Congrats to the Class of 2025!
NORTH EAST TEXAS
Cheryl Smith Verna’s H.E.L.P. LIVING LEGENDS
MY TRUTH
Loved this Father!
Over the years, I have enjoyed spending time with Brother Richard “Naba’a Muhammad, editor-in-chief of the Final Call Newspaper.
We had a lot in common. We were journalists, we attended HBCUs --although he wasn’t able to attend the fabulous Florida A&M University-- we were members of the Divine 9 (him Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and me, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority) and so important; —we loved our people.
As members of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, we’d gather sometimes once, twice or as many as four times a year and we always made time for one another.
We cheered one another when we won awards and we always had each other’s back!
It was always great to get tips and discuss how we were going to make journalism better.
Recently it was difficult arriving at meetings and looking around for that Morgan State University alum.
It was great seeing Sister Starla Muhammad’s beautiful smile but having face-toface, and heart-to-hearts with Brother Naba’a was wonderful.
I know he was going through health challenges, but this deeply grounded and focused proud member of the Nation of Islam remained a faithful servant until the end.
He spoke the truth wherever he went and when he started doing a broadcast on WVON Radio in Chicago, I was invited to join him and Brothers BJ Murphy and James Muhammad, to talk about issues of the day.
It was always a joy to join them and other guests as we put our perspectives out to the world to balance all the madness around us.
I was awakened by news of his passing and people around the country were responding quickly. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan issued a statement, a tribute to this dynamic GRIOT.
I can’t help thinking about his children, and all the other children around this world, especially those who are experiencing Father’s Day for the first time without their father. My heart goes out to them because for me every Father’s Day is like the first Father’s Day without my dad just like every day is like the first day. I don’t know how many people told me it would get easier with time.
Garland Trailblazers: Honoring Ronald E. Jones and Annie Dickson for Juneteenth
As we gather this Juneteenth to reflect on freedom, progress, and the ongoing pursuit of equity, we take time to honor two remarkable trailblazers whose courage and commitment transformed the political landscape of Garland, Texas—Ronald E. Jones and Annie Dickson.
“I wasn’t born here—I moved from Louisiana. When people talk about Juneteenth, I think we need to evaluate how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go. As we celebrate, our children must also remember the sacrifices that were made for us to get to this point,” said Ms. Dickson.
Breaking Barriers, Building Legacy
In a city where change came slowly, Ms. Dickson made history as the first African American woman elected to the Garland City Council.
Her voice echoed through City Hall as she stood up for the underserved, the overlooked, and
the unheard. Representing District 2, she championed issues that directly impacted working families, helping to set the tone for a more inclusive city government.
“I didn’t initially choose politics,” Ms. Dickson shared. “But I noticed
Texas House Democrats ask Gov. Abbott for immediate action to protect elected officials from extremist violence
AUSTIN, TEXAS — Texas House Democrats are profoundly devastated by the politicallymotivated assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the attempted murder of Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
Political violence has no place in our democracy, and the targeted killing of an elected official is an overt attack on the foundation of our republic itself.
Today, in light of the assassination of Speaker Emerita Hortman and the announcement that a credible threat was made against Texas legislators, 44 Texas
House Democratic lawmakers signed a letter to state leaders demanding immediate action to protect all Texas elected officials following the politically motivated assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband.
“Texas House Democrats join the Hortman family, Minnesotans, and all patriotic Americans in grief over the politicallymotivated killing of our colleague, Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman.
This horrific, targeted violence has no place in our democracy,
that the person representing East Garland—our predominantly African American community—wasn’t truly advocating for us.”
After being laid off from her job of 32 years, she began attending council meetings. That’s when she realized
something needed to change—and she decided to be the one to initiate change.
Rather than joining in with the complaints of others, she took action. Her historic election to the council made her a pioneer and voice for communities long left out of the conversation.
In 2000, she broke another barrier by becoming the first African American to run for mayor of Garland. Though she lost by just 47 votes, her courageous campaign planted the seeds of change for future generations.
One of those seeds would blossom just seven years later.
A Victory for the People
In 2007, Ronald E. Jones chose to announce his mayoral candidacy from Ms. Dickson’s home—an act of both respect and symbolism.
“I was overjoyed when he made the announcement from my house,” she recalled. “I had known Mr. Jones for years. When I decided to run for city council, he was already the
Is the Texas house attempting to take away Texan’s First Amendment Rights?
By Rita Cook Correspondent
AUSTIN – Is the Texas House attempting to take away Texan’s First Amendment Rights?
If you ask Ellis County’s District 10 State Rep. Brian Harrison you will get a resounding yes.
Harrison, a Republican, faced off last week with his red colleagues on HB366 intended to criminalize political memes.
“Instead of using the precious time left in session to abolish or even lower property taxes, last week the Texas House voted to criminalize political memes,” Harrison said.
ment and will put their liberty first.”
The bill passed out of the Texas House with a vote of 102 – 40.
It is now on its way to the Senate and if passed there, then on to the governor’s desk. HB366 relates to “required disclosures on certain political advertising that contains altered media.”
In short, it allegedly pertains to the use of artificial intelligence to mislead voters.
“This is an assault on the First Amendment and an absolute disgrace to the state of Texas. Texans deserve real leadership who will stop growing govern-
The bill was introduced by former speaker of the Texas House, Republican Dade Phelan from Beaumont. Phelan said his idea with the bill was to prevent someone from impacting or altering an election by using fake media. Some have alleged, includ-
Nabaa Muhammad Credit: Courtesy Verna’s HELP Foundation’s 10th Annual Living Legends Brunch, recognizing Dallas’ 1st Black History Makers & Leaders. Honorees are Mr. Terry Allen, Robert Ashley, Karl Berry, Dwaine Caraway, Ken Carter, Marvin Crenshaw, Attorney Domingo Garcia, Rev. Peter Johnson, Willis Johnson, Atty. Ron Kirk, Rene Martinez, Attorney William “Bill” Mahomes, Arthur Melton, Fred Moses, Attorney Sol Villasana, Fred Walker, Senator Royce West, C.W. Whitaker, Dr David Willis, and Travis Wortham Jr.
Together, Ronald E. Jones and Annie Dickson remind Garland of its journey—from segregation and underrepresentation to recognition, leadership, and civic pride.
THIS WEEK IN AUSTIN
State Rep. Brian Harrison
Rep. Melissa Hortman
Sen. John Hoffman
By Sylvia Powers Correspondent Texas Metro News
Trump’s Travel Bans Chilling Impact
By April Ryan NNPA White House Correspondent
“Another shameful moment for our nation’s foreign policy” is what ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Greg Meeks calls President Trump’s latest travel ban on 12 countries.
Trump reinstated his firsttime travel ban based on national security concerns. Beginning June 9, 2025, at 12:01, citizens of the designated countries are banned from entering the United States.
The entry bans citizens from the following countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
The 12 countries on the travel ban list comprise seven African nations and one Caribbean nation. This ban will impact commerce and possibly diplomatic relations with these countries.
Congressman Meeks says, “Trump’s travel ban is discriminatory from the ground up, and ultimately self-defeating—it even betrays our Afghan allies who supported U.S. troops over our 20-year war and were waiting for their visas to enter the United States.”
President Trump also signed a ban on international students attending Harvard University, a school he has been battling with over issues such as antisemitism on campus and discrimination against white, Asian, male, and straight individuals.
The Trump administration is also concerned with China’s
foreign influence and perceived woke ideology. Chioma Chookwoo of American Oversight says, “A quarter of Harvard’s student population is international.”
The latest travel ban has far-reaching implications for higher education in the United States. North Carolina Democratic Congresswoman Alma Adams told Black Press USA, “Nationwide, we have more than 1 million international students who contribute $50 billion to the U.S. economy each year.”
In Adam’s home district, she says the University of North Carolina at Charlotte” has 2,000 international students from nearly 100 countries.”
The congresswoman, who also is a member of the House Committee on Education, says, “These students are coming to our country to better their education and consistently give more than they receive.”
