TMN April 17, 2025, Upload Copy

HELP FIND OUR MISSING

It has been about the length of time it takes to bring a new life into the world. Myrtle Polk went missing on June 8, 2024.

During the past nine and a half months, I have heard about so many missing women, men, and children.

Sadly if you are not of a certain demographic, you don’t get as much attention or media coverage as what is the preferred demographic.

And in the case of Mrs. Polk, the search didn’t last long at all. Didn’t even make it a month, when others are being searched for decades later!

If you read the Metro News, that arrives in your inbox daily, you have seen a picture of Mrs. Polk.

Eighty-eight-year-old Polk was last seen on that June day, in the 1100 block of Indian Creek Trail, in Dallas.

My birthday wish that month was for her to be found and safely returned home to loved ones. Of note, it was a decade earlier, to the day, that my mother transitioned. I didn’t want it to be the last day Polk’s loved ones enjoyed her company.

Mrs. Polk is African American, 5’2”, 120 pounds, brown eyes, with short, white hair.

I loved looking at her pictures because she had such a beautiful smile.

METRO SPOTLIGHT

CONGRATS PAUL QUINN COLLEGE

member of this powerhouse league.

Joining the conference levels up game for Paul

• Creating more visibility for student-athletes

Opening doors for national competition & exposure

• Elevating the full student experience

Edna “Ms. P” Pemberton – a “voice” & “soul” for her people, community, city – leaves powerful

Norma Adams-Wade

I WAS JUST THINKING...

What determines how a person makes an impact on the world and the people around them?

The life of Edna Pemberton is a case study in seeking an answer to that baffling question.

You’ve probably been under a rock if you have not heard that one of Dallas’ premier keepers of the people’s souls, and the souls of humanity in general, joined the ancestors over the weekend.

“Ms. P,” as she was widely known, was an outstanding community leader and people’s servant who was effective at all levels of leadership. City and business leaders and everyday folk as well lauded and listened to her.

Brushes with greatness

It’s hard to try to put a label on “Ms. P.” Perhaps two of her biggest claims to fame were when she earned the honor of introducing former U. S. President Barack Obama when he visited Dallas for a Democratic event in 2013 and -- already aware of her respected but humble standing -- greeted her with a warm hug that photographers captured.

legacy

The other distinction was when she was picked to carry the Olympic torch through Dallas on its way to the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, GA in 1996, the Olympics’ Centennial year. The iconic athlete Muhammad Ali lit the final caldron flame at Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Stadium.

In media reports, Pete Brodsky -- owner of Southwest Center Mall, formerly Red Bird Mall, whose vital reorganization Ms. P” helped realize, -- called her “the soul of the mall.” Various other leaders and supporters called her “the voice of Oak Cliff” where the mall is an economic lifeline.

Funeral details

“Ms. P’s “ home-going services include visitation Friday, April 25, 2025, from 3-6 p.m., followed by a wake from 6-7:30 p.m., both at

Amid Calls to Reform Bail, Judges in St. Louis Embrace Ankle Monitors

By Taylor Tiamoyo Harris Special from New York Times

In the heat of an argument last spring, Khyla Mason raised a handgun into the air on a neighbor’s porch. She was acting in self-defense, she said, and never fired, but the confrontation was captured on video, and some children were nearby. Ms. Mason wound up in a St. Louis jail charged with unlawful use of a weapon.

Just a few years ago, someone facing the same charge in St. Louis was like-

ankle monitor.

ly to pay a small bond and resume life as usual until trial, local attorneys said. But Ms. Mason, who was

then 21, was released from jail with a box the size of a deck of cards strapped to her right ankle. It tracked

Proponents say the devices have helped address inequities in the criminal justice system. But many defendants have experienced unintended consequences.

her every move.

For weeks, the device alerted officials each time she missed her court-imposed curfew or left her house without approval. Sometimes, she was buying food or diapers for her 2-year-old son, or taking him to the hospital, she

MY TRUTH

Cheryl Smith

Mrs. Edna Pemberton snapping a photo at a public meeting.

After Khyla Mason was arrested and charged with unlawful use of a weapon, she was released with an

Paul Quinn officially joins the HBCU Athletic Conference, becoming the 15th

Quinn by:

By Rita Cook Correspondent

Texas Metro News

Continuing to dissect executive orders

Last week President Trump signed an executive order to help to secure Federal elections to assure only verified US citizens are allowed to vote in our elections. The order is also to ensure all votes are received by election day.

Executive Order #14248 has seen some push back with commentary stating it threatens to undermine America’s elections.

Some have even called it racist.

The executive order is laid out as “preserving and protecting the integrity of American Elections.”

The order’s overall tone is to confirm everyone who is voting in an election in the United States shows up at the polls with some form of government ID.

Seems like an easy one. I have never showed up to vote and not been asked for my ID and I have always had it.

There are certain states that might have a different set of rules, my friend in New York was told he did not have to show his ID when he voted in the November election. He ask why he didn’t need to show it and they would not answer him.

The order is also about confirming everyone’s vote is accounted for by Election Day. What does that mean, no mean hanging around for days waiting for the results of an election that not long ago was called on election night. For the mail-in ballot voter it means your vote must be received, not just postmarked by Election Day.

This is important because no

matter the side of the aisle you are currently sitting on, voter confidence as of late has completely dropped. Many are saying this executive order will bring back some of that list confidence.

This executive order is supported by a bill known as the Safeguard America Voter Eligibility Act or SAVE Act. What is astounding to me is it has been introduced into Congress for a second time now since it failed to pass on the first attempt due to Democrat pushback.

I wasn’t sure of the reason why Democrats did not want voter integrity to be at the forefront, but it was explained to me by a minority man. He said the argument is because the blue has decided a voter ID requirement is racist. He said he disagreed with this argument and took of-

fense to the fact that Democrats believe minorities are more likely not to be able to obtain an ID due to the cost, the time that it takes to get proper identification and not having reliable transportation that it takes to get to the offices like the DMV.

“I don’t know about you, but I think if you are telling an entire group of people they are too poor or too stupid to simply get an ID that is kind of…,” he said on a social media post.

He also pointed out in the November election only two of the 20 jurisdictions that Democrats won required voter ID. He said even so, in these same states you need an ID to go fishing, drive a car, buy alcohol/tobacco, and get a job.

Others say what is really confusing about the Democrats vot-

ing this down is that it seems to be one of the most agreed on political issue across the country. There is a poll that shows 80% of voters agree that a person should have to show some form of photo ID to vote.

Another factoid is that the US isn’t trying to break new ground here, almost every country in the world requires voter ID. Why then are there certain politicians in the US who have decided the US should become a country where voter ID requirements is a problem?

“LORIE BLAIR IS STR ONG ON PUBLIC SAFETY.

Violent crime is down, but our work is never done. We can count on Lorie Blair to continue working to keep us safer.”

CONSTABLE TRACEY GULLEY

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

Wilmer Mayor holds intimate “grounds for conversation”

WILMER, TX – Wilmer Mayor Sheila Petta held an intimate Town Hall meeting recently, Grounds for Conversation.

The idea was an informal conversation with Wilmer residents as a follow-up to last month’s Town Hall that served to highlight city council priorities for FY 24/25 and how each priority has been achieved, in addition to giving residents the chance to take advantage of a more intimate one-on-one approach with Petta.

Positive changes the city has seen over the past few years were highlighted as well as any upcoming challenges that are being addressed.

“I was very pleased, we had a great turnout,” Mayor Petta said of Saturday’s breakfast meeting. “The residents were informed and asked lots of questions.”

As Wilmer continues to grow, city officials are prioritizing customer service, quality of life options, safe neighborhoods, quality streets, quality streetscapes and quality parks.

A number of these priorities are already being realized.

Recent city enhancements include infrastructure improvements including road repairs, a meter replacement project, a new kiosk at City Hall where residents can pay their utility bills 24/7, and

recreational renovations at Adams Street Park.

Wilmer has also seen critical public safety advances with the addition of the Fire Department’s new ladder truck and pumper truck.

The new police and public works buildings are also under construction and set for completion by August 2025.

Other future, city initiatives include expanding healthcare access, promoting wellness and mental health services and

providing fresh options through a new grocery store.

“Our city is growing,” Mayor Petta concluded. “I appreciate the open dialogue with citizens because resident input is what makes our city stand out and prosper.”

The City of Wilmer invites you to “like” the City on Facebook.com/cityofwilmer and follow us at twitter.com/welcometowilme1 and Instagram.com/cityofwilmer.

Comeaux named Dallas Police Department Chief

DALLAS - Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert has named Daniel Comeaux as the Dallas Police Department’s next Chief of Police, effective Wednesday, April 23. Comeaux is a 33-year law enforcement veteran, currently serving as Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Houston Field Division, overseeing 12 offices throughout Texas, including Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. His jurisdiction covers nearly 16,000,000 residents who live in 114 counties across 118,000 square miles, 645 of which are at the United States-Mexico border. His leadership has focused on intelligence-driven crime reduction, operational efficiency, interagency collaboration, and officer development.

