Texas Metro

EXPANDED COVERAGE OF

COVID-19

www.texasmetronews.com

MY TRUTH

By Cheryl Smith Publisher

Our Pandemics

This appears to be a defining time in our lives, making me wonder if the world as we know it will ever be the same.

To think that we have already been complaining about how detached we have become or how having excellent communication skills used to be so important, only to find that it appears we were only being prepared for times such as this.

PANDEMICS

Soul Talk launches

By Monique “M. P.” Stone

(From L-R: Muhammad, Shaw, McCallister, Benjamin, Fox, Maddox, Kinnel, Harris, Bowden, Russell Williamson, Cheryl Polote-Williamson, Faggett, Krout, Barnes, Campbell and Batiste) anthology provides you with a road map that will deeply gratify your

yearning to cultivate a more intimate See SOUL, page 11

Clergy’s quick response to COVID-19

2. Drug use/ abuse and mass incarceration

Catholics in nine North Texas counties will not be able to go to public masses at their places of worship until March 30, 2020.

Friday, Bishop Edward Burns canceled Mass for more than one million Catholics in North Texas in hopes of keeping them safe from the coronavirus (COVID-19).

“In order for all the Catholic faithful to be at peace and to live without any anxiety as well as remove any conflicted consciousness of whether or not they should attend mass these days as the Shepard of the Diocese and out of affection for the faithful, I make this decision so they can remain healthy and strong.”

According to City of Dallas officials, COVID-19 is a new respiratory virus and early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic; we are self quarantining, discouraging any form of touching and broadening what we call our “personal space.”

Sure there have been jokes.

People laugh to keep from crying.

As we’re encouraging people to wash their hands, I laugh because I was taught at a very young age and never deviated from those teachings. But I do notice, actually watch for that practice from others; which sadly is so often not the norm for so many.

See MY TRUTH, page 12

page 14

A Mother’s Love Texas Metro News

1. The continued breakdown/ destruction of the Black Family

3. Black Maternal Morbidity rate

on COVID-19

VOL.8 NO. 24

March 18, 2020

By Marva Sneed

Texas Metro News

Soul Talk Vol. 3, which contains soul-stirring stories of people who “Let Go and Let God,” launched in Dallas recently to a very receptive crowd.

According to it’s presenter, Cheryl Polote-Williamson, the book features 21 co-authors who are “bearing their very souls so that you will gain the hope, strength, and faith you need to overcome your pains, disappointments, and heartaches.”

Ms. Williamson presents another essential guide in the bestselling Soul Talk series and says this life-changing

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson

By Rebecca Aguilar Texas Metro News

Bishop Edward Burns

Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III

older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill.

The Diocese and other religious leaders have been working closely with Dallas County officials since the county banned events with more than 500 in attendance in efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. Bishop Burns said it was not an easy decision to make, but he knew that devoted Catholics would continue to attend Mass if he did not take safety measures.

“My goal as the Bishop is to make sure the faithful are safe from the disease and that this decision gives them a sense of peace so they can be safe from all distress or anxiety regarding these days of emergency,” he explained.

Catholic Schools in the Dallas Diocese will be closed and moved to online or remote learning until March 27. Sunday Mass will be offered via live video streaming.

The Bishop said worshippers could watch safely from home on their computers or mobile devices.

The Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth will have Mass for Catholics in 28 counties, but Bishop Michael Olson says they are taking safety measures because of COVID-19.

The Bishop posted a statement Friday on the Diocese Facebook page: “It is the responsibility of priests to ensure that our parishes continue to offer Masses, especially during a time of crisis.”

See COVID, page 2

Brianna Baucum and Journi Brianna Baucum is a senior majoring in social work at the University of Texas at Arlington, with a specialty in child welfare, which is ironic, considering the nature of this story.

Brianna has a 3.8 GPA and is a recipient of the Mary Gourley Scholarship. Currently the chaplain for the UTA Chapter of the National Association of Colored Women, she is a former foster child and she advocates for youth who have aged out of foster care.

For this single mother, her daughter Journi is the joy and light of her life. Brianna said she goes to God for everything because she has a Christian background.

She enjoys helping others, being a mother and learning new things.

But her life was turned upside down when CPS began investigating claims she was abusing her two-year-old child.

During an interview on From Marva with Love, she told her story: MS: Can you give us a timeline of how this all began?

BB: It started in Dallas County in April 2019. My daughter and I were being investigated for abuse See MOTHER, page 3

2

MARCH 18, 2020

INSIDE

EDUCATION

pg. 3

EDITORIAL

pg. 4

PERSPECTIVE

pg. 5

CALENDAR

pg. 10

LIFESTYLE

pg. 13

MAILING ADDRESS 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway 220 Dallas, TX 75203 WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 214-941-0110 Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER - EDITOR editor@myimessenger.com

Remembering Joseph Smith March 2, 1927 December 8, 2004

Free - Take One

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50-1397 1 Year Subscription $45.00

ubscription $45.00CREDO 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.

Trump urged to grant clemency to Kilpatrick

The EBONY Foundation has partnered see the unfairness of Mr. Kilpatrick’s with numerous notable African American sentence: former Governor Blagojevich – pastors and other community leaders sentenced to 14 years, former Governor around the country to call on President Bob McDonnell – sentenced to two Trump to grant clemency to former years, former Congressman William Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick who is Jefferson – sentenced to 13 years. All currently serving a 28-year sentence. of these men are currently home either The coalition of notavia the appeals process or ble Pastors, business because of commutation. and religious leaders Hence, we are seeking co-authored a letter to similar consideration and President Trump asking leniency in commuting the for him to grant clemency excessive sentencing of Mr. to the former Mayor and Kilpatrick’s 28-year sentence referenced the President’s for these non-violent, public most recent pardons and corruption crimes,� said Rev. Kwame Kilpatrick commutations.

Samuel Tolbert - President, “Kilpatrick was sentenced National Baptist Convention to 28 years in federal prison for his of America. crimes. And while there has been a lot EBONY Foundation’s National of debate about his guilt or innocence, Director of Community Outreach and we are arguing neither, rather, we are Engagement, Pastor Keyon Payton opposing the excessive nature and length said, “For 75 years EBONY and Jet of his sentence. Kwame Kilpatrick’s magazines have been a trusted brand punishment of a 28-year sentence does in the African American community. Our not fit the crime. While, Mr. Kilpatrick vision has been to highlight the great made grave errors in judgment as Mayor, accomplishments of African Americans looking at his sentence in comparison who have helped to shape the moral and to other public officials in public cultural ethos of our great Nation and to corruption cases who were convicted and inspire hope amid the African American sentenced around the same time, you struggle for racial and social justice

Clergy responds continued from front page Tarrant County officials, in declaring a local public health emergency disaster on Friday over the coronavirus pandemic, are discouraging events where more than 250 people are expected to gather, including church services.

