I Messenger 11-26-21

I MESSENGER VOL XI NO 13 NOVEMBER 26, 2021

It’s a Soulful Family Affair at the Bayou Classic

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Dallas’ first Black city manager, Richard Knight Jr., dies at 76 This story, originally published in The Dallas Morning News, is reprinted as part of a collaborative partnership between The Dallas Morning News and Texas Metro News. The partnership seeks to boost coverage of Dallas’ communities of color, particularly in southern Dallas.

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WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

Richard Knight Jr., Dallas’ first Black city manager, died Monday. He was 76 years old.

Knight’s son, Marcus, confirmed that he died but declined to provide details, saying he and other relatives were in the process of notifying family members and friends.

Knight had been assistant city manager for four years before he was hired as the top administrative leader in 1986. He served in that role until 1990.

“We’re very sad that he’s no longer here with us, but we’re grateful and proud of who he was and what he’s done for our family and for this community,” said his son. “It’s been a tough day.”

Knight was born in Georgia and he was an

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January 18, 1987 - From left: William Thomas and Mavis and Richard Knight are seen in this Fete Set photo.

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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.

November 26, 2021

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Army veteran who served in Vietnam.

During his tenure as city manager, Knight oversaw the completion of the Meyerson Symphony Center in 1989 and expansions of the Cotton Bowl in Fair Park and the Dallas Convention Center, which was renamed after former state senator Kay Bailey Hutchison in 2013.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson called Knight “a trailblazer” who spent his life serving Dallas.

“His selection as the first African American city manager in Dallas history helped show our city what was possible,” Johnson said in a statement. “His inclusive leadership style opened doors to many to pursue lives in public service. And his dedication to our communities after he left City Hall was exemplary.”

Knight also served as city manager in Durham and Carrboro, both in North Carolina, and in Gainesville, Fla. He had most recently founded Fort Worthbased Knight Waste Services and was the company’s chairman. He was also a former board chairman at the State Fair of Texas, as well as a former board member of the University of North Texas Board of Regents, Boy Scouts of America, North Texas Public Broadcasting, the Children’s Medical Center of Dallas and the Dallas Citizens Council.

Knight also held executive positions with Caltex Petroleum Corp. in Dallas and Singapore and founded KnightCo Oil Company, which he sold in 2004.

He is survived by his wife and three adult sons. myimessenger.com

INSIDE

GUILTY

CROCKETT GETS NOD

ETHER R. GADDIS & SUSIE ALICE BELL

Some North Texans were relieved – but emotionally drained – after watching weeks of testimony that ended Wednesday with a jury’s conviction of three white men of the killing of jogger Ahmaud Arbery. The case raised concerns across the nation of questionable killings of unarmed Black people at the hands of white civilians and police officers.

Long before U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson announced her retirement last Saturday, potential challengers, hopefuls and constituents speculated about her plans and contemplated who would be her successor.

Ether R. Gaddis, a.k.a Etherine, was born on December 12, 1938 in Mansfield, Louisiana as the only child of Vera May Pineset Rockmore and Eziekel Pineset. Etherine started school in Louisiana and later moved to Dallas.

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Congrats to new Honorary Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. myimessenger.com

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November 26, 2021

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith Publisher

What are you thankful for?

There’s nothing like a pandemic to help people put things into perspective.

Vacations, retirements, marriages, and divorces are just a few considerations that are giving folks an opportunity to take a deeper dive into what they want for the future.

Now for many of the Black people I know, you can just add COVID 19 to a long list of pandemics that are prevalent in our lives as we attempt to survive and thrive; living out our lives and fulfilling our dreams.

Time and time again, I have heard someone utter, “we could die tomorrow.”

Well, that’s been the reality from day one; however we never looked at death the way COVID has caused us to do so.

When I was playing in the creek, in East Orange, there were so many times I could have fallen in and been swept away. Or what about the time in Newark when I fell off a swing, or tumbled from the monkey bars? Then there was the serial murderer across town from FAMU at Florida State University but folks told us, “don’t worry, you’re Black.”

So many times to think about when death was so close.

For some reason we didn’t November 26, 2021

This is the season for sharing and giving; for thanking and showing appreciation.

My focus has absolutely nothing to do with misguided interpretations of history. Instead I make every day a day of giving thanks, sharing and showing appreciation. focus on the possibility or the probability.

I’ve had loved ones who have quit their jobs, called it quits with their spouses or mates; and even packed up and left these United States of America.

They all made decisions that they felt were right for them.

Too often folks live their lives trying to please others.

One Life to Live is more than just the title of a soap opera.

Life doesn’t give you a makeover, a practice run.

If I woulda, coulda, shoulda doesn’t work because whatever is done is done.

Every step of the way, on this journey called life, I have had someone in my life who knew more than I, even if it wasn’t much more.

Recently I have run into several folks younger than I who explained life to me, from their perspectives. I was

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told, in very certain terms, that their lives were theirs to live and do as they pleased because anything they needed or wanted was up to them!

At first, all I could do was nod.

You see, folks have been helping me navigate through life with generations that are totally different from my reality.

I am learning how to keep my mouth shut when something stupid comes out of their mouths.

I’ve learned how to not offer advice unless it is asked for; actually lately they have to beg for my advice because I hate exercises in futility and talking to some of these folks will make you contemplate some form of “cide.”

And I’ve learned that feelings are what drive them. For example, a former student told me they should get an “A” — not because they earned it through exemplary work; in-

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stead because they showed up everyday and they “tried.”

Oh, I am learning so much and I am so thankful for the opportunity to live out my own existence, making myself a priority.

Now this is something new and for many it’s a challenging and daunting task.

I hope that eventually a lightbulb will flicker for those who feel as though they can make it through life on their own, without any support or guidance from others. Hopefully they will realize that we all need someone, somewhere; and that is not a bad thing.

If you find someone who got everything on their own; you’ll probably find someone who is all on their own, alone; and very unhappy.

If you don’t have anyone who you are thankful for, you might find that no-one is thankful for you!

This is the season for sharing and giving; for thanking and showing appreciation.

My focus has absolutely nothing to do with misguided interpretations of history. Instead I make every day a day of giving thanks, sharing and showing appreciation.

Is that too much to ask for or do in life as we live through this pandemic and others, as well? myimessenger.com

America…Retarded or Dumb?

QUIT PLAYIN’

BY VINCENT L. HALL

“If we don’t stand up for children, then we don’t stand for much.” Marian Wright Edelman, Former Director, Children’s Defense Fund.

As harmless as it once sounded to my generation, we don’t call kids with disabilities “retarded” anymore. We thought we were more sensitive than the generation before ours just called them the “dumb.”

But that’s nothing compared to what they call them in Utah, where they called them Niggers. Retarded and dumb are less than affable, to say the least, but calling a child with autism a Nigger has to be proof that America is at its lowest point. We don’t stand for children, and we don’t stand for much.

You may have nodded on this story, but I have not been able to sleep since seeing it on CNN. My pastor says that empathy is the ability to live in someone else’s skin. As an empathetic parent, this story makes my skin crawl.

“Isabella “Izzy” Tichenor, a 10-year-old Black and autistic student in Utah, died by suicide last Saturday after allegedly being bullied by classmates, and her family’s complaints were ignored, the family’s lawyer tells CNN. The tragedy comes just myimessenger.com

weeks after the Justice Department publicly detailed a disturbing pattern where Black and Asian American students at the Davis School District in Farmington, Utah, were harassed for years, and officials deliberately ignored complaints from parents and students. The DOJ detailed the pattern in a report and settlement agreement released in October. The agency had been investigating the school district since July 2019.”

Izzy’s mother and stepfather, Brittany Clark Tichenor Cox and Charles Cox must be going through hell. Utah is hardly the most diverse place in the world. The state is 87% White, 2.32% Asian: 1.19% Black or African American, and 2% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.

Like most Red states, Utah resists changes, so that old proclamation stands even if it’s not posted. “No Jews, No Mexicans, No Niggers, and No Dogs.” The only exception is Utah is probably the dogs.

Rather than hang my suppositions on the fatal treatment of a Black 10-year old, let me suggest that the ha-

tred that has infused and inflated American social and political tension is not limited to children of color.

Gaze at a New York Times article reporting on the civil trial against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.

‘Mr. Jones for years spread bogus theories that the shooting that killed 20 first-graders and six educators was part of a government-led plot to confiscate Americans’ firearms and that the victims’ families were “actors” in the scheme.

People who believed those false claims accosted the families on the street and at events honoring their slain loved ones, abused them online, contacted them at their homes and threatened their lives.

The parents of Noah Pozner, the youngest Sandy Hook victim, whose parents were the first to sue Mr. Jones, have moved nearly 10 times since the shooting and live in hiding. Each time the family moved, conspiracists published their new home address “with the speed of light,” she said.”

The Crimes Against Children Research website

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shows just how brutal we are to the littlest and least among us.

“CCRC researchers conducted the Developmental Victimization Survey to gather data on a range of victimizations from birth until adulthood over the course of one year.

Just more than half of youth (530 per 1000) experienced a physical assault, mostly between the ages of 6 and 12. One in 12 (82 of 1000) youth experienced sexual victimization, including sexual assault and attempted or completed rape.”

