Texas Metro News 1-26-23

MY TRUTH

By Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER

I am traumatized

Oftentimes when I see or read of people who say they can’t watch certain movies about the peculiar institution of slavery I have usually responded, “at least you didn’t have to live through it.”

For me, everyone needs to see what slavery was about. Unfortunately, however, there are legislators who don’t want those stories shown or told. I totally understand because I wouldn’t want anyone to know if my people were part of some of the most savage and inhumane acts ever.

I believe everyone needs to see the atrocities of an era in this country’s history and hopefully they will say, “never again.”

I say never again when I think about how brutal society has been to women, especially women of color. It saddens me. Actually it pisses me off. Which brings me to my truth.

I’ve read so many books and watched numerous movies about slavery and I have actually cried with the victims and cussed the perpetrators. I have been traumatized so much that watching the pain and suffering of Black women today, sometimes perpetrated by other women, causes me so much stress.

Recently I watched the travesty in Mexico where someone filmed Shanquella Robinson getting beaten by another lady as if it were a sport. An autopsy revealed that Ms. Robinson suffered a broken neck and cracked spine.

That her death doesn’t receive the outcry as is the case

Honorees

Black Cowboys Exhibit rich with history, helps tell untold stories

By Sylvia Dunnavant Hines

Since he was 2 years old, Kevin Woodson wanted to be a cowboy.

It didn’t take him long to realize that Black cowboys weren’t really believable, or so he was told over and over again.

That’s why Woodson, who shares the history of numerous Black men, women and children who worked on ranches and participated in cattle drives, says exhibits such as “Black Cowboys: An American Story,” at the African American Museum, and others like it are so important.

“As Black cowboys we spend all of our lives not only doing what we love, but showing people that we are real,” said 66-yearold Woodson, who is from Denton and announces rodeos for Cowboys of Color, an organization focused on showcasing the “best rodeo cowboy talent,” while educating people about the roles African, Native, Hispanic and European Americans played in settling the American West.

Woodson hopes the exhibit’s narrative helps pull

back the curtains of Hollywood as people see and share stories like the fact the classic The Lone Ranger TV show was based on a Black man named Bass Reeves. He also wants to make sure that the truth is revealed about the Western star TV character the Duke, played by actor John Wayne. That character was based on a real Black cowboy named Britt Johnson, says Woodson.

“Because of traditional western movies, people have been indoctrinated to think that all cowboys are white guys, and that is simply not true,” said Woodson, who has a career in rodeo, which he says has become an open door for people to see Black cowboys in action.

“Most people don’t get to see folks on ranches doing ranch work. It is like anything else, if you don’t see it, you don’t believe it. I still get people who ask me do I just wear a big hat, or do I know how to ride a horse,” said Woodson.

Antique saddles, videos and photographs at the exhibit reveal that not only are Black cowboys real and know how to ride horses, but they also played a major role in Texas western his-

tory. That’s the story visitors will see, the impact of Black cowboys from the Civil War through the turn of the 20th century.

“The exhibit of the Black Cowboy fills the gap of what has been taught about the American West. We want to tell the true story of what it was really like and not the romanticized version that we see on TV and in many of the movies,” said Robert Edison, curator of the Dallas African American Museum at Fair Park.

The exhibit includes two galleries with Black cowboys who helped cultivate the ranches of Texas and Oklahoma. The galleries are filled with artifacts depicting their lifestyles.

For Harlan Hearn and his two brothers Robby and Wendell, who attended the exhibit on Saturday, being a cowboy is ev-

The sons of Hall of Famer Cleo Hearn, along with rodeo announcer Kevin Woodson are today’s real life cowboys

From left, Robby Hearn, Harlan Hearn and Wendell Hearn, sons of rodeo Hall of Famer Cleo Hearn.

Photo: Sylvia Hines / Texas Metro News

Kim Brown looks at Glen Brown while getting on a saddle in the “Black Cowboys: An American Story” exhibit during its opening day on Saturday at the African American Museum in Fair Park in Dallas.

Photo: Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer

Kevin Woodson, a rodeo announcer and Black cowboy

Photo: submitted / submitted

People stop to read the informative pillars in the “Black Cowboys: An American Story” exhibit during its opening day on Saturday at the African American Museum in Fair Park in Dallas.

Photo: Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer

BRIEFS

Vice President Harris Promotes Abortion Rights

By Joseph Green-Bishop Texas Metro News Correspondent

On the home turf of one of the most conservative state legislatures in the country, Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday urged supporters of abortion rights to pursue a federal law making the procedure a constitutional right.

“The right of every woman in every state to make decisions about her own body is on the line,” said the Vice President, speaking in Tallahassee, FL. “We will fight and we will not back

down. We know this fight will not be won until we secure this right for every American."

The 1973 Roe V. Wade Supreme Court decision made abortion constitutionally permissible. In June of this year the Supreme Court ruled that Roe had been incorrectly decided. Since the decision, several state legislatures have passed stringent abortion bans. The Republican controlled Florida legislature is now considering a 12-week ban. Harris spoke on the 50th anniversary of the Roe decision.

The number of legal pregnancy

terminations in Texas declined from a few thousand per month to less than 10 monthly after state legislators imposed restrictions in the summer of last year. Prior

to the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe, Texas barred a woman who was more than six weeks pregnant from having an abortion, according to researchers at the University of Texas in Austin.

The vice president characterized those who wanted to place restrictions on a woman's right to choose to terminate a pregnancy “extreme.” She also criticized Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, for his position against abortion rights.

Vice President Harris told the abortion rights activists that President Biden had instructed

federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, to support women who seek the drug mifepristone which is used to terminate unwanted pregnancies. She said that the administration would continue to oppose any effort to pass national anti-abortion legislation.

“We are on the right side of history,” the vice president said, noting that a recent Pew Research Center poll found that nearly sixty percent of all Americans disapproved of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe.

More Than A Day, We Are And Have Been Building A Moral Fusion Movement

By Rev. William Barber

This Martin Luther King Day, we must continue a campaign for social, political and economic rights, not simply to commemorate a man. This nation needs a different kind of Martin Luther King Day. More than a day, we are and have been, building a moral fusion movement. We need a movement led by poor and low-wage workers pushing for a Third Reconstruction and declaring that we don’t want some of our justice, we want all of our justice.

Fifty years after Dr. King and other leaders like Caesar Chavez, Hank Adams, Bertha Burres, Myles Horton, welfare rights moms, the Jewish federation and others called for a

in this nation. With over 35 state coordinating committees across the country, we are declaring we won’t be silent anymore!

Picture by Emily Farthing from The Mass Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March on Washington and to the Polls . There are thousands of activists holding signs that read This moral fusion movement is on the move! This weekend, state campaigns from coast to coast are taking action and shaking the very chains of the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, militarism, poverty, ecological devastation, and the false moral narrative of religious nationalism. The actions below serve as just a few examples of our work. It is important to reiterate this because

People’s Campaign and other social change partners gathered in Annapolis for the opening of the 2023 Maryland General Assembly and handed out fact sheets with our 2023 legislative priorities.

Yesterday, the Massachusetts Poor People’s Campaign gathered at The Cathedral Church of St Paul, Boston prior to the unveiling of The Embrace Sculpture to discuss the work and legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr and Coretta Scott King and the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.

This weekend, the New York Poor People’s Campaign will be hosting three hybrid mass meetings to lift up a new ground-breaking State of the State Report (available in both English and Spanish) which documents the prevalence of poverty and mass inequality in the state. Did you know that more than half of all children in NY State are poor or low income and that homelessness in New York City is reaching the highest levels since the Great Depression?

Carolinas to California, the Borderlands to the Bronx, from the hood to the holler, people are uniting under the banner, “We Won’t Be Silent Anymore!!”

