I Messenger 33

I MESSENGER NO 1 ISSUE 33 APRIL 27, 2012

NO 1 ISSUE 33

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APRIL 27, 2012

Are you Happily Married?

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STILL STANDING Lamar and Ronnie Tyler believe in marriage PAGE 1

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Message to the people...

INSIDE I MESSENGER April 27, 2012

Nicole Barrett interviews Commissioner candidates

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Belinda Ramsey opposes bullying

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GROWN FOLKS Show debuts on April 30 17 Dorothy Burton signs her book at Jokae’s 18

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.

IMessenger 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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APRIL 27, 2012

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On the heels of a record-breaking weekend for the movie, “Think Like a Man,” it seems highly appropriate that Lamar and Ronnie Tyler (see cover story) are on tour talking about healthy relationships--more specifically, marriages.

In addition to enjoying author Steve Harvey’s work, it was nice to know that a Florida A&M University alum, Will Packer (of Stomp the Yard fame) is the producer of “Think Like a Man.” As I sat watching the movie, I thought about how many men and women could benefit from the messages. Then my mind traveled to the young people in the audience. Yes, they needed to receive the messages also because “Think Like a Man” offers an opportunity to open the door for some very candid discussions with our youth and one another.

Now I am sure there are people who say that this is a bit over the top.

Cheryl Smith Well, from my experiences, these young people are further advanced than we give them credit for. They know a whole lot and they’ve done a whole lot more!

Unfortunately many young people will never have a conversation about sex. You have a situation where some parents are embarrassed to talk about children and sex because they don’t want to imagine their young children having sex. Actually the parents are thinking like the children because the children don’t want to imagine their parents having sex, even though they had to have done something to get them here.

So we have a stalemate here, both the parent and the child don’t want to imagine that sex is on the minds of the other.

Well here’s news flash number one: Parents, at a younger age, children are talking and thinking about sex.

News flash number two: Children, you should be happy to know that your parents and grandparents are still having sex because you can rest knowing that as you get older, everything still works. Believe me, as you get older you’ll be glad to know that interesting fact!

There are so many lessons to be shared from the movie. It’s a romantic comedy, filled with many lightbulb moments. Since we live in a time when we have so many children growing up without a father figure, and some without either parent, then you factor in the time everyone spends in front of the television or computer screen, well, our social skills are in need of some tweaking.

There was a time when just women were complaining that there’s not enough talking going on. Today, you can go out to dinner and see a family of four and everyone is on their cell phone. Do you think they are talking to one another? Most likely not. So, how do we reach one another? How do we communicate?

The answer is really simple but the execution is the real issue. Sure I can tell my children that we are going to sit down and have a conversation EVERY day. There will surely be some nonverbal communication going on. In fact, they had better keep the responses nonverbal and undecipherable if they don’t want a beat down!

Simply put, the thought of sitting down for conversation is not on the bucket list of most teens.

So, when we consider the high teen pregnancy rate, as well as the increase in STDs and HIV/AIDS cases,we can’t deny that it is time for some serious talking. Forget embarrassment or feeling uncomfortable.

Does Mr. Harvey have all the answers? He never said he did, but after reading his book and seeing the movie; I plan to take a group of young folks to see the movie immediately. And after we see the movie, we’re going to have a serious conversation. Not only will we also increase the box office numbers that were a reported $33 million opening weekend, but hopefully they will learn something that oftentimes people don’t learn until they are much older and have made numerous mistakes.

When I was young and knew everything, I used to frequently say, “Experience is the best teacher!”

After living a little and going through some experiences of my own, I realized that I didn’t know everything, and I can learn from others’ experiences.

For example, no one has to tell me that cocaine or heroin can ruin your life. I can see the devastation that has occurred and the impact these and other drugs have had in destroying lives, families and communities. I have seen what happens when folks want to experience for themselves and end up ruining their lives.

I don’t need that experience.

We need to make sure that our young girls understand the problem with booty calls, chasing after guys, fighting other girls over guys, being sexually promiscuous, not using protection and being dishonest, among other things. We need our young men to understand the long-term effects of planting their seeds in unfamiliar or undeserving gardens, neglecting their children and refusing to accept responsibility for their actions; among other things.

Hopefully as we grow older, we become wiser. The Tylers will be having a candid discussion at FriendshipWest Baptist Church on Saturday after the screening of “Sti! Standing” at 12:45p.m. It is my hope that across the country people will be having discussions at church, home, school, in the park, at parties and wherever two of us are gathered. The conversation can help us move toward a healthier, stronger family and community.

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Cheryl !

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SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...

Correction vs.

Judgment We live in some very trying times when a person is so quick to say, “Don’t Judge Me!” This statement often comes after a person is receiving what could be considered constructive criticism from a friend, family member or even a co-worker.

There are many instances where I can remember a person telling Aaron Hopkins me not to judge them and that nobody is perfect. I would say this presents a very serious dilemma. We can turn on any television show or news broadcast where we will hear an abundance of people in various situations venting about the imperfections of other people. It is even implied in some cases that the people being criticized should pay the highest consequences for some of these actions.

Judgment is defined as: an opinion formed or a decision reached in the case of a disputed, controversial, or doubtful matter.

Correction is defined as: an adjustment made to a calculation or measurement to compensate for an observed deviation from ideal conditions.

My question is where does the line cross between being corrected and being judged?

Why are people so quick to respond to correction so negatively and plead that they are either not worthy of judgment or that another person is in fact not their judge? If we are to become a better society don’t we stand in need of some measure of judgment?

Wisdom is necessary here to answer these questions. All of us at some point need correction. All of us at some point have to use judgment in making decisions that not only affect ourselves but others as well. If we were more open to accepting honest and constructive criticism we would not have to be on the defensive when this corrective gesture comes our way. We should not use the attitude that we are being judged when we are simply being giving a chance to correct a wrong. It is not always personal when someone pulls our coat tail and points out a flaw. That same flaw allowed to go on unchallenged could be the reason we wind up in front of so many judges in a court of law!

I believe that we run from correction because we don’t really want to reach our full potential as a responsible human beings who have an open heart and mind to both be accountable and willing to point out wrong.

Once we can understand that correction is the opportunity to become a master over one’s self and what it means to the strengthening of our character, the easier it will be to stand in front of the real Judge!

I MESSENGER wants you to SPEAK YOUR MIND! Is there something on your mind?

Is there something we should be thinking about? Your thoughts are welcomed at I Messenger!

We would love to hear from you. Send your thoughts to us at www.cherylsmithonline.com, along with your photo, a contact number and a brief bio. Submissions should not exceed 300 words.

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APRIL 27, 2012

Support repeal of Kill at Will and Voter I.D. Laws Last week, the civil rights community and Americans of conscience won a major victory against the corporately funded conservative policy group that supported the “Stand Your Ground” law responsible for delaying the arrest of Trayvon Martin’s killer.

This same group is behind dozens of voter ID laws, which are jeopardizing the voting rights of millions of Americans.

On April, 17th, after an exodus of major corporate sponsors, prompted by pressure from a coalition of progressive and civil rights organizations, including the National Urban League, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) officially ended its involvement in these issues, saying in part, “We are eliminating the ALEC public safety and elections task force that dealt with non economic issues…”

Corporate support, which ranges from $7,000 to $25,000 in annual dues to the organization, began to wither in the wake of the public outcry against Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, which shields a gunman from prosecution simply by claiming a suspicion that his or her life was in danger.

George Zimmerman made that claim to Sanford, Florida police officers who incredulously did not arrest him following the February 26 shooting

death of the unarmed, 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

While presenting itself as an organization that promotes legislation

outreach, the civil rights community reminded ALEC’s corporate sponsors, including Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, PepsiCo and Kraft, that significant numbers of consumers found their association with the organization’s extreme agenda offensive.

When a growing number of businesses began severing their ties with ALEC, the group backed away from supporting these “non economic” issues.

But we urge ALEC to go one step further.

Now that ALEC has acknowledged that its activities led it far beyond the bounds of reasonable commercial legislative activity, we call upon the group to devote its considerable resources to redress the harms caused by the “Public Safety and Elections” task force – dangerous policies that armed civilian vigilantes and disenfranchised seniors, people of color, and the disabled by the millions.

The full impact of these measures has only begun to be felt. For example, laws that restrict voting access are still in the pipeline in many states.

A simple disavowal of its misguided activities will be insufficient to correct the damage that has already been caused. We call upon ALEC to actively support our “Occupy the Vote” campaign to repeal these onerous laws.

TO BE EQUAL

Marc Morial National Urban League

which serves the financial interests of its corporate funders, ALEC has used its close ties to conservative state legislators to sponsor similar “Kill at Will” laws in 30 states – and the tragic body count is growing.

In Florida alone, since the law was passed in 2005, that state’s “justifiable homicide” rate has jumped 300%.

The organization has also supported dozens of unnecessary voter ID laws across the country that may keep as many as five million citizens from exercising their right to vote in this all important election year.

In rallies, letters, and social media

Would today’s America let MLK have a job?

Would a young Martin Luther King Jr. be able to get a job in America today?

Would one of the thousands who went to jail in support of Nelson Mandela?

Or the brilliant kids at the center of Occupy Wall Street? Unless we begin to enforce the Civil Rights Act, many Americans will find the doors of opportunity slammed in their faces.

Twenty-five years ago, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sensibly ruled under the Civil Rights Act that it is illegal for employers to disqualify job applicants based on arrest or conviction records unless the criminal record is directly relevant to the job in question. New studies show that companies routinely ignore this ruling — and the EEOC has not updated its guidelines for more than 20 years.

Now, under new Chair Jacqueline Berrien, the EEOC will meet Wednesday to consider how to enforce t h e l a w. I t i s v i t a l t h a t t h e commissioners reassert the force of the original ruling and give employers clear guidelines.

