Texas Metro News January 15, 2016

VOL 4 ISSUE 15

JANUARY 15, 2016

www.texasmetronews.com

Texas Metro News Parade Grand Marshal Tom Joyner

Dallas remembers our

KING

2 JANUARY 15, 2016 W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMUNITY CENTER and CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE announce ANNUAL DALLAS DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MARCH/PARADE The Martin Luther South Shore Drill Team and the King Jr. Community Southern Methodist University Center and Celebrating Mustang Band. There will Our Heritage held a be over 150 parade entries kickoff press conference featuring marching bands, for the upcoming Dallas floats, schools, community Dr. Martin Luther King organizations, churches, Jr. March/Parade and elected officials, cars and much Celebration set for more.

Monday, January 18, Following the march/ Tasha Smith and Lamman Rucker join journalist Cheryl Smith for an actor’s workshop.

2016 at 10 am. The parade a Celebration will be march/parade marks the held at Fair Park featuring the parade grand marshal. Other celebrities first time Dallas will have only one march/ set to appear include actress Tasha Smith live entertainment, health and wellness parade observing the Dr. King birthday (FOXs Empire, Oprah Winfrey Network’s resources, children's activities, college and holiday celebration. Historically Dallas has For Better Or Worse), actor Lamman Rucker career fair, job placement, fashion and hair had two march/parades in the city over the (Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married and show, actor's workshop moderated by Dr. King celebration weekend -- one held for veteran journalist Cheryl Smith with Tasha on Saturday organized by the City of Dallas Smith and Lamman Rucker, car show, food, Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and vendors and more. Admission is free. one held on Monday organized by Elite News Proceeds from this year's march/parade publisher and former Negro Baseball leader will benefit the Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. William “Bill” Blair. Jr. , who died in 2014.

Community Center and the City of Dallas This year, the two have consolidated to create William “Bill” Blair Jr. Park. one grand march/parade that will be held on Corporate partners include: Godsey the Dr. King holiday observance.

Martin Law Firm, Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, The annual march/parade will brings Sabre, Fiesta Mart, Eberstein - Witherite Law together over 200,000 enthusiastic parade Firm, Freedom Chevrolet-Buick-GMC, Reliant spectators and participants for the event and NRG, Williams Chicken, People's Baptist it is considered the largest African American Church, Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville, family-oriented event held in North Texas Matthews Southwest, Auto City and Dallas and one of the top 10 largest Dr. King County Schools. Media partners include: commemorative events in the United States.

NBC 5, Dallas Examiner, Dallas Weekly, Dr. William “Bill”Blair This year for the first time, the grand parade Garland Journal, iMessenger, North Dallas Founder of Elite News’ King Parade will be televised live on NBC 5 from 10 am to Gazette, Texas Metro News, Southern Dallas 11:30 am extending the reach into over 1.4 Why Did I Get Married Too), Miss Black USA Magazine, Boom 94.5, 97.9 The Beat, KHVNmillion households throughout North Texas.

Madison Gibbs, DJ Holiday of Atlanta, with Heaven 97, KNON Radio, TheAfterPartyRadio.

This year's grand march/parade will feature special performances by African diaspora com and Service Broadcasting. radio legend and media guru Tom Joyner as stilt walkers The Brooklyn Jumbies, Chicago's

AROUND THE WORLD Bounce TV celebrates birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday with Original Short-Form Series “Memories of My Father” On January 18 - featuring Martin Luther King III ATLANTA -- Bounce TV, the first-and-only over-the-air broadcast television network for African Americans, will honor the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Jan. 18 with a new original short-form series called “Memories of My Father” featuring Martin Luther King III sharing his personal memories and impressions of his father, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The “Memories of My Father” segments -- filmed in Ebenezer Baptist Church where Reverend King, Jr. began his ministry -- will be seen throughout the day. Mr. King III is among the Founding Group and Board of Directors of Bounce TV. In the evening, Bounce TV will present the motion picture Talk To Me, starring Don Cheadle as Washington D.C. radio personality Ralph "Petey" Greene, an ex-con who became a popular talk show host and community activist in the 1960s (9:00 p.m.

ET) followed by the acclaimed documentary King: A Filmed Record…Montgomery to Memphis. This rarely-seen film features behind-the-scenes footage of the historic march and includes appearances by Sidney Poitier, Diahann Carroll, James Earl Jones,

Hon. Martin Luther King III

Ruby Dee, Harry Belafonte, and other ardent supporters and friends of Dr. King, Jr. many of whom marched alongside him.

Bounce TV is the fastest-growing AfricanAmerican (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage.

The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce TV has grown to be available in more than 93.5 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets. Among the founders of Bounce TV are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.

METRO Johnson on President Obama’s final State of the Union Address

W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M community to make students effective problem solvers and productive citizens.

Listeners may tune in to Nova Academy Radio at www.blogtalkradio.com/NovaAcademy Regular Days and times of the show: 8th grade section 8B Tuesday- 8:00 - 8:50 AM 8th grade section 8C Wednesday- 9:00 – 9:50 AM 8th grade section 8A Thursday- 11:00 – 11:50 AM

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama’s final State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress.

Darren L. James, President and COO of KAI Texas, “Tonight President Barack Obama laid out a vision for the future of our nation during his AIA, was recently elected Chairman of the Dallas Black final state of the union address. I applaud the Chamber of Commerce. James was honored for his spirit of inclusion and hope that the President advocacy and support of minority business endeavors shared tonight. He knows the resilience and at the chamber's 89th Annual Awards Dinner held on determination of the American people. He also Oct. 23, 2015, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention touched on four big questions our country faces Center. as we seek to elect a new president.

"I am excited and humbled to be elected as Dallas' Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson One of the biggest questions he asked was: Black Chamber of Commerce Board Chair. For our how do we reignite that spirit of innovation? I 90th year, we'll continue to promote meaningful and applaud the President for keeping science, technology, and innovation at the forefront significant participation of our members in the region's of his discussion. The President highlighted some of the great accomplishments this economic drivers, and invest in their growth through Darren L. James country has made in space exploration, scientific innovation, and medical research. As peer relationships, seminars and general business the ranking member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I have always support," said James. been a strong supporter and champion for innovation. I feel that it is one of the keys to Founded in 1926, the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce serves as an advocate America’s greatness and the President echoed that sentiment tonight during his speech. for the creation and growth of African American businesses.

Coming from the state of the Texas, where we are leaders in energy, including The chamber actively promotes the expansion of business opportunities on renewable energy technology, I applaud this President and his administration’s behalf of its membership through referrals, partner-ships, seminars, technical commitment to pushing climate change to the front of international dialogue. He sees assistance and marketing. James has served on the Dallas Black Chamber Board Resume: raylcarr@yahoo.com, (214) 514-9553 or this as an opportunity to push for new technology, more renewable clean energy sources, since 2007. and ultimately more jobs for Americans in this sector. He called for us to accelerate the James has long been an active advocate of minority businesses in the Dallas transition from traditional fossil fuels to clean energy that will not only satisfy our area. He was named a 2014 Minority Business Leader by the Dallas Business Journal. growing energy needs, but also fight man-made climate change in the process.

Most recently, the Regional Black Contractors Association recognized James for his leadership, naming him the 1st Annual Herman Jerome Russell Award recipient.

The announcement came as part of the association's Annual Year End Celebration held on Oct. 16, 2015.

James was also recognized by the Asian American Contractors Association of Texas (AACATX) as a recipient of the Star Award as part of their 5th Annual Constellation Awards ceremony held last October.

Streaming live over the Internet, Nova Academy Prichard will now broadcast studentThe Star Award is presented annually to the corporate or agency individual produced content. On January 20, 2016 at 8:00 am students will “flip the switch,� and air who did the most outstanding job in helping AACATX members. their inaugural broadcast at the Nova Prichard Campus.

James joined KAI Texas in 2005 to lead as principal and partner of the firm.

