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VOL IX NO 37
ALOPECIA ESSAY CONTEST WINNER
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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.
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Ronald Reagan’s Secret Past impressed by him, but many were. I met Mr. Reagan in 1984 when I visited him at the White House with DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ. Grambling football coach Eddie Robinson. hile presidential While I didn’t formally meet c a n d i d a t e him then, I ran into him in Joe Biden is Detroit at the Republican struggling with being National Convention and confronted with his past, let’s had an opportunity to size not forget that there were him up. I didn’t find him politicians with far worse impressive either time. Yet, I records of racism than Joe. Most of us have been able to witness Joe’s evolution to become a better person. One might say he learned from his experiences and became someone who is much loved by many of the very people hurt by his earlier position on several issues such as criminal justice. I can forgive Ronald Reagan people who do better when they know better. I think that describes Mr. knew people who treated him Biden. I have no doubt that like he was a close second to he has learned from the God! I never thought of error of his ways and he him as a particularly smart has become a much better person, but to this day, many person. When you know (white) people speak of him better, you are charged with in glowing terms. doing better, and I think We can’t measure him that fits Mr. Biden. Surely against Joe Biden. They’re President Barack Obama very different people. Let’s knew about Mr. Biden’s measure him beside Donald past, and still selected him Trump. Trump recently to become his vice president. disrespected African leaders He turned out to be a good with very offensive terms. choice and that’s why so Mr. Reagan disparaged many Black people are now African delegates to the supporting him. United Nations. A few Now let’s take a look at days ago, The Atlantic another politician from not published an article where too long ago — President Reagan held one of his Ronald Reagan. He was racist conversations with our 40th president, and is a questionable character often admired and quoted named Richard Nixon, who by many on both sides tried to convince us when he of the aisle. I was never got caught that he was not a WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE
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crook! Once Reagan vented his frustrations about African leaders to Nixon: “To see those monkeys from those African countries — damn them, they’re still uncomfortable wearing shoes!� As Trump was campaigning for president, he ran off statistics disparaging the way some Black people live. In an effort to get Black people’s support, he asked, “What have they got to lose?� Recently he referred to cities with large Black populations in derogatory terms. He referred to Baltimore as ratinfested and said he couldn’t understand how any humans could live there — his way of dehumanizing Black people. A few years earlier, Reagan claimed minorities were better off under him — just the way Trump says it. Trump claims to not have a racist bone in his body, but it’s obvious there’s racism in his heart while accusing Rep. Elijah Cummings of being racist. Reagan was quoted as resorting to the old standby of turning the problem back to Black people because, surely, he wasn’t racist! He challenged NAACP’s Dr. Ben Hooks to imagine looking into his (Reagan’s) heart, and he would find not a trace of prejudice or bigotry there! No, it’s always the fault of the accuser! One of Reagan’s defenders denied that he was racist — just backward in some ways on racial issues! That sounds like racism to me.
(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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Last week I was waiting with anticipation to hear results from elections at Florida A&M University! There were two young ladies seeking leadership at my alma mater and I was so proud of them because they were both worthy candidates and exemplary representatives.
Here are two of the many things we are learning from the coronavirus: (1) A new respect for teachers, if we did not already have it as we should. (2) A new awareness that, for the most part, parents as teachers are out of their league.
As we respect and honor social distancing and government mandated shelter-in-place, we are adjusting our work environment. Everyone, including me, has had to adjust to a quarantined workspace of one. I went from a 100-people workspace to a one person workspace.
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· 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)
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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. Items can be donated Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Parkland’s It’s simple – you can donate new and Logistics Building, 5223 Tex Oak Ave., unopened PPE to Parkland. Those Dallas, TX 75235. items include: · N95 masks (Medical Grade) For additional information about do· Surgical masks nating PPE please email Pamela Bry· Industrial masks ant at pamela.bryant@phhs.org · Surgical caps myimessenger.com
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MAY 1, 2020
MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith, Publisher
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Good News - FAMU!
ast week I was waiting with elected Miss FAMU. In 2011, their And now: in 2020 Erika will wear anticipation to hear results son, Frederick Jr. was elected Mr. the crown. from elections at Florida FAMU. In 2017, Michelle Marva, the The Johnsons love FAMU, and A&M University! Johnson’s oldest daughter was elected not just because of the “royalty” There were two young ladies Miss FAMU! element. Both Frederick and Vivian seeking leadership at my alma are devoted supporters and mater and I was so proud have served in leadership of them because they were positions with the D-FW both worthy candidates and FAMU Alumni Association. arrington exemplary representatives. They have generations of higham Their parents were so proud FAMU Love! and with good reason. These two young ladies Which brings me to my would make it their business truth! SGA to find me if I was visiting campus, and they were always Support of and love for Vice very respectful and a joy to historically Black colleges and President spend time with, universities is paramount. When the news came of I absolutely love it when I 20-21 their victories, it was the type see generational love for our of news that will be in FAMU’s HBCUs. history books; and that is so One year I was at a exciting! reception at Paul Quinn Erika Johnson is the College when a professor daughter of two of my from Africa approached me. classmates. Frederick and I rika entered FAMU together and Him: Professor Smith, ohnson What is a Delta? shortly after Vivian walked on campus. We’ve been friends Me: Excuse me? for more than four decades. Him: What’s a Delta? Erika ran for Miss FAMU, Me: It’s my sorority, Delta Miss and won by an overwhelming Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc! margin. Him: Oh. I asked your FAMU What is really historic daughters (Annya 9 and 20-21 about her election is that Ayanna 6) where they were the Johnson family is not going to college and they unfamiliar to campaigning said, “FAMU.” and winning elections. Me: Yes, of course! In 1981, Vivian was Him: And then I asked
