I Messenger

I MESSENGER APRIL 10, 2020

VOL IX NO 34

REMEMBERING A SOLDIER AND CHAMPION OF THE BLACK PRESS

EARL GRAVES SR.

Camille Goode 1973-2020

ENTERPRISING

IMessenger An IMM LLC Publication MAILING ADDRESS 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203 WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 214-941-0110 Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER - EDITOR news@texasmetronews.com S. Curet GENERAL MANAGER stewartcuret@myimessenger.com Jessica Hayden STAFFWRITER Marva Sneed EDITORIAL ASSISTANT EDITORIAL TEAM Rebecca Aguilar Lajuana Barton Eva Coleman Anthony Council L. Diane Evans Dorothy J. Gentry Vincent Hall Cierra Mayes Dr. Felicia N. Shepherd Monique P. Stone Dareia Tolbert Andrew Whigham III Chelle Wilson MARKETING TEAM Carlton McConnell Terry Allen PR

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Established 2011 CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.

APRIL 10, 2020

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L.O.V.E IS THE ANSWER confined to home this is the perfect time for you to be WAKE UP AND introduced to L.O.V.E Is STAY WOKE The Answer. Along with the book is an awardwinning film called DR. E. FAYE WALKING WHILE WILLIAMS, ESQ. BLACK: L.O.V.E. Is The Answer. See the ago, I met A.J. Ali. A.J. is a trailer for the film at www. service-disabled veteran who WalkingWhileBlack.com.

The book was developed served honorably in the U.S. Air Force as a Journalist and pre-coronavirus time, but it Media Relations Specialist. is so appropriate for such a He was based at Vandenberg time as this. You can learn AFB in CA, Comiso Air more about the book and Station nuclear missile base in Sicily, and McClellan AFB in CA. He was a member of the USAF Soccer Team. He’s an actor, TV host, director, producer and writer. He asked several friends to write on the subject L.O.V.E Is The Answer for a book. The book was meant to put principles of love into action to build a A. J. Ali stronger police-community WALKING WHILE BLACK marriage with people of color.

At that time, I was unsure the L.O.V.E Is The Answer what my approach would be. I Movement and its writers who just went to my computer, like rose to the challenge as I tried others asked to contribute to to do putting it together with the book, and began writing. A.J.’s guidance. See http:// I sent my interpretation of loveistheanswermovement. what he was asking the very com/the-book/ The film and the book can same day. He sent a note back and told me what I had be the answer to equip our nation to learn how to utilize written was perfect.

What I didn’t know was the power of transformational that he had a lot of friends love to break down walls and and he’d asked them to build bridges of reconciliation. address the same subject! When we finally come to a I’m sure you would recognize close of this coronavirus and names of other writers who all of the destruction it is did a masterful job addressing leaving behind, many people the subject.

The book will be looking for ways to be was recently released, and better souls. A.J. encourages now that we’re all basically us to “Learn about your TriceEdney –A few years

community. Open your heart to the people in it. Volunteer to be part of the solution in their lives, and Empower others to do the same.� That is the acronym for the book— L.O.V. E! He reminds us to, “Remember, this too shall pass. When we get the all-clear, do we want to return into the same broken communities, or do we want to use this time to heal our communities from the inside out? Use this time to better prepare yourself to be a bridge in your community when we are all able to reconnect in person and go about our daily routines. I challenge you to read the L.O.V.E. Is The Answer book, watch the film, participate in our webinars, and make this difficult time a time of learning and growth.� While we’re confined to home, this would be a good time to invite friends to participate in Zoom calls with you and to participate in podcasts and webinars that are conducted by A.J. and the contributors. I urge you to better prepare yourself to be a bridge in your community when we’re all able to reconnect in person with others.

A.J. knows we will return to a totally different world when the coronavirus finally ends, and he won’t mind a bit if you contact him at one of these numbers to assist in preparing you for being that bridge in your community at 323-5775976 |  443-463-5009.

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

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myimessenger.com

INSIDE

TRUTH These are the times. Yes, these are the times!

Former U.S. Trade Ambassador Ron Kirk once said that small businesses are the backbone of America.

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PARKLAND

SPORTS

President Trump warned the nation at a recent White House briefing that coronavirus is about to claim more lives, “This will be the toughest week…there will be a lot of deaths, unfortunately.”

In addition to schools, businesses and the government, the global Coronavirus pandemic has also taken a toll on sports worldwide, throwing sports — and the people who cover them—into a tailspin: games and events cancelled and every league from the NBA to MLB now on temporary suspension.

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Parkland accepting personal protective equipment donations

· Medical protective gowns (water resistant) · Foot/shoe covers · Medical latex-free gloves · Eye protection goggles · Medical face shields · Powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) and PAPR hoods · Hand sanitizer (all sizes) · Antibacterial soap · Disinfectant wipes · Disposable food-grade gloves · Thermometers (non-contact digital)

Items must be new and unopened With news reports showing the increasing need for personal protective equipment (PPE) at hospitals across the county, members of the North Texas community have been reaching out asking officials at Parkland Health & Hospital System what they can do to assist.

It’s simple – you can donate new and unopened PPE to Parkland. Those items include:

· · · ·

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Items can be donated Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Parkland’s Logistics Building, 5223 Tex Oak Ave., Dallas, TX 75235.

N95 masks (Medical Grade) Surgical masks Industrial masks Surgical caps

For additional information about donating PPE please email Pamela Bryant at pamela.bryant@phhs.org

Johnson announces $14 million in federal funding for Dallas County Washington, DC – Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson announced that Dallas County has been awarded $14,400,599 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) For HIV Emergency Relief Project Grants.

“This funding to Dallas County will ensure that myimessenger.com

our communities have access to comprehensive, high quality, and com-munitybased care for people living with HIV. I am proud to fight for patients and their families to have the medical and community resources they need,” said Congresswoman Johnson.

The mission of the Dallas County

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Department of Health and Human Services is to protect the health of the citizens of Dallas County through disease prevention and intervention, and through promotions of a healthy community and environment.

This is done through assessment, community input education, disease mon-itoring, regulation, and health services that help control the spread of disease.

APRIL 10, 2020

MY TRUTH

by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

LET’S EAT!

Open for business...Give them a call These are the times. Yes, these are the times!

Former U.S. Trade Ambassador Ron Kirk once said that small businesses are the backbone of America.

Unfortunately with the onset of coronavirus/COVID-19, small businesses have suffered tremendously.

It’s important to note that most small businesses are owned by women.

So many businesses that are impacted negatively

by COVID-19, are closing down, some never to open again.

These businesses that usually operate with 1-10 employees, and some more, find their employees are now sitting at home without any income or opportunities.

While some owners are APRIL 10, 2020

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quickly adapting and taking to social media or other efforts to subsidize their incomes; others are shutting down permanently, which will cause a big blight in minority communities across America.

What are the challenges that these entrepreneurs have and how will they overcome, if possible? What does the 4

loss of small businesses, like mom and pop stores, in communities where there is a food desert mean?

