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JULY 1, 2016
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VOL 5 ISSUE 44
JULY 1, 2016
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
As Mrs Kazee is feted during her 100th birthday, it’s also a time to share important information about Alzheimer’s Disease.
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JULY 1, 2016
VOL 5 ISSUE 44
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JULY 1, 2016
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Why Warren should be Hillary’s VP By Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. President, Rainbow PUSH Coalition via George Curry Media
heart, a strong will and a gift for inspiring people. What’s not to like? Sen. Elizabeth Warren is, of course, a woman. Some suggest it’s impossible to have two women lead the party’s ticket. But haven’t we gone far beyond that? We’ve had two men lead parties forever, so there’s no tradition of gender balance. Hillary Clinton should be looking for the strongest candidate. And on that criterion, Warren is hard to beat.
Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic Party nominee for president, is now sorting out her pick for her running mate and potential vice president. She’s launched the “search,” the traditional and often irritating public surfacing of various possibilities, paying respect to different constituencies and different personalities, before settling on a choice. One possibility being floated clearly merits serious consideration. Consider the resume: Raised in a family struggling to get by, this prospect started working while still in high school, went to college on a debate scholarship, graduated from law school, and became a Harvard Law professor and expert on bankruptcy law, particularly as it relates to how the financial industry preys on families in crisis. This person wrote path-breaking books on the economic pressures on working families, then chaired the Congressional Oversight Panel monitoring the federal bailout of the U.S. banking system and created the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), ushering it from conception to passage into law. Then elected as U.S. senator, immediately gaining a national reputation as a progressive leader willing to take on the big banks and stand up for working people, this leader has demonstrated a tough mind, a full
Warren would help Clinton heal the divisions of the primaries. She appeals to the Sanders wing of the party, to independents and the young. Indeed, before Sanders announced, progressives organized across the country to urge Warren to run.
Already that agency has helped consumers recover more than $10 billion from credit card companies and banking institutions that had defrauded them. If she is on the ticket and helping to lead the administration, voters can be confident that Wall Street bankers will finally be held accountable. Warren has been a leader in the effort to expand Social Security, now an emerging consensus in the Democratic Party. She led the effort to reduce student debt from college. She’s been a strong supporter of lifting the minimum wage and creating a floor under workers. Warren has less experience in international affairs and national security. But what is required there is intelligence and judgment. No one doubts she has the intelligence to learn what is at stake in any crisis. She exhibits the judgment - and a skepticism about foreign military adventures - that is badly needed in any White House. And, of course, she’s already shown she will call them as she sees them, ensuring that Clinton would get her best informed and unvarnished opinion, no matter who is lined up on the other side.
She speaks with a credibility earned by her willingness to take the side of working families against powerful interests and the Washington establishment. She’s already demonstrated the fire needed to call out Donald Trump and the party that is about to nominate him.
Clinton, like most presidential candidates, will make her choice on the basis of political judgment, extensive vetting and personal affinity. She will want to choose someone who will add strength to the ticket, and to the administration if elected, and have her confidence.
Warren exemplifies Clinton’s goal to be a “progressive with results.” She had to take on the banking lobby, Obama’s treasury secretary, entrenched regulators, and Republican and more than a few Democratic members of Congress to get the CFPB enshrined in law.
She should not let the fact that Warren is female get in the way of giving her strong consideration.
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Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. is founder and president of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition. You can keep up with his work at www.rainbowpush.org
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JULY 1, 2016
Church Founder and Longtime West Dallas resident to celebrate 100th Birthday and promote Alzheimer Disease Education On July 1, 2016, the Kazee family and friends will celebrate the 100th birthday of the family matriarch, In 1932, she married Lueranze Kazee and 12 years Mrs. Lovie Kazee, with a musical production filled later they moved to Dallas Texas, purchased a double with lots of laughs and highlights about the effects of lot in West Dallas and built the first of three homes. Alzheimer’s disease on families. They were married for 67 ½ years until his death in 1999 and were U.S. Representative Marc Veasey the parents of 10 children. There is confirmed to speak at the event are 200 direct descendants and which will be held at the Wyndham six generations of Kazees. She Garden Dallas North Hotel, 2645 was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s LBJ Freeway, Dallas, TX 75234 at in 2010, however, she has outlived 7:30 pm. The theme is “100 Laughs her parents, all 7 siblings and 5 of for 100 Years…but Alzheimer’s IS her children. NOT FUNNY!” In 1947, the Kazees and seven Families react differently when a other families formed the Dalloved one is stricken with the delas West Church of Christ which bilitating Alzheimer’s disease. Mrs. is located at 3510 N. Hampton Kazee was diagnosed over six years Road in Dallas. She is the last of ago and has still maintained high the original founding members functioning communication skills, a and is the oldest living member of great sense of humor and quick wit. As a result the the congregation where she stills attends most every family uses laughter to cope. Sunday. WHO:
Mrs. Lovie Kazee, Honoree
WHERE: Wyndham Garden Dallas North Hotel, 2645 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, TX 75234 WHAT:
100th Birthday Celebration
WHEN:
July 1, 2016, 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Mrs. Lovie Mae Kazee was born in Hearne, Texas and was the second oldest of five children by her mother and the youngest of three children by her father.
