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Michelle Marva Johnson

ebony queen

January 12, 2018

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FAMU Rattlers: Fred, Dr. Vivian, Frederick, Erika and Michelle Marva (seated) Johnson.

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CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.

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FAMU Rattlers: Erika, Dr. Vivian, Frederick, Michelle Marva and Fred Johnson.

For decades the historic Ebony Magazine has featured Black college queens.

Clearly one of the most anticipated issues of the year, changes in the industry have had a serious impact.

In previous years, instead of a few select queens gracing the cover with all queens featured inside; cost-cutting measures have reduced the feature to only the top 10 queens as voted on through social media.

Several schools are not represented and will not be voted on.

Garland Journal continues to speak out in support of the Black Press, so readers are encouraged to subscribe, advertise and uplift those publications that are institutions and provide balance to everyday coverage.

Realizing that Ebony has gone through several changes and there are a number of challenges that hopefully the new ownership is addressing, one can’t forget what Ebony has been to so many for so long.

In announcing the competition, Ebony wrote: “We’re excited to announce EBONY’s 2017-2018 HBCU Campus Queens online competition.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities were founded to promote Black excellence and brilliance, and each reigning beauty was elected by her peers and/or school officials to represent those standards for her institution of higher learning. Meet the Queens to

I Messenger find out more about the dynamic queens representing HBCUs nationwide and vote for your favorite. You are allowed to vote as many times for as many queens as you like. So keep coming back every day. Log on to www.ebony.com. Voting concludes on January 20, 2018 at 11:59 p.m.”

I Messenger does have its favorite -- Dallas’ own Michelle Marva Johnson, Miss Florida A&M University (FAMU).

Michelle, who is called “Marva” on FAMU’s campus, hails from Dallas, TX where she attended Newman Smith High School in Carrollton. She is a senior, double majoring in Business Administration and Theatre & Performing Arts.

Michelle is a member of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and FACES Modeling Troupe Inc. She is also a Presidential Ambassador, and Peer Mentor with the goal of excelling in the Film & Entertainment Industry as a Screenwriter.

Her parents and I attended FAMU together and Dr. Vivian Bradley Johnson served as vice president of the DFW FAMU National Alumni Association when I was president of the chapter, in the late 1980s.

The mother-daughter tradition doesn’t stop with them being sorority sisters.

Yes, Dr. Vivian was also initiated into the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, following in her older sister, (Michelle’s namesake) Marva’s footsteps. Marva also served as basileus (president) of the chapter, while pursuing her chemistry degree.

Dr. Vivian was Miss Columbia High School and Michelle was Newman Smith’s Homecoming Queen.

And Dr. Vivian, who is an executive with Dallas County, also served as Miss FAMU in 1981-82 and appeared in the April 1982 issue of Ebony.

Son, Fred was Mr. FAMU in 201112 and after receiving his Bachelors degree from he enrolled in grad school at FAMU and Florida State University.

“From 2013-2015 I attended Florida State’s Masters of Fine Arts program while attending Florida A&M’s Masters of Business program,” he wrote on Facebook. “It was during the same weekend I graduated from both. Anything is possible if you sacrifice, prioritize, and believe in yourself.”

Most recently, he was one of the bachelors on The Bachelorette, attempting to win the heart of US District Judge Sam Lindsay’s daughter, Rachel. Fred also appeared on The Steve Harvey and Ellen DeGeneres Shows.

FAMU blood runs deep in Dr. Vivian and businessman husband Frederick, who in addition to having several family members who attended FAMU, they are also the parents of a third FAMU Rattler, Erika, who just finished her first semester in Tallahassee. She is majoring in music, but has an interest in business.

You may have seen or heard the talented college freshman in one of her many appearances in programs at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters.

I love the Bradley-Johnson story: Vivian and Frederick met when she was in 7th or 8th grade.

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“He worked at the grocery store where our family purchased groceries every Friday evening,” she recalled. “I think we were at the same high school together for one year. I was in the 10th grade and he was in the 12th.

“We called ourselves courting, and my parents were strict so we didn’t do too much. My grandmother liked Fred and that meant a lot to me. He was a hard worker --got up and went to work before going to high school. He was also very respectful of the seniors and that impressed me.”

Frederick was the first in his family to go to college. He arrived on campus, focused on a grueling schedule in the renowned School of Business and Industry. He found time, however, to pledge the Alpha XI Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc and became president of Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society.

While neither of Dr. Vivian’s parents attended college, they valued education and knew several educators in Lake City, Florida who were FAMU graduates; so they sent their four sons and two daughters there.

A certified public accountant and entrepreneur, Frederick, or “Big Fred,” also has several relatives who attended FAMU. Too often folks throw tradition out of the window.

This is just one of many families that is steeped in the great tradition that comes from attending an HBCU. While we salute these young ladies, we must do all we can to keep our HBCUs alive and thriving.

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Vivian, Fred and Michelle Johnson

Last day to vote is January 20, 2018.

