Volume XXXI, Number XIV May 6-12, 2021 Chauvin verdict only leads to more work

- See Page 3 COVID safety measures lack in prison Visit us online at www.northdallasgazette.com - See Page 4 DOJ seeks to clean up police John Lewis departments around the country Votercade planned May 8 By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent - See Page 5

When U.S. Attorney General STEM school Merrick Garland announced that to open in the Department of Justice had opened a civil investigation to de- West Dallas termine whether police in Minne- apolis engage in a pattern or prac- - See Page 6 tice of unconstitutional or unlawful policing, the proclamation was met Qualified both with cheers and skepticism. immunity is Garland said he would staff the effort with experienced attorneys under question and other personnel from the Jus- tice Department’s Civil Rights Di- Among the policies the DOJ seeks is encouraging is for other officers to step in when - See Page 8 vision and the U.S. Attorney’s Of- aggressive and excessive force is used. (Photo: Claude Robillard / Flickr) fice for the District of Minnesota. EBONY 75th He even qualified that the new liance, told NNPA Newswire. Some of the measures include civil investigation is separate The Crime and Justice Alliance implementing new policies and anniversary from and independent of the fed- serves to inform the public debate training. eral criminal investigation into the on criminal justice issues. “Or it can negotiate an agree- book released death of George Floyd that the Jus- Asked whether the DOJ could ment with the entity – called a con- tice Department has previously an- set policy for local police agencies, sent decree – which then may be - See Page 9 nounced. Kizielewicz demurred. overseen by a federal court to make While the decision received ap- “For the most part, no,” Kiziele- sure the entity lives up to whatever Black home plause, questions remain aplenty, wicz offered. it has agreed to do,” Kizielewicz ownership key including the goal of the investiga- “But if the U.S. Justice Depart- stated. to wealth gains tion and whether the Justice De- ment develops evidence that a local Among the policies the DOJ partment can set policy for local or state entity like a police depart- seeks is encouraging is for other police agencies. ment is failing to abide by the U.S. officers to step in when aggressive - See Page 11 “The goal would be to determine Constitution or other federal laws, and excessive force is used. whether a local or state entity is it can go to federal court and seek When Derek Chauvin pressed Sister Tarpley: failing to abide by the U.S. Consti- an order of some kind requiring the his knee into the neck of George tution or other federal laws,” Cait- entity to cease its illegal activity Floyd and eventually killed him, A message for lin Kizielewicz, a spokesperson for and perhaps implement some mea- Christian mothers the Crime and Justice Research Al- sures to prevent its recurrence.” See DOJ, Page 11 - 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 Irving / Carrollton / Plano ...... 7 Entertainment ...... 9-10 Renee Montgomery Michelle T. Boone Dr. Starsky Wilson Marketplace ...... 11-12 Career / Notices ...... 13 NDG Quote of the Week: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Religion ...... 15 – Martin Luther King, Jr. NDG Book Review ...... 16 People in the News www.NorthDallasGazette.com organization, and we are 37 playoff games and twice Those efforts also led to gomery. Renee Montgomery very pleased to welcome won the WNBA title as a Democrats Raphael War- “Back in March, at the By Stacy M. Brown Larry Gottesdiener and Su- Minnesota Lynx member. nock and Jon Ossoff win- beginning of the pandemic, NNPA Newswire Senior zanne Abair to the WNBA,” She matched the WNBA ning the Senate and grab- we reached out to Renee National Correspondent Commissioner Cathy regular-season record with bing the majority in the Montgomery to join our Engelbert said in a state- eight made three-pointers in upper chamber. Together, We Can virtual Renee Montgomery, a ment. 2018 and notched her 500th “My dream has come program as a host,” Brooks two-time WNBA champion “I am also thrilled that career trey in 2019 – mak- true,” Montgomery de- wrote in an email. (You can and vice president of the At- former WNBA star Renee ing her just the 13th player clared. “Breaking barriers watch her class here.) lanta Dream, has purchased Montgomery will be join- in league history to accom- for minorities and women “She was ecstatic to help a stake in the franchise and ing the ownership group plish that feat. by being the first former because the Virtual Program is now co-owner. as an investor and execu- Last November, Mont- WNBA player to have both was created to help people. Montgomery is the first tive for the team. Renee is gomery proved a champion an ownership stake and a It provided people of all retired player to own and a trailblazer who has made in another venue: political leadership role with the ages with a fun and educa- once co-owned by former serve as an executive of a a major impact both in the activism. She joined Stacey team is an opportunity that tional, social outlet to com- U.S. Sen. Kelley Loeffler WNBA team. game and beyond,” Engle- Abrams and other women I take very seriously.” bat the isolation brought on (D-Ga.). The superstar and her two bert added. of color to push voter par- Van Brooks, the founder by nationwide quarantine,” “With the unanimous partners, Larry Gottesdie- Selected fourth overall ticipation and inclusion, ul- and executive director of Brooks continued. WNBA and NBA [board] ner and Suzanne Abair of in the 2009 WNBA draft, timately helping President the nonprofit SAFE Alter- “Renee Montgom- votes, marks a new begin- Northland Investment Corp. Montgomery appeared in Joe Biden win Georgia and native Foundation for Edu- ning for the Atlanta Dream See MONTGOMERY, Page 10 take over the team that was 364 games. She played in the White House. cation, also praised Mont-

engagement officer, Boone strengthen and sustain au- said Michelle Boone, in- of more than 80 full-time Michelle T. Boone served on the Executive diences for the art of po- coming president of the employees to produce and CHICAGO, IL, — The Leadership Team; her re- etry. Our goal is to become Poetry Foundation. “Poetry present more than 2,000 Poetry Foundation is sponsibilities included the an equitable organization magazine and the work of public programs, large- pleased to announce Mi- development and presen- that fosters dignity and in- the Foundation play an im- scale festivals, and special chelle T. Boone will join tation of arts and cultural tegrity, builds trust with portant role in serving the events annually; supervised the Poetry Foundation as public programs, festivals partners and community poetry community and the the management of the president beginning May 4. and special events; man- members, and sustains and broader literary scene at historic Chicago Cultural The appointment concludes aging the PR/Communica- grows resources including large. I am looking forward Center; led the process for a a robust, diverse national tions team; and supporting Poetry magazine and Poet- to deepening relationships, new Chicago Cultural Plan search led by Korn Ferry in Navy Pier’s diversity, equi- ryFoundation.org. Michelle expanding partnerships, (released in 2012); and partnership with a commit- ty, and inclusion strategies brings deep experience in and connecting with bold launched the Chicago Ar- tee of Poetry Foundation and staff engagement. organizational manage- new, diverse voices in the chitecture Biennial in 2015, trustees and staff members. “We are excited to wel- ment and community en- field in dynamic new ways. the city’s first international Boone brings more than as during her tenure as com- come Michelle Boone as gagement. We’re delighted Boone served as Com- exhibition of contemporary 20 years of professional missioner for Chicago’s the next president of the to welcome her to the Po- missioner of the Chicago architecture and design. community, civic, and cul- Department of Cultural Poetry Foundation,” said etry Foundation.” Department of Cultural Prior to that, Boone was tural experience in dynamic Affairs and Special Events Caren Yanis, board chair, “I am beyond thrilled Affairs and Special Events a senior program officer leadership positions, both (DCASE). In her most re- “We’re confident in Mi- and deeply honored to be (DCASE) under Mayor at the Joyce Foundation, at Navy Pier and with the cent role at Navy Pier as chelle’s organizational and invited to join the team at Rahm Emanuel. During See BOONE Page 4 Joyce Foundation, as well chief program and civic strategic planning skills to the Poetry Foundation,” her tenure, she led a team

CDF’s mission by fostering deepen scholars’ under- sociation’s morning break- they could make a differ- Dr. Starsky Wilson environments that support standing of themselves and ing news program, “Let It ence. By Stacy M. Brown children and young adults all they have in common Be Known.” The CDF outlined the fol- NNPA Senior National to excel and believe in their with others in a multiracial, Recent Freedom Schools’ lowing behavioral bench- Correspondent ability to make a difference multicultural democratic surveys found that 65 per- marks: in themselves and in their society, CDF Freedom cent of scholars liked to • Seventy-seven percent The Children’s Defense families, schools, com- Schools programs further read, while 81 percent en- of scholars reported they Fund has always lived by munities, country, and the empowers scholars to be- joyed talking about what were willing to listen to dif- the motto that children are world with hope, education, lieve in their ability and they read. ferent opinions. the future. and action.” responsibility to make a Approximately 86 per- • Sixty-eight percent of As young people of color Dr. Wilson noted that difference while instilling cent reported they read scholars said standing up are the majority of youth in students in the program are in them a love of reading many different kinds of for what they think is fair. America, the nonprofit -or known as scholars. to help them avoid summer books, 100 percent reported • Sixty-three percent of ganization is ramping up its “By providing K-12 learning loss,” Dr. Wilson wanting to go to college, 98 scholars said that they could Freedom Schools program. Children’s Defense Fund scholars with rich, cultur- remarked during a live ap- percent reported they could solve problems without Dr. Starsky Wilson, the (CDF), said the schools in- ally relevant pedagogy and pearance on the National achieve their goals, and 89 president and CEO of the corporate “the totality of high-quality books that Newspaper Publishers As- percent said they believed See WILSON Page 11

