VOLUME 4 ISSUE 42 June 19, 2015
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Message to the People...
Doing something with your life Don’t Believe the Hype 5
Cheryl Smith
I have had the pleasure of knowing Joyce Ann Brown for the past 26 years. When I first saw her it was shortly after she had been released from prison, having served nine years, five months and 24 days for a crime she did not commit. I watched her eating at Two Podners restaurant in Sunny South Dallas and I thought, she doesn’t look like she spent time in prison (as if there is a certain “look”). Shortly afterwards I sat down with Ms. Brown and interviewed her for a feature story I was working on. Her story moved me to tears but I tried to hold them in. I was frustrated and felt sad as she talked about how she had been mistreated. Little did I know that we would become so close, that our relationship would move to a point where our families were so intertwined that many didn’t know that we were not actually blood relatives. My family attended her family reunions and she attended reunions with my family. My children called her “Granny” and I was “Aunt Cheryl” to most of her family.
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Nor did I know that we would end up working together, and that was one heck of an experience. Actually it’s kind of funny when you think back. Here she had been released from prison and during the time that we both worked in Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price’s office, both the Commissioner and I found ourselves behind bars. Our crime, speaking out against injustices on the picket line. I guess we didn’t move quick enough for officers so we were cuffed. After a brief stay, we were released and there never was a court appearance, so go figure! Still as I sat in the holding cell for a few hours, at each tick tock of the clock I felt myself getting sicker. What was wrong with Joyce Ann Brown? I couldn’t believe she had me sitting there. I later found out that she felt a little time wouldn’t hurt anyone. After all, she had done nine years five months and 24 days and she had survived. And we knew we were getting out eventually, didn’t we!
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Among our many special times together were the times spent planning KwanzaaFest and commemorating her release from prison or working on some project to address societal ills and strategizing for the next protest. We traveled to Plant City, Florida for my family reunion and to DC for the presidential election. Both trips were memory-filled. One thing is for sure, we were a strong force to be reckoned with if you tried to come up against us. Sure we could get behind closed doors and read one another the riot act. But step to one of us and it was on. Over the years, I watched Joyce work tirelessly for the formerly incarcerated and anyone else she felt was being mistreated. I admired her resilience and knew that to work with her, to fight with her would definitely put me on the right side of history.
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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Word of her heart attack on the first anniversary of my mother’s death, June 10, caused quite a bit of stress and her death three days later saddened me immensely. I had two reasons to grieve and it was challenging. Here was a person who had done so much for so many and now she was gone, without the state of Texas compensating her for taking away so many years of her life. You see, other exonerees received millions for their wrongful convictions and imprisonments, but Joyce Ann Brown didn’t. Even though I believed that she would have spent much of the money received helping others, she should have had that option. Joyce deserved to be paid and although she is no longer with us; the state should pay her estate. It’s the right thing to do!
Cheryl I MESSENGER
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CONGRATULATIONS to the Class of 2015
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Councilman
Dwaine R. Caraway District 4
Cordially invites all District 4 citizens to our
Appreciation Day
Saturday, June 20, 2015 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
FREE food and beverages
Glendale Park 1515 E. Ledbetter Dallas, Texas 75216 214-670-0781 214-670-0781
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Prize drawings Music Attendees are encouraged to bring a pre-sliced dessert to share with others
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Tinker. Explore. Create. at Dallas Executive Airport July 27 – August 13
FLIGHT SCHOOL
Open to students entering 5th and 6th grades Day One Activities
Camp Dates Session 1 - July 27-28
• Principles of Flight • Fundamentals of Aviation • Parts of an Airplane • Flight Controls and Instrumentation • Phonetic Alphabet
Session 2 - July 29-30 Session 3 - August 3-4 Session 4 - August 5-6 Session 5 - August 10-11 Session 6 - August 12-13
• Build a balsa glider Camp Hours:
AT DALLAS EXECUTIVE AIRPORT
• Careers in Aviation
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Day Two Activities
Cost of Camp:
• Field trip to the Frontiers of Flight Museum
• All tuition and materials are free ($100 value) and underwritten by our sponsors
• Introduction to Aerial Navigation • Fly a Flight Plan in the Simulator Lab
• Lunch is provided • Transportation between Dallas Executive Airport and Love Field is provided $10 registration fee per student Registration closes Friday July 24 Location: Dallas Executive Airport 5303 Challenger Drive Dallas, Texas Registration opens March 1 Enroll early! Space is limited Enroll at flightmuseum.com For more information contact us at: Education@flightmuseum.com or 214 699 4613
flightmuseum.com Frontiers of Flight Museum 6911 Lemmon Avenue Dallas TX 75209 214 350 3600 Mon – Sat 10am to 5pm | Sun 1pm to 5pm $10 Adults | $8 Seniors (65+) $7 Youths/Students (3-17) Children under 3 FREE
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JOHNSON: m
By Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
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.
GOVERNOR SIGNS HAIR BRAIDING DEREGULATION BILL AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 2717 into law today deregulating hair braiding for the Texas barbering and cosmetology professions. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Executive Director, William Kuntz, states, “We consistently review programs and licenses under our management to determine if continued licensure is needed. In alignment with Governor Abbott’s vision of limited government and less regulation the agency identified hair braiding as one of its strategic initiatives to downsize government for 2015. This an example of the Department’s focus on Smaller, Smarter Government.” Individuals and instructors who only provide or teach hair braiding and specialty shops that solely provide hair braiding services are no longer required to hold a license. But, individuals
"Our people have made the mistake of confusing the methods with the objectives. 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 mind at all times that we are not fighting for separation. We are fighting for recognition as free humans in this society." Malcolm X PAGE 8
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HALL: Fight The Power Again!!! Dr. Curtis King is a man who maintains his spiritual and moral balance by keeping one foot firmly ensconced in history and the other foot fastened to the future. The CEO and founder of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters is always a step ahead because like the Sankofa Bird, his duality of vision allows him to see South and North simultaneously. But I ain’t gon’lie…When I heard that this year’s youth production was entitled “Congo Street, The Musical, it sent me scrambling for answers. So let me confess, I’m like most of you. You know you don’t know, but you want to make it look like you know, so you Google it. I Googled it. But there was no mention of “Congo Street the Musical” that ever played on Broadway or any other theatrical venue in Manhattan. It has not been seen on the East or the West coast nor has anyone witnessed this play in any of the artsy enclaves around the country. If you are going to see “Congo Street, The Musical,” you will have to make your way to Dallas’ Black Academy of Arts and Letters for their 31st Annual Summer Youth Arts Institute. And when you show up, ticket in hand on June 26th and 27th, its gon’ go down like four flat tires on a Cadillac. You ain’t never had this much fun for $4, and more importantly, you will lift the hearts of almost 500 young people who will make this scintilla of Dallas’ history come alive.