Cast your vote www.ebony.com for Michelle Marva Johnson

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A Year in REview: Donald Trump, Sexual Assault Cases dominate 2017 Headlines

By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor)

Dorothy Leavell President, NNPA

Love it or hate it, 2017 will be a year not soon forgotten.

Barack Obama, a constitutional law professor, Nobel Peace Prize winner and the nation’s first Black president, graciously handed the keys to the White House to a reality TV star who has been accused of sexual assault.

Shortly after his inauguration, President Donald Trump began signing dozens of executive orders that threatened to rollback much of the progress that was made during the previous eight years under the Obama Administration.

And, it was the Trump Administration that not only slashed funding for advertising during the open enrollment of the Affordable Care Act, but also cut the enrollment period for signing up

for coverage through the federal healthcare exchange from 90 days to 45 days.

Despite those challenges, the ACA, also known as “Obamacare,” is still the law of the land and, this year, nearly 9 million people signed up for coverage through the federal healthcare exchange.

With the GOP tax reform bill, which was endorsed by Trump, the Republicans scored a win for corporations at the expense of nearly everyone else.

According to CNN Money, “The final bill still leans heavily toward tax cuts for corporations and business owners. But it also expands or restores some tax benefits for individuals relative to the earlier bills passed by the House and Senate.”

CNN Money article continued: “The individual provisions would expire by the end of 2025, but most of the corporate provisions would be permanent.”

In February, when NSA chief Mike Flynn was forced to resign after lying to Vice President Mike Pence, Trump said to then-FBI Director James Comey, “I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go. He is a good guy. I hope you

can let this go.”

As a highly-politicized investigation into whether or not Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election began to heat up, Trump fired Comey. Flynn cut a deal to cooperate with special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe into Russian election meddling.

Federal prosecutors charged Trump’s former campaign manager Paul Manafort, campaign adviser Rick Gates and former foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos withcrimes, including lying to the FBI and money laundering.

During “Black Press Week” in March, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

Meanwhile, the Black Press celebrated its 190th anniversary and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) elected a new national chairman, Dorothy Leavell, the publisher of the Crusader newspapers in Chicago and Gary, Indiana.

“We are suffering and with a new administration in the White House, it will take someone who isn’t afraid, someone who will raise a lot of hell,” the fiery Leavell said after she was elected.

In 2017, Carolyn Bry-

LIAR Carolyn Bryant (D-Texas), expressed desire to draft articles of impeachment over Trump’s actions in the White House and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) called on the real estate mogul to resign.

ant, the woman who accused young Emmett Till of grabbing and verbally harassing her 62 years ago, finally admitted that she lied during the trial of Till’s murderers. An all-White jury found her husband

Roy Bryant and his half-brother JW Milam not guilty of the crime.

The Guardian reported that Bryant said Till had grabbed and verbally harassed her in a grocery store.

“I was just scared to death,” she said during the trial, according to The Guardian. “That part’s not true,” Bryant confessed to Timothy Tyson, author of a new book, “The Blood of Emmett Till,” The Guardian said.

In June, comedian Bill Cosby went on trial for a 2004 incident involving a former Temple University employee, who claimed the star drugged and raped her. A jury failed to reach a unanimous decision and a judge, who declared a mistrial, ordered a new trial for next spring.

In October, celebrated movie producer Harvey Weinstein was exposed as a serial sexual ha-

I Messenger rasser and abuser with his Mar-a-Lago resimore than 100 wom- dence in Florida. en—including actress“It doesn’t surprise me es like Gwyneth Paltrow at all that Mr. Trump and Ashley Judd— would criticize someamong his accusers. one else’s inappropriThe firestorm around ate sexual behavior and the accusations ignited not address his own,” a movement and scores Stoynoff told the magof women and men azine. across the world shared Another Trump actheir harrowing stories cuser, Melinda McGilliof abuse on social me- vray, told “People” that dia using the hashtag #MeToo. Celebrities and media personalities including Matt Lauer, Bill O’Reilly, Metropolitan Opera conductor James Levine, Charlie Rose, Harvey Weinstein at the Louis C.K. and hip-hop 2010 Time 100 Gala. (Damogul Russell Simmons vid Shankbone/Wikimedia were also accused of Commons) sexual harassment or assault and have ei- Trump “is a complete ther lost their jobs or hypocrite.” stepped down from While the sexual hatheir companies. rassment storm stirred Politicians like U.S. across the country, Senate candidate Roy many won’t soon forget Moore (R-Ala.), Senator the devastating hurriAl Franken (D-Minn.) canes that ravaged Texand Rep. John Conyers as, Louisiana, Florida, (D-Mich.) also faced al- the Virgin Islands and legations of sexual mis- Puerto Rico in the sumconduct. mer and fall.

The Trump-backed Critics of the federal Moore lost a close spe- government’s response cial election senate for to devastation caused Alabama’s vacant sen- by the hurricanes notate seat in December ed that more than 30 after African American percent of Puerto Rivoters turned out in cans still lack access to droves to support Dem- electricity. ocrat Doug Jones.

