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December 22, 2017

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December 22, 2017

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Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown at KwanzaaFest Photo: Nina Garcia

There’s a new sheriff in town

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December 22, 2017

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

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CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.

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Brown takes helm at Sheriff ’s department From Staff Reports

Community Oriented Policing Task Force.

Through this unit, she formulated such As the mid-term election cycle rapid ap- programs as Citizens on Patrol and Dunproaches there have been many surprises. canville Police Beat, a weekly information Earlier this year news program hosted by Brown reports lauded Dallas and broadcast on local for having its first Laticable. na sheriff with Lupe Other programs manValdez, and first Afriaged by Brown included, can American female Citizens Police Academy; district attorney and Seniors and Law Enforcepolice chief, Faith Johnment Together (SALT); son and U. Renee Hall.

Hand-in-Hand and SucNow Dallas has its cess Through Accepting first African American Responsibility or STAR female sheriff, albeit Program, (a school-disinterim, but still a Black trict-wide character eduHistory Moment as cation program).

Sheriff Lupe Valdez Chief Deputy Marian The wife of FOX Brown is appointed 4-TV’s Shaun Rabb, to fill the vacancy brought on when Sher- Sheriff Brown is known throughout the iff Valdez stepped down to run for Texas law enforcement community for her role Governor on December 6. as law enforcement trainer/anchor on the Dallas County Commissioners appoint- Law Enforcement Television Network ed Brown, who was supported by Chief (LETN), an international law enforcement Valdez, earlier this week and she will serve satellite network based in Carrollton, Texuntil the November election. as. “On behalf of the Dallas County District She worked with LETN for 10 years, Attorney’s Office, I want to congratulate while continuing her service with the Chief Marian Brown on her appointment Duncanville Police Department. as the interim Sheriff of Dallas County,�

In 1997, she was promoted to the rank of said District Attorney Johnson. “We look Lieutenant. She continued to work in the forward to working with her and to assist- arena of community relations, but evening her as she assumes her new role.� tually returned to the Patrol Division to Sheriff Brown campaigned at Kwanzaa- serve as commander.

Fest recently at Fair Park, talking to attendIn 2005, she was assigned to command ees and sharing her plans for Dallas Coun- the Criminal Investigations Division. ty. She is one of four candidates seeking to There, she served until 2007 when she become Dallas County’s next sheriff. was named to the position of Assistant Sheriff Brown grew up in Dallas and at- Chief of Police. She served as Assistant tended Dallas Schools. She began her ca- Chief until 2014, when she retired and reer in law enforcement in 1988 with the joined the Dallas County Sheriff ’s DepartDuncanville Police Department. ment, where she was serving as Chief DepShe was a pioneer, in that she was the uty in charge of General Services. first African-American female hired by the More about Sheriff BrownDuncanville Police Department.

Bachelors of Arts Degree -- University She quickly ascended in rank, promot- of Texas at Arlington ing to the rank of sergeant in 1993.

Master Peace Officer Certification While in that rank, she served as firstGraduate of the International Law Enline supervisor in the Patrol Division. forcement Institute’s Management College In 1995, she was assigned to the ComGraduate of the FBI National Academy munity Relations/Crime Prevention Di- Associates Command College vision, where was tasked with creating a

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December 22, 2017

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December 22, 2017

Holiday Wonder Dallas

The Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists hosted media night at Holiday Wonder.

Through January 7, 2018

I Messenger you can enjoy Holiday Wonder at Fair Park in Sunny South Dallas, 5:30p.m.10pm

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December 22, 2017

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December 22, 2017

160th District Court DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY 2018

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

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR December 22

AT&T Stadium One AT&T Way Arlington, 3:25 p.m.

The Dallas Cowboys will wrap up the regular season at AT&T Stadium against the Seattle Seahawks.

December 25

Skating for Scholarships-Southern Skates Roller Rink 2939 East Ledbetter Drive 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Admission $15.00 This will be a Skate Groove, People Watchers paradise just in time for the Christmas holiday. Contact: Chuck Burch Scholarship Foundation at Chuck_Burch@Hotmail.com phone 972 8411457 or Facebook inbox. For more information go to www.ChuckBurchScholarshipFund.com! Tickets available here: http://bit.ly/2AKn6G4 ***** The Fresh: Urban Soul: Every Friday Sandaga813 813 Exposition Ave. Dallas, TX 75226 Phone: (214) 315-0741 Friday night soundtrack: Special Guest DJ’s, ENJOY- Barbeque vendor ****** Lyfe Jennings 7:30 p.m. House of Blues 2200 N. Lamar St. Dallas 75202 Tickets by Ticketmaster

Dec 23

The LUXE, Vol. 1 Holiday Affair in Victory Park 10pm - 2am Altitude [The W Hotel - 33rd Floor] | 2440 Victory Park Ln./downtown Dallas (Victory Park)

