I Messenger 4 20 by Cheryl Smith

I MESSENGER VOLUME 4 ISSUE 20 JANUARY 16, 2015

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LEGALESE Yodit is a great legal mind and she’s coming to I Messenger and Cheryl’s World

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Tewolde brings legal expertise to I Messenger At first glance, you’re probably thinking, “she has got to be a supermodel.” But there’s a whole lot more to Yodit Tewolde. A graduate of Southern University Law School who worked in the Dallas County District Attorney’s office, her family’s story is one of survival, impeccable work ethic and what happens when you work hard and treat people as you’d like to be treated. When she was a baby, many of her family members immigrated to America from the African country of Eritrea. With family members already here in Texas, the transition went a lot smoother for her family, she said. She excelled in school and attended Texas A&M University, where she majored in English and Communication. While her practice, The Law Office of Yodit Tewolde PLLC, handles a majority of criminal and immigration cases, previously she worked on both sides of the courtroom as a prosecutor and now defense attorney. She says working as a prosecutor in both the adult and juvenile systems has provided her with a wealth of knowledge and experience in trial advocacy and representing the State in trials and hearings has helped her better understand the intricacies of litigation. Yodit is well versed on a number of issues and is committed to improving the lives of “hard working and disadvantaged members of society.” “As a former prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney, I have first-hand accounts of the inner-workings of the justice system and I want to empower people by educating them about it,” she said. When the opportunity arose to have Yodit’s expert legal mind addressing issues for IMessenger readers, the response was overwhelming. Here is someone who is conscientious, committed, and well-prepared and readers can have their questions answered on the pages of I Messenger, Texas Metro News and the Garland Journal, or they can tune in Mondays at 6:00p.m. for her twohour show on Blog Talk Radio (www.blogtalkradio.com/cherylsmith) Yodit is involved in various communities and she’s a servant-leader who believes that a critical component of the legal practice is cultural competency -- becoming culturally responsive in providing services to a diverse client base. “I have an extreme interest in the criminal justice system, how it affects our communities and social justice,” she explained, adding that she respects cultural differences and has compassion for her clients.

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Now if you’re thinking for one moment that she’s a pushover, perish the thought immediately. She’s also feisty, and admits that growing up in America was challenging. After all, she had a different look, spoke a different language before eventually mastering the English language, and, she had a “funny-sounding” name. So, she dealt with the antics from her peers, and the seemingly never-ending inability of even her teachers to get her name right. But bullying and teasing didn’t hamper Yodit as she focused on academic excellence, family values, and community service. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Yodit still finds time to be of service to others, despite a demanding and challenging career. The Law Office of Yodit Tewolde, PLLC, provides clientcentered, aggressive legal representation while maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity. Educating clients of the legal process and procedural issues involving their case will only empower them to make intelligent and informed decisions, thereby achieving the powerful results they seek. The firm’s fundamental goal is to promote equal access to justice and closing the disparities gap in our current justice system by centering the practice on cultural competency. As a critical component of the legal practice, cultural competency means becoming culturally responsive in providing services to a diverse client base. Having respect for and consideration of cultural differences helps to establish effective communication between the attorney and client. Our commitment is to provide the most effective legal representation in the following areas: Criminal Defense: Assault/Family Violence ■ Drug Crimes ■ DWI ■ Expunctions/Non-Disclosures ■ Juvenile Crimes ■ Probation/Parole Violations ■ Sex Crimes ■ Theft and Property Crimes ■ Traffic Tickets ■ Weapons Offenses ■ Family Law: CPS ■ Divorce ■ Immigration Law: ■ ■ ■

Citizenship and Naturalization Deportation Defense Violence Against Women (VAWA)

3131 McKinney Avenue, Suite 600 Dallas, Texas 75204 office: 214.550.8151 ext.101 fax: 214.550.8183

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Message to the People... Educators, we need your help

Discussing race 9

Friday Night Tykes

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

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I am appealing to educators to spread the word and share this important opportunity with their students or young people they know Cheryl Smith at work, church or in the community. I guarantee the students will benefit from this program. Also college professors, this program is especially great for students who would like help in securing interns and networking. The Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (formerly the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators) will present its annual Urban Journalism Workshop for high school and college students at Lincoln Humanities and Communications Magnet, 2826 Hatcher Street, beginning in February 2015. This 12-week workshop is open to students in Dallas, Tarrant, Ellis, Collin and Denton counties. Students receive hands-on experience working with seasoned professionals who have gained a reputation locally and nationally, as well as internationally. The program, which emulates one started by George Curry, Gerald Boyd and other members of the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists in St. Louis, was started by then-Dallas Morning News editor Rochelle Riley and has graduated students who have gone on to anchor newscasts, edit newspapers, open public relations firms and produce radio shows. Mr. Curry visits the Dallas workshop students annually to conduct his “basic training.” Mr. Boyd died of lung cancer in 2006. “We’re excited about continuing the tradition that was started almost 30 years ago,” said Eva Coleman, one of the instructors for the program. “I am looking forward to working with students this year.” Ms. Coleman, who is an established journalist, will be overseeing the radio and television segments of the workshop, pulling together experts in the field. Previous speakers have included: Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, Senator Royce West, Star-Telegram editor and columnist Bob Ray Sanders, former-city councilmember Domingo Garcia, Dallas Morning News columnist Norma Adams Wade, Our Texas Publisher Gemeral Berry, PR gurus Lyria Howland and Rose Gafford Blair, NAHJ’s Gary Pina, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Irwin Thompson, K104’s Sam Putney, 97.9’s Gary with the T, Dallas Examiner Publisher Mollie Belt, Producer Haile Gerima, former NABJ President Will Sutton and Dallas Weekly Publisher James A. Washington. Ms. Smith, who has been with the program since its inception, took over the directorship in the mid 90s and continued through 2004. Ms. Smith returned as director in 2007 and continues to oversee this intense program that prepares students, whatever their career choice, to be better communicators. At the conclusion of the workshop, the students will participate in a closing ceremony where they will present a newspaper, television and radio broadcasts, a website and a special project. For more information about the workshop, please go to www.dfwabj.com. After you have reviewed the application, and should you still have questions, call 214-941-0110. Applications must be turned in by January 31, 2014.

Cheryl I MESSENGER

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JOHNSON: Enroll Now in the Affordable Care Act By Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) has allowed more than 10.3 million Americans to gain access to quality, affordable health insurance. Prior to enacting the ACA, nearly 5 million Texans, representing 32 percent of the state’s population, were uninsured, leaving them without access to routine care and vulnerable to high health care costs. The legislation, enacted in 2010, has expanded access to healthcare for people in Texas who were able to enroll in the FederallyFacilitated Marketplace since Texas did not establish a State- Based Marketplace. Nationwide, the ACA has insured more than 20 million Americans since its inception. The current enrollment period for those seeking coverage for themselves and their families will end on February 15th. It is imperative that uninsured individuals apply before the deadline. In Texas, the Affordable Care Act helped more

than 700,000 individuals gain health insurance during the first open enrollment period. The number of covered individuals and families will only continue to rise during the current open enrollment period. Enrollment in the Texas exchange is more than significant. The number of people who have signed up helped to make Texas the second largest of the FederallyFacilitated Marketplace states. Only Florida has seen more enrollments out of the federally-run exchanges. Nationwide, the number of uninsured adults has decreased by 26 percent and consumers have saved $9 billion since 2011 as insurance companies are now required to spend at least 80 percent of every premium dollar they receive on quality health care. Under the Affordable Care Act, Medicare enrollees have seen their prescription costs decrease dramatically, with a total savings of nearly $733,987,739. During 2013,

296,015 seniors in Texas saved an average of $916 per beneficiary. In 2013, 37.2 million people and more than 2.4 million Texans used one or more free preventive services. While the number of people enrolled through the health exchanges has increased, the number of people in our state who are not covered is unacceptable. U n f o r t u n a t e l y, l o w - i n c o m e individuals are the most impacted by the state’s refusal to expand Medicaid. I am certain that when President Lyndon Baines Johnson signed the Medicare and Medicaid programs into law 50 years ago this July, he did not envision that health insurance for the most vulnerable of our population would become so politicized and rejected by state governments. The Affordable Care Act provided a significant opportunity for states to take it upon themselves to expand health coverage to low-income residents. Unfortunately, many states declined to accept this opportunity.

