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I M essenger FEBRUARY 14, 2020

VOL IX NO 26

QUEEN


IMessenger An IMM LLC Publication MAILING ADDRESS 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203 WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM 214-941-0110

Kweisi Mfume wins Primary for Cummings Seat By

Cheryl Smith PUBLISHER - EDITOR news@texasmetronews.com S. Curet GENERAL MANAGER stewartcuret@myimessenger.com Jessica Hayden STAFFWRITER Marva Sneed EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Three generations of Maryland’s 7th District Congressmen (Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, 1996 to present; former Congressman Parren J. Mitchell, 1971 to 1987; and former Congressman Kweisi Mfume, 1987 to 1996) attend the ceremony officially designating the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 6101 Liberty Road in Baltimore, Maryland, as the U.S. Representative Parren J. Mitchell Post Office. (January 2007) (Photo: Office of Congresssman Elijah Cummings)

EDITORIAL TEAM Lajuana Barton Eva Coleman Anthony Council L. Diane Evans Dorothy J. Gentry Vincent Hall Cierra Mayes Dr. Felicia N. Shepherd Monique P. Stone Dareia Tolbert Andrew Whigham III Chelle Wilson

Lauren Victoria Burke

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Established 2011 CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.

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Former NAACP President and five-term Congressman Kweisi Mfume won big in a Democratic primary contest to replace the late Congressman Elijah Cummings who passed away on October 17, 2019 at the age of 68. Mfume’s primary challenger in Maryland’s seventh congressional district was Cummings’ widow, Maya Rockeymoore Cummings. But the contest was not close. The general election will be held on April 28, 2020. Mfume, 71, will be expected to win easily in a heavily Democratic district that includes parts of Baltimore. Mfume won by a decisive margin winning 43 percent of the vote to Maya Cummings’ 17 percent. Over 28,000 vot-ed

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for Mfume as Cummings received over 11,000 votes in a field of 12 candidates. Mfume left the U.S. House in 1996 to lead the NAACP and stayed in the position until 2004. “I accept your nomination as the Democratic nominee to Congress! Experience matters,� said Mfume from his victory part on the night of February 4. “This is for him. This is for him!� added Mfume. The two had been friends for 42 years and Mfume delivered a moving eulogy to Elijah Cummings at his funeral last year. The winner of the Republican primary was Kimberly Klacik, whose produced a video of trash in West Baltimore last summer. The video prompted Trump to call Cummings’s district a “disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess.� Klacik is a member of the Baltimore County Republican

Central Committee in Baltimore. “Thank you to the voters of Maryland’s 7th Congressional District for your consideration and to the other candidates for your valiant and inspiring races. I also thank my team, including the hardworking volunteers who dedicated many hours to the campaign. Putting my hat in the ring was a faith walk, a journey I am still on. I deeply appreciate the well wishes and encouragement and look forward to what comes next,� wrote Maya Rockeymoore Cummings on facebook the morning after her electoral loss to Mfume. Cummings can challenge Mfume again on April 28. Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist for NNPA and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is also a political strategist as Principal of Win Digital Media LLC. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

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INSIDE

TRUTH

ABOUT YOUR HAIR

THINKING

Over the years, there have been many rules that were part of my growth and development. Boys don’t hit girls and girls don’t be fresh around boys. Don’t lie, don’t steal, do your chores, get good grades, and don’t be disrespectful to adults.

Many consumers have asked me these questions…Do I need to oil my scalp? I have heard that it clogs your scalp? What should I use when my scalp is dry?

As odds would have it, I am posting these thoughts on February 12. You know the drill. Throughout Febru-ary, we American descendants of Africa pay tribute to our African and American heritage.

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MY TRUTH by Cheryl Smith, Publisher

Stop it! O v e r t h e y e a r s , t h e re h a v e b e e n m a n y r u le s t h a t w e re p a r t o f m y g ro w t h a n d d e v e lo p m e n t . B o y s d o n ’t h it g ir ls a n d g ir ls d o n ’t b e fre s h a ro u n d b o y s . D o n ’t lie , d o n ’t s t e a l, d o y o u r c h o re s , g e t g o o d g ra d e s , a n d d o n ’t b e d is re s p e c t fu l t o a d u lt s . T h e re w a s a ls o : if y o u lie , y o u ’ll s t e a l; if y o u s t e a l, y o u ’ll k ill. O r, if a n a d u lt d o e s s o m e t h in g y o u d o n ’t lik e , c o m e t e ll m e a n d I’ll d e a l w it h it . M o t h e r s a id , R e m e m b e r t h a t y o u m u s t a lw a y s w e a r c le a n u n d e r w e a r a n d s t a y o u t o f g ro w n fo lk s b u s in e s s . T h e n , w h a te v e r h e d o e s to y o u , I’m g o in g t o m a k e s u re s o m e o n e d o e s it t o h im (d a d d y d id n ’t p la y )! I w a s a ls o t a u g h t t o c a r r y m y s e lf lik e a la d y a n d if I re s p e c t m y s e lf o t h e r s w ill a ls o . T h is h a s n ’t a lw a y s b e e n t h e c a s e , b u t I’v e t r ie d t o h o ld u p m y e n d o f t h e b a rg a in a n d s t a y c le a r o f p e o p le w h o d id o t h e r w is e . N o w I kn o w e ve ryo n e w a s n ’t ra is e d a s I w a s a n d FEBRUARY 14, 2020

