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I Messenger VOL 6 ISSUE 42

JULY 7, 2017

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JULY 7, 2017

Dear Shavon

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Devontae Owens Laquon Wilkerson Desmond Jones Darius Fields Laporshya Polley Kendall Perkins are all connected to this case in some way

Stolen Innocence

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VOL 6 ISSUE 42

Faithful servant:

Charlie Mae Brown Smith

City Men Cook 6

It was a rough week. Shavon’s could rest knowing that she came body was found on Sunday morn- to you and said it! ing and so many stories were Charlie Mae was a librarian by circulating about stolen drugs and profession who worked with the the 13-year-old held for ransom.

Zale Library at Bishop College, People were sad and outraged.

The Martin Luther King Branch Then as the week came to a of the Dallas Public Library and close I had a chance to say farein the Dallas ISD Schools. She well to one of my sorors, Charlie received a Masters of Library SciAT .EWSSTANDS IN Mae Brown Smith. ence degree from Texas Woman’s Free!VAILABLE - Take One

Garland,Rowlett Quit Playin’ I have known Charlie Mae for University. !VAILABLE AT .EWSSTANDS IN

Garland,Rowlett about 36 years of the 61 that she A Golden Life Member

of

Delta Mesquite 11

Mesquite was a member of Delta Sigma Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.,

she Richardson Richardson Theta Sorority, Inc. died on Friday, June 30, 2017. & E.Dallas & E.Dallas For decades I would arrive at the Wake- Thursday, July 6, 2017 Dallas Alumnae Chapter’s meeting and sign the membership ros- Black & Clark Funeral Home 5th Each Month Phalconstar.com1stGarland, TexasMonthPhonePhalconstar.com (972)2517 926-8503 Fax (903) 450-1397 Year 926-8503 SubscriptionFax$45.00 E. Garland, Illinois Avenue 3 August 1-15, & 15th Each Texas Phone1(972) (903) 450-1397 1 Year Subscription $45.00 ter2012 on thePublished line beneath her name.

Dallas, Texas 75216 She was so proud of her uninter6:00 PM rupted years of service.

We worked on committees toFuneral - Friday, July 7, 2017 gether and I was the beneficiary The New St. John Dallas of many of her teachings.

2600 South Marsalis Avenue She was proud of her work for Dallas, Texas 75216 Delta, the Black Academy of Arts 11:00 AM and Letters and her community.

Charlie Mae was a dedicated Charlie Mae stood up for what person who lived a life worth celshe believed in, regardless of ebrating and remembering. She who stood with her and if she had lived a life of service! something to say about you, you -Cheryl Smith

Free - Take One

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Teen murdered in bizarre case

By Cheryl Smith

The intense search for 13-year-old Shavon Le’Feye Randle came to a sad and shocking end over the weekend when her body was discovered in an Oak Cliff home along with 19year old Michael Titus.

Once FBI agents confirmed her death, people began arriving at the site of the abandoned home that many are now calling for to be torn down.

On that fateful Sunday morning, July 2, 2017 the unsettling murders were the topic of discussion as folks made their way to religious services and offers prayers for the families.

And as the mother and family members, as well as those who knew Shavon shed tears, there were many around the country and all over social media who shed tears and expressed pain over the news that a young girl who was reported as being held as ransom for stolen drugs was now dead.

Prior to finding the bodies, the names of four people of interest: Laporshya Polley, Darius Fields, Devontae Owens and Titus, as reports surfaced of stolen drugs and the possibility of Shavon being kidnapped and held for ransom. At last count six were in custody.

On Monday evening, Min. Dominique Alexander, Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway, School Board Trustee Joyce Foreman joined with family members for a vigil outside the structure that is a symbol of destruction and the havoc that drug trade has wreaked on communities around the world, and especially black communities.

According to Min. Alexander, of Next Generation Action Network, the vigil, and march, was held to let the families know they are loved. “Shavon is one of ours and Mike Titus is one of ours,” he told the crowd that continued to grow despite the sweltering heat. “It’s not easy coming out here, but Shavon’s mother is here. She needs our strength.”

During the speaking portion, that lasted over an hour, there was singing and praying.

There were tears, words of encouragement and more tears as several members of Shavon and the Titus family spoke.

