Elite News Weekly Publicatin for October 11, 2019 " Special Edition"

Elite News October 11, 2019

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Special Edition

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Elite News October 11, 2019

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William “Bill” Blair was born on October 17, 1921 in Dallas Texas. He attended B.F. Durrell Elementary School and in 1939 graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. After graduation Bill served in the US Army.

In 1946 Bill began pitching for the Indianapolis Clowns, one of 12 Negro League Baseball teams. The team spawned greats as Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks, Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson.

In 1949 still while playing in the Negro Leagues Bill established his first publication the Southwest Newspaper. This newspaper published scores from African America college games across the United States and

Elite News October 11, 2019

ELITE NEWS HISTORY

was circulated to all major black colleges throughout the country.

In 1951 after suffering an injury to his pitching arm Bill left baseball but continued publishing the Southwest Newspaper. Even though Bill loved sports he recognized the need for black churches to have a voice in the city of Dallas.

As Political, Educational and Economic unrest led to the Civil Rights Movement and race riots grew Bill decided that the blacks needed a sound media voice to “Tell It Like It Is.” As a result, in 1960 the Southwest Newspaper became The Elite News and the motto became “Black News for Black People.”

The Elite News became widely

read in the black community. It highlighted the black churches, the blacks that made a difference in their community, politics as well as sports through the community.

Since its conception The Elite News has been “Devoted to nothing but the TRUTH.” Until his death Bill could be heard telling everyone “I’m not telling you what I heard; I’m telling you what I know.”

Elite News has been through many face-lifts, but it remains “The Official Voice of the Church and Community.”

In 1996 Jordon Blair took over as the publisher of Elite News and remembering his father’s words: “The spoken words are

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like air, but the printed word is always there” Jordan took the dreams of his father to the next level. Standing on a solid foundation of proven success Jordan continued the paper until his death February 17, 2012.

Darryl Blair now stands on the foundation of both his father and his brother with running Elite News. Darryl loves working the work both his father and his brother has left for him to do.

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Elite News October 11, 2019

Darryl is a Dallas native. His father was Negro Baseball player, historian and Civil Rights Activist William Blair Jr. His mother was a well-known and respected caterer Mozelle Jordan Blair. After attending Bishop Dunn, Darryl graduated from Roosevelt High school in 1983 where he lettered in both track and football. Upon graduation from Roosevelt High he attended Prairie View A&M University majoring in banking and finance. He finished Prairie View in 1987 and immediately began working in sales and advertising for his family owned and ran newspaper The Elite News. From 2006 to 2008 Darryl served as the Executive Director of the Capital City Classic CEO and Executive Director. In 2007 he took over as the Executive Director of the Elite News Religious Hall of Fame Museum. At the death of his brother, Jordan Blair and the request of his father Darryl took over the running of the newspaper in 2012.

Under Darryl’s leadership Elite News produces several annual

DARRYL BLAIR

community events; The Martin Luther King Jr Parade and Festival, an Awards Program, The Easter Eggtravaganza, The William Blair Golf Tournament, The Religious Hall of Fame banquet, The Annual Backpack Give Away and The Women of Excellence Program. The Parade and Festival was one of the largest parades throughout the country. It was attended by 200,000 spectators.

Through the other annual events Elite News provides scholarships, mentorship and outdoor activities to deserving community youth. One of the favorite is the end of summer event that provides children with backpacks and school supplies. Darryl is a former member of the southwest Dallas Pachyderm. Darryl loves all sports with his favorite being golf. On a good day you can find Darryl on any golf course making deals.

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ELITE NEWS STAFF

SHERRY CHRISTIAN Sherry Ann Christian born in Dallas Texas raised to the parents of Shawlotte Christian and Gary Brooks, a 1993 graduate of South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, Sherry has been with the Elite News for 13 years. Her formal professional education, she is a graduate of Aladdin beauty college in 1994 and First Step to Medicine in 1997.

Sherry’s the mother of two beautiful children Brittany and Byron and she is a member of the New Leaf Family Church where Dr Corey C Toney is the pastor, she sings in the choir and works in various positions in the church as a devoted member.

