I am excited about the Healthy Living Expo 2024REMIX!
Initially, we were all geared up for Dr. Martin Luther King Day on January 15, 2024. There would be the parade and then where the parade ended, we’d have an overflow crowd at the Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo at the African American Museum in Fair Park.
Well, the weather forecasts, that we had been following for 11 months, suddenly changed and snow was on the horizon.
We understand the weather significantly impacted plans for many and we opted to continue with the program because some could not be rescheduled. Also, we know the Texas weather can be “different!”
So, we checked with the facility and received full support from Dr. Harry Robinson and his team to come back on Saturday, January 20, 2024, with the parade, which had been postponed. We shared this information with the vendors on Monday
Couple’s Passion Leads to Launch of New Smoothie King Franchise
Special to Texas Metro News
Husband and wife team, Kyle and Jamillah DeGroat’s passion for building a family legacy and creating a healthy lifestyle has led to the launch of their first Smoothie King franchise. Located at 7718 Forest Lane, the official grand opening celebration will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony taking place on Saturday, January 20 at 11 a.m. The event is open to the public.
See SMOOTHIE KING FRANCHISE, page 13
Celebrating
a KING
Dallas was on fire, despite the weather, at annual King Banquet!
JBJ Management was proud to be the first African American firm to be the title sponsor of the Dallas MLK Gala with Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III as keynote speaker and the Trailblazer Award to Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price. Scholarships were also presented to students and Willis Johnson of JBJ Management was on hand with remarks.
From Staff Reports
Long-time award-winning journalist Ellen Rochelle Brown, will be remembered in services this week.
Word traveled fast of her death on Saturday, after a brief illness, and tributes rolled in from across the country.
Known for her bubbly personality and wide smile, as well as her attention to detail and expert story-telling, Rochelle, as she was called by many, was a highly respected journalist and television producer.
A product of Dallas Independent School District, she attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas where she received her B.F.A. degree in broadcast
Ozell Graham (front) of Frisco reacts as American Red Cross employee Joe Wiseman places the puncture needle during Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo on, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at African American Museum of Dallas. The Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation, in conjunction with the annual Dr. MLK Parade and the City of Dallas, presents the 7th year of the Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo.
Tramond Smith “Not your Granny’s Pound Cake” came in second place.
Commissioner John Wiley Price and Dr. Frederick Haynes (r) with scholarship recipients.
Willis Johnson
Rochelle Brown
Dr. Suzanne Slonim, Sanko and Ayanna Smith were the judges for the pound cake contest.
Photo: Cheryl Smith/TMN
Photo: Shafkat Anowar/Staff Photographer/DMN
Jamillah and Kyle DeGroat - Smoothie King Franchise Owners
Black Headline News launches ‘BHN Radio’ on multiple platforms using Live365
By Black Headline News
As a start to the 2024 new year, Black Headline News has reintroduced its online, linear, radio component with upgraded programming for the listening audience.
The online linear radio channel, Black Headline News Radio, identified as “BHN Radio,” is now available on popular TV apps and mobile apps.
Listeners can still access the direct live radio stream from the front page of the Black Headline News website or listen to original BHN shows per episode on demand from the BHN website. Subscribers of the following on-demand podcast services can also listen via: Apple Podcast, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcast, Deezer, Castbox, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, and JioSaavn.
Jones, the owner of Triple E Media, an advertising agency, and she is the publisher of The Bay Area Review, a Northern California-based hand-delivered publication.
The BHN Talk Radio show will feature news and commentary on the latest news headlines from the trio-women’s perspectives and journalistic insights with the shows broadcasting live on Tuesdays at 2:00 PM PST/4:00 PM CST/5:00 PM EST.
Regarding the established BHN original programming, BHN Insider Live will continue to replay its audio version on BHN Radio, as well as the shortform BHN News Briefs, BHN forums, and other related, original programs.
Other programming content partners who have shows on BHN Radio include: The ONME Network, I Messenger Media
In the car, listeners can use CarPlay to access BHN Radio from the Live365 app available in the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
BHN Radio programming has become more robust with different content partners and its own new, original 60-minute show, “Black Headline News Talk Radio,” with seasoned news professionals, Cheryl Smith, who is a hall of famer and an award-winning publisher, CEO of I Messenger Media Group, which includes the publications: Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger; multi-award winning journalist and news producer, Julia Dudley Najieb, who is the CEO of Info Media Distribution which owns ONME News, Black Headline News, and BLENDED TV and Brigitte
Search "Live365" within your TV's store or click below to download the app:
• Fire TV
• Apple TV
• Samsung TV
• Android TV
• Roku TV
Once the app is downloaded, search under “news” and save BHN Radio as your favorite on the app to have direct access whenever you open the app.
How to listen to BHN Radio on Alexa through the Live365 app
Live365 is available as an Alexa Skill. This means once the skill is acquired by your Alexa, any station can be accessed via the smart speaker. To begin listening to Live365 on your Alexa, you first need to enable the Live365 Alexa Skill in the Alexa Skills Store. Search “Live365” in the Alexa Skills Store or navigate directly to the Live365 skill page by clicking here. (Listeners from Canada can find the Live365 Alexa Skill here, and listeners from the U.K. can find the Live365 Alexa Skill on this page.)
Once there, select “Enable” and you will then be able to access Live365 on all of your available Alexa devices. You can also enable the Live365 skill by simply saying "Alexa, Enable Live365 Skill."
International Ladies of Purpose Conference set for Puerto Rico
The Millionaire Mindset lands in Ponce, Puerto February 1-5, 2024, with the arrival of the International Ladies of Purpose (ILP) Health, Wellness and Business Development Retreat! The exclusive business getaway for female entrepreneurs will take place at the Aloft Ponce located at Carr. #2, Av. Santiago de los Caballeros, Ponce, 00717, Puerto Rico.
The conference consists of five days of inspiring, energizing and transformational workshops, panel discussions, one-on-one career coaching and more. Attendees will learn the true secrets of business success as outlined in the national and international bestseller
“Think and Grow Rich!”
all ages and ethnic backgrounds to various parts of the world but also help them to grow their businesses, expand their sphere of influence, and to elevate one another through service, education and self-care. We all know that when you step outside your normal surroundings, you’re able to change your mindset,” explained Fobbs.
Group, BLENDED TV, The Conversation, Africa News, PLUS TV African, Africa Reloaded and Tre Media.
Read below the different ways to access the live BHN Radio other than from the Black Headline News website.
How to listen to BHN Radio through the Live365 mobile app:
One can download the app from the Apple Store here. Also, one can download the app from the Google Play store here.
Once the app is downloaded, search under “news” and save BHN Radio as your favorite on the app to have direct access whenever you open the app.
How to listen to BHN Radio via the Live365 app through smart TVs
After enabling the Live365 skill, tune into Live365 by saying “Alexa, play Live365!” Then pick your favorite station (BHN Radio) or select from hundreds of music genres (News). Or say the specific station, say "Play BHN Radio." To select a genre, say "Play News."
