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TEXAS METRO NEWS
Texas
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December 6, 2017
Atlanta’s Mayor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms is a Florida A&M University alum and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Metro News
Dallas Mavericks host SILENT KILLER: Seats for Soldiers Oil and Gas Companies hurting Black communities F UME S ACROS S T HE FE NCE -LINE
More than 1 million African Americans nationally (2.4 percent of the total African American population) live within a a half mile radius of oil and By Cheryl Smith gas facilities (see Table 1). Texas Metro Newsr 0IJP 5FYBT BOE $BMJGPSOJB IBWF UIF NPTU African Americans living within a half mile radius of oil and gas facilities. r "OE JO 0LMBIPNB 0IJP BOE 8FTU 7JSHJOJB approximately one in five African Americans in the states live within the half mile radius of oil and gas facilities.
Wesley Matthews signs items and visits with a soldier. See story and more photos, page 13 Photo credit: Dorothy J Gentry
Councilman Tennell Atkins’ annual Home for the Holidays Campaign Kickoff
Dallas City Councilman Tennell Atkins and community partners kicked off the 9th annual “Home for the Holidays� toy drive and adopt-a-family campaign this week. The need for the “Home for the Holidays� program continues to grow in South Dallas’ District 8 with more families facing tough economic times. The goal of the campaign is to bring holiday joy to as many families as possible.
Fence-line communities: are communities that are next to a company, industrial, or service facility and are directly affected in some way by the facility’s operation (e.g. noise, odor, traffic, and chemical emissions). Most fence-line communities in the United States are low-income individuals and communities of color who experience systemic oppression such as environmental racism.
Dr. Mark Mitchell National Medical Association
the least. According to the report, the oil and gas industry dumps 9 million tons of methane and toxic pollutants into the air each year. Fumes Across the Fence-Line These toxins are not only conSome would say that these tributing to the ozone level, but communities are definitely on also increased medical and futhe other side of the railroad neral bills. “African Americans are disprotracks—the area where there are more dirt roads, liquor stores portionately exposed,� said Dr. Mark Mitchell of the National and food deserts—the hood! The National Medical Associ- Medical Association. “Deaths are ation, Clean Air Task Force and increasing, and there are more NAACP co-released a report in cases of asthma in children and November that unfortunately cancer in adults.� Oil and gas is big business, eswas overlooked during many pecially in Texas, and other states news cycles although the findlike California. “Just because the ings were significant when you consider the number of African oil company brings jobs and other benefits, doesn’t mean it can Americans impacted. In a 34-page report, Fumes do it at the expense of my health Equipment at a gas well. Across the Fence-Line: The and well-being� said Charles Health Impacts of Air Pollution Zacharie, of Los Angeles. Residents in the Dallas-Fort from Oil & Gas Facilities on African American Communities, Worth area should definitely be the results are alarming to say alarmed, Dr. Mitchell warned.
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TA B L E 1
Top 10 States by African American Population Living within a Half Mile Radius of Oil and Gas Facilities (2010 Census)
State
African American Population within a Half Mile Radius
Percent of African American F U ME S AC RO S S Population in State within a Half Mile Radius
THE FENCE-LINE
FIGURE 4
Texasof Asthma Attacks Experienced 337,011 Number by African American Children10% Caused by Ozone Attributable to Oil and Gas by Metropolitan Area Ohio
291,733
19%
California
103,713
4%
Louisiana
79,810
5%
Pennsylvania
79,352
5%
Oklahoma
73,303
22%
West Virginia
13,453
17%
Arkansas
10,477
2%
Mississippi
10,448
1%
Illinois
10,227
1%
TOTAL
1,052,680
2%
Source: “Gasping for Breath,� US Census Bureau
Number of Asthma Attacks per Ozone Seas 25–250 251–500 501–1,000 1,001–2,000 2,001–3,000 > 3,000
Source: http://oilandgasthreatmap.com
TA B L E 2
Top 10 Metropolitan Areas by African American Health Impacts Attributable to Ozone caused by Natural Gas Pollution Metropolitan Area
Asthma Attacks (per year)
Lost School Days (per year)
Dallas-Fort Worth (TX, OK)
8,059
5,896
Atlanta (GA)
7,499
5,469
Washington-Baltimore (DC, MD, VA, WV, PA)
7,216
5,269
New York-Newark (NY, NJ, CT, PA)
5,235
3,821
Houston (TX)
4,256
3,111
Chicago (IL, IN, WI)
3,777
2,760
Memphis (TN, MS, AR)
3,674
2,692
Philadelphia (PA, NJ, DE, MD)
2,887
2,104
Shreveport-Bossier City (LA)
2,536
1,871
Detroit (MI)
2,402
1,751
137,688
100,564
National African American Total Source: “Gasping for Breath,� US Census Bureau
“Dallas is the number one location in the U.S. where African Americans are exposed to these fumes,� he said, adding that it is estimated that African American children are losing about 6000 school days because of illnesses associated with the oil and gas leaks. Until 2015 many of those children found themselves before a judge, with their parents, facing fines and possible detention.
