Why, because of the color of their skin, Run, run, run, but you just can’t hide.
An eye for an eye,
Tooth for a tooth,
Vote for me and I’ll set you free, Rap on, brother, rap on.
Well, the only person talking about loving thy brother is the preacher, And it seems nobody’s interested in learning, but the teacher, Segregation, demonstration, integration, determination, aggravation, humiliation, Obligation to our nation.
Ball of confusion,
That’s what the world is today, hey.
The sale of pills is at an all time high, Young folks walk with their heads in the sky, The cities aflame in the summertime, And oh the beat goes on.
Evolution, revolution, gun control, sound of soul-shooting rockets to the moon, Kids growing up too soon, Politicians say, “More taxes will solve everything,” And the band played on.
So, round and around and around we go, Where the world’s headed, nobody knows
Oh, Great Googamooga, Can’t you hear me talking to you, Just a ball of confusion, That’s what the world is today, hey.
Fear in the air, tension everywhere, Unemployment rising fast, The Beatles new record’s a gas, And the only safe place to live, Is on an Indian reservation, And the band played on.
Eve of destruction, tax deduction, City inspectors, bill collectors, mod clothes in demand, Population out of hand, suicide, too many bills, Hippies moving to the hills, People all over the world are shouting, “End the war!” And the band played on.
The Temptations, 1970 Motown
Sound familiar?
George Zimmerman was 28-years-old when he murdered 17-year-old Trayvon Benjamin Martin on February 26, 2012 in Sanford, Florida.
Although acquitted of second-degree murder, Zimmerman remains high on lists of people who got away with murder. It doesn’t ease the pain when you consider what he has done with his life since that horrible tragedy.
To think that over the past decade, he has filed numerous lawsuits, auctioned the gun used in the shooting, and accepted a speaking engagement where he would provide a “step-by-step
Call for 40-Day boycott of Target gains Momentum
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
Dr. Jamal Bryant, the influential pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in metro Atlanta, is leading a 40-day fast—or boycott—of Target in response to the retailer’s decision to phase out its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Bryant is calling for 100,000 people to sign a petition and halt their spending at Target as a direct challenge to what he describes as the company’s retreat from its commitments to Black businesses and consumers.
Target, headquartered in Minneapolis, where George Floyd was murdered in 2020, initially pledged $2 billion in investments to Black-owned businesses. However, Bryant condemned the company’s announcement on January 24 that it would end its DEI initiatives and simultaneously abandon that financial commitment.
“After the murder of George Floyd, they made a $2 billion commitment to invest in Black businesses,” Bryant said during an appearance on the Black Press’ Let It Be Known News. “That commitment was due in December 2025.
When they pulled out of the DEI agreement in January, they also canceled that $2 billion commitment.” Bryant said that Target’s role in the Black consumer market makes it the logical first target of this economic protest.
“Black people spend $12 million a day at Target,” he said. “Because of how many dollars are spent there and the absence of commitment to our community, we are focusing on Target first.”
Set to coincide with Lent, the fast is designed to leverage Black economic power to hold corporations accountable. Within just one week, 50,000 people had already signed onto the campaign at targetfast.org, which the pastor said highlighted the movement’s momentum.
Bryant’s demands go beyond reinstating DEI. “White women are the number one beneficiaries of DEI,” he said. “What I am asking for is a quarter of a billion
NNPA launches National Education Campaign
Black Press blasts corporate America racist policies
Washington, DC--The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing the Black Press of America, has announced the implementation of a national public education and selective buying campaign across the nation in direct response to those corporate entities that have dismantled their respective Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion (DEI) commitments, programs and staffing.
“We are the trusted voice of Black America, and we will not be silent or nonresponsive to the rapid rise of renewed Jim Crow racist policies in corporate America,” said NNPA
Chairman Bobby R. Henry Sr. “The Black Press of America continues to remain on the frontline keeping our
families and communities informed and engaged on all the issues that impact our quality of life.”
At a recent convening of NNPA member publishers and editors, a united resolve was reached that each member publication of the NNPA will begin a national public education campaign coupled with the release of research data on those American companies that are engaging in efforts to sanction racial injustice, inequitable policies, divisive leadership, and economic apartheid in America.
“We note forthrightly that Black Americans spend $2 trillion dollars annually as consumers of products and services throughout the United States,” NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. emphasized. “We now must evaluate and realign to question why we continue to spend our money with companies that do not respect us.”
Chavis continued. “This now must come to an end. These contradictions will not go unchallenged by 50 million Black Americans who have struggled for centuries to ensure equality, fairness and inclusion in our nation’s democracy.”
A selective buying campaign involves exercising the right to select what we spend our money on and who we spend our money with.
The following are some of the major American companies that have publicly retreated from Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
Target Lowe’s
John Deer
Walmart
Meta
Tractor Supply
Amazon McDonald’s Ford
Rowlett Sees Significant Crime Reduction
Rowlett, TX- The Rowlett Police Department is proud to announce a significant reduction in crime rates throughout 2024, alongside a notable increase in proactive policing efforts. Data comparisons to previous years show substantial declines in major crime categories, reinforcing the department’s ongoing commitment to public safety and community engagement.
Crime Reduction Highlights The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) classifies “Part 1 Crimes” as Homicide, Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Larceny, and Motor Vehicle Theft. These major crimes are measured per 1,000 residents to provide a clear assessment of crime trends. Using the population estimate (66,813 residents), Rowlett saw a significant drop in its crime rate in 2024 vs. 2023: Decreases for 2024 compared to
Crime
Cheryl Smith
Bobby Henry Sr., NNPA Chairman Dr. Ben Chavis, NNPA President/CEO
Trayvon Martin February 5, 1995 - February 26, 2012
Dr. Jamal Bryant
cont. from page 1
dollars to be invested in Black banks so that our Black businesses can scale. Target has 10 distribution centers near HBCUs, and I’m asking them to partner with the business departments of these institutions.” Separate, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing the Black Press of America, has announced a national public education and selective buying campaign in response to the corporate retreat from DEI commitments.
“We are the trusted voice of Black America, and we will not be silent or nonresponsive to the rapid rise of renewed Jim Crow racist policies in corporate America,” said NNPA Chairman Bobby R. Henry Sr.
NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. reinforced the need for financial realignment. “Black Americans spend $2 trillion annually.
We must evaluate and realign to question why we continue to spend our money with companies that do not respect us. These contradictions will not go unchallenged.”
To offer alternatives, Bryant has partnered with Ron Busby, president and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, providing consumers with a directory of 300,000 Black-owned businesses.
“You can’t tell people what not to do without showing them what to do,” Bryant said. “If you’re not going to Target or Walmart but need essentials like toilet paper, soap, or detergent, we’ll show you where to get them and reinvest in Black businesses.”
The impact of the boycott is already being felt, he insisted. “Since Black people have been boycotting Target, the stock has dropped by $11,” Bryant said. “Stockholders are now suing Target because of the adverse impact this boycott has had on their stock.” “This is just phase one.
“After the 40 days, we’ll figure out who’s next. But we have to go after Target first. Amazon and others come right after. America has shown us time and time again: if it doesn’t make dollars, it doesn’t make sense.”
FEBRUARY
Still a Ball of Confusion
cont. from page 1
narrative” of the murder; well, you just have to breathe a heavy sigh and keep on moving!
Then you must also consider the many brushes with the law, the road rage incidents, assault and stalking charges, domestic violence incidents and more.
You can’t think he’s the kind of person you want in your neighborhood, could you?
In what would have been Trayvon’s anticipated graduation day from college, Florida Memorial University, one of his top choices, along with Florida A&M University, where his brother was a student, presented Trayvon’s family with a posthumous degree in aeronautical science in 2017.
Years later, I remember talking on radio programs about the events leading up to Trayvon’s death. I listened to countless tapes and yes, I shared many tears because Trayvon’s screams were horrific.
I recalled conversations I had with Emmett Till’s mother, Mamie Till Mobley, during her visit to Dallas and appearances on my talk show, on now-defunct KKDA-AM.
She talked about “The Talk” she had with her son before he traveled from Chicago to Money, Mississippi to visit her relatives.
She said he had to realize that you couldn’t do some of the things you did in Mississippi up north.
Sadly, years later and even today, “The Talk” is still being had, but it went from featuring Trayvon Martin, to George Floyd.
Who knew that these tragic murders with the perpetrators continuing to enjoy their freedom, would continue to occur?
Surely justice would become a reality, but not real I guess.
Real justice is the crimes never occurring, that the Emmetts, Trayvons, Sandras, Santos, Shanquellas, Muhlaysias, and let’s call the roll, would enjoy fulfilling lives.
Whatever the case, and whoever is
involved, it would be great if we could put an end to the violence.
Real justice would have been Trayvon celebrating his 30th birthday— on this past Wednesday— a college graduate, pilot, married, and maybe even a father.
Who knows?
Sadly, we will never know. This is the case with so many. Lives are snuffed out daily because of ignorance, stupidity, racism, and all the other isms.
When I look at pictures of the young Emmett and the young Trayvon, I see two beautiful young boys who never had a chance to experience life as men.
Then I think about all the countless numbers who have gone on to disappear, never to be seen or heard of, the countless unmarked graves — yes, it is depressing.
Equally depressing is knowing that there were 88 million child sexual abuse material (CSAM) files reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children tip line in 2022.
When you consider violence against children, you must acknowledge that this is another pandemic. When almost 20 young Black children can be kidnapped and murdered in Atlanta, before anyone realizes a serial murderer is at work — it’s really a shame!
We can not continue to demonize our children. We must pour more resources into education, mental health, extracurricular/recreational activities, STEAM, character building, life skills, financial literacy, civics, and yes, socialization skills.
We also must provide the same for parents, actually every person.
Society appears to be declining and instead of blaming, we must find solutions.
It’s like the Temptations sang back in the day, actually 55 years ago: We’re living in a ball of confusion!
