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I MESSENGER - IS THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF CHERYL SMITH LIVE!

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ISSUE I - NO 7 10/28/2011

“I hurt my family and people who believed in me”

By Cheryl Smith Cheryl@cherylsmithonline.com

D a l l a s We e k l y - K w a m e Kilpatrick is charismatic, smart, engaging, hard-working and very astute.

He was a rising star on the political scene and the sky seemed to be the limit for the man who was the first African American and youngest person to serve as leader of the Michigan House Democratic Caucus.

After serving in the legislative seat held by his mother for almost two decades, he moved on to win the distinction of being the youngest African American to serve as mayor of his hometown, Detroit.

The former All-American football star at Florida A&M University was married to his college sweetheart and they were raising their children, while dealing with a very demanding and highly visible job that called for long hours away from home.

Sure he had detractors, every step of the way. Suddenly, however, he was headline news as allegations began to fly and lawsuits were filed.

Mr. Kilpatrick attributes his fall from grace to a number of causes.

“I had an affair, I lied about it and I hurt a lot of people,” he said during a recent interview, adding that his poor decisions

landed him behind bars. “I really hurt my family and I will never forget the look in their eyes.

I caused so much pain!”

Somewhere things went wrong. He wasn’t doing what he knew he should have been doing -- balancing work, family and God. In his book, Surrendered: The Rise, Fall & Revelations of Kwame Kilpatrick, he tells of his “inability to trust and believe in the capability” of others, and the spiritual void he experienced.

There were also what he called “urban legends” floating around about parties that never occurred and mischaracterizations of his actions.

Sure he misfired, he admits.

But he did a lot of good, too. He mentioned cutting property taxes

and lowered crime rates among many of his accomplishments, but he couldn’t get past the image that was painted of him.

“I was portrayed as the big, hip hop, Suge Knight-type figure,” he said, referring to the founder and former co-owner of Death Row Records. “They talked about the way I dressed, the earring I wore, nothing was off limits.”

It didn’t help when he started being referred to as the “Hip Hop Mayor,” he added.

And he did make some mistakes.

Chalk it up to “immaturity in leadership,” and even with mentoring from former mayors Willie Brown (San Francisco), Maynard Jackson (Atlanta) and Marc Morial (New Orleans), mistakes were made.

So who did he listen to?

Someone needed to be there for him. Who was advising him?

He talks about those who then and since his incarceration have provided spiritual guidance.

Unfortunately when he was mayor, he said church was not a place where he could go for the spiritual uplift and undergirding See Kwame Kilpatrick, Page 14

C h e r y l S m i t h L i v e ! Tu n e i n w e e k d a y s , M o n d a y - F r i d a y, 9 - 11 a . m .

Monday, October 31

Tuesday, November 1

Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel and Phyllis Alphabet and Phyllis Alphabet • Black Economic • Black Economic History Fact of the Day History Fact of the Day • CW 33’s Giselle Phelps discusses the serial Stay tuned for the MAN rapist who is targeting who is SWAGGER members of Delta MAGNIFIED! Sigma Theta Sorority.

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

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Wednesday, November 2

Thursday, November 3

Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel and Phyllis Alphabet • Black Economic History Fact of the Day

Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel and Phyllis Alphabet and Phyllis Alphabet.

• Black Economic • B l a c k E c o n o m i c History Fact of the History Fact of the Day Day • Atty. Ebony Turner discusses warrants, Stay tuned for the MAN tickets who is SWAGGER

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

Friday, November 4

MAGNIFIED!

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE TEXAS RANGERS!

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Remembering Dr. Karen Clark

I have always held Dr. Karen Clark in such high esteem because she was a real warrior.

She loved the National Association of Black Journalists and her students at Langston University. When I selected her as Deputy Director for my first reign as Regional Director, I did so because she worked hard to further NABJ's mission. She cared. She knew that in order to build NABJ, we had to strengthen our chapters and support our members by reaching out, providing programming, and advocating. Even when her health was failing, she remained committed to her students, often times using her own resources for their benefit.

She was the first recipient of the prestigious Educator Award in 2005. A proud, active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Karen was a member of Jack and Jill and she was also a writer. Some of her best works appeared in Oklahoma newspapers and The Dallas Weekly.

