Texas Metro VOL 4 ISSUE 7
Dallas attorney joins West & Associates
Noted Dallas Attorney Nicole R. Taylor has joined the Dallas law firm of West & Associates, L.L.P. as a Partner.. Taylor’s areas of practice will include: Business & Corporate Development, Commercial Litigation & Litigation Management, Construction Law, Corporate Finance & Corporate Transactions, Corporate Governance & Compliance, Procurement, Labor & Employment, Real Estate Acquisition, Development & Finance and Tax Strategy & Defense. Prior to joining West & Associates, Taylor served in the capacity of General Counsel for a myriad of industries since 2005. Most recently, she has served as Outsourced Counsel for numerous public housing authorities and for-profit entities that serve the low-income housing community, governed by HUD authority. In addition to serving as counsel for low-income housing agencies and corporations, Taylor has served as counsel for transportation authorities and municipalities since 2006 and was recently awarded contracts by local transportation authorities and school districts because of this experience. Taylor focuses her practice on serving public housing entities in the capacity of General Counsel. She has experience in all areas of public housing including procurement, staff development/training, lease drafting and enforcement, litigation related to residents, landlords and contractors, and Board development/ training. In addition to serving as Counsel for public housing entities, she has served as
See WEST & ASSOC, page 2
www.texasmetronews.com
November 18, 2015
News
KwanzaaFest is 25 and Grassroots By Vincent Hall The year was 1991 and Black radio in Dallas was the voice and veracity of the community. Over at Soul 73 KKDA, Tom Joyner, the “FlyJock” was making history and singlehandedly advancing the notion of a nationally syndicated Black radio community. DJ and talk show host, Willis Johnson was cranking up the “Crooner” legend. Our own “Cousin Linnie” was “Rounding up the Posse” in the afternoon, and Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price was aggravating rednecks and persecuting complacent Negroes right before bedtime. My friends, 1991 was beautiful. The “Warriors” were picketing in the streets seven days a week and creating all manner of mayhem against the status quo. They were small in number, but great in impact and influence. Dallas Police officers loved them, because they amassed over one million dollars in overtime. Meanwhile, Black Dallas was being included into some of the power circles and conversations around Dallas’ elite and exclusive enclaves. The Warriors fought against racism and discrimination in every institution from public schools, to public hospitals, to the ranks of opportunity in the police and fire departments. The Black and Brown faces you see in the media and in Dallas’ leadership landscape was a result of persistent protests. And in 1991 they were not ashamed to show
Dallas County Comm. John Wiley Price and Eddie Green on the picket line.
up at a Mayor’s home or the Cotton Bowl Classic or the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. No Justice, No Peace was the hue and cry of 1991. Black Dallas was on the move. But one of the major cultural failings that could not be overlooked or denied was the lack of independence. Black Dallas did not own much in its own community and worse many Blacks refused or refrained from doing business with one another. It does not matter if we train black people to be the Doctor, the Baker, and the Candlestick maker, if there is no market for the goods and services. That realization gave birth to the first ever KwanzaaFest built upon the auspices of the seven tenets of Kwanzaa. Our goal then and now was to promote Emancipation, Education, and Enterprise. And over the course of 25 years, we have stayed true to that mission.
The 2015 KwanzaaFest will be a chance to enjoy our Silver Anniversary as a Homecoming of sorts. This year, we won't feature national artists or be advertised heavily by a broadcast partner. KwanzaaFest is returning to its roots and will be every bit as big and as bright as ever. Nonetheless, we still offer FREE admission and expect our usual 50,000 patron on December 12 and 13. We will kick off the day with our “Fight Obesity 5K Run and a plethora of vendors who stock and sell items you can’t find just anywhere. In addition to a center stage featuring local artists, we will have one of the biggest Step Show competitions in Dallas with a winner who will receive the grand prize of $2500. KidFest will be as big as ever and provide a safe haven and play area for our children. HealthFest, which has become our focal point over the years, will provide preventative health screenings and offerings. The list includes visual and dental exams and treatments for our children, mammograms, prostate checks, and many other exams that equated to more than a million dollars in rendered services last year. All of this is free to the public. But this Homecoming needs YOU! Post our event in your social media streams, church announcements, internet shows or smoke signals if that’s how you communicate. KwanzaaFest 2015 will be a momentous occasion and another raving success because this community says so.
Weldon Walton remembered
Services were held recently for Dr. Weldon J. Walton. He received his Bachelors and Masters of Science degrees from Prairie View Agricultural & Mechanical University, concentrating in both Biology and Chemistry for both degrees. Later, Dr. Walton pursued a doctoral degree in Education with an emphasis in Science Education from Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His advanced graduate studies included a concentration in Zoology at Texas A&M University. During his extensive career at Paul Quinn College, Walton served in many capacities, completing numerous endeavors over a span of more than 40 years. He served as the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Director of the Honors Program, and is best known as a Distinguished Professor of Biology. Under Dr. Walton, the activation of
seven National Collegiate The Oracle, performed in the Academic Honors Societies International Conclave step show, were chartered , extending to and has seen members become every academic major offered district officers, scholarship at PQC. awardees, and recipients of the distinguished Omega Man of the Early in his career, Walton Year honor. also served as a professor of biology at other institutions Dr. Walton was a proud including Prairie View A&M Omega man and entered he University and McLennan Omega Chapter leaving the Community College. Omicron Upsilon Chapter as the Keeper of Records and Seal, Dr. Walton was the Emeritus. founding father of the Zeta Dr. Weldon Walton Eta Chapter of Omega Psi Dr. Walton retired and was Phi Fraternity, Inc. This named Professor Emeritus at endeavor was accomplished Paul Quinn College in 2010. just two years after he was initiated into Walton ‘s grit was incomparable and will the fraternity in the Fall of 1973 in Waco, always be a beacon of aspiration for all Texas. staff, students, and alumni of Paul Quinn. The chapter has been featured in the national publication of Omega Psi Phi,
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AROUND THE WORLD
WEST & ASSOCIATES gains new partner, continued from front page Vice President and General Counsel of a privatelyheld, national organization specializing in residential and mixed-use commercial real estate industry. Taylor is a Fee Attorney for Lawyer’s Title and responsible for closing multi-million dollar commercial transactions for private and governmental entities. She received her J.D. from Southern Methodist University School of Law in 1996, and was admitted to practice law in Texas in 2000. Prior to attending law school, Taylor received her B.S. in Accounting from
Clemson University. “We’re very fortunate to have Nicole bring her legal experience to the firm,” says Royce West, Managing Partner for West & Associates. “The list of clients she’s represented is truly impressive.” A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Taylor served as president of the Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter. She is also a member of the American Bar Association, Dallas Bar Association and the J.L. Turner Legal Association.
