I Messenger VOL 6 ISSUE 21
JANUARY 20, 2017
JANUARY 20, 2017
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ZETA LOVE!
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VOL 6 ISSUE 21
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I MESSENGER salutes President Barack Obama and extends heartfelt expressions of gratitude Free - Take One to the Obama Family AT .EWSSTANDS IN Free!VAILABLE - Take One and Administration Garland,Rowlett ROCK T Mesquite Garland,Rowlett 16 for their serviceMesquite and Richardson Richardson & E.Dallas sacrifices!& E.Dallas !VAILABLE AT .EWSSTANDS IN
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2017 KICKOFF!!!!! TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES DO BUSINESS WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
The Verna's H.E.L.P. Foundation is proud to announce our 1st FREE event for 2017. The Annual Business Workshop-Feb. 17, 2017 at Eastfield College, 3737 Motley Drive, Mesquite, TX 75150 - Building S , www.eastfieldcollege.edu With confirmed special guest - The General Service Administration; Small Business Director - Albert Garza, and UTA Cross Timbers - Director - Gregory James. Verna's Ventures LLC- Free Information on How to write proposals for Grants. With the "HOW TO WRITE A GRANT PROPOSAL " Booklets, which will be available for a donation, afterwards. Registration starts at 9:30 A.M. - Workshop starts at 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. With a 30 min. Lunch break from 12:00 to 12:30.
Other Special Guests will be representatives, from the office of Congressman Pete Sessions, State Representative Cindy Burkett and Dr.
order through Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/inconversation2017conversation
David Willis of the Renaissance Capital Group.
IN CONVERSATION WITH ROLAND S. MARTIN TICKETS + SPONSORSHIPS ON SALE NOW for sponsorship info, contact Michelle Newsome inconversation@zwhjcoc.org or 214.878.1734
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ticket info on other side
Friday | February 17, 2017 | 7:00 p.m. St. Luke “Community” UMC | 5710 East R.L. Thornton Freeway | Dallas 75223 WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM IC2017-clubcard-4x6.indd 1
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JANUARY 20, 2017
“Hip Hop Prez” comes to Dallas My Day By Dr. J. Ester Davis
Why is there an enrollment surge at historically black colleges? Who is new on the NBC News List of 100 African Americans Making History today? What is a podcast and why is “selfie” according to the golden bastion, Oxford English Dictionary, “the -word -of -the-year”? The 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Gala, held Saturday, January 14, 2017, was indeed one of the best ever. The electric keynote speaker was the 7th President of Dillard University from New Orleans, Louisiana, accompanied by the renowned Dillard University Choir. The President of this highly acclaimed institution has been recognized for his outspokenness on HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) and African American Men in college. He has taken charge of social media and his quest propelling students forward. In fact in 2010, Bachelors Degree.com listed this president as one of 25 college presidents you should follow on twitter @HipHopPrez. Dr. Walter Kimbrough, President, Dillard University, is known as the
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“hip hop prez,” who took the podium unceremoniously, direct, on point, in a few words and completely comfortable. I just love speakers that ‘cut to the chase’, meaning leaving out unnecessary dialogue and non-icebreaking jokes. Dr. Kimbrough started with the meaning of the word “selfie” as . . . all-about-self. “Selfie” means
Dr. Walter Kimbrough with long-time friend Candace Wicks
selfish. His disdainful disapproval of the word and its self-centered meaning was clearly felt like a cool chill. He went on about ‘people that take pictures of themselves . . .brushing their teeth, etc. etc.’ He continued on with the challenge. “Why not care about somebody else?” he asked the room of about 1,000.
Take a picture and post it as a Big Brother or Big Sister. . .take a picture with a college student and raise money to keep him/her in school. Dr. Kimbrough is not limited. He is mighty with a pen also. The Washington Post recently published a letter he wrote about his research witnessing an increase in enrollment at historically black colleges in the wake of racial tension across the nation. The enrollment at Dillard University is up 22%; at Tuskegee University 32%; South Carolina State 39%. The two key words in this paragraph are “his research.” Dr. Kimbrough has “forced” a path as a national expert on fraternities and sororities with “specific expertise regarding historically Black, Latin and Asian groups.” As I am writing this article, I am listening to Dr. Kimbrough on a 30-minute podcast. Look him up. He is all. . .all over the social media landscape. Let me share this one little fact. One might wonder why “selfie” is a word and why “the hip hop prez” bought this message. Last year the word ‘selfie’ increased 17,000(%) percent. Again. . . why not care about somebody else? Thank you, Dr. Kimbrough. You are what genuine leadership looks like. Please follow Dr. Kimbrough on his blog: http://hiphopprez.blogspot. com Ester Davis can be reached @www. esterday.com.