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Additionally, she was an avid gardener and seamstress. She made all the Sunday clothes for her and her family and was known throughout the community for her custom hats, called “Lovie’s Hats.” Mrs. Kazee and her husband loved to sing and her children say their fondest memories were watching their parents, perform their #1 hit “Give Me My Flowers” at various church functions. As a result, the couple laid the foundation and established a legacy for their children and 5 generations of grandchildren marking them as members of those “Gospel Singing Kazees.”
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JULY 1, 2016
Quit Playin’
by Vincent Hall If a man wears the title, “Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World”… What’s all the fighting about? – The Late, Great Comedian, George Carlin Black’ish cast member and comedic writer, Deon Cole, took a page out of George Carlin’s book and proffered the best standup comedy routine in a long time for my tastes. Cole, like Chris Rock, the most astute social and political commentator of our time, wove a cacophony of canons into one brilliant rendition of reflective Black humor that was laughout-loud funny. And that Blackness matters. At a time when opinions on comedic megastar Kevin Hart are mixed among Black folk, Cole got back to the hard-line non-apologetic styles of ul-
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Cole-Blooded Comedy! tra-Black comics like Richard Pryor and Bernie Mac. I personally love Kevin Hart when he goes full scale Negro in the “Real Househusbands of Hollywood.” But I ain’t feeling the neutered, “incog-negro”, cross over ‘ish in his stand ups and the films that are making him straight bank. Kevin is in a place where Pryor was at one point. Pryor crossed over from his award winning album “That Nigger’s Crazy”, to playing candy-assed roles in “The Toy” and “Stir Cray.” That doesn’t sound problematic if you have never worn that proud Black man psyche, so let me explain. Years ago the Honorable
the discomfort that is requisite with calls for justice, equality and respect. Kevin Hart, at 5 foot 4 and a buck 45 (145 lbs.) presents no physical threat. Some movie roles obscure his masculinity and that “edge” brothers are stereotypically tagged with. Donald Trump’s surge says that much of White America still subscribes to the notion that “The Blacks” need to stay in their place. In order to “Make America Great Again,” Blacks and all non WASP’s must realign to fit Trump’s narrow vision of greatness. Hart’s roles are not complicit, but certainly congruent to
Minister Louis Farrakhan was castigated for castigating Tyler Perry about his “Madea” character. What Farrakhan said in part, and what he was right about is not subtly seen by Whites or some Blacks. The emasculation or abrogation of the Black male persona always has to be questioned. America loves non-threatening Black men who don’t bring
their intolerant demands. Race, gender and sexual preference come with stereotypes in America, but Black men get typecast more often and tarnished more seriously. The question of what, where and how far as it relates to the public exposure of Black celebrity has always been posed. From Jack Johnson to Jackie Robinson to this present hour, Black folks are rightfully sen-
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sitive about how they are portrayed on the world stage. Anyway, Deon Cole ascended above and beyond any expectations I had. Had I known he was a comedic writer for the late night show star, Conan, I would have expected more. Cole used a well-written script, his cognitive skills with the audience, the symmetry of his eyes and his facial expressions to create a phenomenal performance. I dun seen’t it fo times already. (Now you get what I said about stereotypes, huh?) “Have you ever asked yourself why there ain’t no B batteries? Just think. What happened to the B batteries? I bet the B batteries are the Black batteries. I can’t get mad though. If they had B batteries, I wouldn’t buy ‘em because I bet B batteries only work some of the time.” He-LarryUs!!! Deon Cole’s “Cole-Blooded Seminar” honored the past practices of folks like Pryor and Carlin who just showed you who they were and didn’t give a damn. You like them. You don’t. But they stayed true to themselves and their comedic philosophies. I believe Deon can make hoards of hundred dollar bills just by being himself. Everyone deserves that freedom, but all will pay a price. Life is Cole-Blooded!!! Vincent Hall is an author and award-winning writer.
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JULY 1, 2016
Class of 2016: Beating the Odds President and CEO National Urban League
ing in college. The problem is that there are not enough people finishing college. And from among those who do attain that now vital postsecondary degree, large racial divides in degree attainment persist.
"Education is a precondition to survival in America today. Investing in children is not a national luxury or a national choice. It's a national necessity."
If we, as a nation, do not commit to figuring out what it takes to graduate from college, we risk diminishing the lives of our citizens, who are more likely to find better and better-paying work with a degree.
