Volume XXXI, Number XI April 8-14, 2021 The seven last words of George Floyd

- See Page 3 Finding the pathway to health justice Visit us online at www.northdallasgazette.com - See Page 4 Heavily armed Texas man, 31-year Texas police old Paul Murray, targets VP Harris fired over Black By Stacy M. Brown man’s death NNPA Senior National Correspondent - See Page 5 Paul Murray, an army veteran Black grad from Texas already wanted by the Secret Service, was arrested out- rates on the side of Vice President Kamala Har- increase ris’s official residence. U.S. Secret Service officers took Murray into custody after finding a - See Page 6 large-capacity ammunition-feeding device, a rifle and ammunition, and Black women another unidentified dangerous address UN on weapon. Vice President Harris and Sec- trafficking ond Gentlemen Doug Emhoff have Murray’s mother reportedly called the police to request a welfare check on her son, not moved into the residence at the stating she was concerned about his mental state. - See Page 8 U.S. Naval Observatory, and nei- (Photo: Screen capture, penguinsix | YouTube) ther were there during the incident. Washington, D.C. Court documents revealed that Complete “The Brazos County [Texas] “We communicated that infor- the 31-year-old Murray com- Sheriff’s Office has been in con- mation with our local and federal plained to police that he wasn’t NAACP Image tact with Paul Murray over the past partners in an effort to ensure the getting support from Veteran’s Af- Awards two weeks at the request of fam- safety of all involved,” the state- fairs and was not taking prescribed ily members due to his behavior,” ment read. medication. - See Page 9 Texas officials wrote in a statement “Sheriff [Wayne] Dicky is grate- Despite the mental health con- issued to the media. ful for the efforts of all the agen- cerns, many Americans have ex- The quest for “There were no criminal viola- cies that took part in this event. It is pressed concern that Murray may tions found, but our agency con- through these efforts to share criti- have targeted the vice president for equitable tinued to monitor the situation be- cal information that situations like political reasons or because she’s a access to credit cause of concerning behavior and this can be resolved without harm woman of color. statements, as well as information to anyone. Protecting our commu- “He had a rifle and a large ca- - See Page 11 that Murray may have been in pos- nity is the highest priority of the pacity clip in his vehicle,” Twitter session of weapons.” Brazos County Sheriff’s Office.” user @1988Vor wrote. “Is he just Authorities said deputies, work- Murray’s mother reportedly another ‘bad day’ Christian man or Sister Tarpley: ing with the family and health care called the police to request a wel- mentally disturbed?” Be patient for providers to obtain a mental health fare check on her son, stating she Neither Vice President Harris evaluation, received information was concerned about his mental nor the White House has issued God’s plan that Murray may have traveled to state. statements regarding the incident. - See Page 15 Inside... See Page 2 People In The News ... People in the News ...... 2 Op/Ed ...... 3 Health ...... 4 Community ...... 5 Education ...... 6 Advertising ...... 7 Entertainment ...... 9-10 Yusef Jackson Shauntae E. Lewis Kwame Dawes Marketplace ...... 12 Career / Notices ...... 13 NDG Quote of the Week: “I think education is power. I think that being able to communicate with people is Church Directory ...... 13-15 power. One of my main goals on the planet is to encourage people to empower themselves.” – Oprah Winfrey NDG Book Review ...... 16 People in the News www.NorthDallasGazette.com the industry, has come un- of the service. In a release announcing have been rightly criticized Yusef Jackson der fire in recent years for Last year, Aventiv an- Jackson’s new position, and are long overdue for (TriceEdneyWire.com) - the high prices charged to nounced an effort to change Aventiv CEO Dave Abel reform.” Attorney and entrepreneur family members of the in- some of those business said that Jackson would Jackson also said that Yusef Jackson is joining the carcerated for use of their practices and respond to “play a vital role not only his approach to this reform executive team at Aventiv services in some jurisdic- criticism of the industry. To in expanding our reform effort would be driven by Technologies, according to tions. date, the company has pro- efforts, but also in broad- both data and conversa- a company announcement. A number of advocacy vided more than 40 million ening our view as we look tions with families of the Jackson is the son of Rain- groups have been calling free phone calls through both inward and outward incarcerated. “While I bow/PUSH founder Jesse for policy changes to lower that effort, according to with respect to employee, know Securus has under- Jackson and has been a the price of calls and other company data. customer, and community taken a similar effort, it is longtime advocate for civil services for the incarcer- Jackson’s hiring is being stakeholders.” important that I understand rights alongside his family. ated, including by prohib- positioned as a continua- Jackson acknowledged not only the data, but hear Jackson’s role is being iting government agencies tion of that effort. The com- the history of problems in- first-hand from affected in- described as helping to company to Securus Tech- from collecting revenue pany announcement said herent to correctional con- dividuals,” Jackson said. facilitate external partner- nologies, which is best off of these contracts. Oth- Jackson would be involved tractors, saying “the cor- African Americans and ships with the civic, educa- known for providing tele- ers, including some who in the development of job rectional services industry Hispanics make up 32 per- tional, and corporate com- communication services to are currently incarcerated, and reintegration tools for provides critical technol- cent of the U.S. but 56% of munities and ensuring a prisons and jails around the argue that the opportunity those who are incarcerated, ogy products and services the incarcerated population, more diverse workforce at U.S., including phones and that comes with these pre- and partnerships focused to incarcerated Americans, according to the NAACP. digital tablets. The com- viously unavailable tech- on eliminating the post- but the business practices the company. See JACKSON, Page 16 Aventiv is the parent pany, along with others in nologies is worth the cost incarceration stigma. employed by the industry starting a nonprofit to help writing is essential to get- certified isn’t held to those “Work, life, balance,” ut- Shauntae E. Lewis young girls and women – ting those degrees,” she same standards. An uncer- tered Lewis as a reminder of By Stacy M. Brown specifically those who have continued. tified grant writer may not one of her mottos. “I think NNPA Senior National suffered the trauma from “When I researched it, understand some things in some ways I may have Correspondent physical, mental, or sexual I said, ‘I can do that.’ So, like how to get a state li- redefined that. It’s tough to abuse or divorce. out of that came Grant Life cense or a federal grant.” be a CEO in business and a Shauntae E. Lewis heard Following careful re- Consulting.” Further, Lewis offered CEO in the home. You have the naysayers – loud and search, Lewis decided As a certified grant writ- that if an uncertified grant challenges in both places, clear. grant writing would prove er, Lewis assists companies writer could be prone to and it can take a toll on “I heard ‘you won’t just as effective. with budgets as much as mistakes that can severely you. But time management amount to this’ and ‘you’re “I realized that grants $10 million. damage a business. is always key.” not good enough,’” Lewis, and funding were needed She noted that there is a “You have to show how Lewis now has more than a certified grant writer who and my researched showed vast difference between a funds are received and al- 18 years of professional owns and operates Grant that none of the grant writ- grant writer and a certified located. If funds are mis- writing experience, orga- Life Consulting in Florida. With her four children ers looked like me,” Lewis grant writer. allocated in any way, your nizational management, “My inspiration came and her faith as inspira- remarked. “The importance of a business will have a major business development, and from a sense of fear and tion, Lewis has done more “I couldn’t find anyone certified grant writer is problem,” Lewis stated. client training. those things that I had than achieve. She has suc- to speak to or about it. I immeasurable,” Lewis an- The mother of four ac- A member of the Ameri- heard in my life – in the ceeded. have a background in busi- nounced. “We are held to knowledged that there is a can Grant Writers’ Associa- A U.S. Air Force veteran, ness and finance, and any certain standards of eth- battle to balance home and professional world,” Lewis See LEWIS, Page 16 recalled. Lewis initially considered college student knows that ics, whereas one who’s not work.

years as project creator in the everyday, the broad ment, the website features find new ways to engage Kwame Dawes and editor. The first poem sense of Americanness increased browsing and with poems whether that’s CHICAGO — Award- featured is “They Dance that eschews elitism and discovery capabilities, through a love of sports or winning poet, author, and Through Granelli’s” by that embraces a democratic new photography, and an geography.” editor Kwame Dawes, PhD, Pat Emile – an homage to sense of lives that make increased social media Dawes hopes new readers today published his first the recently retired edito- sense to a vast cross section presence. Front and center will connect with American weekly column as Ameri- rial assistant of the project of the population,” Dawes allows users the ability to Life in Poetry by finding can Life in Poetry editor, in for 15 years. Dawes seeks said. “I welcome readers browse past columns by columns that are approach- partnership with the Poetry to maintain and expand the who can engage in a wide theme and region. able and speak to their in- Foundation and University original vision for the col- section of American life, “The site allows for read- terests, particularly for new of Nebraska Lincoln, and umn by continuing to reach can find poetry that speaks ers to dig deeper into what poetry readers. With over relaunches a new and en- readers through local news to various aspects of Amer- they may see in the news- 60 different themes that can gaging website to connect media outlets, as well as ican existence, and that letter or on social media,” be combined while search- people to poetry through subscribers to the newslet- somehow embraces the full Dawes said. “We want ing, users can find a poem interests, geography, and umn forward after found- ter that publishes weekly range of this America.” readers to stay on the site that speaks to gardening representation. ing editor and curator, Ted on Mondays. Along with a complete- for awhile and get com- Dawes carries the col- Kooser, retired after 15 “This column is rooted ly refreshed visual state- fortable with poetry, or to See SAWES, Page 8

