I Messenger 2-18-22

I MESSENGER VOL XI NO 24 FEBRUARY 18, 2022

Channing Hill shows leadership at Howard

I Messenger An IMM LLC Publication

City honors civil rights legend

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

February 18, 2022

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(From left) Candace Thompson, board chair of the Friends of Juanita Craft House and Museum, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, Christa Sanford, president of Junior League of Dallas, Ella Goode Johnson, Chairwoman of the Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission of the City of Dallas and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., pose with the proclamation of Juanita Craft Day during an event honoring Craft’s legacy and her 120th Birthday at City Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, in Dallas, TX. Credit: Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer

By Sriya Reddy The city of Dallas proclaimed Feb. 9 as Juanita Craft Day to honor the civil rights activist on her 120th birthday as efforts to restore her South Dallas home move forward.

Craft led civil rights activism in Dallas from about 1950 until her death in 1985.

She advocated for integration in Dallas, including at the State Fair, and organized numerous NAACP youth chapters throughout Texas. Much of her work educating youth was done right in her own backyard.

Candace Thompson is the board chair of the Friends of Juanita Craft House and Museum. Thompson said that she felt seen through Craft’s work.

“She was a forerunner before all of us, before our city was ready to embrace inclusivity,” Thompson said. “I think it’s beautiful to see all the things that she did start to come to fruition.”

One of Craft’s last wishes was for her home to continue to be a place of learning and become a museum.

On Wednesday, the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs accepted a gift of $176,000 from the Junior League of Dallas, raised through private donations, for the restoration of the Juanita Craft Civil Rights House, which was damaged due to a flood in 2018. It is part of the $1.4 million in funding the Junior League has raised for the project so far.

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Thompson is looking forward to the renovation, but said that this work is more than just the house.

“With this house being restored, our hopes are that it also brings about revitalization, and growth, and development with the community moving forward,” she said.

At a ceremony issuing the proclamation, Mayor Eric Johnson said that during Black History Month especially, it’s important to recognize Dallas’ role in the civil rights movement.

“In this city, we’re going to acknowledge and celebrate our history,” Johnson said.

“We’re not going to forget our past. We’re going to embrace it and we’re going to learn from it. And I think we’re a better city for it.”

Adam Bazaldua, councilmember representing District 7, said that this day is not only to commemorate the work of Craft, but also to build upon and uplift South Dallas.

“It’s almost counterproductive for us to highlight a woman who fought her entire life to break those barriers if we allow for those barriers to continue to exist,” Bazaldua said. “So we’ve got to be proactive and aggressive at continuing to break those barriers down.”

This story, originally published in The Dallas Morning News, is reprinted as part of a collaborative partnership between The Dallas Morning News and Texas Metro News. The partnership seeks to boost coverage of Dallas’ communities of color, particularly in southern Dallas.

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INSIDE

QUIT PLAYIN’

ANN WILLIAMS BEING RECOGNIZED FOR ARTS

Whenever my children sit to write an obsequy on the life and times of their father, I pray that they remember to add my participation in the “Warriors.” For at least 10 years, we picketed at least six days a week, often several times per day.

From the depths of Africa to the soul of America, dance has been a rich part of the African- American culture.

The vibrant movements and depth of the rhythmic beat have been a strong source of expression throughout history.

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THE LAST WORD All too often, the Congressional Black Caucus gets a bad rap. What do they do, many ask. What have they recently accomplished? Are they leaning on their revolutionary origins, their founding in 1971? Have they become go-along to get-along politicians as usual?

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BIG MAMA SAID:

TRY ME AND YOU WILL REAP WHAT YOU SOW THE BLACK CARD BY TERRY ALLEN

When Lucille “Big Mama” Allen stood in the doorway between the kitchen and the “big room” and spoke from her playbook, this particular advisory, “TRY ME” turned our usually loud, noisy house immediately into an extremely quiet refuge. “TRY ME” was one of the few statements in Big Mama’s roster that was used by many women along my life journey.

When “Try me” was used, it was an automatic stance that meant you have tested me in the worst way and now you will see how that will affect you and your situation now and, also, in your immediate future.

NOW! What was lesson? Lucille “Big Mama” Allen clearly let us know what try me meant- To try someone is to test my patience, home, children, money, intelligence, and/or worth. In other words, you’re testing myimessenger.com

my limitations in a way that’s determined to be insulting, offensive and/or antagonizing.

Lucille “Big Mama” Allen platform was always steeped in the Biblical word. The reference, “Try me” always came with a Come-to-Jesus’ reference. She referred us to Hebrews 13:6 “So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”.

Now let me expand on how this enlightens others. For one, When Lucille “Big Mama” Allen stood in the doorway between the kitchen and the “big room” and spoke from her playbook. This particular advisory, TRY ME” turned the usually loud, noisy house immediately became extremely quiet. “TRY ME” was one of the few statements in Big Mama’s roster that was used by many women along my life journey. When “Try me” was used, it was an automatic stance that meant you have tested me in the worst way and now you will see how that will affect you and your situation now and in your immediate future.

Now let me expand on how this enlightens others. For one, “Try me” says, “I am

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stronger than ever and stronger than you ever will be” and “Touch my friends and family and I will rip you a new one” In these times of disinformation and emotional upheaval, I see all of us showcasing our “Try Me” moments when we hear untruths being said about us. Just a few days ago, I received a note of feedback that I was entirely responsible for something that I could not have influenced nor was I in the room when it happened. The good part is, I was Big Mama’s child and I had my tribe and my proof. The tribe and proof shut down the attack and my ‘Try Me” stance faded back into the background. The extended portion of the lesson is having a tribe and producing proof, so those purveyors of the lie will lose, email me your best “Try Me” moment at terryallenpr@gmail.com.

Family, I need you. Thank you, publisher Cheryl Smith, for my platform. Big Mama because of you, I have a tribe.

Terry Allen is a multi-media journalist and former board member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

February 18, 2022

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith Publisher

Every vote matters

I didn’t get to show love on Valentine’s Day, by casting my vote in the primary election.

Monday, February 14, 2022 was the first day of early voting and I wanted to walk into a polling location and cast my vote for the candidates of my choice.

No matter how long it took, I was going to go through every page, until the very end of the ballot, to make sure that I did my civic and moral duty.

I wanted to cast my vote for those who came before me and were denied; for those who will never vote because of interactions with a system that stripped them of that right; and, for those yet unborn who deserve to have people with decency and common sense making decisions about their future.

I missed that first day, and second; however it is my intent to not let this week come to an end without voting. Until I make it to the polls, I pray every day that I will make it to the polls because I would hate for some incompetent, ill-prepared, unconscionable and February 18, 2022

yes, unethical person to be elected because of my refusal to take advantage of the right to vote.

Critics or devil’s advocates would say that I voted before and we still ended up with incompetent, ill-prepared unconscionable and yes, unethical people in office.

True! You won’t get an argument here.

that if you vote, yours will too.

So, every day, I am having discussions about voting.

Sadly, there’s no difference in the young mother of three who has found herself dependent on government assistance and the college-educated man working in corporate America, or the homeless person living under the bridge. People of all walks of life are opting out of the process that is determining their very existence.