2 | May 6-12, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com www.NorthDallasGazette.com Op-Ed Chauvin Is Guilty. Our work is cut out for us By Ben Jealous in Minneapolis and Louis- have a civilian supervisor. metropolitan areas. We can ville, and the shooting of It will focus on de-escalat- get serious about saving Just a few days have Anthony Brown in North ing situations in which peo- Black lives by starting in P.O. Box 763866 - Dallas, Texas 75736-3866 passed since Derek Carolina. ple are at risk, and restoring those metro areas. And we Chauvin’s conviction in the We have work to do in trust among the city’s com- can build a movement that Phone: 972-432-5219 - Fax: 972-509-9058 murder of George Floyd. our own neighborhoods, munities of color, home- inspires others to act. But the images from that too. less residents, LGBTQ One of the most emo- “Do what you say you are moment are seared in our Policing is a local func- residents and residents with tional moments after going to do ... when you say memories forever: the mur- tion, controlled by city, disabilities. George Floyd’s murder you are going to do it.” derer, led away in hand- county and state govern- The plan came together last year came when his cuffs. The Floyd family, ments. These governments with input from local resi- daughter Gianna, then six, Publisher’s Office: Philonise Floyd speaking answer directly to us, the dents as well as city and said, “Daddy changed the through tears, at the mi- citizens. And there is a county officials. It is the world.” If we want her to [email protected] crophones after the ver- lot we can do to insist on kind of innovative thinking be right in the long run, we dict. The crowds outside change. we want in communities can do our part to make her Sales Department: the courthouse erupting One of the most inspiring across the nation, and the words come true. And each [email protected] in cheers when the verdict examples today is in Ithaca, energy around the Chauvin of us can start right here at 972-509-9049 was read. New York, a college town trial helped get it over the home. led by a dynamic young finish line. Our gratitude for this Ben Jealous serves as measure of accountability Black mayor. There, Mayor We all can harness that president of People For the Editorial Department: is soul-deep. And now we Svante Myrick and the city energy where we live. Our American Way and People [email protected] ask ourselves, will things council approved a plan to year of speaking out and For the American Way really be different this do away with their tradi- taking to the streets will Online: time? The answer is that tional police department serve us well; we can orga- Foundation. Jealous has www.NorthDallasGazette.com they can be, if we seize this and replace it with a new nize, and demonstrate, and decades of experience as a leader, coalition builder, www.twitter.com/NDGEditor moment. Department of Community show up in the places where Washington has sent en- Solutions and Public Safe- local lawmakers meet to do campaigner for social jus- www.facebook.com/NorthDallasGazette couraging signs that it is se- ty, in which some person- their work. We can contact tice and seasoned nonprofit www.pinterest.com/NDallasGazette rious about addressing po- nel would carry weapons our local representatives di- executive. In 2008, he was www.instagram.com/NorthDallasGazette lice violence and systemic – and, importantly, some rectly; they might live next chosen as the youngest- racism. Congress should would not. door or down the street. ever president and CEO of STAFF pass the imperfect but im- Instead, unarmed social And while the task of the NAACP. He is a gradu- Chairman Emeritus Religious / Marketing Editor portant George Floyd Jus- workers would respond to changing thousands of po- ate of Columbia University Jim Bochum Shirley Demus Tarpley tice in Policing Act. The the many calls in which an lice departments, one by and Oxford, where he was a 1933-2009 (“Sister Tarpley”) Justice Department is forg- armed response is unneces- one, seems huge, think Rhodes Scholar, and he has ing ahead with investiga- sary and even dangerous. of this: more than half of taught at Princeton and the Chief Editor Emeritus Ruth Ferguson NDG Columnist tions of police departments The new department will Black Americans live in 25 University of Pennsylvania. 1965-2020 Allen R. Gray Published by The Census, Redistricting and The Republican Conspiracy Contributing Writers Minority Opportunity News, Inc. By Dr. John E. Warren, over 500 bills pending, col- drawn up in each state. The to those state legislators en- Jackie Hardy Publisher, The San Diego lectively, to make it harder drawing of those boundar- gaged in supporting voter Interim Editor Breanne Holley David Wilfong Voice and Viewpoint. to vote; (2) Former President ies to strengthen one party’s suppression; (2) Finding Jacquinette Murphy Trump’s efforts to change voter influence over another candidates now that we can Community Marketing Dwain Price Forty years ago, those the Census 2020 count by is called “gerrymandering”. run and finance against the Nadina Davis Terri Schlichenmeyer who wanted to amend the questioning whether people Where republicans control very republicans support- David Wilfong Senior Account Executive U.S. Constitution to elimi- in households were legal; state legislatures, they will ing and sponsoring voter Nina Garcia nate the 13th, 14th and 15th and (3) The resulting loss also control the appointment suppression legislation; and Amendments, along with of Congressional seats in at of the people who draw the (3) Watching very closely Production any other provisions that least 6 states, including the boundaries. Such boundar- the Redistricting Commis- David Wilfong extended democracy to “we one seat from California (a ies can determine the alloca- sions charged with redraw- NDG Obituary Dept. the people,” were calling for Blue state), and the addition tion of voting precincts and ing political districts so that Vicky Richardson-Stewart a Constitutional Conven- of 2 seats to Texas (a Red equipment. The whole idea the votes of people of color VP of Operations tion. Today, that approach State). Texas happens to be is to ensure that never again are not weakened. We must is no longer necessary since one of the states with a com- do we have the kind of dem- attend Redistricting Com- those who still want to make plete Republican legislature ocratic vote among “we the mission meetings whether those stated changes have and governor with major people” that put President on Zoom or in person. The found new ways to accom- voter suppression legisla- Biden in the White House. damage they do will last for plish the same old goals. tion pending. The Republican conspir- another 10 years. Thomas Jefferson was al- The bottom line is that the acy against democracy can “We The People” can de- ways about “States Rights” Census determines the num- only work if we sleep and feat the Republican conspir- with less Federalist (or fed- ber of seats in the Congress become inactive during this acy on all fronts if we get eral government influence). per state. Since the Congress multifaceted efort. We must started now and stay vigi- Today, the Republican Party is fixed at 433 seats, seats prepare now for 2022 by: lant. It is ironic that Thomas is carrying out Jefferson’s are reallocated following (1) Boycotting Jefferson was the one who vision with three approach- the ten year census. Now the the corporations that re- said, “Eternal vigilance es: (1) Voter Suppression change in number of seats fuse to support “Black Votes is the price of freedom.” North Dallas Gazette assumes no responsibility legislation, which is now in requires a change in how Matter” and who continue Are you willing to pay that for unsolicited material and reserves the right to 43 of the 50 states and with congressional districts are funding legislators that give price? edit and make appropriate revisions. 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 May 6-12, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette | 3 Health www.NorthDallasGazette.com COVID safety measures in prisons and jails harm mental health and odds of effective reentry for women behind bars Corrections agencies women’s access to routine Many women, especially services; and developing implemented COVID-19 medical and mental health those who are pregnant and mini-cohorts of women safety measures that are care. Women’s access to those with medical condi- within the facilities to re- exacerbating the trauma basic necessities, including tions, are also high-risk duce the women’s sense of women were already ex- hygiene products and sani- from the virus and need to isolation. periencing in prisons and tary supplies, have become be out of harm’s way. The “Each recommendation jails, according to a new even more limited. Addi- 2020 death of Andrea High includes a set of immediate nationwide report from tionally, finding safe hous- Bear, who died from CO- steps and longer-term ac- the LBJ School of Public ing options has always been VID in a federal prison in tions that corrections agen- Affairs at The University a particular challenge for Texas shortly after giving cies can take to ensure that of Texas at Austin. Agen- women after their release. birth, underscores the risks the changes meet women’s cies also did not prioritize Given the risk of exposure involved for this popula- distinct needs,” according the release of women who to COVID during incar- tion. to Michele Deitch, co-au- are especially vulnerable ceration, safe, supportive Recommendations also thor of the report and dis- to COVID and low risk to Ansley / Unsplash Matthew housing options are even include reducing the num- tinguished senior lecturer at young children, and almost mitigate the harm caused public safety. There are ex- more scarce for women, es- ber of women entering cor- the LBJ School. “We want- 90% have histories of se- by policies meant to reduce tremely few examples of pecially during the 14-day rectional facilities through ed to be sure these impor- rious trauma from abuse the spread of COVID-19 in agencies taking a gender- quarantine period immedi- diversion efforts; providing tant reforms are sustainable and neglect that affect their these facilities.” responsive approach to ately after release. opportunities for meaning- after the pandemic is over.” mental health in response The vast majority of COVID-19 precautionary Researchers say cor- ful contact between women This report was produced to these restrictions. correctional agencies sus- measures, researchers say. rections agencies, policy in custody and their chil- as part of the COVID, Cor- “These COVID safety pended in-person family Measures found to be makers, and other elected dren by developing creative rections, and Oversight measures—many of which visitation, but did not pro- particularly harmful to officials still have time to virtual activities like game Project at the Lyndon B. significantly increase sepa- vide women with alterna- women are the suspension reduce the harm incarcer- nights or reading stories; Johnson School of Public ration and isolation—raise tive and affordable meth- of visitation and program- ated women are experienc- delivering programs and re- Affairs, with support from ming, increased use of cell questions about how people ods of communication with ing during the pandemic entry services to women in in custody are coping un- loved ones, causing harm to the Bernard and Audre restriction and lockdowns, and improve odds for re- custody through the use of der these challenging cir- their children and families. Rapoport Foundation. The and the use of medical entry. First, researchers tablets provided at no cost cumstances,” said Alycia Most correctional agen- COVID, Corrections, and isolation and quarantine. recommend accelerating to the women; providing Welch, lead author of the cies have also not provided Oversight Project is led by While these measures may the release of more wom- women in custody access to report and associate direc- alternatives to in-person Michele Deitch, Project Di- have been necessary in or- en from prisons and jails. gender-specific health -ser tor of the COVID, Correc- programming and services rector, and Alycia Welch, der to slow the spread of Most women are very low vices that support positive tions, and Oversight Project that could otherwise keep Associate Director. the virus in correctional risk to the community and physical, behavioral, and at the LBJ School. “This women occupied during Deitch and Welch dis- facilities, researchers say can be safely released as a reproductive health out- report examines the par- long periods of isolation cussed report findings last little attention was paid to way to depopulate the fa- comes, including through ticular challenges faced by and improve their chances week at the UT Social Jus- how they might be particu- cilities and reduce the risk increased use of telehealth larly problematic for wom- incarcerated women dur- for successful reentry. of COVID spread, consis- tice Research Forum. en. About 80% of women ing the pandemic, and asks The pandemic has am- tent with the guidance of in custody are mothers of how prisons and jails can plified concerns about correctional health experts.

The Arts Club of Chicago, publisher of Poetry maga- BOONE, from Page 2 Chicago Architecture Bi- zine, is an independent lit- managing the culture port- The Indiana University ennial, the Graham Foun- erary organization commit- folio and distributing more School of Public and Envi- dation, and Timeline The- ted to a vigorous presence than $2 million annually ronmental Affairs honored ater, and is on the Board of for poetry in American cul- in grants supporting artists her with its Distinguished Governors for the School ture. and nonprofit arts organiza- Alumni Award in 2015. of the Art Institute of Chi- It exists to discover and tions in the Midwest. Boone is the recipient cago. She is also a member celebrate the best poetry Her professional career of multiple honors includ- of The Chicago Network and to place it before the includes work in television, ing being named a “Cul- and serves on the Women’s largest possible audience. film, and the recording in- tural Champion” by the Board of the University The Poetry Foundation dustries, and she served as a Chicago Cultural Alliance; of Chicago. Michelle is a seeks to be a leader in shap- United States Peace Corps named “Design Leader of longtime resident of Chi- ing a receptive climate for volunteer in Chad, Africa. the Moment” by Newcity cago’s south side and vol- poetry by developing new Boone holds a bachelor’s magazine; and “Chicagoan unteers with South Shore audiences, creating new degree in Telecommunica- of the Year” (architecture) Works, an independent col- avenues for delivery, and tions and a master’s degree by the Chicago Tribune. lective of residents work- encouraging new kinds of in Public Affairs (Nonprofit She currently serves on the ing to revitalize the com- poetry through innovative Management) from Indiana boards of Americans for the munity. literary prizes and pro- University, Bloomington. Arts, Arts Alliance Illinois, The Poetry Foundation, grams.

