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I Messenger VOL 6 ISSUE 17

DECEMBER 23, 2016

DECEMBER 23, 2016

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Driving around the Metroplex in my RAV 4

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DECEMBER 23, 2016

Remembering Madear Ruby Lee Kelley

VOL 6 ISSUE 17 Robert Battle

December 8, 1923 and December 22, 2016

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DECEMBER 23, 2016

Ten Million raised for Fallen Officers

By Dorothy Gentry I Messenger

The officers and families affected by the July 7, 2016 downtown Dallas attack are the beneficiaries of about $10 million that has been raised on their behalf.

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, along with representatives from the Assist the Officer Foundation and The Dallas Foundation made the announcement at a news conference at Dallas City Hall.

Assist the Officer Foundation and The Dallas Foundation have worked to identify the most effective way to distribute the funds that were raised and entrusted to the two organizations.

Trusts that will provide for family member’s health, education and other support have been created for the families of Dallas Police Department Sergeant Michael Smith, Senior Corporal Lorne Ahrens, Of-

ficer Michael Krol and Officer Patricio Zamarripa and Dallas Area Rapid Transit Officer Brent Thompson.

Mayor Rawlings said the city “owes a tremendous amount of gratitude to the officers who lost or risked their lives to keep us safe.

Out of one of the darkest days in our city’s history, we have seen an incredible outpouring of love and support from organizations and individuals all over the world.

“We are so honored by the amount of people who have stepped forward to properly assist our fallen and injured officers.”

More than 6,000 contributions were received from across the country, with all 50 states represented.

Gifts were also received from Australia, the United Kingdom and Italy. Donations ranged from $5 to more than $250,000. Funds were equitably divided among the families of the fallen officers. In addition to the trusts, part of the donations will

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be directed to support the officers injured on that fateful day.

“The Assist the Officer Foundation is very grateful for the generous support shown for our police officers and their families,” said Frederick Frazier, chairman of the Assist the Officer Foundation. “It’s a powerful gesture that symbolizes the appreciation for every officer’s dedication to service and commitment to the safety of every citizen.”

“The joint effort to honor our fallen officers and their families has been remarkable,” said Mary Jalonick, president and CEO of The Dallas Foundation. “The philanthropic community in Dallas has worked closely with the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit agency to ensure that 100 percent of donations received will be distributed to the officers and families affected by the tragic events of July 7, 2016.”

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RAV 4 XLE

DECEMBER 23, 2016

Suave, Sleek, Sensible and SAFE

By Cheryl Smith - I Messenger News

Have you ever made a decision that you just wanted to immediately null and void? Ever felt like kicking yourself?

Well, it’s too late for me right now, but when you know better you do better. So hopefully there’s a lesson here for others.

About a month after I signed on the dotted line, drove off the car lot and began adjusting my account to make a monthly payment for the next few years; I sat in the passenger seat of a Toyota RAV4 XLE. Talk about a wonderful ride! My thoughts immediately went to the new car sitting in the garage.

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I am #SMH (shaking my head) and wishing I had waited a little longer before purchasing it. Now don’t get me wrong. I bought a nice car. A really nice car. But the RAV 4 XLE had my investment beat in so many ways.

My mind was racing as I pondered how I could get out of what I had previously thought was a great deal.

I’m a woman who likes things that look good, are strong and able to hang in there for the long haul. The RAV 4 XLE looks good, is smooth and proved durable.

Driving on Texas highways, where sometimes it can get rough, the RAV 4 XLE is able to hang with anything on

the road.

As I sat inside the RAV 4 XLE for the first time, immediately I told myself, “okay, this feels nice, real nice,” in my best Bernie Mac impression!

First the seats were so comfortable. I felt like I was sitting in a chair at some swanky spa. As someone who was dealing with back pain, the seats seemed designed for comfort and I thought at any moment they would start vibrating.

Adjusting the seats I took off determined to see what the ride would be like. Opening the sunroof and settling in, I turned quite a few heads and I’m not kidding myself. I know they were looking at the car!

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DECEMBER 23, 2016

Admittedly the word “hybrid” was new to me, especially pertaining to cars. I didn’t have a positive thought about anything “hybrid.”

Instead I thought of the lowly form of dog referred to as a “mutt,” or a chemically engineered food that while it may taste great, has no nutritional value.

In contrast, when you’re referring to a car, a hybrid seems to be the best of two worlds. For those, like me, who don’t spend a lot of time on the mechanics of cars, a hybrid car is a fuel efficient car that has two motors —electric and gasoline powered. While they have smaller engines, there are some key points to consider when purchasing a car.

According to phys.org, “The motors and batteries in these cars do not require maintenance over the life of the vehicle. The engine doesn't need any more maintenance than in any other car. Because hybrids have regenerative braking, brake pads may even last longer than those in normal cars.”

As someone who has been told that my driving is bad on brakes, I found that point of interest of great value!

Also, if you do a lot of city driving where you deal with stop and go traffic, this is big!