2 | April 8-14, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com www.NorthDallasGazette.com Op-Ed The seven last words of George Floyd By John Thomas III called for his mother, he many times have we heard outside of its office em- Editor, The Christian was calling for all of us,” deadly force being justi- blazoned with the words, Recorder said a friend of mine who fied because of a perceived “Another man was lynched P.O. Box 763866 - Dallas, Texas 75736-3866 is the mother of a young threat or a need to stand today.” In 2015, the flag Phone: 972-432-5219 - Fax: 972-509-9058 The commemoration of Black son. When Jesus one’s ground? was revived and updated Good Friday is a solemn was dying on the cross, He 4) I can’t believe this. to say, “Another man was “Do what you say you are and holy event for Chris- looked to His mother, Mary Mr. Floyd’s disbelief lynched by police today.” going to do ... when you say tians. We cannot get to the commending her to John’s that a transaction with an Jesus’s death was a public resurrection of Jesus Christ care. We can only imag- alleged counterfeit bill lynching complete with a you are going to do it.” without traversing through ine how Mary felt to see could cost him his life at gambling show. The world the crucifixion, death, and the life slowly leaving her the hands of someone who has borne witness to Mr. Publisher’s Office: burial of God’s only begot- son’s body. In his last mo- he had worked with. The Floyd’s lynching—many [email protected] ten son. One of the divid- ments, Mr. Floyd cried out shock from emergency per- anguished, others cheering, ing lines among Christian for the woman who brought sonnel who clearly saw the and some nonchalant—in Sales Department: traditions is the context of him into this world as he re- signs of distress yet were the same way that the spec- [email protected] Jesus’s Passion and death. alized he was being ripped not allowed to render assis- tators watched Jesus hang 972-509-9049 When we separate Jesus out of it. tance. The horror of rookie His head on Golgotha as from His worldly environ- 2) Please, man. police officers out on their the sun set. Editorial Department: ment and circumstances— When Jesus was on the training patrol witnessing 7) I can’t breathe! [email protected] being persecuted as a Jew- cross, He appealed to His a superior crushing the life The most well-known ish teacher by a foreign tormentors to quench His out of a restrained suspect. phrase that embodies Online: empire and betrayed by thirst. Mr. Floyd appealed We all cannot believe the how White Supremacy compatriots who were has strangled the life out www.NorthDallasGazette.com threatened by His message Today as we commemorate one of Black people globally www.twitter.com/NDGEditor and witness—we lose sight through the trans-Atlantic www.facebook.com/NorthDallasGazette that Jesus, both fully God who paid the ultimate price for slave trade (Maafa), co- www.pinterest.com/NDallasGazette and man, was gruesomely lonialism, apartheid, seg- www.instagram.com/NorthDallasGazette murdered. our eternal salvation, we must regation, and a litany of This year’s Good Fri- also remember those who daily other terms associated STAFF day is especially poignant with White Supremacy and Chairman Emeritus Religious / Marketing Editor for African Americans it pay the price of the legacy of the anti-Blackness. It was first Jim Bochum Shirley Demus Tarpley comes in the middle of the seared into our memories 1933-2009 (“Sister Tarpley”) trial of Derek Chauvin for brutal and inveterate violence of when we watched Eric Gar- the gruesome murder of ner have the life choked out Chief Editor Emeritus White Supremacy. Ruth Ferguson NDG Columnist George Floyd. The 9 min- of him. On May 25, 2020, 1965-2020 Allen R. Gray utes and 29 seconds that over 600 years of global an- turned the collective stom- to the humanity of his tor- cruel brutality of White ti-Blackness were distilled Published by Minority Opportunity News, Inc. Contributing Writers ach of the world have been mentor to save his life. He Supremacy—yet it plays into a single moment when Jackie Hardy seared into our shared con- was already on the ground before our collective eyes a white cop literally ripped Interim Editor Breanne Holley sciousness and the legacy and restrained. He was not a daily with its deadly conse- the spirit out of a Black David Wilfong Jacquinette Murphy of this watershed moment threat. This plea echoes the quences. man. We remember that Je- Community Marketing Dwain Price is still playing out. In the signs of the 1960s strikes 5) Tell my kids, I love sus committed His spirit to Nadina Davis Terri Schlichenmeyer same way that we can- when working-class Black them. God as his lungs collapsed David Wilfong not allow our faith to be people asserted their digni- Mr. Floyd had a life be- from the crucifixion. Senior Account Executive sanitized, we cannot allow ty by simply saying, “I am a fore he became a martyr, a Breonna Taylor, Atatia- Nina Garcia the death of Mr. Floyd to Man!” It also echoes the ap- slogan, and a t-shirt image. na Jefferson, Tamir Rice, Production be stripped of the circum- peal of Sojourner Truth for He was a friend, a son, and Freddy Gray, Philando David Wilfong stances of institutional rac- persons to see and value her a father. Behind every vic- Castille, Bothan Jean Jani- humanity by saying, “Ain’t tim of racism is collateral sha Fonville, Mr. George NDG Obituary Dept. ism, poverty, and White Vicky Richardson-Stewart Supremacy that led to his I a Woman?” In the eyes of damage—grieving chil- Perry Floyd, Jr., and Jesus. VP of Operations brutal death at the hands his murderer, however, Mr. dren, a heartbroken com- Today as we commemo- of one who was charged Floyd was not a citizen— munity, the lost potential rate one who paid the ulti- to serve and protect. It is much less, a human being. of what could and should mate price for our eternal customary on Good Friday 3) You’re going to kill have been. Even though salvation, we must also to commemorate the seven me, man! his death has become a remember those who daily last words/sayings of Jesus Mr. Floyd told his mur- symbol of the cost of insti- pay the price of the legacy Christ in solemn worship. derer that he was dying tutional racism for Black of the brutal and inveterate In that spirit today, I en- and pleaded with him to people, Mr. Floyd was a violence of White Suprem- courage us to reflect upon stop. As the trial goes on, real man with real people acy. Our prayer to make it the seven last words of we are hearing the damn- who mourn him and were “on Earth as it is in Heav- George Floyd based upon ing testimony of persons robbed of his presence in en” is only as good as the the police bodycam tran- who all say they know they their lives. witness and daily steps we script. witnessed a murder. An as- 6) I’m dead. take to make sure that Je- North Dallas Gazette assumes no responsibility 1) Mama, mama, sassination perpetrated by Between 1920 and 1938, sus, George Floyd, and so for unsolicited material and reserves the right to mama! White Supremacy at the the New York branch of many others have not died edit and make appropriate revisions. “When George Floyd hands of the police. How the NAACP hung a flag in vain. Amen. The North Dallas Gazette, formerly Minority Opportunity News, was founded in July 1991, by Mr. Jim Bochum and Mr. Thurman R. Jones. North Dallas Gazette is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Minority Opportunity News, Inc.

For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com April 8-14, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette | 3 Health www.NorthDallasGazette.com Want to help fight for health justice? It may be time to listen By Michael Merschel said Lubin, is often a chal- “I may not be Black, but Universities from Georgia American Heart lenge for white people – I’ve got to talk about the to Georgetown and beyond Association News particularly those in lead- implications of being Black have pages devoted to al- ership positions who think in this society,” he said. lyship. The Seattle Public A pandemic, protests and it’s their job to be the first “There are people who are Library offers an extensive politics have highlighted person to offer ideas. experiencing the structural reading list. the nation’s long-standing, In contrast, she sees soli- racism, who know it, for And if solidarity starts deep-seated racial issues darity as making space so whom it’s deeply personal. with listening and learn- and how they affect the affected people can speak And they can see it with ing, eventually it demands health of millions of Amer- for themselves. clear eyes.” more. icans. People who’ve never Dr. Harlan Krumholz Everyone else is then ob- A white person who un- Online Marketing / Unsplash confronted racism before agrees. He’s director of the ligated to listen and learn, derstands how systemic Well-established groups survival to hospital dis- are asking, “How can I Yale-New Haven Hospital Krumholz said, “and not racism has kept people such as the American Med- charge than white patients, Center for Outcomes Re- show I’m an ally?” draw attention to ourselves of color out of leadership For the uninitiated, be- ical Association and the even when controlling for search and Evaluation in for just doing what is right. roles might realize they ing a partner in the fight American Heart Associa- socioeconomic status. Re- New Haven, Connecticut. The focus must be on those need to step aside to create against racism can begin by tion have denounced struc- searchers have linked such “It’s important that those who are disadvantaged – room for someone, Lubin looking inward. First and tural racism. health problems to a web of of us who are outside of and repairing a society that said. It also involves risks, foremost, “it’s about listen- Research continues to factors that have structural those groups that are di- has caused this situation.” whether confronting family ing, particularly listening show the connection be- racism at their base. rectly affected are standing to the communities and tween the deep roots of rac- Focusing on health and up and speaking loudly,” An ally’s job, he said, in- members or putting a job the people that are directly ism and health inequities. racism is good, said Lubin, he said. “But we need to be volves helping “those with- on the line with a problem- impacted by injustices,” For example, while overall who has both a master’s in sure that the attention stays out voice gain voice and atic employer. said Judy Lubin, president death rates from heart dis- public health and a doctor- firmly on those who are stand up against the injus- “At the end of the day, of the Center for Urban ease and stroke declined ate in sociology. But some- suffering.” tices within health care and action is what’s most im- and Racial Equity, a social over the past two decades times, on an individual lev- Over his career, Krum- within society, to try to pro- portant,” she said. “But change consulting group in until a recent plateau, these el, people who say they’re holz has led programs to il- mote a better society, one in we also don’t want action Washington, D.C. gains were not equitably allies go out of their way luminate health disparities which everybody has a fair that’s harmful. And that’s Before anybody who’s shared among people who to put the focus on them- and promote greater diver- shot to be healthy, and a fair why it’s so critical that self- part of a privileged major- are from the Black, Asian, selves. It becomes a perfor- sity in the profession. He’s shot at a good life.” reflection and awareness is ity rushes in, they need to American Indian, or His- mance, she said, sometimes spoken about the need to That’s an attitude Lubin happening.” understand where they fit panic and Latino communi- fueled by social media. partner with affected com- encourages when people Supporting the humanity in, Lubin and others say. ties. The term “allyship” is of- munities on such issues. ask how to be allies. Soli- and dignity of groups who Discussions about ra- Black adults experience ten used in discussions and People have to be will- darity, she said, is about do- haven’t historically had cial disparities in health a 30% higher death rate guides about supporting the ing to take on problems ing things that “honor the privilege ends up lifting all aren’t new. But COVID-19, from heart disease and a need for change. But Lu- that might not affect them dignity of everyone.” of society, she said. “When which has disproportion- 70% higher death rate from bin said many people ad- directly, he said, because Which does not make it systems work for the most ately affected Black, His- stroke compared with their dressing racial inequity are what happens to people simple. marginalized, they end up panic, American Indian and white peers, according to focusing more on the idea who come from different “There’s no checklist working better for every- Asian communities, has the latest Centers for Dis- of “solidarity,” which in- backgrounds – defined by on how to be in solidar- one.” ease Control and Preven- volves “making space and helped move the conversa- race, ethnicity, religion, ity, although there are lots If you have questions or tion data from 2018. After listening to and respecting tion about race and health sexual orientation or more of articles and resources comments about this story, a cardiac arrest, Black and the leadership of people of to the medical profession’s – reflects on us, our health out there,” she said. Her please email editor@heart. Hispanic patients experi- color.” highest levels. Top medical care system and our soci- organization lists several. org. journals have run columns. ence significantly lower That type of listening, ety. And it affects us, too. OP-ED: The American Rescue Plan — Changing the course of the pandemic for all Americans By U.S. Congressman in five Black households are It distributes $360 billion ing child and earned income James E. Clyburn (D-SC-6) struggling with food insuf- in emergency funding for tax credits, and increasing ficiency, and more than a state and local governments SNAP benefits. It has been a little more third of Black renters are be- to keep front line public Many of you may have than a year since COVID-19 hind on their rent payments. workers on the job and help already received the $1,400 was officially discovered President Joe Biden has maintain essential services. direct payment per eligible within the boundaries of the responded to this world- These targeted investments member of your household. United States. It has been wide pandemic with The will directly benefit your Because of misinformation devastating to communities American Rescue Plan communities and help them that is being shared via so- of color. (ARP) which he signed return safely to normal. cial media, I want to clarify The statistics are sober- into law last month, just 51 The ARP also provides that this is the second of two ing. Blacks represent only days after he took office. direct benefits for you and payments. The first $600 13-percent of the U.S. The ARP will help change your family. It delivers im- payments per eligible per- population, but account for the course of the pandemic mediate relief to families son were distributed in De- nearly 24-percent of age- and deliver immediate relief by devoting $1 trillion to- cember and January. These adjusted COVID-19 deaths. for hard-hit communities of wards economic recovery two direct payments deliver In January, nine percent of color. This transformative for working families includ- on the $2,000 per person in Black workers or 1.8 mil- law invests in a national ing direct relief payments, pandemic relief that Demo- lion people in our communi- vaccination program and the extension of unemployment ties were unemployed. One safe reopening of schools. insurance benefits, increas- See RESCUE, Page 8

