I Messenger 4 28 17 by Cheryl Smith

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VOL 6 ISSUE 32

APRIL 28, 2017

After years of scrutiny, attacks and investigations Commissioner John Wiley Price and Dapheny Fain are exonerated!

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APRIL 28, 2017

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NOT GUILTY!

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APRIL 28, 2017

The jury decided!

VOL 6 ISSUE 32

After years of surveillance, investigations, pleas, seizures, character assassinations, and more; another chapter has been written and Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price and his aide, Dapheny Fain, with their Super Legal Dream Team walked out of the Earle Cabell Federal Building on Friday, April 28, 2017 pleased with the Not Guilty verdicts rendered. - check out the Special Edition of Texas Metro News, April 2017.

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APRIL 28, 2017 I Messenger March unemployment report is mixed news

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux

THE LAST WORD By Dr. Julianne Malveaux

As a journalist and political commentator, who covers issues important to the African American community and other marginalized communities, I have taken on powerful forces over the years. I have provided a voice for underrepresented communities and engaged both the private and public sector and I always strive to be accurate and respectful. After all, how can I demand civility and fairness from others if I don’t practice it myself? Earlier this year, I wrote a commentary about the rooftop solar business, and expressed concerns that some bad actors in the industry were misleading consumers. I focused on three aspects that worried me: First, that new customers may be unaware that the panels can cost upwards of $15,000 and can generate an additional lien against their home, making it harder to sell. Second, rooftop solar salespeople often tell customers that they will save a lot of money on their utility bill, which is not always true. Third, salespeople engaging in high-pressure tactics often do so in the hope that a customer will sign a contract

before they understand all of the complexities of a longterm financial agreement. About a week later, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), which represents the rooftop solar industry in Washington, D.C., wrote a response to my commentary. I didn’t fully agree with SEIA, but I respected their right to voice their opinion. I saw their response and was hopeful that going forward the industry would take more steps to protect minority consumers. I decided to move on and continue writing about the other issues important to me. However, in the last few weeks, I have become a target of an intimidation campaign led by SEIA. Specifically, a gentleman named Michael Schmidt, a Senior Vice President at Crosscut Strategies, who claims to be an agent of SEIA, has repeatedly called and emailed me and my staff. In one call, he even asked a staff member why I had not responded to him, as if I was afraid to respond. In his correspondence to a woman in my office, Mr. Schmidt states that I wrote, “that solar companies are

targeting communities of color.” Mr. Schmidt went on to write that: “The SEIA team finds this abhorrent and they wanted to follow up with her about what she knows, since the column didn’t provide details. SEIA takes this issue and consumer protection generally very seriously. Would it be possible to arrange a quick call between Dr. Malveaux and SEIA’s general counsel about this?” I believe that Mr. Schmidt’s suggestion that I speak with SEIA’s general counsel, Tom Kimbis, is an attempt to assert that my comment about “targeting communities of color” could be libelous. If SEIA wanted to provide me with facts to change my mind, why couldn’t Mr. Schmidt provide me with that information, or connect me with SEIA’s communications or policy experts? The suggestion that I speak with SEIA’s in-house attorney was designed to intimidate. Be assured, I take this threat seriously. I believe I did nothing wrong, but I do not have millions of dollars to defend myself. SEIA represents companies like Tesla that are worth billions of dollars. It wouldn’t be a fair fight. I want to be clear: I wrote the rooftop solar piece based on recent correspondence sent by three Democrats in the Congress to the Consumer Financial Protection Bu-

reau (CFPB). The letter was read by Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, who is Hispanic, and Reps. Emmanuel Cleaver of Missouri and Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, who are African Americans. At the end of the letter sent by those Congressmen, they stated that the high-pressure sales tactics used by bad actors in the rooftop solar industry are often targeted towards the least sophisticated consumers. Therefore, the matter is a “particular concern for minority communities in our districts and around the nation.” That is where I got the line in my piece that SEIA seems to be so upset about. If Abigail Ross Harper, the head of SEIA, or anyone at the association has an issue with what I said in my piece, then they should have reached out to me and asked to speak. I would have agreed and had an open mind. But the fact that they decided to try and use a hired gun to try and intimidate me and my staff only makes me believe that my original piece—that the rooftop solar industry does not respect minorities—was sadly all too accurate. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Founder of Economic Education. Her podcast, “It’s Personal with Dr. J” is available on iTunes (https://tinyurl.com/withDrJ). Her latest book “Are We Better Off: Race, Obama and public policy is available via amazon.com. For more info visit www.juliannemalveaux.com