Clearly there was a little dissension as some appeared to suggest that Titus was involved with the kidnap and was

Shavon Randle

Michael Titus therefore not an innocent victim of circumstances as Shavon was.

Once Shavon’s mother began speaking, the words of encouragement got louder, but the tears also began flowing throughout the hundreds who were gathered.

“It’s hard standing here looking at this house where my baby was found,” Shaquna Randle,said, as she encouraged parents to cherish their children, and hold them close.

At one point she smiled as she talked about Shavon and how she would get on their nerves sometime. “She had two sisters and one brother,” she continued. “She was outspo-

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ken and messed with everybody.”

As she prepared to close her comments, she urge everyone to join together and stop crime in the neighborhood and also to seek justice.

“This is a hurt I wouldn’t put on anyone,” she said, as she explained that Shavon went to school in Lancaster because she could no longer attend Dallas public schools. Shavon was staying with her aunt in Lancaster and that is where she was abducted from.

Councilman Caraway echoed the grieving mother’s expressions about working in the community to end the illegal activity.

“This is my community and this house has to come down,” said Mr. Caraway, as he pointed toward the structure located at the corner of Kiest Blvd. and Sunnyvale.

“We’re going to make it our business to take control again of our neighborhood. We’re going to do the right thing but it’s going to take each and everyone to stand up. That baby did not deserve what she received in this haunted house.”

Mr. Caraway also said to call 214-670-0781 if anyone knew of any other “drug houses that needed to come down.

And Olinka Green has a message for the men as she encouraged them to come to the front of the gathering and also to take the message back to the “men on the corner.”

“Genocide is in our community,” she said. “ We have to have our men back. Women have been supporting all along. We stand in the gap when you are not there. We need you. We love you. Leave the drug game alone.”

Rev. Ronald Wright also called for action from the community as he shared a message of all lives mattering.

Wake up everybody,” he said. “You can’t get mad at the police if you don’t get mad at your own. It’s going to take us coming together.

He also called on the clergy to get involved by getting “out and helping raise these boys!”

While no information has been released about how Shavon was murdered, according to the coroner’s report Mr. Titus had been shot.

Still numerous other reports detailed a brutal savage death.

According to law enforcement, a tip was received that led to finding the bodies.

Go Fund Me accounts have been established for both families.

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Eva Coleman was on the scene at MegaFest 2017

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Three Winners to be Crowned at 13th Big Tex Choice Awards

The race has begun as concessionaires return to their kitchens in preparation for another Fair food frenzy at the State Fair of Texas. Entries are now being accepted for the 13th Annual Big Tex Choice Awards competition.

Building on the success of 2016’s event, the Fair is excited to announce a few enhancements that will be debuting during this year’s competition. The stakes have now been raised with a third category joining the award lineup.

Three winners will be crowned in 2017’s ceremony, receiving awards for “Best Taste – Sweet,” “Best Taste – Savory,” and “Most Creative.” With the addition of a third category, the number of available spots in the final round has increased, and the top 10 foods will be selected as finalists.

Presented by returning sponsor, Visit Dallas, the main event will be held Sunday, August 27 at 2:00 p.m. in the historic Tower Building in Fair Park.

All concessionaires entering

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the competition must have a minimum of one year experience as a concessionaire at the State Fair of Texas, which means each contender has earned their right to compete. Eligible contestants must enter an item that falls in one of two categories – Savory or Sweet.

They will then face the first round, where an anonymous, internal panel of judges will blindly score each entry based solely on its name and description. To maintain fairness throughout the preliminary rounds, this “blind judging” process ensures that the panel will not know the identity of the applicants. The top 30 entries from round one will then advance to the Semi-Final tasting round.

Semi-finalists will be tasted and scored by the internal judging panel based on the following criteria: presentation, taste, and creativity. Each of the criteria categories will receive a score from one to ten, and the 10 highest-scoring entries will receive a coveted spot in the Finals of the Big Tex Choice Awards competition. Headed by a

judging panel of local and national celebrities, the 10 finalists will be challenged to prepare a “sample tasting” of their food for both the judges and guests in attendance. Based on the same scoring system from the semi-final round, the entries with the highest rank in the Savory Category and Sweet Category will be selected as the “Best Taste” Winners in those respective categories. The entry with the highest score in creativity will be awarded “Most Creative.”

