NO 3 ISSUE 32 BR I NG I NG YOU ENL I GHTEN I NG, EDUCATIONAL , EMPOWER I NG, I NSP I R I NG, THOUGHT-PROVOK I NG I NFORMAT I ON APRIL 11, 2014 PAGE 1 I MESSENGER Page 3 I MESSENGER VOLUME 3 ISSUE 32 APRIL 11, 2014 CHUCK STONE Our best and brightest NABJ REMEMBERS CHUCK STONE P.9
Thought-provoking, informative, enlightening news and commentary featuring Natl. Baptist Congress, Links, Heads UP!, AKAs, Rep. Veasey and more, brought to you by Deep in the Roots and Ride Along Blu Ray.
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 1 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
Page 3
I MESSENGERVOLUME 3 ISSUE 32 APRIL 11, 2014
CHUCKSTONE
Our best and brightest
NABJ REMEMBERS
CHUCK STONE
P.9
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 2 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
WASHINGTON, -- If you started your application for healthcare coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) but didn't finish before the March 31st deadline, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will give you until April 15, 2014, to complete your application.
According to HHS, you can still sign up if you tried to enroll but did not make the deadline because:
You couldn't start or continue your application because you couldn't get through to HealthCare.gov or the Marketplace Call Center;
You encountered maintenance periods that kept you from using the Healthcare.gov site;
You were blocked by Healthcare.gov error screens or similar technical issues;
You were unable to get an appointment with a Navigator or other application assister before the March 31 deadline--or you were working with an assister but didn't finish enrolling in time; or
You sent in an application by mail and didn't get an eligibility result before the deadline.
If you fall in one of those categories, HHS is offering you two ways to complete your application:
Go to Healthcare.gov and log in to your online Marketplace application. You can simply pick up where you left off to complete the enrollment process. In order to finish enrolling, you'll have to confirm a statement that you tried to enroll before March 31 but were unable to complete your application.
Contact the Marketplace Call Center. Be sure to tell the customer service representative that you tried to enroll before March 31. They can help you finish enrolling by phone. Call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). The lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you enroll by April 15, your coverage will begin May 1, and you won't need to pay the individual responsibility payment (commonly referred to as "the penalty") for the months of 2014 that you didn't have health coverage.
Fredette West, Director of the African American Health Alliance, remarked, "If you are confused or get stuck, call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 for help. Just don't let time run out on you.
Your health is the most valuable thing you own–and, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, you can protect it."
West added, "The ACA provides access to much-needed, high quality, affordable healthcare coverage. Given the volume of pressure on the system since open enrollment began, we commend the wisdom of the Obama Administration in giving those who need extra time a chance to finish signing up." West added, "If
you are seeking coverage this year, remember to act quickly as April 15th is approaching quickly."
To finish applying for coverage, go to Healthcare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. Enrollment assistance is available 24 hours a day in 150 languages.
For information on the African American Health Alliance, visit www.africanamericanhealthalliance.org;
OWN IT APRIL 15TH ON BLU-RAYTM COMBO PACK!
NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. All federal, state and local regulations apply. Entries must be received via online entry. Employees of all
liability in connection with any loss or accident incurred in connection with use of a prize. A recipient of prizes assumes any and all risks related to use of prize and accepts any restrictions required by prize provider. Prizes cannot be exchanged, transferred or redeemed for cash, in whole or in part.
ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF RIDE ALONG ON BLU-RAYTM COMBO PACK!
VISIT WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM TO ENTER TO WIN
African American Health Alliance: No Penalty If You Finish Signing Up by April 15th
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 3 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
Message to the People...
I MESSENGERCheryl Smith, Publisher
Established 2011
IMESSENGER is a tribute to Le Messager, founded by Cameroonian journalist Pius Njawe and The Messenger, an independent magazine, founded by labor activist A . Philip Randolph and economist Chandler Owen.IMESSENGER is committed to informing, inspiring, enlightening and provoking thought in a forum that is international. Submissions for publication consideration may be submitted to www.myimessenger.com.
Bishop Michael McKee, North Texas United Methodist Church, Mrs. Michael McKee, Mr. Carrie Holmes, Rev. Dr. Zan Holmes, Representative Helen Giddings, Pastor Dianna Masters, and Rev. Dr. Henry L. Masters
April 11, 2014
Heads Up!17
Cheryl
amilleBradfield
Links28
Legacy of Service24
Calling all Urban Journalism Workshop Alum -- What’s Up?
This year’s class marks the 25th since journalist Rochelle Riley kicked off the inaugural DFW-ABC (now DFW-ABJ) urban journalism workshop at Lincoln Humanities and Communications Magnet.
There are so many students who have gone on to make us proud through their work in their chosen field of studies. Sure everyone didn’t choose to become journalists. Some chose other routes where they have distinguished themselves and helped others along the way.
Despite a cut in financial support, DFW-ABJ continues to train young men and women and despite inclimate weather, the legacy continues. I am reaching out to any and everyone who has worked with, participated in, sponsored or provided any type of service to the program.
Unfortunately the dynamic Dr. Napoleon B. Lewis will not be able to join us to celebrate the accomplishments of the program . We are forever indebted to him for opening the doors of Lincoln Humanities and Communications Magnet to DFW-ABC. We miss him dearly and honor his memory. We also appreciate his leadership because he encouraged his students to participate!
There are hundreds of young men and women, of all ethnicities, who have participated in, taken trips with and won scholarships from the program.
We need to hear from you. Contact us immediately. We want to hear your stories and have your support to ensure that future generations will have this wonderful program to help provide a foundation for them.
We have been fortunate to have several alumni come back and visit over the years. There has also been an impressive list of speakers over the years.
If you know of anyone who has participated, please tell them to reach out to me at [email protected]. Or, they can write to us at 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203.
Back in the day, we had more money to keep the program going. After 25 years, we should be in good shape, especially if the students, parents and professionals paid any attention to our directive to lift as we climb.
As we encourage past participants to reach out and connect with us, we’re also asking for financial support to help us move forward. Those who have worked close with the program have seen the fruits of our labor. We can do so much more with your small donation. You can send contributions, made payable to DFW-ABJ. You might want to make a donation in the name of some outstanding journalist who impacted your life. There are several, who are no longer with us, who worked with the program, like: Lawrence E. Young, Paula McClure, Toni Joseph, R.C. Hickman, and former student LaKeisha Jones, who was the victim of domestic violence at a young age.
There are so many wonderful stories that can be shared about the workshop and its participants. I hope to share more with you in the future and hopefully you will see the beauty of the efforts of some valiant men and women whose legacy will be what they did for others, while also making a difference in their industry.
That’s what building a legacy is about, kinda like with NABJ Founder, Chuck Stone, who has left a lasting mark on the industry and the lives of so many.
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 4 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
An Update on the President’s My
Brother’s Keeper InitiativeBy Broderick Johnson and Jim Shelton
“My administration’s policies—from early childhood education to job training, to minimum wages—are designed to give a hand up to everybody, every child, every American willing to work hard and take responsibility for their own success.
That's the larger agenda. But the plain fact is there are some Americans who, in the aggregate, are consistently doing worse in our society—groups that have had the odds stacked against them in unique ways that require unique solutions; groups who’ve seen fewer opportunities that have spanned generations.
And by almost every measure, the group that is facing some of the most severe challenges in the 21st century in this country are boys and young men of color.”
President Obama used these words to launch My Brother’s Keeper, his initiative to help ensure that boys and young men of color in America have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Since then, the public response has been overwhelming. We’ve heard from private philanthropies and businesses, mayors, state and local leaders, faith organizations, community based non-profits, and thousands of interested citizens, all who are committed to creating more pathways to success for these boys and young men.
We will continue to engage and listen to these critical voices and those of the boys and young men this initiative focuses on, as we continue to learn from the efforts of the many stakeholders who have been committed to this cause for years. And we will do our best to live up to the optimism and incredible expectations this initiative has unleashed.
The first phase of the initiative has already begun in earnest and we want to provide an update on our progress to date and a sense of what to expect in the near future.
The Task Force has begun a 90-day process to develop the plans and infrastructure required to implement and sustain the initiative’s efforts. We are currently listening and engaging, working with stakeholders across the country to get their feedback on how we can all work together to make this initiative a success.
The Task Force’s work begins with identifying these critical indicators. We are focusing on five key moments that mark critical junctures on the path to healthy and productive adulthood: early learning and literacy, pathway to college and careers, ladders to jobs, mentors and support networks, and interactions with criminal justice and violent crime.
Participating federal agencies are also now beginning to assess strategies, practices and programs to determine how they impact life outcomes for boys and young men of color. All of this work will inform a report by the Task Force on our progress and recommendations that we will submit to the President at the end of this 90-day listening and learning process.
At the same time, ten leading foundations have launched a private sector coalition that seeks to invest at least $200 million dollars over the next five years to find and rapidly spread solutions that have the highest potential for impact. This is on
top of $150 million in current spending that these foundations have already committed toward this work. These foundations have announced they aim to put in place a strategy and infrastructure for coordination of their investments and additional commitments from a diverse array of actors from other sectors.
My Brother’s Keeper is focused on unlocking the full potential of boys and young men of color—something that will not only benefit them, but all of America.
The Federal Task Force will pursue collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches to building ladders of opportunity. We are excited about the progress we are making and believe this effort has the potential to teach us a great deal about using evidence-based strategies to achieve the universal goals we have for all of our nation’s children.
Broderick Johnson is Assistant to the President and White House Cabinet Secretary, and the Chair of the My Brother’s Keeper Task Force. Jim Shelton is the Deputy Secretary of Education and Executive Director of the Task Force.
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 5 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
You can view and hear THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW daily on Sound Cloud.com/ValderBeebeShow, ValderBeebeShow.com, KKVIRADIO.com
For more information, Deborah Long Chambers, Certified AromatherapistCEO, Designs for Living Comfortablywww.livingcomfortably.com
Something Natural
withDeborah Long Chambers
By Vincent Hall
The then senator of New York, Hillary Rodham Clinton said it best when she was in Dallas campaigning in 2007. “The problem with Democrats is that they want to fall in love, meanwhile Republicans fall in line." Her assertion reveals why Republicans, who are at a major disadvantage number wise, continue to evoke terror in the Democratic Party. The former First Lady was correct; Democrats want to fall in love with the altruistic, an eco-friendly environment and the belief that America can be a utopia. But the Republicans fall behind an idea, an individual, or an image, that their membership can HATE. GOP and Tea Party voters come to the polls because they hate the idea of gay marriage, women's equality, Negroes in the White House and any other sign that White males are losing the grip they’ve maintained since slavery. Senate Majority Leader Democrat Harry Reid is trying desperately to give Democrats
something to hate. If you read the political internet rags, they all filled with stories about Reid’s daily assaults on the Koch Dynasty.
But what Reid really wants is for Democrats to show up in November as if President Obama was on the ballot. Dems needs big numbers to save the Senate majority and make some gains in the House. The Koch Brothers own Koch Industries, the second largest privately owned company in United States. KI was started by their father Fred, who developed a new cracking method for the refinement of heavy oil that produces gasoline.
After a family legal fight between the four Koch brothers during the 80s and 90s, David and Charles became kings of their world.
Their other two brothers Frederick and William went on to art collecting and sailing. They sound like Democrats.
David and Charles are worth about $70 billion, but are pouring tens of millions of dollars into the American political system in an effort to get even richer. The Koch Charitable Foundation is
used to achieve their stated goal of "investing liberty and freedom in order to further social progress and sustainable prosperity.” But don't get it twisted, they seize
every opportunity to play on the fears of the xenophobes in the GOP and Tea Party. Hatred can convince even the poorest Republicans to vote against their individual best interests.
According to Organized Rage, which serves as a watchdog against tyranny; “Between 1998 and 2008, Koch brother-controlled foundations gave more than $196 million to organizations that favor polices that would further pad the wallets of the two brothers. In that same time period, Koch Industries, spent
$50 million on lobbying and handed out $8 million in PAC contributions.
The Koch’s are also behind groups like Americans for Prosperity and FreedomWorks, which both gave and continue to give major financial support for the Tea Party movement.
And FreedomPartners, a Koch-affiliated organization, has doled out grants worth over $230 million to a variety of conservative organizations, Tea Party groups, and front-groups that oppose Obamacare.
Recently, the Koch Brothers have been throwing their billions at lobbyists, front-groups, and lawmakers that support the fossil fuel industry and the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.
