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I Messenger VOL 6 ISSUE 20

JANUARY 13, 2017

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JANUARY 13, 2017

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc Yvette Spinks

Beverly Sherman

Founded in 1908

Katrina Thompson Butler

Dr. Audrey Andrews

Dr. Jennifer Broderick Thomas

Dr. Barbara Odom-Wesley Christina Satcher

Nicole Price

Audrea Christie

Deidra Crawford Turner

celebrates 50 Years of Service with 25 Year Sorority Sisters

LaShonda Talley

Rayshana Adams

Angela Auzene

LaKeisha Bradford Davis

Patricia Roberts Harris

Christine Thomas

Cheryel Carpenter

Katasha Varner

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WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM Angela D. Jones

Naomi Ruth Davis

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JANUARY 13, 2017

January 13,1913

VOL 6 ISSUE 20

Cheryl Smith

Sen. Jeff Sessions 10

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JANUARY 13, 2017

Reflections in Time As We Launch New Dimensions of Service

“Reflections in Time As We Launch New Dimensions of Service” is the theme of the 109 year old Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated®, 2017 Founders’ Day Celebration.

To honor its founding members, Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex Chapters, Beta Mu Omega, Fort Worth; Xi Theta Omega, Arlington; Tau Rho Omega, Carrollton; and Chi Zeta Omega, Plano will host a Gospel Brunch Sunday on January 15, 2017, 11:30 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza North Dallas Addison, 14315 Midway Road Addison, Texas 75001.

Tickets are $65.00 and may be purchased online through, http://tinyurl.com/2017dfwfoundersday or through hosting chapters.

The guest speaker for this public event is Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, International Vice President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, and a member of its Board of Directors.

Professionally, Dr. Glover is serving as the eighth President of Tennessee State University in Nashville Tennessee.

She is a certified public accountant, an attorney, and is one of two African American women to hold the Ph.D.-CPA-JD combination in the nation. Dr. Glover has an exten-

Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover sive history of serving on corporate boards of publicly traded companies including the Citibank of Student Loan Corporation, Pinnacle Financial Partners and First Guaranty Bank of Louisiana.

She is the author of more than 100 articles and papers, and regarded as one of the nation’s experts on corporate governance.

Vice President Glover hails as a longstanding member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Key positions previously held in Alpha Kappa Alpha include International Treasurer, the Legacy Endowment Fund and Corporate Support Committees.

Dr. Glover is on-track to become the International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha in 2018. She is

a member of several professional, civic and non-profit organizations, and recipient of numerous awards and honors. Dr. Glover was named to Diverse Issues in Higher Education’s prestigious list as one of the “Top 25 Women in Higher Education.”

Dr. Glover is married to Charles Glover. They have two adult children, Attorney Candace Glover and Dr. Charles Glover II. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is America’s first Greek-letter organization founded

by African American college women at Howard University in 1908.

The sorority cultivates and encourages high scholastic and ethical standards; promotes unity and friendship among college women; alleviates problems concerning girls and women; maintains a progressive interest in college life and serves mankind through a nucleus of more than 200,000 women in the United States, Caribbean, Europe and Africa.

During the Founders’ Day Luncheon members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® will celebrate and reflect on their 109 year history, their Founders, and honor 30 members who have achieved their 25, 50 and 75 years of service.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. celebrating 109 years of service!

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JANUARY 13, 2017

President Obama’s Top Ten Quotes My Day

By Dr. J. Ester Davis

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down the right path and you are willing to keep walking, eventual ly you will make progress.

lenge after . . . the last administration allowed the jobs to continue overseas along with a war . . . so much to recall. . .

9.

I know because I won both of them.

10.

Why don’t you sit down?

But moving on, President Obama healed the country and moved the employment rate to the lowest in history. The rest of the world will continue to emulate his style, character, leadership and sincerely miss his true representation of the position he held.

All Americans were proud of Barack Obama.

Yes, we can!

2.

This is not a liberal America and a conservative America. This is not a black America or a white America. This is not an Asian or Korean America. This is the United States of America.

3.

We need to internalize this idea of excellence. Not many folks spend a lot of time trying to be excellent.