How to listen to BHN Radio on the Live365 app through Amazon Fire TV stick
To access Live365 through your Fire TV or Fire Stick, visit the Amazon App Store on your device and search for "Live365." You can also click here to download the Live365 app directly.
You can also pause music playing on your TV and favorite specific stations you enjoy to access them easily.
“This is going to be a life-changing conference for the women in attendance,” said ILP Founder Dawn Fobbs, CPC, CPE and Independent Entrepreneur since 1996. “The principles we will focus on during our time in Puerto Rico include knowing what your personal desires are, going the extra mile to keep clients coming back and working with the cosmic habit force.
"Our ladies will leave the conference empowered and assured of their ability and equipped with the practical tools to take their business to their desired levels of success.”
The inspiration for the ladies’ travel group came to Fobbs in 2022 as she reflected on her time as a Leadership Mentor with the Napoleon Hill Foundation. As the height of COVID neared its end, she decided it was time to get back on the road to leadership!
Soon, she had assembled a group of like-minded women travel enthusiasts and businesswomen who realized there was a bigger calling for the organization.
“I decided to turn our group into a non-profit; so, we could use this as an opportunity not only to expose women of
The International Ladies of Purpose Retreat is comprised of sessions on Vision Planning to Your Millions, Building Your Million Dollar Speaker Empire, Grant Writing, Acquiring State and Federal Contracts, Obtaining Business Certifications, Steps to Fulfill Your Higher Purpose, Create Your Individual Formula for Success, Real Estate Investment for Future Millionaires and Retraining Your Brain for Success.
The retreat will also feature innovative music programming, signature brand amenities, fun and modern surroundings, welcome and departure celebrations, Mastermind Sessions and coordinated island adventures following sessions each day.
“This conference is the first of many to come,” concludes Fobbs. “We have our calendar planned through 2026. We are committed to helping women of all ages, backgrounds and stages of their careers realize their full potential and desire whether they are transitioning from a 9 to 5 as first-time entrepreneurs or well-established business owners looking to elevate themselves and their businesses to the next level, this conference will propel them forward to new and greater heights!”
Reservations are now open for the 2024 International Ladies of Purpose Health, Wellness and Business Development Retreat and are limited to 36 participants.
For more information, Dawn Fobbs at 832-885-2261 or via email at internationalladiesofpurpose@gmail.com.
UT Southwestern joins Dallas and nation in mourning the loss of U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, inspirational leader and supporter
UT Southwestern Medical Center joined leaders in Dallas and across the nation in mourning the loss and honoring the legacy of U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, an inspirational leader who helped advance the Medical Center’s science, research, clinical care, and educational initiatives during her extraordinary career representing the area.
Throughout 30 years in Congress, Rep. Johnson was an ardent supporter of UT Southwestern, working to secure vital research funding and helping to attract the best and brightest students and faculty to the institution.
Recently, she championed the region’s successful bid for the ARPA-H Customer Experience Hub, one of the federal agency’s three new national hubs for medical innovation. She also helped launch in 2023 the Texas Instruments Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Building, a five-story, 150,000-square-foot facility that supports research by dozens of faculty members from UT Southwestern and UT Dallas. In 2022, she provided inspirational remarks at UT Southwestern Medical School’s commencement and helped dedicate UT Southwestern Medical Center at RedBird, the first academic medical center
facility to serve southern Dallas.
Over several decades, Rep. Johnson was also an advocate for the Medical Center’s many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) initiatives and faculty recruitment efforts – programs such as STARS (Science Teacher Access to Resources at Southwestern) and a summer internship for youth interested in pursuing careers in science and medicine.
“As a registered nurse who had to overcome racism and many challenges early in her career, and who later became the first RN elected to Congress, Rep. Johnson consistently demonstrated her deep commitment to finding new opportunities to advance science, funding for research,
clinical care for those in need, and STEM education for aspiring youths,” said Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., President of UT Southwestern Medical Center. “It was clear her motivation evolved from a sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the challenges and hardships involved in caregiving, which seemed to fuel her ability to deliver inspiration to new generations to carry on this important mission as she so eloquently did in her commencement remarks for the UT Southwestern Medical School class of 2022 graduates.”
Rep. Johnson spent 16 years at the Dallas VA Medical Center and was the first African American to serve as Chief Psychiatric Nurse at the VA hospital.
She left nursing in the 1970s to pursue a career in politics and later became the first African American from Dallas to serve in the Texas Senate since Reconstruction. She left that role to serve as Regional Director of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare for President Jimmy Carter, and she was the first African American woman to hold that position.
Among her many accomplishments, she was the first female Ranking Member of the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space and Technology and later became the first woman and first person of color to chair that committee. She also made significant contributions
Get Movin’ and Groovin’ with Erykah Badu
Coming off the celebration of its 40th anniversary in 2023, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has announced a new partnership with one of North Texas’ most iconic community members — and one of DART’s biggest fans — Ms. Erykah Badu. The new partnership will take place throughout 2024, and it will kick off with a sweepstakes leading up to Ms. Badu’s annual birthday bash. From January 16 through February 10, DART riders throughout North Texas can enter for a chance to win a one-of-akind experience to the event on Saturday, February 24. Four lucky riders and their plus-ones will receive access to a VIP section,
private entrance, exclusive swag, and a DART monthly pass. To enter, riders can visit DART.org/ Badu, 97.9 The Beat, or Majic 94.5.
“Collabing with DART has been fun - new for me and new for them,” said Ms. Badu. “I love my hometown and riding DART is still cool.”
In addition, on February 24, the winners will be amongst the first North Texans to see the Badu Bus and Rail designs. The new designs will feature artwork and images of the Grammy Award winning artist and will be seen driving throughout North Texas until the end of the year. Find the cool Badu-inspired
to public health, including leading the effort to establish the National Suicide Hotline, and introduced the Broadening Participation in STEM Education Act.
“We will greatly miss Congresswoman Johnson’s thoughtful advocacy and guidance,” Dr. Podolsky said. “Her invigorating spirit and invaluable leadership will live on in Dallas and at UT Southwestern.”
Dr. Podolsky holds the Philip O’Bryan Montgomery, Jr., M.D. Distinguished Presidential Chair in Academic Administration and the Doris and Bryan Wildenthal Distinguished Chair in Medical Science.
buses and trains on the Go-Pass® app to catch your ride in the DART window seat.
“DART is thrilled to partner with Erykah Badu for our yearlong col- laboration celebrating all that North Texas has to offer,” said Nadine Lee, DART president & CEO. “As a Dallas native, Erykah Badu has inspired so many people. From her many awards and accolades to everything she’s given back to our communities, we’re honored to celebrate her many successes.” For additional information, as well as complete rules, prize information and additional entry forms, visit DART.org/Badu.
U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson was an ardent supporter of UT Southwestern.
U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson delivered commencement remarks for the UT Southwestern Medical School graduating class of 2022.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a FighterWhere is your Fight?
By Vincent L. Hall
“What does it profit a man to be able to eat at an integrated lunch counter if he doesn’t have enough money to buy a hamburger?”
