Texas Metro News 8-19-21

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• Vol. 10 • Aug. 19 - 25, 2021

MY TRUTH By Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER

Golden is good

Elandus Lyndell Smith

As a young child, I was taught the golden rule. Treat others as you’d like to be treated. I’d like to think that most people have, at some point in their lifetime, attempted to practice, or at least thought about putting forth the effort to be the person they wanted others to be to them. Which brings me to my truth. Because I know that at any given moment, I can be reduced, by my actions or actions, to the lowest common denominator; I have strived to be a better person, never putting myself above others but lifting as I climbed. Also, knowing that I couldn’t possibly look down on a person because I guarantee you, someone in my family or someone who I care about walking that same journey or riding in the same boat. So whether you were serving me at a hotel or restaurant, shining my shoes, unstopping my toilet, signing my paycheck or waiting for me to pay you; respect was warranted. Granted there was a time that telemarketers and bill collectors tap danced on my last nerves making it almost impossible to show any grace; but there’s always a time for growth and redemption as long as you have a breath in your body. Having grace has brought so See MY TRUTH, page 13

RESPECT with SKYE DAKOTA TURNER see page 8

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OUTBREAK in JAIL 466 inmates exposed to virus in Denton County

By Rebecca Aguilar Senior Correspondent

The COVID19 outbreak at the Denton County Jail has administrators worried about the continued spread of the virus inside the facility. Denton County Assistant Chief Deputy Barry Caver told Texas Metro News that 466 inmates have been exposed to the illness out of the 1,081 housed in the facility.

Scenes from inside Denton County Jail

"We currently have 30 inmates who have been tested and identified as being positive. Currently, we have four inmates that are

Haiti: 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits; 1,297+ Dead By Nsenga K. Burton Ph.D. NNPA Newswire

A major 7.2 magnitude earthquake has struck the western side of the Caribbean nation of Haiti. Haiti is still recovering from a 2010 catastrophic earthquake which killed 250,000 and left more than 3 million

people impacted by the fallout. Seismologists said the epicenter of the quake was 78 miles west of the capital of Port-au-Prince (Saint-Louis du Sud) and the effects were felt as far away as 200 miles in Jamaica. Multiple news See HAITI, page 2

Photo Credit: Denton County

in the hospital." Fourteen housing units called "pods" inside the jail are locked down or under medical observation. Jail

administrators are trying to keep the inmates together who have been exposed to COVID19. "If I have multiple inmates in that same pod test positive, and I run out of single cells to house them, we basically have to cohort. We have to cohort them together and let it run its course because it's considered a hot zone," says Caver. See OUTBREAK, page 11

REAL EDUCATION Dallas ISD's newest 6-12 International Baccalaureate school will open in Fall 2021 located on the campus of Paul Quinn College. Currently recruiting grades 6-7. Apply now: choose.dallasisd.org. Named after preacher, educator, scholar, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III Founding Principal: Dr. Christopher J. Barksdale

Muhlaysia Booker’s story featured Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tests positive for COVID-19 on MTV’s True Life Crime

This story, originally published in The Dallas Morning News, is reprinted as part of a collaborative partnership between The Dallas Morning News and Texas Metro News. The partnership seeks to boost coverage of Dallas’ communities of color, particularly in southern Dallas.

By Amore

Texas Metro News

Her friends and loved ones referred to her as “fierce and stunning.” Twenty-two yearold Muhlaysia Booker was living her life and working toward the fame she desired when her life was snuffed out, the victim of a hate crime, many say.

By Robert T. Garrett

Dallas Morning News

Muhlaysia Booker

She was one of 19 trans women to be murdered in 2019, when she was found face down in the street See MUHLAYSIA, page 2

AUSTIN — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who has resisted mask mandates, has tested positive for COVID-19, his office announced Tuesday. “I test myself every day and today is the first day that I tested positive,” Abbott said

Gov. Greg Abbott Credit: Brandon Wade / Special Contributor

from the balcony of the governor’s mansion in Austin, in a vidSee COVID-19, page 7

Former Ms. Black Texas, remembered

Nicole Barrett

Talk show host, businesswoman, and former Ms. Black Texas Nicole Barrett transitioned on August 10, after suffering an aneurysm. A popular media personality, Nicole honed her skills as a journalist, reporting for the Elite News. She then went on to host “The Nicole Barrett Show,” a fresh, bold and entertaining radio show that ranked #5 in the Dallas/Ft Worth market. Her attention to detail and probing interviews propelled the show to higher heights when in 2014 the show made its television debut on KTXD-TV; featuring several icons, including actors Diahann Carroll, Larry Hagman and Debbie Reynolds, just to name a few. It’s no wonder that Nicole had a strong social media following and was extremely active virtually. She was always camera-ready and her gift of gab was a definite attention-grabber. Named one of the 2013 Fresh Faces of Fashion, she was featured in Modern Luxury Magazine and served on the board of the Dallas Theatre Guild. Her special charity events included “A Luncheon with Debbie Reynolds,” “Shirley Jones Concert Gala,” “Ron Springs Gift for Life” to raise awareness and money to increase organ donors, and most recently, “Kinky Friedman’s Birthday Bash.” See NICOLE BARRETT, page 11

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NEW PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION IN DISTRICT 3 The City of Dallas Office of Art and Culture Public Art Program is honored to announce the installation of a two-dimensional work of art at Fire Station #46 titled The Den by Dallas-based artist Terri Stone. Fire Station #46 is located at 331 E Camp Wisdom Road in Council District 3. The Public Art Program and the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department have worked together to install meaningful artwork at newly constructed fire stations for the past fourteen years. The first fire station public art project is located at Fire Station #38, 2839 Wilhurt Ave, Dallas, TX 75216 in Council District 4. The sculpture is titled Roots of Life by Fort Worth-based artist Etty Horowitz completed in 2007. Currently there are 11 works of art installed across the city of Dallas. The majority of the previously installed artwork incorporates fire elements in an abstract design.

With the guidance of Fire Lieutenant Nelson Rossy, Public Art created an updated scope of project requesting qualified artists to design public artwork that will serve as a tribute to Dallas Fire-Rescue Fighters and the mission of the Fire Department. The theses include references that support the mission of the Fire Department, such as: • History and key events of the Dallas Fire Department • History and key events of the community where the Fire Station is located • Images and themes that reflect the mission and duties of Firemen and women. • Innovations in the Fire Department that support the safety of the community Four artists were selected to present a design concept to an art-

ist selection panel. Terri Stone was unanimously selected to receive the commission. Ms. Stone has completed numerous public art commissions including works for the Dallas Fire Department. Terri’s proposal highlighting the station’s mascot, a bear, placed squarely in a Maltese cross, a symbol of protection, and a badge of honor reflected her thorough research on the history of Dallas Fire-Rescue and interviews with firefighters who will work at Fire Station #46. She has been an active artist for over 30 years and has completed commercial commissions in addition to public art commissions. “District 3 welcomes the newest public art installation as it will add to the historical value and vibrancy of our Southern Dallas County location,” said Ella Goode Johnson, District 3 Cultural Affairs Commissioner.

Muhlaysia from page 1

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Publisher : Cheryl Smith Editor: editor@myimessenger.com Address: 320 S.R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 100 Dallas, Tx 75203 Website: www.texasmetronews.com Phone: 214-941-0110

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

WASH HANDS WEAR MASK

From Left: Artist Terri Stone, Craig Harper, Public Art Coordinator, Kendall Ferguson and Dallas Fire Department, Lieutenant Nelson Rossy

Haiti from page 1 outlets are reporting more than 1200 people are dead and some like the BBC are expecting that number to climb as search and recovery efforts continue. A little more than one month ago, Haiti’s President Jovenel Moise was assassinated at his home,

leaving the country reeling. On July 20, 2021, Ariel Henry was appointed prime minister of Haiti. Henry said there is “extensive damage” and has declared a state of emergency through the end of the month. Elections for the new president will be held next month.

in May of 2019, the victim of gun violence. Season 2 of MTV's True Life Crime - Muhlaysia Booker aired August 3, 2021. Muhlaysia's mother, Stephanie Houston and Ahmad Goree appeared discussing Muhlaysia's story and the Foundation established in her honor. Ms. Booker added to the number that placed Dallas at the top of the nationwide list of transgender murders for the year. Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia, who recently stepped into the position as Dallas’ top cop, is not proud of the dubious distinction and during Pride Month, in June, he spoke out about making Dallas safe for all. Joined by the department’s LGBTQ+ liaison, Officer Megan Thomas, the chief said, “we’re not going to tolerate hate!” The last month of her life, according to friends, Ms. Booker was involved in a minor fender bender that resulted in her being attacked by a group of men who demanded she pay for the damages. Ms. Booker was robbed, attacked and held against her will while bystanders yelled homophobic slurs, encouraging the assailants who kicked and beat

her into unconsciousness. Later in the year, one of the men, 29-year-old Edward Thomas who police say admitted his role in the assault, was charged with a felony and during an emotional trial with a packed courthouse, he was found guilty of misdemeanor assault. Ms. Booker has not been forgotten. With the establishment of the foundation in her honor and the airing of the MTV show, many others will hear of her story and her life challenges. “Ms. Houston and I are extremely honored to have MTV share Muhlaysia’s story and bring to light the everyday struggle that the transgender community faces,” said Foundation Board Chair Mr. Goree. “Muhlaysia lived in her truth and unfortunately lost her life because of it. The Muhlaysia Booker Foundation was created to help support our transgendered sisters and brothers as well as their families cope with this lifestyle.” The Muhlaysia Booker Foundation's overall mission is to empower transgender women so they can be able to live a safe, long, productive, healthy, and happy life; by assisting them with emotional and economic support.

