Dr. Mia Hall wins District 6 Seat in Fort Worth City Council Runoff Election
Dr. Mia Hall will be the newest member on Fort Worth City Council, filling the open District 6 seat, formerly held by Jared Williams. She will represent the southwestern areas of Fort Worth including the Como community.
The Crowley ISD board member and Fort Worth ISD executive took 57% of the vote on June 7 in a runoff against Daryl Davis II, former Crowley ISD school board president. Of the district’s 56,753 registered voters only 5.7% cast a ballot. Hall took the lead with 46.8% of votes, Davis trailed Hall with 28.5% of votes.
Four candidates (Davis, Hall, Marshall Hobbs and Adrian Smith) ran for the District 6 seat that Jared Williams held since 2021 and because no candidate secured over 50% of the vote in the May 3 election a runoff was scheduled for June.7, 2025.
Both candidates campaigns acknowledged Williams accomplishments, highlighted
investments in public safety improvements, infrastructure development, and community involvement. Hall has promised safe neighborhoods, improved
The Building Blocks of Math That Young Students Need to ExcelBut Aren’t Always Getting
By Holly Korbey Hechinger Report
This story was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet focused on education.
ATLANTA — Students gathered around a bright blue number board in Melissa Williams’ kindergarten class at the Westminster School, gazing at the bank of 100 blank squares, organized in rows and columns of 10. Their assignment was to pick a numbered tile and figure out where it should go on the board. The task seems simple, but Williams’ goal was to bolster students’ “number sense” — a difficult-to-define skill, but one that is nevertheless essential for more advanced mathematics. One student with a “42” tile carefully counted the squares in each
row. “Ten!” he said. Counting each row by tens — 10, 20, 30 — he came to 40, then moved his finger to the next row and counted the next two to arrive at 42. The fact that the student was able to count by tens and then add two, rather than counting each square up to 42, is an example of number sense.
Other examples include understanding the size of numbers about one another, finding missing numbers in a sequence, understanding that written numbers like “100” represent 100 items, and counting by ones, twos, fives, and tens. Each of these skills is critical to understanding math, just like grasping the connection between letters and the sounds they represent is a must-have skill for fluent reading. Number sense is
so innate to many adults that they may not remember being taught such skills. It is crucial to mastering more complex math skills like manipulating fractions and decimals or solving equations with unknown variables, experts say. Research shows that a flexible understanding of numbers is strongly correlated to later math achievement and the ability to solve problems presented in different ways.
Unlike the recent surge of evidence on science-based reading instruction, research and emphasis on number sense isn’t making its way into schools and classrooms in the same way. Students spend less time on foundational numeracy compared with what they spend on reading; elementary teachers often receive less training in how to
roads and infrastructure, enhanced city services and the fostering of economic development.
Her opponent in the runoff, Davis, promised wellplanned neighborhoods that are safe and affordable to live in.
Hall received the endorsements of City Council members Chris Nettles. Elizabeth Beck, Carlos Flores and former Mayor Betsy Price, Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons, the Fort Worth Police Officers Association, the Firefighters Committee for Responsible Government, the Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors and the Black Women’s PAC.
Davis received endorsements from Jared Williams and Commissioner Roderick Miles Jr., State Rep. Chris Turner (Grand Prairie), the Tarrant County Central Labor Council, the Sierra Club, Young Tarrant County Democrats, and the Texas Progressive Caucus.
What to know about the City’s Juneteenth Closing Schedule
Most City offices, including City Hall, will be closed Thursday, June 19, for the Juneteenth holiday. Emergency services will be available as usual.
Solid waste: There will be no changes to residential collections. Garbage, recycling, yard waste and bulk will be collected as normal. The City’s four Drop-Off Stations and the Environmental Collection Center will be closed June 19. Operations will resume on Friday, June 20. If you have questions or need assistance, call 817-392-1234.
Animal Care & Control: The Fort Worth Animal Shelter’s Silcox Campus and North Campus will be closed to the public on June 19. PetSmart adoption locations at Alliance and Hulen will be open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Recreational amenities: All community centers, Haws Athletic Center and Log Cabin Village will be closed June 19. Rockwood Park and Pecan Valley golf courses, McLeland Tennis Center, swimming pools and Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge will be open.
Water Department: To access the Water Department’s automated system for payments and account inquiries or to report an emergency, call the 24-hour call center at 817-392-4477
with numbers and plus & minus sign isolated on white background.
teach math effectively; and schools use fewer interventions for students who need extra math support. Many American students struggle in math. According to the 2024 National Assess-
ment of Educational Progress, nearly 1 in 4 fourth graders and 39 percent of eighth graders scored “below basic,” the test’s lowest category. An analysis of state tests shows that few states have recovered
students from pandemic math losses, with disadvantaged students from low-income neighborhoods hit especially hard. For those struggling students — including those diag-
IN MEMORIAM: Legendary Funk Pioneer Sly Stone Dies at 82
By Stacy M. Brown, Black Press USA Senior
National Correspondent
Sylvester “Sly” Stewart—known to the world as Sly Stone, frontman of the groundbreaking band Sly and the Family Stone—has died at the age of 82. His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by loved ones, after battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other health complications. Born March 15, 1943, in Denton, Texas, Stone moved with his family to Vallejo, California, as a child. He began recording gospel music at age eight with his siblings in a group called the Stewart Four. By his teenage years, he had mastered multiple instruments and was already pioneering racial integration in music—an ethos that would define his career.
In 1966, Sly and his brother Freddie merged their bands to form Sly and the Family Stone, complete with a revolutionary interracial, mixedgender lineup. The band quickly became a commercial and cultural force with hits such as “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”—all penned by Stone himself. Their album Stand! (1969) and live performances—most notably at Woodstock—cemented their reputation, blending soul, funk, rock, gospel, and psychedelia to reflect the optimism and turmoil of their era. Sly Stone’s musical approach radically reshaped popular music. He transcended genre boundaries and empowered a new generation of
artists. The band’s socially conscious message and infectious rhythms sparked a wave of influence, reaching artists as diverse as Miles Davis, George Clinton, Prince, Dr. Dre, and the Roots. As the 1970s progressed, Stone confronted personal demons. His desire to use music as a response to war, racism, and societal change culminated in the intense album “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” (1971). But drug dependency began to undermine both his health and professional life, leading to erratic behavior and band decline through
the early 1980s. Withdrawn from the public eye for much of the 1990s and early 2000s, Stone staged occasional comebacks. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys in 2017, and captured public attention following the 2023 release of his memoir Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)—published under Questlove’s imprint. He also completed a biographical screenplay and was featured in Questlove’s documentary
Sly Lives! earlier this year. His influence endured across generations. Critics and historians repeatedly credit him with perfecting funk and creating a “progressive soul,” shaping a path for racial integration both onstage and in the broader culture. “Rest in beats Sly Stone,” legendary Public Enemy frontman Chuck D posted on social media with an illustrative drawing of the artist. “We should thank Questlove of the Roots for keeping his fire blazing in this century.” Emmy-winning en-
tertainment publicist Danny Deraney also paid homage. “Rest easy Sly Stone,” Deraney posted. “You changed music (and me) forever. The time he won over Ed Sullivan’s audience in 1968. Simply magical. Freelance music publicist and Sirius XM host Eric Alper also offered a tribute. “The funk pioneer who made the world dance, think, and get higher,” Alper wrote of Sly Stone. “His music changed everything—and it still does.” Sly Stone is survived by three children.
Dr. Mia Hall
Wooden blocks
Maths learning concept.
Building Your Future!
