I Messenger 9-24-2 by Cheryl Smith

VOL XI NO 4 SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

I MESSENGER STATE FAIR CLASSIC Grambling State and Prairie View A&M battle for bragging rights

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Established 2011 CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back. September 24, 2021

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INSIDE

WHAT’S ON MILES’ MIND

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

Life is about connections-- human connections, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and church-mates.The human condition renders us resistant to isolation. We become lonely, sad, and depressed. Isolation as punishment dates back to medieval dungeons, but in spite of the controversy surrounding modern Solitary Confinement, the practice continues today.

Life is filled with conflict. There are times that you will find yourself in opposition with someone. We don’t always agree and sometimes relationships are severed because of our differences. It’s particularly difficult when it is a close friendship or intimate relationship. What starts out as friendly and loving can result in anger, disappointment, and pain.

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FROM MARVA WITH LOVE Maria McGee Lockett is a multi-faceted woman: She’s an entrepreneur, accountant and a licensed ordained minister and for more than three decades she has prepared individual and business tax returns in Dallas.There’s more. She operates a tax school where she trains students how to prepare returns and to open their own tax businesses.

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

September 24, 2021

MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith Publisher

It’s about to go down! If you didn’t know, the midterm elections are just as important as the presidential election every four years. Some might even say that a voter nullifies the impact of their previous vote if they don’t follow through by continuing to be an active participant in the electoral process. That’s right. We are about to hear from politicians and wanna be politicians as we prepare for the midterm elections. News flash: If you didn’t know, the midterm elections are just as important as the presidential election every four years. Some might even say that a voter nullifies the impact of their previous vote if they don’t follow through by continuing to be an active participant in the electoral process. This is a message for elected officials too. I applaud the elected officials who campaign even when they aren’t on the ballot September 24, 2021

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and I say “shame on you” to those who only campaign when they are on the ballot. There are so many issues impacting our communities and it is imperative that all hands are on deck, all the time, participating in any attempts to right so many wrongs. Which brings me to my truth. Too often people sit on the sidelines; failing to take a stand, unless they are personally involved. Surely you’ve heard of the “hit dog holler syndrome?” Well, noted psychologist Dr. Na’m Akbar summed it up in so many words when he talked about the people who point a finger and shake their heads, while turning up their noses at the young men/boys they see in the street. The disdain is apparent. The good doctor asks, “Then what do you do when one of those men/boys shows up at your doorstep to date your daughter?” Good question, but who has the answer? Also what about those who are

incarcerated? How they are treated is not a concern until someone wants to speak out about their loved one being mistreated! Still taking things a step farther, some have no problem with the incarcerated being treated like animals and being subjected to inhumane living conditions; failing to realize that some of those behind bars will one day be released and if they are treated a certain way, well they may act that same way when they are released. Talk about chickens coming home to roost! Well we are going to be dealing with quite a few chickens if we don’t get off our butts and take more of an interest in what is happening in our communities. We have to care about one another and we have to realize the significance of our existence. We are not on this earth just to passively exist. We are supposed to be active participants. This means that we are supposed to care about others and those we will never see or meet. We have a responsibility and how we respond will determine if we were on the right side of history. It will also solidify our legacy. When there are family gatherings will your descendants laugh, cry, cuss, shake their heads, say a prayer or deny any relation to you? Or will they beam with pride? It’s your life! myimessenger.com

The Texas Taliban Wing of the Republican Party OUR VOICES BY REV. JESSE L. JACKSON,JR.

American papers are filled with pundits speculating about the horrors the Taliban may inflict on the people of Afghanistan, particularly its women. Less attention has been paid to the horrors Texas Republicans – the Taliban wing of the Republican Party – are inflicting on the State of Texas. In total control of the state, Republicans have a free hand that they’ve used to enforce extremism. Dubbing them the Texas Taliban isn’t just name-calling. The parallels are chilling. The Taliban scorn democracy. They see their opponents as heretics and heathens. The Taliban are bigots, rejecting people of other religions. The Taliban enforce a religious zealotry with suppression of women a central tenet. The Taliban invoke religious law to supplant the civil law. The Taliban reject modernity, scorn science, and seek return to a fundamentalist society that never was. Now consider the Republicans in Texas. They too are afraid of democracy. From Sen. Ted Cruz to Attorney General Ken Paxton, they sought to overturn the presidential election, while the party leaders echo Donald Trump’s Big Lie that the election was stolen. Worried that Republicans are in danger of becoming a minority in the state, Gov. Greg Abbott and the Republican state legislature just pushed through election suppression measures to make myimessenger.com

it harder for workers, minorities, seniors, young people and the disabled to vote, harder for civic groups to assist people in voting, easier for partisans to intimidate voters, and opened the way for the partisan legislature to overturn election results they don’t like. Republicans too prey on racial and religious prejudices. Their party chairman, Allen West, is a former Florida congressman who described Barack Obama as “Islamist,” charging that he was “purposefully enabling the Islamist cause.” When the Supreme Court tossed Trump’s baseless challenge to the election, West suggested that the South should rise again and secede: “that law-abiding states should bound together and form a union of states that will abide by the constitution.” The party markets the slogan “We are the storm,” an echo of anti-Semitic, white nationalist slogans that date back to Hitler’s stormtroopers. The Republicans also target women in their zealotry. The governor just signed a law effectively banning abortion in Texas, by outlawing any abortion after six weeks (most women don’t even know they are pregnant in that period of time). Worse, the law turns citizens into bounty hunters, offering cash rewards for turning in anyone who assists someone seeking an abortion. This law, if it survives challenge, will lead to deaths – from illicit abortions, from suicide, from pregnancies that take the mother’s life. An effort to stay the enforcement of this vicious law – a clear violation of the Supreme

Court’s constitutional precedents – was just denied by the Supreme Court’s right-wing justices acting without issuing an opinion. The Republicans also turn their backs on science. Texas has suffered record-breaking floods, droughts and winter storms over the last decade. Yet, with the state a leader in fossil fuel production, its politicians have been in denial about climate change. They were unprepared when Hurricane Harvey hit the state in 2017. Then extreme weather caused a major snowstorm that froze an unprotected energy grid. Gov. Abbot laughably blamed the deadly energy failure on solar and wind energy.

