Fifteen years ago, at the age of 59, Teddy Pendergrass died on January 13.
While I recall his many songs, his stage presence, and his movements as he belted out his many hits; I remember him most for sharing his testimony, about surviving a car accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down, a tetraplegic.
By Sylvia Powers Correspondent Texas Metro News
Most holiday memories fade over time, but for the Bach family, this year’s holiday experience was one they will cherish forever.
To his credit, he not only continued to record, but he performed on stage at concerts and also at the famed Apollo Theatre. He starred in the gospel musical, Your Arms Too Short to Box with God, won an award for the song, Joy, and wrote his autobiography, Truly Blessed.
A minister, ordained when he was 10 years old, Mr. Pendergrass, who during the interview told me I could call him “Teddy,” made hit after hit, first with the group, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, and later as a solo artist.
His laughter could be felt through the phone as I told him about going to see him in concert with my 60-year-old aunt and her daughters when I was 18. I was too young to know what all the fuss was about!
While we talked about his career, we also talked about his life-changing injury and his work for his charity, The Teddy Pendergrass Alliance, which is now the Teddy and Joan Pendergrass Foundation. The foundation was created to encourage and assist those with spinal cord injuries.
He told me he hoped to come to Dallas to perform.
I think of Mr. Pendergrass not only on the anniversary of his death, his birthday, or when I hear his beautiful voice.
When I see people who’ve given up on life because of an accident or setback, I think of him and how he bounced back. He also battled colon cancer and continued to live a productive life, while also thinking of working for the betterment of others; which he did until succumbing to respiratory failure.
I also think of Candace Wicks because she was in a hospital bed and many had probably written her off, especially after an infection led to multiple amputations.
Today, years later, Candace remains one of the hardest-working, volunteers, philanthropists, social activists, and humanitarians you will ever meet.
Like Mr. Pendergrass, she accepted the changes and challenges in her life and, instead of wallowing in self-pity, continued to be a joy to others. And yet we have others without any of the challenges and they do nothing to make this world a better place.
Thanks to the compassionate efforts of the American Red Cross, Sr. Airman Aaron Bach, stationed in Japan, was able to reunite with his family in a way they never imagined—surprising them in front of 45,000 football fans at the Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
Preparing for the game was somewhat challenging because Aaron’s mother speaks little English and doesn’t like being around large crowds.
“Leading up to the event, it was awesome. Going out onto the field was even more special. But watching that video message from my
“A tingling sensation went through my whole body. I couldn’t believe it was real.”
The reunion was especially meaningful for the Bach family, who had faced a challenging year. Aaron’s mother, Thu Thi Ho, originally from Vietnam, had recently completed radiation treatment following her breast cancer
brother really warmed my heart,” said Aaron’s brother, David Bach. “At the end of the video, when they announced they had flown Aaron in, I thought it was a joke. Then I turned around and saw him running from the tunnel.
diagnosis in May.
The close-knit family, consisting of Aaron, his brother, and their mother, found strength and comfort in being together during the holidays.
“Sr. Airman Bach and his
family are wonderful people. We’re honored to play a part in bringing them together for the new year,” said Linda Braddy, CEO of the American Red Cross, North Texas Region.
The Red Cross, known for its unwavering support of military families, worked with military leadership and American Airlines to coordinate Aaron’s travel back to the United States. Aaron’s journey was seamless and memorable.
“I got to fly business class for the first time, which was amazing. From Tokyo to Dallas, the whole experience was unforgettable,” said Aaron. “Being on the field, with my family at the center of attention, felt like a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Since returning home, Aaron has spent his time catching up with family and friends and enjoying his favorite foods. He and his brother even shared another first—trying lobster at a seafood boil.
Reflecting on the experience, Aaron encouraged other service members to pursue similar opportunities,”
said Aaron. “No matter how far-fetched it seems, everyone has a story to tell. I felt like I had little hope of getting my story heard because I was competing with people from different branches of the military. But others believed in my story and helped me get my message across. All you can do is put your message out there and hope for the best.”
Aaron, who serves as a medical materials technician in the U.S. Air Force, had nominated himself for the opportunity through a program sponsored by ESPN. His story, like so many others, showcases the incredible sacrifices of service members and their families and the importance of initiatives like this one.
The Red Cross’s assistance to Aaron is part of its broader mission through the Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program, which provides emergency communications, financial assistance, and resources to service members during times of need.
For the Red Cross, stories like Aaron’s illustrate the profound impact of their mission. By ensuring that service members remain connected to the people who matter most, they bring hope, healing, and joy to families when it matters most.
Aaron felt that his reunion with his family was bigger than their personal story.
He wants the Bach family’s unforgettable reunion to be a testament to the enduring power of community, compassion, and love and an inspiration for other service personnel stationed overseas.
‘Burn Hollywood Burn’ Trends During L.A. Wildfires, Chuck D Responds with a Plea for Understanding
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
Chuck D, the legendary frontman of Public Enemy, has long emphasized the power of visuals in shaping understanding. “People listen with their eyes; they don’t really listen with their ears,” he has said, noting the weight of images emanating from the Los Angeles County wildfires. That perspective has taken on new significance as Public Enemy’s protest anthem, “Burn Hollywood Burn,” trends again during one of the worst wildfire disasters in Southern California history. The song, released over three decades ago on the group’s iconic album “Fear of a Black Planet,” features Ice Cube and Big Daddy Kane and critiques systemic racism, exploitation, and the lack of authentic Black
representation in Hollywood. Lyrics such as “Make our own movies like Spike Lee / ‘Cause the roles being offered don’t strike me / As nothing that the black man could use to earn / Burn Hollywood, burn,” were intended as a call for empowerment, not destruction.
With wildfires devastating Los Angeles, some
social media users have appropriated the song, misusing it in reels and videos depicting the destruction. Chuck D has spoken out, urging fans to respect the song’s original intent and avoid connecting it to the ongoing tragedy. In a statement and in previous interviews, Chuck explained, “‘Burn Hollywood Burn’ is a
protest song,” referencing its roots in the Watts Rebellion of 1965. He credited DJ Magnificent Montague’s famous phrase “burn, baby, burn” as inspiration, noting its origin as a rallying cry against inequality. He added, “We made mind revolution songs aimed at a one-sided exploitation by [an] industry. The song has nothing to do with families losing everything they have in a natural disaster.” Chuck concluded with, “Learn the history. Godspeed to those in loss.” Fans in the comments supported his plea. According to The Root, one commenter wrote, “I don’t know how anyone that listens to your music could have misconstrued that.” Another added, “As an L.A. native, we know that song
Educator’s 2024 pound cake win was Epic
By Rita Cook Correspondent Texas Metro News
DALLAS - When Angela Davis Henry won last year’s Pound Cake Competition at the Real
izing the Dream Healthy Living Expo, she could not have been more excited considering she has been baking all her life. Davis Henry, who was born and raised in Los Angeles, has called DeSoto home for almost 20 years along with her husband, Robert, and their little black cocker spaniel, Ebony.
She has worked in education for more than 25 years and is currently the Director of Partnerships & Engagement for the Duncanville ISD.
A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she said baking and cooking are her favorite hobbies, but she also counts “traveling, gardening, reading, and, when time permits, knitting and crocheting” high on the list as well.
“Baking is my happy place, a definite stress reliever,” Davis Henry explained. “My love for baking began at a very young age, maybe around eight or nine when I got my Easy-Bake Oven.” Inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2006, the Easy Bake Oven was launched on November 4, 1963, just in time for Christmas shopping season, and was an immediate hit for its target audience, young girls like Davis Henry. While Betty Crocker was the cake mix of choice for the millions of children who embraced
On Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris presided over a joint session of Congress and certified President-elect Donald Trump as the incoming President of the United States. Now, as the Biden administration comes to an end, we asked local politicians on both sides of the aisle what they would do if it were their last weeks in office.
Carl O. Sherman, Former Texas State Representative, District 109, said “If I were Biden I think one of the things I would do first would be to throw a reception party for President-Elect Donald Trump. I think it could be a great tradition to start and don’t wait until the President-Elect takes over but do the reception where all of America and the world can see that you are throwing this reception for the incoming President and invite individuals statewide, nationally and internationally.”
Sherman also said early on he would consider education and, “No child should have to pay for their education just as we did early on to ensure children from first to twelfth grade receive an education from our public school system. And we recently added more pre-K and I think we should do the same
for a bachelor’s degree since in most industrialized nations this is not an issue, I should make sure the baseline of education is established higher.”
Sherman said regarding the criminal justice system, it should be established that always similar cases need to be treated the same as that would bring a lot more confidence and trust in the criminal justice system overall.
He also said while this idea has seen resistance politically to provide health care for all, perhaps it could be started like what is done at the Mayo Clinic.
“The doctors there are not incentivized by what procedures they are doing,” Sherman said. “For instance, in our medical system if you are getting an amputation the doctor might get paid more and so maybe he is not incentivized to try and save your foot or finger.”
Finally, he said “These are things that politically they are very polarized but I think America has to do a better job of being compassionate about its citizens.”
Ellis County Judge Todd Little said, “Both the outgoing and the incoming President must ensure that all constituents, regardless of who they supported, understand that the new President is there to serve all Americans and look after the interests of the nation as whole – primarily the Federal Government’s role in national security, a strong defense, and safeguarding our liberties and freedoms as Americans. This would include making sure that federal agencies do these essential jobs, and no more. It is well known that elections have consequences.
