I Messenger 10-1-21 by Cheryl Smith

VOL XI NO 5 OCTOBER 1, 2021

I MESSENGER

Remembering

Eva Catherine Partee McMillan

IMessenger An IMM LLC Publication MAILING ADDRESS 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203 WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 214-941-0110 Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER - EDITOR 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 CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION MB Distribution

Free - Take One

.EWSSTANDS IN

Rowlett AT .EWSSTANDS IN esquite d,Rowlett ardson Mesquite chardson .Dallas

Editorial submissions editor@texasmetronews.com

Free - Take One

& E.Dallas

450-13971 Year 1 Year Subscription $45.00 3)(903) 450-1397 Subscription $45.00

IMessenger

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. October 1, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

INSIDE

WHAT’S ON MILES’ MIND

QUIT PLAYIN’

“Give me control of a nation’s money and I care not who makes it’s laws.” -- Mayer Amschel Rothchild “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” - 1 Corinthians 13:11 KJV

It is far from a revelation to say that Americans are hurting right now. Between the pandemic and the ensuing economic hardships, people across the country are longing to return to their pre-COVID lives. To launch this revival, Congress is looking to pass a historic multi-trillion-dollar reconciliation package.

p21

THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW Terrence J, won an Oscar for the short film “Two Distant Strangers,” as an executive producer of the film. Terrence J, best known as the host of BET’s popular music video countdown show 106 & Park. As a HBCU graduate, Terrence J. is an alum from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

p39

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

October 1, 2021

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith Publisher

Making History or Not? Last weekend was great. Once again the State Fair Classic was held — part of the opening festivities of the State Fair of Texas. Yes, it was a “Blackish” day at the Fair and it was great to see the support for HBCUs. Prairie View A&M is on a serious streak as they won yet another game, defeating Grambling State (GSU) 2410; for their 4th consecutive win. Now I know folks are going to take issue with me. And I know that I am a tough judge because I have seen the best band time and time again at Florida A&M University, BUT, I have to give the Battle of the Bands to Prairie View! They showed up and showed out! And that’s what we must do all the time. Which brings me to another truth. Richard “Rick” Gallot, Jr., president of GSU consistently shows up and shows out. A fine representative of all HBCUs, during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual conference, he October 1, 2021

was joined by several other HBCU presidents as they discussed challenges but also successes. To hear presidents talking about the future, as well as the past — the foundation, of HBCUs, had me beaming with pride. At the game on Saturday, I talked with President Gallot, who is also a former City Councilman, Louisiana State Representative and Senator, and a GSU alum. He received his law degree from Southern University and in 2016 he was named GSU President. Great HBCU presidents are concerned about their schools and they are concerned about all HBCUs. President Gallot is great. He talked about his relationship with other HBCUs and how there is mutual respect and also mentoring. It was uplifting to hear President Gallot talking about other presidents, and especially mine, Dr. Larry Robinson. President Gallot praised President Robinson’s leadership and advocacy on behalf of HBCUs. I MESSENGER

Texas Metro News Publisher Cheryl Smith, Grambling President Richard Gallot and The Dallas Morning News’ Executive Editor Katrice Hardy at the State Fair Classic.

I wish everyone could hear our HBCU presidents speak about what some might say is a ministry of sorts. Our students are in good hands, we just need to ensure that the hands are well equipped and well financed! Which brings me to

another truth. If you got free tickets to the game, make a donation to the school. Even if you didn’t get free tickets, make a donation. Add HBCUs to your list and make annual contributions. HBCUs are great investments

and they are so deserving of our support. I think of the challenges, sacrifices and trials that led to the founding of these great institutions and I actually feel a moral obligation to support them. After all, what does it say about me, a Black woman living in America, who values education; if I don’t support HBCUs? Just remember Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. She made a $1.50 investment and we have Bethune Cookman University today, over a century later. Were it not for her, FAMU wouldn’t have BCU to beat up on! And rivalries are good. They are fun. As long as we realize that the work never ends. That’s why organizations like the Dallas Metroplex Council of Black Alumni Associations (DMCBAA) is important. You have alumni from HBCUs across the country, living in North Texas, who have joined together to support ALL HBCUs. DMCBAA is on the right side of history. Where are you? myimessenger.com

Thank You Black Women THE LAST WORD BY DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX

When California governor Gavin Newsom woke up on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, I hope he fell to his knees and said, “Thank you, God, thank you, Black women.” To be sure, there are many others to thank, from the energized Chicanx/Latinx community to the Democrats who surged to the polls at the last minute. Some of the more prominent who thronged to his side were Black women, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, California Board of Equalization member Malia Cohen. Others include grassroots women whose names you’ll never know but whose work was invaluable. They had to get out the vote drives. Street fairs. Voter awareness events in parks and playgrounds. They were determined that the recall effort would fail and even more determined when talk show host Larry Elder jumped into the race as the conservative favorite. Those who worked for Governor Newsom weren’t necessarily his biggest fans, but they appreciated all his work to develop a progressive agenda. They enjoyed his appointment of Dr. Shirley Weber as Secretary of State. myimessenger.com

They appreciated his support of Vice President Harris and President Biden. Despite his flaws and unforced errors, they appreciated his leadership on covid matters (like the French Laundry debacle). And they turned up and turned out, although with laggardness that put the outcome of the recall in doubt, especially in mid-August when Elder was polling very close to Newsom. Democrats ought to be

President Joe Biden would be the first to assert that Black women made a difference in the 2020 election. Women like LaTasha Brown, Melanie Campbell, Barbara Arnwine, and so many others crisscrossed the country, urging people to get out and vote. Sometimes it wasn’t an easy case to make. President Biden has been in public office long enough to have a record that energizes some

Democrats ought to be ashamed that things got that close. In a state that has twice as many Democrats as Republicans, there should never have been a question about the outcome of the vote.

ashamed that things got that close. In a state that has twice as many Democrats as Republicans, there should never have been a question about the outcome of the vote. Frankly, there never should have been a recall election. But if Republicans can’t get their way the old-fashioned way (by winning), they’ll try the renegade way by stealing. So we were treated to allegation after allegation of voter fraud before a single ballot had been counted. We heard reports that some partisan poll-watchers were aggressively challenging voter signatures in the name of preventing fraud. Republicans have been able to gain all these advantages because Democrats, in a word, have been sleeping.

and causes others to cringe. Too many Black men (around one in six) believed the hype and voted for Trump. As hard as that is to understand, it is reasonable to note that Black people are not a monolith, and we don’t vote in lockstep. That makes the Republican embrace of arch-conservative Larry Elder (he would have given reparations to slave owners) all the more cynical. Some Republicans see Elder as the new face of conservatism. Others see him as a Black man who can hoodwink Black people into voting against their interests. One critic described him as “white supremacy in Blackface.” She was kind. Elder is coyly considering a gubernatorial run against Newsom in 2022. He may

have some momentum, having garnered 46 percent of the votes to replace Newsom, but given that Californians soundly rejected the recall effort, will he have the numbers? His 46 percent of the 37 percent who voted in favor of the recall amounts to a paltry 14 percent or just one in seven votes. The California recall process distorts both the voting outcome and Elder’s relative unimportance. Still, Elder isn’t going anywhere. The popular talk-radio host is likely to use his electoral experience to expand his audience and ratings. And with the help of Fox, he may multiply his base. There is little or nothing that Democrats can do about Larry Elder, but there is plenty that we can do about pushing a Democratic agenda. Democrats, just do your work. Organize, strategize, keep the momentum going. Stop thinking that you have to “play nice” with Republicans because they sure ain’t playing nice with you. If you care about health care, education, clean air and water, economic justice, call it out. And if you care about the political space in which we live, say thank you to the Black women who helped make it happen.

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

October 1, 2021

US Government Says It Will Not Send Haitians To Guantanamo BY ONZ CHÉRY Haitian Times

Fort Lauderdale, Sep. 22, 2021 – After speculation emerged on Wednesday that the U.S. was preparing to send Haitian migrants to the Guantanamo Bay detention center, U.S. government officials rejected the rumor. “DHS is not and will not send Haitian nationals being encountered at the southwest border to the Migrant Operations Center (MOC) in Guantanamo Bay,” Marsha (Catron)

Espinosa, a DHS spokesperson tweeted. The rumor stems from a federal job posting for Creole-speaking security officers to staff the detention center in Cuba. The job, posted Sept. 17, states that at least 10 percent of the security firm’s maximum of 50 guards for the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay must be fluent in Spanish and Haitian Creole, according to federal staffing site Sam.gov. Media reports quickly said the staffing requirement was in prepa-

ration for Gitmo, as the base is commonly known, to receive the migrants from Del Rio, Texas. “The MOC has been used for decades to process migrants interdicted at sea for third-country resettlement. The request for information (RFI) recently posted is a typical, routine first step in a contract renewal, and unrelated to the Southwest Border,” Espinosa said. A surge of nearly 14,000 migrants arrived at Del Rio, Texas, over the past two weeks. The U.S. started sending migrants

back to Haiti on daily flights to Port-au-Prince and CapHaitien Sep. 19. It also released some to relatives or friends in the U.S., allowing them to wait in America for asylum hearings. As of Tuesday, about 8,600 migrants were left, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott told AP. In the past, the U.S. government had sent about 13,000 Haitian refugees to Guantanamo Bay, in 1991 and 1992. Haitians had fled Haiti by sea then after Jean-Bertrand Aristide was overthrown.

