NO 1 ISSUE 24 FEBRUARY 24, 2012
I MESSENGER
LONG OVERDUE Viola Davis has history of stellar performances Brought to you by Harwood 609 Restaurant and Jazz Club
609 North Harwood Street, Dallas, TX 214.740.0609
NO 1 ISSUE 24
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FEBRUARY 24, 2012
Happy 10th ANNIVERSARY
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INSIDE
FEBRUARY 24, 2012
Message to the people...
I MESSENGER February 24, 2012
Sen. Royce West on voting
Bishop T.D. Jakes, senior pastor of The Potter’s House, is working my nerves. He is really challenging me and I am trying desperately to rise to the occasion! Bishop Jakes is focusing on the importance of forgiveness and last week he held “Forgiveness Sunday,” delivering a message on the importance of “letting go of trespasses and offenses and moving beyond the trauma and disappointment of the past.”
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Aaron Hopkins reviews “Naked Truth”
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He encouraged church goers to let go of their past in a symbolic release of more than 8,000 balloons. Participants were provided Cheryl Smith “white environmentally-friendly balloons,” with the inscription, “Let It Go.” They wrote their grievances on the balloons and released their past hurts and grief with them. Had I been in attendance, I know I would have had to grab at least 20 balloons because I have let about that many people violate my trust. This week the Bishop has another book, "Let it Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven” which will undoubtedly be a bestseller. He is hosting a special in-house signing on Sunday, February 26 at The Potter’s House of Dallas, 6777 W. Kiest Blvd., Dallas, TX 75236, immediately after the 9 a.m. church service. I need to be front and center because lately I am having a hard time forgiving some folks; especially when they don’t even seem to care about wanting forgiveness. I will also be reading “Let it Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven” because if he can help me work through betrayal and accept forgiveness, I know I will be a much better person. Sure in the past I was better at forgiving. I have always given thanks for the blessings I have received from people who have made up for the folks who break promises, refuse to honor commitments and constantly try to pull one over on me. It gets frustrating, though, when you give, not because you want something in return, but because it is in your heart, only to run across people who are users.
Award Season
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Bishop, how do you forgive that person when it is not in that person’s heart to do the right thing? Help me understand the message that you shouldn’t loan to someone if you can’t give it away. How about don’t borrow if you have no intention of paying it back or returning it? You see, I grew up reciting the mantra, “my word is bond.” As I have gotten older, I have found that more and more people have a different mantra, “my word ain’t about la dee da!”
Platinum Collection
I am talking about accountability here. I don’t want to stop being a giving and loving person because I have encountered people who should not be in my life. Also I don’t want to discount all the outstanding people I have in my life because I love them dearly. I know, “kiss a few frogs” or “one bad apple.”
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I MESSENGER Cheryl Smith, Publisher Established 2011 IMessenger is a tribute to Le Messager, founded by Cameroonian journalist Pius N j a w e a n d T h e M e s s e n g e r, a n independent magazine, founded by labor activist A . Philip Randolph and economist Chandler Owen. PAGE 3
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I realize that I am a work in progress because when I have friends who say, “pray,” I wonder if they can hear the thoughts in my head. They may be asking me to “pray for forgiveness” while I am “praying that I won’t retaliate in a big way.” Bishop Jakes is pretty astute. “Let it Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven” is coming at a time when I really need it. Maybe there are others out there like me who also need to “Let it Go.”
Cheryl !
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Miles exonerated for wrongful conviction in 1995 murder case The trial court has formerly announced the opinion of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals’ finding of actual innocence (published February 15, 2012) for Richard Miles. Prosecutors from the Conviction Integrity Unit at the Dallas County District Attorney’s (DA) Office will appear before the court joining a request to release Richard Miles from the PR bond and formerly pronounce him actually innocent. Prior to his release on a PR bond in October of 2009, he served approximately 14 years for a 1995 murder that he did not commit. Mr. Miles has been working at a local hotel since his temporary release while he waited for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals’ ruling on actual innocence. On August 25, 1995, Mr. Miles was convicted by a jury for the offenses of the murder of Deandre S. Williams and the attempted murder of another Dallas man. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the murder and 20 years for the attempted murder. The facts of the case reveal that on May 16, 1994, Deandre Williams was fatally shot and another man was shot and permanently injured at a local gas station in Dallas. There were two police reports that were never turned over to defense counsel. One undisclosed report regarded detailed information from an anonymous phone caller to the Dallas Police Department claiming to have knowledge that a person other than Richard Miles had committed the crimes. The call was made approximately three months prior to Miles’ trial and provided detailed information about both the offense and the individual involved, who according to the caller was not Mr. Miles. The second undisclosed report involved an altercation between the victims and a third person that occurred five days before the shootings took place. Neither of the reports was disclosed to defense counsel. The State has an affirmative duty to disclose all material, exculpatory evidence to the defense under Brady V. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 87 (1963). In the interest of justice, the State agreed with Mr. Miles’ claim that this information was definitely exculpatory and would have constituted impeachment evidence within the purview of Brady, and thus timely disclosure of this evidence should have been made. Additionally, because the prosecutor is charged with the duty to learn of any favorable evidence known to others acting on the government’s behalf, such as the investigating law enforcement agency, and because there was at least a reasonable probability that had the evidence been timely disclosed to the defense, the result of the proceedings would have been different. Thus, the probability of a different outcome had the information been timely disclosed to the defense was sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome of the case.
Celebrating the rich heritage of African people--And not just in February!
FEBRUARY 24, 2012
Rep. Johnson hosts annual prayer breakfast Dallas, TX – Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson will host her 17th Annual Prayer Breakfast on Monday, February 27, at 9 a.m. at the Diabetes Health and Wellness Institute at Juanita J. Craft Recreation Centeran affiliate of Baylor Health Care System, 3500 Gaston Avenue, Dallas,TX Several hundred leaders in the faith-based community and social service organizations were invited to discuss the benefits of partnering with non-profit organizations and private entities to better serve their communities and to provide resources to the underserved in the Dallas community. A diversity of faiths will gather at the breakfast including members of the Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim communities and others. Serita Jakes of The Potter’s House will serve as the theme speaker for the event.
Baylor Health Care System is a faithbased supporting organization that provides services to a network of acute care hospital and related health care entities that provide patient care, medical education, research and community service. U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. She is also the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas that includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Turtle Creek, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.
