Garland Journal 11-3-22

GarlandJournal

My Truth

By Cheryl Smith Publisher

Now is the Time!

When I received an email with critical voting informa tion, I felt it was necessary to share with our readers.

Although the email said, “Tips for students,” it is imper ative that everyone have access and information.

Dr. King Paid for Birth of Oscar Winner Julia Roberts

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

In one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last acts of generos ity, the civil rights champion and his wife, Coretta, paid the hospital bill for the par ents of superstar actress Julia Roberts.

It’s a little-known fact that recently surfaced when a so cial media post from a pre vious interview Roberts, 55, gave to CBS Mornings’ Gayle King.

“My parents had a theater school in Atlanta called the Actors and Writers’ Work shop,” Roberts said.

“And one day Coretta Scott

King called my mother and asked if her kids could be part of the school because they were having a hard time finding a place that would ac cept her kids.”

Roberts’ mother said sure and thus began the friend ship between the civil rights leaders and Walter and Betty Lou Roberts.

That led to the Kings paying for the birth of the woman who would go on to become an international star.

“They helped us out of a jam,” Julia Roberts said.

An assassin’s bullet cut down King in Memphis on April 4, 1968.

But just months before, on

October 28, 1967, Roberts’ mother went into labor in Smyrna, Georgia.

Until now, the story had mostly gone untold.

“Grateful that Julia Rob erts shared this story with Gayle King,” Bernice King, the daughter of Martin and Coretta, wrote on Twitter. “And, that so many people have been awed by it. I know the story well, but it is mov ing for me to be reminded of my parents’ generosity and influence.”

Added noted strategic ad visor Zara Rahim:

“Fifty-five years ago, MLK and Coretta Scott King paid for her parents’ hospital bill

after she was born. Can’t stop thinking about this since I read it.”

And writer Christopher “Mr. Christopher” Seals praised the Oscar winning actress.

“The fact that Julia Roberts has one of the ultimate civil rights flexes, but never talk ed about this throughout her career, says everything about her character,” Seals wrote.

“I learned this about her last year and was surprised as well.”

New York to Pay $25 Million to Two Falsely Convicted of Killing Malcolm X

Sure there will be those who will say that the ballot is too long and they don’t have time.

There’s no time for blaming others for the state of condi tions. There’s no time for ex cuses.

Now is the time for all good people to come to the defense of a democracy.

Plain and simple, you MUST vote.

By Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire Contributor

In 1965, Muhammad Aziz and Khalil Islam were wrongfully con victed of killing Malcolm X and spent over 20 years behind bars af ter being wrongfully convicted.

Even though the February 21, 1965 murder of Malcolm X at the Audubon Ballroom in the Washing ton Heights section of Manhattan

Superb Women

By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News

HON. BRENDA HULL THOMPSON

Judge Brenda Hull Thompson is conscientious, well-prepared and knowledgeable about the law.

Brenda Hull Thompson is the judge of The Probate Court of Dallas County, Texas. Previously her civil practice focused on estate administration, guardianship administration and family law. The judge attended the University of Maryland, College Park where she received a BS Degree; Boston University graduating with a Master of Arts and Georgetown University, where she received her Juris Doctorate. A former adjunct professor at Texas Wesleyan School of Law teaching mediation and arbitration courses. She was a senior Staff attorney in the Office of the General Counsel for the Federal Trade Commission in Washington, D.C. The judge is a member of the Dallas Bar Association, J.L. Turner Legal Society, Legal Services of North Texas and Dallas Women Lawyer’s Association, to name a few. SHe’s also kind and loving!

SHERECE BEASLEY-RAY

Sherece Beasley-Ray loves to volunteer and participate in community service projects. Born in Statesboro GA, Sherece BeasleyRay attended Bryan Adams High School and recently received her Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Phoenix.

The co-owner of RHOyal Poodle Sisters, LLC, Sherece is an office coordinator/clinical trials .gov administrator for Baylor Research Institute. A member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Sherece is beautiful, talented and supportive; with a smile that will brighten any room.

AMY WALLACE STEWART, ESQ. Amy Wallace Stewart has won numerous awards and is lauded for her preparedness, drive and knowledge of the law.

A founding partner of Stewart Law Group PLLC, Amy Wallace Stewart hails from High Point, NC where she attended High Point Central High. She studied Law at the University of Missouri after attending Wake Forest University where she majored in speech communication, played basketball and later coached. She enjoyed stints at Estes Okon Thorne & Carr PLLC; White Wiggins, LLP; and Estes Thorne & Carr. A brilliant attorney, she made history participating in the first virtual jury trial. She’s a wife and mother and has been honored as one of Dallas’ Top 50 Women in Law and in 2022 was selected by Texas Lawyer as one of the three Top Attorneys in Texas. She’s the absolute best!

LETITIA SPEED

Letitia Speed is “officially God’s Apostle.” We also thank this veteran for her service in the army and her continued service for veterans.

Currently working for Overcomers and at Veterans Administration, Veterans Assistance Program and Best Choice Notary Services, Inc.

Letitia Speed hails from Tyler, TX where she attended John Tyler High School. A former

paratrooper with the 101st Airborne in the U.S. Army, she also worked for the American Heart Association. Letitia attended Texas College, received an associates degree in business management from Dallas College where she was also named Outstanding Management Student of the Year, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Northwood University. She studied Theology at Dallas Baptist University and received her MBA in Human Resources Management from Strayer University. She is currently a doctoral student. A member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, serving on a regional level, Letitia will uplift your spirits and put a smile on your face.

BEVERLY FELLS JONES

Beverly Fells Jones is an inspirational speaker, author and coach.

An instructor at Jose Silva’s UltraMind ESP Systems and independent associate for Legalshield, as well as owner at Commanding Your Life Coaching and Training; Beverly Fells Jones is a former consultant/ senior instructor at Hewlett-Packard and senior instructor at IBM. She graduated from Rankin High School in Rankin, PA and studied at Dallas Baptist university, receiving her MBA. In 2016 she received the Internet Radio Star Award (IRSA) for Best Podcaster of the Year. This divorced mother of two and grandmother of two loves to travel and “try new and exciting things.” Everywhere she goes she takes that positive spirit and beautiful smile. Check her out at CommandingYourLife.com

ROCHELLE BROWN

Talk about an infectious laugh, Rochelle Brown knows how to put a smile on your face!

Born Ellen Rochelle Brown, in DentonTX., she was a long time award-winning, highly respected television producer and journalist. After graduating from the Dallas Public School System, Brown attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas where she received her B.F.A.

degree in broadcast film arts in 1971. After completing a summer fellowship at Columbia University in New York City, Brown worked as a news researcher for NBC News in New York City. She was an anchor reporter in New York before returning home in 1978 to work for KDFW-TV as the community affairs director. As executive producer, she created “Insights” a popular public affairs program, which she also hosted.

LANESHA GIPSON

LaNesha Gipson is using her extensive background in Public Relations and Marketing to help people improve their lives.

LaNesha Gipson hails from Fort Worth, TX and she is the owner of Periscope Life Coach. A graduate of Arlington Heights High School, she also attended the University of North Texas where she was active with the National Association of Black Journalists and participated in the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists Urban Journalism Workshop. A wife and mother, LaNesha is a certified Professional Life Coach with supplementary certifications in Happiness and Life Purposes niches. She previously worked as a senior communication specialist at American Airlines and Greyhound Lines, Inc.; as a media relations specialist at National Center for Policy Analysis, and as a PR and Marketing specialist for Affiliated Media Group. Check her out www.periscopelife.com.