Haitian migrants use a dam to cross into the United States from Mexico on Saturday in Del Rio, Texas. The Biden administration plans the widescale expulsion of Haitian migrants by putting them on flights to Haiti starting Sunday, an official said Friday. Photo Credit: Eric Gay / Haitian Times

October 1, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

Briefs Mid-Cities (TX) - The Links hosts Executive Black Women’s Roundtable Virtual Fundraiser to Support Scholarships and Community Programs Rising stars, middle managers and women who see their careers leading to positions of leadership will have the opportunity to hear from three executives who have navigated that road. Cynthia Marshall, chief executive officer and president, Dallas Mavericks; Shunda Robinson, global vice president, diversity, equity and inclusion at GM Financial and Theresa Anderson, vice president, marketing and communications, Bureau Vistas will be panelists at a virtual Exec-

utive Black Women’s Roundtable hosted by the Mid-Cities (TX) Chapter of The Links, Inc., October 16, 2021, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (CDT). The event will be moderated by Lorna Hankins, executive director for The National Kidney Foundation and the Western Area Director of The Links, Inc. “The goal of the Executive Black Women’s Roundtable is two-fold. First, it is our chapter fundraiser. The proceeds from the event will support the Mid-Cities (TX) Chapter’s community programs,” said Chapter President Carolyn Roberson. “Secondly, it is our fervent hope that our panelists will inspire young women, especially African

American women, to follow in their footsteps as they navigate their individual careers.” Roberson acknowledged that this fundraiser was a change for the organization which previously raised money for community programs by hosting a Black-Tie Boxing gala. “The world has changed, and we actively looked for a unique way to serve our community while raising funds for our service projects,” Roberson said. “Research helped us settle on The Executive Black Women’s Roundtable as a way to open the discussion and raise awareness to the challenges Black women who aspire to leadership positions

face throughout their careers.” One study, The State of Black Women in Corporate America, https://bit. ly/3nIJTcT shows that Black women are at a disadvantage from the beginning of their careers. The representation gap continues to widen and ends with African American women accounting for 1.6 percent of vice-presidents and 1.4 percent of C-Suite executives while white men hold 57 percent and 68 percent of those positions, respectively. Access to the virtual event is $100 and can be purchased via Eventbrite https://bit.ly/Midcities

Executive Black Women’s Roundtable Virtual Event Elevating the Next Generation of Black Women Leaders

october 16

A nationwide event that spotlights the challenges facing Black women in advancing to leadership and provides an authentic discussion on ways to navigate paths for success.

Black women experience more challenges in the workplace

SATURDAY / 4-5:30PM CDT

PANELIST

shunda robinson

theresa anderson

Cynthia Marshall

Global VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Vice President Marketing/ Communications

GM Financial

Chief Executive Oﬃcer & President

Bureau Vistas

Dallas Mavericks

About Mid-Cities (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

years Transformational Programming

women Transforming Communities Through Service

5,350

* hours Community Service/ Volunteering *2019-2021

Enabling Black females to achieve their STEAM education aspirations.

myimessenger.com

survivors of abuse 636 hours* + $18,020

Building restorative relationships to encourage growth, healing and provide ﬁnancial support.

Black women account for 1.6% of Vice Presidents and 1.4% of C-suite Executives

Black women are significantly under represented in leadership roles

54% of Black women say they are “onlys”, the only Black women at the table at work

Black women are less likely to interact with senior leadership  less access and sponsorship

Our Impact – Empowering Women and Their Families in Our Community

College Scholarships $125,000+

Black women remain highly ambitious and want to lead despite the obstacles at work

Data Source: LeanIn.org and McKinsey & Company, Women in the Workplace 2020.

Covid-19 relief grants $35,000 Providing rapid response to escalating need for vulnerable communities.

please Register to attend at

www.MidCitiesLinks.org & click on Annual Fundraiser

October 1, 2021

Missing White Woman Syndrome By Melanie Eversley As America mourns the confirmed death of white blogger Gabby Petito, the 22-year-old Long Island native who disappeared during a road trip with her fiance, Black America faces one more source of anguish: Missing White Woman Syndrome. MWWS has become so recognized that late newswoman Gwen Ifill coined the phrase in 2015. The topic is even the subject of its own Wikipedia entry and multiple scholarly studies. MWWS refers to the documented fact that missing white women generate multiple times the media coverage as missing Black people who, if they are mentioned at all, are sometimes portrayed in some negative way. As the strange case of Petito, with its twists and turns and the added layer of a missing boyfriend, has dominated headlines, Black Americans and others have noted that missing Black people never generate this level of coverage. Watching the Petito coverage has been very hard for Black families whose loved ones are missing but whose cases have been ignored, says Derica Wilson, cofounder and CEO of the Black and Missing Foundation. The nonprofit based in Riverdale, Md., is devoted to drawing attention to the cases of missing Black people. “My heart goes out to (the Petito) family, any family that has to deal with this -it’s a nightmare,” Wilson told Newsweek. “But we do have a lot of Gabby Petitos in the October 1, 2021

Black and brown community as well. We understand that not all cases get that level of attention and resources— there were multiple police jurisdictions involved—but we do have cases that want that additional assistance.” The Native American community has raised a similar issue, pointing out that more than 400 Indigenous women have gone missing with little coverage in the last decade. “The way this (Petito) story has captivated the nation has many wondering: Why not the same media attention when people of color go missing?” MSNBC host Joy Reid asked on-the-air on Monday. “Well the answer actually has a name -- ‘Missing (White) Woman Syndrome.’ “ When Fox News posted a follow-up with the tweet, “MSNBC’s Joy Reid dismisses focus on Gabby Petito case as ‘missing White woman syndrome,’ “Black Republican political commentator Sophia Nelson shot back, “STOP LYING #FOXNEWS she is making a factually correct point: Only white girls and women get national attention when they go missing, are murdered or raped. Not Black, brown, Asian, Indigenous or Latino girls. That is FACT!” The MWWS issue is not new. Media observers and Black Americans have long pointed out widespread coverage of missing white women and girls, including Natalee Holloway, the 18-year-old who vanished during a 2005 trip to Aruba, Madeleine McCann, the 3-year-old who disappeared in 2007 during a family trip

I MESSENGER

Among them: • Jelani Day, 25, an Illinois State University graduate student last seen in Indiana in late August • Elijah Elderkin, 25, last seen in Providence, R.I., on Sept. 12 • Ashley Guillory, 37, last seen in Houston on Sept. 4 • Desheena Kyle, 26, a Knoxville, Tenn., woman missing since late June • Zhaavier Reeves, a young woman last seen in Douglas County, Ga., on Sept. 6 • Deirdre Reid, 41, last seen in Pageland, S.C., on Sept. 3 • Ty’Nesha Taylor, a 30-year-old woman from the Tidewater area of Virginia last seen Sept. 1

to Portugal, and the pregnant Shanann Watts and her two children, murdered in 2018 by husband, Chris Watts. That case was the subject of a Lifetime movie. Dr. Seong-Jae Min, associate professor of communications at Pace University, and Dr. John Feaster, associate professor of communication at Rowan University, noted in their 2010 study of televised coverage of missing children cases that Black missing children and female missing children were heavily underrepresented by the media. In an oft-cited 2016 study published in the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, Chicago lawyer Zach Sommers shared results of an analysis of FBI data and news coverage of missing persons cases that concluded, “ …

not only that there are, in fact, race and gender disparities consistent with Missing White Woman Syndrome, but that they manifest themselves in two distinct ways: (1) disparities in the threshold issue of whether a missing person receives any media attention at all; and (2) disparities in coverage intensity among the missing persons that do appear in the news,” according to an abstract. For those who want to help erase the gap, social media and the Black and Missing Foundation are offering up a list of missing Black people who have largely been ignored by national news coverage. For more information, contact: Black and Missing Foundation, Not Our Native Daughters

myimessenger.com

WHAT’S ON MILES’ MIND BY MILES JAYE

“Give me control of a nation’s money and I care not who makes it’s laws.” -Mayer Amschel Rothchild “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” - 1 Corinthians 13:11 KJV As a grade school student, having just learned the Pledge of Allegiance, I thought the world was run by nations and governments. As a high school student, more aware of the power and global influence of religion, I thought the world was run by major religions-- Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, to name a few. As an adult, I directed my attention to the banking industry, as it became apparent that Wall Street and the Federal Reserve system wielded great power and influence over government. Always curious, I began my research. Italy’s Banca MPS (Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena), founded in 1472, is known to be the world’s oldest continuously operating bank. Although the Medici Banking Family founded its institution in 1397, it lasted just shy of a century, and was rendered defunct in 1494. The Bank of International Settlements (BIS) claims to be the oldest global financial institution in the world. Founded in May of 1930 by Germany, Belgium, France, myimessenger.com

