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Volume X- Issue 243 August 1-15, 2012 Published 1st & 15th Each Month Phalconstar.com Garland, Texas Phone (972) 926-8503 Fax (903) 450-1397 NOVEMBER 1 Year Subscription $45.00 15, 2017
And Justice For All Movement has message for Jones, NFL
GISD Foundation receives support
Mass rally planned prior to Eagles vs. Cowboys game The Coalition in Kaepernick’s for Justice And message to diJustice For All vert attention Movement will from the real hold a rally and issues.� mass demonTo help refostration on Suncus and share day, November pertinent in19, 2017. The formation, Dr. Rally will be at Haynes said parFriendship-West ticipants would Baptist Church, kneel in solidar2020 West ity with the NFL W h e a t l a n d Dr. Frederick D. Haynes players and othRoad, Dallas, er athletes, enat 3:00 pm followed by a tertainers and conscientious demonstration at AT&T Sta- patriots who courageously dium, 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, are willing to take a knee on TX at 7:15 pm. behalf of the community and The rally will feature speak- protest against police brutalers who will discuss police ity and injustice. brutality and the real reason Pointing out that this that supporters are kneeling demonstration, similar to the during the national anthem. ones led by the late Dr. MarSpeakers include: Dr. Fred- tin Luther King, Jr. and other erick D. Haynes, III, Senior civil rights heroes, is peaceful Pastor of Friendship-West and loving, but it is also very Baptist Church, Dallas Tex- necessary. as, retired NFL Player Jason "We are all patriotic," Allen, (Houston Texans and Haynes continued. "We also Cincinnati Bengals), TV per- know that it is so important sonality and philanthropist to put in the work that enShaunie O’Neal, members of sures liberty and justice for the National Association for all. This is about more than the Advancement of Colored a three-minute show of paPeople (NAACP), members of triotism during the singing the Next Generation Action of the national anthem that Network, and members of many don't even know in its the Texas Organizing Project. entirety, which is an entireFollowing the Rally/Discus- ly different discussion that sion, a caravan of buses and is also needed. This is what cars led by church leaders, happens when the singing veterans, sorority and frater- stops and the unpatriotic nity members, celebrities, behavior and assaults are ocretired NFL players, former curring. We can all learn from elected officials, activists, this issue." community organizations, Anyone interested in parand other concerned citizens ticipating should RSVP to who in addition to believing AndJusticeForAll@friendin the real reason that Colin shipwest.org. And Justice For Kaepernick kneeled during All organizers believe as Dr. the NFL games would like King said, "In the End, we will to see emphasis refocused remember not the words of on those issues will travel to our enemies, but the silence AT&T Stadium to share their of our friends." message. They are inviting anyone “We are speaking out to interested in sharing a mesreclaim the narrative,� said Dr. sage of real unity and progFrederick D. Haynes III, Senior ress, as well as dealing with Pastor of Friendship-West the systemic issues that are Baptist Church. “Others have depriving citizens of their hijacked, distorted and at- rights! tempted to marginalize Col-
Frizell stands with fired ADA
Judge Elizabeth Frizell
Jody Warner was recently fired from the Dallas County District Attorney’s office for berating an Uber driver. Elizabeth Frizell stood behind her as she issued her apology. “I was disappointed in her actions, however I told Jody that as long as she took responsibility and apologized, I would not let her stand alone,� Frizell said.
Jody Warner
Frizell shared that she has a history of working directly with Warner and is aware of her work ethic. “She was the chief prosecutor for sexual assault cases for two years in my court and several other felony courts,� Frizell said. “She was one of my best prosecutors and was also my family violence prosecutor See FRIZELL, page 2
Barry Young, GEF Board Chair; Dr. Deborah Cron, GISD Interim Superintendent; Senator Don Huffines; Lisa Cox, GEF President; Ty Bledsoe, AT&T Vice President – External & Legislative Affairs From Staff Reports Educators in Garland ISD have an extra reason to give thanks this holiday season. The AT&T Foundation, along with the help of Senator Don Huffines, donated $10,000 to the Garland ISD Education Foundation (GEF) Nov. 15. “We cannot thank our donors enough for helping us turn dreams into a reality. This is an investment not only in the future of our students, but the future of our tri-cities as well,� said GEF President Lisa Cox. Committed to funding the district’s instructional initiatives, GEF aims to ensure all children receive a quality education and are prepared for their future. The AT&T Foundation donation will help support GISD’s English Language Learners (ELL). Every year, the district
hosts an ELL Summit where approximately 200 students develop the skills needed for success in high school, college and careers. Participants not only practice their English through a series of creative activities, but they also learn soft skills, demonstrate leadership and engage in community service. “At AT&T, we are committed to empowering students everywhere to reach their highest potential,� expressed Ty Bledsoe, Vice President – External & Legislative Affairs. “The Garland ISD ELL Summit aligns with AT&T’s mission to support proven strategies to drive positive, measurable results for students and ensure they graduate high school and are workforce ready. We are proud to support this innovative program that will help students gain the skills they need to succeed.�
On Nov. 15, representatives from the AT&T Foundation kicked off GEF’s monthly board meeting by presenting a check to Cox. They also invited Senator Huffines to help sweeten the celebration since he nominated GEF for the award. "By ensuring the students of Garland, Rowlett, and Sachse have a good education, the Garland ISD Education Foundation is offering opportunities for a brighter and more prosperous future. A good education can open doors and take a student anywhere, and that not only helps that student and his or her family for generations to come, it also helps our community and state as a whole. I'm thrilled to help support the work of this foundation as it works to support and complement the great work of Garland ISD,� Huffines said.