Widely known as a Fair staple during the annual 24-day run, food also plays a year-round role as part of the Fair’s mission for having a positive community impact. The annual Big Tex Choice Awards competition is more than a quirky contest for promoting Fair food, it serves as a platform for supporting initiatives like the Fair’s Youth Scholarship Program.

This year’s event will once again be open to the public as a ticketed fundraiser, with all proceeds from the ceremony donated to the Youth Scholarship fund.

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North Texas fathers prove that FATHERS ROCK

Community Mentors, Dads, and civic leaders gathered Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18, 2017 at Gilley’s in Dallas for the 17th Annual City Men Cook event sponsored by FedEx, USVI Islands, John Eagle Honda and FedEx Cares.

Over 900 individuals participated in the

event. Over 40 men cooked their favorite dishes ranging from CEO Jesse Jenkins "Nasty Beans" to Jerome Harrison's Peach Delight, which he calls a grown up version of peach cobbler.

FedEx Executives Cleo Hayden, John Collins, Vincent Bradford and Byron Jack-

son showcased their culinary delights.

Gumbo Chef Byron Jackson took the top award again for his gumbo. FedEx Sales Executive Vincent Bradford served over 680 handmade snow cones to the kids in the crowd.

Celebrity Host Kiki Shephard and Obba

Babatunde kept the excitement and energy flowing as Miss Teen International Trish Pizzica served as the official greeter.

Terry Allen is the founder of this 17-year All Photo Credits: City Men Cook Team

Cheryl Smith, Bevan and KiKi Shepard

Miss Teen International Trish Pizzica

Chef Jeff Gales

Brother Wesley -14 years cooking.

Irish Watson, Omar Gooding and Terry Allen

Constable Williams

CakeDaddy and Bread Pudding

MavsManiacs with Claudia Fowler

Brandon Vance and mom

Bevan and KiKi Shepard

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Bevan, Terry and Claudia

Cheryl Smith and Alexis Yancey

Cakedaddy, Kelle Pruit and Obba Babatunde

Ora Guy working and eating

Obba Babatunde and Bevan

Cake Daddy and BBQ Chef Ron

Jeremiah Thomas and MAVs Man

Irish Watson, James Thomas and Cheryl Smith

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Tarrant County Democrats support of Peoples

Tarrant County Democrats have hopes of turning the County blue under the leadership of current Chairwoman Deborah Peoples, who held a fundraiser recently in Fort

Race Forum deals with many issues

By Cheryl Smith

As Dallas prepares to pay homage to the officers killed on July 7, 2016 during a peaceful march calling attention to police brutality and recent shootings of unarmed black men and women by police officers; citizens gathered at Dallas’ Friendship-West Baptist Church for a discussion about race.

Organized by Next Generation Action Network(NGAN) and moderated by noted psychologist Dr. Brenda Wall, a panel discussed race , racism and problems plaguing communities of color.

Opening, Dr. Wall talked about how she was heartbroken over the assault on officers last year and how she speaks truth to power, which means addressing the psycho pathology of “our leadership.”

The prticipants included Dr. Jeff Hood, who with Min. Dominique Alexander, organized the march that was peaceful last July but then erupted into a bloodbath with 10 shot and five dead; Mercedes Fulbright of Paul Quinn College, Chas Moore of the Austin Justice Coalition, Atty. Kim T. Cole, who is also the general counsel of NGAN; and Pastor Frederick D. Haynes III. Designed to address why the march was held last year, the forum was also billed as an effort “to engage in explosive dialogue involving active community leaders from all genders, ethnicities, cultures, professions, and perspectives.

The panelists addressed everything from

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Dr. Brenda Wall, Pastor Haynes, Mercedes Fulbright, Chas Moore, Atty. Kim Cole and Dr. Jeff Hood

the church’s involvement in white supremacy and community activism to working with millennials and police brutality.

In a statement issued by NGAN, organizers referenced last year’s march and talked about the next rally scheduled for Thursday, July 6, 2017 at 600 Main Street in downtown Dallas, “ We will retrace our steps to meet each other again so that we might finish the march toward justice together. Powerful visions will meet all who join us. Don't miss it.”