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JANUARY 20, 2017
QUIT PLAYIN’: What Obama means to me By Vincent L. Hall
I was feeling like a 5th grader troubled by a homework assignment from school. The editorial writing teacher made this week’s theme very clear; “What does President Barack Hussein Obama mean to you?” Apparently every regular and wannabee editorial writer got the same edict and that makes it hard. I already read an “Ode to Obama” and “Bye Bye Barack.” What on earth would I say of this uncharacteristically noble politician? What could I say of him as a man and more specifically…A Black man. Dr. Jeff Warren of Dallas’ historic Park Cities Baptist Church gave me a start. It fell his lot to give the “Occasion” at the African American Pastors Coalition 2017 MLK Celebration. Pastor Warren recounted a historical scene in the life of MLK. This will be a poor paraphrase, because this White brother was illustrative and emotive. I hope I can capture it in words. Dr. King was at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church conducting a boycott meeting for the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA). Ralph Abernathy, King’s hope-to-die and ace-boon-coon, whispered something in his ear. Obama and VP Joe Biden’s “Bromance” is not the first. King and Abernathy were inseparable. Anyway, Abernathy’s message was
that King’s home had been bombed with his wifey and his new baby girl in it. King recited the customary ritual; a benedictory mizpah, without uttering a word to the crowd about his plight. Upon arriving to his humble abode, King is greeted by fire crews and police on the lawn and reporters in his house. After learning that his family was safe, he was confronted with a
whole new dilemma. Negroes from far and wide had engulfed the neighborhood and were armed with bottles, sticks, knives and guns. They understandably wanted to protect their 26 year-old leader, and I can imagine that they were ready to violate that “Non-violent resistance” foolishness. Message: When Negroes show up on the scene armed with arsenal and adrenaline, they don’t come ready to fight, they come ready to die. I imagine that Dr. King drew a deep breath, exchanged a few soft words with his maker and went to the porch. He told this loosely assembled attachment of Gideon’s Army to go home. There would be no reciprocal response to the evil that had been put upon him and his family. And that’s what President Obama
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means to me. That same audacious and pragmatic display of faith and love that made Dr. King a legend is the same peaceful assurance that has allowed this 44th president to flourish. BP Oil spills millions of gallons of oil in the gulf…Obama says go home, I got this. Can’t nobody find Osama Bin Laden...Obama says “chill I got this.” Trayvon Martin is gunned down by a wishhe-could-be- cop and Obama soothes the nation by consoling Black parents and helping White folks empathize with the deeply rooted issues of race discrimination. Barack Obama, like King, has managed the unenviable position of balancing the deity that Black people and his disenfranchised supporters saddled him with, while facing the harshest and most disrespectful White folks that have been brave enough to come to surface since Klan gowns and hoods went out of vogue. I’ll miss watching his hustle down the stairs of Air Force One that turned into a long gait and a soulful strut. I’ll miss that Soul Brother whose integrity is without spot or blemish. A claim that NO other US. President can make, save my other hero, Jimmy Carter. What does Barack Obama mean to me? The life and legacy of President Obama says to me that the struggle is real, but God is too!!! I might get summoned to the principal’s office for saying it, but that’s what he means.