December 24 Christmas Celebration Festival God’s Remnant Assembly, 2133 S Great SW Pkwy - Ste 507 Grand Prairie, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. http://bit.ly/2B08kYR HEROES LOUNGE PRESENTS…“DRINKS AND DRUMS” EACH AND EVERY SUNDAY! JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT CRAZY DRINK SPECIALS, AND SOME GREAT FOOD! DOORS OPEN AT 3PM WITH $1 DRINKS TIL 10P. 7402 GREENVILLE 214.750.6800 WWW.HEROESLOUNGE.NET Holiday Jazz Brunch Hosted by DelShawn’s Daiquiri 11:00 a.m., DelShawn’s Daiquiri Blues & Good Food 3516 E. Lancaster Ave. Fort Worth, 76103 Cost: $10 all you can eat, $@ mimosas Dallas Cowboys vs. Seattle Hawks

Where Are You? Homeless Outreach Presents: An in Memory Of Concert With Musical guest: Michael Bethany & Mandi 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Let’s have food, music & fellowship. Become a SponsorPlease donate. Volunteers please provide food dishes to serve. Ten Eleven Grill- 1101 Corinth St. Dallas, For more Info contact 972-885-9296 or email whereyououtreach.@gmail.com www.Whereareyououtreach.org (to volunteer)

December 26 Kwanzaa Events - Monday – Umoja (Unity) Time: 7 p.m. Candle lighting Ceremony, children’s presentations and Collective discussion on Unity in our community at Pan African Connection Bookstore, 4466 S. Marsalis Dallas, TX. 214-943-8262.

Kwanzaa Celebrations December 26,-Jan 1, 2018 African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave. Dallas, Tx. 75210 1p.m.– 4 p.m.

Fun for the entire family

December 27 Dec 28 Luenell LIVE at Arlington Improv, Improv Comedy Theater & Restaurant 309 Curtis Mathes Way #147 Arlington, TX 76018 December 28 - 30 Tickets + show dates available: http://bit.ly/2ie46qZ Kwanzaa Event at The Act of Change, 3200 S Lancaster Rd. Suite 623 Lancaster- Kiest Shopping Center (back parking lot behind dd discount) - Ujima Kwanzaa for Teens...with the Coming of Age Rites of Passage Program 3pm

December 29 Lights All Night 2017 December 29,-30, Dallas Market Hall

2200 Stemmons Fwy Dallas, TX 75207 December 29th - December 30th, 2017 TBA (Contact Venue For Details) Tickets available here: http://bit. ly/2wqmChM Kwanzaa Event at The Act of Change..3200 S Lancaster Rd. Ste 623 - Ujamaa George Jackson University and Guerilla Mainframe- Community Discussion on Political Prisoners7pm

Dec 30

3516 E. Lancaster Ave. Fort Worth, 76103 Table Reservations 682-785-2351 ***** New Year’s Eve @ The Cliff Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship 7 p.m. or 10 p.m. with special guest Byron Cage with the adults and KJ Scriven and The Fam --For youth to bring in the New Year. www.ocbfchurch.org *****

EVENTFULLY YOURS PRESENTS

Dead Prez: Saturday Night Fever

Trees, 2709 Elm Street Dallas, TX 8:45 p.m.

Lineup: Geno Spears, Dead Prez, Bobby Sessions, RC & The Gritz, DJ Jay Clipp, Topic, hosted by Headcrack Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets available: http://ticketf. ly/2AUEPYt Kwanzaa Events The Act of Change..

3200 S Lancaster Rd. Suite 623 Nia (Esudele bday) Annual Lip Sync & Community Kwanzaa Party with a Purpose 7:00 pm (Donations accepted) **** The Dallas Mavericks blood drive. All blood donors will receive a tour of the new Mavs practice facility; a pair of tickets to an upcoming game; and a custom t-shirt designed for the event which reads “Mavs Fans Bleed Blue,” not to mention a pair of Carter BloodCare socks.9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dallas Mavericks new practice facility and training center, 1530 Inspiration Drive Dallas, Texas 75207 Kwanzaa (NIA) Toy + Book Drive Hosted by BLAC Time: Saturday at 3 PM - 5 PM Where: Pan African Connection 4466S. Marsailis Ave. Dallas, Tx. 75216214-943-8262 Blac presents “A Kwanzaa Celebration” @ Pan African Connection on December 30th focusing on Nia(Purpose). We’re asking everyone to bring a toy with a book for a few special families in need. While you’re there enjoy a candlelight vigil and engage in a panel discussion about co parenting.

December 31 1125 E. Berry St. Fort Worth, Tx. BYOB * Set Ups * $45 in Advance - $55 At the Door – Parking $5 www.jimaustinonline.com Call (817) 923-9305 ***** NYE White Party DelShawn’s All White Party New Year’s Eve Party Time 9:00 p.m.

DelShawn’s Daiquiri, Blues & Good Food

2018 NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH at 8:00 PM Eventfully Yours Special Event Venue, 7640 NE Loop 820, Suite 110 North Richland Hills, TX 76180

January 1, 2018 Happy New Year!