Clearly there is work to be done as Dr. Hood pointed out that people don’t want to talk about justice.

Meanwhile Dr. Haynes talked about the use of Christianity and how there are churches that are attacking the system despite the lack of support.

“We are about that justice life,” said Dr. Haynes, while noting that the Christian Church has been on the wrong side of issues like apartheid, slavery and Jim Crowism.”

Providing a perspective from the oft maligned generation, the millennials, Ms. Fulbright encouraged other generations to listen to them. Citing a disconnect and resistance, she called on elders to actively listen, without giving directives, but actually hear what is on the minds of this young, energized, active segment of the population.

Millennial Chas Moore talked about the need for black people to have an “ant mentality,” where they get resources and take back to their community to make it stronger. He also talked about the beauty of the black woman, who he said is beautiful in her natural state, without all the artificial enhancements that make others rich.

And, Atty Cole, urged everyone to get involved. “Get engaged and become a part of the process,” she said. “You kill cancer from the inside. We have to get inside and break the system.”

View the entire forum on the Texas Metro News Facebook page.

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Community Calendar

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

July 12 TO BE DETERMINED July 19 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCEJESSICA GORDON July 26 TO BE DETERMINED 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

July 7

TM Advertising is hosting a blood drive to honor fallen officers of July 7, 2016. The drive is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at 3030 Olive St. in the Victory Plaza parking lot on the Carter BloodCare bus with free parking in the Lexus Garage by the American Airlines Center. For more information or to schedule an appointment time, contact Donna Diehl at (817) 343-1249.

*********

Join El Centro family as they hold their #ElCentroStronger tribute event at 11 a.m. in the Student Center.

Dr. Adames will lead the tribute, and Councilman Adam McGough and El Centro student Racheal Royal will also address attendees. A piece of student artwork will be unveiled at the end of the ceremony – an installation of images that represent “What El Centro means to me.” ***** El Centro will be participating in the Tribute7/7 organized by the Black Police Association and its charitable arm The Officer Down Foundation. This event, is an evening of remembrance at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall Plaza. Tribute 7/7 is part of a Weekend of Honor, July 7-9, in Dallas which will feature festivities and ceremonies honoring those individuals who have sacrificed their lives for the protection of others

.The Richardson Plano (RPA) Alumni Chapter

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from 1:30 to 3:00p.m.// at J. Gilligan’s 400 E. Abram Street Arlington, TX 76010

of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. requests the pleasure of your company at “The Black and White Ball” at the Courtyard Theatre in Plano.

July 9 Centro Church is hosting a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 9, at 2719 S. Hampton in the parking lot on the Carter BloodCare bus. For more information or to schedule an appointment time, contact Angie Hernandez at (214) 200-6314.

July 12 and 13 2017 Aging in Texas Conference, July 12-14, 2017, Omni Mandalay at Las Colinas Hosted by the Texas Association of Area Agencies on Aging (T4A), Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC), the conference is an annual gathering of individuals who work within the aging community. Designed for professionals from a range of community-based settings, the AiTC supports professionals in the field of aging with the most current research, unparalleled trainings, and innovative tools and resources to create excellence in service delivery.

With educational programming covering a variety of areas, this conference is beneficial to everyone involved with caring for Texas seniors, from administrators to service providers.

512-478-4715 tarc@txregionalcouncil.org

COMEDY NIGHT AT THE MUSE with actor and comedian, FREDDIE RICKS has been a regular on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, BET’s Comicview, the Apollo Comedy Hour and It’s Showtime at the Apollo. He’s been dubbed as one of the hottest and most versatile clean comedians in the business. Hosted by Board Member Albertus Lewis. @ 9pm

July 15

July 19 Learn how to invest in the stock market.

