I Messenger 4-2-21

VOL X NO 29 APRIL 2, 2021

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Dareia Jacobs w e P he

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T n O n i a P r u o Y ing

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

April 2, 2021

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Credit: Eva D. Coleman

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INSIDE

What’s On Miles Mind

The Last Word

From Marva With Love

Until you’ve reached the chapter called The End, there is always a next chapter to your life story.

Many people get so caught up in the automation of their day-to-day existence as one thing or another, a schoolteacher, an accountant, a nurse, or physician, that they fail to consider what may come next.

The previous President, also known as 45, or the Orange Man, or the Nutty Narcissist; kept our nation with his insanity for more than four years. President Biden is best advised to ignore his predecessor and should not even stoop to mention his name. Why not?

The nation, even his rabid supporters, knows the former was out of line, out of order, and out of control.

On a previous From Marva with Love, Shy Amos, Dallas lyricist and award-winning American hip hop/spoken word artist, AKA ShySpeaks, stopped by to talk about the event that was held on March 6, Civilized DFW, at place at Gilley’s on Lamar. It was a drive-in concert and panel conversation focused on change in the community and ShySpeaks joined forces with Big Thought.

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MY TRUTH

by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

“Nine minutes and 29 seconds!”

First we have to get it straight.

George Floyd is NOT on trial!

On day one of the trial of Derek Chauvin, opening statements were presented as prosecutors cited intent and reminded citizens of what they saw on May 25, 2020, leading to second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges.

I told someone that on top of everything we have been facing and continue to face, the trial was tough to sit through.

Which brings me to my truth.

Jurors got to hear George Floyd pleading for his life, crying and asking for mercy, calling for his mother and apologizing.

On the video, of which several have garnered millions of views, bystanders are asking the officer to take his knee off Mr. Floyd’s neck and a first responder attempted to approach to render assistance only to be stopped by another officer on the scene.

“The world witnessed yet another video, this time of the slow killing of George Floyd.

Tens of thousands took to the streets demanding change, not only in Minneapolis but in nearly every major U.S. city and in cities around the world,” said Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif.

Following opening statements, a 911 dispatcher, and two eyewitnesses shared their April 2, 2021

accounts of the events that took place on that fateful day and ended with the death of Mr. Floyd.

Compelling to many commenting on social media was the description and detailed analysis by witness, Donald Wynn Williams II., of actions by then-police officer Chauvin, who had his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds — which pros-

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ecutors say the entire ordeal lasted nine minutes and 29 seconds.

Prior to the beginning of the trial, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Atty.

Ben Crump, family, supporters and observers stood outside the courtroom and addressed the media before kneeling for eight minutes and 46 seconds.

During COVID folks kneeled outside Dallas City Hall for eight minutes and 46 second

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and both times I heard comments about the discomfort.

Two points here: Those of us who knelt can get up and continue living, and some of those who are silent had a whole lot to say about Colin Kaepernick kneeling!

When descendants read or hear that I oftentimes seemed serious or mad; I hope they will understand why and also know that I did more than talk!

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April 2, 2021

Manifestation Begins in Our Mouth FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

Thank God for quiet moments to reflect.

I had the opportunity to stay in bed and catch up on watching some of my favorite folks on YouTube which included an interview with a well-known rapper who discussed his quest for personal growth and selfreflection.

As I listened to him, I realized that what he was saying was not so unusual but something we often fail to do. We do not realize the power of our thoughts and words. Words are powerful.

One of the comments that he made resonated with me. Instead of viewing tasks as something that has to be done, it is changing our view that we get to do them. It goes from being an obligation to taking our power back through the way we think, see the world and speak.

Every single day that we wake up is a gift and it is a blessing to have a job, a place to stay, food to eat and the list goes on and on.

We get to make decisions every day about what we choose to do or not do.

So often, we give our power away to our jobs, family members, and April 2, 2021

“

Every single day that we wake up is a gift and it is a blessing to have a job, a place to stay, food to eat and the list goes on and on. We get to make decisions every day about what we choose to do or not do.”

I think we would take our words more seriously if we realized the negative power we are placing over our lives when we say I am stupid, I am worthless, I am not as valuable. Even Jesus says multiple times “I am” when referencing his identity. He doesn’t talk about what he can do but who he is— “I am the bread of life” (John 6:2259), “I am the true vine” (John 15:1-6) and “I am the door/good shepherd” (John 10:1-18). Our words would probably change if we really understood the power of our identity, too.

It is amazing that in Genesis 1:3, God spoke destiny into existence.

Every single day, you, too, are speaking your destiny into existence. You are manifesting your life by the words you say over yourself, your children, your future.

If you keep believing the worst about yourself and others, you will find yourself surround by it— the results you receive will affirm your belief. You also cannot allow the words of others to inform your

situations as if they control us. Even if they do in some way, we ultimately make the choice on how we will respond.

The Bible says, “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” (Proverbs 18:21 MSG) I love affirmations because there is power connected to the words, ‘I am’. In Exodus 3:14 God says to Moses that “I am who I am” and He said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you’”. The phrase ‘I am’ is powerful because it is in the present tense. It is not what I will be in the future or what I was in the past.

The phrase ‘I am’ is even more impactful based on what it is connected to. If we add words like joyful, free, made in God’s image, kind, loving, it connects us to positive attributes.

It also should make us mindful of what we say especially when we say “I am” ---We must pay attention to the fact of what are we connecting the God within us to our words, our thoughts, and actions.

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destiny when they chose to speak negatively over you.

It is ultimately your choice to decide what you will embrace or exclude from your vocabulary and your mind. Your words can build your world or destroy it.

The Bible warns us well on the power in our mouth: “Watch your words and hold your tongue; you’ll save yourself a lot of grief.” (Proverbs 21:23) Are your words condemning you (or others) or are they demonstrating that God lives within you? “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

(Matthew 12: 37) Manifestation of what we desire begins in our mouth.

Change your mind, change your mouth.

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the Founder and CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, specializing as a Partnership Broker and Leadership Expert for companies and organizations to thrive with measurable and meaningful impact. She also is the VP of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances for the State Fair of Texas.

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Filibusters Ain’t Funny!

QUIT PLAYIN’ VINCENT L. HALL President Barack Obama was primed, passionate, and personal as he delivered words of comfort and discomfort during a tribute to the late Rep. John Lewis.

“O” minced no words.

The U.S. Senate needed to retire the filibuster. It has been used as a tool to stifle civil rights’ forward progress at every significant turn.

The filibuster question has become paramount afresh as this nation seated an equal number of Democrats and Republicans during the most politically-polarized period in our history.

President Joe Biden needs to lean toward the filibuster’s demise if he is to have any real success.

Gil Scott Heron, the original Black rapper, understood that you must challenge every rule and law to stage a revolution.

