I Messenger 6 23 17 by Cheryl Smith

I Messenger VOL 6 ISSUE 40

JUNE 23, 2017

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THE GRIM REAPER PAGE 9

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I Messenger NOMINATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR

JUNE 23, 2017

VOL 6 ISSUE 40

33rd A. Maceo Smith Community Service Award

Five Community Servants Will Be Honored For a Variety of Service

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Smith was also a leading figure in the Progressive Voters DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T BELIEVE THE HYPE League, NAACP, Dallas Black 6 Chamber of Commerce, DalThe coveted A. Maceo las Urban League and Bishop Smith Community Service College. He was integral in Award will be presented Sat- the development of Hamilton urday, September 30, 2017 at Park. He was also a trustee 10:00a.m. of New Hope Baptist Church Five volunteers will be rec- and the National President of ognized for their outstanding Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity AT .EWSSTANDS IN Free!VAILABLE - Take One service to the African Ameri- and Fisk University National Garland,Rowlett Quit Playinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; !VAILABLE AT .EWSSTANDS IN can community in the area of Alumni Association. He was Mesquite 11 Garland,Rowlett Arts and Culture, Civic and a foundering Mesquite supporter of Richardson Richardson Human Services, Education, The African American Mu- & E.Dallas & E.Dallas Business, and Youth Involve- seum, Dallas and the founder ment. A special award will of the Hall of Negro Life that be presented toGarland, a community Each Month Phalconstar.com TexasMonthPhonePhalconstar.com (972)was 926-8503 Fax (903) 1(972) YearFair Subscription erected at450-1397 thePhone State in Fax$45.00 35thAugust 1-15, 2012 Published 1st & 15th Each Garland, Texas 926-8503 (903) 450-1397 1 Year Subscription $45.00 servant under 40 years of age. 1936 for the Texas CentenniThe deadline for nomina- al Fair. The Award which had tions is July 6, 2017 been given beginning in 1978 The Award is named for A. was last presented on October Maceo Smith, a consummate 31, 2009. community leader whose vol- For more information, conunteer service spanned a pe- tact Daphne Stephenson Baty riod of more than 50 years. at 214.565.9026 ext. 311 or Smith served as a Regional email: dstephenson@aamdalDirector of Fair Housing and las.org. Equal Opportunity for the

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JUNE 23, 2017

Noose found on National Mall By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Contributor)

U.S. Park Police confirmed that another noose was found on the National Mall, last week, according to ABC News. Late last month, a portion of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C., was closed for nearly three hours after a noose was found in a gallery, officials said. The museum, on the National Mall near the White House, reopened fully later that day, after police deemed the area “safe and secure,” according to an internal memo provided to ABC News by the Smithsonian. In an article posted to the Smithsonian’s, museum officials said that the noose is a reminder of “America’s dark history with lynching” and referred to similar incidents of noose sightings around the country including at a school in Missouri, a construction site in Maryland, on the campus of Duke University, at a fraternity house on University of Maryland’s campus, at a middle school in Maryland and at a high school in Lakewood, California. Tourists found the noose in the museum’s exhibit on segregation. The incident at NMAAHC occurred after a noose was found on May 26 hanging from a tree outside the Hirshhorn Museum, which is located close to the Black History museum. In an email to museum staffers, Lonnie Bunch, the director of NMAAHC, said that the incident is a painful reminder of the challenges that African Americans continue to face. “The noose has long represented a deplorable act of cowardice and depravity—a symbol of extreme violence for African-Americans,” said Bunch. On May 30, at Wakefield High School in Raleigh, N.C. a Black doll with a noose around its neck was suspended outside of a window. “Let me be clear: This was an offensive act that has no place in our school. The imagery is deeply offensive and everyone in our school community should be appalled,” said Principal Malik Bazzell, as reported by a Raleigh TV

