GarlandJournal
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MY TRUTH
By Cheryl Smith Publisher
Next meeting: Look at your ZOOM screen What do director, producer, writer, professor Spike Lee, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price have in common? There are many similarities but let’s focus on one specific issue. Recently Mayor Lightfoot called the media out on the diversity issue. In the early 1990s, Commissioner Price told Texas media outlets that he was only speaking to Black journalists. Talk about a mad scramble. Talk about some mad people! Then too, there were some very happy people, who looked or thought like me! Yes, it was an interesting time because previously Mr. Price picketed news organizations, calling attention not only to the paltry number of Black people in newsrooms, but also minority procurement; community involvement/ See MY TRUTH page 7
SERVING NORTH EAST TEXAS
Rising from the Ashes
Black Wall Street reflects the Story of a Resilient People
After a hundred years, the souls of Black Wall Street are rising up to show a resilient people as Tulsa celebrates the centennial of the Greenwood community massacre. “There is an absolute through line between the past and the present not just for Tulsa but for America in general,” said Hannibal B. Johnson author of Black Wall Street 100: An American City Grapples with Its Historic Racial Trauma. “What happened to Tulsa in terms of the massacre is symbolic of the racial history of America. We know that in the run up for 1921, the year for the incident in Tulsa, we had the summer of 1919. This was called the red summer. Red which was indicative of the blood that was shed from Black people as the result of racial violence in America.” Last weekend Tulsa commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Black Wall
Rev. Danielle Ayers Rev. Danielle Ayers has a bio that when you read it, makes you feel like you just aren’t doing enough! Just saying her title “Minister of Justice” at the Friendship-West Baptist Church is enough to let you know the sister is bad! Rev. Ayers is a “justice seeker, author, preacher, and teacher.” She provides leadership to the following impact areas: economic justice, food justice gender justice, environmental justice, legal clinic, racial reconciliation, voter engagement, and immigration and also leads the church’s public policy and justice initiatives through education, mobilization and organization. Rev. Ayers serves as the coconvener of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc. and as a delegate to the Transatlantic Roundtable on Religion and Race. She serves on President Jimmy Carter’s New Baptist Covenant Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of the Faith Cooperative
By Gwendolyn H. Daniels
Marc Anthony Abernathy Elaine Bradley Scholarship Highest NAACP Scholar
A main attraction is the Black Wall Street mural
Street Massacre which took place May 31 and June 1, 1921, when an angry white mob, which deputized by city officials, attacked Black residents and businesses of the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They burned the entire 35 square block area killing over 300 people and leaving thousands of people homeless. “The Black Wall Street Massacre stands out because
of the magnitude of the destruction. Greenwood was a well-developed commercial community. There were mom and pop type shops, operations and service providers. The Greenwood District consisted of things like movie theatres, dance halls, hotels, barber shops, beauty salons, pool halls, rooming houses and restaurants. There was also a group of profession business such:
May 2021
Dr. Thalia Matherson is an educator who skillfully bridged the worlds of education and community service. She spent more than two decades as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and district administrator in the Dallas ISD. Dr. Matherson served as President of the Dallas School Administrators Association and also took early retirement to become a sought after civic leader. With over 50 years as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., some civic service milestones include: Trustee - SMU; Huston Tillotson University alumni association; President, Dallas Retired Teachers Association and in 2015 she was inducted into the African American Education Archives and History Program’s Hall of Fame. A very active member of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Dr. Matherson is also a realtor; was named Woman of Year by the Interdenominational Ministers Alliance, 1978; and was also a member of the National Elementary Principals Association, Texas State Teachers Association and Phi Delta Kappa. She is also member of the Trinity Chapter of Links, Inc. We’re going to celebrate a special year this year on October 4, for this woman who has done so much for so many! Dr. Matherson leads with grace, charm, intellect and common sense -- the epitome of womanhood, sisterhood, service and love -- yes she is!
Garland NAACP set to present 9 scholarships
Photos and Story By Sylvia Dunnavant Hines
Superb Women Dr. Thalia Matherson
THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021 VOLUME X
Federal Credit Union. She received a BBA in Marketing and Economics from The University of Memphis and a Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School. Rev. Ayers is co-author of To Serve This Present Age: Social Justice Ministries in the Black Church and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In the fight for justice, we feel better having Rev. Ayers on our side. De’Shon Edmond De’Shon Edmond was raised in Greenville, Mississippi, and relocated back home to Dallas, Texas at the age of 10. A graduate of Skyline High School Career and Development Center in Dallas she attended The University of Texas at Dallas and graduated from Northwood University with a BBA in Management before going on to earn MS in Human Resources and Training at Amber University (now Amberton). De’Shon worked as a Human Resources professional for 15 years with the last eight in International HR Consulting Management at Deloitte & Touche LLP, in 2009; she decided to pursue her desire to work with children as an educator. De’Shon went back to school, and completed the Post Accelerated Certification and became a Reading Specialist. The wife and mother attends Concord Church in Dallas and she is a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends. Monica Johnson Admittedly there was concern for Jill Louis in the Monica Johnson is an author, mentor, advocate, educator, motivational speaker, TED presenter and a business professional with vast experience in cost, tax, and operational management with United Parcel Service, a Fortune 100 company. Monica is the author of “Shift from Broken to Breathtaking – Don’t Let What Happens to You Break You. Let it Break Open What is in you.” She is a skilled, credentialed entrepreneur and highly sought-after speaker , with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of North Texas and a Master of Theological Studies from Dallas Baptist University. In 2018, she earned a Certification in Non-Profit Management. Monica is Founder, and Chief Executive Officer of Monica Johnson Enterprises LLC, which includes the
brands “That Girl is S.M.A.R.T”, Reclaim You (www. thatgirlissmart.com), the “OneWordMovement Charities”, a nonprofit organization and Publishing House for mentoring young girls. This wife and mother was recently honored by Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. - Psi Chapter. Dr. Cheryl “Action” Jackson ACTION is a verb, noun, adjective -- all of that when you are referring to Dr. Cheryl “Action” Jackson. When she says she is “busy,” don’t believe her because she is really understating her very existence. This woman is ALWAYS dong something for someone else! People should be calling to help her, not ask for anything because she is doing so much for so many. Minnie’s Pantry is a ministry of love and service to mankind. Dr. Jackson continues to excel in the field of journalism, especially in radio and television. Also a book author, Dr. Jackson is a motivational speaker and philanthropist. Jackson’s humanitarian work and tireless contribution continues to be embraced, supported and celebrated across the country and around the world, including: Ellen DeGeneres awarded the charity with $30,000; Steve Harvey gave Dr. Jackson the Harvey’s Hero award along with a gift of $25,000 from Hillshire Farm; Winner of the local Lady Godiva Fall campaign Profiled in Essence Magazine. Her charity was also featured in The Food Network national documentary called Hunger Hits Home. America fell in love with Dr. Jackson when her team became the first winners on the hit game show series, “The American Bible Challenge” and later as a contestant on Deal or No Deal. The money she makes helps to build Minnie’s Food Pantry. And we know how Oprah feels about her. The Queen of Talk, not only hosted a fundraiser, but she also made a hefty financial contribution. Dr. Jackson is a frequent red carpet host and recipient of numerous awards. Dr. Jackson also received the 2019 National Association of Black Journalists’ Angelo Henderson Community Service Award. She is taking care of communities, one mouth at a time. Yvette Blair-Lavallais Reverend Yvette Blair-Lavallais is the senior pastor of First Christian Methodist Evangelistic Church and her ministry is centered in the social justice narrative of the Gospel. Currently pursuing her doctorate degree, she is a Public Voices Fellow of the OPED Project, a 2018-2020 Fellow of the Vanderbilt Divinity School’s Public Theology and Racial Justice
as doctors, dentist, lawyers, and accounts. This was a well-developed Black business community that faced an economic detour. In other words, the reason that the community was successful was because Black folks could not engage with the white dominated community in downtown Tulsa. They were metaphorically turned away at the gates. See BLACK WALL STREET page 6
Collaborative Cohort, and a 2017 Academic Fellow of Princeton Theological Seminary’s Black Theology and Leadership Institute. A lover of the written word, Rev. Yvette is an award-winning journalist who is also a 2013 Magna Cum Laude graduate of the Perkins School of Theology at SMU, where she served as president of the student body. Rev. Yvette was named the 2017 Woman of the Year by I Messenger Media/Texas Metro News, for speaking out and giving voice to the numerous clergywomen who’ve been victims of sexual assault in the Church. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a long time member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists, she received a bachelors degree journalism from the University of North Texas, after graduating from Justin F. Kimball High School. Rev. Yvette has extensive experience in media, corporate communications, public relations and non-profit management. Tengemana Hill Knight Tengemana Hill Knight hails from Harlem and she attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. She received her B.S. in Psychology (maybe that is why she is so cool!) and her M.Ed. - Counselor Education from Florida A&M University, where she was initiated into the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (DST). Currently a counselor at Duncanville High School, Tengemana has a distinguished career as an educator and a community servant. She is a charter member of the Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter of DST. A wife and mother, she is socially conscious and serves as a source of support and inspiration to so many women and children. Many know her from the grace and leadership she displayed as the First Lady of Lancaster, TX. Tengemana is a born leader, and a great team player. Just a few of the reasons why people love her so much! Judge Aiesha Redmond Judge Aiesha Redmond is the Presiding Judge of the 160th Judicial District Court. Previously she served as an Assistant District Attorney with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office in the Civil and Criminal Division, where she prosecuted a variety of felonies, claims, and civil matters. People always talk about her brains and beauty, because she is a scholar who knows the law, and she is gorgeous; but there’s so much more to this dynamic wife and mother who began her legal career as an associate in the Complex Commercial Litigation Division at Baker Botts, L.L.P. A
Quinn Eldridge
Top African American in GISD NAACP District Scholar (Garland H.S)
For the past 22 years, the Garland Unit of the NAACP has provided scholarships to the top graduating African American senior at each of the seven high schools in See SCHOLARSHIPS page 7
graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University; Judge Redmond was a member of the Law Review, graduated 8th out of 210 and earned her law degree with Honors. Judge Redmond has been honored by the National Bar Association and received several awards for excellence in service. She has also earned an Exceptional Women in Justice and Education award and a Humanitarian award. A dedicated public servant, who graduated from Southwest Texas State University, the Dulles High School graduate has a commitment to equal justice for all under the law. Her public service extends beyond the courtroom. She is an active member of the American Bar Association and has assisted and mentored students with college and law school mock trials. Judge Redmond is a member of Disciple Central Community Church, where she spearheaded a female mentoring program. A dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill, Inc., J.L. Turner Legal Association, and the NAACP; she is also the reigning champion of the Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon! Judge Redmond is respected by her peers and those who face her in the courtroom. And with good reason. She’s superb! Daphne Jackson Hornbuckle Daphne Jackson Hornbuckle is the IT Manager for Charter Communications. She has also owned an IT consulting firm, Diamond Technology Group, LLC. The native New Yorker is committed to public service. A dedicated community leader and past President of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., Psi Chapter, she received the Outstanding Chapter President and Outstanding Chapter awards on both regional and national levels from 2014-2017. In 2016, she accepted the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce’s Connie Davis Roseborough Volunteer of the Year award for the chapter’s outstanding service and significant enhancements to the African American community. Daphne was inducted into the Third (2016) and Fourth (2017) Editions of Who’s Who in Black Dallas and has served on several boards. She currently serves on the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Hofstra University’s Women in Leadership Advisory Board. A member of the National Association of Parliamentarians, Women in Cable Telecommunications and the Dallas Society of Women Engineers, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Hofstra University. A team player and born leader, Daphne is loved and respected because she is loving, smart, beautiful, compassionate and honorable. A breast cancer survivor, Daphne is a dedicated woman of her word. See SUPERB WOMEN page 8
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GarlandJournal
THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021
WWW.GARLANDJOURNAL.COM
Virtual and liVe Community Calendar BLACK MUSIC MONTH MEN’S HEALTH MONTH HAPPY PRIDE MONTH June 3 Dallas Virtual Job Fair Looking for a job in Dallas? If you are this event is a must attend. 9 am-3 pm. Reg: Eventbrite.com Small Businesses: Everything You Need To Know! Event by Community Tax Agency host Tawala Jefferson. Join Zoom Meeting https:// zoom.us/j/93140643208. 6:30 pm. CDT.