“Special Agent in Charge Comeaux has consistently demonstrated a proven track record of successfully addressing complex crime challenges across large scale, diverse populations and geographic areas – that span internationally,” said Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. “The City of Dallas continues to achieve

crime reduction year after year. I am confident with SAC Comeaux at the helm, we will continue to be one of the safest large cities in the country, while building trust, and bolstering our recruitment and retention efforts. I want to thank Interim Chief Michael T. Igo for his longstanding service to the Dallas Police Department, and his willingness to lead during this time of transition.”

SAC Comeaux was one of five finalists selected to participate in the rigorous and thorough vetting process, which included key stakeholder feedback panels, and City Council and public meet and greets. Par-

This Week In Austin: DOGE Texas passed by Texas Senate

By Rita Cook Correspondent Texas Metro News

AUSTIN – Last week a bipartisan Senate Bill passed with a nod toward improving government efficiency in Texas.

SB 14 called “Texas DOGE – Improving Government Efficiency,” was put forward by Weatherford’s Republican State Senator Phil King.

Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick said, “The Texas economy is the envy of America and the world. Texans understand that by cutting red tape, more money stays in the pocket of taxpayers. When Texans save money, the private sector is unleashed, Texans start small businesses, jobs are created, and our economy grows.

Patrick said he personally prioritized this bill because, “President Trump’s creation of the “Department of Government Efficiency” inspired me to find ways Texas can save taxpayers and businesses money by cutting burdensome regulations.

The Texas Miracle will continue long into the 21st century because our common sense, conservative approach to regulation will keep Texans prosperous and our economy strong.”

SB 14 establishes Texas’ own Regulatory Efficiency Office.

If this bill passes into law the gover-

ticipants in the meet and greet were invited to submit feedback on each candidate.

A native of New Orleans, he began his career in 1991 with the Houston Police Department (HPD), he specialized in community policing, narcotics enforcement, and high-risk investigations. In 1997, he transitioned to the DEA, where he led major operations in Houston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, targeting violent crime and drug trafficking. His strategies have resulted in significant crime reduction, including a 40% decrease in overdose deaths in Laredo, Texas.

“I joined the police force because I witnessed what can happen to neighborhoods that aren’t safe. At the federal level, I am known as the local cop because of my collaborative approach to tackling crime and my dedication to developing leaders in public safety who are bridge builders for the community. I am proud that my career in law enforcement has come full circle and look forward to serving alongside the men and women of the Dallas Police Department.”

nor’s office would then be tasked to create a Regulatory Efficiency Office. Alongside that creation would also be an advisory panel to oversee regulatory reform.

Inside that office, Texans could then expect staff to identify and eliminate any unnecessary rules, while also improving the rulemaking process, and increasing public access to regulatory information. The advisory panel would also be expected to direct on ways to improve the efficiency of state agencies’ regulatory processes and to identify unnecessary or ineffective regulations, according to a media release from Patrick’s office.

The bill will now head to the House where it will be heard by the House Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency, which met for the first time on March 5. At that time this committee focused on topics as diverse as the newly formed Space Commission, the Sunset Advisory Commission and the state’s IT department.

If the bill passes out of committee, it will then be debated on the House floor before a final vote.

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

It is refreshing to see that people are still concerned.

Recently, Dr. Stacia Henderson Alexander posted about our missing senior.

Texas State Senator Royce West also weighed in on FaceBook, “Just because we haven’t found her doesn’t mean we won’t. Say her name. MRS. MYRTLE POLK! Remember her face. Don’t stop looking.”

Regardless of what others are doing or not doing; it is imperative that we DO as if the missing person were our loved one, because one day, sadly, it may be yours. Thanks to Black and Missing Inc., we are hearing more about

the missing from our communities.

This is our problem, issue, fight. We can be the solution.

Everyone does not have Alzheimer’s, like Mrs. Polk. There’s a serious human trafficking problem in this country. And yes, we do have runaways. Whatever the case, let’s make it our business to provide support. Find out what you can do. Get involved. Bring our people home! If you have any information about Mrs. Polk’s whereabouts, please reach out. Contact the Dallas Police Department at 214671-3001 or Black & Missing at 877-97-BAMFI. My Truth cont. from 1

family

Chief Daniel Comeaux

founded in 2012

Publisher: Cheryl Smith editor@texasmetronews.com

320 So. R.L. Thornton Freeway, Ste. 100 Dallas, TX 75203

www.texasmetronews.com 214-941-0110

Texas Metro News is your premier statewide news source, delivering comprehensive, inclusive, coverage of news, sports, features, opinions, and more. Stay informed with our diverse range of content designed to keep you engaged and informed.

The Texas Metro News’ mission is to inform, educate, enlighten, inspire, entertain, educate and empower, by providing thought-provoking news, photos, stories and commentary.

Texas Metro News, a Texas-based publication is published daily on www.texasmetronews.com with new and breaking news from a respected group of journalists and media professionals, and hits newsstands every Thursday, in addition to being distributed to an extensive list of social media sites, media lists and the Texas Metro News database.

In strategically placed bins, you can purchase copies of Texas Metro News for $1 per copy or you can have delivered to your home for $100 annually.

Additionally there are more than 200 sites across the state: including churches, public buildings, libraries, schools, restaurants and businesses where you can secure copies.

We welcome your submissions but do not guarantee publishing, unless submission includes an executed insertion order. We are not responsible for errors in advertising, however we will work to make good on our errors.

We are local and global, for you!

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, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.

EDITORIAL

Quit Playin: A Future Delight!

Vincent L. Hall

QUIT PLAYIN’

We are just enthralled watching this teenaged virtuoso at my church. As a kid, no one, not even his family could have imagined that he would be such a musical wonderment. Derrick Howell Jr., is a student at Booker T. Washington School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Thinking of him made me recall the humble beginnings of Quincy Jones.

On this particular night, all that 11-year-old Quincy wanted was lemon meringue pie. The urge was so strong and so prevalent that he and his band of comrades broke into a recreation center in their Seattle-area neighborhood.

They pigged out on the pie and some ice cream. They reportedly reserved the leftovers for a food fight and then destiny found delight! Quincy Delight Jones Jr. stumbled upon his destiny when he wandered into an office and spotted a piano in the corner.

I almost closed the door and left,” he says. “But something, thank God, told me, ‘Go back in that room, fool.’ And I did. I

touched that piano and knew then that every part of my soul would be in music forever.”

And that was the night when Black Music was met with Delight. Quincy Delight Jones Jr. is the standard bearer and official barometer for Black Music.

That one moment, when Delight met destiny altered the text and texture of Quincy Jones’ life. It became obvious that pilfering and thievery was not his life’s calling. But even greater, Quincy fell head over heels in love with music, which would serve as a lifelong paramour and mistress. A mistress so passionate that it would outlast four wives who bore a total of seven beautiful children.

But look at what his love for music made of him. Quincy

Jones has credits that establish himself and his name as a composer, artist, conductor, arranger, producer and record company executive.

Legendary names like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson whom he collaborated with to produce “Thriller”, the best-selling album in history.

And don’t forget Ray Charles, a boyhood friend who is also known among the all-time greats in America’s music requiem.

But Quincy Delight could not limit himself to music alone; he also fared well in television and filmography.

If you are living and were Black in 1978 you were probably proud and mystified when Quincy produced the phenomenal

blockbusting film, The Wiz. Not only was the music nominated and in receipt of several awards, but it did something else.

The Wiz is among Jones’ most significant works because he used the Wizard of Oz as a template to tell the story anew, afresh and attuned to the sensory perceptions of African American culture.

The Wiz was Black, but it wasn’t racial.

As a result this film became an iconic remake of the original icon that the Wizard of Oz was known to be. Jones proved in film what he proved in music; that people of all races are connectable as long as all cultures are represented. Jones’ list of accolades, achievements and awards includes near 80 Grammys and hundreds of smaller awards.

It does not yet appear what youthful Derrick Howell Jr. will do with his musical mastery, but his success reminds us that we should never fail to encourage and invest in our children.

Derrick Jr. is a delight!

April is National Minority Health Month

BlackPR.com

Black PR Wire) Each April, National Minority Health Month provides an opportunity to reflect on our country’s collective progress toward health equity. This year’s theme, “Advancing Commitments to Eliminate Health Disparities,” reminds us that achieving equal health outcomes requires sustained attention and collaboration across communities.

Dr. Rudy Moise, a highly regarded and well-known community leader, physician, attorney and business executive, shares the importance of prioritizing one’s health above all else. “Scheduling and keeping your

doctors’ visits, maintaining a healthy eating lifestyle, getting ample rest, and exercising regularly are but a few of the essential tools needed for a healthy and happy body,” says Dr. Moise. “Your health is your wealth, so stay connected with your physicians and together, let’s make it happen.” While healthcare access has improved in many ways, differences in health outcomes persist for racial and ethnic minority groups including Black, Latino, and Indigenous American communities. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that African Americans are 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic Whites, while Hispanic adults are 70 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and

Indigenous Americans have the lowest life expectancy at birth. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH), these disparities emerge from complex factors including access to care and cultural divides. Addressing these disparities requires thoughtful and long-term solutions that engage healthcare systems, community organizations and policymakers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health seeks to close this gap by sharing resources and strategies to support health equity. Their work highlights how culturally informed care, community partnerships, and preventive health measures can make a meaningful difference.

A long-time Texas Metro News columnist, Dallas native Vincent L. Hall is an author, writer, award-winning writer, and a lifelong Drapetomaniac.