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Association Vice President in a high-powered election where she and her running mate, Xavier McClinton show-cased their leadership skills and ability to connect with the student body. A graduate of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, like Erika, Carrington is talented, smart and an absolute joy. A participant in Sen. Royce West’s Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program, Carrington is a broadcast journalism major with a minor in theater. She will undoubtedly be a candidate for other positions in the future. Keep your eyes on her! These young ladies’ parents were fine examples for them and then too, there’s something about FAMUly. Andrew the IV, attends the University of Miami and he did follow in his dad’s footsteps, like Frederick Jr. followed Sr., and pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Vivian, Deardra, Michelle and Carrington are all members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Legacy is important. FAMU was good enough for us and it is good enough for our children. We have to do better, all HBCU alums. Give money. Encourage others to attend these important institutions. Can’t you see what self love produces! them what they were going to be and they said, ‘a Delta.’ All I could do was smile! I probably had the same smile on my face that Vivian had when she received the news about Erika’s victory. Truth be told, I was actually relieved to hear Erika’s news because I know the pressure was on. People talk and her freshman year they were already asking if she was going to follow in her mom and sister’s footsteps. Then there is Carrington Whigham, the daughter of Andrew III and Deardra HayesWhigham. Andrew was president of the FAMU Student Government Association in 1986-1987 (Centennial SGA President), where he managed a $500,000 budget. Dr. Deardra did not attend FAMU, but she’s an HBCU alum and we love her too! Carrington, like Erika, landed on campus taking full advantage of the FAMU experience, serving as a leader and making everyone proud. She was elected Student Government myimessenger.com
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MAY 1, 2020
May 1
From Marva with Love Schedule May 15
11: 15 am: Dorothy Jones, owner of Black Jack Pizza
11:15 am: Demetria Bivens Owner of DBL Consultants. Re: Black Contractors. Have you had to lay people off since COVID-19? 11:45 am: Norma Adams-Wade Founding member of NABJ. What are you planning with your new Blog Talk Radio Show? Let’s talk about your column, “I was just thinking…”
11:45 am: Nina Garcia, Cooking with Nina G. Learn how to make a meal from w h a t ’s in your kitchen. 12:15 pm: Comedian D Elli$
12:15 pm: Attorney Bobbie Edmonds How are attorneys impacted by what's going on with coronavirus? How are things in Fort Worth?
12:30 pm: Nicolette Bynum, Personal Shopper The 2nd Place winner of Healthy Living Expo, Mac & Cheese Bake off, she has created a business during COVID-19. May 22
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11:15 am: Dr. Sharka’Kang Zoolo Kang Naturopathic Doctor and herbalist. Can you help us with COVID-19? Solutions and what we can do to stay healthy?
11:15 am: Min. Dominique Alexander, President - N e x t Generation A c t i o n Network. What challenges NGAN faces.
12:15 pm: Rev. Richard Evans How's the church community doing? How have you had to change in serving the church?
MAY 1, 2020
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11:45 am: Dr. Ester Davis of The Ester Davis TV Show Why is there a need for an organization of just the Black Press and what can we expect?
11:45 am: V a l d e r Beebe, Host of Valder Beebe Show and That Celebrity Interview.
12:15 pm: Shuckey Duckey What's going on with this Re n ow n e d Comedian? What does he make of what's going on in the world?
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Congressional Black Caucus: Prioritize — Black People First! Word!
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s a person who’s been on the front lines of protests advocating for Black folks for media job hirings, slavery reparations and more Black history teachings in public schools, just to name a few. I’ve witnessed for decades how my work was being translated by news reports as “working on behalf of minorities!” Nothing could have been further from the truth. But unfortunately it’s how white leadership has seen Black protesters and the sad commentary is it’s been primarily a narrative pushed by Black leadership in their need, it appears, to be loved by everybody in the world. However, the people primarily hurt by this compromise has been the voiceless masses. It seems that finally there appears to be some powerful help on the horizon in the name of a group of activists known as the Black Business Empowerment (BBE). This movement is made up of a crossbreed of business owners, community organizations, religious leaders and grassroots groups that decided to come together to show unity and to pool their strengths to advocate for Black people. The groups all agree that the consistent use of labeling their causes under the word “minority” has many times weakened their abilities to assist Black people. And it is those Black people who through nearly 210 years of forced slave labor and an additional 100 years or more of Jim Crow laws; Black businesses should have been sectioned off with relief funds for Black people only! After all, it’s been Black businesses that have employed Black people in Black communities in America as white businesses and businesses owned by foreigners have exclusively discriminated against Blacks, even in majority Black
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THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES BY THOMAS MUHAMMAD
neighborhoods. So yeah I’m pissed off to the highest pissivity over constantly sacrificing for other ethnic groups! It’s time for others to take a hit for the damned team! It’s time for us to look out for us first! It’s like riding on an airplane and you’re told to put on your mask first before you mask others. Black leadership needs to follow that example for Black people! Don’t get me wrong! Sure, if brown, yellow, red or white folks benefitted from my work, okay that’s fine! But my initial plan was for Black people, so the word minority should not even enter the conversation! So now we’re faced with the issue that the Small-Business Loan Program has run out of money! $350 billion from the first Payroll Protection Program (PPP) has run out of money. You now see owners, like Denny Moe’s Barbershop, in Harlem say, “I can probably last until May. But I don’t want to think about that!” Currently Congress approved $450 billion more in the PPP 2 bill. For this bill we need Black congressional leadership to sing the words, “Say It Loud I’m Black And I’m Proud!” And by the way James Brown was a Republican, so political partisanship should be put aside! Think about these facts. The National Bureau on Economic Research (NBER) presented a working paper that found that the medium firm/business with expenses over $10,000 per month has only enough
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cash on hand to last for two weeks. Problem is that reference doesn’t refer to the much smaller businesses like brother Denny Moe’s mentioned and the many mom/pop businesses that only employ two to five people, but have been in business for decades! I’m talking about your neighborhood cleaners, beauty salons, bakeries, t-shirt making shops, bookstores, and the list goes on. What about them? Put that up against Ruth’s Chris Steak House chain that grossed $42 million last year but received a $20 million forgivable loan and Potbelly and Shake Shack restaurant chains receiving $10 million. Excuse me, but all I can say is, ‘huh!’ Shake Shack and Ruth’s Chris just recently announced they are returning the stimulus checks. I guess this proves they do have some scruples. But it also proves that they didn’t need the f !:/“@; money in the first place, don’t you think? Which brings me to this point, that if the CBC believe their job is to advocate for minority communities then maybe it’s time Congress creates a Congressional “Ethic” Minority Caucus which should then allow CBC to advocate for Black people only. How about that for some clarity? As for the BBE Movement we need Black people in all 50 states of America to come together and join this call of BBE to get Black congressional leadership to continue seeking federal funding to support Black businesses, which in return will employ Black families and help them survive America’s white supremacy legacy! A Lata Continua: The Struggle Continues... Thomas Muhammad is Chairman of the National Black United Front (NBUF)-Dallas Texas Chapter.
