KAMALA HARRIS is still for the people!
By Cheryl Smith Publisher
THANKS KAMALA!
I have won a few elections in my lifetime and I also know what it feels like to lose.
While I never shed a tear after my losses because I actually believed that voters lost; this 2024 Presidential election was different for me but I still feel as though the voters, and the world, LOST!
For a quick moment, the morning after, I sat alone in my office and a few tears rolled down my face.
The tears caught me off guard.
I had just told a friend, “For some reason, I took a Harris victory as mine because I am fighting so many things right now and trying to stay uplifted, so if you happen to see me anytime soon, think about that song, ‘Tears of a Clown’ by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.”
Voters lost when the last numbers released showed Vice President Kamala Harris trailing former president Donald Trump 224-277 in electoral college votes.
All I have is praise for the Vice President.
If I saw her today, tomorrow, whenever; I would just say, “Thanks Madam Vice President.”
You see, she gave me hope.
For me, Kamala Harris represented the millions of women, Black women who came before her and carried the weight of this world on their shoulders for the short time they walked this earth.
These were the valiant women who suffered and served. They were strong, not because they wanted to be. Instead, they were strong because they weren’t given a choice. Many didn’t have the luxury of being trophy wives, Queen of the castle, or the “serve versus the servants;” especially in America.
Black women couldn’t be sick for great lengths of time, or anytime at all for some, because we had work to do.
Kamala Harris is ready, willing, prepared, and able to rule these United States of America.
Talk about our ancestors, wildest dreams – some couldn’t even fathom an accomplishment – and here she was, so close.
Some saw her as a symbol of redemption.
There’s been talk about a statue of her being erected in her father’s homeland, Jamaica. I anticipate there to be more monuments and in each one, I see so many women in the image — she would represent the best of the Black woman.
The words I planned to write
SERVING NORTH EAST TEXAS
In a presidential race that was so close at times no one declared a victor until well after midnight, Vice President Kamala Harris came up short in her bid.
Although she had one of the shortest campaigns in history after President Joe Biden announced this summer that he was dropping out of the race, she criss-crossed the country, gathering support and energizing new voters.
At press time, the woman who would be America’s first Black president garnered 224 electoral college votes to former president Donald Trump’s 277.
Look for national and local election coverage in Texas Metro News or go to Texasmetronews.com
My Truth
Credit: Chelle Wilson
NOVEMBER
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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Texas History & Culture. A FREE guided walking tour of downtown Dallas, focusing on the Big D’s art, architecture, and history. 9:30-11:30 am. At 308 South Akard Dallas. For info/tickets, Eventbrite
Veterans Day Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week
Celebrate our veterans with Heroes House!
12 World Kindness Day 14
The Dallas Mavericks Fall Classic launched in 2018 for both boys and girls, providing a unique opportunity for youth to receive support from a professional basketball franchise and compete with some of the top talent around Texas. The public and media are invited to witness the top-ranked teams from the state of Texas as they showcase their skills to take home the championship trophy. Visit mavs.com/fallclassic for purchasing details, game streaming coverage and tournament schedules. Girls Tournament: Nov. 7-9 | Boys Tournament: Nov. 14-16, Frisco ISD schools and Comerica Center
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Dallas is one of five cities in the southern part of the country identified as having an exponential rise in the number of new diagnoses of HIV. The Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (DFW/ABJ) along with several other media partners is hosting “Sex, Lies & HIV” at 9Nine Kitchen & Lounge, 2211 N. Houston St., Dallas, TX 75219 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. to explore “HIV Then and Now.” ***
The Wynnewood Village Shopping Center is hosting the “It’s Happening at Wynnewood” Community Event at 11:00 a.m. at 655 W. Illinois Ave to promote the exciting development at the beloved Oak Cliff shopping center.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER--Beyond the Smoke: Lessons in Resilience & Grace (In-person & Virtually)
10:00 AM (Networking & Refreshments)
10:30 AM (Workshop Live Stream) New Location: Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, Building E - Senior Center Room, 2901 Pennsylvania Ave. Dallas, TX 75215, Live Streamed: On EMPOWER Series YouTube Channel & Facebook Page
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Witherite Law Group, 97.9 The Beat, K104-FM and Fiesta have partnered to provide free turkeys
FAMU Offense erupts for 52 points in Homecoming win!
By Richard A. Moore Staff writer
After weeks of controversy and armchair coaching by fans on social media, the FAMU football team seemed to catch fire in their Homecoming game vs. Texas Southern University.
The Rattlers opened the game on defense and forced TSU to punt on 4th and 16 from the TSU 27-yard line.
The Rattlers first possession put six on the board when Daniel Richardson found Quan Lee for a one-yard touchdown to kick off the rattler scoring after 12 plays and 70 yards. FAMU again held Texas Southern to a four and out series and they punted again. TSU returned the favor and forced the Rattlers to a four and out. The first quarter ended with the score 7-0 FAMU.
The second quarter saw FAMU use just six plays to go 31 yards for the score and Daniel Richardson found Koby Goss for a 6-yard strike and the Rattlers were up 14 – 0 after Cameron Gillis added the extra point. Texas Southern again stalled out in four plays as did the Rattlers on their next possession. Texas Southern Just couldn’t put it together as they were called for intentional grounding on 3rd and 4 from the TSU 27-yard line. Another 4 and out, put FAMU in great field position at the FAMU 42-yard line. Daniel Richardson wasted no time and 6 plays and 58 yards later he found Jeremiah Pruitte up the middle for a 17-yard touchdown pass. At this point the Rattlers still had not rushed for a touchdown all season.
The FAMU defense showed signs of old as the Dark Cloud Defense again forced the Texas Southern offense to punt on their next possession after just 6 plays. But the Rattlers could not capitalize as Richardson was intercepted at the FAMU 43-yard line. But again the Rattler defense came up big with another interception with 0:03 on the clock to end the first half.
The second quarter was abysmal for Texas Southern and they only amassed a total of 33 yards, 21 by air and 12 rushing. This was an improvement over the first quarter where they only gained a total of 18 yards in 10 plays. The FAMU defense which has taken a beating on the ground most of the season seemed to be up for the challenge on Saturday.
The third Quarter proved to be an exciting game with both sides putting up more points
than they had in the first half.
