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January 5, 2018

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January 5, 2018

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Under sound leadership Black and Clark Funeral Home prepares for the future

Linda Mitchell, CEO

COMMITMENT Cover and story photos

by Eva Coleman

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January 5, 2018

I Messenger An IMM LLC Publication MAILING ADDRESS 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203 WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 214-941-0110 Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER - EDITOR news@texasmetronews.com Nina Garcia Marketing/Sales Manager EDITORIAL TEAM Eva Coleman Dorothy J. Gentry Vincent Hall Richard Alexander Moore Betheny Sargent Dr. Felicia N. Shepherd Dareia Tolbert Andrew Whigham III Marketing Team Carlton McConnell Terry Allen PR DESIGN/LAYOUT 619 WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Alana King PHOTOGRAPHERS Wallace Faggett Kevin Griffith Richard Manson dgdaphotographer.com

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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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We’re Still Rollin’ Wit A Sista

KJ may be off the air but still in our communities

KJ Bland’s work in Dallas-Fort Worth area continues Story and Photo

By Eva D. Coleman Texas Metro News

Single mothers uplifted. Making a way for kids. Fashion handed down. Celebrity bowling champion. Not just a voice for the community, KJ “Midday” Bland has always been a doer of deeds with far reaching benefits to many within and well beyond her reach.

She’s left her position as radio personality for Smooth R&B 105.7 FM to pursue other interests.

“Everything has a reason, a season, and I just think with Service Broadcasting, I just know it’s a different season now, and I’m okay with that and I’m sure they’re okay with that,” Bland said.

The agreement for KJ Midday and the station to part ways seems that simple.

“It ultimately became a decision where you couldn’t really come to an agreement,” Bland said.

“Unfortunately that’s just how it works in business. It’s okay to agree to disagree.”

For nearly eight years in her midday time slot in the Dallas market,

Louisville, Kentucky native Bland has served in prior on-air capacities in Louisville, Kentucky, Greenville, South Carolina and Greensboro, North Carolina. She says she wishes Service Broadcasting the best and expresses gratitude for her initiation into the area.

“Moving to Dallas almost eight years ago was life-changing. Not only was it a different city…I had never, ever visited Dallas, ever.

But from a radio standpoint, I just knew that that platform was gonna allow me to be exposed to a lot more, to be able to expose people to a lot more,” Bland said.

While her southern charm on the airwaves has permeated the masses, her wide-ranging mission of giving props and assistance, specifically to women and children, do not go unnoticed.

Bland’s charity, The PINK Foundation - Poised to Inspire and Nurture our Kommunity, champions causes through events and services, including her annual Mother’s Day Soiree that salutes women in the community.

Efforts like the Soiree, which is expanding to include events in both Dallas and her hometown of Louisville in 2018, seem to have been born from personal experiences.

“When my mother was raising us, she was a single parent and we saw her do it all. She never

complained about that…ever,” Bland said. “I think I draw my strength from her, but at the same time, I know how hard it is for a single mother to try to work and provide not only a roof but clothes, school clothes, Christmas stuff, Easter baskets, Easter bonnets, Easter clothes, still food on the table every day.

“So, I still want to do my part to help a single mother any way I can.”

Other PINK Foundation missions are to assist grandparents who are raising their grandchildren and to help children stay connected to parents who may be incarcerated.

“Not a lot of people know, but I am the adult child of an incarcerated parent so I know what it’s like,” Bland said. “I was blessed

one, be able to have a ride every week, and two, just around the holiday time to remind them that they’re not forgotten,” Bland said.

Breast cancer initiatives are also important in Bland’s charitable efforts. Since losing a nephew to epilepsy, those related causes have been added as well.

The expansion of KJ’s Kloset, an upscale clothing resale experience with the charitable component of providing women with attire to aid in their job search, is also top of mind for Bland. She plans to incorporate office parties and lunches, and also increase awareness through Sip and Shops within the brand.

Connecting with Bland socially through her podcasts, on Facebook with her continuation of Beauty Shop Talk and through a

to have a car to go see my parent incarcerated but a lot of kids just don’t have that.”

Bland’s transportation plan is in the works to strengthen this often strained family dynamic.

“It’s important that kids still have that connection with their parent even though they’re incarcerated.

So, I really want to put together a program that allows them to,

variety of hashtags like #MiddayMotivation, #KJsKitchen #TrinketsByKJ and more on Instagram help others see the vastness of Midday Enterprises. Keeping up is the hard part. Her trinkets component takes orders and sells custom items that she physically creates by hand.

See KJ, page 6

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COMMITMENT

By Norma Adams-Wade Contributor

Friends who grew up with business juggernaut Linda Mitchell say she showed signs of her professional future as a child. They just did not know what those signs meant.

The friends were not alone.

Mitchell said recently that she, too, did not understand traits about herself that gave hints of her coming career, business savvy, and community service.

The owner, president and chief executive officer of historic Black & Clark Funeral Home in Dallas looked back over her life recently during an IMessenger interview and marveled at the journey that brought her to this point -- sitting behind the Black & Clark CEO desk where – in one of her familiar phrases -- the buck stops.

“Never in my wildest imagination would I have thought I’d end up owning a funeral home,” Mitchell said pensively. “It’s mind-boggling.”

Mitchell has covered much ground and survived hard-hitting business and personal blows on her way to this juncture. She has gained a reputation as a successful businesswoman with a social conscience, a no-nonsense executive who runs a tight ship, and a caring Christian who proudly credits her faith and spiritual lifestyle for her undisputed success so far.