To Be Equal
By Marc Morial
- Marian Wright Edelman, Founder and President, Children's Defense Fund
Congratulations, graduates. Whether you've walked across a stage to receive your high school diploma and begin your journey into a new world of independence, or you finally have your college diploma and are ready to step out into a world outside of lecture halls and dorms, you deserve much congratulations on your achievement. Today, you are set to begin a new chapter in your life. Celebrate and bask in your well-deserved feeling of accomplishment now, because tomorrow is a new day and there is much work to be done. Two years from now, it is projected that more than 60 percent of all jobs will require some college education. As you prepare to become a part of the American workforce with your degree securely in hand, our nation faces a looming crisis because we are not producing enough men and women like you: graduates. College enrollment and attainment rates have been steadily increasing in our country across racial and ethnic groups, but the problem is not that there are not enough people enroll-
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We risk the loss of critical skills and training that will keep our national economy prosperous and thriving. And we risk our country's ability to remain competitive in the global, 21st century workforce. At the National Higher Education Summit hosted by the National Urban League and USA Funds, a nonprofit corporation that enhances preparation for, access to and success in postsecondary education, panelists addressed many of the obstacles that derail college completion for students of color. Many young men and women who dream and work hard to one day be in your shoes may see their dream deferred or discontinued because of financial need, academic unpreparedness and perhaps even coming from a non-college-going culture. When you translate those barriers to obtaining a college degree into hard numbers, the statistics are sobering. Over the period from 1990 to 2014, the gap between Whites and Blacks attaining a bachelor's or higher degree widened from 13 to 18 percentage points, and the gap between Whites and Hispanics widened from 18 to 26 percentage points, according to a study by the National Center for Education
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Statistics. As long as large numbers of students of color remain ill prepared to navigate and succeed in our postsecondary system of education, we will continue to have an urgent, national conversation about income inequality. The lack of financial aid that doesn't drown students in future debt, the lack of high-quality teachers in K-12 in communities of color and the lack of guidance from professionals about the college experience is a recipe for disaster that will continue to trap our nation's future into poverty. You see, when a young man or woman is denied access to opportunity through education, we all lose. The solutions to college attainment and completion will be both economic and social - from providing students with grants and low-interest loans, to providing better teachers in our grade schools and middle schools and providing academic remediation for students who need support with college courses. A college educated populace and workforce is a national imperative that requires the acrossthe-board support and collaboration of all stakeholders, from families to education professionals, employers and politicians. Despite whatever obstacles you may have faced, you have earned a degree that is promised to reward you with a life you may not have had without that diploma. You have worked hard to be given access to jobs and opportunities that your degree merits. You have beat the odds. Now go out and change the world! Marc H. Morial, former mayor of New Orleans, is president and CEO of the National Urban League.
JULY 1, 2016
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Sole Purpose
Texas Big Star Half Marathon & 5K brings BIG opportunity for area organizations Frisco, Texas - The North Texas Community Giving Foundation (NTCGF) and the Tug McGraw Foundation presented the Texas Big Star Half Marathon & 5K at Toyota Stadium, 9200 World Cup Way, Frisco, Texas 75034 on April 16, 2016.
able to provide much needed assistance to designated Charity Partners: Adaptive Training Foundation (ATF), Emily’s Place, Honor Courage Commitment - 22Kill, Lost Paws and the Make-AWish® North Texas Foundation.
Over 1700 runners participated in the event that raised close to $100,000. The NTCGF grant application will open on July 1, 2016, giving area charitable groups a chance to tap into a portion of the proceeds gained from this first endurance event in Frisco, Texas.
Specific criteria and the application for a grant to help other North Texas area charities realize their goals will be accessible on the NTCGF website. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2016 at 5 p.m.
With over 60 participants, Mitel on the Move served as the largest corporate team in attendance. In addition to actively running the race, Mitel also pledged dollars and stood tall as lead contributors of #RunBigStar.
“We started the North Texas Community Giving Foundation and held the first half marathon in Frisco to be able to give back to our community,” NTCGF Chair and Founding Trustee Mike Barber said. “Our grant process allows us to do just that so organizations should take advantage and apply.”
Helping others is and has always been the goal. With the support of our sponsors, the Texas Big Star Half Marathon & 5K race committee were
Although the race is over, the NTCGF hopes to financially assist organizations in North Texas, helping their operations run more smoothly as WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
they aid the community. Congratulations to Texas Big Star Half Marathon & 5K winners. 2016 Race Partners and Supporters were: Active.com, FC Dallas, Luke’s Locker, KDFW Fox 4, I Messenger Enterprises, BKM Sowan Horan, Mitel, Baylor Medical Center at Frisco, Prime Lending, 24 Hour Fitness, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Legacy Plumbing, Classic Chevrolet, 900 lbs, Dallas Stars Foundation, Emerald City All Stars About The North Texas Community Giving Foundation (NTCGF) Established in December of 2014, the 501(c)(3) resulted from a few individuals who wanted to make a positive impact in their community. Today, the NTCGF is able to assist local nonprofits with their programs and projects through awareness, service and financial support.
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Eva’s Events
JULY 1, 2016
Join veteran journalist Eva Coleman this summer as she hits the hottest events! She’s on the road covering the Metroplex and sharing her experiences with I Messenger readers. Email her at publisher@myimessenger.com and invite her to your event! Video promo shoot with NBC News anchor and (NABJ) National Association of Black Journalists 2016
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JULY 1, 2016
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New Edition in concert It was an epic night out with friends! NewEdition and Babyface concert was awesome!
