VOL 4 ISSUE 24
April 13, 2016
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Texas Metro News Lorraine Hood Jack brings impressive portfolio of service and leadership to Council race
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APRIL 13, 2016
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Minority Health Awareness Month
From the Capitol
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
America is always striving to create “a more perfect union” in the face of the many challenges, disparities, and inequality that still exist. American citizens work hard every day to achieve the American dream. Essential to every person’s ability to reach that dream is the maintenance of one’s personal health. Amidst this great progress, however, racial and ethnic disparities in health and health care persist across minority communities. Minority communities still continue to suffer higher rates of serious health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. April is National Minority Health Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is “Accelerating Health Equity for the Nation.” This platform is an excellent opportunity to shed light on the racial disparities in our nation’s healthcare system and offer tenable solutions for moving toward health equality. Just last month, we celebrated the sixth anniversary of the passing of the Affordable Care Act, a groundbreaking piece of legislation that expanded healthcare to millions of Americans. Despite the toxic political rhetoric surrounding the Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare,” as many of its critics have called it, the statistics prove that it has been a success. According to an MSNBC article published around the
bill’s anniversary, it has been successful at meeting three important objectives: providing more Americans with health insurance coverage, lowering premium costs, and expanding Medicaid in states that have agreed to do so. According to U.S. Census Data, 16.3 percent of Americans were not covered by health insurance in 2010. In 2016, that statistic has fallen to 9 percent. Roughly 20 million people have been covered as a result of the Affordable Care Act. And millions of Americans have been able to qualify for Medicaid because of the expansion in 32 states and the District of Columbia. Although Texas has not chosen to expand Medicaid, 10.6 million Texans with pre-existing medical conditions are now able to gain coverage that was once denied to them. Medicaid expansion would expand that protection to more than 1.1 million more Texans. I will continue to support the Affordable Care Act and continue to call upon the State of Texas to expand Medicaid under this law to expand the health and financial security of millions of deserving Texans. The Affordable Care Act is a major step in the right direction for addressing the racial disparity in our nation’s healthcare system; particularly, as a result of the Medicaid expansion’s nondiscrimination clause and the expansion of Health Professional Opportunity Grants. Because minority populations disproportionately constitute the individuals who qualify for Medicaid, Medicaid expansion directly impact minority access to quality healthcare. Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act extends federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color or national origin,
gender, disability, or age to any health program receiving federal assistance. This clause particularly protects elderly minorities with pre-existing conditions who were previously excluded entirely from healthcare. And finally, Health Professional Opportunity Grants are mechanisms of federal funding that bring resources to healthcare providers that interact with low-income, minority communities and populations. Grants of this nature ensure neighborhoods and families will not be neglected under this new system. I was very proud to support and honored to witness the passage of the Affordable Care Act, arguably the most significant piece of legislation passed during my Congressional career. As the first African American Chief Psychiatric Nurse at the Dallas Veterans Affairs Hospital, I know first-hand the impact healthcare has on minority communities. I have seen the devastation to families who watch helplessly as their loved ones suffer when medical care is not readily accessible. I have seen the financial devastation as working Americans struggle to pay ever-mounting hospital and doctor bills when they are faced with chronic illnesses. And, I know that with thoughtful, compassionate legislation, we can alleviate the suffering of millions of Americans. For these reasons, I support the Affordable Care Act, and I am fighting to pass a mental health bill that will have the same sweeping reform on the industries that will provide relief to those suffering from mental impairments. I ask that you join me in the fight to expand critically needed services to minority communities that have systematically been excluded or denied quality physical and mental health care.
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APRIL 13, 2016
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Best and brightest DCCCD students make All-Texas Academic Team The best, brightest and most accomplished students from the Dallas County Community College District were honored as members of the 2016 All-Texas Academic Team during an awards ceremony in Austin in late March. The AllTexas Academic Team represents the top community college scholars in the state. The students were chosen for their excellence in academics, community involvement, leadership and the quality of the essays they submitted. In addition to receiving medallions and certificates that commemorate their achievements, the students will be nominated for the All-USA Community College Academic Team. “This is a great opportunity for DCCCD students because many of them will receive full scholarships to some of our transfer universities in the University of Texas System,” said Dr. Tommy Thompson, lead advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa honor society at DCCCD. “We’re very proud of these students. They’ve been excellent students on campus, and they’re the best of the best.” Thompson added that the students were selected by their individual colleges and by PTK, the international honor society for community colleges. They will have the opportunity to transfer to universities in the UT system and other four-year institutions. “This is only the start for many students because they can apply for other scholarships,” Thompson stated. “Our students are already winners.” The 17 students represent a diverse cross-section of the Dallas community, and many of them come from countries that have been ravaged by war, political repression and discrimination. Cedar Valley College · Sterling Spralls of Red Oak is majoring in performing arts and would like to become an actor. “I consider this a very high, yet surprising, honor because I am just faithfully doing what was instilled in me by my parents,” he said. “The fact that I am being recognized for such a high achievement in academia and for my community service is truly a humbling experience.” · Christie Weber, a native of New Orleans, is a business major and already attends the University of North Texas at Dallas. She said she expects to graduate in May 2017. Weber recently became a realtor in North Texas and plans to have her own interior decorating business in the future. Eastfield College · Fabiola Chavez, originally from San Diego, California, plans to transfer to a four-year university in Dallas and enter a pre-med program. “To be privileged enough to form part of the team requires not only outstanding academics but also community service, leadership and expression,” Chavez stated. “I am lucky to say that all of the accomplishments I achieved were done so because I absolutely enjoyed doing them!” · Stephen Klehm said it is an honor to be part of the team, considering that three years ago he wasn’t even able to pass the GED test. Klehm, who lives in Mesquite, said he will start taking upper-level classes at a university this fall and will eventually pursue an MBA. “I’m fascinated by the interaction between different cultures in the business setting, and I’m excited about the direction in which international business is going,” he said. El Centro College · Reginald Taylor is studying general business administration at Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss. He received a full scholarship from PTK and expects to finish his bachelor’s degree in December 2017. He plans to attend law
