Bailey Howell wins Miss Juneteenth Texas USA
A newly released film starring eight iconic history makers from the Fort Worth area will debut on October 11, 2025. Titled, Unlocked Voices: Bridging the Future, the documentary shares remarkable stories told in their own words. The red carpet premiere is hosted by the Fort Worth Tarrant County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which commissioned the production.
The premiere event takes the place of the annual banquet and will be held at I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA. It begins at 3:30 p.m. with a reception, followed by a presentation and viewing the film.
Icons included in the documentary
are: Dr. Opal Lee - champion of the national Juneteenth holiday, Honorable Lorraine C. Miller - the first African American Officer of the United States House of Representatives, Judge L. Clifford Davis - the attorney whose legal efforts led to the desegregation of the Mansfield Independent School District in 1956 and the Fort Worth Independent School District in 1962, Pastor Floyd Moody - one of the “Mansfield 3” students who integrated Mansfield ISD schools in 1956, Judge Louis Sturns, - the first African American President of the Tarrant County Bar Association, Norma Roby - an industry pioneer of women business owners, [CONTINUED ON PAGE 3]
Kristen Smith will join the City of Fort Worth as director of human resources and civil service.
She is known as a strategic operational leader focused on advancing organizations through leveraging their greatest asset: people. Her 20-plus years of experience span both public and private sectors, including internal and consulting projects from local startups to multinational Fortune 500 organizations.
“Kristen Smith has built an outstanding reputation for leadership, innovation and dedication to fostering a workplace culture that values public service,” City Manager Jay Chapa said. “Her experience in developing strategic HR initiatives, strengthening employee engagement and fostering organizational growth will be an incredible asset to our organization as Fort Worth continues to grow.”
Smith currently serves as a managing director for the City of Garland, leading workforce services, including human resources, civil service, risk management and the city’s full-service employee healthcare facility, CityCare
Clinic. She also leads the Office of Fair Housing and Human Rights and serves as the executive sponsor for several citywide initiatives and key operational funds.
Smith holds a master’s degree in human resources management and a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She is a Senior Certified Professional in Human Resources (SPHR & SHRM-SCP), a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) and a Certified Mediator.
In addition, she holds several training and professional certifications focused on employee health and safety, leadership and professional development.
The City of Fort Worth's Human Resources Department oversees the organization’s talent acquisition, classification and compensation, HRIS/ records, organizational development, employee relations, safety, benefits, and year-round wellness program. The department is also home to the City’s Civil Rights Office, which provides information and services related to enforcement of the City’s antidiscrimination ordinance and federal housing, employment and accommodation laws.
Fort Worth currently has 8,075 employees.
Black Chamber of Commerce Awarded Funding in New Small Business Development Program
The Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce (FWMBCC) was included in the allocation of funding for the new Small Business Development Program. Created by the City of Fort Worth to help small businesses access city contracts and grow, it replaces the previous Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives that were suspended due to federal grant compliance requirements.
FWMBCC was awarded $270,000 to fulfill its obligations which include: 1) Increase bonding and insurance
provider relationships; 2) Increase small business capital access and education; 3) address workforce skill gaps through community partnerships; and 4) increase partnership with certification agencies.
The new program was developed with input of FWMBCC, the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. All three business organizations were approved to receive funding in the next fiscal year.
at U.S. Airports, Honorable Mattie Peterson Compton - a trailblazer who served 40 years as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District Texas, Fort Worth Division, and Estella Williams - the first and only woman to serve as President of the Fort Worth Tarrant County NAACP branch in its 91 year history.
Each of their passionate voices and journeys are weaved throughout the original documentary, moderated by Bob Ray Sanders, a local journalist and icon himself.
“We are honored to be trusted with these stories and presenting them to the community with the care they deserve,” said Estella Williams, president, Fort Worth Tarrant County NAACP.
Individuals and organizations looking to attend or sponsor the 48th Annual George D. Flemmings Freedom Fund Celebration may purchase tickets at https://shorturl.at/gdPQM
Questions regarding the tickets and the sponsorship packet may be directed to Nada Ruddock at nrfwnaacpfreedomfund@gmail.com
Fort Worth ISD Continues Serving Free Meals to Students during 2025-2026 School Year
The Fort Worth Independent School District will continue to operate the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the 2025 –2026 school year. All schools qualify to operate CEP, serve breakfast and lunch to all children at no charge, and eliminate the collection of meal applications for free, reduced-price, and paid student meals. This approach reduces burdens for both families and school administrators and helps ensure that students receive nutritious meals.
