I Messenger 4 10 by Cheryl Smith

I MESSENGER VOLUME 4 ISSUE 10 NOVEMBER 7, 2014

NO 4 ISSUE 10

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NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Cheryl ”Action” Jackson is all about PAGE 1

LOVE

Minnie’s Food Pantry Founder !

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November 7, 2014

NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Message to the People...

Was This Funny? NUL’s Marc Morial 7

Dr. Steve Perry 16

Dawnn Lewis 22

I MESSENGER Cheryl Smith, Publisher Established 2011 IMESSENGER is a tribute to Le Messager, founded by Cameroonian journalist Pius Njawe and The Messenger, an independent magazine, founded by labor activist A . Philip Randolph and economist Chandler Owen. IM ESSENGER is committed to informing, inspiring, enlightening and provoking thought in a forum that is international. Submissions for publication consideration may be submitted to www.myimessenger.com. PAGE 2

It was a long night for many, although some races were called almost immediately after the polls Cheryl Smith closed. Across the country, the story was pretty much the same -- Republicans ruled. The biggest upset of the night, for many in Dallas County, had to be the contest between District Attorney Craig Watkins and former Judge Susan Hawk. That race saw Democrats crossing party lines, abandoning pleas to vote a straight ticket, and casting their votes for Hawk. This was clearly evident if you look at the judicial races where all Democratic candidates received over 200,000 votes but in the District Attorney race, Watkins received 196,203 to Hawk’s 199,371. Also, in contrast, the race for Dallas County Judge ended with Judge Clay Jenkins garnering 216,220 to 171,590. The district attorney race was the one to watch as the two were neck-in-neck throughout the night with Hawk emerging with 50.42 percent of the vote to Watkins’ 49.58 percent. With Hawk breaking a barrier, becoming the first female, following the first African American district attorney in the County’s history, Watkins; some say the election will mirror the next presidential election with popular former First Lady Hillary Clinton, following President Barack Obama. There were of course the races where voters complained that incumbents were forced to spend money, considering they garnered 75 and 80 percent of the vote-- as was the case with Congressional candidates Eddie Bernice Johnson and Marc Veasey, State Sen. Royce West and Justice of the Peace Norris Rideaux. One proposition, that would increase pay for Dallas City Council members narrowly passed. Although a late push brought out several influential activists and community ‘leaders” in support of Proposition 8, it passed 78,784 to 76,194. The face of Dallas County Courts will change immensely on January 20, 2015 when a wave of new judges will take seats on the bench. It will be interesting to see what happens with the Democratic Party as it moves forward. Critics blasted Democratic candidates across the country for distancing themselves from the President. Then, in what appeared to be a last ditch effort, the same candidates tried to appeal to that same base that supported the President, but voters weren’t listening and now Republicans control both the Senate and Congress. And if the Democratic Party keeps on dissing its loyal base, they can forget about Clinton or any other Democrat winning the presidency in 2016. Well, before you know it, there will be another election, and another. It does not make sense for everyone to belong to the same political party, just like it does not make sense to not hold all elected officials accountable. What needs to happen in the next two, four, six years? Get the phone numbers and addresses of these folks who have been voted into office. Call them, invite them places, let them hear your concerns and get them to address your needs. President Obama has two years to go on his term. Some say he is in for a horrible two years because Republicans are mean and vindictive and will fight him at every chance. People need to stop electing folks and letting them do all the work. If you see your elected officials not doing the right thing, what’s wrong with you stepping up and doing something? What’s wrong with having the President’s back? And he has to be held accountable too. He made a commitment to the Black Press that has yet to be fulfilled. He’s received letters about it too. It’s time to hold everyone accountable. It’s also time to stop denying the obvious. You know darned well why the President is under fire so much. You can call it what you want and you can ignore it -- and’ progress will continue to be hampered. The president has the power of veto, but he should also have the power of the people -- any people with common sense, love for this Country and a desire to build a better world.

Cheryl !

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Mothers Against Police Brutality * Public Hearing * November 7, 2014 When the police kill your loved ones, what happens next? You are invited on Friday, November 7, to this landmark public hearing on fatal police shootings in Dallas. Come hear the testimony of families who have lost their sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, and parents at the hands of local police. The statistics and press reports tell one story, but these families struggle every day with the truth behind the facts. These are the missing voices, f rom Ferguson to Dallas, in the

NOVEMBER 7, 2014

debates about deadly force policy in America. Join MAPB at St. Luke "Community" United Methodist Church as we lift up their voices to end the national disgrace of police brutality. Speakers include Rev. Dr. M i c h a e l B o w i e , J r. a n d Re v. D r. Frederick D. Haynes III. Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n C o n t a c t MABP: Mothers Against Police Brutality Phone:(214) 989-8888 Email address: mothersagainstpolicebrutalit y@gmail.com Website: www.mothersagainstpoliceb rutality.com Social Media: www.facebook.com/ MotherAgainstPoliceBrutality Twitter: @Fightingmothers

Inside the 234

Inside the 234 Talk Show is brought to you by Cheryl Smith a Media Mavens Production 6pm-8pm every Thursday. Three Women Three Generations 20’s,30’s &Fab 40’s, Three Perspectives on Life, Love and everything in between. blogtalkradio.com/cherylsmith PAGE 3

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My Possibilities looking for 4,000 Santas

NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for disabled vets leads to Small Business Success

PLANO – My Possibilities, a non-profit center dedicated to empowering disabled adults, is launching the center’s fourth annual North Texas Santa Run Campaign. This year, the My Possibilities elves have set a goal of attracting more than 4,000 Santas to participate in the outdoor event. Both the 5K and One Mile Walk are presented by the Dr Pepper Snapple Group, and will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6th from 8 a.m. to noon at the company’s headquarters in Plano. Porsche Plano is providing two sleighs – red convertibles for Santa and his entourage of Plano-based dignitaries – to lead the procession to the starting line. A number of other sponsors are also helping with the event including Frost Bank, Aqua-Fit, Mary Kay Family Foundation, Below Zero Cyro, Yoozy Payment Solutions, CareNow, Clear Channel, KDGE 102.1 FM, KRLD – FM 105.3 The Fan, 97.5 KLAK FM as well as many others. Whole Foods Market® will provide fresh fruit for participants before and after the 5K and One Mile Walk. “Last year, we raised almost $120,000 which helped fund many of My Possibilities educational programs. With more than 200,000 special needs adults living in North Texas, highquality programs are almost non-existent,” said Charmaine Solomon, founder of My Possibilities and chairman of the center’s board of directors. Proceeds from this fundraiser go directly to fund the ongoing operations of the center so that we can continue to help this large and growing population.” More than just a running event, Santa Run Texas has entertainment for the entire family. This year, the Jordan Kahn Music Company will provide live music, Trigg Watson will put on a magic show, and a designated area called Santa’s Playground will include plenty of other amusements for children. An “official” Santa Claus is on hand to hear children’s wish lists and is available for photos with the event’s youngest participants. A balloon artist and facepainter will also be on hand to entertain them too! In addition to the recognition given to the winning runners, a number of other awards and prizes will be handed out after the run and walk events have been completed. The BestDressed Pet, Best-Dressed Santa, Best Sleigh, Largest Team and other prizes are handed out to Santa Run participants. No celebration would be complete without a variety of food and drink. Multiple food trucks will be selling finger-licking favorites. Dr Pepper Snapple Group will provide complimentary water and other cold drinks. And, Dunkin Donuts will keep everyone warm with free coffee and cocoa. To launch this year’s event, My Possibilities is offering a $5 registration discount to runners that register on or before November 14th using the code SRT2014. The final registration deadline is Friday, Dec. 5th at 12 noon. Registration can be made online at www.santaruntexas.org. Registration will also be available the morning of the event, at a rate of $45 for adults and $35 for children. In addition to this year’s Santa Run Texas festivities, the HIPsters, the center’s students which are lovingly referred to as “Hugely Important People,” are collecting toys for needy children. My Possibilities is teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign. The Santa Run Texas Team is requesting that registrants bring a new unwrapped toy to the event. My Possibilities, along with their corporate sponsors, will hold a parade of toys during the kickoff of the running event. For those interested in attending, here are the details for the event: When: Saturday, Dec. 6th, 2014 Where: Dr Pepper Snapple Group Headquarters, 5301 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75024 9 a.m. – 5 K Run kick off 9:15 a.m. – One Mile Walk kick off For additional information on the Santa Run, contact Eric Lihammar, Special Events Coordinator by phone at (469) 241-9100 x107 or by email at elihammar@mptx.org. PAGE 4

