I Messenger 5 18 2018

I Messenger

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May 18, 2018 May 18, 2018

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Roland Parrish provides assistance to orphaned youth in Uganda

CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME AND EXTENDS TO THE MOTHERLAND

FOSTER LOVE pages 10-11

May 18, 2018

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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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Local CEO/business owner/philanthropist impacts the lives of thousands of children in Uganda Roland Parrish is not only the CEO and owner of Parrish McDonald’s Restaurant LTD, he is also the founder of PARRISH CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, a non-profit organization that built, finances and oversees the John H. & Marie Parrish Medical Clinic in Ft. Portal, Uganda.

The clinic, named after his parents, provides medical services to over 16,000 orphaned children ye arly, w h o s e parents have died from HIV/ AIDS. Parrish says, “I have had the tremendous blessing to be apart of transforming the lives of thousands through serving and giving back to communities in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth area and across the country. However, in 2016, I committed to a project that has literally changed my entire perspective of what it means to serve others and to take care of ‘the least of these’ in a GLOBAL way.�

Parrish, born in Hammond, Indiana is a graduate of Purdue University, is a successful entrepreneur and is the 2nd largest McDonald’s franchisee in the country with 21 locations.

He is passionate about helping children in his community and around the

globe and to instill in them the importance of higher education. His goal for young people is to capitalize on all opportunities presented to them and where the opportunities are few, he wants to create more for them. “I am humbled by the opportunity to build a clinic in Ft. Portal, Uganda that bears the namesake of my parents, The John H. & Marie Parrish Medical Clinic�, says Parrish. “The building and support of this clinic feels like a major accomplishment and I believe that gesture alone will save thousands of children from common ailments and treatable diseases.�

Parrish Charitable Foundation is committed to this global work. One of Roland Parrish’s favorite bible scriptures is Luke 12:48 which paraphrased is, “to whom much is given, much is required� and the Parrish Charitable Foundation is blessed and honored to have the resources to serve children nationally and internationally around the world!

For more information on the Parrish Charitable Foundation, becoming a partner, or to make a donation, visit www.parrishcharitablefoundation.org.

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Special Speakers Tennell AtkinCity Council Member Dist.8 Dr. Brian Williams Medical Director of the Parkland Community Health Institute (PCHI) Chief Avery Moore Faith Johnson, District Attorney

June 07, 2018 9AM-12PM

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May 18, 2018

MY TRUTH

By Cheryl Smith Publisher

I Messenger

Who am I?

Chicago Defender

I Messenger Students of the Black Press have heard the stories of the role Black newspapers played in preparing readers for a new way of living when they migrated North from the South.

There were several lessons that needed to be shared so that our “country” relatives could be better prepared for living in the big city without embarrassing themselves or their people.

In 1923, on the pages of publications like the Chicago Defender, our brothers and sisters were instructed to avoid certain tendencies that were acceptable practices in the South.

Now as I think about some of the things we do in public today; I often wonder if maybe we need to dig into the archives and start the process all over again because for some reason we’ve forgotten some of those lessons, like: • House slippers, like house robes, are for the HOUSE; • Hair curlers (rollers) if worn outside, should be covered by a scarf; • Use an iron on your clothes to avoid coming out looking unkempt; • Clean your nose before you leave out of the house; • Make sure your clothes are not covered with lint balls; and • Whatever you do, don’t spit in public because nobody wants to step in your waste.

Which brings me to my truth.

I think it’s terrible to spit in public. And I’m not just

talking about the savages who would spit on folks who were attempting to hold this country accountable to ALL citizens.

I’m talking about those who will relieve themselves anywhere without thought of discretion, using a tissue or seeking privacy.

So imagine the look on my face as I prepared to participate in the 23andMe Ancestry attempt to set the world record for the most ancestry tests simultaneously conducted in one venue. There I was at the beautiful Perot Museum of Nature and Science, where 99 others were going to simultaneously spit.

When a reporter asked me what I expected to learn from the test results, I told him that while It would have been great, I was sure that the results would not come back that I am 100% Wakandan.

Hey, what can I say?

If you read my column last week, you understand that I realize the impact of colonization and slavery on African people.

Check it out at www.texasmetronews.com.

I’m not confused, I told the reporter. I know that my bloodline was compromised.

Actually it seems that of the two, descendants of enslaved Africans are more willing to acknowledge their ancestors than the descendants of the owners of enslaved Africans are.

To talk about the peculiar in-

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stitution of slavery is definitely unacceptable and offensive to people on both sides. Having mixed ancestry had to be a choice then as it is today, some believe.

There was surprise, however, from some in the audience when it was revealed by the 23andMore representative that event emcees Kellie Rasberry and J-Si Chavez, of the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show, both have Sub Saharan African ties, according to the tests they took earlier.

Someone asked, “What does that mean?”

I didn’t answer, because guess what? It wasn’t my truth and when my results are revealed, I’m going to share with you, because that is my prerogative.

To ignore my rule about spitting in public, I did just that so I can share the information with my family and those who love me.

It is imperative that we know where we come from because the information may help us to understand why we do the things we do. It’s important to have the FDA approved documentation that 23andMore will provide.

