BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU! OCTOBER 23, 2015

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I MESSENGEROctober 21, 2015 Issue 5 Number 8

About Dem Boys

By Eva D. Colemanp3

Lesia Ramsey Dallas’ Master Event

Planner

BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU! OCTOBER 23, 2015

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Message to the People...

I MESSENGER

Cheryl Smith, PublisherEstablished 2011

IMESSENGER is a tribute to Le Messager, founded by Cameroonian journalist Pius Njawe and The Messenger, an independent magazine, founded by labor activist A . Philip Randolph and economist Chandler Owen.IMESSENGER is committed to informing, inspiring, enlightening and provoking thought in a forum that is international. Submissions for publication considerat ion may be submitted to www.myimessenger.com.

Kevin Merida

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DA Susan Hawk 8

Okay Entrepreneurs, what are you made of ?

Women and minority-owned small businesses are encouraged to apply to pitch their ideas to investors to raise capital for their businesses as part of The Live Pitch, an innovative project created by NBA basketball star turned entrepreneur, Jonathan Bender. The effor t i s a par tnership wi th Crowdfunder.com, the leading equi ty crowdfunding platform; Edison Nation, a leading company helping entrepreneurs take ideas to products; and the Dallas Entrepreneur Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit support structure focused on stimulating job growth and driving the Dallas economy. The Live Pitch will take place between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Dallas Entrepreneur Center, 311 North Market Street, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75202. Businesses can apply online

at thelivepitch.net until October 28th. A workshop on entrepreneurship, marketing and raising capital will take place between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the DEC.

A maximum of 20 companies will present a 5-8 minute pitch live on stage to local investors as well as investors watching via live stream at livestream.com/thelivepitch/dallas during The Live Pitch event. All of the companies selected to pitch will receive a free profile on the Crowdfunder platform. The top three companies that already have at least one lead investor will each receive a free Crowdfunder fundraise (valued at $5,000). Investors that are viewing via live stream will be able to submit questions in real time to the applicants, as well as make non-binding investments in the companies pitching via crowdfunder.com.

Note: Jonathan will be joining me on Cheryl’s World on Sunday morning to talk about this program. Tune in by calling 646-200-0459 or log on to www.blogtalkradio.com/CherylSmith. The show airs Sundays at 8a.m.

If you’re really about the business of your business, Get your pitch ready and let’s get down to business!

Cheryl

BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU! OCTOBER 23, 2015

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See CARTER HIGH, Page 9

By Eva D. Coleman

“I never try to defend their actions, but did the punishment fit the crime,” Carter High

movie director Arthur Muhammad answers and asks a room full of journalists this summer at an exclusive screening during the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota.With stars Charles S. Dutton and Vivica A. Fox portraying Carter High School coach Freddie James and his wife during a tumultuous season in 1988, the movie endears audiences to the rise and fall, and fall again of the football team from Dallas.A team of standouts on the field become locked out of a system of celebrated state champions. The movie details play by play the triumphs and disappointments they face as they earn honors and have them taken away multiple times.Often detailed as a thuggish team in popular mainstream shows, Muhammad was encouraged to tell the story from a different point of view.

“Can you not portray me and my boys the way Friday Night Lights portrayed me and my boys,” Muhammad said he was asked by Coach James.Executive Producer and former NFL player Greg Ellis felt compelled to get the right story to viewers.“It’s important to educate people while you’re entertaining them,” he said.From lavish hot tub signing day scenes to moments where team members are constantly worshiped by a community, Carter High holds nothing back.It shares the good, the bad, the uncomfortable and the ugly, including crime sprees committed by players that rocked the same community.Check the movie out for a different view than what you may become accustomed to. Also incorporated in the movie are flashbacks from live footage, which is quite emotional at

times and will take you on an emotional roller coaster as you laugh, become moved to tears, and yes, you might even get angry. The momentum definitely picks up as the movie progresses.

Telling the truth.Producing a film about black football players who got in trouble seems like it wouldn’t be hard to get done. Perhaps if it was about the trouble alone. Telling their stories, sharing their dreams and daily lives of normalcy and happiness is a different story.Muhammad said he had the Carter High script for 11 years, however ran into many obstacles to get it made. He chose to go the independent route.“That how I got past structural racism,” he said.The movie was filmed primarily in Dallas and involved the community. The day filming

ABOUT DEM BOYSCarter High goes beyond Friday night lights

Carter High Producer Kelly

Gray with Eva D. Coleman

BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU! OCTOBER 23, 2015

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!Have you scheduled your mammogram?

BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU! OCTOBER 23, 2015

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Often, the fact that the Clean Air Act was signed into law in 1970 after passing Congress by a strong bipartisan vote is forgotten. By enacting this landmark legislation, the federal government took a stand for public health and against air pollution. It was a move that was heralded on both sides of the aisle and applauded by the American people because it put the public’s interests first.

In the decades that followed, we saw substantial economic growth while enjoying a cleaner environment.

The fight to protect our environment didn’t end in 1970 though.

President Obama is continuing this effort with the Clean Power Plan, which aims to transform the way we produce energy. Unfortunately, just as has been the case with the Clean Air Act, the Clean Power Plan is not short on detractors.

The same individuals that cried foul and predicted the end of American competitiveness in 1970 are making the exact exaggerated claims today about the Clean Power Plan. This posturing is both ill-advised

and without a prudent foundation.I hear from some of my Republican colleagues that if the United States cuts its carbon emissions, it will have no impact on the global temperature or sea level rise.

Yet, that is not the reality. Any effort to reduce emissions will have an impact, and through our leadership we can challenge other nations to do the same.

As we heard from Chinese President Xi Jinping, China, one of our key competitors, has accepted this challenge and is introducing a cap-and-trade program that will undoubtedly spur innovation and economic growth.

I am most pleased with the work the Environmental Protection Agency is performing. The agency’s top priority is to protect the health of the public and the planet, and I commend them for staying true to their mission in the face of unfounded and hyperbolic criticism.

So what are the facts? The Clean Power Plan is projected to save American families nearly $85 on their annual energy bill in 2030.

It will grow the solar and wind energy industries and

make major advancements in energy efficiency across our economy.

Scientists have made it abundantly clear to lawmakers and industry leaders alike that climate change is here and we must work together to deal with it.

Without transforming our energy sources or reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we will not be able to address the looming challenge of climate change.

The issue of addressing climate change should not be relegated to partisan bickering on the campaign trail or be restricted to academic discussions. This will affect us all, and we all should be concerned.

Leaders in the faith community have also requested that Congress address climate change. When Pope Francis spoke before a recent joint session of Congress, he called for “a courageous and responsible effort to redirect our steps and to avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity.” The Pope stated, “I am convinced that we can make a difference, and I have no doubt that the United States — and this Congress — have an important role to play.”

