Texas Metro News 12-1-22

MY TRUTH

By Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER

Pay the piper

I’m thankful for so much.

Yes I wake up in relatively great health with an unsound mind, because can anyone really have a “sound” mind in a world with so much chaos, confusion and downright evil ness?

Did you ever imagine that you would live in a society where mass shootings are met with silence from entities that are benefitting significantly from the sale of guns and am munition?

Can you explain away a mentality that makes it okay to brutalize certain segments of the population without fear of consequence or any reper cussion?

Why are there empty build ings yet millions live on the streets?

Why are foods being man ufactured with chemicals that have a devastating effect on our quality of life?

Why are drugs being manu factured that while supposed ly curing one ailment, cause so many others?

I could go on, ad nauseum, but hopefully you get why my mind is “unsound.”

Somebody has to take re sponsibility for the hellacious times that we are experienc ing. Are you the victim or the perpetrator? Who is going to take the blame? Who will try to make things better or right?

This brings me to my truth. There’s no time for excuses, long, drawn-out explanations or passing the buck. If I woul da, coulda, shoulda doesn’t mean darn thing to the victim.

Acknowledgement. Respon sibility. Accountability. Atone ment. Commitment. Respite. We have to acknowledge

BICA Legacy Weekend

focuses on Shopping Black

By Cheryl Smith

Hairstylist and entrepreneur

Freddie J. Jones is one of Texas’ brightest stars and while she calls Dallas home, wherever she is, she is reigning supreme in the Beauty Industry.

For three days in December, dubbed the BICA Legacy Week end, at Dallas' Skyline Ranch, December 10-12, attendees will experience what people are talking about across this country

when speaking of the best and the brightest in hair care and the award-winning Freddie J.

The impeccably dressed and al ways stylish Winnsboro, TX native has appeared in competitions, including the world-renowned Bronner Brothers Hair Show.

Even then-Mayor Tom Leppert honored her as a trailblazer in the field of Cosmetology because she’s a master cutter, educator, coach, author and platform artist.

Money Talk

By Rodney A. Brooks

A few years back I was doing an interview for a radio station. A woman called in who had proud ly put her daughter through an Ivy League college. The problem:

details:

She was in her 50s and saved nothing for retirement.

I told the woman who called the radio station that she still had options, but they were not great ones. She was probably going to have to retire later or plan on a standard of living in retirement that was less that what she was used to.

The fact is that we will do virtually anything for our kids, even to our own financial detri

ment. More than half of parents in one survey were willing to go into debt to put their children through college. We should certainly find a way to help our children go through college without coming out with mas sive student debt. But borrow ing from our retirement savings or not saving for retirement so you can pay tuition is a bad idea. As many financial planners will tell you, you can take out a

loan for college, but you can’t take out a loan for retirement. If you have nothing saved for retirement, your kids could very well end up taking care of you. As I say all the time, you can not and should not depend on Social Security – the average monthly check is only about $1,500.

Black students generally graduate college with more debt

Negro League player from Dallas enshrined in Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame

By ReShonda Tate Houston Defender

New information is coming to light in a case that has garnered attention nation wide. A police re port says Shanquella Robinson was alive when medical help first arrived at the villa where she was staying with a group of people last month in Cabo, Mexico. A Charlotte newspaper obtained the report, which differs from details previously received from

25-year-old Robinson’s death certificate that said she died within 15 minutes of being in jured. Instead, the police report excerpt shows a doctor from a local hospital was with Robinson and others in the house for close to three hours before she was pronounced dead.

By Norma Adams-Wade

Fans and Mexican Baseball League managers knew him as William Serrell. But family and friends of the 1940-‘50s-era Black baseball player knew him only as Barney Clinton Serrell. Wikipedia online encyclopedia acknowledges the confusion over the various names attribut ed to the star baseballer -- Wil liam C. Serrell, Bonnie Serrell, and Barney Clinton Serrell. And no one seems to know where the name William originated.

letic achievements and life story take front and center.

Mexi

Robinson is a Charlotte native who traveled to Cabo on Oct. 28 with a group of friends. She died a day later. The

However, once you get past the name mix-up, Serrell’s ath

Barney Clinton “William “ Serrell was one of seven hon orees inducted into the Mexi can Baseball Hall of Fame, also

Barney Serrell Photo: wikipedia

Gene Serrel Photo: Facebook

death certificate from

There are ways to help your kids pay for college without raiding your retirement savings

New

What really happened to Shanquella Robinson?

Shanquella Robinson

Metro Community Calendar powered by

DECEMBER

1

WORLD AIDS DAY!

3

The Viola’s House presents “Pathways to Redemption”

Inaugural Black Tie Gala featuring Adrienne Ban field-Norris “Gammy” at 7:00pm in the Statler Hotel Grand Ballroom, Dallas.

***

A Holiday extravaganza hosted by Glamore, 4099 McEwen Rd. Suite 660, Farmers Branch and featuring celebrity fashion stylist Yemi Solomon, aned Mrs. Dallas International Yvonne Yngson Gochangco, 12-5pm 5

Informational sponsor happy hour and mixer for the Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program. This information session will pro vide you with an opportunity to learn about our internship program, ask questions, meet past sponsors, and speak with alumni regard ing their experience with the program.

5 - 7 p.m.

UNT Dallas Student Center, Reading Room, 7350 University Hills Blvd. Dallas, TX 6

Society of Professional Journalists COOL YULE PARTY!

6:30 pm

76164 ***

Leveraging Human Capital Leadership Conference at UNT Dallas, 9a-4p. Reg istration for the conference is $125. Par ticipants will enhance their leadership capabilities through networking and building relationships, receiving tools and creative solutions to be successful, and interacting with passionate and in fluential change makers who are leaving a legacy in the Best Southwest. Four ses sions including the keynote, “Innovation and Leadership in the Workplace” will be highlighted.

8

Awakening Africa Excellence Awards Gala Night at Plano Event Center, 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway, recognizing emerging businesses and supporting the success of African American businesses.

5pm 27

The Servpro First Responder Bowl is back in Dallas, TX on Dec. 27 at the Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Tickets are on sale now. All first responders are eligible for up to four free tickets to this year’s game. https://bit.ly/3NxokH3 #SFRB #EverydayHeroes

JANUARY

1

Dallas County Democrats 2023 Swearing-In Ceremony

St. Philip’s School and Community Center will host its 23rd Annual Parrish Family Destiny Award Luncheon featuring a conversation with Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Sterling K. Brown, 11:30 am at the Hilton Anatole. The Student Showcase is from 10:3011:15 am. CHECK OUT WWW. TEXASMETRONE

NOIR

Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Awards Event

15-17

The African Business Lounge Interna tional Trade & Expo at the Plano Event Center, 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway, featuring workshops, vendors, keynote speakers, networking and more. 17

100 Black Men of Greater Dallas/Fort Worth, Inc. 25 Silver Anniversary Gala, 13340 Dallas Pkwy

Celebrate the New Year and our reelect ed and newly elected Dallas County Officials at the beautiful Tower Club downtown. While statewide elections didn’t go our way, Dallas County voters flipped three county seats red to blue, resulting in a Dallas County government that’s nearly all Democratic (one seat re maining out of more than 40) and more reflective of our county!

Time: 1:00-3:00 PM Tower Club 1601 Elm St 48th Floor Dallas, TX 75201

16

Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo at Dallas African American Mu seum, 10a-6p Call 214-941-0110 for vendor information!

Doc Shep Speaks Show! A fresh perspective, but still entertaining! Welcome to The Doc Shep Speaks Show!!!. Tuesdays at 11 am. CST Live on Facebook/@TexasMet roNews, @fnsconsulting, and You Tube Live @docshepspeaks.

Send your calendar items to editor@texasmetronews.com or call 214-941-0110

The World According to Andrew on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.-10 am. CST. Sundays Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the call 646200-0459 on Andrew’s World.

a Vegan, Hair Care, Food, entertainment and so much more!

