I Messenger 9-2-22 by Cheryl Smith

I MESSENGER VOL XI NO 52 September 2, 2022 SUPERB WOMAN August 2022

Brilliant, Beautiful, Bold!

Dr. Ava Muhammad, National Spokesperson for the Nation of Islam, under the leadership of The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, tran sitioned on August 25, according to The Final Call. She was the first woman to be appoint ed by Min. Farrakhan to the post of a minister of a mosque. Dr. Mu hammad has written several Self Help books designed to set you on a path of healing and ultimate elevation. Dr. Muhammad has been featured several times in Essence Magazine and Virtue Magazine, as well as on numerous talk shows like KKDA-AM, along with her own pro gram, Elevated Places Network, on Blogtalk ra dio. She is well received throughout the country due to her unique abil ity to connect with the human spirit, placing her in great demand. Dr. Muhammad has been happily married to Bro. Darius Muhammad for more than 30 years. They have two daughters, Sa sha and Cherelle and are proud grandparents of Thetwo. Nation of Islam Minister was 71 years old. Details about Min ister Dr. Ava Muham mad’s janazah (funeral) service will be forth coming.

Dr. Ava Muhammad

I MESSENGER myimessenger.com The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from ra cial 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 (903) 450-1397 1 Year Subscription $45.00 Garland,RowlettMesquiteRichardsonE.Dallas Free - Take One (903) 450-1397 1 Year Subscription $45.00 Garland,RowlettMesquiteRichardsonE.Dallas Free - Take One I MessengerAnIMMLLCPublication MAILING ADDRESS 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 220 Dallas, TX WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM75203214-941-0110 Cheryl stewartcuret@myimessenger.comeditor@myimessenger.comPUBLISHERSmith-EDITORwww.myimessenger.comS.CuretGENERALMANAGEREDITORIALASSISTANT Marva Sneed EDITORIAL TEAM Chelle Wilson Dorothy J. Gentry Eva RebeccaLajuanaColemanBartonAguilarVincentHall DESIGN/LAYOUT FzanStudio WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTIONEDITOR MB Distribution Editorial submissions editor@texasmetronews.com 2 In Memoriam

UTTERANCESFAITHFUL

I am a firm believer that children learn to bully because of adults who have demonstrated the behavior. As much as we discuss bullying in schools, it’s as if we condemn it for youth but accept it in adults. I was talking with a friend about a situation at her job in which a customer...

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I WAS THINKING...JUST

September 2, 2022 I MESSENGER myimessenger.com MY TRUTH CherylbySmithPublisher 4

Call Nana Irene, that’s what we did!

To know Nana Irene More head was to love her. Nana, for Africans and African Americans, is not a name we bestow upon just anyone. The person is some one who we have the utmost respect for, and across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metrop lex, that person is Nana Irene.

of all thingsWhennoble.you put the word “Nana” into the search bar, Nana Irene’s photo should popSheup!had those strong val ues and beliefs that com manded respect and de manded accountability and excellence.Yourword had to be your bond and she would extend all graces your way. When Nana arrived in Dallas, from the East Coast, she immediately became engaged, involved and em bedded into the “communi ty,”If you needed a kind or en couraging word, you’d call Nana Irene. If you needed a reality check, you’d call Nana Irene.

While we are preparing to celebrate the life of Nana Irene, we can take solace in celebrating a life well lived.

And even after those who knew her are long gone, be cause she has planted so many seeds and been re sponsible for pouring so much positivity into the uni verse that her legacy is defi nitelyNanaintact.Irene was a Warrior. In the true sense. She did join protestors on the picket line; speaking out about everything from police brutality and unfair treat ment by the media to unfair hiring, firing and retention practices; and racism.

If you needed a nurse, babysitter, cook, chauffeur, sounding board, stylist, seamstress, or even a whip ping; you could always call NanaSheIrene.wasalways there and because of the work she has done, the life she has lived; she will live in the hearts and minds of so many; forever!

It was an emotional mo ment when word circulated about her transition this past weekend.Afterall, this was Nana, Nana Irene; the person we could always count on to spread love and we know the world especially now, could use more love!

I met Nana Irene, along with her son and two grand daughters in the early 1990s and I loved her immediately andSheSheimmensely.becamefamily.wastheepitome

Nana Irene loved life and she loved Whetherpeople.shewas cooking a meal, preparing an outfit or braiding your hair, she seized the opportunity to pour love into others. Which brings me to my truth. Is the world a better place because you walked this earth? Were people as hap py to see you coming as they were to see you leaving? Did you use your gifts abundant ly or Nanaselfishly?Ireneput a smile on the face of many. She filled a room with joy andWhatlove.a legacy!

Nana Irene

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I WAS THINKING...JUSTByNormaAdams-Wade

Last week we talked about the life-changing convergence that unas suming late Dallas artist Walter Winn Jr. experi enced when he was picked to sculpt the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue in Dallas. That 7-1/2-ft-tall creation --that stands in front of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Cen ter on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. – is one of about 50 or more King memorial art pieces around the world, including in Bosnia, Swe den, Hungary, South Afri ca, India, and more. Winn Jr. is relatively lit tle-known, although his sculpture is a familiar fix ture on the King Jr. Center grounds. Winn Jr. deserves to be remembered. So, let’s continue with his life high lights.The late Frances Hill Burns, who rose from a secretary to community re lations director over her 17 years at the King Jr. Center, advocated for Winn Jr., her former schoolmate, to do the statue. The community knew of his inborn artistic talent that compelled him to draw and paint memo rable artwork. Winn had sometime earlier painted an impressive portrait of his hero Dr. King Jr. that hung in the King Center lobby. (It was later sto len and never recovered.) Winn Jr. was reluctant in that he had never sculpt ed, though he had always drawn and painted incred ible portraits and scenes. He finally submitted a scale model to the King Jr. Center board and was commissioned to do the job.Winn Jr. was a typical “starving artist” and had supported himself through various jobs, including boxing and dancing, but mainly put food on his table as a jazz drummer playing gigs with various musical groups in Dallas and other cities. As I said last week, he was very un pretentious, often dishev eled, down-to-earth, easy to talk to, but self-critical of his work. As a reporter for a ma jor Dallas daily at the time, I kept in touch with Winn Jr. as he worked on the statue. Through many conversations, I listened to him lament his agony as he stumbled through the sculpting learning pro cess. In one conversation,

IIPart

Photo: The Dallas Morning News

Walter Winn Jr. with one of his paintings.

Artist of Dallas King statue Walter Winn Jr. deserves our memory

September 2, 2022myimessenger.com he was exasperated after working on the figures all day, only to have it crum ble in pieces onto his floor. Winn Jr. said the follow ing when I interviewed him for a Dallas Morning News article that ran Jan uary 16, 1976 – the day af ter a Dr. King Jr. birthday observance at the King Jr. Center:“Man, was I discouraged. I couldn’t sleep. I was working on it all day, every day and it seemed the peo ple with the answers didn’t want to help me.” He visited the library to research sculpting. He also asked some schools to in struct him in how to build an armature base for the piece. They wanted to en roll him in art class. “I explained I was born with what they wanted to teach me,” Winn Jr. said. “I just wanted to know how to build an armature.” Despite the setbacks, he still was driven. He voiced his resentment later when a skilled, African-Amer ican sculptor – Oscar Graves of Detroit -- was brought in to assist him in the final stages of the pro cess. Graves transported the clay figure that Winn Jr. had painstakingly fash ioned to his Detroit stu dio, cast it for bronzing at a foundry there, and got it back to Texas for the July 4, 1976 unveiling on the Bicentennial marking the nation’s 200th Indepen dence birthday.

At that 1976 Dr. King Jr. birthday observance, Winn Jr. told some of the visitors, including a young child in the crowd, about his struggles as an artist and with the sculpture: “I’ve slept in my car and owe everybody in town.,” he said. “But I’d donate the rest of my pay to see this project complete…I ain’t never had nothing noway.” And to the young child he said: “But this work could help you live Dr. King’sWinndream.”wasborn in Green ville, hunt County, Texas on October 9, 1929 – the same year as his hero civ il rights leader. The media66diedist-drummer-sculptorartAug.15,1996atageafterastroke.(Someincorrectlystate August 31, 1996.) Winn Jr. is buried at Lincoln Me morial Cemetery in Dal las. His four sons and one daughter surely must have been proud whenever they passed the statue. They are Walter Winn III, Der rick Winn, Stephen Winn, Tierre Winn, and daughter Denise Madkin all of Dal las.The public will best hon or Winn Jr. by remember ing his name, life, talent, and achievements. 7

Norma Adams-Wade, is a proud Dallas native, University of Texas at Austin journalism graduate and retired Dallas Morning News senior staff writer. She is a founder of the National Association of Black Journalists and was its first southwest regional director. She became The News’ first Black fulltime reporter in 1974. adams_wade@yahoo.comnorma_

Photo: www.fineartamerica.com.

