Thought-provoking, informative, enlightening and entertaining news and commentary from around the world! VOL 5 ISSUE 24
February 12, 2016
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ADDRESSING
ISSUES TEXAS STATE SENATOR ROYCE WEST REMAINS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR CITIZENS OF I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com TEXAS AND THE WORLD. READ HIS RESPONSE TO RACIAL HATRED AT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY.
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MALVEAUX: Standing on sacred ground
BY DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX Three unarmed black men encountered a group of white men walking down a dirt road in Slocum, Texas on July 29, 1910. Without warning, and with no reason, the white men opened fire on the black men. And for two days white men simply slaughtered black people. Eight deaths have been officially acknowledged, but historians who have studied the Slocum Massacre say that it is likely that dozens more were killed, with some saying as many were killed in Slocum as in Tulsa in 1921 (and those numbers range into the hundreds). The New York Times quoted William Black, the sheriff at the time of the massacre: “Men were going about killing Negroes as fast as they could find them, and so far as I was able to ascertain, without any real cause. I don’t know how many were in the mob, but there may have been 200 or 300. … They hunted the Negroes down like sheep.” History mostly swallowed the horror of the Slocum Massacre. Some descendants of those massacred
pushed for official acknowledgement of the horror, but there have been efforts to cover up the carnage, with some in Slocum pretending that the Massacre never happened. It took more than a century, until 2011, for the Texas Legislature to formally acknowledge the massacre. A roadside marker commemorating the tragedy was just placed on January 26, 2016. A local member of the Anderson County Historical Commission opposed the marker because “The citizens of Slocum today had absolutely nothing to do with what happened over a hundred years ago. This is a nice, quiet community with a wonderful school system. It would be a shame to mark them as racist from now until the end of time.” E.R. Bills, author of The 1910 Slocum Massacre: An Act of Genocide in East Texas, says that there are more than 16,000 historical markers in the state of Texas. “The Slocum Massacre historical marker will apparently be the first one to specifically acknowledge racial violence against African Americans.” His book meticulously documents the Slocum facts, and asserts, “Many white folks got away with murder”. Only 11 were arrested for their role in the massacre. Seven were indicted but none were prosecuted for their crimes. The eleven were only the known criminals. According to Bills, many murderers buried dead bodies on their land to perpetuate the cover up. The Slocum historical marker stands on sacred ground. There is much other sacred ground in these United States, ground that is soaked with the blood of lynched and murdered African Americans. Yet there are few markers of our nation’s historical madness. The Equal Justice Initiative, an Alabama-based organization that has
documented the magnitude of our nation’s lynching history, hopes to build markers and memorials on lynching sites, much like the one in Slocum. We need these memorials to remind us of an era of racial terror, and to consider the contemporary consequences of that terror. This year the association for the study of African American life and history (ASALH) has chosen Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories as their Black History Month Theme. While ASALH has not focused specifically on markers and memorials for sites of lynching and massacres, the focus location is important. They mention plantations, historic homes, and historic streets (like Beale Street in Memphis, Sweet Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, and 125 Street in Harlem) as important places to embrace and celebrate. Many of our nation’s major cities have experienced gentrification in the past decade or so. Washington, DC is no longer Chocolate City – more like neapolitan or chocolate chip. The 125 Street of the Harlem Renaissance has diversified, as young whites with deep pockets are pushing the prices of historic brownstones into the seven or eight figure price range. No matter. The places are still sacred ground, and should be recognized as such. It is important to acknowledge these places with statues, markers, and memorials, lest we forget. Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it. We assert that Black Lives Matter because so many black lives were obliterated in Slocum, and because for far too long it was convenient and comfortable to forget a heinous massacre.
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Message to the People... Are you ready to take a stand? JESSE OWENS 9
NEW DAY IN DISD 13
I MESSENGER US BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE attended the NAACP Image Awards and commends actress Aunjanue Ellis and other celebrities for taking a stand against social justice issues. Pictured above from right to left: Aunjanue Ellis wearing a statement in reference to the state of Mississippi's confederate flag. Artist performance emulates modern social justice protests. USBC President Ron Busby along with fraternity brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi and the national president, Thomas Battles.
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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Alone Now but never by yourself Spiritually Speaking….
We aren’t comfortable with who we really are. It might be fear. It might be shame. It could even be embarrassment. All of this and more comes into play when circumstances force us to look back over our own lives without external interference or internal rationalizations. That deafening silence we’re afraid of is filled with the rather loud volume of truth.
