Remembering
DICK GREGORY 1932-2017 “God Bless”
Serving North East Texas
www.GarlandJournal.com
VOL IX ISSUE 24
RUN KAMALA RUN
My Truth Publisher Cheryl Smith
Your journey is your journey Everyone has their own journey. The task of understanding your journey is enough without trying to figure out another’s. For example, you see someone screaming and shouting at a graduation and you give them a side eye; probably thinking they are a bit over the top and just way too much. But you don’t know what it took to get them to that point. You don’t know what obstacles they overcame to walk across that stage and who was there to support that journey. Which brings me to my truth.
Tamecka Grate Frazier
I read Tamecka Grate Frazier’s book last month, but it wasn’t the first time I had heard her story. Her journey is definitely one worth knowing and sharing. Veteran award-winning journalist Gary Reaves reached out to me about Tamecka 24 years ago and asked if I wanted the story. He was already covering her brutal attack for Dallas-based ABC affiliate WFAA-TV and like a good friend he gave me an opportunity that I immediately accepted. It was a story that would be carried not only locally and regionally, but nationally and internationally. The 24-year-old began the year 1996 in a long, complicated surgery after being assaulted by her neighbor’s boyfriend, 26-year-old, Emanuel Moffert. As she was turning 25 in May, Mr. Moffert was sentenced to life in prison for attempted capital murder. He is eligible for parole review January 1, 2026; 30 years to the day of his vicious attack. When she was able, Tamecka joined me on Soul 73 KKDA-AM to talk about coming home from a New Year’s Eve affair and extending a courtesy to a man who repeatedly stabbed her with scissors before attempting to rape her. What a way to start the new year! Fortunately the police arrived before he could complete the rape, but the pair of scissors protruding from her skull was another story. She was in surgery for 13 hours to remove the weapon that had been thrust four inches into her skull, missing
see MY TRUTH, page 5
Biden chooses Senator Harris for VP slot From Staff Reports The presumptive Democratic nominee’s much-anticipated decision was announced last week to mixed reviews. Former vice president Joe Biden heeded the wishes of many as he announced the selection of Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate. In 2017 the Howard University graduate and Oakland CA native became the second Black woman and the first Asian American U.S. senator. After an unsuccessful presidential bid, Sen. Harris remained at the top of many lists as a potential running mate for whomever was victorious in a very crowded field. The former San Francisco District Attorney and California Attorney General was optimistic after the announcement and so were others. Dale Long, retired City of Dallas administrator and veteran mentor with Big Brother, Big Sister organization. A former Dale Long KDFW-TV Fox 4 Hometown Hero “I’ve been watching the news all day. I like her (Kamala Harris) and
Reeves joins Vianovo
page 3
What you smokin’?
page 4
liked her when she was running against Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination. She stands out as the only incumbent African-American female U. S. Senator. She comes across as very smart. She knows the business, knows the country, and has an impressive background as the former District Attorney in San Francisco. Looking ahead, she might be the right person to follow after Biden and become President. I suspect President Trump will find a way to beat up on her because he is working hard to find ways to get re-elected. He has already said that Biden made a mistake by boxing himself in, saying he would pick a woman VP. Trump said that statement could be an insult to men.”
see KAMALA, page 2
WRONG CHURCH Supporters say “Don’t Come for Us!” By ASHLEY MOSS Texas Metro News More than 500 drivers – some estimates put the number higher - snaked through Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood Sunday in a massive and lengthy showing of solidarity with the Friendship-West Baptist Church, one week after congregation leaders said a white motorist group had tried to intimidate worshippers on their own campus – and on the date they had planned a Black Lives Matter rally at the church. Drivers lined up at the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy as early as 7:30 a.m. Sunday, some with signs reading “Defund the Police” and “Black Lives Matter” posted on the side of their vehicles, for the “Ride-In For A New Dallas” drive through Oak Cliff. By the time the caravan pulled out from the Academy around 9:30 a.m., vehicles decorated with streamers and balloons lined Stag Road and wrapped around Bonnie View Road. “We wanted to come out here to support our love for our community and to show that we can be collaborative and we won’t be intimidated,” said Matt Houston, former president of the board for the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce. “We want to ensure that all of our voices are heard,” he said. Sunday’s caravan pulled out from Stag Road and made a 20-minute drive through Oak Cliff, ending at Friendship-West.
The event culminated with a message from The Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, senior pastor of Friendship-West, and a voter registration and census rally. “It’s not enough just to ride,” Haynes said. “Now, we’ve got to work.” Organizers said Sunday’s “Ride-In” was part of a call to action issued to Oak Cliff residents, churches and allies of the Black Lives Matter movement to unify with Friendship-West and stand against racial intimidation tactics. Dr. Haynes issued the call along with Dallas Black Clergy for Safety, Equity and Justice, a group comprised of African American pastors, after a “Blue Lives Matter” group of motorists gathered on the church property a week ago without proper permission and disrupted plans for a Black Lives Matter rally. Claudia Hill Thompson of Oak Cliff heard the call and showed up Sunday. “I back my pastor and I back my church,” she said Sunday. “This is
Dr. and Mrs. Frederick D. Haynes III following Sunday service and rally
our community and we’re going to support them however we can. All lives cannot matter until Black lives matter.” On Aug. 2, an estimated 1,000 white motorists driving pickups, cars and motorcycles, including at least one driver who flew a Confederate flag atop his vehicle and another who displayed a Trump flag, filled the parking spaces at Friendship West Baptist Church, a congregation of mostly African Americans in historic Oak Cliff. The motorists blocked drive
see CHURCH, page 3
Voter Suppression. The Birth of Apathy. By ALLEN R. GRAY Dallas Area African American Newspaper Publishers
Inside
Sen. Kamala Harris
Betty Culbreath, political operative, Republican Party member, former chair of Dallas City Plan Commission and member of various city boards, including former chair of the DFW Airport Board “Frankly, I hope that she will help the (Democratic) ticket, although Biden presumably would take the Black vote anyway. I had thought maybe he would pick someone from a southern state to help draw that vote. I hope people won’t get hung up on (Harris’) race as a factor and (Biden) lose out by some people not voting because of that. If I had been Biden, I probably would have gone with Susan Rice (former national Security Advisor) because of her service and experience. President Trump likely will continue to attack Harris as being Betty Culbreath too aggressive, painting that as a weakness and unwomanly, while many others see her as strong and smart. I don’t think Trump’s strategy will work. But people who are for Trump are going to be for him regardless. But the undecided voters will make a difference.”
It is difficult to determine where the line between voter suppression ends and voter apathy begins. What is certain, though, is that the line of demarcation between the two has been blurred by decades upon decades of interference from damning schemes that strip Black Americans of their legal right to have a say when it comes to elections. Know that voter apathy for Black voter apathy is not innate.
It is instead a psychological implant that has been nurtured over time and has evolved over generations due to the many mutations of the poll tax. The poll tax wasn’t born during post-Civil War Reconstruction, though. The concept of the poll tax dates to the time of Cleopatra’s Egypt, and essentially all conquering nations since that time have used a “head tax” or capitation to sustain its government and fund wars; but Americans during the 19th century took the poll tax to a whole new lev-el. During the period of Reconstruction, when newly freed
slaves gained the right to vote, various forms of the poll tax became a lot more creative than guess-ing the number of jelly beans in a mason jar. The Grandfather clause, for in-stance, said that you could only vote if your father voted. Which meant that all former slaves were left out. Then there was the literacy test, which asked that you be able to read (literature supplied by election officials) before you could vote. Blacks were asked to read complex legal documents, while whites were asked to read literature with simple sight words.