The station, led by 8th grade students, offers music and other programming geared to KAI Texas is an award-winning architecture, engineering and design-build firm entertain and inform the DFW community. Nova Academy Radio is a weekly web-based headquartered in Dallas, with an additional office in San Antonio. radio show by, for, and about teens. The eighth graders will discuss their challenges and He is passionate about enhancing the fabric of community and augmenting choices concerning relationships, school, alcohol, drugs, family life, media and much the ways in which architects influence these environments. KAI Texas engages more. in TEACH (Transit, Education, Aviation, Commercial, Housing & Health Care) Today, Nova Academy is home to three campuses, educating more than 900 students opportunities for clients throughout Texas and the United States. school-wide under the leadership of CEO Donna Houston-Woods. “Our ambitions are not limited to the scholastic alone; it is our mission to educate the whole child,� said Houston-Woods, adding that the schools provide the students with the tools necessary to be successful in and out of the classroom.

MISSION STATEMENT-Educating all students in a Multi-Cultural environment where parents and the community will serve as partners in achieving academic excellence of the students.

Vision- Nova Academy shall cultivate innovation in learning to achieve a world-class Dallas Civil Rights Museum (DCRM) will host an Open House as part of the MLK education system for every student. We hold ourselves accountable to engage the Jr. Community Center’s 34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration.

James named chair of DBCC

Nova Academy launches web-based radio show

OPEN HOUSE at Civil Rights Museum

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JANUARY 15, 2016

The highlight of the Open House will be a presentation by Southern Methodist University (SMU) of the March 17, 1966, transcript of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech at SMU. SMU graduate Charles Cox, who met Dr. King at Love Field in 1966, SMU’s Black Student Association leaders and Student Senate leaders will make the presentation.

The Dallas Civil Rights Museum - Open House Friday, January 15, 2016 — 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM SMU Presentation 4:30 PM 2922 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd - Building A Dallas, TX 75215 Following the SMU presentation, guided tours will be conducted .

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NOTE: All Drivers must have a clean background (no felonies or misdemeanors) and at least one year driving experience with a clean MVR. Must have medical card, valid DL, SSC card, DOT card and must pass a required physical and drug screening.

Driver should have a minimum of one year of driving experience in the last 3 years and 5 years of driving experience in the last 10 years. Must be 21 years of age and have a required High School Diploma/GED. Minimum Requirements Driver’s License Type: Class A - Commercial Commercial Driver’s License Endorsement: X - Combination of N and H T - Doubles/Triples Between $900.00 /WK and $1,000 / WK. Rotating Shift - home daily. Work week - full time 30-45 hours.

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Driver should have a minimum of one year of driving experience in the last 3 years and 5 years of driving experience in the last 10 years. Must be 21 years of age and have a required High School Diploma/GED. Minimum Requirements Driver’s License Type: Class A - Commercial Commercial Driver’s License Endorsement: X - Combination of N and H T - Doubles/Triples Additional details: We are looking for drivers who are safe and will not have customer complaints. Driver must be free of accidents, service violations, and accident services.

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JANUARY 15, 2016

Texas METRO NEWS Formerly Kuumba Heritage News Founded by Theresa Thrash in 1994 to the Glory & Honor of Jesus Christ

An I Messenger Enterprises LLC Publication MAILING ADDRESS 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203 WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 214-941-0110

Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER - EDITOR publisher@texasmetronews.com Yvette Brooks OFFICE MANAGER Becky Lewis Executive Assistant EDITORIAL TEAM Eva Coleman Tonya English Vincent Hall Richard Alexander Moore Thomas Muhammad Yodit Tewolde Andrew Whigham DESIGN/LAYOUT RG By Design www.rgbydesign.com PHOTOGRAPHERS Wallace Faggett Kevin Griffith Richard Manson dgdaphotographer.com

MALVEAUX: Comfort or Justice Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once wrote, “It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can keep him from lynching me, and I think that’s pretty important.�

Those students who are protesting campus racism need to keep that quote in mind as they assert their right to feel safe and comfortable on campus.

When the protests have been well defined and include an end game, such as the University of Missouri protests that toppled a President and Chancellor, they have been effective.

When protests broadly address issues like comfort, they are less successful.

And while it is satisfying to force a President (or a faculty member for that matter) to resign, the conditions of campus life will not necessarily change because there is a new leader. Structural racism is so firmly embedded in our culture that it will take years, if not decades, of focused work and commitment to eliminate it. Unfortunately, too many are less dedicated to eliminating institutional racism than they are to maintaining the status quo.

Consider, for example, the rhetoric during these Republican Presidential debates. Or, consider the clumsily racist question Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia posed when he asked whether black students should attend “lesser schools� than schools like the University of Texas.

Student activism was one of the highlights of 2015.

Without waxing nostalgic, though, I’d suggest that some of these young activists take a page from the playbook written in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when protests shut campuses down for weeks.

Student protests led to curriculum review on some campuses, the development of academic departments like African American studies and Ethnic Studies, the addition of faculty of color, a commitment to enroll more students of color, and more. “Back in the day�, we were far less concerned

The Last Word

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux Julianne Malveaux is an author and economist based in Washington, DC. She can be contacted at www. juliannemalveaux.com.

with “feeling� comfortable than with being empowered. We wanted change, and we were willing to fight for it. And, the change we wanted was tied to metrics. More scholarships, more faculty, more student admits. Not necessarily more comfort.

From my perspective discomfort is a good thing. Discomfort is a sign that something is wrong.

Clearly there is much that is wrong on our campuses and in our nation. Racism is alive and well, though it shows itself in different forms than it did decades ago. The signs don’t say “white� or “colored� anymore. Few “civilized� whites use the n— word, but expletives are hardly necessary when there is a coded language of exclusion.

Too many of us prefer complacency to discomfort. We prefer to think that everything is fine. Too many would like to pretend that inequality and injustice are minor matters until a headline shakes us out of complacency – a young man shot

16 times while he is on his back, a young woman supposedly hanging herself in a jail cell. Then there is protest, and anger, and rage. Still, too little done to develop a sustainable attack on the racism that plagues our nation. Student activists of 2015 could learn from the sixties activists, and they can also teach “mainstream� leaders twenty-first century organizing techniques.

And across generations, there must be teaching and learning about complacency and discomfort, about what change looks like, and about what people are willing to give up to get change.

This 2016 election year promises lots of conversation about justice and change. Some political leaders will talk of “overregulation�, while others will suggest that we must pass new laws. Some will suggest that affirmative action is no longer necessary, while others are clear that there remains unequal access to higher education.

When questions of law are debated, I find it useful to consider Dr. King’s view of law – it won’t make you love me, but it will keep you from lynching me and, as he said, “that’s pretty important�.

Dr. King described himself as a “drum major for justice�, not a drum major for comfort. The campus activists who are raising critical questions are motivated by justice and cannot allow themselves to be sidelined with conversations about comfort. Comfort will always be elusive in a racist society.

And that’s a good thing.

We need good journalists and better journalism

The Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (formerly the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators) will present its annual Urban Journalism Workshop for high school a Baccus and college students in 2016.

Advertising sales@texasmetronews.com This 12-week workshop is open to students in Dallas, Tarrant, Ellis, Collin and Denton counties. Students receive handsEditorial submissions on experience working with seasoned professionals who editorial@texasmetronews.com have gained a reputation locally and nationally, as well as !VAILABLE AT .EWSSTANDS IN internationally.

Calendar

Garland,Rowlett

calendar@texasmetronews.com

The program, which emulates one started by George Curry,

Mesquite

Gerald Boyd and other members of the Greater St. Louis Richardson Association of Black Journalists in St. Louis, has graduated & E.Dallas students who have gone on to anchor newscasts, edit newspapers, open public relations firms and produce radio shows.

