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I M essenger SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

VOL IX NO 3

Bringing more basketball to Dallas! p24

SKYLINE

IMessenger An IMM LLC Publication MAILING ADDRESS 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203 WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 214-941-0110 Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER - EDITOR news@texasmetronews.com S. Curet GENERAL MANAGER stewartcuret@myimessenger.com Jessica Hayden STAFFWRITER Marva Sneed EDITORIAL ASSISTANT EDITORIAL TEAM Lajuana Barton Eva Coleman Anthony Council L. Diane Evans Dorothy J. Gentry Vincent Hall Cierra Mayes Dr. Felicia N. Shepherd Monique P. Stone Dareia Tolbert Andrew Whigham III Chelle Wilson MARKETING TEAM Carlton McConnell Terry Allen PR DESIGN/LAYOUT 619

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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.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

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COMMENTARY

by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

Thoughts and prayers are not enough

Just one week ago seven innocent people were reinstate the ban. Members of the Democratic Party murdered in West Texas by a madman with an assault are prepared to do as the American people demand. weapon. Twenty-two people were injured during the massacre, including a child just seventeen months old.

The reason why we do not have an assault weapons ban is that the leadership of the Republic Party and the If this were not enough, nearly one monthearlier President of the United States are far more interested twenty-two people, shopping in an El Paso Walmart in the interests ofthe National Rifle Association than were killed by another madman with an assault rifle they are in those of the majority of the American who said that he wanted to kill Mexicans. Twenty- public. six people suffered life-altering injuries in the El Paso shooting.

Data compiled by the Federal Elections During the thirty-one days Commissions states that of August, fifty-three people the NRA contributed $30 throughout our nation lost million towards the election their lives in mass shootings, of President Trump in 2016. It according to data from the spent $54 million in the 2016 U.S. Justice Department. The campaign, with the overGun Violence Archive, which whelming majority of the tracks mass shootings in the money going to Republican U.S., reportsthat there have been candidates who support the 283 such shootings since the beginning of 2019. This NRA and its wishes. madness has to stop!

Those who oppose an assault weapons ban are The American people are weary and disappointed quick to point to the Second Amendment of the with elected officials who respond to these shootings Constitution which they interpret as giving all citizens by offering “thoughts and prayers.� That will not a right to purchase and own assault weapons. bring their relatives backor repair the injuries suffered by victims.

Certainly the founders of this country, mentally sane as they were, did not intend the result that we Recent polls tell us that seven out of ten Americans now face in our country, innocent people being gunned support a ban on assault weapons. They realize that down in broad daylight by their fellow citizens. they have no place in the hands of citizens who are not members of the military where these weapons are Now is the time to ban all assault weapons. The used on battlefields. sane among us believe that we must act to stop more senseless murders. The sane among us do not believe Those who favor a ban such as the one that was that “thoughts and prayers� are sufficient to ease the in place for ten years between 1994 and 2004 are pain. pleading with elected officials to do something, to myimessenger.com

INSIDE

AT THE MOVIES

Dr. Malveaux

DON’T LET GO is a story about a police detective, played by David Oyelowo (who’s best known for his role as MLK in the movie SELMA), who loses his entire extended family to violence.

I cannot overstate my tremendous admiration for Rev. William Barber.

Our connection goes back to North Carolina when I was the President of Bennett College, and he led the state NAACP.

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One of the burdens of being

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

MY TRUTH

by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

You bring me joy The month of August was filled with answers, especially if you take into consideration an important question, “Why?” I’ve heard people pose the question when someone transitions, even though they don’t want to question “God.” When I first moved to Dallas in 1981, I visited a restaurant called “Smokey John’s Barbecue.” I actually visited weekly, to pick up my Black newspapers, get some fish and on the second Saturday of each month, attend Florida A&M University Alumni meetings.

It was also the place where the first meeting of the Dallas Metroplex Council of Black Alumni Associations was held.

The owner, John Reaves, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

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was the best and his restaurant was a fun place, especially on Friday nights when there was entertainment and some of any and everybody came by for a good time, fellowship and great food.

Well Mr. Reaves died last month and many shared their fond memories of him and the Smokey John’s BBQ experience.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) had a rough month with the passing of television anchor Nancy Parker in New Orleans; 4

Mother, son and daughter Marsha Edwards, Christopher Edwards II and Erin Edwards of Atlanta, and former television anchor Donna Davis of Memphis.

Then I received a call last week about long-time friend and Warrior, Thelma Youngblood.

I met “Youngblood” in the early 1990s and we’ve been friends ever since.

I think we were drawn to one another because we respected one another’s candor.

Now, she’d probably laugh at that observation, but it was true. There was nothing fake or pretentious about our relationship.

She said how she felt and I did the same. myimessenger.com

We didn’t always agree and we didn’t aways agree to disagree. Instead we respected one another’s opinion and decisions.

We didn’t choose our friends based on each other’s likes or dislikes and we knew when to pump the brakes on certain issues.

The last time I talked to Youngblood, earlier this summer, I told her how great she sounded.

It was good to hear her voice sounding so strong and vibrant.

When I got back into town from the NABJ convention, I called her on August 14 but didn’t get an answer. I then called a mutual friend and no answer.

Youngblood remained on my mind, I even asked a member of our distribution team if she had answered the door when he took the paper by.