OPINION

Saying The Same Things Over Again Until The American People Believe Them

James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.

OUR VOICES

The iconic African American poet, James Baldwin once said, “I don’t believe what you say because I see what you do.” Overtime, this expression has probably resonated with many of us. In your job, your supervisor says to you great job and we want to keep you in our company. However, all the while, you never get a raise.

A college recruiter tells a prospective student that they have excellent grades, test scores and letters of recommendation. However, they never receive a scholarship offer from the college.

Your drama teacher tells you how well you are reading your lines and acting out your role in

OUR VOICES

the play. However, you never get the opportunity to have a lead role.

The essence of these scenarios is a lot of talking and not much doing. It is simply word salad without the dressing.

We must choose who we are around and the messages we are hearing. Immediately after the November election, the incoming president declared that America would be on a better path because of him.

He said that he would create jobs for the American people. The president made bold statements about how prosperity would rule the day.

Well that’s not the case. Since he has been in the president’s chair, thousands of people have lost their jobs. They have either been fired or coerced into taking a buyout which has rendered them unemployed.

During his campaign, he issued a strong immigration stance

which was to deport those not having their papers in order. On the face of it, that sounded reasonable. Well, what he said and what he did were two different things. He is expelling any and everyone for what are bogus and questionable charges.

Because of it, families are being torn apart. Children are missing their mothers and fathers because they are being taken illegally and placed in holding cells.

This level of inhumanity and insensitivity is simply unimaginable. Respect and the rule of law have now disappeared from the current administration’s handbook. We are in a moral and social justice crisis.

The new group in DC believes in education, however it is selective education. Research monies have now been stripped from the budgets of colleges and universities across the nation.

Make America Great Again has been the catchy phrase for this

president. Everywhere you go, you see it emblazoned on hats, ties and T-shirts.

Crowds are cheering as this message is placed on screens and videos. Hold on, wait a minute a lyric made popular by Bruno Mars rings true here.

Don’t be fooled and have the wool pulled over your eyes by this expression. America is a great country, and it has nothing to do with what this new administration is saying.

Interestingly, the same folks who are mouthing these words are the same folks who have lost their jobs because of him. These are the same folks who can’t buy enough groceries because the prices are too high.

Let’s not stop there. These are the same voters who won’t be able to send their children to college because of the dismantling of the Department of Education. You can’t buy a car because of high tariffs for the parts and the

costs are being passed on to the consumers.

Democrats, Republicans and Independents who believe America is in trouble must now join forces to stop the slide.

Senator Cory Booker, Democrat from New Jersey gave an impassioned speech recently imploring his colleagues to help stop America’s meltdown.

Reports say it was the longest recorded speech in US Senate history. He said, “These are not normal times in our nation. The threats to the American people and American democracy are grave and urgent, and we all must do more to stand against them.”

Do you think it’s time to stand up? The answer is yes.

Dr.JamesB.Ewers,Jr.isalong-timeeducator whohailsfromWinstonSalem,N.C.Ewersisalife memberoftheNAACPandamemberofAlphaPhi AlphaFraternity.HeisamemberoftheNational Association of Black Journalists.

Dallas needs strong, visionary leadership

I have been a dedicated community advocate for one of the most diverse districts in Dallas—District 8. This district spans from the city’s most rural areas, home to farmland and over 500 horses, to a thriving economic hub centered around UNT Dallas and the reimagined Shops at Redbird. It also houses the city’s largest active landfill, McCommas Bluff, Dallas’ water treatment plant, and the International Inland Port. Yet, despite these major developments, District 8 has some of the most available land ready for growth and transformation and now is the time for this growth and transformation.

For the past six years, I have proudly served as District 8’s City Planning Commissioner and as vice chair of the Zoning Ordinance Advisory Committee—stepping down only to run for City Council.

From day one, I stood out as a leader, making independent, informed decisions to support the district’s land use priorities and mentoring new commissioners along the way. There were dockets that district 8 held the most cases on the docket and everyone was given the same attention and thought as the next.

Before my civic service, I built a 35-year career with AT&T, starting as a service representative and retiring as an Area Manager in IT Project Management. I learned early on the importance of integrity and exceptional service and later mastered the art of executing projects on time, within budget, and with precision.

Beyond my corporate experience, I honed my communication skills as a writer and editor for Elite News, a local weekly newspaper where I frequently wrote cover stories.

This role introduced me to Dallas politics, allowing me to interview elected officials and develop a deep understanding of the city’s governance.

As part of this family-run publication, I wore multiple hats, including serving as Chief Financial Operator and even managing the paper’s layout when needed.

After leaving Elite News, I became a certified mediator, volunteering in civil courts until the pandemic shut them down. Even today, I use my mediation skills to navigate zoning and land-use conflicts.

When the pandemic hit, the city’s needs didn’t pause—if anything, District 8 became busier.

As a quasi-judicial body, the City Planning Commission continued meeting virtually to address critical issues.

One of my proudest moments as commissioner was leading the fight to prevent a warehouse from being built next to Friendship-West Baptist Church.

Instead, a mixed-use development is now in the works.

Additionally, I played a key role in securing unanimous approval from the Planning Commission for the Floral Farms Area Plan— an effort to correct environmental injustices caused by incompatible zoning around Shingle Mountain. This plan finally moved forward to City Council after years of work.

Understanding District 8’s unique land-use needs, I have worked tirelessly with the other commissioners to shape Forward Dallas 2.0, ensuring it reflects the district’s future. This framework

recognizes that: Kleberg-Rylie remains rural, preserving its character.

The Inland Port remains the hub for warehouses and logistics.

The area around UNT Dallas and the DART rail line are the district’s strongest economic development corridor, driving new opportunities for growth.

My experience, leadership, and deep commitment to District 8 have prepared me to continue advocating for smart, sustainable development that benefits our residents.

Together, we can build a future that honors our community’s unique strengths while embracing new opportunities. I am willing and already to continue the work I have been doing for the last six years to be the next City Councilmember for District 8.

LorieBlairisacandidateforDallasCitycouncil District 8.

Lorie Blair

REFORM BAIL,

said. After more than two dozen violations, she was sent back to jail. She remained there for a month.

More and more defendants across the country are being placed on electronic monitors, part of an ambitious effort to prevent overcrowding in the nation’s jails and keep people from being imprisoned while awaiting trial for minor offenses.

Like courts in Baltimore, Dallas and Los Angeles, the St. Louis city circuit court is among those that have embraced electronic monitoring as a powerful reform of the cash bail system. The number of new monitors activated here more than doubled from the first half of 2021 to the first half of 2024, when it surpassed 550, a New York Times analysis found.

But in that time, St. Louis has had to grapple with some unforeseen complications — including technological mishaps, privacy concerns and high costs — that offer lessons to other courts. More significantly, the devices are now worn by hundreds of people who most likely would not have stayed in jail anyway.

The Times analysis found that about three-quarters of the people monitored in St. Louis in the first half of 2024, including a small number ordered to download monitoring apps, were charged with misdemeanors or lower-level felonies such as unlawful gun possession, driving while intoxicated and third-de-

SPECIAL REPORT

like a violation, which can put the client in a tricky spot,” Mr. Mahaffey said, adding that defendants had been sent back to jail or issued harsher sentences as a result.

Research has also shown that electronic monitoring can lead to isolation and prejudice from landlords and employers, said Kate Weisburd, an expert on surveillance and technology who teaches at U.C. Law San Francisco. She raised further concerns about privacy.

gree assault. In the past, people facing those kinds of charges would generally have been offered a cash bail, four local criminal attorneys said.

The devices have subjected some defendants to more scrutiny than those individuals would have otherwise faced. They have also made it more obvious that the defendants were accused of a crime, and several said that having a visible monitor cost them a job or made it hard to attend school or care for a child or an older relative.

In a statement, Joel Currier, a St. Louis city circuit court spokesman, acknowledged that monitoring was “an imperfect tool,” but said that the court’s program balanced “the rights of the accused as well as the safety of crime victims and the community.”

Michael K. Mullen, a retired St. Louis city circuit judge who supports monitors, said the devices were better for defendants than jail.

“That’s what they have to be reminded of when they come in front of me,” he said.

But Matthew Mahaffey, who runs the city’s public defender office, which represents people who cannot afford attorneys, said that monitoring was too often required of people who posed no flight risk or threat to public safety.

Making matters worse, he said, the devices have occasionally malfunctioned and provided inaccurate readings.

“Until it gets cleared, it looks

for spending two nights at his mother’s house after a death in the family, the records confirm.

Mr. Neal pleaded guilty in July and was sentenced to probation.

Ms. Mason, who was sent back to jail last summer for the violations her monitor flagged, fell behind on her rent while she was incarcerated, she said. By the time she was released in August, she had been evicted from her north St. Louis apartment. She was in the second trimester of a new pregnancy.

“As there is a growing appetite to end incarceration, there’s this knee-jerk reaction to want to substitute incarceration with something,” she said. “We can’t just strip people of their privacy rights the moment they are arrested for a crime.”

Dead Batteries and Missed Curfews

Last year, The Times sat in on dozens of pretrial bond hearings, which are held to determine whether a person who has been arrested will be released or held in jail, and interviewed more than 20 people who wore ankle monitors. The charges against them ranged from harassment and property damage to domestic assault.

