• Vol. 10 • Aug. 4 - Aug. 10, 2022
MY TRUTH
WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM
From South Dallas’ Lincoln High School to Changing Lives in Tallahassee
PUBLISHER
Do you know what to do?
See MY TRUTH, page 2
Pages 7-10
Another King with a Dream and a Purpose
By Cheryl Smith
I am so excited about the National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Las Vegas this week. In addition to excellent programming and a chance to see old friends and colleagues, I will get to see some great people honored. People wonder why we have an association of Black journalists. They also wonder about Black colleges, Black businesses, Black churches, et. al. I am not going to defend my right to exist. I know the importance of the great institutions that were founded for us at a time when there was a great need. No one should control what we do with our lives and communities, nor our institutions. It never ceases to amaze me how people will choose noname institutions or programs before they give Black institutions or programs a look. Some will make any excuse to avoid going Black. Guess what, I ain’t hating on them. I say, “do your thing!” But still I urge everyone to look into the mirror. Show some love. Seek out Black, like you seek out alternatives. Believe me there is still a great need. Which brings me to my truth. There are some tough times ahead, especially if we spend our time being distracted by forces that don’t have our best interests at heart. If there was ever a time to keep our eyes on the prize, at this moment in time, we must be ever vigilant; just as those before us were.
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T E X A S
MetroNews DELIVERING NEWS YOU NEED
Executive Director Royle King, Jr. speaks at news conference in Tallahassee, FL on Monday. Credit: Mr. King
By Andre Daron
Texas Metro News
Tallahassee has a crime problem and Dallas native Royle King, Jr. is the man recently tapped to turn things around for Florida’s Capital. Joined by the Mayor, County Commissioner, Sheriff, School Superintendent and other partners at a press con-
ference Monday, King was introduced as the Executive Director of the Council on the Status of Men and Boys (CSMB). The Council is the result of years of research presented in the Leon County Sheriff’s Offices’ Anatomy of a Homicide Report that focused on the crisis in Tallahassee, with homicides and non-
fatal shootings. In introducing King, Sheriff Walter McNeil talked about the number of people killed in Tallahassee and expectations for the Council. “It is our hope and prayer that this effort makes an imprint, a change in terms of the violence that we’ve seen across our community for far too long,” he said. “We started a
research project going back over the past five years, looking at shootings and how to bring an end to all the shootings and deaths.” Saying they chose the right person, the Sheriff continued, citing poverty, health disparities and trauma that “impact disproportionately so many of our African American” youth. “The impact he has made with the Lamplighters… he’s doing a lot of what we talked about today. He is ready for this challenge!” He continued, "Based on his impressive background and passion for changing young lives, King is the perfect choice to lead the Council on the Status of Men and Boys. His own experiences of
Hon. Helen Giddings
said Washington, who had been on staff with the Big “D” Band since 2001. She said with all the students’ past accomplishments, she had high hopes for the upcoming See YVONNE A. EWELL, page 6
See WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT, page 5
See ANOTHER KING, page 2
Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center’s Big “D” Band Preps for Success Story and Photos By Asia Nicole Alcorn
Percussion members Nakya Greene, Sasha Burton, Khylon Thigpen, Edward Valladares and Maya Sandoval from Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center’s Big “D” Band
Carlisa Washington, is impressed with the students’ resilience from the beginning of the pandemic till now. “We know how it has been challenging and a struggle for all programs across the District,”
Highly accomplished women of color will share their strategies for success during a twoday Women’s Leadership Summit on August 5 - 6, 2022 at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel, 2222 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207.
Deryl McKissack, President/ CEO of McKissack and McKissack which manages a $15 billion portfolio in U.S. projects; the Honorable Sharon Weston Broome, first woman Mayor of Baton Rouge; and the Honorable Vanessa Gilmore, former U.S. District Judge, Southern District of Texas; are among the outstanding women who will participate in the event. The Summit will offer sessions on entrepreneurship, wealth building, DEI opportunities, cryptocurrency, health/well-being and more. The Honorable Helen Giddings and a roster of successful Dallas-area women founded the Summit in 2018. “The inspiration is to educate, empower, and strengthen women to successfully navigate today’s complex business environment,” said Giddings, adding that “the goal is more relevant today than ever before.” The Summit will open on Friday evening, August 5 with a high-energy kick-off reception featuring Mayor Broome. Guests will network with Summit speakers, sponsors and community leaders. International drummer Queen Cora will close the evening with an exciting musical performance.
High School Highlight:
While school was out for the summer, one Dallas high school band was still working hard. Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center’s (TMC) Big “D” Band includes students from six of the top-rated schools within Dallas ISD. This young group of talented individuals has accomplished so much over the years, like placing 1st at the High School Battle of the Bands competition for the past 12 years and maintaining exemplary ratings in district and state for University Interscholastic League (UIL) competitions. Former Director of Bands,
Women’s Leadership Summit Offers Strategies For Success