Winn’s painting of Saturday Nigtt[sic] Bath in a Bucket

Winn’s 1975 painting of Black Man Smoking.

Photo: www.worthpoint.com.

September 2, 2022 I MESSENGER myimessenger.com8 here,belongsAdYour214-941-0110Contact:

“People with profound in sights on life know not to get married. And those that do ought to know that marriage is what you make it.” And then there was a line that made all the sistas swoon and all the brothers take note.

I don't wanna bore you with an irrelevant conversation.

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‘Who am I? Well, they call me Brother to the night. And right now I’m the blues in your left thigh... trying to be come the funk in your right. Is that all right?’ – Darius LovehallLoveJones was not an orig inal title. However, this cine matic history is authentic, organic, and oozing with love and culture. If your teens haven’t seen it, it’s time for Black Movie Night at yo’ crib!

Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

What's happening, baby?

If you did, then I'm sorry, but now that I'm here.

Nia is slightly bow-legged and a writer too! (She wrote on his wrist.) You know I love her! I met her mom Talita at a banquet and told her about my crush ten years ago, but Nia ain’t called me once! Love Jones is the penulti mate Black love movie. The film inhales and exhales youth, emotional truths, and self-discovery in the midst of a significant other. True ro mantics can watch this mov ie ad Thereinfinitum.wereso many mem orable lines. “All we have, Marvin, is all these years. And it’s just not enough... anymore.” “God is a woman ... if you ever kissed a woman, you know that women have a cer tain power. A certain sexual thing that renders men total ly incapable of functioning.”

Love Jones is Twenty Five?

Theodore Witcher's "Love Jones" grossed $12 million at the domestic box office when it was released in 1997.

Did you miss me over the weekend?

– The Brighter Side of Darkness, 1973

BYPLAYIN’QUITVINCENTL.HALL

I gotta Love Jones for you!

The Brighter Side of Dark ness may have just had one hit song, but “Love Jones” was a monumental one in 1973. That chart-topper came one year after Billy Paul’s classic love song about secret paramours, “Me and Mrs.ForJones.”thesake of transparen cy, that was my theme song for a girl I was in love with at Boude Storey Junior High. Charmaine Jones was a cute li’l ol’ “Yella Hamma!” But it was them slightly bowed legs that did it for me. Did we medically reduce the num ber of bow-legged people? They used to be the ish! Any way.Charmaine Jones was my main squeeze, but I never squeezed her hand. In much the same was as the Tempta tions “Just my Imagination,” I was in love with the idea of being in love with Char maine Jones. I was humming Me and Mrs. Jones, and she had no clue. In my imagina tion, we met every day at the same café! So, it made me a bit giddy when I realized that “Love Jones,” the most beautiful Black love story in our reper toire, is 25 years old this year. Yep, baby, you is getting old. It has been a quarter centu ry since you and your “Love Jones” held hands at the Red Bird Cinema snack bar. Nia Long, my second Char maine, and Larenz Tate join an up-and-coming cast of stars who made love look in tellectual and engaging. Even hard-to-please movie critic Roger Ebert was impressed. “”Love Jones’’ is a love story set in the world of Chicago’s middle-class black artists and professionals--which is to say, it shows a world more unfamiliar to moviegoers than the moon’s far side. It is also frankly romantic and erotic and smart. This is the first movie in a while where the guy quotes Mozart, and the girl tells him he’s really thinking of Shaw. The movie stars Nia Long as Nina, a professional pho tographer, and Larenz Tate as Darius, a novelist. After an opening montage of great black and white Chicago scenes (Nina’s photographs, we learn), they Meet Cute at the Sanctuary, a club in spired by the various ven ues around town for poetry slams, cool jazz, and upscale dating.Hismoves are smooth: He meets her, walks to the mike, and retitles his poem “A Blues for Nina,’’ reading it to her across the smoky room. She likes that. “Maybe next week you’ll write something for me,’’ he says. They engage in flirt-talk. “There are oth er things than sex,’’ she tells him. Like what? he wants to know. She takes a pen and writes “love’’ on his wrist.”

From smoked turkey legs to custom-made cigars, Blackowned businesses are getting their hustle on as they pre pare for the State Fair Classic weekend, which will bring thousands to the southern sector of Dallas, and all across the D/FW Metroplex; with millions of dollars in revenue. “We are proud to host the State Fair Classic game every year,” said Mitchell Glieber, President of the State Fair of Texas. “It is a great way to kick off the State Fair because it always happens on the first Saturday of the Fair. Although our opening day is Friday, the game happens during open ing weekend. It provides a jumpstart to get our air and everything kicked off on a very positive note. The economic impact of the game and other festivities is enormous, according to Gli eber.“From an economic impact standpoint, I know that the Dallas Sports Commission has done a study that shows the game not only has an im pact on the State Fair but the community at large. We have visitors coming from differ ent parts of Texas and Louisi ana to come to see the game. When these people come into town, they are benefiting the city of Dallas and the sur rounding hotels and restau rants that are in the city as well.”According to the study done by the Dallas Sports Commission, the classic has an annual estimated eco nomic impact of $8.5 million for the City of Dallas.

Money Trail from State Fair Classic Game Extends Beyond Fair Park

“The State Fair Classic is a significant event for the city, but it also has a great tradi tion for the State Fair of Texas, and it is something that we have been proud to host since 1925,” said Glieber. The original State Fair Clas sic game was held on October 19, 1925, in the Cotton Bowl between the Wiley College Wildcats and the Langston University Lions with about 5,000 in Accordingattendance.tostatistics from the State Fair of Texas in 2017 the classic game attendance was 55,231 which solidified the event as one of the larg est Historically Black Colleges

By Sylvia Dunnavant Hines Mitchell Glieber

Photo: State Fair Harrison Blair Photo: DBCC

The battle of the bands between Prairie View and Grambling is just one of the attractions that captivate the State Fair Classic audience, as they come from across the country to support these two HBCUs.

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“I think the State Fair at tendance will be at a record number because many peo ple haven’t been out regularly in the last two years. People are eager to get back to life. There will be a huge demand for a lot of vendors. If you ha ven’t had a corny dog in two years, imagine how happy you will be to see Fletchers and how happy Fletchers will be to see you,” said Blair, who is a graduate of Prairie View. “The State Fair Classic has always been a tradition for my family and me and prob ably for many Black people in the state. If you are Black and, in this state, someone in your family went to an HBCU.”

September 2, 2022myimessenger.com 11 and Universities (HBCU) football classics in the nation and the largest Division I FCS football game in Texas that year.“Since 1985 Grambling and Prairie View have been a great match up. This combination is a great tradition not only for the schools and their fans but really for the entire communi ty,” continued Glieber. “It has turned into a football game which is always entertaining. The battle of the bands adds an extra special element to theGliebergame.”admitted that with an audience of over 50,000 people game attendees are getting more than just a foot ball“Whenexperience.youbring that num ber of people to the State Fair, they are coming for more than just the game. They are going to show up a few hours in advance of the game, stay ing for the game and staying afterward as well,” he said. “It is very nice for our vendors, especially because all our vendors that participate at the fair are independent and all the concessioners and ride operators are independent contractors. Therefore, the game is a great business for them.”With millions of dollars being generated by the State Fair Classic, Harrison Blair, President of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, wants to make sure that Black-owned businesses are benefitting from the city’s fi nancial overflow during the classic“Black-ownedweekend. businesses want to see hungry folk. The Texas State Fair hosts one of the biggest selections of fried foods that you can find any where in the world. When you start looking at different ven dors that will be at the State Fair this year, at least 10 of the vendors that we work with on a regular basis will be repre sented,” said Blair. In 1964, Little Bob’s BarB-Q became the first Black-owned food vendor at the State Fair. In the 1980s Smokey John’s BBQ joined the now growing list of Black-owned food ven dors.“The monetary impact from the game is huge for the city.

“I was overwhelmed with excitement to make history as a Black business owner at one of the biggest state fairs in the world,” said AccordingStafford-Grady.toBlair,thisyear is going to be an opportunity for many businesses to lever age the State Fair and get their business to the next level.

Typically, it generates about $8.5 million from the 55,000 plus fans that attend the event. When you start break ing down that $8.5 million and where it goes a lot of it is coming through vendors who are at the State Fair,” said Blair. In an effort to increase en trepreneurship, Blair is cur rently working with a few businesses that started out at the State Fair and are now working on getting brick-andmortarCominglocations.outofthe pandem ic, the State Fair will still be making history with Blackowned businesses. This year Roz Stafford-Grady will be the first African American to have a cigar lounge at the State Fair, with her Cedar Hill-based business, Smoking Jacket Cigar Lounge.

