I Messenger

NO 1 ISSUE 30 APRIL 6, 2012

I MESSENGER

Fabulous 50 PHENOMENAL

PENNIE Wife, Mother, Mentor, Sorority Sister, Friend, Activist and more!

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APRIL 6, 2012

“We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people.” . Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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

Aren’t you concerned?

Do you care?

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

If you have ANY information, PLEASE call Crime Stoppers

877.373.8477 Also, if you want extra protection, check out Street Safe at www.streetsafe.peopleguard.com PAGE 2

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Message to the people...

INSIDE I MESSENGER April 6,, 2012

Pat and Emmitt Smith receive Trumpet Award

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Project Health at CVS Pharmacy with AMBERmag.com

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Dorris Bogus of KAMIT Sport wear

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

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

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APRIL 6, 2012

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think 17-year-old Annya had an enjoyable time with me as we cooked a dish for her class project.

I felt a little nostalgic and actually negligent as I thought about the many hours I spent in the kitchen with my mother, as a young girl child growing up in Jersey.

Earline had me in the kitchen as young as sixth grade, learning how to clean a chicken, fix rice that wasn’t gummy and prepare sweet potato pies that weren’t lumpy or stringy.

I’m proud of the many meals I learned to cook at a young age. Those lessons really came in handy when I traveled south to school in Florida. All you heard was brothers talking about how the “southern girls” were such good Cheryl Smith cookers, so I taught them a thing or two!

And Earline was a “Southern Girl,” born in Ocala, Fl and raised in Plant City, Fl. so when she moved up north, she didn’t leave behind the lessons she was taught. Instead, she was determined to make sure that she passed on those recipes and housekeeping tips to her daughter.

Now admittedly I was not a willing participant all the time. I liked playing kickball or hopscotch, jumping double dutch, and even playing football with the boys.

So, I wasn’t a happy camper when my mother, demanded, “come in this kitchen and let me show you how to “clean these neck bones,” or “wash these collard greens.”

Earline was very meticulous with her instructions and I was cooking full course meals by the time I was in the seventh grade. We didn’t have Hamburger Helper, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese or Manwich. I had to make macaroni and cheese from scratch and cook cabbage that wasn’t limp or soggy.

There were no TV dinners coming into our house. No microwave ovens or even a crock pot was used.

So, as I helped Annya prepare her Sweet and Sour Chicken, I reflected on my experiences and how we’ve come so far removed from those home-cooked meals that were so much more healthier that some of the foods we put in our bodies today.

I am going to commit myself to spending more time in the kitchen with Annya. Unfortunately she didn’t get to cut up a chicken like I was taught to do. The recipe that her teacher approved called for chicken breasts, so Annya got off easy. I think she would have brought a big attitude to the kitchen if she had been instructed to cut up a chicken.

Now I have to tell you, I didn’t like cutting up chickens either. Gosh, talk about a nasty chore! My mother taught me how to get more than the customary eight pieces out of a whole chicken and she lectured me on the proper way to clean all of the “guck” out. I still remember frowning as I pulled all the “guck” out of the thighs!

Then there were the sweet potato pies that my friends loved to sample. Or the monthly birthday cakes from scratch that I would bring to sorority meeting in college.

Somewhere and at some point, we got away from that basic principle--teaching our young girls how to take care of business in the kitchen.

Annya doesn’t know it yet, but whether or not she gets an assignment from her teacher, she is going to be cooking up some meals in our kitchen. She is fortunate, however, that we don’t eat many of the meats that my family ate when I was in high school, so she won’t have to make meatloaf, neck bones and rice, or fried “center-cut” pork chops.

And just like when she was fixing the Sweet and Sour Chicken, I am teaching Annya how to clean as she cooks and that she can’t put the spoon back in the pot after “sampling” a dish. I told Annya that by the time she is finished her meal, she should have all the dishes cleaned and no one wants to eat behind you dipping in the pots.

Oh, there are so many lessons that I have to teach. We all have a responsibility to teach. We have to make time.

Sure it is easier to run into the house from a busy day and whip up a meal in 20 minutes, but we have to slow down and teach our young.

And if we don’t we can’t complain about what they don’t know. Bon Appetit!

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Cheryl

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SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...

Present-day lynch mobs I want Black youth to hear this message, because police authorities are the same today as they were during slavery.

In fact, this is how policing began. Police Hon. Min. Louis Farrakhan were formed to catch runaway slaves, bring them back to their masters and make examples of them to throw fear into other slaves. It’s the same today.

Police authorities are trained to kill, as well as to protect. But where Black people are concerned, police legitimize their mob attacks under the name of “back up.” Police back up is often no different than the lynch mobs 100 years ago.

The killing of our people, shooting them with many bullets when one would have done the job.

And then, that deliberative body which is to discuss the brutal murder of our people by looking into the facts, comes away calling it justifiable homicide.

In Chicago recently, a young, Black Brother was shot down by the police and the parents are aggrieved. The police said the young Brother was running and he had something in his hands, but the witnesses will tell you, “He didn’t have anything in his hands; he was just shot down.”

And the body of persons in a deliberative process to determine the facts that is supposed to address this, just says, “Well, we’re looking into it.” But when they look into it, the verdict comes back as “Another dead Negro—justifiable homicide.” *** Injustice, as I said in the Holy Day of Atonement speech from Atlanta on Oct. 16, brings its natural response no matter how long it takes. Injustice has to be answered by justice, and justice demands that what a man sows, he must eventually reap. Jesus said it well—Did he say those who live by the sword will die by marches? He didn’t say that. Did he say those who live by the sword will die by massive protest?; that those who live by the sword will die by prayers in front of public buildings and kneeling and begging and pleading? Did he say that? What did he say? Jesus said those who kill by the sword will die by the very sword that they used to kill others.

Is there sacredness and value to human life?

Listen to me carefully, young Brothers and Sisters. Is there only sacredness and value to White life, and not Brown, Red and Black life?

Is there value to a dog in this society, and yet no value on the life of a human being such that people can go to jail for mistreating a dog, and the same person who kills a Black youth can go home to dinner with his children with no feeling of having done something wrong, because in his own heart and mind, he did society a favor by killing another Black person?

What do you think God has to say about this?

[Editor’s note: With the attacks and wholesale killings of primarily Black, Red and Brown youth increasing in the United States, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan delivered a message of guidance and instruction to youth in cities across America on Sunday, October 28, 2007 via live webcast from Mosque Maryam in Chicago, Illinois. This is an excerpt of that address.

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APRIL 6, 2012

School suspension policy in Chicago brutal, unfair

By Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. I Messenger

Trayvon Martin was shot to death in Sanford, Fla. He was there visiting his father while suspended from school. He was suspended last month after school officials claimed to have found marijuana “residue” in his book bag. No actual contraband was found; no arrest or citations were issued by police.

When news of the suspension was leaked, Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon’s mother, was understandably outraged.

“They killed my son,” she said, “and now they are trying to kill his reputation.” But in part because the man who killed Trayvon remains uncharged and at large, the leak served mostly to shine a glaring spotlight on the racially skewed suspension policies in our public schools.

Early last month, the U.S. Department of Education released a report on school equity issues that revealed that minority students face “much harsher discipline” than whites in our public schools. African Americans were more than 3 1/2 times more likely to be suspended or expelled than white students. More than 70 percent of students arrested or handed over to law enforcement in school were black or Hispanic.

