Texas Metro News 2-25-21

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• Vol. 9 • Feb. 25 - Mar. 3, 2021

MY TRUTH By Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER

We believe our lying eyes! Too many women belong to an elite club that no one in their right minds would want membership in. If you’ve ever seen Haile Gerima’s movie, Sankofa, a mother’s pain is excellently portrayed and has been part of my psyche for decades. Her anguished cries were reminiscent of the moans I’ve heard so many times from mothers who have lost a child. Which brings me to my truth. Last week, there could have been another member inducted into that “club” of women who lost sons to police violence/brutality. Outrage is mounting across the country as video of Plano (TX) police arresting a young Black man, 18-year-old RJ Reese, walking home after working the late shift at Walmart. Police say they responded to a call about a man in shorts and t-shirt, stumbling in the street during the winter storm. The situation escalated. All I could do was clench my teeth and shake my head as I watched the officers try to “help” RJ before taking him to jail. They ask if he was okay and he responds that he lives a short distance away and didn’t need any help. They persisted, offering a ride. He declined. He just wanted to go home. A Class C misdemeanor, could have cost RJ his life. It was a case of majoring in the minors! Now charges have been dropped but RJ will probably always remember that night in jail. He’s not a criminal and his actions weren’t either. An inquiry is expected. We can’t condone or excuse the handling of that encounter. And for those who have alternative narratives, it is refreshing that you are becoming the minority.

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ERCOT resignations follow massive Winter Storm Power Outage By Rebecca Aguilar Texas Metro News

Following harsh criticism for mishandling the massive power outage that affected more than 4.5 million Texans during last week’s winter storm, five of the 15-member Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) board resigned on Tuesday. Responsible for the Texas power grid and managing the flow of 85 percent of the electricity used in Texas, ERCOT came under fire from citizens and elected officials, and not just in Texas. “I think they are cowards for not wanting to deal with the consequences,” said Kristy Willis of Arlington, adding that she and

her wheel-chair bound daughter were without power for 32 hours in frigid temperatures. “I have a special needs daughter in a wheel-chair, and it would have been too difficult to try to relocate because I was afraid of slipping on the snow and ice.” TX Governor Greg Abbott, who had called for ERCOT board members to resign after the massive power blackout, released a statement on Tuesday welcoming the resignations. “The lack of preparedness and transparency at ERCOT is unacceptable. We will ensure that the disastrous events of last week are never repeated.” The Public Utility Commission (PUC) oversees ERCOT. Abbott

appointed the three PUC Commissioners. “Having out-of-state board members resign will not change the failed oversight by the Public

Now in its 44th season, The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) has received a $150,000 special BLACK SEED project grant launched and spearheaded by the New York-based Billie Holiday Theatre, in collaboration with three additional Black-led theatre institutions: the Craft Institute, Plowshares Theatre Company and WACO Theater Center. The Black Seed Fund is made possible by a philanthropic cohort, with a lead gift of $5 million from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

See ERCOT, page 11

See TBAAL, page 11

Scene from the home of Richard and Nancy Wallace during the snow storm last week

GAME CHANGE

State Fair Classic Spring Game day reset One of the largest HBCU classic, the State Fair Classic, a time-honored football tradition between Grambling State University and Prairie View A&M University, has been rescheduled, again. Typically held at Cotton Bowl Stadium during the State Fair of Texas each fall, the game was postponed to February 27, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of the 2020 State Fair of Texas.

Warren Sapp

Now, due to the recent winter weather crisis in Texas and

TBAAL receives $150,000 BLACK SEED Grant

the time required to assess the impact of the storm to the Cotton Bowl Stadium and what is needed to get the stadium game ready; the schools, ALW Entertainment, Fair Park, and the State Fair of Texas have made the difficult, yet prudent decision to move the event from Fair Park. The 2021 State Fair Classic Spring Game will now kick-off at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Globe Life Park in See GAME CHANGE, page 11

MARK YOUR CALENDAR • Grambling State University Tigers vs Prairie View A&M University Panthers Saturday, March 13, 2021 • State Fair Classic Spring Game Globe Life Park 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011 2:45 p.m. – Pre-Game National Anthem Performance • Gospel Recording Artist Marvin Sapp 3:00 p.m. – State Fair Classic Spring Football Gamr Halftime Concert - National recording artist Dru Hill featuring Sisqo

Dr. Harry Robinson Jr. African American Museum - Is that Possible? I WAS JUST THINKING... By Norma Adams-Wade When has a person worked hard enough, given enough life blood, and effectively stayed the course long enough to have a building named in his or her

honor – and that while they still are living? If you have an answer, I have a person. And with my arms folded and foot tapping, I could say “I’m waiting.” That said, let me put forth this argument in favor of naming the African American Museum at Fair Park in honor of its founder and former CEO, Dr. Harry Robinson Jr., who still is very much alive.

There’s a lot of history behind this argument that I cannot claim. As a journalist, I am echoing what I hear in the wind and just can’t keep to myself. For my part, I long have admired the work that Dr. Robinson put into the museum since he started it 47 years ago at the old/no-longer-in-existence Bishop College campus in Dallas in 1974. The campus is now See THINKING, page 6

Dr. Robinson in a room at the museum. Credit: dallasnews.com

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BRIEFS

Leadership in Collin County Kimberly Y. (Divers) Evans JD, County for over five years, with a MBA is President & CEO of Purposed direct link to today’s affluent and Consulting, LLC; Executive VP of Five progressive African American Rings Financial and President of the business professionals in Collin Collin County Black Chamber. County and the state of Texas. Purposed Consulting The goal is to build was founded in 2006 economic prosperity and primarily to participate in enhance the quality of educating the community life in Collin County by in areas of home buying, promoting, maintaining, credit, taxes and financial and supporting African planning. We strongly American businesses believe that the more through leadership information a person has, Kimberly Y. Evans opportunities, community the better decisions they support, and businessmake resulting in a better quality of building programs. General life meetings are held the 2nd Thursday The Collin County Black Chamber of every month, beginning at 6:30 of Commerce has been building P.M., at different locations within economic prosperity within Collin Collin County.

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Terry joins City of DeSoto as Marketing Manager Tenille T. Terry has been Management, a Master of named the Marketing Manager Arts in Mass Com-munication for the City of DeSoto. In this (Journalism) and a Bachelor role Ms.Terry is of Arts in Mass responsible for the Communication/ City of DeSoto’s Marketing; has marketing initiatives more than 13 years in ad-dition to the of experi-ence city’s upcoming in marketing and rebranding efforts. communications. The Louisiana Ms. Terry’s has native and threeadded value to a time graduate of number of regional Tenille Terry Southern University and statewide and A&M College entities, in adin Ba-ton Rouge, LA, with an dition to several companies, MBA in Human Resources including Johnson & Johnson, Management & Supply Chain Neutrogena, and H&R Block.

TSU joins nation’s first quantum education and research initiative

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Publisher : Cheryl Smith Editor: editor@myimessenger.com Address: 320 S.R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 100 Dallas, Tx 75203 Website: www.texasmetronews.com Phone: 214-941-0110

NASHVILLE, Tenn.-- Tennessee State University (TSU) says it looks forward to students being on the cutting edge of technology in the fields of finance, digital manufacturing, and military affairs now that the institution is a member of the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center. TSU officials recently announced that it has joined the nation’s first quantum education and research initiative for historically Black colleges and universities. The aim of the center is to help students and faculty

build skills in quantum computing is an absolute game-changer and increase diversity and when we consider our current inclusion in the field. climate and how research could “With the creation lead to new discoveries of Big Data, Artificial in medicine and drug Intelligence (AI) and development.” aerospace designing just TSU is one of 10 newly to name a few, quantum added institutions that computing has quickly comprise the 23 HBCUs become an emerging that have joined the tech-nology,” said TSU Center to date. As part President Glenda Glover. Dr. Glenda Glover of the initiative, TSU TSU President “The IBM-HBCU Quantum will have access to IBM Center partnership helps TSU quantum computers on the cloud, prepare our students and faculty as well as opportunities for to be innovators in this field. It joint collaboration on research,

education, and community outreach programs. “IBM’s priority in launching the Center is to support and facilitate quantum re-search and education for HBCU faculty and students as part of the growing quantum workforce,” said Dr. Kayla Lee, Product Manager for Community Part-nerships, IBM Quantum. “We’re proud to continue building on the momentum of the founding institutions and looking forward to collaborating with Tennessee State University to build a quantum future.”

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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.

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Here’s how Texans can apply for FEMA disaster assistance for winter storm damage This story, originally published in The Dallas Morning News, is reprinted as part of a collaborative partnership between The Dallas Morning News and Texas Metro News. The partnership seeks to boost coverage of Dallas’ communities of color, particularly in southern Dallas.