Picture by Steve Pavey from The Mass Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March on Washington and to the Polls . There are thousands of activists looking towards a stage with the Moral Justice Choir. The State Capital Building is in the background.

Last June, we held a historic, generationally transformative gathering of poor and low-wealth people at The Mass Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March on Washington and to the Polls which brought over 100,000 people to DC. In addition those in the streets, digital organizers with the PPC:NCMR have tracked several million people who watched on social media. Justice is coming.

Picture of the successful stats from the PPC’s National GOTV program. Over 5.1 million voters were contacted!

Poor People’s Campaign, poor and marginalized people across America have united not to commemorate their vision, but to consecrate a new movement that has the ability to transform the heart and soul of this nation, and the moral structures of society. The legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer, Rev. Douglass Kirkpatrick, Jimmy Collier, Betty Mae Fikes, Mary Wright Edelman – who brought the idea of forming a Poor People’s Campaign along with The National Welfare Rights Organization – and countless unnamed leaders from the ranks of the poor is, us. We carry on their legacy by building this national campaign organized around the needs and demands of the 140 million poor and low-wealth people

we have built, and will continue, to build a movement, not just a moment.

On January 16th, the California Poor People’s Campaign is hosting readings of our Third Reconstruction Agenda as part of the launch of their new Third Reconstruction Agenda campaign: Close the Wealth Gap, CA! They started this initiative last month to celebrate the success of the GOTV efforts across the state and outlined their plans for 2023.

The Maine Poor People’s Campaign held a watch party of “Moral Policy Is Good Economics” featuring our Policy Director, Shailly Gupta Barnes.

Earlier this week, the Maryland Poor

The Mississippi Poor People’s Campaign continues to sound the alarm on the decades of neglect by crying out for clean water and the right to keep it public. These are just a few examples from our statewide coordinating committees.

Last month the Rhode Island Poor People’s Campaign brought the lack of housing back to their State House, pointing out the “short term nature” of their Governor’s “response” to an exploding epidemic of homelessness.

Indeed from Appalachia to Alabama, the

Last November, our nationwide Get Out The Vote Mobilization reached over 5.1 million poor and low-wealth voters in 15 priority states, representing 1 out of every 50 eligible voters. We more than doubled our reach from the last election! We are Waking The Sleeping Giant. Justice is coming.

This June, we will hold our Poor People’s Moral Action Congress. We will hold major actions in state capitols across the country. We will continue to mobilize, organize, register, and educate. We won’t be silent or unseen anymore.

Forward together, not one step back!

The Rev Dr William J. Barber, II. President of Repairers of the Breach and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.

Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, Director of The Kairos Center for Religions Rights and Social Justice and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.

Moral Fusion Movement

Vice President Kamala Harris

Dallas Black Chamber Announces Demolition of Building, Along with Plans for the Future

It was a filled-to-capacity room at the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Tuesday as President Harrison L. Blair discussed the future of the oldest and largest Black chamber in the country which included the demolition of the building that served as the home to the Dallas Black Chamber since 1982, until 2016 when it became necessary to seek a more suitable home.

Blair, who is in his fourth year at the Chamber was joined by the Hon. Helen Giddings, who was the First Black Woman to chair the Dallas Black Chamber

of Commerce and the Chairwoman who opened the original Chamber office; businesswoman Kathy Nealy, a former Chamber Vice President who was responsible for the capital campaign to build the DBCC building; Matt Houston, whose father was the former President & CEO of the DBCC who opened the original chamber

office; and other dignitaries like Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn King-Arnold and Councilmember Jaime Resendez, former Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Diane Ragsdale, Judge Audrey Moorehead, DISD School Board Trustee Maxie Johnson and other dignitaries as the history of the Chamber's impact on Black businesses was shared.

“The blood sweat and tears of one of our greatest generations of leadership, achieved building an office that saw the chamber grow its impact and influence across the North Texas Region, said Mr. Blair. "2838 MLK was the DBCC’s home from roughly 1982 to until 2016. While this location isn’t considered a historical

marker by the state or the city, the communities this facility has helped us to serve see it as a historic site. "We will gather at the site to say goodbye to our past as we look forward to developing world class programs, events, and facilities that help us effectively serve our 96-year-old mission far into the future.”

Promising HIV Vaccine Fails in Drug Trials

By Joseph Green-Bishop Texas Metro News Correspondent

A promising anti-HIV vaccine has failed, according to its manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson, and leading HIV researchers.

The vaccine failed after three years of clinical trials designed to find a solution to the infectious disease that was first discovered in 1981. The trial was named Mosaico.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 40 million people in the world

lived with the illness in 2021. More than 600,000 of those who were infected died from diseases brought on by HIV, a World Health Organization report stated.

According to federal government officials, 1.2 million people in the United States were infected with the HIV virus as of October of last year. The government estimated that 13 percent of the infected were unaware that they carried the potentially fatal virus which disproportionately affects people of color.

Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. Photo: NIH

African Americans were 13 percent of the nation’s population in 2019 but constituted 40

percent of those living with HIV. During that same year, Hispanics were 18 percent of the total population and 25 percent of those who were HIV infected.

Men who have sexual relations with other men represent nearly 70 percent of new HIV infections each year, according to government provided data. They are two percent of the nation’s population, the data reported.

The conclusion of the vaccine trial is “disappointing, but it isn’t the end of the effort toward developing a vaccine,” said Dr. An-

There are other strategic approaches, said Dr. Fauci who is recognized as one of the world’s leading HIV researchers.

Dr. Fauci said that the effort to find a HIV vaccine was of crucial importance to the world and its people.

“The ultimate prevention modality of any infection is a vaccine,” he said. “That is the reason why the field is going to continue to

thony Fauci, the former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

pursue very active research.”

Kathy Nealy presented with flowers

Hon. Helen Giddings provides history lesson

Hon. Helen Giddings

Blair and Bryant, display art by Don O'Bannon of soonto-be demolished DBCC building.

Harrison Blair addresses Matt Houston

Dallas Councilmembers

Harrison Blair and Randall Bryant

Quincy Roberts of Q Roberts Trucking, businesswoman Kathy Nealy, Board Chair Randall Bryant, Chamber CEO Harrison Blair, Dallas

Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn King Arnold, Hon Helen Giddings, Hon. Diane Ragsdale and Former Chamber Board Exec Matt Houston.

Thanks, But no Thanks Dion!

ing the sentence anyway.

study of “Black Queer Studies.”

By Vincent L. Hall

You were dead wrong if you thought you had seen the full “Crackerocracy” at work. As the mudslinging and fire-breathing antics warm up between Ronald Dion DeSantis and Donald John Trump, the white-hot ashes (pun intended) of American racism will be strewn from Sea to Shining Sea!

The first mention of Crackerocracy I heard was from the illuminating lips of Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. Unlike democracy or aristocracy, Crackerocracy is a throwback to the antebellum Southern political hierarchy. The Crackerocracy has survived throughout the reign and rule of the Confederates, the Segregationists, and now the Insurrectionists.

Ron is a model member of America's newest iteration of the Crackerocracy. They go to the line but seldom cross over. You can see the formation of the letter N on their lips, but they fall just short of calling you a “Nagger.” The followers of the Crackerocracy get a bigger bang out of finish-

TEXASMetroNews

DeSantis fortified my theory just recently. Listen closely to how CNN reports his assault on the national movement toward buoying African American studies.

“Florida rejected a proposed Advanced Placement course focused on African American Studies because it included a study of topics like the Movement for Black Lives, Black feminism, and reparations, according to a list of concerns provided to CNN on Friday by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' office.

According to the list of concerns, their objections cover six topics of study, all in the fourth and final unit, when students study “Movements and Debates.”