According to the secretary of state, 66% of 17 million registered Texas voters joined me at the polls, and that was pretty high for Texas!

Well, that was a presidential election! In contrast, although there was a significant increase during the midterm election in 2018, 46.3 should have and could have been better.

Fast forward to 2022 and folks are already predicting the turnout is going to be low.

People we can’t afford a low turnout.

I applaud Black Voters Matter

Which brings me to my truth.

Dr. Ben Chavis of the National Newspaper Publishers Association recently stressed the importance of voting, especially in Texas where we have been dealing with so many oppressive and racist laws.

I have to believe that every vote counts, that my vote counts, and

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and look forward to their efforts in Texas this week. Hopefully everyone will be just as engaged.

We need every able-bodied person voting.

We need every elected official out campaigning, even if they don’t have an opponent or they aren’t on the ballot.

Face it! You can’t dust off your “we need everybody voting” message only when you want people to vote for you!

The playbook is real. The struggle doesn’t stop. The issues must be addressed.

Furthermore, no matter how much you “don’t like politics,” you can’t hide or disengage yourself without consequences and repercussions.

Efforts to encourage people to go to the polls can’t be minimized or stymied. We have to remain vigilant and focused. We have to be encouraging and supportive, while also informative and non-judgmental.

No matter what!

We have to get out the vote, because every vote does matter! myimessenger.com

Tarrant County student wins NAACP Image Award Youth advocate to be recognized for sit-in on Howard campus

Attorney and Howard students prepare for a media briefing, announcing the ending of the protest, with Roland Martin Unfiltered

By Rebecca Aguilar Texas Metro News

When Channing Hill graduates from Howard University in 2023, she knows she will leave the campus a better place for future students.

Hill, along with three other coeds, led #BlackburnTakeover, a 34-day sit-in in which more than 100 Howard students occupied the Washington, D.C. campus’ Blackburn myimessenger.com

University Center from Oct. 12 through Nov. 14, 2021.

The students complained that Howard’s dorms were unlivable, infested with rodents, prone to repeat flooding and were past due for remediation of mold.

During the protest, dozens of students abandoned their dorm rooms and camped outside in tents on the grounds of the Blackburn Center.

Channing said the students’

protest was born of necessity.

“Protests have a role and create change,” said Channing, 20, who is president of Howard’s NAACP student chapter. “Protests serve as something that shine a light in the dark; but to keep that light on, you have to continue the work.”

Channing’s work with the protest is being recognized later this month during the 53rd NAACP Image Awards,

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which will broadcast live at 6 p.m. Central time on BET. She will be honored with the “Youth Activist of the Year” award.

The award recognizes all Howard University students who dared do something about their on-campus living conditions, Channing said.

“This is not just an award for me. This is an award for us.

It’s our achievement, our sacrifice,” she said. “The 34 days February 18, 2022

that we went and struggled, and for all of us who took a failing grade last semester.”

Channing’s father, Clarence E. Hill, Jr., said his daughter is his hero.

“It’s humbling, inspiring and invigorating when your children can become your heroes,” he said. “I’m proud and thankful because I know the commitment she has to the

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cause and the work she put in.

“I’ve always admired Channing’s will and determination to fight for what she thinks is right and to speak her truth to power.”

The Howard University protest began last fall when a handful of students requested to meet with the university’s president, Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, regarding their

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concerns over mold growing in student dormitories.

The complaint was a decades-old one: Howard students had protested similar concerns in 2001 and again in 2017.

When Dr. Frederick agreed to meet with some campus leaders, whom protesters claimed he had hand-picked, but refused to meet with others, Hill and her peers staged the “Blackburn Takeover” sitin, the longest student protest in Howard’s history.

The sit-in was a rallying call heard across the country and around the world: Daily updates on the sit-in went viral on social media under its own hashtag. The movement sparked similar protests for quality housing on other historically Black college and university campuses across the nation.

Meanwhile, national news media outlets covered the students’ concerns. Civil rights leaders visited the campus.

Politicians on Capitol Hill joined the conversation. Rapper Gucci Mane declined to perform during Howard’s storied homecoming week, in

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solidarity with the protesting students.

Initially, it did not appear that university administrators would address the students’ concerns, Channing said.

“Jesse Jackson came and went. Cory Booker came and went. Elizabeth Warren tweeted; and the news cycle came and went,” said Channing, a junior who graduated from Euless’ Trinity High School.

“Still, the school was stagnant.”

On Day 34 of the protest, however, the school’s administrators signed an agreement effectively meeting the students’ demands – and promising them they would not be expelled from school or otherwise disciplined for their organization and participation in the sit-in. myimessenger.com

Still, Channing, said she is unsatisfied that housing problems continue to arise at Howard, despite the students’ protest. On the day she spoke with Texas Metro News, she said a Howard dorm flooded.

“Did we get everything we wanted? Absolutely not. Are we satisfied with what we got?

Absolutely not,” Channing said. “Do we feel that students are safer in the immediate meantime? Yes.” Valerie Fields Hill, is not surprised by her daughter’s tenacity and courage to speak out on issues she feels are unfair.

Her mother remembers Channing finding her voice as a child when she was often among the few Black girls in her classroom - and was bullied.

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Channing Hill

Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick

“She became tired of having to explain herself,” her mother said. “She was tired of being called names.”

According to her mother, by the time Channing reached high school, she had found her purpose. “By then, she had well developed a strong

sense of advocacy.”

Channing said she gained strength and determination from her mother, and she hopes to have the same inner peace someday.

“Even in really hard times, she has this unyielding faith that it will be okay,” Channing

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said. “I try to emulate that, but I have not mastered it.”

It was her father who she learned confidence from.

“My dad is the type of person that can talk to anybody.

He walks into a room with confidence,” she said, adding that she got charisma from both her parents.

Channing plans to travel to Los Angeles to accept the NAACP Image Award later this month and she is glad her parents will be at her side.

When she accepts the award, she said she’ll make sure the world knows she and her peers are proud to be Howard students and for what they accomplished for future generations of coeds.

“This is us being recognized (and them) saying ‘You did a good job and you did the right thing’.”

After graduation, Channing plans to attend Howard University Law School. She wants to become a defense attorney for juvenile offenders.

February 18, 2022

CMS Administrator Makes History

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire A White House photo featuring dozens of African American members of the Biden-Harris administration circulated the internet during the opening days of Black History Month, and one would be hard-pressed to find anyone as proud as Chiquita Brooks-LaSure.

The first Black woman to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Brooks-LaSure offered the brightest smile when mentioning the historic photo that featured Vice President Kamala Harris and a host of Black staffers who help push the administration’s work forward.

“I’m so proud and really moved,” the Philadelphia-born Brooks-LaSure asserted.

“When I got nominated, I heard from women across the country, and I didn’t realize how meaningful it would be for so many people for me to sit in this chair,” she continued.

“I have older women and younger women come up to me and say how proud they are.

That really fuels me to want to use this role in a way to change people’s lives, and I feel so grateful for that opportunity.”

“The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) resolutely salutes and congratulates Chiquita Brooks-LaSure for her outstanding leadership at Health and Human Services (HHS) CMS. We look forward to expanding the partnership between CMS and the NNPA. Medicare and Medicaid are vital to the present and future of African Americans and other communities of color,” affirmed Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr, NNPA President and CEO. A former policy official who February 18, 2022

played a crucial role in guiding the Affordable Care Act – or Obamacare – through passage and implementation, Brooks-LaSure enjoys decades of experience working in government and the private sector.