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station. During a rally at the a park named after Confederate Civil War General Robert E. Lee Charlottesville, Va., on May 13, participants with torches chanted “Russia is our friend” and “you shall not erase us.” According to ThinkProgress.org, the rally was in response to “the state’s decision to sell off a statue of treasonous general Robert E. Lee, who led the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia against the United States during the Civil War.” ThinkProgress.org also reported that, “Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer condemned the rally and its attendees.” On May 26, in Portland, Oregon, a man named Jeremy Christian hurled anti-Muslim vitriol on a subway train at two young women, then murdered two men who intervened, Taliesin Namkai-Meche, 23, and Ricky Best, 53, and injured a third, Micah Fletcher. On May 20, Richard Collins, 23 yearold second lieutenant in the Army, was stabbed to death by University of Maryland student Sean Urbanski, 22, as Collins waited with friends for a ride. Lt. Collins was about to graduate from Bowie State University on May 23. The FBI is investigating the murder as a possible hate crime and it has already been reported that Urbanski was a member of an “altright” group on Facebook. On the eve of the NBA Finals, Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James’ Los Angeles home was vandalized; the “N-word” was written with spray paint on his house. “Just shows that racism will always be a part of the world, part of America. Hate in America, especially for African-Americans, is living every day. It is hidden most days. It is alive every single day,” James told reporters. “No matter how much money you have, how famous you are, how much people admire you, being Black in America is tough.” Lauren Victoria Burke is the White House Correspondent for the NNPA Newswire. She is also a speaker and political analyst and appears weekly on NewsOne Now with Roland Martin. She can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on Twitter at @LVBurke.

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JUNE 23, 2017

Former chief discusses his life, memoir and the future By Dorothy Gentry Texas Metro News Photo: Eva Coleman

He walks in wearing a broad grin, a crisp white shirt, silver/gray suit with a thin multi-color handkerchief mixed with red and blue that he says his wife picked out. “Hi, how are you? Are you the one interviewing me?” he asks as he shakes my hand. I greet him, we discuss my brother, a Dallas Police Officer. Then we sit on the couch with his book laid open on a table before us. Although I’d never met him in person before our sit-down, I saw him on the news, in the papers, on television. This person in front of me- former Dallas Police Chief David Brown (Ret.) - making small talk looked happy, carefree, at peace. Calm. Like retirement was fitting him well. It’s been eight months since he surprised many and retired as Dallas’ longest tenured chief. A move he made eight weeks after five officers were killed in an ambush in downtown Dallas during a peaceful Black Lives Matter Protest. In that ambush, a gunman, Micah Johnson, 25, a former Army reservist, targeted and gunned down officers as they escorted the BLM demonstrators protesting fatal police shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota. It was the deadliest attack on law enforcement in America since Sept. 11, 2001. After his surprise announcement, Chief Brown released a statement saying in part his retirement was “a difficult decision.” The attacks captured the nation’s attention at an already tense time around the country between police officers and black communities, catapulting Chief Brown into the face of urban, community police. In the aftermath of the shootings, Chief Brown used the spotlight and aimed its glow at the challenges police departments face today. He urged protesters to

fill out applications and join their respective police departments. He also shared the stage with President Barack Obama at a memorial service for the fallen officers in Dallas. Brown, who now splits his time between Dallas and New York, was back in his hometown to kick off his book tour and promote Called To Rise, his memoir. Only hours before he was to greet and speak to a packed house at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in downtown Dallas, Chief Brown took time out to talk with us about the book, Dallas and its future, retirement and more. On The Importance of Unity in This Country – We have never been stronger when we are divided in our country’s history. We are always stronger when we can come together around a compromise. When we can convene around common goals. Always. Look at the civil rights movement. All sides involved disagreed. There was a lot of conflict and misconduct around that until LBJ convened with the civil rights leaders. They got together. This is our country’s history. Our coming together is our strength; the strength

of our democracy. When we are divided we are weakest and won’t accomplish anything. On Why He Wrote Called To Rise: It is a prescription to people for what ails our country: serving other people. Doing something for other people with no expectation of anything in return to you. And this has a great reward. Not only does it bring us together but it also creates a sense of urgency and passion. Plus, when you have skin in the game and not just be in the stands, cheering and booing what’s happening on the field - but when you are really involved, that’s when you make significant change. What Everyone – Especially The Black Community - Should Do Now: The Black community, we see the deficiencies in our government and how they treat us. We see it and express it through activist groups like Black Lives Matter. But our country has never seen significant change just through protest. Martin Luther King Jr. didn’t just protest. Thurgood Marshall went to court. John Lewis got elected to Congress. It takes more than protest. Now you have every right to protest. I’m not saying don’t pro-