MAY 1, 2020
Peace out during coronavirus lockdown
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ere are two of the many things we are learning from the coronavirus: (1) A new respect for teachers, if we did not already have it as we should. (2) A new awareness that, for the most part, parents as teachers are out of their league. Texas schools closed temporarily in March then in April for the remainder of the school year. A battle royal for families has been having children at home all day, with parents attempting to teach them school work on top of all their other parental duties. All across the state and nation, parents are singing the same frantic song as they realize the enormity of this task they are facing. In countless households, parents are struggling to provide learning the government has mandated that must continue for their children -despite parents’ limited knowledge of how to do the job and master the technology involved. I was just thinking.... what advice would someone give who sees both sides of the coin – from school and from family? Dr. LaTrese Adkins, an edu-
MAY 1, 2020
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I WAS JUST THINKING... By Norma Adams-Wade I Messenger
cator and Dallas native, wears both hats. She has been observing the situation recently and has talked with many parents and her own relatives with children at
Dr. LaTrese Adkins
home. She passionately is urging parents and families to use this mandatory at-home teaching experience as incentive to fight for state and national improvements for teachers, in their careers and classrooms. “This experience has been a wake up call across the nation,” said Dr. Adkins who was valedictorian of her graduating class in the 1990s at Lincoln High School in South Dallas. No stranger to the classroom, the education advocate has had an 8
inside view of what both students and parents face while she helps relatives with at-home teaching tasks during this coronavirus health crisis. Dr. Adkins earned a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in History and Africana Studies from Wellesley College and Masters and doctorate degrees from Michigan State University in American History and Comparative Black History. She uses her own background as both teacher and former student to identify with both sides in this crisis. Now that parents and families see what it takes to get through a day teaching children, it would be great if these families would begin to advocate for much needed education re-forms that would benefit teachers and students, Dr. Adkins said. “There needs to be a groundswell for a significant increase in teachers’ salaries now that parents are experiencing what teachers go through,” Dr. Adkins said. “We should see a movement by parents like never before, saying ‘We got to do better by teachers.’” myimessenger.com
Teacher in the classroom
with it. b. Make out a family school work schedule that will not stress parent or child. c. If it works to do all the work in two days and have the rest of the time free, do so. d. Communicate honestly with the teacher, by phone or computer, about how your family is accomplishing assignments. Find mutual ground. e. P a r e n t s should not stress over subjects they do not understand. Get help from others
or the teacher, and if that does not work, move on. f. Reward or reinforce the child’s successes with school work. Rewards could be buying their favorite cereal or decorating their room in a fun way. Reinforcement could be verbal praise so the child feels good about the school work they complete. g. By now, families should have an inside view of the strengths and weaknesses of the education system; and see that the flaws are a societal issue that everyone can play a part in fixing – from corporations to neighborhood associations. “We are put-ting our money into buildings and books,” Dr. Adkins said. “But at some point, we must put our money into our human resources – the teachers. And everybody should be talking about these babies, the children.”
