I Messenger by Cheryl Smith

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VOL 6 ISSUE 37 JUNE 2, 2017

JUNE 2, 2017

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NO MORE SUFFERING IN SILENCE By Cheryl Smith

#supportclergywomen WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM

STOP THE VIOLENCE - L.D. COX KILLED BY TEEN

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JUNE 2, 2017

PART 1

Clergywomen under assault

When I met Yvette Blair, she was a young, beautiful, smart, ambitious, aspiring journalist at the University of North Texas. From the beginning I knew she was talented and I looked forward to helping her develop as an intern with several other students at The Dallas Weekly. Over the years Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve watched her take on numerous roles, and I have watched her grow, excel and help others. Yes, she did surprise me with some of her decisions. First she chose to attend divinity school. I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t argue with that choice because I do believe in divine intervention; however I thought with her impeccable journalistic skills she would be breaking news stories around the world. Then, she decided to get married. And there was no arguing the two were made for one another and whatever God had in store for Yvette, she had a partner to share the experience. Watching Yvette and Carl together, it was clear they were happy and that is what I wanted for her. Sometimes when you have a mentee, the relationships are short-lived. Ours has expanded over nearly 30 years and it was

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painful to hear of the challenges she was facing. Sure I was there when her mother passed and knowing how close they were, that was a painful experience, but the toll that the unwanted harassment on the job was causing her, well, it was hard to listen to, without speaking words I have tried to stop using in her presence. Services planned for Then I thought about all the stories I have L.D. Cox heard over the years, and the instances when I have witnessed clergy women being 9 disrespected, not only by men, but women, too! Misogyny is alive and well. Women are to be silent sufferers. That same mentality that kept some men and women from voting for Hillary Clinton for President of the United States, or caused them to discount Atty. Anita Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s claims against Clarence Thomas, is prevalent in many churches and some are very open about not having women in the pulpit or recognizing their presence in any !VAILABLE AT .EWSSTANDS IN In Her Words capacity. Garland,Rowlett !VAILABLE AT .EWSSTANDS IN Sure you can be the church secretary or Mesquite Garland,Rowlett choir director; but as far as interpreting and 15 delivering theMesquite word, perish the thought. Richardson Richardson Thank God there are valiant men and & E.Dallas &realize E.Dallas women who the significant contributions that clergy women have made and Continued on next page

