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VOL X NO 17, JANUARY 8, 2021

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50 YEARS OF SERVICE Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

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

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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.

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The Broader View WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ.

I remember the commonly accepted phrase, “All politics is local.� The obvious understanding is that the individual politician and his/her constituents are best served when the interests of the “local� constituents, not partisan interests, are paramount in policy decisions.

Then, it was not uncommon for votes in the U.S. Senate and House to cross party lines as well as the development of deep and abiding cross-party friendships which are unthinkable today.

Those who speak of those days frequently refer to the friendship between late Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.).

Although in opposition on many issues, they were known as best friends, dedicated to achieving policies that benefitted the majority of Americans.

Their friendship notwithstanding, from the time they joined the Senate until their final appearances there, an erosion of collegiality and willingness to separate partisan politics from the interests of Americans occurred.

Whatever the source or reason you choose, it has crippled the ability of legislators to achieve their greatest constitutional mandate to “create a more perfect union.�

Rather than seeing their political opponents as differing in opinion, they now view them as enemies who-

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se ideas and interests have to be crushed into the dirt of political preference — nationwide. Sadly, those who vote for them accept the same enmity.

Until there is a willingness to revert to the attitude of “doing what is best for all or most citizens,� we will be mired in a swamp of conflict and discontent. This we see in the current COVID-19 economy.

While a select number and class of Americans prosper and billionaires increase their wealth exponentially, larger numbers of Americans face imminent eviction, food insecurity and a myriad of problems associated with looming or absolute poverty.

Small business owners who have spent their years, effort, and meager wealth to serve their communities are witnessing their efforts evaporate.

For eight months, our Republican-led Senate refused negotiations or acting on a relief package for the average American. Proposals offered by the House of Representatives have been gathering dust on the desk of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. He has single-handedly held the majority of Americans dangling on a string of economic insecurity.

In the eleventh hour, he and his Republican caucus have agreed to negotiate a miserly relief package that will not meet the real needs of those who have suffered since May. As the Grim Reaper to Democratic policies, his singular interest has been in shaping the federal court system with conservative

— and, in many cases, unqualified — judges who will legislate conservative causes from the bench.

All is not lost! As has been done in our short national history, citizens can act in concert to achieve legislation that does not extend the hand of preference to the wealthy or industrial class.

Our challenge is to abandon the belief that our only concern is what is happening in our own city, county or state.

As most voters know, the state of Georgia has two unresolved Senate races that have scheduled runoff elections. The result of these elections will determine control of the Senate.

Because the election outcomes have a broader impact on the nation, we MUST broaden our view of how we can affect the outcome.

If we are Georgia residents who are registered to vote, we must evaluate the candidates who best represent our interests and the interests of those we value.

We must then VOTE! It’s that simple!

If we are not Georgia residents, we cannot vote, but we can encourage the Georgians we know to get out the vote and we can contribute!

Political campaigns run on money.

Presently, for many, money is scarce, but we must consider the chaos another McConnell term as Senate leader will cause!

Dr. E. Faye Williams is National President of the National Congress of Black Women and Host of “Wake Up and Stay Woke� on WPFW-FM 89.3.

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INSIDE

Faithful Utterances

Quit Playin’

With Love From Marva

Each new year, I would write Resolutions. I would create things to accomplish like losing weight, exercising, or spending more time reading my Bible.

In the last few years, I stopped writing resolutions.

It’s not that I don’t write out my goals, I just do this throughout the year with periodic check-ins.

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.

On “From Marva with Love,” the managing partner of Annie Earl’s Art Gallery, Harold Banks’, discussed the art gallery is named after his beloved mother who passed away from ovarian cancer in 1985 at the age of 45. She was the matriarch of the family; a very strong, single parent who raised five boys and one girl.

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January 8, 2021

MY TRUTH

by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

Congratulations America!

To say I was anxious on this election day, January 5, 2021, would be an understatement.

Sure there have been other elections where I have truly felt a personal connection to the candidates. But this election, especially at this time in our lives, just appeared to be so much more important and significant in my life.

Which brings me to my truth.

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I was rooting hard for America. For me, the only way America could win would be for the Democratic candidates to win in the Georgia U.S. Senate run-off elections.

So, as I sat patiently waiting for results, I was anxious because I sincerely felt that our country had an opportunity to heal, to make a better future for all; if we didn’t have to deal with the

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dysfunction that comes from politicians who are wreaking havoc with false claims of stolen elections.

Believe me, we Black people know about stolen elections and that was not what we witnessed in November!

If anything, the last four years have shown us that we can’t continue to do things the way they have been done. Unfortunately we have politicians who, no matter

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how wrong, will do wrong, for the sake of the PARTY. With the election on January 5, folks are going to have to work together or yes, we will perish.

Congratulations, America. According to current election results, we have a chance to build a better country and work together for the greater good.

And each of us can be involved! myimessenger.com

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You. Got. This.

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

Each new year, I would write Resolutions. I would create things to accomplish like losing weight, exercising, or spending more time reading my Bible.

In the last few years, I stopped writing resolutions.

It’s not that I don’t write out my goals, I just do this throughout the year with periodic checkins.

I know it’s important to write out the vision-- “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” (Habakkuk 2:2) I realized years ago that it isn’t enough just to have goals in your head but writing creates movement and inspiration.

I strongly believe when we have a vision, it inspires others to action. A herald is an official messenger, a person in position. I see this as an opportunity for partnership with God to seek guidance for those we need on our paths.

Our goals are connected to others and quite often, we cannot make our dreams a reality in isolation. We need others who have the ability to help us along the way.

Many create vision boards during this season but as you are envisioning your future, who are the people around you that can assist? Who are those that have wisdom and experience that you may glean from? Are there individuals missing that you need in your life with characteristics/ January 8, 2021

skills you may not have but can assist you? Who is your personal board of directors that pour into your life but also challenge you? Is your vision one that creates movement and inspiration? Are you inspired to take an idea to inception?

Instead of resolutions, for the past few years, I have chosen a word for the year.

In doing so, it’s allowed me to focus. Two of my previous words of the year were “power” and “movement.” I wanted

one theme all year, helping you filter decisions, calm emotions, and face each day with resolve?”