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JUNE 23, 2017 test because it’s made us aware. It’s important. But the next steps are, to make a significant change, participating in local government. We just had an election here in Dallas and you won’t make change with 6 percent of the people voting and 94 percent staying home. This is not how our democracy works. It is not a stay at home democracy. It’s a get out and vote democracy. Why is this important? City Council members hire the city manager. The city manager hires the police chief. You want a police chief to be reflective of your concerns? You want officers trained reflective of how you want to be treated? Put some skin in the game. On Chapter 19 of the book titled Ambush: (As I was writing it) I was thinking about the families. I was careful. We transcribed every thought I had. Then we started editing. I wanted to make sure that families who read this didn’t feel like anyone took advantage of them and feel like people respected their loved ones sacrifice. This chapter is about showing respect for those brave men who gave their lives and all the other officers who were wounded, shielded protesters from gunfire, ran toward gunfire rather than away risking their lives..This book is really a testament to their sacrifice.

On Critics and Naysayers: I am a person of faith. I let the Lord fight my battles when it comes to critics. I’ve learned through tragedy and experience that all these battles are not meant for me to fight. I follow my faith and try to, as much as I can, serve other people. This is a culmination of my service and it expresses how others can serve. On His Biggest Accomplishment as Chief: I was able to serve my hometown. That was special. My mother is still alive. To police the city you grew up in is special. On Life Post Retirement: I am spending time with my family, loving on my wife and 11-year-old daughter. We are in New York half the year. We’ve gone to Hawaii and have plans to go to Europe. We want to travel the world. I am also working with ABC News as a contributor, I’m an author now on a book tour and working with a global security firm. On What He Would Tell Dallas: I gave Dallas all of my adult life from age 22 to 56 (he’ll turn 57 in October) and I never expected anything in return with that service. And now, with today’s event especially, people paying a ticket to get a book about my life, all the love I gave Dallas, it feels good that Dallas is giving me this love back. In the words of Teddy Pendergrass, it feels so good loving somebody when somebody loves you back. Thank you Dallas.

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JUNE 23, 2017

Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon

For 23 years Cheryl Smith’s Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon has raised money for college scholarships. This year’s 1st and 2nd place teams were from Evans Engraving and the 3rd Place team was from 411 Sports Photos: Eva Coleman and Michael Hollywoodd Hernandez

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JUNE 23, 2017

Celebrities Bowl for Charity in 23rd Annual Don’t Believe The Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon

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Williams Chicken Founder Hiawatha Williams, KHVN-AM’s Dareia Tolbert, 2x Super Bowl Champion Bethel Williams, former NFL player Dante Wesley and other local and national media personalities and elected officials bowled to raise funds for scholarships, Saturday, June 17. The 23rd annual Cheryl Smith’s Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon, brought to you by title sponsor, Parrish Restaurants, LTD, brings together the community and public with national and local celebrities for an evening of bowling, fun and fundraising. Proceeds from the event benefit area youth and scholarship programs. THE WINNERS High Celebrity Male - Ken Bell High Celebrity Female - KJ Midday First Place Team - Evans Engraving Second Place Team - Evans Engraving 2 Third Place - 411 Sports

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JUNE 23, 2017

Community Calendar

2017 AFRICAN CHAMBER WEEKLY LUNCHEON SPEAKERS LIST 1705 Martin Luther King Blvd, Dallas Texas, 75215

June 28 DFW AIRPORT- LILLIE WEST & GUY TOLIVER (LUNCHEON BEING HELD AT DFW AIRPORT) July 5 NO LUNCHEON DUE TO HOLIDAY July 12 TO BE DETERMINED July 19 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCEJESSICA GORDON July 26 TO BE DETERMINED

“Owning Your Own”: Legal Clinic 10am – 1pm; Thurgood Marshall Rec Center Gym; 5150 Mark Trail Way, 75232. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority sponsors this event about homeownership, patents, copyrighting, trademarks, and business plans. Free. Light breakfast, lunch, and giveaways included. Contact: Christie Thomas at: thomasluvonia@sbcglobal.net.

Interim President Sought Deadline: July 7th. Regional Black Contractors Association is looking for a highly-motivated leader to serve as Interim President of the organization. 4-year college degree plus 5 years, progressive leadership experience in an association setting or community-focused organization. Contact: Kimberly Sparks; 214-565-5665; ksparks@blackcontractors.org

June 26 Fair Park Community Meeting 6:30pm; Women’s Building @Fair Park; 3800 Parry, 75226. Billed as a “Discussion of the Future Management of Fair Park”, the meeting is conducted by the consultants developing the City’s RFP for the future management of the park. The public’s input is desired as the team explains next steps in creating the formal bid. Contact: 972-716-0070.