Seven years ago Marine Corps veteran John Raftery was starting a contracting firm in Dallas when he read an article about a small business training program for veterans with disabilities. That’s when the trajectory of his two-person company, Patriot Contractors, Inc., took a fortunate left turn. “I applied immediately for the EBV program,” Raftery said. The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) program had just started at Syracuse University in New York, and Raftery was part of the inaugural EBV class in August 2007. Thanks to the EBV program, Raftery said, the first critical steps toward building a successful construction firm were smart ones. “I don’t think the business would have grown as quickly if not for the EBV program,” he said. In 2012, Patriot Contractors, Inc. was on the Inc. (magazine) 500 list of the fastest growing U.S. companies, earning annual revenues of $5.3 million. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development has partnered with several top universities to offer the EBV course. Since the program began at Syracuse University in 2007, more than 700 wounded warriors have completed the nine-day training course. The program focuses on helping transitioning veterans with disabilities make the shift to self-employment, develop professional networks, and start and grow sustainable businesses. “SBA is committed to serve the veterans who have served America,” said SBA Regional Administrator Yolanda Garcia Olivarez. “Their military careers have developed them to be strong leaders, equipped them with the skills and training to be outstanding entrepreneurs, which ultimately creates jobs and simulates the economy. We are very proud of John Raftery’s service to our country and the creativity he has demonstrated in starting a business. He is supporting not only his family but the community as well”. Raftery, whose company does interior renovations for clients that have included Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California, and Ft. Hood in Killeen, Texas, said that reconnecting with veterans was the initial benefit of the EBV course. “By that time I had been out of the service four years. This was the first time in years that I had been around so many vets. We spoke the same language. The camaraderie helped a lot with the final piece of the transition back to civilian life.” The training course, Raftery added, also instilled in him the confidence to plan for success. “At first I didn’t know how to start a business but I had the desire. The folks at the EBV program explained how my military experience plays a huge role in entrepreneurship, and they gave us a great blueprint for bridging the gap between serving in the Marines and establishing a profitable business.”

Learning the practical aspects of getting a small business off the ground, said Raftery, was the most useful part of the training. “I had questions, like `how do I write a business plan? What’s a good business concept? How do I get startup capital?’ I found that the course provided a good foundation for me to build on, from the startup phase to growing the business. The teaching was phenomenal.” Patriot Contractors, Inc. is now based in Waxahachie, Texas, and has landed contracts with military installations nationwide. Patriot was part of the award winning team led by Clark McCarthy HealthCare Partners at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton where they installed building specialties throughout the million square foot new hospital. The overall project was completed six months early, and $100 million under budget. His competitive drive keeps him focused on getting to the next step. “I don’t feel I’ve arrived yet. I know I’m blessed to be an entrepreneur, to be able to drive change in the world.” That drive, he said, is a quality he shares with most veterans. “And when I talk to vets who are thinking about starting a small business, and they ask me about EBV, I tell them the most important thing I learned in the program was to take more time to plan. If you spend more time planning, you’ll be more successful in the long run. “If you think running your own company is something you might want to do,” Raftery continued, “explore EBV.” The Department of Defense designated November as Warrior Care Month, making it a time to honor the courage and sacrifices made by service members, while increasing public awareness of the various programs that help these veterans make the transition to civilian life. Each year SBA helps more than 200,000 veterans, service-disabled veterans and reservists start and grow their small businesses. To learn more about additional opportunities for veterans available through the SBA, visit www.sba.gov/vets. For more information about the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities, visit http://ebv.vets.syr.edu/ Another resource for veterans is the SBA Learning Center, which offers online training courses. “Contracting Opportunities for Veteran Entrepreneurs” is a general introduction to Veteran contracting programs “Veteran Owned Small Business Contracting Programs” provides a more specific look at two Veteran contracting programs, the Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Procurement Program and the Veterans First Contracting Program. Visit www.sba.gov/learning to see the entire list of courses.

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NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Intellectual Property Rights Vital to Innovation, National Security Experts to discuss the state of US competitiveness at free policy Dallas, TX – Tax reform and spending discipline are critical to our future, but a strong intellectual property system is a vital part of our nation’s core competency, according to experts speaking at the National Center for Policy Analysis and the American Conservative Union’s upcoming policy forum Keys to Innovation: Keeping America’s Competitive Advantage. The experts will discuss the state of U.S. competitiveness after six years under the Obama administration at a free luncheon event in Dallas, Nov. 11. Lunch and valet parking will be provided. Media, RSVP if possible. This roundtable discussion will feature Carly Fiorina, Chairman of the ACU Foundation; Scott Kieﬀ,Commissioner of the International Trade Commission, and Maureen Ohlhausen, Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission.

WHO: Carly Fiorina, Chairman, the American Conservative Union Foundation Scott Kieﬀ, Commissioner, International Trade Commission Maureen Ohlhausen, Commissioner, Federal Trade Commission WHAT: The American Conservative Union Foundation and the National Center for Policy Analysis’ policy forum Keys to Innovation: Keeping America’s Competitive Advantage WHEN: Tuesday, November 11, 2014, 12:00PM – 1:30PM WHERE: Hotel ZaZa Uptown Ballroom 2332 Leonard Street Dallas, TX 75201

Register for the forum at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/keys-toinnovation-keeping-americas-competitive-advantagetickets-14023872781

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosts Medicare Forums for Seniors in Dallas County Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has partnered with the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, the Dallas Area Agency on Aging, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide a series of Medicare Open Enrollment Informational Forums as a service for seniors in the 30th Congressional District. These forums are to inform seniors about Medicare plans, coverage options and the enrollment process. Forums are open to the public. Medicare Forums are located at: Brady Social Service Center 537 S. Hall St. Dallas, TX 75226 November. 12 Wednesday (10AM) Sunshine Senior Center8341 Elam Road Dallas, TX 75217 November. 13 Thursday (10:30AM) DeSoto Senior Activity Center 204 Lion St. DeSoto, TX 75115 November. 18 Tuesday (10AM) Lancaster Life Center 240 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. Lancaster, TX 75134 November. 25 - Tuesday (10AM) Hutchins Senior Center 500 W. Hickman Hutchins, TX 75141 December. 2 Tuesday (10AM) Concord Senior Center 6808 Pastor Bailey Dr. Dallas, TX 75237 December. 3 Wednesday (10:30AM) Cedar Hill Center Senior 1740 Mansfield Rd Cedar Hill, TX 75104 December. 3 Wednesday (1:30PM) Oak Lawn United Methodist Church 3707 Cedar Springs Dallas, TX 75219 November. 17 - Monday (10AM) For additional details, please contact Sarah Davenport 214-922-8885 PAGE 5

Eastfield College student newspaper wins national awards MESQUITE — The Eastfield College student newspaper, The Et Cetera, won the prestigious Pacemaker award for the second time in four years at the Associated Collegiate Press/College Media Association National College Media Convention in Philadelphia, Pa., on November 1. Only four two-year schools in the country won the award for the 2013-14 academic year, and Eastfield was the only school in Texas to be honored. The Et Cetera also won the award in 2011. The Pacemaker, which is the equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize in college journalism, has been awarded since 1971. Judges select Pacemakers based on the following criteria: coverage and content, quality of writing and reporting, leadership on the editorial page, evidence of in-depth reporting, design, photography, art and graphics. Kevin Cushingberry Jr., a graduate of South Garland High School, was editor in chief of The Et Cetera for the 2013-14 academic year. Advisers of the newspaper were Lori Dann, Wendy Moore and Gary Pina. Two Eastfield students also won individual national awards while competing against students from two-year and four-year schools across the country. Yolanda Ramirez, a graduate of North Mesquite High School, took fifth place for Design of the Year: Newspaper Page/Spread for her “Breaking Bad” design. Justin David Tate, a graduate of West Mesquite High School, was awarded an honorable mention in Story of the Year for his feature on the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas. In addition, the current staﬀ of The Et Cetera took home second place in Best of Show among two-year tabloids at the convention. This year’s editor is Braulio Tellez and the managing editor is Caitlin Piper. Both are Mesquite High School graduates. The primary newspaper adviser for 2014-15 is Beth Langton.