Taking that declaration into consideration, Bishop Olson laid out a plan for priests that also includes having more Masses on Sunday to keep the congregation smaller and encouraging the sick to stay home. “To stay home from Sunday Mass in these circumstances is not a mortal sin,� he said.

Friendship West Baptist Church in southern Dallas County will be closed to the public, and Sunday worship services will be video streamed via the church’s website and Facebook Live to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus.

The church’s pastor, Dr. Freddie Haynes, reached out to his congregation

in the Land that we also call “home.�

The EBONY Foundation, the national nonprofit arm of EBONY Capital Partners, LLC, has partnered with The Bail Project to launch HOME BY THE HOLIDAY, an initiative designed to combat mass incarceration and reunite families.

Through this campaign, forces will be joined to raise funds for bailouts and to drive awareness about the urgent need for bail reform and the human impact of the cash bail system on communities of color.

Pastor Jamal Bryant said: “My faith teaches us that all have fallen short at some point in our lives and we all are the beneficiary of God’s grace and mercy. I implore you to consider the totality of Kwame’s contributions to his community and the potential for him to do good work on behalf of others who desperately need help. I believe that Kwame can still author another great chapter of his life and he has my full support as he moves forward with his life.�

The coalition is hopeful that President Trump will consider Kilpatrick’s clemency application and commute his 28-year sentence, of which he has served seven.

The complete list of pastors that have signed on to the letter are:

via the church’s website, Facebook, text and email blasts. “We ask that you be prayerful for the entire world as we battle this together,� he said.

Friendship West has also provided members with a fact sheet to answer frequent questions about COVID-19 and the church’s actions to stop the spread of the virus. “God is greater than the coronavirus! God can heal! Please pray for our most vulnerable population,�

Pastor Haynes said.

North Texas church leaders hope that worshippers will be able to attend services again in public by Easter. But right now, they wait to see when and if the spread of the coronavirus can be slowed down or stopped.

Bishop Burns reminded the public that the disease is not God’s fault. “This is not an act of God. It is an act of nature.

God does not desire that people get sick, suffer, or die, and the root of this is made abundantly clear in the upcoming celebration of Easter.�

Rev. Keyon S. Payton, National Director, Community Outreach and Engagement, The EBONY Foundation Rev. Dr. Steve Bland, Jr., President Detroit Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity, Detroit, MI Rev. K. C. Pierce II, Chairman, Religious Affairs, NAACP, Detroit Chapter Rev. Kenneth J. Flowers, Senior Pastor, Greater New Mt. Moriah Ch, Detroit, MI Rev. Dr. M. Andrew Davis, Senior Pastor, Zion Baptist Church, Columbia, SC Rev. Dr. John D. Duckworth, Sr., Sr.Pastor, Gethsemane BC, Westland, MI Rev. Victor D. Tate, Senior Pastor, First Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, Sr Pastor, Friendship West BC, Dallas, TX Rev. Dr. Terrance Garrett, Crystal Lake Baptist District Association, Pontiac, MI Rev. Quantez Presley, Senior Pastor, Third New Hope Missionary BC Detroit, MI Rev. Dr. James C. Perkins, Progressive National Baptist Convention Rev. Dr. Samuel D. Tolbert, Jr., President, National Baptist Convention of America Rev. Kip Banks, Sr., Senior Pastor, East Washington Heights BC, Washington, D.C. Rev. Brian K. Brown, South Florida Progressive Baptist Convention, Tampa, FL Rev. Dr. Delman L. Coates, Mt. Ennon Baptist Church, Clinton, MD Rev. Dr. Larry Smith, Senior Pastor, New St. Mark Baptist Church, Detroit, MI Rev. Linda Smith, Co-Pastor, New St. Mark Baptist Church, Detroit, MI Rev. Horace Sheffied, III, Senior Pastor, New Destiny Baptist Church, Detroit, MI Rev. Dr. Madeline McClenney, CEO, The Exodus Foundation, Charlotte, NC Rev. Dr. Terrance Grant-Malone, Mod., Fellowship United District, Houston, TX Rev. Lamont Anthony Wells, President, African Descent Lutheran Association Rev. Dr. John D. Tolbert, Senior Pastor, Trinity Missionary BC, Pontiac, MI Bishop James Dixon II, Senior Pastor, Community of Faith Church, Houston, TX Rev. Dr. Jamal H. Bryant, Senior Pastor, New Birth Church, Atlanta, GA Rev. Dr. Wil iam E. Flippin, Sr., Senior Pastor, Greater Piney Grove BC Decatur, GA Bishop Donte' L. Hickman, Sr., Sr Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, Baltimore, MD Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, Lead Pastor, Dare to Imagine Church, Philadelphia, PA Rev. Dr. Mitchell J. Stevens, Sr., Senior Pastor, Pilgrim Baptist Church, Kenner, LA Rev. Dr. Lawrence C. Glass, Jr., Sr. Pastor, El Bethel Baptist Church, Redford, MI Rev. Dr. Kenneth D. Cooper, Senior Pastor, Spring Creek BC , Moseley, VA Rev. Dr. Emory Berry, Jr., Senior Pastor, Greenforest Community BC, Decatur, GA Rev. Ezra Til man, Jr., Senior Pastor, First Trinity Missionary BC, Flint, MI Bishop Wil iam H. Murphy III, Lead Pastor, Dream Center Church, Atlanta, GA Dr. Kenneth Harris, President/CEO, National Business League

3

MARCH 18, 2020

Judge issues declaration of local disaster From Staff Reports Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins and Health and Human Services Director, Dr. Philip Huang met with members of the media Monday to discuss COVID-19.

In addition to issuing directives that included the closure of several businesses, prohibition of gatherings of more than 10, Judge Jenkins also issued an amended order: WHEREAS, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 418.108, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins issued a Declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency on March 12, 2020, due to a novel coronavirus now designated SARS-CoV2 which causes the disease COVID-19; and, WHEREAS, on March 12, 2020, Judge Jenkins issued an Order in furtherance of his authority to protect the safety and welfare of the public by slowing the spread of the virus; and, WHEREAS, the on-going evaluation of circumstances related to the virus and the updated recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and the Texas Department of State Health Services warrant the March 12, 2020 Order of County Judge Clay Jenkins to be amended; THEREFORE, the March 12, 2020, Order of County Judge Clay Jenkins is hereby

urges in the strongest terms AMENDED as follows: possible high-risk individuals, Summary: The virus that causes 2019 Coronavirus as defined by the Centers for Disease (COVID-19) is easily Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to cancel, reschedule, or transmitted through person to not attend any event. person contact, especially in UNDER THE group settings, and it is essential AUTHORITY OF TEXAS that the spread of the virus be GOVERNMENT CODE slowed to protect the ability of SECTION 418.108, public and private health care DALLAS COUNTY JUDGE providers to handle the influx Judge Clay Jenkins CLAY JENKINS ORDERS: of new patients and safeguard public health and safety. Because of the risk of 1. Effective as of 11:59 p.m. on Monday, the rapid spread of the virus, and the need to March 16, 2020, and continuing until 11:00 protect the most vulnerable members of the a.m. on March 20, 2020 (a) public or private Community Gatherings community, this Order prohibits community gatherings, of 50 persons or more anywhere (as defined in Section 3 below) are prohibited in Dallas County beginning at 11:59 p.m. on anywhere in Dallas County (b) Restaurants with or without drive-in or March 16, 2020, and continuing through 11:00 a.m. on March 20, 2020, as defined by Section drive-through services and microbreweries, 3 herein. For all other gatherings, the Office micro-distilleries, or wineries may only provide of the Dallas County Judge and the Health take out, delivery, or drive-through services as Authority strongly recommends following the allowed by law, (c) Bars, lounges, taverns, or arcades and social distancing protocols attached to this Order, including canceling, rescheduling, or not private clubs shall close.