The Rattlers opened the 2nd half with a three play 75 yard drive to go up 28 – 0 on a 3 play 25 yard drive that consumed only 1:28 off the clock. Not to be outdone, Texas Southern kick returner took the ensuing kickoff back 57 yards to the FAMU 24-yard line. Four plays later, they were in the end zone when Qunitell Quinn split the middle of the line for a 25-yard touchdown on a 2nd and 16 to go play. The score was 28 – 7 after a Gustavo Romero PAT.
FAMU’s next possession was a disaster as quarterback Daniel Richardson was picked off at the 25-yard line by Jayden Williams. That put Texas Southern in business and they wasted little time as QB Jace Wilson found Donald McKinney for a 28-yard score after FAMU had just sacked Jace for a 9-yard loss on 3rd and 4 for the first down.
TSU cut the once comfortable lead to 28 – 14. The ensuing kickoff would find the speedy Robert Lockhart at the 9-yard line and he would take it to the house for a 91-yard kickoff return to put FAMU up 35 – 14.
Again, not to be outdone, Texas Southern’s Chaunzavia Lewis returned FAMU’s kickoff 90 yards for the touchdown and again sliced the score at 21 – 35 FAMU. FAMU came right back with a 7 play, 75-yard drive taking up 3:08 to again create a comfortable 42 – 21 lead.
That would end the scoring for the 3rd quarter and the fans stayed because the excitement was just too much not to. The fourth quarter opened with FAMU getting its first rushing touchdown of the season as Thad Franklin Jr. rushed up the middle for a one-yard touchdown and put FAMU up big at 49 – 21 with the PAT. Texas
Southern managed one more touchdown but it would not be enough. FAMU added a field goal to take the score over the half-century mark (52 -28) for the first time this season.
FAMU led in every important statistical category. FAMU had 25 first downs and limited TSU to 7. FAMU ran for 236 yards and limited TSU to 111. Quarterback Daniel Richardson threw for 267 yards and backup Junior Muratovic added 28 more yards. TSU could only manage 164 total yards on 47 plays while FAMU racked up 531 yards on 72 plays.
FAMU will travel to Texas this week to play Prairie View A&M University. PVAMU is coming off a close victory over Mississippi Valley State University 17 – 16 and is 4 – 5 on the year and 2 – 3 in the conference. They are next to last just above a 1 – 4 Grambling State squad.
Scenes from Homecoming 2024
By Norma Adams-Wade
What must it have been like to personally know exceptional Dallas physician Dr. Charles Victor Roman, (1864-1934) also known as Dr. C. V. Roman, and entrepreneur extraordinaire Dock Rowen (18541932)?
The two contemporaries of the late 1800s and the first three decades of the 1900s left footprints in Dallas Black history that still resonate today.
Parkland Health & Hospital System changed the name of RedBird Health Center to C. V. Roman Health Center two years ago on October 20, 2022. Parkland officials said the name change was a nod to the legacy Dr. Roman left as a physician and champion for improving health and social conditions of under-served people, particularly African-Americans.
When the influential health czar died in 1934 at age 70, executives of the published journal of the historically Black National Medical Association -- where Dr. Roman was a founder and first president -- lauded him for his vast achievements, which also included him being the journal’s first editor from its beginning in 1908 to 1918. He then was with the NMA editorial board until 1834 when he died.
The editorial tribute said: “He was a tower of strength and a bulwark of defense for the National Medical Association, (founded in 1895) and for the Negro Medical Profession… In wisdom and in learning, in wit and philosophy, he was without a peer among his contemporaries, nor are we aware that in these respects he was surpassed by his predecessors. …His storehouse of wit and wisdom seemed inexhaustible.”
Two similar-sounding names in same Dallas Black history era
Invoking the name Dr. C. V. Roman made me personally recall the similar-sounding name Dock Rowen. He was another luminary, but less-known, in Dallas Black history. I had heard many stories about Rowen as a news reporter covering the local African-American community. Dock was his legal first name. History provides no reason why.
The similar-sounding names of these two historic figures made me pay attention when Parkland officials began to speak of Dr. Roman. I struggled to avoid confusing the two men. As I researched them, my appreciation for them both grew. My conversations with Dr. Robert Prince Jr., a Dallas obgyn physician and community-minded sage, helped even more. I marveled at all the Dallas Black history Dr. Prince contained in his head and shared at every opportunity before he died in 2019 at age 89.
Interestingly, Dr. Prince is the great-grandson of Dock Rowen, the outstanding local Black entrepreneur who came into his own at the beginning of the 20th Century. We will discuss more about Rowen later.
Dr. Prince was first to tell me that well-known Bexar Street that leads to historical BonTon in South Dallas/Fair Park was previously name Rowen Ave. Research substantiates his information, although some records spell the street name as “Rowan Ave” before it became Bexar Street.
Dr. Robert Prince left a book legacy I cherish my autographed copy of Dr. Prince’s book A History of Dallas from a Different Perspective -- published in 1993 by Nortex Press. The informative book imparts nuggets of Dallas Black History not found in many other history books.
Dr. Roman is among numerous
other Dallas Black pathfinders that Dr. Prince mentions in his valuable book, including practically all the pioneer Black physicians in Dallas and other African-American leaders in fields ranging from business to the arts. The similar-sounding name of Dr. Roman and Dock Rowen at first confused me concerning which hero the clinic planned to honor. Dr. Roman came out a little ahead in terms of us remembering his legacy. Rowen’s achievements moved in a different direction, but his status was by no means less.
More about Dock Rowen
Rowen was an early Black entrepreneur well-known for his grocery store and meat market and later an adjacent pharmacy in the North Dallas Freedmen’s Town and still another in Deep Ellum of North Dallas. Rowen’s business successes expanded into insurance, loans, bail bonds, dry good, mortuary, and real estate making him one of Dallas’ wealthiest African-Americans during the late 1800s and early 1900s. His wealth enabled him to build a 13-room showplace Victorian home in North Dallas’ Freedmen’s Town.
Rowen helped organize a church, Evening Chapel, in his neighborhood, mainly so that domestic workers could attend evening services after work on Sundays. The church later moved and became Boll Street Christian Church, then moved again and became Cedar Crest Christian Church. Rowen was a part of the North Texas Colored Fair Association in the year 1900 in Dallas.
He was one of the last living founders of Freedmen’s Cemetery at Lemmon Avenue and N. Central Expressway (I-45). History also reports that Rowen was the first African-American in Dallas to own an automobile, a 1912 Cole. Rowen died of a heart attack at age 78 in 1932 and is buried at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in the Pleasant Grove community.
