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DECEMBER 21, 2018

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December 21, 2018

December 16, 2018

#LogOffFacebook

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WSSTANDS IN IN .EWSSTANDS

wlett Rowlett quite esquite rdson hardson E.Dallas Dallas

DECEMBER 21, 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 Lajuana Barton Eva Coleman L. Diane Evans 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

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Facebook needs to do better If the revelations over the past few weeks about Facebook hiring an opposition research firm and working with other deeply partisan strategy firms were not problematic enough, we learned just yesterday that Russian operatives used Facebook and the Facebook-owned Instagram to specifically target African Americans during the 2016 election.

It’s time for Facebook to be held accountable.

The NAACP is stepping up to take on this challenge, and we’re calling on all of our supporters to join us.

We’re asking supporters to log out of Facebook and Instagram in protest today to let Facebook know that the data and privacy of its users of color matter more than its corporate interests.

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#LogOutFacebook Dec. 18-25, 2018 We want to make it clear that, as the largest social network in the world, it is Facebook’s corporate social responsibility to ensure that users of color have a right to be protected from propaganda and misinformation on its platforms.

And if you think #LogOutFacebook is just for show, it’s not. We’re serious about holding Facebook accountable— so serious that we recently returned a monetary donation from the company.

So please, join the NAACP in logging out of Facebook and Instagram today.

Together, we can make Facebook—finally—do the right thing.

Derrick Johnson President and CEO -NAACP

YO MOMMA’S KITCHEN Cooked the way Mom would!

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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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DECEMBER 21, 2018

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Bass elected chair of CBC LA City Council President Herb Wesson, who is also a longtime friend of Bass, congratulated her in a Twitter post: In 2008, Congresswom“Congratulations @RepKarenan Karen Bass made histoBass on being elected chair of ry after being elected as the the @OfficialCBC! It’s been an first ever African American honor to have you as a friend, woman to become Speaker colleague and representative. of any state legislature. Since The Congressional Black Caucus then, Bass has continued to is in good hands.” represent the 37th congresPastor J. Edgar Boyd who is sional district of Califorthe senior minister at First AME nia by being an active voice Church of Los Angeles calls Bass for criminal justice reform, “a true champion.” fighting for America’s foster “Karen Bass has become a Hon. Karen Bass care system, and strengthentrue champion for causes which ing the United States ties with Africa. Now Bass will have the opportunity impact the lives of people living within her to continue making change in her new role district, across California and even beyond as the chair of the Congressional Black Cau- the borders of the US. True courage is seen in her fight to ensure the rights and opportucus (CBC).

Bass’ colleagues from the DNC, CBC as nities of children, working parents, seniors, well as local and religious leaders extended veterans, and the LGBT community; while their warmest congratulations on her latest yet promoting measures to ensure civil justice, human safety, and civility at our borfeat. “[I am] truly excited to see the energy and ders. Her leadership at the helm of the CBC determination Karen Bass will bring to her will provide dividends well into the future,” role as chair of the Congressional Black Cau- he said.

Bass, who is the eighth woman to hold this cus,” said minority leader of the United States position, will replace outgoing chair Cedric House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.

DNC chair Tom Perez says he “couldn’t be Richmond. Other members of Congress happier to call Congresswoman Karen Bass who were also elected include: Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), first vice the next chair” of the CBC. “From fighting for criminal justice reform chair; Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence and child welfare to affordable health care (D-MI-14), second vice chair; Congressman and a stronger economy for all, Karen has Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), secretary; Condevoted her life to serving California fam- gressman A. Donald McEachin (D-VA-04), ilies and African American communities Whip; and Congressman-elect Steven Horsford (D-NV-04), Parliamentarian across the country,” he said.

“From her days in the California GenerCongressman Emanuel Cleaver, II referred al Assembly where she became the first Afto Congresswoman Bass a “trailblazer.”

“I am delighted that Congresswoman Kar- rican American woman in U.S. history to en Bass has been elected to lead the Congres- lead a state legislative body, to her work in sional Black Caucus for the 116th Congress. Congress to address both domestic and inRep. Bass has been a trailblazer and a true ternational issues affecting people of African advocate for issues concerning people of descent, Congresswoman Bass has demoncolor. I am certain that her leadership will strated tried and true leadership,” said Richcontinue to move the CBC ahead and I look mond in a statement.

“There’s much work to be done next Conforward to working with her,” he said.

Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson gress to ensure equality and justice for African Americans and other marginalized told the LA Sentinel: “We are proud to share our leader, Karen communities, and I am confident CongressBass, with the rest of the country. I am eager woman Bass will continue to provide strong to see the largest Congressional Black Cau- leadership in this regard.”

Bass and the newly elected members of cus make great strides under her leadership.” the CBC executive committee will take office

By Brandon I. Brooks

Managing Editor, Los Angeles Sentinel

on the first day of the 116th Congress. In the meantime, the LA Sentinel spoke with Congresswoman Bass to discuss her vision for the CBC as well as the things she hopes to tackle in this position.

“Well one of the main things that I hope to accomplish in the two years that I’ll be able to serve in this capacity is to really elevate the accomplishments of individual members of the Congressional Black Caucus,” said Bass.

“We have a President who is openly hostile and hateful when it comes to African Americans and immigrants and people of color in general. What he has done behind the scenes in attempting to dismantle 60 to 70 years of gains that we have made in the Civil Rights Movement through various levels of activism through legislative accomplishments. He is quietly dismantling a lot of those accomplishments and I want to see that stopped.”

Bass goes on to say the Trump administration is the most corrupt administration she has ever seen in her life and that the CBC will be at the “forefront of that fight” holding them accountable for their actions.

Aside from new role in the CBC, Bass will also be the chair of the subcommittee on Africa.

One of Bass’ other passions apart from her advocacy in Africa is her commitment to the Black Press. During the interview, Bass announced that she will be convening with the National Black Publishers Association (NNPA) to discuss the ways in which the federal government can do business with the Black Press.

“It’s inexcusable that we spend millions and millions of dollars in advertising everywhere, but virtually zero in the Black community with Black Press. That should change, I hope I can make a dent in that,” she said.

Executive publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel and the L.A. Watts Times, said Danny J. Bakewell Sr., recognizes Bass’ qualifications and appreciates her steeping in and up to fight for the Black Press.

“Bass’ ascension to the chairmanship of the Black Caucus is a great moment for Black America and particularly for the Black Press,” said Bakewell. “She is poised, professional, and will not be denied when she is in pursuit of things that are important for Black America.”

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

MY TRUTH

By Cheryl Smith

Publisher

Financial literacy will be a focus of the Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo at the African American Museum, as part of the Dr. Martin Luther King holiday celebration by the City of Dallas on January 21, 2019.

Many of the tools available today were not a reality in the neighborhoods I grew up in. In order to build healthier families and communities, it is important that we begin teaching financial literacy at a younger age.

When you look at schools like Dallas’ St. Philips School and Community Center -- you can’t help but marvel at the opportunities that young people are getting -- to learn not only about opening and managing a bank account, saving for the future, and being responsible consumers; but they also learn about entrepreneurship.

I’ve seen firsthand how not being equipped with the necessary skills can lead a person down a long path that takes them years to rebound from and get their life and credit score in order.

Which brings me to my truth.

I don’t recall my parents ever using credit cards, until I was an adult. However, I do recall a practice called, “layaway.”

I also felt like my mother was

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an excellent money manager because we always seemed to have what we needed. We never went hungry and never worried about the lights being cut off or being evicted.

Now, as someone growing up feeling safe, and also knowing to stay out of grown folks business; maybe some things were awry,

WHAT: Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo WHERE: African American Museum WHEN: Monday, January 21, 2019 10a-6p but I didn’t know it!

What I did know is that my mother and father wanted us to live in a clean, safe neighborhood. They had no tolerance for roaches and rodents and my brother’s hamster suffered as a result.