Some say programs are too expensive.
Rowlett Sees
strategy of increasing proactive policing efforts, which focus on high-visibility policing and proactive prevention. Officers conducted 20% more neighborhood patrols in 2024 than in 2023. Additionally, officers conducted 23% more officer-initiated activity, increasing police presence in key areas, improving response times, and building stronger relationships with residents.
Successful Crime Prevention Initiatives
The success in reducing crime is a direct result of the dedication of the Rowlett Police Officers and Professional Staff and the implementation of data-driven, evidence-based policing strategies. A few examples of key initiatives and programs that have contributed to this positive trend are as follows:
• DDACTS (Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety): By using data to identify high-crime areas and times, DDACTS has allowed the Rowlett Police Department to focus resources more efficiently, addressing both crime and traffic safety concerns. This strategic approach has played a crucial role in reducing crime rates across the city.
• Operation Safe Summer: This annual program targets higher-crime periods during the summer months, focusing on enhancing patrols and community engagement to deter crime.
A proactive effort to prevent theft, burglary, and impaired driving during the holiday season, ensuring public safety during high-traffic shopping periods.
• Technology Enhancements: The department has increased its use of advanced crime- fighting technology, such as License Plate Readers (LPRs) and other investigative tools, to enhance crime prevention and solve cases more effectively.
Commitment to Public Safety
“The men and women of the Rowlett Police Department remain committed to protecting our community through strategic policing, strong partnerships, and community engagement, said Chief Denning. We are proud of the progress we’ve made and will continue working diligently to ensure Rowlett remains a safe place to live, work, and visit.”
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Well, we’re paying an extremely high cost for the alternative!
• Operation Safe Holidays:
Recognized by the Texas Police Chiefs Association, Texas Best Practices Accreditation Program, Rowlett PD remains committed to proactive policing, crime reduction, and community engagement. The mission of the Rowlett Police Department is to provide exceptional service to all. For more information on the Police Department, please visit us at https://www.rowletttx. gov/17/Police. Follow us on social media to stay connected: Facebook, Instagram, and X.
THIS WEEK IN AUSTIN
Texas decertifies electronic poll books
By Rita Cook Correspondent Texas Metro News
AUSTIN, Texas – News came out last week Texas had decertified electronic poll books after there was an abundance of documented Election Day failures.
The Secretary of State decertified the ES&S (Election Systems & Software) electronic pollbooks after an alarm came that Texas counties, including Dallas County, had identified several problems during early voting in the November 2024 General Election.
Originally the former Director of Elections, Keith Ingram, had approved an earlier version of the decertified system in 2020.
Then the current Director of Elections, Christina Adkins approved a new version in 2024.
According to the decertification letter, the ES&S e-pollbook system failed to meet both technical and functional standards.
The City of DeSoto was affected this past November by the issue at Disciple Central Community Church where a voter count inaccuracy occurred when it was discovered 17,800 registered voters had voted, but the total that was reviewed continued to show only 17,600 votes.
DeSoto Councilmember Place 6 Crystal Chism spoke out at the Dallas County Commissioners Court this past December on behalf of her constituents.
“There were originally four polling locations that had discrepancies in the count however after troubleshooting from the Elections office all but DC3 190 votes were counted,” Chism explained at the time.
She said,“Readers should know that the Election Administration is blaming the issue on defective software and that as a result of the polling clerks attempting to reset to resolve the delays and the freezing of the polling books the prior entry was lost… It’s an awareness, and if the Commissioners do not vote to find a new company this could happen again.”
Overall, voter issues do not lend itself to future voter confidence. Some advocates for voter integrity have suggested the only real fix is to return to precinct-based voting.
For now, the state plans to revise its certification standards and evaluate the polling devices for error-free results over an extended period.
It should be noted too, that state officials have said they will offer grants to counties having issues with ES&S to compensate for the cost of finding a new vendor. Some counties do not believe a grant will be enough.
As for ES&S, that company has said they are working on a fix for the problems, but even when that is complete there will still be weeks for the necessary state certification process.
In Dallas, District 3 County Commissioner John Wiley Price said last month, “I hold them (ES&S) responsible, but part of it is Dallas County as well.”
“This is not just a Dallas County issue with Election Systems & Software.”
The state’s response to the problem is clear by the decertification of the electronic poll books. However, with the next election scheduled for May 2025 a solution to the problem is not only time-sensitive, but crucial.
A letter from the NAACP - Metro DFW President:
Hello Freedom Fighters,
Things have been a whirlwind since January 20th with the new United States administration. It seems that the Project 2025 playbook is taking shape as a reality. But as Texans, we must also stay vigilant during the 89th Texas Legislative Session. The policies being enacted at the national level are directly impacting our lives, and the legislation being introduced at the Texas Capitol will shape our future as well. You can stay informed about the current legislative session and track bills by signing up for notifications via the Texas Legislature Online: https://capitol.texas.gov/
As we navigate this legislative session, I want to highlight two invaluable resources to keep you informed and engaged: Texas Legislature Online and the Texas State Law Library’s overview of the 89th Regular Legislative Session. This session began on January 14, 2025, and will continue through June 2, 2025.
The Texas State Law Library offers comprehensive
information on the legislative process, including bill tracking, session schedules, and access to key legislative documents. Utilizing these resources will empower you to stay updated, track important legislation, and actively participate in advocacy efforts.
The Texas Legislature Online website provides real-time access to legislative activities, including bill searches, committee hearings, and vote records. This platform allows Texans to follow proposed laws, read bill analyses, and engage in the law-making process by submitting comments and contacting legislators directly.
I have also created a Texas Legislative Take Action Plan graphic, which you will find in this newsletter. Please save, share, and take action to make a meaningful impact during this legislative session.
Make plans to join us for our upcoming DFW Metro NAACP General Meeting, where we will discuss key bills to monitor.
Senator Royce West recently shared in his Febru-
ary 14, 2025 newsletter that Governor Abbott has declared seven “emergency” items, allowing immediate legislative action on these issues. Typically, the state constitution prohibits the passage of bills within the first 60 days of a regular session unless they are designated as emergencies by the governor. The seven emergency items are:
1. Property Tax Relief
2. Water Infrastructure Investment
3. Teacher Pay Raises
4. Expansion of Career Training
5. School Choice
6. Bail Reform
7. Creation of a Texas Cyber Command
Please make plans to participate in the various legis-
lative advocacy days scheduled for March 16-19. Flyers with details are included in this newsletter.
You can get involved in several ways, and every effort makes a difference. You can:
• Write letters to your representatives.
• Call your legislators and express your stance on key issues.
• Attend hearings and provide testimony.
• Participate in legislative and lobby days, either as an individual or with advocacy groups aligned with your values.
Membership Renewal Reminder:
If your membership expires in January or February, please renew it as soon as possible. Staying united and engaged is critical to continuing our fight for justice, equality, and progress.
This year is packed with opportunities to make an impact. Volunteer with us, join a committee, or attend an upcoming event. Watch your inbox and social media for updates, and don’t hesi-
tate to reach out with your ideas or questions.
Urgent Call to Action:
Our community is facing many pressing needs, and we need your help to meet them. To fulfill the mission of the NAACP and make a lasting impact, we require members, leaders, volunteers, financial support, and other resources. We invite you to dedicate just 1 to 3 hours a week or month to help strengthen our branch and further our cause. Your time, talents, and contributions are essential to our success. Join us for our Volunteer and Get Involved meeting, where you can find out how you can get involved and make a difference. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the future of our state. Let’s stay informed, engaged, and committed to advocating for policies that benefit our communities.
Peace and Power,
Rev. Crystal Bates President, DFW Metro NAACP Vice Chair, Texas State NAACP Environmental Justice Committee
Rev. Crystal Bates NAACP President
Hon. Crystal Chism
“All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.”- The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
If you want to see the Martin Luther King that white folks don’t want you to know, you must do a little research.
The previous quote can be found in the middle of his address on April 16, 1967,
to 125,000 protesters who gathered in Central Park in New York City. They will replay that line about being “judged by the content of your character” to more than 250,000 at the March on Washington, but you will rarely hear any mention of this moment when Dr. King showed character and denounced the Vietnam War.
It is our fault that Dr. King continued to be canonized, sanitized, and reduced to some feel-good preacher who inspired the nation.
No, the truth is that Martin Luther King Jr. was gunned down because what he said
in his latter days didn’t line up with the military-industrial complex and the president’s decision to take us into an unnecessary war!
Listen to the prophetic words on the b side of that paragraph, which he wrote more than 50 years ago.
“The Greatest irony and tragedy of all is that our nation, which initiated so much of the revolutionary spirit of the modern world, is an arch antirevolutionary. We are engaged in a war that seeks to turn the clock of history back and perpetuate white colonialism.”
It is wrong that we celebrate a day commemorating
Martin King’s life and legacy but reduce its significance to Rodney King’s words: “ Can’t we just all get along?”
The answer is no. We can’t just get along until we as a nation exhaust every possibility for peace and justice throughout the world. Black folks in America can not just go along with the new “Trump Doctrine,” which seeks to devalue all nonwhites as humans and fellow citizens.
Where are the protests and the political provocateurs of today?
Who is responsible for drafting, designing, and deploying the official opposi-
tion response to the Trump Doctrine?
Recently, a friend said to me that he wasn’t protesting with “them Mexicans” because a lot of them voted for Trump and got what they deserved.
That may sound rational, but what about the millions of Latinos who voted with us? Even more significant, what about wrong versus right? All non-white people in Trump’s America are in a “single garment of destiny!
What far too many Black folks miss is that most whites see everyone who is non-white as “N!gg3r$.”
Black folks were just the
first group designated as less-than and sub-human. Don’t get it twisted; whenever ICE and Elon finish with the “other ones,” we are next to be singled out! Let me end with another of King’s statements that you probably never bothered to read. “Peace is not merely the absence of tension, but the presence of Justice.” In other words, “No Justice, No Peace.” If we don’t fight for justice for everybody, there will never be peace for anybody!