Still, I had a lot more to learn about this RAV 4 XLE. You get the power, great gas mileage and, guess what, hybrids are good for the environment and

that’s something we should all be concerned about!

It’s important to note that according to www.hybridcars.com out of the top five most fuel-efficient Hybrid cars, Toyota has two of the spots!

Also, in the Editors’ Choice for best hybrids of 2016-2017, on www.caranddriver.com, Toyota claims four of the 10 spots.

I’m feeling more and more like a hybrid!

Granted, this XLE has a lot of bells and whistles, like: Smart Key System24 on Front Doors + Push Button Start. Now this is important to me because I’m always searching for my keys and I have been known for locking the keys in the car.

Sometimes you can forget that you need a key since you don’t need it to start the car if the key is on you. Well, I left my keys in the car and thought I was about have a serious issue. Lo and behold, the car does not lock when your key is in your purse in the passenger seat.

Entune™ Audio Plus With Connected Navigation App22 and Toyota Safety Sense. You know, sometimes it helps to have a little help and that is just what comes in not only the form of the navigation system, but being

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able to see in front of you as you navigate yourself into a parking space, or backing out as you don’t have to look back to see what’s behind you. And the Safety Sense technology is like having a guardian angel in the car with you.

Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control. I love to ride alone, but I picked up some “friends” and luckily for us all, the friend in the back with the hot flashes was able to cool off without disturbing the comfort of us in the front. Complaining about temperature was kept to a minimum and there were no hurt feelings.

And there’s more. So much more to this vehicle that makes it a must-have in my book. I’m an SUV kind of girl and I need to be able to feel like I am safe and in control. I need to be able to get in and out without a lot of hassle and damage to my clothes.

After all, who wants to get out of a good-looking car looking like your clothes have been rolled up in a ball?

Driving the RAV 4 XLE gave me a sense of comfort and power. I made sharp turns, U-turns and a few “you know you are wrong turns.”

The RAV4 XLE passed my tests!

There are so many other features to the RAV4 XLE that make driving a pleasure, like syncing my phone so that I can avoid the perils of using a handheld device, having my text messages read to me over the system and operating key functions from the steering wheel; as well as the quiet, smooth ride.

Nothing, however, beats feeling safe.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ranks RAV4 as a 2017 TOP SAFETY PICK+.

In order to receive that ranking, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the five crashworthiness tests, an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and an acceptable or good headlight rating.

The Toyota RAV 4 HYBRID XLE Mileage 23/30 est. mpg Cost $29,030 starting

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I Messenger

DECEMBER 23, 2016

GRAND PARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN

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DECEMBER 23, 2016

Does the CBC Really Care about Black People?

MY PERSPECTIVE

by Raynard Jackson (NNPA News Wire Columnist)

In last week’s column, I discussed the hypocrisy running rampant within the Democratic Party when it comes to the hiring of Black staffers. I must have struck a serious nerve, because I received an anonymous email from someone with seemingly high-level Democratic credentials that was most surprising.

I have no idea who this person is, or what his/her agenda may be, but I was able to verify the details of the email I received.

I called several friends who work for Democratic elected officials in the United States Congress and the Democratic National Committee. While not wanting to comment on specific members of the Democratic caucus, they agreed that the essence of the content of this anonymous email was very accurate.

This email contained such detailed information on each Democratic member of Congress that it had to come from someone with intimate access to this type of sensitive data.

What was sent to me was a listing of every Democratic member of Congress and who their fundraisers were. What’s ironic is that only one member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has retained a Black fundraiser. The rest have either a White, Asian, or Hispanic person doing their fundraising.

Yet, these same members of the CBC have the gall to criticize the U.S. Senate

for their lack of diversity when it comes to hiring Black staffers. Mind you, that most CBC members themselves have very few Blacks in positions of power on their personal staffs or committees.

Maybe, Black Democrats should simply “self-identify” as illegal, transgendered or radical Muslim extremist refugees, because they seem to get all the benefits that only American citizens are supposed to get, but I digress.

Last year, members of the CBC traveled to Silicon Valley to lecture executives from Apple, Google, Intel, SAP, and Pandora about the lack of Blacks in their workforce. Their then chairman, U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina said, “All of them are deficient.

None of them have African Americans on their boards of directors, and that is very disappointing because African Americans are part of the customer base of all five of these companies.”

Maybe, just maybe, members of the CBC should have a visit to their own member’s offices and determine why most of them have no Black chiefs of staffs and no Black fundraisers.

In the immortal words of Michael Jackson, maybe members of the CBC should take a look at that man in the mirror, and ask him to change his ways.

If they want to make the world more diverse, take a look at themselves and make that change.

So, before Black folks continue to complain about what “Whites” are not doing for us, maybe we should look at what we’re not doing for ourselves.

Why should others do for us what the Black members of Congress are not willing to do for us? Why do they refuse to hire capable Black Democrats

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with fundraising experience?

