Imessenger 3 22

I MESSENGER

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 22 JANUARY 31, 2014

NO 3 ISSUE 22

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

JANUARY 31, 2014

The talented Angela Robinson will appear on Cheryl’s World, Sunday, Feb. 9 8:00-10:00am Page16

WORTH WATCHING Angela Robinson PAGE 1

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I MESSENGER

NO 3 ISSUE 22

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

GIFT IDEAS!

The Lap Log"Making Life a Little Easier"

,IGHT A .EW 9EAR S $REAM &AIR 0ARK ,AGOON $ALLAS

removable cap, making it easy to replace or continue filling the ball with their special letters.

Indulge in a holiday purchase that can be enjoyed year round with their Engraved Wood Photo Tags. Touted as a unique way to display a family tree, these tags are engraved with the photos of choice and then can be personalized with optional text on the backside.

Create a series of holiday memories to hang upon the boughs, or choose a set of wedding or family vacation snapshots to display year round www.bellamerce.com and give as gifts.

7ELCOME AND THE ,UNAR .EW 9EAR

STYLE Don't Let YourLANTERN Charger

Memorable Keepsakes

Get in the holiday spirit with the unique wares available from the exquisite boutique known as Bella Merce.

At Bella Merce it's their goal to make decorating

Get Lost in the Crowd

CableKeeps™ useful features add both personality and utility to the everyday Apple Charger.

They are designed so that the cable that attaches to your Apple device stays with it, nicely wrapped around the base and secured so that it will remain free from tangles when shoved into a bag, pocket or purse. This same design feature allows you to keep the cable short and neat while the charger is plugged into the wall fueling your iPad, iPod or iPhone.

Secondly, CableKeeps™ come in beautiful bold Apple-

inspired colors, orange, sky blue, true red, lime, royal blue and purple. The clean lines and noticeable colors mean you won’t lose them among all the dull black chargers belonging to co-workers, fellow passengers and classmates. CableKeeps™ are molded in Santoprene thermoplastic rubber which makes them durable, recyclable and non-toxic. More good thinking.

Mothers will love these—no more wondering who owns

Instant Glamour: Slip on Cuffs

www.nicebydesign.com.

Bamboosa, a well-known U.S. manufacturer of unique eco-friendly products, has acquired the exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute a new product designed to make the everyday use of iPadsŽ and similar devices a more comfortable experience. The Lap LogŠ tablet holder is already in production at Bamboosa’s Andrews, S.C facility and will be distributed worldwide.

The Lap Log is one of the most universal tablet holders on the market. The cylindrical shape of the stand differentiates it from similar products in that it allows the user to adjust the angle of the iPad, tablet or eReader for better viewing without changing their body position. The wooden insert accommodates most tablet and eReader devices and works equally as well in either portrait or landscape mode.

Furthermore, the “bean bag� design is made from all natural buckwheat hulls and provides for a stable platform on almost any surface. Most importantly- it’s made in America! “Almost 200 million tablets and eReader devices have been sold worldwide,� said Mindy Saintsing, VP of Marketing at Bamboosa. “Now consumers are looking for a more comfortable way to use them without holding them or propping them on their laps or knees. We think this product delivers on that promise better than any other we have seen. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and made in America!�

The Lap Log is made of sustainable materials, including certified organic 100% cotton twill and naturally grown buckwheat hulls. A removable wooden insert that holds the tablet is crafted locally and is hand-sanded and stained with a natural, non-toxic finish.

Washable – If you happen to get a little dirt on your Lap Log when you're at the park, simply remove the wooden insert, dump the natural buckwheat filling into a container, and put your Lap Log into the wash.

Flexible – The durable bean bag design lets you view any tablet or eReader at almost limitless viewing angles, and the buckwheat hulls allow your Lap Log to conform to any surface.

Versatile – Use your Lap Log in bed, on the couch, sitting at your desk or on the kitchen counter. No straps, Velcro, or clips, and it easily adjusts to eliminate glare.

Remove the wooden insert, and your Lap Log can be used as a comfy travel pillow!

Travel Ready – The Lap Log weighs a little more than a pound, so you’ll be able to take yours anywhere. It's light enough to throw in your carry-on, and has the added bonus of doubling as a neck pillow! Going outdoors? Toss it in your backpack and have a convenient and stable stand for your device at the beach or on the trail. www.thelaplog.com

Luxury Handbag Brand, Deondra JereĂŠ debuts

Shaun Robinson updated her LBD with a flick of the wrist. Did you see Shaun on the set of Access Hollywood sporting that gorgeous black dress with gold cuffs? Guess what? Her cuffs are actually removable! Her secret: Invisibelt KCuffs. These elastic, sparkly cuffs instantly transform any simple sweater or dress. Just slip them on your wrist for an entirely new, chic look. Choose from 5 fashionable, fun KCuff styles.

Shaun recently discovered Invisibelt KCuffs and not only wore them on the set to spruce up her outfit, but sent us a video from her dressing room encouraging her fans to try her new holiday accessory choice!

Known for her impeccable fashion sense, Shaun is only reiterating what thousands of other fashionistas have been saying...�why spend thousands of dollars on a new outfit when you can stock up on wardrobe staples and turn a blah to bling with a "flick of your wrist�. In a season of parties where busy days quickly turn to party grand entrances, it is hard to stay organized and find the time (and money) to make each outfit special. KCuffs can be stashed

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which cable charger—no fussing to find the right one just as you have to tear out the door in the morning. Your family can each have their own colour, and what a great stocking stuffer they will make. CableKeeps™ will keep everyone happy. The cost of the US model, “Goldieâ€?, $16.

and gift giving as easy as eating that warm slice of holiday pie, which is why they have dreamed up an endless assortment of accoutrements to make the festivities truly shine.

Start an all new Christmas tradition that can be enjoyed throughout the years with Bella Merce's Christmas Wish List Keepsake Ornament.

Each one is etched with either the child's name and the words "Letter to Santa" or "Christmas Wish List," and can then be filled with their notes.

This fun twist on the glass ornament features frosted words, a colorful bow, and a

www.knotstandard.com

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Knot Standard’s value proposition is straight forward: Allowing gents from all over the globe access to a world of talented tailors, Knot Standard offers handmade bespoke suits at price points that customers would usually pay for an off the rack, run of the mill suit.Upping the stakes, Knot Standard uses innovative 3D imaging via webcam to get the most perfect measurements for clients and laser cutting technology at the workshop to ensure each suit is cut to fit the individual customer. “The perfect fit, individual style, and impeccable tailoring.� explains Ballay. “The key to being well dressed is always fit and that’s what gives Knot Standard a competitive edge. We don’t use patterns. Each bespoke suit is cut directly from a bolt of cloth to the measurements of the individual customer. We like to joke that our suits come in just one size – yours.�

From Wall Street to the West Coast, Knot Standard makes suits for every important occasion. Bespoke advisors are on hand 24 hours, seven days a week to help guide customers through the measurement process. They can also advise on suit types, fabric choice, slim vs traditional fit and an array of fashionable options including contrast color buttonholes, peak vs shawl collar lapels or spread vs straight collars.

Knot Standard uses the best of Italian and English fabrics, offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and round the clock customer service.

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Customized  Bespoke  Clothing  for  the  Well-­Dressed  Man

Knot Standard (www.knotstandard.com) is an online bespoke clothing company that makes customized clothing including suits, shirts, blazers and slacks for men.

The New York City-based firm combines the latest in cutting edge technology with the skills and talents of a master tailor to deliver customers the perfect fit every time – guaranteed. “We take pride in every single item of clothing we construct,� said Knot Standard CEO Matt Mueller. “We invest 100% in getting the absolute perfect fit for each individual customer and we take very seriously our customer satisfaction.�

Launched in 2010, Knot Standard is the brainchild of John Ballay and Matt Mueller, two Americans then living in Dubai. They later partnered with Tarig El Sheikh, an experienced finance executive and have now expanded operations globally.

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in your handbag or luggage for quick access and amazing results, for a fraction of the price.

With New Year’s around the corner and Valentine’s day soon to follow, we are all under pressure to wear something fresh and exciting... yet save a penny or two.

KCuffs by Invisibelt are the answer to your Christmas wish, and with her ingenious line of practical and stylish accessories, creator Kathy Kramer has provided the perfect gift for your girlfriends or yourself for any special occasion. www.invisibelt.com

JANUARY 31, 2014

With each handbag embodying its own unique, modern, and sophisticated design, NY-based handbag line Deondra JereĂŠ launches its collection in time for the Winter 2013 season.

Emerging handbag brand, Deondra JereĂŠ distinguishes itself from the current fashion world with its innovative design, high quality materials, and reasonable pricing.

By infusing the combination of edginess and sophistication into each handbag, NY-based handbag line Deondra JereĂŠ wishes to produce unique, everyday styles that are not currently available in the mass market. Each luxury handbag showcases its own modern and bold design. The winter 2013 collection is available online at deondrajeree.com. “I wanted to design handbags todayšs sophisticated women would wear, including myself

because I'm confident in my style and like to wear original pieces,� said Deondra. “Our pieces are alluring, fashion forward, bold, and high-end. I wanted to give women who desire the finer things in life a handbag that is sophisticated, yet edgy.�

With each handbag made from the finest genuine lizard skins and Italian-glazed leather, the Deondra JereÊ winter collection ultimately takes todayšs f e m a l e consumer from day-to-night.

With the fashionforward woman in mind, the Deondra JereĂŠ winter 2013 collection prices range from $290.00 to $1,190.00 and feature six high-quality designs.

#HINESE,ANTERN&ESTIVAL COM Deondra JereĂŠ is a luxury handbag brand that was founded in 2013 by designer and creative director, Deondra Morris.

Deondra JereĂŠ wishes to deliver the finest quality, original, and on-trend handbags at an affordable price point. www.Deondrajeree.com.

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I MESSENGER

NO 3 ISSUE 22

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

January 31, 2014

Message to the People...

Please join me in supporting IMAJ. I will share more information about her in the future. Here, she talks to you. Check her out. You’ll fall in love too. I hope that you will join me in making a donation to www.indiegogo.com/projects/imaj-keep-the-dreamalive!

Cheryl

Cabot Creamery Honors Charles Clark 11

Ophelia Roberts Kerl 20

CELEBRITY LOVE 29

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

IM ESSENGER is committed to informing, inspiring, enlightening and provoking thought in a forum that is international. Submissions for publication consideration may be submitted to www.myimessenger.com.

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JANUARY 31, 2014

As you know, for the past few years I've been pouring my life into my country music career. There have been so many times that I’ve felt like The Little Engine That Could; simply determined and driven forward by an inner-knowing that keeps singing, “I think I can, I think I can, I know I can.

I imagine you can tell by the robust newsletters you've received from my extensive travels and milestones in 2013; like making “New & Active” on the Billboard Country Charts with my debut single, "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner", as well as being considered for GRAMMY nominations in ten categories, my upcoming role in the Cottonwood film featuring major actors, as well as being generously labeled "The New Face of Country" on QueenLatifah.com In fact, just the other day, I found out that I became the Winner of a 2014 Avanti Award for excellence in the Visual and Performing Arts. As an Avanti winner I will perform at their annual dinner and walk the stage in California to receive a $5,000 grant exactly four days before this e-mail goes out to you on January 28, 2014. All I can think of is that God must be looking after us because it was entirely unexpected and exactly apropos to what this letter is all about.

As you've seen, my story and music have been compelling enough on their own to create a substantial and positive buzz. But what almost no one knows is this — the lion's share of everything you've seen has been, very simply, the direct result of the love, hard work and true grit of my mother and I. Everything you see being accomplished is just us doing it the traditional way; knocking on doors, giving out albums, performing for decorated country stars, making our way up that proverbial mountain one step at a time...just like Loretta Lynn. Just us ladybugs getting by with - you guessed it - "a little help from our friends.”

Now, with so many wonderful opportunities before us, the weight of my burgeoning country music career has become too heavy for just us two to manage. We've come to the conclusion that we must take the next step in order to sustain all of this incredible momentum while also gaining national exposure. To help us take that next step, we've been introduced to Crowdfunding.

Crowdfunding describes individuals coming together to support – and directly fund – a project they believe in. More popular crowdfunders you may be familiar with are Kristen Bell, William Shatner and Zach Braff.

Interestingly enough, I just learned Mozart, Beethoven and Mark Twain, amongst other artists of yore, funded works in similar ways — not just from large patrons, but by contributions from smaller patrons, often called subscribers. $75,000 in 45 Days In our frugality, we've set a goal to raise a minimum of $75,000 to Keep The Dream Alive. It may seem like a lot, but unknown to the general public, major record labels have spent upwards of one million dollars to launch an artist's career.

There are so many expenses that go into keeping an artist afloat. Our goal will allow us to cover the following this year:

Maintain and grow our momentum by releasing a new single to radio Book a nationwide radio tour for that new single Travel and lodging for the radio tour Film a music video for the new single Cheryl Smith Build a new website complete with a Fan Club Cover the costs and fees associated with crowdfunding If we surpass our goal we’ll also be able to cover: National and International Publicity Major Marketing and Promotion Touring with a full band Performing at a city near you And more!

With you on our side, reaching our goal and beyond will give us similar support to what major record labels provide, while allowing us the self-sustainability and freedom to keep creating the music that fans know and love.

And remember, this whole time we've been accomplishing so much with no solid budget to sustain us.

Just imagine the prospects of a proper budget for national exposure.