Child maltreatment was experienced by 138 per 1000 of our children. Maltreatment includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and family abduction) of which emotional abuse (name-calling or denigration by an adult) was most frequent in occurrence.

These numbers are startling, but what’s more confounding is that we have policymakers who talk about everything but child welfare. The suicide of Izzy and the trial of Alex Jones are not anomalies. We don’t stand up for children, and there is not much they can do to protect themselves.

America appears to be either retarded or just plain dumb and its killing our children! #savethechildren Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

November 26, 2021

VOTE

VOTE November 26, 2021

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GUILTY! Some North Texans were relieved – but emotionally drained – after watching weeks of testimony that ended Wednesday with a jury’s conviction of three white men of the killing of jogger Ahmaud Arbery.

The case raised concerns across the nation of questionable killings of unarmed Black people at the hands of white civilians and police officers.

“Praise God,” said Chandra Charles, a Grand Prairie mother of two daughters, one a college senior and the other a high school senior.

“They holler critical race theory,” said Charles, who is African American, speaking of politicians and others who downplay race in social, legal and historical contexts.

“This (case) is all of it in a nutshell.”

According to Charles, the Arbery case, paired with similar cases involving the shootings of Black people while the victims seemingly were engaged in everyday activities had left her “emotionally drained” and exas-

Ahmaud Arbery

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Verdict stuns some North Texans ‘The justice system worked,’ one says

Convicted murderers Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael, and William Bryan, Jr.

perated at trying to explain to her two daughters her concerns over their safety.

“I talk to them, but I don’t think (my youngest daughter) Morgan is grasping it as a reality,” she said. “All the people they’ve been around, they’ve all been multiple races. When you talk to them about it…they don’t get it.”

Ken Granderson, co-founder and chief technology officer at BlackFacts. com, said he is surprised jurors in the trial came to a verdict of guilty on nearly all counts – and also relieved at what he views as a “prevailing of justice” in the case.

“The paradox of being Black in America is a simultaneous feeling,” he said, adding that he was surprised at the verdict and relieved that, this time, the justice system worked. “It’s sad that we see it work so rarely,” he said. “I’m concerned that we don’t know how many (similar cases) never even make

it to trial.”

Meanwhile, a scholar at the University of Georgia who has watched the case, said many people of color, including himself, find themselves, as Granderson has, both surprised at the guilty verdict and that the case even was prosecuted.

In the Arbery case, prosecutors brought charges months after the jogger’s shooting and only after public cries to release video of the killing taken by one of the defendants, William “Roddie” Bryan, Jr. The case underscored challenging race relations in Brunswick, Ga. The district attorney at the time was indicted on charges she obstructed a police officer following Arbery’s death.

A local prosecutor was accused of violating her oath of office by “showing favor and affection” to Gregory McMichael, another defendant and a former investiga-

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tor in her office.

In light of the accusations, Georgia state Attorney General Chris Carr and the Georgia Bureau of Investigations took over the case.

Dr. Ryon Cobb, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Georgia and a scientist at the Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research, said Wednesday’s verdict shook him.

“I’m shocked,” he said.

“I resided in Florida when George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin and thought Arbery’s killers would walk free.”

Dr. Cobb, who researches race, ethnicity and socially oppressive systems among adults, said though prosecutors were faced with a near all-White jury in the trial, they appeared to deliberately downplay race as a factor in Arbery’s killing.

It could not be missed, however, given the three deNovember 26, 2021

Dr. Ryon Cobb

June Jenkins

Ken Granderson

Ahmaud Arbery

fendants are White and Arbery is a Black man, he said.

“No one involved in the case forgot Arbery was a Black man,” said Dr. Cobb, adding that while race was not explicitly brought up in the trial, it was implicit in the actions of the perpetrators.

On Wednesday, Travis McMichael, his father Gregory, a former law officer, and Bryan, their neighbor, all were found guilty in the fatal shooting of Arbery, who was unarmed and jogging through the men’s Brunswick, Ga. neighborhood.

“We don’t typically see police convicted of murder, given we’re in the South, especially in Georgia,” Dr. Cobb said. “My hat goes off to the prosecutors, Jamal Harrison Bryant, Al Sharpton, and the other activists who made today happen.”

The McMichaels and Bryan claimed that they acted in self-defense when they used two pickup trucks to chase Arbery, blocking him, and eventually shooting him.

The three said they were trying to execute a citizen’s arrest of Arbery, whom they believed had unlawfully entered an unsecured home under construction in the

neighborhood.

Jurors, apparently, disbelieved the McMichaels’ and Bryan’s defense.

A panel of 12 jurors, 11 White and 1 Black, found Travis McMichael, who shot and killed Arbery; guilty of malice murder, four counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, one count of false imprisonment and one count of criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment.

Gregory McMichaels was found guilty of four counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, one count of false imprisonment and one count of criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment.

The McMichaels’ neighbor, Bryan, was found guilty of three counts of felony murder, one count of aggravated assault, one count of false imprisonment and one count of criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment.

All three men face sentences of up to life in prison for their roles in Arbery’s killing.

In Fort Worth, Correen Sanders, an engineer in private practice and mother of two teenagers, said Wednesday’s verdict had prompted

her to renew conversations with her son and daughter over interactions they might encounter with police officers.

“I’m telling you, I was thinking about that on my way back from Wal-Mart just a few minutes ago,” Sanders said, adding that her son Mason, who wears his hair in braided styles, will begin driving soon.

“He’s going to be driving a BMW,” she said. “I was thinking to myself today, I need to tell him ‘If you get stopped, be respectful because they could kill you.’”

“As a parent, that’s something we have to live with,” said Sanders, who is African American. “Right now, this just seems like it’s so common and it’s scary. It’s so scary.”

Chandra Charles, in Grand Prairie, said the Arbery case, paired with similar cases involving the shootings of Black people while the victims seemingly were engaged in everyday activities had left her “emotionally drained” and exasperated at trying to explain to her two daughters her concerns over their safety.

“I talk to them, but I don’t think (my youngest daugh-

ter) Morgan is grasping it as a reality,” she said. “All the people they’ve been around, they’ve all been multiple races. When you talk to them about it…they don’t get it.”

The verdicts in the Arbery trial come one day after a Virginia jury awarded more than $26 million to plaintiffs who were injured during a demonstration in Charlottesville while they were protesting white nationalists.

The verdict in the Arbery case also comes a week after Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted of shooting and killing two people and injuring a third in Kenosha, Wis., who were part of a Black Lives Matter demonstration.

Back in North Texas, social justice advocate June Jenkins, who is president of the Collin County branch of the NAACP, said the latest verdict is one of accountability.

“We cannot bring back the life of Ahmaud Arbery,” said Jenkins. “A guilty verdict is a step towards the accountability needed to ensure the actions of these three men are not ignored.”

Texas Metro News columnist Terry Allen and features editor Eva Coleman contributed to this report.

November 26, 2021

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November 26, 2021

Parenting with a Purpose FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

Jaxson is the most adorable child! His grandmother and I have been best friends since middle school. His aunts are like my children—I’ve been able to witness these young ladies grow into wonderful, brilliant, beautiful women. Thank God for Zoom and the ability to attend his christening virtually. It was so moving to see the love for this child by his parents, grandparents, great grandparents, relatives, and dear friends of the family. It reaffirmed two very important facts—no child is a mistake, and the village is necessary.

All of us from the day we are born have a purpose. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you…” (Jeremiah 1:5) God has a plan for our children and as parents, it’s important that we realize that their lives are greater than our goals and plans for them.

Each child is special.

The Bible says, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are

a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3) Parenting isn’t easy. It is one of the most difficult jobs to have and yet, one of the most rewarding. I remember when my daughter was a little girl, I couldn’t wait for her to walk, get potty trained, to drink out of a cup, start school.

I was always thinking, if I could get her to this next level, things would become easier.

Now that she is an adult, it’s easier in some ways and yet, I never stop being a parent. My worries are different now. My worries are about the crazy world that we live in, the people she may encounter, her safety and that she makes wise, Godly decisions as an adult.

I often hear adults say they are raising children and I always disagreed. I was raising a child to become an adult.

So many grown people are not truly adults because there were never given expectations, had no responsibility or accountability or boundaries when they were growing up.

A very popular R&B singer (Summer Walker) in her new song goes in about a former lover who fathered her child (his fourth baby momma), and she blames his mother for not “whooping his ass” and that

“she never called him out.”

I won’t go into detail here because it takes two to make a child but it’s critical that we understand that parenting goes beyond putting a roof over a child’s head. It’s about teaching them to be better, to do better, to understand that the world doesn’t revolve around them and that the decisions they make impact their lives and the lives of others.

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) It’s about spending quality time, training, and listening to them so that when they are adults, they may stray, but they will always come back to the foundation they’ve been taught. What happens when there is no foundation, or the foundation has been inconsistent? They fall.

“If a child is trained up in the right way, even when he is old, he will not be turned away from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 (BBE)) Raising children can not be done in isolation. You must

have support from others so that when your children aren’t listening to you, there are others that serve as guides and mentors that can speak wisdom into their lives.