But she makes it clear that the road ahead is challenging in order to accomplish the goals she has in mind to rebrand and take the 103-year-old Black & Clark institution to the next level.

And along the way, Mitchell is leading a crusade to preserve the strength and existence of in-

dependent, black-owned funeral homes in the Dallas area and Texas.

EXPANDING TO FAR NORTH DALLAS

Part of her crusade involves opening a new market for an independent, black-owned funeral Home in far North Dallas. In the spring of 2017, Mitchell quietly opened Black & Clark Chapel at 14119 Montfort Dr., not far from the Galleria shopping mall, and plans a grand opening around the spring of 2018.

The funeral chapel is a new extension of the main funeral home about 20 miles away at 2517 E. Illinois Ave. in southwest Dallas’ Oak Cliff community. The funeral chapel occupies a building that once was an edifice for a historic African-American church in far North Dallas -- Christian Chapel CME/White Rock Chapel Methodist Church – that was founded a year before Emancipation.

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP The 155-year-old church is now Christian Chapel Temple of Faith and occupies a different edifice at 14120 Noel Road. The church is steeped in black history and says it was the first African-American church established in the far North Dallas area. Mitchell is a trustee at Temple of Faith, and Black & Clark is a community partner with the church, assisting with some community outreach ministries.

Mitchell said she sees the funeral chapel facilitating mutual benefits – providing funeral services for that community while helping sustain a historic independent,

black-owned business by opening a new market.

Competition is stiff in southern Dallas and Oak Cliff that are saturated with funeral homes that serve African-Americans, she said.

And she frets that an increasing number are being purchased by white-owned corporations that retain the original African-American staffs, giving the appearance of black ownership that, in fact, is shrinking. Lower pricing and rushed, shorter funeral services are robbing families of traditional, more caring attention, she said.

I don’t want to chase funerals,” Michell said. “I want to provide service..”

AFTER CARE SERVICES That desire to nurture families during and after grieving led Mitchell to implement detailed aftercare services that she says distinguish Black & Clark. These services include grief counseling and a series of seminars on wide-ranging topics including wills, power of attorney, social security, veterans’ benefits, and maintaining family records. Mitchell said monthly sessions usually are held on the fourth Thursday, co-sponsored by Temple of Faith.“ This is my way of saying ‘I care,’ ” she said.

The next public session will discuss social security and veteran benefits from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. January 18, 2018 at Dunston’s Steak House, 5423 W. Lovers Lane in Dallas. Registration is required. Call 214-376-8297.

SEEKING HELP FROM OTHER BLACK CHURCHES Mitchell is seeking help from other black churches while on her mission to save independent,

black-owned funeral homes and stop large corporations seeking to monopolize the black funeral home market.

In November, she attended a town hall meeting where prominent African-American ministers discussed economic development and the black church. From the audience, she stood and asked the group if they were aware of the unwelcome movement of large corporations seeking to buy up black funeral homes.

She summarized the issue and told them she would be contacting them to see if black churches will help her fight the encroachment. So far, one or two have offered encouragement as she continues her efforts, she said.

“We tackle this by talking about it,” she said later. “It’s time to start the conversation and make people aware.”

GROWING UP IN TAMPA, FLORIDA – SIGNS OF DESTINY It might sound too morbid to say death intrigued Mitchell early in her life. Better to say she never feared it and wondered why others did.

“I always wanted to own a funeral home since around the 10th grade,” Mitchell recalls. “I was fascinated with death but didn’t know why.”

Her childhood friend Francina Lewis, now a retired banker in Jacksonville, Florida, remembers early signs of Mitchell’s future.

She and Mitchell said they just did not know what the signs meant.

“When Linda was bored in high school she would doodle,” Lewis recalled. “In the doodles she would always write, ‘The end of the road.’ When I would ask her what that meant, she said she

I Messenger didn’t know.”

“When we were seniors, she got a job in a pathology lab delivering body part specimens around the building,” Lewis said. “After she got into the funeral home business we realized: this is your destiny. It was like an epiphany.”

MAKING INROADS AFTER MOVING TO DALLAS Destiny began to manifest after Mitchell and her late, second husband moved to Dallas in 1977. She got jobs with insurance companies. He died in 1979 of a sudden heart attack that devastated Mitchell and took her through emotions that she said now help her empathize with grieving clients. Black & Clark did his service, then soon after allowed Mitchell office space for a pre-need funeral service she represented as Texas district manager. She also owns her own L. A. Mitchell Memorial Planning Service. She continued in the funeral business throughout the 1980s and ‘90s, then she said destiny moved her further along her still unknown journey.

DIVINE INTERVENTION? Black & Clark business manager and Clark family member Otis Clark died in 1999 and Mitchell approached a crossroad. Always a passionate champion of black culture and heritage, she worried that the historic, independent, black-owned Black & Clark institution might be scooped up by a large corporation -- further depleting the once health stock of black-owned businesses that she knew existed before integration.

“It bothers me that we keep losing,” Mitchell said. “I just get so frustrated.”

She decided that against all odds, she would try to buy Black & Clark. She made inquiries and set about to get funding.

Emma Lyons, who co-owns an insurance agency, said she

met Mitchell as an adult on an insurance job in Dallas about 40 years ago and they became close friends. She helped Mitchell write a proposal for a $1.4 million loan that it would take to buy the business.

Lyons said Mitchell gave strict instructions that the proposal must tell the naked truth about Mitchell’s dismal personal finances at the time. But it also must stress her ability to run the company and her desire to preserve it as an independent, black-owned community treasure. Stunningly, the loan committee approved Mitchell.

“It was clear that was a gift from God because she qualified in her worst financial year,” Lyons recalled. “We now know it was the grace of God. It was meant for her to have it.”