- MLK to striking workers in Memphis Tennessee, March 1968
Here we go again.
It’s Martin Luther King Day again, and since American capitalists don’t sponsor “White Sales” in his honor, some of you are lost. Let me explain what a “White Sale” is for my millennial peeps.
Back in the day, major department stores celebrated holidays by deeply discounting sheets, tablecloths, and bedding. White sales aren’t as big in Dallas and the South as they once were. Klansmen traded sheets for suits and ties and the need for threeholed pillow cases dropped considerably.
But early in the year and especially on President’s Day, ma-
jor stores would plop down big money for full-page newspaper ads.
The “White Sale” was the bait to get you on the hook and in the store.
These days, millions go to different malls to pay homage to Dr. Martin Luther King and to look into the pool where the 1963 “Dream” was delivered. However, the greatest disservice we can do to his memory is to leave him on the Washington Mall, dreaming!
To leave Dr. King at that lectern is tantamount to memorializing Muhammad Ali in his dressing room. It wasn’t the oratorical elegance or striking black-andwhite photos that made either man great; the fights they waged for justice won them prominence and regard.
convinced him that King was the White man’s enemy. But Ray did not merely level his Remington Gamemaster .30-06 on Dr. King because he was dreaming.
For Ray and many other Whites, including FBI Chief J. Edgar Hoover, King’s social justice stance beckoned them to
tian Leadership Conference.
Shortly after enlisting other Freedom fighters, King moved into an apartment at 1550 South Hamlin Avenue on Chicago’s West Side.
King lived part-time in Chicago but beat the streets often in his new ‘hood” to meet his neighbors and assess the conditions of Chicago’s slums.
Ali became famous for naming the round his opponent would fall. Dr. King predicted in 1968 that we would have a Black president within 40 years, and voila, Obama. But both men were haunted and hunted for what they did and what they said.
James Earl Ray was an avid reader, and George Wallace
warfare. It was King’s work and not some speech or utopian hallucination that called for his assassination.
Before the ink could dry on the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Dr. King was already training for the next battlefront. After beating back the legal tentacles of Jim Crow in the South, King looked northward and led “People to People” for the Southern Chris-
Somewhere along the line, King realized that slum living had a direct tethering to slum wages.
By March 1968, Dr. King sent a telegram to Cesar Chavez, who was fasting on behalf of farm workers in California:
“As brothers in the fight for equality, I extend the hand of fellowship and goodwill and wish continuing success to you and your members. ...You and your valiant fellow workers have demonstrated your commitment to righting grievous wrongs forced upon exploited people. We are together with you in spirit and in determination that our dreams for a better tomorrow will be realized.”
Dr. King’s 1963 manifesto demanded fairness in employ-
ment, so he fought for changes in labor laws and practices. Here is what he said to organizers and striking workers in Memphis just days before his death.
“Now our struggle is for genuine equality, which means economic equality, for we know now that it isn’t enough to integrate lunch counters. What does it profit a man to be able to eat at the swankiest integrated restaurant when he doesn’t even earn enough money to take his wife out to dine? What does it profit one to have access to the hotels of our cities, and the hotels of our highways, when we don’t earn enough money to take our family on a vacation? What does it profit one to be able to attend an integrated school when he doesn’t earn enough money to buy his children school clothes?”
So I ask; what does it profit you to have a King Holiday if you ain’t fightin’? Don’t just talk about Dr. King, fight for what he believed in.
Where is your fight?
Publisher : Cheryl Smith
Editor: editor@myimessenger.com
Address: 320 S.R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 100 Dallas, TX 75203
Website: www.texasmetronews.com
Phone: 214-941-0110
CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS
The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.
and they all agreed to return on Saturday.
We held the originally scheduled event and of course, we had cancellations from vendors, performers, volunteers and even some entering the cake contest.
We put on a smile and kept it moving, after all, even on days when inclement weather is not an issue, anything can happen to throw a monkey wrench in your plans.
We weren’t going to mope around we just tried to ensure that everyone had the best experience possible!
While we did not meet our mark in terms of securing the needed blood donations, we are still urging everyone to contact the American Red
Cross and DONATE!
Highlights of the event had to be a stellar performance by the talented Reuben Lael. Diane Evans and Ozell Graham kept everyone hyped as they masterfully hanlded the microphoen; Dr. Marvin Dulaney, Michael Simons, and Dr. Robert Edison from the Museum provided excellent service and The Fibroid Institute provided DONUTS for everyone!
NOW ABOUT THAT POUND CAKE CONTEST: It was a spirited contest. Thanks to the Judges - Sanko Piroleau, Dr. Susan Slonim, and Ayanna Smith - for their diligent attention to the process!
First Place - Angela Davis-Henry - “Sweet Potato
Pound Cake”
Second Place - Thamond Smith - “Not Your Granny’s Pound Cake”
Third Place - Sharon Curry-Phillips of Sunshine’s Bake Goods - “Cream Cheese Pound Cake”
Now, about this REMIX: We’re back at the museum on Saturday. We owe it to our community!
When people ask why we do this, the answer is simple. While it is a federal holiday and may have the day off; unfortunately the many societal ills that contribute to the erosion of our communities and our way of life continue to exist. We woke up from the holiday and are even more devastated because, like a virus,
those ills continue to grow.
Someone has to be working to deal with the mental, physical, social, financial, spiritual, and educational growth and development of our families, our communities, our states, our country, and our world.
So we deal with all of those issues and we also have a little fun.
We will have entertainment from Virlinda Stanton (you may have seen her in the off-Broadway “The Color Purple”), there will be panels, a cooking demonstration from Chef Cassondra, KARAOKE led by Dareia Jacobs, DNA test giveaways, and more (see flier).
There’s still availability for vendors, so give us a call!
A long-time Texas Metro News columnist, Dallas native Vincent L. Hall is an author, writer, awardwinning writer, and a lifelong Drapetomaniac.
QUIT PLAYIN’
It’s Time to do Something Different
FAITHFUL UTTERANCES
By Dr. Froswa'
When I was a little girl, I did not get a lot of spankings. My cousin that lived with us, on the other hand, was the one who was ALWAYS getting in trouble. That boy would get in trouble because he did not listen. As a child, he wanted to do things his way.
My parents did not play and they were swift in their punishment with both of us. I learned very quickly and often watched the mistakes of others which served as lessons for me. It’s not to say that I did everything correctly but I did not like getting in trouble.
I didn’t particularly appre-
ciate being punished and as a result, I tried to learn what my parents required and worked hard to do it. I learned as a child that “obedience was better than sacrifice” (1 Sam. 15:22) with my parents and as an adult, I’ve learned that with God.
We live in a world where everything goes. When people are called out on bad behavior, it becomes an attack on the individual who makes the assertion. One of the words that we don’t talk much about is repenting. To repent means to “feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one’s wrongdoing or sin.”
People prefer to defend themselves instead of apologize and seek true repentance.