The village is critical and what we are experiencing in our communities is a village that is fragmented. Our strength comes when we are collectively sharing, lamenting, laughing, and loving.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

(Proverbs 27:17) We are to carry the burdens of one another.

(Galatians 6:2) Our children need us, and our communities will thrive when we invest in them and in each other.

Jaxson is destined for greatness. When all our children have this love and support system, they, too, will have the assurance to fulfill their destiny.

They will thrive and not just survive.

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.

Wear the masks, wash your hands and show love!

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November 26, 2021

Crockett Gets Nod From Johnson For District 30 Veteran Legislator believes State Rep. is poised to be a force in DC Long before U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson announced her retirement last Saturday, potential challengers, hopefuls and constituents speculated about her plans and contemplated who would be her successor.

At the beginning of her reign in Washington, the most prominent names mentioned were Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price and then recently-elected State Senator Royce West.

West, last week, announced that he would seek reelection to the seat he has held since 1993.

Almost 30 years later since she was elected and became the first nurse to serve in Congress, Johnson said she would endorse someone and that person would be a woman.

Wednesday freshman TX. State Rep. Jasmine Crockett received what some pundits say puts her at the top of the list of contenders.

“A vibrant congressional district like TX-30 needs a representative in Washington with high energy, a passion to fight for us, shrewd intelligence, leadership, and an incessant drive,” said Johnson in a statement that was released minutes before Rep. Crockett addressed the media on the steps of The Science Place in Fair Park. “After proudly serving the City of Dallas and Southern sector for 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, I firmly believe that November 26, 2021

Texas State Representative Jasmine Crockett is just the person we need in Congress at this critical time.”

Surrounded by residents of Texas House District 100, friends, supporters, con-

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stituents of District 30, and her pastor, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III; Rep. Crockett, praised Congresswoman Johnson’s almost 50 years of service as an elected official and vowed that she too, would

represent all citizens of House District 30.

Referring to her as a “giant,” Crockett shared some of Johnson’s legacy that included protest. “she has done her part and I feel so proud to think that she would think that I am worthy of the responsibility that comes with serving 766,000 people in Texas.

“Some may question if I’m ready. I am here to tell you, I am ready. I am battle-tested.

There are a number of people who will most likely enter this race. There are none that I believe will enter this race that have been battle-tested like I have been this session,” she continued.

“When we walk into DC next session, I fully anticipate that we will be in the minority.

We are going to need a strong voice for District 30 in DC. It’s not time to play. It’s not time to take a test and see if this person will work out. It’s time to check peoples’ records. My record is strong. It’s not about me. It’s not about you. It’s about us!”

According to Johnson, Crockett has “clearly demonstrated thus far in her career as a civil rights attorney fighting for justice, and in her role as the representative of the State of Texas’ 100th House district. I categorically believe that Jasmine has the capability and the vision to take up the mantle to serve as your next U.S. House representative in Washington.” myimessenger.com

Almost moved to tears as she talked about the senior legislator, Crockett said she didn’t seek out the position, but she is ready to serve on the federal level, where she can more effectively address and impact issues facing her constituents.

Dallas City Councilman Adam Bazaldua was one of several who spoke about Crockett’s commitment to her constituents.

“I’m excited to be here for a very exciting announcement,” said Bazaldua, whose Council district is included in House District 100 and U.S. Congressional District 30. “She stands up for the rights of all people. She stands up for voters rights. She stands up for women’s rights. She hit the ground running before she was elected.”

Bazaldua was joined by others including Glenn Heights Council woman Shaunte Allen, former Tarrant

County Democratic Chair and Fort Worth mayoral candidate Deb Peoples, Texas State Board of Education Aiesha Davis, constituent Rachel Gonzalez.

Moving on to Washington was not a decision she said she made without consideration of HD30 and who would be her successor.

“I love my District,” she said,

adding that while she wasn’t ready to offer an endorsement, she would be engaged in conversations as early as this weekend, to hopefully provide for a smooth transition for her constituents because she “did not want to leave them in questionable hands.”

As far as her priorities, Crockett discussed voting rights, redistricting, healthcare, reproductive rights, police reform and addressing issues she dealt with in Austin.

“The fact that I am going back 50 years when it comes to voting rights and reproductive rights is a problem within itself,” said Crockett.

Closing out remarks, Dr. Haynes of Friendship-West Baptist Church talked about myimessenger.com

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what he referred to as “the fight against fascism” going on in America, and how it is important to have someone who knows how to fight, like his church member; who he said he also supported in her race for State Representative.

Also acknowledging that he was a participant in an exploratory committee for another candidate earlier this year, Rev. Haynes said his decision to support Crockett was not about the other candidate, “This is for Jasmine.

This is the fighter right here.

She fights for truth. She fights for justice. She fights for what is right and if we are going to win this fight, literally for the soul of this democracy; we have to have a fighter who gets it!”

November 26, 2021

It’s a Soulful Family Affair at the Bayou Classic

By Gordon Jackson NOIRE

Familywise, they’re man and wife. Professionally, they’re partnering attorneys. On an entrepreneurial level, they’re media executives.

Perhaps in their most shining moments, Daniel “Danny” and Genera “Gigi” Freeman-Morris are most proud of one thing, as passionate longtime patrons, participants and supporters of one of the country’s top annual sporting spectacles.

When it’s all said and done, the Bayou Classic – the world-renowned annual football event that pits the Grambling State Tigers against the Southern University Jaguars inside New Orleans’ Superdome during Thanksgiving weekend – would just not be the same without the Morrises and their families in the mix.

It makes perfect sense. One family is all Grambling, the other family is all Southern.

What could possibly ever go wrong?

“It’s like a mini-family reunion for us,” said Daniel Morris, the Southernite. “It’s the one (HBCU football classic) that has the pageantry and the most history. It is a show – something where you get to see Black people doing excellent things and making it an excellent event.”

November 26, 2021

BAYOU Love: Danny and Gigi

“It’s a large family reunion to me,” said Genara, the Gramblinite. “We’ve gone from Sunday to Sunday and have Thanksgiving at our hotel. Our children have got to go (shopping) to the mall and the French Quarter. We hit all the spots.

“But Gameday is the biggest thing. We go to the parade. We get to enjoy ourselves with no violence. We get to see people we haven’t seen for years.”

This year, the Morrises will make their presence known at the Bayou Classic as co-publishers of NOIRE, the new online publication that scopes the Black and multicultural communities from a cutting-edge perspective, under the mantra, “Our Lives, Our Stories, Our Voices.”

For Daniel, a Cleveland, MS native, the tradition has been ingrained since he was a ripe three months old, courtesy of his father, a Southern University student and graduate from the 1960s. Attending the Bayou Classic remained in Daniel’s blood from his playing right tackle on the Jaguars football team in the mid-1990’s to becoming an assistant coach, then the head strength and condition coach for the football program throughout the 2000s.

“Either I have gone with my parents, played in the game or coached in the game,” he said. “Since then, it’s been a family affair.”

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Genara’s indoctrination did not come as early, in spite being a second-generation Grambling State graduate from New Iberia, LA. Even though both of her parents were Gramblinites, they focused more on the arts. Her transformation to sports and football came when she met – and married – Daniel.

Going to the Bayou Classic became an immediate family ritual. Genara even said tonguein-cheek, “If we had signed a pre-nuptial agreement, it would have been in my pre-nup that I had to go every year.”

For the Morrises, the Bayou Classic draws the family masses representing both schools in the annual intense rivalry affair.

Daniel and Gigi say that everyone gets along – kind of.

“When we get together, we talk all kinds of mess,” Gigi reflects. “I love to see Danny’s father’s reaction whenever Southern loses.

He has to go gather himself, then he comes back and talks to us.”

“We love each other for 364 days,” said Daniel. “But for a few hours on Saturday, things get tense. It is what it is.”

Yet, in fact, there is a lot of crossover, where, for example, Grambling players coached at Southern, or vice-versa. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree at Grambling, Gigi went on to get her law degree at Southern. She

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considers herself a “Tiguar,” with an allegiance to both the GSU Tigers and SU Jaguars.

Danny and Gigi, both in their own way, soak in all the grandeur the Classic brings every year, from the multitude of celebrities that fly into New Orleans from across the country, to the deep Afrocentric culture that exudes from the city and the ladies checking out what the eligible bachelors look like. Daniel re-connects with a large crowd of football players that he once played with or coached.

“We basically take over New Orleans,” said Daniel.

For both, the best game plan for the Classic is family.

“When you go with your family, it’s an experience of family, love, pride that you share that with someone you love,” said Daniel.

Genara said that their two kids – Thompson, 16 and Danni Elise, 13 – have “gone to the Bayou Classic since they were in my womb.”

“I pray that our kids carry on this tradition,” she said.

For now, the Morris family will once again travel to the Crescent City and paint the town … black and gold – if you’re a Gramblinite, Columbia blue and gold, if you’re a Southernite; or all the aforementioned colors if you’re a “Tigaur.” myimessenger.com

Attorneys Seek Lawsuit Against Fort Worth McDonald’s Owner TRUTH BE TOLD

BY LE. “LILLY“ BROWN

It is with grave disappointment that as we approach the year 2022, we are still struggling with outright discrimination as well as violence towards African Americans and Africans. However, we express outright gratitude and jubilation for community comrades in Dallas-Fort Worth like Attorney Malik Zulu Shabazz, Esq., who stand firm against the ills of the daily discrimination and blatant racism that is inflicted upon our people.