see VOTER, page 8
Visit us at GarlandJournal.com Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/ GarlandJournal Follow us on Twitter@GarlandJournal AUGUST 19, 2020
I was just
Thinking Norma Adams-Wade
Griots in virtual reality Back in Africa, the Motherland, they called storytellers Griots. Griots kept the oral history of the tribes, and villages in their heads and memories. Griots were walking data banks. Their memories were archives of detailed ancient happenings. Nothing was written down. It was memorized – and recalled on demand when needed. That’s why the griots were important. They would recite the lineage of families, the movement of tribes from one location to the next, significant battles that were won or lost, births, deaths, marriages. Their minds were vaults, storehouses, and time capsules. I was just thinking... I’m proud to identify as a modern-day griot. I bring this up because of a group called the National Association of Black Journalists. I also am proud to be one of the 44 founders of that griots group that organized in Washington D. C. on December 12, 1975. During the nearly 45 years since then, NABJ has grown from 44 to more than 3,000 members and is the nation’s largest organization of journalists of color. Storytelling and recording history – our history as descendants of the African diaspora – is what NABJ does. During August 5-8 last week, NABJ held its national convention and career fair in conjunction with the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ). The two groups have similar missions and every four years meet jointly to strategize for the future and celebration common advancements. The missions include: provide balanced news coverage; tell our own stories and help the world better understand our cultures and heritage; increase our numbers as managers and decision-makers; provide training and development; and help educate and direct students who might be interested in our profession. The new twist to the NABJNAHJ story is that this year is the first time the two organizations are having a combined virtual convention, thanks to the CO-VID 19 pandemic. This joint body was one of the first to venture into the virtual world for a national convention. Workshops, forums, plenaries, and entertainment all were held on line through digital technology. Luncheons also were included with online speakers, panels and dignitaries and even meals delivered from local eateries to members front doors at home. Kudos to the leaders of both groups who plowed ahead when they could have called off the historic gathering. In fact, some membership opined that waiting till next year would be best. But vision and determination prevailed. I’m glad it did. This griot got to be a part of another chapter of my village life that I can record for generations that follow – this time in both memory and the written word. Here’s a portion of a letter I wrote for the NABJ
see THINKING, page 5
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AUGUST 19, 2020 MAY 20,20, 2020 MAY 2020
August 19-21 July 22, 2020
Virtual Community Calendar Virtual andand liVeliVe Community Calendar
Desperate for Jesus Women’s21 Conference Hosted August by Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. Chrystal Evans Hurst and Priscilla Senior Info and Wellness Virtual Vendor Fair, at Alan E. Shirer, 7-24 at 7pm and 7-25 at 9 am for a spirit-filled, free, Happy Birthday Friendship-West Presents SpirSims Cedar Hill Recreation Center, E Parkerville Rd. 12:00 Online conference. Features two amazing speakers and womJihad310 Muhammad Care. Fridays of our of God, Jackie HillSpiritual Perry Care and Katherine Wolf. It’s pm. The Cedar Hill community week of August 17- 21 for our enitual soulsbut helps encourage through diffiFREE, youto must register us at www.DFJ2020.com. Senior Information and Wellness Virtual Vendor Fair! cult times.1:00 pm. Zoom: Link and access code.https:// zoom.us/j/8567036848? July 24, 2020AcMeet A Black Mental Health August 19 cess Code: 856 703 6848. Professional: “We Are Here”, hosted Curbside Market by La Francaise Bakery 10 am by Dr, Tanisha Guy & Megan Back to School Cut + Autographed Book. Host- – 2 pm Curbside Market Best@ Southwest, State La Francaise Bakery 201Rep. Gold Carl St., Pickens, LPC-S. . 7– 9 pm. The event ed by Alton’s Old School Barbershop, 1911 Abrams Parkway Garland. Sherman (District 109) faciliwill introduce 20 Black mental health #102, Dallas. 10:00 am–6:00 pm. For a limited time, purchase: tates the TGIF Legislative Series: professionals. Reg: Eventbite.com. https://altons.square.site/product/limited-special-kids-cutEducationConcert during the Pandemic. Register: DeSoto Fourth Friday autographed-book-/36?cs=true. 972-780-5099 Live Host Artsor www.bestsouthweHollywood Live! DeSoto Gospel Call DeSoto is going Michael DeSoto and City Hall. stresources.com. 8:00 am. Girl, TALK! The Protection ofWith ReVIRTUAL! Back by popular demand, “Hollywood” Herjection. Hosted by Melanin Manifestival Fourth Friday Music Series online at 1920 Martin Luther nandez and Co- DeSoto South Dallas Summer Drive-In and To’Ccorra Hill. Online event. Tickets: Facebook www.facebook.com/ArtsDeSoto. 9 pm. the host Shavonda onKing Blvd. Aatsummer drive-in that aims to bring8-together https://www.melaninmanifestival.com/ with a “V” Fields, Dallas community through cinema that explores and cele7:00-8:30 pm. 2020 on Hollywoodlive.com. From 2 pm – 4 brates the black experience.July Free 25, via www.Eventbrite.com pm. Guests: India Roberts-Tax Ex8:00 pm-11:59 pm. Happy Birthday Cierra Mayes pert., Vocalist Kevin Hawkins, Drive-Up and Stock Up! School Supply GiveComedian Lisa Love. away. Hosted by Garland Parks, Rec. & Cultural Arts. Friend- The 24th Annual Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Birthday ship House, 620 W Avenue B, Garland. 5:30 pm–7:00 pm. Free Fair (Drive-ThruHappy Only) Hosted by Dallas ISD, at Fair Park, Bolden July 23,must 2020 Backpacks with school supplies. Children be present. For 3809 Grand Ave. 9:00 Haley am–2:00 pm. Register here: http://givekindergarten to eighth grade. Info: call 972-205-3090. away.mayorsbacktoschoolfair.org/. Together We Test Free Covid-19 Testing at Friend-
AnnualJuly Black27-30, Winemakers 2020Scholarship Dinner. A virtual event raising scholarship funds for Dallas-Ft. Worth students attending University. Summer Camp Jackson OnlineState at The AfricanTickets: http:// dfw-jsu.org. Info: www.dfwjsunaa.fundraising@gmail.com. American Museum. For children 10-15 only. Four days and 3 hours each day. African American History. Register: www.aamdallas.org.
Positive Reflections August 22 Ministry Free Groceries. Pick up location: Pleasant Zion MissionMeet A Black Health ary Baptist Church 1910 N.Mental St Augustine Rd. Professional: We Are Here, hosted Dallas from 9 am to 1 pm. Call 214-208-5536. by Dr, Tanisha Guy & Megan Pickens, The 2nd Annual DFW 5K. 7–11 LPC-S. HBCU 7 pm – 9Alumni pm. A 2-hour event am. The DFW HBCU Alumni Run/Walkyou is a toevent that brings will introduce 20 Black mental together alumni and supporters of HBCU’s around the Dallas/ health professionals. Register: EventFort Worth Metro to raisebite.com. awareness and scholarships for DFW. Tickets: $15-$35 at Eventbrite.com.
BiteNites Restaurant Week. Hosted by Watters Creek, Anti-racism Discussions - I 970 Garden Park Dr, Allen. From August 24 – September 2. Am Not Your Negro (Part 1) Participating restaurants include The Blue Fish, Cru Food & Hosted by Grace United Methodist Wine Bar, Edith’s Café, Frogg Coffee Bar & Creperie, Church. 7–8:30 pm.French Tickets: https:// Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, and PF Chang’s. us02web.zoom.us/meeting OnlineInfo: (972) 747-8000. event. Our Anti-racism Film Discussion series continues with a 2-Part24 August Discussion focusing on the powerful work of James Baldwin as presented in the film “I Am Not Your Negro.” Fluffy-N-Fitness in the Park July at Vandergriff Skatepark 29, 2020 2800 S. Center St. Arlington. 7:00 pm. Fluffy-N-Fitness.com. Hollywood Live! With Michael
ship West 616 W. Kiest Blvd. 9 - 1 pm. In partnership with Project Unity, Catalyst HealthAugust Network, St.20 Paul United Methodist Church, Stratifi Health, & Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. You must wear a Mask. Info,Elections email atrusty@friendshipwest.org. Town Hall: Educating & On-Line AfricanMobilizing American Through History Courses. July & 30th; the 23rdMovement, 7–9pm. The African-American Tri-CitiesMuseum NAACP. sponsors Online historyFeat: courses Tonievery PipThursday in July and August. Classes pins-Poole, Dallimited to 30. Cost: $50. July Courses: Election Department and Jasmine Africans in the AtlanticlasWorld; Africans Crockett, Crockett Law Firm, PPLC. & the Origins of American Slavery; and Online Event https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/85487180332 at 7:00 -8:30 pm. Antebellum Slavery Resistance. Info: 817-406-8443. www.aamdallas.org. Food Drive Hosted by Trinity Church 1231 E. Pleasant Run Rd., Space Cedar HillConversations 5:00 pm-7:00 pm.About The more groceries they get, Safe Race (Virtual) the23rd more& They able toVisible give away! (972) July 30th;are 5:30pm. UnityInfo: invites you291-2501 to a safeor conversation about race in a civil, healthy setting with no exwww.trinitychurch.org. perts or panelists – just everyday people who seek to be the change. 20 persons per session. Register: info@visibleunityCelebrity And Friends Live at Arlington Improv. Hostinc.org. Include your name, city,Arlington race, ageImprov (18+),asand ed by Celebrity The Comedian. wewhich LAUGH Thursday session. Contact: Ann Fields, 214-263-7791. thru today’s madness. 8:00 pm– 11:00 pm. Tickets: www.improvtx.com. “South Dallas Census Car Caravan”!! We will count How To Be Anti-Racist DallasOnline completely !! 2020 CenWorkshop Hosted by EnochsusPratt Free Starting Location: Caravan Library and Brittany Oliver. 2:00 pmParking Lot of The Lord’s Mis3:00 pm. Reg: Eventbrite.com. sionary Info: Baptist Church, 6122 http://www.brittanytoliver.com/ Bexar Street, Dallas. We will line up for the Census Caravan at the church at 9:30am and will start at 10am. Please confirm your participation so that we will know that you will be in the Caravan. MytheAnnual Y. Kirven Dallas E: mythe.y.kirven@2020census.gov. The 24th Mayor’s Back to School Fair (Walk-Up Only) Hosted by Dallas ISD, at Fair Park, July 24-25, 3809 Grand Ave. 5:00–7:00 pm. 2020 Register: http://giveaway. mayorsbacktoschoolfair.org/.
