I Messenger
JUNE 17, 2016
VOL 5 ISSUE 42
I Messenger
JUNE 17, 2016
THE COLEMANS before illness struck
A FATHER’S
LOVE
1
I Messenger
JUNE 17, 2016
VOL 5 ISSUE 42
Orlando Page 10-11
!VAILABLE AT .EWSSTANDS IN Free - Take One
!VAILABLE AT .EWSSTANDS IN
Garland,Rowlett Mesquite Richardson & E.Dallas
Denton Juneteenth Celebration Garland,Rowlett Mesquite Page 6 Richardson & E.Dallas
Month Phalconstar.com Garland,1stTexas (972) 926-8503 Fax (903)Garland, 450-1397 $45.00 Fax (903) 450-1397 3 August 1-15, 2012 Published & 15th EachPhoneMonth Phalconstar.com Texas 1 YearPhoneSubscription (972) 926-8503
2
Free - Take One
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
1 Year Subscription $45.00
JUNE 17, 2016
I Messenger
Sponsored by
I Messenger WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
3
 
I Messenger
JUNE 17, 2016
From Dallas County Commissioner’s Court
time being. However, Jenkins said he felt uncomfortable with the idea of forcing people to leave their homes. By Sam Boyd “The people are not desiring to move,” Jenkins said. “It’s a concern to the people who live there as well as Yet again, another meeting of the Dallas Commissionour state and federal partners.” ers Court isn’t complete without arguing and fighting Jenkins went on to say that thelow income of the amongst the commissioners. Sandbranch community, allegedly an average of $721 Commissioner John Wiley Price lead the call a month, would affect the ability to move and adapt to order, taking the place of Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins, to a new city. However, Price attempted to sooth Jenwho showed up a little bit late to the meeting. The invokins worries by telling him that nothing is final. cation was given by Dr. Paula Dobbs-Wiggins, a psychi“It’s our responsibility to be proactive and have a atrist and adjunct professor at SMU who was selected plan,” Price said. “It’s just a plan.” by Commissioner Dr. Theresa M. Daniel to speak. Hon. Phyllis Lister Brown Daniel and Garcia backed Price and said that the The resolutions started with Jenkins announcplan would not necessarily even pass. ing the employees of the month for May 2016 before “Let’s see the plan first,” Daniel said. “Then we go from there.” handing off to Daniel who brought in some speakers to discuss Jenkins persisted, saying that he still was not comfortable with state funding for indigent defense. The cost for indigent defense the idea of moving people out of their homes. has increased almost 73 percent since 2001, but only seven percent is covered by the state government. “The citizens of Dallas County are having to carry the weight,” Price said. Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia and Daniel agreed with Price, discussing how everyone should continue to talk about the numbers to spread awareness. “We’re not done yet,” Daniel said. Garcia then introduced security officer Basilio Lashley as he prepares for retirement. Lashley, a first sergeant in the Marines, has dedicated the last eight years in service to Dallas County. “This place has been a blessing,” Lashley said. “Today, God showed me to stay humble. I’m going to miss this place.” Then Commissioner Price took the floor to discuss the recent passing of Judge Phyllis Lister Brown. “This is the record of history,” Price said. “And it’s only proper that we record how Judge Brown was center in our hearts.” Frederick Lister, Judge Brown’s uncle, and Judge Monica Purdy spoke asking for the audience to keep their prayers with the family and remember the judge. “She was the electrifying judge on the bench,” Purdy said. Judge Tonya Parker also agreed with the sentiment. “Our hearts are broken over the loss of her,” Parker said. “But we are grateful for our time spent with her. We get the honor and privilege of continuing her work.” Senator Royce West also agreed with the legacy Judge Brown has left. West added that including this recognition in the resolutions was very respectable of the Commissioners Court. “This will be a record that lives in perpetuity,” West said. Price said that many judges changed their schedules to attend Brown’s funeral and that it was very moving to see her impact on the community. Now, on to some issues that were not embraced by everyone on the court. Price discussed how he was forming a plan for relocation efforts for the people of Sandbranch, who are still without water. The 44 homeowners, in the plan, would be moved to a safer area for the
4
Price was angered by this continuous setback, calling Jenkins “Captain Save-a-Homie.” Garcia got in the final words on the debate, saying that the research is there and they can still talk about it. “We do our homework,” Garcia said. “It never hurts to be prepared. I will support both your visions.” Next the conversation moved to the tax rates across the county. Price spoke first, identifying Dallas County as having one of the lowest tax rates in the state, but still having its issues. He said that a proposal given by the state would cost Dallas County $9 million while only saving homeowners a little over four dollars on their houses. “It’s like a 60-second fool, but a lifetime hero,” Price said. Commissioner Mike Cantrell and Jenkins, who share similar views on the subject, spoke next with Jenkins taking the lead. Jenkins pointed out a gradual wage growth over the past five years, an unemployment decrease, and an 11.2 percent home value increase. Jenkins also discussed some increases in percentages due to appraisals that Price informed him were incorrect. When Cantrell stepped in, he showed some charts (sidebar) and stated that he agreed with Jenkins, although he did agree with Price that the wording may have been poor. Although the concept might be confusing and might not seem important, the constant arguing that ensued and the constant disagreement over which numbers that were correct showed that this issue was pressing to the commissioners. With nothing getting done and neither Price or Jenkins relenting on their position, the members decided to save further discussion for an executive session. The commissioners, mostly on their phones and looking at the exit doors, barely made it through the public speakers who covered issues that none of them seemed to care about or understand. Two public commenters were escorted from the room by police and by the time that Jenkins called time on the last public speaker, half the members were out the door. Perhaps this is just a reoccurring theme, but to an outside eye, it seems that many of these people legitimately don’t like each other. Maybe it’s true, but either way it seems like a negative progression for Commissioners Court.