Will the results change my attitude? What if I find that I am a descendant of someone great, or someone mediocre? Will I do like some folks do when they win the lottery—and change?

We’ll know in 6-8 weeks!

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May 18, 2018

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How do you mend a broken heart-- the Cosby I know and the man who was convicted I used to love me some Bill Cosby. Not only because he was America’s Big Daddy, but also because he was fun and funny. Most of the times that I was around him, I felt lifted. He had that deep, heh heh heh laugh, and that sweet smile, and then he loved some HBCUs, so what could you say?

Yeah, there was that irascible thing; that pull up your pants and don’t steal the cake preachy conversation. But there was the $20 million that he and Camille gave to Spelman College and the fraction of which I was able to wangle from him for Bennett College. We had this conversation, once upon a time, when he said that he loved me, and I replied, as much as you love Dr. Cole, and he said yeah. So I said, “Where is my $20 million?” If you love me even ten percent as much I get 2 million.

He laughed. I laughed.

He spent a day at Bennett talking to my students.

Now he has been convicted as a sexual preda-

A real dilemma The Last Word

by Dr. Julianne Malveaux

tor, and while there will be an appeal, the fact that more than 60 women have made accusations is daunting. Even if half of them are piling on, enough of them have made the case that a man who has been

convicted?

So do we throw the art out? Do we decide that the engaging body of work is now worthless because the creator is horribly flawed? Do we decide that Fat Albert wasn’t real-

an amazing philanthropist has also been an awful sexual predator.

How do I mend my broken heart?

Indeed, my heart is broken. It started breaking with the first allegation.

It continued to break as the accusations piled up.

How could I, how could we, reconcile the image of a man whose humor and dadliness engaged a generation with a man who, by his own admission, drugged women so he could have nonconsensual sex with them. What is real, what is fake, and how do we begin to enjoy powerful episodes of the Cosby Show without thinking of the man who was just

ly fat and funny, that Theo and Rudy weren’t amazing kids, that I Spy didn’t spy, that the Cosby body of work is useless?

I will make no excuses for a man who has been convicted as a sexual predator, even as I confess my affection for him. But I wonder if we can separate the art from its creator, especially when we consider the fact that Cosby broke so many barriers as he created his art. And while he deserves more than a wink and a nod or a slap on the wrist, I think it also important to consider context. Who taught this man to be a sexual predator?

Was this the norm in Hollywood at that time? Cosby

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was raised well enough to know the difference between right and wrong, and he was not only wrong but also butt wrong to drug women to have sex with them. One could be a misunderstanding. Sixty is an epidemic. Even if half of them are making it up, thirty, twenty, ten, or even one is more than enough.

So my heart breaks for our culture, and for that which many will throw away. Meaning, do Cosby’s crimes invalidate his art?

Will all eight seasons of the Cosby show be kicked to the curb because its creator is an extraordinarily flawed man? Will a moment in history, a moment when the ensemble depiction of a dynamic Black middle-class family entertained a nation, be obliterated by the judgment of one man?

I am not sure of the answer. I am certain, though, that my heart is broken.

Cosby will appeal and he may prevail. Or, he may not.

But I am among those who cherish the memories of the Cosby show, the Cosby philanthropist, the funny and irascible man who came to my campus, talked good sense to my students, and cared.

Cheers to him for lifting up Black colleges. Shame on him for violating women.

How can I reconcile these images? How can I mend my broken heart?

e O a i v

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May 18, 2018

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Hollywood Hernandez Live

By Hollywood Hernandez

Breaking In Mo t h e r ' s Day weekend Gabrielle Union debuted her new movie, Breaking In, a home invasion movie where she plays a mom who will stop at nothing to rescue her two kids who are being held hostage in the house.

They end up in the house in the first place when the family travels to the isolated fortress built by her father, who died from injuries sustained in a car accident. But was it an accident?

There are a lot more unanswered questions like that in the movie.

Like where did her father get the huge sum of money that he had stashed in the house? Was he a crook or a spy?

Where is Shaun's (Gabrielle Union) husband?

But the biggest question is how did she become Liam Neeson and Bruce Willis all wrapped up into one? For a simple mother of two, she has some amazing fighting skills.

However, if you leave reality for a while, this is an enjoyable movie. Union is clearly the star of the film as

the protective mother who battles (and usually gets the best of) four criminals who have broken into the house.

You'll find yourself cheering for the mother as she is relentless in her efforts to rescue her kids and just about the time the plot runs out of steam; the movie comes to an end. (It runs for just about 90 minutes.)

Breaking In is rated PG13 for plenty of violence and a few bloody images.

Just like last year's Kidnap with Halle Berry, this is a star vehicle for Gabrielle Union to carry the movie on her back.

Her action scenes and her catch phrases ("You picked the wrong house!) are memorable even if the entire movie is not.

On my "Hollywood Popcorn Scale" I rate the movie a MEDIUM.

Read more and win tickets at www.hollywoodhernandezlive.com

Whether it’s at Flaunt, DIFF, or wherever you are, Hollywood Hernandez is there too!

