I Messenger 3-11-22

I MESSENGER VOL XI NO 27 MARCH 11, 2022

Women’s History Month This is extra special for two African American Women

From Cashiers and Cooks to Williams Chicken Franchise Partners

I Messenger 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 editor@myimessenger.com www.myimessenger.com S. Curet GENERAL MANAGER stewartcuret@myimessenger.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Marva Sneed EDITORIAL TEAM Anthony Council Chelle Wilson Dareia Tolbert Dr. Felicia N. Shepherd Dorothy J. Gentry Eva Coleman Monique P. Stone Lajuana Barton Rebecca Aguilar Vincent Hall DESIGN/LAYOUT FzanStudio WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

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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.

March 11, 2022

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Former State Rep. Hudson remembered

But unfortunately, that meeting never took place.

Born November 6, 1940, Hudson is a Texas State Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s trib- graduate of James Madison High School ute was among the many shared as word of (Class of 1957) in Dallas. He studied biolothe death of former Texas State Rep. Samuel gy-chemistry at Texas Southern UniversiWilliam Hudson III, spread. ty and criminal law at Thurgood Marshall Hudson, who was 81, died Monday, ac- School of Law. cording to sources who also confirmed that After taking office in January 1973, he the arrangements would be handled by held the office for 24 years; serving 12 terms.

Black and Clark Funeral Home in Oak Cliff.

The name Sam Hudson has been passed Crockett, who holds the House down through generations of this District 100 seat that Hudson was prominent Dallas Black family dyelected to in 1972, joined with her nasty. mentor, U.S. Congresswoman EdMembers of the family have left die Bernice Johnson who served in strong, mostly positive imprints in the Texas House with Hudson, as various areas of achievement – edthey expressed condolences. ucation, government housing apAlthough she had never met him pointment, art and culture (dance in person Crockett said he called Hon. Samuel William training), and even trailblazing as a to congratulate her when she was first Black ice skater for the Ice CaHudson lll elected in July 2020. pades at the State Fair of Texas.

They had several conversations, which The Hudson family, indeed, has been a she said,“spoke to the legacy in HD 100 and certified dynasty. how much those who have gone on to do In the legislature, he made some brownie something else care about the district.” points, during his nearly 25 years in office, Saying it was a blessing to get a call from from the early 1970s to the late 1990s. He him wishing her well and talking about is- was a founding member of the Texas Legissues, the freshman representative was emo- lative Black Caucus founded in 1972. tional as she expressed appreciation for the Other Texas Black Caucus founding interest Hudson showed her. members were Mickey Leland, Senfronia “I never thought the very first person to Thompson, Craig Washington, G. J. Sutton, hold my seat would be calling me,” said Rep. Paul Ragsdale and Eddie Bernice Johnson.

Crockett, adding that she “was looking forHudson, many remember, once went on ward to meeting him.” a hunger strike to attempt to pass a bill.

By Norma Adams Wade and Cheryl Smith

Mayor Johnson's statement on the death of former state Rep. Sam Hudson "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Sam Hudson, who I considered to be a friend and a mentor. Representative Hudson epitomized what it meant to be a public servant. He provided me with my first glimpse into public service by hiring me as an intern in his district office when I was a high school student. I am forever grateful for that opportunity, and I loved working for him. He was one of the kindest people I have ever known — a true gentleman. I admired him so greatly that I exclusively wore bow ties — his trademark look — for a time while I was in high school. When I was elected to represent District 100, which he had served so gracefully for 24 Mayor Eric Johnson years, I tried to live up to the example he set. Our city and our state are better because of his time in the Texas Legislature, and I, like many others, are better for having known him. May he rest in peace.”

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INSIDE

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH HEROINES March, of course, is Women’s History Month when the nation highlights women who have made a difference.

But, like in sports, everyone can’t be Most Valuable Player. But through their achievements, they can carry a torch for others.

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES We all have dreams and somewhere along the way, we can become disoriented. We do not want to fight anymore because it is exhausting and difficult. Instead of fighting for our dreams, we stop. For many, we are stuck.

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OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY

In keeping with a legacy of national programs designed to identify and support youth, the Theta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi held its local Talent Hunt recently at the Latino Cultural Center in Deep Ellum. In a full program featuring 13 contestants...

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DART Board Chair Michele Wong Krause Selected as 2022 Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation Award Winner

Michele Wong Krause

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board Chair Michele Wong Krause has been selected by the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) as a 2022 Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation Award winner.

The Celebrating Women Who

Move the Nation Award is one of the highest honors bestowed by COMTO and recognizes women in transportation from across the nation that have provided inspirational leadership by opening career pathways for women and for their extraordinary achievements in the industry.

“I am honored to be included among such a distinguished group of women transportation leaders from across the country,” said Wong Krause.

“Since 1971, COMTO has worked tirelessly to provide opportunities and leadership training for minorities in the

transportation industry, while developing members to take their place as our future leaders.”

Chair Wong Krause will be honored at the 11th Annual Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation Awards Breakfast on March 16.

Developing a broadband plan Jet Relays Soul Festival to Showcase Track & Field Extravaganza Over the next two months, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar will embark on a statewide listening tour to hear from Texans about internet access and to collect valuable input that will be used to develop the state’s first broadband plan. This information will help the newly established Broadband Development Office determine how to close the digital divide in Texas.

The Comptroller’s Broadband Listening Tour will consist of 12 public forums held at different locations around the state.

These events are free, and everyone is encouraged to attend to share their thoughts on the myimessenger.com

current state of broadband services in Texas.

Attend the following listening tour stop: Capital Area Council of Governments - March 10, 2 p.m.

Lantana Room 6800 Burleson Road, Building 310 Austin, Texas 78744 Register now!

If you are unable to attend this event, visit Texas Broadband Listening Tour 2022 for details about other events nearest you.

You also can share your feedback by filling out the online survey. Survey responses will be collected until May 5, 2022.

The 4th Annual Jet Relays Soul Festival will be held on March 12, 2022, at Beverly D. Humphrey Tiger Stadium in Lancaster, Texas. This is the fourth year for this memorable event that will showcase the track and field talents of our local high schools, and HBCUs from across the nation.

Activities will kick off at 8:00am. Around 10,000 spectators are expected to attend in support of their favorite school's team as they participate in the relay races and to engage in an entire day of family-friendly festivities which will include, a College, Health and Career Fairs,

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live entertainment and a variety of vendors and food trucks.

Jet Relays Soul Festival was founded in February 2017 by Germain Trotter as the result of a desire to create a safe and positive environment to educate student athletes on manifesting their best abilities, healthy life-

styles, and competing at an elite level.

As a result, he partnered with Hallmark Track Club founder, Newton Braziel.

Through this collaboration, Trotter’s vision to host an annual competitive track and field event became a reality.

This event will also serve as a dynamic platform for coaches and scouts to see high school athletes as they prepare for their collegiate athletic careers.