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
JUNE 17, 2016
I Messenger
Celebrating JUNETEENTH in DENTON, TX WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
5
 
I Messenger
6
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
JUNE 17, 2016
JUNE 17, 2016
Quit Playin’
I Messenger
Ali – The Greatest – Round 2
by Vincent Hall ‘I’ve searched the land and found this David, son of Jesse. He’s a man whose heart beats to my heart.’ Acts 13:22 The sacred pages of the Qur’an call King David a prophet. There are Torah experts arguing for and against the notion that David was Jewish. But the Bible sets King David apart and sets the stage for this column very simply; David was a man after God’s own heart. Muhammad Ali had heart and God must have been pleased. Stocking contemporary commentary with anything religious is dangerous. But I could not parse, parallel or pontificate on Muhammad Ali without taking a biblical text. Ali’s heart was directed by what I call the “Extra-celestial.” In the Hall dictionary, extra-celestial translates as a forceful movement of God. God will make you fight even when you don’t know how or if you can win. Ali, like David, faced menacing, stiff-necked, Philistines akin to Goliath. The old Black
Preacher conjectured that David chose five smooth stones and his slingshot because he heard Goliath had four brothers. Ali, like David, learned to fight with precision early on. Young Cassius had his $65 Schwinn bicycle stolen. Clay’s mentor, officer Joe Martin, who mastered “community policing”, set him on a path of self-discipline and self-defense. Ali, like shepherd boy David, was deemed “least likely to succeed.” Cassius was born and immersed into segregation and second-class citizenship. His life expectancy and expectations were marginalized. Ali’s affiliation with the Nation of Islam earned him even more scorn and suspicion. But when millions of White college students couldn’t convince America that the Vietnam War was wrong, Ali sacrificed all he had and more than he could afford. Ali thought and fought from his heart. Ali, like David was passionate about everything in life and beautiful women were a shared weakness. According
to civil rights leader, Reverend Dr. Wyatt T. Walker, one night when the A/C broke down in his palace, King David peeped over onto a balcony and was “slayed” by the “shimmering figure” of Bathsheba. She was moon-bathing on the roof of the military barracks nearby. David’s passion led him to have his favorite general and Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah, killed in battle. Ali had a similar experience after being captivated by a “fine brown frame” and future wife; Veronica Porsche. Ali prominently and preemptively introduced Porsche as his bride, much to the surprise and chagrin of a wife who nurtured their four children. Martial artist Khalilah Ali, like Uriah, became a caustic casualty when lust turned to love. (I told y’all I wasn’t whitewashing Ali! The news ain’t that Ali fell down; the news is that he never stayed down! Ali, like David was a lover and a fighter!) Muhammad Ali was to boxing what David was to songwriting. (Bible thumpers know that David penned the Psalms).
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
Sportswriter Kelsey McCarson put it this way. “Muhammad Ali was arguably the most influential and revered figure in American sports history. Sure, Babe Ruth was great, Michael Jordan was amazing and Jim Brown was, too. But Ali was so much more. Ali was “The Greatest.” In order to fully comprehend the significance of “heart”, imagine other “great athletes” with Ali’s heart. Envision Michael Jordan having the love and conviction for humanity that he has for golf, cigars and “Becky with the good hair.” Or picture Tiger Woods sinking the notion that he is anything other than a proud Negro, with all rights and responsibilities thereto appertaining. Social activist Jim Brown, like Ali proves that “success” without heart is just a shallow, self-serving, sham. Muhammad Ali’s heart initially cost him the love of the “up and in”; but he became the undisputed champion of the multitudinous “down and out.” In my opinion, Ali, Like David was a man after God’s own heart.
7
I Messenger Kimball senior perseveres through tragedy on way to bright future
Recent Kimball High graduate, Breyelle Bradley, looks forward to a bright future in the medical field, as she plans to become a surgeon.