But she said parents should not overstressed themselves trying to add teaching to their already full plates. Dr. Adkins offers this advice to flustered parents, many who are trying too hard, faced with impossible schedules: a. Find what works for YOUR family and stick myimessenger.com
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MAY 1, 2020
Remembering Dr. Dorothy I. Height By Alexis M. Herman President of the Dorothy I. Height Foundation April 20, 2020 marked the 10th anniversary of the death of our gentle but fearless leader and mentor, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. This significant anniversary offers us an opportunity for reflection during these unprecedented times we are living in today. Dr. Height undoubtedly was a creative, compassionate, and visionary leader. Her scholarship, travels and experiences shaped her understanding of power and how to navigate it with competence and kindness. Through the programs and initiatives she developed, she used her power to empower poor women and girls around the world. During the early Civil Rights Movement when women worked behind the scenes, her quiet power brought wisdom and a social worker’s perspective to deliberations and strategies of the “Big Six” civil rights leaders. With an understanding of the importance of power of location, she purchased a building in Washington, D.C. between the White House and the Capitol, the only African American-owned building along that corridor of power. For decades, her political power was put to use serving as an advisor to five U.S. presidents. She led some of the largest and most influential women’s organizations in American history, including her beloved National Council of Negro Women. And she achieved these accomplishments always wearing fabulous hats and an engaging smile. While those achievements were immense, they pale in light of her greatest and most enduring accomplishments. During the turbulent times and critical issues MAY 1, 2020
that prevailed throughout her lifetime, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height was “A Bridge Over Troubled Waters.” Her activism started as a teenager by bringing her peers together to nonviolently protest policies that prohibited African American children from swimming, debating or going to school with Caucasian youth. She bravely confronted and
were simple or easy undertakings, yet she courageously pursued what she knew to be right and good. Wherever the waters were troubled, she created a bridge, effective coalitions, and solutions. Many of the critical issues of Dr. Height’s era persist today. Over 50 years ago, she called attention to the health disparities related to social detriments, especially
navigated the injustices and engaged adults who had the power to make changes. Over the years, issues such as racism, the struggle for economic and social justice, women’s rights, voter’s rights, equal access to education, healthcare and jobs, fair wages, and dignity for all, brought purpose and passion to her life. When she walked into a room, wisdom, humanity, and hope arrived with her. She was the bridge to alignment and unity to many civil rights organizations and leaders. To African American, Caucasian, Latina, Asian, and Native American women organizations, she served as a bridge of vision and consensus in their pursuits seeking equality, equal pay, and jobs. Through programs she implemented, she was at the forefront of the Y.W.C.A. realizing its most significant lifelong mission, eradicating racism. None of these
for Black women and the elderly. Chronic health conditions such as hypertension, heart disease and diabetes were always at the forefront for education and outreach to our communities. Today with thousands impacted by COVID-19 and millions who are unemployed, the consequences of these same health disparities are more apparent than ever. The troubled waters we now face have washed waves of reminders of the work our country still has to do. Leaders are searching for answers, managing fears and anxiety, and competing for vital resources in their communities. In these turbulent, frightening, and uncertain times, we are called to embrace Dr. Height’s spirit of direct action, by courageously bridging the waters with viable solutions, to serve the needs of our brothers and sisters, to hold leaders accountable for environmental and social justice policies, to provide
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food for the many who are in need today, to protect and defend the right to vote, to be the voice of the voiceless, and to lead with purpose and passion toward a just and safe society. Ten years after her passing, we must embrace her spirit to right the wrongs and keep navigating troubled waters until we reach calm seas and still waters that were always her goals for women and children, for the country, for all of us. Today we must not only remember Dr. Height, but also renew her fighting spirit, and be that “bridge over troubled waters” that we need and seek. Girded by our faith and in the spirit of Dr. Height, I pray that each of us will find ways, large and small, to courageously speak up, stand up, and reach out to bring truth and mercy to “the least of these.” In the days and weeks ahead, we would do well to remember her words spoken at the dedication of the Headquarters Building of the National Council of Negro Women, “Through this last century we learned that it is in the neighborhoods and communities where the world begins. That is where children grow and families are developed, where people exercise their power to change their lives…. Building on my religious faith deeply rooted in my childhood and youth, I found my life’s work. I am the product of many whose lives have touched mine, from the famous, distinguished and powerful to the little known and the poor. “The past has taught me many lessons—most especially, that I have a responsibility to future generations.” In memory of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, contributions may be made to the National Council of Negro Women at www.ncnw.org under donate. myimessenger.com
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MAY 1, 2020
Will the coronavirus widen achievement gap? THE LAST WORD DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX
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he coronavirus has upended our way of life, especially in urban America, where social distancing has replaced the laughter of children playing on the street, the excitement of preparing for graduation and prom, and the frenzy of lastminute test preparation. Instead, educators are being forced to think creatively about how to efficiently deliver instruction to their students, especially since they can have no physical contact with them. Many of them are more than up to the task. Dedicated educators are emailing and snail mailing homework assignments and lesson plans, collaborating on assignments by telephone, engaging with colleagues using all kinds of technology. And many of them, the best of them, miss their students and continue to work as collaboratively as they can. But the digital divide matters with much of our education, work, and communication taking place remotely. Andrew Perrin, a researcher at the Pew Research Organization, has studied the digital divide. He notes that while African Americans, Hispanics, and white Americans have nearly equal access to smartphones (about 80 percent of each population), whites are more likely than African Americans and Hispanics to have desktop or laptop computers. MAY 1, 2020
This differential access has implications for students and the achievement gap. While anyone can access the Internet through a smartphone, some learning is better facilitated
with a larger screen. The computer ac-cess gap is likely to be reflected in the achievement gap. African American and Hispanic house-holds are less likely to have home-based broadband than whites are. The broadband issue is significant when some classes are being streamed, or when people need to use electronic connections like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Cisco WebX, that require more bandwidth than students may have. Furthermore, the closure of libraries hits the African American harder than others because African Americans are more likely than either job search, but others are likely there for educational purposes.
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There’s more. Parents who it clear that even during a time of don’t have the luxury to stay crisis, we can still concern ourselves at home may also not be able with equity issues, particularly as to take the time to help with they affect young people. Every child will have her homework. We know that African Americans, especially education altered by adjustments African American women, are made because of the coronavirus. more likely to work in lower- Race, class, income, and access (and paying service jobs, and may all are correlated) will determine find it grueling, to help with how the changes impact the homework after a long day’s learning function. Young people work. Instead, they may get who may have already been behind, verbal thanks, but not the with verbal and mathematical deficiencies, may find their gap hazard pay they deserve. S o m e widening. Whether educators are institutions and dealing with college and graduate i n d i v i - d u a l s students, whether they are dealing are stepping with those precious preschoolers, or to the plate, college-bound high school students, asking friends, the success of the fall 2020 semester churches, and will require planning and some others for remediation. Since it is clear that Internet help in finding c o m p u t e r s , access is essential for both purchasing in- youngsters and adults, doesn’t it ternet access make sense to provide every schoolfor students, age child with a fully loaded laptop? d e v e l o p i n g Doesn’t it make sense for cities, partnerships with especially, to be fully wired with c o r p o r a t i o n s , broadband? What does it take to make education a national priority? and more. Rev. Jesse Jackson, founded While these efforts are necessary and ap-preciated, the Rainbow-PUSH Coalition a systemic approach to the and appointed me President achieve-ment gap and the of the education branch of the way the coronavirus may organization, PUSH Excel Board. have exacerbated it, makes In a Board call, he raised the sense. There are opportunities question, perhaps rhetorical, of to address the digital divide and whether the coronavirus will widen the achievement gap through the achievement gap. Any crisis that hits this country will both illustrate coronavirus relief money. About $3 billion in emergency and exacerbate inequality. The education aid will be available to issue is not whether coronavirus state governors, and according widens the achievement gap. The to Politico, Education Secretary issue is what we can do about it. Betsey DeVos says governors can The first step is to urge governors to use the money as they will. She be mindful of the achievement gap suggests they use it for online when they apportion their share of learning. Governors should use that emergency education aid. some of these dollars to narrow the achievement gap by targeting Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an those who are on the wrong side of author, economist, and social the digital divide. That will make commentator.
