Garland Journal 12-16-21

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My Truth

By Cheryl Smith Publisher

Letting it go As 2021 rapidly comes to a close, I thought about something weighing heavily on my mind and in my heart.

To move on, however, I need to let it go.

Which brings me to my truth.

In 2020, someone stole my vehicle. I didn’t care about the vehicle. I wanted a new one anyway!

It did bother me that earlier that day we had loaded the car up with the latest editions of Texas Metro News and the Garland Journal, in preparation to make deliveries to over 300 locations.

It was also frustrating because I felt somewhat violated.

A few days later I received a call and was notified that the newspapers and other personal items were left outside of a dumpster by Methodist Charlton Medical Center.

Eventually the car was found and I had to retrieve it.

There was damage to the exterior and two tires were on flat.

Inside, clearly the perpetrators, thieves, or whatever you want to call them, were smokers of both tobacco and weed.

Inside the car there were See LETTING IT GO, page 6

SERVING NORTH EAST TEXAS

THURSDAY DECEMBER 16, 2021 VOLUME X

White House Announces National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking

By Stacy M. Brown

‘Out of the picture,’ African American Museum head says of renaming Fair Park institution after him

NNPA Newswire

Globally, an estimated 25 million people are subjected to human trafficking and forced labor, which is responsible for an estimated $150 billion annually in illicit profits.

In a fact sheet released by the White House on Friday, December 3, administration officials said human trafficking and forced labor “erodes the safety and health See HUMAN TRAFFICKING, page 3

The White House said effectively combating human trafficking requires collaboration to complement and support the other pillars of prevention, protection, and prosecution.

Photo Credit: iStockphoto / NNPA

Tyrese Maxey Foundation Hosts Inaugural Multi City-Wide Superhero Holiday Toy Drive!

Join the Tyrese Maxey Foundation this holiday season for its first ever multi city-wide Superhero Holiday Toy drive from Dec. 1 to Dec 17, throughout the city of Garland and Philadelphia to benefit the patients at Children’s Health Dallas, Youth Services Incorporated students, and participating Philadelphia ISD elementary students.

As the holiday’s slowly approach us, the Tyrese Maxey Foundation is putting a bow on 2021 with its inaugural multi-city Superhero Holiday Toy Drive for the month of December. Starting Dec. 6 local Garland and Philadelphia citizens

Tyrese Maxey

can donate a new and unused superhero toy at a designated toy box donation location.

Dr. Harry Robinson Jr.

Credit: African American Museum

By Norma Adams-Wade Dr. Harry Robinson Jr., founder, president and CEO of the African American Museum at Fair Park in Dallas, was adamant.

“It absolutely is not going to happen,” he insisted.

The revered local and national historian and keeper of African-American archives was not about to agree to any effort to rename in his honor the museum that he’d created.

“That is completely out of the picture,” he emphasized.

The 80-year-old scholar and archivist was being interviewed about whether he might soften his well-known stance against turning See AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM, page 4

See TOY DRIVE, page 4

Call issued to Support Black Businesses Buy Black!

Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, of Friendship-West Baptist Church, recently announced 100 Days of Buying Black in acknowledging the 100th Commemoration of the Tulsa Race Massacre. The 100 days began September 23, 2021 and run through December 31, 2021.

In the call, Friendship-West is “committed to economic justice in supporting Black-owned businesses, advocating for just lending practices, and working towards comprehensive sustainable community development.”

On the FWBC Facebook page, it reads: “Our goal is Dr. Frederick D.Haynes III to continue the legacy of Black Wall Street by circulating our dollars within the Black community to strengthen our economic base.”

We are joining the movement and you can too at www.texasmetronews.com and https://www.facebook.com/groups/100daysofbuyingblack In support of this initiative, for the next 100 days, in this spot, we will feature a Blackowned business!

LAVISHLOCS HAIR COMPANY

Jasica Gray is the founder of LavishLocs Hair Company, a custom hair boutique and wig studio. Based in the Dallas area since 2015, is located at 4281 Belt Line Rd, Addison, Texas.

After realizing there was a gap in the market for high quality and custom fit wigs and hair extensions, she created LavishLocs Hair Company to provide personalized and private services for clients who want a custom hair identity and don’t know where to start. Jasica’s passion to enhance women’s natural beauty and educate on the importance of hair care is the special treatment you will get at LavishLocs. Looking for a new stylist, stop by LavishLocs in Addison. For more information on LavishLocs visit www.lavishlocshair.com or call (214) 377-9355

ABI - THE ART OF INFLUENCE

cultural, multi-lingual and multi-generational team. They have two offices: 972.716.0070 - 400 N. Saint Paul Street, Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75201 or 817.369.5847 2833 Crockett Street, Suite 500, Fort Worth, TX 76107

MICHELE JANINE LLC

Michele Janine LLC is a business that specializes in natural healing herbs while promoting “A Healthy Sea Moss Lifestyle” as well as “Eating to Heal.” Sea Moss contains 92 of the 102 minerals that our bodies need like zinc, iodine, iron, and more! It is rich in amino acids, vitamin C, vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals. Sea Moss, often referred to as Irish Moss, has a wide range of benefits that support good health. There are 10 Benefits of Sea Moss. Visit “Michele Janine LLC” to buy and learn more about the healing of Sea Moss. https://www.mjanine.com/

BANNEKY.COM

ABI is a full service ad agency that offers the full suite of advertising and public relations services including distinct branding, easy to use web design, eye-catching print and digital ads, smart social media and memorable television and radio concepts. Sophia Johnson and her team have built a company that could authentically attract and communicate with the whole audience, filling a void in the agency world. Next they developed a proprietary process, Audience 360, that lets research and strategy guide creative + tactics. They believe that at ABI, “our dogs wag the tails. Our Diversity is Intentional.” ABI is proud to be comprised of a multi-

Banneky.com is an educational tech platform hyperfocused on middle and high school students who love art, sports, and gaming. The multimedia and gamified

platform connects the dots between their passions, their classrooms and their future careers. They deliver kid-produced content by the Banneky Squad, entertaining math and science lessons, and bts access to the brands and influencers they follow, to nurture their brilliance and spark innovation. This Dallas-based educational tech platform, that Erica Molett founded, teaches young students concepts in STEM, gaming, coding, Esports, and more! Banneky recently partnered with both Microsoft, and Warner Bros. The team at Banneky feels EVERY student is BORN BRILLIANT and they LOVE showcasing and nurturing their GREATNESS!

EAT.SWEAT.UNDRESS.

Eat.Sweat.Undress. is a female-founded and led brand that offers fitness, wellness, beauty, and fashion products and services to enhance the lives of women. ESU products and services are meant to build an undeniable sense of confidence in anyone who uses them. Founder Alexia Hammond’s ultimate goal is to become a go-to resource for anyone seeking a curated, contemporary take on fitness, beauty, fashion, and anything else that makes them the best version of themselves. Alexia was recognized as the first Black woman to create a perfume in Grasse, France.

Alexia decided to channel her collective 15 years of experience into a retail brand that empowers women and inspires them to live a healthy, sexy, confident life unapologetically and on their own terms. Check Eat. Sweat.Undress at: https://eatsweatundress.com/ See BLACK BUSINESS page 5

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GarlandJournal

THURSDAY DECEMBER 16, 2021

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Them That’s Got Shall Get Wake Up and Stay Woke

By Dr. E. Faye Williams

Recently, most of us have been consumed with conversations surrounding the “Build Back Better” budget plan that President Joe Biden campaigned on. His is a much-needed plan that will cut taxes and lower costs for working families, create much-needed jobs and address income inequality.

His proposal centers on restructured tax codes that oblige the wealthy to pay their fair share.

Although the potential outcomes of President Biden’s plan are ambitious, it seemed so simple that even the 1% would accept a serious effort to lower the costs of housing, health care, higher education, prescription drugs and child care.

Even if they had to learn to live on a few dollars less, who could complain about contributing to the “general welfare” in proportion to the benefits this country affords them?

Obviously, the 1% could! For them, earning more money than can be spent in a lifetime is not enough. They resist the sacrifice of a small portion that would benefit us all.

Undoubtedly, the need for reform exists. The singular or combined impact of those li-

miting circumstances severely affects the potential for improved quality of life and/or upward social mobility.

Too often, the cost of child care is equal to or greater than the earning potential of an indigent parent leaving the choice as “Do I work to pay child care, or do I care for my child?”

President Biden’s plan offers that no middle-class family would pay more than 7% of their income for quality

college studies.

Additionally, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), tribal colleges and universities, and other minority-serving institutions have historically operated on shoestring budgets.

The president’s plan includes strategies to strengthen completion and retention rates at these institutions which serve low-income students. Appearances suggest that some

**FILE** President Joe Biden, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, delivers remarks on the passing of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Tuesday, August 10, 2021, in the East Room of the White House.

child care up to age 5. Working families most in need of child care would pay nothing.

Universal preschool would increase the potential for social success.

Unlike the past, a high school diploma no longer guarantees a middle-class lifestyle. Without a near-miracle, there is no “good” job to be found without post-high school studies. Under the Biden Plan, students would universally qualify for tuition for two years of community

of the wealthier members of Congress need assistance with their “higher education” since they don’t seem to understand the relationship between education and the achievement of personal success. They most certainly are NOT using their education wisely!