“BANKS” the Republic of Colombia, the Croatian National Bank, the Czech National Bank, the Danmarks Nationalbank, the Bank of Estonia, the European Central Bank, the Bank of Finland, the Bank of France, the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Bank of Greece, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Hungarian National Bank, the Central Bank of Iceland, the Reserve Bank of India, the Bank of Indonesia, the Central Bank of Ireland, the Bank of Israel, the Bank of Italy, the Bank of Japan, the Bank of Korea, the Central Bank of Kuwait, the Bank of Latvia, the Bank of Lithuania, the Central Bank of Luxembourg, the National Bank of Malaysia, the Bank of Mexico, the De Nederlandsche Bank, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the National Bank of North Macedonia, the Bank Al-Maghrib, the Norges Bank, the Central Reserve Bank of Peru, the Bangko Sentral ng Philipinas, the National Bank of Poland, the Banco de Portugal, the National Bank of Romania, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the Saudi Central Bank, the National Bank of Serbia, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the National Bank of Slovakia, the Bank of Slovenia, the South African Reserve Bank, the Bank of Spain, the Sveriges riksbank, the Swiss National Bank, the Bank of Thailand, the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey, the

United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Switzerland and the U.S., it is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. Ever more interesting is the fact that Mayer Amschel Rothschild is credited with establishing an international banking system with his five sons a century earlier. By 1820 Poppa Mayer had deployed sons Nathan to London, Amschel to Frankfort, James to Paris, Salomon to Vienna, and Carl to Naples, all to set up the family network of banks throughout Europe. The rapid rise of the Rothschilds to financial power and political influence is directly linked to Poppa’s affinity to backing or lending to governments rather than individuals, thus the accounts of the family actually financing wars. In some cases, they have been charged with backing both sides of the same conflict. Today, the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) brokers deals between central banks across the globe. It represents the banking interests of 63 central banks including the Bank of Algeria, the Central Bank of Argentina, the Reserve Bank of Australia, the Oesterreichische Nationalbank, the National Bank of Belgium, the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovnia, the Central Bank of Brazil, the Bulgarian National Bank, the Bank of Canada, the Central Bank of Chile, the People’s Bank of China, the Bank of

Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, the Bank of England, the State Bank of Vietnam, and the United States Federal Reserve System. It’s likely you may have never heard of many of these institutions. However, the list gives rise to the question “Do governments actually run the world? Here are a few more interesting points to consider: • Jacob Rothschild says Trump’s criticisms of the Fed can “shake” the confidence of the market, claiming, “The market is a con game where there is an unspoken rule that no one questions the validity of the Federal Reserve Bank.” • China now controls more than 400 American farms. The number of acres of U.S. farmland held by foreign-owned investors has doubled in the past two decades. • China bought Dominion Voting Systems (our voting machines) for $400 million in October 2020. • Are Citibank, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, Bank of New York (BNY) Mellon, JPMorgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley Bank International owned by China? That’s what’s on my mind! Website: www.milesjaye.net Podcast: https://bit.ly/2zkhSRv Email: milesjaye360@gmail.com

October 1, 2021

GSU, PV fans turn out for Classic game despite COVID-19 concerns By Valerie Fields Hill News Editor, Texas Metro News

DALLAS – Nothing could discourage Grambling State University sophomore James Latimore and his friends from attending Saturday’s State Fair Classic football matchup between GSU and Prairie View A&M University. Not even a coronavirus pandemic. Latimore and his friends, Ava Welsh, Diamond Williams and Paris Jackson said that, in the 18 months since the onset of government-imposed restrictions prohibiting various behaviors in social settings, they have adopted personal safety practices and use them in large group settings – including athletic events - to remain healthy and virus-free. “We are (concerned about the pandemic),” said Diamond Williams, Latimore’s friend, who stood with him outside the State Fair’s East Entrance and waited for lines to subside so that they could get into the fair and the game. “We got tested,” said Williams, a sophomore nursing major from Lafayette, La. “We’re vaccinated.” Saturday’s game drew thousands of university students, alumni and others from Louisiana, the Houston area and other parts of Texas to the one of the most popular Historically Black College matchups in the Southwestern United States. Prairie View Panthers won the game, beating Grambling State 24-10. Many said they had few concerns regarding the event being held during an uptick in Coronavirus infections in North Texas: That’s because they’re vaccinated, social distance themselves and October 1, 2021

wear masks in large group settings, they said. “I keep my distance, so I’m good,” said Deandria Black, of Dallas. “It’s a lot of people, but not as many people (as in 2019), to be honest.” Saturday’s game, which kicked off opening weekend of the State Fair of Texas, was the first time the two teams had played in the Cotton Bowl since the Classic was suspended in 2019. At that time, city and state health officials disallowed stadium-style gatherings, athletic games, concerts, race car events and similar activities due to the dangerous spread of the highly contagious Coronavirus. Fans said they managed their own safety inside the stadium by sitting with their personal friends and family members and masking their noses and mouths while leaving seats for bathroom and concession stand visits. Some said they did not linger in high-traffic spots. “People are funneling in and out” of the stadium, said Black, who walked through the fair with her mother, a Prairie View alumna. The two left the game after the half-time show of band performances. Despite employing Centers for Disease Control-recommended safety behaviors in outdoor and indoor social settings, State Fair Classic fans may also have been helped in employing their safety protocols by an expected lower turnout at the event, some vendors said. Same-day ticket sales were down slightly from gameday sales in previous years – before the pandemic – vendors said. “This is one of the slower (years),” said Ronald Johnson who, by 5:30 p.m., roughly an hour af-

I MESSENGER

ter the game’s kickoff, had sold about 200 gameday tickets of the 500 he had available at his booth outside the East Entrance of the State Fair. “I thought it would have been better,” he said. “People have been locked up. I thought they would have wanted to get out.” Inside of the stadium, some vendors said attendance was fewer at this year’s game when compared to 2019 and other previous years. In the past, ticket sales for the Grambling-Prairie View game had reached more than 32,000. No attendance figures for Saturday’s game were immediately available. At his shop, Maurice Knight, who traveled from Baton Rouge, La. to sell Prairie View and Grambling State logo T-shirts and Greek-letter fraternity and sorority jackets, did not wear a mask while interacting with buyers at his booth. He said he believes many game-goers were comfortable attending Saturday’s events because the predominantly college educated fans likely were vaccinated. “This game has been a very wonderful pillar of our community,” he said. “As black people, we always want to come out and support it.” “Most of these, 75 percent of the people here, are vaccinated,” he said. “They really want to get back to normal as much as possible.” Helen Blake agreed. She traveled from Tyler to the Cotton Bowl because she wanted her 14-year-old daughter, Treasure, to experience seeing HBCU band performances, members of Greek-letter fraternities and sororities interacting with each other and other fanfare surrounding Saturday’s game. Least among her worries: The super spread of Coronavirus.

Maurice Knight and his brother traveled from Baton Rouge to Dallas to sell tee shirts, jackets and other college apparel during Saturday’s State Fair Classic. Sales were brisk, he said.

“I didn’t have many concerns,” she said, while purchasing a $55 white Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority windbreaker for herself. “I expected large crowds.” Latimore and his friends said not attending Saturday’s game wasn’t an option – even as the students’ parents discouraged them from doing so. “My mom is paranoid,” said Paris Jackson, a freshman from Houston, who attends Grambling State. Sure, they are aware that infections from the Delta variant are increasing, particularly among young children, early teenagers and young adults. “My mom is a respiratory therapist,” said Welsh, a criminal justice major from from Atlanta. Supporting their team, they said is, well, a higher calling. “Everybody’s going to be there,” said Williams, the sophomore nursing major from Lafayette, La. “Our whole school is here. We’re going to get tested once we get back to campus.” Latimore’s mother, physician practicing in Shreveport, La., expressed reservations about her son’s attendance at Saturday’s game. “She said, ‘I don’t know. I don’t agree,’” he said of his mother’s concerns. “But at the end of the day, I’m going to do what I please.” myimessenger.com

BIG MAMA SAID:

Your eyes have to be kept on the Prize!

THE BLACK CARD BY TERRY ALLEN

I hope Lucille “Big Mama” Allen is still proud of me because I am blessed for her lessons. She would be so

useful today as we see this era of disinformation we are in now! She would tell the Floyd protestors, the Black Lives Matter members and all of those who seek social justice, “Keep your eyes on the Prize as you seek to rid us of wrongdoing”. Just look at the treatment of the Haitan immigrants at the Texas Bor-

der because you will not have to go further to understand what she meant. She spoke from a strong ancestral and biblical core yet although she had to leave the education system at an early age as a 6th grader to go work in the cotton fields. Her Big Mama Playbook wisdom rang deep as I felt target-

ed and attacked during my journey as a servant leader. I had to stop in my tracks as people who looked like me & gleaned my skills, talents and knowledge as they vilified my humanity and isolated me as if I were a demagogue. I had individuals blocking me from contributing and participating in my two first loves, my work with my company and my advocacy with my beloved NABJ. Big mama would remind everyone that Biblical peace is more than just the absence of conflict; it is taking action to restore a broken situation. It’s more than a state of inner tranquility; it’s a state of wholeness and completeness. Biblical peace is not something we can create on our own; it is a fruit of the Spirit. The mental stress along with this pandemic fatigue took its toll on my well-being. I had to remember what Big Mama said, “DO NOT LOSE THE WAR BECAUSE ENEMY HAS SMALL VICTORIES! She was right. I had to execute all 5 of her key points to survive the attack. I was in shock as I processed a way to find peace from the broken pieces. Do you have the wolf in sheep’s clothing at your door? Let me know terryallenpr@gmaill.com Terry Allen is a multi-media journalist and former board member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

