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December 29, 2017

Ada Williams The Epitome of grace, love and all things noble

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I absolutely love Ada Williams

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.

Admittedly, 2017 has been a challenging one for me .To say I was shocked upon hearing of the passing of Mr. Dick Gregory would be an understatement. I’m still reeling from the news. He was a fine man who I held in high esteem and I miss him dearly.

Then, I received word that someone else who always brought a smile to my face, Ada Williams, died. Sure she had a way of looking at you, with such love and compassion; but it was also her words that were equally important. She told me she was proud of me. She spoke kind words that warmed my heart and at times gave me strength to continue the work I do.

Ada Williams was a special woman.

I am blessed to have met so many wonderful women during my journey and I have my sorority sister Ada Williams way up at the top of the list. She was such a kind, gentle spirit. She was always helpful and supportive.

When I think of Delta women, she is the epitome of everything we stand for. She is also the type of woman that every female could use as a role model, because she exemplifies everything noble, gracious, loving and proper.

Another soror, Mythe Kirven, described

this wonderful woman: “Ada lived her life to the fullest and enjoyed a wonderful Christmas on Monday. No one knows the hour or the day but God, and Ada, was prepared in the twinkling of an eye to meet Jesus. Today, we celebrate the legacy she leaves to so many throughout Dallas and our nation. She was, is and always will be the Parliamentarian’s Parliamentarian; the Superintendent’s Superintendent; the local, state and national President’s President; the Chairman of the Board’s Chairman; the Trustee’s Trustee; a Leader’s Leader and for sure, A Delta’s DELTA. She was/is/always will be respected and revered as THE role model, the confidant, the mentor, the mother/grandmother/aunt, the advisor, the sister/soror extraordinaire, class personified, the supreme example of grace and dignity, the smile that keeps on giving, the best of friends.�

I am so happy to have known my dear Ada Williams. I feel honored to have shared special moments with her and I will cherish those memories forever.

As I continue on this journey with so many dynamic people who I count as my angels, I will strive to be a better person, because I am a better person, having known them.

Cheryl Smith

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December 29, 2017

In Memoriam

F Karl Banks 12/25/2017. Wake: Fri 7-9 pm at Community MBC, 2920 Fordham Rd. Service: Sat 11 am at Southern Bible Institute, 7200 S. Hampton Rd. ********************

Floyd Bean Floyd Preston Bean, affectionately known as “Catfish Floyd”, was born on January 3, 1935 in Galveston, Texas to the late Albert and Ollie Bean.

Floyd was the second of four children born to that union. His brother, Albert Bean Jr. and sister, Clara Tatum preceded him in death.

Floyd graduated from Central High School, in Galveston, Texas, where he was a star athlete. During his high school years, he lettered in football

which allowed him to receive an athletic scholarship to Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. Floyd went on to complete his studies and football career at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Floyd accepted Christ as his personal Savior at a young age and used his gifts and talents for the service of the Lord.

In his early years, Floyd was a member of the Progressive Baptist Church in Galveston, Texas, where he sang in the choir. He continued his commitment to God when he joined Highland Hills United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, and faithfully and diligently served as a Trustee Member, a member of the United Methodist Men, and the Chancel Choir.

While attending Southern University, Floyd met the love of his life Deborah Gordon and spent almost 60 years in marital bliss. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Rhonda and Zandra, and completing the blessings of Love, two grandsons, O.J. and Robert.

Before moving to Dallas, Floyd worked at the Falstaff Brewery in Galveston, Texas. After the Brewery transferred Floyd to Dallas, he was confident he would someday own his own business, and he planned to remain in Dallas for no more than five years. After several years as a traveling salesman, based in Dallas, he landed a position as the Director of Minority Franchises for Bonanza Steakhouse.

This position also required him to travel extensively, but be-

cause he was now a family man, he leaped at the opportunity to become the first Black owner of a Bonanza franchise in Texas in 1972. This opportunity would open doors for major entrepreneurship.