4 | May 6-12, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com www.NorthDallasGazette.com Community John Lewis Voter Advancement Day of Action Votercade slated for May 8 A collection of local the People Act (H.R. 1), the ship-West Baptist Church, Speakers at this event civic organizations says the John Lewis Voting Rights Judge Cheryl Wattley of will include; Sean Reed of voting rights of America’s Advancement Act (H.R. 4), the UNT Dallas College of the DFW Urban League voters of color and youth D.C. Statehood and address Law, and Ideisha Shanklin. Young Professionals, voters are under attack the filibuster to do so. Then a Votercade to the Akilah Wallace of Faith in nationally by state legisla- Organizers believe that, Martin Luther King Jr. Texas, Dionna with Black tors introducing and pass- “Together, we can build a Community Center will Votes Matter, and Crystal ing laws to suppress their better nation and a stronger commence at 2 p.m. Mason participation in elections. democracy.” The Empowerment Cel- Meanwhile, big businesses A press conference will ebration begins at 3 p.m. in More information on and billionaires are able to be held at 1 p.m. at Dallas the courtyard of the Martin Votercade participation can spend unlimited amounts of ning a rally to protect vot- name of John Lewis, and City Hall. Speakers will in- Luther King Jr. Community be found at https://www. funding to buy elections. er’s rights. On May 8, the as part of 100 events across clude; Pastor Dr. Frederick Center at 2922 Martin Lu- mobilize.us/publiccitizen/ Together, they are plan- rally will take place in the the nation to pass the For D. Haynes, III of Friend- ther King Jr. Blvd. event/382060 Dallas Historical Society Awards For Excellence celebrated on Nov. 18 The Dallas Historical • Creative Arts - Jonathan reading techniques • Humanities - Alessandra Society will host its 39th Norton - a homegrown, na- • Health/Sciences - Agape Comini - accomplishments Awards for Excellence lun- tionally recognized play- Clinic - providing free med- as an art historian, lecturer, cheon on Thursday, Novem- wright whose rich charac- ical care to the medically author, and professor over ber 18, at 11:30 a.m. at the ters and stories are inspired underserved of Dallas for the past 40 years FAIRMONT HOTEL, 1717 by growing up in Dallas almost 40 years • Philanthropy - Diane NORTH AKARD STREET in categories such as Arts, Halperin - commitment • Education - Catherine • History - Nancy McCoy Bumpas - celebrating Texas The event honors those Education, Sciences, Hu- to the arts as an advocate, LeBlanc - dedication to edu- - extensive work as a preser- State History and Dallas who make significant con- manities, Philanthropy and leader, administrator, men- cation through her Catch Up vation architect in the com- heritage through her gen- tributions to Dallas’ quality more. The complete list of tor, and philanthropist, mak- and Read program which mercial, cultural, residen- erosity of time, effort, and of life, providing innova- this year’s awards includes: ing Dallas a richer environ- trains primary school teach- tial, parks, and educational See AWARDS, Page 8 tion, guidance, and support • Arts Leadership - Gayle ment for all ers in new and effective sectors Peoples tops candidates, advancing to runoff election for Fort Worth Mayor After beginning with balloting. ward her runoff election. people together at every power rising up across our Peoples herself ex- a field of 10- candidates, “I send my warmest con- Deborah leads with vision, opportunity, and I know state. Her leadership flipped pressed appreciation to the Deborah Peoples and Mat- gratulations to Deborah compassion, and integrity, that as mayor, she will Tarrant County blue in the voters who got her into the tie Parker will head to a Peoples on her first-place and I look forward to seeing help build a stronger, more 2020 presidential election runoff. runoff election for the posi- victory in Fort Worth’s the progress she will create united Fort Worth. Deborah for the first time in recent “I am grateful to have tion of Fort Worth Mayor. mayoral election today,” on behalf of Fort Worth res- is focused on tackling the memory, and that same the support of Chair Hino- Peopes topped the list of said Texas Democratic idents when elected. most important issues Tex- organizing and dedication josa. Fort Worth’s success candiates with the most Party Chair Gilberto Hi- “As a business leader and ans are facing -- from fixing has propelled her to today’s is success for our state as votes garnered at 22,352 nojosa. “Fort Worth could longtime Chair of the Tar- our broken criminal justice victory. We will send Debo- a whole, and I am ready to to Parker’s 20,501. Since not choose a better leader rant County Democratic system to caring for our se- rah to another victory in her use my 30 years of execu- neither candidate exceeded to represent this great city, Party, Deborah has worked niors. runoff election, and we will tive experience and lifetime 50% of the votes cast, the and I look forward to sup- every day to build a better “Deborah’s success to- continue fighting to elect of service to the communi- final decision rests with porting Deborah every step Texas for all of us. She is night is a testament to the Democratic champions ty to lead us out of crisis,” voters in a second round of of the way as we look to- a gifted leader who brings groundswell of Democratic who put people first.” Peoples said.

For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com May 6-12, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette | 5 Education www.NorthDallasGazette.com New West Dallas stem school set to open in August Dallas ISD school receives expanded support from Toyota USA Foundation, education champion Carter Creech through SMU In West Dallas a new Pre alongside the effort,” added our community’s children – surement to support a mod- K-8 STEM school is set to Suggs. the problem solvers of the el of continuous improve- open this August beginning To further support the future.” ment with students in the 7th and school, business leader The West Dallas STEM “This is an opportunity of 8th grades. The West Dal- Carter Creech, an SMU School Program at a lifetime for the students las STEM School, a Dallas alumnus with a passion for Pinkston and community of West Independent School Dis- education philanthropy, has The West Dallas STEM Dallas,” principal Jackson trict Transformation and pledged an additional $3.5 School Program at Pinkston said. “This partnership has Innovation School, is the million, following his ini- is a neighborhood school afforded us the space to re- result of more than three tial gift of $1.5 million to that will begin by serving alize what’s possible when years of collaboration be- the project. Creech’s con- the 7th and 8th grade. PreK we focus our collective ef- tween the District, the tribution will go toward a – 1st grade is scheduled to forts on changing how we Toyota USA Foundation, new middle school career begin enrollment in 2023. meet the needs of our stu- SMU’s Simmons School and college readiness pilot The school brings togeth- dents and families. We are of Education and Human Ousa Chea / Unsplash program at the school, as er four integral components committed to equipping our Development and the West and before and after school Toyota’s teacher and com- well as efforts to replicate to create an innovative PK students to succeed in an Dallas community. care. This extends also to munity grants, West Dallas the West Dallas STEM - 8 school model: evolving global society.” “We strongly believe that addressing broader com- scholarship and mentorship school. • A project-based, indus- SMU’s Simmons School all children should have munity needs, including ac- programs, and the recently “As we move from plan- try-informed STEM cur- is providing faculty ex- equal access to opportuni- cess to transportation.” launched transportation cir- ning to implementation, we riculum pertise to develop project- ties and a pathway to great To support the school as culator in the area. have deepened our commit- • Professional develop- based learning, which careers,” said Sean Sug- it opens and its new Master “We know that there ment to the school, to the ment for educators means that students will gs, director, Toyota USA Principal Marion Jackson, many related issues - from model, and to each other,” • “Wraparound” services learn by working in groups Foundation and group vice the Toyota USA Founda- access to healthy food to said Simmons School Dean delivered directly to the to solve open-ended prob- president, Toyota Social In- tion approved an addi- before and after school care Stephanie Knight. “SMU students by community lems using design, engi- novation. “Together with tional grant of $3 million - that all tie into academic is grateful for this unique nonprofit organizations to neering, math, science and the community, we have to SMU, adding to the $2 success. This is something partnership, and thanks help with issues such as lit- technology. The approach worked on everything from million grant the founda- we need to collectively ad- both the Toyota Foundation eracy, nutrition, transporta- prepares students to take building design, teacher tion awarded in September dress, and we encourage USA and Carter Creech for tion and after-school care See STEM, Page 7 development, curriculum 2018. This is in addition to additional partners to come continued investment in • Evaluation and mea- Nominees announced for the DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards Dallas Summer Musi- DSM HSMTA awards cer- - You’re A Good Man, Charlie Phantom of the Opera cals (DSM) is pleased to emony on June 11, 2021 Brown Lake Country Christian announce the 2021 nomi- through DSM’s YouTube Melissa High School - Cur- School - Fiddler on the Roof tains Liberty Christian School - nees for the 10th Annual page. A link to view the Nolan Catholic High Mary Poppins DSM High School Musical livestream will be posted School - Newsies Melissa High School - Cur- Theatre Awards (HSMTA). at DSMHSMTA.org and on Plano Senior High School tains The awards ceremony will DSM’s Facebook, Twitter - Pippin Plano East Senior High be presented as a virtual and Instagram accounts. Southwest Christian School - The 25th Annual livestream through DSM’s School - Anastasia: The Mu- Putnam County Spelling Bee sical Wakeland High School - 10Th Annual DSM High YouTube page on June 11, Waxahachie High School - Anastasia: The Musical School Musical Theatre 2021. All awards will be Matilda The Musical Waxahachie High School - Awards Nominees announced live, and the Matilda The Musical

Annie Gavin / Unsplash Best Choreography evening will feature live Best Musical Grapevine Faith Christian Best Orchestra engaging performances and munity. scholarships are awarded Byron Nelson High School School - The SpongeBob Cedar Hill High School - acceptance speeches by this - Godspell “We are thrilled to be to outstanding graduating Musical The Wiz Frenship High School - year’s nominees and win- recognizing the hard work seniors who are nominated Grapevine High School - A Independence High School Godspell ners. Chorus Line - High School - You’re A Good Man, Charlie and talent of students and by their teachers and se- Guyer High School - Bright Edition Brown Patterned after Broad- teachers across North lected by the DSM scholar- Star Guyer High School - Bright Wakeland High School - way’s Tony Awards®, the Texas for the 10th year in ship panel. Through funds Independence High School Star Anastasia: The Musical DSM HSMTA celebrate - You’re A Good Man, Charlie a row,” says Ken Novice, raised by private donations, Nolan Catholic High Waxahachie High School - Brown the power of the arts and its president of Dallas Sum- DSM HSMTA will award School - Newsies Matilda The Musical Melissa High School - Cur- ability to significantly im- mer Musicals. “DSM is so $55,000 in cash scholar- Plano East Senior High tains prove all areas of education. School - The 25th Annual Best Scenic Design proud of this year’s partici- ships to continue to foster Plano Senior High School Putnam County Spelling Bee Byron Nelson High School The annual DSM HSMTA pants who, although faced the great talent North Texas - Pippin Plano Senior High School - Godspell recognizes artistic and edu- with the challenges of the has to offer. To date, DSM Southwest Christian - Pippin Frenship High School - cational achievements of School - Anastasia: The Mu- pandemic, kept the spirit HSMTA College Scholar- Southwest Christian Godspell sical North Texas students and of musical theatre alive ship program has awarded School - Anastasia: The Mu- Independence High School Waxahachie High School - their high school programs. through their productions. more than $400,000 in cash sical - You’re A Good Man, Charlie Matilda The Musical A total of 41 performances It’s truly an honor to cel- scholarships to deserving Tyler Legacy High School - Brown Footloose Melissa High School - Cur- from 39 participating high ebrate everyone involved. students. Best Direction tains schools were evaluated by Congratulations to all of All nominees are listed Byron Nelson High School Best Music Direction Nolan Catholic High a diverse group of highly - Godspell the 2021 nominees!” at DSMHSMTA.org. Win- Frenship High School - School - Newsies Frenship High School - qualified judges from the Awards will be present- ners will be announced in Godspell Godspell North Texas theater com- Guyer High School - The See AWARDS, Page 9 ed in 15 categories and a virtual livestream of the Independence High School 6 | May 6-12, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com www.NorthDallasGazette.com Irving / Carrollton / Plano Rockwall unites to preserve historic African-American cemetery The newly formed Glen Hill toms. people born on Texas soil were public at this time although Cemetery Preservation Soci- Founded in 1870, Glen Hill laid to rest at Glen Hill Ceme- tours can be arranged. We ety, city officials, and family Cemetery is one of the older tery. Also buried there are vet- are presently seeking tax-de- cemetery owners have come African-American cemeteries erans from the Civil War and ductible donations for fencing together to preserve and re- in the North Texas region. Dur- both world wars. and professional gravestone store Glen Hill Cemetery, a ing the Jim Crow era of seg- The Glen Hill Cemetery repair. To join our efforts and historic African-American regation, Blacks and Whites Preservation Society’s cleanup learn more about how you can cemetery in Rockwall. This were not allowed to be buried of the grounds is taking place help, visit our Facebook Page: 1.27-acre cemetery near the together. For this reason, plac- now. This precise work is done Glen Hill Cemetery Preserva- present-day Harbor develop- es like Glen Hill became criti- in close consultation with the tion Society. Tax-deductible Markers at the Glen Hills cemetery ment is the only remaining cal spaces for Black families Texas Historical Cemetery contributions can be made at tell the story of vestige of what was once a to grieve, heal, and remember Commission, archeologists, the website, https://www.re- local Black history, thriving African-American their passed loved ones. With and landscape design profes- memberingblackdallas.org/ . dating back to the section of Rockwall, known a few gravestones from the sionals. The site is private Choose Glen Hill Cemetery time of slavery. as The Settlement or The Bot- 1820s, some of the first Black property and not open to the under the “Donate” tab.