5 Ways to Come Up with a Down Payment
If you’re dreaming of becoming a homeowner but feel like your down payment is out of reach, you’re not alone. With rising rent, everyday expenses climbing, and the pressure of existing debt, saving can feel overwhelming. But don’t let the dream fade. As a local Realtor®, I’ve helped many first-time buyers take that exciting step into homeownership, and it all begins with a plan. Whether you’re hoping to buy in Fort Worth, Dallas, or one of the many wonderful surrounding communities, the key is getting creative and staying consistent. Here are five practical strategies that can help you build your down payment faster than
Talking R eal e s TaT e with
you think:
Stephanie Spann
1. Rethink Your Living Arrangements
Rent is often the biggest monthly expense. If there’s a chance to live with family temporarily take it. Skipping even six months of rent could put thousands into your savings account. If possible, offer to contribute in non-financial ways, like helping around the house or providing childcare. Many families are happy to support your goal, especially when they see your commitment.
2. Boost Your Income with a Side Hustle
Consider picking up a second job, even if it’s just part time. From weekend shifts in
retail to offering services like dog walking, rideshare driving, or tutoring there are endless ways to earn extra cash. It’s a short-term sacrifice with long-term reward.
3. Seek Career Growth Now might be the time to ask for a raise or take on new responsibilities. If a promotion isn’t immediately available, present a plan to your employer showing how you can add value. A bump in salary, even a modest one can help you save faster and strengthen your loan qualifications later.
4. Get Control of Your Debt
High interest debt can crush your saving plans. Consider speaking with a financial advisor or your local bank about consolidating your debt into
Building Blocks of Math That Young Students Need
nosed with dyscalculia and related learning challenges — lack of number sense often plays a significant role. “For kids that have a fundamental weakness in mathematics, 80 percent or 90 percent of the time that’s going to be linked to a lack of understanding numbers,” said Ben Clarke, an early math researcher and department head of special education and clinical sciences at the University of Oregon. “If we want students to be able to access other pieces of mathematics that are really important, then they need to build this foundational understanding of numbers.” Doug Clements, the Kennedy-endowed chair in early childhood learning at the University of Denver, said many American students struggle with seeing relationships between numbers. “Children who see 98 plus 99 and line them up vertically, draw a bar underneath with an addition sign, then sum the eight and the nine, carry the one and so forth — they are not showing relational thinking,” Clements said. “Children who immediately say, ‘That’s 200 take away three, so 197,’ are
showing number sense.”
Even in the early years of school, researchers can spot students who can make connections between numbers and use more sophisticated strategies to solve problems, just as some students start school already reading. Also as with reading, gaps between students are present on the first day of kindergarten. Students from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds arrive at school with less math knowledge than highincome students. Boston College psychologist and early math researcher Elida Laski said research has found income-based differences in how families talk about math with children before they ever reach school. “Lower-income families are more likely to think about math as narrow, it’s counting and numbers,” Laski said. “Whereas higherincome families tend to think about math as more conceptual and around in everyday life.” These differences in thinking play out in how flexible students are with numbers in early elementary school. In one study, Laski and her team found that higher-income
kindergarten and first-grade students used more sophisticated problem-solving strategies than lower-income students, who more often relied on counting. The higher-income students also had more basic math facts committed to memory, like the answer to one plus two.
The memory recall and relatively advanced strategies used by higher-income students produced more efficient problem-solving and more correct answers than counting did. Also, when students from high-income families
produced a wrong answer, it was often less wrong than students who were relying on strategies like counting. Laski said many of the lowincome students in the study struggled with addiction because they didn’t have a firm understanding of how basic concepts of numbers work.
For example, “When we’d ask, ‘What’s three plus four,’ we’d get answers like ‘34,’” Laski said. “Whatever ways they’re practicing arithmetic, they don’t have the conceptual basis to make sense of it. They didn’t have the
number sense, really.” Laski said early childhood classrooms could be “far more direct” with students in teaching number sense, weaving it in explicitly when working on more concrete skills like addition. Clarke, the early math researcher at the University of Oregon, agreed. “Our understanding has drastically grown in the last 20, 25 years about effective instructional approaches” to help students learn number sense, said Clarke. “If you are only going to get X number of minutes in kindergarten or first grade to
a single, lower-interest payment. This move can free up more room in your budget to save without adding more stress.
5. Explore Down Payment Assistance Programs
There are dozens of programs and grants designed to help buyers, especially firsttimers, cover down payments and closing costs. From city level grants to statewide and national options, you could qualify for thousands of dollars in assistance. I work with trusted mortgage partners who can walk you through what’s available right now in the DFW area.
“Think of these options and a short-term goal for the keys to your new home, that makes it worth the effort.”
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
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support student development in mathematics, kids that are not responding to the core instruction — you have to be pretty focused on what you do and what you offer.”
But elementary school teachers often aren’t trained well on the evidence base for best practices in teaching number sense. A 2022 report from the National Council on Teacher Quality highlights that while teacher training programs have improved in the last decade, they still have a long way to go. By their
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E. Jackson E.
Commentary Commentary
The Truth Makes Us Free
My grandmother taught me we are all born into a great, unfinished struggle. She meant the struggle for justice. For truth. For dignity.
Next week is Juneteenth, a time of year I always think about this lesson. I think about all the freedom fighters – famous and forgotten – who walked before us. And I think about all of us who walk now, still trying to finish what they began.
Juneteenth is not just about the day the last enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free – two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is about the delay. The gap between law and justice. It is about how long freedom takes when you leave it up to power.
But most of all, Juneteenth is about the power and importance of truth.
In every generation, there are people who want to
bury the truth. We are living through one of those times right now.
Recently I wrote about how the Trump administration’s attempts to omit Black heroes and accomplishments from the American story – as well as those from other marginalized groups – in its scorched earth assault on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As we fight the erasure of important heroes and historymakers from our past, there are pathbreaking heroes of today’s generations who have been targeted. I was recently reminded of this by Major Elizabeth Stephens.
“There’s a lot of focus on dead people, but a lot of us are still here,” Maj. Stephens told me. “People don’t understand what it’s like to watch yourself be erased, watch your achievements invalidated and the recognition you’ve received for those achievements
taken away.”
Among her many distinctions, Maj. Stephens is the first Black female graduate
By Ben Jealous
of the US Naval Academy to be selected as a Naval Aviator in the Marine Corps. She was the first Black woman to pilot the CH-46E and the first woman to pilot the MV-22 Osprey. For years, pictures of her and commemorations of these groundbreaking accomplishments were regular features in
government buildings, Naval events, and on military websites.
Now, just because she is a Black woman, her image and achievements are being swept into the dustbin, along with many other notable examples of Black heroism, as part of the Trump administration’s “DEI purge.”
Indeed, if you Google Elizabeth Okoreeh-Baah – Major Stephens’s name at the time she served – one of the top results is a link to the US Department of Defense for a photo titled “Osprey Pilot” with the description, “Marine Corps Capt. Elizabeth A. OkoreehBaah, the first female MV22 Osprey pilot, stands on a flightline in Iraq after a combat operation, March 12, 2008.” However, click the link and you end up on a defense. gov page with the error message “404 - Page Not Found.”
At least this was the situation last Friday when I checked. I searched her name
on defense.gov just in case the page was moved. No results.
Burying the achievements and contributions of our heroes rewrites history to fit a warped narrative of America that serves no one. What does serve all our interests is remembering.
And, on Juneteenth especially, that includes remembering not only that historical nail in slavery’s coffin, but the people, places, and events that were part of the long fight to end that abhorrent institution.
Remembering that Harriet Tubman was not only the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad but a nurse and a spy for the Union Army and the first woman in US history to lead a military raid. That raid – at Combahee Ferry in South Carolina –freed more than 700 people in a single night.