ODELL LEE

Odell Lee is an education professional in Duncanville ISD.

Odell Lee has her wellness coach certification and she received a Bachelor of Applied Science and Masters degrees in Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling and Mental and Social Health Services/Counseling all from Dallas Baptist University. A member of the American Association of Christian Counseling, she has served as a board member of the YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas, the Celebrating Life Foundation and Women’s Southwest Federal

Public urged to donate to new SMU Human Rights Scholarship honoring Thomas Muhammad

By Norma Adams-Wade

Sometime before he joined the ancestors in August this year, the late Thomas Muhammad had said he expected his legacy to be a film he conceived and co-produced about the life of Malcolm X, his personal warrior also known as el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz.

She is on a mission and Collette Flanagan is about effecting change.

The Founder of Mothers Against Police Brutality (MAPB), Collette Flanagan is a former IBM executive. In November 2014, she led a delegation of Mothers to Washington, DC, where MAPB held the first congressional briefing to demand a national response to police violence and to press for federal reforms to end abusive, militarized, and biased policing, particularly of African-American and Latino communities. A popular speaker, she is the recipient of two Fellowships: Echoing Green and Black Male Achievement. Collette recently testified before the United Nations Human Rights Council, discussing “racial justice and equality in law enforcement.”

MYRTIS EVANS

Myrtis Evans is the epitome of a servant leader. The perfect volunteer.

Myrtis Evans is the person you call when you want results.

Always pleasant and attentive, Myrtis is skilled, knowledgeable and efficient. A legislative aide for Texas Senatorial District 23, she also served for a State Representative. She has also served as a Dallas County Elections Clerk and City of Dallas Senior Affairs Commissioner. A kind and giving person, Myrtis is politically astute and totally engaged. She’s someone you want on your team because she is results oriented and focused.

The 2017 film – Malcolm X: An Overwhelming influence on the Black Power Movement -- is, indeed, a permanent feather in his cap. But Muhammad’s friends and admirers have decided to take his legacy a stop further.

Thomas Muhammad

Julia Roberts

In 1965, Muhammad Aziz and Khalil Islam were wrongfully convicted of killing Malcolm X in and spent over 20 years behind bars after being wrongfully convicted.

Credit Union. Graduate of L. G. Pinkston High, in addition to teaching at Dallas College and Everest College; she has been a case manager for Youth Advocate Progams, Inc. and an educator with Lancaster Independent School District.

COLLETTE FLANAGAN

October 2022

My Truth

cont. from page 1

You say you don’t like politicians?

Well, you’re gonna like them even less, if you don’t vote.

You say you don’t get involved in politics?

Well, you don’t exist without politics. Also, politics got you those stimu lus checks, affordable healthcare and more.

As noted columnist, educator and economist Dr. Julianne Malveaux said on Roland Martin Unfiltered recently, “if you don’t play politics, politics will play you!”

Do we have a system that needs work and help?

Sure.

It begins NOW, with your vote! YOU be the HELP this country needs! So here is information that I hope will make you do what you need to do to make this world a better place for all and especially for the future. Which brings me to my truth and here are the tips:

1. Vote in the all-important mid-term election on November 8, 2022. Early Voting starts October 24th – Novem ber 4th, 2022.

2. Pull your sample ballot. Know be fore you go to vote. You can pull your sample ballot at www.votetexas.gov and click “What’s on my Ballot” to get a sample ballot. You can also use the League of Women’s Voter guide as well to assist with candidate in formation at www.vote411.org. Print your sample ballot or write down your choices for each candidate you plan on voting for. No cell phones can be used in the polling place to assist with voting. You can take your sample ballot inside to assist you with voting as well as other literature you may get from outside of the poll ing place.

3. Have the correct ID. Here is a list of the acceptable forms of photo ID which can be expired no more than 4 years: (must be the physical form and not a picture from your cell phone)

• Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

• Texas Election Identification Cer tificate issued by DPS

• Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS

• Texas Handgun License issued by DPS

• United States Military Identifica tion Card containing the person’s photograph

• United States Citizenship Certifi cate containing the person’s pho tograph (doesn’t expire)

United States Passport (book or card)

Alternative ID. Here is a list of the supporting forms of ID that can be presented if the voter does not possess one of the forms of acceptable photo ID and cannot reasonably obtain one: copy or original of a government document that shows the voter’s name and an address, including the voter’s voter registration certificate; • copy of or original current utility bill; • copy of or original bank statement; • copy of or original paycheck; or • copy of or original of (a) a certified domestic (from a U.S. state or terri tory) birth certificate or (b) a docu ment confirming birth admissible in a court of law which establishes the voter’s identity (which may include a foreign birth document).

After presenting one of the forms of supporting ID listed above, the voter must execute a Reasonable Imped iment Declaration. (ask for the doc ument when you enter the polling place)

4. Ask Questions. No one in the polling place can tell you who to vote for. There are people to assist with ques tions about ballot issues or next steps to ensure you ballot is counted. Raise your hand and a poll worker will come to assist you. Make sure you place your ballot receipt in the ma chine to ensure your vote was cast.

5. Get your sticker. Wear your I Voted sticker after you vote.

Lastly, you can work at a polling lo cation and get paid. Contact the Dallas County Election office for more infor mation.

Footnote, this may be the first time you have been asked to write in a can didate’s name and you have questions. Read your ballot carefully and also ask questions.

You can be dangerous, either as an informed voter or a non voter. Choose information. Choose liberation. Choose democracy.

VOTE YES FOR PROP A Advocacy Campaign Rally Held

Community leaders and orga nizations and Dallas residents participated in a community advocacy campaign rally in sup port of VOTE YES FOR PROP A on Thursday at Two Podners Restaurant, 1441 Robert B. Cul

lum Blvd., Dallas 75210. Speakers showed their sup port for a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalize and ex pand two of Dallas’ biggest attrac tions for travel and tourism, Fair Park and the Kay Bailey Hutchi

son Convention Center Dallas, when residents cast their ballots November 8th for the $1.5 billion initiative.

The ballot measure known as Proposition A asks citizens to vote FOR a 2% increase in the Hotel

Occupancy Tax, which is paid by overnight visitors to Dallas hotels and motels. Known as the “tourist tax,” it will repay the bonds for the renovations. This means no in crease in property or sales tax for Dallas residents will occur.

Rebecca Acuna, Member of Transforming Dallas Steering Committee; Rev. Lelious A. Johnson, Senior Pastor, St. Paul Baptist Church; Fred Conwright, Owner, Two Podners Restaurant; Jimmy Gaston, Chairman, Black Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Jerry Christian, Senior Pastor, Kirkwood Temple; Maria Mendez, VP, CIGNA and Visit Dallas Board Member; Venton Jones, CEO, Southern Black Policy and Advocacy Network

Speaking during the rally: Dupree Scovell, Transforming Dallas Steering Committee; Brian Luallen, CEO Fair Park First; Rev. Lelious A. Johnson, Senior Pastor, St. Paul Baptist Church; Maria Mendez, VP, CIGNA and Visit Dallas Board Member; Fred Conwright, Owner, Two Podners Restaurant; Councilmember Gay Donnell Willis; Dr. Jerry Christian, Senior Pastor, Kirkwood Temple; Venton Jones, CEO, Southern Black Policy and Advocacy Network; Matt Garcia, Dallas Regional Chamber; Rebecca Acuna, Member of Transforming Dallas Steering Committee; and Mark Walker Jr., Owner -Walker Auto Body & Frame Shop (speaking)

was one of the most report ed on assassinations of the 1960s, the trial of his assail ants was botched because of racism, expediency and po litical considerations.