in our backyard.” Keeping watch... STEM, from Page 6 Organizations such as ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 25, on new challenges as they input on services offered at West Dallas One and the 2021) Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Shawn Fenner, from Arlington, occur – and to understand the school. West Dallas Community Texas, steers the Ticonderoga- how to build new knowl- Parents, such as José Coalition also have been edge on existing concepts. class guided-missile cruiser USS Alas, who sits on the active in the partnership, Vella Gulf (CG 72), April 25, The Simmons School will school’s advisory council, participating in the school’s 2021. Vella Gulf is operating in provide professional de- have been engaged from design teams and focus the Atlantic Ocean in support velopment for teachers, the beginning. “This school groups with residents. Ad- of naval operations to maintain and Simmons researchers really will help bridge the ditionally, six long-estab- maritime stability and security in will monitor and evaluate order to ensure access, deter ag- gap in opportunities when lished West Dallas non- the program as it evolves, gression and defend U.S., allied it comes to education,” he developing a model to cre- profit groups have been and partner interests. (U.S. Navy says. “Every child has the ate other STEM-focused working on plans to expand photo by Mass Communication potential to do great things schools. their services within the Specialist 2nd Class Dean M. Partnering with the if we can provide them school to help students and Cates) West Dallas Community what they need, and I think their families gain quick ac- Since the onset, the West the school is going to do cess to resources they need. Dallas community has been just that. We always juggle For more information, engaged in the creation where to send our children please visit https://www. of the school, advising on and now we are going to dallasisd.org/westdal- everything from design to have one of the best schools lasstem.

For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com May 6-12, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette | 7 Feature www.northdallasgazette.com The Supreme Court can protect Black lives by ending qualified immunity By David Johns shoot first and think later, Floyd’s–is another example Executive Director and it tells the public that of why now is the time for National Black Justice palpably unreasonable con- a Black woman Supreme Coalition duct will go unpunished.” Court nominee. Only one Following the direction legal entity can end the Last year, we witnessed of the Supreme court, low- enactment of qualified im- another crushing blow in er courts mostly dismiss munity and remove the the fight to end police vio- police misconduct lawsuits protection itself, and that is lence against Black people. on grounds that there is no the United States Supreme Only one of the three of- prior court decision with Court. We need judges that ficers involved in the mur- nearly identical facts. This understand what it means der of Breonna Taylor was results in seeing what hap- to have a loved one not charged in the case. How- pened with Michael Brown, come home because an of- ever, they were not charged The Supreme Court is a deliberative body and the perspective of a Black woman will ensure decisions that Eric Garner, Tony McDade ficer perceived their skin for causing her death; are more inclusive of diverse lived experiences. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA) (a Black trans man who color to be a crime pun- rather, they were indicted Here we are again, this to start talking about the of upholding the require- was murdered by a member ishable by death as well as on charges of destroying time mourning the loss of courts and qualified immu- ment of public officials of the Tallahassee Police how dangerous it is to tell property. Daunte Wright, who was nity–a defense to exces- acting in “good faith” in Department the same week police officers to shoot first The three officers re- killed by police officer sive force available to of- order to be shielded from as George Floyd was mur- and think later. We need sponsible for the murder Kim Potter in Minneapolis, ficers. Derek Chauvin may liability, even officials who dered) and Breonna Taylor judges that know what we of Breonna Taylor are not Minnesota–the same city have been found guilty of used excessive force would happening over and over mean when we scream, “I the first to walk free after that has just witnessed a George Floyd’s murder, but be immune from being held again–police officers hav- can’t breathe.” killing an unarmed Black guilty verdict in the case of the fact remains that this legally accountable for ing full ability to fatally Simply put, qualified person, and unfortunately, Derek Chauvin, who killed legal protection will con- their actions. shoot Black people with immunity upholds a cul- especially if things contin- George Floyd last May. As tinue to put Black people in Justice Sonia Sotomayor impunity, across the coun- ture of impunity where ue as they are, they will not the country awaited this danger at the hands of the called qualified immunity a try and regardless of juris- government officials in be the last. Things continu- verdict, Ma’Khia Bryant, police. “one-sided approach” that diction. A Reuters study general and police offi- ing as they are, includes the a 16-year-old Black girl in Qualified immunity is le- “transforms the doctrine found that since 2005, the cers, in particular, are not decision to only charge one Columbus, Ohio was killed gal protection created by the into an absolute shield for courts have shown an in- held accountable for us- Louisville police officer by a police officer when she Supreme Court that shields law enforcement officers.” creasing tendency to grant ing excessive force and for the destruction of prop- called them to intervene in government officials from Justice Sotomayor went immunity in excessive violence against unarmed erty, which sends the mes- a dispute with another teen- being held liable for con- on to say that qualified im- force cases and that trend individuals. Qualified im- sage that Black lives do not ager. stitutional violations–such munity “sends an alarming continues to accelerate. munity blocks mechanisms matter to law enforcement At the National Black as the right to be free from signal to law enforcement Daunte Wright’s untime- for holding the police ac- agencies. Justice Coalition, we pri- excessive police force–as officers and the public. It ly murder–just like Bre- See IMMUNITY, Page 16 In addition to the trauma oritize ending policies that long as the officials didn’t tells officers that they can onna Taylor’s and George associated with Black death put all Black lives at risk. violate “clearly established by police officers we are We support the shifts in our law.” It was invented by repeatedly denied the time legal practices required to the Court in 1967, as a way and space to mourn those honor that all of our lives to protect public officials that were stolen from us. matter, in theory, and in who believed their actions We can’t even get through practice. For that reason, I were authorized by the law. a trial on the killing of truly believe that if we are Fifteen years later in Har- one unarmed Black man going to have a conversa- low v. Fitzgerald, the Court without the killing of an- tion about increased police expanded the defense of other unarmed Black man. accountability; we need qualified immunity. Instead

the Hall of State, the DAL- AWARDS, from Page 5 LAS HISTORICAL SO- contributions ergy, influence and support, CIETY is truly entering an • Volunteer Community these Dallas History Mak- exciting time. Leadership – Rene Marti- ers have shown tremendous “We are in the fortunate nez - long term dedication civic leadership and a com- position of being able to to the betterment of Dallas mitment to our city’s rich bring our city’s vibrant his- through his accomplish- and important history,” says tory to an ever-growing au- ments as an educator, politi- Karl Chiao, Esq., Execu- dience—from newcomers cal leader, and civic leader tive Director of the Dallas and visitors to those whose The 2021 Jubilee His- Historical Society. “We are roots run generations deep, tory Maker Award will be thrilled to honor their ser- says Veletta Forsythe Lill, presented to Cece Cox. She vice and celebrate the con- Board Chair of the Dallas will be honored for her out- tributions they make to the Historical Society. standing leadership and ad- past, present and future of Pegasus Bank is this vocacy in the LGBTQ com- Dallas.” year’s presenting sponsor munity through her tireless With just one year until for Awards for Excellence. 30 plus year commitment to the 100-year anniversary For more information and civil rights. and the recent debut of its tickets visit http://www.dal- “Through their time, en- newly renovated home at lashistory.org. 8 | May 6-12, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com www.NorthDallasGazette.com Entertainment EBONY 75th anniversary book chronicles Black American excellence and history By Stacy M. Brown lence. woman declared. newspapers and media NNPA Newswire Senior “As a child, I can re- Jackson Lee’s remarks companies in America. National Correspondent member vividly the stack came during the celebration “Ebony kind of stood for of Ebony magazines that of the book “Ebony: Cov- Black excellence, show- Since 1945, Ebony has adorned our family’s coffee ering Black America,” by ing people doing positive chronicled Black life and table,” recalled Congress- Lavaille Lavette, the best- things that could benefit the multitude of contribu- woman Sheila Jackson Lee selling author and president everyone,” said Bridge- tions of generations of Af- (D-Texas). and publisher of One Street man, who starred with the rican American icons, trail- “My parents, I believe, Books and Ebony Maga- Milwaukee Bucks and Los blazers, changemakers, and strategically placed those zine’s imprint Ebony Pub- Angeles Clippers. the unsung. magazines there so that lishing. “It just made you feel As the pandemic con- anyone who entered that Former NBA Star Junior good.” tinues and keeps some es- space would be exposed to Bridgeman recently pur- Lavette’s expansive book sential milestones off the the powerful messages of chased Ebony and Ebony. counts as a national trea- front pages, Ebony quietly Black excellence displayed com, a member of the Na- sure, which the publisher changed ownership while so wonderfully both on Eb- tional Newspaper Publish- said marks not only history Lavaille Lavette’s expansive book counts as a national treasure, which the publisher said marks not only history but also makes history. finally receiving overdue ony’s breathtaking covers ers Association (NNPA), but also makes history. (Photo: Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO, National recognition for more than and within the content of representing the largest See EBONY, Page 10 Newspaper Publishers Association.) 75 years of Black excel- its articles,” the Congress- contingent of Black owned