3200 W. Pleasant Run Road, Lancaster 11a-1p

July 21 ONE WORLD THEATRE, AUSTIN, TX PRESENTS GRAMMY NOMINATED SAX MAN DAVE KOZ & FUNK LEGEND LARRY GRAHAM 2 SHOWS 7PM & 930PM

July 23

July 14 and 15

Ruby Faye Woolridge Birthday Bash

The second Annual USA First Aide Mental Health Training at the Cedar Crest Church of Christ will be held. Learn how to apply the Mental Health First Aid action plan in a variety of situations, including when someone is experiencing Panic attacks, Suicidal thoughts or behaviors, Non-suicidal self-injury, Acute psychosis (e.g., hallucinations or delusions), Overdose or withdrawal from alcohol or drug use or Reaction to a traumatic event. For more information and to register for the training please contact Cedar Crest @ 214.943.1340. This is a full day training , lunch is provided and each participant receives a certificate of Training.

2054 The Tour Earth, Wind & Fire and CHIC ft. Nile Rodgers @ 8pm American Airlines Center 2500 Victory Ave, Dallas, TX 75219

July 29

Southern Crest Full Gospel is hosting a blood drive from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 29, at 2325 Locust Avenue in the parking lot on the Carter BloodCare bus. For more information or to schedule an appointment time, contact Kenyatta Henderson at (214) 796-9566.

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The 4th of You Lie!

QUIT PLAYIN’

By Vincent L. Hall

July 4 is a time to rekindle my love for that silver tongued, big afro wearing, abolitionist; Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey.

Oh, I’m sorry, you know him as Donald Trump described him recently…To you he’s Frederick Douglass and according to Trump he’s doing great these days. ““Frederick Douglass is an example of somebody who’s done an amazing job and is getting recognized more and more, I notice,” the president said.”

By the way, give me another less offensive word for dumbass. Please free me.

Frederick Douglass gets “recognized” more and more, by Black folks looking for answers to the problem of race. Douglass fought evil to free the slaves the way we have to fight to lock up the evil slave catchers.

You do know that slave catchers were America’s first police force.

They don’t catch Coloreds no more; they just shoot ‘em.

But every Fourth of July, I read Douglass’; “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July.”

It begins with such grandeur and grace.

“Mr. President, Friends and Fellow Citizens: He who could address this audience without a quailing sensation, has stronger nerves than I have. I do not remember ever to have appeared as a speaker before any assembly more shrinkingly, nor with greater distrust of my ability, than I do this day.

A feeling has crept over me, quite unfavorable to the exercise of my limited powers of speech. The task before me is one which requires much previous thought and study for its proper performance. I know that apologies of this sort are generally considered flat and unmeaning. I trust, however, that mine will not be so considered.

Should I seem at ease, my appearance would much misrepresent me. The little experience I have had in addressing public meetings, in country schoolhouses, avails me nothing on the present occasion.”

I told you…straight class. After Douglass “set protocol” as the old Black Preacher used to say, he outlined the miserable condition of the Negro

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Frederick Douglass

people and something even worse…the heartless condition of inhumane or complicit White folks who participated by commission or omission. And while his words fell harsh or untenable to most, the “souls” of those who listened were convicted. Unfortunately, this nation has yet to atone for the sins of slavery.

Douglass’ summation left no ambiguity…He came to slay the status quo and snatch at the quaintly veiled shroud of American dehumanization.

“What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?

I answer: A day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your cel-

ebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciations of tyrants, brass fronted impudence; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade, and solemnity, are, to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy—a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices, more shocking and bloody, than are the people of these United States, at this very hour.

Go where you may, search where you will, roam through all the monarchies and despotisms of the old world, travel through South America, search out every abuse, and when you have found the last, lay your facts by the side of the everyday practices of this nation, and you will say with me, that, for revolting barbarity and shameless hypocrisy, America reigns without a rival.

And the “Last Poets” sang my anthem and refrain; “What you celebratin’ Nigga?

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I Messenger I can’t give my man any children

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’m getting married in three weeks and I couldn’t be happier. My fiancé is the best man I’ve ever met and he loves me like a Queen.

All of our wedding arrangements have been made and he is so loving and generous, he paid for everything. I knew from the moment we met I wanted to be with him and I want to spend the rest of my life loving him.

Our relationship is perfect except for one thing. I know he wants to have children, that’s all we talk about and I wish I could, but I can’t. I’ve known since I was 23 years old.

This has been a heartbreaking reality for me and the only other person who knows is my sister. I didn’t tell him when we first met, it just never seemed like the right time.