The documentary Who Killed Malcolm X, which premiered on Netflix in 2020, revealed in detail that there was something wrong with the convictions. The investigative journalism of Washington, D.C. journalist Abdur-Rahman Muham mad spent decades combing through documents and an alyzing evidence from Mal colm X’s murder.

He also tracked down those who knew what had re ally happened. Muhammad is a journalist, tour guide and historian, documentary film makers revealed what he studied over 20 years inves tigating Malcolm X’s murder. What was revealed was that Talmadge Hager, a con victed assassin of Malcolm

X, stated that the two men convicted with him were in fact innocent. Hagan, who is now 81, (over the years he has changed his name to Talmadge X Hayer and then Mujahid Abdul Halim) was granted parole and released from prison in 2010.

In 2021, Hagan expressed support that the convictions of Muhammad Aziz and Khalil Islam would be over turned which matched his original claims that they were not involved in the murder of Malcolm X.

Decades earlier, the late journalist Les Payne and his daughter Tamara Payne, in their book, “The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X,” asserted that Malcolm X’s killers were members of the Nation of Islam’s New ark, New Jersey mosque. The book claimed that William 25X (also known as William Bradley) fired a shotgun at Malcolm X and were joined

by Leon Davis and Thomas Hagen.

Both Muhammad Aziz and Khalil Islam, who died in 2009, were exonerated last year. When the allegations were tossed out as the result of a two-year investigation by the Manhattan district at torney’s office, lawsuits were filed against the City of New York by Aziz and the family of Islam. The settlements ar rived three months after the suits were filed in the U.S. District Court in Brooklyn.

The case of the wrongful convictions on such a no torious high-profile murder prompts many to ask how many other false convictions could be out there. Sever al studies have been con ducted that note that Black men are falsely accused at a much higher level than other groups for crimes.

In 2020, The Innocence Project released the report, “From Emmett Till to Pervis Payne — Black Men in Amer ica Are Still Killed for Crimes They Didn’t Commit.”

Moving Into the Future

What is Good for Dallas County

Dear Dallas County, We are at a crossroads. As you know, I am Faith Johnson and I am running for Dallas County District Attorney against the current District Attorney John Creuzot.

I am sure you recently heard of the gut-wrenching news of an open shooter at Methodist Hospital in the maternity ward of all places. A place that is to represent the joy of new life entering our county, a place for new mothers to heal and restore after 9 months of housing a human in her own body, and a place for families to gather to cel ebrate new life. And then there are the nurses, doctors, and hospital staff who give their lives to serving others, often into the wee hours of the night and often at the expense of their own families and lives to help, save, & serve others.

The least we can do is provide them safe places to do what they are gifted and trained to do. The saddest part is that this is not the only incident of this kind—violet crime like this is happening all over our county. Some will say that sta tistics show crime is down. However, statistics do not mean squat when a proven violent criminal walks into a hospital and opens fire killing two people.

Like so many, I am sickened and saddened by the constant shape shifting and blame game of our leaders. Here is the bottom-line

truth: it is up to the leaders of this county to get together, collaborate, and execute on proven procedures and protocols that keep the people safe and violet criminals off the street as much as at all possible.

but I am also asking you to share my story with your friends, family, and neighbors.

Police chief Eddie Garcia was re cently quoted as saying: “Our hearts @DallasPD go out to the those affected by this tragedy, I’m outraged along with our com munity, at the lack of accountabil ity, and the travesty of the fact that under this broken system, we give violent criminals more chances, than our victims. The pendulum has swung too far.”

It is simple. It is not as complicat ed as some would have us believe.

The truth is that the policies of our top county leaders are either know ingly or unknowingly breeding vi olent crime and vagrancy and The People are suffering for it. It is time for smart on crime policies and true execution of those policies.

It does not matter if our leaders are good people, simply lacking courage to make tough decisions or if they are incompetent. Lack of courage, incompetence, ignorance, apathy, and even corruption all yield the same thing: toxic environ ments for the staff and The People.

It is time for change in Dallas Coun ty leadership.

This is serious stuff and we are in desperate times. I am not only ask ing for your vote on November 8th

Our law enforcement is hurting and needs our help. Our county and municipal employees are hurting and need our help. The citizens of this county are hurting and need our help.

How can we help? By voting into leadership a competent, strong, cou rageous leader that answers to only God Himself, the oath of office, The People, and the Constitution of the United States, designed to PROTECT & PRESERVE the God given rights of all citizens of this great land.

While my heart is so heavy with senseless tragedies that absolute ly can be prevented, I am also so very grateful for the people of this county. As I walk into my final week of campaigning and I reflect on the countless volunteers who have given so much of their time and their heart to support me and all the people I have met knocking on doors, my heart longs to protect this county and her people.

With the right team in place, we can absolutely change the course of the entire county for generations. Even small shifts in the rudder of a large ship can change the trajectory of the whole ship. NOW is the time. We cannot afford one more day with the current leadership. Dallas deserves better.

VOTE FOR FAITH JOHNSON on November 8th and please spread the word!

Political Ad. paid by the Faith Johnson Campaign for Dallas Coun ty District Attorney.

Faith Johnson

More Democrats, Less Hershey Kisses!

schels in the world.

For our purposes, he will be referred to as “Hershey Walker” — a tag befitting the best “Choc olate Kiss” the Republican Party could find.

By Vincent L. Hall

This editorial is a shameless plug for the Democratic Party. I’m not going to lie; I’m asking you to vote straight Democrat.

The Texas Republican Legis lature fixed it so you can’t vote a straight ticket easily, but you can still do it.

My previous plans for this week were scrapped after watch ing the “Herschel Walker debate video” for the umpteenth time.

This lame-brained-negro is an embarrassment rolled up into a catastrophe waiting to hap pen. However, he does serve as a warning.

Let me begin by letting you know that I have changed the former Dallas Cowboy’s name to protect all of the innocent Her

Fortunately, the supply is scarce, but we got a few Her shey’s Kisses on the local ballots this cycle too.

PolitiFact blew Hershey out of the water on the insurance non sense he spouted during a de bate with Georgia Senator, Rev erend Dr. Raphael Warnock.

Here is what he said and how PolitiFact scored his dimly lit an swer on the most pressing sub ject in America.

“Right now people have cov erage for health care. It’s a ques tion of what type of health care do you want. Because if you have an able-bodied job, you’re going to have health care,” said Walker.

This is inaccurate according to PolitiFact.

“Although millions of Ameri cans do secure health insurance

through an employer, not all workers are offered employ er-sponsored coverage or, if offered, can afford their share of the premiums,” according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit that studies health care policy. Overall, the foun dation says, “most people who are uninsured are non elderly adults and in working families.”

According to the Foundation 7.9% of families with two fulltime workers are uninsured, 11.2% of families with one fulltime worker are uninsured, and 15.5% of families with only part-time workers are unin sured.”

A Forbes magazine article fur ther highlighted Hershey Walk er’s ignorance and misrepresen tation of health care matters.

“During Friday night’s debate against Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia), Herschel Walker didn’t pull out a stetho scope as a prop. The debate rules did not allow props, as Walker was told after he had flashed a police badge during the debate.

“But Walker, the Republic nominee for one of Georgia’s two U.S. Senate seats, did make a statement during the debate about what could be considered a very medical doctorly topic. It was about insulin, diabetes, and “eating right” and got a not-sosweet response on social media.”