Just think about the impoverished communities -- those without adequate transportation are especially hit hard when they have to take buses and trains to get to a store.

Then too, what about the disparity in costs for products? Because they have less inventory, the smaller convenience stores must charge more.

I’ve been talking with corporate executives, elected officials from city, state, county and federal offices, Small Business Administration and chambers of commerce officials, as well as owners, about legislation and efforts myimessenger.com

to help small businesses.

Which brings me to my truth.

My father was an entrepreneur. I grew up realizing the importance of supporting Black businesses and have lived a life of reaching out and sharing my love with Black business owners.

The Black communities have dealt with crises time and time again.

I’ve often said that the most successful boycott in American history has been the boycott of Black-owned businesses

by Black people!

You see, over the years, I had heard so many excuses made by Black folks. “They have an attitude,” “service is slow,” “the prices are too high,” are just a few of the many excuses folks used to explain why they didn’t shop at certain Black-owned establishments.

For me, although I didn’t live during a time when I couldn’t shop at “other” stores, it seemed that Blackowned stores were fine and myimessenger.com

dandy, just like other Black institutions; that is until the doors opened and access to others was provided.

Then, Black-owned businesses were in a state of crisis.

As we deal with this coronavirus crisis, it is imperative that we find ways to 5

help one another. There are so many businesses that have been excelling as great corporate and community citizens and they deserve our support.

Right now, a staple in our community, South Dallas Cafe, is temporarily closed. The Price family has been serving this Metroplex for decades. They need support now and instead of griping and groaning, we need to step up.

Black organizations, churches, schools etc., need to make a commitment to the survival of Black businesses, just as they want everyone to support them. On this Friday, the Price’s Vinetti’s will be providing curbside and to-go orders only, beginning at 5p.m. Hopefully they have those famous green beans on the menu!

Vinetti’s (469)779-0123 14833 Midway Rd. Addison, TX APRIL 10, 2020

was also the birthplace of the Dallas Metroplex Council of Black Alumni Associations.

Yes, the fish and macaroni and cheese is great, and there’s so much more. Smokey John’s is a favorite at the State Fair of Texas.

Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que

(214) 352-2752 1820 W Mockingbird Ln Dallas, Texas 75235

On the pages of Texas Metro News, we are going to be sharing information about many of those businesses.

We’re offering “free” advertising to these businesses that have been so supportive.

We will also be distributing our newspaper at these businesses.

We encourage you to check us out, and check them out.

We’re going to ensure that we are continuing to provide news and information that is enlightening, educational, informative, engaging, inspiring, and yes, entertaining.

Call in your orders ahead to Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que, APRIL 10, 2020

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Two Podners, Black Jack Pizza (two locations) Hall’s HoneyFried Chicken, Aunt Irene’s, Elaine’s Kitchen, Royal’s Fried Chicken and Dreamerz Cafe.

Now let me give you my own “why you should try” the aforementioned businesses.

Probably the first Blackowned restaurant that I visited when I moved to Dallas in 1981 and I still go there today, Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que. Every Friday, it was the place to be for good food, fellowship and entertainment.

Then on Saturdays, the FAMU Alumni Association held meetings there and it 6

Now I remember when it was called Ponderosa’s and I would go and get my broiled fish to order, just like KKDA’s Willis Johnson did. Then in the 1990s the name was changed to Two Podners and I enjoyed the collard greens, chicken tettrazini, yams and okra. Many an aspiring journalists in the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists Urban Journalism Workshop dined on Two Podners’ food. Now in a larger location, when all this drama subsides you can even bring parties of close to 100 for private gathering upstairs.

Note: They also won 1st Place for Best Traditional Macaroni and Cheese at the 2020 Healthy Living Expo! myimessenger.com

Two Podners 214-421-5387 1441 Robert B Cullum Blvd. Dallas, TX 75210 Elaine’s Kitchen does great things with curry and jerk seasonings! I celebrated the move to their own building where they offered an expanded menu that includes their wonderful macaroni and cheese that placed second in the 2020 Healthy Living Expo!

Elaine’s Kitchen (214) 565-1008 2717 Martin L. King Jr Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215 myimessenger.com

APRIL 10, 2020

Hall’s Honey Fried Chicken keeps a line, and it’s no wonder.

I love eating the fried batter drippings, and my grand babies just love the chicken and fries!

Hall’s Honey Fried Chicken (214) 371-3020 4845 S Lancaster Rd. Dallas, TX 75216 I couldn’t believe the first time I laid eyes on the Black Box at the Real Aunt Irene’s Kitchen.

Talk about phenomenal! Give me the fish, crabs, bread, and yes, of course, I have to have the boiled eggs. Check out the menu; meat lovers will also be pleased.

Pizza is a great comfort food, but Black Jack Pizza has so much more, including Ms. Dorothy’s beautiful smile. And that tea! I can’t tell you, because I don’t eat beef, but I always hear rave reviews about the burgers! And, as a pizza connoisseur from Jersey, the pizza is GREAT! Black Jack Pizza (214) 565-1025 2536 Martin L. King Jr. Blvd., Dallas, TX 75215 2120 N St Augustine Ste100 Dallas, TX 75227 (972) 329-1414 APRIL 10, 2020

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Dreamerz Cafe (972) 863-7372

4417 S. Lancaster Rd Dallas, Tx 75216

In Cedar Hill there’s Royal’s Fried Chicken.

There’s much more than fried chicken on the menu and if the long lines are any indication, the food is great.

I know their daily specials are like, “wow!”

Royal’s Fried Chicken (214) 859-3472 140 S Clark Rd, Cedar Hill, Tx 75104

Real Aunt Irene’s Kitchen (469) 899-7927 3309 S Malcolm X Blvd Dallas, TX 75215

There’s a new biz in town with Dreamerz Cafe, where the salmon is seasoned just right and the rice was fluffy. But believe me when I urge you to continue reading as we highlight I tell you the corn was absolutely wonderful! others. And guess what? Many of these businesses offer delivery.

Located right across the street from the We’re going to get through this together. We VA Hospital, you can get in and get out. have no choice.

Hopefully some lessons will be learned, from this pandemic, for all who make it out. We must be and do better. We can’t sweat the small stuff.

We must realize what’s really important and give as we’d like to receive. We must value and respect one another.

And, for those who don’t learn something from or during these times in which we find ourselves, well you’ve got some reckoning to do.

We have to do and live this time, not let this time do us! myimessenger.com

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APRIL 10, 2020

Parkland ready for COVID-19

BY REBECCA AGUILAR Senior Correspondent

Frederick P. Cerise, MD, MPH P r e s id e n t a n d C E O -P a r l k l a n d

President Trump warned the nation at a recent White House briefing that coronavirus is about to claim more lives, “This will be the toughest week…there will be a lot of deaths, unfortunately.”

While the President prepared Americans for a worst-case scenario, at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, medical teams are ready for a surge of COVID-19 patients.