Along with his wife Deborah, Floyd’s ownership consisted of the Bonanza Steak House Franchise (Dallas), Polar Bear Ice Cream Franchise, three concessions at the World’s Fair, The Dallas Independent School District’s concessions, two concessions at the American Airlines Center, five concessions at the State Fair of Texas, and up to five locations of Catfish Floyd’s in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. The Bean family has been in the restaurant business since 1983 and in the food services

business since 1971. For several years, Floyd donated food and volunteered his time serving the hungry at the annual Thanksgiving feast, sponsored each year by the former KKDA Radio station. Floyd made it his priority to hire ex-felons and offer them an opportunity to provide for themselves and

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their families because he felt everyone deserved a Second Chance. At Christmas, it was Floyd’s tradition to feed the homeless.

Floyd received numerous honors and privileges of service, but those most notable were the Post Tribune’s Businessman of the Week, the Catfish Floyd Living Legacy Award which honors the perseverance of African American Men, and his service as President of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce. Floyd was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the Rough Riders Camping Club and the Texas Longhorns Camping Club. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing, and talking to people.

On the morning of December 22, 2017, the Lord called His angel Floyd home to rest.

He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted and beloved wife, Deborah; his two daughters, Rhonda (Oather) and Zandra; two grandsons, O.J. and Robert; one sister, Alma Collier; three nieces, Lorna, Kimberly, and Maureen; three nephews, Byron (Rita), George, and Larry (Mary); and a host of many relatives and friends.

The Celebration of His Life will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at 11:00am at Highland Hills United Methodist Church, 3800 Simpson Stuart Rd, Dallas, TX 75241. Viewing will be Friday, December 29, 2017 from 3:00pm to 9:00pm with Family Hour from 6:00pm to 6:45pm.

The viewing will be at Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home 6449 University Hill Blvd Dallas, Tx 75241 214-376-1500

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December 29, 2017

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes in 2018!

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR December 29 Lights All Night 2017 December 29,-30, Dallas Market Hall 2200 Stemmons Fwy Dallas, TX 75207 December 29th - December 30th, 2017 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 Prisoners- 7pm

Dec 30 Dead Prez: Saturday Night Fever

Tickets

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. 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)

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.

Kwanzaa (NIA) Toy + Book Drive Hosted by BLAC Time: Saturday at 3 PM - 5 PM Where: Pan African Connection

2630 Aero Drive Grand Prairie, TX

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

January 1, 2018 Happy New Year!

***** NYE White Party DelShawn’s All White Party New Year’s Eve Party Time 9:00 p.m.

DelShawn’s Daiquiri, Blues & Good Food 3516 E. Lancaster Ave. Fort Worth, 76103 Table Reservations 682-785-2351

***** New Year’s Eve @ The Cliff **** Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship The Dallas Mavericks blood drive. All 7 p.m. or 10 p.m. with special guest blood donors will receive a tour of the Byron Cage with the adults and KJ new Mavs practice facility; a pair of Scriven and The Fam --For youth tickets to an upcoming game; and a to bring in the New Year. custom t-shirt designed for the event www.ocbfchurch.org 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

ALL GUCCI MANE EDITION 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM (CST) Flow Fitness

4466S.

*****

EVENTFULLY YOURS PRESENTS 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 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 presents- 2nd Annual “DIAMOND AFFAIR”107 Years of Achievement Celebration The Largest #J5 Celebration in the City at House of Blues 2200 North Lamar St Dallas, TX Sounds By: K104 DJ Steve Nice ☆ DJ Boogie 469-454-8064.

Doors open: 10pm until Flashlight

January 6 YOGA N DA HOOD:

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

Barre & Bites New Year’s Soiree is an annual fitness event thrown by bloggers, Janna and Ginger.

Its purpose is to bring together fitness enthusiasts around DFW and raise money for organizations in need. Tickets 30.00 available : http://bit.ly/2ocp2BB

January 12 MLK Celebration Fair MLK Recreation Center 2922 MLK Blvd. Dallas, TX 75215 Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The MLK Celebration Fair will provide career opportunities, educational resources, medical screenings and access to valuable healthcare information.

Vendor application: http://bit. ly/2C5EFww **** MLK Candlelight Ceremony Where: MLK Recreation Center 2922 MLK Blvd Dallas, TX 75215 Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The Candlelight Ceremony is a special event hosted by the Alpha Sigma Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Dr. King Scholarship and Essay Contest winners will be awarded.