Walker’s statement came after Warnock had said the follow

ing: “I think [Walker] should tell the people of Georgia why he thinks they should have expen sive insulin and why the phar maceutical companies should be able to charge us whatever they like.” Walker then replied “I believe in reducing insulin, but at the same time, you got to eat right.”

”Walker went on to say, “You have to get food prices down, and you got to get gas down so that they can go get insulin.”

Hershey Walker is just a glow ing reason to vote Democrat ev erywhere. It is reported that 30% of our population nowadays pre fer to be “Independent” or don’t want to commit. The Democratic Party seems disorganized, but consider my short analogy.

Look at the political parties as two families. One family has four children and enjoys all the economic and social privileges that “White privilege” affords.

The other family has eight kids. Some had special needs or language barriers, and all bore the weight of social stig mas. All have been oppressed to some degree.

The second family is what the Democratic Party manag es daily. And given the degree of difficulty that it presents on confronting America’s most complex issues, we do a pretty good job.

Hershey Walker could make a few good points if polysyllab ic words and critical thinking were in his wheelhouse. Hershey Walker is able-bodied, but him don’t get it!

Most Americans need to get a handle on their health, but we need policymakers who will ad dress these challenging issues.

In the State of Texas, billions of dollars go unused while Gov ernor Greg Abbott and his GOP goonies enjoy the best health care available. The wrong White Chocolate Kisses are harmful too!

One thing is sure. All you “able-bodied” voters need to get out and vote, and Hershey Walk er should serve as an incentive!

Some Politicians Confuse Freedom with Irresponsibility

the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Ian.

By Rev. Jesse L. Jackson

As extreme weather caused floods in Kentucky, collapse of the water system in Jackson, Mis sissippi, and the savage destruc tion of central Florida — to say nothing of fires and drought and a growing water shortage in the West — we ought to agree on two simple realities: America faces a growing challenge from both cat astrophic climate change and a growing infrastructure deficit that is putting lives and communities at risk.

All should agree that we must act aggressively and at scale to address the climate challenge and rebuild our decrepit and aged infrastructure. We can invest now — or we will pay far more on the backside of calamity.

Yet that’s not how it works. Flor ida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis and his state’s two senators, Mark Rubio and Rick Scott, all Republicans, now call fervently for federal aid and resources to help clean up

With millions still without elec tricity or safe water, and many still endangered by floods, fallen bridges, downed electric lines and collapsed bridges, recovery will take years and cost tens of billions of dollars. The politicians are all in for getting federal dollars and resources to help in the wake of catastrophe.

DeSantis regularly scorns fed eral spending in general and Joe Biden in particular, but when asked after Ian hit if he’d meet with Biden, he said, sensibly, “We need all the help we can get.”

Yet, Gov. DeSantis, who has presidential ambitions, goes out of his way to dismiss warnings about extreme weather from catastroph ic climate change. He said during his gubernatorial campaign that he doesn’t want to be labeled “a global warming person.”

When asked last December how he plans to address climate change, DeSantis replied that “people when they start talking about things like global warming, they typically use that as a pretext to do a bunch of left-wing things. … We’re not doing any left-wing stuff.” Last year, he signed a bill

that blocked Florida cities and towns from transitioning to 100% clean energy. He also championed a resolution prohibiting Florida’s pension fund from considering the impact of climate change in its investment decisions.

The Lever, a reader-supported investigative news outlet, reports that about three months before Florida was clobbered by Ian,

gas industry donors.

Similarly, all of Florida’s politi cians voted against the bipartisan infrastructure bill that Biden man aged to pass through the Con gress. DeSantis scorned the $19 billion that would go to Florida. Now, in the wake of Ian, of course, he wants a lot of “left-wing stuff,” like massive funds from the feder al government to rebuild Florida.

Politicians like DeSantis, Rubio and Scott confuse freedom with irresponsibility. They tout the freedoms of Florida, where public health officials won’t tell you to wear a mask, planners won’t tell you where to build your house, politicians won’t tax your in comes. And if that leaves the state with vulnerable bridges and water systems, with homes exposed on flood plains, with impoverished communities, so be it.

relatively minor sin among politi cians. A far bigger failing is to sac rifice the lives and the security of the people they claim to represent to embrace the corruption of fos sil fuel campaign money and the blinders of ideological posturing.

A catastrophe like Ian or a shameful horror like the collapse of the water system in Mississippi’s state capital should concentrate our minds. Accelerating the tran sition to renewable energy isn’t “left-wing stuff,” it is a moral and existential imperative. Rebuilding the resilience and efficiency of our dangerously decrepit infrastruc ture isn’t a socialist plot, it is the foundation for safe communities and a robust economy.

eight of the state’s Republican lawmakers pressured federal reg ulators to halt a proposal requir ing businesses to more thoroughly disclose the risks they face from climate change. Those lawmakers have raked in more than $1 mil lion of campaign cash from oil and

Pundits regularly expose the hy pocrisy of politicians like DeSan tis, Rubio and Scott seeking bil lions in aid to help Florida rebuild in the wake of Ian, while voting against aid for other disasters in other states. One of the first votes DeSantis took when he was sworn in as a congressman in 2013 was to oppose aid to the victims of Su perstorm Sandy. But hypocrisy is a

In the wake of a natural disas ter, people come together to help their neighbors. Smart politicians put aside their partisan posturing to join in doing what can be done to save the endangered and re build from the destruction. Now, we need to demand that the same common sense and responsibility be exercised to protect ourselves from the calamities to come, not just to rebuild after them.

Homelessness and the November 8th Vote

creasing high cost of rentals with no real controls on landlords or what they charge; and (2) the ris ing cost of living outpacing mini mum wages.

By Dr. John E. Warren

This week we have new num bers suggesting that the homeless population is growing in spite of efforts to make more housing available. This is in spite of efforts that are underway to open more shelters. There is discussion about the growing numbers of homeless without talking about why and how. The numbers are growing because of two reasons: (1) the in

Publisher: Cheryl Smith

320 South R.L.

100 Dallas, TX

Phone:214-941-0110

Website: www.garlandjournal.com

Editor: editor@myimessenger.com

In a county with a population of 49 percent renters, one would think there would be a real effort to get the homeless registered as voters to participate in the coming election. The reality is that every day we see more and more highrise apartment buildings going up as apartments and condos. Yet we have no talk about vacancies, but only mention of affordable hous ing, not available housing.

The point here is that those who vote can influence the poli

cies and actions of those elected to office as well as those who sit as judges on landlord and tenant cases. Some of those very judg es are probably landlords with no requirements to present their personal interest before deciding such cases.

Until renters become voters, one can not expect to see real ef forts to move more homeless into existing vacancies. The vacancies are not created for the homeless,

but for those who can afford the high cost of occupancy. “Afford able” housing is, too often, a di versionary carrot to have both the public and the homeless focus on anything except existing vacan cies.

A recent report on homeless ness among Black San Diegans details a number of historical factors influencing homeless ness. And it is not all about drugs and mental illness. However, the

changes and recommendations detailed in that report appear to provide a pathway to change. But those changes do not include developing the kind of civic re sponsibility that could lead the homeless to becoming voters and therefore taking long term steps to not only improve their person al condition, but also the quality of life for those who will follow them, unless some real public policies are made by those who are voted into office.

Perhaps all of this is too late for November 8th participation, but let’s think about it anyway.

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.

The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. is president and CEO of the Rainbow/ PUSH Coalition.