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JULY 1, 2016
Chef Floyd and son
Christopher Fisher - Parks and Recreation
Jerome Harrison, Dad, famous Peach delight recipe
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BBQ specialist Romell Artis and brother
Micheal Mike, Owner Dads! Fathers! Three Bean Chili
Photo credits: Beverly Hilton - City Men Cook WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
JULY 1, 2016
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City Men Cook joins with community leaders, non profits and local businesses for exciting Father’s Day event EVENT MARKS 16 YEARS CELEBRATING FATHERS THROUGH FOOD AND FUN A Taste of the South, Inc. held its 16th annual Father’s day event, City Men Cook 2016 and over 35 cooks showcases their culinary delights for attendance that topped over 750. City Men Cook is still one of the largest urban Father’s Day celebrations in the country. “Our goal was to show the integral importance of how the community is successful when it mixes the three C’s of culture, commerce and culinary,” says event manager, Terry Allen, “so partnering with private sector partners - FedEx, John Eagle Honda, public sector partners Anthem Strong, the City of Dallas & MOB (Mothers Opposing Bullying) Anthem Strong Families and local dads, mentors and leaders was the perfect strategy to convey how all communities can replicate this model to celebrate mentoring, leadership and fatherhood.” “We were overjoyed at the amazing outpouring of support and volunteers from the people of our beloved Dallas,” said Allen, who is the founder of City Men Cook. “It has always been our purpose to serve and acknowl-
edge fathers, mentors and leaders in a way that not only uplifts them but allows them to be community role models and give encouragement to the families and communities they love and serve. Our ongoing and newly formed relationships are key to keeping this important event alive and thriving. We have come this far by faith and excited for all the amazing connections that will blossom from these partnerships.” Four cooks won recognition for their efforts, Cake Artist “CakeDaddy” Manual Pruitt, Best decoration/ FedEx Account executive - Byron Jackson – Best presentation/ Skew U Restaurateur Andrew Howard – Best Recipe/ and Attorney Reginald Carpenter – Best theme (Juneteenth). Anthem Strong Families, a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) organization specializing in family development for men, women, and youth, will be providing a 32-foot video game trailer, equipped with the latest video game consoles so parents and their kids can bond over games and friendly competition. John Eagle Honda Dallas, serving the Dallas Metro area and celebrating 45 years of business, submitted a monetary donation. FedEx, main sponsor, has submitted a monetary donation as well as
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supports City Men Cook in bringing local government officials to this years event, including Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Erik Wilson serving as Honorary Chair and Celebrity Cook and other dignitaries serving the Dallas Metro areas and surrounding cities scheduled to appear. About City Men Cook, A Father’s Table, and A Taste of the South Charities, Inc.: A Taste of the South Charities, Inc., a Dallas-based 501(c) (3) organization, is on a national crusade to positively change the way the world views men in relationship to their families and communities to transform how Father’s Day is celebrated. Now entering its 16th year, its premiere event, City Men Cook, has become a tradition as the largest and longest-running national Father’s Day celebration of its kind in North Texas. A Father’s Table (AFT) is a culinary boot camp and is part of President Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) initiative and is aimed at fathers and sons to encourage bonding through hands-on exploration of the culinary arts to mentor and initiate dialogue and collaboration. For more information, go to citymencook.com.
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Vincent Bradford, FedEx Sales Executive, Gourmet Chicken
Chef D (Dyrell Hatcher) and his 3 sons Ian Pierre and son
Byron Jackson
Andrew Howard Skew U
CakeDaddy Manuel Pruitt Photo credits: Beverly Hilton - City Men Cook WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
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JULY 1, 2016
JULY 1, 2016
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Congresswoman Johnson hosts Innovation Roundtable in Dallas
On June 27, 2016, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) held a listening session roundtable on innovation in her Congressional office in Dallas. The purpose of the roundtable was to assess the challenges facing the U.S. in sustaining its leadership in innovation, and to identify the bold new steps and initiatives that are needed to ensure that America remains first in the world in innovation. The roundtable included experts from industry, academia, and early investors in the Dallas area. Represented at the roundtable were Texas Instruments, the Microsoft Technology Center in Dallas, Tech Wildcatters, Mary Kay, the School for the Talented and Gifted, AT&T, Toyota North America, UT Southwestern, and ExxonMobil.
In her prepared remarks Congresswoman Johnson said, “As a proud resident of Dallas, with so many groundbreaking, innovative, important industries and educational institutions, and as Ranking Member of the House Science Committee, I believe that the investments in our science, innovation, and education enterprise are so important because they are essential for the U.S.’s long-term economic growth and competitiveness. “If the U.S. falls behind in technology and innovation, our nation’s economic competitiveness will suffer. The American people will see fewer opportunities and a lower standard of living. “That’s why I’m proud to have worked on legislation such as bills to help bring more diversity to the STEM
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fields, a bill to ensure that we remain a leader in engineering biology, and of course, the America COMPETES Act. “At the core of the original America COMPETES Act, which passed with strong bipartisan support, was a strategy of increasing our national competitiveness through sustained investment in research and development and in STEM education. It focused on making prudent investments today so that our children and grandchildren can enjoy a higher standard of living than the one we have enjoyed thanks to the investments of preceding generations. “I want to hear from you what bold new steps and initiatives we in Congress can be pursuing to help continue that legacy.”
