I Messenger

IMessenger VOLUME 8

MARCH 1, 2019

WORDZ OF

WILSON International Thought L eader

Chelle Luper Wilson

ISSUE 28

IMessenger An IMM LLC Publication MAILING ADDRESS 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203 WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 214-941-0110 Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER - EDITOR news@texasmetronews.com Nina Garcia Marketing/Sales Manager EDITORIAL TEAM Lajuana Barton Eva Coleman L. Diane Evans Dorothy J. Gentry Vincent Hall Richard Alexander Moore Betheny Sargent Dr. Felicia N. Shepherd Monique P. Stone Dareia Tolbert Andrew Whigham III MARKETING TEAM Carlton McConnell Terry Allen PR DESIGN/LAYOUT WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Alana King

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Established 2011 CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.

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Show Norma Adams Wade some Love Cheryl Smith, Publisher

These are tough times and after living many years, I’ve learned that tough times don’t last forever, but tough people do.

I care about journalism and it saddens me that so many journalists are losing their jobs. An unsteady economy, evolving industry and an assault on the profession are enough to wreak havoc.

I also know that 51 years after the Kerner Commission Report was released, detailing an industry that lacked in diversity in so many ways; the numbers today are pathetic as African Americans remain scarce in many newsrooms across the country.

Which brings me to my truth!

I tried not to let my frustration get the best of me upon hearing the news that veteran journalist Norma Adams-Wade’s voice on the pages of the Dallas Morning News would diminish greatly.

The confirmation that her weekly column would be reduced to monthly did not sit well with me.

Now the Dallas Morning News could argue that readership is down, especially among the demographic that she targets with insightful, encouraging and informative columns.

I can’t argue that assertion.

I do offer, however, that maybe if readers felt the other words presented and perspectives shared on the pages resonated with them, they would be more inclined to read these publications that are experiencing a decline.

I’m not going to seize this opportunity to blast the industry. There are numerous reports and studies that do the job for me.

Over the years, I’ve heard about how when Ms. Adams Wade entered the Dallas Morning News, she joined the ranks of Julia Scott Reed, as only the second African American female in news.

Someone from the paper came to recruit

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the UT grad who was working for the Black Press.

The year was 1974. In 1985, she began writing the “groundbreaking� Black History Month Series and started her “Black Community Column� in 1988. It was a must-read.

I recall reading her column on Sundays and I didn’t care too much for the change when it was moved to a weekday, but there were so many battles to pick I focused my attention elsewhere; just glad that she still had a voice to reach the masses.

Over the years, the award winning journalist had become a role model for many, always striving for journalistic excellence.

One of 44 founders of the National Association of Black Journalists, the former Miss Lincoln High School (Dallas) had become known for having an impeccable work ethic, being active in her church, loving her family and always willing to help others.

Ms. Adams Wade is loved and respected.

If the Morning News wants to increase its readership, once a month is not going to help.

Sure I can find something positive to say about the Dallas Morning News, like thanks for the memories. I could also talk about how business is business. I could lead a protest.

I only wish that I was in a position to bring her weekly column to the Texas Metro News. It would be great if I could adequately compensate her, Vincent Hall, Eva Coleman, Dorothy Gentry, Monique Stone, Dr. Felicia Shepherd, Shonedra Redd, Dareia Tolbert, Valder Beebe, and all the other members of our team; for the value they bring to our pages.

Maybe one day!

I think I will work toward that goal. myimessenger.com

INSIDE

COMMENTARY

LIFESTYLE

IN REVIEW

PRAYERS FOR THE NATION: Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson on Tuesday hosted her Prayer Breakfast to bring together faith leaders from across the North Texas region.

The Valder Beebe show interviews BET’s American Soul duo Kelly Price (ninetime Grammy-nominated® R&B singer and songwriter) and Sinqua Walls (Power, Once Upon a Time).

Hollywood Hernandez reviews Fighting With My Family, produced by and starring DeWayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Written and directed by Stephen Merchant.

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MY TRUTH Cheryl Smith, Publisher

Fatherly Love

There are too many young boys and girls who are growing up without their fathers or any positive male role model.

This is nothing new.

Some children don’t even know who their fathers are and some will never know.

You have to ask yourself, what does that do to a person; knowing that one half of the couple responsible for their being is anonymous.

One young lady started an organization for daughters without fathers.I’ve heard others refer to their dads as “sperm donors.”

I feel for those who have that void.

If life is good, it may not be as much of an issue.

But if life is horribly bad, it can be more of an issue because you are wondering if things could have been better, had you had a father figure.

Which brings me to my truth.

March 2 was the day my father was born, 92 years ago.

The man I remember today, almost 15 years since his demise, is just as I remembered

him growing up. To me he was larger than life.

I loved watching him walking into a room. I didn’t know what the word was back them, but today I would say my father had “swagger.”

Yes, he was definitely a charmer and the ladies loved him probably even more than they did LL Cool J! I remember my father walking into my elementary classroom and everyone exclaiming about how “clean” he was. He really did know how to dress.

My teacher, Mrs. Meisel, told him that I was an outstanding student, just a little mischievous. Boy, if that had been my mother, she would have told Mrs. Meisel that the next time I acted out, to whip me and call her and she would whip me when I got home.

Oh I was so glad Mrs. Meisel was not talking to my mother that day.

Another time, I had a fight.

Daddy wanted to know the outcome.

When I told him how I whipped my friend

good. I could tell he was proud of me!

Daddy was the one who talked to me about a man’s perspective. He talked about images, how men thought and what I shouldn’t expect or accept from a guy.

It was my daddy who would visit me at FAMU. He actually encouraged and supported my desire to become a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Sidenote: I actually think that he may have had a special Delta in his life at some point!

He was also the man who would buy ice cream for almost every child on the block; many whom had no father figure in their lives.

My daddy was the man, and I was definitely a daddy’s girl.

Daddy believed in family. He also had a “do for self” mentality and didn’t suffer incompetence or trifling behavior.

My daddy was the man, and I was definitely a daddy’s girl.

It was funny to me, because sometimes my mother would get mad at my father and it didn’t help that I usually sided with him.

My daddy would have a good time with the young men he thought I was getting close to. He never seemed to call them by their real names.

I could see him getting Ryan and Brian mixed up, but I knew he was being facetious when Brian became Baloney, or Jamal became Jambalaya! He just took things to the extreme.

And he had words of wisdom for guys who thought they wanted to date me: “I never put my hands on her and I set a myimessenger.com

precedent for any and every man on this earth.” “If you feel like you want to put your hands on her I promise you that you will feel better walking away.”

Years later, even when my father was seriously ill, I took solace in telling any man that one call to Joe Smith could change his life forever.