Now Abbott and Texas Republicans are trying to ban local authorities and school districts from enforcing mask mandates. Pandering to the Trump-aroused zealots in their own party, they are prepared to put children and teachers at risk, even as Texas hospitals and ICUs are filling up with the surge of new cases from the Delta variant. The Taliban, of course, patrol the streets of Kabul armed with AK-47s, terrorizing those who might cross them. The Texas

Taliban hasn’t gone that far, but they did just force through a law allowing its citizens to carry handguns without a permit. In an era when we’ve witnessed armed gangs marching on the Michigan legislature and the sacking of the U.S. Capitol, one can only shudder to think what would happen in Texas if Republicans were to lose political control. Unlike the Taliban, Texas Republicans still have to face the voters. Big oil money can help insulate them. Voter suppression laws can hold down turnout. The Big Lie can rouse their base. In the end, however, Texans will decide whether they will bring an end to this misrule or continue to support a party that is ever more unhinged. The last two weeks the Taliban honored an agreement to help the U.S. military get 123,000 Afghans and Americans out of the country and promised to do more as they seek to work with other nations. In that same period, the Texas legislature and Gov. Abbott sought to restrict voting and take away a woman’s right to self-determination. Who are we to not trust a newly emerging Taliban as it seeks its place in the family of nations while being asked to trust a Republican Government of Texas that attacks democracy and the rights of women? It’s the old tried-and-true Confederate State of Texas, the last state to inform its slaves they were free, for which we now celebrate Juneteenth. The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. is president and CEO of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.

September 24, 2021

Global pandemic has shown how crucial nurses are to healthcare sector By Jennifer Riggs Texas Metro News

Nurses made up 30% of hospital employment in 2019. Though they are critical to our healthcare system, nurses are still undervalued by society. People tend to look at them as just doctors’ helpers or assistants rather than independent professionals who work as hard as other healthcare workers to provide support to patients. But as the largest healthcare profession, they’re on the frontlines when a health crisis occurs — a job description that was tested to its limits by the COVID-19 pandemic. NURSES: FRONTLINE HEROES OF THE PANDEMIC In 2021, much of the world is still reeling from the long-lasting effects of the pandemic. Though it has one of the most advanced healthcare infrastructures globally, America was unprepared for the sudden surge of COVID-19 cases last year. This put everyone immediately at risk of the virus — especially nurses who work closely with patients. They provide direct care to patients showing mild to severe symptoms of the coronavirus, assessing their needs and interventions. But being a nurse has become an extremely dangerous job during the pandemic because of their exposure to the virus. They also face problems such as a lack of PPE, causing them to reuse single-use face masks and even September 24, 2021

treat patients with little to no protective equipment. Amidst this heroism, the US is facing a shortage of nurses, making their situation even harder. Despite having around 4 million registered nurses in the US workforce, the continuing rise of COVID-19 cases means the country will need about 1.1 million more nurses by 2022 in order to fill the gap. However, COVID-19 has served as a wake-up call not just for the healthcare sector to hire more nurses. According to a US News article on nursing school admissions, the pandemic has also sparked an interest among students, and universities and nursing schools are receiving a high number of inquiries and applications. Face-to-face classes are still a challenge, so colleges are pivoting by promoting their online programs instead. Those with no nursing education can get certifications and degrees to become registered

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nurses (RNs), while those who are already RNs can take online RN to BSN degrees. This type of program is more advanced and lets nurses specialize in certain areas, like mental health or gerontology. Plus, online nursing degrees are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, which means that graduates are just as qualified as those who trained in a traditional way. While this may help supply capable nurses, it still won’t be enough to fill the gap. WHY WE MUST ADDRESS THE NURSING SHORTAGE NOW Instead of simply relying on nursing schools for new nurses, it’s also important to recognize problems that cause a shortage — namely how to retain nurses. As previously mentioned, nursing has become a very dangerous profession that’s made even more stressful due to inadequate working conditions, such as

a lack of PPE and understaffing. The mental and emotional distress has caused some nurses to leave their jobs or get sick themselves. This only makes the situation worse, aggravating staffing issues. Many nurses now work long 12- to 16- hour shifts, causing them to suffer from widespread health and wellness problems such as being overweight, getting inadequate sleep, and experiencing burnout. A surge in coronavirus cases due to the new Delta variant is once again putting pressure on these nurses. It’s more highly contagious compared to other strains, and it currently makes up 83% of COVID-19 cases in the US. If we continue to turn a blind eye to the nursing shortages, we might end up fighting a losing battle. Nurses are putting their lives on the line in order to fight the coronavirus. And for all the difficulties that they go through to keep their patients alive, we should be doing as much as we can to help them. More than just expressing our gratitude, nurses should be given proper working conditions in order for them to do their job without sacrificing their well-being. Jennifer Riggs is a freelance writer who covers everything from current events to health and wellness. When she isn't typing away on her laptop, she is tending to her indoor garden — she started with two table plants before the pandemic and now has over fifty in her studio apartment. Photo credit: Unsplash, Source: shorturl.at/eqHRZ

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Briefs Councilwoman asks for support

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, current-

ly 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 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 (TX18th District).

Councilwoman Shaunte L. Allen and Starfire MCDC Dance Group

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!”

Vista Bank appoints Mahomes EVP, General Counsel Vista Bank and its parent company Vista Bancshares today announced the appointment of Bill Mahomes to Executive Vice President and General Counsel, effective immediately. Mr. Mahomes will report to Chief of Staff and Director of Corporate Development, Jared Craighead. As General Counsel, Mahomes will oversee all legal and contractual operations and matters of the Company, working closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to plan and achieve strategic enterprise initiatives. "Bill is a highly respected, seasoned attorney with experience in multiple financial verticals," noted Vista Bank President and CEO John Steinmetz. "But what attracted us to Bill was his character, intellect and integrity. Bill will have an immediate positive impact on our myimessenger.com

Bill Mahomes

organization." Formerly a partner at Bracewell LLP, Mr. Mahomes brings over four decades of regional, national, and international legal, regulatory, risk, and compliance

experience to the executive team. "What attracted me to join the incredible team at Vista Bank is its people and the incredible customer service that they offer clients," added General Counsel Bill Mahomes. "The healthy organic growth of the Bank and resulting opportunity is evident, but it was John and the team who won me over. To be around them is to know that People First is not just a motto, but a way of life here, which allows us to focus on what we do best, fueling entrepreneurs across our great state." Mr. Mahomes brings over 40 years of legal experience to the Vista Bank executive team. Prior to being at Bracewell, he was a senior partner for a Dallas-based national law firm, a partner for an international law firm, a senior vice-president and general counsel for

a mid-sized local corporation, and was counsel for the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae"). Additionally, he was a Captain in the United States Army Reserves, where he served as a company commander and was assigned to the JAG Corps. With a rich history of prior board experience, Mahomes currently serves on the board of the Dallas-based Today Foundation and the Advisory Board of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Appointed to the Texas A&M University Board of Regents by Governor Greg Abbott in 2015, Mr. Mahomes was reappointed in 2021 and elected Vice-Chairman on June 7, 2021. He received his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and his Juris Doctorate from The University of Texas School of Law. September 24, 2021

NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK: WOMEN LEADERS SUPPORT JOY-ANN REID OUR VOICES BY REV. AI SHARPTON Black women can have discussions on vaccinations, but to call Joy-Ann Reid names–who has stood for and symbolized Black excellence–is unfair and unwarranted. Joy-Ann has done superior journalism and advocacy with integrity and should be protected and supported. Though we respect Nicki Minaj as an artist and a woman of color breaking barriers in entertainment and leading in her field, we would hope that she would seek dialogue with Joy-Ann rather than denigrate her. We need her art and we critically need Joy-

-Ann’s continued journalism and her platform to amplify the conscious voice of Black women and push the issues to keep them relevant and vocal in prime time media. The COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately impacting Black and Brown communities worldwide and vaccine education is crucial to saving lives. In the wake of a week where information was reduced to memes and false information perpetuated by a popular female rapper and the GOP, there needs to be a reality check on the information superhighway. In fact, according to scientists there is no credible evidence demonstrating that any of the COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. negatively impact male fertility. Furthermore, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, there is

Joy-Ann Reid no established link between COVID-19 vaccines and lower sperm counts. According to research as of late July 2021, Black and Hispanic people remain less likely than their White counterparts to have received a vaccine, leaving them at increased risk, particularly as the variant spreads. Therefore, it’s imperative that credible information resonates and we not validate false narratives

spread by uninformed individuals in the name of click bait. Let us be reminded the Tuskegee experiments often cited as a reason for not taking the vaccine is a historically twisted narrative. Those who were experimented on and forced to suffer didn’t get sick because of a vaccine but due to a lack of treatment. We must dispel misinformation to keep moving forward. Wear your masks, wash your hands, and spread factual vaccine information so Americans are properly informed when making the choice to get vaccinated. National Action Network has been diligently working in communities across the country to spread vaccine awareness. Visit www.nationalactionnetwork.net for more information

Briefs Hollins launches campaign for District Clerk Meet & Greet with Jane Hope Hamilton Amye Thompson Hollins Officer at Transport Workis running for Dallas County ers Union Local 555 (the District Clerk in 2022 and largest union at Southheld her official kickoff last west Airlines) where she week in Dallas. A native of represented more than Dallas, lifelong Democrat, 10,000 ground operations and product of Dallas ISD agents across the U.S.; and schools; Hollins holds a 1st line Supervisor and BS in Kinesiology (Sports Resource Management Management emphasis) Leader at Verizon CommuAmye Thompson Hollins from Texas A&M University nications. in College Station, and an MBA in Human Active in the Dallas community, Hollins Resources (HR) from the University of Dal- worked with organizations throughout the las in Irving, TX. state of Texas on the 2020 Census and Hollins is an HR professional with more Redistricting efforts to ensure individuals than 20 years of experience. Her past po- were counted and represented. sitions include serving as HR Manager at For more information on the Campaign the Dallas County District Clerk’s Office; to Elect Amye Thompson Hollins, visit Labor Advocate and Human Resources www.amyefordistrictclerk.com. September 24, 2021

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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 mid-

term election 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. myimessenger.com

We all want Connections WHAT’S ON MILES’ MIND BY MILES JAYE Life is about connections-human connections, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and church-mates. The human condition renders us resistant to isolation. We become lonely, sad, and depressed. Isolation as punishment dates back to medieval dungeons, but in spite of the controversy surrounding modern Solitary Confinement, the practice continues today. According to an article,Solitary Confinement and Mental Illness in U.S. Prisons: A Challenge for Medical Ethics in the Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (March 2010), isolation can be as damaging as physical torture. According to Genesis 2:18 God didn’t want Adam to be alone, lonely, so He provided a companion. Adam needed a connection. Some connections are transactional. You’ve heard the saying, “Politics makes strange bedfellows.” It means, you may not share beliefs and common social mores with another person or party, however, it may be politically expedient to hold your nose and support or partner with them to satisfy your agenda. Frank Sinatra resented rumors that he was connected to the mob. Modern artists are accused of blood oaths and connecmyimessenger.com

tions with the Illuminati. The assumption is that a higher, power, influence or authority is responsible for their success. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know! In thinking about connections, I compiled a list of as many groups and organizations as I could think of which seem to satisfy the need and desire for the human connection. Alphas, AKAs, Asians, Baptists, Blacks, Bloods, Buddhists, COGIC, Catholics, Christians, Crips, Deltas, Democrats, Episcopalians, Hebrews, Hispanics, Independents, Iotas, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Kappas, the Klan, Lutherans, Masons, Methodists, Mormons, Muslims, Seventh Day Adventists, Pentecostals, policemen, Polynesians, Proud Boys, Republicans, Sigmas, Skull & Bones, soldiers, LGBTQs, Qs, and Whites. I make no distinction between gangs and religions, fraternities and sororities, professional organizations, racial supremacy and civil rights groups. They each provide opportunities for the membership connection-- to be part of something. Perhaps even more interesting, from a historical perspective, are the cultural connections between ancient peoples whose religious customs and beliefs, laws, language and lifestyles, combine to form the world we know today. Through war and trade, empires have cross-pollenated the world beyond their borders of origin for better or worse, with every aspect of human life

from the foods we eat to how and to whom we pray. The Africans, (Alkebulan— Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Cape Verde, C’ote Ivoire, Rep. of Congo, Dahomey, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Gold Coast, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mayotte, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Uganda, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Senegal, Sudan, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe). The Arabs (Arabia, North Africa, UAE, Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar), Aboriginal (Australia, Tasmania), Anglo-Saxons (German, English), Aztecs (Mexico), Bosnians, Czechs, Chinese, Dutch, French, Germans, Goths (Scandinavia, Germany) Incans (Peru, Chile, Ecuador), Indians (Indus Valley-- Afghanistan, Pakistan) Japanese, Korean, Romans (Europe and North Africa), Phoenicians (Greece-- Italy, North Africa), Spaniards (Iberian Peninsula), Persians (Iran), Ottomans (Turkey), Moors (North Africa, Spain), Mongolians, Malaysians, Thai, Negritos (Philippines), Mayans (Mexico, Central America), Mesopotamians (Iraq, Syria, Turkey), Slavs (Indo-European), Russians (Eastern Europe, Northern Asia) Poles, Serbs (Balkans), Tibetans (Tibet, China), Ukrainians, Vandals (Germans—Iberian Peninsula, North Africa) Visigoths (Germanic, Western Eu-

rope) and the Vikings (Denmark, Sweden, Norway) to name some. Native American tribes, Apache, Blackfoot, Cherokee, Chippewa, Choctaw, Creek, Chickasaw, Dakota, Eskimo (Inuit), Iroquois, Lumbee, Muscogee, Mohawk, Mohegan, Navajo, Olmec, Omaha, Ottawa, Puebloans, Seneca, Sioux, Ute, Yuma, to name a few, deserve special mention, as do the great African civilizations of Ashanti, Axum, Benin, Carthage, Kush, Mali, Nok, Punt, Songhai, Timbuktu, Zulu, and the Kingdoms of Dahomey and Ghana. Humans have mixed, matched and integrated throughout the millennia, making the modern, mixedup world as we know it. It’s enough to render racism and xenophobia irrational, indefensible and unconscionable. There is no supremacy, only the connection of humanity and the planet we share. The popularity of ancestry platforms, (i.e. Ancestry, MyHeritage, and Findmypast), are proof of an increased interest in genealogy and the human connection. It seems we all want to belong to something greater than ourselves. We want to believe in something greater than ourselves. Apparently, we want what God wants for us-- CONNECTION! That’s what’s on my mind! Website: www.milesjaye.net Podcast: https://bit.ly/2zkhSRv Email: milesjaye360@gmail.com

