I Messenger 9-17-21

I MESSENGER VOL XI NO 3 SEPTEMBER 17, 2021

CHRIS BOSH Hall of Famer

IMessenger An IMM LLC Publication MAILING ADDRESS 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203 WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 214-941-0110 Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER - EDITOR editor@myimessenger.com www.myimessenger.com S. Curet GENERAL MANAGER stewartcuret@myimessenger.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Marva Sneed EDITORIAL TEAM Anthony Council Chelle Wilson Dareia Tolbert Dr. Felicia N. Shepherd Dorothy J. Gentry Eva Coleman Monique P. Stone Lajuana Barton Rebecca Aguilar Vincent Hall DESIGN/LAYOUT FzanStudio WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION MB Distribution

Free - Take One

.EWSSTANDS IN

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

Editorial submissions editor@texasmetronews.com

Free - Take One

& E.Dallas

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

IMessenger

Established 2011 CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.

September 17, 2021

You’d better BELIEVE it! fetal heartbeat.

Few women even know they have become pregnant within a six-week DR. E. FAYE window. Adding insult WILLIAMS, ESQ. to injury, SCOTUS has refused injunctive relief for appeals and challenges.

Unquestionably, Maya This law has been labeAngelou’s most famous quote is: “If someone tells led by progressive broadyou who they are, believe casters as the most egrethem the first time.” Cur- gious anti-abortion law in rent events lead one to se- history. I agree! Not only riously question whether does it outlaw legal aborpeople are hearing the ra- tions after six weeks, but it dical right and listening to also makes no exceptions where they are intent on for rape or incest. One can only imagine the distress taking the country.

If we questioned the of having to carry your ratrue meaning of the phra- pist’s child full-term. Conse “Make America Great trary to what most perceiAgain,” it should be clear ve, this would be a child to us now. For practical conceived in violence and purposes, legal abortion is given birth with a measure of hate. dead in the United States.

“Legal standing” is a I’ve discussed ad nauseum the torrent of lies that way of indicating that a issue from their mouths person has an interest in in the style of their orange the outcome of a situation leader, but among those or circumstance, or that lies rests the truth of their a person can be injured — physically or emotioviciousness and evil.

I have suggested before, nally — by the outcome of and am now even more an action. This dystopian convinced, that the intent law gives legal standing to of Republican acolytes any citizen of the United and the conservative base States and allows her/him is to return the country to to bring a lawsuit against that point in time where anyone who participated women were subjuga- or assisted in an abortion ted to men and people of process.

Beyond any moral outcolor knew their “place,” whether force needs to be rage, the person bringing used for that purpose or the lawsuit also has a monetary incentive. If the not.

The most recent travesty complaint is upheld, the is the adoption of Texas’ complainant must pay the new anti-abortion law and plaintiff the sum of $10,000 the Supreme Court turning and any legal fees. If the a blind eye to its unconsti- complaint is defeated, thetutionality. This law out- re is no penalty for brinlaws legal abortions after ging a false claim. This law six weeks or when viability is genuinely draconian.

Fewer and fewer people can be established with a

I MESSENGER

WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE

2

are still alive who remember the time before Roe v.

Wade was decided on Jan. 22, 1973. Generations of women now live without the memories of back-alley abortions. There are fewer memories of bent wire coat hangers used as surgical tools to perform the illegal abortion.

There are gravestones that mark the final resting places of young women who died from infection, perforated uteruses or a myriad of complications associated with the desperation of an unsanctioned medical procedure. Unfortunately, we can anticipate a recurrence of these events, impacting primarily, as they did before, on the poor and young women of color.

If past is prologue, we can also anticipate the wealthy unencumbered by any anti-abortion law.

Just as they did before Roe, they will send their daughters out of the country where a safe procedure can be performed.

They might even find a local physician who will take an under-the-table payment to perform an abortion — just as was done before Roe. To where they are taking women back is now clear.

The only question left is where they will attempt to take others who they deem as “second class” or “less than.”

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

myimessenger.com

INSIDE

TO BE EQUAL

THE LAST WORD

We lost Judge Damon J. Keith, one of the greatest champions of voting rights in American history. More on his legacy. As the National Urban League prepares to release the 2019 State of Black America ® -- focused for the first time on the state of the Black vote – we mourn one of the greatest champions of voting rights in American history: Judge Damon J. Keith.

So you are sitting on a park bench, just enjoying the weather. What is the likelihood that the next person that walks by you is of a different race than you?

In 2010 the probability of a different race person walking by was 54.9 percent in 2010, and it rose to 61.1 percent by 2020.

p7

myimessenger.com

p26

3

at the movies THE CARD COUNTER is a very dark movie about a former military prison camp interrogator, played by Oscar Isacc, who is haunted by all the things he’s done in his past. His depression leads him to the point of being suicidal. He’s also obsessed with getting revenge on all of the cruel behavior that people have inflicted on him in his past.

p33

September 17, 2021

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith Publisher

Your ancestors didn’t have a problem with it!

Now some people are not going to like what they are about to read!

Dallas, Texas’ historic Friendship-West Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III is calling for 100 Days of Buying Black as members focus on the 100th Commemoration of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Beginning September 23, 2021 through December 31, 2021.

In the call, Friendship-West is “committed to economic justice in supporting Blackowned businesses, advocating for just lending practices, and working towards comprehensive sustainable community development.”

On the FWBC Facebook page, it reads: “Our goal is to continue the legacy of Black Wall Street by circulating our dollars within the Black community to strengthen our economic base.”

Join the movement! https:// www.facebook.com/groups/ 100daysofbuyingblack Now what does this mean for America and Black companies internationally?

Well, that depends on YOU, US, EVERYONE, including, ME! When you consider that there are more than two million Black-owned businesses September 17, 2021

Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III

in America, alone, according to the most recent Census data, and you consider the dollars spent to boost the economy; everyone benefits from the support.

New York and Washington D.C. have the greatest number of Black-owned businesses in the country and the highest percentage of Black-owned businesses, respectively.

I know men and women who are working tirelessly to build their businesses and support their communities.

I MESSENGER

They are following a tradition that is steeped in Ujamaa or Cooperative Economics.

According to former U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, small businesses drive the U.S. economy.

Many of these entrepreneurs are providing quality services and goods, making them deserving of support.

Which brings me to my truth.

If we just focus on America, there was a time when most of the business that was

4

transacted, all the educating that was taking place, all the birthing of babies, and all the saving of souls was Black on Black.

Folks didn’t have a problem. Everyone knew their places and they stayed in them! Black people didn’t have a problem supporting their own. Not only were they able to get quality services and goods.

No one had to be told to spend their money with Black people and for many Black businesses then and now their only patrons look like them.

What I’d like to see is everyone shopping where they want to with a realization that ice is the same temperature EVERYWHERE! We also know that good and bad employees are EVERYWHERE. So, I’m inviting EVERYONE to join Friendship-West Baptist Church and Buy Black for the next 100 days. I’m not telling you to compromise your values or standards.

Come on people, you can find quality services and goods with Black businesses.

This can be proven by looking back in history because when services and goods from Blacks were FREE, utilizing our goods and services wasn’t a problem or an issue. myimessenger.com

myimessenger.com

5

September 17, 2021

September 17, 2021

I MESSENGER

6

myimessenger.com

Honoring a champion TO BE EQUAL BY MARC MORIAL We lost Judge Damon J. Keith, one of the greatest champions of voting rights in American history. More on his legacy.

As the National Urban League prepares to release the 2019 State of Black America ® -- focused for the first time on the state of the Black vote – we mourn one of the greatest champions of voting rights in American history: Judge Damon J. Keith.

Keith, the grandson of former slaves, was Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and a former Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. He died this week at the age of 96.