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

Dr. John E. Warren is publisher of The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint.

Voices

Photo: "Hershey" Walker's Twitter page

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

Photo: Gage Skidmore

“Until renters become voters, one can not expect to see real efforts to move more homeless into existing vacancies.” - Dr. John E. Warren

Passing the Torch

Faithful Utterances

By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew

I’m so excited to witness young leaders step up and do good work in our communities. Yet, I find myself concerned that in my con versations with several, they long for mentors and the wisdom of elders. I’ve been told of meetings where elders spent more time criticizing than creating space. I’m baffled to watch elders hold on so tightly to power and yet, un willing to groom new leadership. Earlier in my career, I met a senior statesperson who I was so in awe of her work. Not only was she rude and dismissive, but she also missed an opportunity to speak into my life and work

with me. She wasn’t the only one. Yet, there were others like Dallas Board Trustee, Kathlyn Gilliam, who spent many hours with me, sharing and allowing me to wit ness her work. Although she’s no longer with us, her legacy re mains in me and so many others.

Even though I am more sea soned, I am grateful for folks like Dr. Marvin Dulaney who was my college professor and is still a mentor. I’m grateful for Dr. Har ry Robinson, Dr. Terry Flowers, Greg Campbell, and Vickie Meek who have all blessed me with so many conversations (too many to count) with such wisdom, insight and sponsorship. I’m elated for Cheryl Smith who worked with me (along with Commission er John Wiley Price) as a college student and has always been a cheerleader and encourager. It’s because of Cheryl that you are reading this column. She’s given me the space to share the down

loads God gives to me to write weekly. There are others who have poured into my life with their words of wisdom, time, tal ent, mentoring, coaching, and even saying my name in spaces that I’m not in. (I only have so much space in this column so please forgive me if I didn’t men tion you…you know who you are!)

Our community can not afford the loss of institutional knowl edge. All of us know that one day, we are going to leave this plan et hopefully to be with God. We need to spend our time intention ally not hoarding power but har nessing it to build a collective ta ble that prepares, positions, and propels. There is a place for us all. We need our seasoned folks just as we need our upcoming movers and shakers because we all bring needed components to the table. When we are not inclusive to ei ther, we are enacting oppressive barriers that we all are trying to

eliminate outside of our commu nity.

The Bible gives numerous ex amples of the power of mentor ship: Moses and Joshua (Deu teronomy 34:9), Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 19:21), Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:14-18).

• These relationships were suc cessful because God was the center. The mentor recognized that they were here to do the work that God called them to do and that it was not about them. When we allow ego to get in the way, not only do we edge God out, but we also move others away.

• They also recognized that the work must continue beyond their existence and that pre paring the next generation was critical.

• The mentee knew they need ed the wisdom, guidance and experience of the mentor and did not expect this to happen overnight.

So often in our community, leaders hold on to power some times far too long. Leaders fail to

share their good, bad, and ugly so others can learn and accelerate. We must get out of this mentality that if we went through struggle and oppression, others need to go through the same thing. It was traumatic for us and for most, did not serve us well. What would have happened if we had the sup port and information we needed that would have served as a cat alyst for our growth at first? Why would we want that for others to experience trauma especially if we say we really care about peo ple? What would happen if we really lived Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another.”

Not only do we benefit but our communities thrive when we are intentional about building lead ers regardless of where we are in our leadership journey. So who is your successor?

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is an au thor of three books and the host of The Tapestry podcast. To listen to ep isodes of the podcast, visit https:// www.spreaker.com/show/the-tap estry_1 and to learn more about her work, go to https://drfroswa.com/

It’s in their nature like the scorpion

Wake Up and Stay Woke

By Dr. E. Faye Williams

In this campaign season, I am re minded of the fable of the scorpion and the frog. For those unfamiliar, a scorpion asks a frog to carry him across a river on his back.

The frog fears being stung, but the scorpion argues that if it did so, both would sink and drown. The frog agrees, but midway the scorpion does indeed sting the frog, dooming them both. Before they drowned, the frog laments the treachery and asks why.

The scorpion said, “You know who I am! It’s just in my nature.”

One of Maya Angelou’s most fa mous quotes is, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” As Republi cans anxiously prepare to regain control of Congress, voters of

sound mind and good conscience should consider what a Republi can majority in even one of the two houses would mean.

From my vantage, I can only predict turmoil and misfortune. Hopefully, better voter judgment and choices will prevail.

For years, the Republican Par ty has shown that its primary concern is in the interests of the privileged, wealthy, big business, and, under any and every circum stance, the raw excess of retaining power and control.

Its acceptance and defense of the criminal excesses of the dis graced, twice-impeached ex-presi dent is itself criminal, and disrupts the design of social equilibrium inherent in a system of democracy.

Moreover, those who support the criminality increasingly accept its profitability and enhancements as perks to which they are also en titled.

The political threat

Violating Constitutional emol ument provisions, The Trump Organization grossly overcharged

the government for services pro vided to Secret Service protective details for Trump and members of his family.

Trump properties became a hub for foreign influence and resulted in a source of personal enrich ment.

Taking a cue from their leader, the current threat to our futures comes from the Republican Con gress. While claiming alarm at the rising inflation, Republicans are planning to extend the $1.5 Tril lion Trump Tax Cut to the benefit of the 1 percent.

In order to offset the loss of this tax revenue, prominent Repub lican Senators are proposing to require reauthorization of the Social Security System every five years. Even more radically, John son of Wisconsin advocates an an nual reauthorization.

Republicans have already prom ised to repeal the Inflation Re duction Act. This would end the infrastructure construction/revi talization provisions of the act, as well as the provisions protecting

consumers from the burdensome excesses of pharmaceutical pur chases.

This course of action would mean that caps on out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatment and $35 per month cap on Insulin would disappear.

The cultural threat

The Republican success in the coming election not only poses a physical threat to the underserved and people of color, but it also threatens the psyche, self-esteem, and critical thinking skills of gen erations of our children. We have already witnessed a revisionist white washing of ethnic history in public schools to appease those made uncomfortable about the truth of our nation’s history.

They would have you erase the truth of the historical brutality of human enslavement, the slaughter of Native Americans, the immigra tion exclusion of Asians, the gener alized “Otherization” of people of color, and the continuing legacy of hatred spawned by these acts.

Like Nazi Germany, book-ban

ning is becoming increasingly popular, and humans of all ages are shamed and victimized for their gender orientation.

In the face of increasing vio lence, Republicans have pledged to protect unfettered access to guns.

They have stripped the right of women to make independent re productive health decisions.

Like the scorpion, Republicans have shown their true colors.

They have announced their in tentions, --intentions which can only have a malevolent impact upon those they consider dis pensable. It’s in their nature! Will intelligent voters choose to yield to the Republican “nature” or will they vote to protect our collective futures.

Dr. E. Faye Williams is the pres ident of the Dick Gregory Society and the United Nations Peace Am bassador.

Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of the National Congress of Black Women and host of “Wake Up and Stay Woke” on WPFW-89.3 FM

Anti-Blackness

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux

President Nury Martinez resigned both her Council Presidency and later her seat after someone leaked vile racist sentiments that she shared with members of a Latinx cabal that included other council members, Kevin de Leon and Gil Cedillo. Also present was the now-resigned President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, Ron Herrera. As of this writing, de Leon and Cedillo retain their seats, but Martinez’s goose was cooked when President Joe Biden, Governor Gavin Newsom, and dozens of others condemned Martinez’s racist comments and those who concurred with them with their silence.