myimessenger.com

October 1, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

October 1, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

October 1, 2021

Walking the Walk is more than Talk FAITHFUL UTTERANCES BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW If you think Texas has challenges politically, know that the challenge also exists on our roads. Drivers can be often inconsiderate, aggressive, and downright mean-spirited. It requires a lot of preparation not just with skill but mental resolve that you will not allow others to take your joy. It’s so easy to scream out in frustration because you are angry but even afraid of what could have happened with others that are reckless. I know it’s easy to think because you are behind the wheel that no one can see you and that your behavior isn’t being monitored because of tinted windows or high speeds that prevent you from being seen. I’ve realized in my life that you never know who is watching you. One of my first jobs out of college was in fact, an example of not realizing others pay attention even when you think it doesn’t matter. My

mentor, Zeb Strong, invited me to teach a series of workshops to high school students when I was just a few years older than them. The workshops were on diversity in the early 90s. As I reflect on what I taught them, I realize my experiences were so limited but at the time, it was impactful to them. A group of professionals attended every Saturday for the four weeks I taught a session. I thought they were not listening to me, but they were watching my interaction with students as well as listening to the content. Less than a year later, I was offered a job as a result of my work. Little did I know that I made such a difference. Michele Bobadilla gave me an opportunity of a lifetime to serve as an Assistant Director for the University Outreach Center at 21 years old. I learned so much on that job, but I will always remember that the job offer wasn’t the result of my resume (it played a part), but it was much deeper than that. The other day I was driving on the highway, and I saw in my rear-view mirror a reckless driver. I got over as a truck sped past me. He was

going at such high speeds and weaving in and out of traffic. As I caught a glimpse of his back window, I saw in big letters the word ‘blessed.’ I wasn’t sure how to interpret it—was he blessed because of his vehicle, the manner in which he intimidated other drivers or that God protected him (and all of us on the road) from his destructive behavior? His message didn’t necessarily align with his actions (perception can be reality) and what could have been an opportunity to demonstrate being a kind or thoughtful driver, I think he forgot what he boasted. Seeing that was a wake up call for me. Talking the walk is so much easier than actually walking it. How often do we talk about our faith, what God has done for us, or what we believe God will do, only to allow our actions to say something totally different? If we claim we believe in God, how are we representing God to others? Colossians 1:10 states, “so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge

of God.” We are known not just by what we say but what we do. If we are going to talk about the walk, we must be set on exhibiting it: James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” No one is perfect but we must be committed to allowing our actions to speak for us as well. The world we live in demonstrates that there is a lot of confusion. As believers, it’s very clear that we are to do good work and glorify God in what we say and do. Otherwise, what makes us different? “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” (Titus 1:16, KJV) We are called to be a light. It’s time to shine. 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.

Your Ad belongs here, Contact: 214-941-0110 October 1, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

October 1, 2021

Circle Gx Paying It Forward with Commitment to

Breast Cancer Awareness

By Sylvia Dunnavant Hines Texas Metro News

According to current statistics, one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. The one statistic that we don’t know is how many people will support them and stand by their side during their traumatic journey. One person who stood by his girlfriend during her bout with breast cancer was Peter Goodwin, the owner of Circle Gx, an internet service provider. Goodwin said, “I am familiar with all aspects of dealing with breast cancer, including the pain associated with dealing with something that could be a life-threatening illness. There are so many things that go along with supporting someone who is going through this illness including the loss of hair and what it takes for a young woman to face this challenge head on.” Although people will boldly wear pink during the month of October in support of breast cancer, this disease continues to make an impact all year long. Breast cancer affects more women than any other type of cancer and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. According to the American Cancer Society, the mortality rate for Black women diagnosed with breast cancer is 42% higher than the comparable October 1, 2021

Peter Goodwin,CEO of Circle Gx, is excited about the future role that 5G will play in health care for underserved communities.

rate for White women. “My significant other was in very good shape when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After her diagnosis, we began to change our focus to what could have caused this disease. We then started to look at what we were eating and tried to make healthier choices such as organic meats and vegetables,” said Goodwin, whose company is committed to making a difference in rural and inner-city community access to 5G technology. Goodwin recalled that he and his girlfriend were at a premier steakhouse in Dallas; however, the waiter could not tell him if the beef they were eating was organic. For him, this became a wakeup call to pay closer attention to the food that he was eating. He also realized that paying more money for food did not mean it was healthier. In 2014, Goodwin was one

I MESSENGER

of 50 entrepreneurs who were selected to participate in the Dell Founder’s 50, a program focused on key areas of growth for the member companies. In this program, Dell leverages its best practices to help these startup organizations. They are backed with the power of one of the world’s largest technology companies. Circle Gx is a next generation wireless internet service provider, offering cloudbased architecture via a virtualized platform built for immediate service delivery. “Our vision is to close the digital divide,” said Goodwin. “We have realized the importance of next generation technology and Infer structure. We call it the democratization of technology.” “There is an opportunity for us to deliver infrastructure to communities that are underserved; to provide what we call in technology ‘a green-

field network,’ which would allow us to lower the cost for access to broadband bundles and provide a very high-quality service at the same time.” Goodwin added that one of the main things that he has grown to realize is the interaction of consumer spending power. “Most of our consumers are spending 70 percent of their income just to survive. It is our goal to have the dollar circulate more than 12 times to help reduce the cost of services. We want to make a place where people want to invest and, therefore, make service more affordable to communities that need it.” According to Goodwin, In the future, 5G will have an even greater impact. In China, A 72-year-old Chinese woman successfully underwent breast cancer surgery conducted remotely by doctors using 5G technology. Reports say this is the first case of remote breast cancer surgery using 5G and Mixed Reality (MR) technology in China. “The impact 5G will have on underserved communities will be astounding,” Goodwin concluded. This October, Goodwin is paying it forward by sponsoring the 20th Sister to Sister Fitness Festival, which will be held at the Alan E. Sims Cedar Hill Recreation Center on October 2 at 8:30 am. You can register for the event at www. celebratinglife.org. myimessenger.com

myimessenger.com

October 1, 2021

Not brilliant – Texas’ abortion law baffles women and businesses OUR VOICES BY SEN. ROYCE WEST Even the most ardent prolife advocates must have cringed, along with those on the platform surrounding Texas Governor Greg Abbott when he boasted the state’s number one goal “is to eliminate rape.” While a laudable aspiration, it did little to credibly answer the question posed as to why SB8 does not contain an exception for sexual assault. But to paraphrase, if you can’t dazzle them with your brilliance, then baffle them with your “bravado.” If there were a surefire way to eliminate rape, I ask why our two-term, top state official has not already implemented such. Especially since Texas, in 2019; the most recent data available, ranked first nationally in the number of reported forcible rape cases. It’s also well-established that the majority of sexual assault cases go unreported. With the passage of SB8, Texas has now separated itself from other staunch, pro-life states to have unquestionably the most restrictive law on still legal abortion in America; a law many say now places Roe v. Wade on life support. The shockwaves have become tidal, as women, pro-choice advocates, the courts and even big business try to chart October 1, 2021

the steps that lie ahead. You’ve likely read by now that under SB8, abortions, after a fetal heartbeat has been detected in a woman, are now illegal. All agree that time arrives about six weeks into gestation. SB8 supporters say that’s time enough for a woman to decide to terminate a pregnancy. Medical experts, abortion providers and advocates say women don’t have six weeks to decide and that many do not know at that point if they are expecting. Their first indication may be a missed cycle, leaving about two weeks to make the true life-altering choice. That’s one issue. Fetal heartbeat bills attempted by some states have been rejected by the courts. But SB8 employs a unique, but un-validated method of enforcement. Although the state promulgated the de-facto, six-week constraint for a legal abortion, SB8 creates a civil enforcement mechanism where un-associated, individuals can sue anyone who “aids or abets” a woman in obtaining an abortion and recover up to $10,000, plus legal fees. Expectant women cannot be sued, but doctors, clinics and even those who provide transportation for the procedure could face liability. Self-insured corporations, insurance companies and even ministers are wondering if they can be sued. Whether or not cases are successful, those accused face defense

I MESSENGER

costs. It’s another issue. State and federal courts are already involved. The U.S. Supreme Court has drawn the ire of abortion advocates and pro-choice members of Congress for not granting an appeal that would have stopped SB8 from going into effect September 1. Critics noted how SCOTUS avoided commenting on SB8’s constitutionality. However, Chief Justice John Roberts was among four dissenting votes and questioned the novel civil enforcement, forecasting a future setting, “so that the courts may consider whether a state can avoid responsibility for its laws in such a manner.” U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland sued Texas, calling SB8 “clearly unconstitutional.” President Joe Biden vowed to fight, calling the bill “an unprecedented assault on a woman’s constitutional rights under Roe v. Wade.” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to bring legislation to the floor to codify Roe v. Wade, while chiding the Supreme Court for not blocking enactment. My question and #1 issue is who does SB8 help? It is predicted that the new law will block 85 to 90 percent of abortions that were legal before its passage. That means at least 85 percent of the 55,140 women who had abortions in 2018 would have had to make other lifeimpactful choices. While Planned Parenthood has

been highly visible, many of the 53,949 abortions performed in Texas in 2020 were by private physicians. Hispanic (19,979) and Black women (15,848) were first and second in the number of terminations, but 14,067 patients that year were White. Socioeconomics and class also become factors in this debate. Those able to end a pregnancy may also be decided by who can afford to travel to states like New Mexico, Colorado and Oklahoma for services. The abortion rate for Medicaid recipients is three times higher than of other women. SB8 supporters tie themselves to the sanctity of unborn life, but where is the same concern for the living and more who we will force to be born? Texas ranks among the bottom four to five states when it comes to services for the less fortunate and continues to lead the country in its number of uninsured. It’s part of our limited government creed in a state that also said you do not need a license or training to openly carry a handgun. But with the passage of SB8, my colleagues across the aisle should forever forfeit the right to accuse Democrats of government overreach. Royce West was first elected to the Texas Senate in November 1992. He represents the 23rd Senatorial District on behalf of the citizens of Dallas County.