When Karen was the chairman of the Langston University communications department, she gave an interview where she told of being diagnosed and how it was living with diabetes.

"I have been able to enjoy all the benefits of life, and I have been able to work. The only thing that I have to maintain is my blood-sugar level each day," she told Black College Wire, adding that she takes basic diabetes medication and tries to keep her blood sugar at a standard level.

"The hardest part of having diabetes is not being able to enjoy my favorite dessert, cheesecake," she said.

She also shared her story in an NABJ publication. If her journey could help someone else, Karen was all for sharing!

It was a great day when she received her new kidney. Her passing comes as a surprise and I know that all across this country folks are feeling the loss.

Posts to her Karen was a sincere, dedicated and compassionate person.

On this page, you see several pictures of her. That smile on her face was heartwarming and infectious -- and spread from her lips up to her eyes. She was hardworking, tenacious and very committed to anything she undertook.

NABJ is responsible for some of the best friends I have in the world. Karen was one of the them.

Services for Karen will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 11a.m. in OKC at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. There will also be a service in her hometown of Chicago on November 1 at Leak & Sons Funeral Home.

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Okay, what’s the deal on these Men of Swagger?

In September, I began showcasing my Men of Swagger on Cheryl Smith Live! These are men who I think have it going on.

I don’t receive any input from ANYONE on my choices; although

SWAGGER

MAGNIFIED!

plenty of folks try to engage me in conversations about who should be on the list, I don’t respond at all.

These are men who I have identified and while I realize that we each have our “issues,” I also believe in redemption and atonement. So you may see a guy September 1 - December 31 -- I am picking the men I think have serious swagger. These men are intelligent, strong, sharp, fierce, competitive, charismatic, spiritual, hard, caring, handsome, smooth, creative, energetic and so much more!

NOW... !!

Sporting News Editor-in-Chief Garry D. Howard, Fort Worth Star-Telegram Columnist Bob Ray Sanders, Min. Robert Muhammad, NFL Great Emmitt Smith, business mogul Daymond John, noted psychologist Nai’m Akbar, publisher Danny Bakewell Sr., NBA great and business mogul Earvin “Magic” Johnson, singer Charlie Wilson, journalist George E. Curry, former NAACP head and U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, rapper, author Chuck D., Coach Doug Williams, businessman Charles O’Neal, comedian David A. Arnold, rapper Kool Moe Dee, businessman Jonathan Rodgers, Sports anchor Stephen A. Smith, basketball great Michael Jordan, Rev. Zan Wesley Holmes Jr., actor Billy Dee Williams, comedian and actor Chris Rock, FAMU President James Ammons, singer Nicholas Caldwell, actor/singer Leon, singer Morris Day, actor/rapper Will Smith, business mogul Sean Combs, journalist Ed Gordon, comedian/activist Dick Gregory, NBA great Allen Iverson, Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan, journalist/historian Lerone Bennett, Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III, Ambassador Ron Kirk, Hon. Nelson Mandela, Rap mogul Jay Z, actor James Earl Jones, actor/director Denzel Washington, NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, actor/author Don Shield, Hon. Willie Brown

and say, “but he did” or “he said.” And my response to you would be, “you did” or “you said.”

Too often we hear about how the Black man is not doing this, that or the other. Tune in to www.dfwiradio.com and find out about my men of Swagger!

Without any consideration or input from anyone, I am choosing the men who through personal experiences or history, I find to have so much going on. Stay tuned - weekdays from 9-11a.m. I think it’s a great list!

THEN...

Singer Marvin Gaye, actor Calvin Lockhart, singers Teddy Pendergrass and Nat King Cole, comic/actor Bernie Mac, journalist Lawrence E. Young, entertainer Isaac Hayes, singer Gerald Levert, African activist and publisher Pius Njawe, attorney/media mogul Percy Sutton, Publisher extraordinaire John H. Johnson, atty. Johnnie Cochran, music great Curtis Mayfield, maestro Barry White, orator, writer and statesman Frederick Douglass, humanist Malcolm X, singer Johnnie Taylor, entertainer Lou Rawls, singer Rick James, Coach A.D. Jake Gaither, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Hon. Mickey Leland, entertainer Sammie Davis Jr., the Chief Rocker Frankie Crocker, Tupac Shakur, Hon. Marcus Garvey, Hon. Al Lipscomb, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, journalist Ed Bradley, Hon. Arthur E. Teele, Jr., actor/comedian Richard Pryor, singer/songwriter Nickolas Ashford.

