And not just because she is a community servant, born leader, and genuinely nice person; or we share the same birth date.
She is the person who made the BEST POUND CAKE in Dallas-Fort Worth!
The Director of Partnerships and Engagement at Duncanville ISD, Angela says she loves to cook.
Sure she has the distinction of baking the best pound cake, but she says she also makes a pretty good pie!
When she heard about the Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo’s competition for the Best Pound Cake she said she thought it would be fun to enter. She was also encouraged by one of the best caterers in the area, Carol Hampton.
Dr. King’s youngest son, Dexter, dies Activist remembered in Dallas
By
News of the death of Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Coretta and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spread rapidly today with many sharing memories and expressions of love for the family.
The Morehouse College graduate, who followed in the footsteps of his father and older brother, Martin Luther King, III, died of prostate cancer. He was 62.
Peter Johnson worked with Dr. King at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and became very close to the family.
In an emotional interview, Johnson talked about how Dexter and his siblings would be around those in the civil rights movement and how he watched them grow up.
He took several breaks as his voice wavered, and then he appeared to brighten up as he described a red, shiny Mustang that as a young man he drove. “I would let
them sit in my lap and I would give them all a ride.”
Johnson, the visiting lecturer at the University of North Texas at Dallas, was teaching the “History of the Civil Rights Movement: 1963-Current” when he received word of Dexter’s passing.
“I was not ready for this,” he said, adding that he knew of the prostate cancer diagnosis but was not expecting this news.
“I knew Dexter was not doing good. I need to call Andrew (referring to Ambassador Andrew Young, who was a close confidant of Dr. King and served as executive director of the SCLC in the 1960s).”
Johnson continued to repeat the need to call the Ambassador, who also previously served as mayor of Atlanta and was with Dr. King on the balcony of The Lorraine Motel, where King was assassinated, in Memphis TN on that fateful day, April 4, 1968.
Rev. Don Robinson, of Dallas, was also a family friend. Dexter’s eldest sister, Yolan-
Verna Thomas-Melton – last remaining of parents’ nine offspring writes book about survival and divine power
Verna Thomas-Melton received an award designating her as an “unsung Hero” seven years ago from Eta Phi Beta Sorority’s Epsilon Chapter.
The Fort Worth native and Dallas blessing is indeed unsung and a heroine.
The public got a taste of her relatively unknown story on January 20 at a book signing for her first book that she declares will be her only, but friends say there’s no way it will be. From her overflowing life, friends expect more powerful stories to emerge.
The faith-based book is titled My Power in Three. Renowned educator Dr. Allen R. Sullivan wrote the Foreword. The story is about Melton overcoming nu-
merous obstacles, challenges, and stumbling blocks – not by her own power, but by a divine power magnified by three -- father, son, holy spirit.
Christians know that other-worldly triumvirate as the Holy Trinity. Melton knows it as her life-saving grace -- the reason she is still alive. She also knows it as the reason why she does more than just exists. She says her power in three is the reason she strives beyond what she could ever have imagined, even while she struggled through numerous dramatic turning points.
The community advocate, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and podcast host is known for her ability to walk with power brokers yet never lose her ability to connect comfortably with everyday folk and their needs. She has worked with about a half-dozen former Dallas may-
By Norma Adams-Wade
Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News
Angela Davis Henry
Book signing with Verna Thomas-Melton. Photo: Texas Metro News
Cops Shot Unarmed Black Man 43 Times
By Forward Times Staff
Cops who killed an unarmed 25-year-old Black man, Jayland Walker, by shooting him 43 times last June in Akron, Ohio, did not violate the law, even after the medical examiner’s office ruled the murder was a homicide.
Steve Mylett, the Akron chief of police, found that the officer’s actions during the fatal encounter were “objectively reasonable.”
His ruling came on November 29, more than a year after Jaylan Walker was gunned down by police during a traffic stop on June 27, 2022.
The decision to clear the cops was already signed, sealed, and delivered to the anger of some.
On April 17, 2023, a special grand jury in Ohio declined to indict the Akron police officers after a car chase and foot chase last year.
The grand jury concluded the officers were legally justified in their use of force against Jayland Walker, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
Following the shooting, Walker was put in handcuffs by police and was found with his hands cuffed behind his back when EMTs arrived on the scene.
According to police, officers attempted to administer first aid to Walker after he was shot many times. Walker was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police shot Walker 17 times in his pelvis.
One bullet struck his face and fractured his jaw.
Eight gunshot wounds injured his arms and his right hand.
Five gunshot wounds injured his knees, right lower leg, and right foot, according to Lisa Kohler, MD, the Summit County Medical Examiner.
No firearm was found on or near Walker’s body, though the cops on the scene all claimed that they saw him reach for a weapon or for what they assumed was a weapon. No illegal drugs were found in his body.
The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a homicide seven months after the deadly shooting.
Eight cops, including a Black officer, fired 94 shots within 6.7 seconds at Jayland Walker. Three cops fired 18 shots each. But the deadly shootings complied with the department’s rules, said Police Chief Mylott.
Walker worked as a delivery driver when police stopped him for a traffic violation because his license plate was broken.
Gun residue shows he did not have a gun in his hands. A gun was found in his car near his wedding ring.
The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a homicide.
Police killings over minor traffic violations has become routine by cops. Police often argue that low-level stops and the searches they conduct during those stops allow them to root out dangerous crimes by identifying guns and drugs.
However, according to the Vera Institute of Justice, data shows that searches that begin with traffic stops seldom yield contraband.
Encounters with police during traffic stops, including minor infractions, disproportionately harm people of color, according to data collected by Mapping Police Violence, a non-profit research group, which argues that armed police should not be involved in the majority of these cases.
Community organizations want the U.S. Justice Department to investigate Walker’s murder. Walker’s family has filed a $45 million lawsuit against the city of Akron and the police department. The cops involved in Walker’s murder are back on duty.
South Dallas
Business & Professional Women’s Club, Inc of the Nationa Assoc ation of Negro Business & Profess ona Women s Clubs, Inc
Activating Connections to Prevent Human Trafficking
Reflections on the 51st Anniversary of Roe v. Wade
OUR VOICES
By Julia Lothrop
On January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court legalized abortion care in their groundbreaking Roe v. Wade decision. That same year, Mattel unveiled a Surgeon Career Barbie.
Surgeon Barbie, and her immediate predecessor, Astronaut Barbie (who was unveiled in 1965 – the same year contraception became legal in the United States,) stood on the shoulders of Flight Attendant Barbie, Ballerina Barbie, and Registered Nurse Barbie.
While all represent valuable careers, Surgeon Barbie and Astronaut Barbie were particularly significant because they represented a cultural shift.
Amid the women’s movement, and newfound reproductive freedom that enabled women to plan families on their own
terms, new doors were opened to education and career choice opportunities that many of their mothers and grandmothers could only dream about.
Thanks largely in part to the bodily autonomy granted by Roe v. Wade, starting in 1973 more women across America now had a golden ticket to start entering lucrative career fields – including surgery and astrophysics – that were previously dominated almost exclusively by men.
We now know that women who have access to contraception make about $2,200 more per year than those who do not. Furthermore, access to safe and legal abortion increases a woman’s likelihood of graduating college by 72%, and increases the probability that she will secure a professional role by almost 40%.
Abortion care is an economic justice issue – and when it’s restricted, we all lose.
