VOL 5 ISSUE 40
JUNE 3, 2016
Exquisite Jewels Unveiling Intelligence, Beauty and Brilliance COLLIN COUNTY ALUMNAE CHAPTER DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.
Brianna Heath
Morgan Wright
Christina Flakes Tonyia T. Williams - President
Daphne Maxwell Reid Mistress of Ceremonies
Collin County Alumnae Chapter
Kennedie Johnson
Sakari Spivey
Aryce Battle
Cendal Atkins
Marian Bailey
Kayla Lane
Nia Norwood
Christina Munnings Brandi Fortson
Markela Jennings
Tamia Simmons
Zharia Thomas Deb-Dorian Branch
2
I Messenger
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
JUNE 3, 2016
JUNE 3, 2016
I Messenger
3
Dick Gregory Live
at the Addison Improv! June 7th and 8th purchase tickets @
improvaddison.com
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
I Messenger
4
VOL 5 ISSUE 40
Collin County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Professor Cheryl Wattley Page 6
!VAILABLE AT .EWSSTANDS IN ee - Take One rland,Rowlett
Mesquite Richardson & E.Dallas
Free - Take One
Page 11
bscription $45.00450-1397 03 Fax (903)
JUNE 3, 2016
1 Year Subscription $45.00
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
JUNE 3, 2016
I Messenger
I
t was a night to remember.
It was simply, elegantly flawless as 16 young ladies took their next step in life as debutantes of the Collin County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The theme of this year’s cotillion was “Exquisite Jewels - Unveiling Intelligence, Beauty and Brilliance and the mistress of ceremony was actress, photographer, author and philanthropist Daphne Maxwell Reid. The Cotillion was the big event after an intense program under the leadership and direction of Ashley Nicole Simmons, who in her message to the debutantes said, “It is with immense pleasure that I watch your presentation this evening. I ask that you magnify the lessons, etiquette and values that you learned through this Cotillion
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
5
program as you embark upon the journey of life. Never stop learning, never stop improving and strive to be the best you. Continue to be a sponge and absorb all the lessons that are sure to come. Remember that someone is always watching: Ask yourself, ‘What will my legacy be?’” Members LaQuisha Buchanan and Jackie Lane were the Cotillion Co-Chairs; Lauren Michelle Bridges was the Ladies-in-Waiting Co-Lead; and, Sharon Kindall and Karen White were the Escort CoLeads. The Collin County Chapter was chartered eight years ago with 59 Sorors in McKinney, TX. Serving in her fourth year as president is Tonyia T. Williams. For eight years the members have presented young ladies and their escorts, as well as their families and loved ones with some of the most memorable and cherished moments of their lives.
I Messenger
6
JUNE 3, 2016
Texas Bar Foundation announces grant for Community Lawyering Center Pilot Program
Prof. Cheryl Watley UNT Dallas College of Law’s pilot program for two new Community Lawyering Centers is receiving grant support from the Texas Bar Foundation for a one-year period beginning April 22, 2016. The grant of $23,600 made to UNT Dallas Foundation will be used to support implementation of the law school’s new Community Lawyering Center locations in downtown Dallas and in the Frazier-Fair Park community in south Dallas. UNT Dallas College of Law, in collaboration with three major legal service providers, announced the opening of two Community Lawyering Centers on April 27, 2016 at a reception held at the law school’s downtown campus. The new Community Lawyering Centers introduce a unique neighborhood-based approach to delivering legal services to underserved communities in Dallas County. For the first time, four legal service providers have joined together to leverage their collective resources to expand capacity for delivering legal services in Dallas. Joining the College of Law are Legal Aid of North-West Texas, Dallas County Public Defender’s Office, and CitySquare’s Legal Action Works (LAW). In addition, the Dallas County Dispute Resolution Center will provide experienced media-
tors to supervise law students. Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $16 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation’s largest charity-funded bar foundation. Royal Furgeson, Founding Dean of UNT Dallas College of Law, praised the Texas Bar Foundation for their grant support. “This funding will help expand capacity for legal services in Dallas County and will assist the College of Law with our actions to improve access to justice for underserved communities.” The Community Lawyering Centers are designed to deliver a comprehensive approach that includes direct legal representation, education, and community outreach. “By taking our students to underserved communities, we will be teaching them a holistic approach to representation, nurturing their interest in public service law, and introducing them to the breadth of the needs of under-resourced communities,” says Professor Cheryl Wattley. Expanding capacity for legal services plus community impact. The collaboration of professionals and educators from multiple institutions and disciplines allows the Centers to deliver a wide range of multi-disciplinary educational and community programming to the citizens in the surrounding community. This holistic approach to assisting clients with both legal services and related community educational programming is not commonly found in tradition law school legal clinics, according to UNT Dallas College of Law Professor Wattley, who also serves as Director of Experiential Education at the law school. “Our approach provides community impact far beyond legal assistance,” says Wattley. Chief Public Defender for Dal-