DALLAS — Kimball High School senior Breyelle Bradley was recently awarded one of three Sulentic Family Scholarships at the annual Dallas ISD scholarship ceremony. Bradley was born in New Orleans, but her mother passed away shortly after her birth. Raised by her grandmother, Bradley learned the value of hard work and resiliency from a young age. After Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, Bradley and her grandmother moved to Dallas to start a new life. Her grandmother passed away in 2014, but the work ethic that she instilled in Bradley continues to be a major factor in her success. “She’s got a great will to succeed,” said Kimball Spanish teacher Frank Diaz. “If she runs for President, I would not be surprised.” Bradley plans to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio in the fall and major in biology, with a goal of becoming a surgeon.
8
JUNE 17, 2016
Newest additions to I Messenger Enterprises Violeta Trevizo Throughout her internship Trevizo will be covering City Council meetings, School Boards, Dallas Area life and entertainment alongside other interns. A social media with a passion for investigative pieces, she will write converging news for the Garland Journal and Texas Metro News in print and online. Trevizo’s love for the written word sparked long before she realized it was her calling in life. As a young girl she had a knack for telling stories and creating videos for her family, but it never crossed her mind that she would make a career out of it. It wasn’t until she stepped foot in her high school English class that she realized how much she en-
joyed writing stories. After considering a career as an architect throughout her teenage years, Trevizo decided the right path for her was in journalism. Throughout her college career Trevizo has written stories for her school’s award-winning online paper, and created video content for
Brittni Clemons Brittni is the eldest of three siblings. Brittni Clemons is a Dallas native but she was raised in Houston, where she spent most of her childhood. Once she entered middle school her family moved back to Dallas where she finished her middle and high school grades in Cedar Hill. Brittni graduated from Cedar Hill Collegiate High School in 2015, where she earned her high school diploma and an Associates degree at the age of 17. She is now furthering her education at Texas Tech University, where she is majoring in Journalism with a minor in Atmospheric Science. With expectations of receiving her bachelor’s degree in December 2017, at the age of 19, she doesn’t expect her education to end there. She plans on getting her Masters degree while double majoring
in Broadcast Journalism and Meteorology at Oklahoma University. Brittni’s future career goals are to either become a broadcast meteorologist for the National Weather Channel, or become a weather analyst for the National Weather Service. As a hobby she wants to do storm chasing, travel the world to analyze weather, and have her own radio station. Since she loves giving back to the community, she also wants to open up her own summer school program for
the school’s television station. Aside from her reporting work she also interned at Susan G. Komen in Lubbock in the spring of 2016. When she’s not keeping busy with school, work, or an array of extra curricular activities, Trevizo likes to spend time having fun with her loved ones, including her 4-year-old Chihuahua-Pug mix Auggie. With the help of her supportive family, Trevizo will be graduating a semester early from Texas Tech University in December 2016. After graduation she plans to eventually move to New York to pursue a career in print journalism. Her long-term goal is to work for the New York Times covering the stories that are most difficult, yet the most important. children who are interested in weather. She hopes to also provide scholarship and internship opportunities. Aside from her education, Brittni is a proud member of Holy Cross Catholic Church where she participated in youth group, Choir, and praise dancing. In 2015 Brittni participated in the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Jabberwock Pageant, placing 3rd and earning a $4000 scholarship. Brittni also loves giving back to the community so she created her own volunteer organization with her school. She created and organized
many donation drives and events with her biggest accomplishment to date, creating a breast walker where she earned over $800 and over $300 hats for the Susan G Komen Foundation.
