i messenger 40

NO 1 ISSUE 40 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION JUNE 15, 2012 I MESSENGER NO 1 ISSUE 40 JUNE 15, 2012

Dick Gregory

celebrates 80th

birthday

A Father’s Love

Remembering Al Lipscomb

Joseph Smith

Pro Bowler Greg Ellis

Father’s Day Issue

NO 1 ISSUE 40 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION JUNE 15, 2012

PAGE 2 ! ! ! IMESSENGER

Donna P. Charles

5/20/1958 - 3/23/2012

Elusive Lady #22Spring 1978

Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,

Inc., FAMU

Sunday, at 8:00a.m., turn on your computer & log on to Blog Talk Radio, or

call 646-200-0459 to listen to

Cheryl’s World

w/ Dr. Steve Perryof TV One

And don’t forget

fitness guru Jay, sports guy Andrew

and an inspiring word from Father

JeMonde Taylor

Remember:

DON’T BELIEVE

THE HYPE!



I MESSENGERCheryl Smith, Publisher

Established 2011

IMESSENGER is a tribute to Le Messager, founded by Cameroonian journalist Pius Njawe and The Messenger, an independent magazine, founded by labor activist A . Philip Randolph and economist Chandler Owen.IMESSENGER is committed to informing, inspiring, enlightening and provoking thought in a forum that is international. Submissions for publication consideration may be submitted to www.myimessenger.com.

INSIDEI MESSENGER

June 15, 2012

Message to the people... When I met Mr. Dick Gregory, it was almost two decades ago and we were both on a program. I must admit that it was love at first sight! I fell in love with his intellect, humanitarianism, sensitivity, wisdom and ability to focus on what was really important in life. I had no idea that we would become friends for life and that I would get to meet his family and form relationships that are withstanding the test of time and wear and tear. The Dick Gregory that I know does not major in the minors. He realizes what is important in life and he refuses to waste time, energy or any of his resources on the stuff that bogs you down or messes with your quality of life. Many know him as a comedian, an activist, a health nutritionist, author or even an actor. In his stand-up routines, he is always telling people to smile, to stop walking around with a frown on their faces like that frown is going to change things. Sure he’s funny, but you know what? He makes you think. You can’t help but walk away from a conversation with him feeling that you have benefited significantly from the encounter. I don’t know what made him decide that I was worth being called a friend. Sure he says nice things about me, and he has been so supportive over the years, but there’s something else. He sees the me nobody or few know. One day I was reading his book, Callous on my Soul, and I stopped mid-page. I was totally amazed because of what I was reading. Here was a man who had really marched with Martin, befriended Malcolm and even shared important messages with Marvin -- Gaye, that is. Mr. Gregory had also held serious conversations with past U.S. Presidents and participated in some of the most significant discussions of his lifetime. When he could have been on a stage making people laugh and raking in big bucks, he was off somewhere with preachers or teachers or community activists, attempting to prick the consciousness and consciences of what appeared to be a morally corrupt and deficient society. Instead of staying at home with his beautiful wife, Lil, and their 10 children; he was out doing the utilitarianistic thing -- making the world a better place for the masses, doing the greatest good for the least of us. As he gets older, this year he will be 80, on October 12, Mr. Gregory shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to walk, drink plenty of water and read hundreds of dollars of periodicals on a weekly basis. If he doesn’t know the answer to a question, he sure as heck knows how to connect with someone or do his own research. Mr. Gregory is a remarkable man and I feel honored to call him my friend. Whether he is visiting town to support the annual Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon, calling in to my radio program to prove that information is power, meeting me in some city to help me campaign for some office I am seeking, speaking for some organization, or just stopping through for the annual forums on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy; Mr. Gregory is going to always be on point and a joy to have around. When I think about how wonderful he is, I can’t help but to reflect back to Lil. The two have been married since February 2, 1959 and they really are best friends. If I thought he was loving and compassionate, I knew nothing until I met Mrs. Gregory. Of course in order for him to be all that he could be, he had to have a woman who was all the woman he would ever need. They say that beauty is only skin deep, but hers is on the outside and travels deep to the core. It would be great if all women could have the confidence that Mrs. Gregory has. She has her eyes on the prize and she does not major in the minors either. Too often I have run across women who, sometimes through no fault of their own, find themselves in situations where they don’t trust their husband so they are rude and downright ugly to women who try to form a relationship, although pure in nature. I am so grateful that Mrs. Gregory knows her husband, and more importantly knows me and therefore knows that our relationship is genuine and really loving. As Mr. Gregory’s birthday approaches, I always wish him many, many more. He has brought so much joy into the life of others, I don’t want to imagine a world without him. He’s a very special person and I feel so honored that he is my friend!

Cheryl

Ray de Beasley (r) with Tom Hill, one of his biggest supporters. 17

Pat Webb to speak at Luncheon 12

Cheryl Smith

Dorothy Calhoun - author 18

I MESSENGER PAGE 3

Lil and Dick Gregory

http://www.myimessenger.com




TEXAS DEMOCRATIC

CONVENTION REMARKS BY KEITH

HAMPTON Democrats, are you tired of hearing

"we can't do this" and "we can't win"? So am I.

I'm tired of our courts and our system of justice being held hostage by antiquated ideologies. I am Keith Hampton and I am your candidate for presiding judge on the Court of Criminal Appeals.

I am running against Sharon Keller.For those who don’t know, this is the

judge who closed the courthouse doors at 5 o’clock to Michael Richard, a death-sentenced inmate seeking a stay of execution. She said famously, “We close at five.” He was executed within the hour.

For her irresponsible decision to close the courthouse doors at 5 p.m., she was condemned by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Many people hold her responsible for the man’s execution.

Even Republicans don’t approve of Keller’s reckless actions on the court. For a sitting judge, it does not get worse than this.

And yet it does. I want to tell you about Cesar Fierro, a man who confessed to a crime, but only after police told him his parents were being held in Juarez, Mexico, and would be tortured and killed if he didn’t confess. The evidence of coercion was not disclosed until after the trial. The prosecutor said he would not have prosecuted him if he had known. Judge Keller’s opinion: sure the man was denied his constitutional rights, but he wasn’t sufficiently prejudiced by it.

And there’s Roy Criner. He was convicted of terrible crimes. He contested the DNA evidence which convicted him. He proved his innocence by having it tested and the DNA proved not to be his. But it wasn’t enough for Judge Keller. When asked, "If DNA can't prove your innocence, then how can an innocent person prevail?" she said, “I don’t know.” It had never occurred to her.

And then there's Mr. Tuley, who everyone agreed was innocent and petitioned the Court for exoneration. But she didn’t think judges should be bothered by claims of innocence. Her solution? Let Rick Perry decide.

By the way, I argued that case and I

won it.I could go on. But her record as

judge is well known. It is likely the reason that in the heavily Republican statewide judicial bar poll I beat her. I got 52 percent, and she got 38 percent from the judges and lawyers across the state.

Democrats and Republicans in the legal community already believe I am the best candidate and I should replace her on this court. With your help, I will.

This is a winning race. She is the weakest candidate they have. Republicans are embarrassed by her. I spoke with a well-respected political science professor, and asked him “Can a Democrat win in 2012?” He responded, "A Democrat can win statewide in 2012 if you have three things: 1. It must be a presidential election year; 2. It must be a judicial race; and 3. Your opponent is just really, really bad."

We have all three. Democrats, you will not have this opportunity again. This is the winning race.

But you wouldn’t know it from newspapers, pundits and bloggers. They say no Democrat can win. I have been defending your constitutional rights for over 20 years, and if you tell me I can’t win a case, it does nothing but provoke me.

How much sweeter victory will be when no one saw it coming.

How great would it be to wake up in November after the election to read the headline “First statewide Democrat elected since 1994”? Do you like the sound of that?

All it takes is one breakout. That breakout, just as it was for Republicans decades ago when they were in the political wilderness, was a judicial race.

Today, the breakout for Democrats is my race.