4.

You can’t let your failures define you. You have to let your failures teach you.

5.

Money is not the only answer, but it makes a difference.

6.

Issues are never simple. Very rarely will you hear me simplify the issues.

7.

Change will not come if we wait for some other person. We are the ones we have been looking for. We are the change we seek.

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8.

If you are walking

Legacies carry a lot of weight.

Legacy is built year after year upon that person, and there is absolutely nothing that can be done about it. Legacy has eternal status. The ideals that President Obama built into this nation and the world cannot be erased, eradicated or demeaned.

The history books will pen the 44th President of the United States as an intellectual and memorable image for its people.

Case in point, people around the world are still singing “we shall overcome” as taught by Dr. King.

One final quote “the best judge of whether or not a country is going to develop. . . is how it threats its women.”

The history books will amplify the fact that his wife was the most educated “First Lady” in history.

Of the entire eight(8) years that this President served, I remember most vividly the situation he inherited after taking the oath of office.

Happy New Year!!

It was a mess!

Truthfully, not many personalities could have cleaned up this fiasco with such grace, dignity and assurance. The unemployment was the second monumental chal-

Ester Davis can be reached at esterday.com.

Shop with our advertisers and attend somebody’s Church in 2017

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JANUARY 13, 2017

Toyota continues support of HBCUs

$60,000 contribution will help boost college retention and graduation rates, seen as key to ensuring fulfillment of Dr. King’s dream for America TORRANCE, Calif., – In honor of the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Toyota Financial Services (TFS) is continuing its support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their communities, by providing $60,000 to five HBCUs as well as the Tom Joyner Foundation.

TFS Corporate Manager of TFS’ Customer Service Center in Maryland.

“As a Toyota executive and an HBCU alumnus, I am proud to see Toyota Financial Services supporting these fine institutions and advocating higher education within our communities.”

“Financial support has become an area of critical need for a growing number of HBCUs,” added Al Smith, TFS Group Vice President, Service Operations and Corporate Planning. “Providing this support not only keeps students on track, but contributes to the sustainment of these HBCUs and helps them address the issues that impact student retention.”

“For the third year, we’re so glad to partner with Toyota Financial Services in supporting the vision of HBCUs,” said Thomas Joyner, Jr., President and CEO of the Foundation. “These scholarships are an important investment in these schools, and are critical in helping students pursue their dreams.”

The following universities will each receive $10,000: • Paul Quinn College - Dallas, TX • Benedict College - Columbia, S.C. • Mississippi Valley State University - Itta Bena, Miss.

• Winston-Salem State UniversityWinston Salem, N.C. • Jarvis Christian College -Hawkins, Texas TFS is donating an additional $10,000 to support the Tom Joyner Foundation, as well. The foundation provides academic support, scholarships, and programming to over 80 HBCUs in the Southern and Eastern United States.

The overall goal of these contributions is to support educational opportunities within many of the communities in which TFS operates.

“Education should be accessible to all – but many talented young minds are unable to complete their college education and realize their full potential be-

Thomas Joyner, Jr.

cause of the lack of financial aid,” said Mike Groff, TFS president and CEO. “In keeping with TFS’ deeply held commitment to diversity and inclusion, we are honored to support the mission of HBCUs and help these students reach their academic and professional aspirations.”

The college graduation rate for African-American students in the U.S. stands at 42%, as opposed to 62% for their white counterparts. Financial support of universities is key in black student retention, thereby producing high graduation rates.

“Dr. King’s dream included the belief that young people should be given an opportunity to receive the best education possible,” said John Ridgeway,

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TFS has been named a DiversityInc Top 50 company for the past nine years in a row, and has been consistently recognized by Black Enterprise, Hispanic Business, and the Human Rights Campaign as a Best Company for Diversity and one of the Best Places to Work.

TFS has provided millions of dollars in scholarships to deserving students across the nation, its executives actively support and sponsor the company’s many diversity and inclusion initiatives, and its associates have devoted their time and talents to many meaningful national- and community-based programs.