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Documentary on Dick Gregory sets record straight on Activist Comedian's Legacy TO BE EQUAL By Marc Morial In the four years since we lost comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory, his powerful voice has been missed amid the recent broadening and intensifying movement for racial justice and equity. As the nation marked the 56th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, few remembered Gregory as someone who put not only his career but his very life on the line in support of voting rights. He was among the thousands arrested during the iconic Birmingham Campaign of 1963 that flooded America’s newspapers and televisions with violent images of protestors being attacked with firehoses and police dogs. That fall, he spoke for hours in Selma, rallying hundreds of Black residents to line up at the voter registration office on "Freedom Day." The following summer, when voting activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Mick-

ey Schwerner went missing, a $25,000 reward for information, raised by Gregory, led to the discovery of their bodies. A new documentary, The One and Only Dick Gregory, sets the record straight on Gregory’s legacy. I’m honored to be involved in several events surrounding the film’s screening at the Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival this week: On Wednesday, I’ll take part in a panel discussion on Critical Race Theory, The Intersection of

“I chose to be an agitator. The next time you put your underwear in the washing machine, take the agitator out, and all you’re going to end up with are some dirty, wet drawers.” – Dick Gregory Race, Culture & Creativity, along with the Rev. Dante R. Quick, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, and Adrianne C. Smith, Senior Partner and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at FleishmanHillard. Thursday morning, at 10am

Eastern Time, is a special Martha’s Vineyard edition of ReMARCs Live, when I’ll be joined by the festival’s co-founders Stephanie Taveras-Rance and Floyd A.B. Rance III. Then, following the film’s 8pm screening, I’ll be leading a conversation with the director, Andre Gaines. The release of the documentary and the discussions around it are especially meaningful to me. Dick Gregory was both a personal friend and a strong supporter of the Urban League Movement. He was a guest at my wedding, and spent two weeks campaigning for me in New Orleans neighborhoods during my 1994 runoff campaign for Mayor. He

was a frequent speaker at Urban League events. The film recounts how Gregory’s stand-up comedy career took off after a bravura performance before an audience of white southerners at the Chicago Playboy Club … and how he sacrificed it all to dedicate himself to the Civil Rights Movement. My predecessor at the National Urban League, Whitney M. Young, Jr., felt that Gregory, with his biting satire mocking racism and segregation, could accomplish more for the cause of racial justice onstage than in the streets. Gregory’s response: “When America goes to war, she don’t send her comedians.” He was arrested dozens of

times, often beaten, and shot at least once. His body became an instrument for protest, as he endured hunger strikes over the Vietnam War, the Equal Rights Amendment, police brutality, apartheid, nuclear power, prison reform, drug abuse and Native American rights. The One and Only Dick Gregory comes at a moment when the rights for which Gregory fought and bled face a threat more serious than any in more than half a century. Gregory sacrificed fame, fortune and physical safety to secure these rights. We honor his legacy by defending them. Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.

On the Need for New Investments & Developments in South Dallas Our Voices By Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson As I drove through the Fair Park Corridor last week, the signs of infrastructure inaction were clear and visible. One, in fact, was quite literal—a sign hanging over an undeveloped lot that read “Expected Date of Completion: 2017.” South Dallas has been historically plagued by deteriorating infrastructure and incomplete

development. Insufficient plumbing, wiring, pipeline, and transportation systems not only define the current state of the area, but have also prevented new investments and developments from coming in. That is why this past Thursday, August 12th, at my request, a group that included Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax, key City officials and employees, and several businesspeople met to have a dialogue about the need for increased investment and development in South Dallas and to take a tour of the Fair Park Corridor.

We spoke openly and candidly for over an hour about the reasons behind the area’s lack of development and what we must do to improve it. Among the concerns raised were claims of bad contracting and partisanship by local officials—but, at the end of the day, we all share the same responsibility to do what our City needs, what our businesses need, and what our citizens need to grow the economy. I am grateful for the participation and for the candor of the respected City leaders, senior staffers, and business owners

who took the time to engage in our discussion. And although we were missing the presence of the local elected official who represents the area, I am hopeful that we had enough decision-makers in the room to inspire action. What we truly need is a whole-of-industry approach—one that creates public and private sector partnerships to provide robust infrastructure investments; one that builds a longterm blueprint for the future of developments in South Dallas; and one that maximizes the economic prosperity and op-

portunity for everyone. Dialogues like the one we had last week are important, and I will continue to hold them to give members of our community a voice. But, more importantly, we must set realistic goals, carefully measure our progress, and ultimately hold our local officials accountable. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson is in her 15th term representing Dallas in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is Chairwoman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and a Senior Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

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CLIMATE CHANGE ALERT: TUVALU IS SINKING

Tuvalu is a tiny Polynesian island nation located midway between Hawaii and Australia. Home to just 11,000 people, it is just 10 square miles. It is smaller today than it was a decade ago. Thanks to world climate change, Tuvalu is sinking, and the evidence is everywhere. I'd never heard to Tuvalu until I attended COP15, the Copenhagen climate change conference, in 2010. It was an intense experience, partly because white climate change progressives were prepared to disrespect President Obama for not taking an extreme enough position on climate change. It was also intense because many small countries, like Tuvalu, did

loads/2021/08/IPCC_WGIAR6-Press-Release_en.pdf) offers both answers and condemnation. They describe climate change as "widespread, rapid and intensifying." U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres says the report is a "code red for humanity." "The alarm bells are deafening," he said in a statement. "This report must sound a death knell for coal and fossil fuels before they destroy our planet," he went on to say. Code red means emergency, but few are treating this climate crisis as an emergency. Indifference or the tepid responses to the evidence we are experiencing has led us into a situation that will worsen before it gets better, a condition requiring world cooperation when such cooperation is rare. Frank, a 32-year-old Tuvalu native who is quoted in a 2019 piece that appeared in the Guardian, says, "Before, the sand used to stretch out far,

not have the opportunity to address the assembled delegates. Instead, they had to clamor for attention through booths and flyers in an area outside the main assembly. Tuvalu is sinking, a man said, grabbing my elbow to get my attention. He is angry, anxious for attention. He describes how beautiful his island once was and how he has seen the destruction from the rising ocean, partly a function of climate change. We talk for more than a few minutes, and we meet for tea before the conference is over. He asks, repeatedly, why the United States won't do more to stop the destruction of the planet. I have no answers. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, in a report released August 9 (https:// www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/up-

and when we swam, we could see the seafloor, and the coral. Now, it is cloudy all the time, and the coral is dead. Tuvalu is sinking.” Tuvalu is sinking, California is burning, the Pacific Northwest, known for its mild weather, is experiencing temperatures sometimes exceed 100 degrees. Folks, this climate madness is all our fault. The IPCC says that emissions are "unequivocally caused by human activities." They have pushed the global temperature up and will move it further if we don't do something. But climate change deniers seem to think this is all-natural. The 44th President was rabidly vocal on this matter, and his acolytes deride climate change mitigation as a part of a "woke" Democratic plan. The leader of the pack is a non-Missouri living Missouri

THE LAST WORD By Dr. Julianne Malveaux

Senator, Josh Hawley (his residence issues could be the subject of an entire column). This man has raged against the infrastructure bill, which, though insufficient, represents necessary bipartisanship as we look to the future. The commitment to spend $39 billion on transit is significant, especially in the context of climate change. We need to get cars off the road, and we can only do it if people have easy ways to get around. Safe, reliable public transportation could help, but, as always, there is tension. Many would use the $39 billion for public transportation; some would use it for roads and carbon emissions. If our country and others are committed to combatting climate change, we must consider reducing or eliminating carbon emissions. And we must consider the ways climate change will change the world. Thousands of people are leaving Tuvalu because their lives and livelihoods have been threatened by climate change. Many are moving to Fiji, which has offered the Tuvalu government incentives to relocate to that island. The people of Tuvalu would become the first documented climate change refugees in the world. Thousands left New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Should they, too, be considered climate change migrants. There will be others as resources become scarce in one community and people are pushed into other communities, straining those resources and creating conflict. We will pay for ignoring climate change one way or another. We will pay now, we will pay later, but we will pay. Thus the infrastructure bill, while not enough, is to be applauded. The provision of some climate change mitigation in the budget is also commendable. But there is so much more to do, and Tuvalu is sinking.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA. She is also President of PUSH Excel, the education arm of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. You may reach her at juliannemalveaux.com