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hold them in the highest esteem. ing with the complaint. I wonder if Mr. Andy called into the ministry, like my sister Kasandra I remember attending a breakfast of Black Lewis would respond differently if Rev. Yvette Smith Davis, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, ministers with the Rev. Jesse Jackson. As I talk- were a child. Rev. Sheron Patterson, Rev. Vonciel Jones Hill, ed with one of the women attendees, when Ironically since the assault became public Rev. Paula Dobbs-Wiggins, Rev. Barbara Reynwe were interrupted by a female hostess, who knowledge, Mr. Lewis was not held account- olds, Rev. Ouida Lee, Rev. Aisha Karimah, Sister said, “I need to find your husband because Rev. able for fostering a dysfunctional, illegal work Ava Muhammad, Dr. Earnestine R. Weems, Rev. Jackson is calling for all ministers to join him environment. Instead he has since been pro- Jacquie Hood-Martin, Rev. Marcia Dyson, and on the dais.” moted. I could go on and on. Well, my friend and I looked at one I wondered how many had to suffer at another because she has been a ministhe hands of those who instead of using ter longer than her husband! the scriptures and religion to empower, I replied, “You know she’s a minister educate, uplift, liberate and inspire; chose also, right?” to oppress and denigrate or shame. The hostess responded, “Yeah, that’s To the men and women who stepped right, I forgot!” forward seeking justice, well, I am not Come on Sister! They get it from the surprised to hear your names: Dr. Shirley men, and the women too! Ison-Newsome, Dallas County CommisNow, please note, I am not saying sioner John Wiley Price and others; I say that Rev. Jackson snubbed the Minister, thanks for being on the right side of hisit was a woman. tory time and time again. Well on to Rev. Yvette, who has had To the members of Black Methodists the support of men and women, but for Church Renewal under the leadership sadly the lines have been drawn in this of Phiebie Hutchins, and of course Rev. blatant case of sexual harassment. Yvette’s husband Carl, and other family Rev. Yvette came forward to let her members, thanks. team at First United Methodist Church Bishop Michael McKee, shame on anyLewisville know that she was being one who would try to cause further harm touched inappropriately by a congreto Rev. Yvette while uplifting and circling gant. Rev. Yvette Blair-Lavallais prepares to deliver sermon at the wagons around Pastor Andy Lewis. I must applaud Rev. Yvette for speak- St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church, where she Thanks for returning my call, Bishop ing out. She still remains a voice for the was an Associate Pastor before her appointment to First UMC McKee. We have so much to talk about voiceless, just like those soldiers with- Lewisville. and I look forward to sharing your perout swords who started the Black Press. spectives with readers. She realizes that she is not the only When the lawsuits come, because one one that has been assaulted and that possibly day they will, we must all remember what Dr. some of the others include children. Martin Luther King said, “In the End, we will What does this say about those who remember not the words of our enemies, but choose to remain silent, disregard or the silence of our friends.” make light of Rev. Yvette’s allegations? This is the first in a series as we look at the Have we all not learned anything from the response to Rev. Yvette’s charges and those thousands of claims and lawsuits resulting of others who have spoken out and were cast from cover-ups. aside and left to suffer alone. Remember that first story that appeared in No one deserves the treatment that Rev. the National Catholic Reporter, detailing the Yvette has received. Never mind that she is acts of a serial sexual abuser in Louisiana? sweet, compassionate, giving, kind, intelliSome might say this isn’t the same. Well 30gent, highly ethical, and sincere. She is dediplus years from now when churches are paycated and a woman worthy of emulating. She ing out millions because of lawsuits, some of has also been more enduring than so many the same naysayers will hopefully be around other women I know, including myself. to see what happens when “good”men and It’s time to air out the laundry. We must bewomen are silent. gin addressing issues and providing solutions I urge you to read Rev. Yvette’s testimony so that healing can take place. on the front page. Also it is important to note Yet, Rev. Yvette is expected to go away, get that in a correspondence from her immediate counseling or disappear. -Cheryl Smith supervisor who gave her steps for dealing with As Rev. Yvette shared her situation with me, I the perpetrator, but he failed to address deal- thought of countless women I know who were

Note: Right at press time, Rev. Yvette BlairLavallais received word of a new appointment and she says she is “looking forward to a fruitful ministry in that church.”

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VOTE EARLY: May 30 to June 6 WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM

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ELECTION DAY: Saturday, June 10 5â&#x20AC;&#x192;

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JUNE 2, 2017

ETHICAL. EXPERIENCED. STRONG. Runoff Election: Early Voting May 30-June 6. Election Day June 10. Endorsed by Former Candidate Tammy Johnston.

District 7 is full of potential for development and needs a strong voice to represent all of its communities at City Hall. As a business owner and 22 year home owner in East Dallas, I know the issues in our neighborhoods and I am ready to tackle the challenges.

Passionate about the issues that affect your life:

• Improving Efficiency of City Services • Crime Reduction/Increased Police Patrols • Economic Development and Job Creation • Promoting Inclusive Revitalization of Fair Park • Affordable Housing Development and Revitalization

Vote for Kevin Felder for Dallas City Council District 7

www.kevinfelderforcouncil.com felderforcouncil@att.net 214.559.6999

Pol. Adv. Paid for by the Kevin Felder Campaign for Dallas City Council District 7, Treasurer, Howard Johnson.

