Thought-provoking, informative, enlightening and entertaining news and commentary from around the world!
I MESSENGER
www.myimessenger.com December 25, 2015
www.myimessenger.com
VOL 5 ISSUE 16
CAN YOU HANDLE THE TRUTH? HE’S LIVE AT THE ARLINGTON IMPROV, SATURDAY and SUNDAY DECEMBER 26 and 27
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MR. DICK GREGORY
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DECEMBER 25, 2015
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DECEMBER 25, 2015
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Message to the People...
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Sen. West weighs in on Sandra B l a n d case 8
What can I say about Dick Gregory? I’m honored to call him “friend.” Now some use the word loosely but neither do I or Mr. Gregory. This man is a friend indeed and those who know him respect his friendship. They also respect his activism and love for information. He’s a wealth of knowledge and wherever you are, when you are in his presence, you can’t help but feel smarter when you leave.
He never plays!
Our relationship spans a mere 22 years. And boy have those been some wonderful years!
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Now this year was a banner year for Mr. Gregory: • He began the year receiving his star, long overdue, I might add, on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. • Next he was honored at the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Historic Selma Jubilee Crossing in Alabama. • TV One featured Mr. Gregory on the award-winning show, UnSung. • Mr. Gregory appeared on the Arsenio Hall Show • Fellow Comedian Bill Cosby praised Mr. Gregory for his efforts that paved the way for so many other comedians
KwanzaaFest 2K15 Remembering James Belt 18 13
And those were just on a professional note. Mr. Gregory continues to speak up and out, addressing issues that some tend to shy away from. At 83, he’s still going strong, as is the case with his beautiful and compassionate wife, Lil. If you get a chance, come out and see Mr. Gregory. He’s at the Arlington (TX) Improv for shows December 26 and 27. He’ll be back in June also, as always for the Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon. Follow him on Twitter at @IAmDickGregory. Also check out
his website at www.dickgregory.com. He’s the real deal!
Cheryl
I MESSENGER Cheryl Smith, Publisher Established 2011 IMESSENGER is a tribute to Le Messager, founded by Cameroonian journalist Pius Njawe and The Messenger, an independent magazine, founded by labor activist A. Philip Randolph and economist Chandler Owen. IMESSENGER is committed to informing, inspiring, enlightening and provoking thought in a forum that is international. Submissions for publication consideration may be submitted to www.myimessenger.com.
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I MESSENGER
Open Letter Regarding Rosalind Brewer
-Rosalind Brewer, Advocacy Luncheon Keynote Speaker, 2015 USBC School of Chamber and Business Management. Photo courtesy Streetz Media Normally at this time of the year we like to look back and recap some of the highlights of our activities from the preceding twelve months. This year, though, something so bizarre happened recently - something that captures the magnitude of inequity in the marketplace - we couldn't let the opportunity pass to reflect on this very specific, very disheartening episode. You may have heard the name Rosalind Brewer before. In the odd event you haven't, Ms. Brewer was a featured speaker during our previous School of Business and Chamber Management and spoke about how she ascended into the high ranking position as the CEO of Walmart's Sam's Club division. Brewer is the first Black American and the first female to lead Sam's. It goes without saying that she is "off-the-chart" smart, personable, and very, very good at her job...or she wouldn't be there. During a recent CNN interview, Ms. Brewer offered insight into the workplace culture she is responsible for shaping, noting the importance of racial and gender diversity in the ranks of her executive team. From the firestorm of venom raining down on her, you'd think she said something as outlandish as a GOP presidential contender! For stating clearly that it is important that her workplace look like the people Sam's sells its products to, Ms. Brewer has been called racist, dumb,
DECEMBER 25, 2015 incompetent and a whole lot of other downright nasty things. On top of that, some misguided folk have called for a boycott of Sam's Club, "...because it discriminates against white people..." Besides being absolutely absurd, the hateful comments heaped on Ms. Brewer paint a graphic picture of how far we have to go to create equality of opportunity in the marketplace. (Excuse me while I compare Ms. Brewer's situation to the way President Obama has been treated the entire time he's held office!) But Ms. Brewer - after noting how she has shaped her executive leadership team - went on to illustrate how she uses her position to encourage Sam's Club suppliers to adopt diversity strategies. And that's when the "twitterverse" went berserk! In an American economy with only a handful of Black CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, where Black folks (ALL forty-plus million of us) have less money than the wealthiest 100 white Americans, where Black businesses have virtually NO CHANCE of earning federal, state or municipal contracts and even less opportunity in the private sector, how twisted do you have to be to believe that Rosalind Brewer is proof that white folks are in jeopardy? Please don't get me wrong: Rosalind Brewer doesn't need me to defend or explain her position. The thing that has no defense and needs explaining is the hardedged, racist sentiment that evidently still exists in America.
