I Messenger
VOL 6 ISSUE 14
DECEMBER 2, 2016
DECEMBER 2, 2016
I Messenger
Sgt. Demetrick Pennie President Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation
LEST WE FORGET It’s time for the HEALTHY LIVING EXPO. Let’s get healthy! Physically, Mentally, Financially, Socially, Holistically and Spiritually Saturday, December 10, 2016 The Black Academy of Arts and Letters
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
1
I Messenger
DECEMBER 2, 2016
murder?
How to get in the news without committing
VOL 6 ISSUE 14
BOUNCE BACK 7
Join members of the
Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists as they share information about:
What is News Writing press releases When to hold a press conference How to hold a press conference What to wear for television appearances Who should speak for you/your group Maximizing Social Media presence How to contact the media How to build relationships with journalists What makes a good publicist DALLAS - FORT WORTH
DALLAS - FORT WORTH
BLACK JOURNALISTS
BLACK JOURNALISTS
ASSOCIATION OF
ASSOCIATION OF
DFW/ABJ
DFW/ABJ
DALLAS BLACK DANCE THEATRE 21
!VAILABLE AT .EWSSTANDS IN Free - Take One
Garland,Rowlett Mesquite Garland,Rowlett Saturday, December 10, 2016 2pm Mesquite Richardson Richardson Living Healthy Expo 2016 & E.Dallas & E.Dallas !VAILABLE AT .EWSSTANDS IN
Free - Take One
FALLEN HERO 23
TBAAL, 1309 Canton Street, Dallas RSVP to (972) 214-941-0110 Month Phalconstar.com Garland, Texas Phone Fax (903)Garland, 450-1397 $45.00 Fax (903) 450-1397 1 Year Subscription $45.00 3 August 1-15, 2012 Published 1st & 15th Each Month 926-8503 Phalconstar.com Texas 1 YearPhoneSubscription (972) 926-8503
2
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
I Messenger
DECEMBER 2, 2016
DALLAS - FORT WORTH
ASSOCIATION OF
BLACK JOURNALISTS
DFW/ABJ
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
3 
I Messenger
DECEMBER 2, 2016
DAVIS: Slavery Made America My Day
was nearly 85% white. Now hold that point. Slavery was already legal in all 13 colonies when the Declaration of By Dr. J. Ester Davis Independence was Loud and clear… Amersigned in 1776. So ica was built with free la- much of history dismissbor and free trade. An es the face that the inundeniable fact. vention of the cotton gin How can African Amer- greatly increased demand icans be so confused about their future? How are the facts so twisted? Free labor, also known as slavery is the perfect interlude to greatness, greed, profits and power. The answer to divisiveness in this country is not shades of grey, only black and white. Our African American ancestors. . . made America great with their involuntary servitude under inhumane conditions. This is a very import- for more slave labor and ant article and I only have the south had the ideal a few words for this re- weather and Negro slaves minder to the America for fueling the rest of the people, because slavery, states. as dim and dark as it was, More than one million is a part of America’s his- slaves were actually sold tory. from the upper south and But America has taken to the deep south changed. thus further splitting up Between the 1600’s and many more families. the late 19th century, the Common sense would United States of America further formulate that the
4
country was constantly growing in all directions, i.e., north, south, east and west. “ Free labor” is a whole food, amorous, intoxicating, a natural stimulant, motivating great and evil deeds simultaneously. As the western United States developed, the southern state governments kept a “strategy” between the number of
slaves and free states in order to maintain a political balance of power in Congress. Hold that point also. Around the 1850’s, the newly really, really rich, white men millionaires and billionaires, cotton growing southerners (with their “ free” labor). . .threatened to secede from the union.
The railroad had a donor for the “steam engine” cost. Another “ free labor project” that made America great, to move the “free labor” profit and products across country. Slavery indeed, made America great . . . for a few. In 1860 President Lincoln was elected President and in 1863 the Civil War ended legal slavery on top soil. Underground it continued. Let me quickly explore the number of slaves imported in these states. Between 1751 and 1775 the numbers were up to 85,580, an exact number. The years 1801 – 1825 bought 109,545 enslaved people to the states. Slavery ended in and around 1865, depending on the state and the political permission for the announcement of same. Much has been written about “Making-America-Great-Again,” which is an absolute insult to me and other African Americans. The African American . . . has been there. Done that. Finally, on points. Be careful America. We are not 85% white anymore and the balance of power is in quicksand. Ester Davis is an award winning writer. www.esterday.com or 214.376.9000
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
DECEMBER 2, 2016
Come hear this songbird’s testimony and you’ll also marvel at her voice
I Messenger
Living Healthy Expo 2016 The Black Academy of Arts and Letters 1309 Canton Street, Dallas
December 10, 2016 8a-8p
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
5
I Messenger
DECEMBER 2, 2016
Staying Engaged and Informed
FROM THE HILL by
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson After the results of Donald Trump’s victory, people in our community and across the nation alike are nervous about the future. Some others may be sad, angry, or overjoyed. These responses are natural. However, the most useful exercise and biggest challenge is determining what comes next. No matter the outcome of any election, we are lucky to live in a democracy, where transitions of power are peaceful. Now that Republicans control the White House and both chambers of Congress, there will be fierce political battles, whose outcomes members of my party may fear. Some of the most passionate and controversial endeavors of the Obama Presidency could be overturned or vastly changed. For those of us who supported the Affordable
Care Act, we are sad to see that its original vision will at minimum be drastically altered. Yet, while we might not agree with certain policy positions that will come from the Trump Administration and the Republicans in majority power, we know that our rights as citizens in a democracy are still as strong as ever. The Election of 2016 does not have to be considered an irreversible travesty. It was divisive and ugly but still it was passionate. And it is after controversial times like these, like the Vietnam War, that our nation moves back into itself, longing for healing, but knowing more about the emotional undercurrents that exist within our populous. No matter your opinion, your affiliation, your joy or your pain, I encourage you to become involved politically—on any level. Organize in the community, familiarize yourself with your local politicians, make calls, show up at offices, or even come to Washington to let Congress know what you stand for. Political expression is not limited to just the first Tuesday of November, once every 1,461 days. Nor is it limited to your social media feed. It is hard work and requires patient participation. In the
words of President Obama, “Democracy is not a spectator sport.” One scary thing about this election is the propensity of misinformation on the Internet. But again, navigating what news is real and what news is fake requires participation and study. Like political organizing, it is a slow and patient process. But it is an opportunity not only to guard ourselves from misinformation, but to arm ourselves with knowledge. We are afforded the great privilege of living in a democracy, where we do not have to fear for our lives as political parties transition between power. However, the price we pay for that luxury is the necessity to participate. For so many of us, was the election a loss? Absolutely. Nevertheless, moving forward, it is more important that we do not lose the lesson, as well. While there is much uncertainty for the future, the one thing we know to be true in the present is that indifference and apathy are not an option. Above all we must participate. We must educate ourselves and begin productive, difficult conversations that elevate our communities. Let us show our gratitude for the democracy in which we live.
