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I Messenger January 19, 2018

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NABJ’s finest

Dr. Mamie McKnight historian, educator, humanitarian remembered

January 19, 2018

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Eva Coleman named convention chair

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Mamie McKnight remembered

On New Year’s morning, January 1, 2018, our beloved Mamie was called home. She experienced a heart attack at a New York rehabilitation center while recuperating from a fall suffered during a vacation in Martha’s Vineyard.

Dr. Mamie L. McKnight achieved a high level of education and received many accolades and awards over the course of her life, including induction into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 2000. But she was never one to seek the spotlight.

The Dallas Morning News, in a “High Life� profile of Mamie, reflected, ‘[t]hough Dr. McKnight is not the most visible or the most vocal black leader in Dallas, she serves as a quiet inspiration for many.�

Mamie exuded boundless energy that was contagious to those whose lives she touched. And she was tireless in her dedication to educating and serving others, and preserving the history of African-Americans, particularly in the Dallas, Texas community she loved so dearly. Her youngest brother, Arthur Abernathy, remarked to the Dallas Morning News, “I think it’s just something that’s in her – she cannot sit still and allow herself to be comfortable and rest, when there’s so much to be done.�

Born on February 20, 1929 in Dallas, Texas, the third of seven children of James Hovie Abernathy and Mamie Bell (Mitchell) Abernathy, she was baptized into the Christian faith at a young age at Greater El Bethel Baptist Church in Dallas. She attended N.W. Harlee Elementary in Oak Cliff, Dallas, and was Valedictorian of her class at Lincoln High School. As Valedictorian, she was allowed to wear a long, white dress instead of the traditional cap and gown, and she played a piano solo during the graduation ceremony.

Like her father and all of her siblings, Mamie pursued higher education, and maintained a lifelong love of learning. She attended Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, and received her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mathematics and Chemistry from Prairie View A&M University. Mamie enjoyed sharing stories about the infamous Dr. Tolson, her English professor at Wiley (the inspiration for the movie, “The Great Debaters�), and it was at Wiley that Mamie was initiated into Phi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. After receiving her master’s degree, Mamie desired to pursue a career as a research scientist and applied to several defense firms in Dallas.

After receiving no response, she took the names of her black colleges off of her resume and received several interview requests. The interest disappeared when she showed up, and they discovered her race. In one instance, she was told the position had been filled, just to see the job advertisement reappear in the newspaper days later. Realizing that her dream of becoming a research scientist may be more difficult and take longer than she expected, she decided to accept a teaching position at her alma mater, Lincoln High School. This launched her eventual career and lifelong passion for education, and led her to accept positions as a teacher and counselor at James Madison High School and Sequoyah Junior High.

In August, 1952, she married Elza McKnight, Jr., whom she met at Wiley. They were reintroduced by their mutual friends, Nathaniel and Muriel Penn. Elza and Mamie resided in Dallas and were married for 52-years, until Elza’s death in 2004. They had one daughter, Ginger.

Work, marriage and motherhood did not stop Mamie from continuing her education. And her husband, Elza, a teacher in the Richardson Independent School District, encouraged her endeavors. She spent two summers at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, on a National Science Foundation scholarship. And shortly following

I Messenger the birth of their daughter, Mamie and Elza commuted for a year between Dallas and Austin, while Mamie accepted a grant to study at the University of Texas at Austin.

In 1970, Mamie received her doctorate in Education, with a specialty in counseling and psychology, from North Texas State University (now, the University of North Texas). She also obtained her license to practice psychology.

Mamie became one of the early Black faculty members at SMU. She then joined the Dallas County Community College District, where she became the Division Chair of the communications, mathematics and developmental studies department at El Centro College. In addition to her fulltime positions, Mamie also held adjunct professor positions at a number of additional colleges, including Prairie View A&M University, Wiley College, Pepperdine University, the University of Texas at Arlington, Bishop College, University of North Texas and Paul Quinn College. She also conducted courses and workshops at military bases in Las Cruces, NM. After her retirement, she taught mathematics courses at Cedar Valley College.

Mamie is equally known for her role as the “historian of Black Dallas.” As many longtime Black neighborhoods in Dallas were bulldozed and gentrified during the early 1980’s, and older members of the community Mamie grew up in began to pass away, Mamie and a group of friends decided to do something to preserve the memory of these communities and people.

In 1983 she founded Black Dallas Remembered, a local heritage and historic preservation nonprofit dedicated to structural preservation, research, publication and free

educational activities targeting youth.

In the late 1980’s her preservation efforts focused on what would become the Freedman’s Cemetery memorial project.

Mamie’s involvement in preserving the history of African-Americans in Dallas and throughout Texas continued to expand, even as she continued to work f u l l-t ime as an educator and remain involved in many other organizations, activities and efforts.

She worked to preserve the home of Dallas civil rights leader Juanita Craft, and organized tours of this and other African-American historic sites in the Dallas area.

She also became involved in many other local preservation efforts, as well as National Trust and National Register Revue Board activities.

In recognition of her contributions, Governor Ann Richards appointed Dr. McKnight to the Texas Historical Commission Review Board, and in 1995, Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk appointed her to chair the Dallas Landmark Commission.

