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JOHNSON goes all in for mayor VOLUME 8

MAY 10, 2019

ISSUE 38

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We Must Be Change Agents The Tri-Cities NAACP is striving to uphold and achieve the mission of the NAACP

Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER - EDITOR news@texasmetronews.com

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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.

MAY 10, 2019

Health Public Safety and Criminal Justice Voting Rights and Political

BY JANIS E. DUNN

which is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate racebased discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

We embrace this mission and charge, as we continue to serve the communities of Southern Dallas County.

The NAACP has established six Game Changers to address the major areas of inequality facing African Americans that are the focus of the NAACP’s work.

Our initiatives for the 21st century are summarized by its six “Game Changers�: Economic Sustainability Education

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Representation Expanding Youth and Young Adult Engagement Now, in order for the Tri-Cities unit of the NAACP to effectively implement the Game Changers, we must have Change Agents.

A change agent, or agent of  change, is someone who promotes and enables change to happen within any group or organization.

It is time for us all to become Change Agents. If we are going to help our communities, fight for justice and social equality we must be Agents of Change.

This means we have to advocate for those in our community that need our assistance, it means we are the

one's that education the community about mental health and physical wellness, it is our responsibility to raise our youth in our community, and to engage the next generation of leaders.

It is up to us to be Change Agents.

Tri-Cities NAACP, we are called to be the Change Agents of the communities we serve.

If we are going to make a dynamic impact and positive change in our communities, We must be Vocal, Visible, and Vigilant.

One way to ensure this is to increase our membership.

Remember that the Members are the lifeforce of the NAACP. We welcome our new members and encourage you to get active within our unit.

For those who have not yet join, come out and find your place with us.

We can no longer sit and accept the status Quo. We must become Agents of Change.

Janis E. Dunn is President of the Tri - Cities NAACP

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INSIDE

WORDZ OF WILSON

FOR OUR MOTHERS

The pages of history are flooded with the tears of Black mothers.

It’s almost Mother’s Day. As this holiday approaches, I keep thinking about the mothers for whom this year’s celebration will be a tragic reminder of life lost too soon.

The celebration of Mother’s Day can be a very emotional one. For some, this will be their first celebration as a mother, while for others it will be their first or one of many commemorations since the passing of their mother, grandmother, God-mother, special aunt, or that female nurturer.

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CLASS OF 2019 Victoria Bryant booked her plane ticket, packed her bags and came all the way from California to Paul Quinn College so she could gain the experience of attending an HBCU.

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MAY 10, 2019

Putting work with faith

By Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas)

Sen. Royce West

The celebration of Mother’s Day can be a very emotional one. For some, this will be their first celebration as a mother, while for others it will be their first or one of many commemorations since the passing of their mother, grandmother, God-mother, special aunt, or that female nurturer.

I am blessed to be able to pick up the phone and hear my mother’s voice, or drive over to visit. It’s special for me because she is the light of my life. She brings joy and shares words of wisdom.

As the matriarch of four generations, Gloria Ashford continues to be a source of inspiration and voice of reason; navigating our family as we evolve and her contributions to society will be her legacy.

In celebration of Mother’s MAY 10, 2019

For our Mothers everyone looked to in our villages, communities and neighborhoods to cure, discipline, educate, and love; when no one else could or would.

In recent times, more and more grandparents, primarily

Day, I salute my mother; my super intelligent, beautiful, and compassionate wife, Carol; and all mothers, whether by birth, surrogate, or adoption.

However, as a legislator; it’s not enough for me to say Happy Mother’s Day, if I am

“Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love. “ Stevie Wonder

grandmothers, are taking on the responsibility of being the primary caretaker of their grandchildren. In many instances limited and fixed incomes can be stretched to the breaking point. That’s why I passed legislation giving a onetime financial grant of $1,000 to any person over 50 caring for their grandchildren. I know that in today’s economic environment, $1,000 is not a windfall, but it is a start as we continue to call attention to issues and seek respite. That's why I subsequently created the Permanency Care Assistance program at DFPS, in which a caregiver who assumes legal

not ensuring that everything possible is done to bring those wishes to fruition, or taking care of mothers/women.

Many of our mothers are elderly residents in nursing homes.

My legislation expanded the list of criminal offenses that bar employment at nursing facilities. It also required owners and employees of nursing homes to report all observed instances of abuse and neglect to health officials and law enforcement.

And grandmothers have always been an integral part of the familial structure.

Grandmothers were who

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responsibility for the child can receive between $400-$545 per month.

Further, I applauded U.S. Congresswomen Alma Adams (D-NC) and Lauren Underwood (D-IL ) for colaunching the Black Maternal Health Caucus because I am also concerned about the disparity as it relates to maternal health and African American women.

Subsequent legislation, introduced by Rep. Adams and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA), and supported by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), recognizes “Black Maternal Health Week” to bring national attention to the maternal health care crisis in the Black community and the importance of reducing the rate of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women is also significant and necessary as we express our love for mothers.

There are so many issues, like gender wage gap, protection of female migrants workers, human trafficking, birth control, health insurance and child care, that must be addressed.

If we don’t care about and address those issues, saying “Happy Mother’s Day” is just an empty expression. myimessenger.com

MY TRUTH

by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

Celebrating Women

You won’t get an argument from me if you say “parenting is not easy.”

I know so many mothers who have defied all kinds of odds and overcome numerous obstacles in an effort to “raise” their children.

Many, when talking about parenting, cite many of the challenges, but also talk about the joyous moments, the prayerful nights, support from the village, and learning as they go.

Talk about an awesome responsibility!

Talk about an emotional rollercoaster ride!

It’s a good thing when children grow up and can look back on their lives and have a better understanding of their mothers and what they went through; not only to birth them but to help them navigate through the formative years of their lives.

Unfortunately, every woman/female is not ready, willing, or able to be a mother; so that understanding will never come.

Actually, it’s not a job for everyone and

looking back made me realize that she was young and vibrant and deserved to get her groove on!

Then I thought about times when she whipped me for what I considered a mild infraction. Well, the infractions, no matter how small, deserved punishment so they wouldn’t develop into larger infractions.

And I thought I would never understand the statement: “this is gonna hurt me more than it hurts you!”

Until it was time for me to discipline.

Andre, Alayna, Annya and Ayanna would tell you that I was feeling an entirely different sentiment. I hated administering whippings so when I had to, best believe, I was determined to ensure that it “hurt them more than it hurt me!”

And mother and daddy would take turns going up to our schools. Looking back, no matter how I felt then, I realize that was a good thing. And she lived by the philosophy that wherever we showed out, she would show out right there on our behinds.

nose or unkempt clothes.

Have a child and you’ll see how easy that clean face becomes covered with food, bath products, make-up and anything else within reach; and the clean, nicely-pressed clothes look as though the child rolled on the floor, under the bed, down the stairs and around the backyard —all in a matter of seconds.

And my definite “do not go there issue” has to do with hair!

In his hit record the Fresh Prince, Will Smith, rapped the “Parent’s Just Don’t Understand.”

As we celebrate yet another Mother’s Day, make contact with your mom, or if you can’t, reach out and touch a mother and say, “Thanks. I understand. I appreciate you.”

Now admittedly every birth was not

Standing over my mother, watching her sleep, I had that moment when I finally “got it.” some should not apply.

But there are the women who make the effort and are committed to the cause and they should be commended.

Which brings me to my truth.

Standing over my mother, watching her sleep, I had that moment when I finally “got it.”

I realized that she made some mistakes and at times I thought she was “dead wrong” and she was.