Many times, changes in authority can alter the government’s direction according to the will of the people. Currently, the American people are calling for secure borders, controlled immigration, and a strong farm bill to help support an economically-viable and healthier food supply. The Democrats and the Biden Administration must be available to ensure a smooth transition of power to the Republicans and the Trump Administration, who now have control of the Presidency, the House, and the Senate, and who the American people have tasked with pursuing these goals. Regardless of who is in power, the preservation of the Presidency as an institution ultimately accountable to the American people is paramount.”
Justin Coffman, Mayor, City of Midlothian, said he would be solely focused on five things.
“Make this the most efficient transition of power in American history; build support from my party for the next regime (when America wins, we all win); finishing strong in my role; bringing value to individuals by using my position in honoring people; working to leave a legacy by having final memories of my presidency being positive ones.”
Petta, Mayor, City of Wilmer, said, “I would work with the incoming administration to be sure there will be a smooth transition on the matters of importance relating to the southern border.”
Clyde Hairston, Mayor, City of Lancaster, said “If I was President Biden serving out my last few weeks in office, I would have a big presidential rally on the floor of Congress. I would bring the Democrats, Republicans, Independents and all who would listen and try to unite our country on major issues that matters to us as a people.
“This includes protecting our country and our Constitution, Social Security and those who are affected by its system, lowering our interest rates, job se-
- Featur-
Ruth J.
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curity, fair housing, our economy, gun control, combat drugs and crime, stabilize energy resources, health and mental care, defending our democracy, and border control. In the last few weeks of my presidency and before my exit, I would do all I could to bring our country together.”
Tommy Scott, Mayor ProTem, City of Ferris, said, “I would be working on gun control and that is one thing I would have sunk my teeth into and improved by the time I left in a few weeks.”
He added, “ I would do all I could regarding the border problem because that is what the people want and if there is anything else I could do to work on that I would; I would do anything necessary regarding luxury tax and add any
Join Kellie Fischer, CFO of the Texas Rangers, Odessa Jenkins, Founder of the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC), Monica Paul, Executive Director of the Dallas Sports Commission, and Pauline MacDonald, Head Coach of Dallas Trinity FC as they share their unique experiences and insights on navigating a male-dominated field. This empowering discussion will highlight the challenges and triumphs of women in sports, inspiring thoughtful dialogue about what it means to be a woman in the industry. 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm Cotton Bowl (200 Level), 3809 Grand Ave., Dallas, Texas 75210 Guests: $50
stipulations on that before I left office. There should be a luxury tax, but not taxes on needed items like food and transportation, and I would make it such that the decision on this can’t be quickly overturned; and any last thing necessary to make sure the American people are protected when I am gone.
Gary Vineyard, Midlothian ISD School Board Trustee, President said he would do “Whatever is necessary to stop all illegal entries into the US and deploy necessary national guardsmen to patrol the border areas.”
He also added that he would send aid to affected regions of the US due to this terrible decision; demand that all US hostages be freed from Gaza or face sanctions and military force from the US. In response to their being a peace treaty between Israel and Palestinians the US would help in rebuild efforts; re-open the keystone pipeline; hold off on sending any more money to Ukraine; create a funding bill to help businesses in cities like San Francisco that have been ravaged by looters in crime ridden areas; create a bill that applies to every state with automatic
Paul Quinn Basketball Texas A&M San Texarkana 5:30 pm 25
Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Frederica Chase Dodd Founders Day Public Luncheon, at 11:30 am, Sheraton Dallas Hotel, 400 Olive St, Dallas, TX 75201+ Celebrate 100 years of Sisterhood, Scholarship, Service, and Social Action with the Dallas Alumnae Chapter and speaker, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie ***
2nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Social Impact Brunch - 11:00am – 12:00pm at The Bedford Center YMCA, 2801 Forest Ridge Dr, Bedford, TX 76021. The North Central Texas Alumnae Chapter of Delta
scholar Dr. Ruth Simmons, the first African American president of an Ivy League institution, will consider Dr. King’s legacy. Irving Republican Women standing for liberty inauguration day Watch Party. Continental breakfast will be served 10am-2 pm at Valley Centre 9901 Valley Ranch Pkwy E Irving, Texas 75039
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
As flames tore through the picturesque foothills of Altadena and Pasadena on January 7, 2025, the Eaton Canyon fires left a historic Black community—rooted in the Civil Rights Movement—nearly wiped out. Among the hardest-hit areas in Los Angeles County, Altadena has seen its many Black-owned homes, churches, businesses, and landmarks reduced to ashes.
The unincorporated community in the San Gabriel Valley, home to 42,000 residents, has long stood as a beacon of Black homeownership and middle-class stability. With 18% of its population identifying as Black, Altadena also hosts a diverse community that includes Latino and Asian American residents.
Tragically, the Eaton Fire alone destroyed over 1,000 structures, killed at least five residents in Altadena and displaced thousands.
“Obviously it’s been a tough couple of days, but our family is making it through,” Los Angeles Sentinel Publisher Danny Bakewell Jr. said in a text to NNPA. “Both my girlfriend & my son lost their homes & the devastation is unreal for so many families -a lot of Black folks.”
Jamal-Dominique Hopkins, a native of Altadena, lost his beloved childhood home on Loma Alta Drive to the blaze. His mother, Ruthie Hopkins, 81, and his son, Joshua, narrowly escaped thanks to the swift actions of Hopkins’ older brother, who evacuated them to safety.
Hopkins described the devastation in a GoFundMe post, writing, “This isn’t just a loss for our family; it’s a loss for a community that has thrived despite challenges.”
Ruthie Hopkins, the former editor and co-owner of The Pasadena Journal, a Blackowned newspaper, has been a cornerstone of the community for decades. The newspaper is a member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), which represents the Black Press of America and is celebrating its 198th anniversary in March. The fire also destroyed the family’s SUV, which was vital for Ruthie’s medical appointments. Now, she and Joshua are left with only the clothes they wore when escaping.
A Legacy Reduced to Ashes
Altadena’s Black community flourished during the Civil Rights Movement, growing from 4% of the population in 1960 to 27% by 1970, following the passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968. It became a haven for Black families seeking to escape discrimination elsewhere, offering homeownership opportunities unavailable in most parts of the country. Before the fire, Altadena
boasted a Black homeownership rate of 81.5%, nearly double the national average for African Americans. Families like Kenneth Snowden’s embodied this legacy. Snowden’s family purchased their first Altadena home in 1962, and nearly 20 years ago, Snowden bought his own home in the area. Both properties were destroyed in the fire.
“Your $40 million home is no different than my $2 million home,” Snowden told reporters. “Give us the ability to rebuild, restart our lives. If you can spend billions of dollars fighting a war, you can spend a billion dollars to help us get back where we were at.”
Shawn Brown, founder of Pasadena Rosebud Academy, lost her home and the public charter school she built to serve the community’s children. Brown is working to raise funds to rebuild the school while seeking temporary locations in local churches—though some churches, like Altadena Baptist Church, have also burned. Only the bell tower remains
at Altadena Baptist. The Rev. George Van Alstine is helping church members navigate the challenges of insurance claims and federal aid. He fears the destruction will lead to gentrification, pushing out long-standing Black residents.
“We’re seeing families who may have to leave because rebuilding here will be too expensive,” he said.
Brown urged her fellow Black homeowners to hold onto their properties despite developers’ offers. “Stand strong, rebuild, and continue the generational progress of African Americans,” she said.
The destruction in Altadena mirrors the broader devastation caused by the wildfires sweeping Los Angeles County. Across the region, more than 12,300 structures have been destroyed, and at least 24 lives have been lost. Economic losses are estimated between $250 billion and $275 billion, making this disaster one of the cost-
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
Appearing virtually from his Mar-a-Lago home on Friday, President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced in the New York “hush money” case and received an unconditional discharge. The sentence leaves him free of jail time, fines, or probation as he prepares for his inauguration on January 20.
Justice Juan Merchan stated that the unconditional discharge was the only legal option available just days before Trump assumed the presidency. He called the case “truly extraordinary” and said that while the trial itself was not unusual, the sentencing circumstances were unique. He said legal protections were tied to the presidency, “not the occupant of the office.”
Trump offered no remorse during the hearing and later posted on social media, calling the case a “political witch hunt.”
The case focused on a $130,000 payment made to an adult film actress during Trump’s 2016 campaign. Prosecutors argued that Trump falsified business records to hide the payment. Despite a conviction on 34 felony counts, Trump avoided any sanction, becoming the first president or president-elect to carry a felony conviction without immediate consequences.
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass described Trump’s actions, accusing him of undermining the justice system. “Instead of preserving, protecting, and defending… a constitutionally established system of criminal justice… the defendant has engaged in a coordinated campaign to undermine its legitimacy,” he said.
Steinglass also referenced threats against prosecutors and judges, which he argued were meant to intimidate. “Such threats are designed to have a chilling effect… because they fear that he is simply too powerful to be subjected to the same rule
of law as the rest of us.”
Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) dismissed the case as baseless, writing that “the only crime committed in the fake New York case against President Trump was in that courtroom.”
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) referred to the sentencing as “a cheap show” orchestrated by political opponents.
Justice Merchan addressed Trump directly after the sentencing. “Sir, I wish you Godspeed as you pursue your second term in office,” he said.
liest in U.S. history.
Much of the media coverage has focused on celebrity mansions and wealthy neighborhoods, but Altadena’s plight highlights the profound impact on middle-class communities of color. Residents returned to find homes passed down through generations reduced to rubble.
Even the Mountain View Cemetery, where pioneering Black science fiction novelist Octavia E. Butler is buried, caught fire. Butler’s novel Parable of the Sower chillingly predicted wildfires caused by climate change, starting on February 1, 2025. Her legacy and connection to the community remain a stark reminder of the fragility of Altadena’s history.