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Taking back the district... one neighborhood at a time. In the four terms I served as your councilman many changes have been made for the people I represented in District 4. CVS Pharmacy – We worked hard to open a new CVS at the intersection of Beckley and Illinois Ave. Glen Oaks Shopping Center -The Largest Attractive Economic Development in the Oak Cliff area in 25 years (Wal-Mart, QT, iHop, and more). Save-A-Lot Grocery Store – Opened a much needed Quality Store in the Crest Shopping Center. DWAINE

CARAWAY

Cummings Center – Spearheaded the re-opening of the recreation center after being closed to the community for 3 years.

2017

CARAWAY FOR PROGRESS

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VOTE

www.carawayfordallas.com

Serenity Place – Built and opened an apartment complex built to accommodate women with and without children transitioning from homeless shelters.

2217 Cedar Crest Blvd / Dallas TX 75203

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Cedar Crest Bridge – Improving the Visibility and Beautifying the Oldest connection between South Dallas and Oak Cliff.

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Fiji Senior Villas – Opened the latest senior living development with Phase II under construction. And the list of accomplishments continue.

MAY 6, 2017

EARLY VOTING APRIL 24th

Vote for a REAL fighter... for the community.

Pol. Adv. Pd. for by Dwaine Caraway Campaign

DWAINE CARAWAY’S ENDORSEMENTS: Dallas AFL-CIO Teamsters Local 745 Dallas Black Police Association DART Amalgamated Transit Local 1338 Tejano Democrats Dallas Police Association Dallas Firefighters Association Greater Dallas Apartment Association Stonewall Democrats The Real Estate Council

Alliance /AFT #2260 UAW Postal Workers Union Dallas Morning News Dallas Citizen Council Dallas Black Firefighters Dallas Black Retired Firefighters Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 100 Dallas Gay and Lesbian Alliance

Help Build a Better Community. Vote to Return Dwaine Caraway to Dallas City Council District 4 this May 6th.

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Community Calendar

2017 AFRICAN CHAMBER WEEKLY LUNCHEON SPEAKERS LIST 1705 Martin Luther King Blvd, Dallas Texas, 75215 May 3

EX-IM BANK- KELLY KEMP May 10 LAW OFFICE OF GEORGE ALFONSO- GEORGE ALFONSO May 17 TO BE DETERMINED May 24 TO BE DETERMINED May 31 NO MEETING DUE TO MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY

APRIL 28, 2017

family! The Festival will kick-off with a 5K run/walk that will take participants from the Oak Cliff neighborhood, across the Trinity River and into downtown Dallas. The 5K will end at Lake Cliff Park where the Health Festival will come alive with healthy – and free – activities and entertainment for kids of every age.