If Texas chose to expand Medicaid, about 1,208,000 additional uninsured individuals would gain access to health insurance. Since Texas and 22 other states refuse to expand Medicaid, 5.4 million people will be uninsured in 2016. The District of Columbia and 26 states seized this opportunity during 2013 and allowed 8.6 million people to gain coverage under expanded Medicaid. I strongly urge Governor-elect Greg Abbott to work to find a solution for Medicaid, and I hope to work with him in the future. I also encourage my constituents and all Texas residents to explore their options during the current open enrollment period which ends on February 15, 2015. There is still plenty of time for you to choose a plan that will protect you and your families. Eddie Bernice Johnson represents Texas’ 30th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. She is the first registered nurse elected to the US Congress.

May God bless and keep you always… the methods with the objectives.

"Our people have made the mistake of confusing As long as we agree on objectives, we should never fall out with each other just 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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HALL: Uncommon Art Although the latest cinematic sensation, Selma, is probably being heralded as an African-American movie, rapper and civil activist Common put that myth to rest.

Quit Playin’

In the statements he delivered during the Golden Globe awards, Common minced no words and expressed succinctly what it takes some people a whole lifetime to understand.

By Vincent Hall

After receiving the award for best original song for his and John Legend’s “Selma” anthem, “Glory,” the mainstream hip-hop star referenced slain unarmed black teen Michael Brown, as well as executed NYPD cops Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu.

recuperate from an injury. Art and Life, hmmmm!

Vincent Hall is an award-winning columnist and author.

this revelation overtook Common is another story altogether. Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr., better known by his stage name

mother, Dr. Mahalia Ann Hines was an educator and his dad was a professional basketball player with the old American Basketball Association (ABA)

“As I got to know the people of the civil rights movement, I realized I am the hopeful black woman who was denied her right to vote. I am the caring white supporter killed on the front lines of freedom. I am the unarmed black kid who maybe needed a hand, but instead was given a bullet. I am the two fallen police officers murdered in the line of duty. 'Selma' has awakened my humanity.” What happened to Common was uncommon, but obvious. After walking in the pathway that Dr. Martin Luther King traversed daily and after factual infusions of “real” Civil Rights h i s t o r y, C o m m o n f u l l y understood what “The Dream” was all about. But the fact that

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Common, (formerly Common Sense) is a rapper/poet/actor/ activist whose soul has been bathed in Black history and Black pride. Common hit the record shelves in 1992 with an album entitled; “Can I borrow a Dollar? A question he probably never uttered once since then. Common is not your usual rapper who steps out of literally nowhere and hits it big. Common grew up in a middle class family that mirrors much of Dr. King’s movement. His

that produced game-changers like Dr. J and George (The Ice Man) Gervin. Later, and after hitting big with the rap scene, Common turned to acting. He has had parts major and minor in films like The Terminator, American Gangster, Any Given Sunday and a film he led in called Just Wright. Just Wright featured Common as a professional basketball player like his dad, while being taught by his co-star Queen Latifah, how to

Plato called it “mimesis”, but they say that art imitates life. That happened to Common on the movie sets of Just Wright and Selma. Only in the latter, there was no game and no one seemed to be having a ball. Civil Rights work was a serious and dangerous undertaking pre-1972 when Common was born. I imagine that the movie Selma evoked a bright light of revelation and reality on all of its cast members. We roundly regard Dr. King without knowing how profound and allencompassing his message was. Dr. King’s Dream and his motives were equally as beneficial for White America as it was for Black America. His words were a salve for the poor as well as the rich. Dr. King understood the universality of humankind because he dealt with both sides of every issue. Likewise, as a society, we have to strive to understand and to be understood. Common got it, but so few of us actually do. If you have seen Selma you understand Common and his comments. If not, there is enough in the movie to make all of us agitated, humble, proud or just awakened. As a nation that has always been plagued by racial hatred and bigotry, we need some uncommon art. The kind of art that awakens!!

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“Where Do we go from here, Community or Chaos?” Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price and Pastor Oscar D. Epps, Sr, the founder and senior pastor of Community Missionary Baptist Church, hosted a community meeting regarding public safety issues, with a special emphasis on how to interact with the police. This open dialogue and informational meeting had a goal of creating safer

communities by creating a channel of communications with local law enforcement agents and the communities they have sworn to protect and serve. The guiding purpose of this meeting is to provide guidelines and imperatives to assist our community as they engage and interact with various law enforcement oﬃcials.

Ennis resident claims $1 million scratch-off prize (AUSTIN) – Alma CC JV, Robert Kyle Wilson, Manager, of Ennis, claimed a $500,000,000 Extreme Cash Blast scratch-oﬀ second-tier prize winning ticket worth $1 million. The claimant requested minimal publicity. The ticket was purchased at Alma One Stop at 102 Interstate 45 SW in Alma. For selling the winning ticket, the retailer will receive a $10,000 bonus.

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Concurrent to that mission, we also want to gauge whether or not the agencies are suﬃciently trained (at every command level), in respecting the diversity of cultures that make up our demographic. We need reform and compliance from the cop on the beat to the chief prosecutor that represents the bench, said Commissioner Price.

Six top prizes worth $2.5 million and 23 secondtier prizes worth $1 million remain unclaimed in the game. $500,000,000 Extreme Cash Blast features more than $513.1 million in prizes. The overall odds of winning are one in 2.84 including break-even prizes. Beginning with the first ticket sold in 1992, the Texas Lottery has generated $22 billion in revenue for the state and distributed $44 billion in prizes to lottery players. Since 1997, the Texas Lottery has contributed $17 billion to the Foundation School Fund, which supports public

education in Texas. As authorized by the Texas Legislature, certain Texas Lottery revenues benefit state programs including the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. The Texas Lottery provides several entertaining games for lottery players including Powerball®, Mega Millions®, Lotto Texas®, All or Nothing™, Texas Two Step®, Pick 3™, Daily 4™, Cash Five® and scratch-oﬀs. For more information visit us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or at www.txlottery.org.