January 5 Big Freedia LIVE Trees 2709 Elm Street Dallas, TX 75226 8:00 p.m. Tickets $20.00 http://ticketf.ly/2ABMCgy Celebrate the 107th Anniversary of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Richardson Plano Alumni Chapter presents2nd Annual “DIAMOND AFFAIR”107 Years of Achievement Celebration The Largest #J5 Celebration in the City House of Blues 2200 North Lamar St Dallas, TX 75204 Sounds By: K104 DJ Steve Nice ☆ DJ Boogie

Here’s wishing you and yours a happy holiday season!

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Remembering James Brown 1933-2006

December 22, 2017

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December 22, 2017

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Had we Peace…Peace on Earth.

a now besieged and beleaguered Tavis Smiley, recounted the facts in this way.

dismissed by a media that had championed his cause.”

Contrary to the popularity that Dr. King enjoys today, his efforts to “Make America Great” by sacrificially loving his enemies to death was widely rebuffed and ridiculed.

What Martin King got

peace.

Had we, as Americans, gleaned the full weight of his words, maybe we could have forestalled racism long enough to create the type of dynamic public schools that the proponents of Brown v. Board envisioned.

If we as a nation had

“A Harris Poll taken during King’s final year revealed that nearly three-quarters of the American people thought he was persona non grata, and almost 60% of his own people, Black Americans, thought he was irrelevant.

In the last year of King’s life, he had fallen off from the ranks of the most-admired Americans.

He was disinvited to the White House, forsaken by friends who had fortified him, abandoned by supporters who had sustained his work and witness, and

for living out his purpose was having his life snuffed out by a two-bit petty thief and fugitive named James Earl Ray. When Dr. King first delivered this sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church, he served as its co-pastor.

On Christmas Eve, 1967, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation aired this sermon as part of the seventh annual Massey Lectures.

And yet most of America, Black and White, despised him so greatly that they did not accept his wisdom, nor heed his call for

leaned in a little closer, maybe we could have saved more than an estimated 100,000 souls we left in Viet Nam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Maybe we could have attacked poverty with the money we used for F-15’s.

Had we advanced the tenets of King’s version of peace and good will toward men, maybe we could have eradicated drugs in blighted neighborhoods rather than marshalling a war on drugs that has made America the incarceration capitol of the universe.

Had we been color

QUIT PLAYIN’

By Vincent L. Hall

This Christmas season finds us a rather bewildered human race. We have neither peace within nor peace without. Everywhere paralyzing fears harrow people by day and haunt them by night. Our world is sick with war; everywhere we turn we see its ominous possibilities.

And yet, my friends, the Christmas hope for peace and good will toward all men can no longer be dismissed as a kind of pious dream of some utopian.

If we don’t have good will toward men in this world, we will destroy ourselves by the misuse of our own instruments and our own power- Martin Luther King Jr., December 24, 1967

Believe it or not, exactly 50 years ago as the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King spoke these words during advent; he and Donald J. Trump had something in common.

Dr. King and Donald Trump both carried with them all of the baggage and virulent accoutrement that comes with an approval rating hovering near 30%.

A recent Time Magazine article posited by

blind when Black communities were decimated by crack cocaine in NYC’s Penn Station, maybe we would have had drug policies sufficient to confront heroin overdoses in White rural Pennsylvania.

Had we heeded King’s prophecy, predicting that our destruction would originate with the misuse of our own instruments, maybe sensible gun control laws could have limited massacres by lonewolves for whom we have no control.

Had we realized that our nuclear power would be coveted and imitated by N. Korea to our potential peril, maybe we would have worked toward global disarmament. With Peace on Earth, anything is possible! Right?

Someone once told me; “If if’s and but’s were candy and nuts, we’d all have a Merry Christmas!” But I can’t help wondering what America would be like today if we had abided

by King’s Yuletide homily.

Had we Peace….Merry Christmas to all could be a reality.

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

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December 22, 2017

Slain Dollar General clerk’s children and fiance benefit from CHANGE FOR CHANGE CHRISTMAS Give-a-way

Children’s father and aunt (caregivers) to accompany Children on Shopping Spree @ Target in Dallas WILLIAMS CHICKEN will kick off a 2-day activation of its Annual Change for Change Community Christmas Give-a-way.

The company will take the loose change donated by its customers since November 20, along with donations from partners and the company to serve hundreds of families this year in two unique ways.

On Friday, December 22 with a Party Bus pick-up, the children of slain dollar general clerk Gabrielle Monique Simmons and her fiancé are in for a big surprise. A limo party bus will pick the family up, stop by the drive through of WILLIAMS CHICKEN to pick up their favorite lunch item and head to Target where the family will be greeted by Target associates to help them on a surprise shopping spree – all before they head to Mississippi to be with family for Christmas morning.

