Texas Metro News 12-2-21

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• Vol. 10 • December 2 - 8, 2021

MY TRUTH

By Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER

Who will it be?

Who should be the Person of the Year for 2021?

Good question.

Who decides and what is the criteria?

Looking back at previous Persons of the Year featured in Texas Metro News, there was a common thread.

They were all change agents.

They were fearless, focused and led by their faith!

Texas Metro News wants to recognize people who are game changers, history makers; folks whose life’s works are on the right side of history.

Do you know anyone who fits the bill?

Are the ones previously chosen controversial? Possibly.

Rev. Yvette Blair Lavallais tackled the issue of abuses in the church.

Not only did she speak up, when folks tried to silence her; she wrote about the issue.

Now you know, at a time when there are still those who frown on women in the pulpit or having a voice in the building unless that voice is reading announcements or singing selection A, B, or C; to have someone addressing a long-standing problem in the church was a bit much. It was huge.

Still with support from the really righteous, conscious and conscientious; Rev. Yvette went public and shared what was definitely a painful experience.

It was even more painful because some men and sadly women wanted her silenced.

And she wasn’t malicious in her disclosure of wrongdoings. Instead she was factual and focused, hoping that the See MY TRUTH, page 10

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Crockett gets nod from Johnson for District 30

By Cheryl Smith

Texas Metro News

Long before U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson announced her retirement last Saturday, potential challengers, hopefuls and constituents speculated about her plans and contemplated who would be her successor.

At the beginning of her reign in Washington, the most prominent names mentioned were Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price and then recently-elected State Senator Royce West.

West, last week, announced that he would seek reelection to the seat he has held since 1993.

Almost 30 years later since she was elected and became the first nurse to serve in Congress, Johnson

Veteran Legislator believes State Rep. is poised to be a force in DC said she would endorse someone and that person would be a woman.

Wednesday freshman TX. State Rep. Jasmine Crockett received what some pundits say puts her at the top of the list of contenders.

“A vibrant congressional district like TX-30 needs a representative in Washington with high energy, a passion to fight for us, shrewd intelligence, leadership, and an incessant drive,” said Johnson in a statement that was released minutes before Rep. Crockett addressed the media

State Rep. Jasmine Crockett

on the steps of The Science Place in Fair Park. “After proudly serving the City of Dallas and Southern sector for 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, I firmly believe that Texas State Representative Jasmine Crockett is just the person we need in Congress at this critical time.”

New redistricting maps have Texas headed the wrong direction OUR VOICES

By Sen. Royce West

Memory recalls that before MapQuest, Google, Siri and other onboard navigational tools, we used road maps to help us get to where we wanted to go.

Analogies could be drawn to the decennial redistricting maps approved by the Texas Legislature during the Special Session that ended last month. They too chart the direction that Republican's partisan politics want to go.

The problem is they want Texas to look more like 1930 rather than 2030. And a 21st Century Texas doesn't look like that anymore.

2020 Census results say Texas is now a majority-minority state, a

trend that to the consternation of some, will be soon true for America.

Non-Hispanic Whites were 39.7 percent of Texans in 2020. Hispanics totaled 39.3 percent, with non-Hispanic Blacks at 11.8 percent.

The 5.4 percent Texans of Asian descent makes it a demographic victory lap, even without "Other" races totaling 3.8 percent. But these demographic wins translated into losses in both Legislative chambers when the number of White lawmakers grew in Congress, the Texas Senate and Texas House.

Dallas/Fort Worth, despite population gains totaling more than a million, did not bring home a new member of Congress.

Again, minorities are responsible for 95 percent of Texas' population growth from 2010 to 2020.

But the two new members that See NEW REDISTRICTING MAPS, page 5

Surrounded by residents of Texas House District 100, friends, supporters, constituents of District 30, and her pastor, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III; Rep. Crockett, praised Congresswoman Johnson’s almost 50 years of service as an elected official and vowed that she too, would represent all citizens of House District 30.

Referring to her as a “giant,” Crockett shared some of Johnson’s legacy that included protest. “she has done her part and I feel so proud to think that she would think that I am worthy of the responsibility that comes with serving 766,000 people in Texas.

“Some may question if I’m ready. I am here to tell you, I am ready. I am battle-tested. There are a number of people who will most likely enter See DISTRICT 30, page 11

IN MEMORIAM

DR. MARVIN ROBINSON Businessman Marvin Robinson has died.

In recognizing Dr. Robinson’s contributions in 2013, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson said, “I am honored to recognize the significant contributions that Dr. Robinson has made to the Dallas community. As a business and community leader for decades, he has worked hard to change Dallas for the better.”

Dr. Robinson studied at Southern University and A&M College, where he served as president of the student body and found great success in his athletic pursuits as the co-captain of the Jaguar Tracksters.

He began his career with the Congress of Racial Equality, first working as Field Secretary and then serving as Southern Regional Director during the early 1960s.

Dr. Robinson earned his juris doctor from Howard University School of Law in 1968. Continuing his work for racial equality, Dr. Robinson assisted

Dr. Marvin Robinson

in the development of a high school specializing in business and management during the height of desegregation of the school system. As the first director of this school, he oversaw a student body of 1,500 youth.

Dr. Robinson’s entrepreneurial spirit soon drew him to the Xerox Corporation, where he was responsible for the operations, telecommunications, and planning for Xerox’s Office Products Division facilities across the nation. Based on his success in this position, Dr. Robinson became See DR. MARVIN ROBINSON, page 13

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• December 2 - 8, 2021

GUILTY! Verdict stuns some North Texans

President Joe Biden Ahmaud Arbery’s killing – witnessed by the world on video – is a devastating reminder of how far we have to go in the fight for racial justice in this country. Mr. Arbery should be here today, celebrating the holidays with his mother, Wanda Cooper Jones, and his father, Marcus Arbery. Nothing can bring Mr. Arbery back to his family and to his community, but the verdict ensures that those who committed this horrible crime will be punished.

While the guilty verdicts reflect our justice system doing its job, that alone is not enough. Instead, we must recommit ourselves to building a future of unity and shared strength, where no one fears violence because of the color of their skin. My administration will continue to do the hard work to ensure that equal justice under law is not just a phrase emblazoned in stone above the Supreme Court, but a reality for all Americans.

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WASH HANDS WEAR MASK

Some North Texans were relieved – but emotionally drained – after watching weeks of testimony that ended Wednesday with a jury’s conviction of three white men of the killing of jogger Ahmaud Arbery.

The case raised concerns across the nation of questionable killings of unarmed Black people at the hands of white civilians and police officers.

“Praise God,” said Chandra Charles, a Grand Prairie mother of two daughters, one a college senior and the other a high school senior.

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“They holler critical race theory,” said Charles, who is African American, speaking of politicians and others who downplay race in social, legal and historical contexts. “This (case) is all of it in a nutshell.”

According to Charles, the Arbery case, paired with similar cases involving the shootings of Black people while the victims seemingly were engaged in everyday activities had left her “emotionally drained” and exasperated at trying to explain to her two daughters her concerns over their safety.

“I talk to them, but I don’t think (my youngest daughter) Morgan is grasping it as a reality,” she said. “All the people they’ve been around, they’ve all been multiple races.

When you talk to them about it…they don’t get it.”

Ken Granderson, co-founder and chief technology officer at BlackFacts.com, said he is surprised jurors in the trial came to a verdict of guilty on nearly all counts – and also relieved at what he views as a “prevailing of justice” in the case.

“The paradox of being Black in America is a simultaneous feeling,” he said, adding that he was surprised at the verdict and relieved that, this time, the justice system worked.

Ahmaud Arbery

“It’s sad that we see it work so rarely,” he said. “I’m concerned that we don’t know how many (similar cases) never even make it to trial.”

Meanwhile, a scholar at the University of Georgia who has watched the case, said many people of color, including himself, find themselves, as Granderson has, both surprised at the guilty verdict and that the case even was prosecuted.

In the Arbery case, prosecutors brought charges months after the jogger’s shooting and only after public cries to release video of the killing taken by one of the defendants, William “Roddie” Bryan, Jr. The case underscored challenging race relations in Brunswick, Ga. The district attorney at the time was indicted on charges she obstructed a police officer following Arbery’s death.

A local prosecutor was accused of violating her oath of office by “showing favor and affection” to Gregory McMichael, another defendant and a former investigator in her office.

See GUILTY, page 11

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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.

Convicted murderers Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael, and William Bryan, Jr.

• Vol-10

Texas Women Make History: Village Giving Circle Funds Black Nonprofits Nearly 20 North Texas area nonprofits have a lot to be thankful for as The Village Giving Circle at Texas Women’s Foundation, an all-Black female Dallas-based philanthropy, recently announced the recipients of their Fall 2021 grant cycle.

Awarding a historic $260,000 to non-profits who positively impact African American communities, this investment directly into the North Texas metroplex moves The Village closer to their $1 million total giving amount since their founding in 2017.

This year’s funding results from The Village Giving Circle continue to create meaningful change and demonstrate the influence of Black philanthropic giving as social inequalities, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and systemic biases continue to cause disparities for thousands of minority communities and the organizations that seek to help them.

Approaching their five-year anniversary, The Village Giving Circle has quickly grown into one of the most notable and successful philanthropies in North Texas. The only one of its kind, The Village Giving Circle is composed of Black women creating change through the power of collective giving to groups that support African-American causes.