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JULY 1, 2016
Supreme Court rejects challenge to Affirmative Action By George E. Curry George Curry Media Columnist
In many instances, the Supreme Court's recent affirmative action ruling upholding the University of Texas's affirmative action program was overshadowed by a same-day order overturning President Obama's executive order to ease illegal immigrants' path to U.S. citizenship. World News Tonight With David Muir, while leading its broadcast with the immigration decision, didn't even mention the affirmative action ruling in that day's national broadcast. Even so, affirming the University of Texas admission plan was notable because it squelched an ongoing challenge to affirmative action by well-financed conservative groups. Even more remarkable, the conservative-leaning court rendered the decision shy of its full 9-member participation, with no successor confirmed following the death of conservative Antonin Scalia's and liberal Elena Kagan recusing herself from deliberation because of her previous involvement in the case as U.S. Solicitor General. The biggest surprise was that Justice Anthony Kennedy, a Ronald Reagan appointee, joined the other liberals on the court - Stephen G. Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Sonia Sotomayor - to form the 4-3 majority that said race may be used as one factor among many in building a diverse student body. Dissenting were Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., Samuel A. Alito, Jr., and Clarence Thomas. "A university is in large part defined by those intangible 'qualities which are incapable of objective measurement but which make for greatness,'" Kennedy wrote, quoting from Sweatt v. Painter, a landmark 1950 Supreme Court ruling outlawing the University of Texas' exclusion of African Americans from its law school. "Considerable deference is owed to a university in defining those intangible characteristics, like student body diversity, that are central to its identity and educational mission." To conform to earlier Supreme Court rulings, the Texas legislature passed a new plan in 1997 for the University of Texas to admit all high school seniors who ranked in the top 10 percent
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of their graduating class. But the plan failed to sufficiently diversify the main campus at Austin. Texas is about 38 percent Latino and 12 percent African American. Under the 10 Percent Plan, 26 percent of the students admitted were Latino and 6 percent Black. Under challenge was the part of the program that allowed race and ethnicity to be considered along with other factors to fill the slots not taken by the Top 10 Percent, which usually came to about 25 percent of each incoming class. No specific points were given for race. Abigail Fisher, a White female from Sugar Land, Texas, applied for admission to UT in 2008. She did not rank in the top 10 percent of her class and university officials said even if no affirmative action program had been in place, she still would not have been accepted. Still, she sued saying that race should never be used under any circumstances. A lower court ruled against her, a ruling that was affirmed upon reaching the appeals court. Her case was appealed to the Supreme Court, remanded to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and accepted a second time, with the court's recently ruling against her. Conservatives were clearly disappointed in Kennedy. Elizabeth Slattery, a legal fellow at The Heritage Foundation's Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, wrote, "Yesterday's ruling in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin was disappointing, to say the least. Justice Anthony Kennedy's majority opinion, allowing UT to continue using a race-conscious admissions program without sufficiently articulating its 'diversity goal' or providing proof that it was meeting that goal, betrays his previous equal protection jurisprudence and the belief that we have a colorblind Constitution." But the decision was cheered by University of Texas supporters. "No decision since Brown v. Board of Education has been as important as Fisher will prove to be in the long history of racial inclusion and educational diversity," Laurence H. Tribe, a law professor at Harvard, told the New York Times.
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Clarence Thomas, a staunch opponent of affirmative action, declared, "I write separately to reaffirm that 'a State's use of race in higher education admissions decisions is categorically prohibited by the Equal Protection Clause.' The Constitution abhors classifications based on race because every time the government places citizens on racial registers and makes race relevant to the provision of burdens or benefits, it demeans us all." He added, "That constitutional imperative does not change in the face of a 'faddish theor[y]' that racial discrimination may produce educational benefits.'" This is not likely to be the final word on affirmative from the Supreme Court. Lawsuits against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, each prepared by Project on Fair Representation, the same conservative outfit that represented Abigail Fisher in her suit against the University of Texas, are making their way through lower courts and could end up before the Supreme Court. If those cases reach the High Court, they could well be decided by the results of the November presidential election. Writing on Scotusblog.com, Lyle Denniston observed: "Depending upon who wins the presidential election in November, a Scalia successor could hold the balance of power on affirmative action in the future, even if Kennedy were to return to his prior skepticism about such uses of race in public policy decisions. Justices Breyer, Ginsburg, and Sotomayor might well have Justice Kagan with them in the future and might form a definite majority when a ninth Justice is on board - depending on presidential politics. George E. Curry is President and CEO of George Curry Media, LLC. He is the former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine and the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA). He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at twitter.com/currygeorge, George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook, and Periscope. See previous columns at http://www.georgecurry.com/columns.
JULY 1, 2016
Spiritually Speaking
by James A. Washington We have all heard the legal phrase “ignorance is no excuse” for breaking the law. So if you ever find yourself in court, telling the judge you didn’t know, won’t get you off. Depending on who’s the judge might however get you a lighter sentence. When it comes to our spiritual existence, I believe belief in Christ might find the kind of verdict rendered in Family Court. The more I read scripture and internalize my unique relationship to the Almighty, the more I’m reminded of the family I belong to. The extraordinary power of His love, as demonstrated by the acknowledged blood relationship I have with Christ, demands that I recognize and accept my place as a family member of some standing. It’s that blood thing that I’m talking about. Allow me to use two examples to illustrate my point: 1) Christ on the cross and, 2) Peter’s denial of Christ as the cock crowed. All of us know that Peter in
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Ignorant and Guilty!