But guess what? On that special day, I understood it all.

On that day as I watched her sleeping peacefully, I guess I became the woman she wanted me to be.

I recalled her wanting to go out with her friends and looking for a babysitter. She was in her late 30s, with three children.

She told Daddy we would be fine at home because we were 16, 14 and 8; and we knew what and what not to do.

While at age 14, 38 seemed OLD, ancient and definitely not wanting to “hang out”; myimessenger.com

And there were so many other lessons that I didn’t understand at the time I was being taught.

Interestingly the longer I live, the more I realize.

I guess you could call it the evolution of Cheryl.

And mothering has evolved too!

We now identify postpartum depression and we’re encouraging women to get help and for men to be understanding.

Three-time mother Mary Sauer wrote: “In other cultures, there are traditions by which the mother is tended to postpartum: in Mexico, the cuarentena is a 40-day period where everyone showers the mother with help and nourishment after the birth of her baby. In Korea, samchilil is a 21-day prescription for rest, care, and nourishing soups like the miyuk-kuk before the mother returns home. In the U.S., some women are back at work just days after delivering.”

Sometimes we don’t realize we are being judgmental, like when we see the snotty

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100 hours long, without anesthesia or an epidural, in a wobbly wagon driving across undeveloped terrains; but when you consider the challenges with childbirth these days and the disproportionate number of women of color who die during and after childbirth, we must take notice.

According to the United Health Foundation, the U.S. maternal mortality rate hovers around 20.7 per 100,000 live births.

Furthermore, there are numerous reports validating that Black women have a maternal mortality rate three times higher than that of white women.

Birthing babies is serious work. Raising children is tough work.

For those reasons and more, like that popular group of the 1970s, The Intruders sang, “I’ll always love my Mama.”

In memory of Mother, Earline, and God mother, Liz. MAY 10, 2019

NAACP, NNPA lead protest against Police Brutality Attorney and activist Ben Crump, Broward/Fort Lauderdale NAACP president Marsha Ellison, National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., Westside Gazette Publisher Bobby Henry and the late Trayvon Martin’s Mother Sybrina Fulton, were among the many marching against police brutality.

Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists

Spring Networking Mixer Butler Brothers Bar Sunday May 19, 2019 2:00pm-5:00pm

RSVP to 214-941-0110 by Friday, May 17, 2019 Please join the Dallas-Ft Worth Association of Black Journalists and our network partners: NBPRS-Texas, Black Sports Professional Network of North Texas, and the NBC5 Black Employee Network; for an afternoon of networking, drinks, appetizers and giveaways. Take advantage of this opportunity to connect with your fellow journalists and communicators and learn more about our exciting plans and events for the Summer and Fall, along with information about the NABJ 2019 National Convention in Miami.

We will have our own VIP section to mingle, eat, and drink within. The purchase of food and drinks is allowed on individual tabs.

Come out ready to eat, drink, laugh and network with DFWABJ.

MAY 10, 2019

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MAY 10, 2019

WHO’S WHO in Black Dallas

Do You See a “For Sale” Sign in My Yard?

My Day

By Dr. J. Ester Davis

To be upfront and direct, I am tired of receiving endless offers to buy my home and so are my neighbors all over Southern Dallas. Now, this trend has been ‘elevated’ up to knocks on doors. What else is going on?

Well, let’s take a look at Dallas’ worldview prospectus.

Have you been keeping up with Dallas’ resume? How much more will we spread out?

Why are the new residents of the metroplex choosing this region and happy with their choices. . . and the homeowner residents are filled with “bullying-offers-to-buy (obviously occupied) homes”, disdainment and uncertainty? What is wrong with this picture? What will the upcoming census yield as our population? How many more lanes and potholes can we endure on our highways in addition to the distasteful mail.

Dallas and its surrounding 28-plus cities definitely have a lot to offer. The worldwide resume of Dallas is most attractive. The general opinion of Dallas is that it is an “expression” surrounding an activity and new excitement that is just beginning. Let’s take a look at who Dallas really is. . . today.

Dallas has more than 300 people moving here daily. So in terms of growth Dallas is the 3rd fastest growing city. And the city has been bursting at the waistline with positivity MAY 10, 2019

for more than a decade now.

Dallas is the 4th Best City for relocations.

It is home to the nation’s 2nd largest airline, American Airlines, who is a One World Partner. The One World Alliance centers the collective power of about 12 other world class airlines to make travel, with more privileges, easier and more comfortable for universal travelers.

In the region, the North Texas Region, there are more than 10,000 corporate headquarters; making the region the largest corporate concentration in the United States.

Dallas has more restaurants per capita than any other metroplex area in the nation.

Many factors equate to a good economy, but Dallas has the 6th best GDP (Gross Domestic Product) marking a giant checkmark on the ledger as a great economy.

The GDP has a formula and a definition.

One major difference is that it is often used to measure the economic performance of the whole with international comparisons.

Plus or minus 25 of America’s richest citizens call Dallas home with 22 of the Fortune 500 Companies in the immediate DFW Territory.

This term “richest citizens” of Dallas does not include the number of millionaires. . . which is a separate category.

Speaking of jobs, we have jobs in Big D. Dallas ranks 3rd in the nation in skilled job labor and rising tech positions. Right beside

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the jobs section is, of course, housing. Actually, Dallas for its size, has been behind in housing for over a decade. So catch up has both a negative and positive charge. Average rent is over $1,500, being the nation’s hottest housing market since 2014. . . with an approximate average salary of $67,500. Somewhere along the way was a report on Dallas being voted one of America’s friendliest cities. Again. . .

Dallas has a lot to offer.

Again, the 2020 census is on the horizon.

The high speed rail and inland port are not even here yet. So, where are you emotionally with the unstoppable growth of Dallas? Just know that Dallas has a resume that needs updating on a regular basis.

But. . . there is no “For Sale” sign in my yard.

Ester Davis can be reached at estyler2000@aol. com, Facebook.com/ester.davis.39

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COMMENTARY

by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

How Good is Trump’s Economy

President Trump, his supporters and those who praise him and his policies are quick to point out that the nation’s jobless rate has fallen to 3.6 percent.

My answer to their praise of the president is not so fast! The jobless rate may be low, but one of the reasons for its current state is that many people in our society have stopped looking for employment.

These are the forgotten Americans who have been pushed beyond the margins of our society, whose families have not benefited from the Trump tax cuts and whose futures are bleak because of the economic direction that Mr. Trump seems to favor.

The president prefers a course that promotes income inequality and one that leaves the middle class and the poor in economic darkness, forcing them to travel upstream in boats without engines while the rich pass them in luxury liners without any concern for their condition or their futures. myimessenger.com

Those who delight in the history of job growth since President Trump was elected need to be reminded that job growth has been on a record incline for the past eight years, dating back to the time when President Obama and his team of advisors led our nation.

So, the Trump supporters need not be so quick in suggesting that the president pulled a rabbit out of his hat. In fact, job growth was occurring when the current president was the host of a reality television show.

One of the things that are not emphasized by the president when he talks about the nation’s economy is that jobs in retail are taking a beating, they are consistently falling.

They continue to decline because people are more likely to pay for food and shelter before they go on shopping binges.

They simply do not have the extra cash, and their credit cards are over their limits.

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The reality is that if you are extraordinarily wealthy in Trump’s world, the economic direction and policies of this administration are great for you!

But if you are one of the forgotten people, which consist of the vast majority of the American public, you are an afterthought, if that.

Your economic realities are simply not a concern for this administration.