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
JUNE 17, 2016
I Messenger
Muhammad Ali's Toughest Fight: Parkinson's Disease By
Glenn Ellis George Curry Media Guest Columnist
glennellis.com
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
9
 
I Messenger
JUNE 17, 2016
TRAGEDY STRIKES IN ORLANDO
BY SAM BOYD Some suspected the shooting to be a hate crime, since Mateen’s Stanley Almodovar III (23), Amanda Alvear (25), father, Mir Seddique, claimed that Omar had become enraged Oscar Aracena (26), Rodolfo Ayala (33), Antonio Davon after seeing two men kissing in downtown Miami. Seddique Brown (29), Darryl R. Burt II (29), Jonathan Camuy (24), claimed that he believed that was part of his son’s motive. “I apologize for what my son did,” Seddique told NBC News. “I Angel Luis Candelario-Padro (28), Omar Capo (20), don’t know why he did it. He is dead, so I can’t ask him. I wish I Simon Carrillo (31), Luis Daniel Conde (39), Cory James knew.” However, as reported by CNN late Sunday, Mateen had made a Connell (21), Tevin Eugene Crosby (25), Anthony Luis call to 911 during the attack, pledging his allegiance to the leader Laureano Disla (25), Deonka Deidra Drayton (32), Leroy of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. But there is no evidence that Valentin Fernandez (25), Mercedez Marisol Flores (26), Pe- Mateen was in communications with the terrorist group, let alone that the group even knew of his existence. ter O. Gonzalez-Cruz (22), Juan Ramon Guerrero (22), Paul But shortly after, Amaq, an ISIS news agency, claimed to be Terrell Henry (41), Frankie Hernandez (27), Miguel Angel responsible for the murders. “The armed attack that targeted a gay night club in the city of Honorato (30), Jimmy De Jesús (50), Javier Jorge-Reyes Orlando in the American state of Florida which left over 100 peo(40), Jason Benjamin Josaphat (19), Eddie Jamoldroy ple dead or injured was carried out by an Islamic State fighter,” Justice (30), Christopher Leinonen (32), Alejandro Barrios read the Amaq statement. However, U.S. intelligent officials think the group is just claimMartinez (21), Juan Chavez Martinez (25), ing responsibility to make up ground for recent losses in Iraq and Brenda Lee Marquez McCool (49), Gilberto Ramon Silva Syria. “The fact that a website connected to [ISIS] applauded it Menendez (25), Kimberly Morris (37), Akyra Murray (18), doesn’t mean anything,” said the official. “They are losing on Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez (25), Joel Rayon Paniagua (31), their home turf, and it’s not surprising if they’re looking for some Jean Carlos Mendez Perez (35), Enrique L. Rios (25), Eric kind of twisted victory.” The 29-year-old Mateen was born in New York and has lived in Ivan Ortiz Rivera (36), Jean Carlos Nieves Rodriguez (27), Florida for the past decade. Xavier Emmanúel Serrano Rosado (35), In 2006, he filed a petition to have his name legally changed from Omar Mir Seddique to Omar Mir Seddique Mateen. Federal Christopher Sanfeliz (24), Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan (24), agents interviewed him twice in 2013 after co-workers claimed Edward Sotomayor Jr. (34), Shane Evan Tomlinson (33), that he had made inappropriate comments to them about radical Martin Benitez Torres (33), Juan P. Rivera Velazquez (37), Islam propaganda. One of those ex-coworkers, Daniel Gilroy, told NBC News that Mateen was racist, belligerent, and “toxic.” Luis Vielma (22), Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon (37), “He was scary in a concerning way,” Gilroy said. “And it wasn’t Jerald Arthur Wright (31). at times; it was all the time. He had anger management issues. Something would set him off, but the things that would set him These are the names of the 49 people killed in the Orlando attacks off were always women, race or religion.” over the weekend, which has quickly become one of the deadliest The FBI investigated him again in 2014 because of his connecmass shooting in the United States. tion with an American who traveled to the Middle East to become The tragedy happened at around 2 a.m. when Omar Mateen, a suicide bomber. the shooter, began a three-hour shooting rampage and hostage Mateen’s ex-wife, Sitora Yusufiy, told reporters that Mateen siege at Pulse, a local gay club. Armed with an assault gun and a would beat her and was prone to violent behavior. handgun, the lone shooter’s spree ultimately ended when a SWAT “When he got his tempers, he would express hate toward everyteam gunned him down. thing,” Yusufiy said.
10
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
JUNE 17, 2016 The marriage, which was consummated in 2009, lasted only a couple of months until her parents came to take her away and the couple officially divorced in 2011.
About Omar Mateen The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced that Mateen had bought the firearms legally within the last week. Florida Representative Alan Grayson believes the shooting was ideologically motivated, claiming, “The nationality of family members is indicative.” Friends, club employees, and classmates told ABC News that Mateen was a regular patron of gay clubs for years. 71-year-old James Van Horn, a frequent visitor to Pulse said, “Sometime he would be there for a few weeks at a time and maybe on the weekends and then you wouldn’t see him for a little while, then you’d see him again.” Chris Callen, a performer at Pulse, didn’t think Mateen seemed homophobic. “He seemed really warm,” Callen said. Pulse head of security Estella Peterkin claimed she had to kick Mateen out a couple of times for bad behavior. Others, such as Florida resident Kevin West, claim that Mateen would use gay dating apps to contact them. “He was asking… what clubs are popping and things of that sort,” West said. This behavior seems to go at odds with how Yusufiy claimed that Mateen felt toward the gay community. “He would express his anger towards [a] certain culture, homosexuality, because in… Islamic culture, it is really not tolerated,” Yusufiy said. “I know at the time he was trying to get his life straight and follow his faith.” With access to his cell phone and the cooperation of his current wife, Noor Mateen, more information is surfacing about Mateen, his habits and behaviors. Noor is allegedly providing key informa-
I Messenger tion to investigators, senior counter-terrorism official told ABC News. Now, in the aftermath of the incident, the safety of citizens is in question. “Texas is likely the next place to get targeted, so of course I’m scared,” Michigan-born Quantez Lawson, 28, said. “We need some sort of gun control because there has been more incidents since it’s been free to open carry.” The argument of gun control is commanding a larger presence in society’s issues. “Tragically, news reports about mass gun violence have become a constant presence in our everyday lives,” Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson said. “This attack reiterates the need for our country to fundamentally rethink the gun culture and the laws that surround it in America. When one man, with a history
of domestic abuse and mental illness, is able to buy a gun, murder 49 people and injure more than 50 others, it highlights the deficiencies in our current system. We must not continue to send condolences to the countless victims of violence without doing everything in our power to prevent more families and communities from suffering from this kind of senseless violence. We must act now to end mass shootings in our country.”