4 | April 8-14, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com www.NorthDallasGazette.com Community Marvin Scott: Seven Texas police officers fired after death of Black man in jail By Lauren Victoria Burke fice put out a release stat- Sheriff’s Office will not an issue for African Ameri- NNPA Correspondent ing, “On Sunday, March release additional informa- can civil rights leaders for 14, 2021, 26-year-old Mar- tion while the Texas Rang- over 80 years. In 1962, an Seven sheriff’s officers in vin D. Scott III of Frisco, ers are investigating.” encounter with Los An- Collin County, Texas, were Texas, died while in cus- “Evidence I have seen geles Police Department fired on April 1. The firings tody at the Collin County confirms that these deten- outside a mosque resulted appear to be in connection Detention Facility. Officers tion officers violated well- in the death of a Nation of with the death of 26-year- from the Allen Police De- established Sheriff’s Office Islam member. The inci- old Marvin D. Scott III. An partment arrested Mr. Scott policies and procedures,” dent of police brutality was eighth officer related to the earlier that day and trans- Jim Skinner, the Collin focused on by Malcolm X. incident has resigned. ported him to the county County sheriff, said in a Lauren Victoria Burke is Scott was arrested on jail. The Sheriff referred the statement. an independent journalist a marijuana possession matter to the Texas Rang- The news of Scott’s death for NNPA and the host of the charge on March 14 in ers, who are investigating arrived into the public eye podcast BURKEFILE. She which he possessed less 26-year-old Marvin D. Scott III (Photo: The Chicago Crusader) this death. As a matter of during the trial of Derek is also a political strategist than two ounces of the policy, the Sheriff placed Chauvin. Chauvin is on as Principal of Win Digital drug. This is a misdemean- that Scott had a schizophre- the episode that has not yet seven detention employees trial in the death of George Media LLC. She may be or offense in Collin County. nia diagnosis. Scott’s fu- been publicly released. on administrative leave and Floyd on May 25, 2020 in contacted at LBurke007@ Scott family attorney Lee neral was on March 30. On March 15, the Collin ordered an internal admin- Minneapolis, Minn. gmail.com and on twitter at Merritt, informed media There is video footage of County, Texas Sheriff’s of- istrative investigation. The Police brutality has been @LVBurke Public policy and the Republican Party By Dr. John E. Warren ated with our government Rights” people around an and how those in power We the people in every on those corporations that Publisher San Diego now operating in the U.S. agrarian (rural) society. may limit the rights of oth- state must look at who is support those elected of- Voice & Viewpoint House of Representatives This bit of history is im- ers, then we have reached running for office next year; ficials advocating the voter and the U.S. Senate is the portant today because we a point that requires public we must look at all 43 of suppression laws and we It is an established fact by-product of a 1787 battle are faced with a Republican policy, reflected in proposed those states that have voter must continue voter reg- that public policy is the re- over the ratification of the Party no longer committed legislation, that must not be suppression laws totalling istration to ensure that we sult of ideas that start with U.S. Constitution and the to “Protecting and Defend- blocked. over 253 legislative propos- the people outnumber Re- two factions that grew out ing the Constitution against We the people, follow- als and we must organize publican interest by 2022. people, who create inter- of the conflict over how all enemies foreign and do- ing the Constitution, which just as “Black Votes Matter” We can make public policy est groups. Interest groups powerful the federal gov- mestic”, but preserving and does not require a “Repub- in Atlanta has done. more important than the usually form on both sides ernment should be. Alex- protecting their own interest lican Party”, have the ability We must follow their ex- Republican Party. Let’s get of an issue, and issues give ander Hamilton, Secretary in spite of the Constitution to vote out of office all those amples and bring pressure busy. birth to proposed rules and of the Treasury, developed and the 13th,14th and 15th elected officials who have potential laws that reflect a movement known as the amendments that provide decided to follow a Repub- the prevailing views grow- “Federalists” who wanted a equal protection under the lican Party mantra that votes ing out of the initial issues strong central government. law and protection of the “political party” instead of Follow with its pros and cons. On the other hand, Thom- rights of all. the will of the people; or us on The United States Con- as Jefferson, then Secre- When we understand those who refuse to allow a stitution never provided for tary of State, advocated for that political parties are the discussion of ideas followed INSTAGRAM! political parties as we know “States Rights”. The Fed- result of battles over is- by a reasoned vote based @northdallasgazette them today. The party sys- eralists coalesced around sues that compete, such as on the issues and not party tem we have today associ- business, and the “States who should be able to vote loyalty. Keeping watch...

Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class Keon Batiste, from Fort Worth, Texas, studies a tractor schematic aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), in the Mediter- ranean Sea, March 31, 2021. The IKE Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national interests and security in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cameron Pinske/Released) For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com April 8-14, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette | 5 Education www.NorthDallasGazette.com Black students’ graduation rates improve in California survey Sacramento Observer even as the gap in Black • The number of Black Staff Report and White CSU students’ applicants to the UC system graduation rates grew to shot up 20% after the Board (CALMATTERS) – 25%, the report found. of Regents eliminated the More Black Californians One reform that helped use of the SAT and ACT in are graduating from col- put Black students on a admissions. UCLA and UC lege in the wake of key faster graduation path was Berkeley saw a 50% spike. legislative and educational a 2017 law that largely al- • More than 50% of reforms, even as significant lowed community college Black students entering UC disparities in Black and students to take transfer- since 2012 have graduated white graduation rates per- level classes without first in four years or less, though sist, according to a Tuesday taking remedial courses there’s a 20% gap in Black report from the nonpartisan — even though tens of and White students’ UC research center Campaign thousands of students are graduation rates. for College Opportunity. still taking unnecessary re- • 26% of Black Califor- For example, Black CSU medial classes, CalMatters’ nians have a bachelor’s de- students’ four-year gradua- Mikhail Zinshteyn found. gree — a number research- tion rate doubled over the Other key findings from ers want to see reach 60%

past decade to reach 20%, the report: by 2030. Gift Habeshaw / Unsplash Education is a key issue in Texas Senate’s 2022-23 budget AUSTIN (Texas Senate education spending. The know all the details because which would create a spe- News) — The Texas Senate session ends on May 31st, we cannot have that money cial panel consisting of the approved a plan to spend and it’s looking increasing- clawed back and be on the Speaker of the House, the $117.9 billion in state gen- ly unlikely that the funds hook for expenditures,” she Lt. Governor and the chairs eral revenue and billions will arrive before lawmak- said. and vice-chairs of each more in federal and other ers go home for the interim. As to the interim ques- chamber’s budget com- funds after a pandemic- One factor in the delay is tion, Nelson said there are mittees. This panel could induced economic collapse a lack of clarity about fed- a few options she and oth- meet during the interim and never materialized. Ac- eral requirements that come ers are considering to en- would have a say over what cording to Finance Com- with those funds. As state sure lawmakers have input federal aid funds the state mittee chair and Flower officials work to get that in how federal aid dollars accepts. Should it clear the Mound Senator Jane Nel- clarity, Nelson said it isn’t are spent between the end House, Nelson said she ex- son, years of conservative wise to accept funds when of this session and January pects to carry that bill in the fiscal policy and smart in- The Senate gave unanimous approval Tuesday to the budget devel- we don’t know what strings of 2023. Appropriations Senate. vestments helped Texas to oped by Flower Mound Senator Jane Nelson’s Finance Committee. are attached. “We also need Committee chair Rep. Greg The Senate reconvened weather a year of COVID (Texas Senate News) to be very, very cautious Bonnen of Friendswood, yesterday at 11 a.m. Results restrictions that heavily im- were a major concern com- Those programs remain about committing and obli- Nelson’s counterpart in the from that session were not pacted some sectors of the ing into this session when fully funded this session, gating funds when we don’t House, has filed a measure available at press time. state economy. “Through- the state’s economic pic- said Taylor. out last year, things were ture still looked uncertain. The bill also maintains looking pretty bleak,” she In 2019, the Legislature last session’s $1,000 in- said. “But never underesti- passed sweeping education crease for the basic allot- mate Texas. We have prov- spending reforms, putting ment, the main variable en our resiliency time after billions more into schools used in the school funding time and because of our and teacher salaries. Senate formula, and increases to- commitment to smart fiscal Education Committee chair tal education spending $3.1 policy, we are able to bring Senator Larry Taylor of billion over the last bien- forward a budget that will Friendswood, who carried nium to keep up with ex- keep Texas strong, safe, that measure in the Senate, pected enrollment growth healthy, and prosperous.” said that the bill increased over the next two years. In all, the budget approved teacher pay an average of The budget approved by the Senate will spend $5,200 for educators with Tuesday does not include $250.7 billion in state, five or more years of- ser any money from the $1.9 federal and other funds, vice, and an incentive pay trillion aid package ap- and slightly increases state program created to let dis- proved by Congress in revenue spending by 2.6 tricts find and pay bonuses early March. The state is percent - well within con- to their best teachers paid expected to receive just stitutional spending limits, out $40 million to nearly under $17 billion in direct said Nelson. four thousand teachers, an aid, with another $10 bil- Maintaining funding average increase of more lion going directly to local commitments to public than $10,000 in annual pay municipalities and a $12.2 education and teacher pay for those skilled educators. billion chunk of funds for