Chicago’s schools rank among the worst in racial discrepancy. AfricanAmerican students represented 42 percent of the Chicago Public School enrollment in 2009-10, but 76 percent of students receiving at least one outof-school suspension that year.

African-American students were five times as likely to be suspended as their white classmates.

Students from Voices of Youth in Chicago Education calculated that students lost a stunning 306,731 days of school last year due to out-of-school suspensions. VOYCE made the common sense conclusion: Public schools are too quick to suspend, particularly for nonviolent incidents, and too seldom talk out problems with students.

“We need a discipline code that works for all students, not one that sends black and Latino students a path to prison,” said Victor Alquicera, a Roosevelt High School student. (The protests have had an effect, with expulsion rate dropping 43 percent compared to last year, according to school officials.)

Alquicera has it right: five- and 10-day suspensions are brutal punishments. They put kids on the street. They put them behind in class work. They label them for trouble.

There is a range of positive interventions that could be done — including personal meetings, restorative justice, classroom management and a range of in-school discipline.

The vast bulk of the suspensions are for disruptive, nonviolent behavior.

These are kids in need of discipline, not in need of suspension.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan admitted he was “troubled” by the data.

“The undeniable truth is that the everyday education experience for many students of color violates the principle of equity at the heart of the American promise,” he said. “It is our collective duty to change that.”

We have moved to a multiracial society, but we have not moved beyond disparate treatment.

It is time to revisit the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights; it has been noticeably absent in this crisis in Sanford. In the great legacy of Theodore Hesburgh and Mary Frances Berry, I would appeal to the president to take this opportunity to reconstruct and revitalize the commission and charge it once more with investigating discriminatory practices, rousing public concern and forcing the pace of reform.

The effort to diminish Trayvon Martin’s reputation succeeds only in raising questions about whether young African-American men can gain equal protection under the law.

“We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. !

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APRIL 6, 2012

African Cinema explodes on the Web Centerpiece of award-winning African Film Collection is the work of Ousmane Sembene, the "Father of African Cinema�

NEW YORK -- As the democratic process in Africa grows momentum and the people express their will, news from the Continent continues to dominate the headlines.

The people are increasingly challenging the status quo, their efforts recalling the works and philosophy of the late author and director Ousmane Sembene, known as the "Father of African Cinema."

Mr. Sembene's life work was designed to get Africans to reject deeply embedded colonial views of themselves and to recognize their collective power to solve Africa's problems.

Now his films, and those of other award-winning directors, will be available for rental through digital download as Electronic Media Network (M-Net), the South African-based corporate broadcaster, producer and distributor, launches the largest-ever collection of award-winning African cinema content, the African Film Library.

The Video On Demand he directed the first film by (VOD) collection at a sub-Saharan African, the www.africanfilmlibrary.com 1963 short Borom Sarret will provide film lovers (The Wagoner). around the world with easy The auteur went on to and affordable access direct many feature films, through digital download to cinematic works meant to 110 films from some of the help Africans liberate most creative minds in the themselves from mental industry, while providing yolks that lingered long African filmmakers a muchafter independence from needed global distribution colonial rule and to urge platform. collective action in The African Film Library's overcoming societal ills. premiere will be marked by Ousmane Sembene "Africa must get beyond the online release of 14 deriving everything from films by or about Mr. Sembene. the European view. Africa must consider A native of the West African nation of itself, recognize its problems, and attempt Senegal, Mr. Sembene was first a to resolve them," said Mr. Sembene. celebrated novelist; the Los Angeles Times One of the oldest film industries in the called him one of Africa's greatest world, African cinema—which began authors. with Ain el Ghezel (The Girl of At 40, yearning to inspire social change Carthage), the 1924 Tunisian film by and to reach a wider audience in Africa, Chemama Chikly—has long been

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overlooked by those outside the continent as being limited to educational, documentary-style productions.

The programming available through the African Film Library, however, dispels this myth with a melange of short and feature films spanning the genres of comedy, drama, musical and sci-fi, both narrative and documentary.

M-Net has negotiated the rights to around 700 works.

The launch is the culmination of a project which began more than three years ago and has seen the digitization and restoration of the continent's finest cinematic titles.

Film rentals are $5.00 per movie and can be accessed by registering and purchasing credits at www.africanfilmlibrary.com.

Users are then able to watch the film multiple times within a 36-hour period.

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APRIL 6, 2012

Dr. Nicol Turner-Lee named President and CEO of NAMIC Nicol Turner-Lee, PH.D., has been selected as president and chief executive officer of the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC), a leading trade organization.

For more than 30 years, NAMIC has educated, advocated and empowered to promote multi-ethnic diversity in the cable and telecommunications arena. Dr. Turner-Lee began her new post at NAMIC effective April 2, 2012.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Nicol Turner-Lee to the NAMIC family and are particularly excited about the breadth of knowledge and experience she brings to the table," stated Ray Gutierrez, chairman, NAMIC Board and executive vice president, Human Resources for CBS Television Networks.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead NAMIC, with its over 30 years of history advocating for diversity in the cable and telecommunications industry," said Dr. Turner-Lee. "I look forward to continuing their legacy and ensuring that we serve the needs of the companies and professionals in this space."

Prior to the Joint Center, Dr. Turner-Lee was an executive at One Economy

Corporation - a global nonprofit that uses the power of technology and information to expand opportunities for lowincome people -- serving most recently as senior vice president for External Affairs in charge of public relations, national strategic partnerships, and business development.

Currently, Dr. Turner-Lee is vice president and the first director of the Media and Technology Institute at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a 42-year-old public policy institute focused on issues of concern to African Americans and other people of color. During her tenure at the Joint Center, Dr. Turner-Lee developed the Media and Technology Institute into a signature policy and research arm that is focused on increasing representation and ownership in broadband and broadcast for people of color.

Her signature work included the design and development of the first "National Minority Broadband Adoption Study"

that has been cited by government, industry, and community based organizations interested in understanding minority internet use.

Most notably, the study was cited in the Federal Communications Commission's congressionally mandated National Broadband Plan, and the FCC's subsequent report detailing the information needs of communities.

Additionally, she has been recognized with several awards including recognitions from the Alliance for Women in Media 60 @ Sixty Women in Media, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women -- Northern Virginia and as one of the 2007 "Top 10 National Broadband Promoters" by Broadband Properties Magazine. In 2011, she was also appointed to the Federal Advisory Committee on Diversity in the Digital Age by the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission and was selected by Time Warner Cable as one of

four participants in their signature Digital Research Program evaluating minority attitudes toward digital privacy and security.

Dr. Turner-Lee is a member of the board of directors for the Community Renewal S o c i e t y, M i n o r i t y M e d i a a n d Telecommunications Council (MMTC), Telecommunications and Policy Research Conference (TPRC), and the Alliance for Women in Media. Dr. Turner-Lee is a former Research Fellow with Northwestern University's Asset-Based Community Development Institute, and a former Ford Foundation Rockwood Leadership Fellow.

She is the author of numerous research and policy publications, and regularly appears at national and local conferences.

Dr. Turner-Lee received her Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors from Colgate University and her Doctorate of Sociology from Northwestern University.

She also holds certification in non-profit management from University of Illinois Chicago and was a former research fellow for the Asset-Based Community Development Institute at Northwestern University.

