VOLUME 4 ISSUE 44 July 3, 2015
I MESSENGER BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION
Jazz with
Vicki PAGE 1
I MESSENGER
p6
7/3/15
BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION
JOHNSON: The meaning of the health care decision
By Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
On June 24th, the Supreme Court of the United States upheld a critical provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). This decision was a victory for millions of hardworking Americans who are now secure in the knowledge that they can enjoy the benefits of affordable, lifesaving health coverage.
PAGE 2
In the case, King v. Burwell, challengers to the ACA argued that people who applied for health care in states that did not establish their own exchanges were ineligible for federal subsidies. Since Texas did not set up its own exchange millions of residents, who enrolled in health plans using the federal exchange, were at risk of losing subsidies which would have made the purchase of health care insurance unaffordable. Fortunately, a majority of the justices on the Supreme Court rejected the plaintiff’s argument and upheld the ACA. As a result, those at-risk Texans, as well as millions of Americans in the 27 states that did not establish exchanges, will continue to receive subsidies to help pay for health insurance. In Texas, where the state refuses to expand Medicaid while 17 percent of the
population remains uninsured, this makes a big difference. In the majority opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, “Congress passed the Affordable Care Act to improve health care markets, not to destroy them.” Roberts agreed with the writers and supporters of the ACA, who argued that federal subsidies were always intended to be available to every single American, not just those in certain states. The ruling will enable Congress to preserve the best and most necessary provisions of the Affordable Care Act. Following two attempts in the Supreme Court, and 60 votes in the House of Representatives intended to undermine the ACA, one thing is clear, the Affordable Care Act works. Five years after the enactment of the ACA, more than 16 million
I MESSENGER
Americans have enrolled, and the rate of uninsured Americans is now 11.9 percent—the lowest in U.S. history. It is time to end the attacks on the Affordable Care Act. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to find even more ways to improve the health care law’s affordability, availability, and quality. Our goal should be to perfect the law so that every American has health insurance coverage. With the success of the ACA, we have the ability to fight chronic disease, invest in medical research and improve our focus on preventive measures. I am committed to finding ways to improve health outcomes for my constituents, and for every American. 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.
7/3/15
BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION July 3, 2015
Message to the People... From Sen. Royce West
Here’s What part of this history wishing needs to be preserved? you a safe and happy summer!
DALLAS -- Texas made national headlines, ironically on of all days - June 19, when the United States Supreme Court upheld the unanimous, 2011 vote of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to deny an application by the Texas Division - Sons of Confederate Veterans to have issued, a license plate that depicted the Confederate battle flag. However, it is the Sons of Confederate Veterans who bemoan that their First Amendment freedoms have been abridged.
Quit Playin 10
Take time to have fun, learn something and grow! In Memoriam 25 10
Cheryl Smith
In its decision, the Court ruled that the state can in fact prohibit the creation of plates that carry messages that it does not promote. I agree with the decision of the high court and so do most all who have had comment since the decision was announced. It is hard for most African Americans, particularly those who have Southern roots, to look at images tied to the Confederacy and not associate them with slavery, subjugation, murder and racial hatred. The Sons of Confederate Veterans consistently say now, as they have since 2009, that the plates have nothing to do with slavery or race. Their claimed purpose is to preserve the memories of the valor of their Civil War ancestors. But how can you separate one from the other? Especially when one supremacist group after the other has co-opted the battle flag as the symbol of their cause? Unfortunately, a hate-filled reminder arrived just two days earlier in Charleston, South Carolina when yet another disturbed shooter, rose from a Wednesday night bible study at his chosen target, a historical Black church, and purposefully murdered nine, innocent victims, including the pastor, a South Carolina state senator. The day after his capture, police investigators released photos from the killer's social media entries showing him holding the Confederate battle flag and noted more than 50 other photos of his visits to Confederate-theme locations. The 21 year-old killer also had Confederate plates on his car. 14-year-old Emmett Till While the Confederate heritage group's website says "the preservation of liberty and freedom was the motivating factor in the South's decision to fight the Second American Revolution," history will bear out that the cause of liberty and freedom was not intended for Black slaves. In its Declaration of Secession signed February 2, 1861, the writer declared the Union's, "doctrine of equality of all men," to be "a doctrine at war with nature, in opposition to the experience of mankind and in violation of the plainest revelations of Divine Law."
