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March 2018
If Not You Then Who? Become a Foster Parent Today Free Training Available Cindy Johnson 469-222-1200 Kidsgrace.org
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March 2018 ©
board chairman
Lee P. Brown
senior editor
Joshua C. Johnson
executive director comptroller
senior advisers
Joseph Green-Bishop Yolanda Frazier-Gills Robert Ashley
Kareem El Amin Ken Glaser
Tim Livingston
Kenneth Parker Syed Hassan
Elizabeth Sobanjo
Julius Sonko
Jim Washington
Anita Weinstein
Mamie A. Williams
jimmy sosa and his partner, cynthia, have built their business on trust and quality service.
Michael Williams William Woodfin
A Seeker Of Peace please see page 5
Throughout his life Aftab Siddiqui has sought peace.
Selecting The Right Lawyer please see page 7 Be careful when you are selecting legal representation.
Raised In Prayer please see page 8
Judge Creuzot has twice been named the best criminal court jurist in Texas.
How To Battle The Flu please see page 10
56,000 Americans died from the flu during the 2014-2015 flu season.
Early Each Morning please see page 12
Jimmy and Cynthia have grown close to their customers.
Shaping The Future please see page 13
Shaping great minds at an institution for young students.
James Yoon
Carlton C. Douglass editorial
directors advertising directors
Sierra Vieregge
Samuel Muwanguzi Sarah Davenport John Derewitz
Keona Armour
Rickey Williams Thomas Minter
creative director
Bhakti R. Maiwala
web master
Corey Kirkendoll
photo editor
virtual director
Hasson Diggs Grace Cook
Volume 1 Number 5 March 2018
Arise & Rejoice is a publication that demonstrates the goodness and grace that abounds within all people. It seeks to bring all of us closer together, promoting understanding and reconciliation. It believes in the development of a community of "we" where no one is seen as "the other" and where all people are acknowledged and respected! Information concerning advertising may be obtained from the Advertising Coordinator, Arise & Rejoice Media Inc., P.O. Box 612964, Dallas, Texas 75231. Contact via Telephone: 214-886-3716, E-mail: joegreenbishop@aol.com. Visit us online: www.ariserejoicemag.com
www.facebook.com/ariserejoicemag
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An Abundance Of Faith March 2018 | SHEPHERDS
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s the sun rises each morning in Cedar Hill, its radiant warmth embraces the Church On The Hill, blessing its people and their pastor for being vessels of faith, and patrons of goodness. With more than one thousand members the house of worship had its beginning in the living room of Pastor Adam McCain and his wife, Jami, a member of the Cedar Hill City Council. “I began my ministry in Texas seventeen years ago,” said Pastor McCain, a nationally known speaker, church planter and father of three children. “Initially the work here centered around building and supporting ministries throughout the world.”
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For seven years Pastor McCain directed the Bible School at Christ For The Nations in Dallas. A fellow clergyman said that Pastor McCain should start a church.
“At the heart of our ministry is a sense of service ... we are on a mission.”
“Our church began with approximately twenty members,” he said. “Our first service outside of our home was in funeral parlor. From there we moved to a recreation center.” At the heart of the ministry of Church On The Hill is a deeply-
rooted sense of service to those beyond the walls of its sanctuary. “We are on a mission,” said Pastor McCain who was called into ministry at the age of fourteen. “We have adopted three schools in Cedar Hill, and when they have needs we are there to meet them.” In addition to supporting the school system, Church On The Hill sponsors an annual arts festival in the city, and partners with the city each Easter to provide festivities for children, including a massive Easter egg hunt. “We are actively involved with students on area college campuses,” said Pastor McCain whose parents, both former mis-
The vibrancy and soul of the Church On The Hill is reflected in the character and heart of its visionary pastor, Adam McCain.