Historian Ivan Van Sertima, musician Donny Hathaway, Hon. Adam Clayton Powell, businessman Alfred Huntsberry, Ossie Davis, actor extraordinaire Paul Robeson, journalist Vernon Jarrett, NFL Great Ron Springs, journalist Gerald Boyd, educator/inventor George Washington Carver

GO TEXAS RANGERS!!!

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ISSUE I - NO 7 10/28/2011

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Providing scholarships and looking for past recipients For the past 30 years the DallasFort Worth Association of Black Journalists (formerly Communicators) has provided scholarships to aspiring journalists.

There were years, when as much as $40,000 was presented to area youth -- some who have gone on to enjoy impressive careers as not only journalists, but educators, attorneys, elected officials, health professionals, doctors, and more.

DFW/ABJ also has a rich history that includes a reputation of strong advocacy efforts and mentoring.

Members have been committed to increasing the number of African Americans in the media; challenging hiring, retention and promotion records; ensuring fair, balanced and accurate coverage; and providing forums to educate communities. DFW/ABJ is now accepting applications for its scholarship program and the

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stellar urban journinformation. Over the alism workshop. years, DFW/ABJ has The workshop is been one of the open to high school strongest chapters in the and college stuNational Association of dents, but there have Black Journalists.

In been some August, the chapter was enterprising and recognized as a finalist ambitious middle SOLEDAD O’BRIEN for the Chapter of the school students who Year Award.

In the have managed to put 1980s, the chapter won up with the grueling schedule. those honors!

The workshop begins in January Now as DFW/ABJ plans for its at Lincoln Humanities and 30th Anniversary Celebration on Communications Magnet and is a December 1, with noted journal12-week crash course in comist and author Soledad O’ Brien munications. At the end of the as the speaker; the effort has been program, students have a closing launched to locate all of the past ceremony where they present scholarship recipients. their newspaper and radio and While many have kept in touch television broadcasts. over the years and we have been A number of professional able to follow their careers, some journalists and newsmakers, as have slipped through the cracks. well as public relations practiWe n e e d t o f i n d f o r m e r tioners, visit with the students scholarship winners and they can and provide a wealth of contact us at www.dfwabj.org.

So if you know of any of the past scholarship winners, please ask them to take a moment and reconnect with DFW/ABJ. We want to know how and what they are doing and we want to share their success stories, because we know there are many!

While visiting www.dfwabj.org, you can apply for scholarships and the urban journalism workshop.

Spread the word.

This plea is going out to educators, especially. We also need youth groups, elected officials and religious institutions to share the information about these two important programs with your classes and constituents.

And, if you are interested in providing a scholarship or being involved with DFW/ABJ, I look forward to hearing from you.

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I MESSENGER 10/28 16th Annual Tribute to the African Ancestors Where: Freedman’s Cemetery.

2700 Lemmon Ave.@ Central Expressway 7:30 PM

WWW.DFWIRADIO.COM COMMUNITY CALENDAR 5 p Women's Celebration Sunday Sunday, October 30, 2011 - Both Services 8 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.

Speaker: Bishop Vashti McKenzie Friendship-West Baptist Church

Throughout the month of October, the Eastfield Library (L200) is hosting an Art and Literature Exhibit. A reception is planned for Friday, October 28 at 10 a.m. in Library. The Exhibit features work by Benito Huerta’s; Huerta is a local artist and a University of TexasArlington professor and Gallery Director. Part of the exhibit will be an ofrenda in honor of George Dawson, coauthor of Eastfield’s 2011 Common Book "Life is so Good."

10/29 Celebrate Halloween with Pole'iticians Fitness Studio at our Open House 6pm-8pm at Jerome's Gym. The Irving-Carrollton Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. at The Dallas Marriott Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. The Keynote Speaker is Dallas Police Chief, David Brown.