James Neal wore a monitor for about six months last year after he sped away from a traffic stop. He was later charged with fleeing, resisting arrest and drug and firearm possession, court records show.

Mr. Neal, 42, was not allowed to carry a weapon because of a past felony conviction. He said he kept one anyway because of the city’s high crime rates.

Once the monitor was installed, Mr. Neal had to charge the device by connecting it to an outlet and sitting tethered to the wall for hours at a time. That was especially difficult while he was looking after his young son, he said.

Mr. Neal received violations because the battery died and because he left his house without the court’s permission, court records show. Once, he was cited

The St. Louis city circuit court began using devices with GPS technology to monitor a small number of defendants about a decade ago. At first, the initiative drew criticism because of how it was funded: The private company running the program charged defendants installation and surveillance fees, and those who could not afford those fees could be sent back to jail.

Ms. Mason said the monitor affected her life in other ways. After wearing it to the hospital where she worked as a dietary worker, she lost her job. The hospital said she was let go because of poor attendance, but Ms. Mason said she had covered her absences with sick time.

In the months that followed, she said, potential employers zeroed in on her ankle at job interviews.

“I can’t really get a job or any good opportunities because people instantly judge me,” she said in October.

In December, a judge reduced Ms. Mason’s felony charges to a single misdemeanor. If she stays out of trouble for two years, the remaining charge will be expunged from her record.

She had the ankle monitor removed two weeks before giving birth in the new year.

‘Least Restrictive’ Conditions

The program remained small for years. But in 2019, amid a wave of bipartisan bail reform policies, the Missouri Supreme Court directed judges across the state to seek out alternatives to incarceration for defendants who could not afford bond.

In St. Louis, the number of people ordered to wear monitors spiked, data shows. The numbers held steady during the pandemic, when public health officials called for fewer people to be held in jails, and then surged when Gabe Gore — who cast himself as a law-and-order candidate — became circuit attorney and ramped up prosecutions.

In the cases The Times observed last year, prosecutors regularly recommended monitoring for people being considered for release. In a statement, Mr. Gore’s office said that monitors were not the default, and that prosecutors evaluated the facts of each individual case.

While defense lawyers can weigh in on the recommendation, judges ultimately decide whether a defendant will be detained or released, and whether

Ms. Mason crossed the street after a court appearance. The number of new electronic monitors activated in St. Louis more than doubled from the first half of 2021 to the first half of 2024. Credit: Julia Rendleman for The New York Times

James Neal wore a monitor for nearly six months last year after he sped away from a traffic stop. Credit:Julia Rendleman for The New York Times

monitoring is necessary. Judges are supposed to impose the “least restrictive” conditions to ensure public safety as well as the defendant’s return to court.

Mr. Currier declined to make Judge Christopher E. McGraugh, who became the court’s presiding judge in January, available for an interview.

In many ways, the St. Louis court has done more than most to make the monitors less disruptive to defendants’ lives. It now covers the costs of monitoring for those who cannot afford to pay, something many other courts across the country, including the neighboring St. Louis County circuit court, do not do. In recent months, the city’s circuit court has paid for almost 90 percent of people who were being monitored, data shows.

In addition, the court’s pretrial services office offers bus passes and mental health and shelter referrals to people with pending cases, Mr. Currier said.

Total Court Services, a company based in Michigan, is the court’s contractor for monitoring services. It rents a small office across the street from the court-

SPECIAL REPORT

house; there, four or five employees keep tabs on more than 400 defendants at a time.

The vice president for sales and marketing, Jason Tizedes, said the company was trying to make monitoring less intrusive. It recently released a smartphone app that judges in the St. Louis city circuit court have started to use in a limited number of cases.

“If folks are lower risk, you don’t want to overmonitor them,” Mr. Tizedes said in an interview.

“If you oversupervise, overmonitor people that don’t need it, it’s essentially setting them up for failure.”

As for the privacy concerns, Mr. Tizedes said, the company shares people’s location data only with court officials and law enforcement officers who have warrants. He blamed the job loss and the discrimination people with monitors sometimes face on unsympathetic employers.

David D. Hemphill, who works in home renovation, said he felt that discrimination while wearing a visible monitor last year. After landing fewer contracts than he expected, he fell into a depression.

Mr. Hemphill, 38, said that he had been arrested after failing to pull over for a traffic stop and leading the police on a 30-minute chase. He said that the officer who had initiated the stop was a neighbor, and that he did not trust the police.

Four months after the arrest, the charges against Mr. Hemphill were dropped, he said. But in that time, Mr. Hemphill became increasingly paranoid. His monitor beeped constantly and issued loud voice alerts. Sometimes he did not know whether the noises meant that the equipment was faulty or that he had unknowingly violated the terms of his release.

Once he began wearing his monitor, he noticed just how many of his co-workers on construction sites were wearing the same kind of device. He started talking to them about their experiences and realized that many felt the same as he did.

“Each violation plays on your mental,” he said. “You don’t know what the outcome is going to be.

These people have your life in their hands.”

A Record Budget

Though many see it as a reform, electronic monitoring has drawn wide-ranging criticism both in St. Louis and across the country.

Blake Strode, the executive director of ArchCity Defenders, a St. Louis civil rights law firm that has challenged the use of cash bail and inhumane jail conditions, called the city circuit court’s monitoring program “an incarceration scheme” that set people up to be jailed for technical violations.

Mr. Strode acknowledged that

judges used cash bail less frequently now, and that the jail population had shrunk. But electronic monitoring starts punishing people as soon as they are charged with a crime, he said, not after a finding of guilt.

“We should ask whether that trade-off is worth it,” Mr. Strode said.

The policy has also faced a different critique: that letting people accused of crimes await trial at home undermines public safety. Some critics have also said that court officials and prosecutors have not been aggressive enough in punishing people for violations.

In St. Louis, that argument gained traction in 2023, after a man awaiting trial on robbery charges ran a red light and seriously injured a teenage pedestrian. The defendant, Daniel Riley, had amassed dozens of GPS vio-

lations before the crash, but was never ordered to appear in court over the infractions. The city’s circuit attorney at the time, Kim Gardner, resigned amid the controversy.

National proponents of electronic monitoring like Carl Wicklund, a former executive director of the American Probation and Parole Association, continue to see the value in the system. But Mr. Wicklund said that people with the devices must be able to hold jobs, secure housing and be involved with their families, churches and communities.

Without those things, he said, defendants become “higher risk, because they have nothing to lose.”

According to the St. Louis circuit court’s 2023 annual report — the most recent it has published — nearly 87 percent of defendants who wore monitors completed their pretrial periods without a new arrest. The figure was nearly the same for defendants who awaited trial at home without monitors. (The court cautioned against using the statistics to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of monitoring, saying that the figures did not account for factors such as age, criminal history and substance abuse.)

Court officials’ investment in the program continues to grow.

This fiscal year, the city budgeted more than $850,000 for the initiative, a record high for St. Louis. Budget documents show the court is on track to spend more than $1 million on the initiative.

In the spring, the court plans to solicit proposals from contractors interested in providing monitoring services after its current contract expires. Mr. Tizedes said Total Court Services was likely to submit a bid.

Justin Mayo contributed reporting. Susan C. Beachy contributed research. This article was reported in partnership with Big Local News at Stanford University.

Taylor Tiamoyo Harris is examining the courts and bail bond systems in St. Louis as a part of The New York Times’s Local Investigations Fellowship. A member of NABJ and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she is a graduate of Duncanville High School, Howard University and the D/FW ABJ Urban Journalism Workshop.

ABOUT ANALYSIS

To calculate the number of new ankle monitors activated in St. Louis, The Times analyzed hundreds of pages of monthly invoices that Total Court Services sent to the St. Louis City 22nd Circuit Court from October 2020 through June 2024. The invoices, obtained through a public records request, show how much Total Court Services billed for each defendant (identified by case number) who used 24/7 ankle monitoring services. The Times excluded defendants monitored only via the company’s smartphone app, CourtFact, which has a limited GPS component. The invoices specify start and end dates, as well as whether the court or the defendant was responsible for payment.

To calculate the share of monitored defendants who were charged with misdemeanors or class D or E felonies, The Times analyzed the court’s monthly pretrial data reports. The reports, which are available online, include monthly counts of defendants released from jail with GPS monitors broken down by class of charge.

Discrepancies between the invoices and the court’s reports are because the reports indicate the month judges ordered defendants to wear GPS monitors while the invoices indicate when the monitors were activated, and the two dates can be different. Additionally, pretrial data reports included defendants released with CourtFact smartphone monitoring in the totals. Beginning in June 2024, the reports included only defendants with GPS ankle monitoring.

St. Louis

Ms. Mason’s ankle monitor. As she neared the end of her pregnancy, the device became more uncomfortable, she said. Credit: Julia Rendleman for The New York Times

David D. Hemphill, who works in home renovation, said he had trouble landing construction contracts while wearing a visible monitor last year.

Credit: Julia Rendleman for The New York Times

Jasmine Crockett and House Democrats probe Elon Musk conflicts of interest in DOGE work

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are seeking information from the Commerce Department.