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While Brewer's role as CEO of a giant company shows that we have come a long way, the fact that Black folk remain the most likely to go to jail, the most likely to die a violent death (all too often at the hands of law enforcement), the most likely to go without needed social services and healthcare, the mostly likely to be fired rather than promoted, and the most likely to have their opinions dismissed as "playing the race card" or -worse, "reverse discrimination" -- is proof of how far we have left to go. We will continue to point the way to an America that is better when Black businesses grow and thrive; when those businesses are the leaders in reducing Black unemployment; when those businesses are supplying civic leadership and improving the quality of life in communities across the country, and we'll continue to point out that efforts to improve diversity too often end up being diversions from what really matters. The USBC School of Chamber and Business Management, the Black Male Entrepreneurship Institute, our Solutions Series and the work being done by nearly 130 Black chambers of commerce across the country keeps us focused and making a difference...just like Rosalind Brewer. In the Spirit of Success Ron Busby, Sr. President U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
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DECEMBER 25, 2015
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NABJ Mourns The Loss of Member Rhonda Swan WASHINGTON (Dec. 24, 2015)Â -The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) mourns the loss of Rhonda Swan, a former Palm Beach Post editorial writer and past president of NABJ's Palm Beach chapter. Swan, 51, died Wednesday morning in Springfield, Mass., of complications from breast cancer, friends said. "We are all very saddened to hear about the passing of Rhonda. She was a passionate leader within the organization and an accomplished journalist. She truly left a mark with her smile and generous spirit, and will be missed," said NABJ President Sarah Glover. Swan frequently wrote about her bout with cancer and served as inspiration for her readers. "I refuse to torture myself with coulda woulda shouldas," she wrote in an article for the Post two months ago. "I
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Transforming Madness into Gladness, was a memoir based on Swan's spiritual journey that also served as a self-help guide for readers. Swan wrote two novels, I Saw Your Profile and Exposed: The Consequences of Truth. She also published a volume of poetry, Speaking My Mind...in Poetic Verse.
opted against chemo and radiation after my mastectomy because that was the best choice for me at the time." An author and award winning journalist, working at The Palm Beach Post, she also worked at The News Journal, The Daily Press, and The Union-News. She has provided political commentary for public television. Additionally, she was a blogger and freelance journalist who penned columns for The South F lorida Sun-Sentinel and T he Republican in Springfield. Swan ear ned a bachelor's deg ree in journalism with a minor in psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Her last book, Dancing to the Rhythm of My Soul: A Sister's Guide for
Swan leaves three adult children, Amira, Seneca and Stephon; and three grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were pending. NABJ extends its sincerest condolences to Ms. Swan's family, and the countless friends within the journalism community who she leaves behind. *Reports from The Palm Beach Post and The Sun- Sentinel were used to compile this announcement. An advocacy group established in 1975 in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization for journalists of color in the nation, and provides career development as well as educational and other support to its members worldwide. For additional info, visit  www.nabj.org.