Remembering that Black churches like Quinn Chapel AME – the oldest Black church in Chicago – and Pil-
Building Blocks of Math That Young Students Need
standard, only 15 percent of undergraduate elementary education programs earned an A for adequately covering both math content and pedagogy. Teachers aren’t often taught to look at math learning as a whole, a progression of skills that takes students through elementary math, beginning with learning to count and ending up in fractions and decimals — something that some instructional coaches say would help emphasize the importance of how early number sense connects to advanced math. Grade-level standards are the focus that can leave out the bigger picture.
Both the Common Core State Standards and Clements, who served on the 2008 National Mathematics Advisory Panel and helped create a resource of early math learning trajectories, outline those skills progressions. However, many teachers are unaware of them. Instructional coach and math consultant Neily Boyd, who is based in Nashville, Tennessee, said she often works with teachers on understanding how one skill builds on another in sequence, how skills are connected, using the progressions as a jumping-off point. “When teachers have been trained on both the whole math concept and how the pieces progress from year to year, they’re able to teach their grade-level piece in a way that builds from the previous pieces and towards the future pieces,” she said. “Learning math becomes about widening and refining understandings you’ve already built, rather than a never-ending list of seemingly disconnected components.”
Young students also spend less time with numbers, which often only appear during “math time,” than they do with letters, reading, and literacy. “Often I’ll go into classrooms with literacy stuff all over the walls, but nothing in terms of number,” said Nancy Jordan, professor of learning sciences at the University of Delaware and author of “Number Sense Interventions.” “In the early grades, there are so many ways to build number sense outside of instructional time as well — playing games, number lines in the classroom. Teachers can think of other ways to build these informal understandings of math and relate them to formal understanding.” On a recent fall day at Nashville Classical Charter School, in Nashville, Tennessee, fourth-
Reading is a fundamental tool that should be learned at an early age.
grade math teacher Catherine Schwartz was walking students through a complicated subtraction problem with big numbers: “Lyle has 2,302 dog treats, but he needs 13,400. How many more treats does Lyle need?” To solve it, students had to “subtract across zeros,” regrouping from one place value to the next. Subtraction’s standard algorithm is an important skill to learn, Schwartz said, but can’t be done well without strong number sense.
Number sense for older students has some of the same ideas of magnitude and rela-
tionships, Schwartz said, but the numbers get bigger. Students began the subtraction problem using 13 thousand and four hundred to recognize the magnitude of the numbers in each place value, for ex-
Real Estate:
Saving for a down payment isn’t easy but it is possible. I’ve helped buyers from all walks of life find a path forward, and I’d be honored to help you do the same. Whether you’re six months or two years away from buying, I can help you create a plan that
ample, but slowly simplified it into the classic stack-andsubtract method. Schwartz, who has taught for seven years, said at first she didn’t realize how big a role number sense played in calcula-
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fits your lifestyle and financial goals.
Call me today for a free consultation or to learn more about down payment assistance programs in the Fort Worth/Dallas area. Your journey to homeownership starts with a conversation.
tions like subtraction with big numbers. ”Number sense or number flexibility, it’s never truly named” in the curriculum, Schwartz said. “We try to practice it.” Even something as simple as counting big numbers, including hun-
grim Baptist in St. Paul, were not just places of worship. They were stations on the railroad to freedom.
Remembering the story of Joshua Glover – a man who escaped slavery in Missouri, was captured in Wisconsin under the Fugitive Slave Act, and then liberated from jail by a crowd of thousands of abolitionists. His rescue helped spark the creation of the Republican Party – back when it was the party of Lincoln. These are not footnotes. They are the foundation. They tell us something essential about who we have been, who we are, and who we can still be.
Now, as the Trump administration attacks anything and everything recognizing diversity, as it moves to gut staff and resources from the very departments tasked with preserving our history, we need to be worried. We need to be worried about the future of
dreds thousands, and millions, some educators say, can help develop number sense. Counting might seem simple, but for young children, it’s foundational and essential. “These are really big ideas for little kids,” Jordan said.
Force Escalation and 45 LA Arrests
By April Ryan
“Can you imagine all of this for 45 arrests?” Juan Proano of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) asked. Proano is in Los Angeles after President Trump deployed the National Guard in response to Ice raids in what he calls “An attack on a sanctuary city.” As the sun rose
need to have is brown skin.”
Proano says the ICE raids “were not planned very well” as the ICE centers are already “overcrowded and moving to accelerated deportations” and stepping around due process for the new ICE arrests. Proano, the head of LULAC, said they [the Trump administration] originally hoped to
stating Newsom should be arrested as “he is grossly incompetent.”
President Trump deployed the National Guard to handle the LA protests stemming from the ICE raids in Los Angeles. LULAC, the NAACP, and other rights organizations have blamed President Trump for escalating the tensions
this morning in Los Angeles, it was quiet after what resembled a police state over the weekend. On this morning's Coffee With segment on the Contrarian, Proano said since Thursday, “45” migrants have been arrested. The head of the organization, which focuses on the advancement of Hispanics, discussed the discriminatory nature of these arrests, lending “the only criteria they
achieve 3,000 deportations daily. Los Angeles has a large migrant population, with the most significant numbers in the Asian and Hispanic communities. California Governor Gavin Newsom blames President Trump for the tensions in the Los Angeles area related to the latest ICE raids. This morning, President Trump retorted on the South Lawn of the White House,
CITY OF FORT WORTH
there. Meanwhile, President Trump is prepared to escalate this even more. Marines at Camp Pendleton are on high alert for possible deployment to Los Angeles. Currently, 2000 National Guard are deployed to the City of Angles, with only 300 on the ground. California is suing the Trump administration for the unlawful deployment of the National Guard in their state.
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES DEPARTMENT
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS and REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT FROM ALL INTERESTED CITIZENS AND ORGANIZATIONS IN FORT WORTH REGARDING THE 2025-2026 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
FOR USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) UNDER THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS:
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS (HOME) PROGRAM EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT (ESG) PROGRAM
HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS (HOPWA) PROGRAM
Public Comment Period June 16, 2025- July 16, 2025
The City of Fort Worth is providing a thirty-day public comment period regarding the submission of the proposed Annual Action Plan for the use of HUD grant funds for the 2025-2026 program year. The proposed plan meets federal requirements under the Community Development Act of 1974 and the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended. This plan will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on or about August 15, 2025, to meet application and regulatory requirements for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) programs. ACTION PLAN
The 2025-2026 Action Plan for the City of Fort Worth summarizes the specific activities and proposed expenditures for the CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA Programs for the upcoming program year, which begins on October 1, 2025, and ends on September 30, 2026. The purpose of these funds is to benefit low and moderate-income individuals and areas throughout the City of Fort Worth. ESG grant funds benefit homeless people and people at risk of homelessness. HOPWA grant funds benefit individuals with HIV/ AIDS within Tarrant, Parker, Wise, and Johnson Counties. CDBG and HOME funds support community development activities and affordable housing efforts. Activities and/or programs that receive funding must contribute to the attainment of goals outlined in the Five-Year (2023-2027) Consolidated Plan.