CITY LOCAL TRUCK DRIVER
TRUCKING 519 N. Cedar Ridge Dr., Suite #7 Duncanville, TX 75116 www.mycrossroadtruck.com We are seeking Local City Drivers who must have a Class A - Commercial Driver License. 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. 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. Cell: 214-475-3052 Office 214-245-5157 or email us at cr.trucking519@gmail.com
REGIONAL DRIVER
TRUCKING 519 N. Cedar Ridge Dr., Suite #7 Duncanville, TX 75116 www.mycrossroadtruck.com
Seeking Team Drivers (OTR). .42 cents per mile, must have a Class A - Commercial Driver License. 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.
It’s time to get your booths for
KWANZAAFEST 2015 Call 214- 653-6671
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. Cell: 214-475-3052 Office 214-245-5157 or email us at cr.trucking519@gmail.com
METRO
Johnson urges compassion during Syrian Refugee Crisis Washington, DC - (Wednesday, November 18, 2015) - Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement in response to the Syrian refugee crisis: “As a result of horrific terrorist attacks in Paris, France and Beirut, Lebanon last week, many elected officials in the United States are demanding that we stop admitting refugees fleeing Syria. This rhetoric is disheartening and disappointing. We are facing a global refugee crisis that requires a global response. With 60 million people displaced, the United States must do its part to help protect and resettle vulnerable families and children who are fleeing violence and persecution.� “In Dallas, we have always shown our compassion to those who seek safety. I refuse to slam the door on a small fraction of the world’s Syrian refugees. In fact, 184 Syrian refugees have already been placed in Texas, and we will certainly welcome more. While we must continue to ensure that screening procedures are able to properly vet those seeking political asylum in this country, I refuse to turn my back on innocent people who are fleeing the atrocities in their homeland. Turning our back on those who fall victim to terror is certainly not the answer to defeating terrorism. Instead, we must show compassion by promoting peace and diplomacy.�
CROCKETT STUDENT APPROACHED ON WAY HOME GREENVILLE – On Tuesday evening, November 17, 2015, the Greenville Police Department was contacted by a student at Crockett Elementary. While walking home from school the student was approached by an unknown person, in a black Ford
www. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . com Mustang. The stranger was reported to be an African American with braided black hair. After exiting the vehicle the individual reportedly was heard saying “Hey, come here.� The student immediately ran back to Crockett Elementary and reported the incident to a teacher, who called the police department. The child was interviewed by one of the School Resource Officers and, based on the information provided, an investigation into the identity and intent of the unknown individual is underway. Chief Daniel Busken said “Incidents like this should serve as a reminder for parents to take time and discuss safety procedures with their children on a regular basis.� Should anyone have information about this incident they are encouraged to contact the Greenville Police Department at 903-457-2900.
Veterans Organization ordered to shut down for deceiving TX donors AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced a settlement resolving the State’s enforcement action against the Veterans Support Organization (VSO) and four of its principals. Under the agreed final judgment and permanent injunction, the defendants must cease engaging in unlawful solicitation of charitable contributions in Texas, and must dissolve VSO as a charitable organization in our state. “Donors have one thing in mind when they donate to charities: helping people in need,� said Attorney General Ken Paxton. “It is particularly outrageous that VSO cheated veterans in need of help and those good citizens who wanted to help them. Bad actors like these not only take advantage of people’s good intentions, they damage the good reputations of other charities that are operating in good faith. This judgment will permanently ban the defendants from operating in Texas, so they no
longer can misrepresent to Texas donors that their donations help local veterans with work and housing.â€? This resolution stems from a legal action filed in Travis County in March 2014 against Florida-based VSO and its directors, Richard Vanhouten, Stephen Casella, Robert Cruz and Michelle Vanhouten. The State’s investigation found that VSO had raised more than $2.5 million in Texas from 2010 to 2012. More than 70 percent of the funds raised in Texas were diverted to Florida, where VSO is headquartered, and to Rhode Island where it was incorporated – contrary to the defendants’ statements to Texas donors that the charitable donations would benefit local veterans in need. The investigation also found that VSO’s so-called “work programâ€? for veterans was merely structured panhandling, whereby anyone, veteran or nonveteran, could sign on to solicit funds for VSO. Their advertised “housing programâ€? to get homeless veterans off the streets was simply a room rental to VSO’s workers (veterans and non-veterans) who had to pay rent to VSO or face eviction. Under the final judgment and permanent injunction, defendants have to withdraw VSO’s registrations and filings in Texas, and the individual defendants are permanently banned from engaging in the following activities in Texas: ¡ Owning, operating, or managing charities, or any other entity that engages in charitable solicitations; ¡ Serving as a fundraiser, spokesperson, or consultant for any charitable entity; ¡ Assuming any position of financial authority in any veteran related charitable entity. Furthermore, if any defendant maintains a website that may be accessed by persons in Texas to solicit funds for VSO, the website must clearly and conspicuously state “Donations from Texas residents are not accepted.â€? The State’s final judgment and permanent injunction orders the defendants to pay $250,000 in civil penalties should they violate the terms of the settlement, and orders VSO to pay $275,000 for a Texas court to distribute to support needy veterans in the local area, provide housing assistance for homeless veterans, and support volunteer services at local VA hospitals. To view the settlement, please visit: https://www. texasattorneygeneral.gov/files/epress/20151118_ VSO_Filestamped_AFJPI.pdf
Liberty Tax Service Offers
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Affordable Care Act Assistance The Colony, TX Liberty Tax Service can assist local residents who need to file for an exemption to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Obamacare. By obtaining an exemption an individual could reduce his or her tax burden this year, the second year in which the health care law will have tax consequences. “Many people still are confused about the law and its requirements. They don’t know about the exemptions or their eligibility for an exemption,� said Kryssi Contreras, Owner-Operator. Last year, about 300,000 taxpayers paid the ACA penalty but should have claimed an exemption, according to IRS preliminary statistics. ACA requires all Americans and legal residents to have health insurance, have an exemption to obtaining coverage, or pay a penalty. Penalties for 2015 are $325 per adult or 2% of yearly household income, whichever is greater. Exemptions are available for a wide range of reasons, including: religious objections, hardship, membership in a federally recognized tribe, membership in a healthcare sharing ministry, affordability of coverage, and incarceration. Individuals and families can apply for some exemptions now or when they file their taxes. Liberty Tax Service is ready and able to assist residents with applying for an exemption. Liberty will provide this service free of charge. “Our goal is to help the people of The Colony, Frisco, Little Elm, Denton, Lewisville, and Plano with this new law, and try to eliminate unpleasant surprises come tax time,� said Contreras. Along with exemptions, Liberty can help with other ACA questions and health insurance enrollment. Many Liberty Tax offices will open on November 1, and will remain open through tax season. To find a Liberty Tax office, call 1-866871-1040 or visit www.libertytax.com. Liberty Tax takes appointments, but they are not necessary.