Educating more than 56,000 students across 72 campuses, Garland ISD ranks as the fourth-largest district in Dallas-Fort Worth. The Garland ISD Education Foundation (GEF) creates and fosters partnerships with its community to generate funds that support education and positively impact the future. A 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, every dollar donated directly benefits GISD students and staff. The Foundation grants more than $200,000 each year, funding innovative materials for classrooms, student scholarships and continuing education for staff. Additionally, GEF is committed to contributing a minimum of $315,000 toward the district’s instructional initiatives over the next three years.
Judge reprimanded for criticizing jury’s verdict, interfering in family member’s case By Emma Lynn A Dallas County judge has been reprimanded for using her influence to interfere in her nephew’s criminal case in Lubbock County, and for shaming a jury for their verdict in an unrelated rape case in her court. In a rare move, the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct issued a Public Reprimand to the Honorable Teresa Hawthorne, the presiding judge of the 203rd Judicial District Court in Dallas County. The Commission, responsible for investigating allegations of judicial misconduct issued the reprimand on November 9, 2017. According to the independent Texas state agency’s investigation, the Commission entered the following findings of fact: In October 2016, Judge Hawthorne presided over a jury trial, State of Texas v. Joe L. Garrison, in the 203rd Judicial District Court of Dallas County. After deliberating briefly,
Judge Teresa Hawthorne the jury convicted the defendant of rape and sentenced him to 99 years in prison. A routine exercise in criminal trials, Judge Hawthorne met with the jurors to discuss their verdict after the trial concluded. “Quite frankly, I am disturbed. I am disturbed by the way you came back with such a harsh verdict and sentence for this man’s life in such a short time,� Hawthorne was quoted saying according to one juror, who also said the
Judge asked, “Did you even discuss the details of the case at all?� A second juror stated Judge Hawthorne asked jurors, “how could we have a good conscience about our decision?� A third juror, who served as the jury foreman, added that Judge Hawthorne commented to jurors that she “did not believe the victim was raped at all.� Judge Hawthorne acknowledged that she told the jurors that she would have found
the defendant not guilty, but denied the other comments attributed to her by the jury. According to the Commission’s findings Judge Hawthorne stated that she regrets “that all of this happened� and that she “never intended to upset anyone,� but she could not lie to the jury, when they inquired about her thoughts on the case. The Commission’s uncommon reprimand for a sitting judge, also scolded Judge Hawthorne’s conduct for using her influence as a judge to interfere with her nephew’s criminal case in Lubbock County, Texas. According to the state agency, in September 2014, Judge Hawthorne emailed Judge Jim Bob Darnell, presiding judge of the 140th Judicial District Court in Lubbock County, Texas, regarding her nephew’s pending criminal case in his court. Judge Hawthorne asked Judge Darnell to withdraw the warrant for her nephew’s arrest. See JUDGE, page 2
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Judge reprimanded, cont. from page 1 The Lubbock County Criminal District Attorney’s Office stated it had no record of being copied on Judge Hawthorne’s September 12, 2014 email to Judge Darnell. According to Judge Darnell, Judge Hawthorne also phoned him nearly two weeks later requesting that he set a bond on the Motion to Proceed to Adjudicate that had been filed the previous month. During the conversation, Judge Hawthorne said she was allowed to represent her relatives under an unspecified rule. In June of the following year (2015), Judge Hawthorne contacted Judge Darnell again requesting that he and the prosecutor assigned to her nephew’s case agree to remove the warrant. The email was forwarded to the prosecutor the following day. In August 2016, Judge Hawthorne testified on her nephew’s behalf at a probation
revocation hearing before Judge Darnell even though she was not subpoenaed to testify. During her testimony, Judge Hawthorne mentioned her judicial position three times and gave her opinion on her nephew’s character. The judge later denied ever having any verbal communications with Judge Darnell about her relative’s pending criminal case in his court, although she did admit that she was not subpoenaed to testify on her nephew’s behalf at his revocation hearing.
Violations In accordance with the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, the Commission found that Judge Hawthorne violated its regulations by using the prestige of her judicial office to influence the resolution of her nephew’s criminal matter; by voluntarily testifying as a character witness; and by engaging in an ex parte con-
versation with Judge Darnell about her nephew’s pending case in his court. With regards to the jurors in the jury trial before the 203rd Judicial District Court, the Commission further concluded that Judge Hawthorne failed to treat the jurors in the State v. Joe L. Garrison, with patience, dignity and courtesy when she “shamed and reprimanded them for their verdict.” The state agency further concluded that Judge Hawthorne’s conduct, as described above, constituted willful and/or persistent violations of three standards of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct and conduct that is inconsistent with the proper execution of her duties, in violation of the Texas Constitution. In addition to the Commission’s Public Reprimand, in 2011, Judge Hawthorne ruled the death penalty unconstitutional in a capital case in her court.
Frizell stands cont. from page 1 Her decision was overturned and the capital punishment case was transferred to another court.
Politically speaking Judge Hawthorne, who had an unsuccessful bid for County Criminal Court #6 as a Republican in 2006, switched political affiliations and won her current bench as a Democrat in 2010. She has been in office since 2011 and is currently seeking re-election for a third term. Earlier this fall, veteran Dallas County prosecutor Raquel “Rocky” Jones declared to run against Judge Hawthorne in the upcoming 2018 Democratic primary election. To view the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct’s Public Reprimand of Judge Hawthorne in its entirety, log on to http://www.scjc.texas. gov/disciplinary- actions/ public-sanctions/fy-2018/ judge-hawthorne/.
