Thought-provoking, informative, enlightening and entertaining news and commentary from around the world! VOL 5 ISSUE 26
February 26, 2016
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VOTE March 1 Hierarchy
Hijacking of South Dallas
JOHN PROCTOR IS ABOUT TAKING CARE OF
BUSINESS P. 12-13
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Reel-ality TV Talk By Marquesa LaDawn, George Curry Media Columnist
These are the questions and thoughts in the minds of all the Real Housewives... Should I say what I really think? If I’m conservative with my thoughts, will they bring me back? What if I offend another housewife and lose a friend? I need to add spice, which means more scenes, more fame and more money She dissed me last season I must position myself if I want this show to raise my profile What we LOVE as viewers from the Real Housewives... If I’m keeping it REAL... we want authentic, organic and entertaining television. Sometimes this means drama, love, anger, fantasy, failure, success and every emotion that exists. We want life on steroids. Watching Nene lose her cool along with other housewives trying to get along with her is interesting. In life, there’s always someone we cannot connect with who causes us stress. We also understand having difficult family members, such as cheating husbands, children that may act out, siblings that may not make the right choices and the list goes on. On some level it makes us feel better to see others deal with similar issues.
Fantasy and Success is also another important component of the real housewives world. Every time I see Lisa Vanderpump’s closet, I’m i n s p i r e d . Yo l a n d a ’s famous refrigerator was shocking and exciting; Nene moving on up professionally and personally, made us smile.
We see housewives working hard to keep up with the Joneses and fighting even harder to not show vulnerability. At times it’s a circus that’s mega fun. There are also moments we see the pain and it’s hard to watch. What we see as important is not on the housewives radar and what they see as important is not within our reach. Know this for sure...
In addition, seeing Teresa Giudice go to jail was shocking and scary. Phaedra’s husband on RHOA going to prison was just sad. All the drama with Kandi’s mother was unbelievable. Seasons later, we also s aw K a n d i fi n d h e r p r i n c e charming, get married and expand her family. This encourages us! An A-list actress from the 80s and 90s joining the Real Housewives is always interesting. Kim Fields seemed like a misfit from the start, but she’s proven she can play on any field. In the same breathe, we see the shock as she navigates this crazy group of ladies. We also see the lessons housewives learn and how they change. Money does not equal a perfect life. Sometimes in the Real Housewives world it means being “less than.” In some scenes, we see the beautiful mansions with unlimited fancy rooms and spas, plus so much more. A few scenes later, we see the same housewife being treated like a child by her husband.
Every housewife risks losing her marriage when she’s in the spotlight. Even the most secure marriages, like Yolanda and Dave Fosters from RHOBH, cracked. Some are a bit more predictable, like Phaedra and Apollo, we knew it wouldn’t last. Porsha Williams, entered the scene as a stepford wife and a couple of seasons later she’s single and sassy. One more common thread shared by all the real housewives is promoting a product or service. After Skinny Girl, Bethenny Frankel, made a fortune doing her early housewives run, Bravo decided to take a piece of the pie with future housewives. Now, most housewives have another show, a product, a service, wine, or a song, they promote. No matter what they do, many of us are hooked for life; I along with millions of others, enjoy every minute!
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Message to the People... Issues versus individuals It was supposed to be a forum, a discussion a b o u t t h e i s s u e s o n K H V N - A M ’s Community Forum with veteran host, Robert Ashley. Nothing uncommon. Happens all the time. This time four candidates (incumbent Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price and challengers Dwaine Caraway, Micah Phillips, and Cedric Davis) gathered in the studio and since that fateful Monday, little talk has focused on the issues of the District.
Praise Party with Dareia Tolbert 15 Rep. Helen Giddings
Instead the conversation has focused on the altercation in the studio, blame games and the media’s role. The story has gone viral after a video was released that included foul language and ended with police called to the station. Some of the memes are hilarious! You’ll have to check out news reports and social media to gather your information and you may join the many others who have an opinion. I have received calls, emails and texts from across the country. Sadly misinformation or partial information, exacerbated by some blatant lies and half truths has added fuel to the fodder and given everyone with an opinion an opportunity to add to the debate, which is more about individuals than issues. Here are responses from the key figures in the controversy.
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I MESSENGER Cheryl Smith, Publisher Established 2011 IMESSENGER is a tribute to Le Messager, founded by Cameroonian journalist Pius Njawe and The Messenger, an independent magazine, founded by labor activist A. Philip Randolph and economist Chandler Owen. IMESSENGER is committed to informing, inspiring, enlightening and provoking thought in a forum that is international. Submissions for publication consideration may be submitted to www.myimessenger.com.
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Alone Now
Spiritually Speaking‌.
May God bless and keep you always.
By James A. Washington
James Dr. Raphael G. Warnock, Jr. to keynote scholarship banquet in Fort Worth
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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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Keep
T B P N
“I need your vote to keep working for our community!”