Even some parents were fined, or directed to attend after school sessions with their children. This is definitely an area of concern because of the high Texas truancy rates, as well as children born with learning disabilities; although health issues were not Š CATF a consideration in a U.S. Dept. of Justice report that looked at truancy in Dallas County, inSee OIL AND GAS, page 3 www.texasmetronews.com
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December 6, 2017
TEXAS METRO NEWS
Rev. Jackson announces Parkinson’s Diagnosis By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) Reverend Jesse Jackson’s Parkinson’s disease diagnosis caught many by surprise, but those who know him said they’re confident that he’ll overcome the life-threatening challenge before him. “He’s in the rumble of his life, but he’s rumbled some big foes before,” said Vincent Hughes, a Democratic state senator from Pennsylvania who campaigned for Jackson in 1984 and again in 1988. Hughes said that Jackson’s campaigns were birthed in the Black empowerment movement that followed the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. “I’m one of those African Americans, who took office and was a part of that issue of ‘protest to power’ and Rev. Jackson was, in many respects, our leader and he still is.” More than anyone else, Jackson opened the door for the election of Barack Obama, the first African American President of the United States, said Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). Chavis was one of Jackson’s contemporaries during the Civil Rights Movement. “Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., is a living, global civil rights icon. As a colleague in the Civil Rights Movement dating back to the 1960s and under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I have personally witnessed the selfless sacrifice and dedication of Rev. Jackson.” Chavis continued: “For all who have cried out for freedom justice and equality, the news of his Parkinson’s disease should only serve to re-dedicate a movement now for healthcare equality for all, not only as a civil right, but as a human right.” On Friday, November 17, Jackson, 76, issued a statement informing the world of his illness. In the statement, Jackson recalled his foray into activism, being arrested on July 17, 1960 with seven other college students who advocated for the right to use a public library in his hometown of Greenville, S.C. He said that he remembers the arrest as if it happened yesterday and it was a day that forever changed his life. “From that experience, I lost my fear of being jailed for a righteous cause. I went on to meet Dr. King and dedicate my heart and soul to the fight for justice, equality, www.texasmetronews.com
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. “A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease does not necessarily mean that you must make drastic changes, but every individual is different in how they are affected, how they respond to treatment and how they choose to spend their time,” Dahodwala said.
NAACP makes major changes that impact tax status By Lauren Victoria Burke
NNPA Newswire Contributor
Ihtsham ul Haq, an expert in neurology at the Wake Forest School of Medicine, said he believes Jackson will do well.
Rev. Jesse Jackson and equal access,” said Jackson, whose multiracial National Rainbow Coalition grew out of his work in the 1984 presidential campaign. He said he resisted interrupting his work to visit a doctor, but his daily physical struggles intensified and he could no longer ignore his symptoms. “After a battery of tests, my physicians identified the issue as Parkinson’s disease, a disease that bested my father,” Jackson said. Rev. Al Sharpton issued a statement saying that he spent time with Jackson and his family in New York, as Jackson made the announcement of his illness. “As I watched him, I was reminded of the greatness of this man,” Sharpton said. “Reverend Jackson has changed the nation and served in ways in which he never got credit.” Maynard Eaton, a journalist and national director of communications for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, called Jackson a legendary and fearless civil rights champion. He said the disease may slow Jackson, but won’t stop him. “Activism and civil rights are in his blood. As a journalist, Jesse Jackson has been a treat and joy to cover and write about,” said Eaton. “He has been a civil rights darling and media maverick…Jesse Jackson is a quintessential and preeminent civil rights activist of our time.” Even though Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurological condition, it is very treatable, said Dr. Nabila Dahodwala, an associate professor of neurology at the
“Though each patient’s journey with Parkinson’s disease is a little bit different, thankfully for many the symptoms are often well-managed with medication, said Haq. “The hallmark of the disease is the slow loss of dopamine in the brain, which unlocks our movement.” Haq continued: “As patients begin to produce less of it they show the slowness, stiffness, and tremor that typify the disease. Replacing dopamine usually substantially alleviates these problems.” Leslie A. Chambers, the president and CEO of the American Parkinson Disease Association, said making appropriate lifestyle changes and focusing on physical therapy will go a very long way to helping Jackson live the best life possible, in spite of the disease. “Since its a lifelong chronic illness, the American Parkinson Disease Association encourages people with Parkinson’s to seek out a top notch medical and healthcare team, which includes a movement disorders specialist physician and allied healthcare providers and protect and defend their overall health status with a nutritious diet, physical therapy and safe, effective daily exercise programs, as well as emotional and social support from family, and professional care partners-givers,” Chambers said, adding that the association extends heartfelt wishes to Jackson. Dorothy Leavell, the chairman of the NNPA and the publisher of the Crusader Newspaper Group said that even though Jackson is in for the fight of his life, she warned that Parkinson’s disease had met its match. “This is a major blow, but it’s not the death knell,” said Leavell. “We will keep working and encourage Jesse with all he’s done for us and continues to do.”
Derrick Johnson After being eclipsed in recent years by Color of Change, Black Lives Matter and other younger, more tech savvy and politically-pointed groups, the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization will change its tax status. The group’s leaders said that the new tax status would allow them to be more aggressive politically During a call with reporters, NAACP officials announced that the civil rights group will transition from a 501(c)(3) to a 501(c)(4) designation. The change will allow the organization to be more partisan and politically focused. However, the tax designation does not allow political work to be the “primary activity” of the organization. Even though the NAACP is 108 years-old, the organization is struggling to modernize and stay relevant in a rapidly-evolving, social media-driven landscape that requires speed and strategic communications skills. In October, the NAACP named Derrick Johnson as its president; Johnson was elected by the NAACP’s board to serve for three
years. In a statement announcing Johnson as the new president, Leon Russell, the board chairman of the NAACP said, “As both a longtime member of the NAACP, and a veteran activist in his own right—having worked on the ground to advocate for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, along with championing countless other issues—Derrick also intimately understands the strengths of the Association, our challenges and the many obstacles facing Black Americans of all generations, today. I look forward to continuing to work with him in this new role.” Russell continued: “In his time serving as our interim president and CEO, Derrick has proven himself as the strong, decisive leader we need to guide us through both our internal transition, as well as a crucial moment in our nation’s history. With new threats to communities of color emerging daily and attacks on our democracy, the NAACP must be more steadfast than ever before.” Johnson is a native of Detroit, Michigan who lives in Jackson, Mississippi. He is a long-time member of the NAACP, who was elected Vice Chair earlier this year and served as the interim president after Cornell Brooks was forced out. Johnson attended Tougaloo College before earning a juris doctor degree from South Texas College of Law in Houston. The NAACP ousted Brooks in the spring of this year, a few months before the group’s annual convention in Baltimore.