According to Parkland’s President and CEO, Dr. Frederick Cerise, the surge cannot be prevented. “It’s my job to be pessimistic and to anticipate that the surge is coming. That’s what we

of patients with coronavirus, but Dr. Cerise expects a surge in three or four weeks. He thinks now is the time for his medical staff to take it easy. “We’re sort of at an in-between phase, and we are trying to take advantage of the time to make sure that we don’t overdo it with our staff, so they are ready for the surge when it comes.”

Parkland’s administrators have made changes to ease the work demand on the medical staff like canceling elective procedures and clinic visits for people with diabetes who go to the hospital for glucose checks. Now they are having them check themselves at home and call in results. Medical personnel in units that were closed have been re-assigned to areas where they will be needed.

The hospital has 870 beds and is well known for its neonatal intensive care unit, burn center, and trauma center. Currently, those departments are operating at full capacity with specialized medical staff. “We are taking extra precautions because we obviously don’t want to have infections in those areas,” said Dr. Cerise.

Eff orts made to keep personal protective equipment (ppe ) on supply

Recently Parkland Hospital administrators asked the public for donations for Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). Some of the are doing. We are planning.”

Parkland is one of the largest county hospitals in the country. In donations needed include surgical masks, surgical caps, hand sanitizer, preparation for a surge, staff has already converted its operating N95 Masks, shoe covers, and eye protection goggles.

Dr. Cerise said the hospital has a stockpile of PPE, but it’s crucial to room into a 55-bed unit for coronavirus patients. They have also found hospital space where they can expand to another 42 beds if continuously have supplies coming in. “We’ve had to dip into our stockpile a little bit, but we feel that a combination of a stockpile plus our restocking needed.

Dr. Cerise said they continue to look for areas in the hospital that can will help keep our people safe.”

As the COVID-19 be used for more bed pandemic hits its expected space. “There are a peak in North Texas number of things we over the next few weeks, have done to create Parkland wants to make a surge capacity. We sure it has enough PPE are not squeezed in for the staff to keep them the emergency room protected from the virus today.” while they care for patients The hospital has and also to avoid further also enclosed part possible spread of the of the area where virus. ambulances bring in Right now, some patients. It can be doctors and nurses are turned into a 36-bed asked to reuse the same care triage area. “We face masks when possible. have a number of Dr. Cerise said the hospital things we have started, is in a conservation mode. and we’ve planned on Pa rk la n d's pre -op su rgica l a re a conve r t e d f or COVID19 ca re “That means that masks if we got into a situation P h ot o cou r t e sy: Pa rk la n d Me m oria l Hospit a l that are not soiled and can like New York,” said Dr. be reused, we are using.

Cerise.

We are developing a process to sterilize used masks.”

The hospital is using an ultraviolet light system to sterilized any used Parkland medical staff ready for increase in covid-19 patients face mask. He added that reusing masks and sterilization fall under the Parkland’s medical staff has not been overwhelmed yet with the number Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) guidelines.

APRIL 10, 2020

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The surge may not be as bad as in other parts of the country

Parkland’s medical staff have sense of duty despite the risk

Parkland administrators believe there is a possibility that the sudden increase in coronavirus patients may not be in the huge numbers as in other cities around the country.

Dr. Cerise said he credits Dallas County Judge, Clay Jenkins for making the decision more than two weeks ago to enforce the stay-at-home policy to help slow down the spread of the deadly disease. “I think it took a lot of courage for the judge to get out early on that because it is the kind of thing that works most effectively if you do it early. But the problem is that people don’t feel there is a problem at that time.”

Judge Jenkins recently extended the stay-at-home policy for the county from the end of April to the end of May. Dr. Cerise said Jenkins’ decisions will prove to have a positive impact and hopefully fewer patients than expected. “If you look at the numbers, I think there is some cause to be more optimistic. Before we have seen this steep climb in cases, Dallas issued an order to stay home, and that should have an impact.”

When you work on the frontlines of a pandemic, Dr. Cerise believes there is an understanding that there are risks and uncertainty, but doctors and nurses know this is what they were called to do. “Like we’re in it together…to take care of people at a time where there is a great need in Dallas.”

Parkland has more than 12,000 employees, and of those, 4,177 are registered nurses. The hospital’s philosophy is “Care, compassion, community.”

During this coronavirus crisis, Dr. Cerise said he has seen a real sense of bonding among his medical staff. “We say thank you a lot, and remind them that people of Dallas are counting on them and recognize that we are going to do everything we can to keep them safe.”

myimessenger.com

APRIL 10, 2020

Billions for Boeing, pennies for the people THE LAST WORD DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX The development of the $2.2 trillion stimulus package was extremely flawed, The Republican bullies in the Senate, led by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, wrote the bill with absolutely no Democratic input, then suggested that Democrats amend their legislation.

The first draft of the bill, unsurprisingly, was a goody grab for corporations with much less for individuals.

Initially, the Republican Senate would have given Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin a slush fund of $500 billion to assist troubled industries with absolutely no oversight. The last version of the bill does include both monitoring and an inspector general to look for fraud and abuse.

Republicans would have doled the money out to their cronies. But the Dems, led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, stood their ground. The stimulus legislation is better than the 2008-2009 bailout legislation; it is gratifying to see that the Senate rose above partisanship to get this done.

Republicans even conceded that Mr. Trump, his grafter family, other cabinet heads and senior leaders, along with their families, cannot benefit from this stimulus legislation.

It is unfathomable that this provision has to be put in writing, but 45, a hotel owner, pushed hard for APRIL 10, 2020

hotels and cruise ships to get bailout benefits, but some in Congress have apparently peeped 45’s hole card. It takes extreme hubris for our nation’s chief executive officer, who has used the United States Treasury as a piggy bank, to be as selfserving as 45 is. Good for Democrats for recognizing the pattern of doubledealings makes it clear that written prohibition of these shady practices is necessary.

Michigan Congressman Justin Amash, an independent who used to be Republican, tweeted, “This bipartisan deal is a raw deal for the people. It does far too little for those who need the most help while providing hundreds of billions in corporate welfare, massively growing government, inhibiting economic adaptation, and widening the gap between the rich and the poor.” The legislation (which still must be approved by the House before it goes to the President) is likely to be hundreds, if not thousands, of pages long.

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And it’s got lots of fine print.

For example, $17 billion in loan funds are set aside for “businesses deemed critical to maintaining national security.

While Boeing isn’t mentioned by name, the Washington Post quoted s a confidential source who says this money is partly set aside for Boeing.

This is the same Boeing that manufactured faulty, crashing planes. And they’ve imperiously said they will take assistance only on their terms. Some think the federal government should take an equity stake in companies that get bailout funds.

Boeing’s CEO said he

wasn’t interested in such a deal. If the feds wanted to play hardball, they’d force Boeing into bankruptcy, since bankruptcy doesn’t mean the cessation of operations, it means the restructuring of debt.