Catholic High School - News- Best Supporting Actress Anastasia: The Musical - Outstanding Performance - AWARDS, from Page 6 ies Alyssa Menckoff - Liberty Kyah Wells - Melissa High Evan Lee - Dreamgirls Southwest Christian School Melissa High School - Cur- Parker Jackson - Guyer Christian School - Mary Pop- School - Curtains Forney High School - Out- - Anastasia: The Musical tains High School - The Phantom pins Natalie Greenig - North standing Ensemble - Little The Brook Hill School - Lit- Plano East Senior High of the Opera Elisa Mato - Byron Nelson Forney High School - Into the Women tle Women School - The 25th Annual High School - Godspell Woods Fort Worth Country Day Waxahachie High School - Putnam County Spelling Bee Best Actress Emily Starkweather - Pla- Pippa Woodward - South- - Outstanding Performance Matilda The Musical Plano Senior High School Ana Garcia - Indepen- no East Senior High School west Christian School - Anas- - Jazmine Gomez - Children - Pippin dence High School - You’re - The 25th Annual Putnam tasia: The Musical of Eden Best Lighting Design Waxahachie High School - A Good Man, Charlie Brown County Spelling Bee Ryley Patten - Guyer High Northwest High School - Byron Nelson High School Matilda The Musical Belle Winn - Waxahachie Emma DeLaPaz - Wake- School - The Phantom of the Outstanding Performance - - Godspell High School - Matilda The land High School - Anastasia: Opera Abriela Rodriguez - Into the Frenship High School - Best Crew & Technical Musical The Musical Saara Sastry - Plano East Woods Godspell Execution Emily Langley - Guyer Katelynn Pannell - All Senior High School - The Ovation Academy of Per- Guyer High School - Bright Byron Nelson High School High School - The Phantom Saints’ Episcopal School - 25th Annual Putnam County forming Arts - Outstanding of the Opera Little Women Star - Godspell Spelling Bee Scenic Design - Little Women Emily Livesay - The Brook Madison Courtney - Me- Lebanon Trail High School Frenship High School - Sandy Johnson - Cedar Rowlett High School - Out- Hill School - Little Women lissa High School - Curtains - Forbidden Broadway’s Godspell Hill High School - The Wiz standing Performance - Au- Hannah Rhodes - Plano Tilly Hillje - Grapevine Greatest Hits Guyer High School - Bright Zion Burton - Abilene Wylie drey Lee - Ghost the Musical East Senior High School - Faith Christian School - The Melissa High School - Cur- Star High School - Grease Skyline High School - Out- The 25th Annual Putnam SpongeBob Musical tains Lake Country Christian standing Performance - Jay- Plano Senior High School School - Fiddler on the Roof County Spelling Bee Savannah Pruitt - Frenship Isabella Gueck - Grand High School - Godspell Special Recognition lon Sanders - Once on This - Pippin Melissa High School - Cur- Bishop Lynch High School Island Prince of Peace Christian tains Prairie Fine Arts Academy - - Outstanding Performance - Timberview High School School - Godspell Nolan Catholic High The Mystery of Edwin Drood Best Featured Performer Lorenzo Curran - Curtains - Outstanding Performance - Southwest Christian School School - Newsies Lauren Moore - A&M Con- Julia Kate White - Mad- Duncanville High School Chloe Williams - Gypsy - Anastasia: The Musical Prince of Peace Christian solidated High School - Anas- ison-Ridgeland Academy - School - Godspell tasia: The Musical Best Costume Design Southwest Christian Shae Duggan - Hebron Cedar Hill High School - School - Anastasia: The Mu- High School - Chicago The Wiz sical Shantel Williams - Plano Independence High School Senior High School - Pippin - You’re A Good Man, Charlie Best Actor Sydney Wade - Cedar Hill Brown Anthony Gallo - Waxa- High School - The Wiz Madison-Ridgeland Acad- hachie High School - Matilda emy - Anastasia: The Musical The Musical Best Supporting Actor Melissa High School - Cur- Ethan Swayne - Grapevine Braxton Turner - Frenship tains Faith Christian School - The High School - Godspell Poteet High School - You’re SpongeBob Musical Jack Espinosa - Plano Se- A Good Man, Charlie Brown Jack Clay - Bryant High nior High School - Pippin Prince of Peace Christian School - Into the Woods JR. Jordan Frank - Guyer High School - Godspell Jacobie Thornton - Cedar School - The Phantom of the Southwest Christian School Hill High School - The Wiz Opera - Anastasia: The Musical John Paul Berry - Highland Joshua Abbott - Byron Nel- The Brook Hill School - Lit- Park High School - Shrek The son High School - Godspell tle Women Musical Justin Le - Nolan Catholic Josh Quidilla - Plano East High School - Newsies Best Ensemble Senior High School - The Noah Reynolds - Waxa- Byron Nelson High School 25th Annual Putnam County hachie High School - Matilda - Godspell Spelling Bee The Musical Frenship High School - Justin Taylor - Grand Prai- Sawyer Bell - Indepen- Godspell rie Fine Arts Academy - The dence High School - You’re Guyer High School - Bright Mystery of Edwin Drood A Good Man, Charlie Brown Star Logan Lowery - Melissa Thaddeus Baker - Melissa Liberty Christian School - High School - Curtains High School - Curtains Mary Poppins Mathieu Reyes - Nolan For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com May 6-12, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette | 9 Entertainment www.NorthDallasGazette.com ‘Pilobolus In The Garden’ brings dance to world class sculpture center Titas/Dance Unbound in bound. “We are honored to Titas/Dance Unbound, Titas/Dance Unbound association with the AT&T be working in partnership formerly TITAS Presents, has organized well over Performing Arts Center re- with the AT&T Perform- led by Executive Director/ 750 educational outreach cently announced a world- ing Arts Center, the Nasher Artistic Director Charles events that include master premiere performance of Sculpture Center, the Dal- Santos, is North Texas’ classes, lecture/demonstra- Pilobolus In The Garden, las Arts District and Booker foremost presenter of in- tions, artists-in-residencies outdoors at the world-re- T. to make this event pos- ternationally touring dance and post- performance nowned Nasher Sculpture sible.” companies and perfor- Q&A sessions reaching Center. Pilobolus In The Garden mance artists. thousands of audience A site-specific work com- sold out its original four Titas/Dance Unbound members. Now in partner- missioned by Titas/Dance performances (12:00 p.m., has been presenting dance ship with the AT&T Per- Unbound, Pilobolus In The 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and and music in Dallas for 39 forming Arts Center, Titas/

Garden will take audience Courtesy photo 4:00 p.m.) within 24 hours. years, consistently show- Dance Unbound brings its members through a physi- between famed Pilobolus many of us, this will be a Work is underway to secure casing artistic excellence eclectic and innovative mix cally and emotionally mov- dance company and local return to live, in-person a fifth performance. This is and innovative program- of contemporary dance to ing experience. It engages dance, music, and creative performance, and there is a must-see event. Tickets ming from around the the Dallas Arts District. the vistas of the sculpture writing artists from Booker no better way to do that are limited per time-peri- world. Titas/Dance Un- Located in the heart of garden while exploring the T. Washington High School than this collaboration of od so secure yours soon. bound has presented over the Dallas Arts District, the nature of Nature. A col- for the Performing and Vi- Arts District organizations, Masks will be required 600 performances with Nasher Sculpture Center is laborative project between sual Arts, promises to be our talented Arts Magnet throughout the event. artists from more than 40 home to the Raymond and Titas/Dance Unbound, a unique performance ex- artists and the ground- For updates on addi- countries with over 160 Patsy Nasher Collection, AT&T Performing Arts perience for everyone in- breaking Pilobolus artists,” tional performances, Cov- debut events. Through the one of the finest collec- Center, the Nasher Sculp- volved. All local artists are said Charles Santos, Exec- id-19 safety protocols, and Neiman Marcus Crossroads tions of modern and con- ture Center and the Dallas being paid. utive Director/Artistic Di- to purchase tickets visit: Educational Outreach pro- temporary sculpture in the Arts District, this new work “TITAS is Back! For rector of Titas/Dance Un- www.attpac.org/titas. gram, world.

an author’s experience or Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., to those compelling Ebony Jr., President and CEO of EBONY, from Page 9 the type of product that we Lavette presented a limited covers.” the NNPA, affirmed, “We “Growing up in the Venus Williams, entertain- put out. It’s going to stand commemorative edition of Congressman Clyburn are so proud that EBONY Midwest, Ebony was con- er Common, Kimora Lee toe-to-toe and above what’s the book to congressional continued: “But more than Magazine and Ebony Pub- sidered on par with the Simmons, and retired NBA out there.” leaders. Each expressed that, Ebony opened up an lishing are members of nation’s most prestigious champion Dwyane Wade Lavette continued: “I am their delight. entire world of possibilities the NNPA and we are en- magazines of the era, Time and his wife, actress Gabri- a story hunter. The people “Growing up in rural to my young mind by shar- courage by the outstand- and Life magazines, and elle Union count among the I work with are story hunt- Sumter, South Carolina, I ing stories about our people ing leadership of Junior rightfully so,” said Con- contributors to the book. ers, and there are several cherished as a teenager, de- making wonderful social Bridgeman and Lavaille gressional Black Caucus Sean “Diddy” Combs also books we can probably an- vouring the pages of Ebony contributions all over the Lavette who are taking (CBC) Chair Joyce Beatty contributed to the work nounce and put out. But I magazine,” House Majority country and the world via Ebony and Ebony.com to (D-Ohio). that features photos of Dr. want to take our time and Whip James Clyburn (D- an unmatched work-ethic the next level of the high- “This book, ‘Ebony: Martin Luther King Jr., Di- prepare for next year so South Carolina) declared. whether in sports, enter- est personification of what Covering Black Ameri- ana Ross, Sidney Poitier, that in that process that we “I recall memories of sit- tainment, or politics. And Black Excellence exhibits ca,’ brings back so many President Barack Obama, are going through, we’re ting in the local barbershop that’s exactly what ‘Ebony: and engages in America memories of how we as a Muhammad Ali, and many staying steady to the vision awaiting my turn in the Covering Black America’ and throughout the world. people relied upon Ebony others. and staying true to some of chair. While waiting, my does today.” The next 75 years will be to share both our strivings, Lavette said she and her the traditional things Ebony eye was always attracted Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, the greatest for sure.” setbacks, and undying de- staff expect to peruse the has been known to publish termination to keep moving market of – particularly Af- like the Lerone Bennett forward,” Congresswoman rican American – authors books that speak to our cul- Beatty added. “This book this summer with an eye to- ture.” gets people talking both ward a banner year of pub- Lavette, who holds a about the past and about lishing in 2022. “We are master’s in Education, has the connections between standing on the shoulders worked as a school teacher the past and our present of giants that set the stan- and administrator. She also moments as a people.” dard high, and so I want to served as a special advisor The CBC and others be sure that we keep and al- to former U.S. Secretary of joined with Lavette on Cap- ways are trying to improve Education Dr. Rod Paige. itol Hill in April to celebrate and make it even better,” During the recent Capi- the book and the history of Lavette remarked. “We’re tol Hill visit, which also Ebony. Tennis superstar not trying to compromise included NNPA President

has started a conversation MONTGOMERY, from Page 2 around other career options ery’s amazing work ethic, serves as an inspiration for associated with their fa- WNBA accomplishments, many, and that includes our vorite sport by focusing on and passion for helping students. their academics. people have positively im- “Many of our students “Thank you, Renee pacted the lives of many. love sports and have an Montgomery, for serving “From a star player on the aspiration to become pro- as an amazing role model team to co-owner, she is a fessional sports players. for our students and many woman making history that Renee Montgomery’s path more.”