A year and a half ago, the U.S. Supreme Court took away reproductive rights to abortion
care in the Dobbs decision. In our state of Texas, we’ve seen judges and politicians force their way into medical decisions that should be between a woman and her doctor. We’ve seen doctors and hospitals fearful of penalties and in confusion because they do not understand how to interpret these obscure laws. The lack of guidance of when an abortion can be medically given has created a legal limbo which only heightens the mortality risk for mothers and their unborn children in Texas.
We’ve seen medical providers close their doors or relocate to another state. Since Dobbs, around 60% of OBGYNs in states with restrictions and bans report concerns about their personal legal risk when making decisions related to abortion care with patients. This has, in many cases, left rural communities in deep deserts of care.
In addition to being dangerous, these restrictions have also already had detrimental effects on our economy.
State-level restrictions on abortion care cost local economies $105 billion per year, and if they were removed, our U.S. Gross Domestic Product would be nearly 0.5% higher.
I am proud to work for President Biden and Vice President Harris, who have worked since day one to protect women’s rights, health, and privacy.
While some lawmakers are focused on deepening gaps in access to care, the Biden-Harris Administration have been laser-focused on strengthening the resources available to patients, providers, and pharmacies across the country.
President Biden issued a Presidential Memorandum strengthening patient safety and protecting patients, providers, and pharmacies who access prescribe, or provide mifepristone.
The Biden-Harris Administration also took action to strengthen reproductive health privacy under HIPAA.
And, the Biden-Harris Administration is working hard to
defend the right of all women to travel safely to another state to seek the care they need, and protecting students, and others, from discrimination in health care.
At the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, we continue to defend FDA approval of medication abortion in court.
And, we’re making contraception – especially preferred methods of contraception –more accessible. In July, the FDA approved the first daily over-the-counter oral contraceptive.
Abortion care, contraception, and other family planning services are economic tools that are here to stay.
We will continue to fight until reproductive justice prevails and a woman’s choice is restored.
Julia Lothrop is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Acting Regional Director for Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and 68 Federally Qualified Tribes. She has worked with the regional office for over 20 years.
Pregnant Congressional Candidate and Three-Time Ectopic Pregnancy Survivor
Strongly Denounces 5th Circuit Court Ruling on Emergency Abortions
Germantown, MD — In a resolute statement, Destiny Drake West, candidate for Maryland’s 6th congressional district who has received three life-saving abortions, condemns the recent Texas ruling on emergency abortions. She labeled it a regressive decision with severe implications for reproductive justice and accessible healthcare.
“This regressive decision by the 5th Circuit Court not only threatens reproductive justice but contributes to the pregnancy-to-prison pipeline, a disturbing pattern facing women, physicians and working-class families all across America,” states West. Both the reproductive and criminality aspects of the issue disproportionately affects black, brown, and low-income communities.
Three separate times over
the last decade, West has found herself in the emergency room facing an ectopic pregnancy, unaware that her life hung in the balance. “Had the medical professionals turned me away in fear of facing punitive actions for providing care, I would not be alive today to care for my family,” West shares.
In the statement, West continues on by emphasizing the dire need for reproductive justice and accessible healthcare. “Sharing this deeply personal experience isn’t just a reflection; it’s a call to action for a Congress that understands the real-life implications of its decisions,” West asserts. She vividly recalls the horror of nearly losing her life due to pregnancy-related complications, a terrifying prospect that would have robbed her of the chance to experience the joys of mothering her three children, including her two sons born after receiving
emergency abortions, and carrying her unborn baby that is due this April.
The statement underscores the urgency of electing individuals with lived experiences to Congress, especially concerning decisions affecting healthcare at the federal level. West, as the sole contender with firsthand experience of emergency abortions, emphasizes the importance of representation.
“The recent Texas ruling exposes the formidable challenges women nationwide encounter in accessing emergency abortions. It turns reproductive justice from a catchphrase into a rallying cry for comprehensive, inclusive policies,” West states.
The discussion extends to the stringent criminal penalties for doctors in Texas. “Doctors could face fines exceeding $100,000, potential prison sentences of up to 99 years, and the revocation of
their medical licenses. This punitive approach exacerbates the hurdles in providing essential reproductive healthcare,” warns West who earned a master’s degree in Criminology, Law and Society from the University of California Irvine.
West advocates for affordable and accessible healthcare as an inalienable right, not a privilege. “It means dismantling barriers to reproductive healthcare and acknowledging that diverse experiences should inform the decisions made in our legislative chambers,” West asserts.
The statement concludes with a vision for a future free from fear of undue restrictions or criminalization in reproductive health choices. “Together, we can forge a nation where stories like mine serve as beacons guiding our collective commitment to justice, empathy, and the holistic well-being of all,” states West.
Leila Brockman, taken for the Destiny for Congress campaign
Special to Texas Metro News
Fairy Tale Intelligence?
QUIT PLAYIN’
By Vincent L. Hall
“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”
– Albert Einstein.
It was mystifying to me, but the request was reasonable and rational. After going through the enrollment process at age three, Hailee, her mom, and I met with the headmaster.
It would be a one-on-one with the parents.
I distinctly remember asking Mickey what the conference was about. She didn’t know either, but we would miss work to complete this final step. St. Philips in Sunny South Dallas was the ‘ish, and I am a stickler for rigor in preschool education.
Dr. Terry Flowers took the reigns of leadership in 1983, and the rest, as they say, was Black history.
He worked in the community and developed a plan to catapult the school into the forefront of
Black private schools. St. Philips specializes in teaching, cultural awareness, exposure to new worlds, and sound ethical behavior.
So, the brother I knew from being active in the community walked in, greeted us both, and after finishing all the niceties, hurled a question that left me flabbergasted. Dr. Flowers floored me.
He didn’t ask me how many fairy tales we told Hailee; he asked me if she had any fears!
“Has your child had any emotionally significant episodes?”
“Huh,” I murmured.
He remixed the question for me. “Has Hailee been through any significant trauma?”
Damn. That threw me. It let me know that my child was in the right hands and made me even more sensitive to my conduct in the presence of Hailee and all the children.
Parenting requires thinking critically through every step of a child’s life.
Let me ask you: Have your children, grandchildren, students, relatives, or friends experienced any significant traumatic events?
I will leave the definition to you. But based on what you know, how many children do you know that have their child-
hood innocence left intact?
I try not to, but inevitably, I can’t stop worrying about our children. Everywhere I go. The State Fair, Chuck E. Cheese or any fun venues where children congregate; all I can think about
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.
we profess and what we practice are two different things. Sadly, we spend little time and less energy addressing the issues threatening their lives and livelihoods.
While I understand and accept Albert Einstein’s logic behind fill-
is how beautiful our children are and contrast it to the ugliness in our society and the nightmarish future they face.
We dress them up—middle class, upper class, and no class. We spend every dollar we can so that they don the latest fashions and wear the latest hairstyles.
However, we can’t seem to undress sexual abuse and exploitation, poverty, domestic violence, mass killings, and threats of war.
As a nation, people, and often parents, we are duplicitous at best and hypocritical at worst. What
ing our children’s psyches with fairy tales; at some point, we as a city, state, nation, and world must begin to deal with reality.
Feeding them fairy tales may make them more intelligent but will not help them cope with the growing local and international chaos.
The lack of sound public policies to prevent poverty, increase access to health care, and end the “isms” (racism, sexism, paternalism, etc.) that supersede all the fairy tales we could ever manufacture or tell.
My Truth: A Special Lady!
So, she got to baking and presented her Sweet Potato Pound Cake, and I guess you can say the rest is Black History.
Now when some heard about the competition, they had a difficult time wrapping their heads around the connection between healthy living and pound cake. All they saw were statistics and reports from the CDC referring to the spike in states with an adult obesity rate at or above 35% and that more than one in five adults in America are obese.
