I Messenger 28

I MESSENGER NO 1 ISSUE 28 MARCH 23, 2012

Justice for

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VOTERS GUIDE • I MESSENGER is published every Friday, emailed to thousands of unique addresses, FaceBook and Twitter addresses and website subscribers, and receives over 20,000 views. My extensive lists include: my media list (local and national media), National Association of Black Journalists (regional and national), D/FW Association of Black Journalists, Dallas Press Club, Dallas Metroplex Council of Black Alumni Associations, Divine Nine (Black Sororities and Fraternities), Delta Sigma Theta (1913 - has list of 17,000). Then there are my several personal pages on FB (5001, 885 subscribers, 600 fans, 1500) • On my website (cherylsmithonline.com) I have over 2500 subscribers to I Messenger • According to Issuu, since January 16, 2012, I Messenger has 2064 readers and 20650 unique page views (In a campaign, we did 114,061 placements) • We are printing 20,000 guides in additional to the social media campaign.

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MARCH 23 , 2012

“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.

Come on PEOPLE! POLICE have not apprehended Pookie the serial rapist.

Aren’t you concerned?

Do you care?

We know 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 PAGE 3

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MARCH 23 , 2012

Message to the people...

INSIDE I MESSENGER March 23, 2012

Someone came to me recently and asked if they should run for a political office.

Talk about being caught by surprise. I was astonished.

He was offended because I hesitated but I paused for the cause because I really needed to make the right decision, for the “cause.”

Claudia Jordan and Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage Cruise

For me, saying “yes” meant that I was signing on to support this person and more importantly, I would be committing myself to voting for him.

Hold up, wait a minute. This is the real deal.

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Instead of taking the easy way out, I needed to be honest to my dear friend.

Was he smart? Of course. Charismatic and well-spoken? No doubt.

When I asked what he brought to the “fight,” he began rattling off a number of attributes, including the aforementioned. He added that he was young, vibrant, full of ideas, a consensus-builder and a born leader.

Cheryl Smith

Then he began telling me about the many ideas he had for the job.

Unfortunately, none of the ideas he articulated actually fell under the purview of the position he was seeking to feel, which made me feel he wasn’t ready for prime time.

As if this long-time friend wasn’t already ticked off with me, I started drilling him on the issues, and the non-issues.

He felt the non-issues were irrelevant and that I was off base.

P.E.A.R.L. Girls learn about inner beauty

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I wasn’t trying to discourage my friend. I was trying to prepare him for what was on the horizon. I needed him to understand that while there are so many things that he will need to learn should he win the position, there are so many things he should know before he steps up to run for office.

Our organizations and communities need leadership that is experienced, not someone looking for on-the-job training.

Sure, there are some positions, like President of the United States of America, where you can’t get experience beforehand; but you can go into the job with experience in a number of other arenas that will make you a viable candidate.

For example, Dr. Julianne Malveaux had never been a college president before, but she had an extensive resume that included academic and organizational leadership experience. She was well-versed on issues and her eclectic portfolio was proof-positive that she would excel in almost any environment.

She made significant strides at Bennett College for Women and I wouldn’t be surprised if Dr. Malveaux showed up in other arenas, even giving it another shot at a run for political office.

Is she smart enough to be the next president of the United States? Hell yes!

Trayvon Martin’s mother speaks out

Actually, if the majority of candidates were half as smart and prepared as Dr. Malveaux, the elections would be so much more interesting and we would have more qualified candidates stepping up to serve.

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Dr. Malveaux’s last day as president of Bennett will be on May 6, 2012. The Board of Trustees should have done everything possible to keep her there. Sure they will name her “President Emerita,” but some people have to see to believe!

Dr. Julianne Malveaux

Anyway, she’ll probably take a brief hiatus and then, well, all bets are off because the sky is the limit for this trailblazer.

I expect the next chapter in her life to be very exciting. And whatever she undertakes, I have a feeling that she will be successful because she has done her due diligence and she is prepared for any opportunity and that’s a big difference, instead of jumping out there, ill-prepared .

I MESSENGER Cheryl Smith, Publisher Established 2011 IMessenger is a tribute to Le Messager, founded by Cameroonian journalist Pius N j a w e a n d T h e M e s s e n g e r, a n independent magazine, founded by labor activist A . Philip Randolph and economist Chandler Owen.

IMessenger is committed to informing, inspiring, enlightening and provoking thought in a forum that is international. Submissions for publication consideration may be submitted to cheryl@cherylsmithonline.com.

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Still, everyone is not going to be like Dr. Malveaux, and they are going to find themselves elected to serve and to insure that the organization or community does not suffer, you have to support your representative.

Too often our candidates do not have the “war chest” necessary to fund their campaigns. This is unfortunate because we “support” until they get into office and then we become their biggest critics tearing them down at every turn, instead of doing all we can to insure that they are successful.

Deal with the issues. Voting is not about friendships. Although you can support your friends, but don’t support just because that person is your friend. Too many friends have been left high and dry when the going gets tough. If you sign on, sign on for the long haul.

And, if you really want to be supportive, you can start by being honest. If you give your “support,” give it in a number of ways, like by sharing your thoughts in the proper forum, donating your time and financial contribution, and voting.

Friendships aside, I wouldn’t skip a beat in pledging my support to Dr. Malveaux!

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Cheryl !

IMESSENGER

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MARCH 23 , 2012

Remembering a giant for justice John Payton In Memoriam: 1946 - 2012 NEW YORK,-- John Payton, the President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., and a tireless advocate for justice, equality, and opportunity, died late Thursday after a brief illness. He was 65.

LDF is deeply saddened and mourns this tragic loss.

President Barack Obama issued this statement: “Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of our dear friend John Payton. As president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, John led the organization’s involvement in five Supreme Court cases. A true champion of equality, he helped protect civil rights in the classroom and at the ballot box. The legal community has lost a legend, and while we mourn John's passing, we will never forget his courage and fierce opposition to discrimination in all its forms. Our thoughts and prayers go out to John’s family, the many students he taught, and those who love him.”

Mr. Payton was the 7th leader of LDF, the nation's first and preeminent civil rights law firm. During his tenure he guided the organization to resounding legal victories, including Lewis v. City of Chicago, which vindicated the rights of over 6,000 applicants who sought to become firefighters in the City of Chicago, and Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District v. Holder, which turned back a challenge to the constitutionality of a core provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. To the LDF staff and to a great many others, he was fearless – a guiding light, a brilliant advocate, a mentor and teacher who believed that American democracy thrives when it embraces all of our voices.

LDF extends its deepest

condolences to John's wife, awarded him the Charles Gay McDougall, and Hamilton Houston would like to express its Medallion of Merit. gratitude to her for sharing Widely considered one of John with us. the country's most skilled A native of Los Angeles members of the Supreme and a graduate of Pomona Court bar, John Payton's College and Harvard Law enduring legacy will be his School, Mr. Payton forged commitment to a principle a brilliant career as a articulated by LDF's corporate attorney at the founder, Charles Hamilton firm of Wilmer Hale where Houston. "What I am more he headed the firm's concerned about," Houston John Payton Litigation Department. But said, "is that the Negro shall he also always exercised a deep not be content simply with demanding an commitment to public service through his equal share in the existing system. It pro bono work at the firm. He took leave seems to me that his historical challenge from Wilmer during the early 1990s to is to make sure that the system [that] shall serve as the Corporation Counsel of the survive in the United States of America District of Columbia. He was president of shall be a system which guarantees justice the District of Columbia Bar from 2001 to and freedom for everyone.

2002, a member of the American Law “LDF's work will go on, in just the way Institute, a Fellow of the American Bar that John would have wanted.”

Foundation, and a Master in the Edward Ralph B. Everett, Esq., President and Coke Appellate Inn of Court. He was also CEO, Joint Center for Political and affiliated with a number of civil rights and Economic Studies, said, human rights organizations.

