T E X A S
MetroNews DELIVERING NEWS YOU NEED
• Vol-9 • Dec. 3 to Dec. 9, 2020
MY TRUTH By Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER
Happy birthday Congresswoman Johnson Sometimes for whatever reason, folks come into our lives and have an impact. Some folks we are glad to see coming and then others we’re glad to see them leaving. Then still others come into our lives and before long we forget they ever existed. Life is strange because you meet some folks and feel as though you have met your soul mate. You have conversations that seem important at the time and you share secrets that you each swear to keep.
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To Twerk or NOT to Twerk Photos and story By Ashley Moss and Jirah Mickle
Twerking caused quite a stir in Dallas recently. Businessman, attorney and entrepreneur Kevin Kelley, owner of TRUE Kitchen + Kocktails, 1933 Elm St in Dallas, dominated posts on social media after a viral video showed him calling out female patrons for twerking (a form of dance that involves the movement of your hips) in his restaurant. “We had a few groups of ladies who got rowdy and started to twerk on some of the furniture,” he said. “It was an isolated incident with just a few of the women (customers). We talked to them and explained that it wasn’t appropriate for the restaurant. I was very polite (in the beginning), but ultimately I became frustrated, and we asked
The Dallas Morning News
See CONGRESSWOMAN JOHNSON, page 11
Kevin Kelly
them to leave the restaurant. Read the restaurant’s full statement here: https://www.face book.com/truekitchenkocktails While Mr. Kelley said his expression of that frustration showed in his use of the “F-word” and may have been too strong, he stood by his decision to stop the provocative dance moves, noting that he did it to command
respect “for the culture.” “I shouldn’t have used that word,” said Kelley. “But I’m passionate about this restaurant and this concept. I developed it with women in mind, and (the twerking) was an offense to me and also to everyone I serve.” “Anybody who comes into the restaurant and disregards what we’re trying to create for our people is not only putting the restaurant at risk but putting (our people) as well.” Despite those who have been critical of Kelley’s delivery, he’s also received support for speaking out on appropriate v. inappropriate behavior and providing a “classy” environment and quality product for patrons. Clearly he’s doing something right, according to satisfied clients. Just call 972-764-8783.
David Dinkins, New York’s First and Only Black Mayor, Dies at 93 By Lauren Victoria Burke
NNPA Newswire Correspondent
David Dinkins was the stuff of political legend in New York’s Harlem. From 1990 to 1993, Dinkins served as the 106th Mayor of the largest city in America — New York. Dinkins was a historic figure as the first African American to hold the office. He often referred to the city as “a gorgeous mosaic.”
IN MEMORIAM
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Winning candidates, be thankful for voters
By Gromer Jeffers Jr.
Or so you think. It’s a wonderful thing when you meet someone who brightens your life, warms your spirit and makes you feel good. Which brings me to my truth. I’m wishing Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson a Happy 85th Birthday, December 3, 2020. I think the first time I interviewed the Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson, it was in 1990. She was in her car and it was a phone interview about something related to the office she held at the time, Texas State Senator. She talked at length and answered all of my questions. I don’t recall the topic but I do remember that she appeared to bend over backwards to accommodate my interview request. Over the years we had very
In Memoriam Remembering Joseph Smith 1927-2004
EDITOR’S NOTE - This article appears as part of a collaborative partnership between Texas Metro News and The Dallas Morning News, that seeks to boost coverage of communities of color, particularly in southern Dallas.
It’s been a challenging year. The coronavirus pandemic has taken lives, sickened millions, disrupted the economy and cost too many Americans their businesses and jobs. Along the way, the pandemic
was the backdrop for an extraordinary election season, where Texans participated in competitive contests in unusually high numbers. Known as a nonvoting state, Texas became a state with high voter participation. It all occurred after mandated shutdowns to combat the virus and few political rallies. Most Democratic Party candidates didn’t knock on doors. But even without extensive inperson campaigning, the elections had dramatic moments, and the winners of the 2020 contests
should be thankful to an array of people. As we prepare for Thanksgiving, here are a few examples of folks who deserve a dollop of cream on their sweet Joe Biden potato pie. Candidate: Joe Biden Should thank: Black voters After badly losing the early primary contest states of Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada, See VOTERS, page 8
Hon. David Dinkins
Dinkins was part of Harlem’s Democratic Party machine that dominated politics from the late 60s and into the 1990s. He was part of a power base that was made up of businessman Percy Sutton, New York State Assemblyman Herman “Denny” Farrell, attorney Basil Paterson, and Congressman Charles Rangel. Dinkins won an Assembly seat, See DINKINS, page 15
Generation X and millennials sound off on why they did - or didn’t - vote I WAS JUST THINKING By Norma Adams-Wade
EDITOR’S NOTE - This article appears as part of a collaborative partnership between Texas Metro News and The Dallas Morning News, that seeks to boost coverage of communities of color, particularly in southern Dallas.
Refusal by some to use the ballot box as a way to bring about change bewilders.
My 25-year-old grandson chose not to vote in this presidential election. I say this with a heavy heart filled with defeat and regret. No amount of cajoling on my part — even attempted bribery — could move him from his resolute stance that the ballot box is not the way to
cure society’s ills or produce democratic solutions. “The government will find a way to do what it wants to do,” the young man repeatedly declared, roundly rejecting my entreaties to follow me to the polls. People will know who he is, though I promised not to name
Andrew Kemp Jr.
him when I wrote about our political differences. As you read this remorseful narrative, the nation will still See THINKING, page 6