I Messenger 12-2-22

New details: What really happened to Shanquella Robinson?

By ReShonda Tate Houston Defender

New information is coming to light in a case that has garnered attention nationwide. A police report says Shan quella Robinson was alive when med ical help first arrived at the villa where she was staying with a group of people last month in Cabo, Mexico. A Char lotte newspaper obtained the report, which differs from details previously received from 25-year-old Robinson’s death certificate that said she died within 15 minutes of being injured. In stead, the police report excerpt shows a doctor from a local hospital was with Robinson and others in the house for close to three hours before she was pronounced dead.

Robinson is a Charlotte native who traveled to Cabo on Oct. 28 with a group of friends. She died a day later. The death certificate from Mexican au thorities did not mention Robinson’s physical injuries, which family mem bers have said existed on her body pri or to her burial. Grave injuries to her back and neck were determined to be the cause of death after an autopsy by officials in Mexico. The police report says she also suffered cardiac arrest. Since her death, and after a video of one of her friends fighting her went vi ral, the FBI and Mexican police author ities have launched investigations into how she died. The lack of conclusive evidence and conflicting explanations has led to her story going viral, invok ing global outcry with countless peo ple closely following Robinson’s death. The hashtag #JusticeForShanquella has been trending on Twitter, Face book, and TikTok. No arrests were re ported have been made so far. Robin son’s family became suspicious of her

Shanquella Robinson

friends’ claims that she died of alcohol poisoning when a Mexican autopsy report showed that her cause of death was “severe spinal cord injury and at las luxation.” Atlas Luxation is a form of neck injury.

What happened?

Video shows Robinson walking through the villa excitedly looking for her friends. Details from there are sketchy. But here’s the timeline ac cording to the report:

Oct. 29 timeline

2:13 p.m. – Wenter Donovan, one of six friends who traveled with Rob inson, called for medical help at Villa Linda 32, a property run by company Cabo Villas.

3:13 p.m. – Dr. Karolina Beatriz Or nelas Gutiérrez, from a local hospital, arrived to treat Robinson. According to the Charlotte Observer, Gutiérrez says she was told that Robinson had “drunk a lot of alcohol” and needed to “be giv en an IV.” Gutiérrez says Robinson had stable vital signs but was dehydrated, unable to communicate verbally and

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

As I’ve gotten older, Thanksgiving is different for me. Our gatherings are much smaller but more meaningful. When I was a kid, we would go to my grandparent’s house or visit my family in Houston. The memories of being surrounded by so much family, lots of food...

QUIT

PLAYIN

BIG MAMA SAID

“Turning Ahmaud Arbery into a victim after the choices that he made does not reflect the reality of what brought Ahmaud Arbery to Satilla Shores in his khaki shorts with no socks to cover his long, dirty toenails,” Laura Hogue told jurors. p5 p8 p21

I am so proud that I had a strong, caring, resilient and loving grandmother. Lucille “Big Mama” Allen would be an Instagram and TikTok sensation trending over everybody else if she were alive today. Big Mama’s lessons are always appropriate for the time.

New Details

appeared to be inebriated. The report said Gutiérrez believed Robinson needed to be transferred to a hospi tal but her friends insisted that she be treated in the villa.

4:13 p.m. – Robinson be gins having a seizure. The convulsions from the sei zure lasted less than a min ute.

4:14 p.m.: Gutiérrez re quests that the friends take Robinson to the hospital. They decline and insist on her being treated at the villa.

4:45 p.m. – Wenter Don ovan calls 911 for an ambu lance while doctor adminis ters CPR.

5:25 p.m. – Police arrive.

5:30 p.m. – Paramedics arrive and administer 14 rounds of CPR, five doses of adrenaline and six discharg es (AED shocks) without success.

5:47 p.m. – Shanquella declared dead.

cont. from page 2

How did Shanqulla die?

Sallamondra Robinson, Shanquella’s mother, says each friend from the trip has a different story and they initially told her that her daughter had alcohol poisoning. Robinson’s fam ily became suspicious of her friends’ claims that she died of alcohol poisoning when a Mexican autopsy re port showed that her cause of death was “severe spinal cord injury and atlas lux ation.” Atlas Luxation is a form of neck injury.

Mexican authorities are investigating Robinson’s death as a possible femicide, the State Attorney General’s Office of Baja California Sur announced. Femicide is “the gender-based murder of a woman or girl by a man. The FBI began investigating Robinson’s death amid the conflicting reports.

Video of one of Shanquel

la’s friends fighting her has gone viral.

A video has gone viral and shows a naked woman, barely verbal, being hit and punched in the face multi ple times by another woman until she falls to the ground.

and they are raising funds for legal fees. “

The United States State Department released a statement claiming “no clear evidence of foul play,” yet there is a video circu lating of a woman violently attacking Shanquella,” Long said. “This statement is un acceptable, and we are be yond devastated. We contin ue to fight for the truth.”

Robinson’s homego ing service was held at the Macedonia Baptist Church on Nov. 19 Credit: Twitter

A person not seen in the vid eo is heard saying “Quella can you at least fight back?”

Sallamondra Robinson con firmed its her daughter in the video being beaten.

Desperate for answers

Robinson’s sister Quil la Long said in a statement published to gofundme, the family will continue to investigate what happened

As of Monday morn ing, the page had raised $354,422. This included a $50,000 donation from Brooklyn Nets player Kyrie Irving. Hundreds of com munity members attended Robinson’s funeral on Nov. 19 and loved ones wore pink in her honor. Her casket, wrapped with photos of her, was pulled into the Mace donia Baptist Church by a horse-drawn carriage. Her loved ones signed the casket before she was laid to rest.

Shanquella Robinson

by Cheryl Smith Publisher

Pay the piper

I’m thankful for so much.

Yes I wake up in rela tively great health with an unsound mind, because can anyone really have a “sound” mind in a world with so much chaos, con fusion and downright evil ness?

Did you ever imagine that you would live in a so ciety where mass shootings are met with silence from entities that are benefitting significantly from the sale of guns and ammunition?

Can you explain away a mentality that makes it okay to brutalize certain segments of the popula tion without fear of con sequence or any repercus sion?

Why are there empty buildings yet millions live on the streets?

Why are foods being manufactured with chemi cals that have a devastating effect on our quality of life?

Why are drugs being manufactured that while supposedly curing one ail ment, cause so many oth ers?

I could go on, ad nause

um, but hopefully you get why my mind is “unsound.”

Somebody has to take responsibility for the hel lacious times that we are experiencing. Are you the victim or the perpetra

buck. If I woulda, coul da, shoulda doesn’t mean darn thing to the victim.

Acknowledgement. Re sponsibility. Accountabil ity. Atonement. Commit ment. Respite.

be called out and held ac countable.

Then the real work be gins. Atonement for previ ous actions comes in the form of righting wrongs. All inappropriate behavior, ac tions must end immediate ly and efforts undertaken to insure there aren’t reoccur rences and there must also be a commitment to doing better in the future.

And finally, those who were hurt, injured or vic timized should be provided with some form of respite; possibly in the form of res titution or reparations and when possible, from the actual perpetrator.

tor? Who is going to take the blame? Who will try to make things better or right?

This brings me to my truth.

There’s no time for ex cuses, long, drawn-out ex planations or passing the

We have to acknowledge that we have issues with gun violence, police mis conduct, homelessness, mass production of “food,” unethical use of chemicals in the manufacturing of drugs and more.

Responsible parties must

In the final analyses, someone has to pay the piper, whether it’s the actu al benefactor or their ben eficiaries. To think that no one must pay for the dev astation is absurd.

Just as it is my prayer that there will be a better world for my descendants; I also pray that some of the mad ness that we are responsi ble for today will not end up destroying the world entirely!

Just as it is my prayer that there will be a better world for my descendants; I also pray that some of the madness that we are responsible for today will not end up destroying the world entirely!

Gratitude is an entire Attitude

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

As I’ve gotten older, Thanksgiving is different for me. Our gatherings are much smaller but more meaningful. When I was a kid, we would go to my grandparent’s house or visit my family in Houston. The memories of being sur rounded by so much fami ly, lots of food and laughter is something that I will al ways cherish. Times have changed. Many familiar fac es are no longer with us and it’s bittersweet. I have many memories that I share with my daughter but it’s not the same. I miss those times of the past, but it’s made me more intentional about cre ating new memories.

Thanksgiving is more than a few days of rest, a great meal and some left overs, it’s actually a time of reflection for me. It’s an opportunity to recog nize God’s goodness and grace. No matter what we go through, there is some thing to always be grateful for. There are benefits to expressing gratitude. Har vard Health Publishing states, “gratitude is strongly and consistently associat ed with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build

strong relationships.” Grat itude is a choice that has significant implications for our lives.

The last 15 months of my life have been filled with enormous change and transition. It’s been difficult and yet, I see the hand of God all over my journey. It’s been something to witness both goodness and hard ship exist at the same time.

I’ve learned that to endure these difficult seasons of life, we must learn to prac tice gratitude. Gratitude is

blessed to have the love and support from them. They accept my imperfections and love me in spite of me.

• I thank God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I al ways pray with joy. (Phi lippians 1:3-4, NIV)

I am thankful for the pro visions that God has blessed me with. I don’t focus on what I don’t have but I am keenly aware of what I do have:

• When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise

and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is re newed like the eagle’s!” (Psalm 103:1-5, NLT)

I recognize my blessings are no accident. Being grate ful is essential in recognizing the work of God in my life.

• Whatever is good and per fect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. (James 1:17)

an important part of our faith.

No matter what I go through, God is there.

• “Rejoice in the Lord al ways. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentle ness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all under standing, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)

I am thankful for my friends and family. I am

the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. (Deuteronomy 8:10, NIV)

I am grateful for my health. As my mother says, ‘getting older isn’t for suck ers’. The changes our bodies endure are not easy and yet, I am blessed to witness the gift of my body—the resil ience, the ability and resolve!

• “Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death

I’ve made the choice to see the good, to be grateful, ac knowledge the grief and loss and create new memories that honor the past, center the present and cast a vision for future possibilities.

“Give thanks in all circum stances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18

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.

I’ve made the choice to see the good, to be grateful, acknowledge the grief and loss and create new memories that honor the past, center the present and cast a vision for future possibilities.

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Gone With the Damn Wind!

QUIT PLAYIN’

BY VINCENT L. HALL

Inquiring minds want to know whether anyone received an Oscar for Gone with the Wind.

Well, it did. Gone with the Wind won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Vivien Leigh), and Best Supporting Actress (Hattie McDan iel).

This epic piece of cinema is known for several reasons, not least because the first Black woman secured the 1940 Oscar. Af ter that, though, Scarlet, America didn’t give a damn!

Biographer Jill Watts noted in the mas terful Hattie McDaniel: Black Ambition, White Hollywood, that same evening, Mc Daniel was seated at the edge of the room, close to the stage but separate from her colleagues.