Join

Vendors, workshops, DNA tests, Bounce

House,

Joe T Garcia’s La Puertita 2141 N. Commerce Street Fort Worth, Texas

Negro League Player

called the Hall of Immor tals on November 10, 2022 at Salon de la Fama in Monterrey, Mexico. A committee selected the inductees in 2020 but the COVID-19 pandemic pre vented a public induction ceremony until this year.

Barney Serrell’s Dal las/Fort Worth-area de scendants say they were honored and grateful to travel recently across the southern border to accept posthumous Hall of Fame honors for their loved one. The award and souvenirs including a plaque, base ball jersey, ring, bat, cap, and profile in a printed brochure.

Gene Serrell, the in ductee’s son, sent his own two sons – Paul and David

Serrell -- and other fami ly members to represent their grandfather and ac cept his honors. When organizers notified Bar

former Garland resident and retired postal work er – commented from his current residence in McK inney, TX.

“He would be extremely proud to get such an hon or,” Gene Serrell said of his late Dad. He did really love baseball and he loved the Mexican League. …I nev er saw him play baseball in Mexico, but I saw him play in the Negro League (and) …I knew that he played (in Latin America) all those years…I knew how important it was. I’m glad that they recognized his talent and honored him for it.”

ney Serrell’s son about the then-upcoming induc tion, his son -- a longtime

According to baseball archives, Barney Serrell was born March 9, 1920 in Bayou Natchez, Louisi

Abounding Prosperity hosts Series of Free Events for World AIDS Day

Abounding Prosperity Inc.,(API is hosting a series of events in honor of World AIDS Day 2022, Thursday, December 1, 2022, kicking off with its second annual “Legacy of Lives Lost” exhibit. This interactive exhibit will include 100 life-size statues to commemorate the lives lost to AIDS related complications over the past 34 years. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2400 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75215.

There will be a reception fea turing a violinist and light refresh ments from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. This exhibit is free and open to the public, though attendees are en couraged to bring an unwrapped toy to be distributed to children in need during the holiday.

On Friday, December 2, 2022, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., API and the Human Rights Campaign, Cen ter for Black Equity and HPTN096, are partnering to host a free com munity event, The Red Rooftop Renaissance, at Sky Blu Rooftop Bar at Tru by Hilton Dallas Mar ket Center, 1949 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75207, in honor of World AIDS Day 2022.

According to organizers, API is working hard in the community through these events and others

to increase knowledge around HIV and its prevention, reduce the stigma around sexuality and sexual health and increase access to prevention and treatment re sources.

On World AIDS Day and every day, API lives out its mission to provide services that address the health, social and economic dis parities among Black Americans with a particular emphasis on gay and bisexual men, cisgender women, transgender women and their families.

These events were created to increase influential awareness around World AIDS Day, vaccine inequity and the surplus of health disparities that disproportionately impact Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ communities.

“Recently, we’ve been con sumed by COVID and monkeypox, but it’s important to remember

that HIV and AIDS are still of con cern to our communities,” said Kirk Myers-Hill, founder and chief executive officer of API. “Our goal is to educate individuals and provide the necessary resources so that we may all remain diligent in the fight against this disease.”

In addition to the Red Rooftop Renaissance event, Abounding Prosperity Inc. is encouraging the community to get their Mon keypox vaccine through their clinical partner, H.O.P.E. Health and Wellness Center, 1619 Mar tin Luther King, Jr Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75215. H.O.P.E. Health and Wellness Center is accepting walkins for vaccines during business hours, Mondays and Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To help encourage increased vaccine rates, API will also con duct two $500 raffles for indi viduals who complete their 1st dose of the vaccine by December 15. The drawing will take place at Dallas Southern Pride’s Christ mas Fundraising Gala featuring a performance by Patti LaBelle on Saturday, December 17, 2022, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. CST at the Fairmont Dallas, 1717 Akard Street, Dallas, TX 75201.

ana. In 1937, he graduated from Booker T. Washing ton High School in Dallas, Texas where he advanced his baseball interested, already honed through neighborhood sandlot games and summer play at the historic, segregat ed Moorland YMCA. He married Georgia Mae Donald, and they had their son, Gene Serrell, in Dallas. Barney Serrell was a second baseman and left-hand batter from 1942-1945, then played

with Mexican League teams from 1945-1957. He played with many noted early Negro League play ers including the Kansas City Monarchs’ Satchel Paige and Ernie Banks. Fans in Mexico, Cuba and Puerto Rico nick named Serrell “El Grillo,” meaning “The Cricket.”

In baseball interviews, Serrell said fans gave him the nickname because of his thin body and smooth movements. Barney Ser rell died August 15, 1996

at age 76 in East Palo Alto, California. His biography is chronicled in two books about African-Americans in Minor League and Ne gro League baseball -Black Ball: New Research in African American Base ball History edited in 1921 by Leslie Heaphy and The Integration of the Pacific Coast League: Race and Baseball on the West Coast written by Amy Essington in 2018.

Family members who attended Barney Serrell’s induction said they were grateful that his athletic skills and achievements did not go unrecognized.

“Our grandfather was a Negro Leagues su perstar…who narrowly missed the integration of Major League Baseball,” eldest grandson Paul Ser rell posted on social me dia. “We are humbled and thrilled that … (the Hall of Fame) set the record straight and immortalized (his) stellar career into the history books.”

David and Paul Serrell (L-R) stand at the Mexican Hall of Fame poster of their grandfather Barney Serrell

Paul Serrell (far right) stands in for his grandfather with the other Mexican Hall of Fame inductees and representatives

Kirk Myers-Hill

American Court Injustice - A Long Dirty History!

QUIT PLAYIN’

By Vincent L. Hall

"Turning Ahmaud Arbery into a victim after the choices that he made does not reflect the reality of what brought Ahmaud Ar bery to Satilla Shores in his kha ki shorts with no socks to cover his long, dirty toenails," Laura Hogue told jurors.

Being shocked has become a daily ritual ever since Donald Trump announced his presi dency. Trump didn't invent rac ism; he just created a safe place for public expression. Racial ignorance comes covert, overt, often, and unsolicited.

But the quote mentioned above entered into the eternal transcripts of the Ahmaud Ar bery trial surpassed shock and entered the realm of stupor.

The idea that any “officer of the court” holding a bar license would stoop as low as to exca vate the dirtiest of racial tropes was appalling on several levels.

WJCL, a local television af filiate in Savannah, Georgia, reported how the legal commu nity perceived defense attorney Laura Hogue's comments.

TEXASMetroNews

Publisher

“In that moment, Hogue took the opportunity to portray Ar bery as a "runaway slave," said Charles Coleman Jr., a civ il rights attorney, and former prosecutor.

"Her word choice was inten tional, her descriptions were unnecessary. And the descrip tion ultimately is inflammato ry," Coleman told CNN.

It was an "attempt to sort of really trigger some of the racial tropes and stereotypes that may be deeply embedded in the psy che of some of the jurors," he continued.

Glynn County, where the tri al is being held, is made up of 69% White residents and 27% Black. Just one of the 12 jurors is Black.”

But as far as race-laden and unjust trial cases go, this case was par for America’s course.

In the Viola Liuzzo trial, Thomas Eaton and Collie Leroy Wilkins Jr. were acquitted by state trials and convicted under federal charges.

Ms. Liuzzo, a White wom an, dismissed the warnings of the local NAACP president and was killed by Montgomery, Al abama Klan members for shut tling Negro men after a civil rights march.

Bernhard Goetz was declared not guilty after shooting four Black teenagers, and one was

left paralyzed. Goetz spent eight months in jail, but only because he was not authorized to carry the weapon.

Gun lobbyists have been

African Americans to register to vote. He offered to help pay for their poll.

Klan Wizard Sam Bowers won several acquittals while

about to be robbed.

Shea was found not guilty by 11 White men and one Black woman after testifying that the boy had a weapon. That weap on supposedly seen with the boy was never found.