Tickets are now available and can be purchased online at www.jetrelays.com. For additional information, contact 817812-8165.

March 11, 2022

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith Publisher

Reality Check Over the years I’ve talked about folks who have impressed me because of their grind.

While there are others who impress me for varying reasons, I love the grind of folks who you may be familiar with like James Brown, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Jay Z, Harriet Tubman, Allen Iverson, Chuck D, Queen Latifah, Mark Cuban, Tom Joyner, Roland Martin, Janell Monae, Dick Gregory, Lawrence E. Young, Paula Madison, Susan Taylor, Cynt Marshall, Deion Sanders, Lyria Howland, T’keyah Crystal Keymah, and my Daddy!

These are the type of folks who work hard and strive for excellence (in whatever form they see or interpret it) and they are focused; regardless of what others around them are saying and doing.

Their grinds are not solely tied to a dollar and you see the fruits of their labor, because they definitely lifted as they climbed.

They are hustlers, but in a good sense!

Which brings me to my truth!

Michael Jordan said, “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen. “ Who are you?

Some people want a big house, a fast car and lots of money. Some people want a tiny cabin in the woods March 11, 2022

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Some people are made of plastic And you know some people are made of wood Some people have hearts of stone Some people are up to no good But baby, I'm for real I'm as real as real can get If what you're looking for is real loving anything Then what you see, is what you get

The Dramatics with a little editorial licensing

away from those kinda people.

Some people want material things.

Me, I just want peace, happy times and people who love me.

Some people will never fit into your life, no matter how much you want them to.

Yes, there are so many people in the world and you have to determine who and what you are going to be and if whatever it is is determined by how people treat you.

Can you stand on your own?

Who validates you?

It’s important that, as the dynamic Nikki Giovanni said, you get to know yourself; that you fall in love with yourself.

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Are you more like someone else you encountered? Are you a combination of several folks? Do you know who you are or are you going to wake up one day and look into the mirror and feel lost?

Are you nice to people because they are nice to you, or are you a nice person?

Do you know your purpose?

Do you only grind for yourself or for money or do you have enough love of yourself to grind for others?

I know. A lot to think about.

Well, as Sister Nikki suggests, go into an empty room, close the door, sit down and get to know YOU. Listen to your heartbeat, your breathing pattern.

You can also touch yourself. If the room has mirrors that might be a good thing because I bet you will find something you never noticed before.

Hopefully when you leave the room you will be happier and you just might embrace the thought that you only have one life to live and there are just some things not worth addressing during your time on this earth.

Check out the lyrics of “Be For Real” by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes.

Think about the words, your life and your future; then get to grinding! You will find that you won’t have time for all the foolishness that keeps you from the greatness that is there for you! myimessenger.com

Bitcoin Barbie with a Hint of Jasmine?

QUIT PLAYIN’

BY VINCENT L. HALL

Jasmine Crockett is probably a good person. She has a resume that proves as much before securing the 100TH District seat in the Texas Legislature (Southern Dallas). She obviously wants to give back.

However, there is a problem.

Ms. Crockett could be your soror, church member, social media friend, or the like. She appears to be friends with every Black face that ever appeared on MSNBC. However, that does not mitigate the fact that she looks like a pawn of cryptocurrency super PACs. We cannot allow lobbyists and grifters to control our only seat in Congress. We cannot afford to let outsiders buy this rare and predominately Black seat. Give them an inch, and they will take a mile!

Please don’t take my word.

Read what the press reports say about it.

elect state Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, in the homestretch of her crowded congressional primary.

It’s a major amount of money to commit to the race with less than three weeks left, and it shows how a fledgling network of political action committees with ties to the cryptocurrency world is mobilizing in one of the state’s most closely watched March 1 primaries.

Protect Our Future PAC announced Thursday that it is investing $1 million on Crockett’s behalf, while a second super PAC, Web3 Forward, shared first with The Texas Tribune on Friday that it was injecting an additional $1 million to the race. The latter said it would put its money toward TV ads — they were already up on the Dallas airwaves as of Thursday — and direct mail for Crockett.”

Just for the record, chief among the backers of Protect Our Future is Sam Bankman-Fried, the 29-year-old billionaire CEO and founder

Rep. Jasmine Crockett

super PAC that aims to spend more than $20 million to support congressional candidates ahead of the November elections.

The backers include a top executive at the digital currency trading platform FTX, as well as SkyBridge Capital, the hedge fund led by former Trump communications director Anthony Scaramucci, who is trying to start a Bitcoin investment fund.”

The message to “Bitcoin Barbie,” aka “Crypto Crockett,” is that Dallas County and U.S. District 30 is not for sale.

Watching nearly $3 million in TV blitzes and mailers should cause us concern. The super PAC’s contribution to Ms. Crockett more than doubled eight of her opponents all put together. Think about that!

The Honorable former Mayor of Dallas and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk barely raised 9 million dollars in a statewide race in 2010, and he had been well-known throughout the state for years before that.

If you don’t believe that $3 million is a lot of money, file through Eddie Bernice John-

Bitcoin Barbie might have been a valuable asset to this community. Instead, she has become a part of a billionaire's doll collection. My three daughters have had every Black Barbie ever created. But I ain’t buying this one. No matter who’s selling her!

Texas Tribune 2-11-22 “Cryptocurrency traders’ super PACS give $2 million to boost to state Rep Jasmine Crockett’s congressional run.”

A pair of super PACs backed by cryptocurrency financiers is making a $2 million push to myimessenger.com

of cryptocurrency exchange FTX. Politico 1/28/22 “The cryptocurrency industry is gearing up to invest big in the midterms.

A group of crypto financiers said Friday it’s launching a

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son’s years of donations and see how many campaigns it would take to make up $3 million. These folks believe that our votes can be bought. They tried to pimp us and almost did!

Bitcoin Barbie garnered 48% of the vote in a 9-way race. But God is good. He gave this community and district another chance to get it right.

We can’t afford the aura and insult of allowing some greedy billionaires to use our vote and destroy us in the process.

Take a long look at the whole crypto-currency foolishness. Most of us are skeptical at best of America’s latest Ponzi scheme. The Biden Administration is scrutinizing the industry as we speak.

We still have the poor, minorities, and the elderly, as well as active and retired military veterans stuck in payday and car title loans. We cannot chance the few greenbacks or our hard-earned savings for a well-organized pyramid system. Crypto Crockett says she has Senator Liz Warren’s support, but the former presidential candidate has always fought against financial institutions that prey on ordinary folk.

Bitcoin Barbie might have been a valuable asset to this community. Instead, she has become a part of a billionaire’s doll collection. My three daughters have had every Black Barbie ever created.

But I ain’t buying this one. No matter who’s selling her!

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

March 11, 2022

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March 11, 2022

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March 11, 2022

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March 11, 2022

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March 11, 2022

March 11, 2022

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My personal Women’s History Month Heroines. Who are yours?