TEXAS METRO NEWS
Cite and Release Program began December 1 On December 1, 2017 the City of Dallas will begin the Cite and Release Program. The city has released ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ to alleviate confusion citizens may have. Does this decriminalize marijuana in the City of Dallas? No. Marijuana is still illegal in the City of Dallas and the State of Texas. Who does this impact? This will only impact individuals detained: With 4 ounces of marijuana or less; Who reside in the Dallas County portion of the City of Dallas and are detained in the same area; and must have a valid Texas issued ID or Driver License Is this citation reducing the
charge from a Class A or B misdemeanor to a Class C citation?
Why is the City of Dallas doing this?
No. This citation does not reduce the charge to a Class C ticket. The charges are as follows: A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and/or 180 days in jail. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by a fine up to $4,000 and/or up to one year in jail. This is not a Class C citation or ticket.
On April 12, 2017, the Council approved the creation and implementation of a cite and release program. Cite and Release will allow officers to rapidly document the offense and return to their patrol duties, protecting the citizens of Dallas.
If I receive a citation, what court do I need to go to? Individuals detained for Possession of Marijuana, a Class A or B misdemeanor offense and given the Dallas County Acknowledgement & Acceptance Form will be assigned a court date at the Frank Crowley Courts Building, 133 N Riverfront Blvd., 75207. What happens if I don’t show up to the court date? If the individual does not attend their court date, a warrant will be issued for their arrest.
DISD students It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Dallas ISD students bring holiday cheer. What: Students from various Dallas ISD high schools will delight district staff with holiday jingles. When: All performances begin at 11:30 a.m. Where: Dallas Education Center 9400 N. Central Expressway Dallas, TX 75231 Each day will feature student performance from various campuses that will make for a great visual nat sound piece. Interviews with students and campus administrators can be arranged. Musical performances to be hosted: Friday, Dec. 8 David W. Carter High School’s choir Monday, Dec. 11 W. W. Samuell High School’s wind quartet Wednesday, Dec. 13 Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts’ string quartet Friday, Dec. 15 Woodrow Wilson High School’s jazz ensemble
December 6, 2017
Oil and Gas Companies harm Black Communities
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continued from front page
stead focusing on “poor school climate and inadequate identification of special education needs to teen pregnancy, negative peer influence, child abuse or neglect, poor academic performance, low school attachment, and students’ lack of self-esteem.” Then there are the deaths that must be considered. African American children are more likely to die from asthma than white children (one per 1 million versus one per 10 million, respectively). Oil and gas leaks are the issue, a critical one that must be addressed. “The life-threatening burdens placed on communities of color near oil and gas facilities are the result of systemic oppression perpetuated by the traditional energy industry, which exposes communities to health, economic, and social hazards,” reads Fumes Across the Fence-Line. Because natural gas does not have an odor, experts say, people don’t know they are being exposed. Odorless and silent, but deadly. The report points out that African Americans are exposed to 38 percent more polluted air than Caucasian Americans and they are 75 percent more likely to live in fence-line communities than the average American. And there are many symptoms associated with different air pollutants, including nausea, headaches, asthma attacks and dizziness. Texas has the dubious distinction of having two cites on the the list of Top 10 States by African American Population Living within a Half Mile Radius of Oil and Gas Facilities. “Common sense would suggest that a pipeline carrying a highly flammable substance and a massive polluting industrial facility should not be placed in any residential community, much less an environmental justice community” – Congressmen Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., John
Lewis, Hank Johnson Jr., and David Scott in a 2015 response to the Saber Trail Pipeline Project in Alabama, Southern Georgia, and Central Florida.
Identifying the problem was import-
ant and offering solutions is equally important, says Dr. Mitchell. “We are concerned about the health of our communities.” The report makes several recommendations: 1. Facilities should not be located in residential areas 2. Make sure any and all facilities are maintained properly 3. Hire people in the communities to monitor and fix facilities where there are leaks. Dr. Mitchell says Texas can follow the lead of California and Colorado with better guidelines and by reducing the amount of exposure to citizens. “We have to educate our elected officials and encourage them to support technology that can reduce the amount of exposure and protect our population,” he continued. "We have to educate others and talk about this issue more." Unfortunately in communities that are not as educated, there is an assumption that it is normal to have asthma or cancer. That is not the case said, Dr. Mitchell, “Our communities are suffering. There are more cases of cancer like blood, lymphoma and leukemia." Churches, organizations, businesses, community groups, politicians, healthcare professionals, and friends need to be discussing this issue. These death traps need to be located exposed and dealt with. It's simple, Dr. Mitchell concluded, "If there is a leak underground, you can usually tell because grass does not grow in those areas. But the greatest indicator of where they (oil and gas leaks) are located is the percentage of people of color.” This report is available online at: www.naacp.org/climate-justice-resources/ fumes-across-the-fence-line http://catf.us/resources/publications/ les/FumesAcrossTheFenceLine.pdf www.oilandgasthreatmap.com to find out if you live in an area where you should be concerned. www.texasmetronews.com
STANDS ANDS ININ
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December 6, 2017
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TEXAS METRO NEWS
QUIT PLAYIN’ By Vincent L. Hall Televange lists and internationally known mega-preachers owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Frederick Eikerenkoetter. If you don’t know, he was one of the modern pioneers of marketing the church and its residuals. From the patented red prayer cloth with pinking-shear crinkles to his philosophy which he calls “Thinkonomics�; Rev. Ike, is anything but poor. Thinkonomics center on four selfhelp principles that on their face don’t sound bad. 1. How to use your mind-power to “unlearn� sickness, and create vibrant and lasting good health. 2. How to harness your power to “command� results and stop “begging� for what you want in life. The third is the five techniques of effective visualization that allow you to create the reality of your dreams. The last is “Gaining clear, understand-
HALL: THE BLESSED POOR? able explanations of the Laws of Blessed do nothing on their behalf. Mind Science and how to use them Bill Cosby made some controverto eliminate fear, worry, resentment, sial remarks about the poor once. lack, and other negaAfrican Americans tive conditions and were more upset Much More.... that he said it in Rev. Ike pervertfront of White folks ed the scriptures by than for its content. declaring that “The “These people are lack of money is the not parenting. They root to all evil.â€? But are buying things he redeemed himfor kids—$500 for self with me when sneakers, for what? he said; “The best And won’t spend Rev. Ike thing that you can $200 for ‘Hooked on do to help the poor is not be one of Phonics.’ They’re standing on the corner and they can’t speak English.â€? them.â€? Poor Bill‌Karma is Hell ain’t it? There are few things worse in Cosby’s read of the poor left the liAmerica than being poor. We have no regard for them, we despise them on’s share of the burden on the poor. and we snobbishly blame them for To proffer the plight of the poor withtheir condition. We treat the poor out admonishing the social failures and homeless with less reverence that cause poverty is an endorsement of the problem‌it makes the rest of than we do our dogs. Dr. Zan Holmes once remarked us complicit. The civil rights movement was the from the sacred desk that when Jesus said that the poor would be with you Black Middle Class movement. It was always, he was not condoning pover- designed, detailed and delivered by ty, he was prophesying. Plainly put, the “Talented Tenthâ€? and forged by the poor remain with us because the men and women who had peeked