Southwest Suburban Dallas Chapter of Jack and Jill Inc. sponsors Family Fitness Day/Health Fair Get up, get out, get JIGGY! WHAT: Get up, Get Out and Get JIGGY Family Fitness Day WHO: An event put on by the Southwest Suburban Dallas Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and community partner Gateway Charter Academy WHY: Health information, screenings, exercise demonstrations, resources, children’s activities, vendors and more.

WHERE: G a t e w a y C h a r t e r Academy, 1015 E. Wheatland Rd. Dallas, TX 75241 WHEN: SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM This is the first year Family Fitness Day will be held at Gateway Charter Academy. Now, in its’ second year, this event brings families and communities together for health and fitness information, resources, workshops and shopping in a fun atmosphere.

The Southwest Suburban Chapter and its partners are expecting a number of families and communities members to take advantage of the free health screenings, information on healthy behaviors, and fitness showcase.

The children’s activities and exercise demonstrations make for a festive family event. Event partners include Gateway Charter Academy and Waffle House.

Get up, get out, get JIGGY is an important initiative for the Southwest Suburban Dallas Chapter and is aimed at combating the epidemic of obesity by informing and engaging families in PAGE 6

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healthy eating, regular exercise and healthy lifestyle choices.

Attendees will be encouraged to participate in workout demonstrations, visit with medical professionals, shop with vendors and leave with enough information to Get up, Get out and Get JIGGY. The Family Fitness Day kicks off with an early morning dance inspired by first lady, Michelle Obama and led by Jack and Jill members, Gateway Charter Academy students and community members.

The SWSD Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. hopes this event serves as a catalyst for communities seeking supportive environments that support healthy living!

For more information: Contact Event Chair, Pamela McCurley @ 214.392.1530.

The sensational Southwest Suburban Dallas Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2 to 19. The SWSD Chapter was installed in 2002, with a group of moms who were dedicated to nurturing future leaders by supporting children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.

In 2012, the mothers continue working together and moving forward with providing an outstanding program year for children, as well as serving the communities in which they live!

They continue to stand committed to the goal they had nearly 10 years ago, “FOR OUR CHILDREN WE MUST SERVE!”

Thanks for supporting Cheatham and Associates Corp in 2011!

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APRIL 6, 2012

INTERNATIONAL

Newly-elected Senegalese President Macky Sall takes office

By Moussa Niang I Messenger

A week after his historical victory over Abdoulaye W a d e , President Macky Sall took office Monday, April 2, 2012 after his inauguration.

President Sall did his s w e a r i n g i n b e f o r e t h e Presidents_Sall_and_Wade_holding_hands Constitutional Council and in the presence of 11 African heads of State, diplomatic representations, family, friends, and other Senegalese dignitaries.

The political class witnessed the event as well as the Senegalese International R&B star Akon.

The Senegalese fourth elected President Sall swore to “observe and enforce the constitution” while defending the “territorial integrity” of the President Wade saying a prayer for President Sall country.

After the swearing in, President Sall headed to the Presidential Palace in downtown Dakar, escorted by the National Guard while being applauded by his supporters.

He was expected at the palace by the outgoing president Wade to exchange information about the situation of the country, and to receive the Republic official insignia and the symbolic key of the palace.

We could see through the eyes of the audience the pride The_Senegalese_Star_Akon_at_the_Swearing_in for President

President_Sall_entering_the_Palace

and the emotion. It was around 2pm that outgoing President Wade, held by the steady hand of Macky Sall, stepped out the palace.

He said a prayer for the new president in the sight of the audience, the national and international press.

“May God assist you” was his last words to the new president before leaving in his personal car under the ovation of the members of his party.

Remember that President Sall’s victory was greeted with euphoria in the country after he triumphed over Mr. Wade, whose efforts to stay in office for a third term were in vain.

President Wade surprised many by conceding defeat just hours after the polls closed and calling his former protégé to congratulate him.

This beautiful act of democracy comes during a tumultuous time in West African nations.

As a matter of fact, this is a dark period in some countries like Mali that just experienced a military coup d’état just some couple of days before their presidential elections.

During his campaign, President Sall promised to solve the food crisis and the energy problem, to clean the public finances, and to halve the government size to only 25 ministers.

On April 4, President Macky Sall presided over his first military parade of the Independence Day as Commander- in Chief.

President Sall is Senegal’s first president to be born since its independence in 1960.

"THE MOUNT" HAS YOUR FREE GAS CARDS! Don't have gas for your car to attend a Resurrection Service this Sunday?

Well, Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1233 State Highway 66, in Garland, has the hook up for you! Meet "THE MOUNT" This Saturday, April 7th, 9a.m. to 11a.m. at The Country Club Race Trac, located at 1355 Highway 66, in Garland, corner of Country Club Dr. and Highway 66 and get your FREE $20 gas gift cards! The first 250 people that stop by will receive a card. All are invited to attend the two Resurrection Services at "THE MOUNT," which will feature the dramatization, "Perspectives On The Cross and the Resurrection."

For more information call 972-276-5218 or visit us at www.onthemount.org.

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Storms caused considerable damage, no deaths [DALLAS COUNTY WEATHER DAMAGE UPDATE] [Dallas, TX] – [Tornados touched down this week across the region and in Dallas County.

In response Dallas County posted updates on Twitter @DallasCountytx (we will provide you with a link to our Web page with Dallas County’s new “Severe Weather Damage Update” for all future severe weather events).

The City of Lancaster has been declared a disaster area. Dallas County has have search and rescue crews deployed as well as activated shelter operations.

Balch Spring - minor hail Carrollton - No damage Cedar Hill - No damage - assisting City of Lancaster Cockrell Hill - No damage Coppell - City wide damage from golf-baseball sized hail - they are in recovery mode City of Dallas Damage Report Stage Coach Trail Area · 47 Houses damaged - 40 uninhabitable - 7 totally destroyed

Tioga / Texas College Neighborhoods · 7 Houses with roof damage

Bonnie View @ I-20 · 50 tractor trailer trucks were damaged at Snider Trucking Company

Two locations have been set up for those residents who need shelter: Tommie Allen Recreation Center – 7071 Bonnie View Kiest Park Recreation Center – 3080 South Hampton Desoto - No damage - working with City of Lancaster DFW Airport – 65 Planes damaged (contact DFW PIO) Duncanville - No damage - working with City of Lancaster Farmers Branch - No damage Garland - No damage

Non-perishables Needed Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins and CityView Commercial-SW Center Mall Owner; in partnership with Concord Church-Pastor Bryan PAGE 8

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Glenn Heights - Minimum damage Grand Prairie - damage at Ave K - downed power lines at Bell Helicopter- no other reported damage Highland Park - No Damage Hutchins – NO DAMAGE REPORTED! The huge tornado touched down among treed area and went directly into Lancaster, which did incur heavy damage.

One of 300 homes damaged by this week’s tornado Irving - North part of the city received hail damage Mesquite - minor damage - most significant was a commercial building Richardson - minor damage Rowlett – No news Sachse – No news Seagoville - No damage Sunnyvale - No damage University Park - No damage Wilmer - No damage Downed Power lines at Bell Helicopter Lancaster – again, received extensive damage they have several resources assisting them in search and rescue, activated shelter operations; damage is wide spread. Assessments are still being conducted. As of 5:10pm 300 homes had been damaged!

Carter, and Ervay Cedar Baptist Church-Pastor Tommy L. Brown are collecting non perishable items for tornado victims (no clothing).