With your help, I will be your breakout candidate. Together we can revitalize our party, take back important seats in the House and Senate, and restore justice from a judge who the Statesman called “cold-blooded.”

So let us do this for the sake of the Democratic Party. Let us do this for the sake of our great state. We can do this. We must do this. We will do this.

I am Keith Hampton and I want your support to restore justice this November.

Vice President Biden to address the NABJ at Annual Convention

WASHINGTON, DC - Vice President Joe Biden will address members of the National Association of Black Journalists, (NABJ) at the 37th Annual NABJ Convention & Career Fair next

week in New Orleans, La.With more than 2,500 journalists and

media professionals expected to attend, the NABJ convention is the largest annual gathering of journalists of color in the nation. The Vice President will address NABJ Convention attendees on Wednesday, June 20, the first day of the five-day gathering. Other Washington newsmakers who have addressed the NABJ Convention in recent years include Barack Obama, then a U.S. Senator; President George W. Bush; President Bill Clinton; then-Sen.

Hillary Clinton; Sen. John Kerry; Secretary of State Colin Powell; and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The NABJ convention this year will emphasize changes in the media industry and how journalists can best position themselves in the digital age and beyond. The theme is #NABJ12: New Platforms. New Directions. New Orleans." The gathering will feature major plenary discussions on the 2012 presidential election, the Supreme Court challenge to the federal health care law, the case of slain teenager Trayvon Martin, as well as workshops and professional development sessions.

For additional information about the 37th NABJ Convention & Career Fair and for the full schedule visit, www.nabj.org.

Message about Shoot First Laws

Another study has confirmed that “Shoot First” laws, like the one in

ELECTION 2012

On the Campaign Trail

If you didn’t vote why are you

talking?

http://www.nabj.org

http://www.nabj.org



Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE?

POLICE have not apprehended Pookie the serial rapist. Aren’t you concerned? Do you care?We know he has attacked members of

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.

If you have ANY information, PLEASE call Crime Stoppers

877.373.8477

Also, if you want extra protection,

check out Street Safe at

www.streetsafe.peopleguard.com

“We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people.” . Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

DON’T BE

SILENTJoin I Messenger in the call for justice. Turn Pookie in today!

http://www.streetsafe.peopleguard.com

http://www.streetsafe.peopleguard.com



In recent weeks, we’ve shared with you the news that the birth-rate for people of color now exceeds the rate for whites, and that African American deaths from prostate cancer are declining. This week we got more good news about the health status of African Americans when the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that the racial gap in life expectancy has narrowed to an all-time low.

According to a new study, led by Dr. Sam Harper of Montreal’s McGill University, “Between 2003 and 2008, life expectancy at birth increased from 75.3 to 76.2 years among non-Hispanic white men and from 68.8 to 70.8 years among non-Hispanic black men, whereas for women the changes were from 80.3 to 81.2 years for whites and 75.7 to 77.5 for blacks. These changes reduced the racial gap from 6.5 to 5.4 years among men and from 4.6 to 3.7 years among women.” While still too wide, the gap in life expectancy between blacks and whites in America is now the smallest on record. But even more interesting than the raw numbers are some of the reasons behind them. The study reveals, for example, that after years of devastation in the black community, we appear to be making progress in the fights against AIDS and heart disease.

As reported in the New York Times, Dr. Harper’s study calculated that 15 percent of the change in life expectancy between black and white men was due to faster declines in the rate that black men are dying from HIV compared to white men. Another 15 percent was due to improvements in preventing and treating heart disease among black men. A similar pattern in HIV death rates contributed to 8 percent of the change in the life expectancy gap between black and white women. Declines in mortality rates for heart disease contributed to 29 percent of the change among women.

Let me be clear: Heart disease and HIV infection remain major causes of early death in Black America. African Americans are still 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease than whites. And blacks account for more new HIV infections and HIV-related deaths than any other racial group in the country. But the narrowing life-expectancy gap shows that targeted prevention and treatment efforts in African American communities are making a difference.

The National Urban League has been involved in the fight against AIDS for more than two decades. Together with our affiliates across the country, we continue to stress the importance of HIV prevention in communities of color, promote greater access to care and influence national AIDS policy. Since 2009, we have been a partner organization in the Centers for Disease Control’s Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative, a federally-funded outreach effort that is harnessing the collective strength of some of the nation’s leading organizations to fight HIV among hard hit populations.

While it is good news that the life expectancy gap between whites and blacks in America has narrowed to an historic low, we will continue our work to ensure that African Americans are not only living longer, but also aging healthier.

Terror haunts the streets of our cities. Since 2008, more than 530 young people have been killed in Chicago.

Almost four-fifths of these killings were in 22 African-American and Latino community areas on the city’s South and Southwest sides.

Each year, across the country, about 7,000 African Americans are murdered, more than nine times out of 10 by other African Americans. Far more African Americans are killed on our streets than on foreign battlefields.

If a foreign foe took these lives, we would mobilize armies and armadas to stop them. But here, becaues much of this violence is contained in racially concentrated neighborhoods, there is too much resignation and too little outrage.

We know the roots of this violence. The poor are crowded into d e s p e r a t e n e i g h b o r h o o d s . Joblessness produces despair, depression and hopelessness. Drugs and guns spread in the underground economy.

Gangs start warring on mean streets. The young go to the poorest schools. They are more likely to be

suspended, less likely to graduate. They face the worst job market since the Great Depression.

We know where the guns come f r o m . T h e r e a r e n o g u n manufacturers or gun shops in Chicago. If we knew the location of a terrorist base providing weapons to kill U.S. soldiers, we would take it out with a drone attack. No one wants drones used here at home, but that’s no reason to ignore the problem.

Chicago knows how to protect people when it has adequate resources. When NATO came to town, the police secured the streets a n d p r o t e c t e d t h e g u e s t s . Historically, when the violence heads uptown, the police react faster and investigate more thoroughly. More police have been dispatched to neighborhoods where the murders have spiked, but citizens there still aren’t protected as well as our guests or uptown businesses are.

In his poem, “The Second Coming,” William Butler Yeats writes of a time when “The blood-dimmed t ide is loosed, and everywhere the ceremony of innocence is drowned. The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.”

In the face of this violence, our society seems to lack conviction. Social permissiveness allows the vulnerable to remain unprotected by law. Mass unemployment threatens to become a normal condition. Starving schools of resources is a budgetary item.

And the worst are full of passionate intensity. The National Rifle Association and its lobbies push to weaken gun laws, to free gun stores from responsibility, to b l o c k t h e a b i l i t y o f o u r municipalities to crack down on the gun flow.

Making our neighborhoods safe won’t be easy. We must target the areas that suffer the most pain, and put young people to work. We need to provide the young with the best, n o t t h e w o r s t , e d u c a t i o n a l opportunities. We need the police to make protecting the citizens of those streets a greater priority. We need to crack down on the flow of drugs and guns.

This won’t start from the mayor ’s office or the police department. Change will come only when victims demand it. People whose backs are against the wall can imitate the violence of the broader society or they can adjust to it or they can resist. They must resist. In Chicago, many courageous community groups and churches have taken up this cause. We must march on the gun sellers and challenge the gangs. We must march to demand jobs.

One of Franklin Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms is the Freedom from Fear. Violence on our streets tramples a basic human right. Responding requires all the energy and invention that we used in the civil rights movement — from litigation to demonstration, from nonviolent protest to the power of the vote.

We must have for our youth more graduat ions and fewer funerals. We must choose life over death. We choose nonviolence not because we are scared, but because w e a r e w i s e . A n d i t i s transformative.

We must make the unspeakable unacceptable again.

Life Expectancy Gap Between Blacks and Whites

Narrows to All-Time Low

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...

I MESSENGER wants you to SPEAK YOUR MIND!

Is there something on your mind? Is there something we should be thinking about? Your thoughts are welcomed on the opinion pages of I MESSENGER!We would love to hear from you. Send your thoughts to us at www.myimessenger.com along with your photo, a contact number and a brief bio. Submissions should not exceed 300 words.