fact denied Jesus as prophesied. room for the Holy Spirit. We also know that Peter “wept Those who recognize this and bitterly” because of it. A very understand the premise, know good example of the power of first and foremost that they family love I’m talking about are truly family members and is reflected in this same fearful ignorance is not a defensible Peter, who although afraid for excuse as it relates to ultimate his own life, came to witness acceptance that Christ is Lord. for the Lord with no fear of Secondly, in Luke 23:34, losing his life at all. Zero! Jesus says, “Father forgive It was Peter who, when the them, for they know not what day of Pentecost came and they do.” From the Master’s being filled with holy Spirit, own lips, we know even His spoke boldly and without fear captors and persecutors were in of reprisal about the blood line for forgiveness; the same bought forgiveness of sins forgiveness that rolls straight because Christ’s death secured down to us. You can plead his place and ours as eternal ignorance if you want to, but repentance is a family trait. members of god’s family. You see Jesus is our access. Ain’t that something? Blood He is our entrée, our court bought forgiveness doesn’t appointed attorney, our expect you to be perfect. Right intercessor to the Judge our Peter? The expectation is that as Father, if you will. Peter readily acknowledges a family member, you’ll be this. “Repent and be baptized, righteous and sincere in your every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And EARLINE GADSON you will receive 9-10-1934 - 6-10-2014 the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38. What the Holy Spirit did for Peter, will also be done for you. I’m thinking the key here is the weeping part. Peter had to accept his shortcomings. He had to empty himself to make
repentance. In this family’s court, that’s enough. Your court appointed attorney has already won your case. But you do have to show up in court and acknowledge that the charges are true. Yes, I denied him. Yes, I committed the sin(s). Yes, I was wrong. I am guilty as charged. And as Jesus told the adulteress, go and sin no more, He tells us that everyday. We just need to hear and obey. This is our blood brother talking you know; which means He’s pleading our case to our Father. Ignorance is still no excuse. But the verdict will always be rendered in our favor. May God bless and keep you always in the truth of this.
James
REMEMBERING
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JOYCE ANN BROWN
2-12-1947- 6-13- 2015
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JULY 1, 2016
By Dareia Tolbert
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Praise Party with Dareia
There’s nothing you can know that isn’t known. Nothing you can see that isn’t shown. Nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be. It’s easy. All you need is love. – John Lennon
“How do I express my philosophy of teaching? One word. Love. To be a great teacher, you need love – a love for your students and to love what you teach. Any student can learn as long as they have teachers that genuinely care and never give up on them. Teachers who have a sense of pride and adoration for what they do create students who have pride and adoration for learning and success! I have enjoyed being a teacher at Nova Academy Charter School,going on my second year. God has truly shown me favor.
Pictured with Dareia is the CEO Donna Woods and to her right CFO- Cynthia Peters
I helped start an Internet Radio Station as well for Nova Academy, which allowed me to take my passion into the classroom. Words cannot express my appreciation for this award
Congratulations to Dareia Tolbert from the I Messenger Family! WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
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DADDY’S MAYBE
ASK ALMA:
I want DNA Tests and listening to their mother and all of her lies, it makes me wonder. I want them to have a DNA test and I want my wife to pay for it. I do not want to discuss this with anybody in my family. Can you tell me where to get a DNA test of your children?
by Alma Gill NNPA News Wire Columnist Dear Alma, Dear Alma, My wife and I divorced after 38 years of marriage. I still don’t understand why, I want to work it out, but she does not. I had intended on spending the rest of my life with her and now that won’t happen. We had our up and downs, but overall I thought we had a solid commitment and happy marriage. I was happy. She said that she was not and that I never listened to her. She also gave many other reasons that I don’t think are true or care to discuss. Sometimes I feel like my life is over. I have listened to all her lies and lately I’ve been thinking about my children and how I don’t think they look like me and I wonder if I am their father. When they were young and we were married I didn’t think much about it. But now they are all adults
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Signed,
bright side, like my mama use to say, “you feed ‘em they’ll favor you.” LOL. So put your glasses back on. I get the impression you’re a man of few words, and since I totally disagree with you, I won’t keep you long. Asking for a DNA test from your children will only devastate and
My Wife Left Me after 38 Years and I Now I Want to DNA Test My Kids I Want A DNA Test Dear DNA Test, Oh no I won’t, but what I will do is try to stop you before you commence to making a mockery of your marriage and children with such foolery. Don’t you dare consider asking your adult children for a DNA test. You’ve raised them and they believe you to be their father, so then, that’s it – you are! Your statue of limitations to confirm that has passed. Look on the
alienate them and you don’t want to do that. You’re hurt and the thought of finding love again seems impossible. Understandingly so, you were not planning to live out your latter years alone. Here’s my point, as long as you have life, you have another chance at love. The mind can be tricky during the healing process of heartbreak. Having endured more than a few myself, I remember every negative thought or action becomes totally consum-
ing, taking you to a place where you can’t clearly decipher rational from irrational. I’m sorry you weren’t able to work things out with your wife, but I assure you, your life will get better. Check out some old family pictures, you’re surely to be surprised and I hope tickled by the moments of reminiscing. Your kids look like you when you were younger, it’s you who changed. Age crept up on you and made a few adjustments, LOL. Please, adhere to my advice, drop the notion or need for a DNA test. Don’t demean the love of your children as a pawn to get back at your wife. Whenever there’s an opportunity for you to continue to be the best father possible, you should take it. Invest in yourself, get back out there, go the church, volunteer, join a gym. I know it may seem difficult as the days go by, but wake up appreciating life every day. This experience is the end of marriage, not your life. Meet death by surprise, don’t allow it to become a destination. The rest of your life can be the best of your life. It all depends on you.