It is a rare occasion that editorialists have the need or opportunity to interview one-onone. But I was gifted with a chance to sit down and talk with a man who never has time to sit down and talk. After posing my first question, which related to the method and meaning of Congo Street, the vision and vapor of Dr. King’s passion for this work filled the room. But first let me give you a little background about how the Congo
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Quit Playin’ By Vincent Hall Vincent L. Hall is an author and award-winning columnist. Street project; situated on what looks like a short alley in Jubilee Park (Old East Dallas), came to be. According to the Inhabitat website which tracks innovation and technology in civil engineering, Congo Street was a lofty Green project.
groups, bcWorkshop carefully deconstructed each home and then rebuilt new ones to accommodate the families. The original homes were around 625 sq ft and the largest of the new homes was increased to 975 sq ft. Wood and siding from the original dwellings was reclaimed
“Before work began, Congo Street was a collection of small houses in a state of disrepair. Many residents had lived there for years in houses that had been handed down from parents or grandparents, but the area was slated for redevelopment. Rather than evict the residents, the project began to sustainably reconstruct the street and give residents secure, low maintenance and reliable housing. bcWorkshop held many community workshops and meetings to come up with a workable plan, which involved building a whole new house for families to live in while their own home was being rebuilt. Working with architecture students from UT Arlington as well as AmeriCorps, Volunteers in Service to America, and several local service
and reused as siding, stairs, railings and decorative finishes. After the homes were completed, the next phase of work began to make Congo Street Dallas’s first “Green Street.” This involved incorporating storm water management, retention, and biofiltration into the street to make it a safer place to live, and solar power and thermal systems were installed on each rooftop to reduce utility costs. These projects were all funded with support from the city, various community foundations and many volunteers.” The good news is that Dr. Curtis King went to see what couldn’t be seen with the naked eye. He was bold enough to beg the question of cultural residue and what happens to our history when gentrification
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takes root. It is a question that we need to ask forcefully and far more often because slowly what African Americans once knew as our community is being bought or bossed by someone else. “What I think was fascinating is how our community is being gentrified and I have to blame us. Even when communities moved from their rural havens to urban hubs, they took their folkways and their mores with them. They stored communal memories and mannerisms in old trunks and boxes. The grandmothers and great-great grandmothers gathered birth certificates and the family bible whose preface contained the line and lineage of their respective clans. They would make scrapbooks of the few pictures they had. Even though their communities were being shattered, they reconstructed and regained the culture” says King. “They transferred their history and sadly we are not doing that. We allow people to destroy our culture as they create their own new communities.” Dr. King began his own historical sojourn and visited the community after talking in depth with his friend, Philip Collins. “These people were clinging to their history by the skin of their teeth.” King said that the residents talked about one resident would listen to the Blues with their windows open on a street full of shotgun houses and provide music for the whole community. Artists like B.B. King and KokoTaylor (“We gonna’ pitch a Wang Dang Doodle all night long”) fused the souls and spirits of a people who commiserated about their hard times and poverty but never lost hope. The hopes for the success of “Congo Street, The Musical” are so high that WFAA Channel 8 and John McCaa came knocking to see what all the fuss was about. And as you listen to these children…your children; sing secular and sacred songs during rehearsal, you will want to come to see what’s going on too. Bring your FOUR dollars and your FIVE senses to see “Congo Street, The Musical.” You will laugh, you will love, but most importantly you will learn!!!
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DT EC Education Recharge Rally
at the 52nd National Convention of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
JULY 28, 2015 Featured
Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre Mistress of Ceremonies and DST 24th National President
Speakers
Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd, President Alabama State University and DST 22nd National President
Manuel “Manny” Scott One of the original Freedom Writers and Motivational Speaker
Please Join Us! The Houston community will be energized, as we bring educators and education supporters to a rally to get a brief overview of DTEC and be recharged to become “Change Agents for Education.” 1:00 – 2:30 pm Four Seasons 1300 Lamar Street – Houston, TX 77010 Ballrooms A & B and Foyer TICKET PRICES: $40.00 Luncheon - pre-registration $50.00
Seating is Limited! Get Your Tickets Now for this Not-to-Miss event!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND PURCHASE TICKETS
On-site registration at the DTEC registration booth at the Houston Convention Center
For more information about DTEC and Teacher Efficacy go to www.deltafoundation.net
The Delta Teacher Efficacy Campaign (DTEC) is a collaboration between The Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF) and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (DST) funded by a matching grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The three-year campaign is designed to enhance teacher effectiveness and promote learning among at-risk, urban students with the goal of increasing graduation rates. For more information contact: Dr. Johni Cruse Craig, Project Director ▲ Delta Research and Educational Foundation ▲ 1703 New Hampshire Ave., NW DTEC@deltafoundation.net ▲ www.deltafoundation.net ▲ (202) 347-1337
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▲
Washington, DC 20009
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“BASS REEVES - THE ‘REAL’ LONE RANGER” M For many of us, education, formal or informal, classroom, college campus or self-taught, is the only “real” father we will ever know. We find our personal identity in a talent or skill, a job, profession, the
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Wednesday, June 20, 2015 the day that can change your life forever! La Quinta Inn & Suites, 1419 N. US Hwy 67 Cedar Hill, Texas 75104 7:00pm-9:00pm By attending this powerful seminar, you will learn the secret wealth accumulation strategy that is changing millions of lives.