The community and its allies have rallied to provide relief in response to the devastation. James Bryant, a partner at the Cochran Firm, organized a GoFundMe campaign with support from Ivie McNeil Wyatt Purcell and Diggs, the Prince Hall Masons, and community advocate Jasmyne Cannick. The campaign has raised nearly $100,000 to assist Black residents of Pasadena and Altadena.
“The loss of a home is about more than property. It’s the loss of memories, mementos, and generational pride,” Bryant said.
Another GoFundMe campaign created by Hopkins aims to help his mother and son rebuild their lives, covering temporary housing, medical supplies, clothing, and other necessities.
The Spill App has also compiled a comprehensive
list of African American families and individuals affected by the fires, helping coordinate donations and relief efforts.
NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. has maintained close contact with NNPA-member newspapers and media companies in Southern California, including David Miller of Our Weekly, Kenneth Miller of Inglewood Today and Pluria Marshall of the Los Angeles Wave. Both Miller and Marshall confirmed their staff are safe but noted the community’s urgent need for support.
The road to recovery remains daunting as the Eaton Fire continues to burn, with containment still at 0%. Fierce Santa Ana winds and dry conditions threaten to worsen the situation, while evacuation orders remain in effect for over 105,000 residents.
“This fire has changed our lives forever,” Hopkins wrote. “Your support means the world to us as we work to restore some sense of normalcy after this unimaginable loss.”
Chavis added: “The NNPA stands in solidarity with our member publishers in Los Angeles County and beyond. The devastating wildfires must be met with resolve, compassion and resiliency.”
Donations to Hopkins’ campaign can be made via GoFundMe. Supplies, including clothing, toiletries, and blankets, can be dropped off at Prince Hall, 9027 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA.
Reverend Frederick Douglas Haynes III is a master raconteur. If you are confused, a raconteur uses anecdotes skillfully to persuade or make a point.
Freddy does it weekly at his pulpit at Friendship-West Baptist Church and crisscrosses the nation speaking to audiences hungry for his wisdom-filled oratories.
On one such Sunday morning, Doc recounted a spellbinding story about the Nuns of Loretto. The legend began in 1850 in New Mexico when Bishop Jean Baptiste Larry saw a need to educate the girls in the territory. The rest is miraculous.
The Loretto Chapel website spilled the tea, and I just want to hit the high points. What had happened was…
“Bishop Lamy sent a plea
The very first time that I visited former President Jimmy Carter was during a meeting in the White House on December 5t, 1979 as president of the Islamic Medical Association of North America.
At the time American hostages were being held in Iran and people of Muslim faith in the United States were highly-concerned about violence directed towards them.
President Carter, the first U.S. president to meet and build lasting relationships with leaders of Muslim grassroots organizations, assured me and other Muslim leaders from North America that he was focused on resolving the hostage crisis peacefully and building bridges with those who practiced Islam in America and throughout the world.
When I first glanced into his eyes I knew that President Carter, raised on a cotton and peanut farm in southwest Georgia, was an unusually
to Catholic teaching orders to open a school for girls. The Sisters of Loretto responded and sent six sisters to open the Loretto Academy.
Having been recently under Mexican rule, the Territory of New Mexico was full of Spanish-speaking citizens, so the six had to learn the Spanish language and, after an arduous trip during which the Mother Superior died, finally arrived in Santa Fe and opened their school in 1853. By 1873, the Sisters were able to start the construction of a Chapel. Using the same French architect and builders as Saint Francis Cathedral Basilica, the Chapel of Our Lady of Light was patterned after Archbishop Lamy’s favorite Sainte Chapelle in Paris.
Unfortunately, the architect died before access to the choir loft was built. Given the height of the loft and the small size of the Chapel, a staircase would have taken up too much floor space, thereby reducing the seating capacity to an unacceptably
small level.”
Parenthetically, that’s kinda how Black Americans feel right now. We are in what’s supposed to be a sanctuary, we can see the choir loft, but our access is limited.
Anyway, back to the story.
“Legend states that seeking guidance and help, the Sisters of Loretto prayed a nine day novena to St. Joseph, Patron Saint of Carpenters. A novena is a special prayer said for nine consecutive days.
On the final day of the no-
vena, a carpenter appeared with only a hammer and carpenter’s square. He built what is now known as the Miraculous Staircase with simple tools and wooden pegs. The rare wood is not native to the American Southwest. When the Staircase was complete, it is said that the carpenter disappeared without receiving thanks or payment.
The Sisters tried all local lumber stores but could not find accounts open for supplies for their stairs.
The Staircase has two complete 360-degree turns and no center pole for structural support. Its entire weight rests on the bottom stair. The banisters were added approximately ten years later due to the difficulty of climbing the tall, tapered stairs with no railing.
Some believe the carpenter was St. Joseph himself, while others think it was someone St. Joseph sent. What is known is that the Sisters of Loretto prayed, and their prayers were answered.”
My point in rehearsing this allegory or narrative is to declare that we are at a point in this nation whereby those of us who profess prayer and supplication actually practice what we preach. Our future is stuck between a belligerent former president bent on getting revenge and a nation that is navigating without a compass.
At some level, we must begin making the same assessment Bishop Lamy made. The children need to be ed-
ucated, and it is the church’s responsibility to shore up the sagging sides that “the state” does not care to fortify. We also must assess the house sanctuaries and safe places every child deserves. And whether it’s a stray bullet in a Georgia suburb or aimless bombing in the Gaza Strip, we are not providing sufficient cover for their minds, bodies, or spirits. It doesn’t matter to me who or how we fix our house; it must be repaired. The Sisters of Loretto called on the saints, and so must we. We may not see who or how it gets done, but that should be our least worry.
If we are to construct a new Miraculous Staircase, we must follow three steps that the nuns followed. We must believe, pray after doing all that we can, and none of us can be concerned with who gets the credit.
I’m not the man I used to be and it’s not because of any life-altering event like a poor medical diagnosis or spiritual awakening.
It’s based solely on being hit upside my head continuously with a lifetime of vicious blows of hate, discrimination, bigotry, bias, denial, nullification and exclusion.
I don’t recognize the guy in pictures of me when I was 20 years old. I don’t know who he is anymore.
As a young adult, I used to be a fun-loving, carefree manchild who was ignorant of so many issues that would later
special human being.
It was not surprising to me that he called for an end to racial discrimination soon after being elected governor of his home state.
I knew that he was someone who would heal the hearts of suffering people whether they lived in Karachi, Kansas City, Cologne or Cape Town.
No matter our party affiliations, all of us have lost a distinguished humanitarian, a courageous leader, and a man of integrity. He is one of the few U.S. presidents remembered for his post-presidential contributions to global health, world peace, and democracy.
In this century, he stands out as one of the most intelligent, hard-working, and decent individuals to ever lead the American nation.
Unlike some who called for U.S. military invention during the hostage crisis, President Carter insisted on allowing diplomacy to take its course, even though he knew that his stance might well harm his chance of reelection.
He was unwavering in his commitment to resolving war, and stood his ground.
That was the President Carter I came to know in that first White House meeting and during our subsequent meetings over the years in the Carter Center in Atlanta that he and his wife, Rosalynn, established.
A pursuer of justice and fairness, President Carter’s personal history was grounded in equality. While a state senator in Georgia, he insisted to his fellow church members that African Americans be allowed to join their church; a position that the membership overwhelmingly opposed.
I recall vividly the very
impact and shape me.
I was clueless as to who I was and worked hard to maintain it. I wanted to love everyone without realizing there would be those who hated me simply because of the color of the uniform I was issued on my born day.
My poor social consciousness visual acuity rendered me blind to the complexities of life associated with the skin I was in and how the indignities would later impact me.
It didn’t take long after falling hard into the realities of life in my late 20s, after I returned home to the unforgiving south from traveling on Uncle Sam’s dime, to realize I didn’t feel the same level of love from society as I did in the protective bubble of my parent’s home or under the auspices of my government-issued life.
Returning home 40 years ago, I thought it would be like a fun game of Double Dutch and I would just jump back in the rotation of the jump rope and life would be as it was as a freewheeling 19-year-old.
Nope, I was on the receiving end of so much hate and vitriol from people. I didn’t know how to handle it and took extreme measures to find where I fit in.
Initially, I felt it was my duty and responsibility to make white people feel comfortable with me. I wore non-threatening clothes and tried to carry myself similarly both in speech and behavior, but that didn’t appear to stop the hate.
I attended Nation of Islam meetings and started reading the original and new Black Panther Party’s literature. Yes, I was the epitome of the angry Black man.
last time that I saw my dear friend. It was 10 years ago at the Carter Center in Atlanta.
I distinctly recall his saying that human beings had an ethical obligation to prevent human suffering wherever it existed.
He spoke with me about his book, Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid and the elections in Gaza.
In 1978, President Carter played a crucial role in negotiating the Camp David Peace Accords between Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, resulting in the first peace treaty between Israel and an Arab nation.
When I look back on my writing career in the early 90s, I see the anger and passion in my words, but today, I see maturity and growth. In the 90s, I had no one to turn to nor anyone to guide me through the fog of hate.
So, I took it upon myself to handle it, and at times I did so poorly. Nearing the end of the decade, I was disillusioned and exhausted both mentally and emotionally.
I had a growing family with young children and knew I had to take a different road, one that they wouldn’t have to follow me down.
After entering the business world, hate didn’t cease, it just got more sophisticated. As I started what would become a 20-plus-year career working in hospital leadership roles around the country, I began to
He was also unafraid to challenge Israel when necessary, urging the suspension of settlement expansion in the West Bank and advocating Palestinian self-rule.