Reprinted from The Hill

A Cleaner EnvironmentBy Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

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Spiritually Speaking

The War has already been wonA minister recently

r e m i n d e d m e o f something I trust you will also find beneficial in understanding your own walk in faith.

The pastor reminded those who claim Christ as their own that being a Christian is part of an evolutionary process. Make no mistake about it there will be problems along the way.

But remember the process has purpose. However, lest we forget, there is also power resulting from committing oneself to the process of being faithful.

I know in the end this may sound simple, as it references something you and I have known for quite some time.

Now in that sanctuary I claimed it as an eventful reminder that there is power in the process of trying to be faithful.

There is purpose behind our individual struggles of faith. God is still in control and at every stage of our lives, the test or the temptation is there to give us a chance to confirm and clarify our status with the Almighty.

You’re kind of on His team or not. You’re either practicing for the game, in the game, or wasting your time and that of your so-called teammates.

Think about it. What do you consider your duty in this life? Why are you here? What’s the point of existence? To a man or woman of God, these are not hard questions. Life is a manifestation of knowledge that allows you to know God.

Our purpose is to recognize who we are in relation to God and then act accordingly. Now God does give us assistance in the process.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witness in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8. If this be the case, then it bears the question, ‘where are we in this process?’ The one place we must be, though, is in it. In-the-process means just that, in it. That means some part of our consciousness, some part of who we are actively (not passively) participates in the work of the Lord.

Most of you who read this column know I believe faith is a verb and in order to participate in any process, you must do something. In this case you must do something in the name of God, period. It must be conscious. It must be deliberate. It m u s t b e i n c l u s i v e o f s o m e understanding that Jesus would approve.

Maybe you remember something about the learning process in your youth. To be successful, study was required. Learning, real learning did not happen by osmosis. It had identifiable results and measurable consequences.

In school you had to pass a test. In life you grow in faith and thereby in knowledge of the truth i.e. God is the reason.

Isn’t it amazing that the more you know about the Lord, the more there is to know? Isn’t it wonderful to begin the process of service in His name? Believing is a verb.

The more you serve, the more you want to serve. How you serve is a byproduct of the gifts already given to you by Him. I think in church they say, “Come on somebody.” The point of all this is that regardless of where you are in the process, you can’t go

wrong because, hello, you’re in the process. As the minister pointed out, there will be problems that arise along the way.

These problems are understood and handled when you remember your purpose for participating in the first place.

Can you feel the power I was talking about earlier? When you are fully engaged in the process of being a Christian, there is power to be had and shared when you realize you’re having success.

And success has already been defined as understanding the war is already won. Christ did that.

T h e s e b a t t l e s a r e m e r e formalities. God is giving us more knowledge as we learn how to use His tools and understand how they help us study.

This is a class in spiritual understanding and the bible is a terrific textbook. Find yourself a quiet place to study. Prepare for your tests and graduate with testimony.

Just remember in these classes failure is possible but dropping out is not an option. You can never disbelieve the truth. You just have to remember it.

May God bless and keep you always.

Spiritually Speaking

By James A. Washington

James

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In contrast to the most entertaining Republican Presidential candidate debate, the first Democratic Presidential candidate debate was more absorbing.

We heard from grownups that refrained from personal attacks and offered solid information about their positions. While there were mild fireworks, there was much gravitas, and the sagacity with which these candidates discussed issues was most welcome.

Hilary Rodham Clinton was gracious, graceful, firm and focused. She was the best I’ve seen her since she gave her incandescent speech at the 2008 Democratic Convention in Denver.

Martin O’Malley missed his chance to shine. He seemed stiff and though he also seemed thoroughly prepared, he did not stand out.

Senator Lincoln Chafee might as well have stayed home. The dog ate my homework is not a credible defense for voting to repeal Glass-Steagall, the legislation that regulated banks in some of their activities.

He says it was his first vote, and his dad had just died. With all due sympathy, that’s no excuse.

Finally we have “Whining Jim Webb” who complained that he was not getting enough time. But he spent too much time saying he wasn’t getting equal time, and he did not jump in, as others did, to make his point.

As CNN’s Anderson Cooper (who did a great job) correctly pointed out, Webb agreed to the rules in advance. And, really, had he equal time, what would he have said, and who would be interested? Bottom line, Webb and Chafee should go away, but they won’t.

The real contrast is between Hilary and Bernie, with O’Malley, seemingly running for Vice-President, adding occasional spark to the fire.

In response to the question, “Do black lives matter, or do all lives matter? Senator Bernie Sanders was

the only one who uttered the words, “institutional racism.”

Whatever the Black Lives Matter team said to him in back in August, it took. He invoked Sandra Bland, the woman who supposedly hung herself in Texas, and talked about mass incarceration.

O’Malley and Clinton addressed the issue as well, with the acceptable answers that included police reform, education and mass incarceration. Clinton suggested a “new deal” for communities of color, but time prevented her from offering details. Neither Clinton nor O’Malley suggested that institutional racism had anything to do with the Black Lives Matter movement or the racial disparities that exist in our nation.

Unless I missed something (I watched the debate twice and0 went through the transcript) Chafee did not address the issue. Whining Webb cited his work with African American veterans, which included defending a Marine who was convicted of murder and clearing his name. He also fought to include an African American soldier on the Mall. Great work, but where is the public policy?

The fact that Bernie Sanders mentioned institutional racism is significant. While as many as three-quarters of African Americans vote for Democrats, it is not clear that our Democratic allegiance is returned.

In the Democratic debate, Hillary Clinton talked about the role entrepreneurship plays in empowering people in our nation. Did she (or any of the other candidates) know that the Democratic National Committee spent only 1.7% of the $500 million spent on consulting went to minority-owned businesses?

African American support of the Democratic Party is not reflected in the dollars the DNC chooses to invest in our community. Black lives matter, and so do black dollars.

African Americans have twice the unemployment rates of whites, earn less regardless of education and occupation, have a fraction of the wealth, and less homeownership.

We are 13 percent of the population, but half of those incarcerated. Institutional racism is alive and well, but only one Democratic candidate for President chose to mention that.

Some will say that Clinton and O’Malley alluded to institutional racism, but the concept has to be embraced, not simply alluded to.

When people understand the concept of institutional racism, it allows them to work to dismantle it. Otherwise, we get a tepid response to racial injustices and ignorant attitudes about African American incarceration. Haven’t you heard some white person say they didn’t own any slaves, without understanding that slavery’s aftermath can be seen in disparity data?

Union folks forget that African American people were systematically excluded from their unions, used as strikebreakers until a few decades ago. Others forget the advantages they gained because institutional racism dictated African American exclusion.

Race matters are not the only matters that the Democratic nominee for President must deal with. But those Democrats who take African American fealty for granted must understand that they have to give as much as they get. If about 25% of all Democrats are African American, shouldn’t we get 25% of the dollars that the DNC spends?

