“It can be done,” is the recurring theme in the life of Shirley Knox Benton. The beloved educator started out against the odds as a young child with a path that led to becoming the first female principal of Dunbar High School. Her determination, dedication, concern for community and commitment to excellence was recently recognized with honorary street sign toppers in the Stop Six area.
Under the leadership of newly-elected Councilmember Deborah Peoples, the City of Fort Worth approved the special designation. Signs were placed at Ramey Avenue and Robert Hughes Street, as well as Fitzhugh Avenue and Robert Hughes Street. “Fort Worth City Council has a policy for honoring individuals who have made a longstanding positive impact to the city and its residents,” the official resolution stated.
During Benton’s tenure at Dunbar High, she was named a Reader’s Digest American Hero in Education, selected by peers as Texas High School Principal of the Year and earned a Gold Performance Campus designation from the Texas Education Agency for raising TAAS Test Scores. The campus received a cash award of $117,550.
Beyond the clear facts that confirm the educator made a difference on paper, she also touched numerous young lives in ways that cannot be measured. When Benton took the helm of leadership, gang violence surround-
ing the school was prevalent and many thought a woman was not strong enough to hold the position. Not only did she stand her ground at the campus, but she also lived in the community. This brought credibility and common ground, showing she was not an outsider, nor afraid or her own people, and capable of navigating everyday situations with wisdom
Benton is an active member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church on the northside of Fort Worth. She has also been honored by St. Peter’s Presbyterian church for making her positive contributions in Stop Six.
Community leaders and residents celebrated the grand opening of Hughes House, the next chapter in the Stop Six Choice Neighborhood Initiative. The new community will offer over 500 mixed-income apartments and townhomes in the location that formerly housed Caville Place. It will also include 12,000 square feet of retail and commercial space.
Hughes House features a modern design with pedestrian-friendly lighting, tree-lined streets, and outdoor spaces. The development is part of the ongoing effort to revitalize and honor the rich legacy of the
Believe it or not, this awesome filmmaker made history and really put Black Barbie on the map, so to speak, when she created a groundbreaking documentary about representation and identity on Netflix.
I’m talking about none other than Lagueria Davis. Yes, our own, homegrown Fort Worth native is now an American Director, Writer, Producer, and Editor Fort Worth to Netflix original goal in life was to be an engineer, yet she loved storytelling. Growing up, she had an interest in electronics and tinkered with VCRs, radios, and televisions, tearing them apart and putting them back together. After a visit to Boeing, where her uncle worked, she thought she would choose a realistic career choice versus pursuing a fine arts degree. Well, after attending the University of Oklahoma and doublemajoring in electrical engineering and computer science, as well as three years and three summer internships; she soon realized that cubiclesoffices with lots of fluorescent lights - rigid discipline, and lack of creativity- that corporate America was NOT for her. She had a friend who was an architecture major who switched to film and media studies, and Davis soon followed. She graduated from the School of Visual Arts as a media art major in 2007.
told story. Lagueria shares that her aunt’s story showed her that sometimes history lives in our families - and it’s up to us to bring it forward. When she discovered her aunt’s role in the creation of the first Black Barbie doll, she knew then that there was a story that needto be told. Davis refashioned a personal family narrative into a major cultural milestone, proving that sometimes even the smallest objects carry the greatest weight. Lagueria said, “ never liked dolls growing so it’s funny that a doll became the center of my biggest story. That’s pretty and now here she is totally redefining one. There were other collaborators on this story: Aaliyah Williams, Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, along with others.
Representation, Identity, and the Untold Story of the First Black Barbie
How did Davis get here? Her journey began when she moved to Los Angeles in 2011 and stayed with her Aunt Beulah Mae Mitchell. She moved there to pursue a career in writing and directing films. Her Aunt Beulah was a longtime employee of Mattel for over four decades. She had worked 45 years as a toy spinner and receptionist and developed a close relationship with Ruth and Elliot Handler, the co-founders of Mattel.