His extraordinary career included the desegregation of public schools in Pontiac, Michigan, establishing affirmative action in police departments, and halting President Richard Nixon’s illegal wiretap program.

Following his desegregation order, Judge Keith received death threats and 10 Pontiac school buses were firebombed by Ku Klux Klansmen.

His dissent in NEOCH v.

Husted, which upheld, Ohio’s draconian voting restrictions on early in-person and absentee voting, included a photo gallery of voting rights martyrs.

“I wanted to dramatize the racist attitude of the majority,” he told a reporter shortly after the decision. “Look at those pictures.

These are men and women who died for the right to vote. I was really so hurt by the decision of the majority of the court. My grandparents lived in Georgia, and they were not allowed to vote because of racism. I thought about them.”

Judge Keith was born in Detroit, the son parents who were part of the Great Migration from Georgia. His father worked for $5 a day in a Ford Motor plant.

He served in the segregated U.S. Army during World War II, working mainly at kitchen duties, and was discharged as a sergeant.

While studying the law, he worked as a janitor at a newspaper, where a white reporter told him “keep mopping,” rather than strive for a legal career.

He earned his law degree at Howard University, where future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall was a mentor.

“He used to tell us to remember those four words engraved on the Supreme Court: Equal jus-

“By denying the most vulnerable the right to vote, the Majority shuts minorities out of our political process. Rather than honor the men and women whose murdered lives opened the doors of our democracy and secured our right to vote, the Majority has abandoned this court’s standard of review in order to conceal the votes of the most defenseless behind the dangerous veneers of factual findings lacking support and legal standards lacking precedent. I am deeply saddened and distraught by the court’s deliberate decision to reverse the progress of history.

I dissent.”

- Judge Damon J. Keith, dissenting in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals decision on Northeast Ohio Coalition, et al. v. Husted, et al.

myimessenger.com

7

Judge Damon J. Keith

tice under law,” Judge Keith said of Justice Marshall. “He’d say, ‘The white man wrote those letters on the Supreme Court. Now use those words to make equal justice under law a reality.’ Thurgood also used to tell us: ‘Use the law as a means of social change.’

I tried to do that throughout my judicial career.”

We in the National Urban League join his family and friends in mourning his passing.

His landmark decisions reflect the highest ideals of the equitable, honorable nation we strive to be. His life and work stand as an example of dignity, integrity, and determination. As a civil rights organization, we strive to uphold his legacy.

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

September 17, 2021

September 17, 2021

I MESSENGER

8

myimessenger.com

About “MISTER” WHAT’S ON MILES’ MIND BY MILES JAYE “Mister,” once Master, owner of property, land, estate, or slaves, or one possessing great knowledge and proficiency in the arts, has been reduced to use when a man’s name is unknown, as in, “Hey Mister.” Some of you men may remember being called Mr. as a child when you were scolded for misbehaving. Right or wrong, accurate or inaccurate, my perception of Mister is what precedes my name as a sign of respect. Mr. Davis. Mr. Jaye, and Sir, are all suitable, welcome, appropriate, and appreciated… Thank you!

“Mister” is a simple, harmless, unpretentious title or prefix unlike Doctor or Professor. While it is a simple term, unlike King or Your Majesty, it does, however, acknowledge a man as a man-- as an adult, worthy of and deserving the most basic terms of respect-not endearment, but respect. Mr. Sidney Poitier’s classic line in the film, In the Heat of the Night, “They call me Mister Tibbs!” was liberating to generations of Blacks viewers. And who can forget the slap scene? We witnessed a once prohibited, public display of indignance, defiance. We were taught to grin and bear it, like the old folks used to say, but Mr. Tibbs wasn’t having it!

I’m particularly irritated when a young person, ignoring my full head of white hair, addresses me with anything less than what they may offer someone who’s complexion shares the same hue as my hair. Try this young people… “Did you find everything myimessenger.com

you needed today, Sir?” or “Paper or plastic, Sir?” Recently, Deion Sanders was reported for pushing back on a young white reporter calling him Deion. “You don’t call Nick Saban “Nick,” don’t call me Deion.” He went on to make his point, “If you call Nick, Nick, you’ll get cussed out on the spot, so don’t do that to me. Treat me like Nick.”

Regrettably, Mr. Sanders’ claim proved to be an unforced error.

Apparently, reporters do refer to Saban as Nick. As you can imagine, folks who were not Sanders fans from the get-go, took the opportunity to take pot shots at him, accusing him of arrogance and over-sensitivity. “This isn’t a case of a reporter showing disrespect, it’s a case of Sanders displaying self-importance and thin skin.” one reporter wrote.

Personally, I think it’s a case of Deion Sanders making a point and taking one for the team in the process. So, perhaps he did in fact, misspeak, regarding Coach Saban, the bigger point to which

I share his hypersensitivity is respect. The media is notorious for this brand of not-so-subtle jabs.

Former Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice was “Condi” and former President Obama was reduced to “Obama.”

The mere fact that Jackson State, an HBCU, is being represented by an NFL Hall of Famer is enough to be overly protective of their legacy and standing in college athletics. The bigger point, the real fight is this: networks, ESPN for example, have never taken HBCUs seriously.

To be clear and fair, the issue of respect is far from exclusively racial. It may present as more generational then racial. Young Black folks have lost sight of Sir and Ma’am. My mother would say, “They’ve lost their minds.”

Addressing grown folks with tone and attitude that would have gotten my head dented. Yes, I would have had a dented dome for speaking to my mother the way some young folks feel entitled to speak to adults today. The

9

only viable solution is to check the offender, and start young, the earlier the better.

As for grown-ups… White folks, Indian, Asian, Hispanic, and especially Black folks, tend to get far too familiar and far too comfortable, far too soon, if you allow it. If you want respect, stop smiling and joking all the time.

Somewhere along the way, you adapted this behavior as a means of making someone else comfortable in your space.

Why? Don a serious demeanor sometimes. Keep them guessing! “Is Jamal upset today or just a little off?” or “Is Lakeisha one of those angry Black women I’ve been hearing about?” Ladies, how many times have you been asked at work, “Are you okay? You don’t seem like yourself today.” all because you may not be in a playful, cheery mood. Good for you! Now practice that grimace!

Author, and Life Coach, Tony Haskins said: “You teach people how to treat you by what you allow, what you stop, and what you reinforce.” The most viable, and most reliable solution is to give the respect first. Create the ground rules. Where and when appropriate, address the individual you encounter as Miss, Mrs., Ms., and Mister.

Apply prefixes to the kids’ names from time to time just to acclimate them to the culture-Mr. Tashaun, Miss Tanika. Try it!

It may catch them off guard. They may even get a kick out of it, but it will get results… Guaranteed.

Let me know how it works out for you.

That’s what’s on my mind!

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

September 17, 2021

Editor has message for readers From Dallas Morning News Executive Editor Katrice Hardy: Thank you, North Texas, for your warm welcome

By Katrice Hardy

From the first time I briefly visited Dallas, to a few weeks ago when I officially made the city my home, I have consistently had the same thought: This is a community whose members care deeply for one another.

And it’s one that has welcomed and embraced me with open arms as I’ve begun to explore the city. I’ve already visited and eaten at restaurants in Lowest Greenville, in Knox-Henderson and Uptown, in downtown and in Frisco, gone on a gondola ride at Las Colinas, heard live music in Deep Ellum and taken a stroll for two through NorthPark Center.

I’ve even watched an LSU game (Geaux Tigers) with fellow alumni in Lower Greenville. I hope to soon take in a Saints game there, too. It’s my home-state team, but I appreciate that I am now living among so many passionate Cowboys fans.