las County, Lynn Pride Richardson, called the multi-disciplinary collaboration a “direct assault on poverty.” The College of Law, a new public law school, seated its first class in fall 2014. The law students from that Inaugural class are now the first law students who will staff the new Centers alongside supervising attorneys. Maria Thomas-Jones, Deputy Director of Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT), announced at the event that LANWT will provide three supervising attorneys for the Community Lawyering Centers. The attorneys will supervise the participating law students in the delivery of essential legal services through advocacy, community education, and direct litigation and positively impact the lives of low-income individuals and improve impoverished communities. “LANWT and the UNT Dallas School of Law will train future lawyers in practical legal advocacy in addition to cultivating in the students a stronger sense of ongoing community responsibility as legal professionals and future community leaders,” says Thomas-Jones. Lynn Pride Richardson, Chief Public Defender, praised the vision of the community-based law centers and the ability to bring them into operation through cooperation across multiple service providers. “The additional capacity to serve more clients is important to the community, and we are pleased to contribute to the effort,” said Richardson. Both Community Lawyering Centers operate away from the law school campus to deliver legal services in underserved neighborhoods, close to where potential clients live. The proximity removes transportation barriers that frequently make accessing legal services difficult for clients. The Centers operate with daytime, evening and Saturday appointments,
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
another important difference for clients. ”We understand that our clients may not be able to take off from work. They should not have to choose between earning money for their families and having access to legal representation,” says Professor Wattley. Being close by also reduces the time and expense of transportation by clients to legal clinics, which can sometimes involve multiple bus routes and long commutes for each appointment. Dean Furgeson recognized a number of organizations that are actively collaborating in expanding plans for the Community Lawyering Centers, including: • El Centro College Paralegal Program • Texas A&M University – Commerce School of Social Work • Dallas County Juvenile Justice Dept. • Café Momentum • Unlocking Doors • Children’s Health • Working in Neighborhoods Strategically (WINS) • YMCA • UNT Dallas Urban Institute • J.L. Turner Legal Association, Probate Section • Caruth Police Institute • Dallas Public Library • City of Dallas, Community Prosecutors • Dallas County Library • Children at Risk The Community Lawyering Center – Downtown is located within CityWalk at 511North Akard. CityWalk is also the home base for Legal Action Works (LAW), one of the legal service providers partnering in the concept. CityWalk and Law Actions Works are both programs of CitySquare, a community development organization offering a comprehensive array of social services in the areas of hunger, health, housing, and hope.
I Messenger
JUNE 3, 2016
7
Norma Adams-Wade and Dr. John McCaa among 2016 Honorees
Norma Adams-Wade
The Press Club of Dallas will present its 6th Excellence in Journalism: North Texas Legends Awards Reception, the club’s Hall of Fame, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2016 at the historic Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, 411 Elm Street, in downtown Dallas. Adams-Wade is a founder of the National Association of Black Journalists, founding director of NABJ’s then-Region VII, and a current columnist and retired 28-year senior staff writer for The Dallas Morning News. Dr. McCaa is a WFAA-TV (Channel 8) anchor and NABJ
Dr. John McCaa
member who recently earned a Ph.D. in Humanities from the University of Texas at Dallas. Press Club president Frank J. Librio Jr. announced 13 Legends award recipients for 2016 earlier in May. Librio, who also is vice-president of the communications/ marketing division of the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, said that judges annually seek “both excellence and innovation” in selecting recipients. In letters to recipients he said: “Your body of work is respected, makes a difference in our community, and rises to the level of excellence.”