Toni
Early Vote: February 16th - 26th Election Day: Tuesday, March 1st Pol Ad Pd for Toni Rose Campaign, Ada Williams, Treasurer
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QUIT PLAYIN’: Why you love Donald Trump! You’ve been wondering lately. It’s the eventual unraveling and been a part of your conscious or your destabilization of the Middle East. subconscious; but you been You got your fix of hatred the other wondering. What is it that attracts me night during the debate when Trump to Donald Trump? I think maybe I spanked Jeb’s pink puny ass again. have an answer; maybe even a few “Obviously, it was a mistake. George answers. Bush made a mistake. We can make My thesis will suggest that you like mistakes, but that one was a beauty. We Donald Trump because he spits on should have never been in Iraq.” some part of American life that When the weak whining Jeb continued you’ve always wanted to but never in his defense of everyone from his had the big state or the courage. mom to his brother, By Vincent L. Hall What makes him roundly and Trump landed the coup de grace. He comprehensively effective, is that he insinuated that the war was executed on gives every sector and culture in a lie about weapons of Mass America something or someone to hate. Destruction that did not exist. That wasn’t enough I came to this revelation while reading an article though. “The World Trade Center came down during the entitled; “Donald Trump’s worst 20 tweets.” Here’s an reign of George Bush. He kept us safe? That is not example from September 2012 after realizing that his safe.” Birther Movement wasn’t moving the media anymore. African-Americans understand that when Trump “If Obama resigns from office NOW, thereby doing a assaulted Mexicans, Muslims and Anchor Babies, his great service to the country—I will give him free hatred or distrust for “The Blacks” was a fore gone lifetime golf at any one of my courses!” conclusion. To understand Black history is to A few months earlier he had this to say; “An understand that we weren’t the first race of Americans ‘extremely credible source’ has called my office and that bore White hatred, they just didn’t annihilate as told me that @BarackObama’s birth certificate is a many of us as they did the Native Americans. fraud.” For misogynists, there were the assaults on Megan For the Obama haters, and that’s almost half the Kelly and the ugly remark about Carli Fiorina being nation and 80% of the South, he gives them plenty of ugly. red meat. As to her ugliness, I agreed with him as it relates to In fact the mantra of a good Republican these days is her aesthetics and attitude. If you hate the “Mainstream to find someone whom everyone can agree they hate. media” he points them out in a specially constructed pen They don’t look to fix problems. The Republicans he has assembled in the middle of his rallies. nowadays look to fix blame. If you hate the notion and nuance of political For those of you who hate Hillary Clinton simply correctness, every damn word that comes out of his because she’s Hillary Clinton, he has a fix. Donald mouth is pure gold. Trump tweeted his most heinous lines in April 2015. “If But the real reason that Americans knowingly and Hillary Clinton can’t satisfy her husband what makes unknowingly love Trump is because we are a nation her think she can satisfy America?” Yep he said it. He is rooted in hatred. more than just a “Billionaire with Bad Hair.” We love to hate with bibles and without.We just gotta Maybe you still hate George Dubya Bush, Cheney et have somebody to HATE. al. Not just for prosecuting and unjustifiable war, but for
Quit Playin’
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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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Hierarchy Hijacking of South Dallas Does the MBE/DBE Program work Let’s cut to the chase. This is not about what someone else has done to the citizens of South Dallas, the landowners or stakeholders of color. This is about one rape of a race and where the blame should rest. Black-on-black favoritism is as tragic as black-on-black crime. Both ways we all lose. I place the “rape-of-a-race” in two categories. The vote certainly is upfront and foremost, no argument there. But we must face the possible absolute fact that our progress/ regress is a direct descendant of our disrespect for each other and our voting loyalty to people that look/ act like they are texting and driving. The Regional Black Contractors Association opened their doors several months ago. The open house was welcomed by all with congratulations, food, spacious offices, wide grins, slaps on the back, visitors and an avalanche of fancy speeches. The stage was all set for a season to come to the side of town where the African Americans lived.