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Folks tell me the pain of my father’s death would subside. I can’t say that to anyone because the loss is so intense and the pain never-ending, for me.

In Joe Smith, I had someone who was a teacher, a protector, a provider.

He believed in me and supported my endeavors.

He listened and he lectured. For some reason, however, he couldn’t understand why I wouldn’t eat pork, but he let me choose.

My daddy was loving and loyal. I like to think I also exude those traits.

Men, regardless of what, how, with whom, and where you reproduced; reach deep and give the best you have or can to that child. Everyone deserves a father’s love.

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COMMENTARY Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

A Presidential Overreach While announcing his ‘state of emergency’ and going against the will of Congress, President Trump said that other occupants of his office, among them President Barack Obama, had preceded him in calling for national emergencies.

While it is true that President Obama and others have declared state of emergencies, President Trump has done something that none of them ever did, going against the will of Congress by reaching for monies that Congress approved for other purposes, making a power grab only because the legislative body did not approve of wish to build a wall on the nation’s Southern border.

Appalled at the president’s decision, Democrats in the House of Representatives recently introduced a resolution designed to void the president’s action. Expected to pass in the Democratic-controlled chamber the resolution will then go to the Senate which will have eighteen days to vote up or down on the measure.

Given that the Senate is controlled by Republicans and most of them seem afraid

to counter President Trump, there is not much hope for a common sense result.

Four Republican Senators will have to vote with Democrats for the House Resolution to become successful. Yet it is unlikely that four Republican Senators will step forward to stop Mr. Trump who, if successful, will set an extremely dangerous precedent for our nation.

The Republican voices that once wailed at what they called “presidential abuse” by President Obama now remain silence. It is as if they have closed their eyes and eyes to what is taking place in their presence.

Their voices are silent even though recent polls have demonstrated that the overwhelming majority of Americans, including Republicans, are against the idea of a national emergency, just as they are against the president’s border wall.

In all fairness there are some Republicans, such as Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, who realize that President Trump is wrong and that the base of the Republican Party will continue to shrink if Trump remains

unchallenged by other Republicans.

“I think there are a lot of Republicans that are concerned about the future and that want us to continue to be a bigger tent, and to reach a wider audience, and not be divisive,” Hogan said during a recent interview.

Perhaps if his fellow Republicans will not listen to their Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate they will listen to Hogan and help stop the bleeding. The nation will applaud them if they do! *Congresswoman Johnson represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives. She also chairs the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

Veasey to serve as Assistant Whip 116th Congress,” said Congressman Clyburn.

“Congressman Veasey will play a critical role in my Whip operation, helping us ensure that every voice of the most diverse Caucus ever is heard as we consider legislation to move our country in a positive direction. I look forward to working with Congressman Veasey to ensure that Democrats deliver on their promise to advance an agenda that will have a positive impact on Americans’ everyday lives.”

Assistant Whips are responsible for helping the Whip operation get an accurate read on where Members of the Caucus stand on certain pieces of legislation. They work with Members of the Caucus to answer any questions or address any concerns that Members may have with upcoming bills.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Marc Veasey has been appointed to serve as an Assistant Whip for the 116th Congress.

“I look forward to serving with Majority Whip Jim Clyburn as an Assistant Whip in the Democratic majority in the 116th Congress,” said Congressman Veasey. “I’m honored to support Whip Clyburn in his duties to bring together the most diverse Democratic Caucus in history, to fight for our Democratic ideals, and to advance legislation for the good of all Americans.”

Congressman Clyburn said he is looking forward to working with Congressman Veasey.

“I’m pleased that Congressman Veasey will be joining my Whip team as an Assistant Whip for the myimessenger.com

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COMMENTARY Dr. Julianne Malveaux

FOUR HUNDRED YEARS AND WE STILL AIN’T CLEAR: Distortions of Black History

According to some historians, Afrodescendents first entered these united states in 1619 off the coast of Virginia. If we believe that narrative, Afrodescendents have been in this country for 400 years. If the people who were kidnapped and brought here had to tell the story, would they tell the same one? Would they say that we came before Columbus?

That some of us might have been here even longer?

There were captured Africans that came from the mother continent in 1619, but also, thanks to the transatlantic slave trade, Africans here who had come from Bermuda, Jamaica, and other places.

Why is this relevant? Because there is this misguided group of Afrodescendants, who are throwing shade at those who are not “American descendants of slaves” ADOS. Their shade is an odd version of the “am I Black enough for you” game that some folks ran against President Barack Obama, and are now running against Presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Corey Booker.

What is Black enough, when we, Afrodescendant people, all have enslavement in our background?

Let’s make it plain. Europeans went to the African continents, kidnapped people (sometimes with African acquiescence), brought them to the Western Hemisphere, and sold us. Goods and people flowed between England (or New England, the Americas, and Africa), including sugar, tobacco, manufactured products, guns and humans. Understand that everyone in the triangle was affected and that enslaved people were freely traded between the United States and other parts of the Americas! myimessenger.com

I am not sure what kinds of warped brains dreamed up the realities of enslavement and the ways that a minority in the South was able to control a majority. The laws that managed enslavement included laws that prevented literacy, ownership, and much else. The laws often detailed the terms of punishment if restrictive conditions were breached.

A North Carolina law said, “teaching slaves to read and write, tends to excite dissatisfaction in their minds, and to produce insurrection and rebellion.” Disobeying this law was punishable by thirty-nine lashes or imprisonment for a free Black person, or a fine of two hundred dollars then, or about $5000 now.

People violated the laws, of course, but the warped sensibility that prohibited the dissemination of knowledge is the basis for many sick stereotypes, such as “if you want to hide something from a Black person, put it in a book.”

Fast-forward four hundred years, or even two. Why are teachers in Louden County, Virginia, forcing fifth and sixth-grade students to simulate enslavement with an obstacle course they called “The Underground Railroad”? Why were many of these students Afrodescendents? Why are the leaders of the school silent about the discipline that was ordered on the rogue teachers who took it upon their ignorant selves to construct such an exercise? Why has David Stewart, the principal of the Madison Trust School in Louden County, sent out a vapid apology for a “culturally insensitive” exercise, and not a more strongly worded condemnation of the racism implicit in this nonsense.

We have been here at least 400 years, and still, some folks aren’t

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clear about the ways enslavement has shaped our nation. In Virginia, where both the governor and the Attorney General (two of the top three elected officials in the state) have admitted to masquerading in Blackface, albeit thirty-odd years ago, teachers don’t see anything wrong with subjecting Black students to a reenactment of enslavement.

Oh, they said they were teaching “teamwork.” Really.

We have been here at least 400 years, and our nation is not yet clear about its flawed foundations.

There would be no house at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, which should not be called the White House, but the House that Enslaved People Built, were it not for the labor of kidnapped people and their descendants.