My Truth from Page 1
The African American Film Critics Association Disaster Relief Drive Through Food Pantry. Free invites you to a Summer Screening of House food safely loaded into the trunk of your car. Saturday 10-12 Party. seat: www.empoweringthemasses. houseparty.aafcascreening.com pm. at 3314Reserve Detonteyour St. Dallas. Screening 2:00 pm. pm. Talk Back with Reginald org. For Information call4-4:45 972-460-6316. Hudlin. Live Music at The Warehouse Prayer in theDAQ City.Daiquiries Online prayerhost meeting every 3rd SatLounge Who urday 10:00 am.E.Register: Jim Austin 1125 Berry St.Eventbrite.com Ft. Worth 8:00-they will send info. 11:00 pm. Celebrate With Us. Featuring Reuben Lael.for Tickets: www.jimaustinonFreedom the Children. A peaceful walk for children. line.com. 10:00 am at Round Saloon, 3912 Cedar Springs Rd. Info: www. fredomforthechildren.org. July 26, 2020 Meet, Connect & Learn Are You Tribeca at AT&T Stadium a Senior Drive-In Citizen, a Caregiver, or a Fam-One AT&T Way, Arlington 7:30 -11:30 pm. Tickets: www.tribecafilm.com.The “Tribeily in Need. Host, Mark D. Cooks ca Drive-In” series, which will feature an exciting slate of over Council. even. 30Duncanville iconic films,City comedy acts,Online and more. Guest Speaker: Sharla Meyers, CEO, Community Council https://us02web. Food Distribution Hosted by Holy Covenant United zoom.us/j/89657228662 Meeting ID: Rd., Carrollton. 1-3 Methodist Church 1901 E Peters Colony 896If5722 8662. like to help, we need volunteers to fill bags pm. you would and volunteers to load bags into cars on Sunday, July 26th. Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040b4babafAugust 23-29 2ba0fb6-food5.
his choice. I’m proud to be able to support the ticket with my work now. If it had not been the right choice, I would vote but not walk. Now I’m inspired to get out and knock on doors. We have a demon in office that we need to get out. I supported Elizabeth Warren during the primaries. I felt she was most progressive and capable... But I will support this ticket now actively not passively.” Atty. Jasmine Crockett - Democratic nominee TX State Rep. District 100 “I’ve admired, modeled, and tracked Senator Kamala Harris’ career since she was first Jasmine elected as the youngest Crockett District Attorney in San Francisco. I sat in awe as she was elected the first woman and Black Attorney General of California. As the first Black Woman Attorney to represent my district, I know what it’s like to be the “first” to do something in 2020. One thing about Black Women, when we’re the first to do something— we make sure we’re not the last.” Councilwoman Shaunte Allen - City of Glenn Heights “It was a solid choice, she has the experience and is a solid pick. She will balance Joe Biden Councilwoman Shaunte Allen out. I feel that Stacey Abrams is more progressive and in tune with the people, and what she gets from them she would take back ‘this is the law, this is what we are going to do and that’s it.’ Get to know Senator Harris’ background. She stands on Healthcare and Immigration Act. These are concerns for Texans. Her background speaks for itself.” Mayor Curtistene McCowan of DeSoto, Texas “She is smart and exciting” She has my full support. I am behind the Biden/Harris ticket. The mayor also went on to Mayor say she was excited that Curtistene Senator Harris will be the McCowan first Black woman to run as VP and she will be a heartbeat away from the President.”
Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III, Sr. Pastor Friendship-West Baptist Church “I am hyped with anticipation! Kamala Harris is a dynamic force of naRev. Frederick ture. She is brilliant, comD. Haynes petent and eloquent. Joe Biden has done this nation a great service by selecting her as his running mate. We will need that kind of transformative ticket at the top to rescue this nation from the double pandemic we are in! “ Thomas Muhammad, chair of the National Black United Front, Dallas Chapter “There currently is a strong urge, particularly since March, for a nationThomas Muhammad al strategy for saving this country. And although I consider myself a citizen by default, I think she is an excellent pick to move that strategy forward. It’s clear that this man in the White House has no idea how to move the country through one of the darkest periods in modern history. As a result of (Biden’s) choice, there is some hope for a strategy. I personally think Elizabeth Warren would have been better. She was my choice for President. Still, Harris is a good choice for this period in time. And, this gives her a start on a future presidential run.” Angela Luckey, Grand Prairie NAACP President “It’s an excellent choice. I’m pleased with the fact that she’s the running mate.” “ Having Kamala HarAngela Lucky ris on the ticket is big for the United States. She is the person that can get Vice President Biden elected. I think that’s the way they should go.” Diane Ragsdale, managing director of South Dallas/Fair Park Inner-city Community Development Corp. and former Dallas City Council’s deputy mayor pro temContributors: Norma Adams-Wade, Allana Diane Ragsdale “I’ve very happy with J. Barefield, Ashley Moss and Marva Sneed.
August 23 July 27, 2020
I Still Have a Dream Community Showcase. Host We AreArlington Cocoa. City of Dallas - Community City Hall, 1500 Marilla Dallas. 2020 NAACP LegalSt,Clinic pm.Zoom. Tickets:Reg: https://www.wearecocoa.org/ Live 9 6:00 am- pm–8:00 1 pm. Virtual https://forms.gel/woznCHeMPerformances, Community Photo Shoot, Raffle & Giveaways. 7WVKBrcD8. Social distancing and masks are required! Mayor’s Milk Initiative: S. Dallas at Paul Dunbar Learning Center 4200 Metropolitan Ave.Rho Dallas. 9 am -Fraternity, 12 pm. No Inc. ID Day of Service!! Hosted by Phi Kappa required anyone is welcome. Dallas Downtown, with other fraternities and sororities a National Day of Service. 9:00 am–4:00 pm. Back to School Supply 4th Expunction Expoto(Clear Criminal Contact Record) : DriveAnnual & Distributing Hygiene Packs the homeless. Application Deadline: Monday, July 27, If you have a rhophikappa@gmail.com for location and2020. to donate. criminal record, under certain circumstances, you may have your record expunged (cleared). INSTRUCTIONS: If you do NOT Mavs Playoffs, Host CutiePies Pizza at 2916 McKinney Ave, have Internet access, call Dallas County at 214-653-2905. OthDallas. 2:30 pm-5:30 pm. 214-238-6348 info@cutiepiespizza. erwise, go to: www.Dallascounty.org/expunction. com. Luka and the Mavs will take on the Clippers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs! Limited capacity so arrive early and July 28, 2020 follow proper social distancing and safety ordinances. RBPOA-Dallas Monthly Members Meeting. Retired Black PeaceAugust Officers’ Association of Greater 24-Sept. 2 Dallas, 211 enter St. Dallas. 12:45-2:00 pm.
“Hollywood” Hernandez and Makin’ Co-host Shavonda with a “V”Money Mondays Host Wealth Fields, on Hollywoodlive.com. From Architect. Need some financial wisdom? We got you cov2 pm – 4 pm. ered. Hosts Kirsten Elise Dunn, successful social entrepreneur and Meet A Black Mental Health Professional: “We Are real estate investor, and Jack Here,” hosted by Dr, Tanisha Guy & Megan Pickens, LPC-S. 7 – 9 Waldron, Executive VP at Five pm. The event will introduce you to 20 Black mental health Rings Financial, on FACEBOOK LIVE professionals. Register: Eventbite.com. @WealthArchitect. 11:15 am–11:45 am. FREE!
