Garland Journal

VOL XVIII ISSUE 18 APRIL 17, 2019

MY TRUTH Cheryl Smith Publisher

Celebrating Women

Have you ever met someone you thought was brilliant?

This person’s brilliance is so alluring and fascinating that you can’t help but think that some of the brilliance is rubbing off on you the more you are in that person’s presence.

Over the years, I have met so many who I have said that I know their IQ is considerably higher than mines. And that’s okay.

There are probably those who say it doesn’t take much to have a higher IQ than I, and that’s okay too.

Cheryl Wattley

There’s something to be said about those who have scored high on standardized tests, but also score high on life’s tests.

There are the ones who have book sense, common sense and street sense, as opposed to those who have no damned sense!

Which brings me to my truth.

Cheryl Wattley is the superstar, the person who scores high in all areas. Smart, intuitive, well-prepared, and fearless in her conviction and purpose.

For those attorneys who have been in the courtroom with her, they know they have a more than formidable opponent.

She is bad!

I have sat in the courtroom and said a silent prayer that she was on my side because I really felt as though she would have annihilated me!

Cheryl also has a kind heart. There’s nothing phony or pretentious about her. She stands on her own truth and any decision she makes, she’s strong and bad enough to back it up. Her unwavering support of the causes she champions is commendable.

And she isn’t loud and boisterous about her brilliance, so if you think about stepping to her, and you don’t think twice and back it up and reverse it; well then I feel for your jugular!

You know you are on a solid foundation when she backs you.

Currently Cheryl is the Professor of Law and Director of Experiential Education at the University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law. Previously she taught at the University of Oklahoma College of Law. I hope UNT realizes what they have in Cheryl. I have met several of her students and they love and respect her. They seem to realize that they have not only a great teacher, but a great legal mind right at their fingertips.

We have some great men and women sitting on judicial benches currently, but those with real insight know that Cheryl Wattley should have been sitting on a federal bench decades ago.

Just reflecting on the shenanigans that deprived her and to think about some of the people getting lifetime appointments under the country’s current leadership makes me want to puke.

Cheryl is really proud of her students and seeks every opportunity to share resources to help them become better lawyers. She’s the type of professor who brings pride to the profession and passion, preparation and wisdom into the classrooms.

Her students are the beneficiaries of a nononsense approach to understanding a system that has definitely had its challenges and has definitely been used to benefit the rich and privileged while causing irreparable damage to the downtrodden and unfortunate.

Having Cheryl in your corner, in your classroom, on your side, or in the courtroom; kinda balances the scales of justice because See MY TRUTH, page 5

QUIT PLAYIN’

By Vincent L. Hall

Trump, Racism and Low IQ! “Donald Trump is redundant evidence that if your net worth is high enough, your IQ can be very low and you can still intrude into American politics,” George Will said.

This was Will, the intellectual pundit bemoaning the 2012 cycle that featured Obama v.

Romney.

At the time, none of us knew

that God would allow Satan to plague this nation under the guise of a Trump presidency.

But Quit Playin; I prophesied that Donald’s only Trump card

was the Race card in 2012!

My conjecture was simple.

The hypothesis had been made and the conclusion was obvious.

From the antics of the Jerry Springer Show to the unvarnished and wanton callowness that shows up on “Reality television”… ignorance See QUIT PLAYIN, page 5

Andrews Bowers voices concerns about House Bill 2

State Representative Rhetta Andrews Bowers (HD 113) has some key concerns regarding House Bill 2, which would cap the property tax rate at 2.5% and require voter approval if a local government wanted to increase their property taxes above the 2.5% cap.

Representative Bowers cited feedback from her district regarding the negative ramifications her constituents would experience should the Bill pass as the source of her concerns.

“After speaking with the leadership in the cities that I represent, we all agree that HB 2 presents some big concerns for us and the future of our district.

Rep. Andrews Bowers

The communities in my district have experienced major growth over the past few years, a trend that is only expected to continue. We believe that a cap on property taxes would curb highgrowth communities’ ability to meet local needs.

“If we are unable to meet the needs of our growing commu-

nity, it would prove damaging to all residents and businesses in the area.”

The biggest issue with the property tax cap is it would leave local governments unable to meet the needs of their communities. Cities rely on the revenue generated from property taxes to provide essential services and funding for things like public schools, public safety, transportation infrastructure and organized recreational activities. In addition, individuals who risk their lives on a daily basis to serve and protect our communities, such as police officers and firefighters, rely on

A recent study by the Urban Institute reports that in communities across the nation home prices and rents are exceeding the reach of an increasing number of households.

“For every 100 extremely lowincome households, there are only 29 adequate, affordable, and available rental units.

That means two parents who both work minimum-wage jobs might wait years to find a safe, affordable place to live with their two kids,” the report states.

According to Michael Washburn, president at Exit Realty of the Carolinas, based in Charleston, S.C, there are a number of troubling factors

that contribute to this problem.

“Rules and regulations that govern where and how housing developments can be built,” Washburn said, “vary widely from one municipality to another. Government and the private sector have to come together to streamline the process of building homes and apartments,” he adds.

One possible solution to dealing with this problem, says Washburn, is offering developers property tax

incentives that make it possible to reduce the cost of land acquisition.

Another more long-term answer is expanding public transportation. Modern light rail systems enable residents to have a reliable, economical commute from areas where housing is more affordable to areas where their jobs might be located.

“It doesn’t help much to have an affordable rent,” Washburn said, “if you have to buy a car and pay all the costs associated with buying gas, maintenance and insurance.”

This growing lack of affordable housing is particularly acute in Charlotte, NC, said LaWana Mayfield, who represents District 3 on Charlotte’s City Council, because of rapid See AFFORDABLE, page 2

Garland ISD’s Hall of Famers

By Anny Sivilay asivilay@starlocalmedia.com

Garland ISD recognized 14 Gale Fields Award nominees during Tuesday night’s Board of Trustees meeting, as well as Garland High School head softball coach Jennifer Sisson, who will be inducted into the Garland Sports Hall of Fame; she is one of four new inductees.

Sisson was recognized for her impact on sports in Garland ISD, as well as the tricities. Coaching at GHS since 2004, she became the head softball coach in 2013 and the girls athletic coordinator in 2015.

The Gale Fields Award recognizes students who

Fourteen male and female athletes representing all seven Garland ISD high schools will be honored by the Garland Sports Hall of Fame. Photo courtesy of Caren Rodriguez/Garland ISD

excel in and out of athletics, demonstrate leadership among their campuses and teams, as well as give back to their communities. Every year one male and one female athlete from all seven high schools is chosen as a nominee, and two of the 14 nominees will

By Chelle Luper Wilson

Black Heroes

“The Need for Heroes” by Langston Hughes was featured in a 1941 issue of The Crisis. He was bothered by the overwhelmingly negative images of African Americans in the news, movies, and books, as well as the growing erasure of Black heroes from the iconic—like Denmark Vessey and Mary McLeod Bethune, to the not so well known like Sam Solomon, who in 1939 led the first African Americans to vote in Miami, and Roscoe Dunjee, who in 1915 started the Black Dispatch newspaper in Oklahoma City to challenge and expose racism and violent attacks on the community. Hughes believed heroes like these would never make the news, writing “Why bother with the [news] at all? Look around you for the living heroes who are your neighbors— who may or may not always speak perfect English but who are courageous, straightforward, strong…and whose words and thoughts gather up what is in our own hearts and say it clearly and plainly sitting quietly in a chair in front of you.”