According to Attorney Shabazz, Esq., Founder and Attorney of Black Lawyers For Justice (BLFJ), the latest display of this racism and discrimination happened on or about October 16, 2021 when, “a terrible and violent incident occurred at the McDonald’s located at 3300 Hulen Street in Ft. Worth, Texas.”

LaShae McVey, a 34-yearold African American was assaulted by manager, Bryan Joel Blanton, who is White.

According to witnesses, Blanton, who is a McDonald’s manager and the son of the owner, pulled-out a loaded handgun and threatened to kill unarmed LaShae McVey, a McDonald’s drive-thru customer. With his three children. Mr. McVey was unarmed and did not commit any action to warrant being myimessenger.com

assaulted by Blanton.

After many delays, the Ft. Worth police have finally interviewed and taken a formal statement from Mr. McVey, and say they are now investigating this crime.

“My children are traumatized and hurt over this situation. They are scared and uneasy whenever we visit McDonald’s now. One of my children always ducks down in the backseat asking if someone is going to try to shoot me like at the [Fort Worth] McDonalds.”

Attorney Malik Zulu Shabazz, Esq. speaking on Reparations

According to Attorney Shabazz, the regional McDonald’s office claims the

McDonald’s located at 3300 Hulen Street in Fort Worth, Texas

said McVey, who describes himself as a hard-working man who works in construction as a carpenter.

He says his main goal in life is to provide for his family.

“I don’t believe that this situation should have happened to me because I requested a refund over an improper order. I should have simply been able to get my money back that I worked hard for, so I could get my children meals; that is all I wanted to do the day of the incident.”

owner and manager are not cooperating with attempts to correspond regarding the incident. However, this information is not sufficient enough to pacify the harm that has been committed, and Attorney Shabazz is seeking further reconciliation and compensation for the victim and his family.

During a recent press conference, Attorney Shabazz said, “If the manager is not fired and plans are not made to arrange compensation for

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Mr. McVey’s pain and suffering, we will be filing a formal lawsuit against all parties involved within 90 days.”

Attorney Shabazz and McVey also denounced what they call, “unfair and biased treatment” by the Fort Worth police officers at the initial scene. They do not feel that the perpetrator and manager, Blanton, was reprimanded properly.

In fact, they believe that.

Blanton was treated as the victim in the situation and McVey was treated as the problem in the situation, which goes against their account of the actions that led to the police being called to the scene in the first place. It was McVey who called the police when Blanton came outside the McDonald’s, pulled out a pistol, and pointed it at him.

During the press conference, local community organizers raised concerns about the incident and how it would affect children in the area. Some said that teenagers from a local high school across from the McDonald’s reported previous incidents of feeling racially profiled and disrespected by the owner and manager involved in Mr. McVey’s incident.

Activists believe that there is a danger in letting this incident pass without resolution.

And Black Lawyers for Justice attorneys will announce plans for obtaining video tapes of the incident and filing legal actions against McDonald’s and Blanton personally.

November 26, 2021

EBJ: A Life of Service

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has worked with Presidents Clinton and Obama. Rep. Barbara Jordan was one of her role models.

By Arise & Rejoice News Service

Texas Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has helped to shape the legislative and policy history of Texas and the United States, according to those who have studied her life as an elected official.

The first registered nurse to serve in the Halls of Congress, Representative Johnson recently announced that she would November 26, 2021

retire from the U.S. House of Representatives at the conclusion of the current term.

“Congresswoman Johnson has played a pivotal role in the life of our state, and in life of our nation,” said Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot.

“Her legislative achievements and her relentless dedication to her constituents has inspired all of those who seek the support of voters.”

Representative Johnson’s

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legislative achievements rival those of any member who has ever served Texas in the House of Representatives.

She was a crucial proponent of the Affordable Care Act, the signature legislative achievement of former President Barack Obama.

Her legislative achievements in the areas of science, fair housing, technology, women’s rights, infrastructure, education and climate are a tes-

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tament to her seriousness as a member of Congress, said Reverend Tommie Jackson, a Connecticut pastor and one of the nation’s leading political thinkers.

“Her mark on the fabric of our nation is substantial,” Reverend Jackson said.

“Indeed, our country is a better place because of Representative Johnson’s visionary and selfless service,” Reverend Jackson said. myimessenger.com

Beto O’Rourke Holds Dallas Kickoff Rally in Fair Park

By LE "Lilly" Brown Hundreds of ‘Beto For Texas’ enthusiasts filed into Fair Park this past Sunday to celebrate Beto O’Rourke’s announcement that he will be running for Governor of Texas in 2022.

Since his announcement early last week, O’Rourke has been on a full Texas tour, hosting kickoff campaigns in prominent and rural cities across the state.

Born Robert Francis O’Rourke, he gained notoriety as an El Paso city councilman in 2005 and served until 2011. He grew his audience of political supporters when he ran for the State House of Representatives.

Beto O'Rourke Candidate for Texas Governor Credit: Charles "City" Gbadebo (IG @sosocity)

After winning, Beto O’Rourke served Texas Congressional District 16 from 2013 to 2019. In 2018, he gained national recognition for his popular race against Senator Ted Cruz for the United States Senate; gaining support from [Texas-born] celebrities like Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland.

He solidified his national popularity by running for president of the United States in the 2020 election, however, he dropped myimessenger.com

Beto O'Rourke at Texas Governor Campaign Kickoff in Dallas Credit: Charles "City" Gbadebo (IG @sosocity)

out of the race before the primaries. Thus, leaving many of his supporters and political allies eager for his next move.

“Friends, where we stand now hold the record for the largest [Klu Klux] Klan induction in American history,” emphasized Rev, Michael Waters.

“Over 5,000 men, along with 800 women, who were inducted into the auxiliary.”

Waters opened the Beto rally by acknowledging the morning’s gathering [of Dallasites] in Downtown Dallas to honor Allen Brooks, a Black man who was lynched in front of 5,000 men, women, and children on March 3rd, 1910.

He further set the backdrop of the scene by acknowledging “Fair Park Lie,” an article that highlights the destruction of 300 [Black-owned] homes that were seized to “curb the uncomfortability of White fair goers who did not wish to see or acknowledge Black poverty” in the area.

“Friends, this is the painful truth of our history,” said Rev. Waters. “And in the politics of Greg Abbott, he would want us to beget this [history].” As the

crowd booed at the mention of the current Governor and the harms of his recent special sessions, Beto ran out on stage with a flash mob of ‘Beto For Texas’ volunteers to an upbeat tune that reiterated that “Greg Abbott is an existential threat to Texas!”

“We are building trust among each other because we are listening to one another,” started Beto. “We are looking at each other for who we are with the kindness and respect, and dignity that we are owed! That is who we are in the state of Texas, and this [Abbott] craziness that they are reporting to the rest of the world is not us!

“These extreme policies that are trying to decide which middle school girl can play which athletic sport, this cruelty of pitting each other against one another and further dividing this highly polarized state, that is not us,” he continued.

According to O’Rourke, his campaign will “reignite the big and bold [Democratic] people of Texas who are ready to reclaim the state and prove that as a State, we can listen to and trust one another.”

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He stated that Greg Abbott does not trust or listen to Texans and proved this when he refused to weatherize the power grid, causing hundreds of constituents to die during Winter 2020.

Beto’s campaign guaranteed that in their administration the grid would be weatherized, hospitals as well as water, and other critical infrastructure would continue to be protected by individuals like Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.

He said this demand for less energy when we need it will create jobs in the state. In what Beto calls the “Abbott Tax,” he further emphasized that Texans are in danger of a 15% increase to their utility bills to clean up Abbott’s mess.

Beto continued, “When I am Governor, I am going to send resources back to you, so that you don’t bear the burden on this issue.” He continued his remarks with promises to support law enforcement leaders and repeal the new permitless carry bill, which he believes makes all Texans less safe. He vowed to protect fellow Texans as we protect the second amendment. He acknowledged the suppression of voting rights and vowed to identify and repeal as many of the harmful policies as possible.

Closing his speech in Spanish, the crowd responded to Beto’s remarks with enthusiasm and conviction! After the rally concluded, attendees were welcome to get a photo with the Governor-hopeful and share their excitement with friends, family, and neighbors.

November 26, 2021

Uplift Education’s College and Career March 2021-2022 Although the future may look uncertain due to this pandemic, what is certain is that postsecondary education remains a key component to future success, especially for first-generation and low-income students at Uplift.

Uplift Education’s College and Career March has been known as the College March the past 6 years. This event will be held at Uplift’s ten high school campuses during the first week of December.

College and Career March is celebrating Uplift’s seniors and their hard work. This high energy event kicks off the final semester for Uplift’s seniors as they begin to make concrete decisions for their future. Seniors make their way to a symbolic mailbox and drop in letters or applications that will help determine their future. Whether the envelopes contain an application to a college, trade school, or the military, or a letter to a potential employer, this is the moment when Uplift students put their years of hard work and planning into action.

