Brittany’s Backpack Ministry Gets Boosts from Leaders
U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Acquires former BET Campus P 3
Former Tarrant County prosecutor, Tiffany Burks, announced she will run for Tarrant County District Attorney in 2026. Her plans were met with enthusiasm from the community, some citing a sense of fairness, strength and intelligence as qualities they
remember. Burks previously campaigned in 2022 with a message of putting “People Over Polics” and continues to promote that concept.
both.”
The appreciation for service to others was instilled in Burks as a child, growing up in Oak Cliff in Dallas as one of six children. Her father was a World War II veteran and member of the United States Army, while her mother’s commitment to helping other people was demonstrated by obtaining a nursing degree and serving as a homemaker.
“In 2022, I ran on the idea that our justice system should never be partisan - it should be just,” Burks stated. That belief has not changed. What has changed is the urgency of now.”
She believes it is important for the person serving as District Attorney to understand that the criminal justice system is not one-dimensional.
“True justice means holding people accountable and standing with victims while also recognizing that if we do not work toward ending the cycles of crime, we will simply create more victims tomorrow.” Burks explained. “That is why I believe in strong accountability that changes behavior and prevention that creates safe communities. We do not have to choose between justice and safety. We can do
Burks attended the University of Texas at Austin and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and government. She went on to study law and earned her Juris Doctor degree from Texas Southern University in 1997. After passing the Texas state bar, she began working as prosecuting attorney and continued for 24 years. She then served as assistant district attorney in Fort Bend County, Texas and came back to the Dallas/Fort Worth in 1999 to work in the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Office. The accomplished attorney currently serves as Partner and Criminal Division Lead at the preeminent law firm Varghese Summersett. While Burks has served in numerous capacities on boards and has been honored with her share of awards, she said her most treasured moments are with her family. Sunday dinner at her mother’s house is a loved tradition. She is married to retired Army Colonel Glennie Burks who served the nation for 34 years, including two separate tours in Iraq. Together, they have three children and seven grandchildren.
F W B N
Brittany’s Backpack Ministry has brought to children for years, delivering bears for comfort backpacks full supplies. Just in the organization’s annual giveaway, they boost from Councilwoman Nikkie Hunter. She made her last stop of for the community traveling tea party.
Hosted at Highlands in Arlington, the event featured a sic tea setting where encouraged to bring stuffed animals. The goal is to collect 500 bears this holiday and deliver to Cook Children’s Hospital cember. Sandra Smith, founder of the non -profit organization, a special connection to the hospital because was the last place to help with her daughter.
“When Brittany fell ill and we went to Cook Children’s Hospital she arrived in a coma so she never got to experience the wonderful care given by the staff and the sweet Teddy Bear ministry,” Smith said. “While waiting there I requested that they lock me in the chapel for ten minutes and God met me there, guided our decision in regards to Brittany’s care and gave me a comfort and peace like I have never experienced before or since.”
In honor of that soul connection, Smith continues to show up each year with bins full of stuffed animals, sharing with other children at the facility. She said she considers it a “privilege and an honor” to be selected by Councilwoman Hunter for non-profit tea.
“She is always working with us all and highlighting the community efforts by non-profits,” Smith shared. “It means that our community initiatives are being acknowledged and by her
hosting this tea, we are able to receive more bears for our annual ‘Bears from Brittany’ donation.”
Councilwoman Hunter has served on several non-profit boards throughout her career and explained she realizes the difference they make in people’s lives. Each traveling tea party highlights a non-profit and allows the founder or director to speak to the audience. She chose to hosts teas due to pleasant and sweet memories from childhood of playing tea party.
Brittany’s Backpack is active yearround, showing up at local events and cheerfully passing out items that bring a smile to faces, young and old. If you would like to volunteer or contribute, you may write to Sandra Green Smith at: Brittany’s Backpack Ministry, P.O. Box 150961, Arlington, Texas 76015.
The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) announced the historic acquisition of the former Black Entertainment Television (BET) Campus, a 7.88-acre landmark once home to Robert L. Johnson’s groundbreaking media empire. With an investment of more than $38 million, USBC will transform this iconic site into the USBC Innovation Campus - The Epicenter of Business and Commerce.