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DECEMBER 25, 2015
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DECEMBER 25, 2015
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CITY LOCAL TRUCK DRIVER
TRUCKING 519 N. Cedar Ridge Dr., Suite #7 Duncanville, TX 75116 www.mycrossroadtruck.com We are seeking Local City Drivers who must have a Class A - Commercial Driver License. NOTE: All Drivers must have a clean background (no felonies or misdemeanors) and at least one year driving experience with a clean MVR. Must have medical card, valid DL, SSC card, DOT card and must pass a required physical and drug screening. Driver should have a minimum of one year of driving experience in the last 3 years and 5 years of driving experience in the last 10 years. Must be 21 years of age and have a required High School Diploma/GED. Minimum Requirements Driver’s License Type: Class A - Commercial Commercial Driver’s License Endorsement: X - Combination of N and H T - Doubles/Triples Between $900.00 /WK and $1,000 / WK. Rotating Shift - home daily. Work week - full time 30-45 hours. Additional details: We are looking for drivers who are safe and will not have customer complaints. Driver must be free of accidents, service violations, and accident services. Cell: 214-475-3052 Office 214-245-5157 or email us at cr.trucking519@gmail.com
REGIONAL DRIVER
TRUCKING 519 N. Cedar Ridge Dr., Suite #7 Duncanville, TX 75116 www.mycrossroadtruck.com
Seeking Team Drivers (OTR). .42 cents per mile, must have a Class A - Commercial Driver License. NOTE: All Drivers must have a clean background (no felonies or misdemeanors) and at least one year driving experience with a clean MVR. Must have medical card, valid DL, SSC card, DOT card and must pass a required physical and drug screening. Driver should have a minimum of one year of driving experience in the last 3 years and 5 years of driving experience in the last 10 years. Must be 21 years of age and have a required High School Diploma/GED. Minimum Requirements Driver’s License Type: Class A - Commercial Commercial Driver’s License Endorsement: X - Combination of N and H T - Doubles/Triples Additional details: We are looking for drivers who are safe and will not have customer complaints. Driver must be free of accidents, service violations, and accident services. Cell: 214-475-3052 Office 214-245-5157 or email us at cr.trucking519@gmail.com
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DECEMBER 25, 2015
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Senator West responds to Bland Grand Jury Monday night, a Waller County Grand Jury, after hearing lengthy testimony and reviewing evidence over the course of three sessions, declined to issue a criminal indictment against the Waller County Sheriff's Department or any of its employees related to the in-custody death of Sandra Bland on July 13, following her arrest by a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper. Senator West issues these remarks following the grand jury's decision. "My words and thoughts go first to the family and loved ones of Sandra Bland. I understand their pain and their efforts to find solutions that will help them in terms of coming to grips with the loss of their loved one. Although I have not spoken with Mrs. Reed-Veal recently, I also understand her and counsel's frustration with the grand jury process and its findings. From the outset, I and other members of the Legislature and public officials, asked for a process that would be open and transparent. That - from the family's perspective would appear to be at odds with how a grand jury works. But the grand
Ask Pam Q - I’ve been on Medicaid for several months and drawing SSI from Social Security Administration (SSA). I’ll be turning age 62 next month, I was informed by SSA that my SSI would go away because I’ll start drawing a Social Security Retirement check. Since my retirement income
From the Senator Texas State Senator Royce West
jury is a long-standing institution in Texas and in other jurisdictions across the country. I found no fault with District Attorney Elton Mathis' decision to form a panel of special prosecutors for this case. The fiveattorney panel included two African American attorneys with experience both as prosecutors and defense and one female with defense experience.
will be significantly greater than the SSI I’ll no longer be eligible for Medicaid assistance. I’m concerned about keeping some medical assistance so my question is will I get Medicare too when I turn 62 next month? A - That depends; people are eligible to enroll in Medicare prior to age 65 only if they’re on Social Security Disability and have met the 24-month waiting period, or have a special condition. Check with the Social Security Administration to see when you will be eligible for Medicare. If you find that you’re not eligible for Medicare yet, then you can always visit yourtexasbenefits.com or call 2-1-1, that’s if you live in Texas, to find
The grand jury was comprised of four minorities, three African Americans and one Hispanic. Both these panels can be considered as reaching the requirements of diversity. That said, I must respect the decision of the grand jury; made after reviewing days of testimony and evidence lasting late into Monday evening, that the evidence presented did not amount to that needed for a criminal, felony indictment of Waller Sheriff's Department jail personnel. “That is not to say that mistakes were not made that may have contributed to her death. Neither does their non-indictment preclude the possibility of civil liability. My information also is that the grand jury will convene again early in January to continue to pour through more evidence and testimony relevant to a criminal case. This investigation has not yet run its course. “At its conclusion, it is my hope that justice will have been served."