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The following organizations were awarded funding thanks to the members of The Village Giving Circle: • St. Philip’s School and Community Center – To support early childhood programs • Dallas Black Dance Theatre – To support scholarships for students • Promise House – To fund a maternity group home program for teen moms

• Mercy Street – To create a mentoring program • At Last Inc. – To provide operational support for residential scholar program • Big Thought – Arts-as-workforce intervention program • Bonton Farms –To fund providing fresh food options and support to residents • Bridges Safehouse Inc. – To fun trauma-inT:5" formed parenting classes

• GEMS Camp – To fund online and in-person camps and after-school programs • Golf 3:16 – For the funding of their golf mentorship program • HOPE Farm – To aid men’s leadership development program • The Senior Source – To support a senior companion program • The Compelling Why – to support seminars and leadership programming for middle and high school Black students • Under 1 Roof – funds for homeless families and individuals • Werthing Foundation, Inc. – Supporting their Girl Power Academy program • Youth Revive Inc. – Ignite Me Action Civics empowerment program The Village Giving Circle was borne out of a desire to harness the collective giving power of influential African American women and aspiring philanthropists. Citing over a 1,000% increase in member growth since 2017, The Village Giving Circle has given grants and donations to nonprofits exclusively in the North Texas area.

Women interested in joining or supporting The Village Giving Circle can visit https://villagegivingcircle.org/ for more information.

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• December 2 - 8, 2021

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Park of the Month for November South Oak Cliff Renaissance Park!

Mayor Eric Johnson spoke at the grand opening for South Oak Cliff Renaissance Park and said, the park, located at 405 E. Overton Road, is an "incredible new asset for the city."

South Oak Cliff Renaissance Park, located down the block from South Oak Cliff High School, was funded almost entirely through donations to The Trust for Public Land, which has helped build parks across the city. About three dozen philanthropic partners contributed more than $2.2 million to make this dream into a reality.

This park has some amazing features such as off-grid solar-powered lighting, fitness equipment, and a rock-climbing boulder funded by The North Face.

The park is part of something amazing that is happening across Dallas. Through public-private partnerships, Dallas is getting rid of blight and illegal dumping grounds and ugly surface parking lots. And in their place, the city is building new parks and trails that help make communities safer, more vibrant, and more resilient.

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MetroNews American Court Injustice - A Long Dirty History!

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• December 2 - 8, 2021

QUIT PLAYIN’

By Vincent L. Hall Being shocked has become a daily ritual ever since Donald Trump announced his presidency. Trump didn't invent racism; 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 Arbery 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 excavate the dirtiest of racial tropes was appalling on several levels.

WJCL, a local television affiliate in Savannah, Georgia, reported how the legal community perceived defense attorney Laura Hogue's comments.

“In that moment, Hogue took

the opportunity to portray Arbery as a "runaway slave," said Charles Coleman Jr., a civil rights attorney, and former prosecutor.

"Her word choice was intentional, her descriptions were unnecessary. And the description ultimately is inflammatory," 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 psyche of some of the jurors," he continued.

Glynn County, where the trial 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 woman, dismissed the warnings of the local NAACP president and was killed

by Montgomery, Alabama Klan members for shuttling Negro men after a civil rights march.

Bernhard Goetz was declared

Laura Hogue

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

ing ever since. Under today's "carry laws" in most states, Goetz would have left the courtroom 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 African Americans to register to vote. He offered to help pay for their poll.

Klan Wizard Sam Bowers won several acquittals while Dahmer’s wife and family watched from the “cheap seats” aka the “old colored section.”

1973, Thomas Shea, a plainclothes 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 father and son thought they were 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 weapon 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 Rittenhouse case’ there is no telling.

Schroeder’s discriminating court demeanor possibly led the jury to find the young shooter not guilty.

There is an age-old admonishment in Black America that Schroder et al could learn from.

Black mothers have for centuries 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.

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 America'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!

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

NO RIGHTS WITHOUT VOTING RIGHTS THE LAST WORD

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux Black women leaders have been working on this issue of voting rights, calling for the passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, the Freedom to Vote Act, the Build Back Better Reconciliation Act, and DC Statehood. Several leaders, including Melanie Campbell, CEO of the National Coalition of Black Civic Participation, and Janice Mathis, Executive Director of the National Council of Negro Women, were arrested a couple of weeks ago. On November 16, the women took their energy to the Supreme Court, walking from the NCNW headquarters on Pennsylvania Avenue to the Court building.

It ought to be a no-brainer that the same country who invades other people’s countries around human rights and voting rights would provide the same rights

for its own citizens. Predatory capitalism, however, makes the voting-rights blocking filibuster essential to those who would extract every penny of surplus value from other citizens. How else can we explain the resistance to managing drug prices, raising the minimum wage, or blocking the right to vote? The big-money politics game makes it easy enough for deep-pocketed corporations to purchase a senator to protect their interests. Grassroots efforts, like the NCNW/NCBPC (with many allies) efforts are less well funded than some of these senators are, and they may be less influential.

Republicans with consciences surely know that voting is an essential right. However, too many of them want to win at all costs, eschewing fairness for power.

It’s like a chicken and egg thing.

Republicans (yes, let’s call it as it is) want to suppress the vote so they can keep getting elected.

Once elected, they continue to manipulate the system with a gerrymandering that is designed to minimize the electoral influence of those who oppose the predato-

ry capitalist agenda. This includes Black folks, Chicano/Latina folks, American Indians, senior citizens, and those who live in inner cities.

These voters, certainly, aren’t a monolith, but voters of color are treated monolithically and sidelined in the same way. Voting rights legislation might pas, but

for the filibuster.

So why can’t we eliminate the filibuster? Some Democrats want to embrace the traditions of the past, even though those traditions allow the minority to ride roughshod over the majority. President Biden, whose legislation has been blocked by the filibuster, only recently signaled some willingness to get rid of the filibuster in some

cases. He should have spoken up sooner, and more loudly. Though more than 60 percent of Americans support the Build Back Better legislation, just two recalcitrant Senators have been able to hold up the vote. Now, as we head into the holiday season, the window to pass this legislation is closing.

In my opinion, neither the House nor the Senate deserves time off until voting rights legislation is passed.

Too many of us seem to forget that we are the BOSSES, not the serfs, of these members of the House and the Senate. We can kick them to the kerb as viciously as they’ve kicked us. We have powerful Black women leaders who are urging us to take our power back, rejecting incumbents who don’t have our interests at heart.

Our work, our serious work, is to vet these incumbents and send them home when it is necessary.

We don’t do that. We tend to reelect incumbents because we are used to them, because we feel close to them, because they’ve been to our schools, because they’ve done a town hall, because

they are friendly and personable.

As personable as some of them are, if they don’t support economic justice, they are just a waste of space. They are sitting in an elected seat that someone else might better use to serve people.

Voting rights and economic justice are inextricably intertwined.

We won’t get fair wages, good labor laws, student loan forgiveness, child care, or more progressive economic legislation until we get the right to vote, because there are those who would offer rights like goodies on a snack plate, goodies they an easily take back. It is absurd that in a nation that brags about democracy fails to provide it for too many of its citizens.

Republican’s are shameless in their grab for power. We have to be aggressive in our resistance.

We cannot have economic justice without voting rights. Kudos to the Black women who are fighting for our rights.

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

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Joy through all seasons FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew

Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ, and as much as we recognize the joy that comes because of this new life of possibilities, of peace, and the fulfillment of the promise, we must also reconcile that our joy is also a result of the pain of Jesus’ death.

The miracle of his birth is a reminder that in the midst of opposition and uncertainty, life changing moments occur that bring us joy. Our lives are filled with many miracles that may start off as something beautiful but can have challenges, obstacles and sadness.

The life of Jesus was no exception. We can not expect celebration consistently without circumstances that arise,

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“Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

- Luke 2:10-11 (KJV) bringing us to our knees.

It is heartbreaking to experience loss and to know death is inevitable from the moment we are born. What we do know is that the birth of Jesus demonstrates we can have a full, purposeful life that can impact others for generations to come.

His death is also life-giving because we have accepted the gift of eternal life. This knowledge should make our joy complete no matter what we go through.

As we celebrate this holiday season, we can embrace the full circle of our existence, knowing that in birth, death

and in between, Jesus is with us. We can rest in knowing that through our darkest moments, we can have the joy Jesus promises from the beginning until the end.

From the 2021 Buckner International Advent Guide.

Download https://www. buckner.org/blog/the-2021buckner-advent-guide-ishere/ to receive the entire free guide of devotionals.

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.

New redistricting maps have Texas headed the wrong direction cont. from page 1 will grow Texas' delegation in Congress from 36 to 38 will come from districts near Houston and Austin that most likely will vote Republican.

Maps approved for the state senate for North Texas, specifically for Dallas/Fort Worth, will look different, but not in a good way for Fort Worth's minority communities. Under current maps, Texas Senate District 23 that I serve represents 34 percent of Dallas County residents; the same as District 16 represented by fellow Democrat, Senator Nathan Johnson. District 2 encompasses the remaining significant portion of Dallas County at 17 percent.

For the first time since the mid-2000s, there were two North Texas Democrats at my side. Mid-term redistricting in 2003 cost former Senator David Cain the District 2 seat now represented by Senator Bob Hall.

Tarrant County and Fort Worth have trended Democratic over several election cycles. Former State Senator Wendy Davis won election in 2008 and represent-

ed District 10 through 2016. The seat was reclaimed by Republican Konni Burton that year for one term before she was defeated by my colleague, Senator Beverly Powell in 2018.

One hundred percent (100%) of the current Senate District 10 is within Tarrant County. That ends when the new senate redistricting map goes into effect. The existing District 10 is annihilated with fragments flung from here to Waco. Just 29 percent remains in Tarrant County. District 9 grows 12 percent to contain 46 percent of Tarrant County residents.

Another 17 percent are sent to District 22 that begins south of Dallas County. Five percent are taken north to Denton-based District 12. The remaining 4 percent are packed into District 23.

In the current District 10, 56.8 percent of the population is non-Anglo with 31.1 percent of its residents Hispanic, 20.7 percent Black and 43.2 percent White. The new District 10 will be 51 percent non-Anglo, with 49 percent White, 28.2 percent Hispanic and 17.7 percent Black,

Sen. Royce West

and spread across more rural, Brown, Callahan, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Shackelford and Stephens counties. By spreading the district across several counties, minorities in Tarrant County will no longer be able to elect their candidate of choice.