While I am glad that Martinez is gone, I am not so sure that her resignation is quite a victory. In

resigning, she addressed “little Latina girls” and said, “I hope I’ve inspired you to dream beyond that which you can see.” What did she hope to inspire them to become? Racists like herself? If she is an in spiration, I am fearful. Disgraced politicians often go on to teach at universities, establish policy insti tutes or mentoring programs, or find lucrative jobs in private in dustry. While everyone deserves a second chance and nobody de serves to be outright canceled, apologies and resignations mean nothing if there is no honest ac counting of what was wrong and if there is no remediation. Martinez seems to lack the capacity to rec ognize what she did wrong and to correct it. Thus, anyone who hires her, offers her an award, or lifts her up is as racist as she is until and unless she provides more than tepid apologies and self-justifying resignations.

Nury Martinez is Hydra, and Greek mythology describes Hy dra as a many-headed serpent Hercules beheaded only to have two more heads replace it. Nury

and other racists can resign, but the tragedy of her hope that she “inspired” little Latina girls set the stage for other Hydras, some younger, some more subtle, to re place her. Hercules finally killed the Hydra snake by killing it with a burning torch. The same torch that killed the mythological snake must destroy the structures that support global anti-Blackness. One or two, or even five or ten, resignations are not enough. Dismantling an ti-Black structures is the only way to eliminate them.

Too many embrace anti-Black ness and anti-Black structures. Consider Alabama Senator Tom my Tuberville (R), who shame

Big Mama Said

By Terry Allen

Big Mama stood on her front porch and told us, “There is a se cret place in the presence of God, and it is a place that we can ABIDE in. It is a place that everyone does not go, but it is completely acces sible by the blood of the Lamb.”

Big Mama was certain that it was not our fear that controls us, but is our anxiety of an unknown out

come that prevents a person from creating a prosperous journey. She said that when you feel un easy about something, you could not prosper because you think you might be headed for a bad out come. She said, “some people for get that God is the answer.”

Go ahead, Big Mama.

What I know for sure is fear is not the problem. Our threats, more often than not, aren’t real.

Our problem is anxiety, an uneas iness or nagging sense that some thing bad might happen. And at the root of anxiety is uncertainty.

Big Mama would say that God is the only answer to anxiety,

Big Mama’s Playbook clearly re minded me that there was never a time when Jesus didn’t pour from His cup into the cups of those around him.

To me, that is what we should be doing as His disciples. We are prone to seeking certainty in the wrong places, and God uses the Bible to remind us not to fear or be anxious about things.

My Texas Metro News family has showcased articles, op eds and ads about us getting our souls to the polls yet I keep hearing,” It is not a presidential year our vote is not that crucial.”

Big Mama would step right up

fully described Democrats as “pro-crime” because they support reparations. “They want repara tion because they think the people that do the crime are owed that.” It is tempting to say that Tuberville, a former football coach, too often played his sport without a helmet. Was the entire Republican Party engaging in the same foolhardi ness? Where are the Republicans of conscience (are there any) call ing Tuberville on his foolishness?

In contrast, President Biden, perhaps risking some Latinx sup port, swiftly called Nury on her racism. As Biden’s press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said, “Here is the difference between Dem ocrats and Republicans. When a Democrat says something racist or antisemitic, we hold Demo crats accountable. When a MAGA Republican says something racist and or antisemitic, they are em braced by cheering crowds and become celebrated and sought after.”

One of the ways we combat global anti-Blackness is to name it, then claim it, then dismantle

it. Too many white allies are re luctant to discuss anti-Blackness, much less work to dismantle it. Too many squirm when anti-Black racism is mentioned. It’s too much for some to discuss in “polite soci ety” but not too much to practice.

One of the most uncomfortable conversations comes when our “allies,” the Latinx folks eager to tout “Black and Brown” coalitions when it strengthens their base, are far less willing to combat the cracks in the foundation of the base. Our Latinx allies must condemn folks like Nury (and some have), whose spoken anti-Blackness (she called a Black child a monkey!) is only dwarfed by the things they do, not just the things they say.

Global anti-Blackness stops when people of conscience, re gardless of political party, call peo ple out. Until then, the Nurys of the world, whether in elective office or not, win because Hydra’s head will multiply unless it is burned off.

Fill Others

to you and say, “You need to feel your cup first and let the overflow fill others without fail!”

Since January 2021, 18 states have enacted 30 separate laws that directly suppress the vote and make it difficult for others to vote.

Those laws include vote-bymail restrictions, restrictions on early voting, and broader author ity for purges of voter rolls.

This is why as a voter, you must turnout and fill your cup with elected officials who believe in your values and your ideas of au thentic community so that our de mocracy stays intact.

That is what I mean by filling

your cup. Brother Abdul Dosun mu founder of The Young Black Lawyers Organizing Coalition (YBLOC), says we must protect Black Ballots.

He has five points to that and I also say take five of your allies to the polls and ask them each to bring five more voters to the polls. I call it Gimme 5.

Will you join us at the paper and vote? Email me at terryallenpr@ gmail.com

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author and Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA. Juliannemalveaux.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 terryallenpr@gmail.com

In Los Angeles, City Council

Sen. Tommy Tuberville

At a tribute Saturday, October 29, commemorating his brimming life of servant, his friends and admirers announced the Thomas Muhammad Human Rights Scholarship that has been launched at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

“I wish we could name a building or school after Thomas,” said Imam Emeritus Khalid Shaheed, who retired in 2020 after nearly 20 years of service at Masjid Al-Islam south of Downtown.

The Imam was among more than a dozen friends, relatives and admirers who spoke at the tribute at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) in downtown Dallas.

But while the public is thinking of other ways to continue Muhammad’s legacy, Shaheed and other leaders are urging the public to support the new scholarship that will help finance the education of SMU students majoring in human rights – a cause into which Muhammad poured his heart and passion. Creators of the scholarship say it will help educate students about all aspects of human rights so

that they may continue the work Muhammad deeply treasured.

Among others who helped organize the commemorative program for Muhammad and who urged the public to help contribute to the scholarship were former Dallas city council member and deputy mayor protem Diane Ragsdale, TBAAL founder and president Curtis King, and broadcast and print media veteran Bob Ray Sanders.

Organizers say $100,000 is needed to endow the scholarship that will be awarded to selected students whose families earn $50,000 or less. All donated funds go to SMU to maintain the scholarship. To learn more and contribute to the scholarship, email Imam Emeritus Khalid Shaheed at 469-766-2208 or email rizak1@mmsn.com

Norma Adams-Wade, is a proud Dallas native, University of Texas at Austin journalism graduate and retired Dallas Morning News senior staff writer. She is a founder of the National Association of Black Journalists and was its first southwest regional director. She became The News’ first Black full-time reporter in 1974. norma_adams_wade@ yahoo.com

I was just thinking…, for someone to have the distinction of a scholarship named in their honor, it’s logical that that person would have lived an exceptional life. Comments speakers made about Muhammad bear that out:

• Bob Ray Sanders: “This community is indebted to Thomas. He understood power. He wasn’t afraid of people in power. He could not be bamboozled. Up until the day he died, he was fighting.”

• Dr. Frederick Haynes III: Quoting rapper Drake’s lyrics, Haynes said of Muhammad: “Thomas was always down for the cause, never down for the count.”

• Dr. Teresa Jackson: She said Muhammad’s transition left a void, but others must carry on for him. “ A void leaves an empty space. But let’s not focus on the emptiness left behind. Let’s fill it.”