sionaries, relocated to Cedar Hill to assist their son and daughterin-law with the ministry. “We are a body of faithful people called to service,” he said. “God has placed great purpose in our souls, and on our hearts” | AR
A Seeker of Peace
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ith an engaging demeanor and a welcoming smile, the new president of the Dallas Peace and Justice Center, Aftab Siddiqui, spends his days and nights attempting to convince people that peace and justice are fundamental to human growth and global progress. “The work of peace in our world is crucial,” said Siddiqui, a U.S. citizen who immigrated to this country from Pakistan. “Each of us must become peace advocates. We should not live in a world of persistent conflicts. War is not an acceptable alternative The Dallas Peace Center began its work in the 1980s. Some of the most prominent res-
COMMUNITY | March 2018
Siddiqui is an ardent proponent of peace and justice.
idents of North Texas have been involved in its activities. “We would like to change war economies to peace economies,” said Siddiqui, who helped to launch the Muslim Democratic Caucus of North Texas. “Among our various committees at the Peace Center is one that works against the existence and proliferation of nuclear weapons,” he said. “We are committed to creating a nuclear-free world,” Siddiqui said. “It makes no sense for any country to have nuclear
Siddiqui, left, counts among his colleagues national leaders such as Donna Brazile and Syed Hassan.
weapons.” Siddiqui said that he enjoys the work of the organization. “I
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Celebrating
consider it to be a great honor to be in a leadership role,” he added. | AR
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Sharing A Dream March 2018
I
f Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were alive today he, no doubt, would spend many Friday evenings at worship services at Temple Shalom on Alpha Road in North Dallas. And while an assassin's bullet took his life in April of 1968, Dr. King's legacy of embracing humanity and spreading justice and peace continues in hamlets and cathedrals throughout the world. “Dr. King is important to people who want a better world,” said Barry Lachman, a physician and member of Temple Shalom who helped to organize a January 12th tribute to Dr. King at the house of worship where he and countless others find solace. The principal speaker was legendary preacher and activist, Reverend Peter Johnson, who as
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at the service. “Let us rededicate ourselves to the work that remains to make the American dream, one where we can all join hands in freedom, a reality for all,” the letter stated.
Martin Luther King, III (second, right) visited Temple Shalom on the day set aside to honor his late father. Pictured from left, Dr. Barry Lachman, Rabbi Andrew Paley, Reverend Peter Johnson.
a young college student worked with Dr. King and other leaders of the movement to transform the American soul. Reverend Johnson and Dr. Lachman worked together to change housing code regulations
in Dallas. They are also involved in Dallas inter-faith activities. “Today, Dr. King serves as a role model for overcoming adversity and hopelessness,” wrote Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson in a letter that was read
“There are similarities between our prayers and the themes of the Civil Rights movement.” “Discrimination has visited both groups,” Lachman said. “The struggle that Dr. King led must not cease. We must do all that we can to make Dr. King's dream a reality for all people.” | AR
Selecting the Right Lawyer
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f you are involved in a criminal or civil dispute and your situation requires the services of a lawyer, it is extremely important that you use your best judgement in selecting who represents you!
Your selection of an attorney may be financially costly, but you want the best result and often getting the best representation can be expensive. It is important that you look before you leap. Prudent steps in the beginning will avoid an abundance of pain and shock once you are on your legal journey. There are some basic steps in selecting legal representation that everyone should know. For instance, if you are charged with homicide or aggravated assault you might not want to retain someone who specializes in divorce law. In selecting a lawyer you should apply the same standards that you use when purchasing a
Seeking an uncontested divorce? ONLY
LEGAL LINES | March 2018
If your potential counselor balks at explaining the agreement you probably need to excuse yourself, and find other representation.