THE BLACK & CLARK STAFF About a dozen employees comprise the Black & Clark staff.

Soon after Mitchell purchased the funeral home, she allowed the main staff to acquire interest in the company: Emanuel Pruitt, managing funeral director who has been with the company more than 50 years; Gary Clark, a licensed funeral director who has been with the company about 40 years. Gary Clark is the son of the late Otis Clark and grandson of C. J. Clark, one of the company’s original owners; and funeral consultant Johnny Wilson, who has been with the company about 60 years. Others on the staff include Thomas J. Wattley Jr., a senior finance and marketing consultant.

Wattley says people quickly recognize Mitchell’s humanity behind her straight-forward business exterior. Aside from the funeral business, she is fiercely devoted to young people, education, her faith, and moving the African-American community forward.

“You first have to respect her

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as an entrepreneur … (who is) taking care of her community,” Wattley said. “She’s hard-headed yet very caring, and loves her people. Working with her is like taking a class in African-Americans 101.”

AWARDS AND HONORS Mitchell majored in behavioral science and African-American studies at the University of South Florida in Tampa where she was among an early group of African-Americans who integrated the campus. She sharpened her knowledge of black culture and her spiritual growth. Her humanity, business savvy and faith have not gone unnoticed. Those components have brought many awards and honors. Among them are the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance’s Business Award, 2017; a Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Quest for Success Award, 2016; and the #1 Producer of the Year honor for 14 straight years from Homesteaders Life, a pre-need insurance firm.

Linda Mitchell outside of Oal Cliff location of Black & Clark

Benjamin MItchell, Family Services Counselor

Gary Clark, Funeral Director

FACING CHALLENGES LEADS TO TRIUMPH Mitchell says that the hard knocks of her life have helped her relate to the families she serves, and there have been many hard knocks.

“There’s very little anybody can talk about that I haven’t experienced,” said Mitchell, a divorcee with no children, and 20-year cancer survivor. She also has triumphed over domestic abuse in one of her three marriages, losing a brother in a fire and a husband to a heart attack, dyslexia and learning disability in elementary school, and financial troubles as she struggled early on to grow her businesses.

But she has triumphed. And she can say as the character Celie says in the book and Broadway play The Color Purple – “I’m here!”

THomas Wattley and Linda Mitchell share a light moment

Theresa Shelton, Personal Assistant to Linda Mitchell

Ermina (JoJo) Sunday, Office Administrator

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I Messenger

KJ may be off the air, continued from page 3 “Mentally, I have to allow myself only two days a week to do that,” Bland said. “So, Tuesdays and Thursdays are generally the days I set aside from 3:00 - 8:00 and I make blankets.”

Bland’s fleece throws came in handy as hurricane relief for recent Houston area evacuees.

She shared her immediate thoughts to provide them to children who were uprooted from their homes.

“Just to make them feel comfortable in a place they have no knowledge of and they may be sitting there scared to death,” Bland said full of emotion.

“I wanted that comfort

blanket to really be comfort for them and really give them a sense of ‘Okay, for right now, it’s gone be okay.’”

Showing no signs of slowing down, Bland’s step aside from traditional radio allows for greater access.

“For me, the next level is being able to do things the way I want to do things that I feel are best for my career, while still being able to help people at the same time,” Bland said. “I just feel like, moving forward, I will be able to do a lot more for the community and not feel restricted in what I can do for the community.”

Bland’s life experiences keep coming full circle attributing to how she impacts the future.

She shared an experience when her daughter was hospitalized as a young child and how it made her feel to have a volunteer come and read her favorite Dr. Seuss books.

Bland expressed joy as she mentioned now having the time and opportunity to volunteer at local hospitals. We laughed at the thought of her in uniform as she recalled being a candy striper in her youth.

“I remember even as a kid with that outfit on just loving the feeling of giv-

ing back…really not understanding what giving back meant at that age…I just knew that I loved it.

Now, I really feel that is my calling,” Bland said.

During our conversation, we enjoyed personal favorites, both chai tea lattes. The mood. Sips tea.

Bland’s passion for others is real, truly organic.

There’s no backing down as she enters this new season on her own terms, and within range.

Without the ability to disclose details of what’s in the works as far as being on-the-air, she mentioned with assurance that she’ll do radio again.

“I used to really love ra-

dio for the music. Now, it’s like I really love the feeling that people get when I share information, share what I consider a joke… some people laugh, some people don’t.

But just to share laughs and memories. That is what I love about radio.

And for that opportunity I will forever be grateful,” Bland said.

And for now, she’s not going anywhere. We need her to stick around to defend her Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-athon top celebrity female championship title.

“Dallas is my home. I’m staying. Y’all stuck with me!”

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In Memoriam Mr. Billy Ray Parnell Billy Ray Parnell received his wings December 16, 2017.

He was born to the parentage of Marcus Parnell and Catherine Lane on June 30, 1949.

Billy received his education from Dallas Public Schools, graduating from Lincoln High School. The excitement of education motivated him to further his education at El Centro College.

He was a member of Cornerstone Church in South Dallas.

Billy executed the gift of gab and was the voice of the Dallas Weekly for over 15 years.

He had a strong ability to convince clients toward optimal advertisement sales through high levels of determination, a positive attitude and hard work. Many clients would call just to hear his voice.

Excelling in written and verbal communications, with exceptional customer service skill; Billy advanced his career and joined forces as a sales and marketing associate with Texas Metro News, IMessenger and the Garland Journal.

