I Messenger 21

I MESSENGER NO 1 ISSUE 20

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JANUARY 27, 2012

NO 1 ISSUE 21 FEBRUARY 3, 2012

LOVE, PEACE AND SOUL DON CORNELIUS 9/27/36 - 2/1/12

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SOUTHERN SOUL NETWORK COMES TO KKDA-AM 14 Quest for Success Honorees 3

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FEBRUARY 3, 2012

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FEBRUARY 3, 2012

DBCC 28th Quest For Success Luncheon salutes entrepreneurs Alicia Sanders

Dallas, TX – The Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce’s 28th Annual Quest For Success Awards Luncheon on February 3, 2012 at the Dallas Convention Center (650 South Griffin Street), features this year’s honorees.

Mathew Barnes, Principal & Creative Director Dreamhaus Communications (DHC) 204-A S. Tyler St. Dallas, Texas 75208 214-941-2165

In 2005, Dreamhaus Communications, a full service creative agency located in North Oak Cliff in Dallas, Texas was founded. Its services consist of brand development, advertising, design and interactive solutions. Dreamhaus is also recognized for high-end web and digital solutions.

DHC has grown from creating event mailers, designing personal websites and wedding invitations to developing national campaigns, building corporate brands and launching multilayered websites. Their ever-growing clientele includes: American Heart Association, Baylor Health Care Systems, Essilor Laboratories, Michigan State University, Dave & Busters, and Dallas Monte Elliott Convention Center and Visitors Bureau. Over the years DHC has evolved into a full service agency and has implemented successful social media strategies and produced and directed HD spots for clients. Their branding skills have shaped the public faces of Kansas Jayhawks Head Coach Bill Self’s Assists Youth Foundation, Carpenter’s Point Senior Living and On-Target Supplies & Logistics.

DHC continues to strive to become the leading provider of innovative strategies and creative solutions.

He has over 15 years experience in advertising and branding.

After studying creative art & design, his passion flourished in the 90’s. By age 24 he began a rapid rise in the ranks of publication and interactive media. As Art Director of one of the top web firms in Dallas, he worked on accounts such as American Airlines, The Staubach Company, Victory Park Dallas and ABC Radio.

Mathew’s first love is art and giving back to his community. In November of 2009, his series “The Invisible People” raised funds and awareness for the Dallas Life Foundation for the homeless. He has also worked with other non-profits including: Youth Explore Sports, Earning by Learning, Circle of Support, The William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Foundation, LIFT and Dress For Success. He also donated artwork for the African Dr. Lawana Gladney American Museums’ 26th Annual Gala Auction. His work can be seen at www.mathewbarnes.com.

Johnnie Booth, President/Owner Booth Architecture, L.L.C. 1801 N. Lamar St. Ste. 520 Dallas, Texas 75202 214-823-5800

Booth Architecture, located in the heart of Dallas, was established and incorporated in Texas in 2002. Johnnie Booth, however, has been practicing Architecture in the DFW area for more than a quarter of a century. His experiences throughout his professional career have been evenly split between public and private sector projects including retail and telecommunications projects.

Through his company, Johnnie Booth has provided architectural design services for a wide variety of building types including, educational, medical, recreational, industrial, office and a memorial monument. Construction costs on his projects have ranged from $75,000 to $30,000,000.

Booth’s role in delivering service to projects has varied. He has acted as the Design-Build Architect, Consulting Architect, Associate Architect and Architect-of-Record.

Booth Architecture has been responsible for limited design services Edwin Jones including planning, design, design development, construction documents and construction administration. Booth Architecture has provided design services for projects throughout the U.S., on various college campuses as well as a project in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Booth’s retail experience includes: Game Stop, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, Manchu Wok, Popeye’s Chicken and Cinnabon. Through the Army & Air Force Exchange Service the company has provided A/E services for multiple renovation projects on various military installations including Ft. Bragg, NC; Ft. Sam Houston, TX; McGuire AFB, NJ; and Dover AFB, DE. Through Booth Architecture’s association with larger architectural firms, other public sector clients include Stephen F. Austin State University, City of Dallas, DFW Airport and Dallas County. Private sector clients include Yum! Foods, Episode Night Club, Mission Foods, Golden State Insurance Company, Flozell Adams and the Mesquite NAACP. A native Chicagoan, Johnnie Booth received his architectural degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and has been a resident of DFW since 1983. He is married to Connie and they have two sons.

Rodney Johnson, President/CEO R4 Industries, Inc. 803 Avenue H Ste. 307 Arlington, Texas 76016 817-265-4800

Johnny Booth

Rodney Johnson established R4 Industries in the Dallas/Fort Worth area in 2004. The company designs and provides uniforms and apparel products to clients. R4 has adopted a mission statement TO SERVE, GROW, AND GIVE BACK. Mr. Johnson adopted this mission statement because it embodies the spirit of himself as a servant and for R4 Industries, Inc. It is his daily goal to serve his clients by meeting their needs and add value to their operations. R4 continues to add value to its’ customers by: developing unique product lines to more efficiently represent the customer’s purpose; creatively design emblems and messages that synchronize the customers message in a stylish and effective manner; help create unique solutions to meet unique budget requirements; offers consulting on the basis of content, value and effectiveness in their promotional apparel; and to always provide excellent quality goods and services that exceed the customer’s original specifications.

Since it was established the company has grown to eight employees and has garnered multiple contracts across Texas and Shreveport, Louisiana. Additionally, R4 Industries has developed over four product lines and has high brand recognition in the industry. R4 client base includes: City of Arlington, Rodney Johnson Austin ISD, Coca Cola, DART, DISD, ExxonMobil, Target, Golden Gate Funeral Home, Union Pacific and Wings To Go. Mr. Johnson was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and received a Bachelor of Science from Southern University in Mechanical Engineering and a MBA from the University of Dallas. He is a life member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and a member of the Omicron Gamma Gamma Chapter. He is a member of Saint John’s Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Denny Davis where he serves as a Deacon. He Johnson has been married for 27 years to his wife Ramona Smith-Johnson and they have two children – Rodney, II who serves as Vice-President of Operations for R4 Industries and Reonola, a Prairie View A & M University junior.

Edwin Jones, President EJES, Incorporated 9401 LBJ Freeway, Ste. 300 Dallas, Texas 75243 214-343-1210

Edwin Jones, a professional Civil Engineer, founded EJES, Incorporated in 1997. He serves as President and CEO and is licensed in six states. EJES has over 57 employees and four offices located in Dallas, Shreveport, Alexandria and Baton Rouge. These offices provide architectural, civil engineering, planning, construction management and environmental services.

See QUEST on page 17

Dr. Lawana Gladney, President/CEO Emotional Wellness, Inc. 5710 Sowerby Dr. Richardson, Texas 75982 972-889-9656

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Dr. Lawana Gladney is a renowned speaker, author and Matthew Barnes emotional wellness doctor who shares her positive message of emotional health and wellness with audiences across the nation.

Her areas of expertise include emotional wellness, life management and work/life balance.

Dr. Gladney founded her company in 1990 under the name of REALL Consulting with a name change in 1993 to Gladney & Associates, and another name change to Emotional Wellness in 2006. Dr. Gladney first began her company as a consulting firm to provide schools with information on discipline and diversity.

From an elementary and middle school teacher to college professor, Dr. Gladney has developed many programs and spent several years researching the concepts of motivation and emotional wellness.

As CEO of Emotional Wellness, Inc., Dr. Gladney has presented speeches and training sessions throughout North America to educational institutions, businesses, organizations and churches.

Some of her clients include Pitney Bowes, Aetna, Brinker International, Federal Aviation Administration, IBM, AT& T, Texas Instruments, Freddie Mac, Zig Ziglar Corp, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Coast Guard. She is a television personality and has been a co-host of a cable show, a residential Linda McSwain expert on Fox 4, as well as interviewed on local and national TV shows. She was featured on the Michael Baisden Radio Show syndicated in 72 cities and appeared as a guest expert for Baisden After Dark television talk show.

She has written four books: The Five Keys to REALL Control, Going Beyond a Discipline Plan, If I Have to Tell You One More Time…Six Keys to Motivating Your Kids, and You Can’t Be Sick… I Have to Work.

Dr. Gladney holds a Ph.D. in Instructional Psychology and Technology. She also has served on the boards of National Speakers Association North Texas, and Meeting Professionals International D/ FW chapter and was the recipient of their Rising Star Award. She lives in the DFW area with her four children who assist with her business.

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Remembering Don Cornelius As preparations were being made across the country in celebration of the first day of African American History Month, an icon was pronounced dead.

News of the death of Donald Cortez “Don” Cornelius had Black radio, Tw i t t e r a n d F a c e b o o k buzzing as folks shared their favorite Soul Train moments and memories.

Rolling Out News’ website put up a wonderful tribute celebrating his life.

A former journalist, Mr. Cornelius was the creator, producer and host of the popular dance show that burst on the scene in 1971, showcasing Black dancers and entertainers.

On Wednesday morning, the reports began appearing that a family member arrived at the Mulholland Drive home in Sherman Oaks, Calif, around 4:00a.m. and found Mr. Cornelius dead, apparently the victim of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

While many speculated about Mr. Cornelius’ mental and physical condition, others shared their thoughts and expressions of sympathy.

Over the years, there have been reports of his failing health and most

recently, a failed marriage.

Still, wrapping their thoughts around a suicide appeared to be difficult for many.

Born on September 27, 1936, Mr. Cornelius took $400 of his own money and invested in what became one of the most-watched Black shows ever televised.

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Featuring the popular “Scramble Board,” the hottest dancers, insightful interviews, up-to-date styles and the legendary Soul Train Line; the show was responsible for showcasing some of the latest trends in Black America.

For the show’s first musical guest, Mr. Cornelius had Gladys Knight and the Pips.

Over the years, he also introduced entertainers of other ethnicities and music styles--changing with the times and including everything from rock to disco and jazz and reggae and hip hop.

From the show came the Soul Train Awards and the Lady of Soul Awards.

