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BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

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Monday, October 24Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel

and Phyllis Alphabet•B l a c k Economic H i s t o r y Fact of the Day

• Curtis King of TBAAL

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER

MAGNIFIED!

Tuesday, October 25Join Cheryl, K e l l y K e l and Phyllis Alphabet• B l a c k

Economic H i s t o r y Fact of the Day

• Chef Raymond Lee Stay tuned for the MAN

who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

Wednesday, October 26

Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel and P h y l l i s Alphabet• B l a c k

E c o n o m i c History Fact of the Day

• Katina Potts discusses her many ventures.

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER

MAGNIFIED!

Thursday, October 27

Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel and Phyllis Alphabet• B l a c k

Economic H i s t o r y Fact of the Day

• D e J o h n s o n o f Nappiology

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER

Friday, October 28

Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel and Phyllis Alphabet.• B l a c k E c o n o m i c

History Fact of the Day• Love Won’t Let Me

Wait - The Play

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER

MAGNIFIED!

GO TEXAS

RANGERS!!!

I MESSENGER - IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF CHERYL SMITH! WWW.DFWIRADIO.COM ISSUE I - NO 6 10/21/2011

C h e r y l S m i t h L i v e ! Tu n e i n w e e k d a y s , M o n d a y - F r i d a y, 9 - 11 a . m .

Dallas Weekly - After more than four decades, singer and songwriter Lenny Williams is still going strong and he’ll prove it when he comes to Dallas later this month for the hit play, Love Won’t Let me Wait. Appearing with a star-studded staff, Mr. Williams hails from Little Rock, Arkansas, where he grew up singing in the church. Most fans remember him from the blockbuster hit song, “Cause I Love You.” His repertoire, however, includes an extensive and impressive list of songs and performances, with such notables as Billy Preston, Sly Stone, The Whispers, Rick James, Johnny “Guitar” Watson and the Hawkins family. His career took off when he was a member of the group, Tower of Power. During a recent interview on DFWiRadio.com, Mr. Williams was anticipating and preparing for his trip to Dallas for his starring role in Love Won’t Let me Wait. “I am excited about being in the play,” he said, acknowledging that he has appeared in numerous other plays, us “Love on Layaway” and “When a Woman’s Fed Up.” Mr. Williams admittedly gets nervous before a performance, but he considers that to be a “good thing.” “I got the acting bug as a child performing in church plays,” he said, adding that he channels his nervousness and it helps him to do an exceptional show. “You don’t want to get too cocky.” He said he also relies on help from his co-stars. He has worked with veteran actress Elise Neal and leading man Billy Dee Williams and credits the two with helping him grow as an actor. Working together is important, for actors, he notes. “Being in a play, we help one another because it’s not a competition. Everybody helps everybody.” It also helps that fans have not forgotten him and his mega-hit, Cause I love You, and he receives rousing receptions during his performances.“It feels good, when people acknowledge what you do,” he admitted. “It also helps you remain humble.” E q u a l l y i m p o r t a n t a n d significant is the knowledge that

Lenny Williams stars in play

See Lenny Williams, Page 2

Meet and Greet w/ Lenny Williams and Alyson WilliamsFriday, October 28, 20119:00p.m.Harwood 609 Restaurant and Jazz Club609 N. Harwood, Dallas

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his music has “withstood the test of time.” Never in his wildest dreams did he think that “Cause I Love You” would be as popular generations later. First recorded in 1978, the song has influenced countless of other musicians and been utilized by Twista, Kanye West and Mobb Deep. “I thought it was a good song,” he acknowledged, and it continues to be a favorite.Staying power is what Lenny Williams has and while some artists songs become lost after a few years, “Cause I Love You” is still a favorite and not just for those listeners who first heard it in 1978.That’s the mark of a true entertainer and professional -- withstanding the test of time.

