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December 8, 2017 I Messenger December 8, 2017

I Messenger

South Dallas BP&W honored

by City of Dallas for 63 years of service

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December 8, 2017 I Messenger

Texas METRO NEWS Formerly Kuumba Heritage News Founded by Theresa Thrash in 1994 to the Glory & Honor of Jesus Christ

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 DESIGN/LAYOUT 619

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I Messenger Established 2011 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.

This Venue Has Value

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I Messenger December 8, 2017

South Dallas BP&W honored by City of Dallas for 63 years of service

Garland’s Gwen Daniels is current Club President

By Gwendolyn H. Daniels

ings.

The women and Club President men of South Dallas Tuesday, November BPW Club aligned 14th was a special the wall to make day for the South room in the seating Dallas Business and area for Dallas citizens who were attending the morning briefing.

Councilman Casey Thomas acknowledged the significance of South Dallas BPW Club and our presence in large numbers, then he began his presentations.

Below is President Gwen Daniels and Dallas City Councilman one of three official comCasey Thomas mendations Professional Wom- that were presented en’s Club, Inc. A total to South Dallas BPW of 29 Club Sisters and on November 14, Ombudsmen arrived 2017. downtown early for breakfast provided SPECIAL PRESENon the sixth floor of TATION Dallas City Hall by Councilman Casey WHEREAS, in OctoThomas of District ber of 1954 Dwight 3, prior to the Dallas D. Eisenhower was City Council briefing. President of the UnitThe publicly sched- ed States and Texas uled briefing began Instruments had promptly at 9:00 AM just developed the followed by an invo- first transistor radio! cation from clergy However, the hidden and greetings to all secret was the event in attendance from taking place in what Mayor Mike Rawl- was called “sunny

South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc.

south Dallas.”

WHEREAS, a small group of business and professional women led by founding President Sara J. Holbert first begin meeting in the living room of her home, and now 63 years later, the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. is still a viable asset in the greater Dallas area.

WHEREAS, South Dallas Club members have spent over six decades adopting nursing homes, schools and families needing a helping

hand throughout the southern Dallas community.

National Association of Negro Business and Professional

South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. at City Hall

The Club has served as a pacesetter group for the South Central District of the

Women’s Clubs, Inc. introducing stellar membership recruitment programs such

as “Denim and Pearls Meet and Greet” that has been duplicated throughout the country and hosting outstanding Vocal Arts Programs for Emerging Artists.

WHEREAS, South Dallas BPW Club held its first Yuletide Reception in January 1955, it is preparing to host its signature event, the 55th V. Alyce Foster Trailblazer Awards Luncheon in April 2018. During these Luncheons, South Dallas BPW has awarded hundreds of thousands of dolSee SOUTH DALLAS page 23

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Payday Lenders want to charge triple-digit interest

By Charlene Crowell

Communications Deputy Director, Center for Responsible Lending

“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” is a wellknown a dage.

Charlene CrowellIn recent weeks, it seems that phrase could also be an apt description of the unrelenting efforts of predatory payday lenders to sell their wares.

Across the country, 15 states as well as in the District of Columbia, with varying geographies, economies and demographics have enacted strong rate cap limits. In each locale, these actions were taken to curb the harmful consequences of payday lenders’ 300 percent or higher interest rate loans.

When voters or legislatures approve rate caps, these lenders seek loopholes to evade state requirements. Changing products from payday to car title-loans is one way. Others pose as “loan brokers” or “mortgage lenders” to avoid regulation of payday lending. Even at the federal level and on the heels of a still-new rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), payday lenders and their supporters are now pressing for legislation to continue and expand triple-digit lending on small-dollar loans.

The same deception that hides the real cost of predatory, consumer loans is reflected in the title of pending legislation in both the House of Representatives and in the Senate.

The Protecting Consumers’ Ac-

cess to Credit Act of 2017 (H.R. 3299 and S. 1624) would allow payday lenders, high-cost online lenders, and other predatory lenders to partner with banks to make loans that surpass existing state interest rate limits. This legislative scheme would legalize payday lenders to charge triple-digit interest rates, despite state laws banning them.

Some term this financial switch as innovation for “fintech,” a recently coined term that smacks of the 21st Century’s tech focus, but in everyday terms, these actions are a renewed effort for an old scheme known as “rent-a-bank.”

If the bill is enacted, states that have annually saved an estimated $2.2 billion each year by banning triple-digit interest would have to face the return of past debt trap lending.

Additionally, and in 34 states where a $2,000, 2-year installment loan with interest higher than 36 percent is illegal today, would enable predatory lenders to charged unlimited rates on these longer-term loans.

One more item to note: these measures are advancing with bipartisan support.