The Arbery trial makes you wonder what zealous attorneys said before a jury in untelevised trials.

With judges like “Injustice” Bruce Schroeder in the Ritten house case’ there is no telling. Schroeder’s discriminating court demeanor possibly led the jury to find the young shoot er not guilty.

There is an age-old admon ishment in Black America that Schroder et al could learn from. Black mothers have for centu ries told their children to always leave home in clean underwear and clothes. Just in case you die before you make it home, at least you will look decent.

thriving ever since. Under to day's "carry laws" in most states, Goetz would have left the court room for home.

On January 10, 1966, Ku Klux Klan members firebombed the house and country store of local NAACP leader Vernon Dahmer who died of smoke inhalation trying to defend his home. Dahmer was guilty of enticing

Dahmer’s wife and family watched from the “cheap seats” aka the “old colored section.”

1973, Thomas Shea, a plain clothes New York City cop, shot 10-year-old Clifford Glover in the back as they ran. Glover and his dad, Add Armstead, ran as police approached them in an unmarked police car. The fa ther and son thought they were

I guess we have to add a fresh pedicure and a pair of socks of the defense attorney’s choosing to that list. However, the toes of injustice on the feet of Amer ica's judicial system are long, dirty, and unfit for inspection.

The remarks of Laura Hogue proved that, and no jury could refute that charge. Well…unless Schroder sat for the case!

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

We still need affirmative action

But today’s Supreme Court is different. It’s dominated by farright justices who have made it clear they don’t share this view.

By Ben Jealous

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.

I am deeply concerned about two affirmative action cases ar gued at the Supreme Court just a few days ago. Opponents of affirmative action have been trying to destroy it for years. And now it looks like they just might get their chance.

Two universities, Harvard and the University of North Carolina (UNC), are defend ing their admissions programs against opponents who want them declared unconstitution al.

The university where I teach, Penn, and the organization I lead, People For the American Way, have both joined briefs supporting the universities’ positions. Considering race as

one of many factors in admis sions has been upheld by the Supreme Court for decades. The court has said repeatedly that diversity in higher educa tion is a “compelling interest.”

Chief Justice John Roberts’s famous quote, “The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race,” sums it up: conservatives believe affir mative action is at best unnec essary and at worst just anoth er type of discrimination.

The Supreme Court

Some conservatives would like to retire affirmative action because they claim it’s accom plished everything it set out to do. But it hasn’t. Not even close.

In Texas and Michigan, ap

Vincent

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, shown in March, spoke in defense of affirmative action during Oct. 31 arguments.

Photo: KENT NISHIMURA/LOS ANGELES TIMES/TNS

Laura Hogue

Gratitude is an entire Attitude

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

By Dr. Froswa' Booker-Drew

As I’ve gotten older, Thanksgiv ing is different for me. Our gath erings are much smaller but more meaningful. When I was a kid, we would go to my grandparent’s house or visit my family in Hous ton. The memories of being sur rounded by so much family, lots of food and laughter is something that I will always cherish. Times have changed. Many familiar fac es are no longer with us and it’s bittersweet. I have many memo ries that I share with my daughter but it’s not the same. I miss those times of the past, but it’s made me more intentional about creating new memories.

Thanksgiving is more than a few days of rest, a great meal and

some leftovers, it’s actually a time of reflection for me. It’s an oppor tunity to recognize God’s good ness and grace. No matter what we go through, there is something to always be grateful for. There are benefits to expressing gratitude.

Harvard Health Publishing states, “gratitude is strongly and con sistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps peo ple feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

Gratitude is a choice that has sig nificant implications for our lives.

The last 15 months of my life have been filled with enormous change and transition. It’s been difficult and yet, I see the hand of God all over my journey. It’s been something to witness both goodness and hardship exist at the same time. I’ve learned that to endure these difficult seasons of life, we must learn to practice gratitude. Gratitude is an import

ant part of our faith. No matter what I go through, God is there.

• “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philip pians 4:4-7)

I am thankful for my friends and family. I am blessed to have the love and support from them. They accept my imperfections and love me in spite of me.

• I thank God every time I re member you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. (Philippians 1:3-4, NIV) I am thankful for the provisions that God has blessed me with. I don’t focus on what I don’t have

but I am keenly aware of what I do have:

• When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. (Deuteronomy 8:10, NIV)

I am grateful for my health. As my mother says, ‘getting older isn’t for suckers’. The changes our bod ies endure are not easy and yet, I am blessed to witness the gift of my body—the resilience, the ability and resolve!

• “Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!” (Psalm 103:1-5, NLT)

I recognize my blessings are no

accident. Being grateful is essen tial in recognizing the work of God in my life.

• Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shift ing shadow. (James 1:17)

I’ve made the choice to see the good, to be grateful, acknowledge the grief and loss and create new memories that honor the past, center the present and cast a vi sion for future possibilities.

"Give thanks in all circumstanc es; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, founder of the Reconciliation and Restoration Foundation (r2fdn.org) and the author of 4 books including the recently released, Empowering Charity: A New Narrative of Philanthropy. She is also the host of the Tapestry podcast.

“His Grace Is Sufficient For You Because Your Weakness Is Also

Said

By Terry Allen

I am so proud that I had a strong, caring, resilient and lov ing grandmother. Lucille “Big Mama” Allen would be an In stagram and TikTok sensation trending over everybody else if she were alive today.

Big Mama’s lessons are always appropriate for the time. The great thing about “Big Mama’s “left back” lessons is that wher ever I go you tell me you are reading the column and you too had a Big Mama just like me and she re-stated over and over again the same pearls.

When I first heard my Big Ma ma-isms, I did not give them the deserving reverence I give them now. I am so glad I get to hear Lucille “Big Mama” Allen’s in other people all the time.

When I recall this latest from

her playbook, “his grace is suf ficient for you because your weakness is also your greatest strength” I am reminded of this passage as it over laps with my historical moments I had with the Historian John Henr ik Clarke, a mentor and leader. During Dr. Clarke’s time with me he stated that our greatest strengths are our greatest weak nesses. He said when you find the strength of a peo ple look on the flip side and you will also find their weakness, He said we are fighting and voting over issues in this country and we have forgotten that we are descendants of the richest and most expensive piece of ge ography God ever placed on this earth! Africa! Big Mama would say we would have to practice thanksliving.

Biblically speaking, Big Mama was saying to me that God spoke: “I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my

grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves

great capacity to strangers and it becomes our weakness because in that humility we failed to ask the ‘visitors “what is your intention in my house?

Clarke and Big Mama both stated that our weak ness is why we lost our way. Dr. Clark said our loy alty systems and our cul tural continuity has been destroyed by institution alized racism because we failed to ask “why?/what is your intention?” to my people.

gender struggles as we all have crosses to bear.

In the words of Historian John Henrik Clarke, “I have no issues falling to my knees to honor, weep for the great losses in the historically recorded losses.

before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things be come strong unto them.”

Clarke was “a scholar devot ed to redressing what he saw as a systematic, racist suppression and distortion of African history by traditional scholars” He said that African American greatest strength is our humanity and

He said we as anBlack family are arguing about something we do not even know what the orig inal issue was and during Thanksgiving we are fragmented by the weak side of our strengths.

Clarke would say that is why we have our 400-year “Helluvacost.”

We let our house go without a re covery plan! We have forgotten to be thankful to those who are like us and those who are us.

I am not trying to take away any culture, religion, race or

I stand with every loss and all I ask that you stand with me and weep, pray and honor for my more than 121 million ancestors who we lost.” That loss exhibited the worst atrocities visited upon a people. So, it is written that every man has his Kryptonite yet the kryptonite-emancipat ing-codex lies in the corrective and historical recall of our jour ney and to be thankful to those who look like us.

So, it is time we take a look at our thanksgiving and check and see if we are thanks living. Go be thankful and tell me what you learned by emailing me at the paper.