I remembered Hughes’ words as I began to read all the articles and tributes celebrating the life and legacy of Nipsey Hussle. I was saddened that I didn’t know more about Nipsey, his story, and all of his accomplishments before his passing. From major national news outlets to local dailies, the “everyday hero” is featured all the

See ANDREWS, page 5

Shortage of Affordable Housing

By Christopher G. Cox Publisher and Managing Editor www.realesavvy.com

WORDZ OF WILSON

be named winners during the annual Garland Sports Hall of Fame banquet on April 17. The winners will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The nominees for Garland High are Isabel Borrego, a two-sport See GISD, page 5

Grammy nominated recording artist, activist and entrepreneur, Nipsey Hussle.

time. Recently, I’ve seen stories on a high school principal who installed washing machines, so his students wouldn’t miss school because of dirty clothes; a nurse that adopted a baby who had been in the hospital for over a year without any visitors; and a chef who left his Michelin star rated restaurant to try and add some flavor to school lunches in New York.

These are all heroic efforts, to be sure, but so are Nipsey’s. That leaves me to wonder, why are so many just learning about his heroics?

My mother used to always say, “Give me my flowers while I live.” I view her words a little differently now. Nipsey Hussle’s transformative work in community development, entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and, efforts to end gang violence will be recorded in the Congressional Record, but all of this comes posthumously. I believe celebrating our heroes does as much for us as it does them. Most who put in work to improve our communities, using whatever resources they have, don’t do it for flowers, applause, or any other recognition. However, is it too much to ask of ourselves to let them know they are seen and valued?

“We have a need for heroes,” writes Hughes, “[heroes] that will encourage and inspire our youth…to move and stir them to be forthright, strong, clear-thinking, and unafraid.” I believe we have just that kind of hero all around us. Nipsey Hussle may not have ever described himself as a hero, but his mission to transform the community that he both loved and lived in was heroic. Let his sudden loss remind us to honor the Nipsey Hussle’s right here in our own neighborhoods, schools, churches, rec centers, community organizations, sororities, and fraternities. If we look, they are there. We will find them doing the important work Nipsey embodied in life and death, “more faith and less fear… talking about dreams. Better to do it and let it be seen, cause then it’s clear.”

Chelle Luper Wilson is a motivational speaker, writer and international secretary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

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GARLAND JOURNAL - APRIL 17, 2019

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Soul Jazz Thursday’s with Vandell Andrew at Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave. Dallas. 8pm-12am.

D-Town Food Fest at City Hall Plaza 1500 Marilla St. Dallas 2pm-8pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.

2019 Easter in the Park at Turtle Creek Conservancy 3333 Turtle Creek Blvd. Dallas. 1pm-4pm.

Arlington Chamber of Commerce Meeting & Mixer at Brickhouse Arlington 2525 Arkansas Ln. Ste. #253, 6pm.

National Minority Health Month

Dallas Mayoral Form Host: Dallas County Young Democrats at Moorland Family YMCA 907 E. Ledbetter Dr. 6pm-8:30pm.

All Blue Everything Jam Session/ Open Mic at Aldeez Caribbean Restaurant & Event Center, 7879 Spring Valley Rd. 9pm-12am. Tickets: www.instaseats.com

Neo Soul Sunday’s at Blue Martini Lounge 7301 Lone Star Dr. Plano 4pm-12am.

Soul Jazz Thursday’s at Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave. Dallas. 8pm-12am.

45th Annual Education and Scholarship Awards Luncheon Host: Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. at The Double Tee Hilton 8250 N. Exp, Dallas. 11am. April 21.

Cathy Hughes Founder of Radio One DOB 1947

Sarah Boone got the patent for the Iron Board in 1892

Child Abuse Month Early Voting 4-22 to 4-30

Cocktails and Connections at The Pelican House Restaurant 107 S. Cedar Ridge Dr. Duncanville. 6pm.

Recurring Events

Thursday Night Comedy Showcase at Club Odyssey 7439 S. Westmoreland Rd. Dallas. 8pm

Feeding The Needy Hosted by: Hollywood Hernandez Live 1698 Corsicana St. Dallas. 3pm-5pm.

PV Alumni Chapter Meeting at Concord Church 6808 Pastor Bailey Dr. 7pm-8pm.

Marvelous Marriage Monday’s at Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. Dallas. 7pm-8:30pm 1st & 3rd Monday Info: covent@friendshipwest.org.

All You Can Eat Crawfish! at The Oasis at Joe Pool Lake 5700 Lake Ridge Pkwy. Grand Prairie. 6pm-8pm. Tue & Thur.

Sip & Hop Adults Only Easter Egg Hunt at The Star The Star Blvd. Frisco. 6pm-9pm. Tickets: eventbrite.com.

April 19

Hamilton in Dallas at Music Hall Fair Park 909 1st Ave. Dallas Dates & times vary.

Tickets: allmusicaltickets.info 4-2-5-5-19.

New York Slave Revolt of 1712

Smooth Funky Town Grove at will Rogers Memorial Center 3401 W. Lancaster Ave. Ft. Worth.

Bubbling Brown Sugar at Jubilee Theatre 506 Main St. Ft. Worth. 8pm-10:15pm. Tickets: www.jubileetheatre.com March 22- April 28.

April 17-19 Friendship-West Presents: Holy Week Observance 2019 at 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. 6pm. Info: www.friendshipwest.org

April 17 In 1983 Alice Walker won a Pulitzer Prize for “The Color Purple”

Peoples Town Hall w/ DA John Creuzot at Texas Theatre 321 W. Jefferson Blvd. Dallas. 6:30pm8:3-pm.

DeSoto Works Job Fair at Disciple Central 901 N. Polk St. 2pm-6pm.

Free.

Neighborhood Legal Clinic at Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 W Wheatland Rd. Dallas 5:30pm-7:30pm.

Easter Egg Hunt at Softball Complex in Audubon Park, 550 W. Oates Road. Garland. 6pm.

7pm-12am.

After 7 & more.. Tickets: www.Dfwliveevents.tix.com.

Friday Night Live Feat: Andre Taylor & Brian Wave at Sway’s Room – Inside American Celebrations 921 W. Belt Line Rd., Ste. #110, DeSoto. 9pm. Tickets: www.instaseats.com.

Star 102.1’s Second Chance Prom Feat: Tone Loc at The Statler Hotel 1914 Commerce St. Dallas, 7pm-11pm. Tickets: www.prekindle.com Trevor Noah: Loud & Clear Tour at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory 300 W. Las Colinas Blvd. Irving via Live Nation 7:30pm.

2019 Perkins BSA 7 Last words Worship Celebration at Salem Institutional Baptist Church 3918 Crozier St. Dallas 7pm-9pm.

90’s & 2000’s Hip-Hop-R&B Party at Foundation Room 2200 N. Lamar St. 10pm-2am. Fridays Happy Hour with Don Diego at Chocolate Lounge Exclusive 4222 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. 6pm-8pm. Fridays

Free Tickets! Addison Improv Stand Up Comedy Club at Addison Improv 4980 Belt Line Rd. Ste. #250 8pm-10pm.

B2K Millennium Tour 2019 Mario at The Theatre at Grand Prairie 1001 Performance Pl. 8pm. Tickets: axs.com

April 18

Americans Landscapes with Lonnie Holley Host: Soluna Festival at Dallas Museum of Art 1717 N. Harwood St. 9pm-10pm.

April 20-21

The Gospel Live: No Greater Love at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church 1808 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. Dallas Sat. 3&7pm Sun. 7:50am & 1pm.

April 20

Justice of Peace Reception Judge Shasa Moreno & Judge Mike Jones at The Auditorium a 801 W. Irving5:30pm

Tri-Cities NAACP Monthly Meeting at The International Museum of Cultures 411 Hwy 67, Duncanville. 7pm.

18TH Annual Youth Empowerment Fest. Showcase & Art Competition at Kirkwood Temple CME Church 1440 Sunny Glen Dr., Dallas.

1:30pm-5:30pm. Info: Wana at 469-563-4574.

Easter Sunday

Willow Grove Baptist Church Grief Counseling at 1222 W. Kiest Blvd., Dallas Info call, Kim Fincher at 214-371-7325.

5:30pm.

Easter with Dallas Black Dance Theatre & St. Paul Fine Art Ministry at St. Paul UMC 1816 Roth St. Dallas 7am-9am.

the Democratic National Convention in 2012 and has been selected as the site for the Republican National Convention in 2020.

