IMessenger, March 21, 2025 Upload Copy by I Messenger Media LLC

Iota Phi Lambda Honorees

Honorable

I Messenger

WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 214-941-0110

Cheryl Smith

PUBLISHER - EDITOR

editor@myimessenger.com www.myimessenger.com

S. Curet GENERAL MANAGER stewartcuret@myimessenger.com

NEWSLETTER EDITOR

Marva Sneed

EDITORIAL TEAM

Chelle Wilson

Dorothy J. Gentry

Eva Coleman

Lajuana Barton

Rebecca Aguilar

Vincent Hall

Valerie Fields-Hill

Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew

Dr. Stacia Alexander

DESIGN/LAYOUT FzanStudio

WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION

MB Distribution

Editorial submissions editor@texasmetronews.com

TRUMP EXECUTIVE SERIES

Late last week President Donald Trump signed an executive order to continue his reduction of the “federal bureaucracy.” “This order continues the reduction in the elements of the Federal bureaucracy...

TRUMP EXECUTIVE SERIES TO BE EQUAL

Big Mama always had a way of putting things plain. “Baby, if things don’t go your way, go the thing’s way,” she’d say, rocking slow in her chair, one hand fanning, the other steady on life’s lessons.

President Trump says “tariff is the most beautiful word in the dictionary.” The beauty, for him, is that it allows him to avoid the word “tax.”

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

MY TRUTH

by Cheryl Smith Publisher

Go Figure!

Well, another Black History Month or African American History Month has come and gone.

There was something different about this year’s month. It was still short and it was packed with a lot of activities, however; there was something else going on, and the month seemed especially grueling.

Well, at least for me!

I don’t know if it was because of all the chaos going on in the world where the inexcusable language, and actions and inactions of those in leadership left much to be desired, or that news cycles were filled with stuff that made you shake your head.

Whatever the case, it was

kind of tough, and I heard so many people talking about protecting their peace and preserving their health, as well as seeking counseling.

I thought a lot about the folks whose shoulders I stand on -- some I knew, while others I only read about or heard about.

Then too, I thought about those unborn and what will they be saying about the world I live in today. Would they be saying I left this world in a better place than when I got here? Will they say I did everything I could to make this world a better place?

Talking to folks around the world, I’ve heard some very disparaging words

about the United States.

Folks cannot believe some of the things that are happening in this country.

They figure that since I am a journalist, I have all the answers.

Well, they have a lot more figuring to do because I, too, have a lot of unanswered questions.

As we talk about mental health awareness, I’m just remembering a time when I was challenged and I would say daily bad times don’t last forever. Good people do! What can I say?

Good people, these are bad times, and it’s not the first time. Nor will it be the last. So please don’t give up. Hang in there and by all means, protect your peace.

In Full Bloom Sorority celebrates 10 years of service

By Eva D. Coleman Lifestyle & Culture Editor Texas Metro News

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Omega Alpha Omega chapter celebrated 10 years of existence during “A Decade in Bloom” day party on March 9, 2025 at Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco, Texas.

Attendees showed up in bright colors and floral designs, feasted on a buffet, had drinks from the bar, took numerous photos and made moves on the dance floor to music from DJ She Real.

AKA OAO serves the communities of Frisco, Denton, Little Elm, Prosper and The Colony, Texas. These North Texas cities have definitely felt the impact of the sorority and its commitment to “service to all mankind.”

Congratulations on 10 years of benefiting communities!

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Omega Alpha Omega chapter celebrated its 10 year anniversary

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Omega Alpha Omega chapter celebrated its 10 year anniversary during A Decade in Bloom day party on March 9, 2025 at Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco, Texas

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Omega Alpha Omega chapter celebrated its 10 year anniversary

Trump’s Executive Order Series:

This week’s cuts are highlighted to “Reduce the Federal Bureaucracy”

COOKin-DC

BY RITA COOK

Late last week President Donald Trump signed an executive order to continue his reduction of the “federal bureaucracy.”

“This order continues the reduction in the elements of the Federal bureaucracy that the President has determined are unnecessary,” was the statement from the White House.

Let us define bureaucracy: “A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.”

In theory, every American should be on board with the ending of state officials running the show versus those we have voted into office.

Some, however, are a bit concerned that the hit list last week, which included The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; The United States Agency for Global Media; The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithso-

nian Institution; The Institute of Museum and Library Services; The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness; The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund; and the Minority Business Development Agency, went too far.

The order reads these agencies are unnecessary and “such entities shall reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law.”

The order also states regarding these entities that it must be explained, “which components or functions of the governmental entity, if any, are statutorily required and to what extent.”

The cut that has many people the most alarmed is Voice of America, which falls into the United States Agency for Global Media. The Voice of America has for the past 83 years overseen the international state media network funded by the U.S. federal government.

The cut will also include Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia.

Voice of America has always been the arm of the United

States to share U.S. news with other countries. Republicans have said this news media outlet, like many, was blatantly liberal, and in the case of the current administration anti-Trump.

According to the Associated Press the USAGM networks aired in 49 languages and reached as many as 427 million people worldwide.

Also, part of the waste Trump has indicated he is cutting with this executive order is the Institute of Museum and Library Services. That agency has been the go-to for issuing grants to libraries and museums.

Indeed, a few of these cuts are worthy of a head scratch because if this administration is concerned about education, it should also remember that libraries and museums are necessary to continue a strong educational element in the United States.

One red flag to understand why the Institute of Museum and Library Services ended up on the chopping block could be due to the books being allowed in schools that right-leaning voters deemed inappropriate for school age children.

On February 19, Executive

Order 14217 was also issued: “Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy.”

At that time, the entities included in that order were The Presidio Trust; The Inter-American Foundation; The United States African Development Foundation; and The United States Institute of Peace.

In that order it read, “The Presidential Memorandum of November 13, 1961 (Need for Greater Coordination of Regional and Field Activities of the Government),” was also revoked.

As of the beginning of this week Trump has issued 132 executive orders. The most orders affect the Federal Government with 38 actions, the economy takes second place with 25 actions. Other actions include immigration, national security, climate & energy, foreign policy, health, education and 25 uncategorized actions.

Rita Cook is a world traveler and writer/editor who specializes in writing on travel, auto, crime and politics. A correspondent for Texas Metro News, she has published 11 books and has also produced low-budget films.

Let Us Not Forget Whose We Are

OUR VOICES

BY BOBBY HENRY SR.

In the words of the late gospel singer Lee Williams, I can’t give up now. I can’t turn around, come too far. These words ring true today more than ever. No matter what the Musk/Trump administration manipulates or concocts against us, we must remember—nothing they do can be worse than what we’ve already endured. And through all that we have come through, we did not come through it alone.

Our progress has never been built solely by one race, one class, or one belief system. Instead, it has been a coalition of people from all walks of life—united by a shared vision that all men and women should be created and treated equally. That same unity, that same faith, must be what fuels us now as we confront any efforts to dismantle the hard-fought progress made to bring this country together.

Unfortunately, we see the signs of a rising threat—an agenda that mirrors the early stages of fascism. History

A Message From The Publisher

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1 (KJV)

has taught us that when fascism begins to take root, it is the people who must rise to defend democracy. But we must also remember, we do not want to see this country descend into chaos or civil war.

Our fight is not one of violence but of unwavering faith, resilience, and action. We must stand firm in the truth, not be swayed by fear or division, and continue the work of those who came before us. Our ancestors did not endure slavery, Jim Crow, and segregation just for us to sit idly by while power-hungry leaders attempt to strip away our rights and rewrite history in their favor.

Let us not forget who’s we are. We are people who have survived, who have thrived, and who have always found a way forward through faith and perseverance. No matter what comes next, we cannot give up now.