Congresswoman Cori Bush recently slept outside the U.S. Capitol to draw attention to the crisis of homelessness and increasing housing costs.

Regrettably, we are forced to stand witness to increasing

numbers of people sleeping on the streets — not because they choose to — because increasing costs reduce the availability of affordable housing.

Over 10 million renters are paying over one-half of their earnings for rent. Even then, many of the buildings in which they live and for which they pay so much are substandard, needing rehabilitation or rebuilding!

Under “Build Back Better,” nearly 40 million households would realize assistance for ending child poverty. This program includes workforce training, the development of clean energy and other jobs, tax cuts for childless workers and investments in teachers and schools. Most importantly, it includes expanded health care benefits.

While most Democrats seem to understand, most Republicans only understand when benefits work for “them that’s got” already. There is no end to their desire to help large corporations and the wealthy, or sink billions of dollars into endless, destructive wars.

They demonstrate their “Christian compassion” by allowing almost anything else to take priority over assisting the less fortunate of God’s children!

Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of the National Congress of Black Women and host of “Wake Up and Stay Woke” on WPFW89.3 FM

Thankful that justice was served OUR VOICES

By Sen. Royce West As we absorbed the events of past weeks and the day before we prepared for Thanksgiving and a holiday weekend, the verdict was announced in the case involving the senseless murder of Ahmaud Arbery.

The souls of any who do not agree with the numerous counts of murder levied on the three defendants should also be on trial. I can be thankful that justice was served, but not happy. Because it was the second Thanksgiving that Ahmaud’s seat at

the family table was empty.

I cannot be happy, because the life of a 25-year old was tragically and inhumanely ended because three, self-appointed, vigilantes took it upon themselves to investigate, charge and administer capital punishment for an offense that was never committed.

I can be thankful that Georgia Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley did not order the deceased Arbery to not be referred to as a victim and did allow the sequences leading up to the moment his life was extinguished to be admitted into evidence.

And I was relieved when the judge called the tactics used by a particular defense attorney “reprehensible.”

But I cannot be happy.

I cannot be happy, because although the particulars were different, 23 years ago, three other White men riding in a pickup truck in Jasper, Texas took it upon themselves to make sport of an innocent James Byrd. Jr. I can be thankful, that they too were all found guilty, but happiness eludes me because, due to their race, neither Byrd nor Arbery were afforded the basic respect due another human being.

I can be thankful for the verdict, the 23 count conviction handed collectively to the three, now -convicted murderers. But I cannot exhale until sentencing is pronounced. If the gavel were mine, the only air they would breathe for the remainder of their lives would

come from inside prison walls.

I can be thankful, that following the verdict, residual anger did not spill out onto America’s streets.

But I cannot take comfort, because in too many states across this country, too many laws allow individuals to believe that they are empowered to take matters of policing and justice into their own hands.

And too many times, we have gasped, wishing not to witness the traumatic and numbing outcomes. Equality and justice demand better!

Royce West was first elected to the Texas Senate in November 1992. He represents the 23rd Senatorial District on behalf of the citizens of Dallas County.

Christmas is forgiveness Faithful Utterances

By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew

“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”

–Luke 6:35 (NIV) Our culture is quick to dismiss others. Social media is filled with ‘cancel culture.’

If someone does something unacceptable, social media becomes enraged and the demands to end the indi-

vidual’s career ensues. This boycott includes shaming individuals, slamming their reputation, and negating anything they have ever done that may have been positive.

As Christians, we have a responsibility to speak out and address those societal ills that plague our communities, but we must not forget to forgive and remember our own shortcomings, faults and failures. In essence, when we deny forgiveness, we deny them the opportunity to receive love. I am so glad we serve a God who forgives us repeatedly.

In Matthew 18:21-35, Peter asks how many times he should forgive. Christ answers with a parable of a man in a position of pow-

Publisher: Cheryl Smith Address: 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 100 Dallas, TX 75203 Phone:214-941-0110 Website: www.garlandjournal.com Editor: editor@myimessenger.com

er who forgave his servant.

Yet, when the servant was given the opportunity to do the same for someone else, he forgot how he had been forgiven previously. Jesus answered Peter, “I tell you, not just seven times, but 77 times!”

Forgiveness is ongoing and rooted in love. It is accepting we all fall short of the glory of God and that as long as we are on this Earth, we will make mistakes.

Forgiveness is about loving others even when they do not deserve it. Forgiveness is about loving ourselves enough to be freed from the chains of anger and hatred.

Forgiveness is about obedience to God and loving him through our actions because

he continues to give us another chance.

As we go through this season, I hope we are extending the love, grace and mercy Christ has given us to one another. If we are to show the world the love of Christ, it begins in how we love one another (John 13:35) and our willingness to forgive others as he has forgiven us.

From the 2020 Buckner International Advent guide. To download, visit https://www.buckner.org/ blog/the-2020-buckner-advent-guide-has-arrived/ Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is an author of three books and the host of The Tapestry podcast. To listen to episodes of the podcast, visit https://www.spreaker. com/show/the-tapestry_1 and to learn more about her work, go to https://drfroswa.com/

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Are You A Dead Cat on the Line?

Quit Playin’

By Vincent L. Hall My friend Ina looked at me as if she was in a state of complete disbelief. I didn’t think what I said was coded or subliminal, but she had never heard the term. If you are Black and been to “the country” to see Big Mama n’em more than thrice, you’ve heard that old adage “it must be a dead cat on the line.”

Ina, a bona fide “city girl,” doesn’t know many old people, and I would bet that she rarely ventures down the road to visit Black folks in rural communities.

Let me give you the example I gave her. It’s one that I heard after 11:00 worship while sitting next to my Grandmother Figures at a three o” clock Church Tea. Even at age six, curiosity was a staple for me.

Mitch McConnell

“Chile, she and that boy just got married last June if my mind is serving me right. So, here it is in the middle of January and she done had a healthy 10-pound baby boy. Ain’t nobody no fool. There must be a dead cat on the line.”

There are plenty of books and literary forensic specialists, and they tie several different things to the origination of dead cat on the line. All of them agree that the adage infers that something is suspicious or something is not quite right.

There are several speculations about the origin, and each seems to have its level of believability. Here are just a couple.

It was common in Louisiana to fish for catfish by leaving a rod with several lines and hooks in the water. This “trotline” was checked by fishermen daily. If your neighbor found a dead catfish on the line, they assumed that you were slacking. So naturally, this led to further suspicion that something was wrong with the person who owned the line.

Another posits that unwanted litters of kittens were often tied into a bag and drowned in the days before PETA. In hopes of snagging the “big one,” Anglers were crestfallen after learning that all they caught was a bag filled with dead kittens.

A 1982 New York Times article by famed editorialist William Safire delved deeper into the subject.

Safire produced a repeating feature called “On Language” where he discussed popular etymology, new or unusual usages, and other language-related topics.

“Ronald Foreman Jr., director of the Afro-American Studies Program at the University of Florida, has unearthed a series of recorded sermons made between 1926 and 1942 by the Rev. J.M. Gates. A 1929 sermon has this to say: ‘’I want to preach from this subject: If a child is no way like his father, there’s a dead cat on the line.

They tell me that once upon a time, they had some trouble trying to get a message over the telegram wire. The company sent a man out to inspect the line.

In making his report, he said that a cat had gone up the telegraph post and died on the line. That was the reason why they couldn’t get the message over the line. Now, if a child doesn’t favor his father in no way, there’s a dead cat on the line.’’

Professor Foreman concludes that ‘’in practice, the expression is extended to outcomes, behaviors, products and so on which are not what they should be.’’

Let me give you my last-ditch attempt to explain dead cat on the line to Ina. She caught it early on, but I wanted to pour some more cement in the frame.

Five rights and freedoms are protected by the original U. S Constitution, covering speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government. In addition, it gave Americans the right to bear arms, freedom from unreasonable search and seizure, protection from self-incrimination, due process of law, the right to a trial by jury for criminal charges, and equal protection.

Do you know what line got left out when those White cats wrote the Constitution? The right to vote.

“Curiosity killed the cat, but ask yourself why these same cats still try to limit your voting rights.

Think about that the next time Election Day rolls around and you sit on your “Blessed Ass-surance.”

Don’t be a dead cat, voter suppression is real!

Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.

GARLAND JOURNAL Is published by I Messenger Media LLC. 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75203. GARLAND JOURNAL reserves all rights and privileges to accept or refuse any submissions to be printed in any issue of the publication. Views and opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily those of the publisher or our advertisers.

GARLAND JOURNAL will, once notified, correct any issue in the next issue. GARLAND JOURNAL is not responsible for any unsolicited material. Any use or reproduction in part or whole is forbidden without the express written consent of the publisher. Annual mail subscriptions are $60 for 12 months.

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 16, 2021

3

Virtual and liVe Community Calendar HIV/AIDS Awareness

NFBPA North Texas & DBCC Holiday Mixer at First United Bank, 1845 Woodall Rodgers Fwy #200. 6:30-9:30 pm. Tickets: bit.ly/2ZVpCXN.

SUNDAY SERVICE at DAQS Daq’s Luxury Daiquiri Lounge, 8700 Preston Rd. Plano. 12-3 pm. Tickets: daqsallfolks.com.

RECURRING

Friday Night Jazz, at Nosh And Bottle, 370 W. Las Colinas Blvd. Irving. 8-11 pm.