Roland Martin appears on ESPN LOS ANGELES, CA. - Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015 Roland Martin is bringing ‘Ascot Day’ to ESPN’s His & Hers when he guest hosts the show Wednesday through Friday, November 18-20, 2015. His and
ESPN FIRST TAKE: ROLAND MARTIN JOINS STEPHEN A. SMITH, SKIP BAYLESS, & CARI CHAMPION TO EMBRACE DEBATE
Hers delves into an array of topics from different perspectives, and Roland will put his unique spin on the conversations. Then , he and Jemele Hill will elevate their fashion games by wearing ascots on November 20
SHUT GARAGE DOORS TO KEEP OUT THIEVES Greenville Police Warn Against Area Garage Burglaries GREENVILLE – The Greenville Police Department is urging residents to shut garage doors. An open door is an invitation to thieves. Many of us lock our front and back doors as a matter of habit, but think nothing of leaving the largest door of the home wide open. Over the past three months the Greenville Police Department has investigated several burglaries at homes in the southern portions of Greenville. Each of these burglaries involved suspect(s) entering garages that had been left open and stealing items such as tools. GPD officers encourage residents to keep doors closed to prevent similar thefts and report any suspicious individuals in or around open garages. Anyone with information regarding such suspicious activity should contact GPD at 903-457-2900.
December 1 is World AIDS Day
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Texas’ transportation funding heads back to the future
Texas METRO NEWS Formerly Kuumba Heritage News Founded by Theresa Thrash in 1994 to the Glory & Honor of Jesus Christ
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EDITORIAL
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It’s taken about a decade and a half for Texas to return to its traditional method of pay-asyou-go financing for transportation. But all signs from the past few legislative sessions say it’s the path for the foreseeable future. In November 2014, Texas voters approved a constitutional amendment, Proposition 1 that directs a minimum $4.1 billion in oil and gas tax revenues to be deposited in the State Highway Fund over the next three years. The next step came with the passage of SJR5 by the Legislature this year. SJR5 would also dedicate $2.5 billion in state sales tax proceeds and part of the taxes from motor vehicle sales to bolster funding to build and repair Texas’ highways and bridges beginning in 2018. On November 3 this year, voters approved SJR5 through their support of Proposition 7. And with state leaders finally delivering on their promise to end diversions from the state’s gasoline taxes, an additional $1.3 billion will be available to help fund transportation projects. Gas taxes are a primary funding source for roads. The flat 20 cents Texas now collects on every gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel sold has not been adjusted since it rose from 15 cents in 1991. Since that time, costs associated with road construction have more than doubled. And with tremendous population growth come wear and tear on existing roads and increased demand for new capacity. Finding and redirecting existing funding streams is different from the methods pursued during the early 2000s when state leaders and the Legislature opposed and still oppose raising road revenues via tax increase. Instead, Texas
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From the Senate By Royce West Texas Senate
created new financing tools such as the Texas Mobility Fund, Proposition 12 and Proposition 14 and public private partnerships, also known as Comprehensive Development Agreements (CDA). Under the Texas Mobility Fund, Proposition 12 and Proposition 14, the state issued bonds that were sold to raise funds that would be used for roads. Through the tool of a CDA, authorized in 2003, TxDOT could enter into contracts with private developers to upfront finance and build highway projects in exchange for the right to collect payment - and profits - through tolls. Through these combined tools, Texas had more than $17 billion in bond capacity to build new roads. Subsequently, construction projects boomed across the state. The necessity of these new financing instruments was partly precipitated by September 11, 2001 and with it all the financial havoc it wreaked worldwide for the first part of the decade. These tools flourished as a cash-strapped Texas experienced the first of two economic downturns that decade. Drastic budget cuts were put in place in 2003, impacting the 200405 biennium and the only available cash for road construction - it seems - came from private sources.
By 2007, public and legislative sentiment had begun to turn, especially toward foreign developers. SB792 placed a two-year moratorium on CDAs, but allowed projects such as the LBJ Expansion, North Tarrant Express and D-FW Connector that were underway to continue. TxDOT was also prohibited from entering into public private partnerships after 2009. Bills passed in 2011 (SB1420) and 2013 (SB1730), allowed TxDOT to enter into CDAs only for specific projects; including Southern Gateway and the long-awaited Loop 9 outer loop that’s been in state plans since 1968. A new contingent of anti-big government members joined the Legislature for 2015, adding to like-minded groups elected in 2010 and 2012. They took a look at accumulated debt that will cost Texas about $10 billion in financing on top of the $13.7 billion now committed to current projects and said enough is enough. Under HB122 effective now, no more debt can be extended through the Texas Mobility Fund and existing Fund revenue can be used to retire debt early. In all, TxDOT’s appropriation for the 201617 biennium is $23 billion, but a considerable portion of that amount will be spent servicing existing roads. Even with the anticipated infusion of $5 billion in new funding and a return to pay-as-you go, motor fuels tax-based financing, TxDOT’s reasonable goal is to maintain roads and congestion to the conditions that existed in 2010. In other words, the new highway funding will only help Texas maintain the status quo.
Support Quality Businesses
I was so excited to meet Chantel. During visit to Southwest Center Mall to Mesquite MOCCA Cosmetics inside the Paradise Salon, I Richardson had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful young & E.Dallas lady who is also a nail technician. Actually she does it all, from head to toe. She can style your hair and give you a pedicure. 972) 926-8503 $45.00 Fax (903) 450-1397 1 Year Subscription $45.00 ar Subscription Back in the 1990s I used to enjoy this full CREDO OF THE BLACK service salon for pedicures and manicures PRESS where the owner and technicians were African American. It was soothing and so enjoyable visiting Terri and the ladies at her salon on Kiest The Black Press believes that Blvd. in Oak Cliff. I was one sad customer America can best lead the world when she said she was closing up shop. away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords Then I heard about Ash Britt Jene in Duncanville. to every person, regardless Now I have had pedicures across the country, but of race, color or creed, full none like the ones I have received from Sherri human and legal rights. Hating Doll, the owner and operator. Your feet deserve no person, fearing no person, a Sherri Doll pedicure! the Black Press strives to help Now there are two places I can go to get manis every person in the firm belief and pedis in the Southern sector of Dallas that all are hurt as long as County, TX. Chantel also operates inside the anyone is held back. Paradise Salon and she is professional and quick; and her prices are reasonable. !VAILABLE AT .EWSSTANDS IN
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ONE AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN’S OPINION By Cheryl Smith Chantel’s fairly new to the Metroplex, but like MOCCA Cosmetics and Ash Britt Jene, she believes in quality customer service. Too often I hear people complaining about the service they receive from technicians who don’t look like them. They say the technicians are not personable, among other things. They also complain about black-owned businesses, but the difference is they won’t continue going to the black-owned businesses. They won’t give them a second opportunity to do a better job. Give these entrepreneurs a chance. Call MOCCA Cosmetics at 214-392-2593 Schedule an appointment at Ash Britt Jene at 972-709-
Here Chantel gives MOCCA Cosmetics CEO Kena Baccus Vining a manicure
420 8 and by all means stop by Southwest Center Mall and show Chantel some love.
PERSPECTIVES
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Men of the Heartland!
Quit Playin’ Vincent Hall Vincent L. Hall is an author and award-winning columnist.
