IMessenger, December 20, 2024

IM ESSENGER VOL XIV NO 16

December 20, 2024

Her words touched souls and inspired the masses

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024 •

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Established 2011 CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.

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• FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024

INSIDE

QUIT PLAYIN’

MEXICO’S FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT

MAVS INTRODUCE NEW CEO RICK WELTS

My PawPaw, Ed Hall, used to take me “down home” with him. We would venture down I-20 past Jefferson, Texas, and into the piney woods of Kellyville, where he grew up. What? p6

Touché! Karma has Trumped a victory! President-elect Donald Trunk and his minions appeared confident that his victory over Vice-President Kamala Harris had put women in their place and the gender issue to rest. p13

After almost seven years as CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, Cynt Marshall officially passed the baton to Rick Welts who was announced Wednesday afternoon as the franchise’s new CEO. p26

Local Celebrity Spreads Holiday Cheer to Hundreds BOOMSquad Records is thrilled to announce its 2nd Annual Holiday Toy Drive, set for Saturday, December 21st at 9:00 a.m. at Thurgood Marshall Recreation Center, near the Redbird Executive Airport. This family-friendly event promises a joyful celebration featuring a toy giveaway for registered participants, live music, delicious food, and exciting raffle prizes.

“I was raised to believe that we are blessed to be a blessing to others,” said Julian Mason, also known as LilJuMadeDaBeat, Grammy Award-winning producer and founder of BOOMSquad Records. “Over the past few years, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with icons like Beyoncé, 2 Chainz, and Babyface. Giving back to the community that helped shape me is deeply personal, and I’m honored to be able to spread joy during the holiday season.”

This year’s event features a grand raffle giveaway with coveted prizes like a PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch. In

addition to the toy distribution, families can enjoy live entertainment, local food vendors, and interactive activities.

“This is our community. We grew up here, we played here, and we built lasting memories here,” added Lajun Wesley, also known as Juan Moneaz, BOOMSquad Records artist.

“We want kids to see people who look like them doing positive things right in their own neighborhood. Representation matters.”

Last year’s toy drive served over 250 children, and this year, BOOMSquad Records aims to impact even more families by making the season brighter.

Founded in 2013 by Grammy-winning producer Julian Mason (LilJuMadeDaBeat), BOOMSquad Records is a Texas-based record label committed to developing the next generation of musical talent. With a diverse roster of producers and artists, BOOMSquad Records is dedicated to fostering creativity and shaping the future of music.

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024 •

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MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith Publisher

I’m not ego-tripping Yes, I shedded tears.

It’s not like I had any control, because I didn’t.

Actually I was out of control as I remembered a time in my life when it was so easy to take the wrong turn.

Books were my salvation and libraries were my sanctuary.

Back in the 1970s, I was a teenager who loved to read.

When I entered East Orange High School, I used to work in the library; always checking out books to read in the comfort of my bedroom.

The books weren’t too diverse so I became fond of escapism in the likes of Nancy Drew mysteries, and other books of that ilk.

None of those books had

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anywhere near the impact that reading the likes of Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, Iceberg Slim or Toni Cade Bambara had.

I was somewhat troubled, trying to understand this ball of confusion we lived in.

I had lived through the Newark Riots and the shutdown of the school system where I found high school students manning our classrooms.

I still remember spending days dancing to the Temptations while learning the latest moves, doing absolutely nothing that would prepare me for college and a thriving career.

I didn’t know what was in store for me. Couldn’t think of any areas I had back then.

So I sought solace in books, and Essence Magazine where I was sure to read from bold, creative, authentic Black women.

Nikki spoke to my insecurities, and inhibitions while opening up another world for me that dared me to dream and have aspirations.

She was fearless, fortuitous, and free.

I picked up my pen and started writing and I haven’t stopped. My love for writing grew and I still have pieces packed away where I closed my eyes and let my fingers do the walking, creating pieces that, unlike Nikki, I wasn’t bold enough to share with the world.

I remember an editor asking me to write about the Black Man. When I opened my eyes and read what I wrote, I was flabbergasted!

It seemed like I bared my soul and was stripped of my clothes as I shared what I considered to be the Black man in all his beauty and glory.

Unlike Nikki, however; I did a quick edit. I didn’t want the world to see that side of me.

It was too much!

And when I went off to Florida A&M University, I remember taking to the stage to recite “Ego-Tripping.”

Now that poem has to be one of the most prolific and empowering pieces I have ever read.

Then Nikki came to Tallahassee, and I heard her speak. I still blush as I remember her saying that making love was a nice way to say hello!

To me, she was the epitome of self-actualization. She had this thing called life figured out and she lived her life the way she wanted to, unapologetic and enjoying the ride.

I adored my sorority sister.

Yes, she was a proud member, honorary, but still the same, my sister.

It was an absolute joy to run into her at Delta Sigma Theta Sorority conventions and when she let me interview her for my show on KKDA-AM; well I was so thrilled.

The last time I was scheduled to interview her before an appearance she was making at the African American Museum’s Annual Tulisoma Book Fair, I anxiously awaited her call.

As we greeted one another, she informed me that she had just gotten word that her sister, also our sorority sister, had transitioned.

Immediately I wanted to cancel the interview and she

With Nikki Giovanni at Black Images Book Bazaar during KKDA –AM Broadcast

wanted to honor her commitment. That was the type of sister she was.

I totally understood my fellow Gemini so I eventually convinced her that it was okay to cancel. And then, lo and behold, I found myself consoling her!

Here was Cheryl Smith, comforting the woman who played a pivotal role in help-

ing me move from a girl to a woman. There were many days and nights I looked to her for comfort and her words provided that and more. That day I believed my words, as well as the time I just let her talk was giving me an opportunity to return the love.

Could I be dreaming?

Upon hearing of her transition and as I relived what

Nikki meant to me, I talked to so many other women who shared a love for her. I smiled because her legacy will live on forever because of the life she lived and poured into others.

More than anything, I think, I am so glad I had the chance to tell her I loved her!

What a woman. What a legacy

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024 •

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WAL-SMART - DEI or D

Comedian Chris Rock tells you who, if anyone, you shou QUIT PLAYIN’

BY VINCENT L. HALL

I can’t stand to see the slaughter, but still, I eat the meat, I can’t stand dishonest people, but still sometimes I cheat, I can’t stand this air pollution, but still, I drive a car Maybe them’s the reasons why, things are like they are!

Tower of Power – circa 1975 My PawPaw, Ed Hall, used to take me “down home” with him.

We would venture down I-20 past Jefferson, Texas, and into the piney woods of Kellyville, where he grew up.

What? You didn’t know my folks were from East Texas? Quit Playin!

Prior to the new millennium, Dallas was nothing more than an East Texas transplant. If you made everyone who had roots from Terrell, Texas, to Shreveport, Louisiana, leave Dallas, you could reduce the population by 70%.

Me and pops used to go to the same country store every time.

We’d get 35 cents worth of “hang down”, 10 cents worth of cheese, a Pepsi and a “hobo banquet.”

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I finally deciphered the vernacular. “Hang-down” because summer sausage hung in 24inch sticks from the ceiling of the butcher’s shop. The elders called a peanut patty a “hobo banquet” because it offered protein, carbs, sugar, and sodium.

It’s a whole meal in one!

Unfortunately, our store “down home” gave way to a WalMart.

I never despised Wal-Mart for creating a successful marketing plan; I hate that we lost so many small businesses and self-supporting entrepreneurs in the process.

Wal-Mart concerns many of us today because they are emblematic of what is wrong in and with America. We have lost our zeal to stand up to power. We can’t stand to see the slaughter, but we eat the meat anyway!

If it was ever true that the sun never set on the Roman or British Empires, then Wal-Mart owns the sunshine in America’s retail landscape. They have saturated us, urban and country alike. They muscled in on tax breaks, hijacked suppliers, and manhandled the union movement.

Organized labor finally got the merchandising giant in check.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union embarked

upon a massive campaign to cut Wal-Mart down a bit.

After a while, the Walton family finally started to pay a semi-decent wage and offered baseline benefits. Wal-Mart succumbed to some pressures that allowed women and minorities to advance in their operations.

MWBE suppliers and vendors became a small part of the team.

Wal-Mart started supporting BET and Telemundo. They feature lots of Negroes and Hispanics in their multi-million-dollar ad campaigns to get us to make them richer.

At some point, even their most fervent enemies, like me, gave in and started to shop them sporadically, but lately, they showed their true colors.

CBS News reported out in late November.

“Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, is rolling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, joining a growing list of major corporations that have done the same after coming under attack by conservative activists.

