Elite News

59 Years Issue 17

April 17, 2020

INSIDE:

$96 million housing and retail development scheduled for Southern Dallas page10-13

Mrs. Earnestine Smith 2/15/45-4/7/20 page 13

OUR M AT R IA R C H

2 Elite News April 17, 2020

Legal Notice / Statement of Fact

Do hear by give legal & lawful notice of the same, Occupant to the Executors Office DBA KEVIN YOUNG, APOSTILLE CERTIFICATION OF BIRTH no: 119-1964-01900292A to be attached to the ASSUMED NAME RECORDS File no: 20200004103, with the PS Form 3575 Postal confirmation code: 2005304340023391 are herein and hereby warranted, to change the postal location for said KEVIN YOUNG to DBA KEVIN YOUNG to the following: From the Old Location, 1450 Poydras Street #400 New Orleans Louisiana near. [70112].

To the New Location: Occupant to Executors Office DBA KEVIN YOUNG in care of 223 North Cedar Ridge Drive.

Duncanville Texas zip code exempt DMSM A010.1.2d without the US. General Post-Office.

Occupant to Executors office DBA KEVIN YOUNG any and all postal material that was previously sent to either PO Box 381794 Duncanville Texas near. [75138] or to 2118 Rohne Drive Cedar Hill Texas near. [75104] or to 223 North Cedar Ridge Drive Duncanville Texas near. [75116] or to 6908 Cedar Forest Trail Dallas Texas near.

[75236]for either KEVIN YOUNG or any deviation variation or narration thereof shall immediately be directed to the above postal location. Any capital name shall be deem as mail fraud pursuing to Title (18) 1341-42 & Postal matter (39) subsection 3003. Title 18 US code 8 Obligation or other security of the United States.

Established in 1960 Romans 8:28-29 Founder Dr. William “Bill “ Blair Jr. Sr. Publisher Emeritus Jordan Blair, Sr

Publishing Editor Darryl E. Blair Sr. Administrative Assistant Sherry Christian

Photojournalist

Contributing Writers Judge Brandon Birmingham Kimberley Blair Pleasant Distribution Tremelt Hooper

Jay Wayne and Titia Owens J. Wayne Owens Media Corp.

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Elite News April 17, 2020 3

Gov. Abbott unlawfully exceeded authority with executive order The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Lawsuit says governor’s order restricting releases exceeds his constitutional authority; public health experts agree reducing populations in prisons and jails necessary to prevent outbreaks AUSTIN, TX — Governor Abbott unlawfully exceeded his constitutional authority by issuing an executive order that suspends the rights that individuals, who are presumed innocent, have while facing criminal prosecution, according to a new lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Texas, Texas Fair Defense Project, the ACLU’s Criminal Law Reform Project and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. The lawsuit, filed today in the State District Court of Travis County, is on behalf of the misdemeanor magistrate judges of Harris County, three criminal defense non-profit

organizations and the NAACP of Texas. It states that the Governor’s March 29 order, GA-13, unlawfully attempts to remove discretion from judges about who can receive personal bonds and suspend certain laws related to decisions about who can be released on personal bond, while the Texas Constitution clearly states that those decisions lie with the Judiciary and the power to suspend laws lies only with the Legislature.

The lawsuit argues that the Texas Disaster Act also does not grant the Governor with this authority.

The lawsuit also states that GA-13 creates an unconstitutional wealthbased system by banning the use of personal bonds for certain people, putting pre-trial freedom out of the reach of those unable to pay cash bail.

“Governor Abbott’s illegal executive order disproportionately keeps poor people, people of color, and in particular African Americans jailed and therefore at a heightened risk of contracting COVID-19,” said Arthur Ago, criminal justice

project director for the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “These individuals, many of whom are legally innocent, have the right to petition for their freedom—a right that the governor has unconstitutionally taken from them.

The governor must be prohibited from enforcing this executive order.”

“The Texas Constitution makes it clear: The Governor does not have the authority to suspend state law, particularly those that govern our criminal justice system, even during an emergency,” said Andre Segura, legal director for the ACLU of Texas.

“At a time when public health experts agree that limiting the population in jails is critical to prevent outbreaks of COVID-19, this order ties local officials’ hands in trying to mitigate the impact of the pandemic for all Texans and prevent loss of life. Under this order, those unable to afford bail are required to ride out a pandemic in the dangerous setting of a jail, while wealthier people are able to buy their way out.”

SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK Ephesians 4:31-32

31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

4 Elite News April 17, 2020

Vaping

Vaping is when a person inhales and exhales an aerosol. It is produced by a vaporizer or an electronic cigarette. It is defined as inhaling water vapor into the lungs.

A lot of people start vaping to quit smoking.

But vaping could be worse than smoking.

Vaping can harm the lungs and trigger

Demetra Jones

inflammation. Some people feel it is better than smoking, but it still has its health risk. The containers for vaping with liquid

are made of nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals. Nicotine is addictive. It is not good for the lungs, the heart, arteries, and pregnant women.

Vaping is regulated.

No one under age 18 can purchase them.

Sellers should check the ID. Talk to a doctor before using vaping to quit smoking.

Jones STOP Demetra THE SPREAD OF GERMS Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

cdc.gov/COVID19 314915-A March 16, 2020 1:02 PM

Elite News April 17, 2020 5

Business Interruption Insurance questions answered If your business has been closed because of the Covid 19 virus, you may have business interruption insurance coverage to replace lost income, operating expenses and more. Even taxes and loan payments. The State of Texas, Atty. Brian Eberstein Dallas County and the City of Dallas have ordered many businesses to close during this Covid 19 crisis.

If you are one of those many businesses and would like to talk about business interruption insurance coverage to see if you have that type of insurance and to see if you are owed insurance benefits for which you have paid premiums, call me and we’ll discuss. To repeat, benefits may be available for lost profits, operating expenses, payroll, taxes and loan payments. And perhaps more.