Uptown Family Fest From 10am-1pm in Uptown Dallas, Inc. and West Village present their 2nd Annual Uptown Family Fest! At West Village from 10:00 AM – 1:00 Pm on Saturday, April 29 a day of family-friendJune 7 INNOVATIVE STRATE- ly entertainment. All ages welcome and best part of all- ITS FREE! GIES- MARIO TREVINO June 14 TO BE DETERMINED June 21 TO BE DETERMINED June 28 DFW AIRPORT- LILLIE 10th Annual Get Kidz Fit Festival at Fair Park WEST & GUY TOLIVER (LUNCHEON BEING From 12pm-4pm North Texas families: get ready for fun and excitement at the HELD AT DFW AIRPORT) 10th Annual Get Kidz Fit festival at Fair July 5 NO LUNCHEON DUE Park! It’s a free, fun-filled wellness and nutrition expo designed to engage kids TO JULY 4TH HOLIDAY July 12 TO BE DETERMINED in healthy lifestyles. Kids will enjoy a July 19 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF series of exciting games and activities, COMMERCE- JESSICA GORDON interactive and hands-on demonstraJuly 26 TO BE DETERMINED tions, numerous sports, obstacle courses, and inflatables, plus high-energy performances at the Main Stage dance party. Parents will receive information on fighting childhood obesity, creating healthy habits, nutrition, food & cooking A World of Women for World Peace demos, activity booths, and more. Have your kids take a break from “screen 9:00am-11:30am UNT-College of Law 1901 Main Street time” and get more involved in fitness. Free T-shirts for the first 500 kids. Free Dallas 75201 Parking $5 at 2000 Elm Street garage admission. Free parking. For more infor(exact change). Speakers: Hamutal mation and to pre-register online for the Gouri, Women Wage Peace and Yousef chance to win a free Surface Pro from Bashir, Palestinian Peacemaker, and Microsoft, please visit www.getkidzfit. org. Peace and Justice Comment Panel (Rabbi Nancy Kasten and Imam Omar Suleiman) RSVP By April 26th at EventBrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-worldFiesta! of-women-for-world-peace-conferenceFrom 11:00 am- 2:00 pm hosted-by-congresswoman-eddie-berThe Dallas Museum of Art is hosting nicejohnson-tickets-33743884868 Share hashtags #WorldofWomen and a family fiesta inspired by the México 1900–1950 exhibition. Enjoy art-making #AWOW before, during, and after activities, story time, family tours, and more in this fun-filled day designed specifically for children ages 5 and under. Live! In the Park 5K & Health Festival From 8:30 am- 2 pm United Way of Metropolitan Dallas will host Live! In the Park 5K and Health Festival presented by Texas Instruments and Vistra Energy, Cinco de Mayo at the DMA the perfect day in the park for the whole

April 29

May 2

May 5

From 5 pm- 9pm Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the DMA this year! The exhibition México 1900–1950: Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, José Clemente Orozco, and the Avant-Garde will be open from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. with a special Cinco de Mayo menu offered in the DMA Cafe and at Socca.

ceive up to $20,000, 10a-2p at King Community Center, 2922 MLK Blvd

May 7

Cinco de Mayo ‘17 From 2 pm to 11 pm It’s a fiesta! Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at La Ventana! Sponsored by el Jimador Tequila, Chambord, Corona, Cerveza North Dallas Suburban Alumnae ChapModelo & Jarritos! Taqueria La Ventana ter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority- 2017 1611 McKinney Ave Dallas, TX 75202 Emerging Artists Showcase - The Art of the Possible,University of Texas at Dallas Student Union Galaxy Room at 3p.m.

May 6

ELECTION DAY!

June 2

Theta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. 15th Annual Gumbo Cook-off & Festival 6:00-11:00pm Lakewest YMCA 3737 Goldman St. - Dallas

African Anerican Museum Gala Renaissance Dallas Hotel 2222 N. Stemmons Freeway Dallas, TX 75207 The Vernas HELP Foundation- Woman Empowerment Prayer Breakfast to honor the 2017 Living Legends and Community Awardees- at Edisons 1724 Cockrell Avenue Dallas, Texas 75215 Red Carpet Reception at 8:30 to 9:00 / Program starts at 9:a.m. to 12:p.m. Mother’s Day Pottery Painting From 11pm-3pm Make Mom (or a special person that is like a mom) a one of a kind gift. Great ideas for handprint gifts, too. Seating is limited. Register by May 4. Northwest Park Recreation Center 2800 Cheyenne St. Irving, TX 75062

Home Repair Program - Re-

Ten-time Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum-selling artist CeCe Winans will follow her recently released number one album “Let Them Fall In Love,” with a national tour. The Fall In Love Tour presented by Medi-Share is Winans’ first solo tour in a decade and brings her to the Majestic Theater Learn how you can receive $100,000 for college funding, by investing $7,000. This little known unique financial strategy is used by wealthy individuals to create large amounts of money daily. To receive free details on how to get access to this financial strategy, please call 214-9620951.