For me, it’s creating a guiding principle of what I want my year to look like and what I want to focus on. Having a word of the year for me is a form of setting an intention—it isn’t about writing goals. It’s about aligning with purpose and destiny. It is an opportunity to co-create with God as the lead, the next 365 days.

to recognize my own power instead of looking outside; but more importantly, I wanted to witness the power of God. Movement was another powerful word because I saw the hand of God move in so many areas of my personal and professional life.

Having these words really made a difference in my life. The website DaySpring (https://www.dayspring.com/ yourwordquiz#/home) says (and they also have a quiz you can take, too!): “What if you chose to focus on this

Whatever you choose to do this year whether it is writing goals, identifying a word/ setting an intention, it is critical that you pay attention to what God has placed in you.

We often look outside to make things happen when the reality is that you have something already to work with. In Judges 3:31, the Bible mentions Shamgar. During a time of much oppression in Israel, Shamgar used what was in his hand to make a difference.

His actions were critical and impacted many lives. I

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wonder if he saw his oxgoad as something special or just an everyday tool but I’m sure all of his training and experience prepared him. Please know that all of your experiences— good, bad, and ugly, are used

by God and are not wasted.

Those menial jobs that you felt were useless or the times you couldn’t understand why you had to go through a particular situation—all of those circumstances can be used by God to change the course of your life and the life of others. This wasn’t the first time that God used what an individual had to make a difference—”Then the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied.” (Exodus 4:2) Moses saw and focused on what he didn’t have.

God questioned him as a reminder that what he had was significant. Think about what is in your hand? What gifts and talents have you been given that are lying dormant?

When will you begin to see what you already have in your possession as the tool to accomplish your dreams?

No matter what we face this upcoming year, we must know that God is with us. Allow God to be your partner as you plan your possibilities and cultivate your potential. You. Got. This.

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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CP TIME no...QP TIME! 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, but not for everyone. myimessenger.com

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 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.

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 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.

Black Lives Matter garnered

Malcolm X

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

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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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Play Ball! Plans underway for inaugural baseball event to benefit students

State Fair Diamond Classic Ambassador Meet & Greet

By Eva D. Coleman Lifestyle and Culture Editor The State Fair Diamond Classic (SFDC) is coming to North Texas and community playmakers gathered Saturday, January 2, 2021 for an Ambassador Meet & Greet at Tender Smokehouse in Frisco; owned by former Major League Baseball player, Torii Hunter, who pledged his support for the event.

The SFDC is a triple-header college baseball matchup between the Grambling State University Tigers and Prairie View A&M Panthers, scheduled for March 26-28, 2021 at the Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco. myimessenger.com

The event is so much more than a game. Organizers hope to hit a home run in connecting urban youth with higher education and career opportunities, especially with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

“We don’t seek to reinvent the wheel, we seek to collaborate,” event founder Prentiss Hill told the 17 ambassadors in attendance.

Explaining the many incentives for being an ambassador, including a percentage of sponsorships brought in going back to benefit the charitable organization of your choice; he said he hopes to secure 50 ambassadors to

bring the SFDC to life and help secure its future.

Recognizing the challenges with planning the SFDC during the coronavirus pandemic, Hill shared that the Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco is an outdoor arena and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for masks and social distancing will be followed.

“We’re waiting for further instructions as we move through this pandemic from Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball as well as what participating conferences and the health agencies will mandate as we move forward,” Hill added, stressing

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that the safety of athletes, attendees and all stakeholders is a priority.

The event will also feature college and career fair opportunities, special honors, scholarship and award presentations and more.

Organizers say they are proud to have Texas Metro News (TMN) as the Media Partner for the State Fair Diamond Classic, pointing out that TMN publisher Cheryl Smith is a proud and active Florida A&M alumnus and former college softball player.

For more information on sponsorship or to learn how you can get involved, email prentiss@bcsg360.org January 8, 2021

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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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Deltas recognize distinguished service Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1913 and in 1924, the Dallas Alumnae Chapter was organized by Founder, Frederica Chase Dodd.

Today, as inheritors of a remarkable legacy of greatness, the chapter continues to make a difference in the Dallas community.

Members will honor its 50 and 25 year members at the organization’s annual Founders Day Celebration, January 23, 2021, 11:30am CST. This year’s theme is “Transforming Our Future with Compassion, Fortitude and Service,” and features keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, the 22nd National President and former president of Alabama State University.

Rev. Gwendolyn Boyd The following members will be honored during the virtual event. For tickets, log on to www.dallasalumnae.org.

2021 50 YEAR HONOREES D A IS Y T H O M P S O N C R IT T O N

C H A R LO T T E JO E S T E LL G O VA N

• Initiated Fall 1970 at Delta Omega Chapter, Bishop College • Golden Life Member • Received Bachelor of Arts • Retired Manager – City of Dallas • Member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church • Community Involvement includes NAACP, Women Museum, National Council of Negro Women, Value Perspective Book Club, Past Vice President of South Dallas Business & Professional Women, AARP, Dodd Education and Support Board of Directors, High Degree Order of Eastern Star, Associate Matron, Rose of the Morning 96B-Order of the Eastern Star • Chapter Committee Involvement includes 38th President of Dallas Alumnae, Past: Vice President, Financial Secretary, Recording Secretary, Assistant Recording Secretary, Financial Assistant, Historian, Leader of Minerva Circle (Refine Divine 49in my Heart), Member Minerva Circle, Chair-Scholarship & Educational Support, Chair-Housing & Properties, Chair-Heritage & Ar-chives, Chair-Membership Services, Chair-Ritual & Ceremonies, Chair-Advisory Council, Delta Voices, Chair-Special Project • Other Chapter Affiliations include Voting Delegate, Alternate Voting Delegate, Primary Collegiate Advisor, Secondary Collegiate Advisor, Member-ship Intake Trainer, Delta Internal Development Trainer, Member National Convention Resolution Committee, Chair Regional Conference Transporta-tion Committee, Member National Support Committee, Member Regional Membership Service Committee • Honors include various Awards from Community Organizations: Order of Eastern Star, South Dallas B&PW, Links, and the City of Dallas • Hobbies include reading, solving various computer games, traveling • Ronald (deceased husband), Richard and Quinton (brothers), Charlenta, Charissa and Dwain Jr (godchildren) Most Memorable Delta Moment: Meeting and taking pictures with Founders: Osceola Macarthy Adams, Bertha Pitts Campbell, Winona Cargile Alexander and Naomi Sewell Richardson.