Yet you are told that the unemployment rate is low, and that is supposed to make you joyous.

Well, Mr. President that does not cut it if your hourly wage is $8.00 or if you are a college-trained public school teacher who has to purchase supplies for his or her students with funds from your pocket.

Yes, the jobless rate is low under this administration. But the compassion rate is even lower.

And only when the latter is corrected, will the jobless rate will soar!

MAY 10, 2019

Women’s Leadership Summit set for June “ Rec o g n i z i n g The Women’s LeadAfrican American ership Summit (WLS), women leaders in a two-day personal the Dallas area, their and professional develaccomplishments opment program preand their struggle sented by the University are significant. The of North Texas at Dallas, women attending will return Friday and WLS are leaders in Saturday, June 14 and their own right.

15 at the Statler Hilton Helen Giddings “They already Hotel downtown, officials have a sphere of announced recently.

Navigating the Path to Success is influence. WLS offers a safe environment targeted to African American women. to learn, share, grow, and speak our truths and in the process maximize our Over 200 people are expected to attend.

A Host Committee, chaired by retired leadership influence. Sharing thoughts State Representative Helen Giddings, is with those who may have similar comprised of a cross section of women experiences related to their growth and leaders who have developed a series of development is what this summit is all interactive workshops and speakers to about,” said Giddings, who conceived the specifically help women address various idea, recruited the host committee and was able to get the University of North personal and professional issues.

MAY 10, 2019

Texas at Dallas to be a partner to the effort last year.

Featured speakers include retired NASA Astronaut Joan Higginbotham, Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynthia “Cynt” Marshall, Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Dr. Courtney Phillips, Royce Brooks, Executive Director of Annie’s List, BBVA Senior Executive Rosilyn Houston, President and CEO of Excellent Care Management Deavra Daughtry among others will highlight the gathering. A special tribute to Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and 100-year-old Mary Factory (our own Hidden Figure), who has been cited by NASA for her work, will take place during the summit.

“A most celebrated part of UNT Dallas’ vision is community connectedness, and we could not be more pleased than to co-host this second

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annual esteemed summit with Helen Giddings and her great Host Committee to illustrate the value of serving key members of our community,” says Dr. Monica Williams, President of the UNT Dallas Foundation and Vice President for University Advancement at UNT Dallas.

“Their respective impact on the AfricanAmerican community closely aligns with our vision to be a pathway to social and economic mobility.”

Registration is limited and currently open at a cost of $150 per participant. To register, go online to www.wlsummit.org.

The lead sponsors of the summit are BBVA Compass, Dallas Mavericks, Texas Capital Bank, Texas Central Partners, Frost Bank and Methodist Hospital System.

Other sponsors include VisitDallas, Comerica Bank and Chase Bank among others.

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Johnson leads in race to become Dallas mayor Leading nine in the race for Dallas Mayor, Rep. Eric Johnson (D-Dallas) at election night watch party with wife Nakita, faces Councilmember Scott Griggs in the June 8 runoff election. See more results at www.texasmetronews. com.

Eric Johnson represents District 100, which includes parts of Dallas and Mesquite, in the Texas House of Representatives. He was first elected in a special election in April 2010, and he was re-elected in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016. Today, he serves on four prominent committees: he is Vice Chair of the House Committee on Redistricting, a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, a member of the House Committee on Investments and Financial Services, and a member of the House Select Committee on State and Federal Power and Responsibility.

After his first session, Representative Johnson was selected to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation.

After his second session, Representative Johnson was selected as a Rodel Fellow by the Aspen-Rodel Institute in Public Leadership. In 2012, he was named to the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) and joined an ACYPL delegation that visited Israel and the Palestinian Territories, meeting with current and emerging leaders in the region. In December 2012, Representative Johnson was selected to participate in President Obama’s first ever myimessenger.com

meeting with a delegation of African American state legislators.

In April 2016, Rep. Johnson was selected by the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF) as one of seven delegates from across the United States to travel to China as part of a bipartisan group of state and local elected officials to improve U.S.-China relations at the sub-national level. Then, in October 2016, Representative Johnson was selected by the German Marshall Fund as one of its 75 Marshall Memorial Fellows and traveled to Germany, Spain, Bosnia, and Belgium to meet with local leaders and discuss a wide range of issues aimed at increasing transatlantic cooperation.

In December 2016, Representative Johnson was elected to represent the Southern Region on the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee’s Board of Directors. In January 2017, he was named to the Board of Advisors of Let America Vote, an organization dedicated to winning the public debate over voter suppression in the United States. Then, in April 2017, he was selected for membership in the Council on Foreign Relations. Late last year, Representative Johnson was appointed to serve on the Democratic National Committee.

Representative Johnson has been awarded the Achievement Award from the Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship Program, the Dallas Regional Chamber’s

first ever “Courage in Public Service Award” for his work in higher education, and has been named one of the Texas Junior Chamber of Commerce’s “Five Outstanding Young Texans”.

In 2014, Rep. Johnson was recognized by the Dallas Business Journal as one of Dallas’ “40 Under 40”.

Rep. Johnson is a graduate of Harvard University, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in history. He also holds a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in public affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

In addition to his work in the Legislature, Rep. Johnson serves as Of Counsel to the law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, focusing his practice on public law matters.

Rep. Johnson lives in Dallas with his wife, Nakita, and two sons, William, age four, and George, age eight months.

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MAY 10, 2019

QUIT PLAYIN

by Vincent Hall

An abundance of hope Hope is a rare and rich commodity these days. With “Deranged Donald” in the White House and with solid evidence that the Republicans have just been using “Law and Order” as a branding strategy, dystopia seems much closer than America ever thought it could be.

Former President Barack Hussein Obama made a ton on Hope. “The Audacity of Hope” was published by then-Senator-elect Obama and skyrocketed. Not only was it a bestseller, it sold us on his acumen and his ability.

Hope ain’t no joke.

Obama probably borrowed the book title and the idea from his former pastor; Jeremiah Wright Jr., whose 1990 sermon of the same title, was published in full text and transcript, after Obama’s book hit. Listen to the beauty of “Daddy J.” “And that is what the audacity to hope will do for you. The apostle Paul said the same thing. “You have troubles?

Glory in your trouble. We glory in tribulation.” We glory in tribulation because, he says, “Tribulation works patience.

And patience works experience.

And experience works hope. And hope makes us not ashamed. The vertical dimension balances out what is going on in the horizontal dimension.”

Jeremiah worked his exegetical Hope from vertical (up to God) to its horizontal axis (across humanity). Jeremiah joined the Apostle Paul, and by their sentiments, this Trumpian era should grant America the patience, experience and hope that it needs to survive to see its tri-centennial.

JFK was keen on Hope. “We should not let our fears hold us back from hope.

Every area of trouble gives out a ray of hope.” Maya Angelou was consistent about MAY 10, 2019

Hope. “God puts rainbows in the clouds so that each of us- in the dreariest and most dreaded moments- can see a possibility of hope!”

But my favorite historical expository on Hope is found in a narrowly known 1967 speech by Dr. Martin Luther King as he spoke to the American Psychological Association. King’s allocution bore the

title; “The Role of the Behavioral Scientist in the Civil Rights Movement.” Therein, King etched an imagery of a hopeful Negro race. Black folk have maintained their Hope throughout 400 years of dystopia!

“Abused and scorned though we may be, our destiny as a people is tied up with the destiny of America. Before the Pilgrim Fathers landed at Plymouth, we were here.

Before Jefferson scratched across the pages of history the great words that I just quoted, we were here.