Other important factors contributing to the lack of affordable housing, said Mayfield, are the expanding wage gap between corporate executives and their employees and the ongoing assault on labor unions, which for decades helped to insure wage growth and better

Quit Playin Continued from page 1 would abound and racism would thrive.

Whenever America is at its weakest points… hatred, usually under the auspices of racism and tribalism gets muscular. What I missed was the permeating power of AM talk radio.

What I did not factor, was the Satan’s Jesus (Trump) had his own John the Baptist in the form of Rush Limbaugh.

Rush had a prophecy too. He fed the sheep a hearty diet of White superiority and American Exceptionalism; all they needed was a personality to fill that empty wool suit. Donald John Trump was tailored made for “Rush Limbaugh’s counter-cultural Couture.

Let’s backtrack. Jerry Springer was the Pandora that led to the demise of civility and the rise of hostility we are left with on TV these days.

Ride DART to the Older Americans Month Information & Health Fair

NPHC Tarrant County Greek Weekend Kickoff and Scholarship Mixer at Bar Louie 4001 Bagpiper Way Arlington 6pm-10pm.

April 23-28 BTAC 2019 Conference Journeying Together: Living in Greater Truth & Healing at Wyndham Dallas Suites 7800 Alpha Rd. 9am.

April 23

DFW/ABJ Black News Paper Form at TBAAL 1309 Canton St. 5pm-9pm.

The Jazz Jam at Jazz BeCuzz Art Center 9319 LBJ Fwy. Ste. #120.

Karaoke Night $2 Tuesday’s at Hero’s Lounge 3094 N. 35 Fwy. Dallas. 7pm-2am. Tickets: eventbrite.com.

Dallas Equity Plan w/ Mayor Casey Thomas at Friendship-West 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. 6:30pm-8pm.

April 24-28

Porgy & Bess at Bass Performance Hall 4th & Calhoun Streets, Ft. Worth 7:30pm-10pm. Tickets: fwopera.secure. force.com.

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

Tickets: eventbrite.com Dominique Cares Autism Golf Awareness Tournament at Tierra Verde Golf Club 7005 Golf Club Dr. Arlington 8am.

Tickets: eventbrite.com.

9th Annual Ankara Festival at The Vineyard Event Place 2217 W. Jefferson St. Grand Prairie 9pm-3am. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

April 27

49th Annual USA Film Festival at Angelika Film Center 5321 E. Mockingbird Ln. Dallas Tickets & Info: www.usafilmfestival. com

Last Day of Passover

April 24-27

Rise Up Easter Service at Concord Church 6808 Pastor Bailey Dr. Dallas 7am-1pm.

Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Mixer 5:30pm-7pm. Location: TBA Visit Website: IrvingHCC.com.

Bishop Arts Theatre’s 25th Year Anniversary Jazz Bash.

Feat: Peter White & Euge Groove At Moody Performance Hall 2520 Flora St. Dallas.

Wednesdays Swing Dance Class at Allure Jazz & Cigar Lounge 110 S. Cockrell Hill, DeSoto. 7:30pm-9:30pm. Instructor: Lady Champagne. Free before 8pm.

For the Love of Jazz & Poetry at Athletic Zone 423 Singleton Blvd. Dallas. 9pm-12am. Tickets: www.instaseats.com.

Ragge Wednesdays at Aldeez Caribbean Restaurant & Event Center 7879 Spring Valley Rd. #115 9pm-2am. Tickets: eventbrite.com Jazz Brunch Sundays at Vinetti’s 14833 Midway Rd. Addison.

11am-3pm.

Soulful Sunday Brunch at The Lemonade Lounge 1411 E. Campbell Rd. Ste. #1200, Richardson. 12 noon.

working conditions for their members.

Despite these external historical factors, Mayfield strongly believes there is an important role for personable responsibility when weighing the many elements that go into purchasing a home.

“Home buyers need to take the time to do the research on an area where they are considering buying and understand the current market trends,” she said. “We are bombarded

Melanin & Mimosas at Bar Louie 2973 W. 7th St. Ft. Worth, 12pm-5pm. Tickets: eventbrite.com.

April 25

Pumps & Politics: A Social Action Soiree on Women’s Issues at Paul Quinn College 3837 Simpson Stuart.

1944 UNCF was incorporated by Fredrick D. Patterson & Mary Bethune

Kids Fishing Day at Briarwood Park 1625 Belt Line Rd. DeSoto, 9am-12pm. Kids. $5.Register: www.desototexas.gov/reg.

For the Love of Poetry- Open Mic at Sway’s Room – Inside American Celebrations 921 W. Belt Line Rd., Ste. #110, DeSoto.

8:30pm-11:30pm. Tickets: www.instaseats.com.

in the media with the idea that we should spend money, but it’s important to understand the long-term impact of your investment for both your family and your community.”

Mayfield emphasizes that just because a buyer qualifies for a mortgage at a certain level, does not mean that obtaining that budget-stretching mortgage is the best decision in the long run.

“Just because you can pay it,” she adds, “does not mean you should.

that ICE made a big bust and deported all them Mexicans in North Dallas?”

My heart dropped about as precipitously as my anger rose.

Donald Trump has done a wonderful job of what I call; “racism by inference and imagery.”

He painted you this picture of Muslims who want to kill us and annihilate Israel. He painted a mosaic of Mexicans who “take your jobs.” He drew you murals of Mexican gangs killing at will and becoming the single most menacing threat to young white damsels.

Our blonde-headed, blue-eyed blessings wouldn’t be dying if it wasn’t for the China to Mexico pipeline. He never mentions crack cocaine. Bet you can’t guess why?

I got news for Trump. If you want to stop the flow of drugs, fix the flaws of addiction. Supply has a cousin named Demand. You never see one without the other.

The truth is that not all of those people “bust-

Centennial Hall in Fair Park Green Line to Fair Park Station Plus, health screenings, entertainment, giveaways and more!

Questions about the event?

Call 214-749-2582.

Community Partners

Tea Party Girl Stay Up Host: First Lady Ebony King Guest Speaker: DeDe McGuire at 9350 Pasadena Dr. Frisco. 1pm3:30pm.

“For example,” she continues, “suppose a couple qualifies for a $500,000 mortgage. Rather than buying a home for that amount, they might do better to buy a house that costs $150,000 and spend $50,000 fixing it up. That would give them more financial flexibility to consider other investments or to cope with an unanticipated event such as the loss of a job.”

ed” were Mexican. American corporations hire “illegals” from Vietnam, Africa, India and workers from any other nationality in order to get the job done.

Let’s see the final report and it will probably reveal that the bust was a classic case of racial profiling. I predict most of those “busted” have paperwork pending.

U.S Immigrations and Customs are overburdened and understaffed. The Trump administration took the same dumb ass “Tough on Crime” mentality that caused the criminal justice debacle we have right now.

If there is such an “emergency” on the border, why is ICE still raiding 7-11’s for onesies and twosies? It’s all a farce based on race!!

Trump’s card is the race card and his Low IQ is making the race card America’s Trump card!!

George Will was right; there is redundant evidence that Trump’s net worth may be high but his low IQ makes for bad politics!

Thursday, May 16, 2019 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Register for the event today at www.DART.org/seniors.

CONNECT, CREATE, CONTRIBUTE

Fourth Friday Music Series Inside Gospel Feat: Chadney Christie, E.J. Fields & Reggie Strong at DeSoto Corner Theatre 211 Pleasant Run Rd. 7pm.

April 24

Resurrection Sunday at Westside-The Greater Works Church 900 Bellaire Blvd. Lewisville 10am-12pm.

That insolence and disregard for “what other people think” has permeated every area of our lives.

Your grandparents would die to know that you are hooked on the promiscuous, pugilistic and preposterous “Housewives” shows that you TIVO and watch with regularity. They would wince to watch my “600 Pound Life.”