We are witnessing in the church more justification of behavior than true remorse and turning away from wrongdoing. Repenting is about turning to God. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be
wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19) Too many seek the approval and acceptance of others rather than of God. This not only happens in the church but also our homes.
Too many parents are interested in being liked by their children instead of correcting bad behavior that will lead to destruction. Sadly, many of our children are modeling what they are seeing at home. It’s unrealistic to expect schools to be responsible for teaching our children how to live when parents are their children’s first teachers.
We have a responsibility to our children and God.
If you are not familiar with the story of Samuel and Eli, I would encourage you to read Samuel’s calling to offer more context. Samuel heard his name called and assumed it was Eli. After the third time he heard his
name, Eli, the priest, told him to answer God’s calls. “And the Lord said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle. At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family—from beginning to end. For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons blasphemed God, and he failed to restrain them. Therefore I swore to the house of Eli, ‘The guilt of Eli’s house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.’” (1 Samuel 3:11-14)
Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were called “wicked” because of their acts. They were in positions of power as priests and used their power to promote their agenda. Eli knew what his sons were doing and said nothing. He could stop this behavior and chose not to. He allowed this behavior to go on
and turned his head. How often are we doing this in our homes and other places of influence that we choose to look the other way?
God told Samuel that Eli was going to be held accountable for his lack of involvement just as his sons would be. I believe this is a lesson for so many of us. There are consequences for not standing up and speaking out. Eli had reached a point where his repentance would not save him.
While we still have time, we all have a chance to do something different. We can do something different and turn back to God.
Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the President of Soulstice Consultancy, LLC and the Founder of the Reconciliation and Restoration (r2fdn.org) Foundation. The author of 4 books including Empowering Charity: A New Narrative of Philanthropy, Dr. Booker-Drew is also the host of the Tapestry Podcast.
It’s Just January And There Has Already Been One School Shooting. This Isn’t A Good Sign.
By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
The month of January has always been viewed as a time for new beginnings. We put away the old and start afresh with the new. It gives us hope for the dawning of a new day.
There are some people who are getting new jobs during the month of January while others are getting promotions. If you are a student and starting the second semester, you are set to make good grades that will earn you a scholarship. Teachers have had a break, so they are ready to impart knowledge and wisdom. If you have retired, you are probably planning a trip for fun and relaxation. You are finding new things to do and old friends to visit. Some retirees have found physical fitness and
dance classes to stay fit.
However as joyous and intentional as we are about new goals and dreams some things for the new year remain the same.
School shootings happened throughout last year. Each time there were proposed remedies and solutions. Public officials pledged their support and, in some states school budgets were amended to support school safety.
According to the organization, Education Week, there were 37 school shootings in America last year. These shootings left 74 people killed or injured. Sadly, schools have become targets for would be shooters.
They are no longer the safe havens for children and teachers that they once were. What happened? Our society seemingly changed from caring to callous. Being tender with the young has now turned into being treacherous with them. Schools, once building blocks
for the future are slowly turning into crumbling stones for our children.
What does the year 2024 look like so far? It doesn’t look good. Just last week, there was a school shooting in the state of Iowa. The small community of Perry, Iowa not far from Des Moines, Iowa has the unenviable distinction of having the 1st school shooting in America this year. Mind you, its January!
Dylan Butler, the shooter killed a 6th grade student and injured 4 students and a school administrator. This tragedy happened at Perry High School. Butler died of a self-inflicted gunshot. He was 17 years of age. It leads to the question, what is a teenager doing with a gun?
Sadness now grips the city of Perry, Iowa. Governor Kim Reynolds called the shooting a senseless tragedy. Mitch Mortvedt, assistant director of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation said, “Butler made a number of social media posts
around the time of the shooting”. It is scary to think that Butler was giving people a step by step unfolding of this heinous act. However, this is what he did in my opinion.
He was armed with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun according to reports. Information has still not been revealed about how Butler acquired the guns.
There is a strange and sad irony to the school shooting in Iowa. The Iowa Caucus will take place on January 15th. Many Republicans have been lukewarm when it comes to sponsoring gun control legislation. They seem to want no changes in the laws.
It will be interesting to see whether the Iowa shooting is a part of the discussions at the caucus sites. The polls show that the former president is leading in the polls by a wide margin. Does he have a position on gun violence? Probably not as he is busy talking about
the 2020 election.
Guns are too accessible in this country. What will tilt the scales and make legislators pass gun control legislation? How many children will have to lose their lives before lawmakers pass stronger laws?
Now the families of those assaulted will grieve and be stricken with fear. The 6th grader who lost his life will not be in school next week. His seat will be empty and he won’t be on the playground. Oh America, we can’t go on this way.
Dr. James B. Ewers, Jr. is a longtime educator who hails from Winston Salem, N.C. One of the top tennis players in the state, he was inducted into the Black Tennis Hall of Fame in January 2021. A graduate of Johnson C. Smith University, he received his M. A. degree in Education from Catholic University in Washington, DC, and Ed. D. degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA. He has also done post-doctoral studies at Harvard University and Ewers is a life member of the NAACP and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Booker-Drew
Blue-eyed and brown-eyed views
Our Voices
By Lucius Gantt
In my younger days, I spent a considerable amount of time on the African continent. I saw Botswana and Zimbabwe, but I spent most of my African time traveling around South Africa. A white friend and high school teammate asked if he could join me, and I said yes. After visiting Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and the notorious Sun City, my friend made a curious statement.
He said it would be OK if whites took over the land and resources of South Africa.
Never mind, the recently toppled apartheid government that
had imprisoned and killed any Black Africans that opposed them, my friend said whites should take the land because Black Africans were doing nothing with the land and resources.
It’s different
Today, anywhere in the world where people of European descent used guns and bombs to take land that they wanted for white exploitation and expansion, the perpetrators have always been praised by their kind, and the people who resisted land thefts, murder, oppression, and exploitation are constantly called savages, murderers, rapists, killers, and terrorists.
The views from blue eyes seem to always be different from the views of brown eyes!
This column is not a commentary on any recent or ongoing conflicts. I just want to put cur-
rent disagreements in perspective.
Africa is the center of the world, and most Africans have the same skin color as I do. No race of people has been more victimized, wronged, misled, mistreated, and murdered by exploiters than Africans in yesteryears and in this year!
How many Africans were beaten, raped, shot, hung, and murdered in so many ways, than the people who look like Gantt Report readers?
Was it 1000? Was it a few hundred hostages? No, it was millions and millions!
Millions died in the slave trades. Millions died in colonized Africa. Millions died under apartheid rule.
Belgium’s white King Leopold killed over 15 million Africans in the Congo by his orders. There is difference
To whites around the world who have sympathy for persons kidnapped, raped, and killed in current conflicts who say nothing about kidnappings, rapes, and murders of Blacks and Africans that take place daily, any kidnapping, rape, or senseless murder is wrong.
The Black journalists and columnists that parrot and rubber stamp the feelings of their coworkers are disgraceful!
There is a difference between terrorists and rebels. They both fight and kill people. Terrorists use unlawful violence and intimidation against civilians in their pursuit of political aims.