Additionally, Walmart will no longer consider race and gender as a litmus test to improve

diversity when it offers supplie contracts.

The company said it didn’ have quotas and won’t do s going forward. It won’t be gath ering demographic data when determining financing eligibilit for those grants.

Walmart also said it wouldn’ renew a racial equity center tha was established through a five year, $100 million philanthropi commitment from the compan with a mandate to, accordin to its website, “address the roo causes of gaps in outcomes ex perienced by Black and African American people in education health, finance, and crimina justice systems.”

Several of those companie have subsequently announced that they are pulling back thei initiatives, including Ford Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, and Harley-Davidson.”

Wal-Mart and others will re treat from the LGBTQIA com munity and any other alpha bets that don’t combine to spe RICH WHITE MALE! We must be strategic and well-calculated in our efforts t punish these business entities

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The United States of Hypocrisy OUR VOICES

BY KENNETH L. HARDIN

Because according to recent rulings from this jaded Supreme Court, the “poor have no rights for which the rich must respect.”

American businesses don’t have to acknowledge or make concessions for the 400 years of slavery, patriarchy, and economic injustice. The tradition of using immigrants as prosperous pawns that switch from valuable commodities to the scourge of our nation can continue for all Clarence Thomas et al care!

If PawPaw were still living, he would never walk into a WalMart, buy a Ford and he would tell Harley where they could stick that bike!

PawPaw always told me one thing. “You don’t have to whip every bully on the block son, just whip the sh!t out of the biggest one!”

We need to go “Wal-Smart “on Wal-Mart! The rest will fall in line!

DEI or DIE! Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, award winning columnist and a lifelong Drapetomaniac!

I was never great at math so I won’t pretend to do it here.

But the 71, 35 and 31 words from oaths and pledges I was force-fed to learn throughout my formative education years, supposedly to ensure loyalty and commitment to this Country, have turned out to be merely suggestions.

106 of those words are spoken with a forked tongue by men and women elected to ensure this Nation operates with integrity and holds true to the freedom and values we’re trotting around the globe telling other countries we stand for and asking our sons and daughters to die behind.

Those numbers represent the Presidential and Congressional Oaths of Office as well as the Pledge of Allegiance.

The latter, those 31 words, is what I learned going back to elementary school. Even as a child, I took them seriously enough not to engage in any behavior that may have brought shame on my Country or myself.

I understood the significance of its meaning enough to realize it wasn’t a suggestion or a recommendation that I could adhere to if the wind blew just right or if my stomach didn’t hurt that day.

Viewing this hypocrisy through older eyes now, I imagine after Thomas Jefferson finished his forced sexual liaison with his slave, Sally Hemings, and checked on

his other human property, he felt compelled to write that all men were created equal and had the inalienable right to declare their independence.

The hypocrisy of this country astounds me.

Maybe those 31 words that debuted in 1892 and were adopted by Congress as our pledge in 1942, should be revised a wee bit to read more honestly, “I pledge allegiance to the hypocrisy of the United States of America and for the arrogant hate inspired vitriol, which is allowed to stand in

Even crazier is that so many now view this as patriotic and they may receive pardons next month.

The domestic terrorists on January 6th and their sympathizers were upset they lost the election. They were afforded their constitutional right to vote, but because their cult leader fell short, the process was called fraudulent, so they decided to riot.

Africans in America have been denied equal voting rights and had freedoms restricted for centuries. With Project 2025 looming, the

this Nation, Godless, easily divisible, and with a lack of liberty and injustice for all.”

That would be a more accurate representation of this nation, especially the one that was allowed to thrive and flourish under our incoming Racist in Chief and his insurrectionist wing of the MAGA Republican Party.

I wasn’t surprised at the January 6th “ish” show attempt to overthrow our government and murder our elected leaders. The fact that you would commit such a heinous and traitorous crime and have the audacity and arrogance to feign anger at being held accountable for your actions is the pinnacle of out of control white privilege.

MAGA Administration will again try to deny voting rights to Africans in America while also stripping away civil, religious and other basic human and constitutional rights.

But I guarantee you not one person with a dark skin hue will storm a building or threaten to kill any elected official as a result.

There are many other privileges rooted in hypocrisy that those with the complexion protection enjoy that Africans in America are denied, but I’ll just continue to place my hand over my heart and still silently mimic those 31 words.

Kenneth L. (Kenny) Hardin is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024 •

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If There Is No Enemy Within, The Enemy Outside Cannot Get In! BIG MAMA SAID BY TERRY ALLEN Proverbs often carry wisdom passed through generations, and this one is no different: “If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside cannot get in.”

On the surface, it tells us that enemies exploit our weaknesses. They know what buttons to push, using our fears and insecurities against us. But Lucille “Big Mama” Allen taught us to dig deeper. Our enemies, she said, are not the ones who exploit our weaknesses; they are the fears and insecurities we allow to fester within us. Those external forces are merely opportunists capitalizing on what we haven’t conquered inside ourselves.

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Lesson One: The True Enemy Lies Within I remember when a colleague who had once leaned on my expertise began flipping every move or activity, I made into something negative. After years of using my ideas and facilitation skills to win over clients, they’d become my harshest critic. The verbal jabs, ostracism, and undermining felt personal—until I realized the battle wasn’t about me. It was their insecurities lashing out, a fear that their new authority couldn’t stand on its own. Big Mama’s wisdom rang true: the real struggle wasn’t with them, but with how I allowed their actions to challenge my confidence. Once I embraced that understanding, their power to disrupt me diminished.

Lesson Two: E.G.O. – Easing God Out Big Mama warned that our biggest enemy often masquerades as pride—the ego (E.G.O. – Easing God Out) Fear and insecurity feed that ego, whispering lies that convince us we must prove ourselves, fight back, or retreat in shame. I have seen this in work teams that are steeped in negativity vs. celebration. But these are just states of mind we haven’t learned to control. When we let them reign, we edge God’s guidance out, losing sight of our purpose.

Lesson Three: Control Brings Confidence Big Mama’s words were a call to action. She urged us to embark on an exercise of self-control over our darker elements.

Recognizing and addressing our fears and insecurities doesn’t weaken us; it strengthens us. The Biggest lesson was “my reaction to you has more to do with how I feel than what you said to me!” Through this process, we rise up, more confident and capable because we understand ourselves. As Big Mama often said, “We are created to serve God by loving and serving one another.”

So today, let’s honor Big Mama’s wisdom. Let us identify the true enemy within and take away its power. When we do, no external force can shake us.

And that, she’d say, is the gift we give ourselves—and the world.

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

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FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024 •

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Dallas City Council Approves Vaping Ordinance Wednesday, the Dallas City Council approved a new ordinance aimed at enhancing air quality and safeguarding the health of residents by prohibiting vaping in places where smoking is already banned. The ordinance, which was proposed by City of Dallas Environmental Commission (EVC) and the Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability (OEQS), amends the definition of “smoking” in the Dallas City Code to include the use of electronic smoking devices (vaping). This measure effectively bans vaping in all locations currently prohibited for smoking.

The new ordinance will take effect on December 11, 2025, providing a oneyear grace period for residents, business owners, and operators to come into compliance with the new rules.

The ordinance mirrors existing restrictions on smoking in specific areas, including all indoor and enclosed spaces, within 15 feet of building entrances, and on park property. Importantly, this amendment does not add any new locations to the list of smoking and vaping restrictions.

In addition, the amendment requires businesses, such as restaurants, hotels and fitness centers, to update their signage to clearly state that both smoking and the use of electronic smoking devices are prohibited.

“I am proud to work alongside my fellow councilmembers, in partnership with the Environmental Commission, to advance policy that makes sense.

As we know, vaping is a serious public health matter impacting our youth and most vulnerable. I am pleased about today’s vote to enact these amendments,” said Kathy Stewart, Council Member for district 10 and Chair of the Parks, Trails, and the Environment Committee.

“This ordinance fortifies the City’s commitment to restrict vaping in public spaces after collaboration with our community partners and identifying the negative health effects of vaping aerosol exposure,” said Interim City Manager Kimberly Tolbert. “This is an exciting day because the approval of the ordinance closes an important

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Interim City Manager Kimberly Tolbert

regulatory gap and better protects the health of our residents from the neg-

ative effects of electronic smoking devices.”

“Today’s action shows yet another way the City’s Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan protects the health of our residents.” said Carlos Evans, Director of OEQS. This ordinance amendment has garnered widespread support from leading health organizations, including the Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS), the American Lung Association (ALA), and the American Heart Association (AHA). These organizations, along with the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and U.S. Surgeon General, have consistently raised concerns about the health risks of both direct and second-hand exposure to vaping aerosols, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and older adults.

