Thought-provoking, informative, enlightening and entertaining news and commentary from around the world! VOLUME 5 ISSUE 34
April 22, 2016
I MESSENGER
Vol 5 No. 32
April 8, 2016
Taurus and Lakendria King , Vick and Marilyn Holland, Norman and Clara Trimble, Russell and Cheryl Williamson and Joe and Herdercine Nash
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BLACK LOVE
All about the
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IMAGE
Omicron Mu Omega’s Legacy of Service Foundation continues tradition with 2016 Image Award recipient
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Remembering Prince Rogers Nelson
1958-2016
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APRIL 22, 2016
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Black Wall Street Tour and Ceremony Tulsa, Oklahoma Sunday May 29, 2016 Charter Bus Departing Dallas to Tulsa at 7:30 am from The Act of Change 3200 Lancaster Rd Suite #623, Dallas, TX 75216 $60 per seat. Departing Tulsa to Dallas after Activities Late Sunday Evening Please bring your own food & drink as it will be a long day.
Egbe Egunfewa African Spiritual Society will host a community ceremony to pay homage to our ancestors that were murdered during the terrorist attack on Black Wall Street and during slavery. For more information call Bro. Fred at 214 607 6445 DEADLINE FOR ALL MONIES IS MONDAY, MAY 23, 2016
Please Donate Directly To The Black Wall Street Fund
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APRIL 22, 2016
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VOLUME 5 ISSUE 34
Message to the People... All about the Harriets WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) and Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee made the following statement after Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew announced plans to replace President Andrew Jackson with Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill: “It brings me great joy to learn that the United States will honor abolitionist Harriet Tubman by placing her image on the $20 bill,” said Chairman Butterfield. “An African American woman, former slave, freedom fighter, and leader for women’s rights, Ms. Tubman was a true visionary who is most deserving of this recognition. Ms. Tubman was dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans until her death in 1913. Her legacy continues to impact all Americans to this day and will live on for generations to come. “Furthermore, the $5 and $10 bills will also feature new historic images that remind us of the activists that have made America a more perfect union,” said Chairman Butterfield. “These designs will represent a more inclusive America by finally representing women, many of whom have been absent in important historical accounts of American history. They made strides towards voting rights and more freedom for Americans. Brave leaders such as Lucretia Mott, Sojourner Truth, and Alice Paul are symbols of our democracy that deserve much needed recognition amongst many others.” “I applaud the Treasury Department’s decision to feature Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill, women’s suffrage leaders including Sojourner Truth on the $10 bill, and civil rights leaders including Martin Luther King Jr. and Marian Anderson on the $5 bill,” said Rep. Maxine Waters. “These depictions on our nation’s currency are long overdue and will show the world the remarkable progress our country has made on the road to equality. The Secretary’s decision recognizes the important contributions of women and people of color to our society. I look forward to the circulation of these bills so that we can all feel the weight of history in our hands.”
No w of course there are naysayers. I thought this was pretty cute from one FaceBook friend who took issue with Dr. Ben Carson’s criticism of the choice:
Grambling State University 9
Alpha Phi Alpha Beautillion Page 24
Prince 27
I MESSENGER Cheryl Smith, Publisher Established 2011
Cheryl
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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April 22, 2016
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ANTHEM celebrates Black Love
Vincent and Lady Scefenia Dent
Kwame and Alana Watkins
Ricardo and Isha Miller
Ken and Regina Frazier
Kenneth and Sha’Ron James
Ned and Bertric Armstrong
Michael and Tonya Mosby
Jason and Heather Ross
Dallas Black Marriage Day began with the passion to spread a positive message of marriage in the African American community. This special day is held in honor of National Black Marriage Day, which was founded by Nisa Muhammad, and was recognized in just 30 cities when it began in 2003, and it has now spread to more than 300 communities across the country!` Each year outstanding couples are nominated by family and friends. The winners are awarded with the title of “Dallas Couple of the Year” and inducted into the Dallas Black Marriage Day Hall of Fame at a gala affair. This year’s affair is Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Omni Hotel, Downtown Dallas. This event is hosted by Anthem Strong Families with its mission to be the champion for our community by educating, equipping and empowering men, women and youth to be the champion for their life, their marriage, their children and their family. We hope you enjoy reading about this year’s nominees. Next week we will feature the winners!
Mr. Adrian & Mrs. Janelle Alves – 9 years CHILDREN –2 children Benjamin 6 and Nicholas 3 They are honored to be nominated, and Janelle couldn’t wait to tell her mother-in-law! THEY MET in high school, and were inseparable until he went to college in New Jersey. Maintained a 7-year long distance relationship, and eloped shortly after college graduation.
WHAT MAKES THEIR RELATIONSHIP SPECIAL IS they love and accept each other unconditionally. Their marriage is a safe place for them to build and evolve as a couple as well as individually. They are best friends, always laughing and having fun together. And most importantly, their marriage is anchored by their faith. ADVICE: Strive to fully and totally accept each other. Work together towards a common goal bigger then
yourself. Make your faith the cornerstone of your marriage.
Pastor Vincent & Lady Scefenia Dent – 6 years CHILDREN - They are a blended family with 9 children: Quitman Maurice 34, Andrea Danielle 32, Benjamin Howard 32, Ashley Fuller 31, Whitney Larae 28, Nikita 8, Allen Christopher 26, Shameca Danielle 13, Sania Leona-Omega Dent 2 They are honored to be nominated, for the 3rd year in a row! THEY MET each other online via Black Planet in November 2009 and knew in their hearts they were destined to be together. WHAT MAKES THEIR RELATIONSHIP SPECIAL IS “the ability to allow what we love for Christ to be the foundation of how we view and treat each other as individuals and as Christians. We both believe that God is not only our heavenly Father but He is our heavenly Father-in-Law, and we must always be mindful of how we treat His sons and His daughters.”
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Roger and Yolanda Haley
Andre and Deborah Vation
ADVICE/FAVORITE RELATIONSHIP QUOTE.Philippians 2:2-3 Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important yourselves.
Mr. Tezamasun & Mrs. Goody Howard – 3 years THEY MET through mutual Twitter followers, and began follow each other. They met at a local live music venue, at the end of the evening he walked her to her truck, and they laughed and talked until the sun came up. They have been together ever since. WHAT MAKES THEIR RELATIONSHIP SPECIAL IS: They are kindred spirits. Tezama would rather be with Goody, even if it means doing something he doesn’t necessarily want to do. Goody says their self-confidence creates a safe place for them to be who themselves as a couple. ADVICE: be friends first, make sure there is much more than a physical attraction. Laugh a lot, go to bed at the same time, and take the TV out of your bedroom. It allows you to connect and unplug as a couple. Your bedroom is your sanctuary with your partner.
Mr. Kenneth & Mrs. Sha’Ron James – 49 years CHILDREN: Valeicyia Houston age 52 THEY MET at James Madison High School but never spoke until they were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend. WHAT MAKES THEIR RELATIONSHIP SPECIAL IS: Recognizing that God has a plan for their life. They allowed God to take their bad choices and turn them into a piece of artwork for his Glory. ADVICE: Build a relationship with God because it is the only foundation for marriage. Don’t expect a great marriage if you are not willing to put in the hard work. Don’t take it personal!
Mr. Jeremiah & Mrs. Marguritte Johnson –
APRIL 22, 2016
Bryan and Roslind Smith
Rodney and Jacqueline Moore
17 years CHILDREN: Jeremiah Johnson, Jr. 14, Mariah Serenity Johnson 11 They met at Walmart in April 1997. Jeremiah was hosting a youth fundraiser and one of the children asked Marguritte to purchase a candy bar, and then said this mentor wanted to meet her. Marguritte bought the candy bar, but ignored the request. After driving off, her sister grabbed the steering wheel, and made her go to the front of the store. They were married May 1998. WHAT MAKES THEIR RELATIONSHIP SPECIAL IS: They are BFFS and their secret is K.I.S.S. keep it simple and sweet. They do their best not to complicate matters and they don’t sweat the small stuff. They remember that God united them on purpose for His greater purpose, and their union is to Glorify Him at ALL times. ADVICE: Never stop listening and never stop talking! Communication is the life of the marriage, don’t ever lose it. “We will come out together, as long as we go through it together!”
Mr. Taurus & Mrs. Lakendria King – 14 years CHILDREN: They have 3 daughters ages 12, 8 & 3 THEY MET the summer before their senior year in high school at a birthday party. He asked her to dance, and then they talked for hours. LaKendria says: It felt like we’d known each other forever. He was different from other guys, and had a certain confidence about him, and he knew what he wanted. WHAT MAKES THEIR RELATIONSHIP SPECIAL: We have had our share of ups and downs, but it all comes back to the foundation of our faith in God. That coupled with a good sense of humor and our willingness to put in the work is how we get through the challenges marriage can sometimes bring. ADVICE: Remember that the covenant you make on your wedding day is sacred. It’s not between you and the person you’re marrying. It’s between you and God. Honor the commitment that you made to Him to love, honor and cherish your spouse through thick and thin. “Have the
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Michael and Connie Greer
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Jeremiah and Marguritte Johnson
kind of marriage that makes your children want to be married.”