A Chicago native, Mr. Cornelius worked in the insurance building before attending broadcasting school and landing jobs at radio station WVON and WCIU-TV before launching Soul Train.

He was probably last seen in front of a large audience at the 40th Anniversary cerebra-tions of Soul Train last Fall.

Mr. Cornelius is survived by two sons, Anthony and Raymond.

His show closing resonates with generations: “I'm Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!"

Patrice Johnson the best parties have soul train lines!!!!

Calvin Anderson my favorite soul train memory watching all the beautiful young ladies dancing with a hot pants on and their platform heels Michael Taylor I'm not sure if I'd call it dancing but I did my best and had tons of fun. RIP Don you are already missed!

Chasmins Sweets Treats The last soul train line i danced to had my knees & legs hurting for days, had to get the liagment out,oh ! I had a good time!!!!!!!!

Aaron Hopkins Every Saturday morning I would put soul train on the t.v. and try to out dance the brotha with the mask! LOL David Gibson Damita Jo doing the Breakdown on stage w/Joe Tex while he sang "I Got Ya" uh huh, huh...LOL Marcell Williams Okay!! Every Saturday morning or late night Saturday watching latest dances, outfits, along with some great acts!! ESPECIALLY LOVE THE HAIR PRODUCTS COMMERCIALS FROM JOHNSON!! SOUL TRAIN SCRABBLE BOARD & SOUL TRAIN LINE!! THOSE WERE SOME GREAT TIMES! THANKS FOR BEING TELEVISION FOR SO MANY YEARS!!! RIP DON C Yvette Brooks When the short Filipina girl with the real long hair would dance (well she would turn around in circles) down the line.

This is a foggy memory seeing as I was in the single digits however I do remember it.

LaJuana Barton The whole experience. My sister and I would put on our outfits, watch the show and dance our little hearts out. I loved the Soul Train Scramble Board also.

Deborah Haynes Brannon I remember the scramble board. the 70's clothes and how excited I was to catch every show on Sat.. i thought the Filipino girl was Korean but nonetheless she was off the chain too!!. Brohs and Sisters just kickin it.. Black Love ,Pride and lots of Soul!! All the fabulous entertainers, J5-, James Brown, George Clinton, PFUNK,Temptations, Phyllis Hyman, Shalamar.. etc..etc..I remember when they changed the theme songs and my favorite theme song used was by O'Bryan..My favorite Group..The Gap Band.. Some Wonderful Times..Life was good..Dont ever remember saying I was stressed out..Ha. Use a lot of Afro sheen in the black can.. with my cake cutter afro comb..

FEBRUARY 3, 2012

Bounce TV pays tribute with Soul Train Marathon

-- Bounce TV (http://www.bouncetv.com), the nation's first and only broadcast television network for African Americans, will pay tribute to the life of the legendary Don Cornelius with "Bounce TV Remembers Don Cornelius," a seven-hour marathon of Soul Train episodes, this Saturday, Feb. 4 beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Eastern time.

"Bounce TV Remembers Don Cornelius" will feature memorable and star-studded episodes from the 1970s, '80s, and '90s – all hosted by Cornelius, including the very first syndicated episode of Soul Train (1971) which kicks off the marathon (7:00 p.m.) as well as the last episode Cornelius hosted (1993) as the marathon's finale at 1:00 a.m. ET. Chilli from TLC, one of the most successful female groups in music history, will host "Bounce TV Remembers Don Cornelius." TLC appeared on Soul Train in 1992.

Bounce TV, which airs Soul Train weekdays at 6:00 p.m., is also adding the series to its primetime line-up beginning Monday, Feb. 6. Monday Night Soul will feature four classic episodes of Soul Train back-to-back from 8:00 p.m. to 12 Midnight ET every week.

ATLANTA,

Bounce TV Remembers Don Cornelius Sat. Feb. 4

7:00 p.m

The very first episode of Soul Train and featuring Gladys Knight & The Pips, 1971

8:00 p.m.

Al Green is the showcase artist, 1972

9:00 p.m.

The Commodores are featured in their prime, 1977

10:00 Kool and the Gang highlight the show p.m. from 1983 11:00 p.m.

Janet Jackson in her first big music year, 1986

12:00 En Vogue's stars in their debut year of Mid. 1990 1:00 a.m.

Cornelius' last show as host, 1993

All Times ET For more channel locations and listings, visit (http:// www.bouncetv.com) or Bounce TV's Facebook page.

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Black Heritage Forever Stamp salutes Legend

FEBRUARY 3, 2012

We must continue to make opportunities

BY CHERYL SMITH

CHICAGO -- One of the nation's highest honors today was presented to pioneering entrepreneur and publisher John H. Johnson who was commemorated on this year's Black Heritage Forever Stamp by the United States Postal Service. Mr. Johnson, the founder of Johnson Publishing Company of Chicago, which publishes Ebony and Jet magazines, is the 35th honoree in the Black Heritage stamp series. The Postal Service has recognized the achievements of prominent African Americans through the Black Heritage series since 1978. Past honorees have included Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and Barbara Jordan.

"John Johnson's unyielding commitment to journalistic excellence and his unparalleled reporting on African American culture have distinguished him as one of America's greatest publishers," said USPS Chicago Senior Plant Manager Anthony Vaughan.

"I'm immensely proud that my father and his life's passion are being recognized in such a high honor as the Black Heritage Stamp," said Linda Johnson Rice, chairman, Johnson Publishing Co. "His legacy lives on in all whom he touched and in the work we continue to do daily." The stamp is on sale now at Post Offices nationwide, online at usps.com and by phone at 800-782-6724.

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Last Saturday was really invigorating for me because of young people.

The day began at Lincoln Humanities and Communications Magnet in Sunny South Dallas.

For more than 20 years, I have joined professional journalists at Lincoln to work with aspiring journalists from five Texas counties. The urban journalism workshop began under the leadership of The Da"as Morning News staffer Rochelle Riley and with the blessing of our host principal. Dr. Napoleon B. Lewis. We were so excited Area middle and high school, and college students participating in the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists b e c a u s e i n a d d i t i o n to Urban Journalism Workshop visit with Dr. Linda Amerson, an expert on alopecia/hair loss. This was the first day of the L i n c o l n h a v i n g g r e a t workshop and other speakers were veteran journalists Ramona Logan now of Image Advantage and WFAA-TV’s Vince PHOTO CREDIT: DEIDRE HARRIS representation, o u r Johnson.

Saturday “newsroom” was and holding up as role models. I had a classroom full more diverse than almost any newsroom in the country! of “good stories” to tell the world.

This year, we are optimistic about the continued Then they got to hear from the lunch speaker - Dr. relationship under the leadership of Lincoln’s new Linda Amerson, who discussed alopecia and how to president, Leslie Swann, and radio/TV teacher Dr. Louie properly take care of your hair and scalp. In the future, White. there will be numerous other speakers and thanks to It is always refreshing to work with young people Natalie Brown of Subway Restaurant, they had a healthy who instead of sitting around playing video games, lunch that wouldn't put them to sleep! Also veteran sleeping in late or hanging out with friends; they were journalist and image consultant Ramona Logan and committing themselves to learning something that WFAA-TV's Vince Johnson talked about careers in might influence how they spend the rest of their lives. journalism.

This year we have one seventh grader, one eighth I am very optimistic about the future sessions. grader, several high school students and quite a few Then, after I dismissed the students for the day, we college students. Talk about a wide range. went to see the super-talented Imaj in concert at the Well, it’s like this. For the young ones, just think Black Academy of Arts and Letters. Fluent in six about it. Here you have 12 and 13-year-old children languages, a best-selling author, an artist, a fashion looking for something to do and I should turn them designer, musician and country/western singer; Imaj is away because they are too young? adorable.

Well, just think about all the young children across Her show, featuring Ron Grimes, was phenomenal this country who go to drug dealers, number runners or and inspiring. Imaj spoke from her heart and sang with some other deviant, and they find something for those such enthusiasm and love, it was such a wonderful children to do! experience.

I am not saying that these young children would Imaj had a strong message as she talked about world turn to a drug dealer or illegal activity, but I refuse to peace and how the world would be a much better place take a chance with their lives and their future. if we focused on the commonalities instead of the Next there are the high school students who the differences. program was initially designed for to give them an idea Now Imaj has ventured into a field where diversity of what a career in journalism is like so they can make an is definitely missing. It’s an uphill battle because she is educated decision when choosing a college major. not the stereotypical country/western singer. She is a Then you have the college students who are taking shining positive example and hopefully with support, classes from professors with doctorate degrees, but they her journey to the top of the country/western charts will still see the value of what is being taught in the be swift. workshops.

In between those two events on Saturday, we had a The group that gathered on Saturday was very small gathering for the youngest of my Three Live Crew impressive. They were eager to learn, good natured Plus One -- Ayanna, who turned 14 on Saturday. even when I was drilling them and they were respectful At a small gathering, we celebrated her birth and and well behaved. shared what we hoped were strong messages that would There were about five return student and there help guide her through what the adults all knew could were also legacies--ones who’s siblings had come before be a very challenging period. them or they were related to a past participant or As the day came to an end, I realized how exhausted professional journalist.

I was, but the day was so rewarding and I went to sleep To spend time with the students was really with a smile on my face! refreshing and promising. I told myself that these were the students we needed to be writing stories about !

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FEBRUARY 3, 2012

DON’T STOP, DON’T SHOP Note: In coming weeks, you will be reading more about the protests in Dallas. We talked with Min. Jeffery Muhammad about the daily protests and we have reached out to counsel for the owner of the business.

Stay tuned!

Minister Jeffery Muhammad is no stranger to protests or injustices. Over the years, he has joined with the NAACP a nd other community organizations, to address injustices by taking to the picket lines.

Since December 26, 2011, this local representative of the Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan has been on the picket line with a coalition comprised of several community-based organizations, clergy members, former elected officials and concerned citizens.

“This isn’t about one individual,” said Min. Muhammad, adding that he was involved in an incident at the Diamond Shamrock convenience store and gas station on Martin Luther King Blvd.. “This is about our community and let ti ng businesses come in and disrespect us.”