in Court number 11." That Warner is single, has no children and no family in Dallas led Frizell to appear with her as she issued her public statement. “She clearly acted inappropriately, but I don’t think she needed to stand there by herself,” Frizell said. Focal points of Frizell’s bid for District Attorney include fairness and redemption. Acknowledging that the office is rightfully held to a higher standard, the long-time judge said her support of Warner was in no way a show of support for the attorney’s actions, which she called “inexcusable.” “Sometimes people need second chances and diversion programs when they're criminals. Sometimes they need it when they’re not criminals, but they use bad judgment,” Frizell explained. “Accountability is key!” Frizell emphasized the importance of drinking responsibly, adding that drug addiction
and alcohol addiction should receive treatment. “If you don’t have normal use of your faculties, you should be on the safe side, take alternative transportation and be responsible enough to not drive,” she said, adding that if you are struggling with drugs or alcohol, seek help early. While Frizell respects the decision to fire Warner, she discussed recent incidents in which she felt appropriate actions in the DA’s office were not taken. “The DA’s office didn’t fire a prosecutor for withholding evidence on a capital murder case where the defendant received life without the possibility of parole, and the key evidence to convict him was the evidence that was withheld,” Frizell said. “What made this [Warner’s] incident newsworthy was her invoking that she was the Assistant DA,” Frizell said. “She didn’t kill anybody driving drunk, she cursed somebody out.”
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November 17 THE 5TH ANNUAL JFK ASSASSINATION CONFERENCE - Theme: Secret Records, the Coup d’Etat, and Media Control NOV,. 17-18-19, AT THE CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL, JUST STEPS FROM DEALEY PLAZA
November 18 People’s Community Information Series: JUSTICE FORUM 11:30am-1:30pm Judge Cheryl Lee Shannon, Judge Brandon Birmingham, Judge John Creuzot, District Clerk Felicia Pitre 3119 Pine Street LUNCH SERVED
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Mingling over Mimosas African American Museum of Dallas 3536 Grand Ave, Dallas, Texas 75210 Mingling over Mimosas is Debonair Society’s Brunch every 3rd Sunday at the African American Museum of Dallas.
November 19 And Justice For All Movement Rally 3 PM · Friendship-West Baptist Church The Coalition for Justice And Justice For All Movement will hold a rally and mass demonstration on Sunday, November 19, 2017. The Rally will be at Friendship-West Baptist Church, 2020 West Wheatland Road, Dallas, at 3:00 pm followed by a demonstration at AT&T Stadium
November 25
Eventfully Yours 7640 NE Loop 820, Suite 110 North Hills Village North Richland HIlls, TX 76180
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Legendary Writer/Film Director Charles Burnett will be the featured guest at the 24-Hour FilmFeast, at 4:30 p.m., Nov. 18, 2017 at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, 1309 Canton Street., Dallas, Texas, 75201. Honorary Oscar Winner, Film Director Charles Burnett Guest Speaker/ Film Screening At 24-Hour FilmFeast Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or Ticketmaster. com. For more program information, visit www. tbaal.org. Welcome to Dallas Drinks Dinner and Dancing Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists, National Communication Association - African American Communication Cultural Division and Black Caucus 10 Eleven Grill 7-10 pm
1 Esquire Entertainment Presents: The Winter Blackout 2017 2nd Annual Winter Blackout. You will enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere, DJ Polo will be spinning the hottest jams, live entertainment by fan favorite Natural Change, as well as Chef catered cuisine at 9pm at Aloft Dallas Downtown 1033 Young St, Dallas, Texas 75202
November 30 2017 Annual Peacemaker Awards Dinner 5:30 Reception 7:00 Dinner & Program Nominations Are Now Being Accepted! Peacemaker of the Year Justice Seeker of the Year Lifetime Peacemaker Peacemaker Organization of the Year Media Accountability of the Year Please nominate those local to North Texas and include a narrative as to why. Double Tree by Hilton Hotel 4099 Valley View Lane, Dallas, Texas,75244, USA
If you want to attend you must pre-register on EventBrite Or call the vet center at 214-361-5896
December 4 Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson presents the 2nd Annual Senior Living Conference “Healthy Choices for Healthy Living” 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Grand Hall Banquet Facility Lancaster Recreational Center 1700 Veterans Memorial Parkway Lancaster, TX 75134
December 7 Oak Cliff Cultural Center and Latino Cultural Center What: Stand-Up Tragedy by Bill Cain Where: Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak St, Dallas, TX, 75204 Dates: Opening Night: Thursday, December 7 at 8:00pm Regular Performances: Friday, December 8 at 8:00pm Saturday, December 9 at 8:00pm Thursday, December 14 at 8:00pm Friday, December 15 at 8:00pm Saturday, December 16 at 8:00pm Tickets: Available at the door or online at: https://stand-up-tragedy.ticketleap.com/ stand-up-tragedy/ Adults: $10 Students: $5
STAY WOKE THERE’S WORK TO BE DONE!
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KWANZAAFEST in Fair Park December 9 and 10 December 15 Hamilton Park United Methodist Church The Coalition of Churches in prison Ministry’s Gift of Light for 8400 inmates in Beto, Michael and Boyd Units.