what medical resources are available in your area. Medicare Annual Open Enrollment period: October 15th thru December 7th. The Affordable Care Act - Federal Marketplace Exchange – 2016 Open Enrollment period: November 1st 2015 thru January 31st 2016. P A M E L A J. D A Y E S is a Licensed & Certified Health Insurance Agency serving North Texas area. She is passionate about learning and gaining knowledge in the area of HealthCare reform. She is devoted to passing on that knowledge in particularly to the Senior Market. Her expertise is in making Medicare clear and understandable. I look forward to answering your questions. Email questions to askpam@med-supps.com Follow me: Twitter: pjdayes Facebook: askpamdayes
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DECEMBER 25, 2015
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HALL: IJS In 2016…Go To Church! It may be a tad bit early, and I don’t want to violate Black culture, rudimentary norms or traditions; especially CP Time…But! I think it's time y’all start making New Year's resolutions. As grandmother would say, if it don’t rain and the creek don't rise, we got work to do. I’m just saying!! (IJS) Let me suggest one resolution. In 2016, start going to church or go to church regularly. “Work out your soul salvation,” as the old Preacher would admonish new members. Go to your Synagogues, Mosques or wherever your spirit leads you; Just go! My Pastor, Dr. Freddy Haynes says that “If it’s right to be in church it’s wrong to be out.” IJS It’s not just me. There are hundreds of millions of dollars being spent to transmit this same message. If you watch television, even on a random basis, you see ads from Jesus.Cares.com. Their ads feature people who are frustrated with life and see no good end. The Jesus.Cares.com website has a church locator and several ports of encouragement. Then there’s Rethink.Church.com, which is the United Methodist Church’s attempt to bring church attendance back. They offer church as a combatant against depression, social maladies and estrangement from God and organized Christianity. The UMC is known for being socially progressive. Not perfect, but equally as determined as the Catholic Church at forming melting pot memberships and missions. Both
Quit Playin’ By Vincent L. Hall Vincent L. Hall is an author and award-winning columnist.
denominations work to desegregate the most segregated hour in America; Sunday at 11 a.m. By the way, Mosques are more diverse than most churches. IJS Spiritually, and especially for Black folks, Church is an enriching and engaging enterprise. Socially, Church has historically been our sole refuge. The first plats and plantings of property we ever corporately owned were our churches. Every victory we won and every consolation prize we value bears the mark of the Black Church. White supporters of the Black Lives Matter Movement are not new. Justice seeking White brothers and sisters have been integral allies from the dangerous Abolitionists Movement through the turbulent Civil Rights era. Good ecumenical
leaders of all races and religions shaped and steeped the best social movements in American history. If you don’t believe that Jesus Cares, you need to ReThin!! One of the greatest pastors of this nation and this city, the late Dr. Manuel Scott Sr. explained what church means to our struggle in one of the rare YouTube videos that bear his image. “White folks... not all of them, but many of our oppressors made a big mistake. They kept us out of school and worked us in the fields. They kept us out of political office and out of good jobs. “But they made a tactical mistake. They let us go to church! They let us meet Jesus. They let us read this Bible. And it looked like we as a people should have been out of business. But Jesus gave us survival strength. From Monday to Saturday they would put a heavy load on us. But on Sunday morning we sang ‘I’m so glad that trouble don’t last always!’” It's not my place or my point to force Christianity on anyone, but faith worked for us. So find a church and get involved. Don’t get caught up in all those false equivalencies about jive ass preachers and judgmental parishioners. God will take care of the wicked, which includes me and you. Get in where you fit in! Our people identified their talents and spiritual gifts at church. Our people learned business, politics, oratory skills, musical prowess and established schools at church. Our people learned how to “Watch, fight and pray” at church. In 2016, Go to Church! IJS!