His pride and joy was Blogtalkradio, which inspired him to spearhead the Ask Uncle Bill radio talk show, where he could expound on life’s subjects and educate listeners on world issues. “Uncle Bill” always had an answer because he shared “Real Deal Truths about everyday happenings in the community!”

A strong advocate of his hometown in the city limits of South Dallas, Billy was instrumental in helping new entrepreneurs start their businesses. He was always willing to market their products and advise them on the best way to advertise their products.

As Billy’s health failed he continued to work because the word “quit” was not in his vocabulary. Hats off to Crystal Care Home Health, his invaluable healthcare workers, Vera and Ramona. You ladies are amazing. Not only did you care, you became his family.

Billy was a Kidney transplant recipient and attended dialysis on a weekly basis. When the new kidney eventually failed, through it all he always stated he was blessed and never complained. He had an impeccable zest for life. He dressed for life everyday of his life; in spirit, in attitude, in his starched and cleaned attire, and more importantly in his walk with Christ.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents Marcus Parnell and Catherine Lane Wade, brother John Alvin Wade, sisters Mary Jones, Betty Winn, Jean Cooper, Faye Wilson, Delores Wade Ellis.

Touching the lives of everyone he knew, Mr. Billy Ray Parnell leaves to celebrate his Departure: his brother James Curtis (Peggy) Parnell; sister Carolyn Wade, both residents of Dallas, Tx; sons sons are Cody Parnell and Scooter; special friend Mr. Ben; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly. Services are Friday, January 5, 2018, 11am at Golden Gate Funeral Home - Dallas 4155 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway Dallas, TX 75224

Mrs. Rosie Lee Harrison Gray Mrs. Rosie Lee Harrison Gray was born June 11, 1935 to the proud parentage of Freidsburg Harrison and Maggie Lee Davis, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She transitioned to Heaven on December 30, 2017. Rosie attended elementary and middle school at St. Mary Catholic School in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She gave her life to Christ at an early age. Her mother died when she was a teenager. Thereafter, she helped her father with their family business, The Blue Front Store, until it became difficult for him to raise her and her younger sister, Jessie Mae. Rosie moved to Mound, LA, with her older brother, D.C. Marshall and his wife, Lillie. After graduating from Thomastown High School, she took nursing classes in Vicksburg, and started to work in the cotton fields and performed domestic work to earn money.

Rosie and Robert Honer Gray married in 1955 and started their family. They had six children, Robert Gray, Jr. (deceased), William Gray (Carolyn) of New Orleans, LA, Rory V. Gray (Anita) of Bowie, MD, Freidsburg Gray of Baton Rouge, LA, Bessie Gray-Jefferson (Larry) of Las Vegas, NV, and Bobbie G. Edmonds of Fort Worth, TX. During the difficult years of raising six children on a sharecropper’s income, Rosie taught her daughters among many things, how to sew and perform domestic housework so that they could earn money to assist the entire household with expenses, school supplies and clothing. Sister Gray also taught all of her sons how to cook, wash, and care for themselves. All of the children were taught to be responsible citizens and to trust in God at an early age.

Sister Gray was always looking for a door of opportunity so that her children could have a

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better lifestyle. She encouraged them to strive for excellence in education and to explore options for academic success. She motivated all of them to go beyond high school to enhance their education and to better the lives of their families and the community at large.

Sister Gray was known in the community and the church as a “Go-Getter” when it comes to living a Christian life. Rosie and her husband raised their children, instilling in them the value to respect others. They were hard working people, placing great value in an honest day’s work. Sister Gray was a housemaid, field hand and sharecropper, daycare provider, church worker and volunteer. She helped to organize church programs and musicals, fed the hungry, babysat neighbors’ children and participated in neighborhood cleanup events.

She joined Mt. Able Missionary Baptist Church at an early age and she was served in many areas over more than 40 years of membership; as a choir member, usher, event coordinator, secretary and treasurer.

She was known as traveling musician and organizer in the religious community. Sister Gray never met a stranger and if you had a chance to meet her, you would fall in love with her personality. In her golden years, she worked as a teacher’s aide in The Little People Learning Center until she was 75 years old. She was a member of Eastern Star Pride of Heart #8. She also attended St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, under the leadership of Senior Pastor Denny D. Davis.

Rosie was a grassroots leader who encouraged the young and the old in her community to register to vote and insisted that they also go to the polls to VOTE. She has received commendations from local leaders for volunteering and cleaning up the community. She has also received many awards from the church community, i.e. Humanitarian Award, Volunteer Award and the Daycare Association Daycare Teacher of the Year. Honored as the Rally for Education’s Living Legend, Sister Gray was actively involved in telling youth to stay in school, get an education, pray, be strong, and respect others and you can succeed in this life.

Her motto in life was, “God is the light of my life.”

She leaves to cherish her memory, a dear longtime friend, Rosie Johnson of Las Vegas, NV; her children, 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews, and many children who she has nurtured.

Services will be held at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 1701 West Jefferson Street in Grand Prairie, TX., Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 10am.