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AUGUST 19, 2020
Entrepreneurs Need More Outreach, MOCCA is more than Makeup and Toyota is more than a Car Funding, Tech Support to survive COVID & Beyond By Cheryl Smith
By J. CUNNINGHAM Small business owners recovering their economic health from the onslaught of COVID-19 need solutions specifically targeted to them - like more access to capital, technical assistance and better outreach to show them how to get help. That’s according to small business advocate Regina Smith, Executive Director of the Harlem Business Alliance and a co-founder of the Black Business Empowerment Commission (BBEC) which works to advocate and support Blackowned businesses.” Smith who spoke at a virtual panel on reviving small businesses said “We absolutely have to do better,” to an audience of policymakers and entrepreneurs during the virtual panel ‘American Resilience: The Future of Small Business,’July 31 hosted by The Hill. “Black businesses in New York City are doing horribly and I would imagine it’s the same across the nation.” Smith, who is also the executive director of the Harlem Business
CHURCH from Page 1
Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III
lanes preventing some church members from entering or exiting the parking lot. Friendship-West had planned to host a Black Lives Matter rally that day. Organizers of the “Back the Blue” and “Blue Lives Matter” event said they merely were taking a break from their own ride-related rally when they gathered on the Friendship-West parking lot. Haynes said the motorists’ presence was uninvited, unwelcome and “a slap in the face” to all Black churches, many of whose parishioners he said do not support policies touted by President Donald Trump. “They violated our sacred space on so many levels,” Haynes
Alliance, said she’s been fielding calls seven days a week from entrepreneurs who have been working hard to change their business models in order to adapt to the new restrictions that coronavirus has brought. She said small business owners have still struggled to obtain financing from federal initiatives - like the Paycheck Protection Program - to keep their companies afloat. “Moving forward, it’s critically important for the programming to be designed for micro entrepreneurs,” Smith said, adding that funds should be allocated to and dispersed by community based organizations with strong ties to the neighborhoods they serve.” “It’s crucial that these lending institutions and the government engage grassroots organizations who are connected to these communities,” Smith said.”If organizations such as ours were funded to do this kind of work, we’d be more successful.” Smith was joined by Ramiro Cavazos, President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber
of Commerce, and entrepreneur Nathalie Huerta who owns The Queer Gym in the Bay Area. Huerta agreed with Smith - a co-founder of the Black Business Empowerment Commission, which works to advocate and support Black-owned businesses - that the government and banks have to do a better job of making sure that entrepreneurs are aware of the resources that are available to help them. “If we don’t know that help is available, how do we reach for it,” Huerta asked. In remarks after the panel, Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) said moving forward that Congress would be looking into waste and fraud within the PPP program, and he’d co-authored a bill that would make businesses affected by recent civil unrest over systemic racism eligible for government backed loans where 75 percent of the debt would be forgiven. “When it came to getting the PPP loans, early on it was tough for some,” he said, adding, “I’ve learned a lot of lessons as we’ve gone along.”
said last week, adding that the incident was an example of “white supremacist intimidation.” Sunday morning’s event brought out community leaders and supporters from other churches and neighboring communities, saying they wanted to make it clear that supporting Friendship-West was not only the right thing to do, it was the only thing to do. James Allen, a retired police officer and former President of the Black police organization, Texas Peace Officer Association, said the event was about more than the drive. “It’s about getting marching orders to get organized for voter registration, the Census and getting other churches involved,” he said. Jasmine Crockett, who is the democratic nominee for Texas House District 100, was among Sunday’s attendees, as was Sen. Royce West and Judge Eric Moye.
“We see that fear and intimidation tactics are being used to deter people and it will prayerfully be just the opposite and motivate people,” she said. “I think voters should show up by any means necessary in November and vote their conscience. I’m definitely interested in heightening the punishment for persons that trespass at a church for the purpose of intimidation and or hate. “There’s a long painful history of traumatizing and vandalizing Black churches. In a state like Texas, I should be able to get bipartisan support for protecting our churches,” she added.
I absolutely love good corporate citizens. Too often businesses, large and small, benefit from communities but don’t do anything to enhance the lives of those who will spend their last dollar purchasing their products and services. That’s not the case with Toyota! When I was approached about participating in Toyota’s Entrepreneurial EnTOURage, I was excited. I am aware of Toyota’s efforts in the areas of diversity and inclusion so the opportunity to assist and to highlight a Black business, was a no-brainer. The program was “designed to celebrate and support African American entrepreneurs by partnering with influencers and
local entrepreneurs, to share their stories and journeys to success,” and it fit right in with National Black Business Month, which is commemorated in August. Working with the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce (DBCC) and others, we are one stop as Toyota moves around the country, having already stopped in Kansas City, MO and Atlanta, GA. KC and the ATL have nothing on Dallas as DBCC Chair Harrison Blair took us on a tour filled with tidbits about the rich history of the Big D! Participating also included driving one of Toyota’s premiere vehicles, the Avalon Hybrid. So, for a week I am styling and profiling in a midnight blue luxury four-door vehicle with all the bells and whistles. Now, I’m an SUV type of woman but the comfort and smooth ride was really impressive, and I had all the leg room I needed! Cruising down the highway was an enjoyable experience. My entrepreneur was equally impressed when I pulled up to the
Toyota Avalon
Paradise Salon in Duncanville where MOCCA Makeup & Skincare is located. Owner Kena Williams Baccus comes from a family of entrepreneurs and she takes pride in providing quality products and service. Since 2003 Kena has been working tirelessly with MOCCA. Community involvement is a priority for the Dallas native as
she supports scholarship efforts, provides training for high school and college students, and helps aspiring journalists prepare for photo shoots. Kena suffered setbacks because of COVID-19 but she quickly pivoted and began laying the foundation to make her company bigger and stronger. She has kept her loyal clientele by fully utilizing her excellent communication and marketing skills. Especially with the use of facial masks, more and more clients began asking for her skin care regimen. MOCCA was selected because of the quality of the products and the work ethic of Kena and her consultants. She’s located at 719 South Cockrell Hill Road Suite 100 Duncanville, Texas 75137. Call her at 682-325-8293. Or order at www.moccacosmetics.com.
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AUGUST 19, 2020
Black Women rising despite obstacles THE LAST WORD Dr. Julianne Malveaux Women won the right to vote a century ago. On August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment passed. The white women’s equal rights struggle began in 1776, though, when Abigail Adams, the wife of our second president and member of the constitution-drafting Continental Congress, sent her husband a letter. She urged him to “remember the ladies.” She further wrote, “All men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation.” The Continental Congress did not remember the ladies, and it reduced African American enslaved people into a fraction of a person for census and political representation. The National Women’s Suffrage Association (NWSA) because white women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony refused to support the 15th Amendment, which gave Black men, but no women, the right to vote.
QUIT PLAYIN’
Ain’t I A Woman, thundered Sojourner Truth. The battle lines were drawn between Black men and white women. And few were willing to notice the Black women on the sidelines. It reminds me of a Black Enterprise cover, circa about 1980, where a Black man and white woman were arm wrestling, presumably over who should benefit from affirmative action. There was no Black woman on that cover, not even standing on the sidelines. When Akasha Gloria Hull, Patricia BellScot, and Barbara Smith wrote their book, All the Women Are White, All the Men Are Black, But Some of Are Brave (Feminist Press 1982), Black women cheered. These sisters realized that with race/gender conflict, Black women are too often discounted, by Black men, but especially by the white women who purport to be allies. History will reveal that white women have used their whiteness as a shield against both Black men and women, especially as they have falsely accused Black men of rape. Their false accusations resulted in the destruction of several Black communities. Very recently, the Women’s March leaders asked Tamika to step down from their Board (she stay until her
term was up) because she embraced the intersectionality of unapologetically Black activist and gender-affirming warrior. In this era of racial reckoning, white women have much to explore and grapple with. Too many of them are so myopic that they don’t get it. Black women get it. Gwen McKinney, Patricia Ann Ford, and a coterie of their friends have launched a great website that explores the intersection of suffrage, race, and power,(srp@ unerased.com) and the ways that the majority narrative has too often erased the contributions that Black women have made to suffrage and justice. Most feminists know about Susan B. Anthony, but how many white feminists know of Nannie Helen Burroughs or Ida B. Wells? Black women often advocated for the same rights that white women did, but in protest, thanks to southern women and their racist mindset, Black women were excluded from public activity or asked to march at the end. That nonsense did not discourage the women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in 1913 when they pushed their way into the center of the march. The historical relationship between Black and white women is
ugly, but in this era of Black Lives Matter, Black women are rising. Despite extremely nasty shade, which I won’t dignify with a reference, there is at least a 60-40 chance that a Black woman will be Joe Biden’s running mate. The Higher Heights for America PAC is named after Dr. Dorothy Height (higherheightsforamerica.org) and supports Black women running for political office. They describe their space as “a political home for Black women,” and thy see to elect, mobilize, and amplify Black women. They are among those who celebrated Cori Bush’s surprising victor over incumbent William “Lacy” Clay in the St. Louis congressional primary. Actually, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise. Bush planned her work and worked her plan as a visible presence in St Louis, an organizer for Black Lives Matter and a grassroots activist. Her win is a victory for Black women, for progressives, and activists. Even as Black women are rising, ugly racism too often attempts to put us in our place. In Aurora, Colorado Brittney Gilliam had planned a girl’s afternoon with her sister, nieces, and six-year-old daughter, Instead, they were confronted by the police because they mistakenly
What You Smokin’?