Essay Contest Application: http:// bit.ly/2j4yPEg

Here’s wishing you and yours a happy new year!

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Remembering James Brown 1933-2006

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The Death Angel Rides…

QUIT PLAYIN’

By Vincent L. Hall

My Grandfather, the paternal one, not the preaching one, had a third grade education and the intellect of an East Coast scholar. He missed some grade school, all of high school, but was valedictorian in the school of hard knocks.

Ed Hall was as perceptive and penetrating as any man you could meet. He was a walking dissertation on life, labor and “bigboned Black women.”

Papa Hall, akin to most pre-Civil Rights era Negroes, shared cultural wisdom and idioms that no other race of people would readily understand.

Old Black wisdom was like Pig Latin…It was contorted, coded and confounding to the untrained ear.

We were at a gambling shack on New Years’ eve in 1970 something. The statute of limitations has run and that South Dallas neighborhood is in the full grasp of gentrification, so it’s ok to tell this story now. Strategic silence was another one of Papa’s mantras; “Don’t let your two cent mouth get your mil-

lion dollar assets in trouble.”

A n y w a y …

We were at the corner of South Blvd. and Parnell w h e n a loudmouthed, socially uncircumcised h e at h e n s a u n tered into the flop house.

The table was newly-laden in green felt with a set of dice and a set of playing cards.

There were 20 or so players casting lots on the shooter and on the side.

This brother, who seemingly came into the game from nowhere, was full of that oil (you can plug in whichever intoxicant you prefer because we couldn’t tell) and talking much trash.

This dude leaned

and out, covering bets on both sides and instigating like Redd Foxx. Dude was winning like hell, but he had a nasty habit of taunting his victims on a personal level. The smoke-filled

obsessively and ostentatiously onerous.

Looking for answers as a 15-yearold, I drew close to Papa and whispered; “Pops, what’s up with this cat?” As quickly as

room was a playpen for thick skinned hustlers, who were in no form demure or easily discomfited. Mr. Big Mouth, whose government name shall not be printed, gave clarity to a comedic warning circulated

by Richard Pryor; “You can’t kick my ass and holler at me too!”

Mr. Big Mouth was

I slid the .38 S&W snub nosed to my Papa, he pushed it back at me.

Papa gave us one of those exclusively Black anecdotes: “Don’t worry son, he just got the death angel riding him.”

Two weeks later at the Sportsman’s Rec, a “billiards emporium” around the corner, we learned that mis-

fortune paid Mr. Big Mouth a visit.

His demise caused me some reflection and uneasiness. How did Papa know that this imbecile was headed for destruction? Did I miss something? How could I master this level of discernment? Papa held court as I drove him home around 4:00 a.m. the next morning.

“Son sometimes, when people are evil and know the difference between right and wrong, they begin to implode.

Eventually it shows up in their behavior and in their interaction with others. When tragedy is near, they get a premonition and begin to act strange. Don’t fight with death angels; you don’t have to…just give them enough time and rope and they’ll hang themselves.”

I’ve watched the death angel ride a lot of people since then. 2017 has been my first opportunity to watch it in on Twitter. There’s been some really crazy behavior this year and Papa’s wisdom has me convinced that the death angel is still riding.

Stay Woke!!!

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

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Mavericks announce new Dallas NBA 2K League Team

By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor

There’s a new Game in town.

Mavs Gaming, the official name of the Dallas NBA 2K League team, recently released its official name, logo, wordmark and social media channels. And MFFL’s like Dwain Thompson can’t wait to take part in this new endeavor.

“I’m a true MFFL (Mavs Fan For Life) and I play NBA 2K all the time so Mavs Gaming is right on time for me. It’s just an extension of what I am already doing,” he said. “I’m very excited the Mavs are part of this new initiative.”

The NBA 2K League, a joint venture between the NBA and Take-Two Interactive, is a professional esports league featuring the best 2K players in the world.

Seventeen teams are set to compete and participate in the inaugural season of the league. NBA 2K is a video basketball simulation game with gameplay that simulates a typical game of basketball.