Heron ridiculed the Negro leadership of his time by saying that they were not ready for “the revolution.” He reminded us that you don’t yield to stop signs or traffic signals during a revolution.

Biden promised to pass turnkey legislation on immigration, expand voting rights, green initiatives, and infrastructure enhancements. He will need to run the Republican red light, known to us as the filibuster.

A feistier, less congenial Obama laid it out in a July 30, 2020 article in Vox Magazine.

“Obama called for legislation restoring the Voting Rights Act, much of which was gutted myimessenger.com

GA governor office

by the Supreme Court’s decisions in Shelby County v. Holder (2013) and Abbott v. Perez (2018). He also endorsed other democratic reforms, including an end to partisan gerrymandering, extending statehood to Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico, and making Election Day a national holiday.

And then, he called upon the Senate to remove an obstacle that has consistently stood in the way of civil rights legislation throughout American history.

‘If all this takes eliminating the filibuster, another Jim Crow relic, to secure the God-given rights of every American, then that’s what we should do,’ said Obama.

The filibuster typically allows a bloc of 41 senators to prevent legislation from passing, and Republican filibusters stymied much of Obama’s policy agenda during his presidency.”

If Joe Biden does not kill the filibuster, he too will see many of his initiatives and appointments die in the well of the Senate. Old school racists like Strom Thurmond, who made

the process famous, have either gone to heaven or hell.

However, the spirit of White privilege and resistance is alive, well, kicking ass and taking names.

Thurmond’s historic filibustering of the Civil Rights Act of 1957 lasted from August 28, 1957, at 8:54 p.m. until 9:12 p.m. the following night. His preparation for the 24-hour assault on civil rights was as sinister and situated as the resolve that we see in the GOP today in Georgia and other red states.

Strom took a steam bath earlier in the day to remove excess liquids and to avoid any “accidents.” He stationed one staffer in the cloakroom with a pail in case of an “emergency evacuation.” Strom, the father of a 32-year-old Black daughter at the time, went to the floor with cough drops and malted milk tablets. He was thorough in planning the moment.

His Republican comrades would offer short remarks intermittently so that he could scarf down a sandwich or get a second wind. To fill the space,

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he read each of the 48 states’ voting laws, the U.S. Criminal code, a Supreme Court decision, and various other laws; verbatim.

Twenty-four hours is a long time, so he allowed Majority-Leader, Lyndon Baines Johnson to swear in a new Senator from Wisconsin, talked about jury trials, read the Declaration of Independence, and eventually offered his summation.

“Mr. President, I urge every Member of this body to consider this bill most carefully. I hope the Senate will see fit to kill it. I expect to vote against the bill.”

The Senate reportedly erupted in laughter. However, the point of privilege he seized against democracy was not funny at all.

Thurmond’s and subsequent filibusters are a travesty of justice. Like him, I hope the “Senate will see fit to kill it.”

Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

April 2, 2021

Driven to Succeed, LLC certified

by Women’s Business Enterprise National Council

Driven to Succeed LLC, a business specializing in market research and brand strategy consulting for Fortune 500 companies and leading brands, recently received national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Ohio River Valley, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

“We are proud to be among the 13 million womenApril 2, 2021

and helps entrepreneurs establish a firmer foundation as they continue to build their companies.

“We’ve built an agile team whose 75+ years of Market Research, Marketing, and P&L Management experience across dozens of Fortune 500 clients and diverse B2B and B2C industries help us translate insights into the ‘so what’ and ‘now what,’ leading to faster, more impactful results,” added Ms. Harper.

WBENC is the nation’s most widely recognized certifier of businesses owned and operated by women. By including women-owned businesses and minority business enterprises among their suppliers, corporations and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and the continued development of their supplier diversity programs.

To learn more about Driven to Succeed, visit www.

DriventoSucceedLLC.com.

Driven to Succeed, LLC is a woman-owned minority business enterprise certified by the Women’s Business National Enterprise and National Minority Supplier Development Council. Our services include qualitative market research, quantitative research and analysis, brainstorming, innovation, and brand equity development.

Established in 2018, CEO Kristin Harper is an awardwinning businesswoman and former corporate executive

owned businesses, and 2.7 million Black women-owned businesses in the U.S.,” said Kristin Harper, Driven to Succeed’s Founder and CEO. “As a WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprise, we are excited to partner with more corporations and government agencies who wish to purchase services and solutions from diverse suppliers.

Certification further authenticates a business

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Kristin Harper

with General Management, Brand Management, and Marketing experience leading global iconic brands at Procter & Gamble, The Hershey Company, and Cardinal Health. Author of The Heart of a Leader: 52 Emotional Intelligence Insights to Advance Your Career, Kristin provides periodic keynote speaking and training on leadership, emotional intelligence, and personal branding.

Founded in 1997, WBENC is the nation’s leader in women’s business development and the leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women, with more than 17,000 certified Women’s Business Enterprises, 14 national Regional Partner Organizations, and more than 350 Corporate Members.

More than 1,000 corporations representing America’s most prestigious brands as well as many states, cities, and other entities accept WBENC Certification.

For more information, visit www.wbenc. org. myimessenger.com

How to get a COVID-19 vaccine If you are a Parkland patient: Parkland patients (at least one appointment in the last year) will be contacted by Parkland when it’s their turn to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

If you are not a Parkland patient: Please follow these steps to register to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

1.

Go to the website of Dallas County Health and Human Services:

www.dallascounty.org/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination.php

2.

Click on the green rectangle to register:

3.

Fill out the form and click Submit. You are now registered.

4.

When it is your turn, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment to get the vaccine at one of the hub sites (such as Parkland, UT Southwestern, Dallas County Health and Human Services, etc.)

Getting the vaccine will protect yourself and the people around you.

The vaccine will help stop the spread of the virus in our community and end the pandemic.

Not able to register online?

Call the Dallas County Health and Human Services Vaccine Registration Hotline at 469-749-9906, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Registration help is available in English and Spanish.

Until more people are vaccinated, please stay safe.

Wear a mask

Wash your hands

Clean surfaces 01/21/21

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April 2, 2021

LIFE AFTER THE VILLAGE

Tales from an Ex-Village People Cop WHAT’S ON MILES’ MIND

MILES’ JAYE Until you’ve reached the chapter called The End, there is always a next chapter to your life story. Many people get so caught up in the automation of their day-to-day existence as one thing or another, a schoolteacher, an accountant, a nurse, or physician, that they fail to consider what may come next. It’s as though that vocation, career, or profession you chose in your twenties may last forever. Nothing could be further from the truth. Only a debilitating illness, accident or death itself can preclude a next chapter in your life story. That is why retirement comes with such a devastating blow, for so many of us.

This is a tale of the chapters following my years with a group known as the Village People. I was the “Cop” and lead singer from 1982-1984.