I WAS JUST THINKING...

NORMA ADAMSWADE

March, of course, is Women’s History Month when the nation highlights women who have made a difference.

But, like in sports, everyone can’t be Most Valuable Player.

But through their achievements, they can carry a torch for others.

I have listed women who I learned about over the decades and why I admire them. Let’s place them center stage for a moment. I hope you’ll salute them, too.

Who’s on your list? Here’s mine: 1. Joan of Arc. (Life span 1412-1431) Admired for her bravery and strategy as a teenage female warrior who died a martyr during a French-English war.

2. Marian Anderson. (1897-1993) For her stunningly powerful contralto voice and magnificent presence

that, as a youngster, influenced my music appreciation.

3. Eleanor Roosevelt. (1884-1962).

Admired for her multi-cultural influence and self-awareness as the wife of a powerful U. S. President.

4. Yvonne Ewell. (1926-1998) Because this HBCU graduate rose from the small farming town of Frankston, Texas to hold many top-ranking positions and “firsts” in Dallas school administration and who taught a young Norma Ruth Adams (me) in one of her early classrooms.

Lucille Ball

Marian Anderson

Golda Meir

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Credit: Wikipedia

Credit: npr.org

5. Harriet Tubman (my favorite). (Circa 1822-1913) For her seeming fearless resolve in not accepting southern slavery as a way of life for herself and, historians estimate, about 300 other enslaved[cq Africans that she shepherded to freedom.

6. Ida B. Wells Barnett. (1862-1931) For inspiring me to pick up a pen and write to tell the many untold stories of my African-American people.

7. Shirley Chisholm. (1924-2005). This daughter of Barbados immigrants

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Credit: Wikipedia

was the first Black female elected to Congress in 1968 and -- with the now-famous slogan “unbought and unbossed” -- also was the first Black candidate for U. S. presidential in a major party. [Frederick Douglass, in the Liberty Party, reportedly received 1 vote in 1848. Major party nomination winners in 1972 were Richard Nixon (Republican), George McGovern (Democrat)].

8. “Rosie the Riveter” (During 1940s WWII). There were numerous symbolic “Rosies” of various races in this popular ad campaign.

The women demonstrated national pride and loyalty as they filled largely manufacturing jobs around the nation while men were away at war.

9. Alice Ball. (1892-1916) This brilliant, rising-star, young chemist created the first effective treatment for leprosy at age 23. But her heartbreaking story of triumph and tragedy, to me, represents the countless episodes of African descents who did not get credit for their creations.

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Ball, who some researchers call a genius, died suddenly and mysteriously, a year after her achievement.

Researchers say her death certificate was altered. Yet she received some honors years after her death.

10. Louise Stokes (1913-1978) and Tidye Pickett (1914-1986). When this Black female duo qualified for the 1932 Olympics in track and field in Los Angeles, they were denied admission because of their race. Four years later, the two became the first African-American women to repre-

Ethiopian Empress Taytu Betul

13.

14.

Fannie Lou Hamer Credit: Fannie Lou Hamer Civil Rights Museum

sent the U. S. in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin – the same year and place where runner Jesse Owens won four gold medals.

11. Josephine Baker (1906-1975).

Captivating, risqué vaudeville dancer, actress, civil rights activist. The first Black woman to star in a major motion picture in 1927 – the silent film Siren of the Tropics.

12. Golda “Iron Lady” Meir (18981978). The former Prime Minister was the first top female gov-

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15.

16.

Credit: Wikipedia

ernment leader in Israel and any Middle East country. Runners-up as my favorite head-of-government female leaders: Eva Peron, Margaret Thatcher.

Hillary Rodham Clinton (1947-present). Undeniable history-maker as a female political and social rights leader. Runners-up: Barbara Jordan, Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris.

Lucille Ball (1911-1989). One of the funniest and most entertaining actresses I can think of. Always reminded me of my mother’s humor.

Samaritan woman at the well, Bible, John 4:1-42. (Circa 20-30 C. E./common era). Love the message of this tainted woman who receives and passes on an important message that ultimately improves her life and that of others.

Ethiopian Empress Taytu (Also Taitu) Betul (1851-1918). Fought on the frontline of her own battalion in a famous 1896 battle that saved Ethiopia from European colonization.

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17. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020). Memorable women’s rights advocate by example and on the U. S. Supreme Court.

18. Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977).

Led effective voting rights efforts for disenfranchised Southern Blacks and a movement to encourage women of all races to run for elected offices.

19. Lorraine Hansberry (1930-1965).

One of my favorite authors who wrote the acclaimed play A Raisin in the Sun. Runner-up: Bebe Moore Campbell.

Shirley Chisholm

Credit: Wikipedia

20. Nettie Ruth Ivory Adams, my mother (1921-2006). For her humor, energy, people skills with youth and adults, Runners-up: My maternal and paternal grandmothers Lucy Miller Ivory, Eva Williams Adams.

Now list your own.

E-mail norma_adams_wade@yahoo. com 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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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Glen Oaks United Methodist Church 4606 S Polk St, Dallas, TX 75232 (214) 376-6404.

Annelda Crawford, Pastor

One-Year Extension of the South Dallas/Fair Park GoLink Pilot Service

Covid-19 RAPID TESTING DATE: Saturday, March 5, 2022 TIME: 9am-3pm

The DART Board of Directors has authorized a public hearing on the proposal to extend the South Dallas/Fair Park GoLink Pilot Service to January 2023 and expand operating hours to 5:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The South Dallas zone is one of 30 throughout the DART service area providing on-demand service with a variety of vehicles.

PRE-PUBLIC HEARING COMMUNITY MEETINGS Thursday, March 10, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.

TR Hoover Community Development Corporation 5106 Bexar Street, Dallas, TX 75215 Saturday, March 19, 2022, at noon DART Board Room 1401 Pacific Avenue (Akard Station), Dallas, TX 75202

Partnering with

National Council of Negro Women, Inc. T. Mathis-Hawkins Section Greater Trinity Section

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

For more information, contact Deatra Childress, 214-906-9320, childressdeatra@yahoo.com

PUBLIC HEARING Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.

DART Board Room 1401 Pacific Avenue (Akard Station), Dallas, TX 75202

Process for Receiving Comments Individuals wishing to speak at the public hearing should contact DART Community Relations at 214-749-2598 to register. In addition, written comments received by noon the day of the hearing will become part of the official record. If you wish to attend the hearing and need sign interpretation, please notify DART 24 hours in advance by calling the TTY number, 214-749-3628. A Braille or taped version of the information will be made available upon request. Written comments should be sent to: DART Community Relations – 7232 South Dallas/Fair Park GoLink Pilot Service Extension P.O. Box 660163, Dallas, TX 75266-9672 For Additional Information, visit DART.org, or contact DART Community Relations at 214-749-2598.