A rebel is a person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an established government or ruler.
Hmmm? What would you do if your country was taken, occupied, stolen, settled, and controlled?
What would you do if you needed permission to travel or move around in your homeland and what would you do if 10,000 innocent women and children were killed by missiles and bombs, disease and destruction were caused, and homes, schools, and hospitals were obliterated under the disguise of saying, “We need to kill as many civilians as we can” because unknown, unnamed terrorists are using civilians as shields.
When people are taken for granted, being used and abused, attacked and killed, sometimes they rebel.
Buy Gantt’s latest book, “Beast Too: Dead Man Writing,” on Amazon.com and from bookstores everywhere. “Like” The Gantt Report page on Facebook.
The buoyancy of hope
By Dr. E. Faye Williams
It’s a good thing in many ways that we Americans tend to believe in hope, but if you are truly listening to the Republican leader who is trying to get back into the White House, there is no doubt that he is getting more air time than the law should allow. As I talk with friends, many tell me they have to turn off their televisions during the day because of all the negative messages glaring at them.
The Hamas-Israel War is one event taking up so much time and is offering so much pain on all sides. It’s very concerning that so many people could die with the end of the tragedy being nowhere in sight. Nobody I know started this tragedy, but we’ve been forced to suffer from what we hear on the news in a play-by-play repeat that seems to force all of us to have a frontrow seat at the tragedy where
we are a part of the tragedy. You can’t help but feel the pain on all sides—yet feel helpless to do anything about it.
When it’s not Hamas and Israel, we’re fed the Republican clown show in Congress where its leaders seem to care nothing about those for whom they were elected to serve. They care more about the one-ups-man-ship game they’ve been playing for many months now. Their biggest concern seems to be how to hurt President Joe Biden and his family which leaves no time to do anything that helps our people in need of basic help.
I’ve visited Israel and Gaza three times. I’ve had friends in both places. My heart bleeds for what happened in Israel on October 7th. Since that day, whatever blood I have left, also flows for the people of Gaza. At the risk of being criticized by one side of the tragedy or the other, it’s painful to see Progressive friends being called Antisemitic just because they can’t agree with Benjamin Netanyahu’s response to innocent Palestinians who had nothing to do with what happened October 7th. Jewish
In our community, no matter how we’ve been treated, we’ve always held onto that upward force of buoyancy. That’s what we are holding onto now— HOPE that we can solve the problems dividing us. The buoyancy of hope is what brought my people through some very hard times.
people and several of their organizations in America have been there for Black people during the Civil Rights Movement—and we’ve applauded and thanked them. As well, some have been there to hurt us—but we haven’t blamed all of them for their acts. My heart breaks to see so many Black candidates already being targeted for defeat just as I once was without cause.
I hear the concern about Antisemitism around the world. I am equally concerned about Racism and other hate-filled treatment. When this Hamas-Israel War is over, we need to go to the table with the goal of ridding
our country of Antisemitism, Racism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Racism. All are troublesome. They make no sense. We’ve worked together before and we can do it again. We also can’t do it without friends who experience hatred, too.
Right now, we’re facing the potential of having to deal with authoritarianism in America, and our energy should be focused on resolving problems to protect our democracy.
There’s no joke about having rights our people have worked long and hard for being taken away. We’ve been warned if we elect someone who has already
promised to come down hard on the media, to punish those who disagree with him and people who’ve not supported him in his hate-filled campaign.
In our community, no matter how we’ve been treated, we’ve always held onto that upward force of buoyancy. That’s what we are holding onto now—HOPE that we can solve the problems dividing us. The buoyancy of hope is what brought my people through some very hard times.
Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Contact her via www.nationalcongressbw.org.
Addressing the CDC’s Alarming Infant Mortality Report: A Call to Action for the African American Community
By BlackPress of America
As a Black mother with two sons, and my colleague who is a Black mother of two daughters, and who suffered an infant loss at 27 weeks, we are deeply concerned about the recent breaking news from the CDC, which reports the largest increase in infant mortality rates in more than two decades.
While the overall increase in infant mortality rates may not be significant, the disparity within the Black community is nothing short of alarming. Black infants are experiencing the highest rates of infant mortality, with nearly 11 deaths per 1,000 births – more than double the rate for White infants.
This news serves as a stark reminder that systemic health disparities continue to plague our community, and it is time for us to act. In the face of this troubling report, we are faced with a crucial question; what do we do about it? Specifically, what can Black mothers and fathers do to navigate the complex healthcare system effectively and demand the quality care they deserve?
The African American Wellness Project (AAWP) is a trusted resource that empowers individuals to navi-
gate the complex healthcare system effectively and demand the quality care they deserve.
Our primary focus has been to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate for and protect their health and our organization serves as a megaphone for trusted information and vital resources that empower African Americans.
As we grapple with the CDC’s latest findings, there are critical actions that we, as a community, must take to confront these disparities head-on:
1. Raise Awareness: It is essential to raise awareness about the alarming infant mortality rates among Black infants. We must engage in open and honest conversations within our communities, highlighting the disparities that continue to plague African-American women and children regardless of socioeconomic or educational status.
2. Provide Access to Reliable Information: Organizations such as the March of Dimes, and ours, AAWP, are committed to providing accessible and reliable information about effective ways to address the health of moms and
children, healthcare options, and navigating the healthcare system. Visit such reliable guides and resources that can help you make informed decisions about your health.
4. Support Community Initiatives: Support organizations like AAWP that are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the African-American community. Together, we can create a powerful force for change.
5. Seek Prenatal and Postnatal Care: For expectant Black mothers, seeking prenatal care is crucial. Accessing proper medical guidance throughout pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of infant mortality. Postnatal care is equally important to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and child.
6. Educate Healthcare Providers: Encourage healthcare providers to receive cultural competency training to better understand the unique needs and challenges faced by Black patients. Advocate for equitable healthcare practices and policies.
3. Advocate for Change: Empower yourself with knowledge and become an advocate for change. Join local and national initiatives that aim to address healthcare disparities, and let your voice be heard. Demand equal access to quality care for all, regardless of race or socio-economic status.
7. Practice Radical Self-Care: Finally, we know life does not stop while pregnant, but reducing stress during pregnancy is critical for preventing complications for mom and baby. Be vigilant about implementing self-care. Reduce stress, cut back on nonessential activities, have a good support
Exploring Mental Health, Criminal Justice Systems Hamilton Park UMC hosts special session of “The Conversation”
From Staff Reports
In a dedicated pursuit of community well-being, Hamilton Park United Methodist Church (UMC) unveils the latest installment of its impactful "The Conversation" series.
Having previously delved into critical topics like race relations and substance abuse, the congregation now directs its focus towards the imperative intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately three million individuals with serious mental illness find themselves incarcerated annually, underscoring the urgency for meaningful dialogue and understanding.
Hamilton Park UMC is poised to foster a thought-provoking discus-
sion on this vital subject during its Sunday morning service on January 28, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
Leading the Discussion: Guiding the panel discussion will be Lynn Richardson, Chief Public Defender of the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office and esteemed member of Hamilton Park UMC.