Vincent Hall District Attorney and longtime criminal judge, John Creuzot made an eye-opening presentation at the Community Police Oversight Board meeting. The empirical data he presented on the disproportionate number of Blacks and Browns being jailed for small amounts of marijuana, buoy the case that the system needs an overhaul. The limited resources of the Dallas Police Department could be better utilized by adopting some of the common-sense strategies put forward by the chief of the District Attorney’s office. Handing out citations for small amounts of marijuana is a no-brainer! Creuzot’s aim was four-fold and easy to comprehend. This initiative examines the data as it pertains to the City of Dallas Police Department, encourages frank dialogue, fosters cohesion among elected and appointed officials, and supports fair and equitable policing. This effort, presented to the Dallas County Commissioner’s Court by District Three representative, John Wiley Price, is
WAKE UP AND STAY WOKE
not an attempt to legalize marijuana. And as quiet as its kept, several public servants that I have discussed the matter with are hopeful. My canvass included current and retired officers who see merit in Creuzot’s argument. DA Creuzot further pointed to the facts as they pertain to marijuana arrests in Dallas County. Arresting and incarcerating people for possessing small amounts of marijuana does not reduce violent crime. Meanwhile, the Dallas County Criminal District Attorney’s Office (DCCDAO)
shows Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are disproportionately arrested for possessing small amounts of marijuana in Dallas County. The DCCDAO is committed to enhancing the safety of the community by prosecuting violent and repeat offenders. However, by diverting low-level offenses, we can reduce recidivism and save taxpayers’ money. Although marijuana usage is virtually the same between Blacks and Whites, Blacks are arrested at a rate of 568/100K, while their White counterparts
are arrested at a rate of 156/100K. The five-year graph shown here is as disgraceful as it is revealing. A staggering 91% of minorities had cases filed against them, while only 9% were White. These cases require a minimum of four hours in booking and further drain already taxed DPD resources. It is noteworthy that in 22% of the cases DPD presented, the package weighed more than the marijuana contents. At $217 per test, the change in policy has netted $510,000 in savings over the past 18 months. Class C
WILLIAMS: Times Three
Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. From my youth, I can remember many of the elders lamenting that death comes in threes. In fact, when a community suffered the deaths of two elders, most of the others would walk and talk gingerly in wonderment of who would be next. Although rooted in superstition, the idea of Death Times 3 does sometimes seem to be valid, if not in fact, in circumstance. This month, the occurrence of Death Times 3 seems to be more than mere circumstance with the deaths of Rep. John Lewis, the Rev. C.T. Vivian and Mayor Charles Evers — three luminaries of the civil rights era. Initially, questions loom: How do we fill the chasm? Who will fill the chasm? There’re some who, in passing, leave an immeasurable vacuum in the ether of history, causing all to wonder if this person can ever be replaced. This month, the challenge for the African American community is to resolve or answer these questions three times. Throughout my life, I have heard and agreed with the premise that African Americans are not monolithic in our philosophies and opinions, and that the
President Barack Obama delivers awards the 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom to Cordy Tindell “C.T.” Vivian Credit: Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Nov. 20, 2013.
voice of one person does not represent our entirety. For the past 75 years, WE have been greatly blessed with any number of thinkers and representatives who have expressed our different perspectives with the singular goal of guiding “the race” to parity in the legal, economic and social structures of this nation. Lewis, Vivian and Evers are three such persons. Each in his own way has led others toward the achievement of the right of all citizens to equally enjoy the benefits that are constitutionally guaranteed.
I cannot do justice to a description of the achievements of any one of these men with the limit of words available to me for each of my articles, much less three. To the extent that you may be unfamiliar with them, I encourage you to explore their biographies. With human nature as it is, I am sure one will be able to find much to admire and points with which you may disagree, but no one can argue the past significance of their contributions to “The Struggle” and the influence of their engagement upon the future.
As leaders representing the interests of thousands of African Americans, these men had an impact that was matched by a rare few. Although their individual approaches differed in many ways, their personal values drove them to self-sacrifice and lives of service to their communities and the nation. Common to them were character traits that enhanced their ability to guide others and demand results. They were men of conviction. They identified principles that they consider “right” and worked
identified her car as “stolen.” Our “law enforcement” officer pointed guns at the young, innocent Black women and girls, and they were forced to lay, face down, on hot asphalt as they were handcuffed. Later, the police tepidly acknowledge their “mistake.” Later the police chief, Vanessa Wilson, apologized and offered therapy for the children. Brittney told a CNN anchor that the chief could “shove it” as she found it insincere. Incidentally, Valerie Wilson is a white woman who bet out three Black men for the job. Would they have handled this differently? As always, the pace of progress oscillates with two steps forward and one step back. Black women are rising politically, but some things change slowly. Where are the majority women’s organizations in Aurora, Colorado? Pandemic notwithstanding, why are they silent? Would the Aurora police have treated a white woman with four young people in the car? Ain’t I A Woman? Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, media contributor and educator. Her latest project MALVEAUX! On UDCTV is available on youtube.com. For booking wholesale inquiries or for more info visit www.juliannemalveaux.com
Misdemeanors will save money, valuable police time, and reduce the number of confrontations on the street. Many of the societal issues that plague policing these days are far beyond their purview and ability to address. You hear very little from this column about the efficacy or the lack thereof of the Dallas Police Department. My mama says, “if you can’t say something good, say nothing at all.” So here it is; Nothing at All! The Dallas Police Department should consider a move toward ticketing non-violent offenders rather than placing them in a county jail system that fights this current pandemic daily to maintain the health and safety of each inmate and staff at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center. If COVID-19 has been good for nothing else, it has forced public policymakers to re-examine what they do and how they do it. The top brass at the City Council and Dallas Police Department need to join the overwhelming majority of its citizens. You have to be smoking something to miss a fix as simple as this one. What you smokin’? Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.
fervently to achieve that state of “rightness.” Each of them understood that certain privileges were universal entitlements granted by God and that those privileges could not be abridged by any human determination or pronouncement. They were men of humility. Absent from their personas was the display of bravado or arrogance. They pursued their respective goals with quiet assurance and dedication. They were men of tenacity and endurance. Under physical and emotional threat, each of these men persevered with tireless endurance. When others withered and faded, these men could be counted on to continue the fight. Laudatory and critical assessments of these men will continue to be made. Critics may dispute their effectiveness in the achievement of their stated goals, but what cannot be disputed is the empty space they leave. Their immediate presence will be missed by all who knew them or knew of them. Others will continue to enjoy the benefits of their achievements. Said solemnly, succinctly and with great admiration and respect, they will be missed! Dr. E. Faye Williams is National President of the National Congress of Black Women (www. nationalcongressbw.org) and host of “Wake Up and Stay Woke” on WPFW-FM 89.3 radio.
AUGUST 19, 2020
We are Waiting on YOU! FAITHFUL UTTERANCES Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew One of my favorite books is by Laurie Beth Jones, The Path, which is designed to help one build a mission statement. I’m currently taking a course based on this book. This course is helping me think about both my mission and vision. I think for many of us, this is something we don’t have, or we fail to revisit and tweak it if we do. For leaders and quite frankly, for all of us, we need to have our own mission, vision, and core values developed. Just as organizations and companies have mission statements, it is important that we are strategic in thinking about our purpose. Mission statements serve as a guide in for-
mulating values and goals. There is a difference between mission and vision. The vision is the ultimate result—the big goal we would like to reach, and a mission is the day to day of how we will accomplish the goal. The mission describes the purpose and the vision shares the future hope of what we want to accomplish. I began to ask this wonderful group of leaders I was working with if they had mission statement and many did not. Why? Because for so many of us, we go through life doing. We do not take the time to truly examine what it is that we are called to do and an even greater problem is that we fail to ask God to help us in achieving the plans and purpose God has for our lives. Many people see what others are doing and instead of examining our talents, gifts, or inter-
ests, we attempt to do something that we are not called to do, and we definitely haven’t engaged God to determine the steps pre-planned for our lives. We become frustrated because it appeared easy for them without knowing what they have gone through to accomplish the goal and secondly, not paying attention to God’s handiwork in the plan. We operate in our own strength and that will only allow you to go so far. Jones in her book, The Path, says that Jesus’ mission was to give life and give it more abundantly. Just about every interaction Jesus had confirms this— whether the conversation with the woman at the well, raising Lazarus from the dead, or even sharing hope with Zacchaeus. John 10:10 says, “….I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” We see in scripture that life begins with seeking Him. He was success-
ful in accomplishing His plan because He knew His purpose. Many of us are like Martha in the Bible. We are so distracted and busy working that we miss out on the real opportunity to find our purpose and operate in it. We are saying yes to others (I am guilty of this) and not so much to saying yes to what is important for us. Martha was preparing food while her sister, Mary, listened at the feet of Jesus. She was being quiet, still, and learning to gain insight and direction for her life. How often are we doing good work but not the God-work we’ve been called to because we are sidetracked by what we think is important? Luke 10:42 (NLT) says, “There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” What are you discovering in this time about yourself? Are you discovering your mission? Are you still, quiet, learning and listening to God’s direction so
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that you can focus on what is important knowing it won’t be taken away from you? What does abundant life look like for you and what steps are you taking to seek God’s plan for your life to achieve that? Jeremiah 29:11 says, “ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Are you spending time with God to know the purpose and plan that was prepared for you before you were even born? God has a purpose and plan for each of our lives. I hope you will take the time to discover it so that the world can be blessed by your gifts, talents, and purpose. We are waiting on YOU! Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the Founder and CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, specializing as a Partnership Broker and Leadership Expert for companies and organizations to thrive with measurable and meaningful impact. She also is the VP of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances for the State Fair of Texas.