There would be no banking system if enslaved people were not used as collateral for European devilment.

There would be no insurance industry were it not for the enslaved. But in our collective ignorance allows us, all of us, African Americans, European Americans, and others, to live in denial, pretending that there is fairness is a racist, patriarchal, predatory, capitalist society.

We have been here at least 400 years, but we still aren’t clear about the nonsense and exploitation that affects and infuses our very foundation. Our entire nation needs to go back to school to learn some history. But there is a special place in hell for teachers in Louden County, Virginia who think that enslavement is some kind of game!

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IN CONVERSATION Marshall and Holmes headline ‘In Conversation’ Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall is the distinguished guest for the 6th annual In Conversation—an Evening with Dr. Zan Wesley Holmes Jr., Friday, March 15 at 7p.m. at St. Luke Community United Methodist Church, 5710 East R.L. Thornton Freeway.

In Conversation is presented by the Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center, a non-profit organization. This fundraising effort makes possible the programs and operations of the Center.

Each year, a distinguished presenter helps to shine a light on the life and events of our city, state, nation and the world.

The Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center is named for Rev. Holmes, Pastor Emeritus of St. Luke and a long-time activist, pastor, educator and former state legislator. Dr. Holmes served as senior pastor at St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church in Dallas for 29 years.

He is a former Texas State Representative, University of Texas System Regent and a faculty member at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. A renowned activist, he has mentored scores of public servants, educators, corporate leaders and clergy around the world.

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As the Chief Executive Officer of the Dallas Mavericks, Ms. Marshall is leading the charge for a culture transformation. Her vision is that the Mavericks organization will set the NBA

Rev. Zan Holmes Jr.

Cynt Marshall

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standard for inclusion and diversity.

For years, she has championed empowering women and communities of color and worked to make resources and opportunities accessible to all. In 2017 and 2015, she was selected as one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Corporate America” by Black Enterprise magazine.

While at AT&T, she also led the team that created a world class Diversity and Inclusion culture, landing AT&T in the top three on Diversity Inc.’s 2017 Top 50 list of companies.

Marshall also spearheaded the work that for the first time, in 2017, placed AT&T on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list, one of only two Fortune 50 companies.

Local entrepreneur and philanthropist, Roland Parrish and Parrish McDonald’s Restaurants, has been the only title sponsor for In Conversation and are sponsoring this dynamic event for the third straight year. Proceeds will support Frazier House and other Outreach Center programs, services and operations.

For more information, tickets or sponsorships, contact Fannie Smith at inconversation@zwhjcoc.org, 214.454.8624 or visit www.zwhjcoc. org.

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COMMENTARY Vincent Hall

QUIT PLAYIN

The Price of Freedoms!

“Take the meanest, most restless nigger. Strip him of his clothes in front of the remaining male niggers, female niggers and nigger infants.

Tar and feather him. Tie each leg to a horse facing in opposite directions, set him on fire and beat both horses until they tear him apart; in front of the male, female and nigger infants.

Bullwhip, and beat, the remaining nigger males within an inch of their life… DO NOT kill them; but put the fear of God in them for they can be useful for future breeding”. – attributed to Willie Lynch, famed “Slave Strategist.

For the record, this is the same Willie Lynch for whom the term “lynching” was coined. Lynch and the “letter” that made him famous, especially in the circles of Black history “Intelligencia” are horrific, but no less sinister than the 242-year history of the slave trading franchise in the United States. Lynch, like Trump, didn’t invent inhumanity; the both of them just serve as poster children for their respective racist and inhumane movements.

Bootstrapped Black radicals know this passage of Willie Lynch because it appears in the first chapter of their book, “Why I hate White folks and anybody who supports oppression.”

Now let me rush to admit that there is no such title to be found in the Library of Congress, but the loose leaf version circulates amongst hard core Black rebels. Trust me!

I’m talking about those brothers who don’t shy away from the late Elijah Muhammad’s most prominent proclamation; “The White man is the devil.” Muhammad Ali, once a part of the Nation of Islam, shocked reporters. In an interview session conducted for television in England, Ali made no detours from the myimessenger.com

Prophet’s assertion.

In an article published in the July 2016 iteration of The Independent, Ali was forceful in beating back any and all attackers. “Elijah Muhammad,” he told the TV viewers of 1970s Middle England, “is the one who preached that the white man of America, number one, is the Devil!”

The whites of America, said Ali, had “lynched us, raped us, castrated us, tarred and feathered us … Elijah Muhammad has been preaching that the white man of

America – God taught him – is the blueeyed, blond-headed Devil! No good in him, no justice, he’s gonna be destroyed!

“The white man is the Devil. We do believe that. We know it!”

If you didn’t come to know Willie Lynch on the “NegroNet,” maybe you met him on the big screen. The “Great Debaters,” a film about African American college debate champions in the piney woods East Texas town of Marshall, also used the Lynch letter.

Professor Melvin Tolson asked a few of

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the students to give a brief on who their fathers were. One of them, “Mr. Lowe,” in a very defiant and disrespectful tone, turned the question in on his proctor.

The ever-adept Tolson used the words of Willie Lynch to take what debaters call the “affirmative” and teach the young upstart a lesson: “His methods were very simple, but they were diabolical. Keep the slave physically strong but psychologically weak and dependent on the slave master.

Keep the body, take the mind.

“I...and every other professor on this campus are here to help you...to find, take back, and keep your righteous mind...because obviously you have lost it. That’s all you need to know about me, Mr. Lowe.”

There are some looming questions among historians as to whether Willie Lynch’s letter was a hoax. However, what cannot be questioned is that the methods he described were used and useful in assembling and operating the world’s worst chattel slave system; ever!

As the mention of the “QuadCentennial” of slavery is bantered about this year, don’t forget how heinous a crime was perpetrated upon the Africans who “arrived” in Virginia in 1619. History also suggests that it was said “meanest and most restless niggers” like, Marcus, Malcolm, Medgar and Martin who paid the price that bought our freedoms. #BlackMysteryMonth MARCH 1, 2019

COVER STORY

International Secretary, Chelle Wilson, and the DFW Metroplex Presidents

Wordz of Wilson

Studying the past to shape our future Wordz of Wilson is a weekly column featuring the powerful voice of international thought leader Chelle Luper Wilson.

Chelle is an award winning agent of change who truly personifies the 21st century woman whose skills, passion and commitments are multi-faceted and the beneficiaries of her associations and accomplishments are many.

MARCH 1, 2019

Wordz of Wilson is a weekly column featuring the powerful voice of international thought leader Chelle Luper Wilson.

A speaker, historian, community advocate, and entrepreneur, her weekly column will connect the past to the present and future.