John demonstrated his signature brilliance as lead counsel for the University of Michigan, handling two high-profile cases in the trial court and in the court of appeals and arguing Gratz v. Bollinger in the Supreme Court.

The landmark companion case, Grutter v. Bollinger, in which the Supreme Court upheld raceconscious admissions in higher education, represented the vindication of a strategy, devised and implemented over more than six years to support the educational benefits of diversity. In 2010 the National Law Journal named John to its list of "The Decade's Most Influential Lawyers."

The Washington (D.C.) Bar Association

We mourn the death of civil rights champion John Payton. As President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), he was a tireless and enormously effective advocate in the struggle to advance voting rights and to eliminate discrimination. Even before joining LDF, John had firmly established himself as one of the legal community’s leading lights and as a courageous leader in the effort to help our country live up to its promise of equal justice and opportunity for all. He was a friend and mentor to many in the civil rights and legal c o m m u n i t i e s . We j o i n t h e m i n remembering John’s many contributions to building a better America, and we express our deepest sympathies to his family.

Editor’s Note: No longer wi! I open my mailbox to poignant messages "om Mr. Payton. Sti! his work goes on and the stru$les continue. We must each step up and do more

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SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...

Rev. Al Sharpton’s mother died the morning he was scheduled to be in Florida for a rally in support of justice for murdered Florida youth, Trayvon Martin.

The following statement was issued by the National Action Network: Ada Sharpton, the mother of Reverend Al Sharpton, passed away in the early morning hours today in Dothan, Alabama, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. She was 87-years-old. Her son Rev. Al Sharpton was informed while boarding a flight to Florida for his rally for Trayvon Martin. Rev. Sharpton will head to Alabama to make funeral arrangements following the protest in Florida. He is accompanied on the flight by former New York Governor David Paterson.

Rev. Sharpton posted on Twitter: "My mother, Ada Sharpton passed in the early hours of this morning. She was my all. I hope God will give her now, PEACE. I love you, Mom. He could have passed on the rally and most people would have understood, although there would have been the “haters” who would have had something negative to say, no matter what!

He went to the rally and he told those in attendance, as many shouted out expressions of sympathy, that he thought about whether he should pass on the rally.

Rev. Sharpton also posted: I am on the flight to Florida and will move forward with our plans to protest the killing of Trayvon Martin. My MOM would have wanted me to.

Unfortunately, Rev. Sharpton is like President Barack Obama.

There’s always someone waiting to throw a dart. No one knows his relationship with his mother and it was his decision solely to make.

Just think for a moment.

How many funerals have you been to where someone previously m issing in action showed up acting as though they have been full of love and support?

Then too, how often have you seen people use another person’s death as an excuse to get out of doing something?

Mrs. Sharpton knew her son and the work he does. It’s not about cameras and headlines. It’s about justice. And still folks question Rev. Sharpton’s sincerity?

For some, it is so hard to not be negative, especially when they have to look in the mirror at their own lives.

Do you think the cameras won’t be in attendance at his mother’s celebration of life when Rev. Sharpton delivers the eulogy?

It’s disingenuous at best to say that Rev. Sharpton and others only come around when cameras are on the scene. It is also naive to think that the only time Rev. Sharpton and others like him are working to eradicate injustices and dealing with societal ills, is when the cameras are on.

Take a break from the illogical thinking.

And stop being so darned negative!

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MARCH 23 , 2012

Peterson rejects Sharpton's “False Outrage over Trayvon Martin Shooting”

Rev Jesse Lee Peterson

LOS ANGELES,-- On Feb. 26, Trayvon Martin, 17, was shot and killed near his home in a gated community in Sanford, Florida by Hispanic neighborhood watch leader, George Zimmerman. Rev. Al Sharpton, The Congressional Black Caucus and the NAACP have all condemned the shooting and labeled it a racially-motivated "hate crime." Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson, Founder and President of BOND, the Brotherhood Organization of A New Destiny, released the following statement regarding this issue:

"It's hypocritical for so-called black 'leaders' to call for the prosecution of George Zimmerman and accuse the police of racism without knowing the facts.

Black-on-black crime takes place every day. And blacks kill whites in far greater numbers than whites kill blacks. Yet, we only see these leaders and their hypnotized black followers worked up when a black is victimized by another race. This is racist and evil.

"Where were the NAACP, Al Sharpton, the Black Caucus and black ministers when black flash mobs were terrorizing the city of Philadelphia and attacking whites and others? It was so bad that Mayor Michael Nutter threatened to jail parents if they were not willing to get their thug children under control. In Kansas City, a 13-year-old white kid was attacked by two black teens who poured gasoline on him and set him on

fire saying, 'you get what you deserve, white boy.' If these leaders were sincere, they would condemn crime across the board.

"I've said for the last 22 years that most black Americans are brainwashed.

The recent actions of these black leaders and their followers are not about justice—it's about getting even with whites and gaining political power.

This is black hatred of white people and a result of more than 50 years of brainwashing by racist civil-rights leaders.

"It's unfortunate that the parents of Trayvon Martin would associate with the likes of Al Sharpton and allow their loss to be exploited.

Just imagine the support they would receive from Americans of all races if they rejected hate and called for calm and due process to allow the truth to come out."

Learn the facts about voter fraud This past week, Attorney General Eric Holder strongly denounced strict voter I.D. laws, saying that widespread voter fraud "does not exist" in the United States.

Millions of voters could be disenfranchised this year because of voter suppression laws passed under the guise of combating voter fraud.

But no one can seem to provide any good examples of fraud.

The Wichita Eagle examined reported instances of voter fraud that Kansas's Secretary of State cited as a basis for an I.D. Almost every case was an honest mistake, such as a parent trying to vote for a student

away at college, or signatures on mail-in ballots that didn’t precisely match those on file.

In fact, it's common for voter I.D. advocates to cite completely false anecdotes. Missouri's Secretary of State claimed in 2000 that 79 voters were registered with addresses at vacant lots. The addresses turned out to be valid and legitimate residences. Another investigation in Baltimore showed that votes allegedly cast by deceased voters or felons actually were cast voters who were alive and felony-free.

The Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law !

found that the misconduct voter I.D. laws are meant to address "happens as infrequently as death by lightning."

Professor Lorraine C. Minnite's exhaustive search for evidence of voter fraud, chronicled in The Myth of Voter Fraud, concluded that voter fraud is a “politically constructed myth intended to further complicate the voting process and reduce voter turnout.”

It's time to put this tired myth to rest. Visit IAmEmpowered.com to learn the facts about voting and Occupy the Vote!

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Comfort Inn and Steve Harvey offer chance to win Girlfriends Getaway SILVER SPRING, Md .,

--Are you looking for the perfect girlfriend getaway? A chance to take o with your girls and leave the guys at home? Well look no further! The Comfort Inn brand is teaming up with Steve Harvey to give one lucky winner a "Girlfriend Getaway" in New York City and exclusive tickets to the premier of Steve Harvey's new movie "Think like a Man" on April 9. Now through March Steve Harvey 23, 2012; consumers can log on to http://choicehotels.promo.eprize.com/thinklikeaman/ and enter for their chance to win this exclusive girlfriends getaway which includes a trip for two to New York City and the exclusive movie premier tickets for "Think like a man." The lucky winner also receives roundtrip airfare for two, three-nights accommodations at a Comfort Inn hotel and $1,000 spending m o n e y. Vi s i t h t t p : / / c h o i ce h o te l s . p r o m o . e p r i z e . co m / thinklikeaman/ to enter or visit choicehotels.com for more information on Comfort Inn hotels.

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MARCH 23 , 2012

Actress, Radio Host and Model Claudia Jordan to Share the Inside Scoop On Tom Joyner’s Fantastic Voyage – Social Media Speaking, That Is Ladies and gentlemen, get your hashtags ready: Actress, radio host and model Claudia Jordan (@ClaudiaJordan) will be tweeting (#TomJoynerCruise) and posting messages to Facebook so you won’t miss a moment of the 2012 Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage presented by Ford.