2. In addition, the Office of the Dallas attending events with more than 50 persons.

The Office of the Dallas County Judge and the County Judge and the Dallas County Health Authority also strongly urges individuals Department of Health and Human to cancel, reschedule, or not attend social Services (“Health Authority”) strongly urge gatherings that will have or will likely have 10 organizations that serve high-risk populations or more people. Additionally, the Office of the to cancel all gatherings until further notice Dallas County Judge and the Health Authority These recommendations are based on the

Mother fights for daughter,

by CPS and this went on from April 2019 to June 25, 2019. I was already in a single mother’s program where I had done parenting classes and they allowed us to have pro-rated rent in Dallas so we could attend school. I was taking five classes that semester.

All of the resources they offered us I attended everything. My daughter and I were very involved in it. During this open investigation with CPS. I find out that it was someone pretty close to the program calling in the CPS Reports. CPS in Dallas acted as a witness on a police report. They

explained to me or divulged to me who the person was and we went to the police station and filed a harassment report. CPS was coming into my home daily.

It got really bad. My daughter started having meltdowns. She would run into walls just from the trauma of them undressing her taking pictures while I wasn’t present. It just caused a lot of ruckus in our lives.

Just a little background on my daughter... I adopted her at birth through my advocating for foster care. She was two minutes old. She was laid right

on my chest. She does not know anyone but me. In this process, she had a lot of meltdowns. She did have occasional bruising.

She’s light-skinned blue eyes and brown and blonde hair. She is Black and Hispanic. Because of her meltdowns, I had her in behavioral therapy and play therapy. She is just very active, like your typical two-year-old.

Moving forward, in June, I decided to move on campus at UTA. July 25th would have been my official day of moving on campus. August 2nd, Tarrant County CPS and UTA Police

social distancing practices attached to this Order as well as the “Implementation of Mitigation Strategies for Communities with Local COVID-19 Transmission” issued by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”). The Office of the Dallas County Judge and the Health Authority urge people to not attend non-essential gatherings during the duration of this Order in order to help slow down the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

3. Definitions: a. For purposes of this Order, a “Community Gathering” is any indoor or outdoor event or convening, subject to the exceptions and clarifications below, that brings together or is likely to bring together fifty (50) or more persons at the same time in a single room or other single confined or enclosed space, such as an auditorium, theatre, stadium (indoor or outdoor), arena or event center, gym, meeting hall, conference center, large cafeteria, or any other confined indoor or confined outdoor space. b. An outdoor “Community Gathering” under this Order is limited to events in confined outdoor spaces, which means an outdoor space that (i) is enclosed by a fence, physical barrier, or other structure and (ii) where people are present and they are within six feet of one another for extended periods. c. For purposes of clarity, a “Community Gathering” does not include the following so long See COUNTY ORDER, page 14

continued from front page

pretty much jumped through my window. They said that they received an outrageous report saying that my daughter was dead and in a 400-degree oven...

After meetings with Tarrant County CPS, I was being very thorough and I hired an attorney on August 13, and on August 23 started the investigation all over again. They didn’t care what had been done in Dallas, I had to do it here. They wanted a forensic exam for my daughter...

Hear the rest of Brianna’s interview at https://www.blogtalkradio.com/ cherylsmith/2020/02/13/from-

marva-with-love-featuring-marvasneed-bka-coka-on-cherylsBrianna is fighting for her rights. She is still on campus at UTA and working very hard to get her daughter back home. She said one of the lessons she learned is to know your rights, have a plan and stand up for your rights. You can follow Brianna on Facebook @ BriannaBaucum and Instagram. She has set up a Go Fund page Bring Journi Home. Since this interview, Brianna still has her parental rights but there will be a final hearing in June 2020.

Tune in to From Marva with Love Fridays at 11 am – 1 pm. on BlogTalkRadio.com Cheryl’s World.

4

MARCH 18, 2020

EDITORIAL

E. Faye Williams: Isn’t it clear?

WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE

DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ.

TriceEdney – Listening to the Donald a few nights ago as he tried to explain what U.S. policy is on COVAD-19, I couldn’t help but think about Teddy Pendergrass’ words when he said “If you don’t know me by now, you never will.” As Trump read from his teleprompter, he just had to throw in his usual commentary to a speech written by staff for him.

He kept bungling White House policies, but we already knew him.

In no way, did he have any idea what the implications are for what he was saying. He definitely thought

that whatever he was saying no one had ever said it better before! That’s always his refrain to say whatever he said or did was better than what anybody else ever said or did.

I listen to him as he tries to prove he’s smarter than anybody in the world. He goes on to prove just how short he is on facts on the simplest subjects. Every time he speaks, he confirms what his professor at the Wharton School said about him when he said, “Donald Trump was the dumbest goddamn student I ever had.” We know his story is that he finished “top of his class” at Wharton!

His professor, William T. Kelley, had a different view of who Mr. Trump thought he was! We’re told the professor actually said he was a fool and that he’d come to Wharton thinking he already knew everything!

When Trump speaks, most of us can finish his lines for him. It’s either everything he’s ever done is the best ever or no one has ever done what he has done. After three horrible years of his being in office, he still can’t resist trying to describe himself as being smarter than President Barack Obama. It’s like his sole reason for running for President was to prove that he could do everything better than President Obama. I can’t think of a single thing he can do that approaches anything President Obama did!

Our country has lost all credibility under the Trump presidency. Isn’t it clear that it’s time to send him to Mar-A-Largo to play golf and hold dinners and parties for his friends who ‘re happy to listen to many of those over 16,000 recorded lies

he’s told since he lived in the White House?

People across the world are hurting. They’re scared. They have no idea what’s coming next. They become even more stressed after listening to what he and some of his team are saying. People need someone who has some idea how to calm their fears. They’re confused about travel restrictions, about work, about paying for healthcare!

There’s a state of emergency, but it’s clear Trump is not the person to calm people’s fears and help us to deal with the COVAD-19 crisis.