According to Min. Muhammad, he met with several individuals and groups, including Dallas City Councilwoman Carolyn Davis and former Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Diane Ragsdale, after he was disrespected and verbally abused.

It was a busy December day for Min. Muhammad when he stopped by the store to get gas. His car was “almost on empty.”

“I went into the store to purchase $5 worth of gas,” he recalled. “The store clerk said I had to purchase a minimum of $10.”

The minister said he didn’t want $10 because he was trying to get as little as possible because of the high cost of gas at the station.

“They have the highest gas in the city,” he explained. “ I told the clerk that he needed to let me purchase the $5 worth of gas and he threatened to call the police and then he called me a ‘broke ass nigger.’”

Not prone to violence, Mr. Muhammad said he did, however invite the clerk outside to discuss the issue.

As he l eft the premises, Mr Muhammad, whose Mosque is about three blocks from the station, said he was frustrated and recalled all the many complaints he had heard previously about the establishment.

Something needed to be done, he said.

Since the community meetings, there have been a steady group of protesters turning potential customers away from the store.

“As long as you are here, you are going to re spect us,” said Min. Muhammad. “ Dallas NAACP President Juanita Wallace agrees.

In an inter view with KKDA’s DaWolf, she blasted the businessowner.

“You can’t take our money and be disrespectful to us,” she said. “We know what to do.”

Dr. Wallace pointed out that protesters receive training about the “rules of engagement.” Citing other organizations, such as: Acts of Change, Muhammad’s Mosque number 48, NCOBRA, Justice Seekers and the

Texa s Al liance for the Formerl y Incarcerated, she said they also informed the City’s Code Compliance Office about several code violations at the business.

Min. Muhammad says the protests will continue and even when the numbers are few, the results have been very positive.

You can find out more about the protest at 214.884.8801.

Photo credit: Victor London

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FEBRUARY 3, 2012

Wellness Summit promotes healthy mind, body, and spirit Irving, TX--Total You Unlimited lives. She is committed to giving proudly presents the Total You people, especially women, a picture Women’s Wellness Summit (TYWWS) of what is possible. taking place March 2-3, 2012 at the All of the workshops and sessions Irving Convention Center at Las will explore areas of wellness and Colinas in Irving, Texas. TYWWS is an help women and girls become aware opportunity for teens and women of all of and make choices toward a more ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic successful life. Attendees will receive backgrounds to be empowered with valuable tips through seminars that tools that will promote a healthy mind, will help to improve or create a body, and spirit. The Summit will also regimen for fitness, encourage a feature women who can provide a healthier diet by cooking healthy wealth of information to help those who meals at home, and to take care of our seek the skills needed to motivate and skin and hair in order maintain them succeed, with a holistic approach. for a lifetime. Guests will be uplifted Speakers such as Dr. Jewel in sessions that provide enhancement Tankard, wife of Stellar Award winning in their spiritual, emotional, mental, Dr. Jewel Tankard Gospel artist, Ben Tankard, will offer physical and social well being and insight on Spiritual Wellness. Her teachings encourage learn how to achieve personal satisfaction in these personal development, provide mentorship, invoke new areas. The Summit kicks off with an Evening of ideas, and inspire listeners to dream and change their Elegance Gala featuring Miss Plus America Elite 2010,

IMAJ - Blush Concert

Evelyn Elaine Bailey, with a special performance from Rashida Jolley, harpist for Lady GaGa and an appearance from celebrity model, motivational speaker and one of the Physical Wellness speakers for the weekend, America’s Next Top Model contestant, Bianca Chardei.

For more information about registration, becoming a vendor, or other news pertaining to the Total You Women’s Wellness Summit, contact DeAnn Dunkins Lax or Emily Blue at 1-888-628-3270 or visit www.totalyousummit.com.

Emily Michelle Blue is an educator, journalist, vocalist, model, licensed minister, motivational speaker and Texas Plus America Ambassador. A native of Dallas, TX, Emily’s personal journey and testimony has inspired her to achieve her ultimate goal, to raise awareness about the importance of wellness and nutrition for all individuals. She is determined to help others become empowered, and truly live “life and life more abundantly," as a result, she founded Total You Unlimited.

The Black Academy of Arts and Letters provided the ideal venue to showcase the talented Imaj performing some of her own hits, along with others by some of the greatest country/western singers. The two-night engagement was wellreceived as Imaj charmed the audience. Opening with “Amazing Grace,” Imaj had several wardrobe changes, spent time talking with the audience and sharing stories about her music. Watching her perform was a heartwarming experience because you actually feel the love and sincerity in her every move. A special treat was Ron Grimes singing Johnny Cash. And the concert wouldn’t have been complete without “Blush,” “The Train Song,” and Imaj’s beautiful smile.

CLS Photos by Elgin Edmonds

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FEBRUARY 3, 2012

February 3 is National Wear Red Day - The DFW Metroplex is gearing up to celebrate all things ‘heart’ when the American Heart Association celebrates National Heart Month in February. Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women in America. This means mothers, sisters and friends are dying at the rate of one per minute because they don’t know that heart disease kills. That’s why Go Red for Women is asking everyone in North Texas to participate in the 9th Annual National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3, 2012, to make ending heart disease a reality.

Currently, nearly eight million women in the U.S. are living with heart disease, yet only one in six women believe heart disease Dallas/Fort Worth

is her greatest health threat. In fact, 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease. February is filled with educational events and activities, and is geared to educate everyone, regardless of age, in the local community about the effects of heart disease and stroke.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored

by Macy’s and Merck, and locally sponsored in North Texas by Texas Health Resources.

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Tarrant County Go Red for Women Luncheon Friday, February 10, 2012 Fort Worth Convention Center 1201 Houston Street, Fort Worth Keynote Speaker: Bill Weir, coanchor of ABC’s “Nightline”

10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

1.817.698.5411 www.heart.org/GoRedTarrant.org •

D e n t o n G o R e d f o r Wo m e n Luncheon Friday, February 10, 2012 UNT Gateway Center University of North Texas, Denton Keynote Speaker: NBA Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman 11 am – 1:00 pm 214.748.7212

www.heart.org/ dentontxgoredluncheon •

Know the risk factors for heart disease that you can control: ♥

High blood pressure. This condition can increase your risk of stroke and heart attack.

Smoking. If you smoke, your risk of developing coronary heart disease is two to four times that of nonsmokers.

High cholesterol. The higher your total blood cholesterol, the greater your risk of coronary heart disease.

Physical inactivity. Lack of physical activity increases your risk of coronary heart disease.

Obesity or overweight. If you have excess body fat – especially at the waist – you’re more likely to develop heart disease and stroke.

Diabetes. Having diabetes increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, especially if your blood sugar is not controlled.

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The American Heart Association s u p p o r t s e ff o r t s t o e d u c a t e lawmakers through awareness activities related to the Go Red for Women movement, which helps women fight back against the number one killer of American women – heart disease.

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Get Smart about Heart Disease (CVD = Cardiovascular Disease)

All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and s h o u l d b e u n de r t a k e n w i t h painstaking excellence.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

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FEBRUARY 3, 2012

Come on PEOPLE!

POLICE have not apprehended Pookie the serial rapist.

Aren’t you concerned? Do you care?

He has attacked members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.

If you have ANY information, PLEASE call Crime Stoppers

877.373.8477

Also, if you want extra protection, check out Street Safe at www.streetsafe.peopleguard.com “We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people.” . Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. PAGE 9

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IMESSENGER

NO 1 ISSUE 21

BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

FEBRUARY 3, 2012

Kerry Washington, Paula Patton, Shonda Rhimes, Octavia Spencer and Pam Grier honorees at Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon NEW YORK--ESSENCE has announced the 5th annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon honoring the industry's most exciting African-American talent—both in front of the camera and behind-the-scenes in Hollywood.

Taking place on February 23, 2012 at the Beverly Hills Hotel, ESSENCE will celebrate five extraordinary women who have left an indelible impression with their work within the film and television industries: Kerry Washington (Vanguard Award), Octavia Spencer (Breakthrough Performance), Pam Grier (Legend Award), Paula Patton (Shining Star Award) and Shonda Rhimes (Visionary Award presented

by Lincoln).

This star-studded event commemorates ESSENCE magazine's annual Hollywood issue and in honor of the fifth anniversary, Essence.com is giving fans exclusive access to all the red-carpet celebrity style, action and interviews via live stream from 11:30am to 12:30pm PST and re-airing that evening at 9:00pm EST. "Black women actors, writers, directors and producers still lack diverse opportunities in Hollywood and, unfortunately, are often overlooked during awards season," commented ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief Constance White. "The ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon exists to provide a fitting tribute to the brilliant talent and accomplishments of African-American trailblazers like Kerry, Pam, Paula, Octavia and Shonda and celebrate their collective work as an inspiration for generations to come."

Since its commencement in 2008, ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood has honored Halle Berry, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Angela Bassett, Queen Latifah, Taraji P. Henson, Viola Davis, Jennifer Hudson, Zoe Saldana, Mary J. Blige, Gabourey Sidibe, Jurnee Smollett, Ruby Dee, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson, Loretta Devine, Gina PrinceBythewood, and Suzanne de Passe. As one of the most highly anticipated events during Oscar week, this A-List event has hosted some of Hollywood's elite, including Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Amy Adams, Samuel L. Jackson, Forest Whitaker, James Cameron, and Laurence Fishburne, among many others.

Stay tuned to Essence.com for highlights and behind-the-scenes access to ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood. Follow on Twitter @essenceonline #EssenceBWIH. Join in the discussion on Facebook.

Howard Zinn's documentary The People Speak. In addition to earning praise for her accomplishments within her acting career, Ms. Washington was appointed by President Barack Obama to the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities in November of 2009.

She will next be seen in We the Peeples with Craig Robinson, 1000 Words with Eddie Murphy, and The Details with Toby Maguire. Kerry is set to star in the Scandal, the Shonda Rhimes drama for ABC, which premieres in April 2012.

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Paula Patton:

As the leading lady in the newest Tom Cruise blockbuster Mission Impossible: Octavia Spencer: Ghost Protocol, Paula Patton has taken Hollywood by storm.