Parkland recognizes Dr. C. V. Roman
The Parkland clinic in Oak cliff has been open now for two years and has become one of the centerpieces of the renovated Southwest Center Mall, formerly Red Bird Shopping Center, on Camp Wisdom Road near Highway 67.
I was just thinking…and still marvel that Dr. C. V. Roman stood out from the crowd enough that the recent Parkland clinic as well as the local C. V. Roman Medical Society are both named in his honor. Even today, Dr. Roman’s name still is on the lips of numerous locals who use services that have been named in his honor.
When I read about all that this man accomplished -- against the odds – in the racist era in which he lived, in Dallas and other states, I am humbled…and likewise for Rowen. Let’s admit that when you were of African or Caribbean descent, the city of Dallas and the state of Texas historically were harsh, compared to more progressive parts of the country. Even today, the state of Texas still is comparatively restrictive for forward-thinkers, especially now for women, of any race.
Dr. Roman’s life before Dallas Before he moved to Dallas 1893, Dr. Roman had been a physician, historian, educator, speaker, prolific author, civil rights activist, and recipient of two honorary Doctor of Philosophy. Dr. Roman was born in Williamsport, PA on the 4th of July, 1864 -- one year after President Abe Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation legally ending American slavery. He died in Nashville, Tennessee in 1934 at age 70.
The physician grew up on a Canadian farm but later lived in Dallas as an adult. His father had been an enslaved African who became a fugitive after he escaped captivity through the underground railroad. That path led Dr. Roman’s dad from
Maryland to Canada before the Civil War. Roman’s mother’s parents also had escaped slavery and became accomplished farmers and landowners also in Canada where their son Dr. Roman grew up. The future physician began working various jobs as a pre-teen and at age 17 his right leg was amputated after a work injury at a Dundas, Canada cotton mill.
After his injury, Roman concentrated on his education, moved to Kentucky in the U. S., began teaching, and later earned his medical degree in 1890 from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. He became a leading medical professor at Meharry and Fisk University, both in Nashville.
Dr. Roman’s life in Dallas Dr. Roman and his wife Margaret Vorhees Roman moved to Dallas in 1893, and he continued his private practice that he had begun in Clarksville, Tennessee. He was an ophthalmologist who treats
the eyes and otolaryngologist who treats ear, nose, and throat conditions. He was a medical lecturer with the U. S. Army during World War I and published more than 60 articles and publications.
The C. V. Roman Medical Society was founded in Dallas in 1895 as the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of the historically Black National Medical Association. That was two years after Dr. Roman and his wife moved here from Clarksville, Tenn.
The society’s mission and history statement says their group was ”named in honor of Dr. Roman’s remarkable legacy.”
The Society’s current local president is Dr. Melanie L. Hafford, director of Bariatric Surgery at the Frisco division of UT Southwestern Medical Center. She is noted for outstanding patient treatment for weight management and obesity reduction. She has been named multiple times among D Magazine’s Best Doctors in Dallas and Collin County, as a 2022 and 2023 D
Magazine Woman of Influence, and a K104-FM Radio Changemaker.
Conclusion
Dr. Roman and Dock Rowen -- born 10 years apart in the mid1800s -- became forces of nature as they came of age before the 20th Century began. They died two years apart in the early 1930s.– Rowen at age 78, then Roman at age 70. What better way to pay homage than to call their similar names often and remember them always: Dr. Charles Victor Roman, aka Dr. C. V. Roman, and Dock Rowen. Thank you both for your superb service.
Dr. Charles Victor Roman, aka C. V. Roman. Credit C. V. Roman Medical Society. Dock Rowen, premier Dallas Black entrepreneur. Credit Dr. Robert Prince
By Vincent L. Hall
“A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on.”
– John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Let me do a little housekeeping and explain how Kamelot, a portmanteau, came about. “Portmanteau” is a French word for a two-sided suitcase.
There are portmanteaus that you use frequently and know well. We use words like “Motel,” a blend of motor and hotel or “brunch” which literally and figuratively weds breakfast and lunch.
You get it? We cool now?
Kamelot is my own well-crafted portmanteau, which seeks to describe the hope and possibilities we as a nation can gain if Kamala Harris is elected president. “Camelot” lends a sense of hope, opportunity, and peace. Camelot refers to a positive mythological idea that President John F. Kennedy’s widow left us to preserve and protect her husband’s legacy.
History buffs recognize “Camelot” as an offshoot of the hope this nation, especially Blacks, pinned on the presidency of a 43-year-old debonair, East Coastal politician, tragically killed by the same strand of political hatred that Donald Trump has woven since his 2015 debut.
That’s the “weave” he won’t talk about!
Soon after Kennedy visited Dallas in 1963 and was felled by an assassin’s bullet, Jackie Kennedy was on her job. She was as vigilant about his legacy as Myrlie Evers was about Medgar’s. The two men were gunned down three months apart and both left wives and families.
People Magazine released a story about Camelot on the 54th anniversary of JFK’s last political
I love election season! I love the act of voting. I’ve been loving it since I was 7 and my mom let me pull the lever on her vote for John F. Kennedy in 1960.
The voting site was just a block from our house, in a neighbor’s garage, where three voting booths were set up, along with a coffee urn and some cookies set out on a paper plate.
The thick Slavic woman checked Mom off without asking for ID — the neighborhood was small and everyone knew each other.
“Help yourself to coffee, Marie,” the lady said to Mom. “Little girl, you may have a cookie, and there is some juice over there.”
There was, indeed, a pretty pitcher of orange juice next to the plate of cookies.
Mom poured herself a cup of coffee, took a sip, then told the lady in charge that she had to run to work and get this one (me) to school.
Kamelot?...It can be!
and presidential appearance.
“First Lady Jackie Kennedy was plunged into shock and despair when her husband, President John F. Kennedy, at 46, was assassinated on Nov. 22, 1963.
But even in the midst of unimaginable tragedy, she had a key focus: to ensure that his legacy endured. And to do that, she spun a fantasy that has only grown in the five decades since.
On Nov. 29, 1963, four days after her husband’s burial, the widowed mother of two invited Life magazine journalist Theodore H. White to the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. There, Jackie, then just 34, crafted a glittering fairytale about JFK’s 1,000 days in the White House that continues to captivate the nation. The inspiration? JFK’s favorite Broadway musical, Camelot — the story of a mythical world ruled by King Arthur, where goodness reigned supreme.