For more information, contact Justin Leach, public relations manager, Toyota Financial Services (justin_leach@ toyota.com, 310.468.5332) or Neil Foote, media relations, Tom Joyner Foundation (neil.foote@tomjoynerfoundation.org, 214.448.3765).

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By Armstrong Williams (NNPA Newswire Columnist)

One of the main reasons why Hillary Clinton lost the election had to do with perceived (and actual) security breaches with regards to her private email communications and the hacking of the Democratic Party. The recent report by the CIA that Russia was the likely culprit behind the DNC infiltration should not be taken lightly or turned into a political football.

Despite an attempt towards a détente in U.S.-Russia relations early in the Obama administration, they have suffered recently due to the Russian actions in Crimea and its’ involvement in Syria propping up the Assad regime. While Trump has signaled a pivot away from regime change as a policy objective – a move likely to ease tensions with Russia – he should not take Russia lightly.

Vladimir Putin is an old hand; a master at both spy-craft and statecraft. He has fashioned a strongman image in Russia, banking on his ability to defy the West. And his interference in U.S. elections should be a cause for concern by the Trump administration, even though it may have been a perceived media benefit, in the short run, at least.

While the C.I.A. and mainstream media point to circumstantial evidence to support their claim, President-elect Trump has called the claims by the C.I.A. baseless and attacked the agency in an interview with Fox News host, Chris Wallace. This is dangerous territory, and the President-elect must be

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JANUARY 13, 2017 careful to remember that Russia is not a friendly nation of the United States, which is indicative of the bi-partisan support in the House and Senate to looking into the Russia hacks. Trump’s political instincts may tell him that this allegation of Russian meddling on the part of his political adversaries is an attempt to delegitimize his Presidency and weaken him politically.

And while some of that may be true, he should also know that the intelligence assessment by the CIA is probably based on substantive knowledge.

It would not have been communicated so publicly, if the various scenarios had not been thoroughly analyzed.

Trump needs to be very wary of the Russians. It is apparent that Putin believes, not only that he could manipulate the U.S. elections, but also that he can manipulate Donald Trump by insinuating respect and personal admiration. Putin, however, may be underestimating Trump, as so many others have in the past. While Trump is not a polished statesman yet, The President-elect’s record of success in the business arena has revealed a shrewdness that is not always apparent upon first glance.

Trump’s unconventional choice of ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson to lead the State Department is a case in point. Tillerson is the CEO of the one of the world’s largest and most farflung corporate empires.

It leads in almost every aspect of the energy and petrochemical business, operates facilities or market products in most of the world’s countries, and explores for oil and natural gas on six continents. If there is any CEO or business executive who has interacted with sensitive foreign government issues and knows the major players on the global stage it is Tillerson.

And yet, despite his extensive global experience, Tillerson is also a relative political newbie and does not bring

some of the baggage associated with other, more politically connected candidates.

It signals a shift away from the current geopolitical frameworks based on broad regional consensus — the One China Policy for example — and towards a transactional approach more closely tailored to U.S. interests.

It also suggests that domestic economic concerns will “trump” exerting global power as the world’s policeman as a primary driver of U.S. diplomatic relationships under the new administration. Under such a framework, ceding responsibility to Russia in addressing critical global issues such as terrorism makes complete sense. America faces critical economic challenges with an almost $20 trillion national debt, and cannot afford to maintain the same sprawling military presence around the world. The U.S. needs capable partners, including Russia, Japan and the European nations to step up to the plate.

Trump also has a team around him that is capable and acutely aware of the stakes. Putin’s continued hold on power despite the dire economic problems in Russia is predicated at least in part on his ability to stoke Russian national pride. Being seen at home as a co-equal player in geopolitics with the United States probably helps him maintain that perception.

While Putin himself may be a ‘frenemy,’ it is certainly in the U.S. interests during a transition of power to promote a stable Russian state.