NCCU celebrates life, legacy of Dr. Debra Saunders-White North Carolina Central University mourns the loss of the 11th Chancellor, Dr. Debra Saunders-White, who passed away, November 26, 2016, after a heroic battle with cancer. Saunders-White’s tenure was filled with a number of achievements and firsts for NCCU over the past three-and-a-half years since she assumed the post as chancellor on June 1, 2013. She made institutional history for NCCU with her appointment as the university’s first permanent female chancellor on February 8, 2013. She quickly established and carried out her vision of “Eagle Excellence” that made delivering excellence in our classrooms, excellence throughout our campus and excellence in our service to the community a focus during her administration. Saunders-White, 59 years old, took a medical leave of absence on August 8, 2016. She was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2015. Saunders-White came to NCCU from the
6
U.S. Department of Education after working in higher education administration at Hampton University and the University of North Caroli-
na Wilmington, as well as in corporate marketing for IBM.
In a statement sent to the university community from Dr. Johnson O. Akinleye, acting chancellor, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, it was noted the following: “Her loss is nearly immeasurable to our community, but her influence on higher education and her genuine love and dedication for NCCU, most especially the students, are clearly evident by her impact in Durham, across North Carolina and throughout our nation. Chancellor Saunders-White was a powerhouse of energy and wit; she spent her life passionately executing on her visionary and transformative strategy of using education to create opportunity.” Saunders-White is survived by two children, Elizabeth Paige and Cecil III, her mother, Irene Saunders, and her brothers, Roger, Ralph and Kyle Saunders, and their families, a number of other family members and a host of friends.
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
I Messenger
DECEMBER 2, 2016
Evaluate Your Love Life
The Bounce Back Review By Eva D. Coleman Texas Metro News
Pretty people don’t always have it easy in love. No matter how society portrays it, it’s just not true. Here is one fact. Shemar Moore is fine. Period. As executive producer and star of The Bounce Back movie, his beauty and complications of relationships are brought into full perspective. Moore’s character, Matthew Taylor, is a relationship expert on the talk show and conference circuit promoting his book, The Bounce Back. While women are fired up to listen and attend events to see him in person, a therapist with media appeal and attention in her own right is not impressed. Kristin Peralta, played by Nadine Velazquez, finds pleasure in refuting Taylor’s claims of the power of self-reflection and evaluation to get over the pains of past
Bill Bellamy and Shemar Moore at Dallas screening
Photo: Eva D. Coleman
loves. Yes, you guessed it. Taylor falls for Peralta. Their oil and vinegar don’t mix, however, make for a tasty romance. The movie has many funny moments, mostly delivered by Taylor’s sidekick Terry, perfectly cast and played by comedian Bill Bellamy. Terry’s disdain for the destined romance between Taylor and Peralta will make you laugh out loud, as you watch him cleverly pursue a love of
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
his own. Woven into the movie are a variety of themes, from strained ties with an exspouse to joint custody and parenting after divorce. Again, viewers may ask, “How can you not love Shemar Moore?” Those who remember Moore’s acting days on the daytime soap opera, The Young and the Restless, will totally appreciate the over-acted scenes, in-
cluding one that dramatically unfolds with a single tear, or the car accident with little to no injuries that bounces back into lovey-dovey mode. No matter how unrealistic they may seem, the reality from this film is that love is a work in progress, and self-realization of the part you play in your happiness charts the course for your life. During the Shemar Moore and Bill Bellamy Q & A after the Dallas screening, one moviegoer boldly asked what she felt other women in the audience were thinking regarding Moore’s on-screen love interest not being African American. Moore, who is of mixed heritage, proudly proclaimed his blackness and shared that it was not the focus when casting for that particular role. The film, however, is very diverse among it’s characters. “There’s a bunch of color on that screen, and I’m proud of that,” Moore said. There was also mention that who one falls in love with goes beyond color. A look at recovering after being hurt from love is this film’s goal. “When it comes back and it’s the right time, you gotta open up to that,” Bill Bellamy said. The Bounce Back is a reflective and refreshing film that has the viewer evaluating their own love interests, past and present. Check it out in theaters December 9th.
7
I Messenger
Community Calendar
The South Dallas Cultural Center is located at 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave. Dallas, Texas 75215. For more information or to schedule a tour for your group call 214-670-1998. Admission is FREE ***** Free Reading Tutoring - Dallas Public Library; 1515 Young, Dallas 75201. Learn to read better program for adults. 214-671-8291; http://www.dallaslibrary.org/ literacy ***** Community Lawyering Center Open for Business - Mondays – Saturdays; days and evenings by appointment.
4716 Elsie Faye Heggins, Dallas, 75210. For info, call: 469351-0024 or x0025
Garland Civic Theatre presents the hilarious update of the classic fairy tale in Cinderella: The Musical. Tickets: $27 available at GarlandArtsBoxOffice. com, 972-205-2790 or in-person at the Granville Arts Center Box Office, open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and two hours before each performance. Nov. 25-Dec. 17, Granville Arts Center - Small Theatre 300 N. Fifth Street, downtown Garland
December 2
DART “Stuff a Bus” Benefits Those in Need Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) bus operators and police officers will be collecting “Stuff a Bus” donations of adult socks, blankets, canned food and unwrapped toys for children. The annual event benefits hundreds of Dallas area children, elderly and families in need. Bring your donation to the DART stuff a bus at the Mockingbird Station parking lot, 5465 E. Mockingbird Lane, Friday, Dec. 2, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two DART employee campaigns, “Santa Cops” and “Comforting of the Souls,” benefit as a 40-foot long bus is filled with your donations. The Northwest Bus Division’s “Comforting of the Souls” donates the new adult socks and blankets to area nursing homes while toys and food help families in need through the DART Police Department’s “Santa Cops.” KKDA-FM “K-104”
8
DECEMBER 2, 2016
sponsors DART’s “Stuff a Bus” campaign and will be doing a live broadcast at the Mockingbird Station event.
