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QUIT PLAYIN’

Jesus brought Black people to America, and we have been catching hell ever since. Not Jesus, our chosen Lord and Savior it was literally the Jesus of Lubeck. Jesus of Lubeck was the first British slave ship to reach the Americas.

DALLAS ALUMNAE DELTAS I WAS JUST THINKING...

The Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. proudly announces its Centennial Celebration, commemorating 100 years of sisterhood, scholarship, service and social action to the Dallas community.

There’s a war going on. Not the Israel/Palestine or Russian/Ukraine conflicts – but the pain and wounded history of Black folks’ free labor and cotton free labor picking cotton in America.

MY TRUTH

by Cheryl Smith Publisher

What will they say 50 years from now?

Monday I voted.

It wasn’t the first time. However; it was the first time in my lifetime of voting, that I got to cast my vote for a Black woman.

Now some will say, “you voted for Vice President Kamala Harris because she’s Black!”

So what if I did?

There will also be those who didn’t vote for her for the same reason.

Who would you consider to

difference. I also believe that she will do what sometimes others have been unable to do — find people of color who are qualified to serve.

And more women will be in the room at the table.

Sounds scary? Don’t be alarmed. If you use your brain, you see the value in having a woman in a leadership position.

Now, I didn’t avoid voting for Donald Trump because he is white. Actually, I believe if he were Black, with his portfolio, he wouldn’t even be allowed to be on the ballot.

Better still, if America was a company/corporation; many have said his children would have seized control and retired him years ago.

All eyes are on us. Some have said, “fool me once, shame on you —fool me twice, shame on me!”

be in the wrong?

I’m going to stay on this side of history and think about times in the past when support should have been given to a Black person, or a woman but the odds were against them.

I didn’t vote for Kamala Harris because she is Black. She’s smart, talented, meticulous, astute, creative, intuitive, and passionate.

And there’s more.

Having a woman in the White House is a feat long

overdue. While the Hon. Shirley Chisholm (D-NY), the Member from the great state of New York, was not successful; she laid the foundation and put forth the notion that we could build better families, homes, communities, nations, and yes; a better world.

Now I am not foolish enough to think that men won’t have a say-so in decisions, but what I do know is that having a woman at the table will definitely make a

Are voters going to take a utilitarian position and vote for what is good for the entire country, and ultimately the world; or will we blindly, selfishly, and recklessly lead the country down a path of destruction fueled by hatred, and dishonesty?

Your choice could make a difference in how we are viewed decades from now. Folks will be trying to rewrite or erase history just like they are doing today because some of this stuff is downright cray cray!

Reminds me of a line from the great 1970s group, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes: “The whole towns’ laughing at me!”

NOTICE OF ELECTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Dallas, Texas has called a special election to be held within the City of Dallas, Texas on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Dallas, Texas has called a special election to be held within the City of Dallas, Texas on Tuesday, November

PROPOSITION A

FOR AGAINST

Shall Chapter 40A of the Dallas City Code, known as the employees’ retirement fund of the City of Dallas, be amended in accordance with Ordinance No. 32801 to: add, revise, and delete various definitions; provide amended terms and term limits of the board; modify the retirement fund board’s powers and duties; specify the date the board shall adopt the actuarially determined contribution rate, the current total adjusted total obligation rate, the current total obligation rate, and the pension obligation bond credit rate for each fiscal year; provide amended contribution amounts for the city and employees; provide a contribution maximum for Tier A and Tier B employees; provide that the city may contribute additional monies to the retirement fund in its sole discretion; amend the modifications of contribution rates; provide guardrails with respect to the calculation of the actuarially determined contribution and incorporating the guardrails into actuarial assumptions; and amend the procedure to amend Chapter 40A?

PROPOSITION B

Shall the Dallas City Charter be amended by adding a preamble that declares the city to be an equitable democracy, comprised of representatives that act to make the city fair, equitable, just, and safe for all residents?

PROPOSITION B

PROPOSITION C

Increasing Salaries for the Mayor and Councilmembers

PROPOSITION C

Shall Chapter III, Section 4(a) of the Dallas City Charter be amended to increase the annual salary for the mayor to $110,000 and the annual salaries for councilmembers to $90,000 with salaries subject to a yearly adjustment equal to the year-over-year percentage increase in the local consumer price index, effective January 1, 2025?

PROPOSITION D

Increasing Salaries for the Mayor and Councilmembers

Removing Election Date from the Charter

Shall Chapter IV, Section 3 of the Dallas City Charter be amended by deleting the requirement that elections for members of the city council be held in May and instead be held according to state law and as designated by city resolution or ordinance?

PROPOSITION E

PROPOSITION D

Eliminating the Ability for Councilmembers and Mayor to Run Again After Serving the Limit of Terms

Removing Election Date from the Charter

Shall Chapter III, Section 3A of the Dallas City Charter be amended to eliminate the ability for members of the city council to run for city council again after serving the maximum four two-year terms and to eliminate the ability for the mayor to run for mayor again after serving the maximum two four-year terms?

PROPOSITION F

Providing the City Secretary and City Auditor with Employees

PROPOSITION E

FOR AGAINST

Shall Chapter IIIA, Section 2 and Chapter IX, Section 2 of the Dallas City Charter, which requires the city council to provide assistants to the city secretary and city auditor, be amended to also require the city council to provide employees to the city secretary and city auditor?

Eliminating the Ability for Councilmembers and Mayor to Run Again After Serving the Limit of Terms

PROPOSITION G

Adding Eligibility Criteria for Serving on the Redistricting Commission

Shall Chapter IV, Section 5(b)(2) of the Dallas City Charter, which establishes the redistricting commission, be amended by adding eligibility criteria for serving on the redistricting commission?

PROPOSITION F

Providing the City Secretary and City Auditor with Employees

PROPOSITION G

Adding Eligibility Criteria for Serving on the Redistricting Commission

Shall Chapter IV, Section 5(b)(2) of the Dallas City Charter, which establishes the redistricting commission, be amended by adding eligibility criteria for serving on the redistricting commission?

PROPOSITION H

FOR AGAINST

Eliminating the Requirement that Members of Boards and Commissions Created by Charter be Registered to Vote, Qualified Voters, or Qualified Taxpaying Citizens

Shall Chapter IV, Section 5; Chapter XV, Section 3; Chapter XVI, Section 1; and Chapter XVII, Section 2 of the Dallas City Charter be amended by eliminating the requirement that members of the redistricting commission, city plan commission, civil service board, and park and recreation board be registered to vote, qualified voters, or qualified taxpaying citizens?

PROPOSITION I

Amending Initiative and Referendum Petition Procedure by Extending Deadline for Petition Signature Collection from 60 Days to 120 Days and Reducing Number of Signatures Required on a Petition to Initiate a Referendum

Shall Chapter XVIII, Section 11 of the Dallas City Charter, which establishes procedures for initiative and referendum of ordinances, be amended to extend the deadline petitioners must meet to collect required signatures from 60 days to 120 days and reduce the number of signatures required on a petition from 10 percent of the qualified voters of the City of Dallas to five percent?