into America’s Promised Land. Although the Cosby Show was one of our favorites, Heathcliff Huxtable was as far from the mainstream and reality as you get. Daddy doctor and mommy lawyer is rare, regardless of race. America prides itself as the “rags to riches� capital of the world, but capitalism requires a caste system of sorts. Trumphood, which by Dr. Freddy Haynes’ estimate is reverse Robinhood, will only increase the size and suffering of America’s poor. After Cosby went off on poor Blacks, he should have castigated those of us who escaped the “projects� and the U.S. Congress which is worthless at best. Poverty and economic depression will grow rapidly under this administration but it can’t all be laid at Trump’s feet. Bill Cosby was partially right, Zan Holmes was theologically right, Jesus is always right, but Rev. Ike said it best, “The best thing that you can do to help the poor is not be one of them.� And if you’re not poor the least that you can do is not blame them. Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist and award-winning journalist.
Why ending AIDS in Africa matters to Black Americans By Dr. Djibril Diallo
Regional Director for Western and Central Africa, UNAIDS
A recently launched initiative aimed at ending HIV/ AIDS, as a public health crisis in Africa, could be a catalyst to trigger discussions about HIV in the African American and African diaspora communities in the United States. In recent months, several African heads of state have made public their commitment to support the goal of ending AIDS by 2030. In September, six African heads of state joined UNAIDS Executive Director Michel SidibĂŠ at the “HIV Fast Trackâ€? side event organized during
the 72nd United Nations General Assembly that was held in New York City and presided over by President Yoweri of Uganda. Earlier in July, during the African Union (AU) Summit, AU Chair, President Alpha Conde of Guinea convened the “AIDS Watch Africa Heads of State and Government Meeting� where the leaders endorsed the “Catch-Up Plan for West and Central Africa� and declared their commitment to providing the needed policy and resource changes to help achieve the target goals. The Catch-Up Plan is an 18-month initiative that has been developed to acceler-
Dr. Djibril Diallo
ate the AIDS response and prevent a resurgence of the HIV epidemic in the 25-country region. Its focus is on testing, knowing one’s HIV status, treatment, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission; the initiative was crafted to complement existing health plans that the countries have been using to
address HIV and AIDS. Today, thanks to advancements in medicine and increased access to antiretroviral medications for many people in Africa and around the world, being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence. In so many cases, with treatment the disease can be managed like a chronic illness and kept under long-term control with medication. However, at a time when the global response to HIV is accelerating, millions of people in Western and Central Africa are being left behind. There is a considerable gap when it comes to people knowing their HIV status, and
for those who test positive to receive the necessary treatment. The same can be said for the populations most vulnerable to the disease in the United States, as well. Many of the issues that continue to fuel the HIV/AIDS crisis on the continent are also the root cause for the high infection rates found in African American and Hispanic populations in the U.S.; some of the same barriers including poverty, fear, stigma and discrimination also keep people from seeking to know their HIV status, having access to treatment and properly folSee AIDS, page 12
TEXAS METRO NEWS
December 6, 2017
Payday Lenders want to charge triple-digit interest By Charlene Crowell
Communications Deputy Director, Center for Responsible Lending
Charlene Crowell-
“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” is a well-known adage. In recent weeks, it seems that phrase could also be an apt description of the unrelenting efforts of predatory payday lenders to sell their
wares. Across the country, 15 states as well as in the District of Columbia, with varying geographies, economies and demographics have enacted strong rate cap limits. In each locale,
these actions were taken to curb the harmful consequences of payday lenders’ 300 percent or higher interest rate loans. When voters or legislatures approve rate caps, these lenders seek loopholes to evade state requirements. Changing products from payday to car title-loans is one way. Others pose as “loan brokers” or “mortgage lenders” to avoid regulation of payday lending. Even at the federal level and on the heels of a stillnew rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), payday lenders and their supporters are now pressing for legislation to continue and expand triple-digit lending on small-dollar loans. The same deception that hides the real cost of predatory, consumer loans is reflected in the title of pending legislation in both the
House of Representatives and in the Senate. The Protecting Consumers’ Access to Credit Act of 2017 (H.R. 3299 and S. 1624) would allow payday lenders, high-cost online lenders, and other predatory lenders to partner with banks to make loans that surpass existing state interest rate limits. This legislative scheme would legalize payday lenders to charge triple-digit interest rates, despite state laws banning them. Some term this financial switch as innovation for “fintech,” a recently coined term that smacks of the 21st Century’s tech focus, but in everyday terms, these actions are a renewed effort for an old scheme known as “rent-abank.” If the bill is enacted, states that have annually saved an estimated $2.2 billion each year
5
by banning triple-digit interest would have to face the return of past debt trap lending. Additionally, and in 34 states where a $2,000, 2-year installment loan with interest higher than 36 percent is illegal today, would enable predatory lenders to charged unlimited rates on these longer-term loans. One more item to note: these measures are advancing with bipartisan support. Virginia’s Senator Mark Warner, the lead sponsor of that chamber’s version has Senators Gary Peters (Michigan), Pat Toomey (Pennsylvania) and Steve Daines (Montana) as his co-sponsors. On the House side, Rep. Patrick McHenry from North Carolina, has the help of two Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) members, New York’s Congressman Greg See PAYDAY LENDERS , page 6
Crispus Attucks to Sgt. La David Johnson: Hero or Stereotype? Crispus Attucks has been immortalized by the nation as being the first American to die for the country’s freedom at the outset of the American Revolution. In what became known
Speaking Truth to Power by Dr. Brenda Wall
as the Boston Massacre, Attucks was killed along with four others by British soldiers, who were in the colonies to protect British interests and maintain control. Even though Attucks’ death and the deaths of the other martyrs became a rallying cry for freedom, there were layers of racialized dynamics, which complicated the recognition of Attucks as hero from the very beginning. Even with a funeral procession, which is said to have attracted ten thousand, Attucks was surrounded by controversy from the time he lay in state at Faneuil Hall to his burial at the
Do you know this man?