As deputy director for policy at the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight, and earlier at the Department of Health & Human Services as director of coverage policy, Brooks-LaSure led the agency’s implementation of Obamacare coverage and insurance policy provisions.

She assisted the House of Representatives leaders in passing several healthcare laws, including the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, as part of the Democratic staff for the House’s Ways and Means Committee.

As administrator for CMS, Brooks-LaSure oversees programs that include Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the HealthCare.gov health insurance marketplace.

“I was born in Philadelphia, raised in New Jersey, and have been living in Virginia for a big chunk of my life,” said LaSure, who’s married with a young daughter.

“I was always interested in policy from a young age,” she explained.

“When I was in graduate school, I had a friend who I took health policy and social policy, and she really got me on the healthcare policy track.

I always said, ‘once you start on health, you never look back because there’s no policy area that has the ability to touch so many lives, especially in the federal government.”

The COVID-19 pandem-

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ic has upped the pressure on CMS and other agencies, but Brooks-LaSure recalled similarities to when the ACA became law.

“The ACA was born out of a difficult time,” she recalled.

Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the first Black woman to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

“Before we passed the law, not everyone thought we should focus on health policy.

We had the Great Recession, and one of the pieces of people’s financial security was healthcare because one out of every three bankruptcies resulted from medical costs.

“So, it became imperative to pass the ACA, and I think we’re at the same moment today. The pandemic has made it more difficult in terms of wanting to do so many things with healthcare policy.”

Brooks-LaSure asserted that Americans now have a greater appreciation of why healthcare is vital and why the uninsured and those not having access to vaccines and drug treatments affect everyone.

“I think people have seen health disparities at a different level,” she stated.

“I think we now have an opportunity to address those [disparities] if we seize this moment.”

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She told NNPA Newswire that a record 14.5 million signed up for 2022 health care coverage during the enrollment period.

“Investing in financial assistance and outreach allows more people to have access to the care that they need,” Brooks-LaSure stated.

As part of Vice President Kamala Harris’s Call to Action to Reduce Maternal Mortality and Morbidity, HHS, through CMS, has taken steps to improve maternal health and support the delivery of equitable, high-quality care for pregnancy and postpartum care.

CMS has proposed a “Birthing-Friendly” designation to drive perinatal health outcomes and maternal health equity improvements.

According to a release, the designation would initially identify hospitals that provide perinatal care, participate in a maternity care quality improvement collaborative, and implement recommended patient safety practices.

CMS has also encouraged states to take advantage of the American Rescue Plan’s option to provide 12 months of postpartum coverage to pregnant individuals enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP. Brooks-LaSure said history would ultimately smile upon the unprecedented diversity.

“I think that representation matters so much, and we will have changed this country because so many of us are in these roles with our diverse perspectives strengthen policymaking,” Brooks-LaSure said. “The more you have people who come from different experiences, you make stronger and better policies and making sure the next generation see they can sit in these roles.” myimessenger.com

Lorenzo: NOJNOP! QUIT PLAYIN’

BY VINCENT L. HALL

Whenever my children sit to write an obsequy on the life and times of their father, I pray that they remember to add my participation in the “Warriors.”

For at least 10 years, we picketed at least six days a week, often several times per day.

They don’t have to belabor the point, but that season of my life still brings me great pride. Whenever I see Blacks, Browns, and women in the C-suites of local police departments, or a Black Fire Chief with a diverse team, my heart swells.

At every instance where my eyes fall upon Channel 8’s “Unapologetically Black” Tashara Parker, rocking her sassiness in whatever hairstyle she wants, spitting the “King’s English to the Queen’s taste,” it validates every sacrifice. The early rising, inclimate weather, and being cursed by the general public was taxing.

When I drop my daughter at Townview or see the wave of diversity at DISD that replaced a lily-white arrogance that served neither white folks nor folks of color... I feel good about “two-stepping” in those intersections to exhaust the full 90 seconds the law allowed us to cross the street.

We slowed traffic and accelerated justice.

The truth is, for the balance of 10 years, we shut down streets as we confronted DPD, DFD, Channels 4, 5, 8, and 11, myimessenger.com

Parkland and DISD, and other racist institutions.

Hell, we even got kicked out of Northpark Mall one time.

If you think fighting city hall is rough, it’s because you’ve never faced those bastards in corporate America. Them business boys are gangsta!

The Warriors had to fight racism and pessimism on the street, on the job and sometimes in the hood. The Dallas power structure summoned

another brother who made our two to eight-hour shifts bearable.

“Lorenzo Gray, a smooth, dark-skinned brother with his trademark cap and dark shades, was hell on a bullhorn.

He was more rhythmically revolutionary, but his preachments would always go “next level” when the Warriors felt the sting of an attack. Lorenzo could go from public policy to personalized punishments.

dence, syncopation, and ability to create a hard beat with no drums were unbelievable. He made time move swifter and eased the tensions of everyone in earshot.

But there were some days when raw emotions, rank adrenaline, and therapy didn’t matter. If you caught John Wiley and the Warriors on a bad day, it was going to get ugly; it was “going down like four flat tires on a Cadillac.”

No Justice, No Peace, No Justice, No Peace.

You redneck white folks, and you Uncle Tom Negroes.

In the land of the beast, No Justice, no peace.

No Justice, No Peace! (NOJNOP)

weak-backed Uncle Toms and “wish they were White” Latinos to deride us publicly.

But we just kept coming. We worked as a team and as individuals to fight anything and anybody who threatened our “inalienable rights.” The inalienable rights that God gave and the Founding Fathers felt charged to disseminate at their discretion There will be more stories in my book coming soon. But today, for the record on local Black history, you can get a glimpse of what’s to come.

Of course, you know names like John Wiley Price, but this snippet will introduce you to

He could switch gears and go from comical to caustic.

Lorenzo did some freestyling, but he never veered from the mandates of call and response. The Warriors were forced to keep a trained eye on their surroundings while keeping with the beat. He was like a metronome with spikes.

Lorenzo could cut you in rhyme and rhythm.

His voice would never quiver, and his volume never failed. He was a cascade of words and well-placed inflections that punctuated his purpose. Lorenzo created freedom verses a-la-carte as we were in the streets. The ca-

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Lorenzo Gray

Lorenzo imposed his will on our emotions, but he always made us better.”

Lorenzo’s antics on the mic merely mimicked Dr. King’s lifelong cry, “True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice.” No Justice, No Peace! (NOJNOP) The Warriors are proud of the tension we put on this community. It made a difference, and I pray that Erinn, Alison, and Hailee don’t ever forget my part in it.

If he’s available, have Lorenzo lead a few lines of NOJNOP! Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

February 18, 2022

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February 18, 2022

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February 18, 2022

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In Remembrance of

Our History and Faith FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW I am always grateful for the opportunity to share my story.

Recently I had the pleasure of speaking to youth and adults who were involved in the Denton Chapter of the Links.

The topic was social justice, and I shared my experiences starting as a teenager in Shreveport, Louisiana marching with Dick Gregory in the evenings to address drugs and violence in our community in the 80s.