In 2010 alone, the Koch’s and their employees gave over $300,000 to members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
At the same time, the Koch’s have given more than $60 million to climate denial groups over the past 15 years. According to a new report released by the International Forum on Globalization, the brothers stand to make up to $100 billion in profits with the approval of the pipeline. This could double their net worth. “
Harry Reid and Hillary Rodham Clinton are on to something. If you can’t get enough love from your voters, give them something to hate.
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 6 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
To Be Equal
By Marc Morial
Marc Morial is the CEO of the National Urban League
Mandela! A Better Man
By Vincent L. HallAs Obama would say in his
speech; “Mandela makes me want to be a better man!
By Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
The Civil Rights Summit in Austin, Texas to honor the remarkable contributions made by former President
Lyndon Baines Johnson is vitally important to our country. The event, attended by President Barack Obama, and former Presidents Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush highlighted the achievements of one of America’s greatest leaders. The past presidents, along with my congressional colleague and friend, Congressman John Lewis, delivered personal tributes to President Johnson, who was raised in central Texas.
President Johnson, who served as vice-president in the administration of President John Kennedy, returned to Texas after deciding not to seek a second term as president. Great strides in civil rights, education and health care
were made during his administration. The phrase, a “Great Society” was coined during his administration.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act which became law when President Johnson signed the legislation on July 2nd 1964.
It is more than fitting that President Johnson’s life and accomplishments are celebrated in Texas, as they will be during the course of this year in Washington, and in other parts of our country. I am hopeful that his vision of a “Great Society” will live forever.
While in office, President Johnson demanded that states that had “polls taxes,” a barrier to many African-Americans participating in the voting process, eliminate the practice.
Hundreds of thousands of new voters registered because of what President Johnson demanded. Like
some of my congressional colleagues, I believe that President Barack Obama would not have been elected had President Johnson not acted as he did. President Johnson is a true American hero who deserves our admiration for all that he did to make
this country a better place for all of its citizens.
The achievements of the Johnson Administration were not limited to civil rights. Creating Medicare was one of his major accomplishments. Prior to its enactment, nearly 70 percent of America’s senior citizen population did not have health insurance.
All of that changed when President Johnson signed Medicare into law on July 30th, 1965, bringing mental comfort and security to millions of Americans 65-years of age and older. Prior to that time, the majority of our seniors could not
afford healthcare coverage. Many died prematurely. When he decided not to run for a second term as president, he returned to Texas. I was a member of the Texas Legislature, and on the day that he visited the capitol building in Austin, my son, Kirk, and I were present. President Johnson died of a heart attack one week later.
His funeral was held on the same day that my son celebrated his birthday. During his funeral service it rained as if the sky, itself, was crying. My son and I went to the burial site, and spent time with Mrs. Johnson and her daughters after returning from the cemetery.
While many in America viewed President Johnson only through the lens of the Vietnam War, hundreds of thousands of African-Americans in the southern United States admired him greatly. One presidential historian wrote that President Johnson was the only American president whose achievements in the field of civil rights approached those of President Abraham Lincoln.
Remembering a Great American President
Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson
Please join the
I
Eddie Bernice Johnson represents Texas’ 30th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives.
SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING
It’s not over!By James A. Washington
Not being an ordained minister, I a m f a i r l y uncomfortable in any attempt to try and tell someone how they should or should not live their individual lives. I want to believe I am not that judgmental.
But as I continue my own walk, I find it becoming obvious that as a Christian certain behaviors are acceptable, while some are expected. The more I read and study, the easier it becomes to understand that what we do every day should reflect in some small way the truth of what we believe in.
It’s the “what we believe in” part that others should see in us as we navigate all that awaits us in a
secular world full of trials and temptations.
So the way we carry ourselves actually means something. Those words, which ordinarily have little operational substance, actually become living principles rooted in our psyche once we embrace what it means to live a Christian life.
Now I am not speaking of those things we generally associate with spiritual existence. I am talking about those things we understand as simple concepts that are incredibly powerful tools to live by: kindness, love, mercy, forgiveness, humility.
If you notice for this example, I didn’t mention faith in God or sacrifice or any other spiritually based motivation for your behavior.
I didn’t because I believe many of us feel it is an impossible task to live the Christian life. But broken down to its essence, how difficult is it to be courteous, nice, humble and charitable without knowing the first thing about faith? So when people say it’s so hard to live a Christian life, what are they really saying?
When people refer to Christians as being holier than thou, what are they really saying? Can you see how complex we can make a really simple pattern of thought and an even simpler pattern of conduct? What we’re really talking about is a simple set of guidelines by which you and I should behave.
N o w f o r C h r i s t i a n s , t h e foundation for such behavior is specific and unyielding. It does not change. It is one of those constants in life that gives our life purpose and meaning. Simply stated, we are deliberately trying to be Christ-like.
We are trying to demonstrate our beliefs and our faith through our behavior. The imperfections that we all have do not, in and of themselves, negate our efforts to let the world see Jesus in us. Christ was killed because He acted upon his belief.
The whole world knew then and knows today what He stood for, like it or not. I’d like to think that even if the world doesn’t know what I stand for, it certainly knows who I stand with.
Therefore, don’t be surprised if my first reaction now is to give instead of take, to forgive rather than hold a grudge and believe it or not, try to love instead of hate. So excuse me if I want to see the best in others rather than the worse. Allow me to at least try not to judge you or be jealous of you, to not be envious but always be thankful for the blessings that I have. In short I love the Lord and I’m trying to love you. Through my rebirth, I pray my integrity and honesty and values take on a new meaning. I want to internalize that I am indeed a new creature. Don’t read between the lines. I am what you see. Hopefully you’ll get a glimpse of the Holy Spirit. Just remember I am a marvelous miraculous movie and not a snapshot taken at my worst. When you look at me, know the movie is not over; neither is yours.May God bless and keep you always.
James
I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.Martin Luther King, Jr.
We should emphasize not Negro History, but the Negro in history. What we need is not a history of selected races or nations, but the history of the world void of national bias, race hate, and religious prejudice. ~Carter Woodson, 1926
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 7 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
By Mike MilesSuperintendentDallas Independent School District
We believe that every student in the Dallas Independent School District can learn and achieve. Our challenge is to provide students with a tailored education to prepare them for college or the workplace.
Our 159,000 students are unique individuals. They have different academic skill levels, live within a variety of home environments, and possess different personalities and talents.
Through our Imagine 2020 initiative more than 13,000 students in the Lincoln, Madison and Pinkston feeder patterns in south and west Dallas are raising their academic achievement and success.
In fact, we’ve already seen great increases in progress at schools like Raul Quintanilla Sr. Middle School and J.J. Rhoads Learning Center. Dallas ISD is supporting that growth with the addition
of more resources and support in more than 21 schools, an innovative curriculum and greater engagement of parents and the community.
The goal of Imagine 2020 is to support, innovate and engage our students with teaching and learning based on their needs. Here’s how Imagine 2020 is doing that:
At the elementary level, we provide support and resources with an emphasis on ensuring that students can demonstrate and implement lessons.
To help keep lessons fresh and effective, several schools have introduced blended learning, a method that mixes skilled classroom teachers with online content using special software that reinforces the lessons. Specifically, sixth and ninth grade
students are provided Chromebooks (think laptops) to work on assignments aligned with both their current and targeted skill levels. Imagine 2020 also places a strong focus on one of the most challenging groups in K-12 education – middle school students. We’ve implemented an accelerated instruction program at both Edison and Dade middle schools that helps students two or more years behind their grade level not only catch
up to their peers, but also succeed in the future.
These efforts will create a groundswell of high achievers that will populate Lincoln, Madison and Pinkston high schools.
To ensure it, we offer in-school, personalized tutoring where students identified with high-needs work either
one-on-one or in small groups with qualified tutors during the school day. The tutors focus on reading at the elementary level and math at the secondary level.
To keep the momentum, an extended school day option is available for students at all three grade levels.
For these changes to be effective, we are providing students the attention and individual support they need.
There are more psychologists, and urban specialists at Imagine 2020 middle and high schools, complemented by assistant principals, department chairs and team leaders with roles that allow them to not only focus on students, but to support each other through team teaching and coaching.
Imagine 2020 supports our belief that all Dallas ISD students can learn and achieve. We are focusing resources and quality teaching in our south and west Dallas schools like never before. The time is now for our students to succeed.
Learning is more personal for students in Lincoln, Madison and Pinkston feeder patterns
Supt. Mike Miles
By Rep. Marc VeaseyU.S. RepresentativeTexas' 33rd Congressional District
This week, the civil rights legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson is being celebrated and every Texan should be proud.
President Barack Obama and three living former U.S. Presidents - George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter - are visiting the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin to discuss such issues as same-sex marriage, immigration policy, race, women, and education and to honor President Johnson's tremendous leadership in winning passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 and the Voting Rights Act in 1965.
Together, these laws set out to ban discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, or national origin and our nation is better, stronger and more righteous because of LBJ's courage, vision and iron will.
In the years since the passage of these benchmark symbols of American progress, other Texas leaders - Senator Lloyd Bentsen, Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez, Governor Ann Richards, Speaker Jim Wright and many others - have honored Johnson's legacy by continuing to work on behalf of all Texans.
It is important, though, that this occasion in Austin also acknowledge the shadow hanging over the Lone Star state because of how some Texas political leaders continue to engage in ugly and overt discrimination against Texas Hispanics and African Americans.
Our current Governor, our Attorney General and some leaders in the State House and State Senate are marring Texas' proud legacy of civil rights heroes like Lyndon B. Johnson.
In Texas two years ago, a three-judge federal court ruled that Texas leaders intentionally discriminated against Hispanic and African American Texans when they drew up and adopted discriminatory congressional and legislative district lines. Less than a year later, a different federal court found that Texas leaders discriminated against Hispanic and African American Texans in enacting a restrictive new Voter ID law.
No other state in the country has adopted a redistricting plan or a voter ID law that has been found to violate the Voting Rights Act.
This didn't happen 50 years ago or even 15 years ago. It happened two years ago - and it happened because legislative leaders passed these laws under the guidance of Attorney General Greg Abbott, with the support and encouragement of Governor Rick Perry.
Back in 1964, when LBJ passed the Civil Rights Act, Hispanics and African Americans combined made up less than 20 percent of the Texas population. Today, these Texans and other minorities
constitute more than half of our state's citizens.Abbott, Perry and GOP legislative leaders should be working to win the support of this rapidly growing part of the Texas electorate. Instead, they have chosen to undermine and suppress the strength and influence
of minority voters - to cheat these Texans out of
their chance to vote for candidates they care about and policies they believe in.
In Texas today, those fighting for civil rights don't wield fire hoses in the streets or collect taxes and administer tests at the polls. But the Texas
politicians who fight voting fairness today use the Texas Attorney General's office and legislative weapons that have the same effect, often using them against the same minority senior citizens who fought the early civil rights battles.
It is profoundly important to honor President Johnson's historic contributions to justice and democracy - and to appreciate how hard he fought for the rights of every Texan and every American.
We cannot properly honor President Johnson or his legacy, however, unless we are also unafraid to call out the current state leaders who somehow see their own ambitions and political future dependent upon discounting and suppressing the precious voting rights of Texas voters.
Follow Rep. Marc Veasey on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RepVeasey
Celebrating LBJ's Legacy: A Reminder of Texas' Civil Rights Challenges Today
Standardized Lies Democrats believe that all students are entitled to a free, quality, public education. The Tarrant County Democratic Party invites you to attend a free film screening of Standardized Lies - Money and Civil Rights: How Testing is Ruining Public Education, a full-length documentary that exposes how the standardized testing industry is undermining public education. This informative event is free and open to the public and will be held on Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the CWA Union Hall at 421 S. Adams, Fort Worth, Texas 76104. After the film, there will be a panel discussion.
We are honored to have four local renowned experts in the field of education on our panel. Our featured panelists are: Dr. Jerry Burkett, Director of College and Career Readiness, from the Grand Prairie ISD. Nancy Bean, Educator, Counselor and Candidate for the State Board of Education District 11. Dr. Mary Martin Patton, Dean of the College of Education at Texas Christian University and Dr. M. Francyne Huckaby, Associate Professor, Center for Public Education, Texas Christian University. All who are concerned about protecting public education should attend.
Space is limited. For more information and to RSVP:Contact Paula Sanders Coakley at 817-335-VOTE(8683) or 817-938-8828 or reply by email to [email protected] .