Will The New President Play The Role As A Political Bully?

OUR VOICES

BY JAMES B. EWERS JR. ED.D.

Have you ever been around a bully?

My friends and I saw one on a street corner when we were in elementary school.

He spoke to us, and we spoke to him.

Upon reflection, he must have surmised that our milk money of ten cents wasn’t worth the aggravation.

It wasn’t too long before he left the corner. We never found out what happened to him. We think he ran afoul of the law.

Usually that is what happens to bullies. They get into trouble and if they don’t straighten up, they go to juvenile detention or to jail when they are older.

Some pundits believe that in January, we’ll get a bully in the White House. So far, the incoming president is getting anything and everything he wants. The Republicans think they are in control of the House of Representatives and the US Senate.

Wrong!

The incom-

ing president controls the House and the Senate.

In the coming weeks and months, he is going to try to impose his will on the GOP. Will they be able to stand up to him? We will be watching as this political drama unfolds.

There is still a level of reason and sensibility in both chambers. We know who they are and their policy philosophies. As Americans, we too, will have to stand up and speak out.

For example, do you think he will be able to dissolve the Affordable Healthcare Act? The answer in my opinion is no.

Elected officials from these red states will get an earful if they try to get rid of it. Rest assured, the Affordable Healthcare Act will remain.

Already, one of his supporters, Rep. Matt Gaetz from Florida had to back out of being nominated for the position of attorney general. Why? The short answer is alleged inappropriate behavior.

Chalk one up for sensible legislators who distanced themselves from him. Records show he removed his name from consideration on

November 21. Gaetz has also resigned from Congress.

At this point, Ron DeSantis, governor of Florida is being considered for the post of secretary of defense.

It appears that Mr. Trump is growing sour on Pete Hegseth. In other words, the thrill is gone over the Fox News commentator.

We know why so there is no need to repeat it here.

I believe Mr. DeSantis will be confirmed if he is nominated. With this turn of events from Hegseth to DeSantis, the Senate is saying to the next president that you can’t bully us.

Mr. Trump’s nominations are being challenged and so are his conversations with foreign leaders. Just a few weeks ago, the incoming president had a conversation with Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum.

He claimed it was a wonderful conversation. President Sheinbaum stated that wasn’t true. Mr. Trump wants to impose a 25% tariff on Mexico to combat the fentanyl problem.

President Sheinbaum said, “Mexico does not produce weapons. We do not produce synthetic drugs.

Unfortunately, what we do

have is the people who are being killed by the crime that is responding to the demand in your country.”

Mexico’s president will not be intimidated by him.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada met with Mr. Trump to discuss the relationship between the two countries. Again, Mr. Trump is suggesting a high tariff because of the trade deficit and border issues and if not adhered to wants to make Canada the 51st state. You know what Mr. Trudeau thought of that idea.

I would opine that world leaders are waiting anxiously to see exactly what the new president is going to do. Will his bully tactics and tantrums turn into regulations and laws? That is the question.

Will the Trump administration be desultory lacking a plan or will they be consistent in steering the country in the right direction.

Stay tuned.

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.

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024 •

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Mexico’s first female president gets glory of history that USA neighbor rejected I WAS JUST THINKING...

NORMA ADAMS-WADE

Touché!

Karma has Trumped a victory!

President-elect Donald Trunk and his minions appeared confident that his victory over Vice-President Kamala Harris had put women in their place and the gender issue to rest.

Alas. Along comes Mexico’s newly-elected first female president -- right across the Southern border -- to be a too-close thorn in Trump’s chauvinistic and misogynistic side.

The world watched as the newly-elected Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in as Mexico’s new head of government on October 1, 2024 – slightly over 200 years since that country officially declared independence from Spain in 1821.

Signaling poetic justice, President Sheinbaum -- a climate scientist and former Mayor of Mexico City -- did not hesitate to send bold messages to the new incoming U. S. head of government in Sheinbaum’s first stand-off against Trump’s new administration.

President-elect Trump threatened that on his first day in office he would impose a 25 % tariff on Mexico, Canada and China as his way to control import issues including illegal immigration and the flow of the Fentanyl drug into the U. S. Mexico’s first female president stands her ground

Claudia_Sheinbaum Mexico’s first female President

President Sheinbaum responding directly to Trump, saying: “President Trump, migration and drug consumption in the United States cannot be addressed through threats or tariffs. What is needed is cooperation... For every tariff there will be a response in kind, until we put at risk our shared enterprises.

Yes, shared.”

Sheinbaum further made her tariff position clear in a press conference. She remarked about Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent, apparently amiable meeting with President-elect Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort to discuss Trump’s tariffs threats. Sheinbaum said simply but boldly: “Mexico must be respected.”

And so, the drama begins.

Envision Kamala Harris and others as U. S. First female President Had our vice-president won the election, allow me to imagine the conversation of the two women conversing on a first name basic.

Claudia and Kamala – as supporters affectionately call our vice-president -- would have been a mindboggling duo, deciding border and economic issues together. But in reality, although the U. S. and Mexico share a southern border, our two countries have very little else in common, certainly not vision -- more lack thereof.

I was just thinking...The legacies of so many strong, bold, talented, smart, and sassy women would have

been ground Kamala (the endeared first name) would stand on to lead our country were it not for her gender. I envision many female leaders who blazed trails with strong leadership qualities, vision, and conviction and could have competently worn the U. S. presidential clock, were it not for deep-seated national gender, and perhaps racial, bias.

Here are some women from present and past generations who come to mind: Barbara Jordan, Sheila Jackson Lee, Ann Richards, Shirley Chisholm, Condoleezza Rice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Dianne Feinstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Nancy Pelosi, Michelle Obama (who says no thank you), Cherokee Nation Chief Wilma Mankiller; and in my second tier -- Fannie Lou Hamer, Ida B Well-Barnett, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Maya Angelou, and yes, Whoopi Goldberg.

Mexico said yes, USA said no The citizens of Mexico and a huge contingent of its female population gave Sheinbaum her victory on a silver platter on June 2, 2024. She won over her opponent – also a female – and was sworn-in Oct. 1, 2024. One month later on November 5, 2024, the American people rejected our opportunity to follow suit by electing our own first female president in our nation’s 248year history.

Instead, American citizens took what some would consider the coward’s exit. Voters symbolically declared, “Give us Barabbas!” Then voters -- running away from the apFRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024 •

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Hillary Clinton

Kamala Harris

Mia Mottley

former U. S. Secretary of State, former U. S. “first Lady,” prolific mentor for future female leaders.

U. S. Vice-President, described by media as “highest ranking woman in American political history.”

Barbados Prime Minister, longest-serving female head of government among 193 U. N. member countries.

parently frightening aspect of a female making decisions for the nation -- placed at our helm what has become the familiar cliché “a convicted felon.”

Kamala Harris’s credentials Among female U. S. presidential contenders, Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton seem to have come closest to achieving the power and position Sheinbaum now has in Mexico. Kamala’s credentials and achievements speak volumes. Historians describe her as “the highest ranking woman in American political history.”

Harris has been San Francisco District Attorney, California Attorney General, California U. S. Senator. She was president of the national Senate, and first female African-American and Asian-American U. S. vice-president.

Historically, in her position as VP, she was the first woman and third person to assume the powers and duties of the presidency, as acting U. S. President She did so for an hour and 45 minutes on Nov 19, 2021 while President Joe Biden underwent colonoscopy. Her enthusiastic, wide- cheeked laugh and full-teethed smile has become both a beloved

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and vilified personal trait.

The U. S. has not yet accepted the concept of strong female leadership at the helm of the country. Yet, our border-neighbor and other warriors are showing us the ropes.

Hillary Clinton’s presidential run still opening doors for future generations Hillary Clinton is one of those warrior-female leaders.

She has worn so many hats that likely, her head regularly is re-measured for size. She has been an attorney, former “first lady” as wife of former president Bill Clinton (19932001), first woman elected to the U. S. Senate in 2000, and was former U. S. Secretary of State (2009-2013) in the Barack Obama administration.

Clinton challenged Barack Obama in the 2008 Democratic primary. Obana won and defeated Republican opponent John McClain in the general election. In 2016, Hillary Clinton was the Democratic Party presidential nominee but lost to Republican challenger Donald Trump. Media reports say she surpassed Trump by nearly 2.9 million in the popular vote, winning 48.2 percent of all popular votes cast, while

Trump won 46.1 percent.