With inadequate testing, things get worse. All he seems to think about is what people think about him if the number of the infected goes up! Isn’t it clear he needs to go home and take a rest and allow the health experts

to handle health matters? The CDC Director might need to go home with him to make room for somebody who knows what coronavirus testing costs!

Congresswoman Katie Porter proved that in questioning him and was able to get him to commit to everybody being able to get free testing whether or not they have insurance!

From where did Trump get some of these people who just sit around like lapdogs and support him no matter what? One would think that when the health of our nation is at stake, somebody would tell him to bring in somebody who knows what they’re doing.

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

Rev. Jesse Jackson: Why I Support Sen. Bernie Sanders KEEPING HOPE ALIVE

REV. JESSE LOUIS JACKSON, SR.

I am proud to endorse Sen. Bernie Sanders for president of the United States.

While I consider Joe Biden, his opponent for the Democratic Party nomination, a decent man, I stand with Sanders.

Here is why.

I stand with Sanders because it is vital that President Donald Trump is voted out of office in November.

Poll after poll has shown that Bernie Sanders leads Trump, generally with a greater margin than other contenders. Sanders has the highest popular approval rating of any public official in America.

That is not because he is warm and fuzzy. It is because people know

that he tells it like it is. Integrity and credibility are two essential attributes in taking on a con man like Donald Trump who lies constantly.

Sanders has the history, the vision and the platform to defeat Trump. He is best situated to expose Trump’s fake populism. He voted against the corporate trade treaties — and can expose the president’s broken promise to workers on trade. He opposed the war in Iraq — and can expose Trump’s broken promise to end the forever wars. He led the call to build an economy that works for working people — and can expose the reality that what Trump calls the best economy ever still does not work for most Americans.

Sanders champions an agenda that will address the fundamental challenges facing working people.

That includes Medicare for All to ensure that health care is a right, not a privilege — something

Sen. Bernie Sanders

photo: NNPA

particularly imperative in the age of coronavirus. A Green New Deal addresses the existential threat of climate change while creating millions of good jobs.

Tuition-free college and large investment in education and advanced training so that every child can get the education he or she needs. A $15 minimum wage, politics to empower workers and unions, and a trade policy that works for working people. Comprehensive immigration reform, universal childcare, criminal justice reform to end mass incarceration and more.

Sanders will beat Trump by summoning America to a new day, not by calling for a return to yesterday.

Democrats cannot defeat Trump without inspiring young people to come out and vote in large numbers. Sanders is the only candidate who has inspired a new generation and earned their overwhelming support.

In the face of Trump, many seek shelter in the safe, the establishment, the so-called moderate. We should not forget the record of moderate, establishment candidates — from Walter Mondale in 1984 to Mike Dukakis in 1988 to Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Democrats do not fare well as the party of Wall Street or the credit card companies. We win when we bring the working class and the middle class together, when we stand for diversity against division, for the poor against greed. No candidate has done more to forge

that coalition than Bernie Sanders.

Dr. Martin Luther King would be proud that African American voters are called the “black firewall” in the 2020 campaign. He would ask a simple question: What will be the return on the firewall’s investment?

With the exception of Native Americans, African Americans are the people suffering the greatest social and economic distress in the United States. Our needs are not moderate. The most progressive social and economic path gives us the best chance to catch up and Sanders represents that path.

Biden is a decent man, but he has a different record. We said no to Clarence Thomas, he said yes. We said no to the Crime Bill, he championed it. We said no to the Iraq War, he cheered it on.

We favored affirmative action, he sought to limit it.

Biden has done well among See SANDERS, page 9

5

MARCH 18, 2020

Miles Jaye: FLAVOR WHAT’S ON MILES’ MIND

BY MILES JAYE

Flavor is the enemy! Flavor is a formidable, powerful, merciless enemy. Flavor is the new Massa and we’re still slaves. We’re slaves to the incessant drumbeat of pleasure and temptation of flavor.

Flavor is defined as “the distinctive taste of a food or drink.” It’s determined by messages sent to the brain and like crack or heroin, flavor can leave you strung out craving increasingly more of a good thing. Flavor drives our appetite, and appetite drives our decisions. We love one another to death, with good cooking -- flavor.

Flavor is emotional! The Popeye’s “the sandwich is back” commercial is emotional! It begins with moans and groans of enjoyment.

Then an actor says to the chicken sandwich; “Look at you, lookin’ all special” as if he was complimenting his woman. Then an actress says to her chicken sandwich; “I’m experiencing some things right now…” like she’s on the verge of an orgasm. That’s the power of flavor!

I recently saw a commercial where the actor was singing a love song so passionately about his chicken that I was convinced—it was love, real love! The twist is to keep you coming back, keep you strung out, and in order to do that, make it affordable and accessible like any good drug dealer. Burger King offers 10 nuggets for $1. Wow… a dollar? That’s exactly how a drug dealer gets you hooked and keeps you hooked-- keep the product cheap and keep it in the neighborhood. If you don’t think you can control an entire population or segment of that population with flavor? Think again!

After your Triple Bypass Heart Surgery, the doctor warns, “no more fried foods, your heart can’t take it”—but you can’t resist. “If you don’t control your fast food cravings, you’ll die”—but you can’t resist.

Your doctor tells you, “control your urge for sweets, and we can wean you off of insulin”— but you can’t resist. What the doctors won’t tell you is that appetite for flavor is a drug addiction and you can’t stop! You want to fight the flavor, but you can’t win the flavor war! It’s bigger than

you!

Even when you want to stop, when you know you need to stop, your size, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and over-all health tell you if you continue on this path you’ll die, you can’t control it. The flavors have you beat!

French fries, chips, macaroni and cheese, BBQ anything, smothered everything, Pepsi, Coke, sweet tea, candy, red velvet cake all have you under a spell that you can’t break.

Taste buds are flavor soldiers! These buds are an army of tiny sensory sentries found on the surface of your tongue that use salty, sweet, sour, and even bitter to your disadvantage. This is war and you’re outgunned!

Taste buds render you their prisoner. It’s intentional and by no means an incidental component of a plan to keep you psychologically and emotionally hooked, dependent on substances that define how you provide nutrition to your body—primarily sugar and salt, both eerily similar in appearance to cocaine.

Appetite, the natural or not-so-natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, is the agent of persuasion to which you yield all will power and common sense. Appetite and cravings alter your perception of reality.

They convince you that your desires are actual needs, needs which need to be satisfied. Appetite and cravings remove rational precautions and convince you that a little bit more of this or one more bite of that can’t hurt you— after all, it’s your birthday, it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Homecoming, etc.

Shackles have been replaced by the chemical dependency of flavor. Traditions, cravings, appetites and insatiable yearnings for flavor have rendered us prisoners of war, and we’d rather die than give up our flavors.

Bad food, camouflaged and rendered acceptable with colors, aromas and flavors, robs you of any hope of biological homeostasis, or perfect health and wellness.