Judge Jenkins expresses feelings about consolidation of post offices in Metroplex As a result of studies begun five months ago, the Postal Service has made the decision to move all incoming mail processing operations from the Dallas Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) to the Fort Worth Processing and Distribution Center. Once the transfer is complete, the mail processing operation of the Dallas P&DC will cease. All outgoing, or originating mail-processing operations now handled at the Fort Worth P&DC will be moved to the North Texas P&DC; however, the Fort Worth P&DC will continue to process mail destined for delivery in parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The Fort Worth P&DC will handle designating, or incoming mail for 3-digit ZIP code areas 760, 761 and 764, as well as
751, 752 and 753, mail previously handled at the Dallas P&DC. In addition to 750 and 754 mail, the North Texas P&DC will now handle incoming mail for 762 and 763 ZIP areas currently processed at the Fort Worth P&DC. There will be no change to the retail units, Post Office box operations, passport acceptance units, business mail entry units, and vehicle maintenance facilities currently located at the Dallas P&DC and the Fort Worth P&DC. The Postal Service has experienced a 25 percent decline in First-Class Mail volume since 2006, and receives no tax dollars for its operations, relying instead on the sale of postage, and postal products and services.
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FEBRUARY 24, 2012
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...
ARE YOU READY TO VOTE?
Leaders denounce NYPD for spying on Rev. Al Sharpton
Where is my new voter registration card?
(New York, NY) --- In light of a story released by NYPD reporter Len Levitt for Huffington Post alleging that an NYPD informant spied on Rev. Al Sharpton and National Action Network [NAN], national leaders have come together to express outrage at this blatant attempt to discredit Rev. Al Sharpton with malicious and defamatory falsities, including that he is homosexual. NAN and its Board of Directors are demanding that Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly investigate this allegation and give a public response to why the NYPD & NYPD Intelligence Division had an informant assigned to Rev. Al Sharpton. Others comment:
Marc Morial, President of the National Urban League--"The NYPDs spying actions are an intolerable abuse by law enforcement, and remind us of the bad days when J. EDGAR HOOVER recklessly spied on DR. KING and other CIVIL RIGHTS leaders in the 1960s. Its time for NYPD to disclose the full extent and nature of its spying operation on all Civil Rights organizations. We will not stand for a return to this abuse of process in the 21st CENTURY." Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, Sr. Pastor of Grace Baptist Church--"This challenges our most fundamental rights and ignites memories of the Gestapo tactics employed against Dr Martin Luther King Jr. by the police authorities during a sad moment in American History. In too many instances the NYPD appears to be an obstruction to individual liberty and justice. They have crossed the line and must be held accountable." Russell Simmons - Music & Business Mogul--"I am deeply concerned about the reports that the Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network were spied on by the NYPD. It is troubling to think that those who are ordered to protect us are in fact working against us. After reports that the NYPD spied on members of the Muslim community and on Occupy Wall Street and now Rev. Sharpton, we are again demanding that this type of behavior by our police department stop." Benjamin Jealous, President/CEO of NAACP--"If NYPD is spying on civil rights leaders, it is outrageous and must be stopped." said NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. "Given the serious nature of the allegations and the history out which they arise, there is no acceptable response but for the city and the police department to show us all their cards. Our community must be certain that the people we count on to enforce the law are not breaking it." Melanie Campbell, President/CEO of National Coalition on Black Civic Participation --"I join my colleagues in expressing my deep concern on the abuse of NYPD's law enforcement spying powers against the National Action Network. The unjust investigations and targeting of civil rights organizations is unacceptable. We stand with NAN and others in the civil rights community calling for NYPD to be transparent about the nature of this investigation immediately." Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., President, Rainbow PUSH Coalition -- "African American leaders have historically been the subject of unlawful spying by law enforcement officials seeking to discredit our leaders and our movement. The revelation about the New York Police Department spying on Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network in 2008 are wrong Police Commissioner Kelly, as he promised over a year ago, must issue a full fact finding report on the matter, fully disclose the spying activities of the police department and make restitution to Rev. Sharpton and NAN for this invasion of privacy."
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THE WORD by State Sen. Royce West (TX)
Back in October, I wrote to inform constituents and Texas voters of the changes ahead due to the passage of SB14 that if enacted, will require a voter to present one of seven state-approved forms of photo identification to election officials to cast. While SB14 did in fact pass into law, it has yet to take effect due to pre-clearance requirements under the federal Voting Rights Act which says that any statutory changes that could potentially impact the ability of minority citizens to vote in Texas must first gain the approval of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
To date, that approval has not been granted as this and other matters tied to the hot-button topic of redistricting have found their ways to courtrooms in both Washington and Texas. Since we are now two months into the 2012 election season, and since these issues will help determine the course for what is to come, I have decided to provide periodic updates on this and other topics under the serial heading of “ARE YOU READY TO VOTE?” A familiar adage reminds that all politics are local and here at the home base, my offices have begun to field calls inquiring, “When will I receive my voter registration card?” Glad you’ve asked. One of SB14's mandates would add information regarding new photo identification requirements to the actual voter registration certificate. But since the new law has yet to pass DOJ muster, that cannot take place. Even more problematic is that the information provided as part of your voter registration card which instructs voters on the precinct where they are eligible to vote can also not yet be determined because it is tied to current court and DOJ redistricting cases. Redistricting you’ll recall, requires that following each decennial census, for the boundaries that determine voting districts for all levels of government - from the U.S. House of Representatives, down to local city and school districts - to be redrawn to !
reflect changes in population. Currently under dispute in the courts, are the maps that would determine the legal boundaries of U.S. House, state senate and state house districts. So to answer the question, “When will I get my voter registration card?” the best answer now available is that no one knows yet. With the various districts currently undefined, county election officials cannot add that information to voter registration cards. Neither can they draw voting precinct lines. What I can tell you is that according to the Texas Secretary of State, if you are currently a registered voter, you are still a registered voter. Secondly, voter registration cards will be printed after these matters are resolved by the courts, allowing also the time required for county precinct lines to be drawn. Testimony suggests this could take six to eight weeks after new maps are approved. New voters or those whose residency has changed are encouraged to move forward in applying for registration. Due to the court cases, the Spring primary elections normally held in March in Texas have already been pushed back, first to April 3 and now to at least May 29 and even that date is not certain. Whenever the election date, Texas law will still allow registration up to 30 days before an election. Bank on having your new voter registration card in hand and guidelines on how it will be used to be determined by then. !