Trump won the general election with 304 electoral college votes to Hillary Clinton’s 227.

Clinton, the glass-ceiling breaker, has been shining light on female heads of government and female leaders around the world as her legacy before and since her devastating 2016 presidential defeat.

In 2011, she became the appointed Honorary Founding Chair of the Institute for Women, Peace and Security at Georgetown University in Washington, D. C. That body presents annual awards named in her honor to women working to bring peace and security around the world. Clinton said at the Oct. 1, 2024 event that the awards were created “to recognize the importance of women’s participation and leadership in global peacebuilding.”

Since 2020, she has served as the first female Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Also, Swansee University in Swansee, Wales (UK) has the Hillary Rodham Clinton School of Law named in her honor. In 2023 she joined Columbia University in New York City as co-founder of the Institute of Global Politics

and a leader in the school’s other international public affairs services.

She is the namesake of the Hillary Rodham Clinton Center for Citizenship at her alma mater Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and the namesake of the Hillary Rodham Clinton Chair of Women’s History at Oxford University in Oxford, England. Brenda E. Stevenson, herself an African-American woman -- and award-winning historian of gender, race, conflict, slavery, and family – is chair. Clinton further is an author, podcaster, and produces television, broadcast, and stage shows highlighting women’s achievements.

Other USA women with calibers equal to a Claudia Sheinbaum, Kamala Harris or Hillary Clinton have always been there before our very eyes. We refuse to see them.

What are we going to do about it? We will learn more about women who head governments around the world – except in the U. S. -- in a future column. Stay tuned.

Norma Adams-Wade is a veteran, award-winning journalist, Graduate of UT- Austin and Dallas native.

One of the founders of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), she was inducted into the NABJ Hall of Fame

DeSoto Police Officer Involved in Shooting

By Rita Cook Correspondent DESOTO – At a news conference Monday, December 16, DeSoto police explained the details of an officer involved shooting that happened in that city Friday, December 13.

According to DeSoto Police Chief Joe Costa, “Dispatch received several calls around 10:40 a.m. by a man who identified himself as Arthur Lee Armstrong, 26 years old.”

Dispatch had also received a 911 hang-up call from a residence in the 1000 block of Hunter’s Creek Dr., where the incident took place.

When dispatch did speak with Armstrong, he said he had “several” weapons and wanted to harm police.

Officers responded to the address and as they were pulling up to the scene one of the officers saw Armstrong.

Police were aware the department had a history with

Armstrong and had dealt with him in the past under similar circumstances in 2022. With that information. department protocol called for a three-officer response.

A press release from DeSoto PD also indicated another caller dispatch spoke to stated “Armstrong had mental issues and was armed with a knife and wouldn’t put it down.”

When the first officer arrived, Armstrong began approaching him with a large knife in his hand. He was told to drop the knife and refused. The additional officers who were close by, came around the corner and Armstrong turned his attention to them.

Armstrong was told again over a loudspeaker to drop his knife and disregarded multiple commands from officers to stop and drop the weapons.

As he continued to approach the officers he stepped off the curb and it was at that time the DeSoto police officer fired a

single round from a patrol rifle, striking Armstrong in the chest.

Officers disarmed Armstrong and immediately began lifesaving measures.

Armstrong was transported to Central Methodist Hospital

by DeSoto EMS where he was later pronounced deceased.

At the request of the DeSoto Police Department, officers from the Major Crimes Unit of the Grand Prairie Police Department’s Investigative Services Bureau responded to the scene and are heading up the investigation of the incident.

Additionally, the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Unit is conducting an independent investigation of the incident.

The officer who discharged his patrol rifle during this incident was placed on paid administrative leave, per DeSoto Police Department policy, while the investigations are conducted. The DeSoto officer’s name was not released;

also per DeSoto Police Department policy.

Chief Costa said, “There will be an administrative review done on use of force per policy,” and he added “My officers reacted to the situation at hand with the information available.”

Both State Rep. Carl Sherman, whose District 109 includes DeSoto spoke at the press conference Monday as did DeSoto Mayor Pro Tem Leticia Hughes.

“We understand the profound impact incidents like this have on our community, the individuals involved, and their families. The DeSoto Police Department has initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, and we are committed to sharing information as it becomes available,” a press release emphasized.

No other information is available in this ongoing investigation.

Former Cedar Hill Officer resigns after misconduct charges filed

By Rita Cook Correspondent ELLIS COUNTY - Former Cedar Hill Police Officer Donald Mercer turned himself into the Wayne McCollum Detention Center in Ellis County Monday, December 16.

According to a statement from the Cedar Hill Police Department (CHPD), the Texas Rangers filed criminal charges in Ellis County against Mercer regarding alleged misconduct with a female suspect during a DWI arrest this past August.

Mercer was charged with Official Oppression, a Class A Misdemeanor.

The release stated, “This

morning we received notification that Mercer had turned himself in to the Ellis County Jail. Mercer was under investigation for a separate incident when the city received the complaint related to the August arrest. Four days later, he resigned from the Cedar Hill Police Department rather than face termination proceedings.”

An internal investigation by the department found four policy violations against Mercer. The violations ranged from “dereliction of duty to conduct unbecoming an officer.”

“The Cedar Hill Police Department prides itself on a culture of accountability,” said Cedar Hill Police Chief

Donald Mercer

Credit - Texas Rangers

Ely Reyes. “In the initial case, the victim did not bring the complaint, but the conduct was uncovered during the interview process which prompted CHPD officers to investigate proactively. We empower our people to report misconduct when they see it and that is exactly what

happened in this case.”

According to William Lockridge, Sergeant, Safety Education, Media and Communications, Texas Department of Public Safety, Mercer was released that same day on a $100,000 bond.

“We want to be clear that we hold our officers and department to a high standard of public service and professional conduct that is appropriate, honorable, and ethical,” Chief Reyes added.

“Maintaining the public’s trust and respect is of the utmost importance, as is being publicly transparent to the full extent possible without compromising any ongoing investigations or legal processes.”

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024 •

15

WITHERITE LAW GROUP DONATES $20,000 TO MINNIE’S FOOD PANTRY Local law firm provides holiday meals and gifts to more than 2,000 families and children in need this holiday season Amy Witherite

Witherite Law Group and 1-800-TruckWreck are donating $20,000 to support the annual Christmas Food and Toy Giveaway hosted

by Minnie’s Food Pantry, a nonprofit organization providing healthy meals and educational resources to children and families in need. Witherite Law Group’s donation will feed 548 Families and serve 1,814 kids. Each year, Minnie’s Food Pantry works to ensure Dallas-Fort Worth-area families have a plentiful holiday season. This includes fulfilling the Christmas wish lists of thousands of children and providing holiday meals – complete with turkeys, hams, side dishes and condiments.

Witherite Law Group’s donation will help fund this year’s event, which will take place from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 21, at Minnie’s Food Pan-

16 • FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024

try, 661 18th St., Plano, TX 75074. The event is free and open to the public.

Registration has been closed for this event.

“Holiday season is a time for giving, and nothing is more valuable than the reactions we get from the families and children we serve at this event,” said Amy Witherite, owner of Witherite Law Group and 1-800-TruckWreck. “We’ve been sponsoring Minnie’s Food Pantry since 2018 and have partnered with them for this Christmas event for the past four years to provide food and gifts to our neighbors, and we look forward to continuing the tradition.”

The North Texas Food Bank’s service area ranks as the nation’s fourth-largest area of food insecurity, with approximately 777,690, or 1 in 8 people, facing food insecurity daily. The pri-

mary cause of food insecurity is low income, and more than 360,000 Dallas County residents live in poverty, approximately 136,600 of whom are children. Strained incomes may force families to sacrifice food supply for other necessities. Witherite Law Group and its partners are committed to serving the community and ensuring those impacted by economic circumstances can have a healthy meal and gifts this holiday season.

In addition to this holiday event, Witherite Law Group also supported the annual Senior Citizen Christmas Bash hosted by Minnie’s Food Pantry on Monday, Dec. 16, where catered meals, gifts and raffle prizes were provided to approximately 70 local senior citizens across four senior living facilities.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! December 2024

Marcus and LadyStephanie Sparks Wedding Anniversary

Stacey and Brian Courtney Wilson 24 years

Daphne and Tim Reid 42 years

Dr. Leola and Stanton Lawrence 21 years

Reagan Gomez and DeWayne Turrentine 25 years

Sonja and John Blackwell 36 years

Celeste and Alph Lukau 22 years

Charlotte and Jamal Berry 55 years

James and Rosalyn Cantu 18 years

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024 •

17

Call issued to Support Black Businesses BLACK GIRL VITAMINS

Buy Black!