PROPOSITION J

FOR AGAINST

Allowing City Council to Replace City Board and Commission Members Before Completion of Board and Commission Terms

Shall Chapter XXIV, Section 17(b) of the Dallas City Charter be amended to allow city council’s appointments to city boards and commissions to be replaced by city council prior to completion of a member’s two-year term?

PROPOSITION L

Adding the Office of the Inspector General to the Charter

Shall Chapter XI, Section 2 be amended and a new chapter be added to the Dallas City Charter that establishes the Office of the Inspector General with the Inspector General being appointed by city council and lists the duties of the Inspector General?

PROPOSITION O

Amending the Appointment Procedure and Qualifications of Associate Municipal Judges

Shall Chapter VIII, Section 6 of the Dallas City Charter be amended to clarify the terms of associate municipal judges and state that associate municipal judges are appointed by city council, receive assignments from the administrative judge or the administrative judge’s designee, and must be residents of Dallas within four months of the date of appointment and practicing attorneys in good standing?

PROPOSITION P

FOR AGAINST

Deleting the Requirement to Pay One-Half the Costs of Administrative Law Judge

Shall Chapter XVI, Section 12.1 of the Dallas City Charter be amended by deleting the requirement that a city employee who appeals his or her discharge or reduction in grade to an administrative law judge pay onehalf of the costs attributed to having the administrative law judge conduct the appeal hearing?

PROPOSITION Q

Technical Amendments to Conform to State Law, City Code, and Actual Practices; to Correct Terms; and to Clarify Language

Shall Chapter III, Section 3; Chapter III, Section 4; Chapter III, Chapter 8(b); Chapter III, Section 13(a); Chapter III, Section 19; Chapter IV, Section 6(a); Chapter IV, Section 6(c)(2); Chapter IV, Section 13; Chapter XI, Section 1; Chapter XI, Section 3; Chapter XII, Section 4; Chapter XIII, Section 2(2); Chapter XIII, Section 9; Chapter XIV, Section 8; Chapter XV, Section 3; Chapter XV, Section 4; Chapter XVI, Section 3(b)(1); Chapter XVI, Section 7; Chapter XVI, Section 10(a); Chapter XVI, Section 11(b); Chapter XVIII, Section 7; Chapter XVIII, Section 11(1); Chapter XVIII, Section 15; Chapter XIX, Section 7; Chapter XXII, Section 2; Chapter XXII, Section 3; Chapter XXII, Section 4(1); Chapter XXII, Section 10; and Chapter XXIV of the Dallas City Charter be amended to conform to state law, conform to the city code, match actual practices, correct terms, clarify language, and other technical amendments? FOR AGAINST

FOR AGAINST

PROPOSITION R

Reform Marijuana Enforcement

PROPOSITION R

Reform Marijuana Enforcement

Shall the Dallas City Charter be amended by adding a new section in Chapter XXIV that reforms marijuana possession enforcement by prohibiting the Dallas Police Department from making arrests or issuing citations for marijuana possession or considering the odor of marijuana as probable cause for search or seizure, except as part of a violent felony or high priority narcotics felony investigation; making enforcement of Class A (currently, two to four ounces) and Class B (currently, up to two ounces) misdemeanor marijuana possession the Dallas Police Department’s lowest enforcement priority; and prohibiting city funds or personnel from being used to test cannabis-related substances to determine whether a substance meets the legal definition of marijuana, except in limited circumstances?

PROPOSITION S

Granting Standing to Residents and Waiving Governmental Immunity

PROPOSITION S

Granting Standing to Residents and Waiving Governmental Immunity

Shall the Dallas City Charter be amended by adding a new chapter that grants standing to any resident of Dallas to bring a lawsuit against the city to require the city to comply with provisions of the city charter, city ordinances, and state law; entitles claimants to seek declaratory and injunctive relief against the city and recover costs and reasonable attorney’s fees; and waives the city’s governmental immunity from suit and liability in claims brought under this amendment?

PROPOSITION T FOR AGAINST

FOR AGAINST

Annual Community Survey

PROPOSITION T

Annual Community Survey

Shall Chapter VI of the Dallas City Charter be amended by adding a new section compelling the city to conduct the city-commissioned Community Survey on an annual basis, to be completed by a minimum of 1,400 Dallas residents on their satisfaction on quality of life issues, the results of which will result in the city manager earning additional performance compensation (between 0 percent and 100 percent of the city manager’s annual base salary) or the termination of the city manager?

PROPOSITION U

Police and Fire Funding Appropriation

Shall Chapter XI of the Dallas City Charter be amended by adding a new section compelling city council to appropriate no less than 50 percent of annual revenue that exceeds the total annual revenue of the previous year to fund the Dallas Police and Fire Pension, with any monies remaining of that 50% to be appropriated to increasing the starting compensation of officers of the Dallas Police Department and to increase the number of police officers to a minimum of 4,000, and to maintain that ratio of officers to the City of Dallas population as of the date of passage of this amendment?

Note: Propositions K, M, and N were removed per Ordinance Number 32849, approved on September 11, 2024, by the Dallas City Council.

Dates Day of the Week

October 21-25, 2024 Monday-Friday 8 AM - 5 PM

October 26, 2024 Saturday 7 AM - 7 PM

October 21-25, 2024 Monday-Friday 8 AM - 5 PM

October 26, 2024

October 27, 2024 Sunday 12 PM -

7 AM - 7 PM

October 28 - November 1, 2024

October 27, 2024 Sunday 12 PM - 6 PM October 28 - November 1, 2024 Monday-Friday 7 AM - 7 PM

Dallas County Early voting and Election Day locations: https://www.dallascountyvotes.org/voters/election/11052024-2/

Collin County Early voting and Election Day locations and dates/times: https://www.collincountytx.gov/Elections/polling-locations

Denton County Early voting and Election Day locations and dates/times: https://www.votedenton.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1124_EV_Locations.pdf https://www.votedenton.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1124-Unconsolidated-ED-Locations.pdf

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY SECRETARY’S OFFICE: Bilierae Johnson (214) 670-5654 or Miroslava

(214) 670-3809

From Jesus to Jim Crow?

We ain’t goin’ back! – Harris/Welz Campaign, 2024

QUIT PLAYIN’

BY VINCENT L. HALL

Jesus brought Black people to America, and we have been catching hell ever since. Not Jesus, our chosen Lord and Savior…it was literally the Jesus of Lubeck.

Jesus of Lubeck was the first British slave ship to reach the Americas. In fact, between 1562 and 1567, Britain’s very first slave trader, John Hawkins, profited so greatly from the slave trade, that he arrested the Queen’s attention. And the rest, as they say, is Black history.

It is blatantly apparent that some of us are historically limited. I hope to explain in 700 words or less how racism has kept African Americans in a fighting posture for 400 years.

The “Slave Catchers” created a working model of law enforcement officers as we know them today. The concept was attributed to Robert Peel in England circa 1812 and reached the continental United States soon after.