For McDaniel, life was a tightrope walk of trying to satisfy herself, her prejudiced bosses, and the representation-starved Black community—attempting to be all things to all people. “I always wanted to be before the public,” she once said, per Watts. “I’m always acting. I guess it’s the ham in me.”

The Best Actor performance for 2023 has already made the reels. Dallas Cow boys owner Jerry Jones is the hands-down favorite. We learned this week that he has more ham in him than Hattie! After the Washington Post outed his cameo appearance at a 1957 rally to “Keep the Niggers Out,” he returned with another of his outstanding portrayals as a victimized billionaire.

“I didn’t know at the time the monu mental event that was going on, and I’m sure glad that we’re a long way from that,” Jones, 80, said of the incident that oc curred when he was a sophomore. “I am. That would remind me to continue to do everything we can to avoid those kinds of things happening.”

“We didn’t have all of the last 70 years of reference and all the things that were go

ing, so you didn’t have a reference point there. Still, I’ve got a habit of sticking this nose in the right place at the wrong time.”

Jones said he did get in trouble for being there. “I was a young sophomore trying to make the team, and they kicked my ass,” he said.

My mama often reminds me that “every dog has his day and a bird dog has a sea son!” Many of us wished Jerry Jones’ sea son in the spotlight would fade since long before the Colin Kaepernick saga.

Jones is either wretched or racist or just a wretched racist. But he is not unlike most White men in his era who lived in Ar kansas or the South. They always claimed White privilege without taking responsi bility for the collateral damage.

And, of course, no good citing of a pres

said he was 14 years old. Another report said he was 15 years old. At minimum, that’s 65 years ago.”

Do you know who didn’t deserve what happened to them? Hattie McDaniel. She was forced to operate in the whirlwind di chotomy W.E.B. DuBois called a “double consciousness.”

DuBois, in “The Souls of Black Folk,” in troduced the concept. The intellectual gi ant defines double consciousness as “Afri can Americans’ struggle to remain true to Black culture while simultaneously con forming to the dominant white society.”

For Jerry Jones, racism is a mere incon venience that can be explained away by making a handful of Black athletes rich. But, for Hattie, the children at the door of the North Little Rock High school, and

tigious White man in a racial dilemma would be replete without a “coon in resi dence,” aka “house nigga,” to come to his aid. So, Stephen A. Smith did his usual lap dog routine and hunted down Jones’ en emies.

“I’m pretty pissed off,” Smith said on a recent First Take segment discussing the newly surfaced photo of the Dallas Cow boys owner when he was 14. “I’m pissed off but not for reasons people think. I am very, very fond of Jerry Jones, and I’m not hiding that from anybody. Is his record perfect?

“No, but I’m pissed off because he doesn’t deserve what happened. He doesn’t deserve it. One report, our report,

millions of non-White Americans, it is a daily struggle.

Jerry Jones could do more to level the playing field in sports and in society. He could use his advantage to the advantage of the disadvantaged.

Inquiring minds probably want to know my feelings about “No-Grows,” who serve as water boys to rich racists, like Stephen A. Smith. As for that bootlicking, bag-to tin’, simple-minded, step-and-fetch-it … frankly Scarlet, I don’t give a damn!

He’s nominated for the supporting role anyway.

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

PROFESSIONAL �� SOCIETY OF �

PROFESSIONAL

Juan Salinas, TCC, 2022 LINA DAVIS SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

Jose Romero, TCC , 2022 DONNA DAROVICH SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

Donna Darovich $1,500

Recognizes excellence in writing across all sections news, arts, lifestyle, people stories. As a Star-Telegram reporter, Donna Darovich won consecutive feature-writing first places in Associated Press Managing Editors competitions. Texas Press Women twice named her the state's Most Outstanding Woman Journalist.

Jerry Flemmons $1,000 Jerry Flemmons excelled at features This scholarship rewards outstanding feature writing.

Joe Holstead $1,000

Recognizes superior broadcast journalism. Larger-than-life Texas Radio Hall of Fame member Joe Holstead was one of Fort Worth-Dallas' most revered news personalities.

Al Panzera $1,000

Staley and Beverly McBrayer $2,000 Recognizes excellence in college student media or as an intern with a professional news organization. Think of this as Fort Worth SPJ's MVP award. Staley McBrayer marketed the offset press, which revolutionized the printing industry.

Recognizes outstanding photojournalism. Trailblazing Star-Telegram photographer Al Panzera designed "Big Bertha," a 4><5 Graflex telephoto camera customized for sports.

Jack B. Tinsley $1,500

Recognizes excellence in opinion writing such as columns and editorials. Jack Tinsley was Star-Telegram executive editor from 1975 to 1986 and led the paper to two Pulitzer Prizes.

Lina Davis Scholarship $2,000

Honors the memory of longtime Arlington, Texas, educator and mentor Lina Davis, a nurturing and progressive journalism teacher at Sam Houston and Arlington high schools. Several Lina Davis Scholarships may be awarded each year.

MARIO MONTALVO

Caltrans Public Information Officer, Redding, California, TCC and TCU graduate, Donna Darovich scholarship winner; Lina Davis scholarship winner

Jay Milner Scholarship $1,000

Celebrates the contributions to journalism and journalism education of author/teacher Jay Milner, who is perhaps best known for his "Confessions of a Maddog: A Romp Through the High-Flying Texas Music and Literary Era of the Fifties to the Seventies," a chronicle of his exploits with the gonzo horde. This scholarship is intended for students with great financial need.

KRISTA TORRALVA Dallas Morning News, Courts Reporter, UTA graduate, Lina Davis scholarship winner

BIANCA MONTES D CEO Magazine managing editor, UTA graduate, Staley and Beverly McBrayer scholarship winner; Jay Milner scholarship winner

JOHN D HARDEN, Washington Post Database Reporter, UTA graduate, Lina Davis scholarship winner

Roy Jimenez, UNT, 2022 STALEY AND BEVERLY MCBRAYER SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

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Ella Scott, UTA, 2022 JAY MILNER SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

We still need affirmative action

OUR VOICES

BY BEN JEALOUS

I am deeply concerned about two affir mative action cases argued at the Supreme Court just a few days ago. Opponents of affirmative action have been trying to de stroy it for years. And now it looks like they just might get their chance.

Two universities, Harvard and the University of North Carolina (UNC), are defending their admissions programs against opponents who want them de clared unconstitutional.

The university where I teach, Penn, and the organization I lead, People For the American Way, have both joined briefs supporting the universities’ positions. Considering race as one of many factors in admissions has been upheld by the Su preme Court for decades.

The court has said repeatedly that diver sity in higher education is a “compelling interest.”

But today’s Supreme Court is different. It’s dominated by far-right justices who have made it clear they don’t share this view.

Chief Justice John Roberts’s famous quote, “The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race,” sums it up: conser vatives believe affirmative action is at best unnecessary and at worst just another type of discrimination.

The Supreme Court

Some conservatives would like to retire affirmative action because they claim it’s accomplished everything it set out to do. But it hasn’t. Not even close.

In Texas and Michigan, applications and enrollments of Black and Latino students plunged after state politicians banned the consideration of race in admission to their public universities. That’s a huge red flag.

Nationally, there’s a big gap between the percentage of white and Black stu dents who earn a bachelor’s degree.

And that perpetuates all kinds of harm

and inequities in income, health, family wealth, and more. We still have a long way to go in building a fair society in which all our children can thrive. And here’s an important point that often gets lost. All students—no matter their race or color or creed—benefit from affirmative action. Having diverse classmates promotes a stimulating exchange of ideas and view points.

It prepares all students for living and working in our increasingly diverse soci ety. The Supreme Court as a whole used to understand that. Today, I worry that only a minority of the justices do.

‘Compelling interest’

One of those justices is Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the Court and a person of profound insight and wisdom.

Her questions in oral arguments got to the heart of the matter. Imagine two qual ified students applying to UNC, Justice Jackson suggested: a White North Caro linian student whose family members had attended the school for generations, and a Black North Carolinian whose family had historically been shut out. The White ap plicant might make the case that attend ing UNC is deeply meaningful to her be

cause it is a family tradition.

The Black applicant might make the case that it is deeply meaningful because her family was so long denied.

Jackson’s question made it clear what would happen if the Court adopts the Far Right’s position: the White student’s ap peal to family history would be allowed to help their chance of acceptance, while the Black student’s would not. It would further institutionalize discrimination and the harm it has caused generations of Black Americans.

I am so grateful for Justice Jackson’s voice on the Court. I also know that the six right-wing justices expressed skepticism of affirmative action at oral arguments. Many reporters are already writing its obituary.

I hope for the sake of our education sys tem and our next generation, that they will be wrong. The “compelling interest” that led the Court to uphold affirmative action in the past still exists – in fact, it may be stronger than ever.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, shown in March, spoke in defense of affirmative action during Oct. 31 arguments.

Photo: KENT NISHIMURA/LOS ANGELES TIMES/TNS

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and Professor of Practice in the Africana Studies Department at the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches leadership.

There are ways to help your kids pay for college without raiding your retirement savings

MONEY TALK

BY RODNEY A. BROOKS

A few years back I was do ing an interview for a radio station. A woman called in who had proudly put her daughter through an Ivy League college. The problem: She was in her 50s and saved nothing for retirement.

I told the woman who called the radio station that she still had options, but they were not great ones. She was probably going to have to retire later or plan on a stan dard of living in retirement that was less that what she was used to.

The fact is that we will do virtually anything for our kids, even to our own finan cial detriment. More than half of parents in one survey were willing to go into debt to put their children through col lege. We should certainly find a way to help our children go through college without com ing out with massive student debt. But borrowing from our retirement savings or not sav ing for retirement so you can pay tuition is a bad idea.

As many financial planners will tell you, you can take out a loan for college, but you can’t take out a loan for retirement. If you have nothing saved for retirement, your kids could very well end up taking care of you. As I say all the time, you cannot and should not depend on Social Security –the average monthly check is only about $1,500.

Black students generally

graduate college with more debt than white students, and then have more trouble paying it off. This is especial ly true of students graduating from HBCUs. According to a Federal Reserve Survey on Consumer Finances, Black families not only pay higher rates for student loans, but they also owe more. Accord ing to an analysis of the Fed data by Student Loan Hero,

and college savings plans. In a prepaid plan you can pay part or all of the costs for an in-state public college. The college savings plans give you more flexibility. Much like a Roth 401(k) plan or Roth IRA, it is an investment account offers tax advantages to the savers. And you gener ally have several investment options. You may also quali fy for a state tax benefit. And

Friends and family can donate. You can give limited access to friends and families so they can independently donate to the child’s educa tion. They can make dona tions in lieu of Christmas or birthday gifts, or just to help out.

The SECURE ACT expand ed use of 529 plans. The SE CURE Act of 2019 made it possible to save for. K-12 tu

30.2% of Black families hold student loan debt, versus 20.0% of White families. Also, Black families owe a median of $30,000, compared with $23,000 among families.