In 1999, Governor George W. Bush appointed her to the Texas Historical Commission, where she was a Commissioner for many years. She served as the 17th Basileus of Dallas’ Alpha Xi Omega Chapter, and the 16th South Central Regional Director, an international board position. Mamie was a charter member of the Trinity chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and was

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involved at various times with Altrusa of Dallas, the Urban League and the YWCA. She served on the boards of Friends of Fair Park, the Texas CAN Academy, the National Women’s Museum Local Advisory Committee, the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, the American Diabetes Association’s Minority Initiative, the Greater Dallas Community of Churches, Senior Citizens of Dallas, Volunteer Center, Community Council, Goodwill Industries, Dallas Historical Society and Communities in Schools. She chaired Black Women’s Conferences, and was involved in the Tri-Ethnic Committee on School Desegregation, SMU Women’s Conference Leader, the Mayor’s Child Care Task Force, Jubilee Dallas, and many other local state and national professional, civic and community service organizations and activities.

During the 1970’s, Dr. McKnight was involved in the women’s movement, and was a Texas Delegate to the National Women’s Conference in Houston in 1977. In 1986 she was a representative at the International Women’s Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.

Mamie also was engaged by the U.S. Department of Education as a higher education proposal reader on many occasions. And she was a writer and editor of many publications, including a number of publications released by Black Dallas Remembered. She was a producer of the “Precious Memories” program for television and conducted many heritage and preservation workshops. She also developed

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and conducted a number of summer youth programs in the areas of math and science.

Dr. McKnight received numerous awards for her community service. In addition to her induction into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, she won the 1990 Outstanding Alumna Award from the University of Texas, the 2001 University of North Texas President’s Citation for Distinguished Success, the University of North Texas Outstanding Alumna Award, and the first Maurine F. Bailey Award.

She received the Southern Methodist University 2005 Profile in Leadership Award, and the Zeta Phi Beta 2005 Woman of the Year Award. She was recognized by the Dallas NAACP and the American Jewish Congress, as well as among the YWCA’s 100 Women. She was awarded the Dallas County Historical Commission Award, the Women Helping Women Award from the Women’s Center of Dallas, and in her final official interview last year, Mamie and her daughter were interviewed and profiled

by Dallas-Ft. Worth’s NBC affiliate for Black History Month 2017 as mother/daughter “storytellers.”

She particularly loved hanging out and joking with her granddaughter, Cameron. After moving in with her daughter in New York a few years ago, she began working on her memoir, and left behind notebooks filled with stories and observations and memories. Memories, like experiences, were her treasures.

Mamie was a woman of faith.

She joined Crest Moore United Methodist Church in Dallas (later, Crest Moore/King Memorial United Methodist Church, and now Community United Methodist Church), where she briefly taught Sunday School.

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Opening your doors to your customers is an exciting time to engage your consumers; celebrate your venture and grow your grand opening.

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Print 1) Create a paid advertising campaign AND engage experts to make the event a success. Social media channels and e-mail marketing are great yet it takes an expert to engage the industry leaders, reach viable customers and set –up a successful outcome. The golden rule to remember here is: “ IF IT DON’T MAKE MONEY IT DONE MAKE SENSE!”

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So like the Jeffersons you can have your piece of the PIE Today. Now if you are ready for your piece of the pie, then Texas Metro News and myself are offering a special advertisement and marketing package called P.I.E. Email me or call Texas Metro News at 214-941-0110 so we can create a custom P.I.E. for your business. Follow me on Twitter @ terryallenpr.

Terry Allen is an NABJ Salute to Excellence award-winning journalist and small business marketing expert. He is also a Senior Sales Executive with FedEx where he has won the prestigious Five Star Award, President’s Club Award, I am FedEx Award, Regional MVP Award as well as two Brava Zulu Awards from FedEx.

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January 19, 2018

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How Do I Smile?

Even today, when my heart continues to cry; Because you were and always will be.

Realizing the finality of life and knowing we all must die.

Yet, relishing the time left for me.

To live and learn; to move forward and love.

Left to finish things started by we two.

Accepting your absence but still feeling your love.

All the time frightened by what I might see.

Asking for guidance and hoping it comes; To brighten the path I must take; none to shun.

Connecting broken pieces from this life I now make.

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(214) 376-8297

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for Felony Court Judge

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Headwrapping party Dallas based recording artist Myshel is hosting a head-wrap party. Myshel’s mother was born and raised in Ghana. Her mother embraced the

Jasper Baccus

Remembering Jasper Baccus WAKE: 1/22/18 6P Black & Clark 2517 E. Illinois Ave. Dallas SERVICE: 1/23/18 11A Central Pointe Church 7440 S. Westmoreland Rd., Dallas

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opportunity to teach her a valuable lesson after she was being bullied by her peers. Her solution included a trip to Ghana. Her focus was to teach Myshel how to embrace her internal and external beauty.

Myshel took it a step further by competing in pageants in school and winning a few notable titles.

Today, she’s educating

women of all ages, races, and socio-economic backgrounds about the importance of embracing their beauty.