Just about everywhere I’ve visited, “Welcome to Texas” is what I’ve heard from so many of you as soon as you learned that I am a new resident.

I’m humbled and honored that I get to serve you as editor of The Dallas Morning News, a paper I’ve admired since my days at LSU, where a professor once told me how fortunate I would be if I ever landed a job here.

It’s also a privilege. Since middle school, journalism is all I have ever wanted to do.

And every opportunity I have had to work in journalism, first as a college student at my hometown newspaper, The Advocate of Baton Rouge, then later at The Virginian-Pilot and in more recent years at The Greenville News in South Carolina and at The Indianapolis Star, I’ve never lost sight of why I love this profession.

And I certainly won’t do so here in Dallas, where I plan to live for many years.

The reason I was so drawn to journalism is that I wanted to share the stories of those who were neglected, to do the kind of work that held accountable those we elect and should respect, to find the hidden gems that are in every city that make Dallas and so many others unique and special.

I’ve said this before, and you’ll probably hear me say it again: No thriving, growing and energetic city can truly be successful without a strong news organization.

It’s clear so many of you feel that way, too.

In emails and phone calls during my first few weeks, you’ve shared your thoughts on stories we have published, sometimes offered suggestions on how we should write more on certain issues and have also occasionally questioned why we chose to spotlight an issue.

We welcome all feedback.

As I get to know Dallas and continue to hold weekly meetings to introduce myself to so many of you, know that I’m doing so with the mission that the company’s founders so eloquently articulated almost

Katrice Hardy is executive editor of The Dallas Morning News.

Credit: Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer

136 years ago.

We are dedicated to covering the issues that impact everyday life in North Texas.

And while so many things are different about journalism today since the paper’s founding, I can confidently tell you that our mission has not and won’t change.

The Dallas Morning News seeks to report on issues and also on solutions; we seek to scrutinize, highlight and investigate.

We want to be your top local destination for news on issues that impact you today and tomorrow and in years to come.

In my first few weeks working alongside our passionate and talented staff, we’ve covered and exclusively broken stories about how a mistake by an IT professional at Dallas City Hall has led to at least one man’s murder trial being postponed and questions about how local prosecutors can safely proceed with dozens of other criminal cases in which evidence may be missing.

We’ve taken you inside a local pediatric hospital that’s overwhelmed with young COVID-19 patients.

And we’ve provided you with up-to-the-minute scores and results from dozens of local high school football games on Thursday and Friday nights.

We fiercely protect our commitment through our work to make a difference.

The News’ journalists care about North Texas and this state just as much as you do.

They’ve gone to school here, purchased homes, moved their aging parents here, and some of us are now sending our kids to schools here. And like me, they eat at and support local restaurants and countless other businesses daily.

They can’t do their important work without your support.

So if you don’t already, subscribe to The Dallas Morning News and support the dozens of journalists who dedicate themselves to serving you.

If we aren’t part of your daily routine, I hope we will soon be.

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.

September 17, 2021

I MESSENGER

10

myimessenger.com

BIG MAMA SAID:

BELIEVING IS TIED TO YOUR SOUL - DO NOT GIVE THE DEVIL A SEAT AT THE TABLE THE BLACK CARD BY TERRY ALLEN

Lucille “Big Mama” Allen would not garner much pushback as she sit on the front porch as the sunset and

rewarded all of her tribe for believing they could accomplish anything.

Our need to be recognized for the work we put into our goals fueled Big Mama’s end of the day talk.

Like Big Mama, the spiritual power of the grandmothers and their belief released common wisdom and creates moments of personal guidance.

She had a reservoir of loving care and a common reward system fully immersed in the power to believe.

I began to understand now when she asked what would accomplish tomorrow, right after our prayer, I learned that she was tying our faith to our belief system.

She opened a window in our minds that said, “ I believe you can do it!”

She knew that beliefs would drive behavior. For example, she would take my drawings to church and to work and she told me she sold them all as she handed me two shiny quarters for each sketch!

So what I believed about me flourished under her belief system. She gave me a belief system that was built on the principle of results!

That belief system took on more pillars as I gained more experience. I added a particular pillar that said, “Make sure you under pledge and over deliver!”

She also would not allow negative thoughts or fear of failure to exist in any words. She would stop bad thoughts by saying, “The Devil will not have a seat at this table!”

Why do I share this today? For over 18 months, we have been existing in both a racial pandemic and health pandemic. Each of us has had to confront challenges to our mental health, our physical well-being and our livelihoods.

Lives have been in upheaval as hundreds of years of tension rose to the surface.

We witnessed so multiple movements, demonstrations, causes, as disinformation as well as tensions rising up in high dudgeon. While it seems there is no logic on how things align, I learned though Big Mama’s belief system that when you discover that certain principles have helped you get through it all then claim that peace of mind, hold on the soul of believing.

Her last directive, “think that you are who you are until you become who you believe you are.”

Thanks Big Mama!

Write me at Terryallenpr@gmail.com and tell me what you believe!

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

myimessenger.com

11

September 17, 2021

September 17, 2021

I MESSENGER

12

myimessenger.com

myimessenger.com

13

September 17, 2021

Dallas’ Chris Bosh inducted into NBA Hall of Fame

By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor

On Saturday night, in a room full of the NBA’s upper crust — like Pat Riley, Bill Russell, LeBron James and others – Dallas native Chris Bosh was inducted into the NBA’s prestigious Naismith

Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

During his acceptance speech, the 37-year-old acknowledged the many tears he has shed throughout his lifetime.

“I like to think that all of those tears weren’t endings,” said the 13-year NBA veter-

Miami Heat’s Chris Bosh

September 17, 2021

Chris Bosh

Credit: TDMN

I MESSENGER

an. “They were beginnings.

They weren’t moments that made me want to stop working. They were moments that made me want to work even harder.”

Some of those moments that made him cry included when he was bullied as a young kid for wearing a Laker’s jersey; when his hometown Dallas Mavericks won the 2011 Finals - by defeating the Miami Heat team he played for; and, during a doctor’s visit when “the tears came” after being told he could no longer play the game he loved.

“When I think about it, they were more than tears. They were the water that made it possible for the seeds of greatness inside me to grow” Bosh said. “And they are the reason that that little kid with those thin makeshift posters on the wall is standing in front of his heroes tonight as a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.”

Bosh, the youngest member of this year’s class, was a basketball phenom in high school. He was named a prestigious McDonald’s All-American and led Dallas’ Lincoln Humanities and Communications Magnet High School to a state cham-

14

Credit: TDMN

pionship with a 40-0 record.

The two-time NBA champion with the Miami Heat (2012, 2013) and 11-time NBA All-Star (2006-2016) reached the pinnacle of his career with the induction.

In 13 NBA seasons, he averaged 19.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Drafted by

Chris Bosh on defense against MAVS Dirk Nowitz

myimessenger.com

Lincoln’s Chris Bosh celebrates with team.

the Toronto Raptors, he was a member of the NBA All-Rookie Team in 2003-2004.

Bosh’s NBA career was cut short by a blood-clotting condition that the NBA ruled to be a career-ending illness.

Bosh played his final NBA game on February 9, 2016. He fought to resume his playing

zki

Credit: TDMN

myimessenger.com

Credit: TDMN

career for three years before announcing in February 2019 that he intended to retire. On March 26, the Heat retired his no. 1 jersey.

“I want you guys to know a little bit more about me,” said Bosh, who was introduced by former Heat teammate Ray Allen and Heat President and former head coach Pat Riley.

“When I was a kid, I used to take SLAM Magazine and carefully rip out the pictures in the middle of my heroes and put them on walls as my posters. In fact, some of those heroes are here right now; a lot of them are,” Bosh said. “I’ll never be able to describe just how much the game you built means to me.