Seating is Limited RSVP Early
Our previous seminar sold out in one day! Don’t miss out on this extraordinary wealth accumulation seminar. To reserve your seat, contact Shelly Henderson 877-832-0237 Ext. 702
Earn A College Degree and Graduate Debt Free! Come and join us at this dynamic Seminar where you will learn the secret to: How to fund a 4 year college education in 1 year How to raise the capital for any business without borrowing
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How to retire in 2 years or less How to pay off 100% of any debt in 1 year How to fund a 4 year college education in 1 year How to pay-off all of your student loan debt in 1 year
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Joyce Ann Brown: A true warrior Joyce Ann Brown led a life that movies are made of. Known around the world, she was a daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, mentor, advocate and friend. In the battle of life, many took comfort in having her on their side because she was also a Warrior. From her humble beginnings in Wills Point, Texas where her parents, Sylvester and Ruby Spencer raised their five children, to stages across the country; the story of her life is filled with intrigue, romance, violence and drama; while also celebrating good, justice, love, faith and honor. Joyce Ann was a spirited young child, who loved excitement and challenges. When her family moved to Dallas, Texas, the smalltown girl was very happy. She attended Booker T. Washington High School and graduated from Franklin D. Roosevelt High School where she was also a cheerleader. After graduation she immediately went to work and then moved to North Dallas. For a brief time she was married to a local entertainer, James Brown. Joyce loved to have fun. As a young adult, she was known around town at all the nightspots as a stylish dresser who loved to party with two of her “running buddies” Gwen and Eva. She also was known for the love and care she showed to her daughter, Koquice, and sons Lee Jr., and Mygeish. Taking seriously her role as a responsible adult with children, she made a career change that ultimately was life-changing. While working at Koslow’s Furs, she found herself in what would become the first of thousands of headlines and news reports when she was arrested, charged and found guilty of aggravated robbery. Joyce always maintained her innocence in the May 6, 1980 robbery and murder at another furrier, Fine Furs by Rubin. Although there were several witnesses who said Joyce was miles away at work; the victim’s wife provided an eyewitness identification, another inmate told of a “jailhouse confession” by Joyce and there was a rush to prosecute attitude. Consequently,
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Joyce was taken from her family to spend her life behind bars, ineligible for parole for at least 20 years. Admittedly Joyce was angry when she entered the Texas Department of Corrections. She was a God-loving woman who felt only the guilty went to jail. She also had a praying mother, and family. There was also her church family, Bethlehem Christian Church, McKinney, TX, under the leadership of Rev. Travis Lee and Kavin E. Brown, that continued to lift her up in prayer. Joyce always said she did not commit the crime and she shared her plight with anyone who would listen. Unfortunately behind bars her plea was a familiar one that fell on deaf ears. In her biography, Joyce Ann Brown: Justice Denied, written with journalist Jay Gaines, Joyce’s poignant words tell a story of a woman who was at first confused, disappointed, and yes, angry at a system that failed her. Fortunately she had a family, led by the matriarch, affectionately called, MaDear, who believed Joyce and was committed to
enrolled in college, receiving her bachelors degree while continuing to write letters professing her innocence and seeking assistance. She prayed often, making a commitment to help others in the same predicament if she was ever freed. Although there was no guarantee that any efforts would result in her freedom, Joyce was ecstatic when Jim McCloskey and Centurion Ministries took her case. In October 1989, millions saw Joyce’s story on the award-winning CBS newsmagazine show, 60 Minutes, where correspondent Morley Safer laid out the facts of the case, showing just how far-fetched the idea was of Joyce being able to leave work, commit the crime and return to clock back in 36 minutes later. Also, Dallas Morning News staff writers Steve McGonigle and Steve Blow’s coverage of Joyce’s plight helped call attention to the travesty of justice. People around the world were outraged. The future started looking even brighter when the request for a new trial was granted and a date set.
Joyce with her daughter Koquice and granddaughter Brittany. standing by her until her freedom was gained, regardless of how long it took. While incarcerated, she thought about when, or if, she would ever be free to do as she pleased, sleep in her own bed, wear the clothes and shoes she loved so much, and spend time with her family whenever she desired! A low point during her incarceration was when her son, Lee, Jr. died. Being unable to attend the funeral frustrated her even more. But she was a praying woman and her faith helped her endure. Determined to do the time and not let the time do her, Joyce
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MaDear and Koquice were joined by hundreds who gathered as Joyce was released on bond on November 3, 1989. Joyce spent nine years, five months and 24 days in prison for a crime she didn’t commit! But now she was home. Joyce’s story continued to dominate headlines, but all she was concerned with was going home, climbing into the bed with MaDear, spending time with Koquice and Mygeish and becoming acquainted with her granddaughter, Brittany. It would take a few more months of “posturing” by a district attorney whose office would later gain a reputation for misconduct, for charges to be dropped.
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BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION When Joyce finally went back to court her attorney Kerry Fitzgerald told her something she had been longing to hear for quite some time, “It’s over, Joyce. You can go home. You’ve won!” But Joyce was a realist. She had a promise to keep and she needed to earn a living. Sure folks were there with promises as long as the cameras were live, but for a minute, the future didn’t look too promising because of the hollow offers of support. However, at a live broadcast on Soul 73 KKDA-AM, she met Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price and once again came an offer of support. Smiling as she always did, Joyce didn’t let her skepticism show on her face, but she was really getting tired of the posturing. Much to her surprise, unlike the others, the Commissioner’s offer of help was sincere and resulted in her working almost a decade in his office and gaining a friend for life. While still working with the Commissioner, she founded MASS, Inc. -- Mothers (Fathers) for the Advancement of Social Systems, and eventually left Dallas County to run the nonprofit full-time, working to benefit the wrongfully convicted, formerly incarcerated, and their families. People from all over wrote and called Joyce for help with their problems. She also received requests to speak at colleges, churches, community events, conferences, criminal diversion court programs and talkshows. Joyce’s speeches were profound and captivating. She would begin: “I’m Joyce Ann Brown and I spent nine years, five months and 24 days in prison for a crime I didn’t commit.” She would go on to talk about how she was not bitter and she always managed to bring her audiences to tears. More importantly, people had a clearer understanding of how injustices are being perpetuated daily and innocent people are being incarcerated. Joyce is the face of the wrongfully and unjustly accused. She gave a voice to the voiceless. And she was about family.