Armstrong Williams is Manager / Sole Owner of Howard Stirk Holdings I & II Broadcast Television Stations and the 2016 Multicultural Media Broadcast Owner of the year. Watch our Right Side Forum every Saturday Live Newschannel 8 TV 28 in DC, 10:30 am – 11:00 am and repeats 6:30 pm EST. Read Armstrong Williams, author of the brand new book Reawakening Virtues, content on RightSideWire.com and Come join the discussion live at 6-8 p.m. and 4-6 a.m. est. on Sirius/XM UrbanView 126 , Become a fan on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter.

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JANUARY 13, 2017

QUIT PLAYIN’: The Fight King!

By Vincent L. Hall

“What does it profit a man to be able to eat at an integrated lunch counter if he doesn’t have enough money to buy a hamburger?” -MLK to striking workers in Memphis Tennessee, March 1968.

Here we go again. It’s Martin Luther King Day again and since they don’t have a “White sale” in his honor, you don’t know what to do. If you’re too young to know what a “White sale” is, let me explain.

Back in the day, most department stores celebrated holidays by deeply discounting sheets, tablecloths and bedding. Back then airing your dirty laundry was faux pas, but that was those glorious days before Reality TV and a president with five kids and three “Baby-mamas.” These days, people say and do anything, without regard to personal reputation and in spite of our lack of parental controls.

Anyway, millions sojourn annually to pay homage to Dr. Martin Luther King and to look into the pool where the 1963 “”Dream” was delivered.

However the greatest disservice we can do his memory is to leave him on the Washington Mall…Dreaming!

To leave Dr. King at that lectern is tantamount to memorializing Muhammad Ali in his dressing room.

It wasn’t the oratorical elegance or striking black and white photos that made either man great; it was the fights they waged that won them

prominence and regard.

James Earl Ray did not level his Remington Gamemaster .30-06 on Dr. King because he was merely dreaming. Ray was an avid reader and George Wallace convinced him that King was the White man’s enemy; Ray’s enemy. It was warfare, not some utopian hallucination that doomed Dr. King.

Before the ink could dry on the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Dr. King was already training for the next battlefront.

By March 1968, Dr. King sent a telegram Cesar Chavez who was fasting on behalf of farm workers in California: “As brothers in the fight for equality, I extend the hand of fellowship and good will and wish continuing success to you and your members. ...You and your valiant fellow workers have demonstrated your commitment to righting grievous wrongs forced upon exploited people. We are together with you in spirit and in determination that our dreams for a better tomorrow will be realized.”

The fruition of Dr. King’s 1963 manifesto was inevitably tied to fairness in employment, so he sought to see that labor laws and labor practices were changed. Here is what he said to organizers and striking workers in Memphis just days before his death.

After beating back the legal tentacles of Jim Crow in the South, King looked northward and led “People to People” for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Shortly after enlisting other Freedom fighters, King moved into an apartment at 1550 South Hamlin Avenue on Chicago’s West Side. King lived part time in Chicago, but beat the streets often in his new ‘hood” to meet his neighbors and assess the conditions of Chicago’s slums. Somewhere along the line, King realized that slum living had a direct tethering to slum wages.

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“Now our struggle is for genuine equality, which means economic equality.

For we know now, that it isn’t enough to integrate lunch counters. What does it profit a man to be able to eat at the swankest integrated restaurant when he doesn’t even earn enough money to take his wife out to dine? What does it profit one to have access to the hotels of our cities, and the hotels of our highways, when we don’t earn enough money to take our family on a vacation? What does it profit one to be able to attend an integrated school, when he doesn’t earn enough money to buy his children school clothes?”

So I ask; what does it profit you to have a King Holiday if you ain’t fightin’?

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Community Calendar

Community Lawyering Center Open for Business - Mondays – Saturdays; days and evenings by appointment. 4716 Elsie Faye Heggins, Dallas, 75210. For info, call: 469-351-0024 or x0025

January 13

LADIES CHOICE Concert Series featuring

Avant, Dru Hill and Jagged Edge Music Hall @ Fair Park 909 1st Ave Dallas, TX, 75210

JANUARY 13, 2017

“Reflections in Time As We Launch New Dimensions of Service” is the theme of the 109 year old Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated®, 2017 Founders’ Day Celebration. To honor its founding members, Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex Chapters, Beta Mu Omega, Fort Worth; Xi Theta Omega, Arlington; Tau Rho Omega, Carrollton; and Chi Zeta Omega, Plano will host a Gospel Brunch Sunday 11:30 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza North Dallas Addison, 14315 Midway Road Addison, Texas 75001. Tickets are $65.00 and may be purchased online through, http://tinyurl. com/2017dfwfoundersday or through hosting chapters.