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DECEMBER 25, 2015
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Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists URBAN JOURNALISM WORKSHOP APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED The Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (formerly the DallasF o r t Wo r t h A s s o c i a t i o n o f B l a c k Communicators) will present its annual Urban Journalism Workshop for high school and college students on January 23, 2016. This 12-week workshop is open to students in Dallas, Tarrant, Ellis, Collin and Denton counties. Students receive hands-on experience working with seasoned professionals who have gained a reputation l o c a l l y a n d n a t i o n a l l y, a s w e l l a s internationally. The program, which emulates one started by George Curry, Gerald Boyd and other members of the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists in St. Louis, has graduated students who have gone on to anchor newscasts, edit newspapers, open public relations firms and produce radio shows. Mr. Curry visits the Dallas workshop students annually to conduct his “basic training.” Mr. Boyd died of lung cancer in 2006. “We’re excited about continuing the tradition that was started almost 30 years ago,” said Eva Coleman, one of the instructors for the program. “I am looking forward to working with students this year.” Ms. Coleman, who teaches radio and television in Frisco ISD will be overseeing the radio and television segments of the
workshop, pulling together experts in the field. Previous speakers have included: Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, Senator Royce West, Star-Telegram editor and columnist Bob Ray Sanders, Dallas Morning News columnist Norma Adams Wade, Our Texas Publisher General Berry, PR gurus Lyria Howland and Rose Gafford, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Irwin Thompson, K104’s Sam Putney, 97.9’s Gary with the T, Dallas Examiner Publisher Mollie Belt, Producer Haile Gerima and Dallas Weekly Publisher James A. Washington. Ms. Smith, who has been with the program since its inception, took over the directorship in the mid 90s and continued through 2004. Ms. Smith returned to the program as director in 2007. At the conclusion of the workshop, the students will participate in a closing ceremony where they will present a newspaper, television and radio broad-casts, a website and a special project. For more information about the workshop, contact Ms. Smith at 214-941-0110. Applications must be turned in by January 11, 2016. Mail completed applications to: DFWABJ 320 South R.L. Thornton Frwy #220A Dallas, TX 75203
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DECEMBER 25, 2015
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My Husband Embarrassed Me Dear Alma,
Find Your True North Annual Conference! Sarah Zink and Shivaun Palmer with the luncheon panelists: (L to R) Marcelle LeBlanc, Owner, Velvet Box; Kam Phillips, CEO, Dream Outside the Box, Deborah Peoples, Community Leader, VP AT&T (Retired)
We were recently at a cookout at my cousin’s house and I went Ask Alma over to sit on my husband’s By Alma Gill lap. via George Curry Media The next thing I knew, he pulled my dress up all the way over my head. I was soooooo embarrassed. My niece came over to help me get my dress down.
That was disrespectful from the nitty to the gritty – from the rooter to the tooter. I would venture to say it was borderline abusive. Glorious knows I am in no position to evaluate your embarrassment and or tolerance level of humiliation, but what I will say is, you need t o r e - e v a l u a t e w h a t ’s unacceptable behavior within your marriage. Be honest with yourself. What exactly, my dear, is at the root of his wanting to publicly disgrace you? Because that’s what he did.
I’m a curvy girl, so it wasn’t easy. I couldn’t believe he did that in front of everybody. All of The next thing I knew, he our family and pulled my dress up all the friends were way over my head. I was there.
soooooo embarrassed. My niece came over to help me get my dress down.
He said he asked me not to sit on his lap because his leg was hurting. What should I do? Why do you think he did that? Name withheld; Atlanta, Ga. Whew Lawd, he did what!?
Honey Chile, give me a minute! I’m so mad at your husband right now I can hardly speak.
Yo u ’ v e g o t a much bigger problem than him not wanting you to sit on his lap and I’ve got a feeling this isn’t your first trip entering his danger zone.