“Don’t let it be forgot, that for one brief, shining moment there was Camelot,” Jackie told White, quoting from the musical.”
Camelot seemed plausible under Kennedy’s administration, (1961–63) when millions of Americans felt excitement about the nation’s future. To this day, Camelot conjures up fantasies of an idyllic time or place where joy, peace, and equality run rampant.
We can recreate what we imagined but never achieved. How do we even begin to assume such a great task? Let me tell you what Kamelot could look like from my vantage point.
First, Kamala Harris can move this nation forward by appointing some high-ranking Republicans to her cabinet. Adding “patriots” like Liz Cheney to her front line could begin to bind the wounds of hatred in our body politic that have overwhelmed comity and civility. The two parties will never fully see eye-to-eye, but there is no reason to keep gouging one another’s eyes out.
Kamelot could stem the tide of a Congress that can’t pass bills or budgets. ABC News reported recently that this “118th Congress is on track to being one of the least functional sessions ever, with only 34 bills passed since January of last year, the lowest number of bills passed in the first year of a congressional session since the Great Depression, according to congressional records.”
In my sanctified imagination, Kamelot could grow this economy from the bottom up. We should have mandated delivera-
bles for reducing the number of Americans who are homeless or suffer untreated mental illness or both. We need an annual goal of no less than 20% in reduction year over year. If Obamacare covered 50 million uninsured people in the swoop of a pen, let’s start writing new stories that end well for the poor and disadvantaged. Kamelot can produce legislation that protects Second Amendment rights while safeguarding our children and nation against mass murderers. Kamala has successfully defined what we are not
The Joys of Voting
On the short walk to the polling place, Mom told me about Black people in Mississippi, where she was from, and how we fought for the right to vote.
She spoke of Medgar Evers and Fannie Lou Hamer and told me to “remember those names.”
She said I should never miss the opportunity to vote, “no matter what.”
Then we stepped into the curtained booth, and she said, “Who are we voting for?” and I said “Kennedy.” She said, “Show me,” and I pointed to JFK’s name on the ballot.
She let me punch the card, then she did other punches for state and local races.
Then I got to push the lever that would allow our votes to be counted.
On the walk home, I peppered her with questions.
Who are those other people you voted for? Why is voting so important? Why were people killed just because they wanted to vote?
“Remember your questions,” she said, “and we can talk this evening.
But remember this, more than anything else: Remember that voting is a sacred duty.”
More than 60 years later, I still
remember that day. I remember Mom’s intensity about voting.
And I remember, that evening, her telling the five of her children about voting. Brother, a year or so younger than me, only partly understood.
The twins were 4, and they probably didn’t fully follow the conversation, but they liked it when we all sat together and
talked. From that day until this, I’ve loved voting.
I don’t think I’ve missed an opportunity to vote in my life.
I love going to a polling place and enjoying the buzz of activity as people sign in, queue up and wait for an available voting booth.
With technology, the energy is a bit different, with as many as 45% of us voting by mail.
Thanks to COVID, people have changed their voting habits, with mail ballots often far
more convenient than going to a polling place.
But I miss the buzz of the crush of people, the random conversations one engages while waiting in line.
I saw some of that energy when Roland Martin broadcast from Friendship West Baptist Church on the first day of voting in Dallas.
There, the lines snaked around a corner, but people were in good spirits.
Voting is a communal act, and even if it is less so because so many vote by mail, the lines and the camaraderie are the spirit of democracy.
Some Republicans have been trying to steal that joy, making early voting more difficult and using other voter suppression tactics to keep voters away from the polls. And then some don’t need suppression tactics to keep them away. These are the people who have decided that their votes don’t matter, even though we know how powerful a single vote can be, not to mention collective votes. Rev. Jesse Jackson used to say that “the hands that picked peaches can pick presidents.”
In other words, every single
“going back” to. But Kamelot must provide a dream that makes room for both capitalism and the common citizen. It must erase the failed immigration policies of our past and offer a realistic path forward. I was a kid when Camelot died in Dallas, Texas. But I just voted for Kamelot, and my hopes have been renewed. Kamelot? It can be!
one of us holds power in our hands.
If Black people’s votes were reflective of our population size, we could have elected Stacey Abrams governor of Georgia. Our collective votes brought us two Democratic senators from Georgia, Rev. Raphael Warnock and activist Jon Ossoff. But some are not swayed by these facts, preferring to sit out the voting opportunity because they think the system is warped. I am saddened by those who will not experience the joy of voting.
Voting is a joy, a pleasure, a privilege and an opportunity that every citizen must avail themselves of.
Sure, the system isn’t perfect. Indeed, it has inequality at its roots when once, only propertied white men could exercise the franchise.
Now, we can all vote, but many don’t. I proudly and gleefully cast my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris on Nov. 5. Join the joy.
Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, award-winning columnist and a lifelong Drapetomaniac!
By Dr. Julianne Malveaux
The Last Word
The Morning After: Backlash Blues and the Election
Our Voices
By John Fullinwider
I am trying to understand Presidential politics in terms of progress and backlash.
Richard Nixon and George Wallace were the backlash against the progress of the 1960s in civil rights, women’s rights, Black Power, anti-war movement, etc. – progress made under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. But Watergate tarnished the backlash itself, leading to the election of Jimmy Carter and a continuation of progress in these areas (Roe v Wade, ERA, ending the draft, more school integration).
Ronald Reagan was the vehicle for the backlash against the 1970s wave of progress and “excess” (for example, greater sexual freedom). Reagan’s two terms saw the decline of the blue collar middle class, increase in poverty, decreased efforts to integrate schools, failure of ERA, end of the “Vietnam Syndrome” and big hikes in military spending, etc. – in a word, backlash.
The first President Bush began to build today’s reactionary Supreme Court by appointing Clarence Thomas, the backlash against Thurgood Marshall.
Clinton seemed like a change because of his relative youth, and “forward to the future” view, but he consolidated the backlash in many ways (for example, “ending welfare as we know it” and “don’t ask, don’t tell”). George W. Bush opened the gates of hell
in the Middle East, and at home tanked the economy; war and recession often move in when backlash takes over the White House.
The election of President Barack Obama was the vehicle for a new era of progress (expanded health care, pullback from Iraq war, more focus on social justice, and racial progress, especially in political representation). The backlash against Obama started almost immediately with the Tea Party, an almost comic group that was only a prelude to the grim and violent MAGA force, including new armed militias after Trump’s 2015-16 campaign. The election of President Biden and Vice-President Harris held it off, but Trump’s return to the White House represents the new stronger backlash against the Obama
record and the Harris promise of renewed liberal progress.