I MESSENGER Cheryl Smith, Publisher Established 2011 IMESSENGER is a tribute to Le Messager, founded by Cameroonian journalist Pius Njawe and The Messenger, an independent magazine, founded by labor activist A . Philip Randolph and economist Chandler Owen. IM ESSENGER is committed to informing, inspiring, enlightening and provoking thought in a forum that is international. Submissions for publication consideration may be submitted to www.myimessenger.com.
PAGE 3
Writing for the majority, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer said to issue the Confederate plates would be consistent with "government speech" which is not protected by First Amendment free speech rights. "As a general matter," wrote Breyer, "when the government speaks, it is to espouse a policy or take a position." Breyer also wrote, "A person who displays a message on a Texas license plate likely intends to convey to the public that the State has endorsed that message." In 2011, I joined other elected officials including members of Congress, Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee and Rep. Al Green, Texas House member Rep. Senfronia Thompson and my Senate colleague Rodney Ellis and others to testify against the issuance of the Confederate plates at a Department of Motor Vehicles hearing. "Why should we as Texans, want to be reminded of a state-sanctioned system of segregation and repression?" I asked the panel. The high court's 5-4 decision provided value-added in another regard. It is one of the rare times I have agreed with a vote cast by Justice Clarence Thomas.
I MESSENGER
7/3/15
BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION
HALL: #7 Summers D e s c a n t ; ˈd e s k a n t / 1 . a n independent treble melody usually sung or played above a basic melody. Descant is a 7 letter word. And for a local musical genius named Harold Shaun Martin, the number 7 has a lot of significance. On 7/7/15, his long awaited CD Project entitled #7 Summers will hit iTunes and the quest for a 5th Grammy, (yes… Him already got 4) will begin. Let me follow the usual introductory protocol and then I will explain why the term descant came to mind. Shaun Martin is a native of Dallas, Texas where he began to study music at the age of 4 under the instruction of Carolyn Campbell. After attending Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, he enrolled and graduated from Weatherford College and The University of North Texas where he received his Bachelors of Applied Arts and Sciences. Shaun (Fingers) Martin still serves as the Minister of Music at Friendship West Baptist Church where Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III is the Senior Pastor. He admits openly and often that Dr. Haynes who hired him as a teenager is a major reason and motivation for his success and for finally completing his first personal project. Kirk Franklin, who is the s i g n i f i c a n t G o s p e l Mu s i c equivalent to James Cleveland and the Hawkins Family in prior generations, is also a mentor and friend. Franklin’s successful “Hello Fear” release in 2011 cited Shaun a s its musical director and suddenly the world knew a secret that had been safely hid within Dallas’ city limits. Shaun is a Grammy Award winning producer. He earned three with Kirk Franklin and one last year with a group called Snarky Puppy. Although Snarky
PAGE 4
Quit Playin’ By Vincent Hall Vincent L. Hall is an author and award-winning columnist.
Puppy is an oversized, o v e r z e a l o u s , o v e r- t a l e n te d garage band with friends who mostly grew up together at the
and descants on the piano as we listened. When you can hear a new melody in the melody that you created, you are musically
University of North Texas, they have toured extensively and mostl y outside the United States. There are some big names in the musical itinerary that you would recognize. Shaun has worked with, written for or produced for artists such as E r y k a h B a d u , Ma r y Ma r y, Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Kurt Carr, Kim Burrell, Chaka Kahn, Va n e s s a B e l l A r m s t r o n g , Trinitee 5:7, Men of Standard, Isaac Caree, God's Property and rap genius, Timbaland. Shaun is known for his musical diatribes, are as my mama would say, he can make them keys talk!! As I sat during a recent CD listening party, he was actually playing new riffs
superior to most. The fact that he had a music teacher who taught all types of music and demanded equal time to music theory made all the difference. Carolyn Campbell was a short older White woman whose small Oak Cliff studio produced a number of great musicians. In fact, Shaun’s best bud and hope-to-die road dog R.C. Williams studied under Campbell as well. R.C is the band leader for Erykah Badu, has his own CD, and cultivates local talent weekly via venues l i ke t h e Pr o p h e t B a r a n d Sandaga. That’s a hint...go check these guys out. The reason they call them “starving artists” is because we refuse to invest in their gifts…Duh!!
