I Messenger 3 9 2018 by Cheryl Smith

March 9, 2018

I Messenger

March 9, 2018

Blakleye Goer

Camille Wilson

Carrington Whigham

Karis Thomas

Kayla Roberson

Kendall Johnson

Dana Bass

Jessica Stevenson

Jessica Pugh

Kennedy Beavers

Kennedy Easter

Lauren Wright

Julia Tippen

Kailen Wright

Karise Frizell

Makayla Moore

Jack and Jill Dallas Beautillion celebrates Our Future: Young Men of Pride, Power and Purpose

Beau Branden Alan Ratcliff

Beau Clark Scott Whitaker

Beau Darrell Jaylon Briscoe

Beau Ashton Ray-Mon Moore

Beau Jevin DeJon Jackson

Beau Jordan Ashton Childs

Beau Kyle Ericsson Smaw

Beau Alex David Jones

Beau Noah Von Armstrong

Beau William David Tre Anderson Beau Dillion Anthony Malveaux

Beau Marion Alexander Stampley, III Beau Myles Deâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Heaven Hooks

Beau Evan Jahmal Headroe

Beau Russell Aredius Barlow, Jr.

Beau Ryan Anthony Givens

WSSTANDS IN IN .EWSSTANDS

wlett Rowlett quite esquite rdson hardson E.Dallas Dallas

March 9, 2018

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

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

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Celebrating Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s History Month Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement in honor of Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s History Month: â&#x20AC;&#x153;During Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s History Month we honor the brave women whose shoulders we continue to stand upon today. We celebrate this legacy of resilience as they demonstrate what it looks like to be persistent in overcoming barriers presented across multiple generations. Women have been at the forefront of movements that have shaped the American identity into what is today. And we will continue to forge a brighter future through supporting STEM education for young girls and women, securing equal pay, providing accessible healthcare, and the

right to a safe educational environment; which are all key elements needed to bring this vision of equality to every citizen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This month we recognize every organizer and advocate who committed themselves to a cause working to achieve equality in every avenue of life. America is a land of opportunity; we must never forget our commitment to providing a better legacy for those to come than what was left to us. The heights of the achievements our daughters and granddaughters reach will be the testament of the work we accomplish in our lifetimes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Therefore, I will continue to make legislative decisions with the best interests of young girls and women in mind.â&#x20AC;? Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas.

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MY TRUTH

By Cheryl Smith

March 9, 2018

Common Decency

Publisher

I talked to a distraught candidate recently. It appears the recent primary election has had a negative impact on so many. This candidate felt the viciousness of some of the attacks would cause irreparable damage to many relationships and also discourage folks from seeking political office. Sure, we’ve heard time and time again that in politics “there are no permanent friends/enemies, only permanent issues.” Well, there’s something to be said about not letting issues, that tend to change, ruin relationships; especially those grounded in honesty, sincerity and all things noble. In politics, every relationship is not built on a solid foundation. You have to learn about bridge building. Know which bridge to approach, avoid, cross, or repair. And then there’s the oh so important one that you burn. I contend that you are too young, whatever your age, to burn any bridges. Ask your elders. Essentially, you must try to avoid permanent engagements with temporary people. There are some people who will only be in your lives for a season, maybe this campaign season. Some will go away, never to be heard from again. It would be unfortunate to make some permanent moves that will tie folks to you for life — kinda like going on a cruise and having unprotected sex in a bathroom with a complete stranger, only

to become a parent in nine months. Not a good place or position to be in. Chevelle is working her first campaign. When I got her feedback on the experience, it was an earful. I was pleased, however, that she was not completely turned off to the process. In addition to observing candidates dancing with voters, “one candidate was actually dropping it like it’s hot,” there were several near fights between campaign workers and candidates, she said. “I talked to one guy and told him he had to think about the person whose shirt he was wearing,” she recalled. “He told me that he was a man and no one would disrespect him.” Her response to the man was that it wasn’t about him and if he couldn’t put his personal feelings aside and do the job, he shouldn’t be working the polls. Chevelle was surprised at the rudeness of some workers, candidates and voters. She saw it all, from workers chiding voters who carried literature belonging to a candidate they weren’t in favor of; to candidates in verbal arguments with one another; to voters rudely rejecting literature. Recently I talked to a classroom of students and asked how they responded to people who approached them with flyers, brochures, etc., or even if they entered an elevator would they speak or acknowledge the other occupants.

Sadly most said they ignore the person trying to give them something and they don’t speak to folks on the elevator. Those same students said they would pet or acknowledge a dog that approached them and they would show some love to a dog if they entered an elevator and there was a dog. Wow! Who do you think my students said were the rudest, men or women? Are you that person who turns your nose up at someone who tries to give you a flyer? Do you say “no thanks”; flicking your hand, as if to say, “be gone”; or totally ignore the person’s outstretched hand? Are you that person who treats the person the way you’d like to be treated or are you the person who folks wish would trip and fall? The primary election is over, except for a few runoffs. Then guess what? It’s on to the next election and the next and the next. With all the legislation that disenfranchises voters, why would you be a party to the madness? Educate the voters, don’t annoy them. Respect the voters and your opponents, don’t annihilate them. Try playing offense instead of defense. Try to make sure you don’t do anything you will regret later, because there are quite a few people on this day after the election, who are saying, “If...”

March 9, 2018

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Links, Inc. spotlights So SMAART STEM program benefiting two Oak Cliff Schools On March 3, 2018, Trinity (TX) Chapter hosted its 11th Annual Fundraiser, Diamond and Sneakers Gala, benefitting So SMAART and community programs at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. Member Dr. Sharon Blackman, Strategic Learning Consultant with Dallas County Community College District, was the chair the event. Special guest in attendance for this annual event was The Links Western Area Vice Director, Lorna Hankins from Houston, TX. Ms. Hankins has served as Executive Director of The National Kidney Foundation serving Texas since February, 2015. Prior to that appointment she was Executive Director of The Sickle Cell Association of The Texas Gulf Coast. The Trinity Chapter is a nationally recognized, award-winning chapter of The Links, Inc. and is dedicated to educating and empowering underserved communities in Dallas. The chapter’s top priorities are the So SMAART mentoring program for two DISD Oak Cliff Schools and Scholarship for Excellence to students in Dallas County Community School District. So SMAART is an acronym for Set on Science and Engineering, Mathematics, the Arts, Aviation, Reading, and Technology. The mentorship program is at T.L. Marsalis Elementary School (4th – 5th grades) and William H. Atwell Law Academy (6th - 8th grades), which

Not only does Trinity support Dallas youth, chapter members also register voters, host voter education forums, conduct financial literary workshops, participates in various walks (Alzheimer, diabetes, and heart), and other programs in Dallas County.