The Collection site is Southwest Center Mall, located at 3662 West Camp Wisdom.

Contact Edna Pemberton 214-574-9432 for more information and details on disbursement time and schedule.

APRIL 6, 2012

Wayne is president of Methodist Dallas Medical Center Auxiliary Sylvia Wayne will be installed Thursday, May 3, 2012, as the president of the Methodist Dallas Medical Center Auxiliary. What makes this occasion particularly noteworthy, is that Ms. Wayne will be the first AfricanAmerican female president in the Auxiliary's 90 years of service.

Ms. Wayne has been volunteering in the hospital's surgery waiting room for about three years, assisting family members while their loved ones are in surgery.

Ms. Wayne started her volunteer service, however, in the gift shop. She also volunteers time in the hospital's Chaplain's office (pastoral care).

"I just enjoy helping people and what better way to give back to the community of God's people," she said.

Her love for helping people in a medical setting began when she was very young. You could also say that it is in her blood. Ms. Wayne worked at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center for 25 years before retiring.

During her time at VA, Ms. Wayne worked as a secretary to the chief of ambulatory care; clinical clerk in the emergency room; ward clerk; surgical service clerk in plastic surgery, neurosurgery, thoracic surgery and orthopedic surgery.

She also worked as a medical administration supervisor to the transcription unit/day surgery/medical records and wards. She admits that she really wanted to be a nurse and that her first job when she finished high school was at Parkland Memorial Hospital, where she was a nurse's aide.

Ms. Wayne's late mother, Inez Sims, worked at VA Medical Center for more than 35 years and at Parkland for 15 years as a License Vocational Nurse.

"Motherdear always wanted to be a RN (Registered Nurse) but was unable to because of finances. Her father chose to send his second child to school since he couldn't afford to send them all,” said Ms. Wayne. “However, Motherdear pursued her dream and I always admired that about my mother. She never gave up. She worked hard and passed along those ethics to her own children."

The ministers of the United Methodist Church broke ground to build a hospital in the southern sector of Dallas because there was a need for the people on the "other" side of the Trinity River.

However, the church did not have enough money to start building after purchasing the land. The women's ministry got involved and began to do projects to raise the additional money for building.

Once the hospital was built, the women furnished it with furniture, they made linens, gowns, etc. They even started a rose garden so that the patients would have fresh flowers every day.

Since that time, the Auxiliary of United Methodist Women, have been visible in continuing the work started in 1922, giving service, as needed, to the hospital. The women started the first Gift Shop which they proudly own. All profits earned in the Gift Shop go to the Medical Center. The money is used to purchase whatever is needed, such as equipment and even a Mammobile.

The Auxiliary also purchased and installed the beautiful cross that stands atop the Medical Center. !

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Smiths among Trumpet honorees - show to air Sunday TV ONE TO PREMIERE TRUMPET AWARDS HONORING AFRICAN AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 8 FROM 7-9 PM CT Silver Spring, MD – TV One will premiere the 20th Annual Trumpet Awards, hosted by award-winning comedian, singer and actor Wayne Brady Easter Sunday, April 8 from 8-10 PM ET, repeating from 10 PM – midnight.

Trumpet Awards in 2012 are being presented to: Tyrese Gibson – Pinnacle Award Ted Turner – Golden Trumpet Emmitt and Pat Smith– Humanitarian Earth, Wind and Fire – Entertainment Rev. C. L. Franklin – Civil Rights (Posthumously, with daughter Aretha Franklin accepting on his behalf) U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas Nicole Avant – International Newark Mayor Cory Booker – Leadership Mary Parker - Business Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. – Medicine Presenters for the 20th Annual Trumpet Awards include Rev. Run, actress Sharon Leal, the O’Jays’ Eddie Levert, actor Blair Underwood, comedian Jonathan Slocumb, and Radio One Chairperson Cathy Hughes, who presents the Civil Rights Award to Aretha Franklin, on behalf of her late father, the late Rev. C.L. Franklin.

Performances are provided by an awardwinning lineup that includes New Edition, Estelle, Kim Burrell, Ann Nesby, Naturally 7, Bilal, Anthony David, Everette Harp, and Ronnie Laws.

Emmitt J. Smith III, Hall of Fame Class of 2010, was drafted by the Cowboys in the first round of the 1990 draft.

Emmitt is a member of the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor, the College Football Hall of Fame, Texas Sports Hall of Fame and the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.

Emmitt was the first player in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in 11

Emmitt and Pat Smith

consecutive seasons and on October 27, 2002 he became the NFL’s All-Time Leading Rusher having amassed 18,355 yards during his 14 seasons in the league after surpassing the late Walter Payton.

Having learned from his mother the importance of helping others, Smith and his wife, Pat, founded Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities to provide resources to underserved youth. Smith has also been involved with initiatives and organizations such as Children’s Defense Fund, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Salvation Army, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and United Way. Smith is the Founding Chair of the North Texas Super Bowl YET (Youth Education Town) Center Board of Advisors.

As a wife, mother, television host and former actress, Pat Smith is known for her philanthropy on behalf of women and children. She is the President of Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities and Founder/ CEO of “Treasure You.” Her career highlights include being the first AfricanAmerican woman to win the Miss

Photo: TV One

Virginia USA title and first runner-up of the 1994 Miss USA Pageant.

Pat is known for her dedication to church, civic and community activities.

Her television career includes host of Keep the Faith, recurring roles and guest appearances on such primetime hits as Beverly Hills 90210, Sunset Beach and The Wayans Brothers Show. Pat is currently the host of Treasure You and a member of the Vogue 100.

Pat is a celebrity role model for the Dallas Elevators mentor program for Dallas ISD high school students. She is also involved with battered women’s shelters and breast cancer initiatives.

The Trumpet Awards were created in 1993 to honor African-American achievement in diverse fields such as law, religion, politics, public service, sports and entertainment.

T h e a n n u a l Tr u m p e t Aw a r d s acknowledge the accomplishments of men and women who have significantly contributed to enhancing the quality of life for all…individuals and/or groups

who augment the richness of society by promoting the cause of justice and equality of all.

Originally presented by Turner Broadcasting and now managed by the Trumpet Awards Foundation, the Trumpet Awards honors people who are viewed not only for what they have individually achieved but also for the achievement they inspire in others.

This is the sixth year in which TV One has served as the Trumpet Awards’ television sponsor.

During the past 20 years, the T r u m p e t Aw a r d s h a v e h o n o r e d Muhammad Ali, Nelson Mandela, Henry “Hank” Aaron, Gordon Parks, Lena Horne, Dr. Benjamin Carson, Sen. Ed Brooke, and many others.

The Trumpet Awards are produced

by Central City Productions. Don Jackson is the executive producer.

The 20th Annual Trumpet Awards from Atlanta will also re-air on Saturday, April 14 at 3 PM and Sunday, April 22 at noon (all times ET).

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APRIL 6, 2012

Fabulous at

Fifty!

By Cheryl Smith I Messenger

Master baker Nikki J of Absolutely Edible Cakes & Catering, shared a sentiment with me that I agreed with wholeheartedly: “I just love Pennie Pitre!”

Nikita Jackson, better known as Nikki J, provides all of the cakes for events at the Skyline Ranch, which is owned by Pennie and her husband, Dallas business man Robert Pitre (who she met in 1984).

Although Nikki J and I didn’t know one another, we had something in common, the beautiful person we each called, “friend.” There we sat, at her 50th birthday party just talking about her. There was nothing catty or petty about our remarks. We were both members of the “Pennie Pitre Admiration Society!”