This achievement marks a once-in -a-generation opportunity to reimagine the future of Black enterprise. The new campus will serve as a national engine for business growth, innovation, and community impact rooted in Washington, D.C., extending its influence nationwide.
More than a milestone for USBC, the acquisition represents a transforma-
tional investment in the city’s economic future. Officials believe it strengthens Washington, D.C.’s position as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural advancement, driving job creation, small business expansion, and generational wealth for years to come. For over 16 years, USBC has been the national voice of Black businesses. Ron Busby Sr., President & CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., stated, “When I reflect on the journey of the U.S. Black Chambers over the past 16 years, I see a story of resilience, vision, and progress. This campus is the next chapter of that story - not just a building, but a living symbol of what happens when we claim our space, own our future, and build institutions that outlast us.”
by Stae Hall, FWBN Columnist
In any successful organization, investing in your team is nonnegotiable. Providing employees with coaching and training opportunities shows that you value them and are committed to their growth. However, while developing staff is essential, the most effective growth model begins at the top. When leaders prioritize their own development, they set the tone for a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Too often, coaching and professional development are seen as tools for employees rather than executives. Yet, when leaders neglect their own learning, complacency can quietly take root. Titles and tenure can create a false sense of mastery, but even the most experienced leaders benefit from sharpening their skills, revisiting their mindset, and finetuning their leadership techniques.
Leadership is more than managing people it’s modeling the behaviors and values you want reflected throughout your organization. A team mirrors its leadership. When executives and supervisors actively participate in coaching and leadership training, it demonstrates humility, growth, and the understanding that learning never ends. This “topdown” approach ensures alignment from leadership to entry-level positions, creating a workplace that functions like a well-oiled machine.
Soft skills such as active listening, empathy, and effective communication are often the first to dull without intentional practice. These interpersonal abilities can make or break a leader’s connection to their team. Engaging in leadership coaching, continuing education, and mentorship keeps those skills sharp
and relevant. It also fosters emotional intelligence, allowing leaders to respond to challenges with patience and understanding rather than frustration or detachment.
When leaders are learning, teams are thriving. Growth and adaptability trickle down through every department, resulting in stronger collaboration, higher morale, and better performance. A welldeveloped leader doesn’t just give direction they inspire it. They create an environment where feedback is welcomed, accountability is expected, and professional growth is celebrated.
The best leaders are lifelong learners who embrace coaching not as a sign of weakness but as a strategy for sustainability. They recognize that their development is directly tied to their organization’s success. Leadership is not a destination it’s a journey that demands reflection, refinement, and resilience.
In short, coaching should not only be available to employees - it should begin with leadership. When growth starts at the top, it naturally flows throughout the organization, empowering every team member to rise to their highest potential.
Stae Hall is a published author, career trainer, transformational speaker and life coach.
You may contact her at www.StaeHall.com or email StaeHall@iSALT4U.com
from the 48th Annual Dr. George D. Flemmings Freedom Fund Celebration presented by NAACP of Fort Worth Tarrant County
11,
For the first time in its 60-year history, Top Ladies of Distinction, Incorporated started a chapter in Arlington, Texas. The organization focuses on programs of service, including
This new chapter consists of attorneys, a sitting city council member, educators, TLD
Trista Allen, Theresa Austin, Valerie Baston, Leah Benson, Dawkins,
“That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, & tell all thy wondrous works.” - Psalms 26:7
Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed
by Arnita Ware
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.
Psalm 92:1-2 (NKJV)
Why does it sometimes seem that saying “thank you” just isn’t enough?
I always want to show appreciation and gratitude to the one who provides for me, that is God, our Father.
If I were to make a “today I am grateful for” list I would think the list could be practically endless. There are SO many things that I have to be grateful for. What about you? In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:18
In fact, when was the last time you stopped long enough to chart/map out all
of the things you are really grateful for?