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Johnson speaks on the issues By Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
In observance of the third anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Shelby County v. Holder ruling: “Three years ago, the Supreme Court ruled to overturn Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act. This ruling weakened voter rights protections for millions of Americans,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “We still continue to see discriminatory voting laws and restrictions throughout the country. New voting restrictions have been put in place in 22 states, including Texas, making it harder for millions of Americans to exercise their right to vote. It doesn’t seem to be a coincidence that new restrictions are disproportionately in states with recently high African American voter turnout and increased Hispanic population growth.”
“The Shelby decision reversed 50 years of progress we’ve made in increasing access to the ballot box for all Americans,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “ It is clear that three years without the full protections of the Voting Rights Act is three years too long. The Voting Rights Act is the most successful piece of civil rights legislation in history. We in Congress have an obligation and the responsibility to address this threat on voting rights with federal legislation that will restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act.” In Shelby County v. Holder Chief Justice Roberts acknowledged the ongoing persistence of voter discrimination and invited Congress to come up with a new coverage formula based on current conditions. Two bipartisan bills in Congress would do so, but Republican leaders in the House and Senate have refused to allow a vote on either.
en’s access to proper care and their constitutional rights. This ruling ensures that the existing abortion clinics will remain open and will enable more clinics to open their doors to serve the needs of Texas women. ” “Today marks an end to the systematic dismantling of women’s right to access comprehensive health care that has been upheld in Texas courts and throughout other states. “HB 2 left tens of thousands of women in Texas with few to no options to receive critical health care screenings, check-ups, or legal abortions. “Women in rural Texas were left with no viable clinics within hundreds of miles. The Supreme Court’s ruling will likely allow many of the clinics shuttered under the law to re-open and possibly save the lives of women who were left without any options.”
In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt:
In deciding the Whole Woman’s Health case, the Supreme Court determined Texas’s HB 2 law amounted to an undue burden on a woman’s constitutional right to obtain a legal abortion.
“Today is a great day for women’s rights everywhere,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling shows that the Texas HB 2 law limited wom-
The Court’s decision will affect similar laws in twelve other states, some now on hold because of court challenges.
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Join in the efforts to put an end to Family Violence!
Log on to www.iwillrise.org or call (888)230-RISE and see how you can help or get help!
REVOLT INSPIRE SUPPORT EMPOWER 20
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Moving from Home to a Nursing Home By Glenn Ellis
George Curry Media Guest Columnist
Even though home-based nursing care is a growing trend in the United States, placing a relative in a nursing home may be one of the most difficult and traumatic decisions a family member can make. More than 1.8 million people live in nursing homes. About 7.4 percent of Americans aged 75 and older lived in nursing homes in 2006. A nursing home, also known as a skilled nursing facility, is a place for people who can no longer be cared for at home. This can include people with critical injuries or serious illnesses, or those needing care after surgery. A nursing home, also known as a skilled nursing facility, is a place for people who can no longer be cared for at home. This can include people with critical injuries or serious illnesses, or those needing care after surgery. Nursing homes have been long viewed as cruel, impersonal, uncaring places where elders are taken because no one in the family wants to bother with them. However, today's nursing homes are highly regulated, high-quality institutions for the care and treatment. Nursing homes can take many forms in today's society: Hospital-like. This type of nursing home is often set up similar to hospital. Members of the staff give medical care, as well as physical, speech, and occupational therapy. There can be a nurses' station on each floor. As a rule, one or two people live in a room. A number of nursing homes will let couples live together.
Household-like. These facilities are designed to be more like homes, and the dayto-day routine is not fixed. Teams of staff and residents try to create a relaxed feeling. Kitchens are often open to residents, decorations give a sense of home, and the staff is encouraged to develop relationships with residents. Combination. Some nursing homes have a combination of hospital-like and household-like units. Many nursing homes have visiting doctors who see their patients on site. Other nursing homes have patients visit the doctor's office. Nursing homes sometimes have separate areas called "Special Care Units" for people with serious memory problems, including dementia. The average cost of nursing home care is more than $67,000 a year and tops $100,000. You can pay for nursing home care in several ways, including: Medicare. For someone who needs special care, Medicare, a federal program, will cover part of the cost in a skilled nursing home approved by Medicare. Check with Medicare for details. Medicaid. Medicaid is a state/federal program that provides health benefits to some people with low incomes. Contact your county family services department to see if you qualify. Private pay. Some people pay for long-term care with their own savings for as long as possible. When that is no longer possible, they may apply for help from Medicaid. If you think you may need to apply for Medicaid at some point, make sure the nursing home you're interested in accepts Medicaid payments. Not all do. Long-term care insurance. Some people buy private long-term care insurance. It can pay part of the costs for a nursing home or other long-term care for the length of time stated in your policy. Many different companies sell this type of insurance, and benefits vary widely. Look carefully at several policies before making a choice.