Banning Black History Month Revives ‘Lost Cause’ Lies
extremists themselves define “woke” as “the belief there are systemic injustices in American society and the need to address them.”
“Let’s call this what it really is: resegregation. … Any official, including the president, who chooses to blame everything from plane crashes to wildfires on non-white, nonmale people should be asked whether they believe that desegregation is to blame. Whether they believe resegregation is the answer. We need to bring back the language that describes what is actually happening.”
— Karen Attiah
Whenever an anti-diversity extremist uses the word “woke” in a disparaging way, we must remember that the
“I don’t know who you are and I don’t know why you like this guy [Donald Trump}. I think what you like about him; he appears to be strong and the rest of us are weak. … That’s what he’s selling. … Here’s what you’re buying. … He’s a race-baiting, xenophobic religious bigot. He doesn’t represent my party. He doesn’t represent the values that the men and women who wear the uniform are fighting for… He’s the ISIL man of the year.”
— Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on CNN in 2015
There are periods in history: epochs, distinctive periods in time marked by notable events, that in many instances signal change. Columbus stumbling upon the Americas where indigenous peoples had been living for thousands of years. The French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, the invention of the semiconductor, World War II, the civil rights era, etc. In many instances, one may not realize that they’re living in the historic moment. It’s only upon reflection that you realize the significance of the time. There are other periods, I call
Anti-diversity activists don’t want to address systemic injustices that mainly benefit white men. They’d rather distort history to promote a mass delusion that those injustices never existed.
That’s why Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who built a national reputation by attacking diversity in the armed forces, has to ban recognition of Black History Month. The racial justice uprising sparked by the murder of George Floyd nearly five years ago instilled a panic in the defenders of racial inequity, who launched a campaign in what they called “critical race theory” and now call “DEI.” At least 870 mea-
sures have been introduced at the federal, state and local level to stifle even the acknowledgement of institutional and systemic racism and discrimination. Even the measures that don’t pass are part of a broad effort to salt the earth against addressing systemic injustices. Since the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions two years ago, Black enrollment at top universities has fallen by 17%. Venture capital funding to Black-owned enterprises fell by 86% from 2021 to 2023. About one in eight companies say they will eliminate or scale back their diversity, equity and inclusion policies in 2025.
Black History Month grew out of “Douglass Day,” the Feb. 14 birthday celebration of the formerly enslaved
abolitionist Frederick Douglass. In 1926, Black historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson built on that celebration, incorporating the birthday of “The Great Emancipator” Abraham Lincoln into Negro History Week. Woodson’s scholarship challenged the then-dominant “Lost Cause” myth that sought to erase the horrors of slavery and justify legal segregation. According to Lost Cause mythology, Black Americans had been content in their enslavement and were overwhelmed by the responsibilities of freedom. Through this lens, abolition and reconstruction had thrown the natural order into chaos, and Jim Crow segregation was a necessary correction.
Rather than promote the lie that Black Americans are content to live under a sys-
tem of oppression, the modern Lost Cause movement promotes the lie that the system of oppression doesn’t exist. It promotes the lie that discriminatory practices aren’t to blame for race and gender gaps in wealth, income and civic life. It’s simply that white men are more competent.
Darren Beattie, appointed this week to be acting undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs, posted recently on social media, “Competent white men must be in charge if you want things to work.” Beattie was fired from a position in the previous Trump administration after CNN reported his connection to well-known white nationalists. President Trump pointedly excised any mention of “prejudice and hardship” Black
Americans face from his Black History Month proclamation.
The outrageous notion that anyone in a position of authority or responsibility who’s not a white man is so ingrained in the current administration that President Trump baselessly blamed diversity, equity and inclusion policies for the deadly Jan. 29 aviation accident at Reagan National Airport. In an era when the defense secretary brazenly sports a tattoo of a white nationalist symbol, celebrating Black History Month resegregation is not just a right, but a responsibility. It’s not just about honoring the past but about determining the future.
When They Tell You About Their Own, Believe Them
them Oppenheimer moments, where you know that you are in the moment. The first atomic bomb was tested on July 16, 1945. The bomb, nicknamed “Gadget,” released 18.6 kilotons of power. We are told that Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer, upon watching the first-ever atomic bomb explode, quoted a line from Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita: “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.” Oppenheimer knew he was in the moment.
As we look at the current geopolitical landscape, we find ourselves firmly in the grips of the second Trump administration. There is a dramatic decline in the status of America, both domestically and internationally. The economic outlook is uncertain. America is funding a war in Ukraine and a genocide in Gaza. Homelessness, unemployment and incarceration rates are continuously on the rise. One can only conclude that we are living in a historic moment. Steve Bannon, the former Trump campaign and White House adviser, calls it “managed decline.”
One of the ironies in all of this is we have seen this movie before. We are watching Trump redux. We are not just watching the film; we are actors in it. For those of us who are old enough to remember, watching the news and political programs today is analogous to watch-
ing “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” We find ourselves constantly yelling at the screen, except this is unscripted.
People are aghast listening to President Trump attack DEI policies, firing federal inspectors general, threatening to close the Department of Education and pledging to fire FBI agents who investigated Jan. 6. Steve Bannon told us in 2019 of what was to come: “We had a whole tiger team of the White House counsel guys, the ‘deconstruction of the administrative state,’ which is a huge element. … We want less [government intervention]. In fact, we want to start to take apart certain parts of the apparatus.” America, you were warned.
Now, the authoritarian that more than 77 million Americans voted for wants to disregard the constitutionally guaranteed right of “birthright citizenship.” He is impounding funds, freezing nearly all foreign aid, federal grants and loans as if he has been magically granted the power of the “ex post facto veto.”
Almost none of President Trump’s policies have gone through legislation or House votes. Trump issues his edicts through executive order. The American people are being subjected to a flurry or whirlwind of executive action. Bannon called it “flooding the zone and muzzle velocity.” “Every
day we hit them with three things. They’ll bite on one, and we’ll get all of our stuff done, bang, bang, bang. These guys will never — will never be able to recover. But we’ve got to start with muzzle velocity.” Some people may think Trump is crazy. If he is, he’s crazy like a fox. But it’s not just him. President Trump is not alone. The racist suggestion of Trump saying the United States should own Gaza and develop it into “the Riviera of the Middle East” by displacing the Palestinians from their homeland to other countries in the region was first posited by former President Joe Biden. The AP reported, “A Western diplomat in Cairo said Egypt rejected similar proposals from the Biden administration and European countries early in the war.” Trump’s major faux pas was he made Biden’s secret proposal public. Trump is not alone in his racist deportation efforts. CNN reported, “According to an analysis by the Migration Policy Institute, more than 12 million people were ‘deported’ — either removed or returned — from the U.S. during the Clinton administration. More than 10 million were removed or returned during the Bush administration. Far fewer — more than 5 million — were removed or returned during the Obama administration.” Lest we forget, President Obama
was dubbed the “deporter in chief.”
Trump’s ideas of deconstructing the administrative state, cutting government agencies or his privatization/ neoliberal policies via Project 2025 are not new. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich proposed similar tactics with his “Contract with America.” Former President Bill Clinton thought he could make government more efficient by employing principles from the private sector by “Reinventing Government as We Know It.”
The major problem with these schemes is very simple. The goal of private sector capitalism is the maximization of profit. The goal of democratic/republic government is the protection of the people and the delivery of services. Contrary to the beliefs of the oligarchs, government is not in the “business” of making money. It’s lucky if it breaks even. Don’t let this context confuse you. Sen. Graham is correct, President Trump is “a race-baiting, xenophobic religious bigot.” This is evidenced by his baseless rants about Mexican rapists, his proposed Muslim ban, his lie about Barack Obama’s birthplace, his attack on the Central Park Five, his baseless attack on DEI programs, removing historical videos of its storied Black Tuskegee Airmen from Air Force
training modules, supporting genocide in Gaza, just to name a few. Remember, all of this resonated with more than 77 million Americans. So, what are we to do? Well, for starters do not listen to Rep. Nancy Pelosi. Anyone who tries to insist that the election was not a rebuke of the Democrats is delusional and anyone who argues that Democrats don’t need to change is clueless. I strongly suggest reading Dr. King’s 1963 “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”: “We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” Then read Frederick Douglass’ 1857 speech, “If There Is No Struggle, There Is No Progress” — “Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.”
After that, read more and remember, when they tell you about their own, they are also telling you about themselves. Believe them.
Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, award-winning columnist and a lifelong Drapetomaniac!
Wilmer Leon
Marc Morial
A President’s Day Note from Judge Todd Little
The third Monday in February is probably the most overlooked national holiday for Americans.
To most, Presidents’ Day is nothing more than a surprise three-day weekend bookended by Valentine’s Day and Spring Break, overshadowed in popular culture. The commemoration of George Washington’s birthday has been observed in some form or fashion since Americans could shake hands with Washington himself, and its cultural significance remains just as
relevant in the 21st century as from before the White House had even been built.
One month ago, Americans welcomed back into the White House a man that more than 70 million support for his unapologetically America-first zeal as a political “outsider.” Team Red enjoyed scoring the final touchdown in the 2024 election Superbowl, following a fouryear hiatus brought about by the plays of Team Blue. In the meantime, both teams have grown weary from the tournament and now simply watch the President in anticipation of many changes to come.