The president also Meanwhile, several took heat as he seemed women have emerged to compare the actions with claims against of White supremacists Trump. to peaceful protest“People” magazine ers after a woman was writer Natasha Stoynoff killed during a White accused Trump of at- nationalists’ rally in tacking her in 2005 at Charlottesville, Va. “This

week it’s Robert E. Lee. I noticed that Stonewall Jackson is coming down,” Trump said in defending the Confederate monuments.

“I wonder, is George Washington next week and is it Thomas Jefferson the week after that? You really do have to ask yourself: ‘Where does it stop?”

The president even found time to criticize NFL players for silently protesting police brutality and racial injustice in predominately Black and minority communities.

Trump blasted players and said that team owners should get rid of them. Colin Kaepernick, who remains unsigned and is suing the NFL owners for colluding to keep him out of the league, has been recognized with several awards including Sports Illustrated’s Muhammad Ali Legacy Award, which was presented to him by Beyoncé.

In October, O.J. Simpson was released from prison in Nevada after serving nine years for a robbery conviction.

The NAACP named Derrick Johnson president and CEO of the oldest civil rights organization in America.

Johnson told NNPA Newswire that it’s important that organization work with the National Newspaper Publishers Association to keep the Black

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community informed.

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Cedric Richmond (D-La.) also pledged to Dick Gregory work closno, 89, died in October; er with the Black Press in 2017 and the rap star Prodigy, 42, who died in June; while beyond.

Civil rights icon the singer Al Jarreau, 76, Rev. Jesse Jackson also died in February; and announced that he has activist Roy Innis, 82, died in January.

Parkinson’s disease.

Civil rights activist and In December, Simeon groundbreaking come- Booker, a trail-blazing dian Dick Gregory died Black journalist who on Saturday, August 19. covered the Civil Rights A tumultuous 2017 Movement for the iconalso saw TV One an- ic African American nounce the cancella- magazines EBONY and tion of the popular Ro- Jet and who was the first land Martin’s NewsOne black person to work as Now news show in De- a full-time Washington Post reporter, also died. cember.

In 2017, the Black He was 99.

Press lost two of its “During the past six most devoted freedom decades, Dick Gregowarriors. Walter “Ball” ry, would periodically Smith, the publisher write essays and edof “New York’s Beacon” itorials for the Blackand the “Philadelphia owned newspapers of Observer” died on Fri- NNPA members across the nation,” NNPA Presiday, November 10. dent and CEO Dr. BenjaHe was 83.

One month earlier on min F. Chavis, Jr., wrote Oct. 22, Bernal E. Smith in a tribute to Gregory.

II, the president and “His pen and his voice publisher of the Tri- were always on the side State Defender and a of the oppressed, who well-known civic leader dared to speak up and in Memphis, Tenn., also stand up for freedom. passed away. He was Today, in Dick’s memory, we all are obligated 45.

Other Black icons also to do no less.”

Chavis continued: “Evwere mourned in 2017.

Among them were ery breath that we take, Della Reese, 86, and we should gain more Earle Hyman, 91, both and more strength to of whom died in No- speak truth to power vember; Robert Guillau- and to stand against all me, 89, and Fats Domi- injustice.”

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How Do I Smile?

Even today, when my heart continues to cry; Because you were and always will be.

Realizing the finality of life and knowing we all must die.

Yet, relishing the time left for me.

To live and learn; to move forward and love.

Left to finish things started by we two.

Accepting your absence but still feeling your love.

All the time frightened by what I might see.

Asking for guidance and hoping it comes; To brighten the path I must take; none to shun.

Connecting broken pieces from this life I now make.

Black & Clark Funeral Home

“Excellence is our tradition...Service is our legacy�

La Juana and Patricia Barton

authors of Faithful Remembrances Volume I

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Linda Mitchell, CEO

2517 E Illinois Ave, Dallas, TX 75216

(214) 376-8297

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Houston Mayor challenges thinking “In Conversation” Will Cover Several Hot Political Topics Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner will challenge popular thinking on current local, state andnational political affairs at the 5th annual In Conversation— An Evening with Dr. Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Mayor Turner will explain why he is deeply concerned with the direction of our nation.

He asks, “Is it good or bad? Should we be joyful or fearful? Is it an opportunity or crisis?”

Turner sees the current time as a “Season of Opportunity” and says we all have a role to play in our state and country. He asks “Are you going to leave it up to someone else? What is your role, and how do we confront the challenges we face?”

In Conversation—An Evening with Mayor Turner and Dr. Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. is presented by the Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center, a 501(c)(3) organization. The event takes place at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, at St. Luke Community United Methodist Church, 5710 East R.L. Thornton

Freeway.

The Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center is named for Rev. Holmes, Pastor Emeritus of St. Luke and a long-time activist, pastor, educator and former state legislator.

Texas State Representative Helen Giddings, honorary chair for the event, calls Mayor Turner “one of the nation’s most engaging, tenacious, and principled leaders.