I can’t tell him now that we can’t have children because I don’t want to ruin our life

together. I know that we’re meant for each other.

I am praying that I may be able to have a miracle baby, I know it happens. I’m 37 and I know if we don’t get married now, I never will. I don’t want to live my life alone. I want to be happily married and have my husband for the rest of my life.

My sister is my MOH and she’s threatening to tell him. I told her I will disown her if she does. I think she’s just jealous of my future husband and our relationship. How can I stop her from ruining my life?

Anonymous Dear Anonymous, Ahhh did I miss a sentence? How is your sister, the one who’s telling the truth, ruining your life? Ooooh no Miss Thing, own your own decision of deceitfulness.

You’re absolutely azz backwards in this treacherous portrayal of a partnership and I promise you your azzbackwardness will come back to haunt you.

Having a child is a sacred bond between two people and should not be taken lightly.

I could see if you didn’t know you couldn’t have children, that’s one thing, but to already be aware of this information and not share it with your future husband is vicious

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and vindictive! Yes, I said it, you’re selfish, self-centered, shim-shammy and not to be trusted.

The only happiness you’re willing to acknowledge is your own. How one sided is that and who wants to be in a relationship with someone who is constantly tilted to the left?

You’re so blinded by what you want and what makes you and only you happy. That’s pathetic.

I hear you when you say there have been miracle babies, yea, umhm, it happens, but it also doesn’t happen, more than you want to admit.

Tell your fiancé, NOW, right now! He has a right to know about your medical condition.

If you had been up front the entire time, I’m sure he would understand and remain committed to walking this path of life with you.

I find the fact that you’re comfortable drowning in a sea of “conniving and cunning” quite troubling. So much so your logic is to disown your sister.

Chile please, make your bed and lie in it!

Whatever comes your way is what you deserve. SMDH, I hope your sister does tell him the truth and I hope you keep your promise and disown her, both of them will be all the better for it.

Alma

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Mavs find their point guard of the future in Dennis Smith, Jr.

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credit Dannny Bollinger, Mavs.com.

By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor Dennis Smith Jr. said he is "definitely motivated" by the fact that four point guards went before him in the NBA draft but feels, in his heart, he is where he is supposed to be.

"I'm definitely motivated by it," Smith Jr. said via phone shortly after being drafted in the 1st round with the 9th pick by the Dallas Mavericks. "I just use it as fuel to the fire. I’ve been underrated my whole life and that’s perfectly fine with me. I’m accustomed to it.

"I’m going to go out and be Dennis Smith and nothing can stop that. I feel like I went where I was supposed to go and I'm happy to be here in Dallas. They came to my pro day and were impressed with what they saw. Then I got to speak with them and I was already very impressed with the history of the organization and then to get to speak with them didn't do anything but further my admiration for them.

"I was thankful whenever I heard my name called by them."

Smith Jr.'s falling in the draft may have come from the fact that he is coming off a torn ACL suffered in 2015 the summer before his senior year in high school. He was previously ranked among the top point guards in the 2016 class by basketball insiders.

Smith (6-3, 195) was an early-entry candidate to this year’s draft after spending one season at North Carolina State. As a freshman, he averaged 18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.2 assists while shooting .455 from the field, .359 from behind-the-arc and .715 from the foul line.

The explosive guard was named Atlantic Coast Conference Freshman of the Year and All-ACC Second Team after leading the league in assists (13th nationally) and finishing sixth in the conference in scoring. Smith also registered a North Carolina State freshman-record with 62 steals (1.94 spg).

The Fayetteville, N.C., native played at Trinity Chris-

tian School where he averaged 22.2 points per game on the way to being named North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year.

Head Coach Rick Carlisle said “stars aligned” and let Smith Jr. fall into their lap.

“We didn’t have him in for a workout because it just didn’t seem like he was going to fall to us,” Carlisle said. “Over the last several days a couple of our guys went to a Pro Day he had in Raleigh and had a great visit with him down there.”

Carlisle said he, General Manager Donnie Nelson and Michael Finley visited with Smith Jr. via Face Time this week and liked him even more.

“He was in a very challenging situation this year coming off an ACL injury his last year of high school.

Their team was not as good as they had wanted to be,” Carlisle continued. “And so, all those things considered, he had great responses to questions.