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Sixty Students needed to Get on the Bus remembering the Freedom Rides The 2014 MLK Freedom Ride Tour Public Meeting/Open to all Students

Saturday, November 8, 2014 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center The 2014 MLK Freedom Ride Tour will take place November 23 through November 26, 2014. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center will take 60 students and thirty chaperones (participants do not have to reside in Dallas or attend DISD) to Little Rock, AK; Memphis, TN; Montgomery, AL; Tuskegee, AL; Selma, AL; and Philadelphia, MS in an eﬀort to relive history and continue the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. You are invited the next 2014 MLK Freedom Ride Tour Meeting, scheduled for

NOVEMBER 7, 2014

thisSaturday, November 8, 2014 from 10:00am to 12:30pm (in the public break room) to learn more about the trip. At this time we will discuss the trip itinerary, locations, and payment schedule for the tour. Commitment fees are now due. This meeting is free and open to the public. All persons interested in participating are invited. If you are willing to be a sponsor or make a donation for this historic trip, please contact : Dr. Jerry Chambers at 972-693-1489 or LaRhonda Bacon at 214-670-8418. You can also visit us at www.mlkcelebrationdallas.org.

Buckner to host Foster Care and Adoption Interest Meeting DALLAS— Buckner Children and Family Services will present a FREE foster care and adoption information meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20 at Buckner’s office, located at 5200 Buckner Blvd. A Buckner representative will give an overview of foster care and adoption options in Texas, including foster-to-adopt, Waiting Texas Children, domestic infant adoption and international adoption programs. For information or a reservation to attend the meeting, please call Sheree Scott at 214-319-3425 or emailsscott@buckner.org. For more than 135 years, Buckner Children and Family Services has been transforming lives through hands-on ministry, serving the most vulnerable from the beginning to the ending of life. Buckner is one of the oldest and most unique faith-based social service organizations of its kind, serving more than half a million people each year in the United States and worldwide. To learn more about foster care and adoption services through Buckner, visit beafamily.org.

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VOTE

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Featuring DJ Phil from 97.9 The Beat! For More Info

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973-980-2052

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NOVEMBER 7, 2014

A Temperature Check: What the Midterm Elections Mean for African-Americans and Other People of Color From the President's Desk:

Elections Mean for AfricanAmericans and Other People of Color?’ at The Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. Following Election Day, we considered it vital to explore next steps regarding solutions for our communities around issues including housing, workforce and healthcare. During my remarks to our audience, I stressed the three D's that will be of critical importance moving forward.

Marc Morial On Wednesday, the National Urban League Washington Bureau and the National Urban League Urban Solutions Council held our postelection forum - ‘A Temperature Check: What Do the Midterm

First - Defend Democracy. We had a civic exercise in voting this week, and while most of our gains in voting rights took place during the 20th Century, we find ourselves in a 21st Century environment of eﬀorts to create undue restrictions that make it more diﬃcult for

I Messenger’s Fitzpatrick is WFAA’s newest fill-in traffic reporter Award winning journalist Amanda Fitzpatrick is the latest addition to WFAA-TV’s news team, as a fill-in reporter providing traﬃc reports on Saturday mornings from 7:00-9:00am. Previously in this market, Amanda worked at NBC 5 and CW33. Now she’s filling in on Channel 8 and what a way to start your morning! Featured as one of the 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas 2013, this year she was nominated for five "Excellence in Reporting" awards by the National Association of Black Journalists and won three trophies for excellence in reporting. She has also received three EMMY nominations by the Lone Star chapter of the National Academy of Television & Arts. PAGE 7

Amanda is currently a blogger for Texas Metro News, I Messenger, The Garland Journal and Dallasblack.com (2.1 million hits daily.) A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Amanda is also an active member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the DallasFort Worth Association of Black Journalists. When she’s not mentoring to aspiring journalists, she spends her free time enjoying the Dallas social scene. She also enjoys singing with the church choir, eating ice cream (Dreyer's French Silk) and working with House of Renewed Hope in fights for the release of wrongfully accused prisoners, and mentoring aspiring journalists are her chosen ways to give back.

people to vote. We cannot be a nation that preaches democracy all over the world, yet seeks to cut back on voting rights and civic and civil rights here at home. Second, Demand Jobs. While we've had 50 months of continuous job creation, in many cities – especially urban inner city communities – Black unemployment rates are above 20%. It is the responsibility of the private sector and the government to be on the side of job creation. In fact, it is all of our responsibility, and we must demand a jobs agenda that touches every corner of every community in every neighborhood. It is insuﬃcient to have a jobs policy that reaches some, yet leaves others behind.

Third, Develop Human Capital. Simply put, from the time children are born - from their earliest involvement in education to their first jobs – we must talk about and put forward policies and programs towards education, jobs, ownership, and healthcare, and foster understanding of how they are all integrated to develop the best individuals and citizenry possible. When we talk about these issues, our conversation is not around theoretical policy, but helping people get access in a real way…and regardless of what the polls say or who sits in Congress or the White House, we will never stop the work that we do to positively impact the lives of millions of Americans.

The Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce has a professional office space(s) available for lease located at 1001 N. Bishop Ave.

OFFICE SPACE INCLUDES: Conference Room Meeting Space Kitchen/ BreakRoom WiFi Maid Service Receptionist Parking Lot !

EXECUTIVE SUITE: (Approx. 7'4"x9'x7") $450/mo.

Call 214.943.4567 ext. 13 for more information! !

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The Texas Association of School Administrators selects Lancaster ISD Superintendent to represent the state at the National Superintendent of the Year Competition No one can whistle a symphony-it takes an entire orchestra. Everyone working together, sometimes playing different parts, yet all focused on creating something beautiful and meaningful. And timing is everything. For Team Lancaster ISD, the time is now and the music is sweet. State assessment scores have increased, 100 percent of all campuses were rated as Met Standard from the Texas Education Agency, the high school has the highest graduation rate in the Best Southwest area, the district's financial status has improved and fresh off the heels of a state nomination from the Texas Association of School Boards, the district's superintendent has again been recognized. Dr. Michael D. McFarland has been selected to represent Texas in the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) National Superintendent of the Year program. Dr. McFarland oversees a school district that serves more than 7,000 students, 96% of whom are African American and Hispanic, on the southern border of Dallas with nearly 85% of the students identified as economically disadvantaged. A news release from the Texas Association of School Administrators shared that, "Dr. McFarland's commitment to student success is evident by the significant gains made in student achievement, increases in the graduation rate and the increasing number of students taking more rigorous courses."

"When I first arrived to Lancaster ISD, my aspiration was to put people, programs and practices in place that would ensure that we would be the best of the Best Southwest," Dr. McFarland said. "We no longer just want to be the best of the Best Southwest. We want to be the best in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area as measured by the graduation rate." In an effort to close the achievement gap in math and science and ensure that their students leave with more than a high school diploma, Dr. McFarland has overseen the design and implementation of a K-12 STEM For All Model. The strategy focuses on improving math and science instruction through comprehensive and embedded professional development in Problem-Based Learning with an emphasis on STEM disciplines. Understanding that teacher capacity represented a significant barrier to sustainable success, Dr. McFarland created a partnership with the University of North Texas at Dallas to design a STEM master's program, requiring all secondary math and science teachers to enter the program

and receive targeted instruction focused on STEM. Upon completion of the program, those teachers will earn the newly created STEM master's degree. Currently, more than 40 teachers in the district are participating-including some elementary teachers who have elected to enroll in the program as well. "We have focused on increasing the rigor in all courses through the development of teacher capacity and improving the relevance of our curriculum by implementing problem-based learning activities focused on real world issues," Dr. McFarland said. "By being intentional about building a comprehensive system of support designed to increase college readiness and career preparation for students and families, we have significantly increased our graduation rate with more than 90% of our students graduating with a letter of acceptance to a college, university, military or with documented workforce plans. I believe it is this comprehensive approach to school transformation that has resulted in our positive results." A national blue-ribbon panel of judges will select four finalists for AASA National Superintendent of the Year from among the 49 eligible state Superintendent of the Year nominees. The four finalists will be interviewed in Washington, D.C. in January. The 2015 National Superintendent of the Year will be announced and the state Superintendents of the Year will be honored at AASA's National Conference on Education in San Diego in February. Since 1988, the National Superintendent of the Year program has enabled Americans to recognize and honor U.S. superintendents for the contributions they make every day advocating for public education and students.

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NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Scenes from FAMU Homecoming 2014 Norfolk 12 FAMU 10

FAMU's Montavius Williams makes a diving catch and scores what would be FAMU's only touchdown in the game in the losing eﬀort. FAMU's Chase Varnadore kicks the extra point to put FAMU up 7-6.