Before the beautiful words of the “Star Spangled Banner” were written, we were here. For more than two centuries, our

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forebears labored here without wages. They made Cotton King. They built the home of their masters in the midst of the most humiliating and oppressive conditions.

And yet out of a bottomless vitality, they continued to grow and develop. If the inexpressible cruelties of slavery could not stop us, the opposition that we now face will surely fail. We shall win our freedom because both the sacred heritage of our nation, and the eternal will of the almighty God, are embodied in our echoing demands.

And so I can still sing, although many have stopped singing it, “We shall overcome.” We shall overcome because the arch of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. We shall overcome because Carlysle is right, “No lie can live forever.”

We shall overcome because William Cullen Bryant is right, “Truth crushed to earth will rise again.”

We shall overcome because James Russell Lowell is right, “Truth forever on the scaffold, wrong forever on the throne, yet that scaffold sways a future.”

And so with this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.

It’s rough right now, but Black history, which is the hitching post to American history, is tethered to an abundance of Hope.

And we must remind our “woke” White brothers and sisters that Deranged Donald ain’t nothing compared to the trouble we’ve seen. #Hope myimessenger.com

Thursday, May 16, 2019 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Ride DART to the Older Americans Month Information & Health Fair

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Register for the event today at www.DART.org/seniors.

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Call 214-749-2582.

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MAY 10, 2019

Wordz of Wilson More Pain than Joy for Black Mothers

by Chelle Luper Wilson

The pages of history are flooded with the tears of Black mothers.

It’s almost Mother’s Day. As this holiday approaches, I keep thinking about the mothers for whom this year’s celebration will be a tragic reminder of life lost too soon. I remember Ashley Wright and Mamie Jackson, mothers of Raniya Wright and Kashala Francis, respectively. Both girls died following fights at their schools. Both girls were jumped by another, or as in Kashala’s case others (plural). Neither was the aggressor. Raniya was just 10 and Kashala 13. Somehow, both deaths were determined to be the result of natural causes—one an undiagnosed brain tumor and the other a ruptured blood vessel inside the brain.

I have so many questions. So many.

How can no connection be made between their death and the fights, especially considering the brutality of it all? Those who watched describe these girls getting stomped in the head… having their head slammed into a wall and a metal bookcase. Why did so many watch? Why didn’t anyone help?

I remember Camika Shelby. “Nigel was the sweetest child,” Shelby said as news of her son’s death went viral. “He was sunshine. He was just a great spirit to have around and it just breaks my heart because I feel like he had so much more love to give.”

In every picture that I’ve seen of Nigel, I could see the sunshine radiating from his big, bright, and beautiful smile. His mother said he was bullied for being gay which presumably led to Nigel taking his own life. She doesn’t want him remembered as “a kid that was MAY 10, 2019

bullied,” she said. “He was sunshine.”

What will Mother’s Day be like this year for Ashley Wright, Mamie Jackson, and Camika Shelby? Each saw their child as they truly were—beautiful, kind, and filled with potential. To their mothers, their lives were valuable and precious, but seemingly to society our children’s lives are worthless and disposable. No one was held accountable in any of their deaths.

Not those who attacked Raniya and Kashala. Not those who bullied Nigel.

Not those who stood and watched. Not those who saw the teasing, taunts, the psychological and physical bullying; yet said and did nothing.

I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain’t I a woman?

Sojourner Truth The pages of history are flooded with the tears of Black mothers.

Recently, attention has been brought to the disparities in Black maternal health. Not only are Black mothers dying at three to four times the rate of white mothers, the infant mortality rate of Black babies is higher now than it was in 1850. So far, numerous studies have shown that race is not the factor in these disparities; however, studies do show that racism is. Black women live within an unrelenting matrix of systems, people, and policies designed to support the violent domination of Black bodies. Without leaving our own

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backyards, we see the effects right here.

The images of L’Daijohnique Lee being viciously beaten by a white man repeating every hour on the news for weeks. Then, the attempted charge on Lee for, I’m not even sure of what, perhaps because she’s a Black woman who fought back?

In the recent release of the 911 call made by Amber Guyger, you hear her cries about losing her job, not the life of Botham Jean that she had just taken.

It took a long time on that call before she mentioned needing help for Mr. Jean. How many more times did she mention her job than the innocent man she shot?

If you watched Henry Louis Gates’ PBS documentary on Reconstruction, you would’ve heard excerpts from historian Heather Andrea Williams’ book, Help Me Find My People.

Williams has researched “information wanted” advertisements placed in newspapers after the Civil War by African Americans looking to connect with family members separated by the institution of slavery. Eliza Handy placed one of those ads in hopes of reuniting with her three children, the first taken from her more than 40 years prior. Imagine living with the realization that the womb is the only place you can keep your children safe.

Imagine living with the heartbreaking pain of forced and violent family separation. Imagine waking up every day wondering about your children, not knowing where they are, if they’re myimessenger.com

alive, and if so, understanding full well the horrors that slavery seeks to inflict upon them. Imagine finding the strength and faith needed to sustain a hope that no matter how impossible it seems, someday you will be reunited with your daughters—Mollida, Mary, and Ellen.

Trauma is intergenerational and inherited, memories are passed down through DNA. Studies, including one by the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and another by Colombia University, looked at women and children who experienced the 9/11 World Trade Center bombings.

Researchers documented various biological signs of stress passed down from the mothers to their babies.

Imagine what 400 years of trauma must look like. Since 1619, life for Black mothers in America ain’t been no crystal stair.

The pages of history are flooded with the tears of Black mothers.

beautiful Trayvon was murdered the year before my William was born. In that moment, as I looked at William, I understood as Sybrina did the reality for Black mothers. Even when you do everything you think is right, the right “talks,” the right neighborhoods, the right mentors, right relationships with fathers—you can’t right the wrong lens others use to view your child. I cried deep, generational, Black mother tears. In fact, it would be years before I could stop those tears every time I watched him get his hoodie, put it on,

she liked to sit with silence in the dark sadness is not an unusual state for the black woman Nikki Giovanni “Other than the anniversary of your child being killed, Mother’s Day is one of the hardest days,” Sybrina Fulton said, adding, “and birthdays. They’re hard, too.”

I can’t believe it’s been seven years, since Trayvon Martin was murdered.

Like Raniya, Kashala, and Nigel, no one was held accountable for Trayvon’s death either. I think about Sybrina Fulton often, but especially on Mother’s Day. I send prayers and healing thoughts her way, a small gesture but I hope in some way, Ms. Fulton knows she and Trayvon are not forgotten.

“He looks just like Trayvon Martin,” I thought to myself. My son William was two at the time. William loved, and still loves, wearing a hoodie—zipped up, with the hood on. Dear sweet and myimessenger.com

Southwestern Christian Advocate, July 22, 1880.

Historic New Orleans Collection/Hill Memorial Library, Louisiana

zip it up and cover his head.

Last week William and I were at the library. He wanted to go to the kids play area. The sign said, “For children five and under.” He had just turned six a few weeks ago, so I assumed it would be ok. It was a large space and there were maybe only two or three kids playing in there. Before we reached the gate to the play area, the librarian catapulted in front of us and rather sharply said, “This is for little kids, he can’t play here.” To which I reply, rather surprised by her tone, “He is little.”

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She smirked and said, “He’s so big, what is he eight?”

I said, “He just turned six a few weeks ago. There’s hardly anyone even in there.”

She replied, ”He can’t play in this area. He needs to go where the big kids are.”