“We’re excited to welcome Chelle,” said publisher Cheryl Smith. “We are continuing to build a strong team and someone of Chelle’s calibre is an impressive addition!”

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Chelle credits her professional development through work experience in management capacities in the fields of marketing, advertising, public relations and sales for several Fortune 100 companies.

Chelle left corporate America after becoming a mother and pursued an entrepreneurial path that allowed her to cultivate the work/life balance she desired.

Presently, she serves as the President of the Clara Luper myimessenger.com

Legacy Foundation that she founded to expand the legacy of her mother—civil rights activist Clara Luper, through the preservation of African American history and culture and the implementation of programs and services that nurture the next generation of citizens dedicated to academic excellence and public service, with a commitment to end acts of injustice and intolerance.

Additionally, Chelle is working on several new projects; including a book celebrating the lives of some lesserknown Black women who led incredibly fascinating and empowering lives, and a podcast with her husband entitled “Health and History” that merges both their passions and will launch later this spring.

The newly installed 2018-2020 Directorate to be led by Supreme Basileus, Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover. myimessenger.com

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She

is

happily

married to Dr. Marc A. Wilson and the couple resides

in

Frisco,

TX with their three daughters Sasha (16), Sydney (14) and Saige (9) and her favorite son, William (5).

As a college student, Chelle made history at the 1994 NAACP National Convention by becoming the first youth ever elected to the NAACP National Board of Directors At-Large position.

As a national board member, Chelle served in several leadership capacities during a pivotal time of transition for the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization.

Last summer, Chelle was elected International Secretary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the oldest Greek-lettered organization established by African-American college-educated women.

In this role, she will also serve as Executive Secretary to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Housing Foundation. Chelle previously served as director of Alpha MARCH 1, 2019

Kappa Alpha’s South Central Region.

Chelle has a true passion for inspiring youth and helping them develop into their full potential so they are prepared to pursue their purpose.

She is active with various youth charities and also maintains active membership in numerous civic and social groups including Jack and Jill of America (North Texas Chapter); The Links, Inc. (Greater Denton County Chapter); Denton County Medical Society Alliance; Langston University Alumni Association; Mocha Moms; PTA; National Women’s Studies Association; Association of Black Women Historians; Black Women’s Studies Association; NAACP (Life Member); National Council of Negro Women; Women for Women International; African American Intellectual History Society; Association for the Study

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of African American Life and History; Schomburg Society; and she is a also a charter member of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture.

Chelle, a native of Oklahoma City, is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Langston University.

A McCabe Scholar and recipient of the National Thurgood Marshall Scholarship—she received her B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate work in Multicultural Women’s and Gender Studies, with an emphasis on African and African American Women, at Texas Woman’s University.

She is happily married to Dr. Marc A. Wilson and the couple resides in Frisco, TX with their three daughters Sasha (16), Sydney (14) and Saige (9) and her favorite son, William (5).

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PRAYERS FOR THE NATION

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson joining North Texas faith leaders in prayer at her annual Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday, February 19.

Congresswoman Johnson recognizes religious diversity at Annual Prayer Breakfast

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ongresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson on Tuesday hosted her Prayer Breakfast to bring together faith leaders from across the North Texas region. The annual gathering, featuring the theme “Strength Through Unity: Healing Our Nation” this year, provided a platform for leaders of many different faiths to articulate the need for peace that can be achieved through unity.

“This gathering has been a strong display of the great diversity that makes up the fabric of this nation,” said Congresswoman Johnson during her remarks. “Over the years, we have proven that there is strength in unity and that the power of prayer and faith is real. As we have before, this year presents us another opportunity to address the challenges we face and spread prosperity in all the

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communities we are a part of.”

Among the distinguished leaders who addressed the audience, Pastor George Mason of the Wilshire Church served as the gathering’s keynote speaker. In his remarks, Pastor Mason stressed the need to address challenges of inequality faced by people of backgrounds different from our own.

“If we want to heal our nation, we have to walk a path of justice to get to reconciliation,” said Pastor Mason during his keynote address. “Dallas is the perfect city to start this, because it is hard to imagine a more religious city and a more unequal one. It is time for honor, and it’s time for love. It’s time for healing.”

The breakfast was attended by approximately 100 leaders and members of the North Texas faith

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community. Those in attendance advocated for peaceful collaboration for the growth and prosperity of a spiritually diverse Texas citizenry.

Leaders present were from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and non-denominational faith communities. All the faith leaders spoke candidly about opportunities to unite our community in the wake of developing challenges.

MARCH 1, 2019

Just Like Old Times Beto O’Rourke

It was like old times.

Last weekend Chris, Cynthia and I were in a rental car driving from town to town, meeting new people, eating fast food and learning the stories that inspire and move us forward.

Only this time, outside of Texas.

I had been invited to speak to the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) in Chicago. A huge honor, and I was excited to meet the thousands of young people who were there to share their vision for the future of the country. But, not having spent much time in the Midwest, I was also interested in going to places I hadn’t been before.

Friday, we drove from Chicago to Milwaukee and spent time with about 20 students from the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC).

The conversation was powerful — we talked about anything that any student wanted to raise, very often in personal terms.

One man shared with us his challenge with opioid addiction and recovery. A young mother talked about raising her 10-year old daughter and attending school at the same time. She shared that she was having a hard time getting a job, “not even at a Starbucks!” because of a prior conviction on her record.

Another man pursuing software programming talked about what it was like to lose a good friend to gun violence.

In these — and in so many other stories I heard — I learned about how tough circumstances didn’t have to define opportunity and possibility. It became clear just how crucial the access to a great education at MATC was to their ability to transcend obstacles and overcome challenges in their lives.

After the formal part of the meeting, I talked to a man who was starting his second business. We talked about next steps, including access to capital and attracting and retaining the talent necessary to ensure this next venture did even better than the first. This then led to a conversation with the woman standing next to him, who is starting a career as a recording engineer, explaining to me how difficult it is to break into the industry in Chicago. So she’s going to invest the time at MATC and her talent in Milwaukee to make it big at home.

Everyone talked about how transformational MATC was for them and what it meant for the larger community, where 35,000 attend one of the four MATC campuses.

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I left impressed, ever more convinced of the extraordinary value of community and technical colleges.

From Milwaukee we drove to Madison, the sun beginning to set as we pulled into town.

Coming from El Paso, it’s so amazing and unusual and beautiful to see the frozen ponds and lakes with people skating, playing hockey, just having fun outside. The snow banked up on the side of the road so you feel like you’re driving through tunnels at times.

We were met by Eliana and Isaac, students who organized a town-hall style conversation.

We had the good problem of more students than chairs so we were able to broadcast the meeting to a couple of overflow rooms on campus.