Meanwhile, there’s no helpful fine print for ordinary people. Sure, people will get $1200 checks, plus $500 per child.

That’s better than nothing, but compared to Boeing’s billions, it’s pennies. The ability to get unemployment insurance for extra weeks will also be helpful for those who

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lose their jobs.

More food stamp funds will be available. But there is some confusion over whether gig works will get the benefit.

Instead, it seems that those who have good jobs will get great benefits, while those who have part-time jobs, gig jobs, or are unemployed won’t get much.

As Congressman Amash says, this stimulus package will widen the wealth gap.

Inequality is at the very foundation of our economic system, so it isn’t surprising that the coronavirus stimulus package reflects the biases that are hard-wired into our system.

We need committed, vocal, progressive mem -bers of Congress (Maxine Waters, Barbara Lee, Ayana Pressley, Bobby Scott, AOC, and others) to shine a bright light on this inequality, and to either modify the legislation or develop legislation to address some of these inequalities.

On March 23, Congresswoman Nita Lowey (DNY) introduced HR 6379, the Take Re-sponsibility for Workers and Families Act, that provides protections for workers and families mostly because the stimulus package does not. And there is a rush to pass the stimulus quickly as more and more people are out of work.

Stimulate the econ-omy if you will, but don’t ignore the people on the bottom. If we are injecting $2.2 trillion into our lagging economy, make sure that some of it trickles down the poor.

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WE’RE OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

During this crucial time where COVID-19 continues to threaten the lives and health of our community and the world in which we live, Black Jack Pizza wants to thank you for your continued business.

As always we are happy to serve you.

Because we must all pay strict attention to the guidelines and govern ourselves accordingly, it is crucial that we operate our business in accordance with these guidelines which we have been given by our government and city officials. We are fortunate that we have been given the privilege to operate with our regular business hours; however, we are open for call-in and take-out orders only. Our lobby is closed. You may order by phone and pick it up to-go only. We ask that you also continue to be safe and practice social distancing as you are picking up your orders. Because we want to continue to serve you during this time of crisis, we ask that you will cooperate with us until we are no longer governed by these rules.

We thank you for continuing to eat at Black Jack Pizza and look forward to doing business with you in the years to come. Our prayer is that you and your families will remain safe and that we will all continue to do our part to bring this crisis to an end.

No More Hugs and Kisses...

JUST GOOD FOOD!

2120 N St Augustine Suite 100 Dallas, TX 75227

2536 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Dallas, TX 75215

(214) 565-1025

(972) 329-1414

From APRIL 10 11:10 am. Dorothy J. Gentry Challenges educators are facing because of COVID-19 11:30 am.

Pastor Roy F. Jones, Jr. of New Hope Baptist Church, Austin, Texas, and Author of After The Call, on challenges he faces caring for his parishioners and keeping them encouraged.

12 pm.

Dr. NaRita Anderson, PHD The necessity of having a will. Healthcare.

myimessenger.com

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12:30 PM. Mel Holder New song release on Coronavirus APRIL 17

COVID-19.

11:15 am. Branden H. Williams (The Bearded Scientist) Seeds to Stem Educate to Innovate. They work to successfully evaluate educate and develop students in the areas of STEM. How they are handling the challenges with

11:45 am.

Dr. Jacqueline L. Pierre

APRIL 10, 2020

“A BLEAK TIME” Sports journalists affected by COVID-19 B Y DOROTHY J. GENTRY

Clarence Hill, Dallas Cowboys beat writer, Fort In addition to schools, busi-nesses and the government, Worth Star-Telegram the global Coronavirus pandemic has also taken a toll TMN: How has the on sports worldwide, throwing sports — and the people coronavirus pandemic who cover them—into a tailspin: games and events cancelled and every league from the NBA to MLB now changed your daily life as a sports journalist? on temporary suspension.

Not being able to go out, Even the biggest sporting event in the world, the do interviews, cover things Olympics, has been postponed until 2021.

Given these circumstances, it’s understandable live has changed things quite if sports journalists – both full-time and especially a bit. But I still have been able to write via phone freelancers — feel anxious and unsure. Their livelihood, interviews. There is a certain professional anxiety with in some instances – like others — has been pulled out the newspaper industry and my company McClatchy, from under them for the unforeseeable future and all which was already having financial issues. The news that Gannett has announced furloughs for the next they have known is now in limbo.

“Initially, when the pandemic hit there was obviously three months doesn’t help.

And yes, we are all reporters now and everyone at the sudden shock. But you quickly realize it’s a business and you don’t have time to panic,” said Michael Lark, the paper has contributed COVID-19 stories and will owner and CEO of the popular website and blog, continue to do so.

TMN: How has your beat, the NFL, been affected Dallas Sports Fanatic. “You have to create steps and and how has your coverage changed? put a plan in place to move forward because the world The NFL has largely been business as usual since it is doesn’t wait.”

In these days where terms like “social distancing” and out of season. We have been able to cover free agency “pandemic” are household words: sports have moved as before, via the phone. The draft will be different as from fun-time events to a large part of the problem – a it will be done as a tv event only so there will be no public space now deemed unsafe. Sports journalists are live press conferences. There will be conference calls. having to get creative and reinvent their craft to stay Things will start to get interesting in May and June when minicamps are canceled and then the next benchmark relevant.

Texas Metro News reached out to several sports will be the start of training camp in July.

TMN: What about the future of sports journalists: two beat writers, a freelancer and a sports website owner — to share how life has changed their journalism?

In the short term, if and when it comes back, there profession — and them, in this Coronavirus world. will be limited access to players and locker rooms, if any, on the latter. Hopefully, this won’t be a permanent These are their stories.

SPORTS EDITOR

APRIL 10, 2020

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change. If and when sports comes back, there will be an even greater thirst for news and information.

Tamryn Spruill, national freelance journalist covering women’s basketball, with issues of gender, race and sexuality central to her reporting.

Bylines include The Athletic, Swish Appeal, and Bleacher Reporter.

TMN: How has the coronavirus pandemic changed your daily life as a freelance sports journalist?

It’s a bleak time. I can’t muster more of a segue than that. Since the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve seen very quickly the grave effects of a country teetering along for decades without adequate systems and safety nets. In sports and sports journalism, we’ve known that women have been underrepresented historically, especially African American women. As a Black woman in a space that didn’t want me to begin with despite my unmatched skills and education, I was quick to topple over the edge.

I lost two of three freelance jobs in the span of one week. At one of these places, the longtime friends of the boss, his frat brothers from college, got to stay in their positions; in true testament to the power of the goodold-boy network. There were only two women in this group to begin with, on a team of about 30, with me being the only woman of color. Both of us were let go.

Games are not being played anywhere in the world, but that doesn’t mean stories are not happening. Stories are there, and people need them more than ever while quarantined at home and searching for ways to stay uplifted during a very scary time in human history. It’s too bad leaders at media companies can’t see the current pandemic as the ripe opportunity for readership that it is. The myopic, in-the-box thinking that has kept sports media a boys’ club now, in times of crisis, leads to all of our misfortune.