Old Granary Burial Ground: Attucks was actually regarded as a villain by many in proper Boston society. In fact, John Adams, who became the nation’s second president, was the lawyer who successfully defended the British soldiers charged with murder for killing Attucks and the four others. While the content of his defense may be unfamiliar to us, the tone is not. Adams described Attucks as having “mad behavior;” and “whose very looks was enough to terrify any person.” The British soldiers were acquitted. Even in 1770, the pattern of vilifying Africans based on stereotype was a useful and convincing legal strategy. Revisionist history omits the culture of racialized dynamics which made it difficult to accept Attucks as hero and instead present him in terms of African stereotype. Hero or Slave? The cognitive dissonance which made it hard to accept Attucks as hero, because he was African in heritage is the same tension we see surrounding the death of Sgt. La David
Johnson. While Johnson’s heroism in fighting ISIS militants in Niger, is ritualistically expressed as being worthy of honor and his Gold Star family deserving of respect and space for grieving, it still requires deliberate effort to define Green Beret Johnson as a war hero. In community it may well be understood, but there remains a more widespread resistance that clouds his identity as war hero. That discomfort is evident in the turmoil that erupted when his Gold Star widow, Myeshia Johnson, expressed her raw pain, when being driven to Dover Air Force Base to receive his body. Her authentic grief was challenged, analyzed and discredited. Cognitive dissonance. Hero’s wife or Black female. The two produce irreconcilable tension in our world. We may eventually arrive at the conclusion that African American soldiers can heroically fight for America’s freedom, but there remains the cultural dissonance which makes it hard to honor those of African descent without first confronting the cloud of racial stereotype. We
HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST He targeted members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but this is more than about a sorority. We’re talking about a community. Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother? aunt or grandmother or maybe YOU?
see it in the callousness from the executive office that came first, followed by the disturbing readiness to take sides. The disparaged Representative Frederica Wilson, was an easy target, who became the displaced cultural scapegoat, when Green Beret Johnson and his wife were less accessible. Death threats always seem to surface. Whether in 1770 or in 2017, the context of white supremacy informs behavior without being fully identified outside the sphere of those who know it and live with it. If Adams saw Attucks as terrifying in his persona; if Trump saw La David as a name remembered or clumsily uttered, and if the nation chooses to take sides instead of recognizing and reducing the racial conflict, we have proof that the nation is no more ready to address a grieving widow’s pain today as it was prepared to bury its first war hero among the other founding patriots. White supremacy remains alive and woefully well.
Brenda Wall, author of Black Lives, White Supremacy and the American Fiction One Out of Three
Crimestoppers 877-373-8477 www.texasmetronews.com
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December 6, 2017
TEXAS METRO NEWS
Payday Lenders get help from Congress, continued from page 5
Meeks and Wisconsin’s Congresswoman Gwen Moore. Right now, both New York and Pennsylvania have rate caps that prevent triple-digit rate lending. It is therefore curious why bill co-sponsors would strip their own state law protections. In other home states of these legislators, payday loan interest rates are some of the highest in the country. For example, in Wisconsin the average payday interest rate is 574 percent; in Michigan, the average interest is 369 percent. This bill would expand this type of predatory lending in their states, rather than reining it in. On November 15, the House bill passed out of its assigned committee with a split among CBC members serving on the House Financial Services. While Representatives Maxine Waters (California), Al Green (Texas), and Keith Ellison (Minnesota) opposed the bill, Lacy Clay and Emanuel Cleaver (both of Missouri), joined Meeks and Moore in its support. It is noteworthy that in Missouri, the average payday loan interest rate is 443 percent.
For civil rights advocates, the committee vote was disturbing. “The potential costs and damage to consumers is significant, especially for borrowers of color, as research shows that payday lenders disproportionately target communities of color and trap consumers in unsustainable cycles of borrowing and reborrowing high-cost loans,” said Vanita Gupta, the president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “Under these arrangements, banks effectively ‘rent’ their federal charter powers to non-banks lenders, in exchange for a fee associated with each loan.”
