Texas Metro News 6 21 17

TEXAS METRO NEWS

Volume 5, No. 3

TEXAS

Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month page 5

Metro News “He feared for his life!”

Jeronimo Yanez

See ANOTHER OFFICER ACQUITTED, page 2

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Murdine Berry Services held

Roland Martin discusses school choice p 13

On Friday June 16, 2017, a jury in Ramsey County found Officer Jeronimo Yanez not guilty of the 2016 killing of Philando Castile.

Teresa Nelson, interim executive director of the ACLU of Minnesota, responded, “The jury’s decision to acquit Officer Yanez does not negate the fact that Philando Castile’s tragic death is part of a disturbing national pattern of officers using excessive force against people of color, often during routine encounters. Philando Castile was one of 1,092 indiPhilando Castile viduals killed by the police in 2016. Yet in most cases, the officers and police departments are not held accountable. While many officers carry out their jobs with respect for the communities they serve, we must confront the profound disconnect and disrespect that many commu-

June 21, 2017

page 3

Don’t Believe the Hype!

Radio personalities Ken Bell and KJ Midday were the celebrity high bowlers at the 23rd annual Cheryl Smith’s Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon held recently. Sen. Royce West, and the interns in the Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program were recognized for their community service.

Brown talks candidly about faith, future and protests

By Dorothy Gentry Texas Metro News Photo: Eva Coleman

He walks in wearing a broad grin, a crisp white shirt, silver/gray suit with a thin multi-color handkerchief mixed with red and blue that he says his wife picked out.

“Hi, how are you? Are you the one interviewing me?” he asks as he shakes my hand. I greet him, we discuss my brother, a Dallas Police Officer. Then we sit on the couch with his book laid open on a table before us.

Although I’d never met him in person before our sit-down, I saw him on the news, in the papers, on television. This person in front of me- former Dallas Police Chief David Brown (Ret.) - making small talk looked happy, carefree, at peace. Calm. Like retirement was fitting him well.

It’s been eight months since he surprised many and retired as Dallas’ longest tenured chief. A move he made eight weeks after five officers were killed in an ambush in downtown Dallas during a peaceful Black Lives Matter Protest.

In that ambush, a gunman, Micah Johnson, 25, a former Army reservist, targeted and gunned down officers as they escorted the BLM demonstrators protesting fatal police shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota. It was the deadliest attack on law enforcement in America since Sept. 11, 2001.

After his surprise announcement, Chief Brown released a statement saying in part his retirement was “a difficult decision.”

The attacks captured the nation’s attention at an already tense time around the country between po-

See CHIEF BROWN, page 6 www.texasmetronews.com

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June 21, 2017

TEXAS METRO NEWS

International Response Needed to End Famine Now in South Sudan

By Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.)

On February 20, 2017, the United Nations declared a state of famine in South Sudan. Man-made crisis and conflict had left 4.9 million in need of urgent food assistance and at least 100,000 in immediate danger of death by starvation.

Since then, our country has made progress in aiding those in need, not only in South Sudan, but in Yemen, Nigeria and Somalia.

At the end of April, the House of Representatives passed a resolution I authored urging the Trump Administration to release supplemental funding and call for a ceasefire between the parties engaged in South Sudan’s civil conflict.

In addition, the United States responded to the UN’s call for $4 billion in relief by pledging more than $1.2 billion in famine aid, the majority of the funds coming from a $990 million allocation authored by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and Rep. Tom Rooney (R-Fla.). International aid efforts have also popped up throughout the world, with Germany doubling its aid to fight impending famine in Somalia and the Canadian government announcing they would match Canadian donations to famine relief efforts.

But as I return from a six-day con-

gressional delegation trip to South Sudan and Uganda, the mission is clear: Although all of this is a good start, there’s still more work to be done.

In South Sudan, famine still continues despite relief efforts having had a notable impact. In a meeting with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit during the delegation visit, we emphasized that the conflict in the young country must cease.

The civil war there has raged since late 2013 and has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives while stranding millions and leaving the nation in the state of hunger it is in today.

And as South Sudan is devastated by famine, its neighbor Uganda struggles to provide relief for those that have fled. As of May, there were nearly 1 million refugees from South Sudan living in Uganda.

Our delegation toured Bidi Bidi, a Ugandan refugee camp with a population around the same as San Francisco. In April, the camp was declared the largest in the world.

While we toured the camp, we met some of those that had arrived at the camp that day. It’s hard to describe their faces. They had walked for weeks, losing family in front of their eyes, leaving their own lives behind, possibly for good.

Unfortunately, the overwhelming, though expected, lesson we learned was that more aid is still needed. The

men and women of the camp were only given half a month’s food to sustain them for an entire month. We saw the need for relief on the faces of the men, women and children of the camp. It was on the lips of the humanitarian workers.

This is a global crisis that will require a global response. The U.S. cannot risk flimsy leadership and we must be swift, stern and resolute.

Hundreds of thousands and possibly millions of people, some of whom I met in South Sudan and Uganda, depend on us guaranteeing that the region’s political landscape is not in the same exact place one year from now.

A long-term commitment is needed to address the existing civil conflict – the root cause of this famine.

The world must continue to press the leaders of South Sudan on this point.

The international community has a choice – either work together to end famine or continue to observe death due to avoidable causes. It is in our control to end this famine now as well as find ways to avoid them in the future.

Congresswoman Karen Bass represents California’s 37th Congressional District. She is the 2nd Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and she co-chairs the CBC’s Africa Taskforce. She is also Ranking Member on the House Subcommittee on Africa. Follow her on Twitter at @RepKarenBass.

Another police office acquitted, continued from front page nities of color experience with their local law enforcement..

Following the acquittal, the dashcam video of the shooting was released. At a community meeting on Monnday, Diamond Reynolds, who was in the car with Mr. Castile and her young daughter, at the time of his murder, said they are in therapy.

Mr. Castile’s mom, Valerie Castile, took to social media to express her www.texasmetronews.com

outrage over the verdict.

In a FaceBook Live video, the agony she felt was clearly evident as she blasted the verdict. She was not the only one. Many are asking, especially after seeing the video, how could the jury come to a not guilty verdict?

There have been several demonstrations and meetings. Mr. Castile was murdered during a traffic stop on July 6, 2016, in Falcon Heights, a sub-

urb of St. Paul, MN. At the time of the indictment, Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said, “I would submit that no reasonable officer knowing, seeing, and hearing what Officer Yanez did at the time would have used deadly force under these circumstances.” On the same day that the verdict was announced Officer Yanez was fired by the City of St. Anthony.

Mistrial declared in Cosby sexual assault trial

By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor) NORRISTOWN—Saturday morning, Montgomery County Judge Steven T. O’Neill finally bent to the will of the jury and declared a mistrial in Bill Cosby’s sexual assault case.

“The legacy remains intact,” said Andrew Wyatt, the longtime spokesman for the legendary entertainer. “For Gloria Allred and all those other lawyers, tell them to go back to law school and take another class.”

Wyatt continued: “The legacy hasn’t gone anywhere, it’s intact, [Bill Cosby] feels vindicated.”

Jurors deliberated for more than 53 hours, several times asking to have testimony reread, before declaring a second time that they were hopelessly deadlocked.

The judge, who seven times previously denied mistrial requests made by the defense, finally gave in and declared the mistrial.

Cosby, 79, had maintained his innocence even rejecting a friendly plea deal offered by prosecutors just before the trial started in early June.

“I’m innocent. I’m not going to plea to something I did not do,” Cosby said, during an exclusive interview with the NNPA Newswire. As he walked out of the courtroom on Saturday, still a free man, he again thanked the Black Press for being fair.

“Thank you for everything.

Thank you for your fairness. I’m going home.”

Cosby’s wife, Camille, released a statement blasting the judge and prosecutors.