My Day By Dr. J. Ester Davis
For 20-plus years, make readiness in the community has been with high expectations. After all the Trinity River Project is the largest public works design in the country. Carolyn Davis, former Dallas City Councilwoman, opened a job bank years ago, in anticipation of the southern sector readiness. Skilled jobs, dignity, respect, tree-lined streets, opportunity, finally the triumph of the human spirit for a section of Dallas that has been the tax base for growth in the other parts of the city for decades. Let’s cut to the chase. Mr. John Proctor, Chair, and the Regional Black Contractors Association (BCA) did not receive due process in this process. Despite endless meetings, luncheons, proper credentials,
bondable, insured, qualified, the lion share of the construction, which equates to dollars, was awarded to major white entities. Who are they? Well, you will just have to keep reading my columns for designer brand names. Now, I have heard all of the comments, but this is not all old news. Around the country, according to my research, black politicians have united, making a difference in the lives of their constituencies. Most alarming is that there is not one successful MBE/DBE in the country, and I am writing this as presidential candidates are ‘courting the African American vote’ once again. Oh, sure, there are ceremonies, with press, where big awards are given out with fanfare, well-dressed scripts and recipients with near authentic words of acceptance, but no big contracts to African Americans. Can we please cut to the chase? Why aren’t the MBE/DBE’s working? Where do the
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I MESSENGER Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and the numerous black organizations that boast longevity in 100 cities stand? “The reason is largely due to there being no enforcement in the programs,” says Dr. Earl Mitchell, Stillwater, Oklahoma, who has lots of answers, and we look forward to talking with him. The mounting questions persist however, . . how did Marion Barry, Maynard Jackson, Carl Stokes and countless others get insurmountable things done in their cities? I really did not realize how popular John Proctor was. Surprisingly, no one called or emailed to ask who he is. John Proctor’s most noted 2015 honor is his addition to Who’s Who in Black Dallas, which certainly in John Proctor’s case equals to “Who’s Who in Black America.” John Proctor is the Chairman of the Dallas/Fort Worth Black Contractors Association. In that role, he works to foster the development, growth and economic viability of minorityowned businesses by increasing their capacity and providing easier access to infor mation, infrastructure, technical and business support. General consensus of the meaning and purpose of the Minority Business Enterprise system is that it does not work. The program is a
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set aside or ‘good faith effort’ for minorities. Left completely out of this equation is African American men. The MBE Program for African American men is never met, has never been met and the future seems to be more of the same. Dollars matter in the black community. Dollars matter for our children, our education of black children and the sincere welfare of our worth. Let’s be specific. Let’s start with the S. M. Wright Project. Rev. S. M. Wright was a very well-known pastor (Peoples Baptist Church) in South Dallas. He lived in the southern section and pastored in the southern section of Dallas for decades. On the S. M. Wright Project, the total sum was quoted as $100 million dollars into the Southern Sector. Doing simple math, ten percent (10%) of $100 million is $10 million dollars. One percent (1%) of $100 million dollars is one ($1) million dollars. The proposed ‘set aside’ for minority business is 3%. Please keep that in mind. I do not have time to go into the bidding process in this setting. The bids go out. Bids come in. In this particular case, a new bid went out. The current conversation is c e n t e re d a ro u n d a t o t a l o f $746,000 into the African
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American community, which is . . . less than one (1%) percent. If I am incorrect, do indeed correct me. Constantly and continuously, the primary bids go out to large majority firms. I understand Webber is the prime contractor for the S. M. Wright Project. But the real issue remains. TexDot, NTTA, City of Dallas and DISD do not include African American businesses in their MBE programs. What is wrong? Why are we ‘under-the-floor’. . . not bottom? Coming up in the southern section are new DISD buildings, new courthouses and a proposed new Records Building for the County of Dallas. Simply math again -- this amounts to approximately $250 million dollars in the southern section which is quite a conservative figure. Does the MBE/DBE Programs work for African Americans? What must we do? Where is the enforcement behind this important act. Ask John Proctor. He will absolutely have an answer. Ester Davis is the Community Host. 214.376.9000. Keep those ‘essential(e)voices’ coming. Check her out at www.esterday.com or Ester D a v i s S h o w, I O N M e d i a Networks, Thursdays, 5:30 AM. Ester Davis can be reached at esterdayone@gmail.com
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Who will work to earn the Black Vote? By Dr. Julianne Malveaux
Michelle Alexander, the brilliant author of The New Jim Crow, writes in The Nation – that Hilary Clinton does not “deserve” the Black vote. She makes a strong case. She reminds us that the Bill Clinton administration yielded a draconian crime bill and welfare deform (I call it deform instead of reform because the Clinton changes made a bad system worse) that demonized poor women. While Bill and Hilary Clinton are two different people, Alexander uses Hilary quotes to illustrate the ways she supported her husband’s policies. Michelle Alexander is right to say that Hilary does not deserve the black vote. She declines to endorse Bernie Sanders, though, describing him as “the lesser of two evils”. To his credit, says Alexander, Sanders opposed welfare deform and has been a far more vocal and aggressive critic of banks than Hilary. But Alexander says he still doesn’t get “it” around issues of racial justice, and notes that both he and Hillary supported the Iraq war. I’m intrigued by the concept of “deserving” a vote. From my perspective Bernie doesn’t deserve it, Hilary doesn’t deserve it, and none of the motley crew of Republican candidates deserve it. No Democrat or Republican has ever deserved the black vote. The dictionary defines deserve as, “to do something or have or show qualities worthy of (reward or punishment). To say someone “deserves” the black vote, suggests that someone is entitled to it or has a right to it. I don’t think any candidate has a right to the black vote.