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Hilary O. Shelton, the director of the NAACP’s Washington bureau and the senior vice president for policy and advocacy said that the swarm of payday lenders in our communities is blocking access to responsible credit and lending options; companies that are offering those options, can’t compete with the deep pockets and market penetration of the payday lenders, Shelton added. “Responsible banking policy would be acting to end these high-cost loans, not make them more common,” said Shelton. The concerns of civil rights leaders are also
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shared by a nationwide coalition of 152 national and state organizations who together advised all of Congress of their collective opposition. Coalition members include church conferences and affiliates, consumer groups, housing, labor, legal advocates and others. Approximately 20 state attorneys general are also on record opposing the bill’s provision. “This bill represents the efforts of high-cost lenders to circumvent the most effective protection against predatory loans—state interest rate caps,” said Scott Estrada, the director of Federal Advocacy with the Center for Responsible Lending. “Rather than making it easier for predatory lenders to exploit financially distressed individuals, Congress should be establishing a federal rate cap of 36 percent that protects all Americans, just as it did in 2006 for members of the military at the urging of the Department of Defense. Charlene Crowell is the communications deputy director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.Crowell@responsiblelending.org. Follow the Center on Twitter @crlonline.
TEXAS METRO NEWS
December 7 Stand-Up Tragedy by Bill Cain Where: Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak St, Dallas, TX, 75204 Oak Cliff Cultural Center and Latino Cultural Center at 8:00pm Available at the door or online at: https://stand-up-tragedy.ticketleap.com/stand-up-tragedy/ **** The Pro-duffers are hosting a holiday charity/fundraising reception at Paul Quinn College in the Zale Library at 6:30 - 8:30pm.
December 9
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Coalition of Churches in prison Ministry’s Gift of Light for 8400 inmates in Beto, Michael and Boyd Units.
HOOD: ALL GUCCI MANE EDITION 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM (CST) Flow Fitness 2630 Aero Drive Grand Prairie, TX 75052
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Discover Dallas ISD will take place over two weekends at four different locations: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 S. Polk St., Dallas Skyline High School, 7777 Forney Rd., Dallas 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9 Emmett J. Conrad High School; 7502 Fair Oaks Ave., Dallas Alfred Loos Field House; 3815 Spring Valley Rd., Addison Admission and parking are free at all four locations. For more info, visit dallasisd.org/discoverdallasisd.
December 16
December 6, 2017
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Send your calendar items to news@texasmetronews.com or call 214-941-0110
January 13 Tickets, The Law and Lawyers This show is focusing on what to do when pulled over, how to handle traffic tickets. As most of us just pay the fine and move on taking the hit with our insurance policies. But are there other things you can do? Attorney Marty Jo Taylor along with Larry Moses Sr. on what you should do when stopped by police, how to handle tickets and more. African American Museum 10-11am
January 28
We Can Do IT Positive Connection Conference from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM CST Courtyard by Marriott Amador Dr. Fort Worth, TX
KWANZAAFEST in Fair Park - Dec 9-10 December 13 Regional Black Contractors Association Holiday Party from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Please bring an unwrapped toy to benefit Vogel Alcove. Regional Black Contractors Association 2627 Martin Luther King Blvd Dallas, TX
December 15
Hamilton Park United Methodist Church - The
100 BLACK MEN OF GREATER DALLAS / FORT WORTH ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY AND TOY DRIVE Saturday at 8:00 PM 7 for Parties 150 Turtle Creek Boulevard #107 Dallas, TX 75207
December 31 EVENTFULLY YOURS PRESENTS 2018 NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH at 8:00 PM Eventfully Yours Special Event Venue, 7640 NE Loop 820,Suite 110 North Richland HIlls, TX 76180
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Masquerade Winter Engagement. Hosted by House of Royale at Lofty Spaces 816 Montgomery Street, Dallas, Texas 5:45p The Royale Masquerade Ball will be held in Dallas,Texas to showcase the best high fashion and upscale designers. There will be High Fashion, Runway, Commercial and print models featuring many couture collections. We have 8 Featured designers From New York, Dallas, Paris, and Tampa. The Masquerade will be held in Dallas as a PRIVATE engagement
February 17 Sommore, Arnez J, Earthquake, George Wallace, and Bruce Bruce Festival of Laughs Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie, 1001 Performance Pl, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050 7p.m. www.texasmetronews.com
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December 6, 2017
Dallas Mavs player joins Lincoln HS basketball team for a practice DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks Forward Harrison www.texasmetronews.com
TEXAS METRO NEWS
Barnes recently met with the Lincoln High School basketball team to announce the donation of Shock Doctor basketball mouthguards and McDavid HEX protective arm and leg sleeves. As part of this donation, 10 Dallas-area high schools will receive the protection gear to help players stay safer and
perform at their best throughout the season. Harrison talked with the Lincoln High School basketball team, and even challenged players to a game of knockout. Shock Doctor and McDavid will send product donations directly to youth athletes at nine other schools.
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December 6, 2017
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RECLAIMING THE NARRATIVE
Determined to call attention to the real reason Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the National Anthem, hundreds gathered for a rally at Friendship West Baptist Church before attending a silent march at the AT&T Statdium where the Dallas Cowboys played the Philadelphia Eagles.