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• Initiated Fall 1970 at Delta Omega Chapter, Bishop College • Golden Life Member • Received BSin Elementary Education with emphasis in English and Master of Education (Prairie View A&M) • Retired Educator • Member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church • Community Involvement includes Lincoln High School Class of 1969, Inc., Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, African American Museum, Bishop College Alumni Association, National Education Association-Retired/Texas State Teachers Association-Retired, Texas Retired Teachers Association, Bible Study Fellowship (5th year participant), National Association of Negro Musicians (Associate Member), American Association of Retired People • Chapter Committee Involvement includes Chairperson of Mini Projects, Delta Gems and Jewels, Constitution and Bylaws, Opening Party, Corresponding Secretary, Co-Chairperson Social Committee, Jabberwock, Delta Voices Choir, Membership Services, Advisory Council, Delta Dears • Honors include Miss Phyllis Wheatley (Dallas ISD), Frederica Chase Dodd Achievement Award at Lincoln High School (Dallas ISD), Former TASPer (Dallas Alumnae), Miss Thirteen College Curriculum Program (Bishop College), Cum Laude Graduate (Bishop College), Cotillion Idlewild Debutante, Teacher of the Year 1986 & 1996 (Blanton Elementary (Dallas ISD), Who’s Who Among Young American Professionals, Campus Instructional Leader, 40 year Service Award • Hobbies include reading, attending movies, family and social entertaining, shopping, singing alto with various choir groups, plant and flower gardening, playing word trivia, and playing word search and spot the difference computer games • Roscoe and Soror Vallie Jo Estell (Deceased Parents), Dwain M. Govan (husband), Soror Charlenta Joy Govan and Soror Charissa Marie Govan (daughters), Dwain M. Govan, Jr. (son) Most Memorable Delta Moment: Pinning my mother (Soror Vallie Jo Estell) and daughters (Sorors Charlenta and Charissa) into our illustrious sisterhood.

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2021 50 YEAR HONOREES ARTEN ZER L. RU SSELL CREG LER • Initiated Fall 1970 at Beta Omega Alumnae Chapter, El Paso, Texas • Received Bachelor of Nursing from Texas Woman’s University • Registered Nurse • Member of Mt. Rose Church • Community Involvement includes participating in the Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas, National Baptist Convention of America, and Mt. Rose Senior Bible Study Liaison • Chapter Committee Involvement includes Jabberwock, Social, Social Action • Other Chapter Affiliations include El Paso Alumnae • Honors include life sustaining awards from the Army Nurse Corps, numerous hospital and community service awards • Hobbies include traveling, baking, reading mysteries, and sewing • Brandon Cregler (son), Jayla and Jordyn (granddaughters) Most Memorable Delta Moment: Attending my first National Convention in Houston, Texas and meeting National President Lillian P. Benbow.

D E B E R A LY N N J O N E S • Initiated Fall 1970 at Theta Nu Chapter, East Texas State University • Received BS in Biology (East Texas State University) and MBA (Amberton University) • Retired Human Resource Professional, City of Dallas • Member of Good Street Baptist Church • Other Chapter Affiliations include Southwest Dallas County (Charter member) Most Memorable Delta Moment: Charter member to two lines: Theta Nu and SWDC and pinning my daughter who crossed at Theta Nu! H A T T IE M A R IE G A R R E T T N E W H O U S E • Initiated Spring 1971 in Dallas Alumnae Chapter • Golden Life Member • Received BA in Business Administration (Prairie View A&M University) and MLA (Southern Methodist University) • Retired Contract Manager and Human Resource Training Manager • Member of Cedar Crest Cathedral Christian Methodist Episcopal • Community Involvement include African American Education Archives and History Program (AAEAHP) Board Member, Association of Jack & Jill of America, Dallas Chapter, Texas Women’s Foundation (formerly Dallas Women’s Foundation), Dallas Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) Alumni Association - Life Member, Southern Methodist University (SMU) Alumni Association, Top Ladies of Distinction, Church Women United-Dallas, African American Museum, Dallas Black Dance Theatre and served with the Texas Women’s Foundation (formerly Dallas Women’s Foundation) and The Top Ladies of Distinction • Chapter Committee Involvement includes Assistant Financial Secretary, Corresponding Sectary, served as Chairperson of Social Action, Arts & Letters, myimessenger.com

Scholarship & Educational Support, Delta Dears and May Week Committees.

Jabberwock, Founders Day and Social Committees.

• Other Chapter Affiliations include nine years on Dodd Education & Support, Inc. Board • Honors include Awarded Life Membership of Parent Teachers Association (PTA), 1987, Named Outstanding Young Business Women in America, 1985, Recognition Award for Dedicated Service of Dallas PVAMU Scholarship Gala1999 & 2005, Appreciation for Service & Dedication to Dodd Education and Support, Inc. 2014 • Hobbies include reading, volunteering in community, attending plays, musicals and movies, traveling, and dining at a variety of restaurants • Lucious L. Newhouse, Jr. (husband), Lucious L. Newhouse, III, (Trae’) and David Keith Newhouse (sons);share Delta Sigma Theta Sisterhood with ten family members Most Memorable Delta Moment: Initiation into our glorious sisterhood in May 1971 and attending the 2013 Centennial Celebration in Washington, D.C. E U L A S T I N E (E U L A ) W O O D B E R R Y • Initiated Spring 1971 at Eta Epsilon Chapter, West Texas State University • Diamond Life Member • Received BBA in Management (West Texas State University) and MBA (Amber University) • Member of Saintsville Sanctuary Church of God in Christ • Community Involvement includes Saintsville Sanctuary COGIC - President, Missionary Department, Vice President Youth Department, Saintsville District Women’s Department - President, District Missionary Department, Texas Northeast #1 Jurisdiction Department of Women Leader, Dodd Education and Support, Inc. - Past Chairman of the Board of Directors, Financial Sec-retary National Association of Parliamentarians –TSAP (Texas State Association of Parliamentarians) • Chapter Committee Involvement includes Past Chapter President and Treasurer, Past Chair of Nominating, Elections, Policies and Procedures, Protocol and Tradition, Ritual and Ceremonies Committees. Member of Budget and Finance, PPAD, Membership Services, P&P Physical and Mental Health, Social Action, and Social committees • National and Regional Involvement includes Collegiate Connection, Scholarship and Standards, Documents and Review and Revisions, National Nominating committees. Membership Intake Task Force. Chaired National Recommendations Committee and served on numerous other conference and convention Committees. Regional & State: Regional Advisors and Membership Intake Coordinator. State Cluster V Co-Chair, DID and MI trainer, Investigator • Honors includes Southwest Region Advisor of the Year, West Texas A&M University, AASA Visionary Award Theta Nu Chapter Advisor - 25 years as well as Theta Kappa Primary Advisor • Hobbies include praying, serving as a mentor, reading, and traveling • John A. Woodberry, Jr. (deceased husband), Gregory Norvell, Soror Kemala Anderson, Gregory Lamont, Soror Charlotta Woodberry-Burne’y, Soror Rhonda Woodberry-Bryant and Tanesha Woodberry (children); eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren Most Memorable Delta Moment: Pinning daughter Kemala and niece Kimberly Scott of the Theta Kappa Chapter and initiating and pinning daughter Charlotta and niece Tenequa Gabriel into our sisterhood.