When Frederick Douglass stood before the nation

and delivered his scorching Fourth of July speech, he asked, “What have I, or those I represent, to do with your national independence?” His words still echo today as we watch the forces of greed and oppression try to reclaim power and erase the struggles and sacrifices of so many. It is in that same spirit that we must stand—unapologetic, unwavering, and unwilling to be erased from the fabric of this nation we helped build.

Malcolm X declared, “By any means necessary.” That was not a call for chaos, but a call for determination and strength to hold true to what is right. And in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we remember that all men are created equal and must be judged not by the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, or how they worship, but by the content of their character.

The blood of many different people nourishes the

soil of this country—Black, Indigenous, immigrant, and ally alike. Their sacrifices paved the road we walk today, and we be damned if we let the likes of Elon Musk, Donald Edward Trump, and their sycophants drag this nation into the depths of division and destruction.

Fascism does not announce itself with a grand entrance; it creeps in through fear, through silence, through the slow erosion of truth. And we cannot afford to be silent. We cannot afford to look away.

We stand on the shoulders of giants who fought, bled, and died for the freedoms we cherish. We will not cower. We will not back down. We will fight—not with weapons of war, but with the unshakable power of truth, unity, and faith.

Let us not forget whose we are. We are people of resilience. A people of strength. A people of faith. No matter what comes next, we cannot give up now.

Bobby Henry, Sr. is the publisher of the Westside Gazette and chair of the National Newspaper Publishers Association-NNPA

TJC carries high and lights the torch of Democracy

OUR VOICES

BY BARBARA ARNWINE

The Transformative Justice Coalition (TJC) just returned from Selma Jubilee in Selma, Alabama. TJC held interactive GenZ Young Millennial programming honoring the spirit of the 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

During our 4 days of engagement, we were constantly reminded of the parallels of the struggle of John Lewis, Amelia Boynton, and many other historical voting rights leaders in their fight to establish the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and today’s fight to protect the gains of the Voting Rights Act.

Although this year’s bridge crossing was not met with the batons, horses, tear gas, and beatings as it was in 1965, the imminent threat looming over voting rights and civil rights under mean-spirited actions of the Trump Administration was ever present.

TJC heavily invests in the inclusion, involvement, and investment in our nation’s GenZ, Young Millennials, and now Gen Alpha, and considers their presence essential in the battle for racial justice in America. TJC’s programming in Selma represented this commitment.

TJC’s traditional Selma Voting Rights Series held on Saturday was anchored by a GenZ Luncheon. This year several of the living footsoldiers attended the GenZ workshop session to demonstrate their support of the

efforts of GenZ to stand for voting rights.

Undoubtedly, our Democracy is under extreme attack by the new Trump Administration. Under a distorted and racially divisive anti-diversity equity and inclusion framework, this Administration continues to destroy the entirety of the federal civil rights law enforcement. The Trump administration is rescinding decades old civil rights Executive Orders and eviscerating civil rights enforcement in the federal agencies. TJC is actively working with litigators to challenge these illegal and often unconstitutional actions of the Trump Administration.

TJC is also taking affirmative measures to support racial justice. TJC has launched its #NoDEINoBUY Campaign. We’ve supported the National Economic Blackout. Wonderfully, tens of thousands have gotten involved in these campaigns. US corporations have an obligation to oppose the Trump Administration’s attacks on our democracy, DEI, and the social safety net.

In another proactive measure, on March 5, 2025, Congresswoman Terri Sewell reintroduced the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. TJC enthusiastically and unconditionally supports the reintroduction of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and will fight for its enactment.

TJC unites with all those to oppose and defeat efforts to destroy the social safety net including Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, CHIPS, and all programs to help the

poor in the US and abroad. For that reason, we salute Congressman Al Green for his courageous protest against policies endangering social security, Medicaid, and Medicare, during the joint session of Congress address.

In these times, we refuse to be silent, complacent, or fearful! It is imperative that we fight forward in the courts; fight forward in the streets; fight forward at the ballot box; and fight forward for a brighter, more inclusive, diverse, and greater America!

Our foreparents gave their blood, sweat, and yes, even their lives to the fight for civil rights, economic opportunity, and our voting rights.

Even in the face of an awful, corrupt, and vicious Trump Administration, TJC will not retreat and drop the torch, but will hold tighter to the torch of democracy and light more democracy torches as we light the way forward in our demand for a truly just, and inclusive MultiRacial Democracy!

Barbara Arnwine Esq. - Founder/President

Daryl Jones Esq. - Board Chair

Barbara Arnwine, Esq., founder and president of the Transformative Justice Coalition, was a guest on State of the Union Democracy with Roland Martin.

If Things Don’t Go Your Way, Go the Thing’s Way

BIG MAMA SAID

BY TERRY ALLEN

What she meant was simple: if the system is built against you, don’t waste your energy pushing—redirect it. Learn the system, bend it, use it, and, when necessary, disrupt it so much that it has no choice but to change.

History has shown us that when we couldn’t get in the front door, we found another way inside—or built our own house.

When buses in Montgomery refused to respect our dignity, we stopped riding and walked. The boycott hit their pockets, and soon enough, the wheels of justice had to turn.

When Black athletes in the 1968 Olympics raised their fists in silent protest, it wasn’t just about defiance; it was about

using the system’s biggest stage to expose its biggest flaws.

Fast forward to Colin Kaepernick taking a knee. The NFL wasn’t ready for that truth, but he wasn’t asking permission.

He used their own cameras, their own stage, and their own anthem to hold up a mirror to America. It cost him his career, but the conversation never stopped.

And now, in an era of social media activism, the system still tries to silence us—shadowbanning voices, shutting down protests with new laws. But what did we do?

We took to platforms they didn’t control, built our own networks, and made sure our messages still reached the people.

Big Mama knew what she was talking about. If the road is blocked, find another path. If the system is against you, find a way to make it work for you.

And if all else fails, shake the foundation until it has no choice but to shift. Because at the end of the day, the thing that refuses to change must either break—or bow.

Who Was Big Mama?

Lucilee “Big Mama” Allen wasn’t just one woman—she was all our grandmothers, the keepers of wisdom, the ones who saw injustice and made a way out of no way.

She was the voice whispering, “Stand up, be smart, and move different.” And Lord knows, we still need her wisdom today.

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

Colin Kaepernick

District 109’s Freshman Texas State Representative Aicha Davis ready to lead

By Rita Cook Correspondent Texas Metro News

Aicha Davis took her seat in the Texas House of Representatives on January 14, 2025 representing District 109, replacing former State Representative Carl Sherman who did not seek reelection.

While Davis might be new to this particular seat, she is by no means new to the political workings of Texas.

She said she decided to run for District 109, “After serving on the State Board of Education for six years and seeing the challenges we faced in terms of supporting our schools, teachers, and families.”

Davis said she knew she had to take her service to the next level.

“The last two years, the House has engaged in fierce debate about school vouchers, while failing to increase school funding or teacher pay,” she explained. “I’m committed to working with my colleagues to find common ground on productive solutions to strengthen our neighborhood schools.”

The freshman lawmaker also said she wants to focus on increasing much-needed and long overdue funding while “building out our teacher pipeline.”

We have an opportunity, and a responsibility, to hire more teachers, prepare

more folks to become teachers and making people excited to join the profession.”

Davis’s priorities surround education and fully funding public schools, but she also has an eye toward lowering the cost of healthcare and prescriptions and increasing opportunities for workforce and economic development.

“House District 109 is a vibrant region full of possibility,” Davis said. “We are a community of diverse hard working Texans and I’m excited to secure resources to foster our growth and positive development, to strengthen our bustling small businesses, increase housing while lowering costs, and ensure every person has the opportunity to get ahead.”