The conversation was intense and wideranging. Climate. Health care. Middle East. Economy. Democracy. On this point, everything seemed to come together for me.

Because it’s hard to see how we address any of the super huge challenges before us — like keeping the planet from warming another 1.5 degrees Celsius — without a fully engaged, informed democracy. We need the genius, talent and participation of everyone, especially young people.

So we talked about removing the barriers to participation — voter I.D. Laws, gerrymandering, PACs and Super PACs, the electoral college, etc — and reminded ourselves of the responsibility to own this

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democracy together. To find common cause and common purpose, to remind ourselves that we are the government, to act as though the future depends on us, because it does.

We stayed to talk individually, take pictures, learn some of the secrets of Wisconsin. Where can I get cheese curds?

An hour later we were in Edgerton at the largest Culver’s in the world. With help from Bella who took our order, I left with a bag of cheese curds, crinkle-cut fries, cheddar dipping sauce and a chocolate malt. Luckily I had brought some lactaid with me from El Paso.

The next day I had the chance to join thousands of young people from across the country at the USHLI convention — the motto was “Defend Democracy: Aquí y Ahora.”

Got to listen to a lot of great speakers, from Mayor Yulin from San Juan, to Rep. Celina Villanueva, to Congresswoman Deb Haaland to USHLI president Dr. Juan Andrade, and most special of all I got to spend some time talking with Dolores Huerta.

I had an opportunity to address the audience, choosing to speak about El Paso’s story and the U.S.-Mexico border. The civil rights stands that we are making today that are inspired by the great civil rights victories of the generations before ours.

And how, whether back then or today, those civil rights struggles are almost always led by the youngest Americans. They are the ones who galvanize public opinion, command the conscience of the country, and ultimately force people in positions of public trust to make the important decisions on our behalf. Whether it was the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts of more than 50 years ago — or the effort to end family separation, close down the Tornillo children’s detention camp or free Dreamers from fear of deportation today —— the politicians may get credit, but it is the young who ensure the change happens.

We had time to stay around for a while afterwords, catch up with friends we’ve met along the way (go Oklahoma Panhandle State Aggies!), meet new ones, and then drive back to the airport to catch a plane to El Paso.

A short trip, but an inspiring one for me — lots of good people out there, doing amazing work and ensuring this country lives up to its promise. Thanks to everyone who took the time to say hello and welcome us!

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Black Food Miles Jaye

A history of Black People— African People in the Americas, must transcend stories of slavery, freedom-less emancipation, Jim Crow, the leaders and martyrs of the Civil Rights Movement, a handful of inventors, statesmen and sports figures. As important as they are, the story must provide a panoramic view of Black culture, inclusive of home life, social life, education, religion, music, fashion, and food, childhood, youth and adulthood.

Ideally, the observance of Black History Month might be viewed best through the lenses of scholars and professionals in the fields of sociology, psychology, philosophy, theology, social-anthropology and Jurisprudence, whose job it is to pursue hidden clues to the underpinnings and inner-workings of individuals, groups and societies. They’re equipped to reveal who we really are, what we’ve endured, how we’ve persevered through the years and why we are the way we are today.

They have the tools to dig and dispel the misconceptions and shed light on centuries of lies.

As a student of the Culinary Arts, I have a particular interest in Black Food. Reliance on industrialized food sources and the Western healthcare industry is a new development. Without any deep digging at all, right on the surface of modern Black culture is the Black diet. One need not be armed with the gifted mind of Healer/BioChemist, Dr. Sebi, to take a drive along Dunn Avenue or Edgewood Avenue, to see that Black Food has essentially become synonymous with Fast Food. Sadly, this is the case across Black American communities where you’re more likely to find KFC, Church’s, Popeye’s, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Taco Bell, Papa John’s, Chinese Take-Out, food trucks and the local roadside BBQ pit than a Whole Foods, Fresh Market or Trader Joe’s.

Local convenience stores and gas stations provide goods and groceries in areas that are now commonly known as Food Desserts where major grocery chains choose to overlook. How close is the nearest Publix to Edward Waters College on Old Kings myimessenger.com

Road? How many Winn Dixies will you find on Myrtle Avenue? Is it a simple matter of basic economics, supply and demand, or is it something a bit more questionable at hand?

In my admissions interview at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, I informed my counselor that my interest in food and food preparation was to discover what modern day dietary factors were killing Black people in numbers disproportionate with the American population, at large.

Why were words like Hypertension and Diabetes so common in the Black community? I noted that among the most common misconceptions about the Black culture and mindset were the notions that Black folks prefer Junk Foods, are inherently predisposed to poor health and sedentary life-styles—we’re lazy. Fake news!

Comedian Chris Rock asked if you ever noticed that after a funeral service, the

food provided at the repast was the very food that killed the deceased? To the extent and degree to which that humor houses some sad truths, the true history of Black Food is one of self-reliance where great-grandma and great-grandpa were farmers and physicians—natural healers.

The food came from the field or the yard, the pen or the coop. Everything was fresh!

Nothing came from South America or South Korea. If anything, it may have come from South Carolina, or Georgia, but most likely it was local.

Not only was the food-source local but it was fresh and free of industrial additives

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necessary for long journeys and longer shelf-life. Additives like chemical coloring, anti-biotics and steroids are poisonous to our systems. White flour, white sugar, processed salts and processed foods are killing us. Great-grandma and Greatgrandpa would have been unable to identify 90% of the ingredients on the labels of foods we eat every day. They knew too, that some vegetables and fruits were never intended to be in season yearround, and they wouldn’t be caught dead eating dinner out of a box or Styrofoam carton.

Dick Gregory and Dr. Sebi tried to warn us, telling us for years that we are committing suicide one bite at a time.

They taught us that it is impossible to be clear-minded, creative and competitive without our health. They tried to tell us that if we, as individuals, are living with avoidable physical illness, it follows that our communities are ill, as well.

This Black History Month, as I enter my 14th day of fasting, I choose reemancipation over slavery to prescription drugs, insurance companies, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, cancer.

We go from one premature funeral to the next, as though it is normal. This year, as we celebrate Black History Month, let us pledge to find our way back to real Black Food—growing, canning and cooking.

Making jams and jellies, and when needed, healing with the plants and herbs God provided us.