She teaches head-wrap classes to create an opportunity for ladies to fellowship and share their stories in a life-changing, interactive environment. But more importantly, why they deserve to wear a crown.

Sat, January 20, 2018 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM CST 1800 Bonnie View Road Dallas, TX 75216

Jasper Edward Baccus Jr. was born in Dallas, Texas on September 20, 1928. He was the second of 8 children, born to Jasper Edward Baccus, Sr. and Edna Nixon Baccus. He departed on January 15, 2018.

Jasper Baccus, Jr. truly understood obeying the gospel to become a Christian and he made that commitment at an early age. He was baptized at Lawrence & Marder Church of Christ, where he was the song leader and faithful member. He later attended Cedar Crest and Dallas West Church of Christ. At the time of his demise, he was a faithful member of Central Pointe’ Church of Christ, under the leadership of Sr. Minister Dr. Rodney Dulin.

Jasper attended Phyllis Wheatley Elementa-

ry and Lincoln High School. He united in matrimony with Dorothy, Mary and Billie; all who preceded him in death. Within those unions 16 children were born.

An avid golfer, Jasper was the entrepreneur’s businessman. He started and grew Baccus Cleaners into one of the premiere dry cleaners esablishments in Dallas, with the anchor store located in the heart of Sunny South Dallas on Martin Luther King Blvd where it intersects with Malcolm X Blvd. Jasper loved life and people. He wanted to see his people and community thriving and he did all he could toward that end. A long time member and former chairman of the board of the Pylon Salesmanship Club, Jasper always had a smile, word of wisdom or kind word.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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Remembering James Brown 1933-2006

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HALL: The GOP- America’s Sheet-Hole!

QUIT PLAYIN’

By Vincent L. Hall

Whenever confronted and forced to exhaust my mental faculties along the subject of race and privilege, I always return to my staple. It’s a book by Dr. Andrew Hacker, Professor Emeritus of Queens College in New York. The Christian Science Monitor described it as “A quietly terrifying book.”

“Two Nations: Black and White, Separate, Hostile, Unequal” was written in 1992 but stitches the reasoning for our racial divide from Nixon to this present impasse. Further, Hacker’s thesis buoys my point that in lockstep with the “shithole” sentiments of Donald J Trump, the Republican Party is the “sheet-hole” of America. The GOP’s back door alliance with White Nationalism segues into their stratagems for party unity.

Now the term “sheet-hole” was coined because my mother threatened me not to curse, act uncouth or appear curt like the deranged man that inhabits the “Outhouse” at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. All that Trump lacks is the pointed Capirote and “glory suit” of the KKK, and he could probably find that among his dad’s relics.

In the last chapter of the book; “A politics based on race,” Hacker posits that around 1975 there was a change in

the overall attitude of White voters; they would no longer support measures aimed at

assisting Blacks.

The premier racial theologian went on to say that the repositioning was ratified in 1980 by the candidacy and election of Ronald Reagan.

Hacker was born in 1929 as was MLK, but thankfully is still in our midst and published his latest work in 2016. Scholars regard several of his works, but one worth your time is “Money; Who Has How Much and Why.” Read it.

Hacker came top of mind as America’s new “shithole” doctrine passed from Trump’s lips to the Twitter feed of an already fatigued international community. The statement was based on Trump’s coded contentions that he is, by birthright and birthplace; superior. The problem is not just Trump, but the majority of GOP sympathizers who revere these overtures as Gospel; verse, chorus and refrain.

“This is not to assert the white Americans spend much of their time musing about their whiteness in an open way.

Republicans want to remind White people how much they have invested in maintaining the status of the race. Thus the attacks on affirmative-action suggest that these policies would diminish the benefits of being White for those who have always believed that they

QUIT PLAYIN’ could take that advantage for granted.”

Hacker cites Jesse Helms, who in his 1990 North Carolina bid for another senate term released this ad. “You needed that job, and you were the best qualified. But it had to go to a minority because of a ra-

cial quota“ Quota arguments in 1992 are parallel to 2018 Immigration politics and the loss of jobs by rural Whites to proximity, technology or both. Immigrants, of all hues will suffer

for the next generation, but to castigate the heritage of darker immigrants in such a crude manner was just…to be honest…Shitty!

America doesn’t pick winners, America makes them!

The peril is not in immigrants from a “shit-hole” country”; the predicaments lie with “sheet-hole” Republicans who demand racial and cultural homogeneity. “America is for Americans,” until the ruby red strawberries are ripe or the lilywhite linen needs changing at Mar-a-Lago.

Let me exit this essay with a Hackerism truth. “If members of other races had similar rearings, they would display a similar distribution of success. So in terms of mental capacities, our best knowledge is that all races have a comparable range of geniuses and morons and people of average ability.”

That is the premise for equality among humankind.

The GOP finally found an imperial that has either the naïveté or the “nuts” to voice their moronic ideals of race supremacy. Sheet-holes, not shitholes are the dilemma facing the future success of the American people. The GOP finally found an imperial that has either the naïveté or the “nuts” to voice their moronic ideals of race supremacy.

Sheet-holes, not shitholes are the dilemma facing the future success of the American people.

Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist and award-winning journalist.

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Haiti and African Nations

By Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

– C o n gresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released a statement after the president’s most recent comments during a White House meeting discussing Haiti and African nations: “The president’s most recent comments about the immigrants from Haiti and Africa are beyond disgraceful. The president’s ongoing war against immigrants appears to be solely directed toward those immigrants of color. America is America because of the slaves who were bought, purchased and shipped here unwillingly from Africa and Haiti to build the infrastructure that makes this country what it is today. And if the president needs a reminder the home where he resides, The White House was built by slaves—immigrants.

“No person’s merits or character should ever be attacked based on w h e r e they are from.

I have been a strong advocate in protecting DREAMers, children who were unknowingly brought into this country by their parents, and those who benefit from Temporary Protection Status (TPS) who have fled civil unrest or natural disasters in search of a better life.

“My hope and continuous fight is that we will have the opportunity to fix our immigration system so it continues to be diverse and inclusive of those immigrants who are often overlooked from parts of the world such as Africa.

“May the president’s ignorance not impact the growth of ideas, innovation and development from immigrants who are willing to contribute to building a better union.”

Make sure you are registered to vote!

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OF COUNSEL PROFILE

I’M A PUBLIC SERVANT AT HEART,” SAYS MOOREHEAD, “SO THIS WAS A WAY TO REACH OUT TO THOSE WHO NEED HELP.”

Audrey

Moorehead

The Call

to Serve

By Susan Cushing

“I

felt that the best way I could follow my commitment to public service would be through a career in law,” says attorney Audrey Moorehead.

“I never envisioned joining a large law firm with the goal of making a lot of money. My dream was to have a solo practice where I would be free to practice as I saw fit. By being in control of my own destiny, I could take on as many pro bono cases as I wanted and represent clients who I felt needed me.”

Hers was not what many might consider a traditional route to becoming an attorney.

Moorehead has her MBA and began her professional career in executive management with the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas specializing in long-term care. However, in her search for how best to serve her community, Moorehead opted for a career in law, attending Texas Wesleyan University School of Law. During the summers, she also served summer judicial internships for District Court Judge Jay Patterson as well as Federal Judge Sam A. Lindsay.

Long before she embarked on the path leading to her Juris Doctor, Moorehead’s ardor for serving others was as much a part of her makeup as her DNA. Empowered by her role as advocate for those with little or no voice, Moorehead is driven by an innate sense of justice and her belief that the American judicial system is designed to ensure that everyone – male and female, young and old, rich or poor – is equally protected.

“It may not be perfect,” Moorehead says, “but it remains the best system in the world.

All the tools are there; it’s up to us to use them effectively and in good conscience.”

For more than a decade, Moorehead had her own Dallas law office practicing in the areas of criminal defense, family law, wills, trusts, probate and child welfare.

“I was an older student,” she adds, “I already knew what my priorities were – my family, my community and my faith. My practice reflects those priorities.”

Her dedication and commitment is evident serving on a variety of boards and committees over the years. Moorehead currently serves on the board of directors for the State Bar of Texas as section representative and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Dallas County Child Welfare Board, CASA Children’s Council, State Bar of Texas legal services to the poor in criminal matters committee and is former secretary and treasurer of the Dallas Bar Association.

“I’m a public servant at heart,” says Moorehead, “so this was a way to reach out to those who need help.”

In an effort to expand her services while continuing to follow her path of volunteering, meeting numerous requests for public speaking and other community out-reach programs, Moorehead joined the firm of Kastl Law P.C., as of counsel.

“There’s no real definition for of counsel,” she says, “seasoned attorneys and firms are able to craft a position that is best to meet mutually agreed upon goals. I have to say, that working with Krisi Kastl has been the best possible relationship I could hope for.”

There was another practical reason for Moorehead’s move to Kastl Law P.C. Earlier this year she made the exciting announcement that she will be a candidate for the soon to be vacated seat for judge of Dallas County Criminal Court 3.

“Should I be elected, I’m confident that my clients will receive the same high level of personal service that I have always provided,” she says. “Kastl Law and I share the same philosophy when it comes to representing our clients.”

This is undoubtedly one of the reasons Moorehead has been named Wills Clinic Pro Bono Attorney of the Year by the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program. Her dedication and commitment to public service is obvious, and it is her hope and that of the thousands who support her, to bring that commitment to the bench.

Kastl Law P.C.

4144 North Central Expressway, Suite 300 Dallas, TX 75204 (214) 821-0230 www.kastllaw.com

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MALVEAUX: Fifty Years Ago The Last Word

by Dr. Julianne Malveaux

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., born on January 15, 1929, turned 39 years old fifty years ago.

Assassinated on April 4, 1968, he didn’t make it to 40.

Yet in his scant 39 years on the planet, he upended the ways we think about race, capitalism, poverty, power, and imperialism. The powers that be –foundations, corporations, and the media -- were okay with him when he talked about race and discrimination. They were much less happy when he rattled their cages, talking about capitalism and imperialism. When he began to speak out against the Vietnam War, King was pretty much told to stay in his lane. When he didn’t, some of his support drifted away.