I t h in k it is im p o r t a n t t o a t le a s t a t t e m p t t o u n d e r s t a n d t h e re a lit y o f o t h e r s a n d t o n o t b e s o q u ic k t o h u r t o t h e r s ju s t b e c a u s e I a m h u r t in g . W h ic h b r in g s m e t o m y tru th . T h e re ’s b e e n a lo t o f t a lk a b o u t a n in t e r v ie w c o n d u c t e d b y v e t e ra n jo u r n a lis t G a y le K in g w it h W N B A le g e n d L is a L e s lie , fo llo w in g t h e d e a t h o f N B A le g e n d , K o b e B ry a n t. D u r in g t h e in t e r v ie w , M s . K in g a s k e d a b o u t a ra p e a lle g a t io n in w h a t w a s a “c o m p lic a t e d ” c a s e t h a t e n d e d w it h t h e a c c u s e r ’s fa ilu re t o t e s t ify . T h e re s p o n s e , a f t e r a c lip o f t h e in t e r v ie w a p p e a re d o n s o c ia l m e d ia , w a s im m e d ia t e a n d h o r r ib le . N o w a d m it t e d ly s o m e re s p o n s e s w e re v e r y e m o t io n a l a n d v ic io u s . M a n y I d o n ’t a g re e w it h b u t I u n d e r s t a n d . H u r t p e o p le h u r t . A n d t h e y re s p o n d /re a c t b a s e d o n t h e ir re a lit ie s . W h e n I re a d a n d v ie w e d s o m e o f t h e re s p o n s e s , I

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k n e w I w o u ld g e t q u e s t io n s a b o u t t h e is s u e . I t h o u g h t b a c k to th a t S u n d a y w h e n I h e a rd t h a t M r. B r y a n t , h is 1 3 -y e a r-o ld d a u g h t e r G ia n n i, a n d s e v e n o t h e r s - J o h n A lt o b e lli, h e a d c o a c h O ra n g e C o a s t C o lle g e b a s e b a ll t e a m , w ife K e r i a n d 1 3 -y e a r-o ld d a u g h t e r A ly s s a , a b a s k e t b a ll p la y e r fo r M a m b a ; S a ra h C h e ste r a n d d a u g h te r P a y t o n ; p ilo t A ra Z o b a y a n ; a n d C h r is t in a M a u s e r, b a s k e t b a ll c o a c h a t H a rb o r D a y S c h o o l in N e w p o r t B e a c h , w h e re K o b e ’s d a u g h t e r a t t e n d e d s c h o o l w e re k ille d in a h e lic o p t e r a c c id e n t . I c o m m u n ic a t e d w it h o u r S p o r t s e d it o r a b o u t h o w t o p ro c e e d a n d w h a t a n g le w o u ld w e w r it e o u r s t o r y fro m . N o w s o m e m ig h t s a y t h a t I w a s d e re lic t in m y d u t ie s a s a jo u r n a lis t b e c a u s e , n e v e r o n c e d id I e v e n t h in k a b o u t t h e ra p e a lle g a t io n . J u s t w a s n ’t m y fo c u s ! I b e lie v e e v e n if I h a d t h o u g h t a b o u t it d u r in g t h a t t im e , fo r m e , it w a s n o t re le myimessenger.com


v a n t t o a n y o f o u r c o v e ra g e . S e v e ra l p e o p le a s k e d fo r m y o p in io n . W h ile I k n o w p e o p le w e re t a lk in g a b o u t t h e ra p e , I w o u ld n ’t h a v e . I fe lt M s . K in g ’s in it ia l q u e s t io n w a s fra m e d a p p ro p r ia t e ly b u t e v e n s h e a d m it s t h a t t h e e d it e d c lip w a s o ff e n s iv e a n d h u r t fu l. A n d I a b s o lu t e ly lo v e d M s . L e s lie ’s re s p o n s e s . I fe e l fo r M s . K in g . I a m s o rry sh e h as b e e n a tta c k e d and t h re a t e n e d . W h e n I h e a rd t h e a rg u m e n t t h a t “jo u r n a lis t s a sk th e to u g h q u e s t io n s ,” I u n d e rsto o d w h a t t h e y w e re s a y in g b u t I a ls o und ersto o d t h o s e w h o s a id t h a t t h e re is a d o u b le s t a n d a rd a n d B la c k jo u r n a lis t s g e t t o a s k “t o u g h ” q u e s t io n s o n ly o f o t h e r B la c k p e o p le . T h a t s t a t e m e n t re m in d e d m e o f a L a t in a jo u r n a lis t w h o c a m e u n d e r fi re fo r a s k in g t o u g h q u e s t io n s o f a w h it e m an. M a y b e w e s h o u ld re e x a m myimessenger.com

in e s o m e p ra c t ic e s a n d m a k e c h a n g e s . It w o u ld n ’t b e t h e fi r s t t im e . H e c k , w e in t h e B la c k P re s s k n o w h o w B la c k s w e re t re a t e d !

In t e re s t in g ly w h e n t h e re w a s a s h o o t in g in a n e w s ro o m , jo u r n a lis t s a s k e d fo r t im e t o g r ie v e . T h e h y p o c r is y o f t h e m o m e n t w a s n o t lo s t o n m a n y . S o m a n y h a v e b e e n aske d o r se e n so m e o n e a s k e d a n in s e n s it iv e q u e s t io n a n d a n a n s w e r w a s e x p e c t e d . J o u r n a lis t s p u s h e d