The first American implementation of Peel’s “community policing” happened as a response to slave revolts by Nat Turner and John Brown. These freedom fighters took the risk of opposing evil and like so many others “made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Black Codes - President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated five days after the Civil War, and Vice

President Andrew Johnson assumed the balance of his term. A Southerner, Johnson wanted to readmit the Southern states into the Union as quickly as possible. He appointed military governors who held complete power in the former Confederate states until new civilian governments could be organized.

Congress created the Freedmen’s Bureau right before the end of the war, but the newly emancipated slaves were last on Johnson’s list.

By 1870, a quarter million black children and adults attended more than 4,000 of these schools in the South.

South Carolina created an answer to what they saw as a breach of their state’s rights…They created the Black Codes.

South Carolina’s Black Code applied only to “persons of color,” (octoroons) defined as including anyone with more than one-eighth Negro blood. The Black Codes negatively affected civil rights, labor contracts, vagrancy, apprenticeships, courts, crimes, and punishment.

It rescinded the 2nd Amendment Right of “col-

Alabama Police Commissioner Bull Connor of the 1960s became the poster boy for outward racism in policing.

After all, it takes somebody with a badge to enforce laws, whether just or unjust!

oreds” to bear arms and required the enforcement of local, state, and national policing agencies.

“Jim Crow” was the late 1800s phase of militarized martial law and official oppression for Negroes. Jim Crow was a slang term and “code” for Black people when “Nigger” became taboo for official use. Jim Crow established different rules and laws for Blacks and Whites and was based on the theory and practice of white supremacy.

After Reconstruction and the depression-racked 1890s, racism appealed to Whites who feared losing their jobs to Blacks. Sound familiar? Politicians singled out Blacks to win the favor and votes of poor Whites.

Some newspapers allegedly beefed up the bias of White readers by amping up or making up Black crimes. (Fox News didn’t invent racism in media, they just perfected the process!)

By 1914, Texas had six entire towns in which Blacks could not live or work in after dark. Signs bearing the warning “Whites Only” or “Colored” became the tapestry and texture of the South.

Civil Rights/AA/DEI

Since Jim Crow, we have been engaged in a colder version of the war for our dignity called the civil rights struggle. We won significant victories in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

But in 2024, we are witnessing encumbrances at the voting booth, a total denial and “whitewashing” of history, and a significant assault on Affirmative Action, aka DEI.

Donald Trump boldly proclaims that a vote for him will Make America Great Again. The MAGA movement fondly remembers the maximum enjoyment of White privilege.

So, if you don’t care to revisit government blatantly racist policies and you refuse to go back to Sundown Towns, reckless eyeballing charges, lynching, or guessing how many jellybeans are in a bowl as a requirement for voting; you have a singular choice for president in 2024 and Trump ain’t it!

Those of us who understand Black history from the Jesus of Lubeck to Jim Crow and beyond will be voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.

We ain’t goin’ back!

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

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Best in Beauty Awards Gala supports Hairstylists

Fashion designer Venny Etienne will unveil his latest LEVENITY collection at The Mary Flewellen Foundation’s 3rd Annual Best in Beauty Awards Gala, Sunday, November 3, 2024 at the breathtaking Tower Club Dallas, 1601 Elm Street, Floor 48.

This night of elegance will celebrate exceptional achievements while serving as a place of inspiration and will feature a special showcase renowned for its structurally sophisticated pieces, defined by clean lines and meticulous attention to detail.

Mr. Etienne gained recognition as a top 7 finalist on Season 17 of Project Runway and has dressed some of today’s trendiest celebrities, including Cardi B, Michelle Williams, Niecy Nash, Fantasia, and Beyoncé. The fashion showcase will be produced by Willie Johnson J3 Productions.

Show Director, Kaye Flewellen, who is the spokesperson for the Mary Flewellen Foundation expressed her excitement, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with the LEVENITY brand. Fashion and beauty are closely intertwined, and it is fitting to showcase Dallas’s most anticipated fashion release in front of the Dallas Beauty Industry.”

The Best in Beauty Awards Gala aims to raise funds that will directly assist hairstylists in various aspects of their journey, including education, mentorship programs, and business development opportunities.

“Through the Best in Beauty Awards Gala, we not only

celebrate excellence within the beauty industry but also foster the growth and success of hairstylists,” she continued.

“Our goal is to be a vital resource for hairstylists, offering the support they need to start, sustain, and scale their careers. By investing in their success, we contribute to the overall growth and innovation of the beauty industry, supporting economic development and entrepreneurship.”

The Best in Beauty Awards Gala promises an unforgettable evening of glamour, inspiration, and philanthropy. Attendees will enjoy a red carpet entrance with live music and interviews conducted by J Kruz, host of K104’s Dede in the Morning Show, an exquisite gourmet dining experience, captivating entertainment, and an awards ceremony recognizing exceptional achievements within the beauty industry.

The gala will be hosted by media personality Lady Jade and the evening will culminate with an exciting on-site after-party.

By attending or sponsoring the Best in Beauty Awards Gala, individuals and organizations will not only experience an evening of grandeur but also contribute to an impactful cause—supporting hairstylists and investing in their future success. This event provides a unique networking opportunity, bringing together influential figures, industry professionals, celebrities, and media representatives to connect and explore collaborations within the beauty industry.

For ticket information visit bestinbeautygala.com and for sponsorship opportunities or media inquiries, please contact: Kaye Flewellen at beautyawardsgala@gmail.com or 214.207.5251.

Harris discusses issues on Black Star Network

Veteran journalist Roland Martin sits down with Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris on RolandMartinUnfiltered. Check out that interview, Mr. Martin on the campaign trail, fact-checking and more, at www.blackstarnetwork.com

Photo: credit: Black Star Network

Relief Efforts Are Happening In Florida And Other States Despite What The Former President Says

OUR VOICES

BY JAMES B. EWERS JR. ED.D.

Negative people manage to show up during the worst of times. They tear down and do not build up. They create bad impressions and perceptions. Their goal is always to create doubt and deception.

Ego and self-interests take the place of understanding and compassion for others. There are some qualities and traits that you can’t teach. You either have them or you don’t. You keep thinking they will change but they never do.

Donald Trump, the former president lacks empathy and compassion. Even when he tries, it comes across as disingenuous. These are my opinions.

Within the past three weeks, two major storms have hit the Sunshine State. One of them, Hurricane Helene also ripped through the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. At the last count more than 120 lives were lost, injured and unaccounted for in this hurricane. According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Helene packed winds of more than 110 mph.

Both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton along with the tornadoes that followed caused life-changing events for these residents. For many residents affected by these storms, they were first time occurrences. They were

What is rather sickening and shameful is that some Republicans have made these hurricanes into some type of political gain. Smugly and spitefully, they are intimating that the Biden-Harris administration is not providing the recovery assistance that is needed. Those of us with good sense know better.

simply not prepared for the winds and for the storm surges.

Many of us who live on the Gulf Coast have experienced these events and know firsthand the power and punch that these storms have. Unfortunately, some residents did not heed the warning to evacuate the area. They were left stranded and became victims.