By James A. Washington
I’ve been told that one of the telling things about being a Christian, no matter how new the claim might be, is a new found understanding and appreciation of being by yourself. I don’t mean being lonely or anything. I mean being alone with the Lord. Some might call it prayer, others meditation. You can in call it what you want to, but being alone with God is a whole lot different than being alone without God. Understanding this reality once you’ve accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, can take some getting used to. I mean there are many of us, including yours truly, who at times had great difficulty dealing with self. You know we can find countless things to do with alone time on our hands; lights get turned on, channel surfing starts in earnest, music blasts, people get called and shopping gets done. Life got you down? Now I do not know if comfortable is the right word to use, but I’m going to use it, like it or not.
Yes I went there. Yes, you said it; you did it and you had a great time while you were at it. But now, if the truth be known, you really wish you hadn’t. You knew better then and you certainly know better now. But you did it anyway thinking if nobody knew, if nobody was watching, then maybe, probably, it would be okay. Perhaps you ‘got over.’ Wrong! The closer you get/got to accepting the Lord’s call upon you, the more you’ve come to understand that facing up to your inner demons is required learning; can’t escapecan’t hide. Coming to grips with one’s sinful past is a prerequisite for all future relationships and some you’re in right now; particularly the one with Jesus Christ. It’s that truth will set you free stuff. I now believe that the peace of reconciliation with one’s self begins and ends with the unadulterated truth that nothing can stand between you and the God who loves you; not your pride or ego, not your insecurity, not your sinful nature, nor you clouded view of who you think you really are, as opposed to who God knows you are.
If God’s in the picture, it’s just you and Him. And He accepts no substitutes for you; no pretenders, gamesters, no pretense or facades. After all, He knows your essence and that’s what He wants. It’s actually what He demands. But isn’t that the beauty of what He offers all of us? Isn’t it His essence that we actually seek? Before you attempt to answer with yes, understand that yes means you will never be alone again in life or in death. All I’m saying is you better get used to the man or woman in the mirror. That is exactly who God made and whom He loves, warts and all. One of the most awesome things about this revelation is that once it is internalized, it is the most powerful gift in this and any other world. Now you can fill those otherwise lonely moments with the truth that you are surrounded by the ever present crowd of One. The key is knowing you’ve always got that one ever present companion. In His eyes you are the extraordinary one. After all, He made you in His image. Now go find a quiet spot away from everyone and look for Him inside you. Listen carefully. Hear obediently. Believe and let God bless you. Believe and God will bless you. It’s His way and it’s His desire. May God bless and keep you always.
James
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From the U.S. Congress By Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson
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NEED A JOB?
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We are looking for order pullers, loaders & unloaders for Terrell, TX. Taking applications 9:00am 12:00pm Tuesday-Friday. Please apply in person @ Action Logistics 301 E. Apache Trail, Terrell, TX 75160
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Continental Societies, Inc. partners with McDonalds - hosts Read In Continental Societies, Inc. will join McDonalds and millions of others across the country to celebrate Black History Month by hosting the African American Read-In during the month of February. Each year the Dallas Continentals visit schools in the Metroplex to provide programming and activities associated with Black History. This year, in an effort to promote our literacy campaign, the chapter partnered with McDonalds of Greater North Texas to host African American Read-Ins in African American owned and operated McDonald restaurants in the Metroplex. The African American Read-In is a celebration of literary works by African American Authors. During the month of February, we encourage the community to read and read to children works by black authors. In 1990, the first African American Read-In was sponsored by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English. In 1991, the National Council of Teachers of English joined in the sponsorship. The Read-In has been endorsed by the international Reading Association. Over a million readers of all ethnic groups from 49 states, the West Indies, and African countries have participated. The goal is to make the celebration of African American literacy a traditional part of Black History Month activities. List of Read-In’s February 13 11:30 a.m. Reading Arlington, February 20 11:30 a.m. Reading TX February 27 11:30 a.m. Reading Arlington,
5404 S. Cooper Street, 10320 Lake June Road, Dallas, 2575 E. Arkansas Lane,
Continental Societies, Inc. is an international public service organization dedicated to the socioeconomic and cultural welfare of underprivileged children and youth, was founded in June 1956 and incorporated nationally in 1972. Continental Societies Inc. embraces 46 chapters in 20 states in the Continental USA, District of Columbia and Bermuda and is continuing to grow. Through our Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, Health, Education, Employment, Recreation (HEER), plus Arts and Humanities, Continental women internationally strive to adhere to the humanitarian precept of sharing with those in need. Nationally, regionally and locally, Continentals have created innovative activities while they volunteer their time through outreach programs in youth centers, schools, pediatric wards, homes for the delinquent, special needs and emotionally challenged youth. Continentals volunteer innovatively through tutoring, mentoring, after-school programs, apparel donations and Walk-athons. Mentoring programs are a major component of the Continental approach.