fine cut of meat for your family's meal on a special occasion. Not only is it a good idea to get references about a potential lawyer but it is also wise to review his or her standing with the local and state bar associations. Do that before you pay a retainer. Once you see a lawyer and you are asked to sign a service contract make sure that you understand it before you sign. Since most agreements are written in legal terms, which can be difficult to understand, ask
your potential lawyer to explain it to you without using legal terms. Don't be afraid to say that you are confused and need further explanation. If your potential counselor balks at explaining the agreement you probably need to excuse yourself, and find other representation. Remember, you are the one who is facing the difficulty. The role of your legal representative is to make you comfortable, and lead you through the process with acceptable results.| AR
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Raised to Pray
March 2018 | the LeAD story
D
“My mother and father taught their children to be kind, to help people and to have faith. ”
-John Creuzot
uring conversations with his ninty-yearold mother, Sallie, who lives and works in Houston, John Creuzot patiently listens as the woman who brought him into the world speaks about the importance of fairness and prayer. Still working in the family business, Mrs. Creuzot has always demanded personal and professional excellence from her son and his two siblings.
Divert Court helped to restore dignity to people dependent on drugs and alcohol. “I became a lawyer because I wanted to help people,” said Creuzot, a highly- regarded former judge in Dallas County for more than two decades, now seeking to become the Democratic Party's nominee to run for District Attorney in Dallas County. Perhaps his hallmark achievement as a jurist was the creation of the Divert Court program in 1998 which helped people with substance abuse problems, allowing them to participate in structured rehabilitation programs rather than languish in
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The program that Judge Creuzot created gave many people a second chance in life.
jail. “The program, which became a model for courts in Texas and throughout the nation, saved taxpayer dollars by reducing the number of people that returned to prison,” said Creuzot who was twice voted the best criminal court judge in Texas by his judicial peers. “Divert Court saved many lives, particularly minority lives,” said Creuzot who was appointed to the bench by former Texas Governor Ann Richards. “Incarcerating people with substance abuse problems did not make sense then, and it does not
Still driving and working at age 90, Mrs. Creuzot taught her children to trust and pray.
make sense today.” “As District Attorney I want to make a difference in the lives of all Dallas County residents, and I want to improve our neighborhoods,” said Creuzot whose son, Ethan, is a senior at Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas. “My mother and my late father, Percy, taught their children to be kind, to help people and to have faith,” Creuzot said. “I want to continue to make a positive difference in the lives of people," he said. "Accomplishing that is the first thing that comes to mind each morning that God gives me.” | Ar
March 2018
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How To Battle The Flu March 2018 | TO YOUR HEALTH
E
ating the proper foods can help you overcome severe colds and the flu virus, according to health professionals and nutritionists. Consuming the right foods will help you while you are trying to boost your immune system and acquire more energy. They will aide in a quicker recovery. Among the foods that health professionals recommend is chicken soup. The vitamins and minerals contained in it are vital weapons in combatting flu. Also, in the battle against the virus, dry toast and wheat crackers can be extremely effective. Placing a slice of goat cheese on your cracker or toast will also help you. Goat cheese contains copper which will
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help improve your immune system.
Consuming the right foods will help you while you are trying to boost your immune system and acquire more energy.
A slice of ginger or some hot ginger tea will help calm your stomach which might be upset because of the flu. A tall glass of natural ginger ale will also be beneficial. Try eating a banana each day that you feel ill. The fruit is a source of energy, and has high levels of vitamin B6 which should give you energy and
lower stress levels, according to nutritionists. To the surprise of some, popsicles can be a weapon in battling the flu. They can help soothe sore throats. Use as many as possible, but make sure that they are 100 percent
fruit! You can have someone make them from fruit juices and natural fruit. Additional items that flu victims should consume include garlic, non-salty vegetable juice, and green and black teas.| AR
Senior Citizens and Gambling
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ore than 100 million people in America visit casinos during the course of a year. Most of them, according to gaming experts are over fifty years of age. In 2014, the last year that data was reported, casinos in this country reported $66 billion in revenue.