January 13 Tickets, The Law and Lawyers This show is focusing on what to do when pulled over, how to handle traffic tickets. As most of us just pay the fine and move on taking the hit with our insurance policies. But are there other things you can do? Attorney Marty Jo Taylor along with Larry Moses Sr. on what you should do when stopped by police, how to handle tickets and more. African American Museum 10-11am
January 28 Masquerade Winter Engagement Public · Hosted by House of Royale
Lofty Spaces 816 Montgomery Street, Dallas, Texas 75215
December 1 Dallas Vet Center to Hold 2nd Annual Resource Day Dallas Vet Center 2nd Annual Resource Day 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Dallas Vet Center 8610 Greenville Avenue, Suite 125 Dallas, Texas 75243 Military (Active, Guard, Reserve), Veterans and Veteran Family Members only
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December 9 We Can Do IT Positive Connection 2017 Conference from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM CST Courtyard by Marriott
5:45p The Royale Masquerade Ball will be held in Dallas,Texas to showcase the best high fashion and upscale designers. There will be High Fashion, Runway, Commercial and print models featuring many couture collections. We have 8 Featured designers From New York, Dallas, Paris, and Tampa. The Masquerade will be held in Dallas Texas as a PRIVATE engagement
February 17 Sommore, Arnez J, Earthquake, George Wallace, and Bruce Bruce
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EDITORIAL/OPINION
HALL: KwanzaaFest 2017‌We are Back!!! QUIT PLAYIN’ By Vincent L. Hall
After a one year hiatus and numerous calls to return, the 27th Annual KwanzaaFest is about to go down in D’Town. We look forward to seeing you among the anticipated crowd of 50,000 during our two-day event at the State Fair Automobile Building on December 9 and 10. For over a quarter of a century, KwanzaaFest has worked hard to become an institution of higher learning, higher earning and higher yearning. Our original commitment and pledge to Education, Emancipation and Enterprise has never waned or dissipated. We are dedicated to the uplift and upward mobility of
this community. As we have for a number of years, we will join our media partner K104/KRNB in getting the word out about the myriad of opportunities that KwanzaaFest makes available to our friends and fans. HealthFest will be the epicenter to our comprehensive efforts to provide fun and fellowship, progress and possibilities. For 2017, our KidFest area has been renamed and revitalized. “Parrish Land� KidFest, named for area entrepreneur and philanthropist, Roland Parrish, will play host to our children. Parrish Land KidFest will be a place where kids enrich their fundamental educa-
tional skills for prizes, watch specially crafted stage acts that are age appropriate and just have fun in a safe and well-chaperoned environment. KwanzaaFest 2017 will
$10,000 to the winning contestants. Your gift of song and golden voice can get you paid and all you need to do is go to johnwileyprice.com for details on the Showdown and anything else relative to
continue in its tradition of scouting for and introducing some of the rich local talents among us, but that ain’t all. In fact‌Oh say can you sing? This year the KwanzaaFest Showdown will award up to
our event, which is still FREE! You need tickets, but distribution locations are also listed on our website. The “Beat Obesity 5K Walk/ Run� will once again serve as our kickoff event. HealthFest will be in the building,
but you need to be proactive about a daily regime that includes a balanced-diet, regular exercise and health education. The Beat Obesity Walk and Run gets you some exercise and exposes you to others who you can partner with on an ongoing basis. I saved the best for last and that’s HealthFest. While “45� and his crew of “Obama haters� are trying out how to limit access to health care, we are well-steeped in the tradition of making provisions for this community. HealthFest is not just a two day happenstance, it is an offshoot and product of professional relationships fostered in Commissioner John Wiley Price’s District 3 Public Health Advisory. The list of vendors who will provide free health services is too long for this publication. Over the past five years alone HealthFest has provided the equivalent of millions of dollars in proactive tests
and screenings for those who are under or uninsured, the elderly and the community at large who work every day but struggle to pay premiums, deductibles and incidental costs related to health care. The list of services and vendors for KwanzaaFest 2017 can be found at the KwanzaaFest website. Finally, and very important to all of us who work on the various committees, KwanzaaFest 2017 is back and we want you back. Our founder and greatest advocate, Commissioner Price will be there to greet you and is eager to express his appreciation for the words of prayer, encouragement and support that this community has graced him with over the past year. We are back!! But it won’t be worth the journey without you. See ya there! Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist and award-winning journalist.
MALVEAUX: Class and Crass I never thought I would miss our 43d President, George W. Bush. And I’ve never much thought of him as a great, or even good, speaker. But the speech he gave at a conference convened by the George W. Bush Institute was simply eloquent, excellent, thoughtful, and compelling. After keeping a low profile for the past eight years, he spoke up to decry the fact that “bigotry seems emboldened�. “Bullying and prejudice in our public life sets a national tone, provides permission for cruelty and bigotry, and compromises the moral education of children�. Why did George W. Bush choose to speak so forcefully, in a speech that did not mention 45 but was at least partly directed to him? Perhaps it was Charlottesville, since he and his father, 41st President George Herbert Walker Bush, issued a joint statement denouncing white supremacists, something that 45 simply could not bring himself to do. The younger Bush was
blunt last week when he said, “Bigotry or white supremacy in any form is blasphemy against the American creed.� I knew that I would miss our 44th President Barack Obama. Like his predecessor, he has kept a low profile since leaving office, stepping out very briefly to campaign for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam and to reflect on the challenges we face in our democracy. Like President Bush, President Obama did not refer to 45 by name, but his speech in Virginia was a repudiation of virtually everything our prevaricating “president� stands for. “Some of the politics we see now, we thought we put that to bed,� said Obama. “That has folks looking 50 years back. It’s the 21st century, not the 19th century. Come on!.� Seemingly scolding the current administration, Obama said, “Instead of looking for ways to work together to get things done in a practical way, we’ve got folks who are deliberately trying to make folks angry, to demonize peo-
The Last Word by Dr. Julianne Malveaux
ple who have different ideas, to get the base all riled up because it provides a short-term tactical advantage.� Watching Presidents Bush and Obama reminded me of how far the quality of our nation’s leadership has fallen. I saw two men who, with absolute class, reminded us of our nation’s values and that which is repugnant in the current administration. The contrast is the persistent crassness of 45, an ill spoken, bumbling, coarse, and class-
less individual. He never met a fight he could not pick and escalate, never met an opposing viewpoint he could not demonize. He has belittled everyone he has disagreed with, from his own inner circle to football players he does not even know, calling them “sons of bitches.� In his entire eight years of service, President Obama never disparaged his predecessor, President George W. Bush, even as he cleaned up