ALL THE WAY LIVE

with Hollywood Hernandez Live

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Butterfly I emerge from this darkness changed.

Leaving behind so much of what was me; whole but with missing parts.

Pushing myself through a realization that does not include you, physically.

Your transformation complete.

La Juana and Patricia Barton

authors of Faithful Remembrances - Volume I

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May 18, 2018

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A Mother’s Pain A Son’s Passion

By Dorothy J Gentry Sports Editor

It’s a sunny, breezy Saturday in Garland, Texas: a suburb of Dallas. Dozens of kids are running around the courtyard at Jonathan’s Place – a large foster care and adoption facility - sporting a white t-shirt with a smiling brown bear plastered across the front and the words Ferrell Family Foundation in large font.

In walks Dallas Mavericks guard Yogi Ferrell, also sporting the same t-shirt as the kids. And next to him is his mom, Dr. Lydia Ferrell, holding a gorgeous two-year-old baby girl with a yellow ribbon in her hair and the biggest smile.

Her name is Jada and she’s a foster child in the care of Dr. Ferrell; one of dozens over the past few years.

You see, Yogi’s mom has a passion for foster children: to love, support, protect and care for them.

That passion grew out of her own pain and experience as a product of the foster care system.

And that passion has reached her son as on this day, they launch the Ferrell Family Foundation, whose mission is to bring awareness and support to the ever-growing foster care system.

“This right here, helping foster kids, is something I’m passionate about and the reason why is my mom. She used to be in foster care in her teens and is now a foster parent and has taken in about 20 kids,” Ferrell said. “I’d be at college and my mom would text me and write, ‘Oh, we have another baby!’

She would send me a picture. I couldn’t wait to get home and see the baby.

“We’re just trying to give them a better life. That’s the biggest thing.

Jada, Dr. Lydia Ferrell and Yogi Ferrell Just trying to support them.”

Yogi then reaches out to pick up his foster sister. Jada eagerly holds out her arms for him to hold her and lays her head on his shoulder; something you can tell she is comfortable doing, the love between the two apparent for all to see.

“Ever since I’ve known her, since we got her, she’s had a smile on her face,” Ferrell said. “That’s the biggest thing is putting a smile on kid’s faces and changing their lives. So that’s the main reason why me, my dad and mom decided to start this foundation - to help and support foster kids.”

Her Story Dr. Ferrell comes to the podium and Jada jumps into her arms.

Dr. Ferrell and Yogi could pass for sister and brother. Same facial fea-

tures. Same smile. And now, the same passion.

“I was basically a child of neglect at a pretty young age,” Dr. Ferrell shares. “I was fortunate enough to have some family placement but I was in foster care until I aged out at 18. I was also fortunate enough to have help from the state to help me go to college.

Even aging out of foster care, you want to be able to support these kids and have a chance to go to college. It’s really important to try to live a successful life no matter how you started.”

Dr. Ferrell ended up going further than anyone thought after spending years in the foster care system.

She went on to college and medical school, obtaining her medical degree from Indiana University,

the same university her son attended.

“I ended up getting my medical degree from IU which is a great accomplishment but also shows these kids that they can also make it further despite their startup in life,” she said. “I’ve lived in California for quite some time. Even there, living in South Central LA, it was a pretty rough atmosphere for me.

Growing up there, going to Indianapolis and being a child of neglect and being in the foster care system helped develop me as a person.”

Dr. Ferrell said when she gets the kids as babies, she is on a mission.

“I’m just trying to make a difference. And even if I don’t get to keep them, I want them to remember, not necessarily me, but to remember the love that I gave them.

That’s one thing that they’ll never ever forget. I don’t do this for me. I do this for them.”

His Passion Yogi beams proudly at his mom as she shares her story with those assembled.

“She’s a strong woman that’s for sure,” he said. “She was telling me about how she grew up and how it was tough for her and her siblings.

She didn’t want me or my siblings to have the life that she had growing up so she worked hard every single day. And I’m very thankful for it.

“She made it. Through the trenches. It was rough for her. She came out and was on top,” he said.

“She’s been a great parent, supportive of me and my basketball career.

I’ve seen how she’s become such a strong woman and now she’s giving back being a foster parent so

I Messenger I’ve kind of seen that and she’s making all of these kids so proud and happy so I just want to do that same thing.”

Yes, his mom’s pain has definitely turned into his passion.

“For me, personally, it’s always giving back to the kids. That’s the first and foremost thing. Because they are the next generation. They are going to power our country and move the community into a positive direction.

“I just want to give back to those kids who didn’t have the same life that I had, the same support system growing up. So I’m trying to show support for them and let them know anything they want to be in life, they can be.”

That look of pride and happiness Yogi had on his face as his mom spoke has now transferred to Dr. Ferrell’s face as she watches Yogi hold Jada and speak on this topic.

“He’s always been a great brother.

He’s always been. He loves kids. He just loves children. And even before I started fostering, he always loved the kids,” she said. “He’s a very giving person and I think that that is important. Even as a teammate on the Mavericks. You want a teammate who is a giver. He just has such a soft, soothing soul and is a downto-earth kind of kid. He really likes being a servant and I think his background being a Christian also plays into that.”