Terry Allen is an award-winning media professional, journalist, and entrepreneur. He is also the founder of City Men Cook and 1016 Media. Reach him at terryallenpr@gmail.com

Big Mama

BRIEFS

DART’s Annual Holiday Stuff a Bus Event Returns

The annual Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) “Stuff a Bus” program has returned to help our North Texas residents in need. With the holiday season just around the corner, the Stuff a Bus program will deliver socks and blankets to The Senior Source –as well as new and unwrapped toys and canned food for children and families in need throughout the North Texas area. There are 3 ways to support DART’s Stuff a Bus.

1. You can drop off your donation curbside at SMU/Mockingbird Station on Friday, December 9, from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.

2. Now through December 12, you can donate at the DARTmart (1401 Pacific Avenue, Dallas) or one of these partic ipating transit centers, Monday – Fri day, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Addison Transit Center

Downtown Garland Station

Downtown Irving/Heritage Crossing Sta tion

J.B. Jackson, Jr. Transit Center

Ledbetter Station

Parker Road Station

South Garland Transit Center

CBD East Transfer Center

CBD West Transfer Center (CBD East and West Transfer Centers are also available Satur

day and Sunday from 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)

3. Contribute virtually using DART's Amazon Wish List.

For more information about the DART Stuff a Bus program, please visit our website at dart.org/stuffabus.

Black Changemakers program shines spotlight on Black community leaders and nonprofits

The PepsiCo Foundation and Doritos SOLID BLACK are teaming up to uplift Black community leaders, ensuring bold voices that often go unheard are being amplified and given the opportunity to create posi tive change within their communities.

The Foundation has committed to award ing a $50,000 grant to each selected Black Changemaker’s nonprofit organization to celebrate and support the bold impact of their efforts. Additionally, the Foundation will provide leadership development train ing in partnership with Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Dor itos SOLID BLACK will share their platform with the game changing nonprofit leaders. In 2022, a similar program from Dor itos SOLID BLACK amplified the voices of four Black Changemakers who are making waves in their communities.

• Miss Diddy: A Compton, California native and entertainment marketer, has prioritized impact as a part of her success story. This includes providing ev ery senior citizen home in Compton with masks throughout the pandemic, pro viding Christmas gifts to 5,000 families, and helping connect over 2,000 families with access to nutritious meals. With the support of the Black Changemakers program, she extended her ongoing focus on community impact supporting the SoLa I CAN Foundation’s mission to strengthen community development, ac cess to education, and economic oppor tunity for youth in South Los Angeles.

•

DJ Mr. Rogers: DJ Mr. Rogers is the

co-founder of the Relief Gang, a non profit designed to aid Houstonians af fected by Hurricane Harvey which over the last five years has grown into a re gional effort extending to other parts of Texas and Louisiana. As a Black Change maker program participant, he was able to expand his efforts and make an even bolder impact on his community.

• Eric Hart Jr.: Originally from Georgia and now a photographer in New York City, Eric Hart Jr. is focused on am plifying the power of Blackness and queerness through the art of photog raphy. With the support of the Black Changemakers program, Eric was able to support The Gordon Parks Foundation which permanently preserves the work of Gordon Parks by making it available to the public through exhibitions, books,

and electronic media and supports artis tic and educational activities.

• PikaChulita: PikaChulita, from Mem phis, Tennessee, is part of Black Girl Gamers, a Twitch channel centered around creating safe, supportive, and fun spaces for marginalized individu als – especially those who are Black, Brown, or LGBTQIA+. PikaChulita is focused on working with organizations that give the next generation a head start in tech, including CodeCrew who she supported through the 2022 class. Individuals dedicated to making bold, positive impacts in their own communities are encouraged to apply.

If you know a nonprofit leader in your community who should apply, please share the application link. Applications are open through December 11.

Mayor Eric Johnson on Monday request ed an inventory of vacant, unused, and un derused city-owned land to determine what can be transformed into a park, playground, sports court, or affordable housing.

Mayor Johnson made the request in a memo to City Manager T.C. Broadnax. The mayor, who has made parks a top priority of his administration, previously announced his intention to request the inventory in his State of the City Address earlier this month.

Dallas has become a national leader in developing innovative green spaces and has continued to improve its parks and program ming for families in the city. New parks such as Carpenter Park, West End Plaza, and South Oak Cliff Renaissance Park have replaced for mer sites of surface parking lots and illegal dumping grounds.

According to Trust for Public Land, the City of Dallas and its nonprofit partners have brought new parks and trails within a 10-min ute walk of nearly 300,000 residents over the last few years.

However, more than a quarter of Dallas residents still do not live within a 10-minute walk of a park. Mayor Johnson has made it a goal to ensure that all Dallas residents have access to parks, trails, and other green spaces.

"I believe now is the time to take our ef

forts to the next level," Mayor Johnson said. "Through land already owned by the City of Dallas, we have opportunities to create new green spaces and improve neighborhoods across our city."

The mayor encouraged the city manager to work with Trust for Public Land and the semi-independent Dallas Park & Recreation Department to compile the inventory.

"This is a project worth our city’s time and attention. Creating new public spaces out of land we already own can improve the health and quality of life of countless residents, children, and families across Dallas," Mayor Johnson said. "We must be proactive, and we must be bold. We are dreamers, not specula tors. We must also be a city of doers, and not perpetual planners."

IN MEMORIAM: NAACP Mourns

The Passing Of Cecilia Marshall, Former NAACP Legal Secretary

She was 94.

Remembered as an historian and civil rights activist, Cecilia Suyat Marshall, a Filipi no born in Hawaii, came to the United States in 1948. She was a former NAACP legal sec retary.

In a statement released by the NAACP, it read: During her time with the Association, she worked on a variety of cases including the Groveland Four case and the landmark Brown v. Board of Education. It was at the Association that she met and ultimately married Justice Marshall in 1955 and during their wedding ceremony was given away by NAACP leader Roy Wilkins.

In a 2013 interview, Marshall was asked about her impression of race growing up in Hawaii. “I really didn’t have any idea at all, because I went to school with different nation alities, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, and I think there was only one Negro family in the whole section where I was,” she said. She described

her move to New York as the moment she learned about “the racial problem.”

“I remember segregation very well. You couldn’t go to different places. You couldn’t sit in any place. I just wish Thurgood were here… to see his work and the work of his lawyers.”

We remember Marshall as a staunch ad vocate for civil rights, who was committed to safeguarding the reputation and legacy of her late husband.

Rest in Power.

Cecilia “Cissy” Marshall, widow of Su preme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, has died.

Dallas Mayor calls for inventory of city-owned land to turn into parks, playgrounds, affordable housing

Mayor Eric Johnson

Cecilia Cissy Marshall

DJ Mr. Rogers

Superb Women November 2022

Our Superb Women!

By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News

2021 was the "Year of the Woman," es pecially the Black Woman! For 10 months we dedicated this space to uplifting Black women and spreading a message that we need to show love and empower people with love instead of destroying them with hate and disrespect. We celebrate Black Women and call them SUPERB! AND WE ARE KEEPING THE CELEBRATION GOING IN 2022!

KLAS 8 News- TV and KFOX -TV. Ashanti served as President of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of Society of Professional Journalists. She received a B.A. Degree in Sociology from Columbia University and a Masters Degree in Journalism from the University of Miami.

JACQUETTA “JACKIE”

ZIEGLER,

MHA

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority member Jackie Ziegler is a businesswoman, philanthropist and humanitarian.

accounting after pledging the Delta Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. A charter member of the Metropolitan Dallas Alumnae Chapter, she received her Masters Degree in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. A native of Amite, LA, she has worked as the comptroller at Park Cities Presbyterian Church and business administrator at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. Previously she worked as an accountant at Arco Oil and Gas Company. Ophelia established a non profit 501(c) (3) organization, Annies Gifts of Love Charitable Foundation, as a funding source to support and encourage survivors of domestic violence. Find out more at www. anniesgiftsoflove.org.