some of his messes. In his several months of leadership, 45 has missed no opportunity to criticize President Obama. If I had a dollar for every time President Obama critiqued President Bush, I’d barely have enough money for a fast-food meal. If I had a dollar for every time 45 disparaged President Obama, I could dine at the nation’s best restaurants for a full week! Class is visiting Walter Reed hospital to look in on wounded soldiers, or hosting White House luncheons for Gold Star families. Crass is calling widow Myeshia Johnson, never mentioning her deceased husband, Sgt. La David Johnson, by name, and telling her “he knew what he signed up for.� Class is refusing to disparage either predecessor or successor. Crass is trashing anyone and everyone, including his predecessor. Class is disagreeing with dignity and civility. Crass is name-calling, challenging people to IQ tests,
and making fun of ill and disabled people, including war hero Senator John McCain. To be sure, I don’t think that 45 maliciously called Myeshia Johnson in an attempt to cause her pain. I think he simply does not know how to talk to people, and we have plenty of evidence. The recent book, The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 27 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Assess a President (Macmillan, 2017) explains that the sociopathic narcissist we elected is so fundamentally flawed that he could easily imperil our very survival by pushing us into war. 45 told Myeshia Johnson “he knew what he signed up for.� So did nearly half of our nation’s voters when they chose crass over class. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Founder of Economic Education. Her podcast, “It’s Personal with Dr. J� is available on iTunes. Her latest book “Are We Better Off: Race, Obama and public policy is available via amazon.com
Black Celebrities, athletes and politicians must respect the Black Press Speaking Truth to Power By Rosetta Miller-Perry (The Tennessee Tribune/NNPA Member)
Throughout history, the Black Press has been the best friend that Black celebrities, athletes and politicians have ever had. The Black Press often covers Black public figures from the very start of their careers, before they’re “discovered� by the mainstream media, all the way through to their ascension to star or leadership status. Before they became household names, had hit records, secured multi-million dollar contracts or became leaders in the United States Congress, it was the Black Press that was always there for their press conferences and events, often giving them extensive coverage when the mainstream media might only give them a brief mention in the B-section of their newspapers or 15 seconds at the end of an evening news segment.
When the mainstream media finally “discovers� these same Black celebrities, athletes and politicians and they attain a certain degree of fame and success, suddenly, they think it’s okay to snub the Black Press. Now they don’t have time to give interviews to Black newspapers or magazines; there’s no time to make the visits to Black radio stations, where they once made regular appearances; their (usually) White public relations and management staffers guard their time and appearances carefully, and shun Black-owned media. These same public relations firms often discourage their Black clients from working with Black-owned media companies and advertising with the Black Press. This is a disgrace, because when things go bad and
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these Black celebrities want to get “their� side of the story out, the first place these folks run to is the Black Press. If there is a story about political corruption, infidelity or other alleged crimes involving a Black public figure, the mainstream media’s attitude is usually “guilty until proven innocent.� It’s the Black Press that usually takes the “innocent until proven guilty� approach, urging fairness and caution, telling readers, listeners and viewers to wait until all the evidence is in, frequently reminding folks of all the great things that their favorite hero did in the past. The Black Press remains the advocate for Black celebrities, athletes and politicians, even now, despite the fact that so many of them seem oblivious to our existence. That is why, increasingly, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the trade group that represents over 200 Black-owned media companies, that reach more than 20 million readers in print and online every week, is reminding these Black public figures that Black newspapers are their champions and defend-
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ers 24/7, and that we have backed them in good times and bad. While the classic case of a Black superstar, who ran away from the Black Press for years and then returned at the eleventh hour, remains O.J. Simpson, it is instructive to see how mainstream media is covering the NFL in the wake of Donald Trump’s garbage claims that the players are somehow “disrespecting the flag and the military� if they kneel during the playing of the national anthem, a claim that was and continues to be absolute nonsense. The Black Press backed Colin Kaepernick’s protest against oppression and police brutality from the beginning, and continues to do so. The Black Press supports Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett and other players who have responded positively in the wake of criticism. Black newspapers have printed the entire Star-Spangled Banner, including its verses supporting slavery, while many mainstream publications have bought into the Trump idiocy. When conservative news-
papers and publications attacked ESPN commentator Jemele Hill for her tweets about Trump, it was the Black Press that offered unqualified support. We’ve been there through decades of attacks on Black leaders, and we remain vigilant to the constant character assassination and innuendos lodged against Black public figures at the local, state and national levels. What the Black Press wants from Black celebrities, athletes and politicians is respect, fairness, transparency and the same access provided to mainstream media outlets. Don’t just advertise in The New York Times or The Washington Post; also do business with NNPA member publications; continue to make appearances at Black radio stations; order subscriptions to Black publications, in print and online. Our subscriptions and advertising rates are more reasonable than those of the big corporate newspapers, and despite what some advertising firms say, we’re more trusted in the Black community than “general� market publications.
ADDRESS:
It’s time for the Black celebrities, athletes and politicians who say they value entrepreneurship and economic empowerment to do business with the Black Press. Why should Black public figures financially support our mainstream competitors, exclusively, who have very few connections to the Black community? The Black Press was there for our Black entertainers and politicians passionately sharing their stories with our readers, listeners and viewers when no one knew who they were, we celebrate their success and we won’t assume guilt if something goes wrong, or desert them when they’re wrongfully accused and dragged through the gutter by the mainstream media. So, to the Black celebrities, athletes and politicians that think that they’re too big for the Black Press: recognize and support us as we’ve recognized and supported you all along.
The Tennessee Tribune is a member publication of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Learn more about becoming a member at www.nnpa.org.