The total amount of grant funding to be allocated for the 2025-2026 Program Year is $13,333,355.77
including $60,000 in estimated program income from the CDBG and HOME programs. This includes $7,116,438.00 in CDBG funds, $2,814,431.77 in HOME funds, $615,818.00 in ESG funds, and $2,726,668.00 in HOPWA funds. A further detailed listing of how these funds will be allocated among different priorities and agencies can be obtained from the City of Fort Worth Neighborhood Services Department by contacting the staff persons referenced at the end of this notice. The following is a list of proposed activities: ESTIMATED AMOUNTS BY ACTIVITY AND/OR PROGRAM
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)
CDBG PUBLIC SERVICES
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County (Youth Development at Eastside Branch)
Camp Fire First Texas (Teens In Action)
$72,000.00
$62,184.00 Easter Seals North Texas, Inc. (Employment Services)
$92,000.00 Girls, Inc. of Tarrant County (Whole Girl Program)
$90,281.00 Housing Channel (Housing Counseling & Education)
$111,000.00 Junior Achievement of the Chisholm Trail, Inc. (Cradle to Career Initiative) $50,000.00 Guardianship Services, Inc. (Money Smart+ Elder Financial Fraud Prevention Workshops) $80,000.00 Meals on
Civil Rights Organizations Issue Joint Statement on the Los Angeles Immigration Protest
WASHINGTON, D.C.
(June 10, 2025) - - Leaders of eight legacy civil rights organizations today issued the following joint statement in response to the current administration’s immigration raids and the responsive protests in the Los Angeles area:
“We stand in full and urgent solidarity with California Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and the residents of Los Angeles during this alarming moment. The federal government’s decision to federalize the State National Guard in Los Angeles, against the protestations of the Governor and against Mayor Bass’s urging, is deeply disturbing. It is reckless and creates the possibility of greater rights violations endangering residents.
"It is not lost on us that no such show of force was deployed in advance of the January 6 insurrection at our nation’s capital despite the clear threat to democracy. The contrast is alarming. Peaceful protestors in Los Angeles are met with military presence, while violent actors in Washington, D.C. were allowed to
breach the heart of our government with little resistance. This inconsistency amplifies questions about how power is used and against whom. Federalization is a far cry from collaboration. What we are witnessing is an overreach of executive power.
"The people’s right to peacefully exercise their collective power and challenge this administration’s unjust policies targeting Black and Brown communities must be protected. This administration’s abuse of power will not stand. We do not live under a monarchy or an authoritarian dictatorship. We support local and state officials in their efforts to improve the wellbeing and safety of their communities, with the assistance of the federal government. That assistance should support the rights of individuals and uplift communities, not punish those exercising freedoms.
"We would be remiss to ignore how we got here, and the authoritarian goals of this administration. This is not the America we know. The actions of ICE agents are those of a police state. They endan-
ger our communities. ICE agents are targeting people pursuing day-to-day activities–shopping at the neighborhood store or simply taking care of their families in the privacy of their own homes–for immigration arrests and deportation, at times without due process.
"Civil rights and liberties are constitutionally protected and must be respected. We will always fight to protect these hard won rights because they are essential to a strong multi-racial democracy.”
The statement is signed by: The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Legal Defense Fund
National Action Network
NAACP
National Coalition on Black Civic Participation
National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)
National Urban League
Written comments may also be faxed to (817) 392- 2558.
Public Hearing Dates July 14, 2025, 6:00 p.m. August 12, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Neighborhood Services Department staff will conduct a public hearing on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to be held at E.M. Shamblee Public Library, 1062 Evans Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76104. The Fort Worth City Council will conduct a public hearing Tuesday, August 12, 2025. This hearing is proposed to be held at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located at 100 Fort Worth Trail, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, in conjunction with the regular Council meeting. Please contact Juliet Moses, Community Development Manager at (817) 3926203 or via email at Juliet.Moses@fortworthtexas.gov for additional information.
The purpose of these hearings will be to receive public comments on the proposed funding listed above and on the Action Plan. The plan is scheduled to be adopted by City Council on August 12, 2025, and submitted to HUD on or around August 15, 2025.
Protest, banner and megaphone with diversity, social justice and equality for angry, poster and people support in the city. Human rights,and global community frustrated, commitment or revolution (Photo by Armand Burger)
Health & Fitness Health & Fitness
250+ Texas Organizations Urge Congress to Reject SNAP Cuts in Letter to Senators Cornyn and Cruz
Signatories include food banks, faith-based groups, healthcare providers, retailers, and more.
TEXAS – Last week, Feeding Texas and our network of 20 food banks released a signon letter endorsed by over 250 statewide and local organizations across Texas, calling on Congress to reject proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The letter, addressed to Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, warns that the proposed $300 billion in SNAP
reductions would devastate Texas families, seniors, veterans, and the state’s economy.
“SNAP is not just a hunger relief program—it’s a lifeline for millions of Texans and a critical economic engine for our state,” said Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, the state association of food banks. “These proposed cuts would force Texas to shoulder billions in new costs or slash
benefits, leaving families to go hungry and increasing strain on food banks and local economies.”
The letter outlines the farreaching consequences of the proposed changes, including a state cost-share requirement that could cost Texas an additional $2.3 billion per biennium, the elimination of the SNAP-Ed nutrition education program that helps par-
ticipants make healthy food choices on a limited budget, and expanded work requirements that would impact seniors and parents of young children.
“SNAP already provides modest support—just six dollars per person per day—but it makes a world of difference for families trying to stay afloat,” Cole said. “Cutting this program will make it
Understanding Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
(Family Features) Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, also called HCM, is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes, sometimes with no warning signs. It is characterized by the thickening and stiffening of the heart walls, which can impede the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently since the chambers cannot fill up.
In addition, HCM is the most common inherited heart disease, affecting 1 in 500 people in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association. Because HCM runs
in families, first-degree relatives – including parents, siblings and children – should be screened if a family member has been diagnosed. Consider this information to get a better understanding of this life-altering genetic condition’s symptoms and diagnosis, which can make a crucial difference in managing the disease effectively.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms and severity of HCM can vary widely among individuals. While some people may experience
no symptoms at all, common symptoms include fatigue, fainting, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain and irregular heartbeats, especially during physical activity. Research shows Black male athletes in high-intensity sports
DEPARTAMENTO DE SERVICIOS VECINALES DE LA CIUDAD DE FORT WORTH AVISO DE AUDIENCIAS PÚBLICAS y SOLICITUD DE COMENTARIOS PÚBLICOS DE TODOS LOS CIUDADANOS Y ORGANIZACIONES INTERESADOS EN FORT WORTH CON RESPECTO A EL PLAN DE ACCIÓN ANUAL 2025-2026 PARA EL USO DE FONDOS FEDERALES DE EL DEPARTAMENTO DE VIVIENDA Y DESARROLLO URBANO DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS (HUD, POR SUS SIGLAS EN INGLÉS) BAJO LOS SIGUIENTES PROGRAMAS: PROGRAMA DE BECAS EN BLOQUE PARA EL DESARROLLO
COMUNITARIO (CDBG POR SUS SIGLAS EN INGLÉS) PROGRAMA DE ASOCIACIONES DE INVERSIÓN EN VIVIENDAS (HOME) PROGRAMA DE BECAS PARA SOLUCIONES DE EMERGENCIA (ESG POR SUS SIGLAS EN INGLÉS) Y EL PROGRAMA DE OPORTUNIDADES DE VIVIENDA PARA PERSONAS CON SIDA (HOPWA POR SUS SIGLAS EN INGLÉS)
Período de comentarios públicos del 16 de junio de 2025 al 16 de julio de 2025 La Ciudad de Fort Worth está proporcionando un período de comentarios públicos de treinta días con respecto a
la presentación del Plan de Acción Anual propuesto para el uso de los fondos de becas federales de HUD para el año programático 2025-2026. El plan propuesto cumple con los requisitos federales bajo la Ley de Desarrollo Comunitario de 1974 y la Ley Nacional de Vivienda Accesible de 1990, según enmendada. Este plan será presentado a la Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de EE. UU. (HUD, por sus siglas en inglés) el 15 de agosto de 2025, para cumplir con los requisitos de solicitud y reglamentarios para la Beca en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario (CDBG por sus siglas en inglés), el Programa de Asociaciones de Inversión HOME (HOME por sus siglas en inglés), y la Beca para Soluciones de Emergencia (ESG por sus siglas en inglés) y los programas de Oportunidades de Vivienda para Personas con SIDA (HOPWA por sus siglas en inglés).