Well, it’s simple, the Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo was created to address the many areas that needed to be focused on to build healthier families, communities, countries, and ultimately, the world.
Having the event on Dr Martin Luther King Day, following the parade, seemed to be a wonderful idea because the Expo gave more meaning to the celebration/commemoration of Dr. King’s life — using the day to educate, enlighten, inform, inspire, and yes, entertain.
Organizers focused on spiritual, physical, economic, social, financial, and mental growth and development, for starters.
We also realized that we needed and wanted to have some fun — realizing that balance and moderation are key.
So, as we addressed building a better world and in the spirit of Dr King, Jr., we researched some of his favorite meals. During every expo, we
The atrocities that we are watching by actors in Israel and Palestine have robbed those children of any semblance of a normal and formative childhood. That strand of hatred will run for another three generations. Even worse, the spirit of mayhem and instability is spreading quickly throughout the Middle East.
From Uvalde to the Gaza Strip, our babies have been forced out of their childhood by our inability to frame public policy and international agreements.
Mass media and anti-social social media bring calamity and corruption around our protective barriers.
Too many of our young people are afraid to drive or live independently.
Worse yet, too many of them summon the courage to kill themselves because they fear what life may bring.
Einstein had a point, but the intelligence brought through imagination and fairy tales is no match for the world we have bequeathed to our children.
Fairy tale intelligence won’t cut it.
awardwinning writer, and a lifelong Drapetomaniac.
hold a competition featuring one of the dishes from the list we compiled. We have focused on sweet potato pies, macaroni and cheese, cobbler, and now pound cakes.
The competition was impressive this year.
Who knew there were tens of thousands of pound cake bakers on the internet?!
Enter Angela Davis Henry; who I am clueless as to how she even has the time to bake, but it is something she is passionate about and it brings her joy.
A long-time educator, she attended California State University, Northridge, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Pan-African Studies. It was there she also pledged the Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
Angela also has a Masters Degree in Secondary Education from Bowie State University. She has also established a scholarship in her name through her sorority and she is also a member of the Southern Metroplex (TX) chapter of The Links, Inc.
Do you see why I am impressed?
She’s a leader in her family, the community, and at work; and she is lifting as she climbs while also building opportunities for others.
We learned that she can bake, but we also learned there’s more to Angela Davis Henry than her prowess in the kitchen and that makes her all the more special! We salute you, Angela Davis Henry!
A long-time Texas Metro News columnist, Dallas native Vincent L. Hall is an author, writer,
DYSFUNCTION AND DISSENT – A POLITICAL MESS
WORD
By Dr. Julianne Malveaux
It would be generous to say that the Republican Party is a chaotic manifestation of political madness. Eight miscreants toppled House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and could not select a speaker for nearly two weeks. Indeed, at this writing, Republican leadership is still up in the air, and both former speaker McCarthy and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) have scolded Congressional Republicans for their embarrassing immaturity.
In some ways, this is the work of the former President, who is implicitly on the ballot for speaker. McCarthy was deposed because Trump ally Matt Goetz (R-FL) called for a vote on his leadership. Since then, no Republican has been able to corral the necessary majority to assume the speakership. It is amusing that Republicans want to blame Democrats for this nonsense, insisting that it was “Democrats joining with eight Republicans” to oust McCarthy. The chaos results from an internal Re-
publican fight, and Democrats have nothing to do with it. But that’s the Republican way, isn’t it, inspired by the former President? When things don’t go your way, blame somebody, anybody, for your troubles.
While Congressional Democrats have behaved quite in contrast with disorderly Republicans, ably led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), we Democrats have problems of our own. The Biden-Harris administration has done good work (which I don’t always agree with, especially around the Middle East). Still, there is an uncomfortable silence from Democrats around the 2024 election and its prospects. All of the good Biden-Harris is doing is swallowed by troubling imagery, poor communication, and voter apathy. We are months before caucuses and primary activity and a year before a 2024 election, but the tepid Biden approval polls have to cause concern. A Bloomberg/Morning Consult poll says that 51 percent say the economy was better under the previous President (what!), and the President can’t seem to get past a 40 percent approval rating.
Democrats have shut down any potential opposition to Biden almost as effectively as Republicans have allowed the previous President to
squash any Republican opponent. In both parties, though, there are whispers and even shouts about the weaknesses of the frontrunners. In the Biden case, a little competition might help our present leaders sharpen their saw and demonstrate their strength to doubters. Imagine that a California governor, Gavin Newsome (D), a leader who plays progressive but is a centrist moderate, showed up on the debate stage with Biden. Imagine President Biden could strongly and forcefully make a case for another term. Biden might emerge from such a debate elevated and ready for a November race. Instead, the silence of the Democrats
and the surrender to a Biden inevitability weakens, not strengthens, the Democratic party. I’m a believer in PROVERBS 27:17, “iron sharpens iron.” It suggests that opposition forces us to “up our game” and improves us.
A turn on the debate stage will benefit Vice President Harris, as well, if she takes advantage of it. Some of the chatter about our Vice President is ugly, misogynistic, and racist. She’s not perfect – no politician is. But she is intelligent, riveting, brilliant, and experienced. She has met with foreign leaders, repairing relationships that the previous President trampled on. She has been
a spokesperson and a kinetic leader. Her HBCU tour this fall has galvanized young people, a desperate need for the Democratic Party. She deserves applause, not derision. The debate stage, challenged by a strong Democrat, is an opportunity for her to strut her stuff.
The questions that many are asking about President Biden and the Biden-Harris ticket need to be addressed. Democrats don’t gain anything by quelling dissent. Instead, we should encourage it so that our leaders can answer criticism with vigorous enthusiasm and information. And while Republican internal dissent is amusing and embarrassing, it is presently unhelpful and a barrier to national progress. We have less than a month for a budget deal, emergencies in Ukraine and the Middle East, economic challenges, and other matters. The House can’t move forward without a Speaker. Dissent is one thing; dysfunction is another. How can we fix our broken political system?
Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA. She is also President of PUSH Excel, the education arm of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. You may reach her at juliannemalveaux.com
We Celebrated The King Holiday Despite Moral And Political Decay. We Can’t Lose Hope.
By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
Celebratory programs and events marked the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Promises and proclamations were made at city halls and places of worship across America.
Our attitudes of hope seem to be buoyed when this special holiday comes around each year. It’s timely in the sense that it gives us the rest of the year to practice what we say.
Some years ago, I coined the expression, “it’s the doing of the talking”. No matter how fervently we say the words of hope, we must also create actions of hope as well.
As history tells us, Dr. King was one of the early architects of the Civil Rights Movement. In fact, he was Time Magazine’s Person of The
Year in 1964. His advocacy for people with little to no voice put the United States of America on notice.
He said, “Our nettlesome task is to discover how to organize our strength into compelling power so that government cannot elude our demands.” Over time, we have seen this axiom come to fruition. However, we know that there is still work to be done.
How many times have we heard the lyrics we shall overcome some day? Those words have become synonymous with the King Holiday. We want to believe that equal rights are just around the corner. Yet our quest for them is still evolving.
Dr King was an ambassador for people, both Black and White. He knew that we were better together. No man or woman is an island. We are inextricably tied together in the same fabric of brotherhood and sisterhood.
He said, “Justice for Black people will not flow into society merely from court decisions nor from
fountains of political oratory. White America must recognize that justice for Black people cannot be achieved without radical changes in the structure of our society.”