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March 11, 2022

OP-ED: A Legacy Worth Leaving place when I found out that she just how much you love them. died: Las Vegas. So, I went to Start by having a conversaher favorite hotel and lost $20 tion with your loved ones about BY in her honor. Because I would your wishes and the legacy you DR. AVERY ROSS go with her, and she would win, want to leave. What matters We are hardwired to deal with and I would take her money most to you? How do you want grief, but everyone grieves dif- and lose it. I said, “I’m just be- to be remembered? Do your ferently. Acknowledging the ing consistent.” spiritual or religious beliefs complexities and simplicity of My mother never minced words when it came grief allow me to live a full life.

Sometimes my grief manifests to death. We had conversations over the dinner itself as gratitude for another table throughout my life about it. When we knew day, sometimes it moves me she had congestive heart failure, we decided to to help others. As a grief councelebrate her life while she was still here. She selor, I encourage others to acknowledge and move forward chose hospice, an end-of-life care option for in grief. When we engage in terminally ill people and died peacefully in her open and honest conversations sleep. She encouraged me to think about death about death, we are giving ourselves the tools to manage grief. in a positive light, rather than as a negative and My mother never minced frightening thing. words when it came to death.

We had conversations over the My mother had her affairs inform your values? Is there dinner table throughout my in order before she died: from someone you want involved in life about it. When we knew her funeral to where her be- your healthcare decisions? she had congestive heart fail- longings would go. It made There are many tools and reure, we decided to celebrate our grieving process smoother sources to prepare you to have her life while she was still here. to not focus on those things. I these conversations and get She chose hospice, an end-of- want the same for my son, so your affairs in order. Compaslife care option for terminally ill I’ve made my wishes clear to sion & Choices offers an End of people and died peacefully in him. Instead of looking at it as Life Decisions Guide & Toolkit her sleep. She encouraged me a daunting task, I look at it as a that provides helpful informato think about death in a posi- gift to him. When you prepare tion on end-of-life decisions. tive light, rather than as a nega- your loved ones for what you tive and frightening thing. want if you get sick and when Avery Ross is a grief counselor and bereavement facilitator based in New York.

I was in my mother’s favorite you die, you are showing them OUR VOICES

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What’s your Ziklag?

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW We all have dreams and somewhere along the way, we can become disoriented. We do not want to fight anymore because it is exhausting and difficult. Instead of fighting for our dreams, we stop. For many, we are stuck.

We have found our Ziklag and if we are not careful, our destinies can be altered because we allow ourselves to become comfortable with just enough instead of realizing there is more in us, more for us to do, more for us to become.

David is an example of when fighting can become frustrating. When David fought and killed Goliath, he received so much attention and opportunities. He went from being a shepherd to King Saul’s court.

He married the King’s daughter and his life changed.

What started off as appreciation for David’s victory turned into an aversion for King Saul.

His resentment for David grew resulting in attacks and attempted assassinations.

David and his men sought refuge away from the repeated attempts on his life after the prophet Samuel passed away. David went to Philistine territory to get away and met with King Achish of Gath. “‘Then David said to Achish, ‘If I have found favor in your eyes, let a place be assigned to me in one of the country myimessenger.com

towns, that I may live there.

Why should your servant live in the royal city with you?’ So, on that day Achish gave him Ziklag….” (1 Samuel 27:5–6) Raiders attacked Ziklag, burned the city, took the women and children. David and his men rescued everyone and all their belongings.

David remained in Ziklag until Saul’s death ultimately returning to take over the kingdom God had destined for him years before.

dismissed in his youth by his brothers. When Samuel went to David’s father, Jessie, to identify the next king, his father mentioned all his sons except David.

Even Samuel thought that God was going to anoint his brother Eliab. (1 Samuel 16) God did not pick what everyone expected. Just because we may not look the part or others see the power God has placed in us can not be the excuse for

Identify your Ziklag. You cannot stay there because it is easy, comfortable, familiar, and safe. Seek God for your purpose. Find your passion. Do not become discouraged because of all the setbacks because those are the setups for your success. God’s plan does not happen overnight, but it is worth pursuing because God is able “…to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…”

(Ephesians 3:20)

There are several lessons we can take away from this story.

1. David mourned Saul’s death (2 Samuel 1). We cannot celebrate the downfall of those who hurt us. Forgiveness is key to our ability to move on. Proverbs 24:17 states, “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.”

2. The amount of turmoil David endured to obtain the kingdom was tremendous.

Despite the obstacles, he was committed to fulfilling his destiny. David was

settling.

3. Samuel anointed David to be king, but he remained in the fields tending sheep until the opportunity to fight Goliath arrived. Do not despise small beginnings.

(Zechariah 4:10) God uses all our experiences and nothing is wasted. David’s ability to fight was a direct result of his skills as a shepherd.

4. Ziklag could have easily become a place that David stayed in. He did not have to go back to reclaim the Kingdom of Judah with all its memories of pain and

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sacrifice. Even with the support of the people and the elders, David could have told them to move on. “All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “We are your own flesh and blood. In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler… and they anointed David king over Israel.” (2 Samuel 5:1-3) He could have stayed King in the smaller city of Ziklag instead of trusting God for greater.

We cannot become comfortable in our Ziklags because they are familiar and spaces to hide.

Identify your Ziklag. You cannot stay there because it is easy, comfortable, familiar, and safe. Seek God for your purpose. Find your passion.

Do not become discouraged because of all the setbacks because those are the setups for your success. God’s plan does not happen overnight, but it is worth pursuing because God is able “…to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…”

(Ephesians 3:20) 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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Women’s History Month Is extra special for two African American Women From Cashiers and Cooks to Williams Chicken Franchise Partners

By Cheryl Smith

Texas Metro News

This is one Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day that will always be a fond memory for two women in the D/FW area.

Long heralded as a good corporate citizen and friend to entrepreneurs, students and the communities where restaurants bearing his name provide jobs and support; businessman Hiawatha Williams remained true to his commitment and on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 signed over Williams Chicken franchise

papers to corporate store employees Shauna Brown and Alythina Wynn.

Joined by his wife, Doris, and company executives at the Robert B. Cullum store in South Dallas, Williams praised the two new store owners and revealed the location of their stores.

Brown has been part of the Williams Chicken system since she was 14-years-old; working alongside her father. The youngest owner in the Williams Chicken system, having been with the company for 21 years; starting as a cook, then cashier before working her

Shauna Brown and Doris Williams

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Alythina Wynn, Doris and Hiawatha WIlliams and Shauna Brown following the signing of Williams Chicken franchise agreements

way up to a manager and trainer she will own the Williams Chicken located on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in South Dallas.

Wynn has been with Williams Chicken for more than 25 years, migrating to the system from Church’s Chicken where she had worked with Mr. Williams. At Williams she worked as a store manager and supervisor.