Lenny Williams, continued from front page

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BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION

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SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

Sporting News Editor-in-Chief Garry D. Howard, Fort Worth Star-Telegram Columnist Bob Ray Sanders, Min. Robert Muhammad, NFL Great Emmitt Smith, business mogul Daymond John, noted psychologist Nai’m Akbar, publisher Danny Bakewell Sr., NBA great and business mogul Earvin “Magic” Johnson, singer Charlie Wilson, journalist George E. Curry, former NAACP head and U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, rapper, author Chuck D., Coach Doug Williams, businessman Charles O’Neal, comedian David A. Arnold, rapper Kool Moe Dee, businessman Jonathan Rodgers, Sports anchor Stephen A. Smith, basketball great Michael Jordan, Rev. Zan Wesley Holmes Jr., actor Billy Dee Williams, comedian and actor Chris Rock, FAMU President James Ammons, singer Nicholas Caldwell, actor/singer Leon, singer Morris Day, actor/rapper Will Smith, business mogul Sean Combs, journalist Ed Gordon, comedian/activist Dick Gregory, NBA great Allen Iverson, Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan, journalist/historian Lerone Bennett, Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III, Ambassador Ron Kirk, Hon. Nelson Mandela, Rap mogul Jay Z

Singer Marvin Gaye, actor Calvin Lockhart, singers Teddy Pendergrass and Nat King Cole, comic/actor Bernie Mac, journalist Lawrence E. Young, entertainer Isaac Hayes, singer Gerald Levert, African activist and publisher Pius Njawe, attorney/media mogul Percy Sutton, Publisher extraordinaire John H. Johnson, atty. Johnnie Cochran, music great Curtis Mayfield, maestro Barry White, orator, writer and statesman Frederick Douglass, humanist Malcolm X, singer Johnnie Taylor, entertainer Lou Rawls, singer Rick James, Coach A.D. Jake Gaither, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Hon. Mickey Leland, entertainer Sammie Davis Jr., the Chief Rocker Frankie Crocker, Tupac Shakur, Hon. Marcus Garvey, Hon. Al Lipscomb, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, journalist Ed Bradley, Hon. Arthur E. Teele, Jr., actor/comedian Richard Pryor, singer/songwriter Nickolas Ashford. Historian Ivan Van Sertima, musician Donny Hathaway, Hon. Adam Clayton Powell, businessman Alfred Huntsberry, Ossie Davis

C H E R Y L S M I T H L I V E ! M E N O F S W A G G E R

September 1 - December 31 -- I am picking the men I think have serious swagger. These men are intelligent, strong, sharp, fierce, competitive, charismatic, spiritual, hard, caring, handsome, smooth, creative, energetic and so much more!

Without any consideration or input from anyone, I am choosing the men who through personal experiences or history, I find to have so much going on. Stay tuned - weekdays from 9-11a.m. I think it’s a great list!

Okay, what’s the deal on these Men of Swagger?

NOW... !! THEN...

In September, I began showcasing my Men of Swagger on Cheryl Smith Live! These are men who I

think have it going on. I don’t receive any input from ANYONE on my choices; although

plenty of folks try to engage me in conversations about who should be on the list, I don’t respond at all. These are men who I have identified and while I realize that we each have our “issues,” I also believe in redemption and atonement. So you may see a guy

and say, “but he did” or “he said.” And my response to you would be, “you did” or “you said.” Too often we hear about how the Black man is not doing this, that or the other. Tune in to www.dfwiradio.com and find out about my men of Swagger!

GO TEXAS RANGERS!!!

C H E R Y L S M I T H L I V E !

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Troy Ruhanen, Chairman and CEO of BBDO, the Americas and a member of the Advertising Hall of Achievement, has been named national chair of the March of Dimes 2012 March for Babies at a ceremony where Ambassador Ron Kirk received the Lifet ime Achievement Award. Mr. Kirk, who is one of the Men of Swagger, joined other no tab le po l i t i ca l l eaders , scientists, and physicians who were honored. The former Mayor of Dallas , he was born in Austin, Texas on June 27, 1954. While attending John H. Reagan High School, he was elected president of the student body. He also played basketball and traveled in Europe with the school choir. Upon graduation in 1972, Mr.