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JANUARY 20, 2017
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority inducts honorary members
New Honorary Members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (From left to right – Shonté Fuller, National Co-Chair of Honorary Membership; Natalie Dillard Brannon, National Co-Chair of Honorary Membership; Rhona Bennett, entertainer and "Personal Power" coach; Dr. Mary Breaux Wright, International President; Dr. Anita Hill, Esq., professor, author and women's equality activist; Cynthia James, speaker, author and coach; Dr. Jylla Moore Tearte; Past International President; Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker, National First Vice-President of Membership; and Norma Dartis, National Historian)
Breaking with tradition, at their Executive Board meeting, held in Dallas earlier this year, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., under the leadership of International President Mary Breaux Wright, inducted three members into the service organization. Expressing pride over the calibre of inductees and also the announcement that the organization would be launching Global Year of Service. The members are pledging to provide 20 million hours of com-
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munity service by the organization’s centennial year in 2020. “As Zetas, we take service seriously, which can be seen through our partnerships with the March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said Dr. Breaux Wright, who jokingly said there was an expectation that the three inductees would each be responsible for 5 million hours. “It is my honor to welcome women of such prominence who are willing and ready to roll up their
sleeves, and help us fulfill our mission as a community-conscious, action-oriented organization.” Joining the ranks of Zeta Women are Dr. Anita Hill, Esq., Cynthia James, and Rhona Bennett. Dr. Anita Hill, Esq. is a pioneer of women’s equality in the workplace. The Yale School of Law graduate is currently a Professor of Law, Public Policy and Women’s Studies at Brandeis University, and author of Speaking Truth to Power and
Reimagining Equality: Stories of Gender, Race and Finding Home. Speaking to her sisters, Atty. Hill said, “Thanks for the spirit of the organization. I am so full of joy. The anxiety, as we move forward, melts aways as I look out at you.” Cynthia James is a multiple-award winning author of What Will Set You Free and Revealing Your Extraordinary Essence, and international life coach. In 2014, her Extraordinary Living Project was se-
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Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority President Tonya Derrick, Mary Breaux Wright, International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Curtistene McCowan, Mayor of DeSoto.
lected to be a Commitment Maker by the Clinton Health Matters Initiative. “I feel love, I feel gifted to be here, to be in your presence,” said Ms. James. Rhona Bennett is a singer, songwriter and actress who appeared on popular television comedies such as Living Single and Martin, with a reoccurring role on The Jamie Foxx Show. She is currently a performing member of the R&B group EnVogue and a “Personal Power” life coach. “I’m ready, willing to take on how I can help,” said Ms. Bennett. “I look forward to building on the great work you have done.”
In addition to Zetas from around the country, local members of other Black Greek Letter Organizations joined the reception honoring the inductees, including former national president of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Paul Griffin, National Pan Hellenic Council former regional director Candace Wicks and past president Cassandra Black, who is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta, and several community officials like Dallas City Councilman Casey Thomas and DeSoto Mayor Curtistene McCowan. According to National Co-Chairs of Honorary Membership Shonte Fuller and Natalie Dillard Brannon, the induction ceremony was very emotional because of the energy and beauty of the sisterhood. Also praising the inductees, the ladies talked about Zetas commitment to community, providing service, advocacy and being engaged. They agreed that the inductees are excellent role models. “We have taken three of the finest women that the world has to offer and inducted them into our organization,” said. Dr. Breaux Wright. A retired educator and development officer, Dr. Breaux Wright said it was especially special and a dream come true to hold the induction and reception in Dallas, which is right up the highway from her home in Houston. “We have never inducted honorary members at a board meeting... and to have it done here in Dallas, Texas!”
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-Cheryl Smith
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Community Calendar
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 9am5m
January 20 SMU TO HOST INAUGURATION VIEWING, RECONCILIATION PANEL DISCUSSION Refreshments at 10:30 a.m., inauguration at 11:00 a.m., panel discussion following inauguration. SMU-in-Plano, the Great Room, Bldg 3, 5228 Tennyson Parkway, Plano, TX, https://www.smu.edu/ AboutSMU/Maps/SMU-in-Plano
January 21 GREEK NIGHT Paul Quinn vs. Langston University. 5:30 PM for women and 7:30 PM for men. The cost of the event is $5 Adults & $3 for kids. At 3837 Simpson Stuart, Dallas, Texas 75241. Wear your Greek apparel!