Yes, with over 300 distribution drops, Youngblood’s house was my

only home drop and she appreciated the courtesy immensely.

I’m going to miss her.

To know her is to love her.

I won’t profess to have totally reconciled this thing called death, but I do realize that death is part of life.

Which brings me to my truth.

As I continued to massage

Then I got word of two special young ladies, both journalists; who will be giving birth soon. Television anchor Amanda Fitzpatrick had her Gender Reveal event and we celebrated the news, “It’s a girl.”

Next Radio personality Dareia Tolbert -Jacobs had her Gender Reveal event and we celebrated that news, “It’s a boy.”

For me, as I process all the wonderful people in my life who are no longer with me; I will be happy just to hear that mothers and babies are healthy.

Just think about the high maternal morbidity rate for Black women.

Healthy moms and babes has to be the priority.

Death and birth can both be stressful.

We celebrate the joy of birth. We must also celebrate the joy of living and the lives of those who have transitioned.

We must also make sure we are living joyous lives.

For me, as I process all the wonderful people in my life who are no longer with me; I will be happy just to hear that mothers and babies are healthy.

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my temples and remember the good memories, in the face of death; I received quite a bit of exciting news that succeeded in easing the pain to a certain extent.

You see, two of my children are pregnant; one with a boy and the other with a “to be determined.”

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

WORDZ OF WILSON

BY CHELLE LUPER WILSON

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State Rep. Rhetta Andrews Bowers' Official District Office Grand Opening Garland, Texas – On Thursday, State Representative Rhetta Andrews Bowers (HD 113) hosted her Official District Office Grand Opening.

As the Representative welcomed constituents and communities leaders into their new space she expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support in her District. The ceremonial ribbon cutting began at 4:00pm, followed by a reception and tours of the new office space.

Among the attendees were several state and local leaders including Representative Victoria Neave, Representative Carl Sherman Sr., Representative Ana- Maria Ramos, Garland Mayor Scott LeMay and Rowlett Mayor Tammy

"I am grateful to be here, because Representative Bowers truly cares about the people of her district. As I've gotten to know her, I am inspired by how she engages with her constituents and truly desires to make her community a better place for all, " said Representative Carl Sherman Sr. HD 109.

Mayor Scott LeMay said, "We are very honored for Representative Bowers to locate her District office here in Garland. She has a lot of places she could have gone, but were grateful that she is here with us."

"I always want the Texans that I serve to know that I am accessible and that I stand ready to serve. Their concerns

Rep. Bowers with her staff.\ Andrews Bowers was elected to serve House District 113 in the Texas House of Representatives on November 8, 2018.

Growing up, Bowers was drawn to a life of activism at an early age. Following the example of her mother, a prominent community leader, and her father, a nationally recognized surgeon, Bowers volunteered to phone bank for the late Congressman Mickey Leland as a pre-teen.

Throughout her life, Bowers has continued to invest her time and energy in her community. She has served as a substitute teacher and a PTA member with the Garland Independent School District. She was appointed to the Rowlett Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, where she served for eight years.

Recently, Rhetta has served as the Chair of the Dallas Woman’s March, a title which she as held for the past three years. All the while, Rhetta has continued to be an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. , of which she is a lifetime

Ribbon cutting with local and state leaders Dana-Bashian.

"Representing the business community of Garland means a lot, when a legislator's voting record in Austin reflects how much they support our community.

Representative Bowers has demonstrated her commitment to both businesses big and small in her district, " said Paul Mayer, CEO of the Garland Chamber of Commerce.

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are my concerns and today underscores that commitment.

I am glad to open our district office in a familiar and convenient location for the constituency and I am pleased to see people here form the Northern to the Southern boundaries of our district," said Representative Bowers.

About Representative Bowers State Representative Rhetta

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member.

Bowers is an alumna of both Spelman College and Texas Southern University, earning her bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism. A native Houstonian, she currently resides in Rowlett, TX with her husband and their children.

During this 86th Legislative Session, State Representative Rhetta Andrews Bowers has had the pleasure of serving on the House Committee on Corrections, House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Issues, and the House Committee on Local Calendars and Consent. Representative Bowers has dedicated her time on her committees championing women and children's rights, female and juvenile justice issues, working towards eliminating the school to prison pipeline, and uplifting marginalized communities and their voices from District 113 and the great State of Texas.

Texas House District 113 District office is located at 3200 Broadway Blvd. Suite 375 Garland, Texas 75043

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

Navigating the Path to Liberation and Healing Counseling at Friendship-West Church, as Keynote Speaker; — five (5) concurrent workshops addressing these topics: Dr. Brenda Wall

Register and participate in the 4th Annual Mental Health Symposium entitled “ Navigating the Path to Liberation and Healing.” The link is https://4th-annualmental-healthsymposium. eventbrite.com The event will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. We will be featuring — Dallas Psychologist Dr. Brenda Wall, Pastor of Christian Education and

SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

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• How Faith Impacts Mental Health • Family Secrets: How they Shape and Harm Us

• The Psychological Family Tree (Genogram)

• Mental Health: It is Time to Stop Saying Crazy

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• Youth Only Workshop (ages 12-17): Bounce Back – Building Resilience for When Life Gets Tough and — Panel of experts will focus on the topic, Navigating the Wellness Path thru the lens of a diverse group of individuals from several organizations.