I don’t think Daryl has forgiven me yet, although this happened

in the late 1960s.

Yes, I knew he had a pet hamster, but at the moment that I saw that creature running across the room, all I knew is that it had to go, so I screamed and didn’t stop until that critter was swirling around in the commode.

Okay, I know that sounds gruesome, but…i really was afraid.

Now back to my truth.

All throughout high school I did not take any classes that taught me about budgeting and at home we learned how to make ends meet.

Once I went away to college, I didn’t have credit cards and I really learned how to budget. I began to understand why my mother constantly told us to “cut the lights off” or “you don’t have to keep the water running while you brush your teeth or comb your hair.”

When my roommate and I divided up the bills, I received a crash course that many folks today don’t get.

I’ll be the first to say that until you’re a certain age, or you’ve been adequately prepared/educated; you should live in apartments where the utilities are included in the rent, or otherwise you might find that you are either sitting in the dark or running an

I Messenger extension cord out the window to a neighbor’s, going without a shower/bath or hanging out at a friend’s to avoid offending folks with your odor; or worse, you could end up borrowing from a friend or the parent that you probably will not pay back.

According to personal finance writer Zack Friedman, student loan debt is now the second highest consumer debt category - behind only mortgage debt - and higher than both credit cards and auto loans.

I can remember getting loan checks, unbeknownst to my parents!

Looking back, no, I didn’t need at least one of the loans and decades later when I was finally settling the debt and getting a clearance on my loans; I really wished I had someone to give me some guidance, to say, “apply for a grant or scholarship, or get a part-time job because Bid Whist is not going to pay the bills!”

And fortunately I came up in a time where we didn’t have banks on campus offering chicken or a t-shirt if I completed a credit ap-

plication. T he last thing I needed was to have credit card debt trailing me as I walked across the stage to get my degree!

Well, the Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo is about living your best, in all arenas. Financial literacy is a key component.

WHAT: Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo WHERE: African American Museum WHEN: Monday, January 21, 2019 10a-6p Learn how to avoid high interest charges and those outra-

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geous bank fees that come with insufficient funds charges. Get information about eliminating waste, saving, investing and paying back what you borrow. Learn the importance of saying “no” and when to say “no” if someone you love comes borrowing money. Find out how couponing can be fun and beneficial, and waste can be costly and unhealthy.

Being healthy financially is just one of the elements of the Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo that will help you live a healthier life.

Start the new year off right!

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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DECEMBER 21, 2018

Opening Ceremony-City Hall WHEN: January 9, 2019 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm WHERE: Dallas City Hall 1500 Marilla St Dallas Texas COST: Free CONTACT: 214-6708418 The City of Dallas Martin Luther King, Jr. Planning Committee invites the community to its Inaugural Wreath Laying Ceremony celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King. The keynote speaker for this event will be Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes, III a passionate leader and social activist.

Youth Summit WHEN: January 12, 2019 allday WHERE: TBD The Youth Summit is a one-day interactive conference for high school students to engage with other students while addressing the challenges faced within their local communities.

Faith Forward Dallas (An Interfaith Prayer Service) WHEN: January 14, 2019 Free Admission Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration

WHEN: January 15, 2019 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm WHERE: Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Ctr 2922 Martin Luther King Boulevard Dallas TX 75215 COST: Free CONTACT: 214-670-8418 Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King.

The keynote speaker for this event will be Dr. Michael W. Waters, former Martin Luther King Advisory Board Chair, social activist, and Pastor of Joy Tabernacle Church. The birthday celebration will allow an opportunity for the community to rejoice in song and dance, as well as lay wreaths or flowers at the first original likeness of Dr. King located in the heart of the Sunny South Dallas community.

Art of Oppression WHEN: January 16, 2019 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm WHERE: Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (Activity Room B) 2922 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd COST: Free CONTACT: 214-6708418

Hosted by Miles of Freedom, this event will highlight the importance of art and showcase work from individuals who are incarcerated. King Shakur is a featured guest speaker.

From Entry-Level to Executive: A Millennial Networking Event WHEN: January 16, 2019 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm WHERE: Dallas Executive Airport 5303 Challenger Dr Dallas Texas 75237 COST: Free CONTACT: City of Dallas Millennials will have the opportunity to network with executives who have had a rapid rise in their career at an early age. This evening is a chance to bring like-minded young professionals who are native to Dallas or newcomers under one roof to demonstrate the power of an inclusive and connected community. Headshots and professional development opportunities will be available.

Workforce and Educational Opportunity Fair WHEN: January 17, 2019 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm WHERE: J Erik Jonsson Central Library 1515 Young Street Dallas TX 75201 COST: Free Job fair featuring on-site hiring

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as well as a showcase of workforce skills and credentialing programs to support job-seekers in preparing for new opportunities. The event will be hosted in partnership with Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas.

Candle Lighting Ceremony WHEN: January 18, 2019 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm WHERE: Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center 2901 Pennsylvania Avenue Dallas Texas 75215 COST: Free The Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. hosts this annual ceremony which features a keynote speaker, entertainment, highlighting of essay contest winners, and a candlelit processional that concludes at the Martin Luther King statue on the campus of Martin Luther King Community Center.

Millennial Action Day WHEN: January 19, 2019 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm WHERE: Throughout Dallas COST: Free Dallas Millennials will join together for a day of community service to give back to Dallas and move us closer to Dr. King’s

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37th Annual MLK Celebration Gala WHEN: January 19, 2019 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm WHERE: Hyatt Regency Dallas 300 Reunion Blvd COST: $120 The 37th Annual MLK Celebration Gala will feature keynote speaker Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, an invocation by Most Reverend Edward J. Burns, awards presentations, and performances. This year’s theme is “Reconciliation: Moving the Dream Forward.”

To purchase tickets using a credit card, please call 214-671-1505 to make a payment over the phone.

“Selma” Screening at the Texas Theatre January 20, 2019 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm WHERE: Texas Theatre 231 W. Jefferson Blvd Dallas COST: Free CONTACT: Texas Theatre In conjunction with the City of Dallas’ Annual celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr., the Dallas Holocaust Museum will host a screening of Selma. The film is based on the 1965 voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery led by Dr. King and other Civil Rights leaders.. Run time: 128 Minutes 36th Annual Emmy Award Black Music & Civil Rights Movement Concert WHEN: January 20, 2019 @ 7:30 pm WHERE: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center 2301 Flora St. Dallas TX 75201 CONTACT: The Black Academy of Arts and Letters Musical tribute with gospel songs honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King.

Half-Off Admission to Dallas Holocaust Museum WHEN: January 21, 2019 all-day WHERE: Dallas Holocaust Museum 211 N. Record St. #100 Dallas Texas 75202 CONTACT: (214) 741-7500 Admission will be half-off at the Dallas Holocaust Museum, an intimate museum dedicated to teaching the lessons of the Holocaust and memorializing its victims.

The mission of the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance is to teach the history of the Holocaust and advance human rights to combat prejudice, hatred, and indifference. combat hatred and injustice.

Martin Luther King Day March/Parade WHEN: January 21, 2019 @ 10:00 am WHERE: Starting at Holmes St. and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd COST: Free CONTACT: 214-670-8418 Floats, marching bands, dance troops, and vehicles participate in a march/parade down Martin Luther King Blvd for 200,000 spectators.

For more information about the parade, please visit www.dallasmlkcenter.com/2019mlk-parade.

Realizing the Dream: Healthy Living Expo WHEN: January 21, 2019 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm WHERE: African American Museum of Dallas 3526 Grand Ave. Dallas Texas 75210 COST: Free admission, call 214-9410110 for vendors Making New Year’s resolutions for 2019 to lose weight, get out of debt, end an unhealthy relationship or seek help for depression? Learn how to improve your health physically, mentally, spiritually, financially, socially and holistically at the 2nd Annual Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo on January 21, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the African American Museum in Fair Park immediately following the historic Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade. Bring the entire family for a fun, informative community event featuring vendors, health screenings, educational workshops, food,

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entertainment, and giveaways!