To reach me ? Call me at 800 653 7246. Yes. You’ll get me. That number is 800 Old School. I’m the Old School Lawyer. Among other things, that means I speak with my clients and not merely to them. These are difficult times. Let me know if I can help.

Brian Eberstein Old School Lawyer 800 653 7246 ( Old School ) brian@oldschoollawyer.com

Individual Stimulus Checks begin to arrive, What Should You Expect?

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia Payments from the $2.3 trillion federal coronavirus stimulus package have begun hitting individual bank accounts.

In a memo, IRS Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the first round of payments were sent on Thursday, April 9, and should arrive in bank accounts beginning no later than Tuesday, April 14.

Most Americans are eligible for and will receive stimulus payments, except for those who owe back child support payments.

Single-filers who make less than $75,000 will receive $1,200, while married couples making less than $150,000 are scheduled to get $2,400. An additional $500 payment will be provided to households for each child under 17.

The IRS will base the payments on the adjusted gross income of taxpayers’ 2019 return.

If a 2019 return hasn’t been filed (the deadline has been extended for two months), the IRS will use information from the 2018 return.

If the return doesn’t contain direct deposit information, or if the IRS doesn’t have returns from 2018 or 2019, a paper check will be issued later.

Electronic payments also will go out to those receiving Social Security and disability, even if recipients don’t typically file a tax return.

For those who haven’t provided the IRS with bank account information, paper checks are expected to begin reaching households in May, but, in some cases, recipients won’t receive payment until September.

“If we have your bank information, you’ll get it within two weeks,” Mnuchin said. “Social Security, you’ll get it very quickly after that. If we don’t have your information, you’ll have a simple web portal, we’ll upload it. If we don’t have that, we’ll send you checks in the mail.”

Treasury officials said they expect 50 million to 70 million Americans to have received directly deposited payments by April 15, which is one day later than what the IRS said it expects the deposits to become available.

The IRS does plan to set up a portal on its website where filers can enter direct deposit information if the agency doesn’t already have those details.

Those who have provided bank information on their 2018 or 2019 returns don’t have to do anything unless their information has changed.

As for paper checks, the Washington Post reported that the IRS plan would distribute those to the lowest-income Americans first, prioritizing payments for individual taxpayers with incomes of $10,000 or less on April 24.

Checks for earners of $20,000 or less would be in the mail May 1, followed by those with incomes of $30,000 on May 8, $40,000 on May 15, and continuing in income increments of $10,000 each week, according to the plan. The IRS plans to issue about 5 million checks each week.

Stimulus checks would be issued on Sept. 4 to joint taxpayers earning $198,000, the maximum allowed under the stimulus.

All others would be sent on Sept. 11, in most cases, because the IRS did not have prior tax information for them, and they need to apply for the checks.

6 Elite News April 17, 2020

Dulaney named Deputy Director/COO African American Museum Dallas

African American Museum of Dallas executives Dr. Harry Robinson Jr., founder and president, and Dr. Vonciel Jones Hill, board president, have announced the appointment of Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney as the museum’s new deputy director and chief operating officer.

Dr. Robinson said he will concentrate on major fundraising and completing the museum’s Strategic Plan for the future while Dr. Dulaney runs day-to-day operations at the $5 million dollar, 38,000-square-foot Dallas landmark at 3536 Grand Avenue inside Fair Park.

The historian, author, and retired university professor, was chosen “because of his credentials, past museum management experience and connections with the community,” Dr. Robinson said. The educator assumed the paid staff position at the museum in March.

Previously, he had been volunteering there off and on for more than 20 years while holding other professional positions outside the museum, said Dr. Robinson The museum founder and board president said that as a volunteer, Dr. Dulaney helped organize many of the museum’s student projects including four high school conferences of African American history and also African American history camps.

Dr. Dulaney said that recently for more than two years as a volunteer, he quietly had been organizing and cataloguing the museum’s archive storage room that largely had been unattended for decade because of limited staff to handle such a daunting task.

He has been examining and recording shelves and shelves of more than 60 historic collections including documents and artifacts of prominent local and regional individuals, organizations, businesses and families.

The collections include materials from Sepia magazine, Bishop College, Moorland Branch YMCA, Maria Morgan YWCA, Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame, African American Education Archives and History Program, George Allen, Dr. Mamie McKnight, A. Maceo Smith, Dr. Yvonne Ewell, and Maurine Bailey.

Dr. Dulaney also has brought in a new digital cataloguing system through the Library of Congress that will allow international researchers and other individuals to access the archives.

With help from a devoted core of staffers and volunteers, Dr.

Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney

Robinson Jr. had run many operations himself during the museum’s 45-year history that started at Bishop College and includes more than 25 latter years at Fair Park.

Dr. Dulaney praised Dr. Robinson, a veteran librarian and archivist, saying, “His contribution is unmatched... in terms of preservation and promotion of local, state and national African American

culture.”

Dr. Dulaney is a native of Alliance, Ohio. His background includes being former chair of the University of Texas at Arlington history de-partment and former 14year executive director of the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture in Charleston, S. C. Also named in his honor is the W. Marvin Dulaney Dallas-Fort Worth Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History – a local branch that Dr. Dulaney founded.

He earned his history doctorate from Ohio State University and graduated magna cum laude as an undergraduate history major at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. He has served on local boards and edited and written many

scholarly reviews and articles.

The Carroll Harris Simms National Black Art Competition and Exhibition – the museum’s most recent upcoming project – currently is postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic that indefinitely has closed the museum and most public facilities across the nation.

The exhibition program is named for the late, prominent master sculptor, painter, ceramist, educator and author who was Texas Southern University’s renowned art professor for 37 years. The project was established at the museum in 1976 and originally named the Biennial Southwest Black Art Competition and Exhibition.