The Big Dance Dallas Black Dance Theatre at Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Ctr, 2301 Flora St. 8 pm12 am. Info: DallasBigDance.com.
Girlfriends Night Out at Daq’s Luxury Daiquiri Lounge 8700 Preston Rd. Plano. 4-8 pm CDT. Tickets: daqsallfolks.com.
JAZZ IN THE PARK: A FAMILY PICNIC. Host Dallas Police Dept. at The African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave. 10 am-2 pm. Reg: Eventbrite.com.
Live with Carnegie Hall: Remembering Greenwood. Event by Carnegie Hall. 6:30 pm. CDT. Live on Facebook https://www. facebook.com/carnegiehall.
COVID-19 Vaccine Community Event at Trinity Christian Church, 3300 Gus Thomasson Rd. Mesquite. 10 am-2 pm. Call 214-820-4846 for COVID-19 vaccine appt.
June 4
Kier’s Hope Foundation 5k Run and Fun Walk at the Margaret Hunt-Hill Bridge. Reg. at 7 am. Race Starts 8 am. www.kiershope.com. Star Concessions Job Fair at The Glendale Shopping Center 4466 Marsalis Ave. Dallas 12-5 pm. Info: www.starcons.com. Carter Metropolitan CME, Ministry Drive-Thru at 4601 Wichita St. Fort Worth. 11:30 am.
From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed. 11 am -1 pm. CDT, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459.
June 6 The World According to Drew, host Andrew Whigham, III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8-10 am. It’s thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news commentary. Join the call at 646-200-0459.
Music in the Park Event by Cedar Hill Parks and Recreation Department. Valley Ridge Park, 2850 Parkridge Dr. Cedar Hill 8-9:30 pm. Info: www.cedarhillTX.com/music. Painting With a View hosted by Klairty and Khaos @ Lorenzo Hotel 1011 S. Akard St. 7-9 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. All DAQ Jazz: The Perfect Date Night. Event by Daq’s Luxury Daiquiri Lounge, 8700 Preston Rd., Plano. 7-10 pm. Tickets: www.opentable.com/ restref/client
June 5 ELECTION DAY Cheryl’s World Presents “The Connections For Positive Priorities And Common Sense” with Debra Brown-Sturns. On Facebook.com/Texas Metro News and BlogTalkRadio.com. 12-2 pm. Join the conversation 646-200-0459. LOUISIANA CAJUN CRAWFISH BOIL. Event host LSU Alumni Association Dallas Chapter. Maple Landing, 5855 Maple Ave. #190, 2-6 pm.
How Did Formerly Enslaved Families Choose Their Surnames? Hosted by Genealogy Adventures, Brian Sheffey, and Donya Papoose Williams. Online: bit.ly/3frcxt9. 3 pm.
The Jirah Nicole Show with Jirah Nicole Mickle. From 11:30 am-1:30 pm. CST Tuesday’s on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459. Zumba with Mildred, Tue & Thu at Pleasant Oaks Rec. Center 8701 Greenmound Ave. 6-7 pm. 214-670-0945. $5 class each.
June 9 I Was Just Thinking... with Norma Adams-Wade. 11 am -1 pm. CDT On Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459. Ask Dr. Amerson with Dr. Linda Amerson.12 pm. CST @DFWiRadio.com, and Live on Facebook @DrLindaAmerson. Understanding Autism Virtual Class- Visual Supports for Families. Event by MD Kids Pediatrics. 12-12:30 pm CDT. Register: https://bit.ly/3xUs1yc
June 10 Racial Healing Book Club, Spring 2021 Event by South Florida PoC, 6-7:30 pm CDT. Event via Eventbrite.com. Managing Your Social Security Benefits Online. Event by AARP Programs 6-6:30 pm. CDT. Online with Facebook Live @Facebook.com/AARP Programs. Lyfe Jennings Red & Black Gemini Bash. Event by Lava Cantina The Colony 5805 Grandscape Blvd. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. 7 pm.
5th Anniversary Day Party, Feat: Front Cover and Soulful Soundz Party Band at Smoking Jacket Cigar Lounge, 1435 N. US-67 S. Fwy. Cedar Hill. 6 pm. Dallas Virtual Job Fair, Dallas Career Fairs. Job Fair Pro will be hosting a Virtual Job Fair online at jobfairpro.com. 9 am-3 pm. CDT. Reg: Eventbrite.com. COVID-19 Vaccine Community. Event at St Philip the Apostle Catholic Church 8131 Military Parkway, Dallas. 3-7 pm. Call 214-820-4846 for COVID-19 vaccine scheduling.
June 7 DJ B-1 Alexander O’Neal Music appreciation. Event by DJ B-1 Planet Funksville Entertainment. Live: www.facebook.com/DJB1planetfunksvilleentertainment 7 pm. CDT.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Community Event at Wesley Rankin Community Center 3100 Crossman Ave. Dallas. 10 am-2 pm. Call 214-820-4846 for COVID-19 vaccine scheduling. Open House for Model Townhomes made of Shipping Containers. Event by Habitat for Humanity - Collin County, 10 am-2 pm. 2060 Couch Dr, McKinney. AAHGS Willie Lee Gay Chapter Meeting & Presentation: Journey on Freedom Road. Event by Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society of Houston. Email: htown.aahgs. org for Zoom link. Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center, Presents the 2nd Annual “He’s My Hero Father’s Day Photo Shoot. Reg: https://bit.ly/3g1RE7X 10 am-2 pm. Stickball Tournament COMMUNITY OUTREACH at Sycamore Park 2525 E. Rosedale St. Ft. Worth Tickets: https://bit. ly/3wIVfi2. 10 am-6-pm.
June 13 The World According to Drew, host Andrew Whigham, III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8-10 am. It’s thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news commentary. Join the call at 646-200-0459. COVID-19 Vaccine Community. Event at Concord Church 6808 Pastor Bailey Dr. Dallas. 10 am-2:30 pm. Call 214-8204846 for COVID-19 vaccine scheduling. 45th Church Anniversary DriveIn. Event by Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 W Wheatland Rd, Dallas. 10 am. CDT. Tickets: https://bit.ly/2Spt7Bz Virtual or in person www.friendshipwest.org.
June 11
BLACK LIVES MATTER
From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed. 11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459. For the Love of Southern Soul - Jeter Jones at Sway’s Room - Inside The R Lounge, 1175 N. Watson Rd. Arlington. 9-pm. Tickets: www.instantseats.com T:5”
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The Connections For Positive Priorities & Common Sense with Debra Brown-Sturns. On Facebook.com/Texas Metro News & BlogTalkRadio.com. 12-2 pm. Call 646-200-0459.
LEGAL NOTICE Your Ad belongs here, Contact: 214-941-0110
George Floyd Week “Live Virtual Panel Event” Hosted by Next Generation Action Network. On Facebook Live: @nextgenaction/Facebook.com 7-10 pm. CDT.
Happy Birthday to Joseph Abrams THE DOC SHEP SPEAKS SHOW! From 11 am. CST on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, @fnsconsulting, and You Tube @ docshepspeaks.
COVID-19 Vaccine Community Event at Empowering the Masses, Inc. 3314 Detonte St. Dallas. 10 am-1 pm. Call 214820-4846 for COVID-19 vaccine scheduling.
June 12
June 8
Crawfish Festival. Hosted by City of DeSoto Parks & Recreation Department, DeSoto Chamber of Commerce at Desoto Outdoor Amphitheater Theater, 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd. 6 pm. Info: crawfishfest2021.eventbrite.com.