Kirk enrolled in Austin Col lege , where he earned his B.A. degree in 1976 with honors in political science and sociology. From there, he went on to earn his J.D. degree from the University of Texas Schoo l o f Law in Austin. Mr. Kirk then moved to Dallas and began practicing law with the firm of Bennett & Cane. In 1981, he left private practice and went to work for then Texas Senator Lloyd Bentsen. When Bentsen was appointed U.S. Secretary of the Treasury by President Bill Clinton, Mr. Kirk a c c o m p a n i e d h i m t o Washington, D.C. In 1994, he left Washington and returned to his native Texas, where he

became Secretary of State under Texas Gov.Ann Richards. The following year, at the urging of the D a l l a s b u s i n e s s community, Kirk ran for mayor of Dallas, and won 62 percent of the vote, becoming t h e f i r s t A f r i c a n

American mayor of Dallas, and of any major Texas city. As mayor, Kirk gained a reputation for building coalitions. He also instituted the "Dallas Plan," his vision for the City of Dallas. Mr. Kirk was widely credited with jump-starting the city's economy. In 1999, he was reelected in a landslide election, winning seventy-four percent of the vote. He stepped down as mayor in 2001 and ran unsuccessfully for

the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Phil Gramm. Kirk returned to private practice, joining the firm of Gardere Wynne Sewell, where he served as a partner. In 2009, P r e s i d e n t B a r a c k O b a m a appointed Kirk as U.S. Trade Representative. Kirk and his wife, Matrice Ellis-Kirk, have two daughters. The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event , March for Babies®, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit m a r c h o f d i m e s . c o m o r nacersano.org.

Ambassador Ron Kirk receives award from March of Dimes

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LIVING RIBBON RECEPTIONGuest speaker, Dr. Janice Ingram will share her inspiring breast cancer survivor’s story.“Honorary Survivors” Ms. Sheila Harris & Ms. Esther HicksBank of DeSoto 2011 N. Hampton Road DeSoto, TX 75115 Reception: 5:00 pm

10/22

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - North Dallas Suburban Alumnae Chapter in partnership with the North Dallas Suburban Founda t ion fo r L i f e D e v e l o p m e n t a n d C o m m u n i t y Involvement, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, will host its annual charitable benefit “Wingtip & Stiletto Soiree…A Delta Affair” at the InterContinental Dallas Hotel, 15201 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX in the Malachite Grand Ballroom at 7pm.

FWBC Voices That ShoutDomestic Violence Awareness Month11:00 a.m. - Noon at Friendship-West. RSVP at [email protected] or register at the ministry table located in the Narthex each Sunday during October or call (972)228-5376. LEGALLY BLINDSpeaker: Judge Elizabeth FrizellDiscussion on effects of protective orders.------

“What If…?” 2011 Gala Event

Intercontinental Hotel Dallas • Benefiting the “Ray of Hope”

Children’s Home VIP Reception – 5:30 p.m.

Silent Auction Begins - 6:30 p.m.Gala/Dinner – 7:00 p.m.Mistress of Ceremonies

DeLores Pressley, Motivational Speaker/Coach/AuthorSponsorship Packages

(please go to hhcharities.org to order)

So You Think You Can Dance auditions at Verizon Center

10/25

The second event is the Hispanic Heritage Month Read-In, scheduled for Tuesday, October 25 at 11 a.m. in G101. This is the only Hispanic Read-In in the Dallas County Community College District. The theme of the Read-In is “Many Backgrounds, Many Stories, One American Spirit.” Hispanic Heritage Month Writing Contest

Heartfelt International Ministries, Inc. (HIM) cordially invites you to a book

signing celebration withBishop Ernestine Cleveland-Reems

"The Sister's Handbook for the Broken Heart"

6:00pm-7:30pmH.I.M. Office

202 S. Tyler St, Dallas, TX 75208972.944-1473

Founders of Global Glory, Drs. Renny and Marina McLean bring The

International Glory Summit themed The Manifested Son to the Irving

Convention Center October 25 - 28. For hotel accommodations and parking

info, visit www.globalglory.org or call 866-244-5679.

10/28

16th Annual Tribute to the  African Ancestors

Where: Freedman’s Cemetery.2700 Lemmon Ave.@ Central Expressway 7:30 PM

Meet and Greet with Lenny Williams and Alyson Williams, from the his play, Love Won’t Let Me Wait, 8:30p.m. at Harwood 609 Restaurant and Jazz Club, 609 North Harwood St. Dallas.

10/29

Celebrate Halloween with Pole'iticians Fitness Studio at our Open House Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 6pm-8pm at Jerome's Gym.

The Irving-Carrollton Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. at The Dallas Marriott Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. The Keynote Speaker is Dallas Police Chief, David Brown. Nova Academy hosts the opening of its new campus at 10a.m.