He’s warning you, are you listening? It’s clear to me, he is not respecting you as a husband should respect his wife. And he’s making it clear to you, in front of your friends and family, you are no longer the “One.” Alma
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DECEMBER 25, 2015
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December 26- 27
DECEMBER 25, 2015 February 17, 2016 Understanding the RFP &RFB Process March 2, 2016 How to do a Bussiness with Dart
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1309 Canton Street | Dallas, TX 75201 Admission - $10 To purchase tickets, call TBAAL Box Office at 214-743-2400
January 9
January 9
Comedian Lavell Crawford performs at the Majestic Theatre. Call 888-929-7849
Comedian Dick Gregory performs at the Arlington Improv
January 15
December 31 The Silent Partner & 105.7 presents...The Blue Print Party A NYE Designed with Sophisticated SWAG 12.31.15 Double Tree by Hilton 1981 N Central Expwy Richardson,
2016 January 6 DBCC Power Lunch! January 6, 2016 Real Estate 101 Bill J Priest Institute 1402 Corinth Street Dallas 75215 1-3pm February 3, 2016 Understanding Government Contracting
January 8-9 Four brothers are back by popular demand! CUSP 'THE POLYMATH,' DA BEAR, AWAJI JOHNSON, OBBIE WEST hits the stage again this season, rippin' and rappin' like the poets of the 1960's Cultural Revolution. Sharing their personal experiences while honoring four distinguished poets, the brothers words are penetrating and smooth and so is the jazz. They've got a word for the ladies! Friday and Saturday, January 8 & 9, 2016 @ 9pm Clarence Muse Cafe Theater Dallas Convention Center Theater Complex Physical Address:
Fred’s Entertainment Pays Homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mr. Harry T. Moore The Pan African Connection 8:00 PM Until 4466 South Marsalis Ave @ Ann Arbor Dallas, Tx. 75216 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Juanita Wallace Founder of 100 Black Women of America Speaking on Mr. Harry T. Moore: Mr. Gary Brown
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I MESSENGER (Mr. Harry T. Moore is the founder of the first branch of the NAACP in Brevard County Florida) Special Guest: Mr. Lee Alcorn and Family African Drumming by Baba Kwasi Doors Open at 7:00 PM PLEASE DRESS IN ALL WHITE HEAD TO TOE Admission: Student With ID $9.00 ($33.00 at the door). General $15.00 ($33.00 at the door). VIP $27.00 ($33.00 at door) Go to Payment Page on www.fredsentertainment.com And click on Buy Now Contact: Fred A. Ghaffar at 214-607-6445 ******** Black Music Civil Rights Movement Concert at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St, featuring Tony Terry and Rahsaan Patterson. Student performance 10am on Friday Public Performance 730pm on Sunday
DECEMBER 25, 2015 Friday and Saturday Comedy at the Muse Theater at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, featuring Damon Williams at 9p.m.
January 21 Oak Cliff Chamber for its Annual Awards & VIP Reception, "Spotlighting the Cliff." Featuring Master of Ceremony, Rep. Rafael Anchia, the Awards Ceremony will recognize the best Oak Cliff businesses, organizations and individuals in 2015 for their achievements, community contributions and milestones. Bishop Arts Theatre Center 215 Tyler Street Dallas, TX 75208 Advance General Admission Tickets: $40 per person / $75 per couple (Awards entry ONLY) *Available for Advance Purchase only - ends at 6:00 p.m. on 1/15/2016. General Admission Tickets: $50 per person / $100 per couple (Awards entry ONLY)
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR MERRI DEE Legendary TV Anchor Merri Dee is coming to The Black Academy of Arts and Letters to discuss her memoir. To look at the polished and poised Merri Dee you would never guess that she was shot in the head twice and left for dead one night after a broadcast. She wasn't expected live, and was even given her last rights by friend, Reverend Jesse Jackson. Surviving this harrowing event caused Dee to live life with PURPOSE and encourage others by writing her story. Ms. Dee is a part of TBAAL's Roundtable Writer's Breakfast Series. Get your tickets from the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists. Call 214- 941-0110.
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January 22 -23 Friday, January 22, 2016 @ 8:15pm Saturday, January 23, 2016 @ 3:15 & 8:15pm Clarence Muse Cafe Theater Dallas Convention Center Theater Complex Physical Address: 1309 Canton Street | Dallas, TX 75201 Admission - $16.50
February 3 DBCC Power Lunch! Bill J Priest Institute 1402 Corinth Street Dallas 75215 1-3pm
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"Our people have made the mistake of confusing the methods with the objectives. As long as we agree on objectives, we should never fall out with each other just because we believe in different methods, or tactics, or strategy. We have to keep in mind at all times that we are not fighting for separation. We are fighting for recognition as free humans in this society." MALCOLM X I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com
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Spiritually Speaking
February 3, 2016 Understanding Government Contracting
February 14 12th Annual Dallas Blues Festival featuring Latimore, Sir Charles Jones, Theodis Ealey, TK Soul, Shirley Brown, Cupid, Bobby Rush Sun, Feb 14, 2016 - 6:00PM Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie 1001 Performance Place Grand Prairie, TX 75050 (972) 854-5050
February 17 DBCC Power Lunch! Bill J Priest Institute 1402 Corinth Street Dallas 75215
DECEMBER 25, 2015
1-3pm February 17, 2016 Understanding the RFP &RFB Process
February 20 UNCF Masked Ball at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. Call 972-234-1007 for tickets.