Frankly, with the possible exception of Lyndon Johnson in 1964 (after the passage of the Civil Rights Act) and Rev. Jesse Jackson (after his history of activism) I don’t think any Democrat (or Republican) for that matter. What has either Hilary or Bernie done to “deserve” the black vote? No candidate should claim the sentimental right to the black vote either, and I think, in some ways that is what Hilary Clinton is attempting. As Michelle Alexander correctly points out in her article, some African Americans are almost irrationally loyal to the Clintons. Many other African Americans, though, have a measured view of the Clinton years, celebrating historic appointments, like that of Alexis Herman as Secretary of Labor, condemning the ways that Lani Guinier and Jocelyn Elders were abandoned by the Clintons, and balancing policy failures like welfare deform with some policy successes. Hilary Clinton’s stand-alone record includes a sensitivity to diversity that Sanders lacks. As a Senator and as Secretary of State, she had staffs that were very inclusive, with several African American women, in particular, serving in leadership roles in the State Department. Her record shows that, as President, she would continue her commitment to diversity and that we might finally have a cabinet that “looks like America”. Does her commitment to diversity alone make her entitled to the black vote? The black vote should be earned, not bequeathed. But too many African Americans seem to think that voting is the most, not the least, they can do. We must vote for politicians based on their track record and also
on their promises. But then we must hold them accountable so that they keep their promises. We didn’t do it with Clinton in 1996 when we voted for him even after welfare deform. We didn’t do it with Obama in 2012, when we voted for him after a disappointing first term. African Americans, like others, must make demands of those who hold public office, or they are free to ignore us. The challenge is that our twoparty system too often fails to provide us with a satisfactory set of alternatives to the status quo. While I was disappointed with President Obama’s first term, I probably would have cut my hand off before voting for Mitt Romney. Similarly, as disappointing as Clinton’s welfare deform was, another Clinton term was far preferable to a Bob Dole presidency. We too often are faced with imperfect options, and in choosing the lesser of two evils. Michelle Alexander addresses the flaws of the two-party system in her article, and talks about a “revolutionary movement” of people who believe that human rights and economic justice are attainable goals. There won’t be a revolutionary movement before November 7, 2016. So who deserves the black vote? The candidate who works hardest for it. The candidate who addresses the black community most directly and with the most relevance. The candidate who not only schedules very public meetings with Rev. Al Sharpton, but less-well covered meetings at a day care center, in a halfway house, in a hospital. The black vote should not be something a candidate deserves. It should be something a candidate earns!
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make its debut on Sunday, March 6 on TV One. Check out some of pictures with Dareia Tolbert fun times. Looks like she is having a Praise Party FUNTIME!
Praise Party with Dareia Tolbert The 31th Annual Stellar Awards took place this weekend held at the Las Vegas Orleans Arena ! The Stellars (also known as the Grammys of Gospel). Stellar Award made history as the Tyscot recording artist , Anthony Brown and group Therapy took home statues in the 10 categories they were nominated in. Additional multiple winners included Charles Jenkins and Fellowship Chicago, the Rance Allen Group, Tasha Cobbs and Tina Campbell. One of the most extraordinary moments was the James Cleveland Award tribute to the late Olanda Draper featuring a reunion of his beloved choir the Associates coupled with fellow Brat Pack members Ricky Dillard, Donald Lawrence and Hezekiah Walker. Be sure to watch 2 hour telecast will
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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, StarTelegram 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
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US Black Chamber Making Waves Early in 2016 As featured in POLITIC365: A month before the Democratic presidential primaries, the US Black Chambers Inc. (USBC) made an early showing of how its members planned to vote this election season. "For there to be a strong America, there must be a strong Black America, and in order for there to be a strong Black America, there must be strong Black businesses," declared USBC President Ron Busby, flanked by a group of successful Black business owners, each of whom run companies generating in excess of $10 million annually. "We believe it's of crucial importance to endorse a candidate who intends to expand access to capital, provide tax relief, and expand access to new markets for Black business owners...Hillary Clinton is the candidate that has the best understanding of the economic challenges facing Black business owners and has forward thinking priorities to alleviate the economic conditions facing Black Americans and Black Businesses." Beyond announcing its endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President USBC has been off and running in 2016 with a full slate of activities, advocacy, and accolades. Following President Obama's latest Executive Actions to reduce gun violence, the USBC, a proponent of gun reform, declared "the correlation between economic disparity and gun violence is grossly missing from the national conversation on gun control." According to Busby,"serious policies must be put in place to alleviate the economic conditions of those most impacted by gun violence. Policies that support the growth of Black owned enterprises, in an effort to create economic growth in communities devastated by crime and economic disparity." To USBC, increasing Black-owned businesses is a logical and common sense approach to alleviating crime that is brought on by disparate economic conditions. USBC's mission is to provide committed, visionary leadership and advocacy in the realization of economic empowerment for Black Americans. It is an association of more than 100 selfsustaining viable Black Chambers and small business associations nationwide and serves close to 250,000 small businesses. Even as USBC honored Black History Month by profiling Black entrepreneurs past and present each day of the month, it was honored as part of the AT&T 28 Days initiatives, which profiles Black trailblazers throughout history. Likewise, Roger Caldwell noted in an article published in the Westside Gazette, that "USBC was awarded as a Black Business Champion by
