Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson and I appreciate her so much. And this isn’t about a campaign or politics, nor your viewpoint, because this is MY TRUTH!

Pictured from left to right: Rev. Dr. Bernard L. Richardson, Dean of Rankin Memorial Chapel Howard University; Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President of Benedict College; attorney and CNN political analyst Bakari Sellers (standing); Dr. Beverly Wade Hogan, President of Tougoloo College; UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax; Bennett College President Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins; (Photo by Mark Mahoney / Dream in Color Photography for NNPA) By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Nana-Ama Brookman, a senior at Virginia Union, said she wouldn’t be on the cusp of graduating with honors and with a degree in mass communications and criminal justice, if it weren’t for the United Negro College Fund. When she started college, Brookman worked three jobs as she struggled to pay rising tuition and other costs, fighting to stay awake and keep up with her studies. But, after receiving a scholarship from the UNCF, Brookman was able to focus more on her education and a little less on the side jobs. And, it’s paid off as she now sports a 4.0 grade point average. “That was a game changer,” she said. Brookman was among the attendees at a Capitol Hill luncheon where the UNCF issued its first “State of HBCUs Address.” The organization, who for 75 years have championed the cause that ‘A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” also launched its HBCU Congressional Honor Roll. UNCF president and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax UNCF president and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax During the event, UNCF president and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax outlined a comprehensive legislative agenda for Congressional members that he said should help level the playing field for the nation’s HBCUs. A number of lawmakers and a host of HBCU presidents attended the event where Lomax called on federal policymakers to make significant investments in HBCU infrastructure and innovation, reform financial aid and evaluate regional accreditors’ treatment of HBCUs. “We want our institutions to be vibrant, vital and strong,” Lomax said. “We want our partners, federal and otherwise, to invest at a level that is not simply about surviving, but thriving,” he said. During the luncheon where Attorney and CNN political analyst Bakari Sellers served as master of ceremonies, UNCF officials and others outlined the benefits of HBCUs and the impact those schools have had. HBCUs represent 17 percent of African Americans with a bachelor’s degree and 24 percent of African Americans with a bachelor’s degree in the STEM field. HBUCs meet the needs of low-income, first generation students with 70 percent of enrollees considered lowincome versus 39 percent at all other colleges. “The forerunner to good legislation is good education,” said South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott, who spoke at the luncheon. “The forerunner to good legislation is good education,” said South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott, who spoke at the luncheon. (Pictured with Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., President and CEO National Newspaper Publishers Association) Fifty-five percent of African American graduates of HBCUs report more support and higher engagement – a figure that’s two times more than

African American graduates of other colleges. Just as important, HBCUs generate a $14.8 billion economic impact annually, producing 134,900 jobs each year and $130 billion in lifetime earnings. “The forerunner to good legislation is good education,” said South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott, who spoke at the luncheon. Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine said HBCUs have “persisted and thrived because your mission is right.” Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine said HBCUs have “persisted and thrived because your mission is right.” “It’s not easy running an HBCU, there are challenges,” Kaine said, noting that his children’s teachers were products of HBCUs and they’ve become successful in part because of it Bennett College President Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins also praised the UNCF for its role in helping raise $9.5 million over a 60-day period in a bid to help save the historic all-girls’ school’s accreditation. Lomax promised that the fight isn’t over. He also laid out the top priorities for HBCUs, noting that the country should invest more heavily in those institutions.

Among the priorities: A White House Initiative that should implement policies that increase the federal investment in HBCUs. Fully funded Title III HBCU Programs that would include $85 million in annual mandatory funding which would enable HBCUs to prepare more minority students for the workforce and economy. Annual discretionary funding for the strengthening of HBCUs Program should increase from Fiscal Year 2019 levels of $282 million to $375 million, the authorized level. Endowment Challenge Grants which would help HBCUs increase their self-sufficiency and build endowments that, today, are half the typical size of nonHBCU endowments. Reform Federal Student Aid. Invest in HBCU facilities and infrastructure to the tune of a $1 trillion national infrastructure program that should include grants, no or low-interest loans, and tax incentives through a national infrastructure bank and, or, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Commerce, Education, Interior, and Treasury programs to renovate and construct HBCU facilities. Fund New HBCU Centers of Innovation for National Needs. Repeal and Reform burdensome higher education regulations. “HBCUs are the engines that help power and deliver much-needed economic and workforce diversity,” Lomax said. “By that standard alone, our institutions are worth the federal investment we are asking for. During a time, when college is increasingly more unaffordable and student debt is growing, HBCUs continue to represent a tremendous value and opportunity for many students and families.”