“How do I describe the District Attorney? Heinously and exploitive ambitious. How do

I describe the judge? Overtly and arrogantly collaborating with the District Attorney,” said Camille Cosby. “How do I describe the counsels for the accusers? Totally unethical.”

Camille Cosby described mainstream media as, “blatantly vicious entities that continually disseminated intentional omissions of truths for the primary purpose of greedily selling sensationalism at the expense of a human life.”

Camille, like her husband, went on to thank their lawyers, their staff and Wyatt.

The judge has asked that prosecutors file a new case within 120 days; District Attorney Kevin Steele said he would.

Camille Cosby also said in the statement that she was grateful for the jurors, “who tenaciously fought to review the evidence; which is the rightful way to make a sound decision.”

The statement continued: “Ultimately, that is a manifestation of justice, based on facts, not lies. As a very special friend once stated, ‘truth can be subdued, but not destroyed.’”

Neither Cosby nor his team would address the district attorney’s statement that he would seek another trial in this case.

Bria McMonagle, Cosby’s lead defense attorney who proved his reputation as one of the best in the business, thanked the jury and judge in court.

After a brief statement that was read by Wyatt, Cosby and his team hopped into a waiting SUV and drove away from the Montgomery County Courthouse, certainly hoping to never see it again.

“Mr. Cosby’s power is back,” said Wyatt. “He has been restored.”

TEXAS METRO NEWS

We must choose ‘community over chaos'

By Rep. Helen Giddings (D-Dallas)

The meltdown on the final day of the 85th legislative session hardly came as a surprise. This story did not begin that day. It has been smoldering underneath the surface the entire session, with polarization and attacks on motives and character becoming the norm.

Candidly, what is muttered away from the microphone is sadly far worse than what the public can hear or see.

The Texas House descended into chaos on May 29. When a protest broke out in the House gallery, the worst of our natures emerged. There were threats of violence, shoving, and even calls to deport peaceful protestors.

There are members of the Legislature who believe that only they can transform Texas. They care more about scorecards and spinning messages on social media than creating a better state for all people.

Their vision of transformation would turn back the hands of time. It is about tearing down rather than moving forward. Their vision is one of exclusion rather than inclusion.

The divisive and toxic 2016 presidential election gave some permission to name-call and to make disparaging remarks about those whose views they do not share.

Mean-spiritedness once taboo and disguised is now openly displayed. The wounds caused by the callously leveled personal attacks and exposed racial resentment did not end on Nov. 8. Unfortunately, this is the rancor seen today in the Texas House.

This inability to communicate

is not just poor decorum, it’s an impermeable barrier to a functioning government. During my tenure in the Texas House, those who are well-intentioned and seek to find agreement have most often been able do so.

Common ground is not easy, but it can be found with persistent effort.

Members of the Texas House and citizens alike must demand more meaningful attempts at reaching across the aisle.

There should be no place for hatred, intolerance and disrespect.

Clenched fists and the absence of trust deny us the opportunity to earn credibility with one another and find shared goals. With that undercurrent, we eliminate any possibility of tackling the tough problems of our state.

The Texas Legislature is supposed to set an example for inclusion. It is designed to be the center of our democracy and the heart of our state’s problem-solving. If we embrace this example, we can make our state proud. At our best, we are indeed “one state, under God, one and indivisible”.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once reminded us “this may well be mankind’s last chance to choose between chaos and community.”

I believe we face that crossroad again.

We must learn to listen and hear one another again. We must see the other side not as enemies, but as fellow Texans.

I pray we choose unity. I pray we learn civility. I pray we finally choose community over chaos.

Giddings, a Democrat, represents Dallas-area District 109 in the Texas House of Representatives.

June 21, 2017

Remembering a leader

Murdine Berry

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was instrumental in pioneering integration in the Shannon Estates area of Dallas and felt there were so many strides that needed to be made in society. She felt a strong desire to be on the forefront effecting change.

Her legacy lives on in the hun-

ented and Gifted program at Roger Q. Mills Elementary School.

Murdine was adventurous with November 2, 1928 - June 11, 2017 a wonderful sense of humor. She traveled extensively and her excurMurdine Berry lived a life of love, sions took her to several continents. service and faith. An educator, a piAlways stressing the need to learn oneer, an activist, a lover of history, and preserve history, she and a servant who took great pleasure in touched the lives of visiting Ireland in search many; her legacy will of information about her live on through her mother’s roots. words and deeds.

A trailblazer, MurBorn November 2, dine was affiliated with 1928 in Lake Charles, many organizations and Louisiana, Murdine served with distinction Edward Keys was the as the first Black on the third of 12 children Board of Directors for born to the ReverHaggar Slacks.

She was end Clinton Seth and President of the CoaliJearline Morney Keys. tion of 100 Black Women, She attended a member of the Love school in Louisiana, Field Civic League, and graduating from SecMrs. Murdine Berry with her daughter Linda and former a card-carrying, lifetime ond Ward Colored member of the NAACP Texas Governor Ann Richards School (W.O. Bosand Texas State Teachers ton School) in Lake dreds of young lives she touched Association.

Charles. Then it was off to Wiley ColMurdine was preceded in death lege where she received her bache- as an educator in Dallas Independent School District for 32 years. by: her parents, Reverend Clinton lor’s degree in Education.

She was known, admired, respected and Jearline Keys; husband Leonard Always in pursuit of excellence, and loved by students, parents and A. Berry Sr.; her brother Commodore Murdine was among the first blacks co-workers for her three rules: Perry Keyes; and her sisters Marto receive a Master’s Degree cilee “Peaches” Jones, Sylvia from the newly-integrated Wooten and Majorie Keys.

North Texas State University She is survived by her chil(University of North Texas). dren: Linda Berry Henderson, She later worked toward a Dr. Leonard Autwood Berry Jr. doctorate degree at East and Jody Nell Berry; her sisters Texas State University (Texas Ethel “Bananas” Wilson, Beady A&M Commerce).

Bankston, Bernita “Mildred” A long-time member of Hopkins, Maudra “Frisky” MalBethany Missionary Baptist let (Charles), Carolene Waddell Church in Dallas, Murdine (Charles), and Idernell “Mickey” shared 46 years with the Ms. Berry was preparing to attend the annual Juneteenth CelebraReed; her brother, Clinton “Sonlove of her life, Leonard A. tion at the time of her death. ny” Keys; grandchildren LeonBerry, Sr., who died in 2003.

1.

I’m the parent here and I’m ard A. Berry III (Jessica), Angelina They were the proud parents of responsible for you until you get half Berry, Aleshia Berry, Bruce Williams Leonard Jr., Linda and Jody. way home; and Xander Berry; great grandchilMurdine passed away peacefully 2.

Come In Learning, Go Out dren Kayla Berry, Leona Berry and in Dallas, Texas. In her 88 years, she Knowing; and Kade Williams.

Also left to cherish was a beloved wife, mother, grand3.

Rules Yes, No, Please and her memories are numerous relamother, great grandmother, sister, Thank You! tives, friends, former students, colteacher, mentor and friend to many.

Murdine’s career included stints leagues, and loved ones.

She was also a leader and a fighter, Services were held on Saturday, a champion of the underdog and a at J.J. Rhoads, Julia Frazier, and H. S. Thompson elementary schools with June 17. warrior for justice. the majority of her career at the TalSpeaking truth to power, Murdine www.texasmetronews.com

STANDS ANDS ININ

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June 21, 2017

TEXAS METRO NEWS

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MAILING ADDRESS 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203 WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 214-941-0110

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HBCU Leaders, Advocates must engage politicians

By Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.

President and CEO Thurgood Marshall College Fund

As the president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), I’m spending a Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. good amount of time working to build strategic, government alliances that extend beyond our traditional Democratic support. If you’re wondering why, all you need to do is look at a map of where America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are located.

The fact of the matter is that a majority of TMCF’s 47 member-schools are clustered in southern and midwestern states completely controlled by Republicans.