By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News

When Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, of Friendship-West Baptist Church, announced 100 Days Dr. Frederick D.Haynes III of Buying Black in acknowledging the 100th Commemoration of the Tulsa Race Massacre, we joined the movement. December 31, 2021 marked 100 days of featuring Black Businesses. and we decided that the struggle continues and we must also. So enjoy reading about more Black-owned businesses and please support.

Black Girl Vitamins are high-quality supplements that work. To provide high-quality solutions that cater to the needs of Black women. They envision a world where every Black Woman feels empowered and supported in her health journey. Dr. Bryanne Standifer-Barrett has carefully curated products, that aim to nourish and help you thrive on your wellness journey. Their products are 100% Vegan Ingredients. Their products come with a 100% moneyback guarantee. Visit the website to learn more about the products.

• https://blackgirlvitamins.co/ • Email: hello@blackgirlvitamins.co • https://www.instagram.com/blackgirlvitamins/ SHERON BARBER™ ATELIER

MS. C’S SEASONING

Meet the heart and soul behind Ms. C’s Seasoning, a thriving family-owned business rooted in the passion for cooking and sharing delectable dishes. Carline and Nathaniel, a dynamic mother-son duo, find joy in the kitchen, infusing every recipe with the belief that there’s nothing a touch of flavor can’t improve. Inspired by Ms. C’s culinary travels, her meticulously crafted specialty seasonings have become a testament to her commitment to culinary excellence. Share your culinary dreams, spice preferences, or any inquiries, and let Ms. C’s Seasonings transform your kitchen experience.

• https://www.mscsshop.com/ • email: misscseasoning@gmail.com • (469) 315-3502

18 • FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024

Sheron Barber™ is a namesake, high-end, fashion house – seamlessly combining luxury and urban sensibilities. The brand is synonymous with functionality and artisanal leather goods, a concept that guides the brand’s design process, based on a constant drive for experimentation and creativity. Sheron Barber is an American fashion designer, creative director, and entrepreneur. Barber’s reworked and original products are some of the most sought-after leather goods by hip-hop stars and athletes, including Lebron James and Rihanna. Check out the website and sign up for the newsletter for the latest collections.

• https://www.sheronbarberatelier.com/ • info@sheronbarber.com SISTA TEAS, FOUNDER & CEO SHANTAY OWENS

Meet Shantay Owens the founder and CEO of Sista Teas,

which sells loose-leaf tea, honey, teaware, and bundles. Sista Teas was founded in 2019 and is based in California. Sista Reas is now in Royce City, Texas. The company’s teas are made with spearmint, ginger, peppermint, lemongrass, butterfly pea flower, and soursop leaf. Owens is passionate about sharing the benefits of loose-leaf tea with a community of women.

She believes that loose-leaf tea offers a better taste, medicinal benefits, and color than tea bag tea. Visit the website and sign up to win a free tea and more.

• https://sistateas.com/ • E-mail: info@sistateas.com CECILIA’S HOUSE

First things first, Cecilia’s House was created by a Black woman, and with Black women in mind. Second, it’s an ode to her grandmother, Cecilia. Welcome to Cecilia’s House, where empowering Black women is not just a mission, but a passion that drives everything they do.

They understand that life for these remarkable women can be a constant juggle, as passionate friends, sisters, daughters, and partners, they often find it challenging to prioritize themselves.

Visit the website to shop sign up for the mailing list and more.

• https://ceciliashouse.com/ • customercare@ceciliashouse.com • (347) 433-8245 IZZY & LIV

Meet Nicole W. Brown and I am the founder and CEO of Izzy & Liv. She keeps a low profile, quietly working hard behind the scenes. People ask, “Why did you create Izzy & Liv?”. “Over 20 years ago I found myself searching for websites for Black women.” There were only a few and a void to fill so she decided to create it herself. In 2003, I launched a community website for women of color called Mahogany Butterfly (MaBu). In 2014, Izzy & Liv the company was born. Visit the website and your very own Brown Sugar Box. • https://www.izzyandliv.com/ • support@izzyandliv.com

Trump’s People, Plans, and Response OUR VOICES DR. JOHN E. WARREN

So far we have seen President Elect Donald Trump nominate a host of unqualified people for key positions in an effort to ensure this time that he has full control of government from day one.

We have also seen some push back and we can expect more as Mr. Trump learns that being king is a lot more difficult than being President.

Before we go into collective fear mode from anticipating Project 2025 and the dismantling of our democracy, let us remember that we the people remain the ultimate safeguard to keeping our system of government with its checks

and balances. First, beyond Cabinet Appointments, we have a Civil Service Merit System with built in rights and appeals for employees covered under this Act. The Court challenges that will come with such an effort to remove so many people will be overwhelming to the legal system even before the Supreme Court is reached. To dismantle programs and departments will require public notice of such proposed changes with a 45 day comment period. Every American has a right to write their comments about any and all proposed changes and there is a required period for review of such comments.

Next, the Executive Orders that the President will sign must be published in the Federal Register. This means that Trump, who would be King,

still does not have freedom to act without transparency.

We the people must pay attention to all Executive Orders that are issued and be prepared to challenge where necessary as an act of not giving up control of our lives and our government.

Third, we must remember why there is such a rush to accomplish all these things during the first 100 days.

While Trump won the Electoral College Vote, a review of the recent election will reveal that not every Republican running for office got elected along with Donald Trump. We must make sure that his control of the House of Representatives ends with the Mid-Term Elections in 24 months.

We must not react in fear to such ideas as abolishing Diversity, Equity and Inclu-

sion (DEI). Those elements were never about Black People but rather keeping our struggle diluted with other ethnic causes so as to weaken our focus. We the people, and We as Black People, still have the ability to neutralize “King Trump” and his plans to rule America. We have a Constitution to stand on that can be only as strong as our support of it. We have the collective ability to put pressure on those who would bow to Trump and kiss the ring rather than stand up as our forefathers did before us, against even greater odds. Ultimately, its not what happens to us as much as it is how we react and what we do next. Where do you stand?

Dr. John E. Warren is publisher of The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint.

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024 •

19

Capital One’s $265 billion Community Benefits Plan

By Rep. Ron Reynolds

Chairman Texas Legislative Black Caucus

The Texas Legislative Black Caucus is very proud of the work we have done for our communities. Helping improve the lives of our constituents and working to strengthen small businesses is a great privilege.

I am always looking for ways to improve the lives of our constituents, whether it’s supporting legislation or backing private sector initiatives, like the Capital One-Discover merger and its accompanying Community Benefits Plan (CBP), that we feel will benefit our district’s neighborhoods.

We are thrilled about the potential impact of Capital One’s $265 billion Community Benefits Plan (CBP) for the Black community in our state.

This comprehensive initiative, developed in partnership with respected organizations like the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) and NeighborWorks America, promises to bring substantial positive change to our underserved communities.

For far too long, Black Texans have grappled with limited access to credit and financial services.

The CBP’s commitment of $200 billion in lending for low-and moderate-income (LMI) individuals and communities represents a unique opportunity to expand credit access to communities that are often overlooked by other financial institutions.

This substantial investment has the potential to unlock financial possibilities for many of my constituents who have traditionally been left behind by mainstream banking institutions.

We understand how hard it can be to launch and sustain a company, that is why CBP’s allocation of $15 billion for small business lending in LMI areas is particularly heartening.

In Texas, 69 percent of Black-owned businesses have reported facing barriers to accessing capital, in part due to unaffordable interest rates and low or poor credit scores.

This CBP’s focused investment could

20 • FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024

Rep. Ron Reynolds

prove instrumental in stimulating economic growth and employment opportunities within our communities.

But the plan goes beyond that. The CBP includes a $600 million investment in Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) that focus on small businesses and consumer lending.

Minority-owned businesses often rely on CDFIs to access capital, and this investment means CDFIs will be better equipped to meet their needs so that they can continue to create jobs and drive economic growth.

Moreover, the plan’s commitment to allocating $5 billion for spending with diverse suppliers is a key feature that aligns well with the needs of our Black community. This initiative will help ensure that minority-owned businesses in Texas have increased opportunities to secure contracts and expand their operations, thereby contributing to our state’s overall economic growth and vitality.

Another crucial aspect of the CBP that addresses a pressing need in many Black neighborhoods across Texas is the $44 billion pledge for community development financing, including investments in affordable housing.

Access to stable, safe, and affordable

housing is essential for building robust communities and paving the way for upward economic mobility.

