I Messenger - 1/1/21

I MESSENGER

VOL X NO 16, JANUARY 1, 2021

THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME HAPPY NEW YEAR

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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.

January 1, 2021

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Georgia on My Mind!

Here we are, a few days before Christmas and fast approaching the New Year. Three weeks from now, I will be headed to Austin to begin a Legislative Session far different from any of the 14 that I have been part of. We’ve faced budget woes before, but not in the midst of a deadly pandemic.

But looking to the near future, Georgia is on my mind. Why? It’s because how America will be governed for at least the next two years, maybe four, depends on the Peach State.

Come January 5, 2021, Georgia voters will elect two U.S. Senators.

Those two races will decide whether Democrats will lead the Senate or whether one man will continue to near-dictate the fate of our democracy.

His name is Mitch McConnell; current Senate Majority Leader. If it were up to me, voters would have sent him back to his old Kentucky home in November.

In November, Georgia turned blue and chose Joseph Biden for President.

The election also resulted in run-offs for two Republican incumbents; one Kelly Loeffler, appointed a year ago. The other, David Perdue, was first elected in 2014. Both face scrutiny and deny allegations that they traded stocks using information about the coronavirus learned from their Senate posts.

The stakes could not be higher. Republicans now hold a one-seat advantage in the Senate pending the

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January runoff. Democrats must win both races.

At 50 members each, any tie-breaking vote would belong to Vice President Kamala Harris.

With an equal number of members from both parties, the new majority leader would come from the vice president’s party, who must confer with the minority leader on Senate business. Shared authority is a better option than

Sen. Royce West

we’ve had since McConnell took over in 2015.

As Senate minority leader, prior to the game-changing 2010 Midterm Elections, McConnell told reporters that the most important issue for Republicans “is to make President Obama a one-term president.�

As majority leader, he has consistently pushed for repeal of the Affordable Care Act, including a showdown where the vote that saved Obamacare was cast by the late Senator John McCain.

He’s blocked attempts to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 Elections and until recently, stalled initiatives related to climate change.

In 2016, McConnell re-

fused to allow hearings on President Obama’s nomination of Judge Merrick Garland for the Supreme Court, saying the incoming Congress should pick the next justice.

This year, he reversed himself by rushing through the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett just weeks after the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, but before the November elections.

After the House voted to impeach President Donald Trump, McConnell’s refusal to call witnesses or conduct meaningful hearings aided Trump’s acquittal, allowing him to stay in office.

Many benefits of the CARES Act - passed by Congress in March to help Americans survive the catastrophic impact of the coronavirus - expired at the end of July. Before this week’s new bill passed, remaining provisions were set to end the day after Christmas.

Legislation passed by the House in October aimed to help struggling families, small businesses, states and cities. McConnell refused to consider it.

His proposal would shield big business from lawsuits for their failure to adequately protect workers from COVID by subsidizing them using taxpayer dollars.

So Georgia, the road leads back to you. Facing the two incumbents are Democratic challengers, Rev. Rafael Warnock and Jon Ossoff. Warnock is see GEORGIA, page 34

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INSIDE

Quit Playin’

I Was Just Thinking

The Last Word

2020 started before it even started. Months before its arrival, personal and corporate plans were laid out like a Sunday suit on Saturday night. We were just itching for church service to begin. Every passage of scripture with the word vision was surveyed.

Let’s close out the year 2020 with a historical tribute to Dallas Black police officers. I thought about these early Black officers when I ran across an old news clip about the on-again/off-again closing of the Jesse R. Dawson State Jail at 106 W. Commerce St.

I neither expected sparks nor extreme surprises as President-elect Joe Biden begin to announce his Cabinet. I did expect diversity, and we’ve seen it. But I didn’t expect the number of Obama-era retreads to be included in this Cabinet.

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January 1, 2021

MY TRUTH

by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

Oppressors V. Oppressed How do we end this year on a positive note?

Can we be optimistic about the future?

How do we keep from drifting into a fit of hopelessness and despair when there is so much devastation around us?

Sure Black people in America, at least the ones I know, live in a constant state of pandemonium, but 2020 has been a bit overwhelming.

Which brings me to my truth.

I have five young Black grandsons.

They are absolutely adorable and I am not the only one who says so! Folks say they are “precious,” “handsome,” and more.

There have been comments even about taking them home and making arrangements to have pre-arranged marriages for them!

It is heartwarming to hear all the wonderful comments about those young, daring and delightful young boys.

Please understand that while I think my boys are the best so did the parents and grandparents of these children, and others: January 1, 2021

- Alton Sterling - Amadou Diallo - Antwon Rose - Ariane McCree - Botham Jean - Casey Goodson Jr. - Daniel Prude - Damian Daniels - Darius Tarver - Emantic “EJ” Fitzgerald Bradford Jr. - Emmett Till - Eric Garner - Freddie Gray - George Floyd - JaQuavion Slaton - Jonathan Ferrell - Jordan Baker - Joshua Feast - Kwame “KK” Jones - Michael Dean - Michael Brown - Miles Hall - Philando Castile - Rodney Applewhite - Sean Bell - Sean Reed - Stephon Clark - Tamir Rice - Trayvon Martin - Yassin Mohamed

that it was more than relatives who made flattering remarks about the aforementioned when they were young.

SO, when did our young boys become a threat? When did they become monsters, threatening, grotesque and menacing?

When did they go from being the little, handsome, young men to someone who looked like a “criminal,” or worse… an “animal?”

Conversely when did Black females become the object of everyone’s disdain? Almost everyone has an issue with us including Black men, and so much to the point that Black women joined in the demonization and ostracization of other Black women! That’s right—the oppressed take on the ways of the oppressors!

These are just a few names of women remembered in re-

I could call millions of Black boys and men as well as Black girls and women who have become victims because of the color of their skin.

Now I’d venture to say

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cent years:

- Atatiana Jefferson - Breonna Taylor - Eleanor Bumpers - Mya Hall - Sandra Bland - Shereese Francis - Tyisha Miller

As we move into another decade in this century, let’s say it together: IT’S NOT OKAY! We must stop the madness, this behavior that does nothing to make this world a better place and further disenfranchises Black people.

STOP RAPING, BULLYING, FALSELY ACCUSING, CONDEMNING, REDLINING, RIDICULING, REFUSING TO HIRE, OVERLOOKING FOR PROMOTIONS, OVERCHARGING, DENYING BENEFITS OR HEALTHCARE, WHITELISTING, AND KILLING BLACK PEOPLE! myimessenger.com

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January 1, 2021

Reflecting and Remembering: Hard Times during the Holidays FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

It has been such a difficult year and I know that most of us are ready for 2020 to end. As the first year of a new decade, we all were excited in January to think about the possibilities as we made plans for the upcoming twelve months.

Little did we know that three months in, our lives would change drastically. None of us could have predicted that many of us would be in our homes nine months of the entire year.

No one could have told me that I would not be able to enjoy eating with friends and family at restaurants or even at gatherings in our homes.

I would have not believed that wearing a mask would become a part of our attire or that my attendance at church would be restricted to being solely online. Everyone, in some way, has been impacted by this year.

My mother and I were reminiscing today and discussing this year’s effect on our lives. She lost six church members and five classmates. I have had several friends contract the disease and just recently, my dear friend’s son just died from complications of the disease.