Mr. and Ms. FAMU and the Court

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NOVEMBER 7, 2014

All colleges are not equal Last Word By Dr. Julianne Malveaux

The most common model of college attendance is that a young person graduates f rom high school and heads directly to college, perhaps taking a year oﬀ in between to work, take a “13th year” or explore options. While many students start oﬀ right after high school, some of them have breaks in their higher education, dropping out to save money to continue, or to deal with family matters. The most common model is not the only model, however. Mature adults who did not attend or finish college through the most common model are referred to as “returning students” or “non-traditional students.” Some get degrees through online programs. A few colleges (Bay Path College in Massachusetts, is one example) have developed Saturday programs where women can earn a four-year degree by attending college only on Saturdays. Concerned by high unemploy-ment rates and eager to enhance their employability, many mat-ure college students t u r n t o f o r- p r o f i t c o l l e g e s ( s o m e t i m e s c a l l e d “c a r e e r colleges”) for their education. Some of these students, barraged by television ads, are convinced that for-profit colleges, where t h e y c a n a t te n d d u r i n g t h e evening or online, allow them the flexibility they need to manage work, family and education. And since federal funds, such as Pell grants and subsidized loans, are available to take care of costs, some students who attend forprofit colleges are pressured to take out these loans. If they drop out, they are still required to repay their loans, just as they would ha ve to in any other college. But all colleges are not created equal. About once a PAGE 10

week, I get a call from a mature student whose time at a career college was unrewarding. One woman failed a math test but could not get feedback from her i n s t r u c to r o n w h a t s h e d i d wrong. Appeals to others in the chain of command went unanswered. In another case, a young woman desperately needed counseling. She ended up getting it from a community organization, not from her career college. To cite just a few cases t o m a ke a p o i n t i s c a s u a l empiricism, but my direct knowledge of some students’ plight raises a few questions for me. Many students get training, but not jobs. Many are saddled with loans they cannot ever aﬀord to repay; and the costs of attending career colleges are high. The Department of Education estimates that it costs four times as much to attend a career college as to attend a community college. Why are costs so high when services are so limited? Partly because many career colleges are publicly traded and the pressure is on for them to make a profit to pro vide dividends for their shareholders. Another reason is that salaries for leaders are extremely high. At I T T Technical Institute, CEO Kevin Monday earned $8.76 million in 2012. DeVry University President Daniel Hamburger earned $6.4 million in 2012. The Apollo Gr o u p , w h i c h i n c l u d e s t h e University of Phoenix, paid Gregory Cappelli $4.54 million in 2013, and the Chairman Emeritus received nearly $7 million each year in 2012 and 2013. In contrast only four presidents at public universities earned more than a m i l l i o n d o l l a r s . Ha r v a r d ’s president earns about $900,000,

but some of her benefits boost her salary to about 1.2 million. These so-called career co l l e g e s a r e a c t u a l l y p r o f i t centers. The disproportionate enrollment of black and brown students means that folks who are already poor and underpaid are creating profits for these publicly traded companies and their overpaid leaders. At ITT Technical Institute, the overwhelming majority of students (92 percent) were selfidentified members of a racial and ethnic group. Nearly four in five took out a Pell grant. At DeVry about 45 percent were minority students. Meanwhile, students who enroll in these colleges and do not graduate (the majority) have nothing to show for their education but more debt. That’s why the Department of Education is limiting the amount of federal loans that students can take out, pegging

loan amounts to ability to pay, based on students’ current salaries and income. “Attendance at career colleges should be a gateway to the middle class,” said Education Secretar y Arne Duncan. Too often mobility is downward, not upward, when large student loans go unpaid. The new regulations are imperfect, but a step in the right direction. They might be more efficient, but the for-profit colleges have lobbied hard, and gone to court, to prevent cautionary regulations. Students of color who consider these colleges need to make sure they know what they are getting. Otherwise, they are up for a big surprise when student loans b i l l s co m e d u e . Fo r- p r o f i t colleges are exactly that, for profit. Students are not necessaril y being educated, instead being treated as a profit center.

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Watching the Elections from Abroad By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist JERUSALEM — On Election Night, I usually stay awake as long as my eyelids are willing to cooperate. But this year was different. Instead of alternating between watching CNN and tracking results on the Internet, I was in the Holy Land, nearly 6,000 miles from my office in Washington, D.C. With Daylight Savings Time going into effect last Sunday, I was in a time zone Tuesday seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. That meant that instead of hearing the TV network projections trickle in as polls closed in different regions of the U.S., I had to go to bed not knowing if Democrats had lost control of the Senate, as predicted, and how well African Americans had turned out in the pivotal states of North Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana and Arkansas. I fell asleep in my hotel room confident of two things: First, no matter how strong Blacks went to the polls in this off-year election, when voting historically favors the party out of the White House, Democrats were unlikely to regain control of the House of Representatives. Second, if Republicans managed to wrestle control from Democrats in the Senate, Democrats would blame the low turnout among African Americans. Before departing Washington, I already saw this scenario unfolding. Both the New York Times and the Washington Post, the two most politically influential newspapers in the nation, had published stories about the importance of the Black vote in Tuesday’s midterm election and that without a heavy Black turnout, the prospect of Democrats retaining the upper chamber were doomed. Missing in the analysis was how Democrats had shot themselves in the foot. It is important to understand that most White voters don’t support Democrats. The last three Democrats elected president – Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama – won each time with a minority of the White vote. Considering there are more White voters in the U.S. than Blacks, perhaps a more appropriate question is: Why are White voters not turning out for Democrats? All that weight should not fall on the shoulders of Black voters. A second point to remember is that even with Black voters being key to Democratic success, Democratic strategists have not, as the old lady making church announcements puts it, governed themselves accordingly. Even in battleground states, they didn’t purchase ads in most Black newspapers, if they bought any ads at all, until the waning days of the campaign. Last-minute White House efforts were largely directed at radio programs hosted by comedians and DJs, as if they could mobilize Black voters all by themselves with shallow drive-by interviews. Although I was on foreign soil on Election Night, I did my civic duty by voting before I left. That, too, was different. I usually enjoy the energy of voting on Election Day, seeing who turns out PAGE 11

and watching as children enter the voting booth with a parent. Voting early this year had its own satisfying sensation. There was the sheer joy of knowing I had made my voice heard, even though I wouldn’t be home on Tuesday. My attention for the past two weeks has been split between the midterm elections in the U.S. and growing tension between Israel and Palestine. Though I have been in the Middle East for that period, at times I had to double-check to make sure I wasn’t reliving my childhood in segregated Tuscaloosa, Ala. Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, reacting to pressure to settlers on land formerly occupied by Palestinians, has proposed barring Palestinians who live in the West Bank, but commute to work in Israel from riding the same buses as Jewish riders. The proposal to operate segregated buses like the ones I grew up with in Alabama is facing a strong pushback from other Israeli leaders and supporters of Israel in the U.S. Equally disturbing, a delegation of African Americans visiting the village of Bil’in Saturday afternoon was looking at the long, concrete wall encircling a large settlement on previously

occupied Palestinian land in the West Bank when one of our hosts noticed a jeep inside the housing compound headed in our direction. No one worried because we were on the outside of the settlement, which is about seven miles west of the Ramallah, and we were not breaking any laws. Still, moments later, several canisters of tear gas were fired just yards from us, forcing us to flee. Most of us were coughing and feeling a burning sensation in our eyes as we quickly fled. It was but a small sample of what Palestinians experience in their everyday life. I will be returning home this weekend after a fascinating two-week trip. I will write a series of stories based on my visit. And like all trips abroad, I will be following news out of the Middle East more closely than before. That is always one of the lasting benefits of traveling to other parts of the world. George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) and can be reached through georgecurry.com, twitter.com/ currygeorge and his fan page on Facebook.

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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. North Dallas Suburban Alumnae Chapter is seeking participants for its

9th Annual Project SEE: Science and Everyday Experiences Science Camp Who?! What?!

Middle School (6th, 7th, 8th grade) students that are excited about science!! Science camp that will allow them to perform live science experiments, participate in fun team challenges and more!!

When?! January 10, 2015 – February 28, 2015 (Select Saturdays only)! Where?! The University of Texas at Dallas! Cost?! How?!

FREE!!

Please visit www.dstndsa.org for application!