The guest speaker for this public event is Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, International Vice President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, and a member of its Board of Directors.

January 16 ***** SHADOWLAND by PILOBOLUS is coming to Dallas on Friday, January 13 and Saturday, January 14, 2017 following four wildly successful years touring Europe and Asia. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.attpac.org. TITAS Presents at Dallas City Performance Hall NAACP President/CEO Cornell William Brooks to speak for the Arlington MLK Banquet “Advancing the Dream: A Nation of Justice & Freedom. Reception 6pm | Dinner 6:45pm. Limited tickets for $45/ $360 per table. Get your tickets at utatickets.com.

212.920.9147.

January 14

Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough will be the speaker at the 35th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Banquet, Fairmont Dallas at 6p.m.

January 15

2017 MLK Day Parade! For more information about The 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration or to register for the parade, visit www.dallasmlkcenter.com/2017mlkcelebration!

January 17 The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) with the city of Irving, proposes the extension of existing Conflans Road, on a new location, from State Highway 161 (SH 161) to Valley View Lane in Dallas County. TxDOT will hold a public meeting to discuss and receive public comments on the proposed project from 6 to 8 p.m. at the city of Irving council chambers, 825 W. Irving Boulevard in Irving.

January 18 Join the Dallas Black Dance Theatre for the 2017 Founder’s Luncheon! Purchase your tickets by contacting the DBDT Development office - development@dbdt. com or (214) 871-2376 **** Small Business Expo Dallas Convention Center 9am-5m

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January 21

Join The Judges, Prosecutors, Clerks and Defense Attorneys of the Dallas Municipal Court System and the Honorable Judge Dominique Collins C. A. W. Clark Legal Clinic Good Street Baptist Church 3110 Bonnie View Road, Dallas, TX 9:30 am WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE DALLAS MUNICIPAL COURTS

****

The National Black Marathoners Association - A healthier congregation is the foundation 9:30AM to 4:00PM (lunch incl), Cooper Hotel & Conference Center, 12200 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230 For questions, emai FaithAndWellness@BlackMarathoners. org

January 22 Dallas entrepreneur and philanthropist Kea Garrett celebrates the release of her inspiring autobiography From Hell to Hair to Millionaire: The Divine Journeys of Kea Garrett with a book signing Sunday, January 22nd at Lofty Spaces located at 816 Montgomery Street, Dallas, TX

Jan 28

Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. celebrates Founders Day at Sheraton Dallas, 11:30 am Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook is the speaker Author Ginger McKnight-Chavers will review and autograph IN THE HEART OF TEXAS 3p.m. at the AfricanAmerican Museum in Fair Park

***** The 29th Annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance is honoring dance industry trailblazer Robert Battle, the Artistic Director for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater when it meets in Dallas, Texas January 25-29, 2017. Robert Battle is the conference luncheon keynote speaker and will participate in a panel discussion on “Transitions and Stability of Today’s Dance Companies.” Founders Day at their annual luncheon.

February 11

JAZZ with a FUNKYTwist featuring Brian Culbertson and Johnathon Butler at the SMU McFarlin Auditorium at 7p.m.

Greater Southwest Chamber of Commerce Valentine’s Day Gala benefiting the GSWCOC School of Business and 5% of proceeds go to the Trinity Chapter of Links Inc. Hilton Garden Inn, 800 North Main Street, Duncanville 6p.m. Reception Dinner at 7pm followed by dancing

February 20 Millennial and Multicultural Sales Summit Learn best practices for recruiting, hiring and developing millennial and multicultural sales teams - 9:00 am to 1:30 pm TXU Energy Customer Center, Irving, TX. 75039 Register Now $49 Limited Seating + your copy of “Why Millennial Sales People Now”!