To learn more about the African American Museum of Dallas, visit www.aamdallas. org.

Make sure you are registered to vote!

Elite News April 17, 2020 7

In Memoriam Ms. Camille Janine Goode

March 29, 1973 - April 2, 2020

Camille Janine Goode was born on March 29, 1973 in Dallas, Texas and went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 2, 2020.

She was the middle child born to Ernest R. Goode, Jr. and Linda D. Allen Goode and was affectionately given the nicknames of “Mille” and “Cami” by family and friends.

Camille accepted Christ at an early age and had a regular worship relationship with the Lord.

She was a dedicated and loyal member of The New Hope Baptist Church, the oldest African American church in Dallas, TX. With a servant’s heart, Camille participated in: The Young Adult Ushers, and the Courtesy Committee. She also organized arts and crafts activities for Vacation Bible School, supervised the youth ushers, Thanksgiving Fill-A-Meal Basket drives Jubilee Sunday Black History Month Program and meal service.

Camille grew up in Mesquite, TX. in a household that emphasized excellence in education and service to others.

Like her brother and sisters, Camille was a product of the Mesquite Independent School District. She attended Porter Elementary, Vanston Middle School, and graduated from Poteet High School in 1991, where she was a member of the Poteet Belles Drill Team.

After graduation, Camille attended Eastfield Community College where she was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society (Phi Eta Chapter).

She also fulfilled her dream of attending an “HBCU,” by matriculating at Texas Southern University, (TSU) in Houston, TX. where she studied Elementary Education. Camille was a proud and devoted member of the TSU Alumni Association. She regularly volunteered to help with alumni functions and college, and career fairs. She also routinely wore TSU paraphernalia along with that of other HBCU’s.

To Camille, service was not an option, but was a mandatory part of her life. Camille found her purpose in life – giving back to help others and did so by volunteering whenever and wherever she could.

She was widely known as someone who the Dallas community could depend upon to answer the call to help and she regularly volunteered at The Heads Up! Foundation, The Turtle Creek Chorale and The Priscilla Art Club.

Most notably she volunteered as a tour guide at the African American Museum for over ten (10) years. She was also a member of the Eastern Star, The National Council of Negro Women and a past President of the Young Adult Dallas Interdenominational Church Ushers.

Camille found something that many never find, which was her purpose in life. Camille had a special gift and desire to work with children with special needs. She began her career as a teacher’s aide with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) and concluded her career with the Plano Independent School District (PISD). In 2011, she was a top (5) finalist for the DISD Teacher Assistant of the Year Award.

In her last position, she worked at McMillen High School, as a teacher’s assistant, assigned to the special education, selfcontained unit. At McMillen she

had responsibility for the care of approximately 15 children. Camille was a very important person to these young people as they spent the majority of their day with her.

Camille was known to go the extra mile for her students. She created games, special decorations and learning incentives for not just her students, but the entire school. Camille showed complete dedication to her students and their welfare and gave of herself unselfishly to staff, children and the school community.

Up until her last breath, Camille worked for the good of her students.

Camille had many loves – God, people, great Mexican food, the color pink, family, and of course, The Dallas Cowboys. Camille was a proud Texan, and proud to be the daughter of a man of Omega Psi Phi and a woman of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She loved attending “Que” and Delta social events and community service activities., where she made many friends around the country.

Camille had a heart of gold and was very nurturing and caring. It was her habit on any telephone call to start with a cheerful greeting and to end the call with a message of affection. She loved to communicate with her friends via Facebook and regularly posted positive messages. Outside of working and volunteering Camille loved to shop and shop she did.

Camille had a particular affinity for purses, shoes, writing pens and jewelry. While she shopped for herself, she also took the time to shop for senior citizens too.

One consistent remark that is universally expressed about Camille was that her smile was a ray of sunshine. Camille was born with a beautiful smile and two dimples to match. Her smile was infectious and revealed a sincere and pure heart. She was happy to share her smile with everyone – strangers and friends.

Those who knew her were blessed to have had the opportunity to know her.

Johnson introduces resolution on disproportionate impact of COVID-19 WASHINGTON, DC – Congressperson Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX30) and J. Luis Correa (CA-46) are introducing a resolution with 91 House members to recognize this month as National Minority Health Month and to urge immediate action to address the harmful health disparities faced by communities of color during the coronavirus pandemic.

Minority populations, including African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders, have historically suffered from high rates of chronic disease and inadequate access to health care services, which has resulted

in worsened health outcomes associated with this novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

“During this coronavirus pandemic, our minority communities are confronted with alarming statistics – higher rates of comorbidities, more barriers in accessing health care, and higher reported rates of death.

These vulnerabilities warrant our society’s undivided attention,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “I am proud to lead this resolution with my colleague Congressman Correa calling for immediate action on the harmful health disparities faced by communities of color during this pandemic.”

Rep. Lou Correa said, “It has never been

8 Elite News April 17, 2020

AARP and NNPA join forces for riveting webinar on Saving Black Lives during COVID-19 Pandemic

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

AARP, the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and over, and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the trade association of the Black Press of America, held a briefing to help provide critical information for those most at-risk and impacted by the novel coronavirus.

The 45-minute webinar addressed tools and resources to help the African American community navigate through the pandemic and included a panel of experts in the fields of health, caregiving, financial security, and entrepreneurship.

Lorraine Miller and Chris Brown of Burrell Communications in Chicago coordinated the webinar, which was titled, “AARP – NNPA COVID-19 Black Media Update.”

Jointly hosted by NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., and AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Shani Hosten, the live program also marked the first appearance by renowned infectious disease expert and Meharry Medical College President Dr. James Hildreth as a member of the NNPA Coronavirus Task Force and Resource Center.