Admission is FREE. City-Wide Worship Service WHEN: January 21, 2019 @ 11:00 am WHERE: Friendship West Baptist Church 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. Dallas 75232 COST: Free CONTACT: African American Pastors Coalition The citywide worship service is hosted

by African American Pastors Coalition (AAPC), of which Pastor Carter serves as President. The AAPC, as a timeless model of ministry, demonstrates Christ’s relevance in the world by networking diverse ministries to effect change. The goal is to unite and mobilize member pastors for prophetic ministry that results in liberating and empowering the larger community.

Dallas Dinner Table WHEN: January 21, 2019 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm WHERE: Throughout Dallas area CONTACT: Dallas Dinner Table The Dallas Dinner Table organizes dinners as an annual event on the third Monday of January to coincide with the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday which provides an opportunity to hear and share diverse perspectives about the impact of race on the daily lives of DFW residents. Register by visiting: www.dallasdinnertable.com National Day of Racial Healing WHEN: January 22, 2019 all-day WHERE: Nationwide

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

Mavs Dennis Smith surprises still-grieving family

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By Dorothy J Gentry Sports Editor

In six months it will be two years since Shavon Randle was abducted from a relative’s home in Lancaster in June 2017.

The 13-year-old seventh-grader’s body was found several days later in an abandoned house in East Oak Cliff.

Since then it’s been a dayby-day healing process that starts and stops, starts and stops for Shaquana Persley, Shavon’s mother, and her three remaining children.

“I’m here, just trying to take Dallas Mavericks player Dennis Smith Jr. and the family of slain 13-year-old Shavon Randle; mom Shaquit a day at a time,” said Ms. na Persley, (18) Shiniec, Kayla (16) and C.J. (12) Persley. "It will never be noryou think you are getting the way,” Ms. Persley added. is really something. I was not mal again being that we took over things, it’s like it’s always The pain of Shavon’s death is expecting all of this. This is the loss that we took. something else that comes in especially felt during the holi- amazing. I am so grateful.”

“For the most part we try day season.

She said for her remaining to cope with it In steps Dallas Maver- children, losing a sibling has and try to keep icks point guard Dennis been especially hard. “For the our minds right Smith Jr. who surprised kids it’s day-to day. We wake and keep good the family this weekend up, cry about it, then get ourthoughts bewith a holiday shopping selves together and get up concause if we don’t, spree at a local Target. tinue on with our day.” we will break “I don’t know if they are Her advice to others who down. It’s an evmore excited or if I am,” are grieving over loved ones, eryday process.

Mr. Smith said before the especially during the holidays: We just take it shopping began. “I’m ex- “Remember those happy one day at a time. cited because I’m able to moments that you had with Times have give back. I feel like I am them. Of course you’re going been very chalobligated to do so. I can’t to cry. Everyone tries to tell lenging for the relate to what they are go- you it’s going to be okay. “ family. ing thru but I am now in It’s never going to be okay.

“It’s like once a position to help some- You just learn how to cope you get to the Shavon Randle was kidnapped and bruone.” with it.” point where tally murdered in 2017.

Said Ms. Persley, “This

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

214-941-0110

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All-Girl Construction Team builds bird shelters

Birds squawk as Duncanville High School’s Tami Gurnell leads her students into the wooded backstage area at the Dallas Zoo’s bird show.

On this day, Ms. Gurnell is taking her construction and building trades classroom outside.

Her all-girl team of students carries steel beams, drills and a circular saw into their outdoor workspace.

This real-world project has been in the works for 10 weeks. The client is an exclusive group of birds who perform for zoo patrons every day.

“Some of the birds like to bathe and some of them like to shower just like people and so what I needed was a three-quarter roof,” said Director of Animal Encounters, Amy Robinson.

Architecture students from Duncanville High School designed the awnings using computer aided design. The young women met with the birds’ care-

takers earlier this year to perfect their measurements and to make sure their design met expectations.

“It’s very exciting because you get to see what you make can turn into something actual concrete and it can be used right now,” said junior Cheyenne Parker.

Senior Saleen Donohoe cranks up the drill as she uses it to attach the steel beams. She has be-

and business in college to help her family’s c onst r u c t i on company.

“It’s very unique to have just girls to come out and do this to show that we can do this kind of stuff and to show younger girls if they want to come up construction team builds bird enclosure roof and do this,” Saleen said.

In the years Ms.

come a leader in her construction class after taking several years of courses.

Next year she plans to study engineering

Gurnell has taught at Duncanville High School, most of her students have been young men. She advocates for the

young women because they still make up just a fraction of workers in the construction business.

“Don’t make a mistake and think they’re blue col-

lar workers,” Ms. Gurnell said. “No, these are going to be skilled, craft professionals and that’s what we need in our

industry.”

When this community service project is complete, the zoo will have 26 new awnings, ensuring its feathered performers perch in comfort, rain or shine.

The original estimated cost came in at $35,000. Donated supplies and the girls’ elbow grease, brought the total to less than $4,000.

The result is great deal for the zoo and a resume builder for the students.

“I love this partnership,” Ms. Robinson said. "I love everything about it. Women helping animals and women helping women.

I love the kids are learning something; it’s just a great community feeling.”

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

If you’re harboring unforgiveness in your heart, know that it is not worth blocking your blessings

By Donald Lee Connect with him on LinkedIn and follow him at @donaldj_lee on Twitter.

Donald Lee

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

Open Letter from Michelle Obama In the summer of 1975, Dr. Joseph A. Lavizzo, Jr., the principal at Bryn Mawr Elementary School in South Shore at the time, wrote a letter to this newspaper. In it, he defended his school from a vitriolic opinion piece that had been published a week earlier, which referred to Bryn Mawr as a “run-down slum” governed by a “ghetto mentality.” Dr. Lavizzo fought back forcefully, calling the charges “an outrageous lie, which seems designed to incite only feelings of failure and flight.”

At the time, I was going into seventh grade. Bryn Mawr was my school, and Dr. Lavizzo was my principal. I didn’t know that the letter had been published, but by then I’d already begun to recognize what was happening in my neighborhood.

In kindergarten, my classroom had been wonderfully diverse, full of children of varying ethnic and economic backgrounds—Black and White, Hispanic and Asian, most of us middle-class, though some families landed on either side of that description. In the span of just a few years, though, most of the better-off families left our neighborhood for the suburbs, and by fifth grade, almost every student in my class was Black. As “White flight” took off, prospects in South Shore fell. Observers began throwing around words like “ghetto” to describe our neighborhood.

My mother would tell find it too easy to just me years later that all write off parts of this city. the while, predatory real But what I also know estate agents were never is that at its heart, the far, whispering to home South Side is still the owners that they should same place that shaped sell before it was too late. me. I’ve seen it with my The future was coming, own eyes. As First they’d say, and it didn’t Lady, I saw it in the stuExclusively to the look good. dents at Harper High CHICAGO DEFENDER Dr. Lavizzo certainSchool in West Englely saw all of that, too. wood, where, in the

By Michelle Obama In his letter, it’s clear year before I visited, he understood that he 29 students and recent compliments my mothwas up against something er on the successes of her graduates had been shot, 8 much larger than an un- children (my brother is an of them fatally. The kids I fair opinion piece—he was executive in professional spoke to were shouldering up against the idea of fail- basketball), she just chuck- far more than I’d ever exure itself. As I write in my les and replies that neither perienced growing up—far memoir, Becoming, failure of us was anything special. more than any kid should is a feeling long before it is When we were growing up, ever have to carry. Those an actual result. It’s vulner- she’ll say, the South Side kids had every reason to ability that breeds with self- was full of thousands of lit- give up. But what they doubt and then is escalated, tle Michelles and Craigs— showed me wasn’t desponoften deliberately, by fear. good kids who worked hard dency, it was resilience. It That’s what Dr. Lavizzo and and knew the difference be- was hope. Those students so many others in our com- tween right and wrong. The were just as smart and munity fought back against. rest of the world just didn’t hardworking as my daughIt’s why teachers stayed up get to see that very often. ters or any other teenager late grading papers and And that’s why I’m writ- in America, and beyond summer-camp organiz- ing to all of you—because that, they had a hard-won ers dedicated themselves all of that is still true of the grit that their peers couldn’t to kids all across South South Side today. It’s true of compete with.