I MESSENGER
S h a u n's s t y l e i s e c l e c t i c , electric and cannot be contained to a categorical listing or a canonized genre. His CD is literally the same. You will find it under jazz, but there is more. Shaun is a tangential thinker and his musical improvisations bear that out. Playing a chord in “O Promise Me” can invoke a movement in Handel’s Messiah. And he can turn any tune into a Michael Jackson classic in less than sixteen bars. For smooth jazz aficionados, the music is painted or tainted if you will, with the residues of artists like Spyrogyra, Lonnie Liston Smith, Ramsey Lewis and Chuck Mangione. It’s the kind of music and sway that allows you to escape the overt melodies of racism and Confederate Flags and terrorism and all that stuff that robs us of comfort and quality thinking. There is a big band, New Orleans second-line snap that could incite a riot of praise and party in the Big Easy or in a remote Georgia peach orchard. There are also a couple of love songs. Shaun uses a new sensation out of Houston Texas by the name of Nikki Ross and a couple of other friends that will astound you lyrically and musically. Two others songs were inspired by his trips to South Africa. #7 Summers is a project whose major work was completed seven years ago and is now ready for release. In the time since he began to write, he has heard the melodies thousands of times and as a result the final product includes a descant. Shaun plays a melody over the melody that is musically maddening and majestic. Shaun’s major desire is to shine a light on the large number of talented musicians in Dallas. But we can help by buying and never “burning” this CD. #7 Summers…Let’s do it!!
7/3/15
LEGENDS
BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION
23RD Annual Jethro Pugh Memorial Golf classic Invitational Thursday, September 17, 2015 7:00 am – rEGISTRATION & bREAKFAST 8:00 am – INSTRUCTIONS & SHOTGUN START 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM – AwARDS lUNCHEON
Cowboys Golf Club | Grapevine, Texas
HOSTED BY:
Benefitting United Negro College Fund
WELCOME
Instructions
The 23rd Annual Jethro Pugh Memorial Golf Classic Scholarship Invitational continues its tradition and important mission of providing scholarships to brilliant students attending Dallas-area UNCF universities. In its history, this event has raised more than $700,000 in support of these schools and students. No person embodied the spirit of generosity and support for this event and these students more than Jethro Pugh. In every phase of his life – as a championship player with the Dallas Cowboys, a business owner and leader in airport concessions, or a philanthropic giant in the community – he acted with class, energy and unwavering passion.
Please fill out the Sponsorship and the Players form, if you are playing in the tournament, and return to Christine Thomas before Wednesday, September 9, 2015. Please make checks payable to: The Paradies Shops Foundation, Inc. Please reference Jethro Pugh Memorial Invitational
UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND Our nation’s oldest and most successful African American higher education assistance organizations. Their mission is to enhance the quality of education by raising operating funds for member colleges and universities, providing financial assistance to deserving students and supplying technical assistance to member institutions.
Please mail this form and your check to: Christine Thomas Paradies 2849 Paces Ferry Road Overlook I, Suite 400 Atlanta, GA 30339
CONGRATULATIONS to the CLASS OF 2015
Although we were saddened by Jethro’s passing earlier this year, we will carry on his legacy and commitment to this cause in his honor and continue supporting UNCF, which enables more than 60,000 students each year to attend college and get the education they need.
Or scan and/or email your printed form or e-form to: christine.thomas@paradies-na.com Or fax this form to 404.349.3226
Proceeds from this tournament benefit the United Negro College Fund, a non-profit organization. Contributions are deductible to the extend allowable by law.
For tax purposes, the value of If you have any questions, player gifts that each player please call or email Christine receives totals $300 Thomas at 404.494.3459 or We look forward to your dedicated support this year christine.thomas@paradies-na.com Contributions to The "Our people have made the mistake of confusing the methods with the objectives. As long as Paradies we agree on by playing, sponsoring or making a donation. Thank Shops Foundation, Inc., a objectives, we should never to fall out with each other just because we believe intax-exempt differentorganization methods,under or you in advance for your commitment this section 501(c)(3) of the incredibly important cause. tactics, or strategy. We have to keep in mind at all times that we are not fighting forRevenue separation. We are Internal Code, may be deductible to the extent Sincerely, fighting for recognition as free humans in this society." permitted by law.