The children’s aunt has been working with a Dallas ISD School Counselor and the WILLIAMS CHICKEN marketing team to get the children much needed clothes and school uniforms to be ready to start the new school year. WILLIAMS CHICKEN will use the money from the CHANGE FOR CHANGE campaign to make an indelible impact on the life of the father and his children this holiday season.

On Saturday, December 23, the first ever Community Christmas Day Party will host hundreds of children, youth and parents at the Mooreland YMCA at 901 E. Ledbetter in Oak Cliff.

The first African-American Santa to appear at the Mall of America, SANTA LARRY, will make his last appearance for the year at this COMMUNITY PARTY, which will be complete with face-painting, arts and crafts, DJ, toy giveaway for families who still may not have anything under the Christmas Tree. This will be SANTA LARRY’S FIRST APPEARANCE with an African-American owned company.

WHEN & WHERE: Friday, December 22, 2017 11:45 am – Party Bus arrives at apartment to pick up kids and dad 3015 E. Ledbetter Dr., #2015 Noon – Party Bus goes through drive through at WILLIAMS CHICKEN at Sunnyvale and Ledbetter for food 12:30 pm – Party Bus Arrives @ Target on Wheatland Road and I-20 for SHOPPING SPREE (MEDIA HAS BEEN APPROVED TO BE IN STORE AND INTERVIEW PARTICIPANTS) 1:45 pm – Party Bus Departs for Apartment Saturday, December 23 11 am. – 2 pm MORELAND YMCA, 907 E. Ledbetter

NOV. 21 THRU JAN. 7

FAIR PARK DALLAS

Magical Lanterns.

Lifetime of Memories.

Magnificent Holiday-Themed Lanterns Two Million Lights Snowball Throwing Games Santa’s Artic Slide Live Performances World-class Acrobatic Shows & More

PURCHASE TICKETS:

HolidayWonder.com

#HolidayWonderDallas

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December 22, 2017

Holiday Party and Toy Drive at the Hilton Anatole

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December 22, 2017

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Best Left Unsaid

Unspeakable truths reveal connectivity in movie Wonderstruck

By Eva D. Coleman

A young boy looking for his dad in the late 70s. A young girl looking for her mom in the late 20s. There’s 50 years between their aspirations of finding a missing piece to their puzzled lives, and then, they find each other.

Based on the novel of the same name, Wonderstruck cleverly weaves these

two tales together, giving the audience a taste of nostalgia along the way. The film also evokes use and non-use of several senses.

Ben, played by Oakes Fegley, was being raised by his mother who went mum at any mention of his father. It was something she chose not to speak of or share details about with him. His mother passes away, and after discovering

clues in their home, he sets out to find his father. Before his journeyed disappearance from a relative’s care, an act of nature causes him to lose his hearing. The absence of sound does not stop him from seeking answers in circa 1977 New York City.

In a separate storyline featured in black and white, Millicent Simmonds plays Rose who is deaf. She’s being raised by her father in circa 1927, whom solely based on visible character emotions, the viewer may determine him to be not so nice. The silent film

aspects, including music and imagery, take the audience to a place of sadness, pity, joy and laughter…with instances of Rose’s obsession with a silent film star (played by Academy Award-Winning actress Julianne Moore) displayed on screen as she too watches her in film.

As she longs to be a part of this star’s world, she sets out to join her in New York City. We later learn the star is her mom.

There’s so much in the middle of this movie.

Suspense, trepidation, a friend’s trust and second-guessing what’s to come con-

stantly produces swells of the mental psyche. It’s a roller coaster ride of emotions…with at numerous times, little to no dialogue.

It speaks volumes when it’s revealed towards the end that Ben and Rose are related. Their union brings a sense of relief.

Wonderstruck takes us to different time periods experienced by two characters.

As a moviegoer you’ll get to experience sensory overload, while appreciating the beauty of words not spoken. It clearly exposes the power of personal interpretation.

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MALVEAUX: TIME TO HOOK BLACK WOMEN UP The Last Word

by Dr. Julianne Malveaux

Senator Elect Doug Jones (D-AL) did not have to win his battle against accused sexual molester and Republican candidate Roy Moore in the epic battle in Alabama on December 12.

He won because young people, some white women (most of them voted for Moore), and an amazing effort from Alabama’s African Americans put him over the top.

Some white folks crossed party lines for the first time, voting for Jones because Moore repulsed them.

Some analysts have especially noted that white moms were more likely than other white women to vote for Jones.

But Black folks showed up and showed out – a larger percentage of African American voters participated in this election than in the 2012 election of President Barack Obama.

And 98 percent of African American women voted for Doug Jones (along with 94 percent of Black men).

Among whites, 27 percent of white men voted for Doug Jones, along with 35 percent of white women.

In cyberspace, people are thanking Black women for their support of Doug Jones, on Twitter, and Facebook, and Instagram. A friend told me that a woman she had not seen in a decade called her to thank Black women for saving the Senate from the likes of Roy Moore.

Everyone likes to be thanked, but Black women deserve more than thanks. We deserve the “hook up”, the connection, organizational, institutional and financial support for our efforts.