Although gathering large crowds of people can create a high-security risk environ ment, Glieber contends that the State Fair is taking the necessary steps to ensure ev eryone is safe. “We are fortunate to have an excellent relationship with the Dallas Police Depart ment. They provide our pri mary on-ground security for the entire fair,” he explained. “There is nothing different for game day than there would be for any day of the fair.

The State Fair Classic Game between Grambling State University and Prairie View A & M University will bring thousands of people to Dallas and generate millions in revenue for the city of Dallas.

Photo: RSG

“Except, of course, we will have Dallas Police Officers inside the stadium. Every day is important to us from a safe ty and security standpoint. Obviously, we want to make sure that the environment is as safe as possible inside the stadium and outside the sta dium.”

Roz Stafford-Grady will be the first African American-owned business to have a cigar lounge at the State Fair this year. She is the owner of the Smoking Jacket Cigar Lounge.

September 2, 2022 I MESSENGER myimessenger.com HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! August 2022 Bishop Vashti McKenzie and Stan McKenzie 52nd Heavenly Wedding Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Ferguson 20 years Pastor Frederick D. and First Lady Debra Peak Haynes 35 years Charles and Chanell Suber 1 year Michelle Stimpson and Dallas Dj Steve 29 Aaronyears and Sherita Furlow 14 years LaTosha N. Wilhite and Randy Wilhite 12 years Mr. and Mrs. Curl 8-17-22Newlyweds Bobby Bruce and Latrivious Bruce 8 years Redd and Krystal Henry 27 years Christopher and Pamela Lumpkin Hunter 29 years Mr. and Mrs. Trigg 8 years 12

The Rule of Law Is Not a Partisan Issue BE EQUAL BYMORIALMARC Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.

Photo: Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons

“No man is above the law and no man is below it; nor do we ask any man’s permis sion when we require him to obey it. Obedience to the law is demanded as a right; not asked as a favor.”

The second attempt, after the 1876 election, succeed ed. The promise of Recon struction in Louisiana died, and white supremacist terror reigned for the next nine de cades.The possible reaction of a violent fringe of Trump sup porters should not dictate the course of a federal investiga tion. Caving into blackmail does not deter blackmailers; it emboldens them. Failure to hold even a former president accountable to the law is a sure path to tyranny.

If you responded to “Black Lives Matter” with “Blue Lives Matter” in 2020, and you scream “Defund the FBI” in 2022, it wasn’t respect for law enforcement that you were defending.Thepresence of highly clas sified material at former Pres ident Donald Trump’s Palm Beach estate, Mar-a-Lago, is not necessarily proof that Trump himself is guilty of the potential criminal violations that investigators listed in the search warrant: concealment or removal of federal records, destruction or alteration of records in a federal investiga tion and transmitting defense information. But a judge would not have approved the warrant — indeed, the De partment of Justice would not even have sought approval — without powerful evidence that such violations were committed.Aformer president is as bound by the law as anyone else. He’s entitled to the same due process as anyone else. And failure to hold him as ac countable for his actions as anyone else would be disas trous for the nation. The notion of “a govern ment of laws and not men” is most closely associated with Founding Father and second President of the U.S. John Adams. But Adams was channeling the Greek philos opher Aristotle, who wrote, “It is more proper that law should govern than any one of the citizens: upon the same principle, if it is advantageous to place the supreme power in some particular persons, they should be appointed to be only guardians, and the servants of the laws.” No president in American history has challenged this principle to a greater degree than Donald Trump. From his first days in office, he in sisted he had the authority to end the investigation into his campaign’s coordination with Russian election sabo teurs. After shocking the in ternational community by sharing classified informa tion with Russia, endangering an ally’s intelligence asset, Trump declared that he had the “absolute right” to do so.

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**FILE** Former President Donald Trump could face up to 10 years in prison if he’s found guilty of having violated the Espionage Act.

When officials warned him that withholding military aid to Ukraine was illegal, “he didn’t seem to care,” accord ing to former Defense Secre tary Mark Esper. The government ethics watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington has identified 48 criminal offenses of which Trump has been credibly ac cused of committing while serving as president or cam paigning for the office. Due to a combination of obstruction by partisan loyal ists in Congress and a policy among federal law enforce ment against prosecuting a sitting president, Trump nev er was held to account for his misdeeds as president or can didate.Each successive escape from justice appears to have reinforce Trump’s al ready-powerful mystique of being above the law. He was recorded boasting, with re gard to sexual assault, “When you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything.” At least 26 women have accused President Donald Trump of sexual misconduct, includ ing assault, since the 1970s. He has never been criminally charged. The real estate com pany Trump inherited from his father is on trial for alleged crimes dating back 15 years; Trump himself has not been charged.Aswe saw on Jan. 6, 2021, Trump’s supporters are in clined to retaliate with dead ly violence against any per ceived slight against him. Pursuing charges against Trump carries a serious risk of an even more violent re sponse. “While the conse quences of action might be dire,” columnist Jamelle Bouie wrote in The New York Times, “the consequences of inaction might be even worse.” Bouie and others have pointed to the 1874 takeover of the Louisiana statehouse, New Orleans City Hall and the city’s arsenal by white su premacists bent on deposing Gov. William Pitt Kellogg and installing his opponent from the previous election in 1872. While federal troops quelled the rebellion, Bouie wrote, “There was no punishment for the men who planned this attempted coup. So there was no reason not to try again.”

— Theodore Roosevelt

If you chanted “Lock her up!” in 2016 but shrug off po tential violations of the Espi onage Act in 2022, it wasn’t concern for national security that you were defending.

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That’s why we built Pinpoint, using Google’s best search, artificial intelligence, and machine learning technology to quickly search and analyze thousands of documents, including text, images, audio, and even handwritten notes.

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1B24977_89b_Journalist_TexasMetroNews_10x10_240u.indd

B24977_89b_Journalist_TexasMetroNews_10x10_240u.indd

08.09.2022

For time-strapped local journalists, it’s never been more important — or more challenging — to deliver the reporting their communities need

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Artwork by Shereen Meeks of Copperas Cove, Roshanda Prior of Harker Heights and Zipporah Larue of Killeen will also be on display. Craft makers and t-shirt designers, J-Sassy of Killeen and Pamela Barnes of Temple, will also wow attendees with their ar tisticVisionaryimagina-tion.Consultants will be on site to give you sound financial and investment advice. Satis-fy your sweet tooth with a variety of cakes and snacks while Alter native Lifestyle fills you up with beneficial health and wellness solutions.Allarewelcome to take advan tage of getting a soothing person al massage and sampling special tea blends and aromatherapy

Rhea Rose

The South West Art Fest is a family-friendly fund-raising event and proceeds will bene-fit En deavors Performing Arts & Soul Arts Collective 2023 Summer Arts Youth Program. Art and more will be raffled throughout the two-day event. Fest go-ers do not have to be present to win once they receive their raffle ticket. To get free raffle tick ets go to www.endeavorsvenue. com and click RSVP. Then redeem your ticket upon arrival. To make a donation or to volunteer, call 254.262.5710.

By Elisabeth Treadwell

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products.Takehome

Showcasing about 20 phenome nal visual artist, crafts makers and self-care products developers, the 2022 South West Art Fest returns with health and wellness service and product providers and snacks creators.Thisfree two-day event, host ed by Endeavors Performing Arts & Events Venue, is Sept. 3 and 4, from 11am to 7pm both daysin the 440 Shopping Plaza at 868 S. Fort Hood Street in Killeen, Texas. This year's festival will honor the amazing artistry of Austin art ist Rhea Rose, who's second home is Killeen. Rose, owner of the Phoenix Art Studio, is a portrait artist and muralist mainly, but she is an all-around creative. She is an art instructor who has dabbled in face and body painting, graphic design, sign painting, wood work ing and jewelry making.

Art and more will be raffled throughout the two-day event. Fest go-ers do not have to be pre-sent to win once they receive their raffle ticket. To get free raffle tickets go to www.endeavorsvenue.com and click RSVP. Then redeem your ticket upon arrival. To make a donation or to volunteer, call 254.262.5710.

unique jewelry de signs offered by Pat Belton, makeup and accessories from Cathy Grant or take a natural approach to self care with the Chi Experi ence. You can also take person-al and professional development advice from author Dr. Elizabeth Jennings and be taken away by the lovely scented, long burning Kan dles by Karma and so much more.

South West Art Fest Back in Killeen for Holiday

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Bullies aren’t just in the heat of the moment at athletic games. They are in leadership roles as managers, directors and even CEOs. They run for office and subject others to their temper tantrums all in a desire to control. It happens in our congre gations, too. We have far too many folks who use their au thority to coerce others into actions that are unacceptable.

Even in schools when chil dren are terrorized by their peers and sometimes even teachers, many turn a blind eye until it’s too late. I think for so many the fear of retalia tion is real and so we sit back, watch and hope that nothing happens. There is responsi bility on both sides. We can not sit back and wait for the eruption and those who bully really need a reality check.