Shore. And it’s why my par- all of Chicago’s neighborI’ve seen that same reents invested themselves hoods. I just want to make silience in mothers like so deeply into my older sure you all see it, too.

Cleopatra Cowley-Pendlebrother Craig and me. My I know that many of you ton, who raised a daughter mother became one of the are up against more than named Hadiya, a beautiful most active members of the my family ever had to deal young girl who could have PTA at Bryn Mawr, raising with. I know that every day been me four decades earmoney for new equipment, can feel like a struggle and lier. Cleopatra had done evthrowing teacher-apprecia- it can be harder for families erything right, signing up tion dinners, and lobbying to get ahead. I know that her daughter for volleyball, for classes and strategies gangs rule too many streets, cheerleading, and a dance that would better serve the that guns and drugs have ministry at church. Hadiya neighborhood’s children. infested too many neigh- was a bright light, but as All of those people shaped borhoods, and that too you all know, she was taken me, every single one of many people who’ve never from us far too soon in yet them. lived here or even visited another senseless shooting.

Today, when someone In the years since her death,

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however, Cleopatra has transformed her grief into advocacy for gun-violence prevention. She’s fighting not just for her own child but for everyone’s.

That is exactly the spirit that surrounded me as a child. It’s what compelled Dr. Lavizzo to pen that letter to the editor. It’s what drove my mother to attend all those PTA meetings. It’s what motivated the teachers who taught me and the neighbors who looked out for me. None of them could have known that a kid from South Shore would grow up to become First Lady of the United States—but they fought like it anyway.

Today, Bryn Mawr has been repurposed as Bouchet Math and Science Academy. Many of the South Shore stores and gas stations I knew as a child are gone or they’ve changed owners. But all the love that was poured into me? That’s still there. I know it is. And that’s why I can’t wait to see the good that comes out of the neighborhoods all across Chicago in the years ahead. I can’t wait to see what’s next for all the young people growing up today, walking the same sidewalks and sitting in the same classrooms as I once did. There’s no telling who they might become.

Michelle Obama is the former First Lady of the United States.

She is a graduate of Bryn Mawr Elementary, Whitney Young High School, Princeton University, and Harvard Law School.

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

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Movie review

Hollywood Hernandez Live

Once Upon a Deadpool

What do you get when you edit out the most vulgar scenes from the movie Deadpool 2, one of the biggest R-rated moneymakers of all time?

You get a PG-13, watered down, version of the film that teenagers can finally watch on the big screen.

While it is not as over the top raunchy as the original movie, Once Upon A Deadpool still leaves the good stuff in it which makes it hilariously funny.

In Once Upon A Deadpool, Deadpool (Ryan

Reynolds) kidnaps Fred Savage and forces him to listen to a bedtime story of Deadpool 2.

The movie does a great job of knocking down the “3rd wall” and talks directly to the audience.

It’s also filled with puns and pokes fun at itself throughout the movie.

Even if you’ve seen Deadpool 2, Once Upon A Deadpool is worth seeing again. Also, the movie has a limited run, through Christmas Eve, where $1 from every ticket sold will go to cancer

research.

So the question I’m sure everyone who’s a Deadpool fan will ask is, “can Deadpool be just a funny without all of the R rated sex, language, and violence edited out.”

The answer is “no.” But Once Upon A Deadpool is still pretty darn funny.

The movie has a runtime of just under 2 hours (1 hr and 59 minutes) and on my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate Once Upon A Deadpool a LARGE.

HOLLY WOOD ON THE SCENE:

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

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QUIT PLAYIN’

By Vincent L. Hall

Some day at Christmas “Someday at Christmas there’ll be no wars. When we have learned what Christmas is for. When we have found what life’s really worth. There’ll be peace on earth.” Stevie Wonder – Thanksgiving 1967 At 17 years and 5 months of age, Stevland Hardaway Judkins’ rushed his first Christmas album to press.

“Someday at Christmas” debuted on November 27, 1967, but it’s been a standard ever since. It means more to me this year than ever before.

The album title and track unpacked Stevie’s wish list for a world he couldn’t see, but could feel. The wishes he posited are still wanting and errant, but no less profound and admirable. Unfortunately, that “Someday” is not today, and we’re nowhere close.

This Christmas we still have wars.

Babies are being maimed, murdered and displaced in Yemen; and America is complicit in the mélange of inhumane maladies. Russia’s Premier and Donald Trump’s pimp, Vladimir Putin, has never heard Stevie. Putin is “doing the fool” in the Middle East while he has cover at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

The Russians have one foot in Ukraine and the other toe is testing the waters near Caracas. Two nuclear-capable Tu-160’s have been dispatched and signal the commencement of a new Cold War. God save us from an all-out conflict. We have a commander-in-chief who uses troop movement as political diversion.

Someday at Christmas we may glean what life is worth, but this Christmas won’t be the one. Professor Eddie Glaude Jr. of Princeton penned a book that pronounces the devaluation of Black bodies. In ‘Democracy in Black; How Race Still enslaves the

American Soul,” Glaude reminds us how far we have to go.

“We talk about the achievement gap, we talk about the empathy gap, we talk about the wealth gap, and the value gap is this: the belief that white people matter more than others.

And to the extent to which that belief animates our social arrangements, our political practices, our economic realities…democracy will always be

in abeyance in this country.”

This Christmas Glaude’s racial caveat reads like international prophecy. Whites around the world feel pressured and follow “populist” leaders.

Just consult with Merkel, May and Macron. By the way, that’s not a law firm; they are the bewildered heads of state in Germany, The United Kingdom and France.

Collectively, their greatest common challenge is convincing their White citizenry that the world is browning and separatism is not an option.

There is no safe exit from Brexit and Trump’s Nationalism is toxic to the stock market, international trade and to the cause of worldwide diplomacy.

Someday at Christmas there will be no terrorists; foreign or domestic, but

not in 2018. Tragedies like the carnage at Parkland High School in Florida, the execution of Jewish worshippers in Central Ohio and the Nashville Waffle House shootings, prove that our fears are wrongheaded.

Chris Rock is the master of converting social commentary into laughter, but one of them has been more true that funny. “I’m not worried about Al Qaeda; I’m worried about Al Cracker.”

America trains us to fear brown men with turbans, but White men with fully-loaded turbines are the more likely problem. According to Business Insider, America had 307 mass murders by mid-November, mostly committed by “lone wolves” toting high-powered rifles while being burdened with low self-esteem. More than 12,000 dead and twice that number were injured.

Someday?

Meanwhile Trump; bent on enlarging our racial schisms, points us to the Southern border. No terrorists there so far, just babies stripped from the breasts of their hopeful mothers and large concentration camps full of children with irreparable psychological damage.

Someday at Christmas, Stevie’s “inner visions” will be made manifest, or at least we want to believe they will.

But his last stanza offers a valuable prescriptive. Stevie infers that we have to work toward a utopian advent season whether we ever see it in this lifetime or not.

“Someday all our dreams will come to be. Someday in a world where men are free. Maybe not in time for you and me, but someday at Christmas time. Someday at Christmas time.” #peaceonearth #51yearslater #QuitPlayin Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist and

award-winning journalist.