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
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JANUARY 20, 2017
For questions, emai FaithAndWellness@BlackMarathoners.org
University of Texas at Arlington.
their annual luncheon. *****
****** At 2 pm, the Post will host its annual Socks for Veterans Assembling Party. At this event, we will be putting together socks gift bags. The Post is located at 2728 Parson Street, Dallas, TX, 75215. *****
January 25
CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL Chinese New Year Festival from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Held inside the Crow Collection of Asian Art and outdoors on Flora and Harwood Streets in the Dallas Arts District. The event is free and open to the public. Crow Collection of Asian Art 2010 Flora St. Dallas, TX 75201
NCA SENIOR & JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL NATIONALS January 21 and 22 The top senior & junior high cheerleaders come to Dallas for the NCA Senior & Junior High School Nationals! Tickets can be purchased at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas box office. Event located at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas 650 South Griffin Street Dallas, TX 75202
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
January 24 Press conference outlining a project to collect, preserve and digitize the educational and political papers and achievements of prominent African American educators and civic leaders in Dallas, past and present, will be held at the African American Museum in Fair Park at 11.30 am. The project will be led by Dr. Marvin Dulaney, the former head of the department of history at the
Tune in at 11am CST with host Ask the Hair & Scalp Doctor and expert guest Dr. Fredrica Kennedy, Occupational Therapist at the University of Chicago, sharing about ‘Parent’s Rights for your Child With Autism’, autism and alopecia, scalp care, hair care, 4th Annual Alopecia Scholarship, CWAP and more only on www. DfwiRadio.com
January 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
Jan 29 INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY COMMEMORATION Marking the liberation of Auschwitz, International Holocaust Remembrance Day allows for reflection upon the profound tragedy of the Holocaust. Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance, 211 N. Record Street Suite 100 Dallas, TX
January 30 Join Dallas ISD Trustee Bernadette Nutall for a State of District 9 Community Meeting at James Madison High School, 3000 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. at 5:30 pm
February 4
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha XI Omega Chapter, will have its 2017 Founders’ Day Luncheon 12 noon at the Hilton Anatole. Guest speaker is Dr. Jacqueline Walters, nationally recognized OB/GYN and star of Bravo’s hit reality series “Married to Medicine.” Dr. Jackie is a two-time breast cancer survivor and founder of the 50 Shades of Pink Foundation.
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Students visit with Facebook’s Zuckerberg
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg surprised students from the School for the Talented and Gifted and South Oak Cliff High School Collegiate Academy as they performed a service project over the weekend. Zuckerberg joined the students as they helped build a community garden in Oak Cliff. “It was truly an unbelievable experience,” said Camryn Pope, a ninth-grader in the SOC Collegiate Academy. “Everyone just about lost their minds.” The students showed up to help build the community garden as part of a Day of Service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. When they arrived, they learned a surprise guest would join them.The students said that meeting Zuckerberg inspired them to pursue their dreams and career goals. They also credited their schools and programs for helping put them in a position to meet Zuckerberg.
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As part of the SOC Collegiate Academy, Pope has the opportunity to earn up to 60 hours of college credit while still in high school. “In addition to taking care of my first two years of college while still in high school, my collegiate academy stresses the importance of being involved in my community,” said Pope. “That’s why I showed up to volunteer.” Following his visit, Zuckerberg complimented the rigorous academics at TAG, which is one of the district’s magnet schools. In a Facebook post, he remarked how TAG is "one of the best public high schools in the country," and that every freshman at the school is required to take computer science. The application period to attend a magnet school such as TAG or collegiate academy is open through Jan. 31.