TIME Magazine produces an end of year publication honoring recipients they deem “Man of the Year.” That list, which is now known as “Person of the Year” began in 1927 with the aeronautical pioneer, Charles Lindbergh. In 1928 it cited Walter Chrysler of the great automotive industry and empire. The list is steeped and storied in iconic personalities and movements. Other towering names followed like Mahatma Gandhi, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the warring Ethiopian Haile Selaisse, the murderous Adolf Hitler and Communist of all Communists, Joseph Stalin. By the year 1940 it was Sir Winston Churchill and repeat performances by FDR and Stalin. Later there was President Harry S. Truman and Elizabeth II,
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Queen of England; who is almost 90 this year. The 1960s saw Pope John XXIII, John F. Kennedy and by 1963 the first African American Martin Luther King Jr. showed up on the list. America loved the “I Have a Dream” speech, but didn’t let him live long enough to fully interpret it. Later there was Texas’ Lyndon Baines Johnson and General Westmoreland who is alleged to have offered a scholarship to “Uncle Ben” Carson. But Uncle Ben has a problem with all areas of truth and reality, so who really knows? Then there were the Apollo
Astronauts once and Richard Nixon twice. Jimmy Carter and Arab Leader Anwar Sadat -- names you should know if you understand anything about the historic conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. President Ronald Reagan, who has always been controversial, shows up twice as does his coconspirator in avoiding World War III, Russian leader Mikhail
Gorbachev. The 1990s brought us names like George Herbert Walker Bush, Bill Clinton and Ted Turner. 1993 delivered a group called the “Peacemakers” which ushered in the New South Africa. The team included heavy hitters like Yasser Arafat, F. W. de Klerk, Yitzhak
Rabin and the heroic Madiba, known better as Nelson Mandela. Barack Hussein Obama made the list in 2008 and 2009 was the year of the “Protesters” which included the Tea Party, The Arab Spring and the Occupy Movement. 2013 bought us Pope Francis. Last year it was the Ebola Fighters and among the best of those were unknown leaders like Zack Thompson, the Dallas County Director of Health and Human Services. Now it’s time for 2015 and my nomination would be the Black Missouri Tigers football players. They have ensconced a footprint in history because of their relatively small size, their potential selfsacrifice, and the fact that they are African American men who came to the forefront not only to protect their women but to protect their community. If you don’t believe that the aftershock from Ferguson is real, just realize that the school is less than 100 miles away. If pressed to
give you three salient but succinct reasons for my nomination, it would be manhood, membership and money. The fact that men stood up is significant not just because of their gender, but because Americans equate brute force and strength with size and stature. It’s the same reason why truck drivers organized in the 1970s and made three times what their organized counterparts in the teaching profession made. Secondly, the Missouri Men showed that membership matters. America’s decline is inextricably paralleled with the decline in membership among labor groups. No one person or personality is sufficient to sustain a political or social battle. Money. Capitalists, without regard to gender or race don’t understand anything that does not maximize or minimize that “almighty dollar.” In the American Bible it says that money is the root of all upheaval. TIME Magazine always has an agonizing mission, but this year their selection should end in America’s “Heartland.” These brothers showed some Heart and it resonated across the land.
JOHNSON: Let’s End the Dysfunction From the Capitol Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
The newly elected Republican Speaker of the House, Congressman Paul Ryan, has declared that he wants to work with Democrats and Republicans alike. In his first speech as the Speaker of the House, he asked his colleagues to pray for one another, saying that significant problems were not being solved by the House of Representatives. “We are adding to them,” he said. At 45 years of age, Speaker Ryan is the youngest legislator to hold the post since the 1800s. While he is solidly conservative,
I am hopeful that the new speaker will eschew demands from extremists in his party and help to heal the dysfunction that has played the House in recent years. A divided, politically charged, un-collaborative caucus has manufactured one crisis after another. Too frequently, our nation has been threatened with a government shutdown, or watched in disbelief as a rambunctious, divisive faction held the full faith and credit of our nation hostage as they poisoned critical legislation
with harmful, destructive policy riders. And while the majority in Congress hoped that Speaker’s Ryan’s ascension into office signaled an end to the dysfunction, he has indicated that radical policy riders may be attached to the upcoming appropriations bill, the result of which could lead to another government shutdown. I, and a majority of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, believe that the American public deserves better, more reasoned governance than this. We were moving in the right direction when we passed a bi-partisan two year budget agreement. We were hopeful that government agencies would benefit from the ability to make strategic decisions and plan for the best uses of its resources. This basic business practice is essential
for providing quality public service to millions of Americans who benefit from services, like Social Security Retirement and Disability, Veterans Healthcare, Medicare and Medicaid. Unfortunately, the House of Representatives is again considering contentious policy riders that threaten our ability pass responsible, prudent legislation. Some Republicans have offered a litany of radical policies riders that attempt undermine the Clean Water Act, weaken the Dodd-Frank reforms that protect us from future financial crises like the one that weakened us in 2008, and thwart efforts to remove lead paint from millions of homes. These actions threaten the physical and financial security of the very people we were elected to protect. I will forcefully fight against the passage of these harmful policies,
and I encourage my Democratic and Republic colleagues to do the same. Let’s commit to doing what is best for our constituents. Acting in the best interest of our country requires that we reach across the aisle, defy political boundaries and work in earnest to find fair and prudent solutions to our nation’s problems. I am hopeful that Mr. Ryan will resist becoming an echo of the most extreme voices in his party and avoid the gridlock that has plagued the House for far too long. We know that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” We have been granted a sacred trust; honoring that trust requires that we act with integrity, vote our conscience and govern according to the unfailing principles of democracy. The future of nation depends on it.
December 1 is World AIDS Day!
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November 20- 21
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A Christmas Carol returns to the Wyly Theatre Partners with North Texas Food Bank for 8th Consecutive Year By Charles Dickens, Adapted by Kevin Moriarty, Directed by Christie Vela Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre • 2400 Flora Street in the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Previews: Nov. 25 – Nov. 30, 2015 • Full Run: Nov. 25 – Dec. 26, 2015 • Press Opening: Tues., Dec. 1 at 7:30p.m., Tickets: 214-880-0202 or www. DallasTheaterCenter.org
December 1
WORLD AIDS DAY “Tellebration-Dallas: For God So Loved Those Loud Black Girls,”. It's a two-night woman-centric, adult-storytelling event where five African American women storytellers will be spilling the tea on their lives. Each one taking a turn at the mic to tell the truth - the whole truth - about what happened on “that day” or “that one time.” ****** An evening with Freda Payne in the Clarence Muse Theatre at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters DREAM ANGELS JAZZ LUNCH Sunday, November 22nd from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM RICHARDSON WOMAN'S CLUB ... 2005 NORTH CLIFF DR, RICHARDSON , TX Tickets $100.00 Table of 8 $800.00 Pay via website www.dreamangelsinc.org
November 23
Behind the Scenes with Dallas Black Dance Theatre Free Annual Thanksgiving Holiday Performance It has become an annual Thanksgiving holiday gift from Dallas Black Dance Theatre; a free peek behind the scenes of DBDT five performing companies. The Behind the Scenes performances will take place the week of Thanksgiving November 23-25, 2015 at noon in the DBDT studios at 2700 Ann Williams Way in the Dallas Arts District. The two DBDT companies and three DBDT Academy ensembles will perform excerpts from their upcoming season and answer questions. While the hour-long Behind the Scenes performances are free, there are only 100 seats available in the dance studio, so it is important to RSVP by sending an email to info@dbdt.com.