Sales Trac Coaching & Management Development, Inc., 13111 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75243

March 3, 2017 AL JARREAU Live at the Majestic

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I Messenger Trump’s Attorney General Drives the Wedges Deeper JANUARY 13, 2017

President –elect Donald Trump is preparing to take office on January 20, 2017. One of his top duties is to choose members of his Cabinet that will oversee various agencies and sectors of the government.

This is his right and duty to fill these positions, he won the election. However, it is also the President’s duty to select individuals that will rise above party politics and put all of the American people first.

One of the most important and influential cabinet posts, Trump will fill is that of Attorney General.

His choice of Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama could not be more disconcerting and should give every citizen of the United States pause.

It is important to understand the importance and power of the one chosen for this role.

The Attorney General is tasked to represent the United States in legal matters presiding in the U.S. Supreme Court; also gives advice and opinions to the President of the United States and to U.S. Cabinet Members.

A U.S. Attorney General must be unbiased and have confidence to not allow the White House to interfere in the Department of Justice’s investigations.

Senator Session’s nomination concerns me for a myriad of reasons.

His vigorous support of Donald Trump’s policies that do not support

FROM THE HILL by

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson the values of our country and humanity is a key reason.

Undeniably Senator Session’s comments regarding civil rights leaders, Sen. Jeff Sessions voting rights, immigration, the LGBTQ community and sexual assault on record are deemed to be offensive and problematic to serve with integrity and respect in the Department of Justice.

Senator Sessions has a proven record, a proven record of supporting discriminatory policies, a proven record of toeing the Republican party line, and a proven record of working against people’s civil rights.

Texas was negatively impacted by the Shelby v. Holder decision which stripped Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act, the formula helped identify jurisdictions who historically had issues of racial discrimination.

Keeping in mind, Texas was one of the states listed from the formula, which bring us to Section 5 being impacted as well. Section 5 ensured that if states listed in the formula attempted to change the law, the attorney general would as act a referee and send federal officials to the jurisdiction to check for any violations of voting discrimination.

Senator Sessions has continued to state he does not see any issue with the voting practices and procedures in our nation, specifically in the southern states (including the one he represents, Alabama).

This is one area where he falls short of being capable of protecting a sample of the American population.

Last week I participated in a press conference with my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus to stand against Senator Sessions being nominated to serve in a position where he would be called on to protect and provide justice to all Americans.

We cannot expect a man that has a proven record of discriminatory politics to be the catalyst for the criminal justice reform this country so desperately needs.

I encourage all concerned citizens here in Texas and across the country to stand against this nomination and tell every senator that Jeff Sessions is not the Attorney General America needs.

Learn how you can receive $100,000 for college funding, by investing $7,000.

This little known unique financial strategy is used by wealthy individuals to create large amounts of money daily. To receive free details on how to get access to this financial strategy, please call 214-962-0951. This opportunity is available only for those who can invest $7,000. This program is limited so call today.

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JANUARY 13, 2017

I Want to Put My Ex-Husband’s Wife into Time Out

Dear Alma: My ex-husband remarried last year.

His new wife wants to be involved in our conversations about our kids. I like her, respect that she takes care of my kids when they are at their house, but does every sentence about our kids have to be a group meeting?

My ex doesn’t understand why I get aggravated when my questions can’t be answered until he consults with her or gets her on the phone or suggests a dinner meeting and such.

Help! This is getting on my last nerve.

D.C., Camden, N.J.

Ask Alma:

by Alma Gill

NNPA News Wire Columnist 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.

turning this favor into some foolishness?

You should thank your lucky stars that this woman wants to be a proactive, respectful participant of your blended family situation.

The three of you are co-parenting now, and it looks to me that both she and your ex-husband are taking their roles seriously and putting the children first – something you may want to consider.

Dear D.C.,

There’s no easy way to sip this tea, and I’m not offering any sweetener. First and foremost, your ex has a responsibility to his new wife.

Slow down, Mz. D.C., with your rant full of ungratefulness. Why are you

He is no longer your soul mate, husband or best friend; he is now all of

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those things to her.