By Joseph Morton Washington correspondent

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, wants information from the Commerce Department about how Elon Musk could be leveraging his work on streamlining the federal government to enrich himself.

President Donald Trump tapped the tech billionaire and CEO of Tesla to lead the administration’s Department of Government Efficiency effort, which has included cutting staffing and spending at various federal agencies.

Critics have raised concerns about how Musk’s actions could impact his own businesses, whether in relation to the federal funding they receive or oversight of their operations by federal regulators.

Crockett joined the top Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia, in voicing those concerns Tuesday to John Guenther, the Commerce Department’s acting general counsel. They wrote in a letter to Guenther that Trump has granted “expansive and unlawful authority” to Musk in an unprecedented arrangement.

“Mr. Musk also remains in charge of a sprawling private sector business empire that continues to rely on billions of dollars in government funding and has been charged with managing his own conflicts of interest,” they wrote in the letter.

The administration hasn’t released Musk’s financial disclosure filings, they wrote, which hides the extent of his conflicts from the pub-

the party is in shambles. Her constituents should DOGE her in the next election.”

In their letter, the lawmakers highlighted what they characterized as several conflicts between Musk’s business interests and his work in the administration.

They pointed to federal funding to Musk companies such as SpaceX and Starlink and quoted Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick encouraging Fox News viewers to buy Tesla stock.

Witherite Law Group gave away $50,000 to Feed D/FW families

Cars started lining up as early as 5:30 a.m.

lic.

“We demand documents and information to bring such conflicts to light, as well as immediate action to address this corrupt arrangement that threatens accountable, democratic governance,” they wrote.

The White House has said Musk has pledged to avoid potential conflicts of interest and is following all applicable laws.

Asked for comment Tuesday about the Crockett and Connolly letter, White House principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields provided a statement.

“Crockett and her followers in the Democratic Party are simply all hammer and no nail,” Fields said.

“When she’s leading the Democrats in ‘oversight,’ that’s when you know

The lawmakers wrote that DOGE has cut staffing at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which is part of the Commerce Department.

They highlighted concerns that those cuts could pave the way to privatize space and satellite operations and result in new contracts for SpaceX and Starlink.

The lawmakers asked for documents about department matters in which Musk’s businesses have a stake and steps the department is taking to ensure compliance with all conflict of interest and ethics laws regarding Musk.

They asked for the names of any federal employees or contractors involved in investigating Musk’s businesses who were removed from their positions at the urging of DOGE or Musk.

DALLAS – For the fourth consecutive year, Witherite Law Group and 1-800-TruckWreck provided meals to 500 D/FW-area families for Easter, directly addressing food insecurity in the city.

Witherite Law Group and Smooth R&B 105.7 hosted the Easter ham giveaway on Monday, April 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Concord Baptist Church, 6808 Pastor Bailey Dr., Dallas, TX 75237.

Though the event started at 3 p.m., families from across the area began to gather as early as 5:30 a.m. – with more than 300 people in line before the event started. The first 500 families at this drive-through event each received one Easter meal box including one ham and two side dishesa value of over $50,000.

The event was free and open to the public and featured live broadcasting from Keith Solis of Smooth R&B 105.7. Registration was not required, and meal boxes were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Food insecurity is rising nationwide, and Texas is leading the nation with nearly 5 million residents facing hunger – surpassing California in the percentage of the population that is food insecure.

In North Texas, specifically, over 700,000 people go hungry each day. Witherite Law Group and

1-800-TruckWreck are addressing this challenge by providing the wherewithal for local families to have a plentiful meal this Easter.

“As the cost of living continues to rise and the number of our neighbors who can’t afford to buy groceries increases, our efforts and contributions must also increase,” said Amy Witherite, owner of Witherite Law Group and 1-800-TruckWreck. “Easter is a semblance of hope and renewal, and our goal is not only to feed hundreds of families but to offer them hope and relief from the pressures and challenges of daily life during this sacred holiday.”

Barriers to accessing food include, but are not limited to, poverty, inflation, unemployment and low wages, a lack of funding for food programs, expensive housing costs, lack of transportation, disabilities, and fear of repercussions based on immigrant status.

The implementation of government programs and policies, like SNAP and WIC, and community-based initiatives, like food banks/pantries and nutrition education, are among the solutions to combat food insecurity. Witherite Law Group and Smooth R&B 105.7 are using their resources to supplement such efforts to help Dallas Fort Worth–area families offset the cost of Easter holiday meals.

FILE - Elon Musk speaks during an event with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House, Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington. Credit: AP Photo/Alex Brandon

By Eva D. Coleman Lifestyle & Culture Editor

There’s so much in a name. A successful, upscale steakhouse in Houston that opened its doors on April 15, 2022 as The Warwick is making its way up Interstate 45 with a new moniker: Winsome.

“Behind the scenes, we laugh about ‘We’re gonna win some with Winsome Prime,’” co-owner Rob Wright said. “It’s kind of a running joke.”

Their elevated southern influence cuisine is no laughing matter. They are serious about it.

“We solely believe in our food element and that’s what we’re putting in the forefront,” Wright said.

There’s intentionality behind being a fine dining establishment, with Wright emphasizing ”it’s not a party, it’s a restaurant.” He shared that as being a common mistake restaurants make when they come into the market.

“The vibe is our food, and that’s what we stand on,” Wright said.

From Spinach-Stuffed Salmon to Crab Beignets to Snapper Orleans over a bed of collard green risotto, they’ve got plenty to make taste buds sing, including Wright’s menu favorite… Charbroiled Gulf Oysters.

“They’re unique in nature with the blends of cheeses, the garlic butter; and our twist is, our hint is to top it with some smoked collard greens,” Wright said with delight. “That’s unique in flavor and personally, when you think about it, you kind of scratch your head, but once you taste it, all the fla-

Winsome, and Win Again

Upscale Houston steakhouse plants roots in Dallas

vors kind of come together in concert in your mouth.”

Houston resident Cecily Coleman who frequents and raves about The Warwick asked, “I wonder why they changed the name?”

Letting go of the previous name of the Houston location relates to their expansion.

“When we formed the name “The Warwick” it was actually a tribute to a former hotel in the Houston area which was an iconic hotel in Houston history,” Wright said. “As we evolved and realized that our concept is not just for Houston, we want to take it nationwide, we had to basically reconstruct the name in order to go nationally.”

Winsome Prime was developed from a brainstorm of

ideas. Settling on it felt right for the experience they aim to provide.

“The word ‘Winsome’ itself is basically attractive or alluring,” Wright said. “That’s kind of how we feel our concept is as it relates to the look and feel of the concept and our great food that we have.”

While in Houston for a conference, New York City resident Walter Smith Randolph dined at Winsome Prime with fellow attendees and friends. He was pleased with his entire visit.

“Winsome Prime is a great dining experience!” Smith Randolph said. “The atmosphere, ambience and hospitality are top notch. Don’t miss out on the Hawaiian Ribeye and Snapper Orleans,

absolutely delicious.”

The success in Houston has cemented Wright and his team’s belief in creating up to 10 establishments throughout the country, with planned marketing research for places beyond Houston and Dallas potentially including Nashville and Charlotte.

“What we do know is that if we’re able to do the same numbers we’ve done here in Houston, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t have easily six or seven, eight locations over the next six or seven, eight years. So, the goal is one per year,” Wright said.

Wright attributes their success to one key ingredient which is the mantra for their entire team.

“We have to be consistent, and that’s how you win

in any realm, in any field of business, sports, what have you. The most consistent one wins,” Wright said.

The Dallas location of Winsome Prime in the Trinity Groves area occupies the space once held by the private social club, The Network Bar, which closed its doors May 31, 2024. Those who ever had the opportunity to venture inside are familiar with its plush lounging areas and more. Winsome Prime has expanded on these spaces, yet keeping the main thing the main thing.

“It’s really a great space in terms of how it’s positioned, in terms of the lounge area, the dining area, and we also have a back speakeasy that we created as well for our late night patrons. So, it’s

a hybrid of a lot of things, but the great thing about it, the food is really the focus,” Wright said.

Winsome Prime’s general manager Tony Hayman shared details of the Dallas restaurant in comparison to the one in H-Town.

“The major difference between the Houston location and the Dallas location is one, the layout, the square footage,” Hayman said. “The bar area is a big draw for us because it allows more bar guests and it also has the lounge area, so not only can the bar guests be in the lounge area, they can also do small bites. The location in Houston doesn’t have that same feel and vibe for the bar, so for us, that’s what allows us to stand out in addition to having a speakeasy.”

From entrance to exit, Winsome Prime hopes to deliver an elevated encounter where food meets people.

“I want them to feel wowed by the experience,” Wright said. “The word that we use with our staff is, we’re guest-centric. We really want our guests to enjoy the entire experience from the minute they hit the door to the fact they’re seated to the presentation from our servers and bartenders, knowledge of the menu, exceeding service; that’s why we’ve been so successful in the Houston market and that’s what we’re bringing to the Dallas market as well.”

Winsome Prime, located at 331 Singleton Blvd., Dallas, TX 75212, opened to the public on April 16, 2025. For more information, visit winsomeprime.com

Mrs. P. remembered with love and respect continued

from front page

Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home, 6449 University Hills, Dallas, TX 75241.