MARCH 1, 2019

AROUND TOWN NANCY LIEBERMAN CHARITIES DREAM BALL

Nancy Lieberman Charities Dream Ball Gala Honorees Dr J and Ice Cube laugh with host Jay Harris

Frisco ISD-TV’s Morgan Rhodes interviews NBA Legend Dr J Julius Erving on Red Carpet

Nancy Lieberman with her Big 3 Championship Team Power

Frisco ISD-TV’s Mari Forbes interviews Olympic Gold Medalist Michelle Carter on Red Carpet

Frisco ISD-TV’s Madison McFarlane interviews basketball legend Spencer Haywood

Frisco ISD-TV Crew working as Student Media Paparazzi on Red Carpet

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BENEFITING

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LIFESTYLE Valder Beebe

That Celebrity Interview:

Kelly Price & Sinqua Walls

Today’s social media has leveled the playing field for small business and I am truly thankful. Thank you for following the Valder Beebe Show on social media platforms and my on-demand interviews conducted via satellite across the planet. Technology has given the Valder Beebe Show an unfathomable reach to the United Kingdom, Australia, Istanbul, Africa and the far reaches of the earth. I thank you for being a part of the success factor of the Valder Beebe Show in print in IMessenger, Garland Journal News and Texas Metro News. I am grateful.

Before the American Soul premiered on BET I interview Kelly Price (nine-time Grammy-nominated® R&B singer and songwriter) and Sinqua Walls (Power, Once Upon a Time). Together, the duo star in BET’s American Soul, the gripping story about the struggle to make the dream of American dance and performance show, Soul Train come true.

Set in the early 70’s, filled with music, dance, fashion and glamour, American Soul is the untold story of the launch of the first nationally syndicated Black music show and what happened when the music stops. Battles with record labels for top talent, off-camera drama as young dancers vie for the spotlight, stand in the way of a 30-something Don Cornelius who is sacrificing all that he loves to follow his dream. The journeys of these characters collide in a racially charged LA with the odds stacked against them. All they have is each other and the magic of Soul Train.

Sinqua Walls (Power, Once Upon a Time) stars as the legendary Don Cornelius, along with a multi-episode guest star arc from Kelly Rowland as Gladys Knight. Singer and actress Kelly Price co-stars. The series hails

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from the producers of BET’s mega hit biopics, The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story – which were both cultural (and ratings) milestones.

If you’ve loved the voice of Kelly Price, you are going to adore her more in American Soul. Price who has sung as a guest vocalist or back up for a who’s who in the music industry - from Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston to Aretha Franklin and The Notorious B.I.G. is perfect for this movie. You’ll remember Sinqua Walls from most recently as co-star in Clint Eastwood’s biopic The 15:17 to Paris. He is a former college basketball player best known for his role as ’Shawn’, in Power.

He had a recurring role on the MTV drama series Teen Wolf and a notable guest role on ABC’s Once Upon a Time, as Sir Lancelot.

VBS: What did you learn Sinqua from portraying the legendary Don Cornelius?

SW: I studied, there was a lot of reading and a lot of research, I learned.

I wanted to know everything. I wanted to know how he was in high school, why he married Deloris. How was it for him to be raised by a father.

VBS: Kelly, your life and career has evolved, your evolution has happened to play out in public. On American Soul you are working with Kelly Rowland, Gladys Knight and other superstars. How does this aide you as a professional actor?

KP: I must say my journey has not been an easy one but it’s been an incredible one. I feel God has put me in the presence of people who are great at what they do. I did learn from Sean Puffy Combs, Mariah Carey, and Ronald Isley, who saw in me what I did not see in myself and insisted Kelly Price, you will be a success. My life did play out publicly; I was married, I’ve raised my kids, I’ve lost a sibling, I’ve gotten divorced after 24-years…….

Kelly Price & Sinqua Walls; Video Ondemand @ ValderBeebeShow.com

ValderBeebeShow.com, 411RadioNetwork.com, Youtube.com/valderbeebeshow, 411RadioNetwork.com; Podcast audio: Soundcloud.com/valderbeebeshow, Soundcloud.com/kkvidfw, 411RadioNetwork.com, PChatman Streaming TV Network and VBS affiliate broadcasters.

Now available on 411RadioNetwork App

KELLY PRICE

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MARCH 1, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT MOVIE REVIEW

by Hollywood Hernandez

FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY Fighting With My Family is a true story about a family in a small town in England who have been involved in professional wrestling for two generations. The father is an ex-con, who changed his life for the better when he met his wife, and the family’s older brother is also serving time in prison.

This leaves the teenaged brother and sister to maintain the family business at a minor league wrestling match at small venues in the area.

The film’s executive producer is Dwayne

Johnson, who revises his wrestling persona in the film, “The Rock.”

The movie also stars Vince Vaughn as the WWE’s wrestling trainer for groups of World Champ wannabes at the wrestling tryout camp in Florida.

He not only coaches up the potential fighters, but he also has a sense of who can cut in in the league and who can’t.

The two family wrestlers, Paige who is played by Florence Pugh, and Jack Lowden, who plays her brother Zak get a shot at the WWE after they both

submit audition tapes to the organization.

However, an issue arises when only Paige, the sister, receives an invitation to stick around.

Serious issues arise when Paige who’s never been away from her family and Zak has to accept that his dream of being a WWE wrestler may never come true.

The movie has some great lessons in it about overcoming disappointment and about sacrifice. It’s also pretty funny.

Fighting With My

Family is rated PG-13 and has a run time of 1 hour and 48 minutes. Be sure and stick around during the credits for a peek at the real-life wrestling Knight Family.

On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale”, I rate Fighting With My Family a LARGE.

PRINT ADS DO BRING CUSTOMERS!

This is part one of a five-part series on using print ads.

Every day, I hear people say newspapers are on the decline and they do not work. I have one word to say about that: WRONG! Now is the best time to grow your business by placing an effective AD in a local newspaper.

Here are a few reasons why: LOCAL PRINT ADS DELIVER CUSTOMERS TO YOUR DOORSTEP

Local newspapers and magazines will give you the most growth and bang for your buck In terms of newspaper advertising, local ads in local papers move the needle and is a great way to advertise via print.

People still use phones and apps for their buying choices but if you are a brick and mortar, mom and MARCH 1, 2019

pop operation, nothing beats the impact of a local newspaper ad because local ads speak very positive about your community branding.

PRINT IS AFFORDABLE AND PERMANENT

Print ads deliver to your target audience. A while back newspapers ad sales declined as “digital” became popular, but print ads still are still the way to go for many advertisers. Why? Because print ads are not trend they are a stable constant; but readership has risen with most hyper local and commuter papers that speak to a local audience via print so well that it would be business smart to include print ads into your marketing mix to reach your target audiences.

I GET SO EMOTIONAL

Print ads can convey an emotional appeal much longer than any advertising source, with exception to YouTube. Local newspapers are deeply in touch with their readers and publishers are keenly aware of all the types of stories that will cause a reader to pick up the paper.

The recent political climate occurrences have incited civic involvement among local groups and this new politic has sparked an intense reader growth. Emotional ads have caused a movement to trust local news and it is creating a special opportunity for advertisers to gain and keep local customers.