But there are ways to help your kids (or grandkids) pay for college without raiding your retirement savings or ending up with a bunch a debt. But they all involve planning. And one of the best is the 529 plan.

529 Plan

A 529 can be used it to pay for college or for private school tuition. Just about ev ery state has a plan available.

There are two types of 529 plans: Prepaid tuition plans

they can also be used in es tate planning.

Tax advantages. Much like a Roth 401(k) plan or Roth IRA, it is an investment ac count offers tax advantages to the savers. You can depos it after-tax into the account, and then it grows tax free. You may also qualify for a state tax benefit.

Investment options. De pending on the state plan you select, you can invest your money in a variety of mutual funds. That means you can take on as much risk (and potential growth) as you have the stomach for, or you can stay conservative and safe, but with a slower growth and lower returns.

ition, apprenticeships, trade schools and made it possible to use the funds for student loans.

You can open the account with as little as $25 dollars if you link it to a checking ac count and set up monthly contributions. In Texas you can enroll in the Texas Col lege Savings Plan with this link.

Rodney A. Brooks is a Senior Fellow at Prosperity Now and the author of Fixing the Racial Wealth Gap: Racism and discrimination put us here, but this is how we can save future generations. A former Deputy Managing Editor/Money at USA TODAY, he has written for USA TODAY, The Washington Post and National Geographic.

Call issued to Support Black Businesses

Buy Black!

By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News

When Dr. Fred erick D. Haynes III, of Friend ship-West Bap tist Church, an nounced 100 Days of Buying Black in acknowledging the 100th Commemoration of the Tulsa Race Massacre, we joined the move ment. December 31, 2021 marked 100 days of featuring Black Businesses. and we decided that the struggle continues and we must also. So enjoy reading about more Black-owned businesses and please support.

CHAVONE VIBES YOGA

-MOVEMENT-LIFESTYLE

The owner of Chavone Vibes, Chavone says, “the yoga mat was a place where I started making changes in my life. With that lesson my purpose is to communicate a practical, relatable yoga.” She teaches simple but powerful sequences while emphasizing strength, flexibility and balance within every pose, using empowering, yet “feel good” musical playlists. There are Livestream Classes, Public Classes. You can schedule a class, and get Classes On Demand. Visit the website: https://www.chavonevibes.com/

BANDS OF HOPE

Bands of Hope, is a nonprofit organization that supports underprivileged single women with children

and was founded in 2011 by two friends who dreamed of “giving back” to the community, in a way that was fun and exciting. They used their talent for entertaining and hosting to start a charity event that would help bring their dream to fruition. Both Gilda Smith and Debra London, mothers and grandmothers, know first-hand the struggles that single mothers have in providing for their children in the most basic of ways. Join them by visiting the website: http://bandsofhope. org/index.html.

BUTLER’S PHOTO

The mission of Butler’s Photo is “Preserving yesterday’s memories one photo at a time.” They are available for events, weddings, family portraits, modeling portfolios, passport photos, and birthdays. Visit the website to see all the things they offer. They welcome you to capture the memorable events of a lifetime. http://www. butlersphoto.com/ or call them at 469-231-1810.

SPRY BEAUTY SUPPLY HOUSE

The Spry Beauty Supply House, since day one, has worked tirelessly in order to expand their product offerings and make their customers’ experience even better. Being proud of how far they’ve come yet they remain committed to performing even better. As part of the overall body positivity movement, there’s been a growing demand for beauty products geared towards African American consumers. This is especially true with Black hair care products since they need to serve their unique beauty needs. Spry the best choice for your online purchase and physical shopping in Dallas Ft Worth. They have two Locations 211 Ervay St. Suite 200B Dallas, TX 75201 (832)408-0981 and 411 N. Akard #150B Mayflower Tower, Dallas, Texas 75201 (832)408-0981 or you can visit the website: https://www.sprybeauty.org/

SOUL-FULL TREATS

“SOUL-FULL TREATS” by Nathan started in April 2017 with his family’s original flavor pound cake called “Perfect Pound” along with four additional flavors which are now known as the “Starting Five” flavors. Today the “Perfect Pound” is known as “Grandma Kathy’s Perfect Pound” as her memory will forever live on within SoulFull Treats. Nathan has taken what was passed down to him, given it a few upgrades (i.e. the flavors), taken a little bit of the “Soul” of his family and he’s excitedly looking forward to sharing with families everywhere. Visit the website: https://www.soul-fulltreats.com/

CARA’S GERIATRIC HOME RECREATIONAL SERVICES

Cara Renee Jefferson, Founder/CEO

Seeking care for your loved ones? Cara’s Geriatric Home Recreational Services founded by Cara Renee Jefferson. The Respite Care services are short term shortterm care services provided due to the absence or need for relief of the family member(s) or primary caregiver. Respite care also, is a companionship service for clients in their homes or long-term care, Hospitals and Hospice. They are located at 2810 E Trinity Mills Rd Ste 153, Carrollton Get in touch with them at 972-327-0136 or website: https://cghrservices.com/

LG’S CIGAR LOUNGE

Owner Lennard Gilham

Upscale Cigar Lounge in Allen, TX Now Open! Hwy 121 and Watters/Lake Forest 975 Sam Rayburn Tollway Ste 190 Allen, TX 75013 Premium cigar brands. Full service bar and Stocked Humidor! Come relax, smoke, work or enjoy a cocktail. Follow them on Instagram @lgs.cigarlounge Opens at 12 pm until 10 pm and Midnight on the weekend. Email: Lgscigarlounge@gmail.com

Dr. Frederick D.Haynes III

BICA Legacy Weekend focuses on Shopping Black

By Cheryl Smith

Hairstylist and entrepreneur Freddie J. Jones is one of Texas’ brightest stars and while she calls Dallas home, wherever she is, she is reigning supreme in the Beauty Industry.

For three days in December, dubbed the BICA Leg acy Weekend, at Dallas’ Skyline Ranch, December

10-12, attendees will ex perience what people are talking about across this country when speaking of the best and the bright est in hair care and the award-winning Freddie J. The impeccably dressed and always stylish Winns boro, TX native has appeared in competitions, including the world-re nowned Bronner Brothers

Hair Show. Even then-Mayor Tom Leppert honored her as a trailblazer in the field of Cosmetology because she’s a master cutter, ed ucator, coach, author and platform artist.

According to Freddie J, the Beauty Industry and Community Awards (BICA), which is just a part of the celebration of the in

dustry, is about a spirit of community and support ing Black businesses.

“It’s a celebration,” she ex plained. “Please don’t miss this networking opportu nity and Legacy Weekend, starting on Saturday with the Black Saturday Expo, and ending on Monday with the Business Forum.

“The Event was created to get the Beauty Industry and

Community together to network in one place,” she continued, as she shared information about Black Wall Street in Tulsa, OK. and the way an entire com munity was wiped out but today people are focusing on Black empowerment and building Black Wall Street communities across the country. “From there, we encourage everyone to

intentionally shop Black businesses for 12 days after the Event and continue after that.

The 12 days were signifi cant for the Inaugural event last year, she explained, because it was 12 days un til Christmas and the event was on 12-12-21.

It is also significant that the person tapped to key note the awards brunch

has personal ties to Black Wall Street, said Freddie J.

“We are super excited to an nounce that our speaker for the BICA Chucks n Tux Brunch and Awards Gala is Chief Gunwale Amusan, founder of the Real Black Wall Street Tour. He is one of the most sought out consul tants and historians of Tulsa’s Black Wall Street. You have seen him in the documentaries, in the Courts, and in the streets, still fighting for justice, for The Green wood Community.”

The title sponsors are MOCCA Cosmetics and Unique Vision Upscale Events and the event is promoting the hashtag #SHOP BLACKINTENTIONALLY. The BICA Legacy Weekend will feature forums, vendors, networking opportunities and more.

“We have continued with the 12 days just to get it in the minds of the people, once they make it a priority for the 12 days, it is then on their minds after that.”

With partners across the nation, BICA events have been held the entire year, namely in Oklahoma City, Tampa, FL, New Orleans, Houston, Atlanta, New York, Win ston Salem, N.C., and Boston.

For Freddie J, this inaugural Legacy Weekend is a dream come true as she witnesses entrepre neurs coming together to achieve success.

Key

activities include:

December 11

12 til 4pm, Skyline Ranch, 1801 E Wheatland Road, the Chucks n Tux Awards Gala Brunch. BICA Legacy Weekend, celebrating Legacies in the Black community, promoting economic growth and creating Generational Wealth, by simply shop ping Black intentionally!!!!

For tickets — https://freddiej-983296.square.site/.../chucksand.../63…

Honorees are Dallas County Con stable Tracey Gulley, Eric Lockhart, James Brembry, Corey Lewis, Pen nie Pitre, Sean Potts, Nikita Jack son, Mimi Hawkins, Jade the Blade, Keidrain Brewster, Dr. Demetra Jones, Tonya Johnson, Cedric and Punkin Bailey and Cheryl Smith.

December 12

BICA Business Forum Keynote Speakers - Robert and Pennie Pitre For a complete schedule, go to www.freddiej.com

There’s still time to get tickets!

“His Grace Is Sufficient For You Because Your Weakness Is Also Your Greatest Strength!”

Thanksgiving Means Thanksliving

BIG MAMA SAID

BY TERRY ALLEN

I am so proud that I had a strong, caring, resilient and loving grandmother. Lucille “Big Mama” Allen would be an Instagram and Tik Tok sensation trending over everybody else if she were alive today.

Big Mama’s lessons are always appropriate for the time. The great thing about “Big Mama’s “left back” les sons is that wherever I go you tell me you are reading the column and you too had a Big Mama just like me and she re-stated over and over again the same pearls.

When I first heard my Big Mama-isms, I did not give them the deserving rever ence I give them now. I am so glad I get to hear Lucille “Big Mama” Allen’s in other people all the time.

When I recall this lat est from her playbook, “his grace is sufficient for you because your weakness is also your greatest strength” I am reminded of this passage as it overlaps with my his torical moments I had with the Historian John Henrik Clarke, a mentor and lead er. During Dr. Clarke’s time with me he stated that our greatest strengths are our greatest weaknesses. He said when you find the strength of a people look on the flip side and you will also find

their weakness, He said we are fighting and voting over issues in this country and we have forgotten that we are descendants of the richest and most expensive piece of geography God ever placed on this earth! Africa! Big Mama would say we would have to practice thanksliving.

Biblically speaking, Big Mama was saying to me that God spoke: “I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves be fore me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”

Clarke was “a scholar de voted to redressing what he saw as a systematic, racist

suppression and distortion of African history by tradi tional scholars” He said that African American greatest strength is our humanity and great capacity to strang ers and it becomes our weakness because in that humility we failed to ask the

sue was and during Thanks giving we are fragmented by the weak side of our strengths.

Clarke would say that is why we have our 400-year “Helluvacost.” We let our house go without a recovery plan! We have forgotten to be thankful to those who are like us and those who are us.