972) 926-8503 $45.00 Fax (903) 450-1397 1 Year Subscription $45.00 Mr. Curry visits the Dallas workshop students annually to ar Subscription conduct his “basic training.� Mr. Boyd died of lung cancer in CREDO OF THE BLACK 2006.

PRESS “We’re excited about continuing the tradition that was started almost 30 years ago,� said Eva Coleman, one of the instructors The Black Press believes that for the program. “I am looking forward to working with America can best lead the world students this year.� away from racial and national Ms. Coleman, who teaches radio and television in Frisco ISD antagonisms when it accords will be overseeing the radio and television segments of the to every person, regardless workshop, pulling together experts in the field. of race, color or creed, full Previous speakers have included: Dallas County Commissioner human and legal rights. Hating John Wiley Price, former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, Senator Royce West, Star-Telegram editor and columnist Bob Ray Sanders, no person, fearing no person, Dallas Morning News columnist Norma Adams Wade, Our Texas the Black Press strives to help Publisher General Berry, PR gurus Lyria Howland and Rose every person in the firm belief Gafford, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Irwin Thompson, that all are hurt as long as K104’s Sam Putney, 97.9’s Gary with the T, Dallas Examiner anyone is held back.

Publisher Mollie Belt, Producer Haile Gerima and Dallas Weekly Publisher James A. Washington.

CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION MB Distribution

Free - Take One

EDITORIAL

W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M

Free - Take One

ONE AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN’S OPINION

By Cheryl Smith Ms. Smith, who has been with the program since its inception, took over the directorship in the mid 90s and continued through 2004. Ms. Smith returned to the program as director in 2007.

At the conclusion of the workshop, the students will participate in a closing ceremony where they will present a newspaper, television and radio broad-casts, a website and a special project.

Here’s what a few alumni had to say about the program: Kevin Abercrombia - I am a former student of the DFW-ABJ workshop. It is a great experience when it comes to journalism.

The other thing is you have a great mentor in Ms Smith, who will be in your corner no matter what.The one thing I gained from the workshop is experience, getting to do live newscasts at Channel 5, learning to write news scripts, getting to write article for the workshop newspaper and most importantly, doing protocol. So if you are looking to step up your game and come out of your shell the workshop is the best way to do that. Speaking as a person who was shy and reserved, the DFW/ABJ workshop helped me gain confidence in myself.

Alecia Thompson - I used the lessons and the connections that I gained in this great workshop throughout my 14 years in radio and, actually, to this day. From how to introduce myself to how to conduct an interview to how to write and produce a story from start to finish for talk radio. The friendships, the professional networking relationships that goes well beyond the actual workshop are not only priceless but, are very beneficial in

whatever path you take in life. I am so glad that I invested myself in this workshop and appreciate, from the bottom of my heart, the people and the hard work as well as the fact that this even exists!

Andre Smith - As a member of the journalism workshop I learned many trades that I still use to this day. From public speaking, to asking the real questions. Along with learning how to network, and when taking photos “get in there�. To always double shoot, because it is better to have two to choose from.

Royle King - Wouldn’t be where I am today without this program! This is definitely the real deal!

Jeremy Erwin - I learned the importance of punctuality, a firm handshake, and professionalism. I was informed on what’s appropriate and inappropriate. I got the tools necessary to build a foundation for leadership. I was 15 years old having professional conversations with commissioner John wiley price, senator Royse west, news anchors, and hosts. Those opportunities made it easy for me to now have professional conversations and meetings with A list celebs and execs in Hollywood. This workshop prepared me for the real deal. It’s definitely worth the TIME! Because after all, it’s Free.

Gray Hall - This is where it all started for me. The workshop is more than worth its weight in gold. I am surprised it is still FREE. Please take advantage of this life changing experience.

Angela Lang - Through this program, I gained experience, friends, mentors, and great memories! It’s a great opportunity for young people who are interested in journalism to make contacts, get real world experience, and have a lot of fun! It’s tough!

Remember those weekly current events quizzes? But will get you ready for college and a career in journalism.

For more information about the workshop, call 214-9410110. Applications must be turned in by January 21, 2016.

Mail completed applications to: DFWABJ 320 South R.L. Thornton Frwy #220A Dallas, TX 75203

PERSPECTIVES

W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M

JANUARY 15, 2016

5

HALL: Cracking is up!

Quit Playin’ Vincent L. Hall Vincent L. Hall is an author and award-winning columnist.

“These are guys with the name D-Money, Smoothie, Shifty – these types of guys – they come from Connecticut and New York, they come up here, they sell their heroin, they go back home,” LePage (the Governor of Maine) told a large crowd. “Incidentally, half the time they impregnate a young white girl before they leave, which is a real sad thing because then we have another issue we have to deal with down the road.”

This statement epitomizes what Dr. Michael Eric Dyson would call “Crackerism or the “Crackerocracy.

Don’t get it twisted; when you hear the Far Right and Conservatives bemoaning “Political Correctness” on Fox News, this is what they’re

talking about. They hate being forced to render racism by code rather than rationing it in simple terms like they could back in the day.

These are the same hard-line White folks and Uncle Ben Carson types who long for the trumpeted Trumpian vision of “Making America Great Again.”

They want those days of yesteryear when you could call a spade a spade and ignore the fact that you made “Spade” a pejorative against a whole race of people.

The Crackerocracy feel that they are being “put upon” because they can’t openly call out “Faggots”, “Wetbacks,” or “Towel Heads.”

They feel it an infringement that women

demand to be treated as equals and not just gals, dames or broads.

The Crackerocracy doesn’t feel the need to adjust their first amendment rights for the sake of cultural preferences or perceived respect.

They don’t feel the need to acquiesce unless or until of course, they want to be enriched or be elected by minorities, women and the LGBT classes.

According to the Portland (Maine) Press Herald; “Gov. Paul LePage responded Friday to the firestorm that erupted after he said drug dealers coming to Maine were impregnating young white girls, admitting to making “one slip” in the comment before going on to blame the media for implying that the remark was racist.

The governor apologized to women in Maine during a 25-minute news conference, saying his statement wasn’t intended to single out race or a particular group of women.

He said that he isn’t “smart enough” to deliberately tap old racial tensions about black men and white women and blamed the media for making that connection in its

GOVS. LEPAGE AND CHRISTIE

coverage of his remark, which continued to ricochet across the national media landscape.”

Here’s another ploy of the Crackerocracy…

Act dumb.

In the movie “Ray”, Ray Charles called it playing “Country dumb,” which effectively meant to act like you don’t know in order to co-opt those who think they do know.

The State of Maine is 1.1% Black and LePage is not new to this game. He has left a plethora of unpopular and politically incorrect pop-offs in his wake. GOP presidential

candidate, Chris Christie admitted as much as he pledged his continued support of LePage.

“Tell them to kiss my butt,” LePage said with a large smile, according to video by WCSH6. Dan Demeritt, LePage’s spokesman, had said the Republican governor was unable to attend a 2011 NAACP dinner honoring Dr. King in Portland on Sunday because of personal commitments and a NAACP breakfast in Orono on Monday because he plans to attend the funeral for a former state trooper.

But leaders of the NAACP pointed out in news reports published Friday that LePage had declined numerous invitations from the organization.

“They’re a special interest, end of story, and I’m not going to be held hostage by a special interest,” LePage said.”

Whether from Maine, Manhattan or Montgomery, plain spoken racism is becoming more and more invaluable to the Crackerocracy.

Cracking is definitely on the upswing.

Black Head Coaches -- College Football’s Last Frontier percent and 63 percent.

“Around the same TRUTH TO POWER time, college football writers were praising

By George E. Curry the University of Iowa George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge for its patience with magazine and editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper head coach Kirk Ferentz, Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He is a keynote who is being lauded for speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com. You can also his performance this follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge and George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook. year.