By Charles Scudder

Benny Henderson, 53, takes a look at his mother apartment ceiling at Westmoreland Heights in Dallas on Saturday, February 20, 2021, where it collapsed over the kitchen due to water damage after the snow storm Uri hit Dallas this week. Credit: Lola Gomez/The Dallas Morning News

Many Texans who have suffered winter storm damage can apply now for help from FEMA. President Joe Biden signed a major disaster declaration Friday for 77 Texas counties, including much of Dallas-Fort Worth. That allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency to distribute assistance for needs including temporary lodging, home repairs and uninsured property losses. FEMA said people should file insurance claims and begin to clean up and make repairs as soon as it’s safe to do so. It can’t duplicate insurance benefits, but it may be able to pay for costs that insurance doesn’t cover.

FEMA suggest taking photos of damage and cleanup efforts to document repairs and to keep receipts for cleanup and repair costs. People may apply online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. FEMA asks applicants to have the following ready: • A current phone number • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are staying • Your Social Security number • A list of damage and losses • Your insurance policy number or insurance agent and company name Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Rockwall and Tarrant counties are eligible for federal assistance.

Other eligible counties include Angelina, Aransas, Bastrop, Bee, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Brazoria, Brazos, Brown, Burleson, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Comal, Comanche, Cooke, Coryell, DeWitt, Falls, Fort Bend, Galveston, Gillespie, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Hays, Henderson, Hidalgo, Hood, Jasper, Jefferson, Kendall, Lavaca, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Maverick, McLennan, Montague, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Nueces, Orange, Palo Pinto, Panola, Parker, Polk, Sabine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Scurry, Shelby, Smith, Stephens, Travis, Tyler, Upshur, Van Zandt, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Wharton, Wichita, Williamson, Wilson, and Wise.

Georgia Prosecutors open investigation into Trump’s call By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Senior Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Georgia prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Donald Trump’s phone call to Georgia’s secretary of state Brad Raffensperger. During the call, the former President asked him to “find” the votes he needed to overturn the state’s election results. “All I want to do is this: I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have. Because we won the state,” Trump said to Raffensperger during the call. The transcript of the phone call played a prominent role in the House of Representatives’

second impeachment of the 45th president and is expected to play a central role in the Senate trial. Fulton County, Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis promises to look into Trump’s actions following the now infamous Jan. 2 telephone call. “Anyone who commits a felony violation of Georgia law in my jurisdiction will be held accountable,” Willis said in a statement last month. “Once the investigation is complete, this matter, like all matters, will be handled by our office based on the facts and the law.” During his Jan. 6 rally that led to the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Trump told his

Brad Raffensperger GA. Sec. of State

supporters about the phone call. “In Georgia, your secretary of state, who — I can’t believe this guy is a Republican. He loves recording telephone conversations,” Trump told the large gathering. “You know, that was a — I thought it was a great

conversation, personally. So did a lot of other — people love that conversation because it says what’s going on,” he bellowed. “These people are crooked.” According to the “Articles of Impeachment Against Against Donald John Trump,” with closing endorsement by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, “…President Trump, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to the Constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with selfgovernance and the rule of law. President Trump thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification

to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States.” The resolution cites the call to Raffensperger urging him to “find” enough votes to overturn the state’s election results. “We cannot allow this unprecedented provocation to go unanswered,” House members said in a statement. “Everyone involved in this assault must be held accountable, beginning with the man most responsible for it – President Donald Trump. We cannot begin to heal the soul of this country without first delivering swift justice to all its enemies — foreign and domestic.”

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What if women didn’t talk? THE LAST WORD By Dr. Julianne Malveaux Patriarchy baffles me as much as white supremacy does. How do the men, birthed by women, consider us inferior? When we raise our voices, we are irrational or hysterical. When we are emphatic, we are hostile. According to former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, we talk too much in meetings when we talk. Mori offered this weak excuse when questioned about the scarcity of women on the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee, which he chairs. Later, the 83-year-old Mori apologized, citing criticism from his daughter and granddaughter. That’s Japan, not the United States, some might say. But show me a woman who has sent in an executive, civic, or academic meeting, and I’ll show you a woman who has confronted patriarchal attitudes in meetings. Listening to men restate her point, which was ignored when she made it. Interrupted. Encountered the passive hostility that comes when men don’t want to hear women’s voices. But in this Black History Month, I pondered the impact of Black women’s voices and wondered what would happen if we were silent. What if Maggie Lena Walker didn’t encourage us to turn our pennies into dollars, as she formed the Penny Savings Bank in Richmond, Virginia? What would have happened if Sojourner Truth did not proclaim that “ain’t I a woman”? What would have happened if Harriet Tubman had not let hundreds out of enslavement by simply saying, “come on y’all”? What would have happened if Maxine Waters had not reclaimed her time, or if now-Vice President Kamala Harris, as a Senator, interrupted someone by saying, “I was speaking.”

What would have happened if Shirley Chisholm had not proclaimed herself “unbought and unbossed,” leading the way for Congresswomen like Ayana Pressley (MA), Yvette Clarke (NY), Joyce Beatty (OH), and Cori Bush( MO) to proclaim the same? We appreciate former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court. How many of us know, though, of Julia Baxter Bates, the first Black woman to be admitted to Douglass College, the women’s college of Rutgers? ‘Baxter Bates graduated in 1938, hoping to teach in New Jersey schools, but segregation laws prevented her from chasing her dream. She earned a master’s degree at Columbia University and taught at Dillard University in New Orleans. Then, she led the NAACP research component, working with Walter White, WEB Du Bois, and Thurgood Marshall. Many say that her research influenced the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case. Did she talk too much, or just enough? Her nephew, Kevin Fields, a New Jersey entrepreneur, says that Justice Marshall considered her “a partner.” History belongs to she who holds the pen, and whether it is intentional or simply myopic, too many men, regardless of race, have shown resistance to Black women’s uplift. It becomes all too clear during Black History Month when too much is viewed through a patriarchal lens. For example, on February 1, folks commemorated the role four young Black men from North Carolina A&T State University played in desegregation by sitting at a segregated Woolworth’s lunch counter. How many know that the protest was planned at nearby Bennett College and women also played a role in that sit-in? Black women’s voices, women’s presence, and women’s history need to be more visible. Our legacy civil rights organizations, the NAACP, Urban League, and Rainbow PUSH, and the NatiSee LAST WORD, page 5

A Black Culture Renaissance! QUIT PLAYIN’ By Vincent L. Hall This final installment of our Black History Month series relies on the concept that Black Culture was pivotal as we rose from slavery to self-sufficiency. The Black Church, Black Preacher, and Black women laid the foundation, but our culture built the walls. The kidnapped Africans dropped on these shores arrived with social norms and art forms that ranged from ritualistic to spiritualistic. The mind, body, and soul of the same African who tended the cradle of civilization still moors us to a semblance of sanity. The fact that Africans in America in 2021 are not stark raving mad is partly because of our culture of resiliency and our commitment to formal and informal scholarship. The Black Renaissance period was the pinnacle of that cultural awareness. It’s time for the 2.0 version. Horace Meyer Kallen, a Prussian emigrant, mastered philosophy at Harvard University so well that before being elected president, Woodrow Wilson hired him at Princeton. In 1908, Kallen returned to Harvard and earned a doctorate. While studying at Harvard, Kallen became friends with Alain Locke, the first African American Rhodes Scholar. There were no more until the 1960s. “Cultural pluralism,” according to Kallen, declared that different ethnic groups have enriched the American way of life. As immigrants and native-born citizens learned new cultures, America was fortified. The art, food, education, history, music, and other

differences became assets to the unique national experience. Locke made an appearance as the guest editor in the March 1925 issue of the periodical “Survey Graphic.” He headlined a special edition, ”Harlem, Mecca of the New Negro.” Locke waxed eloquently and effectively on the virtues and communal benefits of the Harlem Renaissance. Cultural pluralism was in full view.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH SERIES December of 1925, saw Locke expand the issue into “The New Negro.” It was a collection of writings by him and other African Americans and it was called the “first national book” of African America. Locke contributed five essays: the “Foreword,” “The New Negro,” “Negro Youth Speaks,” “The Negro Spirituals,” and “The Legacy of Ancestral Arts.” The New Negro did more than educate the masses about Black culture. Locke’s writings and theories coagulated the diverse and warm-blooded artistic ability of former slaves. He was immediately hailed as the “Father of the Harlem Renaissance.” The

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy further widened the historical aperture to give us a more vivid snapshot of Locke’s philosophical value and worth. “Locke was a distinguished scholar and educator and during his lifetime an important philosopher of race and culture. Principal among his contributions in these areas was developing the notion of “ethnic race,” Locke’s conception of race as primarily a matter of social and cultural, rather than biological, heredity.” African Americans continue to suffer from external beliefs that our biology and heredity make us less than. The Harlem Renaissance was important because it proved that we accomplish whatever we desire when we define ourselves and dismiss our naysayers. It is past time for us to prioritize and promote our own creativity and culture. European art, thought and culture cannot be the yardstick for the “Black experience.” If Henry VIII could have developed gospel, blues, and jazz music, he would have. We can never lose sight of the advantages that our disadvantages have granted us. Lemonade without lemons leaves little to celebrate! The church, the preacher, our women’s strength, and our cultural ancestry serve to reprove our viability on this earth. The 11th and unspoken Commandment of our credo must be that we define ourselves for ourselves. Therefore, the best advice that this writer can give you sums up this Black History Month series: Stay with the Black church, listen to the preacher, do what your mama tells you and be the best of who you are. Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and an award-winning columnist.