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 9 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
WASHINGTON, D.C.--The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) mourns the passing of veteran journalist and educator Charles Sumner "Chuck" Stone Jr., who was a founder of NABJ and the association's first national president.
Stone died Sunday at the age of 89.Founder Stone's illustrious and
groundbreaking career as a journalist began when he served as editor of the New York Age. Later he was the White House correspondent and editor of the Washington Afro-American.
He was ultimately named editor-in-chief of the Chicago Daily Defender. Also an author and commentator his books Tell It Like It Is, Black Political Power In America and King Strut led to national media appearances.
From 1972 to 1991, Stone was a political columnist and senior editor for the Philadelphia Daily News. He also was the inaugural host of the PBS program "Black Perspectives On The News." Founder Stone was nominated for the prestigious Pulitzer Prize multiple times.
He later was inducted into NABJ's Hall of Fame, and was presented the Society of Professional Journalists' Helen Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award.
"We have 44 founders, but many of them credit Chuck Stone with being the driving force behind NABJ," association President Bob Butler said. "Chuck chaired the first meeting and became the first president.
He provided the rudder that steered NABJ at a time when being a member was not always easy. Some employers back then told members to choose between their jobs and NABJ.
Our members now excel in all segments of the news media as columnists, anchors, reporters, producers, photographers and, most importantly, managers. There is still a lack of diversity in newsroom management, but what does exist is because of Chuck and the other founders of NABJ."
As an industry leader, Founder Stone served as president of what was then the Association of Black Journalists in Philadelphia, now known as the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists, a forerunner for NABJ.
As NABJ’s founding president, he helped develop a national presence for the
organization, exemplified by well-reasoned yet impassioned advocacy and strategic initiatives which were bolstered by the determination of members to work diligently in newsrooms reporting the news
with a devotion to accuracy, ethics, fairness and quality storytelling.
Stone was born on July 21, 1924. After service as a Tuskegee Airman in World War II, he graduated from Wesleyan University
in 1948 and earned a master’s degree from the University of Chicago. He used his vast knowledge and experience in the classroom teaching in most of the cities where he worked and lived. While in Chicago, he taught at Columbia College. In Philadelphia, he taught at Bryn Mawr College and the University of Delaware. After leaving daily journalism, he served as the Walter Spearman Professor in University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication from 1999 to 2005.
“I recall Chuck from our founding meeting and before that during the early days of the Philadelphia ABJ (Association of Black Journalists), which was instrumental in the formation of NABJ,” said NABJ Founder and Washington Post reporter Joe Davidson. “He was always on point during those eventful meetings and was absolutely essential to the birth of what has become an amazing organization. Later, some of us had differences with Chuck, but there is no doubt about the vital role he played in NABJ. He was a giant in many ways. His death makes me very sad, yet appreciate him all the more. NABJ owes him a lot.”
According to a tribute essay published 15 years ago in NABJ’s “Committed to the Cause: A Salute to NABJ’s Presidents,” Stone was described as “superbly suited to be the first leader of an organization seeking to not only change the way the media would tell Black America's story, but who was going to tell it.”
NABJ Founder Allison Davis said Stone was the key to NABJ’s longevity.
"Fledgling organizations have start and stops for whatever reason,” said Davis, the organization’s first parliamentarian. “NABJ has been able to sustain itself because we had a great foundation. Despite our lack of email, we had Chuck's mighty pen. I must have received at least three letters a week from Chuck with instructions."
Founder Stone is survived by children Krishna Stone, Allegra Stone and Charles S. Stone III; grandchild Parade Stone; and sisters Madalene Seymour and Irene Gordy.
His family asks that donations be made to the Chuck Stone Citizen of the World fund at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication Foundation of North Carolina Inc. at UNC-Chapel Hill.
NABJ Founder, Chuck Stone, remembered
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 10 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
Chuck Stone was born Charles Sumner Stone, Jr. on July 21, 1924 in St. Louis, Missouri. Stone’s father was business manager for Annie Malone’s Poro College, and his mother, Madalene M. Chafin Stone was the payroll officer for the Hartford Board of Education. In Hartford, Connecticut, Stone attended Arsenal Elementary School, Bernard Junior High School and graduated with honors from Hartford Public High School as “class prophet” in 1942. Drafted in 1943, Stone was commissioned as a navigator in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Leaving the army in 1945, Stone earned his A.B. degree from Wesleyan University in 1948 and his M.A. in sociology from the University of Chicago in 1951.
A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Stone represented CARE in India and Egypt from 1957 to 1958. Recruited by the New York Age, Stone became editor from 1958 to 1960. In 1960, he became associate director of the American Committee on Africa and the White House correspondent and editor of the Washington Afro-American.
He was named editor-in-chief of the Chicago Defender in 1963 and taught journalism at Columbia College. From 1965 to 1967, Stone served as special assistant to Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., writing speeches and directing activities for the House Education and Labor Committee. Stone cultivated close relationships with both Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. His books, Tell It Like
It Is, Black Political Power In America and King Strut and his appearances on talk shows made him a national pundit. From 1972 to 1991, Stone was a political columnist and senior editor for the Philadelphia Daily News. Stone also taught at the University of Delaware, and from 1991 to 2005, he served as a faculty member at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as the Walter Spearman Professor in the School of Mass Communications.
From 1975 to 1977, Stone was founding president of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and first host of PBS’s Black Perspectives On The News. Nominated twice for the Pulitzer Prize, Stone is a member of the NABJ Hall of Fame. He is the recipient of the 1993 Free Spirit Award from the Freedom Forum; the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s Thomas Jefferson Award in 2002; and the Trailblazer Award from Greensboro, North Carolina’s Sit-In Movement, Inc. in 2005. In 2003, Stone wrote a children’s book about race called, Squizzy the Black Squirrel.
JL Turner mourns the loss of Judge LA Bedford The J.L. Turner Legal
Association mourns the passing of a jewel in the legal community and the
community, at large - the Honorable Louis A. Bedford, Jr.
Judge Bedford was the first African-American judge in Dallas county history, and his legacy of scholarship, mentorship and professionalism spans more than 60 years. Indeed, it was Judge Bedford's commitment to equality and justice that inspired him to form the Barristers Club, the precursor to the J.L. Turner Legal Association.
Judge Bedford served the Bar and the community with the highest degree of dignity and integrity, and there are very few whose lives and careers have not been touched by his spirit and courage. His presence will surely be missed.
Thank you, Judge Bedford
Tonnette Blair, mother of Pastor Yvette Blair-
Lavallais
Tonnette Blair passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2014, after a lengthy illness.
1. The wake is this Sunday, 4/13, from 5:30 - 6:30 pm at Golden Gate Funeral Home on I-35 and Ann Arbor. It will include remarks, so it's not just a viewing.4155 South R.L. Thornton Freeway. Dallas, TX 75224
2. Her homegoing celebration will be Monday, 4/14, at 11:00 am at St. Luke "Community" United Methodist Church on I-30 and Winslow. 5710 East R. L. Thornton Freeway Dallas, TX 75223. This is in East Dallas, just past Fair Park/State Fair exits off I-30.
You are welcome to send notes of expressions to my family at:
3030 Cowboy DriveDallas, TX 75237
Rahna Bryant Homegoing Services
Mr. Rahna BryantSinging Hills Funeral Home (on
Houston School Road)Monday, April 14, 201411:00 a.m.
Wake and VisitationSunday, April 13, 20141:30-5:00 p.m.
With fondest memories
Don’t wait for the CALL
In times like these, don’t wait for a call. Start by thinking of what you would need or want,
then commence to giving!
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 11 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
Another
year
came to
a close
Check out back
Hon. John Conyers, Jr.
Key to survival is having a plan and practicing it
– Although most people welcome sunny warm days over winter’s frigid temperatures, few look forward to the unsettled weather and the possibility of tornadoes. But during April’s disaster preparedness month, staff at Parkland Health & Hospital System say now is the time to be ready in the event that spring storms turn severe.
Each year about a thousand tornadoes touch down in the United States, far more than any other country. Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, South Dakota and Kansas make up “tornado alley” where destructive storms strike regularly in the spring and early summer.
Jorie Klein, Parkland’s Director of Trauma and Disaster Preparedness knows all too well the impact that tornadoes can have on families and communities. Klein’s family lived in
Wichita Falls on April 10, 1979, known locally as “Terrible Tuesday,” the day an F4 tornado struck the heavily populated southern sections of town. Despite having nearly an hour’s advance warning that severe weather was imminent, 42 people were killed and 1,800 were injured because the storm arrived just in time for many people to be driving home from work.
“It was several days before I was able to locate all of my family members,” Klein recalled. “That’s when I made the decision to be proactive about being prepared for natural and man-made disasters.”
Preparing, Klein said, includes learning the risks your particular community faces – are you near tracks where there could be a derailment? Is there a creek in the area that floods neighborhood streets? Regardless of the environment, she recommends having items available that you would need to survive in your home until help arrives. Those items
include enough water to last three to six days (recommended quantity is three liters of water per person per day), high energy food items that won’t spoil and don’t require cooking, a hand-operated can opener, flashlights, portable radio, spare batteries, a first aid kit, cash or traveler’s checks and light sticks.
“Along with flashlights and spare batteries, light sticks are a safe, inexpensive alternative to candles,” Klein said. “I can’t emphasize enough the importance of having a personal plan and making sure it’s in place long before a disaster happens,” she said. “Talk about what you’re going to do if a tornado hits. What are you going to do if the power goes out or you’re not able to reach your loved ones? If you’re away from home, does your family have a designated meeting place?”
“Make a plan and practice it several times,” Klein says. “Planning today will lead to a safer tomorrow.”
Parkland officials offer tips to stay safe in disasters
URBAN LEAGUE GUILD TO HONOR GIFTED TEN The Urban League Guild of Greater Dallas in partnership with AT&T Community NETwork Dallas chapter will honor ten seniors for their academic achievements and their community service at a Luncheon Scholarship Tribute on Saturday, April 19, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Cedar Hill Recreation Center, 310 E. Parkerville Road, Cedar Hill, TX 75104. The theme is The Gifted Ten: Honoring Academic Achievement and Paying It Forward with Character & Commitment. “The idea for this scholarship stems from W.E.B. Dubois who used the term "the talented tenth" to describe the likelihood of one in ten black men becoming leaders of
their race in the world, by continuing their education, writing books, or becoming directly involved in social change,” said Pat Mims, President of the Guild. “The students who are being honored have not only made good grades but they are doing big and small things to help others.” The honorees are Nicholas Cobb, Raven Hawkins, Lakeisha Hayes, Cassidy Jones, Meagan Nash, Gabriela Vela, Kristen Harvey, Austin Mordahl, Victoria Hatton and Desiree Littleton. For more information email [email protected] or go to Sponsors of the event are Comerica Bank, Regions Bank, Olive Garden, The Canterbury Episcopal School, Allen Independent School District, Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy, Garza Echs and Lancaster Independent School District.
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 12 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
Support the Black PressSupport Black -owned bookstores
Send your books for review to: Cheryl Smith, 320 S. R.L.
Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 ELITENEWS
TexasMetroNews
GARLAND
JOURNAL
Ask Alma
A Blessing or a Curse?
Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans over 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: [email protected]. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.
Dear Alma, My husband and I have fallen on hard times. He
was laid off, and as soon as his unemployment benefits ran out, I was laid off, too. My parents have been helping us with the mortgage and car payments. My sister in-law offered to help us and put us on her cell phone family plan. I appreciate all that both families are doing, but why did my sister in-law post our business on Facebook? She wrote how she and her husband are a blessing to us in our time of need. I am furious. I called her and we had a big fight on the phone. Now she is telling the family that I’m ungrateful. That’s not true. I just didn’t want my business out in the street. How can I get her to see what she did was wrong?