Another King Holiday has passed, and our America is still being challenged by demons today. Our vision of prosperity has been dimmed by corrupt and corrosive people. America is at a pivotal moment in its storied history. This year, we have a presidential election earmarked for Tuesday, November 5th. Unless something unforeseen happens, the incumbent Joe Biden will face off against Donald Trump.
Some may ask how can a person with 91 criminal charges against him run for the position of president of the country? It is because Trump’s legal team is playing the game of put-off, delay and reschedule.
There are many in America who want him to become president. I wonder what their code of ethics and honesty is. Does telling the
truth matter? Is it ok to assault women? Can you get away with inciting riots? It is permissible to overvalue your businesses. Can you admire dictators and want to emulate them? If your answer is yes, then you will vote for Donald Trump.
Sadly, you fall into the caldron of misguided people who have replaced right with wrong. You have fallen into a sea of misery and misfortune. You are with the wrong person for the wrong reasons.
Now, if you are like me and a proponent of Dr. King’s philosophy of hopefulness then you will vote on November 5th. Our vote will count, and our presence will matter. Don’t think otherwise.
Right cannot ever be taken for granted as wrong is always lurking. Dr. King and other Civil Rights leaders sacrificed greatly for the rights and privileges that we have today. The King Holiday must not be the only day that we give a little more and do a little more. It must
become a lifestyle and a way of living.
Dr. King said, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Even a superficial look at history reveals that no social advance rolls in on the wheels of inevitability. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle.”
We must continue doing this if we want a better nation for generations to come. This is our responsibility and we can do no less.
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.
A New Year of Promise
WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE
By Dr. E. Faye Williams
By the time you read this message, we will already have said goodbye to 2023. It is my hope you have made your resolutions for 2024 that you really plan to keep! It is my experience that we make resolutions but forget them a few weeks later! I have counted myself among those who forget them, but I am determined to do better in 2024.
Times require us to be serious about keeping many of what I hope will be in your resolutions.
For example:
1. Did you wish for the killing of our brothers and sisters who are still living in Gaza to stop immediately and may the hearts of those still living be healed?
2. Did you wish for our brothers and sisters in Israel to have their relatives who’re hostages returned safely to them, and may their broken hearts be healed
for friends and family they lost?
3. Did you wish for all the broken hearts from 2023 to be healed?
4. Will you do all you can do to prevent the senseless killing of our people, including our children?
5. Did you pray for America to end homelessness?
6. Did you pray for ending food deserts, and a way to feed healthy food for all to eliminate hunger?
7. Will you take any steps necessary to truly make voting a right that is worth exercising?
8. Will you work to make voting easy and urge every citizen to know about and exercise their right to vote?
9. Will you speak with your Members of Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act immediately?
10. Will you contact your Members of Congress to urge them to make Rosa Parks’ birthday a Federal Holiday?
11. Will you encourage your local, state, and National leaders to recognize the urgency of working on climate change?
12. Will you work to get pol-
iticians to provide more support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities?
13. Will you support efforts to continue taking down Confederate statues representing slavery and glorifying racist actions in this country?
14. Will you support National and World Foster Care?
15. Will you work to support women’s right to choose and take away that practice from politicians?
16. Will you support efforts to find common ground for the U.S. and Cuba to work cooperatively?
17. Will you work to end book bans and support educators who are taking a stand against banning books?
18. Will you do all you can to improve healthcare for all?
19. Will you work to end racism in every form and for all of our brothers and sisters no matter from whence they have come?
20. Meanness against immigrants has got to stop!
21. Finally, will you do all in
your power to make this a kinder, gentler nation for all?
Inaction by our leaders has got to be called out and voted out if they can’t solve the problems. When I heard a seasoned politician like Lindsey Graham respond to Trump’s constant racist ranting about immigrants saying he wasn’t concerned about Donald Trump’s highly offensive rantings and poisoning the blood of this nation, I was shocked. Trump no longer shocks us, but Lindsey Graham is intelligent enough to do better. We have a lot of work to do in 2024, so no one is exempt from helping to resolve the craziness going on all around us. It seems these multiple cases against Trump will never be resolved, so we can’t help by wishing things away. Voting is more critical now than ever before and Black people can’t be mad and sit out the election because we don’t like one thing President Biden did. You need to vote!
Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Contact her via www.nationalcongressbw.org.
Dr. King’s youngest son, Dexter, dies at 62 cont.
da, who died in 2007 of complications related to a chronic heart condition was the Godmother to Robinson’s son, Nigel.
Robinson remembers meeting a young Dexter in 1985.
“I met him when I attended services at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta to hear Bernice King preach her first sermon,” he recalled, adding that Dexter was “very lowkey, with a very astute business mind. He was very personable, but not the gifted speaker like his siblings. He preferred to be behind the scenes.”
While touring with his book, “Growing Up King: An Intimate Memoir,” Dexter visited Dallas and signed books at Black Images Book Bazaar, which was considered one of the premiere Blackowned bookstores in the country.
Co-owner Emma Rodgers remembered Dexter as “cool, calm and collected.”
“I liked his demeanor,” she said. “He was a combination of his mother and dad. Dexter was very approachable. He engaged with the audience in a warm manner.”
Rodgers remembered that Dexter traveled with his cousin and she witnessed their interactions, saying she saw a special bond between the two that seemed to have a profound effect on him. “Dexter seemed to be comforted, having someone he trusted near.”
Black Images also hosted Rev. Bernice King at the African American Museum and Yolanda King at an event in South Dallas.
Dexter was a civil rights and animal rights activist, who portrayed his father in the television movie, “The Rosa Parks Story.”
Introduced to vegetarianism in the late 1980s, by another of his father’s comrades; comedian, health enthusiast, and civil/human rights activist Dick
Viral testimonies can backfire!
By Terry Allen
In the heart of our family, there was a matriarch named Lucille “Big Mama” Allen. A woman of boundless wisdom and unwavering faith, she held court over generations – sons, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.,” echoed through our lives, a beacon of strength and a call to action.
In narrating this tale from my grandmother’s perspective, I am drawn to the roots of her conviction. Big Mama believed in defending and protecting one’s interests against those who sought harm. Her guidance stemmed from a deep well of values, teaching us that sometimes, the best defense is to let God intervene.
This sentiment found resonance in the scriptures, particularly Romans 12:17-21, emphasizing not repaying evil for evil and leaving room for divine justice.
Big Mama’s counsel went beyond words; it was a philosophy demanding action. She urged us to align our actions with our beliefs, to strive for peace with everyone, and to trust in the ultimate repayment by the Lord.
Focusing on the metaphorical alignment of “audio” and “video” in our lives, she emphasized the importance of consistency between words and actions.
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Gregory, Dexter became a vegan and was very health conscious.
His death sends a message, said Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, who knew Dexter and his siblings and became even closer to Martin, III; who served as a Fulton (GA) County Commissioner from 1987 to 1993.
Stressing the importance of self-care, Price said, as he expressed support to the family, “Black men need to check themselves. Prostate cancer is preventable and it doesn’t care who the person is.
“With Black men, unfortunately, it is detected in the latter stages,” he continued. “Our health has to become a priority.”
Dexter and wife Leah Weber King, celebrated a decade of marriage in 2023.
He was born on January 30, 1961 and his mother died on his 45th birthday, January 30, 2006.
As a testament to the success of this principle, I reflect on these current viral interviews exposing entertainers, pastors, and leaders. Do they work? How do you defend or deny these videos?
These are instances where embodying Big Mama’s values can lead to positive outcomes.