10 | May 6-12, 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 The Black Wall Street launches Digital Financial Revolution tour HOLLYWOOD -- Honorary National Co- munities to The Black Wall Greenwood District of Tul- tion and adoption in Black (https://www.cryptokid- (PRNewswire) Marking the Chair of The Redevelop- Street App & DigitalWallet, sa, Oklahoma on May 31st and Brown communities. scamp.org/) with a per- close of Financial Literacy ment of Black Wall Street. to be involved in the transfer and June 1, 2021. The tour Informational Pop-Up Ral- formance by 12-year old Month, CEO of The Black Harper & Roberts are posi- of wealth with cryptocur- will visit 33 disenfranchised lies will be outdoors and Navonne Love, performing Wall Street, Award-winning tioned to build the world’s rency and decentralized fi- communities and introduce follow all COVID-safety his kids’ version of Roddy Actor, Author and former largest investment and fi- nance, to increase financial financial literacy, cryptocur- protocols. Public Rallies Ricch’s hit single High U.S. Presidential appoin- nancial literacy curriculum literacy, financial capacity, rency, and tech-based strate- are organized, peaceful, and Fashion. All are invited to tee, Hill Harper and busi- and toolkit expressly for and adoption of digital cur- gies for financial empower- Free. Children are Invited! bring rally signs. ness partner, Najah Roberts Black communities across rency. ment. Millions of Satoshis The Tour is led by Najah Visit www.theblack- launched a 33-market chari- the diaspora. The Black Wall Street (fractile shares of Bitcoin) Roberts as Hill is in produc- wallstreet.com and join the table tour, The Black Wall The Black Wall Street’s Digital Financial Revolu- will be given. tion on ABC’s hit drama se- waitlist by signing up to be Street (TBWS) “Digital Fi- mission is to address the ra- tion National Charitable The tour is the first to ries, The Good Doctor. among the first to download nancial Revolution National cial wealth gap in the U.S. Tour will culminate with launch a digital platform, The charitable tour also The Black Wall Street App Charitable Tour.” Hill is to introduce Black com- Centennial activities in the focusing on Bitcoin educa- includes Crypto Kids Camp & DigitalWallet! DEC@Redbird to host bootcamp on financial readiness for business growth The DEC@Redbird will virtual sessions from May • Basics of SBA lending businesses to a capital- “We’re grateful to have the dent, Community Develop- present a 10-week intensive 18-Aug. 24. • Understanding the un- ready start. support of Texas Capital ment at Texas Capital Bank. bootcamp for small business Course topics include: derwriting process “Not only does this Fi- Bank for this phenomenal “We look forward to equip- owners and entrepreneurs • Essentials of preparing The bootcamp has two nancial Readiness for Busi- bootcamp.” ping these entrepreneurs in Dallas County. “Finan- to apply for a loan phases: The Foundation, in ness Growth bootcamp pre- “At Texas Capital Bank, with the tools they need to cial Readiness for Busi- • Personal credit vs. busi- which attendees will learn pare attendees to grow their we are invested in the suc- build and sustain a great ness Growth,” powered by ness credit financial best practices to businesses, it gives them cess of small business business model which will Texas Capital Bank, is tar- • Understanding financial set a healthy foundation one-on-one access to busi- owners, and are proud to benefit their families and geting for-profit businesses statements for their businesses, and ness coaching and subject support this effort in part- communities for years to that are revenue-generating • Cash flow management Advancing Forward, where matter experts,” said Deme- nership with the Dallas come.” and growth-oriented. The • Payment services and attendees will unpack the tra Brown, senior direc- Entrepreneur Center,” said For more information, go bootcamp runs in bi-weekly merchant processing prerequisites of getting tor of The DEC Network. JJ Ponce, Senior Vice Presi- to thedec.co.

issue a public report of our good officers do not want to cers welcome accountabili- trust with the community, DOJ, from Page 1 conclusions,” the attorney work in systems that allow ty because accountability is and public safety requires three other officers stood failure to request or ensure general said. bad practices. Good offi- an essential part of building public trust.” by and did nothing to stop timely medical treatment He reiterated that the Jus- the attack. for an individual is serious tice Department also has D.C. Metro Police and misconduct that may result the authority to bring a civ- other departments said their in criminal and civil liabili- il lawsuit, asking a federal agencies have long had a ty and will result in Depart- court to provide injunctive policy that held officers ment discipline, up to and relief that orders the MPD accountable for standing including dismissal,” New to change its policies and by and watching excessive York Police officials wrote. practices to avoid further force. Los Angeles, Atlanta, violations. “The MPD has a policy Chicago, and others said Usually, when the Justice on an officer’s duty to in- they have similar policies. Department finds unlawful May 3, 2021 tervene,” the department “Congress gave the de- patterns or practices, the lo- Ed Bell Construction is a Dallas based heavy highway contractor doing busi- wrote in a statement. cal police department enters partment the authority to ness in the North Texas market since 1963. With clients such as TxDOT, “This policy is specific to conduct civil pattern-or- into a settlement agreement Dallas County Public Works, and the Cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, Richardson seeing another officer using practice investigations, or a consent decree to en- force that is clearly beyond which look beyond indi- sure that prompt and effec- and Mansfield (plus many others), we have a strong backlog of work in the that which objectively is vidual incidents to assess tive action is taken to align highway market locally. reasonable.” systemic failures,” Garland policing practices with the We are currently hiring for the following positions: In New York, officials stated. law, Garland noted. • Dozer Operator (Earthwork) said all officers must inter- “If the Justice Depart- “Most of our nation’s law • Loader Operator (Earthwork) enforcement officers do vene to stop another cop ment concludes that there is • Excavator Operator (Earthwork) from using excessive force. their difficult jobs honor- reasonable cause to believe • Motor Grader Operator (Earthwork) “Failure to intervene in there is a pattern or prac- ably and lawfully,” Garland Available: multiple openings the use of excessive force, tice of unconstitutional or said. or report excessive force, or unlawful policing, we will “I strongly believe that Rate: Negotiable Must have own transportation discuss Freedom Schools Years of Experience required will vary, from 6 months to 2 years (depending WILSON, from Page 2 further, and the most recent on position) yelling at others. “Freedom Schools are not CDF State of America’s Physical and Drug Screen Required • Sixty-eight percent of just culturally responsive, Children 2021, during the Must have a Clear Background scholars said that they know but we invest in young peo- NNPA’s annual summer Must be at least 18 years old (CDL Driver, 21 yrs) how to solve arguments ple – developing their sense convention in June. without fighting. of self-agency that they can Registration for the con- • Seventy-nine percent of make a difference in their vention is free, and those scholars said learning how home, their community and interested can sign up at to cooperate to solve prob- in the world,” expressed Dr. www.virtualnnpa2021. lems. Wilson, who is expected to com. For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com May 6-12, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette | 11 Marketplace www.NorthDallasGazette.com Housing gains could grow Black wealth more than $500 billion in a decade SEATTLE, April 26, 2031. In the most optimistic, trends that helped widened the housing portion of the 2021 – Incremental increas- Black wealth would grow the gap over the past de- overall wealth gap. If the es in homeownership rates by more than half a trillion cade. This was largely due Black homeownership rate and home values among dollars — from $931 billion to housing gains. For ex- increased by five percentage Black households would to $1.46 trillion. In the most ample, the Black homeown- points the wealth gap would help shrink the current $3 likely, it would increase to ership rate grew about one decrease by $74 billion. If trillion racial wealth gap by about $1.18 trillion. percentage point between home values increased by hundreds of billions of dol- In that most likely sce- early 2019 and early 2020, five percentage points the lars over the next decade, nario — which projects while the White homeown- reduction would be $31 bil- according to a new Zillow Black home values grow- ership rate stayed flat. lion. Combined, alleviating analysis. ing 5% faster than home Black-owned home val- these two disparities could Today’s typical Black values generally and Black ues have also grown just cut the wealth gap by about household has only about homeownership growing at over one percentage point 40%, to $1.9 trillion. 23% of the wealth of a typi- If home values increased by five percentage points the reduction 0.5 percentage points per faster than White-owned Lenders deny mortgages cal White household, down would be $31 billion. Combined, alleviating these two disparities could year — equality in housing home values each year for for Black applicants at a cut the wealth gap by about 40%, to $1.9 trillion. from 34.6% before the (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA) wealth wouldn’t come until the last three years. In Feb- rate 80% higher than that of Great Recession. Housing 2183. If Black home values ruary 2020, Black-owned White applicants. The rela- factors — including lower things like increasing access households, and Black- grow 15% faster than home home values were up 4.6% tionship between housing home values and rates of to credit, more-equitable owned homes are typically values generally and Black from a year earlier, while factors and the racial wealth homeownership — directly lending standards and re- worth about 18% less than homeownership grows at White home values were gap underscores the urgency account for nearly 40%[2] ducing exclusionary zoning White-owned homes. Zil- 1.5 percentage points per up 3.6%. In February 2021, of efforts like expanding of that gap, with assets like could make buying more low estimates that if Black year — the most optimis- Black home values were access to credit and other investments in stocks and accessible and bring signifi- homeownership rates and tic scenario explored in the up 10.9% from the previ- initiatives that break down bonds and retirement ac- cant strides toward closing home values rose to match analysis — the timeline for ous year, while White home color barriers to homeown- counts making up the rest. the wealth gap. In the most those of their White coun- housing wealth equality is values were up 9.7%. This ership. “Housing will be a promi- optimistic scenario, Black terparts, Black wealth moved up to 2066. faster appreciation among “It’s abundantly clear nent factor determining the millennials could see hous- would more than double Opposite of the dispro- Black-owned homes nar- that this issue won’t solve course of the racial wealth ing equality in their retire- (from $931 billion to $2.1 portionate hit taken during rowed the overall home itself naturally or quickly. gap over the next decade,” ment, and finally pass on trillion). the Great Recession, Black value gap from 16.7% to The problems run deep and says Zillow economist some real wealth to the next Zillow analyzed home households saw modest 15.9%. perpetuate inequality,” said Treh Manhertz. “The is- generation.” value growth and home- progress in narrowing the Further, the analysis Manhertz. “Intentional, tar- sues caused by historic dis- About 42% of Black ownership rate changes for wealth gap during and lead- shows that Black home- geted and dedicated policy crimination won’t be solved households own their home, Black households under five ing up to the pandemic, a ownership rates and home is necessary to repair this quickly, but addressing compared to 72% of White different scenarios through small start toward reversing values contribute equally to broken system.” Civil rights groups sue Georgia over new sweeping voter suppression law ATLANTA — Civil • ban on mobile voting blatant racism, represents manner and have that vote rights groups have filed a • new narrow identifica- politics at its very worst, counted. In so doing, the new federal lawsuit against tion requirements for re- and is clearly illegal,” said defendants have violated Georgia’s sweeping law questing and casting an ab- Sophia Lakin, deputy direc- federal law and the U.S. that makes it much harder sentee ballot tor of the ACLU’s Voting Constitution, and we turn to for all Georgians to vote, • delayed and compressed Rights Project. “We urge the federal courts and U.S. particularly voters of color, time period for requesting the court to act swiftly to Congress to address the in- new citizens, and religious absentee ballots strike it down.” credible harm S.B. 202 will communities. • restrictions on secure “Legislators and Gover- have on our clients.” The American Civil Lib- drop boxes nor Kemp ignored the very “S.B. 202 is perhaps the erties Union, ACLU of • out-of-precinct provi- obvious lessons from the most bold and shameful Georgia, NAACP Legal De- sional ballot disqualifica- election in 2020 and runoffs voter suppression legisla- fense and Educational Fund, tion in 2021: expand safe and tion enacted in the modern “…The provisions of the new law and the manner in which it was Inc. (LDF), Southern Pov- enacted reflect a thorough disregard for the sanctity of protecting the • drastic reduction in ear- secure access to the ballot, era. Its purpose and target erty Law Center (SPLC), right to vote and a headlong and determined zeal to diminish Black ly voting in runoff elections codify innovations to vot- are clear: to create barriers and law firms WilmerHale political power in Georgia,” said Sherrilyn Ifill, LDF’s president and • perhaps most cruelly, ing, and provide additional to voting for Black voters and Davis Wright Tremaine director-counsel. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA) ban on “line warming,” resources to cash-strapped who turned out in record brought the case on behalf seven hours last Thursday. act to expand participation where volunteers provide counties,” said Nancy Abu- numbers for the November of the Sixth District of the These elected officials’ ac- in the political process, water and snacks to Geor- du, deputy legal director for 2020 presidential election African Methodist Episco- tions follow the 2020 presi- Georgia leaders responded gians, disproportionately the SPLC. “Instead, to ap- and the January 2021 spe- pal Church, Georgia Mus- dential election and the by doing what they have those of color, who wait in pease conspiracy theorists cial election. The provi- lim Voter Project, Women 2021 runoff elections for done many times in the needlessly long lines to cast and amplify deadly lies sions of the new law and Watch Afrika, Latino Com- two seats to the U.S. Sen- state’s history: they placed their vote about past elections, Geor- the manner in which it was munity Fund Georgia, and ate that saw record turnout burdensome, unjustified, These provisions, the gia’s leaders have chosen enacted reflect a thorough Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, of voters, particularly Black and unnecessary restric- lawsuit charges, violate to pass into law S.B. 202, disregard for the sanctity Inc. voters, in Georgia. tions on voters, particularly Section 2 of the Voting which makes it more dif- of protecting the right to The law being chal- The elections were cel- voters of color and other Rights Act, and infringe on ficult for every Georgian vote and a headlong and lenged is S.B. 202, which ebrated not just for their historically disenfranchised Georgians’ rights under the — but particularly Geor- determined zeal to dimin- was passed by the Georgia turnout, but also for their communities. First, Fourteenth, and Fif- gians who are members of ish Black political power House of Representatives integrity, with Georgia of- The lawsuit challenges teenth Amendments to the historically disenfranchised in Georgia,” said Sherrilyn and Senate and signed by ficials praising them as safe multiple provisions in S.B. United States Constitution. communities — to vote in a See VOTE, Page 13 Gov. Brian Kemp in under and secure. But rather than 202, including the: “This law is driven by safe, secure, and convenient 12 | May 6-12, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com www.NorthDallasGazette.com Career Opportunity On-going #FirstFridayFair (#FFF) every American citizen the U.S. Army is estimated to be largest VOTE, from Page 12 Opportunity attended career fair with equal right to make their The United States Army around 8,000 professionals Ifill, LDF’s president and prime example of mod- voice heard at the ballot is hiring for over 150 dif- and 500 recruiting com- director-counsel. “This is ern voter suppression and box, no matter who they ferent career fields. panies. The data science a powerful moment for erodes democracy. A great are. And we intend to vin- PART TIME OPPOR- and software development democracy in this country. deal has changed in Geor- dicate that right in court,” TUNITIES - 1 weekend a focussed career fair is de- S.B. 202’s attempt to dis- gia but the commitment Visit census.gov to apply. said Adam Sieff, attorney month, 2 weeks in the early livered right at your desk- enfranchise Black voters to brazenly disenfranchise at Davis Wright Tremaine. summer. Stay local, Money top. No need to travel any- in Georgia harkens back to voters clearly has not.” The lawsuit, Sixth Dis- for school, healthcare, paid Ongoing where, just signup and wait the most shameful days of “S.B. 202 attacks the trict of the African Meth- drills and skill training, and City of Dallas The City of Dallas’ HR for TAO.ai to organize your voter suppression in the de- most sacred foundations of odist Episcopal Church v. up to $20,000 enlistment Dept is currently accept- interactions. cades before the civil rights our democracy. But in this bonus. Kemp, was filed in federal ing apps for the Budget and movement. That this law country, the law secures FULL TIME OPPOR- court in Atlanta. Contract Administrator po- On-Going TUNITIES - Full time was passed in Georgia, less sition. Customer Rep hours with off time and than a year after the death Bachelor’s degree in a job fairs weekends just like regular of one of the state’s great- business/public administra- Pro Staff in Arlington Follow jobs. 30 days paid vacation est heroes, Representative tion, human resources or will be hosting an in office per year. Money for school, John Lewis, is shameful. healthcare administration Customer Service Repre- us on free healthcare, paid skill In his name, we will fight field, plus 7 yrs exp. sentative Job Fair for a call training, and up to $40,000 INSTAGRAM! For more info and to center located downtown to strike down this illegal enlistment bonus. apply, visit: http://bit. Dallas every Tuesday and attempt to undo his legacy. @northdallasgazette Jobs in science, intel- ly/2NcCfVP. Thursday from 10 a.m. to Anything less represents a ligence, combat, aviation, 1 p.m. at 700 Highlander grave threat to the future of engineering, law and more. Blvd. Suite 110. The posi- our democracy and inher- Contact 214-406 - 3737 Ongoing Prerequisites: House of Blues tions pay between $12 - ently undermines the no- Want a cool job in live • GED/High School Di- $13.50 per hour hour plus tion of equality for all.” music? House of Blues ploma up to $1.50 an hour in per- “Democracy depends Dallas is hiring! Spruce up • Between the ages of 17- formance pay. The work- upon people expressing your resume and join us on 34 days will vary, must be their voices freely through Monday, August 26th for a • No felonies available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., their votes,” said Wilmer- Job Fair in our Cambridge • No major medical is- with overtime as needed. Room from 1-5PM. All de- Hale partner Debo P. Adeg- sues Must have at least one year partments are hiring. View bile. “The Georgia omnibus • U.S. Citizen or perma- of customer service experi- job openings at http://liv- voting obstruction law is a nent resident ence. enationentertainment.com/ Ongoing careers. Census Bureau The Census Bureau con- On-going ducts continuous surveys to First Fridays supply the nation with im- Virtual Job Fair Every month computer portant statistics on people, professionals can partici- places and our economy. pate in the monthly job fair Local field workers know in the comfort of your PJs. their communities best, and Job Seekers must complete are instrumental in con- profile on https://tao.ai/p/ ducting surveys with resi- fff/_/dfw dents on a variety of topics.