With these hurricanes having now dissipated, what are the next steps? What do residents do who have lost everything? Relief efforts in the form of food, clothing and shelter have already begun. Local, state and national efforts have given these citizens help and hope.

National organizations like the American Red Cross are doing their part. One of their initiatives is to establish blood centers for those who have been injured in these hurricanes. They are also helping with places to stay and with food.

According to confirmed reports and a direct quote, “The Administration has already helped thousands of Hurricane Helene survivors jumpstart their recoveries

with more than $137 million in Federal assistance with more to come. The Administration has contacted nearly 450 state, city and county officials in impacted states to ensure they have the support and resources they need.” Similar statements have been made about those affected by Hurricane Milton.

While these documented efforts are happening in real time, there are some in the GOP who are spreading untruths about what is not happening. Of course, this nonsense is being led by Trump and his running mate.

Others have joined them in promulgating these lies. Republican lawmaker, Marjorie Taylor Greene has created controversy because of her mean and mindless remarks. She has suggested that the Democrats in some way can control the weather.

President Joe Biden said, “Her comments are beyond ridiculous, and it’s got to stop.” Hugh Willoughby, a Florida International professor who worked at NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division for over 20 years said, “We’re all trying to prevent human suffering and if somebody

were deliberately doing the sort of things they imagine, we’d blow the whistle on it.”

Another Republican with ill will is Scott Jennings. He served in the George W. Bush administration as a special assistant to the president. By his baseless and tasteless remarks on CNN, he must have been promised a position if Trump becomes president. What is rather sickening and shameful is that some Republicans have made these hurricanes into some type of political gain. Smugly and spitefully, they are intimating that the Biden-Harris administration is not providing the recovery assistance that is needed. Those of us with good sense know better. The facts and figures say otherwise. This is why you and I must vote for Kamala Harris in November to be president of the United States of America. If not, we’ll get a steady dose of lies and misrepresentations.

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.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! September 2024

Robert and Donnie Boswell 4 years

Mr. and Mrs. Jonah 6 years

Ricky and Kim Howard 35 years

Tracey and Keisha Suggs 24 years

Mr. and Mrs. Wright Wedding Anniversary

Mr. and Mrs Sledge 4 years

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes 3 years

Mr. and Mrs. Van Vickers 21 years

Pastor Lawrence and Darasimi Oyor 4 years

Vote Against Republican Propositions S, T, and U: Protect Our Hard-Won Progress

OUR VOICES

BY COMM. JOHN WILEY PRICE

Join me and VOTE AGAINST Republican Propositions S, T, and U at the bottom for your ballot.. These propositions are a direct assault on the progress we’ve achieved in our lifetimes.

Think about it. Single-member districts? That wasn’t our grandparents’ fight – that was our fight, spanning two decades starting in the 1970s. Many of you stood with me, marched with me, demanded that our voices be heard in every corner of this city. We won that battle, but now they want to take it away.

The desegregation of Dallas ISD? That wasn’t some distant historical event. It was a three-decade fight that began in the 1970s and stretched into the 2000s. Some of us were those children, bused to schools across town, facing hatred and fear, all for the promise of an equal education. And now, with these propositions, we risk sliding backwards.

Let’s break down what’s at stake:

Proposition S would let wealthy individuals and corporations sue the city more easily. The non-discrimination ordinances that protect us from prejudice? The equity programs that are finally helping Black businesses grow? The affordable housing programs keeping our families in place despite rising gentrification? All of

these could be undone with the stroke of a pen and the filing of a lawsuit. And more so, our tax dollars would be spent fighting these lawsuits instead of being used to better our communities.

Proposition T would give a small, unrepresentative group of 1,400 people the power to terminate the City Manager. This is a direct attack on the single-member districts we fought for just a few decades ago. Many of us remember a Dallas where our communities had no voice in city government. We changed that. We created a system where every neighborhood, including ours, has a seat at the table. Now they want to replace our hardwon representation with a scam survey of 1,400 people.

Proposition U mandates the hiring of 900 additional police officers, regardless of training or preparation. Our police chief has stated that training 900 new recruits is nearly impossible, noting that the department can only hire 250 officers a year. This proposition would flood our streets with underprepared officers, undoing years of progress toward building trust between law enforcement and our neighborhoods. We’ve spent years— decades—working towards a police force that serves and protects all Dallasites. We’ve pushed for better training, community policing, and accountability. Proposition U would undermine all of that progress.

The tragedy here—the thing that should anger every one of us—is that these propositions threaten to

undo progress we’ve made in our own lifetimes. Progress that’s so recent, so fragile, that many of us still remember what Dallas was like before. And now, we face the very real possibility that our children and grandchildren

could inherit a city that’s moved backwards.

Early voting runs from Oct 21 to Nov 1, and Election Day is Nov 5. VOTE AGAINST Republican Propositions S, T, and U at the bottom for your ballot.

TMN sending GOTV Messengers

Your vote is your voice. In one of our many efforts to encourage voter participation, we proudly introduce the Texas Metro News Get Out the Vote Messengers.

UNTIL ELECTION DAY 2024, tune in for the message from our Messenger on our FaceBook page or www.texasmetronews. com. Texas Metro News is on the right side of history and we WANT you there with us.

I am Cheryl Smith, publisher of Texas Metro News and OF COURSE, I AM GETTING IN LINE ON DAY ONE AND CASTING MY VOTE, DOWN THE ENTIRE BALLOT!

Join I Messenger Media as we enlighten, educate, inform, inspire and entertain the world!

Check out our first group of Messengers:

Danette Anthony Reed - Intl. President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Robert Bellard - Scholar - Paul Quinn College; Marian Brown - Dallas County Sheriff; Wes Moore - Governor of Maryland; Cynt Marshall - CEO Dallas Mavericks; Colin Allred - U.S. Congressman (D-TX 32); Queen Indy Bee - 94.5 On-Air personality; MC Lyte - Legendary Hip Hop Diva, Dr. Yolanda Lawson - 124th President of the National Medical Association; and Tennell Atkins - Dallas Mayor Pro-Tem

TMN sending GOTV Messengers

Your vote is your voice. In one of our many efforts to encourage voter participation, we proudly introduce the Texas Metro News Get Out the Vote Messengers.

UNTIL ELECTION DAY 2024, tune in for the message from our Messenger on our FaceBook page or www.texasmetronews. com. Texas Metro News is on the right side of history and we WANT you there with us.

I am Cheryl Smith, publisher of Texas Metro News and OF COURSE, I VOTED ON DAY ONE, DOWN THE ENTIRE BALLOT!

Join I Messenger Media as we enlighten, educate, inform, inspire and entertain the world!

Check out our second group of Messengers:

Chief Eddie Garcia - Former Dallas Police Department; Royce West - Texas State Senator; Dr. Warren Von Eschenbach - Interim President - UNT Dallas; Kimberly Bizor -Tolbert - Interim City Manager - Dallas; Cara Mendelsohn - Dallas City Councilwoman; Minister Dominique Alexander - Next Generation Action Network; and Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III of Friendship-West Baptist Church

Dallas Alumnae Deltas celebrate 100 Years of Sisterhood and Service

As one of the largest and oldest chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Dallas Alumnae Chapter boasts a rich legacy of empowering women and driving social change. Since its establishment in 1924, the Dallas Alumnae Chapter has remained steadfast in its mission of public service, playing a crucial role in advocating for the rights of African Americans and promoting social justice and equality in the Dallas area.