Ferentz has an overall winning percentage This season’s national college football championship has been decided, but no one of 60 percent, and a conference winning knows how much longer we must continue percentage of 56 percent. Ferentz is in his to wait until the head coaching ranks are no 17th season at Iowa. Before this current longer largely reserved for White males, even 12-1 season, his overall those who have been failures at other schools. winning percentage was Although Blacks were 53.4 percent of 58 percent - comparable Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) players to McNeill’s.

“Iowa, however, had going into the 2015-16 football season, only 13 (10.2 percent) of the head coaches were to endure seasons where African Americans, according to The Institute Ferentz won one, three for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES) at the and four games. McNeill never won fewer than University of South Florida. five.

As any knowledgeable To make matters worse, Black and White coaches with similar records often face starkly college football fan knows, East Carolina’s different futures.

Writing in the Washington Post, Donald H. budget is not even half of Yee wrote, “Last week, one of the few black Iowa’s. McNeill’s salary at head football coaches in the NCAA’s Football East Carolina wasn’t even within the top 60 Bowl Subdivision, Ruffin McNeill at East in the country, while Ferentz has perennially Carolina University, was fired. His record was been one of college football’s highest paid 42-34, along with a 30-18 conference record. coaches.

“McNeill, clearly, was not treated with the The winning percentages, respectively, are 55

same patience Iowa showed Ferentz.”

Bowling Green State University announced that it has hired Mike Jinks, an associate head coach at Texas Tech University, as its new head coach. With McNeill’s firing and the hiring of Jinks, there are now 10 Black head coaches among the 128 coaches in the Football Bowl Subdivision - less than 8 percent.

The 10 Black coaches are: James Franklin, Penn State; Darrell Hazell, Purdue; Curtis Johnson, Tulane; Mike London, Virginia; Derek Mason, Vanderbilt; Trent Miles, Georgia State; David Shaw, Stanford ; Charlie Strong, Texas; Kevin Sumlin and Willie Taggert, South Florida.

For example, Mike Price was fired for visiting a strip club before he could assume the job as head football coach at the University of Alabama. Still, he was able to land a job as head coach at the University of Texas-El Paso. After it was discovered that George O’Leary lied on his resume at Notre Dame, he was hired as head coach at the University of Central Florida. And Larry Eustachy’s problems at Iowa State included acknowledging that he was “a recovering alcoholic,” but that didn’t prevent him from getting the top job at Southern Mississippi.

Some Black coaches have been spectacular yet remain underrated. David Shaw, whose Stanford team trounced Iowa in this year’s Rose Bowl 45-16, is a perfect example.

Under Shaw, no Pac-12 program had more players drafted in the past four years, including Andrew Luck, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2012 NFL draft.

Stanford’s website catalogues the university’s recent success: “... three Pac-12 football championships in four years, five BCS/New Year’s Six bowls in a six-year span, all combined with an NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 99 percent, leading all major-college football programs.”

Black coaches in the NFL are often

Black coaches in the NFL are often underappreciated. If there were any questions about the skills of Black coaches, they should have been permanently put to rest in 2007 when the Indianapolis Colts, under Tony Dungy, squared off against Lovie Smith’s Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI. It was the first time two African American coaches met on football’s ultimate stage.

Many Black coaches labor for years as assistants before getting a chance at the top job. However, many White coaches who fall from grace quickly get second and third chances.

underappreciated. If there were any questions about the skills of Black coaches, they should have been permanently put to rest in 2007 when the Indianapolis Colts, under Tony Dungy, squared off against Lovie Smith’s Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI. It was the first time two African American coaches met on football’s ultimate stage.

To its credit, the NFL established the Rooney Rule in 2003 that requires each NFL team to interview at least one minority candidate for each head coaching vacancy.

In 2009, the requirement was expanded to include interviews for general managers and similar positions. Unfortunately, universities don’t have a similar requirement. But the problem extends beyond the sidelines, which might explain why it’s so difficult for Black coaches to get a fair shake.

As Richard Lapchick, director of The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport, said, “This year’s increase is so discouraging. At a time when almost all colleges and universities say they emphasize diversity and inclusion as core values, the fact is that in the 2015-16 report, 89.8 percent of our presidents were white, 86.7 percent of our athletics directors were white, and 100 percent of our conference commissioners were white. In those positions, 78.9, 79.7, and 90 percent were white men, respectively. Overall, whites held 342 (88.8 percent) of the 385 campus leadership positions reported in this study, which was an increase from 88.2 percent in 2014. Whose America do these statistics reflect?”

This is no time for hypocrisy. Please remember the dream and the DREAMER!

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JANUARY 15, 2016

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W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M

JANUARY 15, 2016

A New Year to Get Up and Try Again Spiritually Speaking

by James A. Washington Every now and then, more now than then, I fall into the trap that lets me know my faith walk needs work. I do realize that I am in a constant state of effort and often come up short in what I believe should be a sincere attempt to “do it right.” At these times, I am more than a little frustrated because I can find numerous opportunities to be more Christian, as I am forced to acknowledge even more instances of un-Christian behavior. Everyday I can see things that I should have done with more compassion, people whom I should have engaged from a more Jesus like perspective and certainly thoughts that really have no business running through the mind of a so called practicing child of God. If I think about this long enough, it can really become depressing. Flawed I am and flawed I will always be.

One of the beautiful things about prayer, in this instance, is its unique ability to open one’s eyes to the wonderful nature of God’s eternal love for His children.

Before Being Saved (B. S.), it really didn’t matter how I responded to my own insensitivity, cruelty or petty jealousies. My ego was still intact. I would survive, because if nothing else, I am a survivor. After being saved (A. S.), however, it really began to matter how I navigated this thing we call life. From that perspective, things like honesty, integrity, compassion, simple courtesy, truth and even the ‘f’ word, forgiveness, all, came into play. Once you’ve been enlightened by the Holy Spirit, you cannot

react to this world as you once did. Scripture is clear on this.

When the day of the Lord comes, we have an obligation to meet it with what I trust will be enlightened behavior; behavior built upon the foundation of love and kindness.

What I’m speaking about is not as far fetched as it sounds.

Through prayer, it becomes obvious where individual improvement can be achieved. I can’t write the entire scripture but read Ephesians 4:175:21 and you’ll begin to see a hint of how you can and should live. The truth is God expects your best effort. He admires and loves your diligence in seeking His face. It’s sort of like following footprints in the snow and a huge snow storm develops.

The footprints remain because they were placed there by Christ.

Regardless of how fierce the storm gets, our job is to stay the course.

If you know this, then you can’t feel good about

reckless behavior or an unforgiving spirit. The point is you know better. The truth is God knows that you know better.

Prayer keeps and puts everything else then into divine focus. “You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds and to put on the new self, created to be like God in

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true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24. I can do this. You can too. I have to at least try. The beauty in all this is even if I fail today, I can try again tomorrow and so can you. . You see it’s still all about the grace of the Lord.

His blessings be upon you. Find peace in this fact of faith.

May God bless and keep you always.

N

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JANUARY 15, 2016

W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M

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JANUARY 15, 2016

IN MEMORIAM

W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M

Remembering Cooper, Welsing, Cole and Allen-Henderson

By Herb Boyd New York Correspondent George Curry Media

NEW YORK - The end of the year and the beginning of a new one always is a moment to look back to what might have been and to look forward to what may be. Amid this flip of the calendar and tick of the clock we lost four remarkable Black women, and while they may not have been equal in public notice, they all possessed a life and legacy worth recalling-and never forgetting.

Jocelyn Cooper, an indomitable force in Brooklyn's politics for decades, was the first to make her transition. Cooper, 86, joined the ancestors on Dec. 21 and it was her ceaseless community activism and organizing that paved the way for such formidable political leaders as Shirley Chisholm, the nation's first African American female congresswoman.

Cooper was also a force in the world of media, inspiring and assisting her late husband, Andrew, in the launching and establishing The City Sun newspaper that offered a hard-hitting, take-no-prisoners approach to coverage of Black and White affairs. Although she possessed a bachelor's and master's degree in social work from Adelphi University, Cooper devoted most of her time to the political and economic aspects of Black livelihood, never conceding an inch of her powerful integrity.