Based on her experience on last year’s cruise, Jordan knows where to find the party, and you’ll be among the first to hear about it. She’ll be there for Sunday’s SailAway Party and hanging out during the theme nights, sharing with you the elegance of formal night, the freshness of white night to the funkiness of 70s Night and the outlandishness of the Mardi Gras parade. Don’t forget the fun and games by the pool and the infamous water gun fight at the Beach Party on CocoCay. Jordan’s also going to keep her eye out on the celebrities chilling poolside and chatting with passengers. You know she won’t miss a beat so keep your eyes on the tweets.  The lovely Claudia Jordan, actress, radio host, model, will draw off her experience from last year's Fantastic Voyage, to serve as social media reporter for the 2012 Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage presented by Ford.

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MARCH 23 , 2012

Pageant focuses on the inner-beauty in young girls Education + Etiquette + Empowerment = Success

Keisha Howard

Keisha Howard is no stranger to beauty pageants. Maybe that’s why when she decided to develop a pageant for young girls, she focused her attention on their inner beauty, something that could sustain them for a lifetime.

That’s also what she was thinking of when she founded P.E.A.R.L. Girls and P.E.A.R.L. Girls of Promise, Inc. Citing statistics in a National Report on Self-Esteem, commissioned by the Dove® Self-Esteem Fund: Ms. Howard said in P.E.A.R.L. Programs, the emphasis is on inner beauty, the beauty that remains after the outer attributes have faded.

She understands girls and their issues and prides herself on communicating effectively with them.

She might ought to think about having sessions for parents!

A Certified Professional School Counselor, Certified Children and Teen's Etiquette Instructor and active community volunteer, Ms. Howard loves working with young girls.

A counselor at an area school, she deals with all types of issues, especially during some very trying stages, those teen years.

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Since she’s a social worker by profession, Ms. Howard says she was able to deal with those trying times and she also was able to get young girls to open up to her.

She started an after school program and girls would come to her because they viewed it as a “safe place to be a girl.”

I talked to them about being proud and “owning who you are.”

Ad m i t t e d l y s h e h a d s e r i o u s obstacles to overcome, especially with the “mean girl” component that exists in schools and the use of technology to bully other students.

But she wasn’t deterred.

“I know that girls just want to fit in,” she said. “ I worked on instilling confidence and building character. We talk about what’s really important.”

As the program continued to grow, they decided to have a pageant. This year’s event will be on April 7, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at Bishop Lynch High School, 9750 Ferguson Rd. Dallas, TX 75228.

The elaborate affair hosted by P.E.A.R.L. Girls of Promise, Inc. will be their 5th annual Miss P.E.A.R.L. of Dal la s Inner-Beauty Scholarship Pageant The Miss P.E.A.R.L. of Dallas Inner-Beauty Scholarship Pageant (MPOD) is a unique pageant, which turns beauty inside out!

According to Ms. Howard, the pageant is one of the programs of P.E.A.R.L. Girls of Promise, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.

T h e M P O D In n e r- B e a u t y Scholarship Pageant provides young ladies with the “opportunity to achieve their educational aspirations through scholarship awards for college.”

There are plenty of pageant that focus on outer beauty. Instead of rewarding girls for their physical attributes, this pageant rewards highschool girls for their integrity, academic achievements, civic engagements, public speaking ski"s, and service to others.

“Since the Spring of 2008, the Miss P.E.A.R.L. of Dallas Inner-Beauty Scholarship Pageant and enrichment program has awarded college scholarship and made positive strides in the lives of over 25 young women in our community,” said Ms. Howard. “Our organization’s mission is to empower

young ladies ages 7-17 to reach beyond their comfort zones through a process of healthy nurturing and development from the inside out.”

P.E.A.R.L. (Poised, Elegant, And Responsible Leaders) Girls of Promise, Inc., a non-profit organization, was born out of the critical need for effective girl-focused programs targeting inner-city girls.

“Our Inner-beauty scholarship pageant has been praised as a breath of fresh air” because instead of focusing on outward appearances, our participants are rewarded for their intrinsic qualities and their service to others, she pointed out.

To date, about 600 students have gone through the program.

With community support, Ms. Howard is expecting to reach more students in the future.

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She is a member of the American School Counselor’s Association. She is also a volunteer co-Therapist of “The Girl’s Group”, an outpatient weekly therapy group for adolescent girls. She is the current coordinator for the "Girls Night Out" sleepover events at the St. Philips School and Community Center.

She is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and t h e D a l l a s Ur b a n L e a g u e Yo u n g Professionals. She has also been nominated for the Cambridge Who's Who of America's Professional and Executive Women award.

For fun, Keisha enjoys speaking and presenting to mothers and their daughters on the topics of Self-esteem and Body Image Appreciation. She also enjoys spending time with close friends and family, and playing with her two adorable dogs, Precious and Popcorn.

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MARCH 23 , 2012

Trayvon Martin joins the seemingly endless list of young black children

murdered

Our son didn't deserve to die. Trayvon Martin was just 17 years old when he was shot and killed by George Zimmerman. Trayvon wasn't doing anything besides walking home with a bag of Skittles and some iced tea in his hands.

What makes Trayvon's death so much harder is knowing that the man who confessed to killing him, George Zimmerman, still hasn't been charged for Trayvon's killing.

That's why we started a petition on Change.org calling for Zimmerman's prosecution and trial. We aren't looking for revenge, we're looking for justice -- the same justice anyone would expect if their son were shot and killed for no reason.

Join 900,000 people who have already signed our petition calling for justice for our son Trayvon.

No family should ever have to go through this nightmare. The law should protect everyone, regardless of where they live, how much money they make, or what color their skin is.

With our petition at 900,000 signers so far, we've made important progress toward making some sense out of what happened.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate Trayvon's death, and so will the FBI and Department of Justice.

But Trayvon's killer is still free. The surest path to justice runs through Sanford, Florida, and through the office of State's Attorney Norman Wolfinger, who is responsible for bringing charges against Zimmerman. With your help, we believe he'll have no choice but to give Trayvon and his killer their days in court.

Please sign our petition calling on Florida authorities to prosecute our son's confessed killer.

Thank you so much.

- Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton

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TO BE EQUAL Marc H. Morial President and CEO National Urban League

“Everybody is outraged. There is no justice in this.”

- Tracy Martin, the father of Trayvon Martin

Justice Demanded in the Death of Trayvon Martin Being a young black man has been called the hardest job in America. Young black men are much more likely than white men to be jobless, in jail and labelled “suspicious,” sometimes with deadly consequences. Such was the case on February 26th, when 17-year-old high school student, Trayvon Martin, was shot and killed by a white neighborhood-watch vigilante in Sanford, Florida. The shooter, George Zimmerman, a 28-year-old white Hispanic, noticed Trayvon walking through his gated community and called 911 to report a suspicious person.

Instead of following the dispatcher’s instructions and ending his involvement there, Zimmerman continued following Trayvon. An altercation ensued and Trayvon was shot. Zimmerman claimed self defense and has not been charged with a crime. Trayvon’s parents are both heartbroken and outraged. As Benjamin Crump, the family’s lawyer put it, “If Trayvon would have been the triggerman, it’s nothing Trayvon Martin could have said to keep police from arresting him Day 1, Hour 1.”

Of the many unanswered questions in this case, two stand out. First, Trayvon Martin, who had just stopped off at a convenience store, was armed only with a bag of Skittles and a can of ice tea. George Zimmerman, who weighed over 100 pounds more than the victim, was armed with a 9 millimeter handgun. Even if there was a physical altercation between the two, why was such deadly force necessary?