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Peace and Justice comes through Unity By Earnestine Gardner Attending the Baha’i Faith’s “ Light of Unity Festival “ at the Baha’i center in Plano, TX this week end was a welcome respite from the conundrum of rising white supremacy and escalated acts of racism especially against African Americans, as well as other minorities that headlines our daily news reports in this country since Donald Trump became 45th president. Trump’s election strategy was initiating a backlash against African American progress in this country, when Barack Obama became the first Black man to be elected president of the U.S. He initiated this hate mongering of Blacks by questioning, President Barack Obama’s U.S. Citizenship, which is the epitome of racism and white backlash and he began mobilizing the advocates and participants in white terrorist groups, such as the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), the American Nazi Party and all groups that identify as white nationalist. Trump has had ties with the Ku Klux Klan since his father Fred Trump was involved with the organization during Trump’s childhood. In 1927, Trump’s father was arrested in Queens, NY after a KKK rally, according to the “Washington Post” archives. In a statement by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States entitled: “The Vision of Race Unity America’s Most Challenging Issue,” the Baha’is put forth the idea that
“Racism is the most challenging issue confronting America and it cannot continue to harbor prejudice against any racial or ethnic group without betraying itself. Racism is an affront to human dignity, a cause of hatred and division, a disease that devastates society. … To ignore the problem is to expose the country to physical, moral, and spiritual danger.” They believe that, “The persistent neglect by governing bodies and the masses of the American people of the ravages of racism jeopardizes both the internal order and the national security of the country.” “From the day it was born the United States embraced a set of contradictory values. The founding fathers proclaimed their devotion to the highest principles of equality and justice, yet enshrined slavery in the Constitution. Slavery poisoned the mind and heart of the nation and would not be abolished without a bloody civil war that nearly destroyed the young republic. The evil consequences of slavery are still visible in this land,” states the Baha’is. “They continue to affect the behavior of both Black and white Americans and prevent the healing of old wounds.” In calling for world unity of mankind, the Baha’is assert;
“For too much of its history and in so many places the human race has squandered its energy and resources in futile efforts to prove the unprovable; that one portion of itself, because of separation by geography, a difference in skin color, or the diversity of cultural expression, is intrinsically distinct from another portion. The ignorance and prejudice on which such efforts are founded have led to endless conflicts in the name of the sanctity of tribe, race, class, nation, religion.” Baha’is affirm that; “The application of the spiritual principle of the oneness of humanity to the life of the nation would necessitate and make possible vast changes in the economic status of the non-white segments of the population. Although poverty afflicts members of all races, its victims tend to be largely people of color.” … Poor housing, deficient diet, inadequate health care, insufficient education are consequences of poverty-disparities that prejudice and discrimination create, mainly afflicting African Americans, Native American Indians, and Hispanic Americans more than they afflict the rest of the population. And the cost to society at large is heavy, states the Baha’is.
The Baha’i Faith is a non-partisan, non-sectarian world religion. It is the newest of the world’s independent religions and prides itself for its children’s education program, which teaches unity and world peace at a young age preparing them to be community organizers. The purpose of Baha’i is to unite humanity in one universal Cause, one common Faith. Baha’is are followers of Baha’u’llah (which means the Glory of God). He is the founder of the movement and they believe that he is the Promised One of all ages. Because it is a new religion, followers are still persecuted, especially in Iran (Persia) where the spiritual movement was founded. A breath of fresh air from hate mongering for me, the “Light of Unity Festival” at the Plano center was held in conjunction with events by Baha’i followers to celebrate the Bicentenary of the Birth of Baha’u’llah. Rather than mass gatherings, Baha’is come together in small groups in their respective communities. Baha’is all over the world are celebrating two hundred years after his birth. The Faith of Baha’u’llah has spread to virtually every country in the world. If you want to learn more about the Baha’i religion and participate in events in the DFW-Metroplex, see www.bahai.us or call 1-800-22-UNITE. Earnestine Gardner is an author and freelance writer.
What Tax Reform means for District 30 From the Capitol
After countless hours of debate and many months of waiting, a vote on tax reform is finally upon us. The Trump Adminby istration has made many promises to the Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson American people, including a promise to further burden future generations with make sure that the middle class is not an additional $1.7 trillion in national left behind. debt over 10 years. The Republican tax reform bills in Tax reform should be used as a tool to both the House and Senate not only fail prop up the American people, not burto fulfill this basic principle, but each den them with expenses and incentives will also set the U.S. economy back in for the wealthiest Americans and bigan unprecedented transfer of wealth at gest corporations. the expense of working and middle class There is a tremendous amount at risk families all across our nation. under this plan. This week in Congress, Members of Students, teachers, working families, both parties will have the opportunity the elderly, and others will suffer under to vote on a tax bill that will impact each the existing plan. and every American household. For example: The House will consider H.R. 1 - the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act this week, while Education: the Senate is expected to consider its version the week after Thanksgiving. In the 30th District of Texas alone, A host of tax credits and deductions 20,624 people will lose the student loan are on the chopping block -- such as interest deduction under the GOP bill, individual credits and deductions, child according to a new analysis by the Centax credits, student loan interest deduc- ter for American Progress. Altogether, tions, and lifetime learning credits -- in the House GOP bill raises taxes on 36 an effort to fund a bill that will decrease million middle class families nationwide. corporate taxes by 15%, consolidate individual tax rates into just four new State and Local Tax Deduction: brackets, and repeal both the estate tax and alternative minimum tax to the This proposal seeks to largely elimigreat benefit of wealthy Americans and nate the State and Local Tax (SALT) DeU.S. corporations. duction, but allows for a property tax I will vote “no” on this upcoming tax deduction of up to $10,000. bill as I believe it truly does more harm The bill would impose an unfair douthan good for the American people. ble tax on middle class families, driving The Republican tax plan will raise tax- down home values, and endangering loes for 36 million middle class families cal governments’ ability to fund law enand cause further harm to lower-income forcement, schools, and health services. Americans. Slashes Taxes for Wealthiest & CorOver the last two decades, I have been porations, Explodes Deficit: committed to fighting for livable wages H.R. 1 plans to hand the wealthiest and better job opportunities for every 1 percent nearly 50 percent of the tax American. cuts, while simultaneously placing the The Republican tax plan ignores the burden on children and young adults to needs of the general public, and would
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pick up the tab. Additionally, tax breaks are being provided to corporation shipping American jobs overseas, while driving down American wages and salaries. The House version will add $1.7 trillion to the U.S. deficit over 10 years while the Senate version is expected to add $1.5 trillion to the deficit.