Never forgetting his humble upbringing in the Acres Homes Community in Houston, Mayor Turner understands the intersection of opportunity and prosperity,” says Giddings.

“His perspective on lifting up the disenfranchised and struggling families of our state is unrivaled and critical in today’s world.

Always speaking truth to power, he will inspire and challenge us to action.”

Elected in 2015, Turner is serving his first four-year term as Houston’s 62nd mayor.

Prior to his election as mayor, he served 27 years in the Texas House as representative for District 139; working for two decades on the House Appropriations Committee and three terms as Speaker Pro Tem.

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The Great Debater

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

January 12

Dallas Hyatt Regency, 300 Reunion Blvd E. Dallas, TX 75207 6:30 p.m. This is a formal awards banquet honoring sponsors and partners of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. The keynote speaker is Rev. Dr. William Barber, II.

7:30 PM Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State Street, Garland, Tickets: $10-12 in advance at TheReflectionsOfDallas.com/tickets. $15 at the door, cash only. For more information, contact Mike Gibson at 469-844-3579.

*********** A KING Teach-In 9 am - 1 pm Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 W Wheatland Rd, Dallas, . Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III. Jazz Meets Poetry at E.H. Hereford University Center and Dr. George Mason invites you to A King Teach(UTA Bluebonnet Ballroom),300 West 1st Street Ar- In. Join us as we honor the legacy of Dr. King. We will lington, TX 76010 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. This event reclaim the “Dream” and continue the legacy of Dr. features poet Verb Kulture along with the phenomKing-The Drum Major for Justice. enal music of Shelley Carrol who come together to infuse poetry, jazz, soul, funk and rhythm & blues as ************* we pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. $20. Tick- The Black Expo Dallas The Women’s Museum Janets available: http://bit.ly/2C6jAlK uary 13, 2018 – January 14, The Women’s Museum 3800 Parry Ave, . A two-day fun-filled family event ******** Tickets at www.blackexpodallas.com Garland, Texas Concealed Carry Class ************ Hosted by Equip 2 Conceal Firearms Group Evolve Saturdays 6 Dates · Jan 13, 2018 - Jun 9, 2018 Union Park Addison 5076 Addison Circle, Addison (1-13-18), (2-10-18), (3-10-18) at 10 a.m.

9:30pm – 11pm ▪Live Jazz – 11pm – Midnight ▪Neo Bass Pro Shops (Garland, TX) 5001 Bass Pro Dr, Gar- Soul by Dj bAfter Midnight Hip Hop/RnB/Reggae land, Texas 75043Pre-registration ticket or receipt Free Admission Before 10pm w/valid rsvp @ www.

Tickets www.equip2conceal.com EvolveSat.eventbrite.com

MLK Celebration Fair MLK Recreation Center 2922 MLK Blvd Dallas, TX Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The MLK Celebration Fair will provide career opportunities, educational resources, medical screenings and access to valuable healthcare info. Vendor application: http://bit.ly/2C5EFww MLK Candlelight Ceremony- MLK Recreation Center ************ 2018 DFW Joint Founders’ Day Dinner 2922 MLK Blvd Dallas, TX 75215 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

29TH ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. Parade Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. featuring speaker Sheryl The Candlelight Ceremony is a special event hosted 10:00 am 150 N 6th Street Garland, TX Underwood by the Alpha Sigma Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Please see http://garlandtxnaacp.org click MLK Saturday at 6:20 PM - 9:20 PM Brown-Lupton UniverAlpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Dr. King Scholarship events tab for more information on parade entry, sity Union 2901 Stadium Dr, Fort Worth, Tx. 76109 and Essay Contest winners will be awarded. lineup start times and vendor information. ************ The Toyota North Texas Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Celebration kicks off on with the MLK Advancing the Dream Awards Banquet where human rights activist and community advocate Martin Luther King III will be the keynote speaker, oldest son and oldest living child of Dr. King and the Coretta Scott King. Hosted by the Arlington Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee, the event will take place in the Bluebonnet Ballroom in the E. H. Hereford University Center located on the University of Texas at Arlington campus. Tickets for the event are $55 per person and are available at www.utatickets.com.

************ 200-hour RYS Christian Yoga Teacher Training, Hosted by WHoly Formed Yoga & Wellness 12 Dates · Jan 13, 2018 - Jun 10, 2018 (1-13-18), (1-14-18), (2-10-18) at 9:30 a.m.. WHoly Formed Yoga & Wellness 624 W State St, Garland, Texas 75040 For more info or to get registered, please contact Brenda at 214-793-1717 or visit https://www.purplelotusyoga.com/wholyformed/

MLK Parade LancasterHosted by Dallas-Fort Worth Trail Riders Association 11 AM - 3 PM

January 14

Sunday Funny Day w/ Comedian and Actor Billy Sorrells Hyena’s Comedy Nightclub 5321 E. Mockingbird Road Dallas, TX 75206 Show******** time at 7p.m.