By that, I mean states where the governor, both U.S. senators, both chambers of the legislature and most of the U.S. House members are Republican.

The next largest group of our member-schools occupies states that are under at least a majority of GOP con-

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The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back. www.texasmetronews.com

By Marian Wright Edelman

trol. Only a small number of our member-schools—three to be exact—are in states and the District of Columbia that are completely controlled by Democrats.

If those statistics don’t jump out at you, maybe these facts will. Many of our institutions of higher learning are in desperate need of not just operating dollars, but serious capital infusions to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Earlier this year, for instance, Grambling State University President Rick Gallot announced that his school will need to abandon the campus library—an unprecedented decision for a university seeking to expand its national imprint in research and training for its students. Gallot’s announcement came almost exactly one year after Louisiana’s state auditor reported nearly $111 million in deferred maintenance at another Louisiana public HBCU campus, Southern University in Baton Rouge.

The people who currently hold the purse strings—both nationally and on a state level—are, in most cases, Republicans. Yet, some will still suggest that we not even talk to those elected leaders, because of their party affilia-

tion.

When the media released photos of our meeting at the White House with President Trump, some derided it as just a “photo-op.� Tell that to the administrators who were wondering how they’d possibly fill the gap in funding should their already strained budgets face sudden, drastic cuts.

We’re simply not able to pick and choose whom we engage with. We saw firsthand a couple months ago how positive strategic engagement paid off when I worked with our member-school presidents and chancellors to ensure that their federal budget dollars would not be cut in President Trump’s first budget proposal.

Working with the White House, through open communication and lots of effort, HBCU leaders and I were able to deliver flat funding for HBCUs in the upcoming fiscal year budget.

Flat funding is a big win, considering President Trump proposed a 13.9 percent overall funding decrease in federal education dollars this year.

But that’s not the end of it.

With so many capital needs, we must ensure Washington doesn’t cut the vital capital financing program that provides about $20 million a year to sup-

port more than $280 million in capital financing for our schools.

The need to work across the aisle extends beyond just elected officials.

In January, TMCF announced a $25.6 million gift from the Charles Koch Foundation and Koch Industries. This generous gift was a direct result of proactive outreach I initiated with Mr. Koch, a man often associated with support of conservative and libertarian causes.

What I found by having a dialogue with him is that we share a deep concern about the impact of over-incarceration and lack of educational opportunities that disproportionately impact fragile communities.

Together in January, we launched a new, HBCU-based research institution, known as the Center for Advancing Opportunity, that is studying barriers to opportunity in those communities.

In reaching across the aisle, we should never forsake our historic alliances. But for the sake of the young people our HBCUs seek to educate, we must also realize the need to grow new and different alliances.

century to help and give hope to the 14.5 million children struggling today in a sea of poverty, hunger, sickness, mis-education, homelessness and disabilities. It slashes trillions of dollars from health care, nutrition and other critical programs that give poor babies and children a decent foundation in life to assure trillions of dollars in tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires and powerful corporations who do not deserve massive doses of government support.

The cruel Trump budget invests more in our military—already the most costly in the world—but denies vulnerable children and youths the income, health care, food, housing and education supports they need to become strong future soldiers to defend our country. Seventy-one percent of our 17-24 year olds are now

ineligible for military service, because of health and education deficits.

President Trump invests in fighting those he sees as outside enemies through weapons and walls and turns his back on the internal enemies that threaten the basic domestic needs of our people—health care, housing, education and jobs that pay living wages. The Congress and the people of the United States must reject President Trump’s 2018 Budget and the mean-spirited values it reflects.

The President’s 2018 Budget: • Slashes $610 billion over 10 years from Medicaid which nearly 37 million children rely on for a healthy start in life and which pays for nearly half of all births and ensures coverage for 40 percent of our children with special health care needs. The budget also assumes passage of the

more than $800 billion additional cuts in Medicaid included in the American Health Care Act for a total Medicaid massacre of more than $1.4 trillion over ten years. • Rips $5.7 billion from CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), which covers nearly 9 million children in working families ineligible for Medicaid. • Snatches food out of the mouths and stomachs of hungry children by slicing $193 billion over ten years from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which some still call food stamps. SNAP feeds nearly 46 million people including nearly 20 million children. This cut is an unprecedented 25 percent reduction in a core safety net program that in 2014 lifted 4.7 million

Follow Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. on Twitter at @ JohnnyCTaylorJr.

A look at the president’s budget

(President, Children’s Defense Fund)

Our nation’s budget should reflect our nation’s professed values, but President Trump’s 2018 Federal BudMarian Wright Edelman get, “A New Foundation for America’s Greatness,� radically does the opposite. This immoral budget declares war on America’s children, our most vulnerable group, and the foundation of our nation’s current and future economic, military and leadership security. It cruelly dismantles and shreds America’s safety net laboriously woven over the past half

See BUDGET, page 13

TEXAS METRO NEWS

Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month

By Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson

America is known as a melting pot of cultures. People from all over the world flock to our great nation in search for better opportunities and in pursuit of the “American Dream.”

During the month of June, we celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month and honor the country’s rich history as a nation of immigrants.

Many of the businesses and our infrastructure in the Dallas community have been built by the hands

of our immigrant friends and family members. And our nation was founded at the hands of immigrants who were seeking life in a new land.

In the wake of President Trump’s many attempts to restrict travel from six predominantly Muslim countries by executive order, we must realize that shutting the doors on immigrants would be doing a disservice to our country.

Immigrants have consistently enriched this country by sharing their diverse experiences and traditions.

They continually work hard in all aspects of their lives in order to solidify a strong foundation in America.

Their dedication to themselves and the broader community has proved to be beneficial for us all.

Fortunately, the federal courts also see the value of immigrants in America, and have consistently ruled the President’s travel ban as unconstitutional.

Most recently, the Ninth Circuit

Court of Appeals refused to reinstate the administration’s original executive order from February. would encourage President Trump, as well as my Republican colleagues, to open their minds and hearts to the value of immigrants in America.

While I am not aware of the next action(s) that the President would like to enact, I only hope that he ponders on how discriminating against a group of people based on their race or religion ultimately divides humanity and families.

And that his most previous approach only takes away economic and research development for future innovation to occur in Texas and our nation in order to advance.

In Dallas, we have opened our doors to refugees fleeing war, persecution, violence, and poverty in their home country.

I believe that everyone deserves peace and safety, no matter where

they may come from. Luckily, there are various organizations throughout the Dallas area that recognize the need to provide safe spaces for refugees and immigrants.

My office has worked closely with the Islamic Association of North Texas, Faith Forward at Thanksgiving Square, International Rescue Committee and others. These establishments seek to help refugees and immigrants whose lives may have been altered by conflict or disaster.

Thus the Dallas community has prospered due to the positive contributions of immigrants and refugees.

Immigrant Heritage Month allows us to reflect on the contributions that immigrants have provided to our great country.

It is also a reminder that we should continue the American tradition of welcoming and supporting immigrants.

Immigrants and refugees have

June 21, 2017

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the same goal as many of us: they want to build a better life for themselves and their families. We should all be willing to aid them in that pursuit, no matter their religion, nationality, or race.

I remain committed to upholding the American tradition of accepting all people. I will continue to create and implement solutions for those who may flee their own country due to religious persecution, lack of financial stability, their safety, or the threat of human trafficking, with the hope to find solace and balance in America.

Furthermore, I will continue my efforts in fighting for comprehensive immigration reform and preserve the values and opportunities to succeed in our nation.

Eddie Bernice Johnson represents the state’s 30th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives.

NAACP Indispensible: CEO Invaluable TriceEdney — Black people have fared best when our collective interests and goals are held paramount.

We’ve made the

By Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. greatest headway President of the National Congress of Black Women when our assumed leaders are guided by principles of self-sacrifice above self-aggrandizement. I pray that we have the wisdom to remember and embrace these lessons learned “over a way that with tears has been watered…through the blood of the slaughtered.”