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

6th Annual She’s Happy Hair & She’s Happy Foundation Toy Giveaway drives Holiday Spirit

Warren Broadnax and Marcus Bowers

On December 15, hundreds of children enjoyed the holiday cheer thanks to She’s Happy Hair and the She’s Happy Foundation.

The Virgin Hair supplier distributed brand-new toys and ran holiday-themed activities for youth in every city that operates a She’s Happy Hair storefront location.

The purpose was to aid underserved parents who need assistance with providing their children with toys for Christmas and sharing holiday joy with those who very well may have nothing during the holidays.

Warren Broadnax and Marcus Bowers, the Founders of She’s Happy Hair had a black Santa on site at each and every She’s Happy Hair location across the U.S. Broadnax said “It’s not just about the color of Santa for us. We want children to have an opportunity to see a Santa that looks like them, celebrating with them and helping to make this a special

time of year. We want this to be something those that are less fortunate will remember for years to come.”

Bowers agreed.

“It’s the most rewarding thing,” he said. “With this holiday toy giveaway, we are able to make the season a little brighter for some of our young people that would not have had the opportunity to celebrate. Every year we are able to help hundreds of children and we want this event to grow into something bigger to be able to help the entire community”.

This event is just one of She’s Happy Hair and the She’s Happy Foundation many community projects that are presented to the public free of charge. Individuals can follow @ShesHappyHair and text the word HAPPY to 77292 for a chance to win free She’s Happy Hair bundles.

She’s Happy Hair was recently presented with the 2018 Small Business of the

Year Award for the Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth communities by The Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce.

Strong community ties are extremely important for She’s Happy Hair and giving back not only drives change in the community; but it also lets their customers know that a portion of the money they have spent is also helping those who are less fortunate.

She’s Happy Hair is the #1 virgin hair supplier in the United States; with multiple locations across the U.S. and an online store that ships worldwide. This international brand has a five-star product line that includes their natural shampoo, conditioner, and Sleek Edges (edge control) specifically for women with natural hair.

THA Statement on ACA Ruling

Austin – In response to the ruling Friday from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas that the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional, the Texas Hospital Association released the following statement by Ted Shaw, THA president/ CEO. “The ruling Friday that the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional will increase the number of Texans without health insurance and hospitals’ uncompensated care costs, yielding clinical and financial outcomes that are bad for Texas.

The ACA was never perfect. Nonetheless, its coverage provisions gave more Texans access to affordable private health insurance and to com-

I Messenger munity-based preventive, primary and specialty health care services.

Every day, Texas hospitals provide the best health care to anyone who seeks it, regardless of their ability to pay. This is federal and state law, but, more importantly, it is core to the lifesaving mission that every Texas hospital shares.

If this ruling stands, more Texans will be forced to rely on hospital emergency departments for care. Some of the costs of that care will get passed on to Texans with employer-sponsored health insurance in the form of higher premiums and to property taxpayers in the form of higher taxes. For a state that strives to be the most business-friendly state in the nation, these are two outcomes we cannot afford.

We look forward to continuing our work with the Texas Congressional delegation to address the weaknesses in the ACA and to support policy solutions that increase the number of Texans with private health insurance.”

Founded in 1930, the Texas Hospital Association is the leadership organization and principal advocate for the state’s hospitals and health care systems. Based in Austin, THA enhances its members’ abilities to improve accessibility, quality and cost-effectiveness of health care for all Texans.

One of the largest hospital associations in the country, THA represents more than 85 percent of the state’s acutecare hospitals and health care systems, which employ some 365,000 health care professionals statewide.

Learn more about THA at www.tha.org or follow THA on Twitter at http://twitter. com/texashospitals.

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

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We Shall Protect Your Healthcare From the Capitol

By Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

The latest attack on vulnerable Americans who need assistance to ensure that they, and their families, have adequate and affordable health insurance comes not from the United States Congress, where the law providing such insurance was challenged more than sixty times by the Republican Party.

This time it comes from a federal judge in North Texas who ruled recently that the law was unconstitutional. Fortunately, the judge’s ruling will be appealed to a higher court where I hope and pray more prudent thinking will prevail. If the judge’s ruling stands, more than

20 million men, women and children will find themselves without health insurance, which should be considered a fundamental right in our country.

As soon as I received notice of the judge’s ruling, I was in contact with my colleagues in Washington, members of the Democratic Party, who will make up the majority in the House of Representatives that will be seated during the first week of January.

One of the reasons that our party experienced such an overwhelming victory in the November congressional elections is we made healthcare a major issue,

He’s Here

telling voters that we would protect the Affordable Care Act, and make improvements to it.

The local judge’s ruling comes in the face of a decision by the United States Supreme Court that the law, signed by President Obama in 2010, was constitutional and national polls showing that the favorability of the Affordable Care Act continues to rise. Even Republican legislators promised voters that they supported the law during the election.

A poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation concluded that more than 70 percent of Americans, Democrats and Republicans, have a favorable opinion of the Affordable Care Act, demonstrating that the legislation had become a significant part of the American fabric. The Affordable Care Act also allows for Medicaid expansion, providing additional people with

healthcare.

The holiday season can be a very stressful time for everyone.

Those secure with the knowledge of having healthcare because of the Affordable Care Act do not deserve the extra worry that the judge’s ruling has created.

I want each of you to know that my colleagues and I are with you, and we will do everything in our power to protect your healthcare. We are consulting with some of the best legal minds in the country who will argue in the next judicial forum or forums on your behalf, and on behalf of equity and fairness.

Having you and those you love without healthcare insurance is like leaving a newly-born infant alone in the midst of a harsh winter storm. We will not allow that.

We shall assist you. We shall protect you from the cold!

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

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Cynt Marshall: A Woman For All Seasons

By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor

Photos: Dallas Mavericks

Inspirational. Servant Leader.

Math Geek. Funny. Detail Oriented. Confidant. Serious. Role Model. Mentor. Female NBA Executive.

These are just a few of the many adjectives one could use to describe Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynthia Marshall.

Marshall, better known as Cynt Marshall, is all of these, for sure. But to many in the NBA world, MFFL’s and the immediate Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex she’s much more.

She’s arguably the woman who saved the Dallas Mavericks franchise.

“She just great. If I had known her sooner, my life would have been a lot easier,” said Mavs owner Mark Cuban.

Marshall was hired by Cuban in February of this year following a Feb. 20, 2018 Sports Illustrated article titled, “Exclusive: Inside the Corrosive Workplace Culture of the Dallas Mavericks.”

The report described a culture in the Mavericks’ front office “rife with misogyny and predatory sexual behavior” and chronicled multiple allegations of sexual harassment and other workplace misconduct by current and former employees on the business side of the Mavericks.

Marshall, a former diversity and inclusion senior executive

at AT&T, was brought on board as CEO to oversee the investigation and right the franchise’s ship.

The independent investigation into the allegations took several months and was announced as

staff meetings, participating in conference calls and cheering on the team at American Airlines Center, understands her position and knows its importance in history.

Marshall recently spent time

MAVS CEO Cynt Marshall cheering on the team.

completed on Sept. 1. As a result of the investigation, Cuban will donate $10 million to women’s organizations committed to supporting women’s leadership and development in sports and combating domestic violence.”

Since the Mavs scandal, the NBA is looking to hire more women in positions of power. In comes Marshall who is one of a handful of women in positions of power in the traditionally male-dominated NBA. The affable CEO, who on any given day can be found at a local school encouraging young students, holding court in Mavs

talking with Texas Metro News about her position, her hope for the future of women in this industry, what drives her, what ticks her off, her biggest accomplishments and failures, and more.

TMN: What does this position as CEO mean to you as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, as an African American woman and as a role model and mentor to other women in sports and in management in any profession?