• Akwete Tyehimba: “Thomas was always aspiring to be impactful…He heart was always in the right place.”

• Jorge Baldor: “I miss my friend Thomas. He left the world a little better than he found it.”

• Kofi Taharka with National Black United Front-Houston Chapter: Said he met Muhammad in Jasper. Texas while protesting the heinous 1998 dragging murder of James Byrd Jr. “When I describe Brother Thomas, I must use the word ‘Class’.”

• Dominique Alexander: Said once when he was discouraged, he considered shutting down Next Generation Action Network that he founded. But Muhammad -- his mentor who called him ‘Young Blood’ -- encouraged him. “He said, ‘No. You can’t do that.’ I loved and admired Thomas.”

• Jackie Mixon: “Thomas always said, ‘Somebody’s got to stand. He was our warrior for justice.”

• Vincent Hall: “We were pen pals who wrote newspaper articles about issues. Thomas about changing policies (to fix problems.) That’s what he did probably better than anybody else.”

• John Fullinwider: “Thomas was an activist for all seasons. He was my friend and counsel.”

• A. Peter Bailey: “This brother made a major contribution… His film about Malcolm X is a must-see for everybody.”

• Rev. Zan Wesley Holmes: “He was a great friend who called me Pastor…I’m grateful that part of his film was recorded at St. Luke (Community United Methodist Church), showing our image of Malcolm X in one of our stainedglass windows.”

• Cheryl Smith: “He loved showing appreciation for his friends…I was selected as one (that he honored).”

• Norma Adams-Wade: “For us in media, Thomas was our town crier as well as our Griot.”

• Diane Ragsdale: “One of Thomas’ primary goals was to create better relationships between Muslims and the African-American community. He sought to prevent people viewing Muslims as terrorists.”

• Curtis King: Not everyone knew that “Thomas was a lover of the arts…He is one of persons responsible for us being (in this building) on this corner.” Thomas Muhammad did, indeed, leave the world a better place than he found it.

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CIERRA BUSBY

Is a User Experience Writer and Digital Strategist

Cierra Busby is a Manager of Digital and Social Media at UT Southwestern Medical Center and has also enjoyed stints at Service Lloyds Insurance Company as a Marketing and Communications Coordinator, at Spa Sydell Integrative Aesthetics as a Client Services Manager and also as a Media Relations Manager. A graduate of Florida A&M University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Cierra is a wife and mother with impeccable credentials and an extensive portfolio.

SAKINA G. JACKSON

An author and entrepreneur, Sakina G. Jackson is a superstar.

Hailing from Dallas, TX, Sakina G. Jackson studied at Texas State University where she received court clerk certification and she studied business management at Dallas College. A graduate of Wilmer-Hutchins High School, she is the CEO at Big Toe Seasonings & Maestro’s Exclusive Culinary Experience and the Founder of Big Toe Seasonings LLC. She’s a youth empowerment speaker, writer, poetess, radio talk show host and publisher with a vibrant and loving personality. The inspiring and challenging Sakina uses her many talents for the betterment of society and others.

DALPHNE DAVIS

Dalphne Davis is a loving wife and mother who loves helping others.

Dalphne Davis is the talk show host of Dallas High Life, and an author and real estate broker at BELLA HAUS REALTY. She studied Business Administration at UNT and real estate at Cedar Valley College. The graduate of David W. Carter High School also received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Small Business Entrepreneurship at Texas Woman’s University. Full of energy, enthusiasm and commitment, Dalphne is a go-getter.

MARJORIE CRAFT

Marjorie Bowens Craft has several “firsts” in her portfolio, where she has also been the best!

She has served on the Board of Trustees for the University of North Texas System and Marjorie Craft was a Divisional Director or Pizza Hut, and Executive Director for DISD. She received her BS degree in Food Service Management and Nutrition from UNT and a Master’s Degree in Management from Texas Woman’s University. She is on the Hamilton Park High School Wall of Fame and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Links Inc. She was one of 25 successful women profiled in the book, “Women Who Have Won.”

NICOLE WILLIAMS

The multi-talented Nicole Williams is on the move!

She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Institutional Administration from Texas Woman’s University and Masters degrees in Business Administration and Human Resources Management from National American University. She has enjoyed stints in Human Resources at Allstate, Baylor Scott & White Health and Ryan LLC. and as an office coordinator for First Texas Homes. Presently a Learning Systems Manager at Albertsons Companies, she has also been an editor/writer for Beyond Xart Production and held positions at Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, National American University and Steiner Education.

PASTOR JADA EDWARDS

Author, speaker, bible teacher and mentor, Pastor Jada Edwards uplifts and inspires.

Jada Edwards is the Women’s Pastor and Creative Services Director for One Community Church in Collin County. A wife and mother, Pastor Jada has a Masters Degree in Business Administration with an

emphasis in Organizational Strategy. She has dedicated her life to equipping women of all ages and stages of life with practical, biblical truths designed to help them live authentic and transparent lives. Previously serving in the youth and singles ministries at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, many have been blessed by her insightful messages and loving spirit.

ETHEL ANDERSON MYMBS

If every HBCU alum was as supportive and devoted as the beautiful, intelligent and vibrant Ethel A. Mymbs, all HBCUs would be thriving! Ethel Anderson Mymbs served as a Director at the Social Security Administration and is now enjoying retirement, while continuing a life of service. A former Clerical Assistant at Department of Immigration and Border Protection, Ethel went to Wheatley High School in San Antonio, TX and then studied Elementary Education at Huston-Tillotson University and Urban and Regional Planning at Trinity University.

A member of Links Inc., serving in several leadership positions, Ethel was a trustee for her alma mater, Huston-Tillotson University and is listed in the Congressional Directory.

ATTY. ASHLEI GRADNEY

Atty. Ashlei Gradney has worked on some high profile cases and she is a servant leader.

A graduate of Cathedral Christian (Legacy) High School, Ashlei Gradney received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Master of Business Administration from Lamar University and a Doctor of Law (J.D.) from Southern University Law Center where she was president of the Business Law Society. An active member of the J.L. Turner Legal Association, Dallas Bar Association, Texas Bar Association and Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association, Ashlei has practiced at Ursus Holdings, LLC; Law Office of Audrey Moorehead, PLLC,; and Kastl Law, P.C. She is the managing shareholder/attorney at Gradney, PC focusing on Family Law, Probate, Injury/Death cases and Business matters.

Find out more at www.gradneylegal.com.

SONJA A. BROWN

They call her the “GOAL DIGGER Coach.” Vibrant, engaging and committed!

The Honorable Sonja A. Brown is the Mayor Pro Tem for the city of Glenn Heights, TX. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management from Canterbury University, Sonja is a Lead Communications coordinator for Lancaster ISD and she has worked as a Goal Coach for The Diana Prince Group and she is the owner and visionary of JOLT Total Fitness University, which is dedicated to Student Athletes; and JOLT Wellness which is dedicated to eradicating Alzheimer’s Disease and tackling childhood obesity.

FELICIA FRAZIER

Felicia Frazier is a motivator and mentor, moving people to stability and self-sufficiency. Felicia Frazier is the Founder and Executive Director of The Chocolate MINT Foundation. She is an innovative thinker with 10 years of experience in nonprofit and a vocal advocate for African Americans living in poverty in southern Dallas County and neighboring areas. Hailing from Dallas, Felicia attended Dallas College. She also worked at The Keyven Lewis Foundation and the Medical Edge Healthcare Group, and owned School Zone. An influential highly regarded professional, mentor and a person of integrity, she relates well with adults, adolescents, youth and children. A caring leader, ready to face the challenges ahead she has dedicated her life to serving others.