Second, one of the reasons the police gave for not immediately arresting Zimmerman was that he had a “squeaky clean” record.

A few days later it was discovered that Zimmerman had been arrested in 2005 for resisting arrest with battery on a police officer.

Trayvon Martin, on the other hand, had no criminal record.

These and other troubling facts have led the Central Florida Urban League and others, to call on the State’s Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice to conduct an independent investigation. Central Florida Urban League president and CEO, Allie Braswell said, “A private citizen taking law enforcement into his own hands cannot be condoned. If it is found that a crime has been committed, the shooter must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” This case is now generating national attention and we will be following it closely.

We do not know for sure why George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin. But we do know, according to a 2011 College Board report, that 45 percent of African American high school graduates between the ages of 15 and 24 will end up “unemployed, incarcerated or dead.”

We also know that the murder of innocent black men in the American South is nothing new. Fifty-seven years ago, the white murderers of 14-year old Emmitt Till in the Mississippi Delta were acquitted of the crime in a clear case of racial injustice.

As the father of a 10-year old African American son, I join all African American parents and Americans of conscience everywhere in calling for an end to the war against young black men and a thorough investigation of the death of Trayvon Martin.

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MARCH 23 , 2012

The Killing of Trayvon Martin: RaciallyMotivated Murder or Self-Defense?

OMG! It has happened again! A n o n - b l a c k a s s a i l a n t , G e o rg e Zimmerman, for no apparent reason kills a young unarmed black male, Trayvon Martin. Such stories strike fear in the heart of every black parent who is rearing a young black male. They know it can very easily be their child next time.

As a father rearing a black teenage son, I am outraged. However, as an attorney, I wanted to step back and dispassionately analyze the law and facts in this case and offer my perspective. Especially since I have represented people in self-defense cases.

Let’s begin with the facts that are being reported. George Zimmerman was patrolling the neighborhood although he was not part of any neighborhood watch program. He saw Trayvon Martin, a skinny 17year-old black teenager, who was in the neighborhood visiting his father.

Trayvon was unarmed and was leaving a neighborhood store after buying some skittles. Zimmerman called 911 and reported that Trayvon looked suspicious. He did not report being attacked by Trayvon or observing Trayvon doing anything illegal.

He did mention unnecessarily that Trayvon was a black male. The 911dispatcher instructed Zimmerman n o t t o f o l l o w Tr a y v o n b u t Z i m m e r m a n d i d s o a n y w a y.

According to a young girl who was on the phone with Trayvon when he was shot, Trayvon ran from Zimmerman out of fear but Zimmerman caught, cornered and confronted Trayvon. Trayvon asked Zimmerman why he was being followed. Zimmerman asked Trayvon why was he in the neighborhood and then pushed and shot Trayvon. Simultaneously, several witnesses called 911. During one of their calls, Trayvon is heard begging for his life when Zimmerman shot Trayvon.

Zimmerman is claiming selfdefense. Florida has two selfdefense statutes that seem on point in this case. The first is Florida’s general self-defense statute. The other is Florida’s no retreat statute, which is commonly called the “Stand Your Ground” statute. Both are found at at §§ 776.012 and 776.013(3) of Florida’s Crimes Statutes.

Let’s begin by analyzing the case under Florida’s general self-defense statute. As paraphrased by me, the statute justifies the use of deadly force when a person reasonably believes that deadly force is needed to prevent himself or another from being killed or seriously injured or to stop a forcible felony entry. The statute then creates a presumption that a person is in reasonable fear of

Augustus Corbett, J.D.

death or serious bodily injury for himself or another if the dead man was in the process of unlawfully and forcefully entering a dwelling, residence or occupied vehicle and the shooter knew or had reason to know of the unlawful and forceful entry.

However, the statute does not presumed that a person is in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury for himself or another if: 1. The dead man owned the dwelling, residence or occupied vehicle he was trying to enter; or 2. The shooter was involved in unlawful activity; or 3. The dead man was trying to forcibly remove his own child or grandchild from a dwelling, residence or occupied vehicle.

Applying the reported facts of this case to Florida’s general selfdefense statute, Zimmerman’s use of deadly force was not justified, for the following reasons. It is not reasonable that Zimmerman feared for his or another person’s life when according to 911 tapes and the young girl’s testimony Zimmerman chased, cornered and pushed Trayvon.

In other words, Zimmerman was the aggressor and Trayvon was unarmed. What’s more, the above presumption does not benefit Zimmerman either since none of the reported facts suggest that Trayvon was attempting to unlawfully and forcibly enter a dwelling, residence or occupied vehicle when Zimmerman shot him.

Now, let’s apply the reported facts of the case to Florida’s so called Stand Your Ground statute. It is found at § 776.013(3) of the Florida’s Crimes Statutes. It says: A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in any other place where he or she has a right to be has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony. !

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Essentially, this statute codifies Florida’s no retreat law. It would have justified the use of deadly force in the instant case only if (1) Zimmerman was not involved in unlawful activity when he shot Trayvon, (2) Trayvon had attacked Zimmerman, and (3) Zimmerman reasonably believe deadly force was necessary to prevent his death or s e r i o u s i n j u r y. A r g u a b l y, Zimmerman was involved in unlawful activity namely assaulting Trayvon by chasing, cornering, confronting and pushing Trayvon.

Moreover, in light of these facts, it seems incredible that Trayvon had attacked Zimmerman. Hence, in my opinion, the Stand Your Ground defense seems implausible too.

S o l e t ’s r e c a p o u r a n a l y s i s .

Zimmerman’s use of deadly force seems bogus under both Florida’s self-defense and Stand Your Ground statutes for several reasons.

1. Zimmerman was the aggressor and probably assaulted Trayvon having disregarded the 911dispatcher’s instructions not to pursue Trayvon and instead chased, cornered, confronted and pushed Trayvon.

2. There’s no proof that Trayvon attacked Zimmerman.

3. Trayvon was indeed unarmed. He reportedly had only candy in his possession.

4. Trayvon is heard begging for his life on a 911 call.

5. Zimmerman is heard telling the 911-dispatcher that Trayvon was a black male, which prompted the questions why did Trayvon’s race matter to Zimmerman? Did race factor into Zimmerman’s decision to shoot Trayvon?

It does not bode well for Zimmerman either that he was not part of any registered Neighborhood Watch group and that he violated major principles of the Neighborhood Watch manual, which states that Neighborhood Watch members should not carry weapons. I cannot say that George Zimmerman murdered Trayvon because I don’t know all the facts; but, his claims of self-defense under Florida law, without more, seems intenable.

Hopefully, fair and impartial criminal and civil juries will have the opportunities to learn all the facts and obtain justice for Trayvon and his family. And let’s not forget all of the young black men who are killed everyday for no apparent reasons by other young black men.

Let’s become as outraged and demand action against that crisis as well. R.I.P Trayvon Martin.

Disclaimer: George Zimmerman has not been charged with committing any crime, and even if he were, he is presumed innocent until his guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Comments here are merely the personal opinions of the author. This is not legal advice.

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MARCH 23 , 2012

Support from around the country Paul Quinn College’s President Michael J. Sorrell rallied the students at Dallas’only HBCU with the following note: QuinnitesAs a show of support for the family of Trayvon Martin (and because of the bitter reality that this could have happened to any of us), Michael J. Sorrell, Esq. tomorrow will be “Trayvon President Martin Day” in the Quinnite Paul Quinn College Nation.

If you believe in justice for all and you think the fact that the person who killed this young man has still not been arrested is a mockery of justice, then I hope you will join us in wearing your hoodie to work and to class.

Additionally, after speaking with Quinnite Dexter Evans and Lady Jade of K104 radio station, the Quinnite Nation will be holding a rally tomorrow at noon (Friday, March 23, 2012)to show our solidarity with the Martin Family and to

protest the failure of the Florida officials to arrest George Zimmerman. Please make sure you wear your hoodie and attend the rally.