school and earn a juris doctorate. “I hope my determination, commitment and story will be an inspiration and encouragement to others,” Taylor said. He added that his grandmother served as an inspiration as he overcome his past mistakes. Mountain View College · Babatunde Adetoro is studying pharmacy and hopes to practice his skills in the United States, but he wants to help other nations, especially his native country of Nigeria. “I am very pleased to have received this honor. It feels good to know that the hours I have devoted in getting and maintaining good grades are being rewarded, even though that was not the motivation,” Adetoro stated. “I feel very privileged to have been selected for this honor.” Adetoro, who lives in Grand Prairie, attributed his achievement to the quality of education at Mountain View. · Bianca Munoz lives in Dallas and also represented Mountain View as part of the All-Texas Academic Team. North Lake College · Ojaswee Giri is a native of Nepal. She emigrated to the United States as a child and now is studying accounting and finance. Giri said she plans to transfer to Southern Methodist University or the University of Texas at Dallas. Eventually she said she wants to earn a master’s degree in finance. She hopes to work for the United Nations and also work with women on financial literacy issues in developing countries, such as her native Nepal. “If we want to empower women, financial literacy is a must,” Giri said. · Lina Patel is a first-generation college student who was honored as a silver scholar in Coca Cola’s 2016 Community College Team. Patel is majoring in bio-chemistry and minoring in environmental science. Patel lives in Irving and hopes to join Doctors Without Borders, a humanitarian organization that delivers emergency medical aid to countries affected by war, epidemics and disasters. “As a first-generation college student, achieving this honor is a great
deal for me as I realize how persistence pays off,” Patel stated. “I aim to continue working this hard as I go into my four-year institution.” · Manuel Jansen lives in Irving and is majoring in business administration. He said he plans to transfer to UT-Dallas and pursue a master’s degree. Eventually, Jansen plans to have his own financial consulting company. “This honor serves as further proof that hard work and dedication to yourself and to others does pay off,” Jansen said. · Dragana Repaja is a finance major and lives in Irving. She said it was a privilege to be nominated by Dr. Yolanda Romero at North Lake. “She saw many strengths in me, and her kind words motivated me to continue my leadership,” Repaja stated. “This achievement is a reminder to continue pushing forward in my academics and service work. I am honored to be a member of the All-Texas Academic Team!” · Manuella Logbo is from the Western African nation of Ivory Coast. Her major is chemical engineering. Logbo said she expects to graduate from North Lake this spring and hopes to transfer to the University of Texas at Austin and eventually pursue a master’s degree in bioengineering. “Being selected for the 2016 All-Texas Academic Team is not only an honor for me, but it also is a meaningful achievement,” Logbo said. “It is the culmination of all the hard work, time and energy that I put into my academics to become a better leader.” · Lena Ngungu already has been accepted at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science. “This honor is a reminder of the potential I have and a step toward my goal of making a difference in Congo, my home country, by applying the knowledge and skills I am currently acquiring in the U.S.,” Ngungu stated. · Jean Guiton is majoring in civil engineering and plans to transfer to Texas Tech University or Texas A&M University. Guiton is from Ivory Coast and expects to go to graduate school after he earns his bachelor’s degree. “Being selected as a member of the All-Texas Academic Team is very significant to me. I hope this is the beginning of my long journey as a scholar and a leader and that it will set the pace for my future endeavors,” Guiton said. · Caleb Thibodeaux of Flower Mound also represented North Lake as part of the All-Texas Academic Team. Richland College · Melissa Savoy is majoring in accounting and minoring in anthropology. Savoy lives in Dallas and plans to transfer to SMU in the fall. Savoy said, “I am extremely honored to receive this designation among so many well-deserving students. I am grateful to the sponsors and those involved with this award for their support and recognition of community college students.” Savoy added that she plans to pursue a master’s degree. · Samra Tariq is majoring in chemical engineering and plans to transfer to Texas A&M or UT-Austin. “Never could I imagine being recognized for my efforts in academia in such a prestigious way. It was incredible to know there were people following, supporting and motivating me throughout my journey,” Tariq said. “Not only does this honor amplify my level of confidence as a student and as a leader, it also made me realize that with hard work comes reward.”
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APRIL 13, 2016
Piney Wood School Needs Your help
Texas METRO NEWS Formerly Kuumba Heritage News Founded by Theresa Thrash in 1994 to the Glory & Honor of Jesus Christ
Blackonomics
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By James Clingman via George Curry Media
Piney Woods is a boarding school for grades 9-12, founded in 1909 by Laurence Jones. It is located 21 miles south of Jackson, Miss. Nestled among the pine trees, amid rolling hills, lakes, and farmland, during my initial visit, Piney Woods gave me the feeling of having found a lost treasure. As I walked the campus and learned about the history of this school, a deep sense of melancholy came upon me and, feeling almost ashamed. I questioned why I had not come to that magnificent, historic, and wonderful place much sooner. Since that first visit to the school in 2004, when I spent two days and nights on campus, had meals with the students, sat in on their classes, and toured the grounds, I have been advocating for Piney Woods. When former President Charles Beady told me the story about a national fundraising effort in 1954, I decided to start another such fundraiser some 50 years later. Our goal was to raise $1 million ($5 each from 200,000 donors) for Piney Woods via a group we established known as the Blackonomics Million Dollar Club (BMDC). We helped a lot but came nowhere close to our goal. In 1954, Ralph Edwards, host of the television show, “This is Your Life,� featured President Laurence Jones’ life. Edwards was so impressed with Jones and Piney Woods that he put out a call
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to his viewers to send in $1eac h to the school in an effort to raise $1 million. According to Beady, Edwards’ campaign raised about three-quarters of a million. I figured if $750,000 could be raised in 1954 from an effort that went out over television, a medium only a few families were fortunate enough to have, surely we could eclipse that effort in 2004 with the internet at our disposal. Optimist that I am, I am absolutely sure we can do that in 2016. By way of example, Brother Umar Johnson has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for his proposed school. He has not yet determined where it will be located, but donors have responded with their dollars nonetheless. Piney Woods has been around for 106 years; it is viable, competitive, and dedicated to serving students and families, most of which are unable to pay the entire tuition necessary for room and board. Why wouldn’t we do the same - and more - for Piney Woods? Piney Woods President, Will Crossley says, “Our students - both male and female - hail from more than 24 states and foreign jurisdictions; from inner-city urban locations, as well as rural spaces; from points north, south, east, and west. As diverse as they are, our students share this status: they all receive scholarship support to help fund their education here. They also share an amazing result: admission to postsecondary educational institutions. I know these principles well and in a personal way. While I am the fifth president of this historic, 107-year-old institution, I am the first alumnus to head our school.� The school’s press release states, “Piney Woods creates a living and learning environment where students are expected to excel academically, and become civically engaged and socially responsible. Over 75% of the pupils hail from lower income areas where the failing public school systems and negative peer pressure often inhibit them from accomplishing their life goals.
However, after undertaking Piney Woods Schools’ rigorous educational, spiritual and vocational curriculums, 99% of the graduating seniors are admitted to colleges and universities.� The “Give from the Heart National Challenge 2016� fundraiser campaign for Piney Woods began in February 2016. On Saturday, April 30, 2016, an all-star benefit concert will take place at the Word and Worship Church in Jackson, Miss. Please plan to attend. If you cannot, please send a donation to this deserving and worthwhile institution. This is an opportunity for everyone to help Piney Woods maintain the same high-quality education it has provided for years, an education that results in 95 percent of its graduates going on to college. I believe in the “little from a lot� way of getting things done. In this case, once again, if 200,000 persons sent $20 every six months to Piney Woods, the school could be well on its way to building an endowment, continue to have the financial ability to give even more student scholarships, pay its teachers and administration attractive salaries, and maintain the school’s infrastructure. Who knows? Maybe your child or grandchild will have the privilege to attend Piney Woods one day. Why not plan to visit the campus soon, and please send your tax-deductible donation to Piney Woods School, U.S. Highway 49 South, Piney Woods, Miss. 39148. For more information see www.pineywoods.com or call 601.845.2214.