I am not trying to take away any culture, religion, race or gender struggles as we all have crosses to bear.

In the words of Historian John Henrik Clarke, “I have no issues falling to my knees to honor, weep for the great losses in the historically re corded losses.

‘visitors “what is your inten tion in my house?

Clarke and Big Mama both stated that our weak ness is why we lost our way. Dr. Clark said our loyalty systems and our cultural continuity has been de stroyed by institutionalized racism because we failed to ask “why?/what is your in tention?” to my people.

He said we as anBlack family are arguing about something we do not even know what the original is

I stand with every loss and all I ask that you stand with me and weep, pray and honor for my more than 121 million ancestors who we lost.” That loss exhibit ed the worst atrocities vis ited upon a people. So, it is written that every man has his Kryptonite yet the kryp tonite-emancipating-codex lies in the corrective and historical recall of our jour ney and to be thankful to those who look like us.

So, it is time we take a look at our thanksgiving and check and see if we are thanks living. Go be thank ful and tell me what you learned by emailing me at the paper.

Terry Allen is an award-winning media professional, journalist, and entrepreneur. He is also the founder of City Men Cook and 1016 Media. Reach him at terryallenpr@gmail.com

DART’s Annual Holiday Stuff a Bus Event Returns

The annual Dallas Area Rapid Tran sit (DART) “Stuff a Bus” program has returned to help our North Texas resi dents in need.

With the holiday season just around the corner, the Stuff a Bus program will deliver socks and blankets to The Senior Source – as well as new and unwrapped toys and canned food for children and families in need throughout the North Texas area.

There are 3 ways to support DART’s Stuff a Bus.

1. You can drop off your donation

curbside at SMU/Mockingbird Sta tion on Friday, December 9, from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.

2. Now through December 12, you can donate at the DARTmart (1401 Pacific Avenue, Dallas) or one of these participating tran sit centers, Monday – Friday, be tween 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Addison Transit Center Downtown Garland Station Downtown Irving/Heritage Cross ing Station J.B. Jackson, Jr. Transit Center

Ledbetter Station

Parker Road Station

South Garland Transit Center

CBD East Transfer Center

CBD West Transfer Center (CBD East and West Transfer Centers are also available Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)

3. Contribute virtually using DART’s Amazon Wish List.

For more information about the DART Stuff a Bus program, please vis it our website at dart.org/stuffabus.

Creating a dementia-friendly home

Black Headline News

Minnesota Spokesman Recorder

https://spokesman-recorder.com/

By MSR News Online

Almost every part of a home can im pact the quality of life for someone liv ing with a dementia-related illness and their family care partners—even seem ingly cosmetic choices such as wall col ors, furniture patterns, and dishware. As part of National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering tips for creat ing a dementia-friendly home.

Through The Apartment—a full-scale model dementia-friendly residence— AFA shows different adaptations families can make to make their homes safer and more dementia-friendly.

“Most homes were not designed with the needs of someone living with a de mentia-related illness in mind, but virtu ally every aspect of a home can affect the person’s quality of life,” said AFA Presi dent & CEO Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr.

“From purchasing higher-tech appli ances all the way down to labeling dress er drawers and putting up old family photos, there are a variety of adaptations family care partners can use to make their loved one’s home more demen tia-friendly.”

Steps that families can take include:

• Being mindful of color choices and contrast. Colors can be used to help with mood. For example, blue often has a calming effect and is great to use in places that promote relaxation, such as lounge areas, bathrooms, and bed rooms. Brighter colors like red, purple, and orange can be energetic and stim ulating, and, therefore may not be the best choice for use in these rooms.

• Color contrast is important too. It aids with vision, depth perception, and spatial orientation. Dishware that con trasts with the tablecloth color makes it easier for someone with dementia to see the food on the plate.

• Providing visual cues. Labeling is an easy, low-cost adaptation that anyone can make. For example, putting labels

on dresser drawers with the name of the contents (i.e., shirts, pants, socks, etc.) and a small picture is an effective memory cueing technique.

• Choosing proper lighting. Lighting ob viously influences eyesight, but it can also affect the body and behavior. Blue light rays stimulate the brain, increase alertness, and elevate energy levels, but also negatively impact sleep qual ity in the evening. Lights that produce glare may hinder vision for someone with dementia. Flickering lights can increase agitation.

• Glare-free lighting aids with sight, while lighting that operates with a cir cadian rhythm mimicking natural pat terns of high blue light in the day and low blue light at night can improve sleep and reduce agitation.

• Using reminiscent decorations. Dé cor and photos can serve a purpose beyond making a home aesthetically pleasing—they can promote familiari ty, aid with mood and assist with mem ory recall. Beach/nautical-themed pictures can promote positive mem ories for someone who enjoys the ocean. Vintage magazines on shelves and tables can help stimulate memory and remind the person about a famil iar time period from their past. Family photos reinforce the faces of cherished loved ones.

• Embracing technology. Technological tools can provide additional support to care partners, especially if they aren’t in the home with the individual living with a dementia-related illness. Interactive virtual assistant technology can enable caregivers to schedule reminders and events that will be audibly played for a loved one, such as “it’s lunchtime now” or “time to take your medication.”

Care partners can utilize app-con trolled thermostats to check, program and change the temperature remotely, as well as smart smoke and carbon mon oxide alarms which can be programmed with friendly human voices and be con trolled and monitored via an app.

Families can learn more about these and additional ways to create a demen tia-friendly home by visiting The Apart ment page on AFA’s website at www. alzfdn.org/theapartment. The page in cludes a brief film tour along with The Apartment: A Guide to Creating a De mentia-Friendly Home, a free 20-page booklet that showcases each of the rooms with detailed, step-by-step summaries of dementia-friendly improvements that can be made. Individuals can also contact AFA’s Helpline 7 days a week by phone (866-232-8484), webchat (www.alzfdn. org), or text message (646-586-5283).

Source: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Photo: MGN

Dr. Claude R. Williams, Sr., 93

Dr. Claude R. Williams, Sr., 93, Orthodontist, Navy Captain, and Civil Rights Champion was born in Marshall, Texas in Febru ary 1929 and died in Dal las, Texas. Dr. Williams was educated in the segre gated schools of Marshall, Texas where he graduated from H.B. Pemberton High School. He attended Wiley College where he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraterni ty but transferred to and graduated from Howard University in Washington, D.C. with a bachelor’s de gree in Zoology, a Doctor ate in Dental Surgery, and a Certificate in Orthodon tics. Upon graduation, Dr. Williams joined the Unit ed States Naval Reserve and served on active duty in Bainbridge, Maryland. At the conclusion of his active-duty military ca reer, Dr. Williams returned to Texas to open a dental practice in Marshall during the Civil Rights Movement.

In 1968, when white or thodontists in Texas re fused to treat his daughter, Dr. Williams packed up his family from Marshall and moved to Washing ton, D.C. to enroll in the Howard University School of Dentistry Orthodontics Program. Dr. Williams re turned to Texas after grad uating from Orthodontics School where he opened his Orthodontics practice first on Forest Avenue (now MLK Boulevard) and lat

er on Kiest Boulevard. For over 40 years, patients of all races could receive quality, unbiased orthodontic care. He was an Associate Pro fessor of Orthodontics at Baylor College of Dentistry where he was the first Black faculty member. In 1989,

the First African American Dental Commanding Of ficer and the First African American Navy Dentist to achieve the rank of 0-6 (Captain).

er for outstanding service to local and national com munities, and he recently received his 75-year pin from Alpha Phi Alpha Fra ternity.

Dr. Williams received the Tom M. Mathews Award for Outstanding Contribu tions to the Baylor Ortho dontics Department, and he was made an honorary member of the Baylor Or thodontics Alumni Asso ciation. Dr. Williams also served as Director of Mi nority Affairs until his re tirement in 2013.

Dr. Williams continued his military service in the United States Naval Re serve where he became

Dr. Williams still found time to be an active mem ber of his community. He was a member of Hamil ton Park United Methodist Church, a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the NAACP, National Asso ciation of Naval Officers, and a member of many professional organizations including the MC Coo per Dental Society, Dallas County Dental Society, Na tional Dental Association, and American Association of Orthodontists.

He has been honored for being an industry trailblaz

Those left to cherish lasting memories include his son, Dr. Claude R. Wil liams, Jr.; twin daughters, Judge Staci Williams (Jer ry Dawson) and Ms. Traci Williams; former spouse and mother of his chil dren, Mrs. Helen Williams; and a host of relatives, golf ing buddies, mentees, and friends.

Gratitude is extended to the doctors and staff of UT Southwestern and Clem ents Hospital.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 11:00 am at Hamil ton Park United Methodist Church, 11881 Schroeder Road, Dallas, Texas, 75243. Donations may be made to the Dr. Claude R. Williams, Sr. Endowed Scholarship at the Baylor College of Den tistry of The Texas A&M University Systems Health Science Center, Office of Advancement, Commu nications and Alumni Re lations, 3302 Gaston Ave nue, Dallas, Texas 75246. A Williams Scholar will have excelled academically and demonstrated a significant commitment to communi ty service in a socio-eco nomically deprived area and will have a financially and/or educationally dis advantaged background.

Dr. Claude R. Williams

HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE BIRTH OF THE DIVINE 9

Because Of Them We Can https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com/

By BOTWC Staff

Few things are more sacred in Black cul ture than the Divine Nine. There’s Jesus, that bible your grandmother had on display at her house, Jack and Jill of America, and the Divine Nine. Everyone knows at least one member of a Greek-letter organization and whether you’re a member or not, the culture of the or ganization is an extension of African-Ameri can culture. We’ve all bore witness to a good stroll, been prompted to pledge by a family friend or next-door neighbor, or made sure to not step on one of the sacred plots while walk ing the yard.

It is a decidedly Black experience, and we are all grateful to the work these organizations have done to foster an inclusive and intention al sisterhood and brotherhood. Bene fits of being a member of the Divine Nine are plentiful and if you can make the trek to cross the burning sands, you’re well on your way to a built-in lifetime network of fellow Black Amer icans that are invested in your success. To help you learn more about the im portance of these organizations, here’s everything you need to know about the birth of the Divine Nine, courtesy of Ohio State University.

Six were founded on the campus of Howard University.

“The National Pan-Hellenic Coun cil, Inc. (NPHC), also referred to as the Divine Nine, is the umbrella organi zation housing Black Greek-letter or ganizations. The NPHC was founded at Howard University in Washington, DC on May 10, 1930, and incorporat ed under laws in Illinois in 1937.” Al though six of the orgs were founded at Howard, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity was founded at Indiana University, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity was found ed at Cornell University, and Iota Phi Theta fraternity, the last organization to make up and complete the Divine Nine, was founded at Morgan State University.

NPHC was founded by Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, and Zeta Phi Beta. Now it includes all nine Greek-letter orga nizations. “Its member organizations include Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kap

They were created for us, by us.