To be clear and accurate, I was the third Village People “Cop” after Victor Willis, the original and composer of many of the group’s biggest hits, and Ray Simpson, Victor’s replacement and younger brother of hit singer/songwriter Valerie Simpson of Ashford and Simpson fame.

I was a new kid on the block.

It wasn’t long after a 5-year stint in the U.S. Air Force and a year or two of surfing the New York jazz club scene and EuApril 2, 2021

rope’s jazz festivals that a musician buddy of mine, Bashiri Johnson, Michael Jackson’s percussionist, turned me on to an audition for a group looking for a new lead singer. As much as I hated auditions… I was game. I had a wife, a young son, and a daughter on the way for motivation, so I went, not knowing it was for the Village People.

I was the most unlikely candidate for the VP gig and, to this day, I don’t know if I would have even gone to the audition had I known what it was all about. I always thought of myself as a jazz guy. My father and brother were jazz men. They both played sax. I was a classically trained violinist, so I had a classical head, but a heart for jazz. I grew up listening to my brother’s Trane, Miles, Bird, and Monk albums. My sister’s love was R&B. She actually took me to my very first concert at the Apollo in Harlem. The show headlined an R&B icon named Billy Stewart, singing hits like “Summertime” and “Sitting in the Park.”

R&B touched my soul. Growing up in the church, I heard more than my share of gospel music. To this day, it’s gospel music that speaks to my spirit.

So, with a head for classical, a heart for jazz, R&B enriching my soul and gospel igniting my spirit, where did Village People music fit in? In short, it didn’t!

Much like the John Phillip Sousa military music I played for five years in the U.S. Air Force Band, it served its purpose as

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a means to an end. If I had to choose, I would venture to say I had a greater appreciation for the Air Force Band music than the VP music. First of all, the AF Band played a surprisingly wide variety of music from the typical military marches to classical concert band repertoire to the pop Top Ten list. I played flute and piccolo in the

band. It’s when I was shipped out to the Philippines that I began my singing career, if you can call it that. What I will say about VP music is one-- it is very well arranged and produced, and two-- it was quite a challenge to a relatively new singer… me!

More than sharing my personal experiences in that two year stretch with one of the most widely recognized names in music entertainment, singing some of the most popular songs of all times, including “YMCA,” “Macho Man,” and

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“In the Navy”, consider this- I have no idea how I ended up there. I would never have guessed it, and I’m sure that I wouldn’t have chosen it, but there I was on stages all over the world, singing to sold out crowds, at break-neck speeds in keys way too high for me, but somehow, I did it-- I survived it.

So, I survived Brooklyn, the Air Force, and the Village People, what could possibly be next? Teddy Pendergrass of course. Okay, you can’t make this stuff up. The point I’m making is that life is filled with unforeseeable twists and turns. I’m writing a book called “Life After the Village People - Tales From An Ex-Village People Cop”.

In it, I share some of the uglier, more painful, make you wanna give up twists and turns. In times of doubt and despair, having lost all reason to care, among other things, I remembered the famous Winston Churchill quote, “Never give in-- never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.

Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”. He also said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it’s the courage to continue that counts.”.

Smart guy!

That’s what’s on my mind!

Website: www.milesjaye.net Podcast: https://bit.ly/2zkhSRv Email: milesjaye360@gmail.com

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President Biden, please ignore the former president THE LAST WORD BY DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX

The previous President, also known as 45, or the Orange Man, or the Nutty Narcissist; kept our nation with his insanity for more than four years.

President Biden is best advised to ignore his predecessor and should not even stoop to mention his name.

Why not? The nation, even his rabid supporters, knows the former was out of line, out of order, and out of control. He is also desperate for the attention that even his Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) sycophants could not offer.

Reality can be grating, especially when someone accustomed to adulation finds the applause tepid, the plane out of order, the taxes under review, and more. President Biden gave the former too much air in even mentioning his name at his March 25 press conference.

The press behaved as badly as President Biden. They focused on immigration, a Republican talking point that invokes the former, instead of concentrating on COVID and vaccinations, about which most Americans care.

Not one question about COVID? Who are these press members, and what is wrong with them? If you polled peomyimessenger.com

ple, the pandemic would rank much higher on a priority scale than immigration.

But like sharks smelling blood in the water, or a possible Biden weakness, they surrounded and pounced (or whatever sharks do).

Meanwhile, several topics got short shrift in the hour-long press conference. The President likened the filibuster to Jim Crow law, but he shillyshallied around what he will do about it.

President Biden, you have condemned racism, discrimination, and Jim Crow in the past. Why can’t you come out more forcefully against the filibuster?

You’ve had strong words about the new voter-suppressing Georgia laws. Why won’t you commit to federal action to ensure that we all have the right to vote?

Are you expecting a message in a bottle? Georgia Republicans seem to think that voting activists can send them.

Otherwise, why would they make it illegal for people to offer a simple, humane gesture to people who have been standing in line for hours, a bottle of water?

What could be more benign than handing someone standing in line for hours a bottle of water and a bag of chips or an apple?

If President Biden got a message from a bottle I handed him, it would say, be firm, be firm. This racist attack on

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President Joe Biden

our democracy must not be tolerated.

We must consider President Biden’s point about timing. He knows the Senate better most, knows his former colleagues well enough to know their sensibilities. But he must also understand the nature of racist intransigence.

Many Senate Republicans have chosen partisanship and obstruction over integrity and decency. Few of them are willing to retreat from their line in the sand.

President Biden must understand, though, that he would not be our nation’s elected leader if the laws that Georgia just passed existed in November 2020 or January 2021.

There would be no Senators Warnock and Ossoff, no Georgia electoral votes, no democracy. Instead, there would have been the continuation of anarchy with the former resting on his laurels, spewing more lies.

President Biden inherited

a mess, no question. Still, he should never refer to the former and the mess he left again. If he were me, he might respond with any questions about the former with a dismissive, “the former is irrelevant.”

The former needs to be treated as such. Whether it is immigration, COVID, the economy, or more, it’s President Biden’s ball of wax now.

Continuing to mention the former gives him light he does not deserve. President Biden, and the rest of us, should keep that name in the dark. He can probably show up on Faux News whenever he wants to, but his rants look more like empty barks when nobody calls his name.

So, President Biden, you’ve been doing rather well in your first two-plus months as President. You’ve got checks in the bank, shots in arms, and shelter for children at the border. You have infrastructure plans but must stand more firmly against efforts to erode our democracy.

And it would be best if you did not refer to your predecessor as anything but “the former.” Nor should the rest of us ever utter the former’s name. We must move forward and leave the devil in the dark.

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

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Jacobs takes long, hard look at pain

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Leaving your Pain on the Pew

Syndicated radio personality Dareia Jacobs signed books as she introduced her first book, “Leaving Your Pain on the Pew, before a packed house in Dallas, Tx.