There are leaders in churches who tell confidential infor mation under the guise of praying for others but it’s re ally gossiping and belittling. Bullying happens in our homes. Rampant abuse phys ically, emotionally, or verbally occurs in many households. Children witness parents ex ert violence to those that they claim to love. Unchecked, this seeps into every facet of soci ety---and it already has. The consequences we are witnessing are a result of our unwillingness to address this behavior. Bullies tend to do what has been done to them and this cycle of abuse must stop.Ephesians 4:26-31 is a re minder that anger can result in an action that we may re gret later. By staying angry, we open the door for evil in stead of love which can heal and transform. Our language must “be helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” We are instructed to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of mal ice.” We don’t recognize that malice also includes animosi ty, antagonism, or even hold ing grudges. When we allow those emotions to fester, they result in actions that can be deadly—we murder people not only by killing them phys ically but daily, people are slaughtered by conversations that harm their reputations. People are violated men tally and spiritually chang ing who they are at the core of their existence because of actions rooted in these emo tions.Here’s a simple solution found in the Bible, “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 righteous ness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20)Prayfor the families im pacted but don’t stop there…

UTTERANCESFAITHFULBYDR.FROSWABOOKER-DREW

I am a firm believer that children learn to bully be cause of adults who have demonstrated the behavior. As much as we discuss bul lying in schools, it’s as if we condemn it for youth but ac cept it in adults. I was talking with a friend about a situation at her job in which a custom er berated an employee for no reason. It’s sad because this isn’t an isolated incident.

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.

According to reports, both Talib brothers have had a reputation of being overly aggressive at games. It’s inter esting because when reports come out about bullies, in terviewed family and friends will often admit the problems have existed for years.

Unchecked Anger Destroys

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In Lancaster, Texas, Coach Michael Hickmon was shot during a youth football game. According to the police, the shooting came after a dispute over the score of the game. Coaches from both teams got into a fight, and a gun was fired.Children, including Hick mon’s 9-year-old son, wit nessed the shooting. Former NFL defensive back, Aqib Tal ib, 36, and his brother Yaqub Talib, 39, were allegedly in volved in a fight that resulted in Hickmon’s death. Yaqub Talib was charged with murder after shooting the youth football coach. It’s so sad—a wife lost her hus band, a child lost a father, friends and family lost some one they love. Friends and families of both the Hickmons and Talibs are all impacted by a decision based in anger that will have consequences for ever, for all. So often, we see the signs of behavior that is rooted in anger and rage, but we’ve learned to tolerate or ignore it.

Ephesians 4:26-31 is a reminder that anger can result in an action that we may regret later. By staying angry, we open the door for evil instead of love which can heal and transform. Our language must “be helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

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September 2, 2022 I MESSENGER myimessenger.com28 Nena's Finds 215 W. Tyler St. Gilmer, Texas 75644 (903) 680-3333

The reason for shooting this Black man while he was running away from police was because they thought he had a gun in his hand instead of the cell phone on which he was talking to his moth er at the time he was shot. He was a Black man reported by a call to the police, in an area where there was supposedly a lot of gambling. The police, for their own sake, contend he had a gun instead of the cell phone.

DR.VOICESOURJOHNE.WARREN

Recently, the California Depart ment of Justice released a report which showed that African Amer icans are the greatest victims of Hate Crimes in the State. This is not surprising since we have always been the victims of Hate Crimes, with law enforcement seeking to underreport for fear of looking bad. At the writing of this editori al, there are more than 42 active investigations of shootings by law enforcement personnel in the State of California. This fact came to light recently as the San Bernardino Police Department attempted to avoid an investigation of the shoot ing of Rob Adams, who was shot 7 times in the back on July 16th.

African Americans, Hate

Question: How many Black men have been killed so far by police because they had a cell phone in their hands, which police as sumed was a gun? We can count at least three: one here in San Diego county shot in broad daylight be cause of a cell phone in his hand, one killed in another state stand ing outside his garage with a cell phone in his hands that police thought was a gun. Now, Mr. Adams, who we are sure is just one more. Oh, let’s not forget the young man in Minne sota who was shot in his car by an officer who thought she was reaching for her taser instead of herNowgun.that everyone is aware of just how great Hate Crimes are against African Americans, are we going to be treated like the Asian community following what we clearly called a Hate Crime massa cre at the Massage Spas in Atlanta, Georgia, or, to be more specific, here in California where hundreds of thousands of dollars have been made available for grants to fight Hate Crimes, primarily in the AsianWhilecommunities?someBlack media out lets received some of the funding, where is the similar grant alloca tion budget to fight Hate Crimes in the African American community beyond the State Attorney Gener al announcing the creation of an office with a Black man over it, in response to this crisis? Where is the money which makes the same level of commit ment to the Black community that the State has made to the Asian Community?Apublic relations campaign without the dollars to match what has been done for the Asian com munity, is just window dressing. Crimes And Money

Dr. John E. Warren is publisher of The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint.

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Owner Dr. Tiffany M. Clark Dr. Tiffany M. Clark says, “I am where custom beauty, desserts and tees meet for an Akkomplished Experience”. She’s also an author and her book “Being Different Makes You Unique” is on Amazon.com. A DeSoto High School alumna. In 2017, Tiffany was elected to serve on DeSoto ISD School Board. Tiffany also runs a non-profit leadership development program in partnership with Christie Brown entitled Elevating Dreams by H.E.A.R.T.S. (Helping Education Adolescents through Relationship Time and Support).

Fashion is something that you eat, sleep and dream about. Owner Renee Hayes says how she remembers, As a young girl she always loved to play “dress up” so why not use my talent and eye for trendy styles to help others. Whether you’re looking for your next great piece to buy for your closet, or a night out on the town, try R&K Boutique, we have everything that you’ll need. R & K Boutique speaks to the whole person. Born out of a passion for shopping, we can get you covered from head to toe. Jeremiah 17:7-8 Visit the online clothing store at: http://randkboutique. com/ or call (469) 340-0469 or send her a email at renee_hayes2003@yahoo.com.

Call issued to Support Black Businesses

The program’s mission is to educate teen girls to exhibit self-awareness, to be effective leaders and to display a sense of compassion and empathy to fellow citizens.

Owners Renee and Kent Hayes

Get the Akkomplished Experience: https:// akkomplishedexperience.com/ Call 214-756-0971 or email akkomplishedtees@gmail.com and follow Dr. Clark IG-@akkomplishedtees, IG-@tiffanyc4desoto, Facebook- Tiffany Clark and Twitter- @msclark1908

PINK ICE LIP GLOSS

R & K BOUTIQUE

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Mother | Entrepreneur | Magazine COO | Brand Strategist | Recruiter | Media SLAYer | 501c3 Nonprofit | Notary | Speaker LaTarsha is the “Momager” for Ramya Younger who is a TeenPreneur, teen actor, and teen model. LaTarsha is the CEO of Employment Assistance in a Snap where she offers a wide range of employment services. EAS offers resume services, career placement services, business recruiting services, and career training classes. She offers these services to both individual clients seeking employment and business clients seeking to hire employees. Visit the website: https://www.latarshatowers.com/ Call (469) 560-0565 or email contact @latarshatowers.com. Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ thelatarshatowers/

LATARSHA TOWERS ENTREPRENEUR

NATURALLYISIS

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Indulge your lips with a decadent, high-shine lip gloss. Pink Ice Lip Gloss Liquid Lips formula is enriched with Vitamin E leaving lips feeling soft and hydrated. Why You Should Choose them. They pride themselves on providing quality lip gloss and excellent customer service. Using only the very best products, which are suitable for all skin types. They enjoy revealing their clients’ inner beauty, which leaves them feeling and looking gorgeous. Visit the online cosmetics store website: https://pinkicelipgloss.com/ Also call at 828238-3222 or email them at pinklipgloss@gmail.com.

No comb, no tears. Treat your hair right with natural styling, braiding, ancestral hair care classes. Created by Owner Isis Brantley. “Through the sacred knowledge of Isis, we not only shape your hair, but we also transform your mind, body, and soul.” -Isis Brantley, “The Goal” Isis discovered her bliss – as an “ancestral” natural hair stylist and cultural artist – while still a teen. Opening a little hair braiding shop in “sunny South Dallas,” she went on to become one of the leading international authorities in natural hair care for people of the African diaspora. Visit Institute of Ancestral Braiding School, 17290 Preston Rd #206, Dallas, TX and the website: naturallyisis.com or email: naturallyisis@yahoo.com.

Dr. Frederick D.Haynes III

When Dr. Fred erick D. Haynes III, of Friend ship-West Bap tist Church, an nounced 100 Days of Buying Black in acknowledging the 100th Commemoration of the Tulsa Race Massacre, we joined the move ment. December 31, 2021 marked 100 days of featuring Black Businesses. and we decided that the struggle continues and we must also. So enjoy reading about more Black-owned businesses and please support.