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275,000 Students receive free ticket to “Selma” HOLLYWOOD, CA – An additional 12 locations have joined the growing movement lead by AfricanAmerican business leaders to raise funds for students across the country to see the Academy Award®nominated film “SELMA,” expanding the first-of-itskind campaign to 25 locations nationwide. Due to the generous contributions by so many of the country’s most prominent African-American business leaders, more than 275,000 middle and high school students across the U.S. will experience the critically acclaimed film for free at participating theaters while supplies last. The new locations joining the movement are Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Central Florida/Orlando, Connecticut, Detroit, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Montgomery, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, and St. Louis. “Paramount Pictures is extremely proud of this film, which is so clearly resonating with audiences young and old,” said Megan Colligan, President, Worldwide Distribution and Marketing, Paramount Pictures. “It’s a testament to the extraordinary talents of Ava DuVernay, David Oyelowo and the entire cast and crew that ‘SELMA’ is being celebrated by communities all over the country.” The business leaders who are leading the eﬀorts in the new locations are: · Dr. Meria Carstarphen, Superintendents, Atlanta Public Schools; Dr. Michael Lomax, President & CEO, United Negro College Fund; Hala Moddelmog, President & CEO, Metro Atlanta Chamber; and Dr. John Silvanus Wilson, President, Morehouse College, in Atlanta “This movie is an educational moment for more than 10,000 Atlanta Public Schools students who we are inviting to see this film. I am proud and humbled by the immediate outpouring of support from our Atlanta community who has joined this growing national movement,” said Meria J. Carstarphen, superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools and Selma, Alabama native. “Our Atlanta education partners believe in our students, and I am grateful for the opportunity they are providing our students to see one of the most pivotal moments in American history.” “‘SELMA’ is such an important film for young people to see now in the wake of Ferguson, Cleveland and New York. The struggle for justice is a long one, and Selma is history that a new generation needs to know more fully,” said Lomax. “So, I felt it was imperative to join with others around the country who were raising funds so middle and high school students can see the film, learn their history and be inspired to make the civil rights and justice lifelong pursuits.”

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· Robert F. Smith, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, in Austin

thanks to the generosity of a group of national and local foundations and corporations. We are pleased to

“It is of the utmost importance to expose our young people to the courage, compassion and integrity that is brought to life in the film ‘SELMA.’ It illuminates a period of American history that is very relevant today,” said Smith. “Dr. King has been a source of inspiration for me and for many people of all races and ethnicities. I consider this not just an opportunity, but a responsibility, to bring his message and his dream to the students of Austin.” · Sylvia Brown, Board Member, John Hopkins Healthcare Advisory Board, in Baltimore “Baltimore is proud to be a part of this wonderful eﬀort. We hope that young audiences find inspiration and encouragement in the film and in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s story,” said Brown. · Grant Hill, former NBA player; Harold Mills, Chief Executive Oﬃcer, ZeroChaos; Clarence Otis, retired Chairman & CEO, Darden Restaurants; and Ron Williams, former Chairman & CEO of Aetna in Central Florida/Orlando “The story of Dr. King’s historic journey in Alabama is one that students all over the country should know intimately,” said Otis. “It’s an honor to provide the opportunity for students in Central Florida to see Ava DuVernay’s beautiful film.” · Dr. Laurence C. Morse, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Fairview Capital Partners, Inc., in Connecticut “I am privileged to have been able to join with an extraordinary group of concerned, civic- minded individuals in the State of Connecticut to provide an opportunity for a number of young people who might not otherwise have been able to do so, to see and experience this deeply moving, engaging film about a critically important period in our nation's recent history, and in the continuing evolution of our democracy,” said Morse. · Faye Alexander Nelson, President, DTE Energy Foundation; Tonya Allen, President & CEO, The Skillman Foundation; Lisa Dancsok, Vice President, Quicken Loans; Mariam C. Noland, President, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan; Vivian R. Pickard, President, General Motors Foundation; Laura Trudeau, Managing Director, Detroit, Kresge Foundation; and Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation in Detroit “Detroit students will have the opportunity to join with students across the country to view ‘SELMA’

help coordinate the generous commitments of the DTE Energy Foundation, Ford Foundation, General Motors Foundation, Kresge Foundation, The Skillman Foundation, and Quicken Loans,” said Noland. · T. Warren Jackson, Senior Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer, DIRECTV, and Debra Martin Chase, CEO, Martin Chase Productions, in Los Angeles “It’s important that the civil rights struggle depicted in ‘SELMA’ reach as many young people as possible so that the enduring lessons of the civil rights movement can be harnessed to inspire them to transform their lives and communities. We appreciate the support of the California Endowment, and have enlisted the Constitutional Rights Foundation to work with the schools in creating a broader educational program to insure just that,” said Jackson. “As a filmmaker, I recognize the transformative power of film; that’s why the overwhelming response to the ‘SELMA’ initiative here in Los Angeles and across the nation is so heartening. It’s a reminder of the importance of voting and civics engagement and demonstrates how anything can be accomplished through creativity and clective effort,” said Martin Chase. · Gayle S. Rose, Chief Executive Officer, Electronic Vaulting Services, in Memphis “On behalf of former Congressman Harold Ford, Jr., and Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, Jr., we are thrilled to provide 10,000 7th, 8th and 9th grade Memphis students the gift of this film and what history has to teach us,” said Rose. “We thank Paramount Pictures, Malco Theaters, and many generous donors who made this happen in a matter of days. This is a testament to the charitable nature of our people.” · Ira D. Hall, resident of Miami Beach, FL, and Dr. Sherrlyn Scott, Supervisor, Department of Social Sciences Miami-Dade County Public Schools, in Miami “Over 5,500 Miami Dade and Ft. Lauderdale students can now see for free ‘SELMA,’ the movie that so powerfully portrays the courage, tenacity, humanity and moral strength of Alabama citizens, combined with the extraordinary brilliance and moral conviction of key civil rights and national leaders. That unstoppable coalition jointly fought for and won the rights of African Americans to vote! It is wonderful

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that students today can feel and sense this history so strikingly brought to life in ‘SELMA,’” said Hall. “We are thankful to our contributors in Miami who quickly organized to support such a worthy endeavor,” said Scott. “Their generosity will make a lasting impact on the students in our community.” · Alden McDonald, President, Liberty Bank, and Neill Wright, First Tuskegee Bank President, in Montgomery “This effort is an integral part of our corporate philosophy of linking our heritage to our vision of true equality for all the people we serve,” said McDonald. “In as much as Montgomery is part of the journey we took as a people to gain voting rights in the 1960s, we have joined with other business leaders and concerned citizens to provide free access to the ‘SELMA’ film for local students. We believe that we continue to make the historical connections for this generation to ‘keep the dream’ of true equality alive and well,” said Wright. · Dr. Eugene Flood, Jr., EVP and President of Diversified Financial Services, TIAA-CREF, in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel iHl. “We are pleased to support this unprecedented program for North Carolina students to be able to see this remarkable film,” said Flood. · Rev. Starsky Wilson, President & CEO of the Deaconess Foundation, in St. Louis “It is important that students are aware of this moment in history and make connections between the struggles of earlier generations and the challenges facing today’s youth,” said Rev. Starsky. “We are grateful to the Ford Foundation and other funders for joining us in this effort. We hope that this film will encourage civic engagement among young people and demonstrate to them that systemic change is possible through cooperative, intentional, and wellplanned efforts.” These African-American business leaders are following the lead of those in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Sarasota, FL, Washington D.C. and Westchester. “This was an important opportunity to educate our children about the heroes of the civil rights movement and keep an important legacy intact. I am proud that our community seized the moment,” said Fletcher “Flash” Wiley, Counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, who helped to organize the efforts in Boston. The nationwide efforts are inspired by the success of the program in New York City, in which 27 African-American business leaders created a fund for 27,000 of the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see the film for free. Due to the overwhelming demand, the New York City effort sold out in the very first weekend and was expanded to 75,000 tickets. Viacom’s Paramount Pictures, which is distributing “SELMA,” is coordinating the programs with participating theaters in the U.S. For a list of participating theaters in select cities offering free admission to students during this program and for information on group sales, visit www.SelmaMovie.com/studenttickets The students who present a current student ID or report card at the box office of any participating theater will receive free admission while tickets last.