Pictured from left to right USBC Board Members: Sean Rugless, Antwayne Ford, Aimee Griffin, Aubry Stone, USBC President Ron Busby, Charles O'Neal, Christal Watson, Jim Wyatt, Larry Holman, Alisa Joseph, the $50 Billion Empowerment Tour founders Maggie Anderson and Eugene Mitchell," for their efforts and advocacy. In addition to setting a #BankingBlack trend, also seen carried out by the likes of Rapper Killer Mike, Producer Jermaine Dupree, R&B Impresario Usher, USBC also visited Flint, Michigan in the wake of the lead poisoning water crisis. To Busby, the only way to ease the tide and reverse suffering is to create greater wealth in these communities. "Poverty makes communities vulnerable to injustices. There must be a mass effort to increase wealth in the Black community through business ownership, as a logical approach to alleviate vulnerability to injustices and man-made crises." In many ways, USBC and its leadership strive along the path articulated by Booker T. Washington: "It is easily seen, that if every member of the race should strive to make himself the most indispensable man in his community, and to be successful in business, however humble that business might be, he would contribute much toward smoothing the pathway of his own and future generations." The year is just starting, and if the past two months are any indication,USBC is looking to blaze trails and make an impact where ever they go.
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My best friend is marrying ‘wicked witch of the North”
Election Day is March 1 SUPER TUESDAY
Dear Alma: This is a question about my best friend. He and I have been best friends forever and we are just that – friends. I’m a woman and he’s a man, but, never at anytime Ask Alma did we think it would be anything else. So I By Alma Gill guess you could say it’s via George Curry Media like we’re brother and sister. We have been there through family issues, heartbreaks, lost jobs, college graduations, I mean everything. Whenever I have a new friend I’m dating, if it starts to get serious, this person has to meet my one and only best friend for approval and vice-versa. About a year ago, he met and fell hard for a co-worker. Initially, she seemed to be OK. When we finally met, at the table she was courteous, very friendly and I was thinking, I like her. But wait, we walked to the bathroom together and she became the wicked witch of the north. She did a complete turn around and was mean to me and told me she knew that I wanted him, but to watch out because that wasn’t gonna happen. I tried to explain we are just friends. She said she knew what we were and that my friend talks about me all the time and he has made it clear we were to remain the best of friends. She told me she didn’t like me and she didn’t like our friendship but she would do whatever it takes to keep him happy. She turned and walked out the bathroom and once we sat down at the table she became the really, sweet, friendly woman he thinks she is. Fast forward and now they are getting married. Of course, he wants me to be in the wedding. He asked me to be his best woman and he also wants me to do things with her while they make all the wedding plans. Things did not get better with us over time and I still don’t like her at all. I was just going along with it because I love him and I tried to suck it up for the past year, but now that they are getting married, I just can’t do it. I cannot participate in this. My mother says I have to be there for him and not make it about me. Help Alma! I just can’t. How do I break it to him without losing my friend? FriendTillTheEnd
Ain’t nothing like ordering a Famous Dave’s praline sauced bread pudding, a la mode and a diet soda. Two selections that have absolutely nothing to do with each other, but they sure do taste good together. Ummhmm, that just made me hungry. You don’t mind if I eat while we’re talking do you? Sometimes I eat when I’m sad, and your question sure did make me blue. I couldn’t help but think about the friendship that you and he shared, how special it is and how it’s about the end. I’m a firm believer that a man and a woman can be just friends, but not everyone will agree. Ask my friend, Richard. I love him and he means the world to me, but he’s not my husband, he’s my dear, dear friend. We don’t hide or sneak around to see each other when meeting for a meal. We knew each other before I married and we were able and approved to continue our individual relationship, because my husband trusted what we shared. Partways, I’m sure is because my husband has Gail, one of his best and dear, dear friends. When I met Gail, early on in our relationship, I thought she was awesome, too. What I also thought was, if they haven’t hooked up and made it work by now, it ain’t ever gonna happen. So I made my peace. Men and women are smart enough to know when friendships are ready or capable to moving to the next level. That’s not the case for the two of you and it’s sad his new wife can’t or is choosing not to understand it. I gotta say though, I agree with your mom. You should suck it up and stand by your best friend. You don’t have to accompany Glozilla on her whirlwind of wedding trudges, but you do have to show up and take your rightful place at the wedding. Once they’ve married, she may no longer see you as a threat and that should change things for the better. TBT, it’s time for you to prepare yourself to move over. You need to make room for her in his full life. Things don’t have to change but they should become different. Richard and Gail are very supportive of our marriage and both are always equally inclusive with everything they plan, say or do. You have to adjust to the new rules of friendship, engagement and marriage. As he becomes one of your dearest friends, but no longer your only best friend, because he has a new BFF in the soulmate that he’s marrying.