Cedric Scott

Byron Sweat

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2019

Mistress of Ceremonies

CHERYL SMITH

She was a long-time talk show host (22 years) on Soul 73 KKDA and the entertaining and thought-provoking host on Blog Talk When people talk about Cheryl Smith, they describe a woman who Radio’s popular show, “Cheryl’s World’s.

Cheryl is the Secretary of the National Association of Black is passionate, committed and nononsense. Most opinions of her are Journalists (NABJ) and president of the Dallas-Fort Worth derived from her insightful, poignant Association of Black Journalists. A former two-term National Association of Black Journalists Regional Director, Cheryl has weekly columns or her in-youralso served as president of the Dallas Metroplex Council of Black face delivery, yet respectful and cutting-edge interviews on radio and Alumni Associations and the Dallas-Fort Worth Florida A&M television. In addition to being the publisher of I Messenger Media University (FAMU) National Alumni Association.

(Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger), Cheryl has A graduate of Florida A&M University with a degree in Journalism, Cheryl received her masters degree in Human Relations and an extensive career across media platforms and as a journalism Business from Amberton University. professor.

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Keynote Speaker RAY JACKSON

Ray Jackson was appointed in 2017 by the Dallas City Council to represent Dallas on the Dart Board of Directors Dart Committee Participation: * Vice Chair, Audit Committee *Member, Administrative Committee *Member, Budget and Finance

Committee *Member, Capital Construction Oversight Committee Work Experience *Managing Partner: At Jackson Law Firm Present Community Activities

*The Urban Alternative Associations: *Kappa Alpha Psi, Incorporated *JL Turner Legal Association Awards: *Dallas’s Best Lawyers, Presented By D Magazine *Dallas’s Dynamic Lawyers, Presented By Eclipse Magazine *One of America’s Premier Lawyers *Quest for Success Award Winner, Presented By the Black Chamber Of Commerce Education: *Texas Tech University, B. A. Degree in Marketing *Thurgood Marshall School Of Law, J.D. *Southern Bible Institute, Degree in Theology

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Elite News October 11, 2019

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2019

Women of Wisdom HONOREES

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Elite News October 11, 2019

JUDGE ANDREA MARTIN LANE

Judge Andrea Martin Lane is a 1996 Graduate from Our Lady of the Lake University and a 2000 graduate from Texas A&M University School of Law. After law school, Judge Lane took a position with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office and begin prosecuting criminal cases and later moved to the Juvenile courts and began representing Child Protective Services in child abuse and neglect cases.

In 2003, Judge Lane left the District Attorney’s Office and began her own private practice in Dallas, Texas with an emphasis on Children and Families.

Judge Lane’s rallying cry is “Protecting Our Children!” She

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is dedicated to doing what it takes to help ensure that our next generation has the best opportunity for success!

Judge Lane says that her GREATEST accomplishment since becoming Judge is her #1 Ranked Youthful Offender Diversion Court.

Judge Lane launched this Court in June 2015 to fulfill her promise to KEEP OUR KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY AND OUT OF CAGES! Judge Lane’s diversion court is THE MOST SUCCESSFUL JUVENILE DISTRICT DIVERSION COURT IN DALLAS COUNTY with almost 200 graduates and a 0% recidivism rate!

Judge Lane is a member of the Disciple Central Community Church where she has been a member of the choir and a member of the fitness ministry serving as a boot camp and running instructor.

Judge Lane is also a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and is the wife of Mr. Absalom Lane and the mother of one son, Oliver.

Andrea Martin-Lane “The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me...”. Ayn Rand

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Elite News October 11, 2019

JUDGE KIM COOKS

255th FAMILY DISTICT COURT Judge Kim Cooks is a native of Colorado.

She has resided in Texas since 1992. She earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology with a Minor in Business Management from the University of Texas in Arlington. Judge Cooks is also a licensed Medical Technologist. She earned her Law Degree in 2002 from Thurgood Marshall School of lLaw in Houston, Texas where she graduated with honors. She worked as a prosecutor in Harris County before going into private practice in 2004. She was in private practice for twelve years. Her primary area of practice was Family Law. Judge Cooks was elected in March 2014 as the Judge of the 255th Family District Court in Dallas County. She is a proud mother of a fifteen year old son. She believes that what is in the best interest of the child, is most important when co-parenting. Her judicial platform is mending the broken family by catering to the specific needs of each family. Some examples are: 1) Assuring that every stone is turned to find family members before children remain in foster care and that monitored returns to parents occur more frequently.