This event also allows their underclassmen a glimpse into what’s in store for them when they become seniors. This event brings around 940 senior students to “march” through crowds of fellow students, staff, community supporters and family, cheering them on as they make their way to the mailbox.

While Uplift believes that a college degree is the best pathway to achieve a comfortable income and a fulfilling life, they also acknowledge that college might not be the right path for every graduate. The career component to this event is inclusive of all students and their aspirations post high school. Uplift not only helps students get into their best fit college, but they also proNovember 26, 2021

vide college persistence support and career counseling post-graduation. For those students who chose to pursue a career out of high school, Uplift provides supports to alternative pathways for earning college credit, guidance for obtaining training for in-demand jobs, apprenticeships, and more.

The Uplift College and Career March furthers the college, mil-

among the Best High Schools in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report for 2021. All of Uplift’s high schools were within the top 29%.

“Our students virtual march is symbolic of hours, days, and years of hard work and commitment that they put in. We could not be prouder of the way our seniors are maintaining their academic goals, often while work-

itary and career-bound culture and encourages the underclassmen in their pursuit of them all.

We cannot wait to feel the energy of our live event and are excited to watch the creativity and enthusiasm unfold!

Uplift students earn college degrees at a rate four times the national average of their peers and more than twice the average of low income students in the state of Texas. 100% of Uplift’s eligible high schools were named

ing to help support their family.

They have also shown amazing creativity and enthusiasm as they have built new traditions and memories for their senior year during a pandemic,” said Yasmin Bhatia, Uplift CEO. “I love Uplift because of the opportunity they can give you; if it were not for Uplift, I do not think I would be where I am right now. Before going to Uplift, I honestly never thought about going to college and did not

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know what I wanted in a career; it really changed my life.” - Roberto Moreno, Uplift Williams, Class of 2012 “Having teachers truly believe in me really fueled my fire and pushed me to learn more and become a well-rounded student.”

– Mariah Steward, Uplift Luna, Class of 2016 We encourage the community to post to social media using the hashtag #Upliftcollegeandcareermarch to support our seniors. While we all have adapted to this “new pandemic normal”, we are confident that NOTHING has changed for our seniors as they prepare for their future. They are equipped with solid, globally focused academic knowledge, key critical thinking skills, and strong leadership abilities.

Uplift Education is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of teachers, families, and, most importantly, students. With a network of 45 college preparatory, public charter schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Uplift offers students of any background the powerful chance to study within a multidisciplinary curriculum and prepare for the college career they deserve. Uplift is the largest International Baccalaureate district in Texas and the #2 IB district in the nation because of the number of holistic extracurricular and educational programs. The incredible educators in the Uplift network guide and teach over 21,000 students in Pre-K- 12th grades, with the majority being low-income and minority students who will be the first in their family to attend college. For more information Uplift’s mission and their blind lottery selection system, visit uplifteducation.org or facebook. com/uplifteducation. myimessenger.com

Minnie's Food Pantry Feeds Families

Volunteers with Minnie’s Pantry are happy to serve this holiday season.

Minnie’s Pantry volunteers unloaded turkeys, potatoes, stuffing/ dressing, cake mix, icing, etc.

Minnie’s Pantry received hundreds of food donations to support families in need

Enthusiastic community members volunteered their time and effort this holiday season.

A 15-minute waiting line of donors wrapped around the block before reaching the drop-off area

Botham Jean Foundation, Inc Thanksgiving Turkey Give Away Brief and Photo

By Marva Sneed

Although slain businessman Botham Jean is no longer alive to continue his life of giving, the foundation that was started in his name keeps his legacy alive year round.

Over the weekend cars lined up early for the Botham myimessenger.com

Jean Foundation’s Thanksgiving Turkey Give Away at Park South YMCA, 2500 Romine Ave. in South Dallas.

Attorney Lee Merritt, who is a candidate for Texas Attorney General, joined volunteers as they greeted participants and distributed food bags.

Volunteers sacking and giving away food bags at the Turkey Give Away

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Democratic Candidate for Texas Attorney General Atty. Lee Merritt with a member of his team

November 26, 2021

Oh Damn! The Orange Man Cometh!

OUR VOICES

By Thomas Muhammad

The Orange Man cometh and soon he might be leaving, wearing an orange jumpsuit to match his skin tone!

Seriously, with so many dips and turns in former US President Donald Trump’s past years of evading the law, I worry about what will become of my Republican friend’s especially the Black ones.

As Trump’s most serious indictments see light he’s about to run out of luck as they reach a climax!

Sad part is the innocent lives he will take down with him! One Black Republican I met during Trump’s years of lies, confusion, mayhem and death has definitely got his job cut out for his task ahead!

The brother first approached me because he said that he had heard that I was not a single-headed person when it came to political parties and he was desperately trying to speak to a Black audience, but was being turned down beNovember 26, 2021

Check out The Ballot or The Bullet! We have to keep reminding folk that the voting rights bill wasn’t passed so Black people could vote for Democrats, it was passed so Black people could vote for the candidates of their choice! cause he’s a Republican!

I told him I’d help. I said it’s unfortunate that many Black Democrats keep pushing that false narrative that the only political party for Blacks to consider is their’s and therefore they must block Black folks from listening to anyone else and even physically block any other voices from being heard!

I’ve voted for individuals in all parties as my teacher Brother Malcolm X taught. His position was that we must be independent thinkers!

Check out The Ballot or The Bullet! We have to keep reminding folk that the voting rights bill wasn’t passed so Black

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people could vote for Democrats, it was passed so Black people could vote for the candidates of their choice!

My close friend, the late Sister Amelia Boynton Robinson and I became good friends and she had fun saying how much she liked my kind of politics!

During our board meetings of the National Voting Rights Museum & Institute in Selma, Al. with Dr. C.T. Vivian as our Chairman, we had wonderful talks.

Sister Amelia was beaten bloody and unconscious on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965!

I had a front row seat and witnessed how the Democratic Party trea-

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ted former US Congressman Cynthia McKinney!

I deeply thank Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson for her bravery as she stood with Cynthia through the whole mess!

And finally there’s my dear and long time friend Roseanne Barr, the actress and comedian who lost her weekly television show and her spot on ABCs The View, primarily because she was a Trump supporter!

So yeah! Talk about those bad Republicans, but please don’t leave out those do nothing Democrats!

As for my Black Republican friend, we parted ways when I shared with him that I couldn’t endorse his candidacy in a certain race, because I would be supporting the Democrat in that race; as I’ve always supported that person, because I love that particular person’s politics!

So, whether it’s Petticoat Junction, Bonanza, or Matt Dillon, Make America Great Again is gone!

Until then the Struggle continues…

Thomas Muhammad is a local Dallas activist who can be reached at tmuhammad2003@yahoo.com

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We See You New Thursday Night Event attracts Black Young Socialites to Downtown

By LE "Lilly" Brown Photo by Charles "City" Gbadebo (IG @sosocity)

Between the Pegasus Brewery and across from the Joule, young Black socialites could be seen slipping into an unlabeled doorway on Elm Street in Downtown Dallas. The reason? ElevenEleven: Connecting the Dots, a curated social gathering inside the Bamboo Room from 8pm CST to Midnight on 11/11/2021.

For many individuals, Eleven-Eleven (or the time 11:11) is a symbolic number sequence that encourages manifestation, and according to organizers, this was the inspiration for the event.

“I wanted tonight to be an intentional networking event,” said Lauren Mac, a female promoter and business owner in the marketing industry.

DJ Trill, a prominent music engineer in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, was responsible for the carefully-crafted soundtrack of the evening.

Brief and Photo

By Marva Sneed

Event attendees mingle inside the new downtown speakeasy

DJ Trill takes a moment to refresh

Event curator Lauren Mac inside the event at Bamboo Room

Veterans Day Resource Fair serves families

The City of Duncanville, Rotary Club of Duncanville and Dallas College partnered for the Veterans Day Resource Fair on Veterans Day at Armstrong Park in Duncanville.

Dallas College Veterans Day Resource Fair Honors Active-duty miliActive-duty military, vetary and veterans terans, and their families, attended the Dallas College Veterans Day Resource Fair.

Members of the military were honored and celebrated with live entertainment, food, a raffle.

A World War II Military Veteran Corporal Russell McDaniel, who is 100 years Dallas College Veterans Day Resource Fair Honors World War II Veteran, Dunold, received a special Certi- canville Mayor Barry L. Gordon, Dallas College Veterans Day Chair, Veteran Duncanville City Councilmember Mark Cooks at the ficate of Appreciation.

Mr. Russell McDaniel, and his daughter, and Councilmember Mark Cooks Dallas College Veterans Appreciation Event myimessenger.com

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November 26, 2021

We See You

Lunch with JBJ Management

Photos Credit: Charles "City" Gbadebo (IG @sosocity)

Willis Johnson, CEO of JBJ Management, shares a laugh with Peter Brodsky, Developer of the Redbird Mall Project

Patrick Washington Publisher, Dallas Weekly

CEO Willis Johnson thanks everyone for attending the 2021 Media Luncheon

A family-style meal served by Chef Tracy M. Bell of Tracy’s Catering.