Nikki J’s relationship with Pennie is both business and professional. The owner of Absolutely Edible, Nikki J, is recognized around the country for her exquisite cake designs. She puts together elaborate displays that are all sizes and shapes.

However, Nikki J says it is not enough for the cakes to look good, they have to taste good too.

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The Pitres enjoy horseback riding at Skyline Ranch.

What an interesting parallel, if you apply it to Pennie Pitre. She looks good all of the time, I mean anytime you see her, and her beautiful spirit is just as engaging.

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She’s the entire packet, inside and out! Pennie is the real deal. There’s nothing phony or pretentious about her.

Now, it’s been over a quarter of a century since I first met Katrina “Pennie” Harrison on the Bishop College Campus. She was a cute little thing, except I thought she was color blind because she always appeared to be wearing the colors pink and green!

Back then, Bishop was the place to be! The alums were always out attending events, supporting the students and adding to the HBCU experience.

Bishop College had a very active, vibrant, energized campus with the likes of Pennie, Freddie Haynes (yes, the one and only “the third”), Ronnie Mackey, Tojo, Dacher, Debra Martin, Tracy, Dawn Blair, Rickey Kelley, Dino, and a host of others.

The Greek-letter organizations were really strong, so on campus there was aways something going on!

Over the years, Pennie and I have kept in touch and I’ve always marveled at her pleasing personality and giving nature.

Pennie turned 50 recently and the love of her life, Robert, and a host of friends turned out at the beautiful Skyline Ranch facility for fun and games, good food and plenty of dancing.

Looking at the phenomenal Pennie, and her good friend, Debra, who also was celebrating her 50th, you couldn’t help but think to yourself, “Fifty is good!”

A graduate of Bishop College, Pennie went on to pursue an MBA at the University of North Texas in Denton. She’s a native of Chicago, IL, and graduated from Harper High School.

She has ser ved on the St. Philip’s School and Community Center Board of Directors and she loves children and horses. She’s politically and socially conscious and believes that as she climbs, she must lift others.

Together, she and her husband have provided a blueprint for success, in the form of the Life Guide Map.

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The Life Guide Map is a teaching, learning, discussion tool, created and developed to address the critical issue of making life choices which will lead to a better quality of life for the individual.

She is a member of Friendship-West Baptist Church where her Bishop College classmate Pastor Frederick D. Haynes III is the pastor.

Pennie is especially p r o u d o f, a n d rightfully so, her son Jordan, who attends Kansas State Univ.

She is definitely “e v e r y ” woman.

Pe n n i e i s a w i f e , m o t h e r, b u s i n e s s woman, activist, mentor, and so much more.

Most days you can catch her out on Skyline Ranch where she’s either meeting with prospective clients, planning an event or working to make a great facility even better.

But that doesn’t stop her from being involved in politics. She’s an active supporter and voter.

Located in southern Dallas County, Skyline Ranch has a banquet facility, fishing, ranch house and covered pavilions. You can have your weddings, quinceaneras, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate outings and more for as many as 15,000, on the 90 acres of “beautiful land surrounded by lush foliage.”

You can go horseback riding, take horse-drawn carriage rides or hay rides, go swimming in the swimming pool, play volleyball and basketball on the courts, or just take long walks!

Pennie has been trying to get me out to the Ranch to go horseback riding or participate in First Friday night swing classes. She says it will be an enjoyable experience.

For me, just sitting around enjoying some ice cold lemonade and a conversation with Pennie, who has such a positive outlook on life, is all the enjoyment that I need! And she remains true to form because she will probably still have on some pink and green!

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APRIL 6, 2012

Photo: Hasson Diggs

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APRIL 6, 2012

Check out the Scenes

It was a HAPPY Birthday at Skyline Ranch as Pennie and Debra celebrated turning 50.

The pink and green cake was for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority member Pennie and the red and white cake was for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority member Debra.

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APRIL 6, 2012

Project Health - Adore your Health Day with CVS

It is imperative that health becomes a p r i o r i t y a n d C V S P h a r m a c y, AMBERmag.com and UNIWORLD Urban Blogger Collective are all doing their part to educate and inform.

As part of Project Health, for the month of April, during National Minority Health Month, at select stores you can get free health screenings on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 2-6p.m.

Talk about a great time. That’s exactly what I had on Thursday, April 5 at the CVS located at 1235 South Buckner Blvd., in Dallas.

I thoroughly enjoyed talking to folks about their health.

And yes, I did get tested.

I have to work on my blood pressure a bit, but I am going to charge it to two of my passions that were staring me in the face, those yellow Peeps and M&Ms! There was a steady flow, for the most part, and people were sincerely concerned about their health.

Some even talked about how they didn’t have insurance and appreciated the screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, Glucose and BMI. I think the icing on the cake was the free consultation with health care professionals.

Health Fair Manager Brenda Hernandez, store manager Kelly Vaughn and Pharmacy Manager Kathy Clark; along with other managers and CVS execs were on hand to answer questions.

It was also nice to meet KKDA listeners who came out. There was also a pleasant surprise to see Associated Press Photo Editor Katina Revels who was visiting from New York. I don’t think she had any body fat!

Then too, I couldn’t get her or Brenda to support my attempts to get some Peeps or M&Ms! I think I will attend a few of the other screenings across the Metroplex. Here’s a listing. Plan your schedule and make sure you take advantage of Project Health:

Revels Productions

20 2427 W. Jefferson Blvd.

Dallas, TX 75211

2–6 PM

5659 Lemmon Ave. Dallas, TX 75209 2–6 PM

21 3034 S. 1st St. Garland, TX 75041

2–6 PM

12 8024 Walnut Hill Ln. Dallas, TX 75231 2–6 PM

1902 Pleasant Valley Rd. Garland, TX 75040 2–6 PM

13 9390 Forest Ln. Dallas, TX 75243

2–6 PM

26 815 E. Abrams St. Arlington, TX 76010

2–6 PM

13033 Coit Rd. Dallas, TX 75240

2–6 PM

1811 E. Arkansas Ln. Arlington, TX 76010

2–6 PM

2–6 PM

27 4140 E. Lancaster Ft. Worth, TX 76103

2–6 PM

2–6 PM

6548 Meadowbrook Dr. Ft. Worth, TX 76112

2–6 PM

28 8520 Camp Bowie, W. Ft. Worth, TX 76116

2–6 PM

2603 W. Berry St. Ft. Worth, TX 76109

2–6 PM

14 14041 Noel Rd. Dallas, TX 75240 3798 Forest Ln. Dallas, TX 75244

19 810 W. Pioneer Pkwy.

Grand Prairie, TX 75051 20 2323 W. Illinois Ave. Dallas, TX 75224

2–6 PM

2–6 PM

Mr. Shepherd received excellent results

Elena provided goodie bags from MoneyGram

Customers waited patiently for what was a quick and painless process.

Revels Productions PAGE 13

7 4207 Lemmon Ave. Dallas, TX 75219 2–6 PM

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APRIL 6, 2012

African American Women and Infertility: An Unmet Need "Cost of infertility services can be prohibitive to couples from all ethnic backgrounds and cost may be a factor for some black women as well," she continues. "I believe lack of access to infertility care and limited awareness about evaluation and treatment

incidence of fibroids is higher in black women at every age, compared to white women.