Dr. Sharon Blackman

focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (“STEM”) curriculum and careers. In addition to monthly sessions and field trips, students are provided the opportunity to attend STEM-focused summer camps. Over 1,000 students have become STEM gems through So SMAART. Trinity (TX) Chapter members are responsible for implementing the So SMAART program and So SMAART is supported by more than 30 dedicated corporate and education partners and community resources who provide professional, financial, and in-kind support. Trinity (TX) Chapter annually awards a number of scholarships, Scholarship for Excellence, to deserving high school seniors matriculating to fouryear colleges/universities and community colleges.

Lorna Hankins

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March 9, 2018

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Whitaker focuses on area youth Whitney Houston’s lyrics, “I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way, “ come to mind when reflecting on Adam Whitaker’s tireless work in the community through his non-profit, Lead Youth Upward. Servicing high school students in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, the organization sponsors a scholarship for a graduating senior who will be awarded $2,500 for college expenses. A Dallas native, Whitaker found himself in 2007 reading Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Reposition Yourself and began pondering to himself the very question, “When I die, what legacy will I leave?” He said he focused on the importance of giving back and building opportunities through community work. As an educator, he believed it was pertinent to instill leadership skills and upward mobility for youth and explored ways in which his vision could manifest, not only inside but also outside the classroom. According to Whitaker, in that moment, Lead Youth Upward was birthed. The organization’s name originated from lessons that were taught to him as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., to never take backwards steps and to only move forward. Mr. Whitaker said, “The goal of the organization is for students to push back against the

status quo. We want them to ask questions and to think critically about society.” He shares the same sentiments as novelist and social critic James Baldwin, who once said, “The paradox of education…as one begins to become conscious one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated.” Whitaker also expressed the relevance of students asking themselves the same thought provoking question he asked himself years prior, “How can I use my gifts and talents to give back and to be a contributor to the community at large?” In the next few years, Whitaker would like to see the organization fully developed and expanding. His goal is to develop a summer leadership program for

youth seeking to teach students 21st century skills while preparing them for college, matriculation, and life beyond. Perseverance is also the overarching message of the organization as Mr. Whitaker stressed, “Whatever you envision in your mind you can achieve. Your success is determined by the depth and breadth of your imagination. If you can conceptualize it, you can achieve it. “

How Can You Help? Lead Youth Upward has partnered with a candle company, treasuretheessence.com for a fundraiser for the organization’s scholarship fund. The candles are $20 and 70% of your purchase will be donated to the organization.

The candles are homemade and hand poured. They are also made of a soy blend wax and designed to be enjoyed by allergy and asthma sufferers. Candles can be purchased by emailing Adam Whitaker at leadyouthupward@gmail.com. The fundraiser will last until their $2,500 goal is met. The organization is also accepting monetary donations through paypal at leadyouthupward@gmail.com. Finally, in April, Lead Youth Upward plans to fill board member positions for it’s 20182019 year and interested candidates can email Adam Whitaker at the above email address for more information.

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March 9, 2018

MALVEAUX: Bold, young leadership One cannot help but be riveted by the outstanding response from the young survivors of the carnage in Parkland, Florida, and their absolute audacity in confronting both Florida legislators and the President with their frustration at the absence of common sense gun control. During a CNN Town Hall, student Cameron Kasky asked Senator Marco Rubio whether he would continue to take money from the National Rifle Association, the organization students have focused on as one of the reason there are no common sense gun laws. Rubio said he would continue to take money from the NRA (they own a $3 million slice of his hide), but that he would agree to change laws so no one under 21 could purchase an automatic weapon, and that he would agree to outlaw the bump stocks that transform semi-automatic weapons to automatic weapons. All of the students who have spoken up have been impressive, so much so that CNN commentator Jack Kingston (former Georgia Republican congressman) and other of his ilk have asserted that these students are “crisis actors” who are being “manipulated” by “liberals” and “Democrats”. All you have to do is listen to one of these young people, hear the tears trailing at the end of their voices, and hear their frustrated voices rising into yelling, to know they have not been coached. The emotion is too raw, the

The Last Word by Dr. Julianne Malveaux

feelings are too real, and one young woman told a CNN reporter that she “resented” the notion of manipulation. These young people are between 14 and 18, middle and upper-middle-class young people who have had the benefit of a civics education. They plan to March on Washington on March 14th, and have already attracted support from Oprah Winfrey, George and Amal Clooney, and others. The Parkland young people have been savvy enough to note that their school was not shot up by an immigrant but by a homegrown terrorist. They have implicitly rejected the rhetoric that comes from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue about dangerous immigrants. Imagine that they actively reached out to some of the dreamers and encouraged them to be part of the youth movement for common sense gun laws. Some dreamers will be vulnerable to being de-

ported as early as March 6. If these youth can combine their movements with their demands, they could develop a very powerful movement. Imagine further, that the young people who have been exposed to gun violence on the streets of cities like Chicago and Washington, DC joined the Parkland movement, and that a group of diverse young people came together to push politicians to do better on legislation that affects their generation. This includes gun laws, but may also include health care, and access to education. Even though the Parkland young’uns come from middle-class backgrounds, they are surely aware of the narrowing of opportunities for the middle class. If these mostly white young people could join with youth of color, they could mirror the dream that Dr. Martin Luther King had when he talked

about multiracial coalitions. Perhaps I’m being overly optimistic about the possibility of a multiracial youth coalition. We have seen several young white men pick up automatic weapons and kill multiple people. Dylan Roof was just 21 when he killed nine African Americans at Emanuel African American Episcopal Church. Nikolas Cruz, the killer In Parkland, is 19. Even as the Parkland students galvanize, there are forces that are also galvanizing young people. These are the neo-Nazis, the white supremacists, and the downright racists who appeal to young white men who somehow feel that others have more opportunity than they do. These are the folks who listen to the siren call of 45’s rhetoric and eagerly embrace his divisiveness. Still, if we believe, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice”, then we must be optimistic about positive developments in the political arena. The young people who have risen up are a positive development. If they are able to join with young people of color to push politicians in the right direction, we will all be better off! 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

March 9, 2018

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Jack and Jill Dallas Beautillion celebrates Our Future: Young Men of Pride, Power and Purpose

Beau Ashton Ray-Mon Moore

Beau Evan Jahmal Headroe

Beau Russell Aredius Barlow, Jr.