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Finding Your Place
GarlandJournal
THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021
3
Longtime HR executive seeks runoff win for Frisco City Council seat
Story and Photos By Eva D. Coleman
Lifestyle & Culture Editor
Small in stature. Big on experience. Angelia Pelham’s credentials as a human resources executive speak volumes. As a person who once placed others in significant roles at major corporations, she’s now in a runoff for a position of her own, Frisco City Council Place 3. With Frisco, Texas consistently dubbed as one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, slow to grow has been the diversity among its leadership. The once small town where everyone knew each other, with city council and school district board positions being recycled among a few, no longer exists. Local political races have increasingly seen a rise in competitors. “It’s time-out for using yesterday’s qualifications for today’s Frisco,” Pelham said to women gathered during one of her campaign stops. The Pensacola, FL native describes herself as a “corporate transplant.” She arrived in Frisco via employment with Pepsi-Co and has held top HR roles for a number of brands, including The Walt Disney Company, Cinemark and Dave & Buster’s; to name a few. Her savviness and oratorical skills, which she shares were developed in grade school and helped in securing scholarships to fund her education, lend to her concisely conveying her campaign priorities. “I know Frisco is on the last mile and a lot of decisions need to be made,” Pelham shared with Frisco residents during a candidate forum at Stonebriar Country Club. “From my perspective, it’s time for a business leader who can sit in that seat and help identify those long term business decisions that need to be made.” Born eighth of nine children, Pel-
Angelia Pelham speaks at campaign event at local business
Angelia Pelham speaks at Rally at the Rooftop
ham, who grew up impoverished in a mobile home community, often shares stories about “handme-down clothes” and “not knowing about homes that weren’t on wheels.” For her, economic impact is priority number one. “The first area of opportunity for us as a city is to return our tourism back to its pre-Covid state because tourism has an impact on every aspect of the economy,” she said, adding that her second area of focus is balancing the city’s growth with quality of life. The family experience is important to Pelham. She’s married to Pastor Dono Pelham of Life-Changing Faith Christian Fellowship Church of Frisco (do not call her First Lady). They are parents to their daughter and recent high school graduate, Ashley Juliana, who is on her way to study at Columbia University. She said they worked to provide their daughter with the best and
Angelia Pelham poses with supporters at local business event.
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they want the same for all children in their fast-growing community. “That’s not an easy feat. That’s a challenge,” Pelham said. “How do you manage growth in these areas that are zoned multifamily with traffic issues?” she asked. The final priority comes simply with Pelham’s being. “Just continuing to ensure that we recognize the diversity that exists within our city; we’re about 40 percent people of color and ensuring that everyone has a voice at the table when it comes to the diversity of our city,” she said. If victorious against her opponent, Frisco veterinarian Dr. Jennifer White, Pelham will be the first African American in the history of Frisco to be elected to the City Council. Pelham has the support and public endorsements of many in current and past leadership positions, including Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney of whom she served as his campaign treasurer. Both he and current Place 1 Frisco City Councilman John Keating host events, and also join her at rallies and campaign stops to further emphasize their commitment and desire to have her serve alongside them. She’s made appearances and held conversations at plenty of local, Frisco businesses as well. Many on the Frisco Independent School District Board of Trustees have publicly pledged their support as well, including Dynette Davis, who recently earned her place in history as the first African American elected to serve. Upon learning the news of Pelham advancing to a runoff, Davis posted on social media: “Proud is an understatement. You showed up and worked hard in this race. Hold on Sis, just a little further to go. I am excited for you. Let’s get it done.” A Florida State University and
Rollins College graduate, Pelham is in her final stretch of this race which could result in a major historic milestone. Foundation matters. Pelham attended private school from first through third grade. While her family could not afford it, she says the opportunity was the result of “a blessing from my father’s client.” An unskilled laborer, Pehlam’s father died from cancer at age 49 when she was 10 years old, but he instilled values in her that remain today. In the Pelham family, connectivity transcends households and is per-
Angelia Pelham for Frisco City Council
sonal. So much so that her mother and mother-in-law lived together for 17 years; first becoming housemates in Florida and transitioning and residing together during the family’s move to Texas as well. Pelham’s mother died in August of last year and she recalled the conversation they had about a potential run for City Council. Her mother emphatically and emotionally said, “Go for it Angelia!” During a recent Frisco Chamber of Commerce candidate’s forum, Pelham stared straight into the camera and spoke about other parental advice that has stuck with her as well.
“One of the very first lessons I learned from my mother was the first act of courage is to simply show up,” she said in response to her opponent, Dr. White, not showing up for the debate. “You did not show up. You failed the citizens of Frisco.” Dr. White was allowed to share a three-minute recording in place of appearing at the live, virtual event of which candidates were invited to appear in-person. Pelham said she hopes to continue her legacy of being a connector. For the past 11 years, Linking Cultures of Frisco, an organization of which she founded, honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and provides an annual oratory contest and scholarships for area students. “I met Angelia early on during her campaign. Right away I knew that she would be an asset to the council and the City of Frisco,” Frisco ISD School Board Trustee Davis said. “I chose to support her because I believe she has what it takes to help move Frisco forward. I am confident that she will do amazing work, if elected. I am proud to know her and happy to support her.” Pelham’s life experiences and career in managing people ;brings together resources she hopes can help maintain the “economic vibrancy and diversification” of Frisco. “My running, this is bigger than me,” Pelham explained. “This is about the culture and the economic prosperity and the unification of our city.” Early voting takes place May 24th - June 1st. Election day is June 5th. Angelia Pelham was recommended for Frisco City Council Place 3 by our partner publication, The Dallas Morning News, on April 1, 2021. During the DMN sponsored candidate forum, Dr. Jennifer White did not attend nor return a phone call to discuss her candidacy.
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GarlandJournal
THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021
What’s Really Going On?
Wake Up and Stay Woke
By Dr. E. Faye Williams Recently, I had the opportunity to again listen to Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” album. His scores are soul-stirring, and his lyrics touch the highs and lows of the human experience. What is more, there’s no debate that Marvin was and, through his music, IS a modern prophet. Listening to “What’s Going On,” including “Mercy Me (The Ecology)” and “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler),” one wonders if Marvin had a crystal ball or whether humankind is so deeply entrenched in dysfunction that there’s no end to it. Although his music reflects the ’70s, his lyrics outline our current dysfunction. “What’s going on?” is a question that needs to be asked often. It questions our own conduct and motivations, and those of others. We need it to ascertain whether the conduct we engage in or the conduct of others is consistent with rational behavior.
The rise in official misconduct which can only be classified as “rogue policing” causes one to wonder, “What’s going on?” A series of “murders by police” and aggressive police-civilian confrontations seem to be the answer following the conviction of Derek Chauvin. One only wonders how these rogue cops rationalize their actions in the face of growing scrutiny to the propriety of their official conduct. Those with a historical perspective understand that the design of modern policing is the care and protection of whites, and control and management of persons of color. The we/they perception by police of those they encounter determines whether they are treated with courtesy and receive a measured response or whether they are automatically determined to be adversarial and treated with overwhelming force. These are the determinations that saw Dylann Roof (white) receive a fast-food meal after murdering nine people while Andrew Brown (Black) received a bullet to the back of the head during a so-called warrant service. When police officers, military members, teachers and politicians attempted to convince their respective audiences that the Jan. 6 insurrection wasn’t what they saw with their own eyes, we need to ask, “What’s going on?” I was shocked when I heard a sitting congressman describe that insurrection as nothing more than an average day of tourism or another suggest that a law enforcement official tasked with the protection of the members of our highest legislature used inappropriate lethal force against an assailant attemp-
ting to breach the security of the Senate chamber. Maybe these two congressmen, and others, reject maintaining the democracy we have been able to “squeeze out of the tube,” but I and millions like me prefer what we have over the autocracy promoted by #45 and those who follow him blindly. I’m disappointed in my president, who blithely justified the killing of Palestinian women and children by saying that the Israelis had the right to defend themselves in the current Middle East conflict. I’m quite familiar with the generational conflict between Jews and Palestinians. For those who’ve not made the connection, Palestinians are the Philistines you may remember reading about in the Bible. Their conflict has been long-held, but the conventions of modern warfare are specific. The indiscriminate use of lethal force against non-combatants (women and children) is strictly forbidden. I ask of him, “What’s going on?” Could it be that the current violence is being used as cover for Netanyahu’s political problems? I hate war by or against anybody and I would never so callously choose the side that’s killing women and children. The question “What’s going on?” serves to bring balance to our judgment and gives pause to evaluate how closely to TRUTH our motives are planted. We must demand REAL answers to that question and not reject the answers out of a sense of discomfort. The TRUTH will prevail! 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
What Must Be Done with White Reconstruction
Our Voices
By Dr. John E. Warren While many are watching 47 out of the 50 States propose and enact Voter Suppression Laws, the question becomes one of what can we as individuals do to counter such attacks against us? First we must acknowledge the real agenda of those hiding behind the Republican Party’s control of state legislatures, embracing Donald Trump’s lie that the election was stolen. The reality is that conservative white republicans are engaged in attempts to recreate the conditions that existed by 1901 when all Black elected officials were removed from office at both the national and state level. This was the
result of the deal made with the South to have no national interference with State’s Rights. The result was there were no Blacks elected to Congress between 1901 (John Roy Lynch from Mississippi) and 1928 (Oscar De Priest from Chicago). Today in 2021, it is the Republican Party (GOP), under the out-of-office leadership of Donald Trump, that is using voter suppression laws in 47 states and the soon-to-be redistricting of congressional districts under the 2020 Census, as required by the U.S. Constitution every ten years, that will seek to usher in a modern day “Reconstruction”. This modern day reconstruction will once again have limited voting by people of color and election officials in state offices that can change voting results and select Electoral College delegates when they don’t like voter’s choices. With state courts and the U.S. Supreme Court stacked with judges appointed by a Republican Senate, clearly the stage has been set for court decisions that will further solidify the suppression of civil rights decisions at all levels. Unlike one hundred years ago, we know what’s coming and what we can do to stop such actions.