Virginia’s Senator Mark Warner, the lead sponsor of that chamber’s version has Senators Gary Peters (Michigan), Pat Toomey (Pennsylvania) and Steve Daines (Montana) as his co-sponsors. On the House side, Rep. Patrick McHenry from North Carolina, has the help of two Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) members, New York’s Congressman Greg Meeks and Wisconsin’s Congresswoman Gwen Moore.

Right now, both New York and Pennsylvania have rate caps that prevent triple-dig-

it rate lending. It is therefore curious why bill co-sponsors would strip their own state law protections. In other home states of these legislators, payday loan interest rates are some of the highest in the country.

For example, in Wisconsin the average payday interest rate is 574 percent; in Michigan, the average interest is 369 percent.

This bill would expand this type of predatory lending in their states, rather than reining it in.

On November 15, the House bill passed out of its assigned committee with a split among CBC members serving on the House Financial Services. While Representatives Maxine Waters (California), Al Green (Texas), and Keith Ellison (Minnesota) opposed the bill, Lacy Clay and Emanuel Cleaver (both of Missouri), joined Meeks and Moore in its support.

It is noteworthy that in Missouri, the average payday loan interest rate is 443 percent.

For civil rights advocates, the committee vote was disturbing.

“The potential costs and damage to consumers is significant, especially for borrowers of color, as research shows that payday lenders disproportionately target communities of color and trap consumers in unsustainable cycles of borrowing and reborrowing high-cost loans,” said Vanita Gupta, the president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “Under these arrangements, banks effectively ‘rent’ their federal charter powers to non-banks lenders, in exchange for a fee associated with each loan.”

Hilary O. Shelton, the director of the NAACP’s Washington bureau and the senior vice president for policy and advocacy

said that the swarm of payday lenders in our communities is blocking access to responsible credit and lending options; companies that are offering those options, can’t compete with the deep pockets and market penetration of the payday lenders, Shelton added.

“Responsible banking policy would be acting to end these high-cost loans, not make them more common,” said Shelton.

The concerns of civil rights leaders are also shared by a nationwide coalition of 152 national and state organizations who together advised all of Congress of their collective opposition. Coalition members include church conferences and affiliates, consumer groups, housing, labor, legal advocates and others. Approximately 20 state attorneys general are also on record opposing the bill’s provision.

“This bill represents the efforts of high-cost lenders to circumvent the most effective protection against predatory loans—state interest rate caps,” said Scott Estrada, the director of Federal Advocacy with the Center for Responsible Lending. “Rather than making it easier for predatory lenders to exploit financially distressed individuals, Congress should be establishing a federal rate cap of 36 percent that protects all Americans, just as it did in 2006 for members of the military at the urging of the Department of Defense.

Charlene Crowell is the communications deputy director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.Crowell@responsiblelending.org. Follow the Center on Twitter @crlonline.

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NABJ to TV One Execs: Reconsider Decision to Ax ‘NewsOne Now’ Roland Martin and award-winning team notified of cancellation.

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Members of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) are expressing their dismay that NewsOne Now will go off the air on Dec. 21. TV One executives made the announcement earlier this week.

TJ Holmes, Stephen A. Smith, Jemele Hill, Cari Champion, and industry professionals such as Lawrence O'Donnell and Greta Van Sustern are among the many NABJ members who expressed their sadness, displeasure or outrage at seeing the demise of the program.

"The show didn't just have an impact on the community, the show made an impact on developing black journalists," said host Roland Martin. "NewsOne Now was a breeding ground and development opportunity for African-Americans who are lawyers and political commentators and the show helped other networks too. Without a doubt there's no national television show that boasts the number of working black journalists as NewsOne Now." Since its inception, NewsOne Now has been must-watch morning TV for many viewers, as well as listeners to the syndicated radio show, the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Martin gave a platform to commentators Angela Rye, Paris Dennard and Shermichael Michael Singleton, David Swerdlick, Laura Coates, and numerous subject matter experts, before the other networks came calling.

"Roland Martin's show has served as the only television broadcast to provide daily

coverage of black people and issues," said NABJ President Sarah Glover. "NABJ applauded

TV One executive Johnathan Rodgers for tapping Roland, an "NABJ Baby," to work for the network 12 years ago and CEO Alfred Liggins for selecting Roland as the host of NewsOne Now. "Today, we understand the importance of making sound business decisions, however, NewsOne Now had recently grown from one-to-two hours and to think the news program will cease is disheartening. I call upon the news and broadcast industry to develop programming that serves black communities. The void is like a gaping wound."

In a year where journalists have faced daily assaults and attempts to discredit their work with the onslaught of claims of "fake news," NABJ is concerned

by TV One's decision to halt its signature news program, one of the most credible news sources, especially for black and disenfranchised communities.

A past NABJ Journalist of the Year, Martin's work has garnered numerous awards and is currently a contender for two NAACP Image Awards. His show employs nearly 30 journalists, who face the reality of unemployment going into the

new year.