Her home-going funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Concord Church, 6808 Pastor Bailey Dr, 75237 in Dallas’ Oak Cliff community.

Burial will be at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211 where she will join her late, beloved husband, DarNell Pemberton, who died in May 2005.

“Ms. P’s” burial time and date to be determined later.

Tributes and praise

“Ms. P” previously won a battle against cancer that began in 2012 and also battled blindness. Tributes and accolades from leaders and community people overflowed on social media and in daily broadcast and print media.

Among those who posted tributes and heart-felt regrets were Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett who said, “She didn’t just believe in change, she was the change.”

Others who gave tributes included former Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, officials with the African American Museum at Dallas’ Fair Park, and various local Black-owned media outlets.

One community supporter posted on social media: “Lady P,” as the saying goes, ‘You are able to walk with kings and not lose your common touch.’ ”

Early recognition

I remember writing one of the first major public stories about “Ms. P” during my early years at The Dallas Morning News, probably around the 1980s. Memories fade, but I recall that she and I talked about the traumas of her

growing up in a foster home as a toddler after her mother died, leaving behind nine children; of which “Ms. P” was the youngest.

You could say it’s common that some individuals perform volunteer advocacy and charity efforts. Yet, “Ms. P’s” effectiveness and knack for organizing volunteers and spotlighting community issues made her stand out.

Childhood and youth

Edna Pemberton was born in Chicago on March 27, 1948. We talked about her learning to incorporate the survival skills she learned in foster care, and about her

Leading from the trenches

Edna Pemberton never held an elected office. She did allow herself to be persuaded to run for Dallas City Council in 1993. She did not win.

The benefits of her losing was that she returned to her undeniable skills as a community leader. She continued as an effective influencer who had the ear of practically all local leaders in public office.

After losing the election, she said: “...my work is done in the trenches.”

At one point in 1991 she led a movement for a 10 p.m. youth curfew. It was an

Among those who posted tributes and heart-felt regrets were Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett who said, “She didn’t just believe in change, she was the change.”

early years on one of her first jobs at the old K-Mart department store in Chicago and Dallas.

Those early jobs allowed her to display her abilities and leadership qualities.

We talked about her meeting her fabulous late husband, DarNell Pemberton, at church as a teenager. They married, had four children, and additionally raised six more children of her late sister who died after giving herself an abortion.

The Pembertons lived in Chicago, California and Texas, sharing mutually fulfilling lives together.

They were caring humanitarians and dedicated Christian members of Concord Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, now

attempt to quell violence after a young mother was beaten and raped by several youths at night. Some community groups opposed the curfew idea.

She led volunteers to help thousands of Katrina Hurricane evacuees, working closely with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Her giving nature knows no boundaries as she founded Operation Community Care, a nonprofit that supplied needs to people who lived in homeless campsites around the city. She regularly met with police officials and landlords to discuss any current tenants’ issues that involved them.

She chaired the nonprofit Camp Wisdom Now. She led Friends of Red Bird

Airport, now renamed Dallas Executive Airport. And she served as the community liaison during the transformation of the old Red Bird Mall to the current Southwest Center Mall.

Honors and recognition

Her past honors include the 2006 Texas Governor’s Volunteer Award; the Community Lifetime Achievement Award presented to her and Black community leader Betty Culbreath at Dallas Executive Airport Business Center.

During a past Women’s History Month, the African American Leadership Institute presented her with the Black History Everyday Difference-Makers Award, and they described her as “the pulse of Southern Dallas, business & community influencers.”

And to kick off Black History Month in 2025, officials and citizens held a public celebration with food and entertainment and voter registration, declaring the occasion “Edna P Day” at Southwest Center Mall.

I was just thinking...how does anyone expertly compose their life so that it makes an impact among the high and mighty and the low and humble?

“Ms. P” managed to connect both ends – and serve the middle.

So, what do we make of her life? Can a new Edna Pemberton enter stage right? She left a strong enough legacy for someone among us to try.

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. norma_adams_wade@yahoo. com.

renamed Concord Church.

Former Pres. Barack Obama hugs Edna Pemberton during Dallas 2013 Dallas visit. Credit: AP photographer Pablo Martinez Monsivais(A)

Edna Pemberton speaking before former Dallas Police Chief Renee Hall at table to support juvenile curfew to curb crime. Credit X and Dallas Police Department (A)

Mrs. Pemberton seated in middle with group honoring her as Olympic torch carrier in Dallas. Credit UT Arlington

SCENES FROM AAEAHP

HALL OF FAME

Saluting the Class of 2025

Michelle Obama: ‘I’m Not Divorcing Barack — I’m Choosing Me’

By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com

Senior National Correspondent

Former First Lady Michelle Obama is setting the record straight about her marriage, brushing off rumors of a split from former President Barack Obama and calling out the sexist assumptions that fueled them.

In part two of her appearance on the “Work in Progress” podcast hosted by Sophia Bush, Michelle Obama addressed the online speculation that ramped up earlier this year when Barack Obama appeared alone at several high-profile events, including the funeral for former President Jimmy Carter and the inauguration of Donald Trump.

Critics quickly jumped to conclusions — but Michelle Obama made it clear that her choices had nothing to do with marital discord. “This year people couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself,” Obama said. “They had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing. This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?”

She added, “That’s what society does to us. We start actually finally going, What am I doing? Who am I doing this for?’ And if it doesn’t fit into the stereotype of what people think we should do, then it gets labeled as something negative and horrible.”

The bestselling author and former First Lady, who spent eight years in the White House without scandal — unless one counts Barack Obama’s infamous tan suit — said her efforts to make room for her voice and decisions have often been misinterpreted. “I feel like it’s time for me to make some big girl decisions about my life and own it fully,” she said. “Because if not now, when? What am I waiting for? Look, the summers are—we’re in the summer countdown at 61, right? It’s not so tragic if something happens to you and you’re 80. So now is the time for me to start asking myself these hard questions

of who do I truly want to be every day?”

Michelle also spoke about the discomfort women often feel when asserting themselves.

“When I say ‘no,’ for the most part, people are like, ‘I get it,’ and I’m OK,” she said. “That’s the thing that we, as women, I think we struggle with — disappointing people.”

Despite the rumor mill, the Obamas have continued to share affectionate public messages. On Valentine’s Day, Barack posted a photo with Michelle, writing, “Thirty-two years together, and you still take my breath away.” Michelle echoed the sentiment in her post: “If there’s one person I can always count on, it’s you, @BarackObama. You’re my rock. Always have been. Always will be.”

The couple met in 1988 at a Chicago law firm. Michelle, a 25-yearold Harvard Law graduate, was assigned to mentor Barack, then a summer associate finishing law school. They married in 1992 and have two daughters, Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23.

Many on social media, especially in Black communities, were quick to ridicule the divorce rumors, pointing out that the Obamas — whose biggest scandal was wearing a tan suit — are still treated with more suspicion than Donald Trump, a twice-impeached and 34time convicted felon who routinely is ensconced in scandals.

“This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?” Michelle Obama said.

Alpha Rho Deb-Beautillion 2025

The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated, Alpha Rho Chapter will host its annual Deb-Beautillion at 6:00 P.M. on April 27, 2025, at the Doubletree by Hilton

Derrell Bivins II

Derrell Bivins II, son of Derrell Bivins I (Kishion) and Dr. Chiniqua Varner-Busby (Nicholas), currently attends Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy. This fall, he will be attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.

Debutant Condoleezza Briones

Condoleezza Briones, daughter of Cher and Greg Briones, currently attends Townview School of Health Professions, where she is ranked third in her class. After graduation, she plans to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy to pursue a degree in Physical Therapy.

Debutant Niya McCray

Niya McCray, daughter of Kwan McCray and Carmen Moss, attends Sunset High School. She will be attending Prairie View A&M University to study biology.

located at 3300 West Mockingbird Lane, Dallas. The event’s theme, ‘An Evening of Enchanted Elegance, ‘will provide a backdrop for celebrating the achievements and outstanding

community service of six senior high school students from the Metroplex. This year, they will honor one young man and five young ladies.

Debutant Leila Booker

Leila Booker, daughter of Shironda Booker, is currently a senior at South Oak Cliff High School and a dual-credit student at Dallas College. After graduation, she plans to attend Howard University to major in nursing.

Debutant Josslyn J’nai Freeman

Josslyn J’nai Freeman, daughter of Dwight and Rosalyn Freeman, currently attends Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy. She will be attending Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in the fall to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Physics.

Debutant McKinleigh Grace Carpenter-Smith

McKinleigh Grace Carpenter-Smith, daughter of Danyelle N. Carpenter and Charles Smith Jr., is a student at Skyline High School, where she will graduate with High Honors. After graduation, she plans to attend Clark Atlanta University to pursue her undergraduate degree.

Michelle Obama in 2023 Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Photo by Armando Tinoco

The Elite News EGG Stravaganza. Twelth annual event, 1pm-5pm at William Blair Jr. Park.