myimessenger.com

Blowing Smoke…Again! QUIT PLAYIN’ BY VINCENT L. HALL It is far from a revelation to say that Americans are hurting right now. Between the pandemic and the ensuing economic hardships, people across the country are longing to return to their pre-COVID lives. To launch this revival, Congress is looking to pass a historic multi-trillion-dollar reconciliation package hoping to put money back into the hands of working Americans and the economy. In the attempt to generate funds to offset the reconciliation package, the federal government proposes to raise the federal excise tax on all tobacco products. The federal excise tax on tobacco hasn’t been increased in nearly a decade, and for a good reason. A 2017 survey by the University of Colorado Medical Campus found that “half to three-fourths of smokers have one or more low-socioeconomic disadvantages, and the lowest socioeconomic categories have the highest smoking rates.” In other words, tobacco use is now concentrated among the poorest,

myimessenger.com

least advantaged members of our society. A proposal of this magnitude comes at a cost, and somebody has to ante up. But, unfortunately, despite promises not to raise taxes on Americans making less than $400,000, this tax could land heaviest on those who can afford it least. The Tax Foundation concludes that increases in excise taxes on tobacco products burden the lowest income earners 37x more than if equivalent funds were raised through income taxes. This disparity is far from equitable and creates a “reverse-Robinhood” effect. Democrats cannot continue to support these proposals if they wish to remain true to themselves and President Biden’s promise. Now is the time to seek out progressive policies that help alleviate the undue stress working-class Americans face. Another casualty of this proposal will be local convenience stores which have already been overwhelmed by the pandemic. With nearly 35% of convenience store sales coming from tobacco products, this policy threatens to have a devastating effect. Many of these businesses are already on the brink of bankruptcy, leading to layoffs

and greater unemployment. It’s a sad commentary, but convenience stores offer the only viable access to shopping in communities situated in food deserts. Food insecurity, again, is an issue that disproportionately affects minority communities in America. Of the 254 counties in Texas, 58 or 4 million Texans are currently experiencing food insecurity. If convenience store owners are burdened with the effects of this proposed tax shut down, millions of Texans already lacking proper nutrition will be further harmed. Legislators contend that their focus is on crafting bills to uplift the downtrodden and bring us out of this terrible pandemic. But, unfortunately, their reconciliation bill could contain components that counteract their stated intent and set our communities further back. To help our lower-income communities, we need to find answers that level their tax burden. As a former smoker, who can breathe now, I am not promoting tobacco use. Cigarettes were a measly 15 cents a pack as late as the mid-1970s, and it is easy to see how a “tax” like the one being proposed now may have discouraged millions of smokers.

Further, there are decades of data that reveal the harsh consequences of tobacco consumption. Finally, the tobacco industry has a sullied history of false statements and advertising. It is noble that our legislators want to help promote smoking cessation in our vulnerable communities. However, maybe they could start by accurately weighing the risk associated with different tobacco products to encourage safer habits. The current efforts to tax nicotine vapor devices, which are 95% less harmful than cigarettes, at the same rate is wrongheaded. This tax will only push individuals who have successfully kicked their deadly habits back to combustible cigarettes. Americans from all backgrounds are looking towards Washington to receive long-overdue aid. Policymakers appear inclined to meet this call through their all-encompassing reconciliation bill. Still, unless they structure it without employing regressive measures, we may find that those Americans who can afford it the least will end up paying the most. Again! Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

October 1, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

October 1, 2021

Dr. Amerson adapts to Temporary Business Closure Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist, has adapted to the temporary closure of LA's Hair and Scalp Clinic. We continue to offer our award-winning products to consumers. Our exclusive products are manufactured by a facility in Garland, TX. Premium quality natural ingredients are used to assist with dry, oily, itchy, flaky, inflammed scalps, as well as hair breakage, hair thinning and regrowth. Everyone may order from our website, and we will ship your product order to you. http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support. In addition, we offer Video Consultations globally! We will schedule an appointment, give a diagnosis, them make a recommendation. We are available to serve you in the comfort of your home. Call us today - 817.265.8854 http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support.

October 1, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

October 1, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

Eva Partee McMillan was a fixture in civil rights work at the local, state and national levels for decades. Photo Credit: LAWRENCE JENKINS / 71723

5/7/1921 - 9/23/21

Eva Catherine Partee McMillan passes Activist celebrated her 100th birthday in May! Activist Thomas Muhammad’s reaction to news of the passing of Eva Catherine Partee McMillan summed up expressions from around the city from those who knew, loved and respected “Mama Mac.” Mama Mac, was an affectionate deviation of “Mama McMilitant,” as she was fondly referred to during her years of community activism and community service. “This was a shock,” said myimessenger.com

Muhammad, who has known “Mama Mac” since the 1960s, growing up in Dallas. “That woman and her son, Ernie, are who turned me into who I am today. I learned from the best and so did so many others.” Currently the president of the National Black United Front-Dallas, Muhammad remembered Mama Mac as “articulate, passionate and always humble.” “She showed raw courage

and she was not afraid to step up and stand up. She showed me how to stand up and speak out. And she was beautiful, too!” The McMillans, of Dallas, have a long history of activism. Mrs. McMillan, whose 100th birthday was celebrated in May, believed in speaking out about injustices. She spent the better part of her life trying to right wrongs, including the injustice she felt landed her

son in jail for “destroying a watermelon.” Reports vary about whether it was a watermelon or a bottle of milk that was dropped during one protest, leading to the arrest of the co-founder of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Muhammad remembers that protest and others as if it were yesterday because some see MC MILLAN, page 28

October 1, 2021

McMillan (second from right) is pictured as a 28-year-old election clerk at the Moreland Branch YMCA in 1949.

McMillan Remembered of the same issues still exist today, despite all the efforts of people like the McMillans. “Ernie recruited me and a few of my friends to picket OK Supermarket because they were selling stale meat and groceries,” he recalled. “Ernie got arrested at the one (OK Supermarket) on Pine and Oakland (in South Dallas) because he was demonstrating.” Next thing you know, continued Muhammad, a felony charge landed “Mama Mac’s” son in prison for 10 years, but he ended up serving three. According to Muhammad, Ernie’s mother was out in the community rallying support, speaking in churches and sharing her son’s story. And she was known for October 1, 2021

from page 27

showing up time and time again, and not just for her son, but for the benefit of others. Whether it was voter education or anti-discrimination, you could count on Mama Mac or “Aunt Eva” to be involved and vocal. Her talented granddaughter, Anyika McMillan-Herod, in a tribute to her grandmother, said that Mrs. McMillan was her “favorite person.” Calling her grandmother “one tough cookie with a righteous bite, who also oozed extraordinary sweetness,” the writer, actress and co-founder of Soul Rep Theatre Company; talked about how the family witnessed her activism and compassion “propel her onto frontlines and into court-

I MESSENGER

rooms, church pews, boardrooms, soup kitchens, voting booths, and messy streets to raise HELL & HOPE!” Wonderful stories have been shared about “Mama Mac,” a woman who lived life to the fullest and was known for making the “best hot water cornbread,” while also teaching so many lessons to empower others. Married to Pastor Marion E. McMillan Sr., she had four children (Katherine, Marion Jr. “Ernest,” Jacqueline and Karen),10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She also had a twin, Neva. A former bank bookkeeper, election clerk and community organizer, she was highly regarded and respected for facing adversity, the Ku Klux Klan and racist, inhumane systems. Journalist Norma Ad-

Photo Credit: Photograph supplied / 140450

ams-Wade wrote in The Dallas Morning News: Eva Partee was born a twin on May 7, 1921, in Bradford Tenn. Her mother died soon after the delivery, leaving her husband to raise the twins and five siblings (Mildred, Gracie, and Faye, and her big brothers Clifton and Cecil) alone; a sixth sibling had died. During her 100th birthday celebration, the milestone was recognized by citizens across the metroplex, in addition to special resolutions and letters from President Joe Biden, U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson and Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price. Information about the Celebration of Life for Eva Catherine Partee McMillan is forthcoming. Black and Clark Funeral Home will be handling services.