CONVERSATION & BOOKSIGNING 4-6pm @ The Dock Bookshop 817.457.4700

Friendship West Social Action Neighborhood Legal Clinic - Time: 6:00 p.m. | Location: B118 The Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program ("DVAP") provides inviduals with legal assistance and representation in a variety of civil matters at little to no cost. All potential DVAP clients must meet financial eligibility guidelines before securing legal assistance through this program.

This is a great opportunity for those wo are in need of legal advice to speak directly with attorneys and, if eligible, for little to no cost.

Black Weekend Blowout...November 25-27, 2011 Early Bird Specials!!!

Fri, Nov 25th 8am -7pm Sat, Nov 26th 8am-6pm Sun, Nov 27th 3pm-6pm LA's Hair & Scalp Clinic 2304 W. Pioneer Parkway, #6 Arlington, TX 76013 www.hairandscalpessentials.com Hosted by Dr. Amerson featuring Just Pearlz-

Dallas South News hosts its first News Cafe at Southwest Center Mall 3-5pm.

11/5 Dr. Julianne Malveaux speaks at Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Sisterhood Luncheon in Fort Worth

11/11/11 DMS Happy Hour at BlackFinn Friday November 11, 2011 | 5:30pm - 9:00p. An evening of Camaraderie, Libations, and Dee at the Black Academy of Arts and Entertainment! At BlackFinn, in Addison! Friday Night, November Letters, 7:30p 11th, 2011 5:30pm to 9:00pm 4400 Belt Line Road Addison, TX Map An evening of Camaraderie, Libations, and Scary Entertainment! to the Event!

Make plans to attend our Monster Veterans Luncheon Appreciation Tent Halloween Party being held at Time: 11:00am-3pm BlackFinn in Addison! 6: to 9:00pm Hosted by Dr. Amerson featuring Just Pearlz 10/30 LA's Hair & Scalp Clinic 2304 W. Pioneer Parkway, #6 FWBC Women of Arlington, TX 76013 the West ministry 817 265-8854 presents Women's www.hairandscalpessentials.com Celebration WeekWe would like to show a small token end 2011 "STEPPIN of appreciation for our Military for TO GOD'S PLAN" supporting our Country by serving Women's them lunch. They are also being Conference introduced to two business women.

6 - 9: p.m., Saturday, October 11/16 29, 2011 | Time: 9 a. IMessenger 10/28/11

PROGRAMMING Monday 7am Gospel Grooves 9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!

11am The Yundrae Show 3pm The Watchfuleye with FHjr 4pm DFWspotlight 5pm The Jazz Lounge 9pm RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix Tuesday 7am Gospel Grooves 9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!

11am The Yundrae Show 1pm The Mid-day X-Change 6pm Chat it Up (Teen Talk) 7-9pm Claudia D. Fowler The Queen of Community Conversation 9pm RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix Wednesday 7am Gospel Grooves 9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!

11am The Yundrae Show 12pm Let's Go Deeper w/Evangelist Jameel Vincent 2pm In The Ladies Room with Lynne Haze 4pm DFWspotlight 6-8pm The Dock Power Hour 8pm SheTalk Sports 9pm RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix

10/31 DISCOVER Children's Community (DCC)"OCTOBERFEST Nova Academy hosts the opening of its Friendship-West Baptist Church will be partnering with Antioch Fellowship Missionary new campus at 10a.m.

Baptist Church (AFMBC) to provide a safe An Evening of Spoken Word with Ruby alternative to Halloween. The DISCOVER Children’s Community is coordinating an amazing time of food, fun, & fellowship for children 5th grade and under. 6:30 p.m. -9 p.m. atAFMBC on Monday, October 31st.

11/12/11 - Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant, with Keith Sweat and Ginuwine

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12/1 DFW/ABJ's 30th Anniversary Scholarship Gala on Thursday, December 1, featuring CNN's Soledad O'Brien. Emcees for the event are Charles O'Neal and Lynne Haze.

Honorees are Bob Ray Sanders and Clarice Tinsley.