Throughout the month of October, the Eastfield Library (L200) is hosting an Art and Literature Exhibit. A reception is planned for Friday, October 28 at 10 a.m. in Library. The Exhibit features work by Benito Huerta’s; Huerta is a local artist and a University of Texas- Arlington professor and Gallery Director. Part of the exhibit will be an ofrenda in honor of George Dawson, co-author of Eastfield’s 2011 Common Book "Life is so Good."

An Evening of Spoken Word with Ruby Dee at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, 7:30p

10/30

Join the cast of LOVE WON’T LET ME WAIT, for the live broadcast of

Reporters Roundtable w/ Cheryl Smith at Harwood 609. Doors open at 7:30p.m. RSVP to 214.740.0609

FWBC Women of the West ministry presents Women's Celebration Weekend 2011 "STEPPIN TO GOD'S PLAN" - Women's Conference6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Saturday, October 29, 2011 | Time: 9 a. - 5 p

Women's Celebration SundaySunday, October 30, 2011 - Both Services 8:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.Guest Speaker: Bishop Vashti McKenzie

PROGRAMMING

Monday7am Gospel Grooves

9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!11am The Yundrae Show

3pm The Watchfuleye with FHjr4pm DFWspotlight

5pm The Jazz Lounge9pm RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix

Tuesday7am Gospel Grooves

9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!11am The Yundrae Show

1pm The Mid-day X-Change6pm Chat it Up (Teen Talk)

7-9pm Claudia D. Fowler The Queen of Community Conversation

9pm RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix

Wednesday7am Gospel Grooves

9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!11am The Yundrae Show

12pm Let's Go Deeper w/Evangelist Jameel Vincent

2pm In The Ladies Room with Lynne Haze4pm DFWspotlight

6-8pm The Dock Power Hour8pm SheTalk Sports

9pm RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix

Thursday7am Gospel Grooves

9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!11am The Yundrae Show

4pm Urban Crusade with Gordon Jackson8pm The P5 Health, Wealth & Networking Show

9pm RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix

Friday7am Gospel Grooves

8am Dallas Dialogue w/John Yourse9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!11am The Yundrae Show

12-2pm Da Crossover w/T-Spoon and LeftField2pm Finish Strong with Kim McGrew

4pm DFWspotlight5pm The Jazz Lounge

Saturday1pm The Paradox with Wordz

5-8pm The Jazz Lounge8pm Dirty Redd Live and RAW

Sunday9-11am Gospel Grooves

11am RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix12-4pm Classic Hits

5pm The Jazz Lounge6pm RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix

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SURRENDEREDby Kwame Kilpatrick and Khary Kimani Turner

CONVERSATION & BOOKSIGNING

Sunday, October 30,

4-6pm@ The Dock Bookshop

817.457.4700

In Surrendered! The Rise, Fall and Revelation of Kwame Kilpatrick, Kilpatrick explores the many elements, both professional and personal, that contributed to the 'perfect storm' of controversy and conspiracy that culminated in his conviction for lying under oath about an affair with his long-time friend and chief of staff. He was unfaithful to his wife, but many men are and perhaps even more politicians are. Most are not in prison. But, does anyone want to hear the truth about this and all the other alleged crimes and bad behavior that Kilpatrick supposedly committed as Mayor of Detroit. Surrendered! The Rise, Fall and Revelation of Kwame Kilpatrick provides insight into the many triumphs and disappointments of Kwame Kilpatrick. He made national headlines when he became mayor at the age of 31 and numerous others when his leadership brought new development to the city, including hosting the Super Bowl. City operations, development and safety had never experienced a better performance level than when Kilpatrick was mayor. However, his sense of compassion for people in need clashed with his most glaring fault, immaturity - professional and personal. His willingness to enforce checks and balances threatened the wrong peoples' bottom lines and his single-minded devotion to his job threatened his family. In a process of awesome revelation Kilpatrick is able to take a vividly intimate, unashamed and honest look at the mental, physical and spiritual mettle required to hold steadfast in the midst of the personal hell that often accompanies public humiliation and private damnation. Through the loss of his mayoral position and his freedom he finds inspiration to fuel a story of redemption, love and re-dedication.

"I'm ready to talk about everything. Carlita, my

wife. My former mistress. Detroit. The job.