Through anecdotes of resilience, forgiveness, and genuine kindness, the response can illustrate the transformative power of living by the creed, “Do not come for me unless I send for you.” I
n this legacy, Big Mama’s wisdom continues to guide us, a beacon of strength in a world that sometimes challenges our resolve. How do you feel about all of these viral testimonies and callouts?
Email me and let me know at terryallenpr@gmail.com
BLACK CARD
A LOOK AT HOUSING CRISIS
Not addressing the housing crisis is not an option, say housing advocates
By Joanna Cattanach Program Coordinator
Dallas Media Collaborative
The bond funding —in any amount— can partially alleviate gap funding for the growing affordable housing crisis in Dallas, according to the Child Poverty Action Lab.
“Research tells us that when families are housing cost burdened —when they pay 30% or more of their income on housing expenses— they are forced to make trade-offs,” said Ashley Flores, CPAL’s Senior Director. These families resort to sacrificing nutritious food, preventative healthcare, and educational opportunities, to keep a roof over their head.
“The stress of unaffordable
housing can manifest in mental and physical health issues for parents and can impact academic achievement for kids, ultimately impacting prospects for long-term economic mobility,” Flores said.
So what could affordable housing bond funding look like in Dallas? And what effect would it have on communities in need?
That depends. Affordable to a single, full time employed GenZ who can live in a 600-foot efficiency apartment close to an entertainment district, isn’t the same for a working family of four in West Dallas with two kids in school. Nor is it the same for LGBTQ seniors who could once afford their home and rent in the Oak Lawn area but, through gentrification, have been priced
and taxed out.
The city’s own Housing Policy also highlights disparities with Hispanic households facing the most “severe housing problems.”
Strictly defined, housing is a purchased home or a rental unit. The Dallas bond doesn’t differentiate between these two but according to CPAL. The median rent in Dallas is roughly $1305 but Dallas lacks over 33,000 affordable rental units for people making at or below 50% AMI. The gap is projected to grow to 83,503 units by 2030 without intervention.
CPAL has created an online tool that helps calculate the amount of local gap funding needed to make affordable housing developments financially viable.
“Dallas ranks 10th out of the 12 largest cities for affordable housing units in “high opportunity” census tracts and remains the most segregated big city in Texas – and among the most segregated big cities in the nation.”
Dallas to vote on funding affordable housing, as part of 2024 $1B bond
By Joanna Cattanach Program Coordinator
Dallas Media Collaborative
This Spring, Dallas residents will be asked to vote on an estimated $1 billion bond proposal the city says will address some of Dallas’ biggest concerns from parks to infrastructure funding to address ongoing repair to streets, bridges as well as funding for arts facilities including the Meyerson Symphony Center and Majestic Theatre.
But affordable housing advocates have asked the city to carve out $200 million to address housing gaps and the pressing need for affordable housing.
Dallas is among a growing number of metro areas tackling the affordable housing crisis through bond initiatives. In 2022, San Antonio voters approved $150 million for affordable housing projects as part of a $1.2 billion municipal bond. Austin also destined $350 millions for affordable
housing projects.
But Dallas’ bond taskforce significantly reduced the original ask by half to $100 million, an amount that includes economic development and homelessness solutions. The breakdown would include $87 million toward housing with an estimated $67 million toward development and preservation specifically aimed at housing for people making 50% or less area median income (AMI) or $32,000 based on U.S. Census data.
Illustration by Mariano Santillan.
Courtesy of NeighborsDTX via X.
Meeting Barriers: Dallas Documenters Take Notes, Offer Tips on Public Meetings
By David Silva Program Coordinator Dallas Documenters
When we launched the Dallas Documenters program in Spring 2023, our intention was to train and pay residents to attend public meetings like any other resident would and to break down access barriers. Documenter programs are nationwide, and we knew we would very quickly find issues accessing public meetings.
Although the Freedom of Information Act and the Texas Public Information Act ensure the public access to government information, our incoming Documenters had varying degrees of discomfort with understanding and engaging in with our local civic process.
The Documenters found that Dallas government entities rely on their websites to post and update meeting notices, date, location info, agendas, and live streams a majority of meetings. However, we found discrepancies in all this information.
What we’ve learned in the last several months is that public meetings in Dallas do provide avenues for residents to be informed and stay engaged. However, even as we trained Documenters and had them attend several meetings, they encountered recurring barriers and inconveniences that could make civic engagement less accessible for residents.
For example, the City of Dallas utilizes Legistar, a software to manage a legislative process and used by dozens of cities, to manage its public meetings information as far as next year. but these meetings can often be rescheduled, relocated or canceled since they haven’t been officially “posted.” Their Posted Public Meeting website is more accurate but lacks access to supplemental materials and information. These two sites aren’t always updated with the same information, cre-
ating confusion about a meeting. There have been rare cases where an agenda is missing or blank before a meeting without it being updated on both sites and
for tech-savvy users to access. Some provide a separate livestream channel on their website but are inconsistent about what meetings are or aren’t available
“Most local government agencies provide live streams of their meetings. However, Documenters have found the quality of these streams to be inconsistent. Speakers are often not easily identifiable and can’t even be clearly heard.”
— Dallas Documenters
sometimes meetings are canceled without consistent updates.
Most local government agencies provide live streams of their meetings. However, Documenters have found the quality of these streams to be inconsistent. Speakers are often not easily identifiable and can’t even be clearly heard.
Entities also often use unique video conferencing applications that may make it difficult
Seniors have a great risk of being abused and neglected when it comes to housing, according to the Coalition for Aging LGBT
through these channels.
The biggest issue for public meetings across the board are inconsistent availability of archived meetings and supplemental material.
Many Documenters, just like many residents, go into meetings with a need for context on agenda items. Local media provides some of that, but not all meetings are covered.
Government agencies now provide archives of previous meetings, and previous meeting minutes have been available for the public.
However, local government organizations consistently struggle to provide archives of some of their meetings in an appropriate
Tips for staying connected to public meetings:
1. Get context for a meeting when available: utilize their websites but also Google the committee or agenda items to see if they’ve been written about by local news media.
2. Be patient with yourself when navigating websites: they’re not the most userfriendly and information can often be duplicated. You may need to search specific things multiple times to find something.
3. Read agendas beforehand: agendas should be available three days before the meeting, many are available before.
4. Search for archives: Archival videos and past agendas, especially of briefings or workshops, can provide more context about items being voted on. Many major items are talked about over several meetings before being voted on.
5. Familiarize yourself with members of a board or committee: try to attend at least one meeting in person to better understand the roles, people involved and who represents you.
6. Test the live stream link: this may be an issue on your end or the site itself.
7. Don’t be afraid to reach out to city staff for questions: email board members or city staff about questions you have or material you would like to access.
time frame, if at all. Sometimes “smaller” meetings will never end up on their archive sites, with no consistency as to what meetings should or shouldn’t be expected to be available.
Furthermore, most government agencies struggle to provide timely and consistent supplemental agenda material to the public, information that’s especially crucial when agenda items
8. It may be helpful to choose a meeting or set of meetings to focus on: meetings can be different, and understanding the context and the way the meetings flow will allow you to feel more comfortable when asking questions, following pieces of legislation, and participating in public speaking.
lic and as part of our sponsor the Dallas Free Press, meeting briefs with those notes are also available to the public.
are vague. Some boards and committees include their supplemental material before the meeting, some do not provide it until several days or weeks after, and some don’t provide it at all.