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Cheryl Smith’s USA BOWL

10920 Composite Drive, Dallas 6-10p.m.

Saturday, June 17, 2017

Don’t Believe the HYPE

Brought to you by Evans Engraving Williams Chicken McDonald’s

Celebrity Bowl-a-thon Register your team today! Celebrities include:

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Community Calendar

JUNE 2, 2017

2017 AFRICAN CHAMBER WEEKLY LUNCHEON SPEAKERS LIST 1705 Martin Luther King Blvd, Dallas

Non Food Vendor fee $50.00 Food Vendor Fee $150.00 Maximum Tent/Table size 10’ x 10’ Deadline for fees May 30, 2017 For more info call Brother Fred: (214) June 7 INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES607-6445 MARIO TREVINO June 14 TO BE DETERMINED June 21 TO BE DETERMINED June 28 DFW AIRPORT- LILLIE WEST & GUY TOLIVER Retired Police (LUNCHEON BEING HELD AT DFW Chief David AIRPORT) O. Brown will July 5 NO LUNCHEON DUE kick off his TO HOLIDAY book tour in July 12 TO BE DETERMINED Dallas on his July 19 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF life and the COMMERCE- JESSICA GORDON challenges of July 26 TO BE DETERMINED modern law enforcement at a program presented by the World Affairs Council of D/FW and the AT&T Performing Arts Center.

9940 White Rock Trail Dallas, TX Cost to Attend: $10, Children under age 13 Free

June 7

June 2

Ten-time Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum-selling artist CeCe Winans will follow her recently released number one album “Let Them Fall In Love,” with a national tour. The Fall In Love Tour presented by Medi-Share is Winans’ first solo tour in a decade and brings her to the Majestic Theater

June 3 Live Tribute To Johnny Taylor Saturday, June 3rd 2017 FEATURED ARTISTS: Ernie Johnson Fat Daddy (Son of R. L. Griffin) “Meatball” Sister Janean (Spoken Word) The Drummer Dancers D.J. LaSone MC Da Wolfman DOORS OPEN AT 1:00 PM CONCERT PERFORMANCE 2-8 PM 4750 E. CLEVELAND RD DALLAS, TEXAS 75247 Purchase tickets @ www.fredsentertainment.com VENDOR INFORMATION

June 8

din! Don’t forget that at 10pm the party gets live with performances by Uncle Luke and The 69 Boyz ******* Jazz On The Trinity at Panther Island Pavilion Hosted by Jazz on the Trinity 5 PM - 10 PM EDT 395 Purcey St, Fort Worth, TX 76102-

June 17

The Friends of ZWHJCOC are proud to announce the inaugural Juneteenth Economic Forum and Marketplace Expo on Friday and Saturday, June 16-17, 2017. This event is free and open to the public! All events will be held at Dallas ISD’s Billy Earl Dade Middle School. The Marketplace Expo, a two-day trade show, will feature well-known brands as well as entrepreneurs and boutique businesses in the beauty products and food service/restaurant industries. Product sampling is allowed and encouraged!

June 18

Celebrate Fathers at the annual City Men Cook Affair, 3-6p.m. at Gilley’s

Join Dr. Linda Amerson for ‘Beautifully Insecure’7:30-9:30pm. at Studio Movie Grill - I-20 & Matlock, Arlington. The deadline for ticket purchases is Thursday June 1, 2017 There will also be a 30 minute panel discussion after the film to include these area...image & society acceptance, self love, dating with alopecia, spiritual differences in relationships, and wigs-the cover up. Panalists include: Gwen Womack, Minister Womack and Marlo Mozee. Purchase your tickets here: https://www.tugg.com/ events/beautifully-insecure-wfoy

Cheryl Smith’s Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon at USA Bowl, 10920 Composite Drive, Dallas. featuring Miss Jessie’s Miko Branch, Kiki Shepard, Sen. Royce West, Williams Chicken’s Hiawatha Williams, Dante and Renetta Wesley, Bethel Johnson, Eva Coleman, Dareia Tolbert, Terry Allen and a host of others. FAMU ALUMNI PICNIC