Log on to www.dfwabj.org for tickets.

22nd Year Anniversary Sale or (Save the Pan-African Connection Sale) October 28 - November 12 The Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery and Resource Center

828 4th Ave., Dallas Texas, 75226(Exit #47, 2nd Ave., turn right on Ash st. left of 4th Ave) (Across from Fair Park Music Hall)214-943-8262/email panafric@airmail.net

Thursday 7am Gospel Grooves 9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!

11am The Yundrae Show 4pm Urban Crusade with Gordon Jackson 8pm The P5 Health, Wealth & Networking Show 9pm RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix Friday 7am Gospel Grooves 8am Dallas Dialogue w/John Yourse 9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!

11am The Yundrae Show 12-2pm Da Crossover w/T-Spoon and LeftField 2pm Finish Strong with Kim McGrew 4pm DFWspotlight 5pm The Jazz Lounge Saturday 1pm The Paradox with Wordz 5-8pm The Jazz Lounge 8pm Dirty Redd Live and RAW Sunday 9-11am Gospel Grooves 11am RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix 12-4pm Classic Hits 5pm The Jazz Lounge 6pm RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix

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CSL Spotlight

ISSUE I - NO 7 10/28/2011

The Assimilated Negro

During a recent visit to Cheryl Smith Live!, writer/ author Patrice Evans shared his perspective on a number of issues as he talked about his latest endeavor, Negropedia - The Assimilated Negro’s Crash Course on the Modern Black Experience.

Mr. Evans says Negropedia is the primer to blackness. Much along the style of comedians Dave Chappelle

or Paul Mooney, there’s nothing off limit as this former rapper tackles issues and provides his perspective on situations, issues and hot topics.

Negropedia will have you laughing out loud, shaking your head, and exclaiming, “no he didn’t go there.”

Be forewarned that the language is somewhat graphic and explicit.

Negropedia is thoughtprovoking and a definite eye-opener. Get ready for an intellectually funny read.

Tune in to Reporter’s Roundtable with Cheryl Smith on

Soul 73 KKDA

Sunday mornings at 8:00a.m.

Let’s hear it for the

Texas Rangers!!!

www.dallasweekly.com 8

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Let’s hear it for the

Texas Rangers!!!

THE COUNT DOWN BEGINS NOW!

The Wendy Schofield Show All the Way Live

Live Nov.1st

www.wendylive.com

October 30, 2011 The Cedar Canyon Dude Ranch

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Make sure you are an informed voter Another opportunity to have your voice heard through the ballot box will take place on Tuesday - November 8, 2011.

During this year’s legislative session, 10 bills were approved by the Texas Legislature that also require changes to the Texas Constitution for their enactment. These are the items that will appear as Propositions 1 through 10 on your ballots.

Voters in some cities will also have the opportunity to decide on local issues.

These proposed Constitutional Amendments are of statewide importance. They cover matters such as the state’s future plans to secure water, a tax exemption for surviving spouses of veterans, funding for public education and additional funding for college loans. Three of these amendments, Proposition 3, Proposition 5 and Proposition 9, are companion amendments to bills I authored during this year’s 82nd Legislature.

Included are short summaries of all 10 proposed Constitutional Amendments.

If you would like more detailed information on these amendments, it can be found at www.tlc.state.tx.us/const_amends.htm. or by contacting my District Office at 214-467-0123 where there are a limited number of hard copies available.

Sen. Royce West, (D-Dallas) ARE YOU READY TO VOTE?

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Here’s a message from Mr. Curry about the award winning Emerge Magazine.

Hopefully you will support this effort.

Emerge Magazine was a voice for the voiceless.

It provided enlightening, informative, inspiring and yes, entertaining stories and analysis of issues effecting black people in America and around the world.

Emerge is back …Almost!

This is a special edition of Emerge magazine. I will revive Emerge on a regular basis if I can get 100,000 interested readers.

If I can count on your support, leave your name and e-mail, both of which will be kept confidential. I will keep you posted on future progress. Let me know if you want us to reEmerge.

George E. Curry Editor-in-Chief (1993-2000)

http://www.newemergemagazine.com/Site/ Emerge_News.html

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Find out about your beautiful Natural Hair!!!