December 3 National Black United Front Dallas Chapter presents Standing on Principles to Advance Human & Civil Rights with keynote speaker Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf Gray’s Event Center 3016 N. I-35E, Lancaster at 8p.m. Tickets $10 Inspirational Speaker - Imam Mohamad Ramadan, author of “The Political Participation of American Muslims” For more info, call 214 -460-7672
*****
The award-winning Potter’s House choir and renowned Joyous Celebration of Durban, South Africa will record its first ever joint live album entitled “Heal Our Land” at The Potter’s House of Dallas. WHERE: The Potter’s House, 6777 W. Kiest Blvd., Dallas, Texas WHEN: at 7 p.m.
******
10th Annual Tour of Homes includes a tour of the Lancaster Visitors Center and State Auxiliary Museum and is a presentation of the Lancaster Texas Heritage Park Foundation. For more information, call 832-385-3732 ***** Discover Dallas ISD at District Wide School Fair! 9am - 4pm Ellis Davis Field House 9191 South Polk St. Dallas, TX 75232 Come Discover Dallas ISD
December 4
December 5 South Dallas Concert Choir’s annual free Christmas Concert, is open to the public, at Oak Cliff Presbyterian church. 7:00 PM, Oak Cliff Presbyterian Church, 6000 S Hampton Rd, Dallas, TX
December 6 Jay Leno, the popular host of the top-rated “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” will entertain the audience for one night at 8 p.m. at the Winspear Opera House, downtown Dallas Arts District. ****** Public asked to take survey and weigh in on next Dallas City Manager Dallas - We want to hear from you! What would you like to see in the next Dallas City Manager? Please take the survey to help with the selection of the best candidate. To take the survey visit https://www.research. net/r/affionpublic. Residents will also have the opportunity to meet the candidates for Dallas City Manager from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 6 at Dallas City Hall, second floor atrium area. To attend, enter through the Dallas City Hall main lobby (near the reflecting pool).
December 7 Greater Southwest Black Chamber of Commerce BUILDING A BETTER BOARD w/ Sharla H. Myers A Highly-Interactive Workshop Helping nonprofits to achieve success through a strong and responsible board of directors. (10:30a-1:30p) GO Federal Credit Union Bldg 3200 W. Pleasant Run Rd-1st Floor Lancaster TX 75146 LUNCH Ticket Chamber Members $15 Non members $25
December 9 Join Teresa Gilbert @ THE NTHEKNOW TOY DRIVE 6pm-10pm Jam Box 3965 Belt Line Addison, TX 75001 http://www.ntheknow.online/ntheknow-toy-drive.html
Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents its annual holiday Black on Black Mingle & Jingle Dallas Black Dance Theatre brings you a holiday party like no other. Join us for Black on Black – a complete dance and holiday experience guaranteed to bring good tidings and cheer on Friday and Saturday, December 9-10, It all takes place in the creative space of DBDT’s studios, 2700 Ann Williams Way in the Dallas Arts District. Enjoy the artistry, creative talents and innovative works choreographed by DBDT and DBDT: Encore!. 6:30 pm Mingle at the reception with complimentary light bites & cocktails on us! 7:30pm Enjoy the choreography & talented performances of DBDT & DBDT: Encore! DBDT dancers Claude Alexander III, Kayah Franklin, Sierra Jones, Keon K. Nickie, Zion Pradier, Sean J. Smith, Jasmine White-Killins, Christen Ashley Williams, McKinley Willis and Kimara Wood will showcase their choreography talents. 8:30pm Jingle at the free after-party with DBDT dancers & Live DJ. Take home holiday memories from our photo booth or a caricature sketch. You must be 21 years and older to attend. Ticket details www.DBDT.com
New Mount Zion Baptist Church will hold its annual Christmas Gala at 7p.m. at the HIlton Lincoln Center Hotel, 5410 LBJ Freeway, Dallas. Tickets are $65. The keynote speaker is Dr. Zan W. Holmes. The Red Carpet Reception starts at 6p.m. For tickets, call 214-341-6459
Join the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists at the CAAPCO HOLIDAY PARTY FAIRMONT HOTEL AT 6:30P.M.
December 10
Get Healthy for 2017! He’s helped people lose thousands and can help lead you on a path to healthier living! Dick Gregory w ill be the speaker at the inaugural Health Awareness Explosion at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters. In addition to Mr. Gregory’s presentation, you will hear from financial experts, ministers, community activists, journalists, health practitioners, chefs and fitness experts. There will be vendors and entertainment, but more importantly, you
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
I Messenger
DECEMBER 2, 2016 nations and toys will benefit The Chocolate Mint Foundation Christmas Candyland 2016. For more information and tickets, visit www.chocolatemint. org or call (972)224-7200.