Davis said she is also aware her constituents are counting on her to support small businesses and historically underutilized businesses (HUBs).

“Small businesses are the heart of Texas’ economy and I’m working to get more resources for my constituents to open and grow their own small business,” she added.

For the 89th legislative session, Davis is serving on the House Committee on Higher Education and the Committee on Human Services.

She also said there have been some unexpected wins in other areas too.

“One of the most unexpected things so far has been building positive relationships very early with my fellow House members and Senators,” Davis explained. “We come from different areas of the state, we represent very different communities, and we have really different ideas a lot of the time. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know my colleagues on a personal level and being able to find common ground and shared values. Many of our communities face the same problems and I’m excited to come together as a legislative body to propose, debate, and pass solutions into law.”

Davis was born in Los Angeles and moved to Mississippi as a teenager. She graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Biolo-

Rep. Davis talks with young future leader.

Rep Davis’ Zeta Phi Beta sorority sisters and Phi Beta Sigma fraternity brother visit.

Visiting with constituents.

Photos: courtesy

gy and Chemistry and then moved to Baton Rouge to teach in Title I schools after Hurricane Katrina.

In 2010, she said she was blessed to move to Texas, received her M. Ed from University of North Texas and taught in Irving and DeSoto public schools.

“I love living in DeSoto - it’s perfectly located with great schools, great growth and development and loving communities,” she said. “DeSoto is one of the best places in the nation to worship, work and play.”

While the District 109 team headed by Davis is still searching for its district home, she said “Our office is identifying prospective lo-

When Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the Unanimous Passage of Senate Bill 4 and Senate Joint Resolution 2 – Increasing the Homestead Exemption to $140,000, and $150,000 for Seniors, some ISD’s weren’t happy. In response, Davis said of the homestead exemption, “I support delivering much-needed property tax relief for our homeowners and especially our senior citizens. With every policy, we have to consider the full effects and repercussions. Texans deserve property tax relief and fully funded schools. Our state is fortunate to have the eighth larg-

cations across the district to identify a location that is accessible to our constituents in need and in a central location nearby public transit options and other support services.”

Either way, she concluded, “I want my constituents to know that I always have their best interests at heart, that I will faithfully serve them and work diligently to improve their daily lives. I didn’t just take an oath, I took a job — to represent the people of House District 109, to fight for our shared values and the policies that will support a strong, healthy, and thriving community full of limitless opportunities. I work for each and every person in all four corners of my district.”

est economy in the world and this is the second budget cycle where we’ve had more than $20 billion in budget surplus — there’s absolutely no reason we can’t provide property tax relief AND fund our schools. When our ISDs are struggling, it hurts the entire community and the whole state. Our ISDs prepare our kids to become first responders, healthcare professionals, city planners, innovators, job creators and more professions that all of us depend on. Whether we have kids or send our kids to public schools, we all benefit when our public schools are thriving.”

Visiting with constituents.

Photos: courtesy

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Spotlights African American Businesses and Women Entrepreneurs

Dallas - Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., Psi Chapter will hold its 51st Annual Business Month Education and Scholarship Awards Luncheon on Saturday, April 26, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas Campbell Centre. 8250 North Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas 75206.

A national business and professional women’s organization founded in 1929, Iota members seek to unite qualified business and professional women to enhance and improve their status in our highly complex, competitive business and professional world. The organization also establishes and promotes civic and social service activities for youth and adults.

Psi Chapter’s Honorees for 2025

Dominique G. Johnson

Dorethea N. Hornbuckle

Business Entrepreneur Award

Dominique G. Johnson grew up in the suburbs of Paris, working for many years in the sports marketing and event industry.

She found her passion in oil painting, and is celebrating almost 20 years in her own working art studio/gallery, located in historic downtown Grapevine, Texas, “A TOUCH OF PARIS,” where she transformed a small house from the 1920s into a location where creativity is in full swing, sharing the space with her son who is also an artist in residence, and where she shares her passion with her students during painting classes. Despite her love for the palette knife and oils, she likes to create and work with other mediums as well, including encaustic (beeswax) and acrylic paint. Her journey presents itself through her paintings, which oftentimes are the landscapes she witnessed growing up.

Dr. Kera Collier, DDS

Dorethea N. Hornbuckle

Business Entrepreneur Award

Dr. Kera Collier is a native of Oak Cliff in Dallas, Texas. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Florida A&M University and Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Baylor College of Dentistry.

She is a member of the National Dental Association and the International Dental Implant Association. Dr. Collier takes pride in offering Quality Dental Care in a comfortable atmosphere to everyone she serves, from the young to the “young at heart.” She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and when she is not practicing dentistry, Dr. Collier loves spending time with her family, serving with her Concord Church family, working out, and swing-out dancing. Favorite Sweet Treat: Strawberry Ice Cream, Favorite Singers: Fantasia, Jill Scott, and Erykah Badu, Favorite Hobby: Self-proclaimed “Karaoke Queen,” and Favorite Color: Purple.

Pamela Hopkins

Dorethea N. Hornbuckle

Business Entrepreneur Award

Pam Hopkins has been in the real estate industry for more than 35 years. After earning her brokerage license, she started her own real estate company, Hopkins Realty & Associates in Cedar Hill, TX. She has been in business for 19 years. Under her brokerage, she has 17 agents that specialize in residential and commercial real estate. Beyond her successful real estate career, Pam has ventured into social media launching a Podcast titled “Is There Love After 60?” This heartwarming series focuses on the joys, challenges, and possibilities of love and connection later in life. Pam is also a newly-published author, recently releasing her inspiring book, “The Will to Move Forward” after losing her husband of 40 years to COVID. Her book inspires and encourages readers to overcome life’s obstacles and embrace their victories.

Kertrina Dauway

Dorethea N. Hornbuckle

Business Entrepreneur Award

Kertrina Dauway has chosen to dedicate her life to positively impacting others, with a strong focus on both individual empowerment and organizational success. She works closely with youth and young adults, guiding them to unlock their potential and improve their lives through mentorship, coaching, and support. Her commitment to helping others extends to the corporate world, where she partners with CEOs and high-lev-

el executives to enhance their leadership skills and improve their organizations’ bottom lines. After experiencing a COVID illness, she developed brain fog (short-term and long-term memory loss). A relative introduced her to sea moss. Thereafter she noticed her memory improved and she no longer stuttered. Thus began her journey into the sea moss where her business promotes sea moss. In addition to her professional endeavors, Kertrina has consistently volunteered her time to charitable causes.

Daria McKenzie

Dorethea N. Hornbuckle Business Entrepreneur Award

Daria McKenzie, lovingly known as Ms. Dee, is a licensed esthetician, eyelash extension technician and instructor with more than 17 years’ experience serving clients and students in the D/FW area and beyond. She is the owner of Total Escape Day Spa and Lavishing Lashes Academy, which are two businesses at 223 and 227 S. Cedar Ridge in Duncanville, Tx. Ms. Dee decided to expand her business in 2013 with a full-service Day Spa, offering suites and training to determined early career beauty professionals. In 2018, the space next door became available and became an official lash school. Lavishing Lashes Academy has trained and provided mentorship to more than 500 upcoming lash professionals. The Academy empowers and prepares students to secure their TDRL license, start a business, and build a high earning stable income.

Carol Mitchell

Joyce M. Jones Community Service Award

Carol is a native Jamaican who migrated to the United States in 1998 with her son, settling in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The transition from Jamaica’s warm climate to the wintery conditions of Ohio was a significant change, but it was a necessary step for their future. Carol lived in Cincinnati for 10 years, where she began her career as a Customer Service Associate at the Cincinnati Apartment Guide.