Black mothers would curse you out for appearing on “Fix my Life” with Iyanla Van Zandt. The counseling is cool, but mama warns; “Chile, we don’t put our dirty laundry out for everybody to see.”

It used to piss me to the highest level of pisstivity whenever anyone told me that they watch the “Apprentice.”

Especially Black people!!

By the end of this residency, Trump will be fired and forced to leave the set.

It occurred to me when a “Brother” called last week a gust of glee in his voice. “Did you hear

IHCC Annual Golf Classic at Bear Creek Golf Club 3500 Bear Creek Ct. Dallas.

The Message is in the Music Workshop & Concert at St Luke Community UMC 5710 E. R.L. Thornton Fwy. 7pm. Concert on the 27th at 4pm.

Affordable Housing, Continued from page 1 population growth fueled largely by individuals who have relocated from high-cost-of-living cities hoping to find a more affordable lifestyle.

Mayfield also notes that the hosting the national nominating conventions of the nation’s two major political parties puts a city in the national and international spot-light, spurring massive growth and sudden attention that can be disruptive. Charlotte hosted

Monday Jazz Happy Hour w/ Willis Duo at The Balcony Club 1825 Abrams Rd. Dallas 6pm-8pm. Tickets: eventbrite.com.

Friendship-West Presents: Resurrection Sunday He Is Risen at 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. 7:30am, 9:45am, 12pm.

First Day of Passover

Jennifer Hudson w/ Dallas Symphony Orchestra at Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center 2301 Flora St. 8pm. Tickets: mydso.com.

Dallas Dinner Party at JC’s Event Center 901 N. Polk St. Ste. #370 DeSoto. 7:30-10:30pm. Tickets: www.grandexhibit.com.

Michael Clayton Productions Presents: Brunch On Top Host Comedian Tony King at Southside On Lamar Roof Top 1409 S. Lamar St. 4pm-8pm.

School Daze Day Party Host: Ft. Worth Alumni Ch. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at Landmark Bar & Kitchen 3008 Bledsoe St. Ft. Worth. Tickets: www.fortworthdst.org

Al Green at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory 300 W. Las Colinas Blvd.

Irving. 7:30pm.

I Am Beautiful Stage Play Screening Party at Studio Movie Grill 225 Merchants Way Arlington. 7:45pm-10:45pm.

Tickets: eventbrite.com.

Annual Spring Revival 2019 at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1819 N. Washington Ave. Mon. & Tue. 7:309:30pm.

The Black Police Association Community Town Hall Meeting at The Black Police Association of Greater Dallas 211 Centre St. Dallas 2pm.

April 21

Neighborhood Conversations with Mayoral Candidates at Bread Winners at Inwood Village 5560 W. Lovers Ln. Dallas.

6pm-8pm.

South Oak Cliff Community Job Fair at Singing Hills Baptist Church 6550 University Hills Blvd. 10am. www.TheSHBC.org

Divorce Reform and CPS Coffee & Politics 101 at African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave. 10am-11am.

April 26

Early Voting Begins

16th Annual “Hatting” Prayer Brunch Host: National Council of Negro Women at Renaissance Hotel 2222 N. Stemmons Fwy., Dallas. 10am.-1pm.

Mimosas, Martinis & Line Dancing at Sway’s Room inside American Celebrations 921 W. Beltline Rd. Ste #110, DeSoto 2pm-6pm.

Good Friday

April 22

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GARLAND JOURNAL - APRIL 17, 2019

Preventing Domestic Abuse

3

Advertise with the Garland Journal 214-941-0110 www.garlandjournal.com

BY HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON CONGRESSWOMAN

Democrats in the House of Representatives stood up for victims of domestic violence, and said no to the National Rifle Association when the House overwhelmingly voted last week to expand the Violence against Women Act by restricting the sale of weapons to men convicted of domestic abuse, something that the gun lobby vehemently and aggressively opposes.

The new law, if successful in the Senate and signed into law by the president, would eliminate the so-called “boyfriend” loophole and prevent men who have been convicted of abusing a domestic partner from purchasing guns. The restriction would also apply to those who have been convicted of stalking or assaulting women. It also gives added protection to women who fear violence from a domestic partner or a boyfriend.

Domestic violence remains a significant problem in our country and must be eliminated.

Nearly a third of all women in America experience violence or stalking during their lifetimes. We cannot afford to simply turn our backs on this reality, pretending that it does not exist or that it will go away on its own.

The Violence against Women Act was initially passed in 1994 during my first term in Congress, and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton. It allocated $1.6 billion to investigate domestic abuse. It also

allocated funds to prosecute abusers. The legislation created a permanent domestic violence office in the Justice Department.

The NRA argued that the restriction placed on domestic abusers was an overreach. The gun lobby is concerned only with the sale of their products, and continues to ignore the reality that there are millions of Americans, including leaders in law enforcement, that are concerned about the safety of women.

While speaking in support of the legislation, a number of my female colleagues in the House recalled their personal experiences as victims of domestic abuse, an issue that touches women in all social classes. Victims often suffer in silence.

One member of Congress recalled her experience as a young girl when her mentally ill father frequently threatened his family with a gun that he kept in their home. She described the experience as terrorism that brought fear and harm to her mother and her siblings.

What she experienced sadly continues today in many of our homes. It is harmful and it must cease.

That is why we stood against the gun lobby for the sake of women that are abused, and for the sake of all of us!

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.

REP. ERIC JOHNSON’S

AGENDA IS THE PEOPLE’S AGENDA HB 65:

SCHOOL DISCIPLINE REFORM

HB 79:

ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION

HB 100:

CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION

HB 104:

REDISTRICTING REFORM

HB 850:

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION

HB 4370: ETHICS REFORM HB 4394: GENTRIFICATION RELIEF

CALL REP. ERIC JOHNSON’S

CAPITOL OFFICE AT

(512) 463-0586 TO SUPPORT THE

PEOPLE’S AGENDA

POL ADV., ERIC JOHNSON

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THE LAST WORD

GARLAND JOURNAL - APRIL 17, 2019

Unfit,Unprepared, Unworthy

By DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX Betsy “Devoid� (of good sense), also known as Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, is an aberration, an abomination, an abscess on the complexion of educational policy and equity. She has been so egregious that at least two members of Congress, Katherine Clark (D-Ma) and Mark Pocan (D-WI) have called for her resignation because of her abject indifference to young people, especially those who are Black, Brown and poor.     Additionally, Ronald. J. Mason, President of the University of the District of Columbia, has written an open letter to DeVoid, challenging her interpretation of meritocracy. The letter, published in a recent issue of Diverse Issues of Higher Education, suggests that education can be a bridge to maximize human potential, but only if we are open to the contributions of every human being and especially every young person who aspires to greatness.

Instead of supporting our young people, DeVoid has attacked them. There are alarming statistics that the Obama administration attempted to deal with. Black boys are three times as likely to be suspended as their white counterparts. More disturbingly, Black girls are twelve (TWELVE) times more likely to be suspended than white girls. Why? Because Black girls have no girlhood, no presumption of innocence. We are the recipients of Afro-phobia or the fear of Black people. President Obama didn’t do much for Black folks, but he did introduce civil rights division protections for these overly suspended students. DeVoid would roll them back.

That’s not the only thing she’d roll back. political party? Don’t you know that these are She wants to change the rules on campus folks who need special services? Ms. DeVoid’s enforcement of sexual harassment, giving the tepid response to aggressive questioning by attacker the “presumption of innocence,� and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) among more jarringly the right for a rapist to question others exhibited her unpreparedness and his (usually, could be her) attacker. unfitness. We know that the man who lives in the And she wants to protect for-profit colleges house that Enslaved People Built is sufficiently while President Obama said that students should uneducated to be clueless about this, but even be protected against these he had to back up predators. and acknowledge that Understand this. cuts to the Special These for-profit collOlympics sent the eges only exist to take wrong signal. people’s student loan DeVoid favors charmoney. They provide little ter schools over public in services and even less schools and would put in educational support. money into charter But DeVoid, whose schools, taking it away family seems to benefit from public schools. from their involvement DeVoid is someplace in the for-profit college past wrong on this, but space, is protecting her that woman is doing own interest. That’s the work she was sent Betsy DeVos not unusual in an to do – her job is to administration where the Presidential daughter dismantle public education in favor of publicly has garnered patents with China, perhaps supported private education. influencing our nation’s foreign policy.