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IN MEMORIAM

SIT BACK RELAX

2201 Main St. Dallas TX 75201 214-760-7029 www.Diamond1Janitorial.com

ALI SMITH

COMMERCIAL / $100.00 OFF 1ST3MONTHS OF SERVICE **WITH CONTRACT ONLY**

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MRS. LOVIE LIPSCOMB, widow of the Hon. Al Lipscomb. Services are Friday, April 28, 2017 at Concord Church, in Dallas at 11am

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Spirit of discernment

QUIT PLAYIN’ By Vincent L. Hall

“I don’t respect this president. I don’t trust this president. He’s not working in the best interests of the American people. “I will fight every day until he is impeached. – Rep. Maxine Waters (D) CA

Maxine Waters is a 78-year-old, no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it “tis”, Black woman with no patience for foolishness. You may be wondering why she’s so apoplectic and unapologetic when it comes to Donald Trump. Allow me this conjecture. As we remember the 25th anniversary of the L.A/ Rodney King riots which demanded national attention from April 29 to May 4, 1992, recall that it went down in Waters’ congressional district. She shocked the world and most White folks with her response to the aftermath. “If you call it a riot, it sounds like it was just a bunch of crazy people who went out and did bad things for no reason. I maintain it was somewhat understandable, if not acceptable. So I call it a rebellion.” Rather than pander to

conservatives or feigned liberalism, Waters pointed to the atrocities and injustices that created the “rebellion.” She would not allow America to demonize her constituents and deputize lawlessness in the L.A. Police ranks. Waters, will never allow congeniality to be used as a substitute or whitewashing of the facts. That willingness to speak truth in deference to the

norm was not a one-off either. The House smart-ass and loudmouth, Peter King (R) N.Y., got a taste of her irascibility as well. After he disrespected a female aide of Hillary Clinton’s during the Whitewater hearings, Waters told him to “shut up” and would not allow him to speak. The acting speaker in chambers threatened to have her “Maced.” Here’s a teachable moment from Wikiwand. “For daily sessions of the House, the Sergeant carries the silver and ebony mace of the House in front of the

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speaker, in procession to the rostrum. “When the House is in session, the mace stands on a cylindrical pedestal of green marble to the Speaker’s right. When the House is in committee, it is moved to a pedestal next to the Sergeant at Arms’ desk. Thus, members entering the chamber know immediately whether the House is

in session or in committee. When the body resolves itself into Committee of the whole House on the State of the Union, the Sergeant moves the mace to a lowered position, more or less out of sight.” The only punitive threat to raise the “mace” (which was instituted in April 1789) came less than 90 days after the L.A. Riots. Waters is in the congressional history books as the first person to seriously be threatened with the sanction. But the obsession and

outright disdain she has for Donald Trump comes from a different place…a place that most Black people understand. Black women, especially those who are religiously centered, develop what church folk call a “spirit of discernment.” It is a gift of the creator that detects evil and confers an ability to discern who means well and who doesn’t. In her advanced state of “Black Girl Magic,” Maxine Moore Waters has cosmically sensed something in Donald Trump and his throng of thieves that disturbs her spiritually and viscerally. For those who study Christianity, Waters is the living version of Rachel, “weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted.” Maxine Waters was hurt and disgusted after the riots and on several other well-noted occasions over her 25 plus years in office, but this is much more heartfelt. I have known Black women who have the spirit of discernment and I would bet that Trump has a day of reckoning in his future. Just ask wig expert Bill O’Reilly! Vincent Hall is an author, activist and award-winning columnist.

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Ask Alma:

Dear Alma, I’m in my 50’s, twice divorced, with no children. I have a demanding job that keeps me by Alma Gill busy and seriously disNNPA News Wire rupts my social life. I’ve Columnist been dating a man I met Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than in the office. Things are 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, News- going really well and day and the Washington we agreed to take the Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail. next step and meet each com. Follow her on Face- other’s family. When book at “Ask Alma” and Twitter @almaaskalma. we met my family all went well. We recently attended one of his family gatherings. While there, I met his sister. He loves his sister and they have a really close relationship. Here’s the issue, after we met and he walked away, she was really mean to me and implied that I was not her brother’s type of woman and I should not expect a relationship from our friendship. I was shocked, to put it mildly. She was totally crazy with it. I like him and I don’t want to end our relationship. Should I tell him what his sister said? If I do tell him, how should I do it? Thank you, I can’t wait to hear your take on this. Sister Problems Dear Sister Problems, I’m clutching my pearls, right now. Are you serious? What the what! And you let her walk away without tripping her down the stairs? LOL. Okay, maybe that’s just what I would have done. Well, she tried to check the wrong one, because you’re just not having it. Did you hear me? Hold on a minute, while I turn on my desk fan. I’m not sure if I’m mad as H-E-double hockey sticks or just having a hot flash! To answer your question: no, don’t mention a thing to the man you’re dating. You can handle “Sista Shady.” Continue down your path with this special guy and see where it leads. Check yourself periodically to make sure it doesn’t become a competition with his sister, because you know how we can be. Have