DFW/ABJ president Cheryl Smith expressed pride that two of her members “are included among such a dynamic group of Press Club honorees” and have accomplished so much in the industry, community, and for DFW/ABJ and NABJ. “Norma and John have been an inspiration to aspiring and working journalists around the world,” Smith said. The 11 other recipients are Fil Alvarado, KDFW Fox 4 News reporter; Sandra Brown, author of 80 books; Steve Blow, retired columnist The Dallas Morning News; David Finfrock, KXAS NBC5 chief meteorologist;
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
Randy Galloway, sports writer Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Jeff Guinn, author and former editor of the Fort Worth Star Telegram; JoAnn Holt, journalist at the Oak Cliff Tribune and writer of Car Lady News; Sylvia Komatsu, executive vice-president and chief content officer of KERA/KXT (91.7 FM); Bob Phillips, reporter/producer Texas Country Reporter; Mike Rhyner, radio host, The Hardliner; and David Webb, reporter, The Dallas Voice. Tickets are available online at www.pressclubdallas.com under North Texas Legends Awards 2016.
8
I Messenger
Sponsored by
I Messenger WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
JUNE 3, 2016
JUNE 3, 2016
I Messenger
9
The Stigma of Chronic Disease by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
“You don’t look sick.” Lupus patients often hear this comment from family, friends, and even people they have just met. Many individuals living with lupus call this a blessing and a curse. While appearance may not indicate that an individual has been diagnosed with a chronic, life-changing, and very highcost disease, many people will simply not understand this. When individuals with lupus are told that they don’t appear to be sick, it is not only disheartening, but devastating. On average, it takes nearly six years and three physicians to receive a correct diagnosis of lupus. Unfortunately, lupus is often mistaken for other diseases because it has the ability to mimic other disease and affect multiple parts of the body. Lupus is also a very expensive chronic illness, costing at minimum $21,000 per year and up to $64,000 per year for both direct and indirect costs. Most individuals with lupus actually show few noticeable signs of the disease. Instead, lupus can cause damage to any organ system in the body including the skin, lungs, heart, joints, kidneys, and brain. Common symptoms include joint pain, skin rashes, fatigue, and long-lasting fevers. The illness can vary so much that it can manifest in all of the above mentioned organs or it can enter complete remission with no symptoms. Approximately half of adults live with a chronic illness. Many who live with a chronic illness experience stigma not just by their family and friends, but also within the healthcare space. Patients who internalize stigma and experience stigma from healthcare workers choose
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
to access healthcare less and experience a decreased quality of life. Patients with chronic illness actually forego treatment because they do not want to face discriminatory stigma by the healthcare workers that are supposed to be part of their support system. Patient silence is common with chronic disease, and in lupus, that silence has catastrophic consequences. Few people are actually aware that lupus exists and there is very little federal funding for finding the cause and a cure for lupus. There is currently only one approved drug to treat lupus. While ongoing lupus research is promising, we must remember that lupus is still largely a scientific and biological mystery. We must strive to drive stigma out of the healthcare system overall. We must always remember that the appearance of someone with a chronic disease is often a poor indicator of how their illness affects them. Just because disease isn’t visible doesn’t mean it isn’t there, ravaging various organs and draining bank accounts. In order to remove stigma, we must not only teach ourselves to react with compassion but also make an effort to learn more about lupus. Rather than judging on appearance, we should offer support and kindness and ask questions when appropriate. As a co-chair of the Congressional Lupus Caucus, I am committed to spreading education and awareness so that we can drive down the time it takes for diagnosis. I am committed to advocating for more research dedicated to lupus so that we can learn what triggers this mysterious disease and find a cure. I am hopeful that my constituents will join me in my commitments.
10
I Messenger
JUNE 3, 2016
Jenkins discusses the state of Dallas County By Sam Boyd Texas Metro News/ Garland Journal
The State of Dallas County address, issued by Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, took place on June 1 in the dimly lit event room of the Hackberry Creek Country Club, in front of Greater Irving – Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce and Dallas County employees, and reporters. The event was hosted and presented by AT&T and focused on challenges, growth opportunities, and the economic outlook that face Dallas County. Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia spoke first, discussing the need to be prepared as
County Commissioner Clay Jenkins Dallas continues to be one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. “I like that I get to brag about the county,” Garcia said. “It’s a good opportunity to recognize all the hard work that we have accomplished over
the course of a year.” Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins was next with his conversation moderated by Dallas Morning News columnist Gromer Jeffers. The two discussed many topics ranging from the high property valuations to healthcare trends. “I’ve said it many times, I’m looking out for the middle class,” Jenkins said. “I want to make sure everyone can live easily and comfortably.” They also discussed education and criminal justice reform. One in under 500 Dallas County residents will be
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
in jail at some point in their lives. This goes hand in hand with the fact that 5 percent of the world’s population is in the US, while 25 percent of the world’s prison population is also in the US. “It is only fair that people get to apply for jobs based on the conduct of their work,” Jenkins said. “If you don’t want to hire them [based on an offense] then don’t hire them. But give them the chance in the first place.” Jenkins said officials from both parties are coming together on issues to help the community. “It is so important that we come together,” Jenkins said. “The residents depend on us to get things done.”