He’s not disrespecting you by checking with his wife. Close your eyes, breathe and let that be. It’s time for you to move on.

Your non-existent feelings of entitlement with him has ended. Pause, hit rewind and play it again.

When it comes to the wellbeing of the kids, each parent has a seat at the “what’s best for them” table. Grab your chair and sit, appreciating each role that’s represented.

When he gathers all of you together, he’s rallying his team. “Team Parents” working on a united front is one of the best lessons of love you can show your children.

Alma

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I Messenger ACA Marketplace open Enrollment period runs through Jan. 31, 2017 The fourth open enrollment period into the Health Insurance Marketplace begins Nov. 1, 2016 and runs through Jan. 31, 2017. Through the Marketplace, individuals are able to go to one place to search for health coverage options and choose from the health plans available in their area.

The best source for information about the Marketplace is the website www.healthcare. gov.

The website is available 24/7 and provides information on how the Marketplace works, what the benefits are and key deadlines. Individuals can also call 1.800.318.2596 to speak with trained customer service representatives 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For individuals needing further assistance, Parkland Health & Hospital System will have certified application counselors available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday thru Friday in Parkland’s Business Office to answer questions about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and provide help enrolling in the Marketplace.

The Business Office is located on the first floor of the old Parkland OPC, 5201 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, 75235. Certified application counselors will not be available at any of Parkland’s Community Oriented Primary Care health centers.

“We will have a limited number of certified application counselors available to assist patients with the enrollment process,” said Rhonda Miller, Parkland’s Senior Vice President of Revenue Cycle. “We encourage those who may qualify for the Marketplace to log into the government’s website or speak to one of the government’s trained customer service representatives.”

Most people must have qualifying health coverage or pay a fee for the months they don’t have insurance.

Health coverage exemptions are available

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JANUARY 13, 2017 based on a number of circumstances, including certain hardships, some life events, health coverage or financial status and membership in some groups. Additional information on exemptions is available at www.healthcare.gov.

In addition, a special enrollment period (SEP) outside of the yearly open enrollment exists for those with certain life events including losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby or adopting child.

If an individual qualifies for an SEP, they usually have up to 60 days following the event to enroll in a plan. If they miss that window, they have to wait until the next open enrollment period to apply.

Those who may need assistance can contact Parkland’s Customer Service department at 214.590.4900. For more information about Parkland’s services, visit www.parklandhospital.com.

Calling NABJ Students!

Applications for the 2017 Short Courses are now open!

Join NABJ and our partner universities for the 2017 Short Courses!

During the Short Courses participants will receive instruction from faculty and experienced industry reporters, news directors, producers, videographers and graphic designers. Participants will produce newscasts, webcasts, podcasts, video slide shows and social media sites, as well as learn strategies on how to market their skills to secure a job after graduation.

Applicant must be: A current member of NABJ Be currently enrolled in a four-year accredited college or university Majoring in journalism or communication Be a junior, senior or graduate student Possess a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 Applications will be accepted online only. Please the following documents ready to upload before beginning the ap-

plication: Cover Letter A high-quality professional headshot with a white or black background A 200 word summary of your current experience and what you hope to learn Resume (one page) Transcript (Scanned, low resolution PDF or JPG) Contact information for three references (Full name, title, phone number, and email) NABJ membership number Web links to your most-recent work samples

DFW-ABJ URBAN JOURNALISM WORKSHOP APPLICATIONS

The Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (formerly the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators) will present its 28th annual Urban Journalism Workshop for high school and college students. For more information or to apply, log on to www. dfwabj.com Applications must be returned by January 31 to: DFW/ABJ c/o Cheryl Smith 320 South RL Thornton Freeway, Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203

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Civil Rights Leaders meet with top Senate Democrat Group Detailed Priorities for New Congress to Senator Schumer

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Late yesterday, leaders of the nation’s foremost civil rights organizations--the National Urban League, the National Action Network, the NAACP, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation--met with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to discuss the community’s legislative priorities.