“Data is critical, and we’ve got to have testing, testing, testing,” Dr. Hildreth stated.

“Testing is our best hope to save lives. I’ve been insisting this to the mayor of Nashville, the governor of Tennessee, and anyone who will listen.

If we don’t do widespread testing, people are going to die, and that’s the bottom line,” he said.

As of the webinar, more than

609,000 Americans have contracted COVID-19, the deadly disease that’s caused by the coronavirus.

There have been at least 25,603 deaths, and based on incomplete data, African Americans are disproportionately affected and represent the majority who’ve died from the virus.

“This is a particularly critical time for the African American community,” Hosten stated, noting the various resources AARP has developed, including a Black resources tool kit on its website.

Chavis stated that it’s essential to get accurate information out as much as possible to the Black community.

“We want to make sure that during this pandemic, we get information out that will help save Black lives,” he said.

Rita Choula, AARP’s director of caregiving and caregiving information resources, said providing care to family members has its own share of problems. Still, the coronavirus has made that all the more challenging.

“People are stressed and worried, not only about caring for themselves but protecting and caring for someone in the home or someone long distance,” Choula stated.

“It’s very important that there is increased conversation with nursing

facilities through virtual visitation and phone calls, which is what AARP is advocating.”

Cristina Firvida, AARP’s vice president of financial security and consumer affairs, noted that AARP has continued to advocate at the state and federal level for everyone struggling financially during the pandemic.

“Our friends, our families are hurting. We focused on how we can get more money in the hands of individuals as well as businesses,” Firvida said, adding that AARP lobbied that seniors also receive $1,200 stimulus payments.

She said the original bill allowed for seniors to receive just $600.

Reginald Nance, AARP’s New York associate state director of multicultural outreach, noted the importance of fraud protection and emphasized that AARP has organized various forms of assistance for seniors nationwide.

“AARP community connections have mutual aid and support groups where they might help with grocery shopping, financial assistance, or emotional support,” Nance stated.

Dr. Hildreth wrapped up the webinar by noting that the federal government fell asleep at the wheel and could have prevented much of the mayhem caused by the coronavirus.

He called the spread of COVID-19 “entirely predictable,” and noted that the lack of planning by the federal government obviously was bad news for African Americans.

Dr. Hildreth also stated his frustration with those who imply that African Americans are more susceptible to the virus.

“Absent a vaccine or a drug, the only way to protect our communities, which means to keep the virus out, is we have to have testing,” Dr. Hildreth stated.

“We need to do what South Korea did, which is to identify the positive tests, do contact tracing, and screen everybody. We should have a nationally coordinated response because viruses don’t respect orders,” he said.

Dr. Hildreth continued: “You might have one state controlling the virus, but if the neighboring states don’t do that, we’ll find ourselves right back where we started. Data is critical. Many are saying that African Americans are more susceptible to the virus, and that’s absolutely not right.

“We may be more susceptible to severe diseases and death, but the evidence doesn’t support that Black people are more susceptible to the virus. The only way to prove that is to have an equal number of African Americans and white exposed to the virus at the same time and determine who got infected at a higher rate.

Without data to support this, those statements drive me crazy. We have to have more tests.”

Updated information on the coronavirus came be found at www. aarp.org/coronavirus and at the NNPA’s www.BlackPressUSA.com COVID-19 tab.

“We Got To Win”

Elite News April 17, 2020 9

My Day

Staying at home has heightened my writing skills and allowed me to finish several articles sitting on my computer. Being not physically at church on Palm Sunday was more than reflective or speculative, it was mentally like driving slowly through a dense fog or your eyes not adjusting to the dark.

I don’t like virtual worshipping. There I said it out loud.

Holy Week Monday, I did a virtual roundtable Dr. Fred Lewis, Ms. Letitia Hughes, Dr. ED with pastors,

By Dr. J. Ester Davis distinguished Esterdavis2000@gmail.com clergy and deacons, of course, via phone networking and As I start writing this article, the participating in thought therapy. death toll in the United States is temporarily sitting at 10,000 lives. (Sidebar: My Dad was Chairman of What are we going to do? When the Deacon Board for 41 years, and will this nightmare end?

I found myself wondering what he would say and do).

I feel certain this number will continue to rise. The virus has In January, 2020, Dr. Fred Lewis, no retirement date, supplies are taped a show with the masterful running low, fatigue is on the filmmaker, producer Walter tightrope threathening our first Silverberg, Chikoro Studios now responders and the White House is in Downtown Dallas.

Among using this platform for re election. his guests were Letitia Hughes,

The Hughes Group and Kenneth Everett, Math Teacher.

Dr. Lewis, a former United States Marine, is always on a prideful mission. He deliberately repeats jazzy snappy phases. I am familiar with the tactic, because that is the main focus in media. That is to saturate your mind with messaging.

Dr. Lewis does that for distinct emphasis. For instant, in our conversation on Holy Week Monday, at least six times, he repeated to me in difference cadences, “. . .you see. . . the thing is. . . we have to win”. He bundled the things ‘we have to win’. The vote. The 2020 Census. The Virus.

In whatever order you want to put them in.

All three are going to disturb your life going forward. We need to

hobby the vote making sure Kamala Harris is Vice President of the United States. We must rebuild our communities with the 2020 Census and ‘we’ will conquer the virus by participating in its demise.

With this simple message, as a result throughout the remainder of the day, my mind returned to . . . “we got to win”.

But with that in mind, I had to reflect on what Deacon Art Fuller, Brentwood Baptist Church, Houston, memorized on my mind.

“Things will not be the same. We have to move forward. . .

Not back! After all, we just found out we do not need that national convention. We can do it virtually”.

To be continued.