"When anything is happening that impacts African Americans, you can turn to TV One for perspectives you won't see on other programs," said Dorothy Tucker, NABJ's Vice President of Broadcast.

"The demise of Roland's show leaves a huge void that we simply can't afford now."

Noting that Martin has been instrumental in increasing contributions to HBCUs, while also tackling international issues and holding elected officials accountable, even the President of the United States, NABJ is deeply concerned about the future of journalism when a show of NewsOne Now's caliber is taken off the air.

Highlights of NewsOne Now's coverage include: Only national show focused on the daily trial of the white Oklahoma police officer, Daniel Holtzclaw, who was found guilty of raping several Black women; Roland Marin's interview with Black physicist Dr. Hadiyah Nicole-Green and her ground breaking cancer research is his most viewed segment ever on Facebook with more than 14 million views; Martin's hard- hitting commentaries on Bill O'Reilly for his Colin Kaepernick critique, Paula White and Wendy Williams are still some of the most talked about pieces in Black America today; Consistently focused on the lack of black opportunities in the Democratic Party and Hollywood, which led to blacks getting hired;

Live streamed the 7-1/2 hour funeral coverage of activist, comedian and health nutritionist, Dick Gregory; Reported extensively on the issue of voter suppression; The only national media outlet focused on the death of #GemmelMoore, a black gay man in LA; Provided consistent coverage of police shootings of black men across the country, and was often the go-to broadcast for civil rights attorneys representing families.

"TV One has outstanding programming, like UnSung and other tributes to fallen giants," said President Glover. "But NewsOne Now brought us scholars, activists, health and financial literacy gurus and other thought agents that helped viewers grow mentally, physically, socially and financially."

TV One's significant strides in the industry are noteworthy and deserving of much more support than it receives, according to Glover. The twoterm NABJ president said that in addition to asking TV One to reconsider its decision to cancel NewsOne Now, she would like to see the station receive more support so that it can expand and provide more excellent programming. Glover also calls upon other networks to develop news programming that serves black audiences and consumers.

NABJ would like to see the cable industry increase the subscription base of TV One, which currently reaches 59 million homes. Other networks like BET, CNN, HLN, MSNBC and Fox News exceed 90 million homes. Such an increase of distribution will aid TV One in offering expanded news and other programming.

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December 8, 2017 I Messenger

COMMUNITY CALENDAR December 7 Stand-Up Tragedy by Bill Cain Where: Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak St, Dallas, TX, 75204 Oak Cliff Cultural Center and Latino Cultural Center at 8:00pm Available at the door or online at: https://stand-up-tragedy.ticketleap.com/stand-up-tragedy/ **** The Pro-duffers are hosting a holiday charity/fundraising reception at Paul Quinn College in the Zale Library at 6:30 - 8:30pm.

December 9

December 15

Hamilton Park United Methodist Church - The Coalition of Churches in prison Ministry’s Gift of Light for 8400 inmates in Beto, Michael and Boyd Units.

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Discover Dallas ISD will take place over two weekends at four different locations: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 S. Polk St., Dallas Skyline High School, 7777 Forney Rd., Dallas 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9 Emmett J. Conrad High School; 7502 Fair Oaks Ave., Dallas Alfred Loos Field House; 3815 Spring Valley Rd., Addison Admission and parking are free at all four locations. For more info, visit dallasisd.org/discoverdallasisd.

December 16

We Can Do IT Positive Connection Conference from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM CST Courtyard by Marriott Amador Dr. Fort Worth, TX

KWANZAAFEST in Fair Park - Dec 9-10 December 13 Regional Black Contractors Association Holiday Party from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

Please bring an unwrapped toy to benefit Vogel Alcove.

Regional Black Contractors Association 2627 Martin Luther King Blvd Dallas, TX

January 6

100 BLACK MEN OF GREATER DALLAS / FORT WORTH ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY AND TOY DRIVE Saturday at 8:00 PM 7 for Parties 150 Turtle Creek Boulevard #107 Dallas, TX 75207

December 31 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

YOGA N DA HOOD: ALL GUCCI MANE EDITION 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM (CST) Flow Fitness 2630 Aero Drive Grand Prairie, TX 75052

January 13 Tickets, The Law and Lawyers This show is focusing on what to do when pulled over, how to handle traffic tickets. As most of us just pay the fine and move on taking the hit with our insurance policies. But are there other things you can do? Attorney Marty Jo Taylor along with Larry Moses Sr. on what you should do when stopped by police, how to handle tickets and more.