As part of our work, the notes we take are accessible to the pub-
We’re working to make access easier and have provided helpful links to commonly accessed city and county sites. As always, we’re looking for volunteers to help document meetings and make Dallas a more equitable and accessible place.
Dallas Documenters training event via Dallas Documenters.
David Silva at a recent Dallas Documenters training. Photo courtesy of Dallas Documenters.
Community Perspective: Affordable Housing is a Problem in America
By Cheryl Smith Publisher I Messenger Media
In 2020, prior to the last presidential election, former Vice President Joe Biden met with publishers of Black-owned newspapers to discuss affordable housing.
Many pundits and political analysts said Biden needed the Black vote in order to win in November so he had to send a strong message to this loyal voting base, Black Democrats; and the Black Press was a great vehicle to use.
Leaving the meeting, after making a commitment that was very popular with African Americans, the man who would become the 46th president told publishers his administration would: address housing discrimination; invest $640 billion over a decade for affordable housing; dismantle redlining; and, create opportunities for first-time homebuyers.
Biden’s efforts helped garner him the endorsement of U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC); which breathed life into a campaign that seemed to be plummeting.
Three years later, homelessness and affordable housing remain a priority for organizations such as the National Urban League, LULAC, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and the NAACP.
Speaking before Black elected officials in Dallas recently at Paul Quinn College, Bishop T.D. Jakes said there was a lack of affordable housing and homelessness continues to also be an issue, as well as the economic divide. He urged those in attendance to work together to bring about change.
But what does change look like?
For many, funds used for affordable
For those with limited resources worried about whether they can find the quality of life on the salary they make affordable housing is a daily concern.
housing would benefit the haves and further disenfranchise the have-nots.
According to Bryan Tony of the Dallas Housing Coalition, the textbook definition of affordable housing equates to spending no more than 30% of your monthly income on rent or a mortgage. While some view conversations about building affordable housing as an opportunity to rejuvenate and revitalize communities, others aren’t viewing it from the same lens.
For the Jones family, affordable housing is a joke. Mrs. Jones believes affordable housing can be interpreted as, “get ready for gentrification,“ and that word is a dirty one for people living in many urban communities.
The “gentrified” communities, she
said, are the ones that became available to families, like hers, when “White Flight” opened up certain neighborhoods for people of color.
“My family was the first to move into that Oak Cliff neighborhood,” said Mrs. Jones, adding that although they didn’t deal with the burning of crosses on their front lawn nor were they greeted by a welcoming committee, however, almost immediately they did begin seeing “For Sale” signs on the neighbor’s lawns.
White families moved to the suburbs and away from Blacks. Yes, there were negative connotations of such moves then and they are still visible and voiced today.
Her family benefited from “White Flight” and now 50 years later, the idea
of the city coming with resources for Mrs. Jones’s community for “revitalization” is laughable, she said because in the past half of a century, little has been done to maintain or build on that same area.
Mrs. Jones asks reasonable questions, like about efforts to provide more affordable housing because she knows Dallas.
She knows that there are areas of the City that were left to decay, code enforcement was not a priority, and and are crime-ridden, but now under the guise of providing affordable housing, you have developers building homes in the $300500K range, right around the corner from habitats where the median household income for a family of four is less than $40,000.
It’s clear to see why Mrs. Jones believes that affordable housing is a joke?
Someone really is laughing straight to the bank. Others are not finding anything funny as they grapple with property taxes and valuations beyond their ability to maintain.
You have to wonder about a society that would rather watch things erode before “finding” options to revive.
Wouldn’t it be great to live in a country where everyone can have a quality of life that provides safe, beautiful, affordable, living spaces where there are no food or internet deserts, streets are maintained, parks and recreation centers are operable, schools are highly ranked and police officers regularly patrol?
Dallas Media Collaborative seeks solutions, explanations
By Joanna Cattanach Program Coordinator Dallas Media Collaborative
Understanding categories and definitions regarding affordable housing can be difficult.
That’s why the Dallas Media Collaborative, a coalition of several local news media outlets guided by the Solutions Journalism Network, is providing original reporting on the topic and published a guide to help residents tap into resources and information that can help them find the appropriate program for them.
As a collaborative, we’ve worked together to create a comprehensive glossary of terms, stories, perspectives and research. The goal is to help the public
—and voters— to be better informed and be ready to vote on the fate of the housing bond.
Dallas Documenters
We’ve also partnered with Dallas Documenters, a nonprofit organization that trains individuals to take notes at public meetings and makes those notes available for everyone, to help inform residents who don’t have time to attend meetings breaking down barriers in the process.
• In 2023, Dallas Documenters:
• Held 4 training sessions for Documenters
• Trained 63 Dallas Documenters
• Covered 52 public meetings
• Spent 168 hours attending meetings
Voters should be asking hard ques-
Our Housing Terms Glossary offers explanations of commonly used tersm.
tions now including what communities the bond funds will support and how will the funding really address “affordable housing” in Dallas. Finally, we know the media does have
a role in not only giving the status of the situation, but also helping to find solutions. The answers aren’t always what we want to hear, to be sure. But the Dallas Media Collaborative has worked to corral information and find solutions where possible.
Our members have made the effort, through support of the Solutions Journalism national network and our fiscal sponsor the Communities Foundation of Texas, to look for answers by working together and sharing resources. So have collaboratives from Philadelphia to Charlotte to Kansas City and more. We need collaboratives to make better use of our shared resources, fill local news gaps to make information more easily accessible for the community to be more civically engaged.
Illustration by Mariano Santillan.
Cheryl Smith, Publisher of I Messenger News Group, which includes Texas Metro News, Garland Journal, I Messenger.
Advocates push for LGBTQ+-friendly housing solutions in Dallas
Seniors have a great risk of being abused and neglected when it comes to housing, according to the Coalition for Aging LGBT
By CAROLINE SAVOIE Dallas Voice Contributing Writer CaroSavoWrites@gmail.com
When Robert Emery, 64, walks into senior housing communities on training days, he asks his audience a question: “Who knows or loves someone who is LGBT?”
Usually, a few timid hands come up around the room, he said. At the end of the 60-minute discussion, he asks the question again.
“Without fail, 100 percent of people raise their hands” that second time, Emery said. “The fact is, everyone knows someone who is LGBT, but they’re not used to talking about it until someone comes in and makes it okay.”
Emery, a founding board member of Coalition for Aging LGBT in Dallas, said that during the last decade, he’s noticed more and more seniors proclaiming their place in the community. He said the rising number of seniors coming out is inextricably linked to how supported and empowered they feel.
“[Openly LGBTQ+ seniors] have a great risk of being abused and neglected when it comes to housing,” Emery said. “And a majority of LGBT seniors reported abuse or neglect after being outed to staff. It’s unbelievably powerful to be supported by management.”
Emery said he advocates for the approximate 400,000 LGBTQ+ seniors in North Texas by providing cultural competencies training at retirement communities and LGBTQ residents.
Each year, the coalition vets senior living facilities to determine whether they can protect and respect LGBTQ+ residents.
“We don’t have the manpower to get to all of the communities in North Texas, but anyone can go anywhere and ask them the questions we lay out on our website,” he said.
This questionnaire mea-
sures what Emery calls “the LGBT-friendly housing metric,” and features questions like, “Does your senior housing community have a written process in place to handle residents making discriminatory comments?” And “Do any of your promotional materials contain images of LGBT individuals?”
Dallas city officials, LGBTQ+ advocates and developers report that in the last decade, the need for se-
nior housing that affirms LGBTQ+ residents has become more apparent.