Landing her first O c t a v i a S p e n c e r i s e n j o y i n g a acting role in 2005 alongside Will Smith and triumphant Awards Season, based on her Eva Mendes in the movie Hitch, Paula went stellar work in the Oscar-nominated film, on to appear alongside Outkast members The Help, opposite Viola Davis, Emma Stone Andre Benjamin and Big Boi in Idlewild. In and Bryce Dallas Howard. Her critically 2006 she starred in the science-fiction thriller acclaimed performance has garnered her a Deja Vu, starring Denzel Washington and Val first-time Oscar nomination for "Best Actress Kilmer. in a Supporting Role" as well as a Screen Ms. Patton appeared in the film Mirrors, Actors Guild nomination for "Outstanding alongside Kiefer Sutherland in 2008 Performance by a Female Actor in a followed by the critically acclaimed movie Supporting Role."

Precious, where she was nominated for an She recently won the Golden Globe NAACP Image Award for "Outstanding Award for "Best Supporting Actress-Motion Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture," Picture" and the Critics Choice Award for Critic's Choice Award for "Best Acting "Best Supporting Actress- Motion Pictures." Ensemble" and a Screen Actors Award for Spencer is a 15 year veteran who has "Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a appeared in several award winning films Motion Picture." which include A Time to Kill, Never Been In 2010 she starred in the movie Just Kissed, Big Momma's House, Spider-Man, Wright alongside Queen Latifah and Coach Carter and Seven Pounds.

Common followed by leading an all-star cast In 2009, Entertainment Weekly named in the movie Jumping the Broom in 2011 Spencer one of the 25 Funniest Actresses in which included Angela Bassett, Loretta Hollywood. Ms. Spencer's upcoming Devine, Tasha Smith, Meagan Good, Gary projects include the independent feature film Dourdan and new comer Laz Alonso.

Smashed which recently premiered at the Ms. Patton recently wrapped the 2012 Sundance Film Festival and Diablo independent film Disconnect also starring Cody's untitled directional debut opposite Jason Bateman, Alexander Skarsgard and Russell Brand and Julianne Hough.

Andrea Riseborough.

Pam Grier:

A legend in every sense of the word, Pam Grier was the first African-American female to star as the lead in an action film becoming the face of early 1970s Blaxploitation movies like Jack Hill's Coffy, Friday Foster, Sheba, Baby and her most notable role Foxy Brown.

Ms. Grier's career spans over five decades including television guest appearances on popular shows like Miami Vice, Martin, The Cosby Show, The Wayans Brothers Show and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. In 1997 she stared in the title role of Kerry Washington: Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown, a film that As the recipient of the Vanguard Award, partly paid homage to her '70s Blaxploitation Kerry Washington has built an impressive movies. She was subsequently nominated for list of credits starring in award winning, a Golden Globe Award for "Best Actresscritically acclaimed films such as The Last Motion Picture" and for the Screen Actors King of Scotland opposite Oscar Award Guild Award for "Best Actress Motion winner Forest Whitaker and Ray for which Picture" for her performance for Jackie she won "Outstanding Actress in a Motion Brown. Between 2002-2008, Ms. Grier appeared in six seasons of the Picture" at the NAACP Image Awards.

I n 2 0 1 0 , Wa s h i n g t o n m a d e h e r Showtime series The "L" Word and 2010 Broadway debut in David Mamet's began appearing in a recurring role on the hit provocative hit Race with James Spader and science fiction series Smallville. She also David Alan Grier. Washington appeared with appeared in the films Just Wright starting Matt Damon, Josh Brolin and Sean Penn in Queen Latifah, Larry Crown written, PAGE 11

directed and starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, and the Film Mafia with Ving Rhames. She is set to film Man With Iron Fists directed By RZA and Eli Roth. In early 2010, Pam along with Andre Cagan wrote her memoir, Foxy: My Life in Three Acts, a New York Times Bestseller. Her memoir won Best Memoir Award from the African American Literary Organization.

Shonda Rhimes: Shonda Rhimes, the creator and executive producer of ABC's hit series Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice, is still continuing to be hailed by audiences and critics around the world. Rhimes has garnered several awards including "Television Producer of the Year" by the Producers Guild of America, the Golden Globe for "Outstanding Television Drama" and several NAACP Image Awards for "Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series" for her work on Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice.

Aside from her success with network television, Rhimes wrote the Disney feature film Princess Diaries 2: A Royal Engagement, and co-wrote the HBO produced movie Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, which won numerous awards including a Golden Globe and a Best Actress Emmy for star Halle Berry's portrayal of Dandridge.

Ms. Rhimes is also the creator and executive producer of the upcoming ABC midseason drama Scandal. !

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BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION FEBRUARY 3, 2012 housekeepers and and settled down, the confirmed bachelor The Twelve Young nannies. saw no reason to turn in his player’s card.

"The Help" That is until he met Samari.

Angels focuses on the lives Blade decides that he wants Samari and Reviewed by Cheryl Smith of three women-he always gets what he wants.

By M.P. Stone cheryl@cherylsmithonline.com Skeeter is a white Now Samari is a talented, beautiful and college graduate somewhat reserved attorney who has who seems destined managed to stay out of the path of men like Preacherman Blues II What a pleasant read! In Monique Stone’s to be a spinster; Blade. fantasy fairy tale there are 12 angels who

By Jihad Aibileen is a Black Passion between share some valuable lessons with readers. maid who has spent the two is explosive The Twelve Young Angels is such a fun her life raising and exciting to read As America is attempting still to get book to read as the angels address “real-life o t h e r w o m e n ’s about, because of used to the idea of a Black president, author scenarios teaching youth life skills but it also children, and then course they Jihad introduces a scenario where another recognizes and celebrates characters in the there’s Aibileen’s best friend Minny who is eventually find Black man is about to ascend to the book that achieve academic excellent and also a maid -- when she can keep a job. themselves wrapped presidency. display positive social behavior.

In The Help, Ms. Stockett shares the i n o n e a n o t h e r ’s Bishop TJ Money is definitely a The Twelve Young lives of these ladies, as well as the entire arms. character. He doesn’t care who he hurts as he Angels tells of a town as she deals with two Americas--one The relationship goes after whatever he journey that begins black and one white. between the two is desires. in Heaven.

The two worlds are clear and distinct steamy and intense, Preacherman Blues II While there are and anyone crossing the lines could find which is what is is the sequel to other angels in themselves feeling the wrath of those in the expected from author Preacherman Blues Heaven, The Twelve town who were determined to keep things Brenda Jackson. and once again a “Man Yo u n g A n g e l s separate and unequal.

"Sensual Confessions" is Ms. Jackson's of God” is in a focuses on 12 special Skeeter get a taste of that wrath when it 16th foray into the lives of the Madaris powerful position to ones who have is perceived that she is becoming too close to family and their friends. Fans of the popular control the lives of bonded and become inseparable. the Blacks and she appears to be sympathetic author will not be disappointed because she others.

The Twelve Young Angels is the first of to their causes and concerns. continues to weave a tale of intrigue, sex and Bishop Money is many as readers will be entertained by The Little does the town gossip know that suspense. ruthless and actually Angel Face Adventures Storybook Series.

Skeeter is writing a book that will shed light Interestingly Blade doesn’t realize how despicable. Jihad has There are consequences when you don’t do on the disparity that is prevalent and far gone he is until he is almost overwhelmed painted a picture of a the right thing and the Angel Faces learn condoned by the majority of white citizens by his love for Samari. But of course Ms. man who despite being atrocious, is so quickly as God sends them on a journey that and adhered to by the Blacks.

Jackson wouldn’t be true to form if she just charismatic and endearing. Seems hard to will provide some much-needed lessons.

Skeeter interviews several of the maids let the story end without a little drama. imagine but Jihad is skillful in his approach Ms. Stone is the executive director of who share stories about working in the to each character as he shows the strong and Angel Faces, a 501C 3 non profit homes of white citizens. the weak, the righteous and the cowards. organization that promotes the awareness The task for Skeeter, and the maids, was Jihad is passionate about his writing. As Relapse and prevention of child abuse and neglect, not an easy one. an independent writer, he joins many who are mentors youth and teaches them the

By Nikki Turner The maids are the "help" and they attempting to build an empire by self expressive arts. would lose their jobs and Skeeter would be publishing and distributing their own books.

Readers of all ages will enjoy The Twelve Beijing Lee is a dynamo.

She’s ostracized--should word get out about their With the demise of many of the blackYoung Angels. Get ready for a wonderful beautiful, intelligent and resourceful.

So secret project. owned bookstores, independent authors find whatever more could she possibly need? journey with Jennifer, Abani, Beatria, That project would launch Skeeter’s themselves under-funded and fighting an Some might say a healthy relationship with a Ebonny, LaKira, Dominica, Ursula, Taisha, career as a writer as she poignantly tells each uphill battle as they compete with the larger Cimone, Summia, Brandania and Jazmayne, member of the opposite sex. maid’s story and details the various bookstores and superstores.

Well maybe, just maybe author Nikki idiosyncrasies of the ladies who reigned Jihad wants to level the playing field so Turner has come up with the ideal companion supreme in their households. he is encouraging support of independent Support Black -owned for the business-minded woman with all the Admittedly, when she was growing up writers; many of whom are working tirelessly answers. in Jackson, MS, Ms. Stockett said she pitied book stores like him to produce quality reading for a In Relapse, Ms. Turner describes a man the Blacks in her town. large and loyal audience. who provides the highest of highs and the I am so embarrassed to admit that now, In "Preacherman Blues II," Jihad will feeling is so wonderful. But what about the she wrote. introduce you to some interesting characters low points with Lootchie.

Ms. Stockett’s "The Help;" while with even more interesting names. He will Beijing lives for those highs but those touching on some very sensitive areas, shines bring people out of the history books and into lows are about to make her self destruct and a spotlight on the ignorance and inequities. the life of Bishop Money as they get ready no amount of jewelry The valiant women who shared their for the big payback. and lavish gifts can take stories were the real heroines because they Don’t think for a moment that you’ve away the pain he causes clearly had much more to lose. figured the outcome of Bishop Money. Jihad her. is a talented writer and the good, the bad and In her special the ugly will definitely make for a good Sensual Confessions message to her readers,

By Brenda Jackson Ms. Turner explains, .

