VOL XI NO 9 OCTOBER 29, 2021
I MESSENGER
Congresswoman’s seat a HOT TOPIC!
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
Dallas Mayor tests positive for COVID Dallas Citizens were informed midday Tuesday that Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson tested positive for COVID 19. “Thankfully, I am fully vaccinated, and I am only experiencing mild symptoms,” he said in a statement, as he expressed concern for the health of his children who are not eligible to receive the vaccine. “My wife Nikki, who is also fully vaccinated, has tested negative.” Saying that he had notified recent close contacts , as well as his sons’ schools, the mayor said he “first began to feel ill late Monday,” He canceled my events including presiding over Wednesday’s Dallas City Council meeting. “I appreciate your thoughts and prayers on behalf of my family, and I look forward to a speedy recovery so I can get back to work with my colleagues on behalf of the people of Dallas,” said Mayor Johnson. “In addition, I want to take this opportunity to again encourage resi-
Mayor Eric Johnson
dents of Dallas to get vaccinated if they have not yet done so — and to receive a booster shot when they are eligible. The vaccines have saved lives and can make breakthrough cases, like mine, far less severe.”
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 29, 2021
I MESSENGER
Wear the masks, wash your hands and show love! 2
myimessenger.com
INSIDE
QUIT PLAYIN
FAITHFUL UTTERANCES
“So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth!” Revelations 3:15 The good news is that a line has finally been drawn in the sand. The bad news is that Democrats and Biden supporters have their heads securely buried beneath it.
I have two favorite seasons of the year—Fall and Spring. I think it’s because they aren’t that extreme –I don’t like really cold or hot weather. The challenge is as much as I enjoy both seasons, they affect my allergies in the worst way. For me, I’ve had to adapt.
p9
p16
WHAT’S ON MILES’ MIND When I was a kid, from time to time I would hear the phrase, something or someone was “going to hell in a handbasket.” I never gave it much thought, just old folks complaining about something or someone getting on their nerves-- that is their last nerve.
p28
Plum Market opens at DFW Airport Photos by Jesse Hornbuckle
Former TX State Rep. Helen Giddings, CEO/founder of Multiplex, Inc., has partnered with retail giant Hudson to open and operate the one-of-a-kind market and dining experience in Terminal B at DFW Airport. The 2,400 square-foot installation boasts a full-service restaurant and bar featuring expansive open concourse dining, with more than 80 seats, along with a designated area for table service and a grab-and-go marketplace.
myimessenger.com
3
October 29, 2021
MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith Publisher
I am in love!
As I watched the interviews of Black men, most of them fathers and some who aren’t; I beamed with pride as they each talked about how they took a stand against the violence in one Shreveport, LA school. The videos of students fighting were enough to turn my stomach. As always my thoughts went to what I would have done had I come upon fights involving any child I fed, clothed and provided a safe living environment for. Just the thought of my child bullying another child, or a teacher, or just the thought of my child being bulled by another child or marginalized by a teacher; were just causes for me to take charge. And that’s what Southwood High School’s Dad’s on Duty (or Dads on Duty) have done — taken charge! Which brings me to my truth. These men in Louisiana have taken on another job; committing to hours of active duty patrolling classrooms, talking to students, and serving as resources for faculty and staff at Southwood; where in a three-day period, 23 students were arrested. Since Dad’s on Duty arrived on campus, not one incident! These men are doing so much to make a difference October 29, 2021
and their actions are going to have long-term effects. There will be some students who will remember those valiant Dad’s on Duty as bold men who gave them attention that ultimately kept them out of prison or a deviant lifestyle. The men will be remembered by some who don’t have a man in the household, or worse, the man is there but he is abusive, unemployed, or participating in illegal activity. The Dad’s on Duty are heroes. They made me think of so many men who are doing great things in other arenas, but I also found myself thinking about the men who are not doing anything productive; or they are incarcerated, drug addicted, or sexual offenders. Maybe a Dad on Duty could have saved them, Across the country there are similar programs, some even of a military nature. Here in Texas, Frisco ISD is one school
I MESSENGER
district that participates in a national program, WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students). According to it’s website, WATCH D.O.G.S. is one of the nation’s largest and most respected school-based, family, and community engagement, organizations in the country. Each school year hundreds of thousands of fathers and father-figures volunteer to serve at least one day a year in a variety of school activities as assigned by the school principal or other administrator. Founder Michael LaFitte, II and other fathers say they are changing the narrative. They are providing a strong, supportive force that is being well received by the students. Dads on Duty would like to multiply and spread out across the country. Can you see why I just love them? Now it’s true that everyone can’t get out like the men who
4
have stepped forward across the country; however, we can still provide support. And let’s face reality, parenting is hard. Dad’s on Duty can help, and so can you! Check out their Facebook page and reach out. Or contact them at Southwood, Find out how you can help them because they had the vision and then look at the schools in your neighborhood and see how you can make a difference at home. I think I will start by sending lunch to Southwood, or maybe ordering 100 shirts to help out. When folks talk about a village; this has to be what they are talking about. The late Dr. Julia Hare said, “When they took discipline away from the parents, we found out that: The teachers were afraid of the Principals. The principals were afraid of the Superintendents. The Superintendents were afraid of the School Board. The School Boards were afraid of the parents. The parents were afraid of the children. The Children WERE NOT afraid of anyone!” It may be a new day and fear doesn’t work, but there is something to say about love and attention; and that’s just what these men are giving. I salute the men who are stepping up, and I just love them! myimessenger.com
Training Center opens in Oak Cliff Photos by Terry Allen
A new advanced technical training center designed to create economic opportunities and expand education in an often-neglected area of Dallas County opened recently, with a cele- bration that included local business and elected officials, and E Smith Communities, chaired by Hall of Fame former Dallas Cowboy Emmitt Smith, whose partnership with Dallas College has made the center possible. Dallas College Executive Vice Chancellor Justin Lonon joined the former Cowboy’s running back and others to formally open the 30,000 square foot center. Smith, president of E Smith Communities, purchased the building in 2019 and began redeveloping it as a hub of mixed-use space. The center is located at 4315 South Lancaster Road.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson speaks words of dedication over the new innovative technology training center.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson addresses elected officials, DCCCD administrators Emmitt Smith, former Dallas Cowboy running back, commemorates the partnership and students, as well as local stakeholders. between his development company, E Smith Communities, and Dallas College
City officials and Dallas College staff members participate in ceremonial ribbon cutting; opening the doors to the new learning facility.
myimessenger.com
5
October 29, 2021
October 29, 2021
I MESSENGER
6
myimessenger.com
Series focuses on AIDS Awareness The Plano North Metroplex (TX) Chapter of The Links Incorporated, in partnership with The Links Foundation, Gilead Sciences, Collin County NAACP, Paul Quinn College, Minnie’s Food Pantry, Hamilton Park United Methodist Women’s Ministry and The Dallas Examiner will host the first-ever, Collin County Virtual HIV Town Hall, 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 28, 2021; Let’s Talk Session for
Youth, Thursday, November 4, 2021; Let’s Talk Session for Women, Tuesday, November 16, 2021, and celebrate World AIDS Day, Wednesday, December 1, 2021. LINKS HELP HIV events represent a proactive campaign to provide national and local HIV data, as well as informational sessions and resources to protect residents and illustrate the impact of the epidemic on the community.
The collaborative hopes to reach people within the North Texas area, specifically young adults, and women, who are among the most vulnerable populations. “This is a ground-breaking opportunity for Collin County and North Texas as educational, nonprofit, media, healthcare and faith-based organizations partner to educate communities of color on the
Michelle Moses Meeks, President Plano North Metroplex Links, Inc.
prevention and spread of HIV,” said Michelle Moses-Meeks, President, Plano North Metroplex (TX) Chapter of The Links, Inc. The historic series of virtual events is a result of a grant from The Links, Foundation and Gilead Sciences and is a national call to action to inform communities of color and protect and prevent the rising effects of HIV. “I have championed this cause in the DFW Metroplex for over 40 years. I am looking forward to bringing our thought leaders together for an informative and much needed town hall discussion,” said Mollie Belt, HistoryMaker and Publisher-CEO of The Dallas Examiner. The informative series of events focuses on protection and prevention of the spread of HIV in Collin County and North Texas. “We believe the Links HELP HIV collaboration provides an excellent platform for expanding the conversation and partnership with community-based organizations in North Texas to combat the HIV epidemic,” said Dr. Allison Mathews, Executive Director of Gilead COMPASS Faith Coordinating Center. myimessenger.com
7
October 29, 2021
MONTHLY FOCUS OVER
Breast Cancer work continues for Bradford
Melissa Bradford with Vickie Yakunin, Senior Manager of Amazon, on North Texas Giving Day.
regarding breast cancer. “We did a table discussion of just those that had gone through breast cancer. I had no idea how many family members that had been impacted the disease. During that talk, I found out that I had a cousin who died from breast cancer, my grandmother had breast cancer, and my aunt had gone through breast cancer twice,” said Bradford. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that test for breast cancer declined by 87% during April 2020 as compared with previous fiveyear averages for that month. These prolonged delays in screening related to the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to a delayed diagnoses and an increase in cancer disparities. Bradford can relate, “I actually went in for my mammogram annual screening, after skipping a year. In my mind I was everything was good. Finally, I ran in and had my mammogram. After that I got a call back. They said they saw a little something, but they needed to be sure. I was then scheduled for a biopsy.”