Support From the Top Two very familiar faces are also present on this sunny day in Garland helping Dr. Ferrell and Yogi launch the Ferrell Family Foundation: Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban and General Manager Donnie Nelson.

“The heart that they have for helping the under-privileged is so encouraging.

We all would have loved to grow up with perfect households with a mom and dad but the reality is in this day and age it’s few and far between,” Mr. Nelson said.

“To have a guy like Yogi step up in a leadership role, on the front lines, to reach out and touch these young kids and to have his mom and dad here for support is just great.

“He is doing the good work that she started and he’s picked up the spade and started right here in Dallas and it’s a blessing.”

Added Mr. Cuban, who is also decked

out in a Ferrell Family Foundation T-shirt and jeans, “This is a good man.

This guy’s a fighter. And one of the beautiful things about Yogi is that he realizes how blessed we are, how fortunate we are and not everyone is as luck as we are.

And that it’s important to give back.”

Jonathan’s Place According to the latest statistics available, there are 14,000 kids in foster care in Texas. “Jonathan’s Place has been caring for these kids and they’ve done so the last 27 years,” said Allicia Frye, CEO of Jonathan’s Place. “We are grateful to Yogi launching his foundation and joining us in this cause to assist these children and ensure that they have a safe and loving home.

“May is Foster Care Month and as you can see, there is a need here,” she continued. “We recruit families and these kids deserve to have loving homes just like every other child and this is a way to bring awareness to them.”

Jonathan’s Place provides safe, loving homes and promising futures for abused and neglected children, teens and young adults. It is a leading regional university for foster care, emergency shelter, girls therapeutic counseling, transitional living and national safe place and is quickly establishing itself as a leader in the foster care world in the United States.

“I am extremely passionate about advancing the foster care system for not only the current foster kids but all of the great foster parents that pave the way for these amazing kids,” Ferrell said. “Jonathan’s Place is a trailblazing organization that tackles a lot of unfulfilled areas for our foster youth and continues to find avenues to bridge the gaps for their longevity of health, empowerment and overall wellbeing.”

All in attendance on this beautiful, sunny day in Garland head outdoors for some basketball and arts and crafts with Mr. Ferrell, Mr. Cuban and others.

They’ll laugh and play and high-five and later, eat pizza served by Mr. Ferrell himself.

Dr. Ferrell and Jada are enjoying the festivities. Yogi is too. He’s smiling, running around with the kids, passing out hugs and serving pizza.

His mom’s pain has become his passion.

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May 18, 2018

I Messenger

QUIT PLAYIN’

No Ma’am, No Ma’am “White House aide Kelly Sadler responded to Sen. John McCain’s opposition to President Donald Trump’s pick for CIA director by saying

By Vincent L. Hall Thursday morning that “he’s dying anyway,” a White House official told CNN. There was a moment in the lifetime of this nation that made us proud. Arizona Senator and 2008 presidential candidate, John Sidney McCain III, put a woman in her place.

Although civility and a consciousness of courtesy are in the rear view mirror of American history now, McCain exemplified the courage of his convictions in two words, spoken two times.

Time Magazine recalled the valiant and almost Byzantine example of his bravery in a July 2017 article.

“A woman came up to McCain at a rally and said, “I can’t trust Obama. I have read about him, and he’s not, he’s not — he’s an Arab.” Her comment prompted McCain to immediately shake his head and take the microphone from her.

“No ma’am,” McCain said. “He’s a decent family man, a citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that’s what this campaign is all about.”

McCain continued to defend Obama during the event even as his supporters voiced their surprise in the background.

“He is a decent person and a person that you do not have to be scared of as President,” McCain said. “If I didn’t think I’d be one heck of a better Presi-

dent I wouldn’t be running, and that’s the point. I admire Sen. Obama and his accomplishments, I will respect him.

I want everyone to be respectful, and let’s make sure we are. Because that’s the way politics should be conducted in America.”

My defense of the ailing war hero and outstanding public servant consists of the same words McCain’s used. To Kelly Sadler; ‘No ma’am, no ma’am; it’s Trump’s America, not Senator McCain who is dying.’

It’s probably too far-fetched for

millennials and political novices to conceive, but there was a time when American politics was not so virulently divisive. The Klan-styled rallies being held in milky suburban enclaves by Donald Trump had been moth-balled.

Even hard-core, card-carrying Democrats once admired and considered the arguments and platforms of the GOP. There was a time when Republican just meant different views, not a wholly different world.

Plenty of minority voters were impressed with Bush I and Bush II. Senator Jack Kemp of New York, found traction with civil rights leaders of every persuasion.

President Nixon drowned with Watergate but got much love for ending the draft. When someone saves you from Viet Nam, you don’t give a damn what banner they carry.

And that’s exactly why the deterioration of respect for public service is so hard to deal with. Despite still enjoying enormous popularity, Bill Clinton was a draft dodger just like “Captain Bone spurs” that lives rent free at 1600 Pennsylvania now.

But at least Clinton was respectable enough to publicly honor the sacrifices of men like McCain and others. Void of a national dr aft, 90% of those who enlist in the armed forces come from meager backgrounds.