“Everybody, at one time The Help We all have at one time or another run or another, has been a across a man like Blade Madaris. He was fool for love. Has

By Kathryn Stockett rich, handsome and smart with a goodexperienced the highs looking body. Then too, he was sexy. and lows of a Laughter, tears, disbelief.

Blade could have any woman he wanted relationship, the fiending to be with that Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions and he had more than his share. person, the withdrawal after a breakup and as author Kathryn Stockett takes you into the The king of one-nighters, Blade had no finally the Relapse. “ lives of the women in a Mississippi town and intention of getting married or settling down Many readers will feel like Ms. Turner the women who do the real work -- the with one woman. As his brothers found mates is talking to them as they turn the pages.

NO 1 ISSUE 21

in OUR library

CABOT CREAMERY’S ROAD SHOW COMES TO TEXAS The crowd-pleasing Cabot Roadshow is coming to BROOKSHIRES to promote the benefits of calcium and the goodness of cheese to delighted consumers. They will be distributing recipes, prizes, coupons, and – of course – delicious samples of the “World’s Best Cheddar.”

Cabot’s Cheese --voted one of Cheryl’s Favorite Things on KKDA! PAGE 12

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Friday, February 3 12p-6p 501 E Highway 199 Springtown TX

Sunday, February 5

12p-6p 675 Sunset Blvd Celina TX

10a-4p 511 N Stewart St Azle TX

12p-6p 1325 W White St Anna TX

10a-4p 427 Pinson Rd Forney TX

12p-6p 8934 State Highway 34 S Quinlan TX Saturday, February 4,

10a-4p 1201 Ridge Rd Rockwall TX 10a-4p 701 S Highway 78 Wylie TX

10a-4p 320 E Main St Crowley TX 10a-4p 9461 Benbrook Blvd Benbrook TX 10a-4p 5118 E I 20 Service Rd S Aledo TX 10a-4p 1400 E Main St Midlothian TX

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PaperBackSwap supports North Texas children

The largest Book Club in America, PaperBackSwap.com (PBS), has chosen to support local non-profit organization, My Very Own Book (MVOB), for a second year in a row. MVOB, which rewards children in North Texas Title 1 elementary schools with new, free books for reading outside of school hours, was honored to be chosen once again. Last year the company supported all five MVOB program schools during their PBS Books for Schools donation drive. During this 2011-2012 school year, MVOB expanded to serve two new schools and PBS selected them for the drive.

During the drive, PBS members donated their book swap credits and the company turned them into new books for the non-profit to dispense to book loving students at Edward Titche (Dallas ISD) and Barron (Plano ISD) Elementary schools. This year the PBS members generously donated 3,000 credits to these two schools! “We greatly being provided with a large quantity of quality books for our students,” said MVOB President Helen Van Auken. “We know that our students and so many more throughout the United States will be touched by this generosity.”

PBS began the Books for Schools Donation Program in 2009 to provide books for students because of the company’s belief in both the power of reading and the power of giving. Overall, PaperBackSwap.com’s recent Books for Schools program provided 25,000 books to 27 deserving schools all over the United States from Alaska to Florida. The books were delivered to organizations and schools, just in time to start the New Year off right in January, 2012. For more information about the program or to nominate a school, go to www.paperbackswap.com/donations/schools/php.

PaperBackSwap.com is a free online book club where members swap books just for the cost of postage. People join PBS by posting on the PaperBackSwap.com website good condition books from their bookshelf that they are willing to share. Two startup credits are given by PBS to start the member’s swapping. Credits are earned by sending out books to other members. Complete information about the online book club is available at www.paperbackswap.com. To learn more about My Very Own Book, go to www.myveryownbook.org.

FEBRUARY 3, 2012

FEBRUARY 7 -NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY On February 7, the Urban League of Greater Dallas will offer HIV/AIDS testing in conjunction with National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day at its headquarters, 4315 S. Lancaster Road.

There will be a panel discussion on HIV/AIDS in Our Community with leading HIV/AID professionals from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The moderator will be Tony B from 94.5 KSOUL. In Dallas County, the majority (nearly 60%) of new cases of HIV infection occurs among African Americans who continue to be affected by HIV/AIDS at disproportionate rates.

Young African American Men who have Sex with Men represent over 65% of the new HIV cases among men. Over the past three years, African American women account for over 75% of new cases of HIV among women.

Young people between the age of 18 and 30 are the fastest growing group of people in Dallas County to become infected with HIV. For more information call (214) 915-4682.

In addition, mammograms and prostate screenings will also be offered. The Methodist Health System Mobile Mammography Unit will provide mammograms.

Call (214) 915-4624 to schedule your appointment. Most insurance plans are accepted including Medicare Part B and Medicaid.

You must bring your insurance card and the name and mailing address of your doctor to the exam. Financial assistance will be available for those who qualify.

Jokae’s African American Books + 3223 W. Camp Wisdom Road Dallas, TX 75237 (214) 331-8100 Runner’s Revelations How Running Changed My Walk Monisha I. Randolph February 4, 2012 * 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

The Family Business Carl Weber February 9, 2012 * 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The Adventures of Zolie “Miss Chit Chat” Zi Bully Bullies Children’s Author - Sonya J. Bowser

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February 11, 2012 * 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Color Me Black Jeannie Eneh February 18, 2012 * 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

The Blessings & Bling How Faith& Fashion Helped Me Survive Breast Cancer Dr. Sheron C. Patterson February 18, 2012 * 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

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FEBRUARY 3, 2012

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Man on a Ledge

Negotiator Lydia Mercer (Elizabeth Banks) is called in to talk disgraced former police officer Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington) down from the ledge.

Mike Ackerman (Anthony Mackie) ends up saving his former partner.

Man on a Ledge will have moviegoers sitting on the edge of their seats as they anticipate the outcome.

Sam Worthington stars as a former police oďŹƒce Nick Cassidy who is now an escaped convict determined to prove his innocence.

While on the force, he and his partner M i ke , played by Anthony Mackie, are also on the payroll of a businessman who is a big-time developer and shot-caller, and the mastermind behind the plot that l a n d e d Ni c k i n prison.

So, with the help of his own “team,�

Nick develops an elaborate scheme that is actually quite humorous and i n te n s e a t t i m e s , especially when you’re not focusing on whether or not he will jump or accidentally fall o the ledge.

One phrase describes Man on a Ledge-suspense-filled.

As viewers are figuring out that there’s more to Nick’s story than committing suicide, so does police negotiator Lydia Mercer.

Now OďŹƒcer Mercer is dealing with her own demons, since her unsuccessful eorts to keep a jumper from taking the plunge.

Shot in New York, there are elements of Man on a Ledge that are so predictable, such as

FEBRUARY 3, 2012

everyone having a cell phone to capture the excitement, onlookers urging Nick to jump and tossing money to cause a distraction. “Jump and get it over with,� one spectator yelled, as others chanted, “jump, jump.�

There are two plots to Man on a Ledge and both are entertaining and have their moments, while keeping viewers engaged.

It is clear that what appears to be, is not necessarily the case.

Right up to the very end of this movie, there are twists and turns.

Talking to movie-goers exiting after Man the advance screening, it appeared to be a hit as all ages praised the movie.

Some referred to the surprises throughout, while others talked about their hearts beating fast because they expected Nick or someone to fall from the ledge.

Ma n o n a L e d g e i s entertaining and makes for an enjoyable outing for the family.

Rated PG-13 (for violence and brief strong language), Worthington will have you rooting for his vindication and Ed Harris’ pompous attitude will have you cheering for his downfall.

Genesis Rodriguez as Angie and Jamie Bell as Nick’s brother Joey, will provide some light, and intense moments. It was also nice seeing The Closer’s Kyra Sedgwick as journalist Suzie Morales.

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Urban Sports Newswire Arlington, Texas— The Grambling State Lady Tigers will take on the Southern University Lady Jaguars on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 3:00pm in the Pack the House Challenge at the Frederick C. Hobdy Assembly Center. Following the women’s game, the men will play at 5:00pm. The afternoon is also tagged as the ‘Bayou Classic of the Hardwood.’

The Pack the House Challenge is a NCAA initiative to promote women’s basketball. There are five unique attributes of women’s basketball which are fundamentals, quality of play, being role models, family-oriented entertainment and sportsmanship.

The Lady Tigers plan to have a day packed full of fun and excitement with great music, prizes and giveaways along with some fantastic Lady Tigers basketball. The weekend will start Friday, February 3rd with a Pep Rally at 7pm. On Saturday, February 4th, the Lady Tigers will hold a clinic from 12 – 1pm in the Assembly Center along with the game that afternoon at 3pm.

The cost for the game is $5. GSU Students will get in FREE with a valid ID. Fans are encouraged to come out, wear their black and support the Lady Tigers and BLACK OUT THE HOB! “This will be a fun, family-oriented day of entertainment,” Head Coach Donnita Rogers stated on her weekly radio show on KGRM 91.5. She also stated that they need all of the GramFam there to be the 6th Man for the Lady Tigers. For more information, contact the GSU Ticket office at 318/274-2625 or visit the website at www.gsutigers.com MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL-HBCU INVITATIONAL Major League Baseball has announced its fifth annual, round-robin collegiate tournament is relocating to Houston and utilizing a big league stadium for the first time. The Astros' MLB Urban Youth Academy at Sylvester Turner Park will be the primary site on Feb. 17 and 19, while the games on Saturday, Feb. 18, will be played at Minute Maid Park.

Cador's Southern club is back for the fifth year in a row, along with four other HBCUs: Alabama State (Montgomery, Ala.), Grambling State (Grambling, La.), Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, Texas) and local representative Texas Southern. They each participate along with UC-Irvine, an NCAA Division I school.