How much it’s done for me.

But while I’m so grateful all of you are in this building I’m thinking of the ones as well that are not.

“In particular, Kobe Bryant. He was such an inspiration for my generation and I’m sure all of us in this room.”

After thunderous applause at the mention of the late NBA great who was killed two years ago in a helicopter crash, Bosh shared a lesson he learned from Bryant.

“It was 2008, we were in Vegas for the start of training camp and we were getting ready for the Olympics in Bei-

jing,” Bosh recalled. “I wanted to establish myself as a young leader on the team by waking up bright and early, day one.

So the goal was to be the first one at breakfast.”

Bosh set his alarm to make sure he was up at sunrise. His alarm went off and he got out of bed, put on his gear and headed downstairs. When he got there, Bryant – ice packs on his knees and drenched in sweat – was already there.

“Now it took me a minute to figure it out but this guy wasn’t already awake before me, he had already worked out,’ said Bosh. “He had just played in a NBA Final just days earlier, meanwhile I’d been off for months and I was still exhausted.

“What he had done that morning was incomprehensible to me. That dedication he had - only days after fall-

ing short of an NBA championship – that taught me something I’ve never forgotten,” Bosh continued. “He taught me that legends aren’t defined by their successes, they’re defined by how they bounce back from their failures.”

Bosh had a long career in basketball starting at open gym nights at Highland Hill Recreation Center in Dallas to the halls of Lincoln. As a collegiate athlete at Georgia Tech, Bosh earned ACC Rookie of the Year in 2003.

On the international stage, Bosh won an Olympic gold medal in 2008. He also has written a book, “Letters to a Young Athlete” and spends time speaking to youths about the benefits of reading and education through his Chris Bosh Foundation in Dallas and Toronto.

Chris Bosh during his Lincoln Humanities and Communications Magnet days Credit: TDMN

15

September 17, 2021

Warnock receives NNPA Leadership Award

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Correspondent

One day before the unprecedented insurrection at the U.S. Capitol inspired by former President Donald Trump, the United States Senate underwent a change.

Thanks to heavy voter turnout – largely as a result of the efforts of Black women and other community organizers – Georgia residents elected Jon Ossoff and the Rev. Raphael Warnock to the Senate.

When combined with the tie-breaking vote represented

by Vice President Kamala Harris, Georgia’s special election gave Democrats the Senate majority.

When selected for the position of pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Georgia, Warnock was the youngest ever to serve in that leadership role at the historic church. As the now Senator Reverend Warnock, in addition to a seat on the church dais, he fills a critical seat in the U.S. Capitol and Senate.

For Rev. Warnock, the election provided an unusual opportunity to expand the ethics, commitment and desire to serve he demonstrated regularly from the pulpit as pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. Just in time to provide comfort for a nation in need of leadership and healing.

Born in Savannah, GeorSeptember 17, 2021

gia, on July 23, 1969, Warnock graduated from Morehouse College with a degree in psychology. He later graduated from Union Theological Seminary in New York.

When selected for the position of pastor, Warnock was the youngest ever to serve in that leadership role at the historic church. As the now Senator Reverend Warnock, in addition to a seat on the church dais, he fills a critical seat in the U.S. Capitol Building and Senate.

In his less than one year as a Senator, it has become difficult to overstate the impact of his contributions.

He serves as a member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.

He chairs the subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management, Trade, and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. He is also a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, the Senate Aging Committee, and the bicameral Joint Economic Committee.

For his tireless work for the citizens of Georgia and all Americans, Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock has been selected to receive the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) 2021 National Leadership Award, saluting excellence and innovative leadership in Black America.

“Thank you to the Black Press of America and the National Newspaper Publishers Association for this gracious award,” said Sen. Rev. Warnock.

“To my brother, Dr. Benja-

I MESSENGER

16

“This award is not about me, but the millions of Black Americans in Georgia and across the country who continuously display their courage, perseverance, and fortitude as we navigate increasingly challenging times in our communities and throughout our world,” said Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock.

min F. Chavis, Jr., Chair Karen Carter Richards, National Correspondent Stacy Brown, and the countless others who do the important work to keep our communities informed, engaged, and motivated through these unprecedented times.

“This award is not about me, but the millions of Black Americans in Georgia and across the country who continuously display their courage, perseverance, and fortitude as we navigate increasingly challenging times in our communities and throughout our world. Know that I will continue to do my part in the United States Senate to uplift Georgia voices in the continual march toward what Dr. King called the beloved community.”

This year, the NNPA celebrates 81 years as the trusted voice of Black America and 194 years of the Black Press of America. Each year, the NNPA recognizes courageous Amer-

icans that have impacted our nation and our world in positive ways.

Sen. Cory Booker, Congresswoman Cori Bush, Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, Dr. Ebony Hilton, and record-setting Olympic Champion Allyson Felix will also receive awards during this year’s Reception Ceremony.

“While the recipients’ career paths may vary, one cannot underestimate the impact of their shared commitment to creating meaningful and beneficial change in the lives of African Americans,” the members of NNPA’s Board of Directors in a joint statement.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., the president and CEO of the NNPA, said the Black Press “is saluting excellence and innovative leadership in Black America.”

Before the awards, the NNPA will host a special interview with actress Gabrielle Union. myimessenger.com

myimessenger.com

17

September 17, 2021

September 17, 2021

I MESSENGER

18

myimessenger.com

Briefs Wake Up and Stay Woke

DeSoto Fire Rescue 9/11 Memorial Ceremony

By Kenedi Houston

A vibrant group gathered at the African American Museum at Fair Park to hear about the one and only Dick Gregory.

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq., a longtime friend of the comic turned activist, has written a book about his life and during a recent visit to Dallas she autographed books and discussed his impact on society.

“I remember the last words he uttered before he passed on: ‘Wake Up and Stay Woke.’ That’s where I got permission for the title of this book Wake Up and Stay Woke: Running For Life,” Dr. Williams said.

A graduate of Grambling State University and hold-

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq and moderator Cheryl Smith at the African American Museum.

A discussion about The One and Only Dick Gregory

er of numerous degrees, the president of the Political Congress of BlackWomen said Dallas was one stop of many as she tours the country sharing the life lessons he instilled in her. She said, “Dick Gregory knew who he was and as a Black Man growing up in post JimCrow America, he was a staunch supporter of the Women’s Movement, Native Americans, and a healthy lifestyle in vegetarianism."

Recently, Showtime released a biopic film, The One and Only Dick Gregory. Its’ June 19th release, coincided with the inaugural national recognition of the Juneteenth holiday, and the Men of Change exhibition at the African American Museum, that also featured Mr. Gregory.

Bishop Auto Shop Grand Opening held

Bishop Auto Shop Grand Opening Bishop Eli Jacobs and Dareia Jacobs with Naeema Young, CEO of Golden Life Wellness Center Brief and Photos

By Marva Sneed

Despite the pandemic Black businesses are continuing to pop up and expand in the Southern Sector of Dallas County and Bishop Eli Jacobs is the newest entrepreneur to make his mark. The latest addition is Bishop Auto Shop, 3701 S. Lancaster Rd. Dallas and myimessenger.com

On the eve of the 20th year Anniversary of 9/11 the City of DeSoto, TX held a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony at DeSoto Fire Station One. The bell rang for the fire fighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001as DeSoto Mayor Rachel Proctor read a proclamation.