September 24, 2021

Skipping Out on The Second Dose Adds to The “Pandemic of The Unvaccinated” By Josephine Reid The second wave of COVID-19 has been filled uncertainty and unpredictability of the virus itself. However, we’ve had plenty of opportunities to avoid preventable downfalls. The two-dose mRNA vaccines have been confirmed to be highly effective at preventing infection, illness, and hospitalization, even from the now prevalent Delta variant according to vaccine health officials pointing to emerging research. Despite the apparent importance of being fully vaccinated, there has been in a lag in persons in the United States who are receiving the vaccine to receive their second and get the full protection both shots offer. 15 million people in the United States have missed their second shot according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In a recent town hall hosted by the Black Coalition Against Covid, guest speaker Dr. Simira L. Brown said, “The level of protection you’re able to get to is significantly different with one shot versus two, and that’s exactly the reason why you need two shots if you’re getting the Pfizer which is the vaccine that’s approved down to 12 [years old].” She added, “So if you’re going to get into that over 90 percent protection which is incredibly good, and protects against every single variant that we have seen here in the U.S., you have to get both to be able to get to that level.” Public health and vaccine experts have long emphasized the importance of following the course of full vaccination. But a newly published study by Stanford Medicine quantifies how important a second dose of an mRNA vaccine is when it comes to fighting off COVID-19. Experts also say that by getting a second dose of the mRNA vaccine, your immune cells will remember their previous encounter with that very same vaccine. The second shot is recommended three weeks after the first Pfizer-BioNSeptember 24, 2021

Tech shot or four weeks after the first Moderna shot. Second doses were considered missed if more than 42 days had passed since the initial shot. "Getting you to come in and get tested is one step, getting you to get vaccinated is another. Getting you to get your second dose has become its own barrier,” said Nic Lee with the Rafiki Coalition for Health & Wellness More than 15 million people in the U.S. still haven’t gotten a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. A misconception persists that one dose provides ample protection from the virus. Additionally, there’s a fear of that a second dose will lead to side effects – which are reportedly more severe than after the first dose for some people. Challenges of getting an appointment and finding the time to get a second dose are among the other reasons people have given for not getting fully vaccinated to fight COVID-19. Dr. Nerissa Price of WakeMed Health in Raleigh, NC stresses that getting two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will equip more Black Americans with good protection from the virus. “It’s really not until

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after that second shot that you get full protection,” Dr. Price said. And full protection we need to clarify as well does not mean 100 percent protection,” she added. “It still means that people need to be careful in certain settings where there’s a high number of unvaccinated individuals. I have the simple math. The first shot gets you half the way. The second shot gets you all the way. Even still, we need to be mindful of the new variants and the new information that gets released every day.” Regardless of whether you’re busy or want to avoid feeling under the weather, experts say getting fully vaccinated is vital, especially with the highly transmissible Delta variant continuing to spread throughout the country. Banding together with your doctor and doing your part by becoming fully vaccinated can protect our lives, the lives of our loved ones and the lives of those in our Black communities. For more information about vaccination sites in your area, please go to https:// www.vaccines.gov. myimessenger.com

DON’T LET THE DEVIL GET IN YOUR HEAD!

BIG MAMA SAID:

THE BLACK CARD BY TERRY ALLEN I love the playbook Lucille “Big Mama” Allen left for us. As a survivor of the Jim Crow era and many other barri-

ers in her community, Big Mama knew exactly how the forces of the enemy are determined to get in our heads to make us feel helpless,overwhelmed, and incapable of making a difference. She had me ask myself on many occasions this very question: Are your thoughts holding you captive? Big Mama shared trials and tribulation stories of her and others life-chang-

ing events. Big Mama told me if I failed to achieve anything it is because the devil won over your dreams and hijacked my success. What did I learn from her is: “It starts in your head.” But she reminded me that if the devil can get in your head to make you think things like,” I’ll never be good enough. Other people have better lives than I do. God couldn’t really love me,” the truth can take it back. Big Mama said from there, the possibilities are endless for the truth to win over and take control of your thoughts! She reminded me that God will allow us to win over bad information and bad thoughts. Her message was. “God protects us not only in the physical world that we can see, but also in the spiritual space against forces we can’t see.” She reminded me with biblical scripture. She said in the Bible it says, “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). We are now in a climate of disinformation. Disinformation is not just affecting politics at the national level. It is damaging our public trust in our medical experts and institutions. The 2020 election was not stolen, yet disinformation continues over it is still prevalent, and the man who started the Big Lie is still stirring up the pot to get supporters to believe lies. At the same time they are losing their lives to myths, conspiracies and erroneous data. Big Mama would say the devil has got in too many heads. It is almost like a spiritual battle is raging around our relationships as the “devil” attempts to kill, steal and destroy. (John 10:10) Some people would love to keep the drama going, but the truth will prevail. What I learned from Big Mama is these two lessons: (1) disinformation rapidly spreads across the information channels as the public leaders promote it, and (2) media coverage and social media content moderation can influence how disinformation is squashed and destroyed. So Big Mama, the devil will not be in my head. Can you join me in the wave to end disinformation? Email me at terryallenpr@gmail.com next week my column will be dedicated to “Say My Name” and the Superb Women in the community. Terry Allen is a multi-media journalist and former board member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

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September 24, 2021

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September 24, 2021

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September 24, 2021

Tit for Tat Ain’t Where It’s At FAITHFUL UTTERANCES BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW Life is filled with conflict. There are times that you will find yourself in opposition with someone. We don’t always agree and sometimes relationships are severed because of our differences. It’s particularly difficult when it is a close friendship or intimate relationship. What starts out as friendly and loving can result in anger, disappointment, and pain. I remember when they met. ‘Sharlene’ was so in love with ‘Trey’. Every other sentence was a reference to something he said or did. They were inseparable and after years of marriage, things began to change. Unresolved issues became obstacles to healing. Three kids and two dogs later, arguments became their regular mode of communication. It wasn’t working. Getting even became the norm. Their friends became divided, taking sides. Love relationships are not the only relationships free from conflict. Friendships, too, have problems. Kingsley and