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2021 50 YEAR HONOREES M YO LA N D A N O LA N

Most Me m ora ble De lt a Mom e nt : Pinning both of my Delta Daughters and celebrating our Centennial in Washington D.C.

• Initiated Fall 1970 at Beta Upsilon Chapter, Langston University • Received BA in Sociology (University of Arkansas - Little Rock) and MSW(Washington University, St. Louis. Missouri) • Social Worker/College Administrator • Member of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church • Community Involvement includes African American Museum, St. Luke UMC Mental Health Ministry, Pelican Missionary Ministries (Mission trip to Puerto Rico) Youth Advocate, Founder of Our Brother’s Keeper-NDUGU, Inc. - a non-profit youth agency • Chapter Committee Involvement includes Social Action (Chaired Lethal Force Last Resort Sub-committee), Physical and Mental Wellness, GEMS • Other Chapter Affiliations include St. Louis Alumnae Chapter • Honors include being a 2002 Recipient of the Prism Award through the Dallas Mental Health Association and Leadership Dallas Class of 1999 • Hobbies include gardening (indoor and outdoor), reading, art (drawing, painting and art museums), traveling • Gabraelle Lane (daughter), Galen and Garrett Flemons (sons) Most Me m ora ble De lt a Mom e nt : Becoming a Delta at Langston University and pinning my daughter’s best friend in Washington D.C.

P A M E L A S K IN N E R • Initiated Spring 1971 in Dallas Alumnae Chapter • Received Bachelor of Art in Counseling (Prairie View A&M University) and Masters of Education (East Texas State) • School Counselor • Member of Community United Methodist Church • Community Involvement includes Voter Registration, Sacrament Delivery and Church Food Pantry • Chapter Committee Involvement include Delta Dear • Honors include United Methodist Woman of the Year • Hobbies include cooking • Don Skinner (husband of 52 years), daughters Dawn Walker (Eric) and Danielle Samuel (Reginald); Reginald, Ryan, Mitchell, and Anson (grandsons) Most Me m ora ble De lt a Mom e nt : Seeing my daughters become members of our illustrious Sorority.

O S C A R FAY E W IL L IA M S

D E L O R IS R O S A YA W A S H IN G T O N • Initiated Spring 1971 at Delta Omega Chapter, Bishop College • Golden Life Member • Received BA in Sociology/Political Science, Masters of Education Guidance Counseling • Retired Social Security Administration Claims Representative • Member of Good Street Baptist Church • Community Involvement includes Social Service Director, Good Street Social Service Center, Dallas County Women’s Council, African American Museum Volunteer-25 years, Bible Study Fellowship Leader, YMCA Board of Managers, Dallas Women’s Museum, Dallas Black Dance Theater, National Democratic Precinct Delegate, Annual Health Fair & Community Expo Coordinator, Deputized Voter’s Registration Advocate, U.S. Census Volunteer • Chapter Committee Involvement includes Women’s Council Chair, Assist.

Recording Secretary, Board of Directors, Dodd Education & Support Vice Chair, Assist. Social Action Chair, Delta Legal Clinic Chair, Art & Letters Chair, TASPers/Delta Gems & Jewels Chair, Founder’s Day, Ombudsman, Jabberwock, May Week Chair, Program Planning and Development, Membership Services, Protocol member, Delta Dear • Honors include Superior Work Performance Award – Social Security Administration, YMCA Board of Managers Award, Unsung Hero Award, Community Service Awards, TASPer’s Paragon Award. All Church Institute Award • Hobbies includes international travel, viewing art exhibits/exhibitions, attending dance theater events, musicals, Broadway shows, reading, and interior decorating • Horace Washington (husband), Kimberly Washington and Yolanda Washington Crook (daughters), Kassidy Crook (granddaughter) January 8, 2021

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• • • • • •

Initiated Spring 1971 at Theta Nu Chapter, East Texas State University Golden Life Member Received BS in Biology and Sociology Retired Assistant Director for City of Dallas Member of Friendship West Baptist Church Community Involvement includes Jack & Jill of America, Inc. Dallas Chapter (Associates’ Chair); TBAAL Board of Directors; Branch, Roland, Hilliard Educational Support, Inc. (Board Chair); Texas Grassroots Basketball, Inc. (President); Code Enforcement Association of Texas, Inc. (Past President);Code Standards Institute, Inc., Executive Director; Oak Park Estates Neighborhood Association (Programs Chair) • Chapter Committee Involvement includes Dallas Alumnae Past President, Past Financial Secretary, Past Arts & Letters Chair, and Current International Awareness & Involvement Chair.

• Other Chapter Affiliations include Theta Nu Chapter Primary Advisor, Texas A & M-Commerce Alumni Association Board & currently Foundation Board of Directors and Past Board Chair for Dodd Education and Support, Inc. • Honors include 1993 Order of the Hammer- Delta Habitat Albuquerque Project; 1994 Order of the Hammer-Delta Habitat St Louis/East St Louis Delta Habitat Blitz Build; Dallas Morning News/Dallas Cowboys Literacy, Housing Recognition; Theta Nu Dedicated Service Recognition; Texas A&M-Commerce Gold Blazer Award • Hobbies include traveling and gardening • Soror Ernestine Branch (mother), Alan Branch (brother), Darrell Williams, Jr (son), Anthon, Rylee and BreShauna (grandchildren) Most Me m ora ble De lt a Mom e nt : Traveling to Accra Ghana as a member of the National Housing & Properties Committee/Southwest Delta Habitat Coordinator to participate in the Delta Habitat Build.