Dallas County's Texas House districts will not change dramatically. Now, all but two Dallas County state representatives are Democrats. District 108 (Dallas) and 112 (Garland) were made slightly more Republican-leaning. Analysts say Tarrant County

may lose one Republican held seat, District 92. But they will still have a countywide majority. District 92's boundaries changed, along with those of other North Texas districts, including in Collin County, to make them more Republican-voter friendly and to create a newly-drawn district that will be based in McKinney.

Regional minority population gains will not equal greater representation.

Statewide, Democrats and minorities will lose a house seat in El Paso because districts were redrawn to pit two Hispanic women against each other. Harris County critics say the Hispanic population grew enough to merit a second Hispanic majority Congressional district, matching HD 29, now held by former state senate colleague Sylvia Garcia.

To date, four lawsuits have been filed, including one led

by Senator Powell. Another by Democratic State Senators Sarah Eckhardt and Roland Gutierrez claims the Texas Constitution requires redistricting to take place during a regular legislative ses-

sion, not a called one. MALDEF, on behalf of nine other plaintiffs including LULAC and the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, asks for all four redistricting maps, including for the State Board of Education, to be declared in violation of the Voting Rights Act due to their dilution of Latino voting strength.

And Voto Latino's suit says both Latino and Black votes will be diluted by SB6, the redistricting bill.

More than once during Greg Abbott's tenure as attorney general and now as governor, Texas' laws regarding voting rights have been rejected by federal courts. Now without Section 5 pre-clearance protections and a Trump-influenced Supreme Court, minority voting rights are even more imperiled. But if we fail to protest, silence signals consent. So the fight continues.

Elections have consequences!

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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Giving Thanks Truly! Does Black Lives WHAT’S ON MILES’ MIND

By Miles Jaye As Thanksgiving is a particularly American observance, holiday, and celebration based on the Pilgrim’s interaction with the Wampanoag’s, I think it is fitting that I offer a special, personal thanks to America. Interestingly, the original holiday, dating back to the early 1600’s, was known as a rejoicing and was observed not by feasting but fasting. It’s worth noting, fasting would do little to feed a modern economy whereas feasting followed by so-called, Black Friday, sets the shopping season off to a fast start.

First, I’d like to thank America for so convincingly shaping and repackaging genocide as essential, a necessary component of nation building without which we could not call America home, claiming previously occupied and owned territories as states, as God-given land of the free and home of the brave.

Thank you, America, for a lifelong battle with an undiagnosed psychosis, to which I attribute an impaired ability to reckon psychologically and emotionally with the realities of right and wrong, good and evil. I am among those who actually believed and invested in the myth that good and right were rewarded and the outcome of bad, evil or wrongdoing was harsh punishment. Over time, I’ve learned the “truth.”

Thank you for my lifelong struggle with an inferiority condition inflicted upon those deemed minorities. The inferiority condition is often referred to as an inferiority complex, however, there’s nothing complex about it. It’s simply a matter of indoctrination and saturation through language and culture that all that I am and all that I represent and that represents me, is inferior to a superior culture. Thank you for the ongoing challenge of positive self-identity.

Thank you for a portrayal of a faith and a Holy chronical steeped in Eurocentricity. God is White, Jesus is White, Mary and Joseph were White, as were Abraham, Moses, Joshua, John, Noah, and David. Any non-Whites in Biblical history were enemies of God’s chosen people or the cursed line of Ham. It’s a wonder ham is so popular on Thanksgiving.

Thank you for allowing me to unfairly judge my parents as incapable of maintaining a marital relationship sufficient to support and nurture a healthy, happy home, when in fact, they were both suffering from and struggling with the same psychosis I wrestle with every day of my life. Thank you for allowing me to judge my father more than loving, respecting and honoring him as the Bible instructs. Thank you for allowing me to subconsciously blame my mother for somehow failing to keep my father at home with his family.

Thank you for allowing me to perpetuate the cycle.

Thank you for constructing a system so vile, so sinister, that it would throw a beautiful people into an ongoing cycle of self-hate, in-fighting, and seemingly unwinnable battles for civil and human rights. Thank you for nightmarish images of lynchings. Thank you for images of Martin on the balcony, Malcolm on the stage, and Emmitt’s open coffin. Thank you for the image of Miles Davis’ bloodied face.

As we prepare for a hearty Thanksgiving meal, allow me to offer the fact that, so-called, Native Americans, from Massachusetts to Florida and all across the continent to the far Northwest and Southwest, have an entirely different view of the first shared harvest, the holiday, and given the outcome of the European invasion of their ancestral homeland, which should be quite understandable. Perhaps the day should be called, Thanks-taking. Bon appetite!

That’s what’s on my mind!

Website: www.milesjaye.net Podcast: https://bit.ly/2zkhSRv Email: milesjaye360@gmail.com

Really Matter?

I do not pretend to be a Divine man, but I do believe in Divine guidance, Divine Power, and in the fulfillment of Divine prophecy. I am not educated, nor am I an expert in any particular field… but I am sincere and my sincerity is my credential.”

- Malcolm X 1964

OUR VOICES

By Thomas Muhammad Old school folk like me are always playing Monday morning quarterback. We continuously go digging in the weeds seeking the correct answers! But, hell, somebody’s got to ask the obvious questions, right?

And the answer seems to always be the same. It appears Black Lives only matter when a Black life is taken by a white cop!

Don’t get me wrong I’m proud that you youngsters are out there on the front lines raising the issues, however I’m very concerned when many innocent Black people are constantly being killed

by young Black thugs who believe in shooting any and everything anywhere and it’s innocent Black folk who are always the losers.

Take that grandmother whose 11-year-old was shot as he lay asleep in bed…shot as the the house was gun sprayed because some Black teenagers targeted the wrong house!

Then there was this 28-year-old rapper, Mo. Three shot and killed by two kids 28 and 22 who were arrested for the shooting!

On I-35 in front of the Dallas Zoo in broad daylight!

Recently, there was a rapper,

Young Dolph, a 36-year-old killed in Memphis, TN. Local news reports people fleeing the scene at his funeral because gun shots were being fired!

Again, this happened in the light of day! I mean there’s no Damn respect, nor shame, in these thugs! Someone please tell me the answer! I’d love to hear from you!

Until Then. The Struggle Continues…

Thomas Muhammad is a local Dallas activist who can be reached at tmuhammad2003@yahoo.com

Help DART Stuff A Bus!

At DART, it’s a holiday tradition to stuff a bus with new and unwrapped toys, blankets and adult socks.

The donations go to seniors and families in need.

This year, the drive is virtual.

PLEASE DONATE BY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10!

D O N ATE O T S Y TW O W A 1. Bring donations to DARTMart, 1401 Pacific Ave. (Akard Station), Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

2. Purchase from our Amazon Wish List.

DART.org/StuffABus

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Superb Women CHERYL CARTER BENSON Cheryl Carter Benson is passionate about her family, her alma mater, her career and her sorority.

She is a true leader in all arenas.

Cheryl Carter Benson hails from Oklahoma City, OK. She attended Howard University and received a BS degree in Chemical Engineering. She later received a Masters Degree in Business Administration at SMU. She is the recording secretary of the Howard University Alumni Association and she has served as President of the Howard University Alumni Club of Dallas/Ft. Worth.

Cheryl is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Xi Omega Chapter; and Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Dallas Chapter. She is a Founding Member of The Village Giving Circle at Texas Women’s Foundation. In addition, she volunteers as a STEM advocate with various non-profits. An Equipment/Automation Engineering Manager at Nike, Inc., Cheryl has worked as a Corporate Engineering Manager and Principal Engineer at Mary Kay Global; Process/Controls Engineer at General Motors; and Global Controls Engineer at Heat and Control, Inc. CHARLOTTE BERRY Charlotte Berry is the presidentelect of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., continuing a life of service and leadership.

Charlotte Berry hails from Dallas, TX, where she gradated from Lincoln High School and received a Bachelors degree at the University of North Texas and a Masters Degree in education from the University of Texas at Arlington. A 2005 graduate and former board chair or Leadership Southwest, she is active as a volunteer and serves on several boards in the Dallas and DeSoto areas; including DeSoto Dining & Dialogue, Genesis Women Shelter, Support Alliance Board and DeSoto Food Bank. Her volunteer commitments also extend to the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Women’s Foundation and Texas Senator Royce West’s Conrad Leadership Program. She has served Iota Phi Lambda on the local, regional and national levels of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority.

She has the distinguished honor of being selected the 1999 National Soror of the Year, the highest honor bestowed upon a Soror within Iota Phi Lambda.

VAHNITA LOUD Vahnita Loud is a proud member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., who joined in 1985 and currently serves as a National Board Member- as Southwestern Regional (SWR) Director.

Vahnita Loud served 33 years with Delta Airlines as a Supervisor and Communications Liaison, before retiring in 2005. Hailing from Dallas, she attended El Centro College before earning a B.S. Degree and teaching certificate in Elementary Education and English from East Texas State University (Texas A&M University-Commerce, TX). She also became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. After retirement Vahnita worked as a Customer Service Specialist for US Treasury Services and as an administrative assistant for Hornbuckle Photography. In 2019, during the 90th Anniversary National Convention, Vahnita received the Iota National Outstanding Regional Director award. She also served as president of the Psi Chapter. Vahnita is a life-long member of Warren United Methodist Church where she has served as the Church Council Chair, Finance Chair and Board Member of District Metro Buildings and Relocations.

DR. CATHY WILKINS MOFFITT Dr. Cathy Wilkins Moffitt is full of love and life.

Cathy Wilkins Moffitt is the owner of the faith-based organization, Heartfelt International Ministries Inc. She enjoyed stints as Community Relations Manager at TXU Energy, Director of Diversity Services for Enserch Corporation and also as an educator for Dallas Public Schools. A long-time writer and columnist, she has certifications as a Lifeforming Growth, Leadership and Life coach. Hailing from Fort Worth, she graduated from O.D. Wyatt High School and received BS and MS Degrees in Education from Texas A&M University- Commerce, a MA in Human Relations and Business from Amberton University and a Doctorate of Ministry, Leadership and Renewal from Regent University. She’s also member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and she has mentored so many young women and men. A wife and mother, she will celebrate 30 years of love and happiness August 22, 1992-2022.