November 25
Dallas Theater Center’s Holiday Classic
December 4 The Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival will celebrate 21 years of holiday fun on Saturday, Dec. 5 at Earl G. Williamson Park in Oil City, Louisiana. Activities kick off at 3:30 p.m. with arts and crafts, food vendors, live music, carnival rides and more. The fireworks show by Durr’s Pyromania Fireworks of Bossier will begin at 6:30 p.m. This year’s firework show is dedicated in memory of Pat Allen, a longtime supporter of the Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival. Admission is free. A special carnival preview night will be held Friday, Dec. 4 where guests can be the first to enjoy carnival rides and games. Gates open at 5 p.m. Admission is $20.
December 5
CALENDAR
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., North Dallas Suburban Alumnae Chapter (NDSA) is joining forces with AARP Texas to present a free, limited-capacity workshop to empower attendees to address modern life challenges. At Hamilton Park United Methodist Church, Christian Life Center, located at 11881 Schroeder Road, 75243. ********** A native of Helena, Arkansas, author Calvin Thomas often heard older people say, “out of every five Blacks, maybe two will succeed in life because life’s odds are so stacked against us.” Thomas has raised a probing question in his book’s subtitle, “Are We Witnessing the Demise of Black People as We Have Known Them?” Come see how the author unravels the question and what he has to say about America’s hypocrisy and the failure of Black Leadership! 10am Room T-203 Dallas Convention Center Theater Complex Admission - $15 Includes Dialogue and Breakfast To purchase tickets, call the TBAAL Box Office at 214-743-2400
December 11 When comedian/actress COCOA BROWN takes the stage, the world stands still! She exemplifies mind-blowing humor, daring drama and contemporary reality wrapped in a boundlessly energetic package. Her female fans nationwide call ‘The Truth’ . . . and that truth keeps her audience hooting! Friday and Saturday, December 11 and 12, 2015 @ 9pm Clarence Muse Cafe Theatre Dallas Convention Center Theater Complex
December 12 KWANZAAFEST 2015 at Fair Park December 16 Tarrant County Mayor’s Luncheon, the Fort Worth Club, benefitting UNCF.
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A Review of Miss You Already
My Life on the Big Screen
By Eva D. Coleman I Messenger
Toni Collette and Drew Barrymore took me there. The trying times of best friends wading through life’s battles in the movie Miss You Already brings cancer and all of its ugliness to the surface. Collette’s character Milly is diagnosed with breast cancer. Jess, played by Drew Barrymore, and her partner Jago (Paddy Considine) achieve success with in-vitro fertilization (IVF). The juxtaposition of one friend losing life while the other is giving life is clever and brings all of the emotional turmoil that comes with it. Milly’s husband Kit, played by Dominic Cooper, becomes the unintentional villain. While their first moment together after the diagnosis is filled with laughter, it is definitely not funny. The situation they are facing is obviously uncomfortable for them, and there are moments when hurtful actions prevail...and those moments cannot be relived or taken back. Other scenes prove to be tear-jerkers, including when they share the news with their two children. The film graphically displays cancer treatment, surgical scarring, random acts of barfing as well as risky behavior sometimes seen in person’s battling this awful disease.
All too familiar. At one point in the film, Jess calls Milly a cancer bully. In other words, “Yes, we hear you and see you, however it doesn’t give you the right to treat people like crap.” That’s how I define it. Although I had never heard it phrased that
way, I felt connected to Jess’s interpretation of her friend’s behavior. Or, do person’s with illnesses of this sort have the right after all? Clearly, we cannot feel what they feel because we’re not going through it. While we can assume they might feel they have nothing to lose, we as loved ones and caregivers possibly lose our sanity. This mental imbalance causes a major rift in Jess and Milly’s friendship. Jess retreats to care for herself and give her unborn child the best chance of survival. Let them live. In the end, the friends are brought back together to celebrate the newness of life. This renewal seems to serve as a cleansing, allowing peace to dwell with the expected outcome. This cancer story is poignant. As I watched, I
couldn’t help but reflect on the moment my late husband and I shared news of his cancer diagnosis with our daughters. I recall the ups and downs of being a caregiver, the sleepless nights, picc line flushings, wound dressings, administration of tube feedings, watching him fade away. The movie has moments where people say and do awkward things. There were times, especially during the bully moments, that I said things to my late husband that I wish I could have taken back . I’ve gotten better about not kicking myself for those things. As I watched Milly on the big screen throw up in a salad bowl on her family’s dinner table, I smiled at the gross memory of my late husband vomiting in the bucket on the table at Mooyah Burger and then rushing to the bathroom to clean it out. It wasn’t funny then, but it’s funny now...all because it was OUR memory. I think back on the time he pulled up with his impulse buy, a shiny new Ford F450 truck. I now realize this was one of his bucket list items. He also had several renovations done to our home. At the time I didn’t understand the rush and was flustered at so much happening so fast. He knew. And as Milly’s wish that she wrote on a street wall, he feared nothing. Some of the last moments we shared weren’t pretty, however I’m thankful for each and every one of them. Miss You Already is not a feel good movie. It’s a feel real movie. If you’re not afraid or ashamed of life, go see it.
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Challenging Life Issues tackled at Free Community Workshop Women’s Group teams with AARP to address security, health and finances, life planning
Jada Burton Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., North Dallas Suburban Alumnae Chapter (NDSA) is joining forces with AARP Texas to present a free, limited-capacity workshop to empower attendees to address modern life challenges. On Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 the two
organizations will conduct interactive sessions on how to protect personal identity and assets from fraudulent schemes; how to achieve personal goals; and how to make long-terms plans in the areas of home, community, finances and health. The event will be held at Hamilton Park United Methodist Church, Christian Life Center, located at 11881 Schroeder Road, 75243. The half-day workshop begins at 9:30 a.m. and is free, but seating is limited to the first 100 people to register online at https://.cvent.com/125Dallas or call toll-free 1-877-926-8300. Lunch and workshop materials will be provided at no cost. A “shredding truck” will be onsite to dispose of unwanted documents. “This event is a continuation of the work we are doing with AARP to protect the community’s hard earned property and assets from con artistsPlus, we’re offering the AARP’s signature programs on achieving personal goals and longterm planning to create better futures in key areas of life,” said Jada Burton, NDSA president. “We’re pleased to partner with this high-caliber organization to offer these programs free to the community — members and members, and to all age groups.”