By Sylvia Dunnavant Hines Texas Metro News
As October comes to an end, many people will hang up their pink ribbons until next year. For the millions of people that have been impacted by breast cancer, the changing of the month is just a sign that there is still much more work to be done. According to statistics, about one in eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. This year, an estimated 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the United States. “We have got to share our stories and break the code of silence in our community. It is important for us to share whatever illness or disease we have experienced with our families and friends, “said four-year breast cancer survivor, Melissa Bradford, who is Chief of Staff for State Representative Carl O. Sherman. Bradford, who is well aware of the disparities regarding African American Women and breast cancer, is deterOctober 29, 2021
Melissa Bradford
mined to help make a difference in our community. Most recent research reports that the mortality rate for African American women diagnosed with breast cancer is 42% higher than the comparable rate for White women. Triple negative breast cancer is also diagnosed more often in American women than in those of European descent. “After my diagnosis in May 2017, my entire family got together at Thanksgiving,” said Bradford. “We have a very large family. We rented out a center. My family decided that year to break the silence
I MESSENGER
8
While taking care of her mother who was in the hospital at the time Bradford received a call with the words that no woman wants to hear, she had breast cancer. “When I first heard the word cancer, my mind started racing. Of course, I fell apart. Ultimately, I went to the worst-case scenario. My first questions were what do I do and where do I go from here,” said Bradford. Following her diagnosis Bradford went through a lumpectomy, followed by 32 rounds of radiation. “I tell anybody going through breast cancer that you need to create a team. I call my personal team, my tribe. Today they are still my support system,” said Bradford, who received support from her church, staff and family members. Bradford encourages women to continue to break the code of silence by finding out their family history for breast cancer and communicating about their health with their families and friends. It is her desire to share her story so that she can impact the disparity regarding the mortality of African American Women and breast cancer. myimessenger.com
The Lukewarm Left vs. The Renegade Right! QUIT PLAYIN’ BY VINCENT L. HALL “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth!” Revelations 3:15 The good news is that a line has finally been drawn in the sand. The bad news is that Democrats and Biden supporters have their heads securely buried beneath it. Even before the insurrection on 1-6-21, it was evident that White America was in the midst of a second Civil War. No bullets, bombs, or bunker busters have been unleashed, but the cold war is on and popping. We are in the opening stages of CW 2.0! You can cast this battle as Democrat versus Republican, Coastal elites versus the middle American mainstreams, or the white folks who hate Niggers versus the Nigger lovers. Sorry to be blunt, but Donald Trump brought the vilest vernacular of racism back to surface. Prudently, they just curtail their use of non-white pejoratives when they face the camera. You missed it, but hatred always begins with speech. So first, Trump inferred, then he insinuated, and now he inserts White Privilege any and everywhere he wants to. It ain’t about the mask stupid! The point is that nobody has the right to tell a White man myimessenger.com
Chief Justice Roger Taney
President Jimmy Carter
what he can or cannot do. Refer to the Dred Scott decision. On March 6, 1857, Chief Justice Roger Taney issued the worst Supreme Court opinion ever. He ruled that “The Negro had no rights that the White man was bound to respect.” Insert any non-White race, any gender other than heterosexual male, and you too are covered under Taney’s umbrella! Very little has changed among Southerners and the Red States. Taney went on to support John C. Breckenridge, a confederate in deference to Abraham Lincoln. The South has never relented or retracted its hatred. What troubles those who study history is the knowledge that hate speech leads to hate crimes. Hate speech, though somewhat protected by the first amendment, is potentially dangerous. Hate speech eventually killed America’s sacred trinity. JFK, MLK, and RFK were set up and shot down by hateful language.
Look at the lives of those who respond to hate speech. Lee Harvey Oswald, a former U.S. Marine who actually defected to the Soviet Union, hated JFK. James Earl Ray, a career petty criminal from America’s “Heartland,” is said to have escaped from prison in the middle of a 20-year sentence. He hated MLK to death, although he never met or understood him. Sirhan Sirhan, a Palestinian born in Jerusalem, claimed several different religions and the occult in his early years. He acted out the messages of dissent, and RFK was assassinated. Hate speech does not move everyone to action, but it doesn’t take a legion to form a lynch mob. The time has come to flip the script in an American political marquee that features the Lukewarm Left vs. The Renegade Right. Activism and energy need to emerge from the Left, and the Right must be forced to retreat. And that ain’t easy when Fox “Noose,” OAN and NewsMax are orga-
9
nizing 24-7-365! President Jimmy Carter, who is always reserved and realistic, was brutally honest on race a few years ago. “I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a Black man,” Carter told “NBC Nightly News.” “That racism inclination still exists, and I think it’s bubbled up to the surface because of belief among many white people -- not just in the South but around the country -- that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country. It’s an abominable circumstance, and it grieves me and concerns me very deeply,” Carter said. The problem is that Democrats want a couch potato, 60-inch flat-screen view of American politics. We want to confront threats without baring our arms and planting our feet. We want peace without passing through any perils. We want to see gray when it is actually either black or white. Democrats and Liberals are lukewarm and limp when we need to be hot and heavy. Jesus would probably become a Democrat because Republicans are too cruel to be Christians. However, our lukewarm responses to injustice would be enough to make Jesus spit! Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.
October 29, 2021
October 29, 2021
I MESSENGER
10
myimessenger.com
BIG MAMA SAID:
KNOW YOUR PLACE THEN LET GOD CALL OUT THE LION IN YOU! THE BLACK CARD BY TERRY ALLEN
My grandmother, Lucille “Big Mama” Allen, spoke this all too well and many times during her lifetime. I know when you see this you are thinking Big Mama is telling you to accept your stature in society, in any organization, even in your family, etc. and do nothing more. Right? You have followed me and Big Mama for a while now, so you are sure she is saying, “Be Quiet, Be still and shut up!” Right? No! Not at All! Big Mama meant the exact opposite. She was telling us if we see something not just right, then be the person who steps up to the plate and be the person who changes things. She worked from
myimessenger.com
a special God place. It was clear to her mind that God will give powerful insight to us, when we let GOD pull us out of the shadows and into the light of His love and grace. She would then whisper in my ear, “Son, know your place” and she would SHOVE me into the situation because she knew I could change things! What a woman! She knew I had a voice. I am reminded of “MY PLACE” every time I see that T-shirt that says- Dream Like Martin, Lead like Harriet, Fight like Malcolm, Think like Garvey, Write Like Maya, Build like Madame CJ, Speak like Frederick, Educate Like Thurgood and Challenge like Rosa! Big Mama knew my place. She helped me confirm for sure that we currently have a timely opportunity to be the Lions that our relatives and descendants were when they
stood up during less “WOKE” times. Big Mama was certain it was more than a notion to fight for fairness during her time when “know your place” meant “Be Quiet, Be still and shut up!” Our community is in an intense series of actions and discussions to prevent equity, and the current battleground is in the schools. We do not have to go far to see evidence of the attempt to unbalance the progress we are making in educational parity. BIPOC students have been suspended from schools because they challenged racial hate. School administrators, teachers and parents are targets of threats and bullying. Students are subject to racial slurs, graffiti and social media blitz while education stakeholders ignore the act. School board elections have been targeted to make sure individuals are elected who
11
will block diversity, equity and inclusion. The hunters have made the lions forget their place. In the words of Vanzant, “What is it that would make a creature as fierce, majestic and powerful as a lion is, subject itself to the intimidation of a man, a whip and a chair? The lion has been taught to forget what it is.” I am asking all LIONS to know your place, step up and help stop the erosion of progress. Join your PTA. Attend your school board meetings. Challenge every policy and/or defeatist strategy! Lucille “Big Mama” Allen would not have it any other way. Email me at terryallenpr@ gmail.com if you are a Lion and you want to unite! Terry Allen is a multi-media journalist and former board member of the National Association of Black Journalists.