“Between this latest travel ban, the freeze on student visa processing, and other chilling actions to deter international students, the Trump administration is creating a self-inflicted brain drain that further damages our economy and undermines U.S. influence and soft power,” offered Meeks.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
O’Neal. 5 – 9 pm CDT at Esports Stadium Arlington, 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington. Register: bit.ly/ABCCJuneteenth2025 20
RedBird Juneteenth Celebration by Frost Bank. Live music, light bites, and sweet treats for guests to enjoy. This event is free and open to the public. 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at STARBUCKS, 3704 W Camp Wisdom Rd, Dallas. www.frostbank.com
The DSO is excited to announce a special Pride Night concert, which will be held at the Meyerson during the Dallas Arts District’s annual Pride Block Party!
SSK Juneteenth 2025. Celebrating freedom and unity at the SSK Juneteenth 2025 event for a day filled with music, dance, food, and community. 4:30 - 9 pm. Doors at 4 pm. The Gathering, 3330 Matlock Road, Ste. 118, Arlington. https://bit. ly/4iXqH42
Juneteenth
Tyler, TX. https://www.eventbrite. com/e/juneteenth-2025-tickets-1288253824869?aff=erellivmlt
9th Annual Arlington Juneteenth Celebration by Arlington Black Chamber Of Commerce. The 9th Annual Arlington Juneteenth Celebration, celebrating 160 years of freedom from Slavery, & our ABCC Chamber's 15th B-Day! Guest speaker Charles
Juneteenth Picnic by J. Matlock. Vibe and celebrate. Bring only positive energy, love, and peace. Will have games, food, drinks, raffles, music, and joy. 1 - 10 pm at Lakeside Park 515 Hill City Dr, Duncanville. Tickets: https://bit.ly/433ahCu.
***
Juneteenth at the Spellman by SGRho Forney. Celebrating Juneteenth at the Spellman Amphitheater at Forney Community Park! 4 - 9 pm at Forney Community Park 241 Farm to Market 548, Forney. https://bit.ly/4k1drN2
***
SSK Juneteenth 2025 by Sista Sista Kreationz. Celebrate Juneteenth 2025 with us at SSK - it's gonna be a blast! 4:30 - 9 pm CDT. Doors at 4 pm at The Gathering, 3330 Matlock Rd, Ste 118, Arlington. Tickets: https:// bit.ly/4iXqH42
*** “Juneteenth Strong” Mixer & PopUp Shop by LoveJones EXTRAordinary Events. Wear your Juneteenth colors and come celebrate FREEDOM, CULTURE, and COMMUNITY! Join us for a powerful afternoon of good
vibes, music, and food. 2 – 6 pm at 201 Executive Way, DeSoto. https:// bit.ly/4dm5dN1
Taste of Black Mansfield: Food Truck Addition. Step aside, foodies, because Taste of Black Mansfield: Food Truck Edition is about to take the culinary scene by storm. Hosted by the fabulous ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Alpha Beta Phi Omega Chapter. 11 am – 7 pm at Vernon Newsom Stadium, 3700 E Broad St, Mansfield.
Congressman Greg Meeks
Fatherhood & Divine Love
A family’s joy in representation
By
D.
Longtime educator Dr. Torrance Brooks has held a few titles across several Houston area school districts.
Over the past 28 years, he’s been a teacher, coach, assistant principal and is currently principal at Jones Middle School in Aldine Independent School District (ISD).
While he’s been instrumental in countless students becoming who they are destined to be, as a newly initiated member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated®, his growth in Greekdom has been rooted from home.
“My wife [Tanika], she pledged grad chapter Delta [Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated®]. Then, my oldest son [Jaylen], he pledged Alpha [Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated®] while he was at UTSA [The University of Texas at San Antonio] undergrad. So we’re proud of that.” Brooks said.
“Tristan, my middle son, he pledged Omega [Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated®] at Prairie View [Prairie View A&M University] undergrad.
And then, the last one, just last year, my youngest son Trace, he pledged Kappa [Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated®].”
Yes, within his immediate family, five of the Divine Nine, the collective moniker given
into an undergraduate chapter.
Membership in graduate chapters is afforded to adults who are college graduates. With Brooks and his three sons being members of four different fraternities, he expressed his goal of raising his young men to create legacies of their own.
“I’ve always told them ‘You be you. You know, everything that I do as your father, I’m gonna do the very best that I can to be the best role model that I can be for you and show you and try to lead a positive life,’” Brooks said. “But I always tell them, ‘You don’t necessarily have to do what I do. You gotta be who you are.’” The selections of different fraternities seem to fit the Brooks men well.
to the nine Black Greek-Letter Organizations (BGLOs), are represented.
Brooks also shared that both his sister Stephanie Barnes Riley and her daughter, his niece Taylor Barnes, are members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.
Membership in the Divine Nine is steeped in tradition with many expressing deep pride in the extension of their legacy. “Undergrad” refers to the experience when members are initiated as college students
“In my opinion, and everybody says it as well, they are exactly what they pledged,” Brooks said. “So, my Alpha son [Jaylen Brooks], he’s a true Alpha man. My Omega son [Tristan Brooks], he’s a true Omega man. My Kappa son [Trace Brooks], he’s a true Kappa man, and I’m just so proud that they pledged who they are and their personality and characteristics and are leading their own legacy and track and I’m proud of them.”
As a Mason fraternal
organization member since 2009, service is in Brooks’ DNA. Attending events and watching his family increased his desire to go beyond masonry.
“I’m proud of them and going to all their different things, and I’m like, ‘Wow, I want to be a part as well.’ I was already serving as a Mason but I just always want to do more,” Brooks said. “I just always want to be the best person that I can be. So, I was like, ‘Well, if they’re all in the D9, then I want to be a part of the D9 so I can help serve in that capacity as well.’”
Being a two-sport student athlete and traveling with football and baseball during his undergraduate studies at Prairie View A&M University did not afford Brooks much time to be a part of a fraternity.
Holding both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Prairie View and a doctoral degree in education from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, choosing to pursue Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated® came from Brooks carefully studying how the organization was in the “forefront” throughout his travels and attendance at numerous events as a school district administrator.
“I go to things around the district all day and I just support different kids, different schools, different programs that schools put on,” Brooks said. “Whether it’s my school or just a different school, I go to support the kids and the community, and it was on a few occasions where I went to different things and Sigmas were putting it on. And so, I would just sit back and I was very intrigued about that.”
With the Brooks men all going in different directions for their fraternity affiliations, what remains at the center is the guidance and fatherly love from the elder Brooks who shared the impact of having open discussions with his sons and being clear about who maintains ownership of the decisions they make.
“Always support your kids. Let them be who they are,” he said. “One thing I pride
myself in, of course, I instilled in them right and wrong, but when they were facing options of life and as long as one of the options wasn’t a bad or negative choice that could impact the rest of their life, I allowed them to make the choice.”
Tanika Brooks is overjoyed at the Greek affiliations her husband and sons have made.
“Everybody just kind of carved their own path,” Tanika said. “It was no pressure; we didn’t have any legacies. Jaylen, the oldest one, when he pledged Alpha, we didn’t even know he was going through the process or anything like that, he just came home!”
Tanika loves having a family full of Greeks and said she knew in advance the organizations they would choose.
“I literally could tell you before they pledged what each one of them was going to be,” she said.
“Just based on their mannerisms, their personality, people that they hung out with… I wasn’t surprised.”
Tanika, also an educator as a counselor at Nimitz High School in Aldine ISD, weighed a couple of options for Torrance, yet figured his path would be different from their sons.
“I couldn’t see him as a Kappa. I couldn’t see him as a Que,” Tanika said. “The only thing I could see him as would be an Alpha or a Sigma, and then coupled with all three of your sons that pledged three different fraternities, are you going to be biased and pick one or carve your own path?”
Eldest son Jaylen Brooks, a middle school math teacher in Aldine ISD, holds a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in business administration from UTSA and is currently working on a master’s in business administration from Prairie View A&M University.
He shared that he chose to be an Alpha man because the organization stood out to him after doing his research and learning of the “history and brotherhood that it brought” and wanting to be of service
to the community, especially at UTSA. His father’s decision was not a surprise, says Jaylen, who said the family’s patriarch talked to him about wanting to pursue being a Sigma.