eight families he met. In a recent interview he explained: “Most Americans, if they don’t live in trailer parks or in the inner city, think that the typical low income family lives in public housing or benefits from some kind of housing assistance, but the opposite is true.� In reality, only one in four families who qualify for housing assistance receives it: three in four are forced to struggle on their own. Desmond says, “We’ve reached a point in this country where the majority of poor renting families are giving at least half of their income to housing costs and one in four are giving over 70 percent of their income just to pay rent and
Arleen’s family because of the damage to the door. Desmond says Arleen then missed an appointment with a welfare caseworker because the letter about the appointment went to her old address. So she got evicted from the new apartment. The crises families face trying to pay for housing are “not just a consequence of poverty, but a cause of poverty� he says. He also noted Black women are often overrepresented in eviction proceedings, just as Black men are in prison: “Poor black men were locked up. Poor black women were locked out.� Professor Desmond also met Vanetta in Milwaukee who said in a recent interview: “I grew up in every shelter, basically, in Illinois and Milwaukee. I didn’t have a stable place over my head. I didn’t have proper food, or I didn’t even know a few times how I was going to eat that night. We missed meals multiple nights, and it was hard. And all I ever wanted for my kids was not to put them through that.� In that final Sunday sermon Dr. King reminded us: “Ultimately a great nation is a compassionate nation. America has not met its obligations and its responsibilities to the poor. One day we will have to stand before the God of history and we will talk in terms of things we’ve done. Yes, we will be able to say we built gargantuan bridges to span the seas, we built gigantic buildings to kiss the skies . . . It seems that I can hear the God of history saying, ‘That was not enough! But I was hungry, and ye fed me not. I was naked, and ye clothed me not. I was devoid of a decent sanitary house to live in, and ye provided no shelter for me.’� Dr. King said, “This is America’s opportunity to help bridge the gulf between the haves and the have-nots. The question is whether America will do it.� For millions of Americans, including all those who still can’t afford decent shelter for their families, that question remains unanswered.
Jim Clingman, founder of the Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce, is the nation’s most prolific writer on economic empowerment for Black people. He can be reached through his website, blackonomics.com. He is the author of Black Dollars Matter: Teach Your Dollars How to Make More Sense, which is available through his website; professionalpublishinghouse.com and Amazon Kindle eBooks.
The Poor Face Housing Crisis
Wallace Faggett Kevin Griffith Richard Manson dgdaphotographer.com CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION MB Distribution
EDITORIAL
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with wall-to-wall carpet, but wall-to-wall rats and roaches. [One mother] pointed out the walls with all the ceiling falling through. She showed me the holes where the rats came in. She said night after night we have to stay awake to keep the rats and roaches from getting to the children. . . . And the tragedy is, so often [poor Americans] are invisible because America is so affluent, so rich.� Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke these words during his last Sunday sermon on March 31, 1968 at Washington National Cathedral calling for support for a Poor People’s Campaign. Almost 50 years later, questions about how much poor Americans are forced to pay for housing - and what happens when they can’t afford it - are back in the national spotlight. The new book, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Harvard University sociology professor and Justice and Poverty Project co-director Matthew Desmond, is calling renewed and urgently needed attention to a tragic eviction cycle invisible to many but all too familiar to families trapped in the cruel prison of poverty. Professor Desmond found that in the face of stagnating or falling incomes and soaring housing costs eviction has become more commonplace in America than ever. He spent months in Milwaukee, Wisconsin living first in a trailer park and then in an inner city rooming house documenting the experiences of
And the tragedy is, so often [poor Americans] are invisible because America is so affluent, so rich.� keep the utilities on.� When Desmond met Arleen, a single mom with two boys, she was paying 80 percent of her income to rent a run down two bedroom apartment in Milwaukee: “I saw Arleen confront terrible situations. Should I pay my rent or feed my kids? Should I pay my rent or get the kids clothing they need for a new school year? Should I chip in for a funeral for when my sister dies?� Arleen and her boys were evicted so many times as he followed her trajectory, they lost count. One time her son threw a snowball and hit a passerby, and that person retaliated by kicking in the door to their apartment. The landlord evicted
Marian Wright Edelman is president of the Children's Defense Fund whose Leave No Child BehindÂŽ mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. For more information go to www.childrensdefense.org
PERSPECTIVES
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APRIL 13, 2016
HALL: “Berning” up with BS!!!
Nothing excites me more than seeing opponents pull the gloves off, because I love a bare-knuckled brawl…If it’s about something constructive. So maybe that’s the reason I loathe the campaigns of Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders aka BS. Soul Brother #1 James Brown said it loud in 1970; “They Talking Loud and Saying Nothing!” If you really listen to Bernie, underneath all that blubber and patented BS, you find very little to right the course of Black Lives whether he believes they matter or not. Nothing much for the White students he attracts either. According to the New York Times, “When asked whether racial disparities should instead be framed in terms of economic inequality, Sanders responded, “We can talk about it as a race issue, but it’s a general economic issue.” Not only is he wrong, but he is dangerously wrong. It’s that kind of White Liberal paternalism that keeps Blacks in debt and in despair. Money and power are sometimes interchangeable, but they are never mutually exclusive in the USA.
Quit Playin’
By Vincent L. Hall Vincent L. Hall is an author and award-winning columnist.
If our plight is economic, will BS stand for reparations? A US News and World Report article read; “On the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 18% of AfricanAmerican fourth-graders were proficient in reading according to an analysis by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The eighth-grade numbers were even worse, with only 16 percent of African-American students proficient in reading. By comparison, the national average for proficiency among all students in fourthgrade reading was 36% and 34% in eighthgrade reading.” BS continues to garner gravitas by making grandstand guarantees of “free” college tuitions, but in urban communities that’s putting the cart before the horse. Don’t look now Bernie, but Black folks have
had problems with this free education thing since Brown v. Board. The free public schooling we have now almost categorically eliminates the possibility of getting to college for a hefty number of students. Public school children; Black, Brown and poor White need quality K-12th grade educational reapportionment and economics alone will not suffice. We have our own “trade deficit” and there is no tariff imposed on the systems that continue to mistreat poor and minority students. A Huffington Post story pointed to another issue that economics alone cannot cure. “Black students are suspended or expelled at triple the rate of their white peers, according to the U.S. Education Department’s 2011-2012 Civil Rights Data Collection. Five percent of white students were suspended annually, compared with 16 percent of black students. School suspensions put students at greater risk for dropping out and contribute to the so-called school-to-prison pipeline, which pushes students away from school and into the criminal justice system, research shows.”
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Still others harbor concerns because Bernie is not a Democrat. He’s hedged on whether he would be willing to share campaign funds with Democrats in down ballot races. Donation sharing has always been a staple for real Democrats. The politically “hip thing” these days is to be and independent of party affiliation, but no Democratic Party, no Barack Obama. Blacks were Republican when it was wise, but judging how popular Trump is we won’t feel safe in the GOP for decades. We must pose a basic question about Brother Bernie…What has he amassed in his 30 years of outside activism? Not a damn thang…that’s why he ran as a Democrat. BS can spout all that revolutionary ‘ish he cares to, but history reveals that “bloodless revolutions” can only operate within a political system, not out on the periphery. Revolutionaries can wrest the stern of the ship from its galley or do a violent drive-by move like the ones perfected by the Somali sea pirates. Which is it Bruh? Bernie is cool and I’ll vote for him if he wins the nomination. But sometimes this BS leaves me feeling “Berned” badly.