A recent study by the National Employment Law Project revealed that more than 90 percent of employers use criminal background checks in hiring decisions. They routinely deny someone with a record any chance to review the charges. Nonviolent youth offenders are eliminated, even though data suggest that once an early offender turns 26, many are less likely to engage in criminal activity than the

By Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. general population. Even activists arrested in nonviolent protests find that their records can be used to disqualify them. Such arrests can also affect one’s credit rating, and that, too, acts as a negative.

Given the extent to which this country criminalizes behavior, this is a deeply discriminatory practice. About 65 million people in this country, according to the study, have criminal records, the vast bulk for nonviolent actions.

And, as we know, our criminal justice system is still deeply scarred by racial bias. A disproportionate number of those with criminal records come from low-income communities of color. African Americans and Latinos are more likely to be arrested than whites, more likely to be charged once arrested, and more likely to be convicted and incarcerated when charged. For minority job-seekers, as the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law noted in written testimony to the EEOC in 2011, old !

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arrests and minor convictions can turn into life sentences of joblessness.

Moreover, criminal records are notoriously inaccurate. Employers usually draw on an FBI database that relies on state records rife with mistakes that often equate arrests with convictions and too often include information about juvenile and other offenses that was supposed to have been erased.

The EEOC instructs employers to consider the age of the offense, the subsequent rehabilitation and the relevance of the offense to the particular job.

Gaggles of corporate lobbyists have pushed to delay action by the EEOC. But the EEOC has held hearings on this issue for decades. There has been bipartisan support for updating the guidance, particularly in light of the changing nature of the hiring process.

Last year, the EEOC convened a meeting of diverse stakeholders and received about 300 written comments.

The lobbyists, as the Wall Street Journal editorial page revealed, are trying to run out the clock, hoping the pending departure of a Democratic commissioner might “diminish considerably” the ability of the board to act.

Justice delayed is justice denied. It is time to act. The EEOC should enforce the law and give employers clear guidelines that ensure everyone has a fair shot at a job.

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ELECTION 2012 On the Campaign Trail New Democratic Club L E A D Democrats (Lakewood East Dallas Democrats) met on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 6:30pm at Times Ten Cellars, 6324 Prospect Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75214 East Dallas organizers Renee Strickland and Maricela Moore Maricela Moore organized the founding meeting of the new Lakewood East Dallas Democrats.

Club organization and purpose was the primary topic of the first meeting. LEAD Democrats will meet regularly at Times Ten Cellars

National Labor Leader and DNC Vice Chair endorses Marc Veasey for Congress The following is an endorsement statement from Linda Chavez-Thompson in support of State Representative Marc Veasey’s candidacy in the Texas 33rdCongressional District. Ms. Chavez-Thompson is the Executive Vice President Emerita of the National AFL-CIO as well as a current Vice-Chair of the Democratic National Committee and was the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 2010.

TX State Rep. Mark Veasey

“It is with great pleasure and honor to announce my support and endorsement for State Representative Marc Veasey running in the new 33rd Congressional District. I have had the privilege to know Marc for many years. He has always impressed me with his dedication and skill in helping the working men and women in his community.

On the staff of former Congressman Martin Frost and since 2004 representing the good people of District 95, Marc has been a tireless advocate for working families.

I am convinced he will be just as effective in Washington fighting for economic justice as he has been in Austin and his local community.

Marc Veasey is the right choice for the 33rd Congressional District.”

VOTER REGISTRATION UPDATE I f y o u r Vo t e r R e g i s t r a t i o n Certificate has 1911 as your birth year and you are not 100 years old – it is only a generic year We wanted to make a clarification about the new Voter Registration certificates that were just mailed to all registered Dallas County residents. Some people are alarmed to see that PAGE 4

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their Birth Date shows the year “ 1 9 11 ” o n their card.

There is NO NEED to be alarmed.

The date Dallas County Elections Administrator 1911 is simply Toni Pippins Poole a generic date the Elections Department uses when we do not have a specific Birth Date on file for a voter.

For many years (prior to 2002) many counties and states were NOT required to have a Birth Date on voter registration certificates (so many of those voters still may not have their birth dates listed with the Elections Department). In 2007 all Voter Registration had to be transferred to a State system, which then required a Date of Birth for each registrant. To allow the systems to catch up to the new requirement, the State allowed Local elections departments to use a GENERIC year for certificates where there was not a documented DOB – until those local Elections Administrators could acquire Birth Dates from voters.

This DOES NOT change the status of your Voter eligibility or your Voter Registration!

Your status remains the same in EVERY WAY and you can go to the polls; nor does it change your birth date on record in any form or for any other purposes!

IF your card reads “1911” as the year of your birth and you are not 100 years old, born in 1911 – it means you were issued a GENERIC birth year. Simply write your correct Date of Birth right on the face of your card, SIGN THE CARD and mail it back to the address on the card OR you can call the number on the card: (214) 637-7937

Judge Ken Molberg sends a Message of Thanks to the Community Judge Ken Molberg

Dear Friends, I contact you today to thank you for your support during the 2012 election season.

As you may know, I was fortunate to avoid both a Democratic Primary and General Election opponent. Consequently, I will be serving you for a second term as presiding Judge of the 95th Civil District Court. I know that the faith you have placed in my service was a major factor in allowing me to avoid opposition. I genuinely appreciate the support of the legal community and the community at large as I have campaigned over the last year.

I have worked very hard during my first term to serve the citizens of Dallas County with diligence and fairness, and I was honored during my first term to be named "Trial Judge of the Year" by the American Board of Trial Advocates. Serving as your Judge is a role I am committed to, and I am thankful for each day I have the privilege to serve the community in the cause of justice.

I pledge to continue serving you with the same dedication and hard work that have marked my first term.

Sincerely, Judge Ken Molberg Democrat, 95th Civil District Court, Dallas County

Statement of State Rep. Ron Reynolds

HOUSTON, Texas-- State Representative Ronald Reynolds released the following statement regarding an arrest on Tuesday, April 24, 2012.

"In the early evening of Tuesday, April 24, 2012, I was arrested for the alleged violation of a law Rep. Reynolds known as barratry, or the unlawful solicitation of clients by lawyers. While the facts of the case have yet to be disclosed to me, it is my intent to fully cooperate with the prosecutors who are pursuing the charges," said Rep. Reynolds.

"I maintain my innocence and plan to vigorously defend myself against all allegations. Although it appears that the charges filed against me are politicized, I do not take the matter lightly. In fact, since becoming an elected official, I have voted for new laws holding lawyers guilty of barratry more accountable to their victims.

It is my hope that the truth regarding the allegations will soon be made clear. I have full confidence in our judicial system and look forward to a prompt resolution."

Commissioner John Wiley Price and Betty Culbreath on The Nicole Barrett Show

Dallas radio station 570 KLIF and can be heard worldwide via www.KLIF.com. Along with being a radio personality, Ms Barrett is an accomplished actor of stage and screen.

Dominique Collins reception planned Sean Modjarrad & Brook Busbee extended an invitation to a reception for Dominique Collins, Democrat for Judge Criminal District Court 4 Tuesday, May 8, 2012 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

The Angry Dog 2726 Commerce Street Dallas, Texas 75226 HOSTED BY: Sean Modjarrad, Brook Dominique Collins Busbee, Rev. Zan Holmes, Jim Burnham and Ezekiel Tyson ABOUT DOMINIQUE COLLINS: Endorsed by Dallas County Young Democrats Endorsed by Stonewall Democrats "A good choice...an Air Force veteran who has been an attorney for seven years...she's accomplished a lot in that short span, including winning the 2008 Above and Beyond Prosecutor Award."

- The Dallas Morning News Dominique Collins has served Dallas County as an Assistant District Attorney since 2004.

She has extensive experience handling both felony and criminal cases, and she has worked with several specialty divisions within the DA's office, including organized crime, intake/grand jury, public integrity, and the mental health and competency division.

Ms. Collins was honored with the Above and Beyond Prosecutor Award in 2008, and she served on the State Bar of Texas Committee on Crime Victims from 2009 to 2011. Collins received her law degree from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, where she was Associate Editor of "The Scholar" law review and served as a teaching assistant.

Before becoming an attorney, Ms. Collins had an exemplary career in the United States Air Force for more than 10 years, serving as an information and personnel manager.

Ms. Collins' volunteer work includes service as Secretary and Vice President of the Kessler School PTA, as a law instructor, as a volunteer income tax assistant, as a helpline volunteer, as well as many other community activities.

Collins and her family live in North Oak Cliff.

Nicole Barrett

Dallas, TX —The Nicole Barrett Show

announced Betty Culbreath and John Wiley Price have agreed to live interviews during the show’s Saturday April 28th radio broadcast.

Ms. Culbreath and Mr. Price are running against one another in the hotly contested Democratic primary election for Dallas County Commissioner, Precinct 3, which Mr. Price has held since 1985.

The radio program airs on Dallas’ KLIF 570 Saturdays at 8pm.

Ms. Barrett announced that the two guests will be interviewed separately with Ms. Culbreath appearing first followed by Mr. Price.

While the Comm. Price interviews will not be in a debate format, Ms. Barrett is set to address identical topics with each candidate.

The radio host did not release specific questions but promised to be fair and to discuss topics important to Dallas County voters.

“As a Dallasite, I have a great deal of respect for both Ms. Culbreath and Mr. Price and it is a privilege to interview them about topics that can affect this very important election,” commented Ms. Barrett.

Along with interviews and entertainment talk, Betty Culbreath regular contributor Dr. Donna Casey, a physician board-certified in internal medicine, will answer listeners’ questions regarding medical issues and also talk about topics in today’s medicine.

Nicole Barrett is the host of The Nicole Barrett Show, which airs Saturdays at 8 pm on !