February 26 New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church will host its 11th Annual Raymond B. Spencer Scholarship banquet on February 26th 2016, at 7:00 p.m. at the Fort Worth Hilton Hotel. The Featured keynote speaker will be Dr. Rev Raphael G. Warnock, Ph.D., a civil rights leader and new generation trailblazer. Dr. Warnock is the senior pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church,
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Atlanta, Georgia, the church home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
February 27 JD Lawrence presents Martin, Malcolm and Me at the Majestic Theatre. Call 888-929-7849 for tickets
March 2 DBCC Power Lunch! Bill J Priest Institute 1402 Corinth Street Dallas 75215 1-3pm March 2, 2016 How to do a Business with Dart
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I MESSENGER KWANZAA CALENDAR Umoja (Unity) - Saturday, December 26, 2015 3 p.m. – Candle lighting C e r e m o n y a n d Vi d e o Lecture/ Discussion on PanAfricianism by Kwame Ture (Stokely Carmichael). PanAfricanism is the Unification of African People throughout the world. The Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery and Resource Center New Address inside Glendale Shopping Center 4466 S. Marsalis Ave.,Dallas, Texas 75216 214-943-8262/panafric@airmail.net All Kwanzaa celebrations are FREE 7 p.m. - Candle lighting ceremony, performances by Kwanzaa Youth Warriors, Bandan Koro African Drum & Dance Ensemble with Collective discussion on Celebrating African Unity in our Community, throughout the African Diaspora and the world. . The Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery and Resource Center New Address inside Glendale Shopping Center 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. Dallas, Texas 75216 214-943-8262/ panafric@airmail.net All Kwanzaa celebrations are FREE Kujichagulia - Self Determination - Sunday December 27, 2015 2:00 PM – The Black Church and Self Determination. Join us for the Kwanzaa ritual and a discussion on defining ourselves as African people. St. Luke Community Church, 5710 East R. L. Thornton Freeway Dallas 75223 214-821-2970 3:00p.m. "Healthy Families, Healthy Communities". Candle Lighting ceremony, healthy food tasting organized by Unified Hands Food Co-op and Children’s and Parents Fun Fitness workout with Aaron Johnson Fitness Club, a non-profit organization developing the minds of students ages 4 - 91. #GetFitStayFit. After working out wind down with an African Rhythm and Percussion Class with Professor D. The Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery and Resource Center New Address inside Glendale Shopping Center 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. Dallas, Texas 75216 214-943-8262/panafric@airmail.net All Kwanzaa celebrations are FREE Ujima, Collective Work and Responsibility Monday December 28, 2015 3:00pm - A Tribute to Paul Robeson by Kwanzaa Youth Warriors including the film“The Tallest Tree in our Forest”. Paul Robeson ws the epitome of the 20th-century Renaissance man. He was an exceptional athlete, actor, singer, cultural scholar, author, and political activist. His talents made him a revered man of his time, yet his radical political beliefs all but erased him from popular history. Today, more than one hundred years after his birth, Robeson is just beginning to receive the credit he is due. The Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery and Resource Center New Address inside Glendale Shopping Center 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. Dallas, Texas 75216 214-943-8262/ panafric@airmail.net All Kwanzaa celebrations are FREE 7p.m. --Kwanzaa Candle Lighting Ceremony, Community Forum with Grass Roots and Political Organizations, Churches, Youth Groups and Elected Officials. Join Dr. Robert Edison and
Commissioner John Wiley Price for a collective discussion on Justice or Else. Organized by the Million Man March Dallas Local Organizing Committee (DLOC). The Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery and Resource Center New Address inside Glendale Shopping Center 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. Dallas, Texas 75216 214-943-8262/panafric@airmail.net All Kwanzaa celebrations are FREE Ujamaa – Cooperative Economic Tuesday December 29, 2015 2:00PM Children’s Adinkra Symbol (cloth) Making Workshop. Adinkra (ah-DEEN-krah) cloth is a hand-printed fabric made in Ghana. Developed by the Ashanti people, Adinkra cloths were traditionally made for royalty to wear at religious ceremonies. Through the years, people have also decorated the cloths to tell a story or to express their thoughts or feelings. The Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery and Resource Center New Address inside Glendale Shopping Center 