“Each of the nine NPHC organizations evolved during a period when African-Amer icans were being denied essential rights and privileges afforded to others. Racial isolation on predominantly white institution campuses created a need for African-Americans to align themselves with other individuals sharing common goals and ideals.

With the realization of such a need, the Af rican-American Greek-lettered organization movement took on the personae of a haven and outlet, which could foster brotherhood and sisterhood in the pursuit to bring about social change through the development of social programs that would create positive change for Black people and the country. To day the need remains the same.”

The council’s mission is unity among the member organizations and fostering cooperative actions in service of mutual issues.

“The goal of the National Pan-Hel lenic Council is to promote unity among its member organizations and address problems of mutual interest to those organizations. In the 1960s, for example, the NPHC became a crucial supporter of the efforts of civil rights organizations such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Congress of Racial Equal ity (CORE), and the National Associa tion for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). While the NPHC recognizes separate priorities of the organizations within the Council, it also encourages all member organiza tions to support the leading national programs of the other Greek-letter fra ternities and sororities.

dividuals around the world. In 1995, the first international chapter was formed in Nassau, Bahamas.”

The National Pan-Hellenic Council was founded because African-Americans were being denied certain rights on college campuses.

The purpose of the NPHC shall be to foster cooperative actions of its members in dealing with matters of mutual concern. To this end, the NPHC promotes the well-being of its affiliate fraternities and sororities, facilitates the establishment and development of local councils of the NPHC and provides leadership training for its constituents.”

Long live the Divine Nine.

Here’s everything you need to know about the birth of the Divine 9. Photo Courtesy of Bri anna Milord/FSUNews.com.

pa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Altogether, the council’s membership exceeds 1.5 million in

The PepsiCo Foundation and Doritos SOLID BLACK are teaming up to uplift Black community leaders, ensuring bold voices that often go unheard are being amplified and given the opportunity to create positive change within their com munities.

The Foundation has committed to awarding a $50,000 grant to each se lected Black Changemaker’s nonprofit organization to celebrate and support the bold impact of their efforts. Additionally, the Foundation will provide leadership development training in partnership with Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Doritos SOLID BLACK will share their platform with the game changing nonprofit leaders.

In 2022, a similar program from Dor itos SOLID BLACK amplified the voices of four Black Changemakers who are mak ing waves in their communities.

• Miss Diddy: A Compton, California native and entertainment marketer, has prioritized impact as a part of her success story. This includes providing every senior citizen home in Compton with masks throughout the pandemic,

Briefs

DJ Mr. Rogers

providing Christmas gifts to 5,000 families, and helping connect over 2,000 families with access to nutri tious meals. With the support of the Black Changemakers program, she extended her ongoing focus on com munity impact supporting the SoLa I CAN Foundation’s mission to strength en community development, access to education, and economic opportunity for youth in South Los Angeles.

• DJ Mr. Rogers: DJ Mr. Rogers is the co-founder of the Relief Gang, a non

profit designed to aid Houstonians affected by Hurricane Harvey which over the last five years has grown into a regional effort extending to other parts of Texas and Louisiana. As a Black Changemaker program partici pant, he was able to expand his efforts and make an even bolder impact on his community.

• Eric Hart Jr.: Originally from Georgia and now a photographer in New York City, Eric Hart Jr. is focused on am plifying the power of Blackness and

Black Changemakers program shines spotlight on Black community leaders and nonprofits IN MEMORIAM: NAACP Mourns The Passing Of Cecilia Marshall, Former NAACP Legal Secretary

Cecilia “Cissy” Marshall, widow of Su preme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, has died. She was 94.

Remembered as an historian and civil rights activist, Cecilia Suyat Marshall, a Filipino born in Hawaii, came to the United States in 1948. She was a former NAACP legal secretary.

In a statement released by the NAACP, it read: During her time with the Association, she worked on a variety of cases including the Groveland Four case and the landmark Brown v. Board of Ed

ucation. It was at the Association that she met and ultimately married Justice Mar shall in 1955 and during their wedding ceremony was given away by NAACP leader Roy Wilkins.

In a 2013 interview, Marshall was asked about her impression of race growing up in Hawaii. “I really didn’t have any idea at all, because I went to school with different nationalities, Japa nese, Filipino, Chinese, and I think there was only one Negro family in the whole section where I was,” she said. She de

queerness through the art of photog raphy. With the support of the Black Changemakers program, Eric was able to support The Gordon Parks Founda tion which permanently preserves the work of Gordon Parks by making it available to the public through exhi bitions, books, and electronic media and supports artistic and educational activities.

• PikaChulita: PikaChulita, from Mem phis, Tennessee, is part of Black Girl Gamers, a Twitch channel centered around creating safe, supportive, and fun spaces for marginalized individu als – especially those who are Black, Brown, or LGBTQIA+. PikaChulita is focused on working with organizations that give the next generation a head start in tech, including CodeCrew who she supported through the 2022 class. Individuals dedicated to making bold, positive impacts in their own communities are encouraged to apply. If you know a nonprofit leader in your community who should apply, please share the application link. Applications are open through December 11.

scribed her move to New York as the moment she learned about “the racial problem.”

“I remember segregation very well. You couldn’t go to different places. You couldn’t sit in any place. I just wish Thur good were here… to see his work and the work of his lawyers.”

We remember Marshall as a staunch advocate for civil rights, who was com mitted to safeguarding the reputation and legacy of her late husband.

Rest in Power.

Cecilia Cissy Marshall

Briefs

Dallas Mayor calls for inventory of city-owned land to turn into parks, playgrounds, affordable housing

Mayor Eric Johnson on Monday re quested an inventory of vacant, unused, and underused city-owned land to de termine what can be transformed into a park, playground, sports court, or afford able housing.

Mayor Johnson made the request in a memo to City Manager T.C. Broadnax. The mayor, who has made parks a top priority of his administration, previously announced his intention to request the inventory in his State of the City Address earlier this month.

Dallas has become a national leader in developing innovative green spaces and has continued to improve its parks and

programming for families in the city. New parks such as Carpenter Park, West End Plaza, and South Oak Cliff Renaissance Park have replaced former sites of surface parking lots and illegal dumping grounds.

According to Trust for Public Land, the City of Dallas and its nonprofit partners have brought new parks and trails within a 10-minute walk of nearly 300,000 resi dents over the last few years.

However, more than a quarter of Dallas residents still do not live within a 10-minute walk of a park. Mayor Johnson has made it a goal to ensure that all Dal las residents have access to parks, trails, and other green spaces.

“I believe now is the time to take our efforts to the next level,” Mayor Johnson said. “Through land already owned by the City of Dallas, we have opportunities

to create new green spaces and improve neighborhoods across our city.”

The mayor encouraged the city manag er to work with Trust for Public Land and the semi-independent Dallas Park & Recre ation Department to compile the inventory.

“This is a project worth our city’s time and attention. Creating new public spaces out of land we already own can improve the health and quality of life of countless residents, children, and families across Dallas,” Mayor Johnson said. “We must be proactive, and we must be bold. We are dreamers, not speculators. We must also be a city of doers, and not perpetual planners.”

BALTIMORE, MD – The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation have partnered to raise awareness and critical funds for human trials for a new treatment to eradicate cancer for the 9 million people who die each year.

During Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s 95th General Convention in 2019, the Board of Directors voted unanimous ly to partner with the Ora Lee Smith Cancer Foundation, a Black tech-based cancer charity. Recently, Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III, General President, executed and signed an MOU solidifying the new partnership.

“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is committed to supporting the efforts of the Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation,” said General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III. “Everyone has a loved one, or knows someone, fight ing this disease. We strongly believe that the Foundation’s research offers a promising opportunity to revolutionize

the way cancer is treated, save lives, and improve the health outcomes for millions of cancer patients worldwide.”

Ora Lee Smith Founder, Dr. Hadi yah-Nicole Green, an internationally-rec ognized cancer researcher and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has developed a new, revolutionary treat ment using Laser-Activated Nano-Ther apy (LANT) technology – specifically designed to destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact.

“I thank the General President, the Board of Directors, and the members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., for joining our efforts,” said Dr. Green, who established the foundation to ensure her treatment is accessible and affordable “It takes a lot of courage to be the first and take action on a vision to go beyond

hope. This is a testament to their lead ership and commitment to our families, our community, and our future.”

To date, Dr. Green’s research with LANT technology has been proven to eliminate tumors in mice in just 15 days after one 10-minute treatment without any observable side effects and main tains the patient’s dignity. LANT, which is also a multi-cancer platform therapy, has implications for a variety of solid tu mor types, including breast, colorectal, ovarian, skin, brain, anal, and prostate cancers.

Within the African American commu nity, an estimated 224,080 new cancer cases and 73,680 cancer deaths were expected to occur in 2022.

Under the partnership, the Fraternity is planning a variety of activities to sup

port the foundation, including: November 28, 2022 – Partnership Launch Webinar at 7 PM EST – Streamed live on FB, YouTube, and Brotherhood Portal

November 29, 2022 – Giving Tues day through December 6, 2022, December – End of Year Appeal to the Brotherhood and their friends and family

To learn more and donate, visit: Ora Lee.org/Alphas.

Mayor Eric Johnson

Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole

How one family from New Orleans brought Creole culture and cuisine to Deep Ellum

By Deah Berry Mitchell

How did a French-Creole born family take over Dallas’ jazziest restaurant district, Deep Ellum, during the 1930s? The influences of New Orleans culture may not be obvious at first glance, but Dallas and the Crescent City have always had a symbiotic relationship since the introduction of the locomo tive industry in North Texas in 1872. Trains would often travel between New Orleans, Dallas and out to St. Louis.

Today, Deep Ellum is consid ered by some to still be “the live music capital of North Texas,” but during the Great Depres sion, the Works Progress Ad ministration created the Texas Writers Project. The project interviewed and observed over 300 formerly enslaved Black Texans about the culture of the city and published local guides.

Those interviewed spoke of even more ways New Orlea nians began to bring pieces of their beloved city with them to Dallas’ Deep Ellum neighbor hood, which was founded by formerly enslaved Black peo ple post-Emancipation. Deep Ellum’s reputation as a jazz-fo cused thriving community is a culture New Orleans natives would have been all too famil iar with.

Perhaps they looked at Dal las as a fresh start. The formerly enslaved interviewed recount ed the incorporation of hoo doo, conjure and metaphysical stores that lined Deep Ellum’s streets during its infantile stage along with the barbecue and fried chicken joints.

The Darensbourg brothers were a large and gifted fami ly that made Dallas and Fort

The Darensbourg brothers founded multiple bars and restaurants in the 1930s.

Worth home, and in return they gave the two cities a small piece of their New Orleans culture.