production, full of performances, fun/games, and good food. A highlight of these events had to be her show-stopping performances as Aretha Franklin, Etta James or Monique. Joyce leaves a legacy of love and commitment. She looked for the best in everyone and gave her best in all that she did. Joyce believed the justice system could be fixed and that this world could be a better place and she was doing everything she could to assist. She was preceded in death by her father Sylvester Spencer; son Lee Viser, Jr.; brother James Clayton and special friend Lee Viser, Sr. Left to celebrate her life and cherish her memories are: Parents Robert and Ruby (MaDear) Kelley and Addie Mae Spencer (Sylvester); Daughter Koquice Spencer; Granddaughters Brittany and Jereny; Great Granddaughters Jh’Mia Spencer and E'Myia Davis; Son Mygeish and grandchildren Christopher MillerDennis, Mygeish Dennis Jr., Joshua Dennis, Destinae Dennis, Chryshareaya Cook Dennis, Aleea Walker, T’Kedrian
Joyce dealt with some health challenges over the past few years but she still remained active. Whether she was working with legislators or collaborating with other agencies to deal with issues, she was serving and helping. Joyce remained involved with Centurion Ministries working to free other wrongly convicted persons and challenging unjust laws. Joyce was always on the forefront helping the formerly incarcerated to make the transition and hopefully avoid returning to prison. In 2014, Joyce, along with Koquice, joined Friendship-West Baptist Church, Dallas, TX, under the leadership of Pastor Frederick D. Haynes III. Joyce also made sure that her family members were never far away. She had an open-door policy at her house and the MASS offices--for family, supporters and constituents. Joyce loved rounding everyone up for family nights and excursions to Oklahoma. It wasn’t uncommon to find a gathering either at Joyce’s or MaDear’s, where it always seemed like a family reunion was in progress. And the official family reunions were also a highlight for Joyce because they were a big
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Fields, Mya Dennis, Gianni Sneed and MiCah Dennis; Stepdaughter Shannon Anderson; Brothers Robert Spencer (Barbara Ann); Horace Spencer (Donna); John Spencer Sr. (Mayme), Sylvester Spencer Jr. (Debra), Marvin Kelley (Barbara), Jimmy Dell Spencer (Brenda), Lago Spencer (Taneicesaya); Sisters Mary Black (Benny), Vickie Wilson (William), Jean Reed (Richard), Judy Jones (John), Tangila Thomas (Walter), Addie Spencer, Stacy Spencer, Debra Lyons and Patricia Wright; Special Grandchildren Dwight Kennedy, Andre Smith, Alayna Smith, Annya Smith, and Ayanna Smith; Godchildren, Eric Proctor (Myshia), Valencia and Audrey McBride, LaTonya Roque, DeAmber Nelson, Jeff Liscum, LaToya Mace, Lowell Burrell and Jacque Burrell; numerous nieces and nephews and thousands of other relatives, supporters, MASS members and friends.
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Mother Emmanuel By Miles Jaye Mother Emmanuel AME is my church, your church, your temple, your mosque.
Miles’ Musings By Miles Jaye Davis
Brother, Pastor, Senator Pinckney and the other innocent victims were among the very best of us, not the worst of us. No one can claim they were wrong doing or guilty of anything but being Black and believers in a loving God. These citizens were children and grandchildren of the faithful. They represent generations of a tradition of peace and hope.
All churches, all houses of God Miles Jaye is a musician, singer, author, actor, chef and awardwinning writer. are places of peace, refuge and sanctuary. If you’re not familiar with the word “sanctuary” consider this: a “bird 150 year old Emmanuel Church is a symbol sanctuary” is a safe place for birds of all sizes and of civil and human rights. The AME Church types, a safe haven. A “sanctuary” is a temple, a itself is, historically, a symbol of civil and Holy place where we worship and practice that human rights and political activism, which makes this act not only a which we deeply believe, the very foundation of our lives, the hate crime but also an act of terrorism. Dylann Roof sat in the foundation of our families, our communities, our history, our identity, sanctuary for nearly an hour with his intended victims then declared our culture. They belong to us all. “I came here to kill Black people.” Modern day churches are all connected like one long train. They, I caution you if you feel safe and secure in the misguided belief or, we are the modern day “Above Ground Railroad.” As you pray for that terrorism is a reality only on distant shores and far off places, the families and loved ones of the lost, include yourself as we are the terrorism is defined in this way - the use of violence and intimidation extended family, we are the loved ones, we all suffer the loss. in the pursuit of political aims, a bomber, a gunman willing to carry Know this, I am terrorized but I am not terrified! I am shocked out their political agenda by extreme measures. I add, including but and horrified but not afraid because I understand the Philistine. I not limited to ISIS or Al-Qaeda as Domestic Terrorism has a long and understand the “Goliath” mindset but I assure you, I’m no more bloody history in America. Philistine is defined as such: a person who afraid of Goliath that David was, nor should you be. Goliath was a is lacking in or hostile to or smugly indifferent to cultural values, coward! intellectual pursuits... an enemy of the Israelites. Goliath was a The “suspect” is Dylann Roof. This “small” 21 year old Philistine. megalomaniac, precisely characteristic of what we’ve seen in recent Today my prayer is intense, I call on my God in a personal but past - in and out of uniform - massacred a Bible Study, Prayer Meeting powerful way with a sense of urgency. I trust the ancestors will hear group of innocent, unarmed citizens praying and studying, both my call and join in my spiritual appeal for justice, retribution and critical elements to our beliefs and central components of our ultimately peace. worship.
Remembering a warrior!
Congrats to the
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NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION DEMANDS THE IMMEDIATE TERMINATION OF THE MCKINNEY POLICE OFFICER INVOLVED IN THE JUNE 5, 2015 INCIDENT AT CRAIG RANCH NORTH COMMUNITY POOL
ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT POOL PARTY INCIDENT IN MCKINNEY, TEXAS ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT POOL PARTY INCIDENT IN MCKINNEY, TEXAS Chicago, Illinois – June 9, 2015 - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., (AKA) expressed concern over the disturbing
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Ask Alma...Deciding to Move On Dear Alma, I’m friends with my next door neighbor. She’s not my BFF, but we hang from time to time. Her husband is in the military and she doesn’t have family in the area. She and I have a lot in common — we’re around the same age and like the same things. She has a son, and I have a daughter. The kids both go to the same high school. Yesterday my neighbor stopped by to tell me they are moving. Her husband has been transferred to another state. She asked me if I would let her 17-year-old son live with us while he finished his last year of school here in our town. She said they would pay room and board for him. I’m not married, and I’m not sure how it would be with a teen boy in my house. What do you think? Name withheld Good googalie woogalie, my Mama use to say. That’s a whole lot of turkey, greens, potatoes and gravy served up on your fine china. Hmmm, let’s ponder, should you try to eat all of it, fork-full by spoon-full or just push yourself away from the table
Ask Alma
Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans over 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Po s t . Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@yahoo.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.
without a bite? Listen to your stomach. Do you have an appetite for this? Yes, it’s a risky situation, we both would agree. I don’t know this young man, and since you didn’t speak of his personality or character, this leaves me to assume. I’m going with a positive approach, concluding he’s a pretty good kid. Here’s what I’d suggest, make a list. Yep, write down the pros and cons of this possible yearlong endeavor. Identify every thought that comes to mind — what you expect and what scares you the most. I’d say work on this for more than a couple of days. You need to be prayerfully on your knees for at least a week. You also have to consider your daughter. This would be life-changing for her as well. All three adults need to
sit down at the table hashing out the good, bad and the ugly. Thoroughly examine what room and board will cover. Obviously rent and utilities, but what about food? Boys his age can eat you out of house and home. This I know for sure. Will he stay with you during the week and go home on the weekends? What about extracurricular activities? Are you responsible for getting him there, or does he have a car? Does he have a girlfriend? Are you friends with him, or does he see you as an authoritative adult? Like I said, we’re talking a full plate here. It could be a sacrifice and or a blessing to all involved. Taking in this teen doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It’s only temporary, and he has parents.