10 Elite News April 17, 2020

$96 million housing and retail development scheduled for Southern Dallas Concerns about forces outside of the community trying to derail it

The City of Dallas and the surrounding cities have enjoyed sustained growth for more than a decade. The region now has a population of more than 7.5 million, the fourth largest in the nation. Officials may proudly tout this fact as they continue to lure visitors and company headquarters, but they also lament the affordable housing crisis.

One challenge is the definition of affordable housing; it is not cut and dry for working families earning $14.50 - $25 an hour. It is not likely they can qualify for a home loan for a house costing $250,000.

First Step Homes is offering a solution in Kleberg, a previously unincorporated area in southeast Dallas, before the city an-

nexed the community in 1978.

The developers are seeking approval for a 46-acre gated community, with more than 260 starter homes, and are pledging to spend a combined $96 million on two development projects there. The proposed amenities include a community center with a pool, two playgrounds, workout facilities, including a basketball court and

soccer field, a walking path, and a dog park. Also, a proposed retail center on-site will consist of a community grocery store, bank, restaurants, and a much needed medical clinic to address the glaring need for medical services that have previously been absent from the community.

Elite News April 17, 2020 11

In addition to the new units, First Step Homes also owns 60 acres across the street, where they plan to add more than 440 new units to the existing 191 homes, including similar amenities.

Planners say it will not be a cookie-cutter community where every house looks the same; First Step Homes guidelines call for every third house to be a different model.

More than 30 percent of the homes will be two-story models with an 18x48 garage.

As the price of previously owned homes has soared over

the last few years, a new home has become out of reach for these families.

To make them more obtainable, First Step Homes will not only be providing the funding for the project but will also be financing the loans. They are seeking candidates with a combined household income of $60,000 and asking for a 5% down payment, which will run an average of $2,000 - $5,000.

“The project is more than just low to moderate affordable housing,” Rev. Peter Johnson with The Institute for Nonvio-

lence said by phone on Saturday, after writing a letter of support for the project to City of Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. He believes there is a critical need for those earning “$15 - $16, but cannot afford a decent place to live,” Johnson stated.

The lack of affordable housing results in working families finding themselves homeless, living in their vehicles, imposing on family and friends, living in a shelter, or living on the street.

“The only solution to homelessness is low to moderate-income housing,” Rev. Johnson stated in his March 24 letter to the city.

“Dallas has a severe shortage

of low to moderate-income housing.”

Rev. Johnson believes Dallas needs 25,000-35,000 new low to moderate, affordable homes, and sees the more than 1,000 homes offered in First Step Homes’ plan as a good start.

Part of the proposal Johnson touted was the pledge to secure a grocery store and the workout facilities.

The proposal states that the City of Dallas will gain more than $600,000 in annual tax revenue, plus sales tax from the retail center. The developers are forecasting that with the

12 Elite News April 17, 2020

new units across the street and upgrades, it will ultimately result in more than $1 million total additional tax revenue for the city.

First Step Homes is building the infrastructure for the community, including on-site security, to help provide safety for all residents. By request from city staff, they are incorporating a traffic signal. The developers estimate the cost for infrastructure and building the homes will cost $35 million.

With the current COVID-19 crisis sharpening the focus on the digital learning gap, the proposed tech center is ideal. Equipped with computers and free wifi, it will provide a solution for students without internet access at home, and will also benefit adults seeking jobs, or otherwise hampered by the digital divide.

For first time homeowners, the sudden responsibility for landscaping can be challenging; therefore, the landlords will main-

tain all landscaping for the homeowners and the common areas.

It sounds like a great solution, so what is the challenge? A manufactured home community of this size has not been seen in more than 40 years and has a bit of public image challenge.

The plan is not without objectors. At a recent community meeting, they shared their concerns, which include the desire for single-family homes in the $200,000 range to attract families with higher incomes.

Other concerns regarding First Step Homes consisted of their commitment to follow through on all the amenities promised and their long- term commitment to the community. To show their commitment, First Step Homes has pledged to spend $1M on upgrades to a declining mobile home community adjacent to their project.

“I have been to several of these mfg

homes, mobile homes, whatever you want to call it,” stated by Catrice Robinson. “I have looked at them, and I am sure when they first started, they all looked nice, but as time went on, we see what they look like.”

David Zulejkic, a partner with First Step Homes, stated greed was a significant factor.

“At that time, some of the walls were only 2.5-inch walls. Our homes will look nothing alike. They have 2x4 walls, sheetrock, they are the same as residential homes,” Zulejkic added. Also, they anticipate that 25% of their customers will be residents of the current outdated nearby community.

However, just as there is vocal opposition to the project, there are those equally hopeful of seeing the project move forward.

Nearly 900 members of the community signed a Zoning Support Petition for Case #Z190-143, which is requesting a change

Elite News April 17, 2020 13 of use from Agricultural to Manufactured Housing to allow for a Gated Manufactured Home community.

“What is the solutions to the City of Dallas’ affordable housing crisis,” George Ramirez shared during the meeting. He does not want to see investors sweep in and put in more rental properties.

A project of this scope is not new to First Step Homes. The company has built communities around the country, including in Grand Prairie and Irving. According to First Step Homes’ partner Doug Whitby, the neighborhood in Irving, which is not yet completed, is already sold out with a waiting list, and they have zero vacancies in their communities.

Unfortunately, the term “manufactured homes” equates to trailer parks for many.

Whitby points out their homes are nothing like the double wides built decades ago, and because they are HUD homes, they have a higher standard than local code enforcement, including complying with national guidelines. Once they arrive at their

final destination, the houses are designed to withstand 90mph winds. Previously built First Step Homes withstood Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

A meeting scheduled for last week at Dallas

Mrs. Earnestine Smith 2/15/45-4/7/20

Mrs. Earnestine Roberson Smith was born to the parentage of Ben and Mary Roberson on March 15, 1945 in Childester, Arkansas. She is the 5th child of nine (9) children.