“I told him it was a great fraternity. Of course I promoted Alpha, but I let him choose where his heart was destined to go,” Jaylen said. “I told him it was a great choice and if that’s where your heart desires, give it your all.”
Tristan Brooks, the son in the middle, received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Prairie View A&M University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in education administration.
Tristan added that he is currently going through the hiring process with the Houston Police Department.
During his undergraduate studies, he said that after his research, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity “best fitted me and what I stand for.”
As for his father, Tristan did not try to sway his decision.
“I feel like everybody has to choose their own path and that’s just the path [Sigma] that he so happened to choose,”
Alpha Sorority, Incorporated for more than 33 years. Seeing the accomplishments of her brother and his family makes her big sister’s heart happy.
“As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, I take pride in service to all mankind and love the way sororities and fraternities make it their mission to give back,” Barnes Riley said. “When my brother and my nephews became members of the Divine Nine, I had such pride because that is who we are. The brotherhood and sisterhood in fraternities and sororities is the best feeling ever and I am so happy they will all have that experience.
Tristan said. “I feel like everybody chose their specific organization and I feel like it’s a pretty cool thing.”
The youngest son of the Brooks family, Trace Brooks, is entering his senior year at Huston-Tillotson University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education. A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, he hopes to one day become a principal like his dad.
Trace says he knew he had options with both of his brothers belonging to different organizations. His research and the Kappa motto of “achievement and the way our brothers carry themselves” was the basis for his decision.
“I am really proud of my dad for joining the D9 family and the fact that it was something different than us three is what really makes it interesting and excites me,” Trace said. “I have honestly never heard of a family going all separate ways like this which makes it funny of course, but it is honestly something great to see and be a part of.”
Brook’s sister, Stephanie Barnes Riley, has been a member of Alpha Kappa
I am one proud big sister and aunt!”
The lineage of care and support was passed down to Brooks before he became a father himself. He reflected on what he learned from his own dad, Curtis Brooks, Jr.
“One thing that I’ve learned from him that I try to pass on to my kids and hopefully they’ll do the same for their kids, is just you know, being present,” Brooks said. “Just being present. It’s no money amount… just being present. All my kids’ life, I’ve always just tried to be present and just be active and be supportive.” Brooks is also a grandfather. When asked about the sorority he thinks his granddaughter would probably choose…
“With my wife being a Delta, I would think she would be a Delta,” Brooks laughed. In the midst of sharing about a baby Delta and AKA onesie battle between mother, sister and niece, he added “But again, she would have choices and opportunities as well.”
Beyond fraternity and sorority affiliations or colors, the love in this family is divine.
Eva
Coleman Lifestyle & Culture Editor Texas Metro News
Tristan, Trace, Torrance and Jaylen Brooks
Photos: courtesy of Brooks Family
Torrance Brooks and sons with his sister, Stephanie Barnes Riley
A divine family: Dr. Torrance Brooks with wife and three sons
Dr. Torrance Brooks receives doctoral degree in education from University of Houston-Clear Lake
Torrance Brooks with sons wearing Greek paraphernalia Torrance and Tanika Brooks with sons
Torrance and Tanika Brooks with sons in Greek paraphernalia
Is President TACO Appropriating?
Vincent L. Hall
Now, for those of you who are old enough to recall, Rudy Ray Moore made a name for himself by signifying, rhyming, and cussing. His ability to verbally castigate in cadence while spitting spite was unparalleled.
The “Signifyin’ Monkey” is a Black cultural classic that many Baby Boomers are familiar with.
Rudy’s prowess was evident while watching then-candidate Donald Trump foot-whip and dismember his opponents. Donald “appropriated” this Black cultural commodity we call signifying to stain his adversaries with tags that either disgrace, humiliate, or otherwise cause them to become the laughingstock.
I haven’t caved into the newfound luxury of using AI and Chat GPT as a crutch. I still read books and periodicals, and I still read people.
In the words of Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, some of our grandmothers couldn’t read, but they could read us. They had a gift!
Here’s how AI defined signifyin’ as part of our
Way, way down in the jungle deep
The badass lion stepped on the signifying monkey’s feet. The monkey said, “MOFO, can’t you see? You’re standing on my god “darned” feet!”
– The Signifyin’ Monkey by Rudy Ray Moore
vival from the past.”
cultural demeanor.
“Signifyin’, a key element of African American culture, is a verbal strategy of indirect communication that uses irony, humor, and playfulness to convey meaning or express opinions. It involves
understanding the connotative, context-bound significance of words, which is accessible only to those who share the cultural values of a given speech community. Signifyin’ is often used in playful word battles, insults, and toasts, and is considered a form of covert resistance and sur-
That’s a pretty good explanation but let me break down the process. See, when we are signifyin’, we be takin’ yo weakest, most vulnerable trait and make it a label to hang around your neck. It’s the Black “Scarlet Letter!”
Great example.
When U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett colorfully called Greg Abbott Governor Hot Wheels, she struck a nerve. Actually, there are millions of Texans of all races who call him that, she just took it to the big stage.
That ability is the only cultural nuance that Trump shares with Black folk. Him be signifyin’!
Go back and recall how he made it out of the primaries and into his second round at the presidency. Think about how he diminished his strongest contender, Marco Rubio, by insulting his height and genitalia by calling him “Little Marco.”
And that was just for starters.
Now follow this string of victims whose reputation has been tarnished or diminished. “Crooked Joe and Hillary, Lyin Ted, Liddle Adam Schiff, My Bush, Kamabla, Tampon Tim, and Low-IQ Maxine Waters”
That’s why it’s so vital that we keep the tag given to Trump by a columnist at The Financial Times. Robert Armstrong coined
the term “TACO” using the acronym “Trump Always Chickens Out!” Trump is pissed! Nothing infuriates a bully like being bullied. He doesn’t just chicken out on tariffs, he backs down on everything other than racism, hatred and his personal greed.
As the poem ends, Moore’s Signifyin’ Monkey saw his climb come to a halt when his foot missed the limb of the
tree, and his “Blessed Assurance” hit the ground.
“Nothing he could see and nothing he could hear, but he knew that was the end of his BS’ing and signifyin’ career! President TACO is always appropriating and talking trash, now it’s our turn.
Symbolism and Realism in Today’s Role of Being a Father
James B. Ewers Jr. Ed. D.
OUR VOICES
Father’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, June 15th. The millions of fathers and father figures will rejoice in their special day.
We will enjoy a special dinner, along with an assortment of gifts. Will we get another necktie? That was a must-have gift for old school dads. I can recall buying my dad a fair share of ties for Father’s Day. Of course, today is a lot different. I believe technology has taken the place of ties. Dads receive phones and computers from their children now. However, a loving twist is that grand-
children are writing notes about how much they love us.
That’s cool and makes us feel special. If you are a grandfather like I am, you know what I mean.
Fathers’ roles have always been consistent, whether you are an old school dad or a new school dad. We are and always have been the leaders in our families. We are the protectors and the providers.
Has that framework changed? Personally, I don’t think it has. I guess it depends upon who you ask.
I grew up in an African American community in Winston-Salem NC where we had role models who we could emulate. They just went about their work each day, not drawing attention to themselves. However,
we always knew they were there.
Their dignity and their diligence were characteristics we saw daily. Fathers back in the day were present and available.
I learned a great deal from my dad. As the time-honored expression goes, “he was cool, calm and collected”.
I know there were times when my dad got upset with me. Being a child, you are prone not to make good decisions. During this period, you just don’t have the emotional makeup to make good judgments.
In a funny way, you think that everything you do is a good decision. The teenage years are the real beginning of figuring out how to make good decisions. It comes with trial and error along
with instruction by your parents. That instruction part by your parents is vitally important.
I went through that trial and error part. Sometimes those outcomes led to sit down lectures by my dad.
My dad could have easily been a college professor as he could certainly hold your attention. While, I didn’t know it at the time, those lectures have made me a better man on all fronts.
Times have changed and, in some respects, so have the roles of fathers. Some would go so far as to say there are some additional responsibilities.