MLB and the Astros will host a college fair at Minute Maid Park starting at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, Feb. 18, as part of the weekend's activities. More than 20 colleges and universities will be represented and will provide information about college preparation, undergraduate and graduate degree programs, financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Greg Amsinger will provide play-by-play and Harold Reynolds will be the analyst in the booth for two of the Saturday games at Minute Maid Park, starting at 3 p.m. CT on MLB Network and simulcast on MLB.com. Between those two games, fans at the ballpark will be entertained in a collegiate “Battle of the Bands” featuring live performances from Southern's “Human Jukebox,” Texas Southern's “Ocean of Soul” and Prairie View A&M's “Marching Storm.”

HBCUs have a proud tradition of outstanding baseball players, from Hall of Famer Lou Brock and Brewers All-Star Rickie Weeks (Southern) to Andre Dawson (Florida A&M). Thirteen HBCU players were selected in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, six played in last year's Urban Invitational in Compton. The Urban Invitational helps these programs continue providing young players from underserved communities the opportunity to play collegiate-level baseball.

Tickets to the games and events at Minute Maid Park will be available to the general public for $5, as will parking. A special $10 ticket package allows access to the ballpark and provide a concession voucher for a hot dog and soda.

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FEBRUARY 3, 2012

Black College Sports Roundup Games at Sylvester Turner Park will be available on game day for a suggested $5 donation. Children 12 and under, and any student 18 and under with a valid student ID, will be admitted free. All proceeds from the ticket donations at the Academy will benefit the MLB Urban Youth Foundation, which is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) corporation.

Game Schedule (All Times CT): Feb. 17 at Sylvester Turner Park: Southern University vs. Prairie View A&M, 11 a.m.; UCIrvine vs. Alabama State, 2:30 p.m.; Grambling State vs. Texas Southern, 6 p.m.

Feb. 18 at Minute Maid Park: Alabama State vs.

Grambling State, 11a.m.; UC-Irvine vs. Southern, 3p.m.; TX Southern vs. Prairie View A&M, 7 p.m.

Feb. 19 at Sylvester Turner Park: UC-Irvine vs.

Texas Southern, 11 a.m.; Alabama State vs.

Southern, 2:30 p.m.; Grambling State vs. Prairie View A&M, 5:30 p.m.

ALABAMA STATE TO STREAM UPCOMING HOME GAMES Alabama State Athletics will video stream three of this weekend’s home contests vs. Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern through its website, www.bamastatesports.com.

Saturday’s Alabama State – Prairie View A&M women’s and men’s basketball doubleheader will be streamed beginning at 2:45p.m. Monday’s women’s game between the Lady Hornets and Texas Southern streamed beginning at 4:45p.m.

The men’s game will be televised live on ESPNU. Fans can subscribe to watch on a per-event/ doubleheader basis for $5.95 or purchase the Hornets All-Access subscription for the remaining six events/11 games for $29.95. SIGN UP NOW http://www.bamastatesports.com/showcase.

CIAA HALL OF FAME 2012 INDUCTEES The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) in conjunction with the CIAA Executive Committee welcomes six individuals and one team into the John B. McLendon, Jr. Hall of Fame.

Honorees will be enshrined on Friday, March 2, at the Charlotte Convention Center at 11:00am.

D o n a l d E v a n s , Wi n s t o n - S a l e m S t a t e UniversityFootball Donald Evans holds the status of being the highest drafted player in WSSU history.

Evans was drafted i n t he s ec ond round of the 1987 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams and played for Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and the New York Jets from 1987-1996.

He is a member of the Big House Gaines Hall of Fame ('04) and has acquired the naming rights of the Donald Evans Training Facility in the WSSU’s Thompson Center.

Dr. Claudie J. Mackey, Elizabeth City State University- Basketball, Track, Professor Dr. Claudie J. Mackey, Faculty Athletic Advisor for Elizabeth City State, competed in Men's Basketball and Track for the Vikings from 1961-65. He then entered the National Football League as a free agent for the Dallas Cowboys from 1965-1966. Mr. Mackey spent two years in semi-pro football with the Charleston Rockets and

the Brooklyn Dodgers of the Continental Football League. He completed his active football life with the Golden Knights of Brooklyn, New York. In addition, Mackey played pro basketball for one year with the Trenton Colonials of the Continental Basketball Association.

Mackey began his collegiate coaching career in the CUNY system, where he won a national championship in the early 70's. He later returned to his alma mater, ECSU, where he coached from 1977-1995. Dr. Mackey has served on several sports committees and currently sits on the NCAA Championships Committee.

Ralph Tally, Norfolk State University, Men's Basketball Ralph Tally, a three-time consecutive CIAA Player of the Year ('85-87) and Tournament MVP ('84-86), ranks fifth all-time in scoring for the conference (2,575) and is tied at second all-time in the steals category with 314. This former Spartan also holds the record for most steals in the CIAA Tournament with 30.

Warren Bruce Spraggins, Virginia Union University- Men's Basketball Warren Spraggins was a first team All-CIAA star for the Panthers (1959-61), held the CIAA scoring title from 1959-61 and led the NCAA Small College listing as the top scorer. Spraggins logged 54 pts. against St. Paul's College in the 1959-1960 season.

Warren was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors in the fifth round of the NBA Draft and also played for teams in the ABL and ABA leagues. Spraggins is a member of the VUU Athletic Hall of Fame ('08) and Rucker Hall of Fame ('99) and is the Co-Owner of Appletown Sporting Goods in Harlem, NY. Diedra Fields, Bowie State UniversityWomen's Basketball, Volleyball Diedra Fields, a dual sport student-athlete for the Lady Bulldogs, was a member of the volleyball team where, in 1999, she earned the CIAA Player of the Year and All- Conference recognition in 1999 and 2000. In addition to her accomplishments in volleyball she was also a part of the 1999 CIAA Championship team and 2000 Runner-Up team for women's basketball. Fields earned All-CIAA and All-South Atlantic Region recognitions in 2000 and represented the CIAA at the Black College All-Star Game.

Since her days at Bowie State, Deidra has played professional women's football for the Detroit Demolition; where they have won five National Championships. She has coached junior college basketball at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, MI where they were the 2010 Division II National Runner-Up, won two state titles, one Region XII Title and three conference titles.

Currently, Deidra is wife and mother of a 17 year old son and resides in Romulus, Michigan. She is the Owner of The Frosted Oven Cake Studio.

1950 CIAA Championship Team, North Carolina Central University, Men's Basketball Coached by legends Dr. Leroy Walker and John B. McLendon, this team was the State Invitational winner in 1950. In celebration of this accomplishment, Dr. Leroy Walker received a congratulatory telegram from then Senator John F. Kennedy. This team was Coach McLendon's last championship team.

Vic Fulp, Progress Index and Richmond Times-Dispatch, Sports Reporter Vic Fulp began covering the CIAA in 1957, while serving as a sports reporter for the Progress Index in Petersburg, VA. Vic continued to faithfully cover the CIAA when he accepted a new position with the Richmond Times-Dispatch (Richmond, VA) in 1967. Fulp retired from sports writing in 2006 and was nominated for induction into the !

McLendon Hall of Fame by Head Football Coach Lou Anderson of Virginia State University. Fulp has been honored as a CIAA Sportswriter of the Year and was given the 1994 VaSID Distinguished Service Award by the Virginia Sports Information Directors Association.

NEWS & NOTES: --Elicia GilliamWashington has been named as a finalist for the 2012 CIAA Division Lowe’s Senior Class Award and fan voting will help determine the winner. GilliamWashington is a senior from Jacksonville, FL and has played for the Livingstone Blue Bear women’s basketball for four years. The men’s and women’s winners will be determined through a voting process that runs concurrent with the basketball season and is divided into three categories: 1) online fan voting, 2) coaches, and 3) media. Each category accounts for one-third of t h e t o t a l v o t e . To v o t e : v i s i t h t t p : / / w w w. s e n i o r c l a s s a w a r d . c o m / c i a a / v o t e / womens_basketball_2011-12. Fans can vote once a day, every day.

--Prairie View A&M guard Latia Williams has been named SWAC Women's Basketball Player of the Week. The junior from Atlanta, Ga. averaged a double-double for the weekend in the Lady Panthers two wins. She averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds, to go with five assists and four steals. In the win over Mississippi Valley State, Williams was 7-for-13 from the field and 4-for-5 from the freethrow line. She finished the game with 18 points and 12 rebounds, with three assists and two blocks. Against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Williams was one of three PVAM players to score over 20 points. She tallied 22 points and grabbed 12 more rebounds. She had seven steals and two assists as the Lady Panthers routed UAPB --For the second time this season, Southern University senior forward Quinton Doggett has been named SWAC Men's Basketball Player of the Week. This time for games played Saturday, January 21 and Monday, January 23. The 6-7 native of Richmond, Va. led the Jaguars to a sweep of Alabama A&M and Alabama State over the weekend by averaging 19.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.0 blocked shots per game. He also shot nearly 65 percent from the field. The Jags currently sit alone in second place in the SWAC at 6-2.

--The SWAC Basketball Tournament, once again, is headed to Texas. The Tournament runs from March 6-10, 2012 at the Garland Special Events Center. For more info, go to swachoops.org.

--The new Texas Southern football complex will open in 2012.

The Alabama State football stadium will open on Thanksgiving Day 2012.

--Urban Sports News will be providing the action photography from the SWAC Basketball Tournament, March 6-10th. USN will be providing action coverage of the Grambling-Southern basketball games on February 4th. Urban Sports News will be shooting the Grambling Women’s Basketball Team on February 3rd. USN will be at the Major League Baseball-Black College Baseball Invitational February 17-19 in Houston.

USN will be at the Penn Relays in late April John Posey, CEO, of Urban Sports News, a full-service sports media company, has launched a weekly sports package that is distributed nationally to publications, Sports Information Directors, fans, sports websites, newspapers, and to members of the media. Urban Sports News distributes news, photos and features, as well as, provides a wide range of communications consulting services. His work has appeared in 26 countries, numerous publications, media guides, television stations, and electronic media. Urban Sports News provides a wide range of services for a number of corporate and college clients.