Black women’s organizations in Alabama should get immediate contributions from the Democratic Party. Indeed, some of the sisters who led the effort to get the vote out, like Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D), need to be consulted on how to effectively support Black women in Alabama.

The Democratic Party ought to cultivate Black women leaders in Alabama, so that they are poised to run for other offices. And since Doug Jones has a short term, and will be up for reelection in 2020, Black women need to be deputized to begin, immediately, working on his reelection campaign.

The focus should not just be on Black women in Alabama, but also Black women nationally. The white women around the country who cheered Black women on now need to open their doors and embrace the Sojourner Truth observation that “Ain’t I A Woman”.

Too many women’s organizations are white women’s organizations.

Don’t these women think they can learn a thing or two from the amazing way Black

women organize, mobilize, and step up?

White women are often in the unique position to hook Black women up, in politics and in the workplace, but they don’t offer the hook up as often as they should because it is challenging for them to step outside their comfort zone and embrace diversity. But when folk step out of their comfort zone, look at the results! Thanks to Black women, among others, Doug Jones is the unlikely winner of this Senate contest.

I’m cognizant of the fact that Black women weren’t the sole reason for the Jones victory. It is especially exciting to see young people reject Roy Moore.

Millennials are far less partisan than their elders are. You can’t say they cross party lines because many of them have no party affiliation. But like Black women, young people in Alabama thronged to the polls to elect Jones. Their participation makes a strong case for generational inclusion when political strategies are being developed.

In any case, it is heartening to see Black

women being thanked for doing what we always do – the work. I don’t just want thanks, I also want the hookup. Those white folks who are thanking Black women might also send a contribution to Higher Heights ( http:// www.higherheightsforamerica.org), a Black women’s PAC named after Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. Or, folks can send contributions to the Black Women’s Roundtable (https://ncbcp.org/programs/bwr/ policy), which is part of the National Coalition for Black Civic Participation. It is great to express gratitude, but it is even better to put your money where your mouth is.

Black women have always had to assert our place in the mainstream, and we have too often been ignored by our natural allies. And we still come through in a crunch. Those who are thanking us ought also to support us. They need to hook Black women up!

Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Founder of Economic Education. Her podcast, “It’s Personal with Dr. J” is available on iTunes. Her latest book “Are We Better Off: Race, Obama and public policy is available via amazon.com

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December 22, 2017

Democrat for 68 District Court Judge th

Democrat for 68 District Court Judge th

Democrat for 68th District Court Judge Democrat for

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Five Tips to Stress-Free Homeownership from the Experts

By Christopher G. Cox (Publisher/ Managing Editor, realesavvy.com)

For most people, the decision to purchase a home is the single biggest financial commitment they will make in a lifetime of decision-making. The decision to buy a home, especially a first home, involves so many competing factors, that it can cause high levels of stress and anxiety.

As stress-inducing as a home purchase can be, there are things that a prospective homeowner can do to minimize potential headaches.

Ruth Hudspeth, branch manager for Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, says the number one thing homebuyers need to do is be prepared.

Know your finances first.

“A homeowner should be able to enjoy their new home without being overburdened by the financial commitment. Like any other big decision, however, that takes some planning.”

Hudspeth said. “You have to take the time to understand your credit score, your capacity to qualify for a mortgage loan and what your budget will be.”

Hudspeth, who has degrees in economics and business administration, recommended that individuals moving from a rental property into a home set aside the difference between the mortgage payment and the rent payment and put that money into a separate account.

“If, for example,” she noted, “your mortgage payment is going to be $1,000 a month and your rent has been $500, pay yourself the $500 difference for a while and see how well you handle it.”

A lender might be able to tell you the amount of the mortgage loan you can qualify for, but he can’t tell you how much paying that mortgage will affect your lifestyle.

Learn as much as you can about the process of buying a home.

“Buying a home is a big deci-

sion,” said Hudspeth. “It doesn’t make sense to wait until you are too close to making that decision to educate yourself.”

Dr. Kimya N. Dennis, a criminologist, who does work in demographic and cultural variance in mental health, agreed that careful preparation is the key to reducing the stress associated with getting into the housing market.

“I encourage people to take time to communicate with everyone involved in the process of purchasing a home,” Dennis said. “There needs to be open and honest discussion that weighs all the pros and cons.”

Take a hard look at your quality of life.

Dennis added that long- and short-term economic goals, location and commuting time, quality of the construction and access to public transportation should also be discussed.

Dennis emphasized the importance of carefully reviewing and understanding all the documents required to purchase a home. As part of that process, she suggested that taking advantage of low- and no-cost programs designed to educate homebuyers, such as those offered by the local affiliates of the National Urban League, as well as other community organizations.

Ask plenty of questions.

“If you want to keep your anxiety level low, you can’t be afraid to ask questions,” said Dennis.

“As basic as it sounds, sometimes you just have to take a few minutes to pause and breathe.”

Remember to breathe.