This little summary doesn’t explain why the majority votes against itself, its own interests, and puts their fate in the hands of a monster like Trump. But there is a pattern that can help us try to understand why Trump could turn a prosperous, fairly stable democracy upside down.
Kamala Harris ran an almost perfect campaign with a powerful message of hope and mutual respect. The voters said, “No. We’re hopeless. We want revenge.”
The center of the MAGA backlash is not any particularly policy, not economic, foreign, or environmental. It is a backlash against what Obama embodied. Always white racism – systemic racism, along with its ally misogyny – reorganizes to block any
fundamental changes or else absorb them into the system. The system says, “In order for things to stay the same, things have to appear to change.” But this backlash, like always, will sew the seeds of its own demise.
Nina Simone sang more than half a century ago:
Mr. Backlash, Mr. Backlash
Just what do you think I got to lose?
I’m gonna’ leave you With the backlash blues
You’re the one who’ll have the blues
Not me, just wait and see
May it be so through our labor.
Relief Efforts Are Happening In Florida And Other States Despite What The Former President Says
Negative people manage to show up during the worst of times. They tear down and do not build up. They create bad impressions and perceptions. Their goal is always to create doubt and deception.
Ego and self-interests take the place of understanding and compassion for others. There are some qualities and traits that you can’t teach. You either have them or you don’t. You keep thinking they will change but they never do.
Donald Trump, the former president lacks empathy and compassion. Even when he tries, it comes across as disingenuous. These are my opinions.
Within the past three weeks, two major storms have hit the
Sunshine State. One of them, Hurricane Helene also ripped through the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. At the last count more than 120 lives were lost, injured and unaccounted for in this hurricane. According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Helene packed winds of more than 110 mph.
Both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton along with the tornadoes that followed caused life-changing events for these residents. For many residents affected by these storms, they were first time occurrences. They were simply not prepared for the winds and for the storm surges.
Many of us who live on the Gulf Coast have experienced these events and know firsthand the power and punch that these storms have. Unfortunately, some residents did not heed the warning to evacuate the area. They were left stranded and became victims.
With these hurricanes having now dissipated, what are the
next steps? What do residents do who have lost everything? Relief efforts in the form of food, clothing and shelter have already begun. Local, state and national efforts have given these citizens help and hope.
National organizations like the American Red Cross are doing their part. One of their initiatives is to establish blood centers for those who have been injured in these hurricanes. They are also helping with places to stay and with food.
According to confirmed reports and a direct quote, “The Administration has already helped thousands of Hurricane Helene survivors jumpstart their recoveries with more than $137 million in Federal assistance with more to come. The Administration has contacted nearly 450 state, city and county officials in impacted states to ensure they have the support and resources they need.”
Similar statements have been made about those affected by Hurri-
cane Milton.
While these documented efforts are happening in real time, there are some in the GOP who are spreading untruths about what is not happening. Of course, this nonsense is being led by Trump and his running mate.
Others have joined them in promulgating these lies. Republican lawmaker, Marjorie Taylor Greene has created controversy because of her mean and mindless remarks. She has suggested that the Democrats in some way can control the weather.
President Joe Biden said, “Her comments are beyond ridiculous, and it’s got to stop.” Hugh Willoughby, a Florida International professor who worked at NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division for over 20 years said, “We’re all trying to prevent human suffering and if somebody were deliberately doing the sort of things they imagine, we’d blow the whistle on it.”
Another Republican with ill
will is Scott Jennings. He served in the George W. Bush administration as a special assistant to the president. By his baseless and tasteless remarks on CNN, he must have been promised a position if Trump becomes president.
What is rather sickening and shameful is that some Republicans have made these hurricanes into some type of political gain. Smugly and spitefully, they are intimating that the Biden-Harris administration is not providing the recovery assistance that is needed. Those of us with good sense know better.
The facts and figures say otherwise. This is why you and I must vote for Kamala Harris in November to be president of the United States of America. If not, we’ll get a steady dose of lies and misrepresentations.
“Show Me the Receipts. The Election Will Not End in One Day!"
Lucille “Big Mama” Allen was our family’s rock—a sage source of wisdom, faith, and that special brand of humor only a true matriarch could wield.During her 97 years of living, her words and actions guided us through life’s complexities, offering a perspective shaped by love, patience, and often a little bit of tough
love. As election season grips our nation, I’m reminded of one of her favorite sayings: “Show me the receipts.” This statement, in Big Mama’s hands, was never just about financials. It was about truth, transparency, and accountability. And as she would say, when the stakes are high, we need to see the proof. This election will need strong proof.
“Receipts” in today’s BIPOC vernacular has become synonymous with evidence, a call to verify truthfulness in a world often clouded by mistrust. In the case of this election, “Show Me the Receipts” means that voter
turnout will be the ultimate proof of the people’s will. Big Mama believed that the truth will be revealed in time, and I can hear her saying now that God will ultimately show us who has the real receipts. We’ll see it not in the rhetoric or projections, but in the turnout itself—proof of our voice in action.
This phrase has echoed throughout pop culture, rooted in accountability. I think back to a famous moment in 2002 when journalist Diane Sawyer interviewed the late Whitney Houston, asking her about rumors of extravagant spending on drugs.
My Truth: Thanks Kamala! cont. from page 1
today after learning of a Harris/ Walz victory, were specific to all women, especially Black women. Support her, uplift her, pray for her, and never say or do anything to tear her down.
I saw this as an opportunity for this woman to help elevate Black women to their rightful place of reverence, forever and amen.
Does that mean she wouldn’t have challenges? Does that mean that she wouldn’t make unpopular decisions, or be above reproach? Not at all.
But it also means that there would be some decisions she made that were not totally her own, but whatever the case she should be respected and given grace.
We’ve been long on the grace-giving for others for far too long so how about extending some to a Black woman? Now someone will say I am stretching, we have to hold her accountable, and make her do the right thing.
Let’s be real. The Black woman has been stretched so much and for so very long, and we have the marks to show it — and not just from childbirth! It was a great man who said “A nation can rise no higher than its women.”
We have that woman in Kamala Harris, and she rose to the occasion, overachieving in less time!