I looked down at my kindergartner holding my hand, looking up at me not understanding why he couldn’t play. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t have the words to explain that the woman didn’t see him as my precious little “favorite son” (he’s my only son), but one who looked almost like a college linebacker.

This was my first, and undoubtedly not the last, encounter with William who at six, has apparently reached that age when the world starts to see him differently. I read an article once that talked about how mothers of Black boys, dead or alive, live with an unspoken sadness due to the loss of their children’s perceived innocence. I understand that sadness. As much as I like to believe the world is positively changing, every day I’m reminded how for some of us, it isn’t. Every day a new reminder saddens me.

On this Mother’s Day, honor your mothers, grandmothers, “other mothers,” and all the women who have meant something in your life.

Please don’t forget about those whose day will be different this year.

Remember the mothers who see their children’s faces used as reminders that #BlackLivesMatter.

Remember the mothers who would prefer flowers, a card, a hug, a call, more time with their son or daughter rather than finding themselves centered in movements they didn’t choose to be in.

I encourage you to take time this Mother’s Day to find ways to become involved in effecting change so Black mothers can experience many more tears of joy.

We’ve gone through enough pain.

MAY 10, 2019

Palladium RedBird brings modern, market-rate apartments to Oak Cliff Community Reimagine Red- Bird and Palladium USA have announced a partnership to build Palladium RedBird – a new, luxury apartment community in Oak Cliff.

The modern, amenityrich residences will feature 300 units and provide upscale amenities including a swimming pool, fitness Tom Huth, President Palladium USA center and playground, as well as upgraded appliances and granite countertops.

City Councilman Tennell Atkins, Sophia Johnson, President, Alpha Business With the Palladium Images Red-Bird announcement, the incoming complex, branded high-quality development that is Reimagine RedBird continues to fulfill its promise to deliver a high- promotional items and refreshments attractive and affordable for our quality mixed-use development from the newly opened Starbucks community,” said Brodsky.

The new 6.37-acre apartment to Oak Cliff. Earlier this month, at RedBird. Peter Brodsky, owner Phase I construction on the $160 and developer for RedBird Mall community will be located on million RedBird transformation commented on the incoming the south-west side of the rebegan. “Dallas-based Palladium residences following the event. development site and is expected to be pre-leasing by the summer of USA is excited about 2020. The residences will be wellthe opportunity to integrated into the RedBird campus contribute to the through crosswalks and trails and remarkable vision offer a prime location for new and of Peter Brodsky to prospective staff, employers and transform RedBird entrepreneurs who will office in into a WORK | EAT or near the refurbished RedBird | PLAY | STAY complex. destination,” said Tom Reimagine RedBird expects Huth, President and to announce additional tenants CEO of Palladium and partnerships over the 18 to USA. With Peter Brodsky, owner & developer RedBird Mall 24-month span of Phase 1 that will The announcement was well attended by community "The renderings look fantastic! join the newly announced Palladium leaders and elected officials, It is so exciting to see our vision RedBird and Foot Locker, as well such as long-time supporter of quality amenities for Oak Cliff as the recently opened Starbucks, Councilmember Tennell Atkins, residents becoming a reality. We Dallas Entrepreneurial Center and and featured photo renderings of welcome Palladium to RedBird Jarvis Christian College. and are thrilled about this modern, MAY 10, 2019

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Living Legends

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MAY 10, 2019

Featuring UBER EATS

MAY 10, 2019

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State Fair of Texas awards nearly $1.25 million to Texas students

Since its establishment in 1992, the Big Tex Scholarship Program has continued to uphold the State Fair’s nonprofit mission of supporting agriculture, education, and community involvement. Looking forward to another year of supporting Texas students through college scholarships, the State Fair honored its Dallas-area 2019 scholarship recipients at the annual Big Tex Scholarship Awards Luncheon today. New recipients and their families gathered at the Tower Building in Fair Park for the event, with Pete Schenkel recipients hailing from six Dallas Independent School District (DISD) high schools in the Fair Park area and Seasonal Employee recipients hailing from across the DFW metroplex. Awarding a total of nearly $1.25 million in new college scholarships in 2019, the Fair recognized 85 Pete Schenkel Scholarship recipients from DISD and seven Seasonal Employee Scholarship recipients, in addition to 111 Youth Livestock Scholarship recipients from around the state who could myimessenger.com

not be in attendance.

Guests heard from Brandon Todd, an anchor-reporter for Fox4 news, and presenter of the awards. Students loved listening to this year’s keynote speaker, Chief Dominique Artis of Dallas Fire-Rescue. He is a Dallas native and an alumnus of Roosevelt High School. In addition, attendees enjoyed hearing from Big Tex Scholarship Program alumnus, Marcus Johnson, who is now the assistant principal at his alma mater – James Madison High School.

The Big Tex Scholarship Program has awarded scholarships to nearly 2,500 students for a total of more than $12.5 million. To honor its past Chairman Pete Schenkel, each year the State Fair awards college scholarships to selected applicants from six DISD high schools surrounding the Fair Park area – Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, Franklin D. Roosevelt, James Madison, Lincoln, North Dallas, and Woodrow Wilson high schools. In addition, the State Fair awards scholarships

to selected applicants who have participated in youth livestock competitions at the State Fair of Texas.

A total of 85 graduating seniors from six DISD high schools were awarded the State Fair of Texas Pete Schenkel Scholarship.

A total of 7 recipients were awarded the State Fair of Texas Seasonal Employee Scholarship at the annual celebration, including: Jonathan Craig, Haley Crooks, Hunter Crooks, Kendall Fagan, Spencer Johnson, Tremaine Kemp, and Leslie Tinoco-Ruiz.

Recipients receive a $6,000 grant, renewable each semester if the student meets the criteria for renewal. Students must attend an accredited college, university, or trade school within the state of Texas. In order to qualify for scholarship renewal, recipients must enroll in, and pass, a minimum of 12 hours each semester. In addition, recipients must achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA their first semester and a 3.0 cumulative GPA for every semester thereafter.

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The Fair congratulates these deserving students on their accomplishments and is happy to support them in pursuing their dreams. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not receive any government funding or support.

Its nonprofit purpose is funded through the proceeds from the annual State Fair of Texas event.

The net proceeds from the Fair are reinvested in Fair Park, in the form of capital improvements; given as scholarships to deserving students throughout the state of Texas; used to support Fair Park museum facilities and community outreach programs; and used to improve the State Fair’s operation. Help support the Fair’s mission of celebrating all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment at this year’s exposition. The gates will be open for the 2019 State Fair of Texas starting September 27 through October 20, with the theme “Celebrating Texas Creativity.”

MAY 10, 2019

Congresswoman Johnson hosts Annual World of Women for World Peace Conference U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Chairwoman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hosted her annual conference, A World of Women for World Peace, at Thanks-Giving Square in Downtown Dallas.

The yearly event brings greater visibility to women who promote peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding in areas of conflict.

This year’s conference featured a discussion on the role women are playing to bring peace between North and South Korea. It was held on the same day as a global effort to have 500,000 people hold hands across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

In a show of solidarity, Congresswoman Johnson,

MAY 10, 2019

Pyun of the George W. Bush Institute, UTDallas Professor Jung Lee of the National Unification Advisory Council, former diplomat Ann Wright of Women Cross DMZ, and Joy Yoon of Ignis Community.

The panelists shared their unique experiences and stories of hope that have risen out of their direct involvement in North Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson pictured with speakers at her and South Korea, annual A World of Women for World Peace conference. before participating in a Q&A moderated along with all attendees It must be a shared to foster a lasting peace by local Korean activist and speakers of the event, responsibility that brings and how crucial women Sinmin Pak. joined hands to express the unique perspective of are to this cause. I was Earlier this month, the their support for the bold women to the forefront,” delighted to host this Congresswoman attended said Congresswoman event for the 19th time to an internationally hosted endeavor.