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Cedar Hill H.S. Student makes American Idol Cedar Hill, TX. -Cedar Hill High School sophomore Isabell Gallegos is relishing in her golden ticket experience to compete on the "American Idol" show. The 16-year-old was shown on the February 9 and 15 episodes of the hit show that aired on the FOX network. Now that her group has been eliminated from the "star-maker" show she can talk about her experience. "It was a lot of fun, but the hardest part was keeping it all a secret. We were sworn to secrecy until we were off the show," said Isabell. "It was really hard after people saw the first show, but all I could say was to stay tuned and watch the show." Isabell Gallegos reacts when the American Idol judges in Isabell plays saxo- Galveston told her she was going to Hollywood. phone in the Cedar Hill High School Marching Band and Wind Ensemble, but she sang the song "Every Time you Lie" by Demi Lovato, for her talent audition in Galveston. "I was thrilled when Jennifer Lopez said she liked me and Randy Jackson commented on how young I looked. Stephen Tyler did not say much, but they all gave me a yes!" Her entire group was eliminated from the show that aired February 15. Isabell says her family encouraged her to try out for "American Idol" and drove her to Galveston for the audition last August. She says she will try out for the show again. She plans to study music when she goes to college.
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FEBRUARY 24, 2012
Flu season calls for precautions DALLAS-The majority of flu cases are diagnosed in February, meaning Dallas is in the peak of flu season. Health officials at Parkland Health & Hospital System want everyone to remember it's not too late to get vaccinated, regardless of which strain is circulating. "This is still a good time to get immunized" reminds Janet Glowicz, Infection Control Manager at Parkland. "Flu still has plenty of time to cause people to miss work or school." Remember "VIRUS" to help protect you and your family from the flu, especially if you or a loved one has already become infected: • Vaccine - It is still important to get the flu vaccine because you will receive protection from the flu in its peak month. You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. • Isolation - Try to stay away from other family members and friends if you are infected with the virus, especially those who are most susceptible such as small children and the elderly. Staying away from others is one of the best ways to help prevent spreading the virus. • Respiratory hygiene - Use a tissue to cover your cough or sneezes and wash hands frequently. • Use antiviral drugs – Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications. • Sleep - Lack of sleep and high levels of stress can reduce immune system's ability to fight off diseases, making you more susceptible to colds and flu. For more tips on a variety of health topics, visit www.parklandhospital.com, click on "Patients and Visitors" and then "Health Information."
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FEBRUARY 24, 2012
I Entertainment
“The Naked Truth” focuses on family values By Aaron Hopkins I MESSENGER
It was an enjoyable outing this past Saturday as my wife and I attended a wonderful stage play, “The Naked Truth,” which was written and produced by an awesome playwright, Arrelle McGee. A Chicago-born woman who owns a n d o p e r a t e s G o d ’s S p o t l i g h t Productions, which is based in Dallas, TX, Ms. McGee is passionate about the arts. In an interview earlier this year on Cheryl Smith’s Blog Talk Radio show
“Cheryl’s World,” Ms. McGee described this play as being based on actual events that occurred in her life and included members of her family. “It’s about family values and the mistakes parents make,” said Ms. McGee. “In the play, we’re talking about issues, about secrets.” Admittedly she found herself treading in dangerous territory, but she had stories she felt needed to be told.
She emphasized that the truth had to be shared regardless of who got upset with her about the revelations. Hopefully, she believed, the healing could begin in a number of areas. “Everybody turned a blind eye to things going on,” she added. “We learned how to come together and help one another.” The play starts off with lots of energy and introduces the audience to the many isms that we battle in life’s various struggles. The cast of characters were very believable in the roles of people we can all identify with. The main characters were played by gospel
artist Tiffanie Willis and Eric Beasley. The entire cast gave heartfelt performances. There were some moments that made me cringe from the f e e l i n g s o f h o w p a i n f u l l i f e ’s circumstances can be sometimes. But I will not give away the details of this great play. Go and witness “The Naked Truth” for yourself! Visit Arrelle McGee and God’s Spotlight Productions on Facebook and www.godspotlightproductions.com. Aaron Hopkins is the CEO of B.B.N.B Entertainment L.L.C. This is Aaron’s first entertainment commentary for I Messenger.
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Six Flags Requirements:
x Must apply online at www.sixflagsjobs.com for one of the jobs below or other positions before coming to the Urban League to interview with a Recruiter from Six Flags x Must bring Resume if available x Must be dressed business casual (no Tee shirts, no sagging, no warm ups) x Must bring an ink pen to complete employment profile for other employers in attendance
Six Flags Seasonal Positions Food Operations ± Day, Swing or Night Shift Age: 18 or older, Rate of Pay: N/A Revenue Control - Day, Swing or Night Shift Age: 18 or older, Rate of Pay: N/A Entertainment Show Attendant - Day, Swing or Night Shift Age: 16 or older, Rate of Pay: $7.25 Costume Character - Day, Swing or Night Shift Age: 16 or older, Rate of Pay: $7.25-$8.00 M erchandise - Day, Swing or Night Shift Age: 15 or older, Rate of Pay: $7.25 Event Staff - Day, Swing or Night Shift Age: 15 or older, Rate of Pay: $7.25
Park Services - Day, Swing or Night Shift Age: 16 or older, Rate of Pay: 7.25 Ride Operations - Day, Swing or Night Shift Age: 16 or older, Rate of Pay: $7.25 Janitorial - Day, Swing or Night Shift Age: 16 or older, Rate of Pay: $9.00 Games & Attractions - Day, Swing or Night Shift Age: 15 or older, Rate of Pay: $7.25 Food Service - Day, Swing or Night Shift Age: 15 or older, Rate of Pay: $7.25 Warehouse - Day, Swing or Night Shift Age: 18 or older, Rate of Pay: N/A
Dress Code Enforced
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-FORECLOSURESAttention all residents who have had foreclosures between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 – you may be eligible for an independent foreclosure review. The Urban League of Greater Dallas is taking calls NOW for any eligible homeowner or previous homeowner who may have had any of the following: ·Your property was sold due to a foreclosure ·Your mortgage loan referred into foreclosure process but removed when payments were brought up to date or borrower entered a payment plan or modification program · Mortgage loan referred into the foreclosure process, but home sold or borrower participated in short sale or chose deed in lieu of foreclosure · Mortgage loan referred into foreclosure process and remains delinquent but foreclosure sale has not yet taken place CALL the Urban League of Greater Dallas Headquarters at (214) 915-4638 or (214) 915-4639.