We must choose nonviolence

MARC MORIALPresident

National Urban League

Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.

A Father’s Love:As I look back on the times I spent with my father, I am grateful that I knew a father’s love because there are so many who didn’t and unfortunately never will, considering the state of parenthood today. We have children growing up who not only have they never met their fathers, they and their mothers are clueless about who the father is! Yes, it’s a sad state!My father was my first love. He was the man who I believed could protect me from anything and anybody. He set a standard for how I should let men treat me. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about Joseph Smith (1927-2004).

CS

http://rainbowpush.org/commentaries/single/we_must_choose_nonviolence








Cheryl Smith’s

Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon

Saturday June 30,

2012

6p Reception8-10p Bowling

8:30p Dick Gregory

speaksRegister your team or get your vendor booth today at

www.dontbelievethehype.org or call 972.572.0088

I MESSENGERBringing you enlightening, educational, empowering, inspiring and thought-provoking information from around the world!

Last year’s lineup was the bomb!Catered by Peaches Party Package and Off the Bone Barbecue!!!

Some of our past champions:

Skip Murphy & Team

Constable Derick Evans & Team

TXU Teams

Councilwoman Dorothy Burton’s Team

Judge Maryellen Hicks’ Team

High Bowlers:

Skip Murphy

Constable Derick Evans

Dr. Beverly Mitchell Brooks

Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III

Deitra Miles

Ken Bell

Some celebs who supported over the past 17 years:

Chuck D - Public EnemyMalik Farrakhan - PE

Rene SylerRoland Martin

Miles JayeRon & Matrice Kirk

Clarice TinsleyJohn McCaa

Tony Dixon - former CowboyJay Ratliff - Dallas CowboyRoy Tarpley, former MAV

Eric BenetPhyllis Yvonne Stickney

Miles JayeDISD Trustee Hollis Brashear

Hon. Tennell AtkinsHon. John Wiley Price

Brian CurtisBob Ray Sanders

Kristi NelsonShaun RabbBrian Custer

Ramona LoganCrystal Thornton

Susy SolisOmar Villafranca

Chief Ben ClickJudge Thomas Jones

Cheryl’s World on Blog Talk Radio

Celebrate Dick Gregory’s 80th Birthday

Get your tickets at www.dontbelievethehype.org

Friday, June 29, 2012

Harwood 609 Restaurant and Jazz Club

6:00pm Red Carpet

7:00pm DINNER and SHOW

Join us for the celebration!

ActivistArtistFriendHealth

Nutritionist

(972) 572 0088

Social Commentator

HusbandFatherActor

Ivan Tolbert

D Elli$

Richard Gant

IMAJ

Kiki Shepard

Spank E

ZemillPhyllis Yvonne Stickney

Joe Torry



Get ready for a Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon Weekend

Donate Now and

Join the TEAM



Following the T.D. Jakes 35th Anniversary Gala, (L-R) Pastor Paula White, retired NFL player Emmitt Smith, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Pat Smith (wife of Emmitt Smith), Donna Richardson Joyner (wife of media mogul Tom Joyner) gather at an intimate post-event

soirée. (Photo Credit: Vernon Bryant, courtesy of TDJ Enterprises/The FrontPage Firm)

DeVon Franklin, Sony Pictures executive, and actress Meagan Good (Photo Credit: Cooper Neill, courtesy of The FrontPage

Firm)

Comedian Mike Epps and wife Michelle join the celebration. Epps credited Bishop Jakes for

helping him grow in his faith and produce movies "my mother will go and see." (Photo credit:

Cooper Neill, courtesy of TDJ Enterprises/The FrontPage Firm)

Actor Derek Luke and wife Sophia strike a pose on the red carpet. Luke expressed his gratitude

for getting to know Bishop Jakes during the filming of upcoming remake of Sparkle. (Photo

credit: Cooper Neill, courtesy of TDJ Enterprises/The FrontPage Firm)

Music legends Bebe Winans and Chaka Khan pose backstage at the Bishop T.D. Jakes 35th Anniversary Celebration. (Photo credit: Cooper Neill, courtesy of TDJ Enterprises/

The FrontPage Firm)

Jordin Sparks graced the red carpet in a flirty red dress

before taking stage to perform at the Bishop T.D.

Jakes 35th Anniversary Celebration. (Photo credit: Cooper Neill, courtesy of

TDJ Enterprises/The FrontPage Firm)

Bishop T.D. Jakes is greeted with a warm hug from actress Angela Bassett in the press room following the star-studded T.D. Jakes 35th Anniversary Gala. (Photo credit: Cooper Neill, courtesy of the TDJ

Enterprises/The FrontPage Firm)

Media mogul Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King make a surprise visit

to Bishop T.D. Jakes 35th Anniversary Gala. (Photo Credit:

Cooper Neill, courtesy of TDJ Enterprises/The FrontPage Firm)

CNN's Soledad O'Brien and producer/writer/director Tyler Perry entertain the crowd as co-hosts for the celebration. (Photo Credit: Vernon Bryant,

courtesy of TDJ Enterprises/The FrontPage Firm)

The red carpet is rolled out to welcome the iconic Bishop T.D. Jakes and his wife,

Serita, at the black-tie gala. (Photo Credit: Vernon Bryant, courtesy of TDJ

Enterprises/The FrontPage Firm)

Thousands pay tribute to Bishop T.D. Jakes’ 35 years

Thousands Gather in Dallas to Pay Tribute

to Worldwide Spiritual Leader, including

Chaka Khan, Jordin Sparks, Ledisi, Derek

Luke, Mary Mary, Mike Epps, Fred Hammond, BeBe

Winans, Kimberly Elise, Pastor Shirley

Caesar, Loretta Devine, Meagan Good,

KEM, Dr. Bernice King, Karen Clark

Sheard and more



By Cheryl Smith I MESSENGER

Greg Ellis understands the importance of faith. In fact, he learned about faith at an early age and he stresses the importance of “keeping God first in your life.”

Hailing from Wendell, North Carolina, Greg was the Greensboro News and Observer Male High School Athlete of the Year in 1993 and went on to play football for the University of North Carolina.

His prowess on the gridiron led to several honors. During his sophomore year he married his high school sweetheart, Tangie, and when he graduated he was UNC’s all-time sack leader.

In the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft, he was selected by America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys.

After a successful career with the Cowboys, he later played for the Oakland Raiders.

Greg became involved with the “I AM SECOND” campaign, which is a movement meant to inspire people of all kinds to live for God and for others.

Today he is working with the ChurchNow Network. The world-wide web-based movement focuses on uniting Christians.

On Saturday, June 16, that is exactly where the focus will be as thousands are expected at the “Getting Back to Eden Conference” at the The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, 1309 Canton Street, from 10am-6p.m.

Complete with vendors, financial literacy workshops, and empowerment programs, followed by a Gospel Jam featuring Benita Arterberry and a host of others, the Conference seeks to “bring people to the event and bring organizations that can help people,” said Greg.

“We have Wells Fargo who will be talking about homebuying, not just buying but staying in the home,” he explained. We will also be sharing information about how to get $5000 for your business.”

The Conference will benefit Autism, Sickle Cell Disease

and Cancer Awareness programs. According to Greg, ChurchNow Network

would like to increase awareness and encourage attendees to help others and share the information.

“You might not need it right now, but later you might,” he said, as he discussed the many ills affecting society and the need to make a positive impact, regardless of your sex, race, economic status or if you have an illness.

“The world can discriminate,” he continued.

“My goal as far as partnering up is to increase awareness, offer prayer, financial support and also education. I have to make sure that we are doing out part.”

The father of three says that Saturday’s event is for the entire family and he is encouraging parents to bring their children to participate in activities designed for children.

“We will have facepainting, balloon animals, bounce houses and other things for children.”

Although this is the first year for the event, organizers are already looking ahead--not only to next year’s event in Dallas, but also expanding to include Atlanta and Greg’s hometown in North Carolina.

Unity appears to be the underlying theme of the conference, as well as stressing the importance of the church.