JUNE 3, 2016
I Messenger
11
Hundreds of entries received for business formerly known as Black Jack Pizza Naming Contest
Business has been even busier than it normally is the business formerly known as Black Jack Pizza after it was revealed that the co-owner, Dorothy Jones received a cease and desist letter from BlackJack Pizza Enterprises, threatening her business with legal action. The Colorado-based company with over 40 locations in Colorado, Utah, Dorothy Jones at the Restaurant Wyoming, Arizona and formerly known as Black Jack Pizza Montana says if the Joneses don’t stop using any resemwas overlooked by major chains, Mrs. Jones blance to the name they trademarked in said she didn’t want to change the name. 1987--three years before the Jones’ restau- “I feel like it will hurt my business because rant came on the scene, there would be people will think that we have sold it,” she consequences. said. “People are used to seeing us here!” A clearly emotional Mrs. Jones talked And that was the dream that son Terry about how it didn’t seem fair that a name said he had when he first approached her she had used almost three decades was be- about opening a restaurant that while pizza ing stripped from her business. As she talk- was the main course, they offered a menu ed about how she and her son started the that included burgers, hot wings, beans and company to provide pizza to an area that cornbread, salads and spaghetti. “We were
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
providing a service and products to an area that others refused to value.” Since the contest to rename the business began on May 2, 2016, hundreds of entries were received. Despite numerous reports explaining the conflict regarding the name, many entries still bore the popular “Black Jack Pizza” in some variation on the form. Representing the Law School. Atty. Cheryl Wattley said that after the contest deadline, “we (students) will do the research to make sure that all the proper paperwork has been filed” to avoid a similar situation as the one the Jones Family is facing now. The D-FW Chapter of the National Black Public Relations Society, under the leadership of President Terry Allen of 1016 Media, compiled the entries and presented them to Atty. Wattley. The winning entry will receive a large pizza and tea once a month for a year and will be featured in promotional materials. The winning entry is expected to be announced on July 3, 2016 at the Unveiling/ Ribbon Cutting/Block Party. Stay tuned for more details.
12
Spiritually Speaking
by James A. Washington
T
he question is how do you master sin, if that’s even possible? Is sin for you not sin for me? What are the consequences of sin? Or, is it all just a set of rules that someone down through history decided were the moral conditions needed to keep society in check? I mean is it not true that the culture and customs of a particular nation might make the stomachs of those in a different country turn inside out? We all know or we at least should that there are sins of the flesh as well as sins of the spirit. Sin aside, there does seem to be universal acceptance, however, of what is moral and what is immoral. As many people as there are who would agree with this, there are an equal number who profess you take care of you and I’ll take care of me. It’s “yo thang…do what you want to do.” But isn’t morality actually a barometer
I Messenger
JUNE 3, 2016
Don’t Give in to Sin for sin? Aren’t there rules for the ages that are etched in stone and never change? There have been countless volumes of space and dialogue devoted to Jesus’ blood contract with us that in fact freed us from our sins. “…and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood…” Revelation 1:5. It shouldn’t be complicated at all, but living morally, living righteously, living between the lines is a struggle matched only by trying to understand the meaning of life itself. This is hard yes. But is it worth it? I don’t know about you but the struggle to live without sin(ning) is a recognized, acknowledged and appreciated impossibility. The beauty of this is that God is a God of yet another chance. The key here is attitude; yours, not God’s. This your attitude will eventually dictate the outcome. If it is God centered, if it is truly controlled by a sense of humility and vulnerability in relation to God, if remorse is real, then mercy will be forthcoming.