myimessenger.com

COVID-19 Safety: How to Prepare Your Kids for Back to School By Dena Vang Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, families and schools have worked tirelessly to create safe learning environments for students while also providing services such as school meals, extended daycare, extracurricular activities, and social services. With the 2021–2022 school year upon us, schools are continuing to adjust policies and practices with the same goal in mind—limiting the transmission of COVID-19. “It’s a critical moment for us to slow the spread,” said Dr. Cameron Webb, Senior Policy Advisor for Equity on the White House COVID-19 Response Team. “This is the season of back to school and back to work, and we have to make sure that as folks are going back into communities, back into spaces, [they are protected].” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently changed its masking recommendations due to the growing concern of the Delta variant, which has shown to be more transmissible than other strains of the virus. The CDC recommends that all students in kindergarten through 12th grade wear a mask in school, regardless of their vaccination status. “There are a number of schools that have been strugmyimessenger.com

gling with the decision of whether or not to have masking remain optional versus requiring universal masking of vaccinated and unvaccinated children,” said Dr. Michele Benoit-Wilson, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist in Raleigh, North Carolina. “If we’re all in agreement that keeping our children in school is critical to both their education and their mental health, I think it then follows that we need to keep them as safe as possible.” Experts are suggesting the following to keep your children safe as they return to school. Find time to talk about the pandemic – The pandemic has impacted us, including children, mentally and emotionally. Finding time to talk about how your child is feeling and about school procedures and policies will help them set expectations and ease some of the anxiety. The National Association of School Psychologists suggests letting your children’s questions guide you. Answer their questions truthfully, but don’t offer unnecessary details or facts. Don’t avoid giving them the information that experts indicate as crucial to your children’s well-being. Children always feel empowered if they can control some aspects of their life. A sense of control reduces fear. Wear a mask correctly and consistently – Find a mask that is made for children to ensure a proper fit. Check to be sure

“We know that universal masking works, but the leading way to end this epidemic is vaccination, and the reality is that many parents cannot get their children vaccinated simply because they are too young,” - Dr. Benoit-Wilson

the mask fits snugly over the nose and mouth and under the chin and that there are no gaps around the sides. The CDC is asking parents to remind their children that masks should be worn at all times except for certain settings or activities such as eating or drinking. Masks should be used in all classroom and non-classroom settings, including hallways, school offices, restrooms, gyms, and auditoriums. Get your child vaccinated if they are eligible – Children ages 12 to 15 are currently eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. These vaccines have been used under the most intensive safety monitoring in US history. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is now available for everyone ages 12 years and older. In the clinical trial for children 12 through 15 years old, no safety con-

cerns were identified with that vaccine. The clinical trial also showed that the vaccine was 100 percent effective for preventing COVID-19 with symptoms in children 12 through 15 years old. “We know that universal masking works, but the leading way to end this epidemic is vaccination, and the reality is that many parents cannot get their children vaccinated simply because they are too young,” said Dr. Benoit-Wilson. “If we want to prioritize the health of children, if we want to prioritize the health of families, it’s critically important for us as a community, as a nation, to embrace whatever we know has been proven scientifically to reduce the infection rate; that is, number one, vaccinating, and number two, masking. The reality is that some people cannot get vaccinated, and so it’s important for the people around them to be vaccinated and for all of us to wear our masks indoors.” To find a vaccine site, search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800232-0233 to find locations near you. For resources, visit the We Can Do This website. Dena Vang is the Public Relations Manager at Creative Marketing Resources, a strategic marketing agency in Milwaukee and a partner of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

October 1, 2021

Grambling

PV '21

Photo Credit: Andrew Whigham, III Sports Information Director, Paul Quinn College

October 1, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

Help sought for explosion victims By Marva Sneed Texas Metro News Dallas City Councilmember Tennell Atkins called on citizens to assist residents and firefighters impacted by the gas explosion at the Highland Hills Apartment complex, (5850 Highland Hills Drive, in Oak Cliff in southern Dallas County) on Wednesday. “I’m asking for donations to be made to the American Red Cross at: www.redcross.org,” he told the media at a press conference this morning. “I want people to get help.” It has been reported that four firefighters and four residents were injured during the explosion that caused the partial collapse of

Sen. Royce West

one building. Senator Royce West issued a statement, “My prayers go out to the families impacted by the apartment explosion on yesterday. Continued prayers for three of the firefighters listed in critical condition.” The Senator pointed out that, “10 units were in the building that exploded and all the building residents have been located and accounted for. Because of the magnitude of the explosion and ongoing follow-up investigations, myimessenger.com

Dallas Councilman Tennell Atkins holds press conference outside site of explosion. PHOTO Credit: Marva Sneed - Texas Metro News

the gas has been shut off to the entire complex and therefore, 300 residents have been displaced.” Although there were only 10 units affected, the entire complex was evacuated, and residents were placed in hotels until an inspection has taken place, officials said. In the meantime, residents do not have access to their belongings and several parents said as a result, their children couldn’t go to school and they couldn’t go to work. When asked about previous complaints from tenants about the smell of gas, Councilman Atkins said there had not been any received into his office. The City of Dallas’ Office of Emergency Management, the American Red Cross, the Texas Railroad Commission, apartment management and other entities are working together to make certain there is a thorough investigation and inspection process. Sen. West also shared that some of the displaced are utilizing vouchers for off-site housing, “As soon as we know what is needed to assist the displaced residents, I will update you so that those wishing to help, can.”

HOMECOMINGS BY SCHOOL ALABAMA A&M vs. Jackson State ALABAMA STATE vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff ALBANY STATE vs. Edward Waters ALCORN STATE vs. Grambling State ALLEN vs. Columbus State ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF vs. Southern BENEDICT vs. Morehouse BETHUNE-COOKMAN vs. Miss. Valley State BOWIE STATE vs. Johnson C. Smith CENTRAL STATE vs. Allen CHOWAN vs. Lincoln (PA) CLARK ATLANTA vs. Allen DELAWARE STATE vs. SC State EDWARD WATERS vs. Central State ELIZABETH CITY STATE vs. Chowan FAYETTEVILLE STATE vs. Johnson C. Smith FLORIDA A&M vs. Grambling State FLORIDA MEMORIAL vs. Webber International FORT VALLEY STATE vs. Clark Atlanta GRAMBLING STATE vs. Texas Southern HAMPTON vs. Kennesaw State HOWARD vs. Norfolk State JACKSON STATE vs. Alabama State JOHNSON C. SMITH vs. Saint Augustine’s KENTUCKY STATE vs. Lane LANE vs. Texas College LANGSTON vs. Texas Wesleyan LINCOLN (MO) vs. Missouri Southern LINCOLN (PA) vs. Elizabeth City State LIVINGSTONE vs. Saint Augustine’s MILES vs. Benedict MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE vs. NC Central MOREHOUSE vs. Fort Valley State MORGAN STATE vs. North Carolina Central NC A&T vs. Monmouth NC CENTRAL vs. Norfolk State NORFOLK STATE vs. Virginia-Lynchburg PRAIRIE VIEW A&M vs. Alabama State SAINT AUGUSTINE’S vs. Chowan SAVANNAH STATE vs. Clark Atlanta SC STATE vs. Morgan State SHAW vs. Johnson C. Smith SOUTHERN vs. Prairie View A&M TENNESSEE STATE vs. Murray State TEXAS SOUTHERN vs. North American TUSKEGEE vs. Lane VIRGINIA STATE vs. Lincoln (PA) VIRGINIA UNION vs. Lincoln (PA) VA. UNIV. OF LYNCHBURG vs. Univ. of Ft. Lauderdale WEST VIRGINIA STATE vs. UNC Pembroke WINSTON-SALEM STATE vs. Livingstone

Oct. 9, 2:00 p.m. CT Oct. 9, 2:00 p.m. CT Oct. 9, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 9, 1:00 p.m. CT Oct. 30, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 16, 2:00 p.m. CT Oct. 23, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 9, 1:00 p.m. ET Oct. 2, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 2, 1:00 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 1:30 p.m. ET Oct. 9, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 1:30 p.m. ET Oct. 16, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 30, 4:00 p.m. ET Nov. 6, 1:30 p.m. ET Oct. 23, TBD Oct. 16, 2:00 p.m. CT Oct. 9, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 1:00 p.m. ET Oct. 16, 2:00 p.m. CT Oct. 30, 1:00 p.m. ET Oct. 9, 1:00 p.m. CT Oct. 2, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 16, 2:00 p.m. CT Oct. 9, 2:00 p.m. CT Oct. 16, 1:00 p.m. ET Oct. 9, 1:30 p.m. ET Oct. 9, 4:00 p.m. CT Oct. 2, 1:00 p.m. CT Oct. 16, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 1:00 p.m. ET Oct. 30, 1:00 p.m. ET Nov. 6, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 16, 2:00 p.m. ET Nov. 6, 2:00 p.m. CT Sept. 25, 1:00 p.m. ET Oct. 16, 3:00 p.m. ET Oct. 16, 1:30 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 1:00 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 6:00 p.m. CT Oct. 30, 5:00 p.m. ET Oct. 2, 2:00 p.m. CT Oct. 23, 1:00 p.m. CT Oct. 23, 2:00 p.m. ET Oct. 9, 1:00 p.m. ET Oct. 30, TBD Oct. 16, 1:30 p.m. ET Oct. 23, 1:00 p.m. ET

October 1, 2021

Nena’s Finds Boutique A Uniquely Stylish, Fashionable Boutique for women of all Sizes! Ranging from Pretti and Petite to Pretti and Plus! Nena likes to be a bit edgy, blingy ... But she keeps it Chic with Sophisticated Style! Nena’s Finds is your one stop shop for an Eccentric flare! 214.623.7314 nenafinds17@gmail. com Schedule your Sip n Shop, Trunk Show, Girls Nite Out or Wardrobe Revamp with Nena’s Finds today!