African American Museum 10-11am

January 28 Masquerade Winter Engagement. Hosted by House of Royale at Lofty Spaces 816 Montgomery Street, Dallas, Texas 5:45p The Royale Masquerade Ball will be held in Dallas,Texas to showcase the best high fashion and upscale designers. There will be High Fashion, Runway, Commercial and print models featuring many couture collections. We have 8 Featured designers From New York, Dallas, Paris, and Tampa. The Masquerade will be held in Dallas as a PRIVATE engagement

February 17

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I Messenger December 8, 2017

Remembering Joseph Smith 1927-2004

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December 8, 2017 I Messenger

HALL: THE BLESSED POOR? Televangelists and internationally known mega-preachers owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Frederick Eikerenkoetter.

If you don’t know, he was one of the modern pioneers of

what you want in life.

The third is the five techniques of effective visualization that allow you to create the reality of your dreams.

The last is “Gaining clear, understandable

QUIT PLAYIN’

By Vincent L. Hall

marketing the church and its residuals.

From the patented red prayer cloth with pinking-shear crinkles to his philosophy which he calls “Thinkonomics”; Rev. Ike, is anything but poor.

Thinkonomics center on four self-help principles that on their face don’t sound bad.

1. How to use your mind-power to “unlearn” sickness, and create vibrant and lasting good health.

2. How to harness your power to “command” results and stop “begging” for

explanations of the Laws of Mind Science and how to use them to eliminate fear, worry, resentment, lack, and other negative conditions and Much More....

Rev. Ike perverted the scriptures by declaring that “The lack of money is the root to all evil.”

But he redeemed himself with me when he said; “The best thing that you can do to help the poor is not be one of them.”

There are few things worse in America than being poor. We have no regard for them, we despise them and we snob-

bishly blame them for their condition.

We treat the poor and homeless with less reverence than we do our dogs.

Dr. Zan Holmes once remarked from the sacred desk that when Jesus said that the poor would be with you always, he was not condoning poverty, he was prophesying.

Plainly put, the poor remain with us because the Blessed do nothing on their behalf.

Bill Cosby made some controversial remarks about the poor once. African Americans were more upset that he said it in front of White folks than for its content.

“These people are not parenting. They are buying things for kids—$500 for sneakers, for what? And won’t spend $200 for ‘Hooked on Phonics.’

They’re standing on the corner and they can’t speak English.”

Poor Bill…Karma is Hell ain’t it?

Cosby’s read of the poor left the lion’s share of the burden

Rev. Ike

on the poor.

To proffer the plight of the poor without admonishing the social failures that cause poverty is an endorsement of the problem…it makes the rest of us complicit.

The civil rights movement was the Black Middle Class movement.

It was designed, detailed and delivered by the “Talented Tenth” and forged by men and women who had peeked into America’s Promised Land.

Although the Cosby Show was one of our favorites, Heathcliff Huxtable was as far from the mainstream and reality as you get.

Daddy doctor and mommy lawyer is rare, regardless of race.

America prides itself as the “rags to riches”

capital of the world, but capitalism requires a caste system of sorts.

Trumphood, which

by Dr. Freddy Haynes’ estimate is reverse Robinhood, will only increase the size and suffering of America’s poor.

After Cosby went off on poor Blacks, he should have castigated those of us who escaped the “projects” and the U.S. Congress which is worthless at best. Poverty and economic depression will grow rapidly under this administration but it can’t all be laid at Trump’s feet.

Bill Cosby was partially right, Zan Holmes was theologically right, Jesus is always right, but Rev. Ike said it best, “The best thing that you can do to help the poor is not be one of them.”

And if you’re not poor the least that you can do is not blame them.

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

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Why ending AIDS in Africa matters to Black Americans

By Dr. Djibril Diallo Regional Director for Western and Central Africa, UNAIDS

A recently launched initiative aimed at ending HIV/AIDS, as a public health crisis in Africa, could be a catalyst to trigger discussions about HIV in the African American and African diaspora communities in the United States.

In recent months, several African heads of state have made public their commitment to support the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

In September, six African heads of state joined UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé at the “HIV Fast Track” side event organized during the 72nd United Nations General Assembly that was held in New York City and presided over by President Yoweri of Uganda.

Earlier in July, during the African Union (AU) Summit, AU Chair, President Alpha Conde of Guinea convened the “AIDS Watch Africa Heads of State and Government Meeting” where the leaders endorsed the “Catch-Up Plan

Dr. Djibril Diallo

for West and Central Africa” and declared their commitment to providing the needed policy and resource changes to help achieve the target goals.

The Catch-Up Plan is an 18-month initiative that has been developed to accelerate the AIDS response and prevent a resurgence of the HIV epidemic in the 25-country region.

Its focus is on testing, knowing one’s HIV status, treatment, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission; the initiative was crafted to complement existing health plans that the countries have been using to address HIV and AIDS. Today, thanks to advancements in medicine and increased access to antiretroviral medications for many people in Africa and around the world, being diagnosed with

HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence. In so many cases, with treatment the disease can be managed like a chronic illness and kept under long-term control with medication.