As public servants who wants to do right by our constituents, the Texas Legislative Black Caucus views Capital One’s Community Benefits Plan as an opportunity to drive positive change in our communities.

The collaborative approach employed in developing this plan, involving non-profit partners, ensures that it addresses genuine needs that we have.

In closing we know that reaching the American dream is no small task, but initiatives like this one put it within reach for so many people.

We strongly urge for regulators to greenlight the Capital One-Discover merger, thereby enabling the implementation of this comprehensive Community Benefits Plan.

This merger and its accompanying CBP present a valuable opportunity to promote financial inclusion, bolster Black-owned businesses, and foster economic development in Black communities throughout Texas and across the nation.

On behalf of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus,

Community gathering held to discuss naming of SOC baseball field

Community gathering held to discuss naming of SOC baseball field

By Anthony Council Correspondent The South Oak Cliff (SOC) Alumni Bear Cave recently hosted a community gathering to discuss the naming of the new baseball complex to be built on the Dr. Frederick Douglass Todd Middle School campus. The event, organized

by Natasha Gerald, the SOC Alumni Bear Cave President, and SBDM Chair, brought together residents to honor the legacy of trailblazing figures from the Negro Baseball League, specifically Ed Hudson and William “Skinny Legs” Blair, two pioneers of the game.

During the meeting, Natasha Gerald emphasized the importance of involving the community in the decision-making process. While the district would ultimately have to approve the name, she said it was crucial to ensure that the community’s input was considered. Attendees expressed excitement and positivity about having their voices heard in the conversation about the complex’s name.

The discussion focused on choosing a name that would honor these key figures. Potential names such as “Hudson Complex,” “Bill Blair Field,” and “Bill Blair Complex and Hudson Field” were

Natasha Gerald leads meeting to discuss naming of field.

considered, with both Hudson and Blair being celebrated for their significant contributions to the sport.

Darryl Blair, the son of the late William “Skinny Legs” Blair, shared his gratitude for the possibility of honoring his father’s legacy at the new complex.

“I’m very grateful and proud to have my father’s name on this field. It speaks volumes about his legacy and the importance of this moment,” Blair said.

He also reflected on his father’s values with one of his many quotes, “When you know better, you do better, and you make it better for the greater good,” emphasizing the importance of improving for future generations.

As the community discussed the name options, one participant suggested that the name should reflect not only the legacies of past players but also the heart and spirit of South Oak Cliff. This perspective emphasized a deeper connection to the community’s history and values.

The final decision on the naming will be submitted to the district for review, with a resolution expected soon. The meeting was an important step in ensuring that the community’s voices were heard in shaping the future of the new baseball complex; a tribute to the rich history of South Oak Cliff and the athletes who helped shape it.

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024 •

21

AROUND TOWN WITH EVA

Congratulations AKA Omega Alpha Omega President Pamela Foster

Congratulations to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Omega Alpha Omega Chapter President Pamela Foster who was installed as president on Dec. 14, 2024. Foster (center) is pictured with former Omega Alpha Omega presidents from left to right: Tuere Williams, Alice Walker, Alana Miller and LaWanna Willis.

Left to right: Alice Walker, Alana Miller, Tuere Williams, Former Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated South Central Regional Director Chelle Luper Wilson, LaWanna Willis, Pamela Foster

22 • FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024

Kappa Fusion Drives Joy

Greek organizations combine forces for impact

By Eva D. Coleman

Lifestyle & Culture Editor

Overheard on Dec. 11, 2024 at the Shark Bar in Plano with lots of “pretty” people in the place…

A fraternity brother joked with another that one of their brothers was there “looking for a wife.” They laughed and enjoyed eyeing his “many options.” Women were in a festive mood, giddy and all smiles. There was great music, food, crowd chatter and toys… plenty of them. From bikes, playsets, athletic balls and boardgames, tables overflowed with donations.

This was the fourth year for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Omega Alpha Omega Chapter and Frisco Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated’s Holiday Toy Drive benefiting the Boys & Girls Club and Martin Luther King Center in Denton.

The event was energetic and will surely make kids happy this holiday season. With so many gifts and people in a giving mood, I hope Santa is nice and gives the fraternity brother a wife!

Principles at Work

Kwanzaa & African celebration reinforces community

By Eva D. Coleman

Lifestyle & Culture Editor

The village was in full force to support the Kwanzaa & African Celebration at Verona Villa in Frisco, Texas Dec. 10, 2024. From education, performances, shopping and collaboration, the event embodied the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).

Highlights included the explanation of the principles of Kwanzaa and lighting of candles, a fashion show conducted

by House of Dasha, Bandan Koro African drummers, vendors featuring handcrafted items and ethnic foods, and many attendees decked out in African attire.

Teen entrepreneur Kennedy Laster of Candy Curls, a cotton candy company, FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024 •

23

CLASS OF 2024 Nia Baker

Cleveland Heights High School Cleveland Heights, Ohio

Terian Tee Goree

University of North Texas

24 • FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024

Marquis Newman

University of South Carolina Columbia, South Carolina

Jourdan Cristian

University of North Texas

Taylon Mosley

University of North Texas

Mayah Weekly

Prairie View A&M University

METRO SALUTE Willie Simmons

Thomas Miles

Travis Hunter

Was named the new head coach at Florida International University.

Receives the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree at The Gatsby Showcase Foundation Gala.

The 2024 Lott Impact Trophy Award Winner named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott.

Ron Busby

Quincy Wilson

Dominique Dawes and Will Packer

Receives the President’s Trailblazer Award Recipient at The Gatsby Showcase Foundation Gala.

The 16-year-old is making waves in track and field, capping off a remarkable year with the USATF Youth Athlete of the Year Award.

The iconic gymnast Dominique Dawes and powerhouse film producer Will Packer become new owners of the Atlanta Falcons.

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024 •

25

Mavs Introduce New CEO Rick Welts

Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall (left) and Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont (far right) listen to future CEO of the Mavericks, Rick Welts (middle), at the Dallas Mavericks press conference.

Photo: Anthony Council

By Anthony Council Correspondent After almost seven years as CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, Cynt Marshall officially passed the baton to Rick Welts who was announced Wednesday afternoon as the franchise’s new CEO. Welts will take the reins of the franchise January 1, 2025. Marshall will retire at the end of this month.

“The chance to lead this organization in this city at this time is both incredibly exciting and unexpected,” said Welts. “I appreciate Patrick’s confidence in selecting me to build upon the culture and success that Cynt Marshall and Nico Harrison have created. My long-standing friendships with them both give me a lot of confidence in accepting this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started NOVEMBER20, 22,2024 2024 26 • FRIDAY • DECEMBER

learning all I can about Dallas and how best to serve our fans and this community.”

Welts was joined at the press conference by Mavs Governor Patrick Dumont, and Marshall, who was the first Black female CEO in the history of the NBA when she was hired by former Mavs owner Mark Cuban in February of 2018. Both Dumont and Marshall praised Welts’ extensive experience in building successful teams and cultures and expressed their confidence in his ability to guide the Mavericks to continued success.

“Inspiring leadership has been a staple of the Dallas Mavericks since Cynt Marshall started leading the organization in 2018 as CEO. I’m extremely proud that her legacy of success and our family’s vision for the future of this franchise will soon

be in the hands of another great leader,” said Dumont.

“Rick Welts is among the most successful executives in the history of the NBA and a member of the Hall of Fame. To have him join us as we continue to build on the successful history of the Mavericks is a clear signal that this organization is serious about both growing its position as an elite NBA team and further positioning the franchise among the most popular sports teams in the world.”

Welts’ Career Journey Welts is a seasoned NBA executive who has been around the league for some time. In his 46-year career in sports and entertainment, Welts has previously held roles as President and COO of the Golden State Warriors from 2011 to 2021 where

he played a pivotal role in helping the team become a dominant force both on and off the court, winning three NBA championships and establishing a global fan base. His leadership extended beyond basketball, with significant contributions to the Warriors’ business strategy, community engagement, and innovative marketing approaches. He was also previously President of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, and the NBA’s Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer and President of NBA Properties.

Marshall symbolically handed Rick Welts the baton, reflecting on her time with the Mavericks and sharing an inspiring message about the franchise’s future: “Many runners, one team—ready, set, go!”

Vision for the Mavericks Welts shared his ambitious vision for the Mavericks, emphasizing the team’s potential for global growth. Reflecting on his long career in the NBA, Welts expressed his excitement about his future with the Mavericks: “Over the next 20 years, I see the most unbelievable growth opportunity for basketball. I see a global opportunity for basketball that doesn’t exist in other sports,” Welts said.