“We need to recognize it as a powerful institution,” he explained, as he urged folks to come out and experience the conference.

Featured guests, NFL Pro Bowler Greg Ellis of the Dallas, Cowboys and Oakland Raiders, Tim Brown, Dr.

Denny Davis of St. John Baptist Church, Darrin Dewitt Henson from Soul Food/Stomp the Yard and professional Middle-Weight boxer Danny Jacobs, Keven “The Hulk” Washington of Musclemag Magazine.

After football, there’s still FAITHE!is shares strong message through inaugural Conference

Dr. Denny Davis

Darrin Dewitt Henson

Greg Ellis



I considered Albert Louis Lipscomb to be my friend. I held him in the highest regard and so I was especially surprised and saddened to hear of his passing.

At the time of his death, I was in the capital of Senegal, dining with a number of dignitaries, including Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade, Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, National Council of Black Mayors President Robert Bowser from my home town of East Orange and noted actor and Panafricanist Richard Gant.

Hours later I arrived at Dulles International airport in the nation’s capital and the first message I received was from long-time friend Debra Sturns, asking me if I had heard the news.

I immediately called Mr. Lipscomb’s daughter and Lavette informed me that she had tried to reach out to me the previous night, and she had no idea I was out of the country.

I then asked how her mother was doing. This is a tough time for many. The notion of Mr. Lipscomb never being around to drop pearls of wisdom, or to give that greeting: “Top of the morning to you,” is unthinkable.

I feel a loss similar to the one I felt when my father, Joe Smith, passed 6 and a half years ago. Al Lipscomb, like my father, was just one of those people who I thought would live forever.

The world is a better place because of him. I appreciated his honesty and forthrightness. Even more heartwarming was his generous and loving nature. He gave from his heart, and whether it was a kind word, a quick lesson or a glowing tribute, he didn’t say it if he didn’t mean it.

Mr. Lipscomb and his family have had their challenges. He wouldn’t have been the man he was if he had not taken the road less traveled or shirked his responsibilities to his family and society.

I remember when he consented to take pictures at the inaugural KwanzaaFest Celebration at Lincoln High School in 1991. Instead of Santa Claus, we wanted high profile African Americans so that people could look back on those pictures and tell folks

about the person sitting in the chair with them, dressed from head to toe in African Attire. He was one of our African Kings!

During a time when he didn’t leave his home for an entire year, I told myself that I would not let the year pass without going to visit Mr. Lipscomb. Any time with Mr. Lipscomb was sure to be rewarding, educational and empowering--and I wasn’t disappointed.

I appreciate his family, especially his loving wife, Lovie, for sharing him with me, our communities and this world.

I will always remember a vibrant and forceful Mr. Lipscomb. When he was in a room, you not only felt his presence; he was sure to have a few words to the wise.

During a press conference, Mr. Lipscomb put journalists in their places when they brought up a conviction from over 30 years prior.

It wasn’t a felony conviction, he didn’t murder or rape anyone, and, he said that it “happened before any of you in this room were even born!”

There were a few giggles and sheepish looks as the topic of discussion quickly reverted back to the office that Mr. Lipscomb was seeking.

Mr. Lipscomb had a penchant for putting people in their places. He was quick for telling people that it was “time out” for whatever foolishness was going on.

A stickler for protocol and what is proper, although he is old enough to be my father, he still made it a point to call me Ms. Smith. And long after his name had been stripped from the title and he no longer sat on the Dallas City Council, I referred to the game as the “Al Lipscomb State Fair Classic” and to him as “Councilman Lipscomb.”

It was at one of the press conferences for that historic football game between Grambling State and Prairie View A&M Universities that Mr. Lipscomb called me up to the podium to speak.

Now you remember that I said that he was a stickler for protocol. The only thing is, he was known for also setting protocol. He told those gathered that no other journalist did more to promote and uplift black colleges and black college sports. He said it was only fitting that I should have a few words.

That was the Al Lipscomb that I knew and loved.

Then there was the time we were at a banquet--the name and location will remain anonymous to protect the guilty.

Anyway, we were both on program, seated side-by-side, and I was the mistress of ceremonies.

The fun began when I introduced the woman to sing the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

When I tell you that this woman could not sing, I am making an understatement. Not only was she loud and off key, she was all wrong, flubbing the lyrics and entire stanzas!

We could have excused the mistakes but there was no excuse for her singing.

People were laughing in the audience. Some were leaning over their chairs as they held their stomachs.

I was doing everything in my power to keep from laughing and Mr. Lipscomb was not helping as he provided play-by-play commentary. And once she finished, throughout the entire night, Mr. Lipscomb would continue to say to me, “Ms. Smith, why don’t you call the young lady up here to sing again?”

I don’t think there’s a time I hear that song that I don’t think about Mr. Lipscomb. I also think about him when I see injustices because he fought long and hard for equality and justice.

I boarded the plane to Dallas and began writing this piece. I looked out of the window it wasn’t hard for me to envision standing in the clouds a regal, stately gentleman--an African warrior--wearing one of his famous hats, smiling at me and saying, “Top of the morning to you, Ms. Smith!”

Cheryl SmithThe Dallas Weekly 6/2011

Remembering Albert Louis Lipscomb

The oldest son of Lucille Katy Jeffrey and T.B. Lipscomb, Albert Louis Lipscomb was born and lived most of his life in Dallas. He grew up in East Dallas near Fair Park, attended Dallas public schools, and graduated from Lincoln High School. He received an Honorary Doctorate in Religion from Rialto Community Bible College. Having accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age, Mr. Lipscomb was a lifelong member of St. Mark’s Baptist Church. He was an ordained deacon, served as President of the Pastor’s Aid Committee, sang in the Male Chorus, worked with the youth, and was a faithful member of his Sunday school class.

He served in the Army Air Force during World War II. After the war Lipscomb returned to Dallas and worked waiting tables and washing dishes, eventually becoming the head waiter at top restaurants in the city. Working at the Baker Hotel, he met and married the love of his life, Lovie Marie Love. The couple had eight children—five daughters and three sons, and Mr. Lipscomb was a loving and supportive father. He taught his children the importance of being involved in the struggle of justice and equality for all humanity. As he served drinks and dinner to the city’s top business and political leaders, Mr. Lipscomb embodied the dilemma of novelist Ralph Ellison’s “invisible man” – the African American man whom whites refused to see. Although the oilmen and bankers enjoying lunch did not know him, overhearing the table talk at First National Bank’s executive dining room, Lipscomb began to understand them. Moreover, he developed his skills, as an organizer and as an artist in the theater of protest, skills that would make him an iconic force in Dallas for the next 30 years.In 1971, Mr. Lipscomb escalated his struggle to break open the doors of Dallas City Hall for African Americans and others disenfranchised by the at-large voting system, which favored wealthy candidates endorsed by the CCA. Using a combination of legal action and street protest, Lipscomb became the lead plaintiff in a 1971 constitutional lawsuit (Lipscomb vs. Wise et al.) to overturn the at-large system, and he opened the South Dallas Information Center (SDIC) in 1972 in a frame house on Pennsylvania Avenue across the street from what would later become the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. People came to SDIC for help with evictions, police brutality, lack of city services, and the full range of issues related to poverty and discrimination in Dallas. Lipscomb helped to found many issue-based groups, such as the Black Citizens for Justice, Law, and Order, which worked on prevention of both crime and police misconduct. Mr. Lipscomb was elected to the Dallas City Council to represent District 8 in Oak Cliff in a special election in 1984. He co-sponsored an innovative community-based crime prevention program with Diane Ragsdale, who was

Top of the morning to you! Another angel watching over me -- Mr. Al Lipscomb

See Hon. Al L1pscomb, page 13



By Cheryl SmithI MESSENGER

For over a quarter of a century, Jeffries Street Learning Center has been a source of inspiration, support and growth and development for youth and adults in the South Dallas area.