It stands to reason then, that with the right attitude grounded in the right relationship, maybe sin can be mastered. It starts with confession I’m told. Confession to God is not like any other confession. You see God knows when you’re lying to him and to yourself. In this instance the truth cannot hide, won’t even try to hide from the Lord. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 john 1:8-9. The outcome, should you dare to comprehend, it is eternal life, which requires faith, which requires belief, which requires a daily resolve to choose against sin in the name of something so much
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
greater. If you believe this life we live now is all there is then I might understand deliberate sinful pursuits. If you believe in more however, then sinful pursuits are real mistakes and mistakes can never be made in the name of the Lord. “But if anyone does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense---Jesus Christ.” 1 John 2:1. From time to time, Jesus deserves a break. Consciously do the right thing. You know you can. Choose to do so. It’s not as hard as you think. And remember, the rules are really etched in stone. May God bless and keep you always.
James
JUNE 3, 2016
Quit Playin’
by Vincent Hall Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is the Independent Senator from Vermont, but he’s acting more like a Maryland Farmer, or a Minnesota Firefighter; you got the acronym! Bernie is cool but Buck Fernie Sanders. The majority of Democrats wanted Hillary Clinton all along. We said, with feigned sincerity, that a little intramural competition would be good for her and for us. But this Maryland Farmer, Fernie Sanders, has taken his role as a sparring partner too literally. In the words of the immortal Richard Pryor: “You can’t kick my ass and holler at me too!” Muhammad Ali allowed sparring pod’na Larry Holmes to linger and it cost him a TKO in his last ever title fight. Hillary will exit the ropes as the winner, but bruised much too severely for what was billed to be a three-round charity event. Fernie, much like his controversial baby brother Donald Trump, whines, winnows and uses winsome words to destruct rather than construct. He throws a flurry of low blows
I Messenger
13
Buck Fernie Sanders!
because he’s never sustained a good punch himself. If this had been a sanctioned championship event, Fernie would’ve been knocked on his pale, puny ass and counted out in the first round. By the way... Where are his tax returns? He and Donald must use the same accountant—H&R Blockhead!! Then this punch-drunk welterweight decries with his mirror-twin Donald that the “system is rigged.” Duh... Yeah. But both parties come to their rules democratically. As certified entities they have the right to write their own rules. Closed primaries and caucuses are there for reasons that each statewide contingency agrees on. Point of fact: Gerrymandering and closed primaries kept Blacks and Browns out of office for decades but they learned the game and used it to their advantage. Local example: If primaries were open, Whites hostile to his “radical views” could crossover and vote County Commissioner John Wiley Price out in any primary. Conversely, Price has remained in office and drawn the 2010 voting lines that transformed Dallas County Commissioners Court from four White Republican seats to one that has four Democrats and two solid districts, one Black and one Brown. Buck Fernie; the system works if you work. How would you feel if someone with a temporary membership demanded to be
the Chairman of your churches’ trustee board or Country Club? Buck Fernie. He has no more right to commandeer the Democratic Party than I would have to change the placement of a menorah at Temple Israel. The concept that membership has privileges is not just a catchy line for a credit card commercial — it’s a democratic imperative. Many Gems find congruence in wanting Democratic Party Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz replaced. But if Fernie’s followers leave with him so be it. I wouldn’t vote for him regardless. Real progressives want to get the growing number of homeless and ex-offenders into housing. They want to re-
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
direct wealth so that mental illness and drug addicted Americans are made our first priority. It’s not just America’s infrastructure that’s collapsed; our will to foster compassion for anyone other than our own has dissipated. Democrats shouldn’t cast votes based on whom the polls say has a better chance of beating Donald Trump. Trump will beat himself. I’ll give you 5-1 odds and an autographed picture of Don King if I’m wrong. Seriously, I love the populism Bernie Sanders started his preliminary bouts with. But over the past three months Fernie has morphed into some angry, unrealistic pugilist and villain. I was feeling Bernie, but Buck Fernie and those Maryland Farmers who are shallow enough to believe the “system” was rigged to keep them out. Just because Democrats love everybody doesn’t mean they have to accept being threatened by anybody!! #AndaFightComeWithIt!!!