Mock-up of the Limited Edition VIP SHOW CD-DVD Box Set from the I'm With The Band perk.

Featured Perks and What You'll Get The crowdfunding system we're using is called Indiegogo which allows you to safely and conveniently contribute to a project at various tiers. Each tier comes with its own reward called a “Perk.” We’ve put together a list of Perks that hopefully demonstrates to you how much your generosity truly means to us.

Our featured Perk is what's called The Weekly VIP Show.

When you contribute $50 or more, in return every Thursday for the whole campaign you'll receive an intimate acoustic performance video of me serenading you in one of my sparkly dresses from tour. I’ll sing some of my favorites for you like the legendary Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Lana Del Rey. Included in your $50 contribution is a lovely package you'll receive in the mail that contains an autographed album, a signed photo, (2) bonus song downloads and a personal handwritten Thank You postcard from me. (Call me traditional, but I love gifts in the mail - they're just so special!)

We understand that some can only give less than $50 and others will want to give more. That's why we have several tiers of contributions for you to choose from. Some of the most fun rewards are what I call “Adventures” that I’ll take with you; like we'll go Indoor Skydiving together, experience the thrill of Medieval Times, tee off at The Cowboys Golf Club or simply enjoy an elegant dinner with you and two friends in Dallas, where you can ask me anything and we can get to know each other.

Nothing Can Stop Us Now In modern times, those "subscribers" to Mozart and Mark Twain, would have been you. You are what dreams are made of, my loving fans, my supportive friends and dear family.

When you contribute to keeping the dream alive, you're not just giving money, you're supporting a bigger picture: a dream that you know I have and will continue to put my whole life into.

Thank you so much for being a part of this journey.

Now, I hope you'll take my hand and climb onto this Peace Train so we can be at the top together when our little song of "I think I can" turns into, "I knew we could." IMAJ

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear. !

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I MESSENGER

NO 3 ISSUE 22

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

JANUARY 31, 2014

22nd Annual Trumpet Awards gives tributes to extraordinary honorees for African American Achievement

Melissa De Sousa, Xernona Clayton and Laz Alonso Atlanta, GA -- The Trumpet Awards Foundation recently wrapped up the 22nd Annual Trumpet Awards where an international cast of who’s who in the areas of religion, politics, public service, law, entrepreneurialism, and entertainment turned out to witness the Awards Show and the celebration of African American achievers. The festivities took place at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

The Annual Trumpet Awards was hosted by Melissa De Sousa, a NAACP Image Award nominated actress, and Laz Alonso, a NAACP Image Award winning actor. De Sousa was recently seen in the film Best Man Holiday.

Alonso has several films to his credit which include Stomp the Yard, Fast & Furious, and Avatar; his television

credits include, “Bones,� “CSI-Miami,� “The Practice,� and more.

Celebrity guests, honorees, and participants who braved the cold weather and were seen on the Red Carpet included Tim Davies and the crew from Radio-One, Martin Luther King III, Chris Tucker, Congressman/ Ambassador Andrew Young, Bobby Jones, Judge Mablean Ephriam, Danny Bakewell, former Chief Justice Leah Sears Collins, and members of the staff of the Prime Minister of the Bahamas.

Xernona Clayton, Chair, President, and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, and Creator and Executive Producer of the Trumpet Awards, and a national celebrity in her own right, presented the “Trumpet Award� to the honorees, including: DeVon Franklin; Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff; The Honorable Kamala Harris; Deryl and Cheryl McKissack; Charles J. Ogletree, Jr; Steve Pemberton; Alfre Woodard; the five Atlanta Bronner Brothers; and seven sisters of the entrepreneurial Williams Family from the Bahamas.

Presenters for the 22nd Annual Trumpet Awards included Palmer Williams, Roland Martin, Sweetie Pie’s Robby Montgomery, and Nephew Tommy. Performers who provided the entertainment included award-winning recording artists Amber Riley, Carl Thomas, Jaheim, Raheem DeVaughn, SWV, Chubb Rock, Melle Mel, Kurtis Blow, Smokie Norful and Donny McClurkin.

Other events held during the weekend included The Prayer Breakfast which was held on Thursday, January 23, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in downtown Atlanta. This annual program kicked off the festivities with the

2014 Trumpet Award honorees with Ms. Xernona Clayton (in red) Spiritual Enlightenment Award.

Honorees include the Concerned Black Clergy of Metropolitan Atlanta; Rev W. R. “Smokie� Norful, Jr., Senior Pastor & Gospel Recording Artist, Chicago, IL; Linda Herring, musician, Memphis, TN; Dr. Marvin A. Moss, Senior Pastor, Cascade United Methodist Church, Atlanta, GA; and Bishop William Sheals, Senior Pastor, Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, Norcross, GA. Dr. Joseph L. Williams, Salem Bible Church, Lithonia, GA delivered the “Sermonette.�

Jonathan Slocumb and Charlotte Ottley hosted the High Tea with High Heels affair which was held on Thursday, January 23, and is a fairly new tradition of the Trumpet Awards. This affair combined the sophistication of high tea, high heels and high fashion and was initiated to salute a select group of distinguished women who are leaders in their communities and in their fields of endeavor. The Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock, Senior Pastor, Ebenezer

Baptist Church, moderated the Race Relations Symposium with panelists Dr. Oliver W. Clark, Jr., associate pastor at Canterbury United Methodist Church, Birmingham, AL, Rev. Markel Hutchins, civil rights advocate; Shirley Sherrod, executive director of the Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative, Albany GA; Dr. William H. Smith, founding executive director, National Center for Race Amity, Boston, MA; and Thomas N. Todd, civil rights attorney, Chicago, IL. The induction ceremony of the 2014 honorees into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame was held at the Ebenezer Baptist Church. Frank Ski, with the Frank Ski Show, was the host for the occasion. The 2014 honorees included AME Bishop John Hurst Adams, civil rights activist; The Honorable Roy Barnes, attorney and former Governor of Georgia; Dr. John Carlos and Dr. Tommie Smith, U.S. Olympians, educators and activists.

&BSMZ 7PUJOH 'FCSVBSZ 1SJNBSZ &MFDUJPO .BSDI PAGE 4

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I MESSENGER

NO 3 ISSUE 22

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

JANUARY 31, 2014

The Magnitude of Black History Month

By Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

During the month of February the nation pauses to acknowledge the significant contributions made by people of African- American ancestry to American greatness.

The practice began in 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard trained black historian, proclaimed that a time should be set aside to reflect on the achievements of blacks in America.

Dr. Woodson, who headed the Washington D.C. based Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, chose February because President Abraham Lincoln and the great abolitionist Frederick Douglass were born during that month.

Originally, the recognition occurred for a period of one week. In 1976 it was extended to an entire month.

From its very inception, those who promulgated Black History Month articulated that the celebration was not only important to African-Americans, but to all Americans. The black inventors, writers, engineers, business owners, political leaders, lawyers, medical professionals, clergy and

SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

Accept what you don’t know

By James A. Washington

Sometimes I have put myself in the most difficult of situations because without deliberate conscious effort, I forget God has worked this thing out, without any input from me.

I used to think there must be something I’m not getting because the more I searched for the meaning of my own salvation, the more confused I would become. You see life teaches you a thing or two or three when you’re arrogant

athletes who have made monumental world who were moved by his majestic contributions to American life have artistry. enriched all of our citizens.

When Barbara Jordan Those who have became the first Africancontributed are not simply American female from the African-American heroes, south to serve in the House of they are American heroes.

Representatives she Their accomplishments were encouraged legions of not simply made for black women, black, brown and people in this country. white who had been told that there was no place for them in They were made for all the halls of power where people. When the World War decisions that affected the II war hero, Doris Miller, a lives of people, including Hon. Eddie Bernice cook in the U.S. Navy left their own, were made.

Johnson his ship’s kitchen to operate a machine gun to battle I could fill countless numbers attacking enemy planes, he acted to of pages with the names of Africanprotect the lives of all his fellow seamen.

Americans who have accomplished great Many of those who were saved because things in their lifetimes. of his heroics were not AfricanIt is vitally important that we Americans. remember them and their work as they When Bessie Coleman became the have helped to change all of our lives, first black women in the world to earn a and the life of a nation. pilot’s license, she made a significant Even today, African-Americans contribution to the struggle of all women make vital contributions to American in this country for dignity and selflife. The president of our nation, an determination.

African-American, leads the most When Alvin Ailey choreographed powerful nation on the face of the earth. dance his desire was to touch the hearts When he makes a decision he makes it in and the spirits of people throughout the the best interests of all Americans. enough to think you have all the answers.

often as I can to wallowing in the Word of God. He exists therefore I exist.

I now know, as a result of a rather enlightening Sunday service, that I am not the primary source of knowing why things unfold the way as they do. My mistake had been to think that somehow, one day, through my own volition, “discover” the best way to serve God. My “calling’ would be clear because, after all, I’m actively searching to see how I might best serve the Lord, given what I perceived to be my gifts.

My calling, my vocation, in this regard is to accept, listen and obey. Scripture says lean not upon your own understanding and seek Him. If I do that He will be found and you know what?

Where He is, that’s where I’ll be.

Please join the I

Wrong. That’s not letting go and letting God. That’s holding on and giving man (me) way to much credit. The minister’s message was so simple, that I can only believe it was God’s time to share His destiny for me via a word about independence. I realize now that I cannot do By anything Marc Morial without Jesus.

To Be Equal

I realize I don’t function well outside Marc Morial is CEO of the boundaries ofthe faith, a faith the National Urban League predicated upon Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Savior of my soul existence. It’s an eternal thing with me.

That means getting as close as I can, as

So, therefore, the simple truth is don’t try so hard. Finding God in the context of man’s understanding can seem an impossibility. Finding God in the context of the Alpha and Omega brings certain clarity to the existence of and my perspective on my place in the universe.

You’ve all heard this before. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son for me. This is a life and death and life that makes eternity real.

My life is a gift, granted to me by the Almighty with purpose and destiny, whatever that might be.

We must always remember, however, that these amazing achievements belong to all of us. The history of African-American people, like the history of other ethnic groups in our country, has enriched all of our citizens, and has contributed to the standing that America has in the world today.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson offers internship opportunities during the fall, spring and summer for undergraduate and graduate students who are currently in their sophomore year or later and who are looking to supplement their academic coursework with an educational working experience.

Students will further develop their research and communication skills during their internship and learn firsthand about the interworking of a Congressional District Office.

Anyone interested in applying, please e-mail your resume to Luke.Harvey@mail.house.gov.

Eddie Bernice Johnson represents Texas’ 30th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. She is the first registered nurse elected to the US Congress.

so difficult to me at times because, in this world everybody and everything is trying to get my attention. I find that in order for me to really listen, I need quiet time.

I need some consistent time in the Word.

I am not always consistent, but it is my consistent belief that God will never abandon those who seek Him out.

I believe in Deuteronomy it says that when all else fails, return to god and He will be merciful. Recognizing mercy as a blessing is a good place to begin.

Grace is the reality of this journey. It’s a daily bread thing. It’s there for all of us.

We’ve just got to let go and partake of the goodness and wisdom that is God’s.

It’s not a give and get thing. It’s a recognize and receive thing. The work was done by Jesus. How bout dat?

May God bless and keep you always.

James

All I have to do is accept it by seeking God’s face, accept what is shown to me and listen. It’s the listening part that is

We should emphasize not Negro History, but the Negro in history. What we need is not a history of selected races or nations, but the history of the world void of national bias, race hate, and religious prejudice. ~Carter Woodson, 1926 PAGE 5

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I MESSENGER

NO 3 ISSUE 22

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

JANUARY 31, 2014

Bring joy to your relationships this Valentine’s weekend!

JOIN US FOR

S AFE C ONVERSATIONS

l

A Workshop for Couples*

T s r t

Harville Hendrix Ph.D. and Helen LaKelly Hunt Ph.D.

February 15, 2014 Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

St. Philip’s School & Community Center 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Workshop includes: breakfast and lunch.

Free childcare featuring Safe Conversations for kids. *Come with a spouse, a friend or a family member.

Dr. Hendrix has been featured on the Oprah show 19 times!

Register Today!

(Registration Deadline: February 10 th )

By Phone: (469) 269-0640 Online: www.tinyurl.com/fwdfeb Email: safeconversation@gmail.com

www.familywellnessdallas.org The Dallas Foundation is the fiscal sponsor of Family Wellness Dallas!

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I MESSENGER

NO 3 ISSUE 22

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

JANUARY 31, 2014

Another avenue to a fresh start after deferred adjudication It was 2003, now 11 years and five legislative sessions removed since the passage of the first legislation that allows the records of a person who has successfully completed deferred adjudication in Texas to be sealed from public disclosure.

And while the records of all offenses where deferred was offered and completed are not eligible to be sealed, to date, more than 33,820 petitioners have taken advantage of this opportunity for a fresh start.

Still, there remains much more to be done to improve state laws that regulate access to criminal history records.

Deferred adjudication is a judicial option available under Texas law to defendants, prosecutors and the courts in criminal cases. It is a form of community supervision more commonly called probation – that when successfully completed, results in the charges related to the offense being officially dismissed.

However unlike with regular probation, the defendant does not receive a conviction. In Texas, a conviction is most likely a permanent entry on a person’s criminal history record. There are few to no options at that point to wipe the slate clean.