Reports of the death of Billie Allen-Henderson Dec. 29 in Manhattan at 89 reverberated with sorrow, particularly in theatrical circles. She was best known as Billie Allen before her marriage to musical great Luther Henderson, who died in 2003.

Under this name, she gained acclaim in practically every realm of performance from stage, screen, and television. And she also earned wide praise for her skill as a director.

Many in the Harlem community recall the role she played in founding the Frank Silvera Writers' workshop, which she did with the able assistance of Morgan Freeman, Garland Lee

County Commissioner El Franco Lee, 66 The Hon. El Franco Lee, a native Houstonian, reared in the Kashmere Gardens section in the City of Houston, was remembered recently. A graduate of Phillis Wheatley Senior High School, earning a B.S. Degree from the School of Technology at Texas Southern University~Houston, he completed related courses at the University of Houston.

Commissioner Lee began his political career in 1979 when he was elected Texas State Representative for District 142 where he served for five years. In 1985, Commissioner Lee was elected and sworn in as the first African American Harris County Commissioner, where he is currently serving his seventh term in office.

Lee was a great advocate of partnerships. Through partnering with various entities, his precinct has benefited through the process of combining resources toward a common cause, thus resulting in the enhancement of quality services and an increase in the numbers served.

Although Lee has one of the most active Seniors Programs involving initiatives such as Health & Fitness, Arts & Crafts, Piano/Computer Tutorials, Gardening, Tours/Transportation, Annual-Holiday Celebrations, and other special programming such as the Seniors Drama Group, and the Seniors Readings and “In Our Own Words” Writing Workshops, he has continued his passion and emphases on youth initiatives through the creation and expansion of the Northeast Adolescent Program (NEAP) that started in 1990. NEAP is the result of a partnership between Harris County Precinct One, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston ISD, Harris County Hospital District, March of Dimes, Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services, Aldine ISD and North Forest ISD, created as a pilot program to address the high rates of teen pregnancy and infant mortality in the inner city. Currently in its fourteenth year, NEAP now serves several thousand youth

Thompson, and Clayton Riley. She was a generous off stage as on, often opening her home for aspiring actors and playwrights to present their latest creative efforts.

On this latter point is the response of playwright and Professor Michael Dinwiddie's recollection upon hearing of Allen's passing. "Billie was a wonderful person who went out of her way to help others," he wrote in an email. "She has impacted many of the people working in the American theatre today. Her co-founding of the Frank Silvera Writers' Workshop, Natalie Cole, 65 the League of Professional Theatre Women and her work with the Tony Awards nominating board was all about giving access to others -- those who had been excluded from the mainstream of the American theatre.

I certainly owe her a great debt. Because of Billie, I became a Tony nominator (2007-2010). She was a person of inimitable style and grace.

"On a more personal note," he added, "she opened her fabulous duplex apartment to me for my wedding to Vincent Parham in 2013. Vincent and I had decided to simply go down to City Hall for the ceremony. But Billie insisted. 'Nothing's too good for my boys!' And before we knew it, we were swept up in her wonderful spirit. The wedding was beautiful, and Billie did everything to make it memorable. She didn't harbor any of the ridiculous biases one sometimes find among other generations.

That gives you an idea of how progressive and modern she was! Vincent and I will miss her warmth, her humor, and her delectable conversation."

Dinwiddie, an accomplished pianist and vocalist, at Allen's

each year through the teen health clinics that are located within his precinct area.

Aside from his official county duties, Commissioner Lee has been active in a number of community outreach programs. He has worked with the Urban Outreach Program, and the Northeast and Metro branches of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). He has also helped to raise funds for a number of charitable organizations, including the American Diabetes and March of Dimes Associations, and the Live Oak Fund.

Commissioner Lee and wife, Ethel Kaye have two children.

“I’m shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Harris County Commissioner El Franco Lee,” said Texas State Sen. Rodney Ellis (D-Houston). “El Franco was a personal friend and mentor – someone I always turned to when considering big decisions in my life, so I’ll miss him greatly.

“His legacy will be that of public service, as he was always a stalwart advocate for Harris County and Precinct One. He positively impacted the lives of countless residents each year, whether through the Street Olympics, public park upgrades, or senior programs. El Franco used the power of his office for the greater public good, and our community is better off thanks to his dedication and desire to serve.”

Nicholas was born April 6, 1944 in Loma Linda, California. He and Marcus Hutson created a group called “the Eden Trio.” Later, they were renamed “The Whispers” by Lou Bedell of Dore Records.

The Whispers formed in 1964 in Watts, California. The original members included the twin brothers, Wallace “Scotty” and Walter Scott, along with Gordy Harmon, Marcus Hutson and Nicholas Caldwell. In 1973, Harmon was replaced by former Friends of Distinction member Leaveil Degree. Scotty Scott’s fluid, melodic voice is featured on virtually all of their hits.

Known for his smooth moves on stage, Nicholas wrote the neoclassic song, “Lady.” It is still a favorite at concerts.

The Whispers have Seven Gold Albums, Two Platinum Albums, 12 Top Twenty Singles, 40 Charted Hits Since 1970, American Music Award Nominees, Soul Train Award Nominees, Grammy Award Nominees 2003 Vocal Group Hall of Fame Inductees, 2005 Regional Grammy Governors Award, 2002 NAACP Image Award.

Most of the group’s choreography is done by Nicholas, who is also The Whispers’ invaluable second tenor, Reared in Southern California, Nicholas got most of his basic vocal training from singing in glee clubs in high school. “Getting a chance to do the choreography for The Whispers is really a fantastic experience,” said Nicholas. “Every member of the group can really dance well, including acrobatic and tap dancing.”

Songwriter, choreographer, singer Nicholas Caldwell, 71 Nicholas Caldwell was a founding member of the group, The Whispers. With a consistent track record of hit records dating back to the late 1960s, The Whispers were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003 and were winners of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation’s prestigious Pioneer Award in 2008.

The group was inducted into The SoulMusic Hall Of Fame at SoulMusic.com December 2012.

Dr. Frances Cress Welsing, 80

request often performed at her parties and during special moments at her home.

Allen's passing has thus far gone almost without notice compared to the coverage given vocalist Natalie Cole. The daughter of the great Nat King Cole with whom she renewed her place at the top of the musical charts with their recreated version of "Unforgettable" in 1991, Natalie died on Dec. 31 in Los Angeles. She was 65 and over the years battled with a number of addictions, including heroin. For many years she refused to surrender to an innate singing talent, choosing not to follow in her the footsteps of a father and mother and their fame as performers.

But once she relented she was Grammy bound (nine of them) and was often compared to Aretha Franklin for her stirring

Songwriter, musician, singer David Bowie, 69 David Robert Jones was born in Brixton on January 8, 1947. At age 13, inspired by the jazz of the London West End, he picked up the saxophone and called up Ronnie Ross for lessons. Early bands he played with – The Kon-Rads, The King Bees, the Mannish Boys and the Lower Third –provided him with an introduction into the showy world

rendition of pop, soul, and rhythm and blues repertories. Few will forget "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" from an album that won her two Grammys in 1975, including one for best female R&B performer that year. That was just the beginning of a phenomenal career that managed to soar despite the menace of drug abuse.

Dr. Frances Cress Welsing is the last of these outstanding Black women to leave us amid the holiday celebrations. Welsing, best known for her book The Isis Papers-The Keys to the Colors (Third World Press), made her transition on Jan. 2 following a stroke in Washington, D.C. She was 80. A prominent figure in Black Nationalist and Afrocentric circles for her theories of white supremacy and dominance of melanin, she never wavered in her challenge to racism and discrimination. It was as a trained psychiatrist that she began formulating her theories that were given wider circulation by a coterie of colleagues, including Neely Fuller, Jr., Bobby Wright, Haki Madhubuti, Leonard Jeffries, Molefi Asante, et al.