Wynn said she has always wanted to start a business and inspire women. Now she has an opportunity to be an example for others and says she plans to encourage everyone, especially women to keep striving for their goals, have faith and believe in them-

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selves. Her store is located on Ramey Blvd. in Ft. Worth, TX. The two African American women were all smiles as they completed the paperwork, but there was also a seriousness about them as they answered questions and shared their plans for the future as they advance under the company’s Pathway to Ownership Program.

“Williams Chicken has always promoted and supported women and currently has female franchise owners, but none are African American,” said Williams, adding that in the near future there will be at least five new owners. “As I continue to look at how I can grow business owners and myimessenger.com

Williams Chicken Team with Alythina Wynn and Shauna Brown

help people who work with me leave a legacy for their family, like I plan to leave for mine; I believe providing an opportunity for Black women entrepreneurs could change the

trajectory of their entire family.

The Williams Chicken Pathway to Owners Program provided a similar opportunity to another candidate in 2019, and he is still successfully run-

Alythina Wynn and Shauna Brown hold on to contracts as they are congratulated by Williams Chicken executives

Alythina Wynn, Shauna Brown and Tim Williams look on as Hiawatha Williams signs contracts

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ning his operation.

The Williams Chicken Pathway to Owners program waives the franchise fee and the company assists the new franchise partner with loan guarantee, business set-up, marketing, and day-to-day operational support to ensure success.

Candidates must have exceptional work ethic, dynamic customer service and excel in operations, said Tim Williams who handles Franchise Development for the corporation.

Because of the Pathway to Owners Program, Brown and Wynn do not have to come up with the $150,000 franchise fees.

“This is very important,” said Brown. “I am going to be sure and support, cater to and better the community. I’m very loyal to the brand.”

Wynn expressed her appreciation, as well. While her location is not as profitable as the Dallas store, she is optimistic about the future and looks forward to a profitable venture. Standing with her sister, she talked about seizing the opportunity to be a source of inspiration and support for her family. “I’ve got plans and I know what I am doing,” she said, adding that she is also loyal to the brand.

And as always, the Williams family, relies on faith as Mrs.

Williams prayed for the women to “never give up,” and keep God first.

“This is an exciting time and we want you to be a success,” she said. “I pray that God will give you strength!”

For nearly 35 years Williams Chicken has cooked up winning recipes that have produced longevity and profitability. During the COVID 19 pandemic Williams Chicken experienced a significant profit and opened three new franchise locations. The corporation also continued its commitment to training and hiring new team members of all ages and supporting community events.

Williams said it is important to reinvest in the communities that support the franchise. Not only does the corporation support schools and colleges, the focus on corporate involvement and support is spread company-wide.

According to Brown and Wynn, who are in stores located in close proximity to high schools; they will also be involved and supportive, carrying on the rich tradition of the Williams Chicken brand.

A graduate of Paul Quinn College, Mr. Hiawatha Williams , since 1987, has expanded to i more than 40 stores across Texas and northern Louisiana.

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Supreme Court Decision on Alabama’s Gerrymandered Maps Makes a Mockery of the Voting Rights Act TO BE EQUAL

BY MARC MORIAL

“The reactionary right wing of the Supreme Court showed its true colors this week. Just as Selma’s officers didn’t arrest or charge John Lewis before administering the punishment of their billy clubs, SCOTUS denied Black voters in Alabama a seat in Congress without even hearing arguments. Such extremism is alarming, but it is also a sign that those defending the status quo are in a panic. No one would be fighting this hard to subvert democracy if they didn’t understand that the overwhelming majority of citizens want something else.” — Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits any standard, practice or procedure that results in a “denial or abridgment of the right of any citizen of the United States to vote on account of race or color.”

An obvious – and common — violation of this law is a gerrymandered political map that splits Black communities among two or more districts so they don’t constitute a majority in any of them – a process known as “cracking” – or that crams Black voters into one district so they can’t influence the outcome in other districts – a process known as “packing.”

Alabama’s newly-drawn congressional map does both. There’s no question the map was gerrymandered to dilute Black voting power. There is no question the map violates Section 2. The United States Supreme Court decided to let Alabama use it anyway.

The Court didn’t even consider the question of whether the map is racially gerrymandered, as a lower court unanimously ruled when it ordered Alabama to redraw it.

While the five-justice Supreme Court majority provided no reason for blocking the lower court’s decision, justices Samuel A. Alito Jr. March 11, 2022

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and Brett M. Kavanaugh wrote separately that the lower court’s order came too close to the election and could create “chaos.”

There was no way to challenge Alabama’s racially-gerrymandered maps faster than they were challenged in this case, as legal analyst Elie Mystal pointed out. “When Kavanaugh says that the challenge is too close to the election, he means that literally any challenge to any new, racist state districting map cannot be heard until at least one election cycle has taken place under the racist maps.”

Furthermore, the plaintiffs who sued to block the map presented 11 alternative plans that comply with the law. Alabama quickly and easily could adopt any one of them without any “chaos.”

State legislatures redraw Congressional and other legislative districts every 10 years following the decennial Census so that each district has about the same population, as required by the U.S. Constitution. Since 2010, Alabama’s white population shrank from 67% to 63.1%. The Black population is now 27%. But under the gerrymandered plan, Black voters have the power to elect their preferred candidate in only one – 14% – of the state’s seven congressional districts.

As the ACLU pointed out last fall, “the maps pack Black voters into districts in ways that unfairly limit their political power in a number of districts in Jefferson County, Montgomery, Mobile, and Tuscaloosa, while cracking Black communities of interest in Huntsville and Talladega and Calhoun Counties. In majority-minority Jefferson County, where Birmingham is located, the state legislative maps also allow a collective nine districts, all majority white, to cross county lines to change the makeup of the county’s legislative delegation and dilute the power of voters of color.”

In determining whether a legislative map violates Section 2, courts have used the “Gingles test,” established by the Supreme Court’s 1986 decision in Thornburg v. Gingles:

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The minority group is “sufficiently large and geographically compact to constitute a majority in a single-member district,” The minority group is “politically cohesive,” meaning its members tend to vote similarly; and The “majority votes sufficiently as a bloc to enable it … usually to defeat the minority’s preferred candidate.”

Regarding the first precondition, known as the “compactness” requirement, Justice Elena Kagan wrote, “Alabama’s Black population is heavily “concentrated” in the urban population centers and an area of the State known as the Black Belt .. Because Black voters in Alabama are relatively geographically compact, the plaintiffs argued that the State could have drawn a second congressional district, meeting traditional districting criteria, in which Black Alabamians would constitute a majority.”

Regarding the other preconditions, known together as the “racially polarized voting” requirement, the lower court noted that “there is no serious dispute that Black voters [in Alabama] are ‘politically cohesive,’ nor that the challenged districts’ white majority votes ‘sufficiently as a bloc to usually defeat [Black voters’] preferred candidate[s].’” Recent political campaigns in Alabama, the court said, had included “obvious and overt appeals to race.” Congressman Mo Brooks has repeatedly referred to “a war on whites,” and Senate candidate Roy Moore asserted that the Civil Rights Amendments to the Constitution “completely tried to wreck the form of government that our forefathers intended.”