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Filmmakers and cast of “Selma” invite residents to commemorative March on Sunday, January 18 HOLLYWOOD, CA (January 15, 2015) – In celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the filmmakers and cast of the Academy Award®nominated film “SELMA” invite the local the residents of Selma, Alabama to join them in a commemorative march on Sunday, January 18th to pay tribute to Dr. King’s contributions to the city and its role in the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay, stars David Oyelowo and Common and the film’s producers Oprah Winfrey, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner will participate in the day-long event. The celebration will begin with a Q&A with select filmmakers and cast moderated by

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Congresswoman Terri Sewell at Selma High School for local high school students and teachers. At 4:20 p.m., Selma mayor George Evans will address the community at Selma City Hall. Rev. Dion Culliver of Tabernacle Baptist Church and Rev. Leodis Strong of Brown AME Chapel will welcome attendees with a prayer. Immediately following at 4:45 p.m., the filmmakers and cast will proceed with a commemorative march to the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The day’s events will culminate with a special screening at the Selma Walton Theater for Alabama state oﬃcials and the film’s local cast and crew.

“I’m honored that Paramount Pictures and the cast has put Selma to the forefront of the nation again during MLK weekend. The dream marches on,” said Mayor Evans. On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 19th, Paramount Pictures will host two free screenings of “SELMA” for the general public at 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the Selma Walton Theater. These showings are added to the free screenings in Selma throughout the month of January. Tickets are available at the box oﬃce on a first come, first served basis.

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National Leaders meet in Dallas to begin steps toward Racial Reconciliation Bishop T.D. Jakes and Bishop Harry Jackson convene summit with former Atlanta mayor and United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young and others Bishop T.D. Jakes, New York Times bestselling author, leader and speaker, joined Bishop Harry Jackson, one of the nation’s most prominent AfricanAmerican pastors, in hosting the “Healing the Racial Divide” summit January 15 at The Potter’s House. The forum, comprised of approximately 75 racially and culturally diverse Christian faith leaders from around the nation, including former Atlanta mayor and U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young, took practical steps toward racial reconciliation across America. “Healing the Racial Divide” was strategically scheduled on the actual birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – four days before the annual King Day commemoration and approximately two weeks before the start of Black History Month – in an eﬀort to spark a national dialogue and develop national solutions. “It was Dr. King who said that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” said Bishop Jakes, senior pastor of The Potter’s House, one of the largest congregations in the U.S with more than 30,000 members. “We cannot continue as if we live in a post-racial society, when there is mounting evidence to the contrary. Recent history is loudly telegraphing the need for a meaningful dialogue on race.” The summit focused on seven “Bridges to Peace” community initiatives including: · Reconciliation and prayer forums; · Education policy reform; · Community engagement forums; · Community service and compassion outreaches; · Personal, marriage and family development; · Engagement with the criminal justice system; and · Economic development strategies. Additionally, summit conveners are publicly requesting President Barack Obama to specifically address educational reforms, urban economic development policies, and criminal justice reforms that can heal the racial divide during his January 20 State of the Union. “The recent events in Missouri, New York and elsewhere were shortterm flashpoints to an underlying long-term problem,” said Bishop Jackson. “In a divided society, the church needs to lead the way for societal reform by modeling unity and acting as a force of peace. The polarization of our nation can be shifted by healing racial divisions in the church, where we have a common language and mission.” The all-day “closed door” leadership summit will begin with a private prayer session followed by four prescriptive panel discussions of best practices around the country and potential solutions to heal racial division. Mid-afternoon, leaders will gather for an interactive session with invited media to summarize their conclusions. A public worship service, commissioning individuals to go out and work for reconciliation, will be held that evening, during which leaders will sign a covenant of reconciliation. “We must begin the conversation in the church where every significant movement impacting the lives of African-Americans has begun,” said Jakes. “But this is not our fight alone. This is America’s burden as well as her opportunity to rightfully tilt the scales toward justice for all. This is also a tremendous opportunity for the church to be the light in what have been very dark days for our country!" Organizers noted that although King once said "that the most segregated hour of Christian America is eleven o'clock on Sunday morning," the summit was racially diverse. Read more in the latest edition of Texas Metro News.

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H-E-B ISSUES A VOLUNTARY PRECAUTIONARY RECALL ON SPECIFIC H-E-B HOMESTYLE WHITE CORN TORTILLAS DUE TO THE POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF FOREIGN MATERIAL ALSO EXPANDS SOUTHERN STYLE SPICE RECALL ON CERTAIN ITEMS FOR UNDECLARED PEANUT ALLERGEN SAN ANTONIO - H-E-B has issued a voluntary and precautionary recall specifically for the H-E-B Homestyle White Corn Tortillas due to the possible presence of foreign material. There have been no reported illnesses related to this precautionary recall. H-E-B discovered the issue on January 13, 2015 during quality assurance product reviews at our manufacturing facility. This recall is specific to only the 12 count and 30 count packages of H-E-B Homestyle White Corn Tortillas with a Best Buy Date of January 22, 2015 and earlier. No other H-EB tortilla products are impacted by this voluntary precautionary recall. There have been no consumer complaints or reports of illness at this time. H-E-B is asking customers that may have purchased the impacted product to return it to their H-E-B store for a full refund. The affected products include: H-E-B Homestyle White Corn Tortillas 12 ct. packages with Best By dates of January 22, 2015 and earlier H-E-B Homestyle White Corn Tortillas 30 ct. packages with Best By dates of January 22, 2015 and earlier Expanded Southern Style Spice Recall As an update to the voluntary and precautionary recall for select items containing seasoning provided by Southern Style Spice, H-E-B is expanding the recall to include H-E-B Texas Ranch Casserole and H-E-B Gumbo due to undeclared peanut allergens in the spice blend ingredient components possibly used for these specific items. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. There have been no consumer complaints or reports of allergic reactions at this time. The affected products include: Retail packed H-E-B Texas Ranch Casserole purchased from an H-E-B Deli on, or before, January 13, 2015 with a scan code beginning with 279075 or 279108 Retail packed H-E-B Gumbo purchased from an H-E-B Deli on, or before, January 13, 2015 with a scan code beginning with 27909 “H-E-B takes every precaution necessary to ensure the integrity and quality of the products sold in our stores,” said Winell Herron, Group Vice President of Public Affairs and Diversity. ”These voluntary recalls have been issued in an abundance of caution to maintain the highest standards of food safety for our customers.” Any product purchased from the lists above should be returned to any H-EB store for a full refund. Customers with concerns or questions may contact H-E-B Customer Relations at 210-938-8357 or 1-800-432-3113 between the hours of 8AM and 5PM Monday through Friday.

