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My Truth By Cheryl Smith Publisher
Ever heard about Sankofa? Saluting the 2020 and 2021 NABJ Honorees Sankofa is an African word from the Akan tribe in Ghana. The literal translation of the word and the symbol is “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.” Which brings me to my truth. In 2020 and 2021 the National Association of Black Journalists honored several distinguished members and chapters and inducted several outstanding people into the Hall of Fame.
Unfortunately because of COVID 19, the pomp and circumstance was viewed digitally and without all the personal hugs that add to the special occasion. This year, the hugs were there in Las Vegas; however a part of me wanted to show some love to those who I will not leave behind. I would have gladly shared with these noble men and women. They are dynamic and worthy of all the accolades: 2021 Hall of Fame Inductees • A.J. Smitherman, Tulsa Star (posthumously) • Claire Smith, Temple University/MLB Writer • Cornelius “Neil” Foote Jr., Foote Communications, LLC/ University of North Texas • Kirk McKoy, Kirk McKoy Photography, Formerly L.A. Times • Monica Roberts, TransGriot (posthumously) • Rochelle Riley, City of Detroit/Author • Rodney A. Brooks, U.S. News & World Report/Author • Roland S. Martin, #RolandMartinUnfiltered/ Black Star Network 2021 Special Honors: • Journalist of the Year: Libor Jany (Star Tribune) Michael J. Feeney Emerging Journalist of the Year: Malika Andrews (ESPN) • Chuck Stone Lifetime Achievement: Art Norman (NBC Chicago) • Journalist of Distinction: Jenise Griffin (Florida Courier/Daytona Times) • Legacy Award: Janis Ware (The Atlanta Voice) • Ida B. Wells Award: Sonceria Messiah Jiles (Houston Defender) • Percy Qoboza Foreign Journalist of the Year: Anas Aremeyaw Anas (Insight TWI) • Journalism Educator of the Year: Dr. Sherri Williams (American University) • Patricia L. Tobin Media Professional Award: Aprill O. Turner (Higher Heights for America) • Angelo B. Henderson Community Service: Tenisha Taylor See 2020 and 2021 NABJ Honorees, page 7
SERVING NORTH EAST TEXAS
THURSDAY AUGUST 18, 2022
Rededication of “White Only” water fountain sign
The Dallas County Commissioners’ Court is holding a “Rededication” of the “White Only” water fountain sign, discovered in the building almost 20 years ago. The historical ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 18th in the 1st floor lobby of the newly renovated Dallas County Records Building, 500 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75202 situated at the corner of Elm and Houston Street. The Records Building, a gray stone building, opened in 1927 across the street from what is now known as the ’’Old Red Courthouse”, and adjacent to the Old Criminal Courts Building, which opened in 1915. Over the years, the building underwent renovations and modifications. Visible messages of segregation were hidden over time, and resurfaced decades later. Among those relics was a metal plate above the water fountain in the Records Building, which was faded but still held the original intent of the message. The “White Only” sign on the marble wall is a reminder of the unjust laws that guarded and protected some and humiliated others in the segregated South. In 2013, Commissioner John Wiley Price demanded that the
VOLUME X
State Fair Classic Bounces Back with New Schedule By Sylvia Dunnavant Hines Cotton candy, healthy cattle, iconic cooked foods, and fancy cars are all things you can count on from the Texas State Fair. The ever-changing and growing phenomenon is the State Fair Classic Football Game.
Al Wash, president of ALW Entertainment with a bust of former Grambling Coach Eddie Robinson whose achievements include being one of the greatest coaches of all time.
The Dallas Weekly, under then-editor Cheryl Smith, had the exclusive photo of the sign before it was covered up.
sign be kept for the sake of posterity and preservation. Artist Lauren Woods was hired and unveiled her video artwork in the Dallas County Records Building. “This artifact proves again that in America, race is critical and that’s not theory it’s factual and
ongoing” said Commissioner Price. Dallas County Commissioners’ Court is inviting the public to witness the rededication. Call Commissioner Price’s office at 214.653.6671 for questions or additional information.