October 29, 2021
October 29, 2021
I MESSENGER
12
myimessenger.com
myimessenger.com
13
October 29, 2021
October 29, 2021
I MESSENGER
14
myimessenger.com
Labor Shortage or Pay Shortfall THE LAST WORD BY DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX
Walking down a busy urban street, one cannot help but notice the number of “help wanted” signs that grace the front of many establishments. Restaurants, grocery stores, and retail establishments all seem to want workers. Many of them indicate their starting pay is “at least” $15 an hour. Some list other benefits in the window, including things like vacation time, employee discounts, and more. Workers aren’t pounding down doors for these jobs, though. Part of the challenge is the uncertainty around COVID and its variants, especially the delta variant that seems far more deadly than the original virus. The other part of the challenge is that people simply aren’t being paid enough. While $15 an hour is twice the current minimum wage (and can we please raise that sooner rather than later), for some workers, it just isn’t enough, especially if they are supporting families. $15 an hour is $30,000 a year for a full-time, full-year job. The poverty line for a family of four is $26,500, so a $15 an hour job puts a family above the poverty line, but just barely. People have been rethinking their employment situation and their options because of COVID. Thus, myimessenger.com
Our labor market just ain’t what it used to be, and in some ways, that’s a good thing. Employers need to address the so-called labor shortage by implementing innovation – paying people more, providing more flexibility for all workers, and offering more benefits, especially health care for workers. COVID reminds us that the “old ways” don’t work anymore. when the unemployment rate report was released on October 8, economists were disappointed to learn that only new 194,000 jobs were created in September. The projection was that more than 500,000 jobs would be created, in line with the job creation we’d seen before now. But this was before the delta variant. The September unemployment rate, at 4.8 percent, seems low and would be a step in the right direction, except it is partly reflective of the fact that some people have been dropping out of the labor force. Employment in public education declined in September, and COVID is partly to blame for that. And when schools are not open, that means those who take care of children, primarily women, will not be working. We keep hearing reports of labor shortages, especially in education. Some school districts are having trouble attracting enough substitute teachers. But, as they adhere to the laws of supply and demand, more substitute teachers may be interested in working. But school
districts, to attract them, will have to pay more. Some are doing exactly that, with compensation up, in many cases, by as much as 50 percent. Other schools, interestingly, are creating opportunities for “full-time” substitutes, which means a teacher may be assigned to a school and float among classrooms when a regular teacher can’t come to school, either because of illness or child care emergencies. The same innovative thinking addressing the substitute teacher shortage ought to be used to attract more workers in the hospitality and retail industries. While some unions and workers have galvanized around the “Fight for $15”, fifteen dollars an hour may simply not be enough. If we need more workers, employers should consider offering better wages or providing better working conditions and benefits. The fact that the minimum wage has remained constant for a decade speaks to the disrespect many have for workers, especially those
15
at the bottom. Whatever happened to the concept of a living wage. While the unemployment rate is falling, the racial unemployment rate gap remains. The unemployment rate for whites is 4.2 percent, compared to 7.9 percent for African Americans. And while 67.2 percent of white men are employed, the number is lower, at 60.7 percent lower for Black men. The situation is a bit different for women, since 54 percent of white women are employed, compared to 56.8 percent of Black women. The difference can be attributed to the fact that Black women may have both less flexibility in employment and more family financial responsibility given the number of Black families that are female-headed. Our labor market just ain’t what it used to be, and in some ways, that’s a good thing. Employers need to address the so-called labor shortage by implementing innovation – paying people more, providing more flexibility for all workers, and offering more benefits, especially health care for workers. COVID reminds us that the “old ways” don’t work anymore. The pace of change is often glacial, but when employers want more workers, they will stop talking about the labor shortage and instead address the pay shortfall. Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an author, economist, and social commentator.
October 29, 2021
Shake Them Haters Off and Everything Else That Needs To Go FAITHFUL UTTERANCES BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW
I have two favorite seasons of the year—Fall and Spring. I think it’s because they aren’t that extreme –I don’t like really cold or hot weather. The challenge is as much as I enjoy both seasons, they affect my allergies in the worst way. For me, I’ve had to adapt. Despite how much I love the beautiful colors of the Fall or the flowers of the Spring, I have to protect myself from something that brings me joy and yet, causes me pain. My allergies are severe, and I am on alert when I know the culprits that cause problems are in season. Over the years, untreated allergies have built up, even resulting in anaphylaxis. Had I recognized this and addressed it sooner, my life of multiple meds may look different. I’ve had to make some serious changes. The Bible reminds us that life is about change and is difficult as it maybe to do something different, we must be aware when it’s time. Refer to Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Just as we pay attention to the changing of the seasons
October 29, 2021
to determine the weather, it’s important to pay attention to the seasons in our lives. It’s very critical to be aware of when it’s time to stay and when it’s time to walk away. So often, because of our fears or even comfort, it’s easy to stay longer than we need to. We will tolerate toxic relationships, dead end jobs, and situations that deplete our joy but because of obligation, we will remain-hoping that it will get better or change. For many of us, we want to change but we don’t know how or what to do. Change can be frightening because it’s easy to stay in what’s familiar. We know they don’t like us, but they’ve been our friends for years. We know that the job is going no where but we are afraid to get another job because what if it’s worse? We know the relationship is dangerous, but we stay because when it’s good, it’s great but when it’s bad, it’s horrible. It won’t change until YOU decide to do something, and it starts with your thinking about the situation. The authors, Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey, wrote Immunity to Change, a groundbreaking book that focuses on why people do not change. In their work, they state even in a desire to
I MESSENGER
16
improve, we have competing commitments—thoughts that one time served us well to protect us but are no longer helping us. We make assumptions about the worst thing that can happen if we try to do something different and because of our thinking, we can become immobilized to change. Their process, the immunity map, serves as an x-ray to illuminate those thoughts that prevent us from creating the change we’d like to see. This work is based on adult development theory. A study of heart patients demonstrated that even after being informed of the consequences of not changing their habits, only 1 in 7 actually followed through. Those patients knew the danger of their behavior and despite all of the warnings, they did not change. It’s more than just changing our behaviors. If change was so easy, we’d all do it so quickly. Yet, it’s so much more---it is being aware of how our past, previous experiences and thinking play such a role in shaping our present and future possibilities. Change isn’t easy but it’s knowing when it’s time---especially when our very life (mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and
physically) depends on it. Being willing to walk away is important. Refer to Matthew 10:13-14. Shaking the dust off your feet is symbolic in knowing that when a situation takes your peace, it’s important to keep your peace. Dust is made up of fine particles and when it builds up over a period of time, it will require intense cleaning. Dust in the air can cause allergies and impact breathing. When we allow toxicity to build up in our lives, it takes more time and effort to remove it. Shaking off the dust in our lives is necessary—especially recognizing it sooner than later. When we allow ourselves to stay in places longer than we need to and that are harmful, we run the risk of our health, our safety, and our sanity. Shake the dust off, keep it moving and recognize when it’s time for change. 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.
myimessenger.com
myimessenger.com
17
October 29, 2021
Congresswoman’s seat a HOT TOPIC! Redistricting is always a hot topic. There’s been heightened interest in a certain congressional seat in Texas since Gov. Greg Abbott signed off on a new map earlier this week. Dr. Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr - Pastor Emeritus of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church, Dr. David Wilson – President of The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance & Pastor of Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church, Dr. Anthony Sharp – President of National Missionary Baptist Convention of America, Inc & Pastor of Tabernacle of Praise Missionary Baptist Church, and Rev. Todd Atkins - Pastor of Salem Institutional Baptist Church & President of South Dallas-Fair Park Faith Coalition are four of a growing list of clergymembers who are urging U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) to seek re-election in 2022. While some opponents have already thrown their hats in the ring and others are “exploring” options, the talk is heating up and the list of possible challengers, many who don’t want to go up against the veteran legislator, continues to grow. One thing’s for sure, a primary race in District 30 could drive more voters to the polls, and that would be a good thing, said one political strategist, adding that a huge Democratic voter turnout is important to keep Dallas County blue and work on other counties across the state. Several names, as many as 50, have floated around October 29, 2021
Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson
as potential candidates on the Democratic side including: State Sen. Royce West, who was named as an heir apparent when she first entered Congress; State Reps. Jasmine Crockett, Yvonne Davis, Toni Rose, and Carl Sherman; Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price; former State Reps. Barbara Mallory Caraway and Helen Giddings; Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson; Ambassador Ron Kirk, Dallas City Councilmembers present and past, Tennell Atkins, Casey Thomas, Carolyn King
I MESSENGER
Arnold, Diane Ragsdale, Kevin Felder, Tiffinni A. Young; School Board members Joyce Foreman, Justin Henry and Maxie Johnson, Judges Tammy Kemp, Monica Purdy, Lela Mays, Judge Valencia Nash, and Judge Cheryl Lee Shannon; Attorney Cheryl Wattley, H. Ron White; a candidate in last election, Shenita Cleveland; Pastor Frederick D. Haynes III and Sheron Patterson; businessman Albert Black and businesswomen Cynt Marshall, Matrice Ellis Kirk, DeMetris Sampson, and Elsie Cook
18
Holmes; Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown; and Paul Quinn President Michael Sorrell. In a document shared with Texas Metro News, clergy members praised Congresswoman Johnson for her almost 30 years in the nation’s capitol and while there are numerous qualified people that can seek the seat, they want the veteran to stay in office. The document reads: We, as a collective group, are privileged to be represented by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson in the 30th Congressional District of Texas. Since 1993, we have worked with her to strengthen our communities, grow our economy, and protect our environment. Congresswoman Johnson has always listened to us— her constituents—about numerous issues including the economy, education, small businesses, civil rights, health care, and foreign policy. She has always represented our district with a focus on our common bedrock philosophies of opportunity, responsibility, and fairness. Having worked in the health care system as a registered nurse prior to running for public office, she is an expert on the health care system and has fought for increased coverage for North Texans. To this day, she remains committed to preserving and strengthening Medicare. She is also a strong advocate of the protection of Social Security for current retirees, as well as future generations. As the only Texan serving myimessenger.com
as a Chair of the U.S. House of Representatives (the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology), Congresswoman Johnson understands that nothing is more important than the education we provide to our children. While there is no substitute for local control of our schools, she believes the federal government has a key role to play in assisting education by reducing class size and empowering our teachers. Engaging our students in science, math, and technology is very important because we must preserve our global competitive edge. As the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, she has been able to play a key role in drafting the federal highway bill and the reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act. She was also able to demonstrate to my colleagues the importance of improving the infrastructure in the Dallas Metroplex. In addition to advocating for Dallas’ trans-
Rev. Todd Atkins
myimessenger.com
Rev. Zan W. Holmes, Jr.