His efforts to bring peace to the Middle East were rooted in fairness and a deep commitment to justice, even when it made him a target of unfair criticism. He was a more than worthy recipient of the Nobel Prize for Peace.
After leaving the White House, President Carter became the first former president to devote his life to addressing global issues. Through decades of philanthropic work, he and Mrs. Carter fought disease, negotiated peace, monitored elections, and built homes for the underprivileged.
His commitment to humanitarian work was exemplified by his fight to eradicate Guinea worm disease, which affected millions in Africa and Asia.
Under his leadership, the Carter Center has helped reduce cases from millions to just 13 globally in 2023.
Sadly, in 2015, President Carter disclosed that he had
intellectualize my response to the hate bombs thrown at me.
The corporate me still believed in Malcolm more than Martin, and it reflected in my writings, but my approach was more diplomatic. I sought reasoning and understanding more than physical and verbal retaliation.
But I always let the suits know I still had a little bit of hood in me and to not allow the bow ties and suspenders to mislead them. In the white-collar world, I falsely believed I wouldn’t be treated poorly because of my skin hue, but the only difference is they do it with a smile, a potted plant, a nice office and a welcome basket.
Then you’re bombarded with the “You speak so well,” and “I love how you dress” comments that make weak skinfolk feel they’ve arrived.
been diagnosed with cancer. He faced the crisis with remarkable composure and faith, serenely accepting the outcome.
In February of 2023, my dear friend courageously decided to decline further life-extending medical treatment, opting for hospice care instead, becoming the first president known to do so. His decision brought widespread awareness of the importance of hospice care in providing comfort and dignity in the final stages of life. President Carter’s life is a testament to the power of service, compassion, and moral leadership. His contributions to humankind will shape our world for centuries to come. It was indeed a blessing to know him and to be his friend.
I never got that comfortable, but in the early to mid-2000s, I learned the game and saw that a duality had to exist if you wanted to survive and advance. By my 40s, I had climbed the corporate ladder but didn’t like the view from up there. There were few if any people who looked like me, and those who did, didn’t think like me. My tolerance level for the game was gone and I was spending more time looking for a quiet exit. In 2015, I found one and have never looked back. The 59-year-old me today got off that road of self-discovery completely. I no longer try to understand anyone’s warped views on race and ethnicity.
All my life I’ve heard “No one is above the law.” If you’ve heard that and believed it, you’ve probably done all you could to stay out of trouble. Others don’t believe it’s true because they’ve seen too many people who look like them prove that statement wrong and wonder if that law only applies to Black people! When they see many of their friends in prison for minor crimes, they must be confused.
When they hear news about someone they know who has avoided the law repeatedly, they wonder what the exceptions are when they do something far less harmful yet end up behind bars. What they ultimately determine is that someone is above the law! That person is never Black!
With good reason, some people actually believe there is someone above the law, and they believe they are the one because they’ve always been able to live above punishment due to their skin color. It’s always been that way, so I urge any Black person to look at the exceptions before thinking about committing a
crime. You are not now, and never have been able to use “I am above the law.”
Now look at who has been living above the law all his life. He has been labeled “the most corrupt and dangerous president in history.”
Just look at what this person has repeatedly done to prove he is above the law!
Here’s just a sample of what he’s done, and he’s still adding on, confident he’ll never serve time for his recent crimes:
– He unlawfully attempted to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. We heard him on the phone trying to persuade an official to join him in committing a crime.
– He was indicted in New York for falsifying business records to cover up “hush money” payments to Stormy Daniels.
– He was indicted for retaining top-secret national security documents at his private residence.
He led an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol to stop the certification of the 2020 election results, causing severe injuries and deaths — but Trump’s answer is “Pardon them all!”
What is holding up a pardon by President Joe Biden for former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, who was prosecuted for doing her job? She didn’t de-
stroy public property. She didn’t kill or hurt anybody as Trump’s supporters did — supporters he promises to pardon once back in office. More than all those white people, Marilyn Mosby deserves a pardon for being convicted for doing her job. Biden will be leaving office soon. Please sign the petition for him to pardon Attorney Mosby at justiceformarilynmosby.com. If Trump is above the law after 34 convictions, why should Marilyn be punished for doing her job?
Because he’s gotten away with so much due to his allies on the Supreme Court giving him sweeping im-
munity, he thinks he’s completely off the hook! Trump has been convicted of 34 crimes by a unanimous jury. Judge Juan Merchan, presiding judge in Trump’s “hush money” case, has said Trump must report to court Jan. 10 for sentencing but already added he will not receive jail time! Those of us who aren’t above the law just shake our heads and wonder what this man must do to be properly punished for his convictions and still be president!
The life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a tapestry of courage, hope and enlightenment. His ongoing goal was to help other people. Dr. King was and still is the signature voice of the Civil Rights Movement. He walked in places many feared to tread. The marches and protests orchestrated by him were life changing. Dr. King’s inspiration gave others aspiration, so that the work he started could be continued.
His day is celebrated on Monday, January 20. It will be a day of service and a call to action. Evil and wrongdoing do not rest so neither can we as we conquer it. Being in his presence and shaking hands with him when I was a student at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte NC will forev-
er be etched in my spirit.
Many people are wondering today about the unrest in the world. It seems that at every corner there is discord and disharmony. Basic human rights and dignity are on the brink. Now in many circles, we have unscrupulous people doing unthinkable things.
Showing goodness and mercy are not popular traits to have these days. We are simply out to get one another.
Our first month of the year has already been challenging with the terrorist attack in New Orleans where 14 people lost their lives and 35 people were injured.
City officials have brought in William Bratton who was the police chief in both New York and Los Angeles, two of the largest cities in the country. He will be assisting the city in developing plans to better secure it from further attacks and to make people feel safe as they move around the city.
New Orleans Police Chief, Anne
Kirkpatrick said, “He is here to serve all of us. This is a community endeavor.” Mr. Bratton is the chair for the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security’s Advisory Council.
America lost one of its former presidents as Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29th at 100 years old. His wife, Rosalynn Carter passed away on November 19th, 2023. They
had been married for 77 years. They were a power couple before the term was used.
President Carter brokered the peace talks between Egypt and Israel in 1978. His post-presidency with Habitat for Humanity and the creation of the Carter Center were historic milestones in his exemplary life.
President Joe Biden said of President Carter, “Today, many think he was from a bygone era. But in reality he saw well into the future.”
Days have come and gone with the fires burning tragically in Los Angeles County. Reports say that currently six fires are out of control. So far, 16 people have lost their lives. Officials believe there are more, however they can’t get into the neighborhoods to gain a true count.
CNN reports there are hundreds of homes with billions of dollars in damage that have occurred. The homes of countless men and women have been destroyed. Aerial views of the devastation are painful to watch.
The rebuilding of this area will take time, money and patience.
Fire officials in the area are doing all that they can to put out these fires. Water and water pressure are both low. Windy conditions have made the fires spread and at this moment there seems to be no end to them. Let us pray mightily for the people and families affected by these catastrophic events. Our hearts hurt because all of us are in the human quilt called humanity. When one of us hurts, we all hurt. We are today and always, our brother’s and sister’s keeper.
The Bible says in Micah 6th chapter, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”.
in hope.
Hey Family Big Mama always told us at the end of every year, “Child keep a prayer on your lips.” She did not just mean kneeling at the bedside at night or bowing your head on Sundays.
No, it means carrying a spirit of prayer with you all day, every day—whether you’re planning events to bring folks together, storytelling to inspire change, or advocating for your community’s needs. Prayer is not just what we do; it’s how we move through this world, guided by faith and grounded
As we step toward 2025, I can’t help but look back on this past year and say Wow! 2024 was a whirlwind. From the power of young voices reshaping democracy to seeing communities rise together in times of crisis, there were moments that made us weep and moments that made us believe.
Vice President Kamala Harris led an unprecedented 100day campaign that inspired communities across the nation to lean into hope and take bold steps toward progress. Her unwavering presence in key cities reminded us of the power of representation and persistence in the face of challenges. Take the elections this
The end of the holiday season and the start of the new year are always a time to prepare for new beginnings. The terror and turmoil that began in the first few hours of this year fueled even more uncertainty about the path ahead right now. But once again, one of the lessons of the holy season of light at the darkest time of the year is that this is the time when change begins. I share the words of beloved
year—Generational diversity was on fire! Young folks, especially Gen Z, showed up and showed out, proving once again that they’re not just the future, they’re the right now.
They reminded us that even when the world feels heavy, we must push forward with prayer and purpose.
And Beyoncé—she gave us life this year. From her legend-
ary Coachella performance that still echoes as a cultural milestone to her jaw-dropping Christmas halftime show that reminded us what Black excellence looks like, she showed us the power of creativity and resilience. Moments like these bring us together, bridging generations and lifting spirits.
Then there’s the everyday work we do—advocating for justice, crafting stories that spark action, and planning events that remind our communities of their power.
None of that is possible without faith. Prayer isn’t just for the quiet moments; it’s what keeps us grounded in the chaos and what fuels us to keep going.
As we head into 2025, let’s remember that prayer isn’t just
God dined with sinners in all their grime, turned water into wine.
our anchor in the storm—it’s also our compass when the skies are clear.
So, whether you’re gathering your community to make a difference, standing up for what’s right, or simply trying to make it through the day, keep a prayer on your lips. And remember: God hears you even when your voice is just a whisper.
Here’s to a new year filled with faith, action, and grace. Email at TerryAllenpr@gmail. com share your new resolution.
theologian Howard Thurman, who speaks to this moment in “The Work of Christmas”:
When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flocks, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among the people, To make music in the heart.