DeSoto Remembering 9/11 DeSoto Mayor Rachel Proctor and City Manager Brandon Wright

DeSoto Remembering 9/11 Closing Remarks from Chief Duffield and Honor Guard Credit: Marva Sneed

Councilwoman Shaunte L. Allen asks for support

Bishop Auto Shop Carwash Services

Re-Elect Councilwoman Shaunte L. Allen and Starfire MCDC Dance Group

the grand opening was a stellar affair complete with a live deejay, free food, health screenings by Golden Life Wellness Center, and the Unique Corvette Club DFW car showcase. The shop is open Monday-Saturday with a mechanic on duty along with other services. Thursday – Saturday car detailing services and much more are available. For more information, call 214-434-0252.

Councilwoman Shaunte L. Allen held a re-election fundraiser recently in preparation for the midterm election on November 2, 2022. Councilwoman Allen has served on the Glenn Heights City Council Place 5 since 2018. Allen said, “In 2018, I won my race with your support and captured 62% of the votes.

That was 1,930 ballots cast, the highest number of votes in the history of Glenn Heights. It is my belief that the great people of Glenn Heights should determine what type of city we can all thrive in. Keeping citizens informed and engaged, creating new tax revenues from quality businesses, and fighting for policies that best represent YOU is my promise!”

19

September 17, 2021

Briefs Devin hired as Special Concierge and Site Director Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price recently announced the latest addition to the recently opened South Dallas Government Center (SDGC), “After a thorough search, we have been fortunate to hire Devin for Special Concierge and Site Director Position.”

According to Mr. Price, Devin will assume his responsibilities immediately.

“The Special Concierge and Site Director is newly created but a highly valued component of our facility management strategy.”

When asked why he wanted this coveted role, Devin was very clear and concise. The 20- year-old was adamant that his life’s goal was to get a job of his own.

The SDGC displays the art, history, culture of the South Dallas community. The 73,000 square foot facility on the north end hous-

Meet & Greet with Jane Hope Hamilton

Devin

es the Justice of the Peace Courts and Constable’s office in Precinct 1, the Dallas County Sheriff Patrol, the Dallas County Tax office, and Dallas County Veterans Services.

The best news is that Devin will be available to direct many of our visitors to their destination.

The Commissioner said, “We could not be more proud of our latest personnel acquisition!”

Garland Purchases Land to Help Meet Community Parks Needs The Garland Foundation for Development has approved the purchase of 2.18 acres of land near Ridgecrest and Lakemere drives to create public park space to serve and connect the nearby neighborhoods.

The park will also include a portion of what had been the Williams family farm and was recently approved for 75 new single-family homes. As part of the development agreement, 3 acres have been given to the City to create a public park. The City’s purchase will add to the committed open space and eventually create a neighborhood park exceeding 5 acres. The Garland Parks Master Plan study revealed that the

Ridgecrest/Williams/English Estates area of Garland is the least served by the City’s system of parks and green space.

District 5 Council Member Rich Aubin, who represents these neighborhoods on the City Council, said, “This land purchase will enable us to provide a fresh recreational opportunity in what is otherwise a park desert. This property is stunningly beautiful and an absolute oasis that you would not expect to find tucked away here. We should all be grateful to the families that have worked in unison to share the beauty of their land with you as a lasting legacy and gift to the community.”

September 17, 2021

I MESSENGER

Jane Hope Hamilton is with the Divine 9 at Dot’s Hop House & Cocktail Courtyard Brief and Photo

By Marva Sneed

Political strategist and businesswoman Jane Hope Hamilton was joined by members of an exploratory committee as a Meet & Greet was held in support of the possibility of a congressional run during the midterm elec-

tion in 2022. The Meet & Greet was hosted by the Exploratory Committee chair Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III. The special guests were former State Rep. Lorraine Birabil, Councilwoman Shirley Daniels, Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price and former Dallas County District Atty. Craig Watkins.

Longtime resident seeks JP seat Bernetta Jo Young launched her campaign for Dallas County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Place 2 (JP 4-2) surrounded by family, friends and supporters at a fundraising reception hosted at Gilley’s Dallas. During the event, Young shared why she decided to run for JP, citing the need to have more proactive programs in place for citizens prior to facing eviction, as well as alternative solutions for plaintiffs and defendants involved in small claims, traffic and other legal matters.

Young, a Dallas native and 16-year employee of the City of Dallas, currently serves as Manager of Training, Development and Community Outreach. She also previously served as Manager of Court Support for the City of Dallas Municipal Court where she was responsible for Magistrate Court, the Teen Court Program, staffing for Civil Court, managing

20

courtroom clerks, handling the jury pool poll, scheduling court dates, payment window operations, and data entry staffing for citations. Bernetta Jo Young also previously served as District Director for U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18th District). myimessenger.com

Wear the masks, wash your hands and show love!

Garland Unit NAACP

Presents the 30th Annual

Freedom Fund Virtual Brunch

CP, still a voice in the communit A A N e y Th Speaker

Mistress of Ceremony

Dr. Devin Atchison

Senior Pastor Westside Baptist Church, Lewisville, TX

LaKisha Culpepper

Garland ISD, Liaison to the African American Community

Join Us Virtually

September 18, 2021 ~ 10:00am

$20 donation click here.

The link for brunch will be emailed following donation.

The spectacular Silent Auction will be online!

For more information, call the NAACP Garland Unit: 972-381-5044, Voice Box #5

myimessenger.com

21

September 17, 2021

September 17, 2021

I MESSENGER

22

myimessenger.com

Things Parents Should Know Sending Their Kids Back to School

By Breonna Randall

Howard University News Service

For the first time since March 2020, millions of students, pre-kindergarten to high school seniors, will be attending in-person classes. Aside from attending class, they will be also participating in extracurricular activities, like sports, music and clubs. Parents have many concerns and questions.

Howard University News Service reached out to five physicians for answers, Dr. Hadie Shariat, pediatrician, Howard University Hospital; Dr. Katherine Hager, Infectious Disease Fellow, Howard University Hospital; Dr. Catherine Marshall, pediatrician at Balboa Pediatrics; Dr. Andrea Goings, pediatrician, Baby Doc House Calls, and Dr. Stacey Eadie, pediatrician at her own private practice, Peds in a Pod. Q. SHOULD I GET MY CHILD VACCINATED? The unanimous opinion among our doctors was if your child can get vaccinated, they should. The only thing that has proven to be effective so far in fighting COVID-19 is the vaccine, they said. While a tiny fraction of people has died from the vaccine, more than 600,000 have died from the disease.

Children under the age of 12 cannot be vaccinated, though pharmaceutical companies are working on a vaccine for them.

Q. WHAT IF MY CHILD IS TOO YOUNG FOR THE VACCINE? In this case, the doctors advise, your child should stay away myimessenger.com

from unvaccinated adults, stay away from crowded indoor places, always wear a mask and keep practicing social distancing and good hygiene. Also always remember to keep up with your local safety guidelines. Guidelines and prevalence of coronavirus are different in different cities and states. Residents may need to be more careful in some locales.

Q. WHAT KIND OF MASK SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR AND HOW MANY DO THEY NEED? The readily available blue and white surgical masks are the best option for students of all ages. They will protect your child if they are wearing them properly. The mask should cover their nose and their mouth.

If the mask falls to the ground or gets wet either by sneezing into it or from water, they should be discarded, and a new mask put in place. Younger children should carry about a half a dozen surgical masks with them a day.

Students in grades 9-12 should not need to change theirs as often. They may only need to have about three. For older children doubling up by wearing a surgical mask and a cloth mask on top throughout their school day is the best option.

If your child is most comfortable wearing only a cloth mask, that is fine, but remember it needs to be cleaned daily, never wait more than a day to clean or rotate your child’s cloth mask. N-95 masks are said to be the best option, but only if they have been fit tested by a doctor to a child’s face. Children with disabilities who are not able to

wear a mask all day should wear a shield.