fo r a n s w e r s , b e c a u s e t h e y w e re d o in g t h e ir jo b s ! T h a t ’s w h y I lo v e t h a t lin e fro m t h e m o v ie , H e a d o f S t a t e . T h e la t e , g re a t B e r n ie M a c t u r n e d t o a jo u rn a lis t a n d s a id , “ T h a t ’s w h y n o b o d y lik e s y o u r a s s !” T h e re a re s o m any w ro n g s in t h is s it u a t io n a n d D r. M ic h a e l E r ic D y s o n w a s a m o n g th e p h e n o m e n a l re s p o n d e n t s w h o t r ie d t o m a k e t h in g s r ig h t . J u s t a s in t h e ra p e s o f w o m e n in D a lla s , I w a n t e d to h e a r a n o u tc ry. I n e e d e d to h e a r m en and wom en s a y in g , “s t o p t h e m a d n e s s .” I k n o w w e a re h u r t in g . I a ls o k n o w w e h a v e to d ra w a lin e in t h e s a n d a n d g o v e r n o u r s e lv e s a c c o rd in g ly . L e t ’s n o t t u r n o n o n e a n o t h e r. L e t ’s h a v e a t e a c h a b le m o m e n t a n d sto p th e m a d n e ss. T h a t ’s a n o t h e r r u le t h a t m ake s se n se ! I MESSENGER

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A walk down Black History Lane

I WAS JUST THINKING...

dim-witted and As odds would have should not be it, I am posting these educated, fearing thoughts on February they might begin 12. You know the to seek freedom. drill. Historians say Throughout Februthat Douglass ary, we American did not know descendants of B y Norma Adamshis real date of Africa pay tribute W ade birth because, to our African and I Messenger Media as an enslaved American heritage. person, the date Historians tell us that was not recorded. February was picked Historians say to commemorate that Douglass Black History because chose a date two people significant for himself – to the event were February 14, born in that month 1818. -- President Abraham In one of his Lincoln and autobiographies, abolitionist Frederick Douglass reDouglass. counted his esLincoln, born cape from slavery on February 12, to freedom and 1908, was key, of his reaction when course, because arriving on free the Emancipation land in the North: Proclamation that he “I lived more in signed to end slavery one day than in a – on paper -- became year of my slave effective January 1, life...g ladness 1863. Douglass was D r. C a r te r G . W o o d s o n and joy, like the key because he is one rainbow, defy the of the nation’s more slavery, escaped, and famous abolitionists, writer, learned to read in defiance skill of pen or pencil.” orator, and statesman. of the then-popular belief February as birthdays Douglass was born into that enslaved Black were of these two towering FEBRUARY 14, 2020

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figures intrigued Carter G. Woodson – whose parents were former enslaved Africans. We know Woodson, of course, as the “father of Black History” who led the movement to have a designated time to appreciate AfricanAmerican history and culture. Woodson, an educator, scholar, author, historian, and publisher, latched on to February as he refined his Black history commemoration plans. The historian was not pleased -- in fact, he was upset that scholars during his time, did not include information about Black people, our culture and experiences when writing history books that children of all cultures would use in classrooms. School books were “whitewashed” one could say. Woodson, ever the visionary, set out to change that, and he did. He began a crusade and led the charge that organized the Association for the Study of African American Life and History at a gathering in Chicago in 1915. Woodson and the group published many Black history myimessenger.com

P re s id e n t A b ra h a m L in co ln

H o n . F re d e ric k D o u g la s s materials for educators to use in Black schools. Then about a decade later in 1926, he and the group launched a week of Black History commemoration and activities -- the first Black History Week. Then 50 years later, during America’s 1976 Bicentennial Year, that week became Black History Month.

Woodson and company picked the second week of February as the celebration time because that week contained two important birthdays – those of Lincoln (February 12) and Douglass (February14). Woodson in 1912 was the second African-American to earn a doctorate from Harvard University. Historian and activist W. E. B. DuBois was the first in 1895. I was just thinking how all these Black History giants – Douglass, Woodson, DuBois, even Lincoln for the role he played, brought us from Douglass hiding secretly to learn how to read to an African-American president in the White House. Woodson approximately 90 years ago, expressed his view of the damage not knowing your history and culture can do: “This crusade is much more important than the antilynching movement,” he wrote in his opinion, “because there would be no lynching if it did not start in the schoolroom.” His thoughts and actions are Black History at its finest.

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Comerica names Cassandra M. McKinney, Executive Vice President Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) has announced that Cassandra M. McKinney, Senior Vice President, Retail Delivery and Strategic Services, will be named Executive Vice President, Retail Bank, effective April 1, 2020. Ms. McKinney will succeed Michael J. Aust, Executive Vice President, Retail Bank, who plans to retire on May 1, 2020. From April 1, 2020, to May 1, 2020, Mr. Aust will remain an Executive Vice President at Comerica. McKinney will report to Curt Farmer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Cassandra's broad leadership and strong expertise in retail banking will allow her to continue to deliver strong outcomes for our customers and growth for our business," said Farmer. "Mike leaves an indelible legacy. His vision to make banking easier drove investments

C a ssa n d ra M . M cK in n e y

in the transformation of our service and delivery systems and embedded in our banking centers a culture focused on our customers." Ms. McKinney joined Comerica in 2005 as Senior Vice President and Retail Director of Product and Sales Management. She became Director of Retail Operations in 2011 and was

named Director of both retail product and operations in 2016, where she currently serves. She has three decades of experience in financial services, sales management and technology disciplines. Prior to Comerica, Ms. McKinney held various roles of increasing scope and responsibility with Bank of America and IBM across the financial services, insurance and manufacturing industries. Ms. McKinney earned degrees from Columbia University in Chemical Engineering and Dillard University in Chemistry and is a graduate of the Consumer Bankers Association's School of Banking. She serves on the Booker T. Washington Advisory Board in Dallas, has served as Women of Tocqueville Chair for the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and is currently chapter president for Greater Denton County Links, Inc.