Scott v. Taney WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE By Dr. E. Faye Williams When presented without context, the name Roger Brooke Taney means little to most contemporary Americans. Taney was born in Calvert County, Maryland, very close to Washington, D.C. He was an attorney, served in the Executive and Judicial Branches of the U.S. government, was a member of the Democratic Party, and is infamous, as the chief justice of the Supreme Court, for authoring the equally infamous Dred Scott decision. To provide context, in addition to being the Chief Justice of SCOTUS, Taney was pro-slavery and a southern sympathizer during the Civil War. His legacy of racism would live for over a hundred years. Some, like me, say that his legacy yet lives on. Taney’s decision held that no Black, free or enslaved, had ever enjoyed the rights of citizenship under the Constitution. He argued that Blacks were “regarded as beings of an inferior order, altogether unfit to associate with the white race … and so far inferior, that they had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.” I would argue that, consciously or not, his decision is ingrained in the psyche of white America and is used as justification for all forms of racial discrimination. I submit that the current pattern of race-based voter suppression is rooted in the same mindset that Taney used to reach his decision. Counting the number of jelly beans in a jar or guessing the number of bubbles released by a bar of soap were mere indicators of the respect accorded to the rights of Blacks. After 1965, as long as African Americans and other people of color offered no real threat to the power and authority of the white establishment, they could “play” the game of voting. Ultimately, the usefulness of gerrymandering as a control against the demands for equal rights began to erode. We now see an unapologetic, full-blown racist attack on the voting rights of people of color and a perversion of the democratic principles fundamental to this nation. They understand that we have learned to effectively use the most powerful tool in any democracy. Thursday, July 29, 2021, was my chosen day to get arrested. I stood in protest for the restoration of voter rights established

Scott V. Taney

under the For the People Act and the John Lewis Act. Inaction is unacceptable! Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Dr. Johnnetta Cole (NCNW president), Faya Rose Toure (Alabama), Arlene Holt (AFL-CIO), Jarrett Sawyer (Morehouse University) and I were arrested for allegedly blocking the entrance to the Hart Senate Building. When given the option to pay a fine or request a court date, I chose the latter. The federal magistrate will hear my concerns on Nov. 24. Considering the struggles of the past, this experience was relatively uneventful. There were no batons. There were no firehoses. There were no horses or dogs. There was a sense of urgency! We all knew that action could not be deferred for a later date. We all know that for the sake of survival we must mobilize in greater and increasing numbers. We have no time to waste! On Aug. 3, 1857, the same year as the Dred Scott decision, Frederick Douglass delivered what some consider to be his greatest speech. From that speech came the words, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” Who would be free, themselves must strike the blow. “Power concedes nothing without a demand,” Douglass said. “It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both.” Williams is president of the National Congress of Black Women. Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Contact her via www.nationalcongressbw. org.

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The Sun Comes Up! QUIT PLAYIN’

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His latest masterpieces are even doper, but I got stuck on a tune titled "Sun Goes Down. The song ends victoriously, but the descant and overtone of self-doubt and suicidal thoughts can’t be ignored.

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Devolution:

This is what we've come to

By Vincent L. Hall

Since then, I've been feelin' lonely Although I have never been in his Had friends, presence, I met this really talented but they was pickin' on me dude on the “Old Town Road!” Lil Always thinkin', Nas X broke on the scene a few "Why my lips so big?" years ago, rapping on what some Was I too dark? considered a country music video. It Can they sense my fears? was the perfect cultural juxtaposition These gay thoughts and has passed the “platinum” status would always haunt me 14 times. The “country-rap crossover I prayed God would take it from me hit” is the most certified song in It's hard for you music history. when you're fightin' My problem is that it didn’t have And nobody knows it to happen. L’il Nas X, like so many when you're silent other talented people, could have allowed depression, self-doubt, and The fact that any of our children mettlesome naysayers to end his still have to deal with colorism, "thick trajectory and his life. lips," or the essence of who they are As a father of daughters representing is saddening. As a community, we three generations, I listen to music have to do a better job of harnessing as a matter of science and parenting. homophobia (and we all have a Erinn, my oldest, little, even gay folks) was born on and assessing the the same date “I’ve come to terms with mental traumas of as Michael our children. We can’t trying to stop making Jackson. Alison just keep chunking everything a happy and I went to a scriptures and empty moment throughout Snoop concert prayers. Our children my life and understand together in her are hurting from the that we need that teens. Hailee just PTSD passed to them balance for growth. spent $300 on genetically, not to The sad times and the two tickets to see mention the latest happy times.” – Lil Nas X Tyler The Creator forms or racism and in February. All social upheaval. of these artists are Lil Nas X wants to phenomenal. make space in the music industry I know music by genre, trend, for other gay artists of color. But the and cultural significance. However, truth is that we have to find ways to Lil Nas has fascinated me since his raise all of our children for their own original coming out party. Well, he purpose in a way that they can live didn’t really come out right away, and allow others to live among them. and he explained as much a few days The chorus of Sun Goes Down ago on Good Morning America. leaves some sound advice that "Growing up in the Atlanta area, most can use in this hypercritical, I [saw] a lot of microaggressions hypocritical world we live in today. towards homosexuality," Lil Nas X explained. The Grammy winner said I know that you want to cry that because of his experiences, he But it's much more began "pushing that part of myself in to life than dyin' more and more, almost convincing Over your past mistakes myself that it’s not even actually And people who threw there. dirt on your name Mentally, it’s really draining and straining sometimes," he said. "The The moral of the Lil Nas X story pressure of living your entire life is that the sun goes down, but it knowing the identity of what a rapper will rise again. Just stay here long is supposed to be, what rappers enough to see it. The sun comes up [are supposed to] do, and going out too! #ilovethisdude there in front of all these people, it’s Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and an terrifying." award-winning columnist.

• August 19 - 25, 2021

OUR VOICES By Sen. Royce West Evolution by definition means that an idea, a person or entity has undergone change. I know I certainly have. A caterpillar evolves into a butterfly. And yes, my behavior and perspectives are much different than me, the 40 year-old attorney and certainly from me, the 18-year-old, college student-athlete. I hope you can say I've evolved. Such is not the case for the condition that currently besets America. I'll back my thesis. Evidence being compiled to this day accuses the most recent, former Commander-inChief of taking numerous illegal steps to overturn the outcome of the November 2020 Presidential Election. And members of his own party attempted to prevail upon him to stop watching and take action to call off angry mob violence that on January 6, 2021, desecrated the very Chambers of Congress (actions he "incited" hours earlier with Texas' attorney general present) with the intent to stop the legal transfer of power from the 45th to the now-sitting 46th President of the United States. After the unprecedented attack on the nation's Capitol, when the world witnessed members of Congress in mortal danger, fleeing House and Senate Chambers for safety, still 138 House Republicans and eight Republican Senators voted, to object at least once, to certify that Joe Biden won the race for President. Months later, many still will not say

outright that the former reality show host did not win and Biden did. Congress' toxic climate dates back at least to the impeachment of former President Bill Clinton, through Bush #2's presidency, intensified with the constant obstacles placed in the path of 44th President Barack Obama and metastasizes now. Unfortunately, it has shown few signs of getting better. It's worse! It's devolution. The polar opposite of evolution. And there are more examples than this account can encapsulate. Why you ask, do some elected officials conduct themselves in ways that do not, in the opinions of a divided electorate, reflect what is best for the public? One word: POLITICS! It's dangerous. And now, it's even costing lives. Days ago, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul made a video telling America that "No one should follow the CDC's anti-science mask mandate." This comes months after Paul became the first U.S. Senator to contract the coronavirus. He labeled officials who have attempted to put safety measures in place "petty tyrants and bureaucrats" and characterized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as being "drunk with power," which segues to my next example of America's political devolution. Last month, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued another executive order that now makes it illegal for any state, county or local governmental entity to impose mask or vaccination requirements. The order came days before the opening of schools across Texas. It impacts county -run hospitals. Not to be far-right

outdone, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has threatened to defund school districts and officials who defy his similar order that blocks mask mandates. Both orders came just days after the White House reported that Florida and Texas were responsible for 1/3 of all new COVID-19 cases across the country. Over the last eight days, more than 1 million new cases have been reported nationwide. Over the past week, Texas has averaged 10,000 new cases a day, trailing only Florida with more than 18,000. Nationally, there have been 100,000 new cases reported daily over the same period. The reasons again point to politics in both states. Abbott faced extreme criticism from the political right in 2020 for shutting down the state. Since then, Dallas-based, former State Senator Don Huffines and former Florida one-term Congressman and recent Republican Texas party chair Allen (no relation) West have launched primary challenges. DeSantis has sought to walk into footsteps laid by the incumbent President who lost the 2020 election. What depths of societal devolution have been reached when candidates and elected officials choose political power and influence over protecting the lives of citizens, including those who did or did not, or will or will not vote for them? People's lives and livelihoods should unquestionably come first. It's time for the Governor to show some "personal responsibility." Royce West was first elected to the Texas Senate in November 1992. He represents the 23rd Senatorial District on behalf of the citizens of Dallas County.

