See MY TRUTH, page 13 See THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Ideal Candidate cont. from page 1

And a team player she is, as she works well with her fellow editors of the Texas Metro News youth section, The Trendsetter.

After leaving behind the Coppell Cowgirls basketball team and theatre, Liu was searching for her niche during her sophomore year.

Her older sister, Christina, had friends on The Sidekick staff and she would bring newspapers home.

Angelina’s interest was sparked after reading a few issues, and that summer she emailed an advisor, asking to be enrolled in the class.

Liu started as a staff writer

for The Sidekick, covering predominantly CHS sports. Then, she became the Visual Media Editor in her junior year.

It was obvious she was beginning to soar, as she, along with the previous Editor-in-Chief, Sally Parampottil, received Honorable Mention for one of their Sports multimedia stories.

“When I first met Angelina, I was Editor-in-Chief,” Parampottil said. “She was always willing to take things on, no matter the section or media. She is multi-talented and truly gives her all to the program.”

Liu has gone above and beyond in her work, which is why she believes The Sidekick adviser, Chase Wofford saw her as a fit for the Editor-in-Chief role.

“She really set herself apart from the rest of the staff by being so eager and hardworking,” Wofford said. “Sidekick always seemed like a priority to her. She was always so invested, which made her the ideal candidate to be Editor-in-Chief on the executive team.”

Stepping into this new role, Liu has no doubts. Her former colleagues, Sally Parampottil and Anjali Krishna paved the way and gave her plenty of advice and encouragement.

“From when I first met Angelina, she’s been an inspiration to me,” Krishna said. “She’s a talented photographer and writer, but what most of The Sidekick staff first recognized her for was her incredible work ethic and unfailingly positive attitude towards everything she was assigned. I can’t think of anyone more capable of leading a program as wonderful as Sidekick.” Angelina’s overall goal for The Sidekick this upcoming year is to inspire staff members to try new things within the newspaper and consider pursuing journalism in the future. “A lot of people are saying print is dead, and you should only pursue broadcast,” said Liu. “I really want to change people’s mindset about that. I understand there’s been a major shift from print to online, and we all need to learn those aspects. "However, the amount of information you can put into a written piece will never compare to it being broadcasted.”

Those words were like music to the ears of Smith who convinced Liu to continue on in a contributing role as an editor of Trendsetter, throughout her senior year. "Between her work on The Sidekick and Trendsetter, this is an opportunity for her to build her portfolio and further establish herself as a journalist," said Smith. "I'm excited that she is serious about a career as a journalist. We congratulate her and we are confident that she will excel and continue to produce outstanding work!"

The Sidekick Editor-in-Chief, Angelina Liu teaching a new media student how to operate a camera.

Biden Deserves

cont. from page 5

working, away from public view, to help get the final two corners of his foundation solidified, and on August 9, he signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law.

This third corner of his platform restores America’s standing as a global science and technology leader by providing the resources and tools needed to make more products like semiconductor chips here at home. It will create good-paying jobs, invest in building a more diverse workforce, and bolster our supply chains.

The fourth and final corner of the Biden platform, the Inflation Reduction Act, passed the Congress with every Democrat voting for it, and every Republican voting against it.

Under this new law, signed by President Biden on August 16, Medicare recipi-ents will see their out-of-pocket prescription drugs capped at $2,000 annually and their cost of insulin capped at $35 monthly. It reduces the cost of health care for 13 million Americans by extending the Affordable Care Act subsidies for more than three years with an average savings of $800 per year. The new law includes provisions to increase taxes on corporations, address climate change, and decrease the prices of prescription drugs.

The IRA will help cut climate pollution by 40 percent by 2030, while building a new, clean energy economy and creating nine million new jobs. It invests in envi-ronmental justice by cleaning up legacy pollution most often found in communi-ties of color and provides tax credits to ensure nuclear energy producers can continue to provide clean energy for consumers.