June 10 Soul Food Festival TX Hosted by The Soul Food Festival 4 PM - 11 PM 5700 Lake Ridge Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75052performances by Cameo, Brick, El DeBarge, Ready For The World, Ruff Endz, Vivian Green and Noel Gour-

SEND US YOUR CALENDAR ITEMS news@texasmetronews.com

Saturday, June 17, 2017 11am - 5:30pm

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Bring Home the Timeless Tale “Beauty and the Beast” BURBANK, Calif.,— Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” the live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic, brought the story and characters audiences know and love to spectacular life and broke box-office records. Now the stunning, cinematic event arrives home on June 6 on Digital HD, Bluray™, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand. Fans who bring home “Beauty and the Beast” can celebrate the release with three ways to watch the movie – the original theatrical cut, the premiere cut with overture, and a musical experience with a sing-along version. The release invites viewers to get up close and personal with the filmmakers

and cast to see how this beloved animated film was transformed into a new live-action classic, from the first enchanted table read to a fascinating look at how the film was brought to life utilizing lavish sets, elaborately designed costumes and props, and state-of the-art technology. A feature on the amazing women behind the enchanted tale hosted by Emma Watson; and over 10 minutes of deleted scenes along with musical extras, including the “Beauty and the Beast” music video starring Ariana Grande and John Legend, Celine Dion’s heartfelt take on the new song “How Does a Moment Last Forever,” and jump directly to all you favorite unforgettable songs.

STOP THE VIOLENCE

LaDajrick “L.D.” Cox graduated from Carter High School on Saturday, May 27, 2017. In less than five hours he was a gunshot victim who ended up dead. The alleged shooter is a 17-year-old whose mother says she believes her son is covering for

someone else and does not want to be labeled a “snitch.” Voted Best All Around by his class, L.D. had plans of going to college and becoming an engineer. He ran track and played football at Dallas’ Carter High School. The body can be viewed Friday June 2nd 2-9pm at : Golden Gate Funeral Home, 4155 S R. L. Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75224 Celebrate the life of LD Cox on Saturday June 3rd @ 12pm Friendship West 2020 W Wheatland Rd, Dallas, TX 75232

His funeral will be Saturday, June 3 at Friendship West Baptist Church

Celebrate Fathers at the annual City Men Cook Affair June 18, 2017 3-6p.m. at Gilley’s www.citymencook.com WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM

I Messenger We must choose ‘community over chaos' By Rep. Helen Giddings (D-Dallas)

The meltdown on the final day of the 85th legislative session hardly came as a surprise. This story did not begin that day. It has been smoldering underneath the surface the entire session, with polarization and attacks on motives and character becoming the norm. Candidly, what is muttered away from the microphone is sadly far worse than what the public can hear or see. The Texas House descended into chaos on May 29. When a protest broke out in the House gallery, the worst of our natures emerged. There were threats of violence, shoving, and even calls to deport peaceful protestors. There are members of the Legislature who believe that only they can transform Texas. They care more about scorecards and spinning messages on social media than creating a better state for all people. Their vision of transformation would turn back the hands of time. It is about tearing down rather than moving forward. Their vision is one of exclusion rather than inclusion. The divisive and toxic 2016 presidential election gave some permission to name-call and to make disparaging remarks about those whose views they do not share. Mean-spiritedness once taboo and disguised is now openly displayed. The wounds caused by the callously leveled personal attacks and exposed racial resentment did not end on Nov. 8. Unfortunately, this is the rancor seen today in the Texas House. This inability to communicate is not just poor decorum, it’s an imperme-