I am glad that Bernie Sanders raised the issue of institutional racism. I am wondering if the DNC and others will address the issue by doing a better job of distributing contracts and opportunities to minority-owned businesses.

The Last WordBy Dr. Julianne MalveauxJulianne Malveaux is an author and

economist based in Washington, DC. She can be contacted at www.juliannemalveaux.com.

The Democratic debate and race - room for improvement

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Mental health is an issue that many people don’t like to talk about although according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, about 42.5 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with some form of mental illness. That’s 1 in 5 diagnosed.

What about those who are without medical attention?

.How people deal with mental illness varies depending on the diagnosis, money available for treatment, health insurance, support and yes, even culture is a factor.

The stigma attached to mental health illness is what keeps many from seeking help. While more and more attention is focused on certain areas, you still have those who won’t get help because they don’t want to be labeled “crazy.”

Recently Dallas County District Attorney Susan Hawk, the former judge and prosecutor, candidly d i scussed he r d iagnos i s and treatment for depression.

“If I had waited one more week, I wouldn’t be here today,” she said, adding that the nine-week program helped her get healthy. “I needed help. I couldn’t do it on my own.”

When news of DA Hawk’s entrance into a treatment facility made headlines, immediately there were calls for her resignation. Those calls are still coming.

“I am amazed at the stigma surrounding this,” she said. “People are asking me to step down and that infuriates me.”

On the flip side, however, she said she has received a lot of support via emails, calls and people coming up to her and sharing their stories about dealing with an issue that many would rather not talk about.

And she doesn’t mind talking. “When I got well, there was no

question that I would address it

(depression). I wasn’t going to be ashamed.”

When she walked into the room, she appeared upbeat. She had a smile on her face as she greeted the room of journalists. To comment further on her appearance adds credence to the stigma because just like with many mental illnesses, looks can be deceiving and are not necessarily a gauge for determining a person’s mental well-being. After all, many didn’t know the thoughts the District Attorney was having as she went about her day-to-day duties managing in a County known around the world for some major foul-ups.

While there were some signs that she was dealing with issues, very few knew the demons she was fighting within.

Admittedly, she considered death. In fact, in her state of depression she said the thought of death was “soothing.”

She was not in a good place at all.But after those nine weeks, where

she found herself initially for a period of time not allowed to communicate with the outside world and then spending five-to-six hours a day in treatment, she says she no longer has those thoughts about dying.

“We don’t all walk around wanting to kill ourselves,” she said. ”Here I was with one of the most

important jobs in Dallas County and I was seriously depressed.”

She continued, “I know what it is like to be in a black hole with a blanket over me.”

In order to keep her job, more importantly to keep living, she took that all important step to seek help. No more self medicating with drugs, she realizes she needed help.

That help put her in a place, she said, where she has a brighter outlook on life and although she will be taking medication for the rest of her life and sees a psychologist twice a week, she knows she did the right thing.

Going through therapy, she said, “Makes me more qualified to serve. I take the lessons that I’ve learned and apply them to my job. If I thought for one second I couldn’t do the job, I would step down.”

Doing her job is exactly what’s on the minds of many of the citizens of Dallas County. And for the district attorney, that’s a good thing. Sure she’s aware of the many stories circulating about her health and her performance in this first year of her tenure, after an intense race to unseat the County’s first African American district attorney.

If her illness were of a physical nature, she and some of her supporters believe she would have been able to rebound from the treatment with nary a grumble. That, however, has not been the case, but to her staff’s credit, she said, her office didn’t skip a beat while she was on medical leave. She said she wants to assure citizens that while she was out the office functioned as it should and that justice was served.

She said she also plans to release a report card at the end of her first year outlining the successes, and looking at what she said she would do in office.

“I’ve given up a lot to be here,” she explained. “I want to ensure the voters that I am going to do the job. It’s not what I say, but what I do.”

District Attorney says she is going to do the job

BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU! OCTOBER 23, 2015

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DA Hawk said she had a vision that she laid out to the voters. All she wants is for them to give her an “opportunity to follow through.”

The former judge of the 291st Criminal District Court is no stranger to mental health issues. She knows the challenges that those diagnosed and undiagnosed have because she previously ran a mental health diversion program.

Her vision is still the same and rather than ignore the mentally ill, she says her office focuses on a mental health track and she will continue to speak out about mental health issues because she wants to give a voice to the issue, to remove the stigma and encourage others to

seek help, while also identifying resources for sufferers.

This was also her focus long before she became district attorney or was diagnosed.

Now some would say, forget the “help” and get about the business of prosecuting offenders and locking up the criminals.

According to Ms. Hawk, she has always been transparent about her desire to not only prosecute, but work to keep crimes from being committed. Even during her days on the bench, as Judge Hawk, she said her judicial philosophy was to look at the big picture, to make plea offers, not plea bargains and to make sure the sentence fit the crime.

She also realizes that her critics are lined up and challenging her on some of the very issues she touted, like transparency and honesty. Fortunately, she says, she is better equipped to deal with those issues as well as those of her very demanding job.

When you consider the suicide rates, as well as the crime rates associated with the mentally ill, Ms. Hawk said she has arrived at a point in life that too many have yet to or never ever realize. She has faced seemingly insurmountable odds, climbed up from the darkest of places and understands that she has “a life worth living.”

concluded was a pivotal day for one real-life team member who was the recipient of a 25-year sentence during those days.“The day we wrapped this movie was the day Keith Campbell was off parole,” Muhammad said.Carter High is a history lesson, righting the wrongs of how many may recall the facts. Being born and raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and a high school student during the late eighties, I recall the constant news reports surrounding the crimes and arrests. What I did not know was the emotional turmoil of victory

and defeat on the field that possibly could have rocked the psyche, and that can sometimes lead to erratic behavior.There is no excuse for crime. However, to what extent can an athletic league’s back and forth actions effect the minds of young people? It’s important to note that Muhammad has a personal stake in the Carter High legacy. He was a junior at Carter at the time and says he never knew what was going on. He was also a character witness for Campbell.

CARTER HIGH, continued from page 3

BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU! OCTOBER 23, 2015

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BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU! OCTOBER 23, 2015

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BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU! OCTOBER 23, 2015

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WA S H I N G T O N ( - T h e National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) congratulates member Kevin Merida on his appointment as editor of "The Undefeated," ESPN's website centering on the intersection of race, culture, and sports.

Merida will be a senior vice president and editor and oversee the content, the direction, and the strategic initiatives undertaken by the site. He joins "The Undefeated" from The Washington Post where he had been managing editor since February 2013 and on staff for 22 years. Upon his appointment at the Post, he became the paper's first African-American managing editor.