Mr. Michael & Mrs. Tonya Mosby – 10 years CHILDREN: Sandra -35, Michael – 32; Joshua – 26; Natalie – 20; grandchildren: William -5; Aniyah – 4 THEY MET in elementary school and church together as children. However, as adults who hadn’t see each other in several years, we saw each other at a funeral. He says it was love at first sight. THEIR RELATONSHIP IS SPECIAL Because they are longtime friends, that still remain friends. ADVICE & FAVORITE RELATIONSHIP QUOTE: always date each other. “As long as we are together, we are never lost” Mr. Jason & Mrs. Heather Ross – 1 year CHILDREN: Jaxon Marcel Ross – Born April 2016 They met through a mutual friend in 2012 at a birthday dinner. Their first date was two months later at a drive in movie, they saw “Sparkle.” Heather says, she watched him “shine” most of the movie. She was smitten. They maintained a long distance relationship for a year and a half. They were engaged March 2014, on Heather’s birthday. THEIR RELATIONSHIP IS SPECIAL because they strive to keep God at the center and do not take themselves too seriously. They take every opportunity to laugh at and with each other.
Mr. Norman & Mrs. Clara Trimble – 8 years CHILDREN: 3 children -- Shamorgan, Monica and Michelle They met when Norman lived across the street from Clara’s cousin Mary in Amarillo, TX. Clara was in town for a school reunion. Mary didn’t like the ladies he was dating, so she told Norman that Clara was in town. He left his number for Clara to call him, and she did after the reunion. The next year they were married. WHAT MAKES THEIR RELATIONSHIP SPECIAL IS: They have lived in two houses and in two cities, Dallas &
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Chester and Regina BurnsBurns Chester and Regina Tyron and Devona Smith
Gordon Tyronand andRhonda DevonaEdwards Smith Edward and Barbara Lewis
Amarillo during their marriage. Seeing each other 3 to 4 times a month on weekends or vacations. God and friendship have kept them together. ADVICE: Prayer, love for each other, communicating at all times about everything, friendship and family.
Mr. Kwame & Mrs. Alana Watkins – 7 years Children: Son Kadiri 4, son Zaid 2, daughter Yara 6 months THEY MET through the St. Louis chapter of the Urban League Young Professionals. They were both new to the organization and had to introduce themselves as guests. Later that week, ULYP hosted a networking even where they recognized each other from the previous meeting. They began talking, and felt a strong connection. The rest is history! WHAT MAKES THEIR RELATIONSHIP SPECIAL IS the early decision to form a true partnership for how they do everything: from finances to household chores, to vacation planning. This partnership has allowed them to leverage each other’s talents to create positive outcomes and deal with the challenges that life brings them. They also strive to listen and understand each other’s successes and challenges on a daily basis so they can constantly celebrate and support each other. ADVICE: Treat your partner like you would your most important business partner by embracing and celebrating all of their talents and successes!
Mr. Michael & Mrs. Connie Greer CHILDREN: Lauren Greer 31 and Krista Doubleday 27 THEY MET at church. However they began dating after Connie’s cousin stood Michael up. THEIR RELATIONSHIP IS SPECIAL because God made them unique. The secret is remembering that they made a vow before the living God, and many times it really is not about you, and to never stoop dating your spouse.
Pastor Roger & Lady Yolanda Haley -25 years
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APRIL 22, 2016
Elton andand Sheri Garrett Gordon Rhonda Edwards Willie and Lakesha Toliver
Edward and Barbara Lewis
Elton and Sheri Garrett
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Willie and Lakesha Toliver
They are a gifted illustration of strength in marriage, beauty in Blended Family, and lasting while in Love. Roger and Yolanda not only talk the marital talk as they serve as Leaders over the Marriage Ministry at The Potter’s House but they walk the walk in their daily lives by practicing what they preach. THEIR RELATIONSHIP IS SPECIAL because they are always on and relentless with the personal goal of stomping out broken families due to mindless divorces.
THEIR RELATONSHIP IS SPECIAL because they are friends, they respect, support, and believe in each other. During good times or bad times, when others left or failed them, they could always depend on each other. They don’t really think there is a secret to staying together, but trust and communication is a big key. They tell each other how they really feel with words only Favorite Quote: “I got you”
Mr. Joseph & Mrs. Herdercine Nash – 56 years THEY MET as teenagers in Monroe, Louisiana in 1958. First date was a movie – Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, married on Valentine’s Day 1960. THEIR RELATONSHIP IS SPECIAL “because we have never stopped loving each other.” Favorite Quote: Herdercine’s father (married 65 years): “If she runs you out the front door, go around the house and come back in the back door”
CHILDREN: They have 4 children; 1 daughter and 3 sons; and 15 foster children THEY MET at a gas station THEIR RELATIONSHIP IS SPECIAL because of their faith in God ADVICE: Compromising, Consideration and Communication are the key for Closeness. Always forgive and never end a day mad. (Don’t sleep on the sofa) Favorite Quote: “Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and He will direct your action”
Mr. Tyron & Mrs. Devona Smith – 21 years
Mr. Chester & Mrs. Regina Burns – 31 years
THEY MET in 1991 when Dee moved to Louisiana; they were introduced by her cousin. Ty asked if he could stop by to visit Dee sometime, his first visit turned into almost every day. THEIR RELATONSHIP IS SPECIAL because they have opposite personalities, that mesh together to form a loving bond. The secret without question is God. ADVICE: 1. Keep God first. 2. Keep the lines of communication open. 3. Remember to do because you want to, and not because you have to. 4. When times get hard, lean on God and each other to make it through.
CHILDREN: Lakiesha 42, Tameka 41, Michael 38,Seporia 39, Corrium 38 THEY MET in elementary school, 1st and 2nd grade. He knew she was going to be his wife one day, and his dreams came true. THEIR RELATONSHIP IS SPECIAL because they both became greater followers of Jesus Christ. The secret was to quit fighting each other and begin fighting together for their marriage. ADVICE: Hot heads and cold hearts never solved anything.
Mr. David & Mrs. Tenna Kirk – 20 years
Mr. Gordon & Mrs. Rhonda Edwards – 3 years
HOW THEY MET: We were neighbors and would speak and chat occasionally. We became friends, and went on our first date, which did not go as smoothly as it should have. The next several dates were awesome, and we have been together since then.
Mr. Ned & Mrs. Bertric Armstrong -
CHILDREN: Two sons Boris 36, and Brent 33, and 16 grandchildren THEY MET at age 17, and moved together at 19. Their journey took separate paths at age 26 and came back
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Steve and Andrea McPherson
Tezamasun and Goody Howard
together at age 50. Gordon’s journey took him through a very long incarceration, and Rhonda’s endured a long, hard road as a single working mother of two sons. Today, their union is one with love, respect, communication and commitment. ADVICE: Seek a relationship with GOD first, communicate, respect, and stay committed to each other. Don’t waste time searching for something you may already have.
Mr. Ken & Mrs. Regina Frazier – 19 years CHILDREN: 2 sons Martrel 28, Ken Jr. 24 ; 1 daughter Kendall 18 THEY MET as undergrads in the 90s. They shared a couple of classes while attending El Centro Community College. They worked together on a couple of class assignments and grew fond of each other from that point on. They shared several things in common: growing up in a rough neighborhood, having immediate and extended family in the Dallas area, having sons from previous relationships, having a true thirst for knowledge, and strong desires to become successful. THEIR RELATONSHIP IS SPECIAL partially because they are a “blended family.” No one even notices this fact unless they mention it. Shortly after marriage Ken adopted Regina’s son, to solidify their bond as a family unit.
Mr. Elton, Sr & Mrs. Sheri Garrett – 33 years CHILDREN: Marioe LaKeith Thompson 42, LaTasha Dvette Wilson 41, Crystal Lynne Garrett 28, Elton Dexter Garrett II 24. THEY MET in 1975 at Lincoln High School in Dallas, Sheri was a freshman, and Elton was a freshman in college. They were introduced by Sheri’s best friend, Dorothy, at band practice. Elton was a top recruited football player at SMU, and the coaches invited him to work with the players. They only had a few phone calls, because Elton was much too old for Sheri at that time. Sheri’s junior year Elton asked if he could come to the football game to see her perform. The next day Elton went to visit Sheri at her
APRIL 22, 2016
David and Tenna Kirk
Leslie and Cozette Johnson
house, it was “Love at second sight.” THEIR RELATIONSHIP IS SPECIAL because they live a Christian life.
Mr. Vick & Mrs. Marilyn Holland – 27 years CHILDREN: 5 children, ages 40, 38, 37, 33 and 27 THEY MET BC (before Christ) in a club, Vick did not have the courage to approach Marilyn. Ironically, months later, his roommate introduced him to the same lady he saw in the club and her roommate, by saying “that one is mine (Marilyn) you can have the other one.” Vick knew then that she was going to be his Queen. THEIR RELATONSHIP IS SPECIAL because their consistent, steadfast, unmovable relationship with God. It cements their commitment to one another. Love, respect, and consistent communication is how they’ve stayed together. ADVICE: Matthew 18:19-20 “Again I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven; for where two or three come together in my name, there I am in the midst.”