At no time in our national history have Democrats and Republicans agreed on everything; in a nation full of people with different
religious traditions, ethnic backgrounds, economic conditions, lifestyles, and priorities, we must accept that discourse is the nature of a free society. It is better to come together over the ideals that we all do – or at least, should – share in common, while letting the art of respectful compromise answer for everything else. It is this sort of willingness to compromise, negotiate, and work toward solutions beneficial to our whole nation that is encapsulated by the spirit of the Presidents’ Day holiday. Though the original purpose of Presidents’ Day was to commemorate the birthday of George Washington, the “father of the United States,” the holiday has expanded in scope over the de -
cades to become an appreciation for the Office of the President itself, regardless of which political figure presently occupies it. Presidents’ Day is a day to celebrate our great republic, an ideal that a large and multifaceted nation like the United States can elect a single individual who, regardless of his or her partisan priorities, primarily represents the common spirit and energy that animates the nation and all its people. The holiday is a bold declaration to the world that in spite of all our differences as free individuals, Americans share higher ideals, beliefs, and a common sense of patriotism and liberty that is very real and tangible – tangible enough to be expressed through the persona of
the President we elect to serve as the face of our nation.
As a nation, our presidents have compromised, negotiated, and extracted a common political agenda to, God willing, advance freedom and prosperity for all American people – e pluribus unum, or “out of many, one” – as embodied by the individual we have chosen to represent us. My fellow citizens, it is a remarkable achievement even rarer than we may realize throughout the long history of the world and is precisely why I am excited to wish Ellis County a happy Presidents’ Day!
Reflections On Super Bowl Being In New Orleans
Ewers
James B.
OUR VOICES
The Super Bowl is arguably the biggest sporting event in America, and some would say in the world.
The buildup to it happens all year long– because football at all levels is always talked about by sports commentators.
For example, National Signing Day for high school players was held Wednesday, February 5. The transfer portal and NIL agreements are discussed without cease. At the end of last year’s Super Bowl, television announcers began talking about the 2025 Super Bowl. A Louisiana committee attended the 2024 Super Bowl in Las Vegas as they received the mantle
and official go-ahead for Super Bowl LIX.
The city of New Orleans began planning for the Super Bowl since the announcement it would be the host. This was the 11th time that the city hosted this premier event.
If you live here like I do, you get to see first-hand that New Orleans does a lot of hosting. Its hospitality is second to none.
One New Orleans official said that the city was built for hosting the Super Bowl. That statement has been affirmed by the NFL.
Think about it. New Orleans hosts Mardi Gras, The Essence Festival, The Jazz Festival and The Bayou Classic.
There is always a festival or a convention that brings people from all parts of the world to the Crescent City.
The city focused on providing visitors with a superb Super Bowl experience.
All the carpets of goodwill and good cheer were rolled out. New Orleans is a friendly and welcoming city. The smiles and high fives are authentic.
It didn’t matter if you were a Philadelphia Eagles fan or a Kansas City Chiefs fan, fun and fellowship happened in abundance during this special week.
As we were driving with a great view of the Super Dome, I said, this place is going to be rocking and rolling in the coming days. I was right.
When the Super Bowl schedule was released, my wife and I decided to attend a few of the events.
Our excitement piqued as Super Bowl LIX week was just a few days away.
Our first event was the Super Bowl opening night held at the Super Dome.
We arrived two hours before the start of the evening’s activities.
Going into the Dome for this historic occasion was just amazing. I never thought I would have this opportunity.
There were players and coach’s interviews along with pictures being taken.
The famous St. Augustine High School March Band performed to the delight of the fans.
Cheerleaders cheering and fans being fans made the atmosphere electric.
We came home pleasantly exhausted and looked forward to our next outing. We also had tickets for the NFL Fan Experience on Thursday night, at the Ernest Morial Convention Center where we took pictures with the Super Bowl Trophy and saw past Super Bowl championship rings.
The Grambling State University Marching Band gave a wonderful performance for the fans as well.
An HBCU exhibit featured football helmets from all the HBCUs. I was able to take a picture of my alma mater, Johnson C. Smith University’s, helmet.
Wilson Sporting Goods showed the crowd how to make a football with Reggie Bush, a former Heisman Trophy winner, participating.
Saturday was the Super Bowl parade, and it was wonderful. Todd Graves, founder and CEO of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, was the parade king. It was a fitting celebration.
The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22.
The National Football League also recognized the contributions of players, coaches and employees at HBCUs.
Executive Order Series: Establishment of DOGE
years to unravel.
President Trump’s Executive Order #14158 signed January 20 to establish and implement the Department of Government Efficiency has certainly been causing a stir.
For one thing, Elon Musk leads the department and no one can say he did not hit the ground running when Trump gave him his directives.
Musk has proved he is well up for the job already finding billions of dollars in the government’s unnecessary spending, according to reports.
The Executive Order names the establishment of DOGE and its purposes and reads it was also put in place to modernize “federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity.”
Only having been in his seat a few weeks, many Americans believe Musk is showing the American people the DC bureaucracy on both sides of the aisle does not have to take
The US Treasury Department recently told Musk there is “over $100 billion per year of entitlement payments to individuals with no social security numbers or temporary ID number.”
He said he was told around half of that amount was fraudulent at $50 billion a year.
There have also been rumors that through DOGE Trump plans to freeze Medicare and social security. This is not true since the administration has been clear DOGE was not put in place to personally impact Americans.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was clear, “Social security benefits, Medicare benefits, assistance going directly to individuals will not be impacted by the freeze placed on federal financial assistance programs.”
While the government’s wild ride on the taxpayer’s dime all these years might be hard for career politicians to accept has ended, it appears that is what is happening. And with a savings that will positively impact both Republicans and Democrats, all Americans should have a strong interest in what DOGE
is uncovering.
To date, DOGE has gotten rid of several diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that were part of the country’s extremely expensive federal spending. Reportedly 12 contracts have been cancelled to the tune of $30 million as well as the termination of unnecessary federal building leases costing the American people $3 million.
Louisiana Senator John Kennedy said it well, “Common sense is illegal in Washington” and that appears to include spending American taxpayer’s dollars.
He added, “There is a Washington way of doing things and when somebody challenges the status quo many get excited and not in a good way.”
Reportedly DOGE has found a list of excessive expenditures to the tune of millions of dollars paid to mainstream media like AP, Reuters, and Politico for “subscriptions” proving perhaps you can buy the narrative.
Here are a few of the other items DOGE has reportedly found, but I recommend everyone check the website
https://www.usaspending. gov/ and look up all the expenditures for yourself. The American people, regardless of the side of the aisle, have a right to know where their money is being spent.
While mainstream media has denied this, DOGE said it found line items showing taxpayers paid for Chelsea Clinton’s wedding and mansion by way of a fund that was meant to be sent to Haiti by the Clinton Foundation, funded by USAID. Also noted she received annually recurring funding from USAID, allocated by Obama providing afternoon meals to children in Africa, India, and Bangladesh. When someone did the math the number of meals served, 11,886, made each meal cost $1,410 per meal.
USAID paid George Soros $260 million, the reason for the expenditure is not clear. Justthenews.com reported USAID had been “regularly routed funding to causes aligned with George Soros’ nonprofit empire, terrorists and drag queens.”
Joni Ernst (R-IA) told reporters USAID did everything possible to withhold records until a formal con-
gressional investigation began to force its hand. That still resulted in only a small amount of data released that included “very little data-driven results,” but lists of money spent like in Morocco for pottery classes and tourism in Lebanon during a state department advisory.
Other waste from the USAID coffers included money to Wuhan Lab of Virology, and money used by NGOs to aid illegal crossings into the US and millions spent on plane and bus tickets and coaching illegals how to stay in the country.
Another short list of USAID expenditures $16.8 million to support equitable outcomes in inclusion in Vietnam, $7.9 million to teach Sri Lankan journalists to avoid binary gender language, $6.3 million to study men having sex with men in South Africa, millions on LGBTQ promotions in Uganda, the western Balkans, Guatemala, $20 million on a Sesame Street show in Iraq, $4.5 million to combat misinformation in Kazakhstan and $15 million for contraceptives and condoms in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and let’s not for-
get the $600 million on sushi or (standardized usage statistics harvesting initiative) and the IRS spent $230,000 a month on Starbuck’s Cinnamon Roast K-cups. In late January DOGE had already announced it had saved the US government around $1 billion per day. It was reported these savings were overall realized by ending pointless hiring, eliminating DEI programs, and putting an end to improper payments to foreign groups being paid regularly with no oversight.
As for the future of USAID, that remains unclear. Newly-appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been appointed acting director with possible plans to merge parts of USAID into the State Department. Overall, it remains to be seen how much excessive spending will be uncovered, but this Executive Order is one worth watching as it unfolds.
It Does Not Matter How Flat the Pancake Is, It Still Has Two Sides
Terry Allen
BIG MAMA SAID
Without fail, mighty words would always shoot forth when Lucille “Big Mama” Allen stood in the doorway between the kitchen and the “big room,” speaking her own truth. Big Mama’s platform was steeped in the biblical word, and she made sure
you understood that wisdom came in layers, just like life itself. She would often remind us, “It does not matter how flat the pancake is, it still has two sides.” That was her way of saying that every story, every situation, and every person carries more than just the surface truth—they hold complexities that demand deeper consideration. In a world where people are
quick to judge based on headlines and soundbites, Big Mama’s wisdom reminds us to pause and look deeper before making up our minds. Looking at today’s leadership in this country, it’s clear that someone in charge needs to sit at Big Mama’s kitchen table. The current leader insists he’s not part of “2025,” yet he’s surrounding himself with those who are. He claims
he’s distancing himself, yet his actions tell a different story. Big Mama would say, “Baby, you don’t have to tell me who you are—your walk is already showing me.”
Then there’s his sudden concern about corruption in government agencies. Convenient, isn’t it? The same agencies that prosecuted the January 6 combatants and investigated his criminal charges are now the villains in his narrative. Big Mama would re -
mind us that folks who cry “corruption” only when it comes knocking on their own door are usually the ones with something to hide.
She would shake her head and say, “Now, baby, you can flip that pancake any way you want, but there’s still another side staring back at you.” And that’s the truth—no matter how the current leader spins it, his side of the story keeps looking more false than the other.