We know that from the increase in hate crimes and racism, much of it fueled by the actions of our former President, that racism on the part of conservative and right wing whites is fear of the “browning” of America. This “browning” exists in an America in which Whites are a minority among other ethnic groups such as Blacks, Latinos and Asians. Blacks, Whites and all people of color who believe in our democratic form of government for what it does mean under a Constitution that guarantees human and civil rights, must come together to help each other. We can do this by registering to vote, selecting and funding people to run for office against the Republican “Reconstruction” program described here. We must replicate the state of Georgia’s experience in both voter turnout and election of the right people at all levels of government. We must not lose sight of the real plan behind voter suppression and the Republican Party. Let’s call the Republican Party’s agenda for what it is, The New Reconstruction 2021, and let’s get busy dealing with it at all levels. Dr. John E. Warren is publisher of The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint.
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NBA’S new Social Justice Award honors extraordinary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
TO BE EQUAL By Marc Morial
“In addition to being one of our greatest players, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has devoted much of his life to advocating for equality and social justice. With this new award, we are proud to recognize and celebrate NBA players who are using their influence to make an impact on their communities and our broader society.” — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver
Three decades after retiring attended the camp in August, he from the NBA, Kareem Abdul-Jab- began his summer working out of bar remains the League’s all-time the 135th Street YMCA Annex and leading scorer and still holds the devouring the collections of the record for the most MVP awards, Schomburg Center for Research the most field goals, most All-Star In Black Culture on Lenox Aveselections, and the most minutes nue. On July 18, Harlem erupted in rioting in response to the played. In the years since, he has found shooting death of a Black teenager by an off-duty success in a vapolice officer. riety of pursuits: “We intercoach, cultural viewed people all ambassador, even over the Harlem reality televistreets and got sion contestant. exactly the angry, But his greatest ghetto-diale ct, achievements off eyewitness rethe court have ports that white been as a writer journalists and and civil rights acnewscasters have tivist. such a hard time Now, the NBA accepting at face has honored him value,” he wrote. by creating a new “Newspapers and award to recogTV broadcasts fonize the player cused on property who best emboddamage and poies his pursuit of lice injuries, not social justice and Harlem’s powerracial equality. lessness.” The first KaAs a student reem Abdul-Jabat UCLA, he was bar Social Jusamong a group of tice Champion prominent Black award will be anathletes inspired nounced during by Muhammad the playoffs. The Ali who supportwinner will reed a boycott of ceive $100,000 the 1968 Olympic to donate to an games to protest organization of Kareem Abdul Jabbar racial discriminahis choosing. Four Credit: Courtesy: Jabbar’s website tion. Though no foradditional finalists mal boycott was announced, he will receive $25,000. It is my honor to serve on the declined to participate and spent committee that will select the the summer teaching basketball winner. Throughout his impres- and mentoring children as part of sive career, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar New York City’s Operation Sports has been an uncompromising ex- Rescue. “I thought then and think now ample of leadership, excellence that the pride I instilled in those and integrity. Abdul-Jabbar – then known as hundreds of inner city black kids Lew Alcindor – emerged as a bas- by teaching and paying attention ketball phenomenon as a student to them was ultimately worth at Power Memorial Academy in more than whatever I could have New York City in the early 1960s contributed to the national moas the Civil Rights Movement was rale in the way of an Olympic gold reaching a crescendo. The 16th medal,” he wrote. In addition to several autobiogStreet Baptist Church bombing in 1963, when he was 16, awoke a raphies and mystery novels, Abdul-Jabbar has published books deep anger within him. “As I watched the ineffectual about the Harlem Renaissance, moral outrage of the black south- Black inventors, and forgotten ern preachers, the cold coverage Black heroes like the 761st Tank of the white media, and the pos- Battalion, belatedly awarded turings of the John F. Kennedy the Presidential Unit Citation in White House, my whole view of 1978 for extraordinary heroism the world fell into place,” he wrote in World War II, and Bass Reeves, in his 1983 autobiography, Giant first Black deputy U.S. marshal Steps. “My faith was exploded west of the Mississippi River. As racial justice protest swept like church rubble, my anger was the nation last year, he wrote in shrapnel.” A few months later during a the Los Angeles Times, “Racism game, he was devastated to hear in America is like dust in the air. his trusted coach use the n-word It seems invisible – even if you’re when berating his playing. Deter- choking on it – until you let the mined not to return to the coach’s sun in. Then you see it’s everybasketball camp in the summer of where. As long as we keep shin1964, he accepted a summer job ing that light, we have a chance of as a reporter in the Harlem Youth cleaning it wherever it lands.” Action Project’s journalism workshop. Marc Morial is president/CEO of Though he later relented and the National Urban League.
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GarlandJournal
THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021
5
When Church Hurt Happens
Faithful Utterances By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew No matter how different we believe that people are, I’ve learned that at the core of each of us is a desire to feel a sense of belonging. We all want to feel as if we matter, that we are valued and that we are heard. Belonging is a strong emotion and it’s something that at some point in our lives we’ve sought to fit in. “Belonging refers to an individual sense of acceptance… when belonging is intentionally fostered…feel [ing] accepted and connected with each other around a shared sense of purpose.”
We want to feel as if we are accepted at our jobs, in our homes and even with a peer group. As kids, we want to be liked and this doesn’t stop as adults. The desire to be noticed and recognized does not go away. Even if it is no longer by a group on the playground that we seek popularity from, there is something in our lives that we want to be a part of, to feel that people ‘get’ us and that we can be accepted for who we are. For many of us, the church has served that purpose. We have wanted to be a part of something that was bigger than ourselves with others that could empathize with us, who would stand with us and support us. Sometimes, the very place that was to offer a haven of support has caused a lot of pain creating wounds that have permeated to the core of who we are. What happens when the hurt we have is from others who are Christians, church folks who were supposed to be different? Church Hurt “refers to the pain sometimes inflicted by
religious institutions — a pain that distances sufferers from their communities and from God.” When I was in college, there was a pastor that I trusted. Instead of being someone I thought I could confide in at a time when I needed spiritual direction, I found myself running out of his office to get away from being attacked. I’ve seen loved ones dismissed at a time when they needed consoling by those in leadership positions whose role was to do just that. I know of countless stories of abuse, betrayal and trust broken in the church. Some of my friends who know my journey often ask how I was able to return to a place that caused me such pain. For several years, I left the church, but I never left my relationship with God. Over time, I was blessed to find a congregation that is not perfect but one that has demonstrated love and a commitment to creating a sense of belonging that I needed. It took time to work through the trauma of church hurt and as I mentioned in my last
article, it would have been easy to hide and sedate my pain, but I needed support to get through it. Counseling was critical to begin to heal the wounds that if not addressed, would have destroyed my relationships and would have created a wedge between God and myself. There is no excuse for bad behavior and for individuals who abuse their power. That is not the church that Christ created. That is a church built on the egos and insecurities of a human being. So many of us sit by and watch this happen Sunday after Sunday without ever saying a word or doing anything. Know that Jesus spoke up when He witnessed abuses of power. We, too, need to use our voices and power when we witness injustice even if in the church. It is important to also know the difference in God’s character and the character of humans. Anything that goes against God’s love and God’s nature is not of God. So how do you heal from church hurt? We must address
this trauma head-on as well. Matthew 18:14-17 commands us to not keep quiet but tell our truth and seek restoration even if we must bring others into the conversation. We can’t stop believing in God and give up hope: “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying.” (Romans 12:12 NLT) Church hurt is real and is painful. God sees your pain. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3) When we go through losses like this, we are grieving the loss of our identity and what is familiar. Allow yourself to grieve, commit to your healing and restoration through prayer and partnership with others that can walk with you. You can reclaim your joy, your peace, and your time. 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/
Why does the US support the murder of Palestinians?
The Last Word
By Dr. Julianne Malveaux As of this writing, more than 200 Palestinians and 10 Israelis have been killed in the conflict in Gaza. A few days before the conflict began, the Biden Administration approved a $735 million weapons sale to Israel. With this power waning, Israel’s scandal-plagued prime minister is likely to say that Israel needs weapons to defend itself against Hamas. But the imbalance in the casualties suggests that Israel is more likely to have been the aggressor than the victim. Israeli people will say that Hamas started the conflict, but the conflict has its roots in the
establishment of Israel in 1948 and the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands. There will be no peace in the Middle East until the land question is settled, with Palestinians getting justice and respect. But Israel has a lock on US foreign policy, and too many Jewish people say that criticism of Israel makes you anti-Semitic. There is no anti-Semitism in wanting justice for Palestinian people, but some, fearful of being called anti-Semitic, are silent in the face of injustice. Of course, there should be a cease-fire, and of course, the United Nations, President Biden, and our State Department should call for a cease-fire. That’s just a short-term solution, though. There has been conflict in the Middle East since Israel was established, and there will likely be conflict until Palestinians feel they have justice. There seems no interest in justice for Palestinians, no interest, even in peaceful co-existence. The discrimination against
Palestinian people in Israel is extreme, and even though Israeli Arabs are a significant portion of Israel’s medical workers, saving Israeli lives, they still face discrimination. According to the New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, “Israeli Arab medical workers were essential for enabling Israel’s Jewish citizens to survive the coronavirus. According to official figures, 17 percent of Israel’s physicians, 24 percent of its nurses, and 47 percent of its pharmacists are Arabs.” But they can’t get justice. Of course, the previous President didn’t help matters at all, sending his rookie son-in-law to “negotiate” peace and unilaterally deciding the disposition of Jerusalem. The two-state solution, which many embrace, has also been rejected. The previous and his administration were so blatantly pro-Israel that they were adding fuel to any burning fire in the Middle East. The arms sale to Israel is the
least of the matter. Israel gets more foreign aid than almost any other country in the world. What could be done with that money to address domestic ills? And are human rights violations in the Middle East egregious enough that President Biden might be tempted to get us involved in some military action? Will we be trading our presence in Afghanistan for that in the Middle East? And what do voters think about this? The good news is that while the political establishment, including President Biden, has tended to embrace Israel, younger Democrats are questioning how our country is so indifferent to Palestinian rights. On May 13, for example, Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, a member of “The Squad,” said, “We can’t stand idly by when the United States government sends $3.8 billion of military aid to Israel that is used to demolish Palestinian homes, imprison Palestinian children and displace Pales-
tinian families.” Too bad more members of Congress don’t share her views. Instead, while Congress can object to the proposed weapons sale, they won’t. They’d rather sit idly by and implicitly approve the killing of Palestinian people and Israel’s gradual annexation of Palestinian lands. The United States was founded by the annexation of Native American lands and built with the exploitation of enslaved people’s labor. No wonder we have not objected forcefully to what is happening in the Middle East. In some ways, Israel has taken a page from the US playbook in exploiting Palestinians. No wonder so many are silent in the face of these most recent indignities. There will be no peace in the Middle East until there is justice for Palestinians. 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.