But you have to have the right emotional approach or it fails, so engage us at the paper for the right touch.

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If advertisers combine their print ads with a matching social media campaign and a call to action mobile engagements, it could yield sales, retention and branding.

So don’t forget to email me at terryallenpr@gmail.com or call me at the paper to create an awesome print ad for your small business and/or organization because we are ready here at Texas Metro News/Garland Journal and I Messenger for you.

DIGITAL CAN SUPPORT PRINT

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ASK ALMA She’s a Natural Woman Dear Alma, Recently, my brother relocated to where I live and my sister-in-law and I have become better friends. I like her very much. She’s an attorney and she’s very smart. She has natural hair and that’s her choice, I respect that. I’m a hairstylist and I love my craft. I’m very popular, I make a lot of money and people say I’m one of the best in my area. Recently, my SIL came to my salon to drop off a gift to me and we were talking while I was working. Out of nowhere I said, “You should let me relax your hair and make you pretty.” Instantly, I knew that didn’t come out right. She said, “I think I’m pretty now and abruptly left.” She’s right, she is. Since then, when I see her, I give her a big hug and try to make it like it was, but she has become distant. How can I fix this, Alma?

Hapless Hairstylist

MARCH 1, 2019

Dear Hapless Hairstylist, Uh oh, Baby Bop, ohknowudidn’t!

Unfortunately, this time, and I’m sure it wasn’t the first time, you spoke your mind, before you thought it through.

LOL, I know girl, it happens! You can’t fix what you did, until you own it.

Acknowledging that what you said was hurtful is the first step.

She should have left; you called her ugly! Yes, you did, you know you did, that’s why you feel guilty. That’s also why you’re lathering her down with extra hugs and wide-eyed smiles every time you see her. Save the soapsuds, sista!

Splash cold water on your face and back it on up. Where do you start, you wonder? With a mature apology, a real one, not the generic kind. You know what I’m talking about, don’t say, “I’m sorry if I offended you.” We three already know you did. Use real words and be specific like, “I’m sorry when I said…

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After the apology, share with her that you think she’s beautiful inside and out, smart and a great SIL. Let her know how much she means to you and confirm that her choice of hairstyle has nothing to do with the love and respect you share. Hug her and never mention it again. Right now this bucket of deplorable words has overwhelmed her, I’m sure. Again, take responsibility and take her by the hand, slowly leading your relationship back on track. Do whatever it takes, it won’t be easy and it shouldn’t be. She’ll eventually forgive you and let it go, but it may take a minute.

Alma

Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to:alwaysaskalma@gmail. com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and Twitter @almaaskalma.

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HOROSCOPE FEATURED STAR:

PISCES - The Fish - 02/19 - 03/20 Watch out for people at work. They will get away with dragging their heels Inspiration/Influence: Allow your creative side to show more. Your work is appreciated.

Lucky Numbers – 19.45.32.09.11.21 ARIES - The RAM - 03/21 - 04/19 Meeting new people; you’re the right person to show them around town.

TAURUS – THE BULL – 04/20 - 05/20 Your subconscious is at a great height. Take note to all signs, it could lead you on a better path.

GEMINI – The Twins - 05/21 – 06/20 You and your people are seeing things the same way, it’s nice to finally work together.

CANCER – The Crab – 06/21 – 07/22 Colleagues are more important than usual lately, be sure to listen and make efforts to help them out.

LEO – The Lion – 07/23 – 08/22 You need to make better changes, it’s a good thing you have the right positive mindset to do that.

Greatness is inevitable.

VIRGO – The Virgin – 08/23 – 09/22 Your conscious is powerful enough to reach any goal. Do something big and different now.

LIBRA – The Scales – 09/23 – 10/22 Make sure you’re not hiding your light. Seek, explore,from those that know more than you.

SCORPIO – The Scorpion – 10/23 – 11/21 Now is not the best time to take risks, unless you enjoy going against the odds.

SAGITTARIUS – The Archer – 11/22 – 12/21 You should do whatever you can to get out of your comfort zone, your amazing energy will help deal with obstacles.

CAPRICORN – The Goat – 12/22 – 01/19 Find time to push your plans forward, at least the one person who’s watching will surely like what they see.

AQUARIUS – The Water Carrier – 01/20 – 02/18 Reach out a little more, you need to make sure your people are all on the “same page”.

Daily Oracle Reading: Ask and it is given: That which you dislike in another, is a reflection of yourself that you dislike.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Black History/Women’s History Month Recurring Events Reggae Sunday Brunch at Hero’s Lounge 3094 N. 35 Fwy. Dallas. 11am. Caribbean Breakfast & Lunch.

Black Beauty Glitz and Glamor Designers Patrick Wright and Pucci Lisenbee never before seen fashion at South Dallas Cultural Center 300 Fitzhugh Ave. 6pm. Info: 214939-2787, 2-2 - 3-23.

Feeding The Needy Hosted by: Hollywood Hernandez Live 1698 Corsicana St. Dallas.

3pm-5pm.

Written & Witnessed Presented by: Andrea Tosten & Jas Mardis at Oak Cliff Cultural Center 223 W. Jefferson Blvd. FREE 10am8pm. Until 3-29-19.

Marvelous Marriage Monday’s at Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. Dallas. 7pm-8:30pm 1st & 3rd Monday Info: covent@friendshipwest.org Feb. 28-March 10 & 16 Dallas 2019 Senior Games Hosted by: Dallas Parks & Recreation. Info: Senior Program Division at 214-671-1602. Event Dates: Feb. 28 - 3-10 & 3-16.

March 1-2 Arlington Jazz Festival ’19 Smooth Jazz at Arlington Music Hall 224 N. Center St. 6:30pm booth nights. Tickets: arlingtonmusichall.net

www.friendshipwest.org.

Destiny Award Luncheon a Conversation with Alex “A Rod” Rodriguez at St Philips School 1600 Pennsylvania. 11:30am.

Night In The Wild at The Potters House 6777 W. Kiest Blvd. Dallas. 7pm-9pm. Tickets: www.tour.womenevole.com March 2 Calling All Authors: Texas Authors Showcase Host: CaSandra McLaughlin at API Event Center 5787 Hampton Rd. 4th fl.

Dallas 11am-2pm. Register on line at eventbrite.com Diamonds & Sneakers Gala Presented by: Trinity (TX) Chapter The Links, Incorporated at Hyatt Regency 300 Reunion Blvd. Dallas.

Big Night Big Thought 30 Years at The Bomb Factory 2713 Canton St. Dallas. 6:30pm.

Soul Saturday’s Scout at Bastards of Soul! At Scout 1914 Commerce St. Dallas. 9pm.