Everything. People think they know me, and they

don't. They think they know what happened with T he job and the city, but they

have no idea." ---Kwame Kilpatrick

Fall Festival offers safe alternative to Halloween Looking for a safe, fun way to celebrate Halloween? Join the Life School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at its Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 22 1 - 6:30 p.m. The day features music, games, bouncers, vendors, food, live entertainment, trunk or treat, and more. The Fall Festival will be held on the Life School Oak Cliff campus at Ann Arbor and R. L. Thornton Freeway in Dallas. For info, call 214-372-9012. The Fall Festival is sponsored by Life School PTO, Green Mountain Energy, Sam's Club and WalMart stores.

www.dallasweekly.com

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October 30, 2011 The Cedar Canyon Dude Ranch

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Here’s a message from Mr. Curry about the award winning Emerge Magazine. Hopefully you will support this effort. Emerge Magazine was a voice for the voiceless. It provided enlightening, informative, inspiring and yes, entertaining stories and analysis of issues effecting black people in America and around the world. Emerge is back …Almost!

This is a special edition of Emerge magazine. I will revive Emerge on a regular basis if I can get 100,000 interested readers. If I can count on your support, leave your name and e-mail, both of which will be kept confidential. I will keep you posted on future progress. Let me know if you want us to re-Emerge.

        George E. Curry        Editor-in-Chief (1993-2000)

h t t p : / / w w w . n e w e m e r g e m a g a z i n e . c o m / S i t e /Emerge_News.html

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Texas Sen. addresses death of Gaddafi Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Hous ton ) ha s released the following statement on the death of Libyan dic ta tor, Muammar Gaddafi: "While I do not rejoice in the death of another human being, today I stand with my Libyan friends and colleagues in

looking forward to a brighter future for Libya. Muammar Gaddafi ruled Libya with an iron fist for 42 years. He used his position to commit countless atrocities against his own people, some of which I am certain have yet to be revealed. "I visited Libya in 2010. It is a beautiful country that has for too long lived in the shadow of a tyrant. It takes a strong nation, a strong people, to remain resolute while living for decades under the thumb of such oppression. That is why I urge the people of Libya to harness the energy you have now and to channel it into rebuilding your country.

"I had the privilege of meeting a wonderful group of Libyan students studying here in Hous-ton. I stood in solidarity with them at a protest this past February. This t a l e n t e d g r o u p o f students was hopeful, energized, and excited about the possibility of

democracy coming to their homeland. In the wake of Gaddafi’s death, let this time mark the end of violence in Libya and let the hope of the youth be the engine that drives the future." According to reports released during Cheryl Smith Live! on Thursday morning, Oct. 20, there was video footage of an apparently dazed and wounded Muammer Gaddafi, who was still alive as captors dragged him in front of an angry crowd, before he was shot. It was a violent, ghastly scene of dead bodies in Sirte, Libya. Mr. Gaddafi had ruled for 42 years.

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Follow Cheryl on

Facebook and

Twitter@penonfire

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M HOMECOMING 2011 ALABAMA A&M vs PRAIRIE VIEW A&M

Let’s Go to PV

Don’t let the bus leave without you……………..

Saturday, November 19, 2011 @ 5:30 a.m.Pick-Up: Friendship West Baptist Church 2020 W. Wheatland Road (Enter Gate at Hampton & Wheatland) and proceed to the rear NW Corner

Return: Saturday, November 19, 2011

Approximately 9:00 p.m.

Cost: $30.00 Adults $20.00 - 18 and under

Cash or Check must be received ASAP, or no later than November 12, 2011. 55 seats available

Make checks payable to: Dallas P.V. AlumniAttn: Jesse Fontenette

6819 Flanary LaneDallas, TX 75252-2710

For more information contact: Jesse Fontenette (972)758-8781 or Cell: (214)212-4624