6 | April 8-14, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com www.NorthDallasGazette.com Advertising

For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com April 8-14, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette | 7 Feature www.northdallasgazette.com Black women’s voices take center stage at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women ATLANTA — Sigma Rape Crisis Center. gies for grassroots action “The issue of human Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. In the United States, to inform, prevent, and trafficking as it pertains to and the International Black there are more than 600,000 address violence against Black women and girls is Women’s Public Policy In- to 800,000 people being women including intimate largely an issue of not be- stitute (IBWPPI) hosted the trafficked annually across partner-based violence, ing seen, heard or valued. panel discussion “Promot- international borders and physical and mental abuse. The International Black ing the Safety and Security 40% percent of sex traf- IBWPPI shared with at- Women’s Public Policy In- of Women of African De- ficking victims are Black tendees their position paper stitute’s goal is to change scent” on Thursday, March women and girls. The pan- “Slavery by Another Name: that,” said Barbara A. Per- 16th. The virtual session elists discussed the vulner- The Epidemic of Black Fe- kins. “Humanizing and cen- was held during the 65th abilities of Black female male Trafficking Victims in tering the voices of Black session of the United Na- trafficking victims, gaps in the US and Abroad.” women is our collective tions Commission on the services and public policy, “Sigma Gamma Rho So- call to action, regardless Status of Women. and the historical context rority, Inc. is proud to be a of where they are because The panel convened ex- International leaders and activists promoted strategies for grass- of the oversexualization of part of such powerful work Black women matter.” perts and world leaders to roots action to inform, prevent, and address violence against women Black females dating back to amplify the importance The 65th session of the speak on the exploitation including intimate partner-based violence, physical and mental abuse. to the Transatlantic Slave of protecting women and United Nations Commis- of Black women and girls (Image: NNPA) Trade. These elements cou- youth for nearly 100 years. sion on the Status of Wom- in the underground human Perkins, IBWPPI President Michellene Davis, Health pled with poverty, racism, As we amplify, our sister- en will be open to the public trafficking world and other and CEO; the Honorable Equity Strategist/President and a wide array of social hood acts to ensure that until March 26th. Attendees forms of violence. Speak- Paula Cox, Former Premier & CEO of M.D. Clarida determinants feed into the women of African descent can register for the virtual ers included: Rasheeda S. of Bermuda; Dr. Deirdre Drew, LLC; Ouleye Ndoye, vicious cycle of human traf- are protected in healthcare, event, which features over Liberty, International Presi- Cooper Owens, historian human rights activist; and ficking. education and financial 700 sessions, at https:// dent, Sigma Gamma Rho and professor at the Univer- Teresa Stafford, Chief Pro- International leaders and equity policies,” said Ra- ngocsw.org/event/ngo- Sorority Inc; Barbara A. sity of Nebraska-Lincoln; grams Officer, Cleveland activists promoted strate- sheeda S. Liberty. csw65-forum.

Congress and signed by These actions demon- the way. have access to all the tools RESCUE, from Page 4 President Biden to rescue strate President Biden’s and During his victory speech necessary to recover from crats campaigned on last impacted businesses perse- our economy and repair Congressional Democrats’ last November, President the economic and personal November. vere through the pandemic. some of our faults that are commitment to building Biden pledged to always devastation wrought by this The American Rescue It deploys community navi- being exasperated by CO- America back better than have the backs of the Afri- pandemic; and in the long Plan also addresses inequi- gators to increase aware- VID-19. On March 30th it was before the virus vis- can American community. term, address the impacts ties in access to pandemic ness of and participation in President Biden rolled out ited. This is not the end of We will continue fighting of historic disparate treat- resources by making sig- COVID-19 relief programs his American Jobs Plan. his build back better plan. to ensure that, in the short ment against communities nificant investments into for small business owners That plan proposes to: Fix There is a third iteration on term, Black communities of color. small, Black businesses who currently lack access, highways, rebuild bridges, by providing $50 billion especially underserved en- upgrade ports, airports and for new and existing small trepreneurs without bank- transit systems; deliver business relief programs. ing relationships, lawyers, clean drinking water, a re- This legislation bolsters accountants, and consul- newed electric grid, and the Paycheck Protection tants. And, it provides $28 high-speed broadband to all Program with an additional billion for a new grant pro- Americans; build, preserve, $7.25 billion in funding to gram to revitalize hard-hit and retrofit more than two support small businesses small restaurants and other million homes and com- and non-profits that were food and drinking estab- mercial buildings, modern- previously excluded. lishments. ize our nation’s schools and It allocates $15 billion The American Rescue child care facilities, and in flexible grants to help Plan is the first piece of leg- upgrade veterans’ hospitals the smallest; most severely islation passed by the 117th and federal buildings.

Emmy, National Press Club DAWES, from Page 2 Joan Friedenberg Award and unrequited love from at the University of Nebras- for Online Journalism, the the archive which includes ka-Lincoln and also teaches Forward Poetry Prize, the more than 800 poems. the Pacific MFA Program. Musgrave Silver Medal for Dawes is the author of He is director of the Af- contribution to the Arts in twenty-two books of po- rican Poetry Book Fund Jamaica, the Governor’s etry and numerous other and Artistic Director of the Award for service to the books of fiction, criticism, Calabash International Lit- arts in South Carolina, a and essays. His collection, erary Festival. Dawes is a Guggenheim Fellowship Nebraska was published in Chancellor of the Academy and the Windham Camp- 2020. He is George W. Holmes of American Poets and a bell Prize for Poetry. In University Professor of Fellow of the Royal Soci- 2009 he was inducted into English, Glenna Luschei ety of Literature. the South Carolina Acad- Editor of Prarie Schooner His awards include an emy of Authors. 8 | April 8-14, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com www.NorthDallasGazette.com Entertainment Beyoncé dominates NAACP Image Awards; Eddie Murphy inducted into Hall of Fame By Stacy M. Brown Soul Doja Cat – “Say So” Outstanding talk series NNPA Senior National Outstanding documen- Outstanding producer Red Table Talk Correspondent tary (film) of the year Outstanding reality John Lewis: Good Trou- Hit-Boy program/reality competi- Beyoncé took home four ble Outstanding music vid- tion or game show trophies, Eddie Murphy Outstanding short-film eo/visual album Celebrity Family Feud received the Hall of Fame (live action) “Brown Skin Girl” – Be- Outstanding variety award, and Viola Davis and Black Boy Joy yonce’ feat WizKid, SAINt show (series or special) the late Chadwick Bose- Outstanding short-film JHN, Blue Ivy Carter VERZUZ man earned outstanding (animated) Outstanding Outstanding news/in- actress and actor in a mo- Canvas soundtrack/compilation formation (series or spe- tion picture during the pri- The tear-jerker moment President’s Award Outstanding character album cial) metime telecast of the 52nd of the night belonged to LeBron James voice-over performance – Soul original motion The New York Times NAACP Image Awards. Simone Boseman, the wid- Social Justice Impact motion picture picture soundtrack – Trent Presents The Killing of Rev. D. James Law- ow of Chadwick. Stacey Abrams Jamie Foxx – Soul Reznor, Atticus Ross, Jon Breonna Taylor son was honored with the In accepting his award, Outstanding Motion Outstanding female art- Batiste and Tom MacDou- Outstanding children’s Chairman’s Award, NBA she said her late husband Picture ist gall program Superstar LeBron James would “thank his mom and Bad Boys For Life Beyoncé – “Black Pa- Outstanding gospel/ Family Reunion received the President’s dad. And he would give Outstanding Actress in rade” Christian song Outstanding animated Award, and Stacey Abrams honor to his ancestors as we a Motion Picture Outstanding male artist “Touch From You” – series earned the NAACP’s Social now honor him. Thank you, Viola Davis – Ma Rain- Drake – “Laugh Now, Tamela Mann Doc McStuffins Justice Impact honor. NAACP, for always giving ey’s Black Bottom Cry Later” Outstanding gospel/ Outstanding Actor in a “I’ve been making mov- him his flowers. He was Outstanding Actor in a Outstanding duo, group Christian album Drama Series ies for 40 years now. This an uncommon artist and an Motion Picture or collaboration (tradi- The Return – The Clark Regé-Jean Page – Bridg- is the perfect thing to even more uncommon per- Chadwick Boseman – tional) Sisters erton commemorate that and son.” Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Chloe x Halle – “Wonder Outstanding jazz album Outstanding Actress in be brought into the hall of Simone Boseman also Outstanding support- What She Thinks Of Me” – instrumental a Drama Series fame,” Murphy proclaimed, urged Black people over the ing actor in a motion pic- Outstanding duo, group Music from and Inspired Viola Davis – How To after his friend and Coming age of 45 to get screened for ture or collaboration (contem- by Soul – Jon Batiste Get Away With Murder to America co-star Arsenio colon cancer. Chadwick Boseman – Da porary) Outstanding jazz album Outstanding support- Hall presented the award. “Don’t put it off any lon- 5 Bloods Megan Thee Stallion feat. – vocal ing actor in a drama series “Thank you very much. I’m ger,” she said. “Please, get Outstanding support- Beyoncé – “Savage Remix” Holy Room – Live at Alte Clifford “Method Man” very moved.” screened. This disease is ing actress in a motion Outstanding album Oper – Somi Smith – Power Book II: The NAACP bestows the beatable if you catch it in its picture Chilombo — Jhené Aiko Outstanding interna- Ghost hall of fame induction on an early stages. So, you don’t Phylicia Rashad – Jingle Outstanding soul/R&B tional song Outstanding support- individual viewed as a pio- have any time to waste, Jangle: A Christmas Jour- song “Lockdown” – Original ing actress in a drama neer in their respective field even if you don’t have ney “Do It” – Chloe x Halle Koffee series and whose influence shaped any family history. If you Outstanding ensemble Outstanding hip hop/ Outstanding drama se- Mary J. Blige – Power the profession for genera- think nothing is wrong and cast in a motion picture rap song ries Book II: Ghost tions. younger than 45, please be Ma Rainey’s Black Bot- “Savage Remix” – Me- Power Book II: Ghost Outstanding Actress in Previous inductees in- proactive about your health. tom gan Thee Stallion feat. Be- Outstanding comedy clude Oprah Winfrey, Ste- Know the signs. Know your Outstanding break- yoncé series See AWARDS, Page 10 vie Wonder, Spike Lee, Ray body. Listen to your body.” through performance in a Outstanding new artist Insecure Charles, and Sidney Poitier. Former First Lady Mi- motion picture DJ D-Nice captured chelle Obama presented Madalen Mills – Jingle the entertainer of the year Abrams with her first Social Jangle: A Christmas Jour- award for his immensely Justice Impact award. ney popular “Club Quarantine” “They taught my five Outstanding break- that began early last year siblings and me that having through creative (motion during the pandemic. “It’s nothing was not an excuse picture) been an honor to provide for doing nothing,” Abrams Nadia Hallgren – Becom- entertainment and inspi- said, referring to her par- ing ration during one of the ents. “Instead, they showed Outstanding indepen- darkest times we’ve experi- us by word and deed to use dent motion picture enced,” D-Nice said. our faith as a shield to pro- The Banker Jhené Aiko earned album tect the defenseless, to use Outstanding interna- of the year honors, Beyoncé our voices to call out injus- tional motion picture and Drake won the out- tices, and to use our educa- NIGHT OF THE KINGS standing female and male tion and our time to solve Outstanding writing in artists, respectively. the problems that others a motion picture Meghan Thee Stallion, turn away from.” Radha Blank – The For- Chloe x Halle, Jon Batiste, Complete list of winners: ty-Year-Old Version and Marsai Martin of ABC Hall of Fame Award Outstanding directing Television’s “Blackish” Eddie Murphy in a motion picture won two awards. Entertainer of the Year Gina Prince-Bythewood Anthony Anderson, the D-Nice – The Old Guard star of “Blackish,” hosted Chairman’s Award Outstanding animated the show. Rev. D. James Lawson motion picture