COOKin-DC
Rita Cook
Dr. James B. Ewers, Jr. is a long-time educator who hails
Jr. Ed. D.
Todd Little
Corporate America Abandons DE&I, Black-Owned Brands Are the Future
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
While corporations retreat, Black entrepreneurs continue to build, innovate, and thrive. According to NBC Select, over three million Blackowned brands are in the U.S., spanning every industry imaginable. As corporate America abandons its DE&I commitments, the power shifts to conscious consumers who invest in businesses that uplift and sustain marginalized communities.
Here are just a few standout Blackowned brands leading the charge:
Clothing & Accessories
• Telfar – The brand that revolutionized luxury fashion with its motto: “Not for you—for everyone.” Hanifa – A trailblazing womenswear brand founded by Anifa Mvuemba, known for its stunning digital fashion shows.
• Pyer Moss – Founded by Kerby Jean-Raymond, this label merges activism and high fashion.
• Grayscale – A streetwear brand bringing bold aesthetics and social commentary to the forefront.
• Sassy Jones – A standout accessories brand built on bold, unapologetic self-expression.
Beauty & Skincare
• Fenty Beauty – Rihanna’s globally inclusive beauty empire that set a new standard for shade diversity.
• Mented Cosmetics – Beauty products created specifically for deeper skin tones.
The Lip Bar – A Black-womanowned brand disrupting the beauty industry with bold, non-toxic lipstick shades.
• Pattern Beauty – Founded by Tracee Ellis Ross, specializing in products for textured hair.
• Alikay Naturals – Natural haircare products with a devoted following.
Home & Lifestyle
• Estelle Colored Glass – Hand-
blown glassware that brings Black excellence to fine dining.
• Jungalow – A home décor brand from designer Justina Blakeney, blending culture and bohemian flair.
• Linoto – Luxury linen bedding made with sustainability in mind.
• Yowie – A modern design studio curating unique home goods from independent artists.
Food & Beverage
• Partake Foods – A Black-owned snack company offering allergen-friendly cookies and treats.
• McBride Sisters Wine Collection – The largest Black-owned wine company in the U.S., run by two sisters redefining the industry.
• Uncle Nearest Whiskey – Honoring Nathan “Nearest” Green, the Black distiller behind Jack Daniel’s original recipe.
• Capital City Mambo Sauce – The D.C. favorite taking over the condiment industry.
Meanwhile, corporate America’s performative commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) is unraveling at an alarming rate. In the years following the murder of George Floyd, corporations made bold promises to support marginal-
ized communities, pledging billions in investments to level the playing field. But as the political landscape shifts and accountability wanes, those commitments are being discarded.
A staggering number of major corporations have scaled back or eliminated DE&I programs: Amazon, Target, Amtrak, Goldman Sachs, Disney, Deloitte, PBS, Google, Pepsi, General Motors (GM), GE, Intel, PayPal, Chipotle, Comcast, Accenture, The Smithsonian Institution, the FBI, Meta, Walmart, Boeing, Molson Coors, Ford Motor Co., Harley-Davidson, and John Deere have all abandoned or severely reduced their diversity efforts.
The very companies that once paraded their commitment to racial equity in multimillion-dollar ad campaigns are now quietly erasing those initiatives from their bottom lines.
Not everyone is staying silent. Dr. Jamal Bryant, the influential pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in metro Atlanta, is leading a 40-day economic fast—or boycott—of Target in direct response to the retailer’s decision to phase out its DE&I initiatives. Target, headquartered in Minneapolis—the city where George Floyd was murdered in 2020—originally pledged $2 billion in investments toward Black-owned businesses. That commitment was due in De-
cember 2025, but on January 24, Target announced it would end its DE&I efforts, effectively abandoning that financial commitment. Bryant, appearing on the Black Press’ Let It Be Known news program, condemned the move.
“After the murder of George Floyd, they made a $2 billion commitment to invest in Black businesses,” he said.
“When they pulled out of the DE&I agreement in January, they also canceled that $2 billion commitment.”
Target is just the beginning. Bryant calls for 100,000 people to halt their spending at the retail giant as a direct challenge to corporate America’s retreat from racial equity. “Black people spend $12 million a day at Target,” he said. “Because of how many dollars are spent there and the absence of commitment to our community, we are focusing on Target first.” The boycott, designed to coincide with Lent, aims to leverage Black economic power to hold corporations accountable. Within just one week, 50,000 people had already signed the petition at targetfast.org, signaling the growing momentum behind the movement.
Bryant’s demands go beyond reinstating DE&I. “White women are the number one beneficiary of DE&I,” he noted. “What I am asking for is a quarter of a billion dollars to be invested in Black banks so that our Black busi-
nesses can scale.” He also called for Target to partner with HBCUs by integrating their business departments into its supply chain infrastructure. Meanwhile, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)—the nation’s largest Black-owned media organization—has announced its own national public education and selective buying campaign in response to corporate America’s retreat from DE&I. “We are the trusted voice of Black America, and we will not be silent or nonresponsive to the rapid rise of renewed Jim Crow racist policies in corporate America,” said NNPA Chairman Bobby R. Henry Sr. NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. reinforced the need for financial realignment. “Black Americans spend $2 trillion annually. We must evaluate and realign to question why we continue to spend our money with companies that do not respect us. These contradictions will not go unchallenged.” In response, Bryant has partnered with Ron Busby, president and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, to provide consumers with a directory of 300,000 Black-owned businesses. “You can’t tell people what not to do without showing them what to do,” Bryant said. “If you’re not going to Target or Walmart but need essentials like toilet paper, soap, or detergent, we’ll show you where to get them and reinvest in Black businesses.”
And the impact of the boycott is already felt. Since Black consumers began boycotting Target, the company’s stock has dropped by $11, Bryant noted.
Stockholders are now suing Target due to the adverse effects of the boycott on its stock value. Bryant said the question is no longer whether corporate America will keep its promises— it’s clear that it won’t.
He said the same companies that plastered Black squares on social media and made grand statements about inclusion are now proving where their true priorities lie. “America has shown us time and time again: if it doesn’t make dollars, it doesn’t make sense,” Bryant added.
Dawn Desirable Melts is a handcrafted candle-making company that takes pride in the time and effort in making our candles. They make quality scented candles, and other products handpoured in Dallas, Texas, utilizing the top-quality wax and scent oil that helps you relax, feel calm, and bring a peaceful ambiance into any space. Visit the website add your email to their list and get 10% off your order.
NaturallyIsis Isis Brantley
https://www.naturallyisis.com/
email: naturallyisis@yahoo.com
17290 Preston Rd #206, Dallas, TX.
The Isis Brantley Story, Natural Hair Care & Wellness Matriarch, Social Activist, Entrepreneur and Educator. Isis discovered her bliss – as an “ancestral” natural hair stylist and cultural artist –while still a teen. Opening a little hair braiding shop in “sunny South Dallas,” she went on to become one of the leading international authorities in natural hair care for people of the African diaspora. No comb, no tears. Treat your hair right with natural styling, braiding, ancestral hair care classes.
Lãbb Alifíque®
email: info@labbalifique.com
labbalifique.com
(214) 838-6570
1811 Greenville Ave, Bldg. 100, Suite 24 Dallas inside of Salon Society Suites.
Lãbb Alifíque® was created by LaJontee’ Ware, a Board Certified Nurse Anesthetist and Double Board Certified Primary Care and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. They provide customized aesthetic solutions in a modern environment to meet your cosmetic goals. They offer complimentary consultations to discuss your aesthetic goals with their treatments utilizing the latest techniques and their safety pledge. Visit the website to explore their services and book appointments.
V.I.P. Lippy
email: shop@viplippy.com viplippy.com 5605 FM 423 Ste. 500-165, Frisco
V.I.P LIPPY is an inspirational lipstick brand designed for women who love clean beauty and a dose of hope and encouragement infused into their everyday lives as they become the best version of themselves. Dr. Dami Babaniji is the creator of the V.I.P. Lippy and she hopes to inspire YOU to reveal your inner beauty while enhancing your natural outer beauty. Visit the website and find the lipstick that will inspire you.
URBAN HYDRATION
email: customerlove@urbanhydration.com urbanhydration.com 5800 Granite Parkway Suite 100, Plano, TX
Urban Hydration is hospital-trusted, nurse-recommended, cross-cultural products that are premium quality, ultra-hydrating, and fun to use by everyone. To save pricy trips to the doctor, the creators Psyche and Vontoba Terry created a better-looking, smelling, formulated, and sustainable brand of ultra-hydrating products for all. You can find Urban Hydration in retailers throughout the DFW area.
Trailer House
(972) 565-3775
1141 E Walnut St Garland TX 75040 (Inside of Exxon Z Magic)
Trailer House is in Garland and serves soul food. Grab Lunch or Dinner. Sundays Open 11-3 pm. The menu has Smoked Meatloaf, Oxtails, Beef Tips & Rice, Smothered Pork Chops, Smothered Chicken, Banana Pudding, and more. Follow them on Instagram @trailerhousellc. Call in orders at (972) 565-3775
Tre Wilcox Cooking Concepts
Owner Tre Wilcox email: tre@trewilcox.com https://trewilcox.com (214) 296-2168, 8200 Preston Rd, Suite 135, Plano Tre Wilcox Cooking Concepts provides cooking classes, corporate team building, and catering services. From an intimate dinner for a few, private cooking classes, personal appearances, and cooking demonstrations to special events hosted by Chef
Bakers D’lite Inc.
YouTube Screengrab
Black Businesses in and around Garland
Urban Taste Catering
email: info@urbantastecatering.com
https://www.urbantastecatering.com/
214-997-3789
2011 W. Spring Creek Parkway Suite 2000, Plano
Urban Taste Catering is a full-service catering company located in Plano, Texas. Their goal is to inspire clients with catering they are devoted to supporting the community. They use seasonal ingredients and provide exceptional service. Chef Tiffaney is the owner and Chef John is the Sous Chef. Urban Taste uses locally sourced ingredients. Check out their menu on the website.