The Supreme Court did not overturn the lower court’s order that Alabama redraw its maps, but it put the order on hold and agreed to hear arguments in the case next fall.

In doing so, the Court declared their contempt for the constitutional and civil rights of Black Alabamians.

Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.

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Rising Above COVID-19 Overcoming the Mental and Physical Effects of the Virus

By Darryl Sellers Holding back tears, Morrell Staten shared his poignant story about his and his wife’s COVID-19 journeys last year, speaking in late 2021 at the Cobb Institute-We Can Do This/ Stay Well Community Health Fair at Cass Tech High School in Detroit. Staten and his wife both tested positive for the virus at almost the same time, making it a very challenging period for their family.

“Imagine – we have five kids, and we had to leave them because we were both in the hospital,” Morrell Staten said.

“Luckily, both of us made it through, but thinking back on it is very scary.”

Prior to testing positive for COVID, Morrell Staten had been contemplating getting the vaccine. In hindsight, he wishes he had gotten vaccinated for COVID sooner.

Morrell Staten reflected on what followed his positive COVID test, including an arduous two days spent fighting through COVID symptoms, including chills and hot flashes.

But when he woke up on the third day with chest pains as an added ailment, Staten said he knew his health situation was more serious. Staten decided to go to the emergency room at a local hospital, which led to a one-week stay. Fortunately, a COVID treatment of antibodies and oxygen led to his recovery.

Returning home and seeing his children again gave Morrell Staten a great sense of gratitude. But something still didn’t feel right mentally. He called his mom every night just to have someone to talk to. He barely myimessenger.com

slept and had nightmares. It was a period of time that left Staten feeling very unsettled. Now, he says the mental health aspects of COVID aren’t talked about by the media and others as much as they should be.

According to the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), African Americans are 20% more likely to experience psychological distress. With COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on Black Americans, along with the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, Black communities could be even more at risk for COVID-related mental health issues in 2022.

Dr. Lonnie Joe, a physician with the Cobb Institute, said medical professionals would not be doing their jobs if they didn’t address the mental aspect of the pandemic, which is having adverse effects on some Black Americans and their families.

He said he’s seen many patients who only decided to get vaccinated after a family member died or became severely ill from COVID-19. Dr. Joe said Black Americans shouldn’t wait that long before deciding to get vaccinated.

Part of the problem, according to Dr. Joe, is that our society is getting an overload of information that is often unreliable.

“We’ve never had to deal with this to this degree in the healthcare arena, where people relied on other sources that may not be correct,” Dr. Joe said. “The ability to be exposed to the information has definitely changed the individual’s opinion about this pandemic. As a result, it will affect us as individuals.”

For more information about Cobb Institute-We Can Do This/Stay Well Community Health Fair and Vaccine events, please visit Stay Well events.

More information about the Omicron variant can be found here: CDC - Omicron Variant Information.

To find vaccines and boosters near you, visit vaccines. gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-2320233.

For resources and toolkits to help you build vaccine confidence in your community, visit the We Can Do This website.

Dr. Joe also said medical professionals really need to think about how COVID affects individuals in the long run.

“I have several patients who had COVID 18 months ago, and they are still as sick as they can be, testing negative but experiencing a lot of adverse effects from the inflammation that the disease leaves them with,” Dr. Joe said. “We need to reflect again in that arena to talk about what can happen to actually support an individual who has been affected by this virus, whether it’s directly or indirectly. That is very important.”

In Morrell Staten’s case, the long-term effects of COVID include insomnia. Thankfully, Staten’s health insurance company called to check on him and set him up with a mental health professional. He said while meeting with a therapist is helping him deal with the aftermath, his mental health recovery from having the virus is an ongoing process.

“After a couple of weeks, I was able to finally get back to some normalcy,” Staten said. “But you never quite recover from

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something that bad. It has really affected me. I’m doing better now. I’m talking to a therapist, working through some of the residual things.”

As Staten’s mental health continues to get stronger, he said it’s important that more Black Americans open their eyes and get vaccinated in order to protect themselves, their loved ones, and everyone around them.

“Definitely get vaccinated,” Staten said. He added that getting vaccinated will help raise awareness for everyone, and the number of people seeing the need to get vaccinated will increase. “It’s just too important,” he said.

Vaccines help prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID. Being boosted offers the most protection. Please don’t delay. Get your vaccines and boosters as soon as possible.

Darryl Sellers is the Director of the Public Relations Team for Creative Marketing Resources, a strategic marketing agency in Milwaukee and a partner of the Cobb Institute.

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Annual Mavs Ball Raises $1.5 Million; En Vogue Performs Photos and Story

By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor

The 7th Annual Mavs Ball raised $1.5 million to benefit the Mavs Foundation and it’s dedication to building a stronger community for women, family and children in North Texas The night included a cocktail reception, seated dinner and live and silent auctions. Guests were able to bid on items such Coach Jason Kidd and wife Luka Doncic and Anamaria Dirk and Jessica Nowitzki as signed posters, videos and Porschla Goltes jerseys, game-worn shoes and other paraphernalia. The live auction featured a trip to Slovenia, Luka’s hometown, and a 100-year-old bottle of wine that went for $90,000. The top auction item was $120,000 raised to bring two 5-player teams to work with Coach Jason Kidd. Another $80,000 was raised for a trip to the State Fair of Texas with Boban Marjanovic.

Mavs In-Game Announcer EnVogue EnVogue Entertainment for the soldChris Arnold out event, which was held Friday night at American Airlines Center, was En Vogue, one of the greatest female music groups of all time. They sang their classic hits such as “Free Your Mind,” “Something He Can Feel,” “My Lovin’” and their first No.1 hit off their debut album “Hold On.” Over the past 25 years, the Spencer Dinwiddie Theo Pinson EnVogue Mavs Foundation has provided grant funding totaling more than $8 million dollars to nonprofit organizations serving women, children and families in need. In addition to grants, the Mavs Foundation has built 50 safe Learn & Play spaces throughout the North Texas community, including 29 basketball courts and 21 Reading & Learning Centers.

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Mavs GM Nico Harrison and wife Darlise

EnVogue

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Wear the masks, wash your hands and show love!

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Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Theta Alpha Chapter Talent Hunt

Talent Hunt participants

In keeping with a legacy of national programs designed to identify and support youth, the Theta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi held its local Talent Hunt recently at the Latino Cultural Center in Deep Ellum.

In a full program featuring 13 contestants and emceed by former DISD School Board President Dr. Lew Blackburn; attendees were entertained by and treated to wonderful, melodious sounds from piano and violin solos, two dance performances and three visual artists who displayed and meticulously described their artwork.

The original idea for the Talent Hunt was conceived in 1945 and the first District program was held April 19, 1946.