Q. WHAT SHOULD BE ON MY BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING LIST? You should buy everything that you would already get but more. Make sure your child has more than enough supplies, so they won’t need to ask their classmates to share. Young children like to chew on their pens and sharing those supplies could increase the spread of germs. Aside from masks, you may want to add new items like hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.

Q. WHAT ARE SOME SCHOOL HABITS MY CHILD NEEDS TO BREAK AND NEW ONES THEY SHOULD INCLUDE? The number one habit that children of all ages need to break is sharing. They should not share toys, school supplies, food, drinks or anything else.

It won’t be easy to get young children to unlearn “sharing is caring,” but it is very important that they try their best.

Other habits that students need to break is any unnecessary touching. Hugging or kissing other students is a no-no.

Students have been away from their friends for a very long time, and they may want to show physical affection towards each other when they reunite but it is very important that they don’t as much as possible.

They should also use disinfectant wipes to clean their desks between classes and the handles and locks to their lockers. Finally, most schools do not have automatic sinks or dryers. So,

23

students should consider using paper towels to turn handles off and on and opening doors after washing their hands for at least 20 seconds.

Q. ARE THERE WARNING SIGNS THAT MY CHILD MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO THE CORONAVIRUS? Children, especially younger children, seem to always have a sniffle or runny nose. However, in today’s climate, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Every day after you child comes home, spend two minutes with your child and let them tell you about their day without asking any specific questions. In that time, they may tell you if they shared toys or snacks with anyone that they shouldn’t have. If your child is having a cough or runny nose, yes it could be allergies or a common cold, but do not risk the safety of your family and others. Keep your children home and quarantine them until they can take a Covid-19 test at a medical facility, not an at home rapid test. A two-year old may get sick and have just a runny nose or sore throat from the disease, but if they infect their grandmother, for example, she could end up in the hospital on a ventilator.

Q. ARE EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES OKAY FOR MY CHILD TO PARTICIPATE IN? There is nothing wrong with your child returning to their extracurricular activities, just as long as these activities are supervised and are following all Center for Disease Control and Prevention and local health guidelines.

September 17, 2021

September 17, 2021

I MESSENGER

24

myimessenger.com

myimessenger.com

25

September 17, 2021

The New Multiracial America THE LAST WORD BY DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX

So you are sitting on a park bench, just enjoying the weather. What is the likelihood that the next person that walks by you is of a different race than you? In 2010 the probability of a different race person walking by was 54.9 percent in 2010, and it rose to 61.1 percent by 2020.

We are more likely to see people who are different than us is the classroom, the boardroom or the sidewalk, and from what we are seeing these days, our nation is not ready for this change.

The 2020 Census data, released a few weeks ago, reinforce what we already knew.

The white population, still our nation’s largest, is dwindling, down by 8.6 percent from a decade ago. The Latino population, which includes people of any race (yes, there are Black Latinos) rose by 23 percent.

It is the fastest growing population in the country. The Black population rocks steady at around 13 percent. And the population that identifies itself as “multiracial” has grown by a factor of three.

The increase in the multiracial population, which was 9 million in 2010 and grew to 33.8 millon by 2020, reflects two things. First, the rate of racial intermarriage has increased, leading to an increase of mixedrace children. Equally importantly, the number of people who are willing to self-identify as mixed race has increased.

People who once hid their mixed race identity, or felt pressured to choose one identity or September 17, 2021

the other, now feel free to embrace the totality of their identity.

The increase in the number of people who choose to identify as multiracial is both a blessing and an illusion. It’s a blessing because the accursed “one drop” rule was an oppressive way of managing racial classification. But the new multiculturalism is an illusion because it should not inspire “fear of a Black planet.”

As Richard Alba writes in his book, The Great Demographic Illusion: Majority, Minority and the Expanding American Mainstream (Princeton University Press 2020), everybody brown ain’t down. In other words, many who identify as multiracial take on the identiy and politics of their white parent, not their Latino or Asian parent.

They embrace their multiracial identity, but not necessarily multiracial politics.

Many of the young people whose multiracialism is partly Black do “get” Black issues and speak up for them. Some, though, are conflicted and want to see “both sides”. In the face of

I MESSENGER

the outrageous police killings of Black men and women, there are no two sides, but some who identify with their white parents are not as ready as others to take a strong stand.

Still young voices are driving our reality. On August 28, young Tamika Mallory called the “Good Trouble” Rally that drew thousands to the Lincoln Memorial on the 58th Anniversary of the March on Washington.

In the tradition of Dr. King, who was but 34 when he delivered the “I Have A Dream Speech”, Mallory called people out and took them to task.

She asserted her leadership role and said she would take it, come what may.

More importantly, she told Democrats to do their job, do their work, end the filibuster, and implement the voting rights agenda. She is powerful, fierce, and surrounded by a multiracial team that supports her.

The is the future of our nation. Young, bold, bodacious, multiracial energy. There are too many who would throw back to the past, too many who

26

would deny the demographics, too many who are frightened about what comes next, who insist on humming, singing and swaying plaintively, “We Shall Overcome”. In this multiracial world, there will be less singing and swaying, and more demanding.

But those of us who watch the demographics know that numbers don’t mean solidarity, and that we will have to work to get the coalitions that we want.

And we must also know that no matter how the demographics shift, our nation still owes Black folks. “We have come to the nation’s capital to cash a check”, thundered Martin Luther King, Jr. “And the check has been marked insufficient funds”. The funds are still insufficient, and the debt is no less pressing.

Shifting demographics don’t cancel the debt. Tamika Mallory, with her inspired leadership, reminds us to hold those we voted for accountable.

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

myimessenger.com

Joy has love for the Community FROM MARVA WITH LOVE

By Marva J. Sneed

You might say Chevella Campbell earns her nickname “Joy” every day.

At Dallas’ Discovery Place, Campbell serves up faith, love and, yes, joy to criminal offenders who are looking for new beginnings.

Campbell owns Guiding Minds Ministries, LLC, a parent company to Discovery Place, a nonprofit substance use counseling and life skills agency.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing at

Prairie View A&M University and Campbell stopped in recently at From Marva with Love to share her motivation for helping individuals become successful.

MS: Tell us about Discovery Place?

JC: Discovery Place is our nonprofit. We offer rehabilitative classes to ‘second chance’ offenders.

I teach drug offenderDWI education, anti-theft, parenting, life skills, anger management, marijuana intervention, Thinking for a Change, Outpatient Clinic and substance abuse counseling and evaluations.

Our nonprofit is where we do the work for the Lord. It’s for spiritual gain, helping

C Joy Campbell

them to get self-sufficient.

We hosted a community resource block party event with resources to help people (to access) Dallas County services, tickets, legal aid for expungements and Community Court. The services are to help people get where they need to be.

MS: Where are you located?

JC: We are located at 3911 S. Lancaster Rd., Suite 100, in Dallas. I’m in City Council District 4.

MS: That was a thriving community (District 4). What happened to it?

JC: To be honest, I think the community left because the kids left. You know how when you grow up in a certain neighborhood and you start to make a certain amount of money. You start to leave your neighborhood. Those of us that were thriving and had the drive and passion and had the abilities to get up and get out, we got out; but, we forgot to come back. So, what we were left with were the people struggling. Without anyone teaching and exposing them to anything different, they were left without an understanding and knowledge of even how to become successful.