Peer pressure, bullying and technology have played a role in what fathers are having to confront today with their children. Are there other concerns and
problems? Yes, yet these three loom large on fathers’ agendas.
Right and wrong yesterday are still right and wrong today. The difference today is there is more peer pressure. Children are more pressured to do wrong. Yielding to temptation has become easier for them. What that means for fathers today is that the lines of communication must remain open. Talking to children still makes a difference.
Reports show that bullying is happening today in schools at an alarming rate. As parents that means having conversations with school leadership. I believe these engagements with them can help to lower these bullying numbers.
Technology has made
many advances over the years. As a result, these advancements have made it easier for children to access information. We know that all information is not good information. Therefore, safeguards have been put in place to curb unwanted and distasteful information. Being a dad is a great title as we will receive many rewards and great acclaim. Remember, once a father, always a father. It is not a part-time job. Continue to stay strong and stay involved. I hope that you will enjoy a memorable Father’s Day.
The Sound of Silence, the Power of Love
As I sit beside my father’s bedside, time seems to bend. Each breath he takes feels sacred, and each moment that passes invites me to listen, not just with my ears, but with my soul. In this silence, there is sound. I hear the quiet truth: life is precious beyond measure. My thoughts wander back seventy years to the
soil of North Carolina where I was born. I reflect on the wisdom my father passed down. Of lessons rooted in humility, in dignity, and in the quiet strength of living a life of purpose. I now find myself walking some of those same roads he once walked, my feet settling into the footprints of his past. There’s a sacred clarity that comes in stillness. Life is so precious that if we don’t take time to reflect, to respect, to value life, we can easily get caught up and swept away, as if life’s
Cheryl Smith Deputy Publisher: Stewart Curet
Address: 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 100 Dallas, TX 75203
Phone:214-941-0110
Website: www.garlandjournal.com
Editor: editor@myimessenger.com
flood waters were coming down mountains of troubles, and we are caught up in the turbulent forces filled with harmful debris that it has picked up along the way, washing us out into oceans of graveyards.
We become numbed by the callousness of power and hardened by the coldness of ego. Compared to the chaos and corruption that is being created by what appears to be insane humans void of feelings(Trump and his sycophants)caught up in their own personal abyss of
grandeur, and yet they are but a minuscule, a speck of dust on what really matters in life.
Emotionally barren, they are loud, but they are not lasting. They are seen, but not significant; not in the ways that truly matter. What matters is love.
Love, in its quiet and powerful way, is the great redeemer. It teaches. It shelters. It heals. It reminds us that no matter how dark the world may seem, there is always light somewhere, maybe on a porch in a small Carolina town, may-
be in the hand of a stranger, maybe at the bedside where a child holds a parent’s hand one last time.
If there is one lesson I would pass on, one truth I would chisel into stone with a nail if I had to, is this: never take for granted the goodness of love. In moments of hopelessness, when it seems the world is unraveling, love remains.
It is not weak nor is it a chump, it is our strongest force. It can carry us through storms, rebuild what is broken, and remind us that our shared humanity is still worth believing in. So today, I honor the silence. I honor my father, who is, “too old of a hog, to be called a pig.” I honor the hope that rises, stubborn and strong, even when the world tries to bury it. And I carry forward the love that made me, sustained me, and will outlive even me. May we all listen a little more, love a little harder, and never forget how precious this life really is.
Vincent L. Hall is
Drapetomaniac!
Dr. James B. Ewers, Jr.
Fraternity.
Bobby Henry, Sr.
I’m not Celebrating Juneteenth
Kenneth L. Hardin
OUR VOICES
Now that the dust has settled somewhat on the nonsense surrounding Trump’s obsession with erasing all things Black, let’s discuss the newly accepted Juneteenth holiday by mainstream America.
I’m not criticizing anyone who’s planning a cookout or looking forward to attending a festival or a parade to acknowledge this sad moment in America’s history.
I agree with how comedian D.L. Hughley summed up the day, “America is the only Country where you ask for justice and get a holiday.” I’m all for rec-
ognizing Juneteenth, but I stop at celebrating it.
So, now we’re supposed to be gleeful and ecstatic that our ancestors were given free-ish-like freedom after being brutalized, held in bondage, denied basic human rights and forced to perform duties like farm animals for centuries?
Should I be grateful that a modicum of reluctant humanity was shown by people who should’ve never put another human being in that position to begin with?
It reminds me of all the ridiculous hoopla over celebrating the first person of color accomplishing something noteworthy. Doesn’t that just acknowledge this country still engages in discriminatory behavior and practic-
es that deny equal access and opportunity? Why are we happy, claiming victory and pretending this is progress when one person succeeds despite enormous odds and obstacles?
I’ll celebrate when it’s no longer necessary to be happy about just one.
We commercialized and ruined this important day with feel good celebrations but did nothing to create an understanding of why it is significant.
Every news program from local coverage to the national spotlight acts so giddy with excitement to report on the day, it borders on insincerity and pandering.
I wonder if the same celebratory spirit would be as well received if the focus was centered around
the horrors of the Holocaust, The Trail of Tears or the Japanese Internment Camps?
I would much rather see coverage of the educational seminars and focus group panel discussions about the generational psychological and economic impact Slavery has had rather than watching people gorging on hotdogs, cotton candy and downing Rum while sitting around smoke filled grilling areas.
We should place more emphasis on the passage of the 13 th Amendment as it has more adult teeth than the baby denticles of the present celebration.
Although the 13 th Amendment to The U.S. Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, there were loop-
holes that made our ancestors free-ish instead of truly free.
Abraham Lincoln wasn’t the hero savior of all things dark in skin hue. He only cared about saving the Union rather than freeing Black people.
Just more lies my elementary through high school teachers told me.
I’ve read comments from angry and uninformed Whites asking when they would get their holiday.
I’ll be happy to swap you the murderous slave trader Columbus we were forced to believe actually discovered this land.
Another complaint is that Americans shouldn’t have to choose between celebrating Juneteenth and Independence Day. People have to choose be-
tween groceries and medications each month, so holiday loyalty should be easier.
Since that free-ish moment back in Texas, from 1865-1877, during the Reconstruction period, 2,000 free-ish Blacks were lynched. In 2025, we’re experiencing a milder form of lynching with our rights, history and heritage being stripped away by the orange menace. So, I’m giving everyone fair warning, if there is one Juneteenth car, mattress or clothing sale, or if I see a Juneteenth KFC chicken wing special, I will be the top story on the national news the next day.
Summer learning loss has long-term implications
THE LAST WORD
When schools let out for summer break, usually between mid-May and midJune, millions of students will be disengaged from learning and will experience significant learning loss.
In math, they may lose as many as three months’ worth of learning, which means when they come back to school in late August or early September, they are back to March in terms of their knowledge base.
Studies suggest students experience the most learning loss in math, but losses in reading acumen are also significant — as many as two months unless students are engaged in supplemental education.
Many are enrolled in summer school or other programs, but many of
these programs cost, and those from the lowest-income families don’t have access to them.
In some families, older children are charged with minding their younger siblings, preventing them from participating in summer programs. The attack on the Department of Education and this president’s indifference to education affects some of the programs that the DoE has funded in the past.
The so-called “Big Beautiful” (let’s just call it the Big Ugly) eliminates afterschool and summer learning, such as the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which serves 1.4 million children.
Black students are especially vulnerable to learning loss. They have less access to summer enrichment programs because of cost, transportation issues, and availability. According to the Afterschool Alliance, 2.3 million Black students would have enrolled in a summer
program in 2019, if one were available. That’s preCOVID data. The need is likely much greater now.
Parents can’t depend on government to prevent learning loss. While one in seven students participated in summer enrichment programs last year 2024) there is significant unmet need.
Bloomberg Philanthropies has a Summer Boost program that funded efforts in Baltimore, Memphis, and Washington, among other cities.
Many school districts will have summer school programs, as well as recreation centers, and programs developed by civic organizations.
In Washington, the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center has an absorbing summer program that includes reading and athletics.
In Indiana, summer learning labs provided supplemental activities in English and Language Arts, as well as mathematics. Par-
ents — talk to a teacher, get on the internet, and find a program for your child.