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Adrian and Janelle Alves
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Brandon and Jamila Thomas
Their secret to staying together is taking time to one another, and dating and romancing one another They are best friends, and most importantly they keep God at the center of their marriage. ADVICE: Respect, support, love and communicate with other. Be faithful and true. Love each other with all your heart. Favorite Quote: “Sexiness wears thin after a while and beauty fades, but to be married to a man who makes you laugh every day, ahhh, now that’s real love.”
Mr. Bryan & Mrs. Rosalyn Smith – 24 years CHILDREN: Jonathan 25 and Bryan 24 THEY MET in Austin, TX, at a restaurant with friends. Bryan and Rosalyn danced and conversed all night. They exchanged numbers and the rest is history! WHAT MAKES THEIR RELATIONSHIP SPECIAL is the ole adage “opposites attract”. They both have very different backgrounds, and were raised differently. Rosalyn was raised in a military household, and was exposed to various experiences as a youth and teenager. Bryan was raised in the projects of East Austin by a single parent in poverty.
Mr. Steve & Mrs. Andrea McPherson – 38 years
Mr. Willie & Mrs. Lakesha Toliver – 23 years
CHILDREN: Steven McPherson age 39 THEY MET in high school THEIR RELATIONSHIP IS SPECIAL because they have been together so long that they know each other pretty well. Learning to communicate with each other has helped them stay together. ADVICE: when times get rough, hang in there, it will get better.
CHILDREN: Willie Jr 23, Dari’on 21 and Leondra 19 THEY MET on a bus ride, where he stepped in as one of his friends was being disrespectful. They have been together ever since. WHAT MAKES THEIR RELATIONSHIP SPECIAL is learning that love hides a lot of stuff you don’t like and can’t stand. And it’s ok to disagree and still get along. ADVICE: As a wife: be your husbands help mate and friend. As a husband: take your family to church and be the man of the house.
Mr. Rodney & Mrs. Jacqueline Moore – 19 years CHILDREN: Rodney Moore 19, Danielle Moore 16 They were introduced by Rodney’s cousin. THEIR RELATIONSHIP IS SPECIAL is how they are able to open up and be honest with each other through the good and the bad.
Mr. Andre & Mrs. Deborah Vation – 38 years CHILDREN: Andre Jamir’s Vation 34, Ashley Sabridia Vation 29
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I MESSENGER THEY MET on March 19th 40 years ago through mutual friends. They arranged a blind date to see if they would like each other. They did, and give God the glory that they’re still together today! WHAT MAKES THEIR RELATIONSHIP SPECIAL is they have kept God in it and everyone else out of it. They have mutual respect, love, integrity, trust and a heart to forgive. ADVICE: First and foremost, Jesus must be the center of the marriage. Have no hidden agenda. Stick together as one, not allowing anything or anyone to get between you. Keep the romance sizzling til “death do you part”!
Mr. Russell & Mrs. Cheryl Williamson – 24 years YOUR FIRST THOUGHT WHEN YOU RECEIVED NOTIFICATION: Being nominated took us to a place of quiet reflection and gratitude for God keeping us as a couple. HOW THEY MET: We met in Durham, NC while out separately with friends. I thought he would be a great catch for my friend, I told her that she should introduce herself to him. Interestingly enough she was the stand in bride at our wedding rehearsal. “We have stayed together through many storms because of our belief in God, and the knowledge that God honors the marriage. We also believe in forgiveness, and showing one another grace through the worst of times is a true reflection of our love for God.” ADVICE: “Keep God at the center of your marriage. You should be one another’s best friends. Don’t keep secrets from one another.”
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APRIL 22, 2016 interests, and they are committed to their marriage. ADVICE: Keep faith in God, and pray over your problems and important decisions. Favorite Quote: “Let’s Stay Together”
Mr. Leslie & Mrs. Cozette Johnson – 49 years CHILDREN: Delecia 47, Quindalyn 45, Leslie Jr. 29 THEY MET in elementary school at age 7, Leslie saw Cozette from across the portables. In the 4th grade Cozette’s family moved from South Dallas to Oak Cliff, and shortly after Leslie’s family did too, and Cozette was the first face he saw when he walked into his new classroom. ADVICE: Be genuinely in love with each other, have patience with each other, and marriage is what you make it, be willing to stick through it and it will work.
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singing group of 23 to the Bahamas to host a concert for children. THEIR RELATIONSHIP IS SPECIAL because after 16 years, 4 miscarriages, humble beginnings of him being an immigrant who worked odd jobs to make ends meet and holding our lives together through working as partners in ministry it was quite sobering. Knowing our story, both from single parent homes, him a child of a mother of 5 doing it alone and me a child whose family was ravished by the tragic kidnapping and murder of my mother...the fact that we overcome such odds everyday, I find encouragement.
Mr. Ricardo & Mrs. Isha Miller -16 years THEY MET: Giving his testimony at church of his street gang life and how God transformed him to work with children, she was completely smitten. Yes I love Jesus, but in that moment, the man in the red jacket in from The Bahamas caught my eye and I knew he was the one I wanted. I was singing in a Gospel Group and we were on to share that night. He heard us sing and He invited our
Mr. Edward & Mrs. Barbara Lewis – 40 years CHILDREN: Edward Lewis III 39, Heather Lewis 37, Robin Lewis Rounds 34. Grandchildren: Kyler Minor 10 and Jaden Bailey 7 HOW THEY MET: They met when Edward went to Barbara’s place of employment to apply for a job WHAT MAKES THEIR RELATIONSHIP SPECIAL is because they have a mutual respect for one another and value each others opinions and
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APRIL 22, 2016
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GSU president visits Metroplex Photo and Story by Eva D. Coleman
"If we're going to compete we have to have things to oer to students so they can make Grambling their first choice," University President Dr. Willie D. Larkin told the crowd that gathered in support of Grambling State University (GSU), recently. This particular event was four hours away from campus. Although stretched many miles, the Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Sustainability Reception at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas was held to strengthen ties for student success. "We're here because we want to be collaborative with you," Interim Vice President of Advancement, Research & D evelopment O tto O. Meyers, III said. The audience consisted of business leaders and concerned GSU alumni who wanted to know ways to help the well-known Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) institution. "I need you to communicate with your fellow graduates, I need you to get behind the new president and support him," Larkin said. His comments were poignant. His message was clear. As the fourth GSU president in the past 10 years, Larkin spoke to the heart of giving dollars.
Grambling State President Dr. Willie D. Larkin
"People have to trust you. They have to trust the process," he said.
"You have to be transparent." Although many GSU alumni networks are successfully raising money, it does little to benefit the school. "A lot of chapters raise money, but they keep it in the chapter," Larkin said. "If you keep it in chapter we can't count it towards money raised." Larkin shared that creative ideas are coming forward and stressed the importance of providing cuttingedge opportunities to meet societal demands. He said that more than 1900 students have been accepted for the upcoming school year and spoke on the need to, "close the deal." "5500
students gives a great cushion to work with," he added. Larkin also entertained several questions, with answers proving his dedication to transparency. "When I first came to GSU, my promise was do no harm," Larkin said, emphasizing his desire to "keep to that promise." From academics to athletics to conditions of campus facilities, the audience was well-informed with a commitment from Larkin to address the issues. Larkin feels what GSU can accomplish requires the help of others. "The brand is worth investing in. We do need partners to make it."