For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com May 6-12, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette | 13 Church Happenings www.NorthDallasGazette.com Faithfull Utterances: So why should i be ashamed? By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew serpent comes, twists what you eaten from the tree exact same thing. We cover and therefore unworthy of even when we want to re- God said and based on in- that I commanded you not up our shame with layers love and belonging.” We treat away from the pain. Shame and guilt are two accurate information, they to eat from?” 12 The man of other issues that keep us experience “uncertainty, It is within those moments powerful emotions. I think made a decision. They went said, “The woman you put weighted down and unable risk and emotional expo- of transparency with God many of us have experienc- against God’s command here with me— she gave to really address what we sure. When we feel dark and with ourselves, that we es from our childhood that and ate the fruit. me some fruit from the tree, are feeling. Isn’t it inter- emotions—when we feel can experience a deeper shape who we are because In Chapter 3:7, “Then and I ate it.” 13 Then the esting that instead of tak- grief or shame or fear, scar- relationship. We can also of those moments of being the eyes of both of them Lord God said to the wom- ing responsibility, Adam city, disappointment—we change the narrative from laughed at, bullied, or even were opened, and they re- an, “What is this you have blamed Eve for his deci- feel risk and uncertainty, one that the serpent gives violated by others. If we are alized they were naked; so done?” Shame did not enter sion? Shame often keeps us and we feel emotionally ex- us filled with inaccuracies not careful, those emotions they sewed fig leaves to- the lives of Adam and Eve from looking in the mirror, posed and raw. But vulner- about ourselves to one that drive us to cover them up gether and made coverings until they were aware that afraid of what we’ll see or ability is also the birthplace is liberating, freeing, and with addictions to food, sex, for themselves. 8 Then the they were exposed. In their experience when we allow of love, joy, belonging, honest. overspending, or other self- man and his wife heard the discovery, the immediate ourselves to be vulnerable. trust, intimacy, creativity, Dr. Froswa’ Booker- destructive behaviors. Guilt sound of the Lord God as response was to hide. We also hide not only from and all of the good things.” Drew is the Founder and is about behavior. Shame is he was walking in the gar- They covered themselves ourselves, but we hide from Vulnerability isn’t a bad CEO of Soulstice Consul- about how we see ourselves. den in the cool of the day, and instead of addressing God. We allow our shame thing. What would have tancy, We can change behavior and they hid from the Lord their vulnerability of be- to keep us from being in happened if Adam had Specializing as a Part- but what happens when God among the trees of the ing naked, they covered relationship with God be- been honest about what oc- nership Broker and Leader- we don’t feel that we can garden. 9 But the Lord God it up. God was obviously cause we feel worthless, curred instead of hiding and ship Expert for companies change ourselves? One of called to the man, “Where fine with their nakedness/ unacceptable, and dirty. blaming? What would have and organizations to thrive the first examples of shame are you?”10 He answered, vulnerability because they Scholar Brene Brown re- occurred if they both re- with measurable and mean- was in the book of Genesis “I heard you in the garden, were created that way. Yet, searches guilt, shame and mained in their initial state, ingful impact. in the Bible. Genesis, 2: 25 and I was afraid because I we can see this as weakness vulnerability. She says that naked and without shame? She also is the VP of states that “Adam and his was naked; so I hid.” 11 instead of seeing it as the shame is an “intensely pain- God wants us to be in that Community Affairs and wife were both naked, and And he said, “Who told you opportunity for freedom. ful feeling or experience of space of openness and Strategic Alliances for the they felt no shame.” The that you were naked? Have For many of us, we do the believing that we are flawed willingness to commune State Fair of Texas. Black Women: Voices for our victory over the COVID-19 virus and the variant By Darryl Sellers came together to discuss patterns as the CDC sounds to get vaccinated,” Dr. cine compared to just 8% have been indispensable their plans to help Black the alarm about the contin- Nunez-Smith added. “Even of Black people. Anecdot- aspects for COVID-19 vac- As the primary health people deal with the cur- ued spread of the variants more importantly now; ally, Frazer-Howze said cination efforts. She added officers of the African rent pandemic during a in the United States, par- that’s how we stop viruses she’s seen this play out too that Black churches are the American family, Black Black Doctors Against CO- ticularly the emergence of from mutating,” she said. often. Recently, she found vital keys that more Black women make up to 79% VID-19 (BCAC) Facebook the B.117 variant. “And of course, continue to out about a group of white Americans should use to of the health care decisions Live event called, “Making “That’s thought to be wear our masks; you know, women who visited the help unlock the door to for their families. Black it Plain: Black Women and about 50% more transmis- the things we know help. Harlem Hospital from af- vaccine equity in our com- women have been closely COVID-19: The Virus, the sible than the wild-type That’s socially distancing fluent addresses in Manhat- munities. involved with healthcare Variants and the Vaccines.” strain,” Dr. Nunez-Smith and washing our hands.” tan to get vaccinated after “These are some of the issues and other crises of In a recent episode of the said. “That might become Important messaging missing appointments they things that we have to put importance to the African BCAC’s important, infor- our most dominant strain about Black churches help- had made online. She said in place if we want to see American community since mative and ongoing se- of COVID-19 by mid- ing with vaccination efforts this example speaks loudly fair and equitable treat- the early 1900s. ries, the nation’s top Black March,” she said. “So, we came from Debra Frazer- to the disparities in vaccine ment,” Frazer-Howze said. Since mid-January 2021, women who are medical have to be attentive. We Howze who’s the founder distribution in Black com- We have to figure out what the United States is show- experts, health profession- think we’re seeing the be- of Choose Healthy Life, an munities. we have to do that’s cultur- ing an increasing share als, corporate, and civic ginning effects of these initiative where she joins “Something’s wrong ally competent for our own of Black Americans who leaders continued to keep variants. We know what to forces with Black clergy with the fact that we have community to make what have confidence in the CO- Black Americans informed do though in terms of the and Black churches to re- not ensured that people we want to make happen, VID-19 vaccine. According about what we need to steps that we need to take spond to COVID-19 and within the Harlem zip code happen.” to a recent Pew Research know about the COVID-19 to stop the spread of CO- other health disparities that have the priority instead of As we inch closer to Center report, 61% of Af- virus, the variants and the VID-19. And certainly, that put our communities in the people on Park Avenue crossing the finish line to rican Americans said they vaccines. does include getting vacci- states of emergency. She’s having the priority to get defeating this more than plan to get the COVID-19 Dr. Nunez-Smith, chair nated.” another respected Black the vaccine,” Frazer-How- year-long pandemic, it’s vaccine or have already re- of the White House CO- Dr. Nunez-Smith said messenger who is working ze said. imperative that we don’t ceived it. That’s a sharp in- VID-19 Equity Task Force, that although the spread diligently to help close the Frazer-Howze reminds let our guard down and crease from last November was one of the event’s guest of new variants is a con- vaccine hesitancy gap and us that the Black church has not allow COVID-19 mis- when only 42% of Black speakers. She informed the cern, there are also reasons build vaccine confidence in made it a priority to keep in information to have a grip people said they planned to 600,000+ viewers that al- for optimism. One reason our Black communities. touch with residents in our on our Black communities. get vaccinated. Despite this though recent data from the for optimism, the United Recent data in April Black communities, check- Frazer-Howze said it’s also positive shift, COVID-19 Centers for Disease Con- States once again has three from the CDC exposes the ing in with people when paramount that our trusted vaccination rates in Black trol and Prevention (CDC) FDA approved vaccines scars of vaccine dispari- they’ve missed a vaccine messengers are educated communities are still lag- shows that COVID-19 for emergency use: Mod- ties that continue to plague appointment and provid- and have the adequate facts ging behind their white deaths have been decreas- erna, Pfizer and Johnson our Black communities. ing transportation for them to transmit the truth about counterparts. ing in March, we should & Johnson which was re- According to the report, to get vaccinated. Frazer- COVID-19 to Black com- This historical reality is a still be concerned. Dr. cently taken off pause by nearly two thirds (65%) of Howze said Black churches munities on our way back major reason why a group Nunez-Smith is keeping a federal health agencies. white people have received reaching out and providing See VOICES, Page 15 of 13 trusted messengers close eye on the COVID-19 “The bottom line is still at least one dose of a vac- more shots into our arms