LOHRI MELA 2018 Hosted by Lohri Mela Tickets $15 - $22. Tickets are available: http://bit.

6 PM - 11:59 PM at The Atrium at Granville Arts Cenly/2o78Tgm ter 300 N 5th St, Garland, TX 75040 ********* ********** Special Battle of the Bands hosted by Southern UniRecharged Conference 2018 - Living An Abundant versity Marching Band at 3pm featuring the ‘Human Life Hosted by Sharon Egiebor Jukebox and 10 North Texas high school bands. The 8 A- 4 PM at the Museum of International Cultures event will take place at Ellis Davis Fieldhouse, 9191 411 E Highway 67, Duncanville, Texas 75137. A rollDelta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. DFW Joint Founders ing one-day conference featuring community ex- South Polk Street in Dallas. For info email suafdallas@yahoo.com.

Day Luncheon, Irving Convention Center at Las Coliperts.. Cost is $10 in advance; $15 at the door ******** nas, 500 West Las Colinas Boulevard, Irving, TX SDS Gents 5th Anniversary Outreach Ball “Keeping 11:30 am - 2:00 pm *********** The Dream Alive 4 Ever Young & The Reflections Hosted By: SDS Gents- Support Determines Success **** Granville Arts Center 3761 Irving Mall, Irving, Tx. 75062 6:00 p.m. – 1:00 36th Annual MLK Awards Banquet

January 13

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Remembering James Brown 1933-2006

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HALL: West v. Coates – The Revival of 2018 QUIT PLAYIN’

By Vincent L. Hall

Somehow we have allowed the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., to be canonized, sanitized, and reduced to fit the narrow ordinances of American “Exceptionalism”.

Rap star and musical magnate, Drake, warns against historical perversion.

“When writing the story of your life, don’t let anyone else hold the pen.”

Martin King had more than a dream forged on a cloudfilled mountaintop.

King, a gentle man, could be considered verbally abusive if you didn’t want to hear the truth.

It’s been 50 years since Martin was riddled with hate at the Lorraine Motel.

In 2018, Martin is 50 years a martyr.

Doc, formally refuted parts of his dream and optimism in a 1965 sermon delivered at the historic Ebenezer Church; on Independence Day, no less.

“About two years

ago now, I stood with many of you who stood there in person and all of you who were there in spirit before the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.

As I came to the end of my speech there, I tried to tell the nation about a dream I had. I must confess to you this morning that since that sweltering August afternoon in 1963, my dream has often turned into a nightmare.”

In true “Kingian” form, Martin not only made a profound statement, but punctuated it with picturesque soliloquy.

King beckons you to join him in his mind’s eye and see the formation of his reasoning.

“I’ve seen my dream shattered as I’ve walked the streets of Chicago and see Negroes, young men and women, with a sense of utter hopelessness because they can’t find any jobs. ... I’ve seen my dream shattered as

I’ve been through Appalachia, and I’ve seen my White brothers along with Negroes living in poverty. And I’m concerned about White poverty as much as I’m concerned about Negro poverty.”

Or go back to 1963 before the “Dream”

your faithful servant, Andrew Young.

Lord, have mercy on the White folks who did this terrible deed. They killed the wrong Negro. In Andrew Young, White folk had a friend so faithful, so enduring; they should never have harmed a hair

QUIT PLAYIN’

Dr. Martin King and Andrew Young speech as King jokingly eulogized Andrew Young as a warning his team on the dangers of fighting hatred. Young was King’s common courier to negotiate with Whites, because he was deemed less confrontational.

“Andy, when the Klan finally gets you, here’s what I’ll preach: ‘Lord, White folks made a big mistake today. They have sent home to glory

on his head.

Of all my associates, no one loved White folks as much as Andy.” King had a heart and a brain.

It is wrong that we celebrate a day that commemorates the life and legacy of Martin King, but reduces his significance to the cry of Rodney King; “Can’t we all just get along?” The answer is Hell no.

We can’t just get along with Trump-

ism, sexism, racism or nihilism. We must fight until we as a nation exhaust every possibility for peace and justice at home and abroad.

Where are the persistent protests and the political provocateurs?

Whose responsibility is it to draft, design, and deploy the official opposition response to Donald Trump et al?

It lies with all of us. And maybe that’s what the problem is.

We play too much!!!

Let me end with another of King’s quotes that you probably never bothered to read.

“Peace is not merely the absence of tension, but the presence of Justice”.

In other words; “No Justice, No Peace.”

This new surge of Nationalism and plutocracy won’t be ignored. I’m holding on to my pen!

Dream on Brother Martin. Meanwhile some of us must fight to create a new history that America can be proud of.

No Joke!!

Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist and award-winning journalist.

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day

By Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released a statement in recognition of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the national day of service that is observed annually on third Monday of January: “On Monday, January 15, 2018, we honor the tireless efforts of a great man, Civil Rights leader and hero to many across the world, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He fought fervently for the rights of millions of people, not just in the South, but across the country, who were fighting Jim Crow laws that continued to plague the country.