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Quest for Success, cont. from Page 3 EJES, Incorporated provides “service with excellence” as a full service multi-discipline civil engineering and architectural firm dedicated to providing its’ clients with the most cost effective and highest quality product available. Civil engineering services include project management and design of transportation road systems, bridges, airport facilities, municipal infrastructure improvements, environmental assessment and remediation, master planning and construction management. Architectural services include project management and design of commercial, municipal, state and federal buildings in addition to smaller private development. In addition to the A/E services, EJES, Inc. also offers Information Technology services to both the public and private sectors of its’ client base. These full function services are currently offered in the states of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

EJES has a highly diverse staff covering a broad spectrum of disciplines. Years of field experience is incorporated into every design and technology solution, which results in projects that can be efficiently bid and constructed.

He personally has over 19 years of management and technical experience in transportation, planning, highway design, water/wastewater design, hydraulics/drainage design, bridge layout, site development, aviation projects and environmental services. A member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers, he has a BS in Civil Engineering from Southern University and an MBA from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.

EJES has received numerous awards, including: 2009 Humanitarian Award from the Nigeria Women Association, Inc. DFW, USA; 2010 Reginald Gates Business Award; 2010 Texas Association of African American Chamber of Commerce Award; and 2011 Franklin Parish Black Achiever’s Association Award.

A native of Mansfield, LA, he is the husband of Sheila and father of two sons, Edwin, Jr. & Joshua. He and his family attend the Potter’s House.

Alicia Sanders, President Amenity Financial Services, LLC 400 N. St. Paul Ste. 599 Dallas, Texas 75201 214-273-4236

Alicia Sanders began Amenity Financial Services (AFS) in 2003 as a home-based business by providing individual income tax preparation for family members and friends. The business grew and in 2004 AFS incorporated an array of services including, but not limited to: small business and individual accounting/ bookkeeping services, tax preparation for small businesses, payroll services, consulting services, financial projections, forecasting, budgets and QuickBooks Training.

FEBRUARY 3, 2012

He is Immediate Past Chair of the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Minority Leaders & Citizens Council, NAACP, and Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce.

He and his wife of 38 years (Vernal, a retired school principal) are the proud parents of two daughters and four grandchildren and he is an active member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church.

Linda McSwain, Director & COO International Renowned Beauty Academy, Inc. (IRBA) 3536 E. Lancaster Avenue Fort Worth, Texas 76103 817-531-372

Linda McSwain along with her husband established the International Renowned Beauty Academy, Inc. (IRBA) in 1999. The ultimate goal at International Renowned Beauty Academy Inc. (IRBA) is to educate, graduate and motivate professionals in the field of cosmetology art and science. The curriculum at IRBA is a combination of cosmetology theory, illustration, and hands on practical experience. The school is staffed with highly skilled professionals with extensive experience in the field of cosmetology. The facility is furnished with separate classrooms, a clinic area for beginning and advanced sessions, advisement offices, two dispensary areas, student break room and free wireless internet throughout the school. The academy currently offers six courses that will prepare students for the beauty industry: Cosmetology, Hair Braiding, Hair Weaving & Braiding, Instructor with previous salon experience, Instructor without previous experience and Refresher Course. The academy is accredited by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations, Licensing Division (TDLR), as well as the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS).

IRBA teaches students theory on haircutting and styling; hair coloring; cold waving; Texas cosmetology law and rules; manicuring; shampooing; chemistry; salon management and practices; hair and scalp treatment; chemical hair relaxing; and facials. In practical work performance, students learn client protection; hair dressing; finger waving; sanitation; hair coloring and bleaching; chemical hair services; facial treatments; scalp and hair treatments; manicuring and pedicures. Since its’ inception the company has grown to add more employees and a barber program.

She is a 2011 graduate of Texas Wesleyan University where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree. She has received numerous awards in the beauty industry including the 1st Place Winning School Award presented by the Texas International Hair and Trade Show three years in a row. IRBA received the award for 2008, 2009 and 2010. Linda McSwain has moderated the International Hair Show on the Ryan River, Wiesbaden, Germany and the 22nd Madame CJ Walker Awards Luncheon.

Mrs. McSwain says the IRBA has graduated over 900 into the beauty industry. She has been married for 26 years and has two daughters.

Congratulations to the 2012 Quest for Success Honorees

Ms. Sanders is sole owner of Alicia Sanders, CPA PC. This company provides non-profit and governmental audits, compilations and reviews for small businesses, consulting and controllership services.

Prior to starting her own business, Alicia Sanders was employed in accounting managerial roles at Radiologix, Inc., Fossil, Inc., Staubach Retail Services, Inc. and Concentra, Inc. To reach a broader base of potential clients, AFS moved to the downtown Dallas area in July 2007. Today AFS has an array of clients. In 2010 AFS expanded its’ services to the audit industry, and as a result, Amenities Financial Services has moved one step further in providing one-stop-shop financial services. Clients represent various industries, including construction, transportation, healthcare, retail, professional services, real estate and non-profits.

With rapid growth the company’s vision has remained unchanged – to take care of small business needs one business at a time and to give consistent individualized service through its range of services and expertise. Amenity Financial Services is committed to providing professional, quality, reliable, trustworthy services to clients.

Ms. Sanders volunteers her time in different outreach projects including Treasurer and Vice President of Public Relations for the local chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants – Western Region.

Ms. Sanders also has volunteered through Renaissance Community Development where she spoke at Spruce High School about financial planning and has volunteered at the Court of Law Basketball Camp – Acie Law Foundation.

A graduate from Baylor University in Waco, with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, she is a registered Certified Public Accountant with the State of Texas.

She says, “The key to business success is understanding the value of providing exceptional client, customer and community service.

Monte Elliott, President Monte Elliott Construction/E3 6333 Meadows West Fort Worth, Texas 76132

817-991-7919

Monte Elliott began Monte Elliott Construction/E3 in 2003. He started the company with the eldest of two daughters, Makala and his son-in-law. The services provided by the company include: General Contractor, new construction, remodeling (interior and exterior), concrete, electrical, plumbing services and construction management.

Monte Elliott was born in Fort Worth, Texas and is a graduate of the historic I. M. Terrell High School, Tarrant County College and Texas Wesleyan University. He was employed for 31 years by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company where he served the last five years as Executive Director-External Affairs for North Central & East Texas before taking early retirement.

Even though Monte Elliott Construction/E3 is a second career, he continued the same commitment and work ethics that provided success in his first career. Mr. Elliott credits quality work and good customer relationships for his rapid growth through customer referrals.

He believes in giving his word and keeping his word to clients for satisfaction and success. Through this effort, the company has grown in the number of contracts and projects’ value.

Monte Elliott Construction/E3 also credits his Mentorship-Protégé’ relationship with Thos. S. Byrne, Tarrant County’s Oldest Construction firm, with helping his company to grow and develop its’ business.

E3 has served as sub-contractors for Byrne and has successfully completed three (3) joint venture projects with the Byrne team.

Mr. Elliott has served and continues to serve on several boards and commissions, including: Chairman of Fort Worth Human Relations Commission; Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce; JPS Hospital Board; NAACP; DFW Airport Assistance Center; Aviation Advisory Board; and many others. He has received awards for community service and is a noted MWBE advocate.

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Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

2012 DALLAS ISD GOES TO COLLEGE: E3 EVENT

FEBRUARY 3, 2012

UNT Dallas College of Law names Founding Dean of Law School

-- University of North Texas System Chancellor Lee Jackson has announced sitting Dallas U.S. District Judge Royal Furgeson as Martin Luther King, Jr. the Founding Dean of the UNT Dallas College of Law; on schedule for the opening of the Downtown Dallas location to begin accepting students in Fall 2014. Judge Furgeson’s appointment brings to conclusion, an exhaustive search process that began late in 2009. The appointment also marks another milestone in the creation of a public law school as a cornerstone of the overall University of North Texas at Dallas vision. Judge Furgeson will assume his duties as dean of the law school in April 2013.

Judge Royal Furgeson “I'm encouraged by the appointment of Judge Royal Furgeson as the Founding Dean of the UNT Dallas College of Law,” said Senator West. “His academic and legal career as a practitioner and most recently as a noted United States jurist brings a wealth of experience that will enable him to lead the development of the law school program.

“I’m excited and Dallas should be excited about his appointment,” said Sen. West. “I look forward to working with him.”

In 2009, Sen. West authored SB956, creating the city’s first and only public law school. It will be located in Downtown Dallas, at the Old Municipal Building, once Dallas’s City Hall, at Harwood and Main Streets. Efforts to secure the UNT Dallas College of Law came to be through a partnership between the City of Dallas and the UNT System. The building was donated by the City of Dallas which will provide part of the funding for its renovation, along with the state. Overall funding for the law school will be appropriated by the state.

The creation of a law school is one of two “centers of excellence” as coined

by Sen. West in his vision for UNT Dallas. This year, the second of those, a School of Pharmacy, began its eventual journey to brick and mortar with the Texas Legislature’s agreement for its creation as a joint venture by UNT System schools, including UNT Dallas. Making higher education opportunities accessible and affordable to all who aspire to earn a college degree remains a fundamental goal of Sen. West.

DALLAS

Check out

Cheryl’s World! with Phyllis J. and Lady T Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 Ellis Davis Field House

Exhibits: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Exploration: 9–11:30 a.m.

Experiences: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

HappyNia Dance Theatre Productions, Inc. Come learn and take classes in various styles of dance Now Accepting Students Contact us today to register for 2012 classes

Black Economic History French made easier w PJ Interviews Newswatch, and more...

www.happyniadance.com 214.434.7851

www.blogtalkradio.com

Studio Address 3200 Lancaster Rd., Ste. 623 Dallas, TX 75216

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9-11a.m. Weekdays Bringing you informative, insightful, thought-provoking discussions, guests and information! !

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Mark your calendar 6th Annual Texas Black Film Festival. Premiering 50+ feature & short films, documentaries and animations from around the world!