If you are reading this article, that’s a start. To have eyesight alone is a blessing. Someone can no longer see or perhaps has never been able to see. We have ears to hear, a voice to speak, a nose to smell all of the wonderful and maybe not so wonderful fragrances or aromas, but at least we can smell. We can walk, and talk, dress our selves, and have all activities of our limbs, and I pray are in our right minds.
Think about your prayers having a fragrance before God. Perhaps even our gratefulness carries an aroma. Not only can we say thank you, but show it by how we treat others, and the way we live our lives. Why not be a blessing to others since we are so blessed?
Yes, today, and everyday I am grateful, thankful, and blessed. What about you?
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
Understanding the Importance and Everyday Practice of Respect
Respect is one of the fundamental values underpinning a well-functioning society. It is an attribute that transcends cultures, generations, and backgrounds, serving as the bedrock of harmonious relationships in families, schools, workplaces, and communities. While the concept of respect may seem straightforward, putting it into practice requires conscious effort and empathy.
What Does It Mean to Show Respect?
Showing respect means recognizing the intrinsic worth of others, regardless of their differences. It involves treating people with courtesy, listening to their perspectives, and valuing their feelings and opinions. Respect is not limited to formal acts; it is reflected in everyday behaviour, such as using polite language, refraining from interrupting, and acknowledging another person’s point of view even when we disagree.
The Importance of Respect in Everyday Life
Respect is essential for building trust and fostering positive relationships. In families, it encourages open communication and mutual support. In schools, it creates a safe environment where everyone feels valued. In the workplace, respect leads to better teamwork, increased productivity, and a more inclusive culture. On a broader scale, a respectful society is more likely to resolve conflicts peacefully and embrace diversity.
Practical Ways to Show Respect
Listen actively: Give others your full attention when they speak. This shows that you value their thoughts and are willing to understand their perspective.
Use polite language: Simple words like “please”, “thank you”, and “excuse me” go a long way in conveying respect.
Acknowledge differences: Embrace diversity by respecting beliefs, cultures, and opinions that differ from your own.
Be considerate: Think about how your actions may affect others and strive to act in
ways that do not cause harm or discomfort.
Offer help: Lending a hand to someone in need is a practical demonstration of respect and kindness.
Avoid gossip and judgement: Speaking ill of others or making assumptions can be deeply disrespectful. Choose words carefully and refrain from participating in negative conversations.
The Role of Respect in Conflict Resolution
Disagreements are inevitable, but respect can transform the way conflicts are handled. By approaching disputes with an open mind and a willingness to listen, it becomes possible to find common ground and reach amicable solutions. Respectful dialogue encourages people to express their concerns without fear of ridicule or dismissal, paving the way for healthier relationships.
Teaching and Modelling Respect
Respect is often learned by example. Parents, teachers, and community leaders play a crucial role in modelling respectful behaviour. By demonstrating kindness, empathy, and fairness, adults help young people internalise these values. Additionally, schools and organisations can reinforce respect through clear codes of conduct and inclusive practices.
Conclusion
Showing respect to others is not merely a social nicety; it is a vital component of a just and compassionate society. Whether in our personal lives or broader communities, respect helps create environments where everyone can thrive. By making respect a daily habit, we contribute to a more understanding, peaceful, and united world.
“Etiquette is NOT Extinct” It has Evolved
Anita C. Heiskell, Certified Social Graces Etiquette & 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 Email: primpoisedandproper@gmail.com,
by Terry Allen, FWBN Columnist
Big Mama used to say, “You can’t move forward if you don’t know the shoulders you’re standing on.” And when I look at the story of Madame C.J. Walker and her great-greatgranddaughter A’Lelia Bundles, I see that truth lived out bold, unshaken, and still rising.
Madame Walker didn’t just become America’s first self-made female millionaire by accident. She faced poverty, racism, sexism, and the entire weight of a system built to keep her small. Yet she built an empire - creating products that celebrated Black beauty and independence at a time when the world told us both were impossible. Her daughter, A’Lelia Walker, carried that torch into the Harlem Renaissance, opening her doors to visionaries like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and W.E.B. DuBois, creating safe space for brilliance to breathe and Black excellence to shine.
us. So, as Big Mama would say, “This too shall pass, baby - but don’t you dare let your history die with it.”