In the Trump era, honor and decency have dissipated. The heat of narcissism has consumed our will for humane consideration. Sadler parroted the serial sentiments of her irreverent, irrelevant and irascible boss. Former Vice President Joe Biden was right in declaring that “decency has hit rock bottom.”

Ms. Sadler is obviously as immersed in her insolence and self-righteousness as her boss. To the glib and gleeful assertion that Mc Cain is dying; no ma’am, he’s not dying.

Here’s my Shakespearean remix: Trumpists will die many times before their deaths; McCain will never taste of death but once. And then he will live on eternally as a hero.

No Ma’am; you got it wrong! #QuitPlayin #StayWoke Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist and

award-winning journalist.

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New Oak Cliff senior-focused Health and Wellness Center built through first-of-its-kind public-private partnership A new 22,000 square-foot state-of-the-art health and wellness center serving adults age 60 and older in Oak Cliff will open this fall under a co-operative venture between the City of Dallas and the non-profit WellMed Charitable Foundation (WCF).

The $1.4 million facility will be the tenth senior activity center operated or co-operated by the WellMed Charitable Foundation.

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, District 3 City Council Member Casey Thomas, District 8 Council Member Tennell Atkins, Dallas Park and Recreation Board President Robert Abtahi and WCF Board President Bryan Grundhoefer made the announcement today across the street from the site of the new health and wellness center at Red Bird Square, 3107 W. Camp Wisdom Road.

Mayor Rawlings called the news “a terrific public-private partnership opportunity” for Dallas.

“WellMed not only shares their resources in generous charitable work, they also have a clear vision of what they want their contributions to do. Their senior center facilities provide innovative, practical resources for persons age 60 and over,” Rawlings said. “They are geared to not only promote health and wellness, but to provide exercise equipment, fitness classes, health screenings, and referrals to vital social services – all at no cost to those who use them.”

“We are living longer and we want our extended years to be healthy, active, and fulfilling,” he added. “The WellMed Charitable Foundation is helping make that possible for thousands of Texas seniors.”

In keeping with the WCF model, the new Southwest Dallas center will be built adjacent to a WellMed primary care clinic, which is also under construction.

WellMed doctors, nurses and staff will provide complimentary

health care services, such as diabetes screenings and flu shots, to center members.

The new senior activity center will be the largest publicly funded facility of its kind in Dallas dedicated to seniors. The clinic will be the sixth WellMed-branded clinic in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. WellMed also operates more than 50 health care facilities in the region under the USMD brand.

In his remarks, Thomas said seniors who have attended citywide town hall meetings have repeatedly asked for a space they could call their own. “We are pleased that WellMed selected Dallas to launch another facility,” Thomas said. “I want to thank WellMed Charitable Foundation for their generosity in giving Dallas seniors a special space, a special place they can call their own. It will be that special space for active, engaged and vibrant seniors.”

The WCF also announced it was renewing a $150,000 grant to the City of Dallas to underwrite annual and monthly fees for residents age 60 and older to attend Dallas Park and Recreation centers. Since the first WCF grant was announced in March 2017, more than 2,100 older adults have joined the centers.

Grundhoefer, who also serves as President of WellMed Medical Management, Inc., said the partnership was a critical next step in helping WellMed to achieve its goal of changing the face of health care delivery for older adults in North Texas. ”I’ve seen just what these senior activity centers do to change people’s lives – from improving health and wellness to, quite frankly, giving people a reason to get out of bed, make new friends, and have some fun,” Grundhoefer said.

“We’re especially pleased to be in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas,” he said. “We know there are many older adults in this

neighborhood today, and we’re excited for WellMed to be a part of your lives, and part of your community.”

Abtahi said the Park Board supports ventures with caring and giving organizations that believe in enriching the lives of senior adults. “With the help of WellMed and other caring partners, the Board and Department will continue to expand senior services and recreational programs throughout Dallas.

The WCF is the non-profit partner of WellMed Medical Management, a growing health care delivery company that operates more than 60 clinics in the Dallas-Fort Worth region under the WellMed and USMD brands.

Additionally, WellMed supports nearly 2,400 independent physicians caring for Medicare-eligible patients in the DFW region.

In North Texas, WellMed delivers care for more than 104,900 Medicare-eligible patients.

The new Dallas senior center will offer a host of activities include aerobics, walking clubs, weight training, bridge, dominoes, arts & crafts, book clubs, day trips, fitness and nutrition classes, volunteer opportunities, and much more. The Foundation will also introduce programs not found at other centers, such as healthy cooking classes in the demonstration kitchen, Internet safety classes in a computer lab and caregiver support programs.

“We are anxious to see a center open and we hope it will be the start of many more to come.

According to the US Census Bureau, Americans 60 years and older will nearly double by 2050, to approximately 84 million people,” Willis said. “Their health and wellness needs will be extensive. This partnership will help us to effectively keep up with the demands of an ever-increasing population of Dallas citizens so important to the future of our city.”

Lynda Ender, AGE Director for the Senior Source in Dallas, expressed her excitement about the new facility. “The Senior Source team and I are thrilled the City of Dallas recognizes the value in having a dedicated place for activities specifically designed for older adults,” Ender said.