Come on PEOPLE!
POLICE have not apprehended Pookie the serial rapist. Aren’t you concerned? Do you care? He has attacked members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.
If you have ANY information, PLEASE call Crime Stoppers
877.373.8477 Also, if you want extra protection, check out Street Safe at www.streetsafe.peopleguard.com PAGE 7
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FEBRUARY 24, 2012
Black History Month at UTA
24 February 2012 (Friday) Maverick Lecture Series featuring CNN Correspondent Soledad O’Brien. 7:30 p.m., Texas Hall.
Learn to love! National Urban League 2012 Summer Internship Program – New York, NY
Date and Time tab: Dr. Charles E. Jones, Department of Africana Studies, University of Cincinnati. Dr. Jones is the former founding chair of the Department of African American Studies at Georgia State University and president of the National Council of Black Studies. In conjunction with the establishment of UTA’s Center for African American Studies, he will present a lecture entitled: “Here to Stay: Africana Studies in the 21st Century.”
The National Urban League Summer Internship Program provides an insight into the world of non-profit management for college students, in the New York City metropolitan area and in Washington, DC. The National Urban League is looking for candidates interested in a career in the not-for-profit sector, or in understanding the connection between nonprofits, corporations, and government in the work of our nation. DEADLINE to apply: March 1, 2012
S u n d a y, 2 6 F e b r u a r y 2012 Third Eye Community Book Review of Isabel Wilkerson’s The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration. 3:00 p.m., South Dallas Cultural Center, 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave, Dallas, TX.
If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love. Don't be surly at home, then go out in the street and start grinning 'Good morning' at total strangers.
Maya Angelou PAGE 8
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FEBRUARY 24, 2012
Is it Viola’s Time? By Cheryl Smith
Viola Davis is on the tip of many tongues as the countdown to the Academy Awards continues. So far this year she has won at least five awards for her role in the popular movie, “The Help” and on Sunday she may walk away with the coveted Oscar, at this year’s Academy Awards. Earlier this year, at the African American Film Critics Association’s Awards at the beautiful Pip’s Restaurant in Los Angeles, Ms. Davis talked about the incredible journey she was on that was just beginning. As she accepted AAFCA’s Best Actress Award for her role in “The Help,” she asked for prayers as she talked about the television images she had as a child, and how she often wondered how those actors of yesteryear “felt having to make that material work.” “I am constantly in search of strong narratives and stories,” she continued. “We need to keep our stories alive--and not only the stories of the heroes, but the losers...” Last year, Ms. Davis, The Help author Kathryn Stockett, director Tate Taylor and actress Octavia Spencer faced journalists at the National Association of Black Journalists annual convention in Philadelphia. They answered questions about the book and movie. And believe me, the journalists did not hold back. They actually helped prepare the group for future interviews. The book was a bestseller and at the time there was already an Oscar Buzz surrounding the much anticipated movie, even though it had yet to be released. There were also rumblings because of the images and roles portrayed. After the movie’s release there were panel discussions and talk shows focused solely on the value of the movie and the roles, as well as the lack of stronger, more positive Black male role models. Critics at the NABJ convention and in other venues blasted the movie for several reasons while others applauded the excellent performances by the actors. Ms. Davis has already won the AAFCA, NAACP Image, Women Film Critics and Screen Actors Guild awards for her outstanding performance.
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I Messenger
And she’s not new to the award scene either. Over the years, this graduate of Juilliard and Rhode Island College has garnered numerous awards for her work on the big screen and stage. She also has a honorary doctorate degree! That’s right, Dr. Viola Davis! In this special section of I Messenger, readers will get the opinions of four women. Yes, men were asked, but unfortunately they didn’t make the deadline. All the fuss about “The Help” was reminiscent of The Color Purple. It’s been almost three decades since Alice Walker’s book was adapted into one of the most popular movies of its time with performances by
Viola Davis on the Stage
Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover and a host of others. Black men said the movie cast them in a negative light. There were also very strong opinions about what was perceived as negative portrayals of Black people, overall. Ironically, if Ms. Davis wins the Best Actress Award at the Oscars, she will become only the second to win it, after Halle Berry, who won for a role that also sparked criticism. Ms. Davis was also the second African-American woman to win the Best Actress Tony Award, after Phylicia Rashād. She is one of nine African American actresses to be nominated for the Best Actress Oscar. The others are: Dorothy Dandridge, Diana Ross, Cicely Tyson, Diahann Carroll, Whoopi Goldberg, Angela
Bassett, Halle Berry and Gabourey Sidibe. The Academy voters are interesting. Oscar voters are 94 percent white, 77 percent male and have a median age of 62. Tough odds, many would think. Monsters Ball won! Somehow though, it does not appear that the outcry was as loud and long for Monsters Ball where critics could not find any redeeming or artistic value in a particularly explicit sex scene involving Ms. Berry. It seems that some Black people had a bigger problem with Black people in the role of a servant, while others took issue with a white woman supposedly providing the voice of Black women. Still others felt that the era that is written about deserved a more in depth look, especially in the area of race relations and civil unrest. The acting was superb in “The Help” and it is Kathryn Stockett’s story so there was an expectation that it would be in her voice.There’s nothing to be ashamed of about the roles played by Ms. Davis, Ms. Spencer and the others who played domestics. While some may have been embarrassed, I could never be ashamed of any of the many generations of men and women who worked tirelessly in a noble, honest and admirable profession, to take care of their families. Sure they made sacrifices and some families suffered, still they have nothing to be ashamed of. The real shame belongs to those who mistreated “the help” or looked down on them because of their own misguided insecurities and perceptions. Sure, as Emma Rodgers has pointed out, there are so many great pieces of work that deserve the distribution and support that “The Help” has received. I do believe, however, that we have some work to do to ensure that the playing field becomes level. Working from a position of the “victim” or the oppressed will not move us forward because if all we do is talk, analyze or critique, we’re not doing anything but “talking loud and saying nothing.” Ms. Davis asked for prayers. When someone is doing the type of work on the screen, even if it is as Abilene Clark, or her extensive charitable work, she does deserve support!