PLAN DE ACCIÓN
El Plan de Acción 2025-2026 para la Ciudad de Fort Worth resume las actividades específicas y los gastos propuestos para los programas CDBG, HOME, ESG y HOPWA para el próximo año programático, que comienza el 1 de octubre de 2025 y finaliza el 30 de septiembre de 2026. El propósito de estos fondos es beneficiar a personas y áreas de ingresos bajos y moderados en toda la ciudad de Fort Worth. Los fondos de la beca ESG benefician a las personas sin hogar y a las personas en riesgo de quedarse sin hogar. Los fondos de la beca de HOPWA benefician a las personas con VIH/SIDA en los condados de Tarrant, Parker, Wise y Johnson. Los fondos de las becas CDBG y HOME apoyan actividades de desarrollo comunitario y esfuerzos de vivienda accesible. Las actividades y/o programas que reciban financiamiento deben contribuir al logro de las metas trazadas en el Plan Quinquenal Consolidado (2023-2027).
El monto total de los fondos de becas federals que se asignarán para el año programático 2025-2026 es de
$13,333,355.77, incluidos $60,000 en ingresos estimados del programa de los programas CDBG y HOME. Esto incluye $7,116,438.00 en fondos CDBG, $2,814,431.77 en fondos HOME, $615,818.00 en fondos ESG, y $2,726,668.00 en fondos HOPWA. Una lista más detallada de cómo se asignarán estos fondos entre las diferentes prioridades y agencias se puede obtener del Departamento de Servicios Vecinales de la Ciudad de Fort Worth comunicándose con el personal al que se hace referencia al final de este aviso. La siguiente es una lista de las actividades propuestas:
MONTOS ESTIMADOS POR ACTIVIDAD Y/O PROGRAMA
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)
CDBG PUBLIC SERVICES
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County (Desarrollo Juvenil en Eastside Branch)
Camp Fire First Texas (Adolescentes en acción)
Easter Seals North Texas, Inc. (Servicios de Empleo)
Girls, Inc. of Tarrant County (Programa Whole Girl)
Housing Channel (Consejería y Educación de Vivienda)
Junior Achievement of the Chisholm Trail, Inc. (Iniciativa Cradle to Career (De la cuna a la carrera)
like football and basketball may be at higher risk.
The Importance of Family History in Diagnosis
Because HCM is a genetic condition, family history is a critical component in its di-
harder for families to put food on the table and increase hunger in the state of Texas.”
The letter also highlights the economic ripple effects of SNAP, which generated an estimated $10.73 billion in economic activity for Texas in 2024 and supported more than 94,000 jobs.
“Our message is simple: Protect SNAP. Protect Texas,” Cole said. “We urge Senators Cornyn and Cruz to stand with the more than 250 organizations—includ-
sites that are part of the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program.
The battle to preserve our history – including the history still being made today – is not separate from the fight for our future. What we remember shapes what we do. When we tell the stories of the people who fought for freedom, we see ourselves in them– and find the courage to keep going.
ing food banks, faith-based groups, healthcare providers, retailers and community advocates—that signed this letter and vote no on any budget that includes harmful SNAP cuts.”
The full letter and list of signatories can be found here: Protect SNAP Sign-On Letter Feeding Texas is a network of 20 food banks and leads a unified effort for a hungerfree Texas. Learn more and find your local food bank at www.feedingtexas.org.
continued on page 8 Continued from page 3
Juneteenth is about facing
the hardest parts of our past without flinching and celebrating the progress we have made. It is about believing that America can still become the country it claims to be. That belief is what sustained my grandmother. It is what fuels me. And it can be a source of hope for all of us. Ben Jealous is the Executive Director of the Sierra Club and a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.
$72,000.00
$62,184.00
$92,000.00
$90,281.00
$111,000.00
$50,000.00 Guardianship Services, Inc. (Talleres de Prevención de Fraudes Financieros para Personas Mayores de Money Smart+)
Meals on Wheels, Inc. of Greater Tarrant County (Programa de Nutrición)
The Women’s Center of Tarrant County (Soluciones de Empleo)
United Community Centers, Inc. (Programa de Aprendizaje Temprano)
Presbyterian Night Shelter (Programa de Mudanza a Casa)
$80,000.00
$120,000.00
$90,000.00
$125,000.00
$175,000.00
Subtotal de las Agencias de Servicio Público de CDBG $1,067,465.00
PROGRAMAS DE VIVIENDA DE CDBG
Ciudad de Fort Worth - Programa de reparación prioritaria
$2,000,000.00
REACH, Inc. Centro de Recursos para la Vida Independiente - Proyecto Rampa (Accesibilidad) $165,000.00
Trinity Habitat for Humanity– Repaso de Cowtown $500,000.00
Subtotal del Presupuesto de los Programas de Vivienda de CDBG get $2,665,000.00
copias también estarán disponibles para revisión pública en los siguientes lugares:
El período de revisión y comentarios públicos de treinta días para el plan comenzará el lunes 16 de junio de 2025. Todos los comentarios deben recibirse a más tardar a las 5:00 pm del miércoles 16 de julio de 2025. Para presenter comentarios escritos, por favor escriba a la Ciudad de Fort Worth, Departamento de Servicios Vecinales, 100 Fort Worth Trail, Fort Worth, TX 76102, Atención: Juliet Moses, Gerente de Desarrollo Comunitario. Para solicitar información adicional sobre el Plan de Acción o para solicitar una copia, comuníquese con Juliet Moses al (817) 392-6203 o juliet.moses@fortworthtexas.gov Los comentarios por escrito también pueden enviarse por fax al (817) 392-2558.
Fechas de audiencia pública 14 de julio de 2025, 6:00 p.m. 12 de agosto de 2025, 6:00 p. m.
El personal del Departamento de Servicios Vecinales llevará a cabo una audiencia pública el lunes 14 de julio de 2025 a las 6:00 p.m. que se llevará a cabo en la Biblioteca Pública E.M. Shamblee, 1062 Evans Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76104. El Concejo Municipal de Fort Worth llevará a cabo una audiencia pública el martes 12 de agosto de 2025. Se propone que esta audiencia se lleve a cabo a las 6:00 p.m. en las Cámaras del Concejo Municipal ubicadas en 100 Fort Worth Trail, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, junto con la reunión regular del Concejo. Comuníquese con Juliet Moses, Gerente de Desarrollo Comunitario al (817) 392-6203 o por correo electrónico al Juliet.Moses@fortworthtexas.gov para obtener información adicional .
El propósito de estas audiencias será recibir comentarios públicos sobre los fondos propuestos enumerados anteriormente y sobre el Plan de Acción. El plan está programado para ser adoptado por el Concejo Municipal el 12 de agosto de 2025 y presentado a HUD el 15 de agosto de 2025.
Asistencia En Español: para que le interpreten la solicitud en Español, llame al (817) 392-7540.
Sunday School Lesson Sunday School Lesson
Abraham Makes an Offering
Genesis 22:1–19
Key Text: Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.— Genesis 22:14
Introduction:
Testing Commitment
As a competitive swimmer in high school, I had to practice every weekday. One wintry Friday evening, our coach assigned us to swim an extraordinarily long set. He didn’t explain why he selected the grueling workout, only that it would test both our physical endurance and mental strength. Some teammates complained that the workout would upset their Friday night plans, so they refused to complete it. Others started the set but couldn’t finish. Only four of us completed the workout—a completion rate of 10 percent of the team!