In 1929, Percy Darensbourg, the eldest of the brothers, was a well-known musician during this time who opened a bar in Deep Ellum named Central Tavern Inn. His younger broth

the city. The businesses that did make it through the Great De pression would have likely been forced to close due to construc tion of the highways that began in the city and cut through the business district, leaving little to no options for Black business owners during this era.

plex No. 10 on a list of 50 places New Orleanians are moving to today. They are moving to the city and bringing a beautiful ly rich culture in exchange for Dallas’ business opportunities.

And although Cajun and Creole foods (and people) are completely different, starting with the spices and ingredi ents used as staples in their foods, there are plenty of deli cious spots to try. Deep Ellum has been home to many Cajun and Creole restaurants over the years, and you can still find food and jazz at longtime Free Man Cajun Cafe and Lounge on Commerce Street.

But for more Cajun cuisine, you’ll have to explore beyond Deep Ellum. Here are a few key restaurants offering classic fare: Restaurant Beatrice offers contemporary Cajun cuisine in Dallas’ Bishop Arts district and is owned by chef Michelle Carpenter. Their menu boasts “family-style seafood boils” as well as classics like shrimp and grits and jambalaya. 1111 North Beckley Avenue. restau rantbeatrice.com.

er Caffery followed three years later and opened the successful Frenchie’s Creole Inn on Boll Street.

Soon after, yet another broth er named Irvin moved to Dal las, and by 1935 he had opened the Green Tavern at 217 Central Avenue, just a few doors down from Percy’s bar. The brothers also later opened the popular Gypsy Tea Room Cafe off Cen tral near the present-day inter section at Central Expressway and Elm Street.

Like many other restaurants that began on this busy street, they closed as a result of new developments being made in

Today, very few reminders remain of this period in time. The Knights of Pythias building then described as an “imposing edifice” still partially stands to day, but it’s hidden behind the posh exterior of the aptly titled Kimpton hotel brand, The Pit tman, named in honor of Wil liam Sidney Pittman, the Black man who was responsible for a building that partially remains in the shadows today.

Although the culture that the Darensbourgs helped usher in isn’t quite as strong as it once was, New Orleans natives still found their way to Dallas and helped make the D-FW metro

Thibodeaux’s: Owners Lew is and Dennen Thibodeaux are excited to bring a bit of Loui siana cuisine to Texas by way of their Cajun restaurant that bares Lewis’ family name. 107 N. Cedar Ridge Drive #106, Duncanville. thibodeauxsca juncookin.com.

Damian’s Cajun Soul Cafe is family owned and operated. They proudly hail from New Iberia, La., and serve “authentic Louisiana Cajun and soul food.” They offer a taste of home like classic gumbo fused with tradi tional soul food classics. 2001 SE Green Oaks Blvd., Suite 190, Arlington. damianscajun.com.

The Gypsy Tea Room in Deep Ellum was founded by a New Orleans native and was a popular cafe for Black Americans in the late 1930s.

Photo: Archive – 7th floor of Dallas Public Library

As Haiti takes the spotlight, this D-FW food truck is serving up a taste of history

By Amanda Albee

Haiti is more than an epicen ter of recurring natural disasters and its current political upheav al. Lesser-known, Haiti is home to the largest, most successful slave revolt in history, which led to its founding as the world’s first Black republic in 1804.

It’s also a “super beautiful” is land “with beaches forever,” as Kavin Adisson of the pandem ic-born North Texas food trail er Sophia’s Haitian Cuisine de scribes it.

The splendorous beaches of Haiti are portrayed in this month’s blockbuster film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where the late T’challa’s son reveals his name is Toussaint, after the gen eral who ousted French, British and Spanish invasions. Haitian food doesn’t make any appear ances in the film, but its cuisine was lauded last week when Kann, an upscale eatery in Portland by celebrity chef Gregory Gourdet, landed the top spot on Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in America list.

For these reasons — a trium phant, often buried history along with recent veneration — people are seeking out Sophia’s for fri tay, Haitian fried street foods,

and pâtés, which are similar to the empanadas of neighboring country the Dominican Republic.

Sophia’s also offers some fu sion food, like hot dogs topped with tangy pikliz, a slaw that, as Esquire describes it, injects

his handmade pâtés he says are “fork-pressed, the old way.”

Sophia’s customers “dive into it,” Adisson says, adding that their enthusiasm “makes it really easy for me to explain the history be hind [the food].”

After growing up in Haiti and living in New Jersey, he describes his address in Celina, where he currently lives, as a “leap of faith,” like the food truck. De siring a warmer environment to raise their teenager, the Adis

“a shot of flavor steroids” into Haitian dishes. Adisson’s Haitian hot dog won Best Hot Dog at the World on Wheels food truck rally and barbecue competition in Sep tember 2022. He also took home trophies for Best Seafood and Most Original Dish, which were

Like its political history, the foods of Haiti are fascinating but often unknown. As languages are melded in Haitian Creole, the cui sine combines flavors, techniques and ingredients from France, West Africa, Spain, Portugal and the Caribbean. Notably, Haiti gave the world barbecue. Smoking kill at night was first observed on the island by Spanish colonizers who translated the native word to “barbacoa.” Another unsung fact: When Haitian refugees fled to New Orleans after the revolution, they brought red beans and rice, along with other Creole recipes, with them.

Adisson says Sophia’s Haitian Cuisine, named after his wife, is the only place offering a dedicat ed Haitian menu that he’s aware of in Dallas-Fort Worth.

sons moved to Texas in 2017. But when another baby was born in 2020, the “plotting” that occurred during the pandemic pushed him to create something. In May that year, Adisson started setting up at events, his first at a Cinco de Mayo celebration in Lewisville.

He took yet another leap of faith in January 2022 when he quit his post office job to focus fully on Sophia’s. Recently re laxed food truck laws that allow for trailers have helped. “Now, I got this bad boy running like cra zy all over D-FW,” Adisson says.

While chef Gregory Gourdet admits he was reluctant to serve Haitian food at his first restau rant, Kann, he ultimately decided to do so after seeing the effect of his cooking on Haitians. But for

Sophia’s Haitian Cuisine in Celina is serving ‘spirited food’ in both the ‘old way’ and new.

Kavin Adisson owns Sophia’s Haitian Cuisine food truck, which served food during the Celina Night Market in Celina on Nov 18, 2022.

Photo: Jason Janik / Special Contributor

Kavin Adisson prepares some food in the Sophia’s Haitian Cuisine food truck during the Celina Night Market. Photo: Jason Janik / Special Contributor

The Chicken Patés from the Sophia’s Haitian Cuisine food truck during the Celina Night Market

Photo: Jason Janik / Special Contributor

The Griot with Plantains and Pikliz from the Sophia’s Haitian Cuisine food truck Photo: Jason Janik / Special Contributor

Taste of History

cont. from page 36

Adisson, he says he chose to focus on Haitian food because “it’s tastier than most of the popular foods.”

“During COVID, I had time to think and analyze the lack of Haitian food in the USA, so I gave it a shot,” he adds.

Along with attending every event he can find, Adisson also offers catering, for which he reserves special dishes like diri ak djon djon — what he calls “black rice.” The dish incorpo rates dried mushrooms from Haiti, which he conserves and has shipped a couple of times a year. The mushrooms can sell for up to $64 a pound, making it the most expensive Haitian cooking ingredient.

In addition, Adisson promises that wherever Sophia’s sets up on New Year’s Day 2023, he’ll serve soup joumou, a Haitian pumpkin soup he prepares with oxtails, beef chunks, potatoes and macaroni. Sometimes called “independence soup,” the dish originated from a soup made with pumpkins that French colonizers forbade their slaves from touching. It’s now a cel ebratory symbol of Haiti’s strength, mettle and independent spirit.

Adisson is a reflection of this spirit. He actually won Best Food Truck Spirit at the Food Truck Championship of Texas this year. He hopes that with some success, his spirited food will lead to multiple Sophia’s food trucks in big cities through out the state, maybe even the nation.

To find Sophia’s next event, follow the business on Insta gram at instagram.com/sophiashaitiancuisine or Facebook.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! November 2022

Darrell and Gloria D. Willis 21 years Leslie Wiley and Larry Irving

Mr. and Mrs. Harrison 2 6 years James B. and Sheila Sampson 42 years

Mr. & Mrs. Jones

Mrs. and Mr. Battle 23 years

Mr. and Mrs. Reeves 55 years

Willie & Karen Carpenter 14 years Victor and Shay Wyrick Cathey 19 years

Mr. and Mrs. Givens 51 years Deacon Danny B. and Tyronna King 25 years

Lawrence & Angela Joyce Pope 1 year - June

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DECEMBER

1

WORLD AIDS DAY! 3

The Viola’s House presents “Pathways to Redemption” Inaugural Black Tie Gala featuring Adrienne Ban field-Norris “Gammy” at 7:00pm in the Statler Hotel Grand Ballroom, Dallas. ***

A Holiday extravaganza hosted by Glamore, 4099 McEwen Rd. Suite 660, Farmers Branch and featuring celebrity fashion stylist Yemi Solomon, aned Mrs. Dallas International Yvonne Yngson Gochangco, 12-5pm 5

Informational sponsor happy hour and mixer for the Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program. This information session will pro vide you with an opportunity to learn about our internship program, ask questions, meet past sponsors, and speak with alumni regard ing their experience with the program.

5 - 7 p.m.

UNT Dallas Student Center, Reading Room, 7350 University Hills Blvd. Dallas, TX 6

Society of Professional Journalists COOL YULE PARTY!

6:30 pm

Joe T Garcia’s La Puertita 2141 N. Commerce Street Fort Worth, Texas 76164 ***

Leveraging Human Capital Leadership Conference at UNT Dallas, 9a-4p. Reg istration for the conference is $125. Par ticipants will enhance their leadership capabilities through networking and building relationships, receiving tools and creative solutions to be successful, and interacting with passionate and in fluential change makers who are leaving a legacy in the Best Southwest. Four ses sions including the keynote, “Innovation and Leadership in the Workplace” will be highlighted.

8

Awakening Africa Excellence Awards Gala Night at Plano Event Center, 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway, recognizing emerging businesses and supporting the success of African American businesses. 5pm 27

The Servpro First Responder Bowl is back in Dallas, TX on Dec. 27 at the Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Tickets are on sale now. All first responders are eligible for up to four free tickets to this year’s game. https://bit.ly/3NxokH3 #SFRB #EverydayHeroes

JANUARY

1

Dallas County Democrats 2023 Swearing-In Ceremony

NOIR

Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Awards Event

15-17

The African Business Lounge Interna tional Trade & Expo at the Plano Event Center, 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway, featuring workshops, vendors, keynote speakers, networking and more. 17

100 Black Men of Greater Dallas/Fort Worth, Inc. 25 Silver Anniversary Gala, 13340 Dallas Pkwy

Celebrate the New Year and our reelect ed and newly elected Dallas County Officials at the beautiful Tower Club downtown. While statewide elections didn’t go our way, Dallas County voters flipped three county seats red to blue, resulting in a Dallas County government that’s nearly all Democratic (one seat re maining out of more than 40) and more reflective of our county!