The IRA will require corporations to pay a minimum tax of 15 percent and reduce the deficit by $300 billion over the next decade.

As Mr. Luce warns us, “complacency is misplaced.” Voters should see this “good political system in good working order” as motivation to go to the polls to support more positive progress.

President Biden is finally getting some of the credit he is due. And, he and my fellow Democrats will continue putting the American people over partisan politics.

My Truth

cont. from page 1

the “community,”

If you needed a kind or encouraging word, you'd call Nana Irene.

If you needed a reality check, you'd call Nana Irene.

If you needed a nurse, babysitter, cook, chauffeur, sounding board, stylist, seamstress, or even a whipping; you could always call Nana Irene.

She was always there and because of the work she has done, the life she has lived; she will live in the hearts and minds of so many; forever!

It was an emotional moment when word circulated about her transition this past weekend.

After all, this was Nana, Nana Irene; the person we could always count on to spread love and we know the world especially now, could use more love!

While we are preparing to celebrate the life of Nana Irene, we can take solace in celebrating a life well lived.

And even after those who knew her are long gone, because she has planted so many seeds and been responsible for pouring so much positivity into the universe that her legacy is definitely intact.

Nana Irene was a Warrior. In the true sense.

She did join protestors on the picket line; speaking out about everything from police brutality and unfair treatment by the media to unfair hiring, firing and retention practices; and racism.

Nana Irene loved life and she loved people.

Whether she was cooking a meal, preparing an outfit or braiding your hair, she seized the opportunity to pour love into others.

Which brings me to my truth.

Is the world a better place because you walked this earth? Were people as happy to see you coming as they were to see you leaving? Did you use your gifts abundantly or selfishly?

Nana Irene put a smile on the face of many.

She filled a room with joy and love.

What a legacy!

ROUND TWO FAMU and JSU meet in Miami for Orange Blossom Classic

By Edward Hill

Texas Metro News

When former Dallas Cowboy Deion Sanders was hired as head coach at Jackson State University, you could line up the list of doubters like mile markers from Texas to Mississippi.

Everybody, it seemed, had an opinion.

The biggest question? Whether the NFL Hall of Famer, called “Primetime,” would use JSU as a ploy, a stepping stone toward a more lucrative coaching gig.

Nevertheless, JSU Athletic Director Ashley Robinson had a vision, albeit an out-of-box one: She wanted to re-energize a once proud program that produced 93 NFL players and four Pro Football Hall of Famers - Lem Barney, Walter Payton, Robert Brazile, and Jackie Slater.

Problem was, JSU had not had a winning season since 2013 nor a conference title since 2007.

The ultra-confident Sanders, who had never coached on the college level, but also had never failed athletically in his life, saw the light.

He wanted to change lives - and shake up college football.

“God called me to Jackson State,” Sanders said upon his hiring in September 2020. “Why not? Isn't this the time? Isn't this the moment? Isn't this what's needed?

“It's a match made in heaven. This is a God move.”

Sanders has delivered on his promise.

Jackson State University is a champion again. The Tigers hold the 2021 Southwestern Athletic Conference title and an undefeated conference record. They fell short of becoming the undisputed No. 1 HBCU football program in the nation after losing to Mideastern Athletic Conference champions South Carolina State in December’s Cricket Celebration Bowl.

It was Sanders first full season as head coach.

That season included a victory over Florida A&M University, 7-6, who JSU will face again this weekend in Miami.

Sanders is also won the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) Eddie Robinson Award, which goes to the top college coach in the nation. His son, JSU quarterback Shedeur Sanders, won the Jerry Rice Freshman of the Year Award, which recognizes the leading Division I athlete

in the country.

Additionally, Texas Metro News named Sanders "Person of The Year" for 2021. "We are so proud of Coach Sanders and the work he has done for all HBCUs," said Publisher Cheryl Smith. "While he is at Jackson State University and doing great things, his efforts have also spilled over and had a positive impact on all HBCUs, and not just the athletes."