Beau Alex David Jones

Beau Dillion Anthony Malveaux

Beau Ryan Anthony Givens

For 41 years, the Dallas Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. has hosted Beautillion, a celebration of achievement and social grace for Dallasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; best and brightest young men. Sixteen young men have been selected to participate in the 2018 program. "Beaux" represent a select group of high school seniors planning to pursue higher education after graduation. They are chosen in recognition of their demonstrated achievements in academics, sports, the arts, community, church involvement, leadership and overall commitment to the advancement of his community. January kicked off this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beautillion season with leadership and social training classes. Beautillion Beaux and their accompanying Belles participate in a three-month program that includes

a weekend leadership retreat in January that includes team building, financial planning, career preparation, leadership development, the legal system, and law enforcement interaction. Beautillion season culminates with a black-tie ball and scholarship fundraiser to showcase and celebrate the many hours of personal development, scholarship fundraising and community service completed. Proceeds from the Beautillion scholarship event will fund Beaux and Belle scholarship awards. In addition, proceeds benefit local community nonprofits and the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc. to support programs that create opportunities for youth to learn and practice leadership skills, and be empowered to make the right life choices.

Beau William David Tre Anderson

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March 9, 2018

Beau Branden Alan Ratcliff

Beau Clark Scott Whitaker

Beau Darrell Jaylon Briscoe

Beau Jevin DeJon Jackson

Beau Jordan Ashton Childs

Beau Kyle Ericsson Smaw

Beau Marion Alexander Stampley, III

Beau Myles Deâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Heaven Hooks

Beau Noah Von Armstrong

Sixteen high school seniors participate in award winning leadership program and scholarship fundraiser

March 9, 2018

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THE BELLES

Blakleye Goer

Camille Wilson

Carrington Whigham

Dana Bass

Jessica Stevenson

Jessica Pugh

Julia Tippen

Kailen Wright

Karise Frizell

I Messenger

March 9, 2018

Karis Thomas

Kayla Roberson

Kendall Johnson

Kennedy Beavers

Kennedy Easter

Lauren Wright

Makayla Moore

March 9, 2018

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HALL: Tarzan Dead…Vibranium Found! QUIT PLAYIN’ By Vincent L. Hall

Breaking News…Just In!! The “feral child” and son of noble colonizers Tarzan is missing and at this moment, presumed dead. During the length of a twohour epic movie; “Black Panther,” much of the African continent was panned and there were no sightings of Tarzan, Jane, the notorious vine he used for transportation, nor his chimpanzee, “Cheetah.” Tarzan is dead, and in a cultural sense, I’m elated. Let me share my personal testimony and explain how I was radicalized. I had this thing about Blackface, Aunt Jemima, monkeys, and especially gorillas. They don’t scare me; they haunt me. I don’t know how it happened, but between the TV series Daktari and Tarzan, I either learned to or fell prey to a sinister plot that made me slightly ashamed of Africa. Stay with me, because this is a transgenerational lesson. As a little nappy-headed, brown-skinned boy; born on the wrong side of town and living on the wrong side of the tracks, racial misappropriation was commonplace. My psychosis stemmed from the continuation of a historical whitewashing that started before African slaves were loaded onto vessels and shipped around the globe to the Americas. Even as a young child, I couldn’t comprehend Tarzan. Why would hordes and hundreds of indigenous Africans

be led by a barefoot White man in a loincloth, traipsing through a jungle filled with treacherous terrain? Not to mention the “Lions and Tigers and Bears…Oh My!!” It made no sense to me.

is attractive and acceptable. The Hollywood demand for “Light, Bright and damned near White” has faded. (Pun intended.) The self-hatred that came with being descendants of Africa was deep-seeded, but in many instances undetectable. Prejudiced Whites who wanted to insult us above and beyond the word Nigger, used

There was an obvious thread between Tarzan’s adventures and the colonizers in South Africa, Mother England and the United States. The domination of resources and the disfigured depiction of the African continent was even more troublesome. Somewhere along the way, James Brown’s, “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m proud,” pierced the veil of my ignorance. Most millennials don’t realize it, but there was a time when calling a Colored or Negro man; Black or African, could get your ass whipped… quick. The Godfather of Soul made darker hues acceptable. Commercially, Black skin today

Africa and African imagery to enforce their superiority. Riveting insults like, “spear chucker, porch monkey, jiggaboo, jungle bunny and tar baby” are still a staple for racists. Recall the LAPD officer who used “Gorillas in the midst” as a euphemism for Blacks in the communities where he was paid to “Protect and Serve.” However, the ignorance surrounding Africa was not limited to one race and has not died easily.

QUIT PLAYIN’

In 1991, the same year that the LAPD cop likened South Central residents to monkeys, there was another blockbuster black film that reinforced the officer’s sentiment. Rewind the VHS tape to the first fight scene in “Boyz in the Hood.” Trey Styles’ classmate vehemently announced that he was not an “African booty scratcher” and held no allegiances to the continent. Some of us have been ashamed of our own heritage, consciously and unconsciously...but not anymore. This film checked a block for Africa in a way that the entire world can see. Black Panther and the technologically-advanced homeland we now proudly claim as Wakanda, has done more to erase the corrosive self-contempt of African-Americans than anything in our history. The last time we saw a film with such profound cultural implications was Malcolm X. Black, Red and Green filled our communities. Tarzan is no sworn enemy of mine, but I owe a debt of gratitude to the conceivers, cast and crew of Black Panther. One good dose of Vibranium and I’ve been cured. #StayWoke #QuitPlayin Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist and award-winning journal-

ist.