Her aunt’s home was filled with dolls. That environment ALONE sparked Davis’ curiosity which ignited a deep and personal storytelling journey. With her Aunt Beulah’s encouragement, she inspired her niece to tell Barbie’s un-
Aunt Beulah started with Mattel in 1955 on the assembly line and was one of the few Black Americans employed there at the time. In 1960 or 1961, she encouraged Mattel founder Ruth Handler to create a Black Barbie doll lutionary act.” At the time, Handler was “we’ll see,” Mitchell remembers. Aunt Beulah, on the other hand, had been fascinated with dolls, but at the time in her life, it never occurred to her that she could have a Black doll specifically. I can only imagine that it also never occurred to her that she would be the one person in the right place at the right time such a time as this.” It was much needed that she’d be an integral part and influence of the very IDEA of a Black Barbie. Aunt Beulah was an influencer before there were what we know today as influencers!
Later, Mattel did sell a couple of Black dolls in the late sixties, but they were NOT Barbies. The reality of the actual Black Barbie did not happen until Mattel hired Kitty Black Perkins in 1976, as its first Black designer. Kitty
Fort Worth’s own Grammy-award winning Leon Bridges came home to help unveil permanent street sign toppers in Near Southside. Located at the 200 block of South Calhoun Street and surrounding area, his name reminds the city this is the place where it all started.
Bridges began performing in local coffee shops, sometimes with only five people in the audience. His relentless pursuit of music resulted in international fame and selling out stadiums, including Dickies Arena just one year ago. His father, Wallace Bridges, said he remembers how Leon kept going even when there was little support and almost no acknowledgment.
The talented R&B musician recorded his first album at Niles City Sound studio on the same street that now bears his name. He was recognized by the Texas Music Office and Mayor Mattie Parker during the sign unveiling.
F W B N • O 2025 • P 7 • www.fwblacknews.com
“That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, & tell all thy wondrous works.” - Psalms 26:7
Kindness
by Arnita Ware
There can never be TOO much kindness. Nor can a kindness be done too soon. It is always the right time for kindness. Scripture reminds us If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.
- Matthew 10:42
The word reminds us to be kind to all And the King will answer and say to them, Assuredly, I say to you, in as much as you did it to ONE of the least of the LEAST of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
- Matthew 25:40
Do not forget (neglect) to entertain (be kind to) strangers, for by doing so, some have entertained angels unknowingly. - Hebrews 13:2
In the words of Mother Teresa
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”
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
you
Invitation Etiquette:
Clarifying Who Pays for the Meal
Invitations set the tone for any gathering. Whether it’s a casual lunch, a milestone birthday, or a formal celebration, the wording of an invitation does more than share details it communicates expectations. One of the most important, yet often overlooked details is whether guests are responsible for purchasing their own meal.
Why Clarity Matters
Guests generally assume that if they are invited to an event, the host is covering the cost. This assumption can lead to uncomfortable situations if the host’s intent was otherwise. Imagine attending a dinner party only to discover, after ordering, that you’re expected to pay for yourself. The confusion can create embarrassment and awkwardness, overshadowing the very purpose of the gathering: connection and enjoyment.
When It’sAppropriate for Guests to Pay
There are many occasions where a “pay your own way” arrangement makes sense. Examples include:
· Casual get-togethers with friends at a restaurant.
· Workplace celebrations such as farewell lunches or retirements.
· Large group outings where one person covering the bill would be impractical.
· Club or social group events with regularly shared costs.
In these scenarios, expecting guests to pay is perfectly acceptable but only if they know in advance.
How to Phrase It Politely
The key is in the wording.Astraightforward, polite note avoids misunderstandings while keeping the invitation warm. For example:
· “Let’s celebrate together! We’ll meet at
Bella’s Bistro. Each guest will be responsible for their own meal.”
· “Please join us for dinner at Olive Grove. Guests will purchase their own food and drinks.”
· “We’d love to see you at our monthly lunch. Dutch treat!”
Including these details up front shows respect for your guests’time and budgets.
The Host’s Responsibility
As the organizer, it’s your job to anticipate potential confusion. Never assume that people “just know” the arrangement. What feels obvious to you may not be clear to others. By stating expectations directly in the invitation, you prevent awkward moments and ensure everyone can relax and enjoy the gathering.