Mavs Gaming will field a team of five players who will be selected from a pool of the world’s best gamers via the League Draft held in March.

The Mavs Gaming social media accounts, @

mavsgg (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram), are currently live and engaging with fans. Fans interested in the NBA 2K League and Mavs Gaming can follow the team through the first stage of qualifying in January, tryouts in February and the first NBA 2K League Draft set to be held in March. The season tips off in May, 2018, with games taking place in one or two central studios for the inaugural season.

RARE Design, based in Hattiesburg, MS, collaborated with each team on their identity, aiming to tell the story of their respective legacies, and specifically for Mavs Gaming, finding the true meaning of what makes a modern Maverick.

“We wanted a symbol that was unexpected, fearless, with a swagger that is rooted in our Dallas heritage,” said Dallas Mavericks and Mavs Gaming owner Mark Cuban. “We are confident that whomever we draft for our team will be proud to wear it.”

For more information about Mavs Gaming, visit the Mavs Gaming social accounts above or mavs.gg

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Lessons from the African American Vote in Alabama

By Dr. John Warren (San Diego Voice and Viewpoint/NNPA Member)

T h e African Americans who have convinced t h e m selves that one vote doesn’t matter, should take a very close look at what happened during the recent special election in Alabama. In spite of the endorsement of President Donald Trump and the extremely conservative White voters who supported Roy Moore, Doug Jones, the Democratic candidate won the for the United States Senate seat vacated

by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Jones was the first Democrat elected to represent Alabama in the U.S. Senate in 25 years. How he won is very important to African Americans across this nation.

Exit polls showed that 98 percent of African American women who voted supported Jones and 93 percent of African American men who voted chose the Democratic candidate. The Jones’ victory by 1.5 percent clearly shows that, without the Black vote, Jones wouldn’t have won the special election. Equally important is the fact that

this degree of African American voter participation in an off-season special election, demonstrates what we can do, when we choose to get involved. African Americans cannot allow “voter suppression” tactics, like additional photo identification requirements, to deter us from going to the polls.

According to Nonprofit VOTE, “In all but two states, voting age citizens convicted of a felony are barred from voting for some period of time.”

In Washington, D.C., Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Utah, the voting rights of returning citizens are restored automatically once they’re released. In Florida, Iowa, Kentucky and Virginia, ex-offenders are forced to petition the government to have their voting rights restored.

African Americans are disproportionately affected by voter suppression tactics and laws that deny ex-felons the right to vote; that’s why we should be

focused on “voter registration” and not candidate endorsements at this stage of the game. We cannot allow apathy and indifference to take the place of the hard won battle for voter participation on the part of African Americans. Just as we rallied and voted for President Barack Obama, we must rally and vote against the policies and political candidates promoted by the Trump Administration.

We have to do whatever it takes to defeat those who would continue to support a system of economic inequality dressed up as tax reform that ultimately harms the majority of Americans.

Jones’ victory in the special election in Alabama demonstrates that Black votes matter and that Black voters cast crucial votes in elections where White voters are decidedly split; that’s the real lesson.

We make our victories and define our value. Let’s not let others do that for us.

Every Black vote counts and can make a difference in the Deep South and across the nation.

The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint is a member publication of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Learn more about becoming a member at www.nnpa.org.

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MALVEAUX: KWANZAA – AN ANTIDOTE TO INSANITY The Last Word

by Dr. Julianne Malveaux

The sickening sight of smug sycophantic Republicans celebrating the passage of their tax bill on the White House lawn was the Scrooge-like move to drop a lump of coal into the stockings of the 13 million Americans likely to lose health insurance coverage thanks to the move. Of course, corporations are so ecstatic that some – AT&T and Comcast among them – are offering employee bonuses because they will benefit so much from the tax plan.

As disgusted as I am, there is, to quote the Bible, “balm in Gilead”, or an opportunity to heal the many wounds inflicted by 45 and his callow and kleptomaniacal administration.

Yes, kleptomaniacal, stooping so low as to propose regulations that will give restaurants control of employee tips.