CURRY: U.S. Banks Shortchange Justice TRUTH TO POWER By George E. Curry
George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine and editorin-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site,
While our attention was focused last week on Bill Clinton becoming unhinged while defending his indefensible crime bill and insulting the Black Lives Matter Movement in the process, Wells Fargo and billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson were demonstrating how the wealthy escape personal responsibility when they misbehave badly. In the case of Wells Fargo, bank executives agreed to pay a $1.2 billion fine for hiding their bad loans leading up to the 2008 housing market debacle. The bank admitted certifying that thousands of faulty home mortgage loans were eligible for Federal Housing Administration insurance when, in fact, they weren’t. “Wells Fargo enjoyed huge profits from its FHA loan business, the government was left holding the bag when the bad loans went bust,” Manhattan U.S. Attorney
Preet Bharara said in a statement Friday announcing the settlement. “Today, Wells Fargo, one of the biggest mortgage lenders in the world, has been held responsible for years of reckless underwriting.” Not really. What the settlement does is extract a large fine, but let the culprits personally responsible escape punishment. For example, Wells Fargo executive Kurt Lofrano acknowledged hiding bad loans, but was not fined and will not face any criminal charges. We can safely infer that the deal cut with Wells Fargo was done to get the case resolved. I get that. But despite former presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s claim that corporations are people, a corporation did not commit these crimes - people did. And those people should be held accountable for violating the law. As part of the settlement agreement, Lofrano, vice president of credit risk and quality assurance for Wells Fargo, admitted his team identified 2,900 problematic loans between 2005 and 2010, but reported only 300 as troublesome. Sadly, Wells Fargo was not alone. The subprime mortgage crisis that caused many Americans to lose their homes involved some of
the best known brands in the U.S. Earlier, JPMorgan Chase agreed to pay a fine of $13 billion, Goldman Sachs settled for $5.1 billion and Morgan Staley was fined $2.6 billion. Again, no criminal charges have been brought against the “banksters” themselves. Meanwhile, in a press release, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced, that “Las Vegas Sands Corp. has agreed to pay a $9 million penalty to settle charges that it violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) by failing to properly authorize or document millions of dollars in payments to a consultant facilitating business activities in China and Macao. “An SEC investigation found that LVS kept inaccurate books and records and frequently lacked supporting documentation or proper approvals for more than $62 million in payments to a consultant in Asia. The consultant acted as an intermediary to obscure the company’s role in certain business transactions such as the purchases of a basketball team and a building in China, where casino gambling isn’t permitted.” The investigation was launched more than five years ago when a former Sands executive Steve
Jacobs alleged improprieties in Macao, a Chinese territory that is the world’s largest gambling center. The SEC and the Justice Department were looking into whether the company had violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits U.S. companies from bribing officials of foreign governments. In the end, the SEC didn’t directly accuse Sands of paying bribes, but said it violated provisions of the law that require companies to maintain proper financial controls. The SEC stated: “LVS consented to the SEC’s order without admitting or denying the findings that it violated the books-andrecords and internal controls provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.” In case after case, other companies strike similar deals. It’s not like they are making a donation to charity. They have clearly violated the law, but officials don’t have to acknowledge any wrongdoing. Instead, they pay the fines, in the words of the SEC, “without admitting or denying the findings.” It’s tough to see low-level drug users being over prosecuted while companies such as Wells Fargo and the Las Vegas Sands Corp., owned primarily by Sheldon
Adelson, take a corporate financial hit, but their leaders have no fear of being personally prosecuted for their misdeeds. We also see how the high and mighty cut special deals in other situations. Former House Speaker Dennis Hassert, for example, has acknowledged sexually abusing at least five Illinois boys when he was their high school wrestling coach. He paid one of them nearly $2 million in hush money. Hastert pleaded guilty in October to a single felony count of illegally structuring cash withdrawals to evade federal bank currency reporting requirements. Despite that clear misuse of power as a teacher and coach, Hassert’s plea agreement with prosecutors recommends a sentence ranging from probation to up to six months in prison, the lowest possible sentence under federal guidelines for a felony conviction. The maximum is five years. In addition to seeing Black and Brown people disproportionately imprisoned, looking at how banking officials and political figures are extended undeserved leniency are reminders that our criminal justice system is anything but just.
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There’s a Reason Life Happens Spiritually Speaking by James A. Washington
I subscribe to a personal theory that our suffering is an integral part of God’s plan to ready us for the struggle of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Suffering in some ways is a prerequisite for strengthening one’s spiritual muscle. I look at Christ’s time in the desert as a toughening or cleansing that readied Him for the task ahead. Given my perspective I offer to you that for me it is difficult to respect the opinion of someone who has led the so called “charmed life” or, someone who was born with the proverbial silver spoon in a cavity free mouth. It’s hard, if not impossible, to listen to someone talk with certainty about things they’ve never
seen or places they’ve never been. My belief is that God teaches in a manner few of us will ever truly understand. I honestly believe that when He chooses you, when it’s your time, He has a unique way of communicating who’s really in charge. And, if the truth be told, it ain’t us. When God is talking to you, you eventually come to know it. Take notes on this. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but (rather) painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11. As far as I’m concerned, we’re all in training, believe it or not, to fight in God’s war. Whether being forged in a fiery furnace or stuck in a tailspin of perceived despair and hopelessness, each one of us is being battle tested in anticipation that one day, we will be called to arms. This struggle, these experiences, they bring about wisdom; a spiritual wisdom from
a spiritual perspective that I believe must be shared. It must be. Otherwise, God keeps you in a perpetual classroom where life constantly gives you a new place to go to the bathroom. You haven’t learned anything, so life keeps kicking your…well, you get the picture. When you finally realize the One trying to tell you something is God, then a wondrous thing begins to happen. You listen more intently and learn more eagerly. Like the child who discovers walking leads to the joy of running, or the baby who discovers his own hand, the possibilities seem endless. The mind says ‘tell me more.’ The spirit says ‘Thank you Jesus.’ At that very moment, it is my belief that God let’s us know we’re able to withstand, overcome, rise above and win the battle of carrying the message of salvation. Christ is savior. At that moment, we also move from being in the classroom
to being on the battlefield where Satan keeps score. You remember those days back in school when you actually studied and were prepared for the test? Confidence oozed from you. When God has been the lesson planner, the study partner, the instructor, it doesn’t matter how much Satan wants it to be a Net Flix Night. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12. Our job then is to recognize and represent; recognize the hell we’re going through is not without purpose. The most important message of the day is to understand who (Jesus) has suffered the most and why. “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.” Luke 12:32. May God bless and keep you always.
James
Take control of your HEALTH & WEALTH Good Street Baptist Church 3110 Bonnie View Road – Dallas, Texas 75216 (214) 375-4266/phone – (214) 372-3570/fax Email address: goodstreetbc@sbcglobal.net Web address: goodstreetbaptistchurch.org
Mr. Robert Dean Jr., Speaker Regional Director Pastor Eddie L. Jenkins
Saturday, April 16, 2016 4:00 P.M.
Beginning April 3, 2016
Sunday
Early Morning Service Sunday School Morning Worship
Dr. Keyon Cowart, Health Director Executive Director
7:45 AM 9:30 AM 11:00 AM
All are welcome!
Friendly Church of God in Christ T.W. Johnson Fellowship Hall 711 E. Lamar Street Sherman, TX 75090
HEALTH AND WEALTH
903.893.8629 or 863.529.5899
Wednesday Prayer Meeting Mid-Week Bible Study
6:00 PM 7:00 PM
Are you interested in starting a business?