Malcolm X
Trey Pugh
PAGE 5
I MESSENGER
7/3/15
BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION
News roundup Pres. Obama to address NAACP National Convention A little over a year before he leaves office, President Barack Obama will address the NAACP for the second time as POTUS. He will address the 106th NAACP Annual Convention in Philadelphia, PA on Tuesday, July 14th at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. In a statement NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock said, “We are honored to welcome President Obama back to our NAACP Convention. Our members are looking forward to President Obama delivering a powerful message that reinforces our commitment to being champions for civil and human rights in the 21st century. The 106th NAACP Convention will run from July 11 to July 15. The theme is “Pursuing Liberty in the Face of Injustice.”
TV Land cancels reruns of The Dukes of Hazzard Nick at Night’s TV Land network has pulled reruns of the 1980s action comedy “The Dukes of Hazzard,” over its Confederate flag imagery. The pulling of the popular 80’s show – which ran from 1979 to 1985 on CBS - is the latest in a string of high-profile efforts to banish the Confederate flag from culture after various states began
PAGE 6
debating whether to remove the flag. Series producer Warner Bros. recently stopped production of toy replicas of the “General Lee,” the 1969 Dodge Charger stock car driven by the characters in the show, Southern cousins Luke and Bo. The car also features a replica of the Confederate flag on its roof. Retailers including Walmart and eBay have stopped selling merchandise bearing reproductions of the flag.
Black Churches are Burning again in America America’s black churches are under fire. In the weeks since the murder of nine people at Charleston’s Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church after a Bible study by a white man, several fires have broken out in at least 6 predominantly African American churches These latest major acts of violence conducted against predominantly black churches makes many relive a time in our nation’s history where black churches – a core institution of the black community - were set on fire, often at night because of hate. Churches that have been burned in recent days include Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Greeleyville, South Carolina and God's Power Church of Christ in Macon, Georgia. Two other predominantly black churches have been the target of possible arson in the past few nights. These include Glover Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Warrenville, South Carolina, which caught fire on Friday, and College Hill Seventh Day Adventist, which burned on Monday in Knoxville, Tennessee. All of the fires are under investigation.
Pres. Obama lifts U.S. Trade Embargo on Cuba On July 1st, President Barack Obama lifted the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba and urgd Congress to follow his decision to reopen the American embassy in Havana. “The best way to support our values is through engagement,” President Obama said during a press conference at the White House. “Americans and Cubans alike are looking to move forward. I believe it’s time for Congress to do the same.” The American embassy will reopen on July 20 and Cuba will reopen its embassy in Washington. President Obama said that Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Havana for the opening and will “proudly raise the American flag” over the embassy. Jeffrey DeLaurentis, who heads the U.S. Interests Section in Havana and would be the initial envoy heading the reopened embassy, delivered a letter from Obama confirming the plans addressed to Cuba President Raul Castro, according to the Foreign Ministry. According to an administration official, the president hasn’t decided on who might be nominated as ambassador or whether he would make the nomination in the immediate future.
Ex-Cowboy Emmitt Smith drops out of 2015 Miss USA Pageant Pro Football Hall of Famer and ex-Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith has dropped out as a judge in the 2015 Miss
I MESSENGER
USA pageant on the heels of comments from pageant organizer Donald Trump. He is the latest person to distance from the presidential candidate’s empire. Smith tweeted out the following message: “In light of Mr. Trump’s statements and the subsequent decisions made by NBC, I have decided not to participate as a judge in the 2015 Miss USA pageant. Knowing firsthand through my wife, Pat Smith, how much the women prepare for this event, I continue to send my support and best wishes to everyone competing this year.” Smith joins NBC, Macy’s and others who have severed ties with Trump after his initial remarks declaring his candidacy for president of the United States. During his presidential kickoff speech, Trump said Mexican immigrants are “bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime, they’re rapists and some, I assume, are good people.” He also called for building a wall along the southern border of the United States. Trump later said that his remarks were directed at U.S. policymakers, not the Mexican government or its people.”