Many teens who were taken in by outside adults have gone on to do great things. One example is Michael Oher, the professional football player whose story inspired the movie “The Blind Side.” Remember? He was cared for by a family so he could finish high school. If you like this young man and wouldn’t mind him living in your home, tell his parents you’re willing to give it a try for the first semester — that’s three months. If things seem to work out, commit to the next semester. That way, he knows he has to follow the rules and live up to your and his parents’ expectations. This is a huge responsibility, and the answer to the question of “will this work” is up to him. I salute you, single mama. You must be holding it down. Otherwise, his parents wouldn’t have asked. In the same vain, you are not obligated. If you don’t want to, don’t do it, and don’t feel badly about it. Tell his parents it just wouldn’t work for you and your daughter right now. Best wishes and blessings to you while you pray on your decision, whatever you decide is the right thing to do.
WASHINGTON: What Church do you go to? church on Sunday carries more weight with God than what you do on the other six days of the week?
Spiritual Speaking By James Washington
At times, it is ironic to me that so many different churches profess the belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, was crucified, died and was buried to arise again on the third day and sits at the right hand of His Father in heaven. From Catholic to Pentecostal, from Baptist to Presbyterian, from Episcopalian to Methodist, from Church of God in Christ to Lutheran, from Evangelical to just being saved, each denomination wants to set itself apart from the others based upon its doctrine being more in line with God than any of its Christian cousins. Throughout history so called Christians have persecuted other so called Christians in the name of being more in tune with God’s Word than that denomination being persecuted. It’s just the more I read the bible the more
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confusing this becomes, or the more ridiculous. As a point of reference in my own faith walk, one of the things that got in my way was the decision about which church to actually join. I was introduced to rural Baptist traditions by my grandmother, only to be baptized Catholic as a young boy and subsequently not follow any particular religion most of my adult life. Even now I sometimes question which church I should attend only to have the Lord backslap me with the fundamental question, “How does where you go to church have anything to do with my Son’s ministry?” When you actually think about it, do you really believe God is paying attention to the marquee of the church you attend? Do you really believe that where you go to
When I get confused on this issue, I’m reminded to pick up a bible and rekindle the notion that faith is an internal measurement that refuses to succumb to external pressures. In this instance the external pressure is manmade and not God sent. For those who believe their religion or theology is better than someone else’s, they surely have missed the entire point of the life and times of one Jesus Christ. My reading of scripture confirms for me, maybe not for you, that Jesus was anti-theology and pro faith. I mean we are talking about someone who rather angrily turned over tables in the Temple because He was insulted by the goings on there; something to do with not using his Father’s house for prayer, but rather as a den for robbers. Everything Jesus stood for seems to translate into acts of faith, acts of worship, acts of love and kindness and forgiveness and yes, acts of mercy. These acts don’t confirm for one moment that one person’s religion is
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better or more meaningful than the religion practiced in the church up the street or around the corner. If Jesus was alive today, would you be Sadducees of Pharisees? Would you be Jew or Roman? Would you be a member of the Sanhedrin? Either way, if you were not carrying out the will of God the Father, you more than likely would have problems with God the Son. You see the Law, your religion, your theology will be forever secondary to the will of God. Now I didn’t say this. Jesus did. In closing let me confirm that there is no better place to follow the simple edict, practice what you preach, than in church. Which church is actually quite irrelevant as I see it. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10. May God bless and keep you always.
James 6/18/15
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Father’s Day If you’re searching for a meaningful Father’s Day gift, look no further: Todd Patkin shares eleven “thank-yous” that dads everywhere would love to hear. Foxboro, MA— On Sunday, June 21, 2015— otherwise known as Father’s Day— dads around America will receive ties, tools and other “toys” from their children. Sure, those gifts (as well as cards, visits, and family meals) are a great way to let Pops know that you love him and that you’re glad he is part of your life. But according to Todd Patkin, as you and he get older, there is an even better way to honor your dad on Father’s Day: Tell him thank you and mean it. “All parents are different, but one thing they have in common is that they want the best for their children,” says Patkin, author of Finding Happiness: One Man’s Quest to Beat Depression and Anxiety and— Finally— Let the Sunshine In (StepWise Press, 2011, ISBN: 978-0-9658261-9-8, $19.95, www.findinghappinessthebook.com). “As a father myself, I can tell you that while we all make mistakes from time to time, we
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genuinely do our best to help our kids to be capable, responsible and fulfilled adults.” Because our parents tend to be such constant presences in our lives, says Patkin, we often take them— and everything they’ve done for us— for granted. Father’s Day is the perfect time to think about all of the ways in which your dad has impacted your life, and hopefully, give him the gift of heartfelt thanks. “I know that stereotypically speaking, men aren’t supposed to be very ‘touchy-feely,’” Patkin admits. “But I promise you, when it comes to your kids, all of those rules go out the window. I cherish every ‘I love you,’ ‘thanks,’ and genuine smile I’ve ever gotten from my son. It’s incredibly heartwarming and fulfilling to hear directly from your child that he or she thinks you’ve done a good job as a parent.” Here, Patkin shares eleven “thank-yous” that might just make your own dad’s Father’s Day perfect: •Thank you for almost always making time to come to my games, concerts, and awards
I MESSENGER
ceremonies. I know you were under pressure and busy a lot of the time, so your priorities taught me that family and relationships are always more important than work and outside achievements. •Thank you for supporting me when I decided I’d rather be in the school band than play basketball. The fact that you clapped loudest at our concert let me know unequivocally that you love me for who I am — especially since you were the star point guard during your own high school days! •Thank you for making me help with yard work and home improvement projects on the weekends. I may not have enjoyed it at the time, but you taught me the value of hard work. Because of you, I take pride in a job well done, no matter how large or small! •Thank you for teaching me to ride a bike, and especially for encouraging me to get back up and try again when I fell. I learned that
See Father’s Day, page 22
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Governor signs bill Governor Greg Abbott’s signature on HB 2717 has changed braiding laws in Texas. The legislation fully deregulates the practice of natural hair braiding and repeals the occupational license aspiring braiders were forced to obtain before earning an honest living braiding hair. The effort to deregulate natural hair braiders follows a successful constitutional challenge by the Institute for Justice and Isis Brantley. Prior to the lawsuit, Texas law forced natural hair braiders to build large, fully-equipped barber colleges before the state allowed them to teach students to braid hair for a living. The Institute filed the lawsuit in 2013 and a federal court struck down the law in January. “This marks a final victory for natural hair braiders across Texas,” said Arif Panju, an attorney with the Institute for Justice’s Texas office. “It also serves as recognition that occupational licensing has gone too far when 1 in 3 Texans are forced to obtain a government license to simply go to work each morning.” The enactment of HB 2717 marks the final chapter of an 18-year battle for Isis Brantley. In 1997, seven government officials raided her business and hauled her off in handcuffs for braiding hair without a special government license. Isis helped change that law in 2007, but Texas officials simply wedged the practice of hair braiding into the state’s barbering and cosmetology statutes, which made it nearly impossible for her to teach hair braiding for a living. In 2015, Isis Brantley and the Institute for Justice, who prevailed in federal court against the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, championed the unanimous passage of HB 2717 in the Texas Legislature, and joined Governor Abbott on Monday, June 8, 2015, as he signed the hair braiding deregulation bill into law.