The rally will be held on the patio of the PQC Student Union Building. I hope you will join the Quinnite Nation, the morning team from K104, State Senator Royce West, State Rep. Eric Johnson and a host of others in standing up for what is right.

going to ask the Lt. Governor to have the Criminal Justice Committee of the Senate study the Castle Doctrine in light of the Trayvon Martin assassination in Florida,”

If you have any questions or need additional details, please contact my office at 214-379-5577.

Thank you, President Sorrell

Note - At the rally, which was attended by hundreds, Sen Royce West discussed Texas’ Castle Law and said, “I’m

Paul Quinn College’s Ryan Carrington

“If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon,” President Barack Obama said. “And I think every parent in America should be able to understand why it is absolutely imperative that we investigate every aspect of this.”

Howard University students posing after a protest of Trayvon Martin's death.

Photo credited to Socialism Art Nature.

Southridge High School in Florida

Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade

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OK DALLAS, it is set!

There will be a "HOODIE" CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL in memory of Trayvon Martin at Dealy Plaza this Sunday, March 25 at 7pm.

7pm is the time the young man was murdered in cold blood. !

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More calls for justice . As the c o u n t r y struggles to cope with this senseless death, we and other civil rights groups are pushing for the Justice Department to consider this case for investigation.

Democrats urge DOJ to Review Shooting Under Federal Hate Crime Law

Christina Swarns, Director of our Criminal Justice Practice, weighed in on NPR's All Things Considered Congressman John Conyers, Jr. yesterday evening about how the f e d e r a l g o v e r n m e n t c o u l d (WASHINGTON) – Democratic Members potentially investigate this case as a of the House Judiciary Committee led by federal hate crime.

Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (DMich.) sent a letter to Attorney General Eric "This goes back to a long history in t h i s c o u n t r y w h e r e A f r i c a n March 22, 2012 Americans are victims and state authorities fail to act in a timely The Honorable Eric Holder, Jr. and appropriate manner," Christina Attorney General of the United States s a i d . " A f r i c a n A m e r i c a n U.S. Department of Justice communities have repeatedly had 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to resort to asking for federal Washington, D.C. 20530-0001 government interventions in these cases."

Dear Attorney General Holder: This case is a flagrant example of a persistent link between race and criminality. Our Criminal Justice Practice continues to work to challenge both this perception and law enforcement’s accept-ance of racial discrimination in the criminal justice system.

Thank you for standing with us,

MARCH 23 , 2012

Holder encouraging the Department of Justice to review the shooting of Trayvon Martin under a federal hate crimes statute.

Under federal law, it is a crime to willfully cause bodily injury because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, or national origin of any person. Mr. Martin, a 17 year old African-American, was shot dead while walking home from a convenience store in Sanford, Florida by George Zimmerman, a white, self-proclaimed “neighborhood watchmen.” Mr. Zimmerman asserts he shot Mr. Martin in self-defence and Sanford Police Department declined to arrest him.

As information has been made more publically available it appears to cast doubt on Mr. Zimmerman’s assertion that Mr. Martin threatened his life and previous statements attributed to Mr. Zimmerman seem to indicate he was motivated by race.

This week, local officials finally convened

a Grand Jury to consider charges against Mr. Zimmerman three weeks after the shooting occurred. authority to guard against the failure of local officials to investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute misconduct motivated by race or other protected characteristics and to ensure justice for victims and their families. We therefore encourage you to explore the applicability of federal hate crime and other federal laws that may be implicated in this case.”

Additionally the members praised the Department of Justice for announcing that Community Relations Services staff from the Department’s Civil Rights Decision will be assisting Sanford, Florida residents and officials in addressing any tensions that may arise in the community as a result of the matter.

The text of the letter is below.

The facts which have begun to emerge around the February 26, 2012 shooting death of 17-year old Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida have shocked the Nation and raised a call for intervention by federal law enforcement agencies. We applaud the Department’s initiative in deciding to conduct a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are pleased that the Community Relations Service will be on the ground to assist the community in addressing the various tensions that exist.

The publicly available information about the shooting appears to establish federal jurisdiction to investigate the case under recently enacted 18 U.S.C. § 249 (Hate Crimes), which makes it a crime to willfully cause bodily injury through the use of fire, firearms, explosive and incendiary devices, or other dangerous weapons because of the “actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin of any person.” Media reports indicate that Mr. Martin was walking home from a local 7-Eleven, unaware that he was being followed by George Zimmerman. Described by neighbors as an individual “focused on young, black males,” Mr. Zimmerman called 911 to report that he was following a black male who seemed “out of sorts.” Transcripts indicate that dispatchers told Mr. Zimmerman that he should stop following the young man and that police officers were on the way. Mr. Zimmerman apparently refused that directive, got out of his car with his 9 millimeter handgun, and shot and killed the 17-year old in a neighbor’s yard.

Valerie T. Broadie Director of Development

As more information is revealed about the case, we encourage the Department to review whether the shooting death of Trayvon Martin qualifies as a hate crime as information available thus far indicates that Mr. Zimmerman may have been motivated by the race of his victim. This shooting has already sent shockwaves throughout this Nation, with the conduct of local officials evoking for many Americans past instances of racial injustice by law enforcement.

Statement from Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, a division of Mars, Inc.

We are extremely concerned that the conduct of the Sanford Police Department creates the appearance that local officials are unwilling to enforce the law equally and may encourage citizens to believe that they can take the law into their own hands with impunity. Congress passed updated federal hate crimes authority to guard against the failure of local officials to investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute misconduct motivated by race or other protected characteristics and to ensure justice for victims and their families. We therefore encourage you to explore the applicability of federal hate crime and other federal laws that may be implicated in this case.

We are heartened by the speed of the response from the Department of Justice. Through your measured use of federal authority, the family of Trayvon Martin and concerned citizens around the Nation can now more comfortably rely on the fact that the ends of justice will be served.

We are deeply saddened by the news of Trayvon Martin’s death and express our sincere condolences to his family and friends. We also respect their privacy and feel it inappropriate to get involved or comment further as we would never wish for our actions to be perceived as an attempt of commercial gain following this tragedy.”

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Social media campaigns encouraged the sending of an empty pack of Skittles to the police department: Bill Lee Chief of Police 815 West 13th Street Sanford, Florida 32771 Phone: 407-688-5070 Fax: 407-688-5071 !

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STATEMENT BY THE NBPA IN RESPONSE TO THE DEATH OF TRAYVON MARTIN New York, -- The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) offers its condolences to the family and loved ones of Trayvon Martin in their time of need. The NBPA is saddened and horrified by the tragic murder of Mr. Martin and joins in the chorus of calls from across the nation for the prompt arrest of George Zimmerman. The reported facts surrounding Mr. Zimmerman’s actions indicate a callous disregard for Mr. Martin’s young life and necessitate that he stand trial. The NBPA also calls for the permanent resignation of Sanford Chief of Police Bill Lee and a full review of the Sanford Police Department, for dereliction of duty and racial bias in this matter and others. Their silence in the face of this injustice is reprehensible and they cannot be trusted to safe guard the citizens of the Sanford community equally. The NBPA seeks to ensure that Trayvon Martin’s murder not go unpunished and the elimination of the injustices suffered by the innocent.

“What happened to Trayvon Martin is a tragedy. There needs to be a thorough investigation that reassures the public that justice is carried out with impartiality and integrity.”

Mitt Romney Presidential Candidate

MARCH 23 , 2012

A motherʼs words...

Trayvon was my hero. At the age of 9, Trayvon pulled his father from a burning kitchen, saving his life. He loved sports and horseback riding. At only 17 he had a bright future ahead of him with dreams of attending college and becoming an aviation mechanic. Now that's all gone.

When Zimmerman reported Trayvon to the police, they told him not to confront him. But he did anyway. All I know about what happened next is that my 17 year-old son, who was completely unarmed, was shot and killed.