Open carry laws have also come into question. “I wasn’t excited about open carry when they announced it,” said Irving resident Vanessa Izquierdo, 20. “I think there
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
should be more banning because right now we’re fighting fire with fire and it’s not a good idea.” For some the incident has made them angry. “I'm mad and angry and done with people who keep defending gun laws that allowed this to happen,” Austin resident Cy Zamanian, 20, said. “We've been down this path several time, just in the past year, and still nothing has changed. And as a country we will continue to do nothing. Because if we weren't going to do anything about children being killed in their own school, our country sure as hell isn't going to do anything about LGBT community members being killed, because it's still clear that a good chunk of our country doesn't see them as equals.” But some people do feel safe around the large amount of guns owned in Texas. “You can’t take guns away from this culture because it’s embedded in this culture,” Mexico-born Victor Villanueva, 20, said. “Texas owns a quarter of the guns in the world, so I feel pretty safe knowing someone in here has a gun that could stop an event.” But at the end of the day the event still has tragic consequences. “Honestly it kills me to see that happen in the world,” Lewisville native Juan Chavez, 22, said. “The killers will never understand that the people's lives they took had families that cared and loved them and can no longer be with them. It isn't fair in the slightest. Why should the families be punished for this? I just hope that one day all this hate and killing sprees stop.” Now the country, and much of the world, sits and waits with Orlando and consoles them in their time of need as they wait for change to happen. "I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of those who were impacted by today's senseless violence in Orlando,” Texas Senator Rodney Ellis said. “More than ever, it is clear that hate can kill. All of us have a responsibility to join together in a unified response against hatred directed at any group - whether it's because of what you look like, where you were born, or who you love."
11
I Messenger CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH
JUNE 17, 2016
The Legacy of the Black Power Movement in Dallas, TX WHAT: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Black Power/ Consciousness Movement WHEN: Saturday, June 18, 2016, 12 PM (Noon) to 3 PM WHERE: Pan African Connection (Bookstore, Art Gallery and Resource Center), 4466 South Marsalis Ave, Dallas (75216) Featuring Enest McMillan Black Power! These words shouted out by Stokely Carmichael (aka, Kwame Toure) on Mississippi highway 51 on June 17, 1966 reverberated in the collective soul of Black America, crystallizing both strength and love. The call led to new goals and redefined the
12
measures of success, inspiring a new generation of activists who had not previously been involved in the civil rights movement. It built upon the lessons learned from the southern civil rights struggle and called for a black consciousness, establishing new independent organizations and institutions that were controlled by black people. It shaped personal transformations as well as political activism and led to the creation of organizations by those who never found their place in the civil rights agenda. The Dallas Black Power Legacy Project’s Commemorative Celebration on June 18, seeks to honor and
illustrate that the Black Power Movement was a positive force for social and political empowerment for oppressed people, and not the destructive influence that has been so often portrayed.