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Owens Biopic, RACE, Screening held in Dallas Consumers can pick up commemorative RACE 2016 calendars in participating McDonald's restaurants in select markets OA K B R O O K , I l l . , / PRNewswire/ -- Beginning February 16, McDonald's will bring exclusive preview screenings of Focus Features' RACE, the long-awaited movie about gold medal champion Jesse Owens, to five t h e ate r s a c ro s s t h e country. In conjunction with local McDonald's franchisees and community partners, the movie will receive exclusive screenings in D a l l a s, D e t ro i t, Lo s Angeles, New York and Miami where audiences can experience the excitement of an American icon. Based on the true story of Owens, the legendary athlete who goes on a quest to become the greatest track and field competitor in history and thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, RACE is film about courage, determination, tolerance and friendship, and an inspiring drama about one man's fight to become an Olympic legend. MPAA-rated "PG-13," RACE stars actor Stephan James as Jesse Owens, and will be released nationwide by Focus Features on February 19. "RACE is an amazing portrayal of the courage, tenacity and achievement that exist in African American communities throughout this country," said William Rhodes, marketing director, McDonald's USA. ''We are proud to provide viewing opportunities of this inspiring film." In addition to the screening, McDonald's is giving more than 70,000 loyal customers a special edition RACE 12-month "I Am Jesse Owens" mural calendar. Focus Features selected community organizations and youth educational programs in 12 markets to create a mural honoring the legacy of Jesse Owens. Appropriately titled, the mural efforts provided an opportunity for the youth to learn about the legendary Olympic gold medalist. Calendars will be available in participating restaurants, where the film is being screened in addition to Chicago and Houston, beginning the week of February 15. "We are excited that McDonald's has made a collage calendar of all the wonderful RACE murals that were created in celebration of our dad's legacy," said two of Jesse Owens' daughters, Marlene Owens Rankin and Gloria Owens Hemphill. McDonald's is proud to partner with Focus Features and its movie RACE in its 365Black initiative. McDonald's 365Black platform was created to celebrate the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year round. Be sure to follow @365Black on Twitter and follow the conversation using #LikeJesse.
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QUIT PLAYIN’: Who?...Me?...Hillary! If you loaded the POTUS
never have been no
job into the workforce databases of Monster, Indeed or CareerBuilder in 2016, the first name to show up would be
damn ObamaCare. Read the history and you will find that her advocacy for the uninsured is the reason she is hated so
Hillary Rodham Clinton. So you don’t have to call me or guess who I’m voting for. Come hell or high water I’m for
vehemently today. Mrs. Clinton is the class of a classless class who understands the need to “Campaign in poetry
Hillary. It’s the political season, so let me offer a disclaimer. I love Bernie Sanders and always have. But Bernie made a fatal mistake; he was too honest. There is nothing worse than giving the Far Right a label to hang on you and he handed them the rope and the scaffold.
but govern in prose.” Democrats have nothing to moan about in 2016. But as a father of three
Identifying yourself as a Socialist Democrat was about as damaging as you can get. The only thing worse he could have done was to say that he didn’t own a gun and had a wife who prayed five times a day in Arabic. Quit playin’, you know what I’m sayin’! If Hillary were in the NBA, the NFL, or any of the pantheons of sports, she
daughters I’m ready to see America’s Affirmative Action policy kick in. We’ve had 44 who went in full of testosterone, let’s try some estrogen. And Black folks; let me issue you this caveat; don’t start that baseless echo about her not being down for Blacks or what was said in the 2008 Obama race. Politics have no place for storage. The shelf life for revenge is short and getting
would be the league MVP by virtue of her stats and tenure. When Maya Angelou marveled poetically about a “Phenomenal Woman” she captured Hillary; the “span of the hips” and all. If Hillary was in the NFL she would resemble that Eric Dickerson slant around
shorter. It’s forward forever, backwards never and anything other than Hillary is a retreat from all that President Obama has accomplished. What really startles the GOP is the chance that minorities, the LGBT and others who are locked out, might coalesce. They shiver at the idea of a Clinton/Sanders
tackle for an automatic six yards. She would be the “Iceman” George Gervins’ “finger roll” with the trained consistency of a Larry Bird. In tennis Hillary would sport the physical figure and unfathomable finesse of Serena Williams. Hell, by Sunday, she may show up in the end zone with Cam Newton, dabbing and dancing.