Virtual Soulful Christmas feat: Tamela Mann Online Premiere Online event 7 pm CST at brownbaptist.com.

2021 Fall Exhibitions Ruth Mae McCrane, at the African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave. 10 am-5 pm. Info: aamdallas.org.

DECEMBER 18

Black Nativity at Bishop Arts Theatre, 215 Tyler St. 8 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3G1hEvL Dates and Times may vary. (Dec. 2-18)

DECEMBER 16 ZWHJ Outreach Center Types of Entity Structures at Frazier House, 4600 Spring Ave. Tickets: www.zwhjcoc. org/classes 11 am-12:30 pm.

Arlington Black Chamber Networking Mixer at 1010 Collins Event Center, 1010 N. Collins St. 6-7:30 pm. Tickets: bit.ly/ABCCDec2021.

LCUPN “Tis the Season to go a Holiday Appreciation Mixer and Anniversary Celebration at Fogo de Chão, 5908 Headquarters Dr. #K150, Plano. 6-10 pm.

A Blue & White Christmas Party at African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave. 8 pm-12 am. Tickets: $25 bwcp.eventbrite.com.

Empowering The Masses Disaster Relief Drive Through Food Pantry at 3314 Detonte St. Dallas. 8 am-11 pm. Info: call 972-460-6316 2021 Winter Warm-Up Distribution Drive Through 9-11 am at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 2922 MLK Jr. Blvd. Reg: https://bit.ly/3DsCkLB. Ugly Sweater & Toy Drive Sophisticated Saturday @ House Of Blues, 2200 N. Lamar St. 10 pm-2 am. RSVP: Jay Day 469.213.0961 DeSoto Christmas Musical feat: Gary Edwards at Black Box Theater, 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd. 7 pm. Tickets: desotoevents.eventbrite.com.

The NETwork DFW Toy Drive and Ugly Sweater Charity Event at Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave. 6-8:30 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/31ZmvP6.

Mona’s Heart Outreach, Christmas Drive Through Drop Off. New unwrapped toys. At Destiny Point Christian Church, 2350 E. Mayfield Rd. Arlington. 4-7 pm.

DeSoto Teen Council Silent Party, DeSoto Civic Center, 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd. 7-10 pm. Tickets: desotoevents.eventbrite.com.

DeSoto’s 48th Annual Hometown Holiday Parade. 10 am. Parade starts at 901 S. Polk St and ends at DeSoto Town Center. Free bit. ly/2ZnE22M.

DECEMBER 17 Center Table Fall Harvest Food Pantry at Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center, 1800 Bonnie View Rd. 9-11 am.

Dr. MLK Jr. Scholarship Essay Contest deadline by 5 pm. Awards announced at MLK Jr. Gala 1-15-21 Apply: https://bit. ly/3Drf3tn.

CHERYL’S WORLD Tune in to Cheryl’s World on BlogTalkRadio.com, FaceBook Live and Streamyard for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative and entertaining news and commentary. Call 646-200-0459 to join in.

DeSoto City Council Holiday Toys and Food Giveaway, at Les Zeiger Park, 405 Eagle Dr. 1-4 pm.

Atatiana Project Gala at Arts District Mansion, 2101 Ross Ave. 6-10 pm. Reg: bit. ly/3liJSdF.

Mona’s Heart Outreach, Inc. Volunteers Needed. Weekly on Saturday, 11:30- 4:30 pm. At 2350 E. Mayfield Rd. Arlington.

The Best of MoTown: Live Christmas Tribute Edition at The Wild Detectives 314 W Eighth St. Oak Cliff. 7 pm. https://bit.ly/31xQn5h.

Rhythm & Rhymes Monday at The Living Room Shisha Lounge, 5449 N. MacArthur Blvd. #B Irving. 9-1 am. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3xihQDO.

The Evelyn Hotel Toy Drive at The Evelyn Hotel& Spa, 4801 Spring Valley Rd. #104, Farmers Branch. 12-5 pm.

DECEMBER 24

AFROJams Christmas ft.

BeBe Winans on Facebook Live @afrotainment 7-10 pm. Info: http://www.afrotainment.us/ Church Eleven32 Christmas Eve Celebration, at Allen Performing Arts Center, 300 Rivercrest Blvd.

3p or 5pm. Reg: https://bit.ly/3GCZwIN. A Glass Full of Jazz @ Distinctive Vines Wine Lounge, 1110 S. Akard St. 5-11 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3GAvtSb

DECEMBER 21 Oak Cliff Thrives with Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce.6-7:30 pm. Tickets: oakcliffchamber.org/oakcliff-thrives. Apply Today.

DECEMBER 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS

Soul Line Dance Tuesday-Live! Virtual, host BE Creative Arts Center. 7 pm CST. Reg: www.becreativeartscenter.com FREE

That Dope Day Party in UPtown @ Palms, 2922 N. Hall St. Every Satur”DAY” 3-10 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3oQJ9lK

UnMasking Truth! Video Series: Black Presence in the Bible at Kingdom Living NOW! – Fellowship 982 N. Garden Ridge Blvd #140 7 pm.

The Brightest Show South of the North Pole at The Light Park in Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Pkwy. Grand Prairie. 12 pm. Tickets: https://bit. ly/3pYF5kv

DECEMBER 22

DEC 26-JAN1

Wine Down Wednesdays at Distinctive Vines Wine Lounge, 1110 S. Akard St. 5-9 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3InI90b.

Mi Amora Wednesdays at AMORA KITCHEN & ULTRA LOUNGE, 12255 Greenville Ave. #130. 10 pm-2 am. Reservations: 469-844-8545

“DOC SHEP SPEAKS SHOW” with Dr. Felicia Shepherd, 11 am CDT,

DECEMBER 27

Chocolate Secrets Open Mic Monday Chocolate Secrets, 3926 Oak Lawn Ave. 7:30-11pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3mGIBN2

The W.I.N.O.R. Tour Host Shavonda with a “V” at The Blues Place, 3100 Grand Ave. 8:30 pm Tickets: 214-418-3122.

“The World According to Drew” with Andrew Whigham, III 8-10 am CDT.

Afrofire in Plano: a fire afro fusion workout! at The Mat Yoga Studio Plano 3136 Independence Pkwy. #B. 7 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/30jFeob

CHRISTMAS EVE

DECEMBER 19

Tuesdays

SUNDAY SERVICE at DAQS, Daq’s Luxury Daiquiri Lounge, 8700 Preston Rd. Plano. 12-3 pm. Tickets: daqsallfolks.com.

DECEMBER 20

DJ’s Steak House Wine Down Wednesdays, 14925 Midway Rd. #101 Addison 3-5 pm. For RSVP call 469-914-0094 after 4 pm.

Sundays

DECEMBER 23

Wednesdays “I was just thinking...” with Norma Adams-Wade, 11 am- 1 pm. CDT.

Kwanzaa

DECEMBER 26 Umoja: Unity - Unity of the family, community, nation and race

Chocolate Secrets Open Mic Monday Chocolate Secrets, 3926 Oak Lawn Ave. 7:30-11pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3mGIBN2.

DECEMBER 28 Ujima: Collective work and responsibility Working to Help each other and in the community Oak Cliff Thrives with Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce.6-7:30 pm. Tickets: oakcliffchamber.org.

Soul Line Dance Tuesday-Live! Virtual. 7 pm CST. Reg: www.becreativeartscenter.com. FREE

DECEMBER 29 Ujamaa: Cooperative economics - Working to build shops and businesses Kwanzaa Ujamaa Cooperative Economics at Grow DeSoto Market , 324 E Belt Line Rd. 4-7 pm.

DECEMBER 30-31 Revive 2022 at Concord Church, 6808 Pastor Bailey Dr. 7-11 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/33qgIDd

DECEMBER 30 Nia: Purpose - Remembering and restoring African and African American cultures, customs and history

Fridays

Thursdays “The Connection” with Debra BrownSturns, 7 pm. CDT.

“From Marva with Love” with Marva Sneed, 11 am-1 pm CDT.

Human Trafficking cont. from page 1 of our communities and transportation networks, the security of our borders, the strength of our economy, and the rule of law.”

They said the Biden-Harris administration is committed to keeping the fight to end human trafficking at the forefront of America’s national security agenda by releasing the new National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking.

“Human trafficking disproportionately impacts some of the most vulnerable and underserved members of our society,” the fact sheet noted.

The updated National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking responds to this predatory behavior by addressing the needs of underserved individuals, families, and communities.

As such, officials said it reflects the administration’s commitments to gender and racial equity by taking action against the systemic injustices that communities experience, including underserved populations.

“The anti-trafficking efforts outlined in the National Action Plan are directly linked to our broader efforts to address inequities for marginalized groups,” the administration officials stated further.

These communities often experience overlapping social and economic inequities, and individuals may suffer multiple forms of abuse.

As a result, individuals from these communities may be more

Kujichagulia: Self-Determination - Being responsible for your own conduct and behaviour

vulnerable to becoming victims of human trafficking.

The fact sheet noted that the National Action Plan also reflects the administration’s commitment to workers’ rights and ending forced labor in global supply chains, which the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated due, in part, to job insecurity, supply chain disruptions, and exponential demand for essential medical supplies and services.