Letter to Automakers outlines concerns regarding fairness and equity for Black Automotive Media Special to Texas Metro News The Black Automotive Media Group (BAMG), has challenged the nation’s automakers to address fairness and equity regarding Black media who cover the industry. BAMG is a distinguished group of seven Black reporters and writers who have over 150 years of combined experience in automotive journalism within radio, television, print, videography, event planning and influencing, and social media. They represent a coalition of Black journalists who either work for or own various automotive media platforms. In a letter to 20 U.S. market automaker brands, the BAMG outlined concerns over a lack of inclusion for Blacks in automotive media and in automobile industry corporate positions. Automakers were asked to take action on the three pillars outlined in the letter: • Access to press and special events • The lack of automotive advertising and marketing dollars for Black-owned Websites, newspapers, mag-
azines, broadcast media, and marketing events • The lack of Black professionals who participate in developing, designing, engineering, or promoting new vehicles The letter also noted the lack of diversity on the North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year (NACTOY) Jury, a prestigious panel of 50 North American journalists and engineers, which as of the release of our letter had no Black Jurors. The BAMG feels that addressing these pillars is crucial to reversing decades of exclusion that Black automotive journalists have faced. As a result of
the letter, all manufacturers responded, and a series of video calls were executed. The conversations were informative and sometimes uncomfortable, and souls on both sides of the discussions were bared. “We need to be an adequate part of the solution,” said one automaker. “We need a strategic corporate reset,” said another. “These are interesting times of reflection for everyone. But it also marks a moment of introspection for each individual that, in turn, comprises the totality of corporate culture in America,” said BAMG member Kimatni D. Rawlins. “And the auto industry is not absolved due to equivalent philosophies,
directives, and practices that have excluded African Americans from receiving a fair share of the resources and opportunities extended to mainstream media.” Some brands responded with immediate solutions and pledges to enhance their diversity efforts to at least 15% for press event representation. However, a few were less than contrite, which was disturbing. The BAMG made it clear that diversity directives can only be successful when the mission and portfolio are integral parts of the corporate vision. Other progress includes electing two Black male journalists onto the NACTOY Jury shortly after a panel discussion with the Motor Press Guild (MPG) on the plight of Black journalists in automotive media, and after the BAMG industry letter reached automakers. Most manufacturers asked for assistance from the BAMG in identifying the “next generation” of young Black journalists and social media devotees who are rising stars in automotive media. These conversations are but a
first step in a long journey, as a dedicated, long-term approach will help strengthen relationships not only with Black media but also within the African American community. According to http://www. nielsen.com, Black Americans contribute $1.2 Trillion annually to the U.S. economy, and their marketing and media value should reflect our buying power within the automotive sector. The BAMG expects to meet quarterly with manufacturers to assess progress made towards greater inclusion. Members of the Black Automotive Media Group include: • Greg Morrison, Bumper2Bumpertv • Roosevelt Gist, AutoNetwork.com • Kimatni D. Rawlins, AutomotiveRhythms.com / FitFathers.com • Frank Washington, AboutThatCar.com • Ken Chester, RoadWorthy Drive Productions • Ronda Penrice, Freelance Writer • Brian Armstead, Autosense/ Roadgear
MY TRUTH her spinal cord, brain and major blood vessels. After surgery, doctors referred to her case as a miracle. Almost 25 years later, Tamecka has released her book, Life After. She is one of a few “sources” who I have not only kept in touch with but also formed a personal relationship. Could it have been because when someone lives through something so horrific and seemingly miraculous, maybe it made
of that part of her journey because she doesn’t wear it on her sleeve like a badge of honor or as an attempt to gain favor or pity. She moved on and life after for Tamecka Grate Frazier has been a blessing for so many. She’s enjoying life as a wife, mother and grandmother. She’s a college graduate, corporate executive, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, philanthropist, public servant and now, best selling author! Then too, she is a fashionista. The sister can dress! Tamecka is indeed a blessing and her strong, unwavering faith is a testament in itself. You can order her book
me gravitate toward her? Or maybe it was her spirit, her warm smile and positive expressions of love for life and mankind. Over the years we’ve kept in touch. I have never experienced a negative word or action from her and she has continued to evolve, living life to its fullest and shining her love on the world. Then years later, she became my sorority sister, further sealing our bond. Yes, we are members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and so many our sisters, or even others who meet her, don’t even know
through Amazon. Read about her journey and maybe it will inspire you to become a better person because maybe, just maybe, you might realize that your journey has not been as tough as you have made it out to be, or thought it was. Maybe you’ve got some more living and work to do. No, Tamecka doesn’t look like what she has been through. And that is the point. You just don’t know. And that’s a larger life lesson for all. Work on your own journey and stop judging others.
from Page 1
Some of the 44 NABJ founders gathered back in Washington D. C. in 1975.
THINKING from Page 1
newsletter prior to the convention:
“ To boldly go where no man has gone bef ore.” I’m applying this familiar (Star Trek) phrase to our upcoming, first-ever virtual NABJ-NAHJ national convention... As
Credits : Courtesy of NABJ
one of 44 NABJ f ounders, this scenario so reminds me of more than 44 years ago when we gathered......and (created) our beloved NABJ. This (virtual) stratospheric venture will be similar, and yet far different... That first voyag e on which we f ounders set sail...was cutting edg e. We had neither road map nor NASA mission control center to guide us. This c yberspace venture is another uncharted mission... L et’s come aboard, fasten our seat belts, and ... boldly go where no man (or woman) has gone bef ore.” Norma Adams-Wade is a veteran, award-winning journalist, graduate of UT-Austin and Dallas native. One of the founders of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), she was inducted into the NABJ Hall of Fame.
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AUGUST 19, 2020
Black Girls Ride Porsche Taylor THE CELEBRITY INTERVIEW Valder Beebe My team learned about International Female Ride Day® Mon August 22, 2020 to celebrate and empower more women through power sports. The event sponsors Polaris and Black Girls Ride join the 14th annual global event that calls on all females to “Just Ride!” Saturday, August 22, on six continents in over 120 countries. I was honored to talk to Porsche Taylor, Founder & Editor-In-Chief of Black Girls Ride Magazine. Black Girls Ride is not an exclusive racial statement; It is an inclusive celebration of all women who live to ride. You’ll find women of all ethnicities in our pages. We believe that all women who ride are Beautiful Bikers. That said, we are unapologetic about giving a voice to women of color in motorsports. We are often asked, “Why call it Black Girls Ride?” My direct answer is simple. There is a need for the voice of all women in motorsports, but specifically for Black Women, to be heard. We overspend on bikes, accessories and gear,
yet remain under represented in motorsports media, marketing and advertising. We intend to be the change we want to see. We take pride in bringing you articles on professionals like Peggy Llewellyn, Crystal Dickerson, and SJ Harris. We are honored to feature living legends like Ms. Showtime, Secret the Cross Country Rider and
Porsche Taylor
Suicide. We focus on the women who have endured to be simply seen as equals, highlighting female MCs that represent with Pride and Dignity in their communities. While there are levels to the MC lifestyle, allow us to cross the entire spectrum. We recognize all women, regardless of bike or club status. From 250cc to 1400cc and beyond, we believe we are all united as sisters on ground.
VBS: Porsche, educated and my audience about Black Girls Ride. I’m fascinated. PT: In 2011 I CREATED Black Girls Ride Magazine which is the premier motorcycle women for women in power sports. The goal was to create a platform that represented women of color. There simply was not much representation in motor sports primarily, motorcycling and evens of that nature. We wanted to be the change we wanted to see. What happened, there are women that ride with us all over the world. VBS: What has been the greatest opportunity for Black Girls Ride Magazine? PT: That is a great question. I think, I (via Black Girls Ride magazine) would be able to bring the platform to the motor sports industry to showcase women of color and our place at the table. We’ve about to showcase in social media we are a force. Primarily social media Instagram approx. 42, 000 followers, another 25,000 followers on Facebook and ------Porsche Taylor’s Complete interview: SoundCloud.com/valderbeebeshow Broadcasting to a national audience & global audience: YouTube.com/ valderbeebeshow :ValdeBeebeShow. com : KKVI FM Radio, Streaming TV, Social Media, Print Publications (IMESSENGERS, Texas Metro News, and Garland Journal News).