By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News

AKKOMPLISHED EXPERIENCE

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On March 11, 2021, less than two months after he took office, President Biden signed the Amer ican Rescue Plan (ARP) into law. It accelerated the American eco nomic recovery by putting money in people’s pockets, getting chil dren back in school and lifting nearly half of them out of poverty.

(Photo: President Joe Biden poses for a selfie with Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (S.C.) before delivering remarks at the House Democratic Caucus Issues Confer-ence, Friday, March 11, 2022, at the Hilton Philadelphia Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia.

The second corner of Biden’s foundation came on November 15, 2021, when he signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This legislation made historic investments in our crum bling and outdated infrastructure. It invested in high-speed inter net, clean drinking water, a resil ient electric grid, replacing lead pipes, making a down payment on clean energy transmission, and charging sta-tions for elec tric vehicles. These infrastructure investments are creating jobs and strengthening critical links in our supplyDuringchain.all of this, President Biden nominated the first Black woman to the United States Su preme Court, a Black woman to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, and 26 other Black women to various federal courts, more than the combined total of all previous Presidents.President Biden continued working, away from public view, to help get the final two corners of his foundation solidified, and on August 9, he signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law. This third corner of his plat form restores America’s standing as a global science and technol ogy leader by providing the re sources and tools needed to make more products like semiconductor chips here at home. It will create good-paying jobs, invest in build ing a more diverse workforce, and bolster our supply chains. The fourth and final corner of the Biden platform, the Inflation Reduction Act, passed the Con gress with every Democrat voting for it, and every Republican voting againstUnderit. this new law, signed by President Biden on August 16, Medicare recipi-ents will see their out-of-pocket prescription drugs capped at $2,000 annually and their cost of insulin capped at $35 monthly. It reduces the cost of health care for 13 million Ameri cans by extending the Affordable Care Act subsidies for more than three years with an average sav ings of $800 per year. The new law includes provisions to increase taxes on corporations, address cli mate change, and decrease the prices of prescription drugs.

The IRA will require corpora tions to pay a minimum tax of 15 percent and reduce the deficit by $300 billion over the next decade. As Mr. Luce warns us, “compla cency is misplaced.” Voters should see this “good political system in good working order” as motiva tion to go to the polls to support more positive progress.

President Biden is finally get ting some of the credit he is due. And, he and my fellow Democrats will continue putting the Ameri can people over partisan politics. Biden Deserves Credit Not Complacency OUR VOICES

The IRA will help cut climate pollution by 40 percent by 2030, while building a new, clean en ergy economy and creating nine million new jobs. It invests in en vi-ronmental justice by cleaning up legacy pollution most often found in communi-ties of color and provides tax credits to ensure nuclear energy producers can continue to provide clean energy for consumers.

The ARP also prevented evic tions and foreclosures for mil lions of America’s fam-ilies, kept hundreds of large businesses open and reopened thousands of small businesses. It helped stem the deadly rampage of COVID-19 by expanding test-ing and access to vaccines. Republicans put their politics over people’s needs and voted unanimously against this legislation. Democrats put people over poli-tics and started building a foundation for the country’s re covery.

Photo: Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz

It is refreshing to see President Joe Biden finally getting the credit he deserves for what is one of the most productive starts to a presidential term in recent history.

Mr. Luce made the case for why President Biden’s star is rising, but warned that despite his impres sive legislative record, voters may not give him the credit he deserves because too many people respond more to style than substance. I agree with Mr. Luce’s assessment. Our media-driven culture seems to rate words and deeds that gen erate headlines over those that make headway. Joe Biden, and those of us who support him, pre fer putting people over politics. When President Biden took of fice, the country was in the grip of a global pan-demic. Business es were shuttering, schools were closing, and people were dy-ing. The country needed leadership. Unfortunately, we had a showman at the helm when a statesman was needed. Forty-five was pre-occu pied with scoring political points and securing media hits. And when voters were given a chance to express themselves, by a mar gin of nearly seven million votes, they chose statesmanship over showmanship.

September 2, 2022myimessenger.com 33

Joe Biden was sworn in on Jan uary 20, 2021. On that day, the country’s unem-ployment rate was 6.4 percent. COVID-19 was infecting 193,030 Americans a day and people were dying at a rate of 3,167 a day. From day one, Biden fo-cused on shoring up the shaky foundation left by the previous Administration.

OP-ED:

We all have heard the popular expression, “give credit where credit is due.” After hearing nu merous critics over the past 18 months, it is refreshing to see Pre si-dent Joe Biden finally getting the credit he deserves for what is one of the most productive starts to a presidential term in recent history.

The Financial Times’ Associate Editor Ed Luce recently wrote an opinion piece entitled, “The unex pected triumph of Joe Biden: Re cent legislative successes suggest a good political system in good working order, but complacency is mis-placed.”

BY JAMESCONGRESSMANE.CLYBURN(D-SC)HouseMajorityWhip

“Between her work on The Sidekick and Trendsetter, this is an opportunity for her to build her portfolio and further establish herself as a journalist,” said Smith. “I’m excited that she is serious about a career as a journalist. We congratulate her and we are confident that she will ex cel and continue to produce outstanding work!”

Angelina Liu, assumes Editor-in-Chief duties at The Sidekick

When Coppell High School (CHS) senior Angelina Liu first joined the Texas Metro News team, she described herself as an “introverted in dividual interested in photog raphy and opinion writing.” However, behind that shell lies a gem with superb writing skills and leadership abilities. “I am learning how to be authoritative without being bossy,” Liu said. “I’ve seen the way Ms. Cheryl assertively leads us interns. She doesn’t tolerate disrespect, and she inspires me as a woman in a highTexasposition.”Metro News Publish er Cheryl Smith is a believ er in Liu’s proficiency in the newsroom.“Angelina is smart, talented and a joy to work with,” Smith said. “She is focused, a team player and she also displays outstanding leadership po tential.”Anda team player she is, as she works well with her fellow editors of the Texas Metro News youth section, TheAfterTrendsetter.leaving behind the Coppell Cowgirls basket ball team and theatre, Liu was searching for her niche during her sophomore year. Her older sister, Christina, had friends on The Sidekick staff and she would bring newspapers home. Angelina’s interest was sparked after reading a few issues, and that summer she emailed an advisor, asking to be enrolled in the class. Liu started as a staff writ er for The Sidekick, covering predominantly CHS sports. Then, she became the Visu al Media Editor in her junior year.It was obvious she was beginning to soar, as she, along with the previous Edi tor-in-Chief, Sally Parampot til, received Honorable Men tion for one of their Sports multimedia stories. “When I first met Angeli na, I was Editor-in-Chief,” Parampottil said. “She was always willing to take things on, no matter the section or media. She is multi-talented and truly gives her all to the program.”Liuhas gone above and beyond in her work, which is why she believes The Side kick adviser, Chase Wofford saw her as a fit for the Edi tor-in-Chief role. “She really set herself apart from the rest of the staff by being so eager and hardworking,” Wofford said.

“Sidekick always seemed like a priority to her. She was always so invested, which made her the ideal candidate to be Editor-in-Chief on the executiveSteppingteam.”intothis new role, Liu has no doubts. Her for mer colleagues, Sally Param pottil and Anjali Krishna paved the way and gave her plenty of advice and encour agement. “From when I first met An gelina, she’s been an inspi ration to me,” Krishna said. “She’s a talented photogra pher and writer, but what most of The Sidekick staff first recognized her for was her incredible work ethic and unfailingly positive atti tude towards everything she was assigned. I can’t think of anyone more capable of leading a program as won derful as Angelina’sSidekick.”overall goal for The Sidekick this upcoming year is to inspire staff mem bers to try new things within the newspaper and consider pursuing journalism in the future.“Alot of people are saying print is dead, and you should only pursue broadcast,” said Liu. “I really want to change people’s mindset about that. I understand there’s been a major shift from print to on line, and we all need to learn those“However,aspects.the amount of information you can put into a written piece will never compare to it being broad casted.”Those words were like mu sic to the ears of Smith who convinced Liu to continue on in a contributing role as an editor of Trendsetter, throughout her senior year.

The Sidekick Editor-in-Chief, Angelina Liu teaching a new media student how to operate a camera.

The Ideal Candidate

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Angelina Liu Photo: Coppell Student Media

By Asia Nicole Alcorn

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Superb Women

ELDER JONES

ETHEL LORAINE GREEN LEE

Delores Elder Jones is a gourmet baker who specializes in cooking w/liquor and liqueurs.