TMN: When the sports world shut down what were your immediate thoughts? myimessenger.com

Well, I fell ill at the beginning of March, just before I was to travel to cover the SEC Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina, on the Gamecocks beat. It was a tough choice to cancel my trip, but I felt the sickest I’d ever been in my life, with what my healthcare provider believes was the coronavirus (though unconfirmed because I could not get a test in my area).

When the NBA announced a suspension of its season, I knew immediately that I’d made the right choice not to travel.

As to how quickly the pandemic would throw workers, including me, into the unemployment line and gut the economy, none of that registered right away. I was sick, in a fog of crushing headaches, chills, shortness of breath and other symptoms for about a month. I worked intermittently, deliriously, and slept a ton.

The cruel irony, I guess, is that I still worked throughout the illness to the best of my ability, only to get axed while battling a virus that was killing thousands by the day.

TMN: What will be the future of sports journalism?

I think it’s clear now, however, that the approach will have to change, just as the approach to how we’re living our everyday lives will have to change. The technological tools at our disposal will make that change possible.

When WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the league’s virtual approach to the 2020 draft, she modeled the type of creative thinking that will allow the show to go on.

Brad Townsend, Dallas Mavericks beat writer, The Dallas Morning News TMN: How has this coronavirus pandemic changed your daily life as a sports journalist?

For the first week-to-10 days after the NBA suspended the season, I continued to write Mavericks-related stories -- primarily newsy topics about how long the pause-inplay might be and how the organization and Mark Cuban took a leadership role in

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community outreach.

Then I was informed that I was being loaned to our News department, most likely for the duration of the crisis. Similarly, I was loaned to News after 9/11 and Katrina. Some of the stories I’m working on certainly are grim, but I’m glad I’m not writing about sports right now.

Other than news and potential developments surrounding the business of the NBA and the Mavericks, I’m not particularly interested in reading about sports, and I doubt many of our subscribers are, either.

TMN: When the NBA, specifically your beat, shut down first, what were your immediate thoughts?

My instant reaction was ‘Wow’ and within maybe a minute I realized the NBA season was in jeopardy.

Sadly, the ensuing weeks have only reinforced my belief.

Would it be great if the season is resumed and there are playoffs and the crowning of a champion? Absolutely.

Do I think it will happen? Unfortunately, no.

TMN: What are the long-term effects of coronavirus on the future of sports journalism” Hopefully a year from now there will be normalcy, but my instincts tell me it will take gradual steps to get there.

Limited access and social-distancing measures to begin with, followed by a gradual easing of those measures.

But my year-from-now prognosis hinges on there being a vaccine/cure for the virus.

We can’t assume anything right now. Meanwhile, simply from an economic standpoint, the sports media landscape already shows the effects and will continue to do so. Though I feel extremely fortunate to have a job, I don’t think any sports reporter feels secure. And as concerned as I am for myself and others who work for mainstay media companies, I really wonder how websites that provide fringe coverage of the Mavericks and other NBA teams will weather the next few months.

It’s not much different than what is happening for countless other businesses right now.

Dorothy J. Gentry is a journalist, educator and PR professional. A graduate of the University of North Texas, Dorothy is the Sports Editor for I Messenger Media, LLC.

Michael Lark, Owner and CEO, Dallas Sports Fanatic

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TMN: How has this coronavirus pandemic changed your daily life as owner of a sports blog/ site?

For Dallas Sports Fanatic, after news hit of the suspension of play for all sports one-by-one, we quickly saw how the landscape of coverage was changing for the short term. We quickly gathered our editors and leadership team together to formalize a strategy.

We made quick decision on how to expand our coverage to include more general related topics (economic impact on games, best sports movies/docs to stream, phone interviews, etc.). Of course, there is always a concern that site traffic won’t live up to the expectations you’ve set, but planning and strategizing has helped alleviate some of these concerns.

TMN: You cover a lot of different sports so your site has been affected on many levels. How are things going?

As the owner of our organization, you’re humbled in knowing you are only as good as the people you surround yourself with. I’m thankful that everyone has stepped up in their changing and evolving roles throughout this pandemic; that says a lot about our staff.

We capitalized on the inclusion of general topics while putting a hard focus on the NFL offseason and actually saw our biggest site numbers since July of last year. We communicate daily in our online Slack tool that allows us to plan and bounce ideas off one another. We schedule our articles well in advance to ensure we find something relevant to talk about. Our editor-in-chief watches our traffic and analytics closely so we ensure we understand what’s relevant and our readers want.

TMN: What will post-coronavirus sports journalism look like?

I fully expect the landscape of journalism to take a sharp turn. I would expect press conference style interviews to become the new norm for at least the next year or so. I think in general teams will clamp down the amount of access in terms of time and people become stricter, as it should be. This pandemic is an eye-opening look as the way teams do business long and short.

I MESSENGER Sen. Bernie Sanders

16 photo: NNPA

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APRIL 10, 2020

In Memoriam Ms. Camille Janine Goode March 29, 1973 - April 2, 2020 Camille Janine Goode was born on March 29, 1973 in Dallas, Texas and went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 2, 2020. She was the middle child born to Ernest R. Goode, Jr. and Linda D. Allen Goode and was affectionately given the nicknames of “Mille” and “Cami” by family and friends.

Camille accepted Christ at an early age and had a regular worship relationship with the Lord. She was a dedicated and loyal member of The New Hope Baptist Church, the oldest African American church in Dallas, TX. With a servant’s heart, Camille participated in: The Young Adult Ushers, and the Courtesy Committee. She also organized arts and crafts activities for Vacation Bible School, supervised the youth ushers, Thanksgiving Fill-A-Meal Basket drives Jubilee Sunday Black History Month Program and meal service.

Camille grew up in Mesquite, TX. in a household that emphasized excellence in education and service to others. Like her brother and sisters, Camille was a product of the Mesquite Independent School District. She attended Porter Elementary, Vanston Middle School, and graduated from Poteet High School in 1991, where she was a member of the Poteet Belles Drill Team.

After graduation, Camille attended Eastfield Community College where she was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society (Phi Eta Chapter). She also fulfilled her dream of attending an “HBCU,” by matriculating at Texas Southern University, (TSU) in Houston, TX. where she studied Elementary Education. Camille was a proud and devoted member of the TSU Alumni Association. She regularly volunteered to help with alumni functions and college, and career fairs. She also routinely wore TSU paraphernalia along with that of other HBCU’s.

To Camille, service was not an option, but was a mandatory part of her life. Camille found her purpose in life – giving back to help others and did so by volunteering whenever and wherever she could. She was widely known as someone who the Dallas community could depend upon to answer the call to help and she regularly volunteered at The Heads Up! Foundation, The Turtle Creek Chorale APRIL 10, 2020

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and The Priscilla Art Club. Most notably she volunteered as a tour guide at the African American Museum for over ten (10) years.