Shoagies
email: info@shoagies.com
https://www.shoagies.com/
214-842-8448
5121 Collin McKinney Parkway Suite 200 McKinney
Shoagies serves Chicago Authentic Style Foods & Hoagies. Their original recipes are authentic, their homemade flavors are hand-blended seasoning and spices are just some of Shoagies key ingredients. They locally source the vegetables and import their specialty items from Chicago. They don’t cut corners when it comes to bringing that Chi-Town flavor that we all know and love. They have fast delivery requests for your orders up to 72 hours in advance. Check out their menu on the website.
The Cookie Society
Owner Marissa and Jeff Allen
email: info@cookiesociety.com
cookiesociety.com
214-618-0651
9320 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 160, Frisco
TLC Vegan Café
The Cookie Society was established in 2018, by Marissa and Jeff Allen, their special recipes for Chocolate Chip cookies then came the famous Banana Pudding cookie and from there the flavors expanded to over 70. The Cookie Society specializes in unique flavors inspired by childhood staples, elevated classics, and flavors typically reserved for cakes and pies.
email: info@tlcvegankitchen.com
tlcvegankitchen.com
469-562-4001
1930 N. Coit Rd., Richardson Chef-driven
TLC Vegan Cafe aka. “Tastes Like Chicken” is Chef Troy Gardner’s newest culinary venture & commitment to creating “a better world, one vegan dish at a time.” TLC Vegan Kitchen began as the Dallas area’s first and finest delivery & curbside pick-up craft vegan kitchen, now with a dine-in version in Richardson called, TLC Vegan Cafe. The menu radiates excellence with varying flavors of savory & sweet varieties. Popular favorites include Chef Troy’s famous chicken fried oyster mushrooms, house-made sauces, mouthwatering buttercream cake, nationally renowned banana foster pudding, and his award-winning Texas chili. Order for delivery or curbside pickup.
Southern Gourmet Kitchen
email: sgk6509@gmail.com
southerngourmetkitchens.com
469-298-3441
6509 W Park Blvd Suite 420, Plano
Southern Gourmet Kitchen serves Southern classic foods, made from scratch each day and packaged in a way that lets you bring the quality of their meals into your home. For over 20 years Southern Gourmet’s chef has perfected her vision for guests with caring and committed staff to ensure a fantastic experience. From food trucks to our brand new restaurant they are excited to show some good ol’ down south southern cooking with all the amazing flavors and love from their home-style kitchen. Reservations are available.
BPolished Beauty Supply
email: bpolishedbeautysupply.com
972-803-5663
4135 Belt Line Road Suite 110, Addison
BPolished Beauty Supply store is located in the heart of Addison, TX. Their mission is to provide an array of hair care and
beauty items, expertise in healthy hair care, and professionalism to every customer ensuring a pleasurable and paramount beauty experience. Become a part of the BPolished Family either online or at their physical location.
Carl’s Kitchen Food Truck
email: carlskitchen@gmail.com
https://www.carlskitchen.biz/
469-504-8793 1401 E ARAPAHO RD Suite D
Carl’s Kitchen is a Dallas Food Truck, that provides catering, Korean “BBQ” Barbecue, Cajun, and Mexican Food for all of DFW, downtown & surrounding areas. Their food truck caters for weddings, private parties, festivals & company events. They serve great Plant Base Menu Items, Classic Burgers & Wings, and Street Tacos.
The owner Carl Hall is also a part of the 3 Dimensional Catering team. For your next event check them out.
Soulgood Express, owner Chef Cynthia Nevels, has a new concept. Soulgood Express is now open in Frisco. They now have two mini concepts in Houston and Frisco and a food truck in Dallas at @ klydewarrenpark. Soulgood is an innovative organic and eco-friendly vegan takeout restaurant, food truck, and vegan baker.
charliescreolekitchentexas.com
214-821-8890
2129 Greenville Ave., TX
Charlie’s Creole Kitchen is a Creole, Cajun, and seafood restaurant, in the Lower Greenville Ave., Dallas area serving authentic New Orleans cuisine in a casual space. Charlie’s Creole Kitchen blends Creole & New Orleans cooking perfectly. The McGuinness family opened Charlie’s Creole Kitchen aka Dodies in 1989. The chef, Mauricio, has been whipping up authentic Creole Food since 1989. Pleasing the pallets of Dallas. Stop by you won’t be disappointed.
DAQ’s Luxury Daiquiri Lounge
email: contact@daqsallfolks.com
daqsallfolks.com
469-200-5881
8700 Preston Rd, Plano, TX
IMANI BOUTIQUE DFW
DAQ’s Luxury Daiquiri Lounge, Good Company, Great Times. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Adult Game Night, Bottomless Margaritas, $5 Tacos, Old School Hip Hop, and much more. Enjoy Madi Gras weekend at DAQ’s Make your Reservation now.
email: imaniboutiquedfw@yahoo.com
imaniboutiquedfw.com
469-399-0403
1220 North Towneast Blvd Ste #240, Mesquite, TX
Imani Boutique is designed for women seeking a classy or professional look with a unique twist that will set them apart from the crowd. In addition to its uniqueness, they dedicate themselves to providing the best customer service from start to finish. Men’s Apparel will be added to the store. They are located in Mesquite. If you like a little bling check out Imani Boutique DFW. Motivating Minds Mental Health Counseling
email:
Meet Khiara Mills, “Reaching your full potential should not take a toll on your mental health nor be a stressful experience. Doing so will create a sense of meaning in your life that you’re missing.” Khiara is a Licensed Professional Counselor located in Dallas. Adults and teens of all racial and ethnic backgrounds seek her out for services, African American/Black and other minority adults and teens of color specifically find value in her services. Visit the website explore the services and sign up for a free consultation.
At JS International Grill, the flavor takes center stage! Each dish is a delightful blend of unique tastes, drawing from a rich heritage of French and local traditions. Our team pours their heart and soul into crafting authentic cuisine, ensuring every bite is packed with vibrant seasoning and bold flavors. We invite you to visit us in Richardson and Desoto, Texas, where you can enjoy favorites like Jerk Chicken, Shrimp Pasta, and Samosas.
Backlit Book Store
owner Nia-Tayler Clark Website: https://iamblacklit.com/ Location: 4050 McEwen Rd. Suite 9105, Dallas Farmers
For the past three years, BLACKLIT has been home to the first monthly subscription box to exclusively highlight Black authors and entrepreneurs, helping to support, promote, and bring visibility to Black authors and Black-owned businesses. Inside every box, subscribers receive a book a Black author, a shirt, and 3-5 products from Black-owned businesses. Founded by local educator & diversity/inclusion advocate, Nia-Tayler Clark, BLACKLIT’s mission is to help close the literacy gap, to increase representation, and to cultivate conversations that bring unity across racial divides.
Absolutely Edible Cakes is the home of the Sweet Potato Thang. Nikita Jackson, better known as “Nikki J.” is the creator and owner of Absolutely Edible Cakes and Catering. AEC is located in Rowlett, Texas. AEC takes pride in creating cakes that will not only please your sense of sight, but your sense of taste. Visit the website or the bakery to get your sweet treat the famous Sweet Potato Thang.
92nd Street Design
https://www.92ndstreetdesign.com/ 7210 Elm Street Frisco 214-295-2910 Email: katharine@sohestudio.com
92nd Street Design was born out of a simple idea, home is a collection of all things beautiful to you. It’s a little bit of old, a few touches of new, and layers of love and personality in between. For founder Katharine D. Leonard, this concept came from watching her mother decorate their Kansas home with family treasures, gifts from friends, and the occasional shopping trip finds. The result was a magnificent happy home that laid the foundation for fond memories.
Big Tony’s West Philly Cheesesteak
https://www.bigtonyswestphillycheesesteaks.com/ 740 S Greenville Ave, Allen, (972) 359-0958
Anthony “Big Tony” Blaylock was born and raised In Western Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, affectionately known as “West Philly.” Today, Big Tony’s West Philly Cheesesteak is recognized as the best cheesesteak restaurant in Texas, bringing together a family-friendly atmosphere with food that is unlike anything else in the great State of Texas: rich, flavorful, and wholly unique. Big Tony’s has four restaurants in the DFW area. Visit the website and sign up for their newsletter and receive 20% off.
Comerica Bank celebrates decade of Making Teens’ Prom Dreams Come True
- Comerica Bank will host its 10th annual North Texas Prom Dress Drive, during the month of February at seven participating banking centers. Donations will benefit local teens served by Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County, Dallas CASA and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, who otherwise may not be able to afford formal attire and experience the high school tradition of prom.
“For nearly a decade, we have partnered with our colleagues, customers and the community to send thousands of teens to the prom, including more than 200 students last year,” said Beatrice Kelly, Comerica Bank Senior Vice President and Director of Community Development Banking. “As the chair of the Comerica North Texas Women’s Forum, being a force for good while empowering young women in our community is at the core of our mission. We hope to serve a record number of teens through this year’s drive in honor of our 10th anniversary.”
To meet its goal of helping more teens attend prom, Comerica has added two new locations in 2025: its Mockingbird-Abrams Banking Center in the East Dallas area and its
Preston John Hickman Banking Center in Frisco.
Project Beauty also has joined forces with the bank as an official drive partner and will collect dresses and donate beauty swag bags as well as provide a complimentary prom night makeover (full hair and makeup) to one lucky teen from each benefitting agency (three to be selected in total).
