Texas Metro News 6 17 15 final 1

Remembering a WARRIOR

Texas MeTro

News

VOL 3 ISSUE 23 June 17, 2015 www.texasmetronews.com

JOYCE ANN BROWN1947-2015

2 JUNE 17, 2015 W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M AROUND THE WORLD JUNETEENTH

BRIEFS

If you’re searching for a meaningful Father’s Day gift, look no further: Todd Patkin shares eleven “thank-yous” that dads everywhere would love to hear.

Foxboro, MA— On Sunday, June 16, 2013— otherwise known as Father’s Day— dads around America will receive ties, tools and other “toys” from their children. Sure, those gifts (as well as cards, visits, and family meals) are a great way to let Pops know that you love him and that you’re glad he is part of your life. But according to Todd Patkin, as you and he get older, there is an even better way to honor your dad on Father’s Day: Tell him thank you and mean it.

“All parents are different, but one thing they have in common is that they want the best for their children,” says Patkin, author of Finding Happiness: One Man’s Quest to Beat Depression and Anxiety and— Finally— Let the Sunshine In (StepWise Press, 2011, ISBN: 978-0-9658261-9-8, $19.95, www.findinghappinessthebook.com). “As a father myself, I can tell you that while we all make mistakes from time to time, we genuinely do our best to help our kids to be capable, responsible and fulfilled adults.”

Because our parents tend to be such constant presences in our lives, says Patkin, we often take them— and everything they’ve done for us— for granted. Father’s Day is the perfect time to think about all of the ways in which your dad has impacted your life, and hopefully, give him the gift of heartfelt thanks.

“I know that stereotypically speaking, men aren’t supposed to be very ‘touchy-feely,’” Patkin admits. “But I promise you, when it comes to your kids, all of those rules go

out the window. I cherish every ‘I love you,’ ‘thanks,’ and genuine smile I’ve ever gotten from my son. It’s incredibly heartwarming and fulfilling to hear directly from your child that he or she thinks you’ve done a good job as a parent.”

Here, Patkin shares eleven “thank-yous” that might just make your own dad’s Father’s Day perfect:

•Thank you for almost always making time to come to my games, concerts, and awards ceremonies. I know you were under pressure and busy a lot of the time, so your priorities taught me that family and relationships are always more important than work and outside achievements.

•Thank you for supporting me when I decided I’d rather be in the school band than play basketball. The fact that you clapped loudest at our concert let me know unequivocally that you love me for who I am— especially since you were the star point guard during your own high school days!

•Thank you for making me help with yard work and home improvement projects on the weekends. I may not have enjoyed it at the time, but you taught me the value of hard work. Because of you, I take pride in a job well done, no matter how large or small!

•Thank you for teaching me to ride a bike, and especially for encouraging me to get

back up and try again when I fell. I learned that persistence and practice pay off, and that the results can be fantastic!

•Thank you for coaching my YMCA sports teams. You showed me what good sportsmanship looks like and taught me why it’s important to shake hands after every game, even if we lost! In all aspects of my adult life, I know how to lose (and win!) with grace because of you, Dad. And even though

I’ve aged out of Little League, I also exercise on a regular basis and try to stay physically fit.

•Thank you for disciplining me and telling me why you were disappointed. I certainly didn’t enjoy being punished, but now I have a strong set of core values and a firm sense of right and wrong.

•Thank you for teaching me how to drive and for remaining

patient throughout the process— I know I wasn’t always the nicest student. Now I can merge, parallel-park, and back like a pro. (But I’m still trying to beat your least-number-of-stops-on-the-way-to-the-beach record!)

•Thank you for showing me that there’s a difference between being aggressively confrontational and being politely firm. Because of you I stick to my convictions and don’t let others take advantage of me while remaining respectful.

•Thank you for making executive decisions on everything from where to eat dinner to when to leave the neighbors’ holiday party to which movie to watch on family night. These examples may seem insignificant, but over the years you taught me the value of knowing your mind and acting decisively. You saved me a lot of waffling, hemming, and hawing!

•Thank you for always treating Mom with respect, patience, love, and sometimes a little mischievousness. You taught me how to treat someone you love and what a strong marriage looks like. Now I have a great relationship— and a lot of fun— with my own partner.

And for men specifically, Patkin suggests this acknowledgment:

•Thank you for teaching me the “essentials” like how to tie a tie, iron a crease into slacks, shine my shoes, and shave. While I might not put all of those skills to use every day, I always take pride in my appearance…and I think I do “clean up” nicely!