The National Action Plan also serves as an important component of advancing the administration’s priority of ensuring safe, orderly, and humane migration.

“As we continue to address the acute and long-term drivers of irregular migration, we must ensure our legal immigration pathways provide safe alternatives,” the White House stated.

“We must also reaffirm trust in the U.S. government’s commitment to protect individuals who have experienced human trafficking, including noncitizens.”

Administration officials said the National Action Plan retains a central focus on the foundational pillars of U.S. and global anti-trafficking efforts – prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships.

It contains strategic prevention programs which are wide-ranging, from educating vulnerable populations and mitigating risk factors to seeking to prevent goods produced with forced labor from entering U.S. markets.

It also serves to accomplish the following: • Enhance education and outreach efforts, including for atrisk populations.

• Enhance community-coordinated responses to human trafficking.

• Strengthen efforts to identify, prevent, and address human trafficking in global supply chains.

• Build capacity to prevent the importation of goods produced with forced labor.

• Address aspects of nonimmigrant visa programs that may facilitate the exploitation of visa applicants and visa holders.

Further, the plans protection encompasses the interventions, services, and supports needed to protect and assist victims of human trafficking.

The White House noted that protection starts with robust outreach and proactive identification efforts, and includes providing comprehensive victim services and applying victim-centered, trauma-informed strategies, including the following: • Identify and engage with victims in a victim-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally competent manner.

• Support survivor-informed interventions, in which survivors of trafficking are essential partners and help to improve service delivery and inform victim assistance policy decisions.

• Seek to protect victims of human trafficking from incarceration, fines, or penalties for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of being subjected to trafficking.

• Improve access to immigration benefits to help provide assistance to victims of human trafficking.

• Expand and improve assistance to victims of human trafficking encountered by law enforcement agencies.

• Seek financial remedies for victims of human trafficking.

• Increase access to social services for victims of human trafficking to increase short- and long-term stability.

They also outlined prosecuting perpetrators, which involves holding individuals and entities engaged in human trafficking accountable and dismantling human trafficking networks.

Prosecution also would: • Improve coordination among law enforcement to increase accountability for human trafficking.

Read more at www.GarlandJournal.com

4

GarlandJournal

THURSDAY DECEMBER 16, 2021

Truly! Does Black Lives Really Matter?

Our Voices

By Thomas Muhammad Old school folk like me are always playing Monday morning quarterback. We continuously go digging in the weeds seeking the correct answers! But, hell, somebody’s got to ask the obvious questions, right?

And the answer seems to always be the same. It appears Black Lives only matter when a Black life is taken by a white cop!

Don’t get me wrong I’m proud that you youngsters are out there on the front lines raising the issues, however I’m very concerned when many innocent Black people are constant-

I do not pretend to be a Divine man, but I do believe in Divine guidance, Divine Power, and in the fulfillment of Divine prophecy. I am not educated, nor am I an expert in any particular field… but I am sincere and my sincerity is my credential.”

- Malcolm X 1964

ly being killed by young Black thugs who believe in shooting any and everything anywhere and it’s innocent Black folk who are always the losers.

Take that grandmother who-

se 11-year-old was shot as he lay asleep in bed…shot as the the house was gun sprayed because some Black teenagers targeted the wrong house!

Then there was this 28-yearold rapper, Mo. Three shot and killed by two kids 28 and 22 who were arrested for the shooting!

On I-35 in front of the Dallas Zoo in broad daylight!

Recently, there was a rapper, Young Dolph, a 36-year-old killed in Memphis, TN. Local news reports people fleeing the scene at his funeral because gun shots were being fired!

Again, this happened in the light of day! I mean there’s no Damn respect, nor shame, in these thugs! Someone please tell me the answer! I’d love to hear from you!

Until Then. The Struggle Continues…

Thomas Muhammad is a local Dallas activist who can be reached at tmuhammad2003@yahoo.com

How Many Pastors Can We Have?

The Last Word

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton did the right thing when attending the Amaud Arbery trial. They demonstrated the solidarity that the Black community has with each other when one of us is lynched.

Lynching has reverberations.

Each of us, every Black person, is repulsed and dismayed when we learn that armed white men, using the pretense of “citizen’s arrest,” can kill any of us. What is a citizen’s arrest, anyway? Is it simply a license to kill?

Kevin Gough, the attorney “defending” William “Roddie” Bryant, the man who both took the video of the massacre and participated in it, has asked the judge, each day, to bar Rev Jesse Jackson from the courtroom.

How absurd! He says Rev. Jackson’s presence might influence the nearly all-white jury, and I suspect his objections might lay the groundwork for an appeal if the devilish white men are found guilty of murder.

Gough’s racism and ignorance have been a constant presence in this trial. He said he didn’t want more Black pastors in the courtroom after Rev. Sharpton sat with the Arbery family. He asked the stupid question, “How many pastors does the Arbery family have.”

He had the nerve, though out of the jury’s hearing, to ask if Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, also a pastor, will be next in the courtroom. What if he was?

Toy Drive cont. from page 1 Toy box donation locations can be found in participating Garland ISD schools, local Chili’s restaurants in Garland, Anytime Fitness Garland, Dentistry for life Philadelphia, and Youth Services Incorporated Philadelphia Administration Building.

All toys collected will be donated directly to the patients at Children’s Health Dallas and Youth Services Incorporated Philadelphia students at James R. Ludlow Elementary, Gen. Philip Kearny Elementary, Widener Partner-

What Gough does not understand are the many ways that racism connects Black people. In the book Lynching and Spectacle (University of North Carolina Press, 2009), Amy Louise Wood writes, “The news of lynching shook (the author Richard Wright) to his core. Despite, or even because of, its relative rarity, lynching held a singular psychological force, generating a level of fear and horror that overwhelmed all other forms of violence.

Even one lynching reverberated, traveling with sinister force, down city streets, and through rural farms, across roads and rivers.”

Any of us could be followed and shot on any given day.

We have no shield. We can be unarmed and running. In bed and sleeping (ask Breonna Taylor), or simply walking down the street. And white folks see a threat because racism is baked in the cake we call America.

When we watch the massacre of Amaud Arbery, we see ourselves, our sons, our daughters, our mothers. That connects us. That’s why more than one hundred pastors rallied with Rev. Sharpton outside the Brunswick courthouse in solidarity.

I want Revs. Jackson, Sharpton, William Barber, Freddy Haynes, and so many others rally at every massacre. Cause it’s personal. How dare this high-handed man, the offense attorney, question anybody’s religion, pastoral relationships, community connections, or anything else?

Gough will go down in the racist’s hall of fame, but he is not the only one. All these “stand your ground” laws are an absurd attempt to allow white people to shoot Black people with impunity.

Southern state legislatures empower white people to embrace their racism with firearms, whether they are police

officers or ordinary citizens.

It is frightening to think that we live in a world where white fear, real or imagined, justifies a Black massacre.

On the witness stand, one of the murderers admitted that Arnaud did not say a word to him, did not do a darn thing but try to get away from him.

He shot him anyway!

So, some random white person follows a Black man and attacks him because he is “scared.” He should have kept his scared self in his house and called the police. But no, he was a white man with privilege, power, and a weapon.

Why should he call law enforcement when he could enforce the law himself?

So how many pastors does the Arbery family have? As many as they want. Black folks around the nation and the world are praying for a just result in this trial. We are praying for a judicial ruling that the massacre of Black people is unacceptable.

We are praying for an examination of this nonsense called “citizen’s arrest.” And we are praying for our leaders, our pastors, our brothers to keep the faith and keep representing.

Kevin Gough does not “get” the Black community, and he doesn’t have to. But what he needs to know, when he thundered about Black pastors, is that all of us, Black people, are connected.

How many pastors do I have? As many as will claim me. Hundreds of Black pastors have claimed the Arbery family because they relate to their pain. Whether you are a pastor or not, you should claim them, too.

ship Charter, and Gen. George Meade Elementary school on Dec. 17 in Garland and Philadelphia.

Tyrese Maxey, the Maxey family, members of the MaxLevels Elite Basketball Team, and the foundation’s community partners will begin toy drop-offs on Dec. 17 at 11 a.m., in Garland at Children’s Health Dallas located on 1935 Medical District, Dallas, TX 75235.

The foundation will follow up with another toy drop-off in Philadelphia on Dec. 17 at participating Philadelphia ISD’s elementary schools located throughout North Philadelphia. Tyrese Maxey will not be present at the Chil-

dren’s Health Dallas toy drop off, but will be present at the Philadelphia ISD Elementary school drop-off.

Want to become involved?

Donate a new and unused toy at any designated toy box donation location or sign up TODAY to become a community hero sponsor here: https:// w w w. e v e n t b r i t e . c o m / e / tyrese-maxey-foundation-superhero-holiday-toy-drive-tickets-22117759714 For more ways to sponsor the foundation during the holidays, please contact telea@phenixx. com, denyse.maxey@maxlevels. com or visit www.tyresemaxey. com.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, media contributor and educator. Her latest project MALVEAUX! On UDCTV is available on youtube.com. For booking, wholesale inquiries or for more info visit www.juliannemalveaux.com.

WWW.GARLANDJOURNAL.COM

African American Museum cont. from page 1

The African American Museum at Fair Park.

spotlights on him instead of the museum. As always, he rattled off several names of financial donors who he says are more deserving of such honors.