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FEBRUARY 24, 2012
Understanding the bottom line by Emma Rodgers Viola Davis’ 2012 Oscar nomination for best actress in The Help will extend the conversation about how Hollywood typecasts blacks, especially women in movies. Blacks are merely props for white characters. The fullness of the maids’ lives and their families is never addressed in the film. Blacks are primarily used in movies to serve and assist the white protagonist or antagonist; for example, Jennifer Hudson (Sex in the City) and Wanda Sykes (Monster-in-Law) were cast as assistants to the leading white actresses. American style capitalism has provided the
Hollywood thrives on focusing on social conditions that foster l i m i t e d p e rc e p t i o n s a n d misinformation about blacks. template by which our economic viability is based. Hollywood has no ethics, morals or conscience. Count on your appendages the number of redeeming films Hollywood has financed with black actors in leading and supporting roles. The content of black character is missing from Hollywood. The color of black skin, whether visible or implied in negative and stereotypical roles (Sherri Sheppard as a prostitute in It’s all About the Money) is viable to Hollywood’s bottom line. Hollywood thrives on focusing on social conditions that foster limited perceptions and misinformation about blacks. The nominations of Davis and Octavia Spencer will also reopen the conversation about race - the one subject our country does not address directly. Use the Oscar buzz about The Help as a platform to introduce family, friends and associates to films about the civil rights climate during the time setting in which The Help takes place in Jackson, MS. Text, tweet, and email, all your friends about the independent films and documentaries such as: For Us the Living: The Medgar Evers Story; March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom - 1963; Freedom Summer (June 1964); Boycott (381 Day Montgomery Bus Boycott), The Lovings vs The State of Virginia and a host of other films, Read or listen to The End of Anger by Ellis Cose. All that glitters is not gold - however, if the gold statue (The Oscar) will garner more substantive roles for Davis or Spencer, more power to the screen and script writers for recognizing that these women can play roles other than mammies. Emma Rodgers of Dallas, TX, USA is a former bookseller, and domestic servant/maid.
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African American Film Critics Awards Program, Pips, LA Identifying Hollywood’s investment in The Help Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer were victorious at the AAFCA Awards Program in January. Here the ladies are shown with The Help Director Tate Taylor and Legacy Award honoree Richard Roundtree.
by Shonthina Vernon
The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), is the nation’s premiere film critic’s group dedicated to providing a safe-haven of support and respect for African-American film journalists and the black filmmaking community. Established in 2003, the membership actively reviews cinema at- large, with a particular emphasis on films produced, written, directed and starring, persons from the African Diaspora.
I am the adopted daughter of a domestic worker. From the time I was six years old, I watched my mother in those houses navigating the precarious dynamics of race. For me, seeing THE HELP, and the lead characters of Aibileen and Minny (as brilliantly portrayed by Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer), only confirmed what I’d already witnessed firsthand. My mother and the many others like her were dignified, radical people in their own right, working tirelessly to provide for their families and maintain some semblance of self respect while doing so. Beyond that, the film did very little to dispel my long held belief that Hollywood, a mirror of society at large, has a particular investment in NOT showing narratives in which the “inciting idea” that becomes the catalyst for change comes from the people who will benefit from the change themselves. There must always be a savior or a harbinger, usually a white one, who in the process of leading the people to freedom, will face being ostracized for his/her goodwill. And this is where it gets even more complicated for us. This is this same narrative that forms the basis of Christian theology. Is it any wonder, with film being the most influential medium and church being our longest standing institution, that this narrative has taken root among us and become so pervasive in the black community? How is it that we continue to ignore these connections? What is our own investment in this narrative of victimhood continuing? Until we answer these questions, I fear as an artist that we will never see ourselves clearly. And until we do, we will not demand that we are properly reflected in the images that are created. We will simply continue looking to the hills from whence cometh THE HELP. Shontina Vernon is a writer/activist/performer with a passion for authentic folks, good food, and ripping up dance floors. She divides her time between Dallas, TX and Brooklyn, NY. But, her heart is in Cuba.
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When your position wins
Scenes from
FEBRUARY 24, 2012
Stepping out on faith
The Help
by Katrina “Khatt” Taylor
by Erinn Anova In my imaginary bestseller, "Racism: Don't Let Films Frame It For Your Kids," the major position would be that "the bitter residue of slavery and its aftermath have birthed a collective shame that all Americans share, whether we acknowledge it or not. How we perceive and deal with this shame (anger, denial, indifference, guilt, etc) greatly depends on who we are, and where we stand, but whatever the case, if you are in charge of making movies, your position wins.” I needed a book like this on my way home from seeing "The Help" with my teen daughter. My mother bought her the book; she loved it, and was eager to see the film. When the credits rolled, and my daughter exclaimed, "That was SO good!" I gave the boyfriend an evil look that said, "Don't." Sitting in disbelief, I already knew where he stood. The car was eerily silent. She finally broke the silence with "So why didn't you guys like it? He let loose; they went back and forth; and I was silent. And then, I couldn't be. I wanted to validate her experience, but I also felt I owed her my truth. It took me back to when she was three, and begged to see Tarzan. After two hours of watching a movie set in Africa with not ONE African appearing onscreen, I couldn't take it. “Framing” the movie as the fiction it was, I pulled out an atlas to show her the "real" Africa and its people, as opposed to Disney's. But this was no toddler in my back seat, but an opinionated teen. Choosing my words, I said, "Honey, I don’t agree that it was a good movie, for many reasons, but here’s my real issue: I'm tired of Hollywood only green-lighting films with black history told mainly from the point of view of white people---usually cast as the “heroes." I mentioned Glory, Secret Life of Bees, Mississippi Burning, etc. Yes, good white people fought for civil rights, but it was black folks who stopped taking buses, got their asses beat, registered voters, and were murdered that really changed America. Frankly, this favorite Hollywood narrative, where the good white person saves blacks is getting tired, and boring. Bored, she yawned, and said "Yeah, but it was still good." When we got home, I checked Netflix for "Eyes On The Prize." Erinn Anova is a mother, actress, singer and writer residing in Los Angeles, CA. She loves blue.