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Not Enough Oil FAITHFUL UTTERANCES By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew In my lifetime, I’ve witnessed much and I can add something new to my list. Although I’ve seen snow and even been in blizzards in Denver, Chicago, and Toronto, I’ve never gone through what I experienced recently. Monday, February 15, what I thought was going to be a temporary situation went from losing power two hours at a time to more than 11 hours. My house went from a temperature of the low 70s to the low 40s before we made the decision to go stay with a friend. We were not prepared for the possibility of electrical outages, freezing temperatures in the house, and flooding from pipes bursting. This was so different for me and I realized in that moment, that even with the best intentions, we can grossly underestimate what can happen. I was expecting leadership to do the right thing and this was a wake-up call that our dependence on others to lead in moments of crisis lately has been disappointing and downright disastrous. We can learn a lot from Matthew 25 in this season. “At that time, the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, the cry rang out: “Here’s the bridegroom!

Come out to meet him!” Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their laps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.” “No”, they replied “there may not be enough for both of us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and by some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet and the door was shut.“

going to be late. They knew he was coming. Ultimately, their assessment was incorrect, and they suffered expecting others to step up. Many of us are depending upon the generosity of family and friends in this time to get through. We expected our municipalities and leaders to do something and they didn’t. What we’ve learned is the depth of our resolve and our resilience in the face of adversity. No matter how prepared we may be, disappointments happen. We may In my lifetime, I’ve wit- not have the door nessed much and I can completely shut in add something new to our lives but we can my list. Although I’ve count on times when seen snow and even we’ve done our best and we still miss out. been in blizzards in We can’t give up Denver, Chicago, and or get frustrated. Toronto, I’ve never gone We learn from this through what I experien- situation to prepare our homes better, ced recently.” stay connected to neighbors and We often focus on the virgins friends so when we are in who were prepared with the need, we have relationships oil but not much attention to depend upon, and elect is given to those who were leaders who care, not blame not. I can imagine that those others, and do something. virgins got dressed up and Even more importantly, ready to see the bridegroom. the moments should remind They did everything to make us that God is present with themselves ready but forgot us, sees all and knows all. We something. must know that no matter How often do we do the what we go through, there is exact same thing? We do still hope and the possibility everything we need to but of something different and later realize that we are better for our lives. “Have I not vulnerable because we didn’t commanded you? Be strong consider something critical. and courageous. Do not be I’m sure that the virgins afraid; do not be discouraged, expected the bridegroom for the Lord your God will be not to keep them out when with you wherever you go.” they were trying to remedy We will get through this. the situation. I bet they also Let’s check on others, give expected that these women them assistance, and don’t who were with them would shut others out when they have helped them out. need. What happens when we do as much as we can and Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the yet, life still happens? We host of the Tapestry Podcast may do all that we know how and the author of three books to do and still go through for women. She is also the Vice President of Community Affairs difficulties. The virgins didn’t for the State Fair of Texas. To learn know the bridegroom was more, visit drfroswa.com.

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Looking for answers during this challenging time? WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE By Dr. E. Faye Williams This coronavirus that has us sheltering in place has taken some through many different emotions. Some have experienced fear, concern, stress and many negative feelings. There are some who have used this time to do positive things that carry with them hope and good feelings about what they’ve been able to do for themselves and for others. I find there is always something out there that makes me smile. Even though I have on my mask and gloves, I bow my head each time I come near anyone just to let them know I see them, and I acknowledge their humanity. I can’t always tell if they acknowledge my recognition of them, but I feel good knowing I have acknowl-edged them. STAY ACTIVE There are so many things one can do so as not to sit around and bemoan the fact that this virus may have changed our lives forever. It’s so important to be physically and mentally active. In my case I walk between four and five miles per day. One day during the past week, I walked 5.2 miles. Imagine how excited I was

Last Word from page 4

onal Action Network must offer an example of shared leadership by emphasizing women’s voices in their organizations. I’m not suggesting that men “move over” for women, young people, or anyone else. I’m saying that if the CEO is the President and CEO, perhaps the Board Chair should be a woman. Women, after all, are more likely to be dues-paying members of these organizations. Do we talk too much? Perhaps our voices are entirely proportionate to our contribution.

about that extra .2 miles! That may not sound like such a big deal, but I knew how long it had taken me to get there! I put that in my success column. You don’t have to do all the big things immediately. Try a gradual approach to whatever it is you set as a goal. In my case, I’m ready to set a new walking goal. That helps to keep my mind off negative things I might be thinking if I just sat around saying, “Poor me.” DIVERT YOUR ATTENTION There’re so many great things you can do. In my case, along with Bishop Joe Simon, I’m soliciting un-registered voters. Along with members of the National Congress of Black Women, we’re teaching peo-ple how to register online. There’s another easy project you can do to help while taking your mind off your fears. Adopt a nursing home. Call the director and find out what products would be helpful for you to donate. Ship the products without ever having to go to the nursing home. If you’re looking for answers, whatever you do, instead of sitting around in fear, think solutions by making a list of at least 10 things you’re capable of doing. Select from the list and do as many as you can. Don’t just sit around in fear. Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Contact her via www. nationalcongressbw.org.

In any case, Olympic leader and former Japanese Prime Minister said what many men worldwide, and certainly in these United States, are thinking. Women talk too much in meetings. Really, dude? From my perspective, women don’t talk enough, and embracing women’s voices will improve our world. What if women didn’t talk? Our world would be much worse off. Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, media contributor and educator. Her latest project MALVEAUX! On UDCTV is available on youtube.com. For booking, wholesale inquiries or for more info visit www.juliannemalveaux. com.

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Thinking MOBE features female executives in advertising to kick from page 1 off Women’s History Month Washington, D.C. – The MOBE Advisory Board member (Marketing Opportunities in and multicultural marketing Business and Entertainment) consultant, “Black women in Symposium celebrates Women’s the workforce, as entrepreneurs History Month (March) with and as heads of household, have a week-long series devoted to always been leading drivers of Women in Advertising beginning consumerism. This week gives Monday, March 1. Each of the five us the opportunity to hear from programs will air at 7 p.m. EST some of the real powerbrokers on the Symposium’s Facebook who are expanding access and Live and YouTube Live channels increasing impact in this everand is part of MOBE’s Advanced changing industry.” Marketing Series. Since MOBE Mondays The March 1 program will launched as a weekly program feature an examination of DEI in April 2020, an audience of (Diversity, Equity and more than 100,000 Inclusion) called Ride people have tuned in Or DEI? followed to include achievers, on Tuesday, March influencers and 2 with a discussion independent thinkers with CEOs called from major brands Power Players: such as AARP, BET, Transforming Blue Cross and Blue Madison Avenue. Shield, Nielsen, New The week’s remaining York Life, The OWN topics will focus Network, Procter & Carol H. Williams on Creatives: How Gamble, Revolt TV Is Storytelling and Sony. Changing (Wednesday, March The MOBE SymposiumTM is 3), Advertising Sales: Follow the leading advanced marketing the Money (March 4) and Chief conference designed to Marketing Officers: ROI in the accelerate the growth of business New Paradigm (March 5). The with thought leaders, industry complete list of panelists (which influencers and business owners, follows on a separate page below) enabling them to share cultural is comprised of presidents, CEOs insights for purpose-driven and senior executives at some of brands and savvy marketers. the industry’s top agencies. MOBE’s proven track record of MOBE leadership saw the facilitating strategic alliances and opportunity to focus on Women’s professional development has History Month as an immediate resulted in agreements between extension of its Black History Black businesses and major Month celebration. corporations that have delivered “We had great Black History revenue-producing connections Month topics and wanted to and partnerships. An estimated continue elevating our topics $200 million in business was by acknowledging the impact of generated for African American Black women in the advertising companies as a direct result of industry,” said Rael Jackson, associations conceived at MOBE MOBE’s director of brand strategy. symposiums. “Tom Burrell, who founded the MOBE (pronounced MO-Bee) legendary Burrell advertising is where marketing, technology, agency, may be the most well- sports and entertainment known name, but women such professionals join with emerging as Renetta McCann and Carol H. businesses, entrepreneurs and Williams, are arguably at least as other business professionals influential.” (Williams is credited and corporations. The MOBE with creating the Pillsbury series has delivered business Doughboy and the unforgettable building, education and Secret (Deodorant) tagline, mentoring resources for African “Strong enough for a man, but American professionals since made for a woman.”) 1992. For more information, visit Added Ken Rye, a MOBE mobesymposium.com