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able barrier to a functioning government. During my tenure in the Texas House, those who are well-intentioned and seek to find agreement have most often been able do so. Common ground is not easy, but it can be found with persistent effort. Members of the Texas House and citizens alike must demand more meaningful attempts at reaching across the aisle. There should be no place for hatred, intolerance and disrespect. Clenched fists and the absence of trust deny us the opportunity to earn credibility with one another and find shared goals. With that undercurrent, we eliminate any possibility of tackling the tough problems of our state. The Texas Legislature is supposed to set an example for inclusion. It is designed to be the center of our democracy and the heart of our state’s problem-solving. If we embrace this example, we can make our state proud. At our best, we are indeed “one state, under God, one and indivisible”. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once reminded us “this may well be mankind’s last chance to choose between chaos and community.” I believe we face that crossroad again. We must learn to listen and hear one another again. We must see the other side not as enemies, but as fellow Texans. I pray we choose unity. I pray we learn civility. I pray we finally choose community over chaos. Giddings, a Democrat, represents Dallas-area District 109 in the Texas House of Representatives.

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Like Father…Like Son?

QUIT PLAYIN’ By Vincent L. Hall

Even before Donald Trump invaded the sanctity and solemnity of the White House, he made a questionable decision to recruit his highly acclaimed son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Since then, Trump has appointed Jared as jack of all trades, but even the village idiot could have predicted that he would become a target, “Family and Friends” work well for Fox News, but the concept is foreign in American politics. Almost immediately, the questions began to swirl. What role would daughter Ivanka and husband Jared play in which wing of the White House? Donald a lifelong sexist and misogynist, relegated Ivanka to all the girly stuff. You know…women in the workplace issues and “eye candy” for the guests. Works out fine since immigrant trophy wife Melania is in no hurry for the scorching white-hot lights of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. But for Jared, whom Donald sees as a young swashbuckling body dou-

ble with a brain…bigger, more manly duties would be assigned. Jared would be the Chief Counsel to the Resident, business attaché and magnate to corporate America, to the globe and on behalf of the Trump brand. Jared is the envoy who would finally bring peace to the Middle East and unity to Jews and Arabs on Jordan’s stormy banks. Donald Trump knighted the 36 year-old Jared

ing how New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie (an on-again, off-again Trump protégé) was responsible for jailing Jared’s father, Charles Kushner. It has stifled most to wonder how Trump can simultaneously entertain sworn enemies like Jared and the Governor. I mean…Who does that? Donald Trump does that!!! Well, it turns out that Christie, a former U.S. Attorney, “relocated” Kush-

Kushner and declared him “Captain-Save-A-WholeLot.” If you’re culturally lost, go, to the Urban Dictionary and research the term; “Captain save a ho.” It may sound like a far reach, but it parallels. I love the lexicon of the Millennials. Anyway, in the midst of storms that appear to be rising on the banks of Washington’s Potomac, I was compelled to dig into more of the Kushner background. In fact, my to-do-list included learn-

ner from his posh home near the Jersey Shore to a Podunk town near Montgomery Alabama. Christie charged Kushner with 18 counts of illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion and witness tampering. Now the first two are routine/easy charges for the Feds, but researching the witness tampering charges led me to a whole different appreciation for the Kushner genetic and social makeup. A January 13, 2005 New York Times article blew me away.

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“In an emotional handwritten letter in August, Charles Kushner, a major developer, political donor and philanthropist in New Jersey, apologized to his sister for hiring a prostitute to seduce her husband, who was cooperating in a federal investigation against him, and then sending her a videotape of the encounter. “What I did as an act of revenge was wrong in every way,” Mr. Kushner said at the start of a fivepage letter to his sister, Esther Schulder. “I only ask that you forgive me for resorting to such despicable behavior, which is disgraceful. I was wrong and I committed a terrible sin. How did I let hatred invade my heart and guide my actions?” Now, we know that the “sins” of the father aren’t always visited upon the son. We have also concluded that learning from the misdeeds of your father can become the roadmap to successful living for generations to come. The Kennedy family and many others prove that. But I don’t think Jared can be rehabilitated or freed from his father’s past after marrying into and being closely associated with another notorious sinner. Like father, like Son-inlaw? We will see!!! #birdsofafeather

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Ask Alma:

Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and Twitter @almaaskalma.