“Whether you write your own personalized thank-yous in a card or share them with your dad in person, you can rest assured that this will be a Father’s Day he’ll remember forever,” Patkin concludes.

Todd Patkin is the author of Finding Happiness: One Man’s Quest to Beat Depression and Anxiety and— Finally— Let the Sunshine In, He grew up in Needham, Massachusetts. Todd lives with his wonderful wife, Yadira, their amazing son, Josh, and two great dogs.

Thank-Yous” Every Father Should Hear

Dear Alma, I’m friends with my next door neighbor. She’s not my BFF, but we hang from time to time. Her husband is in the military and she doesn’t have family in the area. She and I have a lot in common — we’re around the same age and like the same things. She has a son, and I have a daughter. The kids both go to the same high school. Yesterday my neighbor stopped by to tell me they are moving. Her husband has been transferred to another state. She asked me if I would let her 17-year-old son live with us while he finished his last year of school here in our town. She said they would pay room and board for him. I’m not married, and I’m

not sure how it would be with a teen boy in my house. What do you think?Name withheld

Good googalie woogalie, my

Mama use to say. That’s a whole lot of turkey, greens, potatoes and gravy served up on your fine china. Hmmm, let’s ponder, should you try to eat all of it, fork-full by spoon-full or just push yourself away from the table without a bite? Listen to your stomach. Do you have an appetite for this? Yes, it’s a risky situation, we both would agree. I don’t know this young man, and since you didn’t speak of his personality or character, this leaves me to assume. I’m going with a positive approach, concluding he’s a pretty good kid. Here’s what I’d suggest, make a list. Yep, write down the pros and cons of this possible yearlong endeavor. Identify every thought that comes to mind — what you

expect and what scares you the most. I’d say work on this for more than a couple of days. You need to be prayerfully on your knees for at least a week. You also have to consider your daughter. This would be life-changing for her as well. All three adults need to sit down at the table hashing out the good, bad and the ugly. Thoroughly examine what room and board will cover. Obviously rent and utilities, but what about food? Boys his age can eat you out of house and home. This I know for sure. Will he stay with you during the week and go home on the weekends? What about extracurricular activities? Are you responsible for getting him there, or does he have a car? Does he have a girlfriend? Are you friends with him, or does he see you as an authoritative adult? Like I said, we’re talking a full plate here. It could be a sacrifice and or a blessing to all involved. Taking in this teen doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It’s only temporary, and he has parents. Many teens who were taken in by

outside adults have gone on to do great things. One example is Michael Oher, the professional football player whose story inspired the movie “The Blind Side.” Remember? He was cared for by a family so he could finish high school. If you like this young man and wouldn’t mind him living in your home, tell his parents you’re willing to give it a try for the first semester — that’s three months. If things seem to work out, commit to the next semester. That way, he knows he has to follow the rules and live up to your and his parents’ expectations. This is a huge responsibility, and the answer to the question of “will this work” is up to him. I salute you, single mama. You must be holding it down. Otherwise, his parents wouldn’t have asked. In the same vain, you are not obligated. If you don’t want to, don’t do it, and don’t feel badly about it. Tell his parents it just wouldn’t work for you and your daughter right now. Best wishes and blessings to you while you pray on your decision, whatever you decide is the right thing to do.

Alma

Ask AlmaAlma Gill’s newsroom experience spans over 25 years, including various

roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: [email protected]. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.

W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M JUNE 17, 2015 3 JUNETEENTH

Another school year comes to an end, at least for those in America. A time to chill. It’s like rap group Public

Enemy says, “another summer.” Well, sadly just like in 1989, the year that Chuck D spoke of, in 2014, 25 years later; it was a violent summer -- one we shouldn’t want to repeat in 2015. Many educators are exhaling and ready

to enjoy a few months of relaxation; while unfortunately others are gearing up for a second tour of duty. That’s right, a summer job. The salary they

bring home is just not enough to sustain their lifestyle without some form of subsidizing. Then there are the youth. It would be great

to say that every child of a certain age would have some program or opportunity to keep them busy and not left to their own devices or wild, inquisitive imaginations. Whether they are working at a McDonald’s

under the watchful eye of a mentor like businessman Roland Parrish, or participating in programs at places like the South Dallas Cultural Center, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Heads Up! Foundation or one of the many Boys or Girls Clubs; our communities would be so much better. For some this will be a summer of growth

and development, of fun and memories to cherish a lifetime. Some young people are fortunate that plans are made for them. Some will be visiting relatives, going away to camp or studying abroad. Plans were made 60 years ago for Emmett