Chris was just 21. I did not think his death would affect me in the way it has--- it has been so painful. Chris went January 1, 2021

through so many difficulties after contracting COVID-19.

He had multiple hospital visits and even after being in ICU for months, he was finally released only to have to return several times because of his inability to breathe.

It was heart wrenching to hear his mother’s panic each time as she asked for prayer. My prayer warrior crew was always ready to lift our concerns to God and intercede on behalf of Chris.

His mother has endured so much, and I was so concerned as I witnessed her son’s struggles of the pain and concern, she tucked it away to focus on him. His mother’s faith has always been remarkable and even in some of her darkest moments, she encouraged me by witnessing her faith leap into action.

Even the night of his death, in our tears, her faith did not falter. His sisters have been the same way. This was a family filled with so much love and to lose a son, a brother, a grandson, a relative, a friend who was a gentle giant like Chris is hard to swallow.

I remember the toddler who ran around St. Philip’s who grew from a quiet, shy boy into a kindhearted, polite, generous, and driven young man. Chris will be so missed.

This year, all of us in some way have experienced loss.

Whether it was the loss of a loved one, or a job/business or even our daily routine, there has been something that has occurred that has changed us.

None of us will walk away

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from this experience as the person we were prepandemic.

This Holiday Season and New Year will be different. Many of us are hurting. Some of us are grieving, isolated, frightened, or lonely. This is the time for us to be there for one another in ways we have not shown up before.

1. We must acknowledge our grief and pain.

Hiding it does not help us but hinders us from experiencing the hands and hearts of others.

2. We are not alone. We may be dealing with a battle that others may be unaware of but know that we do not have do to this by ourselves.

3. Although we are physically distancing, we cannot afford to socially distance.

We need each other and now, more than ever, we need to check on one another. We need to check in with people and ask how they are really doing beyond the superficial conversations.

4. Community cannot be forsaken. We may not be able to hang out with one another, but we need to create the spaces for connection. We need the presence of one another, and we definitely need to know that God is so present even now.

afraid, because I’m with you; don’t be anxious, because I am your God. I keep on strengthening you; I’m truly helping you. I’m surely upholding you with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) God is still here and even when it appears to be absolute chaos, we are not alone. We do not have to carry this weight by ourselves.

We must stand in and on our faith. I would be deceptive if I told you this was not hard for me and that I haven’t had so many prayers questioning and yet, I am reminded of God’s goodness in my past and in my present even when tears stream down my face and I don’t always understand why.

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.

There are multiple scriptures that are reminders of God’s presence even when it doesn’t feel like God is on the scene like “Don’t be

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2020: A Blurry Vision!

QUIT PLAYIN’ VINCENT L. HALL 2020 started before it even started. Months before its arrival, personal and corporate plans were laid out like a Sunday suit on Saturday night. We were just itching for church service to begin.

Every passage of scripture with the word vision was surveyed. 2020 was declared the shiznit before it even started.

A wise preacher once said that God laughs at our plans. He must have.

In January, most of our troubles were far away. The Australian Brushfires scorched a patch of land the size of Cuba.

18.6 million hectares, whatever that is, burned. Meanwhile, Trump was relishing his assassination of Iran’s General Qassim Suleimani. Congress rushed through a bill to limit his authority after that.

The Coronavirus and the lockdowns came next. America’s biggest Ferris wheel, aka “the greatest economy in the world,” halted. No school, no restaurants, no travel, no jobs.

Who knew that Democracy and materialism were just two paychecks short of bankruptcy?

Twenty-two million Americans lost their jobs. That figure does not account for the children, ailing parents, and other dependents who were put at risk. Pandemic was the new buzzword by then. The concept was new to the world and the American middle class, myimessenger.com

but not for everyone.

This “pandemic” thing was just the latest complication for minorities and the working poor. If they have a place to lay their heads at all, America’s homeless and underinsured living in food deserts were on display for the world to see.

COVID-19 ripped the scab off

Thomas Massie, a Republican congressional representative from Kentucky, threatened to derail the whole process. He pointed at the grift in that legislation.

“If it were just about helping people to get more unemployment (benefits) to get through this calamity, then I could be

the United States’ best-kept secret. America is the “home of the free” for some while millions just brave the waves and woes of poverty.

The CARES Act was introduced and passed. It helped millions of citizens, small businesses, schools, governments, and churches. Yes, churches! On its face, it was a gracious act of thoughtfulness. Nevertheless, the lobbyists won again. The big businesses fared much better than the small citizens did.

for it, but this is $2 trillion. Divide $2 trillion by 350 million people.” His point was as stark as it was simple. Americans got $1,200 each instead of the $17,000 each they could have.

Big Business is still the heavyweight champion!

Oil got so cheap in April that they would give you $37.63 to take a barrel home with you.

We watched fossil fuels take a beating, and then the camera panned to George Floyd, whose beating was fatal, brutal, and consequential.

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Black Lives Matter garnered lots of support. Many, if not most of those protesters were sympathetic Whites, and that was a positive sign. Their involvement led to Corporate America leaning in on the side of BLM. It reminds us that Presidents and Congressional leaders do not run America.

Uncle Sam is powerless to the sway of Captain Corporate. Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos vs. Donald Trump, and Mitch McConnell is a mismatch at best.

We learned to work from home, worship on the web, and wash our hands after every visit to the latrine. And speaking of outhouses, Americans bared the public square just long enough to push Donald Trump out of the White House he has stained for future generations.

At this writing, 315,000 people are dead, and 300,000 of them probably should not have ever even been infected.

2020 was slated as the year of vision, but we cannot wait for it to become a blur.

Come on, 2021!

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

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Trailblazing Dallas Black police officers I WAS JUST THINKING...

NORMA ADAMS-WADE

Let’s close out the year 2020 with a historical tribute to Dallas Black police officers.

I thought about these early Black officers when I ran across an old news clip about the on-again/off-again closing of the Jesse R. Dawson State Jail at 106 W. Commerce St. The Dawson jail stands right before one leaves the downtown Dallas area to cross the Trinity River Bridge leading to Oak Cliff. Dawson also is across from the Lew Sterrett Justice Center that is behind the Frank Crowley Court Building at Commerce Street and Riverfront Boulevard.

I was just thinking…and wondering how many people today know or remember that that easily-ignored jail facility is named after one of Dallas’ original Black police officers – Jesse R. Dawson.

He holds a position of honor with four other groundbreaking Black men, former World War II soldiers who passed the entrance exam and finally were allowed to join the Dallas force in 1947 and ’48,

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a few years after World War II ended. Whites on and off the force had strongly resisted but eventually were overruled.

In 1947, the first two officers to join were Benjamin Thomas Jr. and Lee G. Brotherton Sr. (who became a Muslim and changed his name to L. G. Bilal). Dawson joined in 1948 along with William Starks and Charles Thompson. The Black officers patrolled the historic Black enclave State-Thomas neighborhood just north of downtown Dallas. They were not allowed to arrest White folk.

As racial restrictions slowly began to thin out over the years, the pioneer Black officers began to share their hard-fought experiences in media interviews. I interviewed Dawson for a Black History Month series in The Dallas Morning News in the 1980s. Dawson said this: “We had people in our own race who didn’t want us. We bowed our necks and did the job. We needed a job and enjoyed what we were doing. I was just determined to make it.”

Dawson retired in 1976 and later became the first Black elected constable in Dallas, succeeding Rev. George Brewer who had been appointed in 1975.