Jarvis Christian College freshman crowned National Top Model
December 11
will leave empowered and equipped to lead a healthier life. You cacn get tickets for Mr. Gregory’s lecture at ticketmaster or through The Black Academy of Arts and Letters box office. Call 214-941-0110 for tickets or vendor information. ****** Grace and Taste Gala Masquerade Ball will be held from 8pm-1am at The Chocolate Mint Foundation, 201 Executive Way, Desoto, TX 75115. Live Music by Paul Cannon and The Band along w/DJ Freestyle Steve. Tickets are $40 or bring 2 unwrapped toys valuing $35. All do-
The African Children’s Choir Garland, Texas - Upendo Baptist Church Time: 10:00 am. Address: 916 N Jupiter Rd - Venue phone: (214) 868-6007\\ The African Children’s Choir Plano, Texas - First Christian Church Time: 6:30 pm. Address: 813 E 15th St Plano, TX 75074 Venue phone: (972) 423-3260
December 13 Fellowship of Professional Women Luncheon with Debby Efurd and Vocalist: Peggy Frazier O’Connor Park City Club 5956 Sherry Lane 17th Floor Dallas, TX 75225
HAWKINS, TEXAS -- Jarvis Christian College freshman Natasha Coleman-Ball recently was crowned National Top Model in the National American Miss Pageant in Anaheim, California. Natasha also received a cash scholarship and her photos will be featured in Pageantry magazine and also in National American Miss promotional brochures. For her community involvement, Natasha -- a Business major and also Miss Pre-Alumni -- will work with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program and participate in fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Breast Cancer Awareness. A resident of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Natasha qualified for the national competition after winning the state title of Miss Maryland Teen in August.
December 15 Best Southwest Partnership 30th anniversary luncheon 11:30 am at Hilton Garden Inn, 800 N. Main Street. Speaker - Dale Hansen - Unplugged. For tickets call Cedar Hill (972)291-
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
9
I Messenger Gala spotlights beauty industry stars
DECEMBER 2, 2016
Lynne Haze of KRNB-105.7 visits with this year’s special celebrity guest Bruce George from OWN-TV’s Sweetie Pie’s and Gala founder Trish Hill
The best and the brightest in fashion and beauty will come together on Sunday, December 11 for the 5th Annual Night for the Stars Beauty Industry & Awards Gala! The event will take place in Downtown Dallas at the historic Old Red Museum located at 100 South Houston Street. The evening will celebrate the icons and legends of the beauty industry in high style with a red carpet procession, musical entertainment and fashion show! Top honorees for the evening include: Tiffany Luong, Make-Up Artist,;Edmond Flewellen, The “Godfather” of Barber Styling; James Thomas, legendary barber to entertainment icon Steve Harvey; J. Bolin, Celebrity Fashion Stylist; and Hype Hair Magazine, one of the leading industry publications focusing on fashion, hair and beauty! “We believe that our fifth year is without a doubt our biggest and best gala to date,” says Night for the Stars Founder and Salon Nvious owner Trish Hill. “There will be something for everyone at the gala. From fabulous fashions, deli-
10
cious food, musical entertainment and a red carpet where everyone can feel like a star, this is a night not to be missed!” Also being honored are: Ben Adams, Owner and CEO of the B. Adams Corporation; Dr. Linda Amerson, Trichologist; Graham’s Barber College; LaSondria Aaron, Instructor and Russell Chew, leading entrepreneur and creator in hair care products and distribution. The gala and awards ceremony is also an opportunity for Hill to give back to the community. “I have been so blessed in my life and my career, and it’s really important to me to put back into the community that has given me so much over the years,” she said. “As a professional woman, business owner and entrepreneur, I feel a responsibility to set a positive example and be a role model to young people and serve as a living example that business ownership is attainable and that their possibilities are endless.” This year’s recipient is the Where R You? Homeless Outreach. Tickets are on sale now at https://anightofthestars.eventbrite. com or call 214-457-4038.
You are invited (and encouraged) to attend the CAAPCO & Friends Holiday Party and Charity Drive -the biggest event in DFW for our professionals this holiday season. Guests will enjoy assorted appetizers amidst mingling with colleagues, while listening and dancing to popular music and holiday tunes, benefiting our Toys for Kids drive with our chosen Children's charities.
Enter the drawing to have your 1/4 page ad featured in Texas Metro News and I Messenger for 6 months! WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
I Messenger
DECEMBER 2, 2016
MALVEAUX: Will Republicans prevail in 2018? The Last Word By Dr. Julianne Malveaux
NNPA Newswire Columnist
The apprehension that I felt upon Donald Trump’s victory in the Presidential election has only increased as he has announced the appointments of his chief of staff, strategist, and cabinet members. As of this writing, he has mainly announced the selection of older white men, including the racist Alabama Senator, Jeff Sessions, to lead the Justice Department. The senator’s use of highly inflammatory racial rhetoric (including describing the NAACP as an “un-American” organization, and expressing support for the KKK) prevented his confirmation to the US District Court in 1986. Now, he will be charged with law enforcement in our nation. Equally troubling has been the selection of Stephen Bannon, his campaign chairman, as chief White House strategist and senior counselor. Bannon is the Executive Chairman of Breitbart News, a news site that has been the home of the alt-right, the source of lies, hate, nastiness and racist rhetoric. President Barack Obama had to walk away from Minister Jeremiah Wright because one of his sermons was considered racist by some whites. Trump openly embraces racists and is applauded for it. The position that Bannon will hold does not require Senate confirmation, while the position that Sessions will be nominated for does. With 54 Republicans in the Senate, Sessions is almost certain to be nominated. Hopefully Democrats have retained enough of a backbone to raise questions about Sessions’ racism. Senate newcomers Kamala Harris (DCA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) may be among the first to raise the questions. Still Republicans will have the votes to
confirm anyone they want to confirm. Welcome to the age of Trump. Will Republicans get more of an edge in the Senate when we go to the polls in 2018? Thirty-three Senate seats will be up for grabs then. Republicans hold only eight. Independents Bernie Sanders (VT) and Angus King (ME), who caucus and vote with Democrats are both likely to be candidates for re-election.