A previous draft version of the concerns sent to CNN by his office included an objection to the study of “The Black Power Movement and The Black Panther Party.” The draft version asserted that “The Black Panther Party (BPP) was based on the ideology of Marxism- Leninism. The goal of the BPP was to fundamentally change or overthrow the American government."

However, in an updated version of the state’s concerns, the references to the Black Panther Party were removed and replaced with an objection to the

The state Department of Education on January 12 informed the College Board, the organization that oversees the Advanced Placement program, that the course violated state law and rejected its inclusion in Florida schools.

soared nationwide following his public stances on hot-button cultural issues and who is said to be weighing a potential 2024 presidential bid – the state has banned the teaching of critical race theory. Last year, it moved to prohibit instruction that suggests anyone is privileged or oppressed based on their race or skin color.”

Listen carefully as the coup de grace and his rai·son d'ê·tre shows up in the article’s following sentence.

“DeSantis’ office said the state would reconsider the decision if the course is changed to comply with Florida law.”

the Negroid race. He doesn't understand that what you tell me I can't do is what I want most to do. His ignorance of the resistance to oppression by Black people in America does not serve him well.

DeSantis’ attack and potential annihilation of “Africana Studies” in Florida will create a renewed

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.

The course, which is the first of its kind, was first introduced in the fall as a pilot in about 60 schools and will be offered nationwide starting in the 2024-25 school year. It was developed over the last decade and is intended to be a multidisciplinary study of the African American diaspora that includes literature, the arts, science, politics, and geography.

Under DeSantis, whose standing among conservatives has

That was "Mighty White" of him, huh? "Mighty White," according to my grandmother, was the audacity of privileged White men to give you something for which they have no legitimate claim or control. Like clean air or human rights. They take full credit and expect you to be appreciative.

Over the years, I have learned that Grandmother Hall’s assertion of Mighty White is a necessary supplement to the Crackerocracy. Crackerocracy leaders like DeSantis, Trump, Taylor-Greene, and the like believe that this land is their land and was never meant for you and me.

What he and his ilk do not grasp is the rebellious gene of

vitality for the subject from California to Connecticut and New Mexico to New Hampshire.

DeSantis and his overreach for power in the Trump-controlled Republican Party will create the nexus of a new generation of Black and White fighters for truth and justice.

That was Mighty White of you “Ron Dion”, but no thanks. We got this!

Amazon Changes Negatively Impact Non-Profits

It is extremely disheartening and disappointing to receive the news that Amazon is discontinuing its philanthropic division, Smile.Amazon.

Thousands of organizations, nonprofits, schools/churches around the GLOBE benefit from Amazon shoppers who elect to have a small percentage of their sale support the charity of their choice. It was a winwin for humanity.

As the CEO of the Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation, we provide scholarships and mentorship

to African-American males who've been impacted by gun violence in Chicago. Many of these young men rely on us for college funding, mentorship, and life skill programming. Our goal is to impact their lives for the advancement of our community. And as partners with AmazonSmile, we are successful in creating change.

The reality is that members of our community spend billions of dollars with Amazon, our dollars are the reason why Amazon is successful. And in turn, it makes good business practice to support the communities that patronize you. Especially communities of color, along with disadvantaged, marginalized and indigenous communities.

To witness Jeff Bezos become one of the richest men in the world, yet to have his company release a statement that reads "our ability to have

an impact was often spread too thin" is an insult. How did they arrive at that conclusion? Did Amazon sur-

While Bezos gets richer by the minute, our foundation is just simply trying to make college education affordable, equitable, to young black males. Those quarterly AmazonSmile checks aren't enough money to put fuel in Bezos private jets, or to pay for his space rocket adventures, but it makes the world of difference in the lives of people we serve.

vey the millions of nonprofits that benefit from the program? We're spread thin on the ground, every day in the trenches. We're giving our hard earned money, blood, sweat and tears to make a difference in the lives of young people...to advance our community. Many of the volunteers, like me...work long hours with NO pay. It's a labor of love.

As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once stated "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?"

Amazon....what are you doing for others?

The AmazonSmile program runs until February 20, 2023.

Please make ALL of your Amazon purchases through www.Smile.Amazon.com and select the Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation as your charity to support.

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

Donald John Trump

Gov. Ronald Dion DeSantis

From the Desk of the CEO

By Tenisha Taylor, CEO

Looking for Love in ALL the wrong places

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

By Dr. Froswa' Booker-Drew

Recently, there was a brouhaha that ignited a storm. Gabrielle Union’s comments in the Los Angeles Times sent the metaverse a blaze: “Gabrielle Union has opened up about her “dysfunctional” marriage to Chris Howard, saying the only thing they had in common was seeing “other people.” Union admitted she “felt entitled” to cheat on her first husband, who allegedly also cheated on her. The “Bring It On” actor, 50, and the former NFL player, 47, were married from 2001 to 2006. “Neither one of us felt like the marriage should get in the way of our dating,” Union said…. I was paying all the bills. I was working my ass off, and I felt like that’s what comes [with] the spoils of riches and, like my dad before me, whoever has the most gets to do whatever the hell they want — is what I thought. And it was just dysfunctional from Day One.”

Social media chimed in to

comment. The logic of being the breadwinner as a pass for cheating left many dumbfounded. I think many missed the root of the problem: She states, “We were gifted therapy, and the first session, the therapist was like ... ‘You have not one thing in common — no morals, no values, no scruples. The one thing you both have in

feel. We have a timeline for our lives—to go to school, graduate, go to college/get a job, get married, purchase a home, have kids, work, get promoted, watch the kids grow up and just fade into the sunset until we die. The problem with this timeline is that while we spend so much time trying to accomplish these ‘goals’ as the path to

and our decisions. In doing so, we would connect to people who would complement our destiny instead of confuse us. When you don’t know who you are or WHOSE you are, the desire is to seek external validation and in doing so, our decisions are led by emotions and the opinions of others. How can we cultivate ourselves to raise,

When we seek money as the end goal or other people to fulfill us and make us whole, we are going to make decisions that do not serve us well. We not only damage our mental health, but the trauma and wounding caused can even paralyze us. If you have nothing to give—you will attract someone who will continue to rob you of the little you have. Pour into yourself through God’s love and Word to remind you that you deserve more. God has given you more!

“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:16).

common is other people. ... So why don’t you just go be with other people….she was “horny for validation” and the rush of attracting “certain kinds of guys” who made her feel like she was “worthy and good and valuable and deserving.”

In our society, there is a sense of urgency that we all seem to

success, that along the way, we don’t develop our character or our integrity. We are so busy seeking to be in a relationship or have children to validate who we are, that we don’t take the time to understand what matters to us and most importantly, what matters to God about our purpose, our path,

mentor and be an example of what it looks like to be a person who is WHOLE??? Wholeness requires us to recognize that no one else can make you complete. Your relationship with God is what creates your completeness. “So you also are complete through your union with Christ.” (Colossians 2:10)

I believe Gabrielle recognizes the lack of love and toxicity in her first marriage. It’s about time we understand those things that are toxic in our lives---that us cause to lose our souls in order to stay in relationships, personally and professionally, that make us lost, looking for love in all the wrong places.

Hope to Hang My Faith On

By Miles Jaye

Hope is the sum total of my desires. Expectations are the expressions of my beliefs. Both are closely embedded in a man named King. My faith, on the other hand, was born of a man named Christ. For some reason a distinction was made on the subconscious level between faith and hope. There, I concluded hope was the thing on which to hang my faith.

At an early age, I related to all that defined the King movement, most importantly, justice.

Young and poor, I hoped for better days. I expected life to fulfill promises based on effort and excellence. King said I would one day be judged on those criteria along with character. That was his dream. That was my hope. My faith was firm and steadfast, therefore, I never lost hope.