Paul Mooney...Explained!
Quit Playin’ By Vincent L. Hall
No matter how different we believe that people are, I’ve learned that at the core of each of us is a desire to feel a sense of belonging. We all want to feel as if we matter, that we are valued and that we are heard. Belonging is a strong emotion and it’s something that at some point in our lives we’ve sought to fit in. “Belonging refers to an individual sense of acceptance… when belonging is intentionally fostered…feel [ing] accepted and connected with each other around a shared sense of purpose.” We want to feel as if we are accepted at our jobs, in our homes and even with a peer group. As kids, we want to be liked and this doesn’t stop as adults. The desire to be noticed and recognized does not go away. Even if it is no longer by a group on the playground that we seek popularity from, there
is something in our lives that we want to be a part of, to feel that people ‘get’ us and that we can be accepted for who we are. For many of us, the church has served that purpose. We have wanted to be a part of something that was bigger than ourselves with others that could empathize with us, who would stand with us and support us. Sometimes, the very place that was to offer a haven of support has caused a lot of pain creating wounds that have permeated to the core of who we are. What happens when the hurt we have is from others who are Christians, church folks who were supposed to be different? Church Hurt “refers to the pain sometimes inflicted by religious institutions — a pain that distances sufferers from their communities and from God.” When I was in college, there was a pastor that I trusted. Instead of being someone I thought I could confide in at a time when I needed spiritual direction, I found myself running out of his office to get away from being attacked. I’ve seen loved ones dismissed at a time when they needed consoling by those in leadership positions whose role was to do just that. I know of countless stories of abuse, betrayal and trust broken in the church. Some of my friends who know
Paul Mooney
my journey often ask how I was able to return to a place that caused me such pain. For several years, I left the church, but I never left my relationship with God. Over time, I was blessed to find a congregation that is not perfect but one that has demonstrated love and a commitment to creating a sense of belonging that I needed. It took time to work through the trauma of church hurt and as I mentioned in my last article, it would have been easy to hide and sedate my pain, but I needed support to get through it. Counseling was critical to begin to heal the wounds that if not addressed, would have destroyed my relationships and would have created a wedge between God and myself. There is no excuse for bad behavior and for individuals who abuse their power.
That is not the church that Christ created. That is a church built on the egos and insecurities of a human being. So many of us sit by and watch this happen Sunday after Sunday without ever saying a word or doing anything. Know that Jesus spoke up when He witnessed abuses of power. We, too, need to use our voices and power when we witness injustice even if in the church. It is important to also know the difference in God’s character and the character of humans. Anything that goes against God’s love and God’s nature is not of God. So how do you heal from church hurt? We must address this trauma head-on as well. Matthew 18:14-17 commands us to not keep quiet but tell our truth and seek restoration even
if we must bring others into the conversation. We can’t stop believing in God and give up hope: “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying.” (Romans 12:12 NLT) Church hurt is real and is painful. God sees your pain. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3) When we go through losses like this, we are grieving the loss of our identity and what is familiar. Allow yourself to grieve, commit to your healing and restoration through prayer and partnership with others that can walk with you. You can reclaim your joy, your peace, and your time. Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.
6
GarlandJournal
THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021
Big Mama Said: “Don’t let crazy rule you! Break the rains! Breathe and let go!” me that everything she told would get me through every rough patch, every trial and every tribulation. She also told me that as I grew I would find God’s promise in her lessons. One day, during my transition from student to graduating senior, she called me to tell me, “You must always be happy about what you have because people will have crazy ideas about what you should be based on your success.” Then she shared Philippians 4:11-13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Immediately after reading scripture, Big Mama said, “Do not let unhealed humans make you stray from your purpose. “
Sometimes I think I channel the wisdom of my grandmother, Lucille “Big Mama” Allen so deeply that she is most likely smiling in heaven saying to God, “he waited until I was long gone before he learned anything!” This particular wisdom, “Don’t let Crazy rule you,” rang true for my sisters before I even could grasp the lesson. It wasn’t until I was in my senior year at Southern Methodist University that I can say that I learned to breath, pray and then let go of all those emotions that had absolutely no positive effects on my life. She declared a promise to
Black Wall Street from page 1
Hill Harper
Hannibal Johnson
They had to create their own economical island within the Greenwood District, which was a 35 square block area, “said Mr. Johnson, whose has written four books specifically about the Greenwood District. According to Mr. Johnson the purpose of the book is designed to help people understand how the Tulsa of 2021 is different from the Tulsa of 1921. The progress that has been made and the progress yet to be made. Booker T. Washington is credited for labeling the Greenwood District as the Negro Wall Street of America. This area in Tulsa has become prominent because many African Americans, moved to Oklahoma in hopes of gaining a shot at quick economic gains through the mining and oil
industries. Over time that term was changed to a more modern more acceptable term Black Wall Street. “I consider the term Black Wall Street a misnomer. The Greenwood District is not a wall street in terms of banking or investment mecca. It was more of a Black main street. There were mostly small businesses located there,” said Mr. Johnson. There were damages of over $2 million in claims filed by the 60 businesses and over 1200 home owners who received mass destruction in the Tulsa Massacre. With the current rate of inflation that would be equivalent to about $30 million dollars today. However, experts say the true amount of the value for the destruction is unknown. “Outside of honoring the
victims and descendants, and acknowledging one of the worst racially motivated events on American soil, one of the truly significant reasons why I have been a part of the Commission is the story of Black Wall Street, of entrepreneurship, and the circulation of wealth,” said Clarence Boyd, Steering Committee Member, 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission. “As a people, that is where our true power lies, and if we can tap into that mindset, the possibilities are truly endless. And Tulsa can be the center of that ecosystem.” Although the angry white mob of 1921 might have tried to erase the success Black Wall Street, author and historian Johnson feels that it had the opposite effect.
Terry Allen is an award-winning multi-media journalist and owner of 1016 media
Massacre survivors Hughes Van Ellis and Viola Frazier
“It is important to understand the whole story. The massacre is a chapter in a much larger narrative. The story is not the massacre. The story is the story of the indomitable human spirit. It is a story of some remarkable individuals who created and nurtured a community and resurrected a community after this event happened to them,” added Mr. Johnson. “That is the larger story. This courageous spirit still resides within the community today. One of the things that I have focused
on in my work with the 1921 Tulsa Centennial Commission is of course telling the story and acknowledging our history but also cultivating the Black Wall Street mindset and that is the cando spirit.” Johnson, a graduate of Harvard Law School has also served as an adjunct professor at The University of Tulsa College of Law. He has worked with numerous non-profits and organization in the Tulsa area. His book can be purchased on Amazon.
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By Terry Allen
bad but strongly held beliefs. She knew that if we let go of belief systems that were of no good, we could say goodbye to the bad and embrace a Greater Good. Right now, the tide is turning on COVID-19. The numbers are going down. Yet, we still have those who do not believe in vaccinations, masks and social distancing, There are those who believe the election was stolen still! There are also those that believe there is no virus and vaccines do more harm than good. I just want to tell them: “DON’T LET CRAZY RULE YOU! BREATHE AND LET GO!” Say goodbye to 2020 finally! Let me know if you are ready to let go of “Crazy” at terryallenpr@gmail.com
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She explained that I had to find the strength to find contentment during trouble times because it is easy during good times. She directly stated, “Don’t beg God for stuff when you are troubled if you are not praising God for the good things.” I learned through her wisdom to understand while on my journey it will be paved with promising people. People, who promise, yet lack the wherewithal to be inclusive. They intentionally want to dampen your light because they cannot let go of the darkness they are working with. Individuals without God’s promise are on a journey of disinformation and ill will. Big Mama said they live in a “crazy” that has become normal for them. Big Mama definitely wanted everyone in her family to break the chain and let go of
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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. We’re talking about a community. Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmother or
maybe YOU?
Crimestoppers 877-373-8477
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Conflicted At The Movies By Hollywood Hernandez CONFLICTED is a story about a Buffalo gangster who’s released from prison and finds himself drawn back into his old life of guns and drugs. Hunter, played by Deuce King, tries to go straight. He gets a straight 9-5 job and meets a beautiful real estate agent, April (Nekaya Griffith) and things seem to be on the right track. Gradually Hunter goes back to
By Valder Beebe I invited style expert, and author Lillian Vazquez into the Valder Beebe Show studios. Lillian is a trailblazing interviewer, style expert and author. The enterprising star has curated a career that began from a small blog, to being seen by millions daily on numerous nationwide platforms and morning talk shows. Lillian has always been passionate about giving back and actively advocates on issues such as education, health, immigration and economic empowerment. She also embraces
his old ways of hanging out with criminals in the hood and getting reacquainted with contacts from his hustling days. Things get worse when his cousin is killed dealing drugs and he puts his new life on hold to seek revenge. There are several side plots involving other gang members and girlfriends and their connection with the drug dealing world. The movie is hardcore but if you know about life on the streets CONFLICTED rings true with movie fans of this genre of movie.