However, at a time when the global response to HIV is accelerating, millions of people in Western and Central Africa are being left behind.

There is a considerable gap when

on the continent are also the root cause for the high infection rates found in African American and Hispanic populations in the U.S.; some of the same barriers including poverty, fear, stigma and discrimination also keep people from seeking to know their HIV status, having access to treatment and properly following up on treatment.

On both sides of

it comes to people knowing their HIV status, and for those who test positive to receive the necessary treatment.

The same can be said for the populations most vulnerable to the disease in the United States, as well.

Many of the issues that continue to fuel the HIV/AIDS crisis

the Atlantic Ocean, the HIV/AIDS mirror reflects the same faces: the young, the poor, women, highrisk populations, as well as children.

In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Ga., reported that “African Americans continue to experience

the greatest burden of HIV compared to other races and ethnicities.”

In 2015, data released earlier this year, the CDC noted that African Americans who represent around 12 percent of the U.S. population, but account for 40 percent of all people living with HIV/AIDS and nearly 45 percent “of all persons with newly diagnosed infection.”

Latinos, who represent around 17 percent of the U.S. population, account for nearly 21 percent of people living with HIV and an estimated 24 percent of all persons with newly diagnosed infection.

The Catch-Up Plan for West and Central Africa initiative can serve as the entry point for talking about HIV/AIDs and related health issues in Africa globally and in particular, as it concerns African American and African Diaspora communities in the US. Dr. Djibril Diallo is the UNAIDS Director of the Regional Support Team for West and Central Africa.

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Crispus Attucks to Sgt. La David Johnson: Hero or Stereotype?

Speaking Truth to Power

by Dr. Brenda Wall

Crispus Attucks has been immortalized by the nation as being the first American to die for the country’s freedom at the outset of the American Revolution. In what became known as the Boston Massacre, Attucks was killed along with four others by British soldiers, who were in the colonies to protect British interests and maintain control.

Even though Attucks’ death and the deaths of the other martyrs became a rallying cry for freedom, there were layers of racialized dynamics, which complicated the recognition of Attucks as hero from the very beginning. Even with a funeral procession, which is said to have attracted ten thousand, Attucks was surrounded by controversy from the time he lay in state at Faneuil Hall to his burial at the Old Granary Burial Ground: Attucks was actually regarded as a villain by many in proper Boston society.

In fact, John Adams, who became the nation’s second president, was the lawyer who successfully defended the British soldiers charged with murder for killing Attucks and the four others.

While the content of his defense may be unfamiliar to us, the tone is not. Adams described Attucks as having “mad behavior;” and “whose very looks was enough to terrify

any person.” The British soldiers were acquitted.

Even in 1770, the pattern of vilifying Africans based on stereotype was a useful and convincing legal strategy. Revisionist history omits the culture of racialized dynamics which made it difficult to accept Attucks as hero and instead present him in terms of African stereotype.

Hero or Slave?

The cognitive dissonance which made it hard to accept Attucks as hero, because he was African in heritage is the same tension we see surrounding the death of Sgt. La David Johnson.

While Johnson’s heroism in fighting ISIS militants in Niger, is ritualistically expressed as being worthy of honor and his Gold Star family deserving of respect and space for grieving, it still requires deliberate effort to define Green Beret Johnson as a war hero.

In community it may well be understood, but there remains a more widespread resistance that clouds his identity as war hero.

That discomfort is evident in the turmoil that erupted when his Gold Star widow, Myeshia Johnson, expressed her raw pain, when being driven to Dover Air Force Base to receive his body.

Her authentic grief was challenged, analyzed and discredited.

Cognitive dissonance.

Hero’s wife or Black female. The two produce irreconcilable tension in our world.

We may eventually arrive at the conclusion that African American soldiers can heroically fight for America’s freedom, but there remains the cultural dissonance which makes it hard to honor those of African descent without first confronting the cloud of racial stereotype.

We see it in the callousness from the executive office that came first, followed by the disturbing readiness to take sides.

The disparaged Representative Frederica Wilson, was an easy target, who became the displaced cultural scapegoat, when Green Beret Johnson and his wife were less accessible. Death threats always seem to surface.

Whether in 1770 or in 2017, the context of white supremacy informs behavior without being fully identified outside the sphere of those who know it and live with it.

If Adams saw Attucks as terrifying in his persona; if Trump saw La David as a name remembered or clumsily uttered, and if the nation chooses to take sides instead of recognizing and reducing the racial conflict, we have proof that the nation is no more ready to address a grieving widow’s pain today as it was prepared to bury its first war hero among the other founding patriots. White supremacy remains alive and woefully well.

Brenda Wall, author of Black Lives, White Supremacy and the American Fiction

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Trump’s bag of tricks - stacking the courts

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to operate the same way under 45 as it did under President Obama.