Name withheld Hello Sweetie, This sounds like the latest Tyler Perry stage play:
“Why You Put Me On Blast On Facebook?” Yep, you’ve got a right to be mad, and I’d be mad, too. It seems to me, and I think you’d agree, that social media and reality TV have eulogized and buried the old-school rules of discretion. Is there such a thing as Facebook etiquette? Unfortunately, I think not. Meanwhile, that doesn’t change the situation between you and your SIL. Yes, she was wrong, but you may never get her to realize that. Remember, Lottie-Dottie, you kaint change nobody. LOL. Sometimes you’ve got to move past who was right or wrong and focus more on how to resolve the issue. Since your SIL likes to communicate online, send her an email explaining how you felt humiliated after reading her Facebook post. Let her know you’d appreciate it if she’d talk to you directly about family business and keep it off the Internet. Offer an apology for the argument over the phone and thank her for what she’s done to help you and her brother. That’s what you call taking the high road. On a side note: Being laid off can make you feel hurt, ashamed and embarrassed. Don’t let it. Life is full of unforeseen situations. Download and listen to your favorite uplifting gospel songs and get ready; keep sharpening your tools. This is just a small setback, preparing you and your husband for a major victory. The best is yet to come. Alma
Demystifying Credit Scores
By Jason AldermanOne of the few positive outcomes of the 2008
!nancial crisis was that it helped shine a light on the importance of understanding and staying on top of your credit pro!le. Along with that heightened visibility, however, has come a great deal of confusion and misunderstanding – particularly around the all-important credit score.
"The consequences of not maintaining a sound credit score can be very costly," says Anthony Sprauve, senior consumer credit specialist at FICO. "A low score can bar you from getting a new loan, doom you to higher interest rates and even cost you a new job or apartment."
Five factors are used to determine your credit score: payment history (usually around 35 percent of your score), amount owed (30 percent), length of credit history (15 percent), newly opened credit accounts (10 percent), and types of credit used (10 percent).
Fortunately, if your credit score has taken a hit, you can initiate several actions that will begin improving it almost immediately. Just be aware that it can take many years to recover from events like bankruptcy or foreclosure.
First, !nd out where you currently stand by reviewing your credit reports from each major credit bureau (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). Look for negative actions your creditors might have reported as well as errors and fraudulent activity, which you can challenge through the bureau's dispute resolution process. You can order one free report per year from each bureau through the government-authorized site, www.AnnualCreditReport.com; otherwise you'll pay a small fee.
You might also want to order your credit score. Lenders use credit scores to supplement their own selection criteria to determine whether you are a worthy credit risk. Several types are available, including FICO® Score, VantageScore (a competing model jointly
created by Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) and proprietary credit scores from each of the three bureaus, among others. Scores typically cost from $15 to $20 each.
Note: You may see offers for free credit scores, but they're usually tied to expensive ongoing credit-monitoring services you may or may not want. Read the contract carefully.
Here are a few tips for improving your credit history:
Always pay bills on time and catch up on missed payments.
Set up automatic payments for recurring bills and automatic minimum credit card payments if you often miss deadlines.
Sign up for text or email alerts telling you when your balance drops or payments are due.
Never exceed credit card limits.Monitor your credit utilization ratio (the
percentage of available credit you're using). Try to keep your cumulative utilization ratio – and the ratios on individual cards or lines of credit – below 30 percent.
Transferring balances to a new card for a lower rate will slightly ding your credit score – although it won't take long to recover. But be careful the transfer doesn't increase your utilization ratio on the new card.
Make sure that card credit limits reported to the credit bureaus are accurate.
Don't automatically close older, unused accounts; 15 percent of your score is based on credit history.
Each time you open a new account it slightly impacts your score, so avoid doing so in the months before a major purchase.
Pay off medical bills, as well as parking, traffic and even library !nes. Once old, unpaid bills go into collection, they'll appear on your credit report.
"Bottom line, don't lose hope," says Sprauve. "The negative impact of past credit problems will gradually fade as recent good payment behavior begins to show up on your credit reports."
Jason Alderman directs Visa's !nancial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney.
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 13 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 14 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
Dr. Gayle Barge
Religious, and business leaders joined elected officials this week to announce Dallas, Texas as the host city for the 108th Session of the National Baptist Congress, which will be held with the organization’s national leadership and Dallas officials. The Congress is set for June 8-13, 2014. The 108th Annual Session will mark the second time the Congress has been held in Dallas in the past six years.
As preparations move forward for the 108th Annual Session, Dr. T. B. Boyd III, President and Chief Executive Officer of R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation and the National Baptist Congress, met with the local host committee, city leaders and businesses after announcing the June meeting.
The 108th Annual Session on the National Baptist Congress is expected to bring approximately up to 12,000 African American attendees to Dallas, with potential revenues of over $7 million dollars in spending by attendees.
The official host venue for the six-day Congress will be the Sheraton Dallas Hotel located at 400 North Olive Street in downtown Dallas.Dr. Boyd said the group plans to address a number of issues, from economic development and health to domestic violence and education.
Dallas welcomes 108th Annual Session of National Baptist Congress
Photos: Hon. Dwaine Caraway, Chuck Schuetz of University General Hospital, Rev. Anthony Sharp, LaDonna and Dr. Boyd and Dr. Boyd .
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 15 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
I Messenger salutes
The Legacy of Service Foundation, the Omicron Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
andRev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 16 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
-
-
-
On April 5, 2014, internationally known Board Certified Trichologist, Dr. Linda Amerson, received the Paying It Forward Award 2014 in Jacksonville, Ark from the SLWA Organization! Dr. Amerson was one of three nominees chosen. Dr. Amerson shared, "If I can help someone along their way, then my living is not in vain! I am humbled to receive this award. We must help one another when trying to achieve a goal. Thank you for this recognition also for my alopecia awareness philanthropy!"
This event was the 2nd Annual Accept Me As I Am Women's Summit held at the Jacksonville Community Center, Jacksonville, Ark.
Dr. Amerson receives award at Women’s Summit
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 17 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
On Friday, April 4, The Heads Up! Foundation hosted the NCAA 2014 Final Four - North Texas Future Leaders Social to celebrate the nation's next wave of top NCAA college basketball coaches and their commitment to uplifting young men through the game of basketball.
The event was designed to provide an evening of hospitality to our network of coaches while raising awareness to our charitable mission of impacting young lives through sports and education. Many celebrity guests, included:
Jonathan Scott of the Chicago Bears; Amanda Fitzpatrick, TV News Anchor; Grammy-award winner DJ Spinderella; Senator Royce West; Scott Cross, Head Coach, Texas-Arlington; Zak Buncik, Assistant Coach, Texas-Arlington; Royce 'Snoop' Johnson, Head Coach, Kimball High School; Roderick Johnson, Head Coach, Madison High School;Kevin Norris, Assistant Coach, University of Southern California; Chinese Basketball Association; Dallas Bar Association; and a host
of other VIPs and difference makers throughout the Dallas community.
We also honored several individuals who have demonstrated exemplary service to the Dallas community, including area high school, college, and professional level coaches who are impacting lives throughout Dallas/Ft. Worth. This year's BridgeBuilder Award Honorees were.....Scott Cross, Head Coach UT-Arlington;Kaleb Canales, Assistant Coach, Dallas Mavs;Royce “Snoop” Johnson, Head Coach, Kimball High School; Roderick Johnson, Head Coach, Madison High School
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 18 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
Grambling State University President Frank Pogue has announced that he has resigned and he is scheduled to work his last day at the university on June 30. “A lot has been accomplished, and a lot of good things are still happening at Grambling State University,” said Pogue, “but it is time for someone else to lead this fine institution.”
In a prepared statement released to the media and the Grambling State University community, Frank Pogue, who started his tenure as the GSU president as a temporary job to help the institution with a transition, became the permanent president six months after starting. Grambling State University has such a historic past, and a strong future, and I am honored that I have had this wonderful opportunity to follow a number of strong GSU leaders,” said Pogue.
The president said he has discussed the timing of his departure for a few months, and he said he informed Sandra Woodley, president of the University of Louisiana System, Wednesday that he was stepping down effective June 30. He said he will help prepare for a presidential transition.
The Board of Supervisors of the University of Louisiana System confirmed Pogue’s appointment as interim president of Grambling State University on December 15, 2009.
The job became permanent on July 1, 2010 when the board officially changed his title, dropping the word “interim” and making him GSU’s eighth president. “I was thrilled to accept the invitation to serve this historic and visible institution,” recalled Pogue.
Frank Pogue acknowledged that the last few years have been challenging as the university’s state funding was cut by more than 56 percent. Still, he emphasized, there were – and there continue to be – many good things happening at GSU.
Pogue said he and first lady Dorothy Pogue will move to their home in Delaware, near their daughter and their two grandsons. He said he will return to his academic consulting work, retiring for good after retiring three times before this retirement announcement. “I promised Dot that this would be it,” he said.Source: Grambling State University Media Relations
Golf Tournament
- -
-
-
Join us for a day of fun and fellowship
Dillard University Maintaining
Excellence and Heritage
Grambling State President Frank Pogue retires in fifth year
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 19 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
Zonta Club offers scholarshipsZonta Club of Dallas is excited to offer a $1500
scholarship to a qualified, deserving young woman with a passion for science, technology, engineering and/or math. All applications must be received by Zonta Club by April 30, 2014. Attached is the documentation for the Zonta Club of Dallas Ruth Maddox Young Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math scholarship.
The goal of the Zonta Club of Dallas Ruth Maddox Young Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (YWinSTEM) Award is to encourage more young women to participate in science, technology, engineering and math by recognizing a commitment to higher education curriculum in science, technology, engineering and/or math, evidence of leadership achievements in science, techn0logy, engineering and/or math and a dedication to the advancement of the status of women. Ruth Maddox is a role model for young women interested in STEM careers. She was the third woman to graduate from SMU with an electrical engineering degree. A Registered Professional Engineer of the State of Texas, Ruth worked for Consulting Engineer David C. Pfeiffer, a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at SMU. She was then employed by the Dallas Power & Light company which became part of TXU. She worked as an Illuminating Engineer for 37 years designing lighting for many commercial and industrial buildings. Her artistic talents and education enabled her to assist many consulting engineers and designers of new and remodeled Dallas buildings such as the Great Hall of the Apparel Mart, First Baptist Church, Eastman Kodak, The Adolphus Hotel, Arthur A. Everts, and many other churches, offices and homes.Women o 16-19 and living or studying in the Dallas area at the time the application is submitted to the Zonta Club of Dallas and demonstrate evidence of the following, are eligible to apply.
Currently enrolled in high school and planning to graduate at end of Spring semester
Confirmed full time attendance in a science, technology, engineering and/or math curriculum at an accredited university for the Fall 2014 semester
Academic Achievement Experience in local or student science,
technology, engineering and/or math clubs/organizations
Knowledge of Zonta International and its programs.
Zonta Club of Dallas is funding one $1500 scholarship to qualified, selected recipients.
Requirements are completion of the official
application that is attached to this email There are three items to be completed:
The application, typed and signed Two typed confidential recommendations Verification of current enrollment and GPA by
school officialThe deadline for submission is Wednesday, April
30, 2014. Contact information is:Anne Zumsteg 6060 Forest Lane Dallas, TX 75230Phone: 972-393-5643Cell: 908-803-4191e-mail: [email protected]
Senator Wendy Davis, Candidate for Governor, to keynote Texas Black Expo Luncheon in Houston, June 20
HOUSTON -- – Texas Black Expo (TBE), host of Texas’ largest African-American empowerment festival, announces State Senator Wendy Davis, democratic candidate for governor, will deliver the keynote address at the
TBE Corporate Luncheon, Friday, June 20, 2014, 12:30 p.m., Four Seasons Hotel Houston.
TBE is a nonprofit organization with a mission to stimulate growth and development within Texas’ urban communities by strengthening businesses, inspiring youth, and building better lives.
“I am honored to speak before the Texas Black Expo, an organization dedicated to strengthening Texas business and improving the lives of Texans,” said Senator Wendy Davis. “Whether it’s making sure Texas
children have access to a 21st century education, or making sure families are paid equally for the same work, I will fight for all Texans as your next governor.”
The TBE Corporate Luncheon, which is co-presented by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, is a featured event at the 11th Annual TBE Summer Celebration, June 19-22, in Houston.
The luncheon will gather the foremost business and community leaders, TBE corporate sponsors, and elected officials from across the state to help commence the action-packed, weekend of events.
“TBE isn’t focused on politics; the priority is to empower everyone with positive messages, and powerful experience,” said Jerome Love, president, TBE. “Our corporate partners support the Expo because they are committed to helping Texas’ diverse communities thrive. Senator Davis is committed to Texas, and all Texans, and I know her luncheon keynote will resonate with all attendees.”
Approximately 25,000 attendees are expected to attend the TBE Summer Celebration, which is chaired by State Representation Sylvester Turner.
The weekend events will also include a health and wellness exposition, entrepreneur and youth empowerment summits, entertainment events, a college fair, and a small business marketplace.