Dear Alma, I have a friend who knows I am hiring people to fix up my house, and she keeps suggesting that I hire her cousin. I have hired workers in the past and prefer to keep using them. There’s one particular project, however, that she’s really pushing her cousin to do. She visits my home often and she knows I didn’t so much as call her cousin for an estimate. It’s likely his price would be lower, but I’m simply not interested. Things like quality of work, hiring contractors, who show up on time, etc., are more important to me than saving a little money. The people I’ve hired in the past have been licensed, bonded and insured. I don’t know if that’s the case with her cousin; she’s never given me a business card or website. How do I deal with my friend? I don’t want to hurt her feelings, but this is my house. Happy Homeowner Dear Homeowner, Congratulations on owning your own home. Notice I didn’t address you as renter, borrower, house sitter or relative needing to crash for a few weeks. You said it in your email—you’re a homeowner; you go girl! Now, how do you tell a friend you don’t want to use her cousin, her brother, her husband, etc., for home improvements and not hurt her feelings? Let me back up a moment. Don’t

Business is business you hate that? A friend tells you about that great relative who can get the job done on the cheap. You’re like, “okay, thanks girl,” but then file it way in the back of your memory. Now every time she spots the handyman at your place with a hammer, she brings it up again. And dang, you’re like, “Okay, okay, already, I heard you the first time you mentioned it. If I wanted to use your

You definitely should go with a person or company that’s licensed, bonded and insured. What if the job isn’t completed successfully and you can’t get it resolved to your satisfaction? Then, you gotta sue her cousin. You see where I’m going?

JUNE 2, 2017 building a new website, planning a wedding. You are placed in a difficult position when hiring a family member or friend. Deciding to embark on a home improvement project is a huge decision. You definitely should go with a person or company that’s licensed, bonded and insured. What if the job isn’t completed successfully and you can’t get it resolved to your satisfaction? Then, you gotta sue her cousin. You see where I’m going? One more time, to bring this “home” and release you from your guilt: Business is business, friendships are friendships, and its best not to blend the two. Stick to the decision you’ve made. If she brings up the subject, cheerfully and lightheartedly remind her that you two are good friends and that you want to remain that way. I’m sure she’ll get the picture. Truly good friends, even when they disagree, understand and respect each other’s decisions. Alma

cousin and pay him with a pack of cigarettes and a six-pack, I woulda told you.” Oh, sorry, that’s my story; let’s get back to you. There’s no easy way to deal with this. Bottom line, truth be told, business is business. This could be one of many situations—having your car repaired, WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM

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JUNE 2, 2017

By Dr. J. Ester Davis

Ester Davis

Ester Davis can be reached at 214-3769000 or www.esterday. com.

Judge Margaret Jones-Johnson

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When your good works are interrupted

By Rev. Yvette Blair - Lavallais No matter how well you plan, goal-set or dot every “i” and cross every “t,” there is always the likelihood that something or someone will interrupt your good works. I’m talking about interruption in a major way – not just getting you off schedule and causing you to have to spend a few extra hours accomplishing a project. In October 2016, my good work was interrupted in a major way. I was in a ministry setting where I was repeatedly the “unwanted attention” of a male member who had a fixation on me. He would repeatedly grab me, uninvitingly touch me and was both consistent and persistent in his behavior. I reported it to the senior pastor on more than one occasion, yet it never stopped. It escalated to the point that this male member came in on me one evening as I was preparing to teach a Bible study class. I found myself alone, in my office, with a sixfoot white man towering over me, insisting that he be allowed to touch me. My safety was at risk and the agency of my personhood as a woman had been interrupted. In the time that followed that traumatic experience, every fiber of my being was impacted. Because the pastor of the church was adamant that this male member, who had a previous history of this behavior toward other women, be allowed to remain a part of the worshiping community, I could not remain. In every instance of reporting it, the senior pastor made it my responsibility to set boundaries with this man. My safety could not be ensured and as a result, my good work in that setting was interrupted. My range of emotions went from fear and frustration of having to endure that “fixation” over a period of four months to being disheartened and disappointed. Even with there being no support or contact extended to me by the senior pastor of the church, following that horrific evening, I knew that in my own calling and work as a pastor,