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March 9, 2018

Haigler and Keyes 50th Birthday Celebration Four charities were the beneficiaries of the Haigler and Keyes 50th birthday celebration. Presentations were made at Paul Quinn College to UT Southwestern Cancer Center, Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center, Paul Quinn College and St. Philipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School and Community Center. In celebration of 50 years of life, John Haigler and Bill Keyes, with the support of and partnership with the Pro-Duffers USA SW Chapter Foundation, honored their pledge.

March 9, 2018

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Trust. Let God Verify Spiritually Speaking by James A. Washington

Sometimes words alone cannot convey meaning and feelings the way we’d like them to. Trust for example. The reference point for my meaning is “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all things acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust is such a complex thing. Have you ever been betrayed by someone in whom you had total trust? Have you been able to totally trust another person since? See how easy misplaced trust puts you in a terribly vulnerable place. It’s uncomfortable. It’s abnormal. It ain’t fun. Yet, in this passage we are instructed to put our trust in the Lord. The question is can you do it? Are you able to put trust in your heart after you experience dev-

astating betrayal? And we’ve all been betrayed in one way or another; either by having our beliefs proven false or may-

and trust in the Lord implicitly. You get my meaning? Extreme caution usually follows crippling betrayal. New relationships are founded largely on mistrust and ‘prove it to me;’ not, blind faith and unconditional trust.

trayed you? Can you forgive? Can you ever forget? Do you really want to? And what does all of this have to do with God? How are you treating Him in the trust area? “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove

Life teaches us that only a fool would allow themselves to be misused again. Therein lies my question about trust and what it means to you. Can you deal with this concept everyday? How much of a struggle are you having trying to trust people who have taught you not to give them the time of day? be your heart has been broken. Every one knows someone who has been crippled by a lover or spouse gone crazy, or, watched someone stumble up on the truth about a situation that everybody but them knew the real deal. In the real world that kind of stuff hurts. In a real sense, once destroyed, trust ‘don’t’ come round here anymore. But now, wait a minute. Go out

faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2. Now exactly, who’s proving what to whom? Are you requiring God to prove something to you before you trust Him? Are you demanding from God those same things you demand from someone, anyone before you would even consider giving him or her your love? You see it is so easy to succumb to a lifestyle which requires proof before love is

given. It’s so easy to demand the impossible from people who are incapable of giving it to you. But how can you base your relationship with God on worldly principles grounded in betrayal and disappointment? Are you requiring God to prove His love to you before you give yours to Him? The key to this trust thing lies deep within each and every one of us. We first have to confront those demons which have plagued us for years. And yes, that means all the pain that goes with them. Then and only then can we begin to even accept the concept of trust and loyalty, total and without equivocation. Because then trust means knowing. Trust means truth. Trust means no matter what, I know that regardless of conditions and circumstances, I am God’s child, made in His image and the recipient of His love. May God bless and keep you always.

I Messenger

March 9, 2018

Women’s History Month “Hidden Figures” Panel

Rene Young

Keisha Dunlap

As part of Women’s History Month, the local black public relations (BPRS) and black sports professionals’ (BSP) societies are hosting “Hidden Figures” a panel discussion celebrating successful women in public relations and sports marketing, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., March 21 at the African-American Museum of Dallas Fair Park, 3536 Grand Ave, Dallas, Texas. The featured speakers are women who have made history in their fields of expertise, but rarely made headlines: René Young, broadcast television professional with Fox Sports. Young has served as Stage Manager with the Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars, Texas

Lyria Howland

Rangers, FC Dallas soccer club, and Men and Women’s college basketball for the past 26 years; Keisha Dunlap, senior associate commissioner/chief operating officer at Conference USA. Dunlap has served over 15 years as a sport administrator and currently oversees the operations of the League office and assist with each governance group within the Conference; and Lyria Howland, ATR, president at Howland PR. Howland has over 30 years of experience as an award winning public relations professional with strong expertise in diversity and inclusion. Howland’s clients have included MGM Mirage, DART, and Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk.

Michelle Newsome

The Moderator: Michelle Newsome, CEO and president at Newsome & Associates. Newsome has spent 25 years generating over $50mm in revenues using sports properties and assets for corporations and sports venues as a sales executive and PR expert. For more information, contact Neil Foote, 214448-3765, neil@neilfoote. com

March 9, 2018

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Quaid sees I Can Only Imagine as story of redemption By Eva D. Coleman

Bart Millard and Eva Coleman

Many have heard the phrase, “Death and babies bring people together.” For Mercy Me’s lead singer, Bart Millard, the words he incessantly scribbled regarding the loss of his father gave birth to I Can Only Imagine, the Christian band’s signature song. “At the gravesite actually, my grandmother said ‘I can only imagine what Bub’s seeing now’… that’s what they called my dad,” Millard said. From the moment he left the grave, Millard says he became “very obsessed with the thought of Heaven.” “I would always think about it and I would write ‘I can only imagine’ on anything I could get my hands on,” he added. This pen to surface contact led to Millard writing a song, which he says took him 10 minutes, that resonates in the lives of so many. While stations of all formats, churches and so many others have contributed to the song’s reign as most-played Christian contemporary tune, the pain behind this notable track is now exposed in a movie of the same name for others to see. Millard endured an entire childhood of abuse at the hands, from the mouth and mental psyche of his father, Arthur, portrayed in the film by veteran actor Dennis Quaid.