I don't know if my family will ever receive justice for this terrible tragedy. It's been nearly two weeks and the Sanford Police have refused to arrest George Zimmerman. In their public statements, they even go so far as to stand up for the killer - saying he's "a college grad" who took a class in criminal justice.

Please join me in calling on the the Sanford Police Department and Florida State's Attorney Norman Wolfinger to investigate my son's death and prosecute George Zimmerman for the shooting and killing of Trayvon Martin.

Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee stepped down ”temporarily” on Thursday, until the city's investigation into the killing of Trayvon Martin is concluded, saying, "I am aware that my role as a leader in this agency has become a distraction from the investigation,. It is apparent that my involvement in this matter is overshadowing the process."

NAACP’s Ben Jealous said, “We are demanding three things. One, that Trayvon Martin’s killer be brought to justice. He needs to be locked up, and he needs to be charged with murder. Two, we are demanding that the investigation go—start at the very bottom. What happened at that scene? Go all the way to the very top of this department, that it look both at this case, but also at several cases and, quite frankly, what appears to be a pattern and practice of discrimination and bad treatment of people of color by this department and their cases. And then, too, that this chief be fired, because the reality is, is that it’s been a month, and this case has been so grossly mishandled that this chief has lost the faith of thousands upon thousands of parents and families and people in this town, who simply feel like they or their children are not safe as long as this department is guided in such a misguided way.”

Share I Messenger with your friends PAGE 13

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A father in defense of his son...

George Zimmerman’s father Robert wrote in a letter to the Orlando Sentinel: “George is a Spanishspeaking minority with many black family members and friends. He would be the last to discriminate for any reason whatsoever.” The media portrayal of George as a racist could not be further from the truth. At no time did George follow or confront Mr. Martin.

When the true details of the event became public, and I hope that will be soon," the letter said, "everyone should be outraged by the treatment of George Zimmerman in the media."

The Zimmerman’s have since left their home, citing death threats.

“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. !

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Checking out the Scenes

MARCH 23 , 2012

Grambling’s Cathy Conwright and FAMU’s Cheryl Smith enjoy an evening out

Haitian journalists and professionals visited the Metroplex last week and discussed life in Haiti with I Messenger.

They also met Oncor’s Catherine Cuellar.

It’s campaign season and candidates gathered for the 360CDA Candidates Forum at La Quinta Inn & Suites - South Grand Prairie, 2131 W. Interstate 20, GP, 75052.

Toni Rose kicks off campaign for District 110 (Dallas, TX) – Toni Rose announced that she is a candidate for the Texas House of Representatives for District 110, Thursday, March 15th at the Cedar Crest Club House. During the announcement, Toni Rose said, “As a lifelong resident of this community, I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to offer myself as a candidate for State Representative for District 110. Having graduated from South Oak Cliff High School and Paul Quinn College, I know full well the meaning of a good education. I look forward to going to Austin to fight for more funding for public education and higher education.I am committed to being a voice to identify not only the issues but also offer solutions to the critical needs facing our communities and the State at- large”. I have no doubt as the candidate from the community, my sincere commitment, clear understanding and willingness to partner with the community to work to solve the problemsis the difference between me and the other candidates. I have served as a volunteer in various capacities and involved in an array of civic projects because of my love for this community. After much encouragement, I accept that now is the time to take the involvement and leadership to the next level- the Texas House of Representatives.”

Attending the kick-off to support Toni for State Representative were more than 100 guests, of family, friends and other community leaders, including State Representative Yvonne Davis, Former City Councilwoman Dr. Maxine Thornton-Reese, Former City Councilman Don Hicks, Former State Representative Jerald Larry, Former Justice of the Peace Charles Rose, and retired educator Ada Williams.

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in OUR library Reviewed by Cheryl Smith cheryl@cherylsmithonline.com Upcoming Activities at The Pan-African Connection Bookstore, Art Gallery and Resource Center 828 Fourth Ave., Dallas 75226 (New Location Across From Fair Park Music Hall) 214-943-8262/panafric@airmail.net Celebrate Women's History Month

Saturday March 24, 3 p.m.

Bullies Beware for Zolie Zi! 'Empowering Young Girls' Book Signing and Reading with

Author Sonya Browser. The book Bully, Bullies is a fictional story about a 7-year-old little girl named Zolie Zi who is bullied by classmates because she speaks with a lisp, a speech impediment.

Zolie Zi is normally a very happy person who loves school until she has to face a very difficult problem with two of her classmates who find it fun to bully her everyday.

Saturday Evening March 24, 7 p.m.

Young People (especially women) This Film is For You! A Real Example of How the Youth (Collectively) Used their Skills to Transform their Society Viewing of Film about the role of the Cuban Youth (mostly women) in eradicating illiteracy after the Cuban Revolution 'Maestra' (Teacher)

Cuba, 1961: 250,000 volunteers taught 700,000 people to read and write in one year.

100,000 of the teachers were under 18 years old. Over half were women. MAESTRA explores this story through the personal testimonies of the young women who went out to teach literacy in rural communities across

the island - and found themselves deeply transformed in the process.

Collective Disussion after Film!

Free and open to the public

Hairku, in Mosetta-parlance, is a new brand of poetry. It's the nappy version of the Japanese poetry known as haiku. Just like Japanese haiku, the format of hairku is only three lines long and has richness

Sunday March 25, 3 p.m.

Children's African Culture Class Featured 'SheRoe', Freedom Fighter Fannie Lou Hamer

in its simplicity. The first and third lines have only only five units or syllables; the second or middle line has seven. Japanese haiku can be written about anything, but in Mosetta's brand of hairku, the focus must be, most naturally, on the hair! For example: "Bob Marley's message Is to trust the universe And respect your hair!"

Now let's see how creative you can be! Write your own hairku and share your stylings at the open mic! Children are welcome to participate! (How to write Haiku). For the less adventurous, feel free to bring other writings about hairstyle, hair history, news, culture and hair raising experiences!

1917-1977 'This Little Light, I'm Gonna Let It Shine'And "I'm Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired" For years, African-Americans were denied equal rights all across this country. In 1962, one woman decided to take a stand. She wanted to vote but was told she couldn't. She wouldn't take no for an answer. Her name was Fannie Lou Hamer.

Come and learn about this courageous African woman in our history.

Hosted by Community Volunteers Skits, Arts and Crafts and African Art and Culture Presentations Refreshments will be served Free and open to the public Also on Sunday 25, at 5:30 p.m.

WorkStudy and Orientation for the United States of Africa Revolutionary Party (USARP)

There will be a discussion about PanAfricanism; Who are African People; African Culture and Civilization, African History, Women's Liberation, Building a Global Party and Geo-Political issues.

"The ideology of a society is total. It embraces the whole life of a people, and manifests in their class-structure, history, literature, art and religion. It also acquires a philosophical statement. If an ideology is integrative in intent, that is to say if it seeks to introduce a certain order which will unite the actions of millions towards specific and definite goals,.... (Kwame Nkurmah) Thursday March 29, 7 pm.

'Celebrate, the Politics and Beauty of Black Hair' Black Hairitage Read-In! Bring your expressions on the matter of hair in the African American community to share at the open mic! Featuring two guest poets and the debut of Hairku!

Featured Readers: Poet, Peggy Jones, Darius Frasure and 'Mane' musings by Mosetta

MARCH 23 , 2012

"This beautiful film is the story of ""Miss Mary"" Coley an African-American midwife more than half a century ago in rural Georgia. Conceived as a demonstration film for "granny" midwives its production sponsored by the Georgia Department of Public Health All My Babies quickly transcended its initial purpose. It was used around the world by UNESCO and has become an enduring classic of non-fiction film.