YVETTE R. WILLIAMS

First Lady Yvette R. Williams is definitely leadership in action!

Director, she worked as the Sr. Manager of Philanthropy at JCPenney and also enjoyed a stint at Susan G. Komen. A breast cancer survivor, this wife and mother is the CEO and co-founder of The Love Kings. Crystal is a writer, speaker, producer, director and a “super blogger.” Additionally she was a Pink Together Survivor Ambassador for General Mills.

EMILY MICHELLE BLUE

Emily Michelle Blue lives by the principle of being well from the inside out.

After graduating from Duncanville (TX) High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated in the top 10 percent of her class, Ciera Johnson played college basketball at Texas A&M University, where she is a member of the 1000-point club, scoring 1,066 points and finished her career sixth in field goal percentage, while majoring in Human Resource Development. Ciera was selected with the No. 32 pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft. Ciera was named the SEC ScholarAthlete of the Year (2021) and was also rated as the No. 1 post player in the 2016 recruiting class by ESPN HoopGurlz.

DR. FELICIA BLOW, APR

Dr. Felicia Blow, APR currently serves as Associate Vice President for Development at Hampton University.

A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and numerous other business, economic development, and community service organizations, Dr. Felicia Blow, APR earned her bachelor’s degree in mass media arts from Hampton University; her master’s in business administration from Strayer University; and her doctorate in higher education administration from Old Dominion University. In 2012, Strayer

ASHANTI BLAIZE-HOPKINS

Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins is the first Black woman ever to hold the position of Vice President of the Society of Professional Journalists in the organization’s 113 year history.

A principal consultant with Zeigler Coaching & Consulting, Jackie Zeigler has been a vice president at QRx Medical Management, Medical City Plano and Medical City Arlington. She received a Bachelor of Psychology from Centenary College of Louisiana, a Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from Louisiana State University and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Trinity University. She also has studied at Harvard Business School Online. In 2017, Zeigler founded MPACT for Mankind and she is devoted to making this world a better place, through her works and deeds.

OPHELIA GREENE

Author, businesswoman and speaker, Ophelia Robertson Greene is there as a source of encouragement for those who have suffered pain.

A wife, mother and entrepreneur, Yvette R. Williams is the First Lady of Smith Chapel AME Church. The epitome of grace, beauty, compassion and love, she is the recipient of the 2022 Leadership in Action Award presented at the First Ladies Bruncheon, benefitting the Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support. A native of St. Louis, MO., she was a cast member of the reality show Preachers Wives on Lifetime Television. She has served as the Executive Assistant to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, and also a 3rd Episcopal VP and 2nd Episcopal VP, in addition to chairing several ministries. She has served as chaplain of the LA Chapter of Jack and Jill Inc.

CRYSTAL JENKINS KING

Crystal Jenkins King is beauty and strength.

A tenured professor of journalism at Santa Monica College, Ashanti BlaizeHopkins was an adjunct instructor at USC and Assistant Director of Student Media at Loyola Marymount University. She co-founded Get Media PR, was a media relations consultant for The Harrell Group, adjunct professor at Richland College, and anchor reports at NBC 5- Dallas,

The Office Manager at Grissett Enterprises McDonalds,

Greene is a Grambling State University alum, graduating with a degree in

Crystal King hails from Albany, GA , graduating from Westover High School and attended Valdosta State University, and graduated from Albany State University before attending UTA, where she received her MBA and a graduate certificate in Asian Business Studies. Currently the National Vice President, Creative at American Heart Association where she was also Multicultural Marketing National

She is the founder and president of EMB Chrysalis Foundation and also the CEO/ Founder and Certified Life & Wellness Coach at Fx3 Coaching, LLC. The creator and show host at Brand New Day with Emily Blue, she hails from Dallas. In addition to attending Texas A&M University- Commerce to study curriculum & instruction, Emily graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and studied Journalism and Broadcast News at SMU, graduating in 2000. A Plus-Size Pageant winner, Ms Black Dallas 2012; she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a long-time member of the National Association of Black Journalists. A former educator, Emily has purpose, passion, promise, patience, persistence and a wonderful personality!

LATASHA CUMMINGS

Latasha Cummings is the founding Executive Director of We aRe Her Leadership Academy for young ladies eight and up. A successful entrepreneur, she is the owner operator of Tea N Tee Party Rentals, LLC

CIERA JOHNSON

Ciera Johnson is a center for the Phoenix Mercury.

University named Dr. Blow its Outstanding Alumna of the Year. She is also the 2022 Chair of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

Ophelia Robertson

Cheryl Smith

to working as a truancy coordinator for Lancaster ISD, she was the International Truancy President for the International Association for Truancy and Dropout Prevention. A child advocate, this identical twin about being THAT voice and being the CHANGE.

RONA GASSAWAY JACKSON

and President and CEO of Peaches Party Package. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from Mansfield Business College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health Services Administration from Spelman College. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Latasha is an awardwinning, best-selling author. She is also a member of the National Council of Negro Women (Minnie H Goodlow Page Sectionserved as 1st vice president), Top Ladies Of Distinction and Order of Eastern Star.

Accounting from the University of North Texas and her MA Degree in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. A member of the Leadership Dallas Class of 1999, Candace is interested in civil rights and social action, education, humanitarian efforts, poverty alleviation and social services.

LAVEETA VAUGHN

LaVeeta Vaughn has the natural ability to identify emotional stressors while comfortably giving families the desire to improve their current situations.

Dr. Denise Strickland has enjoyed stints at Arkansas Department of Education, Tulsa Public Schools, Garland Independent School District, Pearson Inc., Tom Joyner Online Education, The Potter’s House, LeTourneau University, Girl Scouts of NE Texas, Argosy University and Arlington ISD. She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education (Early Childhood/ElementaryEducation) and Elementary Administration/Elementary Principalship at Arkansas State University, respectively; and a Doctorate of Education from Oral Roberts University.

CANDACE GRAY

A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Candace Gray is a true servant leader. The senior director at Buckner Children and Family Services, Candace Gray is focused and committed. In addition to owning Gray Consulting Group, she was a senior program manager for the Foundation for Community Empowerment, a financial analyst for Pepsico Food Systems and an auditor for Coopers and Lybrand. She received her BS Degree in

LaVeeta Hamilton is the executive director of Family Promise of Collin County. Previously she served as program director of the Assistance Center of Collin County. In partnership with churches and other organizations, LaVeeta organized the back to school and Christmas programs, providing free school supplies along with Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts for over 500 children in Collin County. She also worked at Rebuilding Together and LifePath Systems. Laveeta received an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Metropolitan Community College. She then received a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University. LaVeeta has a heart for the work she does and she is totally committed.

DR. ETHEL BAYLEY SCRUGGS

An independent consultant, Dr. Ethel Bayley Scruggs attended Virginia Union University where she received her BS in Elementary Education and Teaching and then a MS in Education from Brooklyn College. She taught for New York City Public Schools and Miami Dade County Public Schools. She also enjoyed a stint at Paul Quinn College and Texas College. A servant-leader, Dr. Scruggs is a member of

First Lady Melonye Batson is known for her “dynamic, inspiring and anointed ministry in music and teaching.”

An electrifying worship leader, mother, inspirational speaker, advocate for youth and entrepreneur, she is the First Lady of Red Oak Faith Fellowship Church, where she is the Ministry Leader for Music, Vision Women, Intercessory Prayer. First Lady Batson has mentored many women, students, and married couples with her music ministry and spiritual development training. Those who know her are familiar with the phrase she coined, “It’s not authentic worship, if there is still room for doubt and fear of judgement.”

DONA GASSAWAY MITCHELL

She and her sister, Dona, are the daughters and granddaughters of identical twins! A grandmother, like her sister, she is deeply grounded in her faith and family is definitely a priority! An educator, author, performer and writer, Rona’s creative juices are always flowing.