Louis Till when his mother, like so many parents living in big cities would do, sent him south from Chicago to visit relatives in Money, Mississippi. Unfortunately she never saw her son again. He was brutally beaten and murdered by men who said that he whistled at a white woman. His was a story no parents wants to tell. But more and more often, the stories are being told about the brutal deaths of young people. How about a moratorium this summer, that

extends for eternity? Violence can’t and should not be the answer.

2015: Another Summer

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4 JUNE 17, 2015 W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M EDITORIAL PERSPECTIVES

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Fox News and AP also Abused Black Youth

CELEBRATE YOUR HISTORY WITH TEXAS METRO NEWS

Fox News blowhards will never admit that in covering the racially-charged swimming pool incident in McKinney, Texas, they blew it. But that’s exactly what they did.

And rather than acknowledge that they went overboard in defending the misconduct of the police officer involved – conduct that the chief police later described as “out of control” – some of the network’s personalities are attacking those who pointed out that they messed up.

Fortunately, there was videotape of the unfortunate June 5 incident at a swimming pool in Craig Ranch, a predominantly White subdivision in McKinney, Texas, about 30 miles north of Dallas.

The video, which has received more than 11 million views on YouTube, shows a police officer identified as Cpl. Eric Casebolt attempting to throw Dajerria Becton, a slim, 15-year-old, bikini-clad African American, to the sidewalk.“He told me to walk away and I did,” Becton told KDFW-TV. “Next thing I know I’m on the ground.”

The video, shot by a White teenager, shows Casebolt throwing Becton to the ground as she starts to walk away, yelling to her, “On your face.” He is seen grabbing her by the hair and placing his knee in her back while she was pinned to the ground under the weight of his body.

At one point, Casebolt drew his revolver and pointed it at two Black males until two of his fellow officers intervened and restrained him.

More than a half -dozen Fox commentators defended Casebolt, despite the video. One guest, Bo Dietl, was allowed to speculate about what one of the teens might have told the officer. Fox Business host Lou Dobbs asked, “what in the world” are police supposed to do when people “refuse to obey” their orders?

Fox News Host Megyn Kelly said “the girl was no saint either. He had told her to leave, and she continued to linger. And when the cop tells you to leave, you get out.” Kelly added, “I’m not defending his actions, let me make that clear.”

After mediamatters.org, the watchdog group, reported her remarks, Kelly took to the air to charge that “some of the left-wing press continue to use this incident to dishonestly push their own agenda.” However, she neglected to note that even some conservatives had criticized her.

For example, Reason.com stated, “Some conservatives, unfortunately, are falling over themselves to defend the police – the one kind of public employee who can do no wrong in the eyes of all-too many people on the right. Media Matters compiled a disheartening list of Fox News personalities raising baseless hypotheticals that could (maybe) justify Casebolt’s rash actions.”

Meanwhile, Casebolt’s behavior was so abhorrent that he has resigned and apologized for his actions.

Police Chief Greg Conley said, “Our policies, our training, our practice doesn’t support his actions. He came into the call out of control, and as the video shows was out of control during the incident.”

Fox News wasn’t the only offender.

A Daily Kos headline summed it up best: “Associated Press publishes hit job on Tamir Rice.”

It noted, “You are all familiar with this story. A young boy is playing in the park, a police car pulls up and in less than two seconds, 12-year old Tamir Rice is on the ground, bleeding from what would prove to be a fatal gunshot wound. For more than six months the investigation(s) into this videotaped killing has languished.

Now, coincidentally, two days after a judge found probable cause that the police

officer who shot Rice should face murder charges, and the Associated Press was presented with the opportunity to run a hit job on ... Tamir Rice. And, boy, oh boy, did they run with it.”

Below are some excerpts from the AP story, written by Mark Gillispie, with Daily Kos’ commentary in italics. AP headline: “Boy with pellet gun warned by friend before police shooting”

Comment: That’s right! Tamir was warned! No word if Tamir was warned that he would be shot without warning for the crime of being in a public park, because the only quotes in this article come from the prosecutor, an unnamed FBI agent and the shooter’s lawyer. AP: Investigators were told that Tamir used the airsoft gun, which shoots non-lethal plastic projectiles, to shoot at car tires that day.