There aren’t enough opportunities for every child who needs one, but parents can put programs together for their young ‘uns.
Young people should be exposed to museums, libraries, theater, concerts and reading opportunities. Can’t afford it? Why not come together with other parents to hire a teen or young adult to work with a group of young people one or two days a week? And why not, parents, read with your children, and allow them to read to you?
The learning loss has major equity and civil rights implications. Learning loss widens the achievement gap, and affects high school graduation rates, college attendance rates, and long-term income and wealth.
Another activity Black parents should expose their young people to is water safety. There are reasons why many Black
people don’t swim, many of them historical.
White people closed pools (drained them or cemented them over) to prevent Black people from using pools. And some Black women avoided swimming in deference to their hair.
But Beverly Iseghohi, an Atlanta-based triathlete and swimming coach, suggests you might prefer your life not to be your coif, and is passionate about getting more Black people to be aware about water safety and to swim.
The data buttress her concern. Nearly twothirds of Black children cannot swim, compared to 40% of white children.
Black children 5-9 were 2.6 times more likely to drown than white children. Those 10-14 were 3.6 times more likely to drown. In pools, Black children were 7.6 times more likely to drown than white children.
And Iseghohi says there is a connection between swimming and cognition.
Perhaps swimming can be an antidote to learning loss.
We must take learning loss seriously, and the entire community must stand in the gap when government education programs drop the ball.
Cuts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mean we will get less data about swimming and drowning.
The Big Ugly Bill means fewer supplemental education activities will be funded. But we know how to educate young people. The Children’s Defense Fund’s Freedom Schools have operated for decades in 26 states, including Washington, D.C. They are combatting learning loss, and we all have a responsibility to do the same. Find a program or start one. Learning loss has long-term implications for our community.
Why Supporting Black Media Isn’t Optional — It’s Essential
By Doni Glover
(BALTIMORE – ) –
Supporting Black media isn’t just a good idea—it’s a cultural and political necessity.
Without the Black Press, our stories go untold. Or worse—told wrong. They become distorted, flattened, and filtered through someone else’s lens. And when that happens, we don’t just lose control of the narrative—we lose control of our power.
That’s why I do what I do.
That’s why BMORENews. com exists. We are not a luxury. We are a lifeline. Because when the mainstream media shows up after the smoke clears, we were already there—on the ground, in
the neighborhoods, talking to people before the crisis made the headlines. Without us, it’s like collard greens without smoked turkey—something essential is missing. It’s like peanuts without the butter. It might resemble the original, but it lacks the depth, soul, and flavor needed to nourish a community.
When D.W. Griffith released The Birth of a Nation in 1915, it wasn’t just a film—it was a weapon. It planted insidious stereotypes in the American psyche that still sprout weeds today. And every time a Black protest gets called a “riot,” while other groups get to hold “demonstrations,” we are reminded that the power to define is the power to oppress.
Black media challenges
that power. We tell the truth. We add context. We know our people—not as caricatures or criminals, but as teachers, business owners, parents, artists, and leaders. We don’t report on
the community; we report with the community.
That’s why support matters.
Because when Black journalists make it into mainstream spaces, they
often walk a tightrope—too Black for the newsroom, too white for the block. It’s a peculiar burden, one W.E.B.
Du Bois might recognize as double consciousness in action. Black media provides the freedom to tell the truth without compromise. We don’t have to dilute ourselves to fit someone else’s standard of objectivity. We are the standard—because we report with dignity, accuracy, and context.
And make no mistake— this work isn’t easy.
Running an independent Black news outlet takes heart, hustle, and help. It takes readers who understand that freedom of the press means little if we don’t own the press. It takes advertisers who recognize the value of our audience. It
takes allies who aren’t just watching what we do but investing in how we do it. BMORENews.com isn’t just a website. It’s a platform for truth-telling. It’s a launchpad for advocacy. It’s a home for those who refuse to be erased.
So, the next time you see a Black media outlet doing the work—covering stories that others won’t, uplifting voices others ignore, holding power accountable in places others overlook— don’t just scroll past. Support it. Share it. Fund it. Because without Black media, our future gets written in someone else’s hand. And I, for one, ain’t about to let that happen.
and directly stems from years of inflammatory rhetoric that have transformed political disagreements into deadly violence,” said House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu. “With credible threats now targeting Texas lawmakers, Texas House Democrats are asking Governor Abbott and state leadership to take immediate action to protect those serving our state before we face a similar tragedy here.” The letter, sent to Governor
Abbott and DPS Director Freeman F. Martin, specifically requests that Governor Abbott and DPS provide immediate answers about what steps will be taken to protect legislators and elected officials across Texas, what resources have been dedicated to monitoring political extremism and online threats targeting lawmakers, and how DPS plans to protect local and state officials who may be targeted by copycats inspired by this assassination.
ing Phelan’s opponent David Covey who last year faced off with the former speaker in a runoff election, that this is a revenge bill. Phelan is said to have met with political attacks during last May’s re-election campaign. He eventually won by 366 votes against Covey, the exact number of his HB to criminalize political memes. Rep. Nate Schatzline (R-Fort Worth) thinks this HB will go a step further than what is being publicized about it “So we know that this bill is going to be abused to put people in jail for political speech,” he said. “Is it your intent to limit grassroots organizations from criticizing their elected officials?”
speaking
Dr. Julianne Malveaux
Dr. Julianne Malveaux, a former college president, is an economist, author and commentator based in Washington, D.C.
Kenneth L. Hardin is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.
First Lady Dawn Flythe Moore and Doni Glover Credit: Executive Office of the Governor
Could
Who would have thought that African Americans were a prime factor in the economic development, population growth, and wealth expansion of the city of Dallas and state of Texas?
That is the well-researched, thought-provoking premise of an exhibit about African Americans and Dallas cotton history at the African American Museum at Fair Park, 3536 Grand Ave at Robert B. Cullum Blvd in South Dallas/ Fair Park. The exhibition is open now through Juneteenth/June 19, 2025.
Opening activities and a reception that featured Black culture dishes were held April 19-20, 2025, a lecture and cotton products were featured on April 27. Various activities will continue through the Juneteenth closing festivities.
“Mama Opal” Lee, known as the Mother of Juneteenth, visited the opening activities. She congratulated exhibit curator Clarence E. Glover Jr., aka “Professor Freedom,” toured the exhibit, and talked with Glover about cotton and its emotional ties to African heritage.
“Her visit was historically and generationally significant,” Glover commented.
“At age 98, almost a centenarian, she represents the bridge between our elders who lived through Jim Crow and heard the stories of
slavery and the hardships of labor from their elders. Now, she has become an ambassador for freedom, culture, cotton, and commerce.”
Dr. Marvin Dulaney, museum deputy director and Chief Operating Officer, attended opening activities.
Museum interim director Margie Johnson Reese – a long-time, prominent arts management executive, reviewed and applauded the exhibit earlier.
Reese took the helm when museum founder and director Dr. Harry Robinson Jr. retired after 50 years at the close of 2024.
Kimberly Bizor Tolbert –Dallas’ new city manager and the first African American female to hold that position – visited the exhibit and complimented Glover and wished him success with the exhibit.
Mythe Kirven, a community advocate and prominent member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. in Dallas, said that, even as a long-time Dallas resident, the exhibit “was educational. I learned a lot about how... (African Americans contributed to) cotton being king in Dallas, Texas. ...It put some things together for me.”
The exhibit title makes a clear statement that descendants of Africa were the source of Dallas’ cotton wealth: “Big D Cotton: Without Us. A DEI Exhibition.” The exhibit drives home the point that African descendants, bound in slavery, produced the muscle and labor that made Dallas rich.
Yet, the enslaved and later newly freed African descendants received no share of the wealth that their labor produced.
“Cotton built this city,” curator Glover Jr. said, stressing that Dallas “could not have done so without us -- descendants of Africa.” One strong piece of evidence that Glover Jr. cites is the startling 1830s quote about Texas and slavery from entrepreneur and land developer Stephen F. Austin, known as The Father of Texas: “nothing would be more central to establishing a cotton empire in Texas than the institution of slav-
ery,” the Texas State Historical Association quotes Austin saying. “The principal product that would elevate us from poverty is cotton, and we cannot do this without the help of slaves.”