"Kevin is an exceptional journalist who has worked his way up from reporter to editor covering a range of topics, from news of the day to national politics," said NABJ President Sarah Glover. "Kevin is a transformative leader who has driven pointed editorial coverage of important news stories while balancing the need to create

newsrooms that are nimble, flexible, adaptable, and creative. He has mentored talented journalists and helped them to create notable work."

" K e v i n i s a r e m a r k a b l y accomplished journalist, editor and leader whom we have long admired a n d d e s i r e d t o j o i n ' T h e Undefeated,'" said Marie Donoghue, ESPN Executive Vice President for Global Strategy and Original Content. "Today's announcement represents a key step in the evolution of the site and ESPN's commitment to this ambitious project."

Before serving as managing editor Merida was the paper's national editor. Merida was named

NABJ's Journalist of the Year in 2 0 0 0 i n r e c o g n i t i o n o f h i s s t o r y t e l l i n g a b i l i t i e s , h i s commi tment to the c ra f t o f journalism, and his drive to be an industry influencer by encouraging others to raise the bar.

A former editor at the Dallas Morning News and president of the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists, Merida is a Washington, D.C.-area native graduated from Boston University with a degree in journalism. He is the co-author of the biography "Supreme Discomfort: The Divided Soul of Clarence Thomas" and co-author of the bestselling "Obama: T h e H i s t o r i c C a m p a i g n i n Photographs." Merida who will remain in Washington, D.C., is married to author and former Post columnist Donna Britt with whom h e h a s t h r e e s o n s . N A B J congra tu la t e s ESPN on th i s appointment and wishes Mr. Merida much success at ESPN.

Former DFW-ABC president to edit ESPN site

BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU! OCTOBER 23, 2015

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"Our people have made the mistake of confusing the methods with the objectives. As long as we agree on objectives, we should never fall out with each other just because we believe in different methods, or tactics, or strategy. We have to keep in mind at all times that we are not fighting for separation. We are fighting for recognition as free humans in this society." MALCOLM X

My memory will not dispose the day my friends at Skyline High School found out that I loved the movie “Blazing Saddles.” My White friends snickered, but never commented. My Black friends protested vociferously; “They kept cal l ing Sheriff Bart a N*gg@r!!”

My first response was that the word was used in historical context. (kinda like Django) My second retort was that Richard Pryor, my hero, wrote much of it. And finally, and to this day I love hearing White folks say exactly what it is that they mean. I'd rather pal around with an overt racist than to be best friends with a n u n c o m m i t t e d “progressive.”

That’s why I always like to read Peggy Noonan, columnist at the Wall Street Journal. Steve M. over at the publ ica t ion ca l led “Crooks and Liars” stuck a particularly piercing pin in her hot air balloon last week.

"Peggy Noonan looks a t D o n a l d T r u m p ' s continued dominance of the Republican presidential race

and finds a culprit: Barack Obama."

(Begin Noonan quote from the WSJ) “The only thing I feel certain of is how we got here. There are many reasons why we’re at this moment, but the essential political one is this: Mr. Obama lowered the bar. He was a literal unknown, an o b s c u r e f o r m e r s t a t e l eg i s l a to r who hadn’t completed his single term as U.S. senator, but he was c h a r i s m a t i c , c a n n y , compelling. He came from nowhere and won it all t w i c e . A l l p r e v i o u s l y prevailing standards, all usual expectations, were thrown out the window."

( S t e v e M . continues)"Oh, right -- prior to Obama, we never elected a p r e s i d e n t w h o w a s unknown and obscure (Carter), or inexperienced (Lincoln), or youthfully

char i smat ic (Kennedy, Clinton), did we?"

Steve M. gets a thumbs up for his transparency, but he too avoided what Noonan

lacked the nerve t o s a y . P r e s i d e n t Obama in her c i rc les is a N*gg@r. It’s t h a t o n e u n f i l t e r e d sentiment that h a s d r i v e n White folks crazy for eight

years. Not all Whites, just that Group of Nabisco's finest Saltines. That last cadre of the Confederacy who believe that White privilege is for White peop l e , no t mu la t t o s , quadroons, octoroons or Obamas.

While penning this missive, I happened upon that scene in Mel Brooks’ “Blazing Saddles” where the newly appointed Sheriff, Black Bart, rides into town. Smiling brightly, Bart was intent upon announcing his c o m e u p p a n c e . A s h e saunters into the desert village, he is met with leering eyes of disgust, disbelief and a few drawn pistols.

Black Bart is mounted on a beautiful steed and donning a garnished gold western ensemble that would make the Lone Ranger reconsider his digs.

The lily white town of Rock Ridge goes from pink flesh tones to various versions of blue.

Sheriff Bart is almost ambivalent of his standing until the next day as he happily strolls by a little old grandma who looks like Peggy Noonan in prairie garb and a headdress. Bart d e c l a r e s t h a t i t i s a “Wonderful morning” to which she replies; “Up yours N*gg@r!!!

When this movie was released in 1974, some 41 years ago, neither Brooks nor Pryor could have imag ined tha t Ba rack Obama would become the 44th POTUS. Nothing in our culture would indicate t h a t A m e r i c a w o u l d coalesce around a man of color for what is arguably the highest post in the world.

Brooks et al could not have predicted that so much of White America would remain so openly and v i o l e n t l y r a c i s t . T h e treatment of Black Bart was intended to be a ruse and a parody on race relations in the 1970’s. Who knew that r a c i s m w o u l d b e s o pervasive and so pointed in 2015?

Thanks to Ms. Noonan for playing the Trump card…The race card that always wins runs the table.

Peggy Noonan’s Trump Card!QUIT

PLAYIN’By Vincent Hall

BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU! OCTOBER 23, 2015

! PAGE 14

Parkland experts encourage early

vaccination as flu season begins

Vaccine provides high level of protection

DALLAS – Fall not only brings cooler weather and football, it also marks the beginning of flu season that usually starts in October and can last through March or later. Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stress that this year’s flu vaccine is a good match for influenza strains expected this season. Anyone can get the flu regardless of age, and it can have serious consequences. Anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population is affected by the flu virus every season and about 36,000 people die. It is especially important for women who are pregnant to get vaccinated since they are at a higher risk for complications from the flu. “The bottom line is vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family against the flu,” said Donna Persaud, MD, Chief of Pediatrics at Parkland Health & Hospital System. “It boosts immunity and also reduces the severity of complications if someone does contract the flu.” Dr. Persaud said studies have shown that children who are vaccinated have a 74 percent decreased risk of getting admitted to a pediatric ICU with flu-related illnesses and similar risk reductions were seen in adults and the elderly.

It’s important to get the vaccine early since it takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection.