BLACK POLICE ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES 40 YEARS IN DALLAS w/ Michael Eric Dyson
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Smooth Sailing
Hair and scalp doctor generates growth in awareness
By Eva D. Coleman “If I can’t show the world who I am, do I really love myself?” Sanah Jivani said during one of many hair raising moments of her scholarship acceptance speech. Jivani shared stories of being scared after losing all of her hair. Her triumph beyond the loss embodied the reason we set sail on this evening cruise where the stars glistened and reflected on the water. Embracing baldness. Restoring confidence. Generating growth. Dr. Linda Amerson's Cruise With a Purpose on the Lake Grapevine Tejas Yacht was informative and entertaining as she honored her scholarship recipient and enlightened others during alopecia awareness month. The sunset dinner cruise gave attendees a taste of more than just food. Dr. Amerson gave a brief overview of the hair loss condition, alopecia, and details of products she’s developed that have proven to be successful for those experiencing the effects of this autoimmune disease. She shared before and after photos that showed striking differences. During the cruise, Dr. Amerson recognized and honored her scholarship recipient who was on board. Amerson presented Jivani with a $400 check to further her studies at the University of Texas - San Antonio. The sociology and communications major spoke about the opportunity to rise above the surface through written words that led to her award. “Writing that essay was really cool,” Jivani said. “It was the first time that I could really step out and talk about my alopecia.” Jivani added, “This isn’t something that a lot of people know about, but it’s important to me that people find out and I’m really glad that they’re starting to.” With Dr. Amerson at the helm of the ship, others not only found out about alopecia, but were well informed about research and treatment options. “Certainly I would recommend Dr. Amerson just off of the information I heard tonight,” cruise attendee Devol Tolbert said. “Alopecia is something I really didn’t know much about
and she seemed to be very informative.” Veteran stylist Marion Forbes even benefited from embarking on this educational tour. “I’ve been a hair stylist for about 33 years and I have clients who actually have alopecia and it’s interesting to know that she has a product that can bring the hair back,” Forbes said. “I’m gonna get with her and see if it really works.” Scholarship winner Jivani and Dr. Linda Amerson Designer Andre Terry All attendees dined on a catered meal. An added sweet treat was the screening of Dr. Amerson’s Cruise with a Purpose music video, of which afterwards she taught the words to her song and led cruise-goers in participation of a live performance. The purpose retreated to the upper deck of the yacht for artistic indulgences showcasing local artist and entrepreneurs, some with a story to share about overcoming obstacles. Fashion was on display featuring designs from the legendary Andre Terry of It’s My Turn (IMT) Designs, Marquette Murphy-Smith of Je’Cour Couture and Deidre Hardin of Copper Signatures. Also among the artists was vocalist Lady Soul who entertained the crowd with a live performance and demonstration of the line dance Lady Soul Cruise guests Slide. Plans are underway for a future voyage in blue, which is the awareness to alopecia,” she said. While Dr. Amerson awarded two scholarships, recipient representative color of alopecia awareness. “I’ve had a lot of interest from those who missed it,” Dr. Amerson Mayaah Peppers was not present on the cruise. Jivani however provided proof that Dr. Amerson’s goal is being realized with the said. To continue on this mission is something of which Dr. Amerson announcement of her Love Your Natural Self Foundation geared towards building self esteem. is fully anchored. “When I lost all my hair I was really scared and all I needed was a “I do this to help our youth who are affected to help them safe place, so I want this [Love Your Natural Self] to be something with their goals because they are our future and to bring more
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Scholarship winner Jivani and her parents for young girls and boys to turn to when they’re having a really hard time,” Jivani said. For more information on Jivani’s organization, visit www. internationalnaturalday.com. To learn more about Dr. Linda Amerson, visit www.hairandscalpessentials.com.
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KINGDOM BUSINESS:
Setting Our Minds on the Things Above By Donald Lee
Colossians 3:15,9,10 reads, If ye be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of
God. (verse 1) Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. (verse 2) For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (verse 3) When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, and shall ye also appear with Him in glory. (verse 4) Mortify therefore your members (that is, put your body under subjection) which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (verse 5) Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; (verse 9) And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created Him. (verse 10) The scriptures we’ve just read serve to remind us that we are not our own, but have been bought with a price. The Lord
Jesus personally became ransom for us. And because He shed His blood and His body was broken for us, that we — fallen man — might be redeemed back to the Father, we owe Him our lives. In other words, our every deed must be rooted in Him, centered on Him, on doing His will, which is the will of the Father. In fact, because we — as children of the most High God by the sacrifice of the Lamb Christ Jesus — have died to the old man and are a new creation in Christ, we have a new nature. That new nature in us longs to satisfy God. And as Jesus says in Luke 2:49, … wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business? (KJV) Luke 2:49 (Amplified Bible) Did you not see and know that it is necessary [as a duty] for Me to be in My Father’s house and [occupied] about My Father’s business? To put it another way, to “set our minds on the things above” is to be about our Father’s business. Saints of God, there’s a hurting world out there, a world longing for a Savior, a world needing God, needing to be brought out of darkness and into the marvelous light that we know and walk in. To set our minds on the things above — kingdom matters — is to minister to that
hurting world; it is to minister to the brokenhearted; it is to share not just the Good News, but the wonderful news of salvation and eternal life through Christ Jesus. And, saints of God, if we’re going to be effective in being about our Father’s business, we can’t be caught up in the lusts of this world. We can’t, as the scripture admonishes us, engage in satisfying the lusts of our flesh. To indulge in “fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence (strong sexual desire), and covetousness (idolatry)” is to weaken — if not destroy altogether — the witness of a saint. One of the indictments against the church at large is that many of the very people who preach Jesus also are yielding their members — or their bodies — to the aforementioned. As a result, the very people who need Jesus are the very ones who reject Jesus. And this is happening because of the way many in the body of Christ are misrepresenting Him. So, the saints of God must always be mindful that (as the adage goes) we are the only Christ some people will see. Therefore, we must recognize that if the unsaved is going to turn his life over to Christ, it’s going to have to be as he sees us walking out the Word that we preach.
In the kingdom, there’s no such thing as “do as I say, and not as I do.” People are going to hear what we say, but above that, they are going to observe what we do. So what we do must be an accurate reflection of who He is. When we see someone caught up in sin, we must be there for that person to show them a better way — to show them how to live a life of consecration, a life set apart for the glory of God. I’ve found that many people do the wrong things, not necessarily because they want to, but because they haven’t (in many cases) been adequately shown a better way. But when we’re always mindful that we must be about “Kingdom Business,” which is our Father’s business, then we become more effective witnesses and more accurate representations of who Christ is and just how beautiful things are now that we are followers of Christ. So, when we set our minds on the things above — heavenly things — we are taking care of Kingdom Business. Donald Lee, an author and free-lance journalist, is founder-pastor of Kingdom Living Christian Center, Dallas. Contact him at (225) 773-2248 or pastordonjlee@yahoo.com. Also, check out the conclusion of his seven-part series on domestic violence awareness on next week.