Still, there is balm in Gilead, good things, good news that has happened this year

despite the utter depravity that has shaped this administration. My balm comes at the end of the year when we celebrate Kwanzaa, the African principled-holiday invented by Maulana Karenga, the celebration of seven unifying principles for African descendants around the world, a time to be unapologetically Black. And it is important to be unapologetically Black in a nation that has decided that we can be prosecuted for our very Blackness, broadly defined as “Black identity extremists” because we fail to humbly embrace the possibility of assimilation, because we dare believe that Black Lives Matter.

Kwanzaa – the celebration of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles), Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Coopera-

tive Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith), is a time for renewal and repurposing. It makes the end of the year something to look forward to, and this year all the more so. Everybody doesn’t celebrate Kwanzaa, but this is a year when balm is especially needed. We have seen a civil rights hero (Congressman John Lewis) disparaged by a “President” unfit to empty his garbage. We have seen courageous football players who took a knee for their beliefs being cursed by a “leader” who called them “sons of b--tches” insulting both them and their mothers. To list every verbal assault (not to mention legislative assaults) that 45 has unleashed against Black people, women, Latinos, disabled people, and others, is to write a series of columns. It is sufficient to point out that after this barrage of assaults, there is balm in Gilead, healing for the wounds. For me, that balm is Kwanzaa.

There are also moments and memories

that provide some balm. The activist year began, for me, with the Women’s March. The young women leader who drew a million or more women to the nation’s capital deserve high praise, and while relations between Black and white women are not smooth, the moment of unity was powerful. And it was exhilarating to celebrate the moment with new Democratic women Senators like Kamala Harris (CA), and Catherine Cortez Mastio (NV), who have offered pointed and principled leadership during this tumultuous year.

Moments, memories, and victories include the stunning rebuke to Republicans delivered by Democrats in Virginia, New Jersey and most recently Alabama. They include some local races, and also the anticipatory smiles that come from those who have stepped up to run for office, despite the odds, like Stacey Abrams (Georgia) and Maya Rockeymoore (Maryland).

These candidates are balm because their

focused candidacies and furious optimism provides hope for all of us.

Notably, both Rockeymore and Abrams have received the support of the progressive women’s PAC, EMILY’s List, which suggest this organization has come a long way from 1992 when they were very late to the table in former Senator Carol Mosley Braun’s primary race for the Illinois Senate (they supported her earlier and more enthusiastically in the general election race).

As 2017 comes to an end, I am among those who will lay my weapons down for a few moments, to refresh and renew for the battles ahead, especially around the upcoming 2018 elections.

Kwanzaa is balm in the middle of this madness, an antidote to 45 and his insanity!

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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A MUST READ

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

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

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

My suggestion is doable.

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

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

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

He begins his book telling the story of Iroquois women

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

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

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

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

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

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

Countering those who dis

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

His cannot be the last word.

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

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

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

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When to call it quits Ask ALMA Dear Alma, Hi Alma. My name is K. I’ve been with my boyfriend almost 4 years. He works but doesn’t make enough to help me. He makes up for it though in EVERY OTHER AREA, and he’s also a little controlling. He’s taken my engagement ring from me 3 times and I went and bought my own replacement ring and he told me that no other ring should be on that finger, and made me take it off.

Should I continue in this relationship? Oh and yes I do love him.

Well K, it depends.

—K

Yes, if you’re 16 and No if your 26.

News flash! Your boyfriend isn’t ready to get married and neither are you. When you love someone and you’re ready to commit, you don’t take back the ring every time there’s a problem. And you especially don’t go out and get a replacement ring, frontin’ to your friends, so they don’t see the real deal. What your partner offers, is who he really is. You can’t change, transform or rearrange anyone. Wise up to the truth of the matter, when it comes to your relationships. Otherwise you’re living in the fantasy of what you want your life to be. Stick to what you can control. The truth, that’s what you can change and transform.

Alma

Caregiving: Elderly Parents Taking a Toll Dear Alma: I am a 64 year-old divorced woman who lives with my father. Some years ago, when my marriage fell apart, and Mom was diag-

nosed with dementia, I moved back home to help my dad with her. I was also working part-time, so I couldn’t afford my own apartment. Two years ago, Dad and I could no longer care for Mom at home, so we put her in a care facility, and I retired. During this time, I have made new friends, three of them live in the state of New Mexico.