The CBC, like Africa in the United Nations, is the largest voting bloc in the U.S. Congress. So, they can stop any piece of legislation presented in the House, thus they have supreme leverage and never use it to push forward any policy that they claim to care about.

Blacks are the largest voting bloc, but have no Blacks in leadership positions in the House. Why did they turn their backs on esteemed Congressman Jim Clyburn when he got ousted from leadership so that Steny Hoyer could assume a leadership post?

So, let’s get this straight, the CBC goes around the country lecturing Silicon Valley about their lack of diversity, though they are guilty of the same thing. They complain about the lack of diversity on corporate boards, but at least Corporate America takes care of their own — Whites.

But the CBC won’t even hire their own when it comes to fundraising jobs.

So, if Whites hire those that look like themselves, why won’t the CBC do the same?

Diversity is not an “either,” “or” proposition, it’s a “both,” “and.” CBC members criticize Silicon Valley for having few Black staffers, they criticize the U.S. Senate for having few Black staffers, but they’re silent when it comes to conscious decision not to hire Black fundraisers for their own campaigns.

So, if Silicon Valley and the U.S. Senate can be labeled “racist” for their lack of Black staffers, shouldn’t the CBC have to wear the same label?

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Community Calendar

Community Lawyering Center Open for Business - Mondays – Saturdays; days and evenings by appointment. 4716 Elsie Faye Heggins, Dallas, 75210.

For info, call: 469-351-0024 or x0025

General hours of operation for the Perot Museum are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. On the first Thursday of the month, the Museum is open until 9 p.m. for its First Thursday Late Night public events.

Holiday and other special hours. The Perot Museum will close Dec. 25 (Christmas). The Museum will offer extended hours until 7 p.m. Dec. 26-Jan. 1, except for Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) when the Museum will close at 3 p.m. and Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve) when the Museum will close at 5 p.m.

Member mornings. From 9-10 a.m. every Saturday and 11 a.m.noon every Sunday, members can enjoy exclusive access to the Perot Museum and Birds of Paradise.

Bye-bye birdie! In just a few short weeks, Birds of Paradise will make its departure from the Perot Museum of Nature and Science on Jan. 8, 2017.

Join The Honorable Carolyn King Arnold, Councilwoman District 4 for the following calendar events: 2017 Bond Town Hall Meetings Tuesday, January 17, 2017 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Kiest Park Recreational Center 3080 South Hampton Road Dallas, Texas 75204 Thursday, January 19, 2017 1 1:30 AM – 1:00 PM Beckley Saner Recreational Center 114 W. Hopson Avenue Dallas, Texas 75224

December 22

DECEMBER 23, 2016

December 31

ing Europe and Asia. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.attpac.org. TITAS Presents at Dallas City Performance Hall.

Ring in the New Year to the smooth grooves of AHYONZ featuring KENYA C. at the Austin Event Center (AEC) on Saturday, December 31st! Door open at 8 PM and the party doesn’t stop until 2017!

BRING IN THE NEW YEAR ON THE MOUNT! Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1233 Highway 66 in Garland invites you to its NEW YEAR’S EVE/EARLY MORNING SERVICE, December 31st at 10pm, with special guest from THE VOICE SEASON 9, Cassandra Cleveland Robertson! Plus, Comedian Robert Duckworth, the Mount Hebron Mass Choir and Dance Ministries, A Word for a New Beginning from Pastor Leonard O Leach and a “Soul Food” breakfast buffet immediately following the service. For more information call 972-276-5218, or visit www.onthemount.org.

NAACP President/CEO Cornell William Brooks heads to DFW to speak for the Arlington MLK Banquet on January 13, 2017.

"Advancing the Dream: A Nation of Justice & Freedom. Reception 6pm | Dinner 6:45pm. Limited tickets for $45/ $360 per table. Get your tickets at utatickets.com. Sponsorships available at 212.920.9147.

January 14

January 1

January 15

January 13 January 16 It’s not too late to register for the 2017 MLK Day Parade! For more information about The 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration or to register for the parade, visit www.dallasmlkcenter.com/2017mlkcelebration!

December 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS December 26

January 18

LADIES CHOICE Concert Series featuring Avant, Dru Hill and Jagged Edge Music Hall @ Fair Park 909 1st Ave Dallas, TX, 75210 Ticketmaster: 1-800-745-3000

***** SHADOWLAND by PILOBOLUS is coming to Dallas on Friday, January 13 and Saturday, January 14, 2017 following four wildly successful years tour-

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Join the Dallas Black Dance Theatre for the 2017 Founder’s Luncheon! Purchase your tickets by contacting the DBDT Development office - development@dbdt.com or (214) 871-2376