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Alma
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B v M
J C p r D a K
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Fight for Universal Pre-K remains a moral and economic imperative By State Representative Helen Giddings
Over the course of last year's Legislative Session, I was proud to see quality pre-K improvements be thrust into the spotlight as a bipartisan priority. Through emotional and sometimes heated debate, we were able to approve House Bill 4, a grant program of $130 million to Texas schools, in an effort to bolster existing pre-K programs. Although many of us argued this did not go far enough, it became clear that this was the best solution that the majority would embrace, and it passed with a 129-18 vote. It remains significant that we came together to create a new program to invest in kids across Texas. Unfortunately, this victory was not nearly enough. Although I am excited to see how districts take advantage of the available grants, our kids demand a far bolder change of course. Last year, the National Institute for Early Education Research released a study showing that Texas ranks dead last in the country in delivering quality pre-K. In the ten policies of its quality standards checklist, Texas met only two- for teacher inservice and early learning standards. In areas from class size to teacher specialization, we continue to fall woefully short. We also fail to get enough kids in the door. Although we have seen incremental progress over the past decade, about half, 48%, of Texas 4-year olds still do not attend any pre-K whatsoever, and state spending per pupil has plummeted since 2011. To this day, there remains naysayers who find pre-K to be an unnecessary luxury. Why does it matter, they say, if a child stays at home when he or she is waiting for kindergarten to start? Research shows that 90% of a child's brain development happens by the time they turn five, and their access to education during those early years has turned out to be an incredible predictor of their future growth. A study from the National Bureau of Economic Research showed that economically disadvantaged Texans who attend pre-K were 23% less likely to be retained in the first, second,
or third grade and 13% less likely to be assigned to a special education program. These outcomes are not just morally encouraging, they are smart economic policy. Among economically disadvantaged children alone, Texas pre-K saves the state upwards of $142 million due to these lower rates of grade retention and assignment to special education programs. Pre-K students are given an enormous head start in reading, math, and verbal and nonverbal communication skills. They are given a head start in working in groups and respecting others. They learn empathy and compassion and the golden rule. Is it ever too soon to begin these lessons? We cannot allow pre-K to be considered "last session's issue." We cannot stop demanding far better for Texas children and families, and universal, full-day pre-K is the most critical investment we can make. Many who do not go as far as denying the irrefutable benefits of universal pre-K will simply argue that it's a worthy, but unaffordable cause. They will use phrases like "fiscal responsibility" and "waste of taxpayer dollars." As a senior member of the House Appropriations committee who wrote the state's budget, I unequivocally reject this notion. We can afford a revitalized pre-K system. We cannot afford continued inaction. We cannot afford providing the lowest quality pre-K in the Resume: raylcarr@yahoo.com, or country. We cannot afford half of our children(214) being514-9553 denied education in the most critical stages of their development. Their future and opportunities are in the balance. Complacency is unacceptable. Let's find common ground on new and innovative ways to make Texas early-childhood education the best in the nation. Let's not stop at funding. Let's train and certify more quality early-childhood teachers and encourage them to teach in our most vulnerable communities. HB 4 was an important step forward. Let's not let it go to waste. (Helen Giddings represents District 109 which includes Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Lancaster, Wilmer, Hutchins, and portions of Glenn Heights and Oak Cliff. For more information, please call 512.463.0953.)