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2021 25 YEAR HONOREES S H A N N O N N I C O L E C E L E S T I N E -B R O W N

Most Memorable Delta Moment: Attending my first National Convention in Miami, Florida.

• Initiated Fall 1995 in Omicron Delta Chapter at Bennett College • Received Bachelor of Science in Biology, Masters of Art in Training & Development (Midwestern State University) and MA in Counseling (Prairie View A&M University) • School Counselor and LPC-Associate • Member of Holy Cross Catholic Church • Community Involvement includes Holy Cross Mobile Food truck volunteer & Member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary • Chapter Committee Involvement includes Former member of PP&D & Jabberwock- Team Pearl • Honors include Nominated School Counselor of the Year 2012 & 2014, Counselors Reinforcing Excellence in Texas (CREST) award 2014, Lone Star level CREST 2015, Yellow Rose Level CREST 2016, Lone Star State Bronze Award 2016 & Lone Star State Silver Award 2017 • Hobbies include word search puzzles, bowling, traveling, and watching favorite TV shows • Melvin Brown Jr. (husband), Doris Guy Celestine (mother), Thomas Daniel Celestine (father), Phyllis Celestine (stepmother), Phyllis Anderson (grandmother), Christian, Ambris & Ikia (siblings), three stepchildren, and four grandchildren Most Memorable Delta Moment: Losing my voice on my initiation night with my 57 line sisters.

E V E LY N C A R T E R

S H A U N E T T A D . H E IS K E L L

• • • • •

• Initiated Fall 1995 at Eta Beta Chapter, Prairie View A&M University • Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. • Received BS in Computer Engineering Technology (Prairie View A&M University) and MBA (Texas A&M University – Commerce) • Agile Project Manager • Member of Faith Fellowship Red Oak • Community Involvement includes Prairie View A&M University Alumni Ambassador, Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), and Dodd Education & Support, Inc. Board Member and Treasurer • Chapter Committee Involvement includes Jabberwock, Chair; TASPers, Chair; Delta G.E.M.S., Chair; Information & Communication, Chair; Nominating Committee, Member - Committee Involvement: Delta Academy, Founders Day, May Week, Membership Services, Project Collegiate Transition Taskforce, Scholarship and Educational Support, Social • Other Chapter Affiliations include Co-Chair, Step Show, 2003 Regional Conference – Dallas, Chair, Gospel Brunch, 2013 Centennial Torch Tour – Dallas • Hobbies include listening to music, creating playlists, web design, graphic design, vacationing • Vernon and Doris Heiskell (parents), Karla (Winfred) McGary and Tina Wade (sisters); Deonna McGary, De’ja Wade, and Adaria Wade (nieces); Tre’ McGary (nephew) Most Memorable Delta Moment: Starting a Delta family legacy and celebrating the sorority’s centennial in Washington D.C.

C A RM EN M CC LEN D O N

• Initiated Spring 1996 in Lambda Nu Chapter at Paul Quinn College • Received BS in Criminal Justice • Manager – City of Dallas • Community Involvement includes being active in several fitness events, PTO 1st Vice-President - Solar Preparatory School for Girls • Hobbies includes playing soccer, anything involving being active (boot camp, muscle endurance, personal training) • Earl (husband) and Morgan (daughter)

• Initiated Fall 1995 in Dallas Alumnae Chapter • Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. • Received Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and MBA from Northwood University • Banking and Finance Professional • Member of Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church • Community Involvement includes Trustee, Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, March of Dimes and Dodd Education and Support Board Member • Chapter Committee Involvement includes Assistant Recording Secretary; Chair, Nominating Committee and Chair, Founders Day Committee; Member: Membership Services Committee and Social Committee.

• Other Chapter Affiliations includes Chair of the Centennial Torch Tour; Mentor for the 2020-2021 Delta Fellows Program; Sub Committee Chair, Economic Development Committee (National Program Planning and Development) Texas/New Mexico State Journalist.

• Honors include being granted United States Patent and Certified Greenbelt, Six Sigma • Hobbies include reading and discovering/exploring small towns in Texas with my family • Joe McClendon (husband), three children, four grandchildren, Aunt and Godmother.

Most Memorable Delta Moment: Serving as Centennial Torch Tour Chair, an international 22-city tour celebrating the 100th year anniversary of the sorority.

Initiated Fall 1995 in Omicron Omega Chapter at Texas A&M University Received BBA in Finance Educator Member of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church Community Involvement includes North Texas Food Bank volunteer, participant in Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and volunteer for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) • Chapter Committee Involvement includes Co-Chair of Jabberwock Committee, Past Sergeant At Arms, Past Pan Hellenic Council Representative, Past member of: Nominating Committee, Social Committee, Membership Services Committee, TASPers and Founders Day Committee • Hobbies include reading and dancing • Floyd (husband and high school sweetheart), Madisyn and Myles (children) Most Memorable Delta Moment: Attending the Centennial Convention in Washington, D.C.

JER I C A R T ER LAW SO N

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January 8, 2021

January 8, 2021

I MESSENGER

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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 8, 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 8, 2021

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Howard Banks Annie Earl’s Art Gallery WITH LOVE FROM MARVA

BY VALDER BEEBE

On “From Marva with Love,” the managing partner of Annie Earl’s Art Gallery, Harold Banks’, discussed the art gallery is named after his beloved mother who passed away from ovarian cancer in 1985 at the age of 45. She was the matriarch of the family; a very strong, single parent who raised five boys and one girl.

MS: We want to know the history of Annie Earl’s Art Gallery.

HB: Actually it started a long time ago back when I was a kid, going garage sale hopping with my mom and buying art. As I got older I wanted to know how to start it as a business. So I went to work with various companies and most of my time was spent in management with WalMart. In 1992 my brother showed me how to build custom frames to add to the art. So we started doing it as a hobby for about 25 years and then in 2019 we decided to take it to the public.

MS: Tell us about the art that you carry in the art gallery.

HB: Our featured artist is a gentleman by the name of William Toliver. I would recommend everyone Google that name. He probably painted original paintings more than any artist ever.