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DECEMBER 23, 2016

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DECEMBER 23, 2016

Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance honors Robert Battle

The 29th Annual Internationternational Association of Blacks al Conference and Festival of in Dance (IABD) is designed to Blacks in Dance is honoring meet the needs of professional, dance industry trailblazer Robadvanced, and student dancers as ert Battle, the Artistic Director well as dance administrators and for Alvin Ailey American Dance instructors. The conference will Theater when it meets in Dallas, provide master classes, lecture/ Texas January 25-29, 2017. Robdemonstrations, panels, workert Battle is the conference lunshops, and performances. cheon keynote speaker and will There will be a multi-company auparticipate in a panel discusdition for professionals conducted sion on "Transitions and Stabiliby the founding and member comRobert Battle ty of Today's Dance Companies." panies of IABD. Following a major Robert Battle became the artriumph from the 2016 conference, tistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance IABD will hold the 2nd Annual Ballet Audition Theater in July 2011. He is the third person to for Women of Color who are seeking contracts head the dance company since its inception and professional training opportunities with in 1958. Battle was a frequent choreographer premier ballet companies. and artist-in-residence at Ailey since 1999.

Confirmed ballet companies attending the Mr. Battle also instituted the New Directions audition are: Ballet Austin, Austin, TX, Ballet Choreography Lab to help develop the next Memphis, Memphis, TN, Charlotte Ballet, Chargeneration of choreographers. Battle founded lotte, NC, Dance Theatre of Harlem, New York, his own Battleworks Dance Company in 2002. NY, The Hartt School, Hartford, CT, Nashville He was honored as one of the "Masters of Afri- Ballet, Nashville, TN, Pacific Northwest Ballet can-American Choreography" by the Kennedy School, Seattle, WA, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Center for the Performing Arts in 2005.

Pittsburgh, PA, San Francisco Ballet, San FranMore than 700 participants worldwide are cisco, CA, School of American Ballet, New York, expected to attend the conference. The In- NY,

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Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings will showcase performances by internationally renowned dance companies including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the founding companies of The International Association of Blacks in Dance; PHILADANCO! (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (Denver, Colorado), Dallas Black Dance Theatre (Dallas, Texas), Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, (Dayton, Ohio) and Lula Washington Dance Theatre (Los Angeles, California).

Thursday Evening: Emerging Artists & Youth Ensemble Showcase Friday Evening: Established Artists & Members Showcase Saturday Evening: Founders & International Company Showcase Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) has hosted the conference and festival seven times during its 29-year history and it is a part of DBDT's 40th Anniversary Season. The conference headquarters is the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, located at 400 North Olive Street, Dallas, Texas 75201. All public performances will be held at the Majestic Theatre.

For more details visit http://www.iabdassociation.org/conference.

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DECEMBER 23, 2016

MALVEAUX: No, Americans Are Not Exceptional, We’re Just Average The Last Word

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux

NNPA Newswire Columnist

In the United States of America, we love to bask in the glory of our “exceptionalism.” We are great; we are wonderful; we dominate the world.

Scholars who study “us” say that our exceptionalism is rooted in the fact that we have offered leadership in international affairs. We have committed more resources than other countries to the United Nations, to NATO, and to other organizations committed to international peace. But we do this with a sense of paternal largesse, as if we are the greatest, the most wonderful, the benefactor.

But we have allowed our electoral system to be thrown into chaos, because Vladimir Putin has a grudge against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and he used his minions to actualize his grudge. He’s had a bromance with Donald Trump, who asked that Russia hack Hillary’s emails, and obeying Trump’s bidding, the Russians did.

This whole electoral drama is a nightmare. Hillary Clinton got nearly three million more votes than Trump, but he has an Electoral College victory. Maybe. Is this American exceptionalism? A hacked democracy vulnerable to the intrusion of foreign powers?

If the Russians are hacking now, imagine what they will do in the future. A recent study from the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) shows that 15 year olds in the United States lag behind others in an international context. We talk as if we are number one or number two in achievement, but the fact is that we are number 14 or 15 by many measures. We aren’t exceptional – we’re just average, ranking below a dozen countries, hitting the median mark.

When science literacy is measured, 24 countries rank higher than the United States. The OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation

and Development) average score on science literacy is 493, and the U.S. was close to the average at 496. Singapore, Japan, Finland, Canada, Vietnam, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland and Portugal were among those with higher scores. Really? These folks will be among those hacking us in a decade if we don’t make better investments in education!

We’re kind of average with reading literacy, as well. The OECD average is 493, and the US aver-

If we want to be exceptional, we need to do more than sell wolf tickets and crow over our competitors.

Here’s the bottom line – the Russians were smart enough to hack us and mess with our elections.

Are we as smart as they are, or are we average? age is 497. Singapore, Canada, Finland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands outscore us. We’re in the band with France, the United Kingdom, and Spain. What are Singapore, Canada and Ireland doing that we aren’t?

In a global economy, how do we compete with them?

Our math comparisons with other countries are especially alarming. The OECD average for math literacy is 490, but the US score is 470. At least 30 countries, including Singapore, Japan, Switzerland, Estonia, Canada, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Iceland, Norway, Austria, Italy, Scotland, and the Russian Federation have higher scores than the U.S. Why?