The WellMed Charitable Foundation pioneered its nationally recognized senior center model in San Antonio, where it operates three large senior activity centers – two in conjunction with the City of San Antonio.

The Foundation also operates a senior center in Corpus Christi with the City of Corpus Christi, and solely runs a center in Austin, two in the Rio Grande Valley and two in Miami, Fla. The nine centers have a combined membership of more than 38,900. To learn more about the WCF senior center programs, visit www. wellmedgives.org/senior-centers.

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USA Bowl

10920 Composite Drive (off 35 and Walnut) Dallas, TX

2149410110

June 23 6:00p.m.

2018

to register your team or for sponsorship opportunities

Don’t Believe the Hype

Celebrity Bowl-a-thon

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Starbucks bias is hid-

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arrests show implicit ing in plain sight

Marc H. Morial President and CEO National Urban League

Marc H. Morial

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May 18, 2018

Confidence Plus Discipline Equals Spiritually Speaking

by James A. Washington

I have two words for you today; confidence and discipline. Both of which, when viewed spiritually, exude Godly principles. Put this on the Holy Spirit, but discipline is an amazing thing.

When applied to faith, be it natural or supernatural, the result is spiritual confidence.

Spiritual confidence and discipline, without ego or arrogance, gives you an attitude of awareness and knowledge and dare I say power?

The example I’d like to use is of those saints in the Upper Room, when the Holy Spirit came upon them on the day of Pentecost and instilled everyone there with well, confidence and discipline.

These people ultimately came to demonstrate a level of faith that was used via the power and grace of God to spread the Word of God all over the world.

If you look at the before and after of this Pentecostal happening, you’ll begin to see my point. Prior to this, the faithful were huddled in secrecy, being faithful to the belief that what Jesus had told them, was indeed true. God would send another.

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That ‘Other” turned out The good news here is that After, we are told, they beto be the Holy Spirit, who wherever the Holy Spirit re- gan to preach the gospel. Can’t imbued them with more of sides, change will occur, the you see the power gained and what they already had. Now right kind of change. their growing confidence? their confidence in the truth Of those anointed in the There is nothing restrictive of Jesus, couabout this pled with their kind of disThe question then becomes, in what is cipline. It is discipline to spread that your confidence and discipline based? in fact quite word, mani- Where do you get the necessary power to liberating. fested itself in They knew have your gifts fortified?

Does your faith their ability to that they give you the strength to acquire the discicommunicate knew the the gospel to pline necessary to know what you should same way we the world. The know that we be doing in the Lord’s name and then do it? world has not know. It’s that been the same change thing since.

Upper Room, many were again. It’s called being set The question then becomes, faced with the opportunity apart and not having to apolin what is your confidence to make their lives easier, if ogize or keep it a secret. and discipline based? Where they would simply maintain I believe it lets us stand up do you get the necessary pow- the secrecy of their faith. Spir- as Christians in the face of er to have your gifts fortified? itually based faith and confi- criticism, adversity and tempDoes your faith give you the dence gave each the power to tation. We may still fall, but strength to acquire the disci- boldly speak the truth. we will not fail because our pline necessary to know what Remember Peter denied infrastructure has been fortiyou should be doing in the Christ three times without fied.

Lord’s name and then do it? I confidence. Some would call Let me be clear. I believe believe the result is the power that cowardice. After Pente- that discipline coupled with to know that you can do any- cost, he was buoyed by confi- confidence invites the Holy thing through Christ Jesus, dence and discipline. Power is Spirit to take up permanent provided you were called to the Word that comes to mind residence in your soul. It’s do it. I also believe scripture here. what I’m looking for and what illustrates to us that without You remember Paul at I’m praying for, for me and for spiritually based discipline, Ephesus? “When Paul placed you. it is practically impossible his hands on them, the Holy And look out world when to stand up to the trials and Spirit came on them and they that happens. Like someone tribulations of life, but also spoke in tongues and proph- once said to me, I’m a differimpossible to withstand the esied.” Acts 19:6. Here, these ent kind of soldier. Believe it temptations that seek to con- twelve men were already bap- or not, so are we. trol our sometimes out of tized but knew nothing of the May God bless and keep control behavior.

Holy Spirit. you always.

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May 18, 2018

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May 18, 2018

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2018 Commencement message: Paul Quinn College President, with vision and a plan, lead Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, gave the leaving places better, lead with commencement address to the love, compassion and caring.”

Duke Law School Class of 2018.

Thanks for breaking it down for You must hear the entire speech. the audience by talking about JUSIt was enlightening, informative, TICE FOR ALL. inspiring and challenging.

The Class of 1994 graduate said, The class will remember who “Demonstrate your love for justice their speaker was and there were by engaging in issues of the day!” probably many in the audience He told the graduates that he who took notes or used their cellhoped they would live a life of you are, lead with humility, lead phones to record the outstanding leadership: Lead from where with courage and strength, lead speech!

TIME names Congresswoman “One of Most Influential People in the World”

By Freddie Allen (Editor-In-Chief, NNPA Newswire)

TIME magazine recently honored Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

According to a press release about the honor, “The list, now in its fifteenth year, recognizes the activism, innovation and achievement of the world’s most influential individuals.”