“He’s a very forthright kid. No nonsense. No Bull. We let him know if we were in a position to take him, and he ended up here in Dallas, we were going to give him a lot of love but also give him the honest truth every day and bust his but to make him as ready as he can be.”

“We are getting a guy that is an instant impact guy.

He has great quickness. He’s explosive. He can score.

He can pass,” Carlisle said.

And Smith Jr. said he is ready to do all he can for the Mavs.

“The Mavs can expect a point guard who is trying to win every game. Not selfish at all. Not caring about stats but I do want to make my teammates better,” he said. “That’s very important in wining games. Having a great team effort and I can bring that to the table.”

Smith Jr. said he is excited at the prospect of running the pick and roll with both Dirk Nowitzki and Nerlens Noel. “It’s going to be great. Dirk can teach me a lot of things in the pick and roll.

“He knows the ins and outs of the game and I’m looking forward to learning from him.”

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JULY 7, 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

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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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JULY 7, 2017

Dirk Nowitzki wins Teammate of the Year Award

By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor

Photo: Eva Coleman

The Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award at the first NBA Awards went to a well-deserving winner: Dirk Nowitzki, face of the Dallas Mavericks franchise.

"This is a great award. I am honored to be here," Nowitzki opened his speech with.

"I'm pretty sure none of my teammates voted for me," he added to laughter during his acceptance speech.

Nowitzki continued: "I joke a lot with them and we have a lot of fun. I just try to make them feel welcome and get the best

out of them. On the court I'm tough sometimes but I'm just trying to get the best out of them."

The “Tall Baller from the G” thanked his wife and family for "letting me stumble up and down the court for a couple of more years." He also thanked Owner Mark Cuban and "Coach Carlisle and his staff for putting me into position where I can still play a little bit."

Nowitzki ended his speech by saying: "My teammates are there to support me everyday and push me and motivate me which is sometimes hard as you get older.

But I still enjoy it and still enjoying to compete so I'll be around hopefully a couple more years."

During his post-award press conference, Nowitzki mentioned Steve Nash and Michael Finley and heaped more praise on his team.

"I never thought I would get a Teammate of the Year award, but it means a lot to me.

It means that I lead my teammates the right way, on and off the floor. I was fortunate when I got in the league, I had some great teammates to show me the way and that was Steve Nash and Michael Finley, two great, unbelievable pros that basically raised me right in this league and I basically followed in their footsteps ever since."

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Nowitzki, at 39, is the second oldest active player in the NBA next to former teammate, Vince Carter who is 40. Nowitzki will return to the Dallas Mavericks for his 20th season this fall.

Dallas Wings’ Gray named WNBA Rookie of the Month Dallas Wings guard Allisha Gray was named the WNBA Rookie of the Month for games played in May. In May, Dallas Wings photo Gray led all rookies in scoring (13.0 ppg), rebounding (5.0 rpg) and minutes played (24.4 mpg) in five games (all starts). Her scoring and rebounding averages were both among the top 25 in the WNBA. She also ranked 18th overall in field goal percentage (46.8).

Gray, the fourth overall pick in WNBA Draft 2017 presented by State Farm, helped Dallas to a 3-2 record during May.

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The former University of South Carolina standout scored in double figures four times, including a season-high 17 points in a 94-82 win over the San Antonio Stars on May 25. She closed out the month by contributing 14 points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks in an 89-62 victory over the Indiana Fever on May 30.

Other highlights of Gray’s month included: • May 14 at Phoenix: In her WNBA regular-season debut, scored 11 points and grabbed four rebounds in a 68-58 victory over the Mercury.

• May 20 vs. Minnesota: Finished with 15 points in an 89-87 loss to the Lynx.

The 2017 WNBA regular season runs through Sept. 3. For more information on the WNBA and game tickets, fans may visit www.wnba.com.

The WNBA – which features 12 teams and is the most successful women’s professional team sports league in the world – is a unique global sports property combining competition, sportsmanship, and entertainment value with its status as an icon for social change, achievement, and diversity.

The league, which counts Verizon as its league-wide marquee partner, tipped off its 21st season on May 13, 2017.

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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.

NEED A JOB?

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