To hear more of our conversation, listen to the full interview on BlogTalkRadio. com. by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3hnuISo Listen on the Texas Metro News Facebook page here https:// bit.ly/3noyVcf. Follow Joy Campbell and Guiding Minds Ministries LLC on social media. Instagram: www.instagram.com guidingmindsed,Facebook : www.facebook.com/ guidingmindsed And www.insta gram.com/ydpinc. For more info on visit: www.guiding mindsed.com Tune in to From Marva with Love Fridays 11am - 1pm on BlogTalkRadio and Facebook.com/ TexasMetroNews marvasneed@ myimessenger.com

myimessenger.com

27

September 17, 2021

Dr. Amerson adapts to Temporary Business Closure Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist, has adapted to the temporary closure of LA's Hair and Scalp Clinic. We continue to offer our award-winning products to consumers. Our exclusive products are manufactured by a facility in Garland, TX. Premium quality natural ingredients are used to assist with dry, oily, itchy, flaky, inflammed scalps, as well as hair breakage, hair thinning and regrowth.

Everyone may order from our website, and we will ship your product order to you. http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support.

In addition, we offer Video Consultations globally! We will schedule an appointment, give a diagnosis, them make a recommendation. We are available to serve you in the comfort of your home. Call us today - 817.265.8854 http://www.hairandscalpessentials.com We need your support.

September 17, 2021

I MESSENGER

28

myimessenger.com

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!

myimessenger.com

29

September 17, 2021

September 17, 2021

I MESSENGER

30

myimessenger.com

myimessenger.com

31

September 17, 2021

September 17, 2021

I MESSENGER

32

myimessenger.com

THE CARD COUNTER AT THE MOVIES

BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ THE CARD COUNTER is a very dark movie about a former military prison camp interrogator, played by Oscar Isacc, who is haunted by all the things he’s done in his past. His depression leads him to the point of being suicidal. He’s also obsessed with getting revenge on all of the cruel behavior that people have inflicted on him in his past.

While serving a prison sentence he spends hundreds of hours teaching himself how to count cards, a skill that gives the gambler a distinct advantage over the casino. However, his true skill is playing poker. With his card counting skill and his ability to read the other players at the table he’s one of the best poker players in the world, but winning huge pots is not his motivation. He’s obsessed with reading his opponents and sending them from the table humiliated.

Tiffany Haddish, in her first dramatic role, is La Linda who runs a poker stable of skilled players. She matches up her stable with sponsors who have money to invest. In return she receives half of the player’s winnings.

Issac, who goes by the name William Tell, hooks up with a young gambler named Cirk (Tye Sheridan) who is down on his luck and in debt. William takes a liking to the young man and decides to use his poker winnings to get Cirk back on his feet.

Haddish is the third member of the team and William spends most of the movie fighting his affection for La Linda but in the end (spoiler alert) the two are involved in a sexy love scene.

The climax of the movie has William playing in The World Series of Poker, and while doing well, his obsession with remyimessenger.com

venge makes him walk out of the tournament. He’s obsessed with a Major (William Dafoe), who he served with at a military camp, and decides to get his revenge.

THE CARD COUNTER has so much going on in the plot that it’s a bit difficult to follow. There are three plots going on at one time. His dark past at a military prison and his battle with PTSD, his pok-

33

er playing skills and his love affair with Haddish. Just one plot line would have made it more cohesive and entertaining.

Still, it’s a good movie, even with an unstructured plot with too much included in it. I liked the chemistry between Major and La Linda the most.

On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate THE CARD COUNTER a JUMBO Popcorn.

September 17, 2021

Virtual and liVe Community Calendar

Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Hispanic Heritage Month Alopecia Awareness SEPTEMBER 16, 18 &19

2021 HBCU Virtual College Fair, with Suncoast Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. 6 pm CDT Reg: https://HBCUWKND. eventbrite.com.

SEPTEMBER 20

Freedman Town Talk presented by Remembering Black Dallas, INC. Free Reg: bit.ly/2UXYPaQ 7:15-8:30 pm CDT

Iota Phi Theta Founders Day

DINNER AT DAQ’S Feat: Maurice Curtis on Sax, at Daq’s Luxury Daiquiri Lounge, 8700 Preston Rd. Plano. 6-10 pm

LIVE DEMO Run the Dish w/ Chef Richard. Live on Facebook @Ester’s Soul Food + Kitchen. 6-7:30 pm.

Kindle the Flame Prayer Session on line at The March of Faith Ministries. 2-3 pm. CDT Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/3lnrYp4

SEPTEMBER 21

Garland NAACP 30th Annual Freedom Fund Virtual Brunch. Mistress of Ceremony LaKisha Culpepper, Speaker: Dr. Devin Atchison, Westside Baptist Church.

10 am CDT Donation: https://garlandtxnaacp.org/freedom-fund/

SEPTEMBER 16 The Connection with Debra BrownSturns. OnFacebook.com/TexasMetroNews & BlogTalkRadio.com. 7-8 pm. 646200-0459.

West African Dance, Drum & History Virtual Residency Event. Thursday Dance 6-7 pm. Reg: https://bit.ly/3BO5cgJ

THE DOC SHEP SPEAKS SHOW! From 11 am.

CST on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, @fnsconsulting, and You Tube @docshepspeaks.

National UNCF WALK For Education Virtual. Reg: UNCF.ORG Oktoberfest at Ash & Ember, 226 Texas St. Cedar Hill. 12 pm11 pm.

NC100BW Dallas Metropolitan Chapter 2021Member Induction Ceremony. Keynote Speaker: The Hon. State Rep. Toni Rose. Virtual Reg: https://bit.ly/3k9Eolf .

12-1 pm. CDT.

Virtual NNPA 2021 National Leadership Awards Reception CEO /President Dr. Benjamin Chavis Jr. 6-7 pm CDT www. virtualnnpa2021.com.

KRMA THURSDAYS at Tacos Patron, 14060 Dallas Pkwy. Dallas.

6-11 pm. RSVP: 214.455.1779

SEPTEMBER 17

The World According to Drew, host Andrew Whigham, III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8-10 am. It’s thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news commentary.

Join the call at 646-200-0459.

West African Dance, Drum & History Virtual Residency Event. Sunday History 6-7 pm. Reg: https://bit. ly/3BO5cgJ

From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed. 11 am -1 pm. CST, on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio. com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

Lil Keke & ESG Live host Stand for Something Group at The Rail Club Live, 3101 Joyce Dr. Ft. Worth. 7 pm. Tickets: https:// bit.ly/3zM46S2.

Every Friday Night Don Diego and The Razz Band at Club Odyssey, 7439 Westmoreland Rd. 6 pm. Face Mask Required.

Marvin Gaye and The Motown Sound - Livestream Music History Program with Washington DC History & Culture.

9-10:30 pm. 7-8:30 pm. CDT. Tickets: https:// bit.ly/3htzaix.

SEPTEMBER 22 I Was Just Thinking with Norma Adams-Wade. 11 am -1 pm. CST On Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio. com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

SEPTEMBER 23 North Texas Giving Day The Connection with Debra BrownSturns. Facebook.com/TexasMetroNews, BlogTalkRadio.com. 7-8 pm. 646-2000459.

SEPTEMBER 24 – OCTOBER 17 STATE FAIR OF TEXAS

National Congress of Black Women, Inc. 37th Annual Awards Ceremony. Virtual. 2 pm. CDT Tickets: www.nationalcongressbw. org Ubuntu Market for Small Business. Hosted by Pan African Connection, 4466 Marsalis, Dallas. 12-5 pm. For vendor Info: Email: adjwoahogue@yahoo.com or call 214-943-8262.

Majestic Community Open House, 1925 Elm St, Dallas. 12 pm-3 pm. Info: www.dallasculture.org.

Greek Night All Fraternity and Sorority are invited at Crab N Bar, 305 W Farm to Market Rd 1382 Suite 316, Cedar Hill. Info: 469-454-4303.

UTA.ED Maverick Speaker Series Presents Henry Louis Gates Jr. 7:30 pm. CDT. Virtual: https://bit.ly/3lnrYp4.