TBE will feature a star-studded line-up of celebrity guests, including lyricist MC Lyte, music sensations Morris Day and The Time, and nationally-syndicated radio host, Tom Joyner, among others.
For more information, visit www.texasblackexpo.com, and connect on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 20 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
Methodist Charlton Medical Center has been named the Large Business of the Year by the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce.
The Large Business of the Year Award is presented to a Lancaster Chamber of Commerce business member who has exemplified professionalism and commitment to the Lancaster community and its economy, provided valuable service, demonstrated excellence in business and in its profession, and exhibited initiative and creativity in enhancing the effectiveness of its business or profession and the stability and improvement of the community.
Methodist Charlton is one of the largest employers in the Best Southwest cities. It continues to expand its health care services to the community, many of which are the only services of their kind in the Best Southwest area. In addition to the opening of the Sleep Diagnostic Center, Methodist Charlton also offers
Bronchial Thermoplasty, the first nondrug procedure approved for the treatment of severe persistent asthma in patients 18 years and older., and the Life Shines Bright Pregnancy Program, aimed at lowering preterm birthrates. Methodist Charlton continues to set records for fast heart attack care that save time and lives of heart attack patients, and now offers open heart surgery. Plans are also underway to establish the Heart and Vascular Institute.
“Methodist Charlton reaches out to serve the community through numerous health events that include health screenings. Programs such as the Heart of the Community Challenge, and free events like the Men’s Health Tune-Up and women’s Heart to Heart and 2nd Day of Summer, give families the tools to improve their heart health through education, awareness and fun,” says Methodist Charlton President Jonathan S. Davis, FACHE. “We also believe in
bringing comprehensive wellness solutions to local businesses to help them manage and improve the health of their employees. I thank the Methodist Charlton staff for all their dedication and teamwork to
improve and save lives through compassionate quality health care for the community. I am truly proud and honored to work with so many talented individuals.”
Methodist Charlton named Business of the Year by Lancaster Chamber
Accepting the Large Business of the Year award for Methodist Charlton are (from left) VP Kendall Huff; Community Relations Liaison Cynthia Mickens; Manager Guest Services Colin Harrison; VP Finance Julie Do; Director Human Resources Preston Miller; Director Nursing Evelina Echols-Sutton; Director Volunteer Services Sarah Drew-Watson; Advisory Board Member and Northwood University President Kevin Fegan, EdD; and President Jonathan Davis, FACHE.
techno logy consu l t i ng
simplifying IT consu l t i ng sa les
s t a f f i ng suppo r t
SEIZE YOUR OPPORTUNITY
JOB SEEKERS Free admission Dress to impress Bring resumes Bring identification On site interviews Hiring now All ages All experience levels Full & part time Internships Local & regional employers
Also hiring responsible people with criminal backgrounds
Optional registration, email Amanda.Chase@ dallascityhall.com to see the full list of employers
EMPLOYERS FREE admission Register by email Hundreds of applicants
CUSTOM SOLUTIONS Opes sed nonummy tation
augue pecus. Venio regula ea fatua incassum. Nisl quia et
aliquip, scisco roto minim ali quip macto duis. Wisi regula eum
consectetuer ut mos tamen enim, aliquip feugait regula. Ut amet opes ideo gemino et tinci dunt humo sed ut, macto, meus.
WEB SOLUTIONS Opes sed nonummy tation verto augue pecus. Venio regula ea vel
fatua incassum. Nisl quia et aliquip, scisco roto minim aliquip macto
duis. Wisi regula eum consectetuer ut mos tamen enim, aliquip feugait regula. Ut amet opes ideo gemino
et tincidunt humo sed ut.
EBUSINESS SOLUTIONS Enim iriure accumsan epulae
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16 HARRY STONE RECREATION CENTER 2403 MILLMAR DRIVE, DALLAS 75228 NORTH OF FERGUSON & OATES
10:00 A.M. 2:00 P.M.
EMPLOYER REGISTRATION BY 4/11/14 AMANDA . CHASE @ DALLASCITYHALL . COM
FREE ADMISSION & OPEN TO ALL PRESENTED BY THE SAFE STREETS COLLABORATIVE CRIME WATCH & NE DALLAS POLICE DEPARTMENT
Opportunity
Works
Resource & Job Fair
Northeast Dallas
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 21 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
A mind is a terrible thing to waste but a great thing to invest in! -UNCF
BLACK VISION FILM SERIES @ The SDCC
Dallas, Texas - The South Dallas Cultural Center will present the Black Vision Film Series on Friday, April 18th. Film lovers are invited to experience the Black Women in Films sweeping romantic drama, “Half of a Yellow Sun Movie”. This film stars Oscar nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years A Slave”), Thandie Newton (“For Colored Girls....”) & Anika Noni Rose (“DreamGirls”).
The film, “Half of a Yellow Sun Movie”, follows two privileged Nigerian sisters and their lovers on a journey through the Nigerian Civil War of the 1960s. It’s powerful, intensely emotional and, as the response of readers around the world has shown, it is a story which can touch everyone’s heart. This film was adapted from the award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichiei’s book and Directed by Nigerian filmmaker Biyi Bandele. There will be a pre-screening reception at 7:00 pm and the film will start at 8:00 pm. Tickets are available at the door for $15. Purchase tickets online for a $5 discount at www.blackvisionfilmseries.com Please print and present receipts for quick entry. The reception is included in price of ticket. A 7 o’clock arrival is encouraged to mix, mingle and network as well as revel in the the Deborah Roberts exhibit - "Consensual Marks... the dismantling of black beauty" The South Dallas Cultural Center is located at 3400 S. Fitzhugh Avenue. For more information call 214-939-2787, log on to http://dallasculture.org/SDCulturalCenter and like us on Facebook.com/SouthDallasCulturalCenter The SDCC is a program of the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs and supported in part by Texas Commission on the Arts.
THE SDCC presents…AfroHORN
Dallas, Texas - The South Dallas Cultural Center (SDCC) is proud to present the New York based avant garde jazz group AfroHORN on Thursday, April 24th at 8pm at the Latino Cultural Center. This highly anticipated
performance will be absolutely free and open to the public.
This fierygroup is led by percussionist Francisco Mora Catlett. AfroHORN boasts an outstanding lineup of musicians including Sam Newsome on soprano saxophone, Alex Harding on Baritone saxophone, Aruán Ortiz on piano, Rashaan Carter on bass, and Roman Diaz accompanying Mora Catlett on percussion.
AfroHORN's newest CD, RARE
METAL is garnering excellent reviews. iRockJazz says "With the production of Rare Metal, Mora has managed to create some of the most inventive and wildly original music to be played and heard since the first progressive rumbles of the early jazz. This release should be considered one of this year’s best releases and Mora’s apotheosis as a master musician." Live music lovers are encouraged to check out this rare opportunity to see this amazing group's performance at
the Latino Cultural Center. The LCC is located at 2600 Live Oak St. in Dallas. This event is absolutely free. Admission is available on a first come first served basis. The concert will be the culmination of a week long National Performance Network (NPN) residency at the SDCC. For more information call 214-939-2787, log onto http://dallasculture.org/SDCulturalCenter and like us on facebook.com/SouthDallasCulturalCenter. The SDCC is a program of the City of Dallas, Office of Cultural Affairs
Media Executive & Entrepreneur Oscar Joyner Inspired Crowd to Take Ownership of their Economic Future
A national movement designed to grow black businesses and boost economic development in urban communities kicked off with an inspiring speech from media executive and entrepreneur Oscar Joyner at the Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University.
Some of Mississippi's most influential business and government leaders, the city's acting mayor, several candidates running for mayor of
Jackson, city council members, and other community leaders attended the launch of the Partnership For Economic Development (PED). The launch is the beginning of a national tour to other cities, especially those in the south where African-Americans oversee billions
in public dollars.Kathy Y. Times, former
president of the National Association of Black Journalists and entrepreneur and author, James Covington launched PED and its companion website, WhereToGo411.com, to connect African-American businesses to local and national buyers.
“People are still euphoric after the event, because they hadn't seen anything quite like it. Now, we must engage them in this process because it’s about fulfilling our generational challenge of moving from political power to economic power,” said Covington, president of WhereToGo411.com.
Participants in the April event will have a chance to become founding partners of PED, a national collaboration of African-American organizations and economic engines, including governmental entities, colleges and universities, faith-based institutions, businesses, and non-profits working to stimulate economic development in the African-American community.
"Imagine the possibilities for change if every city and county had an aggressive plan for including African American businesses in the procurement process,” said Times, vice president of WhereToGo411.com
At the event, there were leaders from all segments of the community, including local businesses, education, churches, community and civic groups, fraternities, sororities and local and state elected officials as well as chief financial and administrative officers from public agencies.
During his keynote speech, Joyner, president of the nationally syndicated, “Tom Joyner Morning Show,” shared his journey as a business
executive, and strategies he and his company used to build the radio show into the nation’s top ranked morning syndicated entertainment show.
“My father instilled in me the need to super-serve our audience – and our community,” Joyner said. “We have to make sure every marketer knows that African-Americans have more than $1 trillion in consumer buying power that can not be overlooked.”
PED is designed to complement WhereToTo411.com, an economic development tool and national online marketplace that connects black businesses to local and national buyers. Mississippi’s public universities are among buyers using the online interactive marketplace to reach black businesses.
Partnership for economic development kicks off national campaign
James Covington, Kathy Y. Times and Oscar Joyner
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 23 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
amilleBradfield
IN OUR LIBRARY
A guy who hits a womancan be called lots of things.
“Man” is not one of them.
A FAMILY .
Join Mayor Mike Rawlings for The Ten Thousand Man Ral l y Against Domestic Abuse at 10am on March 23rd at Dal las Cit y Hal l . (DART exit at Convention Center Station.) I t ’s t ime for the men of Dal las to say, enough is enough.
agape loveBy Donald Lee One of the things that I’ve found to
be true in life is that if more people walked in love, this world would be a much better place. And when I say “love,” I don’t mean the flawed, fluctuating love that people have for one another — the type that embraces someone today but abandons him tomorrow. Instead, I’m talking about agape — God’s kind of love, which is perfect and unchanging.
Dr. Shari Maiben, a Port Arthur-based evangelist and author of “Agape: The Language of Unfeigned Love,” (released earlier this year in paperback) does a superb job in her debut as a writer. With her passion for seeing others realize their value to God, which gives them a greater sense of self-worth and empowers them to love others authentically, Dr. Maiben defines love in its purest form.
The greatest demonstration of “agape,” or “unfeigned” love, can be seen when we look in scripture at how the Lord Jesus gave His life for the redemption of mankind, Dr. Maiben explains in her 11-chapter, 92-page paperback, which will be available soon on Amazon.
“My goal in writing this book calls first for self-examination: a reality check, a heart and mind check,” says Dr. Maiben, a self-published author. “Ask yourself, ‘Am I walking in love?’ Secondly, it calls for repentance and recognizing how love is the foundational truth to all of the principles in the Word of God.
“Thirdly, it calls for an action plan (‘faith without works is dead,’ according to James 2:17-20),” she says. “Deliberately walk in love at all times, no matter how hard it seems to be or to do.”
“Agape: The Language of Unfeigned Love” is very thorough in how it conveys the how-to part of walking in sincere, unwavering love. This book certainly is a must-read because, from chapter to chapter, it offers its readers biblical albeit practical examples of how to love everyone, including those who have purposely inflicted pain on them.
Chapter titles in this powerful nonfiction include: “Love Language”; “Where is the Love? Dealing with Church Hurt”; “Unfailing Love”; “Love Saves”; and “Love and Forgiveness of Enemies.” This literary masterpiece also offers
prayers for its audience and has sections set aside for quizzes.
“Agape: The Language of Unfeigned Love” was produced by Kingdom View publishing company of Houston.
Dr. Maiben is CEO and founder of Cross2Crown Ministries, International, an evangelistic and outreach ministry. She also is a motivational speaker and plays hostess to conferences and workshops. In addition, Dr. Maiben teaches a Spiritual Foundation Class and is a professor at the Life Christian University Theology Program/Degree in Lake Charles, La.
To book Dr. Maiben for speaking engagements, please call (409) 293-7513 or send e-mail correspondence to [email protected].
Dr. Maiben’s mailing address: Cross2Crown Ministries, 5030 Lakeshore Drive, Port Arthur, TX 77642.
Donald Lee, a free-lance journalist, can be reached at (225) 773-2248 or [email protected].