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In these times of COVID -19, we lost the 9 to 5 to a virtual overtime
s we respect and honor social distancing and government mandated shelter-in-place, we are adjusting our work environment. Everyone, including me, has had to adjust to a quarantined workspace of one. I went from a 100-people workspace to a one person workspace. On top of that I am a recovering extrovert too. Is it me or is the number of hours working increased for you? I find myself working harder more than when I drove 15 miles to work. Working from shelter-in-place has some win-wins. My dress code ranges from pajamas to my favorite T-shirt I bought at Prince’s mansion, Paisley Park in Minneapolis during an NABJ visit. I still stand with the medical expert that social distancing and shelter-inplace are two of the best ways to help combat the virus. My office is my home, my home is my office, the only person standing over the water cooler (kitchen sink) is my house is me. Another win-win is the commute! The 14-mile drive that took one hour on “HellBJ” I-635 is gone. My heavy traffic-inspired road rage is gone. But the additional free time that comes with this new normal leaves me with something that I did not imagine. My work day has increased, I am starting earlier because I am not in traffic, so I choose to work. Our employers have increased measurement of our work productivity. At the office it was easy to walk in the breakroom and strike up a 10-minute conversation with a team member who hates that I am Dak Prescott’s #1 fan during a break. I am virtually unable to take a 15 minute break at home because I have myimessenger.com
TBC the black card By Terry Allen
a limited amount of time on my job provided VPN network to complete the task that I am measured by at the end of the day. I also seem to forget what time or day it is because everything is running together. Did I take my vitamin Pak this morning or was that yesterday? Is it
Tuesday or Wednesday? OMG did I miss that webinar or zoom call? What day was the online meeting? The pandemic has dropped uncertainty in our daily bread. Isolation is stressful. COVID-19 social distancing is increasing demands for use of the online space. Church is online. Doctors’ visits are online! Basic shopping is online! School is online! No one can hug, touch and/or embrace anyone because of physical distancing. Everyone is demanding my involvement, sometimes with less than
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a day’s notice! A colleague of mine said on a team call “since we are all at all home let’s meet tomorrow” (Sunday) before 9 am and get this out of the way! Really? COVID-19 has altered the way we do things. Our local government, our social and faith organizations have all started virtual operations asking me to show up and show out. I still must manage the care of my elders. I want to virtual-kiss my girls MacKenzie and Miracle goodnight. I want to hug my son, my sisters and my mom. Everybody is asking me to do a webinar or a zoom call. It is too much! COVID-19 pandemic has blurred the lines. It is hard to disconnect from work when work is in the same place you live! It is important that we disconnect and self-care. Here are a few tips: ï Opt-out of so many notifications on your phone and social media. Why? You will find yourself less overwhelmed by all those damn notifications. Let Unsubscribe be your best friend. ï Take a brief break to balance the work. Simply disconnect the headphones and go to the window and look out. ï Set up email filters and rules. I think I get 15-20 COVID-19 emails a day - filter those emails to a separate inbox so you read them later.” Also, another best friend can be “Delete!” ï Take that smartphone and call a loved one and tell them you care. Let them hear your voice! Conversations over the phone releases feel-good emotions. Terry Allen is an award-winning media professional, journalist and entrepreneur who serves as the Media Related Representative on the National Association of Black Journalists Board of Directors. He is also the founder of City Men Cook and 1016 Media
MAY 1, 2020
Conservatives cozying up to
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From Cotton to COVID QUIT PLAYIN’ By VINCENT L. HALL Vincent L. Hall is
an author, activist
and award-winning columnist
In 1950, the price of a pound of bacon was 49 cents, and the cost of a dozen eggs was a meager sounding 16 cents. Comparable prices today, after adjustments for inflation, would be $5.17 and $1.64, respectively. John Wiley Price came into the world in 1950. However, he would not truly understand the price of anything until he had to count it for himself. This man sits behind a desk covered with binders, letters, envelopes, and sticky notes; with names and numbers scribbled on other forms he uses as reference. As the ranking member of the Commissioners Court, he still takes calls from “average Joes.” People of all races call him daily for one simple reason… none of the others answer! Almost every square inch of the 500-square-foot office he has called home, since elected in 1984, is covered. The colorful and eclectic pieces of artwork transform the MAY 1, 2020
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simple red-brick walls into a three-dimensional showcase. The office is engulfed and inflamed with Africana and irony. There is a 14 x 20 shot of him standing with fist clenched,
Dallas County Commissioner
John Wiley Price
alongside Winnie Mandela, the then-bride of Nelson Mandela. The unanimity in their “Black power” postures is nattily matched by the passionate gaze of seriousness that they both wear like social garments. The curved arm-chairs are sufficient for the hundreds of meetings held in his office each year. Many of John’s attendees are too sleepy at his patented 6:30 a.m. meetings to care. Price is the most accessible elected 20
official in the state, but if you want to guarantee a spot, 6ish is about the best bet. When urged, Price posits that he learned the difference between mathematics and arithmetic in the harsh sunlight of Forney’s cotton fields. He recalls that cotton sacks were different sizes, based on what the picker or the chopper could handle by weight. Picking and chopping had a definite distinction by way of job descriptions and value. “There were five-foot sacks, six, nine, 12, and 14,” said Price “You would tie the ends into a ponytail and be paid based on how many pounds you gathered. “We were pick-ing cotton for a $1.50 a hundred. You could get a straight $5 for chopping all day. “You had to be able to count, that’s where I learned the difference.” Once he got to the cotton fields, Price admits that he picked and chopped. “I pulled the entire boll. You walk away from the trailer and pull toward the trailer. At the end, if you have 80 pounds, you would subtract three pounds for the weight of the sack. myimessenger.com