HB 2717 was authored by Representative Craig Goldman and the bill was sponsored in the Texas Senate by Senator Royce West. Isis Brantley has been braiding hair for more than 30 years, and she wants to pass her trade on, teaching others the techniques she has used on clients ranging from musician Erykah Badu to homeless Dallas residents. When Isis contacted the state to find out what she would need to do to start teaching hair-braiding from her south Dallas shop, she was shocked. Officials told her she would need to attend 2,250 hours of instruction and open a 2,000-squarefoot facility to comply with the Texas Barbering Administrative Rules and the Texas Occupations Code.
Father’s Day persistence and practice pay off, and that the results can be fantastic! •Thank you for coaching my YMCA sports teams. You showed me what good sportsmanship looks like and taught me why it’s important to shake hands after every game, even if we lost! In all aspects of my adult life, I know how to lose (and win!) with grace because of you, Dad. And even though I’ve aged out of Little League, I also exercise on a regular basis and try to stay physically fit.
continued from page 21
trying to beat your least-number-of-stopson-the-way-to-the-beach record!)
relationship— and a lot of fun— with my own partner.
•Thank you for showing me that there’s a difference between being aggressively confrontational and being politely firm. Because of you I stick to my convictions and don’t let others take advantage of me while remaining respectful.
And for men specifically, Patkin suggests this acknowledgment:
•Thank you for disciplining me and telling me why you were disappointed. I certainly didn’t enjoy being punished, but now I have a strong set of core values and a firm sense of right and wrong.
•Thank you for making executive decisions on everything from where to eat dinner to when to leave the neighbors’ holiday party to which movie to watch on family night. These examples may seem insignificant, but over the years you taught me the value of knowing your mind and acting decisively. You saved me a lot of waffling, hemming, and hawing!
•Thank you for teaching me how to drive and for remaining patient throughout the process— I know I wasn’t always the nicest student. Now I can merge, parallelpark, and back like a pro. (But I’m still
•Thank you for always treating Mom with respect, patience, love, and sometimes a little mischievousness. You taught me how to treat someone you love and what a strong marriage looks like. Now I have a great
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She filed a lawsuit against the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in 2013, alleging in federal court that the state’s rules violate her constitutional right to equal protection under the 14th Amendment. Brantley will ask the court to exempt her from the regulations and grant an injunction preventing the state from applying the rules to other hair braiders. “This lawsuit means economic liberty for my community,” Brantley said in a statement. “Economic liberty is especially important for black women. This is our new civil rights movement.” An official at the state regulating agency acknowledged that the rules for barber schools could be difficult for hair braiders to comply with.
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•Thank you for teaching me the “essentials” like how to tie a tie, iron a crease into slacks, shine my shoes, and shave. While I might not put all of those skills to use every day, I always take pride in my appearance…and I think I do “clean up” nicely! “Whether you write your own personalized thank-yous in a card or share them with your dad in person, you can rest assured that this will be a Father’s Day he’ll remember forever,” Patkin concludes. Todd Patkin is the author of Finding Happiness: One Man’s Quest to Beat Depression and Anxiety and— Finally— Let the Sunshine In, He grew up in Needham, Massachusetts. Todd lives with his wonderful wife, Yadira, their amazing son, Josh, and two great dogs.
6/18/15
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Tune in to Cheryl’s World on Blog Talk Radio, or call 646-200-0459 to hear informative, entertaining, enlightening and thought-provoking commentary and news with veteran journalist Cheryl Smith on Sundays at 8a.m. , and 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
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Sniff This
A DOPE Review By Eva D. Coleman
“You shouldn’t settle for what’s expected,” Malcolm, played by Shameik Moore, says to his love/lust interest Nakia (Zöe Kravitz) in the movie Dope. That sentiment resonated throughout the film that provides an epic 90s flashback where geeks come full circle in life. The flashback however takes place in present day Inglewood, California. Malcolm and a couple of his friends are standouts at his high school. Don’t expect the traditional standouts. They are nerds who have an affinity for all things 1990. The music, the clothing, the entire era is intertwined into today’s
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culture. The combination may be confusing, which is also revealed when drug dealer character Dom, played b y A $ a p R o c k y, c a l l s Malcolm out on his error in reciting hip hop facts. The trio Malcolm, Jib (Tony Revolori) and Diggy (Kiersey Clemons) attend Dom’s birthday party when things go up in smoke rather quickly. Malcolm’s signature backpack that he carries almost everywhere ends up being where the hidden treasure for his college future lies. These smart kids get blown into a circle of confusion as to who owns the treasure...drugs, and once Malcolm discovers who the unexpected owner is, they must concoct a plan to sell it without a trace. They invoke the help of a gifted/lifted friend to carry
out their plan. This plan involves bitcoins, computer networks, the power of social media and mayhem unimaginable. Definitely not expected. In a world where dreams are crushed by counselors, such as the one who scoffs at Malcolm’s aspirations and unconventional methods to achieve higher education, the students get the last laugh as they succeed in their mission. There’s even a scene in DOPE that is reminiscent of a Spike Lee joint where many characters in the film board a bus with Malcolm sitting in
I MESSENGER
the rear, watching each cast member get on and take a seat, a euphoria of sorts that serves as a reflection of societal conditions. The film exposes that people in high places aren’t always the cleanest. Malcolm’s risks pay off handsomely as we assume from the last scene in Dope that being accepted into an Ivy League school wasn’t such a pipe dream after all. Throughout the hustle, Malcolm never gives up and he never settles for what’s expected.