NOVEMBER 15, 2017
Common sense ain’t common Ask ALMA Dear Alma, My name is K. I’ve been with my boyfriend almost four years. He works but doesn’t make enough to help me. He MAKES UP for it though in EVERY OTHER AREA, and he’s also a little controlling. He’s taken my engagement ring from me three times and I went and bought my own replacement ring and he told me that NO OTHER RING should be on that finger, and made me take it off. Should I continue in this relationship? Oh and YES I Do Love him. Anonymous Dear Anonymous, Well K, it depends. Yes if you’re 16 and no if you’re 26. Newsflash! Your boyfriend isn’t ready to get married and neither are you. When you love someone and you’re ready to commit, you don’t take back the ring every time there’s a problem. And you especially don’t go out and get a replacement ring, frontin’ to your friends, so they don’t see the real deal, ain’t got no skills, you’re dealing with. What your partner offers, is who they are. You can’t change, transform or rearrange anyone. Wise up to the truth of your relationships, otherwise you’re living in the fantasy of what you want your life to be Alma
Engagement Drama Dear Alma, I am going to a wedding away next weekend between two of my crazy friends. They’re great people, but the engagement has been full of drama and I’m not sure they’re actually going to stay together. I waited too long to get a gift, and everything on the registry’s out of my price range at the moment. Is it out of question for me to wait, like six months to see if the marriage sticks before splurging on some china from Crate & Barrel or whatever? What should I do? G.M., Washington D.C. Dear G.M. I know you aren’t supposed to answer a question with a question, but, what does the couple staying together have to do with your gift giving? The predicament I see is the fact that you’ve waited too long and now you can’t afford a reasonably priced gift option. Well, slow your roll Sistah Soul, you’ve got time to get your coins together. That’s because technically, traditional wedding etiquette allows you up to a year following the wedding to send a gift. With that said, we’re not done yet. As a wise old woman once said, don’t ever make gift giving an action on your part, performed with rules and regulations attached. When giving a gift for a birthday, wedding or otherwise, give from the heart, with love, affection and gratitude. Alma
Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.
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Medical and Medicaid: By giving $1.5 trillion tax rate cut to corporate America, the budget cuts $1.5 trillion from Medicare & Medicaid. This inadvertently affects those who have family members in nursing homes and will charge seniors and Americans facing high medical costs a health tax. The medical expense deduction is claimed by nearly 9 million American households, which helps families with children with disabilities, long-term care needs, a need for expensive fertility treatments, and many others. For example, in 2015, 9 million Americans claimed the medical expense deduction which gives tax relief to families with high medical costs. Alarmingly, this bill, H.R. 1 would charge them a health tax by removing that deduction and leaving millions with higher taxes. It is up to us to express our opposition to the disastrous tax reform bills in the House and Senate. I ask that you join me in opposing H.R. 1 - the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and contact our U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz in voicing your concerns. This plan is bad for American families, and it is bad for our long-term economic strength. Eddie Bernice Johnson represents the state’s 30th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives.
A Financial Coach and matched savings program in partnership with Frost Bank A Workforce Advocate to assist with job placement A Retention Specialist for continued support once you land a job What are you waiting for? Need more information? The next WorkPaths Information Session is scheduled for Tuesday, November 21st @ 10:00 am at the CitySquare Opportunity Center, located at 1610 S. Malcolm X. Blvd Bldg., Suite 301 Dallas, TX 75226. You may also contact Dana Branch, Administrative Program Coordinator by phone, (214) 823-4409.
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Thanksgiving is almost here. This is the time when we give thanks for the blessings and opportunities we've received through our lives. Let's create blessings and opportunities for countless students through education. #GivingTuesday is a global movement that allows us to give back during a special day: Tuesday, November 28, 2017. Mark your calendars! Visit www.uncf.org/donatedallas on November 28 and make your gift to help us send more kids to and through college. Thank you for believing that “a mind is a terrible thing to waste but a wonderful thing to invest in”.
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NOVEMBER 15, 2017
GARLAND JOURNAL
You Gotta See the Devil Coming
roadies for a while until he got the big head and was banished to this physical realm where we reside. by James A. Washington Once Jesus rebuked Invariably as a Christian, the Satan for the third notion of Satan will come up time, scripture says, “Then and that conversation can the devil left Him and angels range from soup to nuts, as came and attended Him.” we all know. So once Jesus withstood I am often encouraged in temptation, God then delivthese, sometimes crazy, dis- ered unto Him all that Satan cussions that God’s plan is had offered and more. You very precise and obvious to see, in reality, all that stuff that those looking for His Word. Satan tempted Christ with My favorite point of reference was Jesus’ birthright anyway in all of this is Matthew 4:1-11 and get this: It’s ours also. So, regarding the three tempta- let me get this straight. tions of Jesus in the desert The devil probably knows after 40 days of fasting. the Bible better than we do. Remember when Satan of- He understands what tempts fers Christ ‘all the kingdoms us, because he knows what of the world and their splen- pleases the Lord. dor?’ Remember, they once hung I was shocked at the power out together. It stands to the devil has to tempt each reason that I am a much easand every one of us as we ier target than Jesus was and operate on what is essentially ruination for me won’t neceshis turf. sarily take the promise of all Now you’ve got to remem- kingdoms of the world and ber Lucifer hung out with the their splendor. Lord in heaven. They were However, my biblically in-
Spiritually Speaking
spired common sense lets me know that I am made in the image of God and I’ll be okay if I surrender all that I have and all that I am to Him; He, who is my Lord and Savior. By doing so I should be able to put myself in a position to at least see the devil coming. If I can just see him coming, then maybe I’ll be able to withstand, for a moment in time, the perceived need to have my wants and desires satisfied by sacrificing the integrity of my soul for momentary gratification. Intellectually, I understand the difference between the temptation of sin and a test of faith. It’s all about perspective, that which is spiritual and that which is secular. Once Jesus answered each of Satan’s successive temptations with Matthew 4:4: “It is written; Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Matthew 4:7: It is also written; Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Matthew 4:10: “Away
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from me Satan! For it is written, Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only,” then the devil left and the angels came. The key then is to get on the other side of temptation by walking in the Word consciously enough to understand that just saying no to Satan is an absolute guarantee of getting all that you desire and need in this life. What must be overcome however is the cunning nature of the devil in his efforts to get you and me to forget, ignore or not take seriously that he is indeed the source of the temptation(s) designed to kill you and hurt the Lord. When in doubt, call on the name of the Lord and eventually Satan will be replaced with angels ready to attend to you. As Jesus so appropriately put it, “Seek ye first the kingdom and whatever it is that you desire, you will have more…” May God bless and keep you always.