I also share again an adapted version of Madeleine L’Engle’s poem “First Coming” (used by permission in my book “Guide My Feet” as published in “Imagining the Word”) that speaks to this moment and our world:
God did not wait till the world was ready, till . . . nations were at peace.
God came when the Heavens were unsteady, and prisoners cried out for release.
God did not wait for the perfect time.
God came when the need was deep and great.
God did not wait till hearts were pure. In joy God came to a tarnished world of sin and doubt. To a world like ours, of anguished shame God came, and God’s Light would not go out.
God came to a world which did not mesh, to heal its tangles, shield its scorn. In the mystery of the Word made Flesh the Maker of the stars was born. We cannot wait till the world is sane to raise our songs with joyful voice, for to share our grief, to touch our pain, God came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!
I end with a final prayer.
Dear God, thank You for the gift of a new year to serve You
help me to talk right help me to walk right help me to see right help me to feel right help me to do right in Your sight.
Exactly a decade ago, I published my wishes for what was then the beginning of the new year 2015.
Now, a new decade has passed, and I am still wishing – this time, though, for different aspirations.
When I reviewed the 2015 list, it struck me how few things have changed. I should not be surprised.
Nineteenth century French novelist Jean-Baptiste Karr got it right when he wrote “The more things change, the more they remain the same.”
Nevertheless, as we enter this New Year, I was just thinking... here are my new wishes for a better life for everyone.
Some or many may be considered Pollyanna pie-in-the sky. Yet, I contend that just as many are worthy of consideration. I would hope that we just try them. Maybe we might like them.
I wish that we would:
1. Stop taking other people’s land and possessions just because we want it and are more powerful or smarter than the persons who own it. This wish particularly applies to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s attack on border neighbor Ukraine.
2. Solve the border and illegal immigration issue so that the Statue of Liberty’s words “give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” would still mean something.
3. Have an effective, workable solution for peace between Israel and Palestine. Yet, I fear that Biblical writings may, indeed, suggest that there will never be true peace between the two regions.
4. See local and national government leaders seriously explore and create solutions for housing people who live on the street. Yes, I realize that some individuals choose life on the street over living with others. Yet, somewhere out there is a solution for the homeless dilemma.
5. Truly create an equal, level playing field for businesses owned by people of color where they could obtain bank loans and respect equal to what majority-owned businesses enjoy.
6. Assign the National Guard or military reserve groups to protect all schools in the nation against gun violence.
7. Ban assault rifles from public use and use them only as weapons of war.
8. Prevent guns from being so easily available to young people and adults so that they would be forced to talk through disputes or, as in olden days, fight with our hands instead of deadly weapons. Opponents would then live to fight another day instead of ending each other’s lives.
9. Society could and would truly create workable solutions so that the nation’s mentally ill people do not end up living on the streets. Prior to the 1960s, the mentally ill were housed in deplorable institutions and over-crowded jails before new laws banished them to the streets. Let’s try again, seriously this time, to work out a solution.
10. The nation would find a way
to stop the sell of illegal drugs, such as Fentanyl and others, which kill people and ruin lives that otherwise could be productive.
11. We would create a way to make the U. S. Supreme Court a respected institution again.
12. To gain a clean planet, each individual would stop and think first before throwing trash out of car windows or carelessly dropping it on the streets when there usually are trash cans nearby.
13. Animals and pets would no longer be neglected to the point of starvation and abandonment that produces those heartbreaking TV commercials with that tearjerking music in the background.
14. Popular TV shows were less gory and gruesome as if viewers want to see blood oozing everywhere after violent, brutal murders.
15. Faith groups would be more effective in reaching out to serve neighborhoods near their buildings and in out-lying areas where needs are great.
16. America’s mainly two-party system would return to the concept of fighting for the people who elected them rather than fighting for their particular party over the needs of the common people.
17. Bullies will get a strong taste of their own medicine.
18. Young parents would stop dressing children in provocative adult-style clothing.
19. The nation would prevent price gouging that satisfies business owners’ greed.
20. The nation would find a new and better fashion trend that replaces the long-standing, useless, embarrassing sagging pants.
There are many other wishes that could make this list go on and on; issues such as...cleaning up foul and demeaning rap music language...preventing hunger and disease in third-world countries... preventing the recent rash of smash and grab thefts from high dollar retail stores by people apparently with no scruples and not caring that retribution eventually will catch up with you... and on and on.
So, Dear friends, here are spaces for you to add your own wishes: And Happy New Year!
By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor Texas Metro News
Usually, when people think of retirement, they think of sunny skies, laying on the beach, and doing nothing at all…or doing whatever you want.
All day, every day.
Not so for 65-year-old Cynt Marshall whose seven year tenure as the CEO of the Dallas Mavericks came to an end Dec. 31 with her retirement. Originally hired on a threeyear contract, Marshall not only transformed the organization, but left an indelible mark on the greater Dallas community.
“Bringing Cynt to the Mavericks six years ago was one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made,” said Mark Cuban, the Mavs’ minority owner who was the majority owner of the team at the time when he brought Cynt to the franchise.
“She has led this organization to new heights with grace and integrity, and her light will continue to shine bright throughout the community. Thank you, Cynt.”
Marshall became the first Black female CEO in NBA history when she was hired in 2018 to reshape the Mavericks after a Sports Illustrated report detailed years of sexual harassment and misconduct in the franchise.
During her tenure, Marshall created a 100-day plan to revamp the corporate culture and set new standards for inclusion, business effectiveness, and corporate responsibility.
As a result, two years after her arrival, the Mavs received the NBA’s Inclusion Leadership Award in 2020 and 2022.
Under her leadership, the organization built a foundation of trust, and fostered a culture rooted in transparency, respect, and accountability.
She redefined the Mavericks’ culture through a comprehensive overhaul of their workplace policies and as a result, the Mavs became one of the most diverse and inclusive workplaces in sports, with a focus on empowering everyone, including women and people of color at all levels of the organization.
Her dedication to creating a more equitable workplace has garnered national attention and established the Mavericks as a role model for businesses across the sports industry and beyond.
“I’m proud that our values didn’t just hang on the walls, but that they operated in the halls is what I wanted…and people are living out those values,” Marshall told Texas Metro News recently.
“Our vision to be a value-based employer has come to life and our workplace promise is ‘every voice matters and everybody belongs,’ and I guess I’m the most proud of the fact that it’s not just a tagline, it’s true.
“As a team, we made it better. It is a different organization on the business side now than before. I’m proud of what we put in place and
to go. But we are not the organization we were in 2018.”
Instead of jetting off into the sunset like many retirees rightfully get to do, the always bubbly, always busy, always bustling Marshall is busy preparing for what she affectionately calls her “Three B’s - books, boards and the babies -” which will make up her Act III in life.
Act 1 ended when she experienced her first retirement in 2017 from AT&T after 36 years as its chief diversity officer and senior vice president of human resources.
She created a consulting firm, Marshalling Resources and was consulting when Cuban called with the offer to lead the Mavs’ rebranding.
Now that Act II has ended with her second retirement, Marshall is ready for Act III which includes transitioning to a consulting role with the Mavs through December 2025.
“I am excited about it (Mavs consultant). We have some big things going on, a big vision and business plan,” Marshall said. “We have just launched Mavs TV and I’m proud of the legacy there where we have our own broadcasting studio, then when I think about what we will do internationally and to evolve our brand, I’m excited.
“We have much coming, including the renovation of the arena, so I’ll have my hands in a lot of stuff that Rick (Welts, new CEO) and Patrick (Dumont, Mavs owner) want me to have my hands on.”
And she’ll also begin her “Three
of something I did the day before - something my head, heart and hands touched. She continued.
“And I don’t know what that is yet. I’ll just go in that prayer closet in January, and pray Lord reveal to me where I am to have an impact - just like this came out of nowhere, that call from Mark Cuban - something is going to come out of nowhere that will allow me to impact children and make their lives better.”
During her seven years with the Mavericks, Marshall was recognized for her work in promoting human rights, diversity, and social justice. She was named to Forbes World’s Most Inspiring Female Leaders in 2021, a Texas Metro News Superb Woman, and Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business in 2022.
Her legacy as Mavs’ CEO is one of transformation, both within the organization and throughout the community. Her leadership, grounded in authenticity and a commitment to building a better and more profitable future for the organization, has set a new standard for corporate responsibility and community engagement in professional sports.
face of the franchise on the court. She humbly acknowledges that while that may have ended up being the outcome, it certainly wasn’t the plan.
“It wasn’t intentional to become the face of the franchise. Ideally, the job I am in, you don’t even know who the team president and CEO is, but because of the way I came in - people know me because of my introduction to the Mavs via a press conference.”
“We had a lot of work to do when I got here and then the way I approached my job…it’s internal and external. It’s about people. You touch people,” Marshall continued. “It’s about making a difference and so I’m blessed that I was able to join Mark Cuban and be the face because we had some image repairing to do.”
Marshall said the job as CEO was “very visible and you have to show up. You must be present to win and that’s what I tried to do. Wherever we were needed. I would show up. Our community leaders, wherever they needed me I’d show up. Our sponsors. I’m there. And fortunately I have a lot of energy,” she said with a laugh.
B’s,” the first of which will see Marshall embarking on a long-awaited book tour for her first book, “You’ve Been Chosen: Thriving Through the Unexpected,” which was released at the end of 2022.
“I said for a long time that from ages 65 to 75, I wanted to run hard for kids, and so my next phase begins,” Marshall said. “The first B is with my book I wrote. So many families are dealing with cancer diagnoses and other issues, I want to use that book to go out and inspire people and let them know that God and great people will always show up and we’ve all been chosen for the things we’ve gone through.
“And we’ve been chosen to be there for those people,” Marshall continued. “So I really want to go out with that message right now so I will probably finally do a book tour.”