Glover Jr. has long proclaimed the “without us” theme in his lectures, writings, and previous exhibits. The historian, educator, faith minister, and civil rights protégé of the Martin Luther King Jr. family is a descendant of an African American family that for generations owned and cultivated cotton land in his hometown community just outside of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Still, many remnants of Dallas’ cotton heydays still exist, and Glover Jr. has spent countless hours researching and documenting his Dallas cotton findings. He displays many of them in the exhibit – showing how descendants of Africa were left out of the financial bounty or received piddling pay for their labor. Historical records fully detail the cotton history of the various remnants. These structural relics include the Dallas Love Field community; in downtown Dallas both the renovated Continental Gin Building and for long-time residents, memories of the
ton manufacturing and the once Black-owned Bilal Building across from J. J. Rhoads Learning Center on 2nd Avenue near Elsie Faye Heggins St. Glover Jr. is a graduate of Grambling State University and Perkins School of Theology. He has directed multicultural education at Southern Methodist University and Dallas Independent School District.
As a civil rights activist, he was coordinator and interviewer for the now classic PBS documentary In Remembrance of Martin. In 2020, he founded the National Association of African American Cotton Pick-
He stresses that while Ft. Worth is known as Cattle Town, technically Dallas should be known as Cotton Town. By 1900, Dallas had become the nation’s largest inland port for cotton. But by the late 19th Century, Dallas became known more as a leading business and trade center.
17-story Dallas International Cotton Exchange Building, imploded in 1994, and now occupied by part of First Baptist Church. In South Dallas/Fair Park there are both the Mill City cotton mill factory neighborhood founded in 1903 with the noble goal to train African Americans in cot-
ers (N Triple A CP) and the annual National African American Cotton Pickers’ Day, always the 4th Monday in October – this year Oct. 27, 2025. He recently founded King Cotton Kreations through which he crafts art pieces with cotton bolls. He also is writing a proposed
book whose title conveys the message: Without Us: African American Cotton Pickers and Dallas, Texas.
Versatile is an apt description of “king cotton” that Glover Jr. also calls “white gold” in his lectures. He quotes sources who recite cotton’s various uses. Federal Reserve notes –paper money -- are a blend of 25 percent linen and 75 percent cotton, Glover Jr. says.
Farmers federations say if you hold one $100 bill in your hand, please know that a standard 500-lb bale of cotton will produce 313,600 of those bills, or -if you choose other products, you get massive numbers of bed sheets, towels, jeans, or T-shirts. I was just thinking... despite the merits of this visually appealing plant, whose history traces back 6,000 years, cotton remains a polarizing factor. Jews say never forgot their painful history so it will not be repeated.
We descendants of African seek to erase our painful past, thus blocking any lessons that might be learned. How do we overcome? Do we heal ourselves? Need a national apology? Are reparations the answer? Visit the exhibit and you decide.
Legendary Business Leader and Philanthropist
Hiawatha Williams to Keynote Entrepreneurs’ Conference on Juneteenth
DALLAS - Legendary business leader and philanthropist Hiawatha
Williams will be the featured keynote speaker at Amplify Dallas as part of the preview to this year’s Disrupt Dallas Summit at 11 a.m.
June 19 at The DEC Network at Redbird, 3560 W. Camp Wisdom Road, Dallas, Texas 75237. Amplify is a preview to the Disrupt Dallas Summit during DFW Startup Week. The event is combined with the Dallas Collaborative for Capital Access (DCCA) Convening.
Prominent Dallas attorney and franchise expert, Carlos White, will lead the conversation with the founder of Williams Chicken, the well-known and highly successful Dallas franchise company.
“Mr. Williams didn’t create a franchise empire for personal
gain but to uplift his friends and empower overlooked hardworking entrepreneurs,” White says. “His dedication to economic empowerment and community support is truly commendable.”
White, recently named to D CEO’s “Best Lawyers in Dallas” for the sixth consecutive year, serves as the Franchise Impact Ambassador for the City of Dallas, appointed by Mayor Eric
Garland Trailblazers
assistant city manager.”
That same year, Mr. Jones made history when he was elected the first African American mayor of Garland. A longtime city employee with nearly 30 years of service, he brought deep knowledge of municipal operations and an unwavering dedication to public service.
He ran a grassroots campaign powered by support across racial, political, and religious lines. His leadership was defined by accessibility, integrity, and vision. More than a personal achievement, his victory marked a defining moment in Garland’s evolving identity—proof that the city was
Johnson. White is an Ivy League law graduate and former partner at three major U.S. law firms. His mission is showcasing Dallas as a global leader in franchising and business scaling.
As part of his efforts to promote opportunities in franchising, White is teaching, “Franchise 3600 for Entrepreneurs,” a four-week hybrid format course at Dallas College’s Cedar Valley Campus. Upon completion, students would receive a certificate in general franchising. The $480 course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the franchise business model, particularly if there’s interest in becoming an operating partner, owner or investor in a restaurant, retail or non-retail franchise company.
cont. from page 1
ready to embrace leadership rooted in both experience and inclusivity.
United by Purpose
Though they served in different roles and during different eras, Ronald E. Jones and Annie Dickson are united by a shared mission: to uplift their community and create a more just and equitable future.
Their journeys reflect the true spirit of Juneteenth— not only remembering the past, but actively shaping a future grounded in freedom, opportunity, and justice.
“As African Americans, we celebrate Juneteenth because
it reminds us of where we’ve been and where we’re headed,” said Jones, who also served as senior pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in South Dallas.
“Our reflections aren’t rooted in pity—they’re rooted in strength. That’s the inspiration behind my upcoming book, Reflections Forward, set to be released next month.
“It’s meant to help others draw wisdom from the past so they can move forward with purpose.”
Sylvia Powers is an award-winning author, accomplished writer, gifted photographer, and nationally recog-nized breast cancer advocate with a deep passion for empowering others.
Major Systemwide Service and Fare Changes Proposed for January 2026
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors has called for a Public Hearing to engage and receive comments from the community on potential service and fare changes for possible implementation in January 2026.
In March 2025, the DART Board approved a new General Mobility Program, which is a proposed initiative that would redistribute 5% of the agency’s annual sales tax revenue among seven eligible member cities for a period of two years. We have also received requests for new services that are not currently funded. In preparation for this possible reduction in operating revenue, DART is proposing the largest service cuts in agency history, impacting all modes of service. The agency is also proposing to implement Phase 2 of its fare restructure, which was identified in the 2024 Comprehensive Fare Study.
The proposed changes include: Major service reductions to bus, rail and GoLink.
• Elimination of nine bus routes and the South Dallas GoLink zone. New citywide GoLink zones in Addison and Plano.
• Paratransit fare increases and coverage reductions. Changes to Regional and Corporate Annual Pass fares.
• Distanced-based fares for GoLink trips.
Public input on these potential fare and service changes is vital to the DART Board’s final decision in August. Find a complete list of proposed changes and community meetings at DART.org/2026Proposal
PRE-PUBLIC HEARING COMMUNITY MEETINGS
Monday, June 23, 2025 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Carrollton Senior Center 1720 Keller Springs Rd. Carrollton, TX 75006
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Rowlett Community Center (Room D) 5300 Main St. Rowlett, TX 75088
Thursday, June 26, 2025 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Garland City Hall 200 N Fifth St. Garland, TX 75040
Friday, June 27, 2025 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Telephone Townhall Registration Required Register at tthm.com/DART
PUBLIC HEARING
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 • 6 p.m. DART Boardroom 1401 Pacific Ave. (Akard Station) Dallas, TX 75202
Please submit your comments and questions via email at: DART_TownHall@DART.org
For additional information, call 214-749-3969 or visit DART.org/2026Proposal
became a Federal Holiday.
Please Make Donate: $50, $100, $500, or $1,000! MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Christ Community Connection, Inc.
