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VOL XVIII ISSUE 24 JULY 17, 2019
MY TRUTH Cheryl Smith Publisher
Tracks of my Tears Overcoming the feeling of loss is not easy for everyone and people grieve in different ways. During a discussion in class, one student would not accept that his reality was his alone and he couldn’t rely on his own narratives to describe or rationalize for the actions or feelings of others. Too often people will expect others to act as they would in a situation, foregoing what is real for that person. Loss, pain, joy, sorrow, happiness—everyone reacts differently but too often we become judgmental if we feel that the response is not adequate, normal or appropriate. You know the people who will tell, almost demand that you smile; and they don’t have a clue about what is going on in your world. Or, the person who tells someone that you saw them and didn’t speak, when you were totally in another space, dealing with your own issues and really didn’t see them. Compassion is always good. Judgmental behavior is usually negative. When do people learn to stop trying to make their reality the reality of others? When do they realize that the only shoes they are walking in are their own, so they don’t know your truth?
Just like the Black College, or Black-owned businesses, and even the Black Church; the Black press suffers tremendously in America from a mentality that was a direct result of post slavery advances. Once we were given the “privilege” of partaking; ours for some, will never be good enough. Which brings me to my truth. I am in pain. My heart aches. But life has to go on and I must have faith that “this too shall pass.” But right now, I don’t know if I can be consoled. You see, it was July 6 when I heard the news that the Chicago Defender would no longer be available in print. Instead I would have to read the digital version. Now there will most likely be those who say, “don’t worry, don’t despair.” Guess what, I am worried and I do have a feeling of despair, frustration and almost anger. The Chicago Defender is family to me and Real Times Media is a major media force and source in America, especially Black America. I know times are changing and change is good; however, I think about the readers who don’t have use of electronics or internet/Wifi service. Sounds illogic, but I submit to you that everyone in this great country does not have all the “necessities” or “luxuries” that you enjoy. According to a study conducted by the PEW Research Center, “roughly one-in-five American adults are “smartphone-only” internet users – meaning they own a smartphone, but do not have traditional home broadband service.” Also, about 73% of U.S. citizens over 65 use the Internet. So what about the other 27%? I realize that print newspapers have been declining for decades, but did you know that online news sources have experienced a decline in See MY TRUTH, page 4
QUIT PLAYIN’
John Henry and the Statesman! By Vincent L. Hall
“Black” in the day, or as Dr. Jeremiah Wright would call it; B.C. (before cable), Black people were the Mexicans of their era. We say now that Mexicans and immigrants will do the dirty jobs that no one else will. Well, there was a time when Black folk labored below a fair wage and were damn good at it. Ask Big Mama or Granny. These women washed, ironed, cleaned, cooked and nannied for America’s most prestigious families. There are still prominent White families who pile up in their cars to pay their respects to some of our grandmothers on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Mother’s Day. These “domestics” returned to their modest
homes and worked and cleaned with the same intensity and pride. The work we did set the standard for our parenting. And then cable TV took over. Work and thrift were still the order of the day in my generation and 85% of my peers lived a similar experience. On Saturday morning our mamas would slap the taste buds out of our mouths if we had the audacity to turn on a television before the chores were done. Those chores included sweeping, mopping, a proper scrubbing of the latrines and all areas therewith and encompassing. We hung the laundry on clotheslines to dry and mowed the yard See QUIT PLAYIN, page 5
Garland woman assaulted by Uber passengers
serve in the military because of something on their record that can be eliminated. This is an opportunity for them to change their lives for the better.” The Expunction Expo is convened in partnership with local volunteer attorneys, as well See COUNTY, page 8
See DR. LASSITER, page 3
Seated with her attorney Larry Taylor of the Cochran Firm, Uber driver Zonya Robinson recently recounted the attack she suffered at the hands of passengers she picked up from a strip club in Haltom City in early March. A driver for the ride share service for the past two years, Ms. Robinson said she has never encountered the type of customers she did that night and she is disappointed that she didn’t get support from a company she actually enjoys working for. According to Ms. Robinson, she picked up four passengers (three male, one female) shortly after midnigh. A male passenger in the front seat made sexually inappropriate comments toward her and after he continued even though she warned him to stop, she pulled over to terminate the ride. The male passengers when confronted about their behavior began to shout racial slurs.
See UBER ASSAULT, page 2
Dallas County’s Expunction Expo to help citizens clear records
District Clerk Felicia Pitre, DA Creuzot and Chief Public Defender Lynn Richardson.
The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, The Dallas County Public Defender’s Office, and the Dallas County District Clerk’s Office are hosting the third annual Expunction Expo. The Expo aims to clear criminal records of people who, by law, are eligible for an expunction.
“We want to help people who qualify for an expunction get a fresh start so they can become productive and contributing members of society,” says Criminal District Attorney John Creuzot. “Many people may not be able to obtain gainful employment, attend college or
Dr. Wright Lassiter Jr.
Services were held on July 13 for Dr. Wright Lassiter Jr., former chancellor of Dallas County Community College, local minister and educator who died recently at his home in Dallas. He was 85. Dr. Lassiter was appointed chancellor in 2007 after serving as president of El Centro College for 20 years. “It is with tremendous sadness that I inform you of the death of beloved former Dallas County Community College Chancellor Dr. Wright Lassiter Jr.,” said Dr. Joe May, DCCCD’s chancellor. “We all live in the spirit of hope and service that was the trademark of Dr. Lassiter’s life,” said Dr. May said. “He lived by example. He was larger than life, yet he lived with humility. He taught us how to serve our students with passion and focus. “We will carry on his legacy of teaching, leading and ensuring that higher education is accessible to all,” Dr. May said. Dr. Lassiter was the district’s first African American chancellor. During his time as chancellor, he oversaw a $450 million bond election which resulted in the construction of 29 buildings including five new community education campuses. “Dr. Lassiter served many students and employees at DCCCD for over 25 years. His leadership is a testament to his commitment to a higher education for all,” said DCCCD Board Chairwoman Diana Flores. “He often spoke with a quiet eloquence. We are saddened to learn of his passing, and the DCCCD Board offers condolences to his family.” Trustee Charletta Compton recalled Dr. Lassiter as a “dedicated leader who championed worthy causes.” “I first met Dr. Lassiter when I worked at the Dallas Black Chamber where he chaired the Education Committee,” Compton said. “He did an outstanding job as president of El Centro College, and worked well with the Board when he was chancellor. I am sorry to hear that he has passed, but I know that he led a full and active life. My prayers go out to his family.” Trustee Wesley Jameson said, “It was an inspiration to know Dr. Lassiter. His legacy of insightful analysis and intuitive perceptions that he shared with others are a testament to his life’s work. He was a gifted orator who motivated thousands of individuals studying leadership skills. Not only will be he missed for his leadership qualities, but also for his ethics and kindness.” Dr. Jose Adames, president of El Centro College, said he was deeply saddened by news
By Cheryl Smith
Uber driver Zonya Robinson
Dr. Lassiter remembered at services