As many who have applied for a job or filled out an application for an apartment have discovered, although there is no conviction, under deferred, the records of the offense remain in the public domain. And even though the charges have been dismissed, certain state occupational licenses can be denied as

by Royce West well as Texas Senate opportunities for employment. The order of nondisclosure was designed to take some of the sting out of a criminal case disposition and offer a fresh start for those who wish to put their mistakes behind them in pursuit of more productive lifestyles.

During the 2013 legislative session we were able to pass into law SB107, a bill that closes a loophole in the dissemination of criminal history records in cases where an order of nondisclosure has been issued. The loophole would allow the notification process performed by the Texas Department of Public Safety when an order of nondisclosure has been issued to be

Congresswoman Johnson releases new analysis showing growing number of Texans left in the cold with GOP blockage of unemployment insurance extension

an extension of unemployment insurance leaving millions of Americans who were laid off through no fault of their own out in the cold,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “And every week, the economic harm spreads even further across our nation.

“According to this new report, here in Texas the number of Texans cut off from this vital economic lifeline as they look for work will soon to climb to 80,740. It is long past time for Republicans to join with Democrats to extend unemployment insurance to help these Americans support their families during their crisis of unemployment.”

House Republicans have blocked multiple efforts by Democrats to bring up legislation to extend the unemployment insurance benefit on the House floor. Senate Republicans last week also voted twice to block legislation to extend the benefit, including an 11-month extension that would scale back the program substantially and offset the costs.

– Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson issued the following statement regarding the new report showing that by the end of this week, more than 1.6 million Americans will have been cut off from their unemployment insurance.

This estimate is based on the average number of Americans looking for work who are losing their unemployment insurance each week. Nationwide, nearly 72,000 people are losing unemployment insurance, on average, every week – adding to the 1.3 million Americans who lost their unemployment insurance on Dec. 28: “Congressional Republicans adjourned last week after blocking PAGE 7

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bypassed by allowing criminal history records to be purchased directly from the courts. Without that notice, a record that has been sealed through an order of nondisclosure remains accessible to the public.

In the final weeks of the legislative session, we were able to amend the language of a separate bill onto SB107.

The new language amended from SB977 created an online petition that will allow a person to file for an order of nondisclosure without hiring an attorney. Let that sink in.

Since 2002, caller after frustrated caller have contacted my office complaining they were told that if they accepted deferred adjudication, the charges would not appear on their record. It was the inspiration for SB1477 that first created the order of nondisclosure.

The next complaint from many callers is that, ‘I don’t have a job, so I can’t afford an attorney.’ SB107 goes a long way in lowering the financial barriers to a chance for a

YOUR SENATOR’S WORD

new start. It requires only payment of court costs and a $28 fee.

Those who want to access the online petition for an order of nondisclosure can search the website of the Texas Office of Court Administration (OCA). On the OCA’s home page find Publications, forms and online information. Click on model forms.

From there, you will find information that explains eligibility for an order of nondisclosure along with a model petition and instructions on completing the petition. The form can be filed online or downloaded and sent by mail to the district clerk of the county where the offense was adjudicated. There is also contact information for the Office of Court Administration.

You, the citizens of Texas and my constituents identified a problem. It was through your input that I’ve attempted to provide a solution that will open doors and help those who want help in finding their way back to self-sufficiency and productive lives. And by the way, did you know that persons who have successfully completed deferred adjudication are also now eligible to receive a pardon?

In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.

-Thurgood Marshall, first African American on the U.S. Supreme Court

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Rep. Gene Green

“Tonight, President Barack Obama painted an optimistic picture of the United States, and I couldn’t agree more. While our economy is still on the road to recovery, it is much stronger than it was at the start of the presidency in 2008. In Houston, the local economy is stronger than it’s ever been, thanks in large part to the oil and gas industry. Today, the United States is producing more oil than it is importing, and with Texas leading the nation in producing electricity, we've also doubled our renewable energy production.

Furthermore, the President also laid out an action plan to strengthen the middle class, and build a ladder to the middle class for hardworking Americans, by supporting college affordability programs, job training, and by increasing the federal minimum wage. The President will take action to raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, which will cover federal contractors such as construction workers, janitors, and military base workers like those at Ellington Field. Raising the minimum wage to what it should be will provide families around the nation with the financial security they need to take care of themselves and their loved ones.

Dr. Michael L. Lomax UNCF President

“As President Obama noted in his State of the Union address tonight, the growing wealth divide poses a serious threat to our country’s future.

“The fact remains that the long-term solution is to educate our young people and prepare them to compete in the global market place.

“We have long understood, access to a college education is the most critical link to economic empowerment and closing the wealth divide.

“As we celebrate our 70th year, UNCF continues to lead the fight to provide postsecondary educational access to African Americans and other communities of color. We remain committed to opening the door for lowincome students of color to achieve sustainable economic security and asset building opportunities.

“In order to reach our goal, our students must be prepared to succeed. The Common Core curriculum is an essential ingredient to college success. We all must do more to ensure its effective implementation.

“It is our collective responsibility as a nation to take action and recommit to expanding educational access for all Americans, especially low-income communities of color who have the greatest need and opportunity for success.”

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STATE OF THE UNION

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

President Barack Obama delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 28, 2014 (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, my fellow Americans: Today in America, a teacher spent extra time with a student who needed it, and did her part to lift America’s graduation rate to its highest level in more than three decades.

An entrepreneur flipped on the lights in her tech startup, and did her part to add to the more than eight million new jobs our businesses have created over the past four years.

An autoworker fine-tuned some of the best, most fuel-efficient cars in the world, and did his part to help America wean itself off foreign oil.

A farmer prepared for the spring after the strongest five-year stretch of farm exports in our history. A rural doctor gave a young child the first prescription to treat asthma that his mother could afford. A man took the bus home from the graveyard shift, bone-tired but dreaming big dreams for his son.

REVIEW COMPLETE TRANSCRIPT AT WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM

AFT President Randi Weingarten Two AFT members joined first lady Michelle Obama to watch the address: Washington, D.C. Teacher of the Year Kathy Hollowell-Makle, and Antoinette Tuff, a DeKalb County, Ga. bookkeeper who talked down a shooter at the elementary school where she worked.

“We are a stronger nation when we champion opportunity, reward work and create a path to success for all of our citizens. The forward-seeking agenda that President Obama laid out tonight combats the economic inequality many working Americans face with real and practical solutions that raise people up—not deepen wealth divisions—by increasing the minimum wage and putting Americans back to work in good jobs with family-friendly policies like paid sick leave, expanding early childhood education, making college affordable, and creating a new retirement savings program called MyRA. And by using the first words of his address to honor the dedication of teachers, the president highlighted the importance of educators and our schools in helping our children achieve their dreams. We cannot rest until we fully re-establish the steps on the ladder to opportunity and give working families a shot at the American dream. The president has heard the American people, and we now must heed his call for action.

“A vibrant economy and a high-quality public education system have been and always will be intertwined. It’s no coincidence that when our nation summoned the political will to launch a war on poverty 50 years ago, we not only slashed poverty rates, put Americans back to work and rebuilt communities, but also witnessed a rapid spike in student achievement that has yet

JANUARY 31, 2014

“Tonight the President laid out a clear vision for America. His message of opportunity, action, and optimism points to 2014 as being a year of action.

His proposals to work with Congress to extend emergency unemployment insurance, to raise the minimum wage, and to provide increased workplace fairness for women are all actions I strongly support.

I also could not agree more with the President that the nation that goes all-in on innovation today will own the global economy tomorrow. This is an edge America cannot surrender.

I am supporting his commitment to use executive action to expand job training programs, launch manufacturing innovation institutes, cut the red tape on infrastructure investments, and getting the long term unemployed back to work. The President made it clear that he is committed to strengthening the middle class and creating opportunities for Americans to work their way into the middle class.

The President also emphasized all of the good that the Affordable Care Act is doing around the country. It is very encouraging to know that over 9 million Americans have signed up for health insurance and Medicaid. My guest to the speech, Regina Montoya, Senior Vice President of Dallas’ Children's Hospital, is one of the many healthcare professionals that knows firsthand about the positive impact this law is having.

I look forward to working with the Administration and I sincerely hope that I can work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. These times are far too important to Texas and to America to let political posturing get in the way of progress."

to be repeated. The black-white reading gap alone shrank by two-thirds from the 1960s to the 1980s.

“While we can’t replicate today the same strategies employed 50 years ago, the American people need leaders willing to expand opportunity and help re-create a path to the middle class. We must build on what the president laid out tonight. It starts with investing in early childhood education, making college affordable, making public schools the center of communities, and, equipping students with essential life skills and offering multiple paths to graduation and the world of work through rigorous career and technical education programs. We need to reject sequestration and austerity, and invest in the services that keep our communities safe and vibrant and our families healthy. We need good jobs with living wages and opportunities for workers to develop new skills and compete in a changing workforce; unions can play an important role in both creating a highway to the middle class for workers, and partnering with government and the private sector to create career-ladder opportunities like we’ve done for paraprofessionals in New York City, Baltimore and elsewhere. We need to do more to ensure people have a secure retirement after a lifetime of hard work. We can create good jobs today and invest in our future by putting Americans back to work rebuilding our infrastructure. And we need to stop just debating it and finally pass comprehensive immigration reform to end exploitation and strengthen our economy.

“The American people expect and deserve their leaders to act on their behalf to move an agenda the expands economic opportunity and reclaims the promise of public education for all children. With too many families still feeling the sting of an economy tilted against them, we simply can’t wait.” !

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Congressman Bill Flores “President Obama’s State of the Union speech failed to address several key problems faced by our c o u n t r y. T h e m o s t important of these is that his policies have created the weakest economic recovery in the seven decades since the Great Depression. This has resulted in stubbornly high unemployment and the lowest labor force participation rate since Jimmy Carter’s presidency. In addition, his polices have caused a huge decline in the economic opportunities for hardworking Americans and moved millions of families into poverty and onto food stamps. In a nutshell, his administration has dramatically increased income inequality while reducing economic opportunity.

If the president had adopted economic policies similar to those of President Reagan, our country’s economy would have grown much faster and would have put over seven million more Americans back to work.

“The president has made it clear that he wants this to be a ‘Year of Action’. Given the president’s track record of delivering broken promises to the American people, it is easy to see why he wants to make this declaration.

There is no question that action must be taken to get Americans back to work, improve our economy, reduce our deficit and to develop solutions for American energy security. If the president is serious about helping improve the lives of hardworking Americans he should join House Republican efforts to make the federal government more efficient and accountable, provide commonsense health care solutions, reform federal spending, simply the tax code, reign in out of control federal regulatory bureaucrats and reform our broken immigration system.

“The president’s threats to use unilateral presidential authority and sidestep Congress to move forward with his own agenda are worrisome and problematic. Over the last couple of months, Congress has shown that both bodies have been able to come together to pass bipartisan legislation for the good of our nation. Bypassing Congress with the pen should not be how laws are made; rather the president should follow the Constitution and work with Congress to bring real solutions through a collaborative process.

“If the president is sincere about taking action, he must start by addressing the failures of Obamacare – which is opposed by a large and growing majority of Americans. Obamacare continues to fail in its primary goals of controlling costs, providing greater access to health care and allowing Americans to keep their current health care coverage. We must work to repeal and replace this ill-conceived law with reforms that increase access to health care, lower costs, strengthen the doctor-patient relationship and give American consumers a say in their health care.

“Throughout the 113th Congress, the House has taken action to pass dozens of jobs bills, which sit idle over in the Senate. If action is what the president is seeking, then it is time he push his party’s colleagues in the Senate to take up these House-passed jobs bills, which include my Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act. House Republicans have been, and remain committed to, creating jobs and better paychecks for Americans through economic growth, improving education and job training programs, reducing red tape and promoting domestic energy production.

Most Americans know that more “Main Street” jobs and better paychecks are the ladders to greater economic opportunity for hardworking families – not more big government, bureaucratically driven solutions. The president would be well served to work with Congress on proven solutions versus trying to continue his failed economic policies.”

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Responses to the State of the Union Address

JANUARY 31, 2014

Max Richtman President/CEO - The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare

Roslyn M. Brock Chairman of the NAACP Board of Directors “Tonight we heard President Obama issue a call for action that creates economic opportunity in his State of the Union Address," stated Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman of the Board for the National NAACP. "President Obama challenged Congress to follow his lead and increase the minimum wage to give America a raise. He also urged lawmakers to create opportunities for citizenship through comprehensive immigration reform. The President called on all Americans to work hard, take responsibility and get everyone health insurance to secure a more prosperous future."

NAACP Interim President Lorraine C. Miller “President Obama put himself in the shoes of the American public and addressed the bread and butter issues that we all face,” stated NAACP Interim President and CEO Lorraine C. Miller.

“From raising the minimum wage to job training, the President brought the issue of economic inequality front and center and offered practical solutions to close the gap. President Obama has embraced the social justice movement that is moving across this nation and has boldly called on all Americans to do the same. The NAACP will heed his call and continue to be leaders in the effort end the inequalities that have plagued our nation for centuries.”

TX. Gov. Rick Perry “We didn’t hear much tonight from President Obama that we haven’t before, other than his intention to expand his own powers by bypassing Congress altogether. The strength of our Union is in our states, not Washington, and Texas has shown that the way to economic prosperity and significant job growth is through individual freedoms and the free market.

Tonight, we saw a president with the same old agenda and no real idea on how to govern.

Americans expect and deserve more from a president than continually broken promises and unfunded platitudes.”