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And the greatest... Spiritually Speaking by James A. Washington
The road to spiritual salvation is sometimes so obvious, so apparent that we just miss it. Like most of Jesus’ message, it doesn’t seem possible that by simply changing ones’ outlook, the Kingdom of Heaven is yours. “Teacher, which is greatest commandment of the law?” Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is just like it; “Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40. It is not always through guile and deceit that the devil works his evil. He can accomplish his goals if he can convince you that what is very important is of little matter and no consequence. This love thing is pretty well documented throughout the Bible and Christ certainly clarifies its importance in the above passage. Remember this is the Son of God talking. The single most important thing I can do to abide in God’s will is to possess love in my heart for God and my fellow man. Is that it? Yeah. That’s it! If that’s as close to a guarantee as we can get, why are many of us hell bent on doing the things that will insure our place at the table in Hell’s Kitchen? I personally think the concept of loving God is pretty easy to comprehend. Most of us, dare I say, are arguably trying to accomplish this in one way or another. It’s the loving your neighbor as yourself that’s causing the problem. The devil is having a field day with this one. Count how many people you can’t stand at this very moment. Take your shoes off and add to your list those people, who if they died tomorrow, you would be among those who would say ‘good riddance.’ www.texasmetronews.com
The devil has us so confused and dumbfounded on this issue that we can’t see that the hatred we harbor for others, the contempt we feel for people we don’t even know, masks an underlying reality that won’t allow us to love our neighbor. In actuality, we hate ourselves. You see the devil has tricked us into hating the mirror image of who we really are. Deep down inside we hate in others that which we might become, because we really don’t like what we have become. Hello, somebody! The devil knows man is not perfect, so he entices us into hating the imperfection of others; their flaws and faults, their weaknesses and shortcomings. All the while, being imperfect ourselves. Isn’t it interesting that most people, who claim being saved, tell you they first had to realize that God through Jesus’ sacrifice loved them warts and all? The stories come from former drug addicts, adulterers, petty gossipers, murderers and greedy self-absorbed takers in life, who wished they knew how to have a healthy respectful loving relationship with another human being. One by one, they, we, line up and confess that once we accepted that God indeed loves us, then and only then, are we able to love ourselves and subsequently love others just like they are; all imperfect, all flawed children of God, all welcomed at his eternal table. At this point, one sees God in every man, every woman and every child, because once you accept that God resides in your own sinful soul, you can see God in others. God knew you before you knew you and he loved you anyway in spite of what He knew you were going to do or become. As incredible as that sounds, it’s true. It’s called love. God’s point is so simple. If He’s got it for you, the least you can do is have it for others. Step back, Satan. I love me and I ain’t got nothing, but love for you too. May God bless and keep you always.
James
Dear Alma,
There comes a time when...
I’m going through an extremely difficult time with my son, his girlfriend and her mom. They all live in my house with their two children. The problem is that they live with me at my expense—room and board, electricity, water, cable and gas. The two ladies refuse to get jobs and they stay on the third floor of my house all day, running the air-condition non-stop. My son works, but he has to pay for the car, insurance and cellphones, plus spending money for his girlfriend and her mom. He doesn’t give me a red cent! The girlfriend doesn’t clean or help out at all and her mom caters to her all day, cooking and taking food up to her. I gotta evict them and their two dogs, but they threaten to take my grandchildren away, which would devastate my son, knowing they would be homeless. We are both caught between a wall and a hard rock. The worse part of this horror is that the girlfriend curses me out constantly with foul language and I haven’t told my other three children to avoid a huge fight, but I am on the verge of calling my kids to help me get them
Ask ALMA
out. I gave them a time frame for leaving, but my son keeps looking for excuses to keep them here. My choices seem to be to wind up living alone and scared or live in this inferno. Please help. Margie Dear Margie, Girl, you ain’t in charge or livin’ large, but your house guest surely are. Your son isn’t married to her and she ain’t kin, demonstrated by the way she acts. If she was respectful, it would be a different story. Your son and his other family are holding you hostage in your own house and using your grandkids as collateral; that’s crazy and you know it. Your son is using you and allowing his “girlfriend” and her mother to mistreat and disrespect you too. How and when did it get to the point that your son has no regard for you, your feelings or well-being? Let’s start with that. You’re a different kinda mother than I am Margie, because I ain’t never gonna be over-
whelmingly disrespected in my own house. Seems to me, you’re mad as Methuselah towards the wrong people. This foolishness reclines at the foot of your son; deal with him. You are responsible for teaching him about life and so far, you haven’t done a good job. Simmer down, no worries, you still have time. It’s gonna be hard and it might break your heart for a minute, because your self esteem is shot and you’re afraid to be alone. Girl, please, that’s why the good Lord made books and volunteer programs. Your son will never be the man he needs to be as long as you’re treating him like a child. Unfortunately, he and the other adults in your house have tapped into your weakness and know they don’t have anything to worry about. Why move when you’re perfectly happy living in a comfortable home rent-free. Put on your big girl granny panties and kick them all out. Stop feeding this monster, Margie, and get your house in order. The best and only thing you have available at any time to offer and assist them is prayer. Get them out and get on your knees. Alma
Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.
AIDS in Africa matters, continued from page 4
lowing up on treatment. On both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, the HIV/AIDS mirror reflects the same faces: the young, the poor, women, high-risk populations, as well as children. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Ga., reported that “African Americans continue to experience the greatest burden of HIV compared to other races and ethnicities.” In 2015, data released earlier this year, the CDC noted that African Americans who represent around
12 percent of the U.S. population, but account for 40 percent of all people living with HIV/AIDS and nearly 45 percent “of all persons with newly diagnosed infection.” Latinos, who represent around 17 percent of the U.S. population,
account for nearly 21 percent of people living with HIV and an estimated 24 percent of all persons with newly diagnosed infection. The Catch-Up Plan for West and Central Africa initiative can serve as the entry point for talking about HIV/AIDs and related health issues in Africa globally and in particular, as it concerns African American and African Diaspora communities in the US. Dr. Djibril Diallo is the UNAIDS Director of the Regional Support Team for West and Central Africa.