I shared about being involved on campus at the University of Texas at Arlington as the President of the NAACP advocating for more Black and Brown faculty and students.

Due to our efforts, we were awarded two years in a row, Outstanding College Chapter in the nation. I elaborated on my work in my mid to late twenties working at the South Dallas Cultural Center, the African American Museum and Mrs. Juanita Craft’s House and how those experiences shaped me.

I would have never thought that years later, I would be working at the State Fair of Texas, the same place that Mrs. Craft integrated!

In my role at the Fair, I have been dedicated to changing the narrative in philanthropy to ensure that small, grassroots organizations led by people of color are supported. myimessenger.com

More than 70% of the organizations we have funded are led by people of color. This is significant when the average for funding organizations led by people of color is dismal.

I recognize that my efforts are important and yet, it is because I stand on the shoulders of individuals like my parents, like Juanita Craft, Ida B. Wells, and so many others. I will nev-

The Bible mentions the word remember more than two hundred times. There is something powerful about remembering. Forgetting is not only dangerous but debilitating. Repeatedly, God reminds the Israelites to remember their struggle: Then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of

People of faith must also not forget who we are in God. As we struggle with injustice on so many levels, we must remember who God is and what God says about us.

We live in a remarkably interesting time and despite what people may say or do, we cannot forget who we serve and what God has done for us. er forget what they have done, and Black History Month is just a reminder to all of us of the efforts of those who came before us and that the work must continue.

It is unfortunate when we choose to forget because it is painful. Deciding not to include books in a library should not stop us from instructing our children and advocating for changes in our communities.

Parents are their children’s first teachers.

Just as we are demanding that schools recognize our history, our homes should also be places of learning to ensure that our children have the knowledge they need to succeed. We must be committed to remembering.

the house of slavery. (Deuteronomy 6:12) And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. (Deuteronomy 8:2) Why is remembering important? It allows us to make informed decisions. Marcus Garvey, founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (and so much more) stated, “A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”

Without roots, you are not

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able to sustain life. You cannot grow. You are disconnected.

As we celebrate Black History Month, we cannot afford the delusional and irresponsible acts of others stop us from being committed to learning and celebrating the rich past of our ancestors, the work of our current day heroes and sheroes and our legacy of movers and shakers that are making a difference for a better future.

People of faith must also not forget who we are in God. As we struggle with injustice on so many levels, we must remember who God is and what God says about us. We live in a remarkably interesting time and despite what people may say or do, we cannot forget who we serve and what God has done for us.

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

(Psalm 77:11) “Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” (Isaiah 46:9) We cannot forget God’s goodness and faithfulness.

We must choose to remember in a world that would like to erase and forget.

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

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Ann Williams Still Being Recognized for Continuous Contributions to the Arts From the depths of Africa to the soul of America, dance has been a rich part of the AfricanAmerican culture. The vibrant movements and depth of the rhythmic beat have been a strong source of expression throughout history. As we celebrate Black History Month, this cultural richness is shared by the founder of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT), Ann Williams.

Although it has been almost 8 years since she retired from DBDT, Williams remains active on the Board of Directors of DBDT. She is also actively involved with the International Association of Blacks in Dance, Prairie View University Alumnae Association, Board of Directors of Ursuline Academy of Dallas and Advisory Board Member of The Martin Luther King Center in Dallas.

Ann Williams

Williams as a Dallas History maker recently received the Lifetime Achievement Arts Award presented by the Business Council for the Arts.

The Business Council for the February 18, 2022

Zenetta Drew, Nancy Nasher and Ann Williams

Arts encourages, inspires, and stimulates businesses and municipalities to support the arts in the workplace, in education, and in the community.

She was a member of the first arts leadership class in 1988, founded by the late Raymond Nasher, who was a well-known and respected art collector, real estate developer and banker.

Williams said, “It has been my life’s work to build a lasting institution with its foundations in choreographic excellence and the talents of Black dancers. Now in our 45th anniversary year, Dallas Black Dance Theatre continues to change lives and impact communities, buoyed by new generations of artists and supporters. I am so pleased of the present leadership team at DBDT, Melissa Young, Artist Director and Zenetta Drew, Executive Director.”

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Williams grew DBDT from a community-based organization and a semi-professional organization to a fully professional dance company recognized as the fourth largest black dance company in the nation. DBDT tours annually throughout the state, nationally and internationally.

During its history, the company has performed in 31 states, 16 countries, and on five continents.

Zenetta Drew, the executive director of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, nominated Williams for this prestigious award. Drew said, “Ann Williams is a visionary extraordinaire who inspires everyone and everything she touches.

She taught me that with passion, commitment, and hard work, your dreams are just unrealized realities.”

Williams is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,

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Inc., Trinity Chapter of The Links, Inc., Dallas Chapter Associates of Jack and Jill of America, Lifetime member of NAACP, and the Black Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout her life, Williams has placed a high value on education. She is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University and was the first African American to receive a Master of Arts Degree in Dance and Related Arts from Texas Woman’s University. She holds a certificate in Arts Management from Texas A&M University, she has received an honorary degree, Doctor of Humanities from Northwood University, and in May 2008 was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Dance from TWU. At the age of 84, Williams enjoys playing bridge and is currently working on her autobiography. myimessenger.com

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ACCESS, JUSTICE AND EQUALITY FOR ALL

192ND CIVIL DISTRICT COURT

POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID FOR BY THE TRACIE M. SHELBY FOR JUDGE CAMPAIGN, TREASURER ROBIN STEVENS

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February 18, 2022

Call issued to Support Black Businesses Buy Black!

When Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, of Friendship-West Baptist Church, announced 100 Days of Buying Black in acknowledging the 100th Commemoration of the Tulsa Race Massacre, we joined the movement. 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.

Dr. Frederick D.Haynes III

Ms.Harris’ love for living a life with a bold personality; which is displayed through her brand. She has frames, apparel, and her Limited Edition Collection,”A Gurl… Our homage & honor to the Beautiful Journey of Womanhood.” She said she adopted the mindset to “live in color,” meaning: live fearlessly bold, live humbly confident, and live as your truest self.” Check out her portfolio at https://www.agurlandherbrush.com/ You’ll enjoy the experience and you can also participate in some fun activities.

THE BLACK DOLLAR STORE

cheesecake places in Texas; serving customers top - notch desserts. For more information about the company, valscheesecakes.com or call 469 - 776 - 8044.

SHE’S HAPPY HAIR

VAL’S CHEESECAKE

The Black Dollar Store is a Black owned and operated company catering to our community with affordable products. The Black Dollar Store team strives daily to bring quality and affordable products. From each order they donate a percentage to a Black Owned Charity Foundation.

“Giving back to our community and keeping the Black Dollar within our community, is very important for us. We love our Black Dollar Family. ” www. theblackdollarstore.com

TEN EIGHTTEEN

Ten Eightteen Plus Size is a reputable fashion clothing store committed to offering customers the best in clothing. myimessenger.com

They sell the most recent and most fashionable brands and stock dozens of different cloth styles by sourcing top quality clothes from the leading brands. With quality clothing online they furnish customers with their latest arrivals via their website. They offer free shipping for orders that are above 75$ and are within continental US. We do this because we take it as our responsibility to help our customers get the bulk orders they have made from us.