APRIL 27, 2012

State Rep Veasey on SCOTUS SB 1070 Hearings The following is a statement from State Representative and congressional candidate (TX-33) Marc Veasey on today’s Supreme Court hearings on the Arizona immigration law SB1070: “I fought against racial profiling proposals like these when they were championed by Republicans in Texas like Greg Abbott and I intend to continue that fight in the United States Congress. Laws like this which require local law enforcement to make judgments about who does and does not look American run counter to everything our country stands for. I stand firmly with the Democratic members of the Texas Congressional Delegation like Al Green and Sheila Jackson Lee who have filed formal briefs opposing this hateful law.” !

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Thanking You for My Second Term at the 14th Civil District Court Dear Friends, It has been my privilege to serve you these last four years. I am looking forward to continuing my work as Presiding Judge of the 14th Civil District Court in my second term, which will commence on January 1, 2013.

Judge Eric Moye Thanks to your support during the 2012 campaign season, I have been fortunate to avoid opposition in the 2012 Democratic Primary and the General Election.

I do not take either your support or this good fortune for granted, and I am grateful for the trust you place in me and the work I do for the community.

Every day, I have the honor of performing a significant role in the civil justice system, and I take this role very seriously. Justice is one of the founding principles of our government, and we must cherish and protect it.

I offer my sincerest thanks to you, and I pledge to continue my work on behalf of the citizens of Dallas County with energy and commitment.

Best regards, Hon. Eric V. Moyé Presiding Judge, 14th Civil District Court

Texas Faith Leaders endorse Tom Leppert Prominent conservative pastors and faith leaders from across Texas have announced their personal support of Tom Leppert for U.S. Senate. These influential community leaders not only believe Tom is the best candidate to turn our economy around, but ultimately decided to put their Tom Leppert names and support behind Tom because they firmly believe he represents the morally principled and faith-based leadership so desperately needed in our nation. The endorsements of these faith leaders are made as private citizens and not on behalf of any religious organization.

The Texas faith leaders announcing their personal support for Tom Leppert include: Dr. Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church of Dallas; Dr. David Dykes of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler; Dr. Jerry Carlisle of First Baptist Church of Plano; Dr. Randel Everett of First Baptist Church of Midland; Curtis Hail, founder of I Am Second; Dr. James Denison of the Center For Informed Faith; Revs. Jeff and Eileen Hackleman of Family Faith Church of Huntsville, Willis and Coldspring; Rev. Keith Craft of Elevate Life Church of Frisco; Dr. Jeff Williams of First Baptist Church of Denton; Dr. Hal Habecker of Dallas Bible Church; Dr. Glynn Stone of Mobberly Baptist Church of Longview; Rev. Mike Fechner, president of H.I.S. Bridgebuilders; Don Stephens, president and founder of Mercy Ships in Tyler; Ann Quest, the former Chair of National Day of Prayer of Texas; Dr. D. Leland Paris of Youth With A Mission of Tyler; and Rev. Kristie K.

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McCrary, director of public relations of I Am Second.* A dedicated Christian, one of Tom’s first acts as mayor of Dallas was to begin every City Council meeting with a prayer. Tom supports traditional marriage, and is a long-time pro-life advocate. Tom supports efforts to overturn Roe vs. Wade, and would back a human life amendment to the Constitution that would define life as beginning at the moment of conception. As Mayor, Tom advanced the effort to protect the sanctity of life, participating in a number of events, including advocating on behalf of women’s centers that have been established to reach out to women contemplating difficult life decisions and communicate the importance of pro-life decisions.

In the Senate, Tom will lead the fight against President Obama’s policies that have infringed upon religious liberties, including Obama’s opposition to a ministerial exception and support for an unconstitutional contraception mandate.

Tom and his wife Laura are proud members of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, and together they have been involved in supporting pro-life, faith-based causes like RNC For Life, Vitae Foundation, Council For Life, and I Am Second.

Dallas County Young Democrats 2012 Primary Endorsements The Dallas County Young Democrats recommends the following highly qualified candidates in the May 29th 2012 Democratic Primary Elections.

President Barack Obama U.S. Senator Sean Hubbard Us Representative District 5 Linda S. Mrosko US Representative District 24 Tim Rusk US Representative District 26 David Sanchez US Representative District 30 Eddie Bernice Johnson US Representative District 33 Marc Veasey Rail Road Commissioner Dale Henry Justice, Supreme Court, 6 Michelle Petty Presiding Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Keith Hampton State Board of Education, District 12 Lois Perrott State Board of Education, district 13 Mavis Best Knight State Senator District 8 Jack G. B. Ternan, Jr State Senator District 9 Pete Martinez State Senator District 23 Royce West State Representative 100 Eric Johnson State Representative 102 Rich Hancock State Representative 103 Rafael M. Anchia State Representative 104 Roberto R. Alonzo State Representative 105 Rosemary Robbins State Representative 107

Robert Miklos State Representative 109 Helen Giddings State Representative 110 Larry Taylor State Representative 111 Yvonne Davis State Representative 114 Carol Kent State Representative 115 Mary Clare Fabishak Justice, 5th Court of Appeals District, Place 2 Dan Wood Justice, 5th Court of Appeals District, Place 5 Penny R. Phillips Justice, 5th Court of Appeals District, Place 9 David Hanschen Justice, 5th Court of Appeals District, Place 11 Tonya J. Holt Justice, 5th Court of Appeals District, Place 12 Lawrence J. Praeger District Judge, 14th Judicial District Eric V. Moyé District Judge, 95th Judicial District Ken Molberg Civil District Court 162 Phyllis Lister Brown & Maricela Moore Criminal District Judge, Court 2 Don Adams Criminal District Judge, Court 3 Gracie Lewis Criminal District Judge, Court 4 Dominique Collins Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez

APRIL 27, 2012

Dallas County Tax Assessor-Collector John R. Ames Dallas County County Commissioner #1 Daniel Clayton County Commissioner Court #3 John Wiley Price Proposition No. 1 Any graduate of a Texas high school, who has lived in the state for at least three years and lived here continuously for the last year, should be eligible for in-state tuition at state supported colleges and universities and given the opportunity to earn legal status through a higher education or military service.

FOR Proposition No. 2 Because a college education is increasingly necessary for jobs that allow our citizens to achieve middle class lifestyles and become the entrepreneurs who create the jobs that our economy relies on, we call on the Texas Legislature to fund colleges and universities such that tuition and fees can be affordable to all Texans FOR Proposition No. 3 Should the Texas Legislature allow the people of Texas to vote to legalize casino gambling with all funds generated being used only for education?

FOR

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APRIL 27, 2012

DGC’s Mother’s Day Makeover Submit a 150 Word Essay

Stating Why 'Your Mother' Deserves to win The Makeover?

Email Your Essay to: events@dallasgospelconnection.com

Sponsored by DallasGospelConnection.com & Southwest Center Mall Mothers Will Receive: Hair Makeover Facial/Spa Treatment Make-up Makeover Complete Outfit Gift Bag with fragrances and more Lunch for mom and the family Photoshoot with Ace Photography Tickets for two to an upcoming play and more....

Dick Gregory’s 80th

SAVE THE

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DATE

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Delegation to

SENEGAL 7

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An Exclusive

LOVE, PEACE AND SOUL

Check out Cheryl Smith’s

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

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Texas Women to rally Saturday against the "War on Women" The Texas chapter of Unite Women will rally and register voters Saturday in Austin as part of a national effort to defeat anti-woman lawmakers.

The group will draw attention to the loss of Texas women's health programs and the Texas Trans-vaginal Sonogram law.UNITE Women, a new national grassroots women's organization was founded to push back against anti-woman legislation, policies and rhetoric.

"We're on the cutting edge of a new, intergenerational wave of the women's movement; we have a vision of a better world for our children and our grandchildren," said Sheila Sorvari, a member of the Texas chapter.

UW-TX will work with other groups in the state to educate and register voters and to defeat the lawmakers who vote against women's freedom and equality, regardless of their party. The group's immediate priorities are to: • Restore federal funding for the Medicaid Women's Health Program, which provides cancer screening, family planning assistance and more to 130,000 low income women in Texas. The program was defunded for

political reasons earlier this month.

• R e p e a l t h e Te x a s Sonogram Law. Texas law dictates that a woman seeking a safe and legal abortion must submit to a medically unneeded vaginal sonogram probe while her doctor reads a script. This gross violation of privacy acts as a vendetta against women. Passed in 2011 in Texas, a similar measure recently was watered down in Virginia due to public pressure.

• Achieve equality in health insurance. Since an EEOC ruling in 2000, it has been illegal for health insurers to discriminate based on gender. Yet the law is not being enforced. UW-TX calls on the federal government to enforce the law.

The Austin rally is Saturday, April 28th at 4:00 p.m. at the State Capitol building. Dallas residents who want to ride a bus to Austin will gather at the Unity Church of Dallas, 6525 Forest Ln, Dallas, TX 75230 at 10:30 a.m.

The buses leave at 11:00 a.m.

Organizations supporting UW-TX include: National Organization for Women, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, Catholics for Choice, Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, Travis County Democratic Party, Bastrop County D e m o c r a t i c P a r t y, A m e r i c a n Association of University WomenTexas Affiliate, Code Pink, Liberal Ladies Who Lunch, The Dallas Peace Center, Capital Area Democratic Women, Texas Democratic Women, The Women's Political Caucus and the Austin Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

For more about Unite WomenTexas, the April 28th rally or our supporters and donors, visit www.wowtex.org.

"We're angry, we're organized and we vote."

APRIL 27, 2012

HLN ANCHOR AND ADVOCATE, RICHELLE CAREY TAKES A STAND AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUALIZATION OF GIRLS, SEXISM AND VICTIM BLAMING

Unite Against the War on Women (UAWOW)- Texas www.wowtex.org includes links in Spanish

Tune in on Sunday Morning at 6a.m. to hear Richelle and Cheryl talk about this important issue.