portation needs, she led a bipartisan delegation to Dallas to view these issues first-hand and secured hundreds of millions in federal funding for Dallas projects. We believe that her leadership on the Trinity River Corridor Project will have a lasting impact. Not only will the neighborhoods adjacent to the project be revitalized, but Dallas will benefit significantly from increased flood protection and additional economic development. She secured crucial funding for the continuing development of the inland port in southern Dallas, and over $1 billion in federal funds for DART, DFW, and Love Field. Because of her institutional experience and political involvement, she is very familiar with the political and the current redistricting processes. She was one
Rev. David Wilson
19
Rev. Anthony Sharp
of the individuals who was involved politically and legally to help get an African American seat in Dallas. She worked to ensure that the minority community in North Texas is heard in the redistricting process and chaired the State Senate’s Committee on Redistricting from 1990 – 1992. She has been involved in 3 redistricting trials. We look forward to working together with Congresswoman Johnson in continuing to build our district, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Uptown/ Victory Park, and West Dallas, which we are all proud to call home. We, therefore, urge Congresswoman Johnson to serve another term representing District 30 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her work has, and should continue to benefit her 700,000 plus constituents. Considering her seniority, in recent elections Congresswoman Johnson has had the endorsement of then president Barack Obama and sources say that President Joe Biden is also supportive of her candidacy. October 29, 2021
1st Black Woman to Pilot A Spacecraft, advocates for “J.E.D.I.” Space: Just, Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive “I'm the fourth Black female from the United States to fly to space, only four of us. And out of the four that have gone, only one person has gone multiple times. I really want to have that message out there that, you know, you can become a pilot. You can go to the stars - but not only for people of color and girls of color, but also for us what I call seasoned individuals. You know, I've been chasing space my entire life, and it took me 50-plus years to get here, but I made it.” – Dr. Sean Proctor, geoscientist, explorer, space artist, and astronaut.
TO BE EQUAL BY MARC MORIAL The Inspiration4 mission to orbit earlier this month made headlines as the first completely private space mission in history, and the first to carry an all-civilian crew. But another historic milestone received far less attention: crew member Sian Proctor, a geology professor at Arizona’s South Mountain Community College, became the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft. Dr. Proctor’s journey into space at the age of 51 was the culmination of a lifetime’s ambition. Her father worked at the NASA tracking station in Guam during the Gemini and Apollo missions, and she was born there just two weeks before the launch of Apollo 13. As a teen, she served in the Civil Air Patrol and dreamed the Air Force Academy, but poor vision and the early death of her father thwarted her ambition. It wasn’t until after she completed her PhD in Science Education in 2006 that her dreams of flight were rekindled. Earning her pilot’s license in just six months, she was inspired to undergo surgery to repair her vision. Space exploration finally seemed within her grasp. “For the first time, I fit all October 29, 2021
Dr. Sian Proctor
the requirements,” she told the Arizona Republic in 2009. “I had my PhD, 20/20 vision, and for the first time, NASA would be accepting my community college teaching as qualifying experience. In the past, only K-12 was accepted for astronaut educators.” Dr. Proctor was chosen as one of 47 finalists, out of more than 3,500 applicants, for the 2009 NASA Astronaut Selection Process. Astronaut Sunita Williams, who then held the record for the most spacewalks by a woman, made the phone call to deliver the disappointing news that she was not selected for the program. Undaunted, Dr. Proctor became an “analog astronaut” taking part in simulated missions to the moon and Mars. Her four analog missions include the 2013 Hawai’i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) mission to investigate food strategies for long duration spaceflight and missions to the Moon or Mars. Her book, “Meals for Mars” combines images, stories, and recipes highlighting
I MESSENGER
her experiences during the four-month mission. However, it was her artistic talent and entrepreneurial spirit as much as her scientific knowledge that helped her earn her place on the Inspiration4 crew. As the winner of an online business competition with her art store, “My Space2Inspire”, Dr. Proctor was selected to represent the mission pillar of Prosperity. Billionaire businessman Jared Isaacman, who organized the mission to raise awareness and funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, represented the Leadership pillar; Hayley Arceneaux, physician assistant at St. Jude and pediatric cancer survivor, represented the pillar of Hope; and Christopher Sembroski, data engineer and Air Force veteran, secured the spot representing the Generosity pillar when a friend who won a random drawing for St. Jude donors declined the prize and offered it to Sembroski. Dr. Proctor told NPR the mission was “the most amaz-
20
ing, stunning, awesome experience of my life” and she was awed by the view of Earth from space. “Because I went up not only just as a scientist but also as an artist and poet, to me, the Earth became this kind of living painting, this moving, swirling ball. I just couldn’t get enough.” A true example of #BlackGirlMagic, Dr. Proctor believes “we need to actively strive for a J.E.D.I. space: a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive space as we advance human spaceflight.” Honored earlier this year as one of The Explorers Club 50: Fifty People Changing the World, she said “I get people to think differently about exploration, science communication, and open access to knowledge. I believe it is important to provide access to unique places that most people will never have a chance to experience. We accomplish this through digital technology and science communication.” Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.
myimessenger.com
Dallas native addresses housing needs of veterans
TINY HOUSES and TINY DINING By Cheryl Smith From Homes to Dining, Tiny is the way of the future for many. Dallas-based Operation Tiny House is in the forefront of what many consider to be a fairly new concept to Texas, but across the country, as the plight of homelessness and affordable housing becomes more and more challenging, organizations and businesses are coming up with this option. Enter Valerie Ballard, a native Dallasite who has dedicated a majority of her life to helping veterans. Friday, October 29, 2021, from 3-8p.m., there will be an open house for Tiny Dining Ranch at 7225 University Hills Blvd. in Dallas. At the event, Ballard will introduce the Tiny Dining Experience where patrons can rent out the small fa-
myimessenger.com
Valerie Ballard
cilities for very intimate gatherings. Joined by representatives from Santander Consumer USA Foundation, City and County officials and other nonprofit organizations, attendees will learn more about the concept of Tiny Houses and how to become involved. As a young child, Ballard watched her grandmother
who took care of the veterans in the family. Ballard’s father was among those benefiting from his mother’s commitment to serving those who served in the military. Always resourceful and involved, upon graduation from David W. Carter High School, Ballard became known for being engaged in the community and also, being the youngest publisher of a newspaper, serving the Black community. Fast forward, she established an organization, North Texas Capacity Builders, to provide transitional and permanent housing, job training and employment opportunities for veterans experiencing homelessness. Next it was Operation Tiny House. For about four years she said worked with former Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Diane Ragsdale and the Inner City Development Corporation
21
(ICDC), revitalizing neighborhoods in the South Dallas area. The transformation of communities was a sight to see and while doing the work, Ballard said she met veterans whose houses needed renovations, and many were major projects. “Some of the houses were uninhabitable,” she recalled, adding that Operation Freedom was necessary as it helped veterans bring their homes up to a standard where they could move around their homes more efficiently. “You had some who were unable to leave their homes because they needed ramps or other repairs.” One veteran’s house, said Ballard, was uninhabitable and actually took about $175,000 to bring up to standard. “I told my program manager, ‘we could build several tiny October 29, 2021
houses and serve more veterans for that cost,’” she said. “We actually looked at how many we could serve and we could build more affordable homes.” The first Tiny House was built by Operation Tiny House, on Spring Street, in collaboration with ICDC. The nonprofit owns the houses, allowing veterans to live in tiny house communities of 10 houses; ranging on an average from 125 to 170 square feet. The size may sound unbelievable for some but Ballard said Tiny Houses are each designed for one occupant and are not a fit for everyone. For that honorable veteran who is productive and willing to be employed in the community work program (at a concrete plant); it’s an ideal alternative to homelessness, she said. “As long as they are good neighbors, work and keep the community up, our plan is to help them be self-sufficient,” explained Ballard. “We’d like to transition them so we can help other veterans.” Ballard also has big plans for the future that include partnering with other non-profits to serve other demographics, like teenagers that have aged out of foster care or domestic violence victims. This year she began teaching Capacity Building workshops so that other nonprofits can learn how to help with the housing crisis. “Next year I am committed to helping other nonprofits,” said Ballard. “I applaud everyone who helps because until we deal with housing and employment, we will always have homelessness.” October 29, 2021