Among its signature pro-

Jazz Age Soiree and Centennial Exhibit at African American Museum

grams are the Delta Joy Scott Woodfork Beauty Salon, Teen Town Hall, Frederica Chase Dodd Scholarship, Joy Scott Woodfork Scholarship, and youth initiatives such as Delta Academy, Delta G.E.M.S, EMBODI, and TASPers. Additionally, the Dallas Alumnae Chapter is actively involved in social action initiatives, including Monday Night Politics, the Delta Legal Clinic, and various voter registration and education efforts.

The year-long Centennial Celebration began with the annual Founders Day Public Luncheon, where over 800 at-

tendees gathered to honor the chapter’s “Century of Excellence” and recognize Dallas Alumnae Chapter members celebrating 25- and 50-year milestones of commitment to the sorority. Additionally, chapter members volunteered with the Texas Ramp Project, the chapter’s Centennial Celebration service initiative, to provide free wheelchair ramps for low-income, homebound older adults and people with disabilities identified by local healthcare providers. The ramps were constructed entirely with volunteer labor, minimizing

costs and investing sweat equity into the community.

The Dallas Alumnae Chapter recently announced the opening of its Centennial Exhibit held at the African American Museum (AAM).

The chapter’s Heritage & Archives and Centennial Celebration-Special Projects committees hosted, “Confection Chronicles: A Historical Journey” ribbon cutting and dessert reception to honor the grand opening of this special exhibit.

Open now through March 2025, the community is invited to visit the AAM to view

the chapter’s legacy of service that spans over 100 years and continues today.

To culminate the year-long celebration, a gala event will be held on November 23, 2024, at the prestigious Omni Dallas Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Dallas, and promises to be an unforgettable evening themed “Jazz Age Soiree.”

This gala will feature a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, live entertainment, and a special program that highlights the outstanding contributions of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter over the past century. Guests will be transported back to the glamour and excitement of the 1920s, where they can enjoy live music, vintage-inspired

decor, and a celebration of the sorority’s historic impact through the years.

“We invite the community to join us as we celebrate this incredible milestone,” said Karla McGary, 49th President of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter. “This Centennial Celebration is not just a commemoration of our past, but a look toward the future as we continue our commitment to serving Dallas communities and empowering women through sisterhood and social change.”

The evening will specifically feature reflections on the sorority’s 100-year journey of advocacy and support in the Dallas area, along with entertainment from local Dallas favorites, Saxylisa, Audacity,

and DJ Pharoah. The mistress of ceremonies will be the beloved, Tashara Parker, former traffic reporter and anchor for WFAA Daybreak.

Tickets are available for $175 per person or $1,755 for a table of 10 until Thursday, October 31, 2024. Additionally, guests are invited to purchase a commemorative souvenir advertisement to demonstrate your support.

For more information about the event, ticket purchases, or sponsorship opportunities, visit dallasalumnae.org/100 or contact us at dallasalumnae100@gmail. com.

Join the celebration of a legacy of sisterhood, service, and empowerment, while looking forward to the future

of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.Our Chapter

In 1924, the establishment of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority marked a significant moment in the city’s history, led by Soror Frederica Chase Dodd, one of the organization’s founding members.

Today, the chapter, built upon the contributions of Soror Dodd and other esteemed members, maintains a strong presence, expanding its membership and actively advancing the mission of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to empower and uplift the Dallas community.

Pol. Adv. paid by Judge Staci Williams Campaign

CLASS OF 2024

Zariah Ryee

Texas Southern University

Howard University, Washington, DC

The University of Texas at San Antonio

University of Texas at Austin

Cedric Evens

Jashe Fuller University of Texas Permian Basin

Elle Bartholomew

Rhasidiat Adeleke

Ashton Nixon University of North Texas

METRO SALUTE

Comedian Byron Allen

Chauncey Billups

Keke Palmer Vince Carter

Michael Cooper

Viola’s House Dallas

Has just been named the first-ever Chief Brand Officer for the Black-owned hair care brand, “Creme of Nature”.

Inductee in Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2024

Was awarded, ‘Agency of The Year’ for Poverty Alleviation at the Community Council Award dinner at the Fairmount Hotel in Dallas.

Just Bought The Weather Channel for $300 Million! Most people know Byron Allen as a funny comedian. He is also a successful entrepreneur and media mogul as the CEO/owner of Entertainment Studios, Inc., one of the largest independent producers and distributors of film and television.

African American Cotton pickers denounce shame, adopt economic pride with annual day

I WAS JUST THINKING...

“… as an African American, we first must struggle with… being victims of the pain… …listen to our elder generation who picked cotton, …And…begin to see the reality of a real human being whose life was impacted by this very soft, white product (cotton).”

--Clarence E. Glover Jr. as quoted in Texas Highways magazine, Oct. 22, 2021

There’s a war going on. Not the Israel/Palestine or Russian/Ukraine conflicts – but the pain and wounded history of Black folks’ free labor

and cotton free labor picking cotton in America. But the voice of a modern-day prophet is crying in the wilderness, loudly admonishing African-Americans to wake up and claim the economic riches of cotton– natures “white gold.”

Clarence E. Glover Jr., also known as “Professor Freedom,” is that voice – proclaiming that “without us,” European landowners would never have been able to plant, harvest and cash in on the wealth that, by design. completely bypassed us.

But a day is coming this month when the prophet will pull out the stops and shine the spotlight on a new day of pride for the part African-Americans played in placing Texas, Dallas, and the nation at the top of the world economy.

“Without us” is the powerful theme of the upcoming 4th Annual African American Cotton Pickers Day that will be Monday, October 28.. The day is an annual observance always on the 4th Monday of October that farmers know as the height of the cotton harvesting season. Glover created this national day, also known as Cotton Monday, and registered it four years ago on October 20, 2020 through the National Day Archives organization.

The first observance was October 26, 2020. It recognized Americans of African descent who planted and harvested cotton during slavery and Jim Crow, playing invaluable yet unrecognized roles in the development of America’s economic system largely based on the cotton industry.

The pushback and vitriolic

resistance from Black people against cotton can be overwhelming. I was just thinking… Who could have imagined that a plant that grows from the soil could elicit such two-sided venom of emotion. You could say we descendants of Motherland Africa are suffering from an indelible post traumatic cotton syndrome.

But Glover trudges forward. He is leading his impassioned mission to reverse the pain and replace it with pride; to open closed eyes to the economic value of this God-created commodity whose wealth completely bypassed African descendants. He is touting knowledge of how the South, including Dallas and Texas, could not have attained its thriving economy “without us” -- the free labor of African-Americans during slavery and pittance sharecropper

Glover with cotton exhibit at African American Museum during Grambling-Prairie View game.