The journey has not been an easy one for founder Linda Walker, who in 1986 began the center in a donated two-bedroom apartment on Jeffries Street. Still she has remained committed and focused on providing services for youth and helping adults to reach their fullest potential.

Jeffries Street Learning Center provides everything from tutoring and after school programs to GED courses and a very affordable summer youth program.

Unfortunately sometimes the people you are trying to help are the ones who cause you the biggest problems. The culprit this time around came to Jeffries Street Learning Center in hopes of preparing for the GED test. Instead he later entered the premises and wreaked so much havoc that the facility will not be able to be used for the popular summer youth program. The place was burglarized, destroyed and flooded.

Ironically the GED program will be able to continue, however the program that helped the families of 85-125 students during the summer will not be able to function.

As is her way, Ms. Walker refuses to focus on the negatives. No, there won’t be a summer youth program, but with help from the community and monies raised from an annual fundraiser, along with what they receive from their insurance claim, there is hope that everything will be back in working condition by the time school reopens.

“We’re having to rebuild from the bottom up,” acknowledged the upbeat founder. “ We want to continue to serve because there’s not a boys and girls club or like groups in the neighborhood.”

On Monday, June 25, golfers and supporters of Jeffries Street will be gathering at Tour 18, located at 8718 Amen Corner in Flowermound for the 14th Annual Swing “Fore” Kids Golf Tournament & Fundraiser. There’s still time to register, by calling 214 426 1834.

Ms. Walker has been fielding the calls from parents who have become accustomed to utilizing the programs at Jeffries Street.

Many have expressed disappointment upon hearing that the summer youth program would not be in operation this summer.

“Many call and ask about other programs in the area,” said Ms. Walker, adding that she usually gets calls back

when the parents find out the cost of other programs.

For the past decade, Jeffries Street provided three meals a day with a comprehensive program that kept the youth engaged. For the affordable fee of $135 for the eight-week program youth learn to swim and participate in a number of physical activities while also doing things that stimulate their minds.

The programs at Jeffries Street have been so successful that you have adults who grew up attending the facility as children who now return to mentor, teach and be a source of support for youth today.

“The children are so smart and bright,” said Ms. Walker. “We are very proud of what we have been able to accomplish since we opened the doors and we’re working to keep the doors open so we welcome volunteers and donations.”

Th3rd Thursday Championʼs Luncheon

features Pat Webb

Dean Patricia Benjamin Webb is coming to Th3rd Thursday Champion's Luncheon on June 21st @12:00noon. Dean Patricia Benjamin Webb is currently Mountain View College's Executive Dean of Continuing Education & Workforce Development. She is a 26 year retired AT&T executive, but assumed her role of Executive Dean on July 6, 2011.

Dean Webb has a wealth of experience and knowledge that benefits her areas of responsibility at work; but equally with the community at large and other non-profit organizations. In addition to her formal education, Dean Webb has extensive corporate and

community experience. Her knowledge of business, sales, grant writing and economic development has been an added advantage to her role within Dallas County Community College District. Dean Webb has already been successful in getting MVC's Business Incubation Center and Entrepreneurial College up and running. She is responsible for Economic Workforce Development, Continuing Education, Corporate College, Community/Program Development, Contract/Customized Training, Texas Workforce Skills Development Fund Grants, MVC's Fitness Center and Alternative Teacher Certification.

Within the last three months she has successfully led to the award of two skills training grants at Mountain View College which total over $596,000. These will lead to the ultimate training of over 354 employees from six companies.

Students honored, receive powerful reading

message Seven top readers, as well as a large

crowd, gathered at the Eisemann Center in Richardson on June 10, 2012 to hear the powerful message about the

importance of reading delivered by Keynote Speaker, Judge Olly Neal. The event was to celebrate the child who had read the most minutes outside of school, in each of the 7 schools served by non-profit, My Very Own Book. MVOB

runs reading incentive programs in Title 1 schools in Dallas, Richardson and Plano ISD’s, rewarding children for reading, with new books.

Judge Neal, who was raised in a

house with 12 siblings, no electricity and a father with a second grade education, mesmerized the audience with the story of how a book and a teacher launched him on his journey to become an attorney and then a circuit judge. “If you don’t have the money to take your kids on a trip around the world, they can explore the world by reading,” stated the speaker. Judge Neal, the grandson of a slave, shared that reading books, magazines and newspapers resulted in his scoring far above “smarter people” on the LCAT’s to gain entrance into law school.

During the evening, each student, ranging from 2nd grade to 6th grade, enjoyed dinner, visiting with Judge Neal and were presented with six books tailored to their reading preference. Emmanuel Flores, the top reader from Barron Elementary in Plano, shared how happy he was with his gift and told Barron librarian, Pat Essig, “I may not be able to travel the world but I can read anything I want.” The other six top readers were: Jaylor Crawford (Elisha M. Pease Elementary, DISD); Jordon Geter (Edward Titche, DISD); Matthew

Gonzalez (Maria Moreno, DISD); Samantha Jackson (Spring Valley, RISD); Donnelly Mekondo (Audelia Creek, RISD) and Britney Nnamdi (Mendenhall, PISD).

EDUCATION NOTES

Jeffries Street Learning Center hit by thiefStill moving ahead with annual fundraiser



DeSoto SolJazz Festival a definite crowd pleaser

June 1-10 thousands gathered in DeSoto for the 2012 DeSoto SolJazz Festival

Doug E. Fresh MC Lyte

Cameo

Pieces of A Dream

Rachelle Ferrell

elected the same year to represent South Dallas; this program, which is grounded in community organizing and improving living conditions, is still operating more than 25 years later. Councilman Lipscomb held regular town hall meetings, like the community meetings he had organized before his election. He immersed himself in the bread-and-butter, everyday issues of his district: opening a police storefront to cut crime and improve police-community relations; tightening restrictions of so-called “hot sheet” motels that undermine neighborhood stability; making sure the bond program included funds to stop soil erosion along the district’s many creeks; supporting a teen curfew to help parents keep their children safe. He successfully advocated the hiring of the city’s first minority city manager. He delivered a major parcel service facility – with more than 1,700 jobs – to his Oak Cliff district. Mr. Lipscomb never feared controversy when the cause was just. He urged the Council to pass a resolution supporting a federal commission to investigate the issue of reparations for slavery. He successfully co-sponsored the Council’s anti-apartheid legislation, which forced the disinvestment of all municipal funds from businesses investing in apartheid South Africa. Mr. Lipscomb described his approach to governing for the people as “a two-way sharing effort, i.e., CARRYING your concerns and making them known to

City government and BRINGING back to the community information on those resources which benefit our community.” The first council elected under the full single-member district system chose Councilman Lipscomb as Dallas Mayor Pro Tem. Term limits forced Mr. Lipscomb to leave the council in 1993, but he was elected again in 1995 and served until 2000. It’s no wonder that Councilman Lipscomb was re-elected time and again – he earned the love and respect of his constituents. He always credited “people power” for his electoral victories. Over the years, Mr. Lipscomb’s commitment to civil and human rights was recognized with many awards, including 1989 Outstanding Texan Achievement Award from the 71st Texas Legislative Black Caucus; 1980 Man of the Year from the Texas Peace Officers Association; 1988 Civil Rights Award from the John F. Kennedy/Lyndon Baines Johnson Civil Rights Center; Honorary Member of Grambling State University Alumni Association (1988); Grambling/Prairie View Classic was

renamed Al Lipscomb State Fair Classic in 1990; voted Second Most Influential Black Leader in Dallas, Dallas Post Tribune Reader’s Survey; Honoree in Politics for the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Inc.; 50 People Who Made Dallas, D Magazine. Mr. Lipscomb was also named Honorary Chief of the Ibo tribe in Nigeria. Mr. Lipscomb served on numerous boards and commissions throughout his years of community service, including Dallas Legal Services, Dallas County Community Action Committee, Inc., Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Progressive Voters League, Frederick Douglass Voting Council, Citizen Police Paramedic Complaint Commission, Community Health Centers of Dallas, Dallas Southern