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. “Over the past hour, during the State of the Union speech dubbed a ‘year of action,’ the President has found new ways to embrace unilateralism through executive action and bypassing Congress,” said Dr. Burgess. “The simple truth is that by not building a consensus or learning how to work with Congress during his first five years in office, the President is now resorting to circumventing the legislative process altogether.

That is not how effective government works.”

“House Republicans are focused on results, and despite our differences with the President, we agree that a ‘year of action’ is necessary. That is why we remain resolute on creating jobs, growing our economy and reducing our national debt. If indeed this is to be a ‘year of action’ maybe it’s time that the Democratic leadership in the Senate listen to the President and the American people and take up the bills that House Republicans have passed.” !

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American families, across generations, will be encouraged to see our President acknowledge that job creation and economic insecurity are among the greatest challenges facing millions of average Americans. President Obama is right, too many have been left behind and still face unemployment, stagnant wages and an insecure future, even as the economy recovers. The Presidents promise of a year of action to restore the basic bargain that built this country should also include preserving and strengthening the nations retirement and health security programs, Social Security and Medicare.

While we support proposals that encourage independent savings strategies, the surest and most time-tested path to economic security for older Americans is through the Social Security program. We urge the President to use his power and influence to boost the nations retirement system which has successfully served millions of Americans for more than 78 years.

Social Security benefits are not keeping pace with the cost of living in America. The average monthly benefit of $1269 is akin to a monthly paycheck for a worker on minimum wage. While the President is committed to raising the federal minimum wage to $10 per hour for workers, we would also like to see the President support an increase of $70 per month in Social Security benefits for retired workers as proposed by S e n a t o r To m H a r k i n a n d Congresswoman Linda Sanchez in S.567 /H.R.3118.

This benefit improvement could be paid for by lifting the payroll wage cap.

Rather than calling for benefits cuts through proposals like the Chained CPI, we should be talking about boosting benefits, adopting the more accurate consumer price index for the elderly (CPI-E) and increasing the minimum benefit formula. We urge the President to remember that reducing already modest benefits to seniors isn’t the path to economic security. The future of Americas retirees must remain a part of this debate.

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JANUARY 31, 2014

Conyers & Congressional advocates announce creation of full employment caucus (WASHINGTON) – In response to the ongoing jobs crisis in America, Representatives John Conyers, Jr. (DMich.), Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.), Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), José Serrano (D-N.Y.), and Mike Quigley (DIll.) announced the creation of a Congressional Full Employment Caucus.

To end the unacceptably high rate of unemployment and underemployment in the United States - and achieve a truly full employment society - more than 24 million jobs need to be created. The Congressional Full Employment Caucus will serve as a platform and working group for Members dedicated to identifying solutions to our current unemployment crisis and advocating for legislative action. Ultimately, the goal of the Caucus is to realize the dream of a society in which every American who wants to work has the right to some form of employment. After the establishment of the Congressional Full Employment Caucus was finalized, the Representatives in attendance issued the following statement: Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (DMich.): “For far too long, the plight of the unemployed and underemployed in the United States has been - at best ignored by Congress, or encouraged - at worst - by callous austerity-minded policies. When more than 24 million of our family members, friends, and neighbors are out of work, we cannot allow this to continue or become the new normal in America. It is for this reason that I have come together with a coalition of concerned Representatives from all corners of the country to form the Congressional Full Employment Caucus. Together, we will craft legislative responses to address the jobless crisis - like my ‘Humphrey Hawkins Full Employment and Training Act’ - and serve as advocates, working towards a society in which employment is recognized as a fundamental human right. As Congress shifts its attention to legitimate concerns over gaping income inequality in the United States, we must not forget about the millions of Americans who lack an income to begin with through no fault of their own. Our work with the Congressional Full Employment Caucus will ensure that the unemployment crisis never leaves Congress’s radar until millions of hardworking Americans are able to find work once again.”

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.): “With nearly 30 million Americans unemployed or underemployed, Congress has a moral obligation to make full employment a reality. We’ve formed this caucus to fight for a 21st Century New Deal. This means making sure there are no more collapsed bridges, contaminated water, or falling positions in global education rankings. It also means restoring the dignity of work for millions of people.”

Congressman Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.): "In America, if you work hard PAGE 10

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Congressman John Conyers, Jr. and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, joined by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, announcing the creation of a Congressional Full Employment Caucus.

and play by the rules, you should have the opportunity to succeed. When thousands of men and women work full time but need food stamps to put food on their tables, when they can't get health benefits, when they can't get paid sick days, then we must do whatever we can to stand up for them. In his State of the Union Address, the President has reminded the country that, with optimism for the future and action on all of our parts, we can expand economic opportunities for everyone in America. I look forward to work with Members of the Full Employment Caucus to advancing the set of concrete, practical proposals he has laid out to help more Americans find work, and more workers find the economic security they deserve."

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-Calif.): “As Congressional leaders, we must focus on long-term strategies that put every American back to work. Our country’s economic recovery will not be complete until we eradicate the chronic unemployment that plagues each and every one of our communities. Collectively, this caucus will work hard to ensure that all Americans are fully employed and set on a sustained path to economic prosperity.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif.): “The creation of this Caucus provides a crucial platform for our colleagues in

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Congress and builds on the great efforts of the Humphrey-Hawkins Full Employment Act of 1977, that I had the honor of working on as a Congressional staffer decades ago. This Caucus will continue that call to justice by working with advocates and job creators, to take an active role in creating the 24 million new jobs needed to end unemployment and underemployment, to reach full employment, and ultimately to grow an economy that works for all and eliminates poverty in America. We all know that the best way to tackle the deficit is full employment, and the best way to lift folks out of poverty is a good paying job. This Caucus will join with other caucuses in Congress, the Out of Poverty Caucus, the Progressive Caucus, and others, to reignite the American dream.”

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JANUARY 31, 2014

Cabot Creamery honors Charles Clark Charles Clark of Fort Worth is being recognized by Cabot Creamery Cooperative, the New England and upstate New York farm-family owned dairy cooperative widely known as the maker’s of the “World’s Best Cheddar,” for his selfless volunteerism mentoring youngsters and helping at-risk kids.

Charles and his wife Ellen joined more than 40 other altruistic individuals and their guests on an all-expense-paid Southern Caribbean cruise honoring them for the volunteer work they do in their communities.

Charles joined honorees from across the country on the Cabot Celebrity Cruise, as well as Cabot staff and special honorees selected from program partners AARP Create the Good and Points of Light, on the six-day, seven-night excursion.

Local radio stations in more than 20 markets chose some of this year’s “Community Celebrities,” while others were recognized from recent Cabot programs, including Reward Volunteers.

Charles was raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi but left for Dallas at the age of 17 to attend college. He met and fell in love with Ellen while in college, and when she moved back to Fort Worth, he followed her there, and they soon married.

That was 44 years ago. They have one son and two foster daughters they raised and love as their own.

One daughter graduated from Texas A&M University, and his son from Alcorn State.

The second daughter will be attending college in the fall. Charles is the head custodian at Trinity High School in

Charles and his wife Ellen onboard the cruise ship Celebrity Summit during the Cabot Community Celebrity Cruise to honor volunteers from across the nation that took place from January 11-18, 2014 and covered stops in Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.

Euless, Texas, and he calls it “the best place in the world.” He initially drove trucks for a number of years but didn’t like being away from home so much.

He took the job at Trinity thinking he would work there for a bit until something better came along. He’s been there for 24 years.

Charles was nominated by Trinity’s principal for the Life Change Award for the years he has spent mentoring youngsters and helping at-risk kids find a better way.

Down to earth and plain spoken, Charles encourages the kids to work hard, stay in school, and follow their

dreams. He has boxes of letters from countless Trinity graduates over the years thanking him for reaching out and taking the time to help them when they needed it the most.

Because of his sense of optimism and ability to reach the kids, Charles has been the go-to guy for the past two decades at the school.

As a humble man who never seeks recognition for his service, Charles is quick to say “this award could have gone to many others at the school who deserve it as much as me. I was just the lucky

one to be selected.”

In addition to turning around the lives of many troubled youths at Trinity High School and preaching the value of hard work, Charles mentors children in his neighborhood and is always available when they need a helping hand or some tough love. Along the way, he has also been a volunteer coach for local football squads.

The Community Celebrities were flown from their hometowns and boarded the Celebrity Cruise® ship SUMMIT in Puerto Rico, and made stops in Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.

For the past four years, in major cities and towns across the United States, the Cabot Community Celebrity Awards have honored the powerful achievements and contributions of select volunteers.

Each year, Cabot spotlights those who serve others with little thought of personal recognition, and reward them with a trip of a lifetime.

The farmer-owners of Cabot offer the Community Celebrity Award because “we want more people to join us in recognizing and applauding the time and talent given to make our communities a better place. We sincerely hope to inspire more people to contribute to their communities, and we want the notion of celebrity to evolve into recognition of selfless volunteerism.”

10am - 2pm

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Dr. Elmira Mangum selected to become FAMU's 11th president

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Elmira Mangum, 60, to serve as the institution’s 11th president. Upon confirmation by the Board of Governors, Mangum will make history as the first woman in FAMU' s 126-year legacy to be installed as a permanent president.“Dr. Mangum brings to FAMU the experience, expertise and energy needed to lead the university into the next phase of its great legacy," said Trustee Karl White, chair of the presidential search committee. “She emerged from a noteworthy pool of applicants as the candidate who the Board believes is the best fit for this pivotal season in the university's history.”

Since 2010, Mangum served as vice president for planning and budget at Cornell University, an Ivy League research institution. While at Cornell, Mangum was the senior administrator charged with

Alabama State selects Dr. Gwen Boyd as 14th president MONTGOMERY, Al - During its December 20 meeting, the Alabama State University’s Board of Trustees selected Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd to serve as its new president. Boyd marks the 14th president to serve in the position in the school’s 146-year history. The Board selected Boyd after a nearly year long search process. Boyd will succeed Dr. William H. Harris, interim president and president emeritus.

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley presided over the meeting, during which each of the three candidates was interviewed individually for approximately an hour, fielding questions from trustees on issues ranging from experience and leadership style to expansion of the University's academic and athletic programs. Onlookers at the meeting included ASU faculty and staff, student government officials, members of the governor's staff, and was broadcast live on some television stations.

After a short deliberation, the Board voted unanimously to select Boyd. The Board recognized that Boyd also was the consensus choice among the University’s student body, as expressed in a letter by SGA President Sharod Campbell. The Board also authorized the Board Chair and Executive Committee to negotiate a contract for presentation to the full Board. Boyd received a standing ovation from the Board and the gallery when she returned to the boardroom after her selection.

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managing the university's resources and annual budgeting process. She has been credited with helping the university overcome a structural deficit that impacted the university after the economic downturn.

“I would like to thank the members of the Board of Trustees, the faculty, the students, the staff, the alumni association and the community for the faith expressed in me through this recommendation. It is an honor to be recommended from among such an accomplished field of candidates,” Mangum said for more than 28 years, she has served as an executive at nationally recognized institutions of higher learning, including a stint as senior associate provost at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, vice provost at the University of Buffalo and operations specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Mangum also has held faculty appointments at Cornell's Johnson School of Management, UNC Chapel Hill School of Government and the UB Graduate School of Education. Mangum was a member of the inaugural class of the Millennium Leadership Institute, attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education Management Development Program and Cornell's Administrative Management Institute.

She is also a member of the HERS Board of Directors, the NCCU Creating the Vision Board of Directors, the Board of Directors of the Network for Change and Continuous Improvement (NCCI) and was a university chair of the American Association of University Women. She is a life member of the National Council of Negro Women and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. “The Board of Trustees would like to express its appreciation to everyone who invested their time and effort into selecting our 11th president,” said Board Chairman Solomon Badger. “I'd like to express special gratitude to our trustees, presidential search committee and the entire FAMU community for their hard work and support during this process.”

JANUARY 31, 2014

Giddings hosts ACA education and

State Representative Helen Giddings (D-Dallas), is hosting an "ACA Community Education and Enrollment" event on Thursday, February 6, 2014, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at UNT-Dallas.

This event is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend, learn more about the Affordable Care Act, ask questions to qualified healthcare enrollment assistors, and representatives from the Health and Human Services through the application and Commission. enrollment process for the Giddings explained ACA healthcare options, "Many citizens continue to including CHIP and have questions regarding the Medicaid.

Affordable Care Act. For citizens looking to Governor Rick Perry decided enroll at this event, Giddings Texas would not set up its and the organizations in own 'state' exchange, nor attendance recommend that expand Medicaid funding, you bring the following which has led to some information to effectively confusion in the community's apply or enroll for healthcare ability to obtain affordable coverage: health coverage. This is an - Copy of birth certificate opportunity to clear up any for each person applying confusion or misconceptions."

- Copy of Social Security She continued, "the Card for each person applying March 31, 2014 deadline is - Non-U.S. Citizen upon us and there are possible Registration Card (I-551) or a penalties for persons who copy of the front and back of have not enrolled. Navigators the card if the applicant is not will be on-site at this event a U.S. Citizen “We are proud to have selected an accomplished, and prepared to help those - Proof of each family capable, nationally recognized leader with the skills who attend." member's income - this and experience to move Alabama State University The organizations that includes: recent paycheck forward,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Elton will be present at the event Dean. “Dr. Boyd is the embodiment of what is great are: The Community Council stub, tax return, or employer letter stating earnings. about ASU. As an ASU graduate, she will serve as a of Greater Dallas, Texas The event will be held at daily reminder to our students that ASU is preparing Organizing Project, Dallas Hall/Building 1 at them to impact the world; as a Montgomery native, Organizing for Action, and she is the representation of what makes the Texas Health and Human UNT-Dallas, located at 7300 University Hills Boulevard Montgomery the Capital of Dreams; and as a leader, Services Commission (formerly known as Houston she has the vision and drive to lead ASU to Vision (HHSC).