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. Dallas, Texas 75216 214-943-8262/ panafric@airmail.net All Kwanzaa celebrations are FREE 6p.m. - 7 p.m. - Business Networking Session. Inviting all small businesses, non-profits and those who want to start businesses to come together to see how we can collectively build and sustain businesses in our community without exploiting our people. Special Tribute to Ancestor Bandele Tyehimba owner of Pan-African Connection Bookstore and Resource Center. The Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery and Resource Center New Address inside Glendale Shopping Center 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. Dallas, Texas 75216 214-943-8262/ panafric@airmail.net All Kwanzaa celebrations are FREE. 7pm - Candle Lighting Ceremony. The National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America (NCOBRA) will discuss why we need to organize for reparations. The National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America is a mass-based coalition organized for the sole purpose of obtaining reparations for African descendants in the United States. For more information contact, 214-670-6445. The Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery and Resource Center New Address inside Glendale Shopping Center 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. Dallas, TX All Kwanzaa celebrations are FREE. Nia, Purpose – Wednesday December 30, 2015 10:00a.m. Join Melody Afi Bell Bey, the griot/storyteller, for a morning ritual of drumming, storytelling and African inspired songs for the whole family. Bookmarks Dallas Public Library, North Park Shopping Center, Dallas TX 2 p.m. Special tribute to Amy Jacques Garvey and Amy Ashwood Garvey, two Pan-African women who were organizers in the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL). They were the 1st and 2nd wives of "Back to Africa" movement leader, Marcus Mosiah Garvey. Young folks will discuss the role of youth and students in liberation movements and issues facing the African community and humanity. The Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery and Resource Center New Address inside Glendale Shopping Center 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. Dallas, Texas 75216 214-943-8262/panafric@airmail.net All Kwanzaa celebrations are FREE
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7:00 p.m. “I am…because we are…we are…because I am.” Celebrating our Purpose-A Tribute to Esudele Fagbenro, Founder of the Act of Change, Inc. The Youth of Acts of Change are organizing this Nia celebration which is also the earth/birthday of Baba Esudele Fagbenro. Join us for an evening of lip sync performances, drumming, dancing, spoken word in honor of the memory of our brother warrior. Act of Change 32 00 S. Lancaster Rd. #623 Dallas, TX call 214-205-8804 for information. All Kwanzaa celebrations are FREE however you may make a donation. 7 p.m. An interactive evening Celebrating Kwanzaa, African culture, storytelling, folktales, songs and dance with award winning poetic storyteller Oba William King, from Chicago, Illinois. Since his debut with the National Association of Black Storytellers at the San Diego conference in 2006, Oba has ignited audiences with his ability to capture their attention and gently release them into the playful realm of rhythm and rhyme. He masterfully combines professional theatrical training with a distinct poetic style. The Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery and Resource Center New Address inside Glendale Shopping Center 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. Dallas, Texas 75216 214-943-8262/panafric@airmail.net All Kwanzaa celebrations are FREE
Kuumba –Creativity Thursday December 31, 2015 2PM . –- Zawadi (Gift Making) Making workshop. Make the gifts, rather than buying them. Handmade gifts are consistent with the principles of Kwanzaa. Wrap the gifts in African prints or papers, or in the traditional colors of Kwanzaa - red, green and black. Free and open to the public, call 214-943-8262 for more information. 7:00 p.m. Join us for the Karamu Feast and Celebration.Please bring a pork free covered dish, drinks, vegetables and dessert. Come dressed in your regal African attire and dancing shoes.We will celebrate our victories and prepare for a new year using our creativity to make our local and world community a better place. Bring the whole family . Act of Change, 3200 S. Lancaster #623 Dallas TX Call 214-205-8804. All Kwanzaa celebrations are FREE. Donations are welcomed. Imani – Friday Jan. 1, 2016 No public programs. Please observe the principle Imani in your home with family and friends.
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I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com
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