A company photo of JBJ Management team members

Executive Editor, Katrice Hardy of The Dallas Morning News

Sen. West encourages area youth

James Belt of the Dallas Examiner

TX. STATE SENATOR ROYCE WEST, an alum of Wilmer Hutchins High School, was up bright and early, 6 am, to cheer current Wilmer Hutchins High School students on as they started on their way to UT to visit the campus. Around 50 WH students joined other area students on this recruitment trip sponsored by UT Outreach.

November 26, 2021

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Media professionals Candace Sweat of NBCDFW, Cheryl Smith of Texas Metro News, and Leona Allen of The Dallas Morning News

myimessenger.com

We See You

Judge Tonya Parker accepted the Dallas Lawyers Magazine Award for Judge of The Year 2021

Hanging at Michael's of Las Colinas

Eric Benet and Lesia Ramsey at Michael's of Las Colinas!

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November 26, 2021

More than 53,000 see FAMU snap 9-game losing streak

By Cheryl Smith

Texas Metro News Photos: Richard A Moore

If there's any game Florida A&M University and BethuneCookman University view as a must-win, it has to be the Florida Classic, pitting the two HBCU powerhouses in Orlando.

It's the game that many use as a gauge as to whether or not a coach should stay or leave. If a team loses all of its games, but wins THAT game; the coach can breathe a sigh of relief.

For almost a decade the Wildcats of BCU have proudly boasted their winning streak.

It was a nine-game streak that many felt was in jeopardy, especially when you consider their 2-8 record and FAMU was

marching in with an 8-2 record.

Last year, because of COVID 19 there was no game.

This year, the fans were back.

Many with masks and many without.

Billed as one of the largest, if not the largest HBCU Classic

there was plenty of action in the streets and neighborhoods, surrounding the Camping World Stadium.

For Richard Moore, it was to be his last game. He's been covering FAMU football games from the sidelines since 1975,

Rattlers defeat Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 46-21 in the country, the Florida Blue Florida Classic had more than 53,000 in attendance at the game.

Now, that does not include the thousands who were outside tailgating.

The National Panhellenic Council, featuring the nine Black Fraternities and Sororities, held a Divine 9 Tailgating Affair and

but later this year he will be moving to Ghana, Africa.

It will definitely be a different experience not seeing him walking from one end of the stadium to the other; catching everything from the famed Marching 100 Band to the cheerleaders, mascots, spectator shots, and yes, of course, the game.

Eddie Tillman (33) breaks for a long gain against a weak BCU defense that could not stop the FAMU running game once it got going

November 26, 2021

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And Moore considers the change to be bittersweet. He still remembers traveling from East Orange, NJ to Tallahassee, Fl; as a college freshman who later went on to teach at his alma mater.

As he packs up to trek back to the Motherland, he's taking with him tens of hundreds of thousand photos of the FAMU experience.

Who knows, he may even start recruiting for FAMU, in his spare time when he's not doing the work of his nonprofit that he founded to help orphans.

Unfortunately, because of his travel protocols, he won't be able to join the Rattlers at the playoff game this weekend, when the Rattlers take on University of Southeast Louisiana.

Hon. Val Demings and husband, Mayor Jerry Demings attended the game

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FAMU's Jaylen McCloud (28) bust through a gaping hole in the BCU defense for a great gain and a FAMU 1st down in BCU territory

B-CU Marching Wildcats

Fun for all at game

FAMU Marching 100

Savion Williams (0) breaks in the BCU backfield and readies for the sack.

Savion disrupted the BCU offense all day

The men of Omega Psi Phi at their annual tailgate at the Florida Classic

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14 Karat Gold Dancers

November 26, 2021

FAMU’s BJ Bohlern(11) scores one of FAMU’s three defensive touchdowns on the day. He was voted the MVP of the game and helped FAMU end the series of 9 consecutive losses to BCU.

FAMU’s Terrell Jennings (23) is able to maintain his balance and get to the endzone for the FAMU touchdown.

B-CU Marching Wildcats

Omegas and Skylar

FAMU’s Drum Majors

November 26, 2021

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Faces in the Crowd

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All ages attended the Game

myimessenger.com

Are you feeling safe?

WHAT’S ON MILES’ MIND BY MILES JAYE Do you feel safe? Do you feel safe when you’re out and about, jogging or driving along highways, city streets or back roads? If you’re African American, do you feel safe driving while Black? Are you safe in your home? Are you safe in church, or at a concert, or at Starbucks? Do you have cause or occasion to worry about your safety or that of your loved ones? What makes one feel unsafe… crime, Covid, the police, the government, Karen?

What does it mean to be safe? Perhaps, simply put, to be safe is to be free from harm or danger. To feel safe is to be free from the threat of harm or danger. Notice the subtle distinction. Is feeling safe the same as being safe? With holidays looming right around the corner, how important is it to be safe? Equally important, with holidays looming right around the corner, how important is it to feel safe?

Is it possible to enjoy the holiday season without feeling safe? If safety is a function of security, what of financial security? Do you have money to

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spend for Christmas gifts? Can you afford a traditional holiday feast? Can you take the kids for a holiday trip to visit grandma and grandpa? Can you afford to fly grandma and grandpa to visit you? Can you afford a holiday vacation? Can you afford a full tank of gas? Why do Americans experience the highest rate of drug use, DUI’s, and suicides during the holidays?

What of health security? If you live in Flint, is your tap water safe for drinking and holiday cooking? Is the water in your hometown safe? With current supply chain issues, is your food supply safe? How safe do you feel traveling about the country with the threat of Covid looming? How many shots have you had, one, two, three? Feeling safe yet? With flight delays caused by winter storms, I spent 12 hours in airports from Ft. Wayne, Indiana to Chicago to Jacksonville, Florida, wearing my mask the entire journey.

My KN95 mask didn’t make me feel safe, I felt trapped. I didn’t dare remove the mask in travel, but I couldn’t wait to snatch it from my face when I finally exited the airport at my destination. The experience was miserable, which begs the question, can you feel unsafe and be happy at the same

time? Is it possible to be at peace while feeling fear and anxiety? No, it’s not!

I liken the feeling, the perception of safety, to an actual safe, a keeper of valuables-things important to you as keepsakes as well as important documents. A safe protects your valuables-- photos, jewelry, wills, marriage and death certificates, contracts, passports, etc., from fire and flood damage and from theft. A safe can make you rest more easily, assured that your belongings are protected. A state of emotional and psychological security comes with a sense that all that is important to you, all who are important to you, are safe.

Too many people live in a constant state of anxiety and fear. They therefore are denied what we, as Americans, were promised-- the pursuit of happiness. All Americans should feel safe. Every American should be equally protected from the threat of harm or danger. Is that not the presumed American blueprint?

We should all feel a sense of financial security, health security, food security, education, and opportunity security. No American should fear the government, the police, or overzealous, vigilante neighbors.

I’m saddened and sickened

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by the thought of the fear and uncertainties my mother must have suffered while raising three kids in Brooklyn, as a single parent. I can’t imagine her anxiety and how much she must have worried about the three of us. Would she feel safe today with a government attempting to deny her right to vote? Would she feel safe knowing that on any given day or night her sons might have a fatal encounter with the police? Would the January 6th riot make her feel safe? Would the nightly news make her feel safe?

Do your children feel safe?

Ask them! Does your husband feel safe? Ask him! Does your wife feel safe? Ask her! Do your elderly parents feel safe? Ask them! Do your neighbors feel safe? Ask them! Discuss it with them. Do your schoolteachers feel safe? Ask them! Do your school board members feel safe? Ask them! Do your local police officers feel safe? Ask them, and if not, ask them why.

Safety should be a civil right, a human right, and we should all feel safe, be safe, otherwise, how can there be peace?

That’s what’s on my mind!

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

November 26, 2021

Mavs Host Annual Thanksgiving Meal Give-a-way

By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor

Tim Hardaway Jr. remembers family Thanksgivings with plenty of food, fun, family and fellowship.

He wishes those same sentiments upon the less fortunate, so he and several teammates spent last Sunday donating food to ensure families have plenty to eat on Thanksgiving Day. “It’s always an honor and privilege to do something like this,” said the Dallas Mavericks guard. “Especially in our busy schedule. So just being able to come here and give back to the community and hand out turkeys. (The fans) do so much for us to cheer us on, why not return the favor?”

Hardaway Jr. joined his teammates Kristaps Porzingis, Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell and the Mavericks as they hosted their annual Mavs Turkey Giveaway, in partnership with Kroger, the official grocery store of the Mavs.

Also joining them were Mavericks players Charlie Villanueva and Jimmy King and former NBA player Willie Davis, as well as Mascot MavsMan, ManiAACs, D-Town Crew and staff volunteers who helped prepare full Thanksgiving meals and sides to distribute to

Maxi Kleber

November 26, 2021

Mavs Care Volunteers Stuffing Food Bags

Photos Credit: Dorothy J. Gentry

Mavs Maxi Kleber, Tim Haradaway Jr., Kristaps Porzingis, Dwight Powell

Dallas Mavericks' Kristaps Porzingis

holiday season for thousands of children and families.