ticket (in that order). The Canadian Crusader, Ted Cruz, doesn’t want to argue any Supreme Court cases against Clinton appointments, because they will protect abortion rights, voting rights and civil rights. Hillary is the heart and heritage of Eleanor Roosevelt. Hillary has the grace and transparency of a Jackie Kennedy Onassis and a Coretta Scott King, who’ve had to
Hillary possesses the mind and mission of a Mahatma Gandhi and a Martin King. She began her role as the stunt double for Mother Teresa at the Children’s Defense Fund right out of college, as a lawyer working for poor children under the guidance of strong Black woman. She is the Cesar Chavez that fights for the rights of the working poor and
mourn publicly and reinvent themselves as the nation looked on. Hillary has the skills of a Senator, Secretary of State, First Lady and more importantly a mom. So for anyone who’s asking….Who? Me? Hillary!!!
Quit Playin’
By Vincent L. Hall
Vincent L. Hall is an author and award-winning columnist.
Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton ( Marian Wright Edelman in background)
against the wrongs of the relentless rich. Hell, if Hillary didn’t care there could I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com
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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 will be significantly greater than the SSI I’ll no longer be eligible for Medicaid assistance. I’m
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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 what medical resources are available in your area.
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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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I MESSENGER Houston Forward Times Publisher honored by Tri-County Black Chamber HOUSTON, Texas – On February 11, Karen Carter Richards, publisher and chief executive officer of the Houston Forward Times, was recognized as “A Living Legend and ICON” in recognition of Black History Month by the Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented during the 11th Annual Plan of Work Conference, which recognizes the accomplishments of local business stars and champions.
FEBRUARY 12, 2016 Richards worked alongside her father, Julius P. Carter, the newspaper’s founder a n d h e r m o t h e r, Lenora Carter, who assumed the role of publisher in 1971, for over three decades. In 2010, the baton of leadership was passed t o R i ch a rd s, a n d since then she has continued to preserve the legacy of the Houston Forward Times, which today remains the largest independently published African American newspapers in the South. As the founder of the Julius and Lenora Carter Scholarship and Youth Foundation, she supports college and university students by providing scholarships, as well as internship and mentorship opportunities.
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“The Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce is a vital organization dedicated to empowering African American entrepreneurs so they can be competitive, not only locally and nationally, but globally,” said Carter Richards. “I am humbled to be recognized among all the other deserving honorees, especially during Black History Month, when we pay homage to all of the entrepreneurs, innovators and trailblazers who have gone before us.” For more information about the TriCounty Black Chamber of Commerce, visit www.tcbcc.org. For more information about t h e H o u s t o n Fo r w a r d T i m e s , visit www.forwardtimesonline.com
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Superintendent announces major expansion of choice school offerings Declaring that “it’s a new day in Dallas ISD,” Superintendent Michael Hinojosa Thursday announced a major expansion of school choice options for next school year. In making the recommendation to trustees, Hinojosa said the district has to act aggressively and think differently to make Dallas ISD the district of choice for Dallas families. Next year’s new choice programs will be launched on new and existing district campuses. The programs proposed for the 2016–2017 school year include: • 12 two-way elementary dual language programs that provide both Spanish and English instruction to students in the same classroom developing bilingual and biliterate students • Seven high school collegiate academies that are on the path to becoming Early College High Schools that will offer students the opportunity to earn up to two years of college as part of their high school curriculum • Expanded Career and Tech Education (CTE) programs at seven high schools to equip students with skills leading to high-wage, high-demand careers • Three new single-gender schools offering instruction in environments that research shows improve achievement levels as compared with co-ed schools. • Trustee Edwin Flores proposed the district consider grouping neighboring schools within a feeder pattern into clusters and offering choice options in at least one of the schools in each cluster. Flores said this strategy would help families avoid having to travel across town for their student to attend a choice school. Hinojosa provided trustees the choice school update at the Feb. 11 Board Briefing as a follow up to last month’s adoption of six new student achievement goals, one of which called for making Dallas ISD schools the primary choice for families in the district. Trustees and Hinojosa developed the goals in multiple board workshops where they reviewed district achievement results and other data. I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com
