26 minute read
See NEW REDISTRICTING MAPS
Joy through all seasons
FAITHFUL UTTERANCES
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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, 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.
- Luke 2:10-11 (KJV)
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 represented 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, 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 session, 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!
Sen. Royce West
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.
Giving Thanks
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!
Truly! Does Black Lives Really Matter?
OUR VOICES
By Thomas Muhammad
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
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!
TWO WAYS TO DONATE
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
Superb Women November 2021
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
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 Justice- 5th 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 University- Commerce. 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.
ARISHA SMITH
Described as dedicated and determine with a penchant for detail, the stylish Arisha Smith lives life to its fullest as a Business Intelli-
gence 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 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 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.
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
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.