Comment: Not only non-lethal, but non-able-to-shoot-out-a-freaking-tire. Not to mention, that’s not why the police confronted Tamir. AP: The video appears to show Tamir reaching for the pellet gun, which is tucked in his waistband, after he was shot.

Comment: It does? The only thing I see is Tamir reaching for his his stomach when he’s shot. The reason I became a journalist was because I subscribe to a quote that has been attributed, with some variation, to both journalist Finley Peter Dunne and social activist “Mother” Mary Jones: “The job of a newspaper is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”

In this instance, Fox News and the Associated Press got it backwards.

TRUTH TO POWERBy George E. Curry

George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge and George E. Curry Fan

Page on Facebook.

We salute the men who have stepped up

and assumed their responsibilities

Fathers, we need you!

W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M JUNE 17, 2015 5 EDITORIAL PERSPECTIVES

Dr. Curtis King is a man who maintains his spiritual and moral balance by keeping one foot firmly ensconced in history and the other foot fastened to the future. The CEO and founder of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters is always a step ahead because like the Sankofa Bird, his duality of vision allows him to see South and North simultaneously. But I ain’t gon’lie…When I heard that this year’s youth production was entitled “Congo Street, The Musical, it sent me scrambling for answers.

So let me confess, I’m like most of you. You know you don’t know, but you want to make it look like you know, so you Google it. I Googled it. But there was no mention of “Congo Street the Musical” that ever played on Broadway or any other theatrical venue in Manhattan. It has not been seen on the East or the West coast nor has anyone witnessed this play in any of the artsy enclaves around the country.

If you are going to see “Congo Street, The Musical,” you will have to make your way to Dallas’ Black Academy of Arts and Letters for their 31st Annual Summer Youth Arts Institute. And when you show up, ticket in hand on June 26th and 27th, its gon’ go down like four flat tires on a Cadillac. You ain’t never had this much fun for $4, and more importantly, you will lift the hearts of almost 500 young people who will make this scintilla of Dallas’ history come alive.

It is a rare occasion that editorialists have the need or opportunity to interview one-on- one. But I was gifted with a chance to sit down and talk with a man who never has time to sit down and talk. After posing my first question, which related to the method and meaning of Congo Street, the vision and vapor of Dr. King’s passion for this work filled the room.

But first let me give you a little background about how the Congo Street project; situated on what

looks like a short alley in Jubilee Park (Old East Dallas), came to be.

According to the Inhabitat website which tracks innovation and technology in civil engineering, Congo Street was a lofty Green project.

“Before work began, Congo Street was a collection of small houses in a state of disrepair. Many residents had lived there for years in houses that had been handed down from parents or grandparents, but the area was slated for redevelopment. Rather than evict the residents, the project began to sustainably reconstruct the street and give residents secure, low maintenance and reliable housing. bcWorkshop held many community workshops and meetings to come up with a workable plan, which involved building a whole new house for families to live in while their own home was being rebuilt.

Working with architecture students from UT Arlington as well as AmeriCorps, Volunteers in Service to America, and several local service groups, bcWorkshop carefully deconstructed each home and then rebuilt new ones to accommodate the families. The original homes were around 625 sq ft and the largest of the new homes was increased to 975 sq ft. Wood and siding from the original dwellings was reclaimed and reused as siding, stairs, railings and decorative finishes.

After the homes were completed, the next phase of work began to make Congo Street Dallas’s first “Green Street.” This involved incorporating storm water management, retention, and bio-filtration into the street to make it a safer place to live, and solar power and thermal systems were installed on each rooftop to reduce utility costs. These projects were all funded with support from the city, various community foundations and many volunteers.”

The good news is that Dr. Curtis King went to see what couldn’t be seen with the naked eye. He was bold enough to beg the question of

cultural residue and what happens to our history when gentrification takes root. It is a question that we need to ask forcefully and far more often because slowly what African Americans once knew as our community is being bought or bossed by someone else.

“What I think was fascinating is how our community is being gentrified and I have to blame us. Even when communities moved from their rural havens to urban hubs, they took their folkways

and their mores with them. They stored communal memories and mannerisms in old trunks and boxes. The grandmothers and

great-great grandmothers gathered birth certificates and the family bible whose preface contained the line and lineage of their respective clans.