School Road), Dallas, Texas 2020 and beyond.”

Each of these Governor Bentley agreed, stating organizations will be able to 75241. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue that “I think Dr. Boyd will make a provide information, until 8:00 p.m. great president. She has my full guidance, and assistance support and I will not interfere unless asked.”

Boyd currently serves as an engineer [W]hen you first and executive assistant to the Applied name becomes Physics Laboratory chief of staff at Johns Hopkins University in "nigger," your Washington, D.C., where she has middle name worked for the past 33 years. becomes Boyd is a former Miss Alabama State University and an initiate of ASU’s "boy" (however old Beta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She earned a B.S. in you are), and your wife and mother are mathematics from ASU and became the first never given the respected title "Mrs."; African-American to earn a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Yale University. She when you are harried by day and haunted also holds a doctoral degree in ministry from by night by the fact that you are a Negro...

Howard University.

Boyd continues to be a trailblazer, as she is the when you are forever fighting a first female president in ASU’s history. She’s also degenerating sense of "nobodiness" - then refusing to let controversy over stipulations in her contract divert her attention away from the job you will understand why we find it ahead. difficult to wait. ~Martin Luther King, Jr. !

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12th annual New Play Competition receives national support For more than a decade the primary goal of TeCo’s New Play Competition has been to cultivate new plays, celebrate local playwrights, incubate talent in our region, deepen our relationships with local artists, and expose audiences to the process of play development.

This year TECO is delighted to join forces with the DramatistsGuild Fund, an organization that has been dedicated to supporting writers since 1962. “We are excited about our partnership withTeCo and elated to support their efforts,” said Rachel Routh, Executive Director for the DG Fund.

The 12th Annual New Play Competition continues TeCo’s wildly successful 20-year

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anniversary season at the Bishop Arts Theater on Thursday, February 20 through March 2, 2014.This year eight local playwrights (three are a writing team) will compete for a chance to win $1,000 cash. The Literary Prize winner (best written play as determined by a four member Reading Committee) will also receive a roundtrip airline ticket. TeCo will stage six one-act plays written

by DFW playwrights no longer than 20 minutes each night of the competition. Over two consecutive weekends, audience members will receive ballots at each performance to vote for their favorite one-act play. On closing night,all votes are tallied and the winning playwright is awarded $1,000 cash. The 2014 finalists are: Strangers In A Chapel by Antay S. Bilgutay Mr. Bilgutay is the

Development Director at the Dallas Theatre Center and returns for a third time in pursuit of the coveted prize. He was the recipient of TeCo’s New Play Competition Literary Prize in 2011, 2012, and 2013.

The Swing by Ruth Cantrell Her play, Amaryllis was last year’s runner up in TeCo’s 11th Annual New Play Competition. She teaches at the Dallas Children’s Theatre, is a

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member of the Dramatists Guild of America and Actor’s Equity Association.

Straight by Sam Green, Jr. An actor turned playwright, Sam Green Jr. is no stranger to the TeCo stage. This year, however, he valiantly takes on the role of

playwright/director.

BISHOP ARTS THEATRE CENTER, 215 SOUTH TYLER STREET, DALLAS, TEXAS 75208 PHONE: 214.948.0716 • FAX: 214.948.3706 WWW.TECOTHEATER.(Photo credit Katherine M. Teeter)

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JANUARY 31, 2014

Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. ~Abraham Lincoln

&BSMZ 7PUJOH 'FCSVBSZ 1SJNBSZ &MFDUJPO .BSDI PAGE 14

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Shepherd installed at !EEEEPP CCOONNSSTTAABBLLEE Mount Moriah

JANUARY 31, 2014

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Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church is happy to welcome and install their new pastor Dr. Terrence B. Shepherd.

Dr. Shepherd has a rich background and heritage in promoting and improving the religious climate in our city and state.

He has been very effective in unifying the whole being of man: man’s soul, welfare and freedom.

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Dr. Shepherd regularly practice visitation of nursing homes, jails and prisons.

Dr. Shepherd attended schools in Dallas, Texas where he graduated from W.H. Adamson High School.

His ministry began in March, 1992 at the Lord’s Missionary Baptist Church under the dynamic leadership and guidance of Rev. Carlton Garrett.

Realizing in order to skillfully navigate as a pastor and spiritual leader, education was of utmost importance.

He attended Mountain View College, Dallas, Texas and Southern Bible Institute of Dallas, TX. He received a Master of Biblical Studies from Tyndale Theological Seminary Fort Worth, Texas; a Bachelor of Science in Ministry from Newburgh Bible College, Newburgh, Indiana and a Doctorate of Divinity from Sacramento Theological Seminary and Bible College, Sacramento, California.

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Dr. Shepherd has received a variety of awards and recognitions, including the certification of Biblical Studies from Western Theological Seminary.

Dr. Shepherd served as youth minister, Director of Christian Education, Sunday school teacher, and chosen as Elite News Minister of the year in 2011.

addition to volunteering with the Dallas Leadership Foundation.

He is the father of two daughters Taylor and Zoe and one son, Terrence Jr. He is married to the lovely and dedicated spirit-filled Dr. Benita Henderson-Shepherd.

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He has a deep civic and community spirit-led interest while being affiliated with and participating in varied organizations that lend themselves to community improvement for all people.

Through the Dare to Care Dare to Share Food Ministry, his church provides food for the community on a monthly basis.

CCLLEEOOPPHHAASS

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Pastor Shepherd exemplifies strong leadership ability and is a dynamic and gifted teacher.

The installation services for Dr. Terrence B. Shepherd were held January 19, 2014 at Mt. Moriah MBC located on 253 East Margarita Drive, Garland, TX 75040.

Rev. Shepherd is a certified mentor for Prison Fellowship Ministries in PAGE 15

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JANUARY 31, 2014

Angela Robinson to appear on Cheryl’s World Tyler on Perry’s The Broadway Haves and and on tour. the Have Other Nots is one Broadway of the credits hottest include: shows on Wonderful television Town, Play and Angela On! and Be#s Renee Lawless and Angela Robinson Robinson is Are Ringing. definitely a major component in Angela and her husband, Scott the show’s success.

Whitehurst, founded the WhiteRobin Group, a Angela is a native of consulting firm for young artists.

Jacksonville, Florida, but after On television, she made her living in the New York–New debut on Law & Order: Special Jersey area for so long, she Victims Unit. considers herself a bona fide New Yorker.

She is a graduate of Florida A&M University (where she was also Miss FAMU)and the William Esper Studio. She has spent almost 18 years on regional theater and national tour stages throughout the country.

Angela played the role of Shug Avery in The Color Purple

Angela will be a guest on Cheryl’s World where she will visit with fellow FAMU Rattlers Cheryl Smith and Andrew Whigham. Tune in Sunday morning, February 9 at 8:00am on Blog Talk Radio. You can listen in by calling 646-200-0459 or logging on to www.

Blogtalkradio.com/cherylsmith.

You can also review the archives if you miss the live broadcast.

Do you know your spouse?

Lately, I’ve been writing a lot about physical intimacy, which of course is extremely important in a marriage.

However, couples can’t neglect the other key ingredients for a healthy partnership. It’s great to connect with our spouse physically, I recommend it, but a physical attraction or desire shouldn’t be the only means of uniting a couple.

Married partners should be connecting on a much deeper level. It’s time we asked how well we really know our spouse. Not just knowing where their secret birthmark happens to be, but what we know about their goals and dreams, their proudest accomplishments, and hardest days are equally important.

If ever we wonder exactly how to create a relationship beyond a physical attraction, here are a few things we should uncover about our spouse: 1. What brings him/her joy. This is important because as often as possible we want to be responsible for contributing to the smile on their face.

2. What they are afraid of. If those moments ever occur, we will already know they need us, and we’ll be equipped.

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3. What turns him/her on. We all know why this one matters so much. We want to make this one a habit so more hanky panky, yeah I said hanky panky, can jump off even more frequently.

10. How they need to be listened to. Do they prefer our advice or for us to be a silent partner at times. How we listen really matters to our mates and could determine how much they communicate in the future.

4. What turns him/her off. Yes, to be aware is to be alive. Knowing our partners inside and out is helpful as we work towards building a healthy relationship. Too many turn offs can lead to a troubled marriage.

11. What they believe. Couples should be on the same page, not only mentally and physically, but also spiritually. We should be able to pray and worship together, which could be challenging when there are contrasting beliefs. Other beliefs are important as well.

Knowing if they think children should be home schooled, if they feel wives should submit to their husbands or believe in the death penalty, all offer us a better understanding of our spouse’s character and where they place value.

5. What’s their favorite pastime/hobby. We should know what’s important to our partners. Even when their hobbies leave us scratching our heads, if they like it we should love it.

6.

6. What job they would do even if they weren’t getting paid for it. This provides us a glimpse of what our mate is most passionate about. So when the time comes, we can help support them in pursuing their dream.

7. Their favorite meal, color, movie, book etc are the small nuggets of random information that could provide a great insight into who our partner is.

8. How best to comfort them. It might be difficult for them to discuss while they are going through challenges. It’s best we have an understanding prior to any trials that may come their way.

Do they need time alone, to be held, or just listened to, are a few comforting solutions we should know.

9. The most fitting way to support them. What specifically do they require most when they are taking on a big venture. We want to make sure we are prepared to be that needed cheerleader.

The more we know about our partners, the greater our relationships will be. This level of intimacy takes our marriage farther than we could ever imagine. It is the best way to build a solid foundation. If you are unsure about any of the above, it’s time to shutdown the device you’re using to read this post and have a much needed conversation with your spouse.

BMWK,how well do you know your spouse? What do you think couples should know about each other?

Tiya Cunningham-Sumter is a Certified Life & Relationship Coach, founder of Life Editing and a Career Coach/Trainer. She helps couples and individuals rewrite their life to reflect their dreams. Tiya has been featured in Ebony Magazine, Essence online and on the Michael Baisden Show.

She resides in Chicago with her husband and two children. For more of Tiya's life and love wisdom, visit her blog at www.notyouraverageadvice.com. !

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My first reaction was:Whaaaat?

Ohnoshedidn’t!

But since we’re talking about a minister, I should ease up and give her the benefit of the doubt. Is there a possibility that she sees your discussions as casual conversations?

She may not know she’s offending you. Where do these discussions take place? Are you at church in the pastor’s study or driving in the car to the mall?

Depending on where you are would explain how she comprehends what’s said.

Okay, I know I’m stretching it, but stay with me for a minute.

She could easily be having a conversation with her SIL, while you’re having a conversation with Dear Alma, your pastor. The roles need to be established.

I’m not sure how to handle this Either way, you’re entitled to your problem. My sister in-law is a pastor privacy, and you should not be of the church we, and our family attend. I often confide in her because exposed to “shout outs” from the pulpit. It’s time to nip this and bring we’re friends and she’s easy to talk your concerns to her attention. to.

Don’t do it during the sermon, girl, She always gives me sound advice and I appreciate that. But the problem while you’re sitting in the is, she’s always using my business in congregation. LOL. Here’s what you do: The next time her sermons, and I don’t like that. yawl are caring and sharing, ask her What should I do?

C.B., Milwaukee specifically not to use your situation in her “say no to sins” parable.

Tell her you expect her to keep Hey now C.B: your conversations confidential.

Don’t tiptoe through this prickly You emailed this to a PK (Preacher’s Kid), for God’s sake. My conversation; be firm.

She should understand exactly father, Rev. Ulysses Martin, was a where you’re coming from. After Baptist preacher for more than 30 your discussion, if things don’t years. change, I’d suggest you seek new When it came to his sermons, he pastoral counselor. knew that we were off limits under Alma any and all circumstances; my mother made that clear.

I mentioned this to let you know that I have some familiarity with your Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans over 25 years, including circumstances. I’ll start by telling the various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@yahoo.com. Follow her on Facebook truth and shaming the devil. LOL.

JANUARY 31, 2014

Ask Alma!

Reverend using personal business in sermons

Another year came to a close and we sti# have not caught Pookie the serial rapist.

We need to catch that man!

at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.

Check out back issues of I Messenger www.myimessenger.com

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JANUARY 31, 2014

The 2014 Black Mystery Series

The Ultimate Uppity Negro Quit Playin’

By Vincent L. Hall

Listen close to the words of the “Negroes best ally,” President Lyndon Baines Johnson of Texas, as it was recorded secretly or not in the White House. ”These Negroes, they‘re getting pretty uppity these days and that‘s a problem for us since they‘ve got something now they never had before, the political pull to back up their "uppityness."

Now we‘ve got to do something about this, we‘ve got to give them a little something, just enough to quiet them down, not enough to make a difference. I’ll have them niggers voting Democratic for the next two hundred years.”

LBJ may have been right, but our allegiance to the party didn’t come for free. Men and women like Paul Roberson, Martin King and Rosa Parks, were uppity and paid the price for it, but we have come this far as a race on their sacrifices.

Paul Leroy Robeson was a famous African-American athlete, singer, actor, and advocate for the civil rights of people around the world.