LISA HEMBRY Vibrant, focused and a born leader, Lisa Hembry has been a star in so many arenas.

Lisa Hembry is the retired president/ CEO of Literacy Instruction for Texas. The owner/ manager of March Forth Communications, a media, branding and advocacy company; Lisa was the president/CEO of Dallas iMedia Network and in 2002 she was elected Dallas County Treasurer. A graduate of Bishop Dunne High School, Lisa attended Fisk University’s before moving on to graduate from SMU with a BS degree in Political Science and Government. She also received a marketing certificate from SMU’s Cox School of Business. Lisa has served on the Executive Committee of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanic Garden; as a board member of Archives of Women of the Southwest and Executive Women of Dallas, Baylor Security Hospital, UT Southwestern Medical Center Board of Visitors, Human Rights Initiative of North Texas Literacy Texas and Trinity River Authority of Texas.

SARAH JACKSON Committed, strategic and focused -- that’s Sarah Jackson!

Sarah Jackson made headlines as the VicePresident Strategy and Public Affairs for the Dallas Citizens Council and President-Elect of the Texas Lyceum. Previously she was Corporate Affairs Manager - Americas for Trafigura, PR Account Executive for DCI Group, Public Affairs Specialist for U.S. Department of State and Press Secretary - U.S. House of Representatives. Sarah received her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism: Broadcast News from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Masters degree in Public Service and Administration (MPSA) from the Texas A&M University Bush School of Government and Public Service. She is a Mayoral appointee to the Trinity River Corridor Local Government Corporation and she worked on the Centennial Project for Juanita Craft Civil Rights House - Junior League of Dallas and was a co-founder of Community First Award Program for Parkland Foundation

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November 2021

ELIZABETH WATTLEY In a blog, the dynamic Elizabeth Wattley wrote that her mission “is to get everyone and anyone to join in the fight against the systemic racism that plagues South Dallas.”

Elizabeth Wattley is the Executive Director at Forward Forest. A graduate of Spelman College with a BA in economics, she received and MBA from SMU. She also speaks Spanish and German! Currently leading the effort to restore the historic Forest Avenue Theater in Sunny South Dallas, Elizabeth previously was Director of Strategic Initiatives at City Square and the Director of Service Learning at Paul Quinn College where she was responsible for managing and overseeing the We over Me Farm. Elizabeth currently serves on the Majestic Theater Centennial Planning Committee, is an active member the DFW Spelman Alumni group, and is a member of the inaugural Black Women in Nonprofit Leadership cohort hosted by Dallas Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation.

JUSTICE (RET) CAROLYN WRIGHT-SANDERS Justice Carolyn Wright Sanders is the first African American woman in Dallas to win a county-wide election.

A Houston Native, Judge Carolyn Wright-Sanders went to Yamato High School in Japan and Dover Air Force Base High School.

She studied at the District of Columbia Teachers College and Howard University School of Law. Now retired, her impressive career includes serving as Chief Justice5th District Court of Appeals. She is also a Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow, an active member of Hamilton Park United Methodist Church, and a member of the Executive Women of Dallas, the Links, Inc., and the Summit. An inductee into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame; Governor George Bush presented her with the Yellow Rose of Texas Award for significant contributions to her community. Other awards include the National Association of Women Lawyers’ Leadership Award and the American Bar Association Business Section’s Award for contributions to women and proficiency in law.

HON. SHIRLEY ANN DANIELS If you want someone in your corner who is loyal, faithful and kind; you want Shirley Ann Daniels!

The Honorable Shirley Daniels hails from Gilmer, TX and graduated from Bruce High School. She studied French and Spanish at Texas A&M UniversityCommerce. A private tutor at Shirley Daniels Spanish Tutoring Service, the Cedar Hill City Councilwoman was elected to the Cedar Hill City Council in 2019 and is the First African American woman to serve on the Council. An educator for 27 years, she is a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She served more than 30 years in numerous organizations, including Precinct Chair for 25 years, current Precinct 3104 Chair in Cedar Hill for 16 years, and the Selena Butler Institute. She was appointed by the State of Texas to the Parental Involvement Board and has invested many years working with various PTAs. MARISSA HORNE Marissa Horne is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Earl Graves Award for Leadership in Inclusion & Diversity; Distinguished Alumni Award and Top STEM Influencer.

Marissa Horne is Vice President of Financial Services Technology and Data at Capital One. She received her Bachelor’s degree in computer science from Amherst College and a MBA in General Management from Harvard Business School. Among her peers she is recognized for her diverse management style which allows her to direct and mentor team members while always maintaining organizational objectives.

Marissa has executed a wide spectrum of project operations, supported growth and engagement, and designed strategies that have improved employee engagement.

Previously she was Managing Director Talent Acquisition & Talent Management and Director of Employee Technology and held several other leadership roles. She was also Solution Specialist and Sales Operations Manager for Microsoft, and Associate/ Application Developer at Morgan Stanley.

A wife and mother, Marissa is a board member of the Dallas Arboretum nd Botanic Garden and the Center for Brain Health.

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WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM ARISHA SMITH Described as dedicated and determine with a penchant for detail, the stylish Arisha Smith lives life to its fullest as a Business Intelligence Innovator.

Arisha Smith is the founder and managing partner of Idyllic Agency. A twotime graduate of Florida A&M University, where she received both a BS in Business and an MBA in MIS; she was initiated into the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Arisha is an innovator in advertising technology. Over the years she has designed growth strategies for businesses leveraging data from digital, social and mobile platforms. Since 2019 she has been chief revenue officer for Streamlytics, but she has held several other positions including: President of Inflex Digital, Digital Marketing Lead for Accenture, Digital Strategist for Liquid Soul Media, Strategic Account Manager for Microsoft and Senior Program Manager interactive Media for Reach Media. A wife and mother, this superb woman is classy, intelligent and beautiful inside and out!

And, she loves to volunteer!

WANA ALWALEE Wana Alwalee has a beautiful volunteer spirit and she is committed to community service. Let’s celebrate her birthday today by being of service to someone.

Wana Alwalee is a substitute teacher for Mesquite ISD and she is a licensed insurance agent with a comprehensive line of health and life insurance products. The president of the Dallas Local Organizing Committee, Inc. Wana is a former Risk Management Specialist at Veolia Transportation and former Contract Compliance Administrator at the City of Dallas. She also worked as Assistant to the Exec VP at Safeco Land, Administrator/Trainer at UTSWMC and Special Assistant/Trainer for the District of Columbia. Hailing from Forney, TX, she attended Lincoln High School and studied sociology at SMU and public administration (Bachelors and Masters of Public Administration) at the University of Kansas. Wana says reach out to her for free quotes for your life insurance, medicare supplements, long-term care and annuities for your retirement needs.

DR. LINDY PERKINS Dr. Lindy Perkins has a smile that comes from the heart. A leader, a servant, a teacher, she is known for taking care of business and being totally committed to anything she undertakes.

A graduate of Skyline High School, Lindy Perkins attended Texas Woman’s University and Texas Southern University. Dr. Perkins is an assistant principal at Dallas ISD. She received her doctorate degree in Higher Education/Higher Education Administration from Texas Southern University. Dr. Perkins is a counselor who is licensed to provide online care in Texas. Key areas she focuses on are Anger Management, Anxiety, Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar Disorder, Career Counseling, Childhood Behavioral and Emotional Disorders, Compassion Fatigue, Depression, Domestic Violence, Eating Disorder, Gender Identity, Life Coaching, Mental Illness, Obesity, Stress and more. Dr. Perkins is the immediate past president of the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club.

TONYA STAFFORD Tonya Stafford does not look like what she has been through and she works tirelessly to keep others from experiencing anything resembling what she did.

Tonya Stafford is a native of Dallas, Texas, with over 10 years of experience working with women, young girls and children. Her love for them keeps her focused on their safety because she knows what it is like to be unsafe. As the Founder of It’s Going To Be Ok, Inc. she’s shared info with and trained FBI, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, undercover, SVU, school professionals, faith based community leaders, medical professionals, prosecutors and more; telling of her years-long abuses resulting from betrayal by her mother. She says your past doesn’t have to determine your destiny. A graduate of Eastfield College, she attended UNT- Dallas and she also speaks on leadership and founding nonprofits. Tonya is a certified mediator She also serves as a voice for those silenced by death and the innocent victims who cannot otherwise speak for themselves.

SHONEDRA REDD Shonedra Redd is a star! Talented, Smart, virtuous, loving, committed.

During the 20202021 school year, Shonedra Redd and her school were awarded the Lone Star Bronze Award, through the Lone Star State School

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Counselor Association (LSSSCA).

A graduate from Lewisville High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and Who’s Who Among American High School Students, Shonedra Redd hails from Lewisville and graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in fashion merchandising. She then received a masters degree in Guidance and Counseling from Dallas Baptist University; where she had also studied Worship Arts Ministry and received a Masters Degree in Theology/Theological Studies. Shonedra had a career in Fashion Merchandising and Business before going into education/ counseling. An officer of the Garland Area Alliance of Black School Educators, Shonedra is a member of the North Dallas Suburban Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the DFW Metro Branch of the NAACP. She is the first to be awarded this honor in Garland ISD. We look forward to seeing her name in lights!

NORMA ADAMS-WADE Norma AdamsWade is definitely the quiet storm.

She’s so much of everything good packed into a petite package, with a legacy that carries a strong punch. Her pen is mightier than any sword!

Norma Adams-Wade is one of 44 founders of the National Association of Black Journalists. Also having the distinction of being the first full-time reporter for the Dallas Morning News, Norma is a proud Dallas native. She grew up in Sunny South Dallas, attended Lincoln High School before going on to the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a degree in journalism graduate and later retired as a Dallas Morning News senior staff writer; where she “reported about people and events that related to the Dallas-area African American community.” Norma cares about Civil Rights and Social Action, Economic Empowerment, Education, Human Rights, Poverty Alleviation, and Social Services.

