garland journal - march 6, 2019
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VOL XVIII ISSUE 15 MARCH 6, 2019
MY TRUTH Cheryl Smith Publisher
Fatherly Love
There are too many young boys and girls who are growing up without their fathers or any positive male role model. This is nothing new. Some children don’t even know who their fathers are and some will never know. You have to ask yourself, what does that do to a person; knowing that one half of the couple responsible for their being is anonymous. One young lady started an organization for daughters without fathers. I’ve heard others refer to their dads as “sperm donors.” I feel for those who have that void. If life is good, it may not be as much of an issue. But if life is horribly bad, it can be more of an issue because you are wondering if things could have been better, had you had a father figure. Which brings me to my truth. March 2 was the day my father was born, 92 years ago. The man I remember today, almost 15 years since his demise, is just as I remembered him growing up. To me he was larger than life. I loved watching him walking into a room. I didn’t know what the word was back them, but today I would say my father had “swagger.” Yes, he was definitely a charmer and the ladies loved him probably even more than they did LL Cool J! I remember my father walking into my elementary classroom and everyone exclaiming about how “clean” he was. He really did know how to dress. My teacher, Mrs. Meisel, told him that I was an outstanding student, just a little mischievous. Boy, if that had been my mother, she would have told Mrs. Meisel that the next time I acted out, to whip me and call her and she would whip me when I got home. Oh I was so glad Mrs. Meisel was not talking to my mother that day. Another time, I had a fight. Daddy wanted to know the outcome. When I told him how I whipped my
Me and Joseph Smith
friend good. I could tell he was proud of me! Daddy was the one who talked to me about a man’s perspective. He talked about images, how men thought and what I shouldn’t expect or accept from a guy. It was my daddy who would visit me at FAMU. He actually encouraged and supported my desire to become a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Sidenote: I actually think that he may have had a special Delta in his life at some point! He was also the man who would buy ice cream for almost every child on the block; many whom had no father figure in their lives. Daddy believed in family. He also had a “do for self ” mentality and didn’t suffer incompetence or trifling behavior. My daddy was the man, and I was definitely a daddy’s girl. It was funny to me, because sometimes
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Garland ISD Trustee named Texas' School Board Member of the Year
As Garland ISD’s most tenured Board of Trustees member, Linda Griffin has served the district since 1998. Year after year, she selflessly dedicates her time—without compensation—to ensure the safety, equity, financial stability and educational excellence of all students. But Griffin’s reach extends well beyond the tri-cities of Garland, Rowlett and Sachse. Her work benefits students across the entire state as well. She not only regularly advocates for public education in Austin and Washington, D.C., but she also promotes it at events
throughout Texas. Operating with an ABC motto of service, "Always Benefiting Children," Griffin’s more than 20year impact is now receiving some extra special attention. The Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE) recently named her the 2019 School Board Member of the Year. With just one honoree, this award signifies an unswerving commitment to representing and facilitating the educational needs of African-American students. Griffin will be recognized Feb. 22 during the annual TABSE conference in Galveston.
"Garland ISD is a leader in education across the state. It’s only fitting that our Trustee be named Texas’ best as well," said Superintendent Ricardo López. "We are extremely fortunate to have Mrs. Griffin as an advocate for our students and for public education. She truly has a heart for children, and many of our district’s successes can be credited to her service." Throughout her time as a Trustee in GISD, Griffin has served as Board President three times in addition to serving as Vice President, Secretary and Assistant Secretary. She has also been
Trustee Linda Griffin
named a Master Trustee from the Leadership Texas Association of School Boards program and has won both Texas and National PTA Life Member Awards, a Woman of the Year Award from the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Dallas, an Honoring First Ladies Award from the NAACP and more.