Paul Quinn College. One man. One mission. One undying determination that nothing would sideline his almost obsessive vision to elevate to the highest the African American story in Texas and these United States. Remarkably, Dr. Robinson actually pulled it off. Historian Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney described the museum’s journey when he wrote its history in the Texas State Historical Association’s Handbook of Texas. Dr. Dulaney is now the museum’s deputy director and chief operating officer. Dr. Robinson Jr., who will be 80

Museum’s entrance.

come September 16, is a New Orleans-born library science and history major who earned degrees from Southern University, Atlanta University and the University of Illinois. He has moved away from day-today operations and is now the museum’s chief fundraising officer. In the Handbook, Delaney described how Dr. Robinson persevered over nearly two decades, moving the museum from a 30-ft x 30-ft room in Bishop College’s Zale Library, to the library’s basement, to borrowed spaces in various buildings around Dallas, to finally experiences the triumphant entry into the newly-built 38,000 square-foot, nearly $5 million architectural showplace at 3536 Grand Ave., behind the gates and inside Dallas’ landmark Fair Park. The museum’s journey, with Dr. Robinson ever at the helm, reads like a movie plot. It presents pathos, stifling challenges, seeming hopelessness, the rallying of foot soldiers, then jubilant conquest with fanfare on entry day, November

13, 1993. I was there reporting. The museum is known as the only one of its kind in the Southwest. To learn about exhibits, lectures and activities, visit www.aamdallas.org. Museum’s lobby. I read recently about plans to unveil in August, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a bust of Marcus Garvey, 81 years after the Jamaica-born key proponent of the Pan-African/Black nationalist movement died in 1940 at age 52. Dr. Robinson came to my mind. So, I was just thinking… Why cannot Dallas people right now begin plans to honor for his mighty works Dr. Robinson -our own deserving, local treasure of a man -- while he can smell the flowers and know that they are his? Dallas-born educator, historian, Credit: dallasnews.com and minister, Dr. LaTrese Adkins, expressed disappointment remembering that her attempt to jumpstart a grassroots movement to raise funds and honor Dr. Robinson did not catch fire in the summer of 2019. She had attempted to honor the museum founder – a historian and researcher whom she admires -- with either a museum endowment, a bust, or most-hoped-for: the museum being renamed the Dr. Harry Robinson Jr. African American Museum. Countering the argument that buildings and such are named for an individual after they die, it has been pointed out that there are buildings where that assumed rule did not apply. Ann Williams Way in Dallas was named for Dallas Black Dance Theatre founder Ann Williams and the Wright Museum in Detroit honors its founder, physician Charles H. Wright. Both honorees were alive when they received the honors. Former Democratic St. Rep. Helen Giddings summed up the sentiments of several lead-

Credit: Pinterest

ers who said in 2019 that Dr. Robinson Jr. deserves a tangible remembrance. “I don’t know of anybody who disagrees that the African American Museum is there today because of Dr. Harry Robinson Jr. and his vision,” Giddings said then. Dr. Adkins said she knew the task would be daunting, particularly in the waning economy at that time. But she firmly resolves that city and museum officials should take the lead in honoring Dr. Robinson, beyond a mere bust -“an insufficient memento that can be taken up and stored once his contemporaries have left this world,” she affirmed. “Efforts to acknowledge Dr. Robinson’s exemplary servant-leadership through means that can speak to past, present, and future was and is as appropriate as it is long overdue,” Dr. Adkins said. “Here is our community’s chance to give flowers while he yet lives.” For his part, the ever-modest Dr. Robinson dismissed the idea and instead named financial backers that he said he believes deserve the honor more. I personally disagree. If he were a more demanding personality, he maybe would advocate more demonstratively for his own legacy. But, alas, he prefers to stay in the background and perhaps let his achievements speak for themselves. So, someone else should step forward and lead this charge anew. Will you do it? Norma Adams-Wade, is a proud Dallas native, University of Texas at Austin journalism graduate and retired Dallas Morning News senior staff writer. She is a founder of the National Association of Black Journalists and was its first southwest regional director. She became The News’ first Black full-time reporter in 1974. norma_ adams_wade@yahoo.com

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Virtual and liVe Community Calendar

WOMENS HISTORY MONTH February 25 Trending Thursday’s, Grow your Business with Google. Speaker: V R Small Reg: http://bit.ly/3s6LEj1. 1-2 pm CST

Queen Esther: Moment of Preparation Online Event hosted by First Baptist Church of Glenarden. 6 pm. CST. Register, visit www.fbcglenarden.org/queenesther. Walk on the River 2.0: The African Influence - Online Screening Event hosted by Walk On The River and Melaneyes Media. Tickets: http://bit.ly/3akx2WX. 7-10 pm. CST. WHUT Screening and Panel Discussion of The Black Church. Event by WHUT Howard University Television. Free Event: http://bit. ly/3dx4pI1 5:30 pm-8 pm. CST. Be Love Campaign- February Series Reconciliatory Love host the King Center. Reg: http://bit.ly/3qs8Ho0 5 pm CST.

Buy Black Expo 2021, at South Oak Cliff High School, 3601 S. Marsalis Ave. 2-6 pm. Reston Links “Black Magic in STEM” Black History Program. Online Event hosted by Reston Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. 11 am-1 pm. CST. Info: http:// www.restonlinksinc.org/ DFW Small Business Vendor Expo. Event hosted by Young Black Entrepreneurs Networking and Development Group, Music City Mall, Lewisville, 2401 S. Stemmons Fwy. 12-5 pm. CST. Tickets: http://bit.ly/3pkj9MR. Black History Celebration LIVE. Online Event host The Dock Bookshop & Dock Community. Eventbrite.com. 12 pm CST. Hope for Tomorrow: Supporting the Black/African American Caregiver Journey. Host Alzheimer’s Association - North Central Texas Chapter, AARP Texas Register by calling 800-2722900. Tickets: https://bit.ly/2NNBhBr 9 am-12 pm. CST.

How To Make It All Work - The Four Pillars For Work-Life Harmony. Host Dorothy S Travis & Aldreama Harper - Chief Operations Strategist. Tickets: Eventbrite.com 11 am-12 pm. CST.

MELA-FEST: The BIGGEST BLACKEST Fashion Event & Pop Up Shop. Event by Kashmere Model Mgmt. & Talent Agency. At 211 N. Ervay St. Dallas, 8th Floor. 1-6 pm. CST. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

Lunch & Learn: Grow Your Business with 0 Dollars Using the Power of Social Media. With Jasmine Anderson. Hosted by Zan W. Holmes Jr Community Outreach Center. Online: zwhjcoc.org 11:30 am-1 pm. CST.

Your Network Is Your Networth 2k21. Host Addiktive Events. Royal Lane Studios, 1135 E. Avenue J, Grand Prairie. 6:3010:00 pm. CST. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. Info: 682-300-8193.

February 26 From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed. 11 am -1 pm. CST, on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459. DeSoto ISD Celebrates Black History Month with a Zoom Panel Discussion on Facebook. com/DeSotoISD. This week: “Black Enterprise,” Black Business ventures. 12 pm. MAVS READING CHALLENGE with Dwight Powell, a book written by a Black author and inspired by Black culture for a Reading Time Out. Info on Reading Challenge: mavs.com/readingchallenge. A Night at the Museum. Honoring African American Athletes. Event by Buffalo Soldier National Museum. 6 pm. Tickets: www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com/gala-2021. André De Shields is Frederick Douglass: Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory. Event by Flushing Town Hall. RSVP at http://bit.ly/FTHBHT3r 6 pm. CST.

February 27 Black History Month Celebration with amazing picture books, Crown Hair Love, Black is a Rainbow Color. 2-3 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

Feb 28-March 14 29th Annual Pan African Film Festival, Virtual. The Paff to Evolution Register, Tickets/Passes on Sale: www.paff.org.