JUNE IS BLACK MUSIC MONTH

June 27

June 22-23

Church Growth & Community Development Workshop The Real Estate Council; 3100 McKinnon, #1150, 75201. FREE! Session designed to equip faithbased groups with real estate tools such as understanding financial statements and investing in real estate. Contact: Maggie Parker, 214-6923607; mparker@recouncil.com.

Rev. Maymette Dolberry will perform at Glen Oaks United Methodist Church, 4606 South Polk Street, Dallas 7:00 P.M. The Dallas Entrepreneur Center Coworking Space 311 North Market Street #200, Dallas, Texas 75202

Business Education Class Wednesday, June 28th; 11am - 1pm; PeopleFund Dallas; 2801 Swiss, #120, 75204. FREE! The course helps you learn business basics like credit, insurance, permitting, financial statements, contracting, bidding, and access to capital. Register: https://peoplefund.org/education/peoplevet/

June 23-24 The Black Bridal Experience The Manderly Event Center, DeSoto

June 24

Garden Composting Workshop Saturday, June 24th; 9am; Sunny South Community Garden; 2632 Lagow, 75210. FREE! Organized by the Urban Ag Team of Dallas Hunger Solutions, a local master composter will share tips on creating nutrient rich, organic soil for your garden(s). Contact: Wyonella Henderson-Greene; 214-951-7780.

June 28 Business Workshop: Fair Park Merchants Association 12noon; SouthFair CDC; 2610 MLK, Jr. Blvd, 75215. Members: Free. Non-members: $25. Rod Hanks will speak on “Business Insurance”: Types of Coverages; and Protection from Loss. RSVP: kiyana.duplantier@southfaircdc.org.

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JUNE 23, 2017

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Yanez “feared for his life!”

Jeronimo Yanez On Friday June 16, 2017, a jury in Ramsey County found Officer Jeronimo Yanez not guilty of the 2016 killing of Philando Castile. Teresa Nelson, interim executive director of the ACLU of Minnesota, responded, “The

jury’s decision to acquit Ofsocial media to express her ficer Yanez does not negate outrage over the verdict. the fact that Philando CasIn a FaceBook Live vidtile’s tragic death is part of a eo, the agony she felt was disturbing national pattern clearly evident as she blastof officers using excessive ed the verdict. She was not force against people of the only one. Many are askcolor, often during routine ing, especially after seeing encounters. Philando Casthe video, how could the tile was one of 1,092 indijury come to a not guilty viduals killed by the police verdict? in 2016. Yet in most cases, There have been sevthe officers and police deeral demonstrations and partments are not held meetings. Mr. Castile was accountable. While many murdered during a traffic Philando Castile officers carry out their stop on July 6, 2016, in Faljobs with respect for the con Heights, a suburb of St. communities they serve, we must confront Paul, MN. the profound disconnect and disrespect that At the time of the indictment, Ramsey many communities of color experience with County Attorney John Choi said, “I would their local law enforcement.. submit that no reasonable officer knowing, Following the acquittal, the dashcam vid- seeing, and hearing what Officer Yanez did at eo of the shooting was released. At a commu- the time would have used deadly force under nity meeting on Monnday, Diamond Reynolds, these circumstances.” On the same day that who was in the car with Mr. Castile and her the verdict was announced Officer Yanez was young daughter, at the time of his murder, said fired by the City of St. Anthony. they are in therapy. Mr. Castile’s mom, Valerie Castile, took to

Southwest Black Art Show The Southwest Black Art Show was created to present an exemplary experience for artists, collectors, educators, fine art professionals, and admirers of black art. The SWBAS is committed to the exclusive presentation of original art produced by artists of African-American and African descent. Our goal is to make the Southwest Black Art Show an annual destination point where collectors come to view and purchase quality black art. The show will be held June 24 th and 25th at the African American Museum, Dallas. This year we are pleased to announce two featured artists. James Brown is a 90 year old internationally-known artist. Mr. Brown is a talented painter, graphic artist and illustrator. Most of his work portrays the lives of people in North Africa, South