Barbara became fast friends. Their friendship was rooted in their dreams to conquer the world. They came up with ideas to implement and soon, Kingsley saw that Barbara wasn’t as committed to the project and didn’t invest as much as he did. He felt used and that she wasn’t who she said she was. Their friendship and business relationship ended on terrible terms. There was a lot of anger, pain, and resentment. Revengeful acts became common with the two including sabotage and even reputation destroying gossip. Two very different scenarios that have similar circumstances: Relationships that changed fueled by intense emotions. Lives disrupted and altered. Collateral damage impacting anyone who was remotely involved. In both scenarios, I witnessed their emotions become weapons of mass destruction. We’ve all heard that there is a thin line between love and hate. They are both very powerful emotions. As Christians, I think we get it twisted in believing that we won’t experience anger or the desire to get back at those who hurt us. Although those feelings are real, we have the

power to determine how we deal with them and those who hurt us. If we are not careful, our anger can cause us to do things that are hurtful and harmful. Before we say and do things that can create damage to ourselves and others, we need to pause, reflect, and find a resolution. “If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him— work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend. If he won’t listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again.” (Matthew 18:15-17, MSG) Allowing anger to fester doesn’t solve anything but creates resentment and even hatred. “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. (James 1:19-20 ) If we are not careful, unchecked anger can result in actions such as acts of revenge. The Bible is very clear on the dangers of revenge. ‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

(Leviticus 19:18) Sometimes loving someone means that the relationship is not healthy and that it’s time to walk away amicably. Holding grudges gives your power to the other person instead of letting the pain go and giving it to God. “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9) When we take matters into our own hands to get others back, we are demonstrating that we do not trust God to take care of the situation. By taking matters into our hands, we believe that we can do it better. Letting go, forgiving others isn’t easy. It’s recognizing that the battle is God’s. It’s knowing that by remaining angry or committing acts of revenge, we give our power away instead of knowing that God has all power and will handle the situation. Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the Founder and CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, specializing as a Partnership Broker and Leadership Expert for companies and organizations to thrive with measurable and meaningful impact. She also is the VP of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances for the State Fair of Texas.

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September 24, 2021

STATE FAIR CLASSIC

game is good for the community and Black colleges. “All HBCUs are under the same umbrella, placing education before sports,” he said, adding that he was looking forward to “Grambling kicking that booty!” In preparation for the contest this weekend, Promoter Al Wash said he is optimistic about the attendance and thinks this week’s classic will be in the Top three in attendance for all HBCU Classics this year. “We’re pacing with more ticket sales than in at Grambling, Prairie View By Cheryl Smith 2019,” he said. “I think we’ll Coach Eric Dooley played at have big numbers.” Finally, after 23 months, Grambling 1985-88 and was Tickets for the game are $30 fairgoers and football fans are named PV head coach in Deand includes admission into gearing up for a big weekend cember 2017. the State Fair. Ticket locations with the opening of the Texas The two expressed mutual include any Williams Chicken State Fair and the kickoff at respect as they talked about Restaurant. the historic State Fair Classic the significance of the game. In addition to the featuring HBCU powergame, which has long houses, Grambling State been called “an expeand Prairie View A&M rience,” there will be a Universities. Battle of the Bands, a The State Fair Classic scholarship banquets, has a rich history with numerous social gathsome of the best players erings and concerts, and coaches in college and the annual parade football taking to the will take place on the Cotton Bowl’s gridiron Fair grounds, where Big annually since 1925 Tex has said: “Wear a Saturday the Gramface covering. bling Tigers and the Plan to bring a mask Prairie View Panthers Prairie View Athletic Dir. Dr. Donald Reed, Coach Eric Dooley, Grambling Coach Broderick Fobbs for yourself and everywill once again battle for and Athletic Dir. Dr. Trayvean Scott Credit: Cheryl Smith/TMN one in your party with the trophy that currently resides in Texas, for the third With it being the first con- a great time, during open- you to attend the 2021 State year running, on the campus ference game for Grambling, ing weekend,” he said as he Fair of Texas. Wear a mask of the Panthers. the Tigers bring a 1-2 record shared information about in the following settings if you are older than age 2 and Interestingly, both coach- onto the field, while PV boasts several activities. In addition to boxing great medically able to wear one: es have worn the Grambling an overall 2-1 record with one uniform and had the privilege win against Conference giant, Erroll Spence, who will be ap- Indoors, for both vaccinated pearing as the honorary refer- and unvaccinated people.” of being coach by college’s Texas Southern University. Still, however you can exwinningest coach, the legAccording to Coach Dool- ee for the game; Black College endary Eddie Robinson. ey, who considers Coach Hall of Famer Everson Walls pect to see several organizaGrambling head coach Fobb to be a mentor who he will be in attendance at the tions, businesses and gathCoach Broderick Fobbs, has learned a lot from, the game and he appeared at the ered along the Boulevard (Dr. whose father, Lee, also played game is going to be challeng- press conference stressing the Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd) importance of HBCUs. Saturday, prior to the game. for and coached alongside ing. Although he also played at There will be cookouts, music “Coach Rob,” played from “We’re going to face a well1992-96 and became head coached football team,” he Grambling, the Dallas native playing and more! As the advertisements procoach in December 2013. said. “It’s a big game because said he never played in the historic contest at the Cot- claim, the State Fair Classic is A former offensive coordi- it’s the next game.” nator/wide receivers coach The excitement leading up ton Bowl, but he realizes the more than a game!

Grambling State and Prairie View A&M battle for bragging rights

September 24, 2021

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to this year’s event is great according to Dallas City Councilwoman Carolyn King Arnold, who spoke at the annual press conference on Monday, prior to the game. “It’s an honor to have the Game,” she said, adding that the magnitude of the energy generated for the game, as well as the commitment of the City of Dallas was important, as well as the “economic stimulus for the community and the game creates jobs.” Admitting it has been hard because of COVID and the pandemic, Mitchell Glieber, president of the State Fair of Texas said he was appreciative of the opportunity to bring the game back along with the Fair. “We plan to show you folks

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September 24, 2021

PBS...Smart Television! QUIT PLAYIN’ BY VINCENT L. HALL The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), or as we refer to it in our house, “IntelliVision,” regularly broadcasts “mustsee-TV.” When contrasted to the ignorance, violence, and incessant robbing of innocence that goes on on major television and cable hubs, PBS is a smart option. So it did not surprise me or catch me off guard when PBS announced their latest coup. “Muhammad Ali,” a film by Ken Burns, his daughter Sarah Burns, and her husband David McMahon, premiers this month, and it’s worth watching. This four-part series will be available on-screen, and you can purchase the DVD as well. The titles alone are titillating. “Ali the Man, Ali on The World Stage, Ali Race and Religion, Ali Activism and the Modern Athlete” speak for themselves. Each episode sounds like a compelling adventure into America’s most prominent sports icon. Even the official description begs Ali fans and foes to tune in and learn. “Muhammad Ali brings to life one of the best-known and most indelible figures of the 20th century, a three-time heavyweight boxing champion who captivated millions of fans throughout the world with his mesmerizing combination of speed, grace, and power in the ring, and charm and playful boasting outside of it. Ali insisted on being himself September 24, 2021