She explained that a common reaction to anxiety is holding one’s breath, especially just before making a big decision.

Dennis concluded: “You might be surprised to find out how much it helps to just stop and take a few deep breaths when decisions threaten to become overwhelming.”

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The one who got away Ask ALMA Dear Alma, I’ve been married for over 10 years and I’m very happy with my husband and two kids.

My husband is very kind to me.

My kids are very well behaved and we have a good life. Before I got married I was in love with a man who said he would never get married and he didn’t want any kids.

I always hoped that he didn’t mean that and would marry me but he never did. After more than a year and a half, we broke it off and I met my husband and got married.

After I got married I would see him from time to time and he stayed in touch with my brother.

When he and my brother would go out, he would always ask about me to see how I was doing.

Recently my brother told me that he said he should have married me.

I know you’re gonna think I’m crazy but I can’t stop thinking about him.

I think we need to have a conversation because I have so much I want to say to him.

I am trying to figure out my best option.

I could email him or reach out on Facebook.

I was thinking I could ask him to meet me. How should I contact him in a way that’s the most respectful?

Name withheld Dear Name Withheld,

Excuse me, did you say respectful? What exactly is respectful about a married woman trying to reconnect with an ex?

Because that’s basically all you’re trying to do. You wanna know how I know – cause I thought the same thing.

And when I did, I asked my BFF Neasy about it. Yep, I wanted to contact my old “here he comes, I can’t breathe” high school crush named Poopie.

Girl, it was a crush like no other, LOL. Like you, I was happily married, life was good, and all I wanted to do is let him know just how much I truly loved him.

I did my best explaining and exasperating my heart and soul to Neasy and you know what she asked me: Why? Yep, just that simple. So now I’m asking you.

Why? What if he misunderstands your actions? Is it worth your marriage, the love of your husband, the happiness of your children? If he wanted to marry you, he would have.

Ain’t no truth in shoudda, cudda, wudda.

Stop romanticizing over what

you wish could have happen and live in what is happening. What is happening is that you have a loving husband and father to your children.

If circumstances were the other way around and your husband wanted to have a conversation with an ex, girl pleez, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation.

You’d be accusing him of all kinds of disrespect!

Turn your twinkle toes towards what’s real and watch the video, live version of Whitney Houston, “All the Man I Need” and fall back in fabulous love with your husband.

My favorite is the one with her in a beautiful red gown, Kirk Whalum’s on the sax. It’s the concert she did for our troops. Girl, rewind it two or three times if you need to.

All the romance and attention you’re looking for is already living inside your home.

You just need to breathe new life into it.

Let that other man go, that conversation and action of sharing words, just isn’t worth the risk of losing your happy home.

I never contacted Poopie and I’m perfectly fine with that decision.

Give it some time and you will be, too.

If not, go find a BFF you can confide in, who’ll keep you on track, named Neasy!

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 22, 2017

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Hollywood Hernandez Live

By Hollywood Hernandez

Movie Review-

Roman J. Israel, ESQ

Denzel Washington as Roman J. Israel

Roman J. Israel, ESQ, starring Denzel Washington is out now in limited release and it is already receiving rave reviews from movie critics and has also been nominated for two NAACP Image Awards (Best Picture and Best Actor).

It looks like it will be another contender for Washington come Oscar time.

The movie does however suffer from a lack of availability at movie theaters. It’s currently showing on just about 1,600 screens nationwide while a movie such as Justice League, in wide release, is showing in about 4,000 movie theaters. So it will take a bit of looking to find the movie at you local cineplex, but it will be well worth your effort.

In the movie Denzel plays the title character, Roman J. Israel, ESQ. He is an idealistic lawyer who has the luxury of hanging onto his civil rights era beliefs since he doesn’t try cases.

His partner had been the lit-

igation lawyer for the two man law firm, allowing Roman to work on court briefs back in the office, while never stepping into a courtroom.

That all changes when his partner suffers a stroke and is hanging on to life in a hospital on life support. That’s when Denzel’s quirky, almost Autistic, character traits come into play. First he loses his job in the law firm as the heirs of his partner start to plan for his impending passing.

Now, Roman J. Israel, ESQ. needs to make a living so he takes a job in a huge law firm that’s headed by his partner’s college protegee (played very slickly by Colin Farrell).

Denzel plays a fish out of water with his odd behavior and his inability to grasp the concept of subtlety. He speaks his mind when he shouldn’t and even his style of hair and dress is out of place in a modern corporate law firm.

He tries to hang on to his core values by volunteering at a community center working with teens. That’s where he meets Maya, played by actress Carmen Ejogo. She becomes his mentee and the two soon become more than friends. She worships him for his values and the struggles he’s been through as a advocate for civil rights.

Eventually Roman makes some mistakes in his dealings with lawyers and clients. He shows that he’s human and has to give up on some of his principles and ideals in order to survive.