Check Ten Eightteen out at http://www. teneightteen.com/ or contact them at teneightteen10@gmail.com

A GURL AND HER BRUSH

682-302-2277 www.agurlandherbrush.com Meet Laresha Harris, owner of A Gurl and Her Brush. This brand started from

Owner: Valery Jean - Bart 469 - 776 - 8044 2820 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Tx Desserts are an obsession food; from the smells, layers and taste, plus, the endless ways to make flavors you enjoy come to life with each bite. Valery Jean - Bart is the owner of Val’s Cheesecake, which is considered one of the best

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She’s Happy Hair is a veteran operated, Black-owned business that recognized a void in the hair industry.

There was a huge demand for highquality, yet affordable human hair extensions, and co-founders and U.S. military veterans, Warren Broadnax and Marcus Bowers formed She’s Happy Hair in 2012. A Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Quest for Success Award Recipient, She’s Happy Hair is known for quality products and service. Check them out at www.sheshappyhair.com February 18, 2022

JAS ME UP 1X

EXPRESSIONS BRACELETS INSPIRATIONAL JEWELRY

Jas Me Up 1x provides a lash expert dedicated to making you look flawless, gorgeous and a new woman. Jas O' Neal is a lash technician and a two-time college graduate. In addition, to these phenomenal accomplishments she has a branded lash design, with custom-colored boxes and different lash lengths. You can find Jas Me Up 1x lash salon at 10018 Royal Lane Dallas, Tx 75243. For booking information, email Jasmeup1x@gmail.com or call 469 250 - 7313.

stop at selective items for men apparel.

You can get certain children’s apparel also. Dapper Sense is bringing back the sophisticated and creative styles for all products. The owners behind “Dapper Sense“ Mary Jackson and LaRon Tryon are a mother and son united for business. For more information go to: www.dappersense.com or email them at dappersense@yahoo.com.

For SaRatta Murphy, the purpose of designing jewelry is all about uplifting, motivating and encouraging you to believe in manifesting your desires.

SaRatta, an entrepreneur and lifestyle blogger, designs mantra jewelry to allow wearers to be free to express themselves. They offer jewelry to express your favorite mantra, word, cause, scripture, birthday or any special occasion like weddings, baby births, birthdays and anniversaries To find Expressions Bracelets products go to http://www.expressionsbracelets.etsy. com.

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LITTLE BOW FEET

NATURAL JEWELS

UNIQUE NEW VISIONS, INC

Are you needing help with your insurance, finance or projects? Then you should contact Unique New Visions, Inc; a consulting firm based in Dallas, Tx with the goal to provide you with numerous resources. Owner Billy R. Allen, a man of many talents who focuses on giving back to the community. For more information about the firm: email brallen1@ sbcglobal.net or text 469-438-5822.

and HESAZI – MEN presents them with quality products that are just right for every man; from oil based soaps, shower gels and facial cleaners all handmade.

The brains behind HESAZI – MEN brand is Ethan Harlan and he wants to take a men’ s facial appearance to the next level. For more information go to www.

HESAZI-MEN.com or call 214 – 843 – 0147.

Jewel Georges is the owner of Natural Jewels skin care services and she is focused on helping each customer turn their skin tone into a better look for them. They specialize in hand crafted bath, body and home products, facials, advanced skincare, body treatments and body waxing for every skin type, especially people of color. Resolve hyper pigmentation, clear acne, re-texturize skin, brighten complexion, reduce razor bumps and calm inflammation. For more information about the services go to http://www.shopnaturaljewels.com/

HESAZI – MEN

HESAZI stands for, “He Thinks – Intellectual Male.” A man’s appearance is very important to their confidence

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Are you looking for a new trendy hat?

Little Bow Feet is a trendy hat brand and these designs are not ordinary. Vickye Walters specializes in bright patterns, fashion and unique styles. All fashion pieces are one of a kind, designed by Vickye Walters. For more information contact Little Bow Feet at 214 – 797 – 6572 or email Littlebowfeet@yahoo. com.

DAPPER SENSE

Dapper Sense is a gateway to gentlemen’s attire featuring custom accessories that bring out the classic man in every client. This company doesn’t

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AG FITNESS

You see her work showcased on social media and also proven results from the services provided. Ahmani Green, is a certified fitness trainer, with a published workout plan and a fitness product. She has 5+ years of experience. For more information on classes go to https:// agfitness.me/ .

DAQ’S LUXURY DAIQUIRI LOUNGE

Looking for a great atmosphere to hang out, host mixers or join social events?

Check out Daq’s Luxury Daiquiri Lounge. It has exactly what you desire. From the food menu, drink selections and event vibes.The owners are Cory and Dominique Jones and they bring a new style to the daiquiri business. Actually they bring style to anything they do! For more information about the company go to daqsallfolks. com or call 469 – 200 – 5881. myimessenger.com

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ZAN WESLEY HOLMES JR. COMMUNITY OUTREACH CENTER PRESENTS IN CONVERSATION WITH MARC MORIAL , NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE Title Sponsor:

Roland Parrish and Parrish Restaurants Ltd.

Honorary Chairs: Details:

www.zwhjcoc.org or email inconversation@zwhjcoc.org for additional information.

Register:

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CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS IS CONSCIENCE OF CONGRESS THE LAST WORD BY DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX

All too often, the Congressional Black Caucus gets a bad rap. What do they do, many ask.

What have they recently accomplished? Are they leaning on their revolutionary origins, their founding in 1971? Have they become goalong to get-along politicians as usual?

These are reasonable questions that I often raise myself, often so frustrated by Congressional inaction that I don’t see the big picture, the lovely picture of more than fifty Black members of Congress, when we once had only one at a time, and with the many ways that their collective action makes a difference.

All too often, it is not what they do but what they prevent by working to stop the foolish impulses of some of the Republicans who would oppose our Black existence.

I was reminded of the efficacy of the Congressional Black Caucus when I recently interviewed Dr. Sherice Jenaye Nelson, a Howard University-educated political scientist whose recent book, The Congressional Black Caucus: Fifty Years of Fighting for Equality (Archway Publishing, 2020), recounts the history of Black political participation at the Congressional level.

This sister scholar has done meticulous work describing the many ways the Congressional Black Caucus has been enormously impactful.

In our radio conversation, though, she also talked about the limitations that CBC members face

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because of their ideological diversity and their need to be reelected to make change.

My idols are the activists like Congresswomen Maxine Waters (CA), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX), Barbara Lee (CA), and Karen Bass (CA).

Newcomers like Cori Bush (MO) and Lucy McBath (GA) have also earned my admiration for their strong positions and willingness to go against the grain. At the same time, some will go nameless who don’t much step up or speak up. Dr. Nelson reminded me that

Dr. Sherise Jenaye Nelson’s book is one worth reading.

It speaks to the foreign policy the CBC has done historically, especially around Africa issues (Congressman Ron Dellums’ championship to the Free South Africa movement is notable) and Caribbean issues, especially around Haiti. Domestically, Congressman James Clyburn (SC) HBCU advocacy is laudable, as is Congresswoman Alma Adam’s (NC) work forming the bicameral, bipartisan HBCU Caucus.