 That’s why Parkland’s Community Oriented Primary Care health centers are offering flu vaccines as part of the Walk-In Wednesday’s campaign. Dallas County residents can get flu vaccines without having to make an appointment from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 to 4 p.m. every Wednesday during fall and winter months. If they prefer, people can call 214.266.4000 to schedule an appointment. Parkland accepts insurance, including Medicaid/Chip and Medicare. All children will be assessed to determine if they are eligible for the Texas Vaccines for Children's immunization program. Patients who are enrolled in the Parkland Financial Assistance (PFA) program can get their vaccines covered at no or low cost.

PFA members will be responsible for their payment dependent on the PFA level. For persons without health insurance, Parkland can provide financial screening. “Pregnant women with the flu have a greater chance for serious problems for their fetuses, including premature birth,” Patricia Chenault-Salisbury, MS, APRN, Clinic Manager at Parkland’s E. Carlyle Smith Jr. Health Center in Grand Prairie. Most major organizations such as the CDC, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine encourage pregnant women to get vaccinated against the flu. “Some women fear that the vaccine will adversely affect their babies, but research has shown that there are health benefits for the unborn babies, and those benefits continue for up to six months,” Chenault-Salisbury said. “Flu shots have not been shown to cause harm to the mothers or their unborn children.” To find the Parkland COPC health center nearest you, visit www.parklandhospital.com/locations

BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU! OCTOBER 23, 2015

! PAGE 15

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GARLAND J OURNAL

Metro3

Perspectives 5Community Calendar 6

Lifestyle12

HBCU Homecomings 19

INSIDE

VOL XI ISSUE 7NOVEMBER 15, 2012www.garlandjournal.com

Available at newstands in Garland, Plano, Balch Springs, Seagoville, Rowlett, Mesquite,

Richardson, East and North Dallas

TIME TO FORGIVE?

FAMU Rattlers victorious

FOUR MORE YEARSPRESIDENT OBAMA VICTORIOUS

JOURNA

WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM VOL.1 NO.16 BRINGING NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM ACROSS THE STATE AND AROUND THE WORLD APRIL 1, 2013

TEXASMETRO NEWS

CIRCULATION*AUDIT*BY

WASHINGTON**+**+The+Nation*

al+Association+of+Black+Journalists+

(NABJ)+ has+ announced+ that+ Ro*

land+ S.+ Martin,+ nationally+ syndi*

cated+ columnist,+ television+ host,+

and+radio+and+television+commen*

tator,+ is+ to+ receive+ the+ organiza*

tion’s+Journalist+of+the+Year+award.+

It+ is+ one+of+NABJ’s+most+ covet*

ed+ honors+ celebrating+ the+ accom*

plishments+of+black+journalists+and+

those+ who+ support+ blacks+ in+ the+

media.+Martin+was+selected+for+the+

award+by+NABJ’s+Board+of+Direc*

tors.

“I+ am+ enormously+ thankful+ and+

humbled+that+NABJ+has+bestowed+

this+amazing+honor+on+me+for+my+

work+ as+ a+ fearless+ voice+ in+ advo*

cating+ the+ critical+ issues+ facing+

voters+ in+ the+ 2012+ election,+ but+

especially+as+they+relate+to+African+

Americans,”+ said+Martin.+ “I+ hope+

this+honor+serves+as+a+lesson+to+any+

young+ or+ veteran+ journalist+ that+

New Voices

International 2

Metro 3

Servicemen 3

Perspectives 4L5

Community Calendar 6

Lifestyle 12

Swagger Puzzle 15

Business 17

Martin named NABJ  Journalist of the Year

See Martin, page 11

Roland S. Martin

INSIDE

+ Nationally+ syndicated+ radio+

personality+ Michael+ Baisden+ an*

nounced+a+hiatus,+from+his+radio+on+

his+ Facebook+ page.+ Baisden,+ who+

commands+a+daily+audience+of+over+

seven+ million+ listeners,+ said+ he+ is+

unable+to+discuss+the+particulars+but+

concluded+ that+a+deal+could+not+be+

made+on+mutually+agreeable+terms.+

Recognized+as+one+of+the+most+in*

& ���� ���������� ������������� ���� ���������"��������������������� �*ed+ afternoon+ drive+ radio+ programs+

heard+in+the+top+urban+markets.++

He+ is+ also+ a+ TV+ talk+

���"� ������ %���� ���� ��� New$

York$Times+best*selling+author+with+nearly+two+million+books+in+print.+

Now+ in+his+ tenth+ year+ on+ the+ air,+

Baisden+ wants+ his+ radio+ family+ to+

know+he+did+everything+in+his+pow*

��� ��� ������ �� ���� ���� ��� � ��*���� ���"�� "���� �� ������ �������������� ��� �$��� ������������ ������the+air+as+soon+as+possible+in+a+way+

�� ��"������!������ ���� ���� ���������"�� � ����� ������� ��� ���������"����� �� �%�� ����� �������������*� ���$�� � �� ������������ ������ ��� �Exum,+his+business+manager.

Baisden+ began+ his+ career+ as+ an+

See Baisden, page 6 Michael Baisden

Michael Baisden leaves airwaves -- Skip Murphy moves to slot

GWENDOLYN JONESAsk The Advocate

D’LYTE & EBONYMusic Happenings

VALDER BEEBEThat Celebrity Interview

MISS RAYGoing Deep in the Roots

YVETTE BROOKSYour Curlfriend!

KENNY JAYMaking Women Happy!

Single Mom Chronicles

p.12

Say NO to any ASSAULTBy Cheryl Smith - Texas Metro News

Just+ like+ a+ potential+ target+ can+ not+ immediately+

identify+ a+ predator,+ it+ is+ often+ hard+ to+ point+ out+ the+

victim+of+sexual+assault+or+domestic+abuse.+ +There’s+

no+ big+ letter+ tattooed+ on+ their+ forehead+ or+ a+ certain+

look,+smell+or+hairdo+that+will+alert+you+that+the+person+

you+are+looking+at+is+the+survivor+of+what+many+have+

� �������������������%�� ������� ����� �� ������# ��assault.

April+is+Sexual+Assault+Awareness+Month+(SAAM)+

and+there+are+full*scale+efforts+to+“raise+public+aware*

ness+ about+ sexual+ violence+ and+ to+ educate+ commu*

nities+and+individuals+on+how+to+prevent+sexual+vio*

lence.”

This+year’s+campaign+“focuses+on+healthy+sexuality+

and+ child+ sexual+ abuse+ prevention.”+ +Advocates+ are+

encouraging+“everyone”+to+join+the+conversation+and+

start+talking+about+“healthy+childhood+development+to+

prevent+child+sexual+abuse.”