They will discuss perspectives or endeavors regarding the path to mental health wellness.

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

COMMENTARY

by Dr. Julianne Malveaux

Will you answer the call for moral revival?

I cannot overstate my tremendous admiration for Rev. William Barber. Our connection goes back to North Carolina when I was the President of Bennett College, and he led the state NAACP. His daughter, Sharrelle, graduated from Bennett in the spring before I assumed the Presidency and as student body president, she served on the search committee that selected me. So he’s a friend of long-standing.

In the years since our North Carolina time, I’ve watched this brother grow in his profound leadership, galvanizing people all over the nation around a moral agenda for our country.

When we see alreadyweak bonds of civility and community, both national and international, fraying, the movement to “build a moral agenda rooted in a framework that uplifts SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

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our deepest moral and constitutional values to redeem the heart and soul of our country.”

In the past year or so, Rev. Barber has been building national momentum and plans mass action in Washington DC on June 20, 2020.

We will be in the heat of the 2020 political election, a time when we must look at our nation’s future and its direction.

Barber’s organization (which he co-leads with Rev. Liz Theoharis), is poetically called Repairers of the Breach.

Its website is https:// w w w. b re a ch re p a i re r s. org/, and it is worth 10

checking out regularly, as updates on the 2020 march, along with other activities, will be posted.

The Barber movement is optimistic and much needed at a time when an elected leader regularly picks fights with the heads of other nations, triggers a trade war, disrespects people, even his own appointees, with vile namecalling, and drips disdain for women, especially elected Black women and other women of color.

We live in a graceless age, but Barber and Theoharis radiate grace.

They are optimistic, patient, and movement building.

They are inclusive, focused, and, most importantly, kind.

They get this economy and its uneven distribution, but they also get race and the many ways it is foundational.

The Repairers website says, “Our deepest moral myimessenger.com

traditions point to equal protection under the law, the desire for peace and among nations, the dignity of all people, and the responsibility to care for our common home.”

In embracing and expanding the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Revs. Barber and Theoharis have asked Presidential candidates to consider a debate that focuses exclusively on poverty.

Many have agreed, but others have not gone on record.

With more than one in five African American families living in poverty, and wages relatively stagnant, a national conversation about poverty is more than overdue.

Indeed, the other conversation is one that drills down on what international economic fluctuations mean to the average person.

Economic pundits have high-level discussions about the stock market (when half of all Americans own no stock or bonds), making people myimessenger.com

think they can make no difference in economic policy. But we can make a difference when we pass laws that provide a living wage, paid sick leave, affordable health care, and more. The Poor People’s Campaign and the Moral Budget give people tools to approach some of these

economic issues.

With his eloquence and his leadership, Barber has emerged as a national treasure and a lightning rod for economic transformation.

What will economic transformation look like?

Is it possible for capitalists to make a profit and still pay their workers a living wage?

It is possible to dismantle the predatory capitalism that, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 11

“thingifys” people in the name of profit?

Do capitalists understand that consumers fuel this system, and paying consumers translates into more sales for them?

And do predatory capitalists understand the ecological devastation they promote when they fail to embrace climate change?

Rev. Barber raises all these questions and more.

For the next nine months, through June 20, 2020, he is moving around the country, addressing injustice, mobilizing people, and focusing on change.

He has offered our nation a fundamental challenge.

Will you answer the call for moral revival?

Four hundred years after the first Black folks were brought to these shores, a call to deal with systemic racism, economic injustice, the war economy, and ecological devastation is long overdue.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an author, economist, and social commentator.

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

Historic trip commemorates 1619 Our Journey from Jamestown to Jamestown

By Derrick Jackson NAACP

History points to late August in the year 1619 when some “20 and odd Negroes” originating from Angola arrived in the British colony of Jamestown, Virginia as the first documented enslaved Africans to land in what is now the United States.

This nation and its wealth was built through forced labor and the very existence of Black men and women.

Our journey from Jamestown, Virginia to Jamestown, Ghana is an important reminder of the our shared history and connected struggle.

We retraced the agonizing footsteps of our ancestors through the slave dungeons and along the shores where they saw.

Through this experience, we hope to actualize the healing and collective unity so many generations have worked to achieve in ways which bring power to our communities in America, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

We arrive in Jamestown, Accra, Ghana.

The castle's notorious Door of No Return—the last sight enslaved Africans saw before they boarded trading ships. It has since been renamed the Door of Return.

Africa and throughout our Diaspora.

I asked my team for a few photos to share with you of our journey thus far. Here are a few of my favorites:

Our team in Jamestown, Virginia.

A few of the elders in Jamestown.

My speech at the African American Business Summit.

Ghana's "Cape Coast Castle"—used to hold slaves before they were loaded onto ships and sold in the Americas.

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Featuring Uber Eats • GrubHub DoorDash • Postmates myimessenger.com 13

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

by Vincent Hall

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

BETO FOR AMERICA

BY BETO O’ROURKE

SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

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Cierra’s Interlude by Cierra Mayes

Cierra Mayes

Courtney’s first NABJ Convention

Wednesday, August 14, 2019, marked the 11th episode of, “Cierra’s Interlude” by me, Cierra Mayes.