Over the decades, Rona has focused a lot of her attention on youth. She is about lifting as she climbs and educating the masses. Dallas’ own Rona is special in so many ways and if her intellect and heart were not enough, there is the beauty of her smile, which we’d like to say is like none other, but actually it is. It is like her beautiful sister, who when she looks at, is like looking in a mirror; so vibrant and endearing as well as captivating and encouraging.

ALISA SIMMONS

YMCA Arlington Board of Directors. Alisa currently serves as President of the Arlington NAACP, First Vice President of Texas NAACP and a member of the ACLU of Texas Board of Directors.

LADEITRA ADKINS

Dona Gassaway Mitchell is the CEO and Founder of the DGM Foundation, Inc. A performing, literary and visual artist, she is also an artistic director, author, event manager, screenwriters, playwright, poet, talent scout and storyteller. In addition

Born in Austin, TX, Alisa Simmons is a mother, entrepreneur, community activist and soon to be elected official, having just won a seat on the Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court. The J. H. Reagan High School graduate received her degree in journalism from Texas Woman’s University and worked for KNOK, KHVN, KRLD, WFAA, and NBC5 in various positions. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she served on the Arlington Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, Chisholm Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross Board of Directors,

LaDeitra Adkins is a family law practitioner with a heart for social justice and helping others. Like her grandmother, she has lived a life of service. A graduate of Dallas’ Skyline High School, LaDeitra received a BS in Criminal Justice at Prairie View A&M, and her Juris Doctor degree from South Texas School of Law. LaDeitra is a past chair of the Juvenile Justice Committee and the 6A Grievance Committee. She founded Candidate Connection Group, a campaign consulting firm whose clients shared her values, her dedication to fairness, her respect for others and a respect for the rule of law while insisting on efficiency of the process. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority she is a mother, soccer coach and Girl Scout Troop leader.

Vonda Bailey is a native of Dallas, where she is the managing partner of the Law Office of Vonda Bailey, PLLC., providing legal assistance in family law. A member of the Lancaster Church of Christ. She is a proud graduate of David W. Carter High School and received both her bachelor and masters degree from UTA. Vonda graduated in 2014 from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. A definite community servant and leader, Vonda is dedicated to building her communities, one family at a time. Beyond Vonda’s leadership achievements, her family is the center of her life. Vonda is a wife and mother. And she is now JudgeElect!

DENISE STRICKLAND, ED.D. Dr. Denise Strickland is the President and Executive Director of Design Connect Create.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a leader in the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., and the AME Church.

FIRST LADY MELONYE BATSON

VONDA BAILEY

Lifestyle Metro Calendar powered by

DECEMBER

WORLD AIDS DAY

UTA FAFSA NIGHT

High school students and their families are invited to receive free assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Com pleting FAFSA is a requirement for receiving federal financial assistance to attend college. Assistance will be offered during FAFSA Night from 5 - 7 p.m. on the UTA campus. 2

benefiting: Awayoutproject.org. from 3-8 pm at Michael’s Las Coli nas, 925 W John Carpenter Freeway #100, Irving. Tickets: www.dfwso cial40.com 4

Family and Friends Day at New Birth Baptist Church, 444 W. Ledbetter

Nutcracker In person, On Demand, and Streaming 7 pm. at the Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm St. Dallas. Tickets: www. dbdt.com

14

Washington-Lincoln Alumni Asso ciation, JINGLE AND MINGLE Christ mas Luncheon, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, 800 North Main St, Duncanville at $35 Contact Veronica Mosley (214)415-7503 16

Robert Holbert Group at 5:30 pm host South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. Purchase Tickets: PayPal: southdallasbpwc.org or Zelle to: southdal las1954@yahoo.com

JANUARY

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023

105.7 Smooth Winter VII featuring Fantasia and Joe, with Special Guest RC Gritz at Texas Trust Theater at Grand Prairie 15

The R&B Kick Back featuring TYRESE, Anthony Hamilton and Donell Jones at Texas Trust Theater at Grand Prairie

Black Family Business Networking Event. Have you been searching for the right online community for you? 1st Black Family Business Network ing Event with Alicia Beatrice. From 6 to 7 pm CST. Online. Reg: http:// bit.ly/3UIu6Ix 3

Dallas Holiday Parade in the Down town Historic District at Main Street Gardens for the 6th Annual Family First Dallas Holiday Festival! 7:00am-3:00pm Ultimate Holi-Day/Night

Christy Dean’s How Many Frogs Do I Have to F#@K to Get a Prince at 5 pm at the Mesquite Arts Center, 1527 N. Galloway Ave. Mesquite. Tickets: www.shadesofbrownt heatre.ticketleap.com/How-Ma ny_Frogs 6

A TASTE OF LOGISTICS

WOMEN MOVING THE WORLD

Listen to the knowledge and experiences of the women who found success in this field.

South Dallas Training Center, 4915 Brashear Avenue

ZOOM: Meeting ID: 857 3474 8062

Passcode: 658479 5-7pm 8

A TASTE OF LOGISTICS

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Learn the dos and don’ts of starting a business, banking, credit and more

South Dallas Training Center, 4915 Brashear Avenue

ZOOM: Meeting ID: 857 3474 8062

Passcode: 658479 5-7pm 10 DBDT Presents The Espresso

Christmas Musical by DeSoto Parks and Recreation Dept. from 8 to 10 pm. at DeSoto Corner Theater 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd. DeSoto. Tickets: http://bit.ly/3EM8GEE 10-12 BICA Legacy Weekend - Skyline Ranch 13

A TASTE OF LOGISTICS

TECH MOVING THE WORLD

Technology makes the logistics industry more efficient. In this session, find out what that entails.

South Dallas Training Center, 4915 Brashear Avenue

ZOOM: Meeting ID: 857 3474 8062 Pass code: 658479 5-7pm

Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists presents

READ

& BLACK

A Journalist’s Holiday Ella B’s , 1004 N. Collins, Arling ton. 6-9 pm Partner: NBC5’s Black Employee Network and Just CHILL Sports Admission - Bring a book suitable for 2-18 years old, to benefit homeless youth at The Promise House 18

Holiday Scholarship Benefit Perfor mance with Rick Bernard James and

The MLK Comedy Kick-Off Corey Holcomb & Friends hosted by Tony Roberts at the Majestic Theatre 14

New details: What really happened to Shanquella Robinson?

can authorities did not mention Robinson’s physical injuries, which family members have said existed on her body prior to her burial. Grave injuries to her back and neck were deter mined to be the cause of death after an autopsy by officials in Mexico. The police report says she also suffered cardiac arrest.

Since her death, and after a video of one of her friends fighting her went viral, the FBI and Mexican police authori ties have launched investiga tions into how she died. The lack of conclusive evidence and conflicting explanations has led to her story going vi ral, invoking global outcry with countless people closely fol lowing Robinson’s death. The hashtag #JusticeForShanquella has been trending on Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok. No ar rests were reported have been made so far. Robinson’s fam ily became suspicious of her friends’ claims that she died of alcohol poisoning when a Mex ican autopsy report showed that her cause of death was “severe spinal cord injury and atlas luxation.” Atlas Luxation is a form of neck injury.

What happened?

Video shows Robinson walk ing through the villa excitedly looking for her friends. Details from there are sketchy. But here’s the timeline according to the report:

Oct. 29 timeline

2:13 p.m. – Wenter Donovan, one of six friends who traveled with Robinson, called for med ical help at Villa Linda 32, a property run by company Cabo Villas.

3:13 p.m. – Dr. Karolina Be atriz Ornelas Gutiérrez, from a local hospital, arrived to treat Robinson. According to the Charlotte Observer, Gutiérrez says she was told that Robinson had “drunk a lot of alcohol” and needed to “be given an IV.” Guti érrez says Robinson had stable vital signs but was dehydrated, unable to communicate verbally and appeared to be inebriated. The report said Gutiérrez be lieved Robinson needed to be transferred to a hospital but her friends insisted that she be treat

ed in the villa.