August 2022

Cheryl Smith By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News

Ethel Loraine Green Lee hails from Natchez, MI and she is full of southern hospitality. A former Manager, College Planning and Partnerships at Tom Joyner Foundation, Ethel Loraine Green Lee also enjoyed stints at Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Dallas ISD, Visiting Nurses Association, Texas Area 6 Health Systems and the City of Austin. A proud graduate of Jackson State University with a degree in Mass Communications/Oral Interpretation, the graduate of North Natchez High School also studied Journalism/Public Relations at The University of Texas at Austin and received her masters degree in 1978. A wife, mother, grandmother and community servant, Loraine is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Owner/Caterer at D’s Delectables and Owner/Photographer at Remember the Moment Photography by Grand Diva, Delores Elder Jones hails from Memphis TN where she studied Urban Revitalization at the University of Memphis. She enjoyed stints at Richland College, Garland Housing Finance Corporation, Dallas County and Memphis Housing Authority. Also a Community/Patient Liaison at Dependable Care Health Service, LLC, Delores is a community servant.

Cassandra Bradford gets it! She said she absolutely loves what she does and who she is! A senior consultant at Genesis Preferred Solutions, Cassandra Bradford studied business, forensic science and Kinematics at the University of Phoenix and business at California State University-Fullerton. The founder/president of Run Women’s Conference, and the No. Texas Minority Chamber of Commerce, she is a managing partner of Santonye’s Event Center. In 2016 she was the recipient of the NAACP African American Woman in Business and of Influence Award. She’s also a member of Fort Worth Black Chamber of Commerce, 2021 was the "Year of the Woman," especially the Black Woman! For 10 months we dedicated this space to uplifting Black women and spreading a message that we need to show love and empower people with love instead of destroying them with hate and disrespect. We celebrate Black Women and call them SUPERB! AND WE ARE KEEPING THE CELEBRATION GOING IN 2022! Our Superb Women!

DELORES

CASSANDRA BRADFORD

September 2, 2022 I MESSENGER myimessenger.com36 Arlington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, DFW Roundtable-Fort Worth. Cassandra also offers a course in securing the government as a client. Log on to: www.contractattraction. com.

A wife, mother, and grandmother, Rosie Owens Gray is living her best life, A retiree from FWISD, she hails from Mansfield LA, but lives in Fort Worth, TX. Rosie studied at Tarrant County College and Grambling State University. Active in her church, she puts family first and loves hitting the road with her daughter and grandchildren, traveling around the country. She’s also a dancer, loving to participate in sessions and display her graceful moves.

Hon. Andrea Lane is a wife, mother, district judge, child of God and blessed. Hailing from San Antonio, TX, Judge Angela Lane graduated from Judson Senior High School and received her degree in English/Political Science at Our Lady of the Lake University. She then studied law. While at Texas Wesleyan, she was inducted as a Member of the Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society. Currently she is the District Court Judge of the 304th District Court – Dallas County. Previously she was the owner of Martin Law Firm and a former Assistant District Attorney for Dallas County. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Judge Lane attended Disciple Central Community Church in DeSoto, Texas, where she was a member of the choir, active member of the fitness ministry and served as a boot camp and running instructor.

KIMBERLEY RUNNELS Kimberley Runnels is a campus support team trainer/coach for family and community engagement for Dallas Independent School District.

SILK LITTLEJOHN Silk Littlejohn is an empowerment speaker and lifestyle coach. Silk Littlejohn works at the Silk Littlejohn Experience (TSLE), a multi-media educational, lifestyle and entertainment brand. A North Texas White Cane Day Board Member, she studied cosmetology and is licensed by Texas Dept. of Licensing and Regulation - TDLR. According to Silk, “TSLE is committed to changing how the world’s views the blind community, with awareness, applied vision infused with inspiring moments, that will continue to motivate change inclusive to the blind and visually impaired.” She is beautiful, talented, smart and the sister can dress! She also has a testimony because she is a survivor, full of love and support for others.

YOLANDA HERVEY Smart, beautiful and engaging. That’s Yolanda Hervey!

A risk manager at Osburn Contractors, LLC, Yolanda Hervey is a strong finance professional with a Bachelor of Science focused in Business Administration (B.B.A) and Management, General. Previously she worked in risk management at the Wal-Mart Corporation and she is skilled in Claims Handling, Claims Resolution, Team Building, Management, and Leadership A member of North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship, Yolanda is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

ROSIE GRAY Rosie Gray loves to travel and she is a stylish, classy dresser and shopper.

HON. ANDREA LANE

Hailing from Dallas, TX., Christy Dean is a substitute teacher with a wealth of knowledge, experience and talent. A graduate of Paul Quinn College with a Bachelor of Arts a Degree in Mass Communication and Media Studies. While in school, she served as Miss Paul Quinn College, was a member of the student chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists and participated in the DallasFort Worth Association of Black Journalists Urban Journalism Workshop.

Irma D. Crayton attended Justin F. Kimball High School. She studied Elementary and Special Education at East Texas State University now Texas A and M and a Masters Degree from Howard University. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Irma, the talented and lovely Irma D. Crayton, has almost 30 years of experience in the field of Elementary Special and General Education. She is also a retired United States Navy Veteran.

A committed educator and community servant Irma D. Crayton greets the world with a smile.

The Judge of the 255th Family District Court, Judge Kim Cooks studied at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Hailing from Colorado Springs, CO., Judge Cooks graduated from Roy J. Wasson High School and went on to the University of Texas at Arlington where she received a BS, in Biological/Medical Technology/Business Management. For 12 years she practiced family law litigation at the Law Office of Kim A. Cooks, p.l.l.c. specializing in divorces, child custody, child support, child protective services and juvenile matters. She’s a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

CHRISTY DEAN She’s a radio personality, actress, poet and professional play watcher.

September 2, 2022myimessenger.com 37

IRMA D. CRAYTON

DELORES WILSON Delores Wilson has a heart of gold. Loving, compassionate and a true servant. That’s this beautiful diva.

The Honorable edge Kim Cooks enjoys training for amateur bodybuilding competitions.

With more than 25 years of experience Kimberley Runnells has also enjoyed stints as a leader for Weight Watchers, a consultant for the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, a family services specialist for Rainbow Days, Inc. and campus manager for Communities in Schools; among others. The Skyline High School graduate received a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish from Prairie View A&M University and she also studied Organizational Development and Leadership at the University of Texas at Tyler,; Spanish language and Literature at Universal-Quernvaca Mexico.

JUDGE KIM COOKS

M & M Arts is a time capsule of creativity, emotional healing, and resolutions through expressive color painting for The Lost Kids who cannot communicate, find rest, and have lost connection with their source of life.

TIFFANY JACKSON

Kind, sweet, compassionate, talented and a joy to be around, that’s Tiffany Jackson.

CHANTE BRANTLEY

A graduate of Skyline High School and native Dallasite, Tiffany Jackson received a BA Degree in Public Relations/Psychology from the University of North Texas. Skilled in nonprofit management, she’s a fundraiser and philanthropist. She’s a dynamic and motivated professional with a proven record in spearheading programming development, grant writing, cultivating community partnerships, managing projects from conception to completion, designing educational strategies, and coaching individuals to success. An executive director at Friends of Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy, she has served as director of education at Bishop Arts Theatre Center, Communication Liaison/Recruiter at ETAN Industries and community site manager at Big Thought, and staff writer/ editor at the Dallas Weekly and Dallas Gospel Connection.

DORSHA BLACKBURN

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Dorsha Blackburn is a mother and servant leader who has a promising future ahead and students will benefit from her dynamic personality, caring spirit and knowledge.

Professor Chante Brantley is constantly making moves and making a difference Chante Brantley received her B.S degree from Texas Woman’s University studied law, J.D. at University of Texas School of Law, a M.S.S.W. from the University

Dorsha Blackburn is a Special Education Teacher at the Science and Engineering Magnet at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center where she graduated from in 1999. She went on to graduate from Paul Quinn College and then she received her Masters Degree in Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University. Previously she has worked at Stream Energy; Mom at ZiaB, Inc; Already Gear; Walmart; and Dallas Can Academy.

DESREE ROBINSON Desree Robinson is the CEO and Founder of Lost Kids.

Desree Robinson created Lost Kids in 2009 and brought it to life, she says, during the pandemic. Lost Kids is storytelling for children ages five and up who experience trauma at an early age. It delivers strength, resilience, and hope and leads to a pathway of overcoming fear and doubt. Desree shares her story of how art gave her the funnel to re-establish her self-worth and the value her purpose has on earth. Desree found a life of gratitude and abundance to share with youth through M & M Beginners Art School.

Delores Wilson hails from Winston-Salem, NC, and attended Atkins High School and the University of the District Columbia. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, serving in several positions and leading with grace, Delores is president of Wilson,Wilson and Associates and owner of MDW Ventures. She’s a community servant, a born leader and a team player. A wife and mother, Delores remains an involved and integral part of the community, serving as a mentor to and for so many.