Her Cress theory was the touchstone for a generation of African American activists determined to overthrow the domination of European racism. At the close of The Isis Papers, she elaborated on the propagation of AIDS holocaust. "As truth always surfaces, in time we will know the full details of the massive deception of the AIDS holocaust, when the current 'Big Lie' is unveiled."

Donald Smith expressed his deep admiration and respect for Dr. Welsing, recalling "her work, and featuring her at the Annual Conference of the National Alliance of Black School Educators when I was president."

Essential to these Black women was a quest for the truth and for wisdom - and we are the collective benefactors of their singular gifts. And we should not forget to remember them.

of pop and mod, and by 1966 he was David Bowie, with long hair and aspirations of stardom rustling about his head. Kenneth Pitt signed on as his manager, and his career began with a handful of mostly forgotten singles but a head full of ideas. It was not until 1969 that the splash onto the charts would begin, with the legendary Space Oddity (which peaked at No. 5 in the UK).

Amidst his musical wanderings in the late 60s, he experimented with mixed media, cinema, mime, Tibetan Buddhism, acting and love. The album, originally titled David Bowie then subsequently Man of Words, Man of Music, pays homage to all the influences of the London artistic scene. It shows the early song-writing talent that was yet to yield some of rock-n-roll’s finest work, even if it would take the rest of the world a few years to catch up with him.

David was voted as the biggest music star of the 20th century, beating Mick Jagger and Noel Gallagher, by readers of The Sun newspaper. In the same month David was voted the sixth Greatest Star of The Century by Q Magazine and its readers. In this poll David was the third highest-ranking star who is still alive.

He died on January 10, 2016 and according to reports he was to be cremated and a private ceremony held.

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JANUARY 15, 2016

DFW-ABJ Annual Mixer honors media giants The Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists recently held its annual mixer sponsored by AT&T, American Airlines and the Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation.

Many are unaware of the invaluable work of our members but you’re going to hear more from us in 2016 as we celebrate 35 years.

We have the Urban Journalism Workshop that begins in January and we want all of your help as we train aspiring journalists.

We have scholarship applications, along with membership applications for DFWABJ. We also will be doing a community access forum - How to get into the News without Committing Murder. There’s our Griot Awards that will be revamped and our 35th anniversary celebration. Check out our website www.dfwabj.com and our facebook pages for meeting dates and events.

Our new calendar comes out in two weeks.

At the event we collected clothing and money for Minnie’s Pantry. Dr. Cheryl “Action” Jackson continues to feed one mouth at a time. Those who haven’t written a story or reported on her, please help spread the word when someone like Dr. Jackson is doing such great things.

We honored some wonderful people presenting them with Honorary Lifetime Membership in DFW-ABJ: Demond Fernandez, a stellar reporter and active member is a mentor, who believes in our youth. One of his stories won a National Association of Black Journalists Salute to Excellence Award this summer.

Mollie Belt couldn’t be with us because of the wake for her husband, Atty. James Belt Jr. Our prayers are with the Belt Family. A former Community Service Award winner for the National Association of Black Journalists, the Dallas Examiner has won numerous awards and this past summer the Dallas Examiner won two Salute to Excellence Awards.

We also observed a moment of silence in honor of James Belt, Jr. John McCaa is a former president of the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators (now Journalists) and the Press Club of Dallas. He has been at WFAATV for over 25 years and he is a long-time member of the National Association of Black Journalists. This year he received his Ph.D in Philosophy from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Bob Ray Sanders is the dean of area journalists! Bob Ray recently retired as an editor and columnist with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He excelled in convergence, because before we knew anything about the word -- he was writing for newspapers, reporting and producing shows for television and hosting a radio talk show. He also taught at the collegiate level.

Robert Mong is the editor emeritus of the Dallas Morning News and he had a brief retirement before assuming the helm as the president of the University of North TexasDallas.

Bob is a friend to aspiring journalists and prior to his appointment at UNT, I was called asking my thoughts about him at UNT and I talked candidly about the commitment I saw from him, decades ago and right up to today.

Bob cares about young people and he cares about the world we live in. We’re excited that he’s continuing to make a difference in the lives of others.

Norma Adams-Wade is one of the 44 founders of NABJ. There are no words to adequately address all of the contributions that Norma has made to journalism, society and this world.

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Her words have touched the lives of millions and although she could be retired and on an island, she continues to share her wealth of information with the world.

In addition to life membership in DFWABJ, Norma we are flying her to NABJ’s National Convention this summer in Washington, DC, where she will join other NABJ founders.

Guess what?

DFW ABJ is about scholarships and one of our stellar Urban Journalism Workshop participants received a scholarship.

Jershayla Johnson is a freshman at the University of Houston and she is a born leader.

To close out the program Clarence Hill Jr., Dallas Cowboys beat reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and a strong member of DFWABJ and NABJ, also serving on the Sports Task Force led a discussion with one of the greatest Florida A&M University Rattlers of all time, former Dallas Cowboy Nate Newton.

It was a great event and we are making a nice contribution to Minnie’s We are also looking forward to a great year in 2016. Join us!

Cheryl

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JANUARY 15, 2016

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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?

CALENDAR January 15 HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

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Terry and Rahsaan Patterson.

January 18 Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Festival Fair Park at 10a.m.

January 21

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC.

Black Music Civil Rights Movement Concert at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St, featuring Tony Terry and Rahsaan Patterson.

Student performance 10am on Friday. Public Performance 730pm on Sunday ********** Dallas Civil Rights Museum (DCRM) will host an Open House as part of the MLK Jr. Community Center’s 34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration.

The highlight of the Open House will be a presentation by Southern Methodist University (SMU) of the March 17, 1966, transcript of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech at SMU. SMU graduate Charles Cox, who met Dr. King at Love Field in 1966, SMU’s Black Student Association leaders and Student Senate leaders will make the presentation.

The Dallas Civil Rights Museum - Open House Friday, January 15, 2016 — 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM SMU Presentation 4:30 PM 2922 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd - Building A Dallas, TX 75215 Following the SMU presentation, guided tours will be conducted of the permanent exhibit, and the Pathway to Freedom Exhibition.

For more information about the Open House on January 15, 2016, please contact: Emma Rodgers at: esrodgers1@gmail.com; or Nancy George in reference to the SMU presentation at : ngeorge@mail.smu.edu ###### Friday and Saturday Comedy at the Muse Theater at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, featuring Damon Williams at 9p.m.

January 16 Annual King Banquet, featuring Dr. Jamal Bryant at the Hyatt Regency Dallas.

January 17 Black Music Civil Rights Movement Concert at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St, featuring Tony

Oak Cliff Chamber for its Annual Awards & VIP Reception, "Spotlighting the Cliff." Featuring Master of Ceremony, Rep. Rafael Anchia, the Awards Ceremony will recognize the best Oak Cliff businesses, organizations and individuals in 2015 for their achievements, community contributions and milestones.

Bishop Arts Theatre Center 215 Tyler Street, Dallas, TX 75208

Jan. 21-Feb. 13 Garland Civic Theatre presents the hardboiled mystery, "The Man with Bogart's Face"

by Andrew J. Fenady. Full of twists, turns, intrigue and deadly danger, this play's heart is a loving tribute to the private eye mysteries rooted in classic Hollywood film noir. "The Man with Bogart's Face" will run Fridays and Saturdays, Jan. 22-Feb. 13 at 8 p.m., with Sunday performances on Jan. 24 and 31 at 2:30 p.m. There is a Thursday performance on January 21 at 7:30 p.m. Granville Arts Center Small Theatre, 300 N. Fifth Street Tickets: $22 at GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com or 972-205-2790.