LOVE THY HEIGHBORS Pre-Easter Eggstravaganza Celebration at Mount Sinai Baptist Church, 6819 Lake une Road in Dallas - 10 am- 3:00pm

“Rooted In Rhythm” Country Music Showcase, 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Tupps Brewery, 402 E Louisiana St Building 2, McKinney, TX 75069. Featuring performances by: - Stephanie Urbina Jones and The Honky Toni MariachiPynk Beard - Elsie - Kentucky Gentleman - Valerie Ponzio - DJ Rick Dominguez (Line dance instructor and DJ ***

COME JOIN US FOR AN ELEGANT NIGHT OF ART & JAZZ! LIVE MUSIC, ART, CULTURE, AND TONS OF NETWORKING! YOU DON’T WON’T TO MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!!! LET’S COME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE BLACK CULTURE WHILE WE GET A CHANCE TO MINGLE WITH THE BEST DFW HAS TO OFFER!!! FORMAL ATTIRE REQUIRED!! FOR MORE QUESTIONS CONTACT ANTOINE WHITE at 314-630-4465!!!!

***

Black Sports Professionals North Texas is hosting the 2025 BSPNTX Summit on the campus of the University of North Texas at Frisco (12995 Preston Road, Frisco, TX 75033). The chapter’s second sports-centric conference is 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

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

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Kendrick Lamar and SZA will bring their joint “Grand National Tour” to North Texas, at AT&T Stadium. 27

The Greater Trinity Section of NCNW’s Women of Impact Luncheon; proceeds goes towards the Dr. Levatta Levels Scholarship. Donations are accepted. Scholarship applications are available now!! https://www.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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The City of Duncanville presents the BloomFest Music & Arts Festival, a vibrant celebration of art, music, and culture, from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Armstrong Park.

Divine 9, join the Black Wall Street Rally 2025. Happening May 15 - 17th in the historic Greenwood District, located in Downtown Tulsa, OK. Make a difference by impacting the community through service and volunteer efforts that will soon be announced. Ain't no party like a D9 Party!www.blackwallstreetrally.com

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African American Museum at Fair Park

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Texas Women’s Foundation Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration, at the Omni Dallas Hotel (555 S. Lamar St., Dallas, TX 75202).

Ascension Ensemble Concert Latino Cultural Center Tickets are $25

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9th Annual Survivors’ Luncheon 11:30 am at the Hilton Garden Inn. Come join the celebration of Sur-

vivors and those who advocate for them. Keynote Speaker is Lady Sharon Wynn-Walker from California. She will share snapshots of her amazing journey to wholeness as a Survivor of domestic abuse.

Elusive Ladies 47th Deltaversary

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Ensemble Auditions 2025 @ DBDT studios

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June 2-13, 2025 (Monday – Friday 8:30am-3:00pm)

Dallas Black Dance Academy Summer Enrichment 2025

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51st Annual Recital @ Majestic Theatre - 3:30pm

Poetic Visions Live, the fresh new concert promoter shaking up the

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JUNE 7

Les Miserables at 1:30pm Music Hall at Fair ParkDallas, TX

Summer Workshop 2025 @ DBDT studios (Ages 2-Adult)

Continue your weekly training for 4 weeks in the summer!

June 7-June 28, 2025 (4 Saturdays)

Dallas Black Dance Academy Summer Workshop 2025

Summer Intensive 2025 @ DBDT studios (Ages 13-Adult Preprofessional and Professional levels)

Experience intensive training with Master teachers in the field of dance.

June 16-June 27, 2025 (Monday –Friday)

Dallas Black Dance Theatre Summer Intensive 2025

Dallas ISD esports coach fosters sense of community

DALLAS — The auditorium erupted into cheers with every click of the controllers as the final two players started their showdown match at the Dallas ISD Elementary Esports Tournament. Then it happened. The screen flashed: Player 1 Wins, and Martin Weiss Elementary School was crowned the Smash Bros. champion again.

“I felt like it was a shared win,” said Antonio Barnes, Weiss Elementary School esports coach. “My heart was racing, adrenaline pumping as if I were competing myself while rooting him on from the audience.”

The Student Activities Department sponsors tournaments each year for the more than one thousand fourth- and fifth-grade gamers. Barnes has been the esports coach at Weiss since 2021, when elementary students became eligible to compete in tournaments. Under his leadership, students have consistently delivered outstanding performances in tournaments year after year.

Barnes’ passion for esports stems from his experiences as a young gamer.

“I began playing Smash Bros. on the Nintendo 64,” he said. “After all these years, my students have an opportunity to compete in Smash Bros. tournaments, playing a game I’ve known and loved my whole life.”

Barnes’ journey into esports coaching began with a simple realization: video games are more

than just entertainment.

“It’s not just about playing a game,” he said. “It’s about working together, strategizing, and learning how to handle both victory and defeat.”

Eddie T., a student at Weiss Elementary, says he found his passion for esports from Barnes.

“He taught me how to play and how to get better at the game,” he said. “I never played Smash Bros. before I got into esports.”

Esports gives students a sense of community and an opportunity to shine in ways they never expected.

“Some kids who may not have been interested in traditional sports or clubs have found a place where they belong,” Barnes said. “For many students, joining the esports program has been a game changer—literally and figuratively.”

Beyond the tournaments, Barnes sees esports as a pathway to future opportunities.

His dedication to esports at Weiss Elementary is helping shape the next generation of gamers, leaders, and innovators. With his guidance, students aren’t just playing games—they’re building skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

“The esports industry is booming, with scholarships and career paths available in gaming, broadcasting, and coding,” Barnes said. “If we introduce students to it early, who knows where it might take them?”

Pink Tariff? Black Women Hit Hardest by Trump’s Trade Moves

By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent

As the Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs take effect, Mica Whitfield, Co-President and CEO of 9to5, National Association of Working Women, warns that the policies are another economic blow to already vulnerable communities—especially Black women. “These tariffs are just a tax on working people, especially working women,” Whitfield said on BlackPressUSA.com’s Let It Be Known News show. “They’re making decisions at the gas pump about groceries while rent is already sky-high. One in three single mothers is already living in poverty—tariffs push them closer to the edge.” Whitfield, who leads 9to5’s mission for economic justice for working women and non-binary people of color, says these new economic burdens should be viewed through a gendered lens. She compares them to the long-standing “pink tax”—the

added cost women pay for everyday items like razors and personal care products—only much worse.

“We can think of it as the pink tariff,” she said. “Women already pay more with smaller financial margins. These tariffs just stack on top of that.”

In practical terms, the price hikes caused by tariffs reach deep into women’s lives, especially for those working in care industries or running small businesses. From higher prices on diapers and cleaning supplies for childcare providers to increased costs for raw materials for Black-owned hair care brands, Whitfield said the domino effect is widespread.

“Black women are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs, but they’re already struggling with access to capital,” she said. “Now they’re forced to find new sources for packaging or ingredients just to stay afloat. This could close doors for so many of them.” She said the same goes for caregivers. “We work with Black and

Brown women who provide childcare in their homes or run small centers. Tariffs raise prices for the essentials they need— wipes, toys, and cleaning supplies—which are already expensive. This is the kind of pressure that can bring the whole house down,” Whitfield asserted.

As Americans suffer from the fallout, states like California, under Governor Gavin Newsom, have floated the idea of independent trade negotiations. However, Whitfield, who is based in Georgia, noted that such state-level innovation isn’t possible everywhere. “Red states have been slow to respond to the administration,” she said. “Our folks in Georgia and Wisconsin are doing the resistance work on the ground, but it’s tough. We’re watching states like California try to hold the line while others

leave working people to carry the burden.”

Whitfield says part of her organization’s work is to make economic issues like tariffs more accessible. “Tariffs sound abstract, but they’re not. They’re a working people’s issue,” she said. “We’ve estimated they’ll cost the average family about $3,800 a year—around $300 a month. That’s a real hit.” She also worries about the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to programs like Head Start, which she said would devastate communities of color.

“These programs are already deeply underfunded. Millions of children who qualify don’t get access,” she said. “Gutting Head Start means more kids without early education and more parents, mostly mothers—unable to work. It’s a domino effect that sets back another generation of Black and Brown children.”

Founded in Boston over 50 years ago, 9to5 inspired the classic film Nine to Five, starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and

Lily Tomlin. Today, the organization operates chapters in Colorado, Wisconsin, and Georgia, organizing working women and non-binary people around issues like childcare, paid leave, workplace harassment, and economic justice.

Whitfield and her Co-President, Ashley Panelli, are the first Black women to lead the organization. “Our roots are in worker justice, but our focus now is specifically on those doing lowwage, care-based jobs—mostly Black and Brown women,” she said.

Though federal wins have grown more elusive, 9to5 continues to build power locally, pushing for change through city commissions, public service boards, and school boards.

“In Southwest Georgia, people were paying power bills as high as their rent,” Whitfield said. “So, we started organizing around public service commissioner races and utility boards—things people didn’t realize directly impact their lives.”

‘Target Fast’ Boycott Nears End as Black Shoppers Speak Out: ‘I’m Done for Good’

By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent

As the 40-day “Target Fast” draws to a close on Easter Sunday, thousands of Black Americans say the protest has sparked a permanent change in their spending habits—and in their view of corporate accountability.

“I’ve been off of Target the last few weeks,” said Wayne Shepherd of Fort Greene, New York. “Planning on making it a forever thing until I see real change. Same with Walmart, Amazon, etc.”