Christian Leadership Conference, Angela Y. Davis Support Committee, National Coalition to Combat Fascism, City of Dallas Charter Review Committee, Dallas Police Review Board, Mayor’s Commission on International Development, Mayor’s International Sports Committee, and Dallas Together. Dallas City Councilman (1984-1993; 1995-2000) and Mayor Pro Tem of Dallas (1991-1993) Albert Louis Lipscomb often described his profession as “Lobbyist for Justice” and “Defender of the Constitution.” Throughout a long life of active struggle and community service, Al Lipscomb broke down barriers that kept African Americans, and oppressed people of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, from full participation in American social and political life. Surrounded by family, Mr. Lipscomb made a peaceful transition on June 18, 2011 and was welcomed home by his heavenly Father… He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Lovie Marie Lipscomb; five daughters: Jacquelyn (Jerry) McDonald, Eyelette Lipscomb, Donette (Donald) Zeno, Alva Smith, and LaVette (Roderick) Dudley; three sons: Noel Lipscomb, Jeffrey Lipscomb, Jesse (Debra) Lipscomb, all of Dallas, Texas; one brother Thomas (Nora) Lipscomb, 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Atty. DeMetris Sampson, Joyce Ann Brown, Dick Gregory, Rep. Helen Giddings, Hon. Al Lipscomb and Hon. Terri Hodge

Hon. Al Lipscomb remembered continued from page 11



USMD Hospital at Arlington awarded an “A” for Patient SafetyLocal Hospital Earns

National Distinction for Excellence in Patient

Safety

ARLINGTON, Texas – USMD Hospital at Arlington was honored with an “A” Hospital Safety ScoreSM by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits. The Hospital Safety ScoreSM was calculated under the guidance of The Leapfrog Group’s Blue Ribbon Expert Panel using publicly available data on patient injuries, medical and medication errors, and infections. U.S. hospitals were assigned an A, B, C, D, or F for their safety.

The Leapfrog Group (www.leapfroggroup.org) is a national organization using the collective leverage of large purchasers of health care to initiate breakthrough improvements in the safety, quality, and affordability of health care for Americans. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey allows purchasers to structure their contracts and purchasing to reward the highest performing hospitals.

“To achieve an “A” Hospital Safety Score, we demonstrated consistently high scores across several national quality measures. We are committed to patient safety and to delivering the highest quality health care,” said Marcia Crim, RN, BSN, MS, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Nursing Officer. “It takes a significant amount of work, but it is well worth it. We appreciate this recognition, but more important than the honor is knowing we’re doing the right thing for our patients. After all, they have entrusted us with their care.”

More than 2,600 general hospitals nationwide have received a Hospital Safety ScoreSM. Less than 20 hospitals in the D/FW metroplex earned an “A” and USMD Hospital at Arlington is the only hospital in Arlington to receive the highest score. To see how USMD Hospital at Arlington’s scores compare nationally and locally, visit www.hospitalsafetyscore.org, the Hospital Safety ScoreSM website, which also provides information on how the public can protect themselves and loved ones during a hospital stay.

“It’s The Leapfrog Group’s goal to give patients the information they need and deserve before even entering a hospital,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We congratulate the hospitals that earned an ‘A’ and we look forward to the day when all hospitals in the U.S. will earn the highest scores for putting patient safety first.”

President declares June 15 as World Elder Abuse

Awareness Day

President Obama has proclaimed today - Friday, June 15th - as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Obama wants to use the day to call attention to the tragedy of elder abuse, which can rob seniors of the security that they have worked their whole lives to build.

He is also using the day to urge Americans to expose elder abuse, and is calling on federal, state and local officials to protect seniors and prosecute those who abuse them.

The Elder Justice Act is one tool at their disposal for doing so. The President is calling on all Americans to learn the signs of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation and to raise awareness of the issue in their communities. “I encourage everyone to take a stand with the President on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to stamp out this often-violent, particularly-terrifying form of bullying against our loved ones who many times aren’t even able to defend themselves,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance.

Romney's Health Plan: Perfect for the Healthy and

the Wealthy

As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on the constitutionality of President Obama’s health care law, Mitt Romney laid out a plan on Tuesday in Orlando that would make the health insurance system more like a “consumer market” - leaving it to competition to drive down prices and increase quality.

Romney also promised to take federal funds away from Medicaid and other federal benefit programs and give them to state governments, then place the states in charge of covering the uninsured.

In addition, the likely Republican presidential nominee said that if the Supreme Court does not overturn the health care law in full, he would work to repeal whatever remains of it on his first day as president by granting a waiver to all 50 states to opt out of the legislation’s restrictions. For more, go to The Washington Post article at http://wapo.st/LTb2hr. Obama Campaign Spokeswoman Liz Smith warned in a statement that Romney’s plan will take Americans back to a time when insurance companies could discriminate on the basis of pre-existing conditions and force Americans to choose between paying their health-care bills and going bankrupt.

In an interview with Jay Leno as recently as March, Romney continued to oppose helping those with pre-existing conditions obtain health insurance.

He argued that “you’ve got to get insurance when you are well.”

Alliance for Retired Americans

A Healthy You

http://www.leapfroggroup.org

http://www.leapfroggroup.org

http://www.hospitalsafetyscore.org

http://www.hospitalsafetyscore.org

http://wapo.st/LTb2hr






INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Are you detail-oriented, creative, and interested in a career in journalism? Here’s an opportunity for you to work with award-

winning journalists as you learn convergence: radio, television, newspaper,

magazine and online journalism.

Send your resume to [email protected]

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Dallas IT Start Up receives round of investment to

Develop Prototype

Major Step Forward for B-System Identity Management System

(DALLAS –) bSecurity Systems, LLC, a Dallas IT start-up, has received a round of investment to hire a project manager to develop a prototype for an identity management system that has been called one of the most forward-looking technology inventions in the country in recent years.

Irving Rowe of Pinnacle Management Service, a Dallas technology consulting firm, has been named the lead project manager and developer for the prototype of B-System Identity Management System (IMS). The firm, founded by Dallas inventor Ray de Beasley, is in the development phase for a technological method that will demonstrate one of the most innovative inventions designed to help protect everyone’s Social Security Numbers (SSN). It has the potential to generate tens of billions of dollars annually to create and fund more than 200,000 estimated federal jobs, according to analysts’ projections.

“This project is extremely important not only to me, but to the city of Dallas as well,” said Shareefah McConnell, the project’s first investor, and president of

Strategizing Insurance Advisors, LLC. “I believe the technology Mr. de Beasley created is assured to set Dallas on the map for globally innovation, and it will be the first of its kind.”

The investments come at a time when the business community is closely looking at the stock market’s timid reaction to the initial public offering of Facebook.

Local investors said they’re looking at businesses that will have a direct impact on their communities. The wave of new investment comes after more than four years of seed funding that B-System has received to file for a patent, create the business plan and preliminary design for the system. With nearly $100,000 invested and thousands of hours of sweat equity, bSecurity Systems, LLC is poised to move forward, supporters said.

“When Bill Gates was forming his little company which grew into Microsoft, I didn’t know anything about it during the development stage,” said Linda Hayes, president of the Southern Communities Investment Club, and Realtor. “But I know about B-Systems and its potential impact on Dallas, Texas, the United States, and the world.”

Lana Jackson, owner of LJ Services, a tax, payroll, accounting service company for individuals and businesses, said the potential of this project is huge. “I have been following this project for four years,” Jackson said. “This project is great for growth in our community and for all of Dallas. This is a lifetime opportunity to get involved on the ground level.”

Tom Hill, who ran the EDS Fellows and the Distinguished Engineering Program, has been a longtime supporter of the B-System Identity Management System (IMS), says this is a huge step forward for this project. “Since the proposed system protects social security numbers and other personal privacy attributes; the development jobs, implementation jobs and operations jobs created by the system will most certainly be contained within the USA.”

As project manager, Rowe will play a critical role in creating a prototype that will provide the ability to effectively demonstrate the IMS method and that will be used towards the development of the entire system.