For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com April 8-14, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette | 9 Entertainment www.NorthDallasGazette.com Filmmaker Michelle Danner’s “The Runner” premieres at WorldFest Houston Michelle Danner’s film about family secrets and kingpin. It will premiere geles Acting Conservatory, performing arts, Danner “The Runner” has been modern technology, star- at the end of March at the and conducting her weekly also continues to run the confirmed as a 2021 World- ring Sonya Walger, Grant Cinequest Film Festival. acting class. Danner’s list boutique “Cinema at the Fest Official Selection at Bowler, and Paul Sorvino. It will also premiere inter- of students has included Edge” film festival and is WorldFest-Houston. The The film recently won Best nationally at the Ferrara Christian Slater, Salma currently preparing to di- film will screen Friday 4/23 Narrative Feature at the International Film Festival Hayek, Gerard Butler, Seth rect a new one-person play, in theatre A at 9:35pm at 2019 International Inde- and has been selected to McFarlane, Penelope Cruz, Bonnie Culver’s “Nor- The Cinemark Memorial pendent Film Awards and screen at Istanbul Interna- Chris Rock, Gabrielle ris,” starring Anne Archer, City Theatres, Houston, the Best Director Award at tional Film Festival, the Union, and Zooey Descha- based on the memoirs of TX. 77024. the 2019 Culver City Film Barca Indie Film Festival, nel. A longtime student of the widow of writer Nor- “The Runner” is an ac- Festival. the Madrid Indie Film Fes- legendary acting teachers man Mailer. Michelle Danner tion thriller and true-life (Courtesy photo) Her upcoming film “The tival, the New York Movie like Stella Adler and Uta Simply put, there’s al- coming of age story star- Runner,” was filmed be- Awards and the Milan Gold Hagen, Danner’s eclectic most no one in the busi- ring Cameron Douglas the Edgemar Center for the fore the pandemic started. Awards. It is a semi-finalist approach (which she calls ness who knows as much and newcomer Edouard Arts and the Los Angeles The action thriller and true- for the New York Indepen- “The Golden Box”) allows about acting and success as Philipponnat as a troubled Acting Conservatory, Dan- life coming of age story dent Movie Award. actors the freedom to em- Michelle Danner – and her teenager who is forced to ner’s also now well-estab- stars Cameron Douglas A dedicated mom (with ploy a wide variety of tech- continued success in mul- go undercover to expose a lished as a successful fea- and newcomer Edouard one son who is an aspiring niques. tiple creative fields makes drug kingpin. ture film director. Danner’s Philipponnat as a troubled filmmaker), Danner still has Raised in a show busi- her one of the most suc- The legendary acting latest film “Bad Impulse,” teenager forced to go un- her “day job” – overseeing ness family and with a deep cessful women working in teacher and co-founder of is a psychological thriller dercover to expose a drug the faculty of the Los An- appreciation for all of the the industry today.

vidual or ensemble Poetry Special Awards Toni Vaz AWARDS, from Page 9 Trevor Noah – The Daily The Age of Phillis – Hon- Activist of the year Sports award I a Comedy Series in a television movie or Show with Trevor Noah orée Jeffers Reverend Dr. Wendell Stephen Curry Issa Rae – Insecure special Outstanding host in a Children Anthony Sports award II Outstanding actor in a Eugene Ashe – Sylvie’s reality/reality competi- She Was the First!: The Youth activist of the WNBA Player’s Asso- comedy series Love tion, game show or variety Trailblazing Life of Shirley Anthony Anderson – Outstanding short form (series or special) – indi- Chisholm – Katheryn Rus- year ciation (Nneka Ogqumike black-ish series – comedy or drama vidual or ensemble sell-Brown, Eric Velasquez Madison Potts accepting on behalf of WN- Outstanding support- #FreeRayshawn Steve Harvey – Celebrity Youth/teens Spingarn medal BAPA) ing actor in a comedy se- Outstanding perfor- Family Feud Before the Ever After – Misty Copeland Key of life ries mance in a short form Outstanding guest per- Jacqueline Woodson Founder’s Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett Deon Cole – black-ish series formance – comedy or Outstanding support- Laurence Fishburne – drama series ing actress in a comedy #FreeRayshawn Loretta Devine- P-Valley series Outstanding short form Outstanding break- Marsai Martin – black- series – reality/nonfiction through creative (televi- ish “Between The Scenes” – sion) Outstanding perfor- The Daily Show with Trev- Raynelle Swilling – mance by a youth (series, or Noah Cherish the Day special, television movie Outstanding documen- Outstanding directing or limited-series) tary (television – series or in a documentary (televi- Marsai Martin – black- special) sion or motion picture) ish The Last Dance Keith McQuirter – By Outstanding writing in Outstanding character Whatever Means Neces- a comedy series voice-over performance sary: The Times of Godfa- Michaela Coel – I May (television) ther of Harlem Destroy You – Ep. 112 Laya DeLeon Hayes – Outstanding writing in “Ego Death” Doc McStuffins a documentary (television Outstanding writing in Outstanding television or motion picture) a drama series movie, limited-series or Melissa Haizlip – Mr. Attica Locke – Little dramatic special SOUL! Fires Everywhere – Ep. 104 Self Made: Inspired by Outstanding literary “The Spider Web” the Life of Madam C.J. works Outstanding writing in Walker Fiction a television movie or spe- Outstanding actor in a The Awkward Black Man cial television movie, limited- – Walter Mosley Geri Cole – The Power of series or dramatic special Nonfiction We: A Sesame Street Spe- Blair Underwood – Self A Promised Land – cial Made: Inspired by the Life Barack Obama Outstanding directing of Madam C.J. Walker Debut author in a comedy series Outstanding actress in a We’re Better Than This – Anya Adams – black-ish television movie, limited- Elijah Cummings – Ep. 611 “Hair Day” series or dramatic special Biography/autobiogra- Outstanding directing Octavia Spencer – Self phy in a drama series Made: Inspired by the Life The Dead Are Arising – Hanelle Culpepper – Star of Madam C.J. Walker Les Payne, Tamara Payne Trek: Picard – Ep. 101 “Re- Outstanding host in a Instructional membrance” talk or news/information Vegetable Kingdom – Outstanding directing (series or special) – indi- Bryant Terry