All My Babies was written produced and directed by George C. Stoney in close collaboration with Mrs. Coley as well as with local public health doctors and nurses and shows the preparation for and home delivery of healthy babies in both relatively good and bad rural conditions among black families at that time.

The film is in addition both a deeply respectful portrait of ""Miss Mary"" who is revealed as an inspiring human being and a record of the actual living conditions of her patients.

Selected in 2002 by the Librarian of Congress as a ""culturally historically and artistically significant work"" for permanent preservation in the National Film Registry." ***** The International Center for Traditional Childbearing, Inc. (ICTC) is a non-profit African centered organization located in Portland, Oregon. ICTC was created to promote the health of women and their families and to train Black women aspiring to become midwives. We provide recruitment, education, and support to those desiring to serve their community. We educate and advocate through community workshops, study groups, or just one to one support.

For more info visit www.ictcmidwives.org Free and open to the Public

The Black Hairtage Read-In & Open Mic is sponsored by A Nappy Hair Affair, Inc. and the City of Dallas CAP Program.

214-803-3920 Free and open to the Public

Mark your calendar !

In Honor of our Brother, Ancestor Bandele Tyehimba Join Bro. Runoko Rashidi for the First of Three Presentations

Saturday March 31, 3 p.m.

International Center for Traditional Childbearing Dallas Membership Presents Film Viewing of the A Beautiful Story of the Gifted hands and hearts of the "Big Mama's" in our history.

ALL MY BABIES; A Midwife's Own Story 7 p.m., - Friday: Black Star--African Presence in Early Europe (Book Signing and Visual Presentation) 7 p.m. - Saturday: The Glory and Majesty of Black Women--Ancient and Modern 3 p.m., - Sunday: Images of Strong Black Men

Support Black -owned bookstores

Send your books for review to: Cheryl Smith, P.O. Box 860 Grand Prairie, TX 75053 PAGE 15

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In Memoriam

MARCH 23 , 2012

Celebrating Black History DAILY!

Lonal Robinson March 26, 1949 - March 17, 2012 HOUSTON - Lonal Robinson, 62, copublisher of The Houston Sun Newspaper, passed away on March 17 after a fourmonth hospital stay.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Dorris Ellis Robinson, his four children and five grandchildren.

The entrepreneur and community volunteer, was well known for his work coaching and training youth in football, basketball and baseball.

Lonal, an athletic star born in Lima, Ohio, organized sports leagues and teams for children in each community in which he lived including Champaign, IL, Madison, AK, and Houston.

In collaboration with Houston ISD and the City of Houston, Lonal spearheaded the creation of a multi-use sports field for children in Third Ward and established the Houston Metropolitan Youth Sports Association, which teaches boys and girls football and baseball.

His most recent civic activity was to support the Friends of Emancipation Park efforts to renovate the 140-year-old historic landmark.

Houston Mayor Annise Parker recently announced an $18 million renovation and upgrade project for Emancipation Park.

In 1983, Lonal and his wife, Dorris, established The Houston Sun newspaper; and in 1990 he opened the first blackowned comedy club in the Southwest, the Comedy Place, which featured acts including Chris Rock, Adele, DL Hughley, and Ricky Harris.

The funeral will be Friday, March 23 at 1 p.m. At Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Pastor Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby and Pastor Emeritus William Lawson 3826 Wheeler Avenue Houston, Texas 77004 713.748.5240 There will be a Memorial Tree Planting and Birthday Celebration for Lonal Robinson - tentative - (he turns 63 on March 26) Monday, March 26, 2012 Emancipation Park 3018 Dowling Houston, TX 77004

Gloria Stinson Hogg November 10, 1940- February 29, 2012 - Gloria Stinson Hogg 71. Born November 10, 1940 in Longview, Texas, DALLAS

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and passed away February 29, 2012 at Baylor Specialty Hospital, Dallas, Texas.

She was a registered nurse for East Town Osteopathic Hospital, Tri-City Hospital, and as an Administrative Supervisor at Brentwood Healthcare.

A member of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she attended Southern Bible Southern Bible Institute Theological Seminary.

Gloria leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, James, daughter Felecia, son, Sedric, grandson Jerron godchildren Rev. Sterling E. Davis, Keshia Hawkins, Pastor David Ferrell, Deonna and William Campbell Jr., and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Services were held Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Antioch Fellowship Missionary B.C.

Jimmy Ellis MCS CONSULTANTS LLC 2710 Thomes Ave. Suite 1689 Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001 www.mcsgrantconsultants.com

ATTENTION PARENTS!!!

You can receive a March 8, 2012 The original lead singer of The Trammps, Jimmy Ellis, died on Thursday, March 8, 2012 in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Jimmy's contributions to the group, both in his personality and in his amazing tenor, will never be forgotten.

Jimmy will best be remembered as the Trammps' lead singer from the group's beginnings in the early 1970s, through all of their great hits, until his retirement in 2010.

The Trammps began in Philadelphia in 1972 featuring vocalist, Jimmy Ellis, Harold Doc Wade, Stanley Wade and Earl Young and traveled with as many as 11 members.

The Trammps' first recording, was Zing Went the Strings Of My Heart. The pinnacle of the Trammps career was their Atlantic sound track, Disco Inferno.

In 1977 Disco Inferno, was the hottest song on the International Disco scene and the group was recognized as the best performing group by one of New York's most popular clubs, 2001 Space Odyssey, the location for the motion picture, Saturday Night Fever.

$100,000 Grant to fund your child’s college education for only $149 a month!

Parents are looking for answers to fund their children’s college education. The cost of a college education has sky-rocketed over the past ten years and the cost of going to college puts a huge financial burden on the average family, which most cannot afford.

But there is a solution!

Great news! MCS CONSULTANTS LLC is a Capital Enhancement firm that provides Financial Aid Grants.

The best kept secret in America...

For as little as $149 dollars a month, MCS will provide an educational grant in the amount of $100,000 to fund your child’s college education. If you’re interested in sending your child to college, then please watch this video: http://tinyurl.com/7ydnspb Visit our website at

www.mcsgrantconsultants.com Email

Cheryllynnsmith@mcsgrantconsultants.com Direct queries to: Cheryllynn

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MARCH 23 , 2012

Support the Black Press

ELITENEWS

We’re changing our time !

Cheryl’s World Weeknights 6-8p.m.

Tune in for inspiring, informative, educational and entertaining commentary, news and talk!

And yes, we will be talking politics!

TUNE IN www.blogtalkradio.com PAGE 17

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

-FORECLOSURESAttention all residents who have had foreclosures between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 – you may be eligible for an independent foreclosure review.

The Urban League of Greater Dallas is taking calls NOW for any eligible homeowner or previous homeowner who may have had any of the following:

·Your property was sold due to a foreclosure ·Your mortgage loan referred into foreclosure process but removed when payments were brought up to date or borrower entered a payment plan or modification program · Mortgage loan referred into the foreclosure process, but home sold or borrower participated in short sale or chose deed in lieu of foreclosure · Mortgage loan referred into foreclosure process and remains delinquent but foreclosure sale has not yet taken place CALL the Urban League of Greater Dallas Headquarters at (214) 915-4638 or (214) 915-4639.

ADVERTISING SPECIAL

MARCH MARCH23, 23 2012 , 2012

Parade

IDEAL FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS OWNER!

Advertise on Cheryl’s World M-F 6-8 pm on Blog Talk Radio Get four 60-second commercials per weekday for a month for $500. Buy two months, get one free!That’s 3 months of prime advertising for LESS THAN $10 A DAY! Includes 1/4 page ad in IMessenger for 12 weeks

CALL

March 24, 2012 10:00 am Parade Start - Fiesta Foods Store Hampton

972.572.0088

Parade Finish – Kimball High School Celebrating Back to Back State 4-A Basketball Champs

4A State Champions Kimball Knights

Proceeds to benefit the J. F. Kimball Athletic Booster Club Call (214) 372-6500 or (214) 641-3295 School (972) 502-2100

ELITE NEWS

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

INAUGURAL EASTER EGG HUNT William “Bill” Blair Jr. Park (formerly “Rochester Park)

Saturday, April 7, 2012 1-5p.m.