UAWOW Facebook for Texas with 2000 + members http:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / # ! / g r o u p s / WOWTX/ National Unite Women http:// www.wearewomenmarch.net/

Log in to www.blogtalkradio.com Or call 646 200 0459 to listen in

“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 7

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Dallas County leads the way against bullying and combating truancy, supporting new 501C3 “Mothers Opposing Bullying” celebrity event bullies themselves. According to Ms. Ramsey, “We welcome ALL MEDIA and the public to the Celebrity Golf Tournament to be held Thursday, April 26th through Saturday, April 28th at the Westin Stonebriar Resort and Hotel, Frisco Texas.”

In attendance will be many Dallas County officials and a litany of celebrities as well the families of suicide victims resulting from bullying.

MISSION

Belinda Ramsey Mothers Opposing Bullying

[Dallas, TX] – [As Dallas County actively pursues ways to bring down our truancy numbers we cannot minimize the impact of the bullying epidemic in our schools. We wanted to take a moment to introduce you to an initiative entitled “Mothers Opposing Bullying,” (M.O.B) founded by recent Ms. Texas Belinda Ramsey. The newly formed 501c3 addresses the issue of bullying not only from the perspective of the victims but also from that of the

To take back our schools through Education, Participation and Legislation by creating programs, resources and protocol designed to engage and educate school administrators and students while lobbying to make accountability and follow-through mandatory.

We’re already beginning to see progress towards change with Senator Royce West now confirming that he will put this at the top of his legislative agenda.

Commissioner Price read a Resolution in Commissioners Court last week. This is a national story and presents us with a unique opportunity to be pro-active and lead the way towards real solutions in the protection of the children of Dallas

County.

CBS11 has committed to running PSAs to mark the debut of M.O.B (as well as Radio Disney) and Dallas County’s support for the antibullying platform and to announce the upcoming top-tier Celebrity Golf Tournament this April 26th-28th at the Stonebriar Westin Resort, Frisco.

For more details, log on to: www.MothersOpposingBullying.org WHO: Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, Commissioner John Wiley Price, Frisco Mayor Maher Maso (w/Proclamation), Dallas County officials.

Celebrities include Moses Malone, Bill Bates, Mark Aguirre, Hollywood Henderson, the MAVS Mani AACs , NFL players and many more…

WEEKEND LINE-UP

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Thursday, April 26, 2012 7:00PM – 11:00PM PAIRING PARTY – Westin Stonebriar Resort/Hotel Celebs are paired w/sponsors; dinner, meet anti-bullying advocates/families

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F r i d a y, A p r i l 2 7 , 2 0 1 2 8:00AM (MEDIA) Shotgun Start 9:00AM CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT – Stonebriar Country Club (preview of silent auction items)

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F r i d a y, A p r i l 2 7 , 2 0 1 2 8:30PM – 2:00AM (MEDIA) CASINO/POKER NIGHT: BLACK TIE Entertainment, Play Poker with celebrities, Live & Silent Auction

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Saturday, April 28, 2012 COMEDY FOR KIDS EVENT – Westin Hotel Ballroom 1PM – 3PM Kids are transformed into a world where they are the VIPs, Comedy, Ventriloquist, Teen and Kid Performances, Elsie the Cow, balloon artist & more

WHERE: The Westin Stonebriar Resort and Hotel 1549 Legacy Drive, Frisco, TX 75034

NO EXCUSES: Get out and VOTE

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Singing sensation Imaj visits Dream Angels

APRIL 27, 2012

DeSoto High School College and Career Academies Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m. to noon DHS – 600 Eagle Drive, DeSoto 75115 Open to the public; free tours and snacks; visit with students, staff and partners!

Two Open Houses are also being held on Monday, May 7 and Thursday, May 10 from 6-8 p.m. for all interested parents and families!

DeSoto High School College and Career Academies offer EVERY student the opportunity to earn college credit and explore career choices while enjoying the traditional high school experiences. Students can choose from one of five College and Career Academies at DeSoto High School: · Arts and Performance Academy · Business and Technology Academy · Classical Studies Academy · Health and Science Academy

Imaj speaks and Sings To Dream Angels ( Dream Angels ,Inc provides mentoring and supporting at-risk girls beginning in the third grade to have confidence and teaching them skills that will guide them to their life's dream)

Artist Efrem enjoys Hollywood

At the Hard Rock Hollywood with Dennis Bettis. He got a Grammy writing for Boys 2 Men and he wrote “You Are” for

Efrem and Eric Dickerson at Hollywood W

Charlie Wilson.

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Tylers bring documentary “Still Standing” to Dallas When Lamar and Ronnie Tyler return to Dallas for the April 28 Still Standing screening and town hall meeting they will be extolling the virtues of the institution of marriage.

They are not strangers to the Metroplex and they are considered experts on the subject of healthy and successful marriages.

Still standing is the latest installment of a very successful documentary series that examines and celebrates African American marriages and the family.

The Tylers are currently on a multi-city tour, with stops in Washington DC, Chicago, Houston, Dallas and Atlanta.

According to Mr. Tyler, in Still Standing couples will reveal personal stories of how they’ve “overcome obstacles in their marriages and been able to maintain their relationships.”

A major problem he said, is that some couples focus on the wedding day, while he encourages them to focus on the relationship and the marriage.

“The wedding is one day and usually the man is not focused on that one day,” said Mr. Tyler, adding that there will be some challenging times.

“Women focus much of their attention on the beautiful wedding day.”

During a recent interview he talked about the trials and triumphs of being married. While each relationship has different issues, how they deal with the issues is so important, he says.

Citing chronic illness, infidelity, finances, blended families, communication issues and outside influences, he said it takes work to make a marriage successful.

“What happens when you have financial problems,” he asked. “No matter how prepared you are, there will be issues. You need to know the person you’re with, to learn their communication style.”

Communication styles are usually a key obstacle, noted Mr. Tyler. “It’s important to understand one another’s style and not try to change it,” he said, adding that too often people will dislike things about their partner, but they think they can change those things they dislike.

In Still Standing, viewers will hear from the husband and wife team that is the popular neo-soul music duo, Kindred the Family Soul; “Speech” Thomas from the Grammy Award-winning group Arrested Development and wife Yolanda and

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Lamar and Ronnie Tyler enjoy one another’s company.

nationally renowned psychologist, Dr. Sherry L. Blake.

The Tylers believe in marriage and in 2007 the parents of four decided they needed to do something to combat the messages that didn’t necessarily promote holy matrimony.

They are so committed to their cause that they even have weekly chats on Wednesdays at 8p.m. They encourage candid conversations from participants joining them on Twitter, for their “Weekly Twitter Party,” at #marriagechat.

On the very informative website, www.BlackandMarriedwithKids.com, the Tylers provide a positive image of marriage and family. Considered one of the “most popular marital lifestyle sites on the net,” the website is complete with empowering information for married couples and people interested in building strong, healthy relationships. Additionally, the site offers “news, blogs, and original content germane to the politics, business and culture of marriage, family and parenting.”

Since its inception the site has won the About.com “Best Parenting” Blog Award, appeared on Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 list and has been designated by Parenting Magazine as one of their 10 “Must Read” sites.

“We want to show that positive

Justin Hackworth (www.JustinHackworth.com

images of marriage and parenting exist in our community,” said Mr. Tyler. “There are successful marriages and we highlight them.”

Popular requests on the speakers circuit, the Tylers are considered “leading experts on marital relationships in America.” Their production company, Tyler New Media, is responsible for two bestselling documentaries, You Saved Me and Happily Ever After - A Positive Image of Marriage and Family and if the buzz and hype is any indication, Still Standing will join the list of best-selling productions.

They are strong supporters of Black Marriage Day and the Wedded Bliss Foundation because the focus is also on helping “teens and adults create healthy relationships and healthy marriages to better the outcomes for children.”

Celebrations of Black Marriage Day are also held at Friendship-West.

The church has several strong ministries, including the Covenant Keepers - Marriage Community that helps to empower, support and train people to grow in their marriages, allowing them to successfully navigate their way through the marital stages.

On Friendship-West’s website, it reads: “We are here to join with you on your journey in building and !

sustaining a Healthy Marriage.”

The Tylers say they are excited about coming back to the church to discuss such an important topic and especially because of the efforts of Friendship West’s leadership to strengthen the Black Family.

The entire world benefits from a strong Black family and the Tylers have been very instrumental in keeping the lines of communication open and encouraging couples to work together to build healthier, stronger and more vibrant relationships.

Upcoming screening dates for Standing Still: April 28, 2012 Friendship-West Baptist Church | Dallas, TX May 3, 2012 Midtown Art Cinema | Atlanta, GA

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EDUCATION NOTES SMU journalism student work with Dallas South News

By Mark Agnew Dallas South News

I’ve been to some of Dallas’s trendiest neighborhoods across the Trinity River, where I’ve eaten at popular restaurants and soaked up the nightlife. But until recently, I had not experienced many of the other communities to the south of our campus.

Some of them are dealing with tough issues, but they are diverse and vibrant and there are stories to be told there.

As an SMU journalism student writing for Dallas South News, I’ve been able to provide these communities, many of them low income, with stories important to them.

Without a doubt, my classmates are also finding the experience rewarding.

“Writing for Da!as South News has given me what I consider to be real world experience in the field of journalism,” said SMU senior and journalism major Charles Scott, who has reported on issues ranging from a gang intervention program in Dallas schools to a boxing program for at-risk youth.

Scott and I are part of Jayne Suhler’s Reporting II class in the Division of Journalism. The class teamed up in the fall of 2011 with the nonprofit news organization Da!as South News. Editor and founder Shawn Williams launched the publication in 2009 to ser ve the neighborhoods and suburbs of southern Dallas County, which is home to more than 500,000 people.