Muhammad Ali

Credit: PBS

unconditionally and became a global icon and inspiration to people everywhere.” Since this project produced its first marketing ads and an official trailer, Muhammad Ali enthusiasts like me have been punch drunk with anticipation. America is facing a time of historical reckonings and adjustments right now, but Ali can stand the test. The boxer, born Cassius Clay, faced racism, oppression, and cultural bias that this nation wants you to forget. The State of Texas can forbid educators to present the tenets of “Critical Race Theory,” but the challenges Ali overcame prove that CRT is real. The essence of CRT rightly promotes that the law and legal institutions are inherently racist. The life and times of Ali provide the evidence in plain sight. Everyone likes to sugarcoat history, and few of us are willing to admit it. We praise an uncle, post-mortem, even if they were just a little bit per-

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verted. We remember grandmother’s famous sweet potato pie and never mention how bland some of her other food was. That is life and a testament to our questionable ability to forgive and forget. However, stories like Ali’s must be presented transparently. Some historians are quick to squeeze the serum from the fruit and neglect to discuss what happened to the seeds. America likes to brag about “the juice” without discussing the seed of racism that continues to rob the sweet taste of success from people who don’t look like the original squeezers. (Jefferson, Washington, et al.) Parenthetically, you should be leery of those “America the paradise” historians who will whitewash Ali and recast him as some candy-assed, highly celebrated conformist, readymade for a “Wheaties” box. Ali didn’t earn that coveted cereal-box cameo until 1999, after the Olympic torch.

Before Ali became an “acceptable Negro”, most White folks and an appreciable number of Negroes hated him. To this crowd, his first names were uppity, loudmouth, troublemaking, and a few other invectives, but they all agreed that his surname was Nigger. Thus, from Clay to Ali, he grew up in an environment that remains hostile, hurtful, and humiliating to himself and his race. Major PBS projects like Ali always have significant corporate funding, so we owe a debt of gratitude to Bank of America, philanthropist David M. Rubenstein, and so many others on the PBS donor list. Muhammad Ali will be a blockbuster to some and a review for others. But, for most of us Ali fanatics, it is just PBS programming some more Smart TV! Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

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September 24, 2021

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September 24, 2021

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September 24, 2021

HBCU Homecomings 2021: Schedule, top games and more

Homecoming at Winston-Salem State

By Lut Williams HBCU Game Day

HBCU homecomings are often the most important date on the football schedule. When fans inquire about the upcoming football season, their first question is often, when is homecoming? The question is not, when do we play our rivals, though that usually follows right behind. But when is homecoming? That takes precedence. That’s because HBCU homecomings are special and unique to the Black experience. Homecoming is a time to celebrate the institution that birthed and nurtured you into September 24, 2021

adulthood. It is an opportunity to recognize a place that helped make you the person you are today, helped you recognize and pursue your possibilities. The school helped you set priorities and goals and put in the work to achieve them. Homecoming is a way to say, “thank you.” PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I had the good fortune, I would say, of going to all-black schools as I was growing up in Danville, Virginia. John M. Langston was my high school. The experience attending that school was unbelievable. The teachers and adminis-

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HBCU homecomings are the most important dates on the football schedules because of what happens off the field as well as on it. trators – all HBCU graduates, every one of them – nurtured our growth and development. They sincerely set you on course to make a difference in the world. They instilled pride and confidence that you could tackle anything, overcome all odds, in a world (America) where the odds were stacked against you. It didn’t matter. “Proudly we sing of halls where our swift feet have trod. Singing to bring to life the wondrous gifts of God.

Where in thy chambers we have sought success to gain. Langston, dear Langston may the spirit ever reign.” That was our alma mater. Every two years we have a reunion that nearly 1,000 people attend. Graduates dating back to the first graduating classes from the 1950s are in attendance though they are increasingly fewer. Even more flood back to attend the James. B. Dudley High School reunion in Greensboro, N. C. where I now myimessenger.com

live, that has a similar history. They come back to thank the teachers and administrators, to recognize the important role the institution played in their young lives. HBCU HOMECOMINGS: A CONTINUATION In the past and even today, HBCUs and their homecomings represent the next rung of that development and next level of celebration. Interestingly, no such celebration takes place at the high school (or college for that matter) which exists or existed on the other side of town, if you know what I mean. Perhaps for others, high schools and colleges don’t carry the same weight. There are a plethora of institutions, outside the educational environment, that facilitate their matriculation into society. It is perhaps part of that thing that is often called ‘privilege’ (def., n. – a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people.) Not so for us. We cherish the institutions and their spirit. In fact, in many ways, attending an HBCU is a spiritual (def., adj. – relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things) experience. HBCU HOMECOMING ATMOSPHERE HBCU homecomings are like a family reunion, sometimes with and many times without, the family. Or with a different family. This is the one time of the year where former friends and classmates get to see each other, reminisce about the old times and talk about where they are in their lives. It’s a time to further cement the bonds of myimessenger.com

Southern ready to bring smoke!

brotherhood, sisterhood and loyalty to the school that follows them throughout their lives. Particularly for those who have to travel significant distances to attend games, homecomings are the one date they circle to make sure they are present. Thus, for the school, it’s a great time for fundraising. Alumni associations from all over the country meet to turn

in money, explore best practices and chart their futures. Other than fierce backyard rivalries (like Clark Atlanta vs. Morehouse, NC A&T vs. NC Central, Southern vs. Grambling, etc.), homecoming is the best-attended game of the season, most times a guaranteed sellout for the home team, perhaps the only one of the season. The week-long activities surrounding homecomings, both

before and after the game, are numerous. There are parades, coronations of the homecoming courts, sorority and fraternity step shows and meet-ups, comedy shows, gospel concerts, new and old skool concerts, day and night parties, fanfests, class reunions, breakfast meetings and church services. There’s tailgating before, after and during the game with a fashion show throughout.

HBCU HOMECOMING 2021: WHO WILL HAVE THE LARGEST ATTENDANCE. In 2019, it was the same Alabama State at Jackson State homecoming on tap this year that drew the biggest crowd (35,013). With all that’s at stake as we mentioned above, the attendance could certainly be bigger. Benedict at the Morehouse homecoming in 2019 had the second largest crowd at 25,911. Fort Valley State is the homecoming opponent for the Maroon Tigers this season. The Morehouse homecoming is always among the top three each year. Florida A&M was third with 25,649 at its homecoming vs. N. C. Central in 2019. The Rattlers have a big date hosting Grambling this year at homecoming on Oct. 30. NC A&T was fourth with a capacity crowd of 21,500 for its 2019 homecoming vs. Howard. Expect the same because cops won’t allow more than that for its big date this year vs. Monmouth.