By LEAH FRAZIER Special to I Messenger Media Dallas media personality, actress, educator, philanthropist, singer, nationally syndicated radio host, and now author; Dareia Jacobs is hotter than hot, if the turnout for her inaugural book signing is any indicator.

And as if that wasn’t enough, Jacobs reached yet another April 2, 2021

milestone as her debut book, Leaving Your Pain On the Pew, reached national best selling heights as a hot, new release in both Christian Living – Personal Growth, and Christian Living – Women’s Issues categories.

The best seller, formally released on March 2, 2021, explores the issues of “church hurt” — a widely experienced phenomenon

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wherein members of the congregation experience pain, disappointment or trauma by pastors, leaders of the church, or other congregation members where trust was betrayed.

In Leaving Your Pain on the Pew, First Lady Jacobs shows readers how to heal from church hurt and develop the courage to love. For those “wounded warriors,”the book

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details how to move beyond the hurt to healing, trust God with the restorative process, to love the hurt away and ultimately…leave it all on the pew.

“Forgiveness can be hard when the cut is deep and the wounds are fresh, but Christ has instructed us to forgive,” the new author writes. “At the root of all forgiveness is love. Christ said in Matthew 7:16 that they myimessenger.com

will know us by our fruit. Well, forgiveness is the fruit of love.”

Just last month, the First Lady and widely recognized voice of gospel radio reached national syndication through her latest gig with the new Philly’s Favor 100.7FM/99.5 HD3, following her much adored stint with Dallas’ now-defunct Heaven 97 KHVN. “Philly’s Favor 100.7 FM/99.5 HD3, which launched last year, brings a 24-hour inspirational format to FM radio every weekday with a stellar line up of gospel music’s brightest stars,” its latest press release reads.

From contemporary to traditional gospel music, the shows will grace the on air waves, in addition to streaming online and via its app.

Jacobs’ show in particular airs Monday through Friday, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and now reaches additional national markets throughout the United States.

Jacobs has reached new levels of excellence and warns that this is only the beginning. With a heart to serve and the voice of an angel, heaven — not the sky — is the limit.

For more on First Lady Jacobs and her new show and hot, new book release, visit DareiaJacobs.com. myimessenger.com

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A Street Named BO

Ceremony speakers lock arms with Botham Jean Family and Attorney Benjamin Crump in chant to “Do Mo to Be Like Bo.”

From Staff Reports The family of slain USVI businessman Botham Shem Jean returned to Texas once again since his murder on September 6, 2018, at the hands of an off-duty police officer.

This time they shared the stage with Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, civil rights Atty.

Ben Crump, clergy members, community activists and others at the intersection of Belleview Street and the 1400 Block of South Lamar Street as the City of Dallas commemorated the renaming of the stretch of South Lamar myimessenger.com

Street between Interstate 30 and South-Central Expressway to Botham Jean Boulevard.

At the program on Saturday, it was an emotional occasion as just like at the trial for Amber Guyger, stories about what a wonderful person “Bo,” as he was called by many, was.

In addition to Mayor Johnson who has already proclaimed the day of Mr. Jean’s birthday, Sept. 29, as #BeLikeBo Day in honor of the Harding University graduate, on Monday, Rep. Carl O. Sherman (D-109), joined by legislators, and a diverse

Botham Shem Jean

group of supporters, held a press conference at the State Capitol to bring light to his proposed legislation, Bo’s Law, which he said is meant to “codify and strengthen existing criminal justice laws

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Credit: Eva D. Coleman

and address the use of excessive and deadly force by those who are sworn to protect and serve all Americans.”

Jean, a native of Saint Lucia, moved to Dallas for a job after graduation and outside of his studies and work, the young professional dedicated himself to community service, often through his church. He was working as an accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) at the time of his death.

“Botham Jean’s death was an unfathomable calamity, but his life embodied a spirit of service and kindness,” Mayor Johnson said. “By giving back to his community, he April 2, 2021

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson wipes eyes and Allison Jean cries during Botham Jean Tribute Video Credit: Eva D. Coleman

Botham Jean’s Family - Allison Jean, Brandt Jean, Allissa CharlesFindley, Bertram Jean

Attorney Benjamin Crump comforts Botham Jean’s sister Allissa Charles-Findley Credit: Eva D. Coleman

set an example that all Dallasites can live by. I encourage everyone to Be Like Bo on his birthday this year and let the legacy of his short, bright life transcend the tragedy of his death.”

Mr. Jean’s pastor, Minister Sammie L. Berry of Dallas West Church of Christ, echoed the mayor’s call.

“Botham’s voice was silenced too soon, but the day of service is a way for us to remember what he stood for: love, service, sharing, and giving,” Berry said.

“Any act of service, large or small, is a way of honoring his life.”

Guyger, whose name made headlines following the shooting, trial and subsequent guilty verdict, has been serving a 10-year sentence and will be arguing before an appellate court the end of April.

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Botham Jean Family enjoyed dinner at Black Jack Pizza, with owner Mrs. Dorothy Jones, in Sunny South Dallas on Tuesday evening.

Credit: Cheryl Smith

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Celebration of Life Daisy Creighton Watts passed away peacefully on March 17, 2021, after a long journey with Alzheimer’s. Daisy was born October 24, 1932, in New Orleans. LA. to Arthur M. Creighton and Thelma Richards Creighton. After her graduation from Xavier University of Louisiana in 1952, Daisy taught in an elementary school before marrying her husband of 56 years, Nathaniel T. Watts, Jr., M.D. Daisy devoted her life to caring for her husband and seven children, her Catholic faith and her volunteer activities. Her generous, kind spirit was evident to all who met her, and she made people feel welcome in her home. Daisy was a gracious hostess, stylish lady and loyal friend. Her culinary skills were well known and there was always plenty of

myimessenger.com

food for “unexpected guests.”

Daisy willingly sacrificed her time, treasure and talent for others and her love for her family knew no bounds.

When her sons attended St. Anthony Catholic School, she spent many hours baking “goodies” for bake sales and volunteering with school and church functions. Daisy was a 50-year, platinum member of the Dallas Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, a charter member and past president of the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of The National Smart Set, Inc., Associate member of the Dallas Chapter, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and active in many other civic and community organizations.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years Dr. Nathaniel T. Watts, Jr., son, Stephen E. Watts II, and

Daisy Creighton Watts

brothers, Arthur Creighton, Calvin Creighton and Edwin Creighton. Daisy is survived by her daughter, Gwendolyn Satterthwaite (Aaron), her sons, Nathaniel T. Watts, III, Michael C. Watts (Maria), David C. Watts (Marilyn), Joseph F. Watts (Jenelle), and Paul G. Watts, her sisters, Gwendolyn

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Grass, Thelma Simpkins, her sister-in-law, Louise Taylor, and her brother-in-law, Stephen E. Watts, M.D. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Daisy Watts to Xavier University of Louisiana (xula.edu), the Alzheimer’s Association (act. alz.org/donate) or charity of your choice. Public viewing was held on Monday at Black and Clark Funeral Home.Due to the pandemic and associated health risks, a private family funeral service will be held at Calvary Hill Cemetery on March 30, 2021 Published in Dallas Morning News on Mar. 28, read in entirety at: https://obits. dallasnews.com/obituaries/ dallasmorningnews/obituary.aspx?n=daisy-c-watts&pid=198179976&fhid=2605

April 2, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Need help with registration? We can help!

Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center community outreach representatives are available to help residents register for COVID-19 vaccines (by phone or in-person): Call 214.820.4846 for: • Assistance with registration (online or mobile app) • Assistance with transportation (to appointments) • Assistance with vaccine education

LOCATION

ADDRESS

DAY/TIME

Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center

4500 Spring Ave. Dallas, Texas 75210

Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Cummings Recreation Center

2976 Cummings St. Dallas, TX 75216

Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Beckley - Saner Recreation Center

114 W. Hobson Ave. Dallas, TX 75224

Monday - Wednesday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Fireside Recreation Center

8601 Fireside Dr. Dallas, TX 75217

Thursdays 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Martin Weiss Park

3400 W. Clarendon Dr. Dallas, TX 75211

Tuesdays 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM For more information contact: Candace Thompson, MSSW, MPA, CHWI Community Outreach Manager BSWHWCMEMBERSHIP@BSWHealth.org

4500 Spring Avenue I Dallas, Texas 75210

April 2, 2021

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Dallas COVID-19 Resources

MO’ BETTAH WINGS

COVID-19 Call the hotline The bestHotline way to 24-7 protect yourself and others is to 214-670-INFO (4636) to get information regarding: stay at home.

•Current COVID-19 Regulations & Testing Locations •Employment Assistance •Federal Relief Payment Information •Volunteer/Assistance Opportunities •Rental/Mortgage, and Eviction Assistance •Small Business Assistance •Social Services (food pantry, childcare assistance, senior assistance, unsheltered resident assistance and mental health resources) •Utility Payment Assistance

Slow the spread of COVID-19 The best way to protect yourself and others is to stay at home.

Safer at home

2860 E. LEDBETTER DR. (Inside Valero) DALLAS, Tx.75216 myimessenger.com

11am-10pm Monday-Saturday 12-8 Sunday

Wash with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.

Keep your mouth and nose covered while out in public.

Visit dallascityhall.com/COVID19 for a list of resources and up-to-date information about COVID-19.

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April 2, 2021

April 2, 2021

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VIRTUAL

IN-PERSON

HYBRID

Strive FOR EXCELLENCE

Virtual, In Person or Hybrid... your child’s success depends on you.

As a parent, you have to be involved in your child’s education to make sure he or she has everything they need to succeed.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.NNPA.ORG/EDUCATION

© 2021 NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

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April 2, 2021

Continued Food Distribution in North Texas Urged Foundation calls for extension of program scheduled to end in April

By VALERIE FIELDS HILL Texas Metro News

Administrators of a Dallas County organization that distributes fresh food boxes and COVID-protection products predict that local families will continue needing such items through at least 2022.

Dominique Bryant-Howell and her husband Chris Howell, founders of Dallas-based Chris Howell Foundation, said the COVID-19 pandemic has gutted thousands of families’ household incomes; they will need more than a year to financially recover, she said.

“The need is so great,” Bryant-Howell said. “We have decided as a board to move forward with food distribution. People are going to need 12 to 18 months to pull themselves together.”

Bryant-Howell made the statement Thursday, March 25, during a private gathering of Tarrant County and City of Fort Worth elected officials and business leaders.

The foundation hosted the gathering at downtown Fort Worth’s The Capital Grille to address looming concerns over a marked rise in food insecurity in Arlington, Mansfield, Fort Worth and nearby communities.

Tarrant County CommisApril 2, 2021

sioner Roy Brooks; Jay Jackson, a representative from Commissioner Devan Allan’s office; Fort Worth City Councilwomen Gyna Bivens and Kelly Allen Gray; and Annette Robinson, a listing agent with James Walker Realty, were among community leaders who attended the luncheon event.

The Howell Foundation has distributed more than 2400 USDA fresh food boxes – about 1 million pounds of food - to North Texas families since last June.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the North Texas Food Bank saw demand for food double between March 20, 2020 and February 28, 2021, the agency recently reported. Further 40 percent of the people served by the Food Bank’s partners during this time were new clients.

To meet an ongoing demand for fresh food, the Howell Foundation plans to expand its distribution operations – and other social services - into Tarrant County in late 2021, Chris Howell said.

Previously, the foundation distributed food boxes and personal protection equipment at Dallas’s Skyline Ranch & Event Center, at Dallas College Mountain View Campus and at Tarrant County College Southeast

I MESSENGER

Campus, among other sites.

At last week’s gathering, Howell sought support from elected leaders for a needed 20,000-square foot warehouse to increase distribution of the federal USDA Farmers to Families food boxes and to expand the foundation’s offerings to include job training, computer skills and other services to help families re-enter the career market after the pandemic.

The federal Farmers to Families Food Box Program is part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Trump Administration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The federal program supplies area food pantries and local agencies with boxes containing up to 35 pounds of fresh fruit, potatoes, rice, pasta, frozen meat, butter, cheese and eggs to distribute to parents and children living in the nation’s fresh food deserts and to those affected by job losses caused by the pandemic.

Food boxes were regularly distributed at sites across North Texas during the final months of President Trump’s administration.

However, the program’s contracts with

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Chris Howell

agencies who deliver food boxes expires at the end of April.

“We want to…continue to serve our community.

The need is not going to go away,” Chris Howell told the city and county leaders. “We can’t do that now because we don’t have the space to do it. We don’t have a facility in Fort Worth.”

Brooks, one of Tarrant County’s senior elected officials, acknowledged a rise in food insecurity across North Texas, but said the county is limited in how it might assist the foundation with its expansion.

“I support it personally,” he said of the effort. “We need to give it some creative thought.

Sometimes, you can slide into a gray area if you’re creative enough.”

The Howells are the first North Texas non-profit leaders to call publicly for a continuation of the federal food box program – and to suggest that it might be needed for far longer than the next 12 months. myimessenger.com

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

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

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

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April 2, 2021

April 2, 2021

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Nena’s Finds Boutique A Uniquely Stylish, Fashionable Boutique for women of all Sizes!

Ranging from Pretti and Petite to Pretti and Plus!

Nena likes to be a bit edgy, blingy ...

But she keeps it Chic with Sophisticated Style!

Nena’s Finds is your one stop shop for an Eccentric flare!