According to SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders,) a nonprofit whose mission is to improve the lives of the LGBTQ+ community, finding safe and affordable housing is one of the most significant concerns for members of this group.
A report by the Equal Rights Center, a D.C.-based civil rights organization that focuses on discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations, 48 percent of older same-sex couples applying for housing were subjected to discrimination, putting elders at greater risk for chronic health problems, social isolation, poverty and premature mortality.
Jacob Fisher, a vice president at housing developer Pennrose, said the company aims to build more than 10,000 units of LGBTQ+-af-
firming senior housing across the country. He said Pennrose works with community-based non-profits to develop housing, and those organizations bring in staff for support services, educational programs and social activities.
Most recently, Fisher completed the John C. Anderson apartments, an LGBTQ+-affirming community in Philadelphia. He said there’s no check-box on the application asking which letter potential residents identify with, and fair housing laws dictate that properties can’t discriminate based on sexual orientation.
“Calling a property LGBTQ-affirming is a self-selecting mechanism,” Fisher said. “People are either going to live there because they identify with the community or they’re allies who are comfortable in that community.”
Fisher said Pennrose is working on four more LGBTQ+-affirming housing developments in Boston, New Haven, New York and Denver. Dallas isn’t far behind.
LGBTQ+- friendly housing solutions in Dallas identified
By CAROLINE SAVOIE Dallas Voice Contributing
Writer CaroSavoWrites@gmail.com
Cece Cox, CEO of Resource Center, an organization that provides LGBTQ+ health care and advocacy in Dallas, said Oak Lawn Place, a $23 million 84-unit LGBTQ+-affirming senior housing community, is scheduled to open on July 1, 2024.
In November, the list of seniors interested in the building was 40 people long. Cox said applications should open March 1, 2024.
Cox, 61, said that property management will be focused on the interests and needs of LGBTQ+ seniors. Following in the footsteps of projects like the John C. Anderson apartments in Philadelphia, Cox said the building will feature LGBTQ+ art and photography.
adelphia project. “I think it’s healthy for people to see their identities reflected back to them.”
According to Resource Center, the building, located one block from Inwood Road and Denton Dr. Cut Off, will have lots of natural light, stepin showers and wheelchair-wide doors, singleand double-occupancy rooms, a gym, a private party room, a dog park, on-site classes and gatherings and Resource Center staff dedicated to making residents feel welcome and comfortable.
Cox said she traveled to LGBTQ+-focused developments across the country to learn “what not to do.”
“Being intentional with the visuals around the development is a part of it,” Fisher said of the Phil-
weren’t able to accumulate assets in the way straight people would.”
According to the Child Poverty Action Lab’s spring 2023 housing report, the city of Dallas has a 33,660 rental unit supply gap for its lowest-income residents. Cox said LGBTQ+ seniors often fall into that category, partially because of the delay in marriage equality.
“Affordable is a key factor for queer people,” Cox said. “It was only eight years ago that our marriages were recognized, so we
As an example, she noted that partners couldn’t collect their late spouses’ Social Security income until same-sex marriage was legalized in 2015. Cox also said fewer LGBTQ+ seniors have children who can care for them as they age.
“Our chosen families are so strong, but in many cases, our friends are close in age to us, and they’re aging with us,” she said.
Dallas City Councilman Chad West said the city’s aim as part of the $1 billion bond package is to use about $100 million to help
bring in new affordable housing developments.
Simultaneously, the city is considering a proposal to decrease lot sizes and change zoning regulations. About 85 percent of the city’s land is zoned for 5,000-square-foot, single-family homes.
One example for solutions is Oak Lawn Place, Cox said, where rental units fall under affordable housing distinctions, and market rate apartments don’t apply.
She said the market rate for apartments in Dallas is around $1,400 on average, and Oak Lawn Place rents range between $562 for a single to $1200 for a two-bedroom apartment.
“I’m just elated to bring this to the community and honor our seniors who made so many things possible for the rest of us,” Cox said. “If we can help close the
affordable housing gap by doing that, it’s even better.”
Councilman West said another avenue for LGBTQ+ elders needing affordable housing is getting assistance from HOPWA ( Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS.) This federal program helps eligible persons living with HIV get affordable and stable housing, while improving their access to health care and supportive services.
Despite Dallas experiencing one of the largest affordable housing gaps in the state, there are improvements, Emery said.
Every time he returns to a senior living facility to recertify their LGBTQ+ affirmation, conditions for employees and its residents have improved.
“I started these efforts a decade ago,” Emery said. “Whether we’re changing the culture or the culture is changing us, conditions for our LGBT elders are improving day by day.”
Courtesy of the Dallas Media Collaborative, a collaborative reporting project focused on solutions to the affordable housing
Photo illustration by Mariano Santillan.
Courtesy of the Pennrose via the Dallas Voice.
Cece Cox
By Eva D. Coleman Lifestyle & Culture Editor
A First for the Culture
We gathered at the Foundation Room on Jan. 18, 2024 to learn about the foundation of something big that’s headed our way. Excitement is building for TwoGether Land Music and Art Festival coming to Fair Park in Dallas on Memorial Day Weekend.
TwoGether Land is the sister-festival to the wildly
popular ONE MusicFest in Atlanta. ONE MusicFest Founder/CEO J. Carter is delivering this concept in what he considers an untapped region that’s long been ready for an event of this magnitude.
During the kickoff event, Carter stressed that the success will be generated by us, working TwoGether.
Tickets are available now at twogetherland.com.
Verna Thomas-Melton – writes book about survival
ors, as well as Texas governors, Dallas business and school administrators and prominent Dallas attorneys. She was fired from various jobs because employers did not want the negative publicity because of her rule-changing social advocacy.
Another illuminating factor in her life is hard to ignore. It is that she is the only remaining sibling out of her parents’ nine offspring. I was just thinking…there has to be a message in that detail meant to educate us.
I attended the January 20 book signing at Freedom Missionary Baptist Church, across the street from Kimball High School in Dallas. Guests shared memories of meeting Melton and working with her on projects. The signing also included filming of guests’ comments for an upcoming documentary about Melton’s life and folks’ opinions about her journey.
“I didn’t write this book because of who I am, but who God is,” Melton told the audience.
The author recalled years of challenges, deaths, illnesses, political, social and emotional trauma and losses, marital breakups and makeups, the process of aging. But the story in the stories is how she believes a power greater than herself brought her through those challenges and still allows her to function and move forward.
“There’s no way I could have gotten this far without the grace of God,” Melton, 74, commented.
In the 1970s, she helped kickoff effort to erect the Martin Lutin King Jr. bronze statue that now stands at the King Jr. Center in South Dallas/Fair Park. In the 1980s, she founded institutions including the once well-known Judy Lott Community Development Center in Oak Cliff;
the non-profit Verna’s H.E.L.P. Foundation; Black-on-Black Love campaign that sponsored No Crime Day (now police-sponsored National Night Out) and the revived Juneteenth celebration that media said drew 20,000 participants to Kiest Park. She and community advocate Al Lipscomb helped dispense free government cheese and butter for two years; and she was appointed to various commissions and boards by elected officials.
so the district would gain federal funds. Melton organized other parents and the case ultimately resulted in “changing the Special Education program throughout the state of Texas.”
Other examples involved helping initiate efforts that led to Dallas’ early homeless shelters – including the Austin Street Center homeless shelter that still exists; also fighting hunger in Dallas; an effort that helped create programs including the North Texas Food Bank; and as an entrepreneur in the 1980s, initiating an effort that led to clear tote backpacks to prevent concealed weapons from entering schools. Later, she and her husband opened their own graphic design company.