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Nearly two years ago I was “gifted” Kathryn Stockettʼs novel, The Help. Now, I am always suspect of one group of people writing the narrative of another, especially considering American His-story, however I do take things on a case-by-case basis. So, nearly 48 hours after receiving the book, I had devoured 464 pages of a beautiful story of friendship, resilience and extraordinary courage. I completely understood and recognized Aibileen and Minny, in very contemporary terms and faces. I cried where they couldnʼt, laughed out loud when they didnʼt dare, I admired their strengths and praised the ways they bucked “the system.” Since then, The Help has gone on to be a major motion picture receiving well-deserved praise but also much criticism from some
Such dumbing down grossly ignores the very real and honest women presented by Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, et al. within the Black community who denounce the movie as “just another white person saving the downtrodden Negroes” narrative. Such dumbing down grossly ignores the very real and honest women presented by Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, et al. The responses of naysayers, some of whom admittedly had not seen the film or read the book, brings up some interesting questions for me: Through whose lens do we view ourselves? Are we ashamed of our history or tired of seeing it and why? Have we forgotten the faces of our own grandmothers and great grandmothers and the stories of a not too long ago past? The Help is not about those white women who were beautifully tragic and flawed themselves, it’s not about the raising of Mae Mobley or the resurrection of Mammy. Itʼs about the oppression and resurrection of the voice. Itʼs about stepping out on a faith that demands action. Quite frankly, we all should hear and repeat Aibileenʼs mantra daily: “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” Katrina “Khatt” Taylor is an actor/poet/writer from Los Angeles, California
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in OUR library Reviewed by Cheryl Smith cheryl@cherylsmithonline.com
The Choir Director
In the discussion part of the book at the end of The Choir Director, readers are asked if they want more of Mr. Aaron Mackie. You can bank on it!
Love, Honor and Betray
readers will definitely form some strong opinions throughout. I am sure we can look forward to NUMBER NINE because the end is not necessarily THE END!
When Loved Ones Lie
Til Death Do You Pay
By Pat Tucker
By Muriel Davidson
By Carl Weber
FEBRUARY 24, 2012
on this roller coaster ride in this suspense-filled tale of love, desperation, greed and revenge.
By Kimberla Lawson Roby
DRAMA! That should be the title of this suspenseful page-turner by New York Times bestselling author Carl Weber. On every page someone is getting into something and it appears everyone
has a secret. Once again Mr. Webber takes us back to church; where Bishop T.K. Wilson is the pastor of First Jamaica Ministries. Readers will ask themselves time and time again: Is there anyone, maybe just one of the characters, who does not have a deep, dark secret? The Choir Director opens with drama -- the choir director’s wife outs him in front of the entire congregation as she distributes information about her husband’s homosexual trysts with many in the congregation. She releases her explosive information on Father’s Day and there were many fathers who did not have a great day; nor did their wives. The church takes a big hit in attendance and income. The Bishop has to find a new choir director in hopes that who he selects will be able to revitalize the church. His selection is Aaron Mackie. But before he goes a step further he pointedly asks if Mr. Mackie is gay. Mr. Mackie is far from gay; but he probably needed a morality clause in his contract because as good-looking and charismatic as he is, it would only be a matter of time before he was in the beds of several of the members of the congregation; including the chairwoman of the board of trustees. Mr. Weber weaves an amusing, yet intense tale of the shenanigans as one group of people work to rebuild the church and another group is hell-bent on destroying the church. Once again, as always, the author delivers and readers won’t be disappointed.
Reverend Curtis Black and his wife, Charlotte, are carrying around a lot of baggage and it appears that nothing can save their marriage. In Love, Honor and Betray Charlotte wants to forget about her indiscretions. Sure she had an affair, birthed a child, and passed the child off as her husband’s. Still she can’t find it in her heart to accept the child from her husband’s affair; not even after the child’s mother dies of AIDS. Charlotte is bitter and takes out her frustration on a twoyear-old child. She is rude, insensitive and downright nasty to the baby. You would think that being the First Lady of the Church, Charlotte would be more loving and compassionate. To punish a baby is inexcusable and unconscionable. Regardless of the circumstances, readers won t be rallying around this First Lady! This is the eighth installment of author Kimberla Lawson Roby’s Reverend Curtis Black series and readers won’t be disappointed. You will see what happens when a married couple can’t resolve their issues and instead seek solace elsewhere. Rev. Black loves his daughter and with each display of affection, Charlotte gets angrier and angrier. Now the big question is who is going to do something that could destroy the marriage once and for all? Good question. When talented writers like Ms. Lawson Roby begin a tale; you can believe it will be worth your dollar and time. She knows how to develop characters and
Here’s a case where the second wife has to suffer even though she did absolutely nothing wrong--was not a home wrecker or working to take another w o m a n ’s husband. Paul and Kate Griffin make up a power couple--he the award winning photojournalist and she a high-profile fashion director. They are hopelessly in love and appear to be destined to enjoy holy matrimony forever, but unfortunately the two have one big obstacle--the ex-wife--Nancy Grenier. The narcissistic first wife is determined to make her ex-husband suffer. Her demands become more and more aggressive as she uses the legal system and old divorce laws to keep Paul and his doting wife stressed out. Nancy wasn’t putting her ex through torture because she needed the money, she was doing it because of her vindictive, self-absorbed nature. Her goal, to create financial disaster Paul and Kate and to hopefully destroy their marriage. Both Kate and Paul would love nothing more than to see Nancy’s miserable life ended so that she could stop adding misery to their lives. There are other characters in Til Death You Do Pay, who are on a short list of folks who complicate the lives of Paul and Kate. How will these two deal with the continuous tightening of the screws by the seemingly heartless Nancy? Who wants to work to earn money that they can not enjoy? It will be interesting to see how Kate and Paul finally resolve those issues and deal with the people who seem hell-bent on adding friction to their lives. Is murder really the only option? Let author Muriel Davidson take you
When Loved Ones Lie is television journalist Pat Tucker’s first novel and readers will be anxiously awaiting her second, if it is anything like her first effort. In When Loved Ones Lie, Ms. Tucker introduces Dominique Thomas, a woman hopelessly in love and dependent upon the man in her life, Jeff Daniels. Everything is fine, especially if Jeff finally proposes, which is what she wants, especially since she is pregnant with his child. Before he can make that commitment, however, he is arrested by federal agents and becomes the hottest topic on all news channels as the prison escapee, Jon B. Sanders. From the beginning Dominique is standing by her man. She does not know what is going on but if Jeff could just get out of jail, he would make everything okay. Only thing is it does not appear that he will be getting out anytime soon and Dominique eventually finds herself in dire straits after the government came in and took away the cars, home and her dignity. Still she is holding on to her beliefs. But in the meantime, she has to survive. Jeff tells her about money that he has hidden away and that is a big help as she pays his attorney fees and takes care of her needs. Now as time passes, and Dominique doesn’t know what to believe, she finds that Jeff is lying to her. Ms. Tucker’s tale gets more and more complex as lie after lie is exposed. Dominique just wants someone to tell her the truth. When Loved Ones Lie will leave you wide-eyed at the end as you realize that the lies never stop. Send your books for review to: Cheryl Smith, P.O. Box 860 Grand Prairie, TX 75053