BIG Shoes to Fill in Frisco Frisco, Texas - Registration is underway for the first endurance race in the City of Frisco. The Texas Big Star Half Marathon & 5K, presented by The North Texas Community Giving Foundation (NTCGF) and the Tug McGraw Foundation, will begin and end at Toyota Stadium, 9200 World Cup Way, Frisco, Texas 75034 on April 16, 2016, with the race starting at 7:30 a.m. #RunBigStar paves the way for runners of all experience levels to gain footing in an area known for its unprecedented growth and give back to several area charities. NTCGF founder and Texas Big Star event co-chair Chris Messner looks forward to seeing the ripple effect in the community this race will provide. “When you create an event for people to come together that want to help and have a purpose of being bigger than themselves, it’s just contagious,” Messner said. “That’s why we started this foundation and these events.” The event theme is Be Part of Something BIG. The Tug McGraw Foundation, founded by baseball icon Tug McGraw, father of country music legend Tim McGraw, tips its hat for a race that is sure to last for quite some time. “We believe the Texas Big Star Half Marathon & 5K will be a premier athletic event in the North Texas area that participants will return to year after year,” Tug McGraw Foundation President and CEO Jennifer Brusstar said. “The proceeds raised from the race will go back into the local community to help support other 501(c)(3) organizations that further the missions of the
Tug McGraw Foundation and The North Texas Community Giving Foundation.” Going the distance for others brings to light areas of much needed growth. Texas Big Star race co-chair and NTCGF founding trustee Julie Simon explained, “There’s nothing in Frisco that has been done like this before and we’re excited to bring the first endurance race that offers runners a first-rate half marathon in their own back yard!” Ann Harris, philanthropist and wife of NBA legend Del Harris, is a NTCGF founding trustee, and says she sees the potential impact the race will have beyond crossing the finish line. “The Texas Big Star Half Marathon & 5K is more than just the first endurance race in Frisco,” Harris said. “It serves as an avenue for our Charity Partners to raise much needed funds for their organizations as well as build awareness in the community that there are many people with needs in our area.” Charity Partners include: Adaptive Training Foundation (ATF), Emily’s Place, Honor Courage Commitment - 22Kill, Lost Paws and the Make-A-Wish® North Texas Foundation. Current Race Partners include: Active.com, FC Dallas and Luke’s Locker. “We’re going to educate our community about charities that they’ve never heard of, and showcase people with amazing stories, it’s going to be BIG,” Messner said. All are encouraged to #RunBigStar. Register early for discounted rates. Corporate teams are encouraged to register as well.
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Free and Good Enough! Spiritually Speaking by James A. Washington The concept of freedom has been rattling around in my brain lately. I am focusing on the freedom afforded all of us who claim salvation through Christ. There is something quite liberating when you know or realize that you have been “set free.” Have you ever thought about what that really means? The word release comes to my mind. Some claim relief as how they understand it. However you want to describe it, I think the revelation of Jesus as Lord and Savior removes a lot of barriers and obstacles and yes, burdens, that we as human beings place upon ourselves. That’s why I believe as people initially come to Christ, they are overcome by a fresh perspective about life. It’s an enlightened one; one filled with less pressure. I think that’s why folk cry in church when it happens. “For
freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1. What are you a slave to? In a very real sense, addictions are withstood, hurt feelings are healed, guilt is removed and insecurities conquered when Jesus enters the picture. Whatever you have been enslaved by, you become freed from. One of the biggest things that happens when Christ enters your life is that fears are conquered. And if we’re honest with ourselves, we all have fears. I know I do. It can be the fear of being alone, of being without, of being humiliated, ostracized or even the fear of dying. The knowledge of Christ in all of these situations cancels those fears. You are released from them. That’s what I believe people mean when they say “set free.” That’s how I’ve come to understand real joy. In that context of spiritual awareness being blood bought and saved. I have been set free from fear, anger, greed, selfishness, self doubt and even self hatred. Believe it or not, so have you. These things have hopefully been replaced with honesty and integrity, hope and truth, confidence, self worth, the
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promise of everlasting life and yeah I know, above all love. One of the hardest things to understand in this life, and then act upon, is this love yourself thing. God even commands us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Without Christ in your life, I believe that concept of self love can sometimes be distorted and in many cases become perverted. Love with humility is an awesome thing. When love is set free within you, life takes on a whole new meaning. You no longer have to live in the shadows of pretense; rather, you can now live in the light of truth. I can be who I really am and so can you. Then the world will see you as God sees you and not who you think it ought to see. I am who God made. If that’s good enough for God, then certainly it’s good enough for anyone who wants to deal with me and that includes you. I am free and it is wonderful. Freedom is my gift from God paid for by Jesus Christ. Know the truth and the truth shall set you free. You are not what the world would have you be. You are what God made you to be. Seek Him and you will undoubtedly find the real you. May God bless and bless and keep you always.
James jaws@dallasweekly.com
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Three Lancaster High School StudentAthletes commit to NCAA Division 1
On Wednesday, November 11, three Lancaster High School student-athletes, Deon Barrett, Nate Morris, and Jacolby Pemberton all put pen to paper and committed to NCAA division-1 schools to continue their education and basketball careers during a signing day event. All three students are starting their senior season and are members of the reigning UIL 5A State Championship Boys Basketball Team. Barrett, the starting point guard for the defending state champions, committed to the University of Texas at El Paso. After averaging 15.5 points and 6.8 assists per game, UTEP
coaches made a trip during recruiting season to see him practice in person and offered him a scholarship right after work outs. "That day I learned that you always have to keep working hard because you never know who's watching you," Barrett said. Morris, the starting 6' 10" center for the Tigers, has been a topranked center since his sophomore year averaging 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game. His decision to commit to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) has made school history as the first Lancaster High School student-athlete to receive a full scholarship to the university. "I plan on going to Ole Miss and making everyone that has helped me proud," Morris said. "I plan on getting a college degree and having a great college basketball career." Pemberton, the team's head captain and two-year starter, committed to Louisiana Tech University. His strong defensive presence on the court and leadership abilities captured the attention of several schools making his decision to attend Louisiana Tech one in which he has full confidence. "LA Tech was the best choice for me because I can get a good education to prepare me for my future," Pemberton said. "Their style of play,getting up and down the court, fits me as a player." Coming off the heels of a state championship win, head coach Ferrin Douglas is proud to showcase that hard work and discipline truly does pay off. "Every day my coaching staff and I preach the importance of being a student first and athlete second. We've never had this many student athletes sign this early in the year," said Douglas. "That only happens when you are focused on your school work, test scores and being the best player you can be. They deserve this because they worked for it." The signing day event is the perfect tip off to the upcoming basketball season for the Lancaster High School Tigers. The team's season opener was against Houston Pro Vision Academy Tuesday, November 17, 2015.