Flavor has no bearing on nutrition and slaves to flavor can never enjoy excellent health, they can only feel good if the meal is good. All the enemy has to do is taste good and we’ll do the rest. That’s what’s on my mind!

Miles Jaye Davis, plays over 12 instruments and is an artist, musician, author, painter, writer and singer.. He is also a trained chef.

W e s t s e c u re s m o re e n d o rs e m e n ts in ra ce Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) earned two key endorsements, in addition to one earlier last week from Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez, in advance of the May 26 Democratic Primary Runoff for United States Senate.

Former U.S. Congressman and Houston City Council Member Chris Bell announced his endorsement of Sen. West Thursday afternoon in Houston.

Michael Cooper, a Beaumont pastor, former candidate for U.S. Senate, and President of the NAACP of Beaumont, also endorsed Sen. West in Beaumont Thursday morning.

Bell won more than 20 counties across Texas including a number of West Texas and Texas Panhandle counties such as Potter and Randall Counties, as well as Brazoria County along the Texas Gulf Coast, earning more than 158,000 votes in the March 3 Democratic Primary.

“I believe Sen. West’s experience in the Texas Senate is invaluable in this race. He is the only candidate now in this race with experience as an elected official in Texas,” Bell said.

“Sen. West is a leader in the Texas Senate on such issues as banning assault weapons, protecting women’s rights, and higher education, and has been for more than two decades.”

“I am honored today to endorse Sen. Royce West,” Cooper said, citing his strong work on education and higher education issues, criminal justice reforms, and voting rights issues.

Cooper noted, during the course of the campaign, he had the opportunity to visit with Sen. West on a variety of issues, that helped demonstrate that West is the most qualified candidate in the runoff.

Bell said he believed West was the only person in the race who could turn Texas blue.

“I am confident Sen. West is the only person now in this race who can build the coalitions necessary to turn Texas blue this November,” Bell

Top- Sen. Royce West and Chris Bell Bottom - Michael Cooper and Sen. West said. “Senator West is also a fighter, and I’m confident he’ll hold John Cornyn accountable for the many instances he’s let down Texans by siding with Donald Trump and the GOP establishment.”

An ethics complaint Bell filed with the U.S. House’s ethics committee ultimately helped lead to DeLay’s downfall.

Cooper, the founding pastor of Beaumont-based The Church of I Am, won San Augustine and Jasper Counties in deep South East Texas, and came in second behind West in Jefferson County with 23.5 percent of the vote in the March 3 primary.

“Chris Bell is a leader in the Democratic Party. His courage in taking on Tom DeLay is the stuff of legend among Texas Democrats,” West said. “I am honored to receive Chris’s endorsement, and am grateful for his service to our state and our party.

“Michael Cooper is a strong leader in Beaumont, and has, through his work with the NAACP, been an advocate for criminal justice issues and racial equality. I am excited to

have him on Team West.”

6

MARCH 18, 2020

Johnson announces federal funding toward ending Homelessness in Dallas FROM THE CAPITOL

amount of $287,443 from the

BY CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON U.S. Department Washington, DC – Congress- of Housing and Urban Develwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson opment. announced that the City of “I am pleased to announce Dallas has been awarded a Con- that the City of Dallas will be tinuum of Care Grant in the receiving $287,443 in funding

to support our Texans experiencing homelessness,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “This funding will assist for our local government offices in their dedicated efforts to address housing insecurity in our communities. I am proud to support this federal funding, and I know the City of Dallas will put it to good use.”

The Continuum of Care Program is designed to promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; to provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, States, and local governments to quickly re-house homeless individuals, families, persons fleeing domestic violence, and youth

while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused by homelessness; to promote access to and effective utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and to optimize self-sufficiency among those experiencing homelessness.

7

MARCH 18, 2020

Shades of Sexy Gray Hair in Your 50’s, 60’s & 70’s Ester Davis - There is really no ‘gray hair’.

Hair turning shades of gray is really silver, white, charcoal and some cases lite toasty brown.

I am not much of a hair person, but I am definitely a clotheshorse and shoe magnet.

I love ‘My Silver Hair: Glorious and Sexy’!

Entering my 7th decade, my raw hair became more stubbornly independent and soft shade of silver began to spring up with an attitude. My ‘silvering’ was gradual.

Some people thought I was using a highlighter called ‘ice’.

Others thought I should color

ABOUT YOUR HAIR

BY DR. LINDA AMERSON

www.hairandscalpessentials.com

it one of the many black, brown, golden tones on the hair market.

Actually, there was no decision made on my hair. I was too busy promoting my television shows and visiting grandchildren. I was content and “glamorous” with silver hair. I thought this “silver diva” had a new image of boldness and aggressive entitlement.

As a model in the 60’s and 70’s, I was told that I had too much hair.

I sincerely hated sitting under a dryer, so perms were short lived. The menopause years

were experimental.

I did not take the hormone replacement therapy(HRT). The women in our families, thought “all that stuff” was hazardous to your health. I opted instead for a rigid exercise routine and whole foods.

A lot of our decisions in mid- life should depend on what our mothers and aunts did. My mother and my dad’s sisters gave my sisters and I a lot of information on our bodies, temperament and life going forward.

Further, decisions in later life depend on who you really are, your goals of significance and legacy. I care little about age. . . except it is a number. . . a privilege, but it does not define who I am.

Host/Producer “Ester Davis Show” www.esterday.com 214.376.9000

V. Alyce Foster Trailblazer Awards Luncheon honorees named

By Gwendolyn H. Daniels, Trailblazer Committee Member The historic South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club is set to host its 57th Annual V. Alyce Foster Trailblazer Awards Luncheon on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, Dallas,TX. ` President Dr. Lindy Perkins is working diligently with Chair

Pat Carroll and her committee in planning this upcoming signature event.

Members have chosen these outstanding 2020 honorees: • Stephen Mason – Trailblazer Award • Gwendolyn McMillan Lawe – Trailblazer Award •Cynthia Marshall – Trailblazer Award

• Debra Peek-Haynes – Sojourner Truth Award • Judge Domonique Collins – Ombudswoman Award • Oscar Epps – Humanitarian Award • Mary Jo Evans – Community Service Award •Minister Clara Crear – Volunteer Service Award • Dana M. Franklin – Woman

of the Year Award • Xavier Coleman – Man of the Year • Staff Sgt. Homer Hogues – Meritorious Service Award • Camryn Makenna Upshaw – Youth Achiever Award • Montanna Mitchum – Mabel Meshach White Business Woman Award • Cheryl Wyatt – Professional

Woman Award For tickets to the 57th Annual V. Alyce Foster Trailblazer Awards Luncheon, go to the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club website at: southdallasbpwc.org, select the Donations Tab, and specify Trailblazer Luncheon Ticket under the Any Available Programs drop-down tab.