WHAT HOMECOMING GAMES ARE NOT EXPECTED TO BE COMPETITIVE? 1) North American at Texas Southern homecoming (Oct. 2) – All you need to know is that NAU is a school started in 2007. Its first graduating class in 2013 had 12 students. It made its football debut in September of 2020. 2) Virginia University-Lynchburg at Norfolk State homecoming (Oct. 16) – The Spartans are the only HBCU to schedule VUL for homecoming this season. The Dragons, usually welcomed in for HBCU homecomings, have 10 away games on their 11-game schedule. Find your team’s 2021 Homecomings listed alphabetically by school and date below. And make your plans now. If tickets are on sale, they will go fast.

September 24, 2021

HOMECOMINGS BY SCHOOL

FAMU’s Marching 100 drum majors perform during halftime for Florida A&M University’s homecoming game against North Carolina A&T at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Fla., Oct. 14, 2017

Alumni bands and cheerleaders get to perform and then there’s the dazzling halftime shows of the bands. There is plenty to enjoy! OH YEAH, THE GAMES

On campus during Howard’s homecoming

It’s funny, but fans don’t come to homecoming to see a competitive game. A blowout is preferred. It makes the revelry merrier. But don’t get it twisted, the revelry goes on win over lose. What are likely to be the most competitive or compelling homecoming games this year? 1. Monmouth at North Carolina A&T homecoming (Oct. 30) – The Hawks are the two-time defending Big South champion while the Aggies, in their first year in the conference, are trying to end their reign and show they are the new power in the September 24, 2021

league. Monmouth head coach Kevin Callahan said he assigned someone to do special research on A&T’s GHOE (Greatest Homecoming on Earth) to prepare his team for the game. 2. Jackson State at Alabama A&M homecoming (Oct. 9) – In the spring, Connell Maynor’s squad defeated Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’ first team 52-43 en route to winning the SWAC East and later the SWAC title. Prime Time would like nothing better than to turn the tables. 3. Southern at Arkansas-Pine Bluff homecoming (Oct. 16) – Firstyear head coach Doc Gamble and UAPB beat the Jaguars in Baton Rouge in the spring 33-30 to open the season en route to dethroning Southern as SWAC West champion. New Southern coach Jason Rollins will try to do the same at Pine Bluff. 4. Alabama State at Jackson State homecoming (Oct. 16) – Jackson State has likely not forgotten ASU head coach Donald HillEley’s comment about a shoe lodged in the rear of (allegedly) a JSU fan after the Hornets handed the Tigers their first loss under Sanders, 35-28 in the spring. Payback again may heighten the tension at this contest.

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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

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September 24, 2021

You’re on the Wrong Train ASK ALMA BY ALMA GILL

Dear Alma, I’m 25 and getting ready to marry a wonderfully fantastic man. We are totally compatible and get along in every way. Our sex life is amazing, and I really love him. However, I recently met a new man to whom I am unbelievably attracted, but just physically. I know deep inside that I want to be with my fiancé forever. My question to you is: Would

September 24, 2021

it be so wrong to have sex with my new friend just one time? So far we’ve only gone to lunch and out for drinks. I see this as my last chance to hook up before I say “I do.” Vonda M., Wheeling, W.V. Honey Chile, please. This is easy. All you want is for me to tell you, “Sure, girl, go on and get your swerve on before your wedding night.” NOT! Keep it moving, sister, cause you won’t find that train on the Ask Alma railroad tracks of life. Of all the things you could have on your mind before your wedding, you’re daydreaming about another

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man. Really!? Let me school you for a minute. Take a bus to Fantasy Land. That way you’ll have your moment of satisfaction (just not for real) and you won’t hurt your new husband or yourself by making the worst mistake of your life. What if you do it and you don’t have a good time. Then, you’d be mad you put yourself out like that. What if you do it and you like it? Then you’ll want more, and you couldn’t because you’d be married. Back up, take a chill pill and remind yourself of the morals that I’m sure are somewhere within your reach. You’ve

found a great fiancé, and you want a quickie before you march down the aisle. You’ve made that perfectly clear. However, my brain is on pause and I just have to say – the real question here should be: Are you sure you’re even ready to get married? That Train Don’t Run on the Ask Alma Railroad 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.

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September 24, 2021

Tax expert spills the beans on recent episode of From Marva with Love FROM MARVA WITH LOVE By Marva J. Sneed

Maria McGee Lockett is a multi-faceted woman: She’s an entrepreneur, accountant and a licensed ordained minister and for more than three decades she has prepared

September 24, 2021

individual and business tax returns in Dallas. There’s more. She operates a tax school where she trains students how to prepare returns and to open their own tax businesses. Dubbed the “Tax Expert,” Lockett stopped in on From Marva with Love to talk about business expansion, the pandemic – and her ministry. MS: Tell us about your

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Maria McGee Lockett

background and how you became the tax expert? ML: About November of 1988, which is back before many were born, God blessed me with a business. At the time, he gave me the name Hughes Networking and I had no idea in 1988 what networking meant. I was a wife and a mother, and I had no idea, but I wrote it all down. I began to do it and I started with tax preparation. It was a gift. I have a gift of detail and I’m also an accountant. With that, I started doing it for pennies. I got certified in tax preparation. I began my business and that’s been over 33 years ago. MS: How has your business been affected by the pandemic? ML: About five months after I opened my new office, the pandemic hit. I didn’t have to shut it down, but I shut it down for a little while. I didn’t do face-to-face appointments. I do tax preparations; I have a tax school and (I do) credit repair for my clients. MS: You are very passionate about helping people. What is

the lesson that you want them to know about the best way to have their taxes done? ML: That’s an excellent question. The rule of thumb is you want to break even. It’s not about getting money back at the end of the year. Unfortunately, tax laws change every single year. So, if you got credit for this year, you may not next year. They may kick the whole thing out. I say, ‘Get your money now.’ There was so much more to our conversation about taxes, entrepreneurship and ministry. To hear the full interview, go to BlogTalkRadio.com by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3hnuISo To listen on the Texas Metro News Facebook page, click here: https://bit.ly/3noyVcf. For more information contact Maria McGee Lockett email: hughesnetworking@usa.com or by direct extension at (214) 962-9506. Tune in to From Marva with Love Fridays 11am - 1pm on BlogTalkRadio and Facebook.com/ TexasMetroNews marvasneed@ myimessenger.com