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FEBRUARY 26, 2016
Today is That Day You Didn't Have to be Here
Spiritually Speaking… By James A. Washington My wife has a hand in reminding me about this one. She meditates in the morning. I remember a pastor friend of mine telling me that this was something he was also trying to develop into a habit of doing and upon further review, I’ve decided to try it too. Praying in the morning, as a concept, is actually pretty easy to do. In the morning I am not usually in need of anything but I do understand now that calling upon the Lord is an act of spiritual clarification. From evening prayer (which I do every night) to dawn’s affirmation of God’s power, I probably take this time as much for granted as anyone. After some Morning Prayer practice, it’s becoming apparent that I need to thank God for seeing me through the night. At this point I ask Him to order my steps, guide my thoughts and allow me to do something during the course of the day to give indication of a deep appreciation for letting me wake up. If you allow yourself to concentrate on what God has done for you on any given day, then it becomes obvious that He is indeed here and working wonders on your behalf. If you do not believe, try this. At the end of today, take a moment and reflect on those things that you can think of, that prove God was walking with you all day. Now start with this morning because you really didn’t have to wake up. If you hadn’t noticed, some people didn’t. If you drove, flew, took a cab somewhere and arrived safely, you might want to give God a little credit for your being accident free. You
IN MEMORIAM
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might have even passed one or two accidents on your way. Can you remember seeing anyone in need of food, clothing, a few dollars, maybe a bath; but it wasn’t you? All “natural disasters” missed your house. No floods? No tornadoes? No hurricanes? No earthquakes? While I’m at it, how’s your family? Are your kids healthy? Are they simply alive and still breathing today? Someone you know under intense pressure, emotionally, financially, physically? Can you begin to see where I’m coming from? God’s Hand is everywhere in your life today, if you just stop being busy and take a good look. I promise you if you just slow down a bit, you’ll see God’s presence time and again in your life and not always in the person’s next to you. Once you begin to realize that God is present all the time, then, prayer easily and rapidly becomes praise. I mean once you recognize the real possibility that God held “my” hand today, then it stands to reason to me that a genuine thank you is in order. So now out of any sleep I’m awakening from comes a palms open praise that goes something like this; ‘Thank you Father God for seeing me through the night. Stay with me and remind me during the course of this day of your infinite blessings bestowed upon me. Let me do something. Let me say something today to make you proud and show you my appreciation of your giving me the time and opportunity to demonstrate who I am and whose I am to the world.’ The words might change from time to time, but the intent is the same. I hope to no longer take my consciousness for granted. There’s a reason my eyes were opened and I must acknowledge I had nothing to do with it. As such, I think it prudent to acknowledge the One responsible and look for His purpose after that. The next step for me then is to try and maintain a consistent spiritual posture. I know it’s not easy. The world will test you. But since God was gracious enough to give me the day, the least I can do is act like I know who the day belongs to. From goodnight in the evening to hello in the morning gives all of us a real opportunity to understand the simple gift of life. That time between sleep and awakening is worth praising God for. Kind of gives new meaning to that “joy comes in the morning” thing. May God bless and keep you always.
James
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I MESSENGER 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 ******
FEBRUARY 26, 2016 Arlington; LEO HASSAN & FRIENDS Drumming Circle, and Dallas recording artist and model, TORI CAGE.
March 2 REMEMBERING JOSEPH SMITH and JUAN CURET On their date of birth! DBCC Power Lunch! Bill J Priest Institute 1402 Corinth Street Dallas 75215 1-3pm March 2, 2016 How to do a Business with DART
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unfolding, examining the notions of destiny, when life happens and when “fairness” and cause and effect do not necessarily align. 8 pm South Dallas Cultural Center Theater 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave. Dallas, Texas 75210 For more information call 214-939-2787
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.
TOP LADIES OF DISTINCTION, INC.
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. **** Student-Athlete Symposium “Preparing For Success On and Off The Playing Fields” SATURDAY, February 27, 12pm-4pm; Friendship West Baptist Church Calling All StudentAthletes!!!!!!! On Saturday February 27, Pass’N’Play Sports, The Heads Up! Foundation and their coalition of community partners will host the Pass’N'Play StudentAthlete Symposium, a half-day conference for Dallas county student athletes, created to inspire and empower our student-athletes and future leaders ****** Kathllyn Joy Gilliam Museum Official Opening TIME: 12:00 noon - throughout afternoon LOCATION: 3817 Wendelkin (Mrs. Gilliam's former home in South Dallas, designated an historic Dallas landmark in 2015. FREE/Public is invited to attend. MAJOR SPONSORS (Collaborators): The Honorable Ralph White, The Foundation for Community Empowerment, ElstonAire, The United Methodist Church Website: www.KathlynJoyGilliamMuseum.org Contact: Connie Harris (KJGM board president/daughter of Mrs. Gilliam): charris830@sbcglobal.net, 469-878-3945 GUESTS/HIGHLIGHTS: Reverend ZAN W. HOLMES (author/ lecturer and Pastor Emeritus of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church; veteran Hollywood actor and former South Dallas teacher, IRMA P. HALL; DR. STANTON E. LAWRENCE, Sr., Asst. Supt.-Elementary School Leadership, San Antonio ISD; KJGM curator DR. W. MARVIN DELANEY, chair of History Department, University of Texas at