MARSHALL: “It’s a blessing in disguise – an employee used these words – for the team and

the League.

I get asked a lot about his. To me, it’s a position of service because I like to practice servant leadership. It means I have the opportunity to serve. It means for me that I better do a good job because then others can use this as an opportunity to further demonstrate that women can excel in male-dominated industries.

I worked in one for 36 years. I just think it is further evidence that women can do the same jobs that men can do and we can excel like men can and at some point we need to get to there we are not talking about this at all and it’s no big deal and right now it is because you don’t see a lot of us.

This is an opportunity to bring up other women and I love that.

I’m loving it.”

Marshall said her position is also another chance “to discuss the business case for diversity and inclusion in 2018. They believe there is not a bottom line benefit to having a diverse group around people and there is.

There are benefits.”

TMN: What drives you professionally and personally?

MARSHALL: “What drives me is a chance to serve. I actually truly believe I was put on this earth to serve. I have a unique skill set and whenever I get a call to do something big, I have to think this is an opportunity to serve people and a bigger cause.

“I’m very competitive in a good way. I am driven by com-

I Messenger petition. We (Mavs) want to set the NBA standard by 2019 for diversity and inclusion. One employee thought ‘that’s impossible.’ And we did it. I want us to be the best: leading, motivating and inspiring people. I will do that, whether at home with family or out making a difference in the lives of other people on a daily basis.

My optimism glass is half-full, light at end of tunnel – even though sometimes it’s a train.

But you get past it. I am the child of my mother.

I saw her endure a lot: challenges, being poor.

And she always said it’s how you live, not where.

She always put a math book and Bible in my hands. I always believe there are good things out there. I believe people are genuinely good, all flawed, which is why we need to be our brother’s keeper.”

Of her optimism Marshall says: “I’ve always been like that. I also got it from growing up watching the Lord turn around situation after situation, and in my own life, having a career, overcoming things, etc. It always works out. There is a plan. The scripture Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my favorites. I send it to my kids all the time. There is a bigger plan. It is a positive plan. It is hopeful. You need to be optimistic about the future and what He has for you.

Overall it is a good plan.“

TMN: What is your biggest pet peeve?

MARSHALL: I don’t like it when people don’t tell the truth. My husband would say, ‘yes, Cynthia, people lie.’ We can’t always deal with the truth. I can handle the truth. That is a big thing for me. Character is the first one. It is about telling the truth, doing what you say you will do, and if something happens, just tell the truth. Another pet peeve is when people have biases that negatively affect how they treat people, how they work, etc. All of this comes to work with you.

When you are not open and don’t want to be open, not giving people a chance, etc. and operating in a world that is not inclusive and diverse.

TMN: What is your biggest accomplishment?

MARSHALL: Laying a good foundation for my children to thrive and flourish. All are adopted.

They had educational challenges, learning disabilities, weren’t, slated to be successful in school or even in life. I played a small part in laying a foundation educationally and spiritually,” Marshall says of her now 20, 23, 26 and 35-year-old children.

In great candor, Marshall went on to disclose that she birthed five children, suffered four second-semester miscarriages and had a daughter born four months premature who only lived six months. “The

Lord treated me better than Job. I got quadruple for my trouble. I thought I had a plan and He said ‘no, I have the plan. You and Ken (her husband) will take care of them.’

All of them belong to us.

TMN: What is your biggest failure?

MARSHALL: “My biggest failure was also my biggest professional learning. I had a job, big promotion in the Pacific Bell days. I was so excited about this job, was going out to meet everyone, all the people, getting to know them etc. I used to say that my motto was: I do my people work by day my paperwork by night. I was a very handson servant leader.

To me (paying attention to paperwork) was secondary. What I learned the hard way, had I been paying attention to the reports, I would have caught it (a significant error) earlier. But it took me months and I learned a valuable lesson.

I have to integrate, some stuff you have to pay attention to, set your priorities, pay attention to all of it because if you don’t you will miss something.

Now I strive to strike the balance.”

TMN: What is the biggest misconception about you?

MARSHALL: “People think that I am super tough all the time. The headlines might suggest I am just dealing with personnel issues, walking people out the door.

DECEMBER 21, 2018

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Cynt Marshall and Mark Cuban at her introductory press conference.

What they don’t see is that I’ve lost nights of sleep. It’s just part of the job. I am just responding to people’s actions and everyone thinks I am just over here being a witch.

“People don’t realize that I am a math geek, but I love math. I wanted to be a math teacher when I was growing up. I love numbers, I’m very detailed oriented.

I know when to come up. I’m pretty analytical, more so than emotional.

I don’t think they would normally know that. If you’re on my team, you know this. I am an optimistic person but I know how to handle things, confront it, deal with the unpleasantry but it’s just not all sweetness. I have a bad alter ego – Janell.

People think I can’t get stern or firm but I can – just with a smile.”

TMN: What do you want people to know about Cynt Marshall?

MARSHALL: “I wake up every morning to do the best I can do for peo-

ple. I may not get it right every day. But I work hard to bring people together and be a light in this world and deal with the dark forces in the world. I feel uniquely equipped by God to bring positive things to this world. This is all I am trying to do.

“I accepted this job because a wonderful man – Mark Cuban - called me with sincerity, passion, genuinely and asked me to help address the issues in this place even though he didn’t know about them.

“I said yes because I wanted to serve. I am fortunate I said yes. I have fallen in love with all the people who work here: the NBA, the owners, employees, etc., some of the best people. It was a whole industry I didn’t know about. I have fallen in love. I’m just trying to make a difference. Not trying to make a name for myself. I’m just trying to help and do the best I can.”

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

Nancy Wilson the lady, the legend

six, born on February 20, 1937 in Chillicothe, Ohio to iron-worker Olden Wilson and the former Lillian Ryan, who worked as a domestic servant.

She won a TV-talent show when she was 15 Nancy Wilson and began appearing regularly on the TV Joining with others from around show "Skyline Melodies" while still the world, Beverly E. Smith, National in high school.

She began working in President and CEO of Delta Sigma night clubs at that same age.

Theta Sorority, Inc. issued a stateAfter graduating from high school, ment regarding the death of one of it’s honorary members, the legendary the 17-year-old Nancy matriculated Nancy Wilson, who died on Thurs- for one year at Ohio's Central State College (now Central State Universiday, December 13 at the age of 81.

“Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. ty) before dropping out and becomjoins with the family and loved ones ing a professional singer. She recordof Nancy Wilson in grieving the loss ed her first record with Rusty Bryant's of this singing sensation. We extend Carolyn Club Big Band in 1956, with our sincere condolences to the Wil- whom she toured from 1956 to 1958. son family. We remember her life and Cannonball Adderley told her to celebrate her legacy as the songstress move to New York to further her cawith the rich, soulful voice.” reer, and she went to The Big Town in Ms. Wilson, a three-time Gram- 1959. Within a month, she got a job my Award-winner, was the first of

singing at The Blue Morocco Night Club on Boston Road in The Bronx, where Adderley's agent heard her and signed her. He obtained a contract for her with Capitol records in 1960, and she made her debut that year with the single. "Guess Who I Saw Today."

Her records were successful, and Capitol released five Nancy Wilson albums in two years. Initially focusing on rhythm and blues, under Adderley's influence, she moved away from R&B and embraced jazz and torch songs. Their 1962 collaboration "Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderley" helped propel her to the top, and she had her breakout hit, "Tell Me the Truth," in 1963. This brought her a gig at New York's Coconut Grove, the premier night club in America, the following year, and she became a star.

She won her first Grammy in 1964, for best R&B recording for her LP "How Glad I Am." Nancy continued recording into the 21st Century, winning Best Jazz Vocal Grammy Awards

I Messenger for her albums "R.S.V.P. (Rare Songs, Very Personal)" (2005) and "Turned to Blue" (2007). She retired from live performance in 2011.