Photo: Clarence Glover Jr.

NORMA ADAMSWADE

pay during the Jim Crow era. Turning pain to pride would mean that what seems to be the majority of African-Americans would no longer seek to blot out all memory of our part of cotton’s legacy.

Yes. The subject is painful to generations of African Americans who only have been handed the bitter pill of the pain of the backbreaking, cruel, and life-threatening labor from which only the bravest would dare to attempt to escape.

National Association of African American Cotton Pickers Day (N Triple A CP)

The commemorative day also was created to allow all Americans to study, recognize and appreciate how Americans of African descent have contributed to the cotton industry and its impact on the economic, political, educational, religious, and cultural life of America. It is a day to recognize how inter-cultural relations were impacted by the cotton industry in America and other countries both past and present.

“We are at a point in our multicultural dialogue where we have to recognize cotton as an economic power base from which we never benefited.,” Glover states.

He often recites his mantra to groups as he lectures on history and culture: “Take the chains off your brain so your mind can work.”

He also quotes various enlightening words of Caucasians who owned enslaved Africans. One such person is Stephen F. Austin, known as founding father of Texas, who was caught up in the conflict between Mexico and Texas as a growing cotton empire. Historians quote Austin as saying in the 1820s:

“The primary product that will elevate us from poverty is cotton and we cannot do this without the help of slaves.”

Glover drives him the point to African Americans that the enemy is not the cotton. The enemy is the lack of credit afforded descendants of Motherland Africa for being the engine that bought the cotton wealth to the world.

“The problem is that Black

Glover’s cotton crusade has gained considerable momentum. He has met with various local, state and national government and community leaders, tackling their prejudices against the creator’s crop and winning over not all, but many.

A February 2, 2023 Dallas Observer magazine cover story by writer Jacob Vaughn gives insight to his vision. He knows where endless cotton field were once located. The article quotes him saying, “when I look at those fields, I see cotton.”

people did the labor that built this country but were not paid for their invaluable labor,” says Glover.

Interviewed by Clayton Maxwell in the Oct. 22, 2021Texas Highways magazine, Glover says: “Particularly as an African American, we first must struggle with the healing process, being victims of the pain. We have to get in touch with that pain. We, as African Americans, must know the story. …We must acknowledge it and show it to our children and grandchildren.”

He continues: “… Just as my European Jewish brothers do. Just as the Native Americans do. … Once we do … it will speak for itself. … All people can listen to our elder generation who picked cotton… let them talk about that journey. (It will) open up a door. …then other cultures begin to see the reality of a real human being whose life was impacted by this very soft, white product.”

How the cotton crusade is growing

For about four years now,

The Texas Highways interview also gave Glover’s explanation about the value of cotton in actual money: “Did you know that one bale of cotton will produce 313,600 $100 bills? Paper money is not paper, there’s no paper in it. Every dollar bill is made from 75% cotton and 25% linen. That’s why when you put it in the washing machine, it comes out intact. Cotton is money. Money is cotton. Literally.”

Each gathering Glover convenes at various locations is another stab at his goal to reverse the curse and win advocates for how descendants of Africa are owed respect and honor for the role we played in producing economic success in Texas, Dallas, and surrounding counties. Glover designed posters that label

Glover’s backyard cotton displays.

Photo: Clarence Glover Jr.

Da’ real Cotton Bowl…or boll.

Photo: Clarence Glover Jr.

Dallas “The city that cotton pickers built.”

In his role as “Professor Freedom,” Glover uses authentic trappings. He dresses in overalls and an old, frayed straw hat with a long, well-used cotton sack draped over one shoulder. The image is of a Black farmer who has finished a day of grueling work in the field. He twists bracelets out of a boll of cotton while onlookers stand captivated. Sometimes for exhibits he displays a giant 500-lb bale of cotton he cherishes.

Ellis County cotton proclamation

Ellis County, about 30 miles South of Dallas, took a giant step forward concerning local cotton on Oct. 16, 2023. The Waxahachie City Council, in Ellis County, presented a resolution recognizing Glover’s annual African American Cotton Pickers Day.

Officials also had unveiled a Texas Historical Marker on an Ellis County farm in September 2023. The marker recognizes Ellis County as the nation’s largest cotton producer in the early 1900s, while Dallas was the nation’s largest inland cotton exchange.

While highlighting the Texas and Dallas-area cotton empire, the officials also acknowledged the invaluable impact of African descendants.

Dallas cotton landmarks

The Dallas International Cotton Exchange Building was one of the most significant remnants of the once Dallas cotton empire. Glover has thoroughly researched the building’s history as a key part of the local cotton story.

He uses a photo silhouette of the building, behind a historic photo of Black people picking cotton, on the cover of his proposed book “Without us: African American Cotton Pickers and Dallas, Texas” that is set to be released soon. The imposing 17-story building, once downtown Dallas’ 2nd-tallest building, was built in 1926 and imploded in 1994.

It was located on the corner of North St. Paul and San Jacinto Streets in downtown Dallas, near First Baptist Church, another downtown landmark since the 1890s.

There are many other former cotton landmarks throughout Dallas. These include the Mill City neighborhood in South Dallas/Fair Park and the Continental Gin Building that has been redesigned and still stands on Elm Street in Deep Ellum part of downtown.

Who is Clarence E. Glover Jr?

This crusader, philosopher, scholar, minister, lecturer, cultural diversity guru, children’s book author, youth mentor, farmer, avid drummer, civil rights activist, and caregiver to people who live on the street spreads his energy over an obviously wide swath.

He traces his roots back six generations including when his ancestors became African American cotton landowners in Shreveport, Louisiana. He is one of five children of his Dad, Clarence E. Glover Sr. and mom, Elizabeth Bradford Glover, who both were educators.

Glover grew up helping his great-grandfather plant and harvest the family’s cotton and food crops, and he developed an intrinsic love for the land and the bounty it produced.

The Glover family also hired people to help pick their cotton. Glover and his family still own a portion of that land, and ironically his Dallas home is in a Love Field area that historically also was Dallas cotton territory. He still rises early during cotton and crop seasons and works accessible Dallas County land where he can grow cotton and produce.

Professionally, Glover earned a history degree from Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana and a Master of Theology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He completed the Harvard University Graduate Institute on School Climate and Governance.

He spent 15 years on the Southern Methodist University faculty as an adjunct professor of African American Studies, director of Intercultural Education and Minority Student Affairs, Coordinator of African-American Student Services – all positions that enabled him to involve numerous notable African American in campus programs.

Glover later joined Dallas Independent School District for 16 years as executive director of Multicultural Education and Special Assistant to the General Superintendent for Intercultural Relations.

Aside from Education, Glover founded and is pastor of First African Freedom Church in the year 2000 that was on

Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. in South Dallas/Fair Park and his congregation organized a sister church in Bonwire, Ghana, West Africa. He founded Sankofa Education Services, Clarence Glover Speaks, and the African American Cotton Institute that he founded in January 2024. He was inducted into the African American Educators Hall of Fame in 2019, and he recently donated a large portion of his archives to the Dallas Public Library.