Naming others is a tactic that Robinson — an effective but stubbornly quietly behind-the-scenes operative — long has used to divert attention from himself. Spotlighting him is counterproductive to museum goals, he argues.

“I always prefer a conservative operating mode,” said Robinson, who has led the museum for 47 years.

Robinson founded the museum at Bishop College in 1974. The college closed in 1988. After a long and arduous campaign, the museum in 1993 moved into a new state-of the art building at Fair Park, where it has amassed numerous honors.

Dr. Harry Robinson Jr. founded the African American Museum in 1974 and has been its primary guiding force ever since.

Credit: 2008 File Photo / Jim Mahoney

Despite a challenging shutdown related to the COVID-19 pandemic, museum executives and supporters say the institution has emerged smelling rosy, with enthusiastic, heightened attendance for programs and exhibitions. An array of publications, including D Magazine, Texas Highways and Dallas Observer, have reported on lofty honors the museum has received.

And that’s how Robinson wants to keep it. Always the museum. Never him.

Dr. Vonciel Jones Hill, museum board president, is campaigning for election to the U.S. House to represent Texas’ 30th Congressional District.

She could not be reached for comment about the board’s current opinion of a fledgling grass-roots effort launched in 2019 to honor Robinson with a lasting project.

But Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney, an author, educator, historian and former museum volunteer, said he isn’t surprised that Robinson stays behind the scenes. Dulaney stepped forward in early 2020 when Robinson and Hill appointed him deputy director and chief operating officer to run day-today museum operations.

Robinson had chosen to concentrate on major fundraising and spearheading the museum’s “Strategic Plan for the Future.” He continually rallies support for ever-changing and perma-

Dr. Harry Robinson Jr. was on hand for a "hard hat" party in the rotunda of the then-unfinished new African American Museum building at Fair Park in 1993.

Credit: 1993 File Photo

Credit: (Brandon Wade / Special Contributor)

nent projects promoted by the museum, including the popular Texas Black Invitational Rodeo, the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame, the Women’s History Month lecture series, the Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra Concert in collaboration with The Black Academy of Arts and Letters and the free up-

Many in the community hope Dr. Harry Robinson Jr. will change his mind, but he insists that the spotlight be not on him but on the museum he founded nearly 50 years ago. coming Christmas Music Under the Dome and Christmas Marketplace on Dec. 11–12. (To learn more, visit aamdallas.org.)

Dulaney previously has said Robinson’s contributions in the arena of African American history are unmatched. Still, he said he respects Robinson’s reticence.

“It’s so obvious it [the museum] should be named after him,” Dulaney said recently. “It’s his museum, his baby, his legacy. Like others, I would like for him to take the honor.”

Dulaney said he understands Robinson’s hesitance, though, because Dulaney himself had a similar outlook when, in 2018, local historians formed the W. Marvin Dulaney Branch of the 106-year-old Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

A lot of pressure falls on the person whose name draws such honors, Dulaney said.

Other educators and community leaders who have said they want Robinson permanently recognized at the museum include Dr. Thalia Matherson, Dr. George Keaton Jr. and Herdercine Nash. All said they will stand back until Robinson is ready to accept a proper tribute. Nash said she was among supporters who petitioned to get a street near downtown Dallas named for Dallas Black Dance Theatre founder Ann Williams.

Some community supporters have noted the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit that the African American physician founded in 1965. The museum was renamed in his honor in 1998, when he was 79. He died four years later.

Two local museum supporters express some satisfaction, though, that, after much effort, they persuaded Robinson to sit for an extended, virtual oral history interview during the museum’s pandemic-related shutdown.

Education and nonprofit consultants Linda Dickerson Lamar and Helen Benjamin said their passion for having African-Americans tell their histories compelled them to create and personally finance an oral history project. They relentlessly persisted that Robinson agree to an interview about the museum’s creation and his nearly five decades of work leading it.

They are fine-tuning the recordings and hope to make them available online by early 2022.

“Dr. Robinson has so much history in his head. We saw our job as downloading his brain,” said Benjamin, a retired West Coast community college chancellor now living in Dallas.

“We had to grovel, but it was that important to us,” said Lamar, a Bishop College graduate and nonprofit administrator. “Our African-American history too often gets lost. We have to be more strategic in preserving it.”

This story, originally published in The Dallas Morning News, is reprinted as part of a collaborative partnership between The Dallas Morning News and Texas Metro News.

The partnership seeks to boost coverage of Dallas’ communities of color, particularly in southern Dallas.

GarlandJournal

WWW.GARLANDJOURNAL.COM

THURSDAY DECEMBER 16, 2021

Call issued to Support Black Business ALL IS WELL HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS AND ACADEMY

Meet Charmaine Hogan, BSN, RN, CCM, WCN-C; CEO and Program Director of All is Well Healthcare Solutions and Academy in Little Elm, TX. She teaches emergency training at all levels (CPR/First Aid) and she teaches entrylevel healthcare professionals. She’s a faithful member of Life-Changing Faith in Frisco, TX. The school is based in Little Elm, TX with plans to expand to two (2) other states in the future and will offer a variety of healthcare training

EXTRAVAGANT EVENTS, CUSTOM EVENTS & WEDDING PLANNING

cont.from page 1

AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM

The African American Museum is the only one of its kind in the Southwestern Region devoted to the preservation and display of African American artistic, cultural and historical materials. It has one of the largest African American Folk Art collections in the US. The Museum combines the research of its world-renowned staff with its awardwinning design expertise to create high-quality exhibitions and events.

Under the leadership of CEO and Founder, Dr. Harry Robinson and Deputy Director Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney, there’s a wonderful team that oversees this absolutely beautiful facility that is also perfect for dinners, weddings, lectures, receptions and more. Call 214-565-9026 and become a member, or schedule a tour or event today. Check it out at www. aamdallas.org

EVANS ENGRAVING

classes. She is on a mission to teach, educate, inspire the future compassionate healthcare professionals. All Is Well Health Care Solutions and Academy 940-440-2923 or 469-305-1899 www.AllisWellHCS.com

5

Evans Engraving & Stamping Inc is one of Dallas’ treasures. The Evans family provides custom engraving and premium awards for every occasion. Since 1973 they have offered an enormous selection of trophies, plaques, glass and acrylic awards. The Evans family takes pride in producing and delivering great work. They are meticulous and high performing. They are also well-known for their philanthropy. You can trust Evans Engraving to make any celebration an unforgettable memory. Located at 208 S Tyler Street Dallas, TX, you can check them out on line at www.evansengraving.com or call(214) 948-1274

SOUTHERN DALLAS BUSINESS & LIVING MAGAZINE

people to deliver their best performance. And best performance is exactly what you get with President and Chief Executive Officer, Bernice J. Washington, the nationally recognized and respected former corporate executive. Ms. Washington is a certified master coach and member of the International Coaching. She’s a natural on runways, stages and red carpets. The Southern University graduate is star power and she can ignite an audience and move a room to action with her voice, her style and her voice. Ms. Washington is a great mistress of ceremonies, moderator, panelist and speaker. Reach out to her at www.bernicewashington.com

Anderson, former WNBA basketball player. FirenIce is headquartered in Dallas, TX and focused on a mission to provide a professional and fun environment to teach basketball. Firenice is dedicated to developing its clients regardless of skill level. Firenice’s goal is to incorporate life learned lessons while focusing on the fundamentals of the game. They believe that coaches have very important responsibilities and amazing opportunities to have a positive impact on player’s lives. They are focused on keeping things fun, allow clients to be successful and ensure players have a solid foundation! Find out more at www.firenicepbtskillsacademy. Email firenicepbt@gmail. com or call 469-235-2369

CURTIS & CARTWRIGHT TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC.

NAKED FACÏALS

Linsie Márie, known as the “Dallas Vegan Facialist and Kitty Specialist,” is the aesthetician and owner of Naked|Facïals; Dallas’s premier vegan skin spa, specializing in vegan facials, hydrafacials, geneo facials, vegan brazilian waxing, body facials, body contouring and body massage for men and women. Her mission is to help men and women relieve stress while revealing that you too can look beautiful wearing your bare naked skin. All products are clean, vegan, and organic. Ms. Marie also teaches one on one Brazilian Waxing classes that include education, demonstration, practice materials, and an esthetician student-to-business owner workbook.

Email her at hello@nakedfacials.com or call 214-9379957. The spa is open most days from 10AM to 7PM and is located inside Salon Boutique in The Colony, TX.

President and Chief Executive Officer Terrence D. Curtis Sr. started the trucking company in 2014. Curtis & Cartwright Transport Services. LLC., a certified MBE transportation company with operations focusing on dirt and flatbed hauling services is located in Arlington, TX. Curtis & Cartwright Transport Services.

LLC has worked with various construction companies and general contractors to complete deliveries of various building materials, including: sand and gravel. Also a licensed Class A barber who built a successful barber business and later became an instructor, Mr. Curtis is committed to doing the job and doing it right! Give him a call at 720-476-0268.

ALLAN BAILEY JOHNSON GROUP LLC.