In addition to singing, Ms. Wilson also is an actress. She made numerous appearances on American TV. She also made a one-off appearance on the BBC with The Nancy Wilson Show (1966) in 1966 that was turned into a soundtrack album.

She was married twice, to drummer Kenny Dennis from 1960-70.

They had one child. She married the Presbyterian minister Wiley Burton in 1973. Married 35 years until his death in 2008, they had two children.

Ms. Smith concluded, “Soror Wilson was also socially conscious. She participated in the 1965 protest in Selma, Alabama, and remained an advocate for civil rights throughout her life.

“She was a true diva, exemplifying grace, talent and substance, and her music will live on in the hearts of us all.”

- IMDb Mini Biography By: Jon C. Hopwood

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

25

Valder Beebe Show

THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW:

Valerie Pettiford

I love the unknown of each day. Who knew my day would start with Valarie Pettiford known as televisions “Big Dee Dee” Thorne on the UPN sitcom Half & Half. Valarie has also received a Tony Award nomination as Best Featured Actress.

Pettiford is currently starring as Charlotte Duncan in BET Network’s Carl Weber’s The Family Business based on the New York Times best-selling author Carl Weber’s most popular family crime drama series.

The project will air the challenges are. as an eight-episode The patriarch of the drama series starring family, L.C. Duncan and executive pro- (Hudson), of a promduced i n e nt

by Ernie family Hudson. from JaErnie maica, H u d Queens son is a living characfast and ter actor luxuperhaps rious. b e s t By day, known t h e y ’r e for his an upValarie Pettiford roles as standWi n s t o n ing famZeddemore in the ily; by night, they live Ghostbusters film a dangerous secret series, Sergeant Dar- life. ryl Albrecht in The Crow, and Warden VBS: Valarie your Leo Glynn on HBO’s phenomenal role in Oz. this new BET drama, Valarie Pettiford is I am so impressed. the stunning Duncan Your role as the famfamily matriarch who ily matriarch, you are keeps the family to- so mean. As matrigether no matter what arch of the Duncan

family how do you embrace this role? I know it is just a acting role for you.

VP: It’s such great writing it’s so easy to do. I’m so different from my character, it’s so opposite from me but our common factor is my character and I love family.

Don’t mess with my family. We have such great writing. It starts from Carl Weber’s genius and him writing the screen play as well it’s just so easy to bring his character to life.

Valarie Pettiford’s complete interview can be viewed on ValderBeebeShow.com Find more THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW; ValderBeebeShow.com, Youtube.com/valderbeebeshow, SoundCloud.com/valderbeebeshow, Soundcloud.com/kkvidfw, 411RadioNetwork. com , PChatman Network and VBS affiliate broadcasters. Valder Beebe Show is a Power of 3 Women consortium partner.

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

If you will lie, you will...

Dear Alma, I’m getting married in three weeks and I couldn’t be happier. My fiancé is the best man I’ve ever met and he loves me like a queen. All of our wedding arrangements have been made and he is so loving and generous; he paid for everything. I knew from the moment we met, that I wanted to be with him and I want to spend the rest of my life loving him. Our relationship is perfect except for one thing. I know he wants to have children, that’s all we talk about and I wish I could, but I can’t. I’ve known since I was 23 years old. This has been a heartbreaking reality for me and the only other person who knows is my sister. I didn’t tell him when we first met, it just never seemed like the right time. I can’t tell him now that we can’t have children, because I don’t want to ruin our life together.

I know that we’re meant for each other. I am praying that I may be able to have a miracle baby; I know it happens. I’m 37 and I know if we don’t get married now, I never will. I don’t want to live my life alone. I want to be happily married and have my husband for the rest of my life.

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

I told her, I will disown her if she

does. I think she’s just jealous of my future husband and our relationship. How can I stop her from ruining my life?

Hiding a Terrible Secret Dear Secret, Um, did I miss a sentence? How is your sister, the one who’s telling the truth, ruining your life?

Oh no, Miss Thing, you gotta own your decision of deceitfulness.

Ask Alma

by Alma Gill Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.

You’re absolutely “azzbackward” in this treacherous portrayal of a partnership and I promise you that your “azzbackwardness” will come back to haunt you.

Having a child is a sacred bond between two people and should not be taken lightly. I could see if you didn’t know you couldn’t have children, that’s one thing, but to already be aware of this information and not share it with your future husband is vicious and vindictive. Yes, I said it, you’re selfish, self-centered, shim-shammy and not to be trusted.

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The only happiness you’re willing 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.

I hear you when you say there have been miracle babies, yeah, um, it happens, but it also doesn’t happen, more than you want to admit.

Tell your fiancé, now, right now.

He has a right to know about your medical condition. If you had been up front the entire time, I’m sure he would understand and remain committed to walking this path of life with you. I find the fact that you’re comfortable drowning in a sea of “conniving and cunning” quite troubling. In your head, disowning your sister is the “right” thing to do, if she discloses your secret. So, much so your logic is to disown your sister.

Chil’ please. You made your bed and now you have to lie in it.

Whatever comes your way is what you deserve. SMDH, I hope your sister does tell him the truth and I hope you keep your promise and disown her, both of them will be all the better for it.

Alma

Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

27

Hughley brings “the funny” to IMPROV

In February 22, 1986, D.L. married LaDonna who later convinced the “funny man” to try his humor onstage.

D.L. Hughley truly did “bring it” this He started his comedic journey in past weekend at the Addison Improv 1992. After years of club dates he was seand he brought four more of the funniest lected by BET as the first host of "Comic men on the planet with him.

View” a stand-up comedy show where he It was non-stop, wall to wall, head-shakremained till 1993. He also hosted Def ing, hands in the air, gut-busting laughter Jam from 1992 to 1997. in the house from the moment the first In 1998, Hughley created and starred “warm-up” comedian stepped onto the in the sitcom “The Hughley’s,” which ran stage until Hughley stepped off. The set until 2002. He appeared in other televistarted off with Aziz Ansari, who tagsion productions including “Shackles,” teamed with Clint Cooley, Jay Phillips “Scrubs” and “Studio 60 on the Sunset and then Bo Dacious as they each took Strip.” turns priming up the audience’s funIn 2008, Hughley was selected to be the ny bone to receive the incomparable, D.L. Hughley can be heard weekdays on Majic 94.5, host of the BET Awards Show. He was 2-6p.m. sharp-humored Hughley. also one of the four comedians, alongHughley’s smooth, comedic style and Bloods, Hughley was kicked out of high side Bernie Mac, Steve Harvey, and Cerelevant material seemed flawlessly un- school for frequent misbehavior. After dric the Entertainer; featured in scripted and was delivered the Spike Lee film "The Original with relatable honesty and perKings of Comedy." fection. The clever combinaIn 2013, Hughley became tion of natural comedic talent a contestant on Season 16 of on Hughley’s tour was one for Dancing with the Stars and filled the history books. in for Meredith Vieira, hosting The audience barely had a Who Wants to be a Millionaire. chance to recover from one He also participated in “Black joke when another came barLove” and an HBO-produced reling down causing roaring special “Unapologetic.” screams of laughter for three Hughley is known as an auand a half hours. thor, political commentator and The sold-out shows should a talk radio show host. be a clue as to the magnitude His current project, “Trust of laughter you will expel and Me, I'm a Game Show Host” is the pricey tickets should come Monique, comedian Jay Phillips, Co’ka and Mo’ka at packed full of truth and decepwith a warning label that “non- Addison Prov tion as contestants try to detect stop laughter is imminent.” which of two game show hosts is telling Darryl Lynn "D. L." Hughley was born a close cousin was murdered Hughley the truth and which is telling a lie.

March 6, 1963 in Los Angeles, California wanted to change his life’s trajectory.