I expect them to vocally take Trump and his team on when they revert to the racist rhetoric and proposed racist, misogynistic, and jingoistic policies that Trump promoted during the campaign. A whopping 23 seats are currently held by Democrats. If some of the states that went Republican in this year’s election can be tilted, Republicans can widen their margin in the Senate. The Trump campaign (and its affiliated SuperPacs) have as much as $60 million to spend, and can use it to build ground operations in states where Democrats closely lost this year. (Hillary and her affiliated SuperPACS may have as much as $70 million to spend). Democrats lost Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona by less than five percent. Incumbent Democrats Tammy Baldwin (WI), Sherrod Brown (Ohio), Bob Casey (PA), Joe Donnelly (IN), Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota), Joe Manchin (WV), Bill Nelson (FL), and Debbie Stabenow (MI) are all in states that Republicans won in 2016. While many of them are popular, and incumbency is a challenging thing to over-
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
come, we’ve just seen that the right kind of Republican rhetoric can prevail. These candidates, and the Democratic Party, can’t afford to take incumbency or popularity for granted. They can’t afford to savor a polling lead and conclude that they don’t have to fight for every vote. If these folks want to go back to Washington, they’ll learn from the Hillary Clinton loss and work indefatigably, starting now, to keep their seats. They’ll make lots of visits back home, host town hall meetings, and make sure their votes understand what their contributions have been and what challenges they face. If Trump and his team can brag of results, if his actions are perceived as “making American great again”, then incumbent Democrats may be in trouble. Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, also on the ballot, has described Democrats in the Senate as the “emergency brake” on Trump’s policy proposals. I expect them to vocally take Trump and his team on when they revert to the racist rhetoric and proposed racist, misogynistic, and jingoistic policies that Trump promoted during the campaign. Will they? They may not want to be perceived as obstructionists (though Republicans surely didn’t mind being obstructionists with President Obama), and they will certainly need to pick their battles carefully. But they must speak out. Mid-term election turnout is always extremely low – it was just 36 percent in 2014, the lowest level in 70 years. Democrats must start now to educate and encourage people to turn out for the mid-term elections. And voting rights organizations must begin now to reverse the voter suppression that kept millions from voting on November 8. If Democrats don’t get busy now, Republicans will, indeed, prevail in 2018. So let’s stop wringing our hands and moaning. Let’s get busy! Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist. Her latest book “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy” is available via www.amazon. com
11
I Messenger
DECEMBER 2, 2016
God's Grace or Evil Stalking You Spiritually Speaking by James A. Washington
I have often found myself wrestling with the concepts and the realities of good and evil. It stands to reason that if you believe in God and His goodness, power and the righteousness of Jesus Christ, then it follows that you must also believe in Satan and his earthbound inherent ‘evilness.’ If this is true, then it is the height of ignorance or hypocrisy that we as human beings follow a course of action consistent with one belief and act totally inconsistent with and contrary to that same belief. We concede to the reality that evil exists. As a matter of fact, our civil laws and subsequent penalties are there to protect us against criminal, abhorrent and yes even evil behavior. Hence, what I am merely recognizing here is that the counterbalance of this fact ought to be a set of behaviors, or at least a set of professed beliefs, that confirm the reality of God, the good stuff. Unfortunately, it has been my experience and at times my behavior, that evil demands action, while ‘Godness’ gets a whole lot of lip service. I believe this is true because with all of our flaws and faults (sinfulness), we’ve gotten used to functioning in a world somewhat controlled by the evil one. Christians do recognize, must recognize that satan has power in the secular world. Thanks to him, many of us have become numb to those things that demonstrate his existence in this world where we temporarily reside. Fortunately when we come to Christ, we are able to put some perspective on all of this as we begin to see the contrast between good and evil in our own lives. That’s when I believe you finally get it. By putting ourselves in perspective to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, it becomes clear where we fit in this struggle between
12
good and evil. We are the ultimate prize. To the victor goes us. Fortunately for us, we have some say in the clubhouse celebration. Once you accept the truth of good and evil in the context of God and the devil, the rules of engagement are clear. In this game the ball (us) has a say in who wins the game. Can you imagine any athletic event where the ball actually participates as an independent active component? Well, the truth is we are that ball in this high stakes game for our very own souls. Imagine that. We can stack the deck in our favor. But it can’t be happenstance. It must be deliberate and we must be constant in making sure that the ball takes favorable bounces throughout the game. To be sure, with this in mind, Christ has given us the game plan we need to insure victory. “He who believes in me…. shall never die.” John 11:25-26. That’s it. It’s all about belief. When Jesus says in John 16:8-9, “when He (the Counselor/ Holy Spirit) comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin because men do not believe in me…” He is telling us that the biggest threat to our own salvation is disbelief. You see belief in Christ brings about condemnation of satan and satan-like things i.e., evil. It must follow. Now we are armed and ready for the struggle. We are prepared and fortified against the evil that would destroy us. We now have a reference point for current and future behavior. We know the difference between good and evil. More importantly, we can now recognize our weaknesses in relation to evil and our strengths in relation to good. No contest worth anything is without risks. But for now, let’s play and may God forgive your fumbles and bless your recoveries in the name of His Son, Jesus, our Lord and Savior. May God Bless and Keep you.
JAMES
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
DECEMBER 2, 2016
Healthy Living EXPO FREE
SATURDAY 12/10/16
I Messenger
featuring
ASK DICK GREGORY!
THE BLACK LECTURE and Q&A $20 ACADEMY OF ARTS and LETTERS 8A-8P Saturday, December 10, 2016
VENDORS
Healthy Living EXPO 2016
WORKOUT SESSIONS
featuring
The Black Academy of Arts & Letters
1309 Canton 1309 Canton Street, Dallas Street Dallas, TXFREE 8am-8pm
Health Guru
BOOK SIGNINGS
Dick Gregory
Are you Getting saying ready for 2017! Vendors it’s time Spiritual Enrichment to get Health Screenings yourself Entertainment together? Testimonies
TESTIMONIES
Get your healthfeaturing questions answered
MARION
Lecture and Q&A
A SONG & A STORY
HEALTH TIPS
9am-noon $20
featuring
BETHEL JOHNSON FITNESS & FINANCE
Come join us and get
Financial tips
This EXPO Exercise will Classes featuring Authors help! LYNNE HAZE Tax Info Recipes
HAIR CARE
REGISTRATION
MEDIA WORKSHOP WEIGHT LOSS INFO
Financially, spiritually, physically, socially and mentally
KRNB’S DIVA WITH THE VOICE
SCREENINGS
VOTER EDUCATION
FIT
Food
Boot Camps
SEMINARS
VEGAN DIETS
Internet Radio Broadcasts
you want to AVAILABLE be healthier, SPONSORSHIP AND VENDOR Don’t OPPORTUNITIES
Banking
AND SO MUCH MORE!!!
GET FIT FOR 2017
wealthier and wiser?