“B-System will use multiple processes and algorithms for authenticating users, looking up matching faces on multiple photos, automatically recognizing facial features in graphic editors, and locating faces on still images,” said Rowe who has been a programming consultant for more than 20 years. “With this type of system, the nation as a whole will benefit.”

The B-System Privacy Protection Method, in part, offers a more effective and secures the means to issue and protect the national use of the social security number. The software is conceived to provide the federal government and commercial outlets an innovative method that will effectively deter and dramatically prevent ID fraud and save hundreds of billions of dollars annually in monetary and other forms of loss that is associated with being a victim of ID Fraud.

Hayes said she’s excited about the future of the B-System solution and the opportunity for residents of the southern sector of Dallas to invest in their own community. “I invested now because it’s affordable,” Hayes said. “So, I founded Southern Communities Investment Club, which allows the community to invest in B-System during the development stage … The southern sector of Dallas has been promised so much over the years, and delivered little. Members of my own community discovered this club so now, it’s time to get behind something that can make a difference for and in the very community I live and work in.”

Funds Earmarked for Advancing Inclusion Activities NationallyCLEVELAND -- The Surdna

Foundation has awarded a $250,000 grant to Cleveland-based nonprofit venture development organization JumpStart, Inc. for its JumpStart America initiative (www.jumpstartamerica.org). The grant will support efforts to help regions across the country develop plans to accelerate the successes of diverse entrepreneurs with the potential to create jobs and wealth in their communities.

"Through our Strong Local Economies program, we aim to create robust and sustainable economies that include a diversity of businesses and sectors, improved access to quality jobs and opportunities for economic mobility. We are proud to support JumpStart in its efforts to expand this valuable program," said Surdna's president, Phillip W. Henderson.

Specifically, Surdna's support will advance JumpStart's activities aimed at encouraging minority, women and inner-city based entrepreneurship and assist the organization in formalizing a toolkit

of inclusion resources. While women and minority entrepreneurship is growing—with women owning 30 percent of all small businesses, and minorities accounting for 40 percent of all entrepreneurs—disparities still exist when these groups attempt to grow larger-scale businesses, access risk-based capital and build strong networks. For example, reports show that in 2010 less than one percent of all venture capital investment went to digital startups with African American founders. "Minority and women entrepreneurs growing larger scale firms can contribute meaningfully to the country's economic output by becoming more significant job creators," says Darrin Redus, JumpStart's Chief Economic Inclusion Officer. "With Surdna's help, JumpStart can continue to develop and share inclusion best practices and make key connections that will help speed the growth, market entry and success of these high potential young companies."

JumpStart America, which is part of the Startup America Partnership, is a community-focused effort leveraging public, private, philanthropic and institutional partnerships to help regions identify, develop and implement plans that foster entrepreneurship and build on their unique assets. Currently, JumpStart is partnering with eight regions under the initiative. Surdna's financial support for these nationally applicable inclusion efforts adds to the momentum JumpStart America gained from a $1 million challenge grant awarded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in February.

"In an increasingly diverse and global economy, we need everyone participating to contribute to the nation's economic output," explains Redus. "Amassing a strong national network of diverse talent which is connected to regional technology-based economic development activities ensures that we create the types of inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems in our communities that are critical for the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the nation."

It’s your business

Ray de Beasley (r) with Tom Hill, one of his biggest supporters.

In the spirit and rich tradition of the African Griot, let I MESSENGER get your message out to the masses.

Send your information and events to [email protected]

Send your business news to

[email protected]

http://www.jumpstartamerica.org

http://www.jumpstartamerica.org







Local author receives support from school

district

The Grand Prairie ISD recently purchased Dorothy Calhoun’s book, The Princesses of Arvallay: A Multicultural Celebration , for each elementary school in the district. Dorothy is being scheduled to read

the book to children at each school. She is also the published author of Why Dinosaurs Are Extinct. The third book, The Six BEES for Children, is scheduled to arrive in late spring or early summer!

Mrs. Calhoun said this is a great honor to have “this wonderful book” recognized by the district to help promote more multicultural awareness for all children. Mrs. Calhoun donated a book to Jackson Middle School and South Grand Prairie High. These two schools are feeder schools for Zavala Elementary where she taught for nine years. She also taught at SGPH for 14 years and says she still has friends there.

She completed her service to GPISD retiring with 35 years, and this year marks five years of substitute teaching which gives her 40 years of experience serving the boys and girls of GPISD! She has loved every minute of it! Ms. Kathy Nichols, the District’s Media Coordinator expressed, “The Princesses of Arvallay transports children into a world that celebrates differences through words and colors. Mrs. Calhoun has provided valuable lessons in acceptance, sharing and appreciation of cultures around the world.” If you would like a copy of this book or the dinosaur book for your children, grandchildren, home schooling, daycares, etc., visit at www.calhounbooks.com to view descriptions, illustrations of each, and to order through the easy, safe Paypal system. You may email Dorothy at [email protected].

Support the Black PressSupport Black -owned

bookstores

Send your books for review to: Cheryl Smith, P.O. Box

860 Grand Prairie, TX 75053 ELITENEWS

In our library NABJ Reads: Bring a Book to Convention

Powered By BP

Calling all NABJ Convention attendees – bring books to New Orleans

NABJ is partnering with the New Orleans Public Library to collect books for New Orleans teenagers. On Saturday, June 23, we will have an outdoor party for high school students across New Orleans. Our event will include a book drive, live entertainment, and interaction with journalists and celebrities who will discuss the importance of reading and writing. Please help these efforts by bringing a book to convention to donate. Also feel free to make a monetary donation to this effort, visit here: https://nabj.site-ym.com/donations/donate.asp?id=5991

Have a safe and HAPPY JUNETEENTH!Yes, it is worth celebrating!

http://www.calhounbooks.com

http://www.calhounbooks.com



https://nabj.site-ym.com/donations/donate.asp?id=5991






Register your team for the 18th annual Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon

Saturday, June 30, 2012 USA Bowl 10920 Composite Drive, Dallaswww.dontbelievethehype.org

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIESAre you detail-oriented, creative, and interested in a career in journalism? Here’s an opportunity for you to work with award-winning journalists as you learn convergence: radio, television,

newspaper, magazine and online journalism.Send your resume to [email protected]

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Celebrate Dick Gregory’s 80th Birthday

Get your tickets at www.dontbelievethehype.org

Friday, June 29, 2012

Harwood 609 Restaurant and Jazz Club

6:00pm Red Carpet

7:00pm DINNER and SHOW

Join us for the celebration!

ActivistArtistFriendHealth

Nutritionist

(972) 572 0088

Social Commentator

HusbandFatherActor



FWBC Sports & Rec. presentsSWING CLASSES at the Wild Wild West!

When: Every Tuesday & Thursday EveningTime: 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Location: FWBC Banquet AreaCost: FREE

* No experience necessary* Adults of all ages and skill levels are welcome

* For more information, contact [email protected] or (214) 861-0457.

TUNE IN TO THE DOCK POWER HOUR Every Wednesday, 6-8pm

www.dfwiradio.com call in # 214.317.4855

Lively, informative and power-packed weekly radio show dedicated to delivering relevant, interesting, edu-taining information to our listeners

June 15

JimAustinOnline.com and the Grand Prairie AirHogs will present a tribute to Negro League Baseball. The game between the

AirHogs and the Newark Bears game will celebrate the contributions of Negro League players to the game of Baseball. The game will be played at QuikTrip Park Grand Prairie, 1600 Lone Star Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX 75050. The gates open

at 6:00 PM. Tickets are $8.00 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum.