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 24 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
The Legacy of Service Foundation andAlpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc
Omicron Mu Omega Chapter
present
An Afternoon in HarlemHonoree: Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III
Featured performance: Dallas Black Dance Theatre
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 25 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 26 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
OWN IT APRIL 15TH ON BLU-RAYTM COMBO PACK!
NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. All federal, state and local regulations apply. Entries must be received via online entry. Employees of all
liability in connection with any loss or accident incurred in connection with use of a prize. A recipient of prizes assumes any and all risks related to use of prize and accepts any restrictions required by prize provider. Prizes cannot be exchanged, transferred or redeemed for cash, in whole or in part.
ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF RIDE ALONG ON BLU-RAYTM COMBO PACK!
VISIT WWW.MYIMESSENGER.COM TO ENTER TO WIN
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 27 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
Valder Beebe Show THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
Anthony Evans Jr., son of Dallas mega church pastor Tony Evans Sr., Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, is a long-time worship leader. He came to the Valder Beebe Show to launch his new CD: Real Life, Real Worship.
Anthony Evans Jr., caught the attention of thousands including multi-platinum selling & Grammy award-winning artist Christina Aguilera on Season 2 of The Voice.
Since his time on The Voice, he has garnered thousands of fans across the country (over nearly 100k followers on social media) and has recorded with legendary artists. It was through his time on The Voice that his faith grew even stronger. Being surrounded by non-believers, Anthony was inspired to share the Gospel in a way that they could understand
and be open to. He was encouraged by real stories, real situations and wants to share them with the world.With that in mind, Anthony hit the studio and in April to release nationwide his brand new record, Real Life, Real Worship, distributed through Fair Trade Services. Hear his interview on SoundCloud.com/Valderbeebeshow.Valder Beebe, host of The Valder Beebe Show radio and television brand. Visit ValderBeebeShow.com for a broadcast schedule. The Valder
Beebe Show THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW, daily at noon on kkvidfw.com, KKVI FM 89.9 (Dallas/DFW). THAT CELEBRITY INTERVIEW on Black Premier TV (Dallas) channel 30.8., M & W 6:30 pm CT.
(TRTA) will hold its 61st annual convention in Dallas, April 13-15, 2014, at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, 400 North Olive Street. The theme is year is “Lasso Our Legacy,” and the focus will be on Leadership, Legislation, and Literacy. The convention festivities begin with a complimentary Officers Reception on April 13th at 5:00 pm. Convention attendees will enjoy a Dallas welcome from country western band, The Shady Grove Ramblers.
Opening Ceremonies will begin Monday, April 14th with student participation from several Dallas ISD schools, greetings from the Dallas ISD Superintendent and Dallas Mayor Pro Tem. Special entertainment will be The Twin Fiddlers from Murphy, Texas. The keynote speaker is Tumbleweed Smith, a popular newspaper columnist and producer of “The Sound of Texas” radio series. On Monday afternoon, there will be training sessions as well as informative breakout sessions offering a wide range of topics. Monday’s events conclude with a banquet that begins at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment for the evening is Holly Tucker, who placed 5th in the TV show “The Voice”.
Tuesday, April 15th provides an opportunity to hear from Tim Lee, TRTA’s Executive Director and other legislative experts during the 7:00 a.m. breakfast.
The business of the association will be conducted during the House of Delegates following the breakfast. The Stilwell Foundation will have a special 50th birthday luncheon.
On Sunday, April 12th , there will be opportunities to tour several Dallas area landmarks such as The Bush Presidential Library and The Sixth Floor Museum. For tour registration information go to [email protected] or call 214-521-3737.
TRTA is an active organization with over 78,000 members in over 260 local units. Last year, members contributed over 5,900,000 volunteer hours working for various community and church agencies. The Independent Sector estimated the value of these volunteer hours to be in excess of $132,200,000.
Through the Children’s Book Project, TRTA has contributed over 500,000 books since 1998, to children who might not otherwise have a book to call their own.
This is a great opportunity for all past and current public school employees to learn more about TRTA and the benefits it provides.
Supporting The Dillard University DFW Alumni Chapter
Scholarship Fund
Sun, Apr. 27th 1PM-‐5:30PM Cowboy Golf Club 1600 Fairway Dr.
Grapevine, TX 76051
The Dillard University National Alumni Association DFW Chapter
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 28 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
Trinity (TX) Chapter of the Links Incorporated began So SMAART as an Umbrella Program creating achievable dreams for girls of color through education and exposure to experiences in Science/Engineering, Mathematics, the Arts, Aviation, Reading, and Technology.
In particular, this program addresses the lack of minority female students pursuing non-traditional careers in these Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) areas.
The goals of the “So SMAART-S. T. E. M.-ULATION: Left Brain – Right Brain” Program are:
To provide 13 hours of targeted STEM sessions during grades 4-8 at three sites with career awareness education focused on strengthening participants’ skills, abilities, and talents;
To provide age appropriate career awareness education in each STEM area during the 13 targeted sessions each school year;
To provide hands-on computer technology instruction for 100% of the girls attending those sessions with the support of community partner American Airlines’ Information and Technology Group;
To provide at least seven field experiences or workshops each school year to museums and monthly discussions with experts to assist the girls in recognizing how STEM careers affect their daily lives; and
To partner with NASA and the local HBCU Paul Quinn College to incorporate robotics into
the So SMAART program by providing two workshops during the school year.
So SMAART is an early intervention program that mentors minority girls grades 4-8 on career opportunities in STEM areas, specifically Set on Science/Engineering, Math, Arts, Aviation, Reading and Technology (So SMAART).
Approximately 90 students are selected from three designated sites: T. L. Marsalis and Thomas Tolbert Elementary and W. H. Atwell Middle School.
The girls are engaged in monthly activities driven by the five facets focusing on elements of STEM. The 52 chapter members and over 22 community partners lend professional, financial and in-kind support. Four new partners were added to support the robotics curriculum enhancement.
Trinity Chapter received a two-year grant from Chevron USA & the Links Foundation.
Robotics technology using LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT was introduced into the program in 2013. With the assistance of partners Paul Quinn College (HBCU), Mountain View Community College and volunteer engineers from Texas Instruments, the girls built and programmed robots using NXT software.
To encourage the pursuit of higher education, So SMAART graduates are given priority consideration for Trinity’s college scholarships. Trinity has awarded several successful So SMAART graduates with scholarships, including 2012 recipient, Cobria Grant.
Due to the longevity of the program, Trinity has witnessed the positive impact of So SMAART first-hand.
Another success example is Lakesha Clark, the Math Specialist at Marsalis Elementary, who is a graduate of the So SMAART program and now instructs current So SMAART girls. A Prairie View A&M University graduate, Lakesha was crowned Miss PVU and competed for Miss Texas America. Her platform was “Girls involved in STEM!”
Annual evaluation assessments reflect that the girls, parents, administrators, site partners, corporate employee volunteers and local partners have come to appreciate the value of So SMAART.
The programming has been recognized as a Best Practice Umbrella Program at both the Western Area Conference and National Assembly in 2011 and 2012. So SMAART provides meaningful, non-traditional career awareness education, workshop learning, field experiences and hands-on experiences for participants. To date, “So SMAART” has positively motivated over 900 girls in the Dallas community to believe in their abilities, set high goals and consistently strive to make those goals a reality.
According to Links members, “Our girls are truly becoming Set on Science and Engineering, Math, the Arts, Aviation, Reading and Technology; they are So SMAART.”
So SMAART- S. T. E. M.-ULATION: Left Brain – Right Brain
Trinity LINKS mentor girls at three area schools
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 29 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
Activities involve planting trees at T. L. Marsalis school
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 30 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
Wells Fargo has interactive platform for parents and college-bound students
SAN FRANCISCO -- To help parents and students prepare !nancially for college, Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) launched the Get College ReadySM website, a new, interactive online platform that offers a quiz, a calculator, videos and educational articles. Wells Fargo created the Get College Ready website because next to !nancing a home, paying for an education can be one of the most important !nancial events in an individual’s life.
The Get College Ready online platform offers information about how to prepare a !nancial plan for college, compare education award letters, understand available !nancing products and resources, and learn about available options to cover non-tuition expenses such as books, meal plans, rent, campus events, and miscellaneous expenses like cell phone plans, movies, and eating out.
“As a father of three, I can relate to the questions that parents and students ask when trying to understand all the factors that go into paying for a college education,” said John Rasmussen, head of Wells Fargo’s Education Financial Services. “The Get College Ready website is a user-friendly interface that will help bring clarity to the !nancial milestones that parents and students face when preparing for college. We’re in the business of serving customers and working collaboratively to position them for success. This tool is a key ingredient to help them achieve their dream of a higher education.”
The Get College Ready website includes:Knowledge Check: An interactive quiz to test the
customer’s knowledge and understanding of the different !nancial responsibilities involved in getting a college education.
Calculator: The Wells Fargo’s College Cost Calculator can help provide an estimate of how much money they may need to borrow annually for college.
Mr. Fellows Videos: A fun video series featuring Mr. Fellows, a college “advisor”, who explains the ins and outs of the college !nancial aid journey in !ve easy steps.
Website visitors can also learn more about Wells Fargo’s products and services that are available to students, such as insurance, college credit cards, bank accounts and Hands on Banking® – a Wells Fargo’s interactive program designed to help kids, teens, young adults and adults learn more about the basics of !nances and money management.
As students plan for college, Wells Fargo offers the following !ve tips:
1. Apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Regardless of your family’s income, all students should complete the FAFSA.
2. Calculate for non-tuition expenses: From books to cellphone plans, you should take all your expenses for school-related and extra-curricular activities into account as you look at your !nancial needs.
3. Explore other !nancial options: If the funding you receive on your award letter doesn’t cover your total costs, you should explore additional options that !t your family’s circumstances and preferences.
4. Establish a good credit history: Start by putting your apartment and utilities in your own name and regularly paying your bills on time.
5. Consider renters and car insurance: Your valuables may not be covered when you live on campus. To protect your belongings, you may want to consider renters insurance. In addition, if you are no longer covered by your parent’s or another policy, you may also want to consider auto insurance.
To access the Get College Ready tools and resources, visit www.wellsfargomedia.com/GetCollegeReady.
DCCCD Colleges have eyes on Aspen PrizeEvery community college in the nation has an eye on the prize – the Aspen
Prize – including three colleges in the Dallas County Community College District system: Cedar Valley, Mountain View and North Lake.
It's a contest they can't enter themselves. They can't ask to be considered. But the prize is worth $1 million – and the respect of every community college in the country.
The Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, awarded by the Aspen Institute, recognizes institutions for exceptional student outcomes in four key areas: student learning; certificate and degree completion; employment and earnings; and high levels of access and support for minority and low-income students. College completion is a national priority, from the White House to every two-year college in the country.
The Aspen Institute, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, the Joyce Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Lumina Foundation have partnered to support the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, which is given once every two years. The first Aspen Prize was awarded in 2011 to Valencia College in Florida.
Cedar Valley, Mountain View and North Lake have found themselves contenders to win the 2015 Aspen Prize as one of the nation's top 150 community colleges.
Notified recently that they were selected to move on to round two in the final prize selection process, the three college presidents were excited to learn that their institutions would be considered for the Aspen Prize. Among the 150 community colleges identified, 17 are from Texas and three are DCCCD colleges.
“It was an honor for Cedar Valley to be considered for the Aspen Award, based on our outstanding student success,” said Dr. Jennifer Wimbish, president. “This recognition is consistent with our mission and vision of being a premier college, transforming lives, because it is about demonstrated evidence of outstanding student success and achievement.”
Wimbish added, “When our college established benchmarks for demonstrating success, we selected consideration for the Aspen Award as one way to demonstrate that we were advancing toward our vision – our future. We never dreamed that one year after establishing this goal that we would reach it: being considered for this award. This (achievement) shows what a team of people – including students, faculty, staff and community members – can do when they work together.”
Christa Slejko, North Lake’s interim president, said. “Colleges like North Lake are selected by a panel of experts who review publicly-available data from the National Center for Education Statistics’ Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System – what we call IPEDS – and the U.S. Census Bureau.”
Slejko added, “It is a tremendous honor to be selected as eligible. Achieving the metrics and success rates that make the college eligible put us in the company of high-performing two-year schools across the country. Being eligible for the Aspen Award tells us that we are working on the right things – the important things – for our students, our area employers and our community…that we are making progress. We are proud to be associated with the Aspen Institute, and this inspires us to work even harder.”