Margaret McGee was Dal-

Former Dallas Police Chief David Brown. Credit: The Dallas Morning News

Retiring Dallas Police Chief U. Renee Hall.

Credit: The Dallas Morning News

las’ first Black female officer.

She arrived in Dallas in 1972, began looking for work, and applied at Dallas City Hall.

She discovered there were no Black female officers and that year became the first. She overcame resistance as both a female and Black person but remembers when attitudes began to soften. “We respect each other’s ability now more than when I first came,” she told me in a 1980s interview.

The saddest, most enraging and yet heroic Dallas Black police pioneer was William McDuff. Journalist Erin Blakemore tells his heartbreaking story in a 2016 online edition of smithsonianmag.com.

McDuff was appointed as a “special officer” in 1896 when racism was stifling, the economy was depressed, and the Ku Klux Klan was prominent.

He lived modestly in a shack in the blighted Stringtown area that became known as Deep Ellum. He served only two months before he was murdered in a vicious and fatal attack in his home on Christmas night, December 25, 1896.

Journalist Blakemore reported that McDuff had rep-

rimanded two young Black males for “laughing during a debate” at an AME church in his community where he was hired to keep order. Witnesses said the young men came to his home on Christmas night, dragged him outside, called him racist names, and shot him between the eyes.

He died instantly. The young men were convicted and went to prison. Police authorities ignored neighborhood pleas to replace McDuff. More than 50 years passed before the subsequent Black officers were hired in 1947.

Black officers made slow but meaningful inroads later, including milestones of retired executive assistant police chief Don Stafford in 1960, assistant chief Shirley Gray in 1972, Police Chiefs David Brown in 1983 and U. Renee Hall in 2017 to name only a few. I hope to tell more about them in the future.

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Norma Adams-Wade is a veteran, award-winning journalist, Graduate of UT- Austin and Dallas native.

One of the founders of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), she was inducted into the NABJ Hall of Fame

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You can enjoy the holidays and still be safe!

Wear the masks, wash your hands and show love! myimessenger.com

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January 1, 2021

G.O.A.T.

The most vigorously debated G.O.A.T. personalities were boxers, quarterbacks and running backs. These debates were much easier to follow because each side was supported with statistics, whether it was yards or knockouts, there was a body of information to follow. Once again, however, the evolution of the game or contest became a determining factor. Perhaps more interesting, was the physiology of the contest.

Particularly in the game of football for instance, the fact that players have become bigger and faster has changed the discussion. Bigger and faster? Yes, that is essentially counter-intuitive, but the combines reveal 300 pounders running 40’s that were unheard of in the past-- the big guys are fast.

The Greatest Of All Time

Top 10 Quarterbacks of All Time:

Warren Moon

Tom Brady, Joe Montana, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Johnny Unitas, Roger Staubach, Dan Marino, John Elway, Warren Moon and Terry Bradshaw

chain link fences, and hi-top WHAT’S ON clad, cardboard born, break MILES MIND dancers to a modern-day hiphop culture of cash, cars, tattooed faces, diamonds, dead MILES JAYE bodies and more beefs than beats? You can’t!

Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a growing trend among boxers, basketball players and rappers. There seems to be a fascination with the notion of the G.O.A.T.-- the Greatest of All Times. Who is the best, the greatest... of all time? The question is bothersome. It’s far too presumptive and far too subjective for a rational evidence-based debate.

Too many elements change and too much evolves over the decades that constitute all times.

Let’s take the best rapper for instance. How, for the sake of a rating, can you compare a genre featuring basketball courts, January 1, 2021

Top 10 Rappers of All Time: Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur, Rakim, Nas, Jay-Z, Kool Moe Dee, Kurtis Blow, Run DMC, LL Cool J and Doug E. Fresh

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Sports announcers seem determined to elevate Lebron James to the pinnacle of the game of basketball without fair and reasonable consideration paid to his many predecessors.

Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson,

Kurtis Blow

Julius Erving

Gale Sayers

Top 10 Running Backs of All Time: Jim Brown, Walter Payton, Gale Sayers, Eric Dickerson, Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, Earl Campbell, Tony Dorsett, O.J. Simpson and Marcus Allen Top 10 Boxers of All Time: Jack Johnson, Jack Dempsey, Sugar Ray Robinson, Archie Moore, Sonny Liston, Muhammed Ali, Joe Frazier, Joe “Brown Bomber” Louis, Rocky Marciano and John L. Sullivan Joe Louis

Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan come to mind. They all transformed the game, but anyone offering a Top 3, Top 5 or Top 10 list that does not only include James, but places him in the top position is provoking the ire of the experts.

Top 10 Basketball Players of All Time: Michael Jordan. Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Larry Bird, Julius Erving, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal, Oscar Robertson and Lebron James

see G.O.A.T. on page 15

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G.O.A.T.,

from page 14...

When it comes to singers, the discussion can never be entirely reasonable, rational or fair. It’s such a function of taste, style, a look, and a particular song. The artist cannot be separated from the song they made famous.

Would we even know Dionne Warwick without Bacharach compositions, and Hal David lyrical brilliance? Of course, we would, but it’s an interesting consideration. Every singer or group listed below can be associated with a popular melody or lyric, and visa-versa. So then, is the artist the greatest, or is it their body of music the distinguishes them as great?

The Isley Brothers

Top 10 R&B Bands of All Time: Earth, Wind and Fire, The Isley Brothers, Parliament-Funkadelic, Kool & the Gang, Sly & the Family Stone, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, The Commodores, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, The Ohio Players and Cameo The same argument can be made for the musicians, the pianists, sax players or their counterparts on trumpet. Some contributors to the art-form are so monumentally significant in its development like Parker and Bebop or Miles and the Birth of the Cool, that their contribution alone sets them apart from the talent and skill sets of their

Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Al Green, Ray Charles, B.B. King, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway and Nat “King” Cole

Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Diana Ross, Nina Simone, Dionne Warwick, Chaka Khan and Tina Turner Gladys Knight

Donny Hathaway

peers. Generally speaking, the language of music evolves… audiences change through fashion, dance, and listening preferences. Big Bands become quartets and quintets. Hi and fast becomes midrange and laid back. The language of art always changes, but the gifted ones will always have their say!

Top 10 Jazz Pianists of All Time: Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, Fats Waller, Earl Hines, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Red Garland and Horace Silver Top 10 Jazz Trumpeteers of All Time: Louis Armstrong, Roy Eldridge, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles

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Top 10 Jazz Saxophonists of All Time: Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, Cannonball Adderley, Hank Crawford, Gerry Mulligan, Stanley Turrentine, Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young and Ben Webster

The Top 10 Male Soul Singers of All Time:

Top 10 Female Vocalists of All Time:

Davis, Clifford Brown, Chet Baker, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw and Arturo Sandoval

Dizzy Gillespie

care. To be the worst of American Presidents, the worst in United States history, is simply a declaration of disrespect, disregard and indifference to the powerful obligations of the office itself and the Oath pledged to honor the office.

Cannonball Adderly

Count Basie

Every name on the lists above earned their recognition. Names not yet on a list, are perhaps today making an argument to be added, working diligently to develop their God given talent. For this, they can always be grateful and proud. I respect them all. Interestingly, there are also lists of the worst of all time in particular areas.

To be the worst of a thing can only mean an individual had no respect or regard for the requirements of the particular discipline in which they were engaged. In short, they didn’t

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This list is a list of one. Donald J. Trump will arguably, but most assuredly, go down in history as the very worst of American presidents.