Cierra’s Interlude is a podcast platform I created to give current college students and former students the opportunity to tell their truth. My show airs on blog talk radio every Wednesday from 2p.m. to 4p.m. Every week I talk about different subjects that are related to student experience on and off campus. I am a recent graduate from the University of North Texas with a focus in broadcast Journalism On last week’s episode, I had the opportunity to interview a few I met at the NABJ convention in Miami, Florida. The convention had taken place from August 7th10th. If you’re not aware what NABJ stands for it is the National Association of Black Journalists.

NABJ holds a job convention every year for journalists that are seeking to build their resume and gain more experience in their field. In lasts weeks Q&A, I had a pleasure of talking to Ashlee Jones. This week I had then chance of talking to Courtney Roden, which it was her first time experiencing NABJ. She’s a recent graduate from Saginaw Valley State University and is myimessenger.com

looking for job opportunities in her Unfortunately, I didn’t. When I do field. After the conversation with visit back home, I’m definitely going Ashlee, I talked to Courtney about to tell them about it. If I didn’t hear about it, just imagine how many students going there don’t know about it.

Cierra Mayes: When you arrived at the hotel, what were you expecting?

Courtney Roden: I didn’t know what to expect. I knew it was going to be a lot of people there, so I Courtney Roden kind of expected it to be packed. I also didn’t expect to walk into the her experience at the convention. career fair to see Fox News, CNN, Cierra Mayes: So, how was the CW33, I didn’t expect that at all.

I got to talk to all of these people convention for you?

Courtney Roden: The convention that explained what they were opened my eyes Cierra. When I say doing and what steps they took to it opened my eyes to so much, like get where they are today.

There was no negative energy.

OMG. You always hear people say that 10,000 people wants the job Everyone was so happy and you’re doing, or 10,000 people are uplifted and willing to give you applying for the same position that their card to help you get to where you want. You always hear it and they’re at. you’re like okay, I understand. To It was a pleasure talking to these see it is another thing. Seeing all these beautiful, successful, black ladies and hearing their testimonies doing what they said they’re going about the convention. NABJ is the to do, it uplifted me and wanted place to be! me to go forward. I wanted to be just like them.

NOTE: To aspiring journalists, checkout Cierra Mayes: You didn’t have a www.nabj.org. your local media NABJ chapter at your school, did outlets and see ifContact there are opportunities to you? shadow, intern, and yes, volunteer. Don’t Courtney Roden: No. forget the Black Press!

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RICHARD MANSON Photography 214-941-4966 Check out your favorite

photos at these links:

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DON’T LET GO Review by Hollywood Hernandez

DON’T LET GO is a story about a police detective, played

by David Oyelowo (who’s best known for his role as MLK in the movie SELMA), who loses his entire extended family to violence. His brother, who is a “Good for Nothing” irresponsible dad who’s a recovering alcoholic, his sister in law and his niece, played

by Storm Reid (A WRINKLE IN TIME), are all killed by gun violence.

Obviously distraught by their death, he goes into a downward spiral of drinking and despair. Then he gets a call from his favorite niece who was killed three days earlier. At first, he thinks he’s going crazy, myimessenger.com

but soon he discovers there is someone on the line and he thinks it is his niece.

It becomes apparent to him that he has to save his niece in the past so that she can live again in the present. Of course, he’s afraid to tell anyone that he’s get21

ting calls from his dead niece, for fear of being called crazy, so he has to work alone to help his young niece survive in the past.

Is it a movie about alternate dimensions or time travel? I’ll leave that for you to decide for yourself, but it is a really good crime thriller whatever you decide. The movie will keep you guessing until the very end.

DON’T LET GO is rated R for a lot of violence and gunplay and has a run time of 1 hour and 43 minutes. On my Hollywood Popcorn Scale, I rate this thriller a LARGE.

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

From Marva with

By Marva Sneed

On From Marva with Love I had the pleasure to interview Dr. Cynthia Mickens Ross. Dr. Ross is a Speaker, Author, Teacher, and she is the Senior Pastor of Path-Way to Life Center of Hope Church in Hutchins, Texas. She is also the creator and instructor of the PathWay to Purpose Course.

The course is specifically designed to coach women and men to discover and activate the greatness within.

Dr. Ross recently authored her first book Path-Way to Purpose Stories of Victory. She is also serving as Founder and CEO of Cynthia Mickens Ministries, Inc. Dr. Ross is married to the love of her life, David E. Ross III. She is also the mother to Mrs. Sherrell Warren and grandmother to Kennedy, Ragan and Jason Warren.

My first meeting with Dr. Ross was at the Chris Howell Foundation, ‘Mother’s Day Brunch Gala.’ Dr. Ross and her husband were honored SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

strategic life plan. PathWay to Purpose is now a Three Phase Program.

MS: How does a person know what their natural gifts are?

Dr. Cynthia Mickens Ross as the most impactful community leaders.

I knew that she was someone that I wanted to be around.

The next time we met it was at Rep. Helen Giddings annual Women’s Leadership Summit, in her workshop, “Finding Your North Star.”

The class gave me hope and confidence to dream big.

MS: What is the Path-Way to Purpose Course?

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Dr.R: Path-Way to Purpose started out as a 12-week course about selfdiscovery. Asking you a series of questions and recording them. By the end you would know more about your authentic self.

Then people were asking how they get from where they are to where they want to be.