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Panel Discussion held following viewing of Friday Night Tykes In America, football is king… and nowhere is football bigger than in Texas. With exclusive access to the 8 to 9 year-old Rookies division of the Texas Youth Football Association, this 10-part docuseries follows five teams on and oﬀ the field during the 2013 season. Throughout, coaches and parents oﬀer insight into why they believe they’re teaching valuable lessons about discipline and dedication, but also grapple with serious questions about parenting, safety and at what price we're pushing our kids to win. View the program on Tuesdays at 8 CST on the Esquire Network

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Denton Black Film Festival The inaugural Denton Black Film Festival (DBFF) to be held on January 30-31 2015. The film festival will focus on award winning independent films many of which have Texas roots. DBFF is prese nting a special collection of Award Winning Independent Feature Films at the historic Campus Theater. We seek to oﬀer the works of local, national and international filmmakers, that often are not seen by a broad audience and may not be recognized through major theatrical release. They’re critically acclaimed, representing the best of the best in screenings. Never before have they been available for viewing at one single event. The Denton Black Film Festival will showcase films that entertain, educate, inspire, and communicate Black cultural themes to the broader community as expressed through movies and art that reflect cultural mindset and changes through several generations of film-making. DBFF Information ht tp://www.dentonbﬀ.com/ All ACCESS tickets are available online now! Single ticket sales online January 10th DBFF Facebook www.faceboo k.com/ DentonBlackFilmFestiva l

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Stellar Awards Telecast taping moves to the Las Vegas Orleans Arena

CHICAGO, IL- Central City Productions today announced that stand-up comedian turned television personality,David Mann, multiple Stellar Award winner, Tamela Mann, and syndicated radio personality Rickey Smiley (Dish Nation), will collaborate to cohost the 30th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. The annual salute to Gospel music, The Stellar Awards will be held at its new location, the Las Vegas Orleans Arena on Saturday, March 28, 2015. The Awards and Pre-show will both be held in the Orleans Showroom. The show will air in broadcast syndication on 150 stations in over 125 markets around the country from April 12 through May 3, 2015 and on the TV One network on Easter Sunday, April 5. The nominees in 27 categories were unveiled today, with gospel superstar and WEtv personality Erica Campbell and Ricky Dillard and New G sharing the top spot as the most nominated artists with ten nominations each. In her first solo project effort, Mary Mary's Campbell earns ten nominations for "Help," including "Artist of the Year," "Song of the Year," "Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year," "CD of the Year," "Contemporary Female vocalist of the Year," "Contemporary CD of the Year," and "Urban /Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year." The project also received nominations in the categories of "Producer of the Year," "Music Video of the Year," and "Recorded Music Packaging of the Year." Ricky Dillard and New G's "Amazing" tied "Help" for the most recognition with nominations for "Artist of the Year," "Song of the Year," "Male Vocalist of the Year," "CD of the Year," "Producer of the Year," "Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year," "Traditional CD of the Year," "Choir of the Year," "Traditional Choir of the Year," and "Recorded Music Packaging of the Year." Another artist to receive multiple nominations is The Walls Group with eight nominations. Gospel music luminary Kirk Franklin goes head-to-head against himself in the "Producer of the Year" category for the projects of both his protégés, Tasha Page-Lockhart and The Walls Group. Gospel chart-topper and reality television star/producer Deitrick Haddon earns seven nominations for his project Deitrick Haddon's LXW including "Male Vocalist of the Year," "Choir of the Year," "Contemporary CD of the Year," and "Urban /Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year." Other artists earning multiple nominations include Arkansas Gospel Mass Choir, Smokie Norful and Michelle Williams.

Hailed as "gospel music's biggest night," this year's Stellar Gospel Music Awards features live performances by The Walls Group, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Mali Music, Deitrick Haddon's LXW, and Beverly Crawford among others. The Stellar Awards will also present five special categories highlighting the top radio stations serving urban Gospel music audiences nationwide. The awards honor terrestrial radio and internet programs that broadcast Gospel music, including the top Gospel Announcer of the Year. "I am pleased that God has blessed us with the staying power of the Stellar Awards brand, and we are celebrating our 30-year anniversary as the most respected name in Gospel music and in the faith-based community today," says Don Jackson, founder & Executive Producer of the Stellar Awards. "Our 2015, 30th anniversary 'Stellars' will give thanks to those who have contributed to the success of the Stellar Awards in tribute and in song, bringing back some of the greatest names in the genre as well as featuring many of the nominated artists of 2015. I am also grateful that Central City Productions, the producers of the Stellar Awards will be celebrating 45 years in business as one of the leading television production companies in the media industry." In addition to recognizing the year's most outstanding contributions in gospel music, The Stellar Awards will also bestow special honors upon President Barack Obama with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award and Bishop Paul Morton with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award. Andrae Crouch and Al "The Bishop" Hobbs will be celebrated posthumously for their significant contributions to the industry with the Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award. The taping at The Orleans Arena is open to the public, and tickets are on sale now through (www.orleansarena.com). Summary of 2015 Stellar Awards Top Nominees: Erica Campbell -- 10 Total Nominations Ricky Dillard -- 10 Total Nominations The Walls Group -- 8 Total Nominations Deitrick Haddon's LXW -- 7 Total Nominations Arkansas Gospel Mass Choir -- 6 Total Nominations Smokie Norful -- 4 Total Nominations

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Make 2015 a great year!

Halftime Performance by: Parliament Funkade GEORGE CLINTON Post Game Party w/ DJ STEVE NICE American Airline Center Audi Club Immediately f the game. Game Ticket Required.

Halftime Performance by: Parliament Funkadelic’s A portion of the proceeds will be donated to: GEORGE CLINTON UNCF, Tom Joyner Foundation, DMCBAA Post Game Party w/ DJ STEVE NICE & National Pan-Hellenic Council of Dallas, TX American Airline Center Audi Club Immediately following the game. Game Ticket Required.

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A portion of the proceeds will be donated to:

UNCF, Tom Joyner Foundation, DMCBAA dŝĐŬĞƚ WƌŝĐĞ & National Pan-Hellenic Council of Dallas, TX

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dŽ ŽƌĚĞƌ ǀŝĂ ĨĂǆ͕ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ƐĞŶĚ ƚŚŝƐ ĨŽƌŵ ĂůŽŶŐ &Žƌ ƋƵĞƐƚŝŽŶƐ Žƌ ƚŽ ƉůĂĐĞ ǇŽƵƌ ŽƌĚĞƌ ǀŝĂ ƉŚŽŶĞ͕ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƉĂǇŵĞŶƚ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶ ƚŽ ϮϭϰͲϲϱϴͲϳϭϯϳ͘ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ǁŝƚŚ ƉĂǇŵĞŶƚ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶ ƚŽ ϮϭϰͲϲϱϴͲϳϭϯϳ͘

'Ăŝů K͛ ĂŶŶŽŶ 'Ăŝů K͛ ĂŶŶŽŶ ;ϮϭϰͿ ϲϱϴͲϳϭϮϯ ;ϮϭϰͿ ϲϱϴͲϳϭϮϯ ŐĂŝů͘ŽďĂŶŶŽŶΛĚĂůůĂƐŵĂǀƐ͘ĐŽŵ ŐĂŝů͘ŽďĂŶŶŽŶΛĚĂůůĂƐŵ

/DWKZd Ed͗ ;KĨĨĞƌ ŶŽƚ ǀĂůŝĚ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ Žǆ KĨĨŝĐĞ Žƌ dŝĐŬĞƚŵĂƐƚĞƌͿ͘ KƌĚĞƌƐ ĂƌĞ ĨŝůůĞĚ ŽŶ ĨŝƌƐƚͲĐŽŵĞ͕ ĨŝƌƐƚ ƐĞƌǀĞĚ ďĂƐŝƐ ĂŶĚ ĂƌĞ ƐƵďũĞĐƚ ƚŽ /DWKZd Ed͗ ;KĨĨĞƌ ŶŽƚ ǀĂůŝĚ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ Žǆ KĨĨŝĐĞ Žƌ dŝĐŬĞƚŵĂƐƚĞƌͿ͘ KƌĚĞƌƐ ĂƌĞ ĨŝůůĞĚ ŽŶ ĨŝƌƐƚͲĐŽŵĞ͕ ĨŝƌƐƚ ƐĞƌǀĞĚ ďĂƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďŝůŝƚǇ͘ ƵĞ ƚŽ ŚŝŐŚ ĚĞŵĂŶĚ͕ ǁĞ ĞŶĐŽƵƌĂŐĞ ǇŽƵ ƚŽ ƉůĂĐĞ ǇŽƵƌ ŽƌĚĞƌ ĂƐ ƐŽŽŶ ĂƐ ƉŽƐƐŝďůĞ͘ KƌĚĞƌ ĞĂƌůǇ Ͳ ƚŝĐŬĞƚƐ ǁŝůů ^ >> Khd͊