The need for such a program was born out of the unequal opportunity afforded to some American youth to develop and give full expression to their talents, according to chapter members who said March 11, 2022

chapters across the world are proud to continue the tradition of this legacy program to this day.

The original statement of the Talent Hunt idea emphasized, “Creative and outstanding capacities in any honorable activity should be eligible for consideration.”

During public presentations, all original displays were limited to the field of music. Since that time, the Talent Hunt program has been expanded to include other forms of the expressive arts. Participation in the Talent Hunt is open for Music - Vocal and instrumental, classical, semi-classical (i.e.

Broadway Musical production, Movie score), gospel and jazz; Dance - ballet, modern dance, and tap; Dramatic Interpretation - Poetry, oration, monologue, etc.; and Visual Art - Sculpture, photography, drawing and painting.

“All of the contestants are winners in our book and thus

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Winner Heaven Supriya

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received medals, certificates of appreciation for their participation and a Theta Alpha goodie bag,” said Theta Alpha Chapter’s 1st Vice Basileus Gayelord Gray, who chaired the event.

The Talent Hunt utilizes professionals with experience in the area of Performance and/or Visual Arts as Judges.

This year’s judges were Dean Hill (aka) the Dean of Jazz; Andrae Rhyne (Local Director in DeSoto ISD), Rev. LaTasha Roberts (former Talent Hunt 1st Place winner and educator who has taught all of the

performing arts from kindergarten - collegiate level); and Bobby Lloyd (Graphic and Visual Artist).

The Modern Cajon Jazz Ensemble, courtesy of the City ofof Dallas Office of Arts and Culture entertained throughout the evening.

Special thanks to the Staff and Management of the Latino Cultural Center, The City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs and Commissioner Ella Goode Johnson, Chair of the Art and Culture Advisory Commission of the City of Dallas.

Dr. Lew Blackburn and Heaven Supriya

This year's top winners are : Visual Arts • Heaven Supriya – 1st Place • Willa Webb – 2nd Place • Brian Hawkins – 3rd Place Performing Arts • Tinashe McGowan (Instrumental Piano Solo)– 1st Place • Xavier Brewington (Instrumental Piano Solo) – 2nd Place • Jeniah Smith (Dance) – 3rd Place

Heaven Supriya with Commissioner Ella Goode Johnson and Willie Earl Johnson

Heaven is congratulated for win

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Heaven Supriya applauds other winners

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March 11, 2022

Call issued to Support Black Businesses Buy Black!

By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News

When Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, of Friendship-West Baptist Church, announced 100 Days Dr. Frederick D.Haynes III of Buying Black in acknowledging the 100th Commemoration of the Tulsa Race Massacre, we joined the movement. December 31, 2021 marked 100 days of featuring Black Businesses. and we decided that the struggle continues and we must also. So enjoy reading about more Black-owned businesses and please support.

CITY MEN COOK

Presented by a Taste of The South, Inc. a 501 (c) 3, City Men Cook, the event, is dedicated to honoring and celebrating fathers.City Men Cook/A Father’s Table works to mentor fathers and help them understand their critical role in their family’s success. For more than two decades, Terry Allen has organized a Father’s Day celebration in Dallas, with food prepared by men!

Thousands of people flock to the event and celebrate the great men in their lives. Check it out and get involved at www.citymencook.com.

PRIMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES

Primerica is a financial services company serving the middle-income market in the U.S., Canada, Puerto March 11, 2022

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Rico and Guam.

Alisha Renae, through Primerica, solves two of the biggest financial needs nearly every family faces – income protection with term life insurance and saving for the future with a sound investments strategy. Primerica uses its complimentary, confidential, and customized Financial Needs Analysis (FNA) to help clients understand where they are financially and to map out a program to achieve their goals! Give Alisha a call at 972-330-7300 (Renaealisha@gmail.com)

POSITIVE INFLUENCES

Building buzz for your brand is what they do best! Leah Frazier is the CEO/Founder and she has an impressive clientele because she is thorough and about showcasing them. Check her out at www.thinkthreemedia.com

SMO-QUICHE

Owner Cheron Sneed prides herself in SmoQuiche bringing “SholeGood” SoulFood, and says, The name says it all! Her quiche is exquisite and the oxtails and veggie lasagna are the best. They will deliver in Duncanville/Dallas Area within 5 to 12 mile radius.

FREE DELIVERY for big orders, $5.00 delivery fee otherwise 832-252-3542 (Cheron_ Sneed@yahoo.com)

BONDS ASSURANCE PROTECTION AGENCY

Dr. Stacia Alexander CEO/ Founder Positive Influences is a privately owned agency offering psychological and counseling services. With a diverse staff of professional clinicians there are many services offered through Positive Influences under the skillful direction of Dr. Stacia Alexander who has been a full time practicing clinician for over 20 years.

She schedules appointments at the Dallas location or virtually. Call 469-227-7847.

THINK THREE MEDIA

Think Three Media is a full service content marketing, social media, and public relations agency providing creative and innovative solutions for cutting edge brands.

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Roderick Bonds is a Group Benefits Consultant. A UT Dallas And SMU grad, Roderick works with mediumsized Companies and Individuals for Employee Benefits, Life, Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Care, Final Expense, Medicare, ACA, Legal, Identity Theft, IUL’s and GUL’s. 469-867-4390 ( rodericklife@gmail. com)

PARADISE FUNERAL HOME

Paradise Funeral Home is owned by Frankie and Barbara Washington, but the next generation is on the horizon with Frankie III and Barri and they are also dedicated to providing services with care and myimessenger.com

LOVEJOY RISK MANAGEMENT CORP

compassion. Approaching three decades of service, the Washingtons are committed and have made many upgrades to serve families better. Check them out at www.paradisefh.com 3910 S. Lancaster Rd. Dallas, TX 75216 214-3718093

MANIFEST YOUR PURPOSE

Lovejoy Risk Management Corp. is a trucking niche insurance agency co-founded by Ladda Love Hawkins and Precious Norman-Walton. Use them to help with your company’s insurance plan. They are licensed risk managers who will schedule a free initial consultation.

Need to meet safety and compliance requirements?

LRMC can help with everything from audits to hiring and onboarding drivers. Check them out at www. lovejoyriskmanagement.com.

sales. Her displays are exquisite. Call 469-587-4465.

ANA M. BLAKE, CPA PC

NATIONAL MULTICULTURAL WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM Saria Hawkins-Banda is the Manifest Queen and she decided to design a unique and chic collection of office accessories, decor and planning tools for purpose-driven women, because, “We deserve to see ourselves reflected in the products we use every day.”

Help Manifest Your Purpose grow by donating to the Crowdfunding campaign because it will help MYP continue to support other Black-owned businesses “by using them as strategic partners but also set up a scholarship fund to help new Black-owned businesses with capital, access to resources, and business coaching.” Talk about exquisite designs and product!