APRIL 28, 2017

BEFORE YOU SAY “I DO” fun, do your thing, and if this becomes serious, you know who’s peeping in your window. Give her something to watch, because you know how we can be. LOL. Let me remind you: this relationship is between you and him, and no one else. If he proposes and marriage is in your future, then it’s time for the discussion. Again, don’t mention his sister specifically, just confide and confirm with each other that neither family members nor outsiders are ever welcome to impede or deliver any ‘ish that could potentially come between the two

of you. Something tells me, he won’t be surprised by the conversation. Seems to me she’s worried that the relationship she has with her brother will change, if he has a special woman in his life. That’s a conversation that should take place between him and her, not you and her. Clearly, she’s got it twisted. I don’t think this is her first sister-brother rodeo, so there’s no need to worry right now. However, before you say “I do,” you need to let her know her cowgirl clowning ain’t never gonna be welcome in your barnyard of blessed assurance! Alma

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APRIL 28, 2017

Putting a Stop to "School Lunch Shaming"

a two-week grace period to replenish their lunch accounts and during that period, continue allowing students to select a hot lunch of their choice. It is also true that our districts currently place the parents’ financial burdens on the students. It is unreasonable to Throughout my 21 deny a child a nutritious years in the Texas Legislature, I have fought hard to address the needs of my constituents in Dallas. While there are a number of issues that keep me awake at night, providing students with the meal because their partools they need to suc- ents cannot afford to imceed remains my top pri- mediately replenish their ority. Our future leaders accounts. deserve our time and foFinancial matters cus as we prepare them should be left to the to tackle the issues of adults, and should nevtoday and tomorrow, and er result in a hungry and I am proud to continue embarrassed child. HB this effort by authoring 2159 will fix this issue HB 2159. by requiring districts to As it stands, there are make at least 3 attempts thousands of students to notify the parent of across our state who go the situation and provide without food when their assistance with an applilunch accounts go empty. cation for free/reduced HB 2159 seeks to solve lunch. If the school is this problem by requir- unable to be reimbursed ing all districts to have by the end of the school By Texas State Representative Helen Giddings

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year, the district can pay the negative balance on the student’s meal card using private donations from local citizens that will be maintained in a separate district account. Studies have shown that a student’s mental and physical health play a defining role in their scholastic success.

Not only is a hungry child unable to obtain and process information at the same rate as their peers, they are often shamed by the fact that they have no food to eat. Some districts have a one-meal policy that gives students one meal after their accounts are exhausted, but their food usually consists of a cold sandwich or, in some cases, nothing at all. Even if a student is given a cold sack lunch, it can be extremely embarrassing and upsetting

for a child to have their lunch taken away only to be replaced with a brown bag lunch. When students are embarrassed, their mental health takes a toll as they walk around with a grumbling stomach reminding them of the fact that they cannot afford to eat. It deteriorates their confidence in themselves, and that inferiority complex can hurt academic success. As legislators, as parents, and as adults responsible for equipping the next generation of leaders, we cannot stand idly by as our children go hungry. As a state, we are capable of feeding our children despite their life circumstances, and I will continue to advocate until no student goes hungry or is left embarrassed. Let us leave finances to the adults and keep our kids focused on actualizing their wildest dreams. Helen Giddings represents District 109 which includes Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Lancaster, Wilmer, Hutchins, and portions of Glenn Heights and Oak Cliff. For more information, please call 512.463.0953.