Time: 1:00-3:00 PM Tower Club 1601 Elm St 48th Floor Dallas, TX 75201

16

St. Philip’s School and Community Center will host its 23rd Annual Parrish Family Destiny Award Luncheon featuring a conversation with Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Sterling K. Brown, 11:30 am at the Hilton Anatole. The Student Showcase is from 10:3011:15 am.

Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo at Dallas African American Mu seum, 10a-6p Call 214-941-0110 for vendor information!

Doc Shep Speaks Show! A fresh perspective, but still entertaining! Welcome to The Doc Shep Speaks Show!!!. Tuesdays at 11 am. CST Live on Facebook/@TexasMet roNews, @fnsconsulting, and You Tube Live @docshepspeaks.

Send your calendar items to editor@texasmetronews.com or call 214-941-0110

The World According to Andrew on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.-10 am. CST. Sundays Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the call 646200-0459 on Andrew’s World.

I Was Just Thinking with Nor ma Adams-Wade “History Class is in Session” Join in on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am -1 pm. CST. Wednesdays. Join the conversation call 646-200-0459.

Lifestyle Metro Calendar powered by

DECEMBER

1

WORLD AIDS DAY

UTA FAFSA NIGHT

High school students and their families are invited to receive free assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Com pleting FAFSA is a requirement for receiving federal financial assistance to attend college. Assistance will be offered during FAFSA Night from 5 - 7 p.m. on the UTA campus.

2

benefiting: Awayoutproject.org. from 3-8 pm at Michael’s Las Coli nas, 925 W John Carpenter Freeway #100, Irving. Tickets: www.dfwso cial40.com 4

Family and Friends Day at New Birth Baptist Church, 444 W. Ledbetter

Nutcracker In person, On Demand, and Streaming 7 pm. at the Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm St. Dallas. Tickets: www. dbdt.com

14

Washington-Lincoln Alumni Asso ciation, JINGLE AND MINGLE Christ mas Luncheon, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, 800 North Main St, Duncanville at $35 Contact Veronica Mosley (214)415-7503 16

Robert Holbert Group at 5:30 pm host South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. Purchase Tickets: PayPal: southdallasbpwc.org or Zelle to: southdal las1954@yahoo.com

JANUARY

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023

105.7 Smooth Winter VII featuring Fantasia and Joe, with Special Guest RC Gritz at Texas Trust Theater at Grand Prairie 15

The R&B Kick Back featuring TYRESE, Anthony Hamilton and Donell Jones at Texas Trust Theater at Grand Prairie

Black Family Business Networking Event. Have you been searching for the right online community for you?

1st Black Family Business Network ing Event with Alicia Beatrice. From 6 to 7 pm CST. Online. Reg: http:// bit.ly/3UIu6Ix 3

Dallas Holiday Parade in the Down town Historic District at Main Street Gardens for the 6th Annual Family First Dallas Holiday Festival! 7:00am-3:00pm

Christy Dean’s How Many Frogs

Do I Have to F#@K to Get a Prince at 5 pm at the Mesquite Arts Center, 1527 N. Galloway Ave. Mesquite. Tickets: www.shadesofbrownt heatre.ticketleap.com/How-Ma ny_Frogs 6

A TASTE OF LOGISTICS

WOMEN MOVING THE WORLD

Listen to the knowledge and experiences of the women who found success in this field.

South Dallas Training Center, 4915 Brashear Avenue

ZOOM: Meeting ID: 857 3474 8062

Passcode: 658479 5-7pm 8

A TASTE OF LOGISTICS

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Learn the dos and don’ts of starting a business, banking, credit and more

South Dallas Training Center, 4915 Brashear Avenue

ZOOM: Meeting ID: 857 3474 8062

Passcode: 658479 5-7pm

10

Christmas Musical by DeSoto Parks and Recreation Dept. from 8 to 10 pm. at DeSoto Corner Theater 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd. DeSoto. Tickets: http://bit.ly/3EM8GEE

10-12

Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists presents

READ & BLACK

A Journalist’s Holiday Ella B’s , 1004 N. Collins, Arlington. 6-9 pm Partner: NBC5’s Black Employee Network and Just CHILL Sports Admission - Bring a book suitable for 2-18 years old, to benefit homeless youth at The Promise House 18

Holiday Scholarship Benefit Perfor mance with Rick Bernard James and

The MLK Comedy Kick-Off Corey Holcomb & Friends hosted by Tony Roberts at the Majestic Theatre 14

Drive

DBDT Presents The Espresso

BICA Legacy Weekend - Skyline Ranch 13

A TASTE OF LOGISTICS

TECH MOVING THE WORLD Technology makes the logistics industry more efficient. In this session, find out what that entails.

South Dallas Training Center, 4915 Brashear Avenue

ZOOM: Meeting ID: 857 3474 8062 Pass code: 658479 5-7pm

Ultimate Holi-Day/Night Party Toy Drive by DFW Social 40. Toy

Superb Women November 2022

Our Superb Women!

By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News

2021 was the "Year of the Woman," especially the Black Woman! For 10 months we dedicated this space to uplifting Black women and spread ing a message that we need to show love and empower people with love instead of destroying them with hate and disrespect. We celebrate Black Women and call them SUPERB! AND WE ARE KEEPING THE CELEBRATION GOING IN 2022!

her class, Ciera Johnson played college basketball at Texas A&M University, where she is a member of the 1000-point club, scoring 1,066 points and finished her career sixth in field goal percentage, while majoring in Human Resource Development. Ciera was selected with the No. 32 pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft. Ciera was named the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year (2021) and was also rated as the No. 1 post player in the 2016 recruiting class by ESPN HoopGurlz.

DR. FELICIA BLOW, APR

Dr. Felicia Blow, APR currently serves as Associate Vice President for Development at Hampton University.

CIERA JOHNSON

Ciera Johnson is a center for the Phoenix Mercury.

A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and numerous other business, economic development, and community service organizations, Dr. Felicia Blow, APR earned her bachelor’s degree in mass media arts from Hampton University; her master’s in business administration from Strayer University; and her doctorate in higher education administration from Old Dominion University. In 2012, Strayer University named Dr. Blow its Outstanding Alumna of the Year. She is also the 2022 Chair of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

ASHANTI BLAIZE-HOPKINS

After graduating from Duncanville (TX) High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated in the top 10 percent of

Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins is the first Black woman ever to hold the position of Vice President of the Society of Professional Journalists in the organization’s 113 year history.

A tenured professor of journalism at Santa Monica College, Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins was an adjunct instructor at USC and Assistant Director of Student Media at Loyola Marymount University. She co-founded Get Media PR, was a media relations consultant for The Harrell Group, adjunct professor at Richland College, and anchor reports at NBC 5Dallas, KLAS 8 News- TV and KFOX -TV. Ashanti served as President of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of Society of Professional Journalists. She received a B.A. Degree in Sociology from Columbia University and a Masters Degree in Journalism from the University of Miami.

JACQUETTA “JACKIE” ZIEGLER, MHA

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority member Jackie Ziegler is a businesswoman, philanthropist and humanitarian.

Cheryl Smith

A principal consultant with Zeigler Coaching & Consulting, Jackie Zeigler has been a vice president at QRx Medical Management, Medical City Plano and Medical City Arlington. She received a Bachelor of Psychology from Centenary College of Louisiana, a Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from Louisiana State University and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Trinity University. She also has studied at Harvard Business School Online. In 2017, Zeigler founded MPACT for Mankind and she is devoted to making this world a better place, through her works and deeds.

OPHELIA GREENE

Author, businesswoman and speaker, Ophelia Robertson Greene is there as a source of encouragement for those who have suffered pain.

Church. The epitome of grace, beauty, compassion and love, she is the recipient of the 2022 Leadership in Action Award presented at the First Ladies Bruncheon, benefitting the Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support. A native of St. Louis, MO., she was a cast member of the reality show Preachers Wives on Lifetime Television. She has served as the Executive Assistant to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, and also a 3rd Episcopal VP and 2nd Episcopal VP, in addition to chairing several ministries. She has served as chaplain of the LA Chapter of Jack and Jill Inc.

CRYSTAL JENKINS KING

Crystal Jenkins King is beauty and strength.

founder of The Love Kings. Crystal is a writer, speaker, producer, director and a “super blogger.” Additionally she was a Pink Together Survivor Ambassador for General Mills.

EMILY MICHELLE BLUE

Emily Michelle Blue lives by the principle of being well from the inside out.

The Office Manager at Grissett Enterprises McDonalds, Ophelia Robertson Greene is a Grambling State University alum, graduating with a degree in accounting after pledging the Delta Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. A charter member of the Metropolitan Dallas Alumnae Chapter, she received her Masters Degree in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. A native of Amite, LA, she has worked as the comptroller at Park Cities Presbyterian Church and business administrator at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. Previously she worked as an accountant at Arco Oil and Gas Company. Ophelia established a non profit 501(c)(3) organization, Annies Gifts of Love Charitable Foundation, as a funding source to support and encourage survivors of domestic violence. Find out more at www.anniesgiftsoflove. org.

YVETTE R. WILLIAMS

First Lady Yvette R. Williams is definitely leadership in action!

A wife, mother and entrepreneur, Yvette R. Williams is the First Lady of Smith Chapel AME

Crystal King hails from Albany, GA , graduating from Westover High School and attended Valdosta State University, and graduated from Albany State University before attending UTA, where she received her MBA and a graduate certificate in Asian Business Studies. Currently the National Vice President, Creative at American Heart Association where she was also Multicultural Marketing National Director, she worked as the Sr. Manager of Philanthropy at JCPenney and also enjoyed a stint at Susan G. Komen. A breast cancer survivor, this wife and mother is the CEO and co-

She is the founder and president of EMB Chrysalis Foundation and also the CEO/Founder and Certified Life & Wellness Coach at Fx3 Coaching, LLC. The creator and show host at Brand New Day with Emily Blue, she hails from Dallas. In addition to attending Texas A&M University- Commerce to study curriculum & instruction, Emily graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and studied Journalism and Broadcast News at SMU, graduating in 2000. A Plus-Size Pageant winner, Ms Black Dallas 2012; she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a longtime member of the National Association of Black Journalists. A former educator, Emily has purpose, passion, promise, patience, persistence and a wonderful personality!

LATASHA CUMMINGS

Latasha Cummings is the founding Executive Director of We aRe Her Leadership Academy for young ladies eight and up. A successful entrepreneur, she is the owner operator of Tea N Tee Party Rentals, LLC and President and CEO of Peaches Party Package. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from Mansfield Business College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health Services Administration from Spelman College. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Latasha is an award-winning, best-selling author. She is also a member of the National Council of Negro Women (Minnie H Goodlow Page Section - served as 1st vice president), Top Ladies Of Distinction and Order of Eastern Star.

DENISE STRICKLAND, ED.D. Dr. Denise Strickland is the President and Executive Director of Design Connect Create.