Concerned DeSoto Citizens and the DeSoto Arts Commission presents, Broadway at the Civic featuring the amazing and

talented group, JUST US, at 7:30 p.m. at the DeSoto Corner Theater, 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd. Tickets are $10. To purchase tickets, contact email [email protected] or

call 972.230.4243

************The Texas News Topics presents inaugural golf tournament at

Grand Oaks Golf Course, 3502 Country Club Drive, Grand Prairie. To register, call 214-372-6397

June 16

LARFELL 4th ANNUAL ALL WHITE YACHT TICKETS for @ LAKE LEWISVILLE 8pm-1am & the AFTER PARTY(TBA). ONLY a 100 tickets will be sold so get yours now make a appointment now between 1pm-4pm today 214-994-3968

MARIO BROWN TO TOUR WITH FRED HAMMOND on MCDONALD’S INSPIRATION OF GOSPEL TOUR. Mario will be joining and opening the

McDonalds Inspiration of Gospel Tour that features Fred Hammond at the Potter's House.

************The City of Balch Springs

4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at the Balch Springs Civic Center

12400 Elam Rd., Balch Springs TX 75180Activities Include: Parade, Buffalo Soldiers History, BBQ Cook-off, Live Entertainment 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, Pig Wrestling, Food, Door Prizes And Much More! For More Information call: 972-557-6070

Friendship-West Baptist Church & Faith Adventure Camp present GAME ON (Father's Day Ministry and Celebration)

Hosted by DISCOVER Children's Community (DCC)Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Location: Faith Bible Church1437 W. Pleasant Run Rd., DeSoto, TX

ChuchNow Network, benefitting Sickle Cell Awareness, Cancer Awareness, and Autism Awareness, will be held at the Black Academy of Arts of Letters (TBAAL) at the Dallas Convention Center. Featured guests will include the sponsor of the event, NFL Pro Bowler, Greg Ellis of the Dallas, Cowboys , Oakland

Raiders, Tim Brown, Dr. Denny Davis of St. John Baptist Church, Darrin Dewitt Henson from Soul Food/Stomp the Yard,

professional Middle-Weight boxer Danny Jacobs, Keven “The Hulk” Washington of Musclemag Magazine and Benita Arterberry

from Daystar Network, and many others, 10am-6pm

7th Annual South Dallas Youth Conference on 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., has enlisted the resources of world-renowned speaker and trainer, the “Michael Jordan of Motivation” Mr. James “Bird” Guess, Dart Officers from the Corinth Precinct and Urban Singer, Mr. Chris Burris (better

known as C-Burris) to headline this year’s conference at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 3100 Martin Luther King Blvd.

June 16 and 17

The Full Gospel Holy Temple Church 39727 W. LBJ Frwy. Dallas, Texas 75237.

Specific informational panel discussions include the following:Family Lifestyle - “ Focusing on the Family”

Education – “Education Makes the Difference”Financial Literacy - “Leaving a Legacy & Financial Inheritance”

Career – Keys to Being a Successful Bread Winner”Health and Wellness - “Real Talk”

June 17Real Men Cook at Gilley’s in Dallas

June 20NABJ Convention opens in New Orleans!!!

Mark your calendar



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Friday, June 22 Join Cheryl and Lady T• Black Economic History

Fact of the Day

Thursday, June 21Join Cheryl and Lady T• Black Economic History

Fact of the Day

Wednesday, June 20Join Cheryl and Lady T• Black Economic History

Fact of the Day• LIVE from NABJ

Tuesday, June 19Join Cheryl and Lady T• Black Economic History

Fact of the Day

Monday, June 18

Join Cheryl, and Lady T• Black Economic History

Fact of the Day

NEW TIME! Cheryl’s World on Blogtalkradio.com at 6p.m.

Call in to 646-200-0459

Social Action Community presents Neighborhood Legal ClinicIntake begins at 5:30 p.m.

The Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program (DVAP) will be present to provide individuals with legal advice and representation in a

variety of civil matters at little to no cost.

June 21

FWBC Black In Business presentsNETWORK LUNCHEONTime: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Location: Friendship-West Narthex Mezzanine Cost: FREE

Dean Patricia Benjamin Webb is coming to Th3rd Thursday Champion's Luncheon

on June 21st @12:00noon, Edison’s, 1724 Cockrell Ave Patricia Benjamin

Webb is currently Mountain View College's Executive Dean of Continuing Education & Workforce Development.

June 22

2012 Oak Cliff Chamber GalaOAK CLIFF ROCKS!

At the SHERATON HOTEL With Honorary Chair

MAYOR MIKE RAWLINGSLive Band ~ Auction ~ Raffle

Go to www.gala.oakcliffchamber.org.

Art, Life, & Law

"Sharing ideas, experiences, and solutions"a conversation surrounding kinship care

within the African American family 6:30pm - 8:30pm

In the Arthello Beck Gallery, South Dallas Cultural Center,

3400 South Fitzhugh Avenue, Dallas, TX

75210 |

Jessica Dixon Weaver

Assistant Professor of Law at Southern Methodist University Dedman School of

Law

David Herman, Jr., MACreative Director of Preservation LINK

Inc., visual sociologist, artist, and educator

Evelyn L. Parker, PhDAssociate Professor of Practical Theology at Southern

Methodist University Perkins School of Theology

In addition to the panelists, there will be key agency

representatives who can share in the conversation to offer resourceful information about how the issues surrounding

kinship care impact today's African American families.

Join the conversation and let's build a better future together for our families.

June 23

Southern University Alumni Federation, Dallas Chapter, is hosting the Dallas Chapter FOUNDERS golf tournament at the Eastern Hills Country Club, 3000 South Country Club Road, Garland, Texas 75043

******

Community Cartooning Workshop -2 - 5 p.m. Historian, Illustrator, Cartoonist, and Educator Chuck Siler, will teach students to use characters and stories from their history and culture to create cartoon faces and stories that humor and educate readers. Children and Adult / Cost- $10 (No one will be turned away) Contact for more info 214-943-8262

Urban Financial Services Coalition-D/FW will present 18 high school graduating seniors with monetary scholarships at the “McMillan 20: College Bound... Reaching for the Possible Program Finale and Scholarship Awards Luncheon.” This special event will take place at the Cedar Crest Golf Club in Dallas from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Lynne Haze of KRNB 105.7 will serve as the emcee for the afternoon.

********

"Grown Folks Night Out" hosted by Larry Dodson & James Alexander of The Barkays! Its going to be an Old School House Party featuring their new single "Grown Folks!" Also featuring Yarbrough & Peoples! You don't want to miss this party! The Brickhouse Lounge is located at 2525 E. Arkansas Lane in Arlington. Call 817-460-9993 to book your VIP reservation!

June 24

III Pyramids Bookstore presentsAuthors & AutographsPlan to join us for the 4th Authors & Autographs Booksigning Event at Friendship-West Baptist Church, after each worship

service in the Narthex. There will be a variety of books for purchase from inspirational novels to children books, so stop by

for this exclusive preview of the amazing authors.

The North Dallas Suburban Foundation for Life Development and Community Involvement will host their Annual Fashion

Extravaganza from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas, Texas. The cost of tickets is $35 per person.

***********June 25

Social Justice Legal Component presents Legal Overview Session Time: 7:00 p.m.Location: 2020 W. Wheatland Road

Have you considered starting your own business? Not sure what legal issues you may have t o deal with in starting your business? Please come join our monthly legal overview session sponsored by the Social Justice Legal Component on

Monday, June 25, 2012 beginning at 7:00 p.m. Our speaker Emmanuel Obi, a corporate attorney, will speak on "The Legal Considerations for Starting a Business."

June 27

Hope Community of FWBCNational HIV TestingGET TESTED! Contact: [email protected]

June 28

2012 FraserNet PowerNetworking Conference will be held in Dallas, June 28-30! This is billed as Black America’s largest Powernetworking conference for business professionals and is headed up by the renowned speaker and author George Fraser.

*******

Donna P. Charles

5/20/1958 - 3/23/2012Elusive Lady #22

Spring 1978Beta Alpha Chapter of

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., FAMU

IN MEMORIAM

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Former Dallas Cowboy Greg Ellisat TBAAL, Saturday, June 16, 2012for ChurchNow Conference

i messenger 40

Documents

dick gregory

inspiring word

thoughtprovoking information

quality of life

important messages

labor activist

test of time

nice things