Mr. Aust joined Comerica in 2005 as Director of National Retail Banking, where he helped direct Comerica's banking center expansion into our growth markets, improving our distribution. He also served as Director of Retail Administration and has been Executive Director of the Retail Bank since 2013. Mr. Aust led business growth, improved customer facing business processes, and helped transform our banking centers, call center and digital channels during his 15-year tenure at Comerica. Prior to joining Comerica, he held various leadership positions in retail banking and commercial lending at National City Corporation and Fifth Third Bank in Ohio.

Comerica names Irvin Ashford, Jr. Chief Community Officer Comerica Bank has named Irvin Ashford, Jr., its new Chief Community Officer. Mr. Ashford, will be responsible for community reinvestment nationally and all associated activities, including development, lending, community investments, volunteerism and data analysis. Additionally, he will lead Comerica's diversity business resource groups. Ashford previously served as Comerica's National Director of Financial Education and External Affairs and will maintain these responsibilities in his new role as he reports directly into the Office of the Chairman. Mr. Ashford joined Comerica Bank in 2000 and has continued to strengthen relationships with the communities served by Comerica through various financial literacy and FEBRUARY 14, 2020

businesses. "I'm looking forward to building deeper relationships with our community partners in the markets we serve," Mr. Ashford said. "For 170 years, Comerica has placed an importance in serving its community. Our goal is to continue to help our communities thrive and through programs promoting financial education, community and business development and diversity, we can truly help individuals and our communities succeed." Mr. Ashford has remained a pillar in the community, aiding various civic and community groups that include serving on the board of directors for the Texas Women's Empowerment Foundation (TWEF), Dallas Theater Center, Kym's Kids and Focus on

Irv in A sh fo rd , Jr.

community development initiatives. Last year, Mr. Ashford and his team established the Comerica Money $ense program to address the critical need of teaching sound financial principles to a wide range of audiences from pre-K to senior citizens, as well as small

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Teens. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Webb School, in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, where he was one of the first African American graduates. In 2019, Mr. Ashford was inducted into the University of Dallas' Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business Hall of Fame for his contributions to community and economic development initiatives in diverse and underserved communities. A Woodrow Wilson International Studies and Public Policy Fellow, an American Marshall Fellow and British American Project Fellow, he is a graduate of Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio and earned dual master's degrees – public affairs from UT and business administration from the University of Dallas. myimessenger.com


FROM THE NNPA BY GWEN MCKINNEY

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Check out The Kinsey Collection at the African American Museum in Dallas 3536 Grand Ave, Dallas, TX 75210 214-565-9026

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PAID BY EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON FOR CONGRESS

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Queenish Professional Women’s Club presents Queenish Dolls Showcase 2020 In celebration of Black History Month, the Queenish Professional Women’s Club and its founder Quinnie Nichols, is once again bringing to the community, the Queenish Black Dolls Showcase on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at the Lancaster Senior Life Center located at 240 Veterans Memorial Parkway in Lancaster. This Queenish Dolls Experi-ence promotes the theme “Black Is Beautiful” and promises to be a dynamic, educational and interactive family event that celebrates the beauty, culture and unique qualities of the African American personality. The goal is to promote the elegance and beauty of women and girls of all cultures, especially the African American culture, showcase the historical journey of the Black doll, emphasize the importance of education and cultural awareness while having fun! It is the perfect event for parents and their children to FEBRUARY 14, 2020

Q u in n ie N ic h o ls

enjoy together. “The Queenish Dolls Experience is a great opportunity to showcase a landmark collection of dolls. With troubling stereotypes circulating, we want to be careful to show the beauty and rich heritage in our extensive doll Collection so that our children see beautiful reflections of themselves and the countless possibilities before them.” said Quinnie Nichols, the event founder. “This doll experience that marries the best of art and history to create a rich experience

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for all who witness it.” Attendees will see an array of antique dolls as well as ones that reflect the more modern era, especially Black History. Specifically, one may see including the paper ma`che and potato sack dolls from the times such as slavery to the Jim Crow Law era’s Aunt Jemima, the Pick-a-ninny and Sambo dolls and the popular celebrities like Mr. T., First Lady Michelle Obama and many more. The children will be able to enjoy craft and activity stations in which they will make their own Fairy doll, enjoy painting, coloring books, and meet doll makers and see doll collections from across the country. This year, there will also be a best doll dress fashion pageant for young girls and opportunity for the first 50 people to attend a painting session with the Kinfolk artist to myimessenger.com


do painting on jeans. Last year, about 500 parents and children attended the Queenish Doll Extravaganza and enjoyed a memorable and informative journey of the history of Black dolls. Charmeka Bristol attended the inaugural event with her three girls and was amazed at the vast and unique collection. “A lot of the dolls that I saw, I did not see growing up.” Bristol’s daughter remarked, “There are dolls that we do not see in this generation. We should take time to learn

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about them.” Local dentist, Ann Martin D.D.S of Kids at Heart Dentistry in Cedar Hill attended the extravaganza and emphasized the importance of events like Queenish Dolls. “As a child, my mother always painted my dolls with paint for their melanin, but now we have exposure to different dolls,” said Martin. “It is very important for young girls to see dolls that look like them.” The Queenish Professional Women’s Club is encouraging

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the community to get your ticket now on Eventbrite for a $5 donation. Also, group has a few more spaces for doll collectors and doll enthusiasts to showcase their collections, quilt makers, and vendors. Also, the group is collecting blue jeans for the painting aspect of the event. If you would like to participate or sponsor, please contact the organizers of Queenish Dolls Extravaganza via email at info@ queenishpwc.com or visit our website www.queenishpwc.com.