So we developed Phase II to coach them in developing

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Dr. R: There are different test that we use.

The Personality Test, The Gift Test. There are things that you are naturally good at. Ask people around you, like your mother, or someone else who loves you. What did they see you do as a child that you were good at? Only ask those who really care about you.

Not just any body because everyone can’t believe in your greatness.

There was so much more in this interview. You can get it all at BlogTalkRadio.com/ CherylsWorld - From Marva with Love.

To get more information about the Path-Way to Purpose visit: www. pathwaytopurpose.org or Facebook @Cynthia Mickens Ross. myimessenger.com

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

DALLAS SKYLINE New Pro Basketball Club makes Dallas home

By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor The Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex is a haven for sports lovers.

Pick a sport and there’s bound to be a local team to root for; the Dallas Mavericks, Cowboys, Wings, Texas Legends, Texas Rangers, FC Dallas, Dallas Sidekicks and more.

Add one more team to that long list; the SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

Dallas Skyline, a new professional basketball team that now calls Dallas home.

The owner and general manager is 28-year-old Prescott Mack, a Garland, Texas native and licensed FIBA sports agent who is excited about bringing a team to the D/FW Metroplex.

“What we are bringing is the third division of pro basketball in the United States,” he said.

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“There is the NBA, the G League, and then there is us (TBL).

We are a legitimate, professional basketball team and we are excited to be here.”

Dallas Skyline is the 10th team from The Basketball League (TBL), a new professional basketball league with teams throughout the nation.

TBL recently acquired the North American Premier Basketball

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league.

Teams include Albany Patroons, Kansas City Tornadoes, Owensboro Thoroughbreds, Raleigh Firebirds, Tampa Bay Titans, San Diego Waves and now the Dallas Skyline.

The team was awarded the franchise in March and has spent the past few months building its basketball brand, including strategically bringing in staff, building its market myimessenger.com

and working to set their basketball foundation.

“We are one of the biggest markets in the League. We expect to win,” Mr. Mack said.

“So we wanted the best of the best. There is so much talent here in Dallas.”

Much of the front office staff, including the coaching staff, have been hired. These include assistant general manager Christian Ross-Francis; head coach Chris Terrell; assistant head coach Finis Craddock; director of player development Ronnie Black; manager of community relations Sara Parsons, and DJ/ community liaison, DJ Queen Agnes.

Texas Metro News/ Garland Journal caught up with Mr. Mack and Ms. Ross-Francis during the recent Dallas/Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists’ mixer.

They talked about bringing the team to Dallas, what fans can expect, serving as role models to other young, Black professionals and more.

TMN/GJ: How did you come up with the team name?

Mr. Mack: “I’ve traveled all over the world and every time myimessenger.com

you drive into Dallas, the team land in Dallas? especially at night, Mr. Mack: “David the best thing you see Magley and his wife is our Skyline.That’s (Evelyn – president and

Assistant General Manager Christian Ross-Francis and General Manager Prescott Mack at recent D/FW Association of Black Journalists mixer at the Attache’ Cigar Lounge

what we’re known for.

Everywhere you go, people say ‘Oh, you all have the best Skyline.’

“That’s where the name came from. I just wanted something that was Dallas authentic.

What we are is artistic, modern, so I chose the name ‘Dallas Skyline.’”

TMN/GJ: How did

CEO), had a vision to create this league and I’m really close with them. Being a Dallas native, it was a nobrainer to have the sports franchise here.”

TMN/GJ: How did you come on board as assistant GM? Ms. Ross-Francis: “I first served as an intern

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at his sports marketing agency. I thought it (bringing the TBL to Dallas) was a great idea.

I loved the fact that they were providing jobs for players. I was all for it.”

Mr. Mack: “(RossFrancis) has an amazing eye for talent so I lean on her when it comes to what type of players to sign, what type of culture to bring in, and more. She plays a huge role.”

TMN/GJ: How will you recruit players?

Mr. Mack: “Our players are pros; either rookies, straight out of college, D-1, D-2 schools or pros that came from overseas that would rather play at home.

The team’s first signee is South Garland High School native Charlie Shorter, who has played professionally here and overseas.

TMN/GJ: When does the season start/ where is your facility?

Mr. Mack: “Our season will last from February to May, with a pre-season beginning in January. We will play all of our games at Loos Field House (a facility of 7,500 at 3815 Spring Valley Road).”

TMN/GJ: What can fans expect when they come to a Dallas

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Skyline game?

Ross-Francis: “They can expect an experience. We’re all about the community. We want to get the community involved with non-profits, schools, organizations and more coming out to games. We look at our fans as family, not fans.”

Mr. Mack: (adding that fans can also expect plenty of affordable, entertainment and family fun.)

“We want our courtside seats to be filled. The facility will also provide an intimate feel for fans.

“Our players will be in the schools, serving as mentors, and more.

They have a community requirement to be part of the team and the league as a whole. There are specific things they will do in the community to impact lives.”

TMN/GJ: What else is forth-coming?

Mr. Mack: “We don’t have a mascot yet but it will possibly be a bald eagle with a Skyline jersey on. We may do a community event to name the mascot. The team will also have a dance team called the Dallas Flygirls. Audition dates will be released soon.

TMN/GJ: How will you build your roster?