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Beauty and the Beast Within

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew I don’t watch much television, but stumbled across the show, Love Island. I have seen previous episodes and reminded myself why I don’t watch it. On this episode, there was a beautiful, darkcomplected young woman with a short natural. She was cut from the show in favor of another female. I won’t get into the issue of colorism and standards of beauty because that could be a dissertation. After the show, I spoke with a dear friend who was elated about seeing his pre-teen daughter. I haven’t seen her in a while, but he described her— she’s always been gorgeous.

She’s a beautiful brown girl who loves to wear her hair natural and although some of those around her encourage her not to it doesn’t deter her. I mentioned to him the importance, as a father, to affirm her beauty and to remind her that despite the beauty standard that the world has imposed on so many, she is wonderfully made in God’s image. Her beauty is beyond her looks. This child is brilliant, talented, and compassionate, too. Our beauty is more than what we look like. We mean much more to God than our appearance. I think we sometimes forget whose we are (children of God) and seek the adoration of the world to affirm who we are. I remember when I first went natural nearly 20 years ago. I remember women approached me and said they wished they could do it but were afraid of the rejection and possible

problems in the workplace. Although more women are natural and its commonplace to see products designed for our hair texture, we are still fighting battles to change the way God created us to please others. In a world that is constantly reminding us that we can be taller, prettier, smarter, finer (and the list goes on), we must love who we are. There is nothing wrong with improvement and taking care of yourself. We should make sure that we are caring for this temple that God gave us. Yet, when we feel that the temple must be altered to a point of no return or we are unrecognizable to fit in, it becomes an addiction for approval and acceptance. The truth is it is never enough. I think it is important to rest in who God says we are and not the world. If you choose to make improvements, do it for you

and not because you are seeking acceptance from those who really don’t matter. It’s important to know your value from the day you were conceived that God made no mistakes. Beauty is more than our outer appearances. I’ve met some stunning women and handsome men with nasty attitudes. I’ve also met individuals who may not be on the cover of the latest Glamour or GQ Magazine, but they light up a room with their kindness, warm personality, and other attributes. As much as we work on the outer appearance, we need balance. We must work on the inner man/woman as well. “3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle

and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:3-4) The Bible reminds us of what is important to God: “…The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) If God were to look at you today, what would be noticed? Would your outer appearance overshadow the inner? Would God see the beauty of your heart, your soul, and your mind in addition to the care of this earthly temple? Or would God say, “17 Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor…” (Ezekiel 28:17 a)? Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the host of the Tapestry Podcast and the author of three books for women. She is also the Vice President of Community Affairs for the State Fair of Texas. To learn more, visit drfroswa.com.

BIG MAMA SAID: Check Yourself, Before you Wreck Yourself Because Your Attitude Will Take You Far! BLACK CARD By Terry Allen

Herb Kelleher, Former Head of Southwest Airlines

We knew a lesson was about to come when Lucille “Big Mama” Allen stood in the doorway between the kitchen and the “big room” where we all watched TV, ate dinner and, at the end of the day, slept. This particular advisory, “check yourself before you wreck yourself” was often repeated in the house because so many of Big Mama’s family members had emotional buttons that were easily pushed. Right in the midst of an ongoing tirade, Big Mama would call out

your full name and say “Terry Allen, you better check yourself before you wreck yourself”! Lucille “Big Mama” Allen wanted to know that the disposition that you are displaying now needs some attention and redirection. NOW! What was lesson? Big Mama wanted you to pay attention to or to immediately improve your own behavior. Big Mama wanted you to state your case with pure motives. And if you cannot be accountable and self-aware and if your motives are not pure, Big Mama’s advice meant that you need to work on it. Today! Not tomorrow! Lucille “Big Mama” Allen platform was always steeped in the Biblical word. The reference she

used for this was as stated in the Bible. _ _Ephesians 4:22-24 says, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Some of us who were ranting do not have the correct hearts for speaking our mind. I can see Big Mama saying that two of our country’s governors about community safety. Big Mama’s phrase is also floating out there in pop-culture today comes from a rap song and then a movie, “Check Yo Self Before You Wreck Yo Self.” So that is what we are going

to do today. We are going to check ourselves before our attitudes wreck us and cause us problems. Let’s commit ourselves to living wisely and check ourselves. The iconic Herbert Kelleher, the former CEO of Southwest Airlines, once said: “When we select employees, we consider attitude more important than degrees and know-how. We use no psychological or aptitude testing. We don’t care much about education and experience, because we can train people to do whatever they have to do. We hire attitudes.” Terry Allen is an awardwinning media professional, journalist, and entrepreneur. He is also the founder of City Men Cook and 1016 Media. Reach him at terryalllenpr@ gmail.com

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tests positive for COVID-19 from page 1 eo shot nearly three hours after the announcement. “The good news is that my wife continues to test negative,” Abbott said, referring to Texas first lady Cecilia Abbott. “Also, [I] want you to know that I have received the COVID-19 vaccine, and that may be one reason why I’m really not feeling any symptoms right now,” Abbott said in the video, his first on-camera appearance since testing positive. He tweeted the minute-long video at 6:30 p.m. “I have no fever, no aches and pains, no other types of symptoms,” the Republican governor said. Abbott, 63, who has been wheelchair-bound since a tree fell on him while he was a young law school graduate studying for the bar, has waged political war on two fronts in recent weeks. He’s called two special legislative sessions and excoriated Texas House Democrats who fled the state to block passage of an “election integrity” bill that he insists is needed to deter voter fraud. More recently, Abbott has blasted school superintendents and local elected officials for defying his July 29 ban on local mask requirements. He has said “personal responsibility,” not edicts, will get Texans through the pandemic. “As I work my way through this,” he said of his infection, “I will stay engaged every single day on everything happening in the Texas Capitol including working with the members of the Legislature.” In the official announcement that he has contracted COVID-19, Abbott communications director Mark Miner said Abbott “is in constant communication with his staff, agency heads and government officials to ensure that state government continues to operate smoothly and efficiently. The governor will isolate in the governor’s mansion and continue to test daily.” Abbott was fully vaccinated against COVID-19 late last year and early this year, using the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine. Abbott is receiving Regeneron’s monoclonal antibody treatment, Miner said.

seriously ill, and we continue to urge all eligible Texans to get the vaccine. The COVID vaccine will always remain voluntary and never forced in Texas.”

REACTION

Registered nurse April Burge administered the first dose of a Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott at the Ascension Seton Medical Center in Austin on Dec. 22, 2020, as state health commissioner John Hellerstedt and registered nurse Toby Hatton (partially obscured) watched. Photo Credit: Ricardo Brazziell / Ricardo B. Brazziell /American-S

Abbott is “in good health, and currently experiencing no symptoms,” Miner said. “Everyone that the governor has been in close contact with today has been notified.” NBC News, citing two unnamed sources, said Abbott has told people he received a third booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Asked if the governor received a booster, Abbott press secretary Renae Eze replied, “I am not aware.” In recent weeks, Abbott has received national attention for preempting local mask requirements in Texas, where the coronavirus’s delta variant has been surging. Abbott and state lawmakers also have banned vaccine passports designed to give vaccine-hesitant people further incentive to get the shots.

MONDAY EVENT On Monday night Abbott, who is seeking a third term next year, appeared at an event sponsored by the Republican Club at Heritage Ranch in Collin County. On his personal and campaign Twitter accounts, Abbott was pictured not wearing a mask and surrounded by a large audience of people not wearing masks. Monday’s was one of several recent public events at which neither the governor nor audi-

ence members wore face coverings. On Tuesday, Abbott posed with blues rock guitarist Jimmie Vaughan, Vaughan’s family and Cedar Park Mayor Corbin Van Arsdale. Abbott tweeted that Vaughan, brother of the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, was “a legendary Texas musician in his own right.” A spokesman for Jimmie Vaughan, reached later Tuesday, said in an email that “despite the news today of Governor Abbott’s positive Covid diagnosis, Jimmie and family have tested negative and are doing fine. ... We wish the governor a speedy recovery.” Late Tuesday, when asked if the governor might have contracted the virus at such maskless events, Eze referred a reporter to Miner’s statement. Speaking of Abbott, she added, “He tested negative yesterday.”