If folks want to do private schooling, that’s DeVoid’s ignorance was most recently their business, but should public schools suffer exhibited when she attempted to defend budget for elitism? And should someone whose biases cuts that would affect the differently abled, are so publicly visible be in charge of this? I including cuts to the Special Olympics, our think not. nation’s only deaf-focused university, Gallaudet, We knew that DeVoid was unqualified and to the National Technical Institute for the when she narrowly squeaked past Senatorial Deaf. Really, DeVoid? Don’t you understand confirmation, only earning it because Vice that those who are differently abled transcend President Mike Pence cast a historical tie-

breaking vote for her. Even Republicans find her out of order, out of line, unqualified, unprepared and unfit. She has spent her time in public office attacking student rights, ignoring students of color, and attacking young people who have experienced sexual assault.

She is entirely consistent with the cretin who appointed her, and young people are paying for her ignorance.

Members of Congress can request the DeVoid resignation, but she is fully supported by the man who has enabled her to wreak havoc on our educational system. The blessing in her presence is that she can, perhaps, motivate our activism at the local level.  More progressive activists must run for school boards. More progressive activists must reject the ways this administration is attacking education. And we must be clear that it did not start with this administration, but it is amplified and exacerbated by this administration. If we believe that education is a human right, we must resist this nonsense.

Betsy DeVoid is the tip of the iceberg that began melting when Black activists attacked school segregation in a series of lawsuits that culminated in Brown v. Board of Education.  DeVoid is on the frontline of a cultural war designed to sideline folks who don’t look or spend like her. Are we ready to fight back, resisting a woman who is unfit, unprepared, and unworthy of educational policy leadership?

Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist. For booking, or for more info visit www.juliannemalveaux.com

I’ve Almost Lost Hope

BY REV. ANTHONY TRUFANT As an African American Christian pastor, I’ve almost lost hope for meaningful partnerships with white Evangelical Christians. There was a time when I was far more hopeful.

Over the past twenty years, I have periodically attended Willow Creek’s Leadership Summit and Saddleback’s Purpose-Driven Conferences. Another inspirational resource has been the Dallas-based Leadership Network.

More recently, I have either attended or streamed Andy Stanley’s Catalyst Conference. All these experiences were helpful in my efforts to grow my congregation, the Emmanuel Baptist Church of Brooklyn. At these conferences, I learned biblical principles and best practices which informed how I have approached my pastoral work with greater intentionality and impact. I also have discovered how to think more creatively and strategically at a time when the footprint of Christianity is shrinking throughout the United States and specifically, the urban Northeast.

While at the conferences, I gained the impression that there were a number of white pastors who genuinely desired to build bridges of goodwill and interracial cooperation in the public square. I was encouraged by heartfelt and insightful comments from white colleagues about how America might be challenged to live up to the ideals of the founding fathers. I was pleased to learn that black and white pastors agreed that issues of drug and human trafficking, political and religious torture of prisoners, insufficient medical treatment for the poor, food insufficiency and substandard housing were unquestionably wrong and should be eradicated.

I have wondered often, over the last 12 years, whether partnerships between white Evangelical Christians and black Christians are tenable.

Admittedly, Christians — from the Church’s beginning — have rarely agreed on doctrinal issues and the look of authentic public witness. What has concerned me, however, are white Evangelicals who remain sympathetic to and supportive of organizations that

carry racist overtones and undertones like the Ku Klux Klan, the Birther Movement, the Alt-Right and the Heritage Preservation Association. I was puzzled further by the questions raised about the authenticity of President Barak Obama’s Christian credentials. Never did I hear compelling evidence to defend the unfounded claims parroted by socalled Christian patriots.

Admittedly, I was unhappy and stunned by the election of our 45th president. Still, I accepted his win, notwithstanding allegations of election tampering in communities of color and Russian interference — situations which recently have been proven factual. What I found and find problematic is the inconsistency and hypocrisy of white conservative Christians, and some moderates, who have clamored for American presidents to toe the line of personal piety, but have given President Donald Trump wide clearance on crucial areas of Christian character and practice. Thus far, our 45th president has paid only lip service to the vision

and values of the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Yet, President Trump seems to have received a purgatory pass from white Evangelical pastors who are less than vocal about his egregious and embarrassing behavior, inflammatory tweets and texts, and racist, sexist, dogwhistling rhetoric.

White Evangelicals claim they seek unity for the nation, and as part of the body of Christ — I do as well. But I have no intention of feigning a false sense of harmony and accord. In this time of national crisis, I have learned, painfully and repeatedly, blacks and whites filter and see things from vastly different and often antithetical points of view. Prominent pastors like Rev. Franklin Graham, calling for Christians to pray for the protection of President Trump, is something I deem disingenuous and specious. What about calling for him to repent of his racist, sexist, and isolationist pronouncements and policies? Whatever happened to the baseline Christian belief that all public servants, including President Trump, should seek to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God

(Micah 6:8) – and fellow citizens of the world?

Despite my disappointments and real doubts, I still have hope. Based on personal encounters and past experiences, I believe there are white Evangelicals who will shed a light on conduct contradictory to the Holy Scriptures and the fundamental and founding documents of this great nation. I’m convinced there are Christian ministers who are less interested in the national spotlight and functioning as personal chaplain to a President whose behavior has been unChristian and unbecoming of the President of the United States of America. I believe there must be a hidden stash of Evangelical prophets who refuse to bow down to Baal. I am looking for them and waiting for their call to action. I’m not sure if or when that will happen. But I remain faithful and encouraged because of the cross of Christ. His witness and wonder allow me to still have hope.

This article originally appeared in The Afro.

Ex-President’s theft from Gambia tops $300 Million

BY THE GLOBAL INFORMATION NETWORK Experts who follow the money are still scratching their heads as to how a quarter of a billion dollars vanished from the national coffers along with former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh at roughly the same time.

Before his flight into exile in 2017, Jammeh ruled the small palmfringed country in West Africa with an iron fist. Through the army and his private mercenaries, known as “the Jungulars,� he ruled by torturing and imprisoning political opponents and human rights activists, murdering journalists and depriving citizens of their right to exist.

As president, Jammeh flaunted his wealth. His lavish private estate was home to exotic animals, a military training camp and scores of luxury vehicles. He drove a stretch Hummer around the country and travelled in private jets.

A truth commission is investigat-

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ing alleged rights abuses committed during his 22-year regime.

Soon after fleeing into exile, the ex-president turned up in neighboring Equatorial Guinea where he received the red carpet treatment by that country’s leader, President Teodoro Obiang, who stands accused of similar atrocities.

Although theft was presumed under the ex-president, the extent of corruption documented in lengthy investigations by both the current Gambian government and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) was shocking.

The government inquiry called Jammeh responsible for “shameless acts of brazen outright thievery at the Central Bank of The Gambia,�

Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou told Reuters. Jammeh used the money to satisfy “his delusional life style,� Tambadou told the Gambia

Cheryl Smith

Daily News.

Transparency International (TI) commented on the OCCRP’s newly-released report titled “The Great Gambia Heist� which faulted US and UK banks for helping the corrupt and oppressive regime.

Those banks “facilitated Jammeh’s theft of public monies in and out of Gambia, while he violently oppressed his people and destroyed the country’s economy,� TI Managing Director Patricia Moreira said, calling it a “sadly familiar pattern.�

Some of the world’s biggest banks — including Barclays, Citibank, HSBC Bank, and Standard Chartered — are alleged to have approved the transactions that facilitated Jammeh’s embezzling state funds by failing to conduct sufficient due diligence, the OCCRP claimed.