“It’s a blessing for us to be able to help families,” said Powell. “It’s great to have our guys here and do this together.

I think it’s just as beneficial for us to be able to see the families enjoy this moment and another opportunity for us to get closer and see how we interact in this environment.”

Buckner International is a global faith-based ministry dedicated to transforming and restoring the lives of

vulnerable kids, families, and seniors.

“I think everybody was really excited to be back. To be back in the community, back this season,” said Hannah Sherertz, Mavs’ director of corporate responsibility, said of the large turnout.

“This season being able to get out and celebrate the holidays and serve all of these families is special,” said Sherertz. “There was a lot of excitement and a lot of good work done.”

the families served by Buckner International Humanitarian Aid Center.

Approximately 250 families received a frozen turkey, green beans, whole kernel corn, mashed potatoes, mini marshmallows, stuffing, 100% pure pumpkin, jellied cranberry, yams, cake mix, frosting and reusable bags provided by Kroger.

The Mavs Turkey Giveaway is part of the Season of Giving – the NBA and Dallas Mavericks commitment to brighten the

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Grambling Fires Head Football Coach

By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor

Grambling State University has fired its head coach just days before the famous Bayou Classic against in-state rival Southern University. No specific reason was given for the firing.

Dr. Trayvean Scott, who was hired as the Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at Grambling in July, announced on the university’s website last week that head football coach Broderick Fobbs “has been relieved of his duties, effective immediately.”

Linebackers and Special Teams Coordinator Terrence Graves will serve as the Interim Head Coach for the 48th Annual Bayou Classic Saturday, Nov. 27 at Caesars Superdome.

“Earlier today, I informed head coach Broderick Fobbs of my decision to make a change in leadership of our football program,” Scott said in a prepared statement. Prior to being hired

by Grambling, Scott spent 10 years at Southern University where he was the Deputy Athletic Director/Chief Operating Officer and was responsible for the daily operations of the SU athletic programs.

Grambling competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and currently has a 3-7 overall record (2-5 in conference play), heading into the Classic in the midst of a threegame losing streak.

“Broderick Fobbs is one of the finest human beings I have had the pleasure to meet in this industry and he has been a tremendous role model and mentor to our young men. We appreciate his many years of service to our university and wish both him and his family nothing but the best. Consistent with our values as an institution, he deserves the utmost respect from the Grambling State University Tiger family throughout this transition.”

Per the school, a national search for a new head coach will begin immediately. myimessenger.com

Former Grambling Head Coach Broderick Fobbs

Terrence Graves – Interim Head Coach

Graves was unavailable for comments this week as he is preparing the team for the Bayou Classic. Per a university spokesperson, the first statements Coach Graves will make will be on Monday morning at the Bayou Classic Press Conference.

Fobbs guided the Tigers to a 54-32 overall record, which included two SWAC Championships, two Celebration Bowl appearances and a Black College Football National Championship. In addition, he was a three-time SWAC Coach of the Year.

The news of Fobbs’ firing was met with surprise by Dallas Civil Rights Attorney Daryl K. Washington, a Grambling alum who also played in the 80s for legendary coach Eddie Robinson.

“Winning is something we are accustomed to. It’s been a very disappointing season for a number of reasons, however, change is always a positive thing,” he said, adding that it was surprising to hear of the firing. Coach Fobbs is a graduate and former player (of Grambling) as well. I wish him the best of luck with all of his future endeavors.

I hope that somehow it ended on a positive note because I love to see former G men have great relationships with the University.”

When asked what Grambling can do to

move its program onward and upward as it searches for a new coach, Washington listed several items.

“We need to look into the program and make sure it has everything that it needs.

In today’s environment, having a first class athletic complex and facility is a must.

A lot of your athletes are coming from programs that have college-like facilities,” Washington said. “To recruit them you have to offer them something that is near or equal to what they are accustomed to.”

As Grambling begins its head coach search, Washington said they should bring in someone “who knows how to recruit players locally and nationally; that will be important in whomever becomes the next coach, and he must be able to get a buy in from the community as well as alums. That will be very important because everyone plays a part in the success of an athletic program.”

Most importantly, Washington said he hopes that Grambling University Football will get back to “an atmosphere that people enjoy being at on a Saturday afternoon.

“I am hoping that everyone – all Grambling graduates – come together as one family and do everything that we can possible do to get the program on the right track.”

Credit: Dorothy J. Gentry

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Credit: Dorothy J. Gentry

November 26, 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!

November 26, 2021

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November 26, 2021

November 26, 2021

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Virtual and liVe Community Calendar

Native American Indian Heritage Month Diabetes Awareness Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Poetry Night at Black & Bitter Coffee, 100 S. Main St. Duncanville 8 pm.

RECURRING

Friday Night Jazz. At Nosh And Bottle, 370 W. Las Colinas Blvd. 8-11 pm.

2021 Fall Exhibitions Ruth Mae McCrane, at the African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave. 10 am-5 pm. Info & tickets: aamdallas.org.

Stomping Ground Presents: The Roast of Thanksgiving at Stomping Ground Comedy Theater, 1350 Manufacturing Street, #109 Dallas 8-9 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3njMwkB.

Real Black Friday: Online Black History Marathon. 7-9 pm CST. Reg: bit.ly/3kW66lg

A Conversation with Ruth Simmons, President of Prairie View A&M University. 1-2 pm CST. Reg for Zoom: https://bit.ly/3cAG8iL

Ask Dr. Amerson with Dr. Linda Amerson.12 pm. CST @ DFWiRadio.com, and Live on Facebook @DrLindaAmerson.

For the Love of Neo Soul & Poetry at Sway’s Room inside The R Lounge, 1175 N. Watson Rd. Arlington. 9 pm. Tickets: www. instantseats.com.

22nd Annual Turkey Shootout benefiting American Cancer Society at DFW Marriott Hotel, 3300 Championship Pkwy. Ft Worth. 7 am-4 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/30nNgvZ .

Biscuit & Jamz Brunch: Jazzy Tunes at Sambuca360, 7200 Bishop Rd. #270 Plano.10 am-3 pm.

NOVEMBER 25 Parkland Flu Shots & COVID-19 Boosters at Ellis Davis Field House; 9191 South Polk, Free.

Mon-Sat. Bring your vaccine shot card. Contact: Ms. Rodriguez; 469-419-4400.

Oak Cliff Thrives with Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce.6-7:30 pm. Tickets: oakcliffchamber. org/oak-cliff-thrives.

12th Annual All Black Affair at Heroes Lounge, 3094 N. Stemmons Fwy. 7:30 pm-2:30 am Tickets: https://bit.ly/3HIfxyp

NOVEMBER 26-27

Music Bingo at City Works Eatery and Pour House, 3680 The Star Blvd. Frisco. 7-9 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3nEeLe7.

Castle Hills Annual Holiday in the Plaza at Castle Hills Village Shops & Plaza, 2520 King Arthur Blvd. Lewisville. 4-7 pm.

NOVEMBER 28

DECEMBER 1 Rosa Parks: Before, During & After The Bus Boycott - Livestream Program. Online Event.

5-6 pm CST Reg: bit.ly/3osyJYg

The Creator Mart Pop Up Shop Black Friday Edition at Studio One Eleven, 15080 E. Beltwood Parkway #111, Addison12-6 pm. Tickets: https:// bit.ly/3wODm2x.

African American Museum “Politics, Protest & Black Progress in Dallas 3536 Grand Ave. 11 am The Interview with: Then Black Press USA. Host Stacy M. Brown Streaming live at 11:30 CST onfacebook.com/blackpressusa/live.

Goodwill Digital Career Accelerator Overview Workshop at WeCreation Center 3016 Colonial, 1-4 pm. Info: Kim Coleman, 214-638-2800 x152

NOVEMBER 29

DECEMBER 2-5

Job Training: BankWorks Free Training by Dallas College At Mountain View. 9am-4pm for 8 weeks. Contact: Elishima Myles; 214-860-8550.

A Little Black Dress Black Friday Holiday at Aloft Love Field Hotel, 2333 West Mockingbird Ln. 10 pm-2 am Tickets: https://bit.ly/3qDJg5Q

Modern Wreath Making at Legacy Hall, 7800 Windrose Ave. 6:30-8 pm. bit.ly/3HF1Mk9.

Sundays “The World According to Drew” with Andrew Whigham, III 8-10 am CDT.

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Tuesdays “DOC SHEP SPEAKS SHOW” with Dr. Felicia Shepherd, 11 am CDT,

Denton Holiday Lighting Festival - Tree Trail at the Courthouse-Square, 111 N. Elm St. 6-9 pm Friday Night Jazz At Nosh And Bottle, 370 W. Las Colinas Blvd. 8-11 pm.

DECEMBER 4 Alpha Phi Alpha Founders Day NABJ 2021 AWARDS is Virtual. Hosts: Zerlina, MSNBC The Choice and DeMarco Morgan, Co-Anchor CBS2. Speaker: Kim Coles, Actress. 6:30 CST. Reg: nabjawards.vfairs.com/ Holiday Soiree, feat: Tomea & NEM at Michael’s of Las Colinas, 7635 N. MacArthur Blvd. 8 pm.