That’s what’s on my mind!

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

January 1, 2021

So Many Loved Mrs. Opal

“My friends ask what do I see in you.”

Every time I sing those words from one of my favorite hits from the tantalizing Temptations I say to myself, “I wish someone would say those words to me!”

You see, I’m a firm believer that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and you can’t believe everything you see.

Just look at posts on social media. You see something that looks outrageous but the remarks below the picture clearly illustrate that what you see, others see entirely differently.

After all, like the Temptations say and what I see, “Beauty’s only skin deep.”

Sometimes what you see is not totally what you get, so you can’t judge a book by the cover.

Which brings me to my truth.

At first glance, you see beauty, regalness, and so much more! In this instance, the beauty is more than skin deep.

I always refer to her as the

Opal Smith

most beautiful woman in Dallas. I’m talking about Opal Johnson Smith.

A proud 1954 graduate of Prairie View A&M University, she served as Miss Prairie View A&M and she has the distinction of having an auditorium named after her at her alma mater.

The youngest of eight children born to Professor Wayne Wright and Elsie Johnson of Nigton (now I could write

Family Gathering

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Family Gathering

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about that name but I digress), young Opal was 15 when she graduated from high school and 19 when she received that degree in mathematics from PV. Now she is definitely PV royalty. Her father graduated from Prairie View Normal, then went on to Tuskegee where the one and only Dr. George Washington Carver mentored him.

Her mom entered PV then took a break to be at home with the children. That break lasted for 35 years, then she went back and graduated, walking down the aisle with her youngest son.

It’s not a surprise that Lady Opal entered the field of education. Her “Daddy” was the principal, math teacher, basketball coach (undefeated for 10 years, including beating the number one school in Texas—Houston Wheatley) and janitor in Nigton. Under his leadership the school also won academic awards.

Now Lady Opal served 35 years in the Texas public education system, during which time she amassed numerous

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awards.

Her love for PV is unwavering and admirable!

Also her stories about her parents are endearing and inspiring. She describes her Daddy as calm, rational and very loving, and her mother as good looking, creative and sassy.

She said her parents instilled in her that “we have brains, we can learn, we can improve ourselves.”

Deeply spiritual, she believes it is important to “step outside myself and love others, help others.”

Miss Opal was a brick house before the Commodores knew what to do with one. She was every woman before Chaka Khan ever held a microphone.

Joseph Smith saw it all and together they bonded and raised a family, and showed their love to PV. When she walks into a room, she doesn’t have to say a word.

But when she speaks, it’s with a humble and loving spirit that is a joy to behold.

So, in this instance, as the see OPAL on page 17

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OPAL,

Opal Johnson Smith Remembered

from page 16...

I’m told her daughter was by her side and it was a peaceful homegoing.

She is survived by her husband Joe E. Smith, class of ’49, her four children, their spouses, grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Please be in prayer for the family.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.

Opal Smith or “Momma Smith” was an Angel.

She took me in the day I moved to Dallas and her son Said Rick was my brother who went to Hampton with me. She was so beautiful, who had me over for Sunday dinners, and was the best 2nd mom a man could have. She was truly Prairie View’s finest and heaven has the most elegant, kindest woman watching over us. My heart hurts today, but pray for the Smith siblings, especially Cederick who’s the personification of his mother. RIP Momma Smith Love you.

Brian Custer

Panther Beyond the Hill MRS. OPAL JOHNSON SMITH August 27, 1934 - December 27, 2020 Dallas PVAMU Alumni Chapter

A beautiful, exuberant, powerfully positive spirit. No one could convince you that “you could” like she did.

Vincent L. Hall

I am truly sad to hear this information regarding my former 9th grade algebra teacher in Port Arthur, Tx. She was always beautiful, graceful and the epitomy of class and graciousness. I loved this lady and know that she will be missed by many.

Maretta Lavallais Collins

Queen Opal Smith

popular group, the Dramatics, sing, “what you see is what you get!”

She is the real thing, beautiful inside out.

Just imagine what people will say about you, when you’re not around. No, on second thought. Don’t worry, enjoy life. Live a good life.

Realize the value of life and take advantage of it by making a difference.

Lady Opal has a gratitude journal that she uses.

In my journal, I will write that I am so grateful for Opal Johnson Smith.

Cheryl Smith

myimessenger.com

Today I say goodbye to one of most chic, genuine, and stunningly beautiful women i’ve ever had the honor and pleasure of knowing and loving. My mentor, gala, brunch, roadtrip, fashionista, fungossip girlfriend, and 2nd mother. I will miss your voice, your laugh, your essence. I love you always Mrs. Opal Smith. I’m so thankful for the day you highstepped into my life 20+years ago.

Renata Maiden-Guillory and Rachel Roberts- Pickett

It is with deep sorrow that I inform you of the passing of former Prairie View A&M University National Alumni Association President (1999-2003) Mrs. Opal Johnson Smith, class of 1954. Miss Prairie View 1954 and creator of the Dallas Alumni Chapter Athletic Scholarship Gala.

We are all familiar with the Opal Johnson Smith Auditorium named in her honor inside the Memorial Student Center.

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This lady right here...Opal Smith! My heart has been heavy since this morning. We have lost one of Dallas Diva’s, highly educated retired educator and administrator, the pride of Prairie View A&M University, my Sorority sister (Alpha Kappa Alpha) and a friend to so many. Pray for her loving family.

This was our last visit...rest in peace my friend Pennie Pitre

Oh no!! Debra and I always enjoyed seeing her one of Dallas most beautiful. Elegant, sophisticated and beautiful...

Not replaceable.

Fred A. Jones

January 1, 2021

January 1, 2021

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Help fight COVID. Join the study today.

• FREE COVID-19 test • Get a $20 gift card when you sign up • Register at utswmed.org/covidstudy,

833-947-2577 or scan this code:

Sign up now and get tested today!

#DFWAnswerTheCall

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January 1, 2021

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

Ranging from Pretti and Petite to Pretti and Plus!

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

But she keeps it Chic with Sophisticated Style!

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

214.623.7314

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

January 1, 2021

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She’s not in remission - she’s a survivor WITH LOVE FROM MARVA

Hutchinson is new technology project manager in Fort Worth

BY VALDER BEEBE

On “From Marva with Love,”ordained minister Sherry L. Smith recently talked about her ministry. Alongside her husband, Pastor Johnny V. Smith, of 38 years in marriage, Minister Sherry is actively involved as Co-Pastor of Light of the World Faith and Word Church in Arlington, Texas. She is also an Arlington Clergy and Police Partnership member and an Arlington Chamber of Commerce Life Member for almost 20 years. A breast and lymphatic cancer survivor since 2004, she boldly shares her testimony of faith and healing.

Marva: Minister Sherry tell us about your ministry.

SS: Yes I’m Co-Pastor of Light of the World Faith and Word Church. I have my ministry called “It’s All Good Cause It’s All God.” I celebrated 20 years of that ministry. It’s really about helping people to really walk and find their destiny. No matter what you’ve been through and no matter what you’re going through there is nothing too hard for God. I worked for the Arlington Police Department for 15 years. After taking so many calls, and suicide calls, and things like that, I knew this was something I wanted to do. So here I am ministering people one-on-one in other groups and venues. And I just thank God for that opportunity.