There’s more, and you’ll have

some of them don’t have the freedom to speak, partly because they represent majority-white districts or aren’t that radical, being elected because they are & moderates.

Still, they can sometimes be counted to vote with their African American colleagues, and those are the votes that count. Writing them off can be counterproductive when we need to get things done.

Don’t get me wrong – we should call them on their racial ambivalence when we need to.

At the same time, during this Black History Month, I’m willing to dial back some of the criticism and look at the very many excellent things the Congressional Black Caucus has done.

to read the book to get the whole story.

I’m lifting these Black folk during this Black History Month because they deserve it.

At the same time, I can’t completely take my critic hat off. It is shameful that so many did not support HR 40 when Congressman John Conyers (MI) lived. It is commendable that Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has taken the baton from him and championed the reparations cause, and with the help of organizations like NCOBRA (the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America) and NAARC (the National African American Reparations Commission, an organization sponsored by

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the Institute of the Black World), garnered 215 co-sponsors for the legislation.

Why aren’t more Black members of Congress more enthusiastic about economic justice and reparations? Political considerations notwithstanding, this is a just cause.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation has annually sponsored a Phoenix Awards Dinner at its annual legislative forum.

The awards reference the closing speech of Congressman George White, who was the African American post-Reconstruction member of Congress (1897-1901). He highlighted Black progress since enslavement and said that, like the phoenix, we would rise.

We have140,000 farms and homes, valued in the neighborhood of $750,000,000, and personal property valued about $170,000,000. We have raised about $11,000,000 for educational purposes…We are operating successfully several banks, commercial enterprises among our people in the Southland, including one silk mill and one cotton factory. We have 32,000 teachers in the schools of the country; we have built, with the aid of our friends, about 20,000 churches, and support seven colleges.

Congressman White spoke of progress.

There is still much room for advancement. The Congressional Black Caucus members are agents of progress. Criticize them, if you will, but embrace them. They are the conscience of Congress.

They are our champions.

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

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Carrollton - Cedar Hill - Coppell - Desoto - Irving - Grand Prairie

FAIR. COMMITTED. ENDORSED.

Senator Royce West

Representative Rafael Anchia

Representative Julie Johnson

Commissioner John Wiley Price

Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia

www.judgesashamoreno.com Pol. Adv. Paid for by Judge Sasha Moreno Campaign.

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Broncos’ Sale to Robert F. Smith Could Help NFL Begin to Solve Race Problem OUR VOICES Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. Even before Coach Brian Flores filed a class-action lawsuit against the National Football League claiming the league discriminated against Black coaches in their hiring practices, it was pretty clear that professional football has a race issue.

The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at the University of Central Florida recently found that, in 2021, around 71 percent of the players in the NFL were people of color, while only a quarter were white. Yet of the league’s 32 teams, only three head coaches are people of color. And only two team owners are non-white: Jacksonville Jaguars’ owner Shahid Kahn is a Pakistani-American and Kim Pegula, a Korean American, is a co-owner of the Buffalo Bills.

In a league whose players are overwhelmingly Black, there needs to be more representation in the front office of people who look like the athletes that take the gridiron each Sunday.

With the Denver Broncos expected to hit the market sometime this off-season, now is probably the best time in the 101-year history of the NFL for the league to have its first Black team owner and to begin to change the plantation mentality that has plagued professional football for decades.

When considering potential buyers of the team, one name continually rises above the rest: Robert F. Smith.

Smith, the 59-year-old founder of private equity firm Vista Equity Partners, whose net worth is estimyimessenger.com

mated to be around $6.7 billion, may not have the star power that other potential buyers do (i.e., former Broncos quarterbacks Peyton Manning and John Elway or Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos). But what he does have is a long track record of success in the largely white world of investment. He

there, Smith went on to Cornell and Columbia universities and jobs with Goodyear, Kraft, and Goldman Sachs before founding Vista Equity in 2000.

What his resume shows is that Smith is not afraid of breaking down walls and inserting himself into traditional bastions of white-

cial burdens on minority college students.

Through Vista, Smith has also spearheaded the Southern Communities Initiative, a consortium of companies working to address problems facing communities of color in the South, where almost 60 percent of all Black Americans live. Through the SCI, Smith hopes to tackle pressing issues like substandard education and workforce development opportunities, housing and healthcare inequalities, the digital divide, limited access to capital, and physical infrastructure failures in these communities.

In an argument about integrating professional football, Black activist and journalist Halley Harding wrote in the Los Angeles When considering potential buyers of the Denver Broncos, one name Tribune in 1941 that “most percontinually rises above the rest: Robert F. Smith sons, corporations or businesses has an ability to see value where ness like the Ivy Leagues and pri- almost always forget the people others do not, successfully inves- vate equity. If there is any Black or incidents that made them big.” ting in emerging enterprises and man in America who could take Harding added: “This story quickly making them profitable. on the lily-white structure of NFL is about a great American sport Consider, for example, that Vista ownership, it’s Robert Smith. [football] that took all the aid the currently has $86 billion in assets If the NFL is serious about colored American could give and under management. changing not just its image, but then as soon as it became ‘big And the Broncos could cer- its relationships with its players league,’ promptly put a bar up tainly use some of Smith’s magic and fan base, then Smith would against the very backbone of its given that the team hasn’t had a also be an ideal partner for the le- existence.” winning record since the 2015-16 ague. He not only talks a big game These words could just as aptseason when they won the Super about racial equity, but he backs ly be applied to the NFL today Bowl. it up by putting money where his as they did back in the 1940s.

Putting aside Smith’s investing mouth is.

But now, as America once again acumen and ability to grow emerIn 2019, Smith spent $34 milli- reexamines its turbulent past ging businesses, his up-from-the- on of his own money to settle the when it comes to race, the NFL -bootstraps story and expansive loan debt for the nearly 400 stu- probably has its best chance in philanthropic work in the Black dents who graduated that spring years to right a glaring gap in its community would go a long way from Morehouse College. He also leadership when it comes to the to changing the make-up of a NFL donated $20 million to the Natio- Broncos. And if there is anyone ownership from its traditional nal Museum of African American who can fill that gap, it’s Robert purview of stodgy, old white men. History and Culture, the largest Smith.

For one, Smith is a Denver by an individual donor to the muDr. Benjamin Chavis is native whose curiosity, intelli- seum at the time, and he helped president and CEO of the gence and drive led him to a job found and donated $50 million to National Newspaper Publishers with Bell Laboratories when he the Student Freedom Initiative, Association (NNPA) and can be was just in high school. From which aims to relieve the finanreached at dr.bchavis@nnpa.org.

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Raising the minimum wage is long overdue OUR VOICES BY SEN. ROYCE WEST

One of the unexpected outcomes of the two year plague that is COVID-19, was that minimum and low-wage workers were able to find their voices.

And although some would adamantly block out reason to maintain the status quo, it is clear that increasing the federal and state minimum wage is past overdue.

Last year, after federal COVID relief efforts included additional payments to Americans who had been cut off from jobs, the howls began that too many recipients of weekly $300 pandemic payments no longer wanted to work.

The payments were on top of standard state unemployment benefits that have been available to separated workers since the program's inception in 1938.