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The Great Debater

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160th District Court DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY 2018

Vote Early Feb. 20 to March 2 Election Day Tuesday March 6 Pol. Ad paid for by Aiesha Redmond Campaign - P.O. Box 1252 Desoto, Texas 75123 - Lee Lemons, Treasurer

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR January 5 Big Freedia LIVE Trees, 2709 Elm Street Dallas, TX 75226 8:00 p.m. Tickets $20.00 http://ticketf.ly/2ABMCgy

Tom Wakely, Lee Weaver, Lupe Valdez, Andrew White, Grady Yarbrough, Joe Mumbach, Demetria Smith, James Jolly Clark District Attorney 1. John Cruezot 2. Elizabeth Frizell

January 11 I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO Fort Worth Botanic Garden Center Lecture Hall, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Ft Worth

January 12

Celebrate the 107th Anniversary of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Richardson Plano Alumni Chapter presents- 2nd Annual “DIAMOND AFFAIR”107 Years of Achievement Celebration The Largest #J5 Celebration in the City House of Blues, 2200 North Lamar St Dallas, TX 75204 Sounds By: K104 DJ Steve Nice - DJ Boogie 469-454-8064. Doors open: 10pm until Flashlight

MLK Celebration Fair MLK Recreation Center 2922 MLK Blvd Dallas, TX 75215 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 2922 MLK Blvd Dallas, TX 75215 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The Candlelight Ceremony is a special event hosted by the Alpha Sigma Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Dr. King Scholarship and Essay Contest winners will be awarded. Essay Contest Application: http://bit. ly/2j4yPEg

36th Annual MLK Awards Banquet 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. Tickets are available: http://bit.ly/2kvvn5E Jazz Meets Poetry at E.H. Hereford University Center (UTA Bluebonnet Ballroom),300 West 1st Street Arlington, TX 76010 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

This event features poet Verb Kulture along with the phenomenal 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. Tickets available: http://bit. ly/2C6jAlK

January 14 Sunday Funny Day w/ Comedian and Actor Billy Sorrells Hyena’s Comedy Nightclub 5321 E. Mockingbird Road Dallas, TX 75206 Showtime at 7p.m.

Tickets $15 - $22. Tickets are available: http://bit.ly/2o78Tgm Special Battle of the Bands hosted by Southern University Marching Band at 3pm featuring the ‘Human Jukebox and 10 North Texas high school bands. The event will take place at Ellis Davis Fieldhouse, 9191 South Polk Street in Dallas.

For info email suafdallas@yahoo.com.

DFW Metroplex International Sisterly Relations Day Observance. Public · Hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Omega Alpha Omega Chapter The People’s Last Stand 5319 E Mockingbird Ln, Ste 210, Dallas, Texas 75206

January 6 YOGA N DA HOOD: ALL GUCCI MANE EDITION 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM Flow Fitness 2630 Aero Drive Grand Prairie, TX

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. DFW Joint Founders Day Luncheon, Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, 500 West Las Colinas Boulevard, Irving, TX 11:30 am - 2:00 pm

January 15 Barre & Bites New Year’s Soirée AC Hotel 1712 Commerce Street Dallas, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Barre & Bites New Year’s Soiree is an annual fitness event by bloggers, Janna and Ginger. Its purpose is to bring together fitness enthusiasts and raise money for organizations in need.

Tickets 30.00 http://bit.ly/2ocp2BB

January 8 The Dallas Examiner presents Monday NIght Politics, 6p.m. at African American

Museum 1. U.S. Representative District 30, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Incumbent, Barbara Mallory Caraway 2. U.S. Representative District 33, Marc Veasey, Incumbent, Carlos Quintanilla 3. Governor, Cedric W. Davis, Sr., Adrian Ocegueda, Jeffrey Payne,

The Nu Pi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. 8am MLK Scholarship Breakfast where actor Laz Alonso will be the keynote speaker. Tickets for the event are $40 per person and available on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ mlk-scholarship-breakfast-tick…

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.

January 13

Dallas Examiner’s MONDAY NIGHT POLITICS at African American Museum

Send your calendar items to news@texasmetronews.com or call 214-941-0110

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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

The historical introit of 2018 is picture perfect for a renewal of revolutionary rivalries in Black America.

West v. Coates is the latest in a stream of viable social arguments among the “Black Intelligentsia.” This latest dust-up between Ta-Nehisi Coates and Cornel West is troubling to some, but a harbinger of hope for me.

Black folks have been plodding toward equality for 400 years, but the most notable efforts by “learned Black men” were in the late 1800’s.

Some serious verbal fisticuffs came with Booker T. Washington and William Edward Burghardt Du Bois, after Washington released his much heralded “Atlanta Compromise.” Originally, W.E.B. was with him, but later he and others assailed Washington for the idea.

In September 1895, The Atlanta Compromise was unveiled.

Washington basically certified that if South-

ern Whites would guarantee the newly-freed slaves a basic education and due process of the

law, Black folks would agree not to agitate for integration, equality or justice. Northern Whites would even chip in some charity to sweeten the deal.

Du Bois, the first “colored” to receive a doctorate from Harvard, went back on his word and warned that Washington’s acquiescence left Negroes in a compromising and untenable position.

DuBois and a fellow intellectual William Monroe Trotter decided that rather than subrogate their rights, Black folks should openly

fight for civil rights.

Under Du Bois the “Niagara Movement gave way to the creation of the NAACP. Washington implored the race to keep its dutiful work ethic, while DuBois demanded they actively struggle against oppression.

Some 50 years later, there was another

spat among Black intellects; Dr. Martin Luther King v. Dr. El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. Although Malcolm X lacked any earned alphabets to his title, few would argue against his critical thinking abilities.

In this era, the argument was non-violent, passive resistance vs. an eye for an eye, in your face aggressive attacks. CNN posted a piece in 2010 that encapsulates their vociferous dissents.

“Malcolm X burst onto the national scene in 1959 when he and the Nation of Islam were featured in a doc-

umentary, “The Hate That Hate Produced.”

He became the Nation of Islam’s most visible spokesman. While King preached about his dream, Malcolm X said blacks were trapped in a nightmare.