The Supreme Court rules in favor of same-sex marriage nationwide Gay rights advocate scored a historic victory on June 26, 2015 when the Supreme Court, in a landmark opinion, ruled that same-sex couples can marry nationwide. The 5-4 ruling by the divided Supreme Court essentially established a new civil right and assured same-sex couples equal rights in the eyes of the law. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote for the majority with the four liberal justices. Each of the four
7/3/15
BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION conservative justices wrote their own dissent. The gay rights movement began nearly 46 years ago after a riot at New York's Stonewall Inn. The controversial decision could settle one of the major civil rights fights of this era. In his opinion Kennedy wrote, "No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family," Kennedy wrote. "In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than they once were." "Their hope," Kennedy wrote, "is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization's oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right."
PAGE 7
Bree Newsome tells why she removed Confederate Flag Bree Newsome, the woman who climbed a flagpole and removed the Confederate flag from the South Carolina Statehouse June 27th - only to be arrested and have the banner raised again less than an hour later, is speaking out on why she did the act that has captured this nation’s attention. In a statement posted on Blue Nation Review, Newsome cited the June 17th killings of nine people at the Emanuel
AME church in Charleston was the tip of the iceberg.
bond. The flag was later replaced.
“A white man had just entered a black church and massacred people as they prayed. He had assassinated a civil rights leader. This was not a page in a textbook I was reading nor an inscription on a monument I was visiting,” Newsome wrote. “This was now. This was real. This was —this is—still happening.”
“We made this decision because for us, this is not simply about a flag, but rather it is about abolishing the spirit of hatred and oppression in all its forms,” Newsome added.
On June 27th she climbed the 30-foot pole using a harness just after dawn. She took down the flag, citing the Bible ad prayers as she did so. When she reached the bottom, State Police took the flag out of her hands and arrested her and her collaborator, a white man, fellow activist James Tyson. They were jailed over the weekend and later freed on
I MESSENGER
The event spawned the social media hashtag #FreeBree and a fund to raise money for her legal costs. After she removed the flag, Newsome quoted scripture saying, “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?” She said the same thing in her statement Monday. “I refuse to be ruled by fear. How can America be free and be ruled by fear? How can anyone be?”
7/3/15
BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION
THEY RUMBLED! Cheryl Smith’s Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon was held June 27, 2015 at USA Bowl. Featured celebrities included comedian Dick Gregory and actresses T’keyah Crystal Keymah, Angela Robinson and Phyllis Yvonne Stickney. Robinson of OWN-TV’s The Haves and Have Nots and Demond Fernandez of WFAA-TV walked away with celebrity high bowler honors.
For 21 years USA Bowl has been the location for this star-studded event that raises funds for scholarships, internships and other programs targeting youth. Thanks to our long-time sponsor EVANS ENGRAVING and other sponsors- LDI Holdings, MOCCA Cosmetics, Ash Britt Jene, Golden Gate Funeral Home, MMSCompany, NBMOA, Karrington Company/ Heroes House, and media partners: K104/KRNB, North Dallas Gazette, BOOM 94.5, 97.9 The Beat, KHVN, Black Business Directory, NtheKnow.com and Elite News.
You can support at www.dontbelieve thehype.org
This year’s program was dedicated to the memory of longtime supporter, Joyce Ann Brown!
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
Remembering Donna P. Charles FAMU BADST- Spr 78
HOSTS: DAREIA TOLBERT
Call in to 646-200-0459 PAGE 8
I MESSENGER
7/3/15
BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION
Ask Alma… The One that Got Away
Don’t Ask Alma Believe the HYPE! Dear Alma:
Alma
- See more at: http:// www.blackpressusa.com/askalma-72/#sthash.CzNBp741.dpuf
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.
Raising funds for scholarships! You can donate at www.dontbelievethe hype.org
WASHINGTON: Let it Go, Please Spiritual Speaking By James Washington
Fun for the entire family!
PAGE 9
I MESSENGER
7/3/15
BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION
It was an honor to have Dick Gregory in the house!