Carol earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting and joined Child Support Services as a caseworker. Carol next became a licensed insurance agent.

Carol has dedicated countless hours to organizing educational and entertaining events at senior communities and recreation centers. She has coordinated health fairs, bringing together health professionals, clinics, pharmacies, and transportation providers to offer essential resources.

Additionally, Carol has volunteered with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Comm. John Wiley Price

Beacon of Hope Award

Dallas County Accomplishments:

John Wiley Price was elected the first African American Dallas County Commissioner in 1984.

An Elder Statesman and longest elected official in the county’s 173-year history, he is also the longest serving (active) employee at Dallas County (50 yrs). He moved Dallas County MWBE from $50,000 in 1984 to an excess of $100,000,000 by 2014 and moved Dallas County staffing demographics to reflect population, impaneled the first ever all AA jury in Dallas County history, led the effort for Lew Sterrett to attain a passing evaluation from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards and championed the naming of buildings and courts for historic African American leaders. Known as “Our Man Downtown,” the fiscally responsible commissioner led Dallas County to receive a AA-AAA Bond rating from Moody’s putting Dallas County in the top 10 among 3141 counties.

Tracy L. Tanksley

Alvernon K. Tripp

Hall of Fame Award

Very early on in life, Tracy wanted to be an entrepreneur. At the age of 18, in July of 1988, while always fascinated with the Funeral Traffic Control Officers riding their Police Style motorcycle; Tracy purchased a police-style motorcycle from the Dallas Police Department and started Eveready Escort Service. Tracy was first hired by Allen Gene Madison of Singing Hills Funeral Home and John Beckwith Sr. of Golden Gate Funeral Home as a single unit traffic control motorcycle escort guide while also continuing to work for Sears Roebuck and Company as a Loss Prevention Officer to support what has turned out to be a 36-year-old successful business. In 1996; DFW Motorcade Safety was then born. “Perseverance, Integrity, Persistence” and Hard Work had paid off and Tracy opened Tanksley Financial Group Services.

Ms. Terri Thomas

Betty J. Brown

30 Year Service Award

On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Soror Terri Thomas was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police for Dallas ISD. In 2016, she made history by becoming the first female command staff officer. Thomas aspires to inspire young women, encouraging them to realize that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Her journey has been one of perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With 31 years of ser-

vice with the Dallas ISD Police Department, including 24 years as a peace officer, Thomas is a dedicated community volunteer. She has served on the board of the Black Police Officer Association for 20 years and is an active member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Beyond her professional and volunteer work, she has coached select volleyball for 17 years, helping several young women secure scholarships.

Tiara J. Crump

Iota Mother’s Assistance Program (IMAP) Recipient

Tiara J. Crump, a firm believer and full-time college student at Texas Woman’s University, is pursuing a degree in Nutrition with an emphasis in Dietetics. Her hobbies include cooking, reading/learning, nature walks, and spending time with loved ones. She is also a single mother to a lovely little girl. Each day she works towards becoming the best possible version of herself. She desires to ensure that she is walking in her purpose and leading by example.

After graduating, her aspirations are to open a private-practice health and wellness business to help others reach their fitness/ lifestyle goals through nutrition consultations and training. She has expressed a sincere appreciation to each member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated, Psi Chapter for providing her an amazing opportunity and for all that is done for the community!

Dr. Januari S. Lewis

PHARM.D. RPH

Psi Chapter’s Outstanding Business Woman of the Year

Dr. Januari S. Lewis is a native of Dallas, Texas where she graduated from Skyline High School. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Xavier University of Louisiana’s College of Pharmacy. During her time in New Orleans, she was blessed to serve her school and community in numerous capacities as a multiple year officer in the SGA, an advocate in the community, chairing the university’s Campus Partner’s initiative, an extension of the Big Brothers, Big Sister’s program, and humbly serving as Miss Xavier University of Louisiana 1998-1999.

She served on the inaugural board of the Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center in South Dallas and dedicated her time as the Board President of the North Texas chapter of the American Diabetes Association.

As the district manager of pharmacy operations she spearheaded charitable efforts for about 200 regional Walgreen’s locations. She partnered to open a Chiropractic and Wellness Center in the southern sector of Dallas and OxiJan, LLC, a strategic consulting agency, focused on offering a breath of fresh air to businesses and organizations in need of rebranding, engage-

ment, training, and strategic growth. After almost 20 years with Walgreens, the diehard Saints fan retired to devote more time to her passions – event planning and decorating fancy cakes.

Currently, Dr. Lewis also serves as Treasurer/Endowment Fund Member of the Miss Xavier Alumni Group Board of Trustees, Adjunct Professor at the University of North Texas’ Health Science Center, Cohort 20 Ambassador for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses - Dallas and Executive Assistant to the President of the Alpha Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®.

Collette Jones

The Mahala Smith Evans Award Psi Chapter’s Outstanding Soror of the Year

Collette Jones is a dynamic leader and dedicated advocate for positive change, embodying the essence of service, growth, and community impact.

As a social worker, she wants to ensure the safety and well-being of children. Collette is a force within Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., Psi Chapter.

As Membership Chair, she diligently works to grow and strengthen the chapter, while her roles as Social Committee Chair, Founders’ Day Chair, and Black History Committee member reflect her ability to plan meaningful events that unite and inspire others. She also co-chairs the Career Exploration initiative and works with the Future Iota Leaders (FIL) program, where she empowers young people and fosters their personal and professional development. She transforms lives through her work and service and inspires others to dream big and take bold steps toward a brighter future.

Rev. Willacin Velanne Gholston (“Precious”)

Corporate Achievement Award

In light of her parents’ determination to rear their children in the knowledge of the Lord, Rev. Willacin Velanne Gholston (“Precious”) was lovingly nurtured in the AME Church in Indianapolis, IN. Ordained an itinerate elder in the AME Church in the fall of 2009, she is certified with the Association of Professional Chaplains, and Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). In 1995, Rev. Gholston was awarded a presidential scholarship to attend Bennett College for Women (Greensboro, NC), where her activities included Student Government, Political Pacesetters, Rotoract International and Campus Ministry and served as “Miss Bennett College.”

She graduated Summa Cum Laude from SMU’s Perkins School of Theology where she received her Masters of Divinity Degree. She is Manager of Pastoral Services of Methodist Charlton Medical Center and Manager of CPE Programs for Methodist Health System of Dallas.

Call issued to Support Black Businesses

LA FÊTE WINE COMPANY

FOUNDER & CEO DONAE BURSTON

Buy Black!

By Cheryl

When Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, of Friendship-West Baptist Church, announced 100 Days 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.

La Fête Wine Company

Founder & CEO Donae Burston was first introduced to the wonders of Côte’s de Provence Rosé while celebrating his 30th birthday at the world-famous Nikki Beach Club in Saint Tropez. La Fête Wine Company is on a mission to revitalize wine culture by redefining who drinks wine and when. La Fête is a party and everyone is invited! The wine is available on the website.

• https://www.lafetewine.com/

• email: info@lafeterose.com

SOL CACAO

FOUNDERS, DOMINIC, NICHOLAS, AND DANIEL MALONEY

late 1800s. Margaret Nyamumbo’s grandfather managed to get his hands on some seedlings to start his coffee farm. Margaret studied in the U.S. and brought Ideas to bring Kenyan coffee to the world. Every order benefits the women farmers in Kenya. Visit the website to learn more and shop the coffee. Click and get your mystery discount.