Mr. Mack: Roster tryouts are Sept. 8 at the Christ Methodist United Church in Plano from noon to 4 p.m. Those interested can register on-line at www. dallasskylinebc.com Any one can register to try out as long as SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

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they are high school graduates.

Besides Shorter the roster is empty but will eventually have 12 active players; 20 will be invited to training camp. We’re employing people. They are getting paid to play so this is an opportunity.

TMN/GJ: How do you feel about being role models to other young, Black professionals?

Ms. Ross-Francis: a graduate of Lakeview Centennial, played basketball at Jarvis Christian College. “It’s a blessing. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with

my life. I tried modeling and other things but my heart was always with basketball. That’s my passion, It gave me hope that I’m a young, Black 29-yearold woman that can work in a professional realm.”

Mr. Mack: said he appreciates the opportunity given to him but admits it’s been an eye-opening experience. “To be honest, it is nerve-wrecking and stressful, but it is also rewarding. I love it. I wouldn’t wake up and do anything else so the fact that I

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love what I do is great.

“When I am mentoring or talking to kids, I tell them I decided a long time ago that someone wouldn’t tell me how much an hour of my time was going to be worth. I decided if I wanted to make $20 an hour it would be because I chose that, or $75 an hour or whatever…so I made up in my mind I wanted to be my own boss and do what I love every single day.

“I didn’t want to dread waking up every day. Basketball has saved my life more times than not. It’s just a blessing to be able to do what you love, no matter how hard it is.

When you love it, it doesn’t feel like work.”

TMN/GJ: What do you want potential fans to know?

Mr. Mack: “Our hashtag is #skyisthelimit and that’s what I want our fans to know; that the sky is the limit. A 28-year-old Black kid from Garland, Texas owns a professional basketball team. I grew up wanting to play on a professional basketball team but God said no, how about you be an owner?

So the sky is the limit. Whatever we think we can see, you can go beyond that. Your vision isn’t God’s vision.

For more information on Dallas Skyline, visit their social media sites: @dallasskylinebc on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or email admin@dallasskylinebc. com or generalmanager@ dallasskylinebc.com. myimessenger.com

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ASK ALMA

Can I trust?

Hey Now Lefty,

you’ve told him it’s alright to do it. Don’t get me wrong; I understand what you’re What I think is the same I recently got married to a man I dated for six years. We thing you think. You just want saying, and I agree with you. I have a wonderful relationship me to say it. You aren’t doing wouldn’t want my husband at yourself or your husband any the club either. But this should – open and trusting – and have been discussed and favors by not telling the truth I couldn’t ask for anything about how you feel. If an issue clarified early on. First things more. However, he likes to doesn’t sit well with you, you first: go quite often (about once a Start telling the truth. I’d should be straightforward. week) to the club. I’m never suggest you take the time to Honesty helps to build invited. He acts as if it would tell him how you really feel. a genuine and trustworthy be a sin if I were to go with There’s no need to be hostile. commitment. If simply loving him. Sometimes he doesn’t Part of this is your fault, so get home until after midnight. I somebody could make a you need to come clean with will trust him until he gives me person do or be better, we’d patience in one hand and all be doing the right thing, a reason not to. understanding in the other. ‘cause we all got somebody If I were to go out in the An old Chaka Khan song same way with my girlfriends, who loves us.

You asked if you should put comes to mind – he would get irate, wondering Once you get started, snap, your foot down? Hello-o-o, what I’m doing, who we’re snap, Ooooh, it’s hard to you’re still standing on your with, etc. When he tells me tippy toes right now, so you’re stoppppp, yea, you just can’t he’s going out, I never get stop now!!! (Sorry, I lost my not in a position to put your mad (I definitely don’t want train of thought.) Maybe he foot down. him going to a club mad at You led him to believe that can go to the club every other me!). I just don’t know if I week, or maybe you can go his clubbing is fine with you. should start “putting my foot with him.

To make matter worse, you down,” so to speak.

The two of you need to even send him off with a kiss How can I get him to see decide what’s best. I don’t on the cheek and a smile. things from my perspective? think he’ll stop right away, but For all I know, he could be in Because, like you said, you don’t want to send him to the I’m sure there’s a place in the another woman’s bed! All I middle that will satisfy both of club mad. have to go on is trust. What Don’t be angry with him for you. do you think?

Signed, Left at home doing what he’s doing when Alma Dear Alma,

SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

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LIFESTYLE

by Valder Beebe

Barbara Edwards on breast cancer

Every day is a new day and we should be grateful. I am grateful that Barbara Edwards is sharing her story, for us to know the power and the grace that faith entitles for us.

VBS: Barbara Edwards, I know that you have a story, we all have a story. Let’s start with your cancer journey.

BE: I was visiting Dallas, Texas April 2013 after my PCP doctor’s appointment, he ordered a Diagnostic Mammogram because I had lost a sister (Rose M. Turknett) to Breast Cancer.