2) Parents should sit in jail for not paying support when they are dealing with life’s difficulties, instead they are provided assistant in gaining employment.

3) Parents, who have been issued a protective order, report to the Court while they complete the Batters Intervention & Prevention Program.

We assist with finding jobs and the individual has to talk about what they have learned in class and how it applies to being a better parent and person.

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4) Judge Cooks is passionate about children, who have been removed by CPS, to be placed with a family member or person who loves and cares for them versus foster care.

Judge Cooks has assured that the doors of the Courtroom are welcoming to every resident in Dallas County. She is fair to everyone and makes sure that justice is served. She loves weddings, adoptions, and everything dealing with all families. She is extremely active in the community and stands for service to all mankind.

Judge Cooks has fulfilled wishes, for the past ten years, for children who unfortunately have to remain in foster care. She frequently speaks to children at schools throughout the Dallas and surrounding areas; this includes mentoring programs for children with absentee parents. Staying involved in the community, assures the community that Judge Cooks can relate and understand the families that come before her. She is dedicated to serving the community because she cares. She has also done an excellent job in managing the 255th Court efficiently.

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Elite News October 11, 2019

CAROLYN KING ARNOLD

Carolyn King Arnold was reelected in June 2019 after winning the District 4 Special run-off election in December 2018. Under the leadership of Mayor Eric Johnson, she has been appointed to the Ad Hoc Administrative Committee.

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• Demolition of Blighted Structures (app 100) • Organized the First Veteran’s Day Parade - Lancaster Corridor Sponsored Annual – District 4/ Kappa Alpha Psi Turkey Drive • Co-Sponsored - $3 Million Grocery Store - NOFA • Organized New HOA - Ramsey Street • Hamilton & Assoc Partnership - Roosevelt High School Tech Grant Wingfield’s Burgers and Blue Support Event

Carolyn King Arnold is a community organizer who strives to Educate, Engage and Empower community members. Knowledge is power, and it begins and ends with education. One of her favorite quotes that has guided her through the years is that of Dr. Martin 2019 Major Highlights King – “Injustice Anywhere is Injustice Everywhere”. Arnold include: continues to work for those individuals whose voices are often not • $750,000 Workforce heard - Seniors, Poor, and Youth.

Solutions – Lancaster Corridor with E Smith Communities • $3.4 Million - Phase I – Infrastructure - Bottom Community She is a veteran educator retired of 37 years (DISD), serves as • Arthello Beck, Jr. Exhibit Twin Falls Park - Final Artist Selection President of the Glen Oaks Homeowners Association, Talk Show • Moratorium on Housing Demolitions - 10th Street Historic Host – Community First Show – KHVN. Additional community District engagement includes: • The “Bottom” – Golden S.E.E.D.S Foundation - $500,000 Grant – • Chair, Oak Cliff Leadership Council (Neighborhood Enhancements in the Bottom) • Delegate - 23rd Senatorial District • Member - Friendship West Baptist Church In 2015, Councilwoman Arnold served as Chair of the Veterans Task • Member - Delta Sigma Theta Voice, Vice-Chair of Housing Committee, Member of the Economic • Member - League of Women Voters Development and Arts and Cultural Libraries Committees.

• Member - Texas Organizing Project (TOP) • Member - Urban Forestry Advisory Committee During the first 20 months she worked with city staff and the • Lifetime Member - Texas PTA community stakeholders to address the issues of affordable housing, city budget, economic development, public safety, blight removal, Awards / Recognition: Recipient - Who’s Who in Black Dallas code enforcement, fair wages for workers, equity in Arts funding and Recognition, Recipient - Dr. H.I. Holland Education Award, educational partnership initiatives. Scorecard Highlights include: Community HOA Recipient - South Central Police.