Individuals and businesses can drop off new or gently used, cleaned formal dress -
es (including plus sizes, 20 and up) and accessories (shoes, purses and jewelry) at the following North Texas-area Comerica banking centers:
Mockingbird-Abrams: 6260 E. Mockingbird; Dallas NorthPark: 8850 Boedeker Street; Dal -
las Parker-Premier: 3310 Premier Drive; Plano
Preston John Hickman 4111 Preston Road; Frisco
Since 2015, Comerica has donated close to 6,600 dresses, including 380 in 2024, to Dallas CASA and Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County and Greater Dallas.
D/FW AKAs celebrate the Founding of organization and 25, 50, 65 year members
Our Friends Place thrives under Banks’ Leadership
By Rita Cook Correspondent
DALLAS– Innovative programming, along with community support and committed staffers, volunteers, and leadership provides the formula that helps ensure that Our Friends Place (OFP), a North Texas organization supporting area young women who are dealing with abuse, neglect, poverty, and homelessness, remains successful.
And that’s just what CEO Helena L. Banks pledged when she took the helm in September 2024.
Opened in 1987 by Susybelle Gosslee, OFP has over the years offered support, life skills, and a home for women - allowing them to achieve goals toward a better future.
OFP also has a Transitional Living Center (TLC) program that provides homes and a community for single women, 18-to-24. The first TLC opened in 1992, and the second center opened in late 2015.
To that end each year, they serve about 40 young women at two apartment-style TLCs located in Old East Dallas. The young women in the OFP transitional living centers stay on average 219 days.
“During their time with us they attend weekly life skills lessons and receive intensive case management from staff who live on site,” said Banks. “Participants in our SOAR to Success non-residential prevention and education program spend time with their site coordinators each week during the school year.”
For decades, OFP has helped thousands of Dallas women, girls and adults build self-sufficient and independent lives through their two transitional living centers
and non-residential prevention and education programs.
A self-described creative do-gooder, dance teacher and foodie, Banks took on her role eager to make a difference in the lives of those who need someone to care. She admits it has been an exciting journey, especially coming off her first big Gala, Auction and Casino Night fundraiser, in November.
When the CEO position came open, it was a friend and current board member who suggested that she take the job.
“I started as an interested observer, became a dedicated volunteer, and finally served as a board member for four years,” Banks explained. “Over that time, I was consistently inspired by the staff’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life for our clients and the lives they touch. Now, I’m honored to join as a member of the staff, eager to build upon the strong foundation and rich history of accomplishments.
Coming from a career that included major gift coordinator for KERA, leading development efforts at Planned Parenthood of North Texas, SPCA of Texas, the American Heart Association and Dallas College, prior to joining OFP, Banks was most recently, Director of Development and External Affairs for Bonton Farms, a grassroots organic farm, market, and cafe operating in the community where she was born and raised.
A born leader, she received her BA Degree in Political Science from Sam Houston State University where she was also president of the Student Government Association.
“Every day I am inspired by the tenacity and resourcefulness of the young women in our program,” Banks
said. “Most recently we’ve had a program graduate who demonstrated exceptional financial responsibility.
“As a part of our program, young women are required to contribute monthly to their savings accounts and this young lady worked diligently to save above and beyond the required amount.”
Banks continued,
“After successfully completing our program, not only was she able to move into her first apartment but she started her life of independence with a dedicated emergency fund. She was empowered with a plan and the resources to safeguard her future financial stability.”
As for new programs Banks plans to include, she said, “I walk humbly into this role, ready to ensure the longterm sustainability and expansion of our vital programs and services. I am prioritizing innovations in fundraising, expanding our public outreach, and strengthening our organizational infrastructure ultimately serving more young women and strengthening our Dallas communities.”
She added that she encourages any Dallas/Fort Worth community members who are passionate about youth homelessness to consider supporting OFP with their time, talent, or treasures. Goslee expressed confidence in the future of OFP with Banks at the helm, “I have full faith in Helena and her ability to collaborate with young women and guide them toward effective solutions for their lives. I know this is going to be a great success.”
Prioritizing health for all ages stressed at Fitness Class
By Alicia Wilson Digital and Marketing Coordinator
“Sisterhood in Self-Care: Fitness Class –Dallas Edition” was a transformative event that united women from diverse backgrounds to prioritize health, wellness, and community. Organized by Black Girl Vitamins, the event featured expert coaching from Dominique Landry and Lee Greer. Landry, a NASM-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, is the founder of “Fit Enough” and she is dedicated to creating an inclusive fitness environment that celebrates all body types and fitness levels. Her training style incorporates strength training, dance fitness, and varied intensity interval training, tailored to individual needs.
S also partners with corporations to pro-
mote workplace wellness, reflecting her commitment to accessible fitness for all.
Lee Greer, known professionally as “Body By Lee,” is a celebrated fitness coach based in Dallas, Texas. He offers group training sessions tailored to various body types and fitness levels, encompassing strength training, full-body workouts, HIIT, and nutritional guidance.
Greer’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and motivating environment has earned him recognition as one of Dallas’s top trainers. The class offered a range of exercises suitable for all fitness levels, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of sisterhood and shared commitment to self-care. The atmosphere was vibrant and encouraging, with participants motivating
each other to push beyond their limits and embrace a healthier lifestyle. In addition to the physical workout, the event emphasized the importance of mental health, offering discussions and resources on maintaining balance and wellness in daily life. Participants left feeling rejuvenated, empowered, and equipped with practical tools to continue their self-care journey. The success of this event highlights the growing recognition of the need for dedicated spaces where women can focus on their well-being while building meaningful connections. Black Girl Vitamins continues to lead in this arena, offering various events and resources aimed at promoting health within the community.
Helena L. Banks - CEO with Susybelle Lyons Gosslee - Founder, and Sue Thiers Hesseltine - Former Executive Director of Our Friends Place. Credit: Tyson Pough Photography
Texas Metro News
DALLAS
Texas Metro News
Buffoon or sincere man of God?
Viewers choose sides to evaluate minister’s inaugural closing prayer
Norma Adams-Wade
I WAS JUST THINKING...
Many people vowed to not watch Donald Trump’s inauguration as the United States’ 47th president on January 20 this year. Those who watched, though, clearly had opposing opinions about the event’s closing prayer presented – some say performed – by Detroit minister Rev. Lorenzo Sewell.
Some viewers assert that the Detroit, Michigan man of the cloth was in full gear as a minstrel buffoon at the podium. Sewell, 43, is African American, a Republican, and pastor of the nondenominational 180 Church, located in a poverty community on Detroit’s West side.
The minister extensively quoted civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s memorable 1963 “I Have A Dream” speech at the close of new president Donald Trump’s swearing-in. However, Sewell did not attribute the words to Dr. King, nor did Sewell even mention Dr. King’s name. The date of the ceremony happened to fall on the federal holiday that commemorates Dr. King’s Jan. 15, 1929 birthday.
Sewell was one of three clerics of different faiths who gave benedictions at the inauguration. Sewell said his prayer was meant to honor Dr King on his national holiday as well as ask God to care for and guide Trump as Trump begins to lead the nation.
Critical viewers did not buy Sewell’s explanation and described his prayer as a “performance” to impress the public and Trump, who Sewell has stated in interviews that he admires. Critics suggested that the prayer was a way to self-promote and open doors for future gain as a Trump supporter – more specifically an African American Trump supporter who could stand out and cash in.
Hijacking MLK Jr.’s speech
Sewell is not without good works. In fact, Reports about his church’s community outreach programs for youths and adults are impressive. Evidence shows that he knows how to help supply what his community needs.
His error, it seems, is in attaching himself to a largely unfavorable mentor (Trump) and using a subservient and brown-nosy approach to curry favor with the nation’s new president.
The inaugural benediction put Sewell in the national spotlight, but at what price? His presentation was replete with wide-opened arm gestures.
The nondenominational pastor used a classic Baptist preacher’s booming voice and cadence. His head tilted far back as he stared straight up at the ceiling directly above him, with his eyes bucked wide and an equally wide, toothy grin.
Sewell thanked God for Trump and for saving him from an apparent assassin’s bullet on July 13, 2024 and for calling Trump “for such a time as this.”
Then as if they were his own words, the minister repeated long, familiar passages from Dr. King’s 1963 “I Have A Dream” speech, using Dr. King’s preacher intonations and phasing.
“Let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. ... Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. ... from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado. ...from the curvaceous hilltops (slopes) of California...but not only that... from Stone Mountain, Georgia... from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. ...And when we let
freedom ring, we will be able to speed up that day when ...Black men and White men, Protestants and Catholics, Jews and Gentile will be able to sing ...’Free at last...”
Sewell quoted way more than that verbatim. Yet, no attribution.
Viewers – many who unfortunately had likely never heard Dr. King’s speech -- were left to assume that those words were Sewell’s.
They likely missed the point that the minister seemed to be giving a subtle homage to Dr. King, in that the inauguration coincidentally fell on the January 20 national
holiday commemorating the civil right icon’s Jan. 15, 1929 birthday.
I could be less kind and say Sewell’s prayer bordered clearly on plagiarism. I will acquiesce, though, and speculate that maybe Sewell simply forgot to attribute his words to their rightful author, Dr. King Jr.
Two vocal critics, social media responses
Two well-known and opinionated media commentators, who are African American, sharpened their fangs as they evaluated Sewell’s
gust “that he (Sewell) would bastardize those words” of Dr. King and “do some fake-___ audition for ... some acting school. ...
“I’m just out here doing my shuffle for the White folks. ... You were presenting yourself to America as a lawn jockey....This thing was a clown show,” Martin raged.
Joy Reid echoed similar sentiments on her show: “I’m not sure what the point was,” Reid said, describing the prayer as “over-thetop” and “quite performative.” She had guests on the show who also gave their negative reactions to Sewell’s prayer.
prayer and its political and social implications for people of color and society in general.
Roland Martin is a news commentator and host of #RolandMartinUnfiltered on Black Star Network and YouTube. Joy Reid is a news commentator and host of The ReidOut on MSCNBC-cable TV.
