Elite Newspaper Special Edition: Women of Wisdom

DEVOTED TO THE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH!

TELLING IT LIKE IT IS!

Our History

In 1946, Mr. Blair began pitching for the Indianapolis Clowns, one of 12 old Negro League Baseball teams. These teams spawned such greats as Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks, Satchel Paige, and Josh Gibson.

throughout the country.

In 1951, Mr. Blair left baseball because of an injury to his pitching arm. He continued to publish the Southwest Sports News. Even though Mr. Blair loved sports, he recognized the need for black churches to have a voice in the city of Dallas.

News changed its name to the Elite News. The motto became “Black News for Black People.”

“The Elite News has gone through many face-lifts, but it remains “The official voice of the Church and community.”

William “Bill Blair was born on October 17, 1921, in Dallas, Texas. He attended B.F. Darrell Elementary and graduated from Booker T. Washington.

In 1949, Mr. Blair established the Southwest Sports News, a newspaper that published scores from African American college games across the United States. The newspaper was circulated to all major black colleges

As Political, Educational, and Economic unrest led to the Civil Rights Movement and race riots grew, Mr. Blair decided that the blacks needed a sound media voice to “Tell It Like It Is.” As a result, in 1960 , the Southwest Sports

The Elite News newspaper was widely read in the black community. It highlighted the black churches, and the black people making a difference in their community, politics, as well as sports in the community.

For 57 years, the Elite News has been “Devoted to nothing, but the TRUTH,” and as Mr. Blair puts it, “I’m not telling you what I hear, I’m telling you what I know.”

In 2013, at Dad’s request, Darryl E. Blair Sr. became the publishing Editor, remembering his father’s words: “The spoken word is like the air, but the printed word is always there,” the papers single goal was to continue to take his father’s dream to next level in media. Standing on solid foundation of proven success, they continue to serve the community with integrity and compassion.

Our Staff

Darryl E. Blair Sr, Publishing Editor

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

Corresponding Secretary. She currently lives in Campbell, Texas with her husband Vernon. She is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

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 community events; The Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade & Festival, The Juneteenth Celebration, March & Festival, The Easter Eggtravaganze, The William & Jordan Blair Memorial Golf Tournament, The Religious Hall of Fame banquet, The Annual Backpack Give Away, and The Women of Wisdom Gala.

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.

Blair Abron, President

A native of Dallas, Texas, Mrs. Debra Blair Abron attended Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School, Sarah Zumwalt, and South Oak Cliff High School, Class 1972. She was a member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Dallas, Texas for more than 50 years, where she served on the Stewardess Board. She has been a member of the ColorBlind Ministries Church in Como, Texas, since 2012. Mrs. Abron is an active member and Ambassador for Christ and is a Deaconess, Greeter and was a

Mrs. Abron is President and co-owner, along with her brother Darryl E. Blair Sr., Publisher of The Elite News, the oldest African American owned and operated newspaper in North Texas, to date 2022, 75 years.

Our Father the late Dr. William Blair, Jr., in 1947, founded the Southwest Sports News, which published scores from black college games, that was followed by the Highlight News, covering entertainers, such as Sarah Vaughn and Cab Calloway, to name a few.

In 1960, the newspaper was renamed The Elite News. She began working officially at the Elite News in 1970. She worked in every area of the paper and was eager to learn as much as she could from her father,

Founder and Publisher, the late William Blair, Jr. With much ambition Mrs. Abron worked hard and became Assistant Publisher and Publisher. As Assistant Publisher, and now President, her commitment to communicating information to the African American church and community is unchallenged. She worked tirelessly along-side her father and brother, the late Jordan "Randy" Blair, to make sure the community was always informed and that the issues important to our community were highlighted in the Elite News.

A major accomplishment in her career is her service and under the tutelage of her father was able to in 2003 spearhead the erection of the museum as Executive Director of the Elite News Religious Hall of Fame, which was established in 1999 in Dallas, Texas. It is the only organization of its kind in the world, honoring ministers that positively influences the quality

of life for others in their church and community.

Mrs. Abron is a tireless volunteer and through her volunteer efforts, she continues to give back to the community. She has served on several boards to create positive change in her community. Some of the boards she has served on include: The Dallas Public School System, The Dallas Black Dance Theater Board of Directors, Parkland Advisory, Bluitt-Flowers Satellite Clinic, El Centro College Advisory Board, Membership in the Girl Scouts, a Brownie, and Junior Girl Scout, Camp Fire USA local member. She was also a radio personality at KDFT 540, JOY 910 and KKDA 730 where she used the communication forum to help her community and set new standards in the city for African Americans and others. She was known by many of her listeners for communicating “Black Facts.” Her motto: “No man is an island” is widely known, as well

as “You don't know where you’re going, if you don’t remember where you come from”. Her favorite Bible scripture Jeremiah 29:11. Numerous honors and awards have been bestowed upon Mrs. Abron, one of which is being elected to Altrusa International Inc. Election to Altrusa is evidence of confidence which imposes upon the recipient the obligation to strive to be true to the highest standards of life in her personal and business relations.

In August 2022, Mrs. Abron founded “On Assignment” TV Network. In On "ASSIGNMENT" at The Round Table with Debra Blair Abron of Elite News, that was originally “The Round Table” created by her father the late Dr. William Blair Jr. and Carylon Lucas at Luby’s on Hampton, there are discussions where Politicians, Ministers, and

Debra

Our Staff

Debra Blair Abron,

President (CONTINUED)

Community Leaders meet and discuss important issues of the day, that affect the community which include, but not limited to

Politics, Business, Religion, and Sports. You can: TUNE IN LIVE EVERY TUESDAY!! Be A Guest on The "ASSIGNMENT" Email theroundtablelive@gmail. com

Christian- Blair, Newspaper Director

Born in Dallas, Texas, raised in the heart of Oak Cliff. Sherry is a 1993 graduate of South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas. Sherry has been with Elite News for 15 years. Her formal professional education, she is a graduate from Alladin Beauty College in 1994 and First Step to Medicine in 1997.

Sherry’s the mother of two beautiful children, Brittney and Byron. Sherry is the wife of Darryl Blair, Sr, Publishing Editor of Elite News. Sherry is a member of New Baptist Church in Dallas, where Rev. Michael D. Pryor is the pastor. She sings in the choir and is a devoted member at the church and is very active within the community by partnering the Blair Foundation with Young Life to help send disadvantaged children in the community to Summer Camp and also give scholarships to High School book funds.

Sherry is the Director of Elite News Women of Wisdom, the Easter Egg-Stravaganza, the Back To School Drive, and Sherry’s on sponsorship for the South Oak Cliff High School Girls Golf program in Dallas.

Sherry

Heaven-Leigh Pettis, Production Manager/ Contributing Writer

Tiffany Roane, Graphic Designer

Casey “Doc” Blair, Sports Editor/Distribution

Byron Sweat, Distribution

Keynote Speaker

Are You? Outreach for the Homeless. She teaches people how to serve and giveback as well as show compassion to mankind.

Speaker

LeTitia Owens is married to JWayne Owens and has a blended family of 4 children. She is the Founder of Where

Aside from the outreach, Titia is involved with serving many. She is an on call wardrobe styl ist for gospel recording artist Kirk Franklin, and Dr. Tony Evans. She’s a national record ing artist and founder of the music group Project Identity.

Titia has a song recorded with gospel artist Fred Hammond, a

requested FACEBOOK LIVE and national event host, and is a former radio personality. Titia serves as co-owner to her wonderful husband at Owens Media Production. Titia is Brand Ambassador for various boutiques and brands where she advises style and wardrobe for any occasions. Her latest venture has been the release of her new book entitled HOW TO GET RID OF A MAN which can be purchased at www. BarnesAndNoble.com or www. TitiaOwensBooks.com Follow her on Instagram @titiaowens

Key

to success: Serve the Lord with gladness

Jones

LeTitia Owens, Keynote

Maurice

We’re hiring more great officers NATIONAL

Caregiver Day of Prayer

Sunday, November 27, 2022

"We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name"

Psalms 33:20 NIV.

Church ministries nationwide, our congregations are troubled. Church are troubled. troubled. There is an estimated 53 million caregivers nationwide, serving the There is an estimated 53 caregivers nationwide, the There is estimated 53 elderly and the disabled. It's gravely impacting our families and elderly and the disabled. It's gravely impacting our families and disabled. our sisters in the pews. pews. On Sunday, November 27, 2022 On Sunday, November 27, 2022 , let's lift our , let's lift our , lift our voice in praise and worship and pray for their care and well-being. in praise and and pray for their care and

For facts and statistics on caregiving go online to For facts and statistics on caregiving go online to FindingNewTomorrows.com

Like Jamie

Jamie believes DART is history in the making! She also loves the high level of community engagement that come with being a transit police officer.

Apply today at DART.org/jobs

Pamela Pryor-Myers is the firstborn child of the late Reverend Dr. George W. Pryor and Alma J. Pryor, Founding Pastor and Founding First Lady of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. During her adolescent years, Pamela was affectionately known as a PK (Preacher’s Kid). Unlike her younger brothers who both became ministers of the Gospel, thus presently serving as Pastors of New Covenant Baptist Church and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church respectively, Pamela’s ministry was that of song. Her father would constantly say, “I have an Aaron, Joseph, and Miriam (the song leader of worship).

Pamela’s music ministry began at the early age of 12. Pamela’s purpose designed by Christ, was enriched through her father’s leadership, her mother’s spiritual guidance and her own spiritual walk with Christ, which is deeply heightened and manifested to this day. Pamela’s first assignment includes serving as a musician, teacher, and Director for the Children’s Choir. She continued serving the Lord wholeheartedly and as time progressed William Blair, founder and publisher of the Elite News Publication noticed her passion for ministry. She was recipient of the Elite News Youth Leadership Award in the late 1980s.

As Pamela continued to serve as a

musician for the Children and Youth Choir of the church, she began her formal education and graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. She became a Marketing Sales Representative for various Fortune 500 companies.

Pamela’s love for children and serving her community overshadowed her Business Career so she became a certified teacher for the Dallas Independent School District.

Pamela has served the Dallas Metropolitan Community by teaching and mentoring students in the age range of early childhood to high school. She has received many Academic Achievement Awards throughout her career with DISD.

Pamela is a true testament to the scripture “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6. She has built a foundation to nurture her spiritual gift and her ministry by attending the Annual Gospel Music Workshop, locally and nationally, as well as taking private music lessons. Pamela continues to enrich her spiritual development by attending Pastoral Teaching and bible classes. Pamela believes in a well-known scripture, 2 Timothy 2:15 which reads, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Through the years, her dedication to the church and service to the work of the Lord has endowed her with recognitions including Woman of Faith and Woman of the Year.

Pastor Michael D. Pryor appointed Pamela as Music Coordinator of the Music and Fine Arts Ministry at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, a position in which she currently fulfills.

Honorees

Pamela’s greatest accomplishment and proudest moment was the birth of her two loving sons, Julian and Ryan, and the day she married Adrian Myers, a God-fearing Christian man who shares the same passion for Gospel Music.

Recently in May of 2022, Pamela became a member of the retirement club from Dallas Independent School District. Pamela’s future aspirations are to serve her church and community through educational tutoring in the forthcoming year.

and Dallas County which include:

• Served as a DeSoto Chamber of Commerce Board Member

• Former Leadership Southwest Board Member

• Former Board member for the Dallas County Child Welfare Board which acts in an advisory role to Child Protective Services

Mayor Rachel L. Proctor

Rachel L. Proctor was elected as the 22nd Mayor of the City of DeSoto in February 2021. Texas-bred entrepreneur, Rachel L. Proctor, has revolutionized the way people lead in business and public service.

Rachel also served as the Mayor Pro Tem for the City of DeSoto, Texas from May 2016 until May 2019.

Mayor Proctor is a proud DeSoto High School graduate, Class of 1999.

Rachel has held numerous leadership positions in DeSoto

• Dallas County Juvenile Department Youth Services Advisory Board Liaison

• Served as the Chair of the City of DeSoto Audit and Finance Committee

• Served as Liaison for the City Council to the Economic Development Corporation

• Served on the DeSoto Public Library Advisory Board

Ms. Proctor is the Owner and Administrative Director of the Neighborhood Christian Learning Center of Dallas, Inc. NCLC of Dallas has been owned and operated by Rachel’s family for nearly 30 years.

Rachel is a two-time published author as well as a host of multiple live events to help women entrepreneurs get their start in business and leadership. Community service is at the heart of everything Rachel does. Her love for her alma mater, DeSoto High School, fueled her to launch a non-profit called EMERGE Leadership, Inc. (ELI) which helps female, first-generation college students navigate the journey from high school to college through creative programming and scholarship opportunities. To date, ELI has provided young women with scholarships totaling nearly $25,000 since its inception in 2013 and also provides students with laptops and other technology to use to further their college education. She has been recognized by the • Dallas Business Journal as an inductee in the 2016 “Top 40 Under 40” Class.

• Rachel is also a 2015 DeSoto High School Alumni

Pamela Pryor-Myers

Mayor Rachel L. Proctor’s Biography (CONTINUED)

Hall of Fame Inductee.

• She is also a recipient of the 27th Annual Distinguished African-American Alumni Award presented by the University of Texas at Arlington African American Alumni Chapter

• Lancaster, Texas Chamber of Commerce as a leader to look out for in their “Top 40 Under Forty” 2013 Class.

• JL Turner Legal Association awarded her with the 2018

Hon. Cleo Steele Committed Mentor Award

• National Council of Negro Women’s 2018 Community Leadership Award

• Steed Society Female Success Factor Award naming her as one of the “Top 25 Women of Dallas” for 2014

• Mabel Chandler Distinguished Award from the Elite News for her service to Dallas County

• South Dallas Business & Professional Women’s Club Ombudswoman Award for her contributions to youth.

Honorees

• She was voted “Best Elected Official” in the Focus Daily News Readers Choice Awards.

• Community Service Award by the Old Chisholm Trail Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution

Rachel is a Licensed Minister and hosts annual women’s luncheons and retreats. Her signature event, Morsels and Mentorship, serves as a safe space that empowers women with faith and strategies they can implement daily to grow in faith, life, love and business.

She is also an honorary member of the DeSoto Golden Voices Choir. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary

Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington and she is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

her life’s work to helping students meet their educational and personal goals. Thirty-eight years + of higher education experience, Dr. Higgs is well versed in student needs, motivation, and success factors. She has served as a professional support staff, adjunct faculty, and administrator at Dallas College. Through all her experiences, she has focused on meeting the needs of students, both traditional and nontraditional students.

Dr. Shirley Higgs

Dr. Shirley Higgs has dedicated

Dr. Shirley Higgs (CONTINUED)

Dr. Higgs currently serves as Executor Director, Military Compliance Services. Before this position, she served the role of District Director of Student Success at District Office, Dean of Student Success at Mountain View College, Director of The Rising Star Program at Mountain View College, and various other student services positions. With each of her positions, Dr. Higgs has carried with her a commitment to help students achieve. She currently serves as the executive sponsor of Dallas College Black Employee Resource Group (BERG) and a board member on the following boards: Greater Southwest Black Chamber (GSWBC), Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center (VWEC) and National Council Black American Affairs (NCBAA-Southern Region).

Dr. Higgs can relate to the challenges and concerns of community college students because she is able to share her own personal experiences. She was once a community college student.

She is excited to share the Dallas College seamless innovative new team approach structure with the military-connected communityactive-duty personnel, reservists, veterans, family and community members-who want to pursue college and build new careers.

Dr. Higgs received her associates degree from Cedar Valley College; Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Dallas Baptist University; Master’s degree in education from American Intercontinental University; and doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Capella University.

She resides in Dallas, Texas and enjoys reading, spending loving time with grandchildren, trying new restaurants, and volunteering with community projects.

Honorees

Tamara Stephney

Tamara Stephney serves as the Executive Director of HOPE Health Center, a community health clinic promoting sexual health and decreasing the rate of HIV and STDs through education, prevention, and treatment of HIV and STDs, and mental health services in Dallas County. Ms. Stephney also serves as Chief Operating Officer of Abounding Prosperity, Inc. in Dallas, Texas, a leading non-profit organization whose mission is to provide services that address health, social and economic disparities among Black Americans with a particular emphasis on gay & bisexual men, cisgender women, transgender women, and their families living in Dallas County, Texas.

Stephney, a black woman and mother of five children, a native of Dallas, Texas, brings more than twenty years’ experience in the private, clinical, nonprofit, and public sectors of healthcare. Her focus has always been to service populations of special interest in medically underserved areas that have traditionally been marginalized and economically disadvantaged. Under her professional portfolio within her non-profit tenure as COO of Abounding Prosperity, Stephney has served as director of numerous federal and state funded programs including CDC projects PS11-1113, PS15-1502, PS17-1704, PS21-2102, Department of

State Health Services HIV Prevention Project, Gilead PrEP Education Project, and Gilead HCV Project which provided prevention activities such as providing biomedical interventions (PrEP,nPEP), HIV testing and linkage, and referrals into essential support services, HRSA Special Projects and National Significance, and SAMHSA projects. The aforementioned projects served over 2000 clients annually including the focus population of black women, gay and bisexual men of color, transgender women of color, and recently incarcerated individuals. While these projects serviced multiple populations, they concurrently provided supportive data that the community needed a clinical facility in the service area that was data driven and would offer an equity-based approach in terms of HIV-medical care and supportive services. In accordance, Stephney was charged with and has led the effort in developing the organization’s clinical arm, HOPE Health Center, which provides HIV testing and rapid initiation HIV- medical treatment, PrEP, and STI testing and treatment, and mental health services. An ally, advocate, and black woman herself, she is currently directing and developing the organization’s Black Women and Transgender Women Sexual Health and Wellness Program. Ms. Stephney plans with this initiative to provide hands-on case management and counseling to women, men, and transgender women affected by HIV/ AIDS. Ms. Stephney is a mentor to HIV positive black women and is working with the Gilead research project for Black Women and PrEP.

Ms. Stephney has been a longstanding member of the Texas HIV Syndicate, a member of the Texas HIV Syndicate Black Women’s Affinity Group, HCV Task Force, and part of the committee that helped compose the state Ending the Epidemic in Texas group. She is also involved in Black Ladies in Public Health and sits on the Board of Directors as Vice-Chair of Incentives for Kids, an organization that focuses on child advocacy and mentorship for foster children and parents. Her

other community involvements include the Dallas HIV Task Force and the Biomedical Committee of the task force, partnering with Dallas Black Gay Pride, Dallas Southern Pride, Dallas Teen Pride, Gilead HIV PrEP Community Advisory Board and Gilead HIV Prevention Advisory Board, and Dallas’ Ending the HIV Epidemic Group.

Respectively, Stephney acts dually as COO of Abounding Prosperity and Executive Director/Founder of Effective Parenting Impacting Children

(EPIC) where she advocates for child safety and parent nurturing skills to improve the quality of life and create positive outcomes for parents and children. This initiative promotes health wellness and advocates for behavioral health for black women, black men, and their families.

Following the tragic death of her first-born son, Ms. Stephney founded Donavan Stephney Foundation for Greater Community to bring awareness to gun violence and advocate for unity, conflict resolution, and change at the community level.

Judge Nancy Mulder

Judge, County Criminal Court #4

Dallas County, Texas 2015-present

EXPERIENCE

• 2015-2019 Reduced overall caseload by 41% 5,131 to 3,022 pending cases

• 2015 Reduced the wait for a jury trial from 6 months to 4 weeks

• 2015-2020 Court totals: 15,822 criminal cases dispositions 9,378 pleas 7,959 case dismissals 690 speedy trial motions granted 82 jury trials 18 bench trials

Presiding Judge, Dallas County Criminal Courts & Courts of Appeals 2016-2018

• Elected by her peers as the administrative judge for a two-year term after just one year on the bench.

Commissioner’s Court Liaison representing the judiciary’s interests and giving input regarding all policies and programs affecting all thirteen misdemeanor courts

Ended “Show Cause” Warrants 2016-2017

• Led the fight the that

ended the practice in all misdemeanor courts where a warrant for arrest was automatically issued if a probationer could not pay fines & court costs

Caruth Meadows Step-Up

Mental Health P.R. Bond program 2016-2017

• Co-Chair Created, from the ground up, a way for mentally ill arrestees to be identified at book-in, followed up with a risk assessment, given a P.R. Bond, and released from jail with a ride to treatment

Cite & Release Court 2017-present

• Created, from the ground up, a program where people in the City of Dallas who are found in possession of less than 4 ounces of marijuana are given a “citation to appear” in court later rather than being arrested at the scene and suffering collateral consequences of incarceration

Project Phoenix 2017-2019

• Partnered with local labor unions, the AFL-CIO, to provide young offenders free job training and mentorships

Criminal Justice Advisory Board 2015-present

• Representing the judiciary’s interests and giving input regarding the District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement agencies, and public defender’s policies and programs affecting all thirteen misdemeanor courts

Honorees

Criminal Defense Attorney 2007-2014

Solo Practitioner

• Fluent Spanish Speaker

• Defending all level criminal cases from possession of drugs through Capital Murder

• Represented Death Penalty clientele (2nd chair)

• 1st Chair on more than 50 Jury Trials

Dallas County District Attorney’s Office 1995-2007 Assistant District Attorney Chief Felony Prosecutor

• Prosecuted thousands of Felony cases

• Lead Prosecutor on over one hundred Felony and Misdemeanor Jury Trials

• Jury Selection in over one hundred Jury Trials

• Created and led the “New Felony Prosecutor SWIFS Training Program” 20012007 Ensuring young prosecutors understand and apply forensic science in trial successfully. Chief Instructor 2001-2007

Prosecutor of the Year: Nominated in 2005 & 2006

Special Divisions: Child Abuse, Public Integrity, Family Violence, Deputy Chief, Misdemeanor Division; Chief Prosecutor, 204th & 282nd Judicial District Courts; and Cold Case prosecutor

EDUCATION

St. Mary’s University School of Law

San Antonio, Texas J.D.: May 1995

Admitted to State Bar: May 1995

Law Review—St. Mary’s Law Journal 1994-1995

• Associate Editor

• Selected for publication: J.E.B. v. Alabama ex rel. T.B.: Excellent Ideology, Ineffective Implementation, 26 ST MARY’S L.J. 503 (1995)

Judge John J. Wood, Jr., Scholarship Recipient President, Women’s Law Association (1993-1994) Most Outstanding Second Year

Student (Phi Delta Phi 19931994)

Texas Lawyer Contributor (published)

Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana

B.A. in English and Political Science, 1992 Minor in Spanish

DALLAS COUNTY

DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Dallas County Democratic Party Volunteer

• Leadership Council 2010-present

• Coordinated Campaign

Judge Nancy Mulder (CONTINUED)

canvassing, phone banking every election cycle 2011-2021

• Fish Fry Sponsor 2011-2019

• Parade volunteer 2011, ’12, ’13

• Poll volunteer 20102014

• HQ office volunteer 20112012

Organizing for America—

President Obama 2012 Reelection Campaign

• Phone bank volunteer

• Precinct walk volunteer

• Multiple donations for 2012 campaign

Dallas County Precinct Chair—precinct #2070 20122014

• Organizing Democrats in the Precinct to get out and vote

• Phone banking

• Registered voters and delivered campaign signs

White Rock/Lake Highlands Democratic Club

• Chair, social media 2013

• Executive Committee Member 2013

• Chili Supper Sponsor 20112021

of Precinct 1 Dallas County.

Constable Gulley is a proud graduate of the Dallas Independent School District and attended the University of North Texas and has received many law enforcement certificates and awards. She has received numerous civic and professional law enforcement awards. These include but are not limited to the following:

Honorees

• Phone Bank Committee

• Member since 2010

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas

• Float Chair, 2016 20th Anniversary Pride Parade

• Sustaining Member 2010-present

• Precinct walk volunteer—2012-2015

• Registered voters during 2012-13 campaigns

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS & VOLUNTEER WORK

The Heads Up! Foundation Board Member 2015-present

Pemberton Hill/Trinity Forest Neighborhood Association

Constable Gulley is the proud mother of two daughters, Continued on page 16

Texas State Bar Association 1995-present Dallas Bar Association 1995-present Mexican American Bar Association member

Dallas Hispanic Bar Association member

J.L. Turner Bar Association member

Dallas County Defense Lawyers Assoc. 2008-2014 Junior League of Dallas 1997-present (Sustaining Member)

Parkland Hospital—volunteer 2001-2004

Dallas Arboretum--volunteer 2005-2007

Wings for Wellness—volunteer 2009-2015

Volunteer of the Year 2011

Deaf Action Center--volunteer 1998-2000

Printed In House, Pol. Ad. Paid for by the Nancy Mulder for Judge Campaign

Constable Tracey L. Gulley worked as a Deputy Constable for Dallas County for more than 25 years. She worked her way through the ranks and excelled in every position. Constable Gulley’s vast experience was ideal in her becoming the first African American Female Constable in Dallas County.

Precinct 1 is the largest and busiest precinct in Dallas County, and Constable Gulley’s goal is to provide the most effective and efficient service for the citizens

• Dream Believe Achieve Succeed Award

• Bill Black Wood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas Award

• Chief Don Stafford Law Enforcement Award

• VFW Post 1406 Law Enforcement Gold Metal Award

• The Living Legend Award/2017 Black Heritage First African American Female Constable

• Certificate of Appreciation

Constable Tracey Gulley

Constable Tracey Gulley

(CONTINUED)

Brittany and Amayia and the proud grandmother to two beautiful grandchildren. Brittany is a graduate of Skyline High School and attended University of Houston. Constable Gulley and her family attend the

Inspiring Body of Christ Church.

Constable Gulley will ensure to bring honor to the profession and build trust, confidence and respect with the communities and neighbors we serve.

Constable Gulley’s motto for Precinct 1 is that “We are One on One with Precinct 1 Working Together to Get the Job Done”.

Honorees

citizens, and future leaders of America.

her passion and aspire to new heights in golf.

Coach Gladys Lee

“It’s like a dream come true” were the remarks coming from Gladys Lee two weeks ago when she was recommended and officially approved to become the first African American female AIA golf Representative.

For over twenty-nine years, Gladys has been committed to improving the lives of people of all ages through the game of golf. The Roaring Lambs International Junior Golf Academy, a nonprofit 501(c)3 charitable organization established in 1986; a community-based organization focused on meeting the needs of multi-cultural adolescents ages five to eighteen, whose backgrounds are economically and socially diverse. Her commitment is to teach and

promote golf to encourage women and adolescents to strive to be the highest caliber golfers in their class, while providing constructive outlets for anyone, regardless of race, creed, color or religion. Lee founded the program in 1986 in the Dallas/ Fort Worth metropolitan area, and currently there are chapters based in Phoenix, Arizona; Detroit, Michigan; and Atlanta, Georgia. As a LPGA professional, her mission is to continue expanding the Roaring Lambs Junior Golf Academy nationally, and training students who desire to learn golf whether they aspire to be players, teachers, golf course managers or merchandisers.

There are many golf programs today that teach outstanding values and give adolescence the opportunity to develop, grow and focus on the commitment it takes to become future leaders, regardless of the sports or careers they choose. The opportunities

Roaring Lambs Junior Golf Academy has provided for the past twenty-five years are expertly designed to train and assist young people to become competitive golfers, outstanding

As a teacher and mentor, Lee’s ability to nurture and motivate people through the sport of golf, in cities across the nation, has been extremely satisfying. Since 1986, thousands of boys and girls have gone through the Roaring Lambs golf program providing the opportunity to acquire the ability and desire to play golf in high school, graduate with honors from high school, and receive scholarships to play collegiate golf.

In addition to years of experience and professional expertise, Lee has received numerous awards and special recognition. Prior to her golf aspirations and establishment of Roaring Lambs Junior Golf Academy, she worked for more than twenty years in the aerospace industry in a broad range of manufacturing operations such as shift manager, inventory control, procurement, and quality control for major aerospace manufacturers such as Lockheed Aircraft, Northrop Electronics, and Texas Instruments where she acquired valuable experience in human resources development and social services .

Subsequent to her corporate experience, Lee became a production coordinator for Dick Clark Productions (American Bandstand/ Miss Hollywood Pageant’s) in Burbank California where she was encouraged by Carrie Clark, who introduced her to the concept of “Golf is More Than a Game”, to follow

Lee’s experience and expert involvement with golf includes Texas Chapter Director of Americans Advancing Minorities in Golf Association (AAMIGA); Golf Instructor at Tarrant County College, and organizer of Roaring Lambs, Global Fairway Seekers and Arizona Lady Pro / Amateur Golf Association, adult umbrellas of Roaring Lambs International Junior Golf Academy.

She is a Professional LPGA Teacher/Coach in addition to having a PGA Golf teaching certificate and assistant coaching

She is a member of the United States Golf Association, USGA GHIN Handicap Chairman, and a proud member of The ArcherRagsdale Arizona Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated. In addition, Lee is a member in NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owner’s); EWGA (Executive Women’s Golf Association); Tee Diva’s & Dudes Golf Association of Los Angeles; and, The Desert Mashie Golf Association in Phoenix Arizona.

Lee states “my greatest achievement’s and honor’s include playing golf three day’s with Byron Nelson’s wife ( Peggy) while Byron rode in

Alumni Class of 2019

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a cart with us giving me one on one lesson’s critiquing my performance_ afterwards having lunch together. Second highlight was to have Tiger Woods recognize the Roaring Lambs as one of the Top Junior Golf Program’s in the U.S.A. which led to being featured on the NBC Tom Brokaw segment of “ Making A Difference”. Third spending three day’s with Dr. William Powell at Clearview “ America’s Golf Course” in Canton, Ohio. Fourth my Induction into the National Black

Golf Hall of Fame in 2003, where I have served on the Board since 2006._ Receiving my LPGA Professional Golf Card and Professional Status has to be counted as one of my greatest achievements.”

Lee further states she is most proud of her position as the Head Golf Coach for both boy’s & girls at Estrella Foothills High School in Goodyear Arizona. It was The Athletic Director of Estrella that recommended her for the AIA position.

Lee has two children Kathy Hubbard and Byron Robinson,

Honorees

both of Dallas and for which she is truly thankful. She sincerely would like to thank all of her mentors such as LPGA co- founder Marilynn Smith, former USGA President Judy Bell, William Dickey, Founder and President of Bill Dickey Scholarship Association; and George Colebrook, President of Desert Mashie Golf Association, who has encouraged , prayed and continue in support of her dream…… Roaring Lambs International Junior Golf. Gladys Lee’s Favorite Quote.

God being number one, family

second, golf is my love, golf is my life………………………… Golf is More Than a Game!!

For additional Information

Contact:

Gladys M. Lee

LPGA Member Class A Mother/Friend/Teacher/Coach 214-212-9475

Coach.leelpgapro@gmail.com www.roaringlambsjrgolf.com

Dr. Usamah Rodgers

Dr. Usamah Rodgers was recently named Superintendent of Schools in DeSoto ISD. Prior to being named superintendent she served as an assistant superintendent in the second largest school district in Texas. Dr. Rodgers is a thought leader, collaborator, innovator, designer and disruptor. Most notably Usamah Rodgers is highly regarded for her work designing, launching and leading one of largest implementations of the Pathways in Technology Early College High School

(P-TECH) program in the United States. Her work has created an opportunity for thousands of students to earn a high school diploma, an Associate degree and industry recognized certifications. Dr. Usamah Rodgers is a dynamic educator with a career that spans more than 20 years. Dr. Rodgers was named as the best K-12 Education Leader in 2020 by The Edvocate, a national organization that is devoted to advocating for education equity, reform and innovation. She was named Teacher of the Year in 1998 and Principal of the Year in 2009. Usamah has also received awards from various organizations namely the NAACP, National Council of Negro Women and the University of Texas at Austin. Usamah is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. Throughout

her distinguished career Dr. Rodgers has presented at numerous national, state and local conferences speaking to thousands regarding the importance of access, advocacy, equity and excellence.

Congratulationstothe Women Of Wisdom Class of 2022

Mayor Rachel Proctor, Cynthia Marshall, Pamela Pryor-Myers, Coach Gladys Lee, Judge Nancy Mulder, Linda Henderson, Tamara Stephney, Teresa Johnson, Dr. Usama Rodgers, Shirley Higgs

Coach Gladys Lee

Linda Henderson is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of “Henderson Chicken” and “Mrs. Linda Seasoning”, a minority, female owned

business. “Mrs. Linda”, is what she is known as throughout the world. Mrs. Linda has more than 20 years of experience working in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Mrs. Linda's career in the restaurant industry began at an early age with “Linda’s Dessert Express”, where a strong passion for the restaurant business began. Mrs. Linda’s interest in the restaurant business didn't stop at ownership; her experiences have led her to fulfill her dreams of becoming Henderson Chicken’s franchisor, creating a nine-flavor seasoning company (Mrs. Linda

Honorees

Seasoning), contributing, and sponsoring many other small businesses, events, and State/city charities, feeding the homeless, assisting Veterans, being a mother, grandmother, and the spouse of a Disabled Veteran. Currently, Henderson Chicken has numerous franchises located throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Louisiana, and The Caribbean. Mrs. Linda’s appreciation for her community has led to partnerships holding summer camps for youths that focuses on business etiquette, employment training and leadership. Mrs. Linda also has several

programs which targets feeding and clothing the homeless, assisting and directing disabled veterans, along with clothing and providing essentials for families and children who are in need of assistance. Mrs. Linda’s representation on various boards and committees has enabled “Henderson Chicken” and “Mrs. Linda Seasoning” to gain credibility within her community. Mrs. Linda is present and an active voice for her community. Mrs. Linda attended the University of North Texas with a major in Business Administration and a minor in Marketing. Mrs.

Linda, “Henderson Chicken” and “Mrs. Linda Seasoning” would also like to thank all their supporters and customers. The “Henderson Chicken” legacy would not be here if it wasn't for our customers! Our customers are loved and appreciated by everyone here at our establishment (Henderson Chicken)!!! May God bless us to continue to have a positive impact in the community!

Linda Henderson

Judge Jennifer Bennett265th DistrictCourt

Congratulations to the 2022 Elite New s Women of W isdom Honorees!

Itis agreathonor to serve the citizens of Dallas County. Thankyou foryour continuedsupport.

Linda Henderson

CONGRATULATES Dr. Usamah Rodgers

DeSoto ISD Superintendent as a 2022 WOW Award Recipient