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NOVEMBER 15, 2017
Film Review: Roman J. Israel, Esq. By Dwight Brown (NNPA Newswire Film Critic) Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars Denzel Washington may be the most accomplished actor of our generation. Like a chameleon, he’s morphed from the stern father in “Fences” to a dorky, introverted attorney in this meandering crime-drama/thriller. His talent is more than enough reason to sit through the two hours and nine minutes of misguided, anticlimactic storytelling. Writer/director Dan Gilroy’s feature film debut “Nightcrawler,” about a sleazy paparazzo, hinted at a bright future. His second piece of direction—and tenth screenplay—is noteworthy for creating a uniquely, memorable character: Roman J. Israel, Esq. Israel is a socially conscious, politically-minded attorney. He’s a remnant of the ‘70s pro-Black movement. The puffy Afro, big glasses and boxy-looking suits make him look like a college professor frozen in time. Now in his mid-sixties, he’s spent the better part of his career sequestered in a Los Angeles law office, surrounded by files and books. He’s an egghead. The brains of the firm, not the dazzling courtroom attorney. At home, with record albums stacked around his cluttered apartment, it looks as if he has idiosyncrasies akin to a hoarder. His brilliant mind (he memorizes legal statutes like Martha Stewart recalls recipes) is evident. His awkwardness around people is profound, like someone with Asperger’s Syndrome. When Roman’s extroverted law partner suffers a heart attack and can’t return to work, the bookworm is forced to plead cases in criminal courtrooms, to no success. He finds work at a glitzy law firm run by a slick attorney (Colin Farrell, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”), and fails to fit in. A budding
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romance with a teacher/social activist (Carmen Ejogo, “Alien: Covenant”) brings him to the doorstep of reality. Working a case for a defendant, who is accused of murder, puts the naïve and income-challenged Roman in a tempting situation, where he can collect a reward. “I’m tired of doing the impossible for the ungrateful,” Israel says. Gilroy’s script exhausts its energy in the beginning, meticulously setting up Roman’s character. Then it runs out of steam and ideas. What’s the point in watching a man who is living on the edge of insanity if there isn’t a breakthrough that takes him somewhere audiences could not have imagined? Or, why tag along with a failed attorney if he doesn’t redeem himself? As the momentum flails in this character-driven film, so does Gilroy’s direction. The pacing (editor John Gilroy of “Michael Clayton” and “The Bourne Legacy”) is decent regardless. The cinematography (Robert Elswit from “Michael Clayton,” “The Bourne Legacy”) takes the spit and polish off of Los Angeles and makes its street scenes look as grimy as those shot in New York City. The contrast between Roman’s old digs and his new fancy condo is all the more startling because of the diametrically-opposed set designs (set decorator Meg Everist and production design Kevin Kavanaugh from “Nightcrawler”). And if prizes were given for making wonky characters appear suitably shabby, costume designer Francine Jamison-Tanchuck (“The Birth of a Nation”) would win. Colin Farrell, with his slicked-back hair and fancy suits displays the right balance of cold-as-ice calculating attorney and caring
snake. Somehow, it’s a bit hard to imagine a woman, who looks like Carmen Ejogo (“Selma”) having a romantic interest in man who looks like an urban bear. Yet, their beauty and the beast flirtations are worth a gander. Both actors greatly support Denzel Washington as he crafts a character that was not previously in his arsenal. He’s concocted crooked narcotics officers (“Training Day”), pugilists (“The Hurricane”), heroic activists (“Malcolm X”) and gunslingers (“The Magnificent Seven”). In most of his performances, anger, decisiveness and self-assurance have well-complimented his leading man looks. For the first time in memory, those innate characteristics are absent. His Roman is a muddled misfit, who makes bad
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choices; his instincts block him. The slouched posture, protruding stomach and puffy face, also mean that Washington has laid all vanity aside to thoroughly inhabit this unique role. And, he delivers his lines with dour sarcasm. When an offer is made to Roman, the indignant attorney responds, “It’s an enema of sunshine.” The quirky story of “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” is unmemorable. However, it is a very useful showcase for one of the finest actors working today. This kind of performance makes Oscar voters stand in awe. This kind of acting keeps viewers’ eyes glued to the screen, regardless of the surroundings. Dwight Brown is a film critic and travel writer. As a film critic, he regularly attends international film festivals including Cannes, Sundance, Toronto and the American Black Film Festival. Read more movie reviews by Dwight Brown here and at DwightBrownInk.com.
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GARLAND JOURNAL
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