February 28 Andrew’s World with host, Andrew Whigham III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8-10 am. Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Call in at 646-200-0459. The DFW Area Chapters Impact Day of Service. Event by The DFW Area Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Online with Facebook Live. Donations: bit. ly/2OXylTD 3-5 pm. Soledad O’Brian “Disrupt & Dismantle” Preview: Moving Shingle Mountain. Feat: Marsha Jackson Online Event hosted by Southern Sector Rising. 7:30-9:30 pm CST. Info: https://southernsectorrising.org/ HBCU Council - HBCU Sunday 2021 (Virtual) Church Service. Event by The HBCU Council of Shiloh Baptist Church. Info: Call 202-524-2696. www.hbcucouncil.com 9 am. CST. Black History Month: A Celebration of Black Resilience Online event by Women of Color Remake Wellness. A discussion led by black women in the health and wellness space. Tickets: Eventbrite.com 6-7:30 pm. CST.

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March 5

In the Middle with Ashley Moss From 11 am -1 pm. CST On Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com. Call in and join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

From Marva with Love, with Marva Sneed. 11 am -1 pm. CST, Fridays on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459.

Sisters in Song: A Celebration for Women’s History Month. Event by AARP Georgia. Log onto www.facebook.com/RialtoCenter 7 pm. Virtual Birthday Night. Celebrating Women’s Sobriety. Host The Magdalen House. Register for the Zoom event: https://bit. ly/3ssnMaa 7-8 pm. CST.

March 2 THE DOC SHEP SPEAKS SHOW! From 11 am. CST on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews, @fnsconsulting, and You Tube @ docshepspeaks DFW News & Tings with Jirah Nicole. From 11 am-1 pm. CST Tuesday’s on Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459. Williams Chicken Presents Entrepreneurs are Innovators! Panel: Tim Williams, Carlos White, Carl Shields, & Victor J. Elmore. Webinar Series. Reg: www.williamschicken. com 11:30 am-1 pm. CST Free Tickets at Addison Improv-Stand Up Comedy, 4980 Belt Line Rd. #250, Addison. 8-10 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

March 3 I Was Just Thinking with Norma Adams-Wade. From 11 am -1 pm. CST On Facebook Live/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com. Join the conversation at 646-200-0459. Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez Live Podcast on Facebook @HollywoodHernandez, at 2 pm.

March 4 Policing Reform for Racial Justice. Feat: Detective Marquez “Marq” Claxton Event by Anna Julia Cooper Center. RSVP: https://bit. ly/3az3gwG. 5-6:30 pm. CST. Financial Planning for Women. Event by Savvy Chicks Rule and EA Wealth Management. Event: Eventbrite.com 6:30 -8 pm. CST.

March 5-7

56th Anniversary of Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee. A Historical Crossing Goes Global as a Virtual Event to fight COVID-19. Commemorating “Bloody Sunday.” Register: selmajubilee.com.

Every Friday Night Don Diego and The Razz Band at Club Odyssey, 7439 Westmoreland Rd. 6 pm. Face Mask Required. Elevation Comedy Tour 2021. Host Shavonda with a V. Feat: Anastasia The Bold. 9 pm-1 am. Tickets: Paypal. me/CarlJ23. Flores Ballroom, 4615 Singleton Blvd.

March 6 Developing and Leading Multi-Ethnic Congregations: A Black Church Choice. Host: Rev. Dr. Joseph W. Daniels, Jr. Event Online: prophetic-activism.org. 11:45 am1:15 pm. CST. 17th Annual Women Empowering Women’s Conference. Event by Daughters of Deborah, Inc. Reg: Eventbrite.com. 9:30 am. CST. Online: http://bit.ly/3selYAK.

March 7 Happy Birthday to Eva D. Coleman Andrew’s World with host, Andrew Whigham III on BlogTalkRadio.com 8-10 am. Sundays. Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the call at 646-200-0459. Women Make History. Event by Eventura Event Planning a celebration of International Women’s Day. Reg: Eventbrite. com. 1 pm. CST.

March 8 International Women’s Day Women of Impact: Celebrating Women in Photography! In celebration of International Women’s Day, join Nikon Ambassadors Tamara Lackey, Ami Vitale and Michelle Valberg. Reg: Eventbrite.com 7 pm. CST

BLACK LIVES MATTER

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The newly redesigned 2021 Hyundai SANTA FE. A bold reimagining with family fun in mind.

In sunshine, snow, and rain, the redesigned SANTA FE puts all other SUVs in its class to shame. Comfort and safety aside, this tech-forward SUV offers a bold design with a premium and sophisticated interior and exterior that showcases a stylish, rugged elegance. With available features like in-dash Blind-Spot View Monitor, Safe Exit Assist, Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert, HTRAC All Wheel Drive and a 10.25-inch full-touch infotainment screen, you can relax, knowing your family is covered and so is your style game, in or out of the city. It’s so much better, together.

Preproduction model with optional features shown. Hyundai is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor Company. All rights reserved. ©2021 Hyundai Motor America.

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ZAN WESLEY HOLMES JR. COMMUNITY OUTREACH CENTER PRESENTS IN CONVERSATION WITH DALE HANSEN, WFAA -TV Title Sponsor:

Roland Parrish and Parrish Restaurants Ltd.

Honorary Chairs:

In Conversation is the primary fundraising effort that helps to make possible the programs and operations of the Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The “Conversation” hosts a distinguished guest each year who helps to shine a light on the life and events of our city, state, nation and world. This year’s guest is Dale Hansen, WFAA-TV Sports Anchor, an award-winning journalist who has been a part of the WFAA-TV team for 37 years. He is the weeknight sports anchor and also hosts Dale Hansen’s Sports Special on Sundays, which is one of the highest-rated sports shows in the DFW area. The virtual event will take place at 11:30 A.M. Streaming information will be shared after guests are registered. Please visit www.zwhjcoc.org or email inconversation@zwhjcoc.org for additional information.

Hyundai recognizes the value of community. Learn more at HyundaiDiversity.com.

Hyundai Celebrates Black Excellence The journey and societal contributions of African Americans is an epic tale worthy of retelling time and again. Their traditions and rich heritage combine for a legacy to remember. Hyundai is proud to join in on the celebration of Black History, this month and all year long. We salute contemporary Black artists like Ronnie Phillips, who firmly believes that children are the future, stating, “I like the idea of connecting images of present-day Black children to their past as a way of honoring the continuity in our culture.” Hyundai and Ronnie Phillips, building upon the past together while constructing a better future for all. Hyundai is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor Company. All rights reserved. ©2021 Hyundai Motor America.

Art by Ronnie Phillips. RonPhillipsArt.com.

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A look at real nomads AT THE MOVIES By Hollywood Hernandez NOMADLAND is a very melancholy story about a woman, Fern, played by Frances McDormand, whose husband dies and she loses her job at a factory that makes drywall, when the business closes for good. The entire community in Nevada loses so many of its residents who depended on the factory for work; in just six months the town’s zip code is eliminated.

With no friends, no family and no job Fern heads out on a trek across the Western US, living in her van and having limited success in finding work. While on her journey she discovers a group of modern day nomads who band together to try and lend support for one and other. The group provides her with friendship and companionship which makes her life a bit more bearable. Director Chloe Zhao takes us on a scenic journey and weaves a beautiful tapestry of a story that has become a reality for many older Americans who don’t seem to have a place in today’s society. Companies aren’t hiring older workers and many are alone and are forced to fend for themselves to keep a roof over their head. It’s a sad situation but

amazingly Zhao manages to show the silver lining in the lives these people live. The movie also stars real life “nomads” who do an excellent job of showing their lifestyle as people who live out on the road. One of the real life nomads is a character named Swankie who confides in Fern that she has cancer and plans to spend her final days making memories touring the country rather than spending her final days in a hospital bed. The real treat of the movie is the telling of the story of the lives of these ordinary people that live an unorthodox lifestyle. Another of the real life nomads, Bob, explains the group’s credo during a round table talk with the members, ”Good-byes are not final in this group. We just promise to see one and other again somewhere down the road.” The movie is hard to watch at times but at the same time it’s interesting and keeps your attention throughout. The movie is extremely relevant to the times we’re living in and obviously the movie was shot before the COVID pandemic which would have effected the lives of these people even more. McDormand plays her character beautifully and director Chloe Zhao, who’s from China, has a firm grasp on the story of the American decline that many seemingly ignore. She doesn’t pull any punches in the story telling of a true American film. NOMADLAND isn’t glitzy or glamorous but it’s a story that holds a mirror up to the current situation that’s going on in the USA. It’s rated R for nudity and is currently showing at movie theaters and at home exclusively on HULU. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate NOMADLAND a LARGE.