Meanwhile, the Gambia Press Union is rejecting a

Publisher

President Yahya Jammeh new official policy requiring journalists to undergo security screening at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) for accreditation to cover the presidency. “The new measure provides room for abuse of press freedom that could be used to shut out media professionals deemed critical of

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government and government officials‌ In view of this, we resolve that no journalists should subject him/herself to any NIA screening.

Complying may bring about long term safety complications for journalists.�

This article originally appeared in the Charleston Chronicle.Â

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GARLAND JOURNAL - APRIL 17, 2019

5

Unhealthy state of affairs regarding Black health

BY GLENN ELLIS

There is no disagreement that African Americans have worse health outcomes across the board.

Researchers, scientists, sociologists, and doctor all agree.

Data and statistics reflect the dismal reality that if you are African American, you will be more likely to die at birth, die giving birth, grow up sicker, be diagnosed of a lifethreatening illness later, and die sooner.

What is less known, and agreed upon, is the fact that the determining factors for all of these outcomes, is not because one is African American, but because of what are known as social determinants of health.

It’s true, research had concluded that medical care and is only responsible for 10 to 20 percent of a person’s health: regardless of what color they are. The remaining 80 to 90 percent is attributed to these social determinants of health (SDOH).

Doctors see this every day in their patient population. A recent survey

by The Physician Foundation revealed that 90%of the doctors in this country say that most of their patients have a social condition that poses a serious threat to their health. Only 1 percent

of the doctors surveyed felt that none of their patients were affected by SDOH. So, what exactly are social determinants of health?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these are the “conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age”. In other words, the conditions of health are alarming in communities with poor SDOH such as unstable housing, low income, unsafe neighborhoods, and/ or substandard education.

One only has to look at every city (urban and rural) to see how this plays out in most of our lives.

In the United States, it is SDOH, not race that accounts for the dismal health outcomes for African Americans. In fact, the inequities in outcome are clear all the way down to the level of neighborhoods in the same city.

Several years ago, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation initiated a first of its kind initiative to look at life expectancy by neighborhood in respective cities around the country.

Known as United States Small-Area Life Expectancy Estimate Project (USALEEP), the found shocking

differences in life expectancy of as much as 20 years for residents in the same city, living just a few miles apart; in some cases, just a few blocks.

Further examination of the data shows that, almost with exception, neighborhoods with the lowest life expectancy were those with substantial African American or Latino populations.

As the cities in this country become more gentrified, we are seeing the health outcomes for the black and brown people in this country worsen.

Are there other reasons that HVI/ AIDs is a chronic condition for whites, while it continues to be an epidemic in the African American communities in this country? Or, black women are two to six times more likely to die from complications of pregnancy than white women? And their babies almost three times the infant mortality rate as whites?

Is it due to the genetic makeup of African Americans? I think not!

Every human being on the planet is 99.99 percent identical. A difference of 0.01 percent is all that separates us from each other. That means that the 3 billion pairs of genes (human pairs)

that make up our individual genetic code are equal to a book with 262,000 pages. The individual differences between us represents only 500 of those pages!

Understanding this is what will allow us to stop using race, a totally social construct, in the concepts of medicine and healthcare. Instead, we must realize how much of our human and financial resources are “misused” applying race to issues of health.

We can see it in how, even today doctors have been found to believe that there is something about being African American that results in not providing adequate pain medications due to the belief that we have a higher tolerance for pain, because of our skin color.

The same phenomena were observed even in children at Emergency room with appendicitis; African American children were denied pain medication for the same reason.

Most alarming to me are the implications as we move further into genomic medicine.

If we are not careful, we can see research from this endeavor to further engrain the notion that there are racial differences that justify our higher rates

of high blood pressure; diabetes; and other diseases and conditions.

Currently, policy, legislation, and funding are directed towards supporting the theory that African Americans are more susceptible to poorer health outcomes, while SDOH are being largely ignored.

Dr. Richard Cooper of Loyola University has done research on high blood pressure that has made an indisputable case for the dismissal of the fallacy of African Americans being “predisposed” to poor health outcomes.

In his research, Dr. Cooper studied high blood pressure in Nigerians, Jamaicans, and in African Americans.

His conclusions: only African Americans had the highest rates of high blood pressure. To further make the case, he found that Germans and Russians has rates that were significantly higher than African Americans!

Seems like its more about being African American in this country, than it is about just being African American.

It begs the question: Is it race or is it racism?

Politics behind Donald Trump’s empty threats on Mexico Border

BY REVEREND JESSE LOUIS JACKSON, SR Donald Trump’s flailing on immigration and the Mexican border continue to spiral into chaos. First, he threatened to close the border with Mexico.

One week later, he walked that back. He declares a national emergency about the “invasion” of people seeking asylum from Central American countries, and then says he’s stopped all aid to those countries, which can only worsen the conditions that cause people to leave. He says he’s already building a wall. That isn’t true. He torpedoes bipartisan measures that might begin to make things better.

It’s increasingly clear Trump wants a crisis that he can use politically, not a solution that can ease human suffering.

Two weeks ago, Trump’s threat was clear: “If Mexico doesn’t immediately stop ALL illegal immigration coming into the United States through [sic] our Southern Border,” he tweeted, “I will be CLOSING…the Border, or large sections of the Border, next week.” His aides said he was deadly

MY TRUTH Continued from page 1

she knows justice is not blind and that just as there are people doing an exceptional job in the legal field, some are not.

She knows there are also those who don’t know what they are doing which makes them just as bad, if not worse than the ones who do illegal or unethical acts; under the guise of justice.

Cheryl is actually a part of “Team Cheryl,” a group of ladies,

Andrews Bowers Continued from page 1

property taxes for their salaries.

Furthermore, a cap on property taxes hinders local governments’ capability to attract new businesses and create jobs, which would

GISD

serious. Trump’s leading mouthpiece, Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, told ABC News that it would take “something dramatic” to stop him from doing it.

Less than a week later, Trump reversed himself. He suddenly praised Mexico as being “very nice,” claiming that Mexico had changed its policy toward the asylum seekers, which a befuddled Mexican government quickly denied.

He retreated by issuing new bluster: “We’re going to give them a one-year warning, and if the drugs don’t stop, or largely stop, we’re going to put tariffs on Mexico and products, in particular cars. And if that doesn’t work, we’re going to close the border. You know I will do it. I don’t play games,” Trump warned, playing games with his threats.

What was the “something dramatic” that convinced the president to take back his threat? He was mugged by reality.

Closing our 2,000-mile border

with Mexico would be an economic catastrophe, a moral blight, inconceivably inane and literally impossible. A combined 15 million people live along the border. Some $1.7 billion of two-way trade and hundreds of thousands of legal travelers cross the border each day.

Mexico is the second-largest market for U.S.-made products (Canada is first). It is our third-largest trading partner (after Canada and China). It is the fourth-largest supplier of foreign crude oil to the United States. It is the top destination for U.S. travelers.

Trump lives in a universe that he shares only with rabid Fox News commentators, but, in this case, he was forcibly reminded of reality by Republican business leaders and by the conservative U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which warned that closing the border would “inflict severe economic harm on American families.” Even Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who usually wags his tail at whatever the president tweets, warned of “potentially catastrophic economic damage.”

Trump’s threats are just posturing,

all named Cheryl, living in Dallas and making things happen. The name “Cheryl” never made the top 10 list of names for girls, but I know some very special women named, Cheryl.

She’s also the author of “A Step Toward Brown v. Board of Education: Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher and Her Fight to End Segregation,” winner of the 2015 Oklahoma Book Award, NonFiction category.

A cum laude graduate of Smith College, with high honors

in Sociology, Cheryl received her Juris Doctorate degree from Boston University College of Law, where she was a Martin Luther King, Jr. fellow and recipient of the Community Service Award. She also served as a summer intern for the General Counsel’s Office of the NAACP. I could go on and on about her numerous honors. This mother and grandmother has a rich legacy. She has done so much for so many and her life’s worth celebrating.

be detrimental to not just the cities in Representative Bowers’ district, but cities all across Texas.