He was a young man with a Ph.D. mind, but he was put out of school. He educated himself in jail by reading the dictionary. Malcolm X’s harsh rhetoric helped “decolonize” Black people’s minds by teaching them to be proud of their African heritage, says James Cone, author of “Martin & Malcolm & America.

“King was a political revolutionary. Malcolm was a cultural revolutionary,” Cone says.

“Malcolm changed how black people thought about themselves. Before Malcolm we were all Negroes. Malcolm helped us become Black.”

King confronted policies that held Negroes down and Malcolm conveyed the self-love that lifted Afro-Americans up. The “Black Power and the Black Panthers” movements followed the deaths of these two icons as a natural sequence of events.

Cornel West, a veteran, dismembered the up-and-coming Coates

in an editorial featured in the “Guardian.” West insulted Coates by labeling him the “Neoliberal face of the Black freedom struggle.”

West channels a farleft strain of liberalism and openly chastises Barack Obama’s chorus.

Coates’ lavishly venerates Obama in his new book; “We were Eight Years in Power,” and West fired the “kill shot.”

Coates; disoriented, surrendered his Twitter account.

Either way, the salve that soothes their situation is secondary to what should be on the horizon. It’s been 50 years since the last time intellectuals in Black America fought meaningfully. There has to be another “Revolutionary Renaissance “under way.

Our best revivals came after Reconstruction and Jim Crow. We should find inspiration in #BLM, #MeToo, #Kaepernick, #StayWoke and Donald Trump; the ultimate # for injustice.

There is no excuse for apathy or inactivity.

The fight is on and just in time for our latest bout with hostile White Supremacists.

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

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A promise to you!

By Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

A new year has arrived and events that occurred in 2017 are behind us.

Some of them were painful, politically and personally.

Some of us lost loved ones. My youngest sister, Helen Willis Johnson, passed in November and the pain of her passing is carried in my soul.

I am certain that many of you lost people close to you. I extend my deepest condolences as you, too, mourn the passing of those who affected your lives.

As a nation we witnessed the departure from office of President Barack Obama, a visionary leader, respected the world over, who lifted us from financial ruin and ushered in years of prosperity and economic growth.

Sadly, President Obama, whose major legislative achievement, the Affordable Care Act, provided health insur ance to millions of Americans who had not been able to afford it, was followed into office by Pres-

ident Donald J. Trump.

It has been a turbulent time for our nation since January 20th when President Trump was inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States.

His rhetoric and his policies have harmed caring and progressive citizens in our country. He has withdrawn America from the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. He has attempted to neuter the Affordable Care Act. The President has opposed sensible trade agreements that were in the best interests of the American economy, and he has appointed radical conservatives to the federal courts.

We must not allow this President to take our country backwards. We must continue to stand and rally voters to oppose draconian policies that only serve the wealthiest amongst us, such as the tax legislation signed into law just before Christmas.

Yes, it does appear bleak, but we must continue to stand tall and rise for goodness and greatness. This year must be our "finest hour."

I pledge to you that I will not bend nor will I break given the current morass that is Washington.

I shall continue to serve you and represent your interests with every bit of strength that God gives me. That is my New Year's promise to you, and to your family.

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MALVEAUX: The Infrastructure Hoax Our nation’s infrastructure is crumbling.

overseas trade, bridges (despite major failures,

The Last Word

by Dr. Julianne Malveaux

Nearly ten percent of our bridges are deficient or decrepit, a quarter of our schools are in fair or poor condition. More than half of all schools need major repairs before they can be classified as good, but 31 states spend less on school construction now than they did in 2008. Forty percent of our urban highways are congested, and traffic fatalities are up.

Fewer than half of us could get to a grocery store using public transportation.

The American Society of Civil Engineers produces a report card on our nation’s infrastructure, grading sixteen categories, including roads, bridges, public transportation, levees, aviation, hazardous waste, dams, ports, energy, and more. The 2017 report gives our infrastructure a D+, noting that our infrastructure has earned a “persistent D” since 1998.

Our railways earn the highest grade, B, despite aging infrastructure and insufficient investment in passenger railways. Ports, which receive most of our

and funding challenges), and solid waste all rise from the D swamp with C+ grades. But the other twelve categories; schools, parks, drinking water, aviation, wastewater, dams, energy, inland waterways, hazardous waste, roads, transit, and levees, earn a D or a D+. The ACES report card (https://www.infrastructurerepor tcard. org) is likely to make you holler and throw up your hands. You can buy a family of four a hearty five-star dinner if you got a dollar for every time the words “aging”, “hazard”, “shortfall”, “underfunded”, “investment gap”, “backlog”, or “deferred” are mentioned.

Infrastructure is important in our nation’s economic development.

For example, says ACES, every dollar spent on highway improvement returns $5.20 in decreased delays, vehicle maintenance, and fuel construction, and increased safety. Poor maintenance of our ports costs us international trade, and the condition of our dams, levees and

waterways probably compounded the damage from hurricanes in Texas and Florida.

When he campaigned, 45 promised to tackle infrastructure, and he had bipartisan support for the sentiment, although many wanted to know how he might approach infrastructure repair. Upon election, though, 45 abandoned infrastructures to pick a fight with enemies, real and imagine, fire the man investigating his Russian involvement and make several futile attempts to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act. He finally hit fool’s gold with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and inappropriately named a piece of legislation that would more accurately be named the Corporate Enrichment and Deficit Expansion Act of 2017.

Now that the Republican Congress has committed to $1.5 trillion more in national debt, 45 says he wants to tackle infrastructure, and he expects bipartisan support. He says infrastructure was an “easy” win, while tax “reform” was more challenging.

So, he claims, he took on the more challenging task first. Now, he’s ready to manage infrastructure issues.