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NTIF.org • 214-821-4173 Discount tickets for saturDay anD sunDay at tom thumb anD albertsons

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Impeached President, Illegitimate Acquittal BY CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS Chair of the House Committee on Financial Services

Today’s illegitimate ac- quittal is fitting for a dishonorable, unpatriotic, dangerous, illegitimate, and impeached president. Anyone who lends any credence to the idea that this unlawful outcome serves as a credible exoneration of Donald Trump is an enemy to the rule of law and the Constitution. The founders of this country never imagined that our democracy would be confronted with a corrupt president who would be aided and abetted in the coverup of his crimes by a co-equal branch of government. Despite the fact that the House Managers presented an ironclad set of facts that Donald Trump did in fact abuse his power and obstruct Congressional investigations of his crimes, the Senate has utterly failed to do its job. This was not a credible trial. No witnesses were called. No evidentiary documents were present-ed. The jurors abandoned impartiality and openly colluded with the guilty defendant. The presiding justice remained silent in the face of FEBRUARY 14, 2020

unprecedented attacks on judicial norms. I applaud the courage of the 48 Senators – 45 Democrats, 2 Independents, and 1 Republican – who put their careers on the line to protect and defend our nation from the most dangerous president our country has ever known. Each and every Trump-party elected official who betrayed their oath of office and protected the deplorable interests of a conman over the interests of this country is a national disgrace who should be voted out of office without delay. The American people can rest assured that this fight is not over, and all is not lost. The Democratic House majority will continue to provide a check on this president. Each House committee chair will continue to conduct proper

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oversight of this administration. We will continue to fight in the courts and demand that our lawful subpoenas be upheld. Donald Trump has been impeached. His conviction was bipartisan. His acquittal was partisan. This is the legacy of Donald Trump, now and forever. His presidency is an utter failure and disgrace, and history will record it as such. In November, the American people can and will do what insufferable and pathetic Trump-party Republican Senators didn’t have the courage to do: remove him from office once and for all.”

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BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ

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ASK ALMA

Let’s really talk Dear Alma, I read an article that suggested that married couples should openly discuss sexual and emotional attractions to other people. The hurtful part of infidelity, the author said, is the deception, not the sex act. By openly discussing a desire to stray, she said, the couple stands a better chance of avoiding an affair or surviving one if it happens. Do you think this is a good idea? Should a man tell his wife that he wants to sleep with another woman, or should a wife tell her husband that she wants to sleep with another man? This sounds like a recipe for disaster, if you ask me. Arlis H., Florida

FEBRUARY 14, 2020

Hey Now Harlis, Without apologies, unequivocally, NO, I don’t think it’s wise to have this type of conversation with your spouse. Infidelity is a small part

challenges you’re facing in your relationship. Having the thought and discussion of being disloyal and betraying your partner should be avoided. Whether married or

Infidelity is a small part of a bigger problem not being

addressed.

The

act and the deception go hand in hand. Both are equally devastating. of a bigger problem not being addressed. The act and the deception go hand in hand. Both are equally devastating. “Couple Up” and discuss the actual

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not, we experience sexual and/or emotional attractions; it’s a part of being human…and fantasizing. For example: Let’s say you have a

moment (or two) while watching Eamonn Walker on “Chicago Fire.” Should you tell your husband? No. Should you have an affair? No. What should you do? I suggest, instead, that you buy a fire-engine red teddy, throw your husband to the floor and let the games begin. (Chile, it’s gettin’ hot up in here. LOL) Anywho, you and I agree; the discussion of or act of infidelity would be equally damaging to a marriage. If having an affair has crossed your mind, tend and weed those thoughts carefully in your own secret garden. A successful and victorious marriage has no room for that kind of thinking to bloom and grow. Alma

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A Trichologist’s Perspective about Scalp Oil ABOUT YOUR HAIR BY DR. LINDA AMERSON www.hairandscalpessentials.com

Many consumers have asked me these questions…Do I need to oil my scalp? I have heard that it clogs your scalp? What should I use when my scalp is dry? Now to give you a Trichologists prospective of oiling the scalp. When there is a scalp malady/condition, yes you need to address your scalp. African American’s have approximately 90,000140,000 sweat glands. When the sweat dries, it leaves a film or residue on the scalp which is sodium buildup. This sodium buildup is not removed or cleansed from the scalp, in many cases, as often as it should. Many consumers neglect shampooing their hair and scalp for 3-4 weeks, or longer, to hold on to a trendy hairstyle. myimessenger.com

Sometimes it is laziness. Resulting in dry hair, dry scalp, an excessively itchy scalp which leads to tender scalps, erythema, inflammation, and irritation just to name a few. This is when oiling of the scalp and hair becomes routine after shampooing. On the other hand, there are some consumers who have over-active sebaceous glands, where their scalp produces more oil. Frequency of shampooing should become common practice. In addition, in the Indian community, I have several clients who share with me about applying oil to their scalp and hair for shine and hair re-growth. Lastly, many natural hairstylists will instruct their client who wear twists, and locks to postpone shampooing

their hair and scalp for 6-8 weeks to preserve their style. I disagree with this recommendation when there is a scalp condition. The scalp condition needs to be addressed first, then the trendy hairstyle second. More professionals need to realize this important fact. Top Reasons to Oil Your Scalp To offset dryness from sodium buildup For pruritus of the scalp For scalp diseases For scalp lesions For soothing an irritated scalp For scaly scalp conditions For eczema scalp conditions and circulation Why use Dr. Amerson’s Anti-Itch Soothing Oil? Formulated for Dr. Amerson by Chemist Tracy Hill-Ashley Benefits include: Light, penetrating oil with a PH of 5.0 Anti-inflammator y properties