8

MARCH 18, 2020

National Council of Negro Women Suburban Dallas DeSoto Section African American Heritage Program honoring Women in the Funeral Home Industry

The Suburban Dallas/DeSoto Section of the National Council of Negro Women presented it’s 8th Annual African American Heritage Reception, “Legacy, Leadership, and Love of Sisterhood by celebrating the achievements of African American Women in the Funeral Profession.

The honorees: Barbara A. Washington of Paradise Funeral Home; Carolyn Haynes of Golden Gate Funeral Home; Chandra GeraldJennings of Sacred Funeral Home; Karissa Madison Levine of Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home; Lawanda Hannah Stone of Lincoln Funeral Home; Linda A. Mitchell of Black and Clark Funeral Home, Patricia Willis-Burruss of Bethesda Memorial Funeral Directors & Crematory Services; TanTasha Ford of Prepared Place Funeral Home, Krashanda D. Franklin of Lomax Funeral Home; and Sandra Delores Lewing Clark of Sandra Clark Funeral Home.

9

MARCH 18, 2020

I support Sanders, continued from page 4

African American voters largely because he is seen as connected to Barack Obama. Yet he was placed on the ticket to balance it, not to enhance it. Biden has offered no vision and no bold reforms. He offers safe haven and moderation.

But his moderation does little

to address the pain of African Americans, or of working people generally. What does moderate mean when people don’t have affordable health care? Or when students are crushed by debt in order to get an education? Or when workers are undermined by trade treaties written in executive suites?

Sanders, on the other hand, is called a radical, a man of the left.

But he represents not the left-wing,

but the moral center. Health care for all is the moral center. Tuitionfree college is the moral center. A Middle East policy that recognizes both Israel and Palestine, the moral center.

When he asked for my endorsement, I expressed my concerns about pressing issues.

Sanders was happy to confirm his commitment to almost all of them, ranging from Medicare for All to a

wealth tax that would provide funds to reinvest in America, to large-scale investment in public education, to ensuring that every teacher is paid at least $60,000 per year, to putting an African American woman on the Supreme Court, to promising an end to endless wars.

In 1988 when I ran for president championing a Medicare for All plan, Sanders, then mayor of Burlington, endorsed me. Now I

am proud to stand with him not only because he stood with me, but because he stands with working people across this country.

This article originally appeared in Post News Group.

The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, is one of America’s foremost civil rights, religious and political figures.

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MARCH 18, 2020

Coronavirus:

Dallas Nursing Homes and Senior Assisted Living Facilities taking Precautions

By Rebecca Aguilar Senior Correspondent

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Dallas are taking measures to protect their residents from the coronavirus.

Many are following the strict guidelines put in place by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which restricts visitation from friends and family and also restricts all volunteers and non-essential healthcare personnel.

The cancellation of group activities and shared dining was also instituted.

Modern Senior Living in South Dallas is not allowing visitors at this time.

The Director of Nursing, Jennifer Segarra, made the decision Friday morning.

She says they thought by not allowing visitors at this time there is less likelihood of a coronavirus affecting residents.

“We are not allowing visitors at this time, not even family,” she said. “We encourage phone calls, and the residents have access to phones.

“Employees who have to work, we are screening them with a questionnaire when they come in, and if they have any signs or symptoms, they cannot come in.”

The CDC says visitors and healthcare personnel are the most likely source to bring

COVID-19 into a facility and that’s why it recommends aggressive visitor restrictions and is also enforcing sick leave policy for employees who become ill even before the coronavirus is found inside a home for the elderly.

Currently, 70 residents live at Modern Senior Living, and most are over the age of 65.

Ms. Segarra said they are watching out for anyone with signs of chills and fever that could lead to COVID-19.

Brookdale Senior Living has facilities in North Texas, including White Rock, Lake Highlands, and Preston Road. It’s taking precautionary measures to protect elderly residents from the coronavirus.

Heather Hunter, the public relations officer for the company, said they are also following CDC guidelines and strongly discourages visitors, but anyone who does want to visit won’t be able to walk in.

“We haven’t restricted visitors at this point,” she said, adding that this could change

at any minute.

“But anyone who does want to visit has to be screened for temperature and has to answer a questionnaire before they can come into the community.”

Brookdale has assigned a programming team to set up

Modern Seenior Living in Dallas iPads wit online programs so the residents can have video chats with loved ones who cannot visit because of the CDC guidelines.

“The last thing we want is for the residents to feel alone because there is a restriction for visitors,” said Hunter.

According to Ms. Hunter, they have re-educated their staff on disease prevention efforts, informed suppliers

regarding safety requirements, and are limiting significant group events.

Since the virus was announced, Brookdale staff has canceled planned outings for residents and is using its website to communicate how it is responding to the COVID-19.

Sage Oak Assisted Living has homes for the elderly in Lakewood, Lake Highlands, and three other Dallas locations.

Resident Care Coordinator, Jovann Blackwell, said Sage Oak is staying on top of the latest information from the CDC so that everyone involved, whether its “residents, family, staff members, and outside entities, are well informed of the virus and different precautions we can take to prevent any outbreak and keep our residents safe.”

Also, residents and staff have been reminded of the basics of hand washing and sanitizing.

“We’re also following the trend of the virus, and it’s location, to make sure our staff is aware that being in those areas could potentially expose

them to the virus.”

Residents at Sage Oak are between 70 and 95-years-old.

CDC Guidelines for Nursing Homes and Senior Living Facilities An estimated 2.5 million people are living in nursing homes and senior living facilities in the country.

The CDC has issued strict guidelines to keep the COVID-19 virus from getting into a facility for the elderly.

Nursing homes and Senior Living homes are being advised to post signs at the entrances to inform visitors not to visit if they are sick or have a respiratory infection.

Employees should be informed about their sick-leave policies that allow them to stay home if they have symptoms of respiratory infection.

The CDC also has guidelines to help prevent the spread of respiratory germs inside a nursing home or senior living facility.

One key measure is to have open communication with residents and employees and keep them informed about the steps the facility is taking to protect everyone from the deadly disease.

Managers are advised to monitor residents and staff for fever and respiratory symptoms.

11

MARCH 18, 2020

Act early. Act aggressively. Act in the interest of public health first FROM THE MAYOR

By Mayor Eric Johnson City of Dallas

As you might be aware, we have another case of community spread of coronavirus in Dallas County. We have to expect that in the days ahead, we will have more such cases.

We must take action.

Accordingly, about an hour ago, I signed a new set of emergency regulations, which will become effective at midnight tonight, to help us slow the spread of coronavirus in Dallas.

Under these regulations, community gatherings in Dallas will be restricted to no more than 50 people.

The City of Dallas is also ordering the closing of all bars, lounges, taverns, night clubs, gyms and health clubs, theaters, and entertainment or amusement venues such as arcades and billiard halls.

Restaurants, for now, may remain open for drive-through, delivery, and take-out service.

Dine-in service, however, will be prohibited.

But what all this means is that, as of right now, Dallas has the most aggressive rules of all the major cities in Texas for minimizing and slowing the spread of COVID-19.