September 2, 2022myimessenger.com 39 of Texas at Arlington and J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. Prior to joining the faculty at SMU Dedman School of Law, Professor Brantley was managing attorney and mediator at Barnes Prox Law, PLLC, which focused exclusively on family law matters. Professor Brantley began her career as a Child Protective Services caseworker, transitioning to law working as a legislative aide to Texas State Senator Royce West. She’s a leader, a community servant and an educator!

Hailing from Greenwood MS where she graduated from Greenwood High School, Sylvia Hamilton is a graduate of Dillard University with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. A former business analyst and program manager, Sylvia spent almost 40 years at 7-11. She was also a programmer for Haggar Company. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she has lived a life of community service and commitment to making this world a better place. Also active with the Dillard University Alumni Association, this wife and mother is someone you can depend on!

SANDRE STREET MONCRIFFE

JESSICA DIXON WEAVER

SHARI HICKS Shari Hicks is moving on up! Shari Hicks has just started a new position as executive director, Community Impact at JP Morgan Chase & Co. She has had several positions as VP of Business and Community Development at Amegy Bank, Asst. VP of Corporate Banking at Frost Bank, Senior VP of Marketing and Public Relations at AJ LLEZO, LLC, Special Assistant to the Mayor of Dallas and Senior Advertising Marketing Manager at the Dallas Morning News. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she received a BS degree in Applied Arts and Science and an MBA from the Naveen Jindal School of Management at UT Dallas.

SYLVIA HAMILTON Sylvia Hamilton is the Savvy Retiree, and she is enjoying life to the fullest.

Professor Jessica Dixon Weaver is a thought leader, multiple award recipient and a distinguished fellow. Jessica Dixon Weaver is the Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Law. Professor Weaver teaches Family Law, Advanced Family Law, Professional Responsibility, and Children and the Law. She joined the tenure track faculty in 2009 and became the first African American female to earn tenure at SMU Dedman School of Law in 2015. She is an expert in child welfare law and public policy, and much of her scholarship focuses on theorizing methods for improvement of the legal systems and policies affecting families and children. She received her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Public service is one of Sandre Streete Moncriffe’s passions and she has a solid track record. Soon we’ll be calling her Judge Sandre Street Moncriffe. She attended Hillcrest High School and St. Catherine High School Jamaica W.I. She went on to pursue a degree in English Studies at Wiley College and she studied law at St. Mary’s University School of Law. She served in the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, and was a managing attorney in the Law Office

When you think of Angela Pitcher, you think of compassion and love!

FELICIA QUIGLEY Felicia Quigley is celebrated as a sister, mother, educator and soror. Hailing from Dallas, TX, Felicia Quigley studied at Texas A&M University –

Lynetta Haynes-Oliver is the epitome of grace, elegance and sisterhood!

Hailing from Tulsa OK, Angela Pitcher attended Green B. Trimble Technical High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Northwood University/John Peter Smith School of Nursing before going on to pursue an MBA from Strayer University, with a concentration in Healthcare. An executive director operations, she is a Nurse Care manager/Community Resource Specialist for Monas Heart Outreach, an organization she co-founded to provide assistance, food, resources, and relief to those who are affected by homelessness, domestic violence, and medical illness in the DFW Metroplex including but not limited to: Mansfield, Arlington, Fort Worth, parts of Dallas County. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority!

ANGELA PITCHER

September 2, 2022 I MESSENGER myimessenger.com40 of Sandre Street Moncriffe and Assistant Regional Counsel for the U.S. Social Security Administration. She served as a Trustee for the DeSoto Independent School District from 2015 to 2018. She has also been active in the PTA, Girl Scouts, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Dallas NAACP, Tri-Cities NAACP, Texas Coalition of Black Democrats, and the Democratic Party in Dallas County. A wife and mother, she attends Concord Baptist Church.

LYNETTA HAYNES-OLIVER

Lynetta graduated with a Masters of Arts degree from San Francisco State University. As an educator, she has also worked as an instructor at Collin College.

REV NEWTONIA P. HEMPHILL

Rev Newtonia P. Hemphill loves Clark Atlanta University!

Rev Newtonia P. Hemphill is a member of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc-Alpha Rho Chapter, and Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.- Psi Chapter. She attended Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center, graduating from the Government and Law Magnet then receiving a BA degree at Clark Atlanta University. She studied at Prophetic Ministry at P.A.W.N.S. of God International Ministry, Intercessory prayer at New Birth (Life) Bible Institute and Seminary, Ministers in Training at Howard Thurman Bible Institute at Friendship West Baptist Church, McAfee School of Theology Masters of Divinity at Mercer University, SMU Perkins School of Theology, and Emory University Candler School of Theology and Oblate School of Theology. She received an MA in Christian Education from Morehouse School of Religion.

Lynetta Haynes-Oliver graduated from Lincoln High School in Dallas and then attended Bishop College where she was initiated into the Delta Omega Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, in Marshall, Texas in the Fall of 1959. She, like the Deltas on campus and as she remains today, was “smart, friendly and had high moral standards.” She has been accurately described as, “wonderful, classy, sophisticated, strong and loving!”

RACQUEL WASHINGTON

TONYA COUNCIL

THEFELICIAHONORABLEPITRE

To know Carron Jones Perry is to definitely love this kind, caring and committed woman!

The Hon. Felicia Pitre is the Dallas County (TX) District Clerk, was first elected on November 6, 2014 and was sworn in on January 1, 2015. A native of Lake Charles, LA and graduate of Marion High, Felicia received her Bachelor’s degree from Northwood University and her Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. She is a member of the Metropolitan AME Church in Dallas and the former president of the Phillis Wheatley Neighborhood Association in South Dallas/ Fair Park.

Carron Jones Perry is a Senior Auditor for the City of Dallas. She received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, where she was initiated into the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (BADST). A 41

Commerce. Recently celebrating 25 years as a Silver Star honoree of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she was initiated into the Epsilon Sigma Chapter in 1996. An educator, she is a charter member of the Alpha Beta Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha; serving Grand Prairie, Irving, Mansfield and Midlothian. An educator, she is a graduate from Skyline High School Class of 1993. A wife and mother of four, Felicia is a community servant who is committed to the educating of our youth!

Felicia Pitre is proud of her community involvement and volunteer activities assisting families, the elderly, job-seekers and helping ex-offenders re-enter the job market.

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Tonya Council has a servant heart. She’s a community volunteer, too!

Tonya Council is a Human Resource Business Manager at Celestica, helping smart managers keep their employees productive and engaged. She’a a single mom on a mission; working to make a better life while also enjoying life. Tonya has enjoyed stints as a Human Resources Manager at several companies, like Lennox International - Commercial Division; McLane Company; Optimal Blue; Neiman Marcus; and Texas Instruments. Tonya received certifications from the University of Dallas, but also received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Campbell University and a Masters in Human Resources, Human Resources Development from Bowie State University. She assays licenses and certifications in Confronting Biases and Developing a Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Program.

CARRON JONES PERRY

Just add service and sisterly to Racquel Washington’s name because she is a true servant with a sister spirit. There’s so much to know about Racquel Washington. A Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., this Independent Travel Agent with InteleTravel is a Dallas native. Racquel Washington is a proud graduate of Skyline High School (Class of 1991). Then it was off to the University of North Texas and Texas A&M Commerce. An education consultant, she has enjoyed stints as a manager and educator at ChildCareGroup, Care First Consulting, KinderCare, Bright Horizons Family Solution and CMBC Learning Center. A servant leader, previously she was secretary or the Heads Up! Foundation and she is a recipient of the Excellence in Leadership from the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children.

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wife and mother Carron brings over 25 years of internal auditing expertise to the City of Dallas. Hailing from Vidalia, LA, Carron has enjoyed stints at Tribune Publishing Company, Neiman Marcus, Metromedia Restaurant Group and Haggar Clothing Co. She is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), who is also a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and the Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA).

BENAISHA POOLE-WATSON Real Estate Mogul and Bank owner, Benaisha Poole-Watson is passionate and committed while focusing on exceeding expectations.

MICHELLE STIMPSON Michelle Stimpson loves combining her passion for writing with her gift of teaching, training adults on various topics.

Michelle believes journaling is a gift from God and a vital component of her success. She regularly hosts journaling sessions so that others can experience the therapeutic and spiritual benefits of writing in all its many forms. When she’s not writing, Michelle coaches educators, listens to audiobooks, or eats chocolate. She’s a wife, mother and grandmother.

A graduate of Townview Magnet School, Charlondra Thompson is a realtor at Charlondra Thompson Enterprises and Network. She studied Marketing at Dallas Baptist University and also enjoyed stints at KW Commercial, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Steed Media Group and KLIF-AM. Charlondra serves as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Friends of Juanita J. Craft Civil Rights House & Museum and the board of Managers for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. Her extensive volunteer efforts include service with Best Southwest Partnership, North Texas CCIM Chapter, Asian Real Estate Association of America, NAHREP, over in Action and the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce.