Growing up she liked attending church at Hope AME Church, attending school and working with family picking vegetables and cotton. Here school days were different being all the teachers were relatives of some sort. If discipline was needed they had permission to do so. That was the true statement of it takes a village to raise a kid. After high school, I attended Shorter College in North

Little Rock, Arkansas for a year, then I moved to Dallas in 1964 to stay with family. Later that year I met and married my husband Mr. Aaron Smith of Arkadelphia, Arkansas. We married March of 1965. I worked for Sears Roebuck & Company for some time while my husband worked for different transmission shops. We opened our own business Aaron’s Transmission in 1971. I have been by my husbands side every since helping him run the business. It’s been a heavy load to carry but with prayer and the love of God we’ve been successful for many years.

Mrs. Earnestine Smith

City Hall on the development was postponed due to complications in attendance from the coronavirus (though both a company representative and opponents to the development were present at the appointed time).The issue was tabled until April 9.

14 Elite News April 17, 2020

Black doctors face added burden in outbreak: Patient trust

Many African Americans, citing the Tuskegee study, don’t believe treatment will be equitably available. That can be deadly in a pandemic.

People line up outside Elmhurst Hospital to get tested for the coronavirus on March 24, 2020, in Queens, N.Y.Eduardo Munoz Alvarez / Getty Images

Elite News April 17, 2020 15

By Curtis Bunn Black doctors say the burden of the coronavirus crisis weighs exponentially on them. They harbor concern about the history of health care inequities in underserved communities and worry about how testing and services will play out as the virus spreads from coast to coast.

And so, they go about their business with multiple responsibilities: do their jobs, make sure black communities are not left behind in the process of treatment, and convince people of color to trust the services they hope will become accessible.

“Make no mistake: Nothing diminishes our full obligations,” Dr. Rueben C. Warren, director,of the National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care at Tuskegee University, told NBC News. “But there absolutely is an added responsibility on us to bring assurances to our communities, to advocate for our communities.

“In fact, we are not only obligated but we have a desire to make sure that equity exists,” he said.

“Historically, that has not happened, which is a concern.”

That concern manifests itself in a lack of trust that the government will provide balanced opportunities for testing and treatment of the coronavirus—and that the treatment will be viable.

Full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak “The trust question is not only about medical care but also about leadership,” Warren said. “The question is around equity, ethics and social justice.

It is a new health concern, but why would the pattern be any different?”

Which is why Dr. Pierre Vigilance, former associate dean for practice at George Washington School of Public Health, a former health commissioner for DC, and currently Principal & Founder of a population health operations management & advisory consultancy, has formed a group to make an impact on providing innovative personal protection equipment, or PPE.

His team so far consists of a public health expert; an emergency manager; a finance and continuation-ofoperation stalwart; a mask designer/architect; and a textile specialist to determine if effective masks can be made out of alternative materials. All but one is African American. Their goal is to address the dearth of PPE, help craft policy to make unused city funds accessible to pay for the equipment in mass quantities, and to train personnel on how to effectively work remotely as offices close during the shutdown.

“We are somewhat different from a straight vertical public health group or medical group,” Vigilance said. “We have the sensibilities of a public health regulatory (group), but also have a differentthinking mindset.”

Dr. William Cooper, a thoracic surgeon in Marietta, Georgia, considers Vigilance’s ambition critical.

“This is extremely important work,” he said.

“Physicians, nurses and allied health care professionals all over the globe have demonstrated much courage and professionalism. This pandemic has caught the U.S. off guard and ill-equipped to protect health care workers from contracting COVID-19, further weakening the ability to treat individuals who are most in need.”

Those in need include people of color, many of whom have a mental barrier to overcome -- racial inequities -- to accept treatment, some doctors say.

There is distrust among some in the black community of “what was being made available,” Vigilance said. “That’s the result of the long-lasting impact of the thought that a vaccination outside of childhood is not something we believe is needed.”

Warren said that the lack of trust is “grounded in the African American experience in the United States.”

“Look at the Middle Passage, he said, referring to the route of the slave trade. “We didn’t come here as human beings; we were forced here as cargo. . . . So there was this position that we’re less than human.

And there’s been no change in that fundamental principle.

“Things have gotten better, but they haven’t gotten better equity. In fact, in some ways, it’s gotten worse.”

The so-called Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male—when hundreds of African American men were deliberately infected with syphilis from 1932 to 1972 after being told they were receiving free government health care— serves as a symbol of the cynicism in the black community.

Download the NBC News app for full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak “That’s the root of much of the distrust,” Vigilance said. “Some are well aware and know that history.

But many triggers of distrust are being replaced by family history, like, ‘Uncle Johnny was fine but he went to the doctor and everything went downhill.’

That may be how it appeared or how it was, but there were a number of things that Uncle Johnny had against him that had nothing to do with the history. But that’s the belief, and it’s as much a part of it as medical and public health maleficence.”

These barriers make the black doctor’s efforts to inform, encourage and support the communities of color challenging.

Vigilance recalled leading the treatment for the H1N1 swine flu epidemic in the Washington area in 2009.

“We received a good amount of vaccinations and were open up to all clinics in every ward in D.C., even when there were low turnouts week after week,” he said. “But the local people were not taking advantage.”

He said that anonblack families of four would come to get vaccinated from Northern Virginia, but black people who lived across the street would not. “That’s the depth of distrust that exists,” Vigilance said.

“And with novel viruses, where the threat is higher, the distrust level is higher,” he said. “So we have some work to do, and we are willing to do it.”

by Taboola

16 Elite News April 17, 2020

West calls for Boosting Medical Manufacturing, Support for Rural Schools, Increased Unemployment Benefits in Pandemic Response Proposal

Sen. Royce West DALLAS--Senator Royce West (D-Dallas), unveiled his plans to help America be in a better position to respond to the current COVID-19 pandemic and also be prepared for future pandemics.