February 1-4, 2012. at Studio Movie Grill-Dallas 11170 N. Central Expressway @ Royal Ln. with attendance by Robert Townsend & Lynn Whitfield.

February 3 28th Annual Quest For Success Awards Luncheon Registration & Reception: 11:00 a.m.

Awards Luncheon & Program: 12:00 noon Dallas Convention Center --Ballroom A-(650 South Griffin Street, Dallas, Texas) AFRICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON HELD AT SMOKEY JOHNS BBQ, 1820 MOCKINGBIRD LANE, DALLAS TX. 75247 12 NOON - 1:00 P.M. WHEN : EVERY WEDNESDAY (EXCEPT HOLIDAYS)

February 4

is from 9:45 am to 12:30 pm, and the program will continue until the close of the year. These classes will introduce steps toward success in the United States and are especially designed for foreign-born women who have lived in the US for five years or less. The location is ideal for women who live in North Dallas, Lake Highlands, Richardson, Garland, and the Park Lane area. To be part of this program, please call Hellen Fissihiae at 972-352-8556.

3 p.m.- 5 p.m. Pan African Connection Bookstore Candlemaking Workshop

Stop, Drop & Dance! An Evolution of Movement: Saturday, February 4, 2- 4 p.m., Performance Hall.

Discover your own inner dancer during this step-by-step motion charged event. A showcase of talent by Steppin’ Out Dance Studio, Dancin’Ovations and Eastfield’s Dance Group featuring former Alvin Ailey dancer Dereque Whiturs at Eastfield College.

10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Need help with your essays, resumes, letters, manuscripts and other writing projects?

Walk-In Writing Clinic-- Get help for free!

Pan-African Connection Bookstore 828 4th Ave., Dallas, TX 75226 (across from Fair Park Music Hall, South Dallas exit I-30, first right on Ash Lane) Experienced writers will be available to assist you with your writing needs. The free monthly clinics are operated by Linda Jones of ManeLock Communications The Life Skills Certificate for New American women.

The free Saturday morning workshops will begin with an Open House at the Audelia Branch Library. 10045 Audelia Rd (at Church St), Dallas TX 75238. Class time

Oscar Micheaux’s Monday Matinee’s African-American Film Festival: Monday, February 6, 13 & 27, 11 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.Eastfield College C135. As the most successful and prolific of black filmmakers, Micheaux was vital to African- American and overall American consciousness. Micheaux provided a diverse portfolio of non-stereotyped black characters, as well as images and stories of African- American life. Short film and discussion.

February 7

Save Money, Create a new income Come and learn an ancient craft. Candlemaking is very beneficial. It relieves stress and it is soothing to the mind.

You will be able to save money by creating your own candles and/or selling them, therefore increasing your income.

Instructor/Candlemanufacturer - Ericka Abinah Adu has been creating candles since 2003 and teaching classes for 2 years. Over 100 people have learned from her and some of them have even started their own businesses. In this workshop, you will gain first hand knowledge on the secrets of Candlemaking. Easy step by step methods are given to help you create quality candles. All materials will be provided and all ages are welcome.

Cost : $25.00 per person

The Urban Bazaar 10am to 4pm, is a familyfriendly event with over 25 vendors, artists, regional cuisine and musical entertainment indoors at the Pioneer Oaks Shopping Center in Balch Springs.. ADMISSION IS FREE. The event will be held at the Pioneer Oaks Shopping Center, 4000 Pioneer Rd, Suite 102-104, Balch Springs, Texas 75180. There is plenty of free parking.

Proceeds benefit community programs of the Balch Springs Visual and Performing Arts Alliance and The Keneisha Bailey Foundation.

For more info call 972-557-1555 or email info@balchspringsartsalliance.org.

Irma P. Hall Theatre Arts Festival. 10:00 a.m. event will be at Wilmer Hutchins High School 5520 Langdon Road. The festival is an innovative project for middle and high school students to address 21st century learning skills. Students from Harry Stone Montessori Academy 4747 Veterans Drive., will be participating. The event is free and open to the public.

February 6

Hip Hop Language & Culture: Tuesday, February 7 11 a.m.- 12:20 p.m., C135 at Eastfield College. --The Truth Behind the Message – Ever wonder how song lyrics can express almost anything? Hip Hop language is discussed as the truth behind the words sheds new light on tradition and popular culture.

February 10 The FAMU National Alumni Association Dallas Chapter will host Dr. James Ammons, the 10th President of Florida A&M University at the Dallas Black Dance Theater from 6-8 pm. This event will serve as a forum which will allow the FAMU-ly to rally our support around our beloved institution, while educating the next generation of college students, parents, educators, administrators, community leaders, etc about (1) the quality of education offered at FAMU, (2) the benefits of attending FAMU, (3) successes of graduates of FAMU, and (4) the importance of supporting FAMU. RSVP required no later than February 3.

February 11

7 p.m. Pan African Connection Bookstore - Viewing of 'The Untold Story Of Emmtt Louis Till' (70 min) "Documentary on the 1955 grisly lynching said to have spurred the Civil Rights Movement" Emmett Louis Till and his mother Mamie Till Mobley, as seen in The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYutH25593c and the Introduction of the Pan-African Connection Book Collective (PACBC) Presenting first Collective Reading Book For February "At the Dark End of the Street': Black Women, Rape and Resistance--- A New History of the Civil Rights Movement from Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power

By Danielle L. McGuire

Annual Mardi Gras Ball and Scholarship Fundraiser with Special Invited Guest Dr. Norman C. Francis and Frederick Carter, National Alumni President 8 PM – 1 AM Reflections on Spring Creek, 1901 Spring Creek Pkwy Plano, TX 75074. Join us for an extravagant evening inspired by a traditional Mardi Gras Ball,with a DJ, Dancing, Creole Inspired Cuisine Masquerade Contest for the Best Mask! Proceeds will benefit Chapterʼs Scholarship Fund which supports a DFW area student who is attending Xavier

Join Cheryl, Phyllis Alphabet and Lady T • Black Economic History Fact of the Day

3 p.m. - Pan African Connection Bookstore Children's African Culture Class Featured 'SheRoe' Queen Mother Nana Yaa Asantewaa Queen Mother of the Ejisu Clan of the Asante (Ashanti), Ghana (b. 1863 - d. October 1923) Hosted by Quineka Ragsdale/Author Skits, Arts and Crafts and African Art Presentation Demarcus Jones and the Solar Calendar and the PanAfrican Connection Bookstore Refreshments served- Free and open to the public

Tuesday, February 7

Join Cheryl, Phyllis Alphabet and Lady T • Black Economic History Fact of the Day • Tanesha Hollinshed

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Ralph Nader speaks at Fundraising Dinner Hyatt Regency North Dallas 701 East Campbell Road Richardson, TX 75081

February 12 Muslim Legal Fund of America Fundraising Luncheon Al-HedayahRalph Nader speaks 8601 Randol Mill Road Fort Worth, TX 76120

February 14 Interracial Love – Does love come from within or is it based on skin?: Tuesday, February 14, 11 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Eastfield College G101. A panel of couples in an open forum will discuss and address the challenges; and share the success of personal relationship choices. With our growing population of people who are bi-racial and multi-racial, are we finally colorless? Or tolerant?

February 15 22nd annual Eastfield College African-American Read-In: 11:28 a.m.-1 p.m., S100. Works of black writers are displayed, shared and read by volunteers. Local entertainers as well as the Eastfield Jazz Ensemble will perform. Take the “A Train” to the S Building and celebrate as we go uptown to pay special tribute to the Harlem Renaissance. Open to the public.

All That’s Jazz with Fingerprints:, 12:30- 1:30 p.m., Eastfield College Performance Hall. Contemporary Jazz with a soulful R & B feel in the vein of Spyro Gyra and Pieces of a Dream. Fingerprints delivers exceptional grooves and emotional energy.

February 16 Jordan Blair Tribute 6p - Reception 7p Program Saint Paul AME Church Rev. Juan N. Tolliver, Pastor 2420 Metropolitan Avenue Dallas, 75214 214.421.1344

February 5 The 5th Annual No Greater Love - Domestic Violence Conference will focus on the hidden health hazards of domestic violence. This year's theme is Celebrating Health: Mind, Body, and Spirit and will look at the impact of domestic violence on health that goes deeper than exterior bruises and injuries.. This free community event will be held February 11, 2012 at 10:30am at the KB Polk Recreation Center located at 6801 Roper Street, Dallas, TX 75209. This is a free community event that is open to both women and men.

Wednesday, February 8

Thursday, February 9

Friday, February 10

J o i n C h e r y l , P h y l l i s J o i n C h e r y l , P h y l l i s Join Cheryl, Phyllis Alphabet and Lady T Alphabet and Lady T Alphabet and Lady T • Black Economic History Black Economic History Black Economic History • • Fact of the Day Fact of the Day Fact of the Day

Tune in to Reporters Roundtable on Soul 73 KKDA Sundays at 8a.m.

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The Urban League Guild of Greater Dallas & North Central Texas in collaboration with Harwood 609 is excited to host this Pre-Valentine's So YOU Think YOU Can SWING! Competition and Love Celebration $10 presale tickets.

To Purchase tickets email: xualumniofdfw@yahoo.com

Tune in to Cheryl’s World on Blogtalkradio.com weekdays at 9a.m.

Monday, February 6

FEBRUARY3,3,2012 2012 FEBRUARY Annual Black History Prayer Breakfast of the Pentecostal Ministers Union (PMU) at the Holy Tabernacle Church of God in Christ 2800 East Loop 820 Fort Worth, Texas 76119 at 8a.m.

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February 18 UNCF presents Red Hot & Snazzy at the Hyatt Regencydowntown Dallas with Morris Day & The Time. For tickets, call 972 234-1007.

Send your calendsr item sot cheryl@cherylmithonline.com

I Messenger Cheryl Smith, Publisher Established 2011 IMessenger is a tribute to Le Messager, founded by Cameroonian journalist Pius Njawe and The Messenger, an independent magazine, founded by labor activist A . Philip Randolph and economist Chandler Owen.

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FEBRUARY 3, 2012

IMESSENGER