They would make scrapbooks of the few pictures they had. Even though their communities were being shattered, they reconstructed and regained the culture” says King. “They transferred their history and sadly we are not doing that. We allow people to destroy our culture as they create their own

new communities.” Dr. King began his own historical

sojourn and visited the community after talking in depth with his

friend, Philip Collins. “These people were clinging to their history by the skin of their teeth.” King said that the residents talked about one resident would listen to the Blues with their windows open on a street full of shotgun houses and provide music for the whole community. Artists like B.B. King and KokoTaylor (“We gonna’ pitch a Wang Dang Doodle all night long”) fused the souls and spirits of a people who commiserated about their hard times and poverty but never lost hope.

The hopes for the success of “Congo Street, The Musical” are so high that WFAA Channel 8 and John McCaa came knocking to see what all the fuss was about. And as you listen to these children…your children; sing secular and sacred songs during rehearsal, you will want to come to see what’s going on too.

Bring your FOUR dollars and your FIVE senses to see “Congo

Street, The Musical.” You will laugh, you will love, but most importantly you will learn!!!

Quit Playin’ Vincent Hall

Vincent L. Hall is an author and award-winning columnist.

HALL: Congo Street – A Lesson Learned!

6 JUNE 17, 2015 W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M

June 18The Dallas Civil Rights Museum, housed at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, has launched its new Dr. Jerry B. Chambers Lecture series, named after the former MLK Advisory Board member who passed away in April 2015. Dr. Jerry B. Chambers was a long-time educator and Civil Rights activist with a passion for teaching students about Black history.The first speaker in the lecture series is Cheryl Brown Wattley, author of A Step Toward Brown v. Board of Education: Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher and Her Fight to End Segregation.

BALCH SPRiNGS CHAMBER oF CoMMERCE 11:30AM-12:30PM

SPEAKER: GENE DUBoSE, ESq., PRiNCiPALDUBoSE LEGAL GRoUP, PC

ToPiC: "CASE CLoSED: WHy yoU NEvER WANT To FiLE A LAWSUiT UNLESS

yoU CAN AFFoRD To LoSE"

Entrepreneur Chris Howell Sr. is coming to Th3rd Thursday Champion's Luncheon, June 18, 2015 @12noon. Salazar Center, 2201 Main Street, Suite 440 Dallas, TX 75201

June 20Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas will host a Prostate Health Educational Symposium. Reverend Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, iii, Senior Pastor, and Reverend James L. Fitzgerald, Pastor of Pastoral Care and a prostate cancer survivor, are inviting members of the local community to learn more about the disease and to get free prostate cancer screening.

***********volunteer opportunities at the 35TH National veterans Wheelchair Games, Saturday, June 20 through Saturday, June 27 at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas Sheraton and other venues during the week including Southern Methodist University, Fair Park and Mcinnish Park.*****MetroPCS Presents Juneteenth Celebration and Festival – June 20thFree family friendly event is being held from noon to 6 p.m. at City Hall Plaza

******First Annual Juneteenth Collard Green Cultural FestivalCelebrating African Cultural Traditions and Historical Contributions of people of African Decent, while promoting Family Unity and Healthy EatingPan African Connection and Resource Center AT 7P.M.Call 972-897-3736 or 214-943-8262

**************District 4 Appreciation Day, with Councilman Dwaine Caraway, 10a-3p at Glendale Park

June 21HAPPy FATHER’S DAy

The Bad Boys of R&B - Starring Jodeci + Tony! Toni ! Tone'! and more! at verizon Theatre , 1001 Performance Place Grand Prairie, TX 75050

A Fathers Table 2015 at Gilley’s

June 24Great Chefs. Great Food. Great Cause. The 2nd Annual Flavors of Dallas is a unique gourmet experience with DFW Top Chefs assembling for a night of exquisite food, fine wines, and elaborate table décor designed by each chef. Each guest sits tableside while watching and interacting with the chef throughout the evening as a 5 course dinner paired with wines is prepared and served for a table of 12. 6:30 p.m. – No Host Reception/Silent Auction Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd Dallas

June 2721st Annual Cheryl Smith’s Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon, USA Bowl, featuring comedian Dick Gregory, actress Angela Robinson (The Haves and the Have Nots), media personalities Andrew Whigham,