He then discussed the “strength in numbers” philosophy, which guided the Warriors’ success. Welts recalled how this approach was developed under coach Steve Kerr and became fundamental to the Warriors’ achievements “What that meant was that everybody, it didn’t matter what your job was, you had a role in the success of the franchise. If you weren’t doing your job well, we weren’t going to do as well. And that applied to the 11th and 12th guy on the bench. That applied to everybody in the business or-

ganization too,” he said.

Welts stressed that this mindset is essential for the Mavericks’ success moving forward: “Basketball and business operations working hand and glove together to really maximize the opportunity that this thing has.”

Welts on Diversity and Inclusion When asked about bringing diversity and inclusivity into the Mavericks organization, Welts shared his appreciation for the current culture, saying, “I think the table has been set beautifully.” Reflecting on the staff meeting he attended, he continued, “I looked around the room today, and I liked what I saw.”

Welts explained that his approach to diversity goes beyond being a social strategy; it’s about driving better business results. “I’m a big believer in this,” he said. “If you have people of the same background sitting around the table talking to each other,

you don’t have the richness of experience and conversation.

You get the best ideas from people who approach the day in a different way.”

He emphasized that diversity is essential for tapping into the best ideas and understanding the diverse perspectives of the customer base.

“It’s not a social strategy, it’s a business strategy,” Welts stated. “You get better business results when you’re really tapping into people who represent the customer base the fan base - and really try to understand different points of view.”

The Joy of the Game One of the biggest points Welts highlighted was the importance of the joy of the game. Reflecting on his time with the Warriors, he credited the success of the franchise to the passion and joy that everyone involved had for the game: “The joy of playing the game and presenting something that actually can make

a difference in all of life in the community—that’s why I’m here.”

Lessons Learned from Cynt Marshall When asked about the lessons he learned from Marshall in taking on the job, Welts said: “You can empower people to bring our authentic souls to work and know that their contribution is gonna make a difference in the bigger picture outcome. And I think once people believe that and once they know that what they’re doing is important to the success of the organization, then it’s appreciated and that it’s celebrated.

“I think you have a lot of very motivated people trying to get the franchise in the right place. I think that, you know, I’m at the, you know, worshipping, you know, her leadership in this respect because I think that’s what has been demonstrated in Dallas, and again, I think that goes way beyond the Mavericks.”

Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall Future (Left) CEO of Mavericks Rick Welts (Middle) and Mavericks Gov. Patrick Dumont (Right) sitting in front of reporters at Dallas Mavericks press conference.

Photo: Anthony Council

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024 •

27

SALUTING A KING

A filled-tocapacity room of supporters, family and friends gathered at the Anatole Hotel to pay tribute to the founder of the African American Museum, Dr. Harry Robinson (seated).

PIctured are Sen. Royce West (D-TX), Pastor Bryan Carter, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III and Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins.

Photo: Alicia Brown Young

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2024 Cricket Celebration Bowl -

Jackson State wins 28-7 The Divine 9 Council of Presidents and their Strategic Partners revealed a substantial philanthropic commitment, awarding over $20 Million in scholarships to Collegiate and Graduate School students.

TRAVIS HUNTER WINS HEISMAN!

CONGRATS SHEDEUR SANDERS

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Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year (2024) First-team All-Big 12 (2024) Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2024) FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024 •

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FAMU’S MARCHING 100 NAMED NO. 1 BAND IN THE LAND!

The final results of the second-ever ESPN Band of the Year are in and the top ensembles were from the SWAC and SIAC. The Marching 100 of Florida A&M took home the championship in the Division I final over 2023 champion North Carolina A&T. In the Division II finals, the Purple Marching Machine of Miles College earned the title over Virginia State’s Trojan Explosion.

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Realizing the Dream: Healthy Living Expo VENDOR FORM (please print) Name _____________________________________________ Email __________________________ Address _________________________________________________C/S/Z ______________________ Company/Org_________________________________________ Phone # _______________________ Type of Business/Organization: _________________________________________________________ Products, Services, Goods: _____________________________________________________________ I ___________________________________ look forward to participating in the 2025 Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo, January 20, 2025, 10a.m.-4p.m. at the African American Museum in Dallas.

Please check all that apply:*

_____ Sponsorship Opportunities - Call 214-941-0110 _____ CORPORATE BOOTH-- Receives 6” table with two chairs, and booth sign $500 INSIDE $250 OUTSIDE _____ SMALL BUSINESS/NON-PROFIT VENDOR — Receives 6” table with two chairs, and booth sign (one business/org/politician per booth) $100 OUTSIDE $200 INSIDE _____ FOOD TRUCKS Call 214-941-0110 (note - all food vendors must have certiÞcation)

* RATES DOUBLE AFTER DECEMBER 23, 2024 * REGISTRATION ENDS ON DECEMBER 31, 2024 * All vendors will have a representative present for 5 minutes on your business/goods/ services/platform, etc.

Make checks payable to: Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway, #100, Dallas, TX 75203 $40 Return Check fee 5% fee applied to credit/PayPal/Cash App purchases Zelle: 4698676004 CashApp: $penonÞre

Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo

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214-941-0110

320 S.R. L. Thornton Frwy

#100

Dallas, TX 75203

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DECEMBER

• Vol-12 • August 29 - September 4, 2024

COMMUNITY CALENDAR 28

HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, Intl Sharp Injury Prevention Awareness Month, Learn a Foreign Language Month, National Car Donation Month, National Drunk & Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month, National Human Rights Month, Safe Toys and Gifts Month, Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month, Universal Human Rights Month, World Twin To Twin Transfusion Syndrome Awareness Month, Worldwide Food Service Safety Month

Rep. Yvonne Davis Holiday Open House

Day 3 - UJIMA (COLLECTIVE WORK & RESPONSIBILITY) Shop The Dock Book Shop: 11a-6p Kwanzaa Community Celebration, 12-3p hosted

by The Dock Bookshop at The Dock. Family Story Time, Authors and more Kwanzaa Celebration, 6-9p at NOI MM #52

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Day 1 - - UMOJA (UNITY) Shop The Dock Book Shop 1-9p TBA Live presents Unity “Umoja” Art and Music Experience, 6:30-9p at The Dock Book Shop

27 Day 2 - KUJICHAGULIA (SELF-DETERMINATION) Shop The Dock Book Shop: 11a-5p Kwanzaa Celebration, 6:30-9p at New Mount Rose MBC, Pastor Kyev Tatum. 2864 Mississippi Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl – at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth

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Day 6 - KUUMBA (CREATIVITY) Shop The Dock Book Shop: Dr. 1-10p Stephanie Cudjoe Family Practice Kwanzaa Program, 5-7p at The Dock New Year’s Eve Open Mic, 7:30p hosted by Mike Guinn Entertainment at The Dock Marva Hanks Love Serve Impact Poscast Host

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Texas Coalition of Black Democrats Kwanzaa Celebration 7 PM Pan African Bookstore 4466 Marsalis Ave Dallas, TX *** Kwanzaa Celebration Share the Kwanzaa spirit of unity, self-determination, and collective responsibility while visiting with community members, local vendors, and service providers at this event, 1300 Wilson St. Denton, TX 76205, from 10am-1pm. *** 6th Annual Jerry Pinkney Day & Kwanzaa Celebration Bring the entire family and immerse yourself in African dance, music, storytelling, Kwanzaa crafts and the works of other African-American children’s authors. At 9619 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75243, from 12-3pm. For more info: Dallas Public Library

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Day 7 - WEDNESDAY JAN. 1 - IMANI (FAITH) Rest, Reflect & Prepare for the New Year Host your own Karamu Feast with family & friends

3 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl – at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas

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Coach Brittney Johnson Personal Trainer Nutrition Coach

SPONSORED BY:

26 KWANZAA is a African American cultural celebration that is observed each year from December 26-January 1. Events are free, family friendly and include candle lighting ceremony. Plus most events will be streamed live on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/thedockbookshop

To reserve your tickets or table: Email: gfwmlk@ gmail.com Phone: 817-233-5613 *** College Football Playoff Semifinal at the 89th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic – at AT&T Stadium in Arlington

Day 5 - NIA (PURPOSE) 2nd Shop The Dock Book Shop:ANNUAL 1-9p Kwanzaa Celebration, 6:30-8p hosted by MBK/MSK *** SPEAKERS DorrisDeSoto Bogus DeSoto Kwanzaa Fest by Concerned Kwanzaa Fest Sponsor-Host 2nd Annual Lifescaping Event Come join us at the DeSoto Civic Center (BlueAuthor: The 4 KaMIT Codes Mega Inc Lifestyle bonnet Room) for a day filled withFounder: celebration, culture, and community. Event will feature music, Julia Cotton dance performances, and delicious Actress/ food. AtMC211 Media Personality East Pleasant Run Road DeSoto, TX 75115, 7-9 pm.