I undressed and was waiting to be called into the Mammogram Room for the test, but a nurse called me into a private room and asked me was I having problems with my breast or did I have any lumps, I said no. She advised me that they couldn’t give me a Diagnostic Mammogram but I would need to re-schedule. So I asked the nursed to get me the top person in charge because I wasn’t leaving without the test that my doctor had ordered! The manager of the Breast Imaging Center came into the room and asked me the same questions that the nurse had already asked myimessenger.com

me regarding lumps or discharge etc. my answer was still NO! But I had lumps in my right breast which were biopsied and did not test positive for cancer. Before I was able to tell her this, she said o.k., sign the forms to receive your Diagnostic Mammogram Test today. The Manager informed me that the insurance I was using only covered a Diagnostic Mammogram when the patient is having problems. The manager performed my Mammogram herself, she discovered there was a white spot, she informed me they would now do an Ultra Sound in the next room and the doctor would look at the results.

They did the Ultra Sound, and advised me that I would receive an appointment for a biopsy! I had to advocate for myself the day of the mammogram. Yes, the biopsy proved positive for early stage Breast Cancer, but the most aggressive type, Triple Negative Breast Cancer!

VEB: What was the next action to be taken after this news was shared?

BE: The doctor’s decided that aggressive actions had to be taken immediately! It started

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with me having had 2 surgeries 2 weeks apart to remove the lump in my breast! Moving rapidly to Chemo Treatment, I received 11 treatment but had to stop them due to complications, the medication(s) administered I was highly allergic to it!! Side effects were burns and blisters from my head to the sole of my feet!! The next stage was 33 Treatments of intense Radiation, this too caused numerous side effects!

The Chemo and the Radiation Treatments caused me to have eye problems, short term memory loss, coordination problems, and cognitive thinking challenges.

VEB: Barbara I am honored that you shared a part of your journey with me. How can the public connect with you?

BE: Barbara Edwards 954822-0847.…….Barbara Edwards complete interview @ Valder Beebe Show THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW ValderBeebeShow.com, 411RadioNetwork.com, Youtube.com/valderbeebeshow, 411RadioNetwork. com; Podcast audio: Soundcloud.com/valderbeebeshow, Soundcloud.com/kkvidfw, 411RadioNetwork.com, PChatman Streaming TV Network

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR BLACK COLLEGE MONTH YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

September 6-8

Tribe of Dumo Fashion Show & Pop Up Shop, Doubletree Hilton, 1507 Watson Rd. Arlington. 12-6p.

Dallas African Dance Conference 2019, Bandan Koro African Drum & Dance Ensemble, 3630 Harry Hines Blvd. Times vary. Tickets: bandankoro.com.

Sunday Community Drum Circle, Pan African Connection, 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. 2-5p.

September 6 Shakrya Renee Jewelry Collection Launch, AC Hotel 5460 James Temple Dr., 5:30-9p. Eventbrite.com.

Feeding The Needy, Host: Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez, 1641 Corsicana St, Dallas. 3-5p., Sundays.

Salsa and Mimosas, Pura Vida Afro-Latin Dance, 604 Doug Russell, Ste. A, Arlington. 8-11p. Eventbrite.com.

A 3D Adventure by Matt Lyle, Circle Theater, 230 W. 4th Street Fort Worth, circletheatre.com. 8-15-9-14-19.

It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop Poetic Showcase, Soar Creative Studios, 1337 Chemical St. 7-10p. Eventbrite.

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

Marilyn L. Clark Celebrates Riley Holloway: Made in America, African American Museum of Dallas 3536 Grand Ave, Now until 9-7.

September 4 Lewis H. Latimer engineer/inventor DOB 1848

2019 National Pan-Hellenic Council of Dallas Meeting, African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave. 6:30-8p.

I am Worth It Wednesdays, JC’s Event Center, 901 Polk St. #370, DeSoto. 7p. Free, Eventbrite.com.

Women of the West Bible Study, Friendship West Baptist Church 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. 7p.

September 5-20 Blue print for Success Entrepreneurship, South Dallas Cultural Center, 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave. 5-8p. Tickets: form.jotform.us.

September 5 4th Annual All White NFL Kick Off, Host: Dante Wesley Park Place Motorcars Mercedes Benz 4201 Beltway Pl., Arlington. 6-11p.

Evenbrite.com.

Hip -N- Sip Rooftop City View Paint Party, Southside On Lamar, 1401 S. Lamar St. 6p. Tickets: Eventbrite.

410 Line Dancers Class, DFW Sports Garden 1850 E. Beltline Rd., Coppell. 7-9p. 410linedancers.com.

Law Enforcement Community Engagement Summit, Briscoe Carpenter Center, @Fair Park, 1401 W. Washington. 3p.

Asher Group Meeting, Frazier House 4600 Spring Ave. Dallas. 2-3:30p. Info: info@zwhjcoc.org.

Oasis Orientation, Frazier House 4600 Spring Ave. Dallas 11a. Contact: mlee@oasisctr.org to register. Oasis starts on 9-9.

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September 7-8 Gardening Work Shop Unified Hands, Pan African Connection, 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. 1p. Sat & 2p. Sun. Tickets: unifiedhandscoop@gmail.com.

September 7

September 13-15

Eventfully Yours Presents, Smooth Jazz, Featuring: Joe McBride & Toni Redd, North Hills Village, 7640 NE Loop 820, #110. North Richland Hills. 6-9p.

Culinary Summit Mexico de Mil Sabores, Dallas Farmers Market 920 S. Harwood. 9-13, at SMU. 11a-9p.

Dallas Skyline, TBL Pro-Basketball Team Open Tryouts, CUMC Rec. Center, 3101 Coit Rd., Plano. 12-4p.