Clarence Hill, Alecia Speeds, Amanda Fitzpatrick, Dareia Tolbert, Nicole Barrett, Lynne Haze, former NFL star Bethel Johnson, Hon. Derick Evans, Judge Andrea Martin, Judge Kim Cooks, Judge Tammy Kemp, Sen. Royce West, Rep. Helen Giddings, T’keyah Crystal Keymah and a host of other local and national celebrities Call 214-941-0110 for registration, vendor or sponsorship opportunities. Brought to you by LDi,

McDonalds, i Messenger Enterprises, Evans Engraving, Ash Britt Jene Celebrity Spa, MoCCA Cosmetics, image Advantage, and the Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program. www.myimessenger.com

*********DiRK NoWiTZKi’S 2015 HERoES CELEBRiTy BASEBALL GAME PRESENTED By BAyLoR MEDiCAL CENTER AT FRiSCoBenefiting the children’s charities of the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation and Heroes Foundation at 6:30 p.m.Dr Pepper Ballpark7300 RoughRiders Trl, Frisco, TX 75034

CALENDAR JUNETEENTH

Have a Safe and

Happy

Juneteenth

HAPPY FATHER’s

DAY

Thinking of you DeMarcus

Waltonand Joseph

Smith

By Miles Jaye

Mother Emmanuel AME is my church, your church, your temple, your mosque.

All churches, all houses of God are places of peace, refuge and sanctuary. If you’re not familiar with the word “sanctuary” consider this: a “bird sanctuary” is a safe place for birds of all sizes and types, a safe haven. A “sanctuary” is a temple, a Holy place where we worship and practice that which we deeply believe, the very foundation of our lives, the foundation of our families, our communities, our history, our identity, our culture. They belong to us all.

Modern day churches are all connected like one long train. They, or, we are the modern day “Above Ground Railroad.” As you pray for the families and loved ones of the lost, include yourself as we are the extended family, we are the loved ones, we all suffer the loss.

Know this, I am terrorized but I am not terrified! I am shocked and horrified but not afraid because I understand the Philistine. I understand the “Goliath” mindset but I assure you, I’m no more afraid of Goliath that David was, nor should you be. Goliath was a coward!

The “suspect” is Dylann Roof. This “small” 21 year old megalomaniac, precisely characteristic of what we’ve seen in recent past - in and out of uniform - massacred a Bible Study, Prayer Meeting group of innocent, unarmed citizens praying and studying, both critical elements to our beliefs and central components of our worship.

Brother, Pastor, Senator Pinckney and the other innocent victims were among the very best of us, not the worst of us. No one can claim they were wrong doing or guilty of anything but being Black and believers in a loving God. These citizens were children and grandchildren of the faithful. They represent generations of a tradition of peace and hope.

150 year old Emmanuel Church is a symbol of civil and human rights. The AME Church itself is, historically, a symbol of civil and human rights and political activism, which makes this act not only a hate crime but also an act of terrorism. Dylann Roof sat in the sanctuary for nearly an hour with his intended victims then declared “I came here to kill Black people.”

I caution you if you feel safe and secure in the misguided belief that terrorism is a reality only on distant shores and far off places, terrorism is defined in this way - the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims, a bomber, a gunman willing to carry out their political agenda by

extreme measures. I add, including but not limited to ISIS or Al-Qaeda as Domestic Terrorism has a long and bloody history in America. Philistine is defined as such: a person who is lacking in or hostile to or smugly indifferent to cultural values, intellectual pursuits... an enemy of the Israelites. Goliath was a Philistine.

Today my prayer is intense, I call on my God in a personal but powerful way with a sense of urgency. I trust the ancestors will hear my call and join in my spiritual appeal for justice, retribution and ultimately peace.

Mother Emmanuel

Miles’ Musings

By Miles Jaye DavisMiles Jaye is a musician, singer, author, actor, chef and award-

winning writer.

In Memoriam

Earline Elizabeth Gadson, we miss you so very much. There will never be another, Mother!

September 10, 1934 - June 10, 2014

W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M JUNE 17, 2015 7 CALENDAR JUNETEENTH

F E S T I V A L

LIVE MUSIC / DJ MIX OFF / BOUNCE HOUSECOMEDY ACTS / FACE PAINTING / AND MORE

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JUNE 20, 2015 12PM-6PM

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FREE tickets available at DFW MetroPCSlocations starting May 25th.

Limit 2 tickets per person. While supplies last. Ticket required for all ages.