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I MESSENGER
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
June 20
June 27 21st Annual Cheryl Smith’s Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-athon, USA Bowl, featuring comedian Dick Gregory,
Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas will host a Prostate Health Educational Symposium. Reverend Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, Senior Pastor, and Reverend James L. Fitzgerald, Pastor of Pastoral Care and a prostate cancer survivor, are inviting members of the local community to learn more about the disease and to get free prostate cancer screening. *********** Volunteer opportunities at the 35TH National Veterans Wheelchair Games, Saturday, June 20 through Saturday, June 27 at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas Sheraton and other venues during the week including Southern Methodist University, Fair Park and McInnish Park.
***** MetroPCS Presents Juneteenth Celebration and Festival – June 20th Free family friendly event is being held from noon to 6 p.m. at City Hall Plaza
****** First Annual Juneteenth Collard Green Cultural Festival Celebrating African Cultural Traditions and Historical Contributions of people of African Decent, while promoting Family Unity and Healthy Eating Pan African Connection and Resource Center AT 7P.M. Call 972-897-3736 or 214-943-8262 ************** District 4 Appreciation Day, with Councilman Dwaine Caraway, 10a-3p at Glendale Park
June 21 HAPPY FATHER’S DAY The Bad Boys of R&B - Starring Jodeci + Tony! Toni ! Tone'! and more! at Verizon Theatre , 1001 Performance Place Grand Prairie, TX 75050
July 4 Deck the family out in red, white, and blue, grab your picnic basket and little red wagon and come celebrate the nation’s past at Dallas Heritage Village’s Old Fashioned Fourth, Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., (parade at noon), 1515 S. Harwood, Dallas, Texas 75215-1273.
Nicole Barrett, Lynne Haze, former NFL star Bethel Johnson, Hon. Derick Evans, Judge Andrea Martin, Judge Kim Cooks, Judge Tammy Kemp, Sen. Royce West, Rep. Helen Giddings, T’keyah Crystal Keymah and a host of other local and national celebrities Call 214-941-0110 for registration, vendor or sponsorship opportunities.
July 8 Please join Thompson & Knight LLP and Arts Counsel Texas for a FREE monthly Lunch-And-Learn series designed for artists, collectors, gallerists and visual art enthusiasts! Lunch catered by Jorge's Tex-Mex, Proof+Pantry or YOLK. 2ND WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH 12:00PM - 1:30PM Thompson & Knight LLP One Arts Plaza | 1722 Routh Street, 15th Floor | Dallas, TX Complimentary Valet
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September 17 Balch Springs Chamber of Commerce 4PM-8PM Business Expo & Taste 12400 Elam Road, Balch Springs TX Interested vendors hurry now! Space is limited, reserve your space today. Call 972-557-0988
June 24
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July 1 WRITING FOR WELL BEING WORKSHOP Wednesdays - July 1, 8, 15, 22 7 - 9 :30 p.m. Heartspace Spiritual Center, Dallas
actress Angela Robinson (The Haves and the Have Nots), media personalities Andrew Whigham, Clarence Hill, Alecia Speeds, Amanda Fitzpatrick, Dareia Tolbert,
A Fathers Table 2015 at Gilley’s
Great Chefs. Great Food. Great Cause. The 2nd Annual Flavors of Dallas is a unique gourmet experience with DFW Top Chefs assembling for a night of exquisite food, fine wines, and elaborate table décor designed by each chef. Each guest sits tableside while watching and interacting with the chef throughout the evening as a 5 course dinner paired with wines is prepared and served for a table of 12. 6:30 p.m. – No Host Reception/Silent Auction Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd Dallas
********* DIRK NOWITZKI’S 2015 HEROES CELEBRITY BASEBALL GAME P R E S E N T E D B Y B AY L O R MEDICAL CENTER AT FRISCO Benefiting the children’s charities of the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation and Heroes Foundation at 6:30 p.m. Dr Pepper Ballpark 7300 RoughRiders Trl, Frisco, TX 75034
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Cheryl’s World on Blogtalkradio.com at 6p.m. Monday
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Donna P. Charles 5/20/1958 - 3/23/2012 Elusive Lady #22 Spring 1978 Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., FAMU
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BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION “We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people.” . Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE?
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Your Exposure While We Have Your Audience’s Undivided Attention!
A FAMILY
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POLICE have not apprehended Pookie the serial rapist. Aren’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,“Man”Inc. is not one of them. and there is a $5,000I MESSENGER reward offered by Crime Stoppers. J L Your AD in print and in our online editions!
• Your ad will give you an opportunity to salute the spirit of freedom and equality. • Your ad will include your logo, company information, artwork and a personalized quote commemorating Black History Month 2013! • Your ad will show your support in the community and regenerate your audience.
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VOL.1 NO.16
By Cheryl Smith - Texas Metro News
KENNY JAY REVIEW: MakingBOOK Women Happy!
INTIMATE SEDUCTION
Just+ like+ a+ potential+ target+ can+ not+ immediately+ identify+ a+ predator,+ it+ is+ often+ hard+ to+ point+ out+ the+ victim+of+sexual+assault+or+domestic+abuse.++There’s+ no+ big+ letter+ tattooed+ on+ their+ forehead+ or+ a+ certain+ look,+smell+or+hairdo+that+will+alert+you+that+the+person+ you+are+looking+at+is+the+survivor+of+what+many+have+
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
BRINGING NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM ACROSS THE STATE AND AROUND THE WORLD
APRIL 1, 2013
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
WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM
Martin named NABJ Journalist of the Year
WASHINGTON**+**+The+Nation* al+Association+of+Black+Journalists+ tually+ dated+ her+ (NABJ)+ has+ announced+ that+ Ro* neighbor,+ was+ land+ S.+ Martin,+ nationally+ syndi* caught+ before+ cated+ columnist,+ television+ host,+ he+ was+ able+ to+ and+radio+and+television+commen* rape+her,+but+the+ tator,+ is+ to+ receive+ the+ organiza* Recycle this assault+ was+ so+ tion’s+Journalist+of+the+Year+award.+ newspaper brutal+ that+ the+ when It+ is+ one+ of+ NABJ’s+ most+ covet* scars+left+behind+ finished ed+ honors+ celebrating+ the+ accom* reading could+ have+ con* plishments+of+black+journalists+and+ tinued+to+assault+ City of Dallasthose+ who+ support+ blacks+ in+ the+ Sanitation Dept. her,+ if+ not+ for+ a+ media.+Martin+was+selected+for+the+ No. 1 serving the African American Community loving+ family,+ award+by+NABJ’s+Board+of+Direc* November 6 - 12, 2008 www.DallasWeekly.com church,+ com* tors. munity+ and+ her+ faith. G w e n d o l y n+ Debra Mars Jones+ was+ as* The election is over saulted+ by+ her+ step*father.+ + She+ asked+ herself+ the+ * now we can begin son+act+this+way+toward+me?+Am+I+responsible?++Did+I+ Election night coverage on do+something+to+cause+this?++Did+my+caretakers+know+ KKDA focuses on issues
BOOK REVIEW:
THE BISHOP’S DAUGHTER
If you have ANY information, PLEASE call Crime Stoppers City of Dallas Sanitation Dept.