“This year we are witnessing changes to laws that impact those from different backgrounds. The American dream should not be for one group of people to experience, but should be experienced by all. However, that

can only be achieved through equality and mindsets to be changed in how we view our neighbors, as Dr. King taught us.

“Dr. King’s legacy of courage and inspiration motivate us to believe in a better tomorrow. ‘Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane,’ said Dr. King.

So it is beyond disappointing that in over 50 years we continue to struggle in accessibility to basic human rights such as health care or economic stability.

“As a senior Member of Congress from the state of Texas, I have witnessed firsthand and continue to participate in the long sought out fight for peace, justice and equality for Texans and all Americans. We must remain diligent and engaged in defining how our nation will achieve this equality.

This weekend many will participate in service projects in their local communities to help those who are less fortunate. May our actions continue to reflect our gratitude of the service made

by Dr. King and all the civil rights leaders that came before us.”

Make sure you are registered to vote!

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MALVEAUX: Fifty Years Ago The Last Word

by Dr. Julianne Malveaux

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., born on January 15, 1929, turned 39 years old fifty years ago.

Assassinated on April 4, 1968, he didn’t make it to 40.

Yet in his scant 39 years on the planet, he upended the ways we think about race, capitalism, poverty, power, and imperialism. The powers that be –foundations, corporations, and the media -- were okay with him when he talked about race and discrimination. They were much less happy when he rattled their cages, talking about capitalism and imperialism. When he began to speak out against the Vietnam War, King was pretty much told to stay in his lane. When he didn’t, some of his support drifted away.

Yet he persisted. He lifted his voice. He made a difference.

And he left a legacy that, fifty years later, we must reclaim.

1968 was a fascinating year, perhaps one of the most important as a game-changer in our national con-

sciousness. King was assassinated, and so was Robert Kennedy, a man who embraced King’s message and who might have been an amazing President, had he been able to complete his campaign and win.

In 1968, despite Dr. King’s assassination, his colleagues executed the Poor People’s Campaign.

It brought people from all over the country to the Washington Mall, people who were prepared to confront our government about the way we treated poor people.

Some of those who were there spoke of the “absolute audacity” of the people who gathered, who believed they could make a difference. Their audacity reflected the audacity of Dr. King the man who, in his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in 1964, spoke of the “audacity to believe” that our society could be different, more accepting of the poor, and more committed

to “three meals a day for our bodies, education and culture for our minds, peace and freedom for our spirit.”

Fast forward.

Peace is elusive. We may well be looking at a nuclear war with North Korea. Two unstable individuals are playing the 11 year old game (with all due respect to 11 year olds) of mine is bigger than yours.

I think the whole world cringed when 45 continued to sell wolf tickets to North Korean President Kim Jong-Un. 45 keeps calling that clearly unstable leader out of his name, and engaging him in toxic insults.

When crazy meets crazy, what does this mean for the rest of us? Fifty years ago, Dr. King would have made time for both, speaking of peace.

Now, we have pugilists in charge of diplomacy.

This is someplace past challenging – it is a prescription for disaster.

Then we have the new tax bill that flies in the face of everything Dr. King stood for.

It will cut social programs, and filter

more money to the wealthy.

When Dr. King said he had the audacity to believe that people could have three meals a day, he supported the Food Stamps program that House Majority Leader Paul Ryan (R-WI) would like to reduce or eliminate. More than that, when Dr. King talked about “education and culture” his comments are radically different from those of Education Secretary Betsey DeVoid (of good sense, but she goes by the name DeVos).

Her work in these short months has minimized opportunities and safety for students.

This year there will be commemorations of the many things that happened fifty years ago. This year we will again mourn Dr. Martin Luther King and Senator Robert Kennedy.

This year we will remember the 1968 Presidential campaign, the drama in Chicago, the Presidential candidacy of the racist George Wallace, the rising fists of Black athletes at the Olympics, and the peak in Vietnam deaths. We in the civ-

il rights community will think of Dr. King, but 1968 was one of those years, fifty years ago, when lives were upended, conventional wisdom was challenged, and audacity was celebrated. Yes, 1968 was an audacious year; more audacious than many we have seen since.

Fifty years ago, we lost a King and gained audacity. We turned it up and turned it out in cities around the country. We confronted government with the Poor People’s Campaign. Now what?

Rev. William Barber, author of the Third Reconstruction, and President of the moral movement, Repairers of the Breach, carries on the legacy.

So does Rev. Jesse Jackson, leader of Rainbow PUSH and a close associate of Dr. King’s.

There are others who have audacity, but they can’t do it alone, any more than our leaders did fifty year ago. Where do you stand?

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

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I moved in with my boyfriend and his wife—now I’m pregnant

Ask ALMA

Dear Sister-wife,

I think somebody’s gotta tell you, so, it might as well be me—your boyfriend’s wife doesn’t like you; Dear Alma, she never has, but she’s in “crazy” love with her husband.