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I Messenger JOHNSON: The State of the Affordable Care Act
JANUARY 20, 2017
As we enter a new year with a new Congress, many Americans have begun reflecting on how their families will be affected by legislation that could possibly impact their access to health coverage. Normally people approach a new year with joy, happiness and hope for the opportunities that are ahead. However, in the first few days of 2017 the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is once again being challenged by a Republican-led Congress whose goal is to repeal and dismantle the health coverage for thousands of people in our district and millions in our state. Over the past six years families were able to take comfort in the security that they and their loved ones gained -- treatment for a pre-existing condition, or a regular check-up without paying out of pocket. Yet for many Americans, it is now a time of anxiety. The Affordable Care Act has improved the health care and financial security of every American, no matter where he or she gets health insurance. For those already with insurance, the law made health coverage more affordable, more reliable, and higher quality – guaranteeing access to free preventive check-ups and
FROM THE HILL by
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
health services, and holding insurance companies accountable to their patients and their policies. For millions of Americans who struggled to afford health insurance, including Americans with pre-existing conditions, young adults, and low-income families, the ACA finally put affordable health care within reach. The ACA also saved seniors thousands of dollars in drug costs and put Medicare on a more sustainable path, helping protect the Medicare promise into the future. Repealing the ACA without a new plan to replace those who are currently insured will bring about unwarranted chaos and confusion. Thanks to the enactment of the ACA in 2010 – the uninsured rate in Texas has fallen by 28 percent, which resulted in more than 1.7 million Texans gaining health coverage. More than 4.7 million Texans (seniors, children, and people with disabilities) are covered by Medicaid, Medicare or the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The people af-
fected most will be the middle class and low-wage working families. Additionally over 13 million Texans were able to receive health insurance through employer-sponsored health plans. While there are of course improvements that could be made to the health care law to strengthen the protections and further lower costs, the ACA is paving the way for increased access to affordable insurance for working people. We cannot lose sight of the millions of Americans who depend on the ACA to keep their families happy and healthy all year round. I will continue to work to ensure that the Affordable Care Act stays in place, despite the uproar and support Republicans have put forth to dismantle it. I will push for Texas to expand Medicaid so that more Texans can receive the same benefits that millions of Americans in Medicaid expansion states currently receive. During the 115th Congress, I will make it my goal to improve the law so that we can fulfill the generations-long struggle to make health care a right, not a privilege, for all Americans.
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. WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
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My Co-worker Lied about her “Dead Sister” to Get Time Off Dear 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.
Dear No Good Deed,
I work with a woman who came to work and said her sister died. She didn’t have enough time off so I and another woman donated time to her so she could take off for the funeral and still be paid. To make this long story short, I have a friend of a friend who’s her friend and she said she doesn’t even have a sister. I can’t believe she lied about something like that. I think she should be fired, because she’s a liar. I’m not sure how to bring it to the attention of her supervisor. I told my co-worker, who also volunteered time and she is mad too, but she doesn’t want to tell on her. She said maybe she’s having some problems. I think we all have problems but we shouldn’t make up lies about the death of loved ones. I cannot stand to work with her or see her face, because she can’t be trusted. What do you think I should do? Should I contact Human Resources or tell her boss directly? Signed, No Good Deed
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Ask Alma:
Ahhh what, excuse me? How about the first person that has never told a lie at work take two steps forward! Ummm, that’s alright, you don’t need to make room. Don’t get me wrong, lying about your sister’s death is jack-shickity. But what does that have to do with you? Should you contact HR or tell her boss? Tell her boss what? I truly understand this to be a grown-up matter, so why don’t you take a grown-up approach. Ask her, straight up, did your sister pass away? If she says, “yes,” offer your condolences and go back to your desk. Maybe in her mind, her sister did die, a sorority sister, step sister, sister in Christ. She may have a cousin she loves like a sister. We don’t know her circumstances or what was in her heart. Ok, yeah, I’m stretching it and, it appears, she did, too. But right here is where I’ll cut her some slack and us a slice of patience and understanding.
This is serious business that ain’t really none of your business. I’m clear on you’re A and B options, so let’s consider my C option: Spend time doing the best job you were hired to do at your own desk. With whatever few extra minutes you have, kick it up a notch, and go the extra mile. If you focus on the work on your desk and the responsibilities in your own office, you won’t have time to walk down the hall carrying “buckets of you being upset” to the boss’ office. You feel me? What has happened with this woman is between her, her boss and Human Resources. Stay out of it! I know you’re mad about your time and you feel like she has used and abused you, but, you know what – what goes around comes around. You were trying to be a blessing and you’ll be blessed for it. Don’t look for her to repay you. Your good works will come back to you, in good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.
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 20, 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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EvEry ONE IS IMPOrTANT. You can help keep your child healthy with regular checkups and vaccines. Every one is important. And they’re free with Children’s Medicaid. Your child will also get other health benefits like free prescription drugs, dental care, eye exams, and glasses. Even rides to and from the doctor or dentist’s office. Call today or visit our website to apply.
www.CHIPmedicaid.org 1-877-KIDS-NOW ChildrEn with MEdiCAid CAn gEt frEE ridEs to thE doCtor or dEntist ’s offiCE. CAll 1-877-MEd -triP to lEArn MorE.