Up Town Happy Hour, Tate’s 2723 McKinney Ave. 4-10p. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

Foxy Brown DOB 1979 Macy Gray DOB 1969

Recurring Events

Sisters Thirsty for Jesus Meeting at the Well, Embassy Suites 3880 W. Northwest Hwy. 7:30p. Friday, 7a.

Sat. Info/Reg.: Thelma Darden 214-391-0166

September 9 Monday Jazz Happy Hour w/ The Willis Duo,The Balcony Club 1825 Abrams Rd. Ste. B, Dallas 6-8p.

September 13 Trumpets4Kids Charity Golf Classic, The Golf Club of Dallas, 2200 Red Bird Lane. Registration 8:30a.

Info: Mark Hopper 214-642-9332.

Happy Hour with Don Diego, Chocolate Lounge Exclusive 4222 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. 6pm-8pm.

September 14 Happy Birthday to Team Member and great lady Joycelyn Johnson

Community Feeding: No One Goes Hungry, Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken, 7932 S. Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas. 10:30a-1:30p.

September 10

Jacob A. Lawrence Famed painter DOB 1917

Gigantic Gospel Concert 2019 Feat: Pastor Shirley Caesar, Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 Wheatland Rd. 4pm.

Tickets: www.ticketweb.com.

Chef Demo with Café Momentum, Dallas Farmers Market, 920 S. Harwood. 1p.

Dallas Black Chamber for Excellence 2nd Annual Benefit Concert Feat: Frankie Beverly & Maze, The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, Irving. 6p.

Buck Buchanan Football DOB 1940

IHCC Café con Nosotros, IHCC 135 S. Jefferson St. Irving. 8:30-9:30a. Info: www.irvingHCC.com.

The Experience, Journey Café, 623 E Second St. Irving.

7-11p. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

Zan Wesley Holmes Lunch & Learn with Tarsha Polk, “Access to Capital for Women,” Frazier House 4600 Spring Ave. Dallas. 11:30-1p. Info@zwhjcoc.org,

Dr. Kang’s Vegan Potluck, Regal Row, 1720 Regal Row, #210. 2nd Saturday of every month. Bring a Vegan Dish to Share with everyone.

Champagne Reception, for Judge Monica Purdy, Dallas Chop House, 1717 Main St. #100, 5:30-7:30p. Tickets: www.donorbox.org.

Duncanville Classic: Duncanville High School vs. St John’s College HS, Duncanville HS Panther Stadium, 6p.

I Deserve Your Family Stage Play, TBAAL 1309 Canton St. 7:30p. Info: www.pushrntertainment.org.

September 11

19th Annual Freedom Run 5K, Ron Kirk Pedestrian Bridge, 109 Continental Ave. 7a-12p. freedomrun.com.

Latino Heritage Festival, DeSoto Amphitheater, 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd., 6-10p. Free. Info: 972-230-9650.

Community Development Commission Ins & Outs of how it works, A.A.M., 3526 Grand Ave. 10-11a.

All Things Beautiful Workshop, Downtown Library, 1515 Young St. 10a-12p. Register: Eventbrite.com.

September 8 Grandparents Gathering Host: Elder Aleta Pitts at Hilton Garden Inn 800 N. Main St. Duncanville. 3pm-4pm.

RSVP: http://evite.me/YhjAEuv7Gz.

Patriot Day Observance of September 11

Elite Women’s Leadership Panel, Destiny Point Christian Center, 2350 E. Mayfield Rd., Arlington. 11a-2p.

Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

DeSoto Works! Job Fair, Disciple Central Community Church, 901 N. Polk St. 1-5p. Eventbrite.com.

Delta Paraphernalia Pop Up Shop, Crown Plaza Hotel, 1015 Elm St. 10a-5p.

Cardio Hip Hop with JessieMae, LC Fitness 901 N. Polk St. Ste. #370. DeSoto. 6:30pm. Info: www.jcfitness.info.

You Me & He Stage Play, Rosewood Center 5938 Skillman St., 3p & 6p. meekentertainmentpr@gmail.com.

September 12 1947 Jackie Robinson 1st Black MLB Rookie of the year

UMM Annual Cajun Fest, St. Luke “Community” UMC, 5710 E. R.L. Thornton Fwy. 6-9p. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

September 15

The Stormproof Way To Build Your Brand, Microsoft Store 8687 N. 75 Fwy Suite #1612, Dallas. 7-9p. Register: www.meetup.com/entrepreneur-brandstorming.

1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, AL. Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carol Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley

2019 Dallas Autumn Ball Kickoff Party, The Network Bar, 331 Singleton Blvd. 6:30-10:30p. Eventbrite.com.

Brian Courtney Wilson Just B(e) Fall Tour, House of Blues, 2200 N. Lamar St. 8p. HouseofBlues.com.

National Black MBA Assoc. DFW Chapter Networking Mixer, Bar Louie, 360 W. Las Colinas Blvd. Irving. 6:30-8:30p. Eventbrite.com.

Dirk Nowitzki Pro Celebrity Tennis Classic, SMU Tennis Complex, 5669 N 75 Exp, 11a-3p. fevo.com.

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September 13-14

Collin County NAACP 1st Annual Legal Clinic, McKinney First Baptist Church, 401 W. Erwin Ave.

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