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The average nursing home patient runs out of money within six months and must turn to Medicaid. Those who don't go into a nursing home often rely on care from family members who provide it at no charge to the state, but at a cost that can be their health, time and stress. Deciding to move into a long-term care facility can be a difficult and emotional decision. Equally difficult is choosing a facility. One important measure of a good nursing home is to find how they are rated by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS oversees federal payments to nursing homes and assigns the star ratings. Each nursing home receives an overall rating of one to five stars, based on its number of stars in three categories: state-conducted health inspections, how much time nurses spend with residents and the quality of medical care. You can find out the rating of any facility at www.medicare.com. Nursing homes may often seem scary and depressing, and moving into one can fill people with a sense of betrayal and failure. Family involvement is important in helping the older person make the transition to a new living arrangement. Remember, I'm not a doctor. I just sound like one.
DISCLAIMER: The information included in this column is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.) Glenn Ellis, is a regular media contributor on Health Equity and Medical Ethics. He is the author of Which Doctor?, and Information is the Best Medicine. Listen to him every Saturday at 9 a.m. (EST) on www.900amwurd.com, and Sundays at 8:30 a.m. (EST) on www. wdasfm.com. For more good health information, visit: glennellis.com
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Community Calendar July 4 The City of Duncanville invites you to bring your family and friends to its annual Independence Day Celebration. The day will begin with a parade sponsored by the Duncanville Lions Club, and will close with a host of evening festivities in Armstrong Park. Attendees will be able to enjoy LIVE music, delicious food from local vendors, bounce houses for the kids, and the return of Duncanville’s traditional Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza! Admission is FREE and open to the public, though wristbands will be required for entry into the evening festivities ***** One of Dallas Heritage Village’s most beloved annual events, Old Fashioned Fourth, will offer free admission this year in honor of the Village’s 50th Anniversary. On Monday, July 4, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., families, decked out in red, white, and blue, will celebrate Independence Day throughout 13 acres of Dallas Heritage Village, 1515 S. Harwood Street, with picnicking and a parade as well as fun games and activities. *****
July 6 The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is preparing to establish its Fiscal Years 2017-2019 Dis-
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advantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Tri-Annual Goal for projects funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). As a component of the goal-setting methodology, TxDOT will host public forums for interactive exchange and consultation with organizations and chambers representing minorities, women and general contractors. These public forums are being conducted pursuant to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 49, §26.45(g), (1), (i). The public forums have been scheduled in regions across the state as follows: Wednesday, July 6, 2016: Dallas District Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Location: 4777 E. Highway 80 Mesquite, TX 75150-6643 Dallas Room If you have any questions regarding the public forums, please e-mail: OCR_businessoperations@txdot.gov.
July 8 “Poets N Jazz #6” featuring 39 Poets Step up to the mic and toast the end of 39 seasons when 39 young TBAAL poets, singers and actors celebrate 39 glorious years of triumphs! Come lift your flute and have a good time as TBAAL sails into our 40th SEASON! Produced by Curtis King with Jiles King. ****** Friday and Saturday, July 8 and July 9, 2016 @ 9pm
Clarence Muse Cafe Theater Dallas Convention Center Theater Complex Physical Address: 1309 Canton Street | Dallas, TX 75201
July 9
wedneday at 11:30 AM- 1:30 PM. Go online to register.
July 15
Chrisette Michele will be performing at the Verizon Theatre, Friday at 8pm. Go online to purchase your ticket. Cheryl Smith’s Don’t Believe the HYPE Celebrity Bowlathon 2016 USA Bowl 10920 Composite Drive, Dallas Call 214-941-0110 for team registration and sponsorship opportunities
July 13 The Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the “Entrepreneur’s Toolkit Brown Bag Lunch Series. This will focus on four key areas for healthy business growth- marketing, finances,human resources, and technology. Through this series of quick yet information packet sessions, new and experienced entrepreneurs will gain the skills they need to lead their business. It will be
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July 23 Chris Tucker Will be live Saturday at 8p.m. @ the Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie TX. Go online to purchase your tickets.
August 5
K.Michelle will be performing at the House of Blues in Dallas TX Saturday @ 8:30 PM. Doors open at 7:30 PM. This is an all age event, however, there is an 8 ticket bit per
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Community Calendar household. purchase your tickets online.
August 13
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly & Chaka Khan with special guest Raheem DeVaughn will be at the Verizon Theatre Saturday at 8p.m. Tickets prices ranges from $34.75-$150.00. You can purchases your tickets online.
August 30 Save the Date! Business Expo/Taste of Balch Springs Tuesday, August 30, 2106 5-7pm Tickets $4 in Advance $5 at the door
September 24 Live Well-Go Green Expo: Exhibitors Wanted The City of Garland is seeking exhibitors for the Live Well-Go Green Expo (formerly the Healthy Living Expo), scheduled on Saturday,. Those interested may download an Exhibitor Application at GoGreenGarland.org.
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