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APRIL 28, 2017

Black Police In America My Day

By Dr. J. Ester Davis

“There is no better time than now for this electrifying, clear and much-needed volume” writesRobert B. Ingram, former President of the National Conference of Black Mayors. “Black Police in America” is a book written by W. Marvin Delaney and traces the growth, disappearance and resurgence of the African American presence in police forces combined with changes in black influence on the political front. Equally as interesting is “Challenges to Control” written by Atlanta’s former Mayor Maynard Jackson, on the politics of police reform. This week I found my way over to the Black Police Association of Greater Dallas, 211 Centre Street, Dallas, 75208, looking for someone to talk to about the police pension, most definitely the number one “hot topic” in neighborhoods. In addition, the floodgates “runneth over” about the association’s endorsements of select candidates that are creating a lot of synergy in all voting communities locally and beyond. Within a few hours Sergeant Smith, Chair of the Political Action Committee (PAC), sent a text with his cell phone number. Huh, I thought, this is going much

better than expected. I was impressed that this group had a political action agenda and a working committee. WOW!!! The sergeant, who has been a police officer for 23 years, was direct, in deliberate command with blunt truth. The cadence of his voice was one of genuine concern for a city he loves to serve and protect. “We are losing good officers”

he said with backup statistics. More than one time he said ‘we believe in the citizens.’ We discussed the open recruitment for officers from the City of San Antonio and other munici-

palities. . . offering more money, respect and security. . . just “come to work for us.” I agree with the Sergeant, it is not ok to lose good officers and it is darn embarrassing for another city to come on your turf. . . put up a billboard for your officers, all because city elected officials will not find a solution or attempt to. Our men and women in blue should be paid salaries compli-

menting the best that Dallas has to offer. Dallas is indisputably, one of the greatest cities in the USA. We have a state-of-the-art police training facility with robots

and one of the most comprehensive 911 Systems on the planet. We built a thousand room hotel and convention hall to attract and compete for the world’s largest conferences. And with DFW Airport ranking as one of the busiest airports, we have it all. Our conversation moved to the “boldface” loud endorsement of former City Council Tennell Atkins who, by the way, received the endorsement of Chief David Brown, Dallas’ former Police Chief. The Sergeant did not mince his words. “Some politicians you cannot talk to, some do not listen.” He went on to explain that Mr. Atkins not only has the knowledge and experience, but long before the problem became a humiliating reality, Mr. Atkins had the courage to render a warning about the pension fund for fireman and police. It fell on deaf ears. Now, former mayors are more concerned about their legacies than the future of public safety. Remember. . . my brothers and sisters of Dallas, what the sergeant said, “We believe in the citizens.” Call your city council. Call the Mayor’s office and voice your thoughts on the pension and adequate salaries for the police and fire rescue. Please vote. All politics are local. Please vote. Ester Davis hosts the National Council of Negro Women(NCNW) annual Hat and Tea. Sunday, April 30, 2017. 3pm Email: estyler2000@aol. com or 214.376.9000

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APRIL 28, 2017

The Solar Industry Wants Me to Be Quiet. I Wonder Why.

The Last Word

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux NNPA Newswire Columnist

often do so in the hope that a customer will sign a contract before they understand all of the complexities of a long-term financial agreement. About a week later, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), which represents the rooftop solar industry in Washington, D.C., wrote a response to my commentary. I didn’t fully agree with SEIA, but I respected their right to voice their opinion. I saw their response and was hopeful that going forward the industry would take more steps to protect minority consumers. I decided to move on and continue writing about the other issues important to me. However, in the last few weeks, I have become a target of an intimidation campaign led by SEIA. Specifically, a gentleman named Michael Schmidt, a Senior Vice President at Crosscut Strategies, who claims to be an agent of SEIA, has repeatedly called and emailed me and my staff. In one call, he even asked a staff member why I had not responded to him, as if I was afraid to respond. In his correspondence to a woman in my office, Mr. Schmidt states that I wrote, “that solar companies are targeting communities of color.” Mr. Schmidt went on to write that: “The SEIA team finds this

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abhorrent and they wanted to follow up with her about what she knows, since the column didn’t provide details. SEIA takes this issue and consumer protection generally very seriously. Would it be possible to arrange a quick call between Dr. Malveaux and SEIA’s general counsel about this?” I believe that Mr. Schmidt’s suggestion that I speak with SEIA’s general counsel, Tom Kimbis, is an attempt to assert that my comment about “targeting communities of color” could be libelous. If SEIA wanted to provide me with facts to change my mind, why couldn’t Mr. Schmidt provide me with that information, or connect me with SEIA’s communications or policy experts? The suggestion that I speak with SEIA’s in-house attorney was designed to intimidate. Be assured, I take this threat seriously. I believe I did nothing wrong, but I do not have millions of dollars to defend myself. SEIA represents companies like Tesla that are worth billions of dollars. It wouldn’t be a fair fight. I want to be clear: I wrote the rooftop solar piece based on recent correspondence sent by three Democrats in the Congress to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The letter was read by Rep.