Robeson’s rise to political prominence surfaced at a time when segregation was legal in the United States, and Black people were being lynched by racist mobs, especially in the South.

Paul Robeson was the last of five children, born in Princeton, New Jersey in 1918.

His father was a runaway slave who went on to graduate from Lincoln University, and his mother came from an abolitionist Quaker family.

(It’s important to remember that Black history is replete with significant instances of Whites who fought just as hard and suffered equally for our freedom.)

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In 1915, Paul Robeson won a four-year academic scholarship to Rutgers University. Despite violent objections from his schoolmates and teammates, he lettered 15 times in baseball, basketball, football and track.

On two occasions he was named to the All-American Football Team.

Although he would sport the impressive academic Phi Beta Kappa key by his junior year and graduated as Valedictorian, he was named to the College Football Hall of Fame posthumously in 1995, eighteen years after his death.

Robeson met and married Eslanda Cordoza Goode during his matriculation at Columbia University. His wife became the first Black woman to head a pathology laboratory.

Robeson took a job with a law firm, but left when a White secretary refused to take dictation from him.

Robeson’s “Uppityness” led him to leave the law practice to promote African and African-American history and culture The prolific depth of his baritone songs accentuated the meaning of the Negro spirituals and was accepted as much an art as opera and other high forms of music. Robeson sang for the cause of justice and peace in 25 languages throughout the U.S., Europe, the Soviet Union, and Africa.

Robeson was a citizen of the world and his list of friends included African leader Jomo Kenyatta, India's Nehru, Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, and writer Ernest Hemingway. In 1933, Robeson donated the proceeds !

of All God's Chillun' to Jewish refugees fleeing Hitler's Germany.

At a 1937 rally for the antifascist forces in the Spanish Civil War, he declared, "The artist must elect to fight for Freedom or for Slavery. I have made my choice. I had no alternative.”

The Urban Dictionary defines uppity Negro as “A fearless black person who by social definition is "not in their place.” A Black person who is committed to reversing the crimes of self-refusal, self-denial, and self-hatred.

Robeson was certainly one of those uppity Negroes that LBJ had in mind, and we need some to surface today. Uppity Negroes are the bedrock of Black History.

Vincent L. Hall is an author and award-winning columnist. !

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DBDT’S BLACK HISTORY MONTH SERIES As the countdown begins for the final days until the retirement of Founder/Artistic Director Ann Williams, Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) has scheduled a series of performances worthy of the celebration.

Thanks to a generous grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, DBDT will premiere two new works from some of the nation’s brightest and talented young choreographers during the Cultural Awareness Series, February 7-9, at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre.

No stranger to DBDT, Christopher Huggins returns to create his sixth original work for the company.

His Grace*, a tribute to the life and accomplishments of civil rights leader Nelson Mandela, features visual images of Mandela accompanied by the techno sound of artist Moby.

A new and exciting work Una Familia, Todos Unidos*… one family all united will depict the history, times and spirits of Civil Rights icons Cesar Chavez and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The work is a collaboration choreographed

by Gumara Armando Silva (Houston MECA) and Richard A. Freeman, Jr. (DBDT).

Also debuting during the series, described as “demanding and aweinspiring,” former Ailey II dancer,

Chang Yong Sung restages his powerful duet Requiem for DBDT. The work follows two men who alternate between friendly and antagonistic interactions. Sung's choreography, innovative and highly physical with elements of hip hop and break dancing, is complemented by the energetic composition by Clint Mansell.

Wells Fargo returns for a fourth year as series sponsor, and promotes the performances with innovative advertising on over 300 ATM machines across the Metroplex.

“We are extremely proud of our fouryear sponsorship relationship with the Dallas Black Dance Theatre,” said

JANUARY 31, 2014

Wells Fargo Area President Scott Wallace. “We believe the relationship gives us a chance to support a worldclass arts group in a meaningful way and to connect with the DallasFort Worth community, as well.”

In addition to the evening performances, two SOLD OUT morning matinee programs will be held on Thursday, February 6, for 1,000+schoolchildren from area public and private schools.

Support for the student matinees is provided by Louise W. Kahn Fund of The Dallas Foundation, City of Dallas-Office of Cultural Affairs, and IBM. Performances for the general public are scheduled February 7 through February 9 - Friday at 7:30pm; Saturday at 2:00pm and 7:30pm; and Sunday at 2:30pm.

To purchase tickets, call the ATTPAC Box Office at 214-881-0202 or visit www.attpac.org.

Pay tribute to your loved one!

Call

214-941-0110

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JANUARY 31, 2014

Ophelia Roberts Kerl

In Memoriam

A Life Well Lived… An Indomitable Spirit Ophelia Rosetta Roberts Kerl was the only child born to Henderson Roberts and Jannie Bruton Roberts Macklin on September 8 in Nacogdoches, Texas.

appreciation of music down to their children, Johnny Bradford, Billie Jo and Beverly Ann.

After the death of her father, she and her mother moved to Dallas where she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and later attended Texas College in Tyler, Texas. Upon moving to Dallas, she worked as a domestic for many families in the Dallas area as well as a caterer and seamstress.

With her beautifully dramatic alto voice, she joined the choir at Bethel AME Church where she met and married James Monroe (J.M. ) Kerl in 1933.

Together they sang at church in the Senior Choir and with a community ensemble, the Jubilaires, where they appeared in several productions of Showboat. At home, Ophelia and J.M. often sang duets including their favorite, It’s My Desire, and passed this love and

Life with J.M. was filled with some of the happiest times as they raised their children and remained very active in their community.

After he departed this life in 1977, Ophelia continued to live a vibrant and exuberant life as she stayed active in church and volunteered in her community with such organizations such as the Visiting Nurses Association, Red Cross, Eastern Stars and the Delta Mothers/Friends.

However, she spent the majority of her time with her grandchildren, who became the center of her world. As an

active school grandparent, Ophelia chaperoned field trips, attended PTA meetings and volunteered in the classroom.

Her grandchildren knew that she would show up at anytime and knew that everyone who came in contact with her would love and respect her just as much as they did.

In the latter part of her life, Ophelia was bedridden, yet she still believed that she was living her best life. The stories she told and the advice she bestowed to all who visited is a true testimony to her effervescent spirit.

Ophelia joins her husband, son, mother, father and oldest grandchild, Johnny B. Kerl, Jr. and leaves a host of family and friends to honor and celebrate her spirit: daughters, Billie Kerl Roberts (Alfred, Sr.), Beverly Mitchell-Brooks

(Reginald), Alma Lee Kerl (daughter-inlaw); grandchildren, James Kerl (Jennifer), Karolyn Kerl-Blue, Don Kerl (Sharon), Jocelyn Kerl, Anthony Kerl, Teri Mitchell-Porter (Rico), Alfrelynn Roberts, Stacy Mitchell, LaTasha Roberts and Alfred Roberts, Jr.; 15 greatgrandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren (one on the way), a special niece Lena Lane and cousins, Thomas (Alma) Bruton, Helen and Melanie Green.

It has been said that a “woman is the full circle and within her is the power to create, nurture and transform” (Diane Mariechild).

As the matriarch of the Kerl clan, Ophelia Roberts Kerl has created, nurtured and transformed the lives of her entire family. And for those of us who remain, we are fortunate to be her living legacies and walk proudly knowing she will live in us until we meet her again.

Something Natural

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JANUARY 31, 2014

Top 10 Black History Month Scholarships #1 - The Frito-Lay “Create to Celebrate” Black History Month Art Contest encourages applicants to submit online an original piece of art created in any medium (video, song, photo, sculpture, painting, etc) that celebrates African American achievement.

Learn more at www.scholarshipsonline.org/ 2014/01/frito-lay-create-to-celebrate-blackhistory-month-art-contest.html #2 - The Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Scholarship Program offers scholarship awards and once-ina-lifetime apprenticeship experiences to African American youth looking to pave the way for their futures. Learn more at www.scholarshipsonline.org/2014/01/cocacola-pay-it-forward-scholarship-program.html #3 - The RBC Black History Month Student Essay Competition is offered by the Royal Bank of Canada for Canadian students. The essay consists of writing in 750 words or less on how black Canadians have contributed toward the heritage of Canada. Learn more at www.scholarshipsonline.org/2014/01/rbcblack-history-month-student-essay.html #4 - The 100 Black Men of America Future Leader Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors as well as college freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. The scholarship is based on academic achievement and community service.

Learn more at www.scholarshipsonline.org/ 2013/12/100-black-men-of-america-futureleader.html #5 - The Jerry Bartow Scholarship Fund, offered by the Black Executive Exchange Program (BEEP), awards three scholarships each year for undergraduate students who are attending HBCUs. Students must major in business, engineering, technology, or education.

Learn more at www.scholarshipsonline.org/ 2013/02/black-executive-exchange-programjerry.html #6 - The Kroger "I Can Make History" Contest will award more than $71,000 in prizes in the categories of art, essay, music and poetry.

Celebrating Black History month, Kroger, the largest grocery chain in the country, is using the contest to recognize the contributions of African Americans in the past and in the future.

Learn more at www.scholarshipsonline.org/ 2014/01/kroger-i-can-make-historycontest.html #7 - The GEICO Achievement Award Program helps current college students who are sophomores and juniors earn scholarship money to complete their education. Eligible students must be enrolled in a business, computer science, or mathematics program. Learn more at www.scholarshipsonline.org/2013/01/geicoachievement-award-program.html #8 - The Regions Riding Forward Black History Month Scholarship is awarded each year to high school students and college students. Interested students may apply by writing an essay about African-Americans who have inspired them.

Learn more at www.scholarshipsonline.org/ 2014/01/regions-riding-forward-blackhistory.html #9 - LAGRANT Foundation Scholarships are targeted toward minority undergraduate and graduate students, offering scholarships for students interested in careers in advertising, marketing or public relations. Students must be American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black (non-Hispanic) or Hispanic.

Learn more at www.scholarshipsonline.org/ 2013/02/lagrant-foundation-scholarships.html #10 - The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation General Mills Health Scholarship Program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who plan to major in health-related studies.

Academic achievement, leadership qualities and service to the community are required.

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Theta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity announce annual talent hunt program Theta Alpha Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc will hold its’ Annual High School Talent Hunt Program, Saturday, February 22, 2014, at the Billy Earl Dade Middle School located at 2727 Grand Avenue in sunny South Dallas, 5-8 PM. The entertainment line-up will include vocalist, instrumentalist and exhibits of the visual arts. Be entertained by the area’s best and brightest talents .The dress is casual with open seating. So come early.

Mark your calendars.

The Annual High School Talent Hunt Program is one of Omega’s mandated programs. This program provides exposure, encouragement and financial assistance to talented young people participating in the Performing Arts.

Winners of the local competition are awarded recognition for their talents

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and may be selected to perform at higher level events.

The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, established 1911 at Howard University, is comprised of a unique group of men that continues to require high standards, community service, educational excellence and the character and leadership development of young men.

Members of Omega share a common foundation comradeship that lasts a lifetime.

Theta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was established in 1935. Today, the chapter has over 150 members and remains at the forefront of community service. Its’ ranks has produced numerous international and district leaders with focus on improving lives in the community.

Theta Alpha (TA) Chapter POCs: Ernest Goode, TA Talent Hunt Committee Chairman, C-972.279.7572 ernesternest@sbcglobal.net Ron Adams, TA Talent Hunt Committee, C-214.674.4920 adams-ronald@att.net

JANUARY 31, 2014

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BOUNCE TV HONORS BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2014

multiple OscarÂŽ nominee including Best Picture chronicles 30 years in the life and trials of a young African American woman played by Whoopi Goldberg who won a Golden Globe for Best Actress.

The Jackie Robinson Story (11:00 p.m.) is a theatrical movie starring Robinson himself that showcases Robinson’s life, from youth, through

February 16:

February 23:

Glory (7:30 p.m.) The acclaimed tale of the Civil War's first all-black volunteer company featuring Denzel Washington’s OscarŽ-winning performance.

Ghosts of Mississippi (7:00 p.m.)

The critically-acclaimed story of the search for justice by the widow (played by Whoopi Goldberg) of slain Civil Rights leader Medgar Evers

A Raisin in the Sun (10:00 p.m.) The 1961 classic starring Academy

Sunday Nights in February (All Times Eastern) February 2:

Rising From the Rails: The Story of the Pullman Porter (1:00 a.m.) which tells the story of the relatively unheralded Pullman Porters, generations of African American men who served as caretakers to wealthy white passengers on luxury trains that traversed the nation in the golden age of rail travel.

February 9: The Color Purple (7:30 p.m.) 1985’s

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (10:00 p.m.) The iconic movie featuring the unforgettable performance by Cicely Tyson (EMMYÂŽ for Best Lead Actress in a Drama) in the title role as a black woman in the South who was born into slavery in the 1850s and lives to become a part of the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

The Good Fight: James Farmer Remembers the Civil Rights Movement (12:30 a.m.)

The life of Freedom Rides founder and pioneer of the earliest sit-ins James Farmer, in his own words.

Malcolm X (7:00 p.m.) Denzel Washington’s 1992 Academy AwardŽ-nominated performance as the famous African American leader.

To Sir, With Love (11:00 p.m.) featuring Sidney Poitier’s memorable turn in this 1967 classic.

JANUARY 31, 2014

To Sir With Love, starring Sidney Poitier his college career at UCLA, his time in the Negro Leagues and his pioneering experiences and career with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

AwardŽ winner Sidney Poitier and Claudia McNeil about a substantial insurance payment that could change a poor African American family’s future, for better – or for worse.