The Dallas County Public Defender’s Office, recognized as the largest of its kind in Texas, stands as a premier model for indigent defense and holistic representation. Comprising various specialized divisions, it steadfastly embodies the principle that justice is an inherent right for all. Chief Richardson's office actively engages in public education to dismantle barriers hindering community access to behavioral health assistance.
Discussion Highlights: The discussion will encompass five crucial areas:
• Recognizing signs of mental illness.
• Securing appropriate police responses.
• Understanding Civil Commitment.
• Establishing personal boundaries.
• Finding encouragement and assistance within the criminal justice system.
Chief Richardson frequently emphasizes, "Knowledge begets understanding, and with understanding comes the power to navigate through any situation with wisdom, clarity, and peace of heart."
Dr. Sheron C. Patterson, Senior Pastor of Hamilton Park UMC, underscores the church's dedication to disseminating vital information.
Acknowledging the disproportionate representation of communities of color in the criminal justice system, Dr. Patterson emphasizes the community's pleas for assistance with loved ones facing mental health challenges.
network, seek resources in the community or from your provider about ways to help, identify the source of your stress and take active steps to remove or lessen it.
Traditionally, the best sources of information on how to overcome health disparities have come from
The National Institutes of Health and the Office of Minority Health, but AAWP has emerged as an effective way to promote health equity and yield better outcomes for people of color.
Our website, aawellnessproject. org provides access, guides, and resources that can help you make informed decisions about your health.
The CDC’s report is a sobering reminder that our work is far from over. The fact that infant mortality has increased after two decades should serve as a call to action. It is our responsibility to respond to these inequities in the healthcare system and ensure that every Black mother and child receives the quality care they deserve. The African American Wellness Project is committed to standing with our community to make meaningful change. Together, we can and must make a difference. Our children’s lives depend on it.
Event Details:
January 28, 2024
Panel Discussion and Q&A: Led by Chief Public Defender, Lynn Richardson Collaboration: Members of the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office, representatives from North Texas Behavioral Authority, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and a member of a Right Care Team
Post-Event Interaction: Attendees have the unique opportunity for personalized interactions with the panelists in the church's fellowship hall.
Location: Hamilton Park United Methodist Church 11881 Schroeder Road Dallas, TX 75241
Event Information: Free Admission
For more details, visit theparkUMC.org.
Monique LeNoir Executive Director of the African American Wellness Project and Chanda Nicole Holsey Board Member, African American Wellness Project
Lynn Richardson Dallas County Public Defender’s Office
NCT Deltas Celebrate Dr. King’s Legacy
The North Central Texas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, under the leadership of President Jennifer Clark, and Social Action Committee Chairs Emelda Anderson and Danielle Crawford, held its inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Brunch. The keynote speaker was civil rights attorney Daryl Washington who addressed the topic: “How do we shift to resolving issues facing our community?”
Held at the Grand Hall at NRH Centre in North Richland Hills, TX on the Sorority’s Founders Day; in addition to a very informative discussion on issues of justice and injustice, Atty. Washington challenged attendees to be more involved in many ways, including voting and serving on juries.
The Chapter will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of its Chartering in April. The Chapter’s service areas include Bedford, Blue Mound, Colleyville, Euless, Grapevine, Haltom City, Haslet, Hurst, Justin, Keller, Lake Worth, North Richland Hills, Roanoke, Saginaw, Southlake, and Watauga.
21 people injured in explosion at downtown Fort Worth hotel
By Lana Ferguson, Jamie Landers, Sarah Bahari, Sarah Blaskovich and Philip Jankowski
FORT WORTH — Debris
blanketed downtown Fort Worth streets Monday afternoon after a suspected gas leak and explosion at a historic hotel injured more than 20 people, officials say.
Authorities believe the blast was likely caused by a gas
leak.
One person was in critical condition, four were in serious condition and the remaining 16 people suffered minor injuries, according to MedStar spokesperson Matt Zavadsky. No fatalities were reported.
A person who was unaccounted for earlier in the afternoon was later found, and several people had to be extracted from the hotel’s basement,
which also features a restaurant, Musume, Fort Worth fire spokesman Craig Trojacek said at a news conference. Twenty-six rooms were occupied in the hotel at the time of the explosion.
The blast occurred about 3:30 p.m. during ongoing construction inside the Asian fusion eatery, Trojacek said, and sparked a small fire. The cause of the explosion has not been confirmed, but officials believe it may have stemmed from a gas leak.
Witnesses, even those blocks away from the building, described a rumble so loud and sudden they thought it was an earthquake. The putrid smell of gas, akin to rotten eggs, lingered in the air long after dozens of patrol cars and firetrucks arrived.
“It was chaos for a minute there,” Trojacek said of the scene when first responders arrived.
Pieces and panels of wood, glass and drywall were strewn
An
across a two-block radius, and a section of a wall ripped from a building was propped up on a tree near the sidewalk, some of its windows still intact. In other places, window frames dangled from outside walls.
The hotel and some surrounding businesses were evacuated, and everyone was
accounted for as of 6 p.m., but authorities said they planned to continue their search efforts into the night.
Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement that state officials were staying in close contact with local leaders, partners and first responders to help with emergency response efforts. He
said officials were continually monitoring the situation and “stand ready to immediately deploy any additional personnel and resources” to keep residents safe.
”Cecilia and I ask all Texans to pray for those who were injured in the explosion, as well as those bravely responding to keep others safe,” Abbott said.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said her heart and prayers are with those injured, calling the explosion a “heartbreaking incident for the city” and for the recently renovated historic building. The Sandman Signature, which opened in March, is housed within the 20-story W.T. Waggoner Building.
This story, originally published in The Dallas Morning News, is reprinted as part of a collaborative partnership between The Dallas Morning News and Texas Metro News. The partnership seeks to boost coverage of Dallas’ communities of color, particularly in southern Dallas. Read more at www.texasmetronews.com
American Legion Post 511 Places Wreaths at Honey Spring Cemetary
Recently, the DFW American Legion Post 511 and the 19th of June Committee joined two million volunteers who placed Christmas wreaths on the gravesites of fallen soldiers.
The veterans and their unit auxiliaries celebrated “National Wreath Across America Day” with loved ones at 4,000 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea, and abroad.
American Legion Post 511, which is comprised of mostly African Americans, chose as their designated location, the Honey Springs Cemetery, where hundreds of former slaves and their descendants rest in honored glory.
“Regardless of whether the slaves are called veterans, they fought nonetheless against oppression and mostly in the Civil
National Wreath
Across America Day was December 16
War,” said Dallas resident Michael Gipson, Sons of American Legion Post 511 Sargent at Arms.
Gipson started recognizing the cemetery in 2021 by placing American Flags on graves on Memorial Day with co-sponsor Sandra Crenshaw, Secretary of the 19th of June Committee. Crenshaw, a history buff, affirmed “that Black cemeteries are often neglected. Honey
Springs Cemetery, which is hidden behind the Overton Rd Apartments in Oak Cliff, has been vandalized for many years, destroying the headstones and markers of our ancestors.”