He ends up being chased

by criminals, after her betrays a client who’s in jail, and his world is turned upside down by his mistakes. In the end he tries to make amends for his mistakes and ends up inspiring others by his attempt to make good on the error of his ways.

Roman J. Israel, ESQ is a terrible title for a movie, but it’s another winner for Oscar winner Denzel Washington. The movie is rated PG-13 and runs just over 2 hours.

On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” Roman J. Israel, ESQ gets my highest rating; a JUMBO (with extra butter).

Tiffany Haddish receives snub The Golden Globe nominations were announced with one blaring omission. Break out star Tiffany Haddish was not nominated for her role in the smash summer hit "Girls Trip"; as a matter of fact the movie, which grossed over $100 million, was totally ignored by the Hollywood foreign press. Jada Pinkett Smith, one of the movie's costars, Tweeted after the nominations came in, "I have so much to say on why Tiffany Haddish was not nominated for a Golden Globe...but I won't."

The Golden Globes, which are an indicator of Oscar nominations, did acknowledge some deserving talent of color. Denzel Washington was nominated for

TIffany Haddish

Best Actor for his role in "Roman J. Israel, ESQ." The movie "Get Out" received a nomination for Best Movie in the Musical or Comedy category. Lead actor Daniel Kaluuya received a nomination for his role in the movie.

Mary J. Blige and Octavia Spencer were both nominated for Best Supporting Actress.

Blige for "Mudbound" and Spencer for her role in "The Shape of Water." Mexican director Guillermo del Toro received nominations for the movie "The Shape of Water." One for Best Director and one for Best Screenplay.

You can see a full list of nominees at The Golden Globes website. https://www.goldenglobes. com/winners-nominees/2018 By the way Haddish has been asked to be a presenter at this year's awards. The 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards Show will be hosted by Seth Meyers and airs on January 7, 2018 on NBC. Read more and win tickets at www.hollywoodhernandezlive.com

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December 22, 2017

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Confidence Plus Discipline Equals Power Spiritually Speaking

by James A. Washington

I have two words for you today; confidence and discipline. Both of which, when viewed spiritually, exude Godly principles. Put this on the Holy Spirit, but discipline is an amazing thing.

When applied to faith, be it natural or supernatural, the result is spiritual confidence. Spiritual confidence and discipline, without ego or arrogance, gives you an attitude of awareness and knowledge and dare I say power?

The example I’d like to use is of those saints in the Upper Room, when the Holy Spirit came upon them on the day of Pentecost and instilled everyone there with well, confidence and discipline.

These people ultimately came to demonstrate a level of faith that was used via the power and grace of God to spread the Word of God all over the world. If you look at the before and after of this Pentecostal happening, you’ll begin to see my point. Prior to this,

the faithful were huddled in secrecy, being faithful to the belief that what Jesus had told them, was indeed true. God would send another.

That ‘Other” turned out to be the Holy Spirit, who imbued them with more of what they already had.

Now their confidence in the truth of Jesus, coupled with their discipline to spread that word, manifested itself in their ability to communicate the gospel to the world.

The world has not been the same since.

The question then becomes, in what is your confidence and discipline based? Where do you get the necessary power to have your gifts fortified?

Does your faith give you the strength to acquire the discipline necessary to know what you should be doing in the Lord’s name and then do it?

I believe the result is the power to know that you can do anything through Christ Jesus, provided you were called to do it. I also believe scripture illustrates to us that without spiritually based discipline, it is practically

impossible to stand up to the trials and tribulations of life, but also impossible to withstand the temptations that seek to control our sometimes out of control behavior.

The good news here is that wherever the Holy Spirit resides, change will occur, the right kind of change.

Of those anointed in the Upper Room, many were faced with the opportunity to make their lives easier, if they would simply maintain the secrecy of their faith. Spiritually based faith and confidence gave each the power to boldly speak the truth. Remember Peter denied Christ three times without confidence.

Some would call that cowardice. After Pentecost, he was buoyed by confidence and discipline. Power is the Word that comes to mind here.

You remember Paul at Ephesus? “When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.”

Acts 19:6. Here, these twelve men were already baptized but knew nothing of the Holy Spirit. Af-

ter, we are told, they began to preach the gospel.

Can’t you see the power gained and their growing confidence?

There is nothing restrictive about this kind of discipline. It is in fact quite liberating. They knew that they knew the same way we know that we know. It’s that change thing again.

It’s called being set apart and not having to apologize or keep it a secret. I believe it lets us stand up as Christians in the face of criticism, adversity and temptation.

We may still fall, but we will not fail because our infrastructure has been fortified.

Let me be clear. I believe that discipline coupled with confidence invites the Holy Spirit to take up permanent residence in your soul.

It’s what I’m looking for and what I’m praying for, for me and for you. And look out world when that happens.

Like someone once said to me, I’m a different kind of soldier. Believe it or not, so are we.

May God bless and keep you always.