Now that I’m older, I have no choice but to acknowledge what evil became of both men, King and Christ.

Now that I’m older, I have no choice but to admit that hope hangs heavy on my faith.

Now that I’m older, I must confess the damage to and in some cases the demise of my expectations.

I fight for my hope and faith is my choice of weapons.

I’m grateful to King for his elo-

quence, his visions and dreams. I regret, however, that I was unaware of the revolutionary that lived within him, something he had in common with the other man—Christ.

Had it been clear to me that, rather than the meek, mild-mannered persona assigned to both non-violent men, within them both was a raging fire matching their desire for love and justice.

Now that I’m older, my respect for and admiration of both men has increased exponentially. Knowing what I know now as an adult, I feel great affection for both men, I love them both. They are heroes.

Have you ever thought of Martin Luther King, Jr. as a hero? Have you ever thought of

These men are heroes as are others who by choice, fully aware of the dangers, championed the cause of love and justice for all. I spend many of my adult hours studying war and warfare, essential tools for the acquisition of justice. I wish I had known sooner, earlier in my life when I was fully vested with the powers and stamina of youth. I confess my fatigue. I recognize my steps are slow and my hopes hang low.

What should I make of a holiday that reminds me of hopes I once had but no longer enjoy? What to make of expectations I no longer expect and dreams I no longer dream. Is this holiday a humiliating and painful reminder that no matter what

intellect, skill sets, credentials or character I possess, Black, Negro, Colored, African American is seen first and foremost by those who keep and bank my civil and human rights in accounts for which I’ve never had the correct account numbers.

In spite of efforts to disparage his name, yet another similarity with the other man I associated with King,

I still love the man, in fact, I love both men. May King’s legacy forever fill our hearts with hope for love and justice, just as a love of Christ will forever endow us with the faith upon which to hang those hopes.

Peace, love and blessings!

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

Christ as a hero?

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the CEO of Soulstice Consultancy and the founder of the R2 Foundation (r2fdn.org) as well as the author of four books. She is the host of the Tapestry podcast.

I believe Gabrielle recognizes the lack of love and toxicity in her first marriage. It’s about time we understand those things that are toxic in our lives---that us cause to lose our souls in order to stay in relationships, personally and professionally, that make us lost, looking for love in all the wrong places.

A Lot to Celebrate About Dallas

I am Traumatized cont. from page

with others is not surprising to me.

The message is clear to me and has been all of my life.

The lives of Black females are not valued as they should be.

As I get older I see this constantly and I am committed to not being one of those beasts. I will not be one who was on that side of history — being one who perpetrated atrocities against another human being, especially another woman.

the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is launching an investigation into the sergeant’s violent attack and there have been reports that the FBI and U.S. Attorney General’s are also involved; I am concerned over the silence by so many women’s groups.

By Mayor Eric Johnson

Dallas is a city filled with strong and unique neighborhoods.

And one of them — this city's vital urban core — is getting some much-deserved national attention.

A new study ranked Downtown Dallas as the nation's best downtown living experience, saying that its "unique range of features and amenities" made it a great place "for urban life enthusiasts."

The report went on to say that while Dallas is a "city that traditionally embraced sprawl as urban design, it’s been recently focused on adding density in an effort to increase housing options and foster walkability. This only increases downtown’s appeal for both locals and new residents, who can now enjoy a great mix of lively streets, culture and a reasonable cost of living."

In short: Downtown is the epicenter of that Big Dallas Energy that is palpable in this city right now.

About 88,000 people live Downtown and in the adjacent neighborhoods (such as Uptown, the Cedars, and Deep Ellum). Downtown also hosts 135,000 workers. And it's obvious to everyone that the city center has come a long way in recent years.

There's even more great things on the way for this city's urban core. Deep Ellum continues to diversify as a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood with new offices and retail options. The East Quarter continues to develop, and Harwood Park, which is under construction, will help connect it with

the Farmers Market area. The new Goldman Sachs offices will provide a major boost to the Downtown Dallas economy. More housing is planned, including some apartments that will replace empty office space. The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center redevelopment will activate part of Downtown that has been dormant for far too long.

And nearby, the Longhorn Ballroom's restoration, which I helped facilitate by allocating $1.8 million

earned a master's degree, to speak with students about politics, policymaking, and leadership.

It was a great experience, and a great way to talk about this administration's successes and challenges with bright young minds who will, one day soon, help shape the world.

The return to campus also served as a great reminder of how far I have come with your support and a shared desire to make Dallas a better city for everyone. It has been a heck of a journey, and it wouldn't have been possible without the people of Dallas.

So, all to say: thank you again for all your help putting Dallas first and building for the future of this great city.

Park of the Month

The Park of the Month for January 2023 is Eloise Lundy Park in Oak Cliff!

Then there's the most recent case that I viewed on Black Star Network’s Roland Martin Unfiltered where and the punches were characterized as “open palm hand strike” when he actually punched the crap out of her.

Sure the officer is on administrative leave, but he is just one and there have been so many instances when it has been okay to hit a Black woman the way he

I guess I want to hear an outcry, to hear from the many organizations that purport to serve and support Black women. I want to hear from the organizations whose member’s ancestors nursed on the breasts of Black women. I want to hear from the organizations whose members were birthed by Black women.

Then I want to hear from those with a brain, a heart, and a conscience.

That’s right, how about everyone lifting those voices and speaking out when a wrong occurs regardless of the color of the victim or perpetrator?

for infrastructure, will help preserve this city's storied music history while providing something new and exciting for Dallas residents.

Of course, there are still many issues to address that affect Downtown Dallas in the years ahead. This includes homelessness, public safety, and permitting. And taking on these challenges will require an even more relentless focus on problem-solving.

But as long as this city's leaders push for accountability at City Hall, the present and the future of Downtown Dallas will remain extraordinarily bright.

A trip to Princeton

Last week included a quick trip to Princeton University, where I

Eloise Lundy, just south of downtown, is a 3.3-acre park established in 1915. It features a recreation center, athletics fields, a playground, senior programs, and after-school programs.

That also brings up the ulterior motive for this month's honor: It's a great reason to share these new photos of kids with cookies that were won in a wager — the "Tiff's Treats Throwdown" — that I made with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor over the Dallas Cowboys-Tampa Bay Buccaneers game.

Even if the end of the Cowboys' season left a bitter taste in fans' mouths, this was a sweet deal for kids and first responders.

Hope that this brightened your day and that you have a great week. More updates soon.

Until next time,

did or actually any way at all.

Aren’t these officers trained?

According to WHIO-TV, officers were called to McDonald’s after receiving a complaint from employees who said they wanted Latinka Hancock trespassed from the property following an argument about a slice of cheese missing from her Big Mac.

I am so incensed and although I know some wonderful people who are affiliated with McDonald’s—like Anthony Grissett, Roland Parrish and several other Black operators, especially in the DFW area, I am mad at the manager who felt it was necessary to call the police, instead of handling the simple request for a slice of cheese.

While I am pleased that

I want Sergeant Todd “Pookie” Stanley, whose punches caused several injuries to Ms. Hancock, including a closed head injury, busted lip, loose teeth and a back injury, to lose his job.

Before he loses his job I want Officer Tim “Pookie” Zellers to tell me if he knew that tasing could cause injury to the brain, what did he think would happen if he put a taser to someone’s head? Then he should be fired because he could have killed Ms. Hancock.

I can envision the outcry had Ms. Robinson or Ms. Hancock been white and I am not mad at those outcries. I am mad about the silence surrounding the assaults of others.

We have to start putting equal value on all lives.