Since forming the partnership, students have spread out across the area to bring professional ne ws co vera ge to these communities. They attend city meetings and press conferences, talking with residents, business leaders and public officials to get the full story.

Scott, for instance, pursued Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings to comment on his story about the youth boxing program. His tenacity paid off when Rawlings granted him an interview.

“I expected the students to do well, but the stories they have produced have proven to be very valuable and in line with our mission,” said Williams, who gained national recognition for his blog DallasSouthBlog.com, which he started in 2006. “It’s been a seamless process.”

Suhler r uns her classroom like a newsroom. Students pitch their own ideas, report off campus, and then rework stories in cla ss until they are polished and professional. In some cases, students are covering breaking news and press conferences, and must report and write on a tight deadline.

The result is an impressive and growing list of stories published by Da!as South News, according to Suhler. Students have reported on issues that include a new food stamp partnership with the Dallas Farmers Market; budget cuts at libraries and PAGE 12

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nonprofit agencies; an update on one of the city’s lowest-performing high schools; and a profile on the growing number of AIDS cases in the African American community.

“What is truly remarkable are the relationships our SMU students are forging with the people of Dallas,” she said. “My students are meeting residents, business people and community leaders from areas where they might never travel were it not for this partnership.”

I reported a story about the emerging Tyler Davis Arts District, talking with storeowners and artists who opened my eyes to a community filled with an energy unrivaled in Dallas. I also wrote a piece about Dallas’s new Omni Hotel and its plan to hire hundreds of workers. The Omni story was seen by more visitors to the Dallas South News website than any story by an SMU student to date, and had the second highest number of visitors of any story ever posted on the site.

According to Williams, the paper and its website have reached several historic readership highs as a result of the partnership. Stories that drew the most attention included the Comerica Bank grant given to the Dallas Public Library system, a profile about well-known African American publisher and community leader Jordan “Randy” Blair, and the dedication of Dallas’s new Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge.

Junior Ashley Stainton, who was part of Suhler ’s Reporting II class when the partnership formed, worked this spring as a liaison between Dallas South News and SMU. She manages story ideas and serves as an editor for the partnership. She has had her hands on every story published this semester.

“The skills I am acquiring working with both Suhler and Shawn have already helped me with internships, and I know what I have learned will continue to be an asset to me in the future,” Stainton said.

Williams credits the hard work of the students and commitment from SMU professors as the formula for the collaborative success. Williams hopes the partnership will continue in fall 2012, drawing in other classes and teachers.

“Many of the stories may not have been told without the dedication of the SMU journalism students and professors,” he said.

“I would love to see that continue into the future.”

APRIL 27, 2012

email Sandra.cortez@osec.usda.gov Deadline May 9th.

HBCU of the Year – Alcorn State University

HBCU Awards announced

GO Southern University Congratulations to the Southern University Women's Tennis Team for their third consecutive SWAC Championship!

Alcorn State University captured 'HBCU of the Year' in the second annual 2012 HBCU Awards. Alcorn captured three awards, including the night's top honor at the national awards ceremony, presented by and held on the campus of Bowie State University in the Wiseman Student Center.

Other top honorees included Paul Quinn College President Michael Sorrell and Spelman College President Beverly Daniel Tatum, named male and female p r e s i d e n t s o f t h e y e a r. Ha m p t o n University's Jeffrey Eugene and Florida A&M University's Kindall Johnson were named students of the year.

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore was the big winner of the evening, capturing best research center, best female athlete and coach, and best women's program.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS Best HBCU Marching Band - Southern University Marching Band Best HBCU Choir – Morgan State University Choir Best HBCU Student Government Association – Paul Quinn College Best Student Newspaper – North Carolina Central University Campus Echo Best Alumni Publication – Alcorn State University, Alcorn: The Alumni Magazine Best Research Center - UMES Paul S. Sarbanes Coastal Ecology Center Best Fine Arts Program – Digital Moving Image Salon at Spelman College Best Business Program - Reginald F. Lewis School of Business, Virginia State Univ.

Best S.T.E.M Program – Jackson State College of Science, Engineering and Technology Best Nursing Program - Tuskegee University School of Nursing and Allied Health Best Social Work Program – Clark Atlanta School of Social Work Male Faculty Member of the Year – Dr. George Acquaah, Bowie State University Female Faculty Member of the Year – Dr. Alfreda Harper Harrison, WinstonMark Agnew is a senior business and Salem State journalism student at Southern Methodist Male Coach of the Year – Mer vyl University.

Melendez, Bethune-Cookman University Female Coach of the Year – Sharon ULGDYP presents Rise Brummell, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Up Education Conference Male Athlete of the Year – Orolando Duffus, Saint Augustine’s College Female Athlete of the Year – Kristina Frahm, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Men’s Team of the Year – Men’s Outdoor Track and Field, Saint Augustine's College Female Team of the Year – Women’s Bowling, University of Maryland Eastern Shore National Alumni Association of the Year – Southern University Male Alumnus of the Year – Dr. Shelby Wilkes, Alcorn State University Female Alumnus of the Year – Lauryn DuValle, Grambling State University Male Student of the Year - Jeffrey U S DA P u b l i c S e r v i c e L e a d e r s Eugene, Hampton University Scholarship- The U. S. Department of Female Student of the Year – Kindall Agriculture is now accepting applications.

Johnson, Florida A&M University This program provides a combined Male President of the Year – Michael scholarship & internship opportunity to Sorrell, Paul Quinn College college and university students leading to Female President of the Year – Dr. permanent employment with USDA. For Beverly Daniel Tatum, Spelman College more information call 202-720-6506 or !

Rep. Yvonne Davis announces $500,000 2012-2013 Urban Scholarship Fund

State Representative Yvonne Davis (DDallas) announced that over $500,000 in scholarships are available for high school graduates from Dallas and twenty eight other urban areas throughout Texas.

Administrated by the Texas Association of Developing Colleges (TADC), the Urban Scholarship Program was created during the 74th Legislative session a s par t of House Bill 2128 with the cooperation of the three largest local telephone companies in the state of Texas at that time. This year ’s Scholarship Fund contributors are AT&T and Verizon Wireless.

Since the establishment of the Urban Scholarship Fund, nearly 10,000 students throughout the state of Texas have been able to begin or continue their college education due to over $5,500,000 awarded to them through the Urban Scholarship Fund.

“This fund was created to provide access to higher education opportunities for Texans who, without this assistance, might not be able to strive for a college education,” said Rep. Davis. “Basically all the problems facing our communities, including economic parity, high crime, building cohesive families, and other quality of life issues are related to the lack of education. By providing increased avenues of educational opportunity, we multiply our chances of improving the conditions of our State. The goal of this fund is to boost chances of reaching this target” Rep. Davis continued.

The 2012-2013 Urban Scholarship Fund is for Texas residents who are also U. S. citizens and full-time undergraduates in good academic standing at any accredited public or private non-profit college, university or technical college.

Ad d i t i o n a l l y, a p p l i c a n t s m u s t demonstrate financial need and have graduated from a high school in the following metropolitan cities: Abilene, Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, Beaumont, Brownsville, Carrollton, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Grand Prairie, Houston, Irving, Kil leen, Laredo, Lubbock, McAl len, McKinney, Mesquite, Midland, Pasadena, Plano, San Antonio, Waco and Wichita Falls. Students interested in applying for scholarships should contact their high s c h o o l g u i d a n c e c o u n s e l o r ; c o l l e g e financial aid officer, or call the Texas Association of Developing Colleges at (214) 630-2511.

Applicants may also complete the scholarship application online at www.txadc.org then print, sign and mail it with the required documents. The deadline for applying for the 2012-2013 Urban Scholarship Fund is Monday, July 16, 2012 (postmarked).

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upcoming f ree, statewide conference, "Spiritual Crossroads: Faith, Mental Health and the African American Community."

What is the conference about?

This two-day conference is the 17th in a of biennial seminars hosted by the Whatʼs Next: A Blood Test series Hog g Foundation in honor of its first executive director, Robert Lee Sutherland. for Alzheimerʼs Disease The event will focus on the faith and mental health of African Americans.

One in eight older Americans is living Who should attend? with Alzheimer’s disease and its devastating The conference is designed for a broad impact on memory and other intellectual range of stakeholders: • Consumers of mental capabilities. Experts agree that early testing health services and their family members/ must be developed in order to detect caregivers • Advocates • Mental health service Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms occur. providers • Licensed clinicians • Faith-based A novel technology discovered by UT community members and volunteers • Health Southwestern researchers could one day help care providers • Social workers • Nonprofit physicians diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in social service organizations • Community patients long before symptoms ever appear. leaders • Policy makers • Foundations D w i g h t G e r m a n , P h . D. , Pr o f e s s o r o f • Students • Educators • Community Psychiatry, will describe his work on an health workers/promotores experimental new blood test for Alzheimer’s Attendees will: disease at a Spring Public Forum 7 p.m. April • Receive training on the impact 3 0, p r e s e n t e d b y t h e Fr i e n d s o f t h e spirituality has on African American mental A l z h e i m e r ’s D i s e a s e C e n t e r a t U T health.

Southwestern Medical Center.

• Learn about community-based “One of the great challenges in treating strategies for improving the mental health of patients with Alzheimer’s disease is that once African Americans. symptoms appear, it is too late,” said Dr. • Network with regional stakeholders.

German. “If we can find a way to detect the Registration closes on May 1, 2012 or disease in its earliest stages and before upon reaching capacity (400). A waiting list cognitive impairment begins, we might be will be developed if necessary. able to stop it in its tracks.”