Since 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has been the most recognized and venerated civil rights organization in the US. Most Americans respect and admire the NAACP. Those of us 50 years old and above remember that, when intervening in civil rights matters, the NAACP often mitigated outcomes of inter-racial conflict to the benefit of (usually) maligned Black victims.

It’s said, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” A

lapse of time often adds to that uncertain funding. Now, acrosscontempt. Among others than the-board fundraising is up and “the faithful,” the NAACP’s reputahe had begun hiring additional tion as a relevant player in the civil staff to conduct the organization’s rights arena had diminished. This business.

In nearly three years, Rev Brooks perception was especially true has led the NAACP with purpose, among youth who were more dignity and skillful determination. likely to ask the question, “What have you done for me lately?”

Rev. Cornell William Brooks His “hands-on, lead by example” approach to activism, has inspired While I am a Life Member and a new generation of youth to pick I’ve always seen the relevance of the NAACP, many thought the organization up the mantle of the NAACP. We have seen had moved close to being irrelevant. Several substantial participation and the increased episodes of questionable leadership did little membership of young people. Young people to rehabilitate its reputation. For many, that were constantly seen with Rev. Brooks demonchanged in May 2014 with the selection of strating consistent, targeted action and particRev. Cornell William Brooks as NAACP Presi- ipation in activities that gave renewed meandent/CEO. ing to the concept of peaceful and intelligent Lacking the bravado and ostentatiousness resistance to injustice. of many leaders of our community, Rev. Brooks Rev. Brooks is not a lip-service leader. With came to the job as an experienced civil rights the exception of being called away for related professional. A 4th generation AME minister obligations, he walked every step of the two and Yale-trained civil rights lawyer, Rev. Brooks marches he organized between Ferguson and was eminently qualified and well-focused on Jefferson City, MO and Selma, AL and Washingdirecting the activities of the NAACP to meet ton, DC. The marchers and he became targets contemporary imperatives. Three years ago of racist snipers in Missouri and he remains he inherited a staff demoralized by layoffs and under threat by domestic terrorists who would

love nothing more than to stop his work.

Rev. Brooks’ testimony against the confirmation of Jeff Sessions was topped only by his sitin and arrest in the Birmingham offices of then Senator Sessions. He gave national attention to the fact that the NAACP was once again a genuine player in the fight against injustice.

This revitalized NAACP attracted a new following and, accordingly, online memberships increased significantly.

For individuals and institutions alike, longevity can mistakenly be assumed to be the same as indispensability. Logic should inform that the only foundation of indispensability is in the sustainment of relevance. Under Rev. Brooks, the NAACP escaped the image of doing-little and existing in outdated ineptitude to a state of true relevance. Sadly, the NAACP Executive Board has chosen to take a step backward by not renewing Rev. Brooks’ contract. I pray that decision will be reversed.

Rev. Brooks was the right leader when he was chosen and remains the right leader for our challenging times. The Board should reverse its ill-advised decision.

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. can be reached at: www.nationalcongressbw.org.

www.texasmetronews.com

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June 21, 2017

TEXAS METRO NEWS

QUIT PLAYIN’

An Angel in the Dust

By Vincent L. Hall “Angel Dust, You won’t remember what you’re missin’, but down some dead end streets there ain’t no turnin’ back.” – Gil Scott Heron

On May 27, 2011 at the age of 62, Gil Scott-Heron turned a corner and walked his final dead end street… for him there ain’t no turnin’ back. Black Music Month gained a page, but lost a pioneer.

No serious survey of Black Music would be complete without researching, reviewing or rewinding Gil Scott-Heron.

His value as lyricist/liberator-laureate was as luminous as it was legendary.

James Brown may be the progenitor of rap music, but Heron perfected the art.

Gil was raised in his Grandma Lillie’s house in Jackson, Tennessee. He was born to mother Bobbie Scott-Heron, a singer in the New York Oratorical Society and Jamaican father Giles Gil Heron, the first black ever to play for Glasgow’s Celtic Football Team. Gil was formally introduced to the stark realities of black life in America as a young teen. At age 13, his grandma died and he was forcibly baptized into the streets of New York’s Bronx borough.

It wasn’t long before his ability to think critically and to write effectively caught the eye of his instructors. He attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania as a result of the influence that writer Langston Hughes had on his life. Even though he only spent two years at Lincoln, Gil later earned a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Johns Hopkins University.

Gil Scott published two novels, “The Vulture” and the “Nigger Factory.” And no; Bill Maher, you cannot say the “N word” publicly. Maher’s “Soul Brother” pass has been revoked for at least a few months.

Being a White liberal and a “Black Girl Magic” aficionado qualifies you to be Black about as much as having bagels and lox every morning would qualify me to be a Jewish Rabbi. We can commiserwww.texasmetronews.com

ate in each other’s hurtful pasts, but we can never fully appreciate or abrogate each other’s generational pain. I still love you though Bill; You still my…oops!

Gil Scott despised and disparaged the status quo, and became famous for his one man nuclear attack on President Ronald Reagan. Gil released songs denouncing Reagan like; “We don’t need no ReRon” and “B Movie.”

“Whitey on the Moon” lamented America’s blind eye to poverty. Gil was an expatriate or no patriot at all. He’d earn millions with Donald Trump stationed in the White House East Room.

Gil Scott Heron spit and split verbs as is if he created English. Gill Scott remolded the language and our culture with his quick witted idioms.

Gil Scott was unashamedly Black and proud, but his listenership and fan base was diverse and international. A famous writer, Vincent Hall once said;”Politics is about turning tricks and you can find yourself in bed with some of the most unlikely people.”

Though some revere him in deference to James Brown as the “Godfather of Rap”, he vehemently challenged that moniker, remarking; “Rap is aimed at kids.”

Gil Scott-Heron’s music was too saturated in truth for children and too subliminal for adults whose minds were not open to critical thought. This brother was profound, prophetic and pronounced in his defiance of America’s often stated “exceptionalism.”

In the song “Angel Dust,” Scott admitted that PCP, which grew in popularity in the “70’s, was a high like none other. But in the very next line he tells you that it’s a highway with a dead end from which you may never recover. He did not.

Our angel is now situated in the dust and now we got DJ Trump who leaves everybody speechless. Gil Scott-Heron, like we as a nation, have turned a corner that may end in the death of something beautiful.

Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist and award-winning journalist.

Chief Brown on tour, continued from front page lice officers and black communities, catapulting Chief Brown into the face of urban, community police.

In the aftermath of the shootings, Chief Brown used the spotlight and aimed its glow at the challenges police departments face today. He urged protesters to fill out applications and join their respective police departments. He also shared the stage with President Barack Obama at a memorial service for the fallen officers in Dallas.

Brown, who now splits his time between Dallas and New York, was back in his hometown to kick off his book tour and promote Called To Rise, his memoir.

Only hours before he was to greet and speak to a packed house at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in downtown Dallas, Chief Brown took time out to talk with us about the book, Dallas and its future, retirement and more.

On The Importance of Unity in This Country – We have never been stronger when we are divided in our country’s history. We are always stronger when we can come together around a compromise. When we can convene around common goals. Always.

Look at the civil rights movement. All sides involved disagreed. There was a lot of conflict and misconduct around that until LBJ convened with the civil rights leaders. They got together.

This is our country’s history. Our coming together is our strength; the strength of our democracy. When we are divided we are weakest and won’t accomplish anything.

On Why He Wrote Called To Rise: It is a prescription to people for what ails our country: serving other people. Doing something for other people with no expectation of anything in return to you. And this has a great reward. Not only does it bring

us together but it also creates a sense of urgency and passion.

Plus, when you have skin in the game and not just be in the stands, cheering and booing what’s happening on the field but when you are really involved, that’s when you make significant change.

What Everyone – Especially The Black Community - Should Do Now: The Black community, we see the deficiencies in our government and how they treat us. We see it and express it through activist groups like Black Lives Matter. But our country has never seen significant change just through protest.