Whitney, firm in her response, boldly demanded, “Show me the receipts!” Her words have since become legendary, capturing a powerful moment of refusing to be misrepresented without proof.
On a more profound level, “Show Me the Receipts” calls to mind the biblical story of Nathan confronting King David in 2 Samuel 12. Just as Nathan’s confrontation led David to acknowledge his failings and seek forgiveness, we are called to examine the “receipts” of our own actions and intentions.
In today’s contentious climate
Am I saying she’s the only woman or she’s the first who was prepared? No, but she was the only one on the ballot.
So let it be a lesson to us all, especially as women.
We know our struggles, our talents, the sleepless nights, unfulfilled dreams, sighs of relief, and silent tears.
We know sometimes the smile on our faces does not represent what we’re feeling in our hearts.
Kamala Harris deserves love and support as well as our thanks.
She went where no other Black woman has gone and after the dust is settled, and she looks to the future; we need to be right there with her, whatever she decides.
of disinformation, we yearn for a return to collaboration, trust, and unity. As Big Mama might say, once the dust settles on this election, may we find our way back to a spirit of unity and build an America that doesn’t just talk about unity but shows the receipts.
What are your thoughts? Email me at the paper, terryallenpr@ gmail.com and show me the receipts you have.
By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
Our Voices
By Terry Allen
Big Mama Said
Terry Allen is an award-winning media professional, journalist, and entrepreneur. He is also the founder of City Men Cook and 1016 Media. Reach him at terryallenpr@gmail.com
Dr. James B. Ewers, Jr. is a longtime educator who hails from Winston Salem, N.C. Ewers is a life member of the NAACP and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
John Fullinwider is co-founder of Mothers Against Police Brutality and a longtime organizer and activist in Dallas.
2024 HBCU Homecoming Dates
Superb Women
Our Superb Women!
By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News
Logan McElroy Williams calls Dallas, TX home and she is an Emmy-Award-winning television news producer at WFAA-TV. She attended Southern Methodist University; graduating with two Bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and Corporate Communications and Public Affairs. She also joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and worked at the SMU Daily Campus, SMU-TV and as a residential assistant and podcast creator. She had internships at the Dallas Morning News and NBC DFW before accepting a position as a news producer at KVUE in Austin.
SALLY VONNER
Sally Vonner attended Texas A&M UniversityCommerce, where she was a student-athlete, joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and graduated with a B.S. Degree in Biology/Chemistry. She then received a Master of Divinity in Theology and Theological Studies from the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. Currently the General Secretary and CEO of United Women of Faith where she has also worked as a transformation officer and Assistant General Secretary - Section on Membership & Leadership Development, she is an experienced nonprofit executive.
RHONDA M. FRAZIER
Rhonda M. Frazier is a self-employed Customer Service Representative. Previously she worked as an IT/Technical Analyst-Information Management for Chubb Insurance, as an Independent Technical Consultant at Chasewater Enterprises, and as a Senior Consultant- Application Development for Information Builders. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Advertising from Simmons University and a Master’s Degree in Adult Education and Distance Learning from the University of Phoenix. She is a community servant and volunteer.
JACOI PUGH
Women’s Wall Street Inc., empowering Black women who “aspire to be business owners.” She is also the owner of J&K Solutions. Jacob recently worked as a learning and development manager for Kronos Incorporated and a revenue officer for the Internal Revenue Service. A Delta Sigma Theta Sorority member, she attended the University of North Texas and received a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from the University of Phoenix. She hosts the talk radio show “The Boardroom with Black Women’s Wall Street, Inc.” on the iHeart Radio app, “where she challenges and disrupts the norm in the business world and gives a voice and permission to the Black female entrepreneur.”
VELADA CAMPER
Velada Camper is one of Dallas’ finest. A graduate of Skyline High School; this beautiful, talented, loving, intelligent, and giving Diva is a joy to be around and the life of any gathering. She spent almost 30 years working for the City of Dallas as a manager and currently works at Anthem Strong Families as a Mini Clinic Services Manager/Coordinator/Front Office Manager. This devoted mother and family supporter is a born leader, effective manager and team player. Organized, efficient and focused, she takes care of business. Velada is an inspiration for so many because she exudes confidence and excellence.
MARI ANTOINETTE HAMILTON
Mari Antoinette Hamilton hails from Los Angeles, CA. She grew up in Dallas, attending Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, she studied at Paul Quinn College and Prairie View A&M University. Mari works at UPS. She is about love, family and community. She’s a lover of dogs and books. A member of Black Pearls Keepin It REAL book club, Mari is involved, engaged and a leader. Mari has been called a joy to work with; she has been praised for her commitment to excellence and for giving her best.
SONYA TOLIVER IRBY
Sonya Toliver Irby is the consummate professional and leader who exudes a volunteer spirit. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she is also the president of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Dallas Metropolitan Chapter. Sonya attended Jacksonville State University receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. The Founder of Formation Luxury Travel, she was the director of customer experience for Link Logistics Real Estate, and a manager of new business development for FedEx Office. Sonya also spent more than two decades at Hilton Worldwide.
CRIST COLEMAN
Crist Coleman is a notary signing agent and
she is a licensed real estate service provider in Texas with Crist Coleman Investors. Hailing from Brownwood, TX, she graduated from Brownwood High School and went on to Howard Payne University. Known for her work addressing women’s initiatives, she is the secretary of the Grand Prairie Branch of the NAACP and remains active as a community servant. She is praised for her extensive community-based and nonprofit senior leadership, and expertise; and for adding value in expanding diverse relationships, strengthening engagements, and communications. In essence, she is a BOSS!
HEATHER HARRIS
Heather Lynn Harris is brains, beauty, and talent. She is spiritually grounded and a community servant. She studied dance at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting at Texas Tech University. Heather is an actress. You may have seen this proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in All American: Homecoming, Rest Area, and Deadly Seduction. Heather is making Dallas proud! Known for her impeccable work ethic and commitment to excellence, Heather has a superb future ahead of her.
CHEF AMBER WILLIAMS
Chef Amber Williams is the Owner & Head Chef of Le Rouge Cuisine Food company based in Dallas, Tx. and she has an elevated Creole Fusion Catering brand specializing in providing professional, customizable & unique Catering solutions. She is the author of a cookbook, Surviving the Food Desert, which is a powerful tool for families reliant on food pantries, providing adaptable recipes that empower people to create healthy meals with whatever ingredients are available. Hailing from Dallas, she studied Business Management at Grambling State University where she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority through the Delta Iota Chapter. Known nationally for her healthy and creatively succulent meals, Chef Amber knows the way to your heart.