Message from the Dallas Mayor

Officers restrain Ms. Latinka Hancock outside McDonald's

Portrait of Opal Lee to be unveiled in Texas Senate

“This will be a historic and significant day in the history of Texas and for the Texas Senate,” said State Senator Royce West, who greeted Ms. Lee on the Senate floor just weeks after the signing of S. 475 by President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021. “Ms. Lee will forever be an example of a person willing to work tirelessly for a cause they truly believed in. She shows also, that it's never too late to pursue your dreams!”

B-CU students protest Reed; living conditions

By DAYTONA TIMES STAFF

DAYTONA BEACH – Approximately 300 Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) students gathered in front of White Hall – the site of the school’s administrative offices – to demand the resignation of the institution’s Board of Trustees, including Board Chairman Belvin Perry.

On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at approximately 11:00 a.m., a portrait commissioned for Ms. Opal Lee, the ‘Grandmother of Juneteenth,’ will be unveiled in the Texas Senate Chamber, where it will be permanently displayed.

The recognition is yet another honor to follow her efforts that resulted in Juneteenth (June 19) becoming a national holiday through Ms. Lee’s persistence.

Ms. Lee visited the Senate and House on July 22, 2021, during a Special Session of the 87th Texas Legislature where she was presented with resolutions.

Of the artworks displayed in the Texas Senate, Ms. Opal Lee’s portrait will be the second to honor an African American Texan. Former Texas Senator and U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan of Houston’s portrait was authorized by resolution for placement in the Senate Chamber in 1973.

Ms. Lee’s portrait comes at the suggestion of current Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. Senator West has worked with the Lt. Governor’s staff and the Secretary of the Senate’s office and former State Senator Beverly Powell to help coordinate the event. Ms. Lee was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022.

OPEN MODEL AND TALENT CALL

For the fifth year, the Center will host auditions for models, actors, singers and dancers ages 16-50; registration is free and will be held from 10:30-11 a.m. with auditions from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Most people assume the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center might focus on sports, but its mission is to help young people find success in a variety of ways. This Saturday (Jan. 28), the Center will host an Open Model and Talent Call for models, actors, singers and dancers ages 16-50. Free and open to the public, registration is from 10:30-11 a.m. with live auditions from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

This program began in 2018 and has helped launch the modeling and entertainment careers of numerous North Texans. For example, 22-year-old Osayande Foster, a successful model with Kim Dawson and several other national agencies, is currently shooting a Nike ad. A Kim Dawson model is making thousands

of dollars per shoot and another model is working with singer Gwen Stefani.

The call is hosted by Dallas-based Willie Johnson of J3 Productions, a fashion show production and modeling management company whose mission is “to find the diamond in the rough and make him or her shine.”

The chosen individuals will spend six weeks working with Johnson and will receive professional head shots and other support. J3 Production will serve as the mother agency, and Johnson introduces the individuals to other regional and national agencies.

REQUIREMENTS: Female models should be 5’7”-6’, and male models should be 5’11”-6’3”.

Singers and dancers should bring music on a flash drive. Singers may be asked to sing for 30 seconds, and dancers may be asked to perform a 45-second routine.

Actors may be asked to do a cold read.

Shortly after noon on Monday, protesters gathered at the gravesite of university founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune as campus security watched warily. The group then marched about 100 feet to White Hall chanting, “Hey hey, ho ho, the Board of Trustees has got to go” and “Hail Wildcats! Hail Belvin? Hell, no!”

After they arrived in front

of White Hall, B-CU students representing sports teams, the Student Government Association and various dormitories spoke at a rally, criticizing the university’s refusal to hire National Football Hall of Famer Ed Reed as head football coach.

They also blasted Perry and

school trustees for allowing living conditions to deteriorate, calling attention to moldy and rat-infested dorm room, substandard athletic facilities, and poor cafeteria food, among other things.

This story is developing. Log on to daytonatimes.com for further developments.

Black Cowboys Exhibit

ery day life, as are rodeos. The three grew up in the shadow of their famous father Cleo, who founded Cowboys of Color Rodeo and is in the National Cowboy Museum and Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

“My dad hosted one of the first Black rodeos in Harlem, New York, in 1971. He followed it up the next year with a rodeo in New Jersey,” said Harlan Hearn, who works with his brothers to keep his dad’s legacy alive.

Walking through the exhibit, Harlan Hearn calls it impressive as he and his brothers view the untold stories of Black cowboys such as Bill Pickett, Myrtis Dightman and Nat Love.

Harlan Hearn hopes the exhibit will inspire young people to realize there are more options than football, soccer, and track and field.

“There are some other things that they can do. They don’t have to compete. If they have a love of animals, they can be a veterinarian or trainer. There are so many different opportunities,” he said.

They can be like Woodson,

cont. from page 1

who with decades of experience in the rodeo, also fought bulls and is a trainer.

“Today the sky is the limit because of all the social media available. We also have several Black world champions; such as Shad Mayfield, who became the third Black world champion in rodeo. Fred Whitfield is also a Black rodeo cowboy with eight world champion-

ships in tie-down roping,” said Woodson.

Want to go?

WHAT: Black Cowboys: An American Story exhibit

WHEN: Through June 15, 2023

WHERE: African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave., Fair Park

COST: Free

The “Black Cowboys: An American Story” exhibit during its opening day on Saturday at the African American Museum in Fair Park in Dallas.

Photo: Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer

Opal Lee

Deltas Honor 50 Year MeMbers

Dallas Alumnae Chapter's Dynamic Dozen Still Going Strong

The Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority celebrates the founding of the 110 year old public service organization at its annual Frederica Chase Dodd Founders Day Luncheon, named in honor of one of the organization's 22 founders.

This year members will pay tribute to 12 of their sisters who are celebrating 50 years and 15 who are celebrating 25 years of service.

The Golden and Silver honorees will be joined by Dr. Anita Phillips, a nationally acclaimed trauma therapist and In The Light Podcast Host.

Dr. Phillips is recognized for her ground-breaking work at the intersection of mental health, faith, and culture. She will keynote the event at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, 400 Olive Street, Dallas 75201 on February 4, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. The Chapter's President is Dr. Andrea Hillburn.

THE 50-YEAR HONOREES ARE:

SHARON DENISE BRADLEY

Initiated in the Spring of 1973 at Eta Delta Chapter, Texas Woman’s University, Sharon received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A retired nurse, with 40 years of service, she is a member of Greenville Avenue Church of Christ. A wife and mother, she has been

involved in the Church Clothing Ministry and she also assists a neighbor who is blind, with errands and other support services.

JO ANNE SLAUGHTER BRUNSON

A Diamond Life member of the sorority, JoAnne was initiated in the Spring of 1973 at Alpha Chapter, Howard University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. The Vice President of Brunson Construction Services, she is a member of Concord Church. JoAnne is involved in the Trinity (TX) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated; Dallas Chapter, Jack & Jill - Associate Member; and she is the Past Secretary of Frederica Chase Dodd Board of Directors. She and her husband, who she met her freshman year in college are proud parents and grandparents

CHERYLE GAIL FLEMING

Cheryl was initiated the Fall of 1972 at the Theta Nu Chapter at East Texas State University (now Texas A & M University-Commerce), where she received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Elementary Education. Now a retired educator, she is a member of Saint John Baptist Church, Wichita Falls, TX. She was a Charter Member of the Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter (SWDCA), where she also served in leadership positions.

JOYCE GIBSON

A Diamond Life member, she was initiated in the Spring of 1973 at the Delta

Gamma Chapter, Texas Southern University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business. A retired educator, she is a member of Friendship-West Baptist Church, a devoted member of the Texas Southern University National Alumni Association (TSUNNA) - Dallas Chapter, former Friendship-West Baptist Church Usher Board Member, Lancaster Spring Creek Homeowner Association Board, Treasurer; Dallas County Volunteer Deputy Registrar; and MLK Center Volunteer. She was TSUNNA, Dallas Chapter – 2013 Alumnus of the Year Honoree and TSUNNA, National Convention – 2022 Inaugural President’s Award Recipient.