Bestselling veteran author Michelle Stimpson has penned more than 50 faith-based books including traditional bestseller Boaz Brown, the beloved Mama B series, and Deacon Brown’s Daughters. She has published more than 50 short stories through her educational publishing company, WeGottaRead.com. Michelle holds an English degree from Jarvis Christian College and a master’s degree in education from the University of Texas at Arlington.

CHARLONDRA THOMPSON Charlondra Thompson is a caring and sincere servant leader.

Benaisha is dedicated to international aid work, and volunteering in her community, the arts and traveling the world.

Benaisha Poole-Watson is the Owner / Team Leader / Realtor at The Bailey Watson Real Estate Group. Hailing from Los Angeles where she attended St. Mary’s Academy, Benaisha served in the United States Air Force for nine years. Benaisha graduated from George Washington University in Washington D.C with a Masters Degree in Political Management, a Masters Degree in Public Administration and she studied Law at the University of Maryland College Park.

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WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKERS BETO O'ROURKE, CECILE RICHARDS, FEATURING REP. COLIN ALLRED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 AT 6:00 PM THE FAIRMONT HOTEL, 1717 N AKARD ST, DALLAS, TX 75201

Showcasing about 20 phenomenal visual artists, crafts makers and self-care prod ucts developers, the 2022 South West Art Fest returns with health and wellness service and product providers and snacks creators. This free two-day event, hosted by Endeavors Performing Arts & Events Venue, is Sept. 3 and 4, from 11am to 7pm both days in the 440 Shopping Plaza at 868 S. Fort Hood Street in Killeen, Texas. 7 10

PASTORS LUNCHEON REGISTRATION

Official launch of the citywide Big D Reads pro gram for 2022. The kickoff event will be held at 9:30AM at the Downtown Dallas Public Library with light breakfast and refreshments served, plus celebratory appearances by the South Dallas Concert Choir, The Accommodation Author Jim Schutze, Joaquin Zihuatanejo, and Will Evans of Deep Vellum Bookstore and Publishing Co. 2 Apparel worn by some of this country’s legendary figures will be unveiled as a prelude to the kick-off of TBAAL’s 5th annual Riverfront Jazz Festival, Friday, September 2nd at 5:30 pm. 3-4

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Verna’s H.E.L.P. Foundation, Free Business Work shop, 9a-1pm at Dallas College (Eastfield), 3737 Motley Drive, Building S, Parking Lot 4, Room 1 Octo24ber

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The Pastors Luncheon will be 11:00 a.m. Typically hosted during the State Fair of Texas, this event was designed to cre ment to celebrate and invites clergy leaders from the

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The Southern Universi ty Alumni FederationFort Worth Chapter will host “Jaguar Takeover Night,” an annual schol arship dinner party and fundraiser, at 7:30 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Suites, 700 Avenue H, in Grand Prairie. Tickets may be purchased on Eventbrite

2118 Come

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-anat:nual-jaguar-night-scholarship-fundraiser-730-pm-sep-16th-2022-tickets-339007680097?aff=ebdssbeac17 Laugh With Me, by D. ELLI$ Entertainment! #ComeLaughWithMe is a Comedy series that was started a few years ago, by D. ELLI$ to showcase season talent and new talent! 8 to 11 pm at Tk’s, 14854 Monfort Dr. Dallas. Tick ets: https://bit.ly/3e3D0Qn23

African American Leadership Institute Fall Policy Summit 8am-1:30pm at Paul Quinn College, 3837 Simpson Stuart Road, Dallas. For more informa tion, call 610-416-556816

Metro Community Calendar powered by The World According to Andrew on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.-10 am. CST. Sundays Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the call 646200-0459 on Andrew’s World. I Was Just Thinking with Nor ma Adams-Wade “History Class is in Session” Join in on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am -1 pm. CST. Wednesdays. Join the conversation call 646-200-0459. Send your calendar items editor@texasmetronews.comtoorcall214-941-0110

7 Friday night- Vinettis 14388 Midway, TX 5 PM until hosted by and Mrs. James Press Club of Dallas 10th Legends of North Texas Journalism at Texas Theatre. LEGENDS: Ed Bark, Karen Blair (posthu mous), Karen Blumenthal (posthumous), Cheryl Hall, Molly Ivins (posthumous), Verne Lundquist, Murphy Martin (posthumous), Scott McCartney, Laura Miller, Liz Oliphant, Bob Schieffer and Brett Shipp.****

Apparel worn by some of this country’s legendary figures will be unveiled as a prelude to the kick-off of TBAAL’s 5th annual Riverfront Jazz Festival at 5:30 pm. Apparel worn by some of this country’s legendary figures will be unveiled as a prelude to the kick-off of TBAAL’s 5th annual Riverfront Jazz Festival, Friday, September 2nd at 5:30 pm. 10 2022 UNCF National Walk for Educa tion – North TX 7:00 am - 11:00 am LAKE CLIFF PARK 300 E. COLORADO BLVD. DALLAS, TX 75201 10-11

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Prairie View A&M University -Dallas Alumni 25th Anniversary Scholarship Gala and Silent Auction Renaissance Dallas Hotel - Mardi Gras Theme 6:30pm *** Each Tuesday at 1pm, Chef Isabel presents a delicious cooking demo featuring the weekly samples at the Tasting Pavilion at the Dallas Arboretum. OCDFW/ABJTOBER13 honors NABJ award winners at Soiree Coffee Bar, 320 Singleton Blvd Suite 190, Dallas, TX 75212 Soul20Food 816 Montgomery St., Dallas 24 27-30 Join journalism professionals, students, advisers and educators at MediaFest22 in Washington, D.C., Oct. 27-30! Registration is now open! Lifestyle Metro Calendar powered by Send your calendar items editor@texasmetronews.comto McKinney Oktoberfest SEP 23 AT 12 PM – SEP 25 AT 7 pm Historic Downtown McKinney 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney

–Theterms.night-scholarship-fundraiser-730-pm-sep-16th-2022-https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-jaguat:ar-tickets-339007680097?aff=ebdssbeac23FREEGrantWriting&Business-Workshopwithco-hostGSA-AlbertGarzaandSBA-NancyAlvarezwhichwillbeonSeptember23andthelastLegalClinicis10-22-22VernaMelton-Awoman-ownedGSAMASholderforthreeTosharehowtowriteawinningproposalforGRANTSandherexperienceswithGSAatDallasCountyEASTFIELDCOLLEGE.RegisteratEventbrite.comBusinessWorkshoptohelpStart-Up.WomenOwned,VeteransSmallBusinesses.249thAnnualHBCUScholarshipFundraiser,4:00pm8:00pmCST,at4ThirteenKitchenandSportsLoungelocatedat755TXHWY121Lewisville,TX75067.DuringthisHBCUScholarshipFundraiser,up.tofourscholarshipswillbeawardedtotheuniversity(ties)thatraisethemostfunds..\\Donationsmaybewrittenoffasataxdeduction.https://hbcufortheculture.eventbrite.com***It’stheOldSchool70’sPartyoftheYear!Jointhe“OldSchoolJamDay-Party”withDJJimmyPorch,DJTDKandIaswetakeold-schoolingtoanotherlevel.Evenifyoudon’tplanonattendinganyotherpartythisyear,thisisthe“one”youdon’twanttomiss!Clickforticketshttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/youre-invited-to-the-old-school-jam-day-party-on-sept-24th-tickets-389629681867Grabyourticket(s)ortabletodaybeforeitstoolate!30

The Dallas Opera will be performing at the Dallas Arboretum for two special nights of music as you watch the sunset over White Rock Lake! Bring your friends and family to enjoy a picnic and night of beautiful music! 7-9pm

Hispanic Heritage Celebration on September 10 & 11 featur ing our Quinceañera Fashion Show! Save the date for the fifth annual Dallas Arboretum Hispanic Heritage Celebration on September 10-11, 2022 featuring our Quinceañera Fashion Show and Cultural Celebration! Visit the garden for a celebration you won’t want to miss. Food, vendors, live music, a cooking demonstration and of course, the much anticipated Quinceañera Fashion Show. Free with garden13-14admission.

16 The Southern University Alumni Federation - Fort Worth Chapter will host “Jaguar Takeover Night,” an annual scholarship dinner party and fundraiser, at 7:30 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Suites, 700 Avenue H, in Grand Prairie. The scholarship event is one of several activities held on the same weekend that SWAC com petitors Southern University of Baton Rouge, La. and Texas Southern University of Houston meet for the His torically Black College classic, the Arlington Football Showdown. Single tickets to the fundraiser are $50. A table for 8 guests at the scholarship event is $400. Tickets may be purchased on Eventbrite

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September 2, 2022 I MESSENGER myimessenger.com52 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