ĂǀĂŝůĂďŝůŝƚǇ͘ ƵĞ ƚŽ ŚŝŐŚ ĚĞŵĂŶĚ͕ ǁĞ ĞŶĐŽƵƌĂŐĞ ǇŽƵ ƚŽ ƉůĂĐĞ ǇŽƵƌ ŽƌĚĞƌ ĂƐ ƐŽŽŶ ĂƐ ƉŽƐƐŝďůĞ͘ KƌĚĞƌ ĞĂƌůǇ Ͳ ƚŝĐŬĞƚ

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Journalists host Cool Out Suite The Cool Out Suite scored big as the DallasFort Worth Association of Black Journalists (DFW/ABJ) was joined by ESPN’s sports journalists and friends, Jemele Hill, Michael Smith and analyst for ESPN’s SEC Network, Marcus Spears. The Foundation Room was packed with media professionals, athletes and sports fans during this college football championship weekend. "I think having the College Football Playoff here allows DFW/ABJ to show just how important it is to the community. It allows everyone to meet and greet with some of the names and faces you may recognize on TV or the radio, and in turn, it gives those people the opportunity to see that DFW/ABJ is more than capable of putting on a professional, quality event for the masses,” said national college football recruiting analyst, Damon Sayles. DJ Gumbo turned down the music so that DFW/ABJ board members including Past President KXAS-TV NBC 5’s Stephen Wright, Vice President Eva Coleman, and special guests Jemele Hill and Michael Smith could address the large crowd. StarTelegram’s Cowboys/ NFL reporter, Clarence E. Hill Jr. welcomed everyone and invited all to join the DallasFort Worth Association of Black Journalists.

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“We want to encourage everyone to join because it supports us in the business,” said WFAA-TV fill-in Traffic Reporter and celebrity blogger, Amanda Fitzpatrick. Former NFL player for the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens, Marcus Spears shared his sentiments on being welcomed to the journalism side of the industry. He gave lots of credit to other journalists in the room including his “sis," Eva Coleman. Other professionals were invited to speak as well and a common theme among each of them seemed to be, “pay it forward.” “I make sure I pay my dues and it was opportunities that NABJ provided that led me to where I

am today,” said ESPN’s Jemele Hill. "As we approach our 35th anniversary in 2016, DFW/ABJ members recognize our rich history and a commitment to providing scholarships, mentorships, professional development programming and networking opportunities,” said DFW/ABJ President, Cheryl Smith. "We're also proud of our NABJ 'babies' and appreciate the opportunity to show our love when they visit the area." If you are seeking a progressive organization that provides scholarships, networking opportunities and pays it forward, join the DallasFort Worth Association of Black Journalists. When you join, you support students just like the ones featured in the following video participating in the 12-week, Urban Journalism Workshop sponsored by the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists.

DFW/ABJ has influenced the careers of so many journalists in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and around the nation. Visit www.dfwabj.com and join TODAY!

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Black Lives Matter ALL Lives Matter Every day!

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

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

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!!

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

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

Call 214.943.4567 ext. 13 for more information!

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WASHINGTON: How Do I Live? I once believed the finding one’s way to salvation was a lifelong struggle filled with pitfalls and potholes strategically placed to trip you up in an effort to deny you your rightful place in heaven and insure permanent residence in hell. My confusion about this had me questioning, if true, then how should one live a “Christian” life? I mean you’re not supposed to be able to earn your way into God’s presence. Faith dictates that you accept the fact that Jesus secured that for the faithful when He died on the cross. Please be mindful that I do not claim unique spiritual insight on this issue. I’m sure my dilemma can easily be resolved by more mature Christians than me, who would deem this rather elementary. So since faith without works is supposed to be bogus and simple faith alone won’t get you into the kingdom, I ask again, how should you approach living your life? I’ve often said in this column that in this stage of my spiritual development (because I believe it) that the best anyone can do is to try and live a life that honors God; a life that by example, can be seen from afar as one trying to emulate that of

Spiritual Speaking By James Washington Christ Jesus. “Each one should use whatever gift he has to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10. Now I know that sounds simple enough, but my experience says it’s far from easy; sort of like knowing the difference between owning a home and renting an apartment. The truth is people take care of something they own much differently than something they’ll walk away from one day or return or pass along to someone else. Hence to take ownership of one’s own soul demands a different approach to life than someone who mindlessly abdicates any responsibility for where he or she will spend eternity. Until you realize that throughout history, men and women of God have been persecuted and murdered,

you will not understand how dangerous it is to live a life of peace, mercy, forgiveness, charity and justice. “He showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you; to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah: 6-8. This walk although rewarding, is still treacherous; fraught with perils unimaginable to the innocent eye. Who would question what God says? “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians: 4:31-32. Is this really living dangerously or is it so radical a concept that we ignore it, preferring a life of gossip, revenge, cynicism and pride? So at

the risk of ridicule and criticism, a life built around belief in God should be the ultimate goal. It should be okay to turn the other cheek, give the benefit of the doubt and respect another’s right to be different. God’s purpose, albeit difficult at times, is easily understood. “Be on guard; stand firm in faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14. Remember, you are responsible for your own soul. You are your own landlord. Building maintenance and cleanup is up to you. You are not a renter here. Anyone who you invite in should leave your presence, your home, with the knowledge that an honest attempt is being made by you to be truthful in the effort to claim your own salvation. This is imperative and answers the question of how you should live. “Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me.” Psalms 119:175. May God bless and keep you always

James

We must mentor our children. It really does take a village!

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Ask Almaâ&#x20AC;Ś To Marry or not to Marry Dear Alma, A friend of mine is engaged to her fiancĂŠ of 4 years, she recently found out that her fiancĂŠ has a child that he never told her about or talked about. This happened before they got together. He said he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to say anything because he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to hurt her or didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want it to ruin what they have, he has had no contact with the child or mother since it happened but now it has come out because he has to pay child support, apparently the mother didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want him involved in the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. She is feeling like she canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t trust him anymore or even go forward with dealing with the situation, he has stressed how sorry he is and he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find a way to tell her. Should she move forward with him or just move on and let it go? Help Dear Help, Hmmm that was a stretch, even for the Rubber Band Man. I wonder how quick he was able to come up with that

Ask Alma on, not long Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d surmise. His answer sounds overwhelmingly familiar. You know how we do when trying to offer up an empty resolution. We answer a question with a question. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the oldest tricks in the book. And you, oh wait, your friend, is sitting there ready to receive it. God bless you Honey. Personally, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d end it. But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not you, or your friend and if she really wanted to leave, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d already be gone. When a person is ready to bounce from a relationship, they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell a soul, except the confidant whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helping them break away. When one decides to go, there is no turning back. Your mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s set and your bedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made ~ thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no room for discussion. In-Tay-Who, back to your package, lets open it up. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve worn these shoes before and where did they lead you?

Alma Gillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ask Almaâ&#x20AC;? and twitter @almaaskalma.