SOIRÉE COFFEE BAR No faking and shaking here. If you’re looking for a REAL event planner, you want a pro, like Lesia Ramsey of Extravagant Events, Custom Events & Wedding Planning. The epitome of elegance, fun and excellence you can expect the same from any event that she plans. As the owner and lead planner, this hands-on coordinator takes the worry away from the client and works tirelessly to stage an event that focuses on the clients and their interests. Always scoping out innovative ways to showcase her works; Lesia focuses on bringing different themes, people and vendors together to create memorable experience. Check out her Platinum Affair, Golden Hour, and Silver Soiree at extravangeventsdfw@gmail.com or 469-774-0875. The website is www.extravagant-events.com

Southern Dallas County Business & Living Magazine was founded in 2010 by James Valentino Thomas II, focused on educating, inspiring, informing and uplifting its’ readers. Southern Dallas Magazine is a monthly publication that has over 400 locations throughout the Dallas, Colin and Tarrant County area which includes Dallas, Desoto, Cedar Hill, Grand Prairie, Lancaster, Carrollton, Richardson, Plano, Duncanville and Arlington.

You can find it online as www.southerndallasmag.com If you ever have a story that you feel needs to be told, then 972-765-6201 or email at southerndallasmag@gmail. com. Mr. Thomas is committed to serving his readers and communities. He’s got Southern Dallas County covered!

NENA’S FINDS

HOLLYWOOD JANITORIAL AND RESTROOM SUPPLIES, LLC

DON DIEGO

Don Diego is an award winning saxophonist who has been traveling the world for the last30 years serenading fans everywhere from corporate events to festivals. An alum of Texas Southern University, Don Diego and the Don Diego Band brings high energy jazz, funk, R&B concert style to any event or venue and professionalism when working with planners, brides, promoters or individuals.

He can handle all venues, including your home, virtually or on a rooftop! Private, Personal or corporate, call him. He shows up and shows out. Every.

Single.Time! Book him for your entertainment needs, at telea@ phenixx.com, bookings@ dondiegoband.com or call 214-886-2775. Check out his music at www.dondiegojazz. com. You won’t be disappointed.

LaFree and Clive Ryan are the owners at Soirée Coffee Bar; a place to eat, drink, and gather. The owners believe music, coffee, and culture brings people from all walks of life together, which is why they take pride in being the “ultimate hubspot” for Black excellence. They consistently use Black vendors for many of their delectable food and beverage options.

Along with being a coffee bar, the restaurant features Black-owned wines and spirits. They host monthly events and gatherings. Soirée is located in Trinity Groves at 320 Singleton Boulevard, Suite 190 in Dallas. The coffee bar is open during the week from 7AM to 5PM and during the weekend from 8AM to 4PM. www.soireecoffeebar.com or (972) 850-9030 for more details or to plan a private [soirée] event!

Nena Hayden, CEO & Founder of Nena’s Finds Boutique, set up shop in downtown Gilmer this year.

Since 2017, her boutique in Dallas has been a place where customers could play dress up, find their style, try new colors and get a new attitude, but the experience was convenient to only Dallas customers. Now Gilmer has access to the Nena’s Finds Boutique experience! Nena’s magnetic personality, incomparable eye for fashion, and passion for helping people guarantees a shopping experience like no other.

She’s dedicated to dressing women from the inside out and when necessary, from the outside in. The best part about shopping at Nena’s is the atmosphere of the establishment. Nena’s Finds 215 W Tyler St, Gilmer, TX 75644. Open 10 am Friday -Sunday (214) 623-7314 to make an appointment in Dallas or Gilmer

BJW CONSULTING GROUP, LLC

BJW Consulting Group, LLC is a one stop motivational speaking and training firm with the goal of empowering

Hollywood Janitorial and Restroom Supplies, LLC, was born from Hollywood Janitorial Services that began as a cleaning service that catered to highend, private clubs, supermarkets and department stores.

Their products are formulated differently from those cleaning products sold by the every-day retailer and the chemicals are cost-effective and innovative--a combination of the old chemical formulas and new formulas that make the job easier. The CEO is Lawrence Doughty, a certified service disabled veteran who learned the basics of cleaning while serving in the United States Air Force.

4041 West Wheatland Road, #156-104, Dallas,Texas 75237, 469 513-2800 Fax 469 513-2402 Find out more at Hollywoodjanitorialsupplies.com

FIRE N ICE PRIVATE BASKETBALL SKILLS TRAINING ACADEMY

Fire N Ice PBT is a professional basketball skills company that helps athletes achieve their full potential.

Founded by Keisha

John Bailey, Founder and CEO of Allan Bailey Group, the largest African American owned and operated corporate real estate advisory firm in Texas, and Avery Johnson, former NBA champion and NBA Head Coach of the Year partnered to form Allan Bailey Johnson Group, LLC (ABJ) — Corporate Real Estate Solutions; committed to providing a complete outsourced commercial real estate solutions team. Their services include facilitating leasing transactions between tenants and landlords, research and site selection, lease administration, investment strategy, transaction management, and more with a diverse team of professionals. Located at 2501 N Harwood St., Suite 2410 Dallas, TX 75201, check them out at www. allanbaileyjohnson.com or 469-718-7985.

M CASE

Luke Mack is a local dad and frontline healthcare worker who recently created a collection of face mask cases under his new label, M Case. This new Dallas-based, Black-owned business launched a debut collection of reusable and durable mask cases designed to provide extra protection and sanitization for extended face mask use. Designed for the “new normal,” M Case reduces the likelihood of lost masks, assists with the storage of masks, and helps wearers, protect what matters most. Available in six styles, M Cases range in style from the “everyday tote” and the sleek “out on the town” option, to cases specifically designed for healthcare workers.

There’s also one with a UV Sanitizer interior. Visit the website: https://justmcase.com See SUPPORT BLACK BUSINESSES page 8

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GarlandJournal

THURSDAY DECEMBER 16, 2021

At The Movies

By Hollywood Hernandez ENCANTO is the story of a Colombian family living together in a small town, named ENCANTO, and they all have magical powers except for one little girl in the house, Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz).

They have superhuman strength, the ability to control the weather, and a sister with the ability to make flowers bloom all around her.

The story is more of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” in

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ENCANTO

reverse with Mirabel being the only grandkid in the house without any superhuman power. The only grandchild who’s been driven from the house is Bruno, played by John Leguizamo, because his ability is to see the future and no one wants to hear about it.

As always Disney delivers a beautiful world, this one steeped in Latin culture, that brings the screen to life. The colors, the characters and the music are crowd pleasers that my family really enjoyed.

ENCANTO shows us the sympathy and empathy that we should extend to someone

Letting it go cont. from page 1

less fortunate than ourselves and shows us that to love us is what makes a person whole.

It’s a valuable lesson for young children. It’s a really sweet, tender film.

The music for the film was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda who also wrote music for THE HEIGHTS, HAMILTON and MOANA. The music is catchy and will soon have you singing along. The movie lasts just over 90 minutes and is rated PG. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate ENCANTO a JUMBO.

BIG MAMA TAUGHT ME:

“WISH IN ONE HAND, SPIT IN THE OTHER. SEE WHICH FILLS UP FIRST!” Black Card

By Terry Allen As a child, my Big Mama had other women in the community that would often say this to their children. Oftentimes, when I would ask for something, state an ambition I had, or state a goal I wanted to achieve, Mama, would say that to me. Immediately after, Big Mama would stand, hands on hips, and speak to Mama and the other women, “You better hush, Now!” I never quite understood what it meant; but now I know.

Ask Alma

By Alma Gill Dear Alma, My dad left my mom for another woman. My mother is so sad and I think it’s affecting her health. She was recently on leave from work because she is too sick to go. She told me and my sister it wasn’t serious and we shouldn’t worry. I am worried and I am so mad at my dad. My mom is taking care of us now and she is doing it all by herself.

Although I have a part-time job, I was thinking maybe I should graduate from high school early and start college so I can hurry up and help my mom and my sister.

My mom works at a college, so I can take classes for free. Should I hurry up and start college so I can graduate and help my family?

Worried Son Dear Worried Son, I applaud your efforts to step up to the plate and fill the role

In my earlier years, my best friend explained to me what it meant was all wants and needs are invisible, so that they wouldn’t fill up your hand, but that your spit, a solid matter, would quickly fill it up.

It’s the statement that I don’t understand... If you place want in one hand, spit in the other and see which hand is full first regardless of when it happened, does it mean anything? What’s the point? When I was younger as a child, I would say to Bug Mama “I want that bicycle”--- I’d like to know how telling me to “put want in one hand, spit in the other, and see which hand is full first meets the claim?

For me, as an adult, this was just a phrase to have me won-

dering what is it that the women were actually telling us, because they would ALSO say. “People in hell wanted ice water, “when many of the young children asked for something. What did this mean? Was it just said to eventually shut us up. I am reminded of Clay Fishers book, Return of the Tall Men, where on page 126, he says, “*Wish in one hand, urinate in the other — see which fills up first.”

I think so, but as I aged, I became open to other explanations for the statement. My experience with my son opened my eyes to these three things: 1. If you do not have the means bring your wishes to life, you might as well wish in one hand and ---t in the other. Which

says to a “po’ person, your wishes have about as much value as body waste.

2. You must help others help themselves because everyone has different needs and wants.

3. Allow your tribe to have realistic expectations, promises and outcomes so the balance is real.

Endgame: Your desire for something may not be realistic if you do not have a way to make it happen. In closing, do you have a Big Mama blessing? Email me today @terryallenpr@gmail.com Terry Allen is an award-winning media professional, journalist, and entrepreneur. He is also the founder of City Men Cook and 1016 Media.