Ernest McMillan Back in the day
Most important, it will enable young activists to establish working relationships and communications with Black Power veterans, as well as educate the veterans about the contemporary social justice movement. We hope to forge new cooperation and
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
alliances between veteran and contemporary social justice and thus strengthen the work ahead. "Part of our mission is to inform the local community about the radical legacy of the Black Power Movement in Dallas. Former members of SNCC, Black Panther Party, All African People's Revolutionary Party, Black Women's United Front, the Black Star Collective and others will gather to share stories of our struggles and victories on the ground in Dallas Texas. This June 18th celebration features African drumming, spoken word, music and issue-oriented workshops-all which strive to facilitate and encourage the development
of mutual support for community enhancement,
JUNE 17, 2016
The impact of a father never fades By Eva D. Coleman
I Messenger
A Father’s Love his clientele and gained acclaim in the limousine industry. Cecily, the eldest, dreams of being an architect. Having completed her freshman year of high school with an admirable grade point average, she’s well on her way to fulfill-
My girls have fond memories of their father. Occasionally, they’ll bring up something he said or recall a place where he took them, boasting about how much fun they had. While Cecil Coleman has been physically absent from our home for nearly five years, his spirit is strongly ever present. Many were touched by Cecil’s kindness, generosity, chivalry or huge smile that brightened hearts and even his dark brown skin. However, nothing makes my day brighter than the two girls we share who reflect the same characteristics. Evana, the youngest, Top - Eva, Evana and Cecily. is an avid basketball playR Cecil Coleman er. She studies the game ing this goal. with such intense concentration, Long before her and I’ve even observed her watch- freshman year, she ing NBA classics with players like researched archiWilt Chamberlain and others. tecture programs She even watches old advertise- around the counments with players and products, try, including the gaining an understanding of en- type of degrees and dorsement deals. licenses necessary, This 9-year-old does this com- and has narrowed pletely on her own. She is methodi- her school list down to three. cal and strategic in her quest to join If she keeps up her end of the the ranks of the WNBA, which she deal with grades, etc., I’ll do whatboldly tells anyone is her goal. Her ever it takes to help her get to one of father was an entrepreneur who those private institutions. demonstrated the same level of deMy girls have not faltered in any termination for success as he built way since their father passed away WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
from cancer. They’ve maintained their grades and their drive to live out their best lives. Cecil was driven and he drove the best. It’s in their nature to continue to keep their foot on the pedal and press forward. Cecily recently informed me of a milestone she has accomplished which I have yet to achieve. She has read the entire Bible! She started this quest June 2013. Now, June 2016, she has completed the mission. Often times when I’d check on her before going to bed, I’d enter her room to quietness and light coming from her lamp shining onto the pages held in her hand. I’d kiss her cheek and she’d carry on. I never asked and never knew how far she had made it in her good book. While my girls and I experienced a devastating chapter in our lives, the plot thickens and I know the sequel will be even more rewarding. I asked Cecily about her takeaway after having finished the entire Bible and the Book of Revelation. She replied by saying, “We just have to remember that God is in control.” How one handles life begins with foundation. Knowing the true architect helps you remain grounded. With their father, foundation was always at the forefront. With me, it remains.
13
I Messenger
14
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
JUNE 17, 2016
JUNE 17, 2016
Spiritually Speaking
by James A. Washington From everything I’ve read and been told, you should never expect that you can live a perfect life. Flaws, faults, mistakes and miscues are inevitable and cannot be avoided no matter how hard you try. God lets us know through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, that how we handle our imperfection is as important as acknowledging that we have them. My spiritual imagination allows me to consider humility as an essential ingredient of any Christian’s make up. A humble person would never look down upon or turn a nose up to anyone and certainly would not think of themselves as superior to another human being. The reason, again I imagine, must be that he or she recognizes and subscribes to that old saying, “…there but for the grace of God, go I…” Throughout the bible there are countless references to living, or trying to live a life devoid of ego and pride. Paul actually says humility is required for the presence of
I Messenger
So now you perfect, right? the Holy Spirit. “But the fruit Once you see the real of the spirit is love, joy, peace, you, real forgiveness must patience, kindness, goodness, follow. Who would dare be faithfulness, gentleness and so arrogant and not humble self control…since we live by himself in the eyes of God by the Spirit, let us keep in step not forgiving his fellow man’s with the Spirit. transgressions? God did for Let us not become conceited, you and me. provoking and envying each That brings me to the role other.” Galatians 5:22-26. of the church. If there was I don’t know about you but ever a place where the concept conditioning myself to live of forgiveness should be humbly out of habit can be guaranteed, it’s the church. difficult, if not impossible for But we all know the church the world in which we live. is far from a perfect place. Ours is a world that The key to all of this is what measures the substance of a happens after you fall, after person by the accumulation you sin, after you back slide; of money, things, position and remember that falling and status. failing are inevitable. To acquire a humble state Getting up, however, is not. of mind as a matter of course Now I’m told, if you ask the to many of us is highly Holy Spirit for a helping hand, unlikely; but to the Christian you’re very likely to get one. attempting to obey the Word, It’s that God is a God it is mandatory. “For whoever of another chance thing. I exalts himself will be humbled believe this because I’ve and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12. Now I happen EARLINE GADSON to think this is serious stuff. 9-10-1934 - 6-10-2014 The only way to adhere to any of it is to look deep inside one’s self and acknowledge the personal character flaws that we each have. I think this is the reason Christ said, “He who is without sin, cast the first stone.”
blown so many opportunities to demonstrate humility, but yet the blessings still come my way. Hell, I woke up this morning. The least I can do is show up in church on Sunday to let others know this is a place to come and bring an imperfect life in search of the perfect truth. Flaws and all, God loves me and every now and then I need to be reminded of that. Church is a good, if not the best, place where that can happen. The challenge is to remember you can never feel comfortable about casting that first stone, ever.
May God bless and keep you always.