‘SEE’ you there!!

lcarr@yahoo.com, (214) 514-9553 or

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Have you ever thought about just thanking God for being God? I mean I know at times, I must get on His last nerve and it’s just nice to know that He forgives. One of the truths that I’ve referenced before is that Jesus’ frustration with the apostles sometimes took on a whiﬀ of righteous indignation. After all, how many times did He have to explain, what to Him was so simple and basic? He was the truth, the light, and the way. What His first followers questioned really must have tried His patience, as I’m sure I do today. Couple that with a behavior that is not always spiritual in direction and, well, you get my point. Plain and simple, I’m a sinner. We all are. I’ve sinned with the best of them and at the end of the day, it’s hard to accept that God indeed still loves me. As my mother might have said, “you come home with your tail between your legs” because you

Please and thank you power Spiritually Speaking By James A. Washington know that she knows that what you been doing is something that you really had no business doing at all. You instinctively find the place where you feel the safest, a place where love supersedes your horrible judgment, home. My point is a true believer must come home. However diﬃcult it might be, confession is what I’m talking about. It continues to be the key to understanding the depth and breadth of God’s love for us, unless you think Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice was a minor detail of salvation. The act of confession seems to give us sinners hope that our

missteps, our indiscretions, our out and out failures to comply have a spiritual home to go to. Daddy is waiting up when you get home and He expects you to eventually show up. ‘That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess you are saved.” Romans 10:9-10. My point is you must act after you confess. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us

NOVEMBER 7, 2014

from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. Guys, we must at least attempt to recognize and learn from our mistakes with the certainty that we are already forgiven. That’s the part about being thankful that God is God. Believe it or not God expects us to make mistakes as you expect your children to. You know they will. But, when you get knocked down or you stumble on your own, you’ve got to get up. God expects you, upon confession, to seek His helping hand and in doing so, let others see that a person of God will rise above personal passions and worldly aspirations. In this regard and only in this regard, will you overcome this world and enjoy eternal salvation. Believe it or not confession really is good for the soul. Hey, you gotta come home someday. I’m just saying today just might be that day. May God bless and keep you always.

James

Texas Oﬃcers prepare for 3-day training on crime issues – Local community leaders and organizations are bringing experts from the National Crime Prevention Council to train oﬃcers on the most pressing issues facing local law enforcement in Dallas and surrounding areas. The three-day Advanced Crime Prevention Training seminar, November 11-13, 2014, is being hosted by State Representative Eric Johnson (Dallas); U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Texas, Sarah Saldaña; the Texas Crime Prevention Association; the Dallas Police Department; the North Texas Crime Commission and the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center. The Advanced Crime Prevention course is designed for those who work in the law enforcement and crime prevention arena. It provides a comprehensive approach to “opportunity reduction” based crime prevention. The training will engage participants in the processes needed to prepare, understand and deliver advanced topics in crime prevention within their communities. PAGE 13

Participants will learn about various developments, best practices and emerging trends in the crime prevention field and be trained to better understand the various types of crime prevention techniques available to address these issues. Participants will also be better prepared to understand how research and current data on crime trends can aid in preventing future crime. These proactive crime prevention strategies will help them manage these trends at the local level, including strengthening their “community policing skills.” “While community policing practices have transformed the relationships between our police departments and the communities they serve, these trainings are critical for ensuring that oﬃcers have the skills and experience to make them eﬀective,” said Representative Johnson. “The participation of so many of our local police departments speaks volumes as to their commitment to making community policing work.” “NCPC enjoys a long-standing relationship with local law

Rep. Eric Johnson enforcement, government officials, and many others in the great state of Texas,” said Ann M. Harkins, NCPC president and CEO. “I’m glad we could come together with these important stakeholders to provide law enforcement and others with the essential training they need to increase public safety.” Law enforcement officers today face a myriad of issues, especially related to the use of force. Officers must quickly distinguish lawabiding citizens from a person intent on using a weapon, possibly to inflict mass casualties. Recent !

conflicts, such as those in Ferguson, Missouri, mean that our communities and officers are under more scrutiny than ever, and with the advent and common use of videotaping, whether by the public or by police-operated body cameras, we have the potential to either soothe or roil communitypolice relationships. NCPC, home to McGruff the Crime Dog, trains 10 to twenty thousand law enforcement personnel and crime prevention practitioners every year through more than 15 course offerings, including the Advanced Crime Prevention training. More than 120 trainees from police departments, neighborhood crime watch leaders and corporate loss departments from across Texas, the entire country and even several international students will convene at the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center for this specialized training. For more information on this training or to view NCPC’s calendar of upcoming training events, visit: www.ncpc.org. !

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Supporting Minnie’s Food Pantry FEED JUST ONE GALA

Food bucket challenge: Bring 20 boxes of potatoes to Minnie's Food Pantry by next Friday or donate $30 PAGE 14

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She’s beautiful, smart, talented and has a hear of gold. That’s Cheryl “Action” Jackson, the founder of Minnie’s Food Pantry and the person who put a face to the hunger issue in America, and especially the Plano, Texas area where folks don’t identify as a needy area. Founded by Mrs. Jackson in 2008, Minnie’s Pantry was created with the simple mission to feed the hungry and to create a free place where individuals receive food, love and resources to help them with life’s difficulties. Named after her mom, Minnie Hawthorne Ewing, Minnie’s Food Pantry is a blessing to so many. PAGE 15

It’s a joy to visit and see Cheryl in action. That smile appears to be permanently etched on her face and she’s always looking for a way to better the lives of others. When people come to volunteer, they find her smile contagious, but they also know that she means business. It was a gala affair Monday, November 3, 2014 as celebs, contributors, volunteers and supporters turned out to celebrate Minnie’s Food Pantry and to salute the honorees and Cheryl “Action” Jackson at the Feed Just One Gala. The honorary chairs were former Detroit Tiger Torri and Katrina Hunter

and the Platinum corporate sponsor was Reginald and Ida Rembert of Rembert Custom Builders. Honorees were media mogul Devon Franklin, executive Katrina McGhee, radio personality Jody Dean, gospel mega-stars Kirk and Tammy Franklin, businesswoman Pat Houston and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, which provides monthly volunteers, financial support and food to Minnie’s Food Pantry. Entertainment at the star-studded gala included gospel saxophonist Angella Christie and singer, songwriter, actress Jade Novah. A who’s who of professional athletes - past and present, like Tony and !

NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Janet Dorsett; entertainers and entrepreneurs graced the red carpet led by Mistresses of Ceremonies Sally Lou Loveman and Pat Smith with her husband Emmitt, Mrs. Devon Franklin (actress Meagan Good), media exec Zakiya Larry, Publishers Todrick and Monica Johnson, pr guru Larry Lundy, two-time superbowl champ Bethel Johnson and his wife, Heather and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown and his wife, Sherice. In addition to raising money for Minnie’s Food Pantry with the silent and live auctions, Cheryl and her mother received honorary doctorate degrees!

--Cheryl Smith !

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Beyond the Lights

Screen Chemistry Abounds in SuperstarBodyguard Romantic Romp by Kam Williams Noni (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) has it all, or so it seems. After years of trying to make it, the emerging pop singer is finally on the brink of superstardom, thanks to several hit singles she recently released, duets with her famous rapper boyfriend, Kid Culprit (Machine Gun Kelly). Nevertheless, when we meet Noni in the midst of a whirlwind tour of appearances on award shows, she’s secretly miserable and seriouslyconsidering suicide. That’s because every step of her assault on showbiz has been dictated by her abusive mother, Macy (Minnie Driver), the proverbial stage-mom from Hell.

NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Noni no longer recognizes her real self in the mirror under the purple hair extensions, the provocative wardrobe, and the phony smile that masks the hard cold truth about a vulnerable soul at the end of her rope. Then, just as she’s set to launch herself from the balcony of a penthouse suite at the posh Beverly Hills Hotel, fate intervenes in the person of Kaz (Nate Parker), the quick-thinking LAPD oﬃcer assigned to protect her from the paparazzi and overzealous fans. Springing into action, he grabs an arm and pulls Noni back over the rail. Now that she has been aﬀorded a second chance at life, one can’t help but wonder whether she’ll wise up and declare her independence from her miserable misanthrope of a mother? Or, will she notice that the right man for her might be the handsome hunk with bulging biceps who saved the day, even if he’s not a rich celebrity like the unreliable bad-boy she’s currently dating? These are the foremost questions subsequently explored by Beyond the Lights, a steamy romantic romp written and directed by Gina PrinceBythewood (The Secret Life of Bees and Love & Basketball). Don’t be duped into thinking that you’ve seen this same story

Nate Parker and Gugu Mbatha-Raw in “Beyond the Lights.” somewhere before, given how the plot is vaguely reminiscent of Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner’s The Bodyguard (1992). Beyond the Lights unfolds in unique fashion. This amorous tale of female empowerment might be better thought of as an engaging blend of hip-hop performances and soap opera drama that’s at its best when leads Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Nate Parker generate beaucoup chemistry while sharing the screen.