REGENERON Asked why Abbott would take the monoclonal antibody treatment made by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals if he has no symptoms, Eze said, “It is recommended that you begin Regeneron within 10 days of testing positive and before you start experiencing symptoms.” Regeneron and Eli Lilly have developed synthetic antibodies that can be infused into pa-

tients shortly after they develop COVID-19 symptoms to help them mount a faster immune response. Eli Lilly’s drug is derived from antibodies isolated from one of the first U.S. patients to recover from COVID-19. Regeneron’s infusion contains a cocktail of two antibodies to help prevent the virus from becoming drug-resistant. Such monoclonal antibodies are already used to fight cancer and autoimmune diseases, and Abbott has promoted their use. Since last summer, the state has created infusion centers at COVID-19 hotspots, as a way of keeping people with mild and moderate symptoms out of already slammed local hospitals. Last Thursday, Miner dismissed as false persistent rumors the governor had tested positive. On July 21, four days after she attended a border security event in Del Rio with Abbott and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody tweeted that she’d tested positive for COVID-19. On July 22, Abbott had himself tested and the result was negative, said Eze, his spokeswoman. “Out of an abundance of caution, he will continue to test for the next three days,” Eze said at the time. “Vaccines are the most effective defense against contracting COVID and becoming

Some Democrats seized on the news to assail Abbott for impeding efforts to protect schoolchildren who are too young for vaccines with mask requirements on school grounds. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, was among those needling the governor. “What’s appropriate: Thoughts and prayers???” she tweeted. “OR Hopefully there’s an ICU bed if you need one since you’ve not allowed locals to try to control this thing and they are running outta beds OR Can we finally now allow mask mandates???” Republicans such as Southlake GOP Rep. Giovanni Capriglione and Travis County GOP Chairman Matt Mackowiak protested such remarks as out of bounds. “Delete your account,” Mackowiak told Crockett. Tweeted Capriglione: “If you are tweeting enjoyment over another’s illness — maybe you are the one that is sick.” House Transportation Committee Chairman Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, retorted to Capriglione, “I didnt hear you chastizing all your colleagues when they were laughing and poking fun at Ds in DC with covid.” Canales was referring to how, when six of the more than 55 runaway House Democrats tested positive in Washington, D.C., after flying maskless to the nation’s capital on a private plane, many Republicans reacted with derision. Not all Democrats took the free shot on goal, though. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, who has battled Abbott over masks and business-closure orders for nearly 18 months, offered well-wishes. “I hope the governor gets well quickly,” Jenkins said in a text message. “Our enemy is the virus. Its enemy is all of us.” Austin correspondent Allie Morris and political reporter Gromer Jeffers Jr. contributed to this report.

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Dallas' own Skye Dakota Turner joins Deltas for RESPECT The Dallas Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. recently hosted a Red Carpet Affair featuring the movie, RESPECT and the guest of honor was Dallas native Skye Dakota Turner. An established actress, who has appeared on Broadway, Miss Turner plays a young Aretha Franklin in RESPECT. Adhering to social distancing guidelines, there was a packed house at Studio Movie Grill in Arlington, as Delta Chapter President Dr. Andrea Hilburn welcomed Miss Turner and saluted her for her portrayal of Delta Sigma Theta's honorary member, the Queen of Soul, Ms. Franklin.

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Texas College National Alumni Association also known as Texas College Alumni & Ex-Students Association

(TCNAA)

DALLAS METRO CHAPTER LET’S STAY CONNECTED! Become a member of TCNAA We welcome you to become a paid member. It is never too late to join. Being a paid member has its rewards. The Chapter is growing significantly and the enthusiasm is high! You are invited to our annual membership drive: When:

August 28, 2021

Where:

Cedar Crest CME Church Parking Lot 1616 East Illinois Avenue Dallas, TX 75216

Time: 10:00 a.m. Membership Dues: Chapter Member - $75.00 (Local - $25, National - $50) Associate Member - $25.00 Life Member - $500 (one-time payment)

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AT THE MOVIES

RESPECT RESPECT follows the life of Aretha Franklin AT from a young girl THE to a grown woman. Skye Dakota MOVIES Turner, who plays By Hollywood Hernandez young Aretha, would be getting Oscar consideration if not for the powerful performance as The Queen of Soul that is turned in by Jennifer Hudson. She embodies the essence of Aretha Franklin and gives her most powerful performance yet in her acting career. Surprisingly the film is directed by a first time director, Liesl Tommy. She pushes all of the right emotional buttons to keep this otherwise long movie (2 hours and 25 minutes) moving at a breakneck pace. Hudson portrays Franklin during the peak of her career from the 1960s to the 1970s. While the movie also covers Aretha's early life and also goes into the 80s and 90s, the movie stays in the sweet spot of the prime of her career when she earned the title "The Queen of Soul." RESPECT is so much kinder to Aretha than the doc-series ARETHA-GENIUS which aired earlier this year on National Geographic. While RESPECT does show all of the ugliness in Aretha's life (her pregnancy at the age of 10 which was caused by a rape, her battle with addiction, her issues with domestic violence at the hands of her husband, Ted White, played by Marlon Wayans, and her control issues by her father Reverend C. L. Franklin), it portrays Aretha Franklin in a much more sympathetic light. The movie gives Ms. Franklin the RESPECT that she deserves. In the movie Hudson doesn't imitate Aretha Franklin while singing her songs. Instead she sings the songs in the movie as her own while paying homage to the queen. The music will take you to church and Hudson's version of "Ain't No Way' put a lump in my throat that had me fighting back tears. All of the songs are just that powerful. Mary J. Blige play's Dinah Washington in the movie and Audra McDonald portrays Aretha's mother. The cast is stellar but it's Hudson who carries this movie. She has that magic on screen that just won't let you take your eyes off of her. RESPECT is an early Oscar contender in my book. The acting, directing and of course the music may be the best I've seen this year. RESPECT is rated PG-13 and on my "Hollywood Popcorn Scale" I'll give this movie my highest rating. A JUMBO with extra butter.

#1 New York Times bestselling author KATHY REICHS THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW By Valder Beebe

Kathy Reichs is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, a forensic anthropologist for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of North Carolina. The Bone Code is her 20th book in the Temperance Brennan series and for the Laboratoire des Sciences Judiciaries et de MédecineLégale for the province of Quebec. She is one of only 50 forensic anthropologists certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology and is on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. A professor of anthropology at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Dr. Reichs is a native of Chicago, where she received her Ph.D. at Northwestern. She now divides her time between Charlotte and Montreal and is a frequent expert witness in criminal trials.The Bone Code by Kathy Reichs is set in a post COVID world. I had the opportunity to ask Dr. Reichs; does the Bone Code have Kathy Reichs’ political views in it? It is believed her previous book did. The Bone Code is the 20th novel in Kathy’s bestselling Temperance Brennan series, which was the inspiration for Fox Television’s longestrunning scripted drama, Bones. Kathy discusses this milestone achievement, how the series (and forensic anthropology in general) have changed over the past two decades, and what is in store for Tempe in the future. Inventing a pandemic: In The Bone Code, a new pandemic is ravaging the population of South Carolina – a pandemic of mysterious origins that becomes integral to unraveling the case at the center of the novel. Kathy discusses for the Valder Beebe Show how she invented

this fictional pandemic, and how its presentation in the novel changed in the wake of COVID-19. As the novel progresses, Tempe becomes suspicious of an international pharmaceutical company that produces flu vaccines, and the connections that company and those vaccines may have to the murders she is investigating. Could her suspects be using the vaccine to alter the DNA of the recipients? Kathy gives an

Kathy Reichs

overview of how vaccines are produced and disseminated, and how, at least in fiction, they could be used as a weapon. – Dr. Reichs’ publicists provided text in conjunction with the Valder Beebe Show VBS: Dr. Reichs you are in a very small club; former medical examiner, forensic anthropologist, academia of anthropology, #1 New York Times bestselling author and author of thriller books. How cool are those accolades? KR: Yes, if you put it like that. I’m a retired medical examiner, this maybe why I can write books. VBS: As a writer of 20 successful books, what do you offer the reader? KR: The bottom line is a good story. Hopefully that they not only receive a good story, they also get to figure out ……………………. Complete video interview: SoundCloud.com/valderbeebeshow ; more interviews: ValdeBeebeShow. com; YouTube.com/valderbeebeshow ;SoundCloud.com/kkvidfw ; 411RadioNetwork.com; broadcasting to a national audience on KKVI FM Radio, Streaming TV, Social Media, Print Publications; I MESSENGER, Texas Metro News, and Garland Journal News.