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APRIL 22, 2016
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Monday, May 2, 2016 6:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE 2201 N Field St. • Dallas, TX 75201
Levi Davis
Matrice Ellis-Kirk
® Celebrating African-American Achievement
THE THIRD EDITION
Official Networking Reception and Book Unveiling of its 3rd edition will be held
Investment Banker | Developer Introduction Writer
Managing Director, RSR Partners Foreword Writer
Plan to be with us for the city’s most highly acclaimed event recognizing Dallas’ elite professionals and game changers
JOURNAL GARLAND w w w. g a r l a n d j o u r n a l . c o m
#WWIBDAL16
Tickets are $50 which includes a copy of the third edition of Who’s Who In Black Dallas® ($39.95 Retail Value) Purchase tickets at www.whoswhopublishing.com For more information call Ken Carter (214) 744-1428 ext. 206
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LORRAINE HOOD-JACK For District 4 - Duncanville City Council
Lorraine’s Priorities & Vision ! Targeted Economic Development ! HWY 67 Beautification Project ! Enhanced Communications & Outreach ! Citizens Governance Training ! A Strategic Plan outlining long and short-term objectives! Lorraine is a native Texan, born and raised in Taylor, Texas. She has lived in Duncanville since May, 2010 and brings with her over 25 years of professional leadership expertise. She has led award winning teams and been recognized for outstanding community service. Lorraine has a proven track record for working collaboratively with business, service, and youth organizations. Lorraine is an advocate for all and has given her life to serving others. Ms. Hood-Jack’s uncanny ability to resolve problems, her natural love of people, coupled with her extensive business and professional background, makes her the ideal candidate for the Duncanville City Council. The future is NOW! Vote HoodJack, District 4
Career and Service Highlights ! Bachelor of Arts – Government The University of Texas at Austin ! Master of Public Administration – Portland State University ! Leadership Southwest Graduate 2013 ! Corporate Sales Manager ! Regional Service Manager ! Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated – International Strategic Planning Committee ! Duncanville Multicultural Commission – Chairman
! The Links, Incorporated – Chair Strategic Planning ! The Portland Rose Festival Foundation – Director ! Oregon Civil Rights Division – Senior Investigator ! Chairman - The Taskforce on Civil Rights ! Concord Church Dallas – Member ! Oregon Outstanding Women-March of Dimes ! Delta Sigma Theta Woman of Excellence Honoree ! Meadows at Daniel Farms – HOA Advisory Board, Vice-President ! 2011 Taylor’s Amazing Women
Paid for by the Campaign for Lorraine Hood-Jack-1502 Halsey Drive-Duncanville, TX 75137 – Charlotte Winters, Treasurer
! I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com Bachelor of Arts – Government The University of Texas at Austin ! Master of Public Administration – Portland State University ! Leadership Southwest Graduate 2013
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Praise Party with Dareia “Surround yourself with the dreamers & the doers, the believers & thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see greatness within you, even when you don’t see it yourself.”
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passion? Or maybe you have no clue about your dream job. Well, Rock T shared his top 10 keys to getting your dream job. Go to www.dreamjobfreedom.com and get your life on track. Listen to audio interview with Dareia Tolbert by logging on to the link http:// www.dareiatolbert.com/
Rock T from National Syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Radio Show joined Dareia Tolbert on the Praise Party to talk about his latest program he launched about six month ago. “Dream Job Freedom” helps you find your dream job. What’s your
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APRIL 22, 2016
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Confidence Plus Discipline Equals Power Spiritually Speaking…. By James A. Washington
I have two words for you today; confidence and discipline. Both of which, when viewed spiritually, exude Godly principles. Put this on the Holy Spirit, but discipline is an amazing thing. When applied to faith, be it natural or supernatural, the result is spiritual confidence. Spiritual confidence and discipline, without ego or arrogance, gives you an attitude of awareness and knowledge and dare I say power? The example I’d like to use is of those saints in the Upper Room, when the Holy Spirit came upon them on the day of Pentecost and instilled everyone there with well, confidence and discipline. These people ultimately came to demonstrate a level of faith that was used via the power and grace of God to spread the Word of God all over the world. If you look at the before and after of this Pentecostal happening, you’ll begin to see my point. Prior to this, the faithful were huddled in secrecy, being faithful to the belief that what Jesus had told them, was indeed true. God would send another. That ‘Other” turned out to be the Holy Spirit, who imbued them with more of what they already had.
Now their confidence in the truth of Jesus, coupled with their discipline to spread that word, manifested itself in their ability to communicate the gospel to the world. The world has not been the same since. The question then becomes, in what is your confidence and discipline based? Where do you get the necessary power to have your gifts fortified? Does your faith give you the strength to acquire the discipline necessary to know what you should be doing in the Lord’s name and then do it? I believe the result is the power to know that you can do anything through Christ Jesus, provided you were called to do it. I also believe scripture illustrates to us that without spiritually based discipline, it is practically impossible to stand up to the trials and tribulations of life, but also impossible to withstand the temptations that seek to control our sometimes out of control behavior. The good news here is that wherever the Holy Spirit resides, change will occur, the right kind of change. Of those anointed in the Upper Room, many were faced with the opportunity to make their lives easier, if they would simply maintain the secrecy of their faith. Spiritually based faith and confidence gave each the power to boldly speak the truth. Remember Peter denied Christ three times without confidence. Some would call that cowardice. After Pentecost, he
was buoyed by confidence and discipline. Power is the Word that comes to mind here. You remember Paul at Ephesus? “When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.” Acts 19:6. Here, these twelve men were already baptized but knew nothing of the Holy Spirit. After, we are told, they began to preach the gospel. Can’t you see the power gained and their growing confidence? There is nothing restrictive about this kind of discipline. It is in fact quite liberating. They knew that they knew the same way we know that we know. It’s that change thing again. It’s called being set apart and not having to apologize or keep it a secret. I believe it lets us stand up as Christians in the face of criticism, adversity and temptation. We may still fall, but we will not fail because our infrastructure has been fortified. Let me be clear. I believe that discipline coupled with confidence invites the Holy Spirit to take up permanent residence in your soul. It’s what I’m looking for and what I’m praying for, for me and for you. And look out world when that happens. Like someone once said to me, I’m a different kind of soldier. Believe it or not, so are we. May God bless and keep you always.
James
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APRIL 22, 2016
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QUIT PLAYIN’: “Confirmation” Confirmed!
Just after church, a beautiful young woman Women of every class, hue and physical approached me. Now let me say make-up face harassment while making as parenthetically that all women are beautiful. much as 30% less than their male Some more strikingly apparent and obvious counterparts. than others, but all women are beautiful. “The Atlantic” recalled that Ms. Hill has By Anyway, this gorgeous woman rushed to tell continued to suffer for her bravery far past Vincent me how much she appreciated my piece on the 1991 showdown. “In 2010, it emerged Bernie Sanders last week. She said she liked L. Hall that Thomas’s wife, Ginni, called and left it because I gave some historical context. her a voicemail asking her (Ms. Hill) to No matter how grand or grandular you Vincent L. finally “consider an apology sometime and fancy yourself as a writer, it’s good to be Hall is an author and award- some full explanation of why you did what winning columnist. confirmed. Confirmation is what you work to you did with my husband.” Ms. Hill wisely achieve, second only to being sidestepped the offer. But Ginni Thomas understood. I walked away realizing how has someone else to play phone tag much of American history goes with, based on a New York Post article unrehearsed. How one-sided it usually is. on April 17th. Two hours later I was emotionally “A former girlfriend of controversial embedded in the HBO special Supreme Court Justice Clarence “Confirmed,” which historically Thomas has claimed she had threesomes reconstitutes the confounding with him and some of his female confirmation of Supreme Court Injustice, colleagues. Retired federal prosecutor Clarence Thomas. This travesty took Lillian McEwen, who is now 70, dated place amid the public annihilation of another beautiful Thomas for seven years before he married. young woman, Anita Hill. She told Inside Edition that the Supreme Court Justice Thomas’ confirmation proceedings were almost as -- whose nomination in 1991 was plagued by allegations captivating as the O. J. Simpson trial. It was a passionthat he sexually harassed his assistant -- had threesomes infused kangaroo court whose menu featured sex, race, with her and other women. “We had a relationship that with a side order of official oppression. But in the end, included threesomes,” Ms. McEwen said. “He recruited the victims’ attorneys failed; they couldn’t lay a “glove” women that he worked with for participation in those on O.J. and likewise Thomas left with a Coke and a threesomes,” she added. smile. Puns intended!! The alleged threesomes took place before he joined The highly-charged Anita Hill v. GOP test of wills the Supreme Court. Although Anita Hill passed a lie bore the markings of a landmark Supreme Court case detector test, this testimony could have helped. without an official verdict. Rosa Parks started the Civil Injustice Clearance Thomas was eventually confirmed Rights movement by sitting down, but Anita Hill by the Senate, but his service to the court has always changed the way America prosecutes sexual harassment been bastardized and marginalized because of his by standing up. She stood up against “Uncle Thomas” alleged mistreatment of Anita Hill. It is an accepted fact and his ilk who had been accustomed to objectifying, that Thomas was an ill-prepared, hand-picked token at obstructing and overtly violating women and their rights best. in the workplace. My mama says, “God don’t like ugly and he ain’t too And for those of you who do not get why many voters keen on cute.” Thomas’ legacy, which has been plagued claim feminism as their reason for voting for Hillary with public scorn and professional disrespect, is Clinton…Now you know. Sexism is as pervasive as confirmation that mama was right! racism; it’s harder to prove and often taken lightly. Anita Hill’s life is proof.