James

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December 22, 2017

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Giving Thanks before Thanksgiving A crew that works together is honored together

Frisco ISD-TV Eva Coleman with Senior Producers (L to R: Eva Coleman, Darrin Sohm, Lauren Goodman, Josh Laulom)

TV coming in sixth.

“Seeing my crew automatically grasp hands along their row as they anticipated the results really touched my heart,” Frisco ISD-TV Executive Producer Eva Coleman said. “It proves we’re all in this thing together,” she added.

NSPA awards the Pacemaker, scholastic journalism’s highest honor.

Having been named fourtime Pacemaker Finalists (2010, 2013, 2015, 2016) and two-time Pacemaker Winner (2010, 2013) in the past, Frisco ISD-TV has won numerous awards

Frisco ISD-TV 2017-2018 Crew (L to R: Victoria Bruce, Jared Gonzalez-Yapp, Jonathon Depriest, Madison McFarlane, Darrin Sohm, Lauren Goodman, Kate Furney, Josh Laulom, The Journalism Education Association (JEA) / National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) Fall National High School Journalism convention was held November 16-19 in Dallas, Texas.

With close to 5,000 registrants in attendance,

Frisco ISD-TV is honored to have received national recognition.

Frisco ISD-TV entered the Best of Show contest where broadcast teams bring in a program to compete with other schools. Ten places were named, with Frisco ISD-

from NSPA for excellence and outstanding a ch i e ve m e nt in high school broadcast programming.

2017-2018 Frisco ISD-TV

crew members are: Senior Producers / Senior Editors Lauren Goodman (Reedy High School), Josh Laulom (Wakeland High School), Darrin Sohm (Reedy High School) Producers / Editors Victoria Bruce (Lone Star High School), Maddie Cargile (Wakeland High School), Jonathon Depriest (Lone Star High School), Mari Forbes (Independence High School), Kate Furney (Wakeland High School), Jared Gonzalez-Yapp (Wakeland High School), Madison McFarlane

(Heritage High School), Kennedy McGilvery (Lone Star High School)

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December 22, 2017

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NABJ mourns passing of iconic journalist Booker WA S H I N G T O N , D.C.-- The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) mourns the loss of Simeon Booker, a pioneering journalist, author and chronicler of the Civil Rights Movement.

Booker, the Jet reporter who brought the 1955 murder of Emmett Till to the forefront of national news, died Dec. 10 at the age of 99, in an assisted-living community in Solomons, Maryland.

His wife, Carol, confirmed his death to the Washington Post.

"Simeon Booker's remarkable career, spanning more than six decades, reminds us how important chronicling the truth and speaking truth to power via the written word is," said NABJ President Sarah Glover. "Booker's reports during the Civil Rights Movement shed light on the country's ills, bringing much-needed perspective; and he did so all while risking his own life to tell the story. Simeon Booker is a role model for black journalists and his life's work is an example of media excellence that

all journalists should strive for."

Booker joined the Washington Post in 1952 and was the first full-time black reporter. He left to become the chief columnist at Jet magazine and the Washington bureau chief

torial director of Ebony and Jet magazines from 2006-2009 and former NABJ President remembered Booker as the quintessential reporter.

"Mr. Booker knew the facts, he knew his audience, and he would not be

Booker, the only journalist to make the trip with the first Freedom Riders as they protested transportation segregation laws in 1961, also covered Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the March on Washington in 1963,

Simeon Booker in 1982. Photo by: Fred Sweets/The Washington Post

for the Johnson Publishing Company.

"God knows, I tried to succeed at the Post. I struggled so hard that friends thought I was dying, I looked so fatigued.

After a year and a half, I had to give up.

Trying to cover news in a city where even animal cemeteries were segregated overwhelmed me," Booker said of his time at the Post.

Bryan Monroe, edi-

stopped," said Monroe. "He was a kind soul who will be missed by all of us."

Booker began his journalism career in the 1940s working for Black Press publications in Cleveland and Baltimore. As racial tensions rose throughout the nation during the 1950s and '60s, he told riveting stories, about the struggle between Civil Rights activists and segregationists.

and marched alongside protesters at the 1965 Selma March.

Booker brought the front lines of the Civil Rights movement to the millions of Jet and Ebony readers across the nation.

After 65 years of chronicling the broad spectrum of the black experience, Booker retired in 2007. In 2013, Booker completed his memoir, Shocking the Conscience:

A Reporter's Account of the Civil Rights Movement. His work allowed many black people to see themselves, and the things that were important to them, reflected in the media.

Booker was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame in 2013, won a Neiman Fellowship to study at Harvard and received the George Polk Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. Booker was nominated this year by 17 members of Congress for the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, according to The New York Times. He also mentored aspiring student journalists at Howard University.

Marlon A. Walker, NABJ Vice President Print said, "Simeon Booker's death is felt around the world.�

His significant contributions to our industry and humanity are monumental and his life's works should be shared and taught in classrooms, community centers and organizations, as an example of excellence."

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December 22, 2017

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December 22, 2017

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December 22, 2017

27

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December 22, 2017

Do you know this man?

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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