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My Truth By Cheryl Smith Publisher
Singing that same tune Have you ever started to do something and then stopped because you suddenly feel stupid as hell? Well, welcome me to your club! Today I feel totally stupid because here I go again, singing the same song and trying to get different results. Didn’t someone say that what I am doing is the definition of insanity? Somewhere inside of me, I believe that one day, some day, any day; I will achieve the desired results. I’ve begged, argued, urged, cajoled, and almost bribed. I’ve tried to shame and even asked what I could do to get what I want. There were also times I provided a history lesson, in hopes that a lightbulb would go off. Unfortunately while there were times that I smiled broadly with optimism, there were also times that I seriously wanted to cry. It’s simple. See MY TRUTH, page 9
SERVING NORTH EAST TEXAS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 6, 2022
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson feted at D.C. events before retirement
As the clock winds down on her historic tenure, the lawmaker hosts her annual barbecue in Washington.
By Cheryl Smith Texas Metro News
2021 was the "Year of the Woman," especially the Black Woman! For 10 months we dedicated this space to uplifting Black women and spreading a message that we
need to show love and empower people with love instead of destroying them with hate and disrespect. We celebrate Black Women and call them SUPERB! AND WE ARE KEEPING THE CELEBRATION GOING IN 2022!
RINA RISPER Rina Risper is focused on educating, motivating, and immersing herself in connecting with people and businesses.
and Arizona Democratic Congressional delegation. Saluting several members of Congress who previously served as chair of the CBC, Johnson laughed as she claimed her term to be the best. Current and former members of Congress in attendance joined in the laughter as Congressman Jim Clyburn of South Carolina took to the microphone to praise his friend and colleague. Elected at the same time as Johnson, he recalled how she came in working and never stopped. It was a strong class, he said and “Eddie Bernice became a mother to all of us.”
One of Americas’ biggest fears is that they will run out of money in retirement - with good reason. Most of us have not saved enough for retirement. And the pandemic made things even worse. According to the Anytime Estimate Retirement Finances Survey, the financial stress resulting from the pandemic caused many people to either spend retirement savings or stop saving for retirement altogether. Median retirement savings were only $71,000, but more troubling was that 27 percent of Americans have less than $50,000 saved for retirement and 16 percent have nothing saved. Black Americans, meanwhile, often don’t participate in retirement accounts. Only 44% of Black Americans have retirement savings accounts, with a typical balance of around $20,000, compared to 65% of white Americans, who have an average balance of $50,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
See EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, page 3
See NOT CONTRIBUTING, page 5
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, surrounded by members of her Congressional Family: Bobby Rush (D-IL), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Joyce Beatty (D-), Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Steven Horsford (D-NV), James Clyburn (D-SC), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and former Congresswoman and current Secretary of HUD Marcia Fudge.
moments in history since she was first elected and shared stories about her colleagues in Congress and the many challenges they faced as the Democratic Party has only been in the majority 10 years during her entire 30 years representing Congressional District 30. As the first African American and woman to chair the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee after being elected to the position in January 2019 and the most senior Texan on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, she is the Dean of the Texas Congressional delegation and also serves as Dean of the Texas, New Mexico,
The publisher of The New Citizens Press, Rina Risper definitely gives a voice to so many and armed with a degree in sociology, she has engaged in consulting, press release services, contacting media, photography, referral services, creating and developing marketing and advertising plans, and image consulting for other businesses. She’s a poet, an activist, and a brilliant strategist who has a sense of humor and love for her people. An active participant in the Black Press Initiative and Black News Link, Rina is bold, committed and resilient and she is celebrating the 21 years as a publisher. Check out her publication at www.tncp.net. ISABELL COTTRELL Isabell Cottrell is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and community servant. Isabell Cottrell was born and raised in Bessemer, AL. At George Washington Carver High School she was Homecoming Queen. She furthered her education at Booker T.
Debra Dennis is the senior news manager for Dallas College. An award-winning journalist, Debra was a reporter for the Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth StarTelegram. She received a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington. A talented and focused writer, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the National Association of Black Journalists. Debra Dennis is passionate about civil rights and social action, education, human rights, health, poverty alleviation, social service, veteran support, children, arts and culture. MEKO KROUT Meko Krout is a self-described executive producer, bestselling author, mother|Public Speaker|A.I.N. Founder and FinTech Geek.