Frisco ISD-TV recognized for media excellence during NSPA National Convention The Journalism Education Association (JEA) / National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) Fall National High School Journalism convention was held November 12 – 15 in Orlando, Florida. Recently named finalists in the Broadcast Pacemaker competition, Frisco ISD-TV was formally honored for this accomplishment along with honors in other broadcast categories as well. “Although we weren’t named Broadcast Pacemaker winners this year, we’re humbled to be part of such an elite group of broadcast programs throughout the country,” Frisco ISD-TV Executive Producer Eva
Coleman said. “Being a finalist isn’t an easy feat, and I’m forever proud of the work my crew produces to share the stories of our awesome school district.” Broadcast Story of the Year placements were announced during this convention as well. Frisco ISD-TV earned third place for NSPA Broadcast Sports Story of the Year for “A Pretty Pace” produced by Bailey Stone, an Honorable Mention for NSPA Broadcast News Story of the Year for “Bear Necessities” also by Bailey Stone and an Honorable Mention for NSPA Broadcast Feature Story of the Year for “Return of a Founding Father” by Maria
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.
Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmotheror maybe YOU?
Frisco ISD TV
Lempke who is currently studying Radio, TV & Film at the University of North Texas. See previously published information regarding these Frisco ISD-TV national
Do you know this man?
achievements here: http://www.friscoisd.org/ news/inside/inside-friscoisd/2015/09/15/pacemakeraward
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NOVEMBER 18, 2015
Local Small Businesses get over $1 Billion in SBA Loans! FORT WORTH-The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Dallas/Fort Worth District Office announced that lending in the district’s 72 counties reached over $1 billion for the first time in the history of the office in fiscal year 2015, which ran from October 1st to September 30th. This new record in lending put $1.046 billion in the hands of 1,982 entrepreneurs and small business owners to expand their businesses and create jobs. This represents an increase of 18.7% in dollars and 18.3% in number of loans over the same period last fiscal year. Of the 166 lending institutions in the district, Wells Fargo was the top lender in dollars by providing over $65.3 million in SBA loans. Compass Bank was the top lender in units by providing 307 loans to small businesses. “We are still celebrating this tremendous success that the Dallas/Fort Worth market has achieved” said SBA’s South Central Regional Administrator Yolanda Garcia Olivarez. “More than $1 billion was guaranteed by the SBA to 1,982 local small businesses. This is something that speaks volumes to products the SBA provides and the great partners we have supporting our mission such as the North Texas Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders
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(NTAGGL). Once again we have reached record numbers that will benefit more than the small retailer or construction firm but also the DFW economy as a whole, that consists of 72 counties.” In fiscal year 2014, SBA loans totaled $881.1 million with 1,675 loans and in 2013, SBA loans totaled $813 million with 1,522 loans in the DFW district. “This is a huge achievement that not only helps the almost two thousand small businesses served but it also helps our communities where those business are located by providing jobs and overall economic growth” said Herbert Austin, SBA’s DFW District Director. “We could not have reached this milestone without the strong support of our lenders and the hard work done by SBA’s resource partners such as Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE) and the Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs).” SCORE and SBDCs provide free counseling and consulting to prospective and current small businesses on how to start and grow a business. Both can help with developing a business plan, conducting market research, identifying small business financing, and other services.
NAACP Committee Now Receiving Nominations for the 101st NAACP Spingarn BALTIMORE – NAACP National Board of Directors Chairman Roslyn M. Brock has announced that the Association is soliciting nominations for the 101st Spingarn Award. All nominations for the 101st Spingarn Medal must be submitted, in writing, on or before December 31, 2015. To be accepted, the postmark date on the envelope must be no later than December 31, 2015. The Medal, which was instituted in 1914 by the late J. E. Spingarn, then NAACP Chairman, is presented annually to the man or woman of African descent and American citizenship who has made the highest achievement during the preceding year or years, as well as consideration of an overall body of work by an individual. The purpose of the medal is twofold – first, to call the attention of the American people to the existence of distinguished merit and achievement among Americans of African descent; and secondly – to serve as a reward for such achievement and as a stimulus to the ambition of youth of African descent. Recent Medalists include Sidney Poitier, Maya Angelou, the late Julian
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Bond, Myrlie Evers-Williams, Earl G. Graves, Sr., Colin Powell, Oprah Winfrey, Vernon Jordan, Honorable John Lewis, the late Honorable Constance Baker Motley, the late Honorable Robert L. Carter, the late Honorable Oliver W. Hill, Sr., Honorable John Conyers, Ruby Dee, Cicely Tyson, the late Lena Horne, Mrs. Frankie Muse Freeman, Harry Belafonte, Jessye Norman, and Quincy Jones. Nominations must include a detailed, current biographical profile of the nominee, highlighting relevant activities and achievements. Supporting and verifying documents such as news clippings, honors received, etc., should also be attached. This information should be clearly typewritten or printed, as it must be reproduced. The final selection of the Medalist is made by a Committee of Award, which is selected by the Association’s Board of Directors. The Committee’s decision is final in all matters affecting the Award. Nominations should be addressed to: The Spingarn Medal Award Committee, Attention: Mrs. Mildred B. Roxborough, 340 W. 42nd Street, P.O. Box 822, New York, NY 10108.
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DAYES: Ask Pam about healthcare 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? A - 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
Mother made a mess of our Family Ask Alma
Dear Alma,
I am the oldest of my mother’s Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans over 25 years, children and have taken care including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the of our family for most of my Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@ life. My mother started having yahoo.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and children early, was married twitter @almaaskalma. and divorced several times and quite frankly it doesn’t matter and has really made a mess of our if I agree or not, it’s the principle of family. Because of this, we haven’t had the problem that prevails. She’s your the best of relationships. She is often mother, she should know exactly where begging for something and constantly you live. Mind you, if she comes over bringing me problems to fix. Because unexpectedly or uninvited, you are of my mother’s lifestyle, we were not obliged to answer the door. That raised by different relatives at different goes for your mama and anyone else times in our lives, but luckily we were you may not want to entertain on any always together. I have three brothers given moment. But yes, you should, and a baby sister and everyone is very barring injury or any unforeseen crisis, close for the most part. Fortunately, we provide your address to your mother. all are doing well, a few with college This bigger fish in this fountain-full-ofdegrees while the others have sound, reliable longtime employment. We all live fairly close to one another, and I just recently moved into a new condo that’s closest in proximity to my mother. I love my new place and I’m finally at a stage in my life that I’m relaxing into what I feel is a positive space to live and not be stressed out. I don’t mind helping my mother or my family but sometimes it can be overwhelming. My mother recently asked me about my new place and for my new address, but I didn’t give it to her. I just don’t want her to have it. I don’t want her to just drop by to visit whenever she pleases, bringing me her sad stories because I just don’t want to hear it anymore. My sister says that’s wrong. I’m tired of arguing with her and would be interested in advice from an outsider. What do you think? Fed up
@yahoo.com, Dear Fed Up: (214) 514-9553 or Hmmm, I think, unless your mother is the cat burglar, she should have your address. I hear your reasoning
foolishness, is why in the world would you just not want your mom to know where you live? What has happened that you don’t trust her knowing where you reside? Rewind those ties that bind and drop the drama at the door. Head over to your mom’s house, right now, with an index card including your new address and essential contact information. We all clench burdens, have made and continue to make mistakes while carrying our hurts in our handbag. This is shameful, silliness, line dancing beside stupidity. Shake it off sister and get a life. Alma
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NOVEMBER 18, 2015
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