Page 8 ~ THE VILLAGER/March 24, 2017 THE DISPATCH www.theaustinvillager.com WHAT REDISTRICTING VERDICT THE MANN’S WORLD FAMILY MEANS FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS TOUR KICKS OFF IN AUSTIN AUSTIN, TX - David and Tamela Mann recently began their Mann’s World Family Tour in Austin. They are most widely known for their starring roles in Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns and Madea franchises, and BET’s It’s a Mann’s World. They performed to a sold-out crowd of 1,500 Austin, TX – On the candidate of choice can place an existing Hispanic at Grant African Method- heels of the State’s Voter win) was to ensure that opportunity seat. It held ist Episcopal Worship Cen- Identification decision, a the affected minority had that there was an unnec- ter in north Austin. People bi-partisan three-judge a majority of the citizen essary predominance on had to be turned away panel, in a 2-1 decision, voting-age population in race in the drawing of this from on-site ticket pur- has ruled that Texas en- the area. The Court district. The discrimina- chases due to the capacity gaged in discrimination noted that as the history tion was primarily an over- crowd. against Latinos and Afri- of the case law has reach to garner Hispanics The Manns kicked off can-Americans. The ma- shown, minorities have to place in the district, but the tour in a spectacular jority opinion, joined by suffered many different the court noted that the way. Tamela not only sang, one Republican and writ- forms of electoral dis- African-American commu- she testified, praised, wor- ten by a Democratic crimination, as such the nity in Austin was also un- shipped and took the crowd Judge, addresses dis- test is much more com- necessarily split. along with her. She was crimination in many ar- plex. The maintenance of Significantly, the overcome with gratitude, eas around the State. an opportunity to elect Court made several other Tamela Mann sings at Grant African Meth- crying softly as she ex- The Court expressly or an ability to elect to decisions. It accepted the odist Episcopal Worship Center in Austin as the plained that she had been a held that at least five dis- comply with Section 2 argument of the NAACP first stop on the Mann’s World Family Tour. backup singer for years and tricts in the plan resulted and Section 5 of the Vot- that non-census data that (Photo by KaSaundra Demps) though she wanted to be a from some form of illegal ing Rights Act were also was credible could be used solo artist it just did not hap- to the performance in that and Rhythm and Blues, discrimination. It held that important factors. to determine more accu- pen. People discouraged city the next day. Trusted from Tye Tribett’s “Work It Congressional District 23, In regards to Con- rate numbers for use in a her but God had planted a sources in Houston say her Out,” to Mary J. Blige’s “Just extending from Bexar gressional District 23, the particular redistricting vision in her and here on show there was just as Fine.” Then he switched, County through West Court noted that there process. Also, most nota- her first world tour, it was God-given powerful. saying, “You older folks, Texas; Congressional Dis- were enough minority vot- bly, the Court held that it finally happening. In addition to the hang on. I’ve got something trict 27, including portions ers in Nueces County and is appropriate to join Afri- “You don’t know headlining concert by for you, too.” And he did of Nueces County; and the vicinity to draw a seat can-Americans and what this means,” Tamela Tamela, her husband with Staple Singers’ “I’ll Take Congressional District 35, that would elect minority Latinos together where said. “I’m grateful, so David presented his com- You There,” Hezekiah extending from Bexar candidates of choice with- they have shown the grateful. I thank God. You edy show. For many in the Walker’s “Souled Out,” County to Travis County, out affecting another such proper affinity, such as the don’t know how much I audience, David was the “Clean Inside,” 99 and Half” were all illegally drawn. district. Dallas-Fort Worth appreciate you being here; surprise of the evening. and John P. Kee’s “I Believe.” In Congressional Dis- The Court further Metroplex. to realize you spent your His comedy is much more He ended with the Sister trict 23, the Court ex- noted that Congressional The Court failed to hard-earned money to sophisticated and power- Sledge’s “We Are Family.” pressly rejected the State’s District 35 was drawn with find that an additional mi- come see me. That means ful than the roles he plays The entire audience was up theory that the only nec- the intent of not only nority opportunity seat a lot to me. People told me in movies and on televi- on its feet. essary requirement to cre- eliminating Congressman was required in either the the tour wouldn’t work. sion. He is a social com- Then, the Mann’s ate an opportunity district Lloyd Doggett, but taking Metroplex or Harris They told me not to come mentator in the searing daughter Tia took the helm, (one wherein a minority his seat and using it to re- County. to Austin, that you truth vein of early Richard singing familiar Gospel wouldn’t show, but look at Pryor, George Carlin and tunes in her own jazz style. you.” Tears flowed and the Whoopi Goldberg, with- She included Kirk Franklin crowd responded with out the cussing. songs which Tia’s mother love, clapping and cheer- David stated his mes- sang years ago, as part of his ing for her. sages plain in a singular sen- singing group, God’s Prop- She repaid the love tence. For example, “We erty. The audience loved it, by singing with all her have spoiled our children, especially her rendition of might. Her performance wanting them to have more “Melodies from Heaven” included songs from her than we had growing up,” and “Brighter Day.” albums and songs from he said. Then, he humor- The Mann’s World the Black Church. She ously recalled his upbring- Family Tour was promoted ended with her Grammy® ing, reflecting many African by Kingdom Promotions. winning “God Provides” American traditions that At the event, company and her record-breaking had the audience testifying President/CEO Nehemiah “Take Me to The King.” with shouts of “That’s Weaver said, “The Manns People were shout- right!” and “Amen.” be- wanted to do this tour. We ing and singing. At the end, tween their laughter and pulled it together in only it was a quarter to 11 p.m., hoots. 27 days. We chose Austin despite the advertised Their son DJ Mann as our first stop even show time of 7 – 9 p.m. (David Mann, Jr.) opened though people warned us She left everything that the evening mixing snip- against it. They said Aus- was inside of her right pets of old and new music tin is strange. People there on that stage. that kept the crowd on its won’t come, and yet, here People texted friends and feet dancing and singing you are. You did it, Austin! family in Houston to tell along. He played some- You gave us a great start them to buy tickets and go thing for everyone, Gospel and we thank you.”