“We would spend one month on summer vacation, and then we would harvest from June until sometimes late September.” White kids were treated much differently, and when he moved to Dallas from Forney at 19, he was poised to do something about that difference. Although his name was in the political circles around me, I met John for the first time personally on a bridge in South Dallas. The same Ferrari that D Magazine questioned him driving was broken down. I gave him a ride and we’ve been riding together ever since. John Wiley Price is a friend whom I watched survive both the Dallas County DA’s office and seven years and shackles by the Feds. Our Man Downtown has logged more late-night calls to get loved ones out of jail than 70% of the criminal attorneys in Dallas. Price’s District 3 Health Advisory was warning Dallas and America about a health pandemic among minor-ity and poor people long before COVID-19. There is a difference between a civil rights leader and a Black elect-ed official, but John is both. JWP led 30 years of KwanzaaFest, served 35 years as a county commissioner, and is the longestmyimessenger.com
serving employ-ee on the County payroll. There is much more to say, so look forward to my book. On this, my hope-to-die friend and brother’s 70th birthday…
I want to wish him all the best! Happy Born-Day, brougham. You made the journey from Cotton to COVID-19, and I pray you have many miles ahead. Tens of thousands of us in this community are praying God’s strength, grace, and mercy for your life and we have the utmost respect for your legacy! #maskup #QuitPlayin
MO’ BETTAH WINGS
$5 Daily Specials 10% Teachers Discount 11am-10pm Monday-Saturday
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Fe d s d e a l w it h f r a u d u le n t cla im s Authorities stop Dallas business from claiming “ozone therapy” as treatment for COVID-19
By Rebecca Aguilar Sr. Correspondent
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has cracked down on Purity Health & Wellness Centers in Dallas that claimed “ozone therapy” was a treatment for COVID-19. Federal investigators say the business was offering unproven treatments for the deadly disease. The federal court issued a permanent injunction Friday against Purity Health and Jean Juanita Allen, one of the owners who the feds say, “fraudulently promoted socalled ozone therapy as a treatment for COVID-19.” The injunction stops the business from making such claims to clients. “The Department of Justice will not stand by and permit the fraudulent promotion of supposed COVID-19 treatments that do no good and that could be harmful,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are working with law enforcement and agency partners to stop those who attempt to profit by selling useless products during this pandemic.” Investigators say Allen was caught when she told a caller posing as a potential customer that although ozone could be dangerous, Purity’s treatment was safe for children, would sanitize anything, and would eradicate MAY 1, 2020
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viral or bacterial infections. Court documents re-veal that Allen claimed Purity’s ozone treatments could increase oxygen in the blood, making it impossible for the viruses to manifest. She also claimed ozone
a business conducting a coronavirus scam or other illegal related activity. Federal investigators, including the FBI, are on high alert for a business trying to profit off people looking for protection or a cure for COVID-19. Matthew DeSarno, FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge, says “We will not allow anyone to illegally profit from exploiting the fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Texas Metro News has contacted Ms. Allen and Purity Health and Wellness Center in Dallas by phone, website, and Facebook page, therapy was 95% effective even for but we have yet to get a response from someone who had tested positive for the company or owner. A post on their COVID-19, and a team of doctors had Facebook page on April 20 mentions recommended an ozone steam sauna ozone IV’s cost $140, but there is no for someone with coronavirus. The mention of COVID-19 treatment. FBI found the company had posted The DOJ has a hotline and email the same claims on its Instagram address where you can report a account. scam or attempted fraud involving U.S. Attorney Erin Neal Cox for coronavirus. You can report it by the Northern District of Texas said calling the Department of Justice the defendant preyed on public National Center for Disaster Fraud fear, peddling bogus treatments that Hotline at 866-720-5721 or email had absolutely no effect against at disaster@leo.gov. COVID-19. The Department Rebecca Aguilar is currently a of Justice has freelance reporter, television comestablished a page mentator, news consultant, social media columnist and motivational on its website speaker. Aguilar has worked for where consumers several television stations around can learn or the country alert the federal authorities about
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Black-Owned
Businesses demand share of federal dollars as COVID-19 rages on By J. Cunningham
of a second loan program to bolster businesses and revive the economy provides The coronavirus pandemic about $484 billion for has ravaged the U.S. economy, small businesses, hospitals leaving scores of businesses and additional testing. But in limbo and livelihoods in Black business owners said jeopardy. funds need to be earmarked And Black businesses, specifically for African many of which were already American firms to ensure fighting to access capital, are that their companies survive struggling to weather this the pandemic. economic disaster COVID-19 “It’s clear that we’re taking has wrought. the biggest hit, but we’re They are calling on the finding that the resources federal government to ensure aren’t being given to the that their companies aren’t worst hit,” said Larry D. wiped out by the pandemic’s Ivory, president of the onslaught. Illinois Black Chamber of Last month, the govern- Commerce, which represents ment passed the $2.2 trillion 144,000 businesses, calling CARES Act, which was the phenomenon “pandemic supposed to help support racism.” “It makes no sense. businesses and sustain If you have