Martin Luther King Jr. didn’t just protest. Thurgood Marshall went to court. John Lewis got elected to Congress. It takes more than protest. Now you have every right to protest. I’m not saying don’t protest because it’s made us aware. It’s important.

But the next steps are, to make a significant change, participating in local government.

We just had an election here in Dallas and you won’t make change with 6 percent of the people voting and 94 percent staying home.

This is not how our democracy works. It is not a stay at home democracy. It’s a get out and vote democracy. Why is this important? City Council members hire the city manager. The city manager hires the police chief.

You want a police chief to be reflective of your concerns? You want officers trained reflective of how you want to be treated? Put some skin in the game.

On Chapter 19 of the book titled Ambush: (As I was writing it) I was thinking about the families. I was careful. We transcribed every thought I had. Then we started editing. I wanted to make sure that families who read this didn’t feel like anyone took advantage of them and feel like

people respected their loved ones sacrifice.

This chapter is about showing respect for those brave men who gave their lives and all the other officers who were wounded, shielded protesters from gunfire, ran toward gunfire rather than away risking their lives..

This book is really a testament to their sacrifice.

On Critics and Naysayers: I am a person of faith. I let the Lord fight my battles when it comes to critics. I’ve learned through tragedy and experience that all these battles are not meant for me to fight. I follow my faith and try to, as much as I can, serve other people. This is a culmination of my service and it expresses how others can serve.

On His Biggest Accomplishment as Chief: I was able to serve my hometown. That was special. My mother is still alive.

To police the city you grew up in is special.

On Life Post Retirement: I am spending time with my family, loving on my wife and 11-yearold daughter. We are in New York half the year. We’ve gone to Hawaii and have plans to go to Europe. We want to travel the world. I am also working with ABC News as a contributor, I’m an author now on a book tour and working with a global security firm.

On What He Would Tell Dallas: I gave Dallas all of my adult life from age 22 to 56 (he’ll turn 57 in October) and I never expected anything in return with that service.

And now, with today’s event especially, people paying a ticket to get a book about my life, all the love I gave Dallas, it feels good that Dallas is giving me this love back. In the words of Teddy Pendergrass, it feels so good loving somebody when somebody loves you back.

Thank you Dallas.

TEXAS METRO NEWS

NOMINATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR

33rd A. Maceo Smith Community Service Award Five Community Servants Will Be Honored For a Variety of Service The coveted A. Maceo Smith Community Service Award will be presented Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 10:00a.m.

Five volunteers will be recognized for their outstanding service to the African American community in the area of Arts and Culture, Civic and

Human Services, Education, Business, and Youth Involvement. A special award will be presented to a community servant under 40 years of age.

The deadline for nominations is July 6, 2017 The Award is named for A. Maceo Smith, a consummate community leader whose volunteer service spanned a period of more than 50 years. Smith served as a Regional Director of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Smith was also a leading figure in the Progressive Voters League, NAACP,

Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, Dallas Urban League and Bishop College. He was integral in the development of Hamilton Park. He was also a trustee of New Hope Baptist Church and the National President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Fisk University National Alumni Association.

He was a foundering supporter of The African American Museum, Dallas and the founder of the Hall of Negro Life that was erected at the State Fair in 1936 for the Texas Centennial Fair.

The Award which had been given beginning in 1978 was last presented on October 31, 2009.

Nooses on the National Mall Stoke Memories

By Lauren Victoria Burke (NNPA Newswire Contributor)

U.S. Park Police confirmed that another noose was found on the National Mall, last week, according to ABC News.

Late last month, a portion of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C., was closed for nearly three hours after a noose was found in a gallery, officials said.

The museum, on the National Mall near the White House, reopened fully later that day, after police deemed the area “safe and secure,” according to an internal memo provided to ABC News by the Smithsonian.

In an article posted to the Smithsonian’s, museum officials said that the noose is a reminder of “America’s dark history with lynching” and referred to similar incidents of noose sightings around the country including at a school in Missouri, a construction site in Maryland, on the campus of Duke University, at a fraternity house on University of Maryland’s campus, at a middle school in Maryland and at a high school in Lakewood, California.

Tourists found the noose in the museum’s exhibit on segregation.

The incident at NMAAHC occurred after

a noose was found on May 26 hanging from a tree outside the Hirshhorn Museum, which is located close to the Black History museum.

In an email to museum staffers, Lonnie Bunch, the director of NMAAHC, said that the incident is a painful reminder of the challenges that African Americans continue to face.

“The noose has long represented a deplorable act of cowardice and depravity—a symbol of extreme violence for African-Americans,” said Bunch.

On May 30, at Wakefield High School in Raleigh, N.C. a Black doll with a noose around its neck was suspended outside of a window.

“Let me be clear: This was an offensive act that has no place in our school. The imagery is deeply offensive and everyone in our school community should be appalled,” said Principal Malik Bazzell, as reported by a Raleigh TV station.

During a rally at the a park named after Confederate Civil War General Robert E. Lee Charlottesville, Va., on May 13, participants with torches chanted “Russia is our friend” and “you shall not erase us.”

According to ThinkProgress.org, the rally was in response to “the state’s decision to sell off a statue of treasonous general Robert E. Lee, who led the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia against the

United States during the Civil War.” ThinkProgress.org also reported that, “Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer condemned the rally and its attendees.”

On May 26, in Portland, Oregon, a man named Jeremy Christian hurled anti-Muslim vitriol on a subway train at two young women, then murdered two men who intervened, Taliesin Namkai-Meche, 23, and Ricky Best, 53, and injured a third, Micah Fletcher.

On May 20, Richard Collins, 23 yearold second lieutenant in the Army, was stabbed to death by University of Maryland student Sean Urbanski, 22, as Collins waited with friends for a ride. Lt. Collins was about to graduate from Bowie State University on May 23. The FBI is investigating the murder as a possible hate crime and it has already been reported that Urbanski was a member of an “alt-right” group on Facebook.

On the eve of the NBA Finals, Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James’ Los Angeles home was vandalized; the “N-word” was written with spray paint on his house.

“Just shows that racism will always be a part of the world, part of America. Hate in America, especially for African-Americans, is living every day. It is hidden most days. It is alive every single day,” James told reporters. “No matter how much money you have, how famous you are,

June 21, 2017

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Happy Father's Day from Ash Britt Je-Ne' Celebrity Spa Gift Certificates are Available!

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Ash Britt Je-Ne' Celebrity Spa A Professional Licensed Practitioner 204 S. Cedar Ridge Drive ~ Duncanville, TX 75116 Available by appointment only!

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June 21, 2017

TEXAS METRO NEWS

Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon

For 23 years Cheryl Smith’s Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon has raised money for college scholarships. This year’s 1st and 2nd place teams were from Evans Engraving and the 3rd Place team was from 411 Sports

Photos: Eva Coleman and Michael Hollywoodd Hernandez

www.texasmetronews.com

TEXAS METRO NEWS

June 21, 2017

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June 21, 2017

TEXAS METRO NEWS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

patents and trademarks. Register: http://tinyurl. com/lawclinic17

2017 AFRICAN CHAMBER WEEKLY LUNCHEON SPEAKERS LIST 1705 Martin Luther King Blvd, Dallas Texas, 75215

July 1

June 28 DFW AIRPORT- LILLIE WEST & GUY TOLIVER (LUNCHEON BEING HELD AT DFW AIRPORT) July 5 NO LUNCHEON DUE TO HOLIDAY July 12 TO BE DETERMINED July 19 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCEJESSICA GORDON July 26 TO BE DETERMINED

“Owning Your Own”: Legal Clinic 10am – 1pm; Thurgood Marshall Rec Center Gym; 5150 Mark Trail Way, 75232. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority sponsors this event about homeownership, patents, copyrighting, trademarks, and business plans. Free. Light breakfast, lunch, and giveaways included. Contact: Christie Thomas at: thomasluvonia@sbcglobal.net.