Communications powerhouse joins Vianovo as partner THE BLACK CARD Terry Allen Eddie Reeves, Founder of Reeves Strategy Group, has joined Vianovo, a leading strategy consultancy at the intersection of business, policy and politics, as part of their Dallas satellite office. Reeves, a staple in the communications community, will join as Partner. This move, initially announced by Vianovo in mid-July, will position the company to expand their presence and capabilities nationwide and in Mexico. With a stellar career in integrated and crisis communications, and public affairs, Reeves ups the ante by teaming with the boutique communications firm to provide business strategies for CEOs, philanthropists, founders, and investors. “Joining a group of seasoned partners who specialize in advising C-Suite executives on matters at the intersection of business, policy, politics and culture was the next logical step for me,” explained Reeves. “It has always been important to me not just to make money but to help make a better world, and this opportunity will allow me to keep working at that.”
This aligns with Reeves’ lifelong ascent within the industry: from working as an award-winning journalist to press secretary for politicians in Houston and Austin, to helming C-suite positions for Fortune 500 companies and ultimately helming his own brand and moving to Board positions in organizations that positively affect the community-at-large.
Eddie Reeves
“Today is a proud day for me and this communications practice,” Reeves said recently via Vianovo’s official announcement. “I’m thrilled to reunite with my dear friend Blaine Bull and join Vianovo at a pivotal time in the firm’s history. I believe the combined expertise of this stellar team of senior level leaders will help Vianovo take on even more high-stakes work for leading companies and causes.” Earlier in his career, Reeves served as press secretary for former U.S. Rep. J.J. ”Jake” Pickle, D-Austin, and former Houston Mayor Kathy Whitmire, and was an award-winning columnist for
the Austin American-Statesman. “I have known both Eddie Reeves and most of the Vianovo partners for decades, and I’m not sure which party is getting the bigger win in this team-up. Well, actually, I do: It’s their clients,” said former U.S. Trade Representative and Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk. “They all set a high bar not only for providing excellent advice and counsel to their clients, but in their commitment to the community – something that is as important now as it ever has been.” Reeves currently sits on the board of the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and chaired the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also served on the boards of Parkland Health and Hospital System, the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic, and the World Affairs Council of DallasFort Worth. Vianovo is a boutique consultancy that counsels companies, causes and public figures on high-stakes brand, policy and crisis issues. Founded in 2005 by a bipartisan group of leading political strategists, the firm has offices in Austin, Dallas, Washington DC, and Mexico City. Through its investment group, Vianovo Ventures, the firm partners with early-stage companies and investors. Terry Allen is a multi-media journalist and board member of the National Association of Black Journalists.
The Entanglement of Hair Damage ABOUT THE HAIR Dr. Linda Amerson Are you gentle with your hair when it is tangled? Consumers and hair care professionals should be patient and kind to your hair. Abuse and neglect may cause you to be your hair’s worst enemy. All hair textures are susceptible to hair breakage and damage from usage of grooming tools. • Blow dryers should be used with wattage between 12002000. High heat settings may cause bubble hair, and severe hair damage. Remember to begin with low then cool setting. Stronger hair textures can tolerate medium to high temperatures. • Flat irons are very popular and vary drastically in price, for a straight look. Some consumers choose the detachable device with exchangeable plates. Avoid over-usage. Damage of
trichorrhexis nodosa, ridges and grooves and trichoptilosis is a possibility. • Curling irons are also very popular. Use curling irons with adjustable heat settings. A variety of metal cylinders are available, according to hair length and desired curl. Allow the curling iron to cool completely before storing. • Straightening tongs are smaller and more compact than regular flat irons. They are most effective on short hair and bangs. Avoid over-usage of this tool to avoid cuticle hair damage. • Electrical round hair brush should not be used on weak damaged hair. • Electrical steam flat irons or wands should be avoided on fine, brittle hair textures. • It is recommended to
clean/remove product buildup on the plates of all grooming tools. This will preserve longevity. Oven cleaner works well for cleaning these tools. New grooming tools are constantly under construction, to keep up with technology. Remember, you do not need to use every new device on your hair. Just as fashion designs, come and go, hair designs also come and go…are not for everyone. Avoid damage to your precious strands by going to a trusted hair care professional, as well as the expertise of a board certified Trichologist for a microscopic hair strand and scalp analysis. Dr. Linda Amerson, LA’s Hair & Scalp Clinic, Arlington, TX 817 265 8854 Hairandscalpessentials.com #ScalpDoctor
COLD FEET HOLLYWOOD’S REVIEW Hollywood Hernandez COLD FEET is a Nigerian romantic drama that shows infidelity is the same, no matter what the culture or language. The film begins with a loving husband, played by Jim Ikye, treating his wife, who he absolutely adores, to a surprise birthday party followed by an exotic vacation to celebrate the couple’s fifth year wedding anniversary. His wife, played by Joselyn Dumas, is a workaholic and is hesitant to leave her work behind but agrees to the second honeymoon. While at the resort Omoye (Dumas) runs into an old lover and during their stay the two become entangled, however; her old flame Tare (Enyinna Nwigwe) is at the resort with his girlfriend, who he plans to propose to. It is an excellent story about the lives of two couples and the heartbreak that is caused by infidelity. Beverly Naya plays the girlfriend of the unfaithful boyfriend Tare. The movie has plenty of unpredictable plot twists that
will keep you entertained and the acting is excellent. Dumas plays a character who is very unlikeable, but that changes in the end and Naya’s character is gut-wrenching as a scorned lover. As far as the male characters are concerned Ikye is very likable as a husband who’d do anything for his wife while the other male lead, Nwigwe, is despicable as a character who hurts everyone in the movie without any hint of guilt.
Ultimately the movie has a very satisfying ending with a lesson learned as well. The movie, showing on NETFLIX, is rated TV-14 with a run time of 1 hour and 37 minutes. on my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate COLD FEET a MEDIUM.
All-natural face, body cream ‘rejuvenates’ skin of its users By DONALD LEE
use,” she says. “I started using them. (On) day three, I didn’t A trip to the nail salon to see a difference. That’s when have a facial done a while back I said, ‘You know what? I’m proved to be a bad experience going to make my own face for Houston resident Treme- cream.’ ” While Artmore is mum reker Amanda Artmore, who says her face received serious garding the ingredients she burns from the hot wax that uses to create such a transformational product, there are was applied. But rather than panic, Art- some things she doesn’t mind more, an aromatherapist, sharing. “It takes me about 20 minsaw the experience as more utes to make batchenlightening than es of cream,” she frightening. It prosays, adding that voked thought, the product must which, in turn, be kept refrigeratcompelled her to ed because of its beeline to the laboall-natural ingreratory. dients. “When I “So that’s why I first started, I had came up with an to make different all-natural cream types of cream to product,” the Tremeker Amanda see what would go 41-year-old CEO of Artmore inside the cream so Intense Heat Cosit wouldn’t mold.” metics says, referThe cream-colored product, encing her new concoction, one created to alleviate such which can be used by men, conditions as blemishes, ecze- women and children, works ma, pimples, burns and dark for babies and all ethnicities, Artmore says. spots. Right now, Intense Heat The organic face and body cream also is effective in Cosmetics, which Artmore treating skin cysts, varicose founded in Beaumont six veins, razor bumps, and it re- years ago, just produces the juvenates the skin, Artmore, a cream and an all-natural lip gloss. But the company has Beaumont native, says. “My daughter started using plans for an air mist that users your cream (recently) and it can spray on their bodies to is doing an amazing job,” Ke- protect them from the sun. nesha B., one of Artmore’s customers, told her. “We Instructions on how to apply have tried so many different the skin cream: things for her acne but nothing seemed to help. Her skin Wash your face with an antiis smooth now and she said it makes her skin feel clean and bacterial soap, pat dry and apply refreshed.” the organic cream to your entire Shalequa L., another cusface or a designated area. Mastomer, just can’t seem to stop sage cream into your pores for singing Artmore’s praises. three to five minutes. “Can you say, ‘No breakouts’ with my highly sensitive skin?” The cream can be applied two she says. to three times a day. Makeup can “Blemishes on the left side be applied at least 30 minutes afof my cheek were gone in three ter the face has been moisturized days. Blemishes were worse on with the organic cream. my right cheek and cleared up in one week,” she says. “I have Aging spots are also areas the very dark circles under my eye cream can be applied to, creating and they are clearing up after a more youthful appearance. three weeks of consistent use. Everyone is noticing a change and they are saying my comPlans also are in the works plexion also looks lighter.” Artmore, a 1997 (Beaumont) for pitching the face and body West Brook High School grad- cream to major retail outlets. uate who attained a business For more information about the degree from Lamar State College in Port Arthur in 2002, Intense Heat face and body cream, says when she applied the Tremeker Amanda Artmore may cream to her own face after be contacted at (832) 815-4411 or tartmore2@yahoo.com. Donher ordeal, she saw a profound ald Lee is a free-lance writer and difference in five days. copy editor. He may be contacted “After my face was burnt, my at (225) 773-2248 or leedonaldj@ doctor sent me --- the same gmail.com. Also visit http://www. day --- three prescriptions to DonaldJLee.com.
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POLICE have not apprehended “Pookie” the serial rapist. We know he has attacked members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.