I MESSENGER
22
myimessenger.com
myimessenger.com
23
October 29, 2021
Garland NAACP holds 30th Annual Freedom Fund Program By Gwendolyn H. Daniels Garland Journal
Continuing its award-winning programming, the NAACP Garland, TX Unit presented its 30th Annual Freedom Fund program virtually and featuring Rev. Dr. Devin Atchison, senior pastor of Westside Baptist Church in Lewisville, as the keynote speaker. The highlight of the event actually came at the close of the program when President Ricky C. McNeal, was honored as the Garland NAACP “Man of the Year.” Garland Mayor Scott LeMay led the parade of speakers appearing on the surprise video congratulating President McNeal for his outstanding leadership of the Garland NAACP. Other speakers included Garland Councilman Billy J. Williams, City Manager Bryan Bradford, Assistant City Manager Mitch Bates, Police Chief
Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union
Jeff Bryan, Garland ISD Superintendent Dr. Ricardo Lopez, US Congressman Colin Allred, Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church Sr. Pastor Leonard Leach, and Garland NAACP Vice President Annie L. Dickson. In completion of the “Man of the Year” surprise video, President Ricky C. McNeal’s wife, Najeda Flowers McNeal and their three adult daughters delivered sincere
Intrinsic Owners Bridge Builder Award
October 29, 2021
I MESSENGER
President Ricky C. McNeal
words of admiration and gratitude to the leader of their family. After wiping away tears,
Garland Health Dept Community Service Award
24
President McNeal gave closing remarks congratulating all of the award and scholarship recipients, the MC and
Randall Reed’s Planet Ford Silent Auction Donor
myimessenger.com
keynote speaker, all program participants and Ruby Adams, chair lady of the Garland NAACP Freedom Fund Committee along with her committee members who helped to make the occasion a huge success. This year’s theme: “The NAACP, Still A Voice in the Community,” was so appropriate, according to Carol Blakes, Freedom Fund CoChair, who introduced Lakisha Culpepper, Garland ISD’s Liaison to the African American Community, as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Elder Linda Jordan, pastor of Linda Jordan Ministries offered the morning prayer and young Mya Dean, secretary of Garland’s NAACP Youth Council brought a gracious welcome and occasion. Warm greetings were delivered by Karina Olivares, president of the Garland Chamber of Commerce and by Dr. Chester Johnson, chair of the Garland NAACP’s Legal Redress Committee. An impressive listing of yearly accomplishments along with a group photo and names of Garland’s NAACP officers and Executive Committee were shown as Ms. Culpepper compelled guests to go to the Unit’s website and become members of the NAACP. Dr. Atchison delivered an electrified message on “Raking Leaves in Windy Weather,” stressing to the virtual audience that, “There are NO perfect people!” The Garland NAACP officers had received numerous calls, emails and texts requesting a copy of Dr. Atchison’s spiritual message, that pointed out that, “not a one of us knows everything, but together we can do more and go further.” Kai McGhee, sophomore at myimessenger.com
Dr. Delvin Atchison Keynote Speaker
Rowlett High School presented an outstanding solo and acting performance before Cassandra Cox, a member of the Garland NAACP Religious Affairs Committee announced the Unit’s 2021 adult award recipients. Intrinsic Smokehouse and Brewery, a local business in downtown Garland (owners Cary and Molly Hodson) received the distinguished Bridge Builder’s Award; Timothy Robinson, founder of the nonprofit “Inspired to Help” received the Volunteer Service Award; the Garland Health Department received the Community Service Award for its concerted efforts to deliver thousands of COVID vaccinations; and the ever-inspiring Dr. Ricardo Lopez, superintendent of the Garland ISD received the Education Award. Gwendolyn H. Daniels, Garland NAACP chair of Corporate and Community Sponsorships, acknowledged all financial contributors of the Garland Unit and spotlighted two long-time sponsors: Randall Reed’s Planet Ford of Garland and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union. Dr. Joyce K. Miller, chair of Garland’s NAACP Education Committee presented two legacy scholarships: Bobby
Elder Linda Jordan
Lakisha Culpepper Mistress of Ceremonies
Dr Ricardo Lopez Education Award
Timothy Robinson Volunteer Award
Giddens of South Garland High School received the John W. Washington Legacy Scholarship and Enoch Ellis, Youth Council president and a student at St. Mark’s School of Texas received the prestigious Elaine Bradley Scholarship. Tiffany Gilmore, Garland ISD’s Director of Guidance and Counseling presented NAACP academic scholarships to top African American seniors at each of Garland ISD’s seven high schools. Recipients were Favour Okwun (3.69 GPA), South Garland High School; Tiobsta Ayele (4.35 GPA), North Garland High School; Modupe Karimi (4.59 GPA), Lakeview Centennial High School; JoJo Adoboe (4.68 GPA), Sachse
High School; Kalabe Zerihun (4.10 GPA), Naaman Forest High School; Amaya Green (4.76132 GPA), Rowlett High School; and Gabriel Tisdale (5.36 GPA), the top African American senior in the entire district who attends Garland High School. Gabriel received the distinguished Goldie Locke Academic Scholarship. Also, Robert Ben, chair of the ever-popular Garland NAACP silent auction, along with his committee who conducted a week-long online silent auction that was an overwhelming success, was recognized. For more information on the NAACP Garland Unit, visit the website at: garlandtxnaacp.org.
25
October 29, 2021
October 29, 2021
I MESSENGER
26
myimessenger.com
Sonja Stills to Become First Female Commissioner in MEAC and HBCU Division I History! By Kennedy Williams
NORFOLK, Va., – After a comprehensive and competitive national search by Parker Executive Search Firm, the MEAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors announced on Tuesday that Sonja Stills will become the next MEAC Commissioner effective January 1, 2022. With Stills’ selection, she becomes the first female commissioner in MEAC and HBCU Division I history. “On behalf of MEAC institutions’ presidents and chancellors, I am thrilled to welcome Ms. Stills as our next commissioner,” said Johnson O. Akinleye, Ph.D., chancellor of North Carolina Central University and chair of the MEAC Presidents and Chancellors Council. “Her extensive portfolio, experience and service with the MEAC make her uniquely prepared to elevate the conference in the coming years. As a proven leader who is making history for the MEAC, she is equally passionate about providing opportunities for our diverse student-athletes and building a portfolio of athletic and academic successes.” “I’m honored to be named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s next Commissioner,” Sonja Stills said. “I’ve learned a great deal in my tenure with the conference and look forward to continuing the MEAC’s history of excellence. Thank you to the MEAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors for this opportunity and thank you to Commissioner Dr. Dennis E. myimessenger.com
Sonja Stills Commissioner of MEAC
Thomas for your leadership and mentorship over the past 19 years.” Stills currently serves as the Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. With over 19 years of experience in assisting with articulating and developing a clear, strategic vision for the future of the conference, she brings an unmatched level of expertise to her new role as MEAC Commissioner. A 2021 MEAC 50th Anniversary Pioneers in Women’s Sports Award recipient, Stills embodies all that is the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. “Congratulations to Sonja Stills,” Dr. Dennis E. Thomas said. “I’m thrilled to see her hard work, determination, discipline and integrity being rewarded. Sonja has always demonstrated vision and a passion for student-athlete achievement, which is why I’m confident she will lead the MEAC to its next level of success.” In addition to her roles as Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer, Stills also serves as the MEAC’s Director of Esports, a new, cutting-edge
initiative that began in the summer of 2020. She took charge in this new position, serving as the key driver in developing regulations for the MEAC Esports Community and developing the MEAC’s esports strategy. Her goal is to enhance awareness of the MEAC’s esports initiative by working with industry business leaders to encourage growth. Since arriving at the MEAC, Stills has elevated overall brand visibility for the conference. She has negotiated corporate partnerships by working with major companies including iHeartRadio, US Marines, Home Depot, Hampton Roads Transit, Priority Automotive, ESI, TowneBank, and Harley Davison. She assisted in negotiating a contract with Nike with member institutions. She also managed the conference budgets. Additionally, she was instrumental in developing the MEAC Strategic and Long-Range Plan in December 2008 and 2021-22, along with securing global creative agency 160over90 as the marketing company for the MEAC in 2020.
27
Before arriving at the MEAC, Stills served as Hampton University’s Coordinator of Athletic Academic Support for four years, and for three of those years, she was appointed Senior Woman Administrator. While at Hampton, she created the university’s first Athletic Academic Support Program and implemented the CHAMPS/ LifeSkills Program. She provided academic advising and counseling to student-athletes. A 1993 graduate of Old Dominion University, Stills earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Services Counseling. In 1996, she received a Master of Arts in Counseling (College Student Work Personnel) from Hampton University. She would later go on to graduate from the Sports Management Institute in 2002 and the NACWAA/ HERS Institute for Administrative Advancement in 2008. Kennedy Williams has been a member of HBCU CONNECT since July, 2016. Kennedy represents Spelman College class of 2020 and is located in the LOGANVILLE, GA area.