October 1, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

Ball to recognize survivors of family violence, cancer FROM MARVA WITH LOVE By Marva J. Sneed

There is hope for the future. Just ask Angelia Dunbar. By all measures, Dunbar should not be here: She was a mother at a young age. She moved out of her parents’ home at 19. She was kidnapped, beaten and left temporarily blind. She survived. Now, a top Realtor and philanthropist, Dunbar is founder of My Story, Our Journey, a Dallas-area nonprofit that uplifts other survivors of domestic violence, cancer, suicide, child molestation and seeming insurmountable events.

Angelia Dunbar

In October, My Story, Our Journey will host the 3rd Annual Survivors Ball, a celebration of locals who have overcome life-altering challenges. The ball will feature a performance by Grammy Awardwinner Le’Andria Johnson. It will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, 400 N. Olive St., in Dallas. General admission tickets include dinner and are $125. Meet & Greet tickets with myimessenger.com

Le’Andria Johnson are $175. To purchase tickets, click here: www. survivorsball.com/buy-tickets. We talked with Dunbar on a recent broadcast of From Marva with Love. Here are excerpts from our conversation: MS: Please tell your story. AD: I’m just a little country girl from Conway, Ark. who found herself in a position where life happened. I tell people that life happens to all of us. It’s how we choose to live with ‘when life happens’ is how we survive. I grew up rushing life, living my life on a fast track. What I realized is that I had to slow up and make sure I was doing it in God’s time. I found myself missing all the red signs and warnings. I was beaten and left temporarily blind and unbearable things. I was kidnapped by someone who was supposed to love me….but I missed so many signs. I could have avoided those things. One day, I woke up and realized that I had to take my power back. For so many years after that, I stayed silent about what happened to me. I was embarrassed. I was broken. I was still bruised internally, and I never really properly healed. I went to lunch with some girlfriends and I saw my attacker. I realized that I was shaken. I’m still traumatized, and I said ‘Guys, I have to take back my power.’ He can no longer have control over me. I control who I am and whose I am through God. So, that day, I took back my power and I wrote my book Slaying with My Broken Pieces. After that, I went through breast cancer. I had Stage 3 breast cancer. I felt a lump in my breast the day after visiting a Halloween haunted

house where I was knocked into a wall and fell flat on my back. I then looked up and asked God to save me. On Good Friday in 2014, I had surgery and God saved me. I tell people ‘life happens’ and I continue to choose to live. MS: Why did you create the Survivor’s Ball? What will we expect at this year’s Ball? AD: I created Survivors Ball because I realize in going through, it’s my story but our journey. We all have a story, but it’s the people around us that help us, that are on that journey with us, that get us to that next level and help us overcome obstacles that we have

to defeat. The Survivors Ball gives back to so many people and to realize that they, too, have to choose to live. So, I reach back. My motto is ‘Pay it forward.’ The people that you’re paying it forward to are moving. So, reach back to those who are stuck, share your story and don’t leave anything out. The part that you leave out is the part that is going to save them. Tune in to From Marva with Love Fridays 11am - 1pm on BlogTalkRadio and Facebook.com/ TexasMetroNews marvasneed@ myimessenger.com

October 1, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

Virtual and liVe Community Calendar

Breast Cancer Awareness Dental Hygiene Month Mental Illness Awareness

SEPTEMBER 30

Las Chicas del Barrio 1st Annual Car Show. At the Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak St. 2-4 pm. bit.ly/3kpsrrx.

OCTOBER 6

20th Anniversary Sister To Sister 5 K Walk & Run, host Lynne Haze at Alan E. Sims Rec. Center, 310 E. Parkerville Rd. 8:30 am12:30 pm. Reg: celebratinglife. org

African American Museum 2021 Fall Exhibition-Ruth Mae McCrane: From the Lost Book of the Bible 3536 Grand Ave. 10 am-5 pm. Info: aamdallas.org. West African Dance, Drum & History Virtual Residency Event. Thursday Dance. 6-7 pm. Reg: https://bit.ly/3BO5cgJ “Slave to Senator” The Story of Hon. Thomas Warren Long presented by MWUGL Foundation Inc. 7 pm CST. Via Zoom: https:// bit.ly/2Y3cCOP. THE ELAINE T.R.U.T.H TOWN-HALL: The Past, The Present, Presented by Descendants of The Elaine Massacre. 6-8 pm CDT. Reg: bit.ly/3ic6JWt. Disrupt Aging: Part I presented by AARP Michigan. 10 am CDT Online Join the conversation Reg: https://bit.ly/3usjCRr

OCTOBER 1-2

Virtual HBCU College Tour. Hosted by HUX Made Productions. 9 am CDT Find the list here: www.HBCUCollegeTour.com. Reg: https://bit. ly/39nooG0 Free Mammograms for those who qualify! The Alan E. Sims Cedar Hill Recreation Center, 310 East Parkerville. 9:30 am-3:30 pm. For appt. Methodist Health Connection at 214-933-7200. Tazita Candle + Yoga workshop, Oak Cliff Cultural Center, 223 W. Jefferson Blvd. 5 pm. “First Chapters” Writing Workshops: Facilitated by Author Janis F. Kearney presented by Descendants of The Elaine Massacre of 1919 10 am-12 pm. CDT. Reg: https://bit.ly/3o7lIow

DBDT Presents DanceAfrica Virtual and In-Person 7:30 pm CDT at Moody Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St. Tickets: bit.ly/39HgtUc.

OCTOBER 3 1st Oaktoberfest Host Go Oak Cliff At the Tyler/Vernon station. 11-5 pm RSVP: bit.ly/39pDJWB.

OCTOBER 1 APEX Friday: Get You Sum at Herrera’s Addison, 4021 Belt Line Rd #109. 9 pm. Tickets: https://bit. ly/2XProbN. A Taste of Nigeria - Dallas/ Fort Worth, 1010 Collins Event Center, 1010 Collins St. Arlington. 7 pm. Festival 10-2 12-7 pm. Tickets: https://bit. ly/3kEHZI5.

Texas Redistricting Town Hall DA John Creuzot Moderator, with Sen. Nathan Johnson, Sen. Royce West, Rep. Toni Rose, 6:30 pm. Reg: texasredistricting.org

Market at Park Lane - Fall Series at The Sops at Park Lane, 8080 Park Ln. 11 am-4 pm. Community Vaccine Event at Dallas West Church of Christ, 3510 N. Hampton Rd. 10 am-12 pm. Reg: https:bit.ly/3tDallasWest Sundays “The World According to Drew” with Andrew Whigham, III 8-10 am CDT.

myimessenger.com

John Legend: Bigger Love Tour at The Texas Trust CU Theatre, 1001 Performance Pl. Grand Prairie, 972-8545050. 7:30 pm.

Oct 7-8

OCTOBER 5 Oak Cliff Thrives with Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce.6-7:30 pm. Tickets: oakcliffchamber. org/oak-cliff-thrives. Tuesdays “DOC SHEP SPEAKS SHOW” with Dr. Felicia Shepherd, 11 am CDT,

Summer Series at Heritage Village by Rooftop Cinema Club. Shrek & Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood 7:30 & 9:45 pm.1609 Park Ave. Tickets: https://rooftopcinemaclub.com/dallas/ Food Truck Night 2021! 1689 Bandera Dr, Carrollton, 6-9 pm.

OCTOBER 10 Summer Series at Heritage Village by Rooftop Cinema Club. Ratatouille 7:30 & 9:45 pm.1609 Park Ave. Tickets: https://rooftopcinemaclub. com/dallas/

Texas Mobile Institute, “The Politics of Food: Health Disparities and the Epidemic of Food Insecurity in Texas.” Host: Yvette Blair-Lavallais. Virtual @ VDSTheoJustice Facebook. com. Thu: 6-8 pm CST. Fri: 10 am-12:30 pm CST.

AVF Breast Cancer Survivor Success Stories presented by A Vision Fair & Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 2-3:30 pm CST. Virtual via Zoom: https://bit.ly/2WeyENM

OCTOBER 7 Summer Series at Heritage Village by Rooftop Cinema Club. Mean Girls and A Quiet Place Part II. 7:30 & 9:45 pm. 1609 Park Ave. Dallas, Tickets: https://rooftopcinemaclub.com/dallas/

OCTOBER 8 11th Annual SUAF-Dallas Chapter Founders’ Golf Tournament Riverside Golf Club, 3000 Riverside Pkwy, Grand Prairie 7 am-10 pm. Summer Series at Heritage Village by Rooftop Cinema Club. Hocus Pocus & House Party. 7:30 & 9:45 pm.1609 Park Ave. Tickets: https://rooftopcinemaclub.com/dallas/ S’mores & Spooky Stories at Samuell Farm Sunnyvale, 100 E. US 80 Frontage Rd. Mesquite.

FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP: Completing your FAFSA, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Delta Omicron Omega Chapter. 3 pm CDT Reg: https://bit.ly/3icmMDL Fall Music Safari presented by East Kessler Park Neighborhood Association On Eastus Dr, Dallas

OCTOBER 11 Summer Series at Heritage Village by Rooftop Cinema Club. Top Gun. 7:30 pm.1609 Park Ave. Tickets: https://rooftopcinemaclub.com/dallas/

iCSI Customer Service Excellence Workshop Customer Service in the New Norm presented by the City of DeSoto. 9 am CDT. Contact: LsKesha Raynor at lraynor@dcccd.edu. Soul Line Dance Tuesday-Live! Virtual, host BE Creative Arts Center. 7 pm CDT Reg: www.becreativeartscenter.com FREE.

OCTOBER 13 Summer Series at Heritage Village by Rooftop Cinema Club. Zombieland. 7:30 pm.1609 Park Ave. Tickets: rooftopcinemaclub.com/dallas. H.E.R. at The Texas Trust CU Theatre, 1001 Performance Pl. Grand Prairie. 8 pm. Tickets: AXS.com. Ask Dr. Amerson with Dr. Linda Amerson.12 pm. CST @DFWiRadio.com, Live on Facebook @DrLindaAmerson.

Dallas County Young Democrats, October Meeting at Four Corners Brewing Co. 1311 S. Ervay St.6-8 pm.

SoulJazz Thursdays Feat: Natural Change Band. Hosted by Sandaga 813, 813 Exposition Ave. 8 pm-12 am. Visit www.sandaga813.com.

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

The Whole Food PlantBased Cooking Demo, Facebook live @ AARP Michigan 1 pm CDT. Reg: https://bit.ly/3kQuMMq.

Thursdays

Summer Series at Heritage Village by Rooftop Cinema Club. The Great Gatsby. 7:30 pm.1609 Park Ave. Tickets: https://rooftopcinemaclub. com/dallas/

OCTOBER 14

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

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

2021 Pastors Luncheon, Virtual Zoom Conference. Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Starksy Wilson. RSVP by: Thu, 10-7 Reg: https://bit.ly/3CmkCZY 11:30 am-1 pm. CDT.

OCTOBER 12

OCTOBER 9

Wednesdays

Real Conversations with Dr. Lynn Richardson by AARP Black Community On AARPBlackCommunity Facebook Live 12 pm CDT.

2021 Yes Summit A Virtual event Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education. 9 am- 12 pm. Reg: bit.ly/3lFKYPT

Summer Series at Heritage Village by Rooftop Cinema Club. Cruella. 7:30 pm. 1609 Park Ave. Dallas, Tickets: rooftopcinemaclub.com/dallas/

OCTOBER 4

Summer Series at Heritage Village by Rooftop Cinema Club. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. 7:30 pm. 1609 Park Ave. rooftopcinemaclub.com/dallas/

OCTOBER 2

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.

Summer Series at Heritage Village by Rooftop Cinema Club. Poetic Justice. 7:30 pm. 1609 Park Ave. Dallas, rooftopcinemaclub.com/dallas/

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

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

October 1, 2021

BLAC

The HBCU Brand - Showcased: Dallas Style

Miss Grambling State University and her Court

By Andrew Whigham, III Our Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) have educated and entertained millions over the years. With the COVID pandemic suppressing our lifestyles for the past two years, even with our masks on at the Cotton Bowl it was like a breath of fresh air. Last Saturday was no exception for those who attended the State Fair Classic Football Game in Dallas, TX. I referenced the game as “The Cat Fight in Dallas.” The game featured the Grambling State University Tigers and the Prairie View A& M University Panthers in their annual gridiron showdown. If you ever attended an HBCU game in the past, you would understand the venue, pageantry, and competitions both on the field, as well as in the stands. We got it all in one day. Old friends meeting new friends and families coming together actually feeling more like a family reunion. Both marching bands entertained October 1, 2021

Miss Prairie View A&M University and her Court

the crowd with precision and musicianship when it was their time to shine. The University Queens: Miss GSU - Faith Daniels and Miss PVAMU - Z’Nae Michelle Mangum and their Royal Court members, Student Government Association (SGA Presidents: GSU - Adarian Williams and PVAMU Marquinn Booker and their staffs exchanged pleasantries with their counterparts. In attendance, I spotted the SGA President of Florida A&M University - Carrington Whigham exchanging greetings with her colleagues. Oftentimes people think that HBCUs have no purpose. I beg to differ with that thought and/or statement. HBCUs will continue to train, shape and motivate people throughout this world. That’s what happened at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday. By the way, the Panthers defeated the Tigers for the fourth consecutive meeting 24-10. Both teams and their following represented their institutions HBCU Leadership: Student Government Association (SGA) extremely well. Presidents: GSU - Adarian Williams, FAMU - Carrington Whigham Can’t wait til next year!!!! and PVAMU - Marquinn Booker

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

Moka at the Fair By Nina Garcia The much-anticipated opening day of the State Fair of Texas 2021 has arrived! Many a fairgoers, including myself, were eager to once again partake in the festivities. As I walked in the gates, the familiar sounds of the Midway, the bright lights, the aroma of fair food, and the scurrying of the crowd, overwhelmed me with a sense of comfort. Especially when I saw Big Tex in all his glory. When Big Tex greeted the crowd with

“Howdy Folks!”, he had our attention. Everything seemed to be in its place and in order. Aside the now accustomed donning of a mask, it was as if the State Fair never skipped a beat. There was a large constant flow of people but wasn’t too congested. Similar to a colony of ants meticulously moving in orderly patterns as to not interrupt the flow. The State Fair is a place where many different types of people from all over the world come together no matter the gender, age, religion or color of their

In Midway, smaller Illuminated ferris wheel

skin. Everyone is there to have a good time and make memories with friends and family. From the avid attendees to newcomers all were excited and couldn’t wait to explore the grounds. I took the opportunity to speak with some people throughout my visit to get their thoughts and feelings about the State Fair reopening. A few of the people I spoke with had some concern with the possibility of spreading covid being around so many people. But then followed by saying as long as all followed the requirements of

Front of Hall of State at night

Winnie, Ben and son, California Newcomers to the Fair, wanted to visit before moving to another state.

myimessenger.com

using masks and used hand sanitizers provided throughout the fairgrounds, it had offered a little more ease. Overall there was a consensus of contentment for the reopening. As for me I was in agreement with what they said. I took a moment and stood back to observe all the wonders of the State Fair of Texas...and it all brought a big smile to my face. Oh, but the hot, crunchy, savory taste of a Fletchers Corny Dog accented with mustard, took my overall experience to another level!

The Guerra/Guerrero family Regulars of the State Fair

October 1, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

OSCAR WINNER TERRENCE J. THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW BY VALDER BEEBE

Terrence J, won an Oscar for the short film “Two Distant Strangers,” as an executive producer of the film. Terrence J, best known as the host of BET’s popular music video countdown show 106 & Park. As a HBCU graduate, Terrence J. is an alum from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Recently named the national ambassador for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. I invited him into the Valder Beebe Show studios to share about his leading the initial sessions of a new program #RecognizeTheChew Class in Session Series that showcases the impact of the HBCU experience and inspires the next generation of Black leaders. Keshia Knight Pulliam — business leader, philanthropist

and one of the youngest actresses ever nominated for an Emmy for her work on The Cosby Show and acclaimed actor, Terrence J. are partnered with the program, sponsored by Now and Later® candy, is called #RecognizeTheChew Class in Session Series. The program is founded on the C.H.E.W. mantra, an acronym for Champion, Hustle, Empower, and Win. Participating HBCU schools will receive a $10,000 donation to create a scholarship fund for participating students as well as host a virtual seminar where students will have a chance to draw inspiration from influential HBCU alumni, who have notably mastered the “art of the hustle”. K. K. Pulliam & Terrence J’s publicists provided text in conjunction with the Valder Beebe Show VBS: Terrence, congratulations on your recent Oscar win. We’re so proud for you. There is money finally floating around HCBU’s, finally! My husband is a product of HCBU by attending Johnson C. Smith

Terrence J.

in Michigan. Tell me what you have going on. TJ: I am a graduate of HCBU, North Carolina A&T State University. We’re doing a very special program with Now and Later. It’s called #RecognizeTheChew. What chew stands for is champion, hustle, empower and win. We’re going to do a virtual class and talk about why it is important to hustle. I’ve hustled my entire career. I can’t wait to work with the Universities and share some of this knowledge. In addition to that, There is a big $10,000 scholarship going out to students.

VBS: How will the students get connect with the scholarship money? TJ: Go to Now and Later and you can find all of the information on the program and obtaining the scholarship. The site also talks more about my class. VBS: As a HBCU alumni, when a young person attends a HBCU tell me what value they can possibly obtain. TJ: For me personally, attending a HBCU gave me a chance to get my grades up, join a fraternity and I believe, I would not have won my Oscar award without my attending a HBCU. These are significant achievements……… Complete PODCAST interview: YouTube.com/valderbeebeshow; more interviews: SoundCloud. com/valderbeebeshow; ValdeBeebeShow.com; SoundCloud. com/kkvidfw; 411RadioNetwork. com; broadcasting to a global audience on KKVI FM Radio,KRER 104.5 FM, Streaming TV, Social Media, Print Publications; IMESSENGERS, Texas Metro News, and Garland Journal News.

www.grandpasecret.com myimessenger.com

October 1, 2021

I MESSENGER

myimessenger.com

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 myimessenger.com

October 1, 2021