ASCE says at least $2 trillion is needed to bring infrastructure up to snuff, with another $200 billion plus need-

ed annually to keep infrastructure in good repair.

Their report card details funding gaps, from $42 billion in aviation, $177 billion in energy, where our grid is at full capacity and the population is growing, $123 billion for bridge repair, $1 trillion to ensure our clean drinking water supply, and more. 45 proposes a $1 trillion plan, and talks about public-private partnerships, which seems to suggest more tax breaks for his corporate buddies.

Where do we find $1 trillion, let alone the $2 trillion necessary for infrastructure repair?

That’s the hoax in 45’s current embrace for infrastructure. Investing in infrastructure is more economically impactful than tax cuts, but it doesn’t necessarily give corporations a break.

So, 45 put something that could make a major difference on the back burner, so he could reward his supporters.

Now, he will have to both fight his own party and struggle to gain Democratic support for his infrastructure plan.

Why? While the President says he has prioritized infrastructure, House Speaker Paul Ryan wants to focus on “entitlement reform”.

That means he wants to cut public assistance, food stamps, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Other Republi-

cans aren’t as interested in entitlement reform, as they are interested in cutting the deficit they just committed to growing. They won’t be interested in any new programs, even if they are much-needed infrastructure programs.

So, 45, the Joker, is trying to trick us again.

Anyone who has driven down a bumpy highway, been washed out by hurricane waters, or witnessed a bridge collapse will agree with ASCE that our infrastructure needs attention. But simply mouthing the word is much different from finding the money for much-needed repair or replacement of those bridges, roads, parks, schools, levees, and trains that are in poor condition.

We might have had the money to tackle infrastructure before we committed to a pricey corporate giveaway.

How will we way pay for infrastructure now?

More debt? Program cuts? Profit-generating toll roads that that enrich 45’s friends at public expense? Or perhaps we’ll be jolted into action when another bridge collapses?

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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Democrat for 68 District Court Judge th

Democrat for 68 District Court Judge th

Democrat for 68th District Court Judge Democrat for

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A MUST READ

and at a rate of 98% led an unexpected defeat of Roy Moore in the Alabama Senate race.

by: Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. National President of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc.

TriceEdneyWireService— Each year, most of us make a list of things we plan to do in the coming year. Most of us really intend to do what we plan, but, unfortunately, most quit within a few weeks. Let’s make this New Year different.

My suggestion is doable.

Please read Howard Zinn’s book, A People’s History of the United States. I am reading it now and will be reading it well into 2018!

Who is Howard Zinn? He was a social activist, historian, author and playwright. Noam Chomsky said, “Zinn’s work literally changed the conscience of a generation…” Contrary to the lies and fabrications of the origins of this country, Zinn provides a counterpoint to many of the ‘alternative facts’ of history. He’s no longer living, but his poignant reflections remain.

Zinn’s premise is that too much history is written from the perspective of governments, conquerors, diplomats and leaders. He writes to provide ‘voice’ to those far too frequently ignored – war resisters, labor leaders and fugitive slaves.

He begins his book telling the story of Iroquois women

who played a key role in their communities. Women were important and respected in Iroquois society. It’s a story introduced by Mr. Zinn – a story that I’ve never read until now!

count us, we adopted the theme OUR STORIES: OUR TRUTHS. Our point: too often, we are ignored or stories told about us are an unfavorable reflection of who we really are.

It’s important for people to hear the voices of women of all cultures and backgrounds. Those who acknowledge women as a ‘monolithic irrelevancy’ do great disservice to all women and to our daughters and unborn granddaughters.

Zinn’s story of the Iroquois women is one to be replicated among contemporary groups of women.

There’s no better image of our impact than Black Women’s participation in Federal, state and local elections. In the last three presidential elections, Black women voted overwhelmingly for candidates Obama and Clinton. Arguably, with more resources channeled into Black communities, 2016’s outcome could’ve been much different. Black women were important in the last two Virginia State elections. In each, Democrats swept the offices of Governor, Lt Governor and Attorney General. In 2017, Black women voted 95% for Democrats and created a power shift in the General Assembly. In 2017, Black women were instrumental in electing a Black woman Lt. Governor in New Jersey,

Members of my organization, the National Congress of Black Women, have always been respectful of women’s achievements and have edified every milestone. While aware of our own significant historical contributions to our communities, we are appalled by disregard of our efforts.

Countering those who dis

We’ve demonstrated that bemoaning our circumstances is foolish. We’ve shown that difference is made by organizing, voting, resisting and persisting. We must become revolutionaries instead of rioters. Dick Gregory reminded us that revolutionaries organize, have plans and know their ultimate goals. He said that rioters simply express their anger and frustration until they are tired, then go back into their corner– never knowing the difference between victory and defeat. Revolutionaries know that change may take time through a series of highs and lows. Rioters have no measurable indicators of the direction their actions took them. #45 has made our future bleak. He has reversed or attempts to reverse the hardearned progress we’ve made.

His cannot be the last word.

Zinn’s book can inspire the courage necessary to engage and make a difference.

Instead of choosing to wait, watch and hope while sitting on the trash heap of history, we must exercise our choice for achievement. We must organize, resist, persist until the change we want comes.

Dr. E. Faye Williams can be reached at:www.nationalcongressbw.org;or at:202/678-6788.

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Do I tell him I can’t have children Ask ALMA

to live my life alone. I want to be happily married and have my husband for the rest of my life.

ing to acknowledge is your own.

How one sided is that and who wants to be in a relationship with someone who is constantly tilted to the left? You’re so blinded by what you want and what makes you and only you happy. That’s pathetic.