Each time contestants are able to corSo, he quit the gang, got his GED and to Audrey and Charles Hughley. He grew rectly choose which host is being honest, up in L.A.'s South Central where the was hired as a telemarketer for the Los they are rewarded with cash. gang presence was thick and affiliation Angeles Times. Soon after, he moved into Hughley can be heard on Majic 94.5 a management position and met his wifewas almost mandatory for survival. weekdays. The D.L. Hughley Show airs During those years as a member of the to-be, LaDonna. from 2-6p.m.

By M. P. Stone

Contributing editor

28

DECEMBER 21, 2018

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Recurring Events Of Our Past: Exhibit at So. Dallas Cultural Center 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave. 9am.-5pm Ends 1-5-19.

Free Health Screening at Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 Wheatland Rd. Dallas. After each Sunday service 8:30am-1pm. Location: B123.

Dates until 10-6-19.

December 19 1875 Carter G. Woodson born in New Canton, VA “Father of Black History”

Intro to Google for Business Host: Link Media Group L.L.C. at Redbird DEC 3662 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. Suite 2044, Dallas.

6pm-8pm. Tickets $5 via Eventbrite.com.

2018 Winter Festival of Faiths at Latino Cultural Center 2600 Live Oak St. Dallas.

6pm-8pm. Host: Thanksgiving Square.

WFAA Santa’s Helpers-Dallas Drive-Thu at 3030 Olive St., 5pm-10;30pm.

Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: Paradox of Liberty at African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave. Dallas 10am-5pm. Ends 12-31-18.

December 20 1988 Max Robinson First Black to co-anchor network ABC.

Prairie Lights Holiday Light Experience Prairie Lights at Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy. Grand Prairie 6pm. 12-30.

LCUPN Tis The Season to go Holiday Appreciation Mixer at Hotel Indigo Frisco 2985 Ave. of the Stars. 6pm-10pm.

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Dallas in the time of Martin Luther King, Jr. at Hall of State at Fair Park 3939 Grand Ave. Tue.-Sat. 1-5pm Sun. 1-5pm. Now to Jan. 27, 2019.

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December 22 2010 President Obama signed the law repealing the “Don’t ask don’t tell” policy of the US Armed Forces.

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Yoga & Afrobeats: A Sensual Yoga-Beats Class at V12 Yoga 600 S. Harwood St. 2nd FL. Dallas. 2:30pm-4-pm.

December 24 Sankofa Unplugged at Sankofa Kitchen 3333 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. Suite 118, 9pm Ol’ Skool Jam Session at One Love Arlington Lounge 2315 S. Cooper St. 9pm-2am.

The First Noel at Jubilee Theatre in Sundance Square 506 Main St. Ft. Worth 3pm5:30pm. Tickets: Jubilee Theater.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at White Diamonds Bar & Grill 3906 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. 9pm-2am $200 Prize to best Ugly Christmas Sweater. .

December 23

1867 Madam C. J. Walker business woman, beauty culturist born in LA

1992 President Clinton name A.M. (Mike) Espy to be Secretary of Agriculture, the 1st Black to hold this position.

Santa Photo Time at Firewheel Town Center 245 Cedar Sage Dr. Garland. 8am6pm. Tickets: www.santasfastpass.com

December 25 Christmas Day 2008 Eartha Kit, singer/actress, died.

Edward bluesman thomas Live! At Club Odyssey 7439 S. Westmoreland Rd. Dallas 7pm-11pm.

Christmas Day Brunch at Fairmount Hotel Dallas 1717 N. Akard St. 11am-3pm.

RSVP: 214-720-5270.

December 26 KWANZAA (12-26-1-1)

The First Noel at Jubilee Theatre 506 Main St. Ft. Worth 21 8pm, 22 3pm, & 23 3pm.

1954 Osborn Earl (“Ozzie”) Smith Hall of Fame shortstop, born in Mobile, AL

Black Nativity the Holiday Gospel Celebration by Langston Hughes at Bishop Arts Theatre center 215 S. Tyler St. Dallas. Call for info 214-948-0716Reggae Ashleigh Smith Singing Jazz at Chocolate Secrets 3926 Oak Lawn Ave. Dallas.

7:30pm-11pm.

Enchant Christmas at Globe Life Park Arlington 1000 Ballpark Way, 4pm-10pm. Tickets: www. mlb.com. Dates until 12-30-18.

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4 Kings Band at Smoking Jacket Cigar Lounge 1435 US Hwy 67 Suite #100, Cedar Hill. 9pm-1pm.

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DC Youngfly at Temptations Arlington Lounge 3701 S. Cooper St. 8pm-2am.

Kwanzaafest 2018 at DeSoto Civic Center Bluebonnet Room 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd. 6pm-9pm. Free Admission with can goods for DeSoto Food Pantry.

Senior Line Dancing at Latino Cultural Center 2600 Live Oak St. Dallas. 10am-12pm.

Paws N’ Claws at Enchant Christmas 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington 5pm.

December 28-31

Feeding the Needy! Hosted by : Hollywood Hernandez Live on 1698 Corsicana St. Dallas. 3pm-5pm

1 Annual TeamEarthquake Christmas Party Birthday Bash at Magnolia Hotels 1401 Commerce St. Dallas, 6pm.

Dallas Zoo Lights at Dallas Zoo 650 S. R.L. Thornton Fwy. 5pm-9pm. Dates recurring 1-1-19.

Sliver Stories Storytelling Circle at Bishop Arts Theatre 215 S. Tyler St. Dallas. Weekly Free Contact Tiffany Jackson: 214-948-0716 ext.307.

Bruce Bruce at Addison Improv 4980 Belt Line Rd. Suite 250. 21 7:30pm, Times vary.

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New Year’s Eve with Tony Rock at Addison Improv 4980 Belt Line Rd. #250.

Times vary Tickets: www.improvaddison.com

December 28 1954 Denzel Washington, Oscar winning actor born in Mt. Vernon, NY

Shelly Carrol at Chocolate Secrets 3926 Oak Lawn Ave. Dallas 7:30pm-11pm.

Celebrity Paint & Wine Party at AC Hotel Downtown Dallas 1712 Commerce St. 7pm-10pm Tickets: www.raytennyson.com One Nation Under a Groove: Freedom & Funk Concert Reloaded at The Free Man 2626 Commerce St. Dallas 10pm-12am. Tickets: www.vke.ticketleap.com

December 29 1917 Tom Bradley, 1st Black Mayor of Los Angeles CA DOB.

GoGo & Gritz Party at Sandaga813 813 Exposition Ave. Dallas. 8pm. Tickets: www. dfwjamsession.com The Phantom of the Opera at Music Hall Fair Park Dallas 909 1st Ave. 7:30pm.

Lyfe Jennings at The House of Blues 2200 N. Lamar St. Dallas. 8pm.

Dallas Mavericks vs.

New Orleans Pelicans at American Airlines Center 2500 Victory Ave. 7:30pm

S.E.E. Vision Planning & Release!

At Southside on Lamar 1409 S. Lamar St. Dallas. 10am-2pm.

Photo Shoot Fashion Show at FITNZ 360 4312 Live Oak St. Dallas. 4:30pm-6pm.

Tickets: via Eventbrite.

December 27

December 30-31

2015 Meadowlark Lemon “Clown Prince” of Harlem Globetrotters, died.

NYE 2019 Smooth Jazz Weekend Dallas Jazz Series at Hilton Garden Inn Downtown 400 N. Ervay #130455, Dallas 12-30

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

Trinity (TX) Chapter The Links, Incorporated

S AV E T H E D AT E 12th Annual

Saturday, March 2, 2019 Hyatt Regency Dallas Benefitting So SMAART, Scholarships and Community Outreach

Celebrating 25 Years of Friendship and Service

31

32

DECEMBER 21, 2018

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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