P.O. BOX 116227, Carrollton, TX 75011 Rev. Willie Rainwater 972-242-0933
A Banner Moment
Multitalented artist David Banner plants seeds of wisdom at Good Soil
Forum
Tall. Statuesque. Dark brown skin. A smile that lights up the room. There was so much applause as David Banner entered the stage at the Good Soil Forum in Dallas, Texas on June 13, 2025 that he turned around and walked off to enter again.
Banner was a featured panelist for the breakout session, “Mind Over Momentum: The Health Playbook for Founders” that also included Dr. Jill Waggoner, Dr. Joynicle Martinez and moderator Dr. Jay Barnett. From menopause and andropause, mental health, dealing with past traumas and more, the discussion among the panelists elicited a variety of responses from the audience. There were multiple charges delivered for attendees to take care of themselves as they seek to become and along their journey as entrepreneurs.
“There is a power when you name a thing,” Dr. Martinez said, which brings us back to David Banner who spoke oneon-one with Texas Metro News before the panel discussion.
Born Lavell Crump and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Banner’s performance name was pulled from “The Incredible Hulk” television
series. When asked about being called Lavell, he shared that his birth name and stage name are reserved for the level in which a person knows him.
“I am not picky about most things,” Banner said. “I’m a pretty laid back person, but I’m very particular about who calls me what.”
“You know me because of David Banner, so call me David Banner,” he said while adding, “Pick the
Big Mama Said “No”
Big Mama always said, “Sometimes, you’ve got to close the door to nonsense so the truth can walk in.” That’s the power of No. It was the word our people leaned on during the worst of times—Jim Crow, segregation, and the civil rights struggle. It wasn’t said in fear. It was said with clarity and conviction. No to being dehumanized. No to second-class status. No to waiting for permission to be seen.
Today, No still holds weight— maybe even more than ever. In a world where systemic racism keeps reinventing itself, we need to bring that word back with intention. Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, recipient of the City Men Cook “Mentor of the Year” award, challenges us not to hide behind the comfort of being “not racist,” but to stand firm and act as antiracists. He reminds us that racism isn’t just about personal behavior— it’s about policy and power. And to disrupt that power, we must speak up, show up, and, when necessary, say No to injustice in any form.
There are examples all around us. Here in the U.S., the return of travel bans targeting Black and brown nations under the guise of “national security” is nothing new—it’s just Jim Crow in new clothes. And globally, the racially motivated murder of a Tunisian man in France underscores how widespread and dangerous
name that you choose, but it comes with a responsibility.”
As a music artist, producer and actor, Banner is well known for signature songs, collaborations and roles. Some may remember him appearing in the movie, Carter High, where he starred as Atty. Royce West, who represented some of the young football players who were arrested for a string of robberies back in the 1980s.
He shared a surprising fact that is somewhat hard to imagine considering his level of success.
“The honest truth is that I don’t like music,” Banner said. “I don’t like going in the studio. I don’t like your jazz. I don’t like your gospel music. I don’t like music, and it’s because of what I’ve gone through from a business perspective.”
At the Good Soil Forum, he planted knowledge regarding setting specific goals for yourself, including the importance of rest. Banner also shared the realities of the burnout that comes with success and not being able to sustain it long term. The solution he found was in empowering others.
“For me, it’s just being able to accrue the type of money where I can pay for a team that will allow me to create,” he said.
Good Soil Forum attendee Shawana Crawford is a budding
entrepreneur who was moved by Banner’s advice.
“One of the things that he said is ‘Go to bed. Just because you lose the battle, you don’t win the war. It will be there tomorrow. Let that stress go,’ and that was really impactful for me because I carry that through the night and can’t go to sleep,” Crawford said. “So, for me, it just turned a light on to take better care of myself.”
As a member of The Potter’s House church,
Crawford was encouraged to be a part of the Good Soil Forum experience.
“Something Bishop Jakes said, ‘If you’re in the room with greatness you should stick around it because it’s contagious,’ and so I’m here, I want to catch that greatness,” Crawford said. “I want to get that entrepreneurship in my spirit, and so that’s why I’m here.”
The greatness of David Banner and many other presenters, including
Oprah Winfrey on opening night, during the three-day event was on full display for attendees to glean information, motivation and inspiration. Although Banner admits that he doesn’t like music, he mentioned that “most people don’t like the job that they work on,” and that it does not define success.
“I am great at music. I am a genius at that. I don’t have to like it. All I have to do is be good at it.”
First Lady of Fashion: Michelle Obama announces New Book, ‘The Look’
Michelle Obama served the people and served lewks.
hate-fueled ideology remains. But here’s the other side of the story: where we say Yes to change. City Men Cook has done just that. For years, it’s been the highest Nielsen-rated event on Father’s Day weekend, showcasing positive Black male images that counter every tired stereotype. It reshapes the narrative by celebrating Black fatherhood, mentorship, and community. This kind of platform is powerful—it shifts the lens from deficit to dignity, from stereotype to strength. So as we face today’s battles, we carry the wisdom of the past. Big Mama said No, and we should too—No to silence, No to systemic oppression. And then we say Yes—to truth, to power, to standing together. That’s how we win. Come see proof at City Men Cook
Terry Allen is an NABJ award-
and
As FLOTUS, she set a new standard for first ladies as the first Black woman to hold the position. Now, she is walking us through how she did it in The Look. This coffee-table style book, co-written with her stylist Meredith Koop, will revisit the ways she amplified artists like Jason Wu and Prabal Gurung by wearing their designs. It will also highlight how she promoted affordable American retailers like White House Black Market and H&M as First Lady #44.
Facing Friction As The First Black First Lady
Obama faced unprecedented scrutiny during her time as first lady of the United States. The first lady is an unofficial title but it is one that comes with heavy expectations. Her brand of Black beauty did not fit into the picture of what some people thought should represent our nation. She was criticized for wearing shorts on Air Force One and having the nerve to display her snatched arms.
The backlash she faced was dripping with racism. People couldn’t fathom that there was not a dowdy, dour, individual seated at the side of the then head of state, President Barack Obama.
Every strand of her hair on her head and spot of makeup on her face was up for debate by some.
“Becoming” A Beacon Of Beauty
Others held Michelle
Obama in high esteem. They mounted her pictures in barbershops, beauty salons, and funeral parlors. Seeing her appear elegant and poised in that position motivated them.
Obama shared what inspired her to give her take on the time period in an Instagram post announcing the upcoming book release.
“During our family’s time in the White House, the way I looked was constantly being dissected—what I wore, how my hair was styled. For a while now, I’ve been wanting to reclaim more of that story, to share it in my own way. I’m thankful to be at a stage in life where I feel comfortable expressing myself freely—wearing what I love and doing what feels true to me. And I’m excited to share some of what I’ve learned along the way,” she wrote.
Obama previously penned the New York Times bestseller, Becoming. She has been sharing her experiences with the public on the IMO
podcast she co-hosts with her brother, Craig Robinson. She pulls back the curtain on the other side of some of her most unforgettable moments in the public eye.
Opening A Window Into ‘The Look’
“My new book, The Look, comes out on November 4. It’s a reflection on my lifelong journey with fashion, hair and beauty. Inside, you’ll find some of the outfits that have meant the most to me, but more importantly, the moments that I lived through in them—big and small, personal and political, historic and ordinary—that were as memorable as the clothes themselves,” she continued.
Obama selected gowns, suits, and sweater sets that sent a message with the help of a team. She is shining a light on their efforts with this new project. “You’ll also get to know the incredible team that supported me through it all and defined
my look—my thoughtful stylist @MeredithKoop, my talented makeup artist @CarlRayMUA, and my wonderful hairstylists @YeneDamtew and @ KitchenTalkwithNjeri. Each of them brings their own story, heart, and perspective to this journey,” she wrote.
Stylists like Law Roach, Jason Bolden, and Wayman + Micah have helped change ideas about what elegance looks like in this country. These are the visionaries that expand palettes by pushing boundaries and subtly making change one piece of fabric at a time.
“The Look is about more than fashion. It’s about confidence. It’s about identity,” Obama continued writing in the caption. She ended by expressing her desired impact for the project. “It’s about the power of authenticity. My hope is that this book sparks conversation and reflection about the ways we see ourselves—and the way our society defines beauty.”