Marva: You have another story to tell; a story that has a major Blessing in it. ory.

SS: My story is that in the year 20? It’s been so long now; I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Unexpectedly there was a lump in my breast that I did not know about. It was found by my husband.

He was there and he said the Lord told him to feel in this one spot and he did myimessenger.com

Min. Sherry Smith

and found the lump. He said ‘feel this lump,’ and I was so shocked that it was there and you could actually feel it there. I went to the doctor. I wasn’t nervous I had to figure out what this is. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and it had already traveled to my lymph nodes. I had a choice to take the lymph nodes and remove my breast or do a lumpectomy and very extensive chemo and radiation treatment and I could keep my breast. I chose lumpectomy.

I had the chemo first and lost all of my hair and my fingernails and toenails.

Keeping in mind I still had ministry work on the books to go speak and talk. I took my chemo bag with me to minister.

I told God if he walked with me through these chemo treatments that I wouldn’t cancel one assignment…..

To hear the full interview with Minister Sherry go to BlogTalkRadio.com/ Cheryl’s world, http://bit.ly/34hnlFA or Facebook.com/TexasMetroNews to see the video. There is a Blessing in it.

Follow Minister Sherry Smith at http:// iagciag.com/.

Tune into “From Marva with Love” Fridays from 11 am-1 pm. on BlogTalkRadio.com and Texas Metro News Facebook page.

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

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Isha Hutchinson

A highly talented and accomplished senior project manager / program manager with an extensive background in software development, infrastructure and hardware projects with budget management experience of up to $10 million.

He holds a successful track record in all sizes of system solutions, project and program team leadership, soft skills, communication, change management, strategic IT planning and business-related functions.

He is a results oriented professional with progressive experience in the banking, airlines, and telecommunications industries A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in legal studies. A member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Toastmasters International - where he is a Distinguished Toastmaster; he is also the owner of 410 Line Dancer, the Dallas / Fort Worth area’s award winning and leading urban dance company.

Founded in 2014, 410 Line Dancers provides soul line-dance lessons to all, regardless of age or dance skill level, in a safe dance studio environment.

January 1, 2021

January 1, 2021

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myimessenger.com

Dallas COVID-19 Resources

MO’ BETTAH WINGS

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

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

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

Safer at home

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

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

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

Keep your mouth and nose covered while out in public.

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

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January 1, 2021

214-421-5387

Two Podners Bar-B-Que & Seafood 1441 Robert B Cullum Blvd.

Dallas, Texas 75210 January 1, 2021

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myimessenger.com

“We are open for carryout. We care about our customers and our community and we thank you for your business during this difficult time.�

Hours of business: Monday-Thursday 11:30 am-9:00 pm.

Friday 11:30 am-10:00 pm.

Saturday 12:00 pm-10:00 pm.

(469) 899-7927

140 S Clark Rd Cedar Hill, TX 75104

3309 S Malcolm X Blvd

Call orders in (214)-859-3472

Dallas, TX 75215

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We run specials Monday-Thursday

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January 1, 2021

EAT ZONE Best Food in Town The Hidden Secret of OakCliff 2 Burgers for $5 2 Pc Grilled/Fried Ăžsh

3917 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. Suite 103 Dallas Texas 75237.

469-399-0096

Open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-8p.

3003 E. Illinois Ave,75216

214-376-9663

During this pandemic we are still open for call-in and pick up orders. We have specials Tuesdays $5 burger baskets with fries and Wednesdays $5 chicken strip baskets with fries. Our menu is filled with so many delicious items. We have Bar-B-Q plates, Crab boils and so much more. We would love to serve you.

6090 Bonnie View Rd Dallas, TX 75241 Hours of services may differ

Phone: (214) 372-6321

January 1, 2021

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myimessenger.com

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

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

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

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January 1, 2021

January 1, 2021

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January 1, 2021

The Biden Cabinet-

Mainstream, Moderate, Middling THE LAST WORD BY DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX

I neither expected sparks nor extreme surprises as President-elect Joe Biden begin to announce his Cabinet. I did expect diversity, and we’ve seen it. But I didn’t expect the number of Obama-era retreads to be included in this Cabinet.

As I write this in mid-December, I can hardly contain my disappointment that Tom Vilsack, the man who fired Shirley Sherrod for specious reasons, is being asked, again, to lead the Department of Agriculture.

Many of us had hoped that Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, who served several years on the House Committee on Agriculture, would get this position.

Instead, she was nominated to be the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), still a cabinet position.

HUD, however, is one of those “Black folk or people of color” positions. Robert Weaver, an African American Harvard Ph.D. in economics, was the first HUD Secretary. Noted attorney and civil rights activist, Patricia Roberts Harris, was the eighth.

Some HUD secretaries were quite distinguished and qualiJanuary 1, 2021

fied, others (like present secretary Ben Carson) much less so.

In any case Congresswoman Fudge will do an exemplary job, no matter where she serves. But I am among those, including the legacy civil rights leaders, who is not excited about Vilsack returning to Agriculture.

There is no one under 50 among the Biden nominees.

There are few progressives among the Biden nominees.

A glimmer of hope lies in the fact that the Council of Economic Advisor leans somewhat left and is also labor-centered, with the nominated chair, Cecilia Rouse, a Princeton University labor economist. The others, Jared Bernstein and Heather Boushey, have past relationships with the Economic Policy Institute, a worker focused think tank in DC (I serve on their board). It is also hopeful that Janet Yellen has been nominated as Treasury Secretary. She is worker-focused and the first woman to hold the posy.

But in retreading Vilsack and Kerry, choosing international expert Susan Rice to lead the Domestic Policy Council, and choosing other mainstream moderates, Biden has thrown ice water on the hopes and dreams of the progressives who put their interests aside to unite around him.

Where is the appointment for Mayor Pete Buttigieg, whose youth and knowledge will bring much to the Cabinet?

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Who will be the Secretary of Labor? Bernie Sanders would like the position and is highly qualified for it.

But so, too, is Thea Lee, President of the Economic Policy Institute, or Bill Spriggs, an African American labor economist who was an Assistant Secretary under President Obama. What about the Attorney General? Of the four top picks, only one, Former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick, is African American.

Hon. Marcia Fudge

There are opportunities for the Cabinet to be younger, more progressive, and more diverse. President-elect Biden has to consider their concerns.

For a week or so, I’ve been encouraging patience, telling people we need to wait to see “the whole thing” of this Cabinet. But I’m reminded (thank you, Congressman Jim Clyburn) of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s book, Why We Can’t Wait, that Black people are always waiting, always being cautioned to be patient, always being told that it is not yet time for our concerns to be addressed.

We have been cautioned on

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patience by both our friends and by those who would oppose us. President-elect Jo Biden still has selections to make, and he can make them younger and more diverse. I’d also encourage him to speak up about the racism that has increased in our streets with these “Proud Boys” defacing Washington DC churches and roaming through our streets picking fights with people.

We need a strong voice to stand against this racism. It wouldn’t necessarily come from the mainstream, moderate and middling. Those like the so-called Proud Boys (what are they proud of) aren’t likely to listen to Biden since they’ve been given the thumbs up by the tantrum-throwing loser who can’t figure out how to concede this election.

But President-elect Biden would be well advised to speak firmly about this racism. Perhaps he should, as NAACP President Derrick Johnson said, appoint a race czar, just as he has selected the climate czar in John Kerry.