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AT THE MOVIES BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ CRY MACHO is a modern day western starring and directed by Clint Eastwood. Eastwood plays Mike, a rodeo cowboy who’s down on his luck. After being a top cowboy he breaks his back in a competition. His usual Clint Eastwood gruff exterior costs him his job as a horse trainer and he finds himself out of work. He spends his time fixing things around the house and working with animals. Mike can repair a car as well as he can train a horse. To pay a debt he owes he takes a job traveling to Mexico to bring a man’s son home from an abusive relationship he’s living in with his alcoholic mother. On the way back to Texas Mike finds redemption by showing the young 12-year-old how to be a good man. The movie, adapted from a novel, took over 20 years to make and it seemed to make Eastwood the perfect character for the movie. Mike is trying to leave his tough guy ways and Eastwood, now in his 90s has a real grasp on the role. Ivan Hernandez plays the young boy Lucas who is mentored by Eastwood. A young man who doesn’t trust anyone, he slowly learns to trust people with the help of Mike and a kind woman named Martha (Natalia Traven). Martha has several daughters and together they all make one big happy family until Federal Marshals show up in town and Mike and Lucas have to flee to the United States. Lucas is reunited with his father in America, played by Dwight Yoakum, and Mike heads back to Mexico. CRY MACHO is a different role for Eastwood. Rather than the rough and cruel character he usually plays he’s a man looking for his kinder side and who wants to leave his macho personality behind. I liked seeing Eastwood playing his softer side. He finds love and he helps everyone in town, including the animals. It’s an enjoyable movie. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate the movie a LARGE. myimessenger.com

September 24, 2021

Virtual and liVe Community Calendar

Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Hispanic Heritage Month Alopecia Awareness

Marriage Resuscitation Seminar. Host Bishop Eli Jacobs & Lay Elect Dareia Jacobs. Guest: Apostle David Ransom. 1-5 pm. 200 N. Plano Rd. Richardson. Tickets: Eventbrite.com/e/marriageresuscitation.

SEPTEMBER 23 North Texas Giving Day The Connection with Debra BrownSturns. Facebook.com/TexasMetroNews, BlogTalkRadio.com. 7-8 pm. 646200-0459. In-Person Lunch & Learn: “Cultivating a Strong, Active Board” At Frazier House, 4600 Spring, 75210. Free. 11:30 am–1pm. Reg: www.zwhjcoc.org/classes. Hiring: Deputy Director, Strategy, Higher Education/Workforce. Application Deadline. Send cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to: careers@cftexas.org.

STATE FAIR OF TEXAS

THE DOC SHEP SPEAKS SHOW! From 11 am. CST on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, @fnsconsulting, and You Tube @ docshepspeaks

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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. 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. The Perot Museum of Nature and Science Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO Bricks Exhibit, 2201 N. Field St. Dallas. Tickets: https://www.perotmuseum.org/

SEPTEMBER 25

Becoming A Woman of Influence. Host Love At The Well, Keynote Speaker: Dr. Tiffany Gil. 9:30 am CDT. Reg: www. loveatthewell.com.

SEPTEMBER 29 I Was Just Thinking with Norma Adams-Wade. From 11 am -1 pm. CST On Facebook @TexasMetroNews & BlogTalkRadio.com. Join in at 646-200-0459. Ask Dr. Amerson with Dr. Linda Amerson.12 pm. CST @DFWiRadio. com, and Live on Facebook @DrLindaAmerson. RECHARGING STATION A panel discussion on mental health, by Dallas-Fort Worth FAMU National Alumni Association. Virtual Reg: http://www.dfwfamualumni.org/ Facebook Live — Focusing Your Job Search on Government Work by AARP Programs. 6 pm. RSVP: https://www.facebook. com/AARPPrograms UTA’s Center for African American Studies 10th Annual Opening Lecture. Speaker: Roland S. Martin. 6-8 pm. at E. H. Hereford University Center, 300 W. 1St. in the Bluebonnet Ballroom. Reg: https://bit. ly/3lGIUHd

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 646200-0459. 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.

State Fair Classic Grambling vs. Prairie View @ The Cotton Bowl Fair Park. 4 pm kick off. Tickets: www.statefairclassicfootball.com.

Facebook Live — Help With Your Job Search from Indeed Experts by AARP Programs. 6 pm. RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/AARPPrograms

DBDT: ENCORE Dancing Beyond Borders West, In-Person Only at W. E. Scott Theatre, 3505 W. Lancaster Ave. Ft Worth 7:30 pm Tickets www.dbdt.com. Homecoming Celebration Jazzercise Duncanville, 201 James Collins Blvd. 9-10:30 am.

SEPTEMBER 24

Together We Dine Virtually 5:30-7 pm CDT via Zoom. For info visit: www.projectunity.net. Register: https://bit.ly/3hMBK36

SEPTEMBER 30 The Connection with Debra BrownSturns. OnFacebook.com/TexasMetroNews & BlogTalkRadio.com. 7-8 pm. 646-200-0459.

SEPTEMBER 27

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

September 24, 2021

SEPTEMBER 28

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

LCUPN September Monthly Mixer at Sambuca 360, 7200 Bishop Rd., # 270, Plano.

SEPTEMBER 24 – OCTOBER 17

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

African American Museum 2021 Fall Exhibition- Sepia: Past. Pride. Power. African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave. 10 am-5 pm. Free, For info: 214-565-9026.

I MESSENGER

OCTOBER 1

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.

OCTOBER 2 Community Vaccine Event at Dallas West Church of Christ, 3510 N. Hampton Rd. Info: 214-820-4846 10 am-12 pm. Reg: https:bit.ly/3tDallasWest Market at Park Lane - Fall Series at The Sops at Park Lane, 8080 Park Ln. 11 am-4 pm. Las Chicas del Barrio 1st Annual Car Show. At the Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak St. 2-4 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3kpsrrx. 20th Anniversary Sister To Sister 5 K Walk & Run, host Lynne Haze at Alan E. Sims Recreation Center, 310 E. Parkerville Rd. Cedar Hill, 8:30 am-12:30 pm. Reg: www.celebratinglife.org Virtual HBCU College Tour. Hosted by HUX Made Productions. 9 am CDT Find the list here: www.HBCUCollegeTour.com. Reg: https://bit. ly/39nooG0 Free Mammograms for those who qualify! The Alan E. Sims Cedar Hill Recreation Center, 310 East Parkerville. 9:30 am-3:30 pm. For appt. Methodist Health Connection at 214933-7200.

OCTOBER 3 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 646200-0459. 1st Oaktoberfest Host Go Oak Cliff At the Tyler/Vernon station. 11 am-5 pm RSVP: https://bit.ly/39pDJWB.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

African American Museum 2021 Fall Exhibition-Ruth Mae McCrane: Scenes from the Lost Book of the Bible 3536 Grand Ave. 10 am-5 pm. Info: aamdallas. org.

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September 24, 2021

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September 24, 2021

www.grandpasecret.com September 24, 2021

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September 24, 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 24, 2021

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