January 21 Balch Springs Chamber of Commerce 1st Network Luncheon for 2016 Guest Speaker Leslie Hassler of Your Biz Rules Topic: "Five Rules of Growth: What You Need to Know to Build Your Business Quickly & Profitably" Time: 11:30 AM In her talk, "The Five Rules of Growth: What You Need to Know to Build Your Business Quickly and Profitably," Leslie will teach your members:

How use seven figures to generate a six-figure income Why they must learn to delegate and leverage - even if they're a one-person company How to maintain a healthy balance between growing a business and having a life

January 22 -23

Friday, January 22, 2016 @ 8:15pm Saturday, January 23, 2016 @ 3:15 & 8:15pm Clarence Muse Cafe Theater Dallas Convention Center Theater Complex Admission - $16.50

January 23 and 24 The USA Film Festival announces the schedule of events for the 32nd annual KidFilm® Festival taking place Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 24, 2016 at the Angelika Film Center, 5321 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas. All programs will

be presented FREE to the community. KidFilm is the oldest and largest-attended children’s film festival in the United States, featuring an entertaining, educational, and diverse line-up of new and classic films for both children and adults.

JANUARY 15, 2016

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is Marjorie McColl Petty, J.D., M.S., Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

January 25 The H. Paxton Moore Fine Art Gallery at El Centro College presents: Trans.lation Vickery Meadow January 25 – February 17, 2016 H. Paxton Moore Fine Art Gallery Reception: Thursday, January 28 from 3-5 p.m.

Workshop: Wednesday, February 10 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

January 27 Dallas Theater Center Presents Romeo and Juliet

by William Shakespeare Directed by Joel Ferrell

Kalita Humphreys Theater, Dallas Theater Center • 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd., at the corner of Blackburn and Turtle Creek

Previews: Jan. 27- Feb. 4 • Full Run: Jan. 27 – Feb. 28

January 30 Nontombi Naomi Tutu the daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, will speak at 1:00PM at The Black Academy of Arts & Letters (TBAAL) 1309 Canton Street Dallas, Texas 75202 (Corner of Canton & Akard St).

John McCaa WFAA-TV News Anchor will act as Master of Ceremonies.

Tickets $10 call 214-743-2400 Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is celebrating the founding of the public service organization with a financial expert, Carla A. Harris, as the keynote speaker.

Attendees at the public event will surely have finance questions for this Vice Chairman, Wealth Management, Managing Director and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley when she joins her sorority sisters for this year’s program, Saturday, January 30, 2016, 11:30a.m., at the Dallas Hyatt Regency Hotel, 300 Reunion Blvd. Dallas.

Considered one of the most powerful women in business, Ms. Harris is an honors graduate of Harvard University and in August 2013, she was appointed by President Obama to chair the National Women’s Business Council.

Ms. Harris will join Dallas Alumnae Chapter president Tonya Derrick as the organization recognizes 50 and 25 year honorees for their service to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Also on hand for the 103 anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the 92nd anniversary of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter

February 3 DBCC Power Lunch!

Bill J Priest Institute 1402 Corinth Street Dallas 75215 1-3pm February 3, 2016 Understanding Government Contracting

February 6 Straight Talk about the use of the “N-Word” with Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters.

February 10

Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey Into Night, running February 10th - March 6th. All evening performance for this show will start at 7:30 at the Undermain Theatre

February 13

AMOUD FOUNDATION ANNUAL FUNDRAISER at 6:30 PM

February 14

12th Annual Dallas Blues Festival featuring Latimore, Sir Charles Jones, Theodis Ealey, TK Soul, Shirley Brown, Cupid, Bobby Rush Sun, Feb 14, 2016 - 6:00PM Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie 1001 Performance Place Grand Prairie, TX 75050

February 17

DBCC Power Lunch!

Bill J Priest Institute 1402 Corinth Street Dallas 75215 1-3pm February 17, 2016 Understanding the RFP &RFB Process

February 20

UNCF Masked Ball at the Sheraton Dallas featuring Envogue Hotel. Call 972-234-1007 for tickets.

February 26

New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church will host its 11th Annual Raymond B. Spencer Scholarship banquet on February 26th 2016, at 7:00 p.m. at the Fort Worth Hilton Hotel.

The Featured keynote speaker will be Dr.

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JANUARY 15, 2016

Reel-ality TV Talk

10 Biggest Life Lessons in 2015 from the Real Housewives of Atlanta and New Jersey

1-Self-Awareness is Everything: Finding yourself in the same argument or situation multiple times with different people means you’ve issues you need to fix. Kenya Moore (Real Housewives of Atlanta) struggled with this issue since she became a Real Housewife. Over the past year, it grew worse. She consistently requests that people are removed from her space when she gets angry at them. Every time she gets in an argument, it’s someone else’s fault, she’s always the victim - at least in her mind.

The interesting part of this is, the other housewives are noticing the consistent bad habits and are sick of it. Ironically, Kenya introduced Kim Fields on the show this season, and Kim’s not having it. In a tasteful way, she calls Kenya out on her stuff. I have a feeling that this season, Kenya will have to look in the mirror and change.

2-Personal Responsibility will happen one way or the other: Teresa Giudice (Real Housewives of New Jersey) is notorious for not owning her stuff. One of the original RHONJ, she found herself in some legal hot water that resulted in prison time for her and her husband. Has she truly changed? We will find out in time, but she’s not off to the greatest start.

She left prison and arrived home to see a fancy Lexus SUV wrapped in a bow parked in front of her home. This became a big part of the news story about her return home (unavoidable) and now fans are outraged about what seems to be a lesson not learned. I have mixed feeling about this, I think if she needed a car, she’s free to choose what that is.

At the same time, however, it’s not smart to rub your expensive things in front of the world so soon after being released from prison for financial mischief. I just pray for their children’s sake, the lesson is learned.

3-Be Real from the Beginning: If you are loud and proud, own it, especially in a relationship. Otherwise, you are setting it up for failure.

Porsha Williams (Real Housewives of Atlanta) is a completely different person from who she was in her first season. Initially, I thought it was because her husband required her to be a certain type, but I now believe she had a fake persona from the beginning. The fake persona was a Stepford wife; her look was super conservative, everything was about her husband, she seemed to promote her grandfather’s charity in her spare time, etc. The post-divorce Porsha is anything but conservative she’s loud, outrageous, eager to display her body parts and pretty vocal about everything.

I have no problem with this type of persona, it defines a real housewife’s TV personality. I do have a problem with her trying to fool everyone from the beginning. She’s desperate for love and seems to think just being a pretty girl with a great body will get her there. All that does is attract the wrong men with the wrong intentions. Still, it’s extremely entertaining.

4- Success does not erase your past, which will keep showing up: NeNe Leakes (Real Housewives of Atlanta) is a bonafide celebrity. She’s done it all, including sitcoms, movies, Broadway, talk shows, clothes line, you name it.

If we go back to how she became famous, it was from bad behavior; she was cold, rude and unforgiving when it came to defending her point of view. She’s had a record number of physical altercations and made a lot of not-so-great choices on past seasons. She also changed and became more mature as time passed. She walked away from arguments, she excluded herself from potential problem situations and she even tried therapy, though not always successful. I look forward to seeing the newest version of Nene Leakes.

5-Friendship is a delegate thing: When its put up against other big things like money and fame , it does not always win: Phaedra Parks (Real Housewives of Atlanta) is a natural friend and thrives on that connection. Phaedra had a tough 2015, she lost her husband to prison, her credibility is still questioned and she’s struggling with her new normal. Image and success was everything for her since she first debuted on the show. So much so, she lied about little things to keep that perception intact. Now, her ride-or-die chick is no longer a fan and she’s devastated. Kandi tried hard to not choose a side when it came to her husband and her best friend but it was unavoidable. Phaedra entered a business deal with Todd, Kandi’s husband, and she did not complete the business.