She was also a member of the Eastern Star, The National Council of Negro Women and a past President of the Young Adult Dallas Interdenominational Church Ushers.

Camille found something that many never find, which was her purpose in life. Camille had a special gift and desire to work with children with special needs. She began her career as a teacher’s aide with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) and concluded her career with the Plano Independent School District (PISD). In 2011, she was a top (5) finalist for the DISD Teacher Assistant of the Year Award.

In her last position, she worked at McMillen High School, as a teacher’s assistant, assigned to the special education, self-contained unit. At McMillen she had responsibility for the care of approximately fifteen (15) children. Camille was a very important person to these young people as they spent the majority of their day with her.

Camille was known to go the extra mile for her students. She created games, special decorations and learning incentives for not just her students, but the entire school.

Camille showed complete dedication to her students and their welfare and gave of herself unselfishly to staff, children and the school community. Up until her last breath, Camille worked for the good of her students.

Camille had many loves – God, people, great Mexican food, the color pink, family, and of course, The Dallas Cowboys. Camille was a proud Texan, and proud to be the daughter of a man of Omega Psi Phi and a woman of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She loved attending “Que” and Delta social events and community service activities., where she made many friends around the country.

Camille had a heart of gold and was very nurturing and caring. It was her habit on any telephone call to start with a cheerful greeting and to end the call with a message of affection. She loved to communicate with her friends via Facebook and regularly posted positive messages. Outside of working and volunteering Camille loved to shop and shop she did. Camille had a particular affinity for purses, shoes, writing pens and jewelry. While she shopped for herself, she also took the time to shop for senior citizens too.

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One consistent remark that is universally expressed about Camille was that her smile was a ray of sunshine. Camille was born with a beautiful smile and two dimples to match. Her smile was infectious and revealed a sincere and pure heart. She was happy to share her smile with everyone – strangers and friends.

Those who knew her were blessed to have had the opportunity to know her. Camille was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She will be dearly missed by her parents Ernest and Linda Goode, Mesquite, TX; brother Darien Goode (Alicia), Mesquite, TX; sisters Cynthia Goode Works (Gregory), Bowie, MD, and Cheryl Goode, San Antonio, TX; nieces Kylie and Kelsey Works, Bowie, MD; uncles and aunts, Bertram Allen, Sr., (Pearl) Austin, TX, Charles E. Allen (Janice), Houston, TX, Gary D. Allen (Shirley), San Antonio, TX, Vaudean Allen, San Antonio, TX, and Dorrie Jean Allen Wade, San Antonio, TX, Angela Goode, Suffolk, VA, and Faye Laverne Nicholson, Suffolk, VA; cousins William Allen, Bertram Allen, Jr., Dorsey Dixon, Christopher P. Allen, David Dixon, Charles Robert Allen, Ray Thelton Allen, Jr., Dorsey Ray Allen, Christopher White, Patrick McClain, Sandra Allen, Amy Allen, Melinda Golden, Dormentria AllenDavis, Kirstyn Allen, Brittni Pierce, Erika Carr, Cynthia Allen, Desiree Allen, and Tanya Holmes; her beloved turtle son, “Trystan Michael Phelps”; godchild DeVaughdric Ross; god sister’s Dominique Shotwell and Erica Chiles; best friends Audretta Edwards and Akisha Marshall; and a host of other friends all across the country.

myimessenger.com

COVID-19 Reflections THE WIDOW FILES BY EVA D. COLEMAN

M

any people are posting and sharing what they feel are wise statements they come across. It’s hard to locate and attribute them to the originator. A couple that stood out to me were: “You are not working from home; you are at your home during a crisis trying to work.” “... and it isn’t “e-learning” it is Emergency Remote Teaching, from home, during a global pandemic.”

When we dropped my college freshman Cecily off at school in Fall of 2019, never in a million years did we imagine education would be transformed such as this.

As a 16-year media educator, I’ve observed how some feel they’re online education experts, while others are flying by the seat of myimessenger.com

their pants... throwing stuff against the wall to see if it sticks. At this point, both of these scenarios are okay.

As we made our way down I-45 for our dorm check out appointment, rescheduled from an abrupt cancellation of our original date of March 25th, I thought about the grief tailspin so many of us are in.

The feelings and tears are real. It’s okay to not be okay. As a widowed Mom, I’ve cycled through moments of hopelessness and despair before.

Greeting my girls and I on the University of Houston campus were members of my village and fellow NABJers Michael Douglas and Maria Reeve... two of my dearest friends and best journalists in the land! Michael jumped

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in immediately as our moving logistical expert while Maria was there for support and assisted as well. Together, we were in and out in record time.

No lesson plans, Zoom calls, worksheets or labs were required. We actually zoomed back up the highway in a turnaround trip! The love my girls and I were shown by Michael and Maria was a testament of God’s continuous favor in our lives.

The biggest lesson learned...love begets love.

We’re earning diplomas and degrees in #Faith, not fear, followed by the letters G-O-D. Eva D. Coleman is the Lifestyle Editor for I Messenger Media. A graduate of Sam Houston State University, Eva is an educator and award-winning journalist.

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WNBA announces season delay due to COVID-19

By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor Yet another professional sports league has fallen due to the global Coronavirus pandemic.

The WNBA announced Friday morning it is delaying the start of the training camps and the beginning of the regular season due to the continued spread of COVID-19.

“As developments continue to emerge around the COVID-19 pandemic, including the extension of the social distancing guidelines in the United States through April 30, the WNBA will postpone the start myimessenger.com

of its training camps and tip of the regular season originally scheduled for May 15,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement released to the media.

“While the league continues to use this time to conduct scenarioplanning regarding new start dates and innovative formats, our guiding principle will continue to be the health and safety of the players, fans and employees.”

The league’s training camps were scheduled to begin April 26th with the season scheduled for a May 15th tip-off.

Despite this news, the League is continuing to prepare for its now virtual draft scheduled for April 17th.

Top prospects will take part remotely live on ESPN with coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET. “We continue to send our thoughts and prayers to our players, fans, and all of those in the community impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are grateful to those selfless health care workers and first responders who work tirelessly on the front lines,” Engelbert said.

The Dallas/Fort Worth’s WNBA team is the Dallas Wings, who play their games in College Park Arena on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington.

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Enterprising Leader:

Earl G. Graves Sr. founder of Black Enterprise Magazine

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia Tributes have poured in for Black Enterprise founder Earl G. Graves Sr., who died this week at the age of 85.

“At 9:22 p.m. this evening, April 6, my father and hero, Earl Graves Sr., the founder of Black Enterprise, passed away quietly after a long battle with Alzheimer’s,” Earl Graves Jr. wrote on Twitter. “I loved and admired this giant of a man and am blessed to be his namesake. Love you, dad.”

A tweet from Black Enterprise stated, “We will evermore celebrate his life and legacy, in this, our 50th Anniversary Year, and beyond.”