Yet he persisted. He lifted his voice. He made a difference.

And he left a legacy that, fifty years later, we must reclaim.

1968 was a fascinating year, perhaps one of the most important as a game-changer in our national con-

sciousness. King was assassinated, and so was Robert Kennedy, a man who embraced King’s message and who might have been an amazing President, had he been able to complete his campaign and win.

In 1968, despite Dr. King’s assassination, his colleagues executed the Poor People’s Campaign.

It brought people from all over the country to the Washington Mall, people who were prepared to confront our government about the way we treated poor people.

Some of those who were there spoke of the “absolute audacity” of the people who gathered, who believed they could make a difference. Their audacity reflected the audacity of Dr. King the man who, in his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in 1964, spoke of the “audacity to believe” that our society could be different, more accepting of the poor, and more committed

to “three meals a day for our bodies, education and culture for our minds, peace and freedom for our spirit.”

Fast forward.

Peace is elusive. We may well be looking at a nuclear war with North Korea. Two unstable individuals are playing the 11 year old game (with all due respect to 11 year olds) of mine is bigger than yours.

I think the whole world cringed when 45 continued to sell wolf tickets to North Korean President Kim Jong-Un. 45 keeps calling that clearly unstable leader out of his name, and engaging him in toxic insults.

When crazy meets crazy, what does this mean for the rest of us? Fifty years ago, Dr. King would have made time for both, speaking of peace.

Now, we have pugilists in charge of diplomacy.

This is someplace past challenging – it is a prescription for disaster.

Then we have the new tax bill that flies in the face of everything Dr. King stood for.

It will cut social programs, and filter

more money to the wealthy.

When Dr. King said he had the audacity to believe that people could have three meals a day, he supported the Food Stamps program that House Majority Leader Paul Ryan (R-WI) would like to reduce or eliminate. More than that, when Dr. King talked about “education and culture” his comments are radically different from those of Education Secretary Betsey DeVoid (of good sense, but she goes by the name DeVos).

Her work in these short months has minimized opportunities and safety for students.

This year there will be commemorations of the many things that happened fifty years ago. This year we will again mourn Dr. Martin Luther King and Senator Robert Kennedy.

This year we will remember the 1968 Presidential campaign, the drama in Chicago, the Presidential candidacy of the racist George Wallace, the rising fists of Black athletes at the Olympics, and the peak in Vietnam deaths. We in the civ-

il rights community will think of Dr. King, but 1968 was one of those years, fifty years ago, when lives were upended, conventional wisdom was challenged, and audacity was celebrated. Yes, 1968 was an audacious year; more audacious than many we have seen since.

Fifty years ago, we lost a King and gained audacity. We turned it up and turned it out in cities around the country. We confronted government with the Poor People’s Campaign. Now what?

Rev. William Barber, author of the Third Reconstruction, and President of the moral movement, Repairers of the Breach, carries on the legacy.

So does Rev. Jesse Jackson, leader of Rainbow PUSH and a close associate of Dr. King’s.

There are others who have audacity, but they can’t do it alone, any more than our leaders did fifty year ago. Where do you stand?

Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Founder of Economic Education. Her podcast, “It’s Personal with Dr. J” is available on iTunes. Her latest book “Are We Better Off: Race, Obama and public policy is available via amazon.com

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Coleman named convention chair for NABJ National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) President Sarah Glover has named Dallas-area editor and journalism educator Eva D. Coleman as the 2018 NABJ Convention chairwoman.

The largest gathering for journalists of color in 2018 will be held at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center from Aug. 1-5. Coleman will lead the convention team. This year's theme is "NABJ18: Driving Journalism, Technology & Trust."

President Glover praised Coleman for her decades of service since becoming a member in 1995. Coleman has served NABJ in numerous capacities, including chapter president, deputy regional director and regional conference co-chairperson.

"Eva has been a phenomenal member and servant of NABJ. I appreciate her wide-ranging skill set and organizational expertise," said Glover. "Eva brings years of experience as an executive producer and entrepreneur.

I am especially proud of her work on JSHOP, NABJ's high school journalism workshop, and the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists' (DFW/ABJ) Urban Journalism Workshop, of which she has directed the radio and television components for more than 15 years."

Coleman says NABJ is near and dear to her heart. For years, she has brought her entire family, including her

mother, to the national conventions.

"This is definitely an honor to be named the chair of the NABJ national convention," Coleman said. "This appointment is one that I don't take lightly. NABJ has a history of providing excellent programming for our members and the industry. I am very appreciative to President Glover for having confidence in me to continue NABJ's rich legacy and I look forward to an exciting, informative, innovative, thought-provoking, productive convention that is beneficial to our entire membership while also providing groundbreaking leadership to others in the industry."

Coleman is an honors graduate of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. A four-time TellyÂŽ award winning producer, as the executive producer of Frisco ISD-TV, she has garnered numerous awards including the inaugural Student Television Network Teacher of the Year 2012-2013.

She is the former executive producer of Frisco High School's first-ever television program, RACC-TV, serving in that role and as broadcast journalism teacher from 2004-2008. In addition, Eva created and launched Ranger News Network (RNN) at Frisco's sixth high school, Lone Star, in 2010.