• https://kahawa1893.com

CAPITOL CITY MAMBO SAUCE

CHARLES AND ARSHA JONES OWNERS

PENNIE’S TEA FOUNDER AND CEO PENNIE CROCKETT

MPennie Crockett otherwise known as Pennie, is the CEO and Founder of Pennie’s Tea. Her message of craft blends of tasty flavorful loose-leaf tea and cold brewed ice tea has been well received by her audience that spans across the country. There are a variety of teas, loose leaf and bottled teas in ginger, organic, colonic detox, green, and matcha teas. There is more to explore on the website. Check it out, Pennie says “Pennie’s Tea is more than a drink… It’s a sweet release like no other!”

• https://penniestea.com/

• email: info@penniestea.com 855-558-8900

Welcome, meet the Sol Cacao brothers. Sol Cacao is a bean-to-bar chocolate manufacturer located in the heart of the South Bronx, founded by three brothers, Dominic, Nicholas, and Daniel Maloney. As the first bean-tobar chocolate factory in the Bronx, they specialize in crafting single-origin dark chocolate from beans sourced from small family farms around the world. Their mission is to create exceptional, high-quality chocolate using only certified organic ingredients, bringing rare and hard-to-find flavors to market. Get in on the news with the latest from Sol Cacao shop and sign up for the newsletter.

• https://www.solcacao.com/

• 929-294-5111

• email: info@solcacao.com

A Capital City, LLC is a minority, familyowned company based in the Maryland suburbs, owned by Charles and Arsha Jones. Arsha Jones was born and raised in Washington, D.C., and began to miss this sauce she grew up with when she moved to the suburbs and wanted to give her family a real taste of D.C. She regularly made mambo sauce in her kitchen for her boys and decided that it was good enough to market and sell. The Jones family has grown this home-based business into a successful company. Visit the Website to shop and sign up for news and updates.

• https://www.capitalcity.com

• email: info@capitalcity.com

MOMENTS BY MRH PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAYA

HAMILTON

KAHAWA 1893 COFFEE CEO, MARGARET NYAMUMBO

“Kahawa” means “coffee” in Swahili.1893 is when the story begins. While coffee’s origins can be traced back to ancient forests in Ethiopia, coffee had to travel around the world before it made its way back to Africa in the

Meet Maya Hamilton the owner of Moments by MRH Photography. She discovered her love for photography when her son was born in 2022. Understanding the importance of capturing life’s precious moments whether you are expecting your first child, celebrating a graduation, or wanting to capture a special family moment, MRH is here to help you create lasting memories. Their approach is to make each client feel comfortable and relaxed, ensuring they capture genuine emotions and connections. Visit the website to shop set up appointments and make a connection.

• https://www.momentsbymrh.com

• email: momentsbymrh@gmail.com

Dr. Frederick D.Haynes III

Smith Texas Metro News

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! March 2025

Wallace and Krystal Rolle 26 years

Marcus and Evelyn Strong 30 years

Dickans and O_Nesibel Gayflor 7 years

Eve and Maximillion Cooper 9 years

Byron and Albanie Bennett 4 years

Kelvin and Jacqueline Adams 3 years

Dameon and Mi Cellence Ellis 8 years

Bre_Nita and Johnny Jones Wedding Anniversary

Chia and DeMarcus Pierson Wedding Anniversary

Job Loss And Economic Pain Are Gripping America

OUR VOICES

BY JAMES B. EWERS JR. ED.D.

I am reminded of the time-honored expression; tough times don’t last but tough people do. We are in the throes of tough times. Some might describe it as a nightmare in real time.

When we thought it couldn’t get any worse, it has. This cycle of madness and meanness is unprecedented at least in my lifetime.

An economic avalanche has hit the United States of America. The stock market is in a state of unrest and uncertainty. Many are placing blame and throwing shade at the new group in Washington DC.

Citizens regardless of their political affiliation believe that we are in a moment of crisis. Lawmakers when they return home to give updates are being booed off the stage.

This is what happened to Republican Congressman Chuck Edwards from North Carolina recently. He was in Asheville where the city is still recovering from devastating floods some months ago.

One person in attendance asked, “How do you justify cuts to staff of the VA helping veterans especially those with long-term care needs.?

The Congressman responded by saying, “Like him or not, Elon Musk has brought a lot of really smart people.”

In my opinion that was a frail and puny response to that question. Reports show that the Veterans Administration is preparing to lay off 80,000 staffers. Can you get the gravity of how letting go that number of people will affect the delivery of services?

you should be worried. If you have a relative who will be graduating from high school in the coming months, be watchful about the future.

The leader of the US Department of Education proudly said that she is putting herself out of a job and that the dismantling of the department is her final mission. Let’s be clear and know that she is a millionaire.

What will happen to

An economic avalanche has hit the United States of America. The stock market is in a state of unrest and uncertainty. Many are placing blame and throwing shade at the new group in Washington DC.

The GOP has been advised not to do town halls and public assemblies. So, it begs the question, how do voters get updates and questions answered?

It appears that the new trend in DC is to do it by sending out emails. As we can see now, that is a popular way to be told you are being fired. That is appalling at every level of decency and humanity. These cuts and gashes are also occurring at the US Department of Education. First off, if you have a family member who is going to college now,

Pell grants and loans? Will they disappear from the higher education landscape? Will Trio programs like Upward Bound and Student Support Services be upended? Will summer enrichment programs and internship programs be dissolved?

All these questions are being juggled by people who are far removed from real America. They are living in a bubble of bad ideas and bad practices. They share the same philosophy of their leader.

I wonder what the current vice president of the

United States of America JD Vance thinks about all these education cuts. He was raised in a working-class family in Middletown Ohio. I wonder if he is familiar with a Pell Grant or a student loan?

National reports say the US Department of Education will cut approximately 1300 employees. These are men and women in the department with varying years of experience. What this means to me is that the remaining staff will be stretched thin as they try to provide services for families. In addition, colleges and universities will feel the adverse effects of these drastic measures.

Dismissals and discharges have also affected the Internal Revenue Service. The Associated Press reports the agency is getting ready to cut its workforce in half. There are approximately 90,000 employees in the IRS. We are in troubling times. When you have a moment, listen to Lord You Are Good, a song sung by Todd Galberth. It will strengthen you and make you know that this trouble is only temporary.

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.

If It Walks Like a Tax and Quacks Like a Tax, We Call It a Tax

“You can’t really run a campaign where you’re like: I want to cut taxes for rich people and raise them on the poor. So instead, it’s all of this smoke-and-mirrors distraction about how foreigners are taking advantage of us ... It’s a story that, if you don’t know any economics and you haven’t stopped to think about it, sounds appealing. And the more people who buy that story, the more he can do this fiscal switch and have an excuse for the tax cuts.”

— Kimberly Clausing

TO

BE EQUAL

BY MARC MORIAL

President Trump says “tariff is the most beautiful word in the dictionary.”

The beauty, for him, is that it allows him to avoid the word “tax.”

“If a candidate announced a tax increase on the poor and middle class to fund a tax cut for the rich, voters would soundly reject that proposal,” UCLA tax law professor Kimberly Clausing wrote in the New York Times. “But tariffs wrap this fiscal switch in a veneer of nationalism.”

In other words, if it looks like a tax and sounds like a tax and raises prices for the av-

erage American like a tax, we call it a tax.

Trump imposed a massive, job-killing tax increase on American consumers this week, one of a dizzying array that he has threatened, withdrawn, postponed, or introduced. The uncertainty has thrown the U.S. stock market into chaos and stymied economists’ efforts to precisely calculate the potential damage.

The 25% tax on all steel and aluminum imports that went into effect this week — on top of a 20% tax on Chinese imports Trump already imposed — could cost the U.S. 100,000 jobs in the aluminum industry alone.

Trump’s proposed tax increases combined could cost the U.S. a stunning 600,000 full-time jobs.

One calculation of a com-

bination of proposed tax increases estimated an annual household cost of more than $2,600 a — more than 17% of the annual income of a fulltime worker earning the federal minimum wage.