Waters said that she was shocked and surprised by the recognition and that she “felt very, very blessed” to receive the honor.

In a commentary about the award, “Black-ish” actor Yara Shahidi wrote that, “Congresswoman Maxine Waters of the 43rd District of California, a.k.a. Auntie Maxine, has made my generation proud to be nieces and nephews.”

Shahidi continued: “She is adored and admired by people who care about social justice and is oh so eloquent in letting the world, particularly the White men of Congress who dare test her acumen, know that she is not

here for any nonsense.”

Waters said that for many young people, she is one of the few lawmakers willing to step outside of the box of a traditional, non-confrontational lawmaker to speak truth to power.

And even though, she captured the attention of millions in a viral video exchange with United States Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin, Waters acknowledged that the use of the phrase “reclaiming my time” is a part of the regular order of business in Congress.

“It’s what we use when it is our time to speak and we’re being ignored by the people who are on the panel and you want to shut them down,” Waters said. “We use it when we’re being interfered with by another member of Congress in a debate.”

Waters continued: “It was something that I used at a time when it was important for me to let Mr. Mnuchin know that he couldn’t have his way that it was my time and I intended to use it and he could not usurp it.”

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May 18, 2018

Spiritual and Crystal Adviser

by Veronica Perez

FEATURED STAR: TAURUS – THE BULL – 04/20 - 05/20 Stay humble through your triumphs. Refrain from “I told you so” usage, once you are told.

Inspiration/Influence – Taking time for self can help heal the toxins clouding your mind.

Your Chosen Healing Crystal - NEBULA STONE – Inspiration; intellect; relaxing, enhance spiritual psyche.

Lucky Numbers – 05.26.18.11.44.23

GEMINI – The Twins - 05/21 – 06/20 You’re seeing things more clearly. Liberate yourself from your own doubts.

CANCER – The Crab – 06/21 – 07/22 You’re filled with inner strength and great leadership. Don’t fail yourself now.

LEO – The Lion – 07/23 – 08/22 Stay in tune with your fiery nature and steer clear of reckless dangers.

VIRGO – The Virgin – 08/23 – 09/22 Great things are on horizon, huge changes are all loving and positive.

Stay clear of those who drain your energy LIBRA – The Scales – 09/23 – 10/22 Tame the wild fire within. Don’t let it overcome your true wisdom.

– 11/21 Embrace the chaotic sides of life. Reveal to yourself the appreciation of misunderstandings.

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SAGITARIUS – The Archer – 11/22 – 12/21 Make a decision. Two opposing forces are joined in battle. It’s all up to you.

CAPRICORN – The Goat – 12/22 – 01/19 Move past this “stalemate”. Until you do, there can be no more progress.

AQUARIUS – The Water Carrier – 01/20 – 02/18 Stop being a victim of your own mind. Change perception and let all fears go.

PISCES – The Fish – 02/19 – 03/20 Surrounded from all sides by “danger”, looking up can help you “take flight” and leave the mess.

ARIES - The RAM - 03/21 - 04/19 You understand your personal responsibility and you are empowered by it. Act accordingly.

Daily Oracle Reading: Ask and it is given The measure of success is absolutely the amount of joy you feel.

Blessings to all! You are loved! ^_^

SCORPIO – The Scorpion – 10/23

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.

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May 18, 2018

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I Messenger

Chilling with her boyfriend, nope Ask ALMA

on the bus, in the lyeberrie (I know it’s spelled library) LOL, which is where you told your Mama you’d be studying. We thought we were being grown and our mother’s knew all along, just like you will. I think 17 is an appropriate age to visit a beau with parental supervision.

And no, I don’t think it’s overreacting to contact the mother of her “so called” boyfriend. There’s no need to become instant BFF’s.

All that’s required is the two of you should maintain an open line of communication.

Dear Alma,

My 17-year old-daughter claims she has a boyfriend. I said no u don’t your too young. Now she says she wants to chill at his house for a little while; she says his mother said it’s ok & will be there & it’s ok with his mother. I want to talk to this mother. Am I overreacting? I don’t like this & don’t know what to do. Is this age appropriate for dating & goNow, with that being said, ining to his house? dulge me for a minute. Everybody knows a teenage girl eats Momma drama at every meal; it’s a part of her digestive system. The quandary is how much of her drama Ohhh Momma, requires you to hover, so here’s my two cents.

You know what I’m thinkAll of our daughters should be ing. I’m thinking the same thing given the benefit of the doubt you’re thinking – which is, what until proven differently. I think we were doing at 17, at his house, it tears at their confidence to

be reprimanded for something they cudda, wudda, may have done. I’d love to see you give her some slack and see what happens. Don’t force her to carry your “when-I-was-a-younggirl” handbags of blunders and burdens. She’s entitled to make her own mistakes. That’s an expected part of life, and you’ll be there, full of mother wisdom and direction. Offer trust and teach her what it means to be trusted.

Believe in her and let her know that you expect her to make the right choices when necessary.