Henry Cuellar of Texas, who is Hispanic, and Reps. Emmanuel Cleaver of Missouri and Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, who are African Americans. At the end of the letter sent by those Congressmen, they stated that the high-pressure sales tactics used by bad actors in the rooftop solar industry are often targeted towards the least sophisticated consumers. Therefore, the matter is a “particular concern for minority communities in our districts and around the nation.” That is where I got the line in my piece that SEIA seems to be so upset about. If Abigail Ross Harper, the head of SEIA, or anyone at the association has an issue with what I said in my piece, then they should have reached out to me and asked to speak. I would have agreed and had an open mind. But the fact that they decided to try and use a hired gun to try and intimidate me and my staff only makes me believe that my original piece—that the rooftop solar industry does not respect minorities—was sadly all too accurate. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Founder of Economic Education. Her podcast, “It’s Personal with Dr. J” is available on iTunes https://tinyurl. com/withDrJ . Her latest book “Are We Better Off: Race, Obama and public policy is available via amazon.com

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APRIL 28, 2017

National Association of Black Journalists Abhors Allegations in FOX News Racial Discrimination Lawsuit

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is disturbed and dismayed by recent allegations of a racist work environment at FOX News. Eleven current and former Fox News employees, including Emmy-winning anchor Kelly Wright, filed a class-action lawsuit in New York this week, according to The Washington Post. "The recent discrimination allegations at FOX News are unsettling. NABJ was founded 42 years ago to fight against racism and discrimination in newsrooms and we pledge to continue to do so today," said NABJ President Sarah Glover. "We've seen downsizing and layoffs in U.S. newsrooms that have had a disproportionate effect on the number of working black journalists. No one working in the media industry today should be subjected to discriminatory practices. This has to end." When asked about the lawsuit, a FOX News official offered the following statement to NABJ: "FOX News and Dianne Brandi vehemently deny the race discrimination claims in both law-

suits. They are copycat complaints of the original one filed last month. We will vigorously defend these cases." Douglas H. Wigdor, founding partner at Wigdor, LLP and the attorney representing the plaintiffs in the FOX News case, stated at a Wednesday news conference: "When it comes to racial discrimination, 21st Century Fox has been operating as if it should be called 18th Century Fox. We sincerely hope the filing of this race class action wakes 21st Century Fox from its slumbers and inspires the company to take a conciliato-

DFW-ABJ

college students. For more information or to apply, log on to www. dfwabj.com

URBAN JOURNALISM WORKSHOP APPLICATIONS

Applications must be returned to: DFW/ABJ c/o Cheryl Smith 320 South RL Thornton Freeway, Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203

The Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (formerly the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators) will present its 28th annual Urban Journalism Workshop for high school and

ry and appropriate approach to remedy its wrongs." "NABJ believes diverse newsrooms improve fair and balanced coverage of issues important to all viewers and that no journalist should be subjected to discrimination while doing their job," said NABJ Vice President-Broadcast Dorothy Tucker. NABJ has an active Media Monitoring Committee and the association is reaching out to to several major media outlets to address our diversity concerns.