Guilty plea entered in bribery case By Cheryl Smith
Shock reverberated throughout social media and across the city, especially “sunny South Dallas” with the announcement of yet another guilty plea. Those who know or support “homegirl” Carolyn Davis expressed pain, anger, disbelief and frustration upon hearing that the former Dallas City councilwoman; who many anticipated reclaiming her seat in the May election, had pled guilty to bribery charges. Growing up in the “hood,”
Carolyn Davis served on Dallas City Council 2007-2015
the activist was considered a shoo-in when she said she wanted to represent the constituents of District 7, over 12 years ago.
Encompassing South Dallas, parts of Pleasant Grove and East Dallas; District 7 had previous leadership in the form of such notables as
Elsie Faye Heggins, Diane Ragsdale, Charlotte Mayes and Leo Chaney. Tiffinni A. Young and now, Kevin Felder followed Ms. Davis around the horseshoe. The first two elections went into a run-off with her emerging victorious. In her last race, she garnered 83.28% of the vote, and the endorsement of Mayor Mike Rawlings. She served on the council from 2007-2015. Known for being a voice for the voiceless and a champion
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Marshall, Holmes headline ‘In Conversation’
Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall is the distinguished guest for the 6th annual In Conversation—an Evening with Dr. Zan Wesley Holmes Jr., Friday, March 15 at 7p.m. at St. Luke Community United Methodist Church, 5710 East R.L. Thornton Freeway. In Conversation is presented by the Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center, a non-profit organization. This fundraising effort makes possible the programs and operations of the Center. Each year, a distinguished presenter helps to shine a light on the life and events of our city, state, nation and the world. The Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center is named for Rev. Holmes, Pastor Emeritus of St. Luke and a long-time activist, pastor, educator and former state legislator. Dr. Holmes served as senior pastor at St.
Rev. Zan Holmes Jr. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church in Dallas for 29 years. He is a former Texas State Representative, University of Texas System Regent and a faculty member at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. A renowned activist, he has mentored scores of public servants, educators, corporate leaders and clergy around the world. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Dallas
Cynt Marshall Mavericks, Ms. Marshall is leading the charge for a culture transformation. Her vision is that the Mavericks organization will set the NBA standard for inclusion and diversity. For years, she has championed empowering women and communities of color and worked to make resources and opportunities accessible to all. In 2017 and 2015, she was selected as one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Corporate America” by
Black Enterprise magazine. While at AT&T, she also led the team that created a world class Diversity and Inclusion culture, landing AT&T in the top three on Diversity Inc.’s 2017 Top 50 list of companies. Marshall also spearheaded the work that for the first time, in 2017, placed AT&T on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list, one of only two Fortune 50 companies. Local entrepreneur and philanthropist, Roland Parrish and Parrish McDonald’s Restaurants, has been the only title sponsor for In Conversation and are sponsoring this dynamic event for the third straight year. Proceeds will support Frazier House and other Outreach Center programs, services and operations. For more info, contact Fannie Smith at inconversation@ zwhjcoc.org, 214.454.8624 or visit www.zwhjcoc.org.
OSCARS FOR US
Mother and son enjoy first trip to the Academy Awards By Eva D. Coleman When your kids have dreams and follow them, it’s good to be able to go along for the ride. Frisco ISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator Lisa Curry enjoyed a trip to the 91st Academy Awards made possible by her son, Jerrell Curry. “I’ve watched the Oscars for years,” Lisa said. “It’s something I never thought I’d have the opportunity to experience.” Her 28-year-old son, Jerrell, moved to Los Angeles in September 2016 with no job, just a dream. In the fall of 2018, after working temporarily at a few places, he landed a full-time job as Assistant-Member Relations and Awards with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Working the Oscars for the very-first time, he opted to invite his number one girl, his mom. “I wanted my first time at the Oscars to
DeVon Franklin and Meagan Good with Curry also be yours,” he said to her. From the countdown of days leading up to the trip, to her return from the red-carpet experience and star-studded affair, Lisa is especially proud of witnessing her son’s professional win. “I mostly enjoyed just being able to watch my son living out his dreams of working in the industry,” she said.
Oscar and Lisa Curry, Below: Jerrell Curry on Red Carpet