Physically, Financially, Spiritually, Socially and Mentally
For tickets or more information, call JournaL GARLAND
I
Messenger
214-941-0110
JOURNAL GARLAND
I
! em — th s rn ge bu brid t to d no men d
en wh an d s, an os en , cr wh ild g in d, bu ow oi kn , av — ch ly nt proa rta ap po to t im en os wh tm g bu owin Kn
Messenger
by
d
ce
du
ro
P
rity
ev
eb
e li
Cel
ts:
sen
Bow
et
he ’s
ith
l Sm
ry
Che
PE
16
20
HY
on
th
l-a-
a
Ev
B n’t Do
!
Don’t Believe the
DALLAS - FORT WORTH
ASSOCIATION OF
BLACK JOURNALISTS
HYPE
pre
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
DFW/ABJ
A day of FREE workshops, empowering sessions and entertainment for the entire family.
A mind is a terrible thing to waste
13
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
14
DECEMBER 2, 2016 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 December 31, 2016 to: DFW/ABJ c/o Cheryl Smith 320 South RL Thornton Freeway, Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
I Messenger National Endowment for the Arts Chair Jane Chu visits Dallas Black Dance Theatre DECEMBER 2, 2016
Dr. Jane tor, Texas Commission on the Chu, chairman Arts of the National Endowment Zenetta S. for the Arts Drew, executive (NEA) visited director, Dallas Dallas Black Black Dance Dance Theatre Theatre (DBDT) as part Ann Williams, founder/ of a two-day artistic advisor, tour of arts organizations in Dallas Black Dallas. Chu's Dance Theatre first stop was Georgia Dallas Black Scaife, board Dance Thepresident, Dalatre where she las Black Dance experienced a Theatre m i n i - p e r f o rGilbert mance by both Gerst, board DBDT and Kevin Hurst, Zenetta Drew, Gary Gibbs, Jane Chu, Ann Williams, Nancy Nasher, Gerogia Scaife, Kim Whitaker, Gilbert Gerst, Sheena Payne and chairman, Dallas Black Dance DBDT: En- Mark Cooks. core!, learned Theatre ally and internationally." "I value reports from parents about DBDT programs and parSylvia Hougland, vice chair, Kevin Hurst, director of char- and teachers just as much," said ticipated in a roundtable discus- itable giving for Neiman Marcus Gibbs. "They are close to the stu- Cultural Affairs Commission sion on cultural equity and the Group asked about measuring dents and know the impact of art Lauren Embrey, philanthropic vision and chair, Embrey Famrole of the arts. on them." outcomes. Chairman Chu told the round DBDT performed Furtherance ily Foundation Chu said she loved to meaKevin Hurst, director of chartable group, "The NEA has two sure because it is a way to dispel and DBDT: Encore! performed criteria for awarding grants, ex- stereotypes about art being ex- Opaque during the chairman's itable giving, Neiman Marcus cellence and merit. We decide the clusive. Measurement can also visit. "Seeing those two pieces Group grant amount on the project, not provide hard evidence about the was wonderful," Chu said. "It Nancy Nasher, co-owner, the size of the organization." The economic impact of art. NorthPark Center touched our hearts." NEA has given grants to DBDT Mark Cooks, board vice presDBDT Executive Director When asked about what might for more than 30 years. "Not only Zenetta Drew inquired about the happen to arts funding with the ident, Dallas Black Dance Theis that cool, you can thank your NEA's use of data in its decision new Trump administration, Chu atre Sheena Payne, board vice colleagues, because people in the making, noting the growing im- replied, "We don't speculate on president of marketing, Dallas community make the first round portance of data as evidenced government funding." of recommendations for NEA by the National Center for Arts Chu did say the National En- Black Dance Theatre Kim Whitaker, board vice grants," explained Dr. Chu. NEA Research (NCAR) at SMU and dowment for the Arts empowers grants were awarded in every DataArts (formerly CDP). people to be innovative. "Art president of development, Dallas congressional district in 2016. Chu said organizations should is one of the best ways to bring Black Dance Theatre Clem Maddox, board vice In FY 2016, Dallas Black strive for data visualization to people together and celebrate our president of government affairs, Dance Theatre was the only make data more understandable. differences," she concluded. Dallas Black Dance Theatre modern dance company in Tex- "Data is important, it should not as to receive an NEA grant. Dr. be put on a shelf. We are in a hard For more details visit www. Participants in the Round TaGary Gibbs, executive director evidence world," Chairman Chu ble Discussion DBDT.com and www.dbdt.com/ for the Texas Commission on the explained. "We need to commuJane Chu, chairman, National academy. Arts said, "Dallas Black Dance nicate research and learn from Endowment for the Arts Theatre is a credit to Dallas and it." Gary Gibbs, executive direcTexas as they are known nation-
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
15 
I Messenger
DECEMBER 2, 2016
City close to picking new city manager Candidates to interview in Dallas next week
T.C. Broadnax
Jelynne LeBlanc-Burley
By Dorothy Gentry Texas Metro News
Next week will be an important one in Dallas’ search for a new City Manager as four of the five finalists come to town for interviews, meet-and-greets and a tour of Dallas City Hall. The fifth finalist – Assistant City Manager Mark McDaniel –is the lone internal applicant to make the cut. The other candidates are: T.C. Broadnax, City Manager, City of Tacoma; Jelynne LeBlanc-Burley, President and CEO, JLB Group; Maura Black Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer, City of Chattanooga and Jim Twombly, Director of Administration/City Manager, City of Tulsa. One of them will replace current City Manager A.C. Gonzalez who retires in January. He or she will run the city’s day-to-day operations and be responsible for more than 13,000 city employees. More than 100 applications were received for the high profile job. Search firm Affion Public and a special council City Manager Search Committee vetted the list and ended up with 11. Those 11 names were presented to council members Monday in a closed-door meeting. “We had more than 100 people apply for the job of Dallas city manager and I believe we have selected highly qualified individuals to come interview with the City Council,” said
16
Mark McDaniel
Maura Black Sullivan
Mayor Mike Rawlings. “We look forward to getting to know them better next week.” Next week will be a busy one for the candidates. First up is a tour of Dallas to be hosted by city staff on Monday, December 5. On the afternoon of Tuesday, December 6, they will interview with small groups of council members at City Hall. That evening, the public is invited to a meet and greet with the candidates from 6 to 8 p.m. on the second-floor atrium of City Hall. On Wednesday afternoon, each candidate will interview individually for an hour with the full City Council. That evening, the candidates are invited to a private meet and greet with representatives from numerous chambers of commerce and community groups. On Friday, the City Council will convene a special meeting to discuss the candidates and determine next steps in the process. Broadnax has 23 years of city/county management experience including responsibilities in all phases of government operation and services, including serving as City Manager of City of Tacoma, Washington for the past four years. He manages the day-to-day operations of the city with over 2,000 employees and a $1.9 billion biennial operating and capital improvements budget. Sullivan, the current COO of the City of Chattanooga, spent five years as Deputy and Chief Administrative Officer for the City of