We are taking these actions now because our core responsibility as a government is to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our residents.

And public health has been at the core of our discussions over the last 24 hours.

We made this decision in consultation with healthcare professionals. We received advice from the leaders of our hospitals and from Dr. Huang at Dallas County Health and Human Services, which is the city’s contracted public health authority.

In addition, we have looked to national experts and have received new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The message we have heard has been consistent: Act early. Act aggressively. Act in the interest of public health first. Flatten the curve of this spread, and lives will be spared.

I want to be clear: While most cases of the coronavirus are mild, what we have seen across

the world is that this disease is more lethal than the seasonal flu.

When I took the step last week of issuing a disaster declaration, I told you all that the economic consequences of this action were not lost on me. These further restrictions weighed heavily on me, as well. I understand the pain this decision will create.

Dallas has a robust and diverse economy that has grown in recent years. We have worldclass event venues, theaters, and entertainment options. I love to tell people from out of town that Dallas is the reigning Bon Appetit Restaurant City of the Year.

We are proud of our service industry and our vibrant, diverse economy. But this is the time when we have to focus on the greatest asset we have: our people and our communities.

Your city government is taking the steps it deems necessary to flatten the curve of this global pandemic and save lives. And we are going to get through this because the people of Dallas are strong.

Take individual responsibility for ensuring we make it through this difficult time. As I have said repeatedly, practice good hygiene and social distancing. Wash your hands regularly with soap for 20 seconds. Cover your sneezes and coughs. Avoid crowds of any size, if at all possible. Quit shaking hands. Stay at home when you are sick.

Check in on your neighbors. Exchange contact information in your neighborhoods.

If you know someone who is vulnerable, find ways to help them.

You might feel anxious that coronavirus seems to be out of your control, and you might feel resigned to it.

I understand. The fight against t h i s disease will require some sacrifice. But what I know about this city, which I have called home for my entire life, is that Dallas does not bow to fear. Ever.

This is a city that, when faced with a challenge, comes together and shows the world we have the compassion, the resolve, the grit, and the grace to get through difficult times.

We all have parts to play in this fight.

Today, we are playing our part by issuing these regulations.

Now it is time for you to play yours. Be responsible. Be patient. Be generous. Be good to one another. And be bigger than yourself.

Soul Talk,

continued from front page the victorious endings.

Whether you are going through a battle in your mind, body, spirit, or emotions, the well of wisdom within these pages will spring forth and compel you to leap into the freedom you were born to experience.

After reading this book, you will rejoice in and persevere through your storms, knowing that God is using the showers to water your soul into full bloom.”

The co-authors of Soul Talk Vol. 3 are Nwanye Davis-Barnes, Tyreese R. McAllister, Ladda Hawkins, Angela T Kinnel, Crystal Cunningham, Jacqueline L. Shaw, LaSonja S. Campbell, Derrick L. Faggett, Sharon R. Clinton, JoLanda K. Harris, Dretona T. Maddox, Cynthia Fox Everett, Damita Jo Crosby, Janis Barnes, Meko

Krouts, Necole Muhammad, Nina White-Hodge, Roni Benjamin, Ruby Jeanine Batiste, Dr. Sonja V. BrownDeloatch, and Maria Hart.

Soul Talk Vol. 3, is sponsored by Dee Bowden and the Forward written by Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall “We are committed to total wellness of the mind, body, and soul,” said Ms. Williamson.

“Our books and journals assist with renewing the mind and soul, as part of your self-care routine. Invite new energy into your life by being intentional with your prayer and spiritual life.” You can order your copy online at etsy.com, walmart.com or visit the website at www. cherylpwilliamson. com.

Make appointment with Drs. Oliver and Keisha Lankford 214.563.1995/214.870.4129

12

MARCH 18, 2020

C u b a n le a d s fi n a n c ia l s u p p o r t o f a re n a w o rk e rs d u rin g s h u td o w n Story and photos By Dorothy J. Gentry Texas Metro News Sports Editor

Mavs unveil plans to support AAC hourly staff; Local Businesses through employee reimbursement plan

By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor

service opportunities throughout North Texas for employees to gain volunteer hours.

Supporting Local Businesses The Mavs have also announced that it will provide full reimbursement to employees for breakfast or lunch purchases made from independent local establishments in the

A positive COVID-19 M a rk C u b a n test by one of its M AV S O w n e r players led the NBA to suspend the re-mainder of its season, affecting not only all 30 region.

“At a time when people may teams but the arenas they play in feel the financial strain of business and the workers and staff as well. closures, social distancing and more, In that time the Dallas Mavericks supporting our local community have put together two separate plans is even more important,” Mavs to help support those most affected. owner Mark Cuban said. “While The organization, along encouraging my team to take care with American Airlines Center of themselves and those around leadership, is currently making them and to use healthy practices, I arrangements to ensure that also encourage them to support our scheduled event staff will receive payment for the six home games local North Texas businesses, and that were to take place during the I am happy to partner with Dallas 30-day NBA hiatus. Mavericks Mavericks staff to do so.”

The reimbursement plan will jersey sponsor Chime has also be offered to employees of both allocated funds to support this effort. the Dallas Mavericks and Mark “In light of the postponement Cuban Companies. It will include of the NBA season, it is of utmost purchases made from all small, local importance to Dallas Mavericks and independent establishments. management and ownership that Cuban added that while we do what we can to minimize the employees are strongly encouraged adverse financial impact that will be to take part in the program, they felt by staff who would otherwise are asked to not go out should they be working our games at American Airlines Center,” team officials said be feeling any symptoms of illness.

“Takeout or delivery will gladly be in a statement.

Staff who will be compensated reimbursed as well,” he said.

Since the season was suspended include security, police, parking on Wednesday, March 11, three attendants, housekeeping, in-arena NBA players have tested positive entertainers and guest services staff, for the Coronavirus; Rudy Gobert among others. “It is our hope that and Donovan Mitchell of the Utah this will allow our valued team Jazz and Detroit Pistons’ Christian members to satisfy their economic Wood whose positive test was made needs during this unprecedented known on Saturday. time,” the statement continued.

The NBA is not expected to In addition, the Mavs are working resume play until, at the minimum, with several of its current nonprofit 30 days. partners to identify support and

MY TRUTH, continued from front page And there are other precautions that we must take in order to keep ourselves safe and avoid infecting others.

As of this past weekend, according to a report from John Hopkins University, there have been 59 coronavirus-related deaths in the U.S. and 5,800 world wide.

But, guess what?

A pneumonia of unknown cause detected in Wuhan, China was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in China on December 31, 2019.

Then, on January 30, 2020 the coronavirus outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern and on March 11, 2020 the WHO characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic.

Well, according to the WHO, a pandemic is declared when a new disease for which people do not have immunity spreads around the world beyond expectations.

Which brings me to my truth!