October 29, 2021
What’s in your handbasket? WHAT’S ON MILES’ MIND BY MILES JAYE When I was a kid, from time to time I would hear the phrase, something or someone was “going to hell in a handbasket.” I never gave it much thought, just old folks complaining about something or someone getting on their nerves-- that is their last nerve. Truthfully, while I was taught about hell in Sunday School, I knew nothing of a handbasket. Again, I hadn’t given it much thought. As I watched the news this morning, I found myself thinking, this country is going to hell in a handbasket. That’s right! America and the democratic principles it was supposedly founded on are going straight to hell in a handbasket. Two other things occurred to me. One, it’s time to look into that handbasket thing and two, I must now be as old as the old folks of my youth. I was not at all surprised to learn that a handbasket is exactly that, a basket small enough to carry by hand. I was, however, surprised to learn that the practical art of basket weaving dates back thousands of years B.C. Peoples throughout the world have woven a variety of grasses, straw, wicker, palm, and bamboo to carry essential provisions from place to place. Africa, Asia and the Middle East are home to some of October 29, 2021
Proud? I’m not proud, I’m tired. The feeling I get in the pit of my stomach every day, at some point in the day, is so far from pride, it would take a short trip on Space-X to come close. What I feel is the contempt I felt for Frederick Jones and what was for far too long, his useless appliance. Contempt for a system of grand promises and failed deliveries. Imagine ordering an item online and it never shows up at your door. the most beautiful examples of this craft. The tradition is carried on today in American cities like Charleston, South Carolina. Given the history, compact size and natural beauty of the handbasket, I remove it from my statement about America. Hell, on the other hand, is precisely appropriate for the comment. I was recently asked the meaning of dystopia. My reply was simple, it’s the opposite of utopia. Today, my response might be even simpler, America. In 2008, Michelle Obama was under severe media criticism for commenting, “For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country.” She went on to say, “Not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change.” A close examination of her statement suggests to me that she was not proud because America had changed, but for the appearance of an appetite for change. I would argue that an appetite for a thing is no substitute for the thing itself.
I MESSENGER
Some might say that appetite, like vision or a dream, is the birth of hope and possibility. I would further argue that neither appetite nor hope are acceptable substitutes for that thing. Not even a dream as grand as Dr. King’s dream is an acceptable substitute for actual justice and equality. Growing up substantively poor, I often had an appetite for something to eat, however, my hunger had zero effect on the absence of groceries in the cupboards or that cool, cavernous appliance, the refrigerator. I still have a lingering contempt for Frederick McKinley Jones-- a Black man, and the appliance he invented, as if he was to blame that his device was often bare. Proud? I’m not proud, I’m tired. The feeling I get in the pit of my stomach every day, at some point in the day, is so far from pride, it would take a short trip on Space-X to come close. What I feel is the contempt I felt for Frederick Jones and what was for far too long, his useless appliance. Contempt for a system of grand promises and failed
28
deliveries. Imagine ordering an item online and it never shows up at your door. I’m tired of America! That’s a horrible thing for a proud veteran to say, but I’m exhausted by the promises, the politics and slanted news coverage, the debates, the elections, dirty lies, bad laws, pointless investigations, impeachments, election audits, indictments, convictions, and pardons. I’ve had it with America! If this is not who we are, then who are we? Maybe the old folks were wrong. Maybe it’s not an issue of going to hell, maybe hell is right here, right now, a product of our own doing. Perhaps hell is war, hunger, hate, racism, injustice, homelessness, poverty, addiction, and suicide. It’s possible that hell is evil priests, predatory preachers, and killer cops. It’s conceivable that hell is 700,000+ people dead from a viral infection. I don’t know about you, but I plan to spend the rest of my life seeking heaven, seeking peace, love and kindness, even if it means taking one of those Space-X flights to somewhere far beyond. My handbaskets are not going to hell at all, they’re going to heaven with me, filled with a colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with fresh picked flowers and beautiful memories. What’s in your handbasket? That’s what’s on my mind! Website: www.milesjaye.net Podcast: https://bit.ly/2zkhSRv Email: milesjaye360@gmail.com
myimessenger.com
COVID-19 Scams target Blacks, other People of Color OUR VOICES BY CHARLENA CROWELL Just as the annual holiday season of shopping and celebrating nears, a major federal financial regulator released new research detailing how communities of color not only are targeted by well-known types of predatory lenders, but new forms of fraud seek to exploit consumers in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. Published by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), “Serving Communities of Color” summarizes the agency’s fiveyear effort focused on the financial ills imposed upon communities of color. Since 2016, FTC filed more than 25 actions alleging conduct that either targeted or disproportionately affected communities of color. Cases challenged unlawful practices by auto sellers, forprofit schools, money-making opportunities, student debt relief schemes and more. Beyond these financial transactions, the report also notes that many of the payment methods used by Black and Latino consumers provide fewer fraud protections, such as debit cards, cash and money orders. Although credit card payments afford greater consumer protections, very few complaints filed with FTC by people of color involved this type of payment. “What has become abundantly clear based on research and experience is that fraud, as well as certain other business practices, have a disproportionately negative impact on communities of color, as myimessenger.com
compared to White communities,”statesthereport.“Anexamination of 23 FTC cases shows that predominantly Black communities are overrepresented in the pool of consumers who lost money.” For example, this June, FTC and the state of Arkansas jointly filed a lawsuit against a scam operation that explicitly appealed to Black applicants who were suffering financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawsuit alleged that the “Blessings in No Time” program was in fact a pyramid scheme that falsely promised members investment returns as high as 800%. The alleged scam’s minimum “investment” required $1,400, but some members paid as much as $67,700. The Texas-based defendants also falsely assured participants they wouldn’t lose money and could withdraw at any time with a full refund. More recently, the FTC on Oct. 15 stopped a prison calling scheme that deceived family and friends of incarcerated individuals with marketing and advertising that promised unlimited minutes on call plans to keep in touch with loved ones while in-person visits were suspended due to COVID-19. Instead, no call time was ever provided. The defendants, inmatecall.com and inmatecallsolutions.com, posed as companies authorized to provide calling services to prisons and jails to bolster the credibility of their false claim. A federal court order now requires that all duped consumers be notified and bans the defendants from future activities. When these financial losses are combined with the effects of a national racial wealth
gap that found Blacks have only 22 cents for every dollar of wealth held by whites, it becomes disturbingly clear how deceptive and predatory lending significantly diminishes the ability of Black consumers to effectively manage their financial lives. Just as redlining limited where Black people could live, today’s predatory lending, like fringe financial services, restricts the ability of Black communities to build wealth. For example, approximately twice as many consumers in predominantly Black communities, compared to that of white consumers, purchased student debt relief programs and payday loans. But the two top complaints filed by Black consumers with FTC were credit bureaus (21%) and impersonator scams (12.5%). In 2020 alone, the FTC filed or resolved seven debt-collection cases against 39 defendants and obtained $26 million in judgments for harmed consumers. Other types of predatory and deceptive lending include debt collection, bank lending and auto sales and financing. The agency also found evidence of fraud in health care, identity theft, as well as alleged jobs and moneymaking opportunities. For many consumers, car purchases and financing represent the second-largest consumer transaction — after housing costs.Ample evidence of blatant discrimination against Black, Latino and Native American car buyers included false information on the applications and contracts, and deceptive ads in Spanish. “Research indicates that consumers of color experience discrimination in the sale and financing of cars and often pay
29
higher prices as a result,” states the report. During the past five years, FTC has brought multiple enforcement actions against auto dealers for deceptive tactics that include advertised prices that were never available to prospective buyers, falsifying financial information in sales, false and/or misleading information, and unfair practices. Identity theft was discovered in cases where scammers often gain credibility by posing as someone official. For example, one defendant marketed prepaid cards to Black and Latino customers, allegedly saying their cards were like Visa or MasterCard. Instead, consumers either could not use the cards or lost all the money they loaded onto them. For consumer advocates, these and other recent findings on financial abuses confronting consumers of color deserve even more aggressive enforcement, particularly at the federal level. “Never in United States history have Black and other families of color experienced a fair financial playing field,” testified the Center for Responsible Lending’s Ashley Harrington before the House Financial Services Committee this spring. “And the COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated existing disparities. In fact, in many cases, white families will have 5.5 times more savings than Black families to financially withstand the pandemic.” The evidence of financial abuses is ample. The nation needs a new reckoning to correct the wrongs. Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.
October 29, 2021
MARK SHRIVER THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW BY VALDER BEEBE I was delighted to talk with Mark Shriver. He is a member of both the Shriver and Kennedy families; since his mother was Eunice Mary Kennedy, his father was Sargent Shriver, the first director of the Peace Corps, upon its establishment by President John F. Kennedy. Sargent was a former ambassador to France and the 1972 Democratic Vice Presidential candidate. His mother, Eunice Shriver was the founder of the Special Olympics. And rounding out his accolades, his sister, Maria Shriver, is a former journalist and the former First Lady of California (she was married to former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger until 2011). Now, New York Times bestselling author and president of Save the Children Action Network, Mark Shriver highlights the various ways children and adults can be real-life heroes in their everyday lives. Little ones learn to count the individual heroes who shine a light on the importance of helping others whether it’s through teaching,
Mark Shriver
caring for animals, protecting the environment, or keeping others from harm. As President of Save the Children Action Network, Mark, “wanted to create a book so that children and adults know that there are hidden heroes everywhere, including within them.” In 10 HIDDEN HEROES, little ones learn to count the individual heroes who shine a light on the importance of helping others, whether through teaching, caring for animals, protecting
the environment, or keeping others from harm. Adults who read along can help their children make connections to the unseen acts of compassion and bravery that occur in their very own neighborhoods and inspire them to become everyday heroes themselves. 10 HIDDEN HEROES is sure to inspire children and the grown-ups who love them in understanding the importance of service and caring for those in our own communities and around the
world. Mark Shriver, a former Maryland state legislator, author of Pilgrimage: My Search for the Real Pope Francis and the New York Times bestselling memoir, A Good Man: Rediscovering My Father, Sargent Shriver. -Mark Shriver publicists provided text in conjunction with the Valder Beebe Show VBS: Mark talk about your book Hidden Hero’s. MS: Thanks. Hidden Hero’s is a celebration of folks doing good works every day. They aren’t being paid like a celebrity. We spend so much time in America being consumed by celebrity and prestige, the book Hidden Hero’s is a fun way for kids of all ages on each page to find the hidden hero. Everyday hero’s that make our country great like; the crossing guard, or the custodian in the hospital. Yes there are the doctors and the nurses, but also the custodian who is there to make sure the hospital is clean. It’s a celebration of these folks doing these small acts……. Sistas’ complete interview…… YouTube.com/valderbeebeshow: SoundCloud.com/valderbeebeshow; Broadcasting to a national & global audience: ValdeBeebeShow. com ; KKVI FM Radio, KRER FM, Streaming TV, Social Media, Print Publications I MESSENGER, Texas Metro News, and Garland Journal News.