Born January 9, 1935, in New York, Graves learned hard work and perseverance from his parents, Earl Godwin and Winifred Sealy Graves. After receiving a B.A. in economics from Morgan State University, he served two years in the Army, followed by a threeyear stint as Senator Robert F. Kennedy’s administrative assistant, according to his profile on The HistoryMakers.

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entered the business arena, where he was to realize unprecedented success.

Since founding Black Enterprise Magazine in 1970, Earl Graves has been named one of the ten most outstanding minority businessmen in the country by the President of the United States and received the National Award of Excellence in recognition of his achievements in minority business enterprise.

Black Enterprise Magazine is recognized as the definitive resource for African American business professionals, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in the public and private sectors, The HistoryMakers noted.

“We are grateful for the legacy, life, and leadership of Earl Graves Sr, and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family,” The King Center tweeted, along with a photo of Graves escorting Coretta Scott King to the funeral of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy just two months after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.

“It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of Earl Graves Sr., Founder & Publisher of Black Enterprise,” Tweeted the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce.

“Mr. Graves was a friend of the U.S. Black Chambers and a true advocate for Black entrepreneurship. Our deepest condolences

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go out to his family and loved ones.”

New York Attorney General Tish James called Graves “the ultimate champion of Black business and a fighter for racial and economic justice in our nation.”

“He helped African Americans make a name for themselves in the business world and build their very own American dream.

May He Rest in Peace,” James stated.

The family didn’t immediately announce funeral plans.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. emphasized, “On behalf of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), we express our profound respect and condolences to the family of iconic publisher, Earl Graves, Sr. Under the leadership of Graves, Black Enterprise, more than any other single publication, helped tremendously and effectively to support African American-owned businesses for decades across the nation and internationally.

While we all mourn, it is also important to rededicate ourselves to the high standards of excellence exemplified by the life and legacy of Earl Graves, Sr.”

myimessenger.com

Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings

By Dorothy J. Gentry S ports E ditor

Former Duncanville High School standout Tamika Catchings was named an inductee into the 2020 Class of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame today.

myimessenger.com

Catchings, currently the vice president of basketball operations and general manager for the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, played volleyball and basketball at Duncanville High School, leading the volleyball team to a state championship in 1995 and the basketball team to a state championship in the 1996-97 season.

“I am incredibly honored to be included in this year’s NaismithHall of Fame, and God only knows the dreams I had as a little girl to be able to follow in my father’s footsteps,” Catchings said of her dad, Harvey Catchings, a former professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers.

“I am so thankful to stand alongside so many amazing men and women that have come before me.”

She is joined in the Hall of Fame Class of 2020 by 18-time NBA All-Star and five-time NBA champion the late Kobe Bryant, 15time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA Finals MVP Tim Duncan, 15-time NBA All-Star and nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team

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selection Kevin Garnett, four-time National Coach of the Year Eddie Sutton, two-time NBA Champion coach Rudy Tomjanovich, three-time NCAA National Championship Coachof Baylor Kim Mulkey, five-time Division II National Coach of the Year Barbara Stevens and longtime FIBA executive Patrick Baumann in this year’s illustrious class.

Catchings played her entire 15-year career with the Indiana Fever, was named the 2011 WNBA MVP and led the Fever to the 2012 WNBA Championship, earning Finals MVP honors.

Catchings was named to the All-WNBA team 12 times in her career. She played at the University of Tennessee from 1997-2001, winning a national championship and ranks fourth all time in career points for the Lady Vols. She also won four consecutive Olympic gold medals with Team USA 2002-2016.

The Class of 2020 will be enshrined on Saturday, August 29 in Springfield, Massachusetts, the home of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

APRIL 10, 2020

Dr. Yondell E. Moore has COVID-19 message ABOUT YOUR HAIR

BY DR. LINDA AMERSON www.hairandscalpessentials.com

spreading the Dr. Yondell infection from E. Moore, Sr, one contact to M.D., retired another person. urologist, has a Social distancing, message for the washing of African American hands, helping c o m m u n i t y. to protect Number one: exposure to The vast majority Dr. Yondell E. Moore, Sr, those more likely of African American live in the socioeconomic to die from the virus…elderly, circumstances, which anyone having pre-existing makes them more prone to health conditions, anyone with contracting COVID-19. It immune related conditions. is a condition which Judge Everyone needs to follow Clay Jenkins has outlined, the guidelines from Texas and African Americans need Governor Greg Abbott, Mayor to pay close attention to those of Dallas Eric Johnson, and Judge Clay Jenkins. guidelines.

Dr. Moore is from Marshall, Number two: the condition spreads TX. Since childhood, he knew exponentially… 1- 2 people, he wanted to become a medical then 4 - 8 people, then 16 - doctor. From 1972-2010, Dr. 32 people, then 64-128 people, Moore practiced in Dallas, etc. THIS IS HOW THIS at Saint Paul, Forest Avenue, VIRUS SPREADS! In Dallas, and Medical City Hospitals we have NOT reached the as an Urologist. Completed peak of what we will see…the his undergraduate at Howard number of deaths, and people University in 1957, with BA who will contract the virus. in Chemistry. In addition, he This is especially pertinent, became a Certified Educator, APRIL 10, 2020

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teaching at Sequoia High School, Dallas, from 19581961.

Continuing his education, 1961-1965, Dr. Moore attended McHarry Medical School in Nashville, TN, where he received his MD degree. Dr. Moore’s final requirements were completed, with studies at Homer G. Phillips, St Louis, MO, from 1965-1970… internship and residency in Urology.

Dr. Moore served in the US Navy. Lt. Officer in US Navy 1970-1972, at St Albans Naval Hospital, Queens, NY. Dr. Moore returned to Dallas beginning his practice, with 4 other doctors, each one with their own specialty.

He continued his practice until retirement in 2010. Dr. Moore’s wealth of knowledge and experience is shared.

Since 2006, he has worked as a consultant for the Social Security Administration.

Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist, LA’s Hair & Scalp Clinic, 817 265 8854.

Hairandscalpessentials.com

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APRIL 10, 2020

STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

cdc.gov/COVID19 314915-A March 16, 2020 1:02 PM

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Dr. Amerson adapts to Temporary Business Closure Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist, has adapted to the temporary closure of LA's Hair and Scalp Clinic. We continue to offer our award-winning products to consumers. Our exclusive products are manufactured by a facility in Garland, TX. Premium quality natural ingredients are used to assist with dry, oily, itchy, flaky, inflammed scalps, as well as hair breakage, hair thinning and regrowth.

Everyone may order from our website, and we will ship your product order to you. http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support.

In addition, we offer Video Consultations globally! We will schedule an appointment, give a diagnosis, them make a recommendation. We are available to serve you in the comfort of your home. Call us today - 817.265.8854 http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support.