Interim President Sought Deadline: July 7th. Regional Black Contractors Association is looking for a highly-motivated leader to serve as Interim President of the organization. 4-year college degree plus 5 years, progressive leadership experience in an association setting or community-focused organization. Contact: Kimberly Sparks; 214-565-5665; ksparks@blackcontractors.org

June 26

JUNE IS BLACK MUSIC MONTH June 22-23 Rev. Maymette Dolberry will perform at Glen Oaks United Methodist Church, 4606 South Polk Street, Dallas 7:00 P.M.

July 3

Fair Park Community Meeting 6:30pm; Women’s Building @Fair Park; 3800 Parry, 75226. Billed as a “Discussion of the Future Management of Fair Park”, the meeting is conducted by the consultants developing the City’s RFP for the future management of the park. The public’s input is desired as the team explains next steps in creating the formal bid.

Contact: 972-716-0070.

Texas Rangers vs Boston Red Sox Post-Game Fireworks

June 27

July 4

Church Growth & Community Development Workshop The Real Estate Council; 3100 McKinnon, #1150, 75201. FREE! Session designed to equip faithbased groups with real estate tools such as understanding financial statements and investing in real estate. Contact: Maggie Parker, 214-6923607; mparker@recouncil.com.

Deck the family out in red, white, and blue, grab your picnic basket and little red wagon and come celebrate the nation’s past at Dallas Heritage Village’s Old Fashioned Fourth, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., (parade at noon), 1515 S. Harwood, Dallas, Texas 75215-1273.

Business Education Class Wednesday, June 28th; 11am - 1pm; PeopleFund Dallas; 2801 Swiss, #120, 75204. FREE! The course helps you learn business basics like credit, insurance, permitting, financial statements, contracting, bidding, and access to capital. Register: https://peoplefund.org/education/ peoplevet/

The Dallas Entrepreneur Center Coworking Space 311 North Market Street #200, Dallas, Texas 75202

Impact House: Expo Park & Wine Walk & Grand Opening Saturday, July 1st; 827 Exposition, 75226. Impact House is a new co-working and event space launching its grand opening including a tour and an Art/Wine Walk. The goal is to spark interest and entrepreneurial growth among social conscious changemakers.

Contact: info@impacthouse.com.

RSVP: www.impacthouselaunch.eventbrite.com.

Red White & Blue on the Bridge *****

**** Fair Park Fourth Sunny South Dallas

July 7

June 28 June 24 June 23-24 The Black Bridal Experience The Manderly Event Center, DeSoto www.texasmetronews.com

Garden Composting Workshop Saturday, June 24th; 9am; Sunny South Community Garden; 2632 Lagow, 75210. FREE! Organized by the Urban Ag Team of Dallas Hunger Solutions, a local master composter will share tips on creating nutrient rich, organic soil for your garden(s). Contact: Wyonella Henderson-Greene; 214-951-7780.

Business Workshop: Fair Park Merchants Association 12noon; SouthFair CDC; 2610 MLK, Jr. Blvd, 75215. Members: Free. Non-members: $25.

Rod Hanks will speak on “Business Insurance”: Types of Coverages; and Protection from Loss.

RSVP: kiyana.duplantier@southfaircdc.org.

Small Business Legal Clinic Wednesday, June 28th; 6pm – 8pm; BCL of Texas; 1322 Record Crossing, 75235. FREE! Volunteer attorneys will be on hand for one-on-one consultations about entity formation, contracts, liability, employment procedures, negotiations,

The Richardson Plano (RPA) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. requests the pleasure of your company at “The Black and White Ball” RPA Guide Right Foundation is hosting our annual scholarship fundraiser, which will be held, at the Courtyard Theatre in Plano.

TEXAS METRO NEWS

June 21, 2017

11

Dallas ISD salutes valedictorian, salutatorian at high schools Here are the Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) valedictorian and salutatorian at 36 high schools. These seniors are celebrated for their hard work, commitment and dedication, as they hold the top two spots and represent the Class of 2017. No. 1 and No. 2 are traditionally the most coveted for graduates, and is an accomplishment to applaud as they advance to their next chapter in life.

Hillcrest High School Valedictorian: Devany Morales Morales plans to attend Baylor University and major in neuroscience.

Salutatorian: Delaney Shiu Shiu plans to attend Baylor University and major in pre-med.

School for the Talented and Gifted at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center Valedictorian: Beckham Myers Myers plans to attend Harvard University and major in math.

Salutatorian: Catherine Patillo Patillo plans to attend the University of Texas and major in Latin American studies.

James Madison High School Valedictorian: Luther Tolliver Tolliver plans to attend Saint Edward's University and major in computer science.

Salutatorian: Nakia Wells Wells plans to attend The University of North Texas and major in psychology and integrative studies.

W.T. White High School Valedictorian: Brady Allen Allen plans to attend Texas A & M University and major in engineering.

Salutatorian: Elizabeth Cardona Cardona plans to attend Texas A & M University and major in bio-medical.

Dr. Wright L. Lassiter Early College High School at El Centro College Valedictorian: Natividad Medina-Gonzalez Medina-Gonzalez plans to attend the University of North Texas and double major in anthropology. On May 11, she graduated with an associate of science degree from El Centro College and earned 71 college credits.

Salutatorian: Bianca Mata Mata plans to attend the University of Dallas and major in engineering. She also graduated with an associate of science degree from El Centro College on May 11, and earned 80 college credits.

Valedictorian: Aleah Davis Davis plans to attend Vanderbilt University and to major in computer engineering. She is a recipient of the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship that is a full-tuition scholarship.

Salutatorian: Gerardo Guzman Guzman plans to attend Columbia University and major in political science. He is a QuestBridge Scholarship recipient, which covers all tuition expenses.

School of Business and Management at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center Valedictorian: Raj Patel Patel plans to attend the University of Texas and to major in business.

Salutatorian: Diana Gutierrez Gutierrez plans to attend St. Mary’s University and major in accounting.

Rosie M. Collins Sorrells School of Education and Social Services at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center Valedictorian: Elsie Kindall Kindall plans to attend Colgate University and major in peace and conflict studies..

Salutatorian: Isabel Vega Vega plans to attend University of Southern California and major in linguistics.

School of Health Professions at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center Valedictorian: Marco Flores Flores plans to attend the University of Texas and major in medical laboratory sciences.

Salutatorian: Jonathan Hernandez Hernandez plans to attend Stanford University and major in human biology.

Franklin D. Roosevelt High School Valedictorian: Zaira Aguilar Aguilar plans to attend the University of Texas at Arlington to major in nursing. Aguilar and her sister are back-to-back valedictorians for Roosevelt High School.

Salutatorian: Aracely Moreno Moreno plans to attend the University of Texas at Arlington and major in nursing.

Woodrow Wilson High School Valedictorian: Brian Arnold Arnold plans to attend the University of Washington in the fall.

Salutatorian: Gabriela Munoz Munoz was accepted and plans to attend Harvard University.

Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy at B.F. Darrell Valedictorian: Taylon Owens Owens plans to attend Prairie View A&M University and major in chemical engineering.

Salutatorian: Noble Obriki Obriki plans to attend the University of Texas and major in finance.

David W. Carter High School Valedictorian: Deanna Harper Harper plans to attend Texas Christian University and double major in psychology and criminal justice.

Salutatorian: Patricia Smith Smith plans to attend Texas Christian University and double major in psychology and child development.

Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School Valedictorian: Z’Kijah Fleming Fleming plans to attend Howard University and major in either business or journalism. Fleming received the Tom Joyner Foundation Full Ride Scholarship.

Salutatorian: Crystal Vargas Vargas plans to attend the University of Southern California and major in health science.

Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center

Thomas Jefferson High School Valedictorian: Eliud Esquivel

Esquivel plans to attend the University of Texas at Dallas and major in neuroscience/biology.