Glover has been featured in various national, local and trade magazines including Time, Essence and Texas Highways magazines, and the National Society of Black Engineers Journal. He wrote a children’s book ‘Da Night befo’ Freedom: An Emancipation Juneteenth Tale,” based on the New Year’s Eve “Watch Night tradition.”

Other issues Glover has tackled Glover’s interests and involvements are extremely wide-ranging. On any given day over the decades, he could be found passing out blankets to people living on the streets of South Day/Fair Park or meeting with city and community leaders to brainstorm about issues ranging from policy changes to reduce police-community conflicts to ending apartheid in Motherland Africa.

Some of the issues include tackling police policy reform to reduce police-community conflicts, pushing to end African apartheid, banking discrimination, public protests following the 1998 dragging murder of James Byrd Jr. in Jasper, TX, spotlighting Black architect William Sidney Pittman’s link to the Pittman Hotel near Deep Ellum, holding executive positions with the NAACP Dallas chapter, advocating for the homeless, mentoring young Black males, creating community gardens, telling little-known Black history details about the Statue of Liberty, promoting diversity equity and inclusion, speaking on theology and faith topics, exploring history of Freemen’s towns in Dallas and surrounding area, highlights significances of Freedman’s Cemetery in Dallas.

The business was once the world’s largest manufacturer of cotton gins. There is the Love Field area and the well-documented history of the 2,000 acres in far North Dallas formerly owned by iconic African-American landowner and cotton farmer Anderson Bonner.

What is NAAACP (N Triple A CP)

Glover founded the National Association of African American Cotton Pickers (N Triple A CP) in 2020 through the National Day Archives organization. The purpose was to bring attention to all the points he makes about the significant impact of African descendants in America on cotton and the nation’s economy.

Historians say the captives’ free labor also built numerous other noted sites including the White House, the Capitol, and historic homes of former presidents including Monticello and Mount Vernon. His creative slogan, “Without Us,” succinctly drives home the point.

He recently started the business King Cotton Kreations through which he crafts various art pieces with cotton, in-

cluding stalks staged as floral arrangements, meal “bowls” attractively filled with cotton “bolls,” women’s earrings, posters and flyers with art and messages about cotton, and his popular string bracelets.

Walter Bonner, 79, is the great grandson of iconic Dallas-area early African-American landowner Anderson Bonner. Walter Bonner is fully on board the pro-cotton trail and spoke at last year’s observance: “If it had not been for cotton, there would be no Dallas,” Bonner states. “Cotton built Dallas.”

Other cotton advocates

Over time, Glover discovered other African American cotton comrades in arm, including two in particular. ABC News aired a report in February 2024 about Julius Tillery, age 37, a 5th generation African American cotton farmer in North Carolina who the reports says is working fervently to reverse bad blood about cotton.

Tillery heads a business called Black Cotton.

Unknowingly echoing Glover’s words, the report quotes Tillery – a generation younger than Glover -- saying: “Cotton wasn’t the

oppressive thing. Cotton is just a plant, and it’s a magical plant…It was people that were oppressive and made us work like machines.”

Glover has said: “Picking cotton was not the problem. The problem was not getting PAID for our free labor.”

Another comrade is Dr. Cassie Sade Turnipseed of Mississippi. Dr. Turnipseed heads the International Cotton Pickers Unite Movement. Physician Christopher Lahr wrote about Dr. Turnipseed in the online publication Indigenous Network.

Dr. Turnipseed earned five higher education degrees, paying tribute to her grandparents and parents who raised cotton and ran successful cotton and agricultural businesses. They did so as African Americans in the dangerously racist state where young Emmett Till was gruesomely murdered 150 miles from her parents’ home in 1955; also, where voting rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer defied segregation restrictions while pushing for voting rights.

To learn more, visit www.

African American Cotton Pickers’ Day

The public is invited to attend this year’s free observance of African American Cotton Pickers’ Day on Monday October 28. Activities will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with an exhibition from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at K. B. Polk Recreation Center, 6801 Roper St, Dallas, TX 75209 in the Love Field area near Lemmon Ave and Mockingbird Lane. Event co-sponsors are the National Association of African American Cotton Pickers (N Triple A CP) that Glover founded and the Polk Center’s Senior Adults group.

Besides cultural food dishes, cotton history presentations and an exhibition, the program will feature insights about cotton from senior adults who picked it. Harvey Masters, 95, is this year’s recipient of the Anderson Bonner African

American Cotton Picker of the Year Award. Masters lives in Elm Ticket/North Park and for years picked cotton in Crockett, Texas and Phoenix, AZ.

Senior citizens who meet regularly at the Polk Center will attend, along with guests and dignitaries from around the city. Among past recipients are Frank “Chipo” Bailey who also was acknowledged as a skilled African American cotton ginner in Ellis County, Alice Polk, 93, of Teague, TX as honorable mention in 2023, and “Mama” Opal Lee, “Grandmother of Juneteenth” of Fort Worth. Descendants of the iconic 2,000acre African-American landowner and cotton farmer Anderson Bonner also will participate in the special day.

“Today we make history,” Glover said at the 2023 celebration. “Never in history has anyone acknowledged a Black cotton picker. We bring out of the shadows of American history the African-American cotton pickers who deserve our respect and recognition.”

Additionally, a cotton exhibit is being planned at the African American Museum at Fair park. The exhibit will be reminiscent of the cotton exhibit that was one feature of the historic Hall of Negro Life building at Fair Park during the 1936 Texas Centennial. The Hall was the only building demolished shortly after the Centennial ended. Various researchers and historians have pointed out what they say indicated racism in how Fair Park operated during that time.

Glover twisting cotton bracelet

Photo: Clarence Glover Jr.

cottonpickers.us, or csadeturnipseed. com.

Influenced by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has been a major inspiration and influence for much of Glover’s life. He relates one of his frozen memories from his adolescence. Young Glover went on a trip with his dad, Clarence Glover Sr.

The two visited the motel room where Dr. King was staying when he was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Young Glover grew to idolize Dr. King Jr. As Glover

matured, he followed his hero’s path as a civil rights activist. Glover eventually interacted with many of the civil rights leaders who worked in the movement with Dr. King -- including C. T. Vivian, Ralph Abernathy, Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Jr., Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King and others.

One of Glover’s proud achievements is that Dr. King’s widow, Coretta Scott King, hired Glover as an interviewer and consultant for the 1986 PBS documentary “In Remembrance of Martin” that marked the first national King holiday. Luminaries who shared personal memories of Dr. king with interviewer Glover ranged from Desmond Tutu and John Lewis to President Jimmy Carter and entertainer Dick Gregory.

Another proud memory is a conversation Glover had with former SMU president Willis Tate that led to Glover locating an apparently forgotten recording of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s historic 1966 speech on campus when the progressive-minded Tate was president.

Years later, the university commemorated the recording and highlighted various individuals who played some role in making the recording a part of SMU history.