14 | May 6-12, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com www.NorthDallasGazette.com Church Directory Christians Mothers, Beware of Unusual Circumstances woman and how she was to the Lord, “Strike these that you might see Him in Sister upgraded on an airline un- people with blindness.” So your circumstances. Tarpley expectedly. A woman sat He struck them with blind- It is hard to fight the bat- NDG down next to her who was ness, as Elisha had asked, 2 tles in life. However, it is in Religion very troubled. She began to Kings 6:17-18 (KJV). the midst of battles that we Editor quietly pray for the woman Who is the Elisha in your learn to be truly effective and God gave her super- life? Do you have a men- warriors. natural insights that the tor friend who can see the Likewise, in the midst (Editor’s Note: This woman’s problem related activity of God in your life of living, let us learn to be columon was originally to the fact that she had not when you cannot see it? an effective Christian. God published on May 8, 2012) forgiven her mother in a We all need to have will guide and direct you; family-related issue. somebody we can trust to He will give you wisdom “But the manifestation of She decided to polite- help us see the activity of and strength for the day. the Spirit is given to every ly share her insight. The God. It is often difficult for Next time an un- man to profit withal. For to woman was shocked. The us to see what God is really usual situation develops, be one is given by the Spirit the lady began to minister to doing because we are so aware that God may be cre- word of wisdom; to another her on the airplane and ulti- consumed by the circum- ating such a circumstance the word of knowledge by mately led her to Christ. jmv / Flickr stances of the moment. to bring His glory into the the same Spirit; God is raising the spiri- Ask God today to help situation by opening your To another faith by the tual bar for Christians who do? And he answered, Fear this inside information. The open your spiritual eyes spiritual eyes. same Spirit; to another the want to impact the world not: for they that be with us king decided the only way gifts of healing by the same for Christ today. He wants are more than they that be to resolve the situation was Spirit; to break through into peo- with them. to get rid of the problem - To another the working of ple’s lives supernaturally And Elisha prayed, and kill Elisha. miracles; to another proph- by giving them insights into said, Lord, I pray thee, The king’s forces arrived ecy; to another discerning the needs of people in order open his eyes, that he may and surrounded Elisha and of spirits; to another div- to bring them to Christ. see. And the Lord opened his servant. Elisha’s servant ers kinds of tongues; to an- Jesus often spoke super- the eyes of the young man; became upset and fear- other the interpretation of naturally into the lives of and he saw: and, behold, ful when Elisha was not tongues: others based on the circum- the mountain was full of upset. Elisha immediately But all these worketh that stance of the moment. He horses and chariots of fire prayed that his servant’s one and the selfsame Spirit, often spoke of their current round about Elisha. 2 eyes might be opened to see dividing to every man sev- condition in life and invited Kings 6:15-17 (KJV) that there was no need to be erally as he will. For as the them to make a change. Elisha was counseling afraid, because the angels body is one, and hath many As you go about your the nation of Israel against were protecting them. members, and all the mem- day, there are situations the impending attack of the And Elisha prayed, “O bers of that one body, being that we can find ourselves king of Aram. The Lord Lord, open his eyes so he many, are one body: so also in that are open doors for supernaturally gave Elisha may see.” Then the Lord is Christ.” bringing Christ into the the plans that the king was opened the servant’s eyes, 1 Corinthians 12:7-12 circumstance. In fact, He implementing, and in turn, and he looked and saw (KJV) is the one orchestrating the Elisha warned Israel of the hills full of horses and Whenever something un- circumstance! each intended attack. chariots of fire all around usual happens in daily life, “And when the servant The king could not un- Elisha. these are often signs that of the man of God was derstand why his plans As the enemy came down God is up to something. risen early, and gone forth, were continually foiled. It toward him, Elisha prayed We must have a heightened behold, an host compassed seemed there was a secret sense of awareness of what the city both with horses informer in his midst. God may want to do in and chariots. And his ser- He was furious when he these situations. vant said unto him, Alas, was told it was the God of The story is told of a my master! how shall we Israel who was to blame for

(on Facebook), the world’s VOICES, from Page 14 largest and most compre- to normalcy later this year. all the facts about vac- hensive online health re- “We’ve heard misin- cines, testing and every- source specifically targeted formation and non-truth thing else. Our community to African Americans for so long in the last four is in need. We deserve to For more information years that it almost feels as live. We deserve to choose about COVID-19, health, if that’s a natural norm,” life.” wellness: Black Coalition Frazer-Howze said. “That To see a replay of this Against COVID-19, a key is not natural, not in the BCAC Facebook Live health resource for African middle of a pandemic. We event in its entirety, please Americans have to have absolute facts head to Black Doctor.Org’s Darryl Sellers is the and our people deserve Facebook Page. For a list Public Relations Director the truth. They deserve the of upcoming events, CO- truth to come from their for Creative Marketing Re- leaders. They deserve that VID-19, health and well- sources, a strategic market- their leaders are educated ness information and other ing agency in Milwaukee and understand events: Black Doctor.Org and a partner of the BCAC. For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com May 6-12, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette | 15 NDG Bookshelf www.NorthDallasGazette.com NDG Book Review: ‘Buses Are A Comin’’ is a stark history lesson By Terri Schlichenmeyer Sometimes, it seems that in a haste to tell the story, Your seat has been re- history glosses over a lot of served. details. “Buses Are A Co- You’re excited about min’” sets many omissions this trip, but also nervous; straight – after it tells a tale you’ve never been where so intimate and so filled you’re going and you hope with joy-cum-despair that this is a one-and-done trip. it nearly takes your breath Still, going there is neces- away. sary for you and for the Indeed, author Charles future so grab your bags. Person tells his own story Author Charles Person says so well that you can feel “The Buses Are A Comin’” the floorboards sway in his and you’re on-board. sults and he railed against “tenement” home. Surpris- He didn’t know it then, it, until his grandfather ingly, he writes about the but Charles Person grew up asked Person what he was many elders who didn’t in poverty. “going to do about it.” Papa want their children to His family was rich in demanded an answer. Per- march, seeing the danger; love, wealthy at mealtimes, son decided on an HBCU and those who did, despite affluent when it came to that was close to home, one it. There are details here lessons, they had an abun- he could afford. that aren’t discussed much, dance of fun, but he was in After walking three and other details that add to tenth grade before he real- miles from his home to the national story. ized that his extended fam- Morehouse, the first day And then Person turns ily lived in a tenement on was awkward but Person “memoir into memorial” the south side of Atlanta, stayed. He wanted the edu- by turning his sights on in Buttermilk Bottom. His cation, wanted to follow Lonnie King, who was ob- father worked two full-time the words of John Ken- viously a giant in Person’s jobs to make ends meet. His nedy, who asked what he eyes. King, he suggests, mother was a domestic and, could do for his country. As is one of the Civil Rights in effect, had “two fami- it happened, at this same Movement’s most unsung lies.” He’d never thought time, the indefatigable heroes, but Person doesn’t about the facts until then, Civil Rights leader Lonnie forget others who marched and it shamed him. King was in Atlanta, too. for change – including his Two years later, when he When told by an Atlanta contemporary, John Lewis. was about to graduate from department store owner to This is a book you hand high school, he was en- go home and take his fellow to readers too young to re- raged when he had to turn protesters with him, Lonnie member the Civil Rights down his preferred college vowed to come back in the Movement. It honors and because of lack of money. fall with “thousands.” it sings out names. Read it; It seemed to be the final And, says Person, “I was “Buses Are A Comin’” will insult after a lifetime of in- one of them.” keep you in your seat.

IMMUNITY, from Page 8 Black women know what it is like to be constantly ex- countable for their actions. periences. The failure of cluded from the table. Where there is no account- qualified immunity shows As Thurgood Marshall ability, there is no justice. that we need better rep- was often referred to as the An outcome where only resentation and that now conscience of the Court, a no one is changed for caus- more than ever, we need Black woman SCOTUS ing George Floyd’s death Supreme Court nominees nominee could be poised would be a failure of the who are committed to pre- to continue that legacy with law; a failure that could be serving justice. For the She solved by ending qualified Will Rise campaign, it is demonstrated empathy for immunity and widening the important that the next Su- those with his shared ex- pathways for holding law preme Court nominee be a perience of oppression and enforcement accountable Black woman who under- injustice. With this in mind, for the violent harm caused stands the danger qualified the Supreme Court has the to our communities. immunity presents for our potential to exercise its The Supreme Court is nation’s most vulnerable power to end this qualified a deliberative body and communities. immunity and finally hold the perspective of a Black Black women are unique- police accountable so that woman will ensure deci- ly qualified to recognize there are no more Breonna sions that are more inclu- who is left out of Supreme Taylors, Daunte Wrights, or sive of diverse lived ex- Court decisions because George Floyds. 16 | May 6-12, 2021 | North Dallas Gazette For the 411 in the community, go to www.northdallasgazette.com