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The federal Department of Education should deal with the matter of standards. Common Core, while not popular among some educational leaders, is a way of ensuring that those who graduate from our nation’s high schools have a common foundation of knowledge. Implementing Common Core may be challenging, especially when some high schools, especially inner city high schools, lack the resources to offer the broadest curriculum. While many schools offer advanced courses, including advanced placement (AP) and international baccalaureate (IB), some do not. Every student needs to have an opportunity to access advanced learning.

More importantly, those who do educational policy must look at the ways our students are lagging in the international environment. Are we content to be 14th, 22nd, 34th in international measures, while, at the same time, preaching exceptionalism. We aren’t especially exceptional when it comes to learning, we are merely average, and often below average when we review international measures.

There are those who will quibble with the ways that the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) measures learning outcomes. I think, though, that when students from 73 educational systems tackle the same tests, objections can be pushed aside. Even with a flawed measure, even with adjustments, we must conclude that the United States is not exceptional, just average.

If we want to be exceptional, we need to do more than sell wolf tickets and crow over our competitors. Here’s the bottom line – the Russians were smart enough to hack us and mess with our elections. Are we as smart as they are, or are we average? Mr. Trump says he will create jobs. He needs to make resources available to the Department of Education. If he wants to “Make America Great Again,” he needs to make America smart again by investing in education.

Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist. Her latest book “Are We Better Off? Race, Obama and Public Policy” is available via www.amazon.com

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Students can still get breakfast and lunch at 11 schools over winter break

DALLAS — Even though class won’t be in session, 11 Dallas ISD campuses will still offer a morning snack and lunch for Dallas ISD students. The meals are free to anyone under the age of 18.

Breakfast will be served from 8–9 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Below is the schedule for the winter break meal program.

• A. Maceo Smith New Tech High School: Dec. 28–30, Jan. 2–6 • W.H. Atwell Middle School: Dec. 28–30, Jan. 3–6 • W.A. Blair Elementary School: Dec. 28–30, Jan. 3–6 • E.B. Comstock Middle School: Dec. 28–30, Jan. 3–6 • Fred Florence Middle School: Dec. 28–30, Jan. 2–6 • Tom Gooch Elementary School: Dec. 28–30, Jan. 3–6 • Elisha Pease Elementary School: Dec. 28–30, Jan. 3–6 • Dan D. Rogers Elementary School: Dec. 28–30, Jan. 3–6 • W.W. Samuell High School: Dec. 28–30, Jan. 3–6

• San Jacinto Elementary School: Dec. 28–30, Jan. 3–6 • T.G. Terry Elementary School: Dec. 28–30, Jan. 3–6

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DECEMBER 23, 2016

55-60 Ol' Skool Bday Party Celebration Keeping a Promise to Party

In 2014 Baba Esudele and I agreed to have a joint birth-earthday party fun-raiser to celebrate my 55th (Dec 6) and his 60th (Dec 30) Although he is not here to celebrate physically...he always remains with us in spirit.. He always loved a good party, especially with ol skool music...

We will continue to celebrate his life, work and legacy..and I will keep the deal we made in 2014..

So get your Afro out the box….Iron that wrinkled Dashiki from back in the day

Fix the zipper on your 70’s mini-skirt Dust off those platform shoes you been keeping for years, just in case they come back in style…

And get ready for the Sho-Nuff -Throw Down-Drop It Like Its Hot Pick It Back Up…If You Can Celebration Party Saturday, December 17 - 9pm – til ol’ folk get zzzzz Donation - $10 Featuring DJ WICKED..FOOD and FUN The Esudele Fagbenro Act of Change, Institute of Cultural Arts, 3200 S Lancaster Rd. Suite 623, Dallas, TX 75216 (Lancaster-Kiest Shopping Center..behind DD Discount) December 30th , his actually birthday...we will do our annual Kwanzaa Celebration of Nia..as we have done for years..and we will continue the tradition of our Lip Sync Concert...lots of fun and lots of laughter...just as Esudele loved...so please be on the look out for more info on this upcoming event..and if you want to get on stage and perform as your favorite artist...the opportunity is near..

More details coming soon...

As always..we thank you for your continued support of The Act of Change...

PLEASE SHARE WITH OTHERS..FOR MORE INFO..PLEASE CONTACT ME AT drsafisha@ yahoo.com 214 205 8804

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DECEMBER 23, 2016

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I Messenger ACA Marketplace open Enrollment period runs through Jan. 31, 2017 The fourth open enrollment period into the Health Insurance Marketplace begins Nov. 1, 2016 and runs through Jan. 31, 2017. Through the Marketplace, individuals are able to go to one place to search for health coverage options and choose from the health plans available in their area.

The best source for information about the Marketplace is the website www.healthcare. gov.

The website is available 24/7 and provides information on how the Marketplace works, what the benefits are and key deadlines. Individuals can also call 1.800.318.2596 to speak with trained customer service representatives 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For individuals needing further assistance, Parkland Health & Hospital System will have certified application counselors available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday thru Friday in Parkland’s Business Office to answer questions about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and provide help enrolling in the Marketplace.