ISSUE I - NO 7 10/28/2011

Malveaux keynotes Sisterhood Luncheon

The Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host their 22nd Annual Sisterhood Luncheon, “Surviving and Thriving in the New Economy” on November 5 at the Radisson Hotel Fossil Creek.

This year’s luncheon will include guest speaker, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, President of Bennett College for Women and noted Economist, author and commentator.

Recognized for her progressive and insightful observations, she has been described by Dr. Cornel West as “the most iconoclastic public intellectual in the country.”

Dr. Malveaux’s contributions on issues such as race, culture, gender, and their economic impacts are helping to shape public opinion in 21st century America.

She is an accomplished author and editor, most recently authoring Surviving and Thriving: 365 Facts in Black Economic History.

Well-known for appearances on national network programs, Dr. Malveaux has hosted television and radio programs, and appeared widely as a commentator, on networks including CNN, BET, PBS, NBC, ABC, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, C-SPAN and others.

In addition to being an accomplished author and editor, she is also a writer and columnist whose work has appeared regularly in a range of national publications including USA Today, Diverse Issues in Higher Education, Ms. Magazine, Essence magazine, and The Progressive. In addition, her academic work is included in numerous anthologies and journals.

Dr. Malveaux received her Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in economics from Boston College and a doctorate in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Since receiving her Ph.D. in 1980, she has served on the faculty or visiting faculty of six colleges and universities.

As a committed activist and civic leader, she has held positions in innumerable women’s, civil rights and policy organizations.

She was President of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs from 1995-1999, and currently serves as Honorary Co-chair of Delta Sigma Theta’s Social Action Commission.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1913. Its purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world.

Today, with over 200,000 members and 900 chapters worldwide, the sorority uses its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement to create its programs.

The Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter currently has a membership of approximately 200 professional women and has served the Fort Worth and surrounding communities for more than 70 years.

The chapter president is Barbara Cager.

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Thoughts in Vision - Poetic Works of Love, Life and Inspiration

By E. Arabis Zemill Reviewed by Cheryl Smith cheryl@cherylsmithonline.com

Clearly Thoughts in Vision - Poetic Works of Love, Life and Inspiration is a labor of love for E. Arabis Zemill.

During a recent interview, he talked about his career and his love of poetry and music.

His love spills onto the pages of Thoughts in Vision - Poetic Works of Love, Life and Inspiration.

A spoken word artist, Mr. Zemill is also an accomplished artist in a number of ways.

He has taken many of his life experiences and used them to express his feelings about life and pursuing your dreams.

He is Dallas born and his adventures could fill the pages of several books.

Although he started writing at a young

age, only recently did he began chasing his own rainbows, his “destiny.”

He writes, “I have been blessed with gifts of creativity and now is my time to pursue my ideas of expression. My dreams, my vision.”

It’s his time and if Thoughts in Vision Poetic Works of Love, Life and Inspiration Is any indication of what we can expect from him in the future as he pursues songwriting, singing, designing slogans for a t-shirt line and scriptwriting.

Mr. Zemill’s words are insightful, thought-provoking, funny, sad, intense and memorable. The only thing better than reading his words is catching one of his performances and having him read those words to you!

Tune in to Cheryl Smith Live! On www.dfwiradio.com weekdays from 9-11a.m. and Sunday mornings on KKDA’s Reporters Roundtable with Cheryl Smith at 8a.m. Also check out her column in the Dallas Weekly.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Dec. 1, 2011 with CNN Anchor Soledad O'Brien as the keynote speaker.

The gala will be held at the Music Hall at Fair Park and DFW/ABJ will honor Bob Ray Sanders and Clarice Tinsley, and scholarships will be awarded to aspiring journalists. You can order tickets at www.dfwabj.org.

Follow Cheryl on Facebook and Twitter @penonfire

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Cheryl Smith Live! showcases local talent - Mack Trae The message was clear on Cheryl Smith Live! -- we have to support the home talent!

Derrick Lamont McGilbra is best known by the stage name, Mack Trae.

He was born in Dallas, Tx on January 27, 1987 and raised in the suburb of Oak Cliff by his mother Kendra Hopkins (née Rhodes).