James
REMEMBERING
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
JOYCE ANN BROWN
2-12-1947- 6-13- 2015
15
I Messenger
16
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
JUNE 17, 2016
JUNE 17, 2016
I Messenger
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
17
 
I Messenger
ASK ALMA:
by Alma Gill NNPA News Wire Columnist Dear Alma, I’ve been married for over 10 years and I’m very happy with my husband and two kids. My husband is very kind to me. My kids are very well behaved and we have a good life. Before I got married I was in love with a man who said he would never get married and he didn’t want any kids. I always hoped that he didn’t mean that and would marry me but he never did. After more than a year and a half, we broke it off and I met my husband and got married. After I got married I would see him from time to time and he stayed in touch with my brother. When he and my brother would go out, he would always ask about me to see how I was doing. Recently my brother told me that he said
18
JUNE 17, 2016
Before you what ~ know your why?
he should have married me. I know you’re gonna think I’m crazy but I can’t stop thinking about him. I think we need to have a conversation because I have so much I want to say to him. I am trying to figure out my best option. I could email him or reach out on Facebook. I was thinking I could ask him to
thing. And when I did, I asked my BFF Neasy about it. Yep, I wanted to contact my old “here he comes, I can’t breathe” high school crush named Poopie. Girl, it was a crush like no other, LOL. Like you, I was happily married, life was good, and all I wanted to do is let him know just how much I truly loved him.
If he wanted to marry you, he would have. Ain’t no truth in shoudda, cudda, wudda. Stop romanticizing over what you wish could have happen and live in what is happening. What is happening is that you have a loving husband and father to your children. meet me. How should I contact him in a way that’s the most respectful? -unsigned Dear Unsigned, Excuse me, did you say respectful? What exactly is respectful about a married woman trying to reconnect with an ex? Because that’s basically all you’re trying to do. You wanna know how I know – cause I thought the same
I did my best explaining and exasperating my heart and soul to Neasy and you know what she asked me: Why? Yep, just that simple. So now I’m asking you. Why? What if he misunderstands your actions? Is it worth your marriage, the love of your husband, the happiness of your children? If he wanted to marry you, he would have. Ain’t no truth in shoudda, cudda, wudda. Stop romanticizing over what you wish could have happen and
live in what is happening. What is happening is that you have a loving husband and father to your children. If circumstances were the other way around and your husband wanted to have a conversation with an ex, girl pleez, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. You’d be accusing him of all kinds of disrespect! Turn your twinkle toes towards what’s real and watch the video, live version of Whitney Houston, “All the Man I Need” and fall back in fabulous love with your husband. My favorite is the one with her in a beautiful red gown, Kirk Whalum’s on the sax. It’s the concert she did for our troops. Girl, rewind it two or three times if you need to. All the romance and attention you’re looking for is already living inside your home. You just need to breathe new life into it. Let that other man go, that conversation and action of sharing words, just isn’t worth the risk of losing your happy home. I never contacted Poopie and I’m perfectly fine with that decision. Give it some time and you will be, too. If not, go find a BFF you can confide in, who’ll keep you on track named Neasy! Alma
WWW.IMESSENGER.COM WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
JUNE 17, 2016
I Messenger
It’s the Juneteenth celebration in Denton, TX! WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
19
I Messenger
20
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
JUNE 17, 2016
JUNE 17, 2016
I Messenger
Supported by I Messenger WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
21
 
I Messenger
JUNE 17, 2016
Community Calendar June 17
It’s a Juneteenth celebration in Denton! 151st Anniversary of Juneteenth / June 17-19, 2016 (Fort Worth, TX)
Fort Worth Black Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon - Keith Clinkscales is the speaker.
June 18 The Community of Joppa cordially invited to join us in celebrating the Buffalo Soldier Sesquicentennial 150 years. Come and be a Part of the celebration at the 2016 Buffalo Soldiers Juneteenth Weekend Festival June 18th, 2016 at 8339 Corban Dale in Dallas, TX (Joppa). 28th Texas Black Invitational Rodeo at the State Fair Coliseum in Fair Park, at 7p.m
22
***** Perfect Effort Leadership Conference We Can Do IT Positive Connection for Women from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM CDT Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Dallas -DFW Airport N. 4441 W. John Carpenter Freeway, Irving, TX 75063 ****** The African American Museum presents its 28h Texas Black Invitational Rodeo Saturday @ 7:00pm. It will be held at the state fair coliseum Fair Park. Standard seating price is $10 and Box Seating ticket price is $35. For more information contact Khaliq Bryant @ (214)- 565-9026 ext 305 or email him @kbyrant@ aamdallas.org. ********* Martin Lawrence’s Doin Time Tour will be in Dallas at the Verizon theatre in Grand Prairie, @ 8:00p.m. Go online to order tickets.