VICKIE HALLMAN-BOWMAN
Vickie Hallman-Bowman is the Community Program Facilitator at Anthem Strong Families. Previously she spent more than a decade as a program manager for Oasis Center and she is a former regional director at Texas Department of Criminal Justice. A graduate of Hillcrest High School, she studied pre-law/psychology at East Texas State University. Vickie is a jewel. She is a star who is the life of any gathering and also a positive force, bringing knowledge, wisdom, and impeccable organizational skills to anything she undertakes. Vickie is a no-nonsense leader who leads wherever she goes. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she is a respecter of her lifetime commitment and people respect her because she is the real deal — highly competent and a force to be dealt with!
TAUSHA JOHNSON
Tausha Johnson is the president and founder of Why Not You? The organization was formed to bring hope and positive change to those grappling with thoughts of self-harm and to help families recovering from the grief of suicide. A district Manager and VP at First Convenience Bank, she is also a licensed life insurance agent. Selfdescribed as “goal-driven, hardworking, loyal and
dedicated;” that’s actually how she is known, along with being smart, beautiful, fashionable, and a joy to work with. Community-oriented, Tausha has served on the boards of the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth, CASA of the South Plains, Board Member Communities In Schools National Office and Buckner International. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Kaplan University.
CORNELIA MCCOWAN
McCowan is a College and Career Solutions Manager at Economic Mobility Systems. A graduate of Tobias Murray Christian Academy, she graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas and received her Master of Education in Higher Education Administration at Dallas Baptist University. Cornelia has worked as a Program Director for College Readiness Initiative at The University of Texas at Dallas; RHET 1101 Instructor at The University of Texas at Dallas; Project supervisor at Academic Bridge Program and Academic Bridge Program at University of Texas at Dallas; Executive Director of College Readiness at Grand Prairie ISD and Lancaster ISD. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she was recently presented the Polished Pearl of Leadership Award by the Omicron Mu Omega Chapter.
MINISTER JOHNRICE (JR) NEWTON
A proud mother and grandmother, Minister Johnrice (JR) Newton, R.N., M.Div, was born and raised in Lubbock, TX where she received a B.A. in Social Welfare from Texas Tech University. A graduate of Methodist Hospital School of Nursing, she has been a Registered Nurse since 1988 and completed her Masters of Divinity at Brite Divinity School-Texas Christian University Ft. Worth, TX Min. Newton is the founder of Tapestry Ministries. She also worked as the Community Health Nurse for CitySquare Dallas, TX. She published “Healing Voices: Women of Faith Who Survived Abuse Speak Out, Vol. 1” and was named one of the Great 100 Nurses in Dallas/ Ft. Worth in 2001.
BERNADETTE GARDNER-PITTMAN
Bernadette Gardner-Pittman hails from Chicago, IL, and attended Fenger Academy High School. She studied Secretarial Studies at Loop Junior College. Bernadette worked as a Social Security Administration claims representative and a DBSC machine operator at USPS. Now retired, Bernadette has always been a joy to spend time with. Armed with a beautiful smile and personality to match, she is known as loyal, faithful, and loving. A wife and mother. Bernadette is spiritually grounded, a born leader, and possesses a bubbling, welcoming personality that makes people gravitate to her.
LOGAN MCELROY WILLIAMS
JaCoi Pugh is the president of the Black
Cornelia
SUPERB WOMEN
continued from page 7
McKinney, Texas, Dr. Tracey is also brains, talent and a joyful person to work with. She graduated summa cum laude from the Xavier University of LA. She went to the University of California Medical School in San Francisco and did her residency at the University of Texas, in Houston where she served as administrative chief resident. She was in a private group practice in Chicago for three years before relocating to McKinney Texas in 1999 to start her practice. A member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Dr. Banks is committed to a life of service.
DORNECHIA CARTER
Dornechia Carter is the founder and medical director of Affinity Dermatology. She has worked as a dermatologist at Innovative Dermatology, Dermatology Associates of Uptown/Dermatology Consultants of North Dallas, and Layton Avenue Dermatology Associates. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development/Human Biology, Health, and Society from Cornell University and her doctorate from Baylor College of Medicine. A 25-year-member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Dr. Carter is a member of, Jack and Jill of America, Inc.- Greater Frisco Chapter. This wife and mother is a real jewel to her profession, community, and family.
DOMINIQUE BROWN WASHINGTON
Dominique Brown Washington is the Director of State Relations & Policy for the Epilepsy Foundation. A graduate of Foreign High School, she graduated from Southern Arkansas University - Magnolia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work while also joining Alpha Phi Omega Community Service Fraternity and making the Dean’s list. Dominique later returned to Southern Arkansas University-Magnolia and received a Master of Public Administration. Dominique has enjoyed stints at Vista Behavioral Health, MHMR of Tarrant County, US House of Representatives, Texas Health and Human Services, and Texas House of Representatives. Organized, conscientious, and goal-oriented, Dominique is a consummate professional, who is a born leader.
PATRICE TOLES
Patrice Toles is the executive director of Standing in Faith - a team empowerment organization. A Howard University alum, she studied biology, Patrice has spent nearly 20 years in government. Patrice has been the program director and secretary-treasurer for Executive Women in Texas Government. She is a graduate of the CPA Leadership Academy and Leadership Women. She’s also the former financial secretary at the Black American Comptroller Employees Association. Spiritually focused, goal-oriented, and possessing an impeccable work ethic, Patrice is a team player and visionary leader committed, to a life of service.
MELINDA SPAULDING CHEVALIER
Melinda Spaulding Chevalier is the Vice President of Public Affairs at Rice University. Previously she served as Vice President for Advancement and Communications at Texas Southern University, and an anchor reporter at KRIV Fox 26 in Houston and WGNO ABC 26 in New Orleans; amassing 20 years in print and broadcast news. She is an Emmy Award-winning communicator, brand strategist, crisis management expert, and community affairs leader. A native of New Jersey, she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Howard University and master class credit from Louisiana State University’s Manship Graduate School of Mass Communication.