Reach him at terryalllenpr@gmail. com

Trying to Help Mom your father has left vacant, but you can’t. You aren’t the father, you’re the son. It’s human nature for you to desire to make everything alright, but that’s too much of a load for you to take on. What I want you to do is concentrate and continue on your path of being an exceptional student.

What’s happening now won’t last forever. Your parents will resolve their issues. Don’t overanalyze, try to compensate, correct, or take ownership of what’s happening between your mom and dad. They’re grown folks handling grown folks business. You can step back and take a breather. I know you know most of what’s going on, but trust me, you don’t know all. Promise me you won’t take sides, but you’ll respect them both and continue to do you. I’m sorry to hear of your mother’s health complications. But in the midst of all this turmoil, I’m sure that your mother sees a few silver linings and you, for sure, are one of them. You can help

her in many ways. This isn’t your only option.

Now, as to your question about graduating from high school early…. Wow! That does sound exciting and as with everything in life comes the pros and the cons, so let’s examine a few.

Pros: You’re done with high school, ready to start college and looking forward to starting your young adult life.

Cons: You’ll miss your prom, graduating with your friends and the senior year experience.

Honestly, you’re the only one who knows which choice would be best. Have a long, hard conversation with your guidance counselor; that’s a good place to start. They’ll have an enormous amount of information for you to navigate while making your decision.

My two cents worth is, if you’re enjoying your life right now, hanging out and socializing with your friends, don’t rush it.

If you’re fully active in your high school extracurricular activities,

don’t push yourself to leave early, just stay focused. Talk to your mom and let her know of your concerns about her health and your future opportunity to attend college for free. She will share with you what’s best for your family.

Indulge me, as I take a moment to applaud you, young man. In the words of J. Anthony Brown – “Watchoutdehnow!”

Go on with your bad self! Your question fills my heart. Not only are you a super bright and talented young student, you’re compassionate and concerned about your family. Lawd, have mercy, can every mother join me with a shout of “amen!”

Don’t stop believing in yourself.

Whatever you decide, I celebrate you sweetheart and pray that all your dreams come true!

Alma Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail.com.

Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.

Be a blessing this holiday season What’s On Miles’ Mind

By Miles Jaye Religion brings out the best in man and the very worst in man.

There are those who seek a connection to a higher being for solace, worship, and the possibility of ascension to higher manifestations of themselves.

Then there are those who, at every turn, seek to exploit the spiritual disposition of others.

Charlatans and false prophets deceive and steal in the name of the Lord. 2 Timothy 3:13 says: “But evil people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves.”

Holidays also bring out the best and very worst in people.

There are those who view holidays as a time to congregate and celebrate with friends and loved ones.

Then, there are those who anticipate holidays as the perfect time of year to rob others of their hard-earned money and possessions by means as time-tested as stick-ups and as technologically advanced as online hacking of bank and credit card accounts.

Religious holidays, traditional observances of special occasions as prescribed in Holy doctrine-the Torah, Koran, the Holy Bible, are an interesting combination of the two. False prophets teach and preach messages of paganism and unholy practices to unsuspecting congregations, populated with the naïve and the vulnerable, unwilling to accept the responsibility of study and truth-seeking. Then comes the offering.

To compound matters, the advertising industry saturates the airwaves and social media, filling consumers’ minds with messages of immediate and fallacious gratification.

Amazon to Jared, new cars and cruises, fill the marketplace with goodies. Goodies that promise

to make you happy by satisfying and making someone else happy because of your ability and willingness to materialize joy.

Gratitude is now a by-product of a warped, twisted, misguided act of feeding someone’s material possession addiction.

When I was a kid, this time of year was all about making a list and checking it twice. Santa was going to find out who was naughty and who was nice and reward the latter.

Would I get what I wanted?

Probably not, but ‘wanting’ is what actually generated the initial sense of excitement-- the anticipation gave rise to the exhilaration. TV commercials for Mattel’s, Rock-Em-Sock-Em Robots didn’t make matters better.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukah, or Eid Al-Fitr, enjoy good food, good music and good company, but try not to overdo it. Holidays are a time of remembrance yet, far too often we forget those who are alone.

We forget those who have no

gifts, no family, no home, no joy.

We forget those whose homes went up in flames earlier this year. The noise of holiday cheer drowns out the sobbing from the loss of loved ones, lost to divorce, gun violence, disease and other natural causes, or the Covid-19 virus. It’s easy to forget the incarcerated, and those on watch and at war in our defense.

Try to remember them!

Over this and other holidays, remember prayer. Pray for yourself and for others, loved ones and strangers. Remember to let go and let God. Whatever God or Allah means to you, let God touch your spirit, and find your joy there, not in stuff in shiny paper under a tree.

Most important, rather than asking for blessings this season, allow yourself to BE a blessing to someone other than yourself.

That’s it… Happy Holidays!

That’s what’s on my mind.

Website: www.milesjaye.net Podcast: https://bit.ly/2zkhSRv Email: milesjaye360@gmail.com

remnants of their vices, including some clothing and discarded food containers, empty cigarette packs and lots of tobacco.

The car was a mess!

I was wishing for a moment with those who took from me for their own pleasure.

These knuckleheads, in their haste, overlooked several money orders and a few gift cards; items that could be replaced.

Unfortunately for me, they took a small gray lock box that my mother gave to me before she transitioned.

I can still recall how anxious I was when Mother told me she had something for me. I had no idea what it was. As she handed me the box, I wondered, did she hit the jackpot during one of her many trips to Atlantic City, or Winstar once she moved to Dallas?

Had she saved a copy of my favorite book or written a love letter just for me?

I opened the box only once and surveyed the contents before locking it and thanking her.

Then I put the box away with the intention of using its contents should I ever find myself at a total loss. It was to be my ace in the hole; a reminder that my mother was always with me and here was something only I knew about.

I placed it under the driver’s seat in my car, always near.

Until the car was stolen.

What makes the situation even more painful is the lack of an adequate response from the person assigned to my case from the Dallas Police Department.

Now I know I am not the only one who has run into someone who has used COVID-19 as an excuse for inadequate work, performance or results. The excuses and lack of work ethic just adds to the devastating effects of the pandemic.

Even after a call from City Hall, this officer tried to act as though he was pursuing justice, but he could have vanished from the face of the earth, although I hope and pray that is not the case; and my file could be just languishing in the cold case stack.

Admittedly I have watched too many law shows; from Perry Mason and Mod Squad to Shaft and Law and Order SVU. So, forgive me for thinking that since the car was stolen from an Oak Cliff gas station/ convenience store with cameras and there were plenty of items to get DNA from; possibly the investigation could have produced favorable results.

Could have, if someone had worked it!

I started to name the officer who provided lackluster service. It seemed the right thing to do, to call out the bad apple so we can stop letting them get away with assaulting, robbing; and yes, murdering our community.

Then I thought about that officer’s mother, who would only be hurt reading about her trifling son.

My mother did not raise me to transfer my hurt onto someone else.

I’ve tried to be a daughter Mother could be proud of so I won’t say the Detective’s name.

I know it would have made me feel so much better if he had done his job.

It would have been great to have the perpetrators caught and punished; hopefully deterring them from a life of crime and imprisonment.

I know that gift from Mother will never be returned; however I am grateful for the many gifts and blessings from her, beginning with our two hearts beating as one!

So, I will do as we’re encouraged to do in the hit song

by Mase featuring P. Diddy, “Breathe, Stretch, Shake, let it go.”

GarlandJournal

WWW.GARLANDJOURNAL.COM merce. 506 Art is located in downtown Garland, TX. It is an art oasis featuring murals, chairs, sculpture, and music for everyone to enjoy.

506 Art, 506 Main St., Garland

AROUND GARLAND

Dec. 18, 2021 Holiday Scavenger Hunt Visit the museum during open hours to get your scavenger hunt clues, lanyard and starting pin. Head to the business you think is the correct answer and see if you are right. If so, they will give you another souvenir holiday pin. Once you have all 10 pins, return to the museum for your goodie bag full of prizes. This is a great way to learn about historic Downtown Garland while visiting businesses at the same time! Runs from November 27th through December 18th. Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: 972-205-2992 Landmark Museum 393 N. 6th St. Garland Dec. 19, 2021 Robert Fulgham’s “UhOh, Here Comes Christmas!” Presented By Garland Civic Theatre Fifteen holiday stories from the international best-selling author of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten have been crafted into an engaging evening of storytelling and song. This charming show takes a funny, heartwarming and often poignant look at the struggle to find the spirit of the holidays amid the avalanche of commercialism, stress and chaos that crashes down every December. Hilarious musings about a love/hate relationship with the vibrant poinsettia that arrives in most homes every December and hangs on and on and on, long after the holidays have ended; and a beautiful, deeply moving tribute to the winter solstice, celebrating nature’s precious annual gift of rebirth. Info at: www.GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com. 7:30-9:30 pm.

Garland Civic Theatre, 521 W. State St. Garland Dec. 27, 2021 Make Your Own Ornament! Make sure to stop by the Make Your Own Ornament station at 506 Art, sponsored by the Garland Chamber of Com-

December 16, 2021 Thirsty Third Thursdays Celebrate Thirsty Third Thursdays in Downtown Garland on the third Thursday of the month from 5 to 8 p.m. Visit participating locations during their extended business hours, take advantage of their specials and enjoy a complimentary beverage while you shop.