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nenafinds17@gmail.com Schedule your Sip n Shop, Trunk Show, Girls Nite Out or Wardrobe Revamp with Nena’s Finds today!

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April 2, 2021

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April 2, 2021

Virtual and liVe Community Calendar National Financial Literacy Month April 1 April Fool’s Day

Caribbean Saturday’s Pop Up DFW at 3409 Main St. Suite B Dallas. No Cover B4 11:00 pm. with RSVP: Eventbrite.com.

Apex Startup Program has a Free Masterclass: How to Start a Trucking Company at: my.demio.com. 11-12 pm. CDT.

New Mount Zion Baptist Church presents Story of the Resurrection Easter Celebration at New Mount Zion Baptist Church, 9550 Shepherd Rd. Dallas. 1-3 pm. Social Distancing.

April 7

April 4

Charles R. Drew dies in 1950 Linny Nance Network. Hosted by The Free Man, 2626 Commerce St. 7-10 pm.

Grandscape Texas, Grand Opening Live Performers. Explore, Experience, Enjoy Grandscape Texas, 5752 Grandscape Blvd., The Colony. 4-9 pm. CDT. Justice for Greenwood Virtual Town Hall. Hosted by Justice for Greenwood Foundation. Watch at 6:30 pm. CDT. Online https://www.facebook.com/justiceforgreenwood/live.

I Was Just Thinking with Norma Adams-Wade. From 11 am -1 pm. CST On Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

Easter Sunday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee The World According to Drew, host Andrew Whigham, III on BlogTalkRadio. com 8-10 am. on Sundays. Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Call in at 646-200-0459.

April 2-4

Neighborhood Credit Union presents a Virtual Financial Literacy: Credit Scores & Reports Workshop. Online: myncu. com. 11:30-12:30 pm.

Journey Woman Publisher Carolyn Ray presents Solo Travel Safety for Women: Tips from a Self-Defense Expert, Lorna Selig. Reg: https://bit.ly/3m0L18C. 3 pm. CDT. Ask Dr. Amerson with Dr. Linda Amerson.

12 pm. CST @DFWiRadio.com, and Live on Facebook @DrLindaAmerson.

Ubuntu Market, for Small Business.

Hosted by Pan African Connection, 4466 Marsalis, Dallas. 12-5 pm. For vendor Info: Email: adjwoahogue@yahoo.com.

Easter at One Community Church at One Community Church, 2400 State Hwy., Plano. For times each Church Campus Location, RSVP: https://www.visitonecc.com.

April 2 Willie “Bill” Pickett dies in 1932 From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed. 11 am -1 pm. CDT, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

TBAAL presents Promising Young Artists, Feat: Jada Arnell. Muse Cafe Theatre, 1309 Canton St. Tickets: Tickemaster.com. 9 pm.

Project COVID Virtual Job Fair / Career Expo Event in Dallas.

Times and dates vary. Reg: projectcovid.org/we/jobfair.

Flexible Hires Virtual Job Fair / Career Expo Event. Hosted

by Officejobs.org. First Friday of every month Times vary. Reg: https.//flexibalhires.com/jobexpo.

The National Civil Rights Museum presents Remembering MLK: The Man. The Movement. The Moment. Online: april4th.org 5-6:30 pm. CDT.

April 3 Carter G. Woodson dies in 1950 Fruit of Calvary Worship Night. Event hosted by Chris Liverman. Online on Facebook.com/Chris Liverman. 6 pm. CST. “Black Laughs Matter” Virtual Comedy Show. Feat: Ajaye Mae & Marcus Williams. Online. Tickets: Eventbrite.10 pm CDT.

April 8 1974 Henry Aaron hits his 715th home run Ready, Set, Go - Design Your 2021 Action Plan! Session II. Online at: AARP Michigan. Reg: https://aarp.cvent.com/ Ready48 10-11 am. CST.

April 5 Collin L. Powell born in 1937 Dallas Examiner presents Monday Night Politics May 1st City Council Election Forums. Panel includes District 8 candidates (South Oak Cliff). Contact: Mbelt@Dallasexaminer.com.

Register: http://bit.ly/3cVOBN8 6 pm. lota Lambda Zeta presents Mental Health Mondays Segments Part II. Live on Facebook/Iota Lambda Zeta 6-8 pm. CST Reg: http://www.iotalambdazeta.webs.com.

Delta Sigma Theta Arlington Alumnae presents Financially Free with DST. Reg: http://bit.ly/390FYzI. 6:308:30 pm. CST. AARP presents African American Family Research, Dallas. Feat: Pamela Bailey of Big Family Search. Online event, register at: bit.ly/3mlrapS. 6-8 pm. CDT. Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce presents Let’s Get Connected. Hosts: Darry Brewer and author, Stae Hall and owner of iSALT. Reg: https://bit.ly/2PFJqsC. 7-9 pm. CDT. Eventbrite.

April 6

1909 Matthew A. Henson reaches the North Pole

South Dallas Concert Choir presents Seven Last Words of Christ: A Spiritual Journey.

Online: southdallasconcertchoir.org. 12 pm.

Donate at: SouthDallasConcertChoir.org.

April 2, 2021

Billie Holiday born in 1915

THE DOC SHEP SPEAKS SHOW! From 11 am.

CST on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, @ fnsconsulting, and You Tube @docshepspeaks

April 9

Traders Village presents Big Mamou Cajun Fest at Traders Village, 2602 Mayfield Rd. Grand Prairie. 11 am-5 pm.

April 10 1975 Lee Elder was the first Black to play in a Masters Championship Howard County Unit of National Association of Parliamentarians presents Parliamentary Law Day. Online Tickets: hcu.pld.eventbrite.com. 8 pm. CDT. “Black Laughs Matter” Virtual Comedy Show. Host Terry Dorsey. Features: Dawn B. Online event. Eventbrite.com 10 pm CDT. GLOW # 12 | DJ PLAYBOY B-day Bash | feat PLATINUM KIDS from NYC at Heroes Lounge, 3094 N. Stemmons Fwy. 4 pm-3 am. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

Chris Howell Foundation, Winter Relief Drive. Tarrant County College-South, 5301 Campus Dr. Fort Worth. Free at Eventbrite.com. 9 am-1 pm.

April 11 1881 Spelman College in Atlanta GA Opens The World According to Drew, host Andrew Whigham, III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8-10 am. on Sundays. Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the call at 646-200-0459.

An African American and Latinx History of the United States. Event by Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History. Online: tinyurl.com 2 pm CDT. Neo Soul Sundays feat: Melodie Nicole at Lava Cantina, 5805 Grandscape Blvd. 4-10 pm. Tickets: maturepartycrowd.com.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

Paul Robeson born in 1898

The Jirah Nicole Show with Jirah Nicole. From 11 am-1 pm. CST Tuesday’s on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed.

11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@ TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com.