When we arrived at practice the following Monday, our coach revealed that he had selected the team captains based on the workout from Friday night. He said that the four who finished— me and three others—had proven themselves committed and “mentally tough” enough to accept the responsibility of being team captains.
Numerous examples from Scripture describe times when God tested His people’s commitment (Exodus 20:20; Deuteronomy 8:2; Job 23:10; Psalm 66:10; etc.). God challenges His people to remain faithful to and obey Him even in the most difficult circumstances. This week’s lesson will address one of the most famous examples of divine testing.
While the Scriptures recognize Abraham as a man of faith (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:16–22; Galatians 3:6–9; Hebrews 11:8–12, 17–19), his was by no means a perfect faith. He demonstrated great faith in leaving his home in Ur (Genesis 12:1–4). But by the end of the same chapter, he was telling his wife, Sarah, to lie and say she was his sister (12:10–20).
Later, when Sarah failed to conceive, Abraham impregnated her maidservant Hagar rather than seek the Lord’s will. This created serious tension in Abraham’s household (Genesis 16:1–6). After God made clear to Abraham that Sarah would give him a son, Abraham handed her over to a pagan king (20:1–18), failing once again to trust God. Despite all this, God remained faithful to Abraham and Sarah. He delivered them from several powerful kings. He watched over the circumstances involving Lot, Hagar, and Ishmael (Hagar’s son). And God provided the son of promise for whom Abraham and Sarah had been waiting: Isaac.
Still, by the time we get to Genesis 22, we are left wondering whether God would grow impatient. Abraham
was a man of spiritual highs and lows. His faith was strong but inconsistent. The reader is left wondering who the “real” Abraham is. Perhaps Abraham was wondering the same thing. Was he still the man of great faith who left Ur behind to go to an unknown land, or had years of wandering taken their toll on his faith?
I. God Tests (Genesis 22:1–2)
Call (v. 1)
And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
The phrase after these things indicates a certain passage of time, but we do not know how much time. Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born (Genesis 21:5). Since Isaac is capable of carrying wood (22:6–8, below), we can assume a passage of several years has occurred since Isaac’s birth.
The Hebrew word translated as tempt is also translated as “prove” in numerous instances (examples: Exodus 16:4; 20:20), and that is the sense here. God does not tempt anyone to sin (James 1:13). Instead, the idea in this verse is that of proving one’s faith through testing. Hebrews 11:17 supports this by saying that Abraham “was tried.”
And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
This verse refers to Isaac as Abraham’s only son. However, Abraham had previously fathered Ishmael through Hagar (Genesis 16). In Genesis 21:9–12 we learn that Ishmael was not the son of promise. He was the son that resulted from Abraham’s seeking to fulfill God’s promise of an heir through ancient custom rather than divine provision. God did not, however, reject Ishmael altogether. On account of Abraham, God blessed Ishmael and made a great nation of his offspring (21:13). Though God continued to look after Ishmael (21:20), he was no longer Abraham’s responsibility. There is only one son of promise to Abraham, and that son is Isaac.
Therefore, it is most startling to read that God asks Abraham to sacrifice the child of the promise. This request is undoubtedly what Abraham finds most disturbing. God had spoken to Abraham many times, often to reiterate covenant promises to make him into a great nation with countless descendants (Genesis 12:1–3, 7; 13:14–17; 15; 17:1–22; 18:13–15; 21:12–13). The command take now thy son … and offer him there for a burnt offering seems to threaten those promises. Abraham is not only giving up someone he loves but also cutting off the only way
he sees possible to beget offspring.
The Law of Moses prohibited human sacrifices (Leviticus 18:21; Deuteronomy 12:31; 18:10). The Old Testament prophets chastised God’s people for breaking these commands (Jeremiah 7:30–34; 19:5–6; Ezekiel 20:31; etc.). But Abraham lived five centuries or so before the giving of the Law of Moses, and human sacrifice to pagan gods was not unheard of in the ancient Near East world.
Moriah is mentioned elsewhere in the Bible only in 2 Chronicles 3:1. That passage informs us that centuries after Abraham, King Solomon would build the temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem. The location where God asks Abraham to offer his son is the same place where the people will later sacrifice their offerings and very close to where God will offer up His own Son, Jesus.
II. Abraham Acts (Genesis 22:3–10) Journey and Preparation (vv. 3–6)
And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.
We are not told that Abraham said anything in response to God’s command. There is no haggling with God, as we see in Genesis 18:22–33. Abraham wasted no time carrying out his assignment. His actions speak for themselves as he rose early the next day to begin the trip.
The journey required that two of his young male servants be brought along. Abraham probably needed their help handling the logistics of food, clothing, bedding, and pack animals required for the trip.
This verse reveals Abraham’s faithfulness and obedience to God. When God initially called him from Haran, Abraham followed in hopes of receiving the promises (Genesis 12:1–4). Now Abraham followed God’s lead in full awareness that he might lose his son and, thereby, the promises of God.
Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
If we assume that Abraham’s point of departure is Beer-sheba according to Genesis 21:22–34, then the trip to Moriah is one of about 50 miles. This three-day journey gave him plenty of time to get cold feet, devise an excuse, or otherwise maneuver his way out of this terrible assignment. In building such time into this test, God made sure that Abraham’s compliance would not be an impulsive act. Abraham’s faith was tested in the crucible of time.
And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and
the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. Abraham needed the aid of the young men to reach this point, but now he must leave them behind. Abraham’s statement I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you injects irony and ambiguity into the narrative. Whether or not Abraham intended to lie, his words will ultimately prove accurate. Hebrews 11:19 offers helpful commentary in stating that Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son because he believed that God could bring him back from the dead. In that case, we can read Abraham’s words in the verse before us as proof of his trust in God’s promises.
And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.
The narrative as we have it provides minimum details. It says nothing about the emotional state of Abraham or Isaac. We know nothing of how Abraham may have felt as he laid the wood of the burnt offering on the back of his son whose body may soon be consumed. It is noteworthy that Jesus also carried on His back the wood that was His own cross to Golgotha (John 19:17).
And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
At last we hear from Isaac, and his address draws the second of the three Here am I (or “Here I am”) responses in today’s text (the other two are found in Genesis 22:1 and 22:11). This verse indicates that Abraham has not yet told Isaac what is about to happen. Isaac’s question is to be expected. He and his father have all the elements for a sacrificial offering except for the sacrificial animal itself.
The description of Isaac speaking unto Abraham his father by saying “My father” may seem unnecessarily wordy at first glance. But the intent may be to highlight the drama. Using our “sanctified imaginations,” we might presume an attitude of excitement behind Isaac’s question where is the lamb for the burnt offering? as he presumes this to be a special outing, maybe even a feast for just the two of them. On the flip side, we easily imagine a somber tone in Abraham’s address of Isaac as “my son.”
And Abraham said, My son, God will pro vide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
Some students of the text think that Abraham intended to mislead Isaac to avoid scaring him. A better idea is that Abraham was so convinced by God’s provision that he was confident in God’s mi-
raculous provision to provide a lamb for a burnt offering. Abraham likely knew that God’s promise does not depend on human planning, so he waited expectantly for God to provide.
Arrival and Intention (vv. 9–10)
And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
The text does not disclose the age of Isaac. While he may have been a child, some later Jewish interpretations of this text believed that Isaac was grown and past the age of 13. The basis for this interpretation is that Isaac willingly submitted to being sacrificed. God’s request of Abraham might seem to be less problematic if Isaac himself volunteered to die.