The Business Office is located on the first floor of the old Parkland OPC, 5201 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, 75235. Certified application counselors will not be available at any of Parkland’s Community Oriented Primary Care health centers.

“We will have a limited number of certified application counselors available to assist patients with the enrollment process,” said Rhonda Miller, Parkland’s Senior Vice President of Revenue Cycle. “We encourage those who may qualify for the Marketplace to log into the government’s website or speak to one of the government’s trained customer service representatives.”

Most people must have qualifying health coverage or pay a fee for the months they don’t have insurance.

Health coverage exemptions are available

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DECEMBER 23, 2016 based on a number of circumstances, including certain hardships, some life events, health coverage or financial status and membership in some groups. Additional information on exemptions is available at www.healthcare.gov.

In addition, a special enrollment period (SEP) outside of the yearly open enrollment exists for those with certain life events including losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby or adopting child.

If an individual qualifies for an SEP, they usually have up to 60 days following the event to enroll in a plan. If they miss that window, they have to wait until the next open enrollment period to apply.

Those who may need assistance can contact Parkland’s Customer Service department at 214.590.4900. For more information about Parkland’s services, visit www.parklandhospital.com.

Calling NABJ Students!

Applications for the 2017 Short Courses are now open!

Join NABJ and our partner universities for the 2017 Short Courses!

During the Short Courses participants will receive instruction from faculty and experienced industry reporters, news directors, producers, videographers and graphic designers. Participants will produce newscasts, webcasts, podcasts, video slide shows and social media sites, as well as learn strategies on how to market their skills to secure a job after graduation.

Applicant must be: A current member of NABJ Be currently enrolled in a four-year accredited college or university Majoring in journalism or communication Be a junior, senior or graduate student Possess a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 Applications will be accepted online only. Please the following documents ready to upload before beginning the ap-

plication: Cover Letter A high-quality professional headshot with a white or black background A 200 word summary of your current experience and what you hope to learn Resume (one page) Transcript (Scanned, low resolution PDF or JPG) Contact information for three references (Full name, title, phone number, and email) NABJ membership number Web links to your most-recent work samples

DFW-ABJ URBAN JOURNALISM WORKSHOP APPLICATIONS

The Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (formerly the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators) will present its 28th annual Urban Journalism Workshop for high school and college students. For more information or to apply, log on to www. dfwabj.com Applications must be returned by December 31, 2016 to: DFW/ABJ c/o Cheryl Smith 320 South RL Thornton Freeway, Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203

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DECEMBER 23, 2016

Spiritually Speaking

James

JAMES

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DECEMBER 23, 2016

National Endowment for the Arts awards DBDT 2017 Challenge America Grant

- National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $30 million in grants as part of the NEA's first major funding announcement for fiscal year 2017.

Included in this announcement is a Challenge America grant to Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) so it can feature guest artists from Ballet Austin during its Spring Celebration series during May 2017.

The Challenge America category supports primarily small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations-those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics or disability.

The Spring Celebration Series May 1921, 2017 marks the close of Dallas Black Dance Theatre's 40th Anniversary season.

The series features guest artists from Ballet Austin performing a work by their Artistic Director Stephen Mills. In addition, DBDT dancers will perform a contemporary work by Mr. Mills.

Directly following the Friday evening performance DBDT will hold an artists' discussion, featuring dancers from both companies and the choreographer where audience members can ask the guest artists questions about the artistic process.

"The arts are for all of us, and by supporting organizations such as Dallas Black Dance Theatre, the National Endowment for the Arts is providing more opportunities for the public to engage with the arts," said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. "Whether in a theater, a town square, a museum, or

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a hospital, the arts are everywhere and make our lives richer."

"The NEA has two criteria for awarding grants, excellence and merit," explained Jane Chu when she visited DBDT on November 28, 2016 as part of a tour of the Dallas Arts District. "We decide the grant amount on the project, not the size of the organization." The NEA has given grants to Dallas Black Dance Theatre for more than 30 years. In FY 2016, Dallas Black Dance Theatre was the only modern dance company in Texas to receive an NEA grant.

"Dallas Black Dance Theatre is honored to receive this award to support guest artists' performances and engagement with community audiences," said Zenetta Drew, executive director of Dallas Black Dance Theatre.

During its 40-year history, Dallas Black Dance Theatre has performed on five continents, in 15 countries and 31 states, including two Olympic Cultural events.

Over the years, more than 4 million arts patrons and 2.6 million students, grades K-12, have experienced the dance company's performances and educational out-

reach programs. DBDT serves more than 100,000 people annually, including more than 20,000 youth in grades K-12 in Dallas-Fort Worth area schools. DBDT offers community outreach services through workshops, lecture/demonstrations, master-classes, residences, mini-performances and student matinees that are designed level-specific for elementary, middle, high school and university students. Another 40,000 youth and adults are reached through local, national and international festivals, tours, special performances at universities, social service agencies, professional and corporate organizations, civic events and community venues.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre is a resident company of the Dee & Charles Wyly Theatre in the Dallas Arts District where the Spring Celebration series will be performed May 17-21, 2017. For details visit www.DBDT.com.