“I firmly believe that the Johnson. “Through this give a platform to women A World of Women for burden of peacemaking initiative, we can gain a achieving wonderful things World Peace Conference and peace-building cannot deeper understanding of around the world.” in Taiwan, attended by Featured as part of this approximately 200 people. be left to one institution, what is already being done gender, or political party. on the Korean Peninsula year’s panel were Jieun

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SAVE THE DATE June 22, 2019 6p.m.

USA BOWL 10920 Composite Drive, Dallas

Cheryl Smith’s

Don’t Believe the HYPE Celebrity Bowl-a-thon Cheryl Smith’s

Hype

Don’t Believe the

6-23-2018

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Celebrity Bowl-a-thon

For vendor or sponsorship opportunities, or to register your team, call 214-941-0110 21

MAY 10, 2019

THE INTRUDER

BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

After watching the preview for The Intruder, I was expecting the same old premise that I’ve seen in similar movies like Lakeview Terrace or a movie called The Neighbor.

However, the Intruder has an interesting twist, which I can’t reveal, and a skilled director, Deon Taylor, who leads you around in a realistic story that could actually happen in real life.

A successful young couple, Annie and Scott, played by Meagan Good and Michael Ealy move to the country in California’s wine country after purchasing the couples’ dream home from Charlie (Dennis Quaid) for a sweetheart of a deal.

This is after he kills a deer on the property right in front of them MAY 10, 2019

before the couple has even had the opportunity to take a tour of the house.

Scott has an odd feeling about Charlie but

Annie, who after hearing about his wife dying in the house, develops a fondness for Quaid and doesn’t find it odd at all when he returns a few days later and cuts the

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new owners grass.

Charlie is a master at manipulation and causes friction between the young couple by preying on Annie’s emotions.

Meanwhile, Scott increases his hostility against the former homeowner who originally told the couple he had plans to move in with his daughter in Florida, but he never leaves.

After a series of occurrences around the house, Scott does some investigating into Charlie’s background and discovers that, while his wife may have had cancer when she died, she died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Scott tries his best to convince his wife that they are dealing with a potentially psychotic

killer.

The director skillfully puts the pieces of the puzzle together for you and the end result is a very enjoyable movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat and will have you screaming at the screen; which is exactly what I think he planned when he laid out his story.

The movie is rated PG13 and has a run time of 1 hour and 42 minutes.

Give the movie a chance and I think you’ll like it.

On my Hollywood Popcorn Scale, I rate The Intruder a LARGE.

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LIFESTYLE

by Valder Beebe

That Celebrity Interview:

Dallas City Councilman Tennell Atkins Gratitude……a state (and a statement) that I love. When we place ourselves in a state of gratitude, miracles happen.

Doubting me? Sit quiet for 1 minute, close your eyes and listen to your breath, then start with “THANK YOU GOD,” next “I AM GRATEFUL” and any other terms or words of endearment that you want to express to God the creator. Try it!

Let me know your experience @ facebook.com/valderbeebeshow.

Love to hear your experience with gratitude. Remember……. gratitude (breathe……).

Dallas City Councilmember Tennell Atkins was first elected in June 2007 to represent Dallas City Council District 8, the southernmost district of Dallas. He attended SMU on a four year scholarship and was a part of the first class to graduate from SMU’s Cox School of Business. Mr. Atkins serves as the Chair of Economic Development & Housing Committee and is up for reelection.

The Valder Beebe Show invited the Councilman into the studio to get his vision for Dallas and District 8. myimessenger.com

VBS: Recently I wrote an article that echoes other media regarding Dallas and North Texas are the fasting growing region in the U.S. Your Dallas district, define the locale of District

you do not have go downtown to see a Councilmember, making it more convenient for the residents of District 8. I’m working on updating zoning to continue to push forward in making southern Dallas a live, work, and conduct business locale.

8?

Southern Dallas is beautiful for live, work and add recreation and TA: District 8 we’ve got eight business, it become perfect. square miles, we got UNT a fouryear public university for the first VBS: Mayor Mike Rawlings’ twotime in the history of southern terms as mayor have been exhausted.

Dallas. We have Red Bird Mall He will not seek reelection. How do being transformed.

We have you keep Mayor Rawlings’ vision brought new corporations to the for Dallas, North and South going? area. Yes, the biggest problem we have is so much land in the southern TA: One way for is for me part of Dallas (that a great challenge to get reelected. I’m claiming to have). We have fifty-percent of it! And I want to grow South Dallas’ land mass in the southern Dallas and >>>>>complete part of the City. interview @SoundCloud.com/ valderbeebeshow VBS: You are up for reelection?

ValderBeebeShow.com, What do you offer the residents of 411RadioNetwork.com, District 8 and the City of Dallas?

Youtube.com/valderbeebeshow, TA: First, access to the governing bodies of Dallas. I have an office in the community now.

We transitioned the old library that sat idle for many years into a miniature city hall in southern Dallas. Now

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411RadioNetwork.com; Podcast audio: Soundcloud.com/valderbeebeshow, Soundcloud.com/kkvidfw, 411RadioNetwork.com, PChatman Streaming TV Network and VBS affiliate broadcasters.

Now available on 411RadioNetwork App

MAY 10, 2019

Paul Quinn College

CLASS of 2019 Story and Photos

By Dorothy J. Gentry

Victoria Bryant booked her plane ticket, packed her bags and came all the way from California to Paul Quinn College so she could gain the experience of attending an HBCU. “The value of attending an HBCU is in its roots, the culture, it’s background and how the colleges began back in the 1800s,” she said. “Students attending them learn how to rely on themselves, but also how to uplift their peers that surround them – no matter the race - on a daily basis so they’ll be more ready to enter the real world and network. “ Bryant was one of 60 graduating as part of the Class of 2019 at Saturday’s 143rd Commencement Convocation of Paul Quinn College. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and plans to focus on STEM initiatives and helping underserved youth. “Paul Quinn College has given me valuable work experience and helped me to learn new and different lessons in life.”

Early morning thunderstorms threatened to rain on their parade, but couldn’t. The festivities, which were slated to be held outdoors, were quickly relocated to the MAY 10, 2019

gymnasium, which in a matter of short time was filled to capacity.

Those in attendance waited to hear the names of their loved ones called and to hear the commencement speaker, Beto O’Rourke.

O’Rourke, 2020 Presidential Candidate and former U.S.

Beto O'Rourke addressing the graduates of Paul Quinn College

Congressman, is no stranger to the HBCU. Saturday was his third trip to the Paul Quinn campus over the last two years. He spoke at the opening of Paul Quinn’s Summer Bridge Program last year and returned to the campus six months later to hold a town hall with students and the southern Dallas community.

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“It is an all-time honor to return to the Paul Quinn College and join the inspiring graduating class who continues to be our example of the leadership, power and joy we see in young people across America who are already guiding us on every important issue of the day,” O’Rourke said as he began his commencement speech.

“We are smarter, stronger and better able to meet the challenges ahead of us because of the bold, innovative, transformational work occurring at Paul Quinn College and HBCUs across the country.”

O’Rourke, who received an honorary degree earlier in the ceremony from President Dr. Michael Sorrell, talked to the graduates about the importance of powering through disappointments and despair as they head out into the world.