“Elections have consequence,” he crowed. With that smug bragging, he illustrates why other rela-

are quietly packing the courts.

45 is moving faster than President Obama, Bush, Clinton, and Bush have, with as many as 200 positions already filled.

Further, 45 is appointing younger and more conservative jurists than ever before. Kelley, for example, is in his late 40s.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was established by the Dodd Frank legislation of 2010, the Congressional reac-

to banks and force them to be responsible.

In its short existence, tens of millions of dollars have been returned to consumers, and thousands of bad actors have been outed on the CFPB web page.

The election of 45 put this agency’s integrity in jeopardy because his election was the triumph of predatory capitalism.

While 45 swore he was for the working class, which was campaign

tively (I use the word advisedly) principled Republicans put up with 45 and his antics.

While too many of us are focused on 45’s foolish antics, flippant verbal attacks, and downright dangerous international behavior, the “Buffoonin-Chief” and the Senate

tion to the horrible abuses that banks engaged in to cause the Great Recession.

It regulates the rules relating to mortgages, credit cards, insurance, and other financial instruments.

It is the only agency that stands in the gap for consumers, the only one that has the ability to stand up

mumbo-jumbo. Instead, he always planned to gut the agency that was unpopular with Congressional Republicans, and the preponderance of bankers in his cabinet certainly guarantees the agency’s destruction.

But the court’s swift finding against Leandra

The Last Word

by Dr. Julianne Malveaux

Two people reported to work at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on November 27, both expecting to lead the bureau.

Leandra English, who had been chief of staff to former Director Richard Cordray (he resigned before Thanksgiving to return to Ohio to run for governor), was appointed to the director position by her old boss.

Simultaneously, 45 appointed Mick Mulvaney, head of the Office of Management and Budget, to hold the job. Reportedly, Mulvaney arrived at the office bright and early Monday morning, carrying a bag of donuts.

Both Mulvaney and English sent memos to the entire staff asserting their leadership.

Mulvaney rolled his sleeves up and got to work at an agency he had previously ridiculed. English headed to court to assert the right to her job.

Now, here comes the trick bag. Leandra English found herself in Judge Timothy Kelly’s courtroom. The judge, in the US District Court, was appointed by 45.

Is there any coincidence that English did not prevail in her suit? Mulvaney is right when he says that anyone who expected the

English reminds us that we can expect to find the tenets of predatory capitalism and consumer exploitation to be upheld by these newly packed courts.

Court appointments have generated little attention. On at least one occasion, the American Bar Association has described a nominee as “unqualified”, something that they rarely do.

On another occasion a man who has a law degree but who has never tried a case was nominated as a judge. Really?

Less than political patronage, 45 is systematically presiding over a massive ideological shift in our nation. It’s a trick bag, one that many did not anticipate.

Consumers who care about the protections we need against big banks and credit card companies need to write their elected representatives and urge them to strengthen the legislation that authorized the CFPB. And, progressive lawyers must pay more attention to these flawed judicial appointments that 45 is making.

These are absolutely frightening times, with 45 running amok at the People’s House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. He is running amok, and his foolishness is guaranteed to generate commentary and revulsion.

But we can’t be so absorbed by the foolishness that we ignore what he is doing with the courts.

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Guide Dogs for the Blind names “Swish” to celebrate Dirk’s 20th Year

By Dorothy J Gentry Sports Editor Photos: Danny Bollinger, Mavs.com

Blind, an industry-leading guide dog school, and its organization of trainers, puppy raisers, donors, and volunteers, prepares highly quali-

Guide Dogs for the Blind, a free, industry-leading guide dog school that serves the visually impaired, has named its newest puppy-in-training, Swish, after Dallas Maverick star Dirk “Swish” Nowitzki in honor of Dirk’s 20th season with the Maveicks.

The eight-week-old guide dog is a male yellow Labrador Retriever who will live with a puppy-raising volunteer for the next year before entering formal guide dog training to become a life-changing partner to an individual who is blind or has low vision.

Dirk, also known as The Big German, is a big fan of dogs, and Dirk and Swish recently met Swish the puppy in person. fied guide dogs to serve He spent some time car- and empower individrying Swish around in uals who are blind or his arms to surprise his have low vision. The orteammates and get him ganization provides all used to meeting and services free of charge greeting new people. and rely completely Fans can follow Swish on donations from the on Twitter and Insta- community, individugram @SwishPuppy. als, corporations, etc.

Guide Dogs For the Blind Guide Dogs for the

They do not receive any government funding.

Swish will live with a

puppy-raiser for a year.