“Property tax relief is an issue that every single one of my colleagues and I have heard from our constituents about. We understand that this is something

everyone wants and we are working overtime to deliver for the people we represent. However, I believe that HB 2 would ultimately be detrimental to my district.

Therefore, I do not think that HB 2 is the answer at this time.”

are two-sport athlete Ngozi Obineke, who participates in basketball and track, athlete in cross country and and Jerry Evans, who track, and Keith Crosby for participates in football football and track. Lakeview and track. For Sachse Centennial High nominees High, the nominees are are Mariah Ayers, a twothree-sport athlete Avery sport athlete in basketball Crouse, who participates and track, Jalen Graham, in basketball, cross who plays baseball and country and track, football. Naaman Forest’s and Braylen Brooks, nominees are two-sport a two-sport athlete in athlete Ysabel Moody, who football and track. For plays softball and volleyball, South Garland High, and football player Roger Garland High School Head Softball Coach the nominees are Alexa Davis-Jahnel. For North Jennifer Sisson is being inducted into the Rodriguez, for basketball Garland High, swimmer Garland Sports Hall of Fame. Sisson’s mother accepted her certificate in her place.

Photo courtesy of and track, and Khalil Leila Atumah, and football Davis, for basketball.

Caren Rodriguez/Garland ISD

Continued from page 1

and track nominee James “Nic” Kircus. Rowlett High nominees

but his policy is a chaotic calamity.

He declares a national emergency to claim money for his wall (largely from the military) against the will of the bipartisan majority in both houses of Congress. He rails about the import of drugs, ignoring the reality that virtually all of the hard drugs come in through legal ports of entry that his “wall” won’t address. He describes the rising number of people seeking asylum as “an invasion,” scorning both international and U.S. law and basic morals, then directs his State Department to cut off $450 million in aid to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, which will surely worsen the conditions that are driving people to seek asylum. He traveled to the California border to celebrate the building of a new section of his promised border wall, when no new building had taken place, only a routine upgrade of old fencing.

He cut off protections for the Dreamers, young people who have grown up in the U.S., and torpedoed the bipartisan agreement that would have protected them and added to border security after he said he’d sign it.

He scaled back protections for asylum seekers, helping to create the backlog

at the border. Then his administration cruelly separated parents and children at the border, creating a shameful human horror that continues to this day.

Clearly Trump wants an issue to run on politically, not a solution to a humanitarian tragedy. Steve Bannon, Trump’s 2016 campaign strategist, argued that as long as the debate is over immigrants, Trump benefits.

Trump uses attacks on immigrants as the centerpiece of his white nationalist appeal. His railing about the crimes of Latin American gang members is simply the updated version of the Willie Horton ad that George Bush used against Mike Dukakis.

So don’t worry about Trump closing the border. Even his administration won’t be that self-destructive. And don’t expect him to make progress with the humanitarian crisis at the border. Trump is fanning the flames, not putting out the fires.

A sensible border policy and humane and effective immigration reform will have to wait for the next president The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. is the founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

6

GARLAND JOURNAL - APRIL 17, 2019

Hanging with Hollywood

IN REVIEW:

The Best of Enemies

RATED JUMBO

BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

The Best of Enemies, based on a true life story, Taraji P. Henson plays Ann Atwater; a civil rights leader in 1971 Durham, North Carolina. Her rival in the movie is the Exalted Leader of the KKK, C. P. Ellis, a devout racist who spends most of his life spreading hate and separateness between the races.

However, with their children in common, the two opposites eventually become friends.

To play Ann Atwater, Henson’s appearance had to be changed. To achieve this the normally svelte actress used a “fat suit,” to play her role.

It’s an amazing transformation for the Academy Awardnominated actress.

The Exalted Cyclops of the KKK is portrayed by Sam Rockwell. He goes through an amazing transformation too, but it’s not his appearance; it’s his heart that transforms.

You couldn’t tell one story without telling the other

so the two main characters are intertwined. There’s archival footage of the reallife characters as they explain how a love/hate relationship became a true friendship.

The best part of the movie is Rockwell’s role as Klan leader, C. P. Ellis. He evolves and discovers that blacks and whites are more alike than he was raised to believe.

The bottom line of the story is that love always wins over hate.

The Best of Enemies is rated PG-13 for racist language and violence. It runs 2 hours and 13 minutes. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale,” I rate this movie a JUMBO.

THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

BY VALDER BEEBE ValderBeebeShow.com

I hope everyday that we wake-up and suit up for life. Life requires our full attention and our best efforts.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute (UWPHI) release their annual rankings of the health of nearly every county within each of the country’s 50 states.

The County Health Rankings look at more than 30 factors including poverty, education, transportation, and jobs - that influence how long and how well people live. This year’s Rankings also take a closer look at the links between housing and health - including the impact of the housing affordability crisis, residential segregation and trends in renting vs. home ownership.

Experts from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute shares with the Valder Beebe Show audience and readers the survey highlight: •County-by-county comparisons: How counties compare in each state •Key national and regional trends as well as a closer look at how housing factors - like the housing affordability crisis and residential segregation - impact health.

•Gaps in opportunity -- education, jobs, affordable housing, places to exercise and healthy, affordable food to eat -- in our communities, and how these gaps disproportionately affect people of color.

•Ways that local leaders can move from data to action and make their communities healthy places to live, learn, work, and play

•Examples of communities that are bringing partners together to tackle the barriers to health-Robert Wood Johnson data provide by publicity team VBS: I’m delighted to have a representative from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as a guest. Why did the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin survey look at the least healthies counties?

RWJ: What we did is rank the health of nearly every county in a state. We want to help the people in those counties whether business leaders, activists or residents to take action, armed with information.

VBS: What was a the key focus from the survey?

RWJ: This year we are really lifting up housing. Half of the household in this country are experiencing sever housing costs. This means that families are spending at least half of their earnings income on housing. What that translates into is less money to spend on healthy foods, health care, transportation and education. ..………. visit SoundCloud.com/kkvidfw for the complete Robert Wood Johnson Foundation interview.

Listen On-Demand @ 411RadioNetwork.com and SoundCloud.com/valderbeebeshow.ValderbeebeShow.com, 411RadioNetwork.com, Youtube.com/valderbeebeshow, 411RadioNetwork.com; Podcast audio: Soundcloud.com/valderbeebeshow, Soundcloud.com/kkvidfw, 411RadioNetwork.com,

ASK ALMA Distant Lover

BY ALMA GILL

Dear Alma, I am a 50-year-old field service engineer who travels 75 percent of the year for work. I love my job and appreciate the opportunity that I am able to travel around the world. No, I’m not in the military, so I can pick and choose where I decide to reside long term. Basically, the problem is maintaining long distant relationships with my family, friends and holding down a love life. I try to stay in touch with my family and friends through cell phone calls and Facebook but sometimes it’s just not enough. I miss them when I’m traveling and honestly, it’s hard to maintain a healthy adult relationship with a woman without her eventually telling me I’m away too much. I’m single, active and I would consider myself to be handsome. How would you suggest I meet a woman who would understand my situation and consider being in this type of a relationship?

Lamont in Ohio Dear Lamont from Ohio, Yes, I’m putting you on blast, cause this is the first time I’ve run across, a truly handsome (yes girls, I saw his picture), and gainfully employed engineer

with benefits, who’s discussing how difficult it is to maintain a long distance healthy adult relationship. The first thing that comes to my mind is, “Seek and ye shall find, my brotha ~ you came to the right place, LOL.” I’m here to agree with you sweetheart, there’s no double about it, long distance relationships (LDR’s) take an enormous amount of hard work, but then again, a regular in your face, every day relationship does, too. I say, navigate the negativity, as long as the two of you are serious about your commitment and devotion to each another, a LDR can be quite successful.