Trump has offered a nonsensical and ever-changing list of rationales for his tax hike agenda, from the absurd notion of forcing Canada to become a U.S. state to raising revenue to fund child care?

In reality, his wildly-unrealistic predictions of revenue from these tax hikes are meant to justify yet another tax break for billionaires. And because poorer families spend a greater percentage of their income on the affected products, the burden of that tax break falls squarely on their backs.

Trump’s 2017 tax shift reduced federal revenue and

produced the third-largest increase in the federal debt of any president in U.S. historyand the largest for a president who wasn’t trying to fund a war.

And a trade war didn’t work the last time he tried it. Nearly every dollar raised through increased tariffs on Chinese imports went to bail out the farmers who were casualties of his trade war. His tax increase on imported metals sent prices soaring for cars, tools, and machines even as those industries’ output shrank to the tune of $3 billion.

As Moody’s chief economist Mark Zandi said, “It’s just a lose-lose for everybody.”

Hon. Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.

DeSoto City Councilmember not censured, but meeting sheds light on cracks within city leadership

By Rita Cook Correspondent

Texas Metro News

DESOTO – It was a 4 – 3 vote Tuesday night resulting in the DeSoto City Council voting not to censure Place Six councilmember Crystal Chism for a complaint regarding noncompliance with established rules and procedures. The incident took place at a Citizens Police Advisory Committee meeting held last year.

The item had been brought forth by Place Two councilmember Pierette Parker. Parker had voiced concerns about not being able to set up a time otherwise to discuss what, her complaint letter detailed, as an item “The Mayor and Municipal administration have not permitted to be addressed.”

Parker reiterated “If we had talked about this privately, you guys would not be here tonight.”

Parker also added “As a councilmember we are charged to do a certain thing if we sit on the dais and there is a lot the public does not know. This was not a first resort it was a last resort to get it heard and talked through. I would hope the public wants a member who will protect them.”

Place Five councilmember Dinah Marks was the second in bringing forth the complaint. She, along with Place 3 Nicole Raphiel were the three votes to continue the censure proceedings.

“This was not the first attempt to solve this issue,” Marks explained. “This was required because it was not going to be addressed otherwise. When the procedures are followed and it goes through normal process then it works out, this was not our choice initially.”

Rafael simply said she believes liaison roles need to be “looked at further.”

She said the council showed a lack of leadership ending up having to get to a censure. Rafael said she was disheartened by the “process it took to get us to this place due to leadership failure.”

While the issue under review was Chism’s conduct during a board/committee meeting, the real issue was the rip in the fabric of a city council with vastly different ideas.

The initial complaint against Chism stated “Councilmembers are strongly encouraged to attend meeting but not influence the Board’s actions in any way. Her stated remarks on the public statement show that this was occurring and she was heavily involved in the actions of the committee.”

All council members had the time to speak on the censure issue before voting as well as hearing comments from the public.

While there were 16 residents who did not agree with the censure, eight of the 16 did not speak.

Of the eight who did, comments ranged from being “disturbed at what is going on in our city,” to “We cannot handle this kind of division,” to “Censureship erodes trust between the people and the city,” to “I cannot believe we are at this point in a city I love” and “This screams of lack of communication. This is not good for our town.”

Those in the audience who were behind the censure said, “I am tired of coming before the council” and “Tired of Chism coming at her.”

Another resident said, “We have a situation where five people will all vote the same way.”

Another highlighted his belief that there is division in the council with the help of the City Manager “as he reportedly only works with certain members and not all.”

Mayor Pro-Tem Leticia Hughes who voted against the censure said “No one is happy we are here and it could have and should have been avoided. We have all failed as a council. We have to be able to have the hard conversations.”

Place Four Andre Byrd said he believed “rules and procedures should be clearly defined and everyone has free speech.”

The free speech part of the discussion had some questioning the necessity of a censure.

In Chism’s response to the initial complaint she did point out “It does not say that the Mayor is the only person in city government allowed to speak on matters of public importance, post on social media, or have an opinion in one’s capacity

as a city official. That would be a violation of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and fly in the face of reason.”

Wrapping up her concerns during the meeting, Chism thanked those who spoke on her behalf and those who did not. She also commented that she has been defamed, bullied, etc. She said she loses money serving on the city council and she is frustrated as she tries to “weed out the hypocrisy.”

Chism cited other situations in which council had been able to meet behind closed doors for issues not brought to the public. One such issue included a sexual harassment matter not exposed to the public. She urged those in the audience to do an open records request on the sexual harassment item.

Chism also stated the item was a personal vendetta against the mayor, the accusations were a lie and that the matter should never have risen to a censure.

At times, the meeting resulted in members calling out others for untruth, talking over each other, and a general dissension among a council divided.

Making matters worse was the fact the May election has an open mayoral seat up for election. To that end, two of three involved in Tuesday night’s discussion are part of the city council as well as one candidate who spoke against Chism during public comment.

DeSoto City Manager Majed Al-Ghafry made comments and finally said he could do little on the matter apparently because “It is me trying to discipline my bosses.”

DeSoto Mayor Rachel Proctor made final comments before the motion to dismiss was made by Byrd.

“As councilmembers we must always do what is best and right for the city as a whole,” she said, adding a censure should never be used to settle political differences and that it was “grossly disproportionate” to the issue being discussed.

As the roll call votes were counted, and the 4-3 decision was made Chism’s words as she voted to dismiss the item was “I’ll see you in May.”

Opposition to the Attempted Censure of Councilwoman Crystal Chism

Dear Mayor Pro Tem and Members of the DeSoto City Council,

The Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), the largest human and civil rights organization in North Texas, stands firmly in opposition to the baseless and politically motivated attempt to censure Councilwoman Crystal Chism. Since our founding, NGAN has been committed to ensuring justice, equity, and transparency in governance, and we find it deeply troubling that Councilmembers Pierette Parker and Dinah Marks are seeking to silence an elected official for simply doing the job her constituents elected her to do—advocating for public safety, government accountability, and the well-being of the DeSoto community.

The Notice of Censure (NoC) filed against Councilwoman Chism is not only procedurally and factually flawed, but it also represents an alarming abuse of power. Nowhere in the NoC is there a citation of a violation of the City Charter, which is a requirement for censure under the DeSoto City Council Rules and Procedures (DCCRP). Instead, this is a clear

Councilwoman Crystal Chism

attempt to use procedural mechanisms to punish Councilwoman Chism for exercising her constitutional rights and speaking out on critical issues that impact the residents of DeSoto.

As an organization that has long fought for fair and just policing in our communities, NGAN has always stood for policies that foster responsible and accountable law enforcement—not against policing itself. We strongly believe in creating local policies that ensure our police departments are trained to engage with all members of our community, particularly when individuals are experiencing mental health crises. It is shameful that in a city that is over 70% African American, we find ourselves hav-

We strongly believe in creating local policies that ensure our police departments are trained to engage with all members of our community, particularly when individuals are experiencing mental health crises.

ing to educate Black council members on the need for our police department to understand mental health issues, the unique challenges faced by the Black community, and the historical relationship between African Americans and law enforcement.

Councilwoman Chism’s advocacy on police accountability and mental health awareness is necessary, not controversial. She has a duty to represent her constituents and ensure their voices are heard on matters of public safety. It is deeply disturbing that instead of engaging in meaningful discussions about these issues, certain members of the council are attempting to suppress dialogue through censure. This does not reflect leadership— it reflects fear of accountability.

We call on the DeSoto City Council to immediately dismiss this unjust and politically motivated attempt at censure. The city’s focus should be on policies that foster transparency, safety, and trust within the community— not on silencing those who dare to advocate for them. The people of DeSoto deserve leaders who are committed to real progress, not political retaliation.