“A primary puppy raiser receives a puppy (that is approximately eight weeks old) and keeps it until it is time to return to campus for formal training,” said Laura Ormsby, a trainer for Guide Dog. “The raiser is a member of a local puppy raising club and receives support

throughout the process regarding teaching training, socialization skills, household manners, etc., all of which are needed to help the puppy learn the skills they will need to become a successful guide dog.”

In addition to being a primary puppy raiser, Ormsby said, clubs have volunteer opportunities for those people who cannot commit to having a full time puppy in their home such as puppy sitters, community ambassadors and club activity support.

“One thing that I hear over and over from our puppy raisers is that they became raisers to be a part of something that was bigger than themselves and to give back to others. But along the way the raisers realized that they had changed their own

lives in so many ways,” Ormsby said.

“When a raiser attends the graduation of a student who has just received a guide dog and the raiser hears the grad's story of what an impact that dog is having on their lives and how that puppy- that the raiser has poured so much of their life and love into- has given them a new way of life and freedom, it changes the raiser forever,” she said. “Many of our raisers have gone on to raise multiple puppies over the years and each one is as impactful for them as the first.”

Ormsby has been a dog trainer for 20 years and has worked with many service dog organizations over the years with training protocols.

“I have always admired Guide Dogs for the Blind as the benchmark in the service animal world.

When the opportunity to be their Community Field Representative for Texas became available I was excited to become a part of their organization,” she said.

Ormsby manages and oversees the training and raising of all of the See DIRK, next page

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Dirk, continued from previous page puppies in Texas.

There are currently about 115 puppies being raised in Texas, the second largest in the country (California has the largest number of puppies).

Once a trained guide dog has been matched and selected for their particular life style the client (now student) is brought to one of the campuses and they begin a two week training course with their new partner.

After graduation support is provided throughout the lifetime of their partnership with their dog.

The organization also provides service dog trainees for other service organizations that work with the hearing impaired, PTSD survivors, diabetics, etc.

This enables those organizations to be able to help change the world for their clients with their own special needs.

tion offers a career changed guide with that family so that the child can learn about living with and having a companion dog in the family until they are old enough to have their own guide dog.

GDB is headquartered in San Rafael, California, with a second campus in Boring, Oregon. More than 14,000 teams have graduated since their founding in 1942, and there are over 2,200 active teams in the field. For more information, visit www.guidedogs.com.

Guide Dogs for the Blind also has a program called our K9 Buddy program.

Some families have children who are too young to be able to manage the needs of working with a guide dog.

The organizaT:5”

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December 8, 2017 I Messenger

My baby’s daddy didn’t even recognize me Ask ALMA Dear Alma:

said, “Okay” and I shut the door. I was so hurt afterward, I just cried and cried.

I don’t know how to feel. I haven’t told my daughter yet, because I don’t know if I want to see him again. What’s your advice Alma? Should I give my daughter her father’s contact information or should I just pretend like he never stopped by?

I had a baby in my twenties when I was dealing with this guy, who was in the Signed, military, stationed close to where I live.

Reunited, but It Doesn’t Feel So I thought that we would get married and Good live happily ever after.

Dear Reunited, Obviously, that didn’t happen. He relocated and eventually we stopped talking.

The question you asked has nothing to He did however send money to take care do with the answer you need, but because of our daughter. I get a check in the mail of the circumstances, I’ll offer you a twofrom him every month and I’m forever fer. grateful for it.

First, let me get this straight. Your daughter’s father consistently provides I was heartbroken when he moved away for her and although he didn’t stay conand I don’t think I ever really healed. I nected, his coins come regularly to help was in relationships here and there and you take care of her. He recently stopped eventually got married. by to reconnect, but didn’t recognize you and you think that’s enough reason to When that marriage ended, I just shut keep him away from her? down. I let myself go and made some not so good decisions. I put on weight, beOkay, I’ve gotta stop rightchia: I’m sorcause I’ve been depressed and I just try ry Sweet Pea, I don’t mean to kick you not to bring attention to myself. when you’re down, but this ain’t about I’m a great cook and all my daughter’s friends and my family usually come over when they want a good home-cooked meal.

Recently, a knock came on the door and it was my daughter’s father. He asked if she lived there and then he asked if her mother was home; he didn’t even recognize me. I just said that she wasn’t home and that I’d give her the message. He

comes a spatula, the spatula becomes a ladle and then the ladle becomes a shovel—you feel me?

What you thought you couldn’t do, suddenly becomes natural to you, but first you’ve got to change your mind, change your thinking.

It’s been a long time since your old flame has laid eyes on you, that doesn’t mean you didn’t look the same. It just means he didn’t initially recognize you.

Let that go, use it as the fuel you need to get back to your best. If you can’t find the strength in yourself, do it for your daughter.

Whenever you get tired, don’t let “Ms. Easy” rule your decisions. Ms. Easy will lead you back to eating fried chicken, mac & cheese a drinking milkshakes, but don’t do it.