During the last quarter of 2021, the average weekly unemployment benefit paid in Texas was $407. The maximum amount that those eligible can receive is $549; all based on the recipient's past earned wages. The minimum weekly benefit is $71.

Texas was among the first states to stop paying the extra $300 federal benefit before it was scheduled to expire last September.

The thought of recipients living-it-up on $700 a week, or a little more than $2,800 a month per person, was too much for the Texas Association of Business to stomach.

They urged Texas' Governor Greg Abbott to shut it down. And he did. Keep those figures in mind.

On average, state unemployment benefits come to about $1,630 monthly. Where am I going with this? At $7.25 an hour, a minimum wage worker earns $290 a week before taxes.

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receive nearly $120 per week more than minimum wage workers get in gross pay!

That's $1,160 per month (before taxes) that a person is supposed to live on, if this level of impoverishment can be described as "living." This is before, not after paying for rent, food, transportation and clothing.

And oh yes, kids cost money too! Even if there are two minimum wage workers in a household, it's still $500 less monthly than one person received in combined pandemic unemployment benefits.

So it makes sense that some minimum wage workers may not have been overly anxious to return to front line jobs where their lives could be at risk.

Let's plug those wages into how much it costs to live in 2022. Those two minimum wage workers, even without kids, cannot afford to live in a 2-bedroom apartment in the Dallas area, which according to Rent.com, now costs an average $2,414 a month.

It's consistent with 2020 findings by the National Low-Income Housing Coalition that said a minimum wage worker cannot pay rent for a two-bedroom home in any state in the U.S. Prices for new and used automobiles have both increased by thousands due to the COVID supply-chain, shortage of processing chips.

Gas prices, even in petroleum-king Texas, hover above $3.00 per gallon; meaning a minimum $40 fill-up for most cars. And I don't need to mention how much more we all now spend at the grocery store or the hike in fast food prices.

Three times in the past, I've authored bills that would have increased Texas' minimum wage. None were granted a hearing.

Two bills filed by House Democrats in 2021 failed to move - as predicted by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick while speaking to the Texas Business Leadership Council a year ago. Their opposition is the same, raising the minimum wage will prove too costly for small businesses and will eventually cost workers their jobs.

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A new twist was added last year when a House member evoked the automation boogey-man, saying that raising the minimum wage would mean more self-serve kiosks in stores and fewer workers.

Funny, that's already happened. Yet, I'm unaware that the owner's savings have been shared with customers or remaining workers.

But outside Texas, some have seen the light. California will be the first state to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour for businesses with more than 25 employees.

As of 2021, 29 states, plus the District of Columbia, have raised their minimum wage above the federal $7.25 floor. Twenty-nine states have proposed incremental increases to at least $15 an hour.

Nine states have agreed to index the minimum wage based on the cost of living, while 10 states' minimum wage increases kicked-in in 2021 following earlier passage of voter initiatives or new legislation. Even Florida raised its minimum wage to $15 in 2020, supported by 60 percent of voters.

National retailers like Amazon, Target and Starbucks have raised minimum pay to $15 an hour. Costco pays $17. Walmart pays $12. Starting pay at Texas-based Bucee's averages $14 an hour. Studies say increased pay produces better employee productivity and retention.

A study by the Economic Policy Institute pointed to a 2020 survey of small business owners by CNBC which concluded that an increase in the minimum wage "would have no impact on their business."

But we're stuck at $7.25.

Those who say no to increasing the minimum wage are woefully out of touch with those who work for it. Maybe they should be forced to walk in that man's shoes to see just how uncomfortable they are.

Royce West was first elected to the Texas Senate in November 1992. He represents the 23rd Senatorial District on behalf of the citizens of Dallas County.

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Honoring Delta Sigma Theta President Cheryl Hickmon OUR VOICES BY MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN

On Jan. 20, Cheryl Hickmon, the national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., passed away.

Delta Sigma Theta is part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council of the “Divine Nine” historically Black Greek letter institutions that for decades have produced a pipeline of community and political leadership. They are often partners in the Children’s Defense Fund’s (CDF) mission and work.

They were among the first organizations to support the CDF Freedom Schools initiative known as Chapters Beyond Books, a partnership between CDF and the Divine Nine, churches, community groups, faith-based organizations, and chapters of other prominent organizations that has distributed nearly 50,000 culturally-relevant books to children across the country to help mitigate learning loss during the pandemic.

Cheryl Hickmon had just been elected as the Deltas’ National President in November 2021, carrying on a long legacy of civic involvement and service.

She was initiated into the sorority as a student at South Carolina State University in myimessenger.com

1982 and spent the next four decades as an active member holding elected and appointed leadership positions at the national, regional and local levels. She served as national first vice president, national secretary, Eastern

of the NAACP, the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), the National Brotherhood of Skiers, and St. Monica’s Episcopal Church.

This was all in addition to her work supervising in vi-

Cheryl Hickmon

Credit: deltasigmatheta.org

regional director, South Atlantic regional representative, co-chair of the National Scholarship and Standards Committee, co-chair of the National Leadership Academy, co-chair of the National Documents Review and Revision Task Force, and president of the Hartford Alumnae and Alpha Xi chapters before ultimately being elected national president.

She was also a member

tro fertilization labs for andrology and endocrinology at Montefiore’s Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health in New York, where she spoke about how much joy she received helping people with the gift of children.

Dr. LaKisha Grant-Washington, the sorority’s current Hartford Alumnae Chapter president, told a reporter her friend and mentor had “always been a change-maker.”

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“She made friendships and partnerships with state legislators that made sure that when there were issues that needed to be spoken about that represented the Black community, she was that voice, or helped us to be the voice. … I think we would do her the most justice of continuing her legacy by always making sure that we are serving the community as she would have had us to do.”

National First Vice President Elsie Cooke-Holmes told another interviewer, “Her legacy will be really wanting to make sure that we go to higher heights, wanting to make sure that we continue and got to our higher heights of impacting the world.”

The sorority called Cheryl Hickmon an “ideal Delta,” and said she “is remembered not just for being a leader but for being a true sister who embodied integrity, grace, and the noble spirit of fortitude.”

All of these are wonderful tributes for a leader who spent tireless hours working with her sorors and others to serve her community and lift those around her to “higher heights” so they too could make a difference.

She will be deeply missed.

Edelman is founder and president emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund.

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IN MEMORIAM

Clifton Curtis Sneed, Jr. Clifton Curtis Sneed Jr was born in Dallas, Texas on June 1, 1954 to Clifton Curtis Sneed Sr. and Inez Latson Sneed.

Affectionately called “Cliff,” he spent his childhood years with his father and stepmother, Rosie, in New Jersey. He graduated from Clifford J. Scott High School in East Orange, New Jersey and traveled back to Texas to attend Huston Tillotson College in Austin, where he also pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Clifton then returned to New Jersey because of his father’s illness and pursued careers in Heating and Air Conditioning, as a member of the Newark Police Department, a substitute teacher and later in Financial Planning before returning to Dallas in April 1981.

Two months later he met Marva Jones, and

on December 2, 2006 he married the love of his life. To this union there were no children born but they had the love of a blended family with children from prior relationships.