“To play the bad guy in a film is usually the most fun, but that’s when it’s like one of the comic book movies,” Quaid said. “It’s fun to play the bad guy in a comic book movie. This is a true story.” Throughout the movie, Millard’s truth as an abused child can be hard to stomach. Watching the physicality of it all will make you cringe. Seeing his thoughts and dreams constantly crushed will, or should, cause angst. Clearly, there’s no excuse to treat a child this way. However, there IS an even deeper backstory. “My dad, before I was born, was in a horrible accident. He would flag traffic through a construction site, got hit by a diesel; it didn’t break any bones in his body, but he was in a coma for about eight weeks,” Millard shared. “Everybody said he was a teddy bear before it happened. When he woke up from that, he was a monster.” Citing statistical reasoning that many abusers come from environments where they themselves were abused, Quaid, who so masterfully plays the ‘monster’ doesn’t see Arthur as such. “I don’t see Arthur as a bad guy. I see him as a person who was a product of his own circumstances growing up,” Quaid said. “Bart and Arthur were able to break that chain and their willingness through, I think, divine intervention.” That divine intervention was ushered in by illness. Arthur’s cancer diagnosis resulted in a child-as-caregiver bond that dramatically shifted the tides. “If I didn’t have to care for my dad, I don’t know if our relationship would be what it was,” Millard said. During evenings of his entire senior year of high school, Millard was in charge of administering medication intravenously to his father. “What senior in high school wants to talk to any of their parents, ever?” Millard laughed. “And I’m doing it for two hours

every night and to where I’m looking forward to it.” Millard smiled as he recalled their topics of conversation. He mentioned trying to ask as much as he could and squeeze it all in because he knew their face-to-face talks would soon come to an end. “I knew we didn’t have much time, and so that’s when everything completely changed,” he said. The I Can Only Imagine film encapsulates so many moments in Bart Millard’s life. Quaid admitted that he’d never heard the iconic song. He shared how he’d received the script and music at the same time, immediately diving into the script. “It’s a story of redemption. A redemption after walking through hell fire…for both of them, really,” Quaid said regarding accepting the role. “I was so touched. And then, of course, I heard the CD.” The film displays so many other dynamics of the trajectory from child to adult, including the role educators play in the lives of students. Greenville, Texas native Millard was encouraged to use and pursue his vocal gift by his Greenville High School choir teacher, Mrs. Fincher, portrayed by Dallas native Priscilla Shirer. He landed in Mrs. Fincher’s class after being sidelined by a football injury and choir being the only elective available. “When we casted J. Michael from Les Mis, I called her and I was like, ‘You’re not going to believe this, one, you’re in a movie, and two, I’m sitting with the guy who plays Jean Valjean in Les Mis,’” Millard said of Fincher being one of the first phone calls he made after his role was cast. “I said ’It’s Priscilla Shirer and I think she’s gonna kill it.’ And she goes, ‘Honey, if it’s not me, anybody else can do it and it’s fine.’” Finding Bart “We want somebody that could act, sing

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March 9, 2018

Dennis Quaid, during recent visit to Dallas

really good, and somewhat resemble Bart,” producer Kevin Downes said. “Literally we were on a plane to New York as soon as we saw him.” Newcomer J. Michael Finley plays Bart Millard. I Can Only Imagine is his first film and first film audition. He was discovered while serving as an understudy in Les Misérables on Broadway in New York City. “He’s a one in a million kid. He’s a one in a million person, and he’s a one in a million talent,” co-writer / co-director Jon Erwin said. “He has the best film instincts of any actor I’ve ever worked with. He’s a phenomenal talent and I can’t wait to introduce him to the world.” Millard sees himself in Finley. “I feel like we were separated at birth,” Millard said. “As a person, this is the guy.” I Can Only Imagine how Finley’s life will change with the release of this film. Millard’s life on-screen gave pause of concern for those presently around him. While he and his mother have a great relationship now, he pondered ways to soften how she was portrayed. “In the movie, she leaves in a rough way and doesn’t really come back. I kept try-

ing to make it better,” Millard said, sharing how that thought changed when his wife stepped in. “She stopped me and said, ‘Hey, you’re now trying to write her into the story and she wasn’t there.’” Millard has already seen the movie with his mom. He mentioned that through her tears, she also confirmed its accuracy. Christian movie. Faith-based film. These are the common labels being used to categorize I Can Only Imagine. A good story is just a good story. No labels required. The reality of the story itself and the making-of-the-movie moments provide layers to the film beyond the screen. It adds even greater value to the lyrics that led to the reflection. “When you hear the song, you’re not listening to Bart’s story, it becomes your story. And you don’t really have to be a Christian to hear the song and make it personal to yourself,” Quaid said. “I hope that audiences feel the same way about the movie.” The recording of one of the most physical scenes between the characters Bart and Arthur provided Millard with a profound revelation after the scene ended with actors J. Michael Finley storming out and Quaid

left alone. “So I’m watching on this monitor, and as it keeps rolling, I’m watching, and for the first time in my life, that’s the first time I ever thought, ‘What could my dad have possibly gone through after I left?” Millard said. “Never dawned on me as him as any kind of victim, or what was he struggling with.” Abusers as victims? Abusers as victims. Whether a question or a statement, this film delivers the unmistakeable power of forgiveness. “There was a moment when I chose to forgive my dad,” Millard said. “The biggest part is I wasn’t clear on everything I was forgiving him for, doesn’t change it, but I’m learning about things I forgave him for daily…even now.” The time to forgive is paramount. “If there’s breath in our lungs, then no one’s out of the reach of God’s grace. If we’re still breathing, the story’s not finished,” Millard said. I Can Only Imagine can be seen in theaters beginning March 16, 2018.

March 9, 2018

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Hollywood Hernandez Live

By Hollywood Hernandez

Read more and win tickets at www.hollywoodhernandezlive.com

A Wrinkle in Time is based on a fantasy novel by Madeleine L'Engle. The story is about the good and the evil in the world and, in the turbulant 1960's, the writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective was that evil was winning. Sadly, 50 years later, things haven't changed that much. The story uses time and space to represent the battle between good and evil and how one young middle school girl is called upon to be a warrior who can save the world. Storm Reid plays Meg Murry, the daughter to a couple of brilliant physicists, whose father (Chris Pine from Star Trek) goes missing after he discovers how to travel between different dimensions. On the anniversary of her father's dissapearance the young girl is teased and treated cruely by the "popular girls" at school. The young, bright girl that Meg once was has now been replaced by a moody and doubting young lady who is detached from the rest of the world. Her only friend, besides her mother (Gugu Mbatha Raw-Belle) and brother, Charles Wallace, is a boy at school, Calvin, who is considered one of the "popular kids." Then she is visited in her backyard by three time and space traveling warriors who want Meg to join them to help find her father and to defeat the darkness in the universe. The Three Warriors are Mrs. Which (Oprah Winfrey), Mrs. Whatsit (Reese Witherspoon of Legally Blonde) and Mrs. Who (Mindy Kaling of The Mindy Project).