The 7 p.m. forum, titled “What’s Next: A Blood Test for Alzheimer’s Disease,” will PFIZER Helpful Answers be held in the Simmons/ Hamon Biomedical Re s e a r c h B u i l d i n g s o n t h e U T receives recognition Southwestern North Campus, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd. Complimentary valet parking is Dallas - Pfizer Helpful Answers, a available. patient assistance program that provides The public forum is one of many programs Pfizer medicines for free or at a savings to sponsored by the Friends of the Alzheimer’s uninsured and underinsured patients who Disease Center, which was established in qualify, was honored by DFW International 1996 to provide financial support for Community Alliance during their fifth annual Alzheimer’s research at UT Southwestern.

Dinner with the Mayors held Thursday, April Contributions from the Friends go directly to 19. At the dinner, Pfizer was presented with support Alzheimer’s research at the medical an award in recognition of their multi-year center. Since its founding, the group has support of the “Guide to Economical Health raised more than $1 million for grants to S e r v i ce s ” , p r o d u ce d l o c a l l y b y D F W researchers. To attend the free forum on International and distributed for free in the April 30, please call 214-648-2344 to make a Dallas/FortWorth community. reservation.

“At Pfizer we are honored by this recognition,” said Gary Pelletier, Director of Pfizer Helpful Answers, Pfizer’s family of Statewide conference patient assistance programs, “We are very to be a part of the work that DFW focuses on mental health proud does in the community to help make sure everyone has the knowledge to gain access to The Hog g Foundation for Mental resources that can help them care for their Health invites you to register for its health,” said Pelletier.

A Healthy You

In addition to supporting the DFW health guide for the past several years, Pfizer Helpful Answers has also partnered with other organizations to publish similar guides in other locations such as Atlanta, South Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. The health guides are produced in both English and Spanish to facilitate reaching Hispanics, a population that makes up a disproportionate share of the uninsured. Resources in the Guide include where to find affordable medical care as well as information on where patients should call for help to see if they qualify to receive free or low-cost medicines, and much more.

“Pfizer has a long tradition of helping patients in need get access to the medicines they need to better manage their health. We are particularly pleased to have developed a strong partnership with an organization such as DFW International, which does so much to service the community,” said Pelletier.

APRIL 27, 2012

many eye- and overall-health issues that can impact vision.

One of the goals of this focus is to drive awareness about the importance of getting a regular eye exam and protecting eyes from the sun. A recent study[i] showed that less than half of African Americans had an eye exam within the past year.

The study also found that only 7 percent of African Americans know that extended exposure to the sun (a risk for cataract) can damage the eyes, and that African Americans are the most likely demographic group to say they do nothing to protect their eyes from the sun.

The NCNW featured vision care at its Black Family Reunion Celebration the last two years with more than 500 attendees receiving free vision screenings sponsored by Tr a n s i t i o n s O p t i c a l , In c . , m a ke r o f Transitions® lenses, the #1-recommended photochromic eyeglass lenses worldwide. In 2012, NCNW will expand efforts to reach the community with eye health information through additional channels, including the NCNW chapter network and national conferences with support from Transitions Optical.

"I was pleased to have been approached

by Transitions Optical to launch an eye health awareness campaign realizing the magnitude of vision issues and diseases that affect our community at such high numbers," said Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever, executive director, NCNW. "We will be making sure that vision care is addressed throughout our health outreach efforts in the future."

African Americans are 1.5 times more likely to suffer from cataracts than the general population, and are five times more likely than Caucasians to develop glaucoma [ii]. They are also at higher risk for overall health issues, such as diabetes, hypertension and HIV/AIDS, all of which can have serious implications for vision.

NCNW has launched a section on its website providing eye health information and resources at ncnw.org/resources/health.htm.

An educational brochure called "What to Expect: African American Eyes," along with other materials sponsored by Transitions Optical, are available for download.

"We hope these efforts will help our community better understand that making sure eyes are healthy and protected is an important component to overall health," added Jones -DeWee ver. "I encoura ge everyone to utilize our resources and learn more about what they can do to maintain healthy sight."

National Council of Negro Women announces focused effort on Eye Health

Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever

Organization is Addressing Vision Given African Americans' Higher Risk for Many Eye Diseases WASHINGTON-- -- The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is making eye health an important component to its health programming to address the higher risk among African Americans for

Project Health - Adore your Health Day with CVS Get your free health screenings at select CVS Pharmacy Stores.

PROJECT HEALTH

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During National Minority Health Month, select CVS/pharmacy stores around the country will be offering free health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, body mass index and professional consultations with a CVS Pharmacist and a nurse practitioner.

This effort, part of CVS/pharmacy’s “Project Health,” aims to prevent disease through early detection by bringing free screenings to local communities across the

country to help African American and Hispanic communities take proactive steps to better health.

“Project Health” offers an array of free comprehensive health risk assessments and screenings during five national health awareness months, which began with American Heart Month (February) and will conclude with Diabetes Awareness Month (November).

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It’s your business FDIC and SBA offer financial education support The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced new resources to support small businesses across the nation. FDIC Director for Depositor and Consumer Protection Mark Pearce and SBA’s Deputy Associate Administrator for Entrepreneurial Development Michael Chodos released Money Smart for Small Business, a training curriculum for new and aspiring business owners.

Developed in partnership between both agencies, this curriculum is the latest offering in the FDIC’s 10-year-old award-winning Money Smart program.

Money Smart for Small Business provides an introduction to day-to-day business organization and planning and is written for entrepreneurs with limited or no prior formal business training.

It offers practical information that can be applied immediately, while also preparing participants for more advanced training. The curriculum is designed to be delivered to new and aspiring business owners by financial institutions, small business development centers (SBDCs), among others.

“We are proud to launch Money Smart for Small Business,”said Acting Chairman Gruenberg. “Since 2001, Money Smart has helped individuals build a secure financial future for themselves. I am very pleased that small businesses, which play a vital role in supporting our national economy, will now have access to this resource. The FDIC looks forward to working with the SBA and the Money Smart Alliance , to promote financial literacy among small business owners.”

“We are excited to join the FDIC in its expansion of the Money Smart curriculum for small business,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “The FDIC is a vital ally in our efforts to help small business owners start, grow and create jobs. Money Smart for Small Business will help to put more information on the business basics of financial management at entrepreneurs’ fingertips and make it easier for them to build their knowledge and skill set.”

Each of the 10 instructor-led modules in Money Smart for Small Business provides financial and business management for business owners and includes a scripted instructor guide, participant guide and overhead slides. Organizations that use the curriculum to support small businesses through training, technical assistance or mentoring are invited to join the FDIC and SBA’s Training Alliance. The FDIC will host an online “town hall” for potential Training Alliance partners in the months ahead.

The curriculum is free of charge and available by visiting http://www.fdic.gov/ consumers/consumer/moneysmart/index.html.

BlackEnterprise.com and Dell launch 'Small Business University' Free Eight-week Education Course Offers Expert Guidance to Entrepreneurs Looking to Start and Grow Small Businesses, With Chances to Win a Total Prize Value Of Over $50,000 NEW YORK-- BLACK ENTERPRISE, the

Americans, along with Dell, a worldwide provider of innovative technology and business solutions, announced the launch of the Black Enterprise Small Business University Powered by Dell, an eight-week, online video course offering expert advice to entrepreneurs looking to start and grow profitable small businesses. Housed exclusively at www.blackenterprise.com/sbu, the Small Business University includes customized gamification features that allow registrants to compete for a total of more than $50,000 in cash and prizes throughout the program. Small Business University registrants are eligible to win a grand prize package that includes $5,000 in cash, a $10,000 Dell Office Setup, a free one-on-one consultation with a small business development expert, a profile in BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine and 1-year gift subscription to the publication. A runner-up prize of a $6,000 Dell Office Setup, a free one-on-one consultation with a small business development expert, a profile on BlackEnterprise.com, and 1-year gift subscription to BLACK ENTERPRISE

Lynnette Khalfani-Cox Personal Finance Expert

magazine will also be awarded.

Registration for Small Business University launched on Monday, April 23rd powered by Janrain, a leading user management platform for the social web. The sites gamification features will be powered by Bunchball, a leader in engaging users by applying the same principles that inspire people to play games – achievements, status, and rewards – to websites and other online experiences.

Kicking off on Monday, April 30th with "Your Small Business Checklist: What Every Business Needs to Get Started," the Black Enterprise Small Business University Powered by Dell aims to assist entrepreneurs in three different stages of business development: the aspiring start-up, the parttime entrepreneur, and those with an already established enterprise. The eight-week course will consist of three original tutorials per week featuring a team of rotating business, marketing and technology all-stars including 'SmallBizLady' Melinda Emerson, Buzz Marketing Group CEO Tina Wells, Young Entrepreneurs Council founder Scott Gerber, 'The Money Coach' and personal finance e x p e r t Ly n n e t t e K h a l f a n i - C o x , SocialPeople.tv Founder James Andrews, digital lifestyle expert Mario Armstrong, Mel Parker, DellVice President and General Manager, Consumer, Small Office and Member Loyalty, North America, and many more. In addition, our experts, along with the award-winning BLACK ENTERPRISE editorial team, will be available across all Black Enterprise social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Google+ and Pinterest to connect directly with participants, answer questions, and provide additional resources.

"Black Enterprise remains as committed as ever to our core mission of encouraging minority entrepreneurship," said Black Enterprise President & CEO Earl "Butch" Graves Jr. "The path to entrepreneurship can be a difficult one to navigate, and many get lost along the way. With the enthusiastic support of Dell, a company which has set the bar in helping small business excel through innovative and practical technology solutions, services and support, we're able to share the vital lessons of our Small Business University by way of a virtual classroom. We're excited to partner with Dell on this opportunity to assist our audience in achieving their dream of starting a new business or taking their existing enterprise to the next level."