Quit Playin’
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APRIL 22, 2016
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I’m a road runner Dear Alma,
a regular in your face, every day relationship does, too. I say, navigate the negativity, as long as the two of you are serious about your commitment and I am a 50-year-old field service engineer devotion to each another, a LDR can be who travels 75 percent of the year for work. quite successful. I love my job and appreciate the In my opinion, a LDR requires two opportunity that I am able to travel around mature adults who are completely the world. confident in their own right. No, I’m not in the military, so I can pick Each has got to be comfortable in their and choose where I decide to reside long own skin and not looking to be completed term. or validated by the other. Basically, the problem is maintaining long All lines of communication must remain distant relationships with my family, friends open and honest always. You’ve gotta trust and holding down a love life. each other. That’s super important! I try to stay in touch with my family and With today’s technology options, you can Ask Alma friends through cell phone calls and keep in touch daily, practically face to face. By Alma Gill Facebook but sometimes it’s just not I’m sure you’ve heard it said before, via George Curry Media enough. absence does make a loving heart grow I miss them when I’m traveling and fonder. honestly, it’s hard to maintain a healthy Can you see it in your minds eye? adult relationship with a woman without her eventually Lawddy, can you imagine anticipating the next time telling me I’m away too much. you’ll see each other? Wheew, kool it down, this I’m single, active and I would consider myself to be columns rated: PG, LOL. I could go on and on with the handsome. How would you suggest I meet a woman positives, but no need, who would understand I’m sure you feel me. my situation and Evidently you’ve been consider being in this I’m single, active and I would looking in all the wrong type of a relationship? consider myself to be handsome. p l a c e s or you’d be Lamont in Ohio h o o k e d u p b y n o w. How would you suggest I meet a Today’s the day to steer Lamont from Ohio, woman who would understand my y o u r s e l f i n a n e w direction. Yes, I’m putting you on situation and consider being in this Start looking to find a blast, cause this is the woman who’s pursuing first time I’ve run type of a relationship? her dreams, occupying across, a truly h e r t i m e , j oyfully handsome (yes girls, I participating in her life. saw his picture), and Since you’re on the road most of the time, I’m sure gainfully employed engineer with benefits, who’s this task won’t be easy. discussing how difficult it is to maintain a long distance Soooo, you know me, I just can’t help myself, I’ll see healthy adult relationship. The first thing that comes to what I can do to help you out. my mind is, “Seek and ye shall find, my brotha ~ you Ladies: If you’re interested in contacting Lamont, came to the right place, LOL.” shoot me an email. I see springtime and love just I’m here to agree with you sweetheart, there’s no around the corner. double about it, long distance relationships (LDR’s) Alma take an enormous amount of hard work, but then again, I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com
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Rebuilding Your Flood-Damaged Home As a result of the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred March 7-29, 2016, the state and FEMA are working to provide t e c h n i c a l a s s i s t a n c e t o Te x a s communities about flood insurance and rebuilding issues. BEFORE Starting Repairs after ANY Damage to Your Home or Business, Contact Your Local Building Official and/or Floodplain Manager · Learn about National Flood Insurance Prog ram regulations regarding substantial damage and improvement BEFORE starting to make repairs. · Ask for a Substantial Damage Deter mination from your local building official or floodplain manager. They will provide specific details regarding local ordinance requirements which will help you decide the best options for rebuilding. · Local Floodplain Management requirements for new construction will apply to substantial improvements. The building must be brought into compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This may include elevating the building, relocating the building to an area outside of the high-risk flood zone, or d e m o l i s h i n g t h e bu i l d i n g a n d rebuilding in compliance. · Learn specific re-building requirements for your community. Building Permits - Necessary after Any Natural Disaster · Consult local building officials for infor mation and per mits when considering new construction or
APRIL 22, 2016
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repairs on property affected by recent flooding, tornados/high winds, fire, winter storms, and/or earthquake. · Obtaining building permits for homes or businesses located within a high-risk flood area is especially important, as additional permits may be required, such as a development permit, land use permit or zoning permit, depending on the property location. · Local governments cannot reduce or ignore the floodplain requirements for building or repairs no matter what the cause of the damage. · Repair projects must meet community building codes and flooddamage prevention ordinances. · Residents are required to start construction and repair only after they have received permits from their local building department.
information, local officials make a substantial damage determination based on their own local ordinances.
Whether or not your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program is a local decision. To participate in the program, communities establish and enforce standards to meet the minimum NFIP standards. The local standards are applied uniformly to all structures within their jurisdiction. For additional information on the NFIP program and flood insurance, see www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/. Substantial Damage Determinations · According to National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) standards, if a structure – not including land value – has sustained damage by any source that is 50 percent or more of the pre-disaster market value, it is considered to be substantially damaged.
Financial Help May be Available Increased Cost of Compliance · For those with a National Flood I n s u r a n c e P r o g r a m p o l i c y, a substantial damage determination can provide property owners – at no additional cost – with up to $30,000 through the Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage on their flood policy to help pay to elevate, demolish or relocate the structure.
· In Texas, local officials may request the Federal Emergency Management Agency provide t e ch n i c a l a s s i s t a n c e t o c o l l e c t infor mation about damage to structures from the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred March 7- 29, 2016. From that
· If your local officials have determined a residential structure in a special flood hazard area has been substantially damaged by any source, the owner generally has three options: o Elevate the building to the base flood elevation or a height determined by local officials if higher than base flood elevation; o Relocate the structure outside the floodplain; or o Demolish the structure. Non-residential structures may be made compliant by “floodproofing.” For guidance on floodproofing, see w w w. f e m a . g o v / n a t i o n a l - fl o o d insurance-program-2/floodproofing.
· See your local insurance agent to find out if you qualify for the ICC assistance. · For additional information on rebuilding after a flood and steps you take to protect your property from future disaster damage, these online resources may be helpful: o www.fema.gov/texas-disastermitigation o www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/ o http://texashelp.tamu.edu/ disaster-information-recovery.php
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APRIL 22, 2016
Tri-city NAACP honors ACT-SO winners A Red Carpet Event will announce the winners of the 2016 ACT-SO competition on April 30, 2015 at the DeSoto Clarion Hotel, 1515 N I-35, DeSoto at 7 PM. The Image Award styled event will spotlight talent from the competition as well as announcing the winners. In addition to elected officials presenting many of the awards; there will be dinner and entertainment during this evening of excitement and recognition. The Tri-Cities NAACP representing Cedar Hill, Desoto, Duncanville and Lancaster was reactivated during the February 2015 Annual NAACP National Board Meeting in New York City. The mission is to ensure political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racebased discrimination. On April 23, 2016 @ 10:00 AM, the Tri-Cities Unit will host its first ACT-SO Competition with students from DeSoto High, Cedar Hill High, Duncanville High, Lancaster High, Carter High - Dallas, Townview-Dallas, Booker T. Washington- Dallas, Obama Leadership Academy- Dallas, Lincoln High- Dallas, Skyline HighDallas, John Leslie Patton Academy- Dallas, James Bowie High- Arlington, and others. The NAACP's Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics is a yearlong achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among AfricanAmerican high school students. ACT-SO includes 29 competitions in STEM, humanities, business, and performing, visual and culinary arts. Almost 300,000 young people have participated from the program since its inception. ACT-SO is rooted in the firm conviction that all students can succeed and compete at the same or superior levels as their counterparts in classrooms, boardrooms and laboratories across this nation and abroad. ACT-SO includes 29 competitions in STEM, humanities, business, and performing, visual and culinary arts. Almost 300,000 young people have participated in the program since its inception. Some notable alums of this competition include: Jada Pinkett-Smith, Lauryn Hill, Michael Beach, Tananrive Due, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, John Singleton, Mae Jemison, Kanye West, Anthony Anderson and many others. www.naacp.org
Author signing event at Barnes & Noble in Plano WHAT: The public is invited to a free author event where Katrina McGhee will be signing copies of her new book, “Loving on Me!: Lessons Learned on the Journey from Mess to Message.” WHERE: 2201 Preston Rd, Suite E, Plano, TX 75093 WHEN: Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 2:00 PM For more information, visit http://lovingonme.com. In “Loving on Me!: Lessons Learned on the Journey from Mess to Message,” author Katrina McGhee chronicles her journey from life-interrupted to living a life of abundance. By sharing practical examples from her own life and the lives of other women, McGhee hopes to inspire, equip and ignite readers -- emboldening them to courageously pursue lives beyond what they could ever hope or imagine. Katrina McGhee is the founder and CEO of Loving On Me, a global movement to encourage women to love themselves more. She is a women’s advocate, non-profit leader, mentor and social responsibility pioneer whose desire to make a difference led to 20 years in leadership roles at two of the largest non-profit organizations in the world, including serving
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as executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For more information about Katrina, visit http://katrinamcghee.com.
Reverse Litter campaign contest Reverse Litter is a North Texas anti-litter awareness and educational campaign that needs YOU! Launched in October 2012 Reverse Litter is a multi-city effort. The goal of the campaign is to protect water resources and drinking water supplies by reversing the trail of litter into our waterways. Each week two litter quitters will be selected. Entering is easy. Snap a picture of you, your kids, friends, neighbors or other pledge takers snagging 10 pieces of trash and do one of two things: Email a photo to reverselitter@trwd.com Use the #TenonTuesContest on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram Winners will be notified via email or social media. Those who don’t respond by the given deadline will not be included. Enter as many times as you like, but winners will only be featured once throughout the campaign.