CHRYSCYNTHIA CARTER
Chryscynthia Carter is a graphic designer at CYK Design where she is responsible for logo creation, print, and web solutions for advertising and design concepts. She attended the Arts Institutes earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design and studied Graphic Design at Lakeland Community College. The talented and creative artist graduated from Jefferson Township High School in Ohio. Chryscynthia loves creating landscapes using pastels, inks, and acrylic paint on velvet. She also loves to sculpt draw and make anything with her hands. A loving wife, she is spiritually grounded and talented on many levels! She’s a creative genius. Check her exquisite works out at https://www.artbychryscynthia.com/
KEESHA DILLARD
Keesha Dillard is an accomplished real estate professional with a unique blend of experience in the luxury beauty and real estate industries. As a former National Account Director for Yves Saint Laurent Beauty at L’Oréal USA, she developed exceptional skills in sales, marketing, and customer service. With a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Texas A&M University, Keesha excels in leadership, negotiation, and communication, ensuring that her clients receive top-notch service. Keesha works with Coldwell Banker, where she earned the prestigious Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation, reflecting her advanced real estate knowledge and unwavering commitment to her clients. Keesha has been a dedicated Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. member for over 35 years, actively contributing to the Omega Alpha Omega Chapter in Dallas. She also serves as the First Vice President for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Dallas, Metropolitan Chapter. Keesha truly embodies the spirit of excellence in everything she does.
AUNDREA LOVE
Aundrea Love has always been driven and eager to succeed at life.She’s an advocate for change and building up the community so it’s no wonder she is a community leader; serving as the new Economic Development Committee Chair of the NAACP Dallas. A fashion stylist/boutique owner, she is a multifaceted entrepreneur who has owned multiple successful businesses. Aundrea is a social innovator, empowering businesses, a financial consultant and a strategic growth specialist. A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington
with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration and Accounting, she has honed her skills at Express Tax & Financial Services, Inc., and American Airlines.
LISA MAGEE
Lisa Magee is an accountant, entreprenHER, wife, mom, grandmother, boss, servant leader, and consummate professional. She is a manager with Lurin and has worked as an accountant at Living Earth, Provident Realty Advisors, MCR Development, Riverstone Residential Group, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Frandeli Group, and Condumex. She most recently served as the 2nd VP of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. - Dallas Metropolitan Chapter. Hailing from New Orleans, Lisa received AA and BA degrees in accounting from Northwood University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Armed with a spirit of volunteerism, and in addition to being a Charter Member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Dallas Metropolitan Chapter; Lisa volunteers as a C.O.R.E Member of Find Your Resilience, Inc. She is also a volunteer staff member of CitySquare.
VENESSA COLE BOWLES
Venessa Cole Bowles is a senior director, talent acquisition at Uplift Education. Previously she was a senior manager at Raytheon Technologies, a recruiting manager for Fannie Mae Senior recruiter at Target, and, HR Generalist/Recruiting Manager at Ramp, Accenture, Aquent Marketing Staffing and Rent-A-Center. Venessa received her Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia and her Master of Science Degree in Human Resources Training & Development from Amberton University. A devoted community servant, she is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority; where she served in a leadership role and also as Rhosebud Advisor to the youth club.
TARA HAWKINS
Tara Hawkins is a Quality Assurance Manual Tester (Recruiting Manager at Uplift Education. Previously she worked as a Consultant for PeopleScout, as a tester at Face-to-Face Talent Solutions, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, with Body Mind and Wellness Spa, Kelly Services and ETAN. A graduate of West Mesquite High School Class of 2009, she attended the University of Texas at Arlington. She is an expert in manual testing, defect tracking and process optimization.
SHARTAJEYE’ WRIGHT-FITZHUGH
Shartajeye’ Wright-Fitzhugh is described as “The Teacher’s Teacher,” she’s driven to deliver excellence. This corporate trainer is a bridge builder and she says learning is her Super Power! A 2014 Teach For America DFW Alumni, Shartajeye is passionate about teaching and approaches her craft with enthusiasm, content mastery, and compassion. She has a decade of experience as an educator in, the Dallas Independent School District. Shartajeye received an Associate of Science Degree in Biology; her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Chemistry, also serving as Miss Texas
Southern University 2011-12; and, she received her M.Ed. in STEM Education from Southern Methodist University. This born leader and community servant is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
CHISA D. SAVAGE
Chisa D. Savage is a realtor at Ebby Halliday. She’s passionate about working with buyers and sellers and specializing in all facets of real estate, including first-time purchases, luxury real estate, and property and house sales. A member of the Junior League, Chisa is the founder of a nonprofit organization, Walking on Water Ministries, that supports underserved youth and homeless people. She is an experienced image consultant, the owner of Mr. Smiths Grooming Salon and the former Director of Sales and Guest Relations for Lash Lovers. Also a former stylist at Bloomingdale’s Outlet, she studied psychology at the University of Texas at Dallas.
JOYCE HODGES
Joyce Hodges hails from Dallas, where she graduated from Franklin D. Roosevelt Senior High School and attended El Centro College. A member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, she was a registered nurse at the United Postal Service. You’d think she would slow down as a retiree, but not Joyce. She takes pride in being of service. Highly respected and loved, Joyce is a born leader, but she is also a true team player who gets along well with others and loves sharing a kind word. She is so supportive, and her volunteer spirit makes her an asset to her organization and community.
DANISHA WILLIAMS
Danisha Williams is smart, talented and motivated. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Founder at The Red Delta Agency. Her mission is to support small business owners with various financial services that help them achieve stability and growth. She gained experience at Prospera Key, D R Lending, Defense Industry and Motorola; she worked as a financial services associate, project manager and senior test engineer. She received her B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering and she later attended the University of Dallas. Contact her for a quote.
DR. KYMBERLY MIESHIA DIONN KEETON
KYmberly Mieshia Dionn Keeton is a researcher/ writer for the August Wilson Society’s Black Seedfunded project, Centering and Celebrating Wilsonian Warriors, She has worked as a director and chief library curator, teaching assistant, community archivist, librarian, assistant professor, associate editor, multimedia publisher, creative writing teacher, magazine publisher, and entertainment editor. She received her BA Degree in EnglishCreative Writing from the University of Houston, an M.S. in Library Science from the University of North Texas, and a Doctorate in Philosophy, Information Science | Interdisciplinary Studies. KYmberly is a member of Gamma Pi Beta Sorority, Top Ladies of Distinction, Society of American Archivists, Dallas Museum of Art, Univ. of Michigan Museum of Art, and Sigma Tau Delta Epsilon Phi. Energetic and full of life, she is a bundle of joy.
Dr.