BIG MAMA SAID,

“My feet are paid for, Just walk your walk for God and Me” BLACK CARD By Terry Allen My Grandmother, Lucille “Big Mama” Allen said many things to her children throughout our lifetime on her journey to heaven. This particular statement, “My feet are paid for, just walk your walk for God and me: was uttered as she lay in a hospital bed and I had just arrived at her medical bedside via a plane flight from NYC to Dallas. I was New York living in Westchester County and I spoke with Big Mama frequently. I mostly dialed her number making homesick calls disguised as “Big Mama give that recipe again”calls. This time, I had gotten a call from my brother, the Bishop, the day before. He said, “Can you come home because Big Mama is in the hospital and this may be her last days?” OMG! As we celebrate Black History Month, I tell this story. I remember Big Mama’s religious upbringing and what feet meant to her. She would tell us that in the Bible, the mention of feet is a symbol for the traveling and effort required in bringing the Good News to others. Proverbs 4:26 Watch the path of your feet. And all your ways will be established. I arrived at the hospital and one of my sisters said she had not been awake since she got there. She said she did not like the current doctor. I began to observe the Doctor’s bedside behavior and agreed with her! So much went on those seven days in the hospital room.

During the week I was there, we all took turns talking to Big Mama. One night after my Aunt Mary and Uncle Charles came by I went to Big Mama’s side to rub her feet. I am not sure why because that is what my brother always did. As I rubbed her feet her eyes opened and she said,” Baby don’t worry about them feet they are paid for, but you got to handle this for me.” And she went back into her coma. OMG! Big Mama just told me I had to act but had no idea what. I was shaken! I called my sis in Houston. She was on her way. I called a “community aunt” and she arrived with 5-6 other “aunts.” I then observed those ‘Aunts” gathering around her bed. They begin a 30-minute Bible toting “ring shout.” The entire hospital floor heard the wails, the moans and the chants. Nurses stopped working. Doctors stood by the door. Then all of sudden, “Big Mama” woke up! She smiled! Five hours later, upon her demand, we took her home. She lived for a decade longer! Big Mama’s illness gave us a lesson in our African history and insights to our powerful cultural faith heritage. The ring shout, rooted in the ritual dances of West Africa and forged by the Atlantic slave trade, is believed to be the oldest surviving African American performance tradition of any kind. I learned how to walk for God and Big Mama that day. Acts 3:7 And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. Terry Allen is an awardwinning multi-media journalist and owner of 1016 Media.

Gina Grant continues to soar FROM MARVA WITH LOVE By Marva J. Sneed On From Marva with Love, we are celebrating Black Entrepreneurs for Black History Month. Gina Grant is the Founder and CEO of Women That Soar, a Dallas-based media and content development company. Her focus is all about empowering and inspiring women to overcome their obstacles and soar, both personally and professionally. Women That Soar has been hosting an award show since 2007 for women who have overcome those obstacles and celebrates their accomplishments.

Gina Grant

MS: Gina, tell us about some of the people that have received the Women the Soar Award and how you found them. GG: Well, Women That Soar is the brand of the media company. It’s the brand, but the WTS Awards is named after the company and is all about honoring women who have courageous stories of going through the ups and downs of life and who are willing to share their stories with others about how they learn to soar. So we find the women based on other people just sending us stories. We look for women who have reached the pinnacle of success. But yet at one point in their lives, they were at the bottom. They were in the pit a lot of times. Nancy Lieberman and Gloria Campos were honored among others.

MS: How did COVID affect your business? GG: COVID hit in March 2020, when we had just partnered with the city of Dallas. We had come off one event, on February 15. We had Yolanda Adams there, and this is where we made the big announcement that we were going to do part two of the WTS Awards. We had filmed part 1 and in November 2020 were supposed to be part two. It was going to be a threeday event. We had every celebrity and we were bringing Hollywood to Dallas, and COVID hit and shut us all down. Honestly. I was in Prayer day and night. Productions were dying. Everyone was losing money left and right. We went in the hole, and God just started speaking to me and said, “share your story.” I started to writing. So every day I would get up and I just wrote my own story and I sent it to my producing partner, Reuben Cannon, and he said, “Gina, we’ve got to shoot a docu-series and it’s got to be focused on minority women.” I said, it has to be about African American and Hispanic women. MS: Tell us about the docuseries. GG: Overcomers is an unscripted, pre-eminent docu-series that is like none other. It explores the raw, real-life stories of single mothers who have chosen to rise above their current circumstances and fight for a better future for themselves and their children… To hear the full interview with Gina Grant, go to B l o g Ta l k R a d i o . c o m / Cheryl’s World link: http://bit.ly/3qI42yp or Texas Metro News FB: https ://bit.ly/2LZBOjj. Follow Gina Grant at www. womenthatsoar.com. Tune into “From Marva with Love” Fridays from 11 am-1 pm. on BlogTalkRadio.com and Texas Metro News Facebook page. marvasneed@myimessenger.com

ERCOT from page 1

Utility Commission or the lack of common sense policy by the Texas Legislature,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, in a statement he issued on the resignations. According to ERCOT’s website, in addition to Chairman Sally Talberg, who lives in Michigan; Vice-Chairman Peter Cramton, who resides in Maryland; Terry Bulger, Vanessa Anesetti-Parra and Ray Hepper also do not live in Texas. Four members submitted a joint resignation letter Tuesday that expressed their concerns about being out of state leadership. They also said that Texas should invest in an infrastructure to prevent another power outage disaster. “We have noted recent concerns about out-of-state board leadership at ERCOT. To al-low state leaders a free hand with future direction and to eliminate distractions, we are resigning from the board effective after our urgent board teleconference meeting adjourns on Wednesday, February 24, 2021,” read part of their statement. News of the resignations did not appease Texans. “Resigning does not make one ‘not guilty,’” said Dee Fuente, adding that she wants answers from ERCOT and Abbott. According to Fuente, her

Game Change from page 1

Arlington, Texas. “Unfortunately, due to the impacts of the recent inclement weather and the time required to assess what is needed to get Cotton Bowl Stadium ready, we collectively agreed with the State Fair of Texas and the promoter that the prudent decision is to move the event,” said Peter Sullivan, general manager of Fair Park. “We look forward to hosting this great event again in the future.” All previously purchased game tickets will be honored and tickets are still available and can be purchased at all outlets including Catfish

husband left their West Dallas home last Monday night when the power went out. He and their dog stayed in their car with the engine running outside a gas station to keep warm in frigid temperatures. “We prayed that we would make it out and no one would get hurt,” said Fuente. Unfortunately, there were several other cases of displaced, having medical emergencies and also reports of citizens who didn’t survive the more than five days of freezing temperatures and power outages. During a packed virtual town hall meeting last week, called by Texas State Senator Royce West and attended by more than 20 area elected officials, ERCOT and provider Oncor reps, the questions were intense as many shared their horror stories of dealing with the power outages, some lasting more than 40 hours, despite initially being told of 15-45 minute outages. The senator said citizens deserved answers, adding that generator companies had been forewarned. “I’m disappointed we didn’t fix this 10 years ago,” said Sen. West, referencing the cold temperatures and snow storm during Super Bowl XLV in 2011. Oncor said there were two major issues: “winter storm outages and controlled power outages directed by ERCOT, which serve to reduce high demand and protect the integrity of the electric grid.”

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Those outages have disproportionately impacted Black and Brown communities, according to Dallas City Councilman Omar Narvaez, who said one of the zip codes in his district, 75212, has the second highest percentage of residents with power outages. According to Woody Rickerson, ERCOT Vice President of Grid Planning and Operations, one out of four were not getting the power they needed because of the need for more generators because of broken or frozen parts. “The cold weather has caused a lot of them to break and this is colder than any weather we’ve seen,” he said, adding that the natural gas pipeline freezing was not anticipated. Texas State Rep. Ramon Romero, Jr., told Texas Metro News every angle into the massive power outage should be investigated, “It’s not just ERCOT, but also the PUC and the energy providers, transmission lines, generators, and the producers.” He said he believes blame can go in any direction, but it’s important to gather the facts first. “Personally, I want answers as to how we will never allow this to happen again,” said Rep. Romero. “The people of Texas will have to decide what to do with those that put us in this situation.” Cheryl Smith contributed to this report.