Clifton’s first born, Cheron Sneed, was his pride and joy. His bubbling baby boy Tychique Walker brought so much excitement into his life, and LaLonnie Moore, Marva’s daughter, who he raised from the time she was two years old, stole his heart.

Clifton loved life. His desire was to help people live a prosperous life.

He never met a stranger and enjoyed striking up conversations with folks he had never seen before and never saw again.

He enjoyed bowling, playing Scrabble, and his favorite game, Bid Whist.

He also loved to travel and he and Marva loved

June 1, 1954 to January 21, 2022

Clifton Curtis Sneed, Jr.

to go to their favorite city, Las Vegas.

Clifton was a sports fan and his favorite football team was the Los Angeles Raiders (now the Las Vegas Raiders). He and his grandson, Azariah, would talk Raider football for hours. He almost always wore something bearing the name or logo. And yes, he had no love at all for the Cowboys!

He also loved to entertain and his home was always full of joy and laughter for cookouts, Super Bowl parties and hosting

dinner parties for family and friends. He cared for and was loyal to his friends, always willing to be a source of inspiration and support; he believed that to whom much is given, much is expected; therefore many benefited from his generosity.

Clifton Curtis Sneed Jr. left this earthly realm on January 21, 2022. He leaves to cherish his life and his memory: his loving wife, Marva, who shared each others love for 41 years (16 of those years as husband and wife); daughter, Cheron Sneed; son, Tychique ( Ma h o ga ny ) Wa l ke r ; stepdaughter, La Lonnie Moore; grandchildren Jaworski Sneed, Jovita Sneed, Azariah Gabriel Sneed, Zenaiyah Sneed and Ja’nayia Campbell; brother, Dwight D. Sneed, Sr.; and uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

SERVICES HELD FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022, 3:00 P.M. AT BLACK AND CLARK FUNERAL HOME, DALLAS myimessenger.com

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February 18, 2022

NAAIA DFW FOUNDATION PRESENTS 2022 SCHOLARSHIP DIVERSITY LUNCHEON

.

Advocating for Change: Stir Up Good Trouble THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022 11AM TO 1PM DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL DALLAS – CAMPBELL CENTRE 8250 N. CENTRAL EXPY DALLAS, TEXAS 75206

Benefitting the Education and Scholarship Fund

Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 11:00am Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre Hotel

HONORING 2022 NAAIA DFW FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS & 2022 INSURANCE INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP RECIPIENT HANSFORD JOHNSON ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT - ENTERPRISE DIVERSITY & INCLUSION, TRAVELERS

5410 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Dallas, TX 75240

Formal invitations will soon follow

KEYNOTE SPEAKER DALE HANSEN WFAA 8 NEWS ANCHOR, RETIRED MODERATOR TASHARA PARKER WFAA8 NEWS ANCHOR

TICKETS STARTING AT $50. TICKETS ON SALE NOW! RSVP AT WWW.NAAIADFW.ORG For additional information on sponsorship opportunites or ad inquiries, please naaiadfw@gmail.com

February 18, 2022

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Metro Community Calendar powered by February 2022

Celebrating the rich heritage and ancestry of Black People

2020 - Actress Ja’Net Dubois died - Born 8-5-32

1927 Actor Sidney Poitier born in Miami, FL. Dies 1/2022-

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Poet Langston Hughes born. Died May 22, 1967

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I Am Not Your Negro - James Baldwin - Film History Livestream by Washington DC HistoWomen, Words, and Wisdom: Songs by Black ry & Culture. 7 to 9 pm CST. Reg: https://bit.

Female Composers - Fort Worth Opera. Fort ly/3AnAprG Worth Opera’s smash-hit Black History Month concert, A Night of Black Excellence: Say It 19 Loud - Songs of a Revolution. 2 to 3:30 pm at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 BBW Presents A Black Diamond Affair Grown Darnell St. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3AunwMn & Sexy by Beautiful Black Women, Inc. BBW hosts a casual Black DIAMOND Affair you do not want to miss. Ticket price includes entry, Mutual Survival: Black-Jewish Relations in the food, drink (BYOB) & live entertainment. 4 to 9 21st Century. Online event by Wassmuth Cen- pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3qTZszv ter for Human Rights. Phillip Thompson, Idaho Black History Museum, discusses the crucial collaboration of Blacks and Jews during the The B.A.C. 2 BLACK FEST (Black Arts Cen20th and 21st Centuries. 7 to 8 pm CST. Reg: tennial) by Infinite Arts Movement, celebrating https://bit.ly/356GXzc over 100 years of Black Arts through music, poetry, dance, and supporting Black Owned BusiBLACK VOTERS MATTER! nesses at Frisco School Of Music & Performing Dallas-Ft. Worth Arts, 9360 Preston Rd. Frisco. 7 to 10 pm. Register/Tickets: https://bit.ly/3rHHlf9

21 1965 - Malcolm X murdered in Harlem, NY

26 Erykah Badu at The Factory In Deep Ellum by Music Concerts Online. Attendees must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the event OR full COVID-19 vaccination prior to entry for live events at The Factory in Deep Ellum and/or The Studio at the Factory. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Concert from 8 to 11 pm.

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New Light Church presents Grief, Peace Con27 ference, 1300 S. Beltline Rd, Mesquite, 10a-12p with Pastors Shawn and Marian Rabb and facilitated by Mental Health Expert and Author, Dallas Stars vs. Buffalo Sabres, American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave, Dallas 1 to 5pm.

Andrea Wise-Brown, LPC

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9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Tarrant County College - South (5301 Campus Dr, Fort Worth) 10:30 AM - 11:30 PM: University of Texas Arlington (701 S Nedderman Dr, Arlington) 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Cedar Valley College (3030 N Dallas Ave, Lancaster) 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Mountain View College (4849 W Illinois Ave, Dallas) 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: University of Texas Dallas (800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson) BVM will lead Caravan to Polls at 5:30 PM

A Night of Black Excellence: Songs of a Revolution, 2 – 4 PM I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA, 1411 I M Terrell Cir S Fort Worth, TX

Brims and Mimosas Beats and Brunch Day Party, 11a-5p at FIVEE Bistro & Bar, 1319 Botham Jean Blvd.

1992 - John Singleton became 1st Black film director to receive an Oscar nomination (Boyz N the Hood).

Tracing African Jamaican Roots: Secrets of 1817 Slave Registers Uncovered, by Ancestry Talks with Paul Crooks. Blending Black ancestry with Black history, Paul Crooks reveals how he used the 1817 Slave Register to trace his ancestry and bring his back story to life. 1 to 2 pm.

Booking Information: https://paulcrooks.info/ black-genealogy-online-events

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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.

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/@TexasMetroNews, @ fnsconsulting, and YouTube Live @ docshepspeaks.

I Was Just Thinking with Norma 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.

The Young OG’s Texas TakeOver @ Hyena’s Comedy Nightclub (5301 E Mockingbird Ln) Starring Teddy Ray & Lewis Belt Hosted by JCann Showtime 7pm (2 item Minimum) Tickets - CertifiedFunnyComedy.com or txt 832 921 7288

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February 18, 2022

February 18, 2022

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www.grandpasecret.com

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February 18, 2022

ARRESTED

HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

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

We’re talking about a community.

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

Crimestoppers 877-373-8477 February 18, 2022

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