4:13 p.m. – Robinson begins having a seizure. The convul sions from the seizure lasted less than a minute.

4:14 p.m.: Gutiérrez requests that the friends take Robinson to the hospital. They decline and insist on her being treated at the villa.

4:45 p.m. – Wenter Donovan calls 911 for an ambulance while doctor administers CPR.

5:25 p.m. – Police arrive.

5:30 p.m. – Paramedics ar rive and administer 14 rounds of CPR, five doses of adrenaline and six discharges (AED shocks) without success.

5:47 p.m. – Shanquella de clared dead.

How did Shanqulla die?

Sallamondra Robinson, Shan quella’s mother, says each friend from the trip has a different sto ry and they initially told her that her daughter had alcohol poi soning. Robinson’s family be came suspicious of her friends’ claims that she died of alcohol poisoning when a Mexican au topsy report showed that her cause of death was “severe spi nal cord injury and atlas luxa tion.” Atlas Luxation is a form of neck injury.

Mexican authorities are in vestigating Robinson’s death as a possible femicide, the State Attorney General’s Office of Baja California Sur announced. Femicide is “the gender-based murder of a woman or girl by a man. The FBI began investigat ing Robinson’s death amid the conflicting reports.

Video of one of Shanquella’s friends fighting her has gone viral.

cont. from page 1

A video has gone viral and shows a naked woman, barely verbal, being hit and punched in the face multiple times by another woman until she falls to the ground. A person not seen in the video is heard say ing “Quella can you at least fight back?” Sallamondra Robinson confirmed its her daughter in the video being beaten.

Desperate for answers

Robinson’s sister Quilla Long said in a statement published to gofundme, the family will continue to investigate what happened and they are raising funds for legal fees. “

The United States State De partment released a statement claiming “no clear evidence of foul play,” yet there is a video circulating of a woman violent ly attacking Shanquella,” Long said. “This statement is unac ceptable, and we are beyond devastated. We continue to fight for the truth.”

Robinson’s homegoing ser vice was held at the Macedo nia Baptist Church on Nov. 19 Credit: Twitter

As of Monday morning, the page had raised $354,422. This included a $50,000 donation from Brooklyn Nets player Kyrie Irving. Hundreds of community members attended Robinson’s funeral on Nov. 19 and loved ones wore pink in her honor. Her casket, wrapped with pho tos of her, was pulled into the Macedonia Baptist Church by a horse-drawn carriage. Her loved ones signed the casket before she was laid to rest.

Shanquella Robinson

Ed

December 1, 2022

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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Kevin and Dr. Dolores Raivzee-Bell 29 years

Pastor Bryan and First Lady Stephanie Sadberry Carter - 24 years

Reginald and Candace Blanks 12 years

Dawrence and Petre Pleasants-White 29 years

Lawrence and April Ross 30 years

Bobby and Tracey Artis 25 years

Ervin and Deborah Mosley Norman 52 years

Mr. Lafayette and Gwendolyn Woods 44 years

Quincy and Ruth Allen Ollison 42 years

Mr. Jermonde and KLeigh Taylor

Wayne C. and Connie Cooper 42 years

Vivian B. and Frederick Johnson 38 years

Olohimai and Juliet Michael

Bishop Gregory and First Lady Irvin 44 years

Mike and Traci Long 30 years

Joseph and Herdercine Nash 61 years

Marva Williams and Tommy Kirk 42 years

Tonia Evette and James Johnson

My Truth

cont. from page 1

that we have issues with gun violence, police misconduct, homelessness, mass produc tion of “food,” unethical use of chemicals in the manufacturing of drugs and more.

Responsible parties must be called out and held account able.

Then the real work begins. Atonement for previous actions comes in the form of righting wrongs. All inappropriate be havior, actions must end imme diately and efforts undertaken to insure there aren’t reoccur rences and there must also be a

commitment to doing better in the future.

And finally, those who were hurt, injured or victimized should be provided with some form of respite; possibly in the form of restitution or repara tions and when possible, from the actual perpetrator.

In the final analyses, some one has to pay the piper, wheth er it's the actual benefactor or their beneficiaries. To think that no one must pay for the devas tation is absurd.

Just as it is my prayer that there will be a better world for my de scendants; I also pray that some of the madness that we are re sponsible for today will not end up destroying the world entirely!

We Still Need

plications and enrollments of Black and Latino students plunged after state politicians banned the consideration of race in admission to their pub lic universities. That’s a huge red flag.

Nationally, there’s a big gap between the percentage of white and Black students who earn a bachelor’s degree.

And that perpetuates all kinds of harm and inequities in income, health, family wealth, and more. We still have a long way to go in building a fair so ciety in which all our children can thrive. And here’s an im portant point that often gets lost. All students—no matter their race or color or creed— benefit from affirmative action. Having diverse classmates pro motes a stimulating exchange of ideas and viewpoints.

It prepares all students for living and working in our in creasingly diverse society. The Supreme Court as a whole used to understand that. To day, I worry that only a minori ty of the justices do.

‘Compelling interest’

One of those justices is Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the Court and a person of profound insight and wisdom.

Her questions in oral argu ments got to the heart of the matter. Imagine two qualified students applying to UNC, Jus tice Jackson suggested: a White North Carolinian student whose family members had

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attended the school for gener ations, and a Black North Caro linian whose family had histor ically been shut out. The White applicant might make the case that attending UNC is deeply meaningful to her because it is a family tradition.

The Black applicant might make the case that it is deeply meaningful because her family was so long denied.

Jackson’s question made it clear what would happen if the Court adopts the Far Right’s position: the White student’s appeal to family history would be allowed to help their chance of acceptance, while the Black student’s would not. It would further institutionalize dis crimination and the harm it has caused generations of Black Americans.

I am so grateful for Justice Jackson’s voice on the Court. I also know that the six rightwing justices expressed skep ticism of affirmative action at oral arguments. Many reporters are already writing its obituary.

I hope for the sake of our ed ucation system and our next generation, that they will be wrong. The “compelling inter est” that led the Court to up hold affirmative action in the past still exists – in fact, it may be stronger than ever.

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and Professor of the Practice at the University of Pennsylvania. A New York Times best-selling author, his next book “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free” will be published by Harper Collins in January 2023.

There are ways to help

than white students, and then have more trouble paying it off. This is especially true of stu dents graduating from HBCUs. According to a Federal Reserve Survey on Consumer Financ es, Black families not only pay higher rates for student loans, but they also owe more. Accord ing to an analysis of the Fed data by Student Loan Hero, 30.2% of Black families hold student loan debt, versus 20.0% of White fam ilies. Also, Black families owe a median of $30,000, compared with $23,000 among families.

But there are ways to help your kids (or grandkids) pay for college without raiding your re tirement savings or ending up with a bunch a debt. But they all involve planning. And one of the best is the 529 plan.

529 Plan

A 529 can be used it to pay for college or for private school tui

cont.

tion. Just about every state has a plan available.

There are two types of 529 plans: Prepaid tuition plans and college savings plans. In a pre paid plan you can pay part or all of the costs for an in-state pub lic college. The college savings plans give you more flexibility. Much like a Roth 401(k) plan or Roth IRA, it is an investment account offers tax advantages to the savers. And you general ly have several investment op tions. You may also qualify for a state tax benefit. And they can also be used in estate planning. Tax advantages. Much like a Roth 401(k) plan or Roth IRA, it is an investment account offers tax advantages to the savers. You can deposit after-tax into the account, and then it grows tax free. You may also qualify for a state tax benefit.

Investment options. De pending on the state plan you

BICA Legacy Weekend

According to Freddie J, the Beauty Industry and Commu nity Awards (BICA), which is just a part of the celebration of the industry, is about a spirit of community and supporting Black businesses.

“It's a celebration,” she ex plained. “Please don't miss this networking opportunity and Legacy Weekend, starting on Saturday with the Black Satur day Expo, and ending on Mon day with the Business Forum.