4th Annual Heroes Mark Cuban Basketball Center Presents: Suit Up Experience at 1800 Bonnie View Rd. 10am-2pm. Young men ages 15-21.For Info: 214-379-7451.

Amy Schumer an award winning standup comedian at Winspear Opera House 2403 Flora St. Dallas 8pm. Tickets: attpac.org Blooms of Enchantment 2019-Mother & Daughter Tea. Host: AKA Sorority Chi Zeta Omega Chapter at NOAH’s Venue 5280 Town Square Dr. Plano. 1pm.

Coffee & Politics Cultural Plan and Roll Out at African American Museum Fair Park.10am.

Hearts & Heels Brunch and Show Speaker: Ebony N. King at Hilton Garden Inn 800 N. Main St Duncanville. 10am. Tickets: Eventbrite.com Rebuilding Lives Through Healthcare & Education NBA Legend Mahmud Abdul Rauf at Omni Mandalay 221 E. Las Colinas Blvd.

Irving. 6:30pm Tickets: www.amoudfoundation.com March 3 Shuckey Duckey Quack Quack Live at Arlington Improv 309 Curtis Mathis Way #147, Arlington. 7:30 Showtime.

Tickets: http://bit.ly/ shuckeyduckey Willow Grove Baptist Church Grief Counseling at 1222 W. Kiest Blvd., Info: 214-3717325. 5:30pm.

2019 Mardi Gras Oak Cliff Parade The parade begins at 4 p.m., and takes place on West Davis Street in Oak Cliff. Attending the parade is free.

Yoga & Afrobeats Arlington Class w/DJ QA & Hathor Hendrix+Shoshan at The Pura Vida Sanctuary 604 Doug Russell Rd. Arlington.

2:30pm-4pm. Tickets: cash.me.

March 1-9 Manon Lescaut at Winspear Opera House 2403 Flora St. # 500 Dallas Times & Dates vary. Tickets: dallasopera.org

March 1 Women’s History Month Women’s History Month Kickoff Luncheon Host: Dede in the Morning at Renaissance Dallas Hotel 2222 N. 35 Fwy. 11:30am. Eventbrite.

Crescent Medical Center Lancaster Open House 2600 W. Pleasant Run Rd. 4pm-7pm.

Info: www.CMCLancaster.com.

I Care Initiative Presents: Dr. Seuss Day at Lee A. McShan Elementary School info:

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Rhoer Pancake Breakfast Host: Alpha Omicron Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, at Applebee’s Grill 649 Uptown Blvd. Cedar Hill. 8am.

Ella Phillips Stewart Pharmacist DOB 1893 Willow Grove Baptist Church Youth Dept. host its annual FREE College Fair at 1222 W. Kiest Blvd., Dallas Info call, WGBC office at 214-371-7325. 6:30pm-8:30pm.

March 7 Charlie Pride DOB 1939 Black Country Recording Artist Happy Birthday to Team Member and Awesome Lady Eva D. Coleman Let’s Talk Business w/ City of Dallas and Parkland at Regional Black Contractors Association 2627 MLK, Jr. Blvd.

11:30am-1pm. Register: Eventbrite.

March 8-10 37th Annual North Texas Irish Festival 2019 at Fair Park Times Fri. 6-11pm. Sat. 10:30-11:30pm

Mississippi elected Blanche Bruce as U.S. Senator, 1875 African American Museum presents: The Scott Joplin Chamber Choir of Houston at Kick off Reception 3636 Grand Ave. 6:30pm. RSVP: 214-565-9026.

Monday Night Politics – Meet the Candidates at African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave. Dallas 6pm.

Sun. 11:30-7:30pm. Info: www.ntif.org.

March 8 International Women’s Day Taste of Ethiopia A Bilquis Happy Hour Experience at Queen of Sheba Restaurant 14875 Inwood Rd. Addison. 5:30pm-7pm.

Nem Band featuring Tomea at Smoking Jacket Cigar Lounge 1435 S. Hwy 67 Ste. #100 Cedar Hill. 9pm-12am

March 5

Happy Home Lending Home Ownership Seminar at DeSoto Town Center 207 E. Pleasant Run Rd. 10am. Free .

Fat Tuesday Y’All at Club Odyssey 7439 S. Westmoreland Rd. Dallas. 8pm-12am.

Pardi Gras at House of Blues at 2200 N. Lamar St. Dallas. 4pm-12am. Tickets: www. universe.com.

Take Me to The Mardi Gras Day Party at Blends Daiquiri Lounge2810 E. Trinity Mills Rd. Ste. #145, Carrollton. 3pm.

Balch Springs Chamber Mardi Gras Pancake Breakfast at Balch Springs Nursing Home 4200 Shepherd Ln. 8:30am-10:30am.

New Day Black Man stageplay at God’s Exciting Cathedral of Praise 1430 N. Polk St. DeSoto. 3pm-7pm.

Party Gras 2019 (Fat Tuesday) at Blends Daiquiri Lounge 2810 E. Trinity Mills Rd. #145 Carrollton. 4pm-12am.

Women Making History: Round Table Dialogue at Cricket Club 2345 Squire Pl. Dallas.

2pm-6pm. Tickets: Eeventbrite.

DayofEmphaty: Restorative Juvenile Justice at Capital Factory & The DEC 3102 Oak Lawn Ave. Suite 250, Dallas 6pm-9pm.

African American Museum 2019 Women’s History Month Distinguished Lecture Series at 3536 Grand Ave. 2pm. Key note speaker: Dr. Cross.

March 6

March 4

Texas Unsigned Artists Presents: Jazz Legends Concert Series Part II at DeSoto Corner Theater 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd. 7pm-9pm.

TITAS presents: Kyle Abraham’s A.I.M at Moody Performance Hall 2520 Flora St. 8pm both nights. Tickets: attpac.

Fat Tuesday Feat: Kickin Brass Band at Blue Martini Plano 7301 Lone Star Dr. #A-110.

4pm-12am. Tickets: Eventbrite.

March 9 Phyllis M. Daley-1st Black Navy Corp. Nurse Graduate, 1945 Queenish Women’s Empowerment Expo 2019 at Lancaster Grand Hall Ballroom 1700 Veterans Memorial Park 10am-6pm. Free general admission.

Elevate Her Conference at Will Rogers Memorial Center & Facilities 3401 W. Lancaster Ave. Ft. Worth 10am. Tickets; www.c3womensnetwork.org 8th Annual Dallas Alumni Greek Show at TBAAL 1309 Canton St. 7pm-10pm.

2019:15th Annual Dallas Blues Fest. at The Theatre Grand Prairie 1001 Performance Ln. 8pm.

Marsha Ambrosius at The Bomb Factory 2713 Canton St. Dallas 7pm-12am. Tickets: krnb. com

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