Salutatorian: Elliot Valencia Tobias Tobias plans to attend the University of Chicago and major in applied mathematics.

Justin F. Kimball High School Valedictorian: Lesley Ramirez Ramirez plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in public health.

Salutatorian: Reyna Ramirez Reyna Ramirez plans to attend the University of Texas and double major in history and psychology.

H. Grady Spruce High School Valedictorian: Kimberly Renoj Renoj plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in business administration.

Salutatorian: Elsy Morales Renoj first plans to attend El Centro College.

Seagoville High School Valedictorian: Ana De Jesus Salazar De Jesus Salazar plans to attend the University of Texas at Dallas and major in mechanical engineering.

Salutatorian: Michael Hernandez Hernandez plans to attend Texas A & M University and major in aerospace engineering.

School of Science and Engineering at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center Valedictorian: Grant Hawkins Hawkins plans to attend the Auburn University and major in aerospace engineering.

Salutatorian: Alejandra Nava-Garcia Nava-Garcia plans to attend Harvard University and major in biomedical engineering.

Sunset High School Valedictorian: Sophia Macias Macias plans to attend the University of Texas and major in physics.

Salutatorian: Karina Banda Banda plans to attend the University of North Texas and major in environmental science.

Emmett J. Conrad High School Valedictorian: Eleni T-Giorgs T-Giorgs plans to attend Texas A & M University and major in premed as she wants to become physician.

Salutatorian: Bae Shae Shae plans to attend either the University of Texas or Texas A & M University.

South Oak Cliff High School Valedictorian: Estreya Rivera Espinoza plans to attend University of Texas.

Salutatorian: Alexya Soto Soto plans to attend Paul Quinn College and major in business/ accounting.

W.W. Samuell High School Valedictorian: Isaac Espinoza

See DALLAS ISD, page 12 www.texasmetronews.com

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June 21, 2017

TEXAS METRO NEWS

Dallas ISD Espinoza plans to attend the University of Texas at Arlington and major in biology.

Salutatorian: Rosalinda Bravo Bravo plans to attend Texas Women's University and major in business management.

W.H. Adamson High School Valedictorian: Aracely Lomeli-Rodriguez Lomeli-Rodriguez plans to attend Texas Woman's University and major in nursing.

Salutatorian: Maria Escalera Escalera plans to attend Texas Women's University and major in nursing.

Lincoln High School Valedictorian: Evelyn Morales Morales plans to attend Texas Christian University and major in biology.

Salutatorian: Keja Johnson Johnson plans to attend Texas Christian University and major in television & film/ digital media.

Bryan Adams High School Valedictorian: Susset Tamayo Tamayo plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania and major in theatre.

Salutatorian: Nancy Barajas-Ramirez Barajas-Ramirez plans to attend Albion College and major in political science and business.

L.G. Pinkston High School Valedictorian: Julio Nunez Nunez plans to attend UTA and major in business.

Salutatorian: Adrian Lugo Lugo plans to attend University of North Texas and major in finance.

Moises E. Molina High School Valedictorian: Noah Solorzano Solorzano plans to attend Texas Woman's University and major in computer science.

Salutatorian: Alexa Sanchez Sanchez plans to attend the University of Rochester and major in history.

Trinidad "Trini" Garza Early College at Mountain View Valedictorian: Paola Covarrubias Covarrubias plans to attend the University of Virginia and major in pre-med/biology.

continued from page 11

Salutatorian: Abraham Rangel Rangel plans to attend the University of North Texas and major in construction engineering technology.

North Dallas High School Valedictorian: Lesley Arias Arias plans to attend SMUand major in business administration.

Salutatorian: Willie Parks Parks plans to attend Texas Woman's University and major in education.

Wilmer-Hutchins High School Valedictorian: Carlos Romo Romo plans to attend Texas A & M University. She plans to major in architecture.

Salutatorian: Myasia Gatt Gatt plans to attend Prairie View A & M University and major in biology.

Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy Valedictorian: Nancy Sifuentes Sifuentes plans to attend either the University of North Texas at Dallas.

Salutatorian: Franco Flores Flores plans to attend the University of Texas at Arlington and major in mechanical engineering.

Skyline High School Valedictorian: Cristian Enriquez De paz Enriquez De paz plans to attend Texas A & M University and major in mechanical engineering.

Salutatorian: Johanna Frias Reyes plans to attend Texas A & M University and major in veterinarian medicine.

A. Maceo Smith New Tech High School Valedictorian: Imelda Martinez Martinez plans to attend Texas A & M University and major in visualization.

Salutatorian: Ivan Reyes Reyes plans to attend Texas A & M University and major in psychology.

Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Valedictorian: Elisabeth Wangermann Wangermann plans to attend Yale University and major in music theory.

Salutatorian: Alexia Poscente Poscente plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania: Wharton School of Business and major in business.

Congratulations to the

CLASS OF 2017 www.texasmetronews.com

What is she gonna do when Ask he gets out of jail?

ALMA

Dear Alma:

I found e-mails my wife has been writing to an old boyfriend who’s now in jail. He will be locked up for a long, long time. At first I wasn’t all that concerned, but now she’s sending him pictures. I found out, because I read her e-mail when she’s not home.

I saw where she told him, “I can’t wait to get your letters” and “I wonder if you’re looking at my pictures and thinking about me.” Even though this man is in jail, it still affects me just as if she was writing to someone out in the streets. Am I being petty, or am I right in thinking that she is disrespecting me? I love my wife, but this really makes me wonder.

— Mr. Wondering Dear Mr. Wondering, And wonder you should, but there’s more than a few apps on disloyalty downloaded on your cell phone.

Why are you checking your wife’s e-mail when she’s not home? After addressing that, you can move on to your issue with the inmate.

Nope, you’re not being petty. You just need to nip this rusty nail in the bud. It seems to me something was cockeyed before you caught sight of those

e-mails. I’m not excusing her behavior, because infidelity is selfish and, yes, disrespectful. But some parts to this story you aren’t telling me. Tell her why you’re reading her email, and then ask her about her contact with him. Make sure you both honestly talk about both sides to this situation. Speak the truth to each other, not just saying words you think the other wants to hear.

Equally important, listen to each other. If she makes this about you and the e-mails, then she’s not ready to own her unfaithful behavior. Yes, you were wrong, but she’s wrong too, and both issues need to be admitted, confronted and discussed. Give purposeful thought to what you two want out of your marriage.

Since he’ll be locked up, as you say, for a long, long time, both of you can work at this and take the necessary steps to rebuild your commitment, reminding each other that your devotion is crucial to saving your union.

And don’t forget to apologize to each other. It is my hope that you two will find your way back to seeing each other through new eyes – eyes of forgiveness, blinking with compassion and winking with desire.

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.

TEXAS METRO NEWS

Martin kicks off School Choice Initiative at IPLC

Photos and Story

by Dorothy Gentry

Roland Martin calls himself an ambassador of the school choice movement and says it’s imperative that Black parents fully embrace all aspects of education, and advocate for what works best for their children.

"The school choice/ed reform movement desperately needs Black voices leading it, especially when it comes to mobilizing and organizing African Americans to make their voices heard about the education of their children," he said. ”If you are standing in the way of kids getting a quality education, even if you wear the liberal/progressive label, you are the enemy,” said Martin. “I’m sick and

tired of seeing Black kids travel through traditional schools with little or no road to success. I’m a product of traditional public and magnet schools. For me, I care about what works. Traditional public, charter, private, magnet, home school, online schools, vouchers, I really don’t care. If it works for the parent and the child, I’m down with it."

With the School Choice Is The Black Choice initiative, Martin will work with other education advocates to illuminate the issues of America’s K-12 education system and how successful charters can be a boon for the Black community. In addition, the project will celebrate families that have been transformed by the ability to access high-quality schools and a more equitable education system.