Of her 23 years of experience in television broadcasting, she served eight as

a producer for the television production company, PRIMEDIA Workplace Learning.

Skilled in radio broadcasting as well, she also served as a Technical Operator for Dallas' KRLD 1080 AM for 12 years, where she ran the audio board for various programs, including Texas Rangers baseball broadcasts.

From the inception of Dallas' KRNB 105.7 FM in September 1996 through May 1998, Coleman was an on-air radio personality there. In 2013, she completed studies as a Reynolds High School Journalism Institute Fellow at Arizona State University (Phoenix), having been one of 175 journalism instructors selected from around the country to participate in the American Society of News Editors (ASNE) administered program hosted by five universities and funded by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. In 2014, Coleman was selected to serve on the State Board of Education's Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications, Committee 1 for the review of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for career and technical education.

A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a past president and current vice president of the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (DFW/ABJ), Coleman is the lifestyles editor for I Messenger Media (a conglomerate of three

newspapers and an internet talk show). She also served as deputy director for NABJ Region VII and V from 20012007, and currently serves as NABJ Region III deputy director - west. Coleman is widowed and has two daughters, 16-year-old Cecily Simone and 11-year-old Evana Gabrielle.

Pointing out that NABJ is the largest minority journalism organization of color in the nation, with a huge international contingent, Coleman said the programming and coordination of the national convention is critical especially when you consider changes in the industry.

NABJ Founder Norma Adams-Wade agreed.

"I've been very excited about the growth of NABJ under Sarah's leadership, and the choice of Eva as convention chair is just one more positive and forward-thinking decision that our president has made," said Adams-Wade, who is a contributing columnist and retired senior staff writer at The Dallas Morning News and still very active with NABJ nationally and locally, through DFW/ABJ. "Eva is experienced, meticulous, dedicated and a joy to work with. I'm looking forward to the convention and doing whatever I can to assist."

Coleman may be reached at conventionchair@nabj.org.

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January 19, 2018

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I don’t want to hear “You are not the father” Ask ALMA Dear Alma, My wife and I divorced after 38 years of marriage. I still don’t understand why, I want to work it out, but she does not.

I had intended on spending the rest of my life with her and now that won’t happen. We had our up and downs, but overall I thought we had a solid commitment and happy marriage.

I was happy. She said that she was not and that I never listened to her.

She also gave many other reasons that I don’t think are true or care to discuss.

Sometimes I feel like my life is over. I have listened to all her lies and lately I’ve been thinking about my children and how I don’t think they look like me and I wonder if I am their father.

When they were young and we were married I didn’t think much about it.

But now they are all adults and listening to their mother and all of her lies, it makes me wonder. I want them to have a DNA test and I want my wife to pay for it. I do not want to discuss this with anybody in my family.

Can you tell me where to get a DNA test of your children?

Signed, I Want A DNA Test

Dear DNA Test,

Oh no I won’t, but what I will do is try to stop you before you commence to making a mockery of your marriage and children with such foolery. Don’t you dare consider asking your adult children for a DNA test. You’ve raised them and they believe you to be their father, so then, that’s it – you are! Your statue of limitations to confirm that has passed. Look on the bright side,

Don’t you dare consider asking your adult children for a DNA test. You’ve raised them and they believe you to be their father, so then, that’s it – you are! like my mama use to say, “you feed ‘em they’ll favor you.” LOL. So put your glasses back on.

I get the impression you’re a man of few words, and since I totally disagree with you, I won’t keep you long. Asking for a DNA test from your children will only devastate and alienate them and you don’t want to do that. You’re hurt and the thought of finding love again seems impossible. Understandingly so,

you were not planning to live out your latter years alone. Here’s my point, as long as you have life, you have another chance at love.

The mind can be tricky during the healing process of heartbreak.

Having endured more than a few myself, I remember every negative thought or action becomes totally consuming, taking you to a place where you can’t clearly decipher rational from irrational. I’m sorry you weren’t able to work things out with your wife, but I assure you, your life will get better.

Check out some old family pictures, you’re surely to be surprised and I hope tickled by the moments of reminiscing. Your kids look like you when you were younger, it’s you who changed. Age crept up on you and made a few adjustments, Please, adhere to my advice, drop the notion or need for a DNA test.

Don’t demean the love of your children as a pawn to get back at your wife. Whenever there’s an opportunity for you to continue to be the best father possible, you should take it. Invest in yourself, get back out there, go the church, volunteer, join a gym.

I know it may seem difficult as the days go by, but wake up appreciating life every day. This experience is the end of marriage, not your life.

Meet death by surprise, don’t allow it to become a destination.

The rest of your life can be the best of your life. It all depends on you.

Alma

Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail.com.

Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.

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Hollywood Hernandez Live

By Hollywood Hernandez Movie Review-

HOSTILES Hostiles will make you mad! Perhaps though it’s because of the excellent job Director Scott Cooper (2015’s Black Mass) does in taking us back to a time when Native American’s were considered “savages” and where the hatred by American soldiers for them was considered heroic. Christian Bale also plays a character filled with hate for the natives, who’s land and way of life was taken from them by settlers who took over their land when they moved out west.