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Wishing you a great 2017!
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Triumph over sin through Christ’s example Spiritually Speaking by James A. Washington
There have been countless volumes of space and dialogue devoted to Jesus’ blood contract with us that many suggest freed us from the bondage of original sin. “…and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the first born from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood…” Revelation 1:5. My question to you then is how do you master sin? How do you control your sin as opposed to having your sin control you? Is this even possible? Is sin for you not sin for me? Some would have you believe sin is a behavior that politicians and governments laid down as moral laws to keep humanity in check, preserve order and maintain control over the masses. They point to different cultures and customs that are acceptable to one nation and gut wrenchingly wrong to another. My point is there are sins of all kinds and as Christians they take on one of two dimensions, i.e. sins of the flesh and sins of the spirit. But isn’t there a universal acceptance of what is moral and what is immoral? But for the Christian, isn’t moralWWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
ity a barometer for sin? Aren’t there rules about sin that are etched in stone and never change? It really shouldn’t be complicated at all. It seems that living morally, righteously, living in between the lines rather than outside of them, is a struggle matched only by trying to understand the true meaning of life. Now I know this is not easy. But the question is, is it worth it to try and master your sins or, more poignantly, your sinful nature?
I don’t know about you but trying to live without sin is a recognized and acknowledged impossibility. I don’t know about you but trying to live without sin is a recognized and acknowledged impossibility. The beauty here is we know God is a God of another chance. It appears that the key is attitude, yours not God’s. That attitude will eventually dictate the outcome. If your attitude is God centered, if it is founded in humility and vulnerability in relation to God, if remorse is real, then mer-
cy will be forthcoming. With the right attitude then, sin can be mastered, if not controlled. Confess. That’s right! Confess them to God. You see confession to God is not like any other confession I can think of. That’s because you can’t lie to God because the truth in this instance can’t hide. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all righteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9. If we can really get this, the reward then is eternal life and peace. It requires faith, which requires belief, which requires a daily resolve to choose against sin in favor of the Lord. Now if you believe this life is all there is, then I might understand deliberate sinful pursuits. If you believe in more, then sinful mistakes are just that; mistakes made not ever with God in mind. “But if anyone does sin, we have one who speaks to the father in our defense-Jesus Christ.” 1 John 2:1. Given this fact, it’s not so hard to imagine the eternal outcome. Just remember, some rules are indeed etched in stone. May God bless and keep you always.
James
James Washington is a father, husband, Christian and writer. James is also the owner and publisher of the multimedia company The Dallas Weekly. You can follow James on Twitter at @ JAWS_215.
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Lincoln alum hosts annual event at American Legion Post 802 to benefit veterans There is power in TEAMWORK. Five years ago, the Tommie Robinson American Legion Post 802 inherited a Commander that knew nothing about leading a Post. Her name is Angelia Herndon and she is an alumnus of Dallas’ Lincoln Humanities and Communications Magnet High School. Nevertheless, the Post and Commander had a couple of things in common: a HEART and the love for giving back to others. Over the years, Post 802 has made its’ mission to give back and ask for help to meet the needs of others. On December 10, 2016, Post 802
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hosted its’ annual Socks for Veterans Drive Program. This Drive will benefit hundreds of veterans at the Dallas Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital, area VA Vet Centers, nursing homes and other health care facilities that serve veterans. Recently, a new neighbor moved into the Post’s neighborhood of Bon Ton and informed the Post that she and her husband were veterans. She asked about the Post and its’ activities. Coincidentally the neighbor’s curiosity peaked on the same day as the Post’s annual Socks for Veterans Program.
The neighbor informed Commander Herndon that she worked for the Dallas VA Hospital and she was one of the social workers that hands out the sock gift bags from the Post each year. She said that for years she was not aware of the location of the donations, and what an impact the sock gift bags are to the veterans. On Saturday, January 21, 2017, at 2 pm, the Post will host its annual Socks for Veterans Assembling Party. At this event, volunteers will be putting together socks gift bags. The Post is located at 2728 Parson Street, Dallas, TX, 75215.
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