These and other efforts prompted former Dallas Mayor Jack Evans to declare February 13, 1983 as Verna Thomas Day in Dallas.
Melton’s husband, Rev. Arthur “Ray” Melton, said accolades from guests at the signing substantiated much of the narrative in his wife’s book.
“When you write something down, it needs to be verified,” Rev. Melton said. “Her story is being verified today.”
Some of the testimonials:
• Sandra Crenshaw, former Dallas City Council member: “I owe my whole political career to this woman.”
Home owner/director: “Verna is one of my closest friends. There are so many great facts in the book that people don’t know.”
• Dr. Allen Sullivan, DISD emeritus assistant superintendent for Student Development & Advocacy Service. From the books Foreword, commenting on Melton’s battle against DISD wrongly placing her son in Special Education: “I (and) a relative were (wrongly) labeled as in need of special education (in youth. …After) graduation we received graduate degrees at esteemed institutions. …These and other experiences prepared me to be able to understand the fervent and vociferous pleas of Mrs. Melton.”
Melton said sharing her life struggles and victories is a form of gratitude and an encouragement to others.
“The spirit said, ‘Write about yourself. Tell the story.’ ”
Near the end of her book, she states: “…I am a walking miracle and only by God’s grace and mercy am I still here…. The main thing I want you to take away from this writing is this. God gave me the strength to get through it all and he will do the same for you!”
Melton chronicled involvements include when she “stood alone as a parent” protesting that her only child, a son, had been wrongly placed in a 1973 3rd-grade Dallas public school special education program. Media reported that about 5,000 African-American male students had been wrongly placed in the program
• Travis Wortham, former veteran troubled-youth facilities administrator, family counselor, and author of his own book: “What’s Wrong with Deez Kidzs? Creating Monsters or Raising Champions: “This jewel has been a jewel since the day I met her. She’s one of those who I’ve gotten a chance to stand on her shoulders.”
• Sandra Clark, Sandra Clark Funeral
Melton’s book is available through Amazon books in Kindle and hardback editions. Melton is available to discuss and sign her book. Contact her at vmgraph@flash.net or 972-303-9102. The book publisher is HIS Publishing Group. Email: info@hispubg.com or call 214265-1200. To learn more visit www.vernashelpfoundation.com.
Norma Adams-Wade, is a proud Dallas native, University of Texas at Austin journalism graduate and retired Dallas Morning News senior staff writer. She is a founder of the National Association of Black Journalists and was its first southwest regional director. She became The News’ first Black full-time reporter in 1974. norma_adams_wade@yahoo.com.
DJ She Real spins at TwoGether Land kickoff event
ONE MusicFest Founder J Carter speaks to crowd in Dallas
Book signing with Verna Thomas-Melton.
Photo: Texas Metro News
Metro Community Calendar powered by
MUSIC UNDER THE DOME FEA TURING 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.
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Attire: Black tie/Formal. Admission: FREE but ticket required. Tickets available on Eventbrite.
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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.
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Dallas Examiner presents Monday Night Politics Meet the Candidates, 6-9pm at the African American Museum at Fair Park, 3536 Grand Ave, Dallas.
10
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AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM FAMILY/COMMUNITY DAY AND READ-IN from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. African American Museum, Dallas. Free and open to the public. This free family-fun day will offer arts and crafts, a paint party, live music, exhibition trivia and documentary and film screenings throughout the day. The event will also feature the African American Read-In, presented by The Dock Bookshop in collaboration with the AAM.
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MUSIC UNDER THE DOME
Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. 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.
Rainbow PUSH will hold the Installation Ceremony for Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III at 7p.m. at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters.
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.
16
Garland BranchNAACP hosts 23rd
Annual Winter Ball
“Meet the 2024 Candidates” at the Hyatt Place Garland, 5101 N. George Bush Highway, 7:00 pm
23
DCDP 2024 Fish Fry, 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm at Sokol Hall, 7448 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231
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
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JANUARY 27
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
Omicron Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, 116th Founders’ Day Celebration featuring Keynote Speaker, Joya T. Hayes, at Hilton Anatole, 2201 N. Stemmons Fwy at 11 am
28
DFW Joint Founders Day Luncheon for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at 12pm, Irving Convention Center, 500 Las Colinas Blvd, Irving, TX 75039 Speaker: JoyAnn Reid of MSNBC -- The DFW Area Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and The Dock Bookshop present Joy-Ann Reid book signing event immediately following the Joint Founders Day Luncheon.
HAMILTON PARK UMC hosts special session of “The Conversation”, exploring mental health and criminal justice systems. DISCUSSION WILL BE LED BY CHIEF PUBLIC DEFENDER LYNN RICHARDSON, 10AM at Hamilton Park UMC, 11881 Schroeder Road, Dallas.
FEBRUARY
1
Rainbow PUSH Installation Ceremony for REv. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters at 7pm
4
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc2024 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 is Intl Supreme Basileus Danette Anthony Reed. *** A Century of Excellence
Honoring the Past - Inspiring the Present - Embracing the Future. 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 Cooke-Holmes
8
The High Arts Foundation presents A Taste of JAZZ featuring Ms. Erika Nicole Johnson and artistic director Kirk Nobles at the Sammons Center for the Arts
9
The Living Legends and Scholarship 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 are 10 scholarship recipients. Tickets available at Eventbrite.com. For more info, call 469-781-9005
11
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
16
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,
8-12
DELTA DAYS IN NATION’S CAPITAL
The 35th Annual Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital will be held
district, state and national races. 7:00 PM at Hyatt Place Garland
24
The 40th anniversary of Dallas Blooms is themed “A Picture is a Worth a Thousand Words.” The spring event opens February 24 and runs through April 8, 2024 at the Arboretum.
JSU Sneaker Ball
Renaissance Hotel, Dallas 2222 N. Stemmons Freeway For Sponsorship Opportunities or to Purchase Tickets, go to: http://www.theesneakerball. dfw-jsu.org
MARCH
Friday, March 8, is for Collegiates ONLY. The Legislative Conference kicks off March 9.
9
Galveston and LaMarque Alumnae Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc presents Joint Founders Day Celebration, “Honoring the Past, Preserving the Present, and Empowering the Future, South Shore Harbor Resort, 12-2pm featuring guest speaker the 22nd National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority - Rev. Dr Gwendolyn Boyd. For info, galvestonalumnaechapter@yahoo.com
APRIL
6
African American Education Archives and History Program (AAEAHPP) Hall of Fame Class of 2024. The African American Education Archives and History Program (AAEAHPP) Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Luncheon where Dr. Jennifer Wimbish will be inducted at Noon at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, 400 Olive Street in Dallas, Texas 75201. You may purchase tickets for $100 at https://aaeahp.org/donate/hof-luncheon/
METRO HYPE NEWS
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
DAILY REMEMBRANCE
By La Juana Barton
Healthy Living Expo - The ReMix
It was a great tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the African American Museum in Dallas.
While snow, ice, and cold weather resulted in the postponement of many events on January 15, 2024 The Realizing the Dream Expo took place on Monday and we had the Remix on Saturday, January 20. Attendees met Angela Davis Henry - baker of the BEST POUND CAKE in DFW - her Sweet Potato Pound Cake.
There were also performances by Matoya - courtesy of the City of Dallas Office of Art and Culture, Virlinda Stanton, and Dareia Jacobs; and there was the food giveaway by Grace and Glory House of Refuge, and Chef Cassondra’s cooking demonstration was a huge success.
Mark your calendar for Monday, January 20, 2025 for the Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo.