Join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

BE Creative Arts Center hosts Soul Line Dance Tuesdays– LIVE Virtual Dance Sessions. Streamed Via: Facebook.com/@ becreativeartscenter 7-8 pm CDT.

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April 10-11

Dr Stacia Alexander LPC-S presents a Power Peace Prosperity Masterclass. Reg: www.

PowerPeaceProsperity.com 7 pm. CDT

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myimessenger.com

American Airlines

announces additional flights to USVI

Scenes from USVI Dallas Luncheon on March 26, 2021 at The Westin Galleria Dallas. Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the USVI Department of Tourism gave updates on how the territory is bouncing back, transforming from past reliance on the cruise industry, current COVID-19 protocols and more with a new theme of “Reconnect with Paradise.”

Photos Credit: Eva D. Coleman

St. Thomas gains more Dallas flights while seats to St. Croix are up by almost 20 percent this summer.

Following a meeting with American Airlines in Dallas, TX on Friday, U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte announced that the nation’s largest carrier will expand its service to the Territory to meet increased demand for summertime travel.

That news received a positive response from Allison Jean, who was in town with family members for the naming of a Dallas street in honor of her son, accountant Botham Jean, who was murdered by an offduty police officer who claimed she mistakenly entered his apartment and shot who she thought was an intruder.

In addition to traveling from their home in the Virgin Islands for the trial, Jean family members have made several trips to the Metroplex, especially since “Bo’s” death on September 6, 2018.

According to Mrs. Jean, more flights will definitely myimessenger.com

be a welcomed addition and beginning on June 3, 2021, passengers in Dallas or connecting from Western and Midwestern cities will have not one but two daily flights from which to choose when traveling to St. Thomas, while Charlotte, North Carolina-based travelers will benefit from three flights per day, up from twice a day.

The airline will also increase daily flights from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas. Up to four daily departures will be available in April and May from the key south Florida airport before the schedule is adjusted to three daily flights in June, July and August.

Daily service to St. Thomas from the New York tri-state area, out of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which continues to be an exceptionally strong market for the Territory, as well as from Philadelphia to St. Thomas, will meet the travel needs of visitors and members of the large U.S. Virgin Islands diaspora who

reside in the Northeast and midAtlantic regions of the country.

“The Department of Tourism is extremely pleased by the increase of summer airlift into the Territory,” said U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte, who expressed confidence that demand for experiences in the USVI will continue to grow as mainland-based travelers, including the increasing number of those who have been vaccinated, regain confidence in travel.

American will serve St. Croix’s Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) from Miami with at least two daily flights, and summer travelers from Charlotte will continue to enjoy daily flights to the “Big Island.” Overall, St. Croix has experienced an increase of 19 percent in weekly seats year-over-year from 2020 to 2021.

“We are grateful to our partners at American Airlines for supporting our lifeblood industry by enhancing service to our islands with these additional flights, as they represent critical

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opportunities to help stimulate the economy of the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Commissioner Boschulte, who addressed meeting planners, travel agents and media representatives at a travel industry luncheon.

This summer the Territory also will welcome new flights (four days a week) from the New York tri-state area when JetBlue Airways begins service between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and St. Thomas.

The new service is a result of a new codeshare Northeast Alliance with American Airlines, which will see JetBlue add more than a dozen new markets in greater New York City.

April 2, 2021

A Civilized DFWConversation with ShySpeaks

FROM MARVA WITH LOVE

BY MARVA J. SNEED

On a previous From Marva with Love, Shy Amos, Dallas lyricist and award-winning American hip hop/spoken word artist, AKA ShySpeaks, stopped by to talk about the event that was held on March 6, Civilized DFW, at place at Gilley’s on Lamar.

It was a drive-in concert and panel conversation focused on change in the community and ShySpeaks joined forces with Big Thought, an impact nonprofit that closes the opportunity gap for youth in marginalized communities.

MS: Welcome to the show Shy. Tell us about yourself.

SA: I am artistically known as ShySpeaks. I am a lyricist hip hop/spoken word artist. I got my start when I was a little girl., but in 2011 is when I actually launched out and created my own brand. So I have been working since 2011 and I believe that I say my mission is to re-infuse positivity and spirituality and some urban culture through the Arts and just the power of my voice. I call myself an”Artivist.”

MS: We do have a voice, and some of us have not realized this, so I’m glad that you realized you have a voice for your listening audience.

SA: Yes. So I like what you were saying too, about everybody has a voice. The shirt that I have on says “speak” and that’s what I’m all about, speaking and encouraging everybody else to do the same, because we all have a voice. We have to find it, realize it, in and utilize it while we can. Yes, the Civilized Drive-In Concert & Conversation for Change …entertained and informed all in one event.

A lot of times you have to go to a town hall if you want to hear about how to be a civilized citizen, and hear from different leaders. Then go somewhere else for entertainment. We put it all together in one place.

To hear the full interview with Shy Amos go to BlogTalkRadio.com: https://bit.ly/2YZWLxn and the live video on Facebook.com/Texas Metro News. Follow Shy Amos on FB and Twitter @ShySpeaks, and IG @shykoamos and on her website: www.ShySpeaks.com.

“From Marva with Love” BlogTalkRadio.com/Cheryl’s World Texas Metro News email: marvasneed@myimessenger.com

ShySpeaks Shy Amos

April 2, 2021

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BIG MAMA SAID:

ARE YOU REDEEMABLE? VACCINE OR NOT, HOW DO YOU SHOW UP? THE BLACK CARD BY TERRY ALLEN

I stopped to observe Lucille “Big Mama’s” question as she stated in one of the last conversations with me before she made her transition.

All of the church sisters had heard her say, “Are you redeemable” and that always made the church meeting quiet.

This particular “Big Mama ism” was so strong, it resonated with me days after she died. I sat with her the hospital room for moments after she passed! My thoughts of redemption rang inside my head as she left this world for the heavenly other.

Are you redeemable? Are you worthy?

Here is what I do know. Big Mama always answered, “If Jesus redeemed his sinners and made them saints who at this table is redeemable or not redeemable?”

She always said this to her accusers and allies. She issued those exact words during her talks with the women’s groups, her own family of sisters and her church family. Simply, are you redeemable?

I listened and understood that she was making a “Diplomatic and Democratic” to diffuse any opposition to a great outcome. What I learned from here was 5 easy rules. Here goes: myimessenger.com

“

Please have a talk with the medical experts in your network to make the lifesaving decision to get the vaccine.”

1. Jesus Christ was a redeemer, and so will we be one!

2. Everyone makes mistakes so everyone must atone for them as we embrace and redeem them.

3. Redemption is an act of believing things unseen an ultimate act of faith

Let me apply that to the COVID 19 pandemic! The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic is changing the way our day-today interactions. There is much we still don’t know about how this situation will play out.