• New CVS Pharmacy on Beckley and Illinois, • New Housing Development in The Bottoms

Carolyn King Arnold

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CONGRATULATES ELITE NEWS

WOMEN OF WISDOM HONOREES

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Elite News October 11, 2019

Missionary Clara Clerkley is the very loving and much beloved First Lady of the Lighthouse COGIC in Dallas, Texas. Lady Clerkley teach. es women the principles of living wise, prudent

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ELECT LADY CLARA CLERKLEY

lives that are ‘pleasing to God. She encourages women to incorporate Godly principles into marriage, motherhood, and friendships, while holding up the standard of holiness.

Missionary Clerkley is of COGIC lineage and trained in kingdom building by her late grandparents Superintendent E.V. Valentine & Missionary Clara Valentine. Her church work included Executive Secretary, Usher Board, Sunday School Director, Pastor Aid Coordinator and many other areas at the Faith Kingdom COGIC under Superintendent Charles Craig and Evangelist Janice Craig. She received her Evangelist Missionary license in 1990 in the Texas Northeast First Jurisdiction under the late Bishop J. Neaul Haynes, and the late Mother Odessa Newman, serving as District Missionary of the Greenville North District. Later under

Mother Freddie Carter, Lady Clerkley added to her duties serving as State Purity Class President and Vacation Bible School Coordinator.

Recently, Lady Clerkley served as the Finance Chairperson/ Budget Coordinator for the Department of Women in the Texas Northeast Fourth Jurisdiction under Bishop Nathiel Wells, and Mother Erma Parker, Supervisor of Women.

This extraordinary woman has yielded a ministry that complements that her husband, Superintendent Michael Clerkley. Their 43year strong marriage has yielded 5 children, 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Lady Clerkley is a Proverbs 31 woman and her husband and children do indeed call her blessed, a genuinely saved God-fearing Missionary Clara Clerkley.

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Elite News October 11, 2019

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DR. DEMETRA JONES Demetra Corrine Jones is a general dentist in the heart of South Dallas on Malcolm X Blvd. She was born to Elmo Jones Jr. (licensed plumber) and Angie L. Jones (teacher/ church musician). She has two sisters and two brothers.

She is the last of all the children. Dr. Jones has two children, Christopher Dorsey (12, a student at St. Philips School and Community Center) and Corinne Dorsey (17, a student at Bishop Dunne Catholic School). Dr. Jones is a full time dentist, mother, real estate investor and caregiver for her mother.

scholarship. Dr. Jones attended Baylor College of Dentistry.

She is a member of various dental organizations. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She attends Concord Church in which she serves with the Medical ministry.

Dr. Jones will celebrate 20 years of practicing this June.

She attributes her success to God, family, friends and a dedicated staff. She continues to love what she does daily and she is grateful to serve the community.

Dr. Jones attended Ball High School in Galveston, Texas.

She attended Texas Southern University on a full basketball

CONGRATULATIONS Women of Wisdom 2019 Honorees HAROLD AND CYNTHIA JENKINS

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Elite News October 11, 2019

JUDGE JENNIFER BENNETT

bench Judge Bennett served as an assistant district attorney, first with Harris and then with Dallas Counties for fifteen years. In Dallas, Judge Bennett was head of the sexual assault unit and the homicide liaison between all the police agencies and the district attorney’s office. She was a supervising prosecutor working to train other attorneys, she presented cases to grand juries, and she was the lead prosecutor in over 150 jury trials for cases ranging from family violence assault, to animal cruelty, and capital murder cases.

Judge Jennifer Bennett was elected to be the Since taking the bench in 2015, Judge presiding judge of the 265th Judicial District Bennett has presided over thousands of Court in November 2014. Her court hears felony cases and more than fifty jury trials felony criminal cases. Before taking the

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including a capital murder trial where the State of Texas was seeking the death penalty. Judge Bennett also runs the Dual Diagnosis Aftercare Court. She receives probationers from all of the Dallas felony courts who have gone through the 6 month in-patient treatment at the John Creuzot Treatment Facility on the dual diagnosis side. Probationers with severe mental illness diagnosis, as well as drug addiction, report to Judge Bennett and her team for aftercare.

In 2018, Mental Health America of Greater Dallas honored Judge Bennett with their Special Recognition Award for the work she does with the mentally ill.

“It is a great honor to serve the citizens of Dallas County.

Thank you for your continued support.”

Judge Jennifer Bennett 265th Judicial District Court

www.elitenewsdallas.com Teacher, Mission Teacher, member of the Women’s Chorus, and a conductor of Marriage Enrichment classes along with her husband. Sis. Brown has been afforded the opportunity to speak at various churches and organizations all in the mighty name of Jesus. In addition to these responsibilities, she is a public educator.

She taught 4th for Worshipper, wife, mother, pastor’s wife, speaker, and teacher approximately 20 years in are a few of the hats that Savitri Garland Independent School District and currently serves Brown wears. God has been gracious and has anointed her to as an Instructional Coach with the Dallas Independent School do them all.

District.

Savitri Lovette (Burns) Brown, Sis. Brown’s favorite scripture is: was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and lived in Arcadia, Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not unto Louisiana until the age of 5. thine own understanding. In all Her family relocated to Terrell, thy ways acknowledge Him, and Texas where she completed her He shall direct thy paths.” education through the Terrell Independent School District. As Her favorite song is: “His Eye is on the Sparrow” a child growing up in Terrell, One of her favorite sayings is: Sis. Brown accepted Christ as “Things are always alright in the her personal savior at the age end. If it’s not alright, then it’s of 17. This acceptance came as not the end.”

Rev. C.B.T. Smith preached a sermon entitled, “A Chance of a Her life’s goal is to lead a life that glorifies God. Lifetime”.

Sis. Brown has been married to Dr. Timothy Brown, Pastor of the New El Bethel Baptist Church, for 30 years, and together they are the proud parents of three sons, Drew, Josh, and Caleb.

At New El Bethel, Sis. Brown serves as an Asst. Sunday School

SAVITRI BROWN

Elite News October 11, 2019

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Elite News October 11, 2019

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CLARETTE TONEY

a non-traditional student she enrolled in Paul Quinn College of Dallas, Texas and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 1995.

After starting a family she knew it was time to embark on a new challenge, therefore she enrolled herself in The University of Texas at Arlington and pursued a Master’s Degree in Social Work and graduated in 2002.

From the early 1990’s until 2008, she worked for various social service agencies ranging from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dallas, Youth and Family Impact Center, Dallas County MHMR, Providence Clarette LaShawn Toney, a native of Dallas, of Texas, and Dallas Can! Academy to name Texas and a high school graduate of Wilmer- a few.

Hutchins high school in the class of 1986.

Currently she serves as an active Board She wanted to further her education but Member and Outreach Coordinator for didn’t want to travel too far from home. As

Leaf Initiatives, a 501(c) (3) organization in conjunction with New Leaf Family Church where she serves as the First Lady.

She is employed by Right At School the student enrichment company where she is the Area Manager for Mesquite.

She is the wife of Dr. Corey C. Toney, Sr. the mother of Kiara, Cortasia, Kaci and Corey II and the grandmother of Sevyyn Nichole and Kailani LaShawn. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. since 1992.

Dr Corey C Toney, Sr. &

New Leaf Family Church Salutes

Our First Lady Lashawn Toney “Women of Wisdom” HONORARY BANQUET Saturday, October 12, 2019 12:00 Noon

Venue H. Belo Mansion / Pavilion Ballroom

New Leaf Family Church 1707 N Saint Augustine Dr Dallas, Texas (214) 398-6641 newleaffamilychurch.org

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Elite News October 11, 2019

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JUDGE TINA YOO CLINTON

Tina Clinton grew up primarily in South Dallas and Duncanville, graduating from Duncanville High School. She completed her education at The University of Texas in Austin and

Southern Methodist University School of Law. She completed two terms in office as the presiding judge of County Criminal Court 8 in Dallas County. She became the presiding judge of the County Criminal Courts from 2012 – 2015, an honor bestowed by her fellow judges. In 2017, she was voted by her judicial peers around the state to represent them as a board member for the Texas Center for Judiciary. In January 2019, she became the new presiding judge of the Criminal District Court of Dallas County, the oldest Criminal District Court in the State of Texas. She has practiced criminal law exclusively for approximately 25 years.

In 2020, she is running for the Court of

JESSICA TRUDEAU

Criminal Appeals, the highest criminal court in the State of Texas. She would like to serve all citizens of the State of Texas and build on her years of service here in Dallas County. She has over 400 trials in her experience and teaches nationally on difficult topics such as cybercrimes.

She sits on multiple boards and committees throughout Dallas County and the State of Texas. When not working, she is a wife, mother and daughter. She loves video games, traveling, coffee and scuba diving.

Strategic Partnerships, she moved into the Executive Director role in 2019. She has worked in the field of public health including unintentional injury, HIV/ AIDS and child abuse prevention for the previous 18 years, including service as the Executive Director of Family Compass. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Microbiology and Tulane University with a Master’s in Public Health.

Jessica Trudeau is the Executive Director Momentous Institute, owned and operated of Momentous Institute in Dallas, by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, is a Texas. Joining the organization in 2015 Dallas nonprofit with a 99-year history of as the Director of Development and building and repairing social emotional

health with children and families, so they can achieve their full potential. In 2016, Momentous Institute was named one of the top 100 Best Workplaces for Women

by Fortune magazine, honored by Great Place to Work and chosen as one of the 50 Best Workplaces in Texas in 2017.

Jessica is a member of the Stagen Leadership Academy, serves on the CCC Leadership Program Advisory Board and was selected to receive the Women of Wisdom award by Elite News in 2019.

Jessica grew up in Southern Louisiana and resides in Flower Mound with her children, Jolie and Marcel.

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Elite News October 11, 2019

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JUDGE STACI WILLIAMS

Judge Staci Williams is a two-term Judge of the 101st District Court in Dallas County, Texas. On January 2, 2015, she was initially sworn into office. The 101st District Court handles primarily commercial, personal injury, medical malpractice, real estate, oil and gas and consumer disputes. Judge Williams ensures that the 101st District Court is the “Court of Choice” for all parties, attorneys and citizens. She is dedicated to improving the judicial process with fairness and efficiency.

Judge Williams is running for a place on the Texas Supreme Court, because it is time that the Supreme Court of Texas has justices who have real life experience, who understand the needs of the working people of Texas and who reflect the diversity of this state.

Judge Williams has Extensive and Balanced Experience Prior to assuming the bench, Judge Williams had over 10 years judicial experience and 27 years of legal experience including: • Judicial Clerkship in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• In-house counsel positions with corporations in the defense, telecommunications and retail industries.

• Trial Attorney and Administrative Judge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission • Arbitrator for NASD/FINRA, U.S. Postal Service, Dallas Area Rapid Transit “DART”, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service “FMCS”, and the Washington Metropolitan Airport Board • Counsel, U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee • Municipal Court Judge, City of Dallas • Private practice handling employment, commercial, business, personal injury, and criminal matters.

Judge Williams is Committed to the Community

In September 2015, Judge Williams created the Citizens’ Civil Academy (“CCA”) to educate citizens about the civil court system.

The CCA explores the types of cases heard in the civil courts and what happens to a case from the time the case is filed until it is disposed.

The CCA’s goal is to provide citizens with a better understanding not only of the civil court system but also the inner workings of the George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building.

The Citizens Civil Academy is free to participants (costs are absorbed by Judge Williams’ campaign funds) and offered twice a year, in the spring and fall. The CCA has been held in the following locations throughout Dallas County: • Fall 2015- George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building • Spring 2016- West Dallas Community Church • Fall 2016- Highland Hills Library • Spring 2017- Cooper Hotel and Conference Center • Fall 2017- Museum of International Cultures and the Grauwyler Park Branch Library • Summer 2018-White Rock Hills Branch Library, J. Erik Johnson Central Library and the Polk Wisdom Branch Library • Spring 2019Collin County Housing Authority Judge Williams has been steadfastly involved in and supportive of the Dallas County community: She has served on the Board of Trustees for The Hockaday School, Board of Directors for Dispute Mediation Service, Inc., Board of Directors for S.A.A.V.E.D., Community Advisory Board for North Texas Volunteer Center, and as Chair/Co-Chair and/or member of various committees for

the Dallas Bar Association and the J.L. Turner Legal Association. She regularly supports the Mid-Cities, Trinity, and Dallas Chapter of the Links, Inc. and their STEM programs, AIDS WALK South Dallas, North Texas Volunteer Center, as well as the scholarship foundations of the J.L. Turner Legal Association, the Hispanic Bar Association and the Asian Pacific Bar Association.

Judge Williams has Solid Academic Credentials Judge Williams is a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, DC, Smith College in Northampton, MA where she a participated in the American Economics’ Association’s Summer Program at Yale University, and The Hockaday School in Dallas, Texas.

On-Line Information Campaign Website: www.judgestaci.com Citizens’ Civil Academy: www.ccadallas.com

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Elite News October 11, 2019

JAQUELINE MICHELLE PRYOR

afforded her the opportunity to serve as the director of the children’s and youth ministry. While serving in those capacities, Michelle organized and led church-sponsored, Christ-centered debutante cotillions; of which, dozens of young men and women have learned of the love of Jesus Christ and have been trained in social etiquette. Numerous participants also received sizable scholarships.

As mentioned above, God has gifted Michelle with the unique gift of “gab”.

She uses her joy of conversation to Michelle Pryor is a model picture of share the gospel of Jesus Christ with God’s power in the life of a woman anyone who will listen. Michelle is wholly surrendered to Him. A native of actively involved in personal and church Dallas, Texas, Michelle Pryor accepted evangelism efforts, as she holds to heart Christ at an early age, and answered the the Christian responsibility to carry out call to service in ministry soon after. She the Great Commission. is the wife of Rev. Darrell W. Pryor, the Over the years, founding pastor of the New Covenant Michelle’s love Missionary Baptist Church of Desoto, of friendship Texas. She is the mother of two sons, and fellowship Rev. Darrell G. W. Pryor and Samuell opened her Pryor. A former educator within the eyes to another Dallas Independent School District for 28 passion in years, Michelle has led a 28-year career ministryshaping lives and empowering young Women’s ladies throughout the city of Dallas. ministry.

Twenty-six years ago, Michelle began Michelle is the her journey in ministry when her husband director and answered God’s call to plant a local facilitator of church in the city of Dallas. With much the Girlfriends support, tireless devotion and persistent Women’s prayer, she continues to serve faithfully ministry at New alongside her husband - employing Covenant M. B. an array of gifting’s to include music, C. Girlfriends teaching and the “gift of gab”. is a relevant Michelle has played a vital role in the discussionmusic ministry at New Covenant M. B. based women’s C. Her involvement has included, but bible study that has not been limited to singing, teaching addresses both music and directing the sanctuary and the classic and children choir. Her passion for sharing modern struggles the gospel with children and youth has

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of the Christian walk for women in a practical way. Each year she leads in hosting an annual women’s conference that empowers women to walk courageously in their respective callings.

Michelle has been blessed to touch the lives of many women, both young and old alike. God has given her many gifts and a specific calling: to spread the love of Christ in every way that she can. An example of servant-leadership for women everywhere, Michelle is dedicated to serving Christ while serving others. Her favorite closing for all that she does and says simply, yet profoundly declares, “To God be the Glory for the things He has done”.

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Elite News October 11, 2019

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SANDRE MONCRIFFE

Sandre Streete Moncriffe is a seasoned attorney with almost 20 years of experience, including significant Jury Trial experience. In 2000, she began her legal career in San Francisco, CA, as Assistant Regional Counsel for the U.S. Social Security Administration.

She has also served as an Assistant District Attorney with Dallas County District Attorney’s Office in the Juvenile Division.

She currently serves as the Managing Sandre Streete Moncriffe was born Attorney of the Moncriffe Law Firm, a in Kingston, Jamaica. She is a proud law practice dedicated 1993 graduate of to the practice of Family Law, which Wiley College, where she graduated she has practiced exclusively for with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in almost 20 years. Sandre was English. She also earned a recently honored as a Speaker at Juris Doctor from St. Marys the Annual Family Law Bench Bar University School of Law. Ms. Conference 2019, by the Dallas Moncriffe is a proud member of Delta Bar Association’s Family Law Section.

Sandre’s professional affiliations Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a include: Dallas Bar Charter member of the National Association, Family Law Section, Coalition of 100 Black WomenState Bar of Texas, Family Law Dallas Metropolitan Chapter.

Section, and the Annette Stewart

Inns of Court.

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any” Alice Walker, is her favorite quote. Ms. Moncriffe is very passionate about the law, and about education.

It is this passion that drove her to run for office as a School Board Trustee, because she believed the children of Desoto ISD deserved guaranteed recess. She was elected as a DeSoto ISD Trustee in 2015 and served through 2018.

Through her advocacy and activism both as a Parent, and as a Trustee, Desoto ISD now has a mandatory recess policy which guarantees 30 minutes of recess for elementary children. She is married with two children. She is currently a candidate for Judge of the 254th Family District Court in Dallas County, Texas.

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Dr. Monica G. Williams has more than 20 years administrative experience in nonprofit and educational leadership. Currently, she is the Vice President for University Advancement at the University of North Texas at Dallas where she also serves as President & CEO of the UNT Dallas Foundation. Dr. Williams is responsible for leading the university’s efforts in

Elite News October 11, 2019

MONICA WILLIAMS

fundraising, alumni affairs, external relations, marketing/communications and sponsored research. Before joining UNT Dallas, Dr. Williams was Founding Managing Director of Community Partnerships for the United States Fund for UNICEF where she led the organization’s efforts to create awareness around the plight of children living in impoverished nations.

It was at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF that she worked to build organizational capacity and develop strategies for significant partnerships with diaspora groups in the United States.

An accomplished fundraiser and passionate advocate for the underrepresented, Dr. Williams has devoted the majority of her career to social services and the advancement of underserved communities by raising money to support an array of

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worthy causes. Her fundraising efforts have generated more than $125 million in support for various organizations. In recent years, Dr. Williams served the Senior Director of Administration & Special Projects at HoustonWorks USA. She began her professional career as a high school English teacher and later held leadership positions at Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc., the Brown Schools, Neighborhood Centers Inc., Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, and Rice University.

A native Houstonian who was born in Dallas, Dr. Williams holds a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Communications from Texas Southern University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Prairie View A & M University.

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Elite News October 11, 2019

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October 12, 2019 Salutations, Women of Wisdom: It is an honor to welcome you, to the Women of Wisdom 6th Annual Gala taking place here in the fantastic City of Dallas, Texas. It is a blessing to be the host city for this Gala and we are proud to have each and every one of you!

Women of Wisdom has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to creating opportunities and resources for small, minority businesses. well known for the dedicated community service and outreach that each of them bring to the City of Dallas.

Please allow Councilmember Tennell Atkins, Mayor Eric Johnson, and the entire City Council to welcome you and offer our deepest gratitude to your organization for choosing Dallas, Texas as the location for your Gala. We hope that your experience here is memorable. I am sure that you will gain experiences and relationships that will last a lifetime.

Sincerely,

Tennell Atkins, Councilmember City of Dallas, District 8

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL · 1500 MARILLA ST. 5FS · DALLAS, TX 75201 · TELEPHONE 214-670-4066 · FAX 214-670-5117

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CONGRATULATIONS ELITE NEWS

2019

WOW Honorees

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

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Deadlines and Disclaimers Submission of all articles, ads, etc., are due every Monday by 5:00 pm. The views and opinions of guest writers and columnist do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher, and staff of the Elite News. Elite News is not liable for submissions or payments made to parties other than those authorized agents listed below: Make all checks payable to Elite News, mailed to P.O. Box 380071, Duncanville, TX 75183. Accepting checks and all major Credit Cards

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TAKING THE FEAR OUT OF THE COURT ROOM 3131 McKinney Ave Ste 600 Dallas, TX 75204-2456 214-565-5600

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