The altar Abraham built may be no more than a simple pile of rocks. The wood was laid on top of the rocks, and the offering was on top of the wood. For Abraham to bind Isaac his son may not be a simple matter, however, if the lad resisted. But the text gives no indication that he does. The succinct narration emphasizes Abraham’s obedience: he showed commitment to God by completing the procedures to sacrifice his son.
And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
No spoken words are recorded, but it’s easy to conjecture what is going through the minds of both father and son. The level of Abraham’s anguish probably matches the level of Isaac’s terror. Only God’s intervention can stop things now.
III. God Intervenes (Genesis 22:11–14)
Sacrifice Halted (vv. 11–12)
And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
This verse provides the story’s climax: God’s intervention through the angel of the Lord. This title is a designation given to God’s angelical beings who often relay the words of God (examples: Genesis 16:7–8; Judges 13:3; 2 Kings 1:3).
In the verse before us, the angel does not appear to Abraham. Instead, the angel speaks to Abraham from heaven. For the third and final time in this story, Abraham responds, Here am I when addressed. Abraham is interrupted just as he is about to carry out the sacrifice commanded of him. The twofold calling of Abraham, Abraham carries a sense of urgency.
The scene is similar to what later occurs at the burning bush with Moses. There, the angel of the Lord appeared to Moses “in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush” (Exodus 3:2), but then God is said to be the one who calls to Moses from the bush (3:4). It is
Church Directory
clear that the angel represents divine authority. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
The angel ordered Abraham to halt, thus preventing any physical harm to Isaac. The angel reveals the rationale for God’s request: to test whether Abraham was willing to give up his only son out of obedience to God.
These words tell us that Abraham has indeed passed the test. In essence, God asked him, “Do you trust me and me alone to fulfill my promises to you? Are you willing to give up all control and place your entire future into my hands?” The answer to both questions is a resounding yes! No other feat could demonstrate with such certainty Abraham’s faith in God alone to fulfill His promise. Isaac is not merely his only son (see commentary on Genesis 22:2, above); Isaac was Abraham’s only chance to secure future promises. In raising the knife, Abraham boldly declared his conviction that God is his only hope. With that unspoken confession of faith, he received his son back, as though from the dead (Hebrews 11:19).
We should not misinterpret the phrase thou fearest. God is not glad that Abraham was afraid of Him. Instead, fear is another way to express worship. It signifies that Abraham understood that his son and, thus, his future belonged to God. Abraham’s obedience echoes David’s later testimony of the Lord: “For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him” (Psalm 103:11).
The will of God was the driving force in Abraham’s life. God was his ultimate motivation. Abraham’s actions reveal the heart of true worship. God values obedience over sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).
Sacrifice Provided (vv. 13–14)
And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. Centuries after Abraham, the Law of Moses would prescribe the use of a ram for sacrificial offerings (Leviticus 5:15; 9:4; etc.) and in ordination proceedings (8:22; etc.). God did indeed provide for the sacrifice. The ram was not provided when Abraham began his three-day journey, along the journey, or at the foot of Mount Moriah. It was provided only after Abraham demonstrated his willingness to go all the way in carrying out God’s instructions.
The mention of Abraham’s eyes is important, given what occurs in the following verse. And Abraham called the
Sports & Entertainment Sports & Entertainment
Thunder Strike Back: Okc Ties Nba Finals With Dominant Game 2 Win Over Pacers
By Cedric Bailey Sports Editor
posting 15 points and six rebounds on 6-of-11 shooting.
Cedric Bailey Sports
Oklahoma City, OK – Fueled by a stellar team effort and sharp shooting from deep, the Oklahoma City Thunder roared back in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, defeating the Indiana Pacers 123-107 on Sunday night at Paycom Center to even the best-ofseven series at one game apiece.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s MVP and scoring champion, once again led the charge with 34 points and eight assists, but this time he wasn’t alone. After falling just short in Game 1 — a 111110 heartbreaker on Tyrese Haliburton’s buzzer-beater — the Thunder got key contributions from across the roster to ensure no such drama unfolded again.
Co-stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren bounced back from quiet openers. Williams, despite shooting just 5-of-14, attacked the rim relentlessly and finished with 19 points, making 8-of-9 free throws. Holmgren was much more effective in the paint,
The biggest spark, however, came from unexpected sources. Veteran guard Alex Caruso, acquired in an offseason trade, poured in 20 points and knocked down four three-pointers. Aaron Wiggins, who played sparingly in Game 1, erupted for 18 points off the bench, drilling five triples and energizing the home crowd.
“It’s the NBA,” Wiggins said after the game. “There’s a lot of highs and lows. You’ve got to stay ready. I’m just grateful to be in this position and to help the team any way I can.”
With Oklahoma City’s supporting cast firing on all cylinders, Indiana couldn’t find an answer. The Pacers, who entered Game 2 with a perfect 7-0 playoff road record, saw their quest to become just the fifth team in NBA history to start the playoffs 8-0 come to an end.
“This isn’t the end of the world,” Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith said. “We’ve got to regroup, adjust, and get ready for Game 3 at home.” Historically, teams that go up 2-0 in the Finals win the championship 86.5% of the time. The Pacers nearly put themselves in that driver’s seat, but now they must regroup with the series shifting
Abraham Makes an Offering
name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.
God faithfully provided for Abraham. As a result, the man names the location Jehovahjireh, which means “The Lord will see” or “The Lord will provide.” Abraham fully understood that the one true God always sees that His people are provided for.
It is worth noting that Abraham does not name the place “Isaac Is Spared” or “A Fa-
ther Is Relieved.” This account has been about God’s faithfulness and whether Abraham truly believes that God will keep His promises. Indeed, God is faithful, and Abraham truly believed. Conclusion: Testing and Faith Tests reveal the preparation of the one tested. Some tests also expose the character of the person being tested. God’s testing of Abraham in today’s Scripture text exposed that man’s trust, loyalty, and de-
votion. It proved the authenticity of his faith, the faith for which God pronounced Abraham righteous (Genesis 15:6; see James 2:21–23).
The testing of Abraham also revealed God’s faithfulness and promises to His people. God preserved the life of Isaac and, therefore, reiterated His promises to multiply Abraham’s descendants and bless all nations.
God’s people will continue to face tests and trials. Not all of these trials will be
Continued from page 6
from God in the same manner as Abraham’s test. Trials prove the strength and sincerity of our faith (1 Peter 1:6–7). While we may never hear a voice from God at the test’s
conclusion, we can be confident that God will be with us in our trials as we grow in faith, perseverance, and maturity (James 1:2–4).
Thought to Remember: God always provides, but not always in the ways we expect.
tary® 2024-2025 (p. 974). (Function). Kindle Edition
to Indianapolis. Game 3 is set for Wednes-
Oklahoma City Thunder #2 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in game 2 vs the Indiana Pacers Photo Courtesy of the OKC Thunder day night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where both teams will look to seize the upper hand in what’s shaping up to be a thrilling Finals matchup.
Here’s What’s Happening Here’s What’s Happening
Ongoing Events
Are you a resident of the Rolling Hills area? Join the Glencrest Civic League Neighborhood Association and become part of our mission to create a safe, secure, clean, and well-maintained community. We actively seek residents’ support for our mission by spearheading neighborhood committee initiatives, coordinating, supporting, and planning various community events, actively engaging local leaders and nurturing a strong sense of community unity.
Join us for our Monthly Community Meetings:
• When: 10:00 AM on the 3rd Saturday of Each Month
• Where: C.R. Bradley Center, 2600 Timberline Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76119. For more information and to become a member, check out our Facebook Page (Glencrest Civic League Neighborhood Association) or visit our website at https:// www.glencrest.org. You may also email us at glencrest. na@gmail.com.