Kendi - Terry
David Banner laughs as moderator Dr. Jay Barnett speaks on panel at Good Soil Forum in Dallas, Texas June 13, 2025
Dr. Jill Waggoner speaks while David Banner listens
during panel at Good Soil Forum in Dallas, Texas June 13, 2025
Dr. Joynicle Martinez speaks on panel at Good Soil Forum in Dallas, Texas June 13, 2025
By Keyaira Boone https://getuperica.com/
Source: Tom Williams / Getty
By Eva D. Coleman Lifestyle & Culture Editor
Texas Metro News
David Banner at Good Soil Forum in Dallas, Texas June 13, 2025
Good Soil Forum attendee Shawana Crawford after leaving session featuring David Banner June 13, 2025 in Dallas, Texas
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Black College Football Hall of Fame enshrines 2025 class: ‘Incredible showcase of talent’
By HBCU Sports
The Black College Football Hall of Fame in downtown Atlanta was abuzz with celebration and history on Saturday night during its 16th annual induction ceremony.
Honored was a new class of legends whose achievements have shaped the legacy of HBCU football.
A Night of Honors and Reflection
Hosted by NFL Network broadcaster and Howard University alumnus Steve Wyche, the event drew over 30 previous inductees, VIPs, and supporters from across the country, all gathered to recognize the contributions of Black college football’s finest.
Doug Williams, BCFHOF cofounder and 2011 inductee, captured the spirit of the night:
“What we have with the Class of 2025 is an incredible showcase of the talent that has come from Historically Black Colleges and Universities over the years.
When the Black College Hall of Fame was established, its purpose was to do just this, elevating and recognizing the past, present, and future of Black College
Football. Congratulations to the Class of 2025.”
Meet the Class of 2025
Six new members were enshrined, each representing a different chapter in HBCU football history:
• Henry Dyer (Grambling State University): Grambling’s first 1,000-yard rusher, Dyer was a first-team All-SWAC selection from 1963-65 and led the nation in scoring with 110 points. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.
• Rashean Mathis (Bethune-
Cookman University): A three-time All-MEAC FirstTeam honoree, Mathis excelled as a defensive back from 19992002 before a distinguished NFL career.
• Jacquay Nunnally (Florida A&M University): Nunnally was a standout wide receiver for the Rattlers from 1997-2000, known for his record-setting catches and electrifying play.
• Dominique RodgersCromartie (Tennessee State University): RodgersCromartie starred as a defensive back from 2004 to 2007 and later became a twotime NFL Pro Bowler.
• Jay “Sky” Walker (Howard
University): The dynamic quarterback led Howard to new heights in the early 1990s and remains a revered figure in Bison football history.
• Coach Fred “Pop” Long (Wiley College): A coaching legend, Long’s career spanned over four decades (1921-1965), leaving a lasting impact on Wiley College and Black college football as a whole.
The ceremony also spotlighted two outstanding modern stars:
• Jada Byers (Virginia Union University) received the 2024 Black College Football Player of the Year award, earning the Deacon Jones Trophy for his remarkable season.
• Cobie Durant (South Carolina State/Los Angeles Rams) was named the 2024 Black College Football Pro Player of the Year, an honor presented by the NFLPA.
• Jackson State football was honored as the HBCU team of the year, and head coach T.C. Taylor was recognized as Coach of the Year.
A Legacy Preserved
Since its founding in 2009 by James Harris and Doug Williams, the BCFHOF has inducted over 100 players, coaches, and contributors, preserving the stories of HBCU football excellence. The Hall’s permanent exhibit at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, continues to educate and inspire future generations.
As the Class of 2025 took their place among the greats, the ceremony reinforced the enduring influence of HBCU football and the individuals who have paved the way for today’s stars. The evening was not just a celebration of athletic achievement, but a powerful testament to the culture, history, and ongoing impact of Black college football.
Schools can now pay college athletes. What does that mean for HBCUs?
By HBCU Sports
Schools can now directly compensate their athletes, ushering in a transformative era for college sports following Friday’s formal approval of a multibillion-dollar legal settlement.
U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken gave the green light to the agreement reached between the NCAA, its leading conferences, and attorneys representing all Division I athletes. This House v. NCAA settlement resolves three federal antitrust lawsuits, alleging that the NCAA unlawfully restricted student-athletes’ ability to earn money.
Judge Wilken’s long-anticipated ruling comes just weeks before schools begin issuing payments to athletes, starting July 1.
The annual cap is expected to start at roughly $20.5 million per school in 2025-26 and increase yearly during the decade-long deal. These new payments are in addition to scholarships and other benefits the athletes already receive.
The settlement gives schools the power to create new rules designed to limit the influence of boosters and collectives. Starting this summer, any endorsement deal between a booster and an athlete will be vetted to ensure it is for a “valid business purpose” rather than a recruiting incentive.
The agreement will resonate in nearly every one of the NCAA’s 1,100 member schools, boasting nearly 500,000 athletes.
NCAA President Charlie Baker said the deal “opens a pathway to begin stabilizing college sports.”
Multiple HBCUs, such as Morgan State, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, North Carolina A&T, and Hampton (through an association with the CAA) have agreed to opt in to the House settlement agreement.
What does opting in mean?
Institutions that opt in will also be subject to new roster limits and scholarship guidelines. This antitrust settlement, valued at over $2.8 billion, addresses past restrictions on student-athlete compensation and establishes a revenue-sharing framework.
While schools in the power conferences (SEC, Big Ten Big 12, ACC and Pac-12) will be automatically bound by the terms of the settlement, schools outside those conferences had the choice to opt in or out to the settlement. Schools that opt out will not be able to directly pay players through revenue sharing.
“The decision to opt in to the settlement allows for financial support and revenue sharing to give student-athletes a real opportunity to earn income while acknowledging the time, talent, and energy student-athletes bring to UMES,” Vice President of Athletics & Recreation Tara A.
Owens said in a statement. “We continue to explore all avenues to establish and maintain competitive teams while providing an optimal collegiate experience for our studentathletes.
Owens said the decision
“will not increase the financial investment the university makes” athletics.
“UMES will utilize our department resources strategically and cultivate new pathways for student-athlete financial support,” Owens said.
“We are excited about the new landscape of college athletics and the future of Hawk athletics.”
Morgan State is expected to contribute over $230,000 to the settlement fund and reduce football roster size to add Olympic sports to remain in compliance with Title IX.
What does the decision mean for NIL?
In specific reference to NIL, the settlement aims to create a more equitable model for college athletics, ensuring that studentathletes receive fair compensation and support.
Participating schools can now offer direct NIL payments and other financial benefits to
student-athletes, potentially including scholarships above the NCAA’s previous limits. Schools can also engage in direct NIL contracts with student-athletes, such as licensing agreements, endorsement deals and brand promotion agreements.
“Furthermore, opting into the settlement aims to enhance the student-athlete experience, increase visibility and access, and ensure competitive recruitment and positioning within the MEAC and Northeast Conference,” the school said in the release.
For scholarship and roster management purposes, opting into the settlement allows schools, including HBCUs that opt in, to use a portion of their athletic revenue to directly benefit student-athletes, and scholarship limits may be eliminated.
Settlement could create ‘challenging times’
SWAC Commissioner Charles McClelland addressed the House vs. NCAA settlement last winter.
“It is now allowable for institutions to directly give NIL money to their student-athletes. That means there’s going to be an influx of athletes that are looking for NIL payments,” he said in December. “You’re going to have to have some name image and likeness money set aside to compete.”
McClelland explained that the House settlement will impact the finances of every SWAC institution.
“The SWAC conference’s contribution to that [settlement] is $30 million. There’s going to be some challenging times from a financial standpoint.”
To counteract that, McClelland said that resources are being developed to help each school compete in this new era of college athletics.
“We’re going to develop a best practice document that we’ll give to all presidents and chancellors as a guide,” he said. “We are in a good spot from a revenue standpoint; we’re going to be just fine, but it will take some additional effort. We will need NIL dollars on the inside, and we will work with you to help develop that. We’re going to continue to stay on top.”
Photo: Black College Football Hall of Fame/X
Morgan State Athletics
Photo: UMES Athletics
Photo: Southern Athletics
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