He painted 50,000 original paintings. We sell original myimessenger.com

Pretty Eyes by Tom McKinney at Annie Earl’s Art Gallery 11-6-20

oil on canvas, original oil on paper. We sell original watercolor paintings. We also sell prints and we have hundreds of artists. We have Arthello Beck from Lincoln High School in Dallas, Frank Frazier of Dallas, Henry Lee Ballard of Atlanta, Georgia, Gilbert Young of Atlanta, Georgia. We call him the celebrity artist. He hangs

out with Barack Obama and others. We carry just about anything you’re looking for.

There was so much more to the interview with Mr. Banks.

To hear the full interview go to BlogTalkRadio.com Link: http://bit.ly/38tfS7E and on Facebook.com@ TexasMetroNews to see the video. Visit Annie’s Art Gallery at 210 South Main

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Street Suite #14, Duncanville, Texas 75116, or contact him at (469) 513-2838.Website: www.annieearlsartgallery. com. Tune in to “From Marva with Love” on Friday’s from 11 am-1 pm.

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

January 8, 2021

Tues 11:30 am - 1 pm

January 8, 2021

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Dallas COVID-19 Resources

MO’ BETTAH WINGS

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

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

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

Safer at home

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

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

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

Keep your mouth and nose covered while out in public.

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

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January 8, 2021

214-421-5387

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

Dallas, Texas 75210 January 8, 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

myimessenger.com

We run specials Monday-Thursday

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January 8, 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 8, 2021

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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 8, 2021

January 8, 2021

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January 8, 2021

Democrats Victorious!

Ossoff and Warnock defeat incumbents

By Ashley Moss Texas Metro News Rev. Raphael Warnock made history Tuesday night becoming Georgia’s first Black senator.

In a closely watched competition, the Morehouse College graduate eked out a victory over incumbent senator Kelly Loeffler in the special election for the U.S. Senate, with nearly 51 percent of the vote. The reverend is the first Georgia Democrat elected to the Senate in 20 years.

Warnock and Loeffler, as well as Sen. David Perdue and challenger Jon Ossoff returned to ring in January after neither candidate reached 50 percent of the vote in the November general election. In that crowded race Warnock finished with 32.9 percent of the vote and Ms. Loeffler had 25.9 percent.

Warnock serves as senior pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, the church where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was co-pastor from 1960 until his assassination in 1968. It was also the location of the funerals of both Dr. King and the late congressman John Lewis.

Warnock has never held public office, but in a message to his supporters late Tuesday night the Senator-elect said his victory was an immediate reflection of Georgia voters coming together.

“We were told that we couldn’t win this election,” said Rev. Warnock, who presented a message of harmony January 8, 2021

Jon Ossoff

Credit: Georgis Public Broadcasting

Rev. Raphael Warnock

Credit: Warnock for Congress

“But tonight we proved that with hope, hard work and the people by our side, anything is possible.” and unity as he talked about his plans as senator. “But tonight we proved that with hope, hard work and the people by our side, anything is possible.”

The Senator-elect will succeed Loeffler, who still had not conceded to her opponent Wednesday morning, despite 98 percent of precincts reporting.

Loeffler, who was appointed to the Senate in December 2019 after then Republican senator Johnny Isakson resigned for health reasons, is also co-owner of The Atlanta Dream women’s basketball team, with whom she has frequently been at odds due to

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her opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement. She garnered 49.4 percent of the vote in Tuesday’s tightly contested race.

In the upcoming term Warnock said his focus will be on the pandemic, saying he’d focus on bringing people together, for the good of the state of Georgia and the country. He also cited beating the pandemic with “science and good old-fashioned common sense,” rebuilding the economy and providing better benefits for essential workers among his priorities.

“To everyone out there who is struggling today, whether you voted for me or not, know

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this: I hear you, I see you, and every day I am in the United States Senate, I will fight for you,” he said.

Warnock and Ossoff will assume office later this month after the results of the election are certified. Once he is sworn in, Warnock is also set to become just the 11th African American to serve in the U.S. Senate.

With the Warnock and Ossoff wins, the balance of power in Congress will change, giving Democrats control over the Senate and clearing the way for an unobstructed agenda once President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20. 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 8, 2021

ON THE BENCH Dennise Garcia, A Latina trailblazer leaves one courtroom for a higher court in Dallas

By Rebecca Aguilar Texas Metro News Dennise Garcia felt bittersweet as she packed her framed family photos, books, and other personal mementos from her office at the George Allen Courts Building in Dallas. She thought of the 16 years she had spent on the bench as the 303rd District Court judge in Dallas County.

The courtroom is where Garcia told Texas Metro News she learned to become a smarter judge because of the families who went before her. In 16 years, she oversaw more than 80,000 family court cases that involved divorce, child custody, child support, Child Protective Service, or adoption. She even married a few couples, including the first same-sex couple in Dallas County.

But now after being elected to the Fifth Court of Appeals in November 2020, Garcia has moved to a higher court in the same building, a job she began January 1.

appointed her in 1993.

Garcia decided to become a lawyer when as a 12-yearold she witnessed a relative’s frustration with their child support case and a lawyer who kept charging more money but never resolved the issue. “I remember thinking, well that’s not fair, that’s not right,” said Garcia.” So that’s when I decided I want to be a lawyer and help people.”

The judge’s parents encouraged her to dream big.

Around the dinner table in Irving, the family often had in-depth discussions and her mother would often tell her, “You need to be a lawyer.”

Garcia’s father reminded her anything was possible, “You can do it. Adelfa Cajello is a lawyer, and you can be a lawyer too.”

Growing up, Garcia looked up to Cajello, the first Mexican-American woman to graduate from SMU Dedman School of Law in 1961. The first Latina to practice law in Dallas, the Civil Rights champion and community leader died in 2014.

THE LATINA TRAILBLAZER

CHALLENGED TO SUCCEED

Judge Garcia leaves the 303rd District Court as the longest-serving judge in that court’s history and as the first Latina elected State District Judge in Dallas County. Lena Levario was the first Latina district judge in Dallas County when Governor Ann Richards

Garcia decided SMU would be where she would get her undergraduate education before attending law school there. She admits some friends discouraged her because they didn’t think a Latina could go to SMU. “I got

January 8, 2021

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the ‘that’s not really for people like us’ or ‘why don’t you think of going somewhere else,” Garcia recalled them saying, ”You’ll have more success somewhere else, that’s maybe aiming a bit too high.”

You have to understand Dennise Garcia; if you tell her she can’t do something, she does the opposite to prove people wrong.