The boycott, organized by faith leaders including Atlanta-based Pastor Jamal Bryant, began March 5 and is meant to protest Target’s decision to scale back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. While framed as a spiritual fast during Lent, many participants say the economic stand

has evolved into something much more significant.

“Haven’t stepped in a Target since their rollback and don’t intend to,” said Hayden Towns of St. Louis, Missouri. “Also avoiding Walmart, canceled all of my Amazon subscriptions, and weaning myself off of all Zuckerberg apps.”

Organizers launched the movement through TargetFast.org, encouraging Black consumers to redirect their dollars to Black-owned businesses and hold corporations accountable for walking back racial equity commitments.

The site has tracked more than 150,000 participants. Since the boycott began, Target’s stock has dropped over $13 billion in market value, and for the week of March 24, store foot traffic declined 3.8% year-over-year. Bryant noted that Black America stands as the world’s 12th wealthiest nation in spending power.

“We are strong consumers with astounding brand loyalty. To see companies that we’ve supported heavily—like McDonald’s, Ford Motors, Amazon, Meta, and Walmart—betray our long-standing relationship is beyond disheartening,” Bryant declared. “The greatest insult comes from Target, which pledged to spend over $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by the end of 2025, only to find out that Target stopped the program at the start of the year.”

Bryant said Black people spend over $12 million a day at Target stores.

“Let’s just keep spreading

awareness in case some folks haven’t got the message,” said Bernard Spain of Temple Hills, Maryland. “I live right near Walmart and still see too many Black folks in and out of there.”

Rachel Strong in Los Angeles has cut ties completely.

“A boycott should function like a strike; making it last a certain amount of time will hinder its effectiveness,” she said. “I’ve permanently cut off Target—switching to local grocery stores and buying fewer things in general. I think we as a people would benefit from consuming a little less.”

However, not everyone agrees on the long-term strategy. “My question is, if Target is really the second-largest employer of Black people in the country, isn’t hurting them going to potentially hurt us?” asked Theresa Banks of Macon, Georgia. “Doubly so, since the current admin is cutting fed

jobs as much as possible.”

Still, the pressure continues to mount. In addition to grassroots action, civil rights groups, including the NAACP and the National Newspaper Publishers Association, have launched their own public education and selective buying campaigns.

The NNPA represents the 198-year-old Black Press of America, which consists of more than 250 African-American-owned newspapers and media companies. The Target Fast also includes demands such as restoring DEI initiatives, honoring a $2 billion pledge to Black businesses, investing in HBCUs, and depositing $250 million into Black-owned banks.

As Easter approaches, many say the movement is just getting started. “I’m not fasting,” Wayne Shepherd said. “I’m finished.”

Trump Orders Purge of Black History from Smithsonian, Targets African American Museum

By Stacy M. Brown

BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent

Even the most cynical observers knew this day would come. Since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, the dog whistle has become a bullhorn.

The whitewashing of American history is no longer implied—it’s spelled out in ink, signed into law, and backed by a government that is now openly in the grip of white supremacist power. In his latest executive order, President Trump has targeted the Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, calling for the erasure of what he deems “divisive race-centered ideology.”

He has directed Vice President JD Vance to eliminate these socalled “divisive” elements from the Smithsonian’s 21 museums, educational and research centers, and even the National Zoo. The executive order is chillingly titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” It declares that the Smithsonian, once a symbol of “American excellence,” has become tainted by narratives that portray “American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive.”

“Museums in our Nation’s capital should be places where individuals go to learn—not to be subjected to ideological indoctrination or divisive narratives that distort our shared history,” the order states.

The directive goes further, instructing Vance, along with Vince Haley, Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, and Lindsey Halligan, Special Assistant to the President, to work with Congress to block all federal appropriations for Smithsonian exhibitions or programs that “degrade shared American values,

divide Americans based on race, or promote programs or ideologies inconsistent with Federal law and policy.”

The order also aims at the American Women’s History Museum, demanding that no future appropriations “recognize men as women in any respect,” and calls for new citizen members to be appointed to the Smithsonian Board of Regents—individuals committed to enforcing the president’s vision.

This is not an isolated move.

Since returning to office, Trump has issued a barrage of executive orders aimed at dismantling every vestige of diversity, equity, and inclusion across the federal government. He terminated all DEI programs, calling them “illegal and immoral discrimination.”

The National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America initiative—long dedicated to uplifting historically underserved communities—has been gutted. The Pentagon’s website erased the stories of Navajo Code Talkers. A “Black Lives Matter” mural in the heart of Washington, D.C., was demolished.

Perhaps most brazenly, the Department of Defense Education Activity banned Black His-

tory Month observances at military base schools and ordered the removal of any book or material that mentions slavery, the civil rights movement, or the treatment of Native Americans.

Now, the National Museum of African American History and Culture—which opened to national fanfare in 2016—is in the crosshairs.

“In an almost surprising fashion, the Smithsonian has been outside of the bounds of po litical wrangling,” said Samuel Redman, a history professor and director of the public histo ry program at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. “It’s not as though there hasn’t been political influence … but just in terms of overall funding and support for the Smithsonian, it’s been remarkably consistent.”

That consistency has now been shattered. Trump’s exec utive order doesn’t just attack the museum—it hints at restoring what many hoped America had buried: Confederate monuments, white supremacist names on federal buildings, and the reinstallation of statues that were taken down during the country’s reckoning after the murder of George Floyd.

“shared American values” is beginning to resemble a national doctrine rooted in erasure and oppression. The Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex—was founded on in-

creasing and diffusing knowledge. Established by Congress with funds left by James Smithson, a British scientist, the institution spans 21 museums and the National Zoo, with 11 of the museums located along the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Now, it faces its greatest threat yet—not from budget cuts or neglect, but from a government determined to rewrite history at the expense of truth. The stakes have never been clearer as the country watches these moves unfold.

The battle over American history isn’t theoretical. It’s happening now, in plain sight, with executive orders, political enforcers, and the full weight of the federal government behind it. “This is about power,” said a Smithsonian staffer who asked not to be named out of fear of retribution. “They’re not hiding it anymore.”

What the president calls

National Museum of African American History and Culture

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Luka Returns, Leads Lakers Over Mavs

Star has emotional reaction to fans, video

Los Angeles Lakers.

By Dorothy J Gentry

Sports Editor

Tears. Shouts of “Fire Nico.” Smiles. Hugs. And a dominating performance.

The emotions were all over the place Wednesday night as Luka Dončić returned to Dallas and American Airlines Center for the first time since the shocking February 2nd trade that sent him to the

And he’s still as loved as ever.

Every time he touched the ball, went to the free throw line or otherwise showed up on the court, MFFL’s lost their collective minds and shouted “MVP. MVP” and cheered him on; their love-affair with the kid from Slovenia just as real and solid as ever.

The emotions of the night became abundantly clear minutes before the game began when Mavericks’s trib -

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ute video reduced the 26-year-old to open tears.

“After that video, I was like, ‘there’s no way I’m playing this game,’” Dončić said after the game. “It was so many emotions.”

Despite the emotion that hung like a thick cloud over the arena – Luka had 31 points – in the first half– along with 3 rebounds and 3 assists.

He would finish the game with 45 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals, leading the Lakers to a 11297 win and helping them to secure a playoff spot.

“I just went out and played basketball,” he said.

Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick said he couldn’t believe what Luka was able to do after the emotions and tears following the tribute video.

“The moment with the tribute video and him sitting by himself and getting to actually live that and live in the moment and allowing himself to be vulnerable – some of his teammates got emotional, some of the coaches got emotional, it was a beautiful moment. I thought the video was great,” Redick said.

“His ability to then go perform. Lights turn on. He’s teary-eyed still as we walk out for the tip-ball. To have the emotional resolve to go put on that kind of performance, it’s super-human.

“And I think all his teammates know that, too, because I think all his teammates can empathize with what he just went through the last couple months,”Redick continued.

“And maybe some anticipation, maybe some dread, but certainly a ton of emotions about tonight. And then he went and did that. It’s bigtime.”

Teammate LeBron James finished with a double-double, posting 27 points and seven rebounds.

Dončić received a standing ovation from the Dallas crowd as he checked out of the game for the final time.

Afterward he stayed on the court greeting and embracing former teammates, celebrity guests in the building like Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and former Mavs owner Mark Cuban.

The game was also a reunion for Anthony Davis and Max Christie with their former teammates - who

were acquired by Dallas in the trade.

It was clear from his reaction and raw emotion to the tribute video that Dončić was likely never going to leave Dallas.

But he has; although not of his own will. What was also clear Wednesday night is that Doncic will always carry a piece of the Mavs franchise and city in his heart; the city that embraced him and made his basketball dreams come true.

“Those are my brothers,” he said of his former teammates. “I know we’re not on the same team now, but we went through wars together. It was nice to see everybody.

“When you talk about closure, it’s sometimes hard,” he said. “I spent a lot of time here, great moments. But I got to focus on different things now. It (the game) was an amazing experience, the way the fans accepted me, cheered for me. It was just unbelievable. I had a great time.”

Then he thinks about it and acknowledges the Mavs fan base once more. “All these fans, I really appreciate it. I’m just happy. I love these fans, I love this city, but it’s time to move on.”

Luka prepares to shoot over Mavs’ Naji Marshall

Photo: Charles “City” Gbadebo