44th Annual Denton Juneteenth Celebration Friday, June 19, 2015

Gospel Extravaganza...Live music begins at 6 p.m. Fred Moore Park Denton, Texas -Flag Football Tournament...6 pm softball field

Saturday, June 20, 2015 8 a.m. softball tournament begins at Fred Moore Park 9 a.m. Parade Lineup begins Civic Center parking lot

10 a.m. Parade begins...ends at Fred Moore Park. Award Reception immediately following at Pavilion 12 noon "A Better Way Enterprises" Denton Hometown Heroes Reception American Legion Hall Annex building

12 noon Children's Games begin 5 p.m. 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament begins 6 p.m. Hip Hop Explosion live music begins

Fred Moore Park 501 S. Bradshaw St. Denton, TX For information contact Cheylon Brown @ 469-735-1912 or Sharetta Lee at 940-595-4819

or www.juneteenthdentontx.org The weekend is FREE to attend & everyone is welcome. There will be vendors selling food as well as non-profits

organizations giving out information & registering people to vote, softball tournament (must sign up in advance. Call the MLK Center 940-349-8575) & basketball 3-on-3 tournament ($12 per team, sign up the day of the event), Children's

games including a water slide Friday, June 19, 2015 Artists include Mike Eddington (house band) Total Witness (a local community Choir) St.

James AME & The Village Church Amanda Maxfield William London Yo Dougie Productions featuring Yolanda Johnson Smith, Douglas & Denise Darnell) Kellee Stephens(former American Idol Contestant) Up and coming artists;

Steven McClurkin and Brittney- 'B Vocalz" the event will close with Praise Zone 316 Artist Showcase presented by Gospel Floes & Pradacal the Promoter

W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M JUNE 17, 2015 9

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10 JUNE 17, 2015 W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M LIFESTYLE

Joyce Ann Brown led a life that movies are made of. Known around the world, she was a daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, mentor, advocate and friend. In the battle of life, many took comfort in having her on their side because she was also a Warrior. From her humble beginnings in Wills Point, Texas where her parents, Sylvester and Ruby Spencer raised their five children, to stages across the country; the story of her life is filled with intrigue, romance, violence and drama; while also celebrating good, justice, love, faith and honor. Joyce Ann was a spirited young child, who loved excitement and challenges. When her family moved to Dallas, Texas, the small-town girl was very happy. She attended Booker T. Washington High School and graduated from Franklin D. Roosevelt High School where she was also a cheerleader. After graduation she immediately went to work and then moved to North Dallas. For a brief time she was married to a local entertainer, James Brown. Joyce loved to have fun. As a young adult, she was known around town at all the nightspots as a stylish dresser who loved to party with two of her “running buddies” Gwen and Eva. She also was known for the love and care she showed to her daughter, Koquice, and sons Lee Jr., and Mygeish. Taking seriously her role as a responsible adult with children, she made a career change that ultimately was life-changing. While working at Koslow’s Furs, she found herself in what would become the first of thousands of headlines and news reports when she was arrested, charged and found guilty of aggravated robbery. Joyce always maintained her innocence in the May

6, 1980 robbery and murder at another furrier, Fine Furs by Rubin. Although there were several witnesses who said Joyce was miles away at work; the victim’s wife provided an eyewitness identification, another inmate told of a “jailhouse confession” by Joyce and there was a rush to prosecute attitude. Consequently, Joyce was taken from her family to spend her life behind bars, ineligible for parole for at least 20 years. Admittedly Joyce was angry when she entered the Texas Department of Corrections. She was a God-loving woman who felt only the guilty went to jail. She also had a praying mother, and family. There was also her church family, Bethlehem Christian Church, McKinney, TX, under the leadership of Rev. Travis Lee and Kavin E. Brown, that continued to lift her up in prayer.Joyce always said she did

not commit the crime and she shared her plight with anyone who would listen. Unfortunately behind bars her plea was a familiar one that fell on deaf ears. In her biography, Joyce Ann Brown: Justice Denied, written with journalist Jay Gaines, Joyce’s poignant words tell a story of a woman who was at first confused, disappointed, and yes, angry at a system that failed her.