It’s a movie that is hard to enjoy, because of the cruelty shown to Native Americans, but if you can stomach the harsh treatment it’s a history lesson that deserves to be seen.

The cinematography

in the movie is stunning and the actors deliver excellent performances.

Bale plays a retiring soldier who has one last mission; to escort an old Indian chief, and his family, home to die in peace after serving an extended sentence in an army camp. Bales character, Captain Blocker, hates Indians so much that he considers a court martial rather than obeying his final order.

He finally consents and the Indian chief gets an army escort home.

Out on the trail Blocker (Bale) does everything he can to demean the tribe leader.

However, Chief Yellow Hawk (Wes Studi) keeps his dignity under every circumstance he’s forced to endure. Along the way the travelers find a woman whose entire

family was killed by Indians and she joins the group. Her hatred for Indians, who have just killed her husband and children, matches that of Captain Blocker.

In the end the movie is about dignity.

Again, while it’s a hard movie to watch, it delivers an excellent message. Christian Bale carries the film with an excellent performance; however, no other actors have much in the way

of character development.

I would have like more perspective from the Native American characters.

The movie is rated “R” for violence and has a run time of two hours and 13 minutes. It’s showing now in limited release and opened nationwide on January 19th.

On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate Hostiles a MEDIUM. Read more and win tickets at www.hollywoodhernandezlive.com

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Which chance are you on?

Spiritually trying to earn our way giveness so graciously that the world is more Speaking into God’s good grac- given to us. “Bear with easily navigated with

by James A. Washington

One of the key areas of “being Christian” I know I have problems with is that of forgiveness.

Maybe you do too.

Jesus time and again reminds His disciples that although the laws of His Father are crystal clear, God is always receptive to a repentant heart.

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation…” 2 Corinthians 7:10. Some say God is a second chance giver.

Others know He is another chance giver.

The latter would apply to me.

Without another chance or two or three, or four, my gaining entrance to the kingdom would certainly be a lost cause.

The whole point of Christ’s crucifixion was to forgive us our sins, thereby freeing us from the prospect of

es.

Christ took care of that for us indeed. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished upon us with all wisdom and understanding.” Ephesians 1:7-8.

I guess this identifies forgiveness as the focal point for the Christian experience and deserves our serious attention.

You see, even though Christ fulfilled His purpose on the cross, our obligation to forgive became critical as we assume the position of “being saved.”

We too are now part of the forgiveness experience, if you catch my meaning. “…Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

We must exhibit mercy and forgiveness in our own lives if we are to enjoy the blessing of mercy and for-

each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.

Forgive as the lord forgave you” Colossians 3:13.

This is not turn the other cheek stuff. This is just “let-it-go-forgive-and-forget” stuff and it’s hard.

We are not built not to hold grudges, not to seek revenge, not to want to get even or not to wish harm on those who have done harm to us.

It is so much easier to play the eye for an eye game.

When you understand your own unwillingness to forgive, or your own just don’t want to attitude, it is easy to hear Christ say, and “He who is without sin cast the first stone’.

John 8:7.

Some of us even have the nerve to walk around with rocks in our hearts as well as our hands.

It is the honest Christian who recognizes

a do unto others as you would have them do unto you frame of mind.

I don’t know about you but I’d rather be done by people who will do me correctly.

Do me in the name of the lord and I’ll do you likewise.

You know somewhere that love your neighbor as yourself thing is messing with somebody who is reading this right now.

As human beings we tend to complicate the simplest of God’s edicts.

So allow me to put my point to you this way.

The road to heaven is readily navigated by the ones who let the stones go.

The road to hell is navigated by the ones who throw them.

Which one are you?

May God bless and keep you always.

James

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January 19, 2018

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January 19, 2018

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Thompson making a name for herself with Gospel album From Staff Reports

She’s the first lady of the trumpet and musical force to be reckoned with. Her 20 plus years in mainstream gospel music has placed her on stages alongside Bishop Hezekiah Walker as the lone trumpeter in his recording choir that delivered countless hits. She has carved out a niche for herself as “The Trumpet Lady” and boasts a rich musical pedigree: raised in Chicago (by way of New Orleans) and completed her post-secondary education in New York.

Syreeta Thompson is a Grammy winning and Stellar Gospel Music Awards nominated musician and songwriter.

Syreeta has had the distinct honor to work with and be mentored by two world renowned Trumpet “Masters” Wynton Marsalis and Terence Blanchard.

Though many know her for her time with Walker and the Love Fellowship choir, but she has shared her craft as the current Arts Education Director for Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole’s Singers and Musician Conference (SMAC). As a Master music educator Syreeta is the CEO and President of Mission Music Inc. and she’s Director and Founder of the National Singers and Arts Conference Arts Education Program.

“It has been an honor to

work with Syreeta, she is such a talented individual. Syreeta is iconic and is going to change the music culture!” – James Walker & Associates, LLC She has served as featured artist at such events as: Dr. Bobby Jones’ Artist Retreat, The I Hear Music in the Air conference and most recently at the Chicago Gospel Announcer’s Guild.