HE IS A SERIAL RAPIST
He targeted members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but this is more than about a sorority. We’re talking about a community. Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmother or maybe YOU?
877-373-8477
Darkness and clouds surround me and yet, I’m covered. Plucked from my life without warning. I turned for a second. One second and you were gone. A void vast. Attempting to catch my breath. With each a calm. When the heat of this situation is too much, I’m covered. When the deluge of tears attempts to drown me, I’m covered. When sadness envelopes me, I remember what you said, and I am covered.
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AUGUST 19, 2020
VOTER, from Page 1
The voting dilemma became even more compounded when we consider that only people who qualified to vote prior to the Civil War, or whose ancestors qualified to vote were allowed to cast ballots during elections. This requirement eliminated an entire nation of newly freed slaves. White men, of course, were exempt from the rigors of poll taxation in any form. These methods of suppression towards Blacks sustained well into the early 1900s. The monetary poll tax, which is perhaps the most infamous of all poll taxes, often ranged anywhere from $1.50 and greater per voter. That doesn’t seem like much by today’s standards—but when you consider that in 1905 the average Black family earned around $3 per week, sirloin steaks were 10 cents a pound and the homes sold for approximately $3,500—potential voters were forced to decide whether to vote or feed their families. These insidious measures worked to suppress the Black vote for more than a century, despite legislation that mandated otherwise. The “Reconstruction Amendments” attempted to rectify Blacks’ right to vote. The 13th Amendment (1865) freed the slaves; the 14th Amendment (1866) gave Blacks citizenship. (The Black Codes, laws aimed at oppressing Blacks, were also enacted in 1865.) The 15th Amendment (1870) outlawed discrimination in voting rights but it had no penalties for violating of those rights. So, in 1870, the Enforcement Act attempt-ed to give teeth to laws that had bark but no bite. After decades of protest and civil unrest, the House passed the 24th Amendment in 1962 eradicating the poll tax for federal elections. Then the land-mark Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965 that sought to secure Blacks’ right to vote unencumbered. Yet, voter suppression in some form lingered, nonetheless. In 1966, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections also rendered the poll tax unconstitutional for state and local elections. Yet, as recently as 2013, that same U.S.
Supreme Court ruled in Shelby v. Holder that states had the right to do things like limit early voting and require voters to show photo IDs. The spirit of Jim Crow laws has proven to be that revenant who can mutate and transform depending on the climate and circumstance. While in the past voter suppression was much more obvious, today’s systemic racism has a more covert means of undermining the voting rights of targeted demographic groups. Today, we would be hardpressed to find the Ku Klux Klan at polling places burning crosses and crops to turn voters away, but contemporary methods of suppression have proven to be just as effective acts of violence. Here are some contemporary tactics used to turn voters away from election polls: • Voter ID requirements allow election officials to use false claims of rampant voter fraud to justify strict requirements like a photo ID, or laws requiring a physical street address discriminate against minorities groups that are more likely to have P.O. Box addresses, such as Native Americans living on reservations. • Lack of language access, where election officials refuse to translate materials or offer language assistance (as required by law), which suppresses the voting of Asian Americans and Latinos. • Voter roll purges, claims to remove duplicate names, the names of the de-ceased, or the names of convicted felons. The purge actually deletes the names of millions of eligible voters and disproportionately effects communities of color. • Polling place closures/ consolidations, where election officials have closed thousands of polling places, largely in communities of color. Recently in Chica-go’s Cook County alone, which has the largest non-Hispanic black population in the country, 95 polling places were either closed or moved. • Lack of funding for elections, demonstrated its affect when during the 2000 presidential election in Florida there was failure in the recount process, flawed ballot designs, and voting machines that overheated and failed. • Provisional ballot re-
quirements, if a voter’s eligibility is in question they may use a provisional ballot to be counted until eligibility is confirmed. However, localities determine how many provisional ballots are printed, which meant that in certain localities far less were printed than were actually needed. • Reduced early voting, early voting is essential to hourly workers who don’t have expendable time, because of work or child care obligations. Recently, time apportioned to early voting has been drastically cut which negatively affects communities of color. • Reduced regular voting hours, negatively affects low-income workers, who don’t have the convenience of arriving to work late or taking extended midday breaks; or who are strapped due to childcare arrangements. Other means of suppression are poorly trained volunteer poll workers, partisan election administrators, and the creation of at-large local offices to dilute the mi-nority vote. These tactics of voter suppression have proven to be particularly fruitful in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and especially Texas. In the wake of this century-long onslaught on voter suppression a toll has been taken on Black voters. In 1890, the qualified Black voters registered to have their voice heard was at 90 percent. By 1940, only 3 percent of qualified Black voters were registered. Today, less than half of all registered Black voters regularly participate in elec-tions. Although, if Blacks have someone they feel is worth voting they have shown to be less apathetic. With Obama on the ticket in 2008 and 2012, the number of Blacks that voted rose tremendously. Yet when they needed to vote the most in 2016, Black voter turnout fell drastically. And eight percent of the Blacks that did vote that year voted for Trump. Political districts with a relative low percentage of registered Blacks voting is routinely high, compared to districts with a greater percentage of registered Blacks where the voting is repulsively low; and Black women tend to vote more than Black men. Since 1865 to the present, the
provocateurs of this most insidious scheme have done a most commendable job of implanting the spirit of apathy deep within the psyche of African American voters—while the victims have proven to do very little to assuage its effects. There is, however, a ray of hope for the minority voters. From 2014 to 2018 Blacks have had the highest voter turnout upsurge of all demographic groups, with an increase greater than 18 percent.
Healthy Youth Project to Expand to Multiple Dallas Middle and High Schools Program Educates Youth on Healthy Cooking; Helps Combat Childhood Obesity From Staff Reports COVID-19 has heightened the awareness of food insecurity and nutrition in underserved communities. The Healthy Youth Project addresses the importance of nutrition and access to fresh produce for the most vulnerable students in the public food system. “It goes beyond simply providing meals to inner-city high school students with meals; it’s providing the education to lay a strong foundation and understanding for a sustainable healthy future,” said Debra Peek Haynes, who launched The Healthy Youth Project in response to the increasing rate of obesity and health disparities among the nation’s children. A healthier diet has a significant impact on students’ overall mental and physical health. For the past two years, the Healthy Youth Project used an interactive curriculum to educate students on healthy cooking, eating and how to develop an organic garden on the school campus. During the 2020-21 school year the program will expand from one campus to nine middle and high schools in underserved communities in Dallas. Haynes, president of Debra’s Healing Kitchen and DHK Wellness Strategies, Inc., a resident of Dallas, Texas, founded Healthy Youth Project as a demonstration of her 30 years’ commitment to building better and healthier communities, both nationally and internationally. “Since fresh produce is essential for better
You have a unique opportunity to be a part of something new at UNT Dallas College of Law. Our law school - which admitted its first students in 2014 - is not bound by the restraints of traditional legal education. UNT Dallas College of Law is initiating change. Our curriculum stretches far beyond traditional classroom learning. We provide our students with hands on experiences and meaningful opportunities to engage with members of the community, lawyers and legal scholars. Our mission at UNT Dallas College of Law is to promote justice and advance human potential through the enterprise of legal education.
OUR MISSION HAS FIVE GOALS: ACCESS Expand access to legal education for those who are capable of becoming legal professionals but have lacked realistic access to legal education.
PREPARATION Our students benefit from the insights of legal educators as well as the input from legal practitioners.
Felecia Epps
Dean and Professor of Law, UNT Dallas College of Law
The status of Black voting isn’t what it used to be 20 years ago, but it surely isn’t what it was in 1890. The issue of Jim Crow being dead has been greatly overstated. He has merely changed his name to systemic racism, a more covert method of depriving citizens seeking to be heard at polling places. If ever there was a time to shake off the effects of the psychological implant know as apathy, the time is now.
VALUE We create opportunity for students by keeping tuition and debt low while consistently delivering an excellent legal education.
INNOVATION We are a national leader in the advancement of best legal education practices and of the evolving business of practicing law.
COMMUNITY We are valuable partners with legal professionals in the area and the Dallas-Fort Worth community as well.
Debra Peek Haynes
health we must address why our children lack access to nutritious life giving foods,” she explained, adding that the project is adaptable to in-classroom engagement or virtual learning. According to The State of Childhood Obesity “The national childhood obesity rate is 18.5%. The rate varies among different age groups and rises as children get older: 13.9% of 2 to 5-yearolds, 18.4% of 6 to 11-year-olds and 20.6% of 12 to 19-year-olds have obesity. There also are striking racial and ethnic disparities, 25.8% of Latino children and 22% of Black children have obesity.” Texas Capital Bank and Toyota Motor North America, on different scales, support this project through their community outreach programs. “This program provides important life skills that lead to healthier lifestyle choices,” explains Alva Mason, senior manager, Toyota Social Innovation. To learn more about The Healthy Youth Project teaches visit: https://www.debrapeekhaynes.com/healthy-youth. html.