Casinos market heavily to seniors when they receive their social security checks
In America there are approximately 1400 casinos. The gambling industry markets heavily to
March 2018
seniors, offering free entertainment and accommodations. Some casinos offer other specials to seniors such as free transportation from retirement centers. Many seniors seek out casinos because they are lonely and gambling fills a void. One of the more popular things seniors to do at casinos is to play slot machines which some health professionals have named "electronic crack." As a part of their marketing strategies some casinos provide wheel chairs for seniors that have difficulty walking. Some even include disposal diapers in their bathrooms and receptacles where needles used by diabetics can be discarded.| AR
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Early Each Morning March 2018 | A FAMILY OF FAITH
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or nearly twenty years Jimmy Sosa managed a distribution center in North Texas. Then one morning, shortly after sunrise, his employer informed him that his services were no longer needed. “I was devastated,” said the West Texas native. “I had given them everything that I had inside of me. I thought I would retire with them.” His sense of disappointment and hurt did not last long, said Sosa, who owns the Highway 10 Tire Shop in Euless. “I did not know much about the tire business other than that an opportunity existed to provide customers with a much-needed service,” said
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Sosa who opened his enterprise in October of 2010.
“We treat customers fairly, and with respect.” A resident of Hurst, Sosa told friends and family about his new business. Word spread quickly that he was honest, and that his products were of high quality, and were reasonably priced. “I have always believed in treating people fairly,”" said Sosa, whose partner, Cynthia, a native of Puerto Rico, works with him in the business. They faithfully attend First Baptist Church of Euless.
Cynthia and Jimmy Sosa are devoted to their business, and to their family.
Highway 10 is open six days each week. On Sundays the two principals spend quality time with their children. "Sunday is our time for our
family and football,” said Sosa. “We believe in our business, and we believe in one another,” he said. | AR
Shaping The Future
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elping students has always been a part of North Texas businessman Edward Okpa's life. Once a dishwasher in this country, the real estate appraiser has endowed a ‘Rites of Passage’ essay contest at St. Philip's
EDUCATION | March 2018
School and Community Center. “The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage young students to recognize that the world is larger than their zip codes, and that they can accomplish anything, " said Okpa. | AR
Edward Okpa, left, and St. Philips’s Headmaster Dr. Terry Flowers, urge students to pursue excellence.
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March 2018
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Helping Others Change Their Lives
March 2018
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or most of her life, Judge Lela Mays has attempted to resolve problems that twisted the lives of troubled people. As a student, as a lawyer and as a jurist she believed that broken spirits could be made whole again. “It has enriched me to see people reunited with their families, and to see those with little hope regain their confidence,” said Mays who works with a team of professionals to assist people suffering from mental illness and addiction. In 2007, Mays, a member of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church in Dallas, was centrally involved in designing and implementing a court program entitled “Successful Treatment of Addiction through
The program has been so successful that there is a graduating class whose members began ten years ago.
Judge Lela Mays has devoted her life to helping others.
Collaboration.” “My colleagues and I believed that if we could successfully treat the underlying conditions that many of those faced with substance abuse encountered we could offer people alternatives to prison,” said Mays, the mother
of two college aged sons, Courtney and Christian. The program has been so successful that there is a graduating class whose members began ten years ago. The overwhelming majority of the graduates are working, and leading productive lives, Mays said. “I am grateful that they are free from drug and alcohol dependence.” Mays praises her colleagues on the teams she has worked with, including prosecutors, defense lawyers, drug counselors and mental health professionals, for having the humanity and pa-
A SERVANT DEPARTS
OFFICER DAVID SHERRARD Richardson Police Department End of Watch: 02/07/18
tience to design solutions for people who have had difficulties. “It has not always been easy,” said Mays who grew up in Austin, and was graduated from the Texas Southern University School of Law. “I have seen the recovery process from the very beginning to the very end.” “Our program has helped more than 4,000 people,” she said. “We have not only given people a second chance, but we have transformed their lives. All of us are better people because of the experience.” | AR
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A Democratic Party That Includes YOU
VOTE in the
Democratic Primary Election Vote Feb 20th through March 2nd Election Day is March 6th For More Information Call: 214-451-3400 Email: Campaign@HamiltonForDallas.com Visit: www.hamiltonfordallas.com Paid for by Chris Hamilton for Dallas County Democratic Chair