Very Good (3 stars) Rated PG-13 for sexuality, profanity, suggestive gestures, partial nudity and matures themes Running time: 116 minutes Distributor: Relativity Media To see a trailer for Beyond the Lights, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=1rvgJ2WbDsc

Love in the time of hip-hopera!

Power players to make continuing education applicative, accessible and aﬀordable at T.D. Jakes School

Dr. Steve Perry, America’s Most Trusted Educator, joins forces with prolific entrepreneur and best-selling author T.D. Jakes, business guru Daymond John of ABC ‘Shark Tank’ fame, and other top industry experts to equip adult learners with high caliber, intensive continuing education in an easily accessible, affordable and flexible online environment Success in the fast-changing landscape of the modern workforce requires proper, ongoing education and training amid a talent pool that is increasingly diverse, tech-savvy, global-minded and entrepreneurial. However aspirational and talented today’s workface may be, employment demand often exceeds supply, making competition for jobs PAGE 16

stiff and increasing hiring/candidate Continued specialized education qualification standards in kind. and training will, however, help success-minded professionals break In fact, by 2020, it is expected through career that fully 65 stagnation barriers percent of job and successfully openings will realize growth require a college opportunities. or an associate’s degree, while 35 According to the percent will U.S. Department of require a Education's National bachelor’s Center for Education degree. Statistics, demand for continuing education Even so, for adults aged 35 or having a college older will continue to education or grow through 2016. being exceptional Dr. Steve Perry at what you do Despite compressed will no longer national median suffice when you need to stand out family income and claims that higher from the crowd. education might be overpromising !

and under-delivering, the underlying value proposition for continuing education persists. The T.D. Jakes School of Leadership (TDJ-SOL), instituted by Regent University’s Professional & Continuing Education division (PCE) and championed by esteemed education authority Dr. Steve Perry, have joined forces with key industry leaders and field experts to offer fully accredited, industry-focused curriculums comprised of online business/leadership institutes and specialized certificate programs designed for professionals, emerging and established leaders, knowledge workers in transition and retirees striving to “chart a course” for the next phase of their lives. !

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Martin lands cameo in Beyond the Lights and celebrates anniversary on TV One This month, Roland Martin is also excited about his debut film appearance with a cameo role in Gina Prince Bythewood's "Beyond the Lights" in theaters nationwide this November 14.

Starring Nate Parker, Minnie Driver and Gugu MgathaRaw, Martin is cast as himself and gives some savvy advice to Parker's character Kaz Nicol.

This month, he also celebrates his first year anniversary of News One Now. Roland Martin has consistently been at the pulse of news, entertainment and politics.

Roland Martin with Danny Glover on the set of "Beyond the Lights"

Martin with the News One Now production team, celebrating first anniversary

Submit nominations for the Maura Women Helping Women and the Young Leader Award All nominations must be submitted by Friday, December 19, 2014. Download the nomination forms for both awards and submit them to ksenters@dallaswomensfdn.org Only nomination forms with a bio and/or curriculum vitae attached will be accepted. We look forward to receiving your nomination! Recipients will be honored at Dallas Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Foundation Leadership Forum & Awards Dinner, presented by AT&T, on Thursday, April 30, 2015 at the Dallas Omni Hotel. Co-chairs are Ann Margolin and Pat J. Villareal. 2014 Maura Women Helping Women Award recipients were Debbie Dudley Branson, Lauren Embrey, Helen Holman, Retta Miller and Gauthami Vemula. 2014 Young Leader Award recipients were Myeisha Taylor, M.D. and Brittany Merrill Underwood. For 36 years, the Maura Women Helping Women Award has recognized the achievements of those who have led the way in improving lives for women and girls in North Texas. Past recipients include former First Lady Laura Bush, Dr. Catalina Garcia, Ebby Halliday Acers, Lyda Hill, Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, Caren Prothro, the late Annette Strauss, Nina Vaca, Vicky Teherani, Barbara Lord Watkins and other notable civic leaders, businesswomen, and philanthropists who have advanced the causes of women and girls in North Texas and around the world. Dallas Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Foundation Young Leader Award recognizes breakthrough leadership exhibited by a woman under the age of forty who is achieving success in a field, initiative or sector and creating a path of opportunity for other women to follow. Visit the website, www.dallaswomensfdn.org, for more information. PAGE 17

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King & Queen Pageant raises over $3,000 for Children’s Ministry While the end of October brought with it a welcomed change of scenery and children out in their costumes, the Sunshine Band Department of Steven Temple Church of God in Christ was doing it up big! Not only did they have a Harvest Carnival filled with exciting stations and activities which included Samson’ Full Service Salon, Ruth & Boaz Candy Haystack, and Daniel’s Lions’ Den to name a few, they also crowned a King and Queen for the Sunshine Band for 2014-2015! With great excitement at the conclusion of the Harvest Carnival, the King and Queen contestants were brought front and center. Queen contestants were Jaycee Bonner, Kateria Davis, and BriAnna Jones. The contestants for King were Christopher Jones, Jr., MaDarius Jones, Michael King, JaCori Smith-Tillman, and JaTavion Williams. After a few nail biting minutes, JaCori Smith-Tillman and BriAnna Jones were announced as

the Sunshine Band King and Queen 2014-2015! Our first runner-ups for King and Queen are Michael King and Kateria Davis. The coronation was held on Sunday, November 2, 2014 for King JaCori Smith-Tillman and Queen BriAnna Jones. Leading up to his crowning, four year old JaCori Smith-Tillman was excited to participate in the pageant. He comes from a family of winners, which includes his grandmother, mother and uncle, all held the coveted titles. Our preteen and new on the scene, eleven year old BriAnna Jones is a faithful and active member of the in praise dance and drill team, and an upcoming puppeteer. She said, “I can’t believe I won, I’m so thankful.” The King & Queen Pageant gives children ages 3 to 11 a chance to “show

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up and shine” and represent their church’s children ministry for one year. Their first official duty will be to escort Bishop Robert L. Asberry and Lady Roberta Asberry during our Pastor & Wife Appreciation Service on Friday night on November 14, 2014 at 7:30pm. The Sunshine Band Ministry primary focus is to teach and save children by keeping them involved in meaningful and wholesome activities. We endeavor

NOVEMBER 7, 2014

to build a partnership between the home and the church to provide a spiritual foundation for children through Bible study, crafts, music, drama, dance, special activities, field trips and academic enrichment programs. The ministry encompasses ages up to 11 years old. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

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JOURNAL Send your books for review to: Cheryl Smith, 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 PAGE 18

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May God bless and keep you

"Our people have made the mistake of confusing the methods with the objectives. alwaysâ&#x20AC;Ś As long as we agree on objectives, we should never fall out with each other just James because we believe in different methods, or tactics, or strategy. We have to keep in Speaking mind at all times that weSpiritually are not fighting for separation. We are fighting for recognition as free humans inbythis Jamessociety." A. Washington

Malcolm X

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My husband stole from the church Dear Alma, My husband and I have been faithful servants in our church for over 20 years. I am on the Usher Board, Woman’s Day committee and we participate in the Married Couples Ministry (MCM). My husband, too, is very committed to the MCM and he also serves as head of the Finance Committee. Let me start by saying that I am mortified. He just recently confided in me that over the past year he has stolen over $100,000 from the church. I could just die. I don’t know why he did it and he says he doesn’t know why he did it, either. We don’t need the money. We are both gainfully employed, college graduates who make more than enough money to take care of our family. I did not know or suspect anything. I have not seen any extravagant purchases that he’s made with the money. Our financial budget has not changed. We have two children who are too very active at our church. I love our church, our pastor and the first lady and our church family. I just can’t believe this is happening, I’m ashamed to show my face. I am so embarrassed I can hardly speak to him. How on earth could he do this to me and our children? My first thought is to put him out of the house. I do not want

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Ask Alma

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

to sleep next to him and at least that way the church will see I had nothing to do with it. I am at a loss as to what to do next. I’m interested in what you think about what my husband has done to me.

stay married long enough, that’s what happens, everything is not alright all the time. Remember your vows, especially the one that says, in sickness and in health. This, my dear, certainly qualifies as a

Everybody’s got a “oh-Lawd-I-hope-they-don’tfind-out” sweater, hanging in the closet. Some sweaters are larger than others mind you, but turn the large magnifying mirror away from your face towards your husband. What are your thoughts?