“The Event was created to get the Beauty Industry and Com munity together to network in one place,” she continued, as she shared information about Black Wall Street in Tulsa, OK. and the way an entire commu nity was wiped out but today people are focusing on Black empowerment and building Black Wall Street communi ties across the country. “From there, we encourage everyone to intentionally shop Black businesses for 12 days after the Event and continue after that.

The 12 days were significant for the Inaugural event last year, she explained, because it was 12 days until Christmas and the event was on 12-12-21.

It is also significant that the person tapped to keynote the

awards brunch has personal ties to Black Wall Street, said Freddie J.

“We are super excited to an nounce that our speaker for the BICA Chucks n Tux Brunch and Awards Gala is Chief Gunwale Amusan, founder of the Real Black Wall Street Tour. He is one of the most sought out con sultants and historians of Tul sa's Black Wall Street. You have seen him in the documentaries, in the Courts, and in the streets, still fighting for justice, for The Greenwood Community.”

The title sponsors are MOC CA Cosmetics and Unique Vi sion Upscale Events and the event is promoting the hashtag

select, you can invest your money in a variety of mutual funds. That means you can take on as much risk (and potential growth) as you have the stom ach for, or you can stay conser vative and safe, but with a slow er growth and lower returns.

Friends and family can do nate. You can give limited ac cess to friends and families so they can independently donate to the child’s education. They can make donations in lieu of Christmas or birthday gifts, or just to help out.

The SECURE ACT expand ed use of 529 plans. The SE CURE Act of 2019 made it pos sible to save for. K-12 tuition, apprenticeships, trade schools and made it possible to use the funds for student loans.

You can open the account with as little as $25 dollars if you link it to a checking account and set up monthly contributions. In Texas you can enroll in the Tex as College Savings Plan with this link.

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LY. The BICA Legacy Weekend will feature forums, vendors, networking opportunities and more.

“We have continued with the 12 days just to get it in the minds of the people, once they make it a priority for the 12 days, it is then on their minds after that.”

With partners across the na tion, BICA events have been held the entire year, namely in Oklahoma City, Tampa, FL, New Orleans, Houston, Atlanta, New York, Winston Salem, N.C., and Boston.

For Freddie J, this inaugural Legacy Weekend is a dream come true as she witnesses en trepreneurs coming together to achieve success.

SUPERB WOMEN

A graduate of MacArthur High School, LaToya Hardaway studied Psychology at East Texas State University and she also attended the University of Dallas Graduate School of Management. Latoya is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. For almost 15 years she has been a marketing agent for Kauwuane Burton Photography. She has also worked as a journalist, with an emphasis on sports.

and Career Academies. She is the V.P. of Operations at The Healthcare Rehab Group. Hailing from Denison, TX., she received her doctoral degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

JOWANDA JORDAN

Congresswoman Karen Bass is a proud daughter of Los Angeles. She was raised with three brothers in the Venice/Fairfax area of Los Angeles. In 1990, in response to the crack-cocaine and gang violence crisis that was gripping Los Angeles, Karen founded the Community Coalition. She is a leading figure on foster care, founding the Los Angeles-based National Foster Youth Institute, which advocates for the more than 400,000 foster youth in America. Karen has represented Los Angeles in both Sacramento and Washington, DC for more than 14 years. A graduate of Hamilton High School, Cal State Dominguez Hills and the University of Southern California, she worked as a nurse, Physician Assistant, and clinical instructor at USC. And, she was just elected Mayor of Los Angeles!

SANDRA DORSEY MALONE

of the University of North Texas, she graduated from Lincoln High School in Dallas. A long-time educator and advocate for children, Pat is a former principal in Dallas Independent School District. She served as an educator in the Garland and Dallas ISD. She is a veteran of 12 years in the classroom, assistant principal and 11 years as principal of Frederick Douglass and Leslie Stemmons elementary schools. Active in community and civic affairs, served as president of the Metroplex Association of Realtors. She is a servant leader and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Pat is a wife, mother and grandmother.

HONORABLE MAVIS KNIGHT

Southern New Hampshire University. She also studied at Dallas Baptist University and Austin Peay State University.

Leonda is the Sr. Program Director at Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. She is an experienced Wellness Director with a demonstrated history of working in the health wellness and fitness industry.

A graduate of Moore High School, Sandra attended Prairie View A&M College. She became a physical education teacher at Wallace High School in Abilene before moving to Dallas where she served as a teacher at Frazier and Bushman Elementary Schools. She also worked in several areas in DISD before being appointed Court Auditor by the Honorable Barefoot Sanders, Judge, U.S. District Court. A dedicated volunteer, Sandra is a member of The Links, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. In 2006 she was inducted into the African American Education Archives and History Hall of Fame.

PAT MAYS

A real estate broker, Pat Mays is the owner of Pat Mays Realtors. Graduate

The Honorable Mavis Knight has spent a lifetime contributing to education and her community. A graduate of North Carolina Central University, with BA and MA degrees in Psychology; this member of Links, Inc. has served on the board of directors of a number of organizations including Girl’s Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas; Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce; Dallas Women’s Foundation; Youth Services Advisory Board; the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin; Jacob’s Ladder and Visiting Nurse Association of Texas; member of the Board of Directors for Education is Freedom. She was a 2011 inductee into the African American Educators Hall of Fame.

LEONDA KELLEY

Hailing from Dallas, Leonda Kelley is a graduate of Justin F. Kimball High School. She received a BS in Community Health at

The owner of Tarpley Dispute Resolutions, Judge Joan Tarpley hails from Dallas and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. A graduate of Dillard University, she studied law at SMU after serving in the Peace Corps. Considered a legend, she is the first African American woman to practice law in Dallas County, first African American judge to serve as a County Court at Law Judge in Dallas and first African American Woman to be appointed as a District Judge in Dallas County. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she is a past president of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter. Judge Tarpley is definitely one for the history books!

LATOYA HARDAWAY

Served 23 years and was elected President.Even before her tenure as a DISD trustee, she was a political activist, serving as the president of the then-segregated Dallas City Council PTA school board in the 1960s and as the secretary of the Texas Congress of Colored PTAs in the 1970s. She also was one of the many plaintiffs in a leading federal case to desegregate Dallas public schools and a founding member of the Political Congress of African-American Women. A founder of the Clean South Dallas/Fair Park, Inc., a school is named in her honor.

Jowanda Jordan was the VOICE! She served the Dallas community as music educator, choir director and church musician at Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church and Bethany Baptist Church for more than 50 years. She taught all levels of music in DISD for 34 years. Her choirs at South Oak Cliff H.S. consistently earned excellent and superior ratings in local and UIL competitions. She became Coordinator of Fine Arts and Choir Director at Paul Quinn College and is Musical Director of the South Dallas Concert Choir. Hailing from Como, TX, she received a BS in Music from Bishop College and a Masters Degree from SMU.

Dr. Janice Ingram served as a member of the DeSoto ISD Board for 12 years; six as President and two as Board Secretary. For two of those years, she was the only African American and female member. Under her leadership, the largest bond program passed by the school or city ($116 million) enabled the District to charter the DeSoto ISD Education Foundation, and established High School, College

She’s the gift that keeps on giving! After a rich and rewarding career in the Dallas ISD where she designed and implemented a model early childhood education for three and four year olds at the Jimmie Tyler Brashear Early Childhood Center; Evelyn Dickerson continued her life of service. She ended up at Paul Quinn College where her presence was felt by everyone who entered the campus. She has volunteered in numerous youth serving organizations including the United Negro College Fund, “Build a Home Library Program.” She is the Community Relations Outreach Coordinator for Eddie Deen & Company Catering.

HONORABLE KAREN BASS

HON. JOAN TARPLEY

HON. KATHLYN GILLIAM

Honorable Kathlyn Gilliam was the first African American female elected member of DISD Board of Trustees.

HON. DR. JANICE INGRAM

EVELYN DICKERSON