Mark your calendars for November 23, 2025, and join us in Dallas for
with Dr. Sheron C. Patterson
?
Dear Dr. Patterson,
I am a 70 years young, healthy and active woman who has been married 50 years to my college sweetheart, but things have not been sweet between us for decades. He is not a bad person, but we live separate lives and have grown apart. There is a pervasive sourness between us. I want out. I guess we stayed together for appearances and the kids. The kids are grown and have kids of their own. They will be alright.
Plus, I don’t care what people think anymore. I care about what I think. I want my remaining years to be free from this marriage. Am I too old for divorce? Should I suck it up and stay unhappy?
vorce, here are your next steps. Get legal and financial advice about the impact the divorce will have on you. Some lawyers specialize in protecting long-term spouses, especially those who didn’t handle finances duties.
Now, A’Lelia Bundles - journalist, biographer, and family historiancontinues that legacy. She has chronicled how the Walkers weren’t just entrepreneurs, but cultural architects who connected the power of business with the art of liberation. Through her books and storytelling, Bundles reminds us that the genius of our people is not a footnote in American historyit is American history.
Today, we face new versions of the same old barriers: economic inequity, social dismissal, and the quiet erasure of our voices. Yet, the same divine determination that pushed Madame Walker forward still runs through us. The question is - are we documenting our greatness, or letting others write our story for us?
History doesn’t just happen. It’s told, recorded, and remembered - by
an in-person conversation with A’Lelia Bundles as she brings to life the untold stories of Madame C.J. Walker, her daughter A’Lelia Walker, and the men and women of the Harlem Renaissance. On that same day, we’ll also honor our own historymakers such as our own Jill Dardenthose who have shaped the culture, commerce, and consciousness of our cities.
Join us. Show up. Bear witness. Let’s make history together - again.
About Big Mama Said
Big Mama Said” is the signature column of Terry Allen, award-winning communicator, community leader, and founder of City Men Cook. Inspired by the wisdom of his late grandmother, Lucille “Big Mama” Allen, the series uplifts the lessons, humor, and faith that continue to guide generations. Each column connects the past to the present - reminding readers that the spirit of our ancestors still speaks through us today.
FWBN Columnist Terry Allen is the Vice President of Focus Communications, founder of City Men Cook, and CEO of 1016 Media. Chair of the NABJ Media Related Taskforce and Member of the PRSA National DEI committee.
- Granny wants out
Dear Granny wants out,
Lots of senior citizens are considering divorce - it’s called “Gray Divorce.” You are not alone. There are increasing rates of divorce among older people. We are living longer and that causes us to reevaluate our happiness. And often the empty nest syndrome finds that some couples have grown apart.
It’s okay to honor your feelings. We deserve peace, freedom, and fulfillment - at any age. Don’t let guilt, shame, or societal expectations silence your truth.
First, have a candid conversation with your spouse. He deserves to know the depths of your unhappiness. Perhaps he can make changes to salvage your golden years together. Maybe he feels exactly like you and ya’ll are living out Gladys Knight’s song, “Neither One of Us.”
Next, I recommend counseling with your pastor or a marital therapist. If after that you still want di-
Next build a circle of friends who can and are able to walk with you through this. You must not isolate yourself. There are other women who’ve made this choice - you’re not alone. Get therapy to unpack and sort out who you are and determine what is next for you. Often in long-term marriage the wife caters to the husband and his needs supersede hers. After 50 years of marriage, your identity may have been entwined with being a wife. Now’s the time to ask what do you want? Where do you want to live? What brings you peace, joy, or excitement?
- Dr. Sheron Patterson
Got questions? I have answers? Send to patterson52@icloud.com You will remain anonymous and we’ll share the answer right here in this section of Fort Worth Black News!
Dr. Sheron C. Patterson is available to enhance your relationships as a life coach. She is also available for speaking and preaching engagements.
For speaking, counseling or coaching inquiries, please reach her at patterson52@icloud.com
Follow her on Instagram @drsheron, tiktok@lifelover