In her mind, she thinks Kandi and Todd have more than enough money to settle their obligations. But Kandi has famously dealt with friends not paying for her services and is ultra sensitive about that and must look out for her husband the same way. In addition, Todd is an Apollo fan and that rubs Phaedra the wrong way. It’s a mess and Phaedra is acting out by talking about Kandi behind her back. Again, bad for them, but entertaining for us.

6-Imagine going to the Emmy’s and hosting on the Red Carpet as Real Housewives Of Atlanta’s Porsha Williams did: After becoming a Real Housewife in Atlanta less than five years ago and getting divorced

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LIFESTYLE

By Marquesa LaDawn George Curry Media Columnist

within two years, Porsha deserves happiness. The stepford wife-turned-sassy single serves up gossip every day on TV via Dish Nation as a co-host. She’s made enough of an impact to get an assignment that includes interviewing celebrities as they arrive for the Emmy’s for Dish Nation.

Her Oscar De La Renta gown was beautiful and she loved every minute.

Only one problem I could see: giving her pregnant sister a hard time for, well, being pregnant. She says depends on her sister for everything and now the idea of replacing her is overwhelming. I get that, since I have my own business. But it would serve her best to accept her sister’s new reality and get more support - the baby is coming.

On another note, Porsha finally made up with Kandi after a lot of back and forth with other people. Porsha made a good point about being sensitive to Phaedra’s situation because of her own. They both have or had challenging marriages. I also think Porsha learned to think twice before picking a side.

7- It all starts with daddy issues, even for Real Housewives of Atlanta’s (RHOA) Kenya Moore: I’m understanding Kenya better every season. She clearly has a lot of pain and takes it out on, well, everyone in her path.

We finally met Kenya’s father and learned there has been no relationship for years. Kenya ran away from home at 16 and never returned. Her father explained how much pain that caused him and Kenya explained her choices at the time. The episode ended with Kenya and her father starting a new chapter and a renewed father and daughter relationship.

I don’t know, but we could soon see a new and improved Kenya Moore.

8- Make a decision because being wishy-washy never helps: Cynthia Bailey of RHOA seems to be healing from the heartbreak caused by her husband’s choices, but it’s a work in progress.

Based on her recent appearance on “WWHL with Andy Cohen,” she’s committed to her marriage, no matter how flawed. I want her to be happy while experiencing life on her terms, so yeah Cynthia.

But I want her to make choices in a more decisive manner. On a recent episode, she mentioned doing a production around her eyewear, and hired both Kim Fields and Kenya Moore to do the same job. Really? This is such an awkward position for Kim, since she’s clearly more established than Kenya. But, let’s be honest, Cynthia did it this way to avoid drama and passive communication. I cannot wait to see how this turns out.

9- Business is business: Oh my goodness, why is Phaedra Parks (RHOA) so hypocritical? I’ve always admired the businesswoman in her, the drive. But she seems to set standards for herself that are different for others. Todd, Kandi’s husband, is an accomplished producer, yet Phaedra does not seem to respect him. She expects Todd to forget about money that she owes him.

I loved that Todd puled out the paperwork and terms to augment his argument. For some reason, Phaedra is still in denial. I do have sympathy for her situation. In the same breath, she took that risk when she married an ex-con. She never owns her stuff and blasts others for taking care of their business. Ugh, hopefully things will get better and she’ll become that professional I once respected.

10- The world does not revolve around you and your needs:I understand the culture in Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills is part entitlement, but really? Lisa Vanderpump is being the ultimate diva this season. She buys a special pony for her husband Ken’s 70th birthday. She then indirectly insults the newest Beverly Hills Housewife for marrying a man way older than her. Didn’t you do the same thing Lisa?

On the most recent episode, she’s flown to the Hamptons to be honored for being a cover star of a magazine. Nice, right, and she invites her fellow housewives to join her. They arrive at the hotel a couple of days before Lisa and become extremely uncomfortable with the middle of the night hotel construction and lack of room service. Of course, the ladies are well connected and within hours they find a beautiful house to stay in for the duration. They leave a note for Lisa and she reads it and throws a fit. How could they leave?

Blah, Blah, blah! Hours later, they see Lisa at the party and explain the discomfort of the hotel. Lisa, doesn’t care, she just wants to yell at them for not being there when she arrived. gain, diva on wheels.

My final problem with Lisa is how insensitive she is to Kyle about her sister. I understand that Kyle’s sister, Kim, was a housewife and will be the subject of some of the conversation. In the same breath, that’s Kyle’s family and if she says the wrong thing, it causes her family drama. Lisa was an only child and refuses to understand the sisterly bond and challenges. Lesson, be careful about being a super diva, such a turnoff.

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Oh snap! He’s my BFF’s ex Ask Alma

Dear Alma: I’m so embarrassed. I feel just terrible.

My cousin who still lives in the old neighborhood where we grew up asked Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans over 25 me to help out with a wedding. She needed years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: some extra hands at the reception. It was alwaysaskalma@yahoo.com. Follow her on Facebook at no biggie, I had done it before, so I said ok “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma. and didn’t really think twice about it. We’re close in age but went to two different high whatever happened is none of my business, but schools. So when I asked about the bride, she told me her name but it didn’t ring a bell. My more than that, I surely wouldn’t have been a part of instructions were to show up at the wedding and it had I know it was her ex-husband. What can I do reception ready to work. And that’s what I did. Low to make it right with my friend?

Wedding Regretter and behold I was completely shocked when I saw the groom. He was my high school best friend’s Dear W.R. husband. OMG, I had no idea! I heard that they’d had Drive to her house Mz. Minnie Mouse, early, on a an awful breakup because he was having an affair, Sunday morning. People seem more relaxed early but that’s all I knew. I didn’t even know they were on Sunday morning. Take two cups of coffee, a divorced. Anyway, there I was, stuck, assisting the homemade lemon glazed pound cake and a large event planner with a wedding that if I had had any piece of your heart. Tell her, straight up, “I had no idea who the groom was, I would not have been idea she was marrying your husband.” Explain how there. Honestly, I hadn’t talked to this old friend in a you were asked to be an extra hand at the reception, long, long time. I left and went away to college and which turned into assisting with the wedding as just lost touch. But I feel terrible. I’m sure she heard well. Let her see your honesty. I can tell this is very I was at the wedding and I hate that she probably important to you, otherwise you wouldn’t care how thinks that I’m totally ok with him having an affair she was feeling. Fall on the knife, girl, and ask her and then marrying the woman, but I’m not. I mean, to pull it out. You can put a bandage on yourself

later. Accept whatever she throws at you. You deserve it. You wanna know why? Let me put it like this: If I offered you $100,000 to jump out of a plane without a parachute, would you do it?

I bet you said no. Just wait, you didn’t let me finish. What if I told you, the plane was on the ground? Mmhmm!!

Life Lesson: Know all the facts before you make up your mind. You committed to this wedding before you had all the facts – really before you had any facts. When this happens, trust me, you open yourself up to making all kinds of mistakes. I applaud you for longing to apologize for this unexpected, unanticipated crash and burn.

After your apology over cake and coffee, give her a hug and say goodbye. Leave the leftover cake, don’t make this visit long and drawn out. If you want to rekindle your friendship, devote attention to that another time. I respect you for finding it necessary to stand up and do what you feel is the right thing.

Making amends when you’ve been imperfect. You’re my kind of woman, you’ve got a good heart. I hope you can carve out some time for her. I suspect, right about now, she could use some belly laughs with a really good friend who knew her when.

Alma

DAYES: Ask Pam about healthcare A Q

- I’ve been on Medicaid for several months and drawing SSI from Social Security Administration (SSA).

I’ll be turning age 62 next month, I was informed by SSA that my SSI would go away because I’ll start drawing a Social Security Retirement check. Since my retirement income will be significantly greater than the SSI I’ll no longer be eligible for Medicaid assistance. I’m concerned about keeping some medical assistance so my question is will I get Medicare too when I turn 62 next month?

-

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.

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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