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Has healing and regenerating qualities Stops pruritus immediately Moisturizes scalp and hair for the entire family Gives hair a brilliant sheen with no pillow residue Softens bonding glue for immediate removal Great for shaving under arms with no irritation Great moisturizer for cuticles of fingernails and toenails Has been used on dogs (by clients) who suffer with itchy, dry skin Please direct all questions to Dr. Linda Amerson, Board Certified Trichologist. Please join us every Wednesday @ 11am CST on Ask the Hair and Scalp Doctor Radio Show on www. DfwiRadio.com www. hairandscalpessentials. com Twitter: @ScalpDoctor Facebook: www. facebook.com/ divadoctor09

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FEBRUARY 14, 2020


Luka Doncic, DJ Poizon Ivy to represent Mavs at NBA All Star BY DOROTHY J. GENTRY Sports Editor

A l l - LeBron James.

The Dallas Mavericks will be well-represented at the 69th NBA’s AllStar festivities this weekend in Chicago. NBA MVP candidate and Dallas Mavericks star guard Luka Doncic will participate in both the Rising Stars game on Friday night featuring the NBA’s up and coming stars. He has also been voted as a as a starter for the All-Star Game, which will take place at Chicago’s United Center on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. CT on TNT. The 20-year-old Slovenian will become the youngest Europeanborn player to start an All-Star Game. “I’m so thankful for all who voted for me,” Doncic said. “It’s like a dream come true to be a starter in the All-Star Game. I’m happy to go and represent us.” Doncic will play on Team Lebron who will serve as the West Team Captain. He will be just the FEBRUARY 14, 2020

S t a r Game, Dončić P o iz o n Iv y p h o to co u r te s y o f D J P o iz o n Iv y w i l l L u k a p h o to : become D o ro th y J. G e n tr y t h e third Maverick to start ninth-youngest athlete an All-Star Game, to appear in the game joining Dirk Nowitzki and the sixth-youngest (2007, 2010) and Jason to start. He will be the Kidd (1996). Kidd is game’s youngest starter the only other Dallas since LeBron James (20 player voted in as a years, 52 days) in 2005. starter (Nowitzki started Doncic, who won as a replacement for an the League’s Rookie injured starter twice). of the Year Award last Dončić is the 31st All- year, is currently #3 in Star in franchise history. the league’s MVP race At 20 years, 353 days behind Giannis and on the day of the 2020

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He leads the NBA in triple-doubles this season (12), all of which have been of the 20-point variety. He has also recorded a league-high 33 games with at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists. Joining him in Chicago will be the Mavs official DJ, Poizon Ivy, who will serve as the official DJ for All-Star Saturday Night which features popular events such as the Dunk Contest and the 3-Point Contest. myimessenger.com


Youth mentor and women’s empowerment On “From Marva with Love” I interviewed a dynamic woman Samantha Haynes of Samantha Speaks. When I said good morning to Ms. Samantha I could hear the joy and excitement in her voice. She is a youth mentor and a women’s empowerment speaker. She shares her story of being a teen mom and how she became to believe she is not who everyone said she was. She was a 14-year-old mother, still trying to figure out who she was and caring for a premature child. She said that she was naïve to what was really happening in her life. MS: Can you tell us your story as a youth mentor and a women empowerment speaker? SH: So I started a non-profit called Twoand10 about five years ago. And I started mentoring teen girls. I had a couple of girls that really looked up to me they would call me whenever they had a situation. It inspired me to go ahead and make it room enough for others. I saw that there was something in me that was inspiring these girls. I had the story and the background to help them make it through their high school lives. Well in the process of starting and doing so I had young men entering in and wanted to talk to me and get a female’s perspective about what they go through and the drama that teenagers go through. So myimessenger.com

From Marva with By Marva Sneed

it grew from there the yearning of others wanting to know my life story made me start this whole journey. From Twoand10. I just decided once my masterpieces graduated out of our program. I was like what is next?

S a m a n th a H a y n e s God kinda told me that is not what I told you to do. I did ask you to mentor and cover these people and share your story. I asked you to share it with the world. I asked you to cover women with your story and uplift them in doing so. I said God I do better with kids and He said the world. Then I just stepped out on faith. I said to my friends that this is what I was going to do in 2019. Before the end of

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January, I had booked two gigs to speak and it was awesome. It kept growing from there. Before the year ended I started a book. It’s coming to fruition what God had planned for my life. MS: Your non-profit mentoring youth is called Twoand10 what does that mean? SH: Twoand10 comes from Ephesians 2:10. That says: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”. That is my scripture on my life so long ago. I had to realize in my mid20s that I had to go through everything that I had to go through being a teen mom and the ridicule that people give you as being such. He knew that He wanted me to mentor and empower women. He had to take me through it so that I would have a story to tell. And show my craft and be the masterpiece that He created me to be. Ephesians 2:10 is where my masterpieces come from. There was so much more to my interview with Ms. Samantha to hear the entire interview on “From Marva with Love” go to BlogTalkRadio.com Cheryl’s World. Follow Samantha Speaks on Facebook: @samantha.speaksout and Instagram: @samantha.speaks. Tune into “From Marva with Love” on Fridays at 11 am – 1 pm. On BlogTalkRadio.com Cheryl’s World.