By the end of the reproductive years, the incidence of uterine fibroids in black women is 80%.

As a result, black women have hysterectomies for

options can also be substantial obstacles that keep many women from receiving the care that they need."

A leading cause of infertility among black women is uterine fibroids. Black women develop uterine fibroids at a younger age than white women and the

treatments of fibroids more often than women from any other ethnic group. Dr. McCarthy-Keith, whose medical research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of uterine fibroid regulation, states that "black women are disproportionately affected by uterine

Dr. Desiree McCarthy-Keith

ATLANTA -- Infertility affects one in eight couples or 7.3 million people in the U.S. 12% of women of reproductive age experience difficulty having a baby and black women have twice the odds of infertility compared to white women.

11.5% of black women report infertility compared to 7% of white women but yet studies indicate that black women use infertility services less often. Why? "In the past, there was a lack of attention toward the problem of infertility in minority women, and most marketing campaigns of infertility awareness and treatment were not directed towards us. â&#x20AC;&#x153; This resulted in a lack of awareness about infertility as a disease and about avenues for seeking evaluation and treatment," says Dr. Desiree McCarthy-Keith, the newest reproductive endocrinologist to join Georgia Reproductive Specialists.

fibroids and uterine fibroids are a common diagnosis among black women undergoing infertility treatment."

The low incidence of public awareness in some minority communities is something Dr. McCarthy-Keith hopes to improve.

"I am very passionate about increasing awareness of causes of infertility, its evaluation and available treatment options in these underserved areas," she says. "My goal is to empower women with information which will allow them to seek infertility care when necessary and to take advantage of the infertility services that we have to offer," she adds.

Dr. McCarthy-Keith earned her medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and also a Master of Public Health in maternal and child health from the University of North Carolina. She completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency training at Duke University Medical Center and a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. She has special interests in fertility evaluation, uterine fibroids and reproductive health disparities.

Dr. McCarthy-Keith was a lieutenant commander in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and held the position of assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

Cherylâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Weeknights 6-8p.m.

Join us at Monday Night Politics, sponsored by the Dallas Examiner on Monday Nights at the African American Museum.

Tuesdays, - Thursdays, we are live from Harwood 609 Restaurant and Jazz Club.

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

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KAMIT SPORT WEAR IS ECO-FRIENDLY Organic Cotton and Bamboo Outfits made in Dallas

Dorris Bogus

- Dorris Bogus, founder of KaMIT Sport, loves designing versatile pieces that function as active wear and casual, fashionable clothing.

She started her line four years ago using man-made materials. Now she focuses 30 percent of her line on eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton and bamboo fabric.

"Preserving our environment is very important to me, so I create active wear made with environmentally-friendly fabrics," said Ms. Bogus, a finalist in the 2011 Texas Next Top Designer competition.

"I have designs made with natural fibers like bamboo and organic cotton,” she said. “Believe it or not, bamboo fibers are extremely soft and soothing against the skin. They have natural cooling fibers that help absorb moisture away from the body during intense exercise routines."

Dallas, TX.

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Developing an eco-friendly line in the KaMIT collection takes extra work.

"First I had to research and find the best fabrics and suppliers," Ms. Bogus said. "Then I had to understand the properties of the different fabrics, so I could design with them."

Ms. Bogus became conscious about the environment after receiving a phone call from a third grade student a decade ago. At that time, Ms. Bogus owned a florist and gift shop.

She recalled, "The student was doing a school project and wanted to know if my business recycled. In reality I did, but not on a consistent basis.

“There was something in her small

voice that made me commit not only to recycling everyday items, but to making an effort to use eco-friendly products in my business whenever I could. That is why KaMIT has an eco-friendly line of clothing. We do it for the future generations that will

APRIL 6, 2012

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

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i n h e r i t t h i s p l a n e t . We a r e committed to doing our part."

Ms. Bogus wears many hats in her company, including designer and seamstress at her Dallas studio.

The KaMIT Sport line includes clothing for exercising, tennis, golf, running, Yoga, and Pilates.

The KaMIT Signature Lifestyle Collection provides upscale casual clothing that can easily transition into a workout session. The line includes outfits that complement different body types.

KaMIT Sport clothing can be ordered online and is available in selected Dallas area stores like the Verandah Spa at the Hilton Anatole and the Lakewood Country Club Pro Shop. To view the complete KaMIT Sport line, visit www.kamitsport.com

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In our library Reviewed by Cheryl Smith

1012 Natchez: A Memoir of Grace, Hardship, and Love

By Njoki McElroy, PhD Njoki McElroy has a fan for life!

I’ve enjoyed her works over the years, but one of the most enjoyable reads that I have had in

quite some time.

Her stories were so vivid and true to life. She had me moved to tears and laughing out loud, in the same chapter as she shared stories about her family, friends and life.

Although she includes pictures at the end of 1012 Natchez, Dr. McElroy’s characterizations were so skillfully created, it is very easy to imagine yourself facing some of the same challenges that she did.

Whether it was going on dates with college friends, living in substandard quarters and making sacrifices in the name of family and love, or traveling to the Motherland; Dr. McElroy takes readers with her.

The pictures are an added bonus.

1012 Natchez is filled with life lessons.

She said she had an “old folkvoice” inside her head. That voice, told her, “Don’t let your heart start what your head can’t stand.”

There were also the admonishment she received from her mother, “Don’t ever run after boys” and “Keep your panties up and your skirt down.”

The many lessons she learned as a child, she said, prepared her to deal with “race, color, consciousness, relationships and the world.”

Those lessons helped her through some tough times. Readers will identify with those life lessons because in one form or another similar messages have been passed down in families.

1012 Natchez also pro vides history lessons as the author shares information about Marcus Mosiah Garvey and his efforts to unite Black people in America, or being married to a Tuskegee Airman.

It h e l p s t o h a v e a d i f f e r e n t perspective on history.

Re a d e r s s h o u l d e n j o y D r.

McElroy’s knack for creating an image or scenario that seems to leap off the pages, grabbing ahold of the reader and making them a part of the story.

The great migration from the south to Chica go is not an uncommon story. Dr. McElroy’s spin on this pivotal time in history is fascinating. Everything from the style of dress, the deep sense of faith and also the desire to have fun were not lost in her family as there remained a strong sense of family, where at times the families

APRIL 6, 2012

many of the other characters who are captives or free labor, thanks to the peculiar institution of slavery.

Over the years, the stories have been told about the descendants of enslaved Africans who are able to pass for white.

Lydia is able to do so and her life is severely altered as she decides on either her freedom or the man she loves.

Readers should want Lydia, as well as the other slaves, to have freedom from the horrific bondage they suffered.

Still, Ms. Gillus provides very tense moments that are somewhat frightening because the thought of subjecting humans to the treatment that slaves received is frustrating and causes several emotions to surface.

It was definitely interesting learn-ing about The Loom Room, “where expectant women and elderly slaves spent their time weaving when they were no longer as productive in the fields.”

As Lydia “passes,” for white, readers can’t help but wonder if and when she will be caught and what will her punishment be.

When she was a teenager, Ms. Gillus found out that she had family members who “passed.”

In The Loom, she said she wanted to explore the question, “Is what is gained worth what is lost?”

Throughout the entire reading of “the Loom,” I was not in a good mood.

Thankfully the author brought the story full circle and provided closure; making for an overall fulfilling read.