10 | April 8-14, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com Contact Marketing at 972-432-5219 for Career Opportunity Advertising Marketplace Black America Needs a ‘New Normal’: Equitable credit access to build wealth By Charlene Crowell opportunity throughout our Nikitra Bailey, Executive yet another hearing. Enti- on the negative reporting 1 percent of black business country that existed long Vice President recounted tled, “Slipping through the of unpaid debt during the owners get a bank loan in Over the past year, the before COVID-19. With- the legacy of federal hous- Cracks: Policy Options to pandemic. Scams and fraud their first year of business, COVID-19 pandemic has out additional relief, this ing policies whose sum cre- Help America’s Consum- also surged.” compared with 7 percent imposed dual crises. Over hardship will become even ated today’s financial ineq- ers during the Pandemic” Speaking on behalf of of white business owners. 542,000 Americans lives more acute and will inflict uities. the session spanned access minority lenders and small The COVID-19 crisis has were lost and continue to long-lasting pain on count- A 1933 federal housing to affordable credit or small businesses, Robert James compounded this issue: 42 increase. At the same time, less Americans.” program, the Home Owners business capital, debt col- II, president of Carver De- percent of minority-owned the rippling effects of a At press time, the Sen- Loan Corporation (HOLC), lection, and stained credit velopment CDE and chair small businesses respond- massive economic down- ate was set to act on the supported redlining through all became inevitable and of the National Bankers ing to McKinsey’s US turn has caused the nation Adeyemo nomination. If its underwriting guidelines. further complicated the fi- Association, emphasized Small Business Pulse Sur- to lose 9.5 million jobs - confirmed, he would be- As a result, Black and other nancial disadvantages faced the importance of minority- vey reported that obtain- more losses than even those come the agency’s point- communities of color, were by communities of color. owned small businesses, ing credit was becoming of the Great Recession, person to implement the denied access to main- “Without a safety net or the lack of convenient ac- increasingly difficult, com- finds the University of New executive order requiring stream financing. During a cushion to fall back on, cess to mainstream banking pared with 29 percent of all Hampshire’s Carsey School all federal offices to sub- the first 35 years of this pro- people of color are far less as well as the dwindling respondents.” of Public Policy. mit diversity and inclusion gram, only 2% of FHA in- able to weather financial number of minority deposi- But credit terms and a Although many officials plans to the office of Man- sured mortgage loans went calamities,” testified Carla tory institutions as issues pronounced shortage of ac- have called for a ‘return to agement and Budget. In the to Black and other home- Sanchez Adams, Manag- demanding attention and cessible credit, according to normal’, millions of small interim, Treasury Secretary buyers of color. ing Attorney with Texas correction. James II, are equally lend- businesses and communi- Janet Yellen, as reported Similarly, the 1944 GI Rio Grande Legal Aid, Inc. “Minority-owned small ing conditions that must be- ties need something new by the New York Times, Bill, continued the same “With fewer assets to draw businesses are the lifeblood come more inclusive. instead. In Black America announced plans to invest systemic discrimination. In on, people of color find of their communities,” “Limited access to credit especially, the ‘old normal’ $9 billion into Community Mississippi, for example, are more prone to poverty testified James II. “The is a compounding factor never delivered equitable Development Financial In- the 3,329 VA -approved traps.” pre-pandemic 1.1 million that hurts the underlying access to wealth-building stitutions and Minority De- mortgages included two “Debt collection activi- minority-owned small busi- health of minority-owned opportunities as those that pository Institutions as they Black servicemembers. ties increased in 2020,” nesses employed more than small businesses,” said well-served served much look to step up lending. Fast forward to more continued Sanchez Adams, 8.7 million workers and James II. “Research has of white America. Instead, Concurrently, the U.S. recent times, by the early “as did profits for debt annually generated more found that black small- a lengthy history of public House of Representatives’ 2000s, half of all mort- collectors. Auto reposses- than $1 trillion in economic business owners were sig- policies designed to create Financial Services Com- gages made to Black and sions were prevalent, and output. Women own nearly nificantly more likely to and sustain a burgeoning mittee has convened mul- Latino families during the consumers were left at the 300,000 of them, employ- be asked to provide more middle class systemically tiple hearings that featured run-up to the foreclosure mercy of their lenders. ing 2.4 million workers. information about their per- excluded Blacks and other expert witness testimony crisis were unsustainable Consumers would benefit Despite their significance, sonal financials—including people of color. echoing the calls of Mr. Ad- subprime loans -- despite if all debt activity ceased these businesses face un- personal financial state- Now, while federal law- eyemo. these consumers having during the pandemic. The derlying challenges that ments and personal W-2 makers seek to understand On March 10 the full credit records that qualified problems with our credit make them vulnerable dur- forms—when applying for how best to bring the nation committee held a hearing for cheaper, safer and more reporting system contin- ing normal times.” small-business loans than out of health and financial entitled, Justice for All: responsible loans. ued and revealed the need “Black-owned business- white small-business own- crises, many advocates are Achieving Racial Equity “Because of these lend- for reform around what es, overall, also tend to start ers were, even when con- calling for a new paradigm: Through Fair Access to ing practices,” testified consumer information is out with far less capital, trolling for credit score and intentional inclusion of all Housing and Financial Ser- Bailey, “Black and Latino reported and how it is re- whether from investments business characteristics.” who have been shut out, vices. families lost over $1 trillion ported during a pandem- or bank loans, than white- At the same time, as not- knocked down and under- Rep. Maxine Waters, a dollars in wealth during ic.…Consumers would owned businesses do,” con- See CREDIT, Page 12 served. Recent testimony California Congresswom- the crisis. Moreover, Black benefit from a moratorium tinued James II. “And only before Capitol Hill com- an and committee chair’s homeownership has been mittees focused on differ- opening remarks set the the slowest to recover from ent issues but led to the tone of the forum. the Great Recession. In fact, same conclusion: the time “Today we are here to there would be 770,000 for change is now. discuss steps that this Com- more Black homeowners For example, comments mittee can take to create if the homeownership rate during a February confir- justice and achieve racial recovered to its pre-crisis mation hearing for Adewale equity through access to level in 2000… The racial Adeyemo, nominated by fair housing and financial wealth gap contributes to President Biden to become services.... And no matter the fact that in the 46 larg- Deputy Treasury Secretary, where you are—and who est housing markets in the the nominee said, “Until we you are--in America or country, a median income contain the pandemic, eco- around the world, institu- Black household could only nomic policy must remain tional racism based on skin afford 25 percent of homes focused on providing relief color creates barriers that on the market last year in to those harmed by the pub- impact social and economic comparison to the 57 per- lic health crisis, especially outcomes,” noted Ms. Wa- cent that a median income those disproportionately ters. white household could af- impacted: low-income Testifying on behalf of ford.32 It will require fo- communities and commu- the Center for Responsible cused and bold action to nities of color. The pan- Lending, [crl-testimony- reverse these inequities.” demic has exacerbated in- nikitra-bailey-hfsc-hear- The following day, a equality, strained families, ing-10mar2021.pdf%20 subcommittee of House Fi- and exposed disparities in (responsiblelending.org)] nancial Services convened

For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com April 8-14, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette | 11 Marketplace www.NorthDallasGazette.com Bimbo Bakeries USA pledges $1 million commitment to minority equity organizations in addition to internal focus on diversity, equity and belonging HORSHAM, PA – Bim- have the broadest impact.” for the investment and look Our Racial Equity Action ciates and Allies Standing development and imple- bo Bakeries USA (BBU) Penny said the com- forward to growing our Council has been instru- Together (BAAST). mentation of DE&B pro- has announced a new ini- pany’s efforts have been partnership to support our mental in identifying orga- • Reviewing supplier re- grams, and provide support tiative to combat racial focused on strengthening students and historically nizations where BBU and lationships to identify op- and guidance to the Racial inequity and injustice and the culture of the organi- Black colleges and univer- our associates can make portunities to partner with Equity Action Council create lasting change. As zation by improving repre- sities. Support like this is a real difference. We look Black-, minority- and fe- and Business Unit DE&B part of that effort, BBU, a sentation and retention of critical, especially during forward to identifying ad- male-owned organizations. Councils. proud member of the Gru- diverse associates, promot- the ongoing health pan- ditional partners and begin- • The company also an- Lang will also partner po Bimbo family of com- ing racial appreciation and demic we are all facing.” ning our work with these nounced that Nikki Lang, a and collaborate with lead- panies, has committed $1 confronting explicit and BBU is also commit- organizations,” said Penny. 14-year associate, has been ers across BBU to ensure million to national and lo- implicit bias. ting $500,000 to nonprofit BBU’s financial com- named the company’s first that the principles of diver- cal organizations dedicated BBU’s $1 million com- organizations throughout mitment also extends to its Head of Diversity, Equity sity, equity and belonging to furthering the education, mitment includes $500,000 the country. BBU’s Ra- brands. BBU is allocating & Belonging. are embedded in all of the financial well-being and dedicated to UNCF (Unit- cial Equity Action Council a percentage of each of its “Over the last nine company’s decision-mak- health of Black and minor- ed Negro College Fund). identified education, finan- brands’ marketing budgets months, it became clear ing. ity Americans. In addition, UNCF is America’s largest cial well-being and health toward minority-owned that creating sustained and “I’m excited to lead the company formed a Ra- and most effective minor- as three key areas of focus media partners. meaningful change in this the Diversity, Equity and cial Equity Action Council ity education organization, and identified organizations The company’s Racial area requires dedicated Belonging initiatives for and appointed Nikki Lang empowering more than that would benefit from Equity Action Council, leadership and resources,” BBU,” said Lang. “Our in- as its first Head of Diver- 500,000 students to earn BBU’s investment while made up of Black and ally Penny said. “Nikki was the tentional effort to improve sity, Equity & Belonging. college degrees since it also providing an opportu- associates from across the ideal person for this role, from the inside will help “Last year, the U.S. ex- was founded. Through the nity for meaningful asso- country, is assisting BBU and I look forward to the BBU continue to improve perienced a reckoning mo- partnership, BBU will pro- ciate engagement to make as it examines and evalu- progress her leadership will equity internally and in our ment with racial equity and vide scholarships, create a real difference. Some of ates its internal practices. bring.” communities.” injustice,” said Fred Penny, an internship program and the organizations BBU will The Council immediately Lang previously served “These are important first president of Bimbo Baker- participate in the UNCF partner with are: got to work by: as BBU’s Director of steps on our renewed Di- ies USA. “BBU acknowl- Student Leadership Con- • The Lebron James • Enhancing the compa- eCommerce and has served versity, Equity & Belong- edged our responsibility to ference. Family Foundation ny’s recruiting, hiring and on BBU’s Diversity, Eq- ing journey, but this is a do more within our orga- “This generous gift will • 100 Black Men of the talent development pro- uity & Belonging Steer- long-term commitment. We nization and our commu- impact many talented and Bay Area cesses, including creating a ing Committee for the past hope these steps will be a nities. We have taken the deserving students seeking • The Fund for the School dedicated position to work three years. In her new role, catalyst to encourage others last nine months to engage to get to and through col- District of Philadelphia on these efforts. she will focus full-time to consider how they can and learn from our diverse lege,” said UNCF President “It is important to us that • Establishing and acti- on BBU’s overall Diver- contribute to racial justice associates and thoughtfully and CEO Dr. Michael L. our partnerships extend be- vating a Black Business In- sity, Equity & Belonging and equity in their commu- consider how we could Lomax. “We thank BBU yond a financial donation. clusion Group, Black Asso- (DE&B) strategy, lead the nities,” said Penny. The American Dream belongs to working Americans By Ray Curry so many; a promise that our landscape has changed war on our nation’s unions country where workers are And, according to the Bu- Secretary-Treasurer, UAW made owning a home and over the last 40 years as and the voice for labor they not guaranteed vacation reau of Labor Statistics raising a family possible; corporate friendly politi- provide. Here are just a few time. In contrast, Europe- (BLS), less than 22 percent I grew up in a world that a promise that guaranteed cians have increasingly harsh realities: Today, our ans get at least 20 days of of Americans have employ- held the promise of a bright a middle-class life and the moved to undermine our country ranks at the bottom legally mandated vacation er-paid pensions, and only future for those who were ability to retire one day af- working class, as we have of industrialized countries days, and some countries half participate in a retire- willing to work hard. An ter a job well done. It was continued to put corporate relative to employee ben- require at least 30. We are ment savings plan. America that said you can the promise that gave rise greed ahead of the people efits like healthcare, paren- the only industrialized na- Rather than the leader do better than your parents. to the American Dream and whose work makes corpo- tal leave, paid vacation and tion that does not offer — as we once were — we A promise that meant job one that has shaped Ameri- rate profits possible. sick days, unemployment universal healthcare for its are more in line with the security with decent wages, can values and vibrancy for A harsh reality and retirement security. citizens. This is despite the Czech Republic, Latvia, health care, and benefits; a generations. Consider how the terrain According to the Center fact that we spend more on South Korea and Mexico as promise that meant train- Where is that promise to- has toughened. Consider for Economic and Policy healthcare than other high- the least generous countries ing and education and a day? Sadly, it is now a bro- the damage done as we Research (CEPR), the income countries relative path to advancement for ken promise. Consider how have increasingly waged U.S. is the only advanced to the size of our economy. See DREAM, Page 14