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FEBRUARY 14, 2020


Subscribe to I Messenger call 214-941-0110

BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

FEBRUARY 14, 2020

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release the sneakers in three color options. The first release is black and white,

It’s been nearly 34 years since legendary hiphop pioneers Ru n - D M C “walked through concert doors, and roamed all over coliseum floors,” as they Adidas, the famed sneaker company that inspired the 1986 hit song is honoring Run (Joseph performed their Simmons), DMC (Darryl McDaniels), and the late Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell). groundbreaking single, “My Adidas.” with high-resolution red color. The Now, the famed sneaker company second reportedly contains a white that inspired the 1986 hit song is core with black stripes and a highhonoring Run (Joseph Simmons), resolution red color. Images for the DMC (Darryl McDaniels), and the third sneaker hasn’t been released, but late Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell). each includes Run-DMC branding Adidas Originals announced it throughout, with the letters “JMJ” has collaborated with Run DMC to emblazoned along the heel. celebrate the 50th anniversary of The sneakers have a retail price of the Superstar silhouette sneakers $150, so it’ll cost a little cash if you famously worn by the Hall of Famers want to be like Run-DMC and have throughout their career. Adidas “funky fresh and yes cold on According to the footwear outlet, my feet.” Sneaker Bar Detroit, Adidas will

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Subscribe today, call

214-941-0110

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FEBRUARY 14, 2020


COMMUNITY CALENDAR Black History Month Recurring Events

Mother Daughter Dance, host THEM, at Oils 4 Us, 3821 E. Loop 820 S. Ft. Worth, 6-8p. Tickets: www. oils4us.net/home. Learn How to Grow Your Business with 500 Followers or Less at Business Lounge Dallas, 13740 Midway #528 7p. Eventbrite.com.

Feeding The Needy, hosted by: "Hollywood Hernandez Live" 1691 Corsicana St., Dallas. 3-5p. Sundays. The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection, at the African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave. now-3-1 Comerica Bank Prom Dress Drive, All sizes, shoes, purses, and accessories welcome. Drop Off locations & Info: Comerica.com/promdress thru 2/29 Free Job Training, Jobs in the Low Voltage Field, at Frazier House 4600 Spring Ave. 7:30a-3p. This is 4-week program. Info: Jasmine Anderson, jasmine.anderson@zwhjcoc.org. Free Tax Help at Dr. MLK, Jr. Branch Library, 2922 Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd. Thursdays 11a-3p. Thru April 15. To Be Young Gifted and Black, at Jubilee Theatre, 506 Main St. Ft. Worth. Times Vary, Tickets: jubileetheatre.org. Funny You Don’t Like A Negro, at Theatre Three, 2800 Routh St. Ste. 168. Times Vary, Tickets: 214871-3300. 2-20-3-15-20. A Raisin in the Sun, Featuring: Durant Searcy at Theatre Arlington, 305 W. Main St. Tickets and times: 817-275-7661. 2-14-3-8-20.

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Ribbon Cutting Celebration-Princess ABC, Irving Mall 3880 Irving Mall, 5:30-7p.

FEBRUARY 14-15 The Basics Bootcamp, hosted by National Association of Black Journalists, features President Dorothy Tucker, Vice President-Print Marlon Walker, Secretary Cheryl Smith, Treasurer Greg Morrison and comedian Roy Wood Jr., at Paul Quinn College, 3837 Simpson Stuart Rd. Info: nabj.org. Newsmaker Event: Judge Tammy Kemp of the 204th District Court will sit down with veteran journalist Cheryl Smith to talk about the Amber Guyger Murder Trial. Check Eventbrite for tickets. Registrants for the NABJ Bootcamp are FREE. 6:00p.m. at Paul Quinn College

FEBRUARY 14

Adult Hip Hop Dance Class, DeSoto Civic Center, 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd. 8p. Eventbrite.com.

1760 Founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Richard Allen is born.

Dallas Job Fair, Doubletree Hotel Market Center, 2015 Market Center Blvd. 11a-2p. Eventbrite.com.

NAACP Garland Unit Hosts Its 20th Annual Winter Ball, Hyatt Place 5101 George Bush Hwy. Garland. 8p. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.

FEBRUARY 13 1818 Frederick Douglass, orator, is born in Tuckahoe, MD.

Honoring Black History: Dr. Michael Sorrell, host Collin County Chamber at New York Life 2600 Network Blvd. #130 Frisco. 6-8p. Galentine’s Day Celebration, Painting with a Twist, 105 E. Beltline Rd. #700 Cedar Hill. 7-9p. Tickets: www.paintingwithtwist.com.

FEBRUARY 14, 2020

FEBRUARY 15 1968 - Henry Lewis becomes 1st Black conductor to lead a symphony orchestra. Happy Birthday to IMM Team Member, and a great lady, Monique P. Stone

Kenny “BabyFace” Edmonds w/Tamia & El Debarge, The Theatre at Grand Prairie, 1001 Performance Pl. 8p. Tickets: AXS.com. Lovers and Friends Valentine Day Masquerade Ball, Park Plaza Tower, 13111 N. Central Exp. 6:30p-12:30a. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. The Tejas Brothers, Special Event Concert, Carpenter Performance Hall Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. 7:30p. Lunch-n-Learn: Access to Capital for Women Business Owners, Meadows Conference Center,

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Collier, Victoria Neave and Rhetta Bowers at High Point Baptist Church, 101 High Pointe Ln. Cedar Hill. 3-6p.

FEBRUARY 17 1865- Ku Klux Klan was organized - Pulaski, TN. Happy Birthday to Team Member, and a great guy, Shane Hefner Monday Night Politics, Meet the Candidates, hosted by the Dallas Examiner African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave. 6-8p.

Hidden History Tour - Black History. Dart Transit Center, 1423 J.B. Jackson, Jr. Blvd. 9a.

Trap Step Mondays at Jam Box Addison, 3965 Belt Line Rd. 7:30-8:30p. First Class Free.

WW Presents: Oprah's 2020 Vision: Your Life in Focus, Special Guest Tracee Ellis Ross, American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave. 9a.