After over four decades of working with the State Fair Classic, Al Wash, president of ALW Entertainment, is making changes to ensure this year’s game has a record attendance. Over the last two years, the pandemic has had an impact on the game’s attendance.
Another King with a Dream and a Purpose From South Dallas’ Lincoln High School to Changing Lives in Tallahassee
By Andre Daron
Texas Metro News
Tallahassee has a crime problem and Dallas native Royle King, Jr. is the man recently tapped to turn things around for Florida’s Capital. Joined by the Mayor, County Commissioner, Sheriff, School Superintendent and other partners at a press conference Monday, King was introduced as the Executive Director of the Council on the Status of Men and Boys (CSMB). The Council is the result of years of research presented in the Leon County Sheriff’s Offices’ Anatomy of a Homicide Report that focused on the crisis in Tallahassee, with homicides and non-fatal shootings. In introducing King, Sheriff
Royle King, Jr.
Credit: Mr. King
Walter McNeil talked about the number of people killed in Tallahassee and expectations for the Council. “It is our hope and prayer that this effort makes an imprint, a change in terms of the violence that we’ve seen across our community for far too long,” he said.
“We started a research project going back over the past five years, looking at shootings and how to bring an end to all the shootings and deaths.” Saying they chose the right person, the Sheriff continued, citing poverty, health disparities and trauma that “impact disproportionately so many of our African American” youth. “The impact he has made with the Lamplighters… he’s doing a lot of what we talked about today. He is ready for this challenge!” He continued, “Based on his impressive background and passion for changing young lives, King is the perfect choice to lead the Council on the Status of Men and Boys. His own experiences of dealing with the tragic shooting of one of his mentees, in addition
Cathy Conwright Grambling State University
“In 2020, we canceled the fall game and did a spring game. Then we had a snowstorm and pipes that burst at the Cotton Bowl. We had to move the game to Arlington to Ranger Stadium, which didn’t work out as well for us,” said Wash. This year, Wash has made a few changes and he’s pulling out all the stops to have a record attendance.
See ANOTHER KING, page 7
Brittney Griner Sentenced To More Than 9 Years In Russian Prison
NNPA/Black Press USA By Stacy M. Brown
WNBA Superstar Brittney Griner has been sentenced to more than 9 years in a Russian prison following her conviction on drug charges. The lawyers of WNBA star Brittney Griner, Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykov, said in a written statement following the verdict announcement that the court ignored all the evidence they presented and that they will appeal the decision. “We are very disappointed by the verdict. As legal professionals, we believe that the court should be fair to everyone regardless of nationality,” Attorneys Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykov said in a statement. “The court completely ignored all the evidence of the defense, and most importantly, the guilty plea. This contradicts the existing legal practice.
“Taking into account the amount of the substance (not to mention the defects of the expertise) and the plea, the verdict is absolutely unreasonable. We will certainly file an appeal,” they added.
Russian officials contended that Griner committed the crime on purpose. They also levied a fine totaling about $16,400 American dollars on the basketball star.
Russian officials contended that Griner committed the crime on purpose. They also levied a fine
totaling about $16,400 American dollars on the basketball star. Authorities arrested Griner on Feb. 17 at an airport in Moscow after finding less than a gram of cannabis oil in her luggage. Recently, American officials revealed that the Biden-Harris administration had offered notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout in exchange for the release of Griner and Paul Whelan. “Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney,” President Biden said. “It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates. My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible.”
Lalonni Hagerman Prairie View A&M University
The game will start two hours later at 6:00 PM. This will allow for a pre show kick-off concert at 4:00 PM, with Grammy award-winning singer, Ashanti Douglas. After the game, the New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band will perform. The jazz ensemble has been performing since 1961. All the concerts will be on the Chevy Stage which is right outside of the Cotton Bowl. “Over the years I have seen things happen. When Hurricane Katrina hit, the students had to evacuate from New Orleans. Then, in 2001, when we were preparing for the game, on September 11, there was a terrorist attack and the entire country came to a halt,” said Wash. “We have crossed some hurdles that have been devastating for us, See STATE FAIR CLASSIC, page 6