West’s comprehensive plan specifically calls for boosting medical manufacturing in the United States,

increasing unemployment benefits nationwide, and providing support for rural students and schools to continue learning during pandemics.

“The government can and must do more than what we are seeing during the current crisis, and do more to prepare for the next time this happens-and it will happen,” West said. “We need a better plan in place for testing and medical readiness; we do not want to be caught flat-footed again. We need stronger, more accountable leadership.

We need to shelter families from health and economic hardship, ramp up our medical manufacturing capacity, and have better contingency plans and technical support in place for public school students and teachers.”

Specifically, West said he wants to create federal tax credits to bring manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical device equipment back

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to the United States. “Tax policy will help encourage medical manufacturing companies to operate here. It’s essential given lower operating costs abroad,” West noted. “Let’s bring medical manufacturing back to this country and increase job growth; let us help Texas’ rural and economically distressed communities”.

West also called for federal aid for states, earmarked for helping public schools, junior colleges, and colleges; it should also provide students in rural areas with internet access through hotspots. He wants students, in need, to have access to digital devices that will allow them to continue their education during the pandemic.

“You cannot have high school students trying to do homework on a small cell phone because that is the only way they can get a signal in a rural area. This is currently happening

because parents cannot afford satellite internet, or broadband is not available,” West noted. “Hotspots, laptops and tablets are an unplanned, unanticipated purchase for most rural schools right now. The federal government must step in and offset these costs.”

Finally, West said the federal government must increase unemployment benefits for Americans who lose their jobs. West proposed raising the federal minimum payment to 75 percent of a person’s full wages, for those earning under $75,000 per year, for a period not to exceed 26 weeks.

“High unemployment, in some industry sectors, such as oil and gas is already causing severe economic turmoil because so many Americans are out of work, or are taking pay cuts.

We have to lessen the burden on our working families,” West said.

Elite News April 17, 2020 17

Congratulations Alyson Rae Lawson " on being selected as the John Beckwith Business Award Recipient"

18 Elite News April 17, 2020 Concord Ministries Baptist Church

Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church

11:00AM – 12:24AM

Worship Services Sunday: 7:30AM Early Morning Worship:7:30AM Worship :10:30AM

6808 Pastor Bailey Drive Dallas, TX (214)331-8522 Worship: 7:30AM - 9:15AM

Pastor Bryan Carter

www.concorddallas.org

Greater New Zion Baptist Church 6808 Pastor Bailey Drive Dallas, TX 2210 Pine St, Dallas, TX (214)421-4119

Sunday School: 9:30AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 Tuesday Bible Study: 11:00AM Pastor Wednesday: 6:00PM Rev Joe S. Patterson

8350 Forest Ln, Dallas, TX 75243 (214)349-7701

www.greatercornerstone.org

Pastor David E. Wilson

Lighthouse Church of God in Christ 2127 S. Corinth St. Rd Dallas, TX 75203 (214)371-2421 Morning Worship: 11AM www.lighthousecogic.com

Superintendent Michael Clerkley, Sr

East Gate Missionary Baptist Church

Cornerstone Baptist Church

Sunday Worship: 7:30AM & 10:30AM

Sunday Sunday School: 9:30AM Worship: 8:00AM & 11:00AM

6960 S. Polk St. Dallas, TX 75232 (214)371-2633

Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00PM & 7:00PM

Pastor Rev. Kennedy Young Jr.

1819 MLK Blvd Dallas, TX 75215 (214)426-5468

Wednesday Bible Study 7:00PM

Pastor Chris L. Simmons

New Mount Zion Baptist Church

St. Phillips Missionary Baptist Church

Bexar Street Baptist Church

Intercessory Prayer Wednesday 6:16PM – 7:15PM Bible Study Every Wednesday Pastor 7:00PM – 8:00PM Rev. Tommy Brown

Morning Worship 8:00AM & 10:15AM Sunday School 9:00AM Lords Supper 1st Sunday 6:00PM

Sunday School: 9:30AM Sunday Worship: 10:45AM Bible Study Wed: 7:15PM Thursday 11:00AM

550 Shepherd Rd , Dallas, TX 75243 (214)341-6459

6000 Singing Hills Dr. Dallas, TX 75241 (214)374-6631

Pastor Rev C.J.R. Phillips

Pleasant Zion MBC

Pastor TC Marshall

Community Baptist Church One Church Two Location

Wed. Bible Study-Morning Prayer 9:00 AM Sunday Worship Hours- AM Service 8:45AM Children & Teenage Church 10:30 AM Rev. Dr. A. C. Toney 1910 N. St. Augustine Dr. / Founder-PastorPh (972) 285-6359 Teacher-Emeritus www.pzchurch.org Rev. O. Thrash / Sr. email:pzchurch@sbcglobal.net Pastor- In Charge

Tel-Star Baptist Church Sunday School:9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 10:30AM Bible Study-1st and 3rd Wednesday's Rev. Mark A. Proctor / Pastor 2515 S. Denley Drive Dallas, TX 75216 Ph (214) 376-2526

2018 S. Marsalis Ave Dallas, TX 75216 (214)943-3579

(972)230-4477

115 W. Beltline Rd, Desoto Sunday: 7:30AM – 9:30AM 820 E. Wintergreen, Cedar Hill Sunday School : 9:30AM Morning Worship: 11:00 AM

Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church

Tabernacle of Praise MBC 6925 Woofford Ave. Dallas, TX 75227 (214)275-4959

4791 S. Buckner Blvd Dallas, TX 75227 (214)388-1200 Rev. Mark A. Proctor, Pastor

Sunday School: 8:20AM Worship: 10:00AM Wed Bible Study: 7:00PM

Pastor Rev Oscar D. Epps

Reverend A. D. Smith, Pastor

Sunday School: 8:30AM Worship:9:45AM Wed. Praise and Prayer: 6:15PM Reverend Wed. Bible Study: 7:00PM Dr. A. E. Sharp Pastor

Elite News April 17, 2020 19 New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church 411 N. Hampton Rd. Desoto, TX (469)297-4771 Sunday Worship Sunday School: 9:00 A.M. Morning Worship: 10:30 A.M.