Name withheld Dear Name withheld, I can see you are cross-eyed mad, upset, angry, stunned and outraged over what has happened. As you should be, but, in my opinion, you’re obligated to stand by your husband. The trust has been broken, yes I know. And you know what, if you

health issue. Although I’m no doctor, I think he may be suffering from kleptomania. Pull up the shades and stop hiding in the basement. You need to move past being mad and pray, take deep breaths and figure out what you can do to help your husband. Let go of the embarrassment. Everybody’s got a “oh-Lawd-I-hopethey-don’t-find-out” sweater, hanging in the closet. Some sweaters are larger than

others mind you, but turn the large magnifying mirror away from your face towards your husband. Look for loving options to address his issue. Here’s your chance to see what you’ve learned from all those “love is kind & forgiving” sermons. The truth of the matter is, this ain’t about you! Listen to your husband. Notice I didn’t suggest that you do the talking. Sit with him and allow him to express what’s going on inside and how it makes him feel. Obviously, he should make an appointment to see a therapist and apologize to the pastor, maybe even the congregation of your church. That’s a decision that should come from the church officials. Pick up a copy of Kleptomania: The Compulsion to Steal – What Can Be Done? by Dr. Marcus J. Goldman. Your husband, for his sake, needs to address the root of this compulsion, and it’s a responsibility he has to own. Be supportive and stop worrying so much about what’s going on outside your house. You have no control over that. Your husband should be your first priority, just as it would be if he were your child. Uh huh, you know what I’m saying. Don’t give up on him, he needs you now more than ever. Alma

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NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Ęå ŞåųüåÏƋ čĜüƋ üŅų ƋĘå ŅĹå ƼŅƚ ĬŅƴåú

Felicia N. Shepherd M. Ed Founder/CEO

Booking Contact Information: info@fnsconsultingservices.com 972-638-SHEP (7437)

Visit our website at www.fnsconsultingservices.com FiNeSse Consulting Services Staff Development, seminars on Relational Aggression, Conference/webinar presentations, motivational speaking, school and workplace conflict workshops

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

kųÚåų ±Ƌ ƵƵƵţŸĜĵŞĬƼüŅųƼŅƚţƚŸ Ņų ±Ƌ eĵ±ǄŅĹ FĬĬƚŸƋų±ƋåÚØ âŎĉţĿĂ ŎŎƀ Ş±čåŸ

"I want Dr. King to know that I didn't come to Selma to make his job difficult. I really did come thinking I could make it easier. If the white people realize what the alternative is, perhaps they will be more willing to hear Dr. King." Malcolm X

CHERYL’S WORLD

Robert Hallback Jr. Owner / Operator

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

Tune in to Cheryl’s World on Blog Talk Radio, or call 646-200-0459 to hear informative, entertaining, enlightening and thought-provoking commentary and news with veteran journalist Cheryl Smith on Sundays at 8a.m. , and Mondays at 6p.m., Felicia Shepherd on Tuesdays at 6p.m., Love A Natural Me with Yvette and Amy on Wednesdays at 6p.m., Inside the 234 with Dareia Tolbert on Thursdays at 6p.m., and open lines at noon on Saturday

PAGE 21

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BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION NOVEMBER 7, 2014 performing in the VIP lounge and our featured guests are the Leadership Southwest Alumni Association's - 2014 FOOD Platters Experience from Los Angeles California. Tickets are DRIVE & GAME NIGHT on ursday Nov. 13th from 6 - 8 $20.00 Contact Shirley Perry or Alonda Price for tickets. pm. e event will be held at the Oak Cliﬀ Chamber of November 7 Tickets $20.00 per person. Commerce (in Bishop Arts) at 1001 N. Bishop Ave., Dallas

CALENDAR

November 14

November 9 Dr. Tommy L. Brown Appointed as New Pastor and Spiritual Leader at New Mount Zion Baptist Church, 3:00 p.m. at 9550 Shepherd Road, Dallas, TX 75243. Details regarding the inaugural celebratory events are located at www.nmzb.org.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Kappa Zeta Chapter www.kappazpb.org 9th Annual Taste of Blue Wine Tasting Loy Spaces, Downtown Dallas 816 Montgomery St, Dallas, Texas 75215 TIME: 8 PM COST: $25 - PreSale Ticket or $30 at the door. $50 - Unlimited Tastings & Other Perks (Pre-Sale Only) Buy One Ticket Get One Free For "Master Class....Taking Control" Starring Felicia P. Fields Ms. Sophia from Broadway's e Color Purple, FELICIA P. FIELDS provides a 'master class' for the ladies and gents too! e Tony award nominee and Chicago native rocks two nights in a Cabaret style solo performance on life's lessons and taking control of relationships with aggressive men and jealous women. She'll perform music from the likes of Bessie Smith, Etta James, Della Reese to Aretha Franklin and India Arie. "Dress Performance eatre Series" "MASTER CLASS...TAKING CONTROL" Starring Felicia P. Fields Friday and Saturday @ 8:15pm November 7-8, 2014

November 8 Murder Is Served" (7th Annual Mystery Dinner) Civic Center 12400 Elam Rd., Balch Springs TX, 75180 Time: 7:00PM Friends Members - $15.00 Not a Friends Member - $20.00 For More info' call (972)222-2030

Liberian Community Association of DFW Fundraising Dinner for Ebola Victims e Liberian Community Association of Dallas Fort Worth (LCA-DFW) Where: Scott Hall - 1245 Bedford Rd. Bedford, TX 76021 Why: To Fight the deadly Ebola Virus Disease Please contact Elizabeth Tubman - 817-449-9353 or ertubman@yahoo.com - for more details.

NAACP Grand Prairie Branch will Salute Veterans at Concert on November 8, 2014 at Grand Prairie Uptown eater, from 4:00pm - 8:00pm. e event features local entertainment PAGE 22

Yoruba Culture Immersion E x p e r i e n c e / Wo r k s h o p a t  e P a n - A f r i c a n Connection Bookstore Art Gallery and Resource Center 828 Fourth Ave., Dallas Texas, (New Location Across From Fair Park Music Hall) 214-943-8262 panafric@airmail.net 9, 3 - 6 p.m. Yoruba Language/Culture Workshop and Yourba/Orisha Traditional African Woodcarving Workshop Adekunle Akangbe Ogun-Yoruba Traditional Master African Woodcarver, From Osogbo, Nigeria Hands on Learning Experience and Lecture on: Traditional Yo r u b a C u l t u r e a n d S p i r i t u a l i t y, Tr a d i t i o n a l WoodcarvingTraditional Architecture

November 11 e Bluegrass Ball featuring e Travelin' McCourys and Jeﬀ Austin Band will be making their only Texas stop in Dallas on at e Gas Monkey

West Dallas Community Centers, Inc. anksgiving Homecoming Gala, an evening of recognition and live entertainment is at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon Avenue, Dallas, Texas. e event features a concert performance by legendar y recording artists, Midnight Star. Dinner music will be provided by local musicians, including a local high school jazz band, as well as a Latin music band. e event Emcee is Dawnn Lewis

November 15 Urban League of Greater Dallas 5K - 8K Fun Walk/Run 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM CST Kiest Park, 3080 S. Hampton Road Dallas, TX 75224

You are invited to the “LIKE A BOSS-FREE WORKSHOP” ere will be GREAT information for those who are thinking of starting a business as well as those who are already business owners. is FREE workshop will help you maneuver through the business structure selections (LLC, DBA, Assumed Name), we will help you understand market research, planning and the customer insights--Join Dyron Jolly and Cassandra Bradford, "funny" and "excellent" facilitators who will make this workshop fun and exciting, all while teaching valuable information that can help your company be profitable. 1 0 1 E . P a r k B l v d . , S t e 4 3 1 , P l a n o , T X . r s v p : info@genesispreferred.com or dyron.jolly@inconllc.com.

November 16 November 12 2014 Artist v Architect (AvA) event presented by Italian highend watch manufacturer, Oﬃcine Panerai. In its third year, AvA is inspired by the ingenuity of today’s artistic and design professional. A one-of-a-kind collaborative event, it celebrates the creativity of the modern world of art and architecture featuring the work of local artists and architects with a public vote and art auction. e event, from 7pm – 10pm, will feature a live and silent auction, Italian-inspired bites courtesy of Proof + Pantryand cocktails courtesy of VeeV Acaí Spirits, wine from Bellavista and Coppola Diamond Collection, beer from Birra Moretti, along with complimentary valet for all guests.