PAGE 10
I MESSENGER
7/3/15
BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION
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
PAGE 11
I MESSENGER
▲
Washington, DC 20009
7/3/15
BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION
Some things are hard to explain.
We offer the solutions.
With more than 15 years experience in businessto-consumer, as well as business-to-business, marketing, Enigma LLC knows how to get results by listening to your needs, goals and objectives.
ENGIMA LLCTN BUILDING TRUST. CHANGING MINDS. INFLUENCING DECISIONS.
DFWMSDC 2013 Supplier of the Year - Category 1 Small Business Administration (E-200) Emerging Leaders Class 2014 TUCK Executive Education at Dartmouth Class 2014 Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program (Dallas) Class of 2014 Quest for Success 2013 - Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
enigmallc.com
100 Crescent Court | Suite 700 | Dallas, Texas 75201 | Office: 214-459-8208 | Fax: 214-988-5128 PAGE 12
I MESSENGER
7/3/15
BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION
PAGE 13
I MESSENGER
7/3/15
BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION
PAGE 14
I MESSENGER
7/3/15
BR INGING ENLIGHTENING, EDUC ATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION
The perfect gift for the one you love!
Felicia N. Shepherd M. Ed Founder/CEO
Booking Contact Information: info@fnsconsultingservices.com 972-638-SHEP (7437)
The Warmth of May “I pledge to you my soul this night and give you my heart with a fawn’s delight”
Visit our website at www.fnsconsultingservices.com
Order at www.simplyforyou.us or at Amazon
FiNeSse Consulting Services Staff Development, seminars on Relational Aggression, Conference/webinar presentations, motivational speaking, school and workplace conflict workshops…
Illustrated, $14.95 117 pages
“Let me put my experience to work for you.” "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 15
I MESSENGER
7/3/15
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?
MAXIMIZE
Your Exposure While We Have Your Audience’s Undivided Attention!
A FAMILY
.
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.
DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY - ACT TODAY!
VOL XI ISSUE 7 NOVEMBER 15, 2012 www.garlandjournal.com
GARLAND
CIRCULATION*AUDIT*BY
OURNA
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.
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!
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*
Page 10
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
* * ed+ afternoon+ drive+ radio+ programs+ heard+in+the+top+urban+markets.++ Exum,+his+business+manager. He+ is+ also+ a+ TV+ talk+ Baisden+ began+ his+ career+ as+ an+ New$
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
!
!
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.) It’s time for the men of Dallas to say, enough is enough. NOVEMBER 4, 2008 ELECTION
Republican
JOHN
C
BARACK
TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE DALLAS WEEKLY, FILL OUT THIS FORM AND MAIL TO: SUBSCRIBE TODAY! DALLAS By mailWEEKLY or on line $ P.O. BOX 151789 www.myimessenger.com www.garlandjournal.com www.texasmetronews.com DALLAS, TX 75315 annually I want to receive copies of __ I Messenger __ Garland Journal __ Texas Metro
$
50
Also,80 if you want extra 39946_MOROCH_MAA_NP_Ad_BW.indd 1
News at $50 per subscription
annually
2/28/13 1:41 PM
protection, check out Street Safe at
I want to receive ___copies of The Dallas Weekly at $80 per subscription Check Card Check Card CARD #____________________________________________________ EXP. DATE______________________ Amount: __________________
SIGNATURE________________________________________________ NAME _____________________________________________________ ADDRESS__________________________________________________
www.streetsafe.peopleguard.com CITY ____________________________STATE ____ ZIP ___________
TELEPHONE #_____________________________________________ FAX # _____________________________________________________
E-MAIL ____________________________________________________ TO NO. SUBSCRIBE TO EITHER OR ALL PUBLICATION, COMPLETE COMMUNITY FORM AND MAIL TO: 1 SERVING THE AFRICAN AMERICAN
I MESSENGER ENTERPRISES 320 SOUTH R.L. THORNTON FREEWAY, SUITE 220
DALLAS, TX 75203
DON’T BE SILENT Join I Messenger in the call for justice. Turn Pookie in today! PAGE 16
I MESSENGER
7/3/15