In my opinion, a LDR requires two mature adults who are completely confident in their own right. Each has got to be comfortable in their own skin and not looking to be completed or validated by the other. All lines of communication must remain open and honest always.

You’ve gotta trust each other.

That’s super important! With today’s technology options, you can keep in touch daily, practically face to face. I’m

sure you’ve heard it said before, absence does make a loving heart grow fonder. Can you see it in your minds eye? Lawddy, can you imagine anticipating the next time you’ll see each other? Wheew, kool it down, this columns rated: PG, LOL. I could go on and on with the positives, but no need, I’m sure you feel me.

Evidently you’ve been looking in all the wrong places or you’d be hooked up by now. Today’s the day to steer yourself in a new direction. Start looking to find a woman who’s pursuing her dreams, occupying her time, joyfully participating in her life.

Since you’re on the road most of the time, I’m sure this task won’t be easy. Soooo, you know me, I just can’t help myself, I’ll see what I can do to help you out. Ladies: If you’re interested in contacting Lamont, shoot me an email. I see springtime and love just around the corner.

Alma Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@ gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” Tweet @ almaaskalma.

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GARLAND JOURNAL - APRIL 17, 2019

7

Campus Crisis

Handing out dangerous degrees

BY MILES JAYE EDITOR’S NOTE: Please forgive the graphic photo. We can’t hide the gravity of this situation.

By the time a son reaches his twenties, any tears shed for him should be tears of joy reserved for graduations, weddings, and grandchildren; however, we live in dangerous times. Parents of young Black men face fears of constant threats of violence against their precious sons.

We can only hope our sons, raised in good homes, by God-fearing, church-going parents, follow the proverbial straight-and-narrow and steer clear of trouble—be it a “bad crowd” or bad policemen. We hope they do well enough in high school to attend college, get a “good education” after which a “good job” is a sure bet. Then we hope and pray that at some point in the foreseeable future, they find a “good woman” and start a family of their own-- and the cycle continues.

What is not anticipated or in any way predictable is that once having steered clear of the pitfalls to their well-being—drugs, the bad crowd, and racist cops; they would find themselves unsuspecting victims to unspeakable, Medieval, torturous hazing practices that would most likely be banned on Guantanamo Bay. When I heard the horrific story of a young man scheduled to graduate next month from a local HBCU-a Full-Scholarship student-- no less, eager to pledge a fraternity, only to be drugged and tortured in the long-held hazing tradition; I was incensed. How ironic that this student is a Drum Major like the Drum Major who was killed at another Florida HBCU-- a victim of hazing.

In the interest of full-disclosure, I am not an HBCU graduate, nor am I affiliated with any Greek-letter organization.

What I am, is appalled that our esteemed places of higher learning are becoming campuses from hell.

When confronted by the mother of this young man, one college administrator advised her that careful action must be taken or the school

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Student injuries might risk losing accreditation and funding. No mention was made by the official that careful action should be taken or they might risk losing the life of a student!

To fully understand the egregious nature of this “crime,” I should stress the fact that the pledgee was provided a synthetic drug called “Jig” in order to anesthetize him sufficiently to administer the brutal beating.

It is likely that the injuries sustained in this torture will scar for life. I can only imagine the depth and extent of the emotional and psychological scars inflicted by this punishment.

Imagine one day planning your son’s college graduation celebration and the next day attempting to Baker Act (involuntary commitment to a mental facility), as he had been rendered by the “Jig” pill, as his mother described him, “out of his mind.”

If we are truly sincere in our appeals that Black Lives Matter, if we are horrified by indignations and mistreatment inflicted by manage-

ment of public eateries or by racist neighbors, if murderous atrocities inflicted by rogue police officers render us glued to coverage of grand juries and criminal trials, allowing these practices to continue on our HBCU campuses would amount to gross hypocrisy.

If every chapter of every fraternity and sorority on every campus had to be suspended or shut down until these matters are investigated, and where appropriate, prosecuted, then so be it! Are the Step Shows and various other activities worth another young life? The Catholic Church style, Blue Wall of Silence type cover-up practices designed to protect accreditation and jobs must cease. What will it take?

If this culture continues, on our watch, we have only ourselves to blame-- this is not a Trump issue, nor is it a partisan issue. The crisis is not at the Southern Border, it’s on your son’s college campus. What are you going to do about it?

If you’re outraged by this story but you’re not sure where to begin, begin by calling or writing your lo-

cal HBCU President’s office and raise hell.

If you’re too Holy to say “hell,” don’t say it, but raise it anyway-you may save a life. Call or write anyone you know in a fraternity or sorority, even if they’re not a chapter officer, word of your outrage will go up the chain of command.

If you are a Greek, choose which is more sacred, your oath of secrecy and silence, or the life of a young pledgee. Think of the most notable, high profile Greeks you know- Shaq comes to mind- -find them on social networks, and share this horrific story. (For the record—the young man I refer to in this piece is not a pledgee of the fraternity which Shaq holds membership in.)

Last but not least, please pray hard for this Jacksonville family-the son, the mom and dad. The dream of their boy, proudly clad in cap and gown, strutting across the stage to accept his degree, has just turned into a horrible nightmare.

The pursuit of a degree has become a dangerous pursuit-- it’s a Campus Crisis.

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Do you know this man?

Crimestoppers 877-373-8477

HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST He targeted members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but this is more than about a sorority.

We’re talking about a community.

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

Butterfly

I emerge from this darkness changed.

Leaving behind so much of what was me; whole but with missing parts.

Pushing myself through a realization that does not include you, physically.

Your transformation complete.

Mine ... only beginning.

8

GARLAND JOURNAL - APRIL 17, 2019

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Garland Journal 214-941-0110 Send your news and calendar events to us! www. garlandjournal. com DALLAS COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT From: Dallas County Elections Department Toni Pippins-Poole, Elections Administrator, CERA, CCPA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2019

PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND VOTE CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (VCAC) MEETINGS DALLAS, TEXAS – On March 5, 2019 the Dallas County Commissioners Court approved planning to establish an election day Countywide Polling Place Program for Dallas County, also known as “Vote Centers”. Election Day Vote Centers would allow voters in Dallas County to go to any one of the established polling locations in Dallas County to vote their specific precinct ballot; it provides the convenience of early voting on Election Day. Prior to implementation, the Dallas County Elections Department has organized and will convene a Vote Center Advisory Committee (VCAC) that will help develop Vote Center plans that work best for Dallas County. This advisory group will meet four (4) times scheduled as follows: DATE

LOCATION

ADDRESS

Thursday: April 11, 2019 (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM) Thursday: May 9,2019 (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM) Thursday: May 30,2019 (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM) Thursday: June 20,2019 (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM)

Beltline Conference Center

200 East Beltline Road Desoto, TX 75115 715 Rowlett Road Garland, TX 745043 411 W. Arapaho Rd #102 Richardson, TX 75080 3113 S. Carrier Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX 75052

District 1 Road & Bridge Richardson Civic Center Ruthie Jackson Community

The Elections Department will moderate the meeting and the committee will deliberate; however, the public is welcome to come and observe. At the end of each meeting there will be a short question and answer period and a survey will be given to obtain voter’s opinions. Attendees may wish to write down or send in their thoughts, suggestions, concerns or questions regarding Vote Center meetings on our website, WWW.DALLASCOUNTYVOTES.ORG. The public can contact the Elections Department at (214) 819-6346 for questions or additional information.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Robert Heard, Sr. Assistant Elections Administrator robert.heard@dallascounty.org

Toni Pippins-Poole, CERA, CCPA Elections Administrator tpippins@dallascounty.org

2377 N. STEMMONS FRWY.

SUITE 820

DALLAS, TX

75207

(214) 819-6300

Organizations, elected officials, community members, PR professionals, executives, business owners

The Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists invites you to a forum answering a very important question:

SOLDIERS WITHOUT SWORDS

Why is the Black Press necessary?

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Elite News

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Tuesday, April 23, 2019 - 6-9 p.m.

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