Support Black -owned bookstores
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FEBRUARY 24, 2012
I Messenger at Red Hot & Snazzy
Photos by Grace Photography
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FEBRUARY 24, 2012
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FEBRUARY 24, 2012
Platinum Collection launched during NBA All-Star Weekend
Dr. Deborah Williams
It is no wonder that Dr. Deborah Williams has won several awards for being media savvy and an astute business woman. The Summa Cum Laude graduate of Tougaloo College, with a masters and doctorate degree in clinical psychology from the University of Georgia, has numerous accomplishments. While her husband was making headlines in the NBA, Dr. Williams was handling her business; working with the Links, Inc., publishing articles, working with foundations
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and establishing herself in the business world. Dr. Williams is also the founder of Behind the Bench: The National Basketball Wives Association. A former Mrs. USA and Ms. Tougaloo College; Dr. Williams is continuing to make her own headlines with “Her Game 2 All-Star Fashion Launch” that takes place during the NBA A l l S t a r We e k activities in Orlando, FL. Featuring “soft cotton Tees, tunics, hoodies, and T-shirt dresses embellished with laser, sublimation, and stones from size small to 2XL,” the Platinum Collection will be introduced at a star-studded, red carpet affair that includes a fashion show and the launch of the new Her Game 2 website, www.HerGame2.com.
Jackie Christie, star of VH1's "Basketball Wives LA”, will host the event, Friday, February 24, 2012, at the Disney Swan Hotel, in Orlando, FL. at 6:30 p.m.
During a recent interview, Dr. Williams recalled a time when she would go shopping for her female friends who were sports fans and she had a hard time finding items that were more stylish and age appropriate, while also accenting the femininity that so many women want to display. Sure there was athletic wear that she could have purchased, but she wanted something d i f f e r e n t . “ We have curves,” she pointed out, as she talked about sporting apparel that was unflattering to females. “I began developing a brand and it’s about more than sports. Wo m e n s h o u l d have a choice in the clothes they wear. I want to empower women.” And that’s exactly what is happening. She started with a clear mission and focus, moved up to becoming a NBA licensee and since 2009 the Her Game 2 line is featured
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Jackie Christie
in Macy’s Department Stores in New York.
For 15 years, Her Game 2, Inc. has been an industry leader in producing top quality apparel, including officially licensed product for the National Basketball Association (NBA). Designing, manufacturing, and selling a well-made apparel line to the nation’s top companies, have placed the company on the elite supplier lists of many of the country’s most prestigious organizations, corporations and sports leagues. Dr. Williams said that there will be some choice items on sale at the event and they are one of a kind!
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FEBRUARY FEBRUARY24, 24,2012 2012
“We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people.� . Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Don't count the days, make the days count.
Muhammad Ali
Hiring Our Heroes/RecruitMilitary Veteran Opportunity Expo Dallas/Ft. Worth Recruit Military has partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to bring this FREE HIRING EVENT designed just for veterans and military spouses to the Irving Convention Center on March 1st! Support your local veterans and military spouses -Nearly 60 organizations are already scheduled to take advantage of this opportunity to meet with veteran job seekers who bring their unique skill sets and incredible work ethic to the civilian workforce. Over 300 veterans and military spouses are expected to attend this special event to meet face-to-face with veteran-friendly employers. There will be national, regional and local job opportunities, as well as entrepreneurial and educational offerings.
Event details:
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Thursday, March 1, 2012 Irving Convention Center 500 Las Colinas Boulevard Irving, TX 75039 11AM to 3PM
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Mark your calendar February 24
Urban League of Greater Dallas and North Central Texas’ Annual Meeting and Community Report Luncheon will be held at the Hilton Anatole at 11:45 a
The Black Academy of Arts and Letters presents Dress Performance Theatre Series Frederick Douglass Now starring Roger Guenveur Smith Friday & Saturday February 24-25, 2011 8:15PM
February 25
FORT WORTH ALUMNI CHAPTER of KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC. PROUDLY PRESENTS: THE 5TH ANNUAL MARDI GRAS MASQUERADE AT THE MARQUIS ON MAGNOLIA 1227 West Magnolia Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76104 (Corner of 5th and Magnolia) COMPLIMENTARY CREOLE CUISINE PROVIDED BY EXECUTIVE CHEF KEITH HICKS (BUTTONS) ALONG WITH BOURBON ST. FAMOUS HAND GRENADES, HURRICANES, BEER PROVIDED BY MILLERCOORS. MARDI GRAS BEADS, MASKS, AND NEW ORLEANS KING CAKE. ATTIRE: CLASSY AND STYLISH (MARDI GRAS BEADS AND MASKS ENCOURAGED!) PRESALE TICKETS: $20 PHONE: 214.395.8206 OR 817.726.7611 EMAIL: TICKETS@FORTWORTHKAPPAS.COM Priscilla Art Club, the oldest African American women’s organization in Dallas County, will host a display of its centennial legacy quilt made by its members from 2:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m., at the African American Museum of Life and Culture, Dallas Fair Park Breakfast with a Princess, 621 N. Hampton Road from 9:00 - 10:30 AM. Tickets are $24.50 per couple and $14.50 for each additional child. To reserve your tickets for this enchanting event or to rent the 1450 square foot venue for your own special event, call Sonya Cross at 972.274.3446. For more information about Parties With Charm, visit www.partieswithcharm.com Marshall Arts Bartenders will be showcased at the Grand Opening of Noah's Event Center in Las Colinas 6101 Campus Circle Drive Irving, TX. at 2-5pm
February 26 Mocca Cosmetics’ Annual Gala celebrating 10 years of Success will be held at the Wyndham Hotel Love Field at 6 p.m. For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, call 214-946-8582
Remembering Our Roots as We Anticipate New Fruit - Celebration ALSO - III Pyramids Bookstore presents Authors & Autographs -- 3rd Authors & Autographs Booksigning Event at Friendship-West Baptist Church, after each worship service in the Narthex. There will be a variety of books for purchase from inspirational novels to children books. Latino Bridal @ Quince Girl Expo at Dallas Fair Park Automobile Building noon-5p.m. Featuring fashion shows and more. Call 214-824-7495 Or go to www.quincegirlexpos.com Opening reception of the “Sports Legacy Gallery” will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m., at Wings To Go Restaurant, Wings To Go is located at 4621 West Green Oaks Blvd., #506, Arlington, in celebration of Black History Month. There will be music, food, and refreshments. Live music will be provided by D. Ella Vaughn & Ivan Tolbert.