LDF Applauds New EEOC Guidelines That Expand Workplace Opportunity NEW YORK---- The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) applauds the issuance of detailed guidelines by the Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that makes it easier for those who have paid their debt to society to transition back into the workforce.

The new guidelines instruct employers to consider only important and relevant details about a candidate's criminal background, such as the nature of the offense, age at time of conviction, and the extent of rehabilitation efforts, so that reasoned employment decisions can be made without compromising safety and security. This is the first time in more than 20 years that the EEOC has updated its guidelines regarding employers' use of criminal records to make hiring decisions.

With over 90% of employers reporting consideration of criminal records in a recent survey, these new guidelines are essential for ensuring that employers use only information that is pertinent to job performance.

The updated guidelines, which incorporate many of the recommendations offered by LDF

APRIL 27, 2012

during the EEOC's public comment period, provides employers with a useful roadmap to design a fair and lawful criminal records policy. The EEOC encourages employers to identify specific criminal offenses that demonstrate unfitness for the job in question, check criminal background information only after evaluating a candidate's experience and qualifications, and provide candidates an opportunity to explain mitigating circumstances or correct inaccurate information.

According to the federal government's estimates, more than one out of every four adults has a criminal record. The numbers are far higher for African Americans, who as a group are far less likely to have engaged in criminal activity, but are more likely to be unfairly targeted by the criminal justice system. For example, a 2005 study found that African Americans represented 14% of current drug users, yet constituted 33.9% of persons arrested for drug offenses. Thus, overly broad criminal records policies— including those that deny employment to anyone who has been arrested or convicted of any offense—prevent millions of otherwise qualified Americans from obtaining gainful employment. The EEOC's new guidelines make clear that such policies may also violate Title VII if they disproportionately exclude African-American jobseekers and are not jobrelated.

"We salute the EEOC's bipartisan effort to update its guidelines to ensure that employers are not unfairly excluding otherwise qualified applicants from the job market.

No one should be penalized for the rest of their life for mistakes that they made in the past. Our whole nation benefits when we open up opportunities for people who are willing and able to become contributing members of our society," said Debo Adegbile, LDF Acting President and Director-Counsel.

The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) is America's legal counsel on issues of race. Through advocacy and litigation, LDF focuses on issues of education, voter protection, economic justice and criminal justice. We encourage students to embark on careers in the public interest through scholarships and internship programs.

leading small business resource for African PAGE 14

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APRIL 27, 2012

SAVE THE DATE It’s a

Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon Weekend

Dick Gregory’s th 80 Birthday Celebration June 29, 2012 Harwood 609 Restaurant and Jazz Club 609 North Harwood, Dallas, TX

June 30, 2012 18th Annual Cheryl Smith’s Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon --USA Bowl , Dallas, TX For sponsorship and ticket information PAGE 15

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972-572-0088

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In our library

Don’t Let the Lipstick Fool You

Reviewed by Cheryl Smith

Love Like Hallelujah

By Lutishia Lovely

Author Lutishia Lovely grabbed readers attention with her sizzler, Sex in the Sanctuary. She’s back with Love Like Hallelujah, continuing to

increase her fan base.

Everyone in the church is not holy and Ms. Lovely is sure to call them out, every last sinner!

As usual there is someone after the Senior Pastor of Mount Zion Progressive Baptist Church. And its not like King hasn’t given his wife, Tai, grief in the past. Now it looks like the past has come back to bite them both in the rear. And to think that King has the unmitigated gall to reminisce about Tootie. She’s married and a family.

Most would think that she would be happy.

Then there’s Hope and Cy—and there’s also someone who adds drama to their lives. The Taylors need more than prayers, as readers will see.

Some women just won’t give up, even when it is the right thing to do!

Ms. Lovely has a whole cast of characters sinning and keeping mess going.

And there are also those characters trying to do the right thing and encourage others to do the same.

Vivian is trying to do the right thing and she has her hands full as first lady of Kingdom Citizens’ Christian Center.

She also has to deal with someone who wants her man.

You’ll find yourself feeling sorry for some of the characters and others you will want to give a swift kick. You’ll have to determine what you want to do with Vivian because her life seems drama free and then all hell breaks loose.

Someone will be yelling “hallelujah” before it’s all over.

More and more authors are bringing tales of the church out into the open and may cause some readers to start looking around and pointing fingers.

By Lisa Leslie with Larry Burnett This basketball player is sixfoot five inches and an Olympic Gold Medalist, three t i m e s o v e r.

Numerous high points in the career of this professional basketball star includes dominating the court and being named MVP three times.

Some might be thinking of names like Jordan, Bird or Barkley. Instead it’s the dynamic Lisa Leslie, who has the distinction of being the first woman ever to dunk in a professional basketball game.

Her book, aptly titled “Don’t Let the Lipstick Fool You,” provides a candid look into the real Lisa Leslie.

She tells about the man she never knew, who people told her she looked just like.

She calls Compton her hometown and she talks of a small, close-knit family—with her always aiming to please her mother.

“I love Lisa because she always represented herself and her mom with the highest level of class and dignity,” writes Earvin “Magic” Johnson in the foreword. “Lisa Leslie has reached a rare level of excellence, yet she remains a humble lady who, through all of her achievements, honors and accolades, has

Support Black -owned bookstores

Seen it All and Done the Rest

By Pearl Cleage

Pearl Cleage has to be one of the most prolific and profound writers on the scene.

In “Seen it All and Done the Rest,” Ms. Cleage introduces us to actress Josephine Evans. Josephine is at a point in her life where her age is an issue and many in her same position have been discarded and become just a memory.

But Josephine wants to work. She’s not ready to retire.

She appears to be bordering on depression and looking for a way to stay on top of her game.

Facing unemployment, she decided to visit her granddaughter, Zora, in Atlanta.

The exchange between the two women is interesting as they both appear to be less than open about their real feelings.

Readers will embrace Ms. Cleage’s characters with passion, just as the characters’ p a s s i o n exudes from the pages of “Seen it All and Done the Rest.”

Once again she has developed her characters to a point where readers can’t help but to become attached, to feel their pain and excitement, along with varying degrees of every emotion.

There are some more challenges that Josephine will face and how she deals will keep readers enthralled.

Ms. Cleage continues to bring readers a caliber of work that is thoughtprovoking and plain old good reading.

The winner of the NAACP Image Award and an Oprah’s Book Club author, Ms. Cleage gets to the heart and soul of her characters and this endears her to her readers.

In “Seen it All and Done the Rest” Josephine comes of age as she merges two worlds and realizes what is really important, or should be in life. The journey with Josephine is worth the read.

Support the Black Press

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

been able to live in the glare of the spotlight without ever once forgetting where she came from.”

There is a level of sincerity that is evident on the pages as Ms. Leslie shares her life and even the birth of her child, with readers.

No sugarcoating here. Just an honest look into the world of a professional athlete who managed to remain true to herself despite bright lights and all the trappings that have been the downfall of so many others.

Sports and history buffs will enjoy “Don’t Let the Lipstick Fool You” and so will anyone else who is looking for an uplifting and positive story that also shares real experiences and incidents without coming across as preachy or self-serving.

Young girls-- especially --can benefit from reading Ms. Leslie’s story and seeing how she dealt with adversity, peer pressure and live.

APRIL 27, 2012

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INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

APRIL 27, 2012

SAVE THE DATE Dick Gregory’s

Interested in a career in journalism? Send your resume to Dfwabj@gmail.com

80th Birthday Celebration

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Michelle Levy, Linda Franklin, Karen Head, Lourdes Bryant and Summer Selby-Drew

Check out the inaugural show on April 30th at 8:00p.m. CST. You can watch it on UAN channel 47.2 on an analog TV with an antenna or converter box or on Verizon FiOS on channel 27 KTXD. Viewers can also catch it live on any smart phone or PC and Mac computer.

http://www.grownfolk.info/

Share I Messenger with your friends Welcome to TBANN TBANN - Timely. Trusted. True. The Black American News Network I started TBANN because I felt in my heart that there were more stories to be told about black America. For far too long have our stories been either ignored or treated as a sidebar. TBANN is here to change all of that.

Thursday, May 10, 2012 Hyatt Regency Dallas - Landmark Ballroom 300 Reunion Boulevard Dallas, Texas 75207

5:30 p.m. Sponsors VIP Reception 6:30 p.m. Dinner and Program PAGE 17

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TBANN will focus on news and issues that affect black Americans. All of black America. Rich or poor, famous or blue collar, natural or permed, dark skin, light skin or whatever makes us unique - we all have one thing in common.

TBANN.COM

We are black America!

I need you to help TBANN change the face of black news in America and across the world.

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• Where ever you are, tell someone about tbann.com. Even if you're not next to a computer, tell them anyway, our mobile website is awesome.

• Last but certainly not least - PRAY FOR US! I want to positively impact peoples lives through

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BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION children’s activities, vendors and more at Gateway Charter Academy, 1015 E. Wheatland Rd. Dallas, TX 75241, 9 AM - 2 PM *********

Mark your calendar April 27

A2ZPresents 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 atThe Loft at Gilley's, 1135 S. Lamar St., Dallas,

Houston Alumni Chapter Southern Univ Expo - Recruiting Event 5th Street Community Center. 7 pm AND 26th Annual Crawfish Boil Saturday, April 28 at Kitty Hollow Park 1 pm - 5 pm

A novel technology discovered by UT Southwestern researchers could one day help physicians diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in patients long before symptoms ever appear. The experimental new blood test for Alzheimer’s disease will be the topic at a free public forum at 7 p.m. April 30 at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Call 214-648-2344 to reserve a seat. The forum will be held in the Simmons/ Hamon Biomedical Research Buildings, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd. Complimentary valet parking is available

Booksignings at Jokae’s African American Books 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Dorothy Burton, Author - Why We Fall ******************************** 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Patricia Ann Griffin, Author Conversations, A Book of Poetry

May 2 Public launch of the Speak to Me foundation 6-8pm Kenichi Restaurant 2400 Victory Park Lane, Dallas Attire: Casual Chic Cost: FREE To raise awareness and funds for a well deserved 501(c)3 non-profit Enjoy free light bites and beverages.