GARLAND JOURNAL - MARCH 20, 2019

IN REVIEW:

CAPTAIN MARVEL

RATED JUMBO

By HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ Brie Larson is Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel, in the Marvel Comics version of the DC Comics movie WONDER WOMAN. Both characters are amazingly similar. They both come from a far away world and they both possess incredible superpowers. In the case of Carol Danvers, she gets her superpowers from an implant placed in her body and it gives her blue blood to go along with her superhero abilities. While CAPTAIN MARVEL gets her superpowers, she loses her memory and while traveling back in time to save the world from an alien race she teams with a young Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). She begins to find clues that give her back her memory. She remembers that she

had a best friend, Maria Rambeau, played by Lashana Lynch, who like herself was an Air Force Fighter pilot. Also, a character named Supreme Intelligence, played by Annette Bening, uses the ladies to test pilot a secret plane she invented that travels at the speed of light. She also gave CAPTAIN MARVEL her superpowers. CAPTAIN MARVEL is the funniest one in the Avengers series yet. We find out how Fury got the scars on his eye and he plays a younger, less serious version of his usually stoic character in all of the previous Avenger movies. The remaining actors that round out the cast, Jude Law, Dijmon Hounsou and space aliens Lee Pace and Ben Mendelsohn are amazingly good bad guys.

The movie is your standard science fiction fair. But the action and the special effects are stellar. The movie is also an homage to Marvel creator Stan Lee. His small cameo roles in many of the previous Marvel movies are included in a collage during the opening credits and the audience was already cheering before the movie started. CAPTAIN MARVEL is rated PG13 and lasts a little over two hours long. Don’t forget the bonus scenes during the closing credits. Actually, there are two bonus scenes in CAPTAIN MARVEL. The movie makes a great statement for “girl power” everywhere. I’d suggest taking your young daughters to see it. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate Captain Marvel a JUMBO.

THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

new book How to Fall in Love. John and Julie Gottman new book, EIGHT DATES – Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love. And for those with kids; our satellite interview with DIYs Valentine’s Gifts for the Whole Family, Melisa Fluhr, co-founder of Project Nursery shares Valentine’s Day DIYs on the Valder Beebe Show... Interview continues On-Demand video: ValderBeebeShow.com

Live Life Divinely: In Love and Marriage, Forever By VALDER BEEBE ValderBeebeShow.com

The Valder Beebe Show “Love’s Love” and we have scheduled a number interviews to inspire us all to Live Life Divinely: In Love, and Marriage, Forever (book debut Fall 2019 by James & Valder Beebe, Aquarius Publishing). If you can hear the Valder Beebe Show broadcast over the air in Mesquite, Balch Springs, S. Garland and Rains County, Texas, you can hear interviews.. You won’t miss a broadcast in February, if not in those coverage areas. Corinthians 1:13 gives away the Power of Love to Believers; Of these three things ·continue forever [endure; remain]: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love. I am a true

believer in Love. My love for my husband of 4,414 days (Valentine’s Day Anniversary) gives me inspiration to continue to love other humans. James and I are writing the book, Live Life Divinely: In Love, and Marriage, Forever, because true love is available to all. We want to inspire the hope; there continues to be great men and women who are ready for love relationship and marriage, forever. We [James & I] anticipate a change in hearts and a resurgence in love and marriage after reading our book. Valentine Day inspiration, just in time for

Listen On-Demand @ 411RadioNetwork. com and SoundCloud.com/ valderbeebeshow.

Valentine’s Day. My upcoming interviews; Dr. Shaelyn Pham, author of Love Match. Dalma Heyn and Richard Marek, are New York Times Best-Selling authors, and their

ValderBeebeShow.com, 411RadioNetwork.com, Youtube.com/valderbeebeshow, 411RadioNetwork.com; Podcast audio: Soundcloud.com/valderbeebeshow, Soundcloud.com/kkvidfw, 411RadioNetwork.com, PChatman Streaming TV Network and VBS affiliate broadcasters. Now available on 411RadioNetwork APP

ASK ALMA

She’s a Natural Woman By ALMA GILL

Dear Alma, I read an article that suggested that married couples should openly discuss sexual and emotional attractions to other people. The hurtful part of infidelity, the author said, is the deception, not the sex act. By openly discussing a desire to stray, she said, the couple stands a better chance of avoiding an affair or surviving one if it happens. Do you think this is a good idea? Should a man tell his wife that he wants to sleep with another woman, or should a wife tell her husband that she wants to sleep with another man? This sounds like a recipe for disaster, if you ask me. Harlis Hey Now Harlis,

Without apologies, unequivocally, NO, I don’t think it’s wise to have this type of conversation with your spouse. Infidelity is a small part of a bigger problem not being addressed. The act and the deception go hand in hand. Both are equally devastating. “Couple Up” and discuss the actual challenges you’re facing in your relationship. Having the thought and discussion of being disloyal and betraying your partner should be avoided. Whether married or not, we experience sexual and/ or emo-tional attractions; it’s a part of being human…and fantasizing. For example: Let’s say you have a moment (or two) while watching Eamonn Walker on “Chicago Fire.” Should you tell your husband?

No. Should you have an affair? No. What should you do? I suggest, instead, that you buy a fire-engine red teddy, throw your husband to the floor and let the games begin. (Chile, it’s gettin’ hot up in here. LOL) Anywho, you and I agree; the discussion of or act of infidelity would be equally damaging to a marriage. If having an affair has crossed your mind, tend and weed those thoughts carefully in your own secret garden. A successful and victorious marriage has no room for that kind of thinking to bloom and grow. Alma Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@ gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” Tweet @ almaaskalma.

Celebrating great contributions during Women’s History Month

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