Transforming Bodies & Bank Accounts
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APRIL 13, 2016
Black Wall Street Tour and Ceremony Tulsa, Oklahoma Sunday May 29, 2016 Charter Bus Departing Dallas to Tulsa at 7:30 am from The Act of Change 3200 Lancaster Rd Suite #623, Dallas, TX 75216 $60 per seat. Departing Tulsa to Dallas after Activities Late Sunday Evening Please bring your own food & drink as it will be a long day.
Egbe Egunfewa African Spiritual Society
will host a community ceremony to pay homage to our ancestors that were murdered during the terrorist attack on Black Wall Street and during slavery. For more information call Bro. Fred at 214 607 6445 DEADLINE FOR ALL MONIES IS MONDAY, MAY 23, 2016
Please Donate Directly To The Black Wall Street Fund
Go to Payment Page – www.Fredsentertainment.com
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LORRAINE HOOD-JACK
is just what Duncanville needs!
Boasting a population of nearly 40,000 residents, according to 2013 records and the 2010 Census, Duncanville is part of the Best Southwest area, which includes Cedar Hill DeSoto and Lancaster. The best has to get better, and can, says some of the supporters of Lorraine Hood-Jack, who is on the May 7, 2016 ballot for Duncanville City Council District 4. No stranger to the area, the proud University of Texas at Austin graduate with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government wants to bring her leadership, organizational, managerial and strategic thinking skills to the Duncanville City Council. Touting a lifelong commitment to service, as well as her love of and support for her community, Ms. Hood-Jack, who also holds a Master of Public Administration Degree from Portland State University says she has volunteered for over 30 years, while amassing a very impressive portfolio in corporate America. “I am at a season in my life where I have the time to put both education and volunteer experience to positive use through serving a community that can only benefit from the diversity of that foundation,” said the Leadership Southwest alum. One issue that has been a source of contention for some voters, is having a representative who is accessible and responsive. According to records shared at political forums and on the Duncanville website up to January 2016, Ms. Hood-Jack’s opponent, who is the incumbent, has been late or absent for 30 of 71 meetings since taking office on July 1, 2014. Ms. Hood-Jack is retired and a bestselling author. Why seek public office? Many who know her know she is a servant leader, giving of herself, her resources and her experiences. “I have the skill, the expertise, the talent and training, and most importantly the TIME to be the most involved and effective advocate for District 4,” say Ms. HoodJack, to those inquiring minds. In response to a question for the Dallas Voter Guide 2016, she talked about her plans for Duncanville. “I would improve the corridor on highway 67 between Dallas and Cedar Hill to attract consumers to those businesses who reside on either side of 67,” said Ms. HoodJack. “I would actively participate in expanding and drawing new business to the city and I would champion a strategic plan that
would set measurable goals for capital improvements that need to be addressed and completed.” Ms. Hood-Jack also addressed economic development, street maintenance, payday loans, crime, poverty, challenges and obstacles. Always optimistic, Ms. Hood-Jack refers to Duncanville as “a best kept secret with untapped potential.” “There are areas that can be improved; there are communities that can be revitalized and there are people who can be sources...that can make Duncanville the ‘City of Champions’ that we hold it up to be,” she noted. During a recent Monday Night Politics forum at the African American Museum in Dallas, candidates talked about the future of Duncanville and responded to questions from citizens who were not pleased about the number of abandoned buildings that at one time housed businesses. Ms. Hood-Jack said that there are commercial areas that should be identified and marketed to businesses. “We have multiple commercial sites that are sitting empty and a few of those have the potential to be rehabilitated to bring major new business to this community.” The former senior investigator for the Civil Rights Division of the Oregon Bureau of Labor has been actively involved in numerous organizations and at various levels, locally, nationally and internationally, including: Portland Trailblazers Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board; Portland Rose Festival Foundation Executive Board Member; City of Duncanville Chairman-Multicultural Commission, Vice-President Daniel Farms HOA; Past President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Sigma Omega; Chapter, Past President-Portland Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; Member Trinity (Dallas) Chapter of The Links, Inc., Chairman-Strategic Planning; member Omicron Mu Omega Chapter and past International Member Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Strategic Planning and Standards Committees; Oregon Community Foundation-Grant Review; Portland Urban League; Dress for Success-Dallas; North Texas Food Bank-Volunteer; Member-Concord Church-Dallas. Author and vocalist. The Duncanville City Council “seven members, including the mayor elected at large, one council member elected at large, and five council members elected from single-member districts. City Council
Members serve two-year terms, expiring on staggered years. The mayor, district two member, and district four member expire on evennumbered years. Council members and representatives from district one, district three, and district five have terms that expire on oddnumbered years. “ Ms. Hood-Jack, is hopeful that the spirit of activism she has displayed over her lifetime will inspire citizens to take advantage of this opportunity to bring someone who can help Duncanville grow. There’s so much more to the Lorraine Hood-Jack story. Check out her website at lorrainehoodjack. com. She’s no stranger in churches, schools, businesses, community centers and the streets of Duncanville.
Dress for Success-Trinity Chapter of the Links Inc.
LORRAINE HOOD-JACK For District 4 - Duncanville City Council
Lorraine’s Priorities & Vision ! Targeted Economic Development ! HWY 67 Beautification Project ! Enhanced Communications & Outreach ! Citizens Governance Training ! A Strategic Plan outlining long and short-term objectives! Lorraine is a native Texan, born and raised in Taylor, Texas. She has lived in Duncanville since May, 2010 and brings with her over 25 years of professional leadership expertise. She has led award winning teams and been recognized for outstanding community service. Lorraine has a proven track record for working collaboratively with business, service, and youth organizations. Lorraine is an advocate for all and has given her life to serving others. Ms. Hood-Jack’s uncanny ability to resolve problems, her natural love of people, coupled with her extensive business and professional background, makes her the ideal candidate for the Duncanville City Council. The future is NOW! Vote HoodJack, District 4
Career and Service Highlights ! Bachelor of Arts – Government The University of Texas at Austin ! Master of Public Administration – Portland State University ! Leadership Southwest Graduate 2013 ! Corporate Sales Manager ! Regional Service Manager ! Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated – International Strategic Planning Committee ! Duncanville Multicultural Commission – Chairman
! The Links, Incorporated – Chair Strategic Planning ! The Portland Rose Festival Foundation – Director ! Oregon Civil Rights Division – Senior Investigator ! Chairman - The Taskforce on Civil Rights ! Concord Church Dallas – Member ! Oregon Outstanding Women-March of Dimes ! Delta Sigma Theta Woman of Excellence Honoree ! Meadows at Daniel Farms – HOA Advisory Board, Vice-President ! 2011 Taylor’s Amazing Women
Paid for by the Campaign for Lorraine Hood-Jack-1502 Halsey Drive-Duncanville, TX 75137 – Charlotte Winters, Treasurer
Bachelor of Arts – Government
!
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APRIL 13, 2016
Lorraine Hood-Jack has earned your vote!
Presenting proclamations from the City of Duncanville at International Women’s Forum at the Duncanville International Museum of Culture
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Singing the National Anthem at the Juneteenth celebration hosted by Duncanville at Armstrong Park
VOTE!