A Defining Moment (1:00 a.m.)

Examines the personal stories of four of the famed Tuskegee Airmen whose contribution to the civil rights movement helped pave the way for an historic event: The inauguration of the first African-American president of the United States.

A Colored Life: The Herb Jeffries Story (1:00 a.m.) An honest, entertaining, and often humorous look at a charismatic personality who used his light complexion to survive -- and thrive -- in both the black and white worlds.

Bounce TV targets African American adults with a programming mix of original series, theatrical motion pictures, live sports, documentaries, specials, game shows and inspirational faith-based programs.

Since its launch in 2011, Bounce TV has seen overwhelming success, with accelerated growth and expansion among station groups, advertisers and viewers alike.

Bounce TV is seen in: 88 markets, including all of the top African American television markets; 89% of African American television homes; and 72% of the total television homes in the United States.

&BSMZ 7PUJOH 'FCSVBSZ 1SJNBSZ &MFDUJPO .BSDI PAGE 23

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

JANUARY 31, 2014

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Dallas Chapter of the Links continues its educational programs supporting science, technology, engineering and math. 60 members are supporting the partnership program, which engages about 62 Dallas ISD middle school students in STEM activities and mentoring relationships.

Participating schools are: Irma Rangel, E.B. Comstock, Sarah Zumwalt, Harry Stone, DESA, Sam Tasby and William B. Travis.

During the STEM Academy on January 25 at Townview, students participated in NASA-driven activities, and received STEM polo shirts.

In addition, all students received Sean Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens, and had the opportunity to discuss some of the key points covered in the book. !

The LINKS STEM Academy continues through the spring semester, on dates and locations identified below:

Saturday February 22, 2014 8:00 2:15/Townview

Saturday, March 1, 2014 10:00 12:00/Perot Museum field trip

Saturday March 29, 2014 8:00 2:15/Townview

Saturday April 26, 2014 8:00 2:15/Townview

Saturday May 24, 2014 8:00 -9:45 /Townview (classes only)

Saturday May 24, 2014 10:30 12:30/Arboretum field trip

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BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION JANUARY 31, 2014 including the grand opening of the new MLK Jr. Center 8:00 p.m. Program to begin Museum, “Expose to Greatness,” a special program hosted by the MLK Freedom Riders, an event hosted by the MLK ******** Recreation Center- “The Barriers Have Been Broken: February 1 Where Do We Go From Here?” and a Black History Preview of the State of Black Business Forum Celebration and awards ceremony.

10:30 am Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas-area native and now Globetrotter rookie Joyce Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center - Ballroom A “Sweet J” Ekworomadu.

650 South Griffin Street Sweet J, who has a very unique story, will be the only FREE Workshop female on the roster in Dallas when she leads the February 6 Globetrotters into AmericanAirlines Center at 2p&7p

NO 3 ISSUE 22

Mark your calendar

Garland Presents 17th Annual Sweetheart Dance Dads, uncles, and grandfathers celebrate Valentines Day with your little sweetheart. Dance the night away at the 17th annual Sweetheart Dance presented by the City of Garland Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department and Garland Power and Light, at The Atrium at the Granville Arts Center, in Downtown Garland, 330 North Fifth Street.

Little Sweethearts ages 4 - 7 have the dance floor from 5 to 7 p.m. Ages 8 - 12 take the floor from 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. If you have a sweetheart in each age category, you may attend the dance of your choice.

This special evening includes a live DJ, dinner, a professional 5 X 7 photo, and each little girl will receive a special gift. Tickets are $14 per person. Register at any City of Garland recreation center by Friday, Jan. 31. For more information or to register, please call Fields Recreation Center, 972-205-3090, email frc@ci.garland.tx.us, or visit our webpage GarlandParks.com

February 1 National Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month.

Omicron Mu Omega Chapter AKA Sorority, Inc. Founders' Day Celebration Hilton Anatole

Texas State Representative Helen Giddings (D-Dallas), hosts "ACA Community Education and Enrollment" event at UNT-Dallas, on Thursday, February 6, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m..

College Fair and Expo One Community Church 2400 Texas 121 Plano, TX 75025 Time: 10am - 2pm Speaker: Mariane Ragins - FAMU Alumni.Washington DC chapter www.scholarshipworkshop.com

February 7

******* 30th Annual Quest for Success Awards Luncheon Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center - Ballroom A 12:00 pm Noon Hosted by John McCaa, WFAA Channel 8

Black Heritage Night Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz American Airlines Center Time: 7pm *******

“Friends with Benefits” relationship program presented by The Potter’s House young adult ministry featuring Devon Franklin and wife, Meagan Good.

Shaping up to be an honest and transparent conversation, The Potter’s House with help from the inspirational couple are looking to shine a light on the often overlooked important secrets of dating that can help others obtain positive relationships and marriages.

February 2

Join Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Kappa Zeta Chapter on First Fridays as we roll, bounce, and skate for a cause!

During our 2nd Annual Skate for Babies campaign we will raise money for stronger, healthier babies in support of the lifesaving work of the March of Dimes. Four evenings full of skating and family fun: So come out to Redbird Skateland at: 1206 N Duncanville Road Duncanville, TX 75116. $8 includes admission and skate rental; mention Kappa Zeta chapter and $4 will be donated to the March of Dimes March for Babies.

The Dallas Division of the American Heart Association will host the 2014 Go Red for Women Luncheon at the Hilton Anatole. This year’s luncheon will feature Vice President Dick Cheney as the keynote speaker. Mr. Cheney has had a long battle with cardiovascular disease having suffered his first of five heart attacks in 1978, and ultimately undergoing a heart transplant in March of 2012.

February 8

HBCU College Fair & Workshop at Hamilton Park United Methodist Church

New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church of Fort Worth, 9th annual Raymond B. Spencer Scholarship Banquet The guest speaker will be the Reverend Samuel "Billy" Kyles, the only witness still alive who spent the last hour with Dr. King before he was assassinated in Memphis,

Central Standard, 1400 Hi-Line Drive in Dallas for CAAPCO YPD's Super Bowl Watch Party.

K104’s Super Bowl Bash Studio Movie Grill Tune in to 104.5 for details

Children's book author of the Keilah West book series, Katina Chimney, is the guest presenter for the Afternoon Teas at WoCA event series from 2-4 p.m.

2902 Race Street, Suite 100 Fort Worth, Texas 76111

February 3 The MLK Jr. Community Center will celebrate Black History month through a series of upcoming events,

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

Tuesday

Monday

CHERYL SMITH

FELICIA SHEPHERD

Wednesday

HOST - YVETTE BROOKS

Thursday

IN MEMORIAM Friday

Donna P. Charles

HOSTS: DAREIA TOLBERT HOST: JAMILLE BRADFIELD

Call in to 646-200-0459 PAGE 25

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5/20/1958 - 3/23/2012 Elusive Lady #22 Spring 1978 Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., FAMU !

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

SheWear 3rd Anniversary Bash SheWear Hair Training University, 2706 W. Park Row Dr, Pantego TX 76013 7pm.

JOURNEY INSTITUTE PRESENTS: PASTRIES 101 WITH LA MADELEINE'S from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (CST) 5290 Belt Line Rd #112 Addison, TX Addison, Texas 75240 Cabela’s Opens Doors for NRA Weekend on February 8, 9 New NRA members and renewals to receive a $25 Cabela’s gift card Cabela’s Fort Worth, Buda, Allen and Waco will team up with the National Rifle Association (NRA) for NRA Weekend, February 8 and 9, 2014. The annual event features a membership drive, along with a series of firearm safety, educational workshops and in-store product demonstrations.

For a full schedule of NRA Weekend events, call 817-337-2400. Cabela’s Fort Worth is located at 12901 Cabela Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For additional information or to shop online, visit www.cabelas.com/fortworth.

****** From the movements of Jamaica and West Africa, for four seasons, Jamaica's STELLA MARIS DANCE COMPANY shares the stage with Dallas' MANDIKA WEST AFRICAN DRUM AND DANCE ENSEMBLE in an evening of some of the best African, contemporary and modern dance. It's Black Dance at its best!

Hosted by TBAAL Board of Directors and the North Suburban Dallas Chapter, Jack and Jill of America, Inc Student Morning Performance-$5 Friday, February 14, 2014 @ 10am Public Performances-$10 Friday and Saturday February 14-15, 2014 @ 8pm Naomi Bruton Main Stage Dallas Convention Center Theater Complex Physical Address: 1309 Canton Street Dallas, TX 75201

February 15 Arlington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. celebrates its 25th anniversary with a reception and party - 7p.m. at Sheraton Arlington 1500 Convention Center Dr, Arlington

Safe Conversations A FREE Workshop for Couples St. Philips School and Community Center 8:30am Call 469-269-0640 to register

February 10 Dallas / Ft. Worth National College Fair Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas 4:00pm – 8:00pm

February 11 ORANGE TUESDAY – Wear the color orange on February 11th to support teen dating violence awareness day in Dallas

Scottish comedian and star of The Late Late Show, Craig Ferguson will perform his unique and hilarious brand of comedy at Dallas's McFarlin Auditorium at the SMU Campus on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 8pm. Tickets for Ferguson's concert, which run $45-$55, are on sale now on Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

February 16

Austin National College Fair Austin Convention Center 5:30pm – 8:30pm

JANUARY 31, 2014

care, depression and much more. Parking is free with easy access to the entrance at Outpatient Registration Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

3rd floor, Conference Rm. 8 Contact: Kay Armstrong 214-947-9699 Located at Methodist Charlton Medical Center, above Outpatient Registration on 3rd floor.

The 12th Annual New Play Competition continues TeCo’s wildly successful 20-year anniversary season at the Bishop Arts Theater on Thursday, February 20 through March 2, 2014.

February 21 The Dallas Association of Realtists will be having their monthly membership meeting atLuby's cafeteria located at 5600 S. Hampton Rd., Dallas. Meeting time is 8:30am." Celebrating Black History Month.

February 22 FAMU Alumni Meeting Blue Mesa 14866 Montfort Dr, Dallas, TX Time: 12pm - 2pm THETA ALPHA CHAPTER OF THE OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY ANNOUNCES ITS ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL TALENT HUNT PROGRAM Theta Alpha Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc will hold its’ Annual High School Talent Hunt Program, Saturday, February 22, 2014, at the Billy Earl Dade Middle School located at 2727 Grand Avenue in sunny South Dallas, 5-8 PM. The entertainment line-up will include vocalist, instrumentalist and exhibits of the visual arts. Be entertained by the area’s best and brightest talents .The dress is casual with open seating. So come early. Mark your calendars.

Ron Adams, TA Talent Hunt Committee, C-214.674.4920 email to: adams-ronald@att.net Teen Summit - Teen Dating Violence Ex[etc Respect Teen Dating Summit for middle school students 10a-3p www.Q4success.org

February 14 Dallas Arboretum Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Dallas Blooms "Birds in Paradise" February 22 - April 6, 2014

The Pretty Things Peepshow Kessler Theater 1230 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208 (214) 272-8346 http:// thekessler.org/ 8:00 pmTickets: $20 Advanced Ticket Link: http://www.prekindle.com/promo/id/ 22815447476030294 Pretty Things Peepshow website: www.prettythingspeepshow.com Promotional Tour Video: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=EnOx1N2a9_Q Pin Up Class website: www.prettythingsacademy.com Class fee: $40 The Pretty Things Peepshow is an old time girly roadshow that will transport you back to a time when men were men and women were fabulous!

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The Children’s Tumor Foundation NF Endurance Team is seeking participants for the Cowtown Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K races on February 22-23, 2013 at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth. Contact: Angela Auzston of the Children's Tumor Foundation, 972-587-7814, or aauzston@ctf.org

February 20 HEART FAILURE WORKSHOP FREE TO PUBLIC This monthly workshop covers all aspects of living with congestive heart failure. Professionals will be speaking on medication management, dietary, physical activity, skin

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Area Founders Day Luncheon at 11:30 AM Where: Irving Convention Center, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, TX 75039 !

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

JANUARY 31, 2014

For Chocolate Lovers BRENHAM – Be still my heart, the new ice cream from Blue Bell is a true chocolate lover’s delight! I ♥ Chocolate Ice Cream is chock-full of everything chocolate and is now available in stores, but only for a limited time.

“Our new product line-up last year was probably one the best we’ve ever had,” Breed said.

“We were excited to get back in the lab and push ourselves to create more outstanding flavors for 2014. Our fans will not be disappointed.”

I ♥ Chocolate is a smooth Milk Chocolate Ice Cream combined with luscious dark chocolate-filled chocolate hearts, chocolatecoated cake pieces and a chocolate icing swirl.

“This is our first new flavor of the year,” said Carl Breed, director of marketing for Blue Bell. “I ♥ Chocolate is loaded with everything chocolate from the ice cream to candies and even cake pieces. I think we have covered all the bases on this one. Chocoholics will love this ice cream!”

PAGE 27

Blue Bell will be cranking out several more new ice cream flavors as well as Frozen Snacks throughout the year.

Last year Blue Bell introduced Italian Cream Cake Ice Cream and Rockslide Brownie and both became instant favorites and will be available in stores again later this year.

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I ♥Chocolate is available in your grocer’s freezer section in the full half gallon and pint-sized containers.

Also look for Mocha Almond Fudge and Tin Roof now in stores.

SEND IN YOUR CALENDAR ITEMS!

For a sneak peek at each new flavor even before it is available in stores, join the Blue Bell Country Club at bluebell.com.