Daughter vs. New wife ASK ALMA By Alma Gill Dear Alma, Help. I hate my boyfriend’s daughter. She is only 10 (a year older than my daughter). She is fat, lazy, manipulative and needy, just like her mother. She is behind at school and whines constantly. She and my daughter are complete opposites physically and intellectually. It’s gotten to the point that I ignore her completely and would rather not do anything with her. I find myself criticizing her to her father quite often and later feel bad. I think her mom is influencing her behavior. My boyfriend says she a good kid but I just enjoy it better when she is not around. Should I talk with my boyfriend about this again or just call it quits? Anonymous Dear Anonymous: Call it quits and don’t date another person who has kids, cause you are not ready to participate in a blended relationship. Girl, pleeze! You’re all dressing up in drama just as much as her mother. Instead of masking your displeasure and jealousy, you’re taking it out on his daughter. When you imply that her mother is putting her up to this behavior, who, my dear, is contributing to yours? At least she has an excuse; she’s 10. You have two choices. Right here, right now, make up your mind. If you’re interested in this man, then get along with his daughter. It’s as simple as that. Let me remind you: She was his daughter before you met him. She’s known him longer than you. She will be a part of his life for the rest of his life, regardless of whether the two of you work out or not.

The reason why I’m putting you in charge of this pile of dirty laundry is because you’re the adult. You’re mature enough to separate the delicates from the heavily soiled. Grab yourself a cup of softener and talk to him about how you’d like to help him in raising his daughter’s confidence and self-esteem. When she’s with you guys, go bike riding, hiking and swimming. This will help her become active and healthier. At first she’ll resist, but encourage her and tell her she can do it. Your daughter can help too. Study time and schoolwork should be incorporated in her visit. You can encourage her Dad to check her work and make sure she’s improving in her studies. Your actions are influencing your daughter. So stop it with the mean girl routine. Teach both girls to get along. Be the example, patiently, lovingly, allowing his daughter to trust and learn to fit into your world. Cut that little girl a break. This is a huge adjustment for her. On the real, what’s an addition to your family is a division to hers. Stop blowing out her candle; it doesn’t make yours shine any brighter. Put an end to the criticizing and don’t ever mention her in a negative light, ever again. Finally, you are not in a competition for the love of her father. Love isn’t only about what makes you feel good. Long, lasting love is about contributing and assisting your partner become the best they can be. What you pour into your boyfriend’s daughter will feed into the love you two share. She deserves your best. If it ain’t in you, walk away. Alma Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail. com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.

Nicole Barrett from page 1

Nicole’s most recent conquest was becoming the only Black woman in America to own a cigar company. Her interest and skills seemed endless. While she didn’t allow grass to grow under her feet, and she loved and lived life to its fullest; her pride and joy was centered around her mom, Linda, who she loved taking with her on some of the many fun and exciting assignments and events where they both met and spent time with some interesting people. Born April 6, 1975 in Dallas, TX to Linda Barrett and Lee Vernon Bryant, Jr., she was baptized at New Mount Zion Baptist Church, at an early age, under the pastoral care of Dr. Reverend Robert E. Price. In her formative years, Nicole displayed many gifts including being a skilled communicator. Early indicators were her performances in Easter Recitals at school and church. At the tender age of 3, Nicole recited Psalms 23 in an Easter Program. She found her voice during that show-stopping performance and we all know from that point on, Nicole was never at a loss for words. That voice, her brains and beauty led her into the world of pageantry, and in 1990, at the age of 15 she won her first of many pageants and was crowned Ms. Junior Texas. It was in her drama class at North Mesquite High School that she fell in love with the theatre. She went on to star in “A Raisin in the Sun,” and “Elvis and Annabelle,” and on episodes of Style Network’s “Big Rich Texas.” Upon graduation, Nicole received the Greer Carson Scholarship for Acting to the College of Santa Fe, NM, where she studied theatre/drama. During her matriculation Nicole was the 1st Runner Up for Miss Santa Fe. She would later win the title of Ms. Black Texas in 2002. Despite her petite frame, she appeared to be everywhere and even larger than life. Whether it was that gorgeous, captivating smile or that wonderful burst of laughter; Nicole brought joy into the lives of many and that is evident from the countless photos of her with those she admired and those who admired her. She simply had an aura about her. Nicole definitely had the “it” factor and her energy was contagious. Nicole is preceded in death by her father, Lee Vernon Bryant, Jr.; grandparents, James and Leary Barrett; and uncles, Michael Barrett and Roosevelt Thomas. Nicole leaves to cherish her memory, her loving mother, Linda Barrett; grandfather, Lee Vernon Bryant, Sr. (Leslie) ; grandmother, Alberta Lily; uncles, Paul Barrett, James Barrett (Evelyn), Larry Barrett, Keith Bryant; aunts, Gwenda Barrett Jackson (Eddie), Carolyn Bryant Alexander; half -brother, Lee Vernon Bryant III; half- sister, Chantell Lily; godmother, Maude Gilmore; god aunt, Thelma VanDyke; and, a host of family member and friends.

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from page 1

Since the pandemic outbreak, only one jail inmate has died of COVID19 complications. Caver said the 52-year-old inmate died in October 2020. HOW DID COVID GET INSIDE THE JAIL Chief Caver says there is no way of knowing how, when, or where the inmates were infected with the virus. He admits they've had to abandon medical protocols for new inmates coming into the jail because of a lack of detention officers. They used to isolate new inmates for 14 days if they had any symptoms of COVID19 before putting them in the general jail population. "Unfortunately, due to our 115 vacancies, we had to close down parts of our jail, and we're not able to use the same protocols,' he added. Now the inmates are tested if they have COVID appearing symptoms. The Denton County Health Department runs the infirmary in the jail, but they are also hurting for staff and any severe patients

are sent to the local hospitals. Caver says family members of the inmates who are sick are not exposed to the virus. Since 2014 the jail has only allowed video visitations and no in-person visitation. Attorneys, parole and probation officers, counselors and religious volunteers can visit inmates in person but must have their temperature taken before entering the facility. Caver adds, “Very few attorneys are entering the jail and are doing their legal consultation by video visitation. Those who enter the jail have to talk to their clients through a clear glass and telephone receiver.” INMATES AND EMPLOYEES ARE NOT MANDATED TO BE VACCINATED OR WEAR MASKS The Denton County jail has offered free vaccinations to inmates and employees four times in the past few months, but they are not required to take the shot. Caver says only one-third of the inmates have volunteered to be vaccinated. Inmates are offered masks

Scenes from inside Denton County Jail

to wear inside the jail, but they cannot be forced to wear one. The detention officers are also provided with personal protective equipment but are not mandated to wear PPE on the job. "We allow them the option of what they choose to wear. Whether they want to wear full PPE or just the mask, or shield or whatever they choose to do,” said Caver, confirming that 12 detention officers are out sick with COVID. "We'll never know whether they contracted COVID here or at the grocery store. It's kind of hard to say they got it here. It's possible, but there is not a way of knowing that for certain." Irma Sanchez of Dallas has a cousin who is a detention officer at the Denton County jail. He's at home with COVID19 and she says she doesn't understand why he won't get vaccinated. "My cousin thinks he got it at the jail, and his doctor advised him that he's probably going to keep getting sick if he doesn't vaccinate.” INMATES WITH COVID CAN APPEAR IN COURT OR BE RELEASED FROM JAIL No matter how many measures the Denton County Sheriff's Department puts in place to slow down or stop the spread of COVID, in some cases, administrators' hands are tied. Inmates have rights, and the judges have to see their cases in court. "If they are positive with COVID, obviously we can't keep them in the jail if they have posted a bond or paid their fine," said Chief Caver, adding that he understands how that may look to the community, but jail administrators cannot legally keep an inmate with COVID from being released when they have

Photo Credit: Denton County

paid their bond. "Our county health department will do contact tracing and keep tabs on those folks and see where they are going." Inmates also are required to go before a Denton County judge on criminal charges. Not all judges in Denton County are having court over video platforms. Some have the lawyers and inmates appear in court in person. According to Caver, inmates are not checked for COVID before being taken to court, but judges are alerted if the inmate is coming from an isolated COVID area from the jail. "The court is notified, and it's the judge's decision on how to proceed with the case. Some cases have been conducted over Zoom." NOT ENOUGH MANPOWER IN JAIL, BIGGEST STRESS ON DEPARTMENT "This has been probably the biggest manpower strain that the department has ever seen," said Caver, pointing out that the detention officers who are working at the jail are currently working overtime as much as they want. "We are constantly moving people around to fill positions to make this place run…because we need the help." Aside from the 12 officers currently out for COVID illnesses, Caver says some officers have taken a leave from work for emotional and psychological reasons. The Denton County jail can house 1450 inmates, and maybe it's fortunate that they are not full to capacity right now. "We're doing the best we can in the confines of the jail environment…,” added Caver. “We're trying to treat the system and take care of the inmates as best we can."