Lorraine
“Hood-Jack”
Duncanville City CouncilDistrict 4
Volunteer for stem program at Atwell Middle School
Vote Early! April 25-May 3, 2016 - General Election: Saturday, May 7, 2016 I’m a Texas girl, born & raised. Some pretty darn good things come out of those small Texas towns. I come to you as a candidate for District 4, City Council seat. I offer a fresh perspective, a collaborative and inclusive pair of eyes, to champion the issues that face our city and more specifically, our district. Together, we can strategically identify areas of concern, while exploring creative new ways to move our city to the next level. An uncanny ability to problem solve, a team-building spirit and a natural love of people, make me the ideal candidate to represent District 4. Join me in EARLY VOTING and check the box on your ballot for “LORRAINE HOOD-JACK”, the right champion for the City of Champions! What others have to say about Lorraine Hood-Jack … “Lorraine is a very responsible and supportive member of the Duncanville Multicultural Commission. She has a personality for community service & is a great community citizen.” Mrs. Charlie Smith, Former Board Member.
Volunteer Advisor to the Black Student Organization at Mountain View College-picture at Black student conference Texas A&M University
“I have had the pleasure of working with Lorraine on the Daniel Farms HOA Advisory Board and have found her to be responsible, reliable and forward thinking in her approach to addressing concerns in our community. She is a great communicator and is always interested in listening to the concerns of other. I support her in her effort to represent the city as a council member for District 4.” Hugh Belton, President-Daniel Farms HOA Advisory Board
“Wow Ms. Hood-Jack. I am so proud of you for stepping up to the plate. You have made such an impact on my life as well as the countless students who you have mentored over the years. I can only imagine what you can do for Duncanville.” Chevis Boyd- UT Dallas. “Hope the Voters understand how ‘Great’ you will be for them as their council rep.” Stan Harvell, Retired President-GE Power Systems/Granite Services “This is the time for fresh new leadership in Duncanville. We are in the right place, at the right time and Lorraine Hood-Jack is the right person for progressive ideas and actions in our city. Please join us in supporting Lorraine Hood-Jack for Duncanville City Council-District 4.” Rev. & Mrs. Robert B. Winters, District 4 Residents Like me and leave your comments on Facebook “Lorraine HoodJack for Duncanville” Learn more about me @ www.LorraineHoodJack.com
The Future is NOW! Paid for by the Lorraine Hood-Jack Campaign-1502 Halsey Drive-Duncanville, TX-75137-Charlotte Winters, Treasurer
Presenting her children's book to the director of the Duncanville Library
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32nd ANNUAL SUMMER YOUTH ARTS INSTITUTE A Dallas Independent School District Cultural Enrichment Program Partnership
A Dallas Independent School District Cultural Enrichment Program Partnership Production: TINA - The Musical Monday, June 6, 2016 (Classes Starts) June 24 & 25, 2016 (Final Performances) Dear Parents|Guardians: Greetings and felicitations from The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL)! This letter is being written to invite your child/ children to TBAAL's 32nd Annual Summer Youth Arts Institute. This program is an accelerated three-week intense training session designed specifically for 5th-12th grade students (ages 10-18). During the program, youth will be trained and exposed to Music, Dance, Theatre, Stage Management, Lighting, Costume, Photography, Film/Video, Sound and Make-Up. The program will culminate with a summer musical theatre production, Tina: The Musical. All classes will be held at TBAAL! For your child/children to, participate please: * Fill out the attached application and return to TBAAL either by mail, email, fax or in person. (NON-DISD STUDENTS MUST BRING IN PAYMENT WITH REGISTRATION APPLICATION. DO NOT FAX OR MAIL). * Attend a mandatory Student and Parent Orientation on Monday, June 6, 2016 at 7:00pm. Tickets for the performance and postcards
will be available during orientation. * Transport your child/children to and from TBAAL daily. The location is in the heart of downtown Dallas in the Dallas Convention Center Theater Complex (Physical Address: 1309 Canton Street, Dallas, TX 75201). All DISD Students will receive a full Summer Arts Enrichment Scholarship by submitting their DISD STUDENT ID NUMBER WITH APPLICATION. Summer Enrichment for ALL NON- DISD STUDENTS is a one-time fee of $150 CASH ONLY - space limited. Once fee is paid, there will be NO REFUND! Breakfast and lunch will be provided daily for Summer Enrichment Students. Also, TBAAL's concession stand will be open for students to purchase snacks. The program will begin Monday, June 6, 2016 for all students. The program ends with three final performances, Friday, June 24, 2016 at 8:00pm and Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 1:00pm and 4:00pm. A lite breakfast will be provided between 8:45am and 9:00am daily. Students must be present at 9:00am Monday through Friday. The day ends at 5:00pm. No early drop offs or late pickups. Late pickups after 5:30pm will be assessed a fee of $50 per hour. Students with featured roles/parts in the final production will be scheduled to rehearse on Saturdays. If you have any questions, call The Black Academy of Arts and Letters at 214-743-2440 or fax your child/children's application to 214.743.2451
NPOWER North Texas offers training and job placement for veterans NPower North Texas is accepting applications from veterans and active military reserve personnel for its Technology Service Corps (TSC), Cyber Security and TechCareer Accelerator (TCA) programs beginning June and July 2016. Classes will take place at our Dallas and Ft. Worth campuses. Offering an innovative, veteran-focused technology careers training program, NPower is concentrated on improving veteran lives and provides free tech career training services to help them achieve greater earning potential. Graduates from these programs are paired up with corporate partners such as Citi, JPMorgan Chase, KPMG, Deloitte, JC Penney and others for apprenticeships that may lead to permanent employment opportunities. NPower’s TSC will be accepting applications for its eighth class. Veterans will receive 22 weeks of classroom training and a paid apprenticeship; as well as professional skills, career development and employment services. This rigorous curriculum prepares program veterans for employment in a range of technology positions, including technical, business and project management. They are also prepared to receive an industry recognized CompTIA A+ certification. Classes begin July 18 at the Bill J. Priest Campus of Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD). NPower’s Cyber Security course begins June 13 at the El Centro West Dallas Campus. Veterans will receive industry certifications such as Network+,
Security+ and Linux+. This program requires a 26week commitment including classroom training (with a weekly stipend) and a paid apprenticeship. Veterans considered for this program must have technology experience or a college degree in IT. NPower’s TechCareer Accelerator program begins June 27 at our Tarrant County facility. This eight (8) week course allows veterans to gain a ServiceNow System Administrator/ITIL Certification. A technology background or college degree is preferred. To learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply, veterans should contact NPower’s Program Coordinators, Corey Mosley at corey.mosley@npower.org or (214) 4212300 or Tam Vu at tam.vu@npower.org or (972) 391-1443. A nonprofit 501 (c) (3), NPower mobilizes the tech community and provides individuals, nonprofits, and schools opportunities to build tech skills and achieve their potential. Technology Service Corps builds brighter futures for underserved young adults and veterans by providing free technology and professional skills training, mentoring, internships and employment services. While NPower North Texas serves 100+ veterans per year, the nonprofit organization also recently opened programs in the San Francisco Bay Area, Toronto, Canada and Jersey City, New Jersey to provide IT skills training and job placement support to both veterans and young adults.
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APRIL 13, 2016
AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM 2016 The Science of Art Summer Camp
Ages 3rd 8- 15 Grades -5th Full Scholarships Are Available !