My sister is my maid of honor Dear Alma, and she’s threatening to tell him.

I told her, I will disown her if she I’m getting married in three does. I think she’s just jealous of weeks and I couldn’t be happier. my future husband and our relaMy fiancé is the best man I’ve ever tionship. How can I stop her from I hear you when you say there met and he loves me like a queen. ruining my life? have been miracle babies, yeah, All of our wedding arrangements um, it happens, but it also doesn’t have been made and he is so lovSigned, happen, more than you want to ing and generous; he paid for Hiding a Terrible Secret admit. everything. I knew from the moment we met, that I wanted to be Dear Secret, Tell your fiancé, now, right now. with him and I want to spend the He has a right to know about your rest of my life loving him.

Um, did I miss a sentence? How medical condition. If you had been is your sister, the one who’s tell- up front the entire time, I’m sure Our relationship is perfect ex- ing the truth, ruining your life? he would understand and remain cept for one thing. I know he Oh no, Miss Thing, you gotta own committed to walking this path of wants to have children, that’s all your decision of deceitfulness. life with you. we talk about and I wish I could, but I can’t. I’ve known since I You’re absolutely “azzbackI find the fact that you’re comwas 23 years old. This has been a ward” in this treacherous portray- fortable drowning in a sea of heartbreaking reality for me and al of a partnership and I promise “conniving and cunning” quite the only other person who knows you that your “azzbackwardness” troubling. In your head, disownis my sister. will come back to haunt you. ing your sister is the “right” thing to do, if she discloses your secret.

I didn’t tell him when we first Having a child is a sacred bond So, much so your logic is to dismet, it just never seemed like the between two people and should own your sister. right time. I can’t tell him now not be taken lightly. I could see that we can’t have children, be- if you didn’t know you couldn’t Chil’ please. You made your bed cause I don’t want to ruin our life have children, that’s one thing, and now you have to lie in it. together. but to already be aware of this information and not share it with Whatever comes your way is I know that we’re meant for your future husband is vicious and what you deserve. SMDH, I hope each other. I am praying that vindictive. Yes, I said it, you’re your sister does tell him the truth I may be able to have a miracle selfish, self-centered, shim-sham- and I hope you keep your promise baby; I know it happens. I’m 37 my and not to be trusted. and disown her, both of them will and I know if we don’t get marbe all the better for it. ried now, I never will. I don’t want The only happiness you’re willAlma 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-

Star Wars The Last Jedi will gross around $57 million for the final weekend in 2017 to make it the top grossing movie of 2017.

Going into the final weekend of the year Beauty and the Beats held that title with about $504 million.

When the final box office numbers are tallied, The Last Jedi will top the 2017 box office with an estimated $517 million.

the Jungle, staring Dewayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, finished #2 for the weekend with about $50 million.

er status.” It’s raked in and The Fox animated $90 million in just two family film, Ferdinand, weeks. which has grossed about $111 million in Rounding out the top its third week in refive this weekend were lease.

The action comedy is Pitch Perfect-3, Oscar Read more and win tickets in its second week of contender, at www.hollywoodhernanderelease and is well on zlive.com Jumanji: Welcome to its way to “blockbust- The Greatest Showman

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The battle is over will be put to the ulSpiritually timate test. Have you Speaking ever wondered why God’s teachings are

by James A. Washington so feared by those I heard Bishop T.D. who believe in other Jakes of The Potter’s religions? I used to say House in Dallas, Tex- Jesus’ message made as preach a sermon, so much sense that, one night, that really caught my attention.

He reminded those in the audience that most of the Bible was written from a jail cell.

I think his overall message had something to do with his prison outreach ministry, which I understand to be significant. I was so struck, however, by the reality of God’s Word and direction coming from even if He didn’t exist, the deep faith of those we should invent Him. imprisoned, that the Now that I’m saved, I concept has never left guess you could say I me. What is it about be- know I’m a candidate ing a believer, a walk- for assassination. My ing, talking believer point, as I was being that somehow fright- enlightened by Bishop ens those in power, so Jakes’ reference, is that much so, that a jail cell I don’t view myself as a or worse is a reason- threat to anyone based able solution to the upon my belief in one imagined problem?

God, the Holy Trinity History suggests that and the truth of Jesus professing one’s be- Christ, but the world in lief in Jesus Christ as which I live does view Lord can literally be a me in this manner. I death sentence. The suppose, the more imBible teaches us that portant question is: eventually our belief

Have I done anything or said anything that should land me in jail, if jail is defined as that spiritual place that present day Sadducees and Pharisees want to send people like me?

If I haven’t said or done

anything, then maybe I better get going and stir things up.

In their day, the apostles, Paul and others, were indeed looked upon as threats to the establishment; that meant governments and principalities, as well as the church hierarchy. If nothing else, I don’t think anyone would argue that on His worst day, Jesus was the quintessential revolutionary. It still amazes me how such principles of uncondi-

tional universal love for humankind got Him killed; then it always hits me that this kind of philosophy will ultimately attack and undermine entrenched institutionalized power of all kinds. That’s when I realize that if you are a believer in Christ, you are most certainly a threat to Man, because Man craves power and Christianity abdicates all power to Jehovah.

We stand as representatives of that truth and stand trial everyday with the world as our judge and jury. That explains that target on the backs of believers throughout history and should remind us all of the target on our own backs. All I can encourage you to do in the face of all this is to stay the course and know our defense attorney is on the case 24/7. The prosecuting attorney has already lost this case. So, when you’re alone in your cell remember, you have already won. The battle is over. The verdict is in: We won.

May God bless and keep you always.

James

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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