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In Memoriam

Mother Jessie LaVerne Jenkins

Mother Jessie LaVerne Jenkins was the fourth child born to the parents of Tilman and Cloties Singleton on November 25, 1935. Mother Jenkins was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and one sister. She leaves to carry the torch, with hope of the Great Resurrection: Skip (Sharnett), James, Carolyn, Bobby, Jesse (Angela), John (Gwen), Barbara, Bruce (LaRonda), and Lydia; 30 Grandchildren, 54 Great-Grandchildren, nine GreatGreat Children, a host of relatives/ friends, and a community in which she loved. Mother Jenkins grew up in the rural area of Ruston, Louisiana. She attended Grambling Elementary

School and graduated from High School. Mother Jenkins met the love of her life John Jenkins in Mt. Olive while walking down a dirt road. After courting for some time, John went to Jessie’s father and asked for her hand in marriage. With his blessings, the two became one. This union bought forth eight precious children and a loving Goddaughter. With eight of her own, she still managed to feed and babysit many others. Her passion has always been youth and the community. Mother Jenkins accepted Christ Mother Jessie at a young age at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Ruston, LA. Once of Greater Light Apostolic Faith married and moved to Southern Church under the leadership of California, she became a member Bishop Isaiah Flucker. This is where

she was saved and began to live for Christ. Mother Jenkins was a devoted member of this church and was finally able to convince her husband John to attend. It was during this time that John was saved and became a member of Greater Light Apostolic Faith Church until they started to attend Mt. Calvary Assembly Apostolic Faith Church under the leadership of Bishop Frank Canada. Her husband, Eld. Jenkins became the Pastor of the church located at 10114 Beach Street in Watts, CA., before reconstructing the current building located at 1920 E. 103rd street in Watts. Here she served as the honorable First Lady,

Secretary and Mother serving individuals and families of the Watts Community. Children was one of her favorite pastimes. Her cooking also bought friends and family near and far to visit. Holidays and any given Sunday, her house was the place to be for some good southern home cooking made from scratch. Mother Jenkins was a loyal participant in the Women of Watts March. She was an activist for the cause until her health began to decline. If a vote was taken to determine the passion, charisma, and drive of a person committed to this community, Mother Jenkins would be voted #1!

Cordie Rose Smith Hines August 2, 1926 to August 1, 2021

Cordie Rose Smith Hines was born in Aus- Dallas (immediately following her MA gradutin, Texas August 2, 1926 to the union of Liz- ation), recruited Cordie to manage the Crosszie T. and Connie Smith. Her mother would roads Community Center Branch Library later marry George Lee Lightfoot and they (later re-named the Martin Luther King Jr. would both raise Cordie and her brother Le- Library). muel in Amarillo, TX. Cordie attended Patton She managed that branch two years before High School, where she later graduated. After she was promoted to the Assistant Chief of high school she married Herman Alvin Hines, all branch libraries in Dallas (becoming the having two daughters, Rosalind Odette and first African American in an administrative Alison. position for the city’s library division). She She was a member of Mount Zion Baptist became Zone Director of all libraries in the Church in Amarillo, where she was in the North Dallas district and senior choir and also youth retired from the Dallas Pubchoir director. She was a Girl lic Library in 1982. Scout Leader in Amarillo’s She was an active memNorth Heights community. ber of the Delta Sigma TheShe became a Roman Catholic ta Sorority - Dallas Alumin 1994, becoming a devoted nae Chapter and the NAACP. member of the St. Rita Church Cordie was also a member Community in Dallas, Texas. of the Friends of the Library; As a wife and mother in American Library Association; Amarillo, she worked as a Southwestern Library Associalibrary page, clerk and booktion; Texas Library Association mobile driver for the City of and the Dallas County Library Amarillo’s Mary E. Bivins LiAssociation. brary. She would later become She served on the boards the first African American to Cordie Rose Smith Hines for the Lone Star Council of become the library’s mobile Camp Fire; Girls Adventure unit supervisor. She would later attend Ama- Trails; Dallas Metropolitan Business and rillo Junior College. While still working at the Professional Women’s Club; Metropolitan library, she attended West Texas State Uni- YWCA; Literacy of America Volunteers; Dalversity, in Canyon, TX, where she graduated las Post Tribune Newspaper; Dallas (Tejas) in 1966 with a B.A. Degree. Subsequently, the Girl Scouts; Dallas Day Care Association; the City of Amarillo assigned her to open and Dallas Urban League and the Dallas Museum be the director of the newly built Southwest of Fine Arts. Branch Library, becoming the first African She received the City of Dallas CommitAmerican to assume an administrative po- ment to Excellence Award; United Way of sition with that city’s library division. While Metropolitan Dallas Campaign Award; the still working in her director’s role in Amarillo, Dallas Public Library Association DistinCordie began commuting weekly from Ama- guished Service Award; DISD rillo to Denton, Texas to study library science Volunteer Award; Dallas Metat TWU where she graduated in 1970 with a ropolitan Business and ProMaster’s Degree in Library Science. fessional Women’s Award and Although, she was still directing the South- Texas Association of Culture west Branch Library in Amarillo, the City of Community Services Award.

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Tyrese Maxey Foundation hosts inaugural Skills Camp in Garland, Texas

• August 19 - 25, 2021

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Photo credit: Joshua Barraza

Mother Jessie LaVerne Jenkins was the fourth child born to the parents of Tilman and Cloties Singleton on November 25, 1935. Mother Jenkins was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and one sister. She leaves to carry the torch, with hope of the Great Resurrection: Skip (Sharnett), James, Carolyn, Bobby, Jesse (Angela), John (Gwen), Barbara, Bruce (LaRonda), and Lydia; 30 Grandchildren, 54 Great-Grandchildren, nine Great-Great Children, a host of relatives/friends, and a community in which she loved. Mother Jenkins grew up in the rural area of Ruston, Louisiana. She attended Grambling Elementary School and graduated from High School. Mother Jenkins met the love of her life John Jenkins in Mt. Olive while walking down a dirt road. After courting for some time, John went to Jessie’s father and asked for her hand in marriage. With his blessings, the two became one. This union bought forth eight precious children and a loving Goddaughter. With eight of her own, she still managed to feed and babysit many others. Her passion has always been youth and the community. Mother Jenkins accepted Christ at a young age at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Ruston, LA. Once married and moved to Southern California, she became a member of Greater Light Apostolic Faith

Church under the leadership of Bishop Isaiah Flucker. This is where she was saved and began to live for Christ. Mother Jenkins was a devoted member of this church and was finally able to convince her husband John to attend. It was during this time that John was saved and became a member of Greater Light Apostolic Faith Church until they

started to attend Mt. Calvary Assembly Apostolic Faith Church under the leadership of Bishop Frank Canada. Her husband, Eld. Jenkins became the Pastor of the church located at 10114 Beach Street in Watts, CA., before reconstructing the current building located at 1920 E. 103rd street in Watts. Here she

served as the honorable First Lady, Secretary and Mother serving individuals and families of the Watts Community. Children was one of her favorite pastimes. Her cooking also bought friends and family near and far to visit. Holidays and any given Sunday, her house was the place to be for some good southern home cooking made from scratch.

My Truth from page 1

many wonderful people into my life, like Elandus Lyndell Smith, who we affectionately called “Smitty.” I don’t know what his official title was, but I do know he was the ideal “maintenance man” because he took care of everything in our building. No matter how many times he joked about me making changes to my office, only to come by every time I called and made my additional changes; he came with a smile. Last week Smitty suffered a

Norma Parish

Ernestine Branch

Nicole Barrett

massive heart attack. The last time I saw him, he was being wheeled into an ambulance. I just knew he would be okay and I would see him again and have one of our many chats about life, children, or crazy things going on in the world. I’m glad he felt comfortable

enough around me to stop in and have chats and sometimes even order lunch from Catfish Smith’s (he noted that we were sure to get true catfish and not “Swai”) like so many other catfish places have started perpetrating that lie! Had I been someone who looked down on others be-

cause of their perceived “status.” Smitty had an impeccable work ethic. He was also smart, funny, loyal, caring, honest, resourceful, skilled and a joy to be around. He treated people right, regardless of how they treated him! We will celebrate Smitty's life

Mother Jenkins was a loyal participant in the Women of Watts March. She was an activist for the cause until her health began to decline. If a vote was taken to determine the passion, charisma, and drive of a person committed to this community, Mother Jenkins would be voted #1! this Friday at Eternal Rest Funeral Home, 1400 N. Hampton Road, DeSoto at 11a.m. I could have missed out on some wonderful people, like Smitty; or Mrs. Ernestine Branch because she was much older; Norma Parish because she was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; or, Nicole Barrett because she was much younger. Living a golden life is the way to live because you won’t be judged by how people treated you, but how you treated people. The world lost some great people recently and I know because I had an opportunity to spend time with each of them. I saw in them what I hope people see in me, and that’s the truth.