Application Deadline
May 3, 10,2016 2016 May Camp Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Fee:$200 per student
Drop - Off 7:30 am Pick - Up 6:00 pm
Breakfast and Lunch will be Sponsored By:
Space Is Limited
June 13 - July 22, 2016 For additional information
Contact Ms. Shelia Robinson at 214-565-9026 Ext. 301 srobinson@aamdallas.org www.aamdallas.org
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ASK ALMA:
Divorcing and dating Ask Alma
Alma Gill’s news-room experience spans over 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@yahoo.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.
Hi Alma. I’m divorcing my husband of 24 years. (The ink is just about dry) We have been apart for the last 3 years. I’m new to dating again. I’ve been with my new guy for 2 years. We met on eHarmony. He’s amazing inside & out and I love him. I’m 47. My guy is 46. He is divorced. He has been divorced for 2.5 years. He was apart from his ex for 3 years before the divorce was final. So he’s been single for 5.5 years. I believe in marriage and I do want to get married again. How long should I date him? What’s enough time to give a man to pop the question? – Elizabeth Hi Elizabeth – You’re not quite free! Until the ink dries you’re still legally married, pretty woman. TBT you have yet to join the squad of single sisterhood and trust me when I say, there are huge differences between each stage of marriage, separation and divorce. All three phases has its own umbrella of uncertainties. Like me, you married young. You’ve spent a large part of your life with one fella, exercising the commonality of compromise. This explains your comfort in cohabitation, longing for togetherness, and an extended view for two. Ain’t
Do you know this man? POLICE have not apprehended Pookie the serial rapist. We know he has attacked members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers. If you have ANY information, PLEASE call Crime Stoppers
877.373.8477
Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmotheror maybe YOU?
nothing wrong with that – but wait, for goodness sake and let’s pull up for a minute to reevaluate. What if you take more time to center and focus on you? Figure out your likes and dislikes independently, without the consideration of another. Have you taken a vacation alone? Sign up for a class you’ve always wanted to try or learn a new language. Use this time to be good to yourself. Your first marriage ended in divorce, that doesn’t mean you’re lacking, unlovable or incomplete. Okay, you’ve met a new guy, that’s cool. Allow him to come to the conclusion of marriage on his own, not meet a demand or ultimatum. I understand it’s been two years, but there’s no set limit to how long a great relationship should last before marriage, that’s a personal choice. You and I both know that marriage doesn’t make a relationship better nor does it complete who you are as a woman. You’ve had 25 years of practicing to be a good wife, live and love yourself unmarried for a few more years to come. You said dating’s still new to you, and if that’s the case, this isn’t the time to remarry. If and or when that time rolls around, you won’t need to Ask Alma, you and he will know, that you know that you know. And oh what a joy it will be! — Alma
CALENDAR
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April 14-17 The Dallas Art Fair is pleased to announce that the eighth edition of the fair will take place from April 14 through April 17 at the Fashion Industry Gallery (F.I.G.).
April 15 A Woman Called Mae will be premiering on this Friday April 15th and running until May 2nd at the New Pan African Connection, 4456 South Marsalis. Among the cast is popular poet Ife Mahdi in the role of Mae's mother-in-law. She has written two poems specifically for A Woman Called Mae. Plan on seeing this great theater production, directed by Robert Helm. ****** Tom Joyner Foundation Partners with Paul Quinn to Increase Number of Elementary School Teachers with STEM Focus WHO: Mike Rawlings, Dallas Mayor; Tom Joyner, founder and chairman of the Tom Joyner Foundation, Thomas E. Joyner, Jr., the Foundation’s president and CEO, Michael Sorrell, president of Paul Quinn College, Lew Blackburn, board member, Dallas Independent School Board and State Sen. Royce West are scheduled to attend. WHAT: The Tom Joyner Foundation and Paul Quinn College announcing partnership to increase the number of elementary school teachers with a STEM focus as part of the Teacher Quality Initiative (TQI). (http://tomjoynerfoundation.org/tqi) WHEN: 10 a.m. WHERE: The Flag Room, Sixth Floor, at Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla Street, Dallas, Texas.
April 15-16 More than 300 budding singers from Dallas Independent School District’s W.H. Atwell Law Academy, Fred F. Florence, John B. Hood, Zan Holmes, Irma L. Rangel Young Women’s Leadership Academy, Charles Rice Elementary and LIFE SCHOOL OAK CLIFF, and area middle schools unite their voices as one rose performing classical, pop, Broadway, spirituals and gospel in this spring concert. Special Lobby music by Rangel Hand Bell Choir. Coordinated by Stevon Harris. Friday, April 15, 2016 @ 10am // $5 Student Performance Saturday, April 16, 2016 @8pm // $10 Public Performance Naomi Bruton Main Stage ******* Three of Dallas’ most underrated singers, SABRINA KESSEE, BRITTANY JOHNSON and AMANDA MAXFIELD-CURTIS sass and croon at the Muse as they perform a variety of jazz standards, mixed with a bit of Broadway and contemporary gospel music. HOSTED BY TBAAL BOARD MEMBER ALBERTUS LEWIS, JR. Friday and Saturday, @ 9pm Clarence Muse Cafe Theatre Admission - $10
April 16
Akoi Saturday's will be the Premier Hot Spot event in Addison. This event is for the trendsetters, professionals, entrepreneurs, fashionista’s, models and socialites. Mature Audience Only * Attire: Fashionable and to be admired Dress code is strictly enforced Ladies Complimentary Admission Before 11PM w/ RSVP Discounted Bottles Before 11:30pm Complimentary Parking RSVP to www.snlakoi.eventbrite.com
Centro College's American Minorities Studies (HUMA 2319), is scheduled for April 26-27 in the student center and is FREE and open to the public. The event was created as a way for the community to celebrate hip hop, create opportunities for mentorship, open up the space for community building, and engaging in an intellectual discourse on issues and concepts surrounding Hip Hop culture. For more information, contact hip hop studies Professor Vanessa Taylor at vtaylor2@dcccd.edu or 214-860-2443.
********* The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office will partner with the University of Texas at Dallas’ Pre-law Office to host a criminal justice forum Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 9am-4pm at UTD. During this forum, the audience will hear from various divisions in the office including prosecutors who are a part of the more progressive units at the DA’s Office. This event is open to the public, but attendees must register online at https://alumni.utdallas.edu/epps
April 28
PCCenter's 15th Anniversary Tea 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM DeSoto Campus 1229 East Pleasant Run Road DeSoto, TX 75115 HOST:PCCenter 972-224-9800
April 30
April 17 Labyrinth Walk Coffee House presents its Psychic and Holistic Fair, from 3-6 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff, 3839 W. Kiest Blvd. Admission is free. ***** Youth Empowerment Festival Lincoln High School, 2826 Elsie Faye Heggins St. 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.
April 18
Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Committee Meetings Membership - April 18, 2016 Dallas Grow South - April 20, 2016 Events - April 26, 2016 Inter-agency - April 27, 2016 Communication/PR - April 28, 2016 All Committee Meetings will be held at the Bill J. Priest Institute , 1402 Corinth St., Dallas, Texas 75215 6:30 p.m.
April 21 2016 Maura Women Helping Women and Young Leader Awards. It is such a privilege to recognize these leaders who have made an impact on the lives of women and girls in North Texas. The award recipients will be honored at the Leadership Forum & Awards Dinner, presented by AT&T, and co-chaired by Margaret Jordan and Debbie Taylor.