CAFEA HARRELL

A Golden Life member of the sorority, Cafea was initiated the Fall of 1972 at the Beta Gamma Chapter at Dillard University where she served as chapter president and received a Bachelor of Arts in English Education and later she received a Master of Education in English Education from Mississippi State University. A teacher/Central Administrator, she is a member of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church and a past president of Dillard University Alumni Association. Cafea is a Girl Scout Leader; Texas Democratic Party - Voter Registration Volunteer; and Children Ministry, Stewardship and Church Council Chair, St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church.

JACQUELINE D. HOYT

A Golden Life member Jacqueline D. Hoyt was initiated in the Fall of 1972 at Iota Gamma Chapter, University of Texas at El Paso, where she received a Bachelor of Science. She is a retired Vice President of Bank of America and a member of Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. Heavily involved in her community, Jacqueline works with Citizens on Patrol (COP), Desoto, Texas; DeSoto Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association; Transforming Network Together (TNT); Lynwood Estate Neighborhood Association-Street Captain and Texas State Technical College, Women's Resource Center, Waco, Texas- Financial Chair of Advisory Board. An outstanding Texas Delta 1999 she won the Volunteer of the Year Award-DeSoto Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, 2011; Woman of the Year-American Businesswomen's Association; and Sisterhood Black Heritage Image Award-UT at El Paso.

ORETTA B. JOHNSON

A Golden Life member initiated in the Fall of 1972 at the Zeta Eta Chapter, University of North Texas (Denton), where she received a Bachelor of Political Science, University of North Texas (Denton), Oretta Johnson is a retired, Information System Technology Manager. A member of Concord Church, she has served as President-Elderwoods Neighborhood Association; Board of Directors-Dodd Education & Support; Heads UP! Foundation

Board; Group Leader - Bible Study Fellowship; Mayor’s Rebirth of Redbird Community- City of Dallas; General & Primary Election Clerk (Dallas County); Member, UNT Black Alumni Network; Concord Church Expository Preaching Conference Staff; and I.D.Ministry LifeMinistry Oretta has been the recipient of Concord ChurchDeborah Award for Christian Sacrifice and Elderwoods Neighborhood AssociationPresidential Award.

LINCOLNETTE LOCKRIDGE

Initiated the Spring of 1973 at Iota Psi Chapter at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Lincolnette Lockridge received a Bachelor of Arts in Education and became a teacher and school counselor. A member of St. John Unleashed Church (Grand Prairie) she has assisted in organizing health and job fairs. She loves reading, traveling, walking, baking, and watching crime shows

LINDA MANUEL-FONTENEAUX

Is a Golden Life member initiated in the Fall of 1972 at Delta Gamma Chapter, Texas Southern University where she was chapter president and received a Bachelor of Business Administration, and began working in Business Management. She is a member of The Village United Methodist Church and her community Involvement: includes being an active member of

BARBARA PUNCH

JOYCE GIBSON

SHARON BRADLEY

JACQUELINE HOYT

MARY ANN WALLACE

JANICE MITCHELL

CAFEA HARRELL

LINDA MANUEL FONTENEAUX

CHERYLE FLEMING

JO ANNE BRUNSON

ORETTA JOHNSON

LINCOLNETTE LOCKRIDGE

Photos: LMG Imagery

Dr. Anita Philips

Women of Faith-North Texas Conference; Reading Partners of Texas - Student Tutor ; Methodist Hospital of Dallas Auxiliary and Charlton Methodist Auxiliary.

JANICE RAYMOND MITCHELL

Initiated in the Fall of 1972 at Delta Omega Chapter at Bishop College where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree, Janice Raymond Mitchell is retired and a member of St. John Baptist Church. She

volunteers as a Deputy Registrar (VDR) and in Voter Registration activities for High School. She loves swimming, water aerobic, walking, shopping and traveling

BARBARA MORGAN PUNCH

Initiated Spring 1973 at Eta Delta Chapter at Texas Woman’s University she received a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education. Barbara is a

Speech Pathologist/Montessori Educator and a member of Singing Hills Baptist Church. She is involved with Dallas Retired Teachers Association, Texas Retired Teachers Association, Texas Woman’s University Black Alumni (TWUBA) Lifetime Member, as a Past Member- Scholarship Committee of TWUB, Women’s Missionary Union of Texas (Dallas Baptist Association), Couples Sunday School Class, Co-Teacher and World Vision Child Sponsor (since 2012).

A wife of 48 years, the mother and grandmother loves to read, bake, listen to music and loves calligraphy.

MARY ANN WALLACE

Mary Ann Wallace was initiated Spring 1973 at Iota Psi Chapter at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Education and became an educator. A member of Bibleway Bible Church of Dallas, she is a community ser-

vant, working at Life 180 Prison Ministry and a Bible Teacher at the Youth Village. She organized the Personal Item Drive for the Genesis Women Shelter, Organized Clothes and Goods for Turn Around Store at Oak Cliff Bible Church and tutored students in Preparation for State Exams. She is the past Secretary of Skillful Living Center. She received the Pearl C. Anderson Career Academy PTA's Teacher of the Year and Mother of the Year at Bibleway Bible Church.

Deltas Honor 25 Year MeMbers

•

CHASTITY LYNN JACKSON

• Initiated Spring 1998 at Eta Delta Chapter, Texas Woman’s University

• Received Bachelor of Science in Health Studies, Texas Woman’s University

• Received Master of Education in Special Education, Texas Woman’s University

• Educator

• Member of Community Baptist Church

TASHAUN DUPREE

• Initiated Spring 1998 at Theta Kappa Chapter, Jarvis Christian College

• Received Bachelor of Science in Biology, Jarvis Christian College

• Received Masters in Counseling, Prairie View A&M University

• Counselor

• Member of Red Oak Faith Fellowship

HASHAWN B. EPPS

• Diamond Life Member

• Initiated Spring 1998 at Franklin - Jeanerette Alumnae Chapter, Franklin, LA

• Received Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Grambling State University

• Software Consultant

• Member of Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church

NICKISHA FOWLER

• Initiated Spring 1998 at Eta Delta Chapter, Texas Woman’s University

• Received Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Texas Woman’s University

• Professional School Counselor

• Member of Concord Church

KABRINA N.L. GREEN

• Diamond Life Member

• Initiated Fall 1997 at Zeta Eta Chapter, University of North Texas (Denton)

• Received Bachelors of Business Administration in Logistics, University of North Texas (Denton)

• Consultant - Inventory Planning

• Member of St. Paul Baptist Church

LATANA JACKSON

• Initiated Fall 1997 at Iota Omega Chapter, Southwest Texas University (currently Texas State University)

• Received Bachelor of Science Respiratory Care, Southwest Texas University

• Received Masters in Business Administration, University of Phoenix

• Respiratory Therapist

• Member of Concord Church

JEREESE H. JOHNSON

• Initiated Spring 1998 at Eta Delta Chapter, Texas Woman’s University

• Received Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Texas Woman’s University

• Received Masters of Arts in Educational Counseling, Prairie View A&M University

• Educator

• Member of Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church

TANESA LEE

• Initiated Spring 1998 at Lambda Upsilon Chapter, University of Central Arkansas

• Received Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Central Arkansas

• Instructional Designer

• Member of Friendship West Baptist Church

FELECIA CARMEL LONG

• Diamond Life Member

• Initiated Spring 1998 at Epsilon Beta Chapter, The University of Texas at Austin

• Received Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, The University of Texas at Austin

• Cybersecurity Manager

• Member of Crossroads Christian Church

JOCELYN ELAINE MAYS

• Diamond Life Member

• Initiated Fall 1997 at Iota Omega Chapter, Southwest Texas University (currently Texas State University)