A mother and a grandmother, Norma is active in her church and she loves to sing.

Ask her about Dallas and you’re in for a treat because she knows so much! Currently she continues to write and also this awardwinning journalist hosts a weekly podcast!

TERESA LOVE THOMAS Teresa Love Thomas is a talented marketing professional recognized for her ability to create, streamline, and manage a multichannel marketing strategy.

Teresa Love Thomas, Director of Advancement Communication at Austin

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Street Center, is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University with an MBA in Business Administration/Marketing.

Hailing from Stone Mountain, GA, Teresa graduated from Druid Hills High School. She previously served as Assistant Director of External Relations at Austin Street Center, Assistant Director of Communications at the University of North Texas, Director of Marketing for Plano Children’s Theatre, owner of Teresa Love Consulting, Communications Manager of YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas, Marketing Manager and Program Coordinator for Dallas County Community College District, Communications/Office Manager at Lawrence Engineering and Marketing and Sales Manager at AT&T. A recent newlywed, Teresa is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Florida A&M University National Alumni Association. She is an expert at Marketing Strategy, Marketing Communications, Web Content Management, Design of Marketing Materials, and, Social Media Marketing and Management.

director of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Dr. Jasmine Parker grew up in Oak Cliff, attending Dallas public schools and taking enrichment classes at Cedar Valley and Mountain View campuses during her formative years. While studying for her bachelor’s degree in history at Prairie View A&M University, she returned to the Mountain View campus during the summer to earn 12 credit hours. Dr. Parker earned a Ph.D. in education policy, organization, and leadership with emphasis in the history of education and a Master of Arts in education policy with focus in constitutional law from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

She completed legal education and training at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington.

Immediately prior to joining Dallas College, Dr. Parker was director of diversity and inclusion for the Berklee College institutional system in Boston.

Additionally, she is fluent in Chinese, Spanish and English.

LADY JADE BURROWES Lady Jade loves to have fun and all the while she is taking care of business. With a heart for children and community service, Jade is the gift keeps giving.

Lady Jade is an on-air personality at K104 FM, and she’s a whole lot more! A nationally syndicated brand influencer, she is an award winning youth advocate, philanthropist, and speaker; she is the founder of Project16 DFW, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that serves underprivileged, at risk youth through support, education and exposure; while instilling basic life skills to help prepare them for a better, more successful future.

Hailing from Dallas, Texas, she attended Duncanville High School and receives a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, Advertising and Applied Communications from Texas State University. A proud Christian, Jade is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She has been recognized with C.B. Bunkley Community Service Award, Dallas Unity Award, Dallas’ Most Influential Women, Who’s Who in Black Dallas and and as a Dallas Millennial to Watch.

PASTOR DR. CYNTHIA MICKENS ROSS Pastor Dr. Cynthia Mickens Ross has received the Leadership Dallas Alumni Outstanding Service of a Class Representative award, Outstanding Texan Award presented by State Representative Helen Giddings, Dallas Living Legend Award, Celebrating Life Foundation Vision Award and Shelia B Ministries Community Servant Award.

Pastor Dr. Cynthia Mickens Ross is a Speaker, Author, Coach, and Teacher.

The DIrector of Community Relations and External Affairs for Methodist Charlton Medical Center, she is about to celebrate her 20th anniversary as CEO of Cynthia Mickens Enterprises, LLC. She is the Senior Pastor of Path~Way to Life Center of Hope Church in Hutchins, Texas.

She is also the creator and instructor of the Path~Way to Purpose® course.

She attended Mountain View College, Miami Dade College and Dallas Institute of Funeral Service. A wife, mother and grandmother, she has years of service:founding chair of the DeSoto Arts Commission, 2011 Leadership Texas graduate and a 1999 graduate of Leadership Dallas, Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas, American Heart Association, and the Women’s Council of Dallas, Women’s Leadership Summit, Dallas County Historical Commission, Best Southwest Partnership, Christian Women in Media Association (CWIMA), and Children’s Medical Center Health and Wellness Alliance; to name a few.

DR. JASMINE PARKER Dr. Jasmine Parker, a visionary strategist who has designed and executed organizational diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at various institutions of higher education, has been named Dallas College’s new senior

See SUPERB WOMEN, page 16

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ENCANTO AT THE MOVIES

TYLER PERRY’S HOUSE OF PAYNE CASSI DAVIS PATTON as MATRIARCH ELLA PAYNE

By Hollywood Hernandez ENCANTO is the story of a Colombian family living together in a small town, named ENCANTO, and they all have magical powers except for one little girl in the house, Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz).They have superhuman strength, the ability to control the weather, and a sister with the ability to make flowers bloom all around her.

The story is more of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" in reverse with Mirabel being the only grandkid in the house without any superhuman power. The only grandchild who's been driven from the house is Bruno, played by John Leguizamo, because his ability is to see the future and no one wants to hear about it.

As always Disney delivers a beautiful world, this one steeped in Latin culture, that brings the screen to life. The colors, the characters and the music are crowd pleasers that my family really enjoyed.

ENCANTO shows us the sympathy and empathy that we should extend to someone less fortunate than ourselves and shows us that to love us is what makes a person whole. It's a valuable lesson for young children. It's a really sweet, tender film.

The music for the film was written by LinManuel Miranda who also wrote music for THE HEIGHTS, HAMILTON and MOANA. The music is catchy and will soon have you singing along. The movie lasts just over 90 minutes and is rated PG. On my "Hollywood Popcorn Scale" I rate ENCANTO a JUMBO.

THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

By Valder Beebe

Tyler Perry’s House of Payne – the #1 rated comedy series on cable among African Americans for 2020 – tells the story of a multigenerational, working class family who experiences all of life’s struggles with faith, love and most importantly humor. Retired fire chief Curtis Payne and his wife Ella have their lives and home turned upside down when an unexpected event forces their nephew, CJ and his kids to move into the house, putting three generations under one roof.

The Paynes – now in their eighth season – are back Tuesday nights on BET and here to tell you about what’s in store for upcoming episodes is Cassi Davis Patton, who plays the matriarch of the family, Ella Payne.

Cassi has been a frequent collaborator with Tyler Perry for many years having appeared in several films and stage productions including Daddy’s Little Girls, Madea’s Big Happy Family, Boo! A Madea Halloween, Boo 2! A Madea Halloween, Madea Goes To Jail and Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Farewell Tour; to name just a few. Cassi talks with the Valder Beebe Show about her long-time working relationship with Tyler Perry and what’s in store for upcoming episodes of the hilarious House of Payne. Cassi Patton’s publicists provided text in conjunction with the Valder Beebe Show VEB: Cassi, welcome to the Valder Beebe Show,

I am so delighted you are here with me and my audience.

CDP: Hey Dallas! It’s a great day to be alive. It’s a great day, you know what?

It’s another day to try to get it right. It’s another day that God honors.

VEB: Cassi, the wisdom that you hold, is that part of why you have worked with Tyler Perry on many, many projects?

CDP: I do know that it is wisdom on my part that has kept me connected to Tyler Perry and his multitude of productions. I have really

Cassi Davis Patton

been a team player. My true power is that it has to be God. This is so amazing being a part of Tyler Perry productions. Let’s get real I am on the Valder Beebe Show in Dallas, come on now.

VEB: You have been with the House of Payne, you guys are coming back for your 8th season, and you are working with Tyler Perry. What role did God play in this adventure?

CDP: It’s a blessing to ……….

Complete PODCAST interview: SoundCloud.com/kkvidfw; SoundCloud.com/valderbeebeshow ; more interviews: ValdeBeebeShow. com; YouTube.com/valderbeebeshow;411RadioNetwork.com; broadcasting to a global audience on KKVI FM Radio,KRER 104.5 FM, Streaming TV, Social Media, Print Publications; I MESSENGER, Texas Metro News, and Garland Journal.

My Truth assaults from the perpetrator and his silent conspirators would never surface again.

Yes, Rev. Yvette felt the wrath of religious, not spiritual advisors, who shirked their responsibility to her as well as other ”victims.”

But she remained vigilant and she’s standing even taller today — a shining example!

Then there was Judge Tammy Kemp, who is fair and tough even though there are defense attorneys who resent her toughness when she is dealing with their clients. And then she presided over a case where after the verdict and sentencing she is addressing the family of Botham Jean and the convicted murderer, Amber Guyger, speaks to her and asks for a hug.

You would have thought all hell broke loose, and mostly from people who go to church every Sunday and constantly say, “have a blessed day,” or “I’m saved.”

Ironically there were judges saying that Judge Kemp could have given a tougher sentence —although the verdict and sentence came from the jury and she couldn’t change either. Still you had all of the Facebook School of Law grads commenting. Sadly some were calling for her removal from the bench when prior to the “hug” folks were ready to put her on the Supreme Court! She started getting hate mail and threats.

But Judge Kemp stood in her truth and while she has been vilified by people who can’t recall the name of one of the many judges who have made BAD rulings to the detriment of Black people; she has been praised internationally by folks, including Mr. Jean’s mother!

Then there’s Roland Martin, who for all of his adult life, has used his platforms to be a voice for the voiceless, a beacon of light where there was only darkness. He was the light at the end of the tunnel that could

cont. from page 1 be daylight, or a train coming straight at you!

In 2020 we saw the best-selling author and multi-media journalist reach newer heights with the growth of his digital program that he had launched, nurtured and grew into a respected news and information source that proved that people of all ages, persuasions, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, etc., were thirsting for truth and you could find it by tuning in to Roland Martin Unfiltered. Thousands were tuning in daily to hear from experts, Black experts; who somehow the so-called mainstream media could not find! His analytics were impressive and he was changing the game, leveling the playing field. Not only did he bring the experts, he brought the funk.

And that’s a good thing!

Which brings me to my truth.

If you can’t stand up for people or things you believe in, what good are you?