At least three of the deceased are veterans. Two veterans of World War I are buried at this cemetery with headstones furnished by the government.
Ralph Curry was a private with
the 165th Depot Brigade. Louie Wright’s headstone reads: “Texas Private with the 165th Depot Brigade.”
Richard Batiste, Commander of Post 511, hopes to participate in an “Adopt a Cemetery” program with the City of Dallas Park Department. “The American Legion can request that the Veteran Administration (VA) replace the missing headstones and mark-
ers of the veterans,” said Jimmy Demus, also a member of Son of American Legion Post 511.
Kimberly Wheeler, Unit Auxiliary 511 President said, "This is only our second anniversary honoring our ancestors. We now know the location, mapped out the entire cemetery, found unmarked gravesites, and located loved ones. We're ready to go for a bigger ceremony in 2024."
Atmos Energy official takes readings at the site where an explosion occurred at the Sandman Signature Hotel building in downtown Fort Worth, January 8, 2024. Twenty-one people were injured after a suspected gas leak caused an explosion.
Photo: Tom Fox / Staff Photographer
Pic Left to Right: Post 511
Commander Richard Batiste, Unit Auxiliary 511 and family: Janie Inglehart, Jasmine Cordoso, Beverly McCray Michael Gipson, Sons of American Legion, Sandra Crenshaw, co-sponsor, Unit Auxiliary and family Lyanna Cordoso, Deborah Jones, Dorothy McClure, and Jimmy Demus, Sons of American Legion.
President Kimberly Wheeler of the Unit Auxiliary 511 places a wreath and an American flag on the gravesite of a Veteran.
The Main Thing Is to Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
By Terry Allen
In the tapestry of life, our elders weave threads of wisdom that stand the test of time. One such elder was my very own Lucille "Big Mama" Allen, whose teachings echo through the corridors of history and resonate profoundly in our present struggles. Grounded in religious and spiritual tenets, Big Mama's mantra, "Every person behaves according to the mold or manner that it gives itself to," serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact our choices can have on our lives.
"The Main Thing Is to Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing" – a phrase that wafted through our childhood, only to reveal its profound truth as we faced the adversities of racial and COVID-19 pandemics. Big Mama's timeless wisdom beckons us to introspect, to recognize that our actions shape our destinies. In this era of uncertainty, her teachings resurface, guiding
us like a beacon of hope. Delving into history, we unearth the rich tapestry of our African ancestors, who were the torchbearers of knowledge long before the Greeks. The great Cushite Empire, an African civilization predating Greece, illuminates a time when we held dominion, knowledge, and a sense of responsibility. Big Mama's words bridge the gap be-
Rochelle Brown blazed
film arts in 1971; the first African American woman to do so. After completing a summer fellowship at Columbia University in New York City, Brown worked as a news researcher for NBC News in New York. In 1975, Brown was offered a television news anchor and reporter job at WROCTV, the CBS affiliate in Rochester, New York. After making her mark there, she returned home to Dallas in January of 1978 to work for the CBS affiliate, KDFW-TV (now FOX4) as the community affairs director.
As executive producer, she created “Insights” a popular public affairs program, that became the longest-running public affairs program on television in Northern Texas. She also hosted the show, spending almost 30 years “connecting the station to the Dallas community in positive ways.”
Thousands of children in the Dallas
tween our past glory and our present struggles, urging us to uphold the Main Thing legacy of our ancestors.
God, as conveyed by Big Mama, implores us to accept our main thing obligations and to seamlessly transition from one task to another. This GOD-DRIVEN Bog Mama touched advice & counsel underscores the necessity of prioritizing what truly
matters, embodying the essence of "The Main Thing Is to Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing."
As we step into 2024, let us craft Main Thing resolutions that mirror Big Mama's wisdoms:
1. Prioritize Purpose Over Distractions- Focus on endeavors that align with your core values and contribute positively to your life's journey.
2. Embrace Resilience in Adver-
a trail in D/FW, cont. from page 1
Public School System have reaped benefits from the “Adopt-A-School” Program created by the City of Dallas. Brown made sure that her station participated in this program.
She also acted as KDFW’s multicultural affairs director, ensuring that all cultures and races in the Dallas-Fort Worth area were well represented in the news coverage.
Mentor and Emily Blue remembered her internship days with Brown.
“Under her tutelage, I learned so much. It was there that my love for diversity, cultural sensitivity, and community in media was deepened while my interviewing and production skills were cultivated. I also served as associate producer of “Insights” while interning with her,” wrote Blue, on FaceBook. “Rochelle Brown’s bubbly personality made work so much fun. I learned from an incredible trailblazer
and I continue her legacy of mentorship through my own work in media.”
Fellow journalist Ester Davis spoke to Brown’s professional prowess.
“Rochelle was not only a ‘pretty face’. She was a sheer master of television production. She had knowledge and talent that most cannot relate to. On her show, she was the writer, producer, director, could set lighting, could work anything and everything in the studio behind the camera and in front.”
Brown is the recipient of the prestigious Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia Award, honoring excellence in broadcast journalism for her news segment “Children Having Children.”
She was a fixture around the Metroplex and was frequently recognized for her journalistic excellence and community service. Born in Denton in 1949; she never met a stranger and left an indelible mark on everyone she came into contact with. Brown was 75.
sity:** In the face of challenges, channel inner strength to overcome obstacles, staying true to your main objectives.
3. Cultivate Continuous Growth:** Just as one task concludes, embark on the next, embracing a journey of perpetual learning and self-improvement.
4. Nurture Community and Connection:** Strengthen bonds with those who uplift and support, recognizing the importance of collective well-being.
5. Promote Knowledge and Cultural Heritage:** Commit to learning and preserving the rich tapestry of your heritage, echoing the legacy of our ancestors.
In honoring Big Mama's legacy, may we find strength, purpose, and resilience in the pursuit of our main things, ensuring that "The Main Thing Is to Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing.".What is your main thing in 2024? Email me at TerryAllenpr@gmail.com
Founder of City Men Cook and Dallas Chapter President of NBPRS.org
Service Schedule
Visitation for Ellen Rochelle Brown
Friday, January 19, 2024 12:00 - 8:00pm (Central time)
Golden Gate
Funeral Home-Dallas
4155 S R. L. Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75224
Funeral for Ellen Rochelle Brown
Saturday, January 20, 2024 Starts at 1:00pm (Central time)
NORTH PARK CME
6725 Tyree Street, Dallas, TX 75209
Terry Allen is an NABJ awardwinning Journalist, DEI expert, PR professional and founder of the charity – Vice President at FocusPR,
Metro Community Calendar powered
JANUARY 18-19
IT’S THE REMIX
See you at the African American Museum for part 2 of the Healthy Living Expo! 10a-5p
24
Operation R.E.D. Self Defense Class from 9:00 am - 11:00 am. In recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is hosting projects to better inform and equip our sorors and community with information on this social ill. This self-defense class is appropriate for youth (ages 11+) and
MUSIC UNDER THE DOME FEATURING MAHOGANY THE ARTIST
7:30 p.m. at African American Museum, Dallas. Free and open to the public; register at aamdallas.org/events
Bringing jazz concerts to the heart of Fair Park, the three-part Music Under the Dome winter series kicks off with jazz sensation Mahogany The Artist. While admission is free, seating is limited and registration is required. Food and beverages will be available for sale.