For more information on projects included in the NEA grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.

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I Messenger

DECEMBER 23, 2016

MY HUSBAND DOESN’T BELIEVE IN GOD ANYMORE. WHAT SHOULD I DO? Dear Alma:

My husband said he no longer believes in God. He did when I met him and when we got married.

We have always attended my family church and have been very active in different organizations.

I just don’t understand or think we can remain married. How can I be with someone who doesn’t believe in God. I am so mad! That has always been the first “must have” on my list. My husband even stopped going to church. I am so hurt, I just don’t know what to do. Do you think I can convince him to go back to what we had and rededicate his life?

How can a marriage stay together if only one person believes in God? Please help us!

Signed, Praying for My Atheist Husband

Dear Praying, Holy guacamole, my sister, this is an issue of enormous ramifications. Yes, it could easily end your marriage if not handled with divine intervention. You say you’re a Christian and so was your

National Black Marathoners plan program The National Black Marathoners Association recognized that the one African-American institution, which has the biggest impact on our health, is the church. We go there every week to get spiritually motivated and inspired. We want to use this same platform to make the congregation physically healthy. A healthier congregation is the foundation of a strong church.

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Ask Alma:

by Alma Gill

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

husband when you met and married, but now he wants to change his stance and he no longer believes in God. Will he consider faith-based counseling?

Listen closely as I speak softly, not tilting the taste of judgment — I think you need to be truthful about his change of belief and try to remember what life experience u-turned him towards a different direction. Who, when, where and how was someone else able to grab hold of him when you weren’t watching. I’m not blaming you, oh no, that’s not my intent. I’m merely trying to show you that one doesn’t pick a Savior in one day. We’re too savvy for that nowadays. Folks will research everything on the Internet. Unfortunately, the information no longer needs to be prophetic or true, as long as it’s printed. I’m just wondering out loud, where you were when he was searching, unraveling, disconnecting from your faith.

Wrangle your anger and resentment cause you’ve got to retain control of this with a calm hand and a cool head. The humbleness of your

the USA Track and Field. We’re proud to host a FREE, one-day workshop for community and faith-based organizations. The health and wellness leaders are taught the proper techniques to start and maintain a year around walking and running program for beginners.

This program was in the October 26, 2016 Wall Street Journal and NBM shared its vision with the religious leaders at the three largest Black faith-based conferences · National Baptist Convention, USA in Kansas City · National Baptist Convention of America in Cincinnati · Church of God in Christ Convocation in St. Louis

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faith is being tested. Like my mama use to say, “the best of sermons are seen, not heard.” My advice to you is, live the Bible you read, carefully chose the words that you speak and most definitely display what you pray. Hold off on contacting a divorce lawyer just yet. Pick up a copy of “In Faith and In Doubt: How Religious Believers and Nonbelievers Can Create Strong Marriages” by Dale McGowan and start reading what has happened with other couples.

What’s great about America is the freedom to pick and follow the religion that suits your heart the best. Only heaven knows if your marriage will survive this, but what I can assure you that both of you deserve the proper respect from one another while you work on it.

Everyone is going to hell in a hand basket according to someone’s religion. Trust me when I say, it’s better to sit on a mountaintop meditating on God and all of His glory, then it is to sit in church disengaged, thinking about taking a hike.

Alma

The workshop is limited to the first thirty people. To reserve a seat, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ faith-based-walkingrunning-program-dallas-tickets-29630578859 Date: Saturday, January 21, 2017 Time: 9:30AM to 4:00PM (lunch included) Location: Carter Room Cooper Hotel & Conference Center 12200 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230 For questions, email FaithAndWellness@BlackMarathoners.org The coaching instructors are Monisha Randolph and Tony Reed. They have a combined 50 years of running experience have trained over

500 walkers and runners, including through church programs. Their running experience includes finishing over 300 races. They’ve won age group and weight division trophies, while completing over 130 marathons (26.2 miles) in all fifty States, and seven continents, including Antarctica.

They’ve authored six books and over 50 articles. And we’ve appeared in newspapers and publications ranging from Ebony, Upscale, the Black MBA magazine, and the Wall Street Journal to Runner’s World, Black Sports – The Magazine, Southern Living, the Dallas Morning News, and the Star-Telegram.

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DECEMBER 23, 2016

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I Messenger

DECEMBER 23, 2016

Prayer Is My Daily Weapon of Choice Spiritually Speaking

by James A. Washington

Recently, I’ve had reason to refocus on that sometimes habitual thing that I do known as prayer.

Be it morning prayer, evening at church or, on behalf of a friend or seeking guidance in and out of a difficult situation, I have come to realize my prayer life could and should be much better.