devastation, underemployed and out-of- you need to put money and work Americans. resources into the people and But business owners said places worst hit.” the funding fell short. Black-owned businesses The $349 billion Paycheck already stand to be Protection Program that was disproportionately impacted part of the CARES Act ran by the pandemic, reinforcing out of money in just two disparities in the United weeks, and multimillion- States. dollar chains extracted huge Some 40 percent of sums from the program. For revenues from Black-owned example, Ruth’s Chris Steak businesses are in the top House received $20 million, five most vulnerable sectors, and the Potbelly Sandwich including retail, leisure and Shop got $10 million. hospitality, according to a Smaller business owners report from the McKinsey meanwhile complained Institute that was released that they couldn’t get their earlier this month. Compared applications through. to other businesses Last week, the release Special to Texas Metro News
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Larry Ivory countrywide, just 25 percent of revenues are affected, the report says. “We need relief economically,” said Regina Smith, the CEO of the nonprofit Harlem Business Alliance. “We cannot continue to support the continued demise of Black businesses.” There are about 2.6 million Black-owned businesses in the United States, which employ about one million people, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. These firms, many of which are small, are considered to be the lifeblood of many communities. They create jobs, they keep money in communities and they provide residents with needed products and services. But Black business owners said the COVID-19 pandemic will decimate their ranks if the government doesn’t step in to help keep them from
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Regina Smith shutting down. They need grants and loans on a hyperlocal level that will help Black business owners with their immediate bills and keep them from having to furlough, fire, or cut the pay of employees. They also need access to local, state and federal government contracts and specifically, a “master contract” where the government awards money to a nonprofit, communitybased partner, and that entity, in turn, identifies Black businesses to fulfill the contract, according to a white paper from the Black Business Empowerment Committee, a group of business owners, houses of worship and community groups committed to growing and sustaining Black-owned businesses. J. Cunningham is a longtime journalist and editor in New York. MAY 1, 2020
How Alopecia affected me ABOUT YOUR HAIR BY DR. LINDA AMERSON www.hairandscalpessentials.com
Alopecia essay scholarship 2020
W
e continue to support our youth, who are pursuing a college education. This is our 7th year! Our 2020 Alopecia essay scholarship is underway for youth ages 16-19. The topic is ‘My alopecia taught me these things,’ typed with a minimum of 300 words. Deadline for submission is June 1st. A panel of judges will select winning essay. Contact Dr. Amerson if you have questions. Send your head shot and essay to dramerson@hairandscalpessentials.com 817 265 8854.
because I was making new friends and it was hard to balance family, school and my hair loss but luckily I still had enough hair to cover up my bald spots. So my parents put me in counseling. I was there for 6 months then I stopped because I thought I was better. When the alopecia went away I was
Previous Winning Essay:
How did Alopecia Affect Me “How did Alopecia affect my life?” Every time I hear that it makes me think of fewer friends, being depressed all the time, feeling weird or covering up what I don’t want to but have to. When I was first diagnosed with Alopecia I was in the 2nd grade and really didn’t care a lot because I was so young and not thinking about what people thought of me. The doctors said it was caused by stressed but the only thing I stressed about was my family because then we always fought and my sister wasn’t really there. Then it went away for 4 years. I thought it was gone but in 6th grade it came back, it wasn’t as serious but I was losing a great amount of my hair. That was really a tough time for me MAY 1, 2020
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Cayla Staples ecstatic. So my whole 7th grade year it was good, I had no problem and no worries until…8th grade. I remember how sad and hurt I was when I saw that bald spot in the middle of my hair. I wanted to die, I felt like somebody told me that I was dying. All I could think about was ‘I’m in 8th grade, I’ve been looking forward to this since 5th grade and now this. What am I going to do?’ I was hurt and felt sick in the heart. Everybody I knew felt sorry for me. They kept telling me “Inner beauty never falls out” or “you’ll get through this its ok.” My parents put me in counseling again but now I like it a lot. Somebody once told me “Alopecia isn’t you, it’s happening to you; you are Cayla
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Nicole Staples not Alopecia.” So because of that I have a little more confidence than usual because she was right and those words were the most helpful words that I’ve ever heard since this journey. In school, I finally got the courage to tell some of my classmates abut Alopecia. In my AVID class, my teacher told us that we were going to do a passion project, where you pick something that you are passionate about and want people to know about. I decided my passion would be to make my class aware of Alopecia. During my presentation, I was able to answer questions and tell the class that I had alopecia. I was so happy to get that off of my chest. I have even done an interview and photos shoot for Encore HD Hair Magazine. Because of that, even more people ask me about my condition. I believe that maybe if I make people aware, they won’t be afraid, think I am sick, or just stare so much. So how has alopecia affected my life? It’s taking me on a Journey of Wisdom... and Courage. This journey is so hard sometimes, but even though I have really hard days, I keep trying to stick with the journey, knowing that things will get better. Thank you, Cayla Staples Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist, LA’s Hair & Scalp Clinic, Arlington, TX 76013 817 265 8854 Hairandscalpessentials.com #ScalpDoctor
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EAT ZONE Best Food in Town The Hidden Secret of OakCliff 2 Burgers for $5 2 Pc Grilled/Fried ďŹ sh 3917 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. Suite 103 Dallas Texas 75237.