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MALVEAUX: This is the woman of the year By Dr. Julianne Malveaux
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Senator responds to incident at Texas A&M University DALLAS - Late Tuesday, I received disturbing news from Texas A&M University (TAMU) officials that a group of students from Dallas were subjected to racial epithets while on a campus visit to the university. Sixty junior students from Uplift Hampton Preparatory were approached by white Texas A&M students who made it known that the visitors prospective students were not welcomed by them on campus. The initial confrontation began wh en a wh i te f em ale s tu d en t approached two female African American Uplift Hampton students to ask their opinion of her earrings, which were Confederate flag replicas. This was exacerbated by a group of white, male and female students, who within earshot of the first event, told a larger group of the high school visitors, part of the Road to College at Uplift Education Program, to, "Go back where you came from." They continued their taunts by using the most well-known racial slur that's directed toward African Americans and also made other references to the Confederate flag. This scene was witnessed and reported by TAMU officials who were accompanying the Uplift Hampton students. A campus officer initially said that the A&M students were expressing their First Amendment rights. However, campus police were
dispatched and a report was made. The incident is now being reviewed by university officials, including executive-level administrators. It was reported to me by Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp. An account from Uplift Hampton faculty who witnessed the incident was also forwarded to A&M officials. It's 2016 and within months of other race-related events that have taken place on college campuses in Oklahoma, Missouri and elsewhere nationally. They have in common that they have been triggered by a climate of racially-tinged conflict and other acts of intolerance. These discussions related to the Confederate flag began last summer following the massacre of innocent worshippers at a Charleston, South Carolina church. Yet there are those who still defend Confederate symbols and ideologies. Throughout my more than 20 years in the Texas Senate, I have attempted to expand and enhance educational opportunities for all of Texas' young people; first imploring them to graduate high school and then encouraging and making available to them, the means to attend college. This includes working with officials at Texas' flagship institutions to strive harder to achieve a more diverse student body. Although progress has been slow, particularly when it comes to African American students, Texas A&M has
made the effort to recruit minority students from urban schools. It has established outreach centers in Dallas and other cities and made scholarship monies available. But actions such as what took place Tuesday can undo whatever good has been done. When those student's stories are told to parents and friends, they could undoubtedly, further the belief that the home of the Aggies has a campus environment that has been hostile to Black students; that is those who are not athletes. While high level meetings are taking place among A&M administrative, faculty and student leaders, those meetings need to produce results that say that overt acts of racism will not be tolerated anywhere within the university system. I expect a response that is swift and similar to those taken at the University of Oklahoma. The students responsible for these reprehensible actions should be strongly disciplined, if not expelled. The collegiate experience has always had the goal of fostering academic and personal growth, broadening perspectives and being a melding place for diverse cultures. It is not the breeding ground to further prejudice and bigotry. I call on Texas A&M officials to drive their decision to a destination which says that the halls of higher education are open to any student who is willing to rise to the challenge of earning a college degree. A 21st Century Texas institution of higher learning deserves no less. Royce West Texas Senate
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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 Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators) will present its annual Urban Journalism Workshop for high school and college students in 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 locally and nationally, as well as 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. Mail completed applications to: DFWABJ 320 South R.L. Thornton Frwy #220A Dallas, TX 75203 I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com
I MESSENGER Let’s make 2016 a better year by doing more than we did in 2015 to make this world a better place for ALL.