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

Happy Birthday to Dr. Linda Amerson

Muhammad Ali Preview Screening, PBS documentary “Muhammad Ali” by Ken Burns. 7 pm. Online @ Arkansas Minority Film and Art Association. www.video.pbs. org Showing on PBS 9-19-22-21.

Soul Line Dance Tuesday-Live! Virtual, host BE Creative Arts Center. 7 pm CDT Reg: www.becreativeartscenter.com FREE.

Saturday Night Vibes @ Herrera’s Addison w/DJ Boladi, 4021 Belt Line Rd. #109. 9 pm-2 am Tickets: maturepartycrowd.com

SEPTEMBER 19

Nuestro Oak Cliff Exhibit at Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak St. Opening Reception.

10 am-5 pm. Exhibits thru 10-16.

September 17, 2021

SEPTEMBER 18

National Museum of African American History & Culture - Livestream Tour with Washington DC History & Culture. 10-11:30 am. CDT. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3tD4hNb.

I MESSENGER

SEPTEMBER 24 From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed. 11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

SEPTEMBER 25

State Fair Classic Grambling vs. Prairie View @ The Cotton Bowl Fair Park. 4 pm kick off.

Tickets: www.statefairclassicfootball.com.

Marriage Resuscitation Seminar. Host Bishop Eli Jacobs & Lay Elect Dareia Jacobs. Special Guest Apostle David Ransom. 1-5 pm. 200 N. Plano Rd. Richardson.

Tickets: Eventbrite.com/e/marriageresuscitation.

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

Sophisticated Saturdays HBCU Edition @ House of Blues, 2200 N. Lamar St. 10-pm-2 am. Tickets: HOBClassic.eventbrite.com.

4th Annual Neighborhood Summit at Alan E. Sims Cedar Hill Recreation Center, 310 E. Parkerville Rd. 9-11:30 am.

State Fair Classic Grambling vs. Prairie View Pre Game Concert - Dru Hill at the State Fair Classic Game, Fair Park, 3809 Grand Ave. 2 pm.

State Fair Classic Grambling vs. Prairie View Post Game Concert - The Black Pumas at the State Fair Classic Game, Fair Park, 3809 Grand Ave. 7:30 pm.

Diana Ross & The Supremes Music History Livestream Program with Washington DC History & Culture. 9-10:30 pm. CDT. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3hpydri.

SEPTEMBER 26 The World According to Drew, host Andrew Whigham, III on BlogTalkRadio. com 8-10 am. It’s thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news commentary. Join the call at 646-200-0459.

A Celebration For Bishop T. D. Jakes at The Potter’s House of Dallas, 6777 W. Kiest Blvd.

9 am. In Sanctuary or Live stream: @tdjakes. org/stream.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

State Fair Classic, High School Battle of the Bands at Beverly D. Humphrey Tiger Stadium, 200 E. Wintergreen, Lancaster. 8 am.

State Fair Classic RADIO ONE GOLF CLASSIC at Cedar Crest Golf Club, 1800 Southerland Ave, Dallas. 9 am.

34

myimessenger.com

myimessenger.com

35

September 17, 2021

After 9/11, Some found Healing by Helping Vicky Mann started her day, Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, like any other. A nursing student at the time, her mind was focused on her clinical rotation assignment, unaware of what was happening in the world around her.

“It was a beautiful September day in New York,” recalled Vicky.

She took the subway and then enjoyed a walk to Methodist Hospital in downtown Brooklyn, about three miles from the Twin Towers.

“I remember the nurses on the floor said, ‘Something’s happening. Turn on the TV,’” Vicky said. From a television screen in the nurse’s lounge, Vicky and her colleagues watched flames erupting from the World Trade Center. At first, she watched in confusion, but the horror that followed her realization was too much for her mind to comprehend.

She immediately went to God in prayer.

In the chaos that followed, she and her fellow students were sent home from the hospital.

With public transportation at a standstill or full beyond capacity, Vicky had no choice but to walk. She witnessed firsthand the lifeless and numb expressions of survivors fleeing from Manhattan. Twenty years after 9/11, she still remembers the relief she felt when all her family members were safely reunited that night. Days later, shock and grief for the loss of life would continue. “You felt for people,” she said.

Relief came from reaching out to help others who were struggling as she was.

“Everybody was feeling lost and uncertain of what to do going forward,” Vicky said. She realized that her faith helped her cope, and she September 17, 2021

Vicky Mann shares comfort from the Bible by writing letters to her neighbors in San Antonio

wanted to help others find that comfort.

The ministry that she had shared in for years as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses took on a new role for her.

“What people needed most was for me to listen,” she said.

“Then I could share a Bible verse that might give them a measure of peace, even if just for a few minutes.”

Helping others has long been linked to better emotional wellbeing in psychology research.

The book “The Healing Power of Doing Good: The Health and Spiritual Benefits of Helping Others” describes “powerful” effects, even for helpers who have experienced trauma themselves.

Trauma was all too common among the many volunteers at Ground Zero. Roy Klingsporn, a Brooklynite who volunteered at Ground Zero nearly every day for two months, recalled on one occasion approaching a man who sat slouched in a golf cart near the site’s makeshift morgue.

“When I asked him how he was doing, he burst into tears,” said Klingsporn, now of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “He said, ‘I’m tired of picking up body

I MESSENGER

parts.’”

Within days of the attacks, Jehovah’s Witnesses set up teams that spent hours each day in Lower Manhattan, Bible in hand, consoling everyone from the families of victims to first responders battling physical and emotional exhaustion. It was a work that changed how the organization approaches disasters, with an organized comfort ministry now being an integral part of its response to natural disasters, and even to the pandemic.

Recalling the gut-wrenching days he spent as one of those volunteers near the smoldering remains of the Twin Towers still stirs deep feelings in Robert Hendriks.

“It was very emotional and extremely difficult for me, but the faces of those I passed on the street said it all,” said Hendriks, now U.S. spokesman for the Witnesses. “They needed comfort, and the best thing I could give them was a hug and a scripture.”

For Brown “Butch” Payne, the events of September 11, 2001, tore open old wounds, bringing back vivid wartime memories the Vietnam veteran had tried to forget.

36

From his East Village apartment, Payne recalled the crowds of frantic people streaming north from Lower Manhattan. “That sight stirred up a lot of emotions in me,” he said. “It shook me to the core.”

Payne found relief in rendering aid the best way he knew how. “Sharing the Bible’s message of hope softened the blow for me,” he said.

Offering a shoulder to cry on brought Klingsporn comfort too. “It was satisfying to be of help to my community,” he said.

Two decades later, Vicky continues to find comfort from reaching out—this time in talking with pandemic-stressed neighbors in San Antonio, Texas.

She continues sharing positivity with others, although now doing so through letters and telephone calls instead of going door to door. Jehovah’s Witnesses paused their inperson preaching in response to the pandemic in March 2020.

“I can’t change the pandemic,” she said, “but I can bring comfort. I can listen— hopefully making their lives just a little bit better. Being there to help others is helpful for you, too.”

Payne feels the same. In 2016, after 50 years of marriage, he lost his beloved wife to cancer.

On days when his grief feels overwhelming, Payne writes heartfelt letters that lift his neighbors’ spirits — and his own. He shares scriptures and resources that have helped him, like articles on coping with trauma and loss on jw.org, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“Encouraging others to look to the future helps me to do the same,” he said. myimessenger.com

myimessenger.com

37

September 17, 2021

www.grandpasecret.com September 17, 2021

I MESSENGER

38

myimessenger.com

myimessenger.com

39

September 17, 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 September 17, 2021

I MESSENGER

40

myimessenger.com