Final Thought Hospitality is not just about providing food and drink it’s about creating an atmosphere of comfort. When you’re upfront about costs, you respect your guests’ ability to make informed decisions. A clear, thoughtful invitation ensures the event begins with enthusiasm rather than uncertainty, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.
“Etiquette is NOT Extinct” It has Evolved
Anita C. Heiskell, CertifiedSocial 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, call 817-219-5557.
designed her to reflect the total look of a Black woman: full lips, wide nose, bold colors, and a short afro. Lagueria had the privilege of meeting Kitty Perkins. She also met Stacey McBride-Irby, who was later hired to create the 30th Anniversary doll.
The Barbie brand has expanded and diversified by offering dolls with different body types and careers. It is the MOST diverse line of dolls. There are 35 skin tones, 97 hair styles, and nine body types,
and even some with disabilities.
When interviewed by CNN, Davis stated, “It’s a beautiful legacy story and shows how representation can work.” More importantly, Davis said, “Black Barbie is validation for my aunt, Kitty, and Stacy, being seen and heard at a company where they were oftentimes silenced. Black Barbie also validates us filmmakers and everybody who worked on it, being seen and heard in this industry.”
Dear Readers,
The fall season is finally here. I am celebrating the cooler temperatures, and the leaves falling from the trees. This is a great time to fall back in love with your spouse. Whether you have been married a few years or a few decades, your marriage deserves maintenance. Consider your marriage like an expensive car. To keep that investment in top shape, tune ups and basic maintenance are required, before there is a problemnot because there is a problem.
Married couples owe it to themselves to invest in their marriage. Maintenance is not a sign of trouble. It is a sign that things are going well, and the plan is to get better.
Here are four tips that don’t cost any money, just your time and intention:
1. Don’t expect the honeymoon phase forever.
Human bodies are not built to continuously be giddy, infatuated and keep butterflies dancing inside our stomachs. We do get comfortable with each other over time.
Life’s daily grind wears on relationship: bills, jobs, child rearing, elderly parents, health concerns, death of loved ones. Relationships have an ebb and flow, it is ok. Relationships evolve because people evolve.
2. Make time to be silly together. Watch a funny movie, put on music and dance. Tell each other jokes. Lighten up the mood with fun games, sing songs to each other. Laughter bonds people. Humor helps couples cope. Studies show that couples who laugh together have a higher satisfaction with their marriage. Laughter has been called, “the secret sauce” that adds flavor to even the most mundane days.”
3. Flirt with your spouse, like the old days. They need to feel noticed, wanted and special. Send flirty texts, write a note and put it in lunch container, or in a coat pocket. Flirting with your spouse can also include holding hands, a whisper in their ear, eye contact or cooking their favorite meal. This can ignite and keep the romantic fires going.
4. Cover your marriage in gratitude.
We don’t want to feel taken for granted. Gratitude brings a lot to a marriage, such as positive communication, compassion, attachment, connection and support. Say thank you for the ordinary things - a meal prepared, a car washed or the trash taken out. Take 15 minutes to write down all the ways that your life has changed for the better by your spouse. Read your list to each other.
- 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
Jubilee Theatre announces the upcoming production of I Got The Last Laugh: Inspired By The Life and Times Of Jackie “Moms” Mabley, a captivating stage celebration of the legendary comedian whose razor-sharp wit, fearless social commentary, and groundbreaking career paved the way for generations of performers.
Written by James E. Carter and directed by D. Wambui Richardson, I Got The Last Laugh offers audiences a vibrant mix of humor, history, and heart. From the chitlin’ circuit to Carnegie Hall, Jackie “Moms” Mabley transformed comedy with her bold voice, tackling race, gender, politics, and love with unapologetic candor.
Show Runs Through: October 19, 2025
Location: Jubilee Theatre, 506 Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Tickets: Available at https:// buy.ticketstothecity.com/ purchase.php?event_id=16268 or by calling (817)338-4411
Audiences can expect a rollicking evening filled with unforgettable stand-up routines, intimate glimpses into Moms’ private life, and an inspiring portrait of a woman who refused to be silenced. This production continues Jubilee Theatre’s mission to present stories that uplift, entertain, and spark conversation.
For more information, visit JubileeTheatre.org