Your side-eye will keep her on the straight and narrow.

When it’s time for her to make those life decisions, it won’t be the whispers of her boyfriend or the dare of a girlfriend that will deter her from doing the right thing. It will be the thought that she doesn’t wanna deal with her “no-nonsense-oh-no-you-didn’t” mother, the one who unconditionally trusted her.

Alma

Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail.com.

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Mr. Blue Shoes to perform at the Zula B. Wylie Public Library Grammy award-winning producer, and performer Michael Dyson, better known as Mr. Blue Shoes, will perform at the Zula B. Wylie Public Library, Saturday, June 2nd during their Summer Reading Kick-Off. Mr. Blue Shoes will be performing an interactive music experience that combines blues music, oral history and life lessons to inspire children of all ages. The show covers the historical timeline of how the blues evolved from West African culture to its influence on today’s American music. He has shared his unique version of the blues story with over 240,000 children.

May 18, 2018

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The Summer Reading-Kick Off starts at 2 pm on Saturday, June 2nd, at the library. T-shirts will be given to the first 200 individuals to register during the Kick Off and we will also have foods from around the world as part of our World Cultural Food Showcase.

Events are planned throughout the summer for children, tweens, teens and adults. Everyone can earn prizes by attending and participating in our activities aimed to help you travel everywhere this summer by reading and learning at the library.

You can check out our calendar on our website at www.cedarhilllibrary.org to see which of the events you can’t miss! The library is located at 225 Cedar Street, Cedar Hill, Texas, 75104.

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May 18, 2018

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Rainwater family has history of service

By Shonedra Redd

cide segregation was unlawful Brother Malcolm, Mrs. and his mothRosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luer’s vision would ther King, Jr....all prominent become reality names, synonymous with as her daughter the Civil Rights area. These would be one of national leaders paved the the first to attend way for local social justice R. L. Turner High advocates like Willie RainSchool. water, president and foundBy this time, Juanita and Willie Rainwater er of Christ Community Mr. Rainwater had Connection. already graduated The Rainwater name is prestigious from Booker T and he said he believed throughout the Carrollton/Farmer’s someone needed to continue his Branch community. Driving in town, mother’s work. “Somebody needed one might even stumble across a street to be a leader and needed to continue or elementary school named in the making change in the community.” family’s honor. But, life hadn’t always So he decided to start his own orgabeen this way. As a matter of fact, to nization in the early 70s, Christ Comsome in the early 60s, the name may munity Connection. have been a cause for dissent.

The group would help diversify the During this time, Willie Rainwater city by providing ideas on how to intesaid he and his siblings experienced grate: from Black assistant city managracism and segregation in public ers, to Black educators and those who schools. In chronicling his experienc- were qualified to fill various leaderes attending grade school in the city, ship positions. he said by high school, he and his According to Mr. Rainwater, doors “colored” classmates would be bussed continued to open when those in powinto classes at Booker T. Washington er realized “we aren’t going away, we in Dallas. are for real.”

Disgruntled with the unfair treatment of her children and those in the From Then To Now neighborhood, Rainwater’s mother petitioned for change to the school In 1997, Mr. Rainwater, along with board. They denied her request, so his organization, started the 1st MLK she voiced her concerns to the Dallas Parade in Carrollton, which is folChapter of the NAACP, which at the lowed by a program celebrating the time was located conveniently across contributions of not only the civil the street from Booker T. rights leader but also the community.

The chapter warned of the uphill Mr. Rainwater said that he believed battle to integrate and how “the blacks the parade was a great way to “bring and the whites would turn against blacks and whites together…we know you.” However, his mother prayed and a lot about their history but we wanted believed that she was moving in God’s them to become interested in ours and will to fight discrimination not only to see it’s not bad.” for her children but those who looked In the beginning, he struggled to like her own. gain support from community leaders A year later, the courts would de- but through perseverance found ways

to unify the city through quality programming and initiatives, such as the parade.

On April 28 the organization also wrapped up its 24th annual golf tournament at River Chase Golf Course in Coppell.

This year’s golf tournament was held in honor of Jerry Redd, board member and community servant, who passed away two years earlier.

The money raised provides over 300 meals to students that cannot afford a lunch yearly, equips students with school supplies, and awards six scholarships to graduating seniors in the Carrollton-Farmer’s Branch school district.

What’s Next And How Can You Help?

On June 16, Christ Community Connection will be hosting a cleanup project at the Historic Carrollton Black Cemetery. This cemetery dates back to the 1800s and holds the pioneers of the Black community in Carrollton. The organization welcomes volunteers.

If you are interested in participating in the group’s service projects and/or attending meetings, they are scheduled for every 2nd Thursday and are usually held at the Carrollton Public Library. For additional information, contact leerainwater@tx.rr.com or visit the organization website at http:// www.christcommunityconnectioninc. com/.

The organization also encourages donations, which will continue to assist in unifying the community through quality programming, echoing Mr. Rainwater’s message, “We can love and live together.”

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May 18, 2018

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May 18, 2018

Do you know this man?

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POLICE have not apprehended “Pookie” the serial rapist.

We know he has attacked members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.

HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

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

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

877-373-8477