Vendors!

Space still available

Bring the entire family!

Fun!

Cookie/Cupcake Decorating!

Dance Contest!

Cake Walk!

Face Painting!

Prizes!

Food!

C a l l “ E L I T E N E W S ” f o r m o re i n f o 2 1 4 . 3 7 2 . 6 5 0 0

214.909.0830

Sponsored by

No Limit Bail Bonds * Phyllis Lister Brown for Judge

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Mark your calendar

March 29 March 23 Literary Cafe at DeSoto Civic Center, 7-10 pm

Grief Support Luncheon Methodist Senior Access will host a grief luncheon for patients, and families who have suffered the loss of a loved one. This group considers issues such as living with loss, and strengthening support systems.

Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Weatherford Conference Room 1:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Center for Leadership Development at Trinity River Campus presents its 15th Leadership eXperience Summit featuring Fort Worth Mayor, Betsy Price, on Friday, at 1:00 p.m.

March 24 20th anniversary of Alexis Yanceyʼs 40th birthday 7:00 P Center for Spiritual Living 4801 Spring Valley Road Ste 115, Dallas TX 75244

Author Wanda Campbell Comes to DFW Book Signing Event 4:00-6:00p Christian Fiction Romance titles include Illusions, Silver Lining & more.

Cedar Valley College Entrepreneurial Academy When: Kick-off Event at 8:30am Five Saturdays from 8:30am – 3:30pm (March 24, March 31, April 14, April 21, and April 28) Location: Cedar Valley College Student Ctr Cedar Valley College 3030 N. Dallas Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75134 972.860.2948 (Direct) Time: 8:30am – 3:30pm

The regular monthly meeting of DMCBAA will be held at 12 noon at the Center for Community Cooperation 2900 Live Oak Street Dallas, TX.

TJ's and My Private Chef present a worldclass seafood pop-up dinner on Saturday, March 24th in Deep Ellum.

$60 per person, BYOB. Get 10% off a bottle of fish-friendly wine from TJ's for the dinner!

Starts at 7:30pm. RSVP by email to TJ's.

My Private Chef 2901 Elm St. Dallas, TX 75226

Bullies Beware for Zolie Zi !

'Empowering Young Girls' Book Signing and Reading With

Author Sonya Browser at 3pm

The book Bully, Bullies is a fictional story about a 7 year old little girl named Zolie Zi who is bullied by classmates because she speaks with a lisp, a speech impediment. Zolie Zi is normally a very happy person who loves school until she has to face a very difficult problem with two of her classmates who find it fun to bully her everyday.

March 25 Sunday Brunch and Sunset Dinner on The Chamonix II! 11:30am-2pm Adults - $49.00 Kids (8-12) - $20.00 Kids (0-7) - FREE Sunset Dinner & Live Music March 30, 2012: 7:30 - 10:30pm Adults Only - $69.00

Epitome Magazine Presents: Fresh Fire Conference! The Fresh Fire Conference will be held at New Life Community Church in Frisco, TX on March 29-31, 2012

The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College CUNY Presents; The Eleventh Black Writers Conference Thursday March 29 - Sunday, April 1, 2012 "The impact of migration, popular culture and the natural environment in the literature of Black Writers."

Honorees include Nikki Giovanni. www.nationalblackwritersconference.org

Coffee & Conversations with Rep. Stefani Carter to be held on Thursday, March 29, 2012, from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in my district office (Park Central I, 7616 LBJ Freeway, Suite 675, Dallas, Texas 75251 - the "Alon USA" building).

Appreciation Celebration for Mrs. Edna Pemberton 2:00p.m.

Southwest Center Mall

Black Hairitage Read-In! Bring your expressions on the matter of hair in the African American community to share at the open mic! Featuring two guest poets and the debut of Hairku!

Book Signing and Visual PresentationNew Book: Black Star-African Presence in Early Europe, Saturday, March 31, 2012 -7PM The Glory and Majesty of Black Women-Ancient and Modern, Sunday, April 1, 2012 – 3PM Images of Strong Black Men

March 30 BYLOE LLC. INVESTMENT CLUB PARTY/ MIXER! 6:00 PM - 9:00 P CHOCOLATE SECRETS 3926 OAK LAWN RD DALLAS TX MARCH 31 LOVE & UNITY ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS "AN EVENING OF SUNDAY BEST" AT 7PM ST. LOUIS BAPTIST CHURCH 4000 FRANKSTON HWY, TYLER, TX TICKETS $15 PRESALE/$20 AT THE DOOR TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT ST. LOUIS BAPTIST CHURCH- 903-561-0431 PLATINUM 1 CUTS & STYLES- 903-593-1004 1603 W. FRONT ST. ONLINE AT SUNDAY BEST TYLER

Through Our Eyes A Celebration of Women and Jazz Magnolia Lounge Fair Park Dallas,

March 26 TJ's takes over the pizza oven to make your wildest seafood pizza dreams come true.

And enjoy Il Cane Rosso's pizza at North Haven Gardens on Saturdays 11am-2pm all March.

Il Cane Rosso Pizza 2612 Commerce Street Dallas, TX 75226 TJ's "Seafood Pizza Night" At Il Cane Rosso Il Cane Rosso was recognized by D Magazine & Dallas Observer for "Best Pizza", and even a featured on Food Network's "Dives, Diners & Drive Ins" Every Monday, ICR invites Dallas' best chefs to create one-of-a-kind pizzas. Dean Fearing (Fearings), Matt McCallister (CampO) and David Uygur (Lucia-March 19th) have taken part.

Spring Workshop 2012 Arlington Southeast Branch Library, 900 S.E. Green Oaks Blvd, 76018 817-459-6395 10:30am—2:00pm

The Marketing Lady presents..

Speed M.I.N.G.L.E. Professional Networking Speed M.I.N.G.L.E. is nothing but - speed networking in a fast-paced, getdown to business environment. It's similar to "speed dating." Speed M.I.N.G.L.E. Networking focuses on each individual and on building professional relationships.

6:00PM to 8:00PM at McFadden's Addison 4050 Belt Line Rd, Addison, TX 75001

April 2

7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Pan African Connection Bookstore 828 Fourth Ave., Dallas

In Honor of Our Brother, Ancestor Bandele Tyehimba The Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery, and Resource Center 828 Fourth Ave., Dallas Texas, 75226 (New Location Across From Fair Park Music Hall) 214-943-8262/panafric@airmail.net

March 27

First Annual Chamber Golf Tournament Keeton Park Golf Course 2323 N. Jim Miller Rd, Dallas Texas 75227 Balch Springs Chamber of Commerce www.balchspringschamber.org 972.557.0988 info@balchspringschamber.org April 7 P.E.A.R.L. Girls of Promise, Inc. will host their 5th annual Miss P.E.A.R.L. of Dallas InnerBeauty Scholarship Pageant at Bishop Lynch High School at 7p.m.

Join Bro. Runoko Rashidi for Three Visual Presentations

Send your calendar items to

cheryl@cherylsmithonline.com

NEW TIME! Cheryl’s World on Blogtalkradio.com at 6p.m.

Monday, March 26

Tuesday, March 27

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

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

Wednesday, March 28

Thursday, March 29

Tune in to Reporters Roundtable

Friday, March 30

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

Soul 73 KKDA Sundays at 6a.m.

214-787-1730

Call in to 646-200-0459 PAGE 19

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MARCH 23 , 2012

Historian, Research Specialist, Writer, and World Traveler, Friday, March 30, 2012 – 7PM

To register or for more information visit www.themarketinglady.com/events

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MARCH 23, 2012

A N AMERICA N PAGE 20

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