Your Ad belongs here, Contact: 214-941-0110 October 29, 2021
I MESSENGER
30
myimessenger.com
Lawyers Insist Suspect Was Bullied HOMECOMINGS BY SCHOOL Before Arlington School Shooting, Though Unconfirmed By Police 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.
Timothy Simpkins’ lawyers from left, MarQuetta Clayton and Kim Cole during a press conference to address Arlington police chief Al Jones’ statement in Dallas on Monday, October 25, 2021. Chief Jones said the shooting that occurred at Timberview high school was not a bullying incident and he seeks to remove it from the narrative. Credit: (Lola Gomez/The Dallas Morning News)(Lola Gomez / Staff Photographer)
By Maggie Prosser Lawyers representing the suspect in a Timberview High School shooting earlier this month reiterated allegations Monday that he had been bullied before the incident. The assertions came during a news conference, called days after Arlington’s police chief said the 18-year-old, Timothy George Simpkins, had been involved in “high-risk activity” that led to a disagreement at the school before the shooting. The chief said he couldn’t discuss details about whether there was evidence of bullying. Simpkins is under house arrest after he was released from Tarrant County jail on $75,000 bail for three charges of aggravated assault in the Oct. 6 shooting. On Monday, his lawyers and family said they had “extensive” evidence to back up their claims that he had been bullied. The attorneys, though, declined to share any of that evidence, which they said they expect to present at trial. Simpkins’ family has said he was “threatened, beaten and harassed” since the beginning of the school year, and his lawyers said he was bullied through social media, text messages, emails and video. Four people were injured in the shooting, including a critically wounded 15-year-old who was released from a hospital last week. His family myimessenger.com
could not be reached for comment Monday but has said he “does not have a bone in his body to bully anyone” and has a “heart of gold.” “There was pervasive bullying at Timberview High,” attorney Kim Cole said. “… [Parents] should demand Timberview High address the bullying there on campus because that is the only way they will be assured of their children’s safety.” Cole also denied that her client had engaged in any “high-risk activity” before the shooting. “He was simply sitting in a classroom doing his schoolwork,” she said. Another attorney for Simpkins, MarQuetta Clayton, urged the police chief and other officials not to make public statements that could taint a jury and interfere with her client’s right to a fair trial. The lawyers said they expect to ask the court for a gag order to prevent such commentary. “This investigation is still underway, and an independent investigation is being done,” Clayton said. “It is impossible for anyone to know all that was involved, let alone what precipitated the incident.” The lawyers said Simpkins had been “brutally attacked” in a fight that was captured on video before the shooting, but court documents say that fight had been broken up before he retrieved a gun from his backpack and opened fire in a classroom.
31
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 29, 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 29, 2021
I MESSENGER
32
myimessenger.com
myimessenger.com
33
October 29, 2021
Do I marry the children, too? Dear Alma, I’m getting married in two months and the mother of his children is giving me hell. One day she says the kids (ages 6 and 12) can be in the wedding and the next day she says no. His son who’s six is our ring bearer and his daughter who’s 12 is a junior bride’s maid. Our relationship has become very strained because of her unwilling to get along with me. I have spent the last year planning our dream wedding and now I don’t think it’s a good idea for his children to participate. How do I tell my fiancé I don’t want his children in our wedding? Name withheld Dear Name withheld, You don’t. When you marry
ASK ALMA BY ALMA GILL him, you’re marrying his children, too. They should be a part of the ceremony. He’s entering this relationship with what some would refer to as baggage. Make up your mind if you’re really ready to take this trip. It ain’t gonna be a vacation, let me just put that right on out there. You’re marrying a man who hasn’t attained respectable closure with the mother of his children. That should be on his to-do list, not yours. And don’t dismiss the children because he hasn’t handled his business. If he doesn’t, it’s easy to see, an
abundance of childish challenges to come. It’s time for the three of you “grown folks” to sit down at the table, rationally discuss and agree to make the children your first priority. It doesn’t matter how you feel or how she feels because this ain’t about feelings. It’s about positive parenting and orchestrating the best example of teaching children they are loved, valued and precious treasures in your life. Blending families isn’t new and it isn’t easy. It takes prayer, hard work and a strong last nerve, LOL. Get ready to suck it up. If you love him, you’ve got to love his kids like you birthed ‘em. Give in to the battle between you and his ex. You’re wearing the white gown; throw in the white
towel. Let her know calmly and respectfully, the kids are welcome to be in the wedding, which will take place with or without her blessing. Tell her you’re willing to go to the wall for your soonto-be husband and their kids. Your wedding day is important, but the blending of these two families takes precedence. The best wedding gift you can give your fiancé, stepbridemama, is making sure his children are a part of that special day. Alma Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.
Critics: Henry Is Holding Haiti Back By Refusing To Resign Over Assassination The Haitian Times
www.haitiantimes.com BY ONZ CHÉRY
PORT-AU-PRINCE — As scores of state officials have done before him, Prime Minister Ariel Henry planned to travel to the Pont Rouge monument on Oct. 17 to lay a wreath of flowers for the commemoration of Jean-Jacques Dessalines’s assassination. It was to be a simple gesture Haitians have unanimously recognized with fanfare and good tidings to honor the assassinated revolutionary hero. But as Henry traveled to the event on the morning of Oct. 17 for the 215th commemoration, he and his entourage heard gunshots, forcing the prime minister to turn around and abandon the wreath laying. An armed gang that goes October 29, 2021
diaspora experience and a holistic view of Haiti that larger media doesn’t show you. Join now or renew to get: • Instant access to one-of-kind stories and special reports • Local news from our communities (especially New York and Florida) • Profiles of Haitians at the top of About a month after Prime Minister Ariel Henry was installed in July, scores of their fields residents started asking him to resign because they found out he was allegedly • Downloadable lists and involved in President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination. Photo Credit: Ricardo ARDUENGO / Reuters resources about Haitian culture To view the full story, please • Membership merch, perks and by Force Revolution G9 Family & Allies reportedly fired the subscribe to The Haitian Times. special invitations gunshots, but their leader Jimmy You can choose a $60 Annual First-time subscribers also “Barbecue” Chérizier rejected the Subscription or a $5 Weekly Pass. receive a special welcome gift When you join The Haitian Times handmade in Haiti by expert allegation. “Ariel didn’t make it to Pont family, you’ll get unlimited digital artisans! Do it for the culture and Rouge,” Chérizier told The Haitian access to high-quality journalism support Black-owned businesses. Times last week. “To shoot about Haiti and Haitians you If you’re seeing this message but someone you have to see him. We won’t get anywhere else. We’ve you’re already a subscriber, you were in Pont Rouge, you can’t say been at this for 20 years and pride can log in for immediate access to ourselves on representing you, our this story. we shot at Ariel Henry.”
I MESSENGER
34
myimessenger.com
Virtual and liVe Community Calendar
Breast Cancer Awareness
Domestic Violence Awareness Mental Illness Awareness
RECURRING
Halloween Carnival, Charley Taylor Recreation Center, 601 E Grand Prairie Rd. 5-7 pm.
Spirit of Halloween - Movie Night at Omni Dallas Hotel, 555 Lamar St. 7-9:30 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3lRn9Ge.
2021 Fall Exhibitions Line Up Sepia: Past. Pride. Power, Ruth Mae McCrane,The History of the Prairie View Interscholastic League at the African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave. 10 am-5 pm. Info & tickets: aamdallas.org.
OCT. 30- NOV.1 Texas International Beauty and Wellness Expo at Hilton Anatole Dallas, 2201 N. Stemmons Fwy. Opens 12 pm. Tickets: https://bit. ly/3v4DES2.
Screams A Halloween Theme Park, Fri & Sat nights, 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie.screamspark.com.
OCTOBER 30
OCTOBER 28-29 BFUTR 2021 Black Professionals In Tech Network Level Up. Speakers: Daymond John & DL Hughley. 28th 12-5 pm CDT, 29th 10-5 pm. CDT Get Pass: https://bit.ly/3mW0R5m.
47th Annual Harambee Festival Theme: Our Children Matter 10 am at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center 2922 MLK Blvd. Tickets: www.harambeedallas.org/shop. South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club presents: Domestic Violence “Finding My Way” 10:30 am. Reg: https://bit.ly/3lN1oY2.