It’s not BOYZ IN THE HOOD but it is a pretty good hardcore ganster film. CONFLICTED is rated R for violence, language and rape and it has a run time of 2 hours and 10 minutes. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate this movie a MEDIUM.
and welcomes her responsibility as a role model for others in the Latinx community who aspire to work in television. Lillian also embraces and welcomes her responsibility as a role model for others in the Latinx community who aspire to work in television. Lillian Vazquez text provided with her publicists in conjunction with the Valder Beebe Show VBS: I am excited to talk with you as you have new and creative ideas. Let’s talk Nintendo. LV: Thank you for inviting me. Whether mom is looking for some “me” time playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons with friends, staying active with Ring Fit Adventure or enjoying family game nights with classic games with Nintendo Switch
Online*, Nintendo has something for everyone. VBS: I’m amazed, as Nintendo has announced new Nintendo makeup and fashion collaborations. LV: Yes Nintendo announced their collaborations with ColourPop and Danielle Nicole. These make great gifts for Mom’s everywhere. VBS: Mom’s love games also, anything specific for mom and the family. You know so she does not feel left-out? LV: The best games for mom this year, we have a full list starting with a classic………. Lillian Vazquez complete interview…… YouTube. com/valderbeebeshow; more interviews: SoundCloud.com/valderbeebeshow: Broadcasting to a national & global audience: ValdeBeebeShow.com; KKVI FM Radio, KRER FM, 411RadioNetwork, Streaming TV, Social Media, Print Publications I MESSENGER, Texas Metro News and Garland Journal News.
Garland NAACP set to present 9 scholarships to GISD seniors
Elsabet Samuel
Matthew McClean
Gelila Negesse
Lakeview High School NAACP Campus Scholar
Naaman Forest High School NAACP Campus Scholar
North Garland High School NAACP Campus Scholar
Jennifer Aniede
Laderria Henderson
Israel Haile
Rowlett High School NAACP Campus Scholar
South Garland High School NAACP Campus Scholar
Sachse High School NAACP Campus Scholar
cont. from p. 1 the Garland Independent School District. Out of the seven campuses, the African American senior holding the highest grade point average overall receives their recognition in the name of Miss Goldie Locke, the Garland NAACP’s founding president. In addition to the seven academic scholarships, the Garland NAACP awards its top scholarship in the name of the late Mrs. Elaine Bradley. This recipient is required to be a member of the Garland NAACP Youth Council and a senior providing service in the community throughout their teen years of
Triston Littlejohn John W. Washington Scholarship NAACP J.W.W. Scholar
membership with the NAACP. Mrs. Bradley was passionate about youth learning the importance of volunteering their time. Her spouse, Wel-
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That Celebrity Interview: Lillian Vasquez That Celebrity Interview
THURSDAY JUNE 3, 2021
don Bradley, continues to fund this unique scholarship annually in her name. The ninth scholarship is in honor of the first African American to hold the position of Assistant Superintendent of the Garland ISD, John W. Washington. This recipient qualifies by choosing to continue their formal education at a local community college. In collaboration with the Garland ISD, the NAACP Garland Unit will present its 2021 scholarships at the Senior Awards Program on each of the District’s seven high school campuses. The Garland ISD Senior Awards Programs are scheduled for June 3 through June 7, 2021.
Election Day is June 5, 2021
The Brady Bunch was a family so no surprise here, but at work, you need diversity. Credit: Promo
engagement/support; and, the retaining, hiring and promoting of Blacks. News execs looked around their newsrooms and they had to listen to the commissioner because he was being elected by close to 70 percent of the electorate. In 1992, when the blockbuster film, Malcolm X, was released, Mr. Lee in asking for Black journalists to interview him, said he “has never said he only wants Black journalists to interview him. What I’m doing is using whatever clout I have to get qualified African-Americans assignments. The real crime is white publications don’t have Black writers, that’s the crime.” What was admirable was commentary from white journalists, like then-editor of Premiere Magazine Susan Lyne, who admitted there was a problem. Sadly, almost 30 years later, we are still dealing with this issue. Can you say Kerner Commission? So now folks are dogging Mayor Lightfoot out because she said what others overlook, disregard or are just too darned stupid to face. If there’s another reason, please tell me because for the life of me I can’t understand why more people don’t realize the issue is just, the cause righteous, and, they should be speaking out. Believe me those arrogant/ unenlightened folks have no problem questioning the relevance or need for organizations like the NAACP, National Black Police Association (NBPA) and the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ); or HBCUs, Black businesses and the Black Church. Which brings me to my truth. Look around the room, wherever you are. Survey the landscape. Even further, go back and read, I mean really read about the history of this country. My prayer is that you will experience a revolution of the mind. Saying Mr. Lee’s declaration was not a publicity stunt, Sidmel Estes-Sumpter, president of the NABJ said, “NABJ has been fighting for opportunities for Black journalists for the past 17 years. Spike Lee is not a `Johnny-come-lately’ to this cause. The request is not new. It’s new now because Spike Lee has visibility and power.” Many of the journalists who were working in Dallas newsrooms, during Mr. Price’s declaration, have since moved on, but back then, and in private conversations they were cheering and singing his praises. NABJ actually presented him with the Community Service Award. Unfortunately folks are majoring in the minors with the recent declaration by Mayor Lightfoot. What they should be addressing is disparity. Newsroom execs are on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) bandwagon; but here’s an opportunity to practice what they are preaching. Instead, some are acting like petulant children, talking about reverse racism. Really? So that means you’re finally acknowledging racist practices of the past? Get a grip!
I applaud Mayor Lightfoot and praise her efforts. Last week NABJ released a statement calling the mayor’s comments a “bold move” that serves to “underscore her desire to draw attention to the racial disparities in local newsrooms and political coverage.” The statement pointed to the diverse population of Chicago and the lack of fair representa-
Director, Producer, Writer, Professor Spike Lee Credit: 40acres.com
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Credit: chicago.gov
Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price Credit: johnwileyprice.com
tion of communities of color in its local press corps. If we’re going to move forward with any attempts to be on the right side of history, you absolutely have to acknowledge and correct; not continue the madness. I like what the mayor’s deputy communications director, Ryan Johnson, tweeted: “Chicago’s Mayor picked one day out of 365 to exclusively provide one-on-one interviews with journalists of color ahead of her two-year anniversary. That shouldn’t be controversial. The lack of diversity in the media is.” And as usual with any situation you are going to find those you’re trying to help being the most vocal with their outrage. A more diverse newsroom is good for everyone. So while there are those protesting; you will be a beneficiary. If you just understood maybe you would stop trying to gain favor by attacking your advocates. Sometimes silence can be golden. At least your descendants won’t be reading about you in the future and seeing how totally you were on the wrong side of history with the likes of Carolyn Bryant, Alabama Governor George Wallace, and J. Edgar Hoover. If you didn’t have a problem with anything being all white, instead I am saying dig deep and you might learn something about yourself. Next time you’re in a ZOOM meeting, look at the screen. Enough said! This is a time of growth and there will be growing pains for many. Resistance will only make the process more painful.
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SUPERB WOMEN continued from page 1
Jennifer Nicole Martin Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska. What?! Jennifer Nicole Martin, a graduate of Paul Quinn College where she was a communications major, member of the Quinn Quill Newspaper Staff and National Association of Black Journalists and she was also initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, through the “Exquisite” Theta Theta Chapter. A loving and giving person with a cool sense of humor, Jennifer loves to travel and her passport is proof positive of her extensive exploits, in spite of the pandemic! A skilled professional and consummate professional, Jennifer is an excellent presenter because she is prepared, educated, talented and conscientious. When she’s not traveling she’s a communications exec with stints in corporate America, at UTSW and also working for non-profits. Jennifer loves life and lives it to the fullest. She also finds time to support others, as a volunteer. Whether it’s taking on an assignment to help fund scholarships, supporting HBCUs, or mentoring young teen girls; you can count on Jennifer for support. And you’re extra lucky if get to utilize her communications skills because she is all around, one of the best! Google “self-actualized” and you should find her picture! Jennifer doesn’t sweat the small stuff. She is going to enjoy this ride! Judge Tammy Kemp Tammy Kemp is the presiding Judge of the 204th Judicial District Court. Judge Kemp is a native of Wewoka, OK and earned a BBA in Finance and a Juris Doctorate from OU. She worked as an Assistant Attorney General and an Assistant Secretary of State for the State of Oklahoma, before relocating to the Dallas area. Conscientious, compassionate, and possessing the highest ethical standards, Judge Kemp is a member of the State Bars of Texas and Oklahoma. She has been a member of Concord Church for almost 30 years; where she serves as a Deaconess and she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Already known for her judicial temperament and legal prowess; shegained national attention as the presiding judge over the Amber Guyger murder trial where the former Dallas Police officer “mistakenly” entered the home of businessman Botham Jean and shot him as he watched television. The jury found Guyger guilty of murder and sentenced her to 10 years. Judge Kemp is widely respected for her knowledge of the law and her integrity. She is fair and that’s what you want; whether you are innocent or guilty. You have to respect that! And you don’t want to mess with her! Bonnie Goodson Johnson Bonnie Goodson Johnson is so much more than an astute businesswoman and loyal friend to those who are so fortunate to call her their friend. Many may remember her for the beautiful restaurant that she owned in DeSoto, Mama Joe’s. Talk about great customer service, food, decor — Mama Joe’s was absolutely wonderful and you’re hard pressed to find anyone in the Metroplex who could make better macaroni and cheese or sweet potatoes! Mama Joe’s was her baby and she eventually moved to Red Bird Mall where more came to know and love the restaurant. People love Bonnie also because she is caring, always professional, supportive and just a joy to be around. Her business acumen is well documented and she has been around the table when some pretty hefty deals were made. A philanthropist, wife, mother and lover of animals, especially cats, Bonnie is the CEO & Founder at 1 Revised Plan. Hailing from Pittsburg, TX she studied at El Centro College. Real estate and helping aspiring entrepreneurs are just two of her passions. Bonnie believes in “Learning to see with your heart” and “looking beyond a person’s title and getting to know the person and his or her heart.” Bonnie has a beautiful heart, a brilliant mind -- more than enough to make her superb! Debra Brown Sturns Debra “Trish” Brown Sturns retired as an educator, after 32 years of service but she has definitely not retired from life. An active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Debra is a consummate and dedicated volunteer who gives her all. She is a philanthropist and patron of the arts who honors her commitments. She cares about the community and making all communities better. She has been a dancer or associated with dancing for most of her life. At Broad Street High School in Mississippi, she was a majorette and head majorette for her last two years. She was also a member of the Varsity Basketball Team at BSHS. She went on to Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU). While working at Johnson Products in Chicago during the summers, she was a member of the Original Soul Train Dancers at MVSU, she won several Dance Competitions, was on the Campus Modeling Team and worked in the Public Relations Office for four years. After she moved to Dallas she danced with an African Dance Group for several years and she was the Drill Team Director for a DISD High School (Seagoville High), and she was the dance coordinator for Shelly Garrett’s Easter Pageant and the Miss Black Texas Teen Pageant. She was also the Local Entertainment Coordinator for Dallas KwanzaaFest from 1999 to 2009. Additionally she has volunteered for The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Mothers Against Teen Violence, MASS, and for more than 20 years, until COVID-19 changed our lives, she was the operations manager for the Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon. A long-time member of Concord Church, this past Teacher of the Year is the person you want on your team because of her skills, attention to detail and loyalty. But you’ll also tap into her leadership skills because she knows how to get the job done -- with a smile and a wonderful spirit! Tune in to Debra’s show on Saturdays at noon on BlogTalk Radio and Facebook Live, as she delves into the issues impacting society, providing in depth analysis and solutions, along with engaging and informative guests.