Oprah makes her first appearance in the movie as a 20-foot-tall regal looking queen, and with her loud, giant voice booming she was the spitting image of RuPaul. However, that comparison goes away when she appears in the rest of the movie as a regular sized person. (Thank goodness.) With the help of their three guides, Meg, her brother and her classmate, travel to a different dimension to begin their search

for her father. This is where director Ava DuVernay (Selma) earns her money. She has created an amazing and colorful world that is a delight to watch on the big screen. You'll have to resist from "ooooing" and "awwwing" for the remainder of the

movie. The world that DuVernay brings to life is simply stunning. A Wrinkle in Time also makes history with its $100 million dollar production budget; making DuVernay the first African American woman to ever be given the opportunity to make a movie with a $100 million budget. Much like the movie Black Panther, A Wrinkle in Time is also ground-breaking because of its positive portrayal of a young African American girl. Already at advanced screenings groups of Girl Scouts and Girl's Club members have been treated to the movie because of its inspiring message. As Oprah Winfrey said on the red carpet on opening night, the message of the movie is, "you are enough." It's the kind of inspiring message that makes you leave the theater feeling a little better than when you came in. Do be warned however that parts of the movie are a little dark and scary. It's rated PG but I'd be hesitant to take a little girl to the movie who was under 10. The movie has a run time of 1 hour and 49 minutes. On my "Hollywood Popcorn Scale" I rate A Wrinkle in Time a JUMBO! http://www.hollywoodhernandezlive.com/

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March 9, 2018

COMMUNITY CALENDAR March 8 Los Lonely Boys at House of Blues Dallas 2200 N. Lamar St. 8:30pm The Black Academy of Arts and Letters Presents Poetry Smash - I’m every Woman a night of spoken word and open mic., 1309 Canton St., Dallas. Call 214-743-2400

March 9 Food Truck Friday at Firewheel Town Center, 245 Cedar Stage Dr., Garland. 972-495-8085 from 5pm-8pm Black Violin, Presented by AT&T Performing Arts , 9:45 pm at Strauss Square 2389 Flora St., Dallas. Tickets: 214-880-0202

March 10 Drinking Lemonade: Feminism, Womanism, & Beyoncé at J. Erik Jonsson Central Library On 1515 Young St., Dallas. From 2 pm - 3:30 pm register: http://bit.ly/2FtJzGf Prison Reform and Money From 10 am –11am at the African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave. Dallas. Guests: Grand Prairie State Rep Rodney Anderson and Keenan Williams Make your own Body Scrub At the Soapery 231 Texas St. Cedar Hill 10 am. Reg. to attend by email: dan.watkins@cedarhilltx.com or call 972-291-7323 ext.1311. Roundtable Writer’s Breakfast TBAAL 1309 Canton St. Dallas Rm. T314 at 10 am 2018 Women of the World Poetry Slam Majestic Theatre 1925 Elm Street Dallas. March 14- March 15, Times Vary Tickets: http://bit.ly/2FxklGL

Website: http://bit.ly/2mkUXLV “Nava Rasa” Granville Arts Center - Brownlee Auditorium, 300 N. Fifth Street, Garland, at5:45 pm Dr. Brenda Wall’s Reception, Book Signing & Community Form from 6:30 pm 8 pm at South Dallas Cultural Center 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave, Dallas Let’s talk Diversity A Media Fair register 9:30 am Session is 10 am – Noon at UT Arlington Fine Arts Bldg. Rm. 258 MLK Dallas Dream Forward Program at MLK Jr. Community Center (bldg. A) 2922 MLK Jr. Blvd. Dallas from 9 am – 3 pm Email info@dallasmlkcenter.com

Nature Journaling Workshop North Haven Gardens 7700 Northaven Rd. Dallas. From 10 am – 5 pm info + tickets: http://bit. ly/2yuD0yB 14th Annual Dallas Blues Festival, Verizon Theatre 1001 Performance Pl. , Grand Prairie at 7pm

Shelly Garrett’s Beauty Shop, Music Hall at Fair Park 909 1st. Ave. Dallas. 8 pm

Adult Easter Egg Hunt 2018 at Kiest Park 3080 S. Hampton Rd. Dallas from 3 pm – 7 pm

Pretty Girls Love Paint & Trap Dallas Edition 2 at Amethyst Boutique 103 E. Beltline Rd. Cedar Hill 7 pm – 10 pm BYOB

Easter Egg-Straveganza at Firewheel Town Center, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm 245 Cedar Sage Dr. Garland 972-495-8085

March 18

Jazz Weekend in Dallas at Bruton Theater The Black Academy of Arts and Letters Inc. 1309 Canton St. at 8 pm

Elvis, Cash & Diamond at Plaza Theater Garland Sunday, 3 pm 521 W. State St. Garland- Info: www. stardomentertainment.us

March 16 Garland Symphony Orchestra Feat: Pianist Rachel Kudo, 300 N Fifth St Garland at 8 pm

March 17

March 22 The State of Black Dallas at Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. Dallas from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

World Famous Gospel Brunch House of Blues 2200 N. Lamar St., Dallas. At 12 pm

2018 Women of the World Poetry Slam from 3-15-3-17, at the Majestic Theatre 1925 Elm St. Dallas

13th Annual Career & Resource Fair at MLK Jr. Rec. Center 2901 Pennsylvania Ave. Dallas from 9am-1pm. All job seekers invited.