Marsalis Missionary Baptist Church 411 N. 2723 S. Marsalis, Dallas, TX 75216 (214)943-6007

Sunday School: 9:00AM Morning Worship:10:00AM Prayer & Praise Worship: 7:00PM

Wednesday Mens & Women Ministry: 7:00 P.M. Young Adults Ministry: 7:00 P.M.

Pastor Darrell W. Pryor

Carver Height Baptist Church 2510 E. Ledbetter Rd, Dallas, TX 75216 (214)371-2024 Sunday Worship Sunday School: 8:30 A.M. Morning Worship: 9:30 A.M. Wednesday: 7:00 P.M.

Pastor Rev Daryl Carter

www.marsalisavenuebc.com

Pastor Rev Terry White

New El Bethel Baptist Church 2023 Mouser Ln Dallas, TX 75203 Sunday Service 9:30 AM – Church School 11:00 AM- Worship II Mountain Top Experience Wednesday Services 12:00PM - Noonday Prayer 6:30M - Corporate Prayer 7:00PM - Bible Study

Pastor Dr. Timothy J Brown

NewBirthMissionaryBaptistChurch

Sunday: 8:00AM & 10:45AM Sunday School: 9:30AM 5th Sunday Combined Service: 10:00AM WOW Bible Study: Pastor 12:00PM & 7:0PM Rev Curtis Wallace

Greater Emmanuel Baptist Church

2110 E. Eleventh St. Dallas, TX 75203 (214)942-0218 Sunday Service 10:00AM Wednesday Daytime Bible Study/Prayer: 11AM Evening Bible Study/Prayer Dinner Served: 5:30 PM Prayer: 6:30PM Bible Study: 7PM Pastor 2110e11thst@yahoo.com Rev Burley Hudson

2110 E. 2020 W. Wheatland Rd. Dallas, TX 75232 (972)228-5200 Sun Morning Services 8:00AM & 10:45AM Wednesday Bible Study 12:00PM & 7:00PM

Pastor Rev Micheal D. Pryor

New Leaf Family Church 1707 St. Augustine Dr. Dallas, TX 75217 **order of services** Tues- 12 Noon & 7pm Bible Study Pastor / Founder: Sunday School: 8am Dr. Corey C. Sunday Praise & Worship: Toney / Clarette L. 9:30am Toney-First Lady

St. Paul Baptist Church 1600 Pear Street Dallas, TX 75215 Phone: (214)421-3741 Fax: (214) 421-3926 Sunday School 9:30AM Service Times 8:00 am and 10:45 am

1819 n. Washington Ave., Dallas, TX 75204 Phone : (214)823-7308 Fax : (214)823.9720

Friendship West Baptist Church

444 West Ledbetter Dr. , Dallas, TX 75224 (214)374-0828 Early Risers Sunday School 7:15 AM Morning Worship: 7:50AM Sunday School: 9:30AM Morning Worship: 10:30 Tuesday Night Bible Study 7:00PM Pastoral Bible Teaching Class

PilgrimRestMissionaryBaptistChurch

Greater Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church 1010 Bayonne St., Dallas, Tx (214)744-1677

Pastor Rev Ned Armstrong

The“Exciting”Singing Hill Baptist Church 6550 University Hills Blvd, Dallas, TX 75241 Main: (214)375-5952 Fax: (214)371-1611

Pastor Rev Lelious A. Johnson

Divine Inspiration Missionary Baptist Church 4325 W. Ledbetter Dr, Dallas, TX 75233 (214)337-1713

Morning Glory: 7:45AM Sunday School: 9:15AM Morning Worship: 10:30AM Bible Study: 7:00PM

Pastor Frederick D. Haynes, III

Sunday Worship: 8AM-10:45AM Sunday School: 9:45AM Wednesday Night: 7:00PM

Pastor Dr. H.E. Anderson

Sunday School: 9:15AM Morning Worship: 10:30AM Pastor Rev Wade Simmons

20 Elite News April 17, 2020

Comerica’s Ashford honored by Savoy Magazine

Savoy Magazine has recognized Comerica Bank Chief Community Officer Irvin Ashford Jr. as one of its 2020 Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America, branded as the definitive listing of African American executives, influencers and achievers impacting corporate America.

Mr. Ashford’s profile is featured in the spring issue of Savoy, the leading African American business and lifestyle magazine, and also available at SavoyNetwork. com, and newsstands worldwide.

“Savoy is proud to present the 2020 Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America. In this issue, we assembled an elite

Irvin Ashford Jr. representation of African Americans who have been recognized for their executive and business leadership in national and global-leading corporations,” said L.P. Green, II, Publisher of Savoy magazine.

“These innovative trailblazers have led efforts to foster growth for some of the country’s highest-performing companies through-out and beyond the US market.”

In addition to managing Comerica Bank’s community reinvestment nationally and all associated activities, including development, lending, commun-ity investments, volunteerism and data analysis, he leads Comerica's diversity business resource groups, financial educa-tion and external affairs initiatives.

Mr. Ashford reports directly into the Office of the Chairman.

After reviewing all of the profiles, the field of candidates was narrowed to the “2020 Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America” listing based upon their exemplary record of accomplishments and influence while working to better their community and inspire others.