America, Africa and the Caribbean. Mr. Brown has exhibited in shows with other renowned artists such as Romare Bearden, Andy Warhol, Jacob Lawrence, Janet Fish, Elizabeth Catlett and many more. Also featured is the internationally-known artist Leroy Campbell who lives in New York. Campbell who is originally from South Carolina is known for seamlessly inter-mixing the unlikely themes of Gullah – Geechee cultures, post Renaissance vibes of Harlem and Brooklyn, and the 1980s African cultural resurgence. Both Brown and Campbell were chosen for their universal views of honoring traditions while fusing them with the current political and social climate. Additionally local Dallas area artists: Mark Crow, Tyra Goodley, Don O’Bannon, Evita Tezeno,

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Albert Shaw, and Paul Harris will be joined by more than a dozen artists from the Southwest. Over twenty-five artists are expected to attend this year’s show. This show will host a series of workshops for those interested in becoming collectors, but may not know exactly what to look for when viewing a work of art. The Show will feature presentations by seasoned authors that will discuss topics focused on urban and traditional art forms. In addition, there will be hands-on activities for families and children throughout the weekend. The SWBAS was founded by artist, Frank Frazier, a group of art educators, collectors and curators from North Texas in 2010. Annual attendance is more than 2,000 visitors. Members of the Honorary Steering Committee are Fort Worth Attorney, Renee’ Higginbotham-Brooks;

Licensed African American Art Appraiser, Garbo Hearne of Little Rock, Arkansas; and SWBAS Founder Frank Frazier. For more than 35 years, the African American Museum has stood as a cultural beacon in Dallas and the Southwestern United States. Started in 1974 as a part of the Bishop College Special Collection, the Museum has operated independently since 1979 as a vision of Dr. Harry Robinson, Jr., Founder and President/CEO. Visit www.aamdallas.org to find the latest information about the Southwest Black Art Show, including the list of current artists and scheduled presentations. For additional information call Jane B. Jones at 214-565-9026, ext. 328 or via email at jabjones30@gmail.com or jjones@aamdallas.org.

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JUNE 23, 2017

Dallas Mavericks hold Summer Basketball Camps for Area Youth

Dallas Mavericks players Harrison Barnes and Devin Harris, members of the Dallas Police Athletic League (PAL) and former Dallas Police Chief David Brown visit Dallas-area youth at the Mavs Basketball Academy Summer Youth Basketball Camps.

Story and Photos By Dorothy Gentry The Dallas Mavericks, its Mavs Basketball Academy and many of its star players are making this a summer to remember for Dallas-area youth. Star Dirk Nowitzki, point guard Devin Harris and forward Harrison Barnes are just some of the players who have spent time this summer visiting, answering questions, encouraging, uplifting, encouraging, and oh yeah, putting the basketball moves on happy girls and boys during the Mavs Basketball Academy. Mavs Basketball Academy is dedicated to helping athletes achieve basketball related goals by utilizing cutting-edge training techniques and a distinctive coaching style that stresses physical improvement, mental growth, and leadership necessary for long-term development and success. Three different basketball programs: Hoop Camp, Elite Camp and Overnight Camp, as well as the

new Dance Camp led by the Dallas Mavericks Dancers, are there to provide the appropriate program for all age groups and skill levels. The camps provide kids, ages 8-18, the fundamentals of the game, meet new teammates, learn sportsmanship and have plenty of fun. The camps are coached by the Mavs coaching staff. Barnes’ camp, held at Exline Recreation Center in South Dallas, featured Retired Dallas Police Chief David Brown, a Dallas native, and the Dallas Police Athletic League. Barnes and Brown spoke with the kids after the camp on leadership in the community as a means to build the relationship between youth and law enforcement, and provide life and character-building skills for at-risk kids in the South Dallas area “It is important to talk with them about real life issues. A lot of the time they see us on the TV screen, etc. and it doesn’t seem real-life,” Barnes said. “It’s important to get with them, let

them ask questions, encourage them to be leaders and they can see we are real people just like them.” Retired Chief Brown, a Dallas native whose mother lives in the area said, “This is a place were kids have big dreams and many challenges. But to see people like Harrison come here it means so much for me to see this. “This is not just a basketball camp. This is showing people in this community that you care and it’s heartfelt,” Brown said. “I’m happy to be such a small part of Harrison’s efforts to give back.” Barnes said it is important for youth today to understand they don’t have to be famous to be leaders. “You don’t have to be a basketball player to be a leader in your community. Everyone can be a leader. Everyone has those traits. It’s just a matter of believing in yourself and having the right priorities.” Chief Brown said one message he wants kids to under-