She’s been featured in HYPE Magazine, Us Magazine, The New York Journal, Jazz Times and Twist Magazine. Perhaps not one to toot her own horn beyond a score sheet or lead chart, Thompson is a masterful musician and degreed professional. She received her bachelors of music from Rutgers University. She also has received her Master’s degree in Jazz Composition and Arranging from New York University. Her commitment to share her gift with the next generation gifted the trumpeter the opportunity to compose six curriculums for the East Orange School District. She’s known for her trumpeter prowess, but Thompson is a multi-instrumentalist and self-proclaimed “brass specialist”.

In addition to the trumpet, she plays the trombone, euphonium (baritone), piano, drums and upright bass.

Her musical gifting doesn’t end at the bell of her horn! She is also a gifted singer with an equal-

Her latest project “Evolution of a Winner” garnered a Stellar Gospel Music Award nomination and landed at #34 and #16 on the Top Gospel Album Sales and Top Jazz Album Sales respectively. You read that right, her album featuring gospel and inspirational music caught the attention of jazz fans as well! Syreeta’s previous body of work entitled “Winner” debuted on multiple Billboard charts and landed at #7 on the Gospel charts, #1 in Traditional and #1 in Contemporary jazz charts and #1 in overall jazz sales.

ly impressive vocal range!

She’s still hitting all the right notes and inspiring listeners everywhere. In a word, her performance is dazzling, but the iconic Swaroski crystal company made sure the comparisons didn’t end with a metaphor. Thompson’s trumpet is the first of its kind, fully bedazzled in the sparkling crystals.

With “Evolution of a Winner”, Syreeta “The Trumpet Lady” Thompson is evolving into a household name, blowing up the perfect storm of hit songs, albums and experiences!

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DBDT taps Hurricane Katrina Survivor to Choreograph 2018 Cultural Awareness Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s (DBDT) taps Hurricane Katrina survivor and choreographer Michelle N. Gibson to choreograph a work featuring a New Orleans-style second line brass band in the grand finale. Displaced, Yet Rebirthed makes its Dallas premiere during DBDT’s Cultural Awareness Series. Presented by Wells Fargo, the Series is showcased Friday - Sunday, Feb. 16 through Feb. 18, at the Wyly Theatre, 2400 Flora, Dallas, TX 75201.

“There is a void of missing home.

This piece is snapshots of our experience,” explained Gibson who created Displaced, Yet Rebirthed as a proud New Orleans resident who had to flee her hometown in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina. Together with her family, she evacuated to Dallas and they have lived here since.

The dance both honors survivors and is a tribute to the more than 1,800 people who tragically lost their lives.

Gibson is incorporating a live band in the New Orleans tradition to celebrate the lives lost and rebirth of those who survived. “As New Orleans celebrates its tricentennial this year, I am proud to share the rich authentic culture of our city with Dallas,” said Gibson.

Another aspect of DBDT’s Cultural Awareness Series features a tribute to one of the most iconic leaders of our time. His Grace by Christopher L. Huggins is dedicated to former South African President Nelson Mandela.

The work features images of Mandela accompanied by the techno sound of artist, Moby. In 2014, His Grace made its world premiere in Dallas. Huggins is an international choreographer who has worked in Italy, France, Norway, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Slovenia, Austria, Japan, Korea, Jamaica, South Africa, and throughout the United States. Huggins is a former soloist of the renowned Alvin Ailey American

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A Way Out of This Out of the darkness, be drawn to the light.

It will warm and comfort you and turn your day from the night.

Allowing you to see the good times and find strength in them It will show, without a doubt, that your strength comes from Him.

Choreographer Michelle N. Gibson. Photograph

by Omar Ramos.

Dance Theater and Aterballetto of Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Wells Fargo has served as a presenting sponsor of the series for eight consecutive years. “At Wells Fargo, caring for communities is embedded in our culture," said Wells Fargo Region Bank President for Greater Dallas, Scott Wallace. “We strive to create and support positive, lasting impact — socially, economically, and environmentally — through our business practices, philanthropy and community engagement.

Supporting the Dallas Black Dance Theatre offers us yet another opportunity to add to the quality of life in our communities.”

PERFORMANCE DETAILS Friday and Saturday evening performances February 16-17, 2018, 7:30 p.m.

Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre 2400 Flora Street, Dallas, TX. Sunday matinee February 18, 2018, 2:30 p.m.

Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre 2400 Flora Street, Dallas, TX. The Thursday morning student matinees are both sold out. These matinees are made possible by SodexoMAGIC and Hattie Mae Lesley Foundation.

Performance ticket prices range from $22 - $58.

Everything imaginable rearranged by death.

Outlining the measure of the dash that you dwell on earth.

Although weakened by sadness, muster all you might.

Weep if you must but keep moving towards the light.

La Juana and Patricia Barton authors of Faithful Remembrances - Volume I

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Do you know this man?

POLICE have not apprehended “Pookie” the serial rapist. We know he has attacked members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.

HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST

He targeted members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but this is more than about a sorority. We’re talking about a community.

Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmother or maybe YOU?

877-373-8477