His biological father, Willie Cecile McGilbra was around, but not totally active in his life.

Derrick is the oldest of six, with three brothers and two sisters.

His brother, Eryk Hall raps also, and his youngest brother Braymon, 12, plays the drums.

Derrick has always had an interest in music, often described as an old soul because of his love for blues and jazz. He started writing raps at 12 and as he became more versed with poetry he applied that to his rhymes. In

the 8th grade his English teacher gave him a rhyming dictionary which he put to use right away.

But it wasn’t until 22 he started taking music seriously due to certain circumstances in his life.

His father was a street scholar who had great potential, but let the streets get the best of him.

Derrick, when asked what his father did for a living, he replied , “My father is an outside pharmaceutical sales person,” which was just street vernacular for “drug dealer.”

Derrick was familiar with his father but due to his father’s nature of work his mother kept

him away from that lifestyle. His father died at the age of 36 from Hepatitis when Derrick was 19 years old, and a freshman in college.

His mother was strict on him growing up, often saying “I will not raise another unproductive black male in this world.”

Derrick’s mother married Aaron Hopkins, Mack Trae’s manager, in December 2009.

He graduated from Cedar Hill with a 3.46 grade point average and in the top 25 percentile of his class.

Derrick attended Wiley College in Marshall, Tx where he was apart of the pre-alumni council

and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.--Alpha Sigma Chapter where he served two years as historian. He played intramural flag football and basketball, and worked at home, in Dallas, on the weekends. In college, his peers gave him the name “Uncle D” because of his level of maturity for his age. After four years he graduated from Wiley with a Business degree, with a concentration in Management, with a 3.57 GPA, earning him Cum Laude honors.

It was at Wiley, Derrick met his wife, LaToya Williams, who he dated for a year and a half before proposing. They have a daughter, Ahrielle Symone McGilbra, who was born on September 6, 2010.

They currently reside in the suburb of Desoto, Tx. You’ll be hearing a lot more from Mack Trae in the future!

Ohio fights back against voter suppression efforts

Let’s hear it for the

Texas Rangers!!!

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State legislators and activists in Ohio last month scored an important victory in the ongoing struggle to protect voting rights.

Ohio's controversial new elections law was suspended after a coalition submitted over 300,000 signatures to put the law on the fall 2012 ballot.

The law prohibits counties from mailing out unsolicited absentee ballot applications, closes the "golden week" window when people can register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day, and reduces the number of days voters can vote in person at a county elections board. Unlike many other state voter suppression laws, Ohio's does not yet include a

photo identification requirement, but such legislation is pending in the Senate.

Measures like this have been passed in 14 states, potentially disenfranchising at least 5 million eligible voters. Advocates of these voter suppression laws claim they are addressing voter fraud, which is virtually non-existent in the United States. In fact, the laws are intended to keep vulnerable people from voting senior citizens, the poor, people of color and young people.

Ohio is fighting back, as we all must. We have fought too hard to protect our right to vote to have it stripped away by those seeking to gain political power.

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Kilpatrick opens up about troubles in his book, “Surrendered” he needed because too often he was approached for assistance, favors, city grants, anything they could get.

Some say that doesn’t explain or excuse the behavior that contributed to his downfall.

Although the “affair” took place during his first term, Mr. Kilpatrick was serving his second term when his life seemed to crumble around him.

The “infamous” text messages were released revealing sordid details of an affair with his Chief of Staff and childhood friend Christine Beatty.

Sure he dealt with critics over the years. That’s what happens when you’re trying to make changes especially when things have been done the “good ole boy” way for so long, he acknowledged.

Mayor Kilpatrick definitely had enemies. In some circles he was considered arrogant.

Never a favorite of the Democratic Party because some felt he was too young, inexperienced and possibly a

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loose cannon, or because he didn’t fall into line and yield to the powerful power structure, the former school teacher went about rebuilding the city he loved, the best way he knew how--by being prepared and working hard.

He explained, “Michigan Democrats never supported me.

They liked to have African American politicians they can control.”

He’s a long way from that city today.