stand is that leaders care about each other. “People won’t follow you unless they first know that you care about them. I want to convey to them to care about their neighborhood, friends, family,” he said. Once you care, your behavior will reflect that caring,” he said. “You won’t go out and make bad decisions because you care too much about people. Leadership is all about caring and then your behavior reflects that.” Harris surprised kids at the Mavs Overnight Camp at the University of Texas at Arlington. He spent time answering questions ranging from “How did you get to play for the Mavericks?” to “Who is your favorite player?” He then spent time playing basketball with the campers and offering tips on how to bring out the best in their game. To register for Mavs Basketball Academy, visit mavs.com or call 214.747.MAVS.

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JUNE 23, 2017

Prince…And the Revolution? QUIT PLAYIN’ By Vincent L. Hall

Dr. Curtis King, the CEO and founder of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) is at it again. TBAAL’s annual theatrical renderings in recent years featured “Ray and Stevie” “Aretha” and “Tina Turner”. This year, the 2017 the Summer Youth Arts Institute will present “Prince.” You can check out one of three shows beginning June 23rd at only $4 per ticket. TBAAL will prove, again, what can be done with 500 children when they’re given a purpose, direction and some encouragement. The Dallas Independent School District supports and helps to underwrite much of this effort. It is apropos that a theatrical production about Prince Rogers Nelson would be undertaken by children. His forward leaning, youth-friendly philanthropy was a well kept secret that was only uncovered as the megastar transitioned last year. The Rolling Stone revealed much if it in an edition published June 2016. “It began with an anonymous check about 10 years ago. Environmental and human rights activist Van Jones

was working on George W. Bush’s Green Jobs Act when he received a $50,000 donation and no name attached to it. “I promptly returned it,” he recalls. “I’m not taking anonymous checks for $50,000. It could be from anybody.” But then someone sent it back, and he returned it again. Eventually Jones received

er gig: philanthropist. Since Prince’s death last Thursday, Jones has learned just how involved Prince was in philanthropic causes. In recent years, the artist – who worked with Jones on the organization Green for All, which creates green jobs in disadvantaged communities, and #YesWeCode, an organization that educates

a call from a rep for the donor: “I cannot tell you who the money is coming from, but his favorite color is purple.” Jones laughs. “I said, ‘Well, now you’ve got another problem, because now I’m not going to cash the check, I’m going to frame it.’” The story got back to the man who wrote the check, Prince, who found it so funny he called Jones up and befriended him. That’s when Jones learned about Prince’s secret oth-

urban youth about technology – worked to raise awareness for movements like Black Lives Matter and sent money to the family of Trayvon Martin. Prince’s ex-wife, Manuela Testolini, met him through doing philanthropic work for his foundation and he encouraged her to start her own charity; she’s now building a school with her In a Perfect World organization in his memory. In a statement after his death, she described him

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as a “fierce philanthropist.” Prince was a fierce philanthropist and the children who will perform an “age appropriate” requiem in his honor are fierce as well. I love organizational development, and this annual event is a proven business model. Curtis King and his band of teachers, counselors, college interns, industry professionals and artisans of every genre build a well defined, functioning organism in a matter of three weeks. This year’s enrollment touts 500 children, but not all of them will be in plain sight when the lights go dim and the curtains are recessed. This student body is dispatched to duty in ancillary roles necessary to pull off a theatrical production. Some are dancers, singers, actors and actresses. But the larger backstage crew is fierce too. There are photographers, set directors, make-up artists, costume artists, sound techs and much more. Children ages 10-19 learn the mechanics of viable craftsmanship and design. Prince was into technology, artsy institutions and the future. Curtis King and his cast are too. These kids are gonna party like its 1999… before most of them were even born. It will be Prince and the Revolution. Why does that sound familiar? Vincent Hall is an author, activist and award-winning columnist.

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Your man has an addiction!