I really enjoy your column and I Unless I’ve been hit by a midnight could really use some advice. I’ll train to Georgia and forgot about it, try to keep this short. I had a long- I can’t think of one woman, who term relationship and we broke up willingly wants to share her husand he moved to a new state. band. That doesn’t mean she won’t After three years, we started do it, just trust me when I say, that talking again on Facebook and then one thing led to another and we got Your threesome has just back together.

We were still having problems become one too many, so and we broke up again. Within a I’d suggest you sleep with year he married someone else. I was heartbroken and couldn’t believe he one eye open. If Mrs. #1, married somebody else after all that (um, that’s right) isn’t as we had.

Fast forward, it’s been five years happy as you are about and I have not been in another relationship like the one we had. He and the pregnancy, clearly, I started talking again, we met up she will soon bring this and everything fell back into place.

Instead of leaving his wife and train ride to an end. kids he decided we all should be together and his wife agreed. Things wouldn’t be her first option. have been cool for the last eight Nope, girl, a “clear headed, got it months. going on, ain’t got no time for foolI recently found out I was preg- ishness” woman requires her man nant and I’m so happy and so is he. to love her with his whole heart, but She, on the other hand, seems to be that’s not what we have here. treating me differently. We are not Don’t get me wrong, if an open jelling the way we were and I don’t marriage is what you seek, more understand. power to you, but that’s not what I was thinking maybe I should you’re talking about. move out, what do you think?

You and he had a long-term “onSigned, again, off-again” relationship, that Perplexed Sister-wife didn’t work. In my book, that makes

this something else.

Your threesome has just become one too many, so I’d suggest you sleep with one eye open. If Mrs. #1, (um, that’s right) isn’t as happy as you are about the pregnancy, clearly, she will soon bring this train ride to an end.

The question is, will she ask you to transfer or make it your last stop.

Then again, if she decides to disembark, hold off on your happy dance, ‘cause, to be truthful, you’ll never be enough woman for that man.

He is using you and he is using her. One or both of you need to be sick and tired of being sick and tired—and shared.

My advice, move out of her house to your own place and make your baby a priority.

There are no if, ands or buts about it. Sometimes it’s difficult to love ourselves the way we ought but mothers can love their children better than they love themselves, you’ll see.

That, my dear, needs to become your new problem. As a matter of fact, you and I need a telephone call, email me your number.

Meanwhile, I hope you realize you’re sleeping with the frenemy and you don’t even know it. Recognize and identify your worth, grab ahold of it.

Your sweet new baby needs you to “woman up.” Kick that brainwashing, cheating, deceiving holder of your heart to the curb. He’s used up enough of your time.

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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Hollywood Hernandez Live

By Hollywood Hernandez Movie Review-

THE COMMUTER Liam Neeson is back as the familiar character we all know, the man who’s involved in a boatload of action and who has to accomplish a task in order to save his family.

He’s an everyday joe who rides the train to work each day from his home in the suburbs. Day after day, after day he has the same routine; until one fateful day when he loses his job selling life insurance.

With two mortgages and a son who is about to enter college a mysterious woman (Vera Farmiga) approaches him on the train with an interesting proposition.

The hypothetical question is would you find the one person on the crowded commuter train who doesn’t belong there and in return receive $100 thousand dollars. $25 Thousand now, which is hidden in a bathroom on the train, and the rest of the money when the task is completed.

When the woman gets off at the next stop and he finds the cash in the men’s room the hypothetical scenario suddenly becomes a real task.

We quickly discover that michael (Liam Neeson) is a former cop and the woman is involved in some type of covert, top secret mission. She has access to the New York City police and she is able to see the michael’s every move.

The commuter is a very well written mystery.

Right up until neeson finds the person who he’s looking for I never had a clue of who it would be.

And the action Is stellar. The movie also benefits from strong supporting roles from Vera Farmiga, Johnathan Banks (Breaking Bad), and Sam Neill, who plays the police captain in the movie.

It’s an action, adventure mystery that will keep you guessing and will keep you right on the edge of your seat.

The movie is a lot of fun and a real thrill ride.

The commuter is rated pg-13 and has a run time of 1 hour and 44 minutes.

Take the trip.

On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale”, The Commuter gets a LARGE.

Read more and win tickets at www.hollywoodhernandezlive.com

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God’s Got You Just Put One Foot In Front of the Other Spiritually Speaking

by James A. Washington

I have at times talked a little about “Faith Walk” and it dawned on me that I have also questioned just what that meant.

Maybe you can explain it better than me and know that I’m not trying to be funny.

I’m being real and just want to gain and give more perspective on what many have told me, I went through. Some claimed to see a transformation in me as I have come to Christ. Others have said, “As you go through this walk.”

Obviously, I’ve used the term myself when trying to explain my different view of the world as seen through a new pair of spiritualized eyes.

The whole experience has been and continues to be extremely dynamic. I’m just curious about the ‘walk’ reference. I suppose when you think about it, many in the bible had truth revealed to them on a walk or, on a journey.