Jim Twombly
Memphis, reporting directly to the Mayor and the CAO and overseeing 6,000 employees and an annual operating budget in excess of $600 million. Burley is the President/CEO of JLB Group, a consulting firm providing professional services in the areas of talent development, project management, and leadership training. She was previously the Executive Vice President and Chief Delivery Officer for CPS Energy, the nation’s largest municipally-owned energy company providing both natural gas and electric service to the greater San Antonio Area. Twombly is currently the City Manager for the City of Tulsa, a post he has held since 2009. The City has 3,600 employees in 20 departments. The Director of Community Development and Transportation, and Directors of Finance, Information Technology, Human Resources, Asset Management, Communications, Customer Care, Municipal Court and Water and Sewer report directly to him. Tulsa’s FY ’17 City Budget is $768 million, of which $643 million is for operations. The internal applicant, McDaniel, has a number of accomplishments under his belt including developing the city’s first multi-year street maintenance model, including identification of funding sources and projected impacts to overall street conditions over time and leading the city’s new internal compliance task force and development/automation of a new integrated management system for perform.
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
I Messenger
DECEMBER 2, 2016
It’s me and my man, and that’s the way it will be Dear Alma:
Ask Alma: by Alma Gill
NNPA News Wire Columnist Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and Twitter @almaaskalma.
and do well and have a good life?
I can’t give you all the details, but let’s just say my boyfriend is doing something that makes a lot of money, but it’s illegal. If he gets caught, “we” could go to jail. I love him and I’ve always supported him. He was there for me when I didn’t have anyone and helped me financially complete my degree and purchase my condo. I don’t want to leave him now that I’m gainfully employed, but I do worry about him getting caught. Sometimes I feel like I’m living a double life. Now that my feet are firmly planted and I’m making a good salary, I would like for him to go legit, but he’s not having it. He says the money’s too good. How can I get him to see, we can leave that life
Signed, Down for My Man Dear Down for My Man, Some people will sell their soul for a diamond-crusted, fried bologna sandwich, while others will work hard, all day long at doing what’s right. The road to righteousness is long, undoubtedly unfair and ruthlessly rough. The sidewalk leading to half-baked shenanigans won’t let you stand up on a slippery slope. You have to decide which path is best for you right now, today and tomorrow, not yesterday, six months ago or the year before.
Honestly girl, if your Mr. Do Right is doing wrong and you know it and support it, you’re Mrs. Do Wrong your dang self. Don’t start trippin’ now that you have a degree. Who you think you’re fooling? You’ve been in this from the jump. Your condo won’t keep you out of jail. Your degree won’t prevent you from serving time. You can’t dissect, analyze and redirect this negative into a positive now, because you’re getting an authentic paycheck. Get yourself out of this mess, before it’s too late. When it all comes crumbling down, and it will, you’ll be on your way to lock down, for love’s sake. Here’s my question to you: Is it worth it? Alma
LEARN ABOUT YOUR BODY AND HOW TO BE HEALTHIER! Get your tickets and come hear Mr. Dick Gregory talk about health and answer your questions! Sat., Dec. 10, 2016 9a-12n at TBAAL
Get your tickets at Ticketmaster WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
17
I Messenger
DECEMBER 2, 2016
MARKETPLACE
Autos Wanted CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/Models 20002016! Any Condition. Running or Not. Top $$$ Paid! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-985-1806
walk-in tub! Call Today!!! (800) 987-1543 Struggling to get into a Car, House, or Apartment because of your Credit Score? Call to get a free credit score, report, and consultation. 800-953-5979
Education
Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: 1-888909-9905 18+.
AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING - Get FAA certification. No HS Diploma or GED - We can help. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-453-6204 Health & Fitness VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 50 Pills $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 1 -866-3126061 Hablamos Espanol Misc. For Sale KILL BED BUGS! Buy Harris Bed Bug Killers/KIT. Hardware Stores, The Home Depot, homedepot.com Miscellaneous Enjoy your own therapeutic walk-in luxury bath. Get a free in-home consultation and receive $1,750 OFF your new
Wanted to Buy CASH PAID- up to $25/Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAYPAYMENT.1-800-371-1136 Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 ADVERTISE to 10 Million Homes across the USA! Place your ad in over 140 community newspapers, with circulation totaling over 10 million homes. Contact Independent Free Papers of America IFPA at danielleburnett-ifpa@live.com or visit our website cadnetads.com for more information newspapers, with circulation totaling over 10 million homes. Contact Independent Free Papers of America IFPA at danielleburnett-ifpa@live.com or visit our website cadnetads.com for more information
Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.
NEED A JOB?
We are looking for order pullers, loaders & unloaders for Terrell, TX. Taking applications 9:00am - 12:00pm Tuesday-Friday. Please apply in person @ Action Logistics 301 E. Apache Trail, Terrell, TX 75160
CLASSIFIED Computer problems viruses, lost data, hardware or software issues? Contact Geeks On Site! 24/7 Service. Friendly Repair Experts. Macs and PCs.Call for FREE diagnosis. 1-800-912-4993 SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800-795-6803 to start your application today! Got an older car, boat or RV? Do the humane thing. Donate it to the Humane Society. Call 1- 800-5610428 Switch to DIRECTV and
get a $100 Gift Card. FREE Whole-Home Genie HD/DVR upgrade. Starting at $19.99/mo. New Customers Only. Don’t settle for cable. Call 1-800-792-4730 Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace at little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-
18
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
DECEMBER 2, 2016
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
I Messenger
19 
I Messenger
DECEMBER 2, 2016
Zemill
performing live at
Healthy Living Expo 2016 Saturday, December 10 The Black Academy of Arts and Letters 1309 Canton Street
20
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
DECEMBER 2, 2016
I Messenger
METRO BRIEFS
photo by Sharen Bradford – The Dancing Image.