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,

ried! On the one hand, I don’t see using this makes me feel as a justification for divorce. On the other hand, I feel betrayed, belittled, devalued, and bullied into being with someone I would NEVER had been with, if given the choice of him as a smoker. Signed, He has made a liar out of me! Dear “He has made a liar out of me,

Five years into my marriage my husband moved himself into the downstairs bedroom. The initial reason given was, “He didn’t want to disturb the babies” (including a newborn) with his late-night arrival, and early departures for work. Some months later, after a “marriage check-up” with our pastor, he confessed to me out of euphoria! He admitted that he had started smoking, you know; one of those things I never wanted in my life! Smoking is one of those “THINGS,” you know, those things you list as true deal-breakers, with regard to dating and relationships…FROM THE START! He admitted that he knew how strongly I felt about this, but he figured it was no longer a deal-breaker since we are mar-

Holy hot water hose, you’re infuriated! I can see the flames flickering from your email. Luckily, I’m here to distinguish this dilemma. Lawd knows what would happen, had you not reached out for help. Quick, duck, here comes a splash of reality–this ain’t about you, it’s about him. Him and his habit, he owns an addiction. I know you feel betrayed tossed and lost in the hot sauce, but the reality is, we’re talking about a serious dependency, a desire that requires you to fully satisfy by any means necessary. Do you wanna know how I know? I smoked for over 20 years before I could quit. Your body craves for the nicotine. That’s why people stand outside in a cold, snow, icy rain to take a smoke. As

JUNE 23, 2017

a non-smoker, what you don’t know is, smoking can be soothing, a stress reliever, it relaxes you. If you’ve never struggled with a compulsion, you just don’t get it. It’s his choice to make. He won’t win unless he’s all in. So, encourage your husband to make up his mind to quit smoking because it’s the healthy thing to do. Remind him you’d like for him to be around a long time for you and the kids, blah, blah, ladee-da…you know what I’m talkin’ bout. Ask your doctor for brochures and suggested websites to share with him. Tell him you want him back upstairs, now! Yes, you’re right, smoking is a game changer, but you two can commit to get through this. Stop, read that again, I said you two. Handle your husband’s addiction with patience and tolerance. Don’t nag him, offer support. This will take time. I recall a conversation I had with a loved one who had battled a drug problem. During her last days, I asked, “why didn’t you ever just quit?” Her answer, “for every time you think I didn’t, I did times a million.” I assure you he’s trying, that’s what many smokers do, more than you and the rest of us non-smokers will ever know.

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JUNE 23, 2017

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JUNE 23, 2017

Ester Davis

Judge Margaret Jones-Johnson

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JUNE 23, 2017

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Log on to www.iwillrise.org or call (888)230-RISE and see how you can help or get help!

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JUNE 23, 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-

DFW-ABJ

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 23, 2017 I Messenger Comey’s testimony before Senate Intelligence Committee

FROM THE HILL

by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Johnson, releases statement following former FBI Director James Comey’s testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee public hearing: “Hearing the live testimony by former FBI Director James Comey leaves us with more questions than answers,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “However, one point is clear – we can no longer excuse the President’s behavior and complete disregard for maintaining a sense of propriety and lawfulness in his actions as a public official. The fact that Mr. Comey had to take deliberate steps

to protect himself due to the lack of trust and apparent conflicts of interest among cabinet officials in the White House is deeply disturbing. It is quite unfortunate that President Trump has chosen to undermine the credibility of the federal government in this way and detract from the more meaningful discussions we should be having about issues facing our nation.”

“Mr. Comey’s need to testify before Congress today highlights the dire consequences of delaying a fully independent commission from investigating the Trump-Russia connection and the possibility of collusion during the 2016 campaign between President Trump, his associates, and Russian operatives. After today’s hearing, it appears that Mr. Comey was fired for his unwillingness to yield to President Trump’s demands to subvert such an investigation. That is wrong.”

“When the President of the United States chooses to influence an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, it can create the appearance of a conflict of interest. This can undermine the American people’s trust in our government, our rule of law, and the elected officials who serve them. If a sitting president chooses to fire the law enforcement officials investigating allegations of wrongdoing committed by the administration, it sets a dangerous precedent if no repercussions follow such actions. This is where Congress must play a bigger role.” Lastly, the Congresswoman added, “Mr. Comey recalled in his testimony that President Trump demanded and expected loyalty. The American people demand the same of our President, and they expect loyalty to our country – not to foreign adversaries.”

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Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.

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