I Messenger
14
ASK ALMA:
by Alma Gill NNPA News Wire Columnist
Dear Alma, I recently joined a new company that was formed through a merger. My boss ran our department in the old company, and she still has her old title. But, with the merger, many new people have come on board, including me. She’s older than we are, and she became a manager before there were a lot of women in the company. She has very sharp elbows and a really old school command and control approach, which she clearly picked up from the men she worked with. Her most noticeable trait
JUNE 3, 2016
My boss has a big mouth is that she deals with everything in front of everyone. Rather than walk over to someone’s desk, she yells orders across our office. She criticizes the junior people who haven’t met her expectations (including our only POC). She gets in arguments with the other executives in meetings. She also can’t keep a secret. I’ve told her a couple of things in confidence, only to have her repeat one of them, in capital letters, in an all staff e-mail. I was horrified. She isn’t able to let anyone have a moment. If someone does a good job on something, she congratulates them and then talks about when she did something similar, and usually better. The person then gets overshadowed and their chance to shine is gone. She seems to be protected because the senior executive who originally brought her on board is still there. She goes to him all the time whenever
a dispute comes up. She has invited me out for dinner, and has tried to get me to confide in her, but I really don’t trust her, especially after the e-mail situation. I’m afraid everything we talk about will get shared the next day. So, what are your suggestions for how I can deal with her? Signed, Wary At My Desk Dear Wary at My Desk,
Pinto beans and rice! I wouldn’t wish this workplace wacko on anyone of my adversaries. Workplace 101: Any boss with sharp elbows and no filters, can’t be trusted. I mean really, what more could you wish for – a punch in the throat? LOL. To say “ keep away” seems to me to be an understatement. So how about until she retires, you’re permanently busy. Need some examples, here you go – you’re taking a class, volunteering,
feeding the homeless, giving blood. You feel me? Once, and I mean once, every four months or so, you can quickly walk for coffee. Another dinner is a definite no-no, meanwhile, just listen, nod and smile. Repeat compliments she likes to share about herself, she’ll like that. Yes, watch your back, stay two steps ahead and ride it out. You’re smart, that’s why you’re there. You’ve been around long enough to recognize the rules of the game, determine your role and play it. Do your best, be your best, that’s all that’s really required. Judging from her past jungle fury – I pray it doesn’t happen again, but you and I know better. Stay focused, prepared and on point. If and when she throws you to the wolves, no worries. Contemplate your next move with confidence, conquering in your Louboutins. You’re a spearhead, always ahead of the pack.
WWW.IMESSENGER.COM WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
JUNE 3, 2016
I Messenger
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
15
I Messenger
16
JUNE 3, 2016
Black Women Beware:
Are Our Hair Products Killing Us? By Danielle James Atlanta Daily World
A bombshell new report from Black Women for Wellness, an LA-based advocacy and research group dedicated to the health and wellness of Black women, released a 60page document this spring with shocking finds linking many major hair care brands to toxic and poisonous chemicals. The report, titled Natural Evolutions: One Hair Story accuses the hair care and personal care industry of lacking regulation as well as causing major health problems among Black women. We aim to expand healthcare access, reduce toxic hair care chemicals that are prevalent in our community and build political advocacy in California and beyond. ~ Black Women for Wellness, Mission Statement After five years of research (including data collection, focus groups, and historical research), the research indicates that our beauty routines may be contributing to our demise. The consistent exposure to certain products is affecting our health. HelloBeautiful spoke exclusively to Teni Adewumi, Environmental Justice Research and Policy Analyst for Black Women for Wellness, explaining the reasoning for conducting this study. “There wasn’t a lot of literary information on the products that we use and what that specifically means for Black women. The little information and the little research we found was not very promising. We wanted to know what group of
black women might be most impacted.” “Really looking at the products we use as Black women, we use these products more frequently than any other ethnic group. We wanted to know if these products were affecting us in any kind of way.” ~ Teni Adewumi on why Black Women for Wellness conducted this study Black women and girls already have a disadvantage and overwhelming burden as a result of disparities in health care. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the United States’ largest philanthropy dedicated to health, estimates Latinos and African-Americans experience 30 to 40 percent poorer health outcomes than white Americans. Our hair health is at risk due to lack of information of products, affecting the safety of hair dressers, and causing serious health issues including respiratory problems, obesogens, and cancer at higher rates than our female counterparts of other races. Here are the findings from the report:
Reproductive Issues The American Journal of Epidemiology determined that the use of hair relaxers is linked to uterine fibroids in Black women and girls. This will affect approximately 80% of Black women over their lifetime. The study interviewed more than 23,000 Black women across the span of 12 years (1997-2009) and found twoto-three times higher rates of fibroids among Black women. The possibility of unregulated and untested chemicals as well as the amount of chemicals we place in our hair and scalp is potentially dangerous. While Black Women for Wellness admit that there is still more testing needed to determine birth outcomes and the use of hair care products, they do present information regarding the links between miscarriage, low birth weight, and chemicals found in products used by hair dressers that are causing some concern. They bring light to the fact that even though the national rates of infant mortality have been decreasing, “Black women still have rates of infant death
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
2.2 times higher than White women (11.46 to 5.18 respectively).” Respiratory Issues The One Hair Story research paper called out a UK study that estimated 14-20% of cosmetology students drop out during their first two years due to contact dermatitis. 7 out of 10 hairstylists will likely suffer a form of work-related dermatitis during their career. “Hair care professionals work with many chemicals that are known to adversely affect the respiratory system. Chemicals such as formaldehyde, ammonia, and bleaching agents have been known to lead to breathing difficulties such as coughing and wheezing, heightened sensitivity, and in some cases occupational asthma.” ~ Natural Evolutions: One Hair Story It’s estimated that African-Americans are almost three times as likely to die from an asthma-related cause in comparison to White Americans. According to The One Hair Story, “Increased risks from traditional asthma factors such as air pollution and occupational exposures leave Black hair dressers at a greater risk for harm.” “My friend [has] 20 years in the industry,” one focus group participant said. “My friend doesn’t have fingerprints anymore…my friends can’t go to the DMV and put their hand down and [get] fingerprints anymore.”
JUNE 3, 2016
I Messenger
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
17
18
I Messenger
Supported by I Messenger WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
JUNE 3, 2016
JUNE 3, 2016
I Messenger
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
19
20
I Messenger
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
JUNE 3, 2016
JUNE 3, 2016
I Messenger
Dick Gregory Live
at the Addison Improv! June 7th and 8th purchase tickets @
improvaddison.com
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
21
I Messenger
22
JUNE 3, 2016
Community Calendar JUNE 4
12, 2016
11:00 am to 6:00 pm The African American Museum in Dallas located inside of Fair Park at 3536 Grand Avenue is the host.
African American Museum Annual Gala, Omni Hotel, Downtown Dallas *********
****
Dick Gregory performs at the Addison Improv ******** IOTA PHI LAMBDA SORORITY hosts free leadership forum at the Frontier of Flight museum, 9a.m.
JUNE 6
Second Annual Fairways for Leaders Golf Tournament at Hackberry Creek Country Club, Las Colinas, TX Hosted by: Life School ************* Adult Coloring Debuts at Garland Libraries Adult coloring is a great way to release stress and have fun. Adults age 18 years and older are invited to try it for themselves at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 6, at the Central Library, 625 Austin St. The library provides all the supplies; you provide the creativity! Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. See additional dates for the adult coloring program on the Garland library webpage. Call 972-205-2501 to learn more.
JUNE 7-8
Garland Symphony Orchestra Visits Preschool Storytime Children age 3 to 5 years may learn about music as an art form during Preschool Storytime at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 8, at the South Garland Branch Library, 4845 Broadway Blvd. Members of the Garland Symphony Orchestra (GSO) will teach about the different musical instruments that form the orchestra and demonstrate how each is played. For questions and additional GSO appearance dates, call 972-205-2516.
JUNE 10 The African American Museum in Dallas Continues the Experiment: Southwest Black Arts Show What: The 6th annual Southwest Black Arts Show (SWBAS) moves forward to present a quality experience for artists, collectors, galleries, educators, art professionals, anyone interested in black fine arts. Art Show Reception June 10, 2016 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm Art Show Hours June 11, 2016 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Art Show Hours June
MESHELLE, ‘The Indie-Mom of Comedy” is indeed funny on purpose! Innovative, independent with individuality are but a few words to best describe this funny wife and mother who’s appeared on BET’s “Comic View”, “Martin Lawrence Presents: 1st Amendment Stand Up” and Nickelodeon’s “Search for the Funniest Mom in America 3.” Friday and Saturday, June 10 and 11, 2016 @ 9pm Clarence Muse Cafe Theatre ****** The Kemp Leadership Academy will welcome nationally known para-athlete Devon Berry to Fort Worth for the organization’s signature event, “The Will to Win.” Berry, featured recently on ESPN’s E:60, will deliver a message of resilience and community. The program is free to the public and begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 11 at the Center of Excellence for Energy Technology’s Fusion Room on the Tarrant County College South Campus, 5301 Campus Drive.