April 22 Maulana Dotch Golf Classic presented by Bishop Arts CrossFit. at Cedar Crest Golf Course, 1800 Southerland Avenue, Dallas, Texas. 75203. The tournament begins at 8:30 a.m. with a shotgun start. The event includes breakfast, lunch, golf awards, and prizes. Last year the classic was for women only, but this year everyone is welcome to play - women, men, and juniors.
April 23
Garland Heritage Celebration 2016: Bankhead Highway 53rd Annual V. Alyce Foster Trailblazer Awards Luncheon 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Theme: Lifting Others As We Climb” Heritage Crossing, Downtown Garland 12:00 Noon Honorees include State Rep Toni Rose, **** Linda Lydia, Rev. Leonard Leach and Heads Dallas Black Marriage Day Celebration at 5pm at the Omni Hotel UP! Founder Jabari Johnson in downtown Dallas Hilton-Anatole Hotel, 2201 N. Stemmons Imperial Ballroom ******* Ticket Price: $60.00 per Person Sankofa Talks- Will be a powerful and unforgettable event! Speakers will include: ********* Prof. Griff- Of the legendary Hip Hop Group Public Enemy Akoi Saturday's Present…"Ladies Night"Hosted by Actor & TV Personality Terrence J Topic: Black Unified God Theory Sounds by DJ SheReal + DJ I.E. @ Akoi Dr. Mwalimu Baruti- Founder of Akoben House Afrikan Centered Publishing Company 13465 Inwood Rd STE #100 Dallas, TX 75244
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Topic: The Maafa: Damages Beyond Repair Prof. James Small- Pan-Afrikan activist scholar CEO of The Sanaa Lodge Hotel in Ghana Topic: Pan-Afrikan Culture & Spirituality David Banner- Rapper, record producer, actor & activist Topic: The Black Experience Hosted by: Comedian Cecil (Shuckey Duckey) Armstrong Food will be available 616 W. Kiest Blvd Dallas, TX 75232 469.297.6404 Log on to www.sankofaglobal.com Tickets also available@ Sankofa Arts Lounge- 205A E. Camp Wisdom * Duncanville, TX 75116 and The Dock Bookshop 6637 Meadowbrook Drive * Fort Worth, TX 76112 The Black Academy of Arts and Letters presents Ties and Tux IV, a night of Hollywood glamour and Dallas glitter saluting stages, screen and television actor Blair Underwood with special performances by TBAAL student artists at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, at 7p.m. ******* The real Warrior hit maker Turbulence Live in Concert | at aldeez sports Bar & Grill 7879 Spring Valley Rd. Dallas TX ****** Lincoln High holds Super Saturday band workshop, showcase - Lincoln High School and Communications/Humanities Magnet will host a music workshop and introduction to the Wall of Sound band Saturday, Students interested in joining the band, including incoming freshmen for the upcoming school year, are also invited to attend. The daylong event called Super Saturday is designed to engage current and future band students. The day will conclude with a musical showcase for parents and other invited guests to attend. The music workshop will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, April 23. The evening showcase for the Lincoln community begins at 7 p.m.
April 26 The Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) will celebrate the 9th annual Appetite for Advocacy Luncheon featuring keynote speaker Brené Brown on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at 12 p.m. at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, 400 N. Olive Street. A VIP sponsor reception will be held following the luncheon in a private room at the Sheraton from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Proceeds support DCAC’s work in improving the lives of abused children in Dallas County and providing national leadership on child abuse issues. Second Annual Hip Hop Festival at El Centro, Produced by El
2016 Oak Cliff Chamber Gala - SOARING TO NEW HEIGHT from 6PM to 10PM CDT at the Hilton Anatole, Imperial Ballroom, 2201 N. Stemmons Fwy.Dallas, TX 75207 ***** American Broadcasting School will be hosting a HUGE sports symposium on April 30th at the Arlington campus! The event will be starting at 9am and lasting until 3pm Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosts The 16th Annual “A World of Women for World Peace” Conference 9.30-11.30 am at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center 2301 Flora Street, Dallas RSVP at 214-922-8885 ***** National Council of Negro Women - Goodloe Section Inaugural Golf Classic , Country View Golf Club 240 W. Beltline Road, Lancaster, TX 75146
May 2 SAVE THE DATE for the unveiling of the third edition of Who’s Who In Black Dallas will be Monday, May 2nd at the Perot Museum beginning at 6:30 p.m.
May 5 Richard Sayles & Veronica Roth Sayles Invite you to attend a General Election Reception for JUDGE PHYLLIS LISTER BROWN, 162nd Civil District Court 6:00-8:00 p.m. at 3930 Shorecrest Drive Dallas, Texas 75209
May 7 Woman of Strength Ministry, Inc Mother’s Day Luncheon Back by Popular Demand! Ed Johnson, III “Will The Real Woman Please Stand Up?” (Part 2) Tommy Young West, Cheree Cooks Created2Worship YOU CAN RSVP NOW! email: gantt.donna@gmail.com or call: 214-538-7008 ***** Derrick L. Geter’s Kids’ Day in the Park @ Derrick L. Geter Park in Oak Cliff 11am - 3pm 2300 Scotland Drive | Dallas, TX 75216 *Open to the Public* | *Free Admission*
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turn 62 next month?
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A
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That depends; people are eligible to enroll in Medicare prior to age 65 only if they’re on Social Security Disability and have met the 24-month waiting period, or have a special condition. Check with the Social Security Administration to see when you will be eligible for Medicare. If you find that you’re not eligible for Medicare yet, then you can always visit yourtexasbenefits.com or call 2-1-1, that’s if you live in Texas, to find what medical resources are available in your area.
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Medicare Annual Open Enrollment period: October 15th thru December 7th. The Affordable Care Act - Federal Marketplace Exchange – 2016 Open Enrollment period: November 1st 2015 thru January 31st 2016. P A M E L A J. D A Y E S is a Licensed & Certified Health Insurance Agency serving North Texas area. She is passionate about learning and gaining knowledge in the area of HealthCare reform. She is devoted to passing on that knowledge in particularly to the Senior Market. Her expertise is in making Medicare clear and understandable. I look forward to answering your questions. Email questions to askpam@med-supps.com Follow me: Twitter: pjdayes Facebook: askpamdayes
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Your time to SHINE!
Dallas Black Marriage Day
2016
10
Celebr ation ANNUAL th
Saturday, April 23
You're cordially invited!
Winning couple will receive a couples getaway at any Omni Hotel & Resort
Omni Hotel in downtown Dallas. Event Registration is FREE and opens March 2016.
REGISTER TO ATTEND We invite you to join us as we honor outstanding couples who have been nominated by family and friends for "Couple of the Year" award. These special couples are celebrated amidst 250-300 guests, where two winning couples will be announced and inducted into the DBMD Hall of Fame. There will be great food, live music, dancing, laughter and some tears as attendees from all over the Dallas area come to celebrate the value of successful marriages in the African American community.
To Register to Attend and get your FREE tickets visit
www.DallasBlackMarriageDay.com Event Registration opens March 2016.
Event sponsored in part by Enroll in a relationship workshop online bethechampion.org 12800 Hillcrest Rd, Ste A101 • Dallas, Texas 75230 • 214-426-0900 Partial funding for this project was provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant: 90FK0085. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.