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Do YouHaveTop-Notch EQ asa Leader?
Leadership today demands far more than strategy, deadlines, and decision-making. The true test of a leader lies in emotional intelligence (EQ) - the ability to understand, connect with, and inspire people. Yet, with the constant pressures of performance and productivity, many leaders unintentionally lose touch with the very skills that keep teams engaged: active listening, effective communication, and above all, empathy.
So how can you determine if your EQ is strong, and what can you do to keep it sharp?
Lead with Intentionality
Great leaders don’t just manage tasks - they build relationships. People want to feel valued, not like interchangeable cogs in a machine. A simple, “Good morning,” or, “How was your weekend?” shows you see them as human beings first. Intentional relationship-building creates trust and loyalty, which ultimately leads to better collaboration and higher performance
Coach and Mentor Your Team
Coaching is not just about correcting mistakes - it’s about guiding people toward growth. Taking time to mentor employees demonstrates genuine care and allows you to better understand their strengths and development needs. This not only fosters stronger connections but also helps you shape a wellrounded, high-performing team.
Invest in Your Own Growth
Emotional intelligence is not a destination; it’s a practice. Leaders should seek out their own mentors, coaches, or professional development
opportunities. Continuous learning keeps you humble, self-aware, and adaptable. The moment leaders believe they no longer need to grow is the moment they start to fall behind.
Prioritize Self-Care
EQ is directly tied to how well you manage your own energy and stress. Leaders who neglect self-care often struggle with patience, empathy, and clear communication. Fatigue makes it easy to become shorttempered or disconnected. That’s why it’s essential to eat well, rest, spend quality time with loved ones, and schedule time away from work. Protecting your well-being ensures you can consistently show up as your best self for your team.
At the heart of leadership is influence - and influence requires connection. By staying intentional, mentoring others, continuing your own growth, and taking care of yourself, you maintain the emotional intelligence needed to lead with excellence. When EQ is at its highest, leaders don’t just get results; they inspire people to give their best, because they feel seen, heard, and valued.
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
The City of Fort Worth has launched Code Compliance Connects. This new program connects residents in need with local volunteers who are ready to lend a hand with code-related concerns around their homes.
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, organizations and volunteers, the initiative helps residents maintain their properties while allowing local volunteers to assist with labor and supplies. The program is especially focused on supporting those who may be elderly, disabled or facing limited resources, ensuring that every neighborhood has the chance to thrive.
Code Compliance is seeking volunteers who can give their time and resources, as well as families who may need a hand maintaining their properties. Projects will focus on improving safety, health and neighborhood appearance.
How volunteers can help:
Businesses, churches, civic groups, student organizations and individual volunteers may assist with projects such as:
· Mowing overgrown grass and weeds
· Removing litter, brush or bulky waste
· Minor fence repairs or removals
· Exterior painting or graffiti removal
· Trimming trees or bushes blocking sidewalks
· Donating labor for minor home upkeep
Assistance is not guaranteed, since the program depends on volunteer availability, project scope and property type. If a resident’s request matches the resources a volunteer group can provide, the City will help connect the two so that the work may be completed.
Code Compliance Connects is a pathway to civic engagement, volunteerism and neighborly support. Whether you’re a business owner, part of a church or nonprofit, a student group or simply a neighbor with a helping hand to lend, there may be a place for you in this effort.
To request assistance or to volunteer, email CodeConnects@fortworthtexas.gov
“That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, & tell all thy wondrous works.” - Psalms 26:7
God is Good
by Arnita Ware
Yes, God is good! We hear a lot of church people say…”God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good!”
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. (Psalm136:1-2)
He remains faithful to us even when or if we have not been faithful to him. He is good and he is merciful!
Luke 11:13 tells us…”If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how
much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!
I often reflect on the song “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” I can’t help but remember the scripture Matthew 6:26…Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? He loves us and takes care of us!
Oh, yes, my God IS good!
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