Dallas County Community College District wants students and community members to get down dirty for a good cause! A one-day event, “Be the Change,” will bring together people who will volunteer their time to make a difference -- to literally be an agent of change – as they clean up the Great Trinity Forest, the largest urban forest in North America, 2012 Jazz Series Continues at TECO Theatre Nick Colionne & Richard Elliott

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 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, "What I want you to know . . . " Introduction to Memoir Writing 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Pan African Connection Bookstore - 828 Fourth Ave. Dallas, TX This fun and thought-provoking workshop will help you turn your memories and special moments into precious family heirlooms. You will learn how to become gatekeepers of your unique histories and storytellers of your own lives.

Workshop fee: $25 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, PAGE 18

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. PastorTony Evans is the keynote speaker Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson’s Annual Dialogue on “A World of Women for World Peace.” This year’s theme is “Women, Technology and Peace,” and to reflect upon this the Congresswoman has invited renowned speakers and panelists including Linda Higdon, Founder of Global Room for Women and Vivienne O’Connor from The United States Institute of Peace who will travel from around the nation to address guests. Don’t miss out on this special afternoon from noon to 2 p.m. at Crow Collection of Asian Art. ****** Inspiring evening with Dallas' Best Band in Land! Townview's Concert Big "D" Band presents An Elegant Evening of Jazz under the Direction of the Incomparable Dean Hill! featuring Saxophonist Jason Davis! At the Majestic Theatre 8:00p.m.

Pre sale Tickets are only 10.00,20.00 V.I.P for more info call 972.925.5918

Paul Quinn College 2012 Baccalaureate with Bishop Vashti McKenzie as the speaker at 10:00 am Commencement is Saturday at 11a.m.

May 5 Show times at Verizon in Grand Prairie: Thursday & Friday, May 10 & 11 – 800pm Saturday, May 12 – 300pm and 800pm Sunday, May 13 – 300pm and 730pm

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April 29

April 30

April 28

Dallas Youth Council's -3rd Annual Girls' Day, ages 11-18.

Saturday April 28th. 9:00-3:00 p.m. Event will take place at Mountain View College. Girls' Day is about promoting healthy lifestyles that enrich the lives of girls as they foster friendships, discover values, increase physical activity, build self-esteem and connect on issues that impact.

Topic: “What your Hair says about your Health” Time: 3:00-5:00pm Location: Hair 4 U Salon 230 W Parker Rd, #200, Plano, TX 75075

Pan African Connection Bookstore at 6:30 p.m.

Come Celebrate and Remember the 25th Birthday Ancestor Ishmael Muzak Food, Venders, & Music Community Release of Balloons in Ismael's Honor Free and open to the Public For more info contact Melody (Afi) Bell at 214-434-8009

Two shows only: 7PM & 9:45PM

APRIL 27, 2012

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IMESSENGER

BRINGING YOU YOU ENLIGHTENING, ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION INFORMATION APRIL 27, 27,2012 2012 BRINGING APRIL Cottonwood Art Festival is the premier fine arts event in Wine Pairing and Fundraising Dinner 6pm, Cocktail Attire June 10 North Texas. The festival has extended its hours and is set for The Richard M. Brodsky Foundation will be sponsoring its 5th annual Tower Club Dallas, Pegasus Ballroom 10 AM -- 8 PM Saturday and 10 AM - 6 PM Sunday, May 5-6, 5K AIDS Cancer Run Walk on 8 AM, Cedar Creek Park, Seaford, 2012, at Cottonwood Park, 1321 W. Beltline Rd., in Richardson, Long Island.

May 19 TX 75080. Admission and parking are free. Full details are June 16 available at www.cottonwoodartfestival.com or 972-744-4581.

Volunteer Day at the TXU Energy Urban Tree Farm & Education Center at Richland College. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. 12800 Abrams Road, LARFELL 4th ANNUAL ALL WHITE YACHT TICKETS for @ LAKE City of Balch Springs Cinco de Mayo Festival Dallas, TX 75243. This is our last volunteer work day until the fall LEWISVILLE 8pm-1am & the AFTER PARTY(TBA). ONLY a 100 11am-3pm at the Civic Center tickets will be sold so get yours now make a appointment now when it cools down. between 1pm-4pm today 214-994-3968

NO NO11ISSUE ISSUE 33 33

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 May 12 7:30pm (Arriving early is recommended.)

Age limit: All Ages Tickets: $10 each.....Purchasing tickets early is also recommended as IMAJ has been selling out all over DFW, including House of Blues.

Wales Manor Vineyard & Winery 4488 County Road 408, McKinney, TX 75071 May 15 The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, in partnership with the Fort Worth Human Relations Commission, is pleased to announce that it will host the national traveling exhibition “Freedom Riders,” which looks at six months in 1961 when more than 400 courageous Americans — old and young, black and white, men and women, Northern and Southern — risked their lives to challenge segregated facilities in the South. The exhibition, which will be on display May 15 – June 15, 2012, is a companion to the 2011 PBS broadcast of the AMERICAN EXPERIENCE film Freedom Riders, directed by Stanley Nelson. The film will be co-presented by the FWHRC and the YWCA of Fort Worth at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth on June 7 and 9 as part of the FWHRC’s Movies That Matter: A Human Rights Film Series May 17 Florida A&M University National Alumni Association (FAMU-NAA) 2012 National Alumni Convention May 17-20, in Charlotte, NC. The theme for this event is "Renew the FAMU in You”. For more info visit http:// www.famualumniconvention.com

Young Men Survive Concert it’s going to be a blast@ 7:00pm 11440 Ferguson Rd. Dallas, TX 75228 Door Admission just $5:00 10 and under FREE

June 17 Real Men Cook

Dallas Alumni Chapter Southern University Bayou Bash African American Museum lawn 6 pm *************

June 22 2012 Oak Cliff Chamber Gala OAK CLIFF ROCKS! At the SHERATON HOTEL With Honorary Chair MAYOR MIKE RAWLINGS Live Band ~ Auction ~ Raffle Go to www.gala.oakcliffchamber.org.

June 24

Home Chapter Crawfish Boil E.N. Mayberry Dining Hall lawn (Southern University - Baton Rouge) 2 pm For more information, contact the Home Chapter at 225.413.1582

North Dallas Suburban Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Annual Fashion Show June 28 2012 FraserNet PowerNetworking Conference will be held in Dallas, June 28-30! This is billed as Black America’s largest Powernetworking conference for business professionals and is headed up by the renowned speaker and author George Fraser.

May 26 Chi Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in conjunction with Pearls of Service, Inc. will host the Pearls & Ivy Debutante Ball May 27 The Star of Deep Beginnings: The Genesis of African Science and Technology by Charles S. Finch III, M.D. is the next book to be reviewed by The Third Eye in conjunction with the South Dallas Cultural Center (SDCC) at 3:00 PM at the South Dallas Cultural Center

SAVE THE DATE Dick Gregory’s

June 1

80th

8th Annual Par for The Course Golf Tournament at the Lakes Course at Firewheel Golf Club and to a gourmet dinner featuring live music and three gourmet chefs at the Spring Creek Church in Garland on Friday, June 1, 2012.

Funds from these two events will go to support the New Beginning Center’s shelter, educational programs, and transitional housing.

For more information or to sign up your team or purchase tickets go to www.newbeginningcenter.org or e-mail development@newbeginningcenter.org

May 18

Birthday Celebration June 29, 2012 Harwood 609 Restaurant and Jazz Club

June 9

Urban League of Greater Dallas Young Professionals (ULGDYP) presents A Toast to Dallas!

Appreciating our History, Building our Future

“Fit 4 the King!” Day June 09, 2012. “Fit 4 the King!” is a collaborative event between the Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Clinic and the Ron Springs “Gift for Life Foundation.” It is a day of health and fun for the entire family and community.

June 30 18th annual Cheryl Smith’s Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-athon at USA Bowl

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

Monday, April 30

Tuesday, May 1

Join Cheryl and Lady T Join Cheryl, and Lady T • Black Economic History • Black Economic History Fact of the Day Fact of the Day • Ralph Harris of TV One’s • LIVE from Harwood 609w w/ Matt Houston and the MY MOMMA THROWS U r b a n L e a g u e Yo u n g DOWN Professionals

Wednesday, May 2

Thursday, May 3

Join Cheryl and Lady T Join Cheryl and Lady T • Black Economic History • Black Economic History Fact of the Day Fact of the Day • Kenneth Everett of • LIVE from Harwood 609 Knowledge Plus Skills W/ Leroy Quigley and Coach Donnell discuss gang intervention

DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE

Friday, May 4 Join Cheryl and Lady T • Black Economic History Fact of the Day • Circle Ten Boy Scouts • Hollywood casting director Twinkie Byrd

Call in to 646-200-0459 PAGE 19

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IMESSENGER

NO 1 ISSUE 33

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

APRIL 27, 2012

Sunday, at 6:00a.m., turn on your computer & log on to Blog Talk Radio, or call 646-200-0459 to listen to And don’t forget fitness guru Jay, sports guy Andrew and an inspiring word from Father JeMonde Taylor

Remember:

DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE!

Cheryl Smith and her guests:

Donna P. Charles Ralph Harris of 5/20/1958 “My Momma Throws3/23/2012 Down” DeSoto ISD Superintendent David Harris

PAGE 20

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HLN’s Richelle Carey

AND GI Soldier Sgt. Quigley Elusive Lady #22 Spring 1978 Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., FAMU

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IMESSENGER