You can call in to (646) 200-0459 or log on to the Texas Metro News Facebook Page. Bishop Vashti McKenzie When Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie served as the 117th elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, her historic election in the year 2000 represented the first time in the over 200-year history of the AME Church, a woman had obtained the level of Episcopal office. Bishop McKenzie was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the inaugural President’s Advisory Council of the White House Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. She also participated in the Virtual Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service with President Joe Biden. In addition to attending Morgan State University, she is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, has a Master of Divinity Degree from Howard University School of Religion (M.Div.) and earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree (DMin.) from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. She is also the founder and chair of 10th Future Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit that gives scholarships to students and grants for local church and community service projects. The National Chaplain for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Bishop is a wife, mother, grandmother, best-selling author, and the board chair of Paul Quinn College. There’s so much that can be said about this special lady. She is the epitome of womanhood. Lajuana Barton Here she comes: High heels, long fingernails, a big smile! LaJuana Barton is the Chief of Staff! A long time public servant; this author, mentor, community servant, advocate and all-around wonderful person is Dallas’ finest. Also the president and CEO at L.D. Barton PR, she’s a fixer! A proud graduate of Franklin D. Roosevelt High School, she majored in journalism/ public relations at UT and she also attended Amber University (now Amberton). LaJuana has so many of all ages who call her “Ma Barton” because she has been such a source of support and inspiration for so many. For almost 30 years, she has been the administrator of the Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program; where annually more than 100 students secure internships and participate in programming that helps them to become better servant leaders. She is well-respected because she is genuinely interested in the well-being of others and while she is a strong leader, she’s an even stronger and better team player. She gets the job done. There’s probably a hidden reason why some call her “Sunny.” We will just chalk it up to her disposition and love for mankind. Pick up her book, Faithful Remembrances, written with her mother, Patricia Barton. The book will help you deal with grief and having LaJuana in your life with make that experience more fulfilling. LaJuana is sunshine on a cloudy day! Dr. Renee Fowler Dr. Renee Denise Fowler attended the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville, where she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc - Kappa Iota Chapter; a legacy she shares with her mother, two sisters, daughter and great niece. Dr. Renee has a Master of Biblical Studies (IFTGW – Minnesota Theological Seminary) and a Doctorate in Religious Philosophy (Tabernacle Bible College and Seminary). She is also a graduate of Dale Carnegie and many other certification programs. She’s a strategic Christian thought leader, speaker, trainer, coach and senior pastor of Destiny Pointe Christian Center. Dr. Renee also has a background in finance, having had a successful career in corporate America. Her extensive volunteer service includes serving on the boards of JB Dondolo, Inc., Opening Doors for Women in Need, Arlington Clergy and Police Partnership (ACAPP), and Destiny Empowerment Enterprises, Inc. For more than 30 years she has been a pastor. A best selling author, Dr. Renee is known for inspiring and uplifting women. She is the founder of The Life Empowerment Training and Development Institute, CEO of InSight Consulting and Founder of Rachel’s House (transitional living for women and families in crisis), Women of Influence, Inc. and Destiny Empowerment Enterprises, Inc. Dr. Renee’s life is a true testimony. She speaks to the inner woman in us all and is a beacon of hope, redemption, and triumph. Coffey Caesar Coffey Caesar is the principal broker for The Coffey Caesar Real Estate Firm. Coffey has had a distinguished career in fashion, finance and real estate marketing. Coffey graduated from University of Houston with a BA in Fashion Merchandising and Design. While at UH, she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, and then she was off to live in Paris, France where she explored the world of fashion and the arts. Coffey traveled and performed extensively throughout Europe and Africa, visiting and living in France, Milan and Rome, Italy, Spain, Luxembourg, Ivory Coast, Nairobi, Kenya, Germany, and Switzerland; as a professional dancer and singer. Coffey spent over 20 years as a fashion model, modeling everything from clothing to doing print work on a variety of product and services. She actually should have had her legs and hands insured for millions because yes, they appeared in campaigns. Coffey leads a very Christ-centered life and she is always pleasant and supportive. A wife and mother; Coffey was recently widowed. She’s also a speaker and trainer. The South Oak Cliff graduate also attended the ASL School of Ministry and El Centro College. Coffey is classy, smart and absolutely beautiful! Sylvia Trent-Adams Former Deputy Surgeon General and Rear Admiral Dr. Sylvia Trent-Adams is Chief Strategy Officer for the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. She served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health (PDASH) from January 2019 through August 2020. A wife and mother, prior to joining the Public Health Service, Rear Admiral
Trent-Adams was a nurse officer in the U.S. Army, with a clinical practice in trauma, oncology, community health, and infectious disease. The Hampton University alum began her extensive public health career in 1992 by joining the Commissioned Corps before ultimately retiring in 2020 from the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps with the rank of Rear Admiral Upper Half. She also received a master’s degree in nursing and health policy, and a doctorate from University of Maryland. A current board member of AMN Healthcare, she has received the Meritorious Service Medal for leadership for her work on the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, and the International Red Cross Florence Nightingale Medal, the highest international honor given to a nurse. She’s also an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Superb Woman, thanks for your service! Gloria Reed Austin Gloria Reed Austin hails from Brownwood, TX. She attended Brownwood High School, where she joined the band, drill team and the civic club. She loved reading and attending church activities. Gloria attended classes at Howard Payne College in Brownwood and El Centro College in Dallas before earning her real estate license at the George Leonard Real Estate Institute. The wife and mother is a co-founder of the National Cowboys of Color Museum in Fort Worth, TX. A mentor, civic leader and philanthropist, this member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is committed to spreading and sharing information about the history of the West that is inclusive of people of color. Concerned that African American youth, especially, needed to know about their history, that wasn’t being taught in school; she has dedicated her time, energy and resources to filing the void. In addition to the Museum, the Renaissance Cultural Center has her rubber stamp on it as she has been there since its inception, offering educational and cultural programs, scholarships, and other services to support the young, the old, and the poor within Fort Worth’s inner city. Gloria is committed and leads with love, sincerity and compassion, which is also exhibited through her work as a co-founder of the National Multicultural Western Heritage Foundation. Dorothy Burton Dorothy Burton is a speaker, podcaster, prolific author, inspirational lecturer, influencer, leadership trainer and facilitator of personal development, management and executive team empowerment. She made history when this wife and mother became the first African American elected to the Duncanville City Council; going on to serve four terms, including as Mayor Pro Tem. Dorothy received her Bachelors degree in Communication (Journalism) and a Masters Degree in Urban Affairs from UTA and a Masters Degree Christian Leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary. She is a charter graduate of Dallas Blueprint for Leadership and former Chair of the Dallas Central Appraisal District Board of Directors representing Dallas County. In 2006, she was recognized as an Outstanding African American Alum of UTA and Dorothy is also a proud graduate of Leadership Texas and Leadership Southwest. A Graduate Teacher Diploma from the Evangelical Training Association, she is a member of Christian Women in Media Association (CWIMA) President’s Club. In 2013 she was one of the co-founders of Christians in Public Service, Inc. and today serves as the CEO. Dorothy is bold and faithful. She has a mind of her own and this member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc is loyal and committed. Marnese Barksdale Marnese Barksdale Elder is described as results-driven, kind, smart, compassionate, focused, loving, creative, dynamic, well, you get the picture. A senior VP at Parkland Health and Hospital System, she is about to retire but those who know her don’t think she’s slowing down one bit. She has also served as president of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce and as owner and CEO of Mecca Management. Her portfolio is impressive, to say the least. She has held several management positions since she received a a Bachelor of Arts degree in Healthcare Administration from Fisk University in Nashville and an MBA from Texas Woman’s University. She was initiated into the Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1981. A graduate of Paschal High School, she’s a member of the Dallas Regional Chamber’s Leadership Dallas Class of 2018, the Dallas County Small Business Enterprise Advisory Committee, the North Texas Commission Board of Directors and Visit Dallas Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Additionally she is a past president of Links, Inc.-Mid-Cities (TX) Chapter and a national chair of the organization, as well as a member of The Tarrant County Pearls Chapter, The Society Incorporated. Call her and say Happy Birthday! Belinda Ramsey Belinda Ramsey Cavett was crowned Ms. Texas United America 2010-11; and Ms. Texas Leading Women of America 2012-13. A world traveller, she’s the president and founder of Mothers Opposing Bullying (MOB). Belinda is an activist, philanthropist and supporter of worthy causes. She concentrates her time, resources and efforts on underserved and helpless children. She also has a fondness for playing games, good food and better friends, A wife and mother, Belinda is that sister everyone wants to have because she is supportive, compassionate, smart, sincere, honest and loving. She loves life and enjoys it to the fullest. You can’t bring negativity or bad vibes around her because the good in her will overpower it all. She loves children, thus her affiliation with The Colony Childcare. Belinda was also recognized on Drew Pearson Live as “Our Hail Mary Hero” of the week. She hosts a 5K, 10K, Fun Run and World Unity Festival & Concert in The Colony, TX