“We must power through, find joy in the work before us or else we must give up and that is not an option for me and that certainly has not been an option for you,” he said.

“To all the graduates, all the hard work, all the sacrifice, all the commitment, to all of your families, I can only imagine what you are feeling right now,” he continued. myimessenger.com

something and someone in your life that you can love more than yourself,” he continued. “I pray that you will forever remember that you were built to lead.

“And since you are built to lead, you are not built for the sun. Because

anyone can lead when the sun comes out. You are built for those moments when it is raining, when it is difficult, when it is challenging. I pray that in those moments you will remember what we have done here together and push yourself forward.”

President Sorrell, graduate Victoria Annette Cleo Bryant and her mentors from California

“To every one of you who has made this such a special moment, not just for yourselves, and your family and for Paul Quinn College, but for this county, I thank you for the inspiration.”

Graduates also heard addresses from the Class of 2019’s CoValedictorians Lorenza Najera and Hugh L. Washington. Najera, born and raised in Houston, is a first-generation college student who will be pursuing a career in neonatal nursing.

Washington, a Dallas native who is also an artist, writer, manager, speaker and entrepreneur, plans to gain a Master’s Degree in Marketing and enjoys traveling and mentoring youth.

Also receiving an honorary degree was Plano Mayor Harry myimessenger.com

LaRosiliere. Receiving President’s Awards were Paul Genender, partner in Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP; Nikki Hurst Gibson, senior counsel at Bell Nunnally & Martin and Andy Halpern, principal with Halpern & Associates. All have worked extensively with and supported Paul Quinn College on many levels.

Dr. Sorrell ended the festive occasion with what he told the graduates were “my prayers for you and the rest of your life. I pray that you will live a life that matters, one where history will remember your name. I pray that you will leave places better than you found them.

“I pray that when you lead, you will find a way to lead with love.

I pray that you will find 27

Co- Valedictorian Lorenza Najera and President Sorrell

President Michael Sorrell and Presidential Candidate Beto O'Rourke

Business Administration/Management Graduate Sierra L. Paris

Co-Valedictorian Hugh L. Washington giving his address

Co-Valedictorians of the 2019 Graduating Class: Lorenza Najera and Hugh L Washington

MAY 10, 2019

ASK ALMA Guns and Children Dear Alma, My college roommate came to visit my husband and me and our new baby. She lives in another state.

My husband has a daughter from a previous relationship, she’s seven. She spends every other weekend at our house.

My college roommate is our baby’s new Godmother. We’re all very happy about that, and the fact that she’ll be visiting with us more often. Problem is, her husband came for the weekend with his gun. I saw it on the side table in the guest room.

He’s a police officer and I understand he uses it for work, but I wasn’t happy about the gun being in my house. How do I broach the subject without having it out with her husband?

J.T.; Baltimore Hey J.T., Allow me a moment to remind you, you are the architect of your “house rules.” Those of us, including a new

MAY 10, 2019

godmother, SIL or coworker of your neighbor’s brother, when visiting your house, must abide by your rules.

The argument of carrying a weapon off duty has been a lively topic for decades and fortunately we’re not here to resolve that issue.

The only answer that you need clarified at this moment is what works in your house.

Understandably, you don’t want firearms lying around with little ones in the house, and I feel you on that one.

Here’s what you do, call your girlfriend and let her know you noticed the gun during their last visit.

Tell her you’re concerned about your stepdaughter’s safety and would prefer they not bring it next time.

If it turns out that he has to carry his weapon because he’s a police officer, I’d suggest you invest in a lock box.

Put the lock box in the closet of your guestroom.

I get the impression guns are not your thing, and this is a fish you’d prefer not to fry, and again. Let me reiterate: you’re in control of what’s cooking in your house. But since he’s an officer, he

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may not have a choice.

I understand your concern, you’re a new mom with a million other things to deal with. He’s not your husband, so you don’t have to live with something that makes you uncomfortable.

If you’re so inclined to add some potato salad to this fish fry, ask her how she thinks it would be best to handle the situation.

That way, you’ve allowed her some input. I’m sure you two will come up with a solution that satisfies all involved.

This my dear, is a situation that can be resolved amicably, with the two of you remaining the best of sisterfriends.

Alma Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to:alwaysaskalma@ gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and Twitter @almaaskalma.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR Lupus Month Older Americans Month

May 5-11 Small Business Week

New Community Vision for Dallas at Briscoe Carpenter Live Stock Center at Fair Park. 9am-11:45am. Free Soul Jazz Thursday’s w/ Nubia at Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave. Dallas. 8pm-12am.

410 Line Dancers Thursday Class at DFW Sports Garden 1850 E. Beltline Rd. Coppell. 7pm. Info: 410linedancers.com

Recurring Events

All New Thursdays Ladies Night Soulful Soundz at Vinetti’s 14833 Midway Rd. Addison 5pm-12am.

Feeding The Needy Hosted by: Hollywood Hernandez Live 1698 Corsicana St. Dallas. 3pm-5pm. Sundays

Oasis Orientation at Frazier House 4600 Spring Ave. Dallas.11am. info@zwhjcoc.org,

Marvelous Marriage Monday’s at Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. Dallas. 7pm-8:30pm 1st & 3rd Monday Info: covent@friendshipwest.org.

May 10

Summer Enrichment Camp at Bishop Arts Theatre 215 Tyler St. Dallas, 7am-5pm. 06-3 - 07-25, 2019, ages 6-12. Enroll: Tiffany Jackson 214-948-0716 ext. 307 education@bishopartstheatre.org Qualified Home- Builders Needed City of Dallas HIPP Contact: City’s Home Repair; 214-670-3644 Bids: housinginspections@dallascityhall.com Now until Sept. 2019 HSE/GED Language Arts and Social Studies Class, Tuesdays & Thursdays, Frazier House 4600 Spring Ave. Dallas.

9-11:30am. info@zwhjcoc.org HSE/GED Math and Science Class, Tuesdays & Thursdays, at Frazier House 4600 Spring Ave. Dallas. 12:15pm2:45pm.

26th Genesis Annual Luncheon Feat: Terry Crews at Hilton Anatole 2201 N. Stemmons Fwy. 11:30am-1pm. Tickets www.genesisshelter.org.

Salsa in the Park at Klyde Warren Park 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy. 6:30pm-7:30pm.

90’s & 2000’s Hip-Hop-R&B Party at Foundation Room 2200 N. Lamar St. 10pm-2am. Fridays The Entrepreneurs Expo at The Help Studios 2435 Squire Pl. Farmers Branch 10am-2pm. FREE Tic Here: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/the-entrepreneurs-expo-tickets-58617646960

May 11-12 Mother’s Day Jazz Festival 2019 Featuring: Maysa & Kirk Whalum Host: MartiniBlu Jazz Café at Fair Park Band Shell 1465 1st Ave. Tickets: 832-965-5580.

May 11

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders Insurance Agent Class at Frazier House 4600 Spring Ave. Dallas. 9am-4pm. Info: email info@zwhjcoc.org. 5-1-13-19.

William Grant Still - Composer, born in 1895

May 8-11

Chris Howell Foundation Presents: Mother’s Day Brunch Gala. Guest: KeKe Wyatt at Renaissance Hotel 2222 N. 35 Fwy, Dallas. 11am:1pm.

Tickets: www.chrishowellfoundation.org.

Southwest Regional Outpouring Women’s Conference Speaker: Pastor Sonjia Dickerson at Hilton DFW Lakes Hotel 1800 Hwy 26, Grapevine. Register: sonjiadickerson.com.