No excuses. Today is the day you are #sickntired of being #sickntired. Start walking. You own your mind and body; nobody should love you more than you love yourself.

Stop allowing the pains of your past to you. It’s about your daughter and her fa- deter you from making yourself a priority. ther reconnecting—period. Run to your Go find the happy you, the fabulous you, pocketbook, pour out your belongings the confident you and reintroduce yourand give the contact information to you self. daughter, plain and simple.

When you start healing your mind, Now, scooch over and let me sit, here’s your body will follow. And once that happart two: Aint no doubt about it, it can pens, a heap of friends and family memseem like forever to spoon your way out bers won’t recognize you, but that’s okay, of a dark, deep ditch, but you can do it. because it’ll be for all the right reasons.

Alma Once you get started, your spoon be-

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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I Messenger December 8, 2017

NOV. 21 THRU JAN. 7

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22

December 8, 2017 I Messenger

Prayer Is My Daily Weapon of Choice Spiritually Speaking

by James A. Washington

not a doom and gloom column making a statement about today’s politics. It is merely a commentary about the things I pray about.

Recently, I’ve had reason to refocus on that sometimes habitual I usually don’t pray thing that I do known as about governments, prayer. world leaders, the coming of a new age and so Be it morning prayer, forth. My prayer life tends evening at church or, on to be a little more close behalf of a friend or seek- to home and more about ing guidance in and out the people I love. of a difficult situation, I have come to realize To make my point, let my prayer life could and me use the term “prayer should be much better. I cover.” In the book that am reading an old fash- I’m reading, the angels ioned good vs. evil novel, are constantly asking where the good is actu- each other if can they win ally all about angels and the next battle and the the bad about demons. answer is always not unTheir battle is all about less they get more prayer controlling us for the cover. victory where their allegiances lay, ultimately They need more peoGod or Satan. ple 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 “For we are not con- the odds get stacked up tending against flesh and against the pro-Christ blood, but against the gang. Now, I know for a principalities, against the fact that many a friend, world rulers of this pres- family member, church ent darkness…” (Ephe- acquaintance and others sians 6:12.) Now this is The revelation about my prayer life comes with an enlightenment of where our focus should be.

have provided me with plenty of prayer cover.

I also know it was and has been my intent to provide cover for those closest to me. You just pray for people you love and all they are going through.

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 We hear the phrase “our the enemy weaker as a thoughts and prayers go result. out to…” too many times these days for people The interesting thing caught up in nonsensical about the book is that it violence, terror, war and forces you to look at the my favorite, man’s inhu- enemy in a different way. manity to man.

The enemy is doubt, fear, crimes against your perAnd it doesn’t appear son, complacency, fear of to be slowing down at all. success, spiritual poverty, Now back to my prayer and apprehension about point. If I look at prayer as the world and its direca weapon in the eternal tion. life and death struggle, then I am arming mySo, for me, tomorrow self and others who are I’m arming myself for the caught up in the eternal battles of the day and the challenges of the day. I days after with a good am providing cover. It’s dose of prayer and will a military term. Scripture happily share a few bulsays it’s not always about lets for you. The victory flesh and blood, but is ours and Jesus has althings some of us don’t ready won this thing. He pay too much attention provided all the prayer to. cover we need. All He has ever asked you to do is Principalities, local, take that knowledge with state, national and world you and share it with the leaders might need some world.

May God bless and keep you prayer cover. Others just always. need prayer. The way

James

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I Messenger December 8, 2017

South Dallas BP&W honored, continued from page 3

lars in scholarships to deserving seniors in the community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Casey Thomas, II, and on behalf of the Dallas City Council, on November 14, 2017 do hereby extend special recognition to: The South Dallas Business and Professional

Women’s Club, Inc. Led by its 32nd President, Gwendolyn H. Daniels For their dedication to improving the quality of life for people in the community and their commitment towards a better Dallas.

Casey Thomas, II Councilmember, District 3 Note: For more infor-

mation on the historic Club, visit its website at: southdallasbpwc. org; Facebook page: southdallas1954; Instagram: SouthDallas1954; or email the club at: southdallas1954@yahoo.com.

Gwendolyn H. Daniels is the presiding president.

24

December 8, 2017 I Messenger

25

I Messenger December 8, 2017

26

December 8, 2017 I Messenger

NOV. 21 THRU JAN. 7

FAIR PARK DALLAS

Magical Lanterns.

Lifetime of Memories.

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

PURCHASE TICKETS:

HolidayWonder.com

#HolidayWonderDallas

27

I Messenger December 8, 2017

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December 8, 2017 I Messenger

Do you know this man?

POLICE have not apprehended “Pookie” the serial rapist. We know he has attacked members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.

HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

He targeted members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but this is more than about a sorority. We’re talking about a community.

Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmother or maybe YOU?

877-373-8477