In any case, the middling and the moderate, those who enjoy the status quo, aren’t the ones to fix a mess that has been brewing for more than 400 years. President-elect has never been especially bold, but this is a moment for boldness.

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

myimessenger.com

We’re open and ready to serve you!

You can enjoy the holidays and still be safe!

Elaine’s

Jamaican Kitchen

(214) 565-1008 2717 Martin L. King Jr Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215

Wear the masks, wash your hands and show love! myimessenger.com

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January 1, 2021

CELEBRATION Photos and Story

By Ashley Moss Texas Metro News

Mary Ann Bussey officially turned 90, on Tuesday, and while requests to stay-athome may have dampened many celebrations this year, that didn’t stop one local family from looking for a big way to say “Happy Birthday” to their matriarch.

In fact, it appeared that they’d ordered the perfect sunny Saturday to honor her life with a surprise for the special occasion.

The family managed to keep the drive-by a surprise until early Saturday morning.

“I wanted to celebrate my mother in a big way,” said her daughter, Carolyn Crawford.

“I told her we wouldn’t be able to celebrate by going out this year (due to the pandemic) but that just a few folks would stop by to stay ‘hello.’”

For the occasion, Bussey got gussied up in a black and gold sweatshirt along with a crown and sash.

As she sat in front of a large birthday display in her yard to await the celebration, she was joined by more than 20 family members and friends who handed out individually wrapped cupcakes to wellwishers.

And it was indeed a party for a queen, as more than 50 cars gathered at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Hamilton Park Pacesetter School, 8301 Towns St, Dallas, to ride by Ms. Bussey’s house and wish her well.

Mr. Thomas Jefferson, the unofficial mayor of January 1, 2021

Mary Ann Bussey is presented proclamation from Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam McGough

by Mr. Thomas Jefferson

Bussey turns 90

Hamilton Park, presented a proclamation of special recognition to Ms. Bussey in honor of her life and special dedication to the community, signed by Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam McGough.

Bussey is one of the original homeowners in Hamilton Park and has

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lived in the neighborhood for more than 60-years.

She was a member of the Parent Teachers Association, Hamilton Park School Band Club and Hamilton Park Civic League; and she served as a homeroom volunteer and chaperone for school events.

An active member of Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist

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Church in Richardson, she loves to work out at the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center of Dallas.

“I can’t imagine...All these people came to see me,” she said, looking in awe as the cars rode by; many with balloons, signs, cards or gifts for the nonagenarian. myimessenger.com

MARY ANN BUSSEY

In honor of her 90th birthday and dedication to the Hamilton Park community WHEREAS, Mary Ann Bussey was born to Elijah and Nishia Randolph on December 29, 1930, in Dallas, Texas. She was the youngest of five girls; Ruby, Viola, Margaret and Elizabeth (all deceased); and WHEREAS, Mary attended Dallas public schools. As a single parent, she took on the responsibility of raising and nurturing her three children, while balancing employment as a domestic worker. Mary took pride in her profession and performed her duties with excellence. She was later employed at and after 15 years retired from the Annuity Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, currently known as GuideStone; and WHEREAS, Mary and J. Edward Bussey (deceased) are the proud parents of one daughter, Carolyn; and myimessenger.com

two sons, Carl (deceased, wife Nancy) and Charles (wife Stella). Mary has nine beautiful grandchildren; Tonya, Stanley Jr, Stacy, Cecili, Brian, Carl, Crystal, Brittany and Justin; 14 awesome great-grandchildren; Jordan, Cory, Cameron, Kayla, Elijah, Maquela, Trevor, Josiah, Isaiah, Jacob, Miles, Liam, Judea, and Noah; and two adorable great-greatgrandchildren, Karsyn and Jaydan; and WHEREAS, Mary moved to the Hamilton Park community in November 1959, is an original and cherished homeowner and was the only single parent family in the community.

Mary was a member of Parent Teachers Association, Hamilton Park School Band Club and Hamilton Park Civic League; and she served as a

homeroom volunteer and chaperone for school events. She is an active member of Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church in Richardson and loves to work out at the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center of Dallas; and WHEREAS, Mary is a woman of integrity, good-hearted Christian and faithful member of the community. She learned at an early age that, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) Her entire life is built around her faith, family and trust in Jesus Christ, and she truly embodies the spirit of “Love Your Neighbor.”

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NOW, THEREFORE, I, ADAM MCGOUGH, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Dallas, do hereby extend Special Recognition to Mary Ann Bussey.

January 1, 2021

Don’t make Black Success a Disqualifier in the Biden-Harris Administration OUR VOICE

BY DR. BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS JR.

When President-elect Joe Biden pounded the podium after the November 2020 elections and proclaimed, “The Black community has always had my back,” he also pledged to make the Biden Administration accountable and reflective of the interests of Black Americans and all others who stand for freedom, justice, equality, and economic empowerment.

That was certainly good news.

Yet, as the Biden-Harris Transition Team moves forward to create one of the most diverse and inclusive administrations in the history of the United States, there are those who take exception to including Black Americans and other people of color who have had significant private sector work experience.

I know how complex and

Georgia, from page 2...

pastor of Atlanta’s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, once pastored

by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He has championed Medicaid Expansion January 1, 2021

critical the new administration’s selection of nominees and appointees can be. I served on the Clinton-Gore Transition Team in 19921993 and I witnessed firsthand how standards were applied to ensure that the best talented and experienced people were recruited to serve in the Administration without exclusion due to race or prior career experience.

I am speaking out about this issue, because now is not the time for silence as a result of fear from the right or from the left.

As President-elect Biden looks to fill his Cabinet, White House staff, and the various agencies throughout the federal government, Biden will look to talented men and women from all walks of life to help him and Vice President-elect Harris to end a deadly pandemic, rebuild a stalled economy, and make America’s future progress and sustainability accessible to all of its citizens.

The Biden-Harris Transition Team should not be for-

and led voter registration efforts. Ossoff, an investigative journalist, lost a high-profile Georgia Congressional race in 2018. Warnock won more votes than Loeffler in November. Ossoff trailed Perdue by two percent. Georgia officials have responded by limiting early voting lo-

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ced to exclude talented people of color because they have chosen certain career paths.

The vast majority of people of color, particularly Black people, do not come from generational wealth and most often are the first in their families to attend college. When they graduate and choose to go into public service, it is truly a personal sacrifice because they often do so with a heavy debt burden.

To relieve themselves of that burden when their time in public service comes to an end, they often turn to the private sector for employment so that they can provide for their families, purchase a home, and build wealth.

Those who consider themselves to be in the progressive left, counterproductively miss the point when they apply a “no private sector work” standard to people of color looking to come back and serve their country in the Biden-Harris administration.

Those well-intentioned but misguided left progressives don’t realize that such a stan-

dard is unjustly punitive and ignores the racial and economic inequities in our nation.

If we are to ever bridge the racial and class divisions in our nation, we must learn from our history rather than continue the stereotypes, fears, and prejudices of the past. The Biden-Harris Administration, like the Obama-Biden Administration, has an historic opportunity to move the nation forward toward “a more perfect Union.”

Experienced and talented Black leaders in the public and private sectors will help the Biden-Harris Administration to achieve future success towards an inclusive, sustainable and equitable transformation of the United States of America.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) in Washington, DC, and executive producer & host of The Chavis Chronicles on PBS TV. dr.bchavis@nnpa.org http://www.