3
SCOTT JOPLIN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF HOUSTON at 5 p.m. Black Academy of Arts and Letters Live, 1309 Canton St., Dallas, 75201
Tickets are $15 and $25 at the Museum and Ticketmaster.com - The concert features an array of music – from classical and jazz, to blues and gospel, to contemporary music including hiphop and more. This year’s event is in honor of Dr. Clark Joseph, minister of music and worship arts at St. John Church in Dallas. Event chair is Dr. Vivian Johnson.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority celebrating 116 years of A Legacy of Love, Sisterhood, and Service. 2024 DFW Metroplex Founders Day Luncheon, head to The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel for a remarkable celebration of sisterhood, leadership, and community.
23rd Annual Winter Ball “Meet the 2024 Candidates” at the Hyatt Place Garland, 5101 N. George Bush Highway, 7:00 pm
Weekday mornings on FaceBook at 8:45 am Bringing you hype you can believe!
The World According to Drew on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.-10 am. CST. Sundays Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join Andrew Whigham on the call 646-200-0459
New Smoothie King
cont. from page 1
Grand opening celebration to benefit the American Cancer Society and an opportunity to win FREE smoothies for a year.
“I am both thrilled and honored to start our Smoothie King franchise journey in Dallas where we can provide wholesome menu options for our family, friends, and the overall community,” said Kyle DeGroat, a longtime Dallas resident and Smoothie King franchisee. “As new parents, we are excited about building a legacy that will have a lasting impact for many generations.”
Smoothie King specializes in nutritional smoothies made with whole fruits and organic vegetables. Whether a morning boost and afternoon snack or a meal replacement and post work out drink, the new Dallas location provides a variety of refreshing and flavorful smoothies and smoothie bowls for every taste and lifestyle. Nutritional enhancers are also available to help meet wellness goals. In celebration of the grand opening, guests will have the opportunity to win one year of FREE smoothies and the first
50 guests will receive a free enhancer. A percentage of proceeds made throughout the day will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
“Kyle and I started focusing on our health and fitness by replacing a meal with a smoothie from Smoothie King for a year,” said Jamillah DeGroat, Dallas-native and Smoothie King franchisee. “We both experienced a mental and physical transformation, so when we started considering our first franchise opportunity, Smoothie King’s nutritious menu offerings and business concept were in alignment with our core values and beliefs.”
Smoothie King’s purpose-driven and innovative menu recently earned the company recognition as top 100 of Restaurant Business’s and Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2023 Top 500 lists. The brand was also ranked number 17 in Entrepreneur magazine’s
highly competitive Franchise 500 ranking of the top franchise brands, included in QSR magazine’s Best Franchise Deals and annual QSR 50 Contenders list, and selected for Franchise Times’ “Top 400 Franchises” list. Learn more at www.smoothieking.com.
The couple’s new Smoothie King franchise is located at 7718 Forest Lane, Dallas, Texas 75230 and will be serving the community Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The location offers takeout, online ordering and catering. Contact the store by calling 214.272.7080.
Smoothie King is a Dallas-based franchise company with more than 1300 units worldwide. The company enables its guests to achieve the health-focused goals they set out to accomplish by offering high-quality and great-tasting specialty products that have more whole fruits and vegetables while removing artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, and added sugars in many of its blends. In 2023, the brand celebrated 50 years of blending America’s original smoothie and has continued to evolve, launching new additions to its menu including Power Meal Smoothies, Gut Health Smoothies, and, Smoothie Bowls.
Lifestyle Metro Calendar powered by
JANUARY
8-11PM | Live Jazz Performance by Blake Aaron & Tom Braxton at The Warehouse FW, 1125 E. Berry Street, Fort Worth, TX 76110
$25 General Admission | $40 VIP Eventbrite: https://2024MLKJazz18.eventbrite.com
19
8-11PM | Celebration Concert
Featuring “Front Cover Band” The Warehouse FW, 1125 E. Berry Street, Fort Worth, TX 76110
Tickets: $25 General Admission | $40 VIP Eventbrite: https://2024MLKFrontCoverBand.eventbrite.com
20
Vision Board Party, Kingdom Building Ministry, 200 E. Carr Lane Duncanville, with Dr. Dareia Jacobs and Dr. Faith Robertson at 11am
Denton Black Film Festival is here!
FEBRUARY
Rainbow PUSH Installation Ceremony at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters at 7pm
4
Gala at the Statler Dallas Hotel, 914 Commerce St. at 7pm. The guest speaker will be Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown and honorees are Constable Tracey Gulley, Libbie Lee, Allen Madison, Barbara Brown McCoy, Dr. Kellee Murrell and Keith Solis. There will also be 10 scholarship recipients. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.com. For more info, call 469-781-9005
11
9
Go Oak Cliff Go Oak Cliff 2024 Oak Cliff Mardi Gras parade The parade will kick off at 1:00 p.m. CST and will run along Davis Street from Nova
Join the national award-winning Garland NAACP Branch as they present POLITICAL CANDIDATES on the March 5th Texas State Primary Ballot who are vying to represent citizens of Dallas and Collin Counties in local, district, state and national races. 7:00 PM Place: Hyatt Place Garland
METRO HYPE NEWS
11AM-3PM | MLK, Jr. Day of Service Free Community Health Fair & Business and Nonprofit Vendor Fair Location: The Warehouse FW, 1125 E. Berry Street, Fort Worth, TX 76110 Free Event: Pre-registration requested. Eventbrite: https://MLKDOSHealthFair2024. eventbrite.com 28
DFW Joint Founders Day Luncheon for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at 12pm, Irving Convention Center, 500 Las Colinas Blvd, Irving, TX 75039
Speaker: Joy-Ann Reid of MSNBC
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc - 2024 DFW Metroplex Founders’ Day Celebration - DREAMS SOARING ON A PINK RIBBON, Celebrating 116 Years of a Legacy of Love, Sisterhood and Service, Anatole Hotel and the speaker will be Intl Supreme Basileus Danette Anthony Reed. A Century of Excellence
Honoring the Past - Inspiring the Present - Embracing the Future. The Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Founders Day at 11:30am at the Sheraton Hotel Dallas, 400 Olive St. and the speaker is Intl. Pres. Elsie CookeHolmes
8
The High Arts Foundation presents A Taste of JAZZ featuring Erika Ni-
16
w/Cheryl Smith Weekday mornings on FaceBook at 8:45 CST Bringing you hype you can believe! SEND CALENDAR ITEMS TO
editor@texasmetronews.com or call 214-941-0110
cole Johnson and artistic director Kirk Nobles at the Sammons Center for the Arts