His family calls the DFW Metroplex home and he says he is happy to do so because it is a great place to “heal.”

Writing the book, with his cousin Khary Kimani Turner, is part of the healing process, said Mr. Kilpatrick. Sure he opens up about the affair, poor decisions he made and situations gone bad, but he also shares the things he is proud of during his terms of service.

He knows that people have strong feelings about him.

Either they love or hate Kwame Kilpatrick. But, guess what? There’s another emotion, he admits.

“Pain.”

A lot of people were disappointed and still hurt from the betrayal. By sharing his experiences, good and bad, “hopefully I can help someone else.”

Those experiences include helping revitalize Detroit, dealing with Whistle-blower lawsuits, serving stints in Michigan County Jail and Federal Corrections Facilities.

They also include rebuilding relationships and charting a new course.

Fortunately for him; having his family, Bishop T.D. Jakes, his Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members, Min. Louis Farrakhan, FAMU alumni, colleagues, old friends and new ones; he can heal as he prepares to deal with

a 38-charge felony indictment on corruption charges.

“Surrendered” co-author Mr. Turner writes of his concern about impending charges, but said he believes that his cousin has a story that needs to be told.

“He (Kwame) did enough for the City of Detroit that he deserves to tell you about it.

Had he been properly punished for the crime he committed, he’d have been charged with the aforementioned misdemeanor, possibly given a short jail sentence...and then left to the mercy of the voters. The man should not be in prison.”

His cousin told him, “I don’t know how this process will affect us. But I’m no good to anybody if I don’t heal. And this is critical to that process.”

Mr. Kilpatrick will discuss his book, his life and “everything,” Sunday, October 30 at 4:00p.m. at Dock Book Shop, 6637 Meadowbrook Dr. in Fort Worth.

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Cowboys of Color Rodeo Tour comes to Mesquite If you want a real history lesson, Cleo Hearn is the CLEO HEARN person to go to.

A native of Seminole, Ok, Mr. Hearn spent his early life in Oklahoma and later moved to Texas. He loves rodeos and has traveled all over North America competing.

Recently he visited Cheryl Smith Live! and discussed the Cowboys of Color Rodeo To u r a n d s c h o l a r s h i p opportunities for college students.

With so many HBCUs with agricultural departments, it makes sense for African Americans to pursue degrees and to seek those opportunities that are provided through the rodeo.

During his visit, Mr. Hearn also talked about the overwhelming support that Black cowboys received from the National Association of Black Journalists when their convention was held in Dallas in 1986. “The members were very instrumental in

spreading the word about our history,” he said. “We really appreciated that support and it still continues today!”

Mr. Hearn, a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) since 1959, began producing rodeos in 1971. In 1995, he changed the name from Texas Black Rodeo to Cowboys of Color Rodeo to be inclusive of other cultures.

The rodeo was designed "to educate while it entertains," and highlights the contributions that Native, Hispanic, European and African Americans made to the settling of the Old West, contributions that many history books fail to mention.

The Cowboys of Color Rodeo Tour serves as a training ground for the PRCA and features over 300 culturally diverse cowboys and cowgirls competing for cash prizes.

The rodeo offers traditional competition in bull riding, bareback bronco busting, calf roping, steer wrestling and ladies barrel

racing, along with 16 and under junior breakaway calf roping and junior barrel racing.

The Cowboys of Color Rodeo Tour brings diverse cultures (contestants and audience) together to “celebrate our collective Western heritage.”

Mr. Hearn recently retired from Ford Motor Company after a 30-year career. He graduated from Langston University with a Business Degree after serving in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Army Honor Guard.

He was the first African American to attend college on a Rodeo Scholarship and was the first African American to win a major Stock Show calf roping event, the 1970 National Western in Denver, Colorado.

Among his many awards, he received his Star on the Texas Trail of Fame in the Stockyards in Fort Worth, in 2005 for his lifetime commitment to rodeo and the cowboy way of life. He says competing in rodeos can be very profitable, too!

Take the family out to the rodeo trials at the Mesquite Resistol Arena on October 29 at 7:30p.m. Call 214.869.4867 for tickets.

October 30, 2011 The Cedar Canyon Dude Ranch

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