According to Smith, who wrote in her column, other majors are giving HBCUs a second and third look and "Sanders has such an impeccable work ethic, you have to respect him and his game; while also reexamining your game to make sure you are being at your best and giving your best." "We've never doubted the greatness of HBCUs and Coach Sanders is addressing issues and calling attention to inequities that need to be addressed. We need more like him!"

For sure, “Coach Prime” has led the world outside of HBCU athletics to pay attention to Black College football: Last fall, ESPN launched unprecedented coverage of HBCU games.

National mainstream newspapers and magazines wrote more stories in one year arguably than ever before of HBCU coaching moves, recruiting activity, addition of new sports programs and of million-dollar donations that level the playing field between Black College programs and those at predominantly white institutions.

Sanders’ move to coaching has even upped the appeal among other former NFL athletes to lead HBCUs programs.

Since Sanders’ appointment, former Dallas Cowboy Eddie George took over Tennessee State University's program. And, Hue Jackson, who previously coached the Cleveland Browns, was named last month to lead Grambling’s storied program.

On Jan. 4, Prairie View elevated former Houston Oiler Bubba McDowell from interim to head coach of the Panthers.

Sanders has created the “Deion effect” on the coaching landscape at HBCUs. But he’s not done with influencing the broader landscape of college football.

“We’re not finished by all means,” Sanders said. “We want to be dominant. We want to finish. Right now, we’re in the middle of the sentence. We’re trying to get to the exclamation mark, slowly, but surely.”

Still, speed has been a hallmark of Sanders.

A former track star in high school and at Florida State, Sanders set the NFL Scouting Combine record for the 40-yard dash in 1989, breaking the mark in “Primetime” fashion.

He walked into the stadium, ran a 4.27 without stretching, then sprinted out of the building.

Sanders was picked by the Atlanta Falcons as the fifth overall pick in the 1989 NFL draft, em-

barking on a 14-year career that included Super Bowl titles with the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. Sanders ended his career regarded as the best cornerback in NFL history and one of the greatest two sport and multi-dimensional players of all time.

He starred on offense, defense and special teams in the NFL.

Sanders was talented enough - and daring enough - to also play nine seasons in Major League Baseball - all at the same time. He is the only man to have played in both a Super Bowl and World Series and the only one to attempt to play in both MLB and an NFL game - both on the same day.

His speed, charismatic personality, work ethic and resistance to allowing others to tell him “no” all are foundational; they comprise his core values.

Sanders has been impactful at Jackson State both as a coach and recruiter. The latter could create long-lasting reverberations across all of college football.

Shortly after arriving at Jackson State, Sanders assembled the highest-rated class in FCS history with 19 transfers and 11 of the nation’s top recruits, including his own son, Shedeur, a four-star quarterback who initially committed to Florida Atlantic University, but flipped to join his father.

Last year, Sanders dropped two bombs.

The first one came on Dec. 15 when Suwanee, Ga. cornerback Travis Hunter, ranked as the nation’s No. 1 recruit in the class of 2022 by 247Sports.com, switched from Florida State University, Sanders’s alma mater, to Jackson State.

“Florida State has always been a beacon for me,” Hunter said in a statement on Twitter. “I grew up down there. That's where my roots are and I never doubted

that I would play for the Seminoles.

“It's a dream that is hard to let go of, but sometimes we are called to step into a bigger future than the one we imagined for ourselves. For me, that future is at Jackson State University.

“Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a rich history in football,” Hunter continued. “I want to be part of that history; and more, I want to be part of that future.

“I am making this decision so that I can light the way for others to follow, make it a little easier for the next player to recognize that HBCUs may be everything you want and more,” he wrote. “I look forward to working with the iconic Deion Sanders."

Fans of Florida State and other predominantly white institutions immediately flooded the rumor mill: Sanders paid Hunter with a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal through Barstool Sports, a company Sanders works with, the critics crowed.