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
21
DECEMBER 2, 2016 I Messenger Nova Academy Prichard starts TV Program Students at Nova Academy Prichard recently began their TV Broadcast program with the inaugural taping on Wednesday, November 30 at 4:00 p.m. Students at Nova Academy-Prichard have been given a chance to create a school television program, which potentially could be one of the most powerful opportunities a school can offer. Nova Academy content can be seen Saturday mornings at 11a.m. on BPEN TV Channel 30.8 and on YouTube, under the name Nova Academy TV. Nova Academy’s mission is to create a visionary program
that would link students, teachers, parents, and community. It also serves as a venue to share and showcase students’ work. The show will reflect much more than news. " Nova Academy endeavors are to foster the highest level of student learning academic excellence by raising the bar through Radio Internet and TV Broadcasting,” said Donna Houston-Woods, CEO. Watch upcoming shows or previous episodes on Nova’s YouTube channel by going to www. novaacademy.org and clicking on the TV logo.
NOVA Academy students prepare for TV Broadcast
10 out of 12 receives 10 ½ out of 12 By Felicia Shepherd Texas Metro News
Have you ever sat through a play and actually wondered what happens behind the scenes to prepare for the production you are viewing? Just me? 10 out of 12 is a play that gives the audience a front row seat on what goes on behind the scenes. “10 out of 12” refers to a technical rehearsal day that spans 12 hours-ten hours of work and 2 one-hour breaks. This plays dramatizes all the technical elements of getting a production to opening day. The lights, sound, costumes, and of course the eccentric director attempting to bring all the elements together while keeping calm temperamental actors. When you arrive to the theater, you are given a headset. It is balancing game
22
of listening to the technical team talking making you laugh while watching the actual actors on stage running through their lines. Anne Washburn, the playwright has written a sarcastically entertaining play that may not be received by all that views it. It does start out slow moving and somewhat confusing. Playgoers will need to keep an open mind because it is not the typical play one is expecting. However, it is worth not walking out after 20 minutes. Ms. Washburn manages to toss in a love triangle in the midst of the 140-minute play. Again, the balancing act of watching the director and actors throw diva like temper tantrums and listening to the technical team in your ear making fun of them, will keep you engaged with the flow of the play.
10 out 12 receive 10 ½ out 12 as a rating scale from this playgoer. Judge for yourself. The play is at the Undermain Theater in the heart of Deep Ellum. Undermain is located at 3200 Main Street at the corner of Murray Street. Free covered parking is available at the South East corner of Trunk and Commerce - 3300 Commerce Street. All evening show times are 7:30 pm with two Saturday matinee performances at 2pm. The production will run through December 3rd. Discounts are available for seniors, students, KERA members, and groups. Tickets are available at www.undermain.org or by calling the Box Office at 214.747.5515. Pricing is as follows: Wednesdays and Thursdays - $20 Fridays - $25
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
I Messenger
DECEMBER 2, 2016
Remembering the Fallen Officers
Sgt. Demetrick Pennie Special to Texas Metro News By Divine Design News Service
Dallas Police Sergeant Demetrick Pennie cried in a hallway of Parkland Hospital on that July night when he learned that five Dallas policemen and a DART police officer had been slain during a shameful night of madness on the streets of the city that they had protected, and loved. Sgt. Pennie, the president of the Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation, was at home painting floor boards when he received a call that there had been a shooting in downtown Dallas. The caller told him that one of the officers had been killed. “My body began to shake, and I could not pull myself together,” said Sgt. Pennie, who leads a foundation that comforts the families of officers killed during the line of duty, and awards scholarships to students who pursue academic excellence, and who express an interest in becoming members of law enforcement. “The holiday season is one of the most difficult times of the year for families of officers who have been killed,” he said. “When they are present it was a joyous time. Now, that they are gone there is a hurtful void. There is something missing. It does not seem fair,” said Sgt. Pennie, a native of inner-city Houston who spent four years in the military before joining the Dallas Police Department in June of 1999.
The Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation was started in 2009 by members of the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas Fraternal Order of Police. Five years after it was launched, Sgt. Pennie became the chief organizer and president of the organization. The foundation provides scholarships to students at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Law Magnet High School. “We ask students to write an essay and to maintain a “B” average,” he said. “It is one of the ways that our fallen heroes are honored. The scholarship is extremely important to students and to members of the police department, and the city government.” Sgt. Pennie remains in contact with family members of officers who have been slain in Dallas. “I was close to Officer Norman Smith who was killed in 2009. Like the other officers, he was a wonderful person, and had pursued a career in law enforcement because he wanted to help people.” Growing up in Houston, Officer Pennie and his friends did not have pleasant relationships with police officers. “We saw them as our foes,” he said. “But that all changed when I witnessed how they responded to me and my family when my older cousin, Jacqueline, was killed shortly before her wedding day.” Sgt. Pennie said that his cousin, whom
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
he adored, was killed by an acquaintance of the family when she attempted to stop an argument. “I was coming home from school when I heard the shot, the killer ran right pass me, and I saw my cousin laying on the ground, barely holding on to life.” The experience changed his perception of the police and he decided that he wanted to be like them, assisting families just as they assisted his during the murder of his relative. “There was nothing that I could do to bring my cousin back to life,” he said, “just as there is nothing that I can do to bring back the lives of my fallen brothers and sisters. But I can be there for those that they leave behind. I can become a member of their extended families. And that is what I am committed to doing.” Sgt. Pennie said that during the holiday season and throughout the year, he prayed that the people of Dallas would remember those who had given their lives serving people whom they took an oath to serve. “We must not forget them or their families,” he said. “We must ensure that their memories live on forever.”
23
I Messenger
24
DECEMBER 2, 2016
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM