Fort Worth Black News December 2023

THE TUCKS DISCUSS “STEPDAD” ...PAGE 10

BISHOP JAKES LAUNCHES PODCAST...PAGE 5

National Juneteenth Museum rendering, to be located in the Southside of Fort Worth near Evans Avenue and Rosedale Street

BIVENS ELECTED TO NLC BOARD...PAGE 3

DECEMBER 2023

On a non-stop mission to build a premier Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth, Opal Lee has been awarded another $200,000 from Bank of America. She is one of six people across the country recognized with the Neighborhood Builders Social Equality Award. The award honors individual leaders who serve as catalysts Opal Lee, History Maker in advancing social equality and economic opportunity.

Each awardee has the discretion to direct the grant to the nonprofit of their choice. Lee is applying the funding to the National Juneteenth Museum, planned

to open in 2025 near Evans Avenue and Rosedale Street. The structure will also offer a performance venue, event center and business incubator for entrepreneurs.

Bank of America recently awarded a $1 million grant to help bring the museum to life.

“We want to recognize, celebrate and empower the leaders and nonprofits driving progress for the diverse communities where we all live and serve,” said Ebony Thomas, president, Bank of America Charitable Foundation. “We are inspired by the work these individuals and organizations do to break barriers and create opportunities on behalf of others in sustainable and innovative ways.”

Lee has long-championed the celebration of Juneteenth and succeeded in making it a federal holiday, after launching the legendary “Opal’s Walk to [Continued on Page 4]

Fort Worth Black News • December 2023 • Page 2 • www.fwblacknews.com

Young Men’s Leadership Academy Redesigned

Young Men’s Leadership Academy in Stop Six has been redesigned to have the feel of a college campus and accommodate more students. The nearly $40 million project, approved by voters in 2017, adds an additional 15,000- 20,000 square feet. The 67year old building now has approximately 108,000 square feet.

New additions include state-ofthe-art science labs, more classrooms and a new gymnasium. The 10 acres surrounding the school allow for the development of outdoor spaces and generous, on-site parking.

The all-male school serves sixth to 12th grade students. This project honors the history of the location, which has been the site of a Fort Worth Independent School District campus since 1927. In 1952, the present building opened as Dunbar Elementary-Junior High School. The two -story yellow-and-red brick international influenced structure eventually became the original Dunbar High School. The school was named for African American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar.

[Photos: KAI Architects/Wade Griffith]

Fort Worth Black News • December 2023 • Page 3 www.fwblacknews.com

Mayor Pro Tem Gyna M. Bivens Elected to the National League of Cities Board of Directors Gyna Bivens, Mayor Pro Tem of Fort Worth, Texas was elected to the National League of Cities (NLC) Board of Directors. Votes were cast by NLC’s membership at the organization’s 2023 City Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. Bivens was elected to a one-year term and will provide strategic direction and guidance for the group in the areas of federal advocacy, governance, and membership activities.

The National League of Cities is the largest and most representative organization for cities, their elected leaders, municipal staff, and advocates for city priorities in Washington by building strong federal-local partnerships.

“To be among the four Texans elected to serve on NLC’s Board of Directors is an honor. I’m delighted to be ‘at the table’ where strategies impacting cities like my hometown are crafted. Whether it’s development like you see in the Lakes of River Trails, or the revitalization of Stop Six, the workshops and trainings from NLC have benefitted my council district and the entire City of Fort Worth.”

As a member of the board, Bivens will meet in March, June and November to guide NLC’s strategic direction. Board members are selected by a 15-member nominating committee and are confirmed by a vote from NLC’s membership at the organization’s annual business meeting.

“The National League of Cities Board of Directors plays an essential role in guiding our organization’s priorities and programming,” said NLC President David Sander, mayor-elect of Rancho Cordova, CA. “I look forward to working closely together with this remarkable group of leaders to elevate the voices and priorities of cities, towns, and villages across America over this next very important year.”

More than 3,000 mayors, councilmembers, and other delegates from nearly every state and the District of Columbia convened in Atlanta for City Summit. Bivens represents District 5 on the Fort Worth City Council.

The Fort Worth Chapter of the NAACP

is active and meets regularly. If you would like more information about local events or becoming a member visit:

www.naacpfwtc.org

Fort Worth Black News • December 2023 • Page 4 • www.fwblacknews.com

New Small Business Requirement in 2024

by JaCoi James Pugh, FWBN Columnist

Starting in just a few short weeks on January 1, 2024, most small businesses will be required to report additional information to the federal government.

Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act in 2021 and what it does is requires companies to submit reports called “beneficial ownership information (BOI) to the Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network or FinCEN. As you can already imagine, the federal government is looking to crack down on fraudulent activity and of course, get deeper into your personal information.

These BOI reports must disclose information about your company such as company name, company address, taxpayer identification number as well as personal information about whoever is considered a “beneficial owner” or “applicant” of the company. The overall goal of the government gaining access to this information is to make things harder for people to create entities that have shady practices or vague ownership structures.

The types of entities that will be required to provide this detail include (but not all-inclusive) Ccorporations, S-corporations, domestic and foreign LLCs, general partnerships, limited partnerships and business trusts. You’re considered a beneficial owner if you own or control at least 25% of the company’s ownership interests. You’re an applicant if you directly filed the formation or registration document of the company and/or primarily responsible for directing or controlling the filing of company documents. So, don’t get too comfortable thinking that you’re safe from being a part of this new government requirement.

So, what happens if you don’t

comply with the new regulation?

Simply put, you will be subject to civil penalties of $500 per day that the violation continues and possible criminal penalties which includes up to two years imprisonment and a fine of $10,000. If you’ve gotten this far into this article, yes, all of this is completely true so do NOT ignore this new requirement.

To get more information on this new requirement, please do your due diligence and Google Corporate Transparency Act, speak directly to an accountant (not just a tax preparer – there is a difference) and speak to anyone within your company who is either a beneficial owner or anyone who would have filed company documents on your behalf. This is not a joke. Please take this opportunity to become more informed and take the necessary steps to comply with this new law before January 1, 2024.

Source: https://www.fincen.gov/boi

About JaCoi James Pugh JaCoi James Pugh is a co-founder and President of the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Black Women’s Wall Street, Inc. based in Mansfield, Texas.

Black Women’s Wall Street, Inc.’s mission is to empower Black women who aspire to be business owners by equipping them with startup business training, financial literacy and education so they can impact local and global communities.

She is also the lead host of the talk radio show "The Boardroom with Black Women's Wall Street, Inc." that can be heard on the iHeart Radio app and maintains a small-business consulting practice, J&K Solutions. The entrepreneur is a published author of The Single Mother’s Path to Wealth.

Juneteenth Museum Washington D.C.” The efforts made America notice, and Congress acted.

She lived to see the bill signed into law and was present at the White House for the ceremonial announcement.

At age 97, she continues to promote the importance of knowing this part of history and plans to be front

[Continued from Front Page]

row, center when the museum opens its doors.

Lee is a retired educator, social activist, and founder of Unity Unlimited. Her organization produces an annual Walk with Opal on Juneteenth weekend, a scholarship pageant, parade and full schedule of events spanning the entire month of June.

Fort Worth Black News • December 2023

• Page 5 • www.fwblacknews.com

New Podcast Focuses on Peaceful Sleep featuring Bishop T.D. Jakes Pray.com officially announced the launch of “Sleep Psalms with Bishop T.D. Jakes,” a soothing, spiritual podcast to enlighten, inspire and deepen faith through the wisdom of the Psalms. The goal is to offer peaceful nights of rest.

Presented by well-known spiritual leader Bishop T.D. Jakes, each session ushers listeners into serene reflection and comfort through the messages found in God’s Word. Beautiful and poetic verses of scripture are shared.

“Sleep Psalms” features 150 episodes from what many consider the most cherished book in the Bible for restful sleep and renewed strength.

“In a world that often feels chaotic, finding solace and rest is difficult for so many people. In fact, it’s one of the biggest challenges I’ve seen in our world today among countless individuals,” Bishop Jakes said. “This is more than a podcast; it’s a nightly retreat into the embrace of the Divine — an authentic solution for those struggling to find peace.”

Offering a serene haven, creators hope “Sleep Psalms with Bishop T.D. Jakes” will combat sleep deficiency and its symptoms This new podcast allows listeners to improve their sleep, which could improve their overall health and prepare them to face the challenges of everyday life with wisdom and faith.

Bishop T.D. Jakes serves as the CEO & Chairman of the T.D. Jakes Group, a global conglomerate at the intersection of ministry and marketplace. He is also the senior pastor of The Potter’s House, a 30,000-member church headquartered in Dallas.

“It’s an honor and privilege to work with a multigenerational icon like Bishop T.D. Jakes on a project that helps people battle anxiety, depression, and insomnia,” said Pray.com CEO Steve Gatena.

You may find the Podcast and other prayer and faithbased audio content at Pray.com/podcasts, on iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Register Today: https://fwmbcc.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/8102

Questions: info@staehall.com

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Fort Worth Black News • December 2023 • Page 6 • www.fwblacknews.com

Perennial Cultural Club Presents Scholarship The Perennial Cultural Club honored the contributions of charter member Margie Major earlier this year. Held at the Federated Women’s Club House in Fort Worth, a $1,500 scholarship was awarded to Michelle Kabugu. Kabugu attended Richland Collegiate High School at the time.

Club members host the Silver Threads Luncheon annually. This year’s theme was “Women Celebrating the Arts”.

PHOTOS: Luncheon Chairperson Denise Kahn with Luncheon Speaker Jayn Bell and guest Attorney Tiffany Burks, Member Minnie Gunter with Scholarship recipient Michelle Kabugu and father Dickson Kabugu, Member and past president Daisy Kahn and guest Dr. Daphne Kahn-Wiley, Outgoing President Melvylin Pace recognized by Member Linda Davis.

Fort Worth Black News • December 2023 • Page 7 • www.fwblacknews.com “That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, & tell all thy wondrous works.” - Psalms 26:7

Never Let Go

by Arnita Ware

same time.

Growing up as a child, I remember my mother singing a song entitled, “I Shall Never Let Go of His Hand.” It was a very simple song, yet so powerful and encouraging at the

Here are the lyrics: I shall never let go of His hand, I shall never let go of His hand, for He has done so much for me, and I shall never let go of His hand. His healing hand, my God’s healing hand, I shall never let go of his hand, His righteous hand, my God’s righteous hand, I shall never let go of his hand. His saving hand, mighty hand, and on and on.

www.mansfieldfuneralhome.com

There were many words that could be utilized in the song making you realize the glory, wonder and power of God’s hand, but the point was to remind us to hold on and never let go.

Such is life! Things will come our way to try us, challenge us, perhaps to persuade us, etc. but it is ours to even remember the word that reminds us to be content with what we have for he clearly tells us in Hebrews 13:5 . . .”

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” We are reminded that the Lord is our helper. So with that, neither shall we let go of His hand.

Arnita Ware is a published author & speaker. Book Entitled: Look Through the Window. She is also an educator, life coach, a Lifetime member of Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide, & the founder of Just Write: www.justwrite4insight.com, justwrite4insight@gmail.com

Turners Chapel COGIC 5332 Ramey Ave. - Ft. Worth 76105 469-826-6938 FB: turnerschapelcogic

2800 E. Loop 820 - Fort Worth, TX 76119

Fort Worth Black News • December 2023 • Page 8 • www.fwblacknews.com

Fort Worth Black News • December 2023 • Page 9 • www.fwblacknews.com

Proper Airplane Etiquette We are about to enter the holiday travel season. I travel often and recently returned from a trip to Las Vegas. It seems that people get to the airport and lose all the etiquette they ever learned. Please remember to be a respectful traveler, be prepared, and accept the rules. Etiquette is about having respect for others as well as yourself.

Rules of Being a Respectful Traveler: 1. You know you must go through security and take off your shoes so be prepared.

2. Say hello to the flight attendants as you board the aircraft. They have a tough job.

3. Use the overhead bin over your seat not someone else’s and do not over crowd it with your items.

4. Be considerate of your seatmate.

Greet them but do not get chatty.

5. Be kind to the passenger in the middle seat. It is the middle seat so let them have the armrest.

6. Please do not bring smelly food to eat on the aircraft.

7. Be careful when you recline your seat and be mindful of the passenger behind you.

8. When you stand up to move out of your row, do not grab the seatback of the passenger in front of you. This can be very disturbing.

9. If you are traveling with kids.

Please try to keep them under con-

trol and not bothering other passengers.

10. Be aware of your alcohol intake.

11. Please use headphones when listening to music or a movie.

12. Keep your shoes on.

13. Do not bring luggage that is too heavy for you to lift.

14. Please deplane the aircraft in order and do not go ahead of the row in front of you.

Happy Travels!

“Etiquette is NOT Extinct” It has Evolved Anita C. Heiskell Certified Social Graces Etiquette and Image Consultant

Anita Heiskell is the founder and owner of Prim, Poised and Proper, LLC., a full-service Etiquette School located in Fort Worth, Texas that focuses on social graces, dining etiquette, business etiquette, along with image and presentation skills.

Heiskell also offers Pageant Preparation and training. She is certified from The Social Skills School of Protocol and has over 25 years experience in the etiquette field.

For more information: www.primpoisedandproper.com, primpoisedandproper@gmail.com or 817-219-5557.

Senior Bingo & Food Giveaway The Fort Worth Association of Federated Women’s Club House hosts Senior Bing every first Friday, 10 am - 12 noon.

For seniors who qualify, a box of food items are also given from 12:30 - 1:00 p.m., provided by Tarrant Area Food Bank.

Location is 1051 Evans Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76104.

Fort Worth Black News • December 2023 • Page 10 •

www.fwblacknews.com

by Terry Allen, FWBN Columnist

Dear Candace & Remon, My wife has a child who is 14 yearsold and I’ve been in her life about eight years. She was only six when we met. She engages with her mom and mom’s side of the family, letting them know everything but doesn’t really say anything to me unless she needs something. I’ve called this girl my daughter, but she doesn’t see me as a father, so recently I’ve decided to just focus on my own children (they are by my wife). That means my money, time, and effort. Now I’m the bad guy because I don’t want to keep forcing myself to be in a child’s life.

Being a stepparent is a thankless job.

take your time, energy, or love away from her because she talks to her mom more and only talks to you when she needs something. "Only" is an absolute. Is that really the only time she talks to you? As her dad, you are to provide unconditional love. If you withdraw from her, depending on the relationship of her biological dad, you will confirm thoughts she is having. You are the leader of your home; is this the example you want to put in place? And lastly, what part of your inner-child is being hurt by her actions? What childhood wound has risen to the surface because of this?

- Thankless Stepdad

She loves you. Extend grace as she goes through this stage in her life.

Dear Thankless Stepdad,

- The Tucks

Is this the first teenager you've raised? We have taught/counseled and raised kids during this time of their life, and you're confused right now because they are too (lol). Her mind and body are going through a lot of changes. Girls may tend to talk to their moms more because of the developmental changes and the bond that needs to form. Depending on if her biological dad is in the picture, she could be having thoughts about him that may be causing her to withdraw from you (do not take it personal). The teenage years are moments when kids are transitioning from being attached to parents to becoming more independent.

I heard you say you have called her your daughter...do you see her as your daughter? If so, you would not

_______________________________ Remon & Candace Tuck are the founders of The Couples Lounge, an awarding-winning talk show and marriage movement. Their mission is to inspire, encourage, and give hope to God’s sacred marriage union. The movement consists of speaking, marriage events, and retreats. The Tucks are the au-

thors of Somebody Shoulda Told Me, Marriage Do We Really Know What It’s About.

Candace is the founder of We Will Win, an affiliate of the movement, which consists of couples and individual coaching services.

Follow on social media: The Couples Lounge.

Order book: www.lulu.com Book for speaking engagements:

wewillwin@candacetuck.com

In the quiet corners of Lucille "Big Mama" Allen's home, where the scent of simmering soul-inspired foods filled the air, she would gather her kinfolk to impart timeless wisdom. With a gaze that spanned generations and roots that intertwined her African and Native American heritage, Big Mama uttered truths that still echo in our time and my journey.

"Not every sweet root gives birth to sweet grass," she'd say, her voice a melodic reminder of ancestral knowledge. Big Mama, a guardian of family values, used this ancient proverb to guide the men of her lineage in choosing life partners. Beauty, she emphasized, is only skin deep - a lesson echoed in Motown hits and etched into the collective memory of her family.

Big Mama's teachings transcended the surface, delving into the essence of a person. "What is the root of a person?" she'd ask, her eyes reflecting the depth of her inquiry. Life, strength, and nourishment, she explained, emanate from the roots. Thus, a bad person may sprout from a good family, and vice versa.

To showcase these advisories from her playbook, Big Mama taught me five extraordinary examples, listed here: 1. Not Every Sweet Root Gives Birth to Sweet Grass: Despite a so-called prefect upbringing, a family may produce a member whose actions and choices diverge from the family's values. Big Mama said that happens with PK kids sometimes.

2. Beauty Is Only Skin Deep: In the pursuit of companionship, focusing solely on outward beauty may lead to relationships lacking substance, depth,

and shared values. Big Mama also said in this realm - Don't marry your latenight call, marry your best friend 3. Life's Roots Define Character: By recognizing the roots that shape an individual, one can better understand their character, motivations, and potential for growth. In Big Mama terms she meant find the 100% in a person not the 50%!

4. Breaking Stereotypes: Big Mama encouraged her kinfolk to challenge stereotypes, recognizing that appearances alone do not determine a person's worth or capabilities. Her term was walk the walk and talk the talk!.

5. Rising Above Adversity: In the wake of societal challenges, such as disinformation, racial violence, and economic disparities, Big Mama urged her family to seek roots that foster unity, resilience, and positive change. Her push was 'there is power in numbers'!

As Big Mama's descendants navigate the complexities of life, Big Mama's timeless stories serve as a roadmap, guiding them toward relationships and values that yield not just sweet roots but a meaningful grass on the mound.

Do you have a sweet root story?

Share and I will send you a gift. Reach me at terryallenpr@gmail.com Terry Allen is CEO 1016 Media, Founder, Sister CEO Small Business Camp 2018-2020 NABJ Board of Directors, Media Related Board Representative & 2015 Induction, President's Club, FedEx

Fort Worth Black News • December 2023 • Page 11 • www.fwblacknews.com

Fort Worth Black News • December 2023 • Page 12 • www.fwblacknews.com