JANUARY 1

Merry Christmas!

KWANZAA CELEBRATIONS

Day 4 - UJAMAA (COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS) Shop The Dock Book Shop: 1-5p Kwanzaa Celebration, 6p Greater St. Stephen First Church, Pastor Bell. 3728 E Berry St, Fort Worth

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11am - 6:30pm at 718 N Hampton Rd DeSoto, TX State Representative Yvonne Davis will be hosting a District 111 Holiday Open House. Mix and mingle with other Democrats while joining in on the holiday cheer. For more info, call (972) 274-1627.

MetroNews 1

T E X

WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM

The Greater Fort Worth MLK Jr. Holiday Committee warmly invites you to an extraordinary evening of celebration at the MLK Dreamer Awards Gala at The Worthington Renaissance in Fort Worth, TX honoring Ms. Gladys Lee for her outstanding contributions, at 6:00pm Dress Code: Formal Attire $100 per individual ticket $1,000 per table (seats 10 guests and includes priority seating)

FREEREFRESH, TO ATTEND RELAX, RECONNECT ALL AGES Make time to reconnect with yourself for the new year. Inspiring Speakers, Food, Meditation, Fun. 10am - 2pm CST. The Nature & Retreat Center, 5901 Los Rios Boulevard Plano, TX 75074

18 The 2025 Black Sports Professionals North Texas Sneaker Soirée, the third edition of the chapter’s annual sneaker ball, is slated from 6-10 p.m.

Stay tuned on BSPNTX.com and the chapter’s social media handles for location and event details and ticket pricing information.

20 Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo, 10a -4p African American Museum. Vendors, entertainment, cooking contests, lectures, health screenings, games, yoga lessons, financial literacy and voter education sessions, and more. Call 214941-0110 to register.

25 Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Frederica Chase Dodd Founders Day Public Luncheon, at 11:30 AM, Sheraton Dallas Hotel, 400 Olive St, Dallas, TX 75201+ Celebrate 100 years of Sisterhood, Scholarship, Service, and Social Action with the Dallas Alumnae Chapter by purchasing a special commemorative ad for the discounted rate of $300 per ad!

Where you can find Texas Metro News/Garland Journal Balch Spring: • Walmart: Lake June Rd. Carrollton: • Texaco: 2680 Old Denton Rd. • 7-Eleven: 3700 Old Denton Rd. & Trinity Mill Rd. • Texaco: Old Denton Rd./ Rosemeade Pkwy.

• Josey Ranch Library: 1700 Keller Springs Coppell: • North Lake College: 101 S. Royal Lane Dallas: • Tom Thumb Supermarket: S. Hampton Rd. • Valero: West Jefferson St. • Fiesta Supermarket: West Jefferson St. • Valero: Marsalis and I-35 Stemmons Fwy. • Oak Cliff Municipal: East Jefferson St. • 7-Eleven: Marsalis and 8th St. • Shell Station: 8th Street & I-35 • Exxon / Sonic: Riverfront Blvd.

• The Black Academy of Arts & Letter: S. Griffin St. • K&T Smokes & More: Corinth & Morrell • Shamrock Gas: Corinth & Morrell • Exxon on Lancaster Rd & Saner • Convenience Store Marsalis & Saner • Smokey John’s BBQ: Mockingbird Lane • Blue Bros. Restaurant: Mockingbird Lane • IHOP Restaurant: Mockingbird Lane • 7-Eleven: Gaston Ave. & Haskell St. • The Volunteer Center: Live Oak & Liberty St. • Walmart Stores: Retail Road • Hamilton Baptist Church:

Schroeder Lane • Tom Thumb: E. Lovers Lane • 7-Eleven: Skillman Blvd. & Loop 12 • Chevron / McDonalds: N. Central Expressway • Walmart Stores: N. Central Expressway • 7-Eleven: N. Central Expressway • Walmart: Northwest Hwy. @ Skillman • Wash & Dry: Skillman @ Audelia Downtown Dallas: • Hall’s Honey Fried Chicken: Med Dist Dr & I-35 • Marriott: North Stemmons Freeway & I-35 • Happy Mart & McDonald’s: N. Stemmons Fwy. • DoubleTree Hilton on Market Center Blvd.

• Best Western: Market Center Blvd.

• Courtyard by Marriott: Market Center Blvd.

• Comfort Inn & Suites: N. Stemmons Fwy. • Home Suites Hilton: N. Stemmons Fwy. • Embassy Suites: N. Stemmons Fwy. • Extended Stay: N. Stemmons Fwy. • Holiday Inn: N. Stemmons Fwy. • 7-Eleven: N. Stemmons Fwy. South Dallas/Oak Cliff: • DJ’s Blackjack Pizza: MLK Blvd.

• 2 Podners Restaurant: R. B. Cullum Blvd.

• Elaine’s Jamaican Restaurant: MLK Blvd.

• Aunt Irene’s Kitchen: Malcolm X Blvd.

• Martin Luther King Center: MLK Blvd.

• SouthSide on Lamar: S. Lamar St. • Fiesta Supermarket: R. B.

Cullum & MLK Blvd.

• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.: MLK Blvd.

• Muhammad Mosque on MLK Blvd.

• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. on MLK Blvd.

• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. MLK Blvd.

• 7-Eleven: Ledbetter & Bonnie View Rd. • Valero Gas: Ledbetter & Bonnie View Rd. • CostPlus/CashSaver: Ledbetter & Lancaster Rd. • Hall’s Honey Fried Chicken: S. Lancaster Rd. • Lounas Convenience Store: S. Lancaster Rd. • Convenience Store: Lea Crest Dr. & S. Lancaster Rd. • Dunbar US Post office: Kiest Blvd.

• Black and Clark Funeral Home: S. Illinois Ave. • Texaco Station: S. Illinois Ave. • EatZone Restaurant: S. Illinois Ave. • Pan-African Connection: Ann Arbor Rd. Plaza • Convenience Store: Ann Arbor Rd. Plaza • 99-cents Convenience: Ann Arbor Rd. Plaza • Papa Mart: Overton Rd. & Ramona • Bank of America: S. Lancaster & Overton Rd. • Fiesta Supermarket: S. Lancaster & Kiest Blvd.

• Family Dollar: S. Lancaster Rd. & Illinois Ave. • TacoMart: S. Lancaster Rd & Overton Rd. • Wing Daddy Restaurant: S. Lancaster Rd. & Overton Rd. • 7-Eleven: S. Lancaster Rd. and Overton Rd. • Louisiana Catfish: Stuart Simpson & Bonnie View Rd. • Save U More Supermarket: Stuart Simpson Rd. • Valero Gas: Stuart Simpson Rd.

• Exxon Convenience: Stuart Simpson Rd. • Sweet Georgia Brown Restaurant: Ledbetter & Bonnie View Rd. • Wells Fargo Bank: Hampton Rd. • Glen’s Kitchen: Camp Wisdom Rd. • South Dallas Cafe: Camp Wisdom Rd. • Popeyes Exxon: S. Lancaster Rd. • Cash Saver/Cost Plus: W. Camp Wisdom Rd. West Dallas: • Jerry’s Mart: Westmoreland Rd. • Circle K: Westmoreland & S. Hampton Rd. • 7-Eleven: Westmoreland & S. Hampton Rd. • CostPlus Cash Saver: S.Hampton Rd. • 7-Eleven: S. Hampton Rd. DeSoto/Lancaster: • Walmart on Beltline Rd & I-35 • 7-Eleven: Beltline Rd. • DeSoto Grocery: Beltline Rd. • Tom Thumb: Pleasant Run Rd. • DeSoto Convenience Store: Pleasant Run Rd. • B&B Tax: Pleasant Run Rd. Duncanville: • WinCo Food Stores: I-67 • Hilton Express: I-67 • Louisiana Fried Chicken: W. Wheatland Rd. • Louisiana Catfish: East Danieldale Road & I-67 • Shell Gas: I-67 and E. Danieldale Rd. • Pantera Convenience: I-67 & E. Danieldale Rd.

Read more at www.myimessenger.com

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024 •

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ARRESTED

E F I L HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

He targeted members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but this is more than about a sorority.

We’re talking about a community.

Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmother or maybe YOU?

Crimestoppers 877-373-8477 48 • FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20, 2024