And my truth involves taking liberties such as declaring a number of pandemics. Now sadly, there are so many that I could address, but I want to deal with a few, that hopefully we can address as we spend more time with ourselves during this COVID-19 pandemic.

There is so much going on in the world today and as we deal with so much devastation in the African American communities across this country, if we can zone in on a few; we could really make this world a better place.

So, I am declaring a pandemic, a practice or action for which people appear to be targeted and they must fight against, with allies; to defeat those who benefit from such conditions: 1. First, let’s look at the number of Black children born to single mothers.

Now nothing is wrong with being a

single parent, however; there is much to be said about the number of children born whose sperm donor has no idea there is a child bearing the same DNA. In the past few years, I’ve written numerous obituaries where there’s no mention of a father, so this isn’t new; but at some point we should really focus on the perils.

Today, it’s just as bad, if not worse than during slavery times because we are in a better position, to do better.

For example, according to New York Atty. Debrina Washington, knowing who the father is can be important for: Death benefits for the child, such as Social Security, in the event of the father’s death; Child support; or Health insurance coverage.

Although there can be cons, like, having to go to court if you can’t locate the father, or you want to have a passport issued for the child; also difficulty in registering the child for school without a court order if the other parent cannot be located; or, father can assert parental rights at any time (an issue if the child’s mother does not want that to happen).

On the flip side, health issues could be addressed. And, there can be a serious void in a child’s life that could be an issue later.

The National Center for Health Statistics reported in 2018 that the number of live births to unmarried women was 1,503,361 out of a total of 3,788,235.

Now that does not mean that the fathers are absent/unknown, but there are enough of them who are for me to call the situation a pandemic.

Seems like so many are not realizing that just like you could create a new life from a sexual encounter, you can also contract a life-threatening disease (another pandemic).

We need to stress the need for females and males to practice safe sex; actually stop sharing your bodies — doing permanent things with temporary people.

2. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that more than 67,300 Americans died from drug-involved overdoses in 2018, including illicit

drugs and prescription opioids.

Look at what drugs have done, and continue to do; not only to the users, but their families and their unborn children. Do we not see the correlation between many of the societal issues, like mental health and violence, and drug use/abuse?

And actually I am going to make this one a two-for because if you just review the Report to the United Nations on Racial Disparities in the U.S. Criminal Justice System, you have to agree that just reading that “As of 2001, one of every three black boys born in that year could expect to go to prison in his lifetime, as could one of every six Latinos—compared to one of every 17 white boys,” should alert us of a pandemic.

3. And lastly (for the moment), I applaud Congresswomen Alma Adams (NC-12) and Lauren Underwood (IL-14) for launching the Black Maternal Health Caucus to improve Black maternal health outcomes. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), who is the first nurse to serve in Congress, is a founding member of the Caucus, whose primary mission is to focus on the U.S. “epidemic of Black women dying in pregnancy-related deaths.”

Those numbers, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, show that out of 100,000 live births in 2018, there were 37.1 deaths of nonHispanic Black women.

How much more do I have to say for you to agree that these are pandemics?

Now I am not saying that we don’t have work to do. We have to realize what is at the core of the pandemics.

And folks don’t like to talk about racism, institutionalized, or not. But just because someone else doesn’t call it what it is does not mean that we can’t.

We need to act like our lives depend on eradicating these pandemics.

We need some extreme measures to save our communities. Like with COVID-19, we must stop, contain, control, delay and reduce the impact of the aforementioned “viruses” that plague our very existence.

13

MARCH 18, 2020

STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

cdc.gov/COVID19 314915-A March 16, 2020 1:02 PM

The Texas Metro News Team urges everyone to please take precautions!

14

MARCH 18, 2020

County addresses COVID-19 continued from page 3 as visitors are generally not within six feet of one another for extended periods: i. (i) spaces where 50 or more persons may be in transit or waiting for transit such as airports, bus stations or terminals; (ii) office space, schools, or residential buildings; (iii) grocery stores, shopping malls, or other retail establishments, not including restaurants with and without drive-in or drive-through services, microbreweries, microdistilleries or wineries, bars, lounges, or taverns, and private clubs, where large numbers of people are present but it is unusual for them to be within six feet of one another for extended periods; and (iv) hospitals and medical facilities. In all such settings, the Office of the Dallas County Judge and the Health Authority recommends following the attached Social Distancing Re-commendations, and personal hygiene measures such as hand sanitizer and tissues should be provided when possible.

4. If someone in a household has tested positive for coronavirus, the household is ordered to isolate at home. Members of the household cannot go to work, school, or any other community function.

5.

Nursing homes, retirement, and long-term care facilities are instructed by this order to prohibit non-essential visitors from accessing their facilities unless to provide critical assistance or for end-of-life visitation.

6. Public and private schools and institutions

of higher education are instructed by this order to provide a safety plan to Dallas County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management 72 hours before students return to a classroom settings.

7. Additionally, the Office of the Dallas County Judge and the Health Authority instructs all employees to remain at home if sick.

Employees of private businesses and nonprofits with six or more employees in the City of Dallas can use their paid sick leave when they are sick or to care for sick family members.

8. This Order shall be effective until 11:00 a.m. on March 20, 2020, or until it is either rescinded, superseded, or amended pursuant to applicable law.

9. The County of Dallas must promptly provide copies of this Order by posting on the Dallas County Health and Human Services website. In addition, the owner, manager, or operator of any facility that is likely to be impacted by this Order is strongly encouraged to post a copy of this Order onsite and to provide a copy to any member of the public asking for a copy. If any subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this Order or any application of it to any person, structure, gathering, or circumstance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, then such decision will not affect the validity of the remaining portions or applications of this Order.

IT IS SO ORDERED CLAY JENKINS, DALLAS COUNTY JUDGE

THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Anne-Marie Johnson

By VALDER BEEBE

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Hanging with Hollywood BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

Vin Diesel is the comic book character Bloodshot in the new action film about a special forces soldier who is killed and then brought back to life. As the regenerated Bloodshot he has superpowers and is able to heal his wounds whenever he is injured.

Bloodshot is the first movie in a new cinematic universe based on comic books from Valiant Comic books. However, they are characters that I’ve never heard of. There are about 1500 superheroes in the Valiant universe.

The company was formed by former Marvel editor and chief, Jim Shooter.

Bloodshot is killed, along with his wife, and wakes up without

any memory of what happened to him, but as he slowly gets his memory back, he becomes hellbent on revenge on the person who killed his wife. But are those his memories?

His brain is scrambled by the medical company who brought him back to life, giving him false memories of agents that they want to be killed.

The actual story is weak but the action in the film is superior. Explosions and fight scenes fill the 100 minutes of the film. As the first of the new Valiant Comic books, Bloodshot is off to a weak start.

Bloodshot is rated PG13 for violence and on my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate Bloodshot a MEDIUM.

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MARCH 18, 2020

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Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.

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MARCH 18, 2020