Pepsico Food Systems and an auditor for Coopers and Lybrand. She received her BS Degree in Accounting from the University of North Texas and her MA Degree in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. A member of the Leadership Dallas Class of 1999, Candace is interested in civil rights and social action, education, humanitarian efforts, poverty alleviation and social services.

LAVEETA VAUGHN

LaVeeta Vaughn has the natural ability to identify emotional stressors while comfortably giving families the desire to improve their current situations.

College. She then received a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University. LaVeeta has a heart for the work she does and she is totally committed.

DR. ETHEL BAYLEY SCRUGGS

Dr. Denise Strickland has enjoyed stints at Arkansas Department of Education, Tulsa Public Schools, Garland Independent School District, Pearson Inc., Tom Joyner Online Education, The Potter’s House, LeTourneau University, Girl Scouts of NE Texas, Argosy University and Arlington ISD. She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education (Early Childhood/ElementaryEducation) and Elementary Administration/Elementary Principalship at Arkansas State University, respectively; and a Doctorate of Education from Oral Roberts University.

CANDACE GRAY

A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Candace Gray is a true servant leader.

The senior director at Buckner Children and Family Services, Candace Gray is focused and committed. In addition to owning Gray Consulting Group, she was a senior program manager for the Foundation for Community Empowerment, a financial analyst for

LaVeeta Hamilton is the executive director of Family Promise of Collin County. Previously she served as program director of the Assistance Center of Collin County. In partnership with churches and other organizations, LaVeeta organized the back to school and Christmas programs, providing free school supplies along with Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts for over 500 children in Collin County. She also worked at Rebuilding Together and LifePath Systems. Laveeta received an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Metropolitan Community

An independent consultant, Dr. Ethel Bayley Scruggs attended Virginia Union University where she received her BS in Elementary Education and Teaching and then a MS in Education from Brooklyn College. She taught for New York City Public Schools and Miami Dade County Public Schools. She also enjoyed a stint at Paul Quinn College and Texas College. A servant-leader, Dr. Scruggs is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a leader in the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., and the AME Church.

First Lady Melonye Batson is known for her “dynamic, inspiring and anointed ministry in music and teaching.”

FIRST LADY MELONYE BATSON

An electrifying worship leader, mother, inspirational speaker, advocate for youth and entrepreneur, she is the First Lady of Red Oak Faith Fellowship Church, where she is the Ministry Leader for Music, Vision Women, Intercessory Prayer. First Lady Batson has mentored many women, students, and married couples with her music ministry and spiritual development training. Those who know her are familiar with the phrase she coined, “It’s not authentic worship, if there is still room for doubt and fear of judgement.”

DONA GASSAWAY MITCHELL

She and her sister, Dona, are the daughters and granddaughters of identical twins! A grandmother, like her sister, she is deeply grounded in her faith and family is definitely a priority! An educator, author, performer and writer, Rona’s creative juices are always flowing.

Over the decades, Rona has focused a lot of her attention on youth. She is about lifting as she climbs and educating the masses. Dallas’ own Rona is special in so many ways and if her intellect and heart were not enough, there is the beauty of her smile, which we’d like to say is like none other, but actually it is. It is like her beautiful sister, who when she looks at, is like looking in a mirror; so vibrant and endearing as well as captivating and encouraging.

ALISA SIMMONS

Doctor degree from South Texas School of Law. LaDeitra is a past chair of the Juvenile Justice Committee and the 6A Grievance Committee. She founded Candidate Connection Group, a campaign consulting firm whose clients shared her values, her dedication to fairness, her respect for others and a respect for the rule of law while insisting on efficiency of the process. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority she is a mother, soccer coach and Girl Scout Troop leader.

VONDA BAILEY

Dona Gassaway Mitchell is the CEO and Founder of the DGM Foundation, Inc. A performing, literary and visual artist, she is also an artistic director, author, event manager, screenwriters, playwright, poet, talent scout and storyteller. In addition to working as a truancy coordinator for Lancaster ISD, she was the International Truancy President for the International Association for Truancy and Dropout Prevention. A child advocate, this identical twin about being THAT voice and being the CHANGE.

RONA GASSAWAY JACKSON

Born in Austin, TX, Alisa Simmons is a mother, entrepreneur, community activist and soon to be elected official, having just won a seat on the Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court. The J. H. Reagan High School graduate received her degree in journalism from Texas Woman’s University and worked for KNOK, KHVN, KRLD, WFAA, and NBC5 in various positions. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she served on the Arlington Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, Chisholm Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross Board of Directors, YMCA Arlington Board of Directors. Alisa currently serves as President of the Arlington NAACP, First Vice President of Texas NAACP and a member of the ACLU of Texas Board of Directors.

LADEITRA ADKINS

LaDeitra Adkins is a family law practitioner with a heart for social justice and helping others. Like her grandmother, she has lived a life of service. A graduate of Dallas’ Skyline High School, LaDeitra received a BS in Criminal Justice at Prairie View A&M, and her Juris

Vonda Bailey is a native of Dallas, where she is the managing partner of the Law Office of Vonda Bailey, PLLC., providing legal assistance in family law. A member of the Lancaster Church of Christ. She is a proud graduate of David W. Carter High School and received both her bachelor and masters degree from UTA. Vonda graduated in 2014 from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. A definite community servant and leader, Vonda is dedicated to building her communities, one family at a time. Beyond Vonda’s leadership achievements, her family is the center of her life. Vonda is a wife and mother. And she is now Judge-Elect!

Congresswoman Karen Bass is a proud daughter of Los Angeles. She was raised with three brothers in the Venice/Fairfax area of Los Angeles. In 1990, in response to the crack-cocaine and gang violence crisis that was gripping Los Angeles, Karen founded the Community Coalition. She is a leading figure on foster care, founding the Los Angeles-based National Foster Youth Institute, which advocates for the more than 400,000 foster youth in America.Karen has represented Los Angeles in both Sacramento and Washington, DC for more than 14 years. A graduate of Hamilton High School, Cal State Dominguez Hills and the University of Southern California, she worked as a nurse, Physician Assistant, and clinical instructor at USC. And, she was just elected Mayor of Los Angeles!

SANDRA DORSEY MALONE

as a teacher at Frazier and Bushman Elementary Schools. She also worked in several areas in DISD before being appointed Court Auditor by the Honorable Barefoot Sanders, Judge, U.S. District Court. A dedicated volunteer, Sandra is a member of The Links, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. In 2006 she was inducted into the African American Education Archives and History Hall of Fame.

PAT MAYS

The Honorable Mavis Knight has spent a lifetime contributing to education and her community. A graduate of North Carolina Central University, with BA and MA degrees in Psychology; this member of Links, Inc. has served on the board of directors of a number of organizations including Girl’s Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas; Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce; Dallas Women’s Foundation; Youth Services Advisory Board; the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin; Jacob’s Ladder and Visiting Nurse Association of Texas; member of the Board of Directors for Education is Freedom. She was a 2011 inductee into the African American Educators Hall of Fame.

LEONDA KELLEY

A graduate of Moore High School, Sandra attended Prairie View A&M College. She became a physical education teacher at Wallace High School in Abilene before moving to Dallas where she served

A real estate broker, Pat Mays is the owner of Pat Mays Realtors. Graduate of the University of North Texas, she graduated from Lincoln High School in Dallas. A long-time educator and advocate for children, Pat is a former principal in Dallas Independent School District. She served as an educator in the Garland and Dallas ISD. She is a veteran of 12 years in the classroom, assistant principal and 11 years as principal of Frederick Douglass and Leslie Stemmons elementary schools. Active in community and civic affairs, served as president of the Metroplex Association of Realtors. She is a servant leader and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Pat is a wife, mother and grandmother.

HONORABLE MAVIS KNIGHT

Hailing from Dallas, Leonda Kelley is a graduate of Justin F. Kimball High School. She received a BS in Community Health at Southern New Hampshire University. She also studied at Dallas Baptist University and Austin Peay State University.

Leonda is the Sr. Program Director at Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. She is an experienced Wellness Director with a demonstrated history of working in the health wellness and fitness industry.

HON. JOAN TARPLEY

The owner of Tarpley Dispute Resolutions, Judge Joan Tarpley hails from Dallas and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. A graduate of Dillard University, she studied law at SMU after serving in the Peace Corps. Considered a legend, she is the first African American woman to practice law in Dallas County, first African American judge to serve as a County Court at Law Judge in Dallas and first African American Woman to be appointed as a District Judge in Dallas County. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she is a past president of the

A graduate of MacArthur High School, LaToya Hardaway studied Psychology at East Texas State University and she also attended the University of Dallas Graduate School of Management. Latoya is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. For almost 15 years she has been a marketing agent for Kauwuane Burton Photography. She has also worked as a journalist, with an emphasis on sports.

HON. KATHLYN GILLIAM

Honorable Kathlyn Gilliam was the first African American female elected member of DISD Board of Trustees. Served 23 years and was elected President. Even before her tenure as a DISD trustee, she was a political activist, serving as the president of the thensegregated Dallas City Council PTA school board in the 1960s and as the secretary of the Texas Congress of Colored PTAs in the 1970s. She also was one of the many plaintiffs in a leading federal case to desegregate Dallas public schools and a founding

member of the Political Congress of African-American Women. A founder of the Clean South Dallas/Fair Park, Inc., a school is named in her honor.

years. She taught all levels of music in DISD for 34 years. Her choirs at South Oak Cliff H.S. consistently earned excellent and superior ratings in local and UIL competitions. She became Coordinator of Fine Arts and Choir Director at Paul Quinn College and is Musical Director of the South Dallas Concert Choir. Hailing from Como, TX, she received a BS in Music from Bishop College and a Masters Degree from SMU.

DICKERSON

Dr. Janice Ingram served as a member of the DeSoto ISD Board for 12 years; six as President and two as Board Secretary. For two of those years, she was the only African American and female member. Under her leadership, the largest bond program passed by the school or city ($116 million) enabled the District to charter the DeSoto ISD Education Foundation, and established High School, College and Career Academies. She is the V.P. of Operations at The Healthcare Rehab Group. Hailing from Denison, TX., she received her doctoral degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

JOWANDA JORDAN

Jowanda Jordan was the VOICE! She served the Dallas community as music educator, choir director and church musician at Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church and Bethany Baptist Church for more than 50

She’s the gift that keeps on giving! After a rich and rewarding career in the Dallas ISD where she designed and implemented a model early childhood education for three and four year olds at the Jimmie Tyler Brashear Early Childhood Center; Evelyn Dickerson continued her life of service. She ended up at Paul Quinn College where her presence was felt by everyone who entered the campus. She has volunteered in numerous youth serving organizations including the United Negro College Fund, “Build a Home Library Program.” She is the Community Relations Outreach Coordinator for Eddie Deen & Company Catering.

Dallas Alumnae Chapter. Judge Tarpley is definitely one for the history books!

LATOYA HARDAWAY

HON. DR. JANICE INGRAM

EVELYN