Start your stroll at the Landmark Museum to get your wristband, tote bag and map. Return to the Landmark Museum at 8 p.m. after visiting each location to enter for a raffle prize.

Attendees that visit all participating businesses will be entered into a raffle for $50 gift cards from our featured businesses at the end of the night.

Be sure to check-in and return to Landmark Museum for the raffle drawing.

Landmark Museum 393 N. 6th St. Garland December 18, 2021 “Day of the Dead” and “Christmas in Mexico” Mexico 2000 Ballet Folklorico Mexico 2000 Ballet Folklorico presents two programs highlighting the rich, regional music and dance traditions of Mexico.

Day of the Dead incorporates the tradition of the Day of the Dead within the mystical altars placed in homes and holy lands, the vigils, and the celebrations surrounding this vital holiday in the life of the local inhabitants of Michoacán.

Christmas in Mexico is a choreographic montage with more than 100 participants, re-telling the birth of Jesus Christ filled with a message of love.

The symbolism of the Nativity will be represented in several episodes, including many traditional dance numbers like: the annunciation, the hermit, journey of Mary to Bethlehem, the devil and the angel with the shepherds, offerings, the little drummer boy, traditional Christmas songs and dances, the piñata, the three wise men, and joy to the world!

Tickets: 214-384-2537 or 214-364-2629 Website: Mexico2000.net or email: info@Mexico2000.net Grandville Arts Center, 300 N. 5th St. Garland

THURSDAY DECEMBER 16, 2021

Winter Mercadito at Scoop N’ Buns Luxo Design Workshop and La Casita de Artesanias present: Winter Mercadito at Scoop N’ Buns!

This is a FREE EVENT from 3pm-10pm! Family Fun hours are 3pm-6pm & Adult Party hours are 6pm-10pm! We’ll have vendors, food, drinks, ice cream & sweets by Scoop N’ Buns, live music, kid activities, face painting, Pictures with Santa, & MORE! Shop small business this holiday season, lots to see and do! Vendors apply here: https://forms.gle/BCk3dE8m7kXuM9Cd6 3-10 pm.

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Dec. 21, 2021 Winter Solstice Stories: Tales For The Darkest Night Of The Year Featuring local professional storytellers, The Dallas Storytelling Guild returns to the Granville Arts Center - Small Theatre with an evening of compelling Winter Solstice tales!

The program is free, but donations to the organization will be appreciated. Masks and social distancing are strongly suggested. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 7-8:30 pm. For information on the Dallas Storytelling Guild, go to DallasStoryTelling.org

Pictures With Santa Take a picture with Santa at Plaza Garland on Saturday, December 18 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm!

Plaza Garland is a great variety of specialty stores and restaurants. It’s clean and family safe environment. 4-7 pm.

Plaza Garland, 3161 Broadway Blvd., Garland

Dec. 22, 2021 Tavern Music Bingo Music Bingo fun at Tavern on the Square on Wednesdays! Music Bingo combines your favorite tunes with some fun titled themes throughout the decades, with a classic game, in a great atmosphere! There are 4 ways to win and you always play two cards per round! Listen to a snippet of a song, guess the title or band, mark it on your card and be the first to yell “BINGOOOO!!” and get an awesome prize! You can also enjoy $8 House Bottles of Wine and 1/2 OFF ALL Flatbreads! Wed & Thu 3pm-10pm, Fri & Sat 1pm-11pm, Sun 1pm-9pm.

At Tavern on the Square, 601 W. State St. Garland.

Dec. 24, 2021 Firewheel Town Center Santa Photo ’Tis the season to book Santa photos!

Make your Santa Photo Reservation today!

November 18– December 24, 2021. There is still time for the ultimate holiday tradition: Photos with Santa! He is located between Old Navy and Buckle, near the Firewheel Christmas Tree. Walk in’s are welcome but you can also make a reservation today! Visit https://bit.ly/32eOs5U for more details.

Firewheel Town Center, 440 Coneflower Dr., Garland

“Day of the Dead and Christmas in Mexico” Presented By Mexico 2000 Ballet Folklorico Celebrate the rich, regional music and dance traditions of Mexico surrounding the Day of the Dead and Christmas holidays, featuring more than 100 participants! México 2000 Folklórico Dance School has a special program in which students of all ages and dance levels can learn ballet Folklorico (Mexican traditional dances) from the basic steps to the most complex combinations and dances. México 2000 showcases traditional fast-paced shows; nonstop with different dance regions and the Pre-Columbian dances still preserved these days, including the authentic dance “La Bamba” and a colorful Mexican Fiesta in Jalisco! Our specialties include but are not limited to: Ballet Folklorico, Zumba Fitness, Ballet- Tap, Summer Arts Camps, Quinceaneras, Dance Competitions, etc. Tickets: 214-384-2537, 214-364-2629 or at http:// www.mexico2000.net/events-1.html 7 pm.

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Praise For The Cook: Garland’s Recipes And Cookbooks Mark your calendars and get inspired for your holiday cooking! Open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, email; Heritage@ GarlandTX.govThe Landmark Museum will be closed on Nov. 25th and 26th. 10 am-2 pm Landmark Museum, 393 N. 6th St., Garland.

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ARRESTED

Wanted to Buy Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, CO 80201

HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

He targeted members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but this is more than about a sorority.

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maybe YOU?

Crimestoppers 877-373-8477

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GarlandJournal

WWW.GARLANDJOURNAL.COM

Call issued to Support Black Business NIKQUISA NUNN - PERSONAL TRAINER

Nikquisa Nunn is a personal trainer, professional bodybuilder, and author of The Weight is Over. She sets people on fire with her commitment to healthy living. Her motivational style and personal experience with weight loss have proven effective in helping clients achieve superior results!

Following her own dramatic weight loss of 90 pounds, Nikquisa embarked on an impressive bodybuilding career. She earned IFBB Physique Pro Card at the Master’s National Bodybuilding Competition in Pittsburgh PA on July 18, 2019. Prior to winning her IFBB Pro Card, she placed highly in several figure competitions. Nikquisa provides personal training, nutritional advice, weight loss, muscle tone, and cardio fitness. Visit her website: https://www.nikquisa.com to start your healthy living journey.

VISIONARY VIBES

designed for women of color and Sipho has partnered with the Neiman Marcus brand. Its’ award-winning skincare products, including the Cleansing Whip, Gel to Milk Cleanser, and Even-Tone Serum are available online at https://www.yangubeauty.com/ as well as the Yangu Beauty Day Cream, Night Cream, Renewal Oil Gentle Makeup Remover, and Bright Eyes Cream products. Sipho is passionate about having women of color define their own beauty and interested in the enhancement of their beauty rather than changing it. Shop Yangu Beauty online and at Neiman Marcus. For a limited time, online orders have free shipping.

SAVON AROMATIQUE

what we are asking of our kids/students when they are learning and working on social communication. We’re asking them to shift how they think about social and then to change the related behavior. Sociallywize has coaching sessions, skills, anxiety, and academic skills sessions available. She has adult services also. Visit the website: www.sociallywize.com. For speaking engagements, email tracey@sociallywize.com

Danielle Ezzard’s Savon Aromatique is a New Yorkbased company that creates handmade naturalproducts from the best ingredients which are nourishing and pampering for every skin type, especially sensitive skin. Danielle created Savon Aromatique in her kitchen

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SOCIALLYWIZE

In 2019 Tracey Pugh founded Sociallywize, an online platform to provide social skills tools and encouragement gifts. She has spent more than 20 years as an educator working with students and families and implementing these skills and life lessons in her own life. According to Ms. Pugh, it’s important to understand

cont.from page 5

Sipho Gumbo is the founder and creator of Yangu Beauty and Munhu, Inc, a non-profit that supports and educates children orphaned by AIDS. Yangu Beauty is a scientifically advanced Dallas-based skincare company

as she worked on remedies to treat her eczema. She has created soaps with soothing properties of the milk and the humectants properties of the honey. Savon Aromatique products can be bought online at https:// savonaromatique.com/ with free shipping on all orders over $75.00. Enjoy products for soothing and luxurious baths, nourishing, moisturizing body products that your skin will love, and calming scents to fill your home as you relax. Contact Danielle Ezzard for your custom orders at 646-430-6200 or email: savonaromatiquesoaps@gmail. com.

Visionary Vibes is a youth artistic expression and mindfulness 501c(3) non-profit organization established to give a positive outlet to youth and teach coping mechanism skills that will help remedy the daily stressors of life by teaching Leadership, Teamwork Communication and Problem Solving Skills, Work Ethic and Flexibility/Adaptability Founded by Mariah Griffo, Visionary Vibes is hosting a toy drive through December 20 for a minimum of 60 kids in southern Dallas. Bring any new toys, gadgets or clothes to Loc’d n Healing, 1340 N Town East Boulevard, Suite #3, Mesquite.

Monetary donations will be accepted via Cashapp at $visionaryvibes. Reach out to Mariah.Griffo@ gmail.com. Follow @visionaryvibes and @locdnhealing on Instagram and Facebook, or VisionaryVibes.org.or call 219-877-4333

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