Almost+two+decades+ago,+January+1,+1996,+Tamecka+

Grate+was+ violently+ attacked+

and+ her+ recovery+ has+ been+

called+ a+ “miracle.”+ It+wasn’t+

long+ after+ the+ attack+ before+

the+ valiant+ 24*year*old+ was+

giving+ interviews,+ telling+ of+

the+brutal+assault+ that+almost+

ended+her+life+as+doctors+op*

erated+for+over+13+hours+to+re*

move+a+pair+of+scissors+from+

her+skull.+

If+you+saw+her+today,+you’d+

see+ just+ another+ beautiful+

woman+who+ is+ in+ love+with+her+ life,+her+ family+and+

living.+

Ms.+Grate’s+attacker,+Emanuel+Moffert,+26,+who+ac*

tually+ dated+ her+

neighbor,+ was+

caught+ before+

he+ was+ able+ to+

rape+her,+but+the+

assault+ was+ so+

brutal+ that+ the+

scars+left+behind+

could+have+con*

tinued+to+assault+

her,+ if+ not+ for+ a+

loving+ family,+

church,+ com*

munity+ and+ her+

faith.

Gwen d o l y n+

Jones+ was+ as*

saulted+ by+ her+ step*father.+ + She+ asked+ herself+ the+

� �������� �� ��� �$� !������� ������$� ���� ����� ���*son+act+this+way+toward+me?+Am+I+responsible?++Did+I+

do+something+to+cause+this?++Did+my+caretakers+know+

�� ������� ����������"�$�����������$�����������������stop+it?

She,+like+so+many+other+young+victims,+was+not+be*

lieved+**+which+caused+considerable+trauma+as+the+vic*

tim+is+twice+victimized.++

Admittedly+some+“victims”+have+lied,+producing+an*

other+level+of+victims+in+the+wrongfully+accused,+but+

there+ are+ other+ levels,+ like+ that+ victim+who+ remains+

silent+ for+whatever+ reason+and+ the+ family+and+ loved+

ones+ of+ the+ aforementioned+ who+ oftentimes+ don’t+

know+what+to+say+or+do.

Now+who+is+the+victim?+

It+ could+be+a+newborn+baby.+ +Of+course+you+ think+

that+this+couldn’t+be+the+case.+Unfortunately+there+are+

so+many+cases+of+very,+very+young+babies+being+as*

Tamecka Grate Frazier

Debra Mars

See Sexual Assault, page 18

Welcome Home Ambassador

Ron Kirk!p.7

NO 2 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 19, 2013

PAGE 1 ! ! ! I MESSENGER

I MESSENGER NO 2 ISSUE 32 APRIL 19 2013

Joyce Ann Brown lost

Nine Years,

Five Months

and 24 Days

of her life

TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE DALLAS WEEKLY, FILL OUT THIS FORM AND MAIL TO:

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November 6 - 12, 2008 Volume No. 55 Issue No. 44www.DallasWeekly.com

THEBISHOP’SDAUGHTER

Page 10

Recycle thisnewspaperwhenfinishedreading

City of Dallas

Sanitation Dept.

CHANGE!Obama wins election and makes ...

Page 5

The election is overnowwe can beginElection night coverage onKKDA focuses on issues

Page 6

Obama’s winmayface limitationsGeorge Curry looks at thefuture with President Obama

INSIDE

HISTORIC

OBAMA

Nation elects first AfricanAmerican president ,as Barack wins handidly

See PAGE 7

SPECIAL COLLECTOR’S EDITION

JOHN

V.S.BARACK

MCCAIN

Democrat RepublicanNOVEMBER 4, 2008 ELECTION

Dig

ital

Illu

stra

tion

: Jose

ph

Sh

elb

y

BOOK REVIEW:

INSIDE PAGES:

Lifestyle Is gospel music dying?Management blamed for issues

Page 8

Business Food for thoughtCongresswoman addresses

Oak Cliff Chamber Page 12

Health Prevent heart attacksHeart disease remains high on

list of illnesses Page 15

No. 1 serving the African American Community

April 30-May 6, 2009 Volume No. 56 Issue No. 18www.DallasWeekly.com

INTIMATESEDUCTION

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SanitationDept.

BOOK REVIEW:

Page 2

Speaking of PeopleRon Price elected to nationalorganization post

Page 4

NationalWhy Democracyhangs in the balance

Page 9

INSIDE

SPIRITUALRemebering Joe Hudson Jr.

Page 1 0

HEALTHHow to avoid the Swine flu

Page 15

BUSINESSHow to brand you

Page 16

MetroMavericks surpassesSpurs in playoffs

By Patrice J. Holmeseditorial@dallasweekly.com

Studies by theUniversity of Texas atDallas Institute of UrbanPolicy, United Way andTexas A&M are takingplace now to assess thequality of life in the SouthDallas community beforebillion dollar projectsinvolving the new DARTLight Rail and the Trinity

Toll Road are brought tothe area. Some construc-tion has begun with thedemolition of homes tofollow later this year.At a meeting held by the

three institutions, a focusgroup of sorts dished ideasand findings on the surveysthat have told the story of theresidents of South Dallas.“We are measuring con-

ditions that may vary fromstreet to street,” said Dr.

Timothy Bray, director ofthe Institute of UrbanPolicy Research. He helps

oversee the The FieldResearch Team whichunderwent 80 hours of

training in administeringthe anonymous surveys.“Over three to four yearsthere are changes in condi-tions and we want to knowhow it affects the area.”

In having the conversa-tion about building withinSouth Dallas, many issuesarise with respect toeducation and business in

See ROAD, page 19

The Long andWinding RoadLight rail, Trinity River road highlyscrutinized in South Dallas

“OVER THREE TO

FOUR YEARS THERE

ARE CHANGES IN

CONDITIONS AND

WEWANT TO KNOW

HOW IT AFFECTS

THE AREA”

Political analysts, both mainstream and Black news

media and intellectuals around the country have given their

grade evaluation on President Barack Obama’s first 100

days in office, marked on April 30. Here’s how several

people from the local front graded the new president.

Congresswoman EddieBernice Johnson

Grade:A“I am deeply impressed with the progress that

President Barack Obama has made during the first 100days of his administration. Already we are seeingevidence of the administration’s plan to dig our countryout of recession and develop long-term, sustainable pros-perity. President Obama has made two trips abroad,proving to us and to the world that he intends to

repair our frayed alliances and restore ourinternational leadership.

Finally, the Obama adminis-tration’s code of ethicshas broughtmuch-neededtransparency andaccountability to theWhite House.

President Obamais delivering on thechange that hepromised.”