Washington and Lawson State Jr. College. She also attended the University of Chicago and The London Business School and the Salk Institute for NonProfit ad Anthony Robbins Life Mastery Program. She is a former coowner of the Texas rangers and a Founder Club Member of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. A marketing guru, she focused on domestic and international marketing initiative. She also played a key role in Proline Corporation’s focus on establishing its presence in Africa. DEBRA DENNIS Debra Dennis is respected for her work ethic, gentle spirit, resolve and dedication.
You’re throwing away money (and your future)
By Rodney A. Brooks
Superb Women Our Superb Women!
Not contributing to your company’s 401(k)?
Money Talk
By Cheryl Smith WASHINGTON — At several events during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Leadership Conference in the nation’s capital last week, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was feted for her three decades of service. It was a festive but somewhat emotional afternoon as longtime friends, family, supporters, colleagues and employees, past and present, shared stories as Johnson (D-Dallas) held her last Texas Barbecue on Saturday. Since she took office after being elected in 1992, the first nurse to serve in the U.S. Congress has held the event to showcase notable people and programs and welcome her Texas constituents. Closing out her 15th term, Johnson’s service includes serving as chair of the CBC, but also championing causes such as lupus awareness, aid to veterans, improving transportation, ending homelessness and STEM education. At this year’s barbecue, all eyes were on her as numerous photos were taken and attendees received a parting gift that included a bottle of Texas hot sauce. Johnson reminisced about key
VOLUME X
Equity and Inclusion strategy, focusing on individual support to journalists of color, investment in news organizations owned by people of color, and newsroom collaboration programs. Meticulous, focused, engaging and brilliant, Cheryl is a team player and a born leader. A trusted advisor to the Black News Link, she’s a joy to work with and her excellent communication skills are a definite bonus.
service and ministry. Joy received a degree in business marketing from Prairie View A&M University. She also has a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Community Development. Also a graduate from The Potter’s House School of Ministry, she owns Guiding Minds Ministry, LLC., focusing on the rehabilitation of second chance offenders through education. She also has Your Discovery Place, Inc., a ministry that brings people and services together in a positive way. Check her out at www.guidingmindsllc.com. CHERYL THOMPSON-MORTON She is kind, she is patient, she is smart and she is loving; that’s Cheryl ThompsonMorton.
The Chief Administrative Officer at BSB Collaborative, LLC, Meko Krout works at GirleeGirlz Getaway, of which she is a cofounder. Meko is also founder of Accessories in the Nude Fashion Showcase. In high demand, she studied at Dallas College after graduating from Justin F. Kimball High School and also attended Health Professions Magnet. Meko has made it her mission to help guide women through personal changes. She’s a bestselling author who is a popular speaker and motivator. Meko is a positive and productive force in the lives of so many. JOY CAMPBELL Joy Campbell is just the person you need in your life if you are focused on bettering yourself. A native of Dallas, TX Joy Campbell is an educator, the owner of a nonprofit, she focuses on helping others through community
September 2022
Cheryl Thompson-Morton is a leader in promoting diversity and equity in the news industry. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Drexel University, she is the Black Media Initiative Director for the Center for Community Media at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. A newlywed, Cheryl leads Lenfest’s Diversity,
BELINDA MAY An entrepreneur, a caregiver to the community and a philanthropist, that’s Belinda May.
The founder of Home Care Network, Belinda May is passionate about providing improved in-home health care in several locations and she serves more than 33 North Texas Counties. A registered nurse, Belinda is committed to knowing more about the clinical component of her business so that she can help others understand the need for her company’s services. Belinda feels she can serve her patients by knowing what their needs are. The City of DeSoto named February 9th as Belinda Day. Check her out at www.homecarenetwork.com STEPHANIE D. PRYOR An educator by heart, First Lady Stephanie D. Pryor inspires in the classrooms of the world. First Lady Stephanie D. Pryor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church (NBMBC) is faithful and active in all services and functions` of the church. She is a wife of more than 30 years and a mother of four. Stephanie has See SUPERB WOMEN page 7