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APRIL 22, 2016
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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
APRIL 22, 2016
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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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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APRIL 22, 2016
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Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists URBAN JOURNALISM WORKSHOP APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED
The Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (formerly the DallasF o r t Wo r t h A s s o c i a t i o n o f B l a c k Communicators) will present its annual Urban Journalism Workshop for high school and college students 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 l o c a l l y a n d n a t i o n a l l y, a s w e l l a s internationally. The program, which emulates one started by George Curry, Gerald Boyd and other members of the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists in St. Louis, has graduated students who have gone on to anchor newscasts, edit newspapers, open public relations firms and produce radio shows. Mr. Curry visits the Dallas workshop students annually to conduct his “basic training.” Mr. Boyd died of lung cancer in 2006. “We’re excited about continuing the tradition that was started almost 30 years ago,” said Eva Coleman, one of the instructors for the program. “I am looking forward to working with students this year.” Ms. Coleman, who teaches radio and television in Frisco ISD will be overseeing the radio and television segments of the
workshop, pulling together experts in the field. Previous speakers have included: Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, Senator Royce West, Star-Telegram editor and columnist Bob Ray Sanders, Dallas Morning News columnist Norma Adams Wade, Our Texas Publisher General Berry, PR gurus Lyria Howland and Rose Gafford, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Irwin Thompson, K104’s Sam Putney, 97.9’s Gary with the T, Dallas Examiner Publisher Mollie Belt, Producer Haile Gerima and Dallas Weekly Publisher James A. Washington. Ms. Smith, who has been with the program since its inception, took over the directorship in the mid 90s and continued through 2004. Ms. Smith returned to the program as director in 2007. At the conclusion of the workshop, the students will participate in a closing ceremony where they will present a newspaper, television and radio broad-casts, a website and a special project. For more information about the workshop, contact Ms. Smith at 214-941-0110. Mail completed applications to: DFWABJ 320 South R.L. Thornton Frwy #220A Dallas, TX 75203
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APRIL 22, 2016
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AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM 2016 The Science of Art Summer Camp
Grades -5th Ages3rd 8-15 Full Scholarships Are Available !
Application Deadline
May 3, 10,2016 2016 May Camp Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Fee:$200 per student
Ages 8-15
Drop - Off 7:30 am Pick - Up 6:00 pm
Breakfast and Lunch will be
Served
Space Is Limited
June 13 - July 22, 2016 For additional information
Contact Ms. Shelia Robinson at 214-565-9026 Ext. 301 srobinson@aamdallas.org www.aamdallas.org
Sponsored By:
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‘Bill O’Racist’ at it Again By George E. Curry George Curry Media Columnist
I have written about Bill O’Reilly, a/k/a “Bill O’Racist,” in the past and his proclivity to distort the facts when discussing African Americans. Well, he’s at it again. On one of his recent shows on Fox News, he asked, “Don’t you think most African-Americans know there are super predators among their ethnic group? Don’t they know it?” Earlier in the year, he said, “Well, Sanders says he is a straight talker but not, not on this issue. Here’s the truth. African-Americans make up 13 percent of the total population in the U.S.A. but commit 37 percent of all murders. And 90 percent of black murder victims are killed by other blacks. You will never ever hear either Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton say that. Republican candidates will not likely point it out either because it’s politically incorrect. It’s much easier to decry racism than actually address the root causes of violent crime which are a corrosive culture and collapse of the traditional family.” For the record, every racial and ethnic group has predators among its ranks, just as they have members who are positive forces. In his rush to blame everything on “corrosive culture” and “collapse of the traditional family”among African Americans, Bill O’Racist conveniently ignores some basic facts. He should have learned last November from Donald Trump’s re-
APRIL 22, 2016 tweeting an erroneous post that claimed that 81 percent of Whites are killed by Blacks. Not only was that fiction, the supposedly source for the figure --”Crime Statistics Bureau - San Francisco” - did not exist. As fact checkers pointed out at the time, only 15 percent of Whites are killed by Blacks. “Trump cast blacks as the primary killers of whites, but the exact opposite is true. By overwhelming percentages, whites tend to kill other whites. Similarly, blacks tend to kill other blacks. These trends have been observed for decades,” Politifact observed. Indeed, FBI stats show that few homicides are committed outside an assailant’s race. In fact, 8 percent of Blacks are killed by Whites and 90 percent of African Americans are killed by other African Americans. According to the FBI, 82 percent of Whites are killed by other Whites. Clearly, there is no “corrosive culture” factor among African Americans at play here. A report titled, “Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2013 Homicide Data” by the Washington, D.C.-based Violence Policy Center, provides further insight into Black homicides. The typical Black homicide victim was 31 years old; 7 percent were younger than 18 years old and 2 percent were 65 years old or older. Most - 87 percent - were male and 13 percent were female. The report notes that 84 percent of all Black victims (4,960 out of 5,891) were killed with guns. Of those, 73 percent were killed with handguns. Significantly, 72 percent (2,002 out of 2,766) of Black victims were killed by someone they knew. Only 764 were killed by strangers. Moreover, 51 percent of the homicides grew out of an argument between the victim and the assailant. Approximately 15 percent were reported to be gang-related. Instead of dwelling on Bill O’Reilly’s ignorant diatribe, the stats should point us in a different direction if
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we want to reduce homicides in Black America. First there is the larger issue of gun control. “Blacks in the United States are disproportionately affected by homicide. For the year 2013, blacks represented 13 percent of the nation’s population, yet accounted for 50 percent of all homicide victims,” the Violence Policy Center report stated. “... For black victims of homicide, like all victims of homicide, guns - usually handguns - are far and away the number-one murder tool. Successful efforts to reduce America’s black homicide toll, like America’s homicide toll as a whole, must put a focus on reducing access and exposure to firearms.” Equally important, we most focus on young Black males. That’s not to say we should ignore Black females - we shouldn’t - but 87 percent of Black homicide victims are male. No other group is close. “The homicide rate for black male victims was 30.59 per 100,000. In comparison, the overall rate for male homicide victims was 6.87 per 100,000. For white male homicide victims it was 3.71 per 100,000. The homicide rate for female black victims was 4.36 per 100,000. In comparison, the overall rate for female homicide victims was 1.72 per 100,000. For white female homicide victims it was 1.39 per 100,000,” according to the report. Finally, we must discard the stereotype that most homicides are a result of random violence. As the figures show, 72 percent of Black victims were killed by someone they knew. And just more than half of those deaths began with an argument. With 15 percent of the deaths attributed to gangs, they also cannot be ignored. Teaching Black men to successfully resolve conflict nonviolently has to be a top priority, if we are going to be successful. And this must start early in the life of boys. There are many reasons to be concerned about homicide in Black America. But Bill O’Racist and other right-wing nuts totally miss the point.
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APRIL 22, 2016
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2016 Alpha Merit Group Beautillion
David Brown
Erick Hamilton
Diego Jones
Ben Jailoh
This year the Alpha Merit Group is proud to present seven young men at its annual Beautillion. Some of these young men have been a part of the Alpha Merit group since they were in the seventh grade. Each of them are committed to furthering their education after high school and the Alpha Merit Group is committed to seeing that each of these young men are awarded scholarships for their efforts in school and with the Alpha Merit Program. These young men have competed all year for the scholarships that will be awarded. As part of their competition they chose to write an essay on the “How Do You Plan to Give Back to Your Community” or on “How Does the Media’s Portrayal of Black Males Affect You.”This year’s Beautillion will be held April 30th at the Hilton Garden Inn located at Market Center in Dallas, TX. The key note speaker will be Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro-Tem Erik Wilson. The theme of this year’s event is “Motivating Young Men for Leadership, Service & Excellence. In 1964 Brother Earnest Wallace a teacher with DISD had a vision where he would seek out high school African American males who were the brightest and boldest among their peers and prepare them for leadership roles and higher education. These young men help form the basis of the Alpha Merit Group. With the cooperation of the Dallas school district, Brother Wallace began a program that consisted of counseling, guidance and scholarship assistance. To further enhance development, it set up a Non-Profit Education Corporation for promotion of activities and receiving of contributions for further development. This was the birth of the Alpha merit Group Committee, Inc. It was noted that the success of the Alpha Merit Group Program was also the basis for the recommendation to the Board of Directors of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for the setting up of the Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation in 1965. The Committee, through promotion, developed an information brochure, secured contributing sponsors and presented 57 initial students at a luncheon attended by 300 persons and awarded $1,000 in scholarships and grants. Thus began the Alpha Merit Group activities. The rest is history. Over the past 50 years Alpha Merit Group has mentored and counseled over 1,000 young male students, awarded over $100,000.00 in scholarships and grants. Over the years the focus of Alpha Merit remains imbedded in the principle of counseling, guidance and scholarship. However, we now recognize that program can be and must be beneficial not only to the brightest but to
Christian Bayley
Saivion McCauley
Cameron Lee
those who struggle in the class room and are challenged by their peers who do not see education as a means to a better lively hood. Today the Alpha Merit Group serves approximately 55 male students who attend secondary schools throughout the community. These young men come from all walks of life and though some excel in their schools, there are others who find it more of a challenge to remain focus. The Committee has three main programs in progress to assist these young men. Each program component has activities related to that component, although some activities may be combined to facilitate matters. They are as follow: Study Resource & Guidance: its activities include: testing, orientation, and interviews from compilation of data; special referrals for tutoring; seminars twice a month; special orientation and sessions on national testing; individual problems related to different subject matter; cooperative activities with other group with similar activities; parent/child partnership development. Counseling, Career Orientation-Scholarship-School Selection: Activities include listings developed for quality part time employment as well as discussions and preparation for seeking part-time employment; special information on colleges including an annual college fair where we have had over thirty (30) colleges and universities represented; annual Beautillion where seniors compete for scholarship awards; scholarship awards banquet recognition; assistance in securing additional scholarships. Leadership Development: Activities include high profile speakers such as local attorneys, judges, Police officers to discuss the pitfalls of being a followers rather than a leader; professional such as engineers, doctors, government employees to focus on careers and the importance of hard work and great study habits to maintain the grades necessary to get in to the right school; field trips; special career seminars, monthly parent meetings and joint special educational projects. Reginald Bibb, Chairman of the Alpha Merit Group, Committee, Inc. said that “a young mind saved is worth a lifetime of giving” The Alpha Merit Group is governed by a Board of Directors and under the auspices of the Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alphas Fraternity, Inc. For more information about this Group and if you are interested in having your son be a part of this group, contact Reginald Bibb at regbibb@att.net. or visit our website ww.dallasalphas.com.