Over the next year, the School Choice

June 21, 2017

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Is The Black Choice initiative will conduct polling in several cities to gauge the perspective of Black parents on school choice; host a series of town halls in several cities; conduct forums with faith & clergy leaders designed to increase discussion around the launch of successful charter schools; and work with Black fraternities and sororities to create their own charter schools, especially his own fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, which he hopes to persuade to open 50 Alpha Academy charter schools nationwide over the next five years.

For more information about School Choice: The Black Choice Town Hall Meetings, visit www.schoolchoiceistheblackchoice.com, www.jhoodandassociates. org, and check out Roland Martin’s YouTube Channel.

Roland Martin, journalist, author and host of TV One's News One Now speaks to a packed house on the importance of school choice in the nation's educational system, particularly for African Americans. He kicked off his School Choice Is the Black Choice initiatitive at the IPLC.

Congratulations to the A look at president’s budget continued from page 4

CLASS OF 2017

people, including 2.1 million children, out of poverty.

• Chops $22 billion over ten years from TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program) including $6 billion that eliminates the TANF Contingency Fund which helps support some of our neediest families. Slashes programs to assist families with housing and end homelessness by $7.4 billion, a 15 percent cut for 2018 including $2.3 billion from Housing Choice Vouchers, which would leave more than 250,000 low income households without them; $1.8 billion—nearly 29 percent—from public housing already in desperate need of repair and expansion; and $133 million—5.6 percent—from homeless assistance grants.

• Whacks $72 billion over ten years from the Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI), which more than 8 million children and adults with the most severe disabilities depend on to keep going.

Despite the President’s promise not to cut Social Security, his budget cuts $48 billion from Social Security Disability Insurance, which assists, among others, grandparents and other relatives raising children because their parents cannot care for them.

• Slashes job training programs by $1.1 billion, or 40 percent, over ten years for

youths, adults and dislocated workers.

It denigrates the concept of public service jobs by eliminating the Corporation for National and Community Service, and with it AmeriCorps, Vista and Senior Corps.

• Cuts federal education funding $9.2 billion in 2018 alone at a time when a majority of children in all racial and economic groups cannot read or compute at grade level. It slashes $143 billion over ten years from student loans by eliminating the loan program that encourages graduates to take public service jobs and restricts other programs that subsidize college education for first generation college students and others from low-income families.

• Shears $54 billion in 2018 ($1.6 trillion over 10 years) in non-defense discretionary programs which include a broad range of health, early childhood, education, child welfare and juvenile justice programs as well as environmental protection, foreign assistance, medical and scientific research and other federal government programs. The Trump budget would reduce spending for these important programs 2 percent a year for the next ten years.

• Zeroes out funding for the Legal Services Corporation to deny the poor their only option to defend themselves against

injustice.

• Eliminates core programs that offer extra assistance to low-income children, families and communities including the Social Service Block Grant ($1.4 billion in 2018 alone, $16.3 billion over 10 years); the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to ward off heat in the summer and cold in winter months ($3.4 billion); the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOME, and Community Development Block Grant, Indian Community Development Block Grant, and Choice Neighborhood programs ($4.1 billion).

At the same time, President Trump’s 2018 Budget includes an estimated $5 trillion tax package for the wealthiest individuals and corporations who neither need nor deserve massive government support and dramatically increases spending on defense and border security.

This draconian budget slashes over $3 trillion dollars in the next decade and tramples America’s values and is anti-child, anti-poor, and anti-low-income working people. It erodes the security of our nation’s future.

The Trump budget would not pass the test of any great faith or standard of fairness. It must be rejected resoundingly by the Congress and the American people. www.texasmetronews.com

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June 21, 2017

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June 21, 2017

Dallas Mavericks hold Summer Basketball Camps for Area Youth

15

Story and Photos

By Dorothy Gentry The Dallas Mavericks, its Mavs Basketball Academy and many of its star players are making this a summer to remember for Dallas-area youth.

Star Dirk Nowitzki, point guard Devin Harris and forward Harrison Barnes are just some of the players who have spent time this summer visiting, answering questions, encouraging, uplifting, encouraging, and oh yeah, putting the basketball moves on happy girls and boys during the Mavs Basketball Academy.

Mavs Basketball Academy is dedicated to helping athletes achieve basketball related goals by utilizing cutting-edge training techniques and a distinctive coaching style that stresses physical improvement, mental growth, and leadership necessary for longterm development and success. Three different basketball programs: Hoop Camp, Elite Camp and Overnight Camp, as well as the new Dance Camp led by the Dallas Mavericks Dancers, are there to provide the appropriate program for all age groups and skill levels.

The camps provide kids, ages 8-18, the fundamentals of the game, meet new teammates, learn sportsmanship and have plenty of fun. The camps are coached by the Mavs coaching staff.

Barnes’ camp, held at Exline Recreation Center in South Dallas, featured Retired Dallas Police Chief David Brown, a Dallas native, and the Dallas Police Athletic League. Barnes and Brown spoke with the kids after the camp

Dallas Mavericks players Harrison Barnes and Devin Harris, members of the Dallas Police Athletic League (PAL) and former Dallas Police Chief David Brown visit Dallas-area youth at the Mavs Basketball Academy Summer Youth Basketball Camps.

on leadership in the community as a means to build the relationship between youth and law enforcement, and provide life and character-building skills for at-risk kids in the South Dallas area “It is important to talk with them about real life issues. A lot of the time they see us on the TV screen, etc. and it doesn’t seem real-life,” Barnes said. “It’s important to get with them, let them ask questions, encourage them to be leaders and they can see we are real people just like them.”

Retired Chief Brown, a Dallas native whose mother lives in the area said, “This is a place were kids have big dreams and many challenges. But to see people like Harrison come here it means so much for me to see this.

“This is not just a basketball camp. This is showing people in this community that you care and it’s heartfelt,” Brown said. “I’m happy to be such a small part of Harrison’s efforts to give back.”

Barnes said it is important for youth today to understand they don’t have to be famous to be leaders. “You don’t have to be a basketball player to be a leader in your community.

Everyone can be a leader. Everyone has those traits. It’s just a matter of believing in yourself and having the right priorities.”

Chief Brown said one message he wants kids to understand is that leaders care about each other. “People won’t follow you unless they first know that you care about them.

I want to convey to them to care about

their neighborhood, friends, family,” he said.

Once you care, your behavior will reflect that caring,” he said. “You won’t go out and make bad decisions because you care too much about people. Leadership is all about caring and then your behavior reflects that.”

Harris surprised kids at the Mavs Overnight Camp at the University of Texas at Arlington. He spent time answering questions ranging from “How did you get to play for the Mavericks?” to “Who is your favorite player?”

He then spent time playing basketball with the campers and offering tips on how to bring out the best in their game.

To register for Mavs Basketball Academy, visit mavs.com or call 214.747.MAVS.

DCCCD welcomes 11 New Police Officers Eleven new police officers were sworn in and assigned to five colleges in the Dallas County Community College District’s system.

“We are excited to graduate our first DCCCD Police Academy class,” said Lauretta Hill, the district’s commissioner of public safety and security. “These police officers come to us with lots of experience. They are prepared and ready.” Students, staff, faculty and visitors can continue to rely on DCCCD to provide a safe and welcoming environment, Hill added.

DCCCD recently combined its seven college police departments into one cohesive police agency.

including municipal, county and college police departments as well as the military.

The new officers and their assignments are: · Eastfield College – Latoya Harris, Jesse Milbourn and Harlan Thompson · El Centro College – Latrica Carter, Robert Guerra and Raul Valdez · Mountain View College – LaQuoter Hashaway and Marcleshria Shaw · North Lake College – Warren Harris · Richland College – Stephen Gutierrez-Rodriguez and Jose Ramirez

The newly-hired officers have worked for various entities,

DCCCD now has a total of 153 sworn officers, Hill said. www.texasmetronews.com

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June 21, 2017

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