We stand in solidarity with Councilwoman Chism and with the residents of DeSoto who demand fair representation, justice, and policies that reflect the needs of the people—not the interests of a few.

Sincerely,

Minister Dominique Alexander President & CEO

Next Generation Action Network

presented by 94.5 and 97.9 Urban One Radio!

MAJIC 94.5 and 97.9 The Beat (Radio One Dallas) celebrated Women’s History Month with the 2025 ‘SHE IS...’ Awards Ceremony! This event honors the contributions of women who inspire others to strive further in their endeavors. The evening featured a fireside chat with special celebrity guest, and legendary actress, LisaRaye McCoy!

CLASS OF 2024

Ellis Herron Texas Tech University

Stephaine Hoye Brooks Alcorn State University

Detrice Kaho Alcorn State University

Elaine Miles Texas Woman’s University

Kelley Jamison Harvest Christian University

K. J. Peoples Texas Southern University

METRO SALUTE

Honored and featured as a Spotlight in the I Am a Woman & I LEAD™ Global Movement, founded by the visionary Dr. Marrika KO and powered by MKO Collaborative & New Era Leaders.

Obama and Craig Robinson

The former First Lady Michelle Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson, are set to launch a new podcast called ‘IMO’.

Juju Watkins

Watkins was named The Athletics’ National Player of the Year and the Big Ten Conference Player of the Year. Watkins has also earned nods as a 2025 Sullivan Award semifinalist and is on watch lists for the Wade Trophy and Dawn Staley Award — some of collegiate women’s basketball’s highest honors.

Makes History With New Side Hustle As Davidson College’s Assistant General Manager Of Basketball

City of Dallas Councilwoman Carolyn King Arnold hosted the “Warriors House of Hope” Groundbreaking Ceremony for a new Veterans Housing Community on last Thursday!

The longest-serving senior advisor to a U.S. president and Chief Executive Officer for the Obama Foundation, will receive the 2025 Chicago Defender Women of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award.

Michelle

Lakiesha Russell

Steph Curry

“Warriors House of Hope”

Valerie Jarrett

NNPA celebrates 198 Years of the Black Press

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and the NNPA Fund brought together over 150 journalists, scholars, and media professionals at Howard University’s Louis Stokes Library to commemorate Black Press Day 2025. The event underscored the nearly two-century-long influence of Black-owned newspapers in shaping narratives, advocating for justice, and preserving cultural history.

Supported by sponsors Google News Initiative and Nissan, the gathering emphasized the critical role Black media plays in storytelling, representation, and social change.

A major highlight of the event was the enshrinement of two legendary publishers into the Howard University Black Press Archives Gallery of Distinguished Publishers— Dr. William H. Lee, founder of The Sacramento Observer, and Walter “Ball” Smith, longtime publisher of The

New York Beacon.

Their contributions to Black media and journalism were honored in a historic moment that underscored their lasting impact on the industry.

“Please do not underestimate what our people have already been through. These are trying times, but we’ve had trying times before. We have to stick together. I’m so proud of the Black Press because we are the voice of

Black America and we not only report the news—we advocate for freedom, justice, equality, equity, and empowerment,” said Dr. Ben Chavis, president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

NNPA Fund Chairman Karen Carter Richards reinforced this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of documenting and elevating Black stories.

“Our work has never been more crucial. The voices we amplify and the history we safeguard are invaluable.”

Key Moments from Black Press Day: Tributes to Trailblazing Journalists

Honoring Dr. William H. Lee, founder of The Sacramento Observer

Recognizing Walter “Ball” Smith, longtime publisher of The New York Beacon

Address on the State of the Black Press by Dr. Chavis

Presentation of the Black Press Archives Digitization Initiative

Curated Tours of the Black Press Archives

Conversations on Media Sustainability and Historical Preservation

As the Black Press nears its 200-year milestone, the NNPA and NNPA Fund remain steadfast in their mission to support and expand Black media through strategic partnerships, innovation, and investment.

NNPA President Dr. Ben Chavis, NNPA Fund Chair Karen Carter-Richards, and NNPA Chair Bobby Henry.

Walter Smith family with NNPAF Leadership

Trans Journalists Association names co-exec directors

Special from TJA

With a mission of promoting accurate, nuanced coverage of trans rights and communities in the media and fostering the careers of gender-expansive journalists has never been more urgent, according to a release from the Trans Journalists Association.

To supportincreased needs in these times, the TJA recently announced the hiring of its first two staff members: co-executive directors Tre’vell Anderson and Kae Petrin.

“We are so excited to have Tre’vell and Kae as co-executive directors,” said TJA board president Minami Funakoshi. “They have both been vital voices in the community, with clear visions about how the TJA can grow, and we are so fortunate to have them on the team.”

Anderson is an award-winning journalist, noted pod-

cast host, and authoress whose reporting has been published by the Los Angeles Times, Entertainment Weekly, Essence, Out, and TIME, among other publications. As a former chapter president and national board member of the National Association of Black Journalists, they’ve long been active in advocating on behalf of journalists of diverse backgrounds.”

Anderson, who will serve in a full-time capacity, also developed the TJA’s new Level Up stipends program.

“I’m honored to be joining the TJA as one of their inaugural co-directors, especially at this pivotal time for our community,” Anderson said. “I look forward to working alongside Kae and the TJA Board as we meet our members’ needs and educate and hold accountable the news and media ecosystem.”

Petrin helped cofound the TJA in 2020 and has since run

many of the organization’s internal operations as interim executive director, which was a volunteer role.

An accountability journalist with a decade of experience in local media, they currently work as a Data & Graphics Reporter on Civic News Company’s data visuals team. Petrin will serve in a part-time capacity to keep leadership continuity and assess the organization’s needs as it grows.

“This organization started as four-dozen journalists in a support channel. It’s pretty astonishing that we’ve grown from an all-volunteer team with a few thousand dollars to hiring actual staff in less than two years. That’s thanks to the dedication of trans journalists who built space for ourselves in journalism,” said Petrin. “I’m honored to have shepherded the journey and excited for what comes next.”

The Trans Journalists Asso-

ciation is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) professional membership organization that promotes accurate, nuanced coverage of trans rights and communities in the media and fosters the careers of gender-expansive journalists.

Since its founding in 2020, the TJA has worked with newsrooms, affinity groups, and journalism-supporting organizations to discuss best practices for covering trans people in all contexts.

As part of that work, TJA maintains a style guide that aims to address common and complex questions that arise when reporting on our communities.

TJA also produces a workplace guide that includes safety resources, newsroom policy best practices, and other resources. Members span the globe and represent a vast spectrum of media formats, experience levels, and coverage areas.

Tre’vell Anderson and Kae Petrin are the TJA’s new co-executive directors.

Mark Cuban’s stunning advice to Black women entrepreneurs

Why Mavericks minority owner encourages Black women to stop looking for funding

By Amari Apple Rolling Out News

In the world of entrepreneurship, Black women face unique challenges, particularly when it comes to securing funding for their businesses. Recent statistics reveal that Black women who apply for funding are three times more likely to be rejected compared to their White counterparts. This alarming disparity highlights the urgent need for alternative strategies to empower Black women entrepreneurs.

The

importance

of sweat equity

Cuban’s advice centers on the idea that entrepreneurs should focus on developing their businesses organically, even if it means starting smaller and progressing at a slower pace. He explained that this approach allows founders to learn about their business and make it loan-worthy while also understanding the financial language necessary for securing loans. Cuban stated, “You have to figure out a way to use sweat equity to build it on your own.” This perspective encourages Black women entrepreneurs to harness their skills and knowledge rather than relying solely on external funding.