The Loom

By Shella Gillus The Loom is author Shella Gillus’ debut novel and she will have readers anxiously awaiting her next endeavor.

The Loom is intense. It will have you sitting on the edge of your chair as you wonder what will happen to Lydia and

Support the Black Press

Support Black -owned bookstores

Send your books for review to: Cheryl Smith, P.O. Box 860 Grand Prairie, TX 75053 PAGE 16

had to be separated to survive, and one day return to home.

1012 Natchez resonates so strongly and sincerely because readers will see that Dr. McElroy was like so many others, coming from a strong foundation with strong values and a desire to achieve success, while helping others along the way.

Sure there was suffering, plenty of suffering because, as she points out, whether you were in the north or the south, you still had to deal with racism that overshadowed anything else and even though northerners may have though they had it better off, that wasn’t necessarily the case at all.

Dr. McElroy knows pain and suffering, and even more notable is her knowledge and love of self and family.

An alumna of Xavier University, the adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University is also the founder and director of the “Back Home With the Folks Festival,” which is held annually in Texas and Illinois.

Readers won’t be disappointed once they began reading 1012 Natchez.

It’s a quick, easy, engaging read that tugs at your heartstrings at times, but its definitely worth every turn of the page and every minute you spend reading this dynamic tale.

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In Memoriam

Chief Jay Strongbow

Elizabeth Catlett Mora

October 4, 1928 – April 3, 2012

April 15, 1915 – April 2, 2012)

Elizabeth Catlett Mora (April 15, 1915 – April 2, 2012) was an American-born Mexican sculptor and printmaker. Ms. Catlett is best known for the black, expressionistic sculptures and prints she produced during the 1960s and 1970s, which are seen as politically charged.

Ms. Catlett was born in Washington, D.C., the youngest of three children. Both of her parents were teachers.

She attended the Lucretia Mott Elementary School, Dunbar High School, and then Howard University where she studied design, printmaking and drawing. In an interview in December 1981 in Artist and Influence magazine, she stated that she changed her major to painting because of the influence of James A. Porter, and because there was no sculpture division at Howard at the time.

She received her BS cum laude from Howard in 1935. She then worked as a high school teacher in North Carolina but left after two years, frustrated by the low teaching salaries for black people.

While living and working in Harlem, New York, she was briefly married to Charles White .

In 1947, she married Mexican artist Francisco Mora, and made Mexico her permanent home, later becoming a Mexican citizen. They have three sons, including film director Juan Mora.

Her granddaughter, Naima Mora, was the Cycle 4 winner of the America's Next Top Model television show. Ms. Catlett's sculpture, Naima, is of Naima as a child.

After retiring in 1975, Ms. Chattel, who was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. continued to be active in the Cuernavaca, Mexico art community.

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Gil Noble February 22, 1932– April 5, 2012 Gilbert Edward "Gil" Noble (February 22, 1932– April 5, 2012) was an American television reporter and interviewer. He was 80 at the time of his death.

He was the producer and host of New York City television station WABC-TV's weekly, Like It Is, originally co-hosted with Melba Tolliver.

The program focused primarily on issues concerning African Americans and those within the African diaspora.

Mr. Noble joined WABC in July 1967 as a reporter, and starting in January 1968 became an anchor of its Saturday and Sunday night newscasts.

He became host of Like It Is a few months prior to the rebranding of the station's newscasts as Eyewitness News in November 1968.

In addition, he was an occasional interviewer on some of WABC's other public affairs shows, such as Eyewitness Exclusive.

From 1986 on, Noble concentrated exclusively on Like It Is. Mr. Noble also created documentaries on such topics as W. E. B. Du Bois, Malcolm X, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ella Baker, Decade of

Joseph Luke Scarpa (October 4, 1928 – April 3, 2012) was an American professional wrestler who was best known by the ring name Chief Jay Strongbow. Scarpa portrayed a Native American wrestler, who wore a traditional headdress to the ring and would "go on the warpath" when the fans started cheering him against an opponent.

Even though he was portrayed as a Native American he was actually an Italian American.

Struggle, Martin Luther King Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Jack Johnson, Charlie Parker and Essay on Drugs.

In 1977, he wrote, directed and produced the first documentary on Paul Robeson, entitled The Tallest Tree in Our Forest.

In 1973, Mr. Noble reported (for local TV station WABC channel 7) on the first mobile cellular phone invented by Marty Cooper from the NY Hilton in New York.

In 1981, he wrote an autobiography, Black is the Color of My TV Tube.

He was a supporter of The Jazz Foundation of America, hosting the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2007 "A Great Night in Harlem" Concert/ Benefit for The Jazz Foundation to support The Musicians Emergency Fund.

He is also a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Noble has won seven Emmy Awards and 650 community awards, and has been granted five honorary doctorates.

He is an honorary brother of MALIK Fraternity, Incorporated.

In July 2011, Noble suffered a serious stroke.

In late September, his family announced that he would not be returning to host Like It Is.

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Donna P. Charles 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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Mark your calendar

APRIL 6, 2012

Come out and experience

April is Jazz Appreciation Month April 7 P.E.A.R.L. Girls of Promise, Inc. will host their 5th annual Miss P.E.A.R.L. of Dallas Inner-Beauty Scholarship Pageant at Bishop Lynch High School at 7p.m. Here’s an opportunity to support young ladies who are focusing on the inner beauty, building character and academic excellence.

KEMISTRE!

ELITE NEWS

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

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

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

Vendors!

Space still available

Bring the entire family!

Fun!

Cookie/Cupcake Decorating!

Dance Contest!

Cake Walk!

Face Painting!

Prizes!

Food!

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

214.909.0830

Sponsored by

No Limit Bail Bonds * Phyllis Lister Brown for Judge

Tickets: $10. Available online at Dallas International Film Festival website: www.dallasfilm.org

April 16 COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT ON THE MOUNT! Kids of all ages are invited to a FREE Community Easter Egg Hunt, at Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church (THE MOUNT), located at 1233 State Highway 66, in Garland. The fun begins at 2p.m. and there will be eggs, candy, toys and more!

For more info, or to make a donation, call 972-276-5218, go to www.onthemount.org, April 8 HAPPY EASTER April 14 Coffee & Conversation Lecture Series presents: Mindshift with the star of the ABC television show, SHARK TANK, DAYMOND JOHN at the 7-Eleven Headquarters.

The members of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated 18th Annual Teen Town Hall Summit at Cedar Valley College (CVC), 3030 North Dallas Ave., Building M, Lancaster, TX, 8:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.. Registration will be begin at 8:30 A.M. Team Texas Elite is holding a golf tournament at Eastern Hills Country Club in Garland. Proceeds will be used for a UNCF scholarship that will help increase their student athletes’ chances of obtaining a higher education.

Team Texas Elite is a non-profit organizationcollaboration of other Texas-based non-profit minority youth baseball organizations - including The Heroes Baseball Organization, Dallas Baseball Alliance http:// www.dallasbaseball.net and Houston RBI. The cost is $75 per player. For details see attached flyer. To register or for more information - email Mike Smith – Tournament Director - at smitbox@aol.com or call him at 972-742-2161.