After the meeting, each shared the following comments: “Yesterday’s meeting with Senator Schumer was an opportunity for the civil rights community to detail our concerns and expectations of lawmakers during this new Congress and administration. From what we have already seen, there is much that gives us pause. We hope that in this new political climate we will continue to have an enthusiastic partner in Senator Schumer, and in his caucus, to safeguard and expand civil rights and economic opportunities for communities of color.”

Marc H. Morial, president and CEO

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of the National Urban League.

“Senator Schumer clearly understands that the tremendous gains for civil rights made on behalf of all Americans could easily be eroded by the actions of the incoming Trump Administration.

In Senator Schumer, we see a willing ally in Congress to protect what we have accomplished and to ensure that we continue to move forward in a positive fashion.”

Melanie L. Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation.

"Senator Schumer understands that much work remains to be done to advance civil rights across our nation.

Issues that must remain front and center include voter suppression, jobs creation, educational opportunity, and ensuring access to economic opportunity for minority communities. Now more than ever, it is essential that we be the bridge that connects the communities we serve to the steps of the Capitol Building."

Kristen Clarke, president and executive director, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

"LDF emphasized to Senator Schumer our ongoing civil rights priorities in education, voting rights and criminal justice reform. It is our hope that Senator Schumer understands the importance of continuing to push forward on issues of racial justice and equality.”

Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

“It’s important that all elected officials understand that protecting civil rights in this country is more important than ever. That’s why we met with Senator Schumer and plan to meet with other leaders in the House and Senate. We aren’t going to let Donald Trump roll back all the progress made in this country on the civil rights front, but we need to remind all politicians that they are accountable for what happens in the next few years."

Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president, National Action Network The group also requested a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

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Wishing you a great 2017!

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Bringing sin to the party? Woe! Spiritually Speaking

by James A. Washington

As believers, we think we have a lot on our plates. From our perspective however, that shouldn’t mean we’re challenged beyond our capacity to fulfill God’s destiny for us.

It just means we have a purpose—God’s. The more we understand and internalize this, the more we see and appreciate the individual blessings in our lives.

What I’d like to call your attention to now is a statement from Jesus’ mouth to your reality.

Now make a note. I am hanging out in that forgiveness thing. This time it’s not forgiving yourself I’m talking I’m talking about. It is God’s forgiveness and grace about the sins we commit.

Nowhere in the Bible can I find an expectation by God that you won’t sin after you are saved. To the contrary, the expectation is that you will.

God’s grace and Christ’s blood have taken care of that for you and me. We just need to keep the appropriate perspective regarding sin and prayer and let God know our confession is genuine.

The point I want to bring to your attention is when Jesus says your forgiveness ain’t happenWWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM

ing. Luke 17:1 say: “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to the person through whom they come.”

This one stunned me and I thought I’d pass it along to you. “…but woe to the person through whom they come.”

This kind of redefines friendship and fellowship, don’t you think?

This statement doesn’t absolve the sinner from the sin,

My point is you cannot plead ignorance on this one. God won’t let you. Woe is waiting.

This verse continues to illustrate how you should respond to one who sins against you. You forgive. Period!

The verse is also clear as to your role in the body of Christ.

Don’t bring sin to the party and try to convince others it really is okay to engage in it. Eve did that and we all know how that turned out.

So remember this: You are forgiven and you are to forgive. I don’t believe I follow a God of confusion.

This is pretty simple. But, let’s not get it twisted. This can be a trap as in entrapment. Don’t fall for it.

Do not ask your friends and family to wallow in your “oh woe is me.” That’s an indication of a lack of faith or, a lack of belief that Jesus has indeed fulfilled scripture. The alternative is His “oh woe is you.” but it does put a huge burden on As always, it’s your choice. It the one bringing the sin trying always has been and always will to convince his or her Christian be. family member that it’s okay to partake.

May God bless and keep you always.

The consequences of this act appear to be catastrophic. You guys know I believe for anyone James Washington is a father, husband, Christo truly hurt you, they have to be tian and writer. James is also the owner and publisher of the multimedia company The Dallas close enough to you to kiss you. Weekly. You can follow James on Twitter at @ JAWS_215.

Can you say Judas?

You are forgiven and you are to forgive.

I don’t believe I follow a God of confusion.

James

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