And, if you have an opportunity, a bully pulpit, or a platform that can be used for good and you don’t do the right thing; you’ve wasted a precious gift.

Despite some disagreeing, I believe that journalists are historians and Texas Metro News wants to be on the right side of history.

Then too, for far too long, there were those times of dancing to someone else’s drum beat.

It’s this griot’s time to set the pace by making those bold decisions that would make our ancestors and generations to come proud.

We are naming the special person in the first issue of 2022.

I’d love to hear who you think the Person of 2021 should be. Email me at editor@texasmetronews.com You’d better come strong tho!

Remembering my father, Joseph Smith March 2, 1927 - December 8, 2004, who has been “that person” since I entered this world!

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GUILTY! The Justice System Worked cont. from page 2 In light of the accusations, Georgia state Attorney General Chris Carr and the Georgia Bureau of Investigations took over the case.

Dr. Ryon Cobb, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Georgia and a scientist at the Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research, said Wednesday’s verdict shook him.

“I’m shocked,” he said. “I resided in Florida when George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin and thought Arbery’s killers would walk free.”

Dr. Cobb, who researches race, ethnicity and socially oppressive systems among adults, said though prosecutors were faced with a near all-White jury in the trial, they appeared to deliberately downplay race as a factor in Arbery’s killing.

It could not be missed, however, given the three defendants are White and Arbery is a Black man, he said.

“No one involved in the case forgot Arbery was a Black man,” said Dr. Cobb, adding that while race was not explicitly brought up in the trial, it was implicit in the actions of the perpetrators.

On Wednesday, Travis McMichael, his father Gregory, a former law officer, and Bryan, their neighbor, all were found guilty in the fatal shooting of Arbery, who was unarmed and jogging through the men’s Brunswick, Ga. neighborhood.

“We don’t typically see police convicted of murder, given we’re in the South, especially in Georgia,” Dr. Cobb said. “My hat goes off to the prosecutors, Jamal Harrison Bryant, Al Sharpton, and the other activists who made today happen.”

The McMichaels and Bryan claimed that they acted in self-defense when they used two pickup trucks to chase Arbery, blocking him, and eventually shooting him.

The three said they were trying to execute a citizen’s arrest of Arbery, whom they believed had unlawfully entered an unsecured home under construction in the neighborhood.

Jurors, apparently, disbelieved the McMichaels’ and Bryan’s defense.

A panel of 12 jurors, 11 White and 1 Black, found Travis McMichael, who shot and killed Arbery; guilty of malice murder, four counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, one

Ken Granderson

Courtesy photo

June Jenkins, Collin County NAACP Courtesy photo

Dr. Ryon Cobb

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Courtesy photo

count of false imprisonment and one count of criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment.

Gregory McMichaels was found guilty of four counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, one count of false imprisonment and one count of criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment.

The McMichaels’ neighbor, Bryan, was found guilty of three counts of felony murder, one count of aggravated assault, one count of false imprisonment and one count of criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment.

All three men face sentences of up to life in prison for their roles in Arbery’s killing.

In Fort Worth, Correen Sanders, an engineer in private practice and mother of two teenagers, said

Wednesday’s verdict had prompted her to renew conversations with her son and daughter over interactions they might encounter with police officers.

“I’m telling you, I was thinking about that on my way back from Wal-Mart just a few minutes ago,” Sanders said, adding that her son Mason, who wears his hair in braided styles, will begin driving soon.

“He’s going to be driving a BMW,” she said. “I was thinking to myself today, I need to tell him ‘If you get stopped, be respectful because they could kill you.’”

“As a parent, that’s something we have to live with,” said Sanders, who is African American.

“Right now, this just seems like it’s so common and it’s scary. It’s so scary.”

Chandra Charles, in Grand Prairie, said the Arbery case, paired with similar cases involving the shootings of Black people while the victims seemingly were engaged in everyday activities had left her “emotionally drained” and exasperated at trying to explain to her two daughters her concerns over their safety.

“I talk to them, but I don’t think (my youngest daughter) Morgan is grasping it as a reality,” she said. “All the people they’ve been around, they’ve all been multiple races. When you talk to them about it…they don’t get it.”

The verdicts in the Arbery trial come one day after a Virginia jury awarded more than $26 million to plaintiffs who were injured during a demonstration in Charlottesville while they were protesting white nationalists.

The verdict in the Arbery case also comes a week after Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted of shooting and killing two people and injuring a third in Kenosha, Wis., who were part of a Black Lives Matter demonstration.

Back in North Texas, social justice advocate June Jenkins, who is president of the Collin County branch of the NAACP, said the latest verdict is one of accountability.

“We cannot bring back the life of Ahmaud Arbery,” said Jenkins.

“A guilty verdict is a step towards the accountability needed to ensure the actions of these three men are not ignored.”

Texas Metro News columnist Terry Allen and features editor Eva Coleman contributed to this report.

• December 2 - 8, 2021

11

District 30 cont. from page 1

Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III expresses support for Rep. Crockett

this race. There are none that I believe will enter this race that have been battle-tested like I have been this session,” she continued.

“When we walk into DC next session, I fully anticipate that we will be in the minority. We are going to need a strong voice for District 30 in DC. It’s not time to play. It’s not time to take a test and see if this person will work out.

It’s time to check peoples’ records.

My record is strong. It’s not about me. It’s not about you. It’s about us!”

According to Johnson, Crockett has “clearly demonstrated thus far in her career as a civil rights attorney fighting for justice, and in her role as the representative of the State of Texas’ 100th House district. I categorically believe that Jasmine has the capability and the vision to take up the mantle to serve as your next U.S. House representative in Washington.”

Almost moved to tears as she talked about the senior legislator, Crockett said she didn’t seek out the position, but she is ready to serve on the federal level, where she can more effectively address and impact issues facing her constituents.

Dallas City Councilman Adam Bazaldua was one of several who spoke about Crockett’s commitment to her constituents.

“I’m excited to be here for a very exciting announcement,” said Bazaldua, whose Council district is included in House District 100 and U.S. Congressional District 30.

“She stands up for the rights of all people. She stands up for voters rights. She stands up for women’s rights. She hit the ground running before she was elected.”

Bazaldua was joined by others including Glenn Heights Council woman Shaunte Allen, former

Tarrant County Democratic Chair and Fort Worth mayoral candidate Deb Peoples, Texas State Board of Education Aiesha Davis, constituent Rachel Gonzalez.

Moving on to Washington was not a decision she said she made without consideration of HD30 and who would be her successor.

“I love my District,” she said, adding that while she wasn’t ready to offer an endorsement, she would be engaged in conversations as early as this weekend, to hopefully provide for a smooth transition for her constituents because she “did not want to leave them in questionable hands.”

As far as her priorities, Crockett discussed voting rights, redistricting, healthcare, reproductive rights, police reform and addressing issues she dealt with in Austin.

“The fact that I am going back 50 years when it comes to voting rights and reproductive rights is a problem within itself,” said Crockett.

Closing out remarks, Dr. Haynes of Friendship-West Baptist Church talked about what he referred to as “the fight against fascism” going on in America, and how it is important to have someone who knows how to fight, like his church member; who he said he also supported in her race for State Representative.

Also acknowledging that he was a participant in an exploratory committee for another candidate earlier this year, Rev. Haynes said his decision to support Crockett was not about the other candidate, “This is for Jasmine. This is the fighter right here. She fights for truth. She fights for justice. She fights for what is right and if we are going to win this fight, literally for the soul of this democracy; we have to have a fighter who gets it!”

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Virtual and liVe Community Calendar HIV/AIDS Awareness

All Black Party, Guest Dj Chubb at Crazy Brothers, 7812 Great Trinity Forest Way. 9 pm-2 am.

Square.link/u/kF3XWMJC.

The Brightest Show South of the North Pole at The Light Park in Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Pkwy. Grand Prairie. 12 pm. bit.ly/3pYF5kv.

RECURRING

Holiday Soiree, feat: Tomea & NEM at Michael’s of Las Colinas, 7635 N. MacArthur Blvd. 8 pm.

Designing Your Life: Creating a Framework for the Life You Want to Lead, Online reg. at: bit.ly/ 31j2G5j 8-9:30 pm CST.

2021 Fall Exhibitions Ruth Mae McCrane, at the African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave. 10 am-5 pm. Info & tickets: aamdallas.org.

Black Nativity at Bishop Arts Theatre, 215 Tyler St. 8 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3G1hEvL Dates and Times may vary. (Dec. 2-18)

DECEMBER 2-5 Water Circus - Gold Unit ‘21 Tour at 2063 Town East Mall, Mesquite. bit.ly/3kXdrAW.

DECEMBER 2 Understanding the Structural Impact of Racism, Racial Trauma and Suicide Prevention.

Virtual at 10:30 am CST. Reg: bit.ly/1202Racism.

NABJ 2021 AWARDS is Virtual. Hosts: Zerlina, and DeMarco Morgan, Speaker: Kim Coles, Actress.

6:30 CST. Reg: nabjawards. vfairs.com/ Joy Globes at Walmart Supercenter,355Stonebrook Pkwy. 2-10pm. walmartjoyglobes.com Black Child Book Fair Tour - Author Darryl Harvey, host Dallas Alumnae Chapter DST at TBAAL, 1309 Canton St. 10 am-3 pm.

Reg: bit.ly/3d2JHhR.

DECEMBER 5

DECEMBER 3

Happy Birthday Congresswoman

First Friday + M.A.D.E. Dallas at Dallas Farmers Market, 920 S. Harwood. 7-10 pm.

Eddie Bernice Johnson

Denton Holiday Lighting Festival - Tree Trail at the Courthouse-Square, 111 N. Elm St. 6-9 pm

Cotillion Park Holiday Lights at Cotillion Park, 3601 Barnes Bridge Rd. 5:30-6:30 pm.

Friday Night Jazz At Nosh And Bottle, 370 W. Las Colinas Blvd. 8-11 pm.

Ubuntu Market for Small Business. Hosted by Pan African Connection, 4466 Marsalis, 12-5 pm.