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Congresswoman honored by RIF

FROM THE HILL

by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson received the 2017 Literacy Champion Award from Reading is Fundamental (RIF), recognizing her commitment to early childhood literacy. “RIF’s Literacy Champion Award recognizes the remarkable contributions of individuals in the field of children’s literacy. RIF is committed to creating collaborative relationships with advocates who share our goal of ensuring all children have access to the fundamental building blocks they need to succeed,” said

Alicia Levi, President and CEO of Reading Is Fundamental. “We are thrilled to honor Representative Johnson for her ongoing commitment to families in need, leadership in the community, and her continued support of RIF and strong education programs like the U.S. Department of Education’s Innovative Approaches to Literacy program in promoting the life-changing power of literacy.” Since its inception in 2012, Congresswoman Johnson has led the congressional effort to sustain funding for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program, which provides high-quality literacy training to children that need it. The program has granted over 120 awards to areas across the country, including the DFW Metroplex. This year, the Congresswoman

garnered the support of 146 of her colleagues from both sides of the aisle, marking the highest level of congressional support that the program has ever received. “I am honored to be recognized by such a charitable organization as Reading is Fundamental. While I appreciate this recognition, the true champions of literacy are our nation’s librarians, educators, and literacy advocates, including our partner organizations Reading is Fundamental, Reach Out and Read, and the American Library Association,” said Congresswoman Johnson. Their selfless work inspires me, and supporting the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program is my way of helping. “I am proud to stand with so many of my colleagues in support of early childhood literacy.”

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Chevrolet and National Newspaper Publishers Association offer Journalism Fellowship to HBCU Fellows

The 2017 “Discover the Unexpected” Howard University Fellows. Alexa Imani Spencer, Howard University; National Newspapers Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and; Noni Marshall, Howard University.

WASHINGTON D.C. – Chevrolet is putting more students in the driver’s seat with the expansion of its Discover the Unexpected (DTU) fellowship program. Now in its second year, DTU provides college students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) the opportunity to change the narrative of media reporting in the African American community with the help of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). The eight 2017 DTU Fellowship Program students are: Taylor Burris of Spelman College, Darrell Williams of Morehouse College, Jordan Fisher of Clark Atlanta University, Tiana Hunt of Clark Atlanta University, Kelsey Jones

of Spelman College, Ayron Lewallen of Morehouse College, Noni Marshall of Howard University and Alexa Imani Spencer of Howard University. Students will work in partnership with NNPA member papers in Washington D.C., Atlanta, New Orleans and Raleigh. “Last year we were honored to launch the DTU fellowship program at Howard University and meet a group of very talented journalism students,” said U.S. Vice President of Chevrolet Marketing Paul Edwards. “Their enthusiasm, insight and determination made the selection process extremely difficult. We’re excited to send more trailblazers on the road to highlight the positive, inspire hope and document the legacy of African American voices for gener-

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ations to come.” This year, DTU fellows will work with editors and reporters from the Washington Informer, Atlanta Voice, Louisiana Weekly and The Carolinian. “The NNPA is looking forward to welcoming the next group of fellows to the program,” said NNPA President and CEO Dr. Ben Chavis Jr. “Our 2016 fellows showed that despite the negative perceptions seen in the media, there are also beautiful and powerful stories in African American neighborhoods across the country. “Our 2017 Fellows will continue sharing stories of community advocates, making impactful and lasting changes on a local and global level.” The fellowship program is open to communications, mass media, and visual arts students. A panel of judges consisting of NNPA and AUCC staff will conduct on-site interviews during the program’s AUCC launch. Chevrolet will award eight $10,000 scholarships to each fellow and provide a stipend to defray the costs of traveling to and from school as they report on their stories. In addition to the financial investment, Chevrolet will provide each fellowship team access to the Next Generation 2018 Chevrolet Equinox during

The official launch of the 2017 “Discover the Unexpected” Fellowship Program in Atlanta, GA. Chevrolet Diversity Marketing Manager, Michelle Alexander; Emcee-Songwriter, Philanthropist, Actress & DTU Ambassador and Spokesperson, MC Lyte; National Newspapers Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and; Clark Atlanta University School of Arts and Sciences, Dean Danille K. Taylor, Ph.D.

“Discover the Unexpected” Atlanta Fellows. Jordan Fisher, Clark Atlanta University; Kelsey Jones, Spelman College; Darrell Williams, Morehouse College; Tiana Hunt, Clark Atlanta University; Ayron Lewallan, Morehouse College and; Taylor Burris, Spelman College.

their reporting assignments. Legendary lyricist and hip hop pioneer MC Lyte will return as the program’s national spokesperson and will be on-hand to kick-off the launch in Atlanta. Information about the Discover the Unexpected Fellowship Program can be found at www.nnpa. org/dtu. Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in

more than 115 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easyto-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet. com.

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