Marshall plans to write two more books - including one on leadership featuring her three L’s of leadershiplisten to the people, learn from the people and love the people.
“These are all the things I’ve learned during my decades in leadership,” Marshall said.
“I’ll then write one on motherhood. I remember how my mom put two books in my hand at an early age - a math book and a Bible - and I want to talk about her and those two books and the early start she gave me and I want to celebrate my mother,” Marshall said of her 88-year-old mother Carolyn.
The book will also celebrate Marshall’s own motherhood journey.
“I’ll fold in my journey, the miscarriages, the death of my daughter (infant Karolyn) then adopting and raising four kids,” she said. “There are different paths to motherhood so it’s a tribute to mothers.”
The second “b” in Marshall’s Act III stands for “boards”and Marshall is looking forward to spending more time on the corporate boards that she serves on.
“I really want to help corporations focus more on people and social corporate responsibility. Now I will be able to attend board meetings and lead some committees and really put my corporate background to great use - which I did as CEO as well, which was great.”
Her last “b” stands for “better,” Marshall plans to join people who are trying to make this world better for our children; like our educators. “They need support from people to help pour into these kids and so I want to do something around education,” Marshall said.
“I don’t know if that’s the president of a college - people have come to me about that even before I got this job - adoption or foster care
- I don’t know what it is but what I do know is when I wake up every morning, I will know that some kids’ life is significantly better because
Marshall and the Mavericks have been the recipients of several honors and awards during her tenure including, but not limited to: Adweek’s Most Powerful Women in Sports (2019, 2020) Honored for her influence in the sports industry and for spearheading cultural transformation within the Dallas Mavericks.
Marshall, a Richmond, California native, said she plans to stay in Dallas with her husband, Kenneth, who has battled multiple myeloma for the past two years. Her battle with cancer 14 years ago prepared her for her husband’s journey. Through chemotherapy, he is doing better and has been given a positive prognosis.
NBA Inclusion Leadership Award (2020, 2022) This award recognizes the team that has demonstrated excellence in creating and executing outstanding programming and that promotes inclusion and inclusive practices.
NBA Game Experience Satisfaction Award (2020, 2023) Given to the top three teams with the highest percentage in overall game experience satisfaction as determined by the Fan Loyalty Tracker (FLT).
Forbes World’s Most Inspiring Female Leaders (2021) During Women’s History Month, Cynt was listed as one of 15 women globally who are breaking the glass ceiling and paving their own paths—all while lifting others around them and setting the example for the next generation of female leaders.
NBA Partnership Growth Award (2022) Awarded to the top three teams with the highest percentage of partnership growth. Additionally, during her tenure, Marshall unofficially became the face of the franchise off the court, as much as star Luka Doncic was the
“He’s still battling it but he’s better,” Marshall said of her husband of 41 years. “It’s hard on him but he laughs because someone said ‘now you’ll get a chance to see her more.’ He goes, ‘no and that’s not necessary,’” Marshall recalls with a laugh adding that he will see her a little bit more as they continue with doctor appointments and his care. Between her books, boards, making things better for youth, enjoying life, taking care of her husband and whatever else comes her way - Marshall’s second retirement, her third act in life promises to be a full and active one.
“I’m running hard from 65 to 75 and I plan to live to 102. I got cancer at 51 and that was my midlife crisis. So I’ll be running hard for a long time.”
As she reflects on the legacy that she is still building, when asked to finish the phrase, ‘Cynt Marshall was…,’ she leaves behind two thoughts and told me to use them both:
“Cynt Marshall was…a force of nature… and heaven cynt.”
DENTON, Texas – The Denton Black Film Festival recentlyunveiled its 2025 festival lineup, including an array of in-person and virtual experiences.
The in-person festival will run from January 22-26, 2025, with virtual programming extending through February 2, 2025. Festival passes and individual tickets are now available for this nationally acclaimed cultural event.
“We’re thrilled about this year’s festival,” said Harry Eaddy, executive director of the DBFF Institute and film festival. “Our packed program offers something for everyone—whether you’re a filmmaker, a film enthusiast, or simply someone seeking an unforgettable cultural experience.”
This year’s theme,“Resilience,” highlights the strength and determination that define us all. Through powerful storytelling, DBFF celebrates the moments of perseverance and triumph that inspire personal and collective growth.
A Community Effort
This year, DBFF’s sponsors and grantors include the City of Denton, Panavision, and NBC 5, marking a significant milestone as DBFF celebrates over a decade of amplifying diverse voices. Additional support comes from esteemed partners, including the Texas Commission on the Arts, Meow Wolf, and Charles Schwab Bank.
2025 Festival Highlights
• Opening Night: The festival opens with the landmark film, The Spook Who Sat by the Door (1973), directed by Ivan Dixon and based on the novel by Sam Greenlee. Recently restored in stunning 4K by the Library of Congress and The Film Foundation with funding provided by the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation. this culturally significant film will be screened:
• Thursday, January 23: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Denton, TX
• Friday, January 24: Texas Theatre, Dallas, TX
• Following both screenings, there will be a special Q&A featuring Doris Nomathandé Dixon and Natiki Hope Pressley, daughters of Ivan Dixon and Sam Greenlee.
• Festival Programming: The 2025 DBFF will showcase 73 films, a New Texas Short Screenplay Competition with Award Sponsors- Austin Film Festival, Final Draft and Coverfly, featuring live reads. There also will be two art exhibits, spoken word performances, comedy, music, and a youth gaming competition. Workshops and panels will cover various topics, including storytelling, virtual production, budgeting for Indie films, and much more. This year’s Social Justice Panel and Films on Human Trafficking addresses this urgent form of modern-day slavery.
• Closing Night: We invite you to an unforgettable musical experience with the multi-talented Frank McComb, joined by special guest Audra Scott.
• How to Attend
The festival offers a range of passes to fit every interest:
1. VIP All Experience Pass: Access to all festival events (excluding workshops and panels with additional fees).
2. Film Only Experience Pass: Access to all in-person and virtual film screenings.
3. Virtual Only Experience Pass: Access to all virtual film screenings and events (excludes geographically restricted or capped films).
4. Five Block Film Pass: Choose five individual in-person or virtual film screening blocks (restrictions apply). Passes and tickets are available at discounted presale prices. Visit DentonBFF.com to explore options and secure your spot.
Stay Connected
Follow DBFF for updates on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and YouTube, and visit DentonBFF.com for the latest news, the full schedule, and ticket details.
Since 1993 area students have participated in this outstanding internship program founded by Texas State Senator Royce West (D-23) and is now under the leadership/administration of the University of North Texas at Dallas and Conrad alum Dr. Sabrina Hodge. More than 3500 students have been placed in internships and students have garnered thousands of hours of community service and scholarship dollars. Check out pictures and videos from this year’s class who will begin their assignments this summer.
FREMONT, Calif. – Trinaso -
lar US was proud to visit Eddie Bernice Johnson STEM Academy in Wilmer, Texas, and donate school supplies to contribute to the school’s achievements in STEM education, recently.
During this event, Trinasolar US donated nearly 700 books and over 1,000 headphones to support Wilmer students’ learning and development. Attendees of the presentation included Commissioner John Wiley Price (District 3) and Mayor Sheila Petta of Wilmer.
“The City of Wilmer appreciates the continued support Trinasolar US offers our city,” said Wilmer Mayor Sheila Petta.
“The generous donation given Friday to the EBJ Stem Academy students not only helps our young residents in Wilmer, but the entire community as we work together to create partnerships that grow stronger to invest in Wilmer’s next generation.”
“Supporting the next generation of STEM leaders is at the heart of Trina’s mission,” said
Dave Gustafson, General Manager of Trina Manufacturing.
“The Wilmer community has been so welcoming to Trina and we’re excited to partner with local schools to support education initiatives. Eddie Bernice Johnson STEM Academy is doing remarkable work, and we are honored to contribute to their students’ success.”
The event featured remarks from school leaders and elected officials, a presentation of donated supplies, and a guided tour of the school’s facilities.
Trina’s commitment to the community extends beyond education, creating economic opportunities through its manufacturing facility in Wilmer which will support more than 1,300 local jobs. By fostering economic growth and engaging in initiatives that empower the next generation, Trina continues to underscore its dedication to building stronger, more resilient communities through meaningful partnerships and environmental stewardship.
the toy and “experience,” Davis Henry also used the product, but today she has her special recipes.
“I think I baked everything that came with it on Christmas Day. From there, my passion grew as my mom encouraged me to bake whenever I wanted. She never discouraged me, even if I was probably wasting a lot of flour along the way.”
The moonlighting baker decided to enter the pound cake contest last year when a friend of hers, a caterer, sent her the flyer for the contest.
“On the date of the contest it had snowed the night before, so I slowly drove on snow covered roads to enter my cake for the judging,” she recalled.
She baked a sweet potato pound cake and said, “Amazingly, I won.”
It was a special recipe after all, one that Davis Henry said she created in 2020 when she launched her home baking business, Inspired Pies, LLC during the pandemic.
At the Inspired Pies, LLC website (https://www.inspiredpies.com/)
Davis Henry noted she also has a love of entertaining, because of her love of “being with family and good friends over great food and amazing desserts.”
Perhaps that is why she had a special place for her sweet potato pie last year, which she also adds was “a recipe that I am sure started in my great grandmother’s kitchen to my grandmother’s, to my mother’s, and to me where I added my own essence and love.”
Davis Henry said the Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo was “my very first contest that I entered and won, I hope to enter others.”
Davis Henry said she has become known for baking the best sweet potato pies.