All Black Party, Guest Dj Chubb at Crazy Brothers, 7812 Great Trinity Forest Way. 9 pm-2 am. square.link/u/kF3XWMJC.

BeatStreet Poetry Live Open Mic Night. By Verb Kulture at The Free Man Café, 2626 Commerce St. 5-8-pm. Tickets: bit.ly/30C5gmw.

NOVEMBER 26

First Friday + M.A.D.E. Dallas at Dallas Farmers Market, 920 S. Harwood. 7-10 pm.

SIP NOIR at Soirée Coffee Bar 320 Singleton Blvd.

Suite 190 6-9 pm.

Neo Soul Sundays feat Private Property The Band at Lava Cantina, 5805 Grandscape Blvd.

4 pm. Info: bit.ly/3CaOGas.

Dallas HBCU Invitational Women’s Basketball at Paul Quinn College, 3837 Simpson Stuart Rd. Tickets: bit.ly/3otKJc1.

TIB!!! LIVE Feat: Inspiration Band at Levitts Pavilion, 100 W. Abram St. Arlington. 6 pm. Info: (817) 980-7607

The Brightest Show South of the North Pole at The Light Park in Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Pkwy. Grand Prairie. 12 pm. bit.ly/3pYF5kv.

Sweet Soul: Sweets, Wine and R&B At Paul Quinn College, 3837 Simpson Stuart Rd, 1-4 pm.

Tickets: sweetsoul.eventbrite.com.

Four Girls and a Guy at Cedar Hill Farmers Market, 300 Houston St. Cedar Hill. 9am-1 pm

Understanding the Structural Impact of Racism, Racial Trauma and Suicide Prevention.

Virtual at 10:30 am CST. Reg: bit.ly/1202Racism.

DECEMBER 3

NOVEMBER 30

NOVEMBER 27

NOVEMBER 24

CHERYL’S WORLD Tune in to Cheryl’s World on BlogTalkRadio.com, Facebook Live and Streamyard for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative and entertaining news and commentary. Call 646-200-0459 to join in.

Girls of Color Discovering STEAM Now at Bishop Arts Theatre, 215 Tyler St. 6-7:30 pm. Sign Up: https://bit.ly/30A9QBu

Water Circus - Gold Unit ‘21 Tour at 2063 Town East Mall, Mesquite. bit.ly/3kXdrAW.

DECEMBER 2

SDS Gents & Swing Therapy Christmas Party Toy Drive at The Elephant Foundation Room, 4791 S Buckner Blvd. 7 pm- 2 am.

Holiday in the Plaza at Levy Event Plaza 501 East Las Colinas Blvd. 10:30 am-3 pm.

DECEMBER 5

“I was just thinking...” with Norma Adams-Wade, 11 am- 1 pm. CDT.

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Rhythm & Rhymes Monday at Shisha Lounge, 5449 N. MacArthur Blvd. 9-1 am. bit.ly/3xihQDO The Brightest Show South of the North Pole at The Light Park in Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Pkwy. Grand Prairie. 12 pm. bit.ly/3pYF5kv

DECEMBER 7 Oak Cliff Thrives with Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce.6-7:30 pm. Tickets: oakcliffchamber.org/ oak-cliff-thrives Apply Today.

Soul Line Dance Tuesday-Live! Virtual, host BE Creative Arts Center. 7 pm CDT Reg: www.becreativeartscenter.com FREE Nanette Lee’s Phat Tuesday at Hyena’s Comedy Club, 5321 E. Mockingbird Ln. 8 pm. Tickets: phattuesdaysfallshow. eventbrite.com

DECEMBER 8 Elf Movie Night at Legacy Hall, 7800 Windrose Ave. Plano. 8 pm.

Tickets: https://bit.ly/3xgXVoM Mi Amora Wednesdays at Amora Kitchen & Ultra Lounge, 12255 Greenville Ave. #130. 10 pm-2 am. RSVP: https://bit.ly/3Cz7rVj Indie Sounds Open Mic Showcase at Da Crab Trap, 3431 Altamesa Blvd. #166 Fort Worth.

7:30-9:30 pm. Tickets: https:// bit.ly/30lyTsa

DECEMBER 9 ‘Tis the Season Holiday Concert with AARP Atlanta Online at Facebook.com/ AARP-Georgia. 8 pm CST.

Cotillion Park Holiday Lights at Cotillion Park, 3601 Barnes Bridge Rd. 5:30-6:30 pm.

The All Ways Black Awards 2021 A free virtual event 6:30-8:00 pm Reg: https://bit.ly/3HGSl3M

Ubuntu Market for Small Business. Hosted by Pan African Connection, 4466 Marsalis, 12-5 pm.

To Be Young, Gifted and Black presented by Gallery 400 online 6:00-7:30 pm CST. Reg: https://bit.ly/32rZy7P

Thursdays

Wednesdays

DECEMBER 6

“The Connection” with Debra BrownSturns, 7 pm. CDT.

Fridays “From Marva with Love” with Marva Sneed, 11 am-1 pm CDT.

November 26, 2021

AT THE MOVIES

KING RICHARD

BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ KING RICHARD is the story of the rise to success of Venus and Serena Williams, told from the perspective of their father David Williams, played by Will Smith; who does a terrific job portraying the hard driving father of the two sisters.

Whether you are a tennis fan or not, KING RICHARD tells the story of a man who works his plan to get his family out of the ghetto, and of course as you know, his daughters work that plan to become two of the wealthiest women in tennis.

Most observers think Richard is crazy, first pushing his daughters late into the night and in the pouring rain to be the best players possible then, after seeing how crazy the other kids are on the tennis circuit he pulls them back just to enjoy being young girls.

When he pulls them out of tennis

for three years the media begins to question him and the girls on exactly what is going on.

Richard is far from a perfect parent. First he gets into arguments with the girls coaches, then the media and finally, with his wife Brandi who is played by Aunjanue Ellis. But in the end Richard, although his daughters often disagree with his decisions, always seems to make the right move.

This is an inspiring story about a family who loves one another and it will make you proud of two young girls who simply outwork everyone else to get to the top. Saniyya Sidney plays young Venus and Demi Singleton is young Serena. They bring the two young girls to life and, after a year of tennis lessons they simply flow on court in front of the camera.

The movie is rated PG-13 for mild violence and has a run time of 2 hours and 8 minutes. I loved it!

On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate KING RICHARD a JUMBO, with extra butter (my highest rating).

www.grandpasecret.com November 26, 2021

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IN MEMORIAM

Ether R. Gaddis 1938-2021

Etherine Gaddis

Ether R. Gaddis, a.k.a Etherine, was born on December 12, 1938 in Mansfield, Louisiana as the only child of Vera May Pineset Rockmore and Eziekel Pineset.

Etherine started school in Louisiana and later moved to Dallas.

She graduated from James Madison High School and attended Dallas Community College at El Centro. Her career began at Texas Instruments, advancing to Mobile Oil as a key punch operator, working diligently for

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many years until shifting her focus and taking a keen interest in education, beginning at the Dallas Independent School District as Secretary to the Counselors, serving in this position until she retired in 1996.

Etherine was an appointed Dallas County Election Judge at John Neely Bryan Elementary School for several years. She served as PTA President for 20 years. She was a fanatic of history, loved to cook, read, do arts and crafts, travel, enjoyed eating and dining at the finest restaurants and was a fashionista.

Etherine was an active member of Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. Kerry D. Wesley, now under the leadership of Senior Pastor Rev. Chris Wesley. She continued as a faithful member even with her failing health.

Called "Meme" by her grandkids, she loved her family and loved serving her community.

She received the Dallas Urban League's Mother of the Year Award for her undying commitment to family; always putting the well being of others first.

Ether R. Gaddis was gracious, elegant, independent, and a professional lady. She always presented herself with dignity, respecting others, as a Child of God. She leaves to her legacy two children, Dianna R. Jackson (Patrick), Samuel Curtis Gaddis; one God Son, Virgil Draper (Capricia); three grandchildren, Akilah P. Jackson, Joshua D. Jackson and Adam T. Gaddis; her granddog Daisy and grandcat Gilliam; along with relatives and friends.

Services were held November 18, 2021.

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Susie Alice Bell 1940-2021

Susie Alice Bell

Susie Alice Bell, who departed this life on November 13, 2021, was born on April 10, 1940, in Holly Springs, Mississippi.

She married the late Dr. H.B. Bell, and was the mother of daughters Diedrae Bell-Hunter, Dionica Bell, and foster daughter Jackie Furtado. Her joy was her grandchild, Peyton Bell-Hunter.

Her roles as an admin-

istrator with DISD included Program Director, Curriculum Specialist, and Staff Development Specialist.

In 2005, she and her husband retired from DISD together. Susie served her community and left a legacy of service in the City of Dallas and beyond through her work.

She was a charter member and past president of the Plano North Metroplex Chapter of The Links, Inc. She was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Susie was preceded in death by her husband Dr. H.B. Bell, her mother Lessie Davis, and her foster daughter Jackie Furtado (Kenneth Furtado).

November 26, 2021

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 November 26, 2021

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