Mountain View College’s acting administrator in charge, Dr. Sharon Davis, echoed the sentiments of her colleagues. “We are proud of the fact that we are considered one of the top 150 community colleges, based on IPEDS data….As an Hispanic Serving Institution (or HSI), our goal is to ensure that our students have access, make progress and successfully complete their education goals. With that in mind, we provide the students with knowledge, innovative faculty, a rich student life program, a degree pathway and employment opportunities.
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 31 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
ANNUAL ADOLESCENT AND LADIES SYMPOSIUM
For Preteen Girls, Adolescent Misses, and Adult Ladies
The Twenty Ninth Annual 2014 ADOLESCENT AND LADIES SYMPOSIUM will be held at the Greenville Avenue Church of Christ, 1013 S. Greenville Avenue, Richardson, Texas on Saturday, May
3, 2014, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Symposium is designed to assist preteen girls, ages 9 – 12, adolescent misses, ages 13 – 18, and adult ladies, ages 19 – up, to more effectively combat the social and generational issues that confront them today. The Symposium highlights the knowledge, understanding, competencies and skills that they will
need to deal with these issues from a Biblical perspective. The Symposium theme, “The Woman That Pleases GOD” includes two General Sessions and twelve Small Group Workshops that will give participants an opportunity to become actively involved in the subject. Participants will also learn proactive skills that will enable
them to avoid worldly practices. The Symposium is FREE and includes: continental breakfast, lunch, and gifts galore. Children under 9 years of age cannot attend.
Spaces for workshops are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, according to registration.
Popular workshops fill fast! The Early
CHERYL’S WORLD
Tune in to Cheryl’s World on Blog Talk Radio, or call 646-200-0459 to hear informative, entertaining, enlightening and thought-provoking commentary and news with veteran journalist Cheryl Smith on Sundays at 8a.m. and open lines
with Cheryl on Mondays at 6p.m., Felicia Shepherd on Tuesdays at 6p.m., Love A Natural Me with Yvette and Amy on
Wednesdays at 6p.m., Young Generation Talk with Dareia Tolbert and Lady D on Thursdays at 6p.m., See you at the Movies - with Jamille Brad!eld on Fridays at 6p.m. and
Coffee, Tea and Conversation with Toni at noon on Saturday
The southern cities of Dallas County and surrounding areas are preparing for a bridal experience like none other. Tea n Tee Event Rentals is hosting the 1st Annual Guys and Gals Bridal Soiree on May 17, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel, 1515 N. I-35, DeSoto, TX 75115. Tickets are FREE (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/guys-gals-bridal-soiree-tickets-11144430291) but VIP tickets are available for only $10 and include access to the fashion show, a Soiree Bag and early access starting at 8 a.m.
“Guys and Gals Bridal Soiree will be one of the biggest bridal experiences for the southern most cities of Dallas and Dallas County as well as surrounding areas,” says Latasha Stephens, owner of Tea n Tee Event Rentals.
This soiree is sure to be a one-of-a-kind event as it will have Themed Experience rooms highlighting various party ideas, exclusive vendors, two
fashion shows - 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. - featuring designs for weddings, proms and quinceañera and the first ever Guy’s Lounge for grooms to enjoy their own personal shopping experience for fashions, shoes, cigars and even jewelry. Guys and Gals will
be able to purchase their dream wedding at the soiree while they enjoy live music, a photo booth and so much more!“Most men are left out of the planning phase of the wedding so we created the Guy’s Lounge for men to enjoy the experience of their wedding day as well. And women are not allowed in the Guy’s
Lounge,” adds Stephens.Vendor space is limited and can be
exclusive. There are also opportunities for sponsors and volunteers. For more information about the Guys and Gals Bridal Soiree or how to participate in the fashion show, visit https://www.facebook.com/GuysandGalsBridalSoiree2014.
Tickets available for Guys and Gals Bridal Soiree 2014
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 32 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
Move over e-filing, mobile tax filing is on the rise with nearly 50% of people using their smartphones to file their taxes. We are fast approaching the tax deadline set by Uncle Sam, and this frantic and stressful time can be much simpler when following these tips from Aio on using your mobile phone to prepare and file taxes, plus a few tips to prepare you for next year’s tax season. For those early birds who have filed their taxes already, these tips are not lost on you. There’s always next year, so read on! 1. Stay updated with IRS ProceduresWhile the IRS won’t initiate electronic contact with taxpayers, they do have open channels of communication through which they provide a series of tips, suggestions, and services available. Aio recommends downloading this year’s IRS2Go app so you can access the right information and the best tips 24/7. The app is available in both English and Spanish on iPhone and Android. 2. Timing is EverythingThe deadline to file taxes is April 15th; filing after this date results in fines. You can also file a 6-month extension by that date, but you still must pay in full all taxes owed by April 15th. We recommend you set some time apart from your busy schedule to focus solely on your taxes. Use your smartphone to set up reminders and alarms when for deadlines as they approach.· Consumer Tax Insight: A recent national survey found that only 5 percent of consumers are willing to admit to filing taxes last minute, but the crowds at tax shops and lines at post offices often tell a different story. Meanwhile, 42 percent of consumers claim they file their taxes with adequate time before the deadline, and 3 percent indicate they usually file extensions. 3. Use your Smartphone to File your TaxesNearly half (45%) of consumers say they would be comfortable filing their taxes via a smartphone, according to the same national survey. Many joint and single filers who have no dependents can submit form 1040EZ. Fortunately, smartphones and apps like TurboTax SnapTax and H&R Block – both available on iOS and Android – can make filing this form a breeze. Just submit a snapshot of your W-2 to get started. TaxCaster (iOS, Android, Windows) is a handy tax calculator that helps any taxpayer calculate their tax refund. 4. Keep Track of your SpendingMoving forward, save your receipts to keep track of spending. Apart from helping in tax-filing season, this will help you set an accurate monthly budget to determine recurrent expenses. We recommend using Expensify (iPhone, Android, Windows, and BlackBerry) or OneReceipt to keep track of your receipts. These apps allow you to take pictures of your receipts, categorize, and file them electronically for future tax-filing seasons. 4. Be on the Lookout for ScamsThe IRS never initiates contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages, emails, and social media channels. Scammers thrive during this
time. Also beware of phone calls by scammers pretending to be the IRS and demanding payment immediately via debit card or wire transfers. Smartphones are quickly growing in popularity, because every day we can use them to accomplish more. Filing taxes is a delicate matter, and Aio’s nationwide 4G LTE network is reliable and sure to support you as you file your taxes.
Tax Time Tip Sheet: Simpify e-Filing with Mobile Tax Tips and Apps from Aio Wireless
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 33 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
Send in
April 11
Dr. Michael Eric Dyson to keynote scholarship banquet in Fort Worth N e w R i s i n g S t a r Missionar y Baptist Church will host its 9 t h R a y m o n d B . Spencer Scholarship banquet on April 11 at 7:00 p.m. at the Fort Worth Hilton Hotel. The event will also feature both inspirational and entertaining music by local artist Rodney Bowens and gospel soloist Cornis Wells Canon. Banquet tickets may be obtained by calling the church at 817.531.2835
The American Junior Golf Association will travel to Texas when 84 of the nation’s top junior golfers compete in the Preseason Junior at Brookhaven, April 11-13. The Masters Course at Brookhaven Country Club will host the 36-hole, stroke play event for the sixth straight year.
April 12Have you ever wanted to know the REAL Secret of being a
Beauty Queen?Meet Miss Texas 2013 - Ivana Hall!
Meet and Greet with Miss Texas 2013 - Ivana HallLocation: UNT-Dallas Campus
7300 University Hills Boulevard, Building 1, Room 244(second "oor)
Dallas, TX 75241Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
RSVP: Please call 512-463-0953 or 972-224-6795.Get secret beauty tips and fashion advice!
Hosted by Texas House Representative Helen Giddings, District 109
Families are invited to PREP U Super Saturday
event Thomas A. Edison Middle Learning Center, located at
2940 Singleton Blvd., will host PREP University Super Saturday, presented by the Office of Family and Community
Engagement and the schools in the L.G. Pinkston High School feeder pattern, from 9 a.m. to noon. All Dallas ISD families are invited to attend and enjoy free educational workshops, student entertainment, bounce houses, face painting and free food as well as visit with community
agencies, win door piizes, and more.
Join one of Dallas’ hottest authors Kimberly Thacker Webb at the much-anticipated launch of her debut novel titled “Degrees of Deception” from 6-10 p.m. at the Aloft Dallas Downtown Hotel, 1033 Young St., in the Party Pad.
The 2014 African American Educators Hall of Fame Program will be held atNoon., Hilton Garden Inn, 800 N. Main Street, Duncanville, Texas. An induction ceremony will be conducted to honor educators and others who have made signi$cant contributions to the African American Education experience in Dallas County. Dinner will be served. Tickets are $50 each
Event: “Story Corners” -Outdoor Storytelling Festival & Neighborhood Fish Fry. Location: Tenth Street Historical District (intersection S. Cliff & Eleventh Sts. at Betterton Cir), Dallas
Galaxy Counseling Center KidsFest 2014 “Keep it Moving” Will Promote Health and Fitness to Thousands in Garland TX…. About 8,000 children and parents will enjoy an afternoon of high-energy festivities at this year’s KidsFest from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Firewheel Town Center.
20th Annual Teen Town Hall meeting hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Dallas Alumnae ChapterTIME: 9:00AM – 1:00PMOak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church, Christian Education Bldg.1808 W. Camp Wisdom Rd., Dallas, TX 75232THEME: EYES WIDE OPEN
WALMART and CREAM OF NATURE have teamed up for the P RESERVING THE BEAUTY OF OUR HERITAGE tour. WALMART SUPERCENTER located at 3155 W. Wheatland Road - Dallas, TX 75237 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm for a celebration of African-American beauty, family and fun! This event
is FREE and open to the public. All registrants that attend the event will qualify for a chance to receive a FREE exclusive beauty/accessory travel bag. Click the image below to RSVP now! #MyBeautifulHeritage
South Dallas Business & Professional Women's Club, Inc51st V. Alyce Foster Trailblazer Awards Luncheon
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER 2014 CONFERENCE El Centro College - West Campus Community Room
3330 N. Hampton Rd, Dallas, TX 752128:30 a.m. Until 3:00 p.m.
Hispanic Communicators DFW w i l l h a v e A B C ’s J o h n Quiñones as keynote speakera t a n n u a l s c h o l a r s h i p banquet when they will also pay tribute to Gloria Campos ”3015 @ Trinity Groves”http://www.3015dallas.comlocated at 3015 Gulden Ln Dallas, TX 75212
Southwest Black Fine Arts Show Frank and Judy Frazier Cordially Invite You to: A "Conversation" of Black Artists In America Today10AM TO 9PM @ EVENTS IN THE CLIFF, 2600 ZANG BLVD, DALLAS TX, 75224. (Next to Anns Health Food Store).SWBFAS Phone Number: 817 - 368 - 2149
ROYAL KINECTION UPCOMING PERFORMANCE 10am - 5pm
Anti-Bullying Teen Roughing Event DeSoto Civic Center
Pleasant Run Road, DeSoto, Texas 10am - 11am, Speakers; 11am - 12pm, Panel Discussion on
Anti-Bullying; 1pm - 5pm, Entertainment. *****
2nd Annual Linedance FunRaiser 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd (BlueBonnet Room) DeSoto, TX 751157:30PM - 11:00PMAdmission: $15.00 @ door
Where: Arlington Hilton HotelAddress: 2401 E Lamar Blvd, Arlington, TX
Keynote Speaker: George Fraser
Nathan and Gail Edwards, a young, newly-wed black couple, have everything but the truth. In their community, a black man can be many things and still $nd some level of acceptance; he cannot however, be gay. When Nathan reveals to Gail that he is gay, there are far-reaching implications that neither one of them could predict.Staged Reading Coordinated by Director Akin BabatundeProduced by Curtis King
PLAYWRIGHT'S SPOTLIGHT Featuring the Work of TOMMY BRYANT
"LEVEL TO THE GROUND" 5 PMClarence Muse Cafe Theatre
Dallas Convention Center Theater ComplexPhysical Address: 1309 Canton Street
Dallas, TX 75201
April 13
The Labyrinth Walk Coffee House continues on with its enjoyable 2nd Sunday Afternoon Jazz Jam on April 13 from 5pm to around 7pm. Admission is free!!! Tips will be distributed among the performers. Musicians, singers, listeners and lovers of jazz, bring your instruments, beverages (wine and beer ok), and food and come on down to the Labyrinth Walk Coffee House at 3839 W. Kiest Blvd, Dallas, TX 75233 on the 2nd Sunday of each month.