“I also create custom cakes like red velvet, white chocolate, strawberry, and jar cakes,” she added. “I have a few other pound cakes too, including lemon pound cake and a brown sugar praline pound cake
topped with praline sauce.”
And while one might think pound cakes are her favorite reci
pe to bake, she said she also bakes pies, and adds “The truth is, I love baking everything.”
Last year after her pound cake’s first place honor, Cheryl Smith, Founder of Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo said of Davis’s baking win, “She is the person who made the Best Pound Cake in Dallas-Fort Worth and sure, she has the distinction of baking the best pound cake, but I have heard she is great at anything she creates in the kitchen and I plan on being one of her biggest customers and I might also have to challenge her on the sweet potato pie because mine won first place in a contest during KwanzaaFest (which was held for decades in South Dallas).”
Davis Henry’s love of baking comes from “the creative process.”
She loves baking for others too, and said part of the enjoyment that makes her feel truly gratified is that her baking brings joy and satisfaction to the people experiencing her baked goodies.
Smith also said she was impressed by Davis Henry’s beautiful spirit.
“Not just because she is a community servant, born leader, and genuinely nice person; or we share the same birth date,” Smith said of Davis Henry after her win last year, “but because she is a truly impressive person.”
Smith noted an interesting footnote about last year’s contest. One of the judges does not like sweet potatoes, but thoroughly enjoyed Davis Henry’s cake!
This year’s cook-off features a Collard Greens and Cornbread contest and is poised to be worth a visit as there will certainly be a variety of recipes introduced. Cooking demonstrations will feature Chef Cassondra and there will be several food vendors.
The 8th Annual Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo will be on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with sponsors Comerica Bank and Cre8ive Outlet, along with WAAITT (We Are All In
Together) also on board. A free event, there will be businesses, speakers and programming geared toward building stronger families and communities and will also include activists, educators, advisors, entertainment, screenings, college representatives, insurance and financial planning advisors, and voter regis-
jail-time for any theft cases over $250; ensure that every state is properly funding public education and holding the Governor accountable; and encourage all NATO parties to put a halt on all imports/exports with Russia to end the war on Ukraine in 90 days. Randy Bellomy, Chairman of Ellis County Republican Party, said “The five things I would do
before leaving office if I was president would bee “Pardon most, if not all, the J6 patriots and ask the Department of Justice and the FBI
to investigate and prosecute the capitol officer who shot and killed Ashli Babbitt on that day.”
“I would shut down the borders and deport all the illegal aliens and build the border wall; declare war on the cartels and defend our nation from all the poison and human carnage they are inflicting on Americans; remove a lot of the burdensome regulations on business so our economy can flourish and reduce the national debt; and defund Planned Parenthood and National Public Broadcasting and abolish most of the three-letter agencies.”
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While not all readers might be into social media apps, and double true for TikTok because it is (narrative inserted here) “owned by China” I want to clear up this China rumor that mainstream media has pounded into the heads of many Americans. Fortunately, two attorneys spoke to the Supreme Court last week on behalf of TikTok/ByteDance and the plaintiffs opposing the TikTok ban and cleared this misinformation up for SCOTUS.
The ban is set for January 19, 2025.
Just one day before the inauguration.
I know I have heard the “China” narrative ad nauseam, to the point I stopped trying to explain.
However, the above-mentioned attorneys gave an elementary explanation in their press conference about how ridiculous the ban is, so read below and be your own judge if you think TikTok is “owned” by China.
After that, decide if you think it is a clever idea for the US government to determine it is okay to take away any form of free speech in this country.
Americans hired these “politicians,” not to babysit, but to do the job they were voted into office to do. That was NOT to take away America’s free speech.
We tell the government how to run the show based on the Constitution, they do not tell us. Yet somehow, Americans have become prisoners by their own employees (i.e.,
Senate and the House) and these three-letter agencies no longer do their job implementing laws, instead making laws up that sometimes work against the people.
If Americans are old enough to work, pay taxes, go to war, and be killed for this country, then said Americans should be able to say what they want without censorship.
And this is a bipartisan issue so you cannot swing left or right for the blame on this one. There were votes on both sides of the aisle to push this agenda through.
The nerve of these politicians to take our freedom of speech away because people are uncovering the truth and lies. Effectively the gig is up and the lobbyists and politicians know it.
Maybe through TikTok, maybe through research or other social media platforms or even alternative news sources, we have discovered what the government has been up to while Americans were sleeping; US patents manipulating weather or projects like MK Ultra https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/ what-we-know-about-ciasmidcentury-mind-controlproject-180962836/ or Project Paperclip https://www.historynewsnetwork.org/article/ the-horrible-secrets-of-operation-paperclip-an-int - it is not pretty what Americans have been discovering and speaking out about. To that end many believe that is why the government sees this free speech platform as a threat.
Okay fine, you don’t like TikTok, but do you like your free speech?
It has been reported TikTok has contributed over $32B to the US economy while supporting 5M small businesses and 2M creators. One Tik-
Tok business owner said it will cost Americans $1.3B in the first month if the app is banned and it supports over 200,000 jobs.
Overall, the reason TikTok is being challenged is supposedly “National Security.”
If National Security is at such risk why are other apps like Temu still allowed?
Who are these people in Washington D.C. who think they have a right to destroy the Constitution while they sit on top of their “ban” wagon.
In the press conference after the SCOTUS appearance last week attorney Noel Francisco spoke representing TikTok Incorporated and parent company ByteDance Limited.
He said, “The justices are extremely engaged and they fully understand the importance of this case not only for the American citizens but for first amendment law and the rights for everybody.”
He pointed out TikTok is a US company and is incorporated in the State of California with thousands of employees based in the United States.
Francisco said, “The government does not dispute it is a Bonafide subsidiary operated in the United States in accordance with all applicable American corporate law.”
He also pointed out ByteDance Limited is a private holding company registered in the Cayman Islands and is not owned by China and “no arm of the Chinese government has an arm directly or indirectly in TikTok Incorporated or ByteDance,” he explained.
He said, “ByteDance is 58% owned by global institutional investors including very large American institutional investors, it is 21% owned by its employees, many who are Americans in the United States and it is 21% owned by one of its
founders who is a Chinese national living in Singapore.”
TikTok Incorporated, he said, “Exercises independent judgement with respect to the algorithm in the United States. The code for the algorithm is brought into the United States and stored on servers located in Virginia.
“There it is converted into executable code that is modified, customized, and trained pursuant to moderation policies and implemented in the United States. So, when TikTok Incorporated implements the recommendation in the United States that is very much TikTok Incorporated speech and the speech of a US entity speaking in the United States.”
Francisco also pointed out the intellectual property is not owned by the Chinese government. It is owned by ByteDance Limited, which is a global entity and a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands and has subsidiaries throughout the world.
“The US government concedes that it has no evidence that China has ever attempted to date to control the US TikTok platform,” Francisco stressed. “It concedes that China has not attempted to censor content on the platform, it concedes that China has not attempted to misappropriate user data in the United States.”
All who can see clearly can see this ban puts America’s first amendment rights at stake.
Francisco said in the press conference too “We are talking about a social media platform that is used regularly by 170 million Americans, which is half the country. This country has never taken the step of shutting down a speech platform, much less
such an important speech platform because, as the government effectively concedes in its brief, it is afraid the content that could come out on that platform might be dangerous. We do not normally think of speech as dangerous and the Supreme Court has said speech is not dangerous and you do not shut down a speech platform because you are worried about speech being dangerous, that is the whole point of the first amendment. That we engage ideas with ideas and we let the truth come out and that is the fundamental problem with this act, it does not reflect the trust the first amendment places in the American people.”
Attorney Jeff Fisher who represents the TikTok creators in the case summed it up, “The government has never threatened to shut down speech on a platform because of the ideas being expressed.”
Another person pointed out TikTok is part of a Trust, which means a US ban is a violation of 18 USC 241-242 in that “Americans and the remaining 20% is owned by the company’s founder who is a private individual and not part of a state or government entity.”
Someone pointed out the TikTok CEO Shou Xi Chew got his start as an intern at Facebook and the Zucky just cannot stand Chew’s app is doing better that his Meta mess. I do not know about that, but I know Zucky seemed to have rolled over to tell members of congress all about how “people from the Biden administration would call up our team” and basically ask Meta to censor Covid content. Zuckerberg said the emails are published highlighting the bullying, and now he is trying
to play good cop way too late in the game as he sings a different tune about “working with President Trump to push back on governments around the world going after American companies and pushing to censor more.”
Most TikTok folks are not going back to Meta, they are going to Red Note (and that one is owned by China).
Another question is why is the government banning TikTok over “spy concerns’ yet drones that are still not been identified are daily being seen all over the US (Dallas now included) and the government is not the least bit interested in figuring out that national security issue.
Another scratch my head moment, they want to ban TikTok over national security but the government has allowed as of 2024 Chinese investors/businesses to buy 383,935 acres in the US.
The government does not want Americans talking because we realize we have more in common than not and we might start pointing the finger at the politicians who have gained revenue at the cost of American dissension.
One final thought, according to Newsweek, there are eight countries in the world with some form of ban on TikTok in place that includes Afghanistan, and Iran.
How many of you are comfortable waking up on January 20 and being on the short list of countries with these two I just named, since we know the governments in those countries do not allow free speech?
AUSTIN, Texas – Senator Nathan Johnson was sworn in today as a member of the Texas State Senate for the 89th Legislative Session, his fourth session to represent Senate District 16.
Senator Johnson issued a statement addressing the critical issues facing Texas, emphasizing the importance of social and physical infrastructure. “From the roads we travel to the schools where our kids grow and learn to the healthcare systems we rely upon, the Legislature
should give priority this session to infrastructure – social and physical.