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NO 3 ISSUE 22

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

Meagan Good and Devon Franklin Hope to Inspire Healthy Marriages

By Discussing Their Personal Journey With Young Adults WHO: The “Anchorman 2” and “Think Like A Man” movie star Meagan Good along with her husband Devon Franklin, Sony Executive and ordained minister, will visit The Potter’s House of Dallas, in hopes of encouraging young couples to look for positive relationships by sharing their personal story. After receiving heightened attention for their commitment to remain celibate until marriage, Good and Franklin have become advocates championing

Robert Hallback Jr. Owner / Operator

JANUARY 31, 2014

ways couples can have strong and healthy relationships without comprising ones morals.

WHAT: Good and Franklin will be featured guests for the highly-anticipated “Friends with Benefits” relationship program presented by The Potter’s House young adult ministry.

Shaping up to be an honest and transparent conversation, The Potter’s House with help from the inspirational couple are looking to shine a light on the often overlooked important secrets of dating that can help others obtain positive relationships and marriages.

WHEN: Friday February 7, 2014 8:00 p.m. Program to begin WHERE: The Potter’s House of Dallas, 6777 W. Kiest Blvd. Dallas, TX 75236

408 West Renfro St, Ste 105 Plant City, FL 33563 rhallback57@gmail.com

amille Bradfield

or

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NO 3 ISSUE 22

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

JANUARY 31, 2014

In our library

Green Beans & Ice Cream: The Remarkable Power of Positive Reinforcement

by Bill Sims, Jr. --New guide reveals the power of positive reinforcement in the workplace Employees are well aware of the consequences they face if they perform poorly – they know the drill of warnings, write ups, and pink slips. But the more pressing question is how aware are they of the consequences for doing a good job?

Enter: Green Beans & Ice Cream: The Remarkable Power of Positive Reinforcement by Bill Sims, Jr. For thirty years, Sims has helped such companies as Disney, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, General Motors, and DuPont integrate behavior change systems that have produced tremendous gains in performance and profits. Positive Reinforcement, Green Beans & Ice Cream reveals, is the “secret sauce” for rapid, sustainable behavior change and engagement.

“It dawned on me that we, as business leaders, do a really, really good job of telling people what they do wrong,” says Sims. “And we do a really, really, bad job of telling them what they do right."

Like green beans and ice cream, the book explains to employers how two seemingly unrelated things are directly correlated, and that the threat of command and control leadership pales in comparison to positive reinforcement as a motivating factor when it comes to job performance.

The irony, as Sims points out, is that what

employees need the most – positive feedback – is often what they receive the least. Green Beans & Ice Cream, backed with human behavioral science and case studies, delves into the specific techniques employers can implement to harness the remarkable power of positive reinforcement.

“Positive reinforcement is one of the most powerful forces on the planet. Use it wisely, and performance moves off the chart. Use it poorly, and the results can be disastrous,” adds Sims.

Green Beans & Ice Cream is a practical guide for every business leader, helping them to understand: Why positive reinforcement is a better motivator than money How positive reinforcement drive profitability and employee & client engagement Why performance evaluations are total waste of time and money Steps toward changing a negative workplace culture to a positive one Why less than 10% of your workforce is committed, and the rest are complacent, and what to do about it…

Felicia N. Shepherd M. Ed Founder/CEO

Booking Contact Information: info@fnsconsultingservices.com 972-638-SHEP (7437) Visit our website at www.fnsconsultingservices.com FiNeSse Consulting Services Staff Development, seminars on Relational Aggression, Conference/webinar presentations, motivational speaking, school and workplace conflict workshops

“Let me put my experience to work for you.”

Bill Sims, Jr. is President of The Bill Sims Company, Inc. For nearly 30 years, Sims has created behavior-based recognition programs that have helped large and small firms to deliver positive reinforcement to inspire better performance from employees and increase

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Join the rally,

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3.23.13

Join Mayor Mike Rawlings for The Ten Thousand Man Rally Against Domestic Abuse at 10am on March 23rd at Dallas City Hall. (DART exit at Convention Center Station.) It’s time for the men of Dallas to say, enough is enough.

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

NO 3 ISSUE 22

JANUARY 31, 2014

CHERYL’S WORLD DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC 1913 - 2014

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Tune in to Cheryl’s World on Blog Talk Radio, or call 646-200-0459 to hear informative, entertaining, enlightening and thought-provoking commentary and news with veteran journalist Cheryl Smith on Sundays at 8a.m. and open lines with Cheryl on Mondays at 6p.m., Felicia Shepherd on Tuesdays at 6p.m., Love A Natural Me with Yvette and Amy on Wednesdays at 6p.m., Young Generation Talk with Dareia Tolbert and Lady D on Thursdays at 6p.m., See you at the Movies - with Jamille Bradfield on Fridays at 6p.m. and Conversations and Tea with Toni at noon on Saturday

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KENNY JAY REVIEW: MakingBOOK Women Happy!

INTIMATE SEDUCTION

City of Dallas Sanitation Dept.

www.DallasWeekly.com

INSIDE Speaking of People Ron Price elected to national organization post

Light rail, Trinity River road highly scrutinized in South Dallas

By Patrice J. Holmes

INSIDE

Page 2

Studies by the University of Texas at Dallas Institute of Urban Policy, United Way and Texas A&M are taking place now to assess the quality of life in the South Dallas community before billion dollar projects involving the new DART Light Rail and the Trinity

National

Toll Road are brought to the area. Some construction has begun with the demolition of homes to follow later this year.

At a meeting held by the three institutions, a focus group of sorts dished ideas and findings on the surveys that have told the story of the residents of South Dallas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are measuring conditions that may vary from street to street,â&#x20AC;? said Dr.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;OVER THREE TO FOUR YEARS THERE ARE CHANGES IN CONDITIONS AND WE WANT TO KNOW HOW IT AFFECTS THE AREAâ&#x20AC;?

YVETTE BROOKS Your Curlfriend!

training in administering the anonymous surveys. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over three to four years there are changes in conditions and we want to know how it affects the area.â&#x20AC;?

Evaluating President Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First 100 Days Political analysts, both mainstream and Black news media and intellectuals around the country have given their grade evaluation on President Barack Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first 100 days in office, marked on April 30. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how several people from the local front graded the new president.

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Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

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Grade: A Page 4

Metro

Timothy Bray, director of the Institute of Urban Policy Research. He helps

oversee the The Field Research Team which underwent 80 hours of

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am deeply impressed with the progress that President Barack Obama has made during the first 100 days of his administration. Already we are seeing evidence of the administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan to dig our country out of recession and develop long-term, sustainable prosperity. President Obama has made two trips abroad, proving to us and to the world that he intends to repair our frayed alliances and restore our international leadership.

Finally, the Obama administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s code of ethics has brought much-needed transparency and accountability to the White House.

President Obama is delivering on the change that he promised.â&#x20AC;?

FOUR MORE YEARS

Mavericks surpasses Spurs in playoffs

PRESIDENT OBAMA VICTORIOUS

Available at newstands in Garland, Plano, Balch Springs, Seagoville, Rowlett, Mesquite, Richardson, East and North Dallas

Page 9

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison

C

Grade: C â&#x20AC;&#x153;In just 100 days, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen an alarming acceleration of policies that will take America down the wrong track. The administration has proposed trillions of dollars in new spending, which will result in higher taxes on Americans, while sharply raising our indebtedness to foreign creditors.

On the national security front, I am very concerned about the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intention to close Guantanamo without a workable plan to relocate detainees. It is my sincere hope that, moving forward, the administration will adopt the productive, responsible approach to our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenges that Americans deserve.â&#x20AC;?

(The office of John Cornyn of Texas was contacted but did See 100 DAYS, page 19

SPIRITUAL

ETS OF THE SECR

Remebering Joe Hudson Jr. Page 1 0

The Dallas Weekly

years celebrates 56 Black of serving the Community

THE HUNDRED DAY SCORE

Why Democracy hangs in the balance

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Volume No. 56 Issue No. 18

The Long and Winding Road editorial@dallasweekly.com

FAMU Rattlers victorious

Page 13

No. 1 serving the African American Community

April 30-May 6, 2009

TIME TO FORGIVE?

In having the conversation about building within South Dallas, many issues arise with respect to GWENDOLYNand JONES education business in Ask The Advocate See ROAD, page 19

PROPOSITIONS 1 AND 2 Why YES means no and NO means yes Dallas is abuzz at the election issues before them on May 9 when citizens are asked to vote on the controverDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LYTE sial & EBONY Convention Music Happenings Center Hotel that is being backed by Mayor Leppert. But what does voting â&#x20AC;&#x153;noâ&#x20AC;? and voting â&#x20AC;&#x153;yesâ&#x20AC;? mean?

It is important to remember that the propositions are to amend the Dallas City Charter which, among other things, gives the MISSpower RAY to acquire city the Going Deep in Roots property fortheany public purpose. The propositions are worded to prohibit the city from acting on these before stated powers.

Therefore, if a citizen would like the city to maintain those powers, they are to vote NO and vice versa.

See VOTE, page 38

VALDER BEEBE That Celebrity Interview

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How to avoid the Swine flu Page 15

BUSINESS

X-Men Origins: WOLVERINE Movie Tidbits Pg. 12

How to brand you Page 16

ALL

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Martin named NABJ Â Journalist of the Year

See Sexual Assault, page 18Curry looks at the George

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See Baisden, page 6

future with President Obama

APRIL 19, 2013

BOOK REVIEW:

THE BISHOPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAUGHTER Page 10 Volume No. 55 Issue No. 44

See Martin, page 11

INSIDE

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Obama wins election and makes ...

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Nation elects first African

Page 6

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CHANGE! See PAGE 7

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Is gospel music dying?

Management blamed for issues

Page 8

SPECIAL COLLECTORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EDITION

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Business Food for thought Congresswoman addresses

PAGE 1

Democrat

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Michael Baisden Oak Cliff Chamber Page 12

Prevent heart attacks Heart disease remains high on list of illnesses Page 15

all the Find out on Marvelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lowdown mutants PG. 12 weirdest

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

INSIDE

Health

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Michael Baisden leaves airwaves -Skip Murphy moves to slot + &./012.33C+ 4C2>05./->+ ;.>01+ L-;412.30/C+ A05,.-3+ 7.04>-2+ .2* 21:25->+.+,0./:4B+6;1D+,04+;.>01+12+ ,04+ T.5-K118+ L.F-@+ 7.04>-2B+ J,1+ 51DD.2>4+.+>.03C+.:>0-25-+16+1E-;+ 4-E-2+ D033012+ 304/-2-;4B+ 4.0>+ ,-+ 04+ :2.K3-+/1+>045:44+/,-+L.;/05:3.;4+K:/+ 51253:>->+ /,./+ .+ >-.3+ 51:3>+ 21/+ K-+ D.>-+12+D:/:.33C+.F;--.K3-+/-;D4@+ ?-51F20G->+.4+12-+16+/,-+D14/+02* Ă&#x20AC;XHQWLDO PHQ LQ UDGLR KLV 0LFKDHO %DLVGHQ 6KRZ LV RQH RI WKH WRS UDW* ->+ .6/-;2112+ >;0E-+ ;.>01+ L;1F;.D4+ ,-.;>+02+/,-+/1L+:;K.2+D.;8-/4@++ $-+ 04+ .341+ .+ (U+ /.38+ VKRZ KRVW ÂżOP PDNHU DQG !"#$

NO 2 ISSUE 32 APRIL 19 2013

NO 2 ISSUE 32

p.7

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Say NO to any ASSAULT

New Voices

I MESSENGER

Welcome Home Ambassador Ron Kirk!

TEXAS METRO NEWS

Single Mom Chronicles p.12

!!"""#$%&'()%$*+,%"(#-+)!

Digital Illustration: Joseph Shelby

VOL XI ISSUE 7 NOVEMBER 15, 2012

NOVEMBER 4, 2008 ELECTION

!

Republican

!

Joyce Ann Brown lost Nine Years, Five Months and 24 Days of her life !

I MESSENGER

JOHN

V.S. MCCAIN BARACK

OBAMA

TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE DALLAS WEEKLY, FILL OUT THIS FORM AND MAIL TO: SUBSCRIBE TODAY! DALLAS By mailWEEKLY or on line $ P.O. BOX 151789 www.myimessenger.com www.garlandjournal.com www.texasmetronews.com DALLAS, TX 75315 annually I want to receive copies of __ I Messenger __ Garland Journal __ Texas Metro

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NO 3 ISSUE 22

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

JANUARY 31, 2014

“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! Don’t you CARE?

A FAMILY

.

POLICE have not apprehended Pookie the serial rapist.

Aren’t you concerned? Do you care?

I A guy who hits a woman We know he has attacked members of can be called lots of things. is not one of them.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,“Man”Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.

If you have ANY information, PLEASE call Crime Stoppers

877.373.8477 3.23.13 Join the rally,

Join Mayor Mike Rawlings for The Ten Thousand Man Rally Against Domestic Abuse at 10am on March 23rd at Dallas City Hall. (DART exit at Convention Center Station.) It’s time for the men of Dallas to say, enough is enough.

39946_MOROCH_MAA_NP_Ad_BW.indd 1

2/28/13 1:41 PM

Also, if you want extra protection, check out Street Safe at

www.streetsafe.peopleguard.com

DON’T BE SILENT Join I Messenger in the call for justice. Turn Pookie in today!

PAGE 32

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