• Received Bachelor of Science in Biology, Southwest Texas University

• Received Masters of Art in Educational Leadership, The University of Texas at Austin

• Educator

• Member of Concord Church

ANGELYNE RENEE ROGERS

• Initiated Spring 1998 at Epsilon Psi Chapter, University of Missouri- Columbia

• Received Bachelor of Arts and Science, University of Missouri- Columbia

• Senior Sales Executive

• Member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

LAKISHA THOMAS

• Initiated Fall 1997 at Zeta Eta Chapter, University of North Texas (Denton)

• Received Bachelor of Business Administration, University of North Texas (Denton)

• Received Masters of Education, Texas Woman’s University

• Received Masters of Educational Leadership, University of Texas at Arlington

•

SAKINNA THOMAS HUNTER

• Initiated Spring 1998 at Eta Beta Chapter, Prairie View A&M University

• Received Bachelor of Arts in English and Speech Communications, Prairie View A&M University

• Attorney

• Member of Potter’s House

ALVA WALKER

• Initiated Spring 1998 at Theta Kappa Chapter, Jarvis Christian College

• Received Bachelor of Science in History, Jarvis Christian College

• Educator

• Member of Red Oak Faith Fellowship

TAJUANA WALLS

• Initiated Fall 1997 at Zeta Eta Chapter, University of North Texas (Denton)

• Received Bachelor of Arts in Biology, University of North Texas (Denton)

• Business Technology

• Member of St. Mark Baptist Church of Garland

ALVA WALKER

JEREESE JOHNSON

NICKISHA FOWLER

CHASTITY JACKSON

KABRINA N.L. GREEN

TAJUANA WALLS

ANGELYNE ROGERS

JOCELYN MAYS

SAKINNA HUNTER

FELECIA LONG

LAKISHA THOMAS

TANESA LEE

HASHAWN EPPS

LATANA JACKSON

TASHAUN DUPREE

Principal, Roosevelt High School

Member of True Lee Missionary Baptist Church

CHOICE IS A DIVINE TEACHER

better be good choices or else, “ she said.

When Big Mama died, two weeks later I stumbled upon an amazing document in her Cedar Chest. I found the Green Book. Wow what a discovery!

By Terry Allen

When Lucille “Big Mama” Allen was” in session’ on the front stoop of the home she and her husband built with their own hands, she was in her comfort zone and she knew that she commanded the voice of her ancestors and those who came before us.

Big Mama's greatest joy was giving her descendants a lesson that would serve two intended purposes. She was certain of her God-blessed gift and her God-driven assignment.

She spoke her truth so many times and we are all better off because of it. This latest Big Mama-ism is the lesson that actually came from her mother, Mama Mary.

Lucille “Big Mama” Allen lessons were intentional and unapologetically spiritual. Big Mama’s lessons were given to us under her gifts that God gave her. Lucille “Big Mama” Allen told her children what they needed to know as she had deep concern about us based on her life, her journey and her experiences.

Her first purpose, she wanted us to have as much information as possible she wanted us to know what we faced when we became adults while she was reassured that when she commanded her time with us she healed her pain at the same time she ‘gifted’ us with her storytelling knowledge and prepared us for “Mr. Charlie and the Okie-Doke”

Her second purpose is she wanted us to have all the information possible because she knew the deck was stacked against us tenfold! She knew this because she had lived in a time when there was so much violence and physical harm levied against Black women.

This particular Big Mama-ism came from Mama Mary, her mother. It was, “choice is a divine teacher, for when we choose we have more options to move forward and every step in our path has a reason. Big Mama's lessons told us that one upon a time when we were colored we were also self-sufficient and we supported our own because we had no other option.

She introduced me to the Edmund Pettis Bridge and John Lewis. She never let me forget to know that I had the same choices as Congressman Lewis. She said I have to get into what Congressman Lewis called Good Trouble. “You have choices but they

The Green Book was more than a notion; it was a geographical roadmap of Black owned and/or Black patronage – friendly business that Black people could utilize as they traveled throughout the south.

So in that Green Book, I then understood what she meant by supporting our own. I know why she had the services and what she offered in her business network.

I also knew why Mr. Henry lived in our home. I saw a financial and economic ecosystem of business revenue between those who supported each other. I think we call it Buy Black.

Texas Metro news is a sample of Green Book Good Trouble with its Buy Black campaign and our Superb Women Series and more.

So this week after the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday weekend, I see what Big Mama means. I see while it is great to celebrate the Dream and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. it is infinitely wiser that we pick up the dream where he left off and then we will enrich and honor his legacy.

Can you make the choice to pick up where he left off and get into some “good trouble?"

Are you ready for some Green Book Good trouble? Let me know today! Email me at terryallenpr@gmail.com

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

Big Mama Mary Said

Edward and T'Edra Z Knox

Richard and Alice Stevenson 10 years

Ty and Kimberly Hayes Foster 2 years

Kenya and Dianna Hobs 25 years

Joseph and Deborah Jones 32 years

Vannette and Kermit Early Jr. 15 years

Shulanda and Gary Barnett

LaTicia Maria and Kwame Kilpatrick

years

Isaiah and Precious Bunkley 2 years

Curtis J and Charlet Cornelious 21 years

Kirk and Tammy Franklin 27 years

Lamin and Oumie Jammeh 11 years

Metro Community Calendar powered by

JANUARY

28

Open Model and Talent Call at Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center- hosting audi tions for models, actors, singers and danc ers ages 16-50; registration is free and will start at 10:30 am auditions start 11:30 am 1800 Bonnie View Road Dallas, TX

***

4

Black Fathers of Soul Music Concert

The Black Academy of Arts & Letters Sat, 8 pm 650 S Griffin St. Dallas, TX ***

11

Zion Chapel Economic Development

Learn about how genes differ in relation to nutrition for the African American community. Sat, 10 am 1004 N Jefferson St, Lancaster, TX

12

20

Event by Young Professionals Division

Want to find out about what’s happening in DFW; want to tell us what’s happening in DFW; looking to get more involved; looking for more social or business connections 6:30 pm1601 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75201

21

River Legacy Nature Center Sat. 28, 2 pm Admission is free, but RSVP 703 N.W. Green Oaks Blvd. Arlington, TX, is required http://riverlegacy.org 29

Oprah Winfrey, born today in 1954, is an American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and philanthropist. She is best known for her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show

FEBRUARY

African American Museum of Dallas Join us for the “SOUL OF DFW” Food and Black History Bus Tour! Sat. Feb, 04, 10 am 3536 Grand Ave, Dallas 8

A portrait commissioned for Ms. Opal Lee, the ‘Grandmother of Juneteenth,’ will be unveiled in the Texas Senate Chamber, on Wed. Feb. 8, 11 am

Black History Tour at Old City Park

In order to honor the park’s commitment to emphasizing Black History every month, our Black History Tour is now offered every Sun, starting Feb 12, 5 pm 1515 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX info@oldcityparkdallas.org 17

Educational First Steps proudly announces the benefit, “An Evening with the Great Nowitzki,” Tues., 6:30 pm at The Ritz Carlton, 2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 25

14th Annual Weekend Festival of Black Dance Rhythm and Soul of a People an electrifying evening of African, contemporary and modern dance Thurs. 8 pm $10 Naomi Bruton Theatre 727 S Lamar St, Dallas, TX

The Dallas Black Dance Theatre present “Cultural Awareness” in honor of Black History Month 7:30 pm Fri. Wyly Theatre 2400 Flora St, Dallas, TX ***

Middle Grade Makers will celebrate inventor Sarah E. Goode, first black woman to receive a patent, for Black History Month. Students will design and create their own miniature piece of convertible furniture. Sat, 2:30 pm Walnut Creek Branch Library 3319 Edgewood Dr. Garland, TX

28

IN PERSON: ADD/ADHD and Autism

Join Birth Choice for a FREE in-person parenting class on ADD, ADHD, and autism Tue, 1pm 8610 Greenville Ave #200 Dallas

In Conversation with special guest THE HONORABLE EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON Moderated by Award-Winning Journalist Cheryl Smith Friday, 7 pm St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church 5710 E R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas Join In Person or Virtually for Free bit.ly/InConversation2023

Lifestyle Metro Calendar powered by

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JANUARY 27

THIZZ presents Independent Artist’s Showtime Fri., 7 pm Christian Lounge 306 S. Bowen Rd. Arlington, TX.