OCTOBER 28 Cybersecurity Careers - A Day in the Life. Facebook Live @CiscoNetworkingAcademy 11:30 am- 12 pm. Links Help: HIV Virtual Town Hall Moderator: Molly Belt. 7 pm. CST Reg: https:// tinyurl.com/4ktak3th. Free. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Arlington Alumnae presents Domestic Violence: Wounded Love. Facebook Live. Reg: tinyurl.com/woundedlove.
OCTOBER 29
Halloween in the Park at Farmers Branch Historical Park, 2540 Farmers Branch Ln. 5-10 pm. Tickets: www.fbspecialevents.com. Dallas Día de los Muertos at City of Dallas - City Hall, 1500 Marilla St. 2-10 pm. A free event. Trunk or Treat at Marsh Lane Baptist Church, 10716 Marsh Ln, Dallas. 4-7 pm Safe and fun for the family
Mike Guinn Ent. Presents Poetry on the Patio: Live at Black & Bitter Coffee, 100 S. Main St. #101c, Duncanville 8-10 pm. Reg: bit.ly/3lKSAlj.
The Haunted Rooftop - Ft. Worth Halloween. 9 pm-2 am. At Free Play Ft. Worth, 1311 Lipscomb St. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3BNK8XW
Trick-or-Treat on Downtown Streets! At the Main Street Garden, Downtown Dallas. 4-7 pm. 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.
Together We Vaccinate Community “Boo” ster Vaccine Event at St. Luke “Community” UMC, 5710 E. R.L. Thornton Fwy. 10 am-1 pm. Reg: bit.ly/3v1bDem.
DFW Small Business EXPO at Music City Mall Lewisville, 2401 E. Stemmons Fwy. 11 am-6 pm.
Sundays “The World According to Drew” with Andrew Whigham, III 8-10 am CDT.
myimessenger.com
Tuesdays “DOC SHEP SPEAKS SHOW” with Dr. Felicia Shepherd, 11 am CDT,
Pastor Chris Wesley & undignified praise, Live Recording at Antioch Fellowship Church, 7550 S. Hampton Rd. 5-7 pm CST. Info: bit.ly/3CdnFDZ.
“So, What You Go’n Do?” Radio Show Series at The Lion & Crown 5001 Addison Circle, Addison. 4-7 pm Tickets: https://bit.ly/2XRMPc8.
HALLOWEEN BALL - Cash Contest | Day Party & After Party at Heroes Lounge, 3094 N. Stemmons Fwy. 4 pm-3 am. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3vGdXYt.
Ask Dr. Amerson with Dr. Linda Amerson.12 pm. @ DFWiRadio.com, and Live Facebook@DrLindaAmerson. The Interview with: Then Black Press USA. Host Stacy M. Brown. Streaming live at 11:30 CST on www.facebook. com/blackpressusa/live.
26th Annual Freedman’s African Memorial Celebration, at Freedman’s African Memorial Park and Cemetery, 2700 Lemmon Ave, 5-7 pm.
OCTOBER 31
NOVEMBER 4
Introducing Borland Genetics & Virtual Ancestors’ DNA Results with Kevin Borland. 3 pm CST on Facebook Live @ https://bit.ly/2YIuM9c. Trunk or Treat at Lavon Drive Baptist Church, 1520 Lavon Dr. Garland 5-8 pm. 3Life Presents #LastSundays: THRILLER at FIVEE Bistro & Bar 1319 Botham Jean Blvd. Opens at 11 am. Party starts at 7 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3DZiGHv.
Mayor Johnson to deliver State of the City address at 12 pm on Thursday, in council chambers at City Hall. Read full address: https:// bit.ly/3BOvEaB. Links Help: HIV Let’s Talk Instagram Live Young Adults @FaithCompasswfu. 7 pm CST. Free no registration. A New Day 1: Supporting Successful Reentry in Texas at Concord Church, 6808 Pastor Bailey Dr. 7-8:30 pm. Reg: https://bit.ly/3jCv6NU .
Top Ranking Sundays - Karaoke and Open Mic at Heroes Lounge, 3094 N. Stemmons Fwy. 4 pm-3 am. http://www.heroesdallas.com/
NOVEMBER 5-6
NOVEMBER 1
DBDT Presents Director’s Choice –In-person at Dee & Charles Wyly Theatre, 2400 Flora St. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3AJhciv or via Live Stream. https://bit.ly/3j3hJWQ.
Paul Quinn College Job Fair and Open House at Paul Quinn College, 3837 Simpson Stuart Rd. 5:30-7:30 pm. Reg: bit. ly/3balC7T
NOVEMBER 2
“BLACK GIRL” - Starring Tiana Shaunte Alexander Clarence Muse Cafe Theater, 1309 Canton St. Fri. 8:15 pm. Sat. 3 pm. and 8:15 pm.
Oak Cliff Thrives with Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce.6-7:30 pm. Tickets: oakcliffchamber.org/ oak-cliff-thrives.
NOVEMBER 5
Soul Line Dance Tuesday-Live! Virtual, host BE Creative Arts Center. 7 pm CDT Reg: www.becreativeartscenter.com FREE.
Artgasmic Dallas Across the Street from the Dallas Farmer’s Market, 2100 Marilla St. 7-11 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3ChLXg2 .
Lasoa Cigar Lounge Presents Ladies Wine Down Tuesdays at 2150 N. Josey Ln. 3109 Carrollton. 5-8 pm. www.lasoacigarlounge.com/
NOVEMBER 6 Happy Birthday to Dareia Jacobs
NOVEMBER 3 Thursdays
Wednesdays “I was just thinking...” with Norma Adams-Wade, 11 am- 1 pm. CDT.
35
“The Connection” with Debra BrownSturns, 7 pm. CDT.
Market at Park Lane - Fall Series at The Sops at Park Lane, 8080 Park Ln. 11 am-4 pm. Holiday Kickoff: by Grandscape Texas, 5752 Grandscape Blvd. The Colony. 5- 9 pm. http:// www.grandscape.com. Go Oak Cliff presents: 12th Annual Blues, Bandits, & BBQ at Kids Spring Park, 1003 Cedar Hill Ave. 12-6 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3nmc2Va.
NOVEMBER 7 Top Ranking Sundays - Karaoke and Open Mic at Heroes Lounge, 3094 N. Stemmons Fwy. 4 pm-3 am. http:// www.heroesdallas.com/ Fall Petting Zoo at Frisco Fresh Market! Frisco Fresh Market, 9215 John W. Elliot Dr. 12-3 pm. Tickets: https:// bit.ly/3nvC9J9 2021 Ubuntu Market at The Pan African Connection, 4466 S. Marsalis Ave. 12-5 pm. African Art Exhibit at Pop Up DFW - Deep Ellum, 3409 Main St, 7-10 pm. Tickets: bit.ly/3BfMcqS.
NOVEMBER 8 Job Training: BankWorks Free Training by Dallas College At Mountain View College. Contact: Elishima Myles; 214-860-8550; bankworks@ dcccd.edu. Apply: https://bit.ly/3xJ5NP2.
NOVEMBER 9 Oak Cliff Thrives with Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce. 6-7:30 pm. Tickets: oakcliffchamber.org/ oak-cliff-thrives. Book Signing For The Legendary Mr. Mike Guinn at Create Arlington, 306 West Main St. Arlington. 7:30-9 pm. Reg: https://bit.ly/3Gizuvj
NOVEMBER 10 Dallas Live Career Fair at Crowne Plaza Market Center, 7050 N. 35 Fwy. 11 am. bit.ly/3pCRJWk . A Real Conversation With Dr. Janet Taylor Facebook Live @ AARPBlackCommunity 2 pm
Fridays “From Marva with Love” with Marva Sneed, 11 am-1 pm CDT.
October 29, 2021
October 29, 2021
I MESSENGER
36
myimessenger.com
myimessenger.com
37
October 29, 2021
DUNE remake provides a different twist AT THE MOVIES BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ DUNE is based on a sci-fi novel and it tells the story of Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet), a brilliant young man who is born into a world that he doesn’t understand but he does know that he must travel to the most dangerous planet to save his family’s legacy and all of mankind. The original novel DUNE came out in 1965 and it was a political tale for that era. The ‘65 version was anti-corporate and pro-ecology. The 2021 version of the movie is more action and adventure than political statement. The movie is filled with small roles by some big name actors like Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin and Dave Bautista and they all give fine performances in this action thriller. The most dangerous planet in the universe is Arrakis, the planet
where Melange, a drug that can extend life and give someone the ability to predict the future and unlock all of the potential of the mind, is produced. The drug is controlled by the Fremen, warriors on the planet who fiercely protect the drug to keep others from using the power of the spice to take control of their planet. When Paul and his father arrive on the planet they find that it’s a trap and the Fremen are waiting for them. There are some great futuristic fight scenes where the Fremen can travel between dimensions. The movie is a mashup between STAR WARS and MAD MAX and there are some amazing scenes where the desert opens up and swallows people on the planet. You can see DUNE at theaters and it’s also available online on HBO/MAX. DUNE is rated PG13 and runs 2 hours and 35 minutes. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate DUNE a LARGE.
www.grandpasecret.com October 29, 2021
I MESSENGER
38
myimessenger.com
myimessenger.com
39
October 29, 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 October 29, 2021
I MESSENGER
40
myimessenger.com