Taste of Garland, Garland Crime Stoppers, Inc. The Atrium 300 N. Fifth Street, Garland. From 6 pm - 9 pm

Town Hall about Autism at Paul Laurence Dunbar- Kiest Branch Library 2008 E. Kiest Blvd. Dallas from 6 pm- 7:30 pm

March 15

March 21

Caring Bunny at Firewheel Town Center 245 Cedar Stage Dr., Garland. 972-495-8085

March 20 Jeezy - The Cold Summer Tour House of Blues Dallas 2200 N Lamar St, at 7 pm HOBDallasVIP@ LiveNation.com. Family Old School Game Night Zula B. Wyle Public Library 225 Cedar St., Cedar Hill at 6 pm

March 24

The 5K walk/run-Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, 2922 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Dallas, 8 am - 1 pm Theme "End AIDS Together" Women’s Empowerment Expo 2018, Queenish Pro. Women’s Club, Lancaster Grand Hall 1700 Veterans Memorial Park, Lancaster From 10 am – 6 pm Bunny Hop 2018 The Social House 2708 Routh Street Dallas. How it works! – Registration is from 1:30 pm-3:30 pm - Crawl begins at 2 pm Tickets: http://bit.ly/2Fy4CaM The Vintage Fashion Show at Zula B. Wyle Public Library 225 Cedar St., Cedar Hill at 2 pm Light refreshments served. Exposing the Enemy Women’s Conference Speaker Lady Tamara

March 9, 2018

I Messenger

Dallas Mavericks and Cedric the Entertainer Raise Funds for Dallas-Area Charities

The MAVS and Cedric the Entertainer Photo by Danny Bollinger

By Dorothy J Gentry Sports Editor Minnie’s Food Panty, Bryan’s House and Girl’s Inc. were just some of the beneficiaries of the 3rd annual Mavs Ball: A Blue Tie Affair presented by Smith Thompson Home Security Approximately $850,000 was raised at The Ball, the premier fundraiser for the Mavs Foundation. The gala was recently held at Canton Hall and The Factory Ballroom in Deep Ellum. Attendees were treated to a cocktail reception, seated dinner and live and silent auctions with the entire Dallas Mavericks team, along with owner Mark Cuban and Head Coach Rick Carlisle. Special guest performer was famed comedian Cedric the Entertainer who provided laughter, belly-aches and tears with his hilarious stand-up performance. “The Mavs Foundation has done incredible work over the years, said face of the franchise Dirk Nowitzki. “They’ve done an incredible job raising lots of money for area

Ambassador Ron Kirk and Derek Harper Photo by Dorothy J Gentry charities. “ Teammate Harrison Barnes added, “This event is great. It brings a lot of awareness to a lot of different causes and raises a lot of money that goes back into the community and that is very exciting. “ Other 2018 beneficiaries of the Mavs Ball include: Austin Street Center, Boys & Girls

DJ Poizon Ivy - the Mavs official DJ Photo by Dorothy J Gentry Club of Greater Ft. Worth, BridgeBuilders, Phoenix House of Texas, St. Simon’s After-School, Unlikely Heroes, Vogel Alcove and the communities they serve. Sponsors of Mavs Ball were Smith Thompson Home Security, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, 5miles, The Patron Spirits Company and KPMG.

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March 9, 2018

Spiritual and Crystal Adviser by Veronica Perez

FEATURED STAR: PISCES – The Fish – 02/19 – 03/20 Keep pushing up towards your goals. They are closer than you think. Happiness/Well-Being – Giving up now is not in your best favor. See past the clouds Inspiration/Influence – Rest and self-care is much needed at this time. Your Chosen Healing Crystal - BERYL – Promotes power through your vision. Cloudy visions become clearer, allowing you to move forward. Lucky Numbers – 51.16.22.32.09.05

necessary to attaining your purpose. On the other hand your fire may have been burning bright all along. LIBRA – The Scales – 09/23 – 10/22 Devote yourself tirelessly to achieve your goals. Be sure to care for yourself while in this process. You must pace yourself for your desires.

TAURUS – THE BULL – 04/20 - 05/20 Find balance in nature. You may need to ask yourself how to better enjoy a moment given. You may not wish to deny yourself of this truth.

SCORPIO – The Scorpion – 10/23 – 11/21 Completed to go in a way because something drives you away from where you were; Perhaps in a difficult and unbearable situation. There is a great deal of strife indicated from past. SAGITARIUS – The Archer – 11/22 – 12/21 Connecting your forces and knowledge with your life experiences. You currently have all the tools you need to make your reality manifest as desired. All is there, just put in proper order.

GEMINI – The Twins - 05/21 – 06/20 Emotional and gentleness are gifts. Be wise whom you share this with. Some can drain you of your energy. Be certain you are not draining yourself.

CAPRICORN – The Goat – 12/22 – 01/19 Remember you are powerful. Allow the good to flow within your days. Let what is given to come freely. We learn daily and are blessed daily.

CANCER – The Crab – 06/21 – 07/22 A time for your sensitivity to others is needed. Tend to those around in need delicately; someone may need to be comforted.

AQUARIUS – The Water Carrier – 01/20 – 02/18 It is okay to be emotional, let family and friends be of service to you during this emotional time. release the energy to free flow. Not wired to bottle up your emotions. Daily Oracle Reading: Ask and it is given Living for today and looking away from the past. The past is behind you, leave it there. Letting go of old hurts, finding forgiveness. Forgive yourself before you can do anything else. Forgive yourself!

ARIES – The Ram – 03/21 – 04/19 While it’s great to focus on your work, try not to become dull or too boring in the process, lacking ability for adventure.