Roland Martin was his typical blunt self on his show while commenting about Sewell: “What he did was give a minstrel performance for the ages, to the world,” Martin spewed. He expressed dis-
Social media’s assessment of Sewell’s prayer
Social media comments, from Blacks and Whites, posted immediately after the inauguration ended, were mixed.
Comments were either glowing endorsements for Sewell or pointed ridicule. There were just as many detractors as admirers. Viewers who were impressed wrote:
“Had us standing up in our living room praising Jesus!” Exuded one Anglo female on YouTube. “I love this pastor!”
“This guy was amazing. Never heard of him before, but he will not be forgotten any time soon,” endorsed a male enthusiast. Yet another YouTube admirer wrote: “What a prayer!!! I will be watching it again and again!”
Viewers who disapproved were just as expressive, but polar opposites in view:
“Lorenzo Sewell is an embarrassment to himself, his family, and our nation...Not sure if I’ve seen a more shameful display, ever,” a detractor was quoted in a Daily Beast media story.
A different disparager posted on YouTube: “I’m a 67-year-old Black woman. I am truly embarrassed. Such a dishonor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
And yet another critic wrote: He was chosen by them deliberately to mock us all.”
Sewell’s childhood trauma and meeting Trump
Much could explain what factors shaped Sewell’s apparent admiration for Trump, who has registered over previous years in various political parties, including Independent, Reform, and Democrat, before currently settling in as a Republican.
One could speculate that perhaps Sewell saw an opportunity to attain the finer things in life by aligning himself with wealthy and politically powerful Trump.
In describing his childhood, Sewell recalls the trauma of being a high school student whose father went to prison for murder and also experiencing his younger brother being killed.
Sewell has said in various media interviews that he became despondent and a “street pharmacist” (drug dealer) who used drugs and became a gang leader.
After he experienced a spiritual conversion, he later became a minister and pastored several Churches before taking the lead at 180 Church on the last day of 2018.
News reports say Sewell has been a lifelong Republican who became an active Trump supporter after Trump visited the 180 Church while campaigning. Sewell then participated in various Trump political events, including accepting an offer to speak at the
Republican National Convention and to be one of three clerics from different faiths who gave closing prayers at the inauguration.
Cryptocurrency a notso-subtle financial gain?
Another benefit of Sewell’s friendship with Trump is the cryptocurrency market. Just hours after presenting one of the inaugural benedictions, the reverend appeared on social media and TV, promoting his own cryptocurrency – the memecoin $Lorenzo. He fell quickly in line with Trump and the new First Lady Melania Trump who weeks before had each also released their own crypto meme coins – $Melania and $Trump.
The new POTUS and First Lady joined the increasingly popular crypto currency market whose ultimate goal, many say, is to eventually replace paper money.
But even that cryptocurrency move brought heat toward Sewell from some observers. Sewell explains that he plans to use the financial benefits of the digital coins to finance community service projects.
But some social media critics assert that the minister simply is cashing in on his friendship with Trump for fame and personal profit. Current media reports say the coins had a brief popularity phase, then soon plummeted in value. We will see what the future holds in that arena.
What price glory?
I was just thinking...All of the pieces of this life puzzle may coincide with Maxwell Anderson’s play “What Price Glory?”
The 1924 play, later adapted into a 1952 war movie, seems to mirror portions of Sewell’s story. The movie questions whether a goal sought throughout the movie was worth the pain and sorrow he experienced to attain it.
In Sewell’s case, the question might be: is it worth all that? Gaining the cryptocurrency, Trump’s apparent approval – whether genuine or feigned, attaining the moments of media attention while in Trump’s presence, all while facing brutal ridicule from his own people. What is the price of that fame?
Joy Reid
Miscellaneous
1-855948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936
Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-543-9189
Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads
Safe Step. North America's #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306
Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation ExpertsOver $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971 DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/ Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-8590405
Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom
fun for the whole family
Noble Jurist Takes His Leave
DALLAS — Lexi Missimo, a Southlake standout and former Texas Longhorn star, has officially signed with Dallas Trinity FC, marking the next chapter in her already remarkable soccer journey.
The 21-year-old phenom was ranked the nation’s No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2021 and could have gone pro immediately, with opportunities from top-tier clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal WFC waiting for her.
By Joseph Green-Bishop Arise Rejoice News Service
One of the most historically significant individuals in the legal and social histories of Texas, Judge L. Clifford Davis, has taken his final leave!
Judge Davis, who passed on Saturday morning, was 100 years of age.
A 1949 graduate of the Howard University Law School, Judge Davis became a member of the Texas Bar in 1952.
Born in Arkansas, he studied law in Washington because law schools in Arkansas and Texas, would not admit him because of the color of his skin.
Among his most significant legal achievements was his role assisting former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in the monumental Brown v. Board of Education
case in 1954.
The legal briefs written by Justice Marshall and Judge Davis led to a ruling by the Supreme Court that declared “separate but equal” academic institutions and educational systems in violation of the American Constitution.
“Judge Davis exemplified the highest standards in the legal profession,” said Ms. Bobbie Edmonds, a North Texas lawyer who considered the judge a personal mentor.
“He was an extremely kind individual who devoted his entire life to the service of others no matter their ethnicity, their faith, their gender, their political beliefs or the languages they spoke.”
The authored of his 2023 biography, “I Want To Be Like Him,” she added. “The legal community and the people of North Texas will miss Judge Davis immensely.”
Judge Davis successfully filed lawsuits that resulted in the integration of public school systems in Mansfield and in Fort Worth.
Ms. Edmonds referred to the judge as “a courageous legal giant, a scholar, a moralist, and a great humanitarian.”
In 1983 Judge Davis was appointed by Texas Governor Mark White to the Tarrant County District Criminal Court, becoming the second African American jurist in Tarrant County.
At the suggestion of Judge Davis and under his leadership the County implement-
Instead, Missimo chose to play college soccer at Texas, where she left a lasting legacy. She became the Longhorns’ all-time leader in career points (176), assists (64), and goals (56), and was a two-time All-American and MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist.
Missimo’s talent extends beyond her college years; she was a key player for the U.S. Youth National Teams, making 33 selections from U-14 through U-23 and even training with Manchester City’s women’s team in 2019.
“It’s just been a dream of mine since I was a little girl,” Missimo said. “Knowing I accomplished this, I can’t be prouder of my younger self and where I am today.”
Reflecting on joining Dallas Trinity FC, she added, “Dallas is where I grew up, and I’m just thrilled to play at home and in front of my family.” Trinity FC, currently 6-3 on the season and sitting in second place, now has an exciting new addition to their roster. With Missimo’s arrival, they have their eyes set on the top spot as they head into the new season.
The season kicks off on February 5 at 5:30 p.m., when Dallas Trinity FC faces off against Tampa Bay Sun FC at the Cotton Bowl.
ed its first ‘Drug Diversion Court,’ which allowed people with substance abuse problems to receive treatment rather than languish in jails or prisons.
“Judge Davis was a true hero who improved the lives of all people,” said U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey.
That sentiment was echoed by the Fort Worth Independent School District which named an elementary school in honor of the judge. In 2024, he was named a “Texas Living Legend” by the State Bar Association.
“ Judge Davis has been a vital member of the community,” said Mrs. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth, who knew the judge for more than a half-century.
“He has courageously been a leader and an invaluable agent of change in Texas
and in our country,” said the woman, who led the effort to make Juneteenth a national holiday.
“Judge Davis was an extraordinary human being whose legal skills and personal dignity were unmatched,” said Gary Bledsoe, an Austin, Texas-based attorney, who is the president of the Texas State NAACP. “He was a legendary Civil Rights leader and judge whose hard work has helped to greatly improve our society.”
A private service will be held for the Hon. Judge L. Clifford Davis on
Lexi Missimo makes her mark with Dallas Trinity FC, officially welcomed on the Cotton Bowl billboard as she prepares for the next chapter in her soccer journey. Photos: Anthony Council/Texas Metro News.
By Anthony Council Correspondent Texas Metro News
Lexi Missimo’s jerseys proudly displayed in the Dallas Trinity FC locker room.
Anthony Council is a 2024 graduate of the University of North Texas.
“THE GARLAND MINUTES” by The City Of Garland.
City of Garland Looks to Score Professional and Youth Soccer Complex, USL Dallas Home
The City of Garland is in final negotiations to develop a professional and youth soccer complex at President George Bush Turnpike and Holford Road. This news comes after the November announcement by USL Dallas that it will be bringing a men’s Championship League team to Garland.
Recognizing the power of sports to unite people across cities, states and even countries, Garland’s proposed professional and youth soccer complex delivers on residents’ desire to create a destination.
It would be a crown jewel of the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan, laying the foundation for a broader mixed use entertainment district.
From the community to USL Dallas to all of North Texas, Garland’s proposed professional and youth soccer complex is expected to foster a new level of excitement.
State of the City
Mayor Scott LeMay's final State of the City address played to a packed house at the Atrium at the Granville Arts Center on Jan. 27.
The evening featured highlights from 2024, a sneak peek at what's to come in 2025 and the presentation of the Mayor's Make Your Mark Awards to the City's Cultural Arts and Special Events staffs.
The Mayor talked about his love for the events that have come to Downtown Garland, particularly since the October 2023 reopening of the Downtown Square. Above the assembled staffs onstage to receive
the award was a photo of hundreds of City employees gathered on the Square, each having served roles in the successful hosting of the many events. "It truly takes an army." "In honor and indebtedness for contributions that are making a positive difference in Garland," the awards state.
Attendees at the State of the City event got a sneak preview of bond projects set to debut in 2025, most notably the Central Library renovation, the Holford Recreation & Aquatic Center and the new West Garland Library. To see the full presentation, go to GarlandTX.gov
Its multipurpose amenities would include the USL Dallas headquarters and practice fields, as well as community soccer fields, a public plaza and a 5,000 to 10,000 seat stadium. The City