I am reading an old fashioned good vs. evil novel, where the good is actually all about angels and the bad about demons.

Their battle is all about controlling us for the victory where their allegiances lay, ultimately God or Satan.

The revelation about my prayer life comes with an enlightenment of where our focus should be.

“For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the world rulers of this present darkness…” (Ephesians 6:12.) Now this is not a doom and gloom column making a statement about today’s politics. It is merely a commentary about the things I pray about.

I usually don’t pray about governments, world leaders, the coming of a new age and so forth. My prayer life tends to be a little more close to home and more about the people I love. To make my point, let me use the term “prayer cover.”

In the book that I’m reading, the angels are constantly asking each other if can they win the next battle and the answer is always not unless they get

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more prayer cover. They need more people praying in order to achieve victory.

And the specifics of the needed prayer revolve around folks calling upon the name of Jesus. You see everything changes, the tide gets turned, and the odds get stacked up against the pro-Christ gang.

Now, I know for a fact that many a friend, family member, church acquaintance and others have provided me with plenty of prayer cover.

I also know it was and has been my intent to provide cover for those clos-

If I look at prayer as a weapon in the eternal life and death struggle, then I am arming myself and others who are caught up in the eternal challenges of the day. I am providing cover. est to me. You just pray for people you love and all they are going through.

We hear the phrase “our thoughts and prayers go out to…” too many times these days for people caught up in nonsensical violence, terror, war and my favorite, man’s inhumanity to man.

And it doesn’t appear to be slowing down at all. Now back to my prayer point.

If I look at prayer as a weapon in the eternal life and death struggle, then I

am arming myself and others who are caught up in the eternal challenges of the day. I am providing cover.

It’s a military term. Scripture says it’s not always about flesh and blood, but things some of us don’t pay too much attention to.

Principalities, local, state, national and world leaders might need some prayer cover. Others just need prayer.

The way I’m thinking now is that prayer just might be my daily weapon of choice.

It’s kind of a new perspective to think your prayers are ammunition for the work God wants done by you.

Prayer makes you stronger and the enemy weaker as a result.

The interesting thing about the book is that it forces you to look at the enemy in a different way.

The enemy is doubt, fear, crimes against your person, complacency, fear of success, spiritual poverty, and apprehension about the world and its direction.

So, for me, tomorrow I’m arming myself for the battles of the day and the days after with a good dose of prayer and will happily share a few bullets for you.

The victory is ours and Jesus has already won this thing. He provided all the prayer cover we need. All He has ever asked you to do is take that knowledge with you and share it with the world.

May God bless and keep you always.

James

James Washington is a father, husband, Christian and writer. James is also the owner and publisher of the multimedia company The Dallas Weekly. You can follow James on Twitter at @ JAWS_215.

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DECEMBER 23, 2016

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DECEMBER 23, 2016

WOMEN THAT SOAR

I Messenger

CAAPCO ANNUAL HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE More than 500 children will now have gifts when they wake up on Christmas morning. Generous donations benefited two charities: Davion's Closet, which provides clothing and toys to children who are affected by HIV; and The Prison Fellowship Angel Tree, which provides clothing and toys to children whose parents are

Season’s Greetings from the I Messenger Family.

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Nowitzki honored

Dirk Nowitzki

DECEMBER 23, 2016

By Dorothy Gentry TEXAS METRO NEWS

Dallas Maverick star Dirk Nowitzki was recently honored with the first Derek Harper Media Assist Award for his consistent availability to the media and cooperation during the 2015-16 season.

Every season, local chapters of the Professional Basketball Writers’ Association honor a player on their team who exhibits professionalism and an uncommon willingness to devote time when dealing with members of the media.

The award was presented during halftime of the Mavericks vs. Indiana Pacers game Friday night at American Airlines Center.

Presenting Dirk the award were co-chairs of the Professional Basketball Writers Association, Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Tele-

gram and Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News.

“Nowitzki truly is a blessing not only for fans on the court, but for media members in the interview room,” said Price.

The award is named after former Maverick and NBA star Derek Harper, who was one of the most media-friendly players in Mavericks’ history. Harper is currently a game analyst for the Mavericks on their locally broadcast games.

Nowitzki has been the face of the Dallas Mavericks franchise where he has played his entire 19-year-career. He is considered one of the greatest power forwards in basketball history and led the Mavericks to the franchise’s first Finals appearance in 2006 and only Championship in 2011.

Mavs play home-heavy December schedule MFFL’s (Mavs Fans for Life) and even those who aren’t – have several opportunities to see the Dallas Mavericks play this month as the team plays 8 home games in December.

Rest of their home schedule for December: Dec. 18 vs. Sacramento Kings, 6 p.m.

Dec. 27 vs. Houston Rockets, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now! 214-747-MAVS or visit www.mavs.com. All games are played at the American Airlines Center and can be heard on 103.3FM (ESPN) and seen on Fox Sports Southwest.

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DECEMBER 23, 2016

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DECEMBER 23, 2016

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