April 14th @ 9:30 pm April 16th @ 4:30 pm AN OVERSIMPLIFICATION OF HER BEAUTY

M a g n o l i a T h e a t e r i n W e s t V i l l a g e 3699 McKinney at Lemmon Avenue, Dallas, TX 75204

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Sophia Stimpson ESSAY AND ORATORICAL SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST DEADLINE FOR ENTRY FORM AND ABSTRACT/ OUTLINE: April 16, 2012 Oratorical Presentation, Finalists Compete: May 5, 2012, 2:00- 5:00PM For Info: Shannon Johnson-Lackey, 214-738-5963 or via e-mail: sjlack05@sbcglobal.net Sheila Brooks will speak at Grambling State University , April 16 - 17 "Visiting Professionals Program" Sponsored by the Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism - Phoenix, AZ April 19 “A Community Cooks” is back! At 6p.m. It is my hope that you will join us for our second annual fundraiser to celebrate the exciting additions and accomplishments of the newly named, We over Me Farm at Paul Quinn College. The event features some of the best chefs in the area creating amazing dishes at stations located directly on the Farm, a keynote speaker, and a live band.

April 20-21 The International Human Rights Association of American Minorities (IHRAAM) is an NGO in Consultative Status with the United Nations. From CIVIL RIGHTS to HUMAN RIGHTS and SELF-DETERMINATION? CHICAGO CONFERENCE 2012 AGENDA. Confirmed speakers Cynthia McKinney, Law Professors Vernalia Randall and Carla D. Pratt, Political Science Professor Tyson King-Meadows, Attorneys Dr. Ava Muhammad, Chokwe Lumumba and Standish Willis, multiple HBCU past president Dr. John Waddell, National Black Farmer's Association President John Boyd and Queen Quet of the Gullah-Geechee Nation.

Dr. Brenda Wall will be the speaker at the Dallas NAACP ‘s Juanita Craft Freedom Fund Banquet, 7:30p.m. At the Omni Hotel.

For tickets call 214.916.9919.

April 21 South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club Annual V. Alyce Foster Awards Luncheon, noon at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.

Subscriptions are $ 60.00.

Walnut Hill Elementary School is having a “Community Health and Safety Fair” 11 am-3 pm. There will be free dental and eye exams. Immunizations are offer for $5 each. Carter Blood Care will be there as well as other free giveaways. Contact Gwen Walker or Debra Ginchansky at 972-502-7809 or email gwwalker@dallasisd.org and dginchansky@dallasisd.org. More details at www.dallasisd.org/walnuthill. Located at 10115 Midway Road, Dallas TX 75229.

March of Dimes premier event, March for Babies, is the nation’s oldest fundraising walk at White Rock Lake’s Norbuck Park at 8:30am. Those wishing to join the fight against prematurity can sign up today as an individual or start a team at marchforbabies.org.

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

MARCH 2012 APRIL 30, 6, 2012

www.todayssistersministry.org Best Southwest Bar Association (BSWBA) will sponsor a community legal clinic from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at the Church of the Disciple, 220 S. Cockrell Hill Rd., DeSoto, Texas.

April 29 A2ZPresents proudly announces Soul Singer/Songwriter Teedra Moses Performing live in Dallas, TX for her 1st ever show in Dallas! This highly anticipated show will take place at...

The Loft at Gilley's, 1135 S. Lamar St., Dallas, TX May 4 Southern Bible Institute will celebrate its 85th anniversary with a gala banquet at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, 2201 Stemmons Freeway in Dallas, Texas. The black tie affair begins at 7 p.m. in the Chantilly Ballroom.

“The Devil is a LYA”: Reunion Reunion Stage Play May 5 City of Balch Springs Cinco de Mayo Festival 11am-3pm at the Civic Center

April 21 - 22 TeCo Performs @ Earth Day Dallas in Fair Park introducing the Jimmy Brashear Players

27th Annual Adolescent and Ladies Symposium at Church of Christ on Greenville Avenue, 1013 South Greenville Ave, Richardson, TX 75081 - 8a-1:30 pm with keynote speaker

April 27

Complimentary cocktails with the artist

Jordan Blair Golf Tournament Honoring the Memory of Jordan R. Blair at GRAND OAKS COUNTRY CLUB GOLF COURSE 3502 COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS BREAKFAST STARTS AT 7:00 AM SHOTGUN STARTS 8:00 AM SHARP FEATURING A LONG DRIVE CONTEST CLOSEST TO THE PIN PUTTING CONTEST $100 per golfer or $400 per team Box Lunch, Cart and Green Fees included with entry fee--Entry and Payment Deadline: Monday, April 16--To register your team today contact: Coordinators Bettye Williams 469-261-0717 Marcus Jordan 214-680-7396 Maurice Jones 214-986-0983 Space is limited to the first 80 paid registrants Texas News Topics (T.N.T.) P.O. Box 4686 Cedar Hill, TX 75115 Office: (972) 224-NEWS (6397) Fax: (972) 224-6398 publisher@tntpaper.com

Today's Sisters' Ministry For Women, Living in today's World presents The Women of Tomorrow's World HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO, 1175 Municipal Way, Grapevine Community Activity Center, Grapevine,TX General Public Cost $8 per personHosted by: Visionary/Founder Harriet P. Harrison www.empowerwomen4greatness.net

When: Saturday, May 12, 2012 @ 7:30pm (Arriving early

April 28 2012 Jazz Series Continues at TECO Theatre Nick Colionne & Richard Elliott

Two shows only: 7PM & 9:45PM

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

Monday, April 9

Tuesday, April 10

Join Cheryl, and Lady T • Black Economic History Fact of the Day • LIVE from the African American Museum - It’s Monday night politics

Join Cheryl and Lady T • Black Economic History Fact of the Day • LIVE from Harwood 609

Wednesday, April 11

Thursday, April 12

Tune in to Reporters Roundtable

Friday, April 13

Join Cheryl and Lady T Join Cheryl and Lady T Join Cheryl and Lady T • Black Economic History Black Economic History Black Economic History • • Fact of the Day Fact of the Day Fact of the Day • LIVE from Harwood 609 • LIVE from Harwood 609

Soul 73 KKDA Sundays at 6a.m.

214-787-1730

Call in to 646-200-0459 PAGE 19

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JANUARY 27, 2012

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Delegation to

SENEGAL 7

Soledad O’Brien

TEDDY PENDERGRASS

celebrates DFW/ABJ’s 30th Anniversary 12/1/11 Dallas Music Hall www.dfwabj.org

An Exclusive

LOVE, PEACE AND SOUL

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JOY STRICKLAND

DON CORNELIUS 9/27/36 - 2/1/12

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SOUTHERN SOUL NETWORK COMES TO KKDA-AM 14

Check out Cheryl Smith’s

Quest for Success Honorees 3

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Happy Birthday Dr. King!

Don’t Stop, Don’t Shop

From the Mother land

Monumental Message 8

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DELTA IMESSENGER SIGMA THETA 1/13/1913

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IMAGE worth emulating DeMetris Sampson

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*Call today to schedule your bonus 30-minute interview!

I MESSENGER

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

May 2012 Publication Date

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DEC 16, 2011

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DEC 1, 2011

Check out CHERYL’S WORLD on Blogtalkradio

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NO 1 ISSUE 27 MARCH 16, 2012

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A G I V I NG

KWANZAAFEST 4 LEADERSHIP SOUTHWEST 8 DFW/ABJ 9

ZEMILL Thoughts in Vision 12

IMAJ

BLACK ATLAS

performs at DFW/ABJ Gala

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DR. WHITNEY E. HOUSTON Brought joy into the lives of many PAGE 1

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