God has seen fit to communicate to many a saint while they were going from one place to another, or, even through

the spiritual travel of a dream. It’s a simple enough analogy.

What is more meaningful than a walk or a trip with someone whom you respect, admire, love or can learn something from?

One of my most memorable things to do was to go for a walk with my children when they were toddlers. There was something about them discovering and exploring the world around them with absolutely no fear, because they knew I was there.

Today, I can go anywhere with my wife. It really is the journey and not the destination for me.

Have you ever experienced this?

Have you ever gone somewhere walking and talking with someone you were totally in sync with?

That might be why people refer to discovering God as “walking in faith.” Some people refer to it as being led. Factually stated, the effort to get closer to God requires movement. I think the walking analogy is mere-

ly a human endeavor trying to speak to going in a spiritual direction.

The best example is of course Enoch. “Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” Genesis 5:24.

What a blessed way to go. The bible talks of walking humbly, walking in the light, walking with the wise, walking in counsel, walking together and walking on water.

taken, your life changes forever. You change. I know I did.

So I guess this faith walk thing is merely a public or in some cases a private acknowledgement that one is letting God order your steps in this, His world. If you do this, God will lead you right to Him. “When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12.

So when you get up in the morning, think about this and let God order your steps. Make a deliberate effort to listen and hear where God is telling you to go, or not to go.

They say faith comes by hearing. What better way to hear than by taking a stroll with the Lord on tomorrow.

Make a concerted attempt and see where God leads you. He has been known to show up in the oddest places and you will see Him in the strangest faces.

Give it a try and know this. If you are seeking Him, He is very easy to find. All it takes is that first baby step.

The point seems to be that the Christian life is a journey; one in which we want to share with God, one in which we talk and if we’re truly blessed, He will listen.

The search for salvation is a spiritual journey; one which can best be deMay God bless and keep you scribed as taking the first always. step towards truth. Once

James

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J Marqs the Spot

Sushi Marquee at The Star rolls back time for good food, drinks and conversation to be a great fit with development at The Star in Frisco, which serves as home to the Dallas Cowboys’ World Headquarters and practice facility, featuring world class venues like the Omni Hotel and notable culinary spots such as Dee Lincoln Prime and Tupelo Honey.

One of many displays of Sushi

Photos and Story

By Eva D. Coleman

It’s Frisco, Texas and has the Jones family “Jerry World” stamp of approval.

The concept of Sushi Marquee wasn’t a hard sell.

“We were all prepared to do this big presentation however after we Lamb Lollipops at Sushi Marquee gave the overview the deal was done,” restaura- ners Brad Hawkins and ingly still in amazement.

The idea alone proved teurs and business part- Dallas Hale shared, seem

Sushi Marquee is nostalgic. When you walk in, you’re greeted by a giant marquee containing several screens showing music videos, television shows and movies from the 80s and 90s.

Underneath those screens is pure, culinary artistry being performed by chefs with pride.

The food is beautifully crafted with tastes to match.

The menu offers so much more than sushi, with options including a variety of appetizers, soups, salads and entrees.

My personal favorites were the Dynamite Rock

I Messenger Shrimp and Lamb Lolli“It’s time for great food pops with cilantro lime and an experience to sauce. coincide,” Hawkins said.

“Visually it’s just someThe drinks are exper- thing to see and do here.” iments, with some performed in “mad scienIn addition to inside tist” fashion right before dining, Sushi Marquee your eyes. has a dynamic outdoor space to initiate or carThe open concept in- ry on the conversation. side the restaurant is in- It’s ideal for mixing and tentional. Dining spac- mingling and provides a es are near each other great view, overlooking to stimulate talking the busy scene within amongst guests.

The Star.

“We want to break Talking is encouraged, down the barriers of ta- but of course, not with

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Sushi Marquee is the place for good food, conversation and fun!

Sushi Marquee Restaurateurs and Business Partners

“It’s time for great food and an experience to coincide,” Hawkins said. “Visually it’s just something to see and do here.” bles,” business partner your mouth full!

Brad Hawkins said.

“It’s kind of a social exWhen the entire staff periment for me,” Hawbreaks into song, it’s ob- kins said. vious a good time is had here!

With a crowd in the mix, and if my hypotheThey did just that and sis holds shape as tightly it felt like being trapped as the rolls they make, inside an episode of the Sushi Marquee at The 80s show Cheers.

Star is a non-traditional concept that has potenPeople were happy, tially secured a successloving food, drinks and ful future. life, however in this instance, it didn’t matter Enjoy the time hop whether or not every- while diversifying your one knew your name. palate!

Executive Chef Patrick Stark and Executive Sushi Chef Gabriel Reyes at Sushi Marquee

Former City of Frisco Mayor Maher Maso at Sushi Marquee

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Do you know this man?

POLICE have not apprehended “Pookie” the serial rapist. We know he has attacked members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.

HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

He targeted members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but this is more than about a sorority. We’re talking about a community.

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

877-373-8477