ley-harrington-hfsc-hear- to lose jobs and have hours “Allowing every adult to mum, basic level. These CREDIT, from Page 11 ing-11mar2021.pdf%20 cut, and as deferred rental save and hold onto at least protections are more urgent ed by James II, from 2009 of $245 million and $2.7 (responsiblelending.org)] payments and other debts $1000 per week in wages, than ever: recent research to the second quarter of billion, respectively,” said Ashley Harrington, CRL’s come due, we can expect to and $12,000 per bank ac- has established that 8 mil- 2018, nationally, the num- James II, “compared to an Federal Advocacy Direc- see an uptick in delinquen- count,” urged Harrington, lion more families have ber of Minority Deposi- average of $3.1 billion for tor. “While much of this cies and defaults on these “will help families avoid fallen into poverty since tory Institutions (MDIs) all US banks.” debt stems from mort- non-mortgage debts.” eviction and afford essen- May 2020.” dropped from 215 to 155. “Even before the onset gages, a growing amount Harrington offered a key tial costs like medicine and Charlene Crowell is a MDIs are also much small- of the COVID-19 pan- stems from non-mortgage recommendation to federal food. While family savings senior fellow with the Cen- er in assets than the average demic, US household debt consumer debt, including lawmakers that could begin cannot replace the social ter for Responsible Lend- non-MDI bank. was on the rise, reaching student loans, credit cards, to allow consumers to have safety net, it is critical that ing. She can be reached at “Black and Hispanic over $14 trillion,” testi- installment loans, and auto more control over their families be able to provide Charlene.crowell@respon- MDIs have average assets fied [crl-testimony-ash- loans. As people continue own financial management. for themselves at a mini- siblelending.org.

12 | April 8-14, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com www.NorthDallasGazette.com Legal Notices / Career / Church Happenings JOB FAIRS CHURCH HAPPENINGS On-going BETHEL BIBLE ral Counseling Center at for their details because of celebrate service to God, U.S. Army FELLOWSHIP, 972-526-4525 or email the the Coronavirus. our community and all Opportunity CARROLLTON church at www.bethelbi- mankind. (A NEW PLACE blefellowship.org April 11, 9:45 am The United States Army is TO BELONG) Please join us in our quiet April 14, 7 pm hiring for over 150 different Note: Until further no- time, “Prayer and Medita- You are invited to join us career fields. NOTICE: New You, Pas- tice, all services at Bethel tion” followed by Morn- via video-conferencing for PART TIME OPPOR- tor Woodson serves the church will be via Video- ing Worship. You will be TUNITIES - 1 weekend a Ongoing community by providing Conferencing and perhaps blessed and inspired as we See CHURCH, Page 14 month, 2 weeks in the early House of Blues “Professional Therapy other churches as well; summer. Stay local, Money Want a cool job in live and Counseling Servic- log on individual churches for school, healthcare, paid music? House of Blues Dal- es” on a “Sliding Fee” websites for details. See drills and skill training, and las is hiring! Spruce up your scale. To schedule an ap- Bethel’s website www. up to $20,000 enlistment bo- resume and join us on Mon- pointment call the Pasto- bethelbiblefellowship.org nus. day, August 26th for a Job FULL TIME OPPORTU- Fair in our Cambridge Room NITIES - Full time hours from 1-5PM. All depart- Office Manager with off time and weekends ments are hiring. View job BS in Management or Business. just like regular jobs. 30 days openings at http://livenatio- paid vacation per year. Mon- nentertainment.com/careers. 2 yr exp. in real estate invest- ey for school, free health- ment firm. Exp. to include invest- On-going care, paid skill training, and ment analysis/research, property up to $40,000 enlistment First Fridays bonus. Virtual Job Fair valuation, forecasting, acquisi- Jobs in science, intel- Every month computer tion, and tax. Proficiency in Build- ligence, combat, aviation, professionals can participate engineering, law and more. in the monthly job fair in ium software. Job Loc: Allen, TX Contact 214-406 - 3737 the comfort of your PJs. Job Send resume to Apollo Realty, Seekers must complete pro- Prerequisites: Inc., 700 Central Expressway S • GED/High School Di- file on https://tao.ai/p/fff/_/ ploma dfw Suite #400, Allen, TX 75013. • Between the ages of 17- #FirstFridayFair (#FFF) is estimated to be largest 34 attended career fair with • No felonies around 8,000 professionals • No major medical issues and 500 recruiting compa- • U.S. Citizen or perma- nies. The data science and nent resident software development fo- Ongoing cussed career fair is deliv- ered right at your desktop. Census Bureau No need to travel anywhere, The Census Bureau con- just signup and wait for ducts continuous surveys to TAO.ai to organize your in- supply the nation with im- teractions. portant statistics on people, places and our economy. Lo- On-Going cal field workers know their Customer Rep communities best, and are job fairs instrumental in conducting Pro Staff in Arlington surveys with residents on a will be hosting an in office variety of topics. Visit cen- Customer Service Repre- sus.gov to apply. sentative Job Fair for a call center located downtown Ongoing Dallas every Tuesday and City of Dallas Thursday from 10 a.m. to The City of Dallas’ HR 1 p.m. at 700 Highlander Dept is currently accept- Blvd. Suite 110. The posi- ing apps for the Budget and tions pay between $12 - Contract Administrator po- $13.50 per hour hour plus sition. Bachelor’s degree in up to $1.50 an hour in per- a business/public adminis- formance pay. The work- tration, human resources or days will vary, must be healthcare administration available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., field, plus 7 yrs exp. with overtime as needed. For more info and to apply, Must have at least one year visit: http://bit.ly/2NcCfVP. of customer service experi- ence. For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com April 8-14, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette | 13 Church Happenings www.NorthDallasGazette.com

to join us as we celebrate April 11, 8 and 11 am CHURCH, from Page 13 our Lord and Savior, Jesus You are invited to our Wor- Prayer and Bible Study because of the Coronavirus. Christ. ship Services as we honor from 7 to 8:45 pm as we God for His goodness and pray for the world’s Coro- April 11, April 12, 7 pm faithfulness. navirus. In Wednesday’s You are invited to join us You are invited to Monday Bible we are studying Cel- in our Sunday Morning School to see what God has April 12, 7 to 8 pm ebration of Discipline by Services as we praise and to say to us in His Holy Every Monday Night Richard J. Foster, Chapter worship God in the Joycie Word. Sister II Sister (Women’s 8. Dial in Phone # 346 248 Turner Fellowship Hall, Mission) in the Main Fel- Pastor Rickie Rush 7799, Meeting I.D. 256 518 followed by our Worship lowship Hall and the Men 7701 S Westmoreland Road 4741. Services; and bring some- Dallas, TX 75237 II Men Bible Study in the one with you, you will be James Coleman / Unsplash 972-372-4262 Youth Church Sanctuary Dr. Terrance Woodson, blessed. It’s for God’s glo- Plano, TX 75074 not be room to receive.” www.Ibocchurch.org (Chapel). Senior Pastor 972-379-3287 - Malachi 3:8-10 ry and honor. ______1944 E. Hebron Parkway www.theship3c.org April 14, 7 pm Carrollton, TX 75007 April 14, 7 pm www.visitF3c.org Check “IBOC’s” website SHILOH MBC You’re invited to our 972-492-4300 Join us in our Wednesday’s ______for details of their services IN PLANO Wednesday’s Bible Study www.bethelbiblefellow- 12 Noon-Day Live, Prayer until further notice because (WHERE COMMUNITY class; you will learn what INSPIRING BODY OF ship.org and Bible Study class and/ of the Coronavirus. BECOMES FAMILY) God has to say to CHRIST CHURCH, ______or our Wednesday Night us. Come and be encour- Let’s Go Fishing! April 9, 7 pm Live, Prayer and Bible Connect to God through aged by God’s plan for FELLOWSHIP MATTHEW 4:19 All men are invited to Study at 7 p.m. to learn Shiloh, Grow in Christ your spiritual growth and CHRISTIAN more about God’s Word. Men’s Ministry meeting through the study of the His glory. CENTER CHURCH IN Be encouraged by God’s “Bring the whole tithe into each Friday night at 8 pm, Word of God, Serve God

ALLEN plan for your maturity and the storehouse, that there (IBOC promotes proactive through service to each Dr. Isaiah Joshua, Jr. “THE SHIP” We are His glory; and most of all; may be food in my house. male leadership.) other and the world. Senior Pastor Saving You a Seat! be prepared to grow. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if April 11, 10 a.m. Check “SMBC’s” website 920 E. 14th Street Plano, TX 75074 Check “The Ship’s” web- Dr. W. L. Stafford, Sr., Ed. D. I will not open the windows Join us for our Morning for details of their services 972-423-6695 site for details of their ser- Senior Pastor of heaven and pour you out Service; and don’t forget until further notice because vices until further notice 2450 K Avenue #300 a blessing that there will to invite family and friends of the coronavirus. www.smbcplano.org

cares about the hard-work- benefits and wages, and the promise decades ago, one House and will face tough- DREAM, from Page 12 ing women and men in ability to have some say in we should now be making er opposition in the Senate. for workers. For reference, that number is about 10.5 this country and is a world the workplace. We need to for our children as it was Please let your representa- Denmark, the Netherlands, percent despite the fact that leader in workers’ rights make the PRO Act the law made for our generation. tive know how you feel. Finland, Sweden and Swit- approval of unions is at a and compensation. More- of the land. Please let your support for America should not and zerland are the top nations 50-year high. over, the economic reality We must all come togeth- the PRO Act be known. must not be a nation of bro- for worker benefits. While the unionization is that we NEED unions. er and deliver. We made a The bill has passed the ken dreams. So, how did we get here? of workers has diminished, A diminished union pres- Union membership has wealth inequality has ac- ence forces people to work been falling for decades. celerated. U.S. Federal Re- two and three jobs just to This lessening of worker serve data shows that from make ends meet. Many of representation has resulted 1989 to 2020, U.S. net those jobs are in the service in the erosion of solid em- worth became increasingly sector, with low wages, no ployee benefits and good concentrated in the hands benefits, and little room wages, a loss of secure, of the wealthiest 1 percent for advancement. It is the stable jobs, and diminished of Americans possessing American worker that worker rights. Right-to- 40 percent of the nation’s drives our economy, not Work laws (designed to wealth. In 2019, the CEO to wealthy CEOs. weaken unions and the worker ratio for compensa- It is time for our state and ability of workers to bar- tion was 320 to 1 — a stag- national leaders and repre- gain) in many states have gering gap. sentatives to come together made it much more difficult It is time to close that gap to make a change. It is time for working people to form again. It is time to strength- to pass the $15 minimum or join unions. These laws en our unions, to reach out wage, to sign the PROAct have predictably resulted to new groups of workers into legislation to protect in lower wages and dimin- who want to unionize and workers, to keep good pay- ished employer account- pave the way for enhanc- ing American jobs at home ability. ing and encouraging col- and to set America back on Over the past 35 years, lective bargaining, forming the right track. the number of U.S. work- unions, and joining togeth- The American Dream ers who are members of la- er for solid, secure, work- needs to again belong to bor unions has been cut in ers’ rights and benefits. those whose dreams defined half, according to the Pew It does not have to be this it, and whose participation Research Center. In 1954, way is vital to its achievement. nearly 35 percent of all em- It is time to commit to We need to once again be a ployed U.S. workers were our workforce. To once nation that champions safe members of unions. Now again be that nation that working conditions, good