76017 Tickets at door $10 ***

4

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POETRY SLAM Sign Up

Denton Black Film Festival Sat, 8 pm Greater Denton Arts Council, 400 E Hickory St. Denton, TX 29

A Taste of Jazz Erika has been invited to perform in Dallas, Sat. at A Taste of Jazz. If you are looking for an evening of nice Jazz music, purchase your tickets here. Link for tickets: https:// www.eventbrite.com/ taste-of-jazz-experience 10

Carrollton Public Library hear excerpts from stories, poems, and songs written by African American authors. 5 pm Josey Ranch Lake 1700 Keller Springs Rd, Carrollton, TX 18

Juneteenth Faith Freedom Free Community Screening

Chester Gregory: Tribute to Jackie Wilson & Friends, by Greenville Ent. Series show: 7:30 pm Greenville Municipal Auditorium 28

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Denton, Sun, 3 pm 3220 Town Center Tr. Denton, TX ***

A NIGHT OF SOUL Cover Group & Band Gray Skool out of Ft. Worth preforming hits from groups like Ojays, Commodores, & Temptations Sun, 6 pm Plaza Theater 521 W State St. Garland, TX 31

Returning to Our Roots

Free Community Movie Screening Sat, 2:20 pm

Campus Theatre, 214 W Hickory St Denton, TX ***

St. Mark Baptist Church presents The Valentine’s Masquerade Soire Fri. 7 pm Hyatt Place 5101 N. President George Bush Hwy.Garland, TX 75040 stmarkbc-garland.org 11

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Fort Worth’s Inaugral Black Men In White Coats... UNTHSC Medical Education & Training, Sun,12 10 am 1000 Montgomery St.Fort Worth, TX ***

Join us for the 2023 OakCliff Mardi Gras parade on Sunday, The parade will kick off at 2:00 pm and will run along Davis Street from Nova

24

An African American Requiem- first to honor African Americans who have lost their lives due to racial violence. Sat, 6 pm

Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU, 2900 W Lowden St. Fort Worth, TX

GloRilla-Anyways-Life’s

Great Tour-nominated for “Best Rap Performance” at 65th Annual GrammysTue, 7 pm House of Blues 2200 N Lamar St. Dallas FEBRUARY 1-28

Harlem Globetrotters Worldwide icons, synonymous with family entertainment and great basketball skills Sat, 7:30 pm American Airlines Center 2500 Victory Ave., Dallas, TX. 12

African American Heritage Quiz Bowl at the African American Museum. on Sat., 9 am 536 Grand Avenue Dallas, TX 75210 ***

Celebrate your favorite black superheroes with us! We’ll be sharing about black characters in movies, TV, and comics with clips from Static Shock playing on our projector. Oak Lawn Sat. 18, 2 pm 4100 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas, TX

Back to Our Roots Step Show Sat, 3 pm DeSoto High School 600 Eagle Dr DeSoto, TX

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By La Juana Barton

checking on others.

They're strength expended holding everyone else up.

Crying with others and wiping away massive amounts of tears that there are none left for them.

Answering every call. No matter the time. Because they really care. Giving encouragement and all that they have.

Left empty by those not realizing they're empty.

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Health & Fitness

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50

Ed

Bell Construction Company An Equal Opportunity Employer

January 1, 2023

Ed Bell Construction is a Dallas based heavy highway contractor doing business in the North Texas market since 1963. With clients such as TxDOT, Dallas County Public Works, and the Cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, Richardson, and Mansfield (plus many others), we have a strong backlog of work in the highway market locally.

We are currently hiring for the following positions:

• CDL Drivers (Water Truck)

• Form Setter (Structures, Paving)

• Paving Machine Operator (Paving)

• Boom Mobile Crane Operator (CDL)

• Concrete Finisher (Paving, Structures)

• Laborer (Earthwork, Underground, Paving)

• Loader Operator (Earthwork, Underground)

• Excavator Operator (Earthwork, Underground)

Available: multiple openings

Rate: Negotiable

Must have own transportation

Years of Experience required will vary, from 6 months to 2 years (depending on position)

Physical and Drug Screen Required

Must have a Clear Background Must be at least 18 years old (CDL Driver, 21 yrs)

Must APPLY IN PERSON at 10605 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75220 from 7am-11am Mon-Fri. Please visit our website: www.edbellconstruction.com/careers

Or email your resume to: careers@edbellconstruction.com

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Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunder-standings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guaran-tee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.

Texas Senate to reconvene state redistricting hearings

DALLAS -- On the second day of the 2023 - 88th Session of the Texas Legislature, members of the Texas Senate voted unanimously to revisit redistricting, the process by which district boundaries to which public officials are elected are drawn for all representative branches of government throughout the country. The Constitution requires redistricting to take place following the decennial U.S. Census.

Six redistricting hearings are scheduled beginning Wednesday - January 25, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. and continuing through the final hearing on Saturday - January 28, at 10:00 a.m. All hearings will take place in the Senate Finance Committee Room, Capital Ext. Rm. E1.036.

The Texas Legislature approved new redistricting maps for Texas Congressional House districts and Texas Senate and House districts during a Special Session held in 2021 following the 87th Regular Legislative Session that ended May 31. The Legislature will vote again on maps for the Texas Senate and Texas House due to lawsuits filed by two Texas Senate members which asserted that the Texas Constitution requires redistricting to occur during the first Regular Session after the census.

"This time, the Texas Constitution requires the Legislature to reconsider the redistricting process; unlike the partisan, politically-motivated midterm redistricting that took place in 2003 that reshaped state political boundaries in ways that are still evident today," said Senator West.

"However it is still important for Texans to pay attention to what will take place over the coming weeks, as new Senate and House maps will advance through the legislative process

to near-certain passage. What these maps will look like is important now and will be important for years to come."

Texas Senate maps approved by the Legislature in 2021 resulted in Texas Senate District 10, whose former boundaries were entirely within Tarrant County, being redrawn to include several, less-urban North Texas counties. The map was in place for the November 2022 Midterm Elections. The previously constructed District 10 elected a Democrat in 2018. The new District 10 elected a Republican last November. Texas Senate District 10 has elected state senators from both political parties twice each since 2002.

Two Senate Redistricting Committee hearings are scheduled for Thursday, January 26 and Friday January 27. Five of the six hearings will focus on a different region of Texas, with the Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. hearing to hear testimony primarily for West Texas. Thursday's 9:00 a.m. hearing is for South Texas. The Thursday 1:00 p.m. hearing is for North Texas. Friday's 10:00 a.m. hearing will focus on Central Texas. The 3:00 p.m. Friday hearing is for the East Texas region. Saturday's hearing will take testimony from citizens from all parts of the state. During all hearings, the committee will accept testimony regarding any region. To date, the Texas House has not scheduled redistricting hearings.

The hearings will be available by livestream at: https:// senate.texas.gov/events.php. No in-person testimony will be taken from the general public. All testimony will be via videoconference accessible by internet capable devices. Registration must take place at least 24 hours prior to the start of each hearing.