I had to decide that my good works could not and would not be permanently interrupted by this. In that I had been told by the senior pastor to set “boundaries” with the male member and to talk with someone else within the congregation who could offer advice on how not to “agitate” this male member, perhaps it was presumptuous of me to anticipate any support at this juncture in the ordeal. To compound the situation, I was the first and only African American clergy serving in that church’s 100-plus year history. The makeup of the congregation reflected the church’s non-diverse history. Here I was, an African American woman repeatedly being “touched” by a white male member of the church. And every time I reported the situation, it came as no shock to anyone. Each person knew who I was talking about without me ever having to utter the name of the man. He was known for this behavior and the church seemingly had grown accustomed to it. My agency as a woman of worth and value had been interrupted – in the church of all places. Too often, women find ourselves at the intersection of race and gender where our personhood is under attack. When it happens within the sacred spaces of the church, the impact of the hurt is magnified. If we are not careful in how we process it, the traumatic experience can easily interrupt our relationship with God – especially when the interruption happens in the church. God is with us in our struggles. In the aftermath of this experience, part of my good works is to make sure that women, especially those who have suffered and survived sexual harassment, oppressive structures and systems, and other inequities, can find their healing within the sacred texts of Scripture. We serve a God of liberation and heal-

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ing. It is important for pastors, preachers and those who proclaim the Gospel to intentionally lift up biblical texts in a way that restores worth and value of women. To not do it, is to further exacerbate the oppression and hurt. In the collection of essays, “I Found God in Me: A Womanist Biblical Hermeneutics Reader,” womanist, theologian, scholar and author Mitzi J. Smith (who edited the collection) says, “God’s image is not monochromatic nor is God’s voice monotone. God speaks in tunes and tones that resonate with the oppressed and marginalized, particularly with the lived experiences of black women and other women of color.” (page 9) When we open up the Scriptures and read the narratives of Miriam, Ruth, Hannah, Mary, and the unnamed women whose experiences are relatable to the women in our midst – our mothers, sisters, aunts, nieces, sistah friends and besties – we should do so with the goal of looking through the lens of their experiences and then lifting up the hope and healing that is there in the text. If you only share the text through your limited experiences and never take into account the many experiences that those in your midst have endured, then you never truly show the full range of who God is. When you are doing good works, the enemy will try his best to thwart God’s plans. When you are doing good works, there are situations and circumstances that will arise, many times at no fault of your own, that will seek to destroy the purposeful and meaningful impact that you are having on God’s kingdom. But it is when your good works are interrupted that you must make a decision and declaration that the interruption is only temporary. God will always make provision for you to do good works. When it does not work in one setting, trust and believe that God will go ahead of you to prepare the way for you to do God’s good work in another setting.

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JUNE 2, 2017 Big Tex is Hiring - State Fair of Texas Seasonal Job Applications Available Online The 2017 State Fair of Texas® is just a few months away, and Big Tex is officially looking for job applicants. Seasonal job applications are now available online for a variety of departments and positions. The State Fair is a beloved Texas tradition, so it’s easy to see why working at the Fair is just as fun as attending the annual event. The Fair provides more than 6,000 seasonal job opportunities every year, with approximately 1,500 people employed directly by the State Fair of Texas. As the annual event is a collection of small businesses, the remaining seasonal positions report to independent contractors including concessionaires, ride operators, and vendors. Applications for seasonal positions can be found online, with opportunities available in the following areas: Cleanup, Commercial Vendor Booths, Cotton Bowl, Coupon Sales, Creative Arts, Food and Beverage, Games, Gates, Green-

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college students. For more information or to apply, log on to www. dfwabj.com