A. SHONN BROWN A. Shonn Brown is co-founder of The Village Giving Circle and past chair of Texas Women’s

A. Shonn Brown is recognized as a corporate and community leader for her strategic planning, risk management, governance and advocacy skills. Shonn is an active leader in the legal profession with extensive service on the Dallas Bar Association Board of Directors, where she has led the development of a leadership program for women lawyers and has held the positions of Secretary-Treasurer and Vice-Chair. Shonn’s business leadership has been recognized numerous times, including by D CEO as one of the top 500 business leaders in Dallas and by the Dallas Business Journal for both their Top Women in Business and Top Minorities in Business awards. She is an alumna of Southern

Methodist University where she received both her Bachelor of Science and Juris Doctorate degrees and has been recognized as a Distinguished Alumna of both the Law School (2016) and the University (2022). A member of The Link’s Inc. and Jack and JIll of America, Shonn is a true community servant leader. She received the Humanitarian Award from the Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

AUDRA SCOTT Audra Scott is the voice, the pipes, the beauty, the brains and the stage presence. Award-winning Audra Scott is Head of Vocal Studies at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and Co-chief Executive Officer at Music Mentors of Texas. A graduate of O.D. Wyatt, she studied music at Prairie View A&M University, vocal and musical performance at SMU and music at the University of Arizona; she has released her first cd; A collection of spirituals and hymns that have been arranged with elements of jazz and classical. Entitled, A Long Road, the single is, “Wade in the Water.”

AMBER HAMILTON GREGG Amber Hamilton Gregg received this year’s Texas A&M University School of Law’s Community Impact Alumni Legacy Award. Atty. Amber Hamilton Gregg is President-Elect of the JL Turner Legal Association and Dallas Bar Association board member. A former Dallas County district attorney, Amber also enjoyed stints at Brenda Williams & Associates, as an intern with Dallas County and Tarrant County District Attorney offices and as a law clerk for Texas Attorney General and The Honorable Sam A. Lindsay, the 1st African American Judge appointed to the Northern District of Texas. Amber received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Business Management and a Juris Doctorate from Texas A&M University. A wife and mother, Amber is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

LATONJA BLAIR

Talk about a songbird. LaTonja Blair has that VOICE!

Hailing from Fort Worth, LaTonja Blair is a wife and mother. She is known as the Psalmist of Deliverance. An executive assistant at New Breed Christian Center, this talented songstress is a recording artist and a minister of the Gospel. Her voice opens up hearts and often when she sings, she moves many to tears. She’s also a writer and a lyricist. Lady Blair is an active member of AIM-Association of Independent Ministries. Check out her songs and albums on YouTube, Apple Music and on social media, or log on to www.latonjablair.com for more.

GAYE ARBUCKLE

Vibrant, smart, talented, energetic and beautiful inside and out.

Native Dallasite Gaye Arbuckle graduated from David W. Carter High School and went on to study at Prairie View A&M University. She is a national recording artist who has been in the music business for more than 25 years. She is also a praise and worship minister, choir director, and vocal instructor. A multi-talented artist and accomplished thespian, she has been featured on two Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) albums. She also helps worship leaders, choir directors, solo artists, and singing groups with vocal technique, song selection, and stage presence. Check her out at www. gayearbuckle.com.

HON. THELMA CLARDY

Hon. Thelma Clardy is not just a sweetheart because she was born on February 14! Hailing from Tulsa, OK, Atty. Thelma Sanders Clardy is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She received a BS Degree in Political Science from Tennessee State University and a JD Degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University. Prior to opening the Law office of Thelma Clardy, she enjoyed stints at Robinson & West and Legal Services of North Texas. She focuses on family and probate law including but not limited to divorces, custody, child support, post-divorce matters, modifications, grandparent rights, wills, heirships, trusts, guardianships, juvenile matters, and limited civil matters. A co-founder of the Dallas Association of Black Women’s Attorneys which merged with the J.L. Turner Legal Assoc. Thelma also served on the DeSoto TX City Council.

DR. DAINA RAMEY BERRY

Dr. Berry is a scholar of the enslaved and a specialist on gender and slavery as well as Black women’s history. Her work champions the history of the enslaved and amplifies their voices.

Dr. Daina Ramey Berry Is Michael Douglas Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts at University of California, Santa Barbara. Previously she was Chair of the History Department and the Oliver H. Radkey Regents Professor of History at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Daina has also taught at Michigan State and Arizona State Universities. She is an award-winning author and co-wrote A Black Women’s History of the United States (with Dr. Kali Nicole Gross). Also she is the author of The Price for Their Pound of Flesh. She completed her B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in African American Studies and U.S. History at UCLA.

GWEN TOLBART

Gwen Tolbert is a third generation born Canadian who loves the snow, but hates the cold!

Gwen Tolbart received a BA in Journalism from Montreal’s Concordia University and is a Social Science graduate of Dawson College.

The NABJ member has worked at CTV’s Montreal CFCF-12 and KTVT CBS-11 before moving to the DMV area to work at Fox 5 DC. In 2016 she received President Obama’s “Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Service.” She owns “Tolbart Talks” and works as a Motivational and Keynote Speaker, Emcee, Seminar leader and Speaking Coach. A member of the National Speaker’s Association she was First Runner-Up in their ”USA National Keynote Speaking Competition.” Gwen is genuine, supportive and committed. And you can trust her weather reports!

DR. BRENDA WALL

As the hosts of Call Dr. Wall on Soul 73

KKDA, Dr. Brenda Wall hosted opened up the airwaves to discuss any and everything!

Dr. Brenda Wall hails from Portsmouth, VA where she gradated from I.C. Norcom High School. a graduate of Vassar College Dr. Wall is a licensed psychologist and ordained minister. She has focused her professional career on the empowerment of marginalized communities and understanding across cultural divides. She has had the

opportunity to work with many different kinds of people in several unique situations: from work in television and radio to supporting those fairly and unfairly incarcerated; from work in private practice to pro bono work with the homeless; from work in the university setting to work in church ministry. An author and popular speaker, she is the best at what she does.

JAMELIA LEHN

A wife and mother, Jamlia Stanford Lehn cares about family!

Described as a very knowledgeable accounting, finance and D&I subject matter expert, Jamelia Lehn is an excellent teacher, mentor and coach.

Still new to her job as the Chief Financial Officer at Roots Management Group, Jamelia Lehn held severed upper management with Aimbridge Hospitality, Goldman Sachs, Ashford Hospitality Trust, Prime Income Asset Management.She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Dallas Baptist University and a M.S. Degree in Accounting from the University of Dallas. A certified public accountant, Jamelia is a consummate professional who is highly respected and praised.

ERICA CAMPBELL

Grammy Award Winner Erica Campbell had some outstanding performances with her sister Tina as the group Mary Mary.

An author and the host of the nationally syndicated radio show “Get Up!

Mornings with Erica Campbell,” on Urban One, she is an urban contemporary gospel, Christian R&B and contemporary R&B singer and songwriter. She has released two solo albums as well as seven albums with her sister. Her debut solo album “Help” won a 2015 Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album as well as eight Stellar Awards. Erica is talented, beautiful, creative and engaging. Her beautiful personality and spirit comes across in all of her performances, whether she is speaking or singing. Family is important to Erica and this is very apparent in her words, work and deeds.