14 | April 8-14, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com www.NorthDallasGazette.com Church Directory Celebrating influential women sible for a team of more than ment that allowed for the Ruffles, fluted collars, and Sister 2,000 developers, engineers airing-out of clothes. Then pleats were very popular in Tarpley and program managers who Henrietta converted the Victorian-era clothing. NDG manage over 500 programs rack into a new way for Evelyn Ashford, win- Religion impacting AT&T’s enter- torpedoes to be shot from ner of four Olympic gold Editor prise, consumer, and mo- submarines! medals in 1984, 1988, and bility services and create Bessie Coleman, the first 1982. Also won a silver the tools developers inside Black American woman medal in 1988 and was in- (Editor’s Note: THis and outside AT&T are us- aviator, had a postage stamp ducted into Track and Field column orginally ran on ing to build new apps and issued in her honor in 1995. and Women’s Sports Hall 4/9/2020) services. Her team is tightly Ethel L. Payne was the of Fame in 1997. integrated with the AT&T first Black woman to re- Two famous quotations A nonprofit educational Foundry innovation centers ceive accreditation as a by Ashford: “I take pride organization founded in in Palo Alto, Calif., Plano, White House correspon- in everything I do. I don’t 1980 to bring women’s sto- Texas, and Ra’anana, Is- dent. want to be handed any- ries and contributions to the rael. Mr. Tre & Mrs. Tameka Williams presenting Sister Tarpley with Susan Knox’s fluting thing. I want to earn it.” fore. Activist was a driving a Community plaque for her work in the Carrollton-Farmers iron made pressing the “I can’t run forever. I de- The project was the force force in the creation of the area as they were distributing food at Dan Long Middle School embellishments easier. cided to go back to school behind getting Congress to country’s premier civil The trademark featured for my degree, because I designate Women’s History rights organizations. groes Cooperative League, force in organizing the civil the inventor’s picture and know now there’s more to Month officially. And, I ac- After graduating as vale- whose members pooled rights movement. appeared on each iron. life than track.” knowledge Black women dictorian from North Caro- funds to buy products and Henrietta Mahim Brad- only. lina’s Shaw University in services at reduced cost. berry was born in Frank- Marian R. Croak is Se- 1927, Baker moved to New In 1957 Baker and sever- lin, Kentucky in 1903. nior Vice President of Ap- York City during the de- al Southern Black ministers This Black innovator was plications and Services In- pression. and activists established the a housewife and inventor frastructure. Named to that She was a founding Southern Christian Leader- who held two patents. The role in 2012, she is respon- member of the Young Ne- ship Conference, a major first, for a bed rack attach- Seeing can be rather expensive By Dr. James L. Snyder liked was a brilliant blue. my mind?” afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). The only problem with that She looked at me and Sometimes I get discour- As I get older, and my Cadillac was I couldn’t af- sighed very deeply, and aged by the darkness around goal is to get as old as I can, ford it. But I must tell you I could see she was not a me and don’t realize how I begin to realize some of I’m still eyeing that Cadil- happy camper. But she said dark it is. But when I put the things I haven’t noticed lac.” very calmly, “Yes, you can my eyes on the Lord Jesus in my life. You know how it “Look at me,” the doc- change your mind if you re- Christ in the Bible, I see that is; things creep up little by tor said rather sternly, “I am ally want to.” marvelous light that lighteth little, and then all of a sud- not talking about Cadillacs; “Great,” I chirped, “can I the world. den, there it is. I’m talking about cataracts have your mind?” Dr. James L. Snyder is About two years ago, in your eyes. You will need Staring at me, she then pastor of the Family of God when I was at the eye doc- surgery to remove those gave me a piece of her mind. Fellowship. The church web tor, he noticed some things cataracts.” I didn’t see that one coming. site is www.whatafellow- in my eyes. He then explained what The surgery went fine, ship.com. “You have cataracts in this cataract business was all and I was surprised. I have both eyes.” about and how I should go been wearing glasses for I was caught by surprise and get them removed and a long time, and now, out and did know what he was replaced. of my left eye, I could see talking about, but I respond- Then the day of the ac- almost perfectly, whatever ed despite that. tual surgery came, and I was that is. I couldn’t see up “No, Dr.,” I said rather se- chauffeured by the Gracious close, and the doctor said I riously, “I do not have a Ca- Mistress of the Parsonage to would probably need read- dillac, let alone two, but I do the eye clinic and went in ing glasses. But I have never have a Chevrolet. I’m quite for the preparation. seen the world so bright as I happy with my Chevrolet; And I went in, and the did that day. thank you.” nurse took me to prepare Darkness seems to creep The doctor looked at me for the doctor’s surgery. The up on a person without that as though he was looking at nurse spent about an hour person even knowing it. some crazy person. Then he and a half with me while the That happened with me. said something that some- doctor used only 15 min- Nothing is better than seeing what confused me. “Do you utes. the brightness of the light. think I’m a psychologist?” She was finishing all of As my wife was driving Looking at me straight in the prep work and was ready me home, I happen to think the eyes, he said, “You have to take me in so that the doc- of a verse of Scripture. “The cataracts in your eyes.” tor could do the surgery on Lord is my light and my sal- “Well,” I said, looking at my cataract. vation; whom shall I fear? him, “I did have my eye on At that point, I said very the Lord is the strength of several Cadillacs, the one I seriously, “Could I change my life; of whom shall I be

For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com April 8-14, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette | 15 NDG Bookshelf www.NorthDallasGazette.com NDG Book Review: ‘We Are Each Other’s Harvest’ By Terri Schlichenmeyer It’s never been a smooth er is best for all. They’re points if you grew it your- Baszile lets loose need a thing, though. speaking up and perse- self. Even better, when you wider audience today – they One little hole in the Over and over in previ- vering, in planting and read “We Are Each Other’s can’t be silent anymore – ground. ous decades, Black farmers paperwork. Black farm- Harvest” after you’re done anger at the past isn’t the That’s all it takes, as big paid faithfully each month ers have learned to think weeding. reason for this book. No, around as your little finger, to buy farms from white around bigger issues by Using a little of this (fic- this is much more of a a pencil eraser, a coffee landowners, only to ulti- forming Black-owned co- tion excerpts, poetry, and prayer for the Black stew- stirrer. A tiny fissure in the mately, cruelly be denied ops, teaching new farmers, quotations), along with a ards of the land, and for Earth, that’s what you need ownership. Others perse- making sure the next gen- little of that (essays, inter- those who’ve listened to to grow dinner next week vered, and then lost their eration wants ownership of views, first-person tales, their hearts and stood, one or next winter, flowers for land through lack of finan- the business, and ignoring and history), author Nata- hand filled with dirt and the your table, sustenance for borhood (or its lack) could cial literacy, or problems old myths that say women lie Baszile gives praise to other with seeds. your animals or, as in the be a racial issue. Shortly with banks, the USDA or don’t farm. Black farmers Black farmers and ranch- Whether you are a farm- new book “We Are Each afterward, she discovered the Farm Service Admin- are mentoring. They’re re- ers, showing that what may er, know one, or accept the Other’s Harvest” by Nata- that her ancestors had been istration (FSA), the latter defining the word “farm.” seem like a newly-discov- fruits of one’s labor, this lie Baszile, a tie to your involved in farming, long which, suggested one farm- They’re doing what it takes ered connectedness to the book is the perfect medi- past. before she was born. That’s er, seemed to have been to keep possession of their land goes way back. It is, tation. Lush as a spring Years ago, while tak- not unusual: as we learn in created to make problems. land because for them, in fact, a slice of the past morning but sharp as ing weekly provisions to the introduction here, near- And yet, there were there just isn’t any better that’s rich as a fertile field, an elderly relative, Nata- ly all African Americans to- bright spots: like folks a way to live. but also loaded with rocks barbed wire, “We Are Each lie Baszile learned that the day can claim that farming century ago, Black farmers So you know where your that crushed many dreams. Other’s Harvest” is a book presence of food in a neigh- is in their genes. know that sticking togeth- food comes from. Bonus And yet, while the stories for the well-grounded.

tensive knowledge in pro- “But if I succeed, it gives LEWIS, from Page 2 gram design and develop- me more ammunition to JACKSON, from Page 2 tion, Lewis recently joined She holds professional ment, executive and staff overcome additional ob- African Americans in par- clined. Over the last two Bunker Labs Veteran In certifications in proposal training, recruiting and re- stacles, and life is nothing ticular are incarcerated at decades the rate of violent Residence Business Co- writing for foundation, cor- tention, collaborative man- but obstacles. You have to over than 5 times the rate crime in the U.S. has fall- hort, where she partners porate, government grants, agement, and marketing. have that drive, that mind- of white Americans. en by about 20 percent, with other veteran-owned grant research, and budget “I challenge myself to do set of being determined. These numbers have while the number of in- businesses to help obtain development. something. If I fail, I fail,” And never be afraid to ask remained high even as carcerated individuals has grant funding. Lewis also possesses ex- Lewis decided. questions.” overall crime has de- grown by 50 percent.

16 | April 8-14, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com