URBAN JOURNALISM WORKSHOP APPLICATIONS

Applications must be returned to: DFW/ABJ c/o Cheryl Smith 320 South RL Thornton Freeway, Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203

The Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (formerly the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators) will present its 28th annual Urban Journalism Workshop for high school and

house, Guest Services, Livestock, Maintenance, Plumbing, Public Relations, Rides, and Security. To apply for a seasonal position at the State Fair of Texas, please visit BigTex.com/Jobs. In addition to encouraging job seekers who don’t have access to a computer to visit their area public library, the Fair has partnered with several local organizations who will be opening up their computer facilities to those wanting to fill out job applications. Please find details on the participating locations below: Cornerstone Baptist Church 1819 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Dallas, TX 75215 Contact: Chris L. Simmons 214.426.5468 Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center 2922 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Dallas, TX 75215 Contact: Lawon Williams 773.606.1147 Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Details related to future potential locations will be posted as they become available at BigTex. com/Jobs. The 2017 Fair runs Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 22.

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JUNE 2, 2017 I Messenger Making America Great Again Yet Continuous Promises Broken

FROM THE HILL

by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Over the last 30 plus years – my time and work has been dedicated to serving those in my community and working to bring about better opportunities for the people in Texas and our nation. Americans are working hard every day to make ends meet for themselves and their families – by working more than one job at time, taking out student loans for advanced degrees to gain a competitive advantage in the job industry, teaching in public schools, etc. There are other countless ways that Americans continue to push forward with hard work with an expectation that there will be an investment that is beneficial to them. However, after reviewing President Trump’s current initiatives in his budget proposal, these cuts are an apparent attack and atrocity to working class Americans, seniors, students, teachers and residents of every community. Alongside my constituents I paid attention during the last campaign cycle and listened to the roaring rhetoric of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump who founded his campaign on “America First” and “Make America Great Again.” He pledged to preserve Medicaid and Social Security yet this budget proposal reflects differently –there is nothing great or American about this proposal. As Americans we pride ourselves for being servants of others and helping our neighbors. Well from one American to another, I do not see how this budget plan is positioning us for investment in our local communities across the nation. The focus should remain on finding solutions to better educate, protect the health and wellness of all Americans, provide economic stability with job creation, and allow the social safety net to protect the most vulnerable in our communities at all times. Once again, the president broke his prom-

ise, “there will be no cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid,” which he tweeted in May 2015. The recent budget proposal from the Trump administration provides drastic cuts to Medicaid spending by $610 billion over 10 years. The proposal would also cut Social Security Disability Insurance, which covers approximately 10 million people. The Administration went as far as decreasing funding for Meals on Wheels, a program which many seniors enjoy and benefit from weekly. Additionally, families that benefited from SNAP will be impacted, the budget would shift $116 million to states. Another promise broken once again by President Trump, “The well-being of the American citizen and worker will be placed second to none….” I have no clear understanding of how we plan to promote an investment in our younger and current generation’s future if we plan to take away opportunities for them to receive education and job training. This is a dangerous assault on public education. Whether in the form of tax credits, vouchers, or so-called educational savings accounts, Secretary DeVos and this administration will use any means necessary to advance the for-profit privatization of our children’s’ education at the expense of millions of students from preschool through college and beyond. Instead of giving public schools and our teachers the resources and professional development services they need to provide our children with excellent, high-quality

education, the proposed budget would slash more than 22 important educational programs. And the budget would severely slash college affordability programs like the Pell Grant and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program which provides a strong incentive for students to commit to 10 years of public service as public defenders, social workers, etc. These cuts would eliminate class-size reduction efforts, physical education, music and art programs, teacher training, and additional important student and teacher services. President Trump made promises to fight for working class families, seniors, students, and individuals who want a competitive advantage in America so I would strongly urge my colleagues on the other side to oppose his proposal. And in the meantime I will work to ensure every child has access to a high-quality, affordable public education, that seniors are not forgotten and left struggling, and that students have a competitive advantage in the work force.

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