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• August 19 - 25, 2021

Virtual and liVe Community Calendar

Back to School Month Authors/Poets Month Immunization Awareness Month AUGUST 19 The Connection with Debra BrownSturns. On Facebook.com/TexasMetroNews & BlogTalkRadio.com. 7-8 pm. Join in at 646-200-0459.

Ties Off & Drinks Up: The Fellas Fellowship, by Black Millennial’s of Dallas at Catbird, 1401 Elm St. Reg: bit.ly/3fPChAy Commissioner John Wiley Price Conducts a Special Town Hall Meeting at South Dallas Government Center, 8301 S. Polk St. 6-7 pm. August Thirsty Third Thursdays at Mrs. J’s Heav’nly Delights, 612 W. State St. Garland. 4-8 pm. Reg: https://bit.ly/3xCqfAc Fort Worth Summer Open Houses. 6-8 p.m., Doxology Church, 4805 Arborlawn Drive. Info: fortworthtexas.gov /2022OpenHouses. SHANGO DRUM CIRCLE/Fire Burning Ceremony, Vibe Village, 2324 Ann Arbor Ave Dallas. 6-11:45 pm. Info: (214) 715-1287. CANDYMAN (1992) at Texas Theatre, 231 W. Jefferson Blvd.8 pm. Tickets: https://bit. ly/3jV2tuB Zan Wesley Holmes Outreach Center, Community Land Trust Lunch and Learn at Frazier House, 4600 Spring Ave. 12-1 pm. Reg: www.zwhjcoc.org/classes.

AUGUST 20 From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed. 11 am -1 pm. CST, Facebook Live/@ TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459. Tom Braxton and Friends Jazz Series, feat: Blake Aaron at The Warehouse, 1125 E. Berry St. Ft. Worth. 7 pm and 10 pm Tickets: thewarehousedfw.com. The ChangHer Connections Monthly Business Networking Mixer. 807 Washington Dr. #A2 Arlington. 7-10 pm. Phenomenal Women’s Ministry Happy Hour at Antioch Christian Church 2043 W. Walnut Hill Ln. Irving, 7-8:30 pm. Reg: https://bit.ly/2VGM6tk. All DAQ Jazz: The Perfect Date Night, Daq’s Luxury Daiquiri Lounge, 8700 Preston Rd. Plano. 7-10 pm. CDT.

AUGUST 21

A Midsummer Night’s Dream 2021 “An Evening of Enchantment” at Toyota Stadium, 9200 World Cup Way, #202, Frisco. 8 pm-1 am.

Dallas Alumnae Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Invites you to Denim & Diamonds Virtual Opening. Reg: dallasalumnae.org/ opening-party2021-denim. 10 am-12 pm.

All White Day Networking Boat Party at Safe Harbor Pier 121, 1481 E. Hill Park Rd. Lewisville, 2-5 pm. Tickets: https:// bit.ly/3AvUnPL. All Black Beauty And Barber Affair at The Whiskey Spot, 1305 Wycliff Ave. #140. 8:30 pm-1 am. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3jKofky ELITE: White and Gold Affair, Star Banquet and Event Center, LLC, 2722 West Irving Blvd. Irving. 11 pm-5 am. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3iyTAY3.

AUGUST 23

AUGUST 27-28

District 7 Budget Town Hall Meeting, Councilman Adam Bazaldua In-Person; Fair Park Hall State. Reg: https://bit.ly/ D7Register. 6:30 pm.

Youth Empowerment Camp. For ages 10-14, at The Lighthouse, 5525 W. Illinois Ave. Fri. 5-8 pm & Sat. 9 am-4 pm. Contact: Leon Theodore 241-907-5483.

UNT Dallas Veterans Presents Purple Heart Reveal, Purple Heart parking spaces. 9-10 am. At University of North Texas at Dallas, 7300 University Hills Blvd. Info: Eventbrite.com.

AUGUST 24

All White Day Networking Boat Party at Safe Harbor Pier 121, 1481 E. Hill Park Rd. Lewisville, 2-5 pm. Tickets: https:// bit.ly/3AvUnPL.

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

Recharge With Inspirational Speaker Jada Edwards. Online with Facebook Live. Reg: bit.ly/LWLRecharge2021 12-1 pm

“Dallas Love Field’s Lead with Love” Live. Feat: Veletta Forsythe Lill, Benjamin Espino, Viola Delgado. 2:30 pm CDT. On the Love Field’s, Facebook and YouTube page.

Black Trust Fund, Percy Ray, & Casey Thomas II presents Jazz Jet Set, at Dallas Executive Airport, 5303 Challenger Dr. 8 pm12 am. Tickets: www.jetsetevents.live. Campaign Kick-Off & Fundraiser for City Councilwoman Shaunte L. Allen, Glen Heights at 2400 S. Hampton Rd. 5-7 pm Grand Opening of Bishop Auto Shop, 3701 S. Lancaster Rd. Dallas. 9 am1 pm. 214-434-0252. Meet & Greet & more. Collin County Alumnae Chapter - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 2021 CCAC Retreat, at Collin College, Preston Ridge, Conference Center, 9700 Wade Blvd. Frisco. Tickets: bitly.com/3hL1aOZ. 10am-2 pm.

AUGUST 22 The World According to Drew, host Andrew Whigham, III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8-10 am. It’s thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news commentary. Join the call at 646-200-0459. Come Pop With The Best End of Summer Pop Up Shop, 2043 Empire Central Dr. 4-7 pm. Reg: https://bit.ly/3CBFcX5 Brunch and business 2nd Annual Sunday Funday at 4735 E. Lancaster Ave. Fort Worth. 12-5 pm. Tickets: bit.ly/3CAdeuK. Team Metro Cookout at the Hidden Door. At The Hidden Door, 5025 Bowser Ave. 2-5 pm. Greg Dollgener Memorial AIDS Fund Fundraiser. Malcolm X VS Martin Luther King: Online Presentation by Walk On The River. Tickets: bit.ly/3xHAq6Q. 7-8:30 pm CDT.

AUGUST 25 I Was Just Thinking with Norma Adams-Wade. 11 am -1 pm. CST On Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio. com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459. Ask Dr. Amerson with Dr. Linda Amerson.12 pm. CST @DFWiRadio.com, and Live on Facebook @DrLindaAmerson. The Art of Learning through Music with Mr. Dwayne Reed 6 pm. CDT. Online with Facebook Live on Crayola Education’s Facebook page . Homework without a Home: How Schools Identify, Support, and Advocate for Homeless Students. 12-1:30 pm Reg: https:// bit.ly/HomeworkWithoutAHome Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Empowering Black-owned Businesses. Zoom Meeting Login: 940 8240 8906 Submit questions to tirsza.brooks@chase.com 5:30-7 pm.

AUGUST 26 The Connection with Debra Brown-Sturns. On Facebook. com/TexasMetroNews & BlogTalkRadio.com. 7-8 pm. 646200-0459. Leaders Like Us: Henry Louis Gates Jr. J.P. Miller’s book Major Taylor. Live on Facebook. com/AuburnAvenueResearchLibrary. 2 pm CDT Addiction in the Family: How it Affects Care and Planning. Online Event Reg: https://bit.ly/2UiB1hy 10 am-11:30 am

AUGUST 27 From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed. 11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459. Every Friday Night Don Diego and The Razz Band at Club Odyssey, 7439 Westmoreland Rd. Happy Hour at 6 pm.

August 28 Black Bazaar presents Words Spoken, Downtown Arlington, The Cultural District 306 W. Main St. at 2-6 pm. Info: http:// www.blackbazaarsb.com/ B.O.M.B. (Black Owned Music & Business) Festival, at Tha Spot Health and Wellness, 4420 Elm St. Dallas. 5-9 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3ApikIq DFW Small Business Expo at Music City Mall Lewisville, 2401 S. Stemmons Fwy. Info: bit.ly/3g5iM6T. 11 am-6 pm. Tiff’s Treats in Casa Linda Grand Opening Event, 9540 Garland Rd, Dallas. Fundraiser Tickets : https://bit. ly/3sgXVCE. 10 am-12 pm.

AUGUST 29 The World According to Drew, with Andrew Whigham, III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8-10 am. It’s thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news commentary. Join the call at 646-200-0459. Virtual Kickback: A Night of Music & Comedy. Facebook Live @Albany State University- National Alumni Association. 5-6:30 pm CDT. Unbreakable Summit 2021 Empowerment/Motivational Event, hosted by Lynne Haze at The Whiskey Spot, 1305 Wycliff Ave. # 140. 4-8 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3iLBnqm. Anita Hawkins’ Day at The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Rd. 11am-5 pm. Reg: https://bit.ly/3z2pO3G.

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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

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