May 8 Stock Market Success: Tips for Beginners at Citycentral Dallas 17250 Dallas Pkwy.

11:30am-1pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.

Hurt Village by Katori Hall at South Dallas Cultural Center 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave. 8pm-10:15pm. Until 5-11-19.

Latoya Cooper The Songtress at Shipping & Receiving Bar 201 S. Calhoun St. Ft. Worth. 8pm.

Mother’s Day with A Twist at Springhill Suites by Marriott 720 E. Vista Ridge Mall Dr. Lewisville. 10am-2pm. Eventbrite.

Residential Outreach Meeting at Movie Tavern 2204 Airport Fwy. #450 Bedford. 7pm-8:15pm. Free.

Amazon Hiring Event at Auditorium, at Frazier House 4600 Spring Ave. Dallas. 9am-3pm. email info@zwhjcoc.org.

May 9 J.A. Burr invented Lawn Mower in 1899

The Stormproof Way To Build Your Brand Host: Tresa Chambers North Park Center 8687 N. 75 Fwy #1612, 7pm-9pm.

NPHC Joint Happy Hour at The Daiquiri Shoppe 684 W. Pioneer Pkwy Grand Prairie 6pm-9pm.

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Melanin & Mimosas at Bar Louie 4001 Bagpiper Way, Arlington. 1pm-7pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.

3rd Annual All White Boat Party at Pier 121 Marina Lewisville Lake 1481 E. Hill Park Rd. Lewisville. 7:30-10:30pm.Eventbrite.

Inaugural Sugar & Spice Spring – Intrigue Event at Allure Jazz Lounge 110 S. Cockrell Hill Rd. DeSoto. 6pm-10pm.

Eventbrite

Jokes & Jazz Brunch Sunday Mother’s Day Edition at Vinetti’s 14833 Midway Rd. Suite #105, Addison. 11am-3pm.

Mother’s Day Jazz Luncheon at Eventfully Yours Social Event Venue 7640 NE Loop 820 Suite #110. North Richland Hills.

1pm-4pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.

Mother’s Day Dinner Cruise BYOB at Harbor Lights Cruises 2055 Summer Lee Dr. Dallas. 7pm-8:30pm. Tickets: www. farehorbor.com.

Reggae Sunday Brunch at Hero’s Lounge 3094 N. 35 Fwy. Dallas.

11am-3pm. Every Sunday: Caribbean Breakfast & Lunch.

Neo Soul Sunday’s at Blue Martini Lounge 7301 Lone Star Dr. Plano 4pm12am.

Anita Baker Farewell Concert Series at The Theatre at Grand Prairie 1001 Performance Pl. 8pm. Tickets: axs.com.

May 13-23 Oasis Class in Session at Frazier House 4600 Spring Ave. Dallas.11am. info@zwhjcoc.org,

May 13 Dallas Mayoral Run Off Debate at Dallas Bar Association 2101 Ross Ave. 12m-1pm. RSVP: jsmith@dallasbar.org.

A Conversation with Worship Leaders D/FW Alliance at Artist Boot Camp 801 Stadium Dr. #119, Arlington. 7:30pm-9pm.

Fort Worth Job Fair at Radisson Fossil Creek 4520 Meacham Blvd. Ft. Worth. 11am.-2pm. Tickets: Eventbrite RSVP your seat.

Low Voltage Class 2 Starts, at Frazier House 4600 Spring Ave. Dallas. Information: info@zwhjcoc.org, 9am-Noon.

El Centro Support Course for Career Readiness Students at Frazier House 4600 Spring Ave. Dallas. Information: info@zwhjcoc.org 9am-1pm.

May 14 IHCC Power Hour at Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 135 S. Jefferson St. Irving. 11:30am-1pm.

Info: www.IrvingHCC.com Fellowship of Professional Women at Park City Club 5956 Sherry Lane 17th Fl. 12pm-1:15pm.

Info: www.fpwdallas.org.

5 Star Appreciation Mixer with Dr. Susan Slonim & Claudia Jordan at Fibroid Institute 12400 Coit Rd. #505. 6pm.

FUBU Mobile’s Official Welcome to DFW Gala/Dinner at Hyatt Regency Hotel 300 Reunion Blvd. 7:30pm. Tickets: eventbrite.com. Speaker: Carl Brown, co-founder of FUBU.

May 12

Mother’s Day

Mighty Women of Motown at Bath House Cultural Center 521 E. Lawther Dr. 7:30pm-9:30pm.

Zan Wesley Holmes Lunch and Learn Series Comerica Bank presents an Identity Theft Class at Frazier House 4600 Spring Ave. 11:301pm. www.zwhjcoc.org.

May 15 Neighborhood Legal Clinic at Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 W Wheatland Rd. Dallas 5:30pm-7:30pm.

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Social Media Success 2019 Guide at Bill J. Priest Small Business Innovation Center 1402 Corinth St. #1530B Hoblitzell Auditorium 9:30am. RSVP: Dir. Rose Blair: www.rblair@dcccd.ed.

The Ladies of Justice presents a Women2Women & Kids Evening Social Host: Legal Shield at Fairfield Inns & Suites 409 N. Clark Rd. Cedar Hill. 6pm-8:30pm.

Cardio Hip Hop with JessieMae at LC Fitness 901 N. Polk St. #370. DeSoto. 6:30pm. Mon. & Wed. Info: www.jcfitness.info.

Us-Too Phenomenal Women Art Exhibit at African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave. Dallas. 11am-5pm.

May 16-19 The Real James Bond was Dominican Regional Premier at Bishop Arts Theatre 215 S. Tyler St. Info 214-948-0716

May 16 Betty Carter, born in 1929 - Grammy Jazz Singer “Godmother of Jazz”

Poetry Smash at TBAAL 1309 Canton St. 7:30pm-9pm. Tickets: 214-743-2400.

Older Americans Month Health Fair at Centennial Hall in Fair Park 10am-1pm. Register: www.Dart.org/seniors. Questions call 214-749-2582.

Judge Dominique Collins Re-Election Kickoff Criminal District Court 4 Host: Dr. Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr. at Park City Club 6956 Sherry Ln. Ste. #1700, Dallas. 5:30-7:30pm.

Soul Jazz Thursday’s w/ Vandell Andrew at Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave. Dallas. 8pm-12am.

Forum with Dallas Mayoral Runoff Candidates at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church5144 Dolphin Rd. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. 6:30pm-8pm.

All New Thursdays Ladies Night Soulful Soundz at Vinetti’s –14833 Midway Rd. Addison 5pm-12am. Free Cover.

May 17-18 Jazz at The Muse Café Satin Dolls Concert at TBAAL 1309 Canton St. Fri. & Sat. 9pm. Tickets: 214-743-2400.

May 17- 19 Spring Celebration Dallas Black Dance Theatre at Dee & Charles Wyly Theatre 2400 Flora St. Dallas 7:30pm.

May 17 James “Cool Papa” Bell, Bass Player, born in 1903

Jim Gaffigan: Quality Time Tour at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory 300 Las Colinas Blvd. Irving. 8pm.

Friendship-West Presents: Friday Night L.I.T. Hosted by: Singles Community 25 & up Location Narthex 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. 7pm-9pm.

DFW HBCU Skate Night at Southern Skates Roller Rink 2939 E. Ledbetter Dr. 7pm-12am. Tickets: Eventbrite.

Lunch & Learn Dream; Plan; Act at Meadows Conference Center 2900 Live Oak St. 11:30am-1pm. Tickets: www.event.r20.

MAY 10, 2019

MAY 10, 2019

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