TheChavisChronicles.com

cations, but during the first week, 1.3 million ballots were cast.

Call, email, Facebook, Instagram or by any means necessary, contact the people you know who live in Georgia. Tell them America has Georgia on its mind.

Tell them our democracy depends on them.

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myimessenger.com

16 New Year’s Resolutions

Virtual and liVe Community Calendar

December 30 Nia-Purpose: To build develop the community Ask Dr. Amerson Show at 11am CST Dr. Linda discusses healthy hair and scalp talk, and alopecia talk, on FB Live and DfwiRadio.com.

Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez Live Podcast on Facebook @HollywoodHernandez, at 2 pm.

Oak Cliff’s Holiday Stroll, Event by Holy Crust Dallas, Veracruz Cafe (Bishop Arts District) at Veracruz Café 408 N. Bishop Ave. 6:30-19:30 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

Walk-In Wednesdays Parkland’s Community Oriented Primary Care Health Centers offer flu vaccines without an appointment from 9 am-12 pm and 1-4 pm. visit https://www.parklandhospital.com/locations.

Live Band- NO COVER Feat: Don Diego.

At Attaché Cigar, 4099 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. #101, 9-11 pm.

Dallas Mavericks vs.

Charlotte Hornets, at American Airlines Center 2500 Victory Ave. 7:30 pm. Tickets: Ticketmaster.

December 31 Kuumbia-Creativity: To improve our community and make it more beautiful SoulJazz Thursdays Feat: FUNKTRAIN Host Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave. 8 pm-12 am. Visit www.sandaga813.com.

Over The Top NYE 2020, Event by Reunion Tower, Hyatt Regency Dallas and Children’s Medical Center Dallas. Online with Facebook Live. 11:30 pm–12:15 am CST. Revive: God’s Not Done. Event by Concord Church. Online Event. 7– 9:30 pm CST Free via Eventbrite.com Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant Hosted by Dallas Zoo. Dallas Zoo 650 S. R.L. Thornton Fwy. 6:30-9:30 pm. Tickets: zoolights.dallaszoo.com/guests.

Watch Night Service. Event by Friendship-West Baptist Church. Feat: John P. Kee Online with Facebook Live 7 pm CST.

January 1 New Year’s Day Imani-Faith: To believe that the world can become a better place

myimessenger.com

Parkland Free flu shots drive-thru flu and COVID-19 testing from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 South Polk St., Dallas.

Happy Birthday to Terry Allen

Greater Garth Chapel A.M.E. Church, Serving Our Community. Free hot meals and sack lunches Fridays 4 pm. at 2828 Carpenter Ave. Dallas.

The Workshop at the Latino Cultural Center. Streaming Craft workshop. 12:30–1 pm. CST. Live at Facebook.com/LCCDallas.

January 5

Online Spiritual Care Sessions Hosted by Friendship-West Baptist Church. 1-2:30 pm.

Tickets: https://zoom.us/j/8567036848.

The Jazz Jam at Jazz Becuzz, feat: Jay Mck, Bobby Sparks, and JT. Online with Facebook Live. Jam Becuzz Art Center, 8:30 pm CST. http://www.jazzbecuzzac.com

3rd Annual Smooth Jazz. Event by DFW Social 40 Aloft Dallas Love Field, 2333 W. Mockingbird Ln. 8 pm– 1:30 am CST. Tickets www.dfwsocial40.com.

Emotional Wellbeing for the New Year, Event by Dallas Yoga Center. Online Event 6:30 pm CST.at http://www.dallasyogacenter.com.

Radiance! Frisco Hosted by Radiance Dr. Pepper Ballpark Center, 7300 Roughriders Trail, Frisco. 5:30-11 pm. Tickets: https:// www.radiancechristmas.com/buy-tickets.

January 2 Empowering The Masses Disaster Relief Drive Through Food Pantry at 3314 Detonte St. Dallas. 10 am-12 pm. www. empoweringthemasses.org.

Mountain View Church of Christ Distribution of Free Groceries, 7979 E. R.L. Thornton Fwy. 9 am-12 pm. Drive-Thru.

1st Saturday Harvest Project Food Rescue Free Fruit and Veggies, at the Pan African Connection 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. 10 am-3 pm. until their gone. Call 214-943-8262.

Holiday Observance. Event by Coffee and Politics 101 with Cydney Walker Online with Facebook Live. 10-11 am.

January 6 Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez Live Podcast on Facebook @HollywoodHernandez, at 2 pm.

Beginner Beyoncé Ballet Arts Mission Oak Cliff, 410 Windomere, 7-8 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. every Wednesday in January.

Ask Dr. Amerson Show at 11am CST Dr. Linda discusses healthy hair and scalp talk, and alopecia talk, FB Live & DfwiRadio.com.

January 7 Gokey’s Comedy Show by the Texas Ale Project. 6–9 pm CST, Texas Ale Project 1001 N. Riverfront Blvd. Tickets: http://www. texasaleproject.com.

Linny Nance Network Hosted by The Free Man, 2626 Commerce St. 7-10 pm.

New Year New Flow: Yoga + Affirmation Setting for 2021. Host City of Dallas, City Hall, 1500 Marilia St. 2:15–3:30 pm CST. Tickets • $15 via Eventbrite.com.

January 3

January 8 Happy Birthday to Valder Beebe

Ubuntu Market (Small Bus. Marketplace) Host Pan African Connection 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. 12-5 pm. Shop Small Businesses. Info email: Panafric@airmail.net.

The Bear Creek Food Distribution, Mon, Wed, & Fri. 11 am-3 pm. At, 2700 Finley Rd. Irving. Drive-Thru.

The EPIC Return of BeatStreet Poetry Live Sunday Social.

Hosted by Verb Kulture Ent. The Free Man, 2626 Commerce St. 5-8 pm. Tickets: https://www.verbkultureevents.com.

Parkland Free flu shots drive-thru flu and COVID-19 testing from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 South Polk St., Dallas and at the Eastfield College Campus, 3737 Motley Drive, Mesquite.

West Coast Swing Afternoon Social Studio 22: A Ballroom & Social Dance Club, 14902 Preston Rd. #400. 3–6 pm CST. Tickets: clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws.

January 4 Happy Birthday to Ptosha Storey Marvelous Marriage Mondays at Friendship-West Baptist Church Register for Virtual event, online at friendshipwest. zoom.us/.../upcpcOmhqz4rqNU 7-8 pm.

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Andrew’s World with host Andrew Whigham III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.-10 am. CST. Sundays Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary.

Join the call 646-200-0459. on In The Middle with Ashley Moss.

“Talking about topics that Matter” Join in on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio. com at 11 am-1 pm. CST. Mondays.

Join the conversation call 646-2000459.

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

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.

From Marva with Love with Marva Sneed from11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-2000459.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

Greater Garth Chapel A.M.E. Church, Serving Our Community. Free hot meals and sack lunches Fridays 4 pm. at 2828 Carpenter Ave. Dallas.

Live Band- NO COVER Feat: Natural Change Band At Attaché Cigar, 4099 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. #101, 8-11 pm.

The Black Academy of Arts and Letters Presents: Downtown Dallas Comedy Featuring Marcus Combs at Clarence Muse Café Theatre 1309 Canton St. 9 pm. Friday and Saturday Tickets : Ticketmaster.com.