DECEMBER 4

Sunday Skool Night Party at Sidebar, 2626 Howell St. #100 Dallas. 10 pm-2 am. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3xFc1Ar.

Alpha Phi Alpha Founders Day SDS Gents & Swing Therapy Christmas Party Toy Drive at The Elephant Foundation Room, 4791 S Buckner Blvd. 7 pm- 2 am.

Holiday in the Plaza at Levy Event Plaza 501 East Las Colinas Blvd. 10:30 am-3 pm.

CHERYL’S WORLD Tune in to Cheryl’s World on BlogTalkRadio.com, Facebook Live and Streamyard for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative and entertaining news and commentary. Call 646-200-0459 to join in.

The Black & Gold Sunday Funday Takeover #AphiA at Dibs on Victory, 2401 Victory Park Ln. #190. 4-9 pm.

DECEMBER 6 Rhythm & Rhymes Monday at Shisha Lounge, 5449 N. MacArthur Blvd. 9-1 am. bit.ly/3xihQDO

Sundays “The World According to Drew” with Andrew Whigham, III 8-10 am CDT.

Tuesdays “Doc Shep Speaks Show” with Dr. Felicia Shepherd, 11 am CDT,

To Be Young, Gifted and Black- Lorraine Hansberry presented by Essence McDowell and Skyla S. Hearn online. 6:00-7:30 pm CST. Reg: https://bit.ly/32rZy7P

DECEMBER 7

Representation Matters: Overcoming Bias in Medical Research. Reg: Call 800.272.3900 or visit tinyurl. com/REPMAT21 11 am CST.

Oak Cliff Thrives with Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce.6-7:30 pm. Tickets: oakcliffchamber.org/oakcliff-thrives Apply Today.

Soul Line Dance Tuesday-Live! Virtual, host BE Creative Arts Center. 7 pm CDT Reg: www.becreativeartscenter.com FREE Nanette Lee’s Phat Tuesday at Hyena’s Comedy Club, 5321 E. Mockingbird Ln. 8 pm. Tickets: phattuesdaysfallshow.e.com

Soul Food/International Food Festival, at Mar Thoma Event Center, 11500 Luna Rd. 12 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/32NNEVR

TIB!!! LIVE Inspiration Band at Levitts Pavilion, 100 W. Abram St. 6 pm. (817) 980-7607

The All Ways Black Awards 2021 A free virtual event 6:30-8:00 pm Reg: https://bit.ly/3HGSl3M

DECEMBER 10 Uptown Night Market at McKinney & Olive, 2021 McKinney Ave. 6 pm. https://www.mckinneyandolive.com/ Friday Night Jazz At Nosh And Bottle, 370 W. Las Colinas Blvd. 8-11 pm.

AARP Movies for Grownups Screenings Respect, starring Jennifer Hudson. 7 pm CST Reg: https://bit.ly/3d4khAv. Reconsidering Angela Davis: Reflections on Engagement and Societal Transformations. Online Event 4 pm CST. Reg: https://bit.ly/32Cyena.

Black Ivy League Alumni-Alumnae Panel Discussion. Online reg. at: https://bit.ly/3D6VtCr. 2-3 pm CST.

DECEMBER 11-12 Christmas Music Under The Dome at African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave. Sat 12-4pm Sun. 3-5 pm. Info: aamdallas.org Maze Feat: Frankie Beverly, Winter White Party at The Texas Trust CU Theatre, 1001 Performance Pl. Grand Prairie. 7:30 pm. Tickets: https:// bit.ly/3iShJZp..

DECEMBER 8 Elf Movie Night at Legacy Hall, 7800 Windrose Ave. Plano. 8 pm. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3xgXVoM Mi Amora Wednesdays at Amora Kitchen & Ultra Lounge, 12255 Greenville Ave. #130. 10 pm-2 am. RSVP: https://bit.ly/3Cz7rVj Indie Sounds Open Mic Showcase at Da Crab Trap, 3431 Altamesa Blvd. #166 Fort Worth. 7:309:30 pm. bit.ly/30lyTsa

DECEMBER 9

“I was just thinking...” with Norma Adams-Wade, 11 am- 1 pm. CDT.

IHCC 2021 Awards Gala Irving goes Hollywood at the Irving Convention Center, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd. 7 pm. Tickets: www.irivinghcc.com Holiday in the Garden at Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd. 10 am-4 pm.

BPN-Kwanzaa Holiday Gala, at Black Hawk Dining, 4501 Highway 360 Fort Worth. 6:30-10 pm.

Tickets: bit.ly/3lnxGYN

‘Tis the Season Holiday Concert with AARP Atlanta Online Event at Facebook.com/ AARP-Georgia.

8 pm CST. Wednesdays

DECEMBER 11

Thursdays “The Connection” with Debra BrownSturns, 7 pm. CDT.

Fridays “From Marva with Love” with Marva Sneed, 11 am-1 pm CDT.

Private Screening/ Film Premiere: P.O.W.E.R.S. :BOOK ONE at Angelika Film Center.5321 E. Mockingbird Ln. #230. Tickets: bit.ly/3o5O9mq.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents Espresso Nutcracker. In person. 7 pm at Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm St. Streaming and On Demand. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3xMTjHe.

DECEMER 12 Sunday Drum Circle. Host

by Pan African Connection, 4466 Marsalis, Dallas. 2:30-4:30 pm. Email: Panafric@airmail.net CHAMPS | Black Women with Kids in K-5 in DFW at Devonshire, 1201 Ravenhill Rd. Forney.

11:15-12 pm Reg: https://bit.ly/3rslDgL.

DECEMBER 13 Weekly Workforce Orientation: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm at Bill J. Priest Center, 1402 Corinth 1st Fl. Host The Regional Black Chamber. Info contact: 214-565-8946.

DECEMBER 14 Oak Cliff Thrives with Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce.6-7:30 pm. Oakcliffchamber.org/oak-cliffthrives. Apply Today.

Infusing Black History & Culture into Your 2021 Holiday Celebrations Webinar. Host Dr. CirecieWest-Olatunji. Online Reg: bit.ly/3oax5f7. 121:30 pm CST.

DECEMBER 15 DFW/ABJ Holiday Networking Mixer, at 4Thirteen Kitchen, 755 TX Hwy 121 #B100, Lewisville. 6-10 pm.

AARP Decluttering & Downsizing: Part 1 6-6:30 pm. CST. RSVP: https://www.facebook. com/AARPPrograms

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• December 2 - 8, 2021

13

Jamie Foxx Enjoys Cowboys, Mavs Game for Thanksgiving Break Brief and Photos

By Dorothy J. Gentry Actor, comedian, singer, Oscar-winner and Terrell, Texas native Jamie Foxx enjoyed a round of Dallas sports during the Thanksgiving break.

After spending Thanksgiving afternoon at the Dallas Cowboys’ game, Foxx made his way to American Airlines Center Saturday night to watch the Dallas Mavericks take on the Washington Wizards.

Foxx, born and raised in Terrell, joked with players pregame, shot baskets, took pictures with fans and entertained all in attendance. The 53-year-old actor remains a popular figure wherever he goes, especially in his adopted hometown of Dallas.

His next film is Spiderman: No Way Home, which opens on Dec. 16th. Foxx previously starred as supervillain Electro in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 with Andrew Garfield. He will reprise the role in No Way Home.

Mavs DJ Poizon Ivy and Jamie Foxx

Mavs Assistant Coach Shammgod and Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx shakes hands with Wizards' Kyle Kuzma

Mavs GM Nico Harrision and Jamie Foxx

Sasha Doncic, Luka's dad, and Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx with the Willie Beamen jersey - his character from Any Given Sunday

IN MEMORIAM

Hon. Carrie P. Meek 1926 -2021 Carrie P. Meek, of Miami, transitioned this A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, past weekend and her children Lucia Davis-Rai- Inc., she also was named an honorary memford, Sheila Davis Kinui, and retired Rep. Ken- ber of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority. drick B. Meek of Florida provided a statement: After a distinguished career in education, "Carrie Meek was our family matriarch who Carrie Meek was elected to the Florida House fulfilled this role for the entire South Florida in 1979. She served there until 1982 when community. She was a bridge builder and she became the first African American woman healer, a unifier with a legin the state Senate. acy defined by selfless public During her tenure, Meek service. Forever the educator, sponsored legislation creatthe Congresswoman taught ing the Florida Commission us all lessons about justice on the Status of Women. A and morality. Her approach tireless advocate for gender was rooted in kindness and and racial equality, Carrie humility.

Meek has received dozens “Carrie Meek made our of honors. society stronger and more In 1992, Meek was electequitable — an outcome that ed to the U.S. House of RepHon. Carrie P. Meek is an everlasting tribute to resentatives from Florida’s our beloved mother. She was guided by her 17th Congressional District. This made her the faith, always inspired by the outpouring of first Black lawmaker elected to represent Florlove and community support. We humbly ask ida in Congress since Reconstruction. for your prayers at this time."

She has received numerous awards and Born in Tallahassee, she graduated from honors. She is the recipient of honorary doctor Florida A&M University in 1946 and was cho- of laws degrees from the University of Miami, sen to its Sports Hall of Fame. She earned a Florida A&M University, Barry University, Flormaster’s degree at the University of Michigan ida Atlantic University and Rollins University. in 1948 and later did graduate work at the Meek is survived by her three children, University of Indiana and Florida Atlantic Uni- seven grandchildren and five great grandchilversity. dren.

Malikah Saban Shabazz Dr. Marvin Robinson

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

Malikah Shabazz, the daughter of cultural and civil rights icon Malcolm X and noted educator Dr. Betty Shabazz, was found dead inside her Brooklyn home on Monday, November 22.

Malikah Shabazz Authorities said they found Shabazz, 56, unconscious and unresponsive inside her home on East 28th Street in the Midwood section of the borough just before 4:30 p.m.

Medical officials pronounced her dead a short time later.

Reportedly, officials aren’t suspecting foul play.