Dallas, TX 75232 R S V P : h t t p : / / w w w. h o m e buyerfair.com/ Free to Attend! Educational workshops, exhibitors, affordable home tours, prizes, and lots of family-friendly fun! For more information, visit www.bcloftexas.org or call (214) 688-7456 **** Hoops for Hope 3-On-3 Tournament 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 18. Granger Recreation Center, 1310 W. Avenue F. For questions, call 469-800-2522 or contact HopeClinic@bhcs. com. ****** The Dallas of Black Chamber of Commerce will be hosting an event called “Marketing using Social Media.” You will be able to learn about creating sales funnels, advertising and promoting via social media. This will be held Saturday at 10:00 am and will end at 11:30 am. Go to the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce website to register.
Power/Consciousness Movement WHEN: Saturday, June 18, 2016, 12 PM (Noon) to 3 PM WHERE: Pan African Connection (Bookstore, Art Gallery and Resource Center), 4466 South Marsalis Ave, Dallas (75216) Ernest McMillan, former chairman, Dallas SNCC (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee) Phone: 214.824.2433
June 19 HAPPY FATHER’s DAY Happy Juneteenth
*****
**** BCL of Texas NeighborWorks Homeownership Center 4th Annual Home Buyer Fair! A FREE, one-stop shop to help first-time home buyers become confident, educated, and prepared consumers. 9am - 1pm Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 W. Wheatland Road
CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH THE LEGACY OF THE BLACK POWER MOVEMENT IN DALLAS TEXAS WHAT: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Black
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
City Men Cook is scheduled from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST, at Gilley’s Dallas, at 1135 S. Lamar St., Dallas, TX 75215.
JUNE 17, 2016
I Messenger
Community Calendar June 25 Talley Dunn Gallery will be having a silent auction called “The Big Bang.” It will take place from 6:00PM- 9:00PM. Viewers will have the opportunity to preview the artwork before the auction during regular gallery hours.
July 4 The City of Duncanville invites you to bring your family and friends to its annual Independence Day Celebration. The day will begin with a parade sponsored by the Duncanville Lions Club, and will close with a host of evening festivities in Armstrong Park. Attendees will be able to enjoy LIVE music, delicious food from local vendors, bounce houses for the kids, and the return of Duncanville’s traditional Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza! Admission is FREE and open to the public, though wristbands will be required for entry into the evening festivities *****
July 6 The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is preparing to establish its Fiscal Years 2017-2019 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Tri-Annual Goal for projects funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). As a component of the goal-setting methodology, TxDOT will host public forums for interactive exchange and consultation with organizations and chambers representing minorities, women and general contractors. These public forums are being conducted pursuant to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 49, §26.45(g), (1), (i). The public forums have been scheduled in regions across the state as follows: Wednesday, July 6, 2016: Dallas District Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Location: 4777 E. Highway 80 Mesquite, TX 75150-6643 Dallas Room If you have any questions regarding the public forums, please e-mail: OCR_businessoperations@txdot.gov.
One of Dallas Heritage Village’s most beloved annual events, Old Fashioned Fourth, will offer free admission this year in honor of the Village’s 50th Anniversary. On Monday, July 4, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., families, decked out in red, white, and blue, will celebrate Independence Day throughout 13 acres of Dallas Heritage Village, 1515 S. Harwood Street, with picnicking and a parade as well as fun games and activities.
July 9
*****
Cheryl Smith’s
Don’t Believe the HYPE Celebrity Bowlathon 2016 USA Bowl 10920 Composite Drive, Dallas featuring DIck Gregory Call 214-941-0110 for team registration and sponsorship opportunities
July 13 The Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the “Entrepreneur’s Toolkit Brown Bag Lunch Series. This will focus on four key areas for healthy business growth- marketing, finances,human resources, and technology. Through this series of quick yet information packet sessions, new and experienced entrepreneurs will gain the skills they need to lead their business. It will be wedneday at 11:30 AM- 1:30 PM. Go online to register.
July 15
Chrisette Michele will be performing at the Verizon Theatre, Friday at 8pm. Go online to purchase your ticket.
July 23 WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
Chris Tucker Will be live Saturday at 8p.m. @ the Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie TX. Go online to purchase your tickets.
August 5 K.Michelle will be performing at the House of Blues in Dallas TX Saturday @ 8:30 PM. Doors open at 7:30 PM. This is an all age event, however, there is an 8 ticket bit per household. You can purchase your tickets online.
August 13 Maze featuring Frankie Beverly & Chaka Khan with special guest Raheem DeVaughn will be at the Verizon Theatre Saturday at 8p.m. Tickets prices ranges from $34.75$150.00. You can purchases your tickets online. *****
September 24 Live Well-Go Green Expo: Exhibitors Wanted The City of Garland is seeking exhibitors for the Live Well-Go Green Expo (formerly the Healthy Living Expo), scheduled on Saturday,. Those interested may download an Exhibitor Application at GoGreenGarland.org. Contact GoGreenGarland@ GarlandTx.gov for additional information.
November 5 Kick-off reception for the formal 30th anniversary celebration, Our Journey to Thirty... an exhibition celebrating
23
I Messenger
24
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
JUNE 17, 2016