That’s the only way we can promise our children and future generations that they will have the opportunity to live as well as we have been so fortunate to live. And if we fail to act, they will bear the burden of our failure.
What will people thank us for in 30 years? That should be the question on our minds.”
Senator Johnson’s legislative priorities for the session include:
wasn’t a literal desire to burn Hollywood down. You were expressing disdain for Hollywood elites. We gotcha back.” Chuck reiterated his request, writing, “Please don’t use our song on your reels and pictures of this horrifying natural disaster.”
• Workforce Housing: With Senate Bill 234, Johnson aims to alleviate the state’s housing crisis by incentivizing the construction of workforce housing. If enacted, it will make housing available near where people work, and decrease the upward market pressure on housing costs.
• Water and Energy Systems: The Senator continues his work on developing water supply and management systems, and on electrical power: generation,
cont. from page 1
The wind-fed wildfires have already killed at least 24 people, burned through 40,000 acres, and destroyed over 12,300 structures. The largest fire, the Palisades Fire, is only 14 percent contained and continues to threaten neighborhoods like Brentwood, Encino, and Westwood. Evacuation orders cover 105,000 residents, with an additional 87,000 in warning zones prepared to leave immediately. Entire communities have been reduced to ash as firefighters work tirelessly to contain the destruction.
transmission, storage, conservation, market innovation, and overall grid resiliency and security.
• Public Education: Senate Bill 233 seeks to increase the basic student allotment, tie it to inflation, and transition to an enrollment-based funding model, ensuring the state’s schools are equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
• Health and Healthcare Access: Through Senate Bills 232 and 236, Johnson continues to
advocate bipartisan avenues for Medicaid expansion, and (separately) to integrate non-medical drivers of health – nutrition, transportation, and housing – into healthcare systems to improve outcomes and reduce costs.
For updates on Senator Johnson’s legislative initiatives and developments throughout the 89th Legislative Session, visit Senator Johnson’s website or follow @NathanForTexas on social media.
Chuck D’s ability to recall moments in vivid detail has shaped much of his work, including his book, “The Moments That Met Me.” In a recent interview, he shared how he captures and documents history. “I take moments that I was in the middle of, and I draw everything out how I visualize it,” Chuck said in a published interview. “That goes back 62 years. I shocked my mom and said this is our apartment when I was 1 year old, and she’s like, ‘Well, that is it!’” As “Burn Hollywood Burn” trends, Chuck D reminded everyone of its purpose as a protest anthem. “The images, the words— they carry weight. Let’s honor them appropriately.”
Arlington, TX
– The Dallas Wings have named Chris Koclanes as the franchise’s next head coach. Koclanes is a highly regarded defensive-minded tactician with proven success in player development. He has more than a decade of experience as an assistant coach in the WNBA and Division I women’s basketball.
A formal press conference to welcome Koclanes is scheduled for Jan. 9 at Reunion Tower in Dallas. Additional details will be announced shortly.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris Koclanes as the new head coach of the Dallas Wings,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller. “Throughout our extensive search and interview process, Chris
continued to rise to the top and check the boxes of our important pillars. He is a servant leader who places a high value on connection, collaboration, and a positive and consistent communication style with all those he coaches. Chris is a fantastic teacher of the game and has an outstanding basketball IQ. He is committed to player development and has a forward thinking and innovative mind for the game. He is a tireless worker with a foundation built through preparation.
“In addition to his proven on-court skill, Chris possesses values that align perfectly with the Dallas Wings, including a shared focus on positively impacting the community and developing our players off the court.
There are so many incredible things on the horizon for this franchise, including a new arena, a state-of-the-art practice facility and the opportunity to select No. 1 overall in the upcoming WNBA Draft, and we are confident Chris is the right person to lead this team into a new era of Dallas Wings basketball.”
Koclanes is currently in his second season as an assistant coach at the University of Southern California. The seventh-ranked Trojans are currently 11-1 on the year and have been ranked as high as No. 3 in both national polls.
In Koclanes’ first season as an assistant coach with the Trojans in 2023-24, USC advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in 30 years while finishing with a 29-6 record, its most wins since 1985-86, and boasted the nation’s No. 2 scorer in JuJu Watkins. USC climbed as high as No. 3 in the national polls, while finishing the year at No. 5. A trio of Trojans earned All-Pac-12 honors, while Watkins was named National Freshman of the Year. Koclanes previously served as video coordinator for USC beginning in 2015.
Arlington, TX (Jan. 13, 2025) –
The Dallas Wings announced today the hiring of Camille Smith and Nola Henry as assistant coaches. Smith and Henry become the first two additions to the staff of recently announced Head Coach Chris Koclanes. Smith and Henry both served as assistant coaches for the Los Angeles Sparks during the 2024 season under then-Head Coach Curt Miller.
“Camille is as competitive and committed to excellence as they come,” said Koclanes. “She is a true professional in every sense of the word, as a former player and now current head coach at Dallas’ own Paul Quinn College. She embodies the idea that how you do anything is how you do everything and I’m excited for her to bring her discipline, honesty and accountability to our culture. She will connect with our players and challenge them to reach heights they didn’t think possible. As a player she had an elite feel defensively, seeing things before they were happening and consistently disrupting in the post. Her eye on that side of the ball will be a huge
asset as we establish our defensive identity. Camille is a member of the DFW community and takes tremendous pride in that. She will pour everything she has into helping shape this next chapter of Wings basketball.”
Smith, formerly Little, has been the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas, since 2022. The 13-year WNBA veteran retired from playing in 2019 after successful stints in San Antonio, Seattle, including winning a WNBA Championship with the Storm in 2010, Connecticut and Phoenix, along with an impressive run in international leagues. Smith was voted to the STORM25 – the top 25 players in Seattle franchise history as voted on by the fans and recognized during the 2024 season. Before her retirement, Smith, along with Diana Taurasi and Candace Parker, were the only three players in the WNBA with 1,500 career rebounds and over 150 made three-pointers.
Following her retirement in 2019, Smith joined the coaching ranks as a Player Development Coach for the Dallas Wings in 2020.
The Trojans are a combined 40-7 in two seasons with Koclanes as an assistant coach.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Dallas Wings,” said Koclanes. “I would like to thank Chairman Bill Cameron, CEO and Managing Partner Greg Bibb and General Manager Curt Miller for entrusting me with this incredible responsibility.
I look forward to partnering with our ownership, front office and players to create a sustainable championship culture that is felt on and off the floor, and in the community. I’m excited to support and empower the women of this league as we continue to elevate the WNBA to new heights.”
Prior to rejoining the college ranks, Koclanes spent eight seasons in the WNBA
working alongside current Dallas Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller. Koclanes was the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Sparks in 2023. Under Koclanes’ guidance, the Sparks posted the No. 3 defensive scoring average in the WNBA, while leading the league in steals and opponent turnovers. Before heading to LA, Koclanes was a key part of the Connecticut Sun staff from 2016-22. He began his WNBA career as video coordinator in 2016, while maintaining that responsibility with USC as well, before being promoted to assistant coach in 2019. Koclanes served as defensive coordinator and helped the Sun reach the 2019 and 2022 WNBA Finals as well as the 2020 and 2021 Semifinals.
“This is a dream come true,” said Smith. “I have lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and been a Wings season ticket holder since I retired in 2019, and have been supporting this franchise for nearly a decade. I have watched from the stands, and now I am ecstatic about bringing my knowledge and game experience to the sidelines. This is such an exciting time for the Dallas Wings and I am thrilled to be part of this new era. Being alongside such great basketball minds, including Chris Koclanes, Curt Miller, Nola Henry, Jasmine Thomas and Travis Charles, makes this opportunity even more special. I am grateful for the chance to learn and grow with the Wings. A special thank you to my Paul Quinn College family for your love and support. I hope to make you proud and see you cheering on the Wings this summer.”
Smith attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, leading the Tar Heels to two Final Four appearances in her four years. Known for her offensive skills and defensive game, Smith was a fourtime All-ACC selection, and fin-
ished her college career with more than 1,700 points, 800 rebounds, 250 assists, and 250 steals. She became the first Tar Heel to be named First Team All-ACC as a freshman. She has a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal communications from UNC.
“We are lucky that Nola is choosing to join the Wings,” said Koclanes. “Her consistent demeanor, communication style and elite basketball IQ have earned her a high level of respect and trust league wide. She is a hoops junkie who is always bringing new ideas and concepts to the table and can really help players to think, feel and digest the game. Nola is wise beyond her years. She has a unique ability to connect with people, meeting them where they are at while holding them to high standards. I’m excited about the positive impact her presence and contributions will have on our staff and players. We wish her great luck before she joins us as she leads the Rose Basketball Club as Head Coach in this season of Unrivaled.”
Henry was recently announced as Head Coach of Rose in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, which is tip-
ping off this week in Miami. Henry has five years of experience on the WNBA sidelines, serving as an Assistant Coach for the Sparks in 2024, after being a Player Development Coach during the 2023 campaign. Prior to her time at the Sparks, she was a part of Curt Miller’s staff at the Connecticut Sun as the assistant basketball operations manager, and was a graduate assistant at the University of Hartford for the women’s basketball program.
“I would like to thank both Chris Koclanes and Curt Miller for their support and for continuing to believe in my ability to positively impact this team,” said Henry. “This is an incredible opportunity to be part of building something special with the Dallas Wings. I am excited to use my experience and skills to help contribute to the growth of this franchise and cannot wait to get started.”
Henry is a 2017 graduate of the College of Charleston, where she was a two-year starter. She also played two seasons of Division I basketball at the University of Massachusetts prior to transferring to Charleston.