“The best way to get me to do something is to say, I can’t do it, or that’s too hard.

Because in my mind what happens is I think, ‘I don’t think it’s that hard. Let me show you.’”

And that’s what the SMU grad did, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in 1990, and her law degree in 1993.

FACING THE NAYSAYERS By 2004, Garcia knew she was ready to become a family court judge after several years in private practice.

Her opponent in Dallas County was well-known and had been appointed by the Governor to fill the seat of a judge who had passed away. Once again, Garcia faced those who questioned whether she was making the right career decision.

“You have a good practice; why would you anger the people who make decisions in the cases that you’re working in. Why would you do that,” Garcia remembers being told by other lawyers.

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Judge Dennise Garcia

Others recommended the life-long Democrat become a Republican. “I had people saying do you want to be a Democrat or do you want to be a judge,” said Garcia, who didn’t change her political party, ignored the naysayers, and defeated her Republican opponent.

THE JUDGE HAD A CALLING TO HELP FAMILIES IN NEED Judge Garcia said she was laser-focused on following the law as the 303rd District Court Judge. In the beginning, she had a system in place dealing with her family court cases, “Problem, answer, Problem, solution. I was a decision-making machine.”

But the decision-making machine wasn’t working. The judge started seeing the same families returning to her courtroom with other issues and realized her job was more than the law in the books.

“If you don’t understand the pain they are going through, the children are going through; then you’re going to miss a lot of opportunities in helping them,” said, adding see ON THE BENCH, page 33

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On The Bench, from page 32...

that she learned to become more patient and compassionate. “The thing to remember is to be connected enough to the family and the conflict to make meaningful decisions. But you can’t be so connected that you become unhelpful.”

If you wonder how the judge kept her sanity, handling thousands of emotional family court cases; she credits her husband, Pastor Eric Folkerth, for keeping her grounded.

She said he’s her biggest cheerleader especially on Facebook, where he has told friends that the judge has helped many families survive.

“I believe these next words are not an exaggeration: There are people alive today because their conflicts were resolved in court, and not through senseless violence,” posted Folkerth on Facebook.

A NEW CHAPTER IN THE FIFTH COURT OF APPEALS Judge Garcia will not hear a case until the middle of the month.

“I’m excited to be able to do the law from this perspective. Nervous, because it’s not the thing I was doing in my practice,” Garcia told the Texas Metro News.

Garcia becomes the second Latina to sit on the Court of Appeals following Justice Robbie Partida-Kipness who was the first Latina to be elected to the Fifth Court of Appeals in November 2018.

Garcia joined 11 other judges and one chief justice in the Court of Appeals, reviewing criminal, civil, family, and juvenile court cases under appeals from six counties, including Dallas.

The little girl from Irving, TX, has proven that anything is possible. Now at age 52, Garcia looks forward to the new chapter in her life and the law.

“At the very beginning, I’m not going to know everything. And that’s alright, and I just have to work hard and pay attention so I can get it right.” myimessenger.com

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January 8, 2021

BIG MAMA SAID,

“Every time you do a good deed you shine the light a little farther into the dark.”

THE BLACK CARD BY TERRY ALLEN

It is written ...”A tree is known by the fruit it bears; and every man by his deeds.

A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.”

Lucille “Big Mama” Allen always told us that we will be known by our actions and heard by our words. Her closing statement always ended with, “Your gifts will show up in your good deeds, nothing else matters.”

She said that good deeds do not have to be on a grand scale they just have to be from the heart.

Her advice was to do something that everyone knows has your hand in it. She always underscored that good deeds don’t happen with ease, that you may have many challenges to your good deeds.

Her best advice surfaced when she said to us that we cannot strive to gain vanity recognition or to show off our successes in life.

I learned from that lesson that two things in life that are worth their weight in gold and they are essential to having a good deeds existence. 1) You must have an authentic compassion to help others in need, and 2) You must ensure that your wisdom is ready to fight your own fights because peoJanuary 8, 2021

ple will question your agenda when you execute good deeds.

When I was charged to take 60 women off welfare and create jobs for them my good deeds were labeled self-serving and lofty. Yet I knew these women intensely and I was raised by a mother and grandmother who overcame adversity to be self-made.

My passion kicked in and over time I placed 56 women in jobs or small business start-ups. Several of the women landed 6-figure jobs and two of them created products that ended up in major retail stores.

We sparked a Sister CEO movement.

Many of us have had to pivot because of the pandemic and the racial reckoning brought on by the 8:46 prolonged timeline of the horrible death of George Floyd.

So many good deeds were sparked by these two incidents. Those deeds shined a light on the tensions and social injustices that are hundreds of years old.

That light has taught me to cherish kindred relationships that are void of hidden agendas. I believe that the greatest gifts that anyone can give are words of graces, strong truth and good deeds!

Please share your good deeds with me, shine a light out of the darkness and email me at terryallenpr@gmail. com

Big Mama

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

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16 New Year’s Resolutions

Virtual and liVe Community Calendar

January 7 Gokey’s Comedy Show. Host Texas Ale Project. 6–9 pm. Texas Ale Project 1001 N. Riverfront Blvd. Info: texasaleproject.com.

Linny Nance Network. Hosted by The Free Man, 2626 Commerce St. 7-10 pm. http:// www.freemandallas.com.

SoulJazz Thursdays Featuring FUNKTRAIN. Hosts Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave. 8 pm-12 am. www.sandaga813.com

January 8 Happy Birthday to Valder Beebe The Bear Creek Food Distribution, Mon, Wed, & Fri. 11 am-3 pm. at 2700 Finley Rd. Irving. Drive-Thru.

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

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 feat. Marcus Combs at Clarence Muse Café Theatre 1309 Canton St. 9 pm. Fri. & Sat. Ticketmaster.

Addison Improv Feat: Eddie Griffin at Addison Improv 4980 Belt Line Rd. #250 9:4511:45 pm. Tickets: bit.ly/3hJkB9h.

January 9 Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s DBDT: Encore! A virtual performance at 7 pm CST / 8 pm EST. Feat: Richard A. Freedman, Jr., Darryl B. Sneed, Floyd McLean, Jr., and Shauna Davis. Tickets: www.DBDT.com.

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

Parkland Free flu shots available at Parkland’s Neighborhood Clinics. Saturdays from 8 am 12 pm. and 1-4 pm. at: deHaro-Saldivar Health Center, 1400 N Westmoreland Rd. Dallas.