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April 21 2016 Maura Women Helping Women and Young Leader Awards. It is such a privilege to recognize these leaders who have made an impact on the lives of women and girls in North Texas. The award recipients will be honored at the Leadership Forum & Awards Dinner, presented by AT&T, and cochaired by Margaret Jordan and Debbie Taylor.
April 22 Maulana Dotch Golf Classic presented by Bishop Arts CrossFit. at Cedar Crest Golf Course, 1800 Southerland Avenue, Dallas, Texas. 75203. The tournament begins at 8:30 a.m. with a shotgun start. The event includes breakfast, lunch, golf awards, and prizes. Last year the classic was for women only, but this year everyone is welcome to play - women, men, and juniors.
April 23 Garland Heritage Celebration 2016: Bankhead Highway 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Heritage Crossing, Downtown Garland **** Dallas Black Marriage Day Celebration at 5pm at the Omni Hotel in downtown Dallas ******* Sankofa Talks- Will be a powerful and unforgettable event! Speakers will include: Prof. Griff- Of the legendary Hip Hop Group Public Enemy Topic: Black Unified God Theory Dr. Mwalimu Baruti- Founder of Akoben House Afrikan Centered Publishing Company Topic: The Maafa: Damages Beyond Repair Prof. James Small- Pan-Afrikan activist scholar
APRIL 22, 2016 CEO of The Sanaa Lodge Hotel in Ghana Topic: Pan-Afrikan Culture & Spirituality David Banner- Rapper, record producer, actor & activist Topic: The Black Experience Hosted by: Comedian Cecil (Shuckey Duckey) Armstrong Food will be available 616 W. Kiest Blvd Dallas, TX 75232 469.297.6404 Log on to www.sankofaglobal.com Tickets also available@ Sankofa Arts Lounge- 205A E. Camp Wisdom * Duncanville, TX 75116 and The Dock Bookshop 6637 Meadowbrook Drive * Fort Worth, TX 76112 ********** The Black Academy of Arts and Letters presents Ties and Tux IV, a night of Hollywood glamour and Dallas glitter saluting stages, screen and television actor Blair Underwood with special performances by TBAAL student artists at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, at 7p.m. ******* The real Warrior hit maker Turbulence Live in Concert | at aldeez sports Bar & Grill 7879 Spring Valley Rd. Dallas TX ****** Lincoln High holds Super Saturday band workshop, showcase - Lincoln High School and Communications/Humanities Magnet will host a music workshop and introduction to the Wall of Sound band Saturday, Students interested in joining the band, including incoming freshmen for the upcoming school year, are also invited to attend. The daylong event called Super Saturday is designed to engage current and future band students. The day will conclude with a musical showcase for parents and other invited guests to attend. The music workshop will be held
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from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, April 23. The evening showcase for the Lincoln community begins at 7 p.m.
TRI Cities NAACP Red Carpet Gala, recognizing ACT-SO winners 7pm at Clarion Hotel in DeSoto ****** Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Theta Alpha Chapter presents its 14th annual Gumbo Cookoff & Festival LakeWest YMCA 3737 Goldman Street, Dallas
April 26 The Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) will celebrate the 9th annual Appetite for Advocacy Luncheon featuring keynote speaker Brené Brown on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at 12 p.m. at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, 400 N. Olive Street. A VIP sponsor reception will be held following the luncheon in a private room at the Sheraton from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Proceeds support DCAC’s work in improving the lives of abused children in Dallas County and providing national leadership on child abuse issues.
Second Annual Hip Hop Festival at El Centro, Produced by El Centro College’s American Minorities Studies (HUMA
"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
I MESSENGER 2319), is scheduled for April 26-27 in the student center and is FREE and open to the public. The event was created as a way for the community to celebrate hip hop, create opportunities for mentorship, open up the space for community building, and engaging in an intellectual discourse on issues and concepts surrounding Hip Hop culture. For more information, contact hip hop studies Professor Vanessa Taylor at vtaylor2@dcccd.edu or 214-860-2443.
April 28 PCCenter’s 15th Anniversary Tea 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM DeSoto Campus 1229 East Pleasant Run Road DeSoto, TX 75115 HOST:PCCenter 972-224-9800 ********** Southern Gateway Project Aesthetic Design Charrette The City of Dallas’ Planning and Urban Design Department will host a Southern Gateway Design Charrette. Stakeholders will be engaged and will have an opportunity to provide input on the look and feel of I-35E and US 67. The meeting will be held at: Beckley Saner Rec Center 114 W. Hobson Dallas, 75224 Large Meeting Room 6:00 PM—7:30 PM
April 30 2016 Oak Cliff Chamber Gala - SOARING TO NEW HEIGHT from 6PM to 10PM CDT at the Hilton Anatole, Imperial Ballroom, 2201 N. Stemmons Fwy.Dallas, TX 75207 **** American Broadcasting School will be hosting a HUGE sports symposium on April 30th at the Arlington campus! The event will be starting at 9am and lasting until 3pm Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosts The 16th Annual “A World of Women for World Peace” Conference 9.30-11.30 am at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
APRIL 22, 2016 2301 Flora Street, Dallas RSVP at 214-922-8885 ***** Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Alpha Merit Group Beautillion Hilton Garden Inn located at Market Center in Dallas, TX. The key note speaker will be Dallas Mayor Pro-Tem Erik Wilson. The theme of this year’s event is “Motivating Young Men for Leadership, Service & Excellence. ****** National Council of Negro Women - Goodloe Section Inaugural Golf Classic , Country View Golf Club 240 W. Beltline Road, Lancaster, TX 75146
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“Will The Real Woman Please Stand Up?” (Part 2) Tommy Young West, Cheree Cooks Created2Worship YOU CAN RSVP NOW! email: gantt.donna@gmail.com or call: 214-538-7008 ***** Derrick L. Geter’s Kids’ Day in the Park @ Derrick L. Geter Park in Oak Cliff 11am - 3pm 2300 Scotland Drive | Dallas, TX 75216 *Open to the Public* | *Free Admission*
MAY 14 May 2 SAVE THE DATE for the unveiling of the third edition of Who’s Who In Black Dallas will be Monday, May 2nd at the Perot Museum beginning at 6:30 p.m.
May 5 Richard Sayles & Veronica Roth Sayles Invite you to attend a General Election Reception for JUDGE PHYLLIS LISTER BROWN, 162nd Civil District Court 6:00-8:00 p.m. at 3930 Shorecrest Drive Dallas, Texas 75209 Balch Springs Chamber 5th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic Waterview Golf Club 9509 Waterview Parkway Rowlett TX, 75089 Friday, May 6, 2016 - Tee off Time: 1:00pm Check-In and Lunch at 11:30 Partial Proceeds to Benefit Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation
May 7 Woman of Strength Ministry, Inc Mother’s Day Luncheon Back by Popular Demand! Ed Johnson, III
POETIC VISIONS WILL PRESENT “THE LOVE JONES EXPERIENCE @ 730PM at THE BLACK ACADEMY OF ARTS & LETTERS IN THE NAOMI BRUTON THEATRE , FEATURING AN EVENING OF POETRY & LOVE SONGS WITH DFW FAVORITE RUDY VEE, MUSIQ SOULCHILD and GRAMMY WINNER LALAH HATHAWAY, WITH A LOVING TRIBUTE TO HER FATHER ,DONNY HATHAWAY ****** The Miss Black Texas US Ambassador Pageant is currently accepting applications and is open to any young ladies, 14-26. The pageant is August 6, 2016 in Dallas with the location tbd ****** Launch of the DFW Chapter - NAMC at Globe Life Park, Hosted by the Texas Rangers on May 19, 2016 from 6pm to 8pm.