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My wife is vicious! Dear Alma, My wife is vicious with a capital V! We were married for eight years and over that time had two sons. She did everything imaginable. She lied, stole, manipulated. Here’s a few examples. She stole money from her employer, lied to Ask Alma her family, said I was By Alma Gill abusing her, had via George Curry Media several affairs and called the police and tried to have me arrested under false pretenses. It was absolutely insane. Finally, she walked out on us and I raised my two boys alone. Both are fine young men, now 21 and 23. I never remarried. I just worked hard and devoted my time to my boys. Luckily, my sister and my mother helped out, and the boys are very well rounded. I can’t say that however about my ex. She continued her shenanigans and ended up in and out of jail. She just recently resurfaced and isn’t doing well. She has AIDS and is asking my son to help her. He just finished college and is barely making it on his own. He’s determined to help his Mom and, from what his brother tells me, is giving her $200 a month. You know that means he’s short every month and I’m having to replenish that $200 for him to make ends meet. That means I’m giving the woman who took me through hell money every month. I’m pissed. I don’t think I can take it much longer. I don’t want to alienate my son, but how do I let him know he is not in a position to help his mother and that he needs to back off and let this go? S.J. Baltimore, Md. Wow S.J., what a tough life-storm to sustain. I commend you on maneuvering through
such difficulty while keeping yourself and your sons safe. I’m sure it was heartbreaking and not what you expected when you said “I do.” God bless you Big Papa for stepping up and taking care of your boys. I’m happy to hear they have grown into fine young men, no doubt, fed by your love and the example you set. Yep, you did right. And that’s why your son is stepping up to help his mother. Don’t be mad at him. He has longed for his mother all these years. Wishing, hoping, praying she’d come back, at least trying to make up for all the strife and hurt she caused and maybe even wipe away a tear or two. But she didn’t do that. Or, at least that’s what we think. Just because he hasn’t shared any “restin’ on my heart” information with you, doesn’t mean she hasn’t expressed her sorrow and asked for forgiveness from him. And it doesn’t mean she didn’t love him or that he doesn’t – or shouldn’t – love her. You’d be surprised how illness and death shines a light on regret. Your son has had a tough time. You’ve always been there for him. Don’t stop now. If it isn’t a financial hardship for you, keep funneling the money. God is using you to bless your son and your ex-wife. I know it’s hard, but there’s so much more in store for you on the other side – and I don’t just mean in this difficult circumstance. Your son won’t have his mother long, but he’ll always have the memory of how his father, faced with the greatest of burdens, forgave the source of his troubles – and did so out of love for his son and his family. Let this one play out silently. Don’t think about your ex, support your son. He needed you then and he needs you now. Help him believe he’s done all he could for his mother. “In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free.” Your son is calling, be the answer to his prayers.
I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com
Alma
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I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com
I MESSENGER
FEBRUARY 12, 2016
IN MEMORIAM
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IN MEMORIAM JOHN MASTER SPENCER 8-6-1951 - 1-25-2016 John was born in Wills Point, Tx to Ruby Lee and Sylvester Spencer on August 6, 1951. He attended elementary school there and went on to high school in Dallas at Booker T. Washington High School. He accepted Christ and always aspired to help others. He spent
most of his career working at State hospitals in Texas, Virginia and Louisiana. John was married to Evelyn Redic of McKinney for 22 years and to that union two children, Rhonda and John were born. In later years he married Mayme Stringer of Benbrook. He leaves to cherish his memory, his mother, Ruby Lee Kelley and stepfather Robert Joe Kelley; daughters, Rhonda PenningtonLamb (Vernon) and Sharita Lyons; sons, John Spencer Jr., Rodney Lyons (Karen), and John Keith Spencer; sisters Mary Spencer-Black (Bennie), Vickie Spencer-Wilson (William) Jean Lynn Reed (Richard), Judy Jones (John), Tangila Thomas (Walter), Addie Spencer, Stacy Spencer, Debra Lyons and Patricia Wright; brothers Robert Earl Spencer (Barbara), Horace Spencer, Marvin Kelley, Sylvester Spencer Jr. (Debra), hoo.com, (214) or Jimmy Spencer514-9553 (Brenda) and Lago Spencer (Taneiceya; a host of grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and other relatives. I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com
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Texas launches Student Loan Repayment Program for Mental Health Professionals Addressing a critical healthcare need for Texas, the new program helps mental health professionals repay their student loans if they provide care to underserved Texans. AUSTIN, TX -- Today, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) formally launched the Loan Repayment Program for Mental Health Professionals to help expand the state's mental health workforce and improve access to mental health services in Texas. The program was created during the 84th Legislative Session by the Senate Health and Human Services Chairman, Senator Charles Schwertner, MD (R-Georgetown) and House Higher Education Chairman, Representative John Zerwas, MD (R-Katy). "Texas needs a mental health workforce capable of meeting the growing needs of our growing state," said Schwertner. "Without an adequate number of mental health professionals, we will continue to see those experiencing mental illness cycle through our jails and emergency rooms at great expense to the taxpayer." The new program offers student loan repayment assistance for qualified psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, psychiatric mental health advanced practice nurses, and clinical social workers who agree to provide direct care to underserved Texans. The legislature appropriated over $2 million to fund the program through the 2016-2017 biennium -an amount expected to provide over 100 new providers with two full years of loan repayment. "The Loan Repayment Program for Mental Health Professionals is a critical piece of the overall investment made by the legislature to help solve the state's mental health crisis," said Representative Zerwas. "We must continue to work at addressing all aspects of this difficult issue that touches so many Texas families." The shortage of mental health professionals represents one of the state's most serious healthcare challenges, as identified by both Governor Abbott's Healthy Texas plan and the 83rd Interim Report of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. "Helping those who struggle with mental illness is an issue very near and dear to my heart," continued Schwertner. "As someone whose mother spent over 25 years as a nurse in our state's mental health system, I know firsthand what impact a dedicated mental health professional can have on the life of someone dealing with a mental illness." The Higher Education Coordinating Board is now accepting online applications for the Loan Repayment Program for Mental Health Professionals on their website. All applications must be received by the May 6 deadline. For more information on the program, please email the THECB or call 1-800-242-3062.