A few months ago, I went to visit these friends, and fell in love with New Mexico.

The cost of living isn’t as high as it is here, and the laid-back, small city life seems to mesh well with my personality. I feel this is the place I am meant to live the rest of my life.

My problem is that Dad is 87, and I’m leery of moving hundreds of miles away, knowing there are some thugs in the neighborhood, who may try to break into the house once they learn Dad is there alone.

Although I have a sister, she has never been there for our parents the way I have been. In fact, our parents haven’t seen her in seven years. Some friends and relatives say I should go for it, since I’m divorced and childless, and also reminding me I’m no longer a young woman. Then, there are those who feel I’m being selfish for wanting to make this move and finally live my own life. Am I wrong?

Sincerely, New Mexico is Calling Me Dear New Mexico, Hello, my darling, thank you for taking the time to email me and to allow me the privilege to weigh-in on your situation. It takes a special person to care for elderly and/or invalid family members. I’m sending a big hug your way.

I want to start by sharing that my mom lived with me and my family for the last two years of her life. She had come to a place where she could no longer live alone.

Was my life on hold?

Yes, but I wouldn’t take a dime for that time, as I’m sure, neither would you.

You’ve already lived through the thick of it, so, there isn’t much more I could share with you about the “role reversal” regarding parental care.

It’s hard, it’s thankless and it’s heartbreakingly some of the best times you’ll spend with your parents, unconditionally caring for them as they did for you. It’s an honor for us, but not so much for strongwilled parents. ,;,khzTheir eyes always seem to see you as the child they raised. It doesn’t matter how old you are, how many children you have or how many times you’ve been married. LOL. I can’t help but think, now that your mom’s gone on to glory, that you should continue to be there for your dad. Don’t abandon him now. Stay, give him the same love and commitment you gave to your mother.

Your dad, I take it, doesn’t need as much attention, but that shouldn’t determine your decision. You’re doing it just, because it’s the right thing to do. Is it selfish for you to want a break, to want to relocate and start living your own life? Absolutely not at all, that’s normal and you have every right to feel that way.

You’ve been an attentive, dedicated and loving daughter…don’t stop now. There’s no need to relocate, just yet. Take care of your Dad and, every three months or so, go visit your friends for a week or two. Sadly, when your dad’s no longer with us—it’ll be time to make your move.

I don’t have either one of my parents anymore, and I regret the extra time I missed spending with them every day, because I was busy, I had a family, I had people to see, places to go, things to do.

So, trust me, you’ll never regret putting your life on hold by choosing to honor

your mother and father. God is watching and will undoubtedly grant you the desires of your heart.

Hold on a little longer, your day is coming. You gave and it will be given back to you in good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.

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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Hollywood Hernandez Live

By Hollywood Hernandez Movie Review-

Jumanji-Welcome to the Jungle

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a remake of the original 1995 movie which stared Robin Williams. However, this version has been updated. Now, instead of the game coming alive, the four main characters, including Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart and Jack Black, play avatars who are sucked in to the game.

Jumanji is a great adventure/comedy with the actors playing characters who are entirely unlike their movie counterparts. The movie begins with a “Breakfast Club” vibe, with four teenagers from different social statuses spending time in detention. That’s where the find the video game and the adventure begins.

When they are sucked into the game the four high school teens must now come together to play their way out of the game; with each player assigned three lives

or they will die in the game for real.

The pursuit to win the game is a great adventure and the characters are a laugh a minute. Both Kevin Hart’s and Jack Black’s characters deliver most of the comedy. Hart plays Fridge, a high school football players who is about two feet taller than his avatar and Jack Black, who’s avatar is Professor Shelly Oberon in the game, is Bethany; a popular teenage girl in the real world and he plays the professor like a spoiled girl through out the movie.

Dewayne Johnson does most of the heavy lifting on the adventure part of the movie, along with Karen Gillian, who plays Martha, a real high school geek in real life, but she plays a “Laura Croft Tomb Raider” type character in the game.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a great family film and

suitable for all ages. It’s rated PG-13 and runs at 1 hour and 59 minutes. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I give it a Jumbo.