November 13 JFS Women's Center Pre-anksgiving Luncheon at 12:00 PM JFS Women's Center at PCCenter 1229 E Pleasant Run Rd Suite 302 DeSoto TX 75115 *****

Balch Spring Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala Rockin' 50'

November 17 e 26th Annual Crimes Against Children Conference, hosted by the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) and the Dallas Police Department, featured more than 200 speakers from across the globe. One of the most popular speakers at this year’s Conference, Dr. Sharon Cooper, presented four diﬀerent workshops. Now, professionals in the Dallas community have an opportunity to hear from Dr. Cooper as part of the next installment of DCAC’s Lecture Series. Held in DCAC’s state-of-the-art training facility, on November 17 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Dr. Cooper will present on the topics of Neurobiology of Trauma and Victim Impact-Investigative Implications and Child Sexual Exploitation.

November 20 Is Your Small Business Financially Prepared To Rebound Aer a Disaster? !

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Get tips on how to protect your core operations, revenue flow, and your company’s reputation at a free webinar on ursday, Nov. 20, hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery. WHAT: “e Impact of Corporate Preparedness on the Bottom Line” A live presentation, followed by a question and answer session WHEN: – 2 to 3 p.m. EST HOW: R e g i s t e r at ht t p : / / g o. a g i l it y re c ov e r y. c om / November2014-SBAWebinar.html

November 21 R e p . M a r c Ve a s e y ’s 3 3 r d Congressional District Job Fair Over 70 Employers Looking to Fill Job Vacancies - 8:30 a.m. to 12:00p.m. (CT) Mountain View Community College in Dallas, 4849 W. Illinois Avenue

HOW: Donation of Food, Disposable Utensils Blankets, Coats and Volunteers. WHEN: ursday, November 27 (anksgiving Day), 9 am to 1 pm. WHERE: Emerald City Bar & Grill, 2532 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas (Fair Park Area)

NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Dallas, VA North Texas and Paralyzed Veterans of America made the public announcement today, encouraging attendance and participation in support of the weeklong Games

With the collaboration of Nikki Hayes, C.J. Johnson and syndicated radio personality & humanitarian Vincent “Heartbreak” Tucker, the annual food drive has fed thousands through its yearly eﬀorts. Every anksgiving Day, Emerald City’s Bar & Grill is transformed into a giving atmosphere where a community comes together to make the lives of the recipients better.

December 5 Women of Influence Holiday Gathering from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM CST Destiny Pointe Christian Center 2350 East Mayfield Road Arlington, TX 76014

November 22 e Daytime Diva with the Voice” (Lynne Haze) is Mistress of Ceremony when the Oasis Center brings back its gospel jazz concert series featuring an evening with Jazz Saxophonist Tom Braxton and friends. Where: Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, 1233 Highway 66, Garland, TX 75040. When: 6:30 p.m.

Dallas is the host for the June 21-26, 2015 35th National Veterans Wheelchair Games with the theme, “BIG City, BIG Wheels, BIG Heart,” and City of

November 23 Top Ladies 50th Anniversary Celebration & Top Teens Alumni Soiree at the African-American Museum from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the African-American Museum. Tickets for the event are $40.00 and can be purchased from any Top Lady or at http://tinyurl.com/TLOD50th. For information on the November 23rd celebration and soiree at the African-American Museum, contact Lady Caritha Smith at smithhousetx@sbcglobal.net or Lady Evelyn Ramsey at evramz@yahoo.com.

November 25 VIP Charity Opening of the 2014 Gi of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway at 6:00 p.m.

Annual Feed the Homeless event returns to South Dallas anksgiving DayWHAT: Emerald City Bar & Grill hosts the 6th annual FREE MBK Dallas: Feed the Homeless Drive with volunteers serving and entertaining homeless and low-income families in South Dallas.

IN MEMORIAM

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

Monday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

I Messenger CHERYL SMITH

FELICIA SHEPHERD

HOST - YVETTE BROOKS

HOSTS: DAREIA TOLBERT

Call in to 646-200-0459 PAGE 23

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

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NOVEMBER 7, 2014

â&#x20AC;&#x153;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.â&#x20AC;? . Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Come on PEOPLE! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you CARE?

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POLICE have not apprehended Pookie the serial rapist. Arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you concerned? Do you care? I A guy who hits a woman We know he has attacked members of can be called lots of things. is not one of them. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,â&#x20AC;&#x153;Manâ&#x20AC;?Inc. and there is a $5,000I MESSENGER reward offered by Crime Stoppers. J L <RXU $' LQ SULQW DQG LQ RXU RQOLQH HGLWLRQV

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VOL XI ISSUE 7 NOVEMBER 15, 2012 www.garlandjournal.com

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By Cheryl Smith - Texas Metro News

KENNY JAY REVIEW: MakingBOOK Women Happy!

INTIMATE SEDUCTION

City of Dallas Sanitation Dept.

Page 13

No. 1 serving the African American Community

The Dallas Weekly

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NO 2 ISSUE 32 APRIL 19 2013

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

NO 2 ISSUE 32

APRIL 19, 2013

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Say NO to any ASSAULT

New Voices

Recycle this newspaper when finished reading

Welcome Home Ambassador Ron Kirk!

TEXAS METRO NEWS

Single Mom Chronicles p.12

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Martin named NABJ Â Journalist of the Year

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BOOK REVIEW:

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

If you have ANY information, PLEASE call Crime Stoppers www.DallasWeekly.com

April 30-May 6, 2009

INSIDE

TIME TO FORGIVE?

Speaking of People

Ron Price elected to national organization post

Volume No. 56 Issue No. 18

The Long and Winding Road Light rail, Trinity River road highly scrutinized in South Dallas

By Patrice J. Holmes

editorial@dallasweekly.com

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

Toll Road are brought to the area. Some construction has begun with the demolition of homes to follow later this year. At a meeting held by the three institutions, a focus group of sorts dished ideas and findings on the surveys that have told the story of the residents of South Dallas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are measuring conditions that may vary from street to street,â&#x20AC;? said Dr.

years celebrates 56 Black of serving the Community

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

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

YVETTE BROOKS Your Curlfriend!

INSIDE

National

INSIDE

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Grade: A

Page 4

Metro

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

FOUR MORE YEARS

Mavericks surpasses Spurs in playoffs

PRESIDENT OBAMA VICTORIOUS

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

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

Evaluating President Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First 100 Days

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

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oversee the The Field Research Team which underwent 80 hours of

THE HUNDRED DAY SCORE

Why Democracy hangs in the balance

Page 9

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison

Grade: C â&#x20AC;&#x153;In just 100 days, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen an alarming acceleration of policies that will take America down the wrong track. The administration has proposed trillions of dollars in new spending, which will result in higher taxes on Americans, while sharply raising our indebtedness to foreign creditors. On the national security front, I am very concerned about the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intention to close Guantanamo without a workable plan to relocate detainees. It is my sincere hope that, moving forward,

the administration will adopt the productive, responsible approach to our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenges that Americans deserve.â&#x20AC;? (The office of John Cornyn of Texas was contacted but did See 100 DAYS, page 19

SPIRITUAL

ETS OF THE SECR

Remebering Joe Hudson Jr. Page 1 0

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

PROPOSITIONS 1 AND 2 Why YES means no and NO means yes

Dallas is abuzz at the election issues before them on May 9 when citizens are asked to vote on the controverDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LYTE sial & EBONY Convention Music Happenings Center Hotel that is being backed by Mayor Leppert. But what does voting â&#x20AC;&#x153;noâ&#x20AC;? and voting â&#x20AC;&#x153;yesâ&#x20AC;? mean? It is important to remember that the propositions are to amend the Dallas City Charter which, among other things, gives the MISSpower RAY to acquire city the Going Deep in Roots property fortheany public purpose. The propositions are worded to prohibit the city from acting on these before stated powers. Therefore, if a citizen would like the city to maintain those powers, they are to vote NO and vice versa. See VOTE, page 38

VALDER BEEBE That Celebrity Interview

How to avoid the Swine flu Page 15

BUSINESS

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How to brand you Page 16

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future with President Obama

See Martin, page 11

INSIDE

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Obama wins election and makes ...

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Nation elects first African

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Business Food for thought Congresswoman addresses

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Is gospel music dying? Management blamed for issues

Michael Baisden Oak Cliff Chamber Page 12

Health

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Michael Baisden leaves airwaves -Skip Murphy moves to slot

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877.373.8477 3.23.13 Page 2

FAMU Rattlers victorious

Heart disease remains high on list of illnesses Page 15

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

I MESSENGER

Join Mayor Mike Rawlings for The Ten Thousand Man Rally Against Domestic Abuse at 10am on March 23rd at V.S. M CAIN OBAMA Dallas City Hall. (DART exit at Convention Center Station.) Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for the men of Dallas to say, enough is enough. NOVEMBER 4, 2008 ELECTION

Republican

JOHN

BARACK

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