The Fair Park Cotton Bowl and Dallas cotton history

Not long after Glover arrived in Dallas

from Louisiana in the late 1970s, he acquired an interest in the Cotton Bowl at Fair Park. Yes, cotton played a part in the stadium’s history, although the public lost interest in that connection long ago.

Historians say since Texas was the nation’s leading cotton producer at the time, Dallas oilman J. Curtis Sanford, who created and financed the first bowl game in Dallas on Jan. 1, 1937, picked the name Cotton Bowl because of the popularity of cotton in the area and as a play on the name cotton boll that describes the cotton plant.

During this year’s Grambling-Prairie View Game at the Cotton Bowl, Glover displayed a cotton exhibit at Fair Park’s African American Museum and entitled the exhibit “Da’ Real Cotton Boll.”

Adhering to his mission, the cotton guru stressed through the exhibit that “Without us” and our unpaid labor in the lucrative local cotton fields “Where would Dallas be?”

For more info visit www.sankofaeducationservices.org. Email clarencegloverjr@aol.org

Phone 214-546-3480.

Glover picking cotton from Dallas-area field.

Photo: Clarence Glover Jr.

Cover of Glover’s upcoming book,“Without Us: African American Cotton Pickers and Dallas, Texas.” Photo: Clarence Glover Jr.

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

Elite News held Women of Wisdom Awards Program

Vista Bank Academy launches networking breakfast for entrepreneurs

• The Business, Banking and Breakfast networking event sponsored by Vista Bank Academy and incredible partners SDFP Innovation Center and Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce was a huge success Friday at 8 a.m. at the Vista Bank Financial Literacy Center at 3225 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Dallas.

• This networking breakfast is the third Friday of each month 8-9am., always hosted at the same location.

• Also hear more about the vision for the team’s “Path to Yes” program, scheduled to launch early next year!

2024 HBCU Homecoming Dates

IN MEMORIAM

Marvin Dewayne Gales

Marvin Dewayne Gales, a dedicated and hardworking individual, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2024, in Dallas, Texas, at 68. Born on March 23, 1956, Marvin lived his life in his beloved city. He was a high school graduate of the Dallas Independent School District, a foundation that set him on the path toward his successful career.

Marvin devoted several years to working as a warehouse worker, where he demonstrated an admirable commitment to his job and the people he worked with. His colleagues would fondly remember him for his unwavering work ethic and his readiness to lend a helping hand.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Marvin selflessly served in the United States Army, embracing the values of

duty and honor. His military service marked a significant period in his life that he cherished deeply.

Marvin’s warm spirit and kindness left a lasting impact on all

who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife, mother, and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly. Family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by Marvin are invited to honor his memory. A Prayer Service will be held on October 22, 2024, at Golden Gate Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas, starting at 6:00 PM. The Funeral Service will follow on October 23, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the same location. Following the service, Marvin will be laid to rest at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 1:15 PM.

Marvin Dewayne Gales will be remembered for his dedication, kindness, and the love he shared with family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and compassion that will not be forgotten.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

OCTOBER

ADHD Awareness LGBTQ+History Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Book Month Socktober

Last Day to Apply for a Mail Ballot

NAACP 47th Annual Freedom Fund Celebration - 6:45 pm at 1301 Houston St. Fort Worth Tarrant County Branch - NAACP

The Village Presents - A Murder Mystery Dinner. Step back into the 90s for a night of murder, mystery, and mayhem at Good Riddance: A 90s-Themed Murder Mystery Dinner! Drey Hotel

5630 Village Glen Drive Dallas, TX 75206 at 6:15pm

HOMECOMING - Prairie View A&M vs. Texas A&M-Commerce Football Game Panther Stadium at Blackshear Field 1600 Stadium Dr, Prairie View, TX

50TH annual HARAMBEE

FESTIVAL, 10A-3P at the Martin Luther King Recreation Center

Zombie Safari Dallas- The Zombie Hunt 8975 Farm to Market Road 740 Forney, TX 7-10 p

Kirk Franklin Reunion Tour 2024 by Dickies Arena, Live Nation Concerts and Kirk Franklin. 7 pm at Dickies Arena 1911 Montgomery St. Fort Worth. Tickets at Ticketmaster https://bit.ly/3XTgLjg

Ideal Family Church presents Pastor and Wife 54th anniversary celebration at 10 a., 1000 E. Red Bird Lane, Dallas. Honorees - Bishop Ray & First Lady Shelia Campbell. Guest speaker - Pastor Leonard Dawson Jr.

Black on The Block by Lanie and Char Edwards. This is a dynamic platform for hundreds of Blackowned businesses, creatives, professionals, and entrepreneurs! Located at Globe Life Field North Plaza 1650 E Randol Mill Rd, Arlington. Starting at 1:00 p and ending at 7:00 p. Get your tickets on Eventbrite.

Dallas Soul Food Festival 816 Montgomery Street Dallas, TX 75215 (12-6 p) 28

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Interfaith Mixer! Supporting Survivors through community and collaboration. 9a - noon. Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center 2801 Swiss Avenue Dallas, TX 75204

Texas Horror Cult- Film Festival

231 Jefferson Boulevard Dallas, TX (7-10 p)

Painting With A View at Canvas Hotel 1325 Botham Jean Boulevard Dallas, TX 7-9 p

Kirk Franklin Reunion Tour 2024 by Dickies Arena, Live Nation Concerts and Kirk Franklin. 7 p at Dickies Arena 1911 Montgomery St. Fort Worth. Tickets at Ticketmaster https://bit.ly/3XTgLjg

Make & Take Czech Kolaches

320 Coit Road Plano, TX 75075 (6:30-8:30 pm)

Fall Faith & Family Festival – Community Block Party by Friendship-West Baptist Church This festival is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of our community. 6 to 9 pm. at 2020 W Wheatland Rd, Dallas. Tickets: https://bit.ly/4gMVRLs.

Make & Take: Halloween Treats - 5750 East Lovers Lane Dallas, TX 75206 (11 a-1:30 p)

NOVEMBER

Last Day to Receive Ballot by Mail

Homecoming at Paul Quinn

p.m.

–

Poets & Jazz 9 pm at Clarence Muse Cafe Theatre 1309 Canton St. Dallas. Tickets $10 via Ticketmaster or TBAAL Box Office 214-743-2440 Poets & Jazz #2 By The Black Academy of Arts and Letters Inc. Memphis’ CASHMERE and Dallas’ LESLIE ARMSTEAD spoken word poets rip-and-rhyme word-afterword like speaking drums!

United 4 BURKS Memorial Basketball Classic! The Ques (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity) vs Dallas Police Department at the one and only Paul Quinn College! This event will jump off at 7pm during Paul Quinn’s Homecoming… and if you know how Electric PQC is then you want to be there! ***

Buy Local For Oak Cliff, every first Saturday, 10am2pm at 907 E. Ledbetter Dr. Dallas. Find out more at foroakcliff.org/farmers-market

Hunger Busters is hosting the sixth annual “Meet the Chefs” featuring cuisines crafted by notable chefs at The Empire Room at 6:00 p.m. Erin Hunter, news journalist with WFAA, will serve as the emcee for the evening.

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.