More than 1000 African-American women are expected for the 2011 Nappiology Expo in North Texas to learn about the flexibility of their natural hair. Attendance at the conference has grown since it started three years ago when organizers expected 200 women and 600 showed up. The conference will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2011 from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm at the Hurst Conference Center, located at 1601 Campus Drive, Hurst. “The 21 Century African-American woman has so many options for wearing our hair,” said Nappiology founder De Johnson. Johnson stopped using a relaxer permanent on her hair to make it straight 21 years ago when she became pregnant. At first she straightened her hair with a pressing comb, but four

y e a r s a g o s h e started wearing her hair in its curly (nappy) na tura l s t a t e . “When I s t a r t e d d o i n g research on styles and products, I learned that there were so many more options for how I could wear my hair than I had ever imagined. It is the m i s s i o n o f Nappiology to educate, embrace and celebrate natural beautiful African-American hair and our nappy roots.” There are nine workshops scheduled for the expo. Former CBS Morning Show Anchor (and former Dallas area anchor) Rene Syler will be

f e a t u r e d i n a workshop called “Hair Rules with Rene Syle r” a t 12:30 pm. Stephanie Johnson plans to attend the Nappiology con-ference for the third year in a row. “I had a bad experience with a relaxer in 1997 right before my

wedding. Lumps of my locks fell out,” Johnson cringed. “After that I was afraid to get relaxers and went natural in 2000. “The Nappiology conference is f u l l o f i n f o r m a t i o n a n d knowledge about keeping my natural hair healthy. It is also exciting to learn about all the

various types of natural styles I can wear. I am not limited by just a few styles!” Black hair care products are a $10-billion industry, but in the last two years chemical hair relaxer sales have dropped by 12 percent according to Mintel, a consumer spending and market research firm. “Hair care companies and local stylists are finding that the natural hair care business is a fast growing segment of the hair care market. “One-third of our Nappiology members spend more than $300 per year on natural hair care products,” said De Johnson. For more information on the N a p p i o l o g y E x p o v i s i t www.nappiology.net

Nappiology Expo provides natural hair options Black women

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October 16 - King Memorial Dedication in 2011 Million Man March in 1995

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If you mixed family fun, food, games, Gospel Music, Gospel Comedians along with putting an end to childhood obesity and Diabetes, then what would you get? “It’s a Family Affair”--October 30th’s Trinity Divine G o s p e l P r o d u c t i o n Tour, 1pm-11pm at Cedar Canyon Dude Ranch at I-20 and Houston School Road, 4523 North Houston School Rd or U n i v e r s i t y H i l l s B l v d . , Lancaster, TX 75134 The production will feature national recording artists Daryl and La tonya B la i r ; “Ms . Cantalope” and “Wild Winnie,” Christian comedians; and local Gospe l r eco rd ing a r t i s t s , including: Anderson Lewis, Vickie Favors, Norris Johnson, Ray Deezie, Don Ollie, Carisma Evans, Josette Ables, and Demetrius McClendon.Also featured; praise dancers Corey Smith, Narvia McDaniel, and Andres Martines. Pastors Hayes said the vision and purpose of Trinity Divine Gospel Productions (TDGP) is to help provide services, and educational and medical aids, by raising funds through benefit events. They will donate a portion of the proceeds back to the children’s charities. TDGP focuses on discovering and working with national and local talent to get them booked for shows at quality live music venues and events in their hometown. “By utilizing our relationships with dozens of venues across the country and within the gospel music industry, we are able to provide unique opportunities for exposure and growth fo r renowned gospel artists as well

as up and coming gospel artists,” said Pastor Ronald Hayes. Reverends Ronald and Antoinette Hayes funded this event out of their personal funds. When asked why they would take on that great risk, they said, “We were willing to take the risk because of our ‘faith in God and a heart for the children.’” According to Hayes, “the threat of childhood obesity to the health of our children and the health of our nation has never been greater. They are our future and it is our job to protect a n d t r a i n u p t h e f u t u r e generation in the way that they should go.” TDGP has reached out to the community for support and 17 local businesses have stepped up to help offset the costs. Fifty churches have been contacted but only one has responded in the affirmative. TDGP is hoping this event will cross racial and denominational lines. According to the Center for Disease Control, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled over the past three decades. Today, almost one in every three children of our nation is obese or overweight. The numbers are even higher in African-American and Hispanic communities, where nearly 40 percent of the children are overweight or obese “ “If we don’t solve this problem, one third of all children born in 2000 or later will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives. Many others may face chronic obesity-related health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and asthma.” Trinity has partnered with

First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign, which focuses on solving the childhood obesity epidemic. In addition, Trinity is also partnering with “Body by Vi” to issue a 90-day Health Challenge. They are asking adults to sign up to lose collectively 100,000 pounds in 90 days. They are also offering prizes for the adult who loses the most weight during that time frame. Some of t h e s e p r i z e s include a black B M W , c a s h prizes, trips to Disney theme p a r k s , scholarships , shopping sprees, and fitness equipment.There is also the drawing and painting contests for children from pre-K to sixth grade in area

schools. The essay contest will feature the topic “Why Should I Eat Healthy?”Winners of the essay, drawing/painting contests will be featured at the October 30th event and will read their essays on stage before their families, favorite teacher and principal. The cost for the event is $10

for adults and $5 for c h i l d r e n o n t h e website or by calling 1-888-560-1170; The at-door price is $15 and $7, respectively. Vendor space is still available--$175 for non-food vendors, $200 for food vendors with one booth and selling 4 items or less.