The funding gap for Black women entrepreneurs

The funding gap for Black

women entrepreneurs is a pressing issue. According to data from Stearnsbank, Black women face significant barriers when seeking financial support. The statistics show that they are three times more likely to be denied funding compared to other demographics, including white business owners.

This systemic inequality is further compounded by the experiences of successful entrepreneurs like Carmen Tapio, founder of North End Teleservices, who faced discrimination despite having an excellent credit score and business reputation.

Discrimination in lending

Tapio’s story illustrates the challenges that many Black women entrepreneurs encounter. Despite her 850 credit score, she struggled to secure a Paycheck Protection Program loan, highlighting

how historical decisions can impact access to funding for entrepreneurs of color. Tapio noted, “Decisions that were made decades ago in some instances … can put real constraints on the ability of entrepreneurs of particular races from participating in the systems and the programs that are out there.” This sentiment resonates with many Black women who find themselves navigating a biased financial landscape.

The venture capital landscape

Moreover, the venture capital landscape presents additional hurdles. Only 2 percent of venture capital funding is allocated to female-only founding teams, which disproportionately affects women of color. Arian Simone, CEO of the Fearless Fund, has been vocal about these disparities. Her firm focuses on investing in under-resourced entrepreneurs, particularly

Mark Cuban, the billionaire investor and a minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, recently shared his insights on Black women entrepreneurs during a panel discussion at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas. Cuban advised Black women founders to reconsider their approach to funding, suggesting they should stop looking for funding altogether. Instead, he emphasized the importance of utilizing sweat equity to build their businesses from the ground up. Mark Cuban at the Special Red Carpet Screening for New Line Cinema’s House Party at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on January 11, 2023 in Los Angeles.

women of color. However, initiatives like the Fearless Strivers Grant contest, which aimed to support small businesses led by women of color, faced legal challenges that hindered their efforts.

Financial literacy and predatory lending

Cuban acknowledges the difficulties Black women entrepreneurs face in securing funding and emphasizes the importance of financial literacy. He warns against predatory lending practices that target individuals lacking financial knowledge. Cuban stated, “There’s a lot of predatory lending out there, and it’s awful. [The lenders] see people who may not have the financial literacy or understanding, and they’ll say, ‘Oh, yeah, I’ll make you a loan.’” This highlights the need for Black women to educate themselves about financial options to avoid exploitation.

Joke of the Day

Public Notice

24 Hour Wrecker Serv

24 Hour Wrecker Service Public Notice VSF 0514204

TThe following vehicles will be sold at public auction on Monday 3/24/2025 if not released to register owners. Any announcements made the day of sale supercede any advertised announcements. The auction will be held at On line at www.jdnewell.com. If you have any questions,please call 972-227-5188.

Year/make, VIN, Tag. ALL VEHICLES ARE SOLD AS IS.

Vehicle

1999 Chevrolet S10

2000 GMC New Sierra

2001 Chevrolet S10

2004 Acura TL

2004 Chevrolet Tahoe

2005 Chevrolet Silverado

2006 Ford Focus

2006 Ford Mustang

2006 Kawasaki Zx636-C1

2007 Chevrolet Impala

2007 Chrysler Sebring

2009 Chevrolet Impala

2010 GMC Acadia

2010 Volvo Xc90

2011 Hyundai Elantra

2011 Ram Dakota

2012 Hyundai ACCENT

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2012 NISSAN Altima

2012 NISSAN Sentra

2013 NISSAN Rogue

2014 Chevrolet Impala

2015 NISSAN Altima

2015 NISSAN Pathfinder

2016 Dodge Charger

2016 Ford Fusion

2019 NISSAN Sentra

2024 TAIZHOU 250EFI

2025 Acura Integra

VIN

1GCCS1444X8119210

2GTEC19T7Y1394709

1GCCS195818135869 19UUA66284A054786 1GNEC13Z74R241415 1GCEC14X25Z308865 1FAFP34N66W110124 1ZVFT82H265204522 JKBZXJD126A003423 2G1WT58K279347861 1C3LC46K47N536052 2G1WT57K991208149

1GKLVNED5AJ173584 YV4982CY7A1536627 KMHDH4AE1BU152288 1D7RE3GK8BS511678 KMHCU5AEXCU033315 1C4RJEAT9CC305736 1N4AL2AP5CN419123 3N1AB6AP4CL738150 JN8AS5MTXDW032901 2G1125S37E9143195 1N4AL3AP8FN327952 5N1AR2MN6FC680355 2C3CDXCT0GH285681 3FA6P0HD8GR222136 3N1AB7AP9KY407975 H0DPBFG97RX073367 19UDE4H36SA003525

MARCH

HAPPY SISTERHOOD and WOMEN’S MONTH!

The Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sororuty’s Centennial Celebration 100 years of community service exhibit at the African American Museum will end Saturday, March 29, 2025.

First in a series of conversations about gun violence in our communities. Dallas Hall at SMU. Co-sponsored by Human Rights Dallas. A CONVERSATION featuring Dr. Theresa Daniel, Sen. Roland Gutierrrez, Councilman Adam Bazaldua and Dr. Rick Halperin. 7pm

Women of Influence Awards luncheon in Dallas to honor women during Women’s History Month. The event – now in its third year - will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CDT at the Statler Hotel, 1914 Commerce St, Dallas, TX

Fancy Hat Women’s Empowerment Tea Party, 11am-1:30pm, 200 E. Carr Lane, Duncanville

Les Miserables at 7:30pm at Bass Performance Hall - Fort Worth, TX

Black on the Block , in partnership with Live Nation Urban, is officially headed BACK to Texas: Texas Live!: 1650 E Randol Mill Rd, Arlington, TX 76011

160+ Black-owned businesses

Food court with delicious food & drinks (cocktails too!)

Music from your fav local DJSpecial live performance by Dear Silas Giveaways

Community Calender

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Drew Robinson, former Major League Baseball player and current mental health advocate for the San Francisco Giants, will headline Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 16th annual Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. Joining him as moderator is Eric Nadel, voice of the Texas Rangers and mental health advocate.

Food and Wine Festival--Savor the best of Dallas at the Dallas Arboretum’s Food & Wine Festival, chaired by the renowned Chef Sharon Van Meter. Enjoy delicious bites from top chefs, paired with exceptional wine and beer, as you stroll through a garden with over 500,000 spring bulbs.

An Evening with two iconic Broadway Tony Award Winners - Melba Moore and Jennifer Holliday in the Naomi Bruton Main Stage - TBAAL 8pm

Dallas County Democratic Party’s Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser!

From 6 - 8 PM. Sokol Athletic Center 7448 Greenville Ave. Dallas. RSVP https://bit.ly/4i8bGMJ

“Rooted In Rhythm” Country Music Showcase, 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM Tupps Brewery , 402 E Louisiana St Building 2, McKinney, TX 75069 Featuring performances by:

- Stephanie Urbina Jones and The Honky Toni Mariachi - Pynk Beard - Elsie - Kentucky GentlemanValerie Ponzio - DJ Rick Dominguez (Line dance instructor and DJ) Mamma Mia! at 1:30pm Music Hall at Fair Park - Dallas, TX Mamma Mia! at 7:30pm Music Hall at Fair Park - Dallas, TX

25 & 27

Live Conference on Friday April 25 and Sunday April 27at 2126 E. Overton Road, Dallas 26

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority - Psi Chapter will celebrate their 51th Annual Business Month Education & Scholarship Awards Luncheon, 11:00 a.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas Campbell Centre. 8250 North Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas 75206.

Kendrick Lamar and SZA will bring their joint “Grand National Tour” to North Texas this spring, at AT&T Stadium.1

The Greater Trinity Section of NCNW’s Women of Impact Luncheon

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.