May 27 The “All White” Multicultural Affair is a fundraiser for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center & its Social Services Program, which provides financial assistance to more than 29,000 families annually in the form of food, utility, & rental assistance. This event is from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at the Women’s museum, 3800 Parry Avenue. Guests can enjoy a fashion show sponsored by the Modeltude Agency, live performers, an art exhibit, vendors, food, drinks and music. White attire is required.
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I MESSENGER Prince was born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Prince's early music career saw the release of Prince, Dirty Mind and Controversy —all of which created controversy due to their fusion of religious and sexual themes. He then released the albums 1999 and Purple Rain, cementing his superstar status with No. 1 hits like "When Doves Cry" and "Let's Go Crazy." A seven-time Grammy winner, Prince had a prodigious output that included later albums like Diamonds and Pearls, The Gold Experience and Musicology. He died on April 21, 2016. Background and Early Life Famed singer, songwriter and musical innovator Prince was born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His parents were John Nelson, a musician whose stage name was Prince Rogers, and Mattie Shaw, a jazz singer who performed with the Prince Rogers Band. He became interested in music at a young age and taught himself how to play the piano, guitar and drums. His parents broke up when he was about 10, and he and his sister split their time between their parents’ homes. He eventually ran away and moved in with neighbors, the Anderson family. In high school, Prince formed his first band Grand Central (later known as Champagne) with André Anderson (who later changed his name to André Cymone) and Morris Day. In 1978, Prince was signed to Warner Bros. Records. In a 2009 interview with Tavis Smiley, Prince revealed that when he was a child, he suffered from epileptic seizures and that he was teased in school. He told Smiley: “... Early in my career I tried to compensate by being as flashy and as noisy as I could." Career Takes Off: 'Controversy' and '1999' In 1978, Prince dropped his debut album, For You, which was followed by Prince (1979). He played practically all of the instruments on the albums, and the sophomore release contained his first top 20 pop hit, the easygoing "I Wanna Be Your Lover." The critically acclaimed Dirty Mind dropped in 1980, consisting of material that was graphic in its exploration of sexuality and fantasy. Controversy (1981) continued playing with the themes of its predecessor, as seen with the dance-oriented title track, which reached No. 3 on the r&b charts, as well as songs like "Sexuality" and "Do Me Baby." Yet as Prince continued to develop his career, he would also be known for tracks that had a deep spirituality, with a yearning for majesty and wonder. The singer found international success with the release of his 1982 album, 1999, which included the top 20 title track, an exquisite synth-funk ode about nuclear doomsday, as well as the top 10 hits "Little Red Corvette" and "Delirious." The '80s: 'Purple Rain' and Beyond With his band the Revolution, Prince went on to create the classic album Purple Rain (1984), which also served as the soundtrack to the film of the same name, grossing almost $70 million at the U.S. box office. Co-starring Apollonia Kotero and Day, the movie garnered an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. The melancholy title track "Purple Rain" reached no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, while the hits "When Doves Cry" and "Let's Go Crazy" both reached no. 1. While "Crazy" readily joined the
APRIL 22, 2016
IN MEMORIAM - PRINCE
pantheon of wild, electrifying rock songs, "Doves Cry" had one-of-a-kind signatures, displaying an otherworldly meld of electronic and funk elements without a traditional chorus. The soundtrack offered two other hits: "I Would Die 4 U" and "Take Me With U." Prince simultaneously became a well-known visual icon with his trademark curls, flowing jackets and ruffled attire with punk embellishments. "Darling Nikki" was another tune from Purple Rain that incited controversy due to its explicit visuals. After senator Al Gore's wife Tipper Gore bought the album for their daughter and listened to the track, she eventually pushed for albums to sport labels specifically geared toward parents warning of graphic lyrics. 1985 saw the release of Around the World in a Day, which had the top 10 tracks "Raspberry Beret," a whimsical mid-tempo ditty, and "Pop Life." The record continued to feature Prince's penchant for playing a range of instruments and desire to impart messages of self-love as seen with "Paisley Park," a track inspired by the name of his Minneapolis studios. In 1986 Prince released his eighth studio album Parade, which included his pulsating no. 1 pop/r&b single "Kiss." Parade served as the soundtrack for the artist's second film Under the Cherry Moon, which he directed and starred in. Acclaimed 'Sign' and 'Batman' Soundtrack After the disbanding of the Revolution, Prince was able to consolidate various shelved projects into what ultimately became the double album Sign 'O' the Times (1987), with the title track reaching no. 3 on the pop charts and no. 1 in r&b. The album was known for its stark commentary on social issues yet also contained fun jams like "U Got the Look," a raucous duet with Scottish singer Sheena Easton that reached no. 2 pop. (He had previously penned the lasciviously charged pop/r&b hit "Sugar Walls" from her 1984 album A Private Heaven.) Sign was easily among Prince's most critically acclaimed albums, yet its sales lagged in the U.S., finding more of an audience in Europe, where the artist launched a successful tour. Maintaining a prodigious output, Prince released Lovesexy in 1988, known for its album cover featuring a photo of the artist in the nude as well as the top 5 uptempo r&b hit "Alphabet St." By the time he released his 11th studio album, the soundtrack to Batman, in 1989, Prince had become one of America's most commercially successful pop artists, continually making waves on the charts. Batman offered up the no. 1 romp "Batdance" as well as the top 5 r&b hit "Partyman." The video for "Batdance" famously featured Prince in split-effect makeup and costuming meant to symbolize both the film's shadowy hero and his crazed nemesis, the Joker. The early 1990s marked the launch of the New Power Generation, Prince's latest band that featured a blend of contemporary r&b, hip-hop, jazz and soul along with the vocals of Rosie Gaines. The group was first called out in the soundtrack to Graffiti Bridge, a 1990 sequel to Purple Rain that didn't fare well at the box office yet still yielded the top 10 track "Thieves in the Temple." With the NPG's artistic contribution, Prince found success with his album Diamonds and Pearls (1991), which rose to no. 3 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Diamonds included the romantic title ballad, the industrial strength "Gett Off," the playful paean "Insatiable" and the saucy No. 1 single "Cream."
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Prince's work with the NPG continued to unashamedly toy with ideas around sexuality, gender norms and the body. To promote the album, Prince had appeared on the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards to do a live performance of "Gett Off." Echoing parts of the track's music video, the performance featured an array of dancers and musicians in an onstage bacchanal, with the artist famously turning around towards the end of the song to show off his seatless pants. In the fall of 1992 Prince had signed a record $100 million dollar deal with Warner Bros., which was considered "the largest recording and music publishing contract in history" at the time and allowed him the freedom to pursue television, film, book and merchandising deals separately. As a comparison, fellow music giants, Michael Jackson and Madonna, had $60 million-plus contracts that were all inclusive. Stellar Collaborations Provocative performances aside, Prince had well established himself as an in-demand collaborator and behind-the-scenes player whose songs were remade by other artists. In the mid-'80s, Chaka Khan released an ebullient, highly successful cover of his 1979 tune "I Feel For You," while Sinead O'Connor's biggest hit was Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U." The Art of Noise and Tom Jones reached the U.K. top 5 in 1988 with a remake of "Kiss," and Alicia Keys covered "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore" on her own 2001 debut. Prince also worked on specific album tracks for performers like Khan, Madonna, Tevin Campbell, Kate Bush, the Time, Martika, Patti Labelle and Janelle Monae. He was behind the girl group Vanity 6, lead by singer/actress Vanity, and their no. 1 dance hit "Nasty Girl." And he sent a song to the all-women's band the Bangles that they would record to great effect, having a no. 2 hit with the lush ode to a stressful workday, "Manic Monday." In 1992 Prince and the New Power Generation released Love Symbol Album. Though embraced by some critics, sales did not fare as well as Diamonds. Love only managed to have one top 10 hit, the transcendent single "7," though "My Name Is Prince" and the carnal "Sexy MF" garnered some attention as well. The following year Prince released the compilation box set The Hits/ The B-Sides, which had an array of popular songs as well as the newly released "Pink Cashmere," a tender number sung in falsetto. Name Change The lack of success for Love Symbol Album created tension between Prince and his record label Warner Bros. Over the ensuing years, the singer's career went through a roller coaster of ups and downs. Turned off by feeling controlled by his label, Prince changed his name to the unpronounceable glyph O(+> in 1993, a fusion of female and male astrological symbols which he used until 2000. During that time, he was more frequently referred to as "the artist formerly known as Prince," and his new symbol was not embraced by most fans. He also started making appearances with the word "SLAVE" drawn on the side of his face, meant to convey the great disdain he had for his label. Prince did release the 1995 album The Gold Experience during this time of duress, and scored another top 5 song with "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World." Once he was released from all contractual obligations to Warner Bros., Prince released the triple album fittingly entitled Emancipation (1996), which went on to become certified platinum and featured the soul remake "Betcha by Golly, Wow." Several other albums affiliated with his NPG label soon followed, including Crystal Ball (1998) and Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic (1999).
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not apprehended PAGE28 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
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