June 11, 2016. celebration begins with a family festival during the day from 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. and then at 5 p.m. there’s the Gospel Explosion Concert featuring Rickey Smiley, Melvin Williams of the Williams Brothers, Charles Jenkins, Jonathan McReynolds, Cym Hughes, and Certrell Russell. It’s a celebration and you’re invited so make sure you don’t miss this awesome Festival and Anniversary Celebration! Admission to the festival is FREE, but you will need a ticket to get into the concert. ***** AARP’s Life Reimagined presents “Reimagine You,” a one-day immersive experience at the Majestic Theatre in Dallas, where participants will gain inspiration and guidance as they navigate various crossroads, and discover their opportunities and possibilities in life. Featuring speaker and media powerhouse Arianna Huffington, along with notables Angela Davis, J.R. Martinez and Dani Shapiro. *****
****
Friendship-West Baptist Church 40th Church Anniversary & Festival Saturday,
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
Dallas Police Department 2016 SOUTH CENTRAL DIVISION Safety & Health Fair Saturday, June 11, 2016, 10:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M. 1999 E. Camp Wisdom Rd
JUNE 3, 2016
I Messenger
23
Community Calendar JUNE 14
“A Community Cooks” event at Paul Quinn College. A Community Cooks (“ACC”) is an annual event to raise funds for the College’s WE Over Me Farm. ACC takes place at 6pm, June 14th in the Grand Lounge of the Cottrell Student Union Building on the campus of the College.
JUNE 15
“DOING BUSINESS WITH DALLAS FORT WORTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT” AFRICAN CHAMBER LUNCHEON, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE NEW DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT HEADQUARTERS . LUNCH IS BEING PROVIDED, BUT SPACE FOR THE EVENT IS LIMITED.
JUNE 15
African Chamber Luncheon “ Doing Business with DFW International Airport” from 11:15-1:00 PM at the DFW International Airport New Headquarters Building.
JUNE 16
L.G. Pinkston Class of 69 Alumni Nonprofit First Annual Fundraiser Event and Dinner on Thursday, June 16, 2016 at the El Centro College West Campus meeting room from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. that will benefit the high school students of L.G. Pinkston in West Dallas. The evening includes an elegant dinner, music, and a silent auction. The event will support L.G. Pinkston Class of 1969 Alumni Nonprofit scholarships and senior programs. Dinner Tickets $50.00 Only 50 seats available for
this stellar event. Call us today to RSVP at 972997-5228 Guest Speaker- Attorney Bobbie Edmonds, Recipient of the Legacy of Women Award
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
*******
*****
Balch Springs Chamber of Commerce June Network Luncheon Guest Speaker: Brisa Castillo, Acuity Systems, Inc. Break the Rules, Close More Sales! Thursday, June 16, 2016 11:30AM-1PM 12400 Elam Road, Balch Springs TX 75180
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 ************
*********
Garland Summer Musicals Presents Fiddler on the Roof
Garland Summer Musicals will open its 2016 season with Fiddler on the Roof, June 17-19 and June 24-26. Set in the small village of Anatevka, the story centers on a poor dairyman who must protect his daughters in the face of changing social influences. Performances will be held in the Brownlee Auditorium of the Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth St. Purchase tickets by calling 972-205-2790 or visit GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com.
JUNE 18 The Community of Joppa cordially invited to join us in celebrating the Buffalo Soldier Sesquicentennial 150 years. Come and be a Part
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 ***** 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 City Men Cook is scheduled for Sunday, June 19, 2016, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST, at Gilley’s Dallas, at 1135 S. Lamar St., Dallas, TX 75215. ********* City of Duncanville to host Independence Day Celebration – July 4th, 2016 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,
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
Cheryl Smith’s Don’t Believe the HYPE Celebrity Bowlathon 2016 USA Bowl 10920 Composite Drive, Dallas Call 214-941-0110 for team registration and sponsorship opportunities
NOVEMBER 5
Kick-off reception for the formal 30th anniversary celebration, Our Journey to Thirty... an exhibition celebrating the 30th anniversary of ICDC.
24
I Messenger
WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM
JUNE 3, 2016