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“Pathway to Success" 3rd Annual Scholarship Gala Honoring:
Zeronda D. Smith Director – Office of Risk Management for the City of Dallas Date: Saturday, February 13, 2016 “New” Location: Cowboys Golf Club, 1600 Fairway Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051 Cocktail Hour - 6:00 PM Dinner - 7:00 PM Silent Auction (Sports Memorabilia and
More)
Musical Entertainment provided by: Popsicle Toes (formerly known as Buster Brown Band) Go to www.naaiadfw.org to Purchase Tickets, Tables and Sponsorships All proceeds will benefit the NAAIA DFW Scholarship Fund
I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com
I MESSENGER February 12 Feb. 5-6 and 12-13, 8 p.m. Garland Civic Theatre's production of the hard-boiled comedy, "The Man with Bogart's Face," has only four performances left! Synopsis: a man obsessed with Humphrey Bogart changes his appearance and name to resemble the classic Hollywood star, while opening a detective agency and taking on a case with which Bogie would be proud. Tickets: GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com or 972-205-2790. The NAACP Garland Unit Hosts Its 16 th Annual Winter Ball “Recognizing High School Cafeteria Employees in the Garland ISD” 8:00 p.m. @Hyatt Place Garland 5101 N. George Bush Highway Garland, Texas 75040 Attire: Black Tie Evening Includes: Recognition of 2016 Honorees, Dinner, Live Entertainment, and Dancing For tickets, send check or money order to: NAACP Garland - Attention: Gwen Daniels PO Box 460944 - Garland, TX In Conversation - With Rev. Zan W. Holmes Jr. And Ambassador Ron Kirk, moderated by Bob Ray Sanders at St. Luke Community United Methodist Church 7:30pm Balch Springs Chamber of Commerce Balch Springs Chamber Presents 2nd Annual Daddy/ Daughter Dance - Winter Wonderland 7- 9pm Tickets $20 - Daddy & Daughter | $5 - Each Additional Daughter Balch Springs Civic Center 12400 Elam Road Balch Springs, Texas 75180
February 13 AMOUD FOUNDATION ANNUAL FUNDRAISER at 6:30 PM ****** “Pathway to Success" 3rd Annual Scholarship Gala Honoring: Zeronda D. Smith Director – Office of Risk Management for the City of Dallas “New” Location: Cowboys Golf Club, 1600 Fairway Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051
FEBRUARY 12, 2016 Cocktail Hour - 6:00 PM Dinner - 7:00 PM Silent Auction (Sports Memorabilia and More) Attire: Black Tie Optional Musical Entertainment provided by: Popsicle Toes Go to www.naaiadfw.org to Purchase Tickets, Tables and Sponsorships . All proceeds will benefit the NAAIA DFW Scholarship Fund
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premiere for the same series taking place February 19-21, 2016, at the Wyly Theatre. Soul at the Muse: Trouble Man" featuring Chico DeBarge Call the TBAAL Box Office 214-743-2400
February 14
The Legends Reception, featuring past and 2016 inductees into the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame will be held at the African American Museum in Fair Park, 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.