Educators Day, hosted by Museum of Illusions Dallas, 701 Ross Ave. 10a-8p.

Black Caucus, Frederick Douglass Human Services, 616 W. Kiest Blvd. 10a-1p. Tickets: Eventbrite. Book Tour host Safe Havenn, Inc., DeSoto Recreation Center, 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd. 11a-4p. Mardi Gras Gala 2020, host Omega Psi Phi Theta Alpha Chapter Crown Plaza 7050 N. 35 Fwy. 7p. Info Royle King 214-236-5756.

FEBRUARY 14-16

Wednesday Wine & Jazz, Box Garden Legacy Hall, 7800 Windrose Ave. Plano. 6-11p. Eventbrite.

Indigo Dentistry Prayer Dedication w/ Dr. Kera Collier and Pastor Bryan Carter of Concord Baptist Church, 918 E. Pleasant Run Rd. Cedar Hill. 7-8p.

A Three Course Meal and ‘My First Love’ A Romantic Comedy, DeSoto Corner Theatre 211 E. Pleasant Run 7:30p Tickets: Eventbrite.

Lord Teach Me How To Love Again Naomi Bruton Theatre, 1309 Canton St. 7:30p. for both nights TBAAL Box Office 214-743-2400.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents Cultural Awareness, Dee & Charles Wyly, 2400 Flora St. Times Vary. Tickets: dbdt.com.

1909 The NAACP was founded in New York City.

2900 Live Oak St. 11:30a-1p. Tickets: empowerseries.networkforgood.com.

Buy Black Sip & Shop, hosted by Her Image, Lofty Spaces, 816 Montgomery St. 12:30p. Eventbrite. Golden Alert, by Lambda Upsilon Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. UNT Dallas, T.I. Auditorium 800 W. Campbell Rd. Richardson. 10a-12:30p. Free. Jazz On the Local: Dana Harper, host Jim Austin, Warehouse on Berry, 1125 E. Berry St. Ft. Worth, 8p. Kenny “BabyFace” Edmonds, Tamia & El Debarge at The Theatre at Grand Prairie, 1001 Performance Pl. 8p. Tickets AXS.com.

FEBRUARY 16 1951- NYC Council passed bill prohibiting racial discrimination in city assisted housing

FEBRUARY 18 1688 - Germantown Protest by Quaker church becomes first white body to denounce slavery. Wine Women & Wealth, Five Rings Financial, Two Wine-West Plano, 6400 W. Plano Pkwy. 6-8p. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. US Congressional District 32 Republican Forum, hosted by Hispanic Republican Club of North Texas, at Museum of Biblical Art, 7500 Park Ln. 6-8p. Days for Girls Kit Making, host Altrusa International of Dallas, Inc. 7800 Alpha Rd. 6:30p. Exploring Shona African Sculptures host Zula B. Wylie Public Library, Shona African Sculptures 101 Main St. Cedar Hill, 6:30p. Glen Heights City Council Meeting, City Hall 1938 S. Hampton Rd. Glenn Heights. 7-9:30p.

FEBRUARY 19 1853 - First YMCA started in Washington, D.C. 1940 - William “Smokey” Robinson was born. Happy Birthday to Team Member, and a great lady, LaDonna Castro

Judicial Recognition Sunday, New Hope Baptist Church, 5002 S. Central Exp. 10:30-1p.

Special Exhibition Opening, Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum 300 N. Houston St. 6p

Gospel Fest 2020, United Methodist Church of the Disciple, 220 S. Cockrell Hill DeSoto. 4:30-

CRES Presents Dr. Khalil Muhammad – Condemnation of Blackness, host TCU African American Studies at Neely School of Business, 2900 Lubbock Ave. Ft. Worth 6-7:30p.

Team Sherman Block Walk w State Reps. Nicole

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Hanging with Hollywood

Birds of Prey

MOVIE REVIEW BY HOLLYWOOD HERNANDEZ Birds of Prey is a quirky action film with plenty of laughs and plenty of action. The movie starts with a narrative from Harley Quinn, who’s played by Margot Robbie, where she describes her version of her break-up with The Joker. Now that she no longer has Joker’s protection she’s wanted by every criminal-type in Gotham City and a lot of cops, mainly Rosie Perez’s character, Detective Montoya. The first half of the movie belongs to Robbie as she dances through whatever comes her way and shows her deranged and demented point of view. Her half of the movie is a lot of fun. Then the plot gets rolling when the evil Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, played by Ewan McGregor, puts out a bounty on a little girl named Cass, 13-year-old actress Ella Jay Basco, and that’s when the movie kicks into overdrive. The myimessenger.com

little girl has swallowed a priceless diamond and

known as Black Canary and played by young

there is nothing that Black Mask and his henchmen won’t do to retrieve it. A singer at Roman Sionis’ club has an earpiercing vocal range and some serious street fighting skills. She is

New York actress Jurnee Smollett-Bell. The rest of the kick-butt girl crew consists of Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Huntress, who’s hellbent on revenge after her entire family is killed in front of her and

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Rosie Perez’s Detective Montoya, who gets kicked off the police force. All of the ladies are really good in their roles but it’s the badder than before Margo Robbie, who plays the demented Harley Quinn who has the blackest soul with a heart of gold. She doesn’t believe in anything and has the morals of a jackal, which by the way Harley has one as a pet. In the end, she just wants to be liked. Birds of Prey is rated R and runs 1 hour and 49 minutes. The movie is a guilty pleasure. It will have you laughing at things that you really know you shouldn’t, but you won’t be able to help yourself. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate Birds of Prey a JUMBO.

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