Right back to the intersection of Lied2me Again & Heartbreak Blvd. TBT, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not lost, this is a familiar place. Hold on, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just picking on you. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all occupied space here at one time or another. Your man, ah, this kind of man will always bring his shortcomings and gift them to you. You know why? Cause youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll rewrap that bad boy into the fantasy you want it to be. Now with that said, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take a left, leaning towards a positive possibility and see what we can discover. You, oh yea, your friend is obviously one of those women who deliver that â&#x20AC;&#x153;ride or dieâ&#x20AC;? kinda love. Stop right here, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to offer an alternative, how about we celebrate the

â&#x20AC;&#x153;ride and liveâ&#x20AC;? kinda love â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for yourself. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the type of love that requires him to bring his truth and lay it all on the table. How about you insist that he disclose everything to you and tell you why he walked away. Be it unemployment or immaturity, you deserve to know. After he takes full responsibility, the two of you can start to work on this together, along with all of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenges youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll face as man and wife. This is huge, make no mistake about it. The chains of deception are broken and in need of delicate repairs. Seriously speaking, hold him accountable and help him to do right by his child. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gonna get a lot worse before it gets better. Stay focused and devote yourself to the commitment of your new family. When it feels like you just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take another step, remember â&#x20AC;&#x153;regularâ&#x20AC;? can sometimes just be an option at the gas pump, LOL. Lawd have mercy, that aint nothing but the truth. Alma

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I MESSENGER

NO 4 ISSUE 20 BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

DISTRICT ATTORNEY HAWK ANNOUNCES PLANS TO EXPAND ANIMAL CRUELTY UNIT

1/16/15

Magnet schools accepting applications for 2015-2016

– During a tour of the SPCA, District Attorney Susan Hawk announced plans to expand the Animal Cruelty Unit. “I believe this unit serves a very important role in not only protecting animals, but also in identifying the potential for violent behavior. As a judge, I saw time and time again, serious oﬀenders in my court who had early oﬀenses that were crimes against animals,” said District Attorney Susan Hawk. “Animal abuse also is an early sign of domestic violence, and history has shown that crimes against animals, like dog fighting, are often connected to other crimes like gambling, narcotics use and money laundering. I believe that by expanding the Animal Cruelty Unit, we can prevent more serious future crimes,” Susan Hawk said. Currently the Animal Cruelty Unit includes one prosecutor and one investigator, and partially funded with private donations. District Attorney Susan Hawk will propose adding another prosecutor, and creating a new

DALLAS- Dallas ISD is home to some of the nation’s top magnet schools. Students interested in attending one of these schools for the 2015-2016 school year can submit applications through Jan. 30. There are programs for every age level covering a variety of interests. The magnet program includes vanguards and Montessori for elementary students, academies for middle school students and magnets for high school students. For a complete list of schools and programs, visit the magnet school at dallasisd.org/magnets. The requirements to attend magnet programs vary by school. Applications can be found online or at any Dallas ISD school. The deadline to apply is Jan. 30.

liaison position that will coordinate with the animal rights non-profit community to better coordinate resources and to raise additional private dollars that can be used to investigate and prosecute crimes against animals. “I believe that our oﬃce has a responsibility to not only prosecute criminals, but also to find ways to prevent crime, and this is really a no brainer,” says District Attorney Susan Hawk. “Anyone who is able to take out their rage on a defenseless animal has the potential turn that rage toward a defenseless person,” Susan Hawk said.

PAGE 20

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NO 4 ISSUE 20 BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

1/16/15

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

I MESSENGER

NO 4 ISSUE 20 BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

CALENDAR Every Sunday Drinks and Drums At Heroes Lounge (Reggae Lounge) 7402 Greenville Av Dallas TX 75231 Info: 214-750-6800 Doors Open at 5pm, Live Reggae Band at 7pm, $1 drinks til 11pm 2 live DJs after MICHAEL JUST: WHAT'S DONE CANNOT BE UNDONE Through February 20, 2015 10AM-6PM CYDONIA 167 Payne Dallas, TX 75207 Nadio Gallegos Marin 214-296-4848 CYDONIA contemporary art gallery is pleased to announce Berlin-based artist MICHAEL JUST’S SOLO EXHIBITION WHAT’S DONE CANNOT BE UNDONE. The show OPENS FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 FROM 6:00PM UNTIL 8:00PM. THE EXHIBITION RUNS UNTIL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015. What’s Done Cannot be Undone revolves around the idea of forgiveness beyond its traditional definition, not only as emotional aﬀection or religious ceremony. Just questions if trauma can be interpreted as a historical category and a productive force in the way that theorist Rebecca Comay suggests. Instead of enshrouding catastrophe with negativity, Comay negotiates foreclosure and reconciliation after Hegel. Can we treat absolution as a critical historical tool? Comay understands forgiveness as the only conceivable act that can come close to erasing transgression. If the future reverts to recode the past, if society can forgive, how can that change history?

Robots 3D (film) Through March 22, 2015 Visit website for special holiday times and closures Perot Museum of Nature and Science 2201 N. Field Street Dallas, TX 75202 Admission: Members: $6, Non-members: $8 What does it take to make a “humanoid” robot – a robot who can do anything we can do but without the benefit of a human brain? This is the challenge for scientists now as they create robots who are becoming eerily like the people who are making them. Fascinating and fun, Robots 3D shows the latest developments – the success and the failures - from robotic labs around the world and proves it’s not easy being (or creating a) humanoid! Bishop Arts Food and Historical Walking Tour, presented by Dallas Bites! Through March 30, 2015 1 p.m. to 4:30 p. m. Dude, Sweet Chocolate 408 W. Eighth St. Dallas, TX 75208 Admission: $40

Martin Luther King Birthday Celebrations in Dallas, Texas

Friday, January 16, 2015, 7:00 p.m. Alpha Phi Alpha will host the annual Candle Lighting Ceremony Dr. Michael Bowie, pastor at St. Luke Community UMC, is guest speaker. MLK Recreation Center 2901 Penn. Ave. South Dallas,TX. Call Craig Anderson 469-360-5688 ********* Saturday, January 17, 2015, 10:00 AM Martin Luther King, Jr. Center presents the 33rd Annual March/Parade Starting at Dallas City Hall and ending at Fair Park in South Dallas, TX

Saturday, January 17, 2015, 7:30 p.m. Martin Luther King, Jr. Center Board of Directors presents the Awards Banquet Hyatt Regency Hotel 300 Reunion Boulevard, Dallas, Banquet Speaker Rahiel Tesfamariam Rahiel Tesfamariam is a social activist, public theologian,writer and speaker. She is Founder / Publisher of UrbanCusp and a former columnist for The Washington Post. Rahiel is a graduate of Stanford University and Yale University where she graduated magna cum laude and was the inaugural William Sloane Coﬃn, Jr. Scholar for Peace and Justice. A recent speaker at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor conference Ms. Tesfamariam spoke about art and social change, holiness and hip hop and using social media to change the nation. Read more about her activism and accomplishments at http://www.rahiel.com/ MLK Parade http://www.mlkcelebrationdallas.org

January 16 New Mount Zion Baptist Church Pastor Appreciation for Pastor Tommy L. Brown Hyatt Regency Hotel, 300 Reunion Blvd. 7p.m.