But the virus has a vaccine and a vaccine protocol in place

4. Redemption removes judgment of the past aggressions we have over each other 5. Redemption allows us to have a Do over and address the elephant in the room fairly

that has not won over Africans Americans.

African Americans have not shown up in droves to get the vaccine. In the Black Community, whites are showing up

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in numbers extremely higher than African Americans in most major cities. The deaths in the Black community are overwhelming.

There are several reasons why this is happening because on both sides of the aisle there is blame.

I want to address one reason on the Black side today! Blacks have stated and shared some historical medical fearsin our dark American history that resonate with those opposing taking the virus.

The mistrust in the system and the vaccine myths are deeper than imagined. Get the vaccine!

Please have a talk with the medical experts in your network to make the lifesaving decision to get the vaccine.

To those African Americans who have not stood in the gap and who have not gotten the vaccine, I want to close and ask two questions.

Why have you not gotten the vaccine? And are you not redeemable?

Terry Allen is an award-winning multi-media journalist and owner of 1016 Media.

April 2, 2021

Can’t Let Go of My Ex ASK ALMA

BY ALMA GILL

Dear Alma, I can’t seem to let go of my ex and it’s coming up on 10 years.

I thought he and I were the perfect couple. I am a college graduate, a professional and I own my own home and car.

I consider myself beautiful and I know I’ve got it going on. I have dates and we hang for a few weeks, but nothing ever evolves into a serious relationship. When I’m in between finding Mr. Right, I will call my ex and see how he’s doing. It seems so right

when we talk. I can tell he wants to be with me by the sweet things that he says, but I know he’s intimidated by me.

He compliments me and tells me what a wonderful woman I am, so I don’t understand why we aren’t together. I have not had a serious relationship since we broke up. How can I finally let go of my ex and move on with my life?

J.M. Dear J.M., Hmmm, let me think. How about you – let go of your ex and move on with your life.

He isn’t interested in having a relationship with you. You can’t seem to understand that because you would have a relationship with you, wouldn’t you? Don’t

get it twisted. When you’re starving for affection and come up with that never ending bright idea to give him a call, of course he spoon feeds you a sweet line to two, but that shouldn’t trigger a reserved seat at the “takeme-back” café. It is what it is, a line, a simple conversation.

If you really want to move on, stop calling him.

You say you haven’t been able to have a long term relationship. Ok, let’s do some reevaluating. At some point you need to realize, it’s not about him and take a look within.

Really, with all the respect I can toss in your awesome sauce, the question is: What’s your issue? Sometimes when searching for Mr. Right,

we’ve focused on his list of requirements so firmly, that we fail at our own authentic list of who we truly are and what we have to offer.

Nobody, including you, has everything going on. If you can handle it, do some soul searching and ask a true friend and family member for some constructive criticism. Ask them to tell you one thing they’d change about you.

Listen and consider what they say. There’s value and wisdom to be gained when we look to improve ourselves, not by a magazine’s standards, but whole heartedly from the inside out.

Alma

www.grandpasecret.com April 2, 2021

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April 2, 2021

Briefs New Mount Zion Baptist Church celebrates 75 years of ministry and discipleship

Dr. Tommy L. Brown

New Mount Zion Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas, Inc., under the leadership of Dr. Tommy L. Brown, announces the celebration of its 75th Church Anniversary this year. The theme is: “Celebrating 75 Years of Standing on God’s Promises” Philippians 1:6 The public is invited to www. nmzb.org to join in on the celebration.

National Coalition of 100 Black Women Scholarship National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Dallas Metropolitan Chapter is constantly advocating on behalf of Black women and girls in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment. The 2021 Scholarship opportunity targeting High School Seniors in the DFW Area is specifically Black females and offering two $1,500

April 2, 2021

scholarships. The application deadline is March 31, 2021.

2021 Scholarship Opportunity Information & Eligible Requirements: https://ncbwdallas. org/2021-scholarship/ Online Application: https:// ncbwdallas.org/2021scholarship-application/

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AT THE MOVIES

Genius Aretha

BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

GENIUS is a series on NetGeo that features the lives of some of history’s greatest minds. Previous episodes have told the life story of Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein. The current GENIUS miniseries features the life of Aretha Franklin and it is showing now on Hulu.

Viewers will learn a lot about The Queen of Soul that wasn’t really well known since Aretha was very private about her personal life over the years. I was shocked to learn that “Little Re” had a baby at age 12. The father was a school classmate. She also had another child at age 14; leaving her with two sons by the age of 15. The children were taken care of by her grandmother as she went out to make her mark on the world of music.

Aretha is played by Cynthia Erivo, who played Harriett Tubman in the movie, HARRIET. She’s incredible in her role and also sang the music in the movie. Although no one could match The Queen, Erivo does an excellent job in her vocal performance as Aretha.

The story shows Aretha’s life from a small child until her death in 2018. The young Aretha, known as “Little Re”, is played by Shaian Jordan. She’s a talented young actress who captures both the joys and the sorrows in Aretha Franklin’s younger life.

The story deals with Aretha’s meteoric rise to stardom, her involvement with the civil rights movement, her interactions with her two sisters, who were backup singers who tried myimessenger.com

their best to get out of Aretha’s shadow, and her dealings with men. It seems like every man who met Aretha fell madly in love with her.

The story also focuses on her terrible choices in men and a womanizing father who abused Aretha’s mother.

Her first husband, Ted White, played by Malcolm Barrett, was also a womanizer and abusive to her. He was also jealous of her interaction with men in her professional life and the movie shows a scene where she sits in front of a makeup mirror and reveals a black eye as she removes her makeup on the same night she was crowned as The Queen of Soul.

Courtney B. Vance plays her father, the Reverend C.L. Franklin, an influential minister and radio host in Detroit. Reverend Franklin took Aretha out of school at 12 so she could perform in his traveling Gospel Caravans as they traveled around the country.

He also hosted parties with the influential R&B stars of the day and “Little Re” was mentored by Dinah Washington and others who came over for dinner par-

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ties in The Franklin home.

GENIUS ARETHA captures the era of the 1960s civil rights movement and the strides, which she was a part of, to make this country better for African Americans. Ironically, Aretha’s public persona of women’s empowerment was far different from her personal life where men dominated her life and her career.

The mini-series has received a great deal of criticism for the way Aretha is portrayed and her own family has said they don’t endorse the film. But the movie, with executive producer Clive Davis, who signed Aretha to Arista Records; and who oversaw her return to chart dominance, is very entertaining even if it’s not completely truthful. We’ll never know.

GENIUS. ARETHA is rated TV-14 with each episode running under 1 hour. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate the movie a JUMBO.

April 2, 2021

ARRESTED

HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

He targeted members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but this is more than about a sorority.

We’re talking about a community.

Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmother or maybe YOU?

Crimestoppers 877-373-8477 April 2, 2021

I MESSENGER

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