THE POST There’s a lot to like about The Post, a movie that was named best movie of 2017 by The

North Texas Film Critics Association. The movie is directed by four time Oscar winner Steven Spielberg and stars two other multiple Oscar winners Meryl Streep (4) and Tom Hanks (2). With a cast like that you expect an Oscar caliber movie and The Post delivers.

The movie is set in 1971, however, it is just as timely today with it’s theme of government lies and cover ups and the need for a free press. The movie is very obviously a warning about the alleged corruption of the Donald Trump administration. It makes no bones about it.

The true story is based on the incidents that occurred involving “The Pentagon Papers”, a report which spanned four U.S. presidents, and was a written history of the war containing government secrets such as the fact that President Johnson lied to the American people, as well as to congress, as to the real purpose of the war and how the war was expanded to Cambodia and Laos, with bombing raids, without being revealed to the U.S. media.

The NY times first reported the story in 1971 but when the Washington Post got an actual copy of the report the paper was forced to go to court to fight the U.S. governments refusal to allow them to release the papers to the American people.

A very deceitful and divisive President Nixon brought all the pressure he could muster to ruin and discredit The Post in its coverage of the news from The White House (sound familiar?). The Post took the case all the way to The Supreme Court and the court’s decision was that only a free press can expose deception in the government and the government cannot restrict the rights of a free press. That part is written in the history books. The talented ensemble cast of The Post is not.

Meryl Streep plays the first female publisher of a major newspaper. Tom Hanks plays the editor of The Post and Steven Spielberg directs a masterful, left wing attack on the Nixon administration and indirectly on the Trump administration as well. I loved it.

The Post is rated PG-13 and runs 1 hour and 55 minutes.

It’s a story that teaches us that we don’t learn from the past; we are doomed to repeat it. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” The Post rates a JUMBO. Read more and win tickets at www.hollywoodhernandezlive.com

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Faith, the Weapon of Choice Have you ever wondered why God’s Spiritually Speaking teachings are so feared by those who believe

by James A. Washington in other religions?

I used to say Jesus’ I heard Bishop T.D. Jakes message made so much of the Potters House in sense that even if He Dallas TX preach a ser- didn’t exist, we should inmon one night that really caught my attention.

He reminded those in the audience that most of the bible was written from a jail cell. I think his overall message had something to do with his prison outreach ministry, which I understand to be significant.

I was so struck, however, by the reality of God’s Word and direction coming from the deep faith vent Him. of those imprisoned, that Now that I’m saved, the concept has never I guess you could say I left me. know I’m a candidate for What is it about being a assassination. believer, a walking talking My point, as I was being believer that somehow enlightened by Bishop frightens those in power, Jakes’ reference, is that so much so, that a jail cell I don’t view myself as a or worse is a reasonable threat to anyone based solution to the imagined upon my belief in one problem?

God, the Holy Trinity and History suggests that the truth of Jesus Christ. professing one’s belief in But the world in which I Jesus Christ as Lord can live does view me in this literally be a death sen- manner. tence. The bible teaches I suppose a larger issue us that eventually our ought to then be, have belief will be put to the I done anything or said ultimate test.

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

If I haven’t said or done anything, then maybe

for humankind got Him killed.

And then it always hits me that this kind of philosophy will ultimately attack and undermine entrenched institutionalized power of all kinds.

That’s when I realize that if you are a believer in Christ, you are most certainly a threat to man.

Man craves power and Christianity abdicates all power to Jehovah.

We stand as representatives of that truth and stand trial everyday with the world as our judge and jury.

That explains that target on the backs of believers throughout history and should remind us all of the target on our own backs.

All I can encourage you to do in the face of all this is to stay the course and know our defense attorney is on the case 24/7.

The prosecuting attorney has already lost this case.

So when you’re alone in your cell remember, you have already won.

The battle is over. The verdict is in. We won.

I better get going, stir things up.

In their day, the apostles, Paul and others were indeed looked upon as threats to the establishment.

That meant governments and principalities, as well as the church hierarchy.

If nothing else, I don’t think anyone would argue that on His worst day, Jesus was the quintessential revolutionary.

It still amazes me how May God bless and keep you such principles of unconalways. ditional universal love

James

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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