$320 for two booths or a trailer selling up to 8 items. Contact In The Door for vendors spaces by calling 469-855-3074 or [email protected]

Gospel Fest raises awareness about childhood obesity and diabetes

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The recent unveiling of the national monument honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded our nation of the leadership that led to people of all races and walks of life recognizing that America needed to live up to its own creed. The widespread news coverage evoked memories that many of us continue to hold dear – especially the words of our martyred prophet. Yet while we remember his words, we must also embrace his works, continuing the quest for freedom and his now world-famous Dream. In 2011, it is time for this nation to finally reckon with the financial injustices allowed to continue. As a nation and as a people we must find the will and the way to stop policies and practices that exploit people of modest and limited financial means. One of the most egregious exploitations is an emerging trend among major banks to offer advance deposit loans or bank payday loans. When the bank repays itself, the customer is left with about half of the monies from that deposit, forcing yet another cycle of loan and interest charges to cover other l i v i n g e x p e n s e s . Although Wells Fargo was the first major bank to offer this type of loan, F i f t h T h i r d B a n k , Regions Financial and U.S. Bank all now offer these loans. Only bank customers with direct deposits from e m p l o y e r s o r government benefits have access to these loans. Nearly 25 percent of the t ransact ions occurred with Social Security recipients. Further, older customers were 2.6 times more likely than others to use

this type of loan. If you’re thinking that this loan sounds like a street corner payday loan, you’d be right. Just like storefront payday loans, these newer bank payday loans charge triple digit interest too. A key

difference is that while 17 s ta tes and the District of Columbia have enacted interest

rate caps of 36 percent or less, federally regulated banks appear somehow exempt from state laws. In the meantime, storefront payday lenders are more common than fast food restaurants – especially in my church’s neighborhood. There are 20 payday loan stores within a five-mile radius on my church. As a pastor and community activist, I have personally seen how quick cash payday loans wind up placing borrowers in financial debt shackles. More than a year ago, the Center for Responsible Lending warned against the dangers of bank payday loans. According to CRL,

although marketed as a short-term loan, these bank loans lead to an average of 16 loans and 175 days of indebtedness – twice as long as the maximum length of time advised by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). If Dr. King were alive today, I believe he would decry the lending practices that rob the poor of their few dollars and make rich those who prey upon others’ financial misfortunes. Nationwide, 12 mil l ion Americans are entrapped in some kind of payday loan with interest rates of 400 percent or even higher. Another CRL research finding was that this deceitful lending product reaps $5 billion each year. The vast majority of payday lending – 76 percent - is by borrowers paying off one loan and quickly taking out another. This practice of lending is especially troubling when one considers that banks, according to the Federal Reserve, are able to receive loans with interest rates of less than one percent. At a time when 14 million Americans are unemployed – 44

percent of them for 27 weeks or longer, and another 1.1 million discouraged workers who have stopped looking for jobs because they feel none are available, it is simply immoral to allow this kind of legalized loan-sharking to prey upon people who find themselves a few dollars short of needed cash. With the enactment of Dodd-Frank’s financial reform, as a nation we must find the collective will to protect those who toil at modest wages. Nor should we tarnish what ought to be golden years for those who have already devoted their lives to raising families and earning an honest wage. As Dr. King wrote in his 1963 Letter from a Birmingham Jail, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects us all.” Ending oppressive, predatory lending is the right thing to do for all Americans. The only remaining question is whether we have the national will to do so.

A time to embrace Dr. King’s works as well as his words:

There is no economic justice with triple-digit payday loans

Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III

October 30, 2011 The Cedar Canyon Dude Ranch

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I MESSENGER WWW.DFWIRADIO.COM ISSUE I - NO 6 10/21/2011

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