Coach Prime and Players Talk to Media after 2021 Orange Blossom Classic Victory in Miami Photo:Cheryl Smith/TMN

Deion Sanders Photo: The Dallas Morning News

Coach Sanders looking for second victory over famed Rattlers as he "shakes up" college football

Read more at www.texasmetronews.com

Metro Community Calendar powered by

SEPTEMBER 1

Official launch of the citywide Big D Reads program for 2022. The kickoff event will be held at 9:30AM at the Downtown Dallas Public Library with light breakfast and refreshments served, plus celebratory appearances by the South Dallas Concert Choir, The Accommodation Author Jim Schutze, Joaquin Zihuatanejo, and Will Evans of Deep Vellum Bookstore and Publishing Co.

2

Apparel worn by some of this country’s legendary figures will be unveiled as a prelude to the kick-off of TBAAL’s 5th annual Riverfront Jazz Festival, Friday, September 2nd at 5:30 pm.

3-4

Showcasing about 20 phenomenal visual artists, crafts makers and self-care products developers, the 2022 South West Art Fest returns with health and wellness service and product providers and snacks creators. This free two-day event, hosted by Endeavors Performing Arts & Events Venue, is Sept. 3 and 4, from 11am to 7pm both days in the 440 Shopping Plaza at 868 S. Fort Hood Street in Killeen, Texas.

7

2022 DALLAS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY JJ DINNER WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKERS BETO O'ROURKE, CECILE RICHARDS, FEATURING REP. COLIN ALLRED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 AT 6:00 PM THE FAIRMONT HOTEL, 1717 N AKARD ST, DALLAS, TX 75201

10

African American Leadership Institute Fall Policy Summit 8am-1:30pm at Paul Quinn College, 3837 Simpson Stuart Road, Dallas. For more information, call 610-416-5568

16

The Southern University Alumni Federation - Fort Worth Chapter will host “Jaguar Takeover Night,” an annual scholarship dinner party and fundraiser, at 7:30 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Suites, 700 Avenue H, in Grand Prairie. Tickets may be purchased on Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-jaguar-night-scholarship-fundraiser-730-pm-sep-16th-2022-tickets339007680097?aff=ebdssbeac

17 18

21

Come Laugh With Me, by D. ELLI$ Entertainment! #ComeLaughWithMe is a Comedy series that was started a few years ago, by D. ELLI$ to showcase season talent and new talent! 8 to 11 pm at Tk’s, 14854 Monfort Dr. Dallas. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3e3D0Qn

23

Verna’s H.E.L.P. Foundation, Free Business Workshop, 9a-1pm at Dallas College (Eastfield), 3737 Motley Drive, Building S, Parking Lot 4, Room 1

24 October 7

Friday night- Vinettis 14388 Midway, Addison, TX 5 PM until hosted by Mr. and Mrs. James Price

13

The Press Club of Dallas 10th Legends of North Texas Journalism at Texas Theatre. LEGENDS: Ed Bark, Karen Blair (posthumous), Karen Blumenthal (posthumous), Cheryl Hall, Molly Ivins (posthumous), Verne Lundquist, Murphy Martin (posthumous), Scott McCartney, Laura Miller, Liz Oliphant, Bob Schieffer and Brett Shipp.

PASTORS LUNCHEON REGISTRATION The Pastors Luncheon will be 11:00 a.m. Typically hosted during the State Fair of Texas, this event was

designed to create an environment to celebrate congregations and invites clergy leaders from the

Send your calendar items to editor@texasmetronews.com or call 214-941-0110

The World According to Andrew on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.-10 am. CST. Sundays Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join the call 646200-0459 on Andrew’s World. I Was Just Thinking with Norma Adams-Wade “History Class is in Session” Join in on Facebook/@TexasMetroNews and BlogTalkRadio.com at 11 am -1 pm. CST. Wednesdays. Join the conversation call 646-200-0459.