TOP TEENS OF AMERICA 45TH Area One Leadership Conference March 3 - March 6, 2016 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 3 South Dallas Cultural Center presents Tim Seibles: A Homecoming! Tim Seibles comes back to Dallas for the "African Diaspora: New Dialogues Series" presented in partnership with Wordspace. 7:30pm Where: South Dallas Cultural Center 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave. Dallas, Texas 75210 For more information call 214-939-2787
March 5-6 BOOM! Are you ready? Cynthia Oliver and Leslie Cuyjet are going to take us on a true sister journey as they perform this dancework choreographed by Oliver. BOOM!, a new duet by Cynthia Oliver, features Oliver and Cuyjet as individuals, friends, strangers, family and younger/older versions of themselves, negotiating relations that are persistently in flux. Building upon a non-linear sequence of narratives around a life and a relationship—of a woman to herself, her history, her present and her future—BOOM! is a choreography of shifting realities. It is a looping, fractured
March 8 Fellowship of Professional Women Marti Martin knows first hand about letting go of childhood scars, coming from a very difficult and humble beginning, including childhood domestic violence. 11:45 AM to 1:15 PM CST Park City Club 5956 Sherry Lane 17th Floor Dallas, TX 75225
March 11 Neighborhood stories @ The SDCC You're invited to the free screening of the latest film in our "Neighborhood Stories" program. This film explores the Bonton and Ideal neighborhoods in South Dallas. Initially it was a series of segregated developments built for black Dallasites We discovered the neighborhoods have a rich legacy of soulful music, black-owned businesses, and close social ties. As with other segregated neighborhoods in the American South, Bonton and Ideal neighborhoods have struggled with the effects of political decisions aimed to isolate the neighborhood physically, socially, and economically. The love and dedication of long time residents has spurred city-led revitalization, though not always with the neighborhood’s interests in mind. Join us for this film and discussion to find out what the future holds for this community. The Panelists will be: Milton Baker, former Bonton resident, H.I.S. Bridgebuilders Gerald Britt, former Ideal resident, CitySquare
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I MESSENGER Sherri Mixon, Ideal resident, T.R. Hoover Clifton Reese, Bonton resident, H.I.S. Bridgebuilders Craig Weflen, Filmmaker, bcWORKSHOP Moderator - Vicki Meek @ 7pm South Dallas Cultural Center Theater
March 10-13
FEBRUARY 26, 2016 12midnight -3 am Free- Open to the public Saturday, March 12, 2016 5 -7pm - Arthello Beck Gallery Opening T Vasquez and Montoya Williams Free- Open to the public 8pm Dinner – La Calle Doce Lakewood Jazz Karaoke TBD Sunday, March 13, 2016 Vicki Meek 365 CELEBRATION! City Performance Hall 4pm - 6pm Ticket information to follow
March 12 SAVE THESE DATES! March 10 - 13, 2016 Friends of the South Dallas Cultural Center cordially invites you to celebrate the retirement of Vicki Meek Thursday, March 10, 2016 Preview Opening Reception: T Vasquez and Montoya Williams show All artists who have shown in the gallery during Vicki's tenure. Free- Open to the public Friday, March 11, 2016 10:00 am Paul Quinn College 10am - Vicki Meek: Black & Blue: Cultural Oasis in the Hills A part of the Nasher XChange 2013 Exhibition 10:15 am - Artist Talk Free- Open to the public Lunch - TDB South Dallas Cultural Center Wonderful Weekend at the Center 7pm – 8:30pm Film Screening “BONTON + IDEAL” – A Dallas Neighborhood Stories Film by BC Workshop Narrated by Vicki Meek Jammin' @ the Center Jazz Jam Session
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March 13 Vicki Meek Cultural Icon Retirement Celebration Sunday, March 13, 2016 City Performance Hall 2520 Flora St. Dallas, TX 75201 5pm Free RSVP Required To RSVP Call 214-871-5000 http://www.ticketdfw.com/whats-on/2016/vicki-meekcultural-icon-celebration/
March 18-19 "Losing Ground"
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, 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 ***** Jazz is hot in "Big D" and jazz lovers and would be jazz lovers don't want to miss one of America's most beloved jazz performer, WILL DOWNING! Get your tickets and prepare for a fantastic Dallas night on the town. We can't rock without you, so come on out and rock at TBAAL for another memorable Jazz Weekend! Hosted by TBAAL Board of Directors and Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Saturday, March 12, 2016 @ 8pm Naomi Bruton Main Stage Admission $25 // $30 Jazz Appreciation Educational Youth Workshop Saturday, March 12 , 2016 @ 12pm Clarence Muse Cafe Theatre Admission-Pay What You Can
Hey Film Lovers! You're invited to our FREE screening of "Losing Ground" - a groundbreaking film by Kathleen Collins.....It's a comedy-drama about a Black American female philosophy professor and her insensitive, philandering, and flamboyant artist husband who are having a marital crisis. Well when the wife goes off .........You'll just have to see for yourself :-) Kathleen Collins at the time of her death from cancer in 1988, was just 46 years old, but she was already an internationally renowned playwright, a popular professor (at New York’s City College) and a successful independent filmmaker. Her second film and one of the very first fictional features by an African-American woman, Losing Ground remains a stunning and powerful work of art. Accomplished actors Seret Scott (who appeared in Louis Malle’s Pretty Baby and Ntozake Shange’s play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf”), Bill Gunn (Ganja and Hess), Duane Jones (Night of the Living Dead) and the late multitalented Billie Allen star in this film. Funny, brilliant and personal, "Losing Ground" should be ranked high in the canon of indie cinema.
"Our people have made the mistake of confusing the methods with the objectives. As long as we agree on objectives, we should never fall out with each other just because we believe in different methods, or tactics, or strategy. We have to keep in mind at all times that we are not fighting for separation. We are fighting for recognition as free humans in this society." MALCOLM X I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com
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