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to celebrate culture while discussing bullying education and awareness to save lives. Whether she is on the beach, working, gracing a red carpet, speaking to a standing only crowd or entertaining at home, Belinda is exceptional. She’s also an excellent bowler, and she has the trophy to prove it as she walked away with first place honors at the Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon. To know her is to love her! Dr. Linda Amerson Dr. Linda Amerson is an expert in hair loss and scalp conditions using holistic guidelines. She’s an educator, columnist, radio host, television personality, international lecturer, singer/songwriter, a doctor of Trichology and manufacturer of Dr. Amerson’s ™ Hair, Scalp and Skin Therapeutic Essentials, LLC. Hailing from Corpous Christi, Dr. Amerson is a magna cum laude graduate from the Accredited International Institute of Trichology in Madison, Alabama. Often featured on various syndicated television programs and radio broadcasts educating the public on hair loss and the importance proper nutrition plays in maintaining a healthy scalp, Dr. Amerson has an international presence and was featured on Colorful Radio London, England, with Elayne Smith’s weekly segment “Movers and Shakers,” and three syndicated radio shows. She’s in high demand because she is knowledgeable and focused on solutions and providing the best service and care for her patients. Dr. Amerson is in the community, every community as a source of support and inspiration. She is the CEO of LA’s Hair & Scalp Clinic where she offers “a microscopic hair and scalp analysis to give an accurate assessment of Alopecia and Scalp Conditions then recommend treatment.” Dr. Amerson has a smile that you can see, even when she’s wearing a mask! A giving heart and concern for mankind, she sheds light on so many issues and she also sponsors an essay contest, providing scholarships for students. Sonya Bridges Sonya Bridges is the Strategic Executive in Informational Technology Services at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), actually she is the Assistant Vice President of Information Technology Services! Sonya is responsible for the strategy, development and implementation of applications, Business Intelligence, Data Management and Systems Integration. It is under her leadership that DFW Airport implemented the Official DFW Airport Mobile App. 2018 DFW Airport Leader of Diversity and Inclusion Award Recipient, she earned a BS in computer science from Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA and MBA from Texas Woman’s University. Sonya also holds technical certifications in executive management and telecommunications from SMU. Prior to joining DFW Airport, Sonya worked at TXU Energy, Hewlett Packard, J.C. Penney, Texas Instruments and Lockheed-Martin, in various progressive positions. She’s a “learner.” She says, “If you are willing to learn, then you are part of the conversation!” That’s right! She’s the total package — highly regarded and respected in and outside of the technology world. Check her out on Youtube, spreading wisdom. She’s engaging, knowledgeable, meticulous and she has the RIGHT attitude. She’s a visionary leader. She is absolutely superb. Nekima L. Horton Nekima L. Horton is president and CEO of The Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas. Hailing from Yakima, Washington, she received her Masters of Social Work from Grambling State University and Bachelors degree in sociology from Louisiana Tech. When UTA hired her in 2009, it was to make the campus tobacco free. If anyone could do it, she had the experience and proven track record. After all, for more than five years, she was the regional coordinator for the LA Campaign for Tobacco Free Living. As director of the Operation Healthy Reunions Program at Mental Health America, she focused on the mental health state of returning veterans and subsequently built the Coalition, with a vision of mobilizing “all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned. Noted for being a team builder, strategic planner and public speaker, she is member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and she is also a licensed agent at Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company. Bernice J. Washington This woman needs no introduction, but any time that she is introduced, you want to pay attention because it is always a splendid presentation! Bernice J. Washington is president and CEO of BJW Consulting Group, L.L.C. Internationally known, respected and loved, she is an astute business woman with impeccable communication skills. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and honors graduate of Southern University with a BS degree in Bacteriology/ Microbiology, she earned a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. A Certified Master Coach and member of the International Coaching Council, this dynamic woman has been a long time member of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church, Links Inc., and she has served on more than 20 boards; holding major leadership role, including Texas Healthcare Trustees, D/FW Airport and the Salvation Army. She specializes in management, leadership, and personal development. and is a faculty member at The Governance Institute - serving not-forprofit hospital and health system boards of directors, executives, and physician leadership. A motivational speaker, this wife and mother is also an author. She puts a smile on your face and brings joy into your heart. Pat Parrish Pat Parrish is the managing director and founder of Parrish Business Services, LLC. An adjunct professor at Dallas College, she holds master’s degrees in business administration and management form the University f Phoenix.A wife for almost 50 years, and a mother and grandmother, Pat is deeply entrenched in the business
world and throughout the community. She is recognized as a performance-driven management professional with strong business acumen and 20+ years of extensive experience in diversity, equity and inclusion, supplier diversity, talent management, public administration, and management consulting. She helps CEOs and Senior Leadership accelerate their business and personal growth results with customized strategies for continuous process improvement. She has demonstrated success while improving Dallas’ diversity rankings from nonexistent to #1 in the U.S. by turning around the City of Dallas Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/ WBE) Program and established relationships with key stakeholders. She is a servant leader; strong in business and community service having served on numerous boards and committees including Park South YMCA, Teens Reaching Teens Inc. and South Dallas/Fair Park Trust Fund Board. Behind that beautiful smile, is intelligence, love, commitment, sincerity and so much more. Margaret H. Jordan Where do we start when someone is so dynamic? Let’s start with Margaret H. Jordan being the first African American graduate of Georgetown University’s nursing program! She went on to receive her Master’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley. And she’s gone on to have other firsts! When she moved to Dallas to turn around a struggling health-care company, she became the first African American to head a major corporation in the area. A former director of several public companies, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and the Mentor Corporation and the Eckerd Corporation, she is also a former director of the American Public Health Association and the American Hospital Association. Margaret has served on numerous community and professional organizations including the Dallas Museum of Art, International Women’s Forum of Dallas, James Madison’s Montpelier Foundation and the AT&T Performing Arts. Margaret is a very special woman who is greatly loved and appreciated, not just because she is kind and sweet, either. She is smart, considerate and a joy to be around. Alisa Allen More today than ever it seems we need Alisa Allen. The founder of Your Presence is Important Etiquette School, she is the National President of the The National Association of Urban Etiquette Professionals (NAUEP); the nation’s largest etiquette association serving urban communities. With almost 30 years of etiquette and protocol experience, Alisa is a certified etiquette instructor who could help all of us. She is a leader and well-sought after speaker providing etiquette and protocol training, Alisa is a member of the Potter’s House and a team lead in the Hospitality Ministry. A life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., she is also an author. She attended Business and Management Center and Texas Woman’s University. You can review her Instagram page @alisa school of etiquette for weekly etiquette tips. Trust and believe you can’t go wrong, because home training is not so common these days and social graces seem to have become a lost cause. Just think… Alisa can help you with etiquette in dining, children/youth communication, civility, business attire/imaging and etiquette for social and media outlets. What? You haven’t reached out yet? Kera Collier, DDS Dr. Kera Collier is a native of Oak Cliff, Texas. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Florida A&M University and Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2009. She is a member of the National Dental Association and the International Dental Implant Association. Dr. Collier takes pride in offering Quality Dental Care in a comfortable atmosphere to everyone she serves, from the young to the “young at heart.” Currently a member of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Dr.. Collier was initiated into the Beta Alpha Chapter at FAMU. When she is not practicing dentistry, Dr. Collier loves spending time with her family, serving with her Concord Church family, working out, and swing-out dancing. She loves Strawberry Ice Cream and her favorite entertainers are Fantasia, Jill Scott, and Erykah Badu. The self-proclaimed “Karaoke Queen” loves the color purple. Talk about young, gifted and Black, Dr. Collier is a consummate pro. She has put in the work and now has her own practice, Indigo Dentistry, where you will see excellence at work. Dr. Collier gives you a lot to smile about. If you’re looking for a dentist, you need to check her out because she is after all, the BADST! Tara L. Paige Tara L. Paige is an entrepreneur, business consultant and former educator who loves outdoor living spaces. The wife, mother and grandmother is the Founder and CEO of the eminent lifestyle brand The Patio Chic. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Jack and Jill of America, Tara has been featured in a variety of platforms, including: House Beautiful, Apartment Therapy, Good Morning Texas, GMA, and Brides Magazine. Tara loves Black women. She says, “The fact is, we are almost always portrayed negatively; I wanted to use my prolific voice in the media and illustrate the benefits of keeping a positive mindset’. Tara started the Facebook group Black Women Who Love Outdoor Living Spaces, in April 2019, and today there are more than 200K members around the world. She said it is a community where Black women of all ages are “forming deep bonds by sharing outdoor décor and design inspiration.” With an engaging smile and adventurous spirit, just as when she was a child, Tara is providing an interesting, creative and engaging way to give women an outlet in an area where you don’t see many Black women leading. Tara is providing leadership.