Floyds, Smokey John’s Bar-BQue, ticketmaster.com, TM locations, and Williams Chicken locations. Get more information on State Fair Classic events at StateFairClassicFootball.com. The State Fair Classic has been played on the grounds of the State Fair of Texas since the 1920s and between these two teams – the Grambling State University Tigers and Prairie View A&M University Panthers – since the 1980s. However, like most Texans, Fair Park and Cotton Bowl Stadium are still assessing the potential impacts from the recent winter weather crisis we all faced this past week and do not feel it is wise to host the game at this time. We look forward to continuing the tradition of the State Fair Classic football game

Dru Hill

during the State Fair of Texas at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Fair Park this coming fall. “We are disappointed the State Fair Classic Spring Game is unable to be played in Cotton Bowl Stadium at Fair Park this coming weekend but are happy to see the game will continue to be played in DFW,” said Mitchell Glieber, president of the State

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about us and near us,” said India Etwaroo, the Executive Artistic Director of the Billie Holiday Theater, who conceptualized and worked with other theatre and Bloomberg Philanthropies, partners to create the Black Doris Duke Charitable Foun- Seed initiative. “The goal for the dation, the Ford Foundation, grants is to develop and leverHoward Gilman Foundation age national partnerships and and the New York Community support for new artistic comTrust. The Black Seed’s three- missions.” year initiative has a fundraising The TBAAL grant is to spegoal of $10 million, comprised cifically support the Dress of private and public funders, as Performance Theatre Series, well as individual Sunday Evening donors. Professional The“We are incredatre Stage Readibly excited to reings of African ceive this special American Theatre project grant,” Classics and new said Curtis King, plays by young TBAAL Founder and promising Afand President. “It rican American is a testament that playwrights from persistence, and six historically Afthe hard work we rican American incontinue to do, stitutions of higher have not gone unlearning Theatre Curtis King noticed in Dallas Departments/Proand around the country. We’re grams: Jackson (Mississippi) glad to be a grantee among the State, Texas (Houston) Southgroup of more than 100 celebrat- ern, Grambling (Louisiana) ed Black American Theaters.” State, Alabama (Montgomery) Black Theatre institutions State, North Carolina (Durham) across America will receive a Central, and Bethune Cookman one or two year grant, ranging (Daytona, Florida) universities. from $10,000 to $150,000. The One of the project’s highlights funding is a national strategic and centerpieces will be to work initiative focused on creating with the Universities Theatre impact and “thrivability” for Directors to identify two promAmerican Black Theatre institu- ising young Black playwrights tions. “The Black Seed stands on from each school whose work the shoulders of Black theater will be published in TBAAL’s leaders who came before and Black Theatre Seed Anthology of centered the work by us, for us, New Plays.

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Fair of Texas. “Held for nearly a century, this game is a timehonored tradition at the State Fair of Texas, and we look forward to it returning in its grandeur to Cotton Bowl Stadium this fall.” A showdown for all, the game is known to only be half of the entertainment. Another highlight of the event is the “Battle of the bands” – the halftime face-off between the school’s marching bands in an impressive showing of the masterful musicians and talent at both schools. For this game, however, the bands will be unable to perform due to COVID-19 safety protocols. In lieu of this, there will be a halftime show featuring Dru Hill – an American R&B group known for soul, hip hop, and gospel music. Also, due to COVID-19, the

spring game will be at a limited capacity of 25,000 attendees. The schools are urging fans to arrive early to make sure there is plenty of time to go through security and to adhere to the clear bag policy in effect for Globe Life Park. All fans are required to wear masks covering the nose and mouth, for the duration of the event, unless actively eating or drinking. In addition, guests should maintain social distancing, putting six feet between themselves and other parties, wash their hands and use hand sanitizer regularly. Fans who are not feeling well or may have been in close contact with someone they suspect may be infected with COVID-19 should stay home and contact their doctor.

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PEROT Museum of Nature and Science highlights Engineers Week Brainstorm, build, break and create! Recognizing the importance of training the STEM leaders of tomorrow, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science will kick off Engineers Week with several days of buildable, makerspace fun including engineering-themed activities, experiments, challenges, crafts and more Thursday, Feb. 25-Sunday, Feb. 28. From the gadgets and gizmos behind the world’s greatest innovations to robotics, games and TECH Truck activities, Engineers Weekwill be packed with amaze-your-brain

adventures to appease all ages. Guests can explore the field of engineering firsthand with professional engineers and educators, enjoy interactive demos, tinker with VEX robotics and partake in building challenges, games and more. Outside, visitors can check out the science-onwheels TECH Truckfor experiments led by Museum educators as well as take-home activities. Children ages 5 and under can learn about robotics, make binary necklaces, and enjoy engineering-themed crafts in the Moody

Family Children’s Museum. Sponsored by VEX Robotics, Engineers Week is free with general admission. Member-only hours will be offered from 9-10 a.m. Saturdays and from 10-11 a.m. Sundays. As always, interactive activities will be disinfected regularly and hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the Museum. The Perot Museum is currently operating at limited capacity with strict safety protocols in place. Timed-entry tickets should be reserved in advance at perotmuseum.org.

by Ashley M. Moss

Black Women amplify need for Health Equity during COVID-19 To celebrate Black History Month and American Heart Month, the American Heart Association is collaborating with the Association’s Go Red for Women® movement, for Empowered to Serve, an hour-long roundtable highlighting health justice and equitable health outcomes for Black women. The event will be moderated by Amy Dubois Barnett, vice president of digital for Black Entertainment Television (BET). The Roundtable will also convene this crucial conversation with a panel that includes the national leaders of all four of the Divine Nine National Pan-Hellenic Council sororities and The Links, Inc. Panelists will include Mary Bentley LaMar, North Atlantic regional director of Al-pha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Beverly Evans Smith, national president and CEO of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.;

Valerie Hollingsworth Baker, interna-tional president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Rasheeda Liberty, international president of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, Ph.D., national president of The Links, Inc.; and Cheryl Pegus, M.D., a member of the American Heart Association board of directors and executive vice

Speak Loudly Speakers Bureau Say It Loud! Readers and Writers is pleased to announce the launch of Speak Loudly Speakers Bu-reau, its outreach, contact, and engagement portal representing a growing list of professionals, authors, educators, artists, and entertainers, who are available to fulfill your organization’s needs. We are pre-pared to set up immediate connections with our clients for your upcoming conference, meeting, lecture series or cultural event. Since its inception, Say It Loud! has partnered with some of the most wellrecognized voices in the liter-ary, academic, artistic, and entertainment communities. All of these individuals believe that the Say It Loud! mission to reach a wide-range of audiences, starting with the youth, is key to cultivating a life-long love of literature and literacy. They have also come to rely upon the Say It Loud! networking capa-bilities and expansive reach across the country. With this new venture, the Speak Loudly Speakers Bureau will become the natural hub for programming, conferences, speaking venues and enhanced learning and teaching opportunities. We invite you to our webpage to formally meet this diverse group of authors, artists, activists, and scholars and more. https://www.speakloudly.com/ speak-loudly-speakers-bureau/ What the Speak Loudly Speakers Bureau offers: • Access to a diverse and dynamic group of authors, artists, scholars, entertainers and more • Monthly and quarterly forums focusing on current issues, cultural conversations, and speakers’ spotlights.

president of Walmart Health & Wellness. The EmPOWERED to Serve Black Women and Well-Being Roundtable will be held virtually on February 25, 2021 at 5 p.m. PST/7 p.m. CST/8 p.m. EST. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees can register at the EmPOWERED to Serve website.

Tarrant Area Food Bank to continue Mega Mobile Markets through May

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Lawsuit claims neglect, poor winter storm response caused Houston man’s death The family of an elderly Houston man who died after spending more than two days without electricity or natural gas filed a lawsuit against electricity grid manager ER-COT and electricity transmission company CenterPoint Energy. The lawsuit alleges that electricity grid manager Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and CenterPoint disregarded recommendations following a federal investigation of similar grid failures in 2011 and 1989. During the blackout, the temperature dropped as low as 11 degrees in Houston and to 40 degrees or less inside Mr. Austin’s home. Mr. Austin, who was born and raised in the historically African-American community of Acres Homes in northwest Houston, was found unresponsive and pronounced dead by emergency responders on February 16. Trial lawyer Larry Taylor, managing partner of The Cochran Firm in Houston and Dallas, said similar public health emergencies were common throughout the state during the historic winter storm, and residents of historically underserved lower-income neighborhoods were among the hardest hit.

Photo Courtesy Stock Footage/Canva

“This shouldn’t happen to anyone, whether you’re in rural or urban America,” Mr. Taylor said. “This lawsuit is about us getting answers and accountability for people to make sure this never happens again.” “Ample warnings were not enough for these companies to do the right thing,” Mr. Taylor added “Sadly, we now have to ask a jury to hold these companies accountable.” The lawsuit is Linda Brown, individually, as next kin of Doyle Aron Austin vs. Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc., and CenterPoint Energy, Inc., filed in Harris County district court.