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
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February 17 DBCC Power Lunch! Bill J Priest Institute 1402 Corinth Street Dallas 75215 1-3pm Understanding the RFP &RFB Process February 18 Balch Springs Chamber of Commerce Network Luncheon Guest Speaker: Aerica Karriem Founder of CEO's Are People Too 11:30AM-12:30PM 12400 Elam Road, Balch Springs TX 75180 Chamber Members w/ RSVP $5.00 Non-Members w/RSVP $7.00 Chamber Members without RSVP $10.00 Non-Members without RSVP $12.00 -------------
February 19 Princess Grace Foundation Choreography Fellowship Award recipient Bridget L. Moore is choreographing a world premiere performance for Dallas Black Dance Theatre's Cultural Awareness series. Katricia Eaglin is setting a Dallas
Former Cowboy quarterback Roger Staubach and former Texas A&M University Football Coach R.C. Slocum will be inducted into the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame along with 10 others at the Parrish Restaurants Induction Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. At the Crowne Plaza Dallas Market Center, 7050 N. Stemmons Frwy, Dallas. UNCF Masked Ball at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. Call 972-234-1007 for tickets. Orange Girls Rock Annual Luncheon Wear Orange! Commemorate Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month, Promo Respect and Healthy Relationships. Make your community Aware LADIES THAT WEAR ORANGE ROCK! Hilton Garden Inn - Duncanville 800 North Main, Duncanville 11a.m. http://orangegirlsrock16.eventbrite.com
February 21 African-American History Program & Reception - 4PM Irving Arts Center - Dupree Theater 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX Admission: FREE Come spend some time with your family and friends at the Irving Arts Center. Irving Black Arts Council and the City of Irving will present our annual African-American History Month family program. This year's program will highlight "A Conversation with Robert Haynes", Curator of the Interurban Railway Museum in Plano, TX, Special Guest
I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com
I MESSENGER Tuskegee Airman Homer Hogues and the 2016 U.S.P.S. Heritage Stamp Honoree Richard Allen Unveiling by Irving Postmaster Rodney Malone.
FEBRUARY 12, 2016 TOP LADIES OF DISTINCTION, INC.
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Black Police Association of Greater Dallas,211 Centre St, Dallas, TX 75208 $10.00 per Person
TOP TEENS OF AMERICA 45TH Area One Leadership Conference March 3 - March 6, 2016
February 22 21st Annual Prayer Breakfast Hosted by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson 9 a.m-11 a.m. Music Hall at Fair Park Speaker: Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner RSVP at 214-922-8885
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, 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 Theta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc the Talent Hunt program is designed to showcase the performing art skills of high school students. Theta Alpha Chapter will be hosting their program at Billy Dade Middle School in South Dallas at 5:30 pm.
Hilton Fort Worth - (817) 870-2100 815 Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Contact Person: Lady Estell Phillips (214) 948-1691 marg27fork@aol.com
March 5 The South Central District of the National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., will hold their 2nd “We Speak Your Name & District Awards Luncheon” in the Malachite Showcase Ballroom of the InterContinental Dallas Hotel, 15201 Dallas Parkway, Addison, TX 75001, on Saturday, March 5, 2016, at 12 noon. Wendy Calhoun is the speaker.
March 12 MaDea’s on the Run - Two shows 3p.m. And 8p.m. At the Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie. Call 888-929-7849 Community United Methodist Church at 4501 S. Marsalis Ave. in Dallas, 75216. We are hosting a FREE health and wellness fair this spring and I'd very much appreciate promotion of this family fun event on your community calendar. The Health and Wellness Fair will be held at Community United Methodist Church, at 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Participants are Methodist Dallas Medical Center and Mammogram
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
March 19 2016 National Women’s History Month Program Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment 12:00 Noon
March 24 An Evening With Great Women WHEN: Thursday, March 24th, 2016; 5:30 pm-7:30 pm WHERE: Tarrant County College - Trinity River Campus Join us for a night of networking, learning how to #BeHeard & celebrating Women's History Month. ************ 53rd Annual V. Alyce Foster Trailblazer Awards Luncheon Theme: Lifting Others As We Climb" Date: Saturday, April 16, 2016 12:00 Noon Hilton-Anatole Hotel, 2201 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207 Imperial Ballroom Ticket Price: $60.00 per Person
April 2 28th Image Awards Celebration on Saturday, April 2 at the Anatole at 7:00 p.m. This year’s theme is Pink Jazz - Providing Inspiration – Nurturing Knowledge. Our 28th Image Award Honoree is Steven L. Hayes, Professor of Music, Lecturer and Director of Choral Music at Wiley College. HERB ALPERT & LANI HALL 8 p.m. Majestic Theatre The nonprofit AT&T Performing Arts Center and AEG Live announced Herb Alpert and Lani Hall will perform at the Majestic Theatre Ticket prices for Herb Alpert & Lani Hall range from $76.75 to $36.75 and can be purchased, online at www.attpac.org, by phone at 214-880-0202 or in person at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Information Center at 2353 Flora Street 2016 Maura Women Helping Women and Young Leader
"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
Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? POLICE have I MESSENGER
not apprehended PAGE24 Pookie the serial rapist. Aren’t you concerned? Do you care? We know he has attacked members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers. If you have ANY information, PLEASE call Crime Stoppers
877.373.8477 Join I Messenger in the call for justice. Turn Pookie in today!
Also, if you want extra protection,
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check out Street Safe at www.streetsafe.peopleguard.com