Shiloh Church, 4702 Saturn Road, Garland, TX 75041, would like to to extend an invitation to all to celebrate Rev. Ronald Session and First Lady Lisa Session's 3rd Anniversary at 10:30am. The theme of the celebration is "Double Honor Day, 1 Timothy 5:17." For more information, visit www.shilohgarland.org or call the church, 972-698-0608.
ENCORE PERFORMANCE of The Awakening!FASHION - ART - THEATRE
THE AWAKENING a theatrical stage showat The Majestic Theater at 4pm
April 14
2013-2014 Superintendent’s Scholarship Reception Sixty-four Dallas ISD students will be recognized at
the district’s annual Superintendent’s Scholarship Reception at 6 p.m., at Emmett Conrad High School, 7502 Fair Oaks
Avenue. The 64 students include recipients of the
Superintendent Scholarship, the Sulentic Family Foundation Scholarships and the Joe May Scholarship.
April 15
The Press Club of Dallas honors the career of longtime supporter and WFAA/Channel 8 news anchor Gloria Campos with a reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at KERA Studios, 3000 Harry Hines Blvd. in Dallas.
April 16
18th Annual Spring Plant Sale Multiple Careers Magnet Center will host the 18th
Annual Spring Plant Sale from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 and Thursday, April 17 at the school, 4528 Rusk
Avenue. The garden sale will also feature art and a
complimentary light lunch for customers.
April 17HiawathaWilliams, founder of Williams Chicken is coming to Th3rd Thursday Champion's Luncheon, 1724 Cockrell Avenue, Dallas.
******* Vision-impaired Easter Egg Hunt -- Dallas ISD’s Vision Program and the AT&T Pioneers are sponsoring a “Beeping Egg Hunt” for the visually impaired students and their
NO 3 ISSUE 32 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION APRIL 11, 2014
PAGE 34 ! ! ! I MESSENGER
Friday
TUNE IN
Thursday
HOSTS: DAREIA TOLBERT
Wednesday
HOST - YVETTE BROOKS
Tuesday
FELICIA SHEPHERD
Monday
Billy Parnell
Cheryl’s World on Blogtalkradio.com at 6p.m.
Call in to 646-200-0459
Donna P. Charles
5/20/1958 - 3/23/2012Elusive Lady #22
Spring 1978Beta Alpha Chapter
of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.,
FAMU
IN MEMORIAM
families at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 17 at Flag Pole Hill. Prior to the egg hunt, children will enjoy games and crafts, Radio Disney, and a petting zoo. This event is closed to the public. Eligible students have already received invitations.
Easter Chapel Service 8:15 a.m. -St. Philip's School and Community Center-Dallas
Paul Quinn College "A Community Cooks"Time: 6 p.m., Campus of Paul Quinn College
Buckner Children and Family Services will present a FREE foster care and adoption information meeting at 7 p.m. Teens in Crisis, Erika Estes Founder/CEOPRESENTS CLINIC ONLEARN HOW TO EXPUNGE YOUR CRIMINAL BACKGROUNDLOCATION: UNT DALLAS LAW SCHOOL ROOM 5501901 MAIN ST. DALLAS, TEXAS 75201
April 18
BLACK VISION FILM SERIES @ The SDCCThe South Dallas Cultural Center invites $lm lovers to experience the Black Women in Films sweeping romantic drama, “Half of a Yellow Sun Movie”. This $lm stars Oscar nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years A Slave”), Thandie Newton (“For Colored Girls....”) & Anika Noni Rose (“DreamGirls”). There will be a pre-screening reception at 7:00 pm and the $lm will start at 8:00 pm. Tickets are available at the door for $15. Purchase tickets online for a $5 discount at www.blackvision$lmseries.com - 3400 S. Fitzhugh Avenue. For more information call 214-939-2787, log on to http://dallasculture.org/SDCulturalCenter and like us on Facebook.com/SouthDallasCulturalCenter The SDCC is a program of the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs and supported in part by Texas Commission on the Arts.
APRIL 19 10AM TO 1PMGuest Speaker - Kelvin Bass Senator Royce West AideRSVP @ [email protected] OR 678.561.363517 at Buckner’s office, located at 5200 Buckner Blvd.
On April 1, 2014, Student Minister Jeffery Muhammad completed twenty ( 2 0 ) y e a r s o f representing The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and serving the community in the city of Dallas, Texas. The believers of Muhammad Mosque No. 48, are planning a celebration for this occasion on Saturday, April 19, 2014, from 6:00 – 9:30 PM at Muhammad Mosque No. 48, 2429 MLK Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75215
Townview Alumni Jazz Event The Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Big “D” Band will host its Elegant Evening Jazz featuring special guest artist, The Big D Alumni Jazz Combo, at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 19, at The Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm St. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $20 for reserved VIP seating. Reserve tickets by calling Townview band hall at (972) 925-5918.
Irving Black Arts CouncilPresents Film Festival (Short Films)
- 6:30PMIrving Arts Center - Dupree Theater
3333 North MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX
April 20
2)Easter is a perfect opportunity to join us at Shiloh Church, 4702 Saturn Road, Garland, TX 75041. Bring your family, friends and neighbors as we celebrate Christ's resurrection on Sunday, April 20, 2014 during our 8:00am and 10:30am worship services. For additional information visit www.shilohgarland.org or call the church at 972-698-0608.
Aggie Fun Event at 300 Bowling in Addison, TX
April 23 Community Hero recognition The students and staff of Pleasant Grove Elementary will recognize Ray Fraser, owner of Nickelrama, as a Community Hero, Wednesday April 23, beginning at 10 a.m. Fraser has donated his time and nickels from Nickelrama, a nickel arcade, to the elementary school and
speci$cally to the FLS special education classrooms for the past $ve years.
Excellence in Education Scholarship LuncheonFrontiers of Flight Museum6911 Lemmon Avenue Dallas, TX 7520912:00 pm Noon ********THE SDCC presents….AfroHORN The South Dallas Cultural Center (SDCC) is proud to present the New York based avant garde jazz group AfroHORN on Thursday, April 24th at 8pm at the Latino Cultural Center. This highly anticipated performance will be absolutely free and open to the public.
***The Collin County Council on Family Violence to Host The
5th Annual Interfaith Symposium forClergy and Community Leaders
Faith Leaders 411: Who to Call; When to Call; Why to CallCollin College - Preston Ridge Conference Center 7:30 a.m.
to 3:30 p.m.Registration can be made by visiting www.CCC-FV.org. For additional information and sponsorship
opportunities, please call 972-769-0557. Collin College – Preston Ridge Conference Center is located at 9700 Wade
Boulevard, Frisco, Texas, 75035.
*******Dallas Women’s Foundation LuncheonOmni Dallas Hotel | Trinity Ballroom 5:30 pm -Reception6:30 pm - Dinner and Awards PresentationPresented by AT&T with the support of American Airlines and Jones Day --Keynote address by Ping Fu
April 26
DFW NC A&T Alumni Association chapter meeting will be held from 2pm-3:30pm at the Center for Community Cooperation, 2900 Live Oak St., Dallas, TX
Dallas Metroplex Council of Black Alumni AssociationsScholarship Awards Reception12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.Center for Community Cooperation - Oak Corner Room -2900 Live Oak Street Dallas, TX 75204 RSVP to [email protected] or call 972-220-0477 by April 19. Michael Martin Murphey Fundraiser Concert Musician Michael Martin Murphey, a 1963 graduate of Dallas ISD's W.H. Adamson High School, will play an acoustic show on Saturday, April 26, 4:30 p.m. in the new school auditorium, 309 E. Ninth, as a fundraiser for the Adamson Alumni Association. Tickets are $45 per person and available here: http://adamsonalums.com/michael-martin-murphey-fundraiser-concert-tickets/
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson will host her 22nd Annual Academy Day at Duncanville High School, 900 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. It will start at 9am. For additional information call 214-922-8885
Studies by theUniversity of Texas atDallas Institute of UrbanPolicy, United Way andTexas A&M are takingplace now to assess thequality of life in the SouthDallas community beforebillion dollar projectsinvolving the new DARTLight Rail and the Trinity
Toll Road are brought tothe area. Some construc-tion has begun with thedemolition of homes tofollow later this year.At a meeting held by the
three institutions, a focusgroup of sorts dished ideasand findings on the surveysthat have told the story of theresidents of South Dallas.“We are measuring con-
ditions that may vary fromstreet to street,” said Dr.
Timothy Bray, director ofthe Institute of UrbanPolicy Research. He helps
oversee the The FieldResearch Team whichunderwent 80 hours of
training in administeringthe anonymous surveys.“Over three to four yearsthere are changes in condi-tions and we want to knowhow it affects the area.”
In having the conversa-tion about building withinSouth Dallas, many issuesarise with respect toeducation and business in
See ROAD, page 19
The Long andWinding RoadLight rail, Trinity River road highlyscrutinized in South Dallas
“OVER THREE TO
FOUR YEARS THERE
ARE CHANGES IN
CONDITIONS AND
WEWANT TO KNOW
HOW IT AFFECTS
THE AREA”
Political analysts, both mainstream and Black news
media and intellectuals around the country have given their
grade evaluation on President Barack Obama’s first 100
days in office, marked on April 30. Here’s how several
people from the local front graded the new president.
Congresswoman EddieBernice Johnson
Grade:A“I am deeply impressed with the progress that
President Barack Obama has made during the first 100days of his administration. Already we are seeingevidence of the administration’s plan to dig our countryout of recession and develop long-term, sustainable pros-perity. President Obama has made two trips abroad,proving to us and to the world that he intends to
repair our frayed alliances and restore ourinternational leadership.
Finally, the Obama adminis-tration’s code of ethicshas broughtmuch-neededtransparency andaccountability to theWhite House.
President Obamais delivering on thechange that hepromised.”
Senator Kay
Bailey HutchisonGrade: C
“In just 100 days, we’ve seen an alarming accel-
eration of policies that will take America down the
wrong track. The administration has proposed
trillions of dollars in new spending, which will
result in higher taxes on Americans, while sharply
raising our indebtedness to foreign creditors.On the national security front, I am
very concerned aboutthe President’s intention toclose Guantanamo without aworkable plan to relocatedetainees. It is mysincere hope that,movingforward,
theadminis-
tration willadopt the productive,
responsible approach to ournation’s challenges thatAmericansdeserve.”(The office of John Cornyn of
Texas was contacted but did
PROPOSITIONS
1 AND 2
Dallas is abuzz at theelection issues beforethem on May 9 whencitizens are asked tovote on the controver-sial ConventionCenter Hotel that isbeing backed byMayor
Leppert. But what doesvoting “no” and voting“yes” mean?It is important to
remember that thepropositions are toamend the Dallas CityCharter which, amongother things, gives thecity the power to acquireproperty for any publicpurpose. The propositionsare worded to prohibit thecity from acting on thesebefore stated powers.Therefore, if a citizen wouldlike the city to maintainthose powers, they are tovote NO and vice versa.
TO SUBSCRIBE TO EITHER OR ALL PUBLICATION, COMPLETE FORM AND MAIL TO:I MESSENGER ENTERPRISES
320 SOUTH R.L. THORNTON FREEWAY, SUITE 220 DALLAS, TX 75203
I want to receive copies of __ I Messenger __ Garland Journal __ Texas Metro News at $50 per subscription
Check Card
Amount: __________________
I A guy who hits a woman
can be called lots of things.
“Man” is not one of them.
A FAMILY .
Join Mayor Mike Rawlings for The Ten Thousand Man Ral l y Against Domestic Abuse at 10am on March 23rd at Dal las Cit y Hal l . (DART exit at Convention Center Station.) I t ’s t ime for the men of Dal las to say, enough is enough.
Join the ral ly, 3.23.13
39946_MOROCH_MAA_NP_Ad_BW.indd 1 2/28/13 1:41 PM
Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE?
POLICE have not apprehended Pookie the serial rapist. Aren’t you concerned? Do you care?We know he has attacked members of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.
If you have ANY information, PLEASE call Crime Stoppers
877.373.8477
Also, if you want extra protection,
check out Street Safe at
www.streetsafe.peopleguard.com
“We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people.” . Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
DON’T BE
SILENTJoin I Messenger in the call for justice. Turn Pookie in today!