Prairie View A&M receives new grant to increase teachers of color

Patrick M. Oliver

• Media coordination to help with the success and publicity of your specific event. • Inclusion in the Speak loudly and speaker bureau calendar of events. Our expanding list of speakers who are available include: publisher and poet Dr. Haki R. Madhubuti, authors and copublishers Wade Hudson and Cheryl WillisHudson, two-time Kirkus Prize winner Derrick Barnes, poet and publisher jessica Care moore, nutritionist and Associate Professor Dr. Jenelle Robinson, Super Bowl drummer Cora Coleman, storyteller and poet Xelena Gonzalez, award-winning illustrator R. Gregory Christie, Associate Vice Provost and author Dr. Stephanie Helm-Picketts, SMU assistant professor Dr. Sanderia Smith and others. Founder Patrick M. Oliver is a literary arts and education consultant as well as recipient of numerous community service awards, contracts, and grants. Experience and expertise include serving as director of sales and marketing Third World Press (Chicago), program director Open Book Program (Chicago) and senior contract administrator in the aerospace industry (Los Angeles). Editor and author of five books. Founder and executive director Say It Loud! Readers and Writers.

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Photo Courtesy Tarrant County Food Bank

Fort Worth ISD will continue working with the Tarrant Area Food Bank and will open the Herman Clark Stadium gates (Herman Clark Stadium is at 5201 C.A. Roberson Blvd.) each Friday morning through May 21 for the Mega Mobile Mar-ket. The National Guard will continue assisting with food distribution. Distribution times will be Fridays in February from 10 am to 1 pm. The Tarrant Area Food Bank has provided meals through the Mega Mobile Mar-ket to families since last September. Organizers planned to provide meals for 1,500 families, many of whom are dealing with unemployment due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but the number of families served weekly has climbed to 3,000. In January, approximately 7,000 families received food. Each attending family receives a variety of high-quality, nutritious food.

Photo Courtesy Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View A&M University’s (PVAMU) Whitlowe R. Green College of Education received a $1.5 million Houston Endowment grant, which will be used to ad-vance the college’s Educator Preparation Program, aimed at increasing the number of qualified teachers of color and prepares them for long-term success. Currently, the college offers three undergraduate degrees and 14 graduate de-grees. Houston Endowment funds will enable the college’s faculty, staff, and administra-tors to design and implement programs and services to impact student learning, such as integrating state-of-theart technology and the recruitment of firsttime, full-time freshmen and community college transfer students. In 2020, the State Board for Educator

Certification (SBEC) recognized PVAMU’s Educator Preparation Program in two areas: Preparing the Educators Texas Needs, which is the number of prepared teachers who identify as teachers of color; and Preparing Educators for Long-term Success, or encouraging teacher retention as a Texas public school professional for at least five years. “Minority teacher representation is critically low nationally,” said Michael McFra-zier, Ed.D., dean of the WRGCOE. “Although the country is becoming more di-verse each year and is expected to have a majority-minority population by 2044, the teaching force is not keeping up with the changing racial makeup of Ameri-ca’s youth. Fewer than 20 percent of teachers are minorities nationwide, and only two percent are black males.

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Cuban, Mavs Organization donate $1.25 million for Winter Storm Relief

By Dorothy J. Gentry

Sunday afternoon was a stark contrast to the week before. The sun was shining. Temperatures were well into the 60s. Cars filled the streets and people were going about their daily business. But there are still people who are suffering the crippling effects of last week’s Winter Storm that paralyzed the entire state of Texas with ice, snow and arctic air that dropped temperatures to below 0 over several nights. Many are still without electricity and water; food supplies are scarce and many have water damage to their homes as the result of frozen pipes that have burst. Seeing the needs all around him, Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban donated $1 million to Winter Storm Recovery efforts locally. His efforts were quickly followed by donations from CEO Cynt Marshall, Head Coach Rick Carlisle, players Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Dwight Powell and Tim Hardaway Jr., and members of The Mavs Foundation and the Mavs’ official jersey partner Chime. When it was all said and done, they collected over $1.25 million to donate in emergency grants and relief. “It’s a great thing to see and be a part of,” Carlisle said Sunday during his Zoom media session. “It’s much needed especially with the events of the last seven days. I’ve been here 13 years and never seen anything quite like that. “We’ve had some snow and some freezes but generally they’ve been two or three day or one or two day events, but nothing like this, “Carlisle continued. “Nothing like a six or eight day event. And none of that stuff paralyzed the city from a power standpoint the way this one did. I know the help is needed. I know the funds are needed. It’s one of the reasons I am proud to be a part of this organization.” The focus of the funds will help pay for Emergency and Homeless shelters at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center,

It will be an NBA All-Star Weekend like no other. In fact, it won’t even be a weekend. Due to the ongoing pandemic and health and safety protocols and “for the well-being and safety of the greater Atlanta community,” NBA All-Star 2021 will be a one-night event - for the first time ever - with the absence of fans, NBA sponsored ticketed events, parties or social functions. This year’s All-Star festivities will take place on Sunday, March 7, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, home of the Atlanta Hawks, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET on TNT. The Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest will occur before the All-Star Game. The Slam Dunk contest will take place at halftime of the AllStar Game, which will follow the same format as last year, with the teams competing to win each quarter and playing to a Final Target Score during the untimed fourth quarter. Normally All-Star is a weekend of events including both a rookie and celebrity game on Friday night, the Slam Dunk and 3-point contests on Saturday night and the Game itself on Sunday. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stood by his decision to allow the All-Star Game to go on despite reservations from many players including LeBron James, Damian Lillard and De’Aron Fox, all of whom said they didn’t see the need for the game this year but would support it should the NBA move forward. “There were obviously those who thought we shouldn’t play without fans, thought we should play in the Bubble, thought we shouldn’t be playing in a very serious way because of the social justice issues in this country,” Silver told ESPN’s The Jump host Rachel Nichols this week. “So I certainly heard the other side of this issue here. “It seems like no decisions

Sports Editor

Cynt Marshall

including facility costs, meals and transport to the shelter for Our Calling, Austin Street Shelter, and the Stewpot; rehousing for families at both The Family Place and Genesis Women’s Shelter, who both experienced burst pipes and severe damage; meals and utility costs and warming centers at 14 YMCA locations; and emergency rent for those in low-income housing and those who are experiencing power outages at The Wilkinson Center, Housing Crisis Center and Voice of Hope. Monetary support will also go to the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund, created following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, that can only be used in the event of a federally declared disaster in Dallas. The entire state of Texas received a federal disaster declaration for the winter storm from President Joe Biden on Feb. 14. “There are so many of our fellow Dallasites without food, water and shelter during this devastating winter storm, and we would be remiss if we did not help in some way,” said Powell. “I hope that our contributions will give relief to those struggling during this time.” Marshall said she and the Mavs franchise are “heartbroken” that so many are still displaced and struggling after last week’s storm. “I am always touched by the generosity of our owner. When my boss donates $1 million dollars, it encourages the rest of us to show up and give,” Marshall said. “I also am very proud of our players who have always stepped up during our city’s time of need. This money will go a long way to get these organizations back on their feet.”

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Despite pandemic, NBA schedules All-Star Game

By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor

• Feb. 25 - Mar. 3, 2021

during this pandemic come without uncertainty and come without risk,” he said. “This is yet another one of them, and yet it’s my job to balance all those interests and ultimately, it feels like the right thing to do to go forward.” For NBA All-Star 2021, the NBA and its player association, the NBPA, have established additional measures to supplement the league’s current Health and Safety Protocols, league officials said. These include private travel to and from Atlanta for players, the creation of a “mini bubble” environment within a single hotel for players and coaches, and enhanced PCR Covid testing.

LeBron James West

Captains for this year’s game are LeBron James (West) and Kevin Durant (East). All-star starters were announced this week and include the Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic, who is making his second consecutive All-Star start. HBCUs and COVID-19 Awareness As part of this year’s events and in its ongoing efforts toward social justice, the NBA and NBPA will commit more than $2.5 million in funds and resources toward Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and support and awareness around equity and access to COVID-19 care, relief and vaccines. All-Star 2021 will highlight the importance of HBCUs and raise awareness around the disparate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color. In addition, All-Star will feature

special performances by HBCU musical groups and unique storytelling and content by distinguished alumni and students. “This year’s All-Star Game will honor the vital role HBCUs play in our communities and focus attention and resources on COVID-19 relief, particularly for the most vulnerable,” said Silver. Michele Roberts, executive director of the NBA Player’s Union praised the inclusion of the HBCUs into this year’s AllStar festivities. “HBCUs provided premium education to our communities at a time when access to higher learning was denied to us. They were there – and have remained there – for us. We now stand

Kevin Durant East

with them,” she said. “As NBA All-Star returns to Atlanta, Spelman College looks forward to being a part of the celebration that highlights HBCUs across the city and beyond,” said Spelman College President Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell. “Our mission at Spelman is to educate Black women to become global leaders and to inspire a commitment to positive change. We are honored to be part of the NBA 2021 All-Star celebration of our nation’s HBCUs.” In addition to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and UNCF, the other beneficiaries of this year’s NBA All-Star including the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education and the Direct Relief (Fund for Health Equity, a humanitarian aid organization that works to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies.

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