Fort Worth Wiley College Alumni Club Membership Meeting: Second Saturday of each month, 1 p.m., Carter Metropolitan CME Church, 4601 Wichita St. Fort Worth 76119. For additional information, contact one of the following members: Helen Crowder (817) 688-8937, Larry Pugh (817) 293-6543, Daisy Kahn (817) 292-1077.
I.M. Terrell Alumni Association Membership Meeting, 1st Tuesday of each month, 5 p.m., I. M. Terrell Stem/VPA Academy, 1411 I M Terrell Way, Fort Worth 76102.
M.L.Kirkpatrick Alumni Association Membership Meeting: First Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 2823 North Houston Street, Fort Worth 76106.
P.L. Dunbar Alumni Association Memberships Meeting: 3rd Saturday of each month at 3p.m. at The CenterFor STOP SIX HERITAGE, 5100 Willie St. next to Young Men’s Leadership Academy, Fort Worth. pldalumniassoc@gmail.com
Como Alumni. Every third Tureday, 7 p.m., Como Community Center, 4900 Horne Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Join the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats! We meet every fourth Saturday of the month from 5-6 p.m. at the Charles F. Griffin Sub-courthouse, 3500 Miller Ave. Fort Worth 76119. New Monthly Speakers.
United Methodist Church, 522 Missouri Ave. Fort Worth 76104. The Food pantry is open on the third Saturday of each month from 8 -10 a.m. For questions or concerns, please contact the Church Office at (817) 336-2117.
Forest Hill Ushers Union, “Welcomes All Church Ushers/Doorkeepers in Tarrant County” Juniors & Young People (7-18) Young Adults (19-35) Seniors (36+)
Affiliations: Texas Church Ushers Southern Region Ushers National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc. (NUCUAAA) For more information contact: Wanda King (817) 821-3017, Helen Moore (817) 584-7370, Thomas E. Troupe (817) 2292509
AARP Southeast Chapter #4508. Meets the 4th Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m., Southside Community Center, 959 E. Rosedale, Fort Worth, TX 76104. For additional information contact Debra Rivers by email:riv3ers@sbcglobal.net.
Thur. June, 12, 2025
Second Thursday at the Carter: Portraits & People. American West Series. Richard Avedon Series. FREE
Wed. June, 18, 2025
Art Tales at the Carter!
Jam Session
It’s music to our ears! Explore musical themes in Classically Trained: The Gentlings and Music with percussionist Mark Shelton, plus stories, games, and hands-on art activities.
Thur. June, 19, 2025
Opal’s Walk For Freedom,Farrington Field, Fort Worth, TX . Walk starts at 9:00 a.m. register at www. juneteenthstrong.com
Wed. June, 25, 2025
Art Tales at the Carter! Working Together Team up for a collaborative morning inspired by Jean Shin: The Museum Body. Join us for group storytelling, creative play, and a musical performance by David Chicken.
Wed. July, 2, 2025
Art Tales at the Carter!
Red, White, And Blue Reflect on freedom and community ahead of Independence Day. Enjoy a morn-
ing full of stories, art making, and a special guest performance from storyteller Maricela and Friends.
Wed. July, 9, 2025
Art Tales at the Carter!
Snack Attack
Satisfy your artistic sweet tooth! Inspired by foodthemed artworks, this day features tasty tales, imaginative art making, and a lively performance by Brown Girls Do Ballet.
Wed. July, 16, 2025
Art Tales at the Carter!
Powerful Patterns
Spot polka dots, stripes, and zigzags across the Carter! Enjoy a pattern-filled morning of stories, hands-on fun, and a performance by A Real Mad Hatter.
Wed. July, 23, 2025
Art Tales at the Carter!
Fun, Feathers and Scales
From sea creatures to prairie dwellers, animals take center stage! Explore wild artworks with The Creature Teacher, plus themed stories, games, and art making.
Wed. July, 30, 2025
Art Tales at the Carter!
Material Mixup
Wrap up the summer with a creative celebration! Repurpose materials into imaginative art and enjoy music from Brandi Waller Pace, alongside favorite activities from the season.
Sat. Aug, 12, 2025
10th Annual Healthy Lives Matter: Alzheimer’s Education Seminar. 9:00 am - 2:00
pm. TCC Trinity River Campus, 300 Trinity Campus Circle, Fort Worth TX 76102
Public Transportation Help
Are you in need of transportation services? Here’s a list of resources that are available to you across Tarrant County.
Trinity Metro TEXRail operates daily between downtown Fort Worth and DFW International Airport’s Terminal B. Serving Fort Worth, North Richland Hills, Grapevine. RIDETRINITYMETRO.org/texrail or 817-2158600
Trinity Railway Express operates between downtown Fort Worth and downtown Dallas. Serving Fort Worth, Hurst, Irving, Dallas. trinityrailwayexpress.org or 817215-8600
ZIPZONE on-demand service areas: Alliance, Crowley, Mercantile. Trinity Metro has expanded the Southside ZIPZONE to reach the TCU campus, the Fort Worth Zoo and the entertainment district along the West 7th corridor, including Crockett Row and Montgomery Plaza. Formerly known as the Near Southside ZIPZONE, the service area will continue to include access to the hospitals and facilities within the Medical District and the many popular destinations along Magnolia Avenue, plus grocery stores and other services throughout the Southside. Southside ZIPZONE riders may also connect to TEXRail and Trinity Railway Express at Fort Worth T&P Station or to bus routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5a, 5b, 6, 7, 9, 10, 14, 24 and The Dash.
Hours of operation
Current schedule:
Daily: 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday-Wednesday:6 a.m.8 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday: 6 a.m.midnight RIDETRINITYMETRO. org/zipzone or 817-215-8600
Service modifications begin June 8
May 7, 2025
Trinity Metro is launching the Blue Line, updating hours and increasing frequency beginning on Sunday, June 8. The new color-coded route replaces Molly the Trolley and will feature bright blue buses with downtown-themed designs.
Additionally, several modifications will be implemented to reflect necessary detours for long-term construction projects across the system.
Route 2 Camp Bowie — Update the turn-by-turn directions to accurately represent the current route the bus is taking to bypass the ongoing longterm construction project along Camp Bowie Blvd. between Montgomery and University Drive.
Route 12 Samuels/Mercan-
Cardio
agnosis. If someone in your family has been diagnosed with HCM, heart failure or cardiac arrest, children, siblings and parents should be screened for HCM. Genetic testing and echocardiograms are commonly used to catch HCM early. These tests assess the thickness of the heart muscle and observe blood flow, which can indicate the presence of the disease.
There are two main types of
tile Center Station — Update the turn-by-turn directions to accurately represent the current route the bus is taking to bypass the ongoing long-term construction project at NE 28th Street and Decatur Avenue.
Molly The Trolley — Rebrand as Blue Line, change service hours to 7 a.m.-7 p.m., and increase frequency to every 7 minutes.
Orange Line — Update the turn-by-turn directions to accurately represent the current route the bus is taking to bypass the ongoing long-term construction project at NE 28th Street and Decatur Avenue. Route 52 Hulen — Update the turn-by-turn directions to accurately represent the current route the bus is taking to bypass the ongoing long-term construction project along Camp Bowie Boulevard between Montgomery Street and University Drive.
Route 91 North Side Station/Normandale — Update the turn-by-turn directions to accurately represent the current route the bus is taking to bypass the ongoing long-term construction project at NE 28th Street and Decatur Avenue.
HCM – obstructive and nonobstructive – and treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of symptoms.
If HCM runs in your family, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor about screening options and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Early detection can be lifesaving. To learn more about HCM, visit heart.org/HCMStudentAthlete.