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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!
assault. April+is+Sexual+Assault+Awareness+Month+(SAAM)+ and+there+are+full*scale+efforts+to+“raise+public+aware* ness+ about+ sexual+ violence+ and+ to+ educate+ commu* nities+and+individuals+on+how+to+prevent+sexual+vio* lence.” This+year’s+campaign+“focuses+on+healthy+sexuality+ and+ child+ sexual+ abuse+ prevention.”+ +Advocates+ are+ encouraging+“everyone”+to+join+the+conversation+and+ start+talking+about+“healthy+childhood+development+to+ prevent+child+sexual+abuse.” Almost+two+decades+ago,+January+1,+1996,+Tamecka+ Grate+ was+ violently+ attacked+ and+ her+ recovery+ has+ been+ called+ a+ “miracle.”+ It+ wasn’t+ long+ after+ the+ attack+ before+ the+ valiant+ 24*year*old+ was+ giving+ interviews,+ telling+ of+ the+brutal+assault+that+almost+ ended+her+life+as+doctors+op* erated+for+over+13+hours+to+re* move+a+pair+of+scissors+from+ her+skull.+ If+you+saw+her+today,+you’d+ Tamecka Grate Frazier see+ just+ another+ beautiful+ woman+ who+ is+ in+ love+ with+ her+ life,+ her+ family+ and+ living.+ Ms.+Grate’s+attacker,+Emanuel+Moffert,+26,+who+ac*
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Volume No. 55 Issue No. 44
INSIDE
877.373.8477 3.23.13 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
A
Grade: A
Page 4
Metro
“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 administration’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 administration’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.”
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. “Over three to four years there are changes in conditions and we want to know how it affects the area.”
Evaluating President Obama’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 Obama’s first 100 days in office, marked on April 30. Here’s how several people from the local front graded the new president.
Metro 3 Perspectives 5 Community Calendar 6 Lifestyle 12 HBCU Homecomings 19
JOURNA
“OVER THREE TO FOUR YEARS THERE ARE CHANGES IN CONDITIONS AND WE WANT TO KNOW HOW IT AFFECTS THE AREA”
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. “We are measuring conditions that may vary from street to street,” said Dr.
Page 9
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
C
Grade: C “In just 100 days, we’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 President’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 nation’s challenges that Americans deserve.” (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 controverD’LYTE sial & EBONY Convention Music Happenings Center Hotel that is being backed by Mayor Leppert. But what does voting “no” and voting “yes” mean? It is important to remember that the propositions are to amend the Dallas City Charter which, among other things, gives the MISSpower RAY to acquire city the Going Deep in Roots property fortheany public purpose. The propositions are worded to prohibit the city from acting on these before stated powers. Therefore, if a citizen would like the city to maintain those powers, they are to vote NO and vice versa. See VOTE, page 38
VALDER BEEBE That Celebrity Interview
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See Baisden, page 6
future with President Obama
See Martin, page 11
INSIDE
International
Metro
Page 15
BUSINESS
X-Men Origins: WOLVERINE Movie Tidbits Pg. 12
How to brand you
Nation elects first African
Page 6
Perspectives 4L5 American president , as Barack wins handidly INSIDE PAGES: Community Calendar 6 Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Is gospel music dying? Page 8
Swagger Puzzle
15
Business
17
Business Food for thought Congresswoman addresses
Page 16
Heart disease remains high on list of illnesses Page 15
CHANGE! Join the rally, See PAGE 7
12
Management blamed for issues
Michael Baisden Oak Cliff Chamber Page 12
Prevent heart attacks
all the Find out on Marvel’s lowdown mutants PG. 12 weirdest
2
Obama3wins election and makes ...
HISTORIC 3
Servicemen
Health
How to avoid the Swine flu
ALL
See Sexual Assault, page 18Curry looks at the George
Michael Baisden leaves airwaves -Skip Murphy moves to slot
+ Nationally+ syndicated+ radio+ York$Times+best*selling+author+with+ personality+ Michael+ Baisden+ an* nearly+two+million+books+in+print.+ nounced+a+hiatus,+from+his+radio+on+ Now+ in+ his+ tenth+ year+ on+ the+ air,+ his+ Facebook+ page.+ Baisden,+ who+ Baisden+ wants+ his+ radio+ family+ to+ commands+a+daily+audience+of+over+ know+he+did+everything+in+his+pow* seven+ million+ listeners,+ said+ he+ is+ * unable+to+discuss+the+particulars+but+ concluded+ that+ a+ deal+ could+ not+ be+ made+on+mutually+agreeable+terms.+ the+air+as+soon+as+possible+in+a+way+ Recognized+as+one+of+the+most+in*
HEALTH
Choose either or
stop+it? She,+like+so+many+other+young+victims,+was+not+be* Roland S. Martin lieved+**+which+caused+considerable+trauma+as+the+vic* tim+is+twice+victimized.++ Admittedly+some+“victims”+have+lied,+producing+an* “I+ am+ enormously+ thankful+ and+ other+level+of+victims+in+the+wrongfully+accused,+but+ humbled+that+NABJ+has+bestowed+ there+ are+ other+ levels,+ like+ that+ victim+ who+ remains+ this+amazing+honor+on+me+for+my+ silent+ for+ whatever+ reason+ and+ the+ family+ and+ loved+ work+ as+ a+ fearless+ voice+ in+ advo* ones+ of+ the+ aforementioned+ who+ oftentimes+ don’t+ cating+ the+ critical+ issues+ facing+ Page 5 know+what+to+say+or+do. voters+ in+ the+ 2012+ election,+ but+ Now+who+is+the+victim?+ especially+as+they+relate+to+African+ It+ could+ be+ a+ newborn+ baby.+ + Of+ course+ you+ think+ Americans,”+ said+ Martin.+ “I+ hope+ that+this+couldn’t+be+the+case.+Unfortunately+there+are+ Obama’s win may this+honor+serves+as+a+lesson+to+any+ so+ many+ cases+ of+ very,+ very+ young+ babies+ being+ as* young+ or+ veteran+ journalist+ that+ face limitations
Digital Illustration: Joseph Shelby
By Patrice J. Holmes
editorial@dallasweekly.com
SPECIAL COLLECTOR’S EDITION PAGE 1
Democrat
!
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Joyce Ann Brown lost Nine Years, Five Months and 24 Days of her life !
I MESSENGER
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