TEXAS METRO NEWS
December 6, 2017
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Mavericks host 13th Annual Seats for Soldiers; Honor Wounded Service Members
Story and Photos By Dorothy J Gentry Sports Editor
More than 100 wounded service members enjoyed an airplane ride, VIP treatment, a delicious meal, courtside seats at the Dallas Mavericks versus Denver Nuggets game – and even got to meet a former president - at the 13th Annual Seats for Soldiers, sponsored by the Mavs, American Airlines and Nick & Sam’s. The 13th annual Seats for Soldiers, a one-of-a-kind experience for our nation’s military heroes, honored more than 100 wounded service members from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and reserve troops from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. “Our annual Seats for Soldiers game is a reminder that we don’t get to enjoy the game we love without the incredible sacrifices our soldiers make,” said Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. “This game is one small way for the Dallas Mavericks and our season ticket holders to say thank you and acknowledge the bravery of the men and women in uniform.” Mavs season ticket holder Neal
Hawks originated the Seats for Soldiers concept. He has been joined over the years by other front-row season ticket holders who have donated their courtside seats, valued at more than $350,000. After the game, the soldiers had the opportunity to meet the Mavs Dancers and Mavs ManiAACs, as well as players and coaches from both teams. In a surprise to the soldiers, former
President George W. Bush and his wife, former First Lady Laura Bush, were in attendance at the game and went around to shake the hands and take pictures with the soldiers. American Airlines provided charter transportation between San Antonio and Dallas/Fort Worth through Fuel Smart, the airline’s team member-led
fuel conservation program that helps provide flights for injured service members, veterans and their families using funds generated through team members’ everyday actions to save fuel. In addition, American’s pilots and flight attendants volunteered their time for the occasion. “Giving back to the men and women who serve our country is a tremendous honor for the 120,000 team members of American Airlines,” said David Seymour, American’s senior vice president – Integrated Operations and a veteran of the U.S. Army. “American is honored and humbled by the sacrifice these individuals have made and it is our privilege to partner with the Mavs and Nick & Sam’s to give them a much-deserved night of great food and NBA basketball.” After arriving at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the group was treated to a four-course dinner at Nick & Sam’s Park Cities prior to attending the game, all free of charge to the service members, and the Nick & Sam’s staff also volunteered their time to host the group. www.texasmetronews.com
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December 6, 2017
TEXAS METRO NEWS
Guide Dogs for the Blind names “Swish” to celebrate Dirk’s 20th Year By Dorothy J Gentry Sports Editor Photos: Danny Bollinger, Mavs.com
Guide Dogs for the Blind, a free, industry-leading guide dog school that serves the visually impaired, has named its newest puppy-in-training, Swish, after Dallas Maverick star Dirk “Swish” Nowitzki in honor of Dirk’s 20th season with the Maveicks. The eight-week-old guide dog is a male yellow Labrador Retriever who will live with a puppy-raising volunteer for the next year before entering formal guide dog training to become a life-changing partner to an individual who is blind or has low vision. Dirk, also known as The Big German, is a big fan of dogs, and recently met Swish the puppy in person. He spent some time carrying Swish around in his arms to surprise his teammates and get him used to meeting and greeting new people. Fans can follow Swish on Twitter and Instagram @SwishPuppy. Guide Dogs For the Blind Guide Dogs for the Blind, an industry-leading guide dog school, and its organization of trainers, puppy raisers, donors, and volunteers, prepares highly qualified guide dogs to serve and empower individuals who are blind or have low vision. The organization provides
all services free of charge and rely completely on donations from the community, individuals, corporations, etc. They do not receive any government funding. Swish will live with a puppy-raiser for a year. “A primary puppy raiser receives a puppy (that is approximately eight weeks old) and keeps it until it is time to return to campus for formal training,” said Laura Ormsby, a trainer for Guide Dog. “The raiser is a member of a local puppy raising club and receives support throughout the process regarding teaching training, socialization skills, household manners, etc., all of which are needed to help the puppy learn the skills they will need to become a successful guide dog.” In addition to being a primary puppy raiser, Ormsby said, clubs have volunteer opportunities for those people who cannot commit to having a full time puppy in their home such as puppy sitters, community ambassadors and club activity support. “One thing that I hear over and over from our puppy raisers is that they became raisers to be a part of something that was bigger than themselves and to give back to others. But along the way the raisers realized that they had changed their own lives in so many ways,” Ormsby said. “When a raiser attends the graduation of a student who has just re-
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Dirk and Swish
ceived a guide dog and the raiser hears the grad's story of what an impact that dog is having on their lives and how that puppy- that the raiser has poured so much of their life and love into- has given them a new way of life and freedom, it changes the raiser forever,” she said. “Many of our raisers have gone on to raise multiple puppies over the years and each one is as impactful for them as the first.” Ormsby has been a dog trainer
for 20 years and has worked with many service dog organizations over the years with training protocols. “I have always admired Guide Dogs for the Blind as the benchmark in the service animal world. When the opportunity to be their Community Field Representative for Texas became available I was excited to become a part of their organization,” she said. Ormsby manages and oversees the training and raising of all of the puppies in Texas. There are currently about 115 puppies being raised in Texas, the second largest in the
country (California has the largest number of puppies). Once a trained guide dog has been matched and selected for their particular life style the client (now student) is brought to one of the campuses and they begin a two week training course with their new partner. After graduation support is provided throughout the lifetime of their partnership with their dog. The organization also provides service dog trainees for other service organizations that work with the hearing impaired, PTSD survivors, diabetics, etc. This enables those organizations to be able to help change the world for their clients with their own special needs. Guide Dogs for the Blind also has a program called our K9 Buddy program. Some families have children who are too young to be able to manage the needs of working with a guide dog. The organization offers a career changed guide with that family so that the child can learn about living with and having a companion dog in the family until they are old enough to have their own guide dog. GDB is headquartered in San Rafael, California, with a second campus in Boring, Oregon. More than 14,000 teams have graduated since their founding in 1942, and there are over 2,200 active teams in the field. For more information, visit www.guidedogs.com.
TEXAS METRO NEWS
CitySquare WorkPaths Program The CitySquare WorkPaths Program is now Enrolling and Classes start soon! The free, gender and background friendly training program include the following amenities: Essential Skills Training to include interview skills, resume development and dress for success sessions Dart bus passes are available Vouchers to the CitySquare Thrift Store to assist with scheduled interviews A Resource Coach, specialized in barrier removal resources Food pantry
Clinic Legal assistance A Financial Coach and matched savings program in partnership with Frost Bank A Workforce Advocate to assist with job placement A Retention Specialist for continued support once you land a job
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December 6, 2017
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