LEO – The Lion – 07/23 – 08/22 Your passion and fire that drove your inspiration is in danger of being snuffed out. Focus again on the right of your goals. Some things can be too far in distance. Take one step at a time. VIRGO – The Virgin – 08/23 – 09/22 Realize that dealing with practicalities are

Guide Your Light Right Mother Earth is going through transformations, frequency changes, an “Upgrade” a “Makeover”, causing human energies to shift into higher consciousness awareness, this can be intense, and at times, a hurtful experience to the unprepared humanity. Let’s work as ONE! Seek within, to win! “V” is calling on you to challenge inner-self and reach higher to shine brighter!! Call on “V”, your Starseed Lightworker for Tarot readings and Crystal readings. Pleiades Renegade Member Family of Light, system buster on call! Text Starseed Lightworker: 214-710-0418 Email: vperez311.unity@gmail.com

March 9, 2018

I Messenger

Dallas Black Dance Theatre dances to Live Brass Band in ‘Dancing Beyond Borders’ Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) has added crowd favorite Displaced, Yet Rebirthed featuring a New Orleans style live brass band to the ‘Dancing Beyond Borders’ Series that headed North to the Eisemann Center in Richardson on March 2 and West to the Scott Theatre in Fort Worth on March 10. Audiences will get to enjoy both DBDT and DBDT: Encore! performing on the same stage in the series. Choreographer and Hurricane Katrina survivor Michelle N. Gibson blends poetry, dance and video with the live music of the Kickin’ Brass Band in Displaced, Yet Rebirthed. The dance both honors survivors and is a tribute to the more than 1,800 people who tragically lost their lives. This emotional, yet jubilant work sparked an impromptu celebration of life in the audience every time it was performed during its Dallas premiere in February. “There is a void of missing home. This piece is snapshots of our experience,” explained Gibson who created Displaced, Yet Rebirthed as a proud New Orleans resident who had to flee her hometown in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina. Together with her family, she evacuated to Dallas and they have lived here since.

DBDT: Encore! will dance Black Rose, a work choreographed for the company last year by former Ailey II dancer, Levi Philip Marsman. Set to contemporary string music, it conveys that our struggles help to make us beautiful. “Dancing Beyond Borders – North” in Richardson is presented by Texas Instruments. The performance will be March 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts and Corporate Presentations, 2351 Performance Drive in Richardson, 75082.

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For tickets, 972-744-4650 or visit www. eisemanncenter.com. “Dancing Beyond Borders – West” in Fort Worth is presented by American Airlines. The performance will be held March 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the W. E. Scott Theatre, 3505 West Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas. For tickets call 214-880-0202 or visit www.ATTPAC.org. For more inforegarding Dallas Black Dance Theatre, visit www.DBDT.com.

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March 9, 2018

Pastor includes me in sermons My business is my business

Ask ALMA

I’ll start by telling the truth and shaming the devil. LOL. My first reaction was:Whaaaat? Ohnoshedidn’t! But since we’re talking about a minister, I should ease up and give her the benefit of the doubt. Is there a possibility that she Dear Alma, sees your discussions as casual conversaI’m not sure how to handle this problem. tions? She may not know she’s offending My sister in-law is a pastor of the church we, and our family attend. I often confide in her because we’re friends and she’s easy to talk to. She always gives me sound advice and I appreciate that. But the problem is, she’s always using my business in her sermons, and I don’t like that. What should I do? C.B., Milwaukee

She could easily be having a conversation with her SIL, while you’re having a conversation with your pastor. The roles need to be established. Either way, you’re entitled to your privacy, and you should not be exposed to “shout outs” from the pulpit. It’s time to nip this and bring your concerns to her attention. Don’t do it during the sermon, girl, while you’re sitting in the congregation. LOL. Here’s what you do: The next time yawl are caring and sharing, ask her specifically not to use your situation in her “say no to sins” parable. Tell her you expect her to keep your conversations confidential. Don’t tiptoe through this prickly conversation; be firm. She should understand exactly where you’re coming from. After your discussion, if things don’t change, I’d suggest you seek new pastoral counselor. Alma

The roles need to be established. Either way, you’re entitled to your privacy, and you should not be exposed to “shout outs” from the pulpit. It’s time to nip this and bring your concerns to her attention.

Hey now C.B: You emailed this to a PK (Preacher’s Kid), for God’s sake. My father, Rev. Ulysses Martin, was a Baptist preacher for more than 30 years. When it came to his sermons, he knew that we were off limits under any and all circumstances; my mother made that clear. I mentioned this to let you know that I have some familiarity with your circumstances.

you. Where do these discussions take place? Are you at church in the pastor’s study or driving in the car to the mall? Depending on where you are would explain how she comprehends what’s said. Okay, I know I’m stretching it, but stay with me for a minute.

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.

Thanks for your support! Judge Stephanie N. Mitchell Judge Mitchell’s Second Chance Community Improvement Program (SCCIP) and Pipeline to Possibilities are just two of the ways that she has shown her commitment to ensuring justice for all!

March 9, 2018

Remembering Fred Abdal Ghaffar

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Fred Abdal Ghaffar was born on January 5, 1948, to Willie Henry and Lillie Mae Coleman in Winnsboro, Louisiana. As a teenager, the family relocated to Dallas and he graduated from L.G. Pinkston High School in 1968. He went on to attend Bishop College for a brief time before being drafted to serve in the Army. Once he was honorably discharged, he completed training at Lincoln Tech. In 1982, he co-founded and operated F&W Auto Center with his father, until it was closed in 2016. Despite a more than ten year battle with cancer, he remained committed to his community activism, and even started a new business venture, Fred’s Entertainment. Through this work, he organized bus tours, which included trips to Black Wall Street concerts. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Woodrow Coleman and Willie Henry Coleman, Jr., his sister Lottie Small, his wife Earline Williams Ghaffar, and his son Eric D. Coleman. Those left to cherish his life, love and memories are: sisters, Shirley Mae Coleman and Carolyn Coleman: a blended family that includes children, Fred W. Coleman, Jr. (Yolanda), Tiffany L. Sutton (Neal), and Stephany L. Coleman by his former wife, Shirley Dabbs; stepchildren, DeMarcus Williams (Valetta) and LaKesha Williams (Marvin); four grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; three step-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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BUY- SELL - MINING

903-268-7390

March 9, 2018

I Messenger

March 9, 2018

A Way Out of This Out of the darkness, be drawn to the light. It will warm and comfort you and turn your day from the night. Allowing you to see the good times and find strength in them It will show, without a doubt, that your strength comes from Him. Everything imaginable rearranged by death. Outlining the measure of the dash that you dwell on earth. Although weakened by sadness, muster all you might. Weep if you must but keep moving towards the light.

La Juana and Patricia Barton

authors of Faithful Remembrances - Volume I

March 9, 2018

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