January 1, 2021

Don’t Pull Your Hair ABOUT YOUR HAIR

BY DR. LINDA AMERSON

Do you pull your scalp hair out?

There is a name for this compulsive, self inflicted condition. Tri-cho-tilomania is an impulse disorder, characterized by a desire to pull out one’s hair. It is also called tricomania, or trich.

This disorder was first identified in 1889 by Hallopeau, and affects 1.4%% of people with an alopecia condition...more than 10 million people in the US are affected.. There are over 100 categories of alopecia.

Origin - The Origin of this disorder is Trichomalacia, the term applied to damage and twisted hair within the hair follicle, results from damage to the hair root. This occurs during the anagen of hair growth. A habit forms subconsciously.

Ratio - This disorder affects twice as many females, except under the age of 6, where the sex ratio is three males to one

female. The peak incident is in the 2-6 year age group. It may replace thumb sucking.

The more more severe form affects mainly females from adolescents to teenagers...11-17 years.

Common areas include scalp hair, eyebrows and eyelashes, however any hairy area on the body may become targeted.

There are reported cases of infants pulling their hair out... parent’s can apply a heavy hair oil, such as Vaseline, to make the hair hard to grip, or put gloves on the infant’s hands. In addition, there have been other cases of children who pull their hair my be a symptom of autism.

Trichotillomania is caused by an underlying emotional problem, or a definite mental disorder. Other contributors could include depression and isolation.

In children the underlying problem is easy to discern.

Lack of attention Sibling rivalry Divorced parent Unhappiness at School Learning disability Mental retardation In adults, the condition

Moving on up

Lance K. L. Bennett is Assistant Director of Assessment for the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of Texas at Dallas.

With more than 10 January 1, 2021

Lance K. L. Bennett

years of higher education administrative experience, he has comprehensive knowledge of the field

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is harder to trace. Trich is usually due to a severe psychological disorder, often monosymtomatic hypochondriac psychosis.

Do people grow out of this compulsion? It’s usually a life-long problem.

Trichophagia occurs when people pull their hair out then eat it, causing hair balls in the intestinal tract. As reported by www.lincolnshire.co.uk/ news, “Jasmine Beever, a 16-year-old girl from England died in 2017 from this compulsion.

In the teen’s case, the hair ball caused a condition called peritonitis, or inflammation of the lining of the abdomen, causing an ulcer which burst and shut down her vital organs.”

Two more alarming Trichophagia cases: Large hair ball removed was

from an 18-year-old female, weighed 2.5 lbs in 2017 in the UK. Large nine lb hair ball removed in 2014, from an 18-year-old girl in the UK. Trichobesoar occurs when people pull their hair out and chew it.

Parents should pay attention to your children.

Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist offers Virtual and Clinic Consultations. 817-265-8854 www.hairandscalpessentials. com.

through work at public, private, research, and teaching universities.

Extensive experience coordinating programs and projects pertaining to faculty development; assessment of academic programs; research and university teaching to create a holistic student experience.

Significant work with shared governance between executive leadership and campus constituencies.

He has received a M.A., Communication Studies, University of Iowa; M.A., Communication Studies, West Chester University of Pennsylvania; B.A., Communication Studies, Eastern University C o n c e nt rat i o n : Interpersonal/Organizational Communication and A.A., Communication Arts, Delaware County Community College Graduated with High Honors.

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Dr. Amerson is open to more road trip collaborations with beauty/barbers industry professionals, as well as women’s church groups, conferences, expos and seminars.

Help is Available! 817 265 8854 www.hairandscalpessentials. com #ScalpDoctor #40yrVeteran

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January 1, 2021

Mavs Make History in First Season Win

By DOROTHY J. GENTRY Sports Editor The Dallas Mavericks went into December 27th’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers with an 0-2 record.

They were determined not to start the season at 0-3; especially not to the team that sent them home in the first round of this summer’s Bubble playoffs in Orlando.

And they didn’t. The Luka Doncic-led Mavericks defeated the 2-0 Clippers 124-73 and made history along the way.

They started the game leading 9-2 and never looked back.

In an offensive onslaught, the Mavs led the Clippers by 50 points at halftime—77-27— the biggest halftime lead in league history since the NBA adopted the shot clock.

The final score was also the biggest Clippers loss in franchise history.

“I wasn’t thinking about the playoffs. New season, New

January 1, 2021

goals,” Doncic said afterward.

“We showed who we are. People judged us the first two games. It’s a long season.”

Doncic finished with 24 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists. He was followed by the Mavs’ newest player Josh Richardson with 21 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.

“They just decided they were going to be the hardest-playing team in the gym.

Real proud of the way we responded to two sub-par games,” Head Coach Rick Carlisle said on the team’s mentality.

Paul George was the leading scorer for the Clippers, who were without star Kawhi Leonard, who did not play due to a facial laceration he suffered in the Clippers’ Friday night win against the Denver Nuggets. He had to have eight stitches in his mouth as a result of taking a blow to the face in the game.

“I take full responsibility.

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We weren’t ready to go. We got our butts kicked. That’s on me,” said George postgame.

The Mavs are now 1-2 and will be home all week and will welcome in 2021 as they hold their home opener on December 30th against the Charlotte

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Hornets at 7:30 pm. They will also host the Miami Heat on New Year’s Day. No fans will be in attendance as the franchise has decided against fans in American Airlines Center as the pandemic continues.

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Sylvie’s Love AT THE MOVIES BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

In the movie SYLVIE’S LOVE, Sylvie is a young girl working in her father’s record store in Harlem during the 1950s who meets an aspiring saxophone player.

The two share a mutual love of music and Sylvie, played by Tessa Thompson, and Robert, played by Nnamdi Asomugha, develop a romance, despite the fact that Sylvie already has a fiance.

The star-crossed lovers struggle to stay together, but seemingly are meant to be apart. They also come from very different backgrounds.

Sylvie comes from a wealthy family and has a successful business man for a fiance while Robert is a self taught

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musician and formerly worked in a plant.

The couple’s love affair takes a lot of different twists

move to Detroit with hopes of joining the Motown roster.

His contact who had told him he could make connections for him at Motown turns out to be a con man whose only dealings with Motown are as a valet for the artists.

and turns while the movie follows them over the years.

Sylvie gets a job she loves as an assistant on a TV cooking show while Robert’s jazz career comes to an end when people move from jazz to R&B and his goal is to

Robert ends up back working in a factory while Sylvie stays behind in Harlem to continue to work her TV job and take care of the couple’s young daughter.

The movie also shines a light on the class system bet-

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ween upwardly mobile Black women and the lower class Black men who they love.

It shows how upper class Blacks have to adapt to a different world while lower economic class Blacks are simply not accepted by whites no matter how much talent they may have.

It’s SYLVIE’S LOVE that keeps the couple together in the end and her role as a strong Black woman in the 1960s is a real inspiration that will warm your heart.

The movie is a true “Black love story” that shows the struggles that Black couples go through.

The movie does an excellent job of capturing the styles of both the clothes and the music during the 1950s and 1960s. It’s a well-told story and on my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” SYLVIE’S LOVE rates a LARGE. The movie is showing on Prime Video.

January 1, 2021

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FEBRUARY 8, 2019

I Messenger

Do you know this man?

POLICE have not apprehended “Pookie” the serial rapist.

We know he has attacked members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.

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?

877-373-8477 January 1, 2021

I MESSENGER

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