January 19 10:00AM 29th Annual Elite News Martin Luther King,Jr. Parade and Festival Starting at the corner of MLK & Lamar participants will moved down MLK Blvd. into Fair Park for the Festival in South Dallas, TX. For Information 214-372-6500 Dallas’ superhot live storytelling series for adults, Oral Fixation (An Obsession with True Life Tales), will kick oﬀ 2015 with an hourlong evening of true, personal stories on the theme, “Slippery Slope” at the Wyly Studio Theatre and on January 21st at Texas Theatre in Oak Cliﬀ, both at 8pm, seven Dallasites will reveal juicy details on times in their lives when things slipped out of their control. National Motown Gospel Artist Brian Courtney Wilson Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Where: Concord Church 11am Questions contact: Toska Medlock Lee: toskamedlock@mac.com

Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture presents the stage play The 67th Book of the Bible by Jonathan Norton City Performance Hall, 7:00 pm Admission $20, Teachers $10, Students free (with valid student ID)

The Overcomers’ Outreach “’Addictions, Habits and Hang-ups’ conference is set for January 16 and 17, 2015 in Cedar Hill. It will be held at the Cedar Hill Church of

January 22

Christ, 535 S. Clark Road in Cedar Hill, Texas

January 17 Annual Martin Luther KIng Spokenword Invitational at UT Arlington 7:30-10pm Hosted by Mike Guinn in the Bluebonnet Ball Room

“Spotlighting the Cliﬀ” Annual Awards, featuring guest MC, State Rep. Rafael Anchia, will recognize the best Oak Cliﬀ businesses, organizations and individuals for their achievements, community contributions and milestones. The VIP Reception will give attendees an invaluable opportunity to mix & mingle with community leaders while enjoying an exclusive mixer in the Orion Ballroom

Lancaster Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation, January 17, 2015 11th ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., PARADE

January 23

LINE-UP TO BEGIN PROMPTLY AT 9:00 a.m. The parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. January 17, 2015 Saturday, at the Lancaster Elsie Robertson Middle School 822 Pleasant Run Road. The parade will travel East on Pleasant Run Rd one mile. North onto Dallas Ave. Proceeding on to the Lancaster High School Coliseum.

Murder Ballad January 23, 2015 to February 01, 2015 3:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 PM on Friday and Saturday Art Centre Theatre 5220 Village Creek Dr Plano, TX 75093

Immediately following the parade there will be a short Program. The program will include short excerpts from Dr. King’s speeches, and interesting facts about his life, an Awards ceremony and participation from diﬀerent groups.

PAGE 22

1/16/15

: Roosevelt Nichols – Chairperson 469-358-8722 nick0420@sbcglobal.net Co-Sponsored by: City of Lancaster, Lancaster Independent School District and Lancaster Chamber of Commerce WWW.Lancastermlk.org

I MESSENGER

NO 4 ISSUE 20 BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION YOUTH LEADERSHIP World Vision, US ProgramsGreater Dallas Community Development Corporation DreamWeavers FoundationMovement Day Greater DallasHostIGNITE FOR CHANGEJanuary 22, 2015Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center6-8:30 pm Youth ages 13-18 are invited to an evening of group dialogue, fellowship and fun to address issues that impact young people and define solutions for change. Register at www.movementdaygreaterdallas.com/registration Use code: GRATIS

Admission: $15 Jamey Jamison 214-810-3228

January 24 Youth Unity Forum Presented by The Man Up Group “We Are Human, Too” Hosted by Southwest Center Mall. First Floor Atrium from 10:00am -12:30pm

1/16/15

works of local, national and international filmmakers, that often are not seen by a broad audience and may not be recognized through major theatrical release. They’re critically acclaimed, representing the best of the best in screenings. Never before have they been available for viewing at one single event. The Denton Black Film Festival will showcase films that entertain, educate, inspire, and communicate Black cultural themes to the broader community as expressed through movies and art that reflect cultural mindset and changes through several generations of film-making. DBFF Facebook www.facebook.com/DentonBlackFilmFestival

January 30

Brought to you by the Man Up Group Mentoring Program in partnership with P.A.L.S. (Police Athletic League) and N.A.A.C.P. ( National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)

The inaugural Denton Black Film Festival (DBFF) to be held on January 30-31 2015. The film festival will focus on award winning independent films many of which have Texas roots. DBFF is presenting a special collection of Award Winning Independent Feature Films at the historic Campus Theater. We seek to oﬀer the

Marvel Universe LIVE! January 30, 2015 to February 01, 2015 Times vary American Airlines Center 2500 Victory Avenue Dallas, TX 75219

January 28 Motivational Speaker’s Leadership Conference The North Texas Christian Speaker’s Association is looking for Motivational Speakers & Authors: Where: Texas Motor Speedway 3445 Lone Star Circle Fort Worth, TX 76177 When- 9AM-4PM

January 29 Congresswoman Johnson sponsors forums on the Aﬀordable Care Act: 6:30p-8:00p Cedar Valley College 3030 North Dallas Ave Lancaster, Texas 75134 Fellowship Christian Academy What: FCA Open House 1821 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. Dallas, TX 75232 Thursday January 29 & March 5, 2015 See Us In Action “Breakfast’ 7:30 – 9 am Thursday, February 19 2015 Evening of Discovery 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm (FCA Campus – Upstairs Library) RSVP: fcasoars.org/events Special Discounts apply to those who attend

IN MEMORIAM

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

Tuesday

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

I MESSENGER

NO 4 ISSUE 20 BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

1/16/15

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? We know he has attacked members A guy who hits aof woman can be called lots of things. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,â&#x20AC;&#x153;Manâ&#x20AC;?Inc. is not one of them. 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

GARLAND

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By Cheryl Smith - Texas Metro News

KENNY JAY REVIEW: MakingBOOK Women Happy!

INTIMATE SEDUCTION

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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

p.7

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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

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

'9*3/!0:!;<0=!!!!!!!!!!

Martin named NABJ Â Journalist of the Year

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BOOK REVIEW:

THE BISHOPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAUGHTER

If you have ANY information, PLEASE call Crime Stoppers City of Dallas Sanitation Dept.

Page 13

No. 1 serving the African American Community 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

The Dallas Weekly

years celebrates 56 Black of serving the Community

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

YVETTE BROOKS Your Curlfriend!

Page 10

Volume No. 55 Issue No. 44

INSIDE

Page 2

FAMU Rattlers victorious

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

National

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

oversee the The Field Research Team which underwent 80 hours of

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

THE HUNDRED DAY SCORE

Why Democracy hangs in the balance

INSIDE

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.

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

X-Men Origins: WOLVERINE Movie Tidbits Pg. 12

How to brand you Page 16

ALL

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See Baisden, page 6

future with President Obama

See Martin, page 11

INSIDE

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Obama wins election and makes ...

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HISTORIC

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Nation elects first African

Page 6

9@AIJ@G?CF@I!!!!!!!!!!!!!KLM American president , as Barack wins handidly INSIDE PAGES: -DHHN>C?O!-BE@>PBA!!1 Lifestyle

See PAGE 7

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

(RBSS@A!9NTTE@!!!!!!!!!0M

Page 8

Business Food for thought Congresswoman addresses

PAGE 1

Democrat

2NIC>@II!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!0U!!!!

Prevent heart attacks

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

CHANGE! Join the rally,

/CQ@I?OE@!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!0;

Is gospel music dying? Management blamed for issues

Michael Baisden Oak Cliff Chamber Page 12

Health

HEALTH

Choose either or

See Sexual Assault, page 18Curry looks at the George

Michael Baisden leaves airwaves -Skip Murphy moves to slot

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Digital Illustration: Joseph Shelby

877.373.8477 3.23.13 By Patrice J. Holmes

editorial@dallasweekly.com

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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