One of six daughters born to Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, Malikah shares a twin sister, Maalka. The twins are the youngest of the Shabazz children.

Dr. Shabazz died in 1997.

In a conversation in New York last month with the Black Press of America, Ilyasah Shabazz, the third daughter in the family, remarked about the closeness of her family.

“We talk and get together as much as we can,” she said.

“We are close, and we love each other. We always look forward to our Zoom get-togethers, and we love it when we can get together in person.”

A traditional “Janaza funeral prayer” at The Islamic Cultural Center of New York was held on Saturday and the internment took place at Ferncliff Cemetery in Westchester County, NY.

cont. from page 1 Assistant to the President of Community Affairs at Xerox, responsible for the creation and implementation of a community involvement program. This program established Xerox as an excellent corporate citizen in Dallas.

Dr. Robinson moved on from Xerox in 1985 to purchase a Burger King Franchise. With his business acumen, he was able to increase the restaurant’s gross income by over $150,000 in just one year.

In 1988, Dr. Robinson was named the President and CEO of Accommodation, Inc., a concession management company. He purchased the company and became its sole owner in 1995.

Dr. Robinson is a pillar of the Dallas community not only because of his leader-

ship in business, but also because of his community service. Dr. Robinson has been involved in the Dallas County Salvation Army, the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, the Advisory Council for Technical Vocational Education, and Dallas Dash with the Disabled, among many other local organizations. As a patron of the arts, Dr. Robinson served as the Board President of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre for 20 years. In 2007, Dr. Robinson received the Dallas Historical Society’s Award for Excellence in Community Service.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE ON THIS TRUE HERO WHO LED PROTESTS AT HIS ALMA MATER AND BLAZED TRAILS IN CORPORATE AMERICA AND AS AN ENTREPRENEUR.

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SUPERB WOMEN

LALONNI DUBOSE HAGERMAN Delta Diva LaLonni DuBose Hagerman is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

LaLonni has served as treasurer of the Metropolitan Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce and St. Paul Lutheran Church.

LaLonni Dubose Hagerman is the Chief Operations Officer at Educational First Steps, and enjoys stints as Controller at WiNGS, and the principal consultant at DuBose Hagerman Consulting LLC. LaLonni was the director of operations and finance at Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center. She has also worked as the HR and Payroll Administrator for Cash Processing Solutions, as an accounting analyst for Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and senior accountant for Staff Care. She graduated from Skyline High School and went on to Prairie View A&M University, receiving a BBA in Accounting and an MBA from Amberton University. Currently the president of the Dallas Alumni Chapter of Prairie View A&M University, she also served as the VP of the MLK Dallas Chapter of Toastmasters International.

TIFFINI HALL Bright, positive, supportive and spiritually grounded, Tiffini Hall A zeal for the Musical Theatre combined with an ingrained love for Christ sums up Tiffini’s purpose. This native Houstonian has served as an educator for over 15 years, spending the last nine years at Dallas CAN Academy as a Theater Arts and English Instructor. Tiffini is Director of Worship at Path~Way to Life Center of Hope Church under “The World’s Greatest Pastor,” Dr. Cynthia Mickens Ross, where she helps lead worship and assists teaching the Path~Way to Purpose ® Curriculum for Kids in the Summer Learning and Feeding Program. Tiffini is a graduate of Paul Quinn College where she was also Miss Paul Quinn and a member of the school’s National Association of Black Journalists chapter. A theatre arts educator at Uplift Hampton Prep Tiffini is excited about writing and directing her second one-woman show, “The Reformation of a Church Girl”, a four-part mono-vlogue series of transparency, revelation, and hope under her ministry, Christ~ARTS Ministries®..

NADA RUDDOCK Nada Ruddock is a consummate professional.

She is focused, committed and compassionate.

She’s also nononsense and expects what she gives, excellence.

Nada J. Ruddock is the Vice President of Community Impact at NBC 5 KXAS-TV. Prior to joining the NBC family, Nada worked for the former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Jim Wright. A wife, mother and grandmother; Nada received her BS degree from Howard University and an MBA from Texas Christian University. Smart, focused and strategic, Nada has a heart for community service and she volunteers as a member of the NBCUniversal Diversity Council, as Executive Advisor to the NBCU Black Employees Network of Dallas-Fort Worth, and with the Greater Dallas Boys and Girls Clubs. She is chair of the 2021 Fort Worth NAACP Flemmings Freedom Fund Celebration and she is a silver life member of the NAACP, and a member of Leadership Fort Worth. Nada is the recipient of many awards and she is a multiple EMMY award nominee and winner.

STEPHANIE PEGUES COOPER Smart, resourceful, meticulous and focused, Stephanie Pegues Cooper has a reputation based on decades of taking care of business.

Stephanie Pegues Cooper has served as assistant to the Dallas City Manager and the assistant director for the City of Dallas Business Development and Procurement Services. She has worked for the City of Dallas for almost 32 years.

A native of Tulsa, OK., she attended Booker T. Washington High School and received her Bachelor’s degree in Municipal Management from the University of Central Oklahoma, where she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Stephanie is a member of Village United Methodist Church and she cares about animal welfare, children, civil rights and social action, economic empowerment, education, environment, human rights, politics, poverty alleviation, and social services. Stephanie is a member of the Public Purchasing Association of North Texas and the DFW National Institute for Public Procurement. Her impressive

portfolio includes overseeing a budget of nearly a half billion dollars!

KACINDA CRUMP She’s a hometown girl, doing great things in the industry, and Kacinda Crump still finds time to mentor and volunteer!

Kacinda Crump hails from Dallas, TX where she graduated from Skyline High School, where she was on the newspaper and yearbook staff, and received a Bachelors degree in broadcast journalism from the University of North Texas.

Currently the 10 pm producer at KDFWTV Fox 4 since 2003; she was executive producer at KTBC Fox 7 in Austin, 6p.m. producer at FOX 6 WBRC and former reporter/weekend producer at KCEN-TV. An award-winning journalist, Kacinda is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and she is known for writing accurate, concise, conversational copy & choosing compelling stories to keep viewers dedicated to our brand of news product.

TAMMY DEMERY Contact Tammy Demery at 214477-3992 if you are in the process of buying, selling or renting a property.

Tammy Demery received a BS Degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M University and participated in the Mid Management Leadership Training Program at the Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business. She has worked as a business analyst at Hoovers Inc., Sr Marketing Rep at Cable & Wireless Communications; held various management positions at American Express, served as Chairman of the Board for the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce (only the second woman ever), Outside Sales Consultant for Capital One, business exec/manager for First National Bank of Omaha and VP Regional Sales Direct & Partnership for Corporate Spending Innovations. Also a real estate agent, she is an independent advisor and managing director of Tammy S. Demery and SVP with 81 Logistics Group.

LAQUITTA THOMAS She loves Southern University and just call LaQuitta Thomas, Madam President, as she serves as

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the National President for Southern University Alumni Federation LaQuitta Thomas is an IT manager at Texas Instruments; where she has worked since 1994.

A graduate of Southern University and A&M College - Baton Rouge, LA with a BS. Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and an MBA in eCommerce from the University of Dallas-Graduate School of Management.

A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, LaQuitta hails from Tallulah, LA. She has also served as the president of the Dallas chapter of the Southern Alumni Federation, one of the biggest and most successful chapters in the country! She is focused on the Federation’s new 5-point initiative: Fundraising, Membership, Professional Development, Recruitment & Retention and Scholarship. LaQuitta is a mentor, leader and supporter of all HBCUs. MARGO J. POSEY Margo J. Posey is about service.

She worked in insurance, banking and other corporate jobs before launching her own consulting firm in Chicago, IL. Then Dallas called!

Margo J. Posey, is president and CEO of the Dallas/Fort Worth Minority Supplier Development Council, which was created by local CEOs concerned with local social unrest spurred in part by economic exclusion and disparity. Next year she will celebrate 30 years at D/FWMSDC. Recipient of the National Minority Supplier Council’s prestigious 2020 Vanguard Award, Margo is recognized as a strong advocate for minority owned business inclusion. Her service includes the Dallas County Small Business Advocacy Council, and serving on the minority/women’s business enterprise advisory committees for the City of Fort Worth, Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the Dallas Independent School District.

She hails from Akron Ohio and studied political science at Kent State University.

A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Margo is a graduate and a past board member of Leadership Texas.

ANGIE RANSOME-JONES You can call Angie Ransome-Jones -

Madam President! A servant leader, speaker, actress; she believes in lifting as she climbs.

Angie Ransome-Jones also believes everyone has a book in them. A bestselling author, she is using her talents as a ghostwriter; assisting aspiring authors to put their works on paper, or screen. Angie has an impressive work history as a Vice President and Project Manager in banking. She holds a BA in Journalism from the University of North Texas (Denton, TX) and an MBA in Project Management from the University of Dallas (Irving, TX). Angie also serves on the Board of Directors for the University of North Texas (UNT) Alumni Association and was recently elected President of the UNT Black Alumni Network (BAN), where she has headed Student Engagement and is active on the President’s Diversity and Inclusion Council. Angie is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a charter member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW, Dallas Chapter).

KHERRI JEAN Kherri Jean’s impressive background in business and service is laudable and evident in her life’s work. A wife and mother, she is a true role model!

Kherri Jean is a Senior Territory Account Manager for Johnson & Johnson Vision.

She has been in the healthcare industry for more than 15 years in divisions spanning Vision Care, Rheumatology, Oncology and Dental; winning several sales awards and leadership awards during her tenure, including President’s Club. She is also the CEO of Full of Wander Travel Company, a luxury travel agency. Beginning in 2020, she helped her son fulfill his philanthropic dreams with the origination of the “Race to Kindness,” a series of events designed to spread kindness throughout the country. A wife and mother, she enjoys traveling (her favorite places to visit are Barcelona, Capri, Dubai and Monaco); listening to audiobooks with her family, and watching movies. Kherri earned her Bachelors and Masters of Business Administration degrees from Florida A&M University.