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APRIL 10, 2020

From Marva with

By Marva Sneed

Florida actress pursues childhood dreams Brandy Baxter is an Air Force Veteran, a dynamic and engaging speaker, financial coach, and counselor. She discussed life and her book, “The Story of Three Divas: Reach Your Money Goals in 3 Steps Before You Huff and Puff and Blow Your Next Paycheck Away,” on a recent episode of “From Marva with Love.”

MS: Brandy, you’re a lady that gets things done with all that you do. Tell us a little about yourself and what brought you on this journey?

BB: I am a mom to two darling daughters and wife to one handsome husband. I am a full-time graduate student at Regent University pursuing my doctoral degree in strategic leadership with the emphasis on foresight.

My husband is also a doctoral student and we arrived on this journey when 15 years ago we fell in love with each other. We neglected to have a conversation about personal finances and after about three APRIL 10, 2020

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months of being married and sitting down doing our bills, I realized that I had a little molehill of debt and he had a little molehill of debt and to-

Brandy Baxter

gether we had a mountain of debt. And so that began my journey of understanding poor management of fundamental financial principles on how to not only manage money and save money but really how to have a future plan for our money. As that journey began I found myself sharing that information with others.

To the point, people were like, ‘wow you should teach this.’

MS: What are some of the fundamental principles we should be practicing?

BB:So what are some of the 28

fundamental principles? I listened earlier when you were talking about COVID-19 and its effects on our community as a pandemic. Especially during this time, we want to make sure that we are being extra smart with our spending. I heard you talk about the number of layoffs and for many families that came unexpectedly. You know, there wasn’t a two-week notice.

There wasn’t anyone even kind of saying ‘hey we’re going to, or this is going to come.’ You know some folks literally walked into their jobs and they heard here in Dallas the County Judge said to restaurants stop serving and the restaurant owners were stuck with having to let their employees go. Many of them work on tips. The key at this point is to stop all of the extra spendings that we have taken for granted as consumers and really buckling down and identify what are the necessities. I encourage people to have a plan and a strategy. myimessenger.com

I MISS YOU Oh, how I miss you.

My reality distorted. Retreating often to a place where you remain. We laugh, together. I’m captivated by your smile. Your conversation enlightens me.

And the fact that I can go there and be in your presence, helps me move through this life without you.

myimessenger.com

APRIL 10, 2020

THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Clark Sisters

By VALDER BEEBE

T

he Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel. The Life-time original movie tells the Inspirational, true story of one of the most successful gospel groups in history.

Executive producers and Grammy Award winners Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliott present the authorized musical tale of the Clark Sisters in Lifetime’s original movie The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel. Having sold millions of albums and credited with bringing Gospel music to the mainstream, the five Clark sisters overcame humble beginnings in Detroit, enduring abuse, loss, rejection, betrayal, and sibling rivalries to achieve international fame as icons of the Gospel music industry.

Aunjanue Ellis stars as ‘Mattie Moss Clark,’ the mother of The Clark Sisters. Ellis has been cast opposite Will Smith in the upcoming biopic King Richard and will be part of the cast of HBO’s upcoming drama series Lovecraft Country. Ellis received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress for her work in the Ava DuVernaydirected miniseries When

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They See Us. Other recent credits include the films Miss Virginia, If Beale Street Could Talk, and Birth of a Nation. On TV, she starred as ‘Miranda Shaw’ on ABC’s Quantico, and had recurring roles on The Practice, True Blood, and The Mentalist.

Sheléa Frazier stars as gospel singer Dorinda Clark Cole. Sheléa is mentored by Stevie Wonder, and is a protégée of Quincy Jones.

She has sung at the Obama White House and performed a Whitney Houston tribute at the Grammy Museum. Her recent PBS concert special, called Quincy Jones Presents: Sheléa, featured David Foster.-Text provided by Raven Goodwin’s publicity team in conjunction with the Valder Beebe Show In the Valder Beebe Show studio Raven Goodwin as “Denise,” the 30

second oldest sister. Raven shares her ‘pinch me’ moment with this role.

VBS: Give our audience a preview of the Clark Sisters.

RG: The Clark Sisters are legendary. They are the cream of the crop who laid the foundation for Gospel music. They are led by their mother Mattie Moss Clark. I play Denise Clark, the rebel of the sisters. Even if you are not a huge gospel fan you should really watch.

VBS: My Instagram poster wants to know if the Clark sisters are really sisters? If so, how many sisters? In addition, are all sisters still with us?

RG: Yes they are biological sisters, all five are still with us.

Raven Goodwin’s full interview…….SoundCloud. com/valderbeebeshow Valder Beebe Show THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW OnDemand video: ValderBeebeShow.com, 411RadioNetwork. com, Youtube.com/valderbeebeshow; PODCAST audio: Soundcloud.com/valderbeebeshow, Soundcloud.com/ kkvidfw; Broadcast:KYBS FM Y99.9, KRER FM 102.5, Streaming TV PChatman Network and VBS affiliate broadcasters; On-Demand 411 RadioNetwork.com,. – Now available on 411RadioNetwork APP . Valder Beebe Show is a Power of 3 Women media influencer consortium partner. myimessenger.com

Hanging with Hollywood

Uncorked

MOVIE REVIEW BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

COFFEE AND KAREEM is the new adult comedy starring Taraji P. Henson (Empire), Ed Helms (The Hangover) and TV actor, starring in his first movie, Terrence Little Gardenhigh starring as Kareem. The 12-year-old actor fires off so much foul language it makes you feel like you need to make a call to child protective services.

In COFFEE AND KAREEM the young boy walks into the house unexpectedly and catches his mom (Taraji P. Henson) and the policeman, Officer Coffee, played by Ed Helms, having sex. The young man, who’s a want to be gangster, is so outraged by seeing the cop sexing his mom he hires a notorious drug dealer to put out a hit on his mom’s boyfriend.

Instead, he ends up witnessing a crooked cop bemyimessenger.com

ing killed, with his phone recording the entire event and ends up being pursued by the drug dealer and his gang.

Now him and his mother’s boyfriend have to team up to stay alive, They also have

to save his irate mother, who refuses to co-operate and ends up being tased by the 12-year-old and tossed in the trunk while they getaway.

Officer Coffee is being set up by crooked cops and he has to clear his name while on the run.

The movie is a guilty pleasure with plenty of raunchy laughs.

As part of a deal the two 31

partners make Coffee has to take Kareem to a strip joint, in one of my favorite, most outrageous scenes in the movie.

The scene helps the movie earn its TV-MA rating.

Ms. Henson has a smaller role in the movie but she has some great scenes as Kareem’s protective mother. She is hilarious in her limited role.

COFFEE AND KAREEM is one of the most inappropriate movies I’ve seen in recent memory (keep the kids away from the TV), but if you’ve got the stomach for it it is laugh out loud funny.

The movie has a run time of one hour and a half and is currently showing on NETFLIX. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate it a LARGE. APRIL 10, 2020

APRIL 10, 2020

I MESSENGER

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