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214-376-9663
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6090 Bonnie View Rd Dallas, TX 75241 Hours of services may differ
Phone: (214) 372-6321
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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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MAY 1, 2020
From Marva with
MOCCA
is on a mission On a previous edition of “From Marva with Love” I interviewed Kena Williams-Baccus, creator of Mocca Cosmetics, which she launched 12 years ago. Clients include an impressive list of who’s who in every field, like actresses Angela Robinson of Tyler Perry’s “The Haves and The Have Nots,” comedian Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, and Ptosha Storey of “The Oval,” just to name a few. MS: Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started on this journey? KB: Let me tell you I’ve been a professional makeup artist since 1992 and I’m not even that old but I stepped into my profession very young working for another cosmetic company, Annette 2 Cosmetics. I was the store manager and I learned a lot about people. I learned a lot about women and what they need and desire for a natural and glamorous look. Throughout the years the opportunity became available for me to start my line. I MAY 1, 2020
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By Marva Sneed
Kena Williams-Baccus started it in 2002 and I rebranded Mocca in 2015. I had a partner in the beginning. With the rebrand in 2015, it’s now called Mocca Makeup and Skin Care. I mean it has just been moving fast the whole time especially when I rebranded it. It took on a life of its own. It has been a struggle. I’ve been through a lot of things with Mocca. Economic hardships and this is by far the greatest I’ve been through. I’ve been in business for 18 years and this is definitely pushing my creativity to the limit. And people 28
still want to look beautiful even in the midst of all of this. They still want to look good. Where they would buy three lipsticks they will buy one. I’m thankful for that. A lot of people are taking care of their skin. I am trying to have nothing but the best, high-quality ingredients. MS: You say business has to start somewhere. Did Mocca start as your passion for makeup or did you have a different passion? KB: I had a different passion. The passions kind of coincided because I’m a non-practicing respiratory therapist. I posted that on Facebook and my friends were like ‘wow I didn’t know that.’ I went to El Centro College and one of my friends, Andrew, you probably know him, Andrew Whigham, he was one of my instructors. There was much more to the journey of Kena Williams-Baccus. To hear the full interview go to BlogTalkRadio.com/Cheryl’s World to From Marva with Love -- https://bit.ly/2UXJbIt. Follow Mocca Makeup and Skincare on Facebook and visit the websites www.moccacosmetics.com and www. moccamakeupandskincare.com 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.
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MAY 1, 2020
THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
Black Ink CrewNew York By VALDER BEEBE
As Novel COVID-19 Virus encircle cities, town, and homes, I wanted to get a sense of what it is like at the epic center of the virus, New York. Ceaser Emanuel best known for VH1’s mega-hit docuseries Black Ink Crew: New York, in Harlem giving my audience a vicarious view of the empty shops and streets. A lifelong resident he says ‘it’s like a scene out of movie”. Ceaser talks to me about the promotions, demotions, firing and the future of the shop in the time of the Coronavirus. VH1’s Black Ink Crew: New York is back with all new episodes. Ceaser is trying to break the cycle of ineptitude at Black Ink. After the recent streak of bad behavior, the boss schedules an emergency staff meeting to keep his house in order—he trims the fat and institutes big changes from the top on down. Ceaser enlisted help put on a voter registration and tattoo event while he continues to work on his shops. The Black Ink owner also begins investing in his personal relationships after his friends grow concerned that he will end up alone. The Black Ink New York Crew includes a supporting cast that is entertaining in their own MAY 1, 2020
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right: Kitty, Donna, Bae, and Ted. The audience is well familiar with this colorful cast, this season they are full of new drama and surprises. -Text provided by Ceaser Emanuel’s publicity team in coordination with Valder Beebe Show VEB: Ceaser, before we get to what
my audience wants to know most about VH1: Black Ink Crew: New York, will you share through your eyes can what you are experiencing in Harlem, NY at this time during the Pandemic? CE: I’ve been through blackouts and blizzards, 22nd street and China Town are empty. These places are the hub of New York and absolutely no human activity occurring in these places. This is like a move. VEB: Let’s talk about something a little more fun Black Ink Crew: New York. CE: Yeah! We’ve been on the top
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of our game since season one. VEB: Where did you get your business model? Where did you get your business understanding from? CE: I get my know-how from businesses on the street. I grew up on the streets and I’ve learned from large American corporations how to create a successful product. These principles are capitalism and we all should learn. VEB: The drama inside of Black Ink Crew: New York continues in this season? CE: Of course, but we are different from other reality shows. We are hoping the audience learn about owning, managing and the daily running of a successful business……We also aim at teaching the young, tunein……. Ceaser Emanuel full interview…….ValderBeebeShow. com 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
EXTRACTION
MOVIE REVIEW BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ
In the NETFLIX original movie EXTRACTION Chris Hemsworth is Tyler Rake, a mercenary on the most dangerous mission of his life. He’s hired to extract the kidnapped son of an Indian crime lord who’s currently in prison. Rake is trying to free the young man from a corrupt and impenetrable city and to make maters worse he has nothing to live for and has a death wish while carrying out his mission. While the movie has the team from several Marvel Comics movies at the helm, don’t get it twisted. This film is nothing like a Marvel movie. It’s rated R and has enough blood and action for two movies. EXTRACTION starts with a bloody gunfight on a bridge, where it looks like Tyler, who has a death wish, may get his wish to end his life, and then it takes us back four days for the start of the myimessenger.com
story. The movie begins with a well to do private school kid whose father a crime lord,is being punished by a rival faction by kidnapping his son. This is where Hemsworth steps in to save the kid and in the process the two become friends. The action and bloody violence scenes will make you winch but a non-stop 11 minute fight scene with keep you thoroughly entertained. Such a long cut live fight scene is rare so watch closely this bit of movie magic. Surprisingly, even with all the hardcore graphic killing going on EXTRACTION is a smart movie that will keep you guessing until the end, will Tyler Rake (Hemswoth) survive? The R rated movie has a run time 1 Hour and 56 minutes and on my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate EXTRACTION a LARGE.
We’re open and ready to serve you!
Elaine’s
Jamaican Kitchen
(214) 565-1008 2717 Martin L. King Jr Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215
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