Black Provisions Takeover. Event by Krio at Krio, 233 W. 7th St. # 100, Dallas. 8 pm-12 am. https://www.kriodallas.com.

FEEDING THE FORGOTTEN. Host PEER 2 PEER Wholewellness, 1818 Corsicana St. 11 am. Info: peer2peerwholewellness.com.

myimessenger.com

January 10

January 15

Happy Birthday to Vincent L. Hall

D.O.B 1929 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Soul Talk. Host Denton Black Film Festival. Online with Facebook Live. 6-7:30 pm. Free: Eventbrite.com.

The EPIC Return of BeatStreet Poetry Live Sunday Social.

Hosted by Verb Kulture Ent. The Free Man2626 Commerce St. 5-8 pm. Tickets: https://www.verbkultureevents.com.

January 11 Valder Beebe Show interviews Dr. Vogelzang; Prostate Cancer During COVID19. Tune in at KKVIDFW.COM FM 89.9. 12 pm.

The Ultimate Monday Night Jazz Jam with Shelley Carrol.

Event by The Free Man, 2626 Commerce St. 7-10 pm.

Marvelous Marriage Mondays at Friendship-West Baptist Church Reg. for Virtual event at: https://bit.ly/3of7lMe. 7 pm.

January 12 Transportation Services Virtual Job Fair. Host, Dallas ISD. An online Event. 10 am-1 pm. Register at www.dallasisd.org/ transportation.

Bust Ya Gut- Comedy/ Open Mic Host Anastasia The Bold at The Attaché Cigar, 4099 Camp Wisdom Rd. #101. 9 pm-12 am. No cover- Mask Required.

January 13 Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez Live Podcast on Facebook @HollywoodHernandez, at 2 pm.

Women Creating Wealth: An Intergenerational Conversation. Host Impact Ventures. 6 pm. Online Event register https://impact-ventures.co/ Beginner Beyoncé Ballet Arts Mission Oak Cliff, 410 Windomere, 7-8 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

January 14 National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration. A Virtual Panel Discussion. The Importance of an African American Museum in Fort Worth, 12-1:30 pm. RSVP: www.cowboyofcolor.org.

Mahogany The Artist at The Attaché Cigar, 4099 Camp Wisdom Rd. #101. 8 pm. $8 Open Seating at the door $50 VIP. Mask required/ Must be 27+

2021 Civil Rights Pioneers Awards Program Honoring the Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martian Luther King, Jr. Presented by National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum. The Warehouse, 1125 E. Berry St. Ft. Worth. 7 pm. Tickets: NMWH.org.

2021 AKA REACTIVATION DAY! Host Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. DFW Metroplex Chapters. Pre-Reg: bit.ly/3lrC9ak 6:30-8 pm. Via Zoom.

Jazz at The Muse - An Evening with Andrea Wallace. Host TBAAL at Clarence Muse Café, 1309 Canton St. 9 pm. Tickets: Ticketmaster.com.

January 16 The Monologue Project Performance & Workshop with Stacy Rose. Host, Bishop Arts Theatre. TMP is a free online resource for high school and college students. For more info: 214-948-0716. Register: https://bit.ly/34rHJnW. 12 pm.

DFW Metroplex Jazz Presents: National Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Virtual Live Music Event, featuring The David Whiteman Band at The Warehouse, 1125 E Berry St. Ft. Worth. 7 pm. Tickets JimAustinOnline.com.

National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum. MLK, JR. DAY OF SERVICE Canned Food and Blanket drop off, Family Fun Day at The Ranch, 3534 E. Berry St. Ft. Worth 10 am-2 pm, RSVP: NMWHM.org.

January 17 Virtual 38th Annual Four-time Emmy Winning Black Music & The Civil Rights Movement Concert. Host The Black Academy of Arts and Letters. 7:30 pm. Tickets: TBAAL Box Office M-F 10 am-5 pm. at 214-743-2440.

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

DFW Metroplex Jazz Presents: An Evening of Jazz Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., feat. Donyale Renee at The Warehouse, 1125 E. Berry St. Ft. Worth. 7 pm. Tickets: JimAustinOnline.com.

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

Inauguration Party Pack Pick up. Hosted by Tarrant County Democratic Party, 3130 Plumwood St, Fort Worth. 11 am-3 pm.

Tickets: secure.actblue.com/donate/partypackpickup.

Funk It Up w/ Joseph Veazie at The Rustic, 3656 Howell St. Dallas.

7-8:30 pm. http://www.therustic.com/

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DFW Certified “Funny” Comedy Show Starring Comedian Renny, at Hyena’s Comedy Nightclub Dallas, 5321 E. Mockingbird Ln. #220. 7-8:30 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

January 8, 2021

January 8, 2021

I MESSENGER

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January 8, 2021

January 8, 2021

I MESSENGER

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SOUL AT THE MOVIES BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

Pixar’s SOUL is about a junior high band teacher who has lost his love for music.

Joe, voiced by Jamie Foxx, gets his dream job playing in a Harlem Jazz club but he unfortunately falls into a manhole and ends up in the hospital fighting for his life but his soul ends up in the great beyond where Joe tries to convince anyone who will listen to him that he doesn’t belong there.

SOUL is a very soulful work of cinema with beautiful tapestries of Jazz that give the artform plenty of respect. All of the Jazz club scenes are filled with great improvisational solos that

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truly set the mood of the film and show the great love for Jazz from all of the musicians on stage.

In contrast the scenes from the great beyond create a true alternate universe where souls float toward their final resting place. It’s a destination Joe has no desire to reach.

The afterlife scenes make Joe realize that he has taken his life for granted and he desperately wants to get back to living.

Joe soon discovers that the great beyond is a place where souls can mentor other “blips” and find a way to be happy if and when they get the opportunity to return to earth. Joe ends up mentoring a soul, voiced by Tina Fey, who’s simply known as “22.”

22 has become cynical

and has rejected mentorship from some great humans, including Abe Lincoln and Carl Jung. It’s Joe’s job to mentor 22 and get her back to a positive outlook, which will then allow Joe to return to earth.

SOUL opened on Disney Plus on Christmas Day. It’s

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a great movie for young and old and, who knows, it may also give the young kids in the house somewhat of an appreciation of Jazz music?

I loved SOUL and on my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate it a JUMBO.

January 8, 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 8, 2021

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