You’ll be glad you checked out Manifest Your Purpose, LLC. Find out more at manifestyourpurpose.co

SOULFUL TACOS

Soulful Tacos had its grand opening yesterday, with half off tacos on Taco Tuesday. Also enjoy $5 Margaritas on Taco Tuesdays. Closed on Mondays, Soulful Tacos also has a newsletter that you can subscribe. Get chicken, steak, catfish — tacos with a twist of soul. There’s also music and a wonderful atmosphere. Located at 3355 E. Trinity Mills, Suite 100, in Dallas, you can order online or by phone at 469-289-0049 myimessenger.com

Ana M. Blake, CPA PC established the Texas CPA firm to provide accounting, tax, and business advisory services to corporations, small businesses and individuals throughout the Dallas area. Contact Ana at (972) 371-2421 for a free initial Tax Analysis to identify costly tax mistakes, and highlight missed opportunities. Ana M. Blake, CPA, the firm’s founder, has been practicing since 1987. Ana holds a CPA license in Texas. She received her BA in Business Administration with the emphasis in Accounting at Florida International University in Miami. Find out more at www.anamblakecpa.com The National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum is a non-profit 501© (3) organization that offers the visitor a true and complete historical perspective of the people and activities that built the unique culture of the American West. The work of artists who documented the people and events of the time through journals, photographs and other historical items are available for viewing. Founded in 2001 in Fort Worth, by Jim and Gloria Austin, it is definitely a place to visit at 2029 North Main Street, Fort Worth

JUICIY’S FRUIT

Shaitamisha O. Hill is the talent and brains behind Juiciy’s Fruit and More and you can book her company for *Babyshowers, *Weddings, *Birthday Parties, *Events, *Private Dinners, *Personal Meals, and *Events\Pop Ups. They are ready for *ANY CATERING EVENT OR SET UP. They also offer meal prep and weekly

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FULL OF MELANIN

Full of Melanin is a non-profit organization on a mission to close the wealth gap. They are, in remaining true to their mission, growing a community loyalty program that connects customers to Black-owned businesses by providing exclusive saving options to our members. You can join the Full of Melanin Community Check them out at www.fullofmelanin.org March 11, 2022

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Lifestyle Metro Calendar powered by MARCH 2022

CELEBRATING WOMEN Great night of socializing, networking, & prizes.

Bring your business cards and desire to make more friends/business partners, 6 - 8:30 pm One Dallas Apartments Sky Lounge 30th 350 N Saint Paul Street, Dallas, TX 75201 Register at Eventbrite

March 15 and 17 Virtual via GoTo Webinar. Free registration is available: March 15 (Indoor) https://www.eventbrite. com/e/233841715867 March 17 (Outdoor) https://www.eventbrite. com/e/233862177067 -Workshop hosts: Cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Round Rock and water provider Tarrant Regional Water District -Special guest on March 15, Beth Livingston, EPA brand manager WaterSense

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Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center plans a series of themed skate experience throughout the year. For additional information, visit galleriadallas.com.

20 Mocca Cosmetics and SkinCare celebrates 20 years and beauty icon Kena celebrates 30 years of providing exellent service and products! 6-9pm at Hampton Event Center in Red Oak Dallas Soul Food Festival THE NUMBER 1 FOOD FESTIVAL IN TEXAS IS BACK!!!!

Come enjoy food from over 30 different food vendors from Dallas, Houston, Austin, and other surrounding cities. The Texas Food will be a mix of foods including pork chops, oxtails, candied yams, greens, fried chicken, fish, barbecue, funnel cake, turkey legs, tacos, vegan & keto optional available 12 pm - 6pm Lofty Spaces 816 Montgomery St, Dallas, TX 75215 Tickets: $0 -5 https://form.jotform.com/213446884953165

The Dallas Literary Festival presented by SMU and featuring David Treuer, Eric Dickerson, Jelani Cobb and Nikole Hannah-Jones

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12 Jet Relays Soul Festival to Showcase Track & Field Extravaganza The 4th Annual Jet Relays Soul Festival will be held at Beverly D. Humphrey Tiger Stadium in Lancaster, Texas. Tickets are now available and can be purchased online at www.jetrelays.com. Call 817-812-8165.

24 Dallas ISD In - Person Job Fair Emmett J. Conrad High School 7502 Fair Oaks Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231 4pm - 6pm The Recruitment Team will confirm your registration prior to the event via email. Email futureteacher@dallasisd.org for any questions. Register at eventbrite

Dallas Greenville Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic, the fun returns March 12, the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, with a 2-mile parade featuring floats, bagpipers and beads, and a block party and concert by the Toadies. And who better to lead the 41st parade than No. 41 himself, Dallas Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki

25 Poetry Night at Black & Bitter Coffee!

Poetry Night is an open mic night open to all ages, talent levels, poets, authors, musicians and more. This is a supportive environment, 8 pm - 11 pm 7

13 The Discovery Fashion Show Small business builder expo Mesquite Art Center 1527 N Galloway Ave, Mesquite, TX 75149 2pm - 6 pm

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*** Hair & Glam DFW Expo 11 am - 4 pm Lofty Spaces 816 Montgomery St, Dallas, TX 75215

29 Dallas City Councilman Casey Thomas II invites you to attend open house to discuss and get community input for the former hospital at 2949 S. Hampton Road. RSVP at the link to attend. Copy this link to your browser to register: bit. ly/OHSD3OH

31 In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom Crum Auditorium, James M. Collins Executive 3150 Binkley Ave Dallas, TX 75275 Starts at 6pm *** Pasos Con’s 2022 Vintage & Sneaker exchange Pasos Con’s is Pasos for Oak Cliff’s second vintage & sneaker swap meet in Dallas, Texas! Join sneakerheads in the DFW region.

Four Corners Brewing 1311 South Ervay Street Dallas, TX 75215 6 pm - 8pm Free event register at eventbrite

6th Annual Dallas Mayor’s Masked Ball, 6 - 10p at Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd. Mayor Eric Johnson, host ### The Book review and signing by Dr. Terry Anne Jones, author of Lynching and Leisure: Race and the Transformation of Mob Violence in Texas at 3 p.m. in the AAMuseum’s AT&T Auditorium. ###

14-20 City of Dallas and other Texas cities and water providers partner to host Fix A Leak Week 6 to 7:30 p.m.

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In honor of Women’s History Month, Galleria Dallas is celebrating an American original, Dolly Parton. The country legend is releasing her 52nd studio album this spring, and that album as well as other hits from Dolly’s five decades in the recording industry will be played for skaters at Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center. Guests are encouraged to come dressed to fit the theme. The Dolly Parton skate experience will be from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 19.

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March 11, 2022

March 11, 2022

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www.grandpasecret.com

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March 11, 2022

ARRESTED

HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

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

We’re talking about a community.

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

Crimestoppers 877-373-8477 March 11, 2022

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