Senator Kay

Bailey HutchisonGrade: C

“In just 100 days, we’ve seen an alarming accel-

eration of policies that will take America down the

wrong track. The administration has proposed

trillions of dollars in new spending, which will

result in higher taxes on Americans, while sharply

raising our indebtedness to foreign creditors.On the national security front, I am

very concerned aboutthe President’s intention toclose Guantanamo without aworkable plan to relocatedetainees. It is mysincere hope that,movingforward,

theadminis-

tration willadopt the productive,

responsible approach to ournation’s challenges thatAmericansdeserve.”(The office of John Cornyn of

Texas was contacted but did

PROPOSITIONS

1 AND 2

Dallas is abuzz at theelection issues beforethem on May 9 whencitizens are asked tovote on the controver-sial ConventionCenter Hotel that isbeing backed byMayor

Leppert. But what doesvoting “no” and voting“yes” mean?It is important to

remember that thepropositions are toamend the Dallas CityCharter which, amongother things, gives thecity the power to acquireproperty for any publicpurpose. The propositionsare worded to prohibit thecity from acting on thesebefore stated powers.Therefore, if a citizen wouldlike the city to maintainthose powers, they are tovote NO and vice versa.

Evaluating President Obama’s First 100 Days

THE HUNDRED DAY SCORE

WhyYES means no

and NOmeans yes

See VOTE, page 38See 100 DAYS, page 19

Find out all th

e

lowdown on M

arvel’s

weirdest mut

antsPG. 12

X-MenOrigins:

WOLVERINE

A

C

Movie Tidbits

Pg. 12

TheDallas

Weekly

celebrates 56 years

of serving the Black

Community

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OF

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BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU! OCTOBER 23, 2015

! PAGE 18

Lose

5 pounds in

5 days

BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU! OCTOBER 23, 2015

! PAGE 19

IN MEMORIAM

BILLY GLENN GREER

Billy Glenn Greer was born on January 31, 1952 in San Antonio, Texas. He was one of seven

children born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Odis Greer.He grew up in San Antonio Public School System,

graduating from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1970. He expressed interest in business at an early age and went on to take business courses at Our Lady of the Lake University.

He quickly applied his knowledge and love of business and soon earned a title of entrepreneur/businessman across San Antonio. He owned several businesses to include a limousine service, t shirt shop, and nightclubs.

While each of these business ventures were extremely successful, he found his passion in the night club industry. He is still best known for his highly successful club, Reflections.

In 1997, he took his talents to Dallas, Texas where he continued his success in the nightclub industry for the following18 years. Throughout this time, Billy coordinated the performances of several celebrities and was recognized by countless city officials for the contributions he had on the city of Dallas. His hard work and dedication will have a lasting impact to both cities

Billy touched many lives and he has always had the unique ability to bring family and friends together through laughter and love. He has left each of us with life long memories.

Billy said farewell to this life on Saturday, October 10, 2015. He leaves to forever cherish his memories: his children, William Greer, DaNishia Barton, and Zoe Blackburn; father, Odis Greer; sisters, Margaret Taylor (Erline), Erma Bullock, Linda Woodard, and Debra Freeman; six grandchildren, Dominuque Greer, Javon Greer, Daijah Barton, Dailani Barton, DaiAna Barton, and DaiNya Barton; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

MARJORIE MANNEY ATKINS1939-2015

M a r j o r i e passed away, Tues., Oct. 13, 2 0 1 5 i n Dallas, Texas. S h e w a s r e a r e d i n H o u s t o n , (Sixth Ward), T e x a s . Marjorie was educated in the Houston Public School

System (Harper and B.T. Washington). She received her B.S and M.Ed. from Prairie View A & M University. Marjorie taught in the Houston I.S.D. and in the Dallas I.S.D. A dedicated member of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she married Joe L. Atkins of Dallas. To this union was born Joseph B. Atkins. Marjorie was funeralized in Dallas, at the Good Street Baptist Church, Monday, Oct. 19, 2015. Arrangements entrusted to; Black and Clark Funeral Home, 2517 E. Illinois Ave., Dallas, Texas 75216. Published in Houston Chronicle on Oct. 17, 2015

DWAINE ANTHONY THOMPSON

Dwaine Anthony Thompson, affectionately known as Anthony by family and close friends, was born December 30, 1956 in Dallas, Texas to Barbara Jean Blackmon and Hazel Benjamin Robinson.

As a child, Anthony spent a lot of time in Palestine, Texas with his grandmother, “Mother” whom he shared many smiles with and cherished dearly before returning home to live with his parents Mae Ollie Robinson and HB Robinson in Dallas - where he attended the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church and Ebenezer Baptist Church. Anthony was a happy child enjoyed playing football and basketball with his siblings - sister, Carlette Johnson and brothers -

Wendell Robinson, Reginald Wright and Odell Thompson, Arthie Carlton Thompson (deceased), and Doug Thompson (deceased).

Anthony graduated from Skyline High School in 1975, where he served as the President of the Black People’s Association, played football and ran track. While playing football he met and married his high school sweetheart, Janice Brooks. To this union, two lovely daughters were born, Moneek and Valencia. He attended Mountain View College and studied Audio/Video Communications. For 17 years, Dwaine was employed by Emory Air Freight and later Mitchell Mail Services/Pat Salmon and Sons inc. where he worked until his passing.

Dwaine was the proud member and director of the Children’s Bible Hour at Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ for he taught the biblical principles of God. Dwaine remained very involved in the Christian ministry as he raised his children to be strong willed-free thinkers, appreciating their African heritage. As a part of this enlightenment, Dwaine became a committed member of the Junior Players After School Program called Discover Africa - where he provided African Cultural Arts teachings to the children in the community.

In the 1990s, Dwaine welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Dwala, whom Dwaine cherished. As Dwaine continued his African Heritage Journey, The Ayubu Kamau Sacred Drum and Dance Society had the accidental privilege of drumming on stage at the Million Man March Rally, at Howard University in Washington DC. Shortly after this exciting experience. Dwaine and ten friends founded a group called the Egbe Egunjobi Society (meaning their ancestors birthed us all) in 1995. This society came together to uplift and venerate our African ancestors. In August of 1996, this group traveled to Abeokuta, Nigeria where there were initiated into the Yoruba tradition to elevate of the God and ancestors. While in Nigeria he received the name Esudele Ifatosin Fagbenro. Esudele, meaning Esu comes home, was given to him because no one would ever suspect that he was not a native Nigerian (he appeared to be home) and Fagbenro - being the family name given to him by the Oluwo, or high priest in Ibara, Abeokuta. This group and this experience was Esudele’s foundation into his African sensuality.

As a result of his love and respect for his culture, in 1997 he founded the Act of Change Saturday School and the Rites of Passage for Boys in Oak Cliff, Texas. The Act of Change was always available to the community for forums, meetings, theater practice and performances of all kinds. Esudele was adamant in his quest for knowledge of self, as well as having others learn about their true history by providing a venue for lecturers, historians, and educators to speak on the African Diaspora. Dwaine earned a key to the city of Corpus Christi, Texas as a token of appreciation for his many accolades in the community and numerous other awards from various organizations across the globe.

BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU! OCTOBER 23, 2015

! PAGE 20

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! PAGE 21

CHERYL’S WORLDTune in to Cheryl’s World on Blog Talk Radio, or call 646-200-0459 to hear informative, entertaining, enlightening and thought-provoking commentary and news with veteran journalist Cheryl

Smith and sports guy Andrew Whigham on Sundays at 8a.m. and Mondays at 6p.m., Felicia Shepherd on Tuesdays at 6p.m., Inside the 234 with Dareia Tolbert on Thursdays at 6p.m., and Miss Yvette at noon on Saturday

" I w a n t D r. King to know that I didn't come to Selma to make his j o b d i f f i c u l t. I really did come thinking I could make it easier. If the white people realize what the a l t e r n a t i v e i s, perhaps they will be more willing to hear Dr. King."

Malcolm X

BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU! OCTOBER 23, 2015

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OCTOBER 22

DRUG PREVENTION RESOURCES, INC. 80TH ANNIVERSARY

A celebration will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Dallas on October 22, 2015 to mark DPRI's eight

decades of youth substance abuse prevention efforts. The public is invited to this ceremony. Please

contact Larry Tucker at 972.518.1821, extension 6323 or email

ltucker@dpri.com for tickets.

*******"Young Frankenstein"

The New Mel Brooks Musical Presented by C.O.R.P.

October 22-25Grandson of the infamous Victor

Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced "Fronk-en-steen") inherits his family's estate in Transylvania. With

the help of a hunchbacked side-kick, Igor

(pronounced "Eye-gore"), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced

normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. "It's alive!" he exclaims as he brings to life a

creature to rival his grandfather's. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously

abounds. Show dates/times: Oct. 22 at 8 p.m., Oct. 23 at 8 p.m., Oct. 24 at 8 p.m.,

Oct. 25 at 2 p.m.Tickets: $15 at

GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com or 972-205-2790.

Plaza Theatre 521 W. State Street Downtown Garland

972-205-2790

October 23

Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet

Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center 6:30 Reception

October 24

The City of Garland welcomes residents to attend the 2015 Neighborhood Summit from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Hyatt Place,

5101 N. President George Bush Turnpike. Registration is $10 per person.

For details and registration, visit GarlandVitalNeighborhoods.org.

October 25

AppreciationReception Sunday, October 25th from 5-6:30pm. For

those who missed our 2nd Cruise With A Purpose/Dinner Cruise, you have a second chance. Come and meet and greet our fashion designers; Deidre

Hardin of Copper Signatures, Marquette Smith of Je'Cour Couture,

Andre Terry of IMT Designs, rising artist Lady Soul will perform 'Lady Soul

CALENDAR

BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU! OCTOBER 23, 2015

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Slide', and a brief power point slideshow will be shared by myself. For this adult-only event, there is a a $10 pp fee to the

first 50 people...refreshments will be served. The location is the conference

room of LA's Hair & Scalp Clinic, 2304 W. Pioneer Pkwy, #6, Arlington, TX

76013, 817 265 8854. www.hairandscalpessentials.com

October 28

Women of God on Fire Conference 2015It’s Not Over Yet, Hilton Dallas - Lincoln Center, 5410 LBJ Freeway.For more information call, - www. womenofgodonfire.org

OCTOBER 29

Oak Cliff's Halloween Masquerade BallFrom 8:00 PM to 11:55 PM CDTJefferson Tower, 8th Floor 351 W. Jefferson Blvd. Dallas, TX 75208Choose a mask and wear it well, so your true identity no one can tell...Drink professionally-made cocktails all night!Creative semi-formal attire.Masks and costumes are highly encouraged. *****************The Multi-Grammy, Soul-Train and American Music award winner, Erykah

Badu's long awaited one-woman show debuts in her hometown and at the institution where she trained and starred in major productions. It's Badu at her best. She'll dance, sing and invite audiences into her Baduism world of theatrical arts.Thursday is Membership Night special for $18.50. Upon availability, TBAAL Members can purchase tickets at $18.50 until 5pm the day of the performance at the TBAAL Box Office Only. Any tickets purchased after 5pm will be at the regular list price. Other TBAAL membership discounts not applicable for this show. Hosted by TBAAL Board of Directors.Thur sday, F r iday and Sa tu rday October 29 - 31, 2015 @ 8pmNaomi Bruton Main Stage Dallas Convention Center Theater Complex1309 Canton Street | Dallas, TX 75201 $40 Mezzanine // $45 Orchestra $100 Opening Night VIP Reserved Seating and Post Reception with Ms. Badu

OCTOBER 30“Pole Spell” Pole’iticians’ Halloween Masquerade 7pm-9pm Richardson Location. Put on your frightful or flirty devilish best and come Trick or Treat with Poleiticians Fitness Studio!. This is an event you do not want to miss! RSVP E A R L Y T O B E S U R E ADMITTANCE!!!

This event is free to all Poleiticians Members and only $15.00 for non-members. Raffle tickets for the Pole Trick or Pole Treat event are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. ALL attendees MUST RSVP and will receive a confirmation code once booked. ALL attendees MUST complete a waiver upon entering the studio

October 31

KIPP Fall FestivalNoon - 4 pm

Where: Southwest Center Mall Who: KIPP Truth Academy (KTA), KIPP Truth Parents as Partners (KTA

PAP) and KIPP DFW SchoolsWhat: KTA, KTA PAP will join forces

with KIPP DFW Schools to host our first Fall Festival and Student Recruitment Fair. The free family event will be held

from Noon – 4pm in the Center Court of Southwest Center Mall on Camp

Wisdom. The event will feature a vendor court, two bouncers, face painting, a

photo booth, visits by Minnie and Mickie Mouse, games, costume contests, a lip

symch battle between KIPP Truth Academy and KIPP Destiny Middle

School, dance contests, and live entertainment on the Main Stage

Contact: 214-927-9601 or ktaparents@gmail.com

*******Ghostbusters Come to the Library

In the mood for a scary movie that's not too scary? The Garland Library will

show Ghostbusters at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Central Library, 625

Austin St. The classic 1984 film follows three oddball scientists who set up their own ghost removal service. The film is

rated PG, but due to paranormal elements, this event is recommended for teens and adults. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Doors open 15 minutes prior, and no registration is required. Popcorn and water will be available while supplies

last. Call 972-205-2502 for details.

November 7

The Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) will host its 9th annual ART for ADVOCACY auction on Saturday, November 7, 2015, at F.I.G. (Fashion Industry Gallery), 1807 Ross Avenue, celebrating the transformative power of

BRINGING THE WORLD TO YOU! OCTOBER 23, 2015

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Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE?

POLICE have not apprehended Pookie the serial rapist. Aren’t you concerned? Do you care?

We know he has attacked members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.

If you have ANY information, PLEASE call Crime Stoppers

877.373.8477Also, if you want extra protection,

check out Street Safe at

www.streetsafe.peopleguard.com

DON’T BE

SILENT

Join I Messenger in the call for justice. Turn Pookie in today!