community about the importance of and provisions for pre-needs in the event of the death of a loved one.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Tarrant County will host the 1st Annual Greek Unity Rally. It will be held on from 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Eastern Hills Elementary School in Fort Worth. "Faces Within The Mirror: Warning Signs" Awareness Conference
March 23
Saturday, Mar. 3, 2012 @ 10:00AM - 2:00PM Dallas Marriott Suites Market Center 2493 N. Stemmons Freeway Dallas, TX 75207 Sunday, Mar. 4, 2012 @ 3:00PM & 7:00PM Hilton Waco 113 S. University Parks Drive Waco, TX 76701
Balch Springs Urban Bazaar
March 8
Career Fair 2012- 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Location: Friendship-West Baptist Church *Registration and deadline is for vendors only* Space is limited . a prompt response is encouraged. Come out and see employers and education vendors from around the Dallas area. Employers, make your search easy and register to participate in our career fair.
March 17
February 28 The Marketing Lady presents.. Speed M.I.N.G.L.E. Professional Networking Speed M.I.N.G.L.E. is nothing but - speed networking in a fast-paced, getdown to business environment. It's similar to "speed dating." Speed M.I.N.G.L.E. Networking focuses on each individual and on building professional relationships. 6:00PM to 8:00PM Cost: $5.00 McFadden's Addison 4050 Belt Line Rd Addison, TX 75001 To register or for more information visit www.themarketinglady.com/events
How to be successful in today's job market Learn the latest in job search techniques and strategies, specifically geared to the challenges of the older job seeker. Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Auditorium Thursday, February 23, 10 - 11:30 a.m. Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Hitt Auditorium Thursday, March 8, 10 - 11:30 a.m. Grief Support Lunchoen Methodist Senior Access will host a grief luncheon for patients, and families who have suffered the loss of a loved one. This group considers issues such as living with loss, and strengthening support systems. Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Weatherford Conference Room Thursday, March 23, 11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Pioneer Oaks Shopping Center, 4000 Pioneer Rd, Suite 102-104, Balch Springs, Texas 75180.
February 27 Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery, and Resource Center 828 Fourth Ave., Dallas Texas, 75226 (New Location Across From Fair Park Music Hall) 6:30 PM -8:30 PM CST Power of Email Marketing for Social Entrepreneurs and Community Organizations with Terry Allen
FEBRUARY 24, 2012
National High School Step Competition (SMU) 6405 Boaz Lane -
March 27 The Marketing Lady presents.. Speed M.I.N.G.L.E. Professional Networking Speed M.I.N.G.L.E. is nothing but - speed networking in a fast-paced, getdown to business environment. It's similar to "speed dating." Speed M.I.N.G.L.E. Networking focuses on each individual and on building professional relationships. 6:00PM to 8:00PM at McFadden's Addison 4050 Belt Line Rd, Addison, TX 75001 To register or for more information visit www.themarketinglady.com/events
The Legacy of Giving Foundation of the Omicron Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 25th Image Award Celebration will be at 12 noon at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, featuring Buster Brown Band and Atty. DeMetris Sampson will be this year’s award recipient.
The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College CUNY Presents; The Eleventh Black Writers Conference Thursday March 29 - Sunday, April 1, 2012 "The impact of migration, popular culture and the natural environment in the literature of Black Writers." Honorees include Nikki Giovanni. www.nationalblackwritersconference.org
FWBC Bereavement Community presents Get Right Church & Let’s Go Home 10:00 a.m. This is an educational seminar to inform the church and
Send your calendar items to cheryl@cherylsmithonline.com
March 29
February 29 Who Cares What Black People Think Anyway: Wednesday, February 29, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Eastfield College C135. Who Cares What Black People Think Anyway? – The dialog continues in this open discussion of the issues facing black people in American culture. Share your views and increase your awareness of what is really going on around you. Special guest speakers including, Mr. Jamal Allen Rasheed, CEO/ Founder, Every Mountainside Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - Dr. Devin Fergus of Hunter College gives UNT's African American History Month lecture, “Land of the Fee: The Hidden History of the Ghetto Tax, 1980-2008.” 5:30 p.m., ESSC 255 on the UNT campus, Denton, TX.
March 3 CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH at Friendship West Baptist Church --
STOMP WARS & Teen Summit
Tune in to Cheryl’s World on Blogtalkradio.com weekdays at 9a.m. Monday, February 27
Tuesday, February 28
Join Cheryl, and Lady T • Black Economic History Fact of the Day •
Join Cheryl and Lady T • Black Economic History Fact of the Day
Wednesday, February 29
Thursday, March 1
Tune in to Reporters Roundtable
Friday, March 2
Join Cheryl and Lady T Join Cheryl and Lady T Join Cheryl and Lady T Black Economic History • Black Economic History • Black Economic History • Fact of the Day Fact of the Day Fact of the Day •
Soul 73 KKDA Sundays at 6a.m. 214-787-1730
Call in to 646-200-0459 PAGE 19
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IMESSENGER
NO 1 ISSUE 24
PAGE 20
BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION
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FEBRUARY 24, 2012
IMESSENGER