Fortunately she had a family, led by the matriarch, affectionately called, MaDear, who believed Joyce

and was committed to standing by her until her freedom was gained, regardless of how long it took. While incarcerated, she thought about when, or if, she would ever be free to do as she pleased, sleep in her own bed, wear the clothes and shoes she loved so much, and spend time with her family whenever she desired! A low point during her incarceration was when her son, Lee, Jr. died. Being unable to attend the funeral frustrated her even more. But she was a praying woman and her faith helped her endure. Determined to do the time and not let the time do her, Joyce enrolled in college, receiving her bachelors degree while continuing to write letters professing her innocence and seeking assistance. She prayed often, making a commitment to help others in the same predicament if she was ever freed.

Although there was no guarantee that any efforts would result in her freedom, Joyce was ecstatic when Jim McCloskey and Centurion Ministries took her case. In October 1989, millions saw Joyce’s story on the award-winning CBS newsmagazine show, 60 Minutes, where correspondent Morley Safer laid out the facts of the case, showing just how far-fetched the idea was of Joyce being able to leave work, commit the crime and return to clock back in 36 minutes later. Also, Dallas Morning News staff writers Steve McGonigle and Steve Blow’s coverage of Joyce’s plight helped call attention to the travesty of justice.

People around the world were outraged. The future started looking even brighter when the request for a new trial was granted and a date set.

MaDear and Koquice were joined by hundreds who gathered as Joyce was released on bond on November 3, 1989. Joyce spent nine years, five months and 24 days in prison for a crime she didn’t commit! But now she was home. Joyce’s story continued to dominate headlines, but all she was concerned with was going home, climbing into the bed with MaDear, spending time with Koquice and Mygeish and becoming acquainted with her granddaughter, Brittany.

Joyce Brown with daughter Koquice and granddaughter Brittany at annual Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon.

Joyce Ann Brown: A true warrior

W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M JUNE 17, 2015 11 LIFESTYLE

It would take a few more months of “posturing” by a district attorney whose office would later gain a reputation for misconduct, for charges to be dropped. When Joyce finally went back to court her attorney Kerry Fitzgerald told her something she had been longing to hear for quite some time, “It’s over, Joyce. You can go home. You’ve won!”

But Joyce was a realist. She had a promise to keep and she needed to earn a living. Sure folks were there with promises as long as the cameras were live, but for a minute, the future didn’t look too promising because of the hollow offers of support. However, at a live broadcast on Soul 73 KKDA-AM, she met Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price and once again came an offer of support. Smiling as she always did, Joyce didn’t let her skepticism show on her face, but she was really getting tired of the posturing. Much to her surprise, unlike the others, the Commissioner’s offer of help was sincere and resulted in her working almost a decade in his office and gaining a friend for life. While still working with the Commissioner, she founded MASS, Inc. -- Mothers (Fathers) for the Advancement of Social Systems, and eventually left Dallas County to run the non-profit full-time, working to benefit the wrongfully convicted, formerly incarcerated, and their families. People from all over wrote and called Joyce for help with their problems. She also received requests to speak at colleges, churches, community events, conferences, criminal diversion court programs and talk-shows. Joyce’s speeches were profound and captivating. She would begin: “I’m Joyce Ann Brown and I spent nine years, five months and 24 days in prison for a crime I didn’t commit.” She would go on to talk about how she was not bitter and she always managed to bring her audiences to tears. More importantly, people had a clearer understanding of how injustices are being perpetuated daily and innocent people are being incarcerated. Joyce is the face of the wrongfully and unjustly accused. She gave a voice to the voiceless. And she was about family.

Joyce dealt with some health challenges over

the past few years but she still remained active. Whether she was working with legislators or collaborating with other agencies to deal with issues, she was serving and helping. Joyce remained involved with Centurion Ministries working to free other wrongly convicted persons and challenging unjust laws. Joyce was always on the forefront helping the formerly incarcerated to make the transition and hopefully avoid returning to prison. In 2014, Joyce, along with Koquice, joined Friendship-West Baptist Church, Dallas, TX, under the leadership of Pastor Frederick D. Haynes III. Joyce also made sure that her family members were never far away. She had an open-door policy at her house and the MASS offices--for family, supporters and constituents.

Joyce loved rounding everyone up for family nights and excursions to Oklahoma. It wasn’t uncommon to find a gathering either at Joyce’s or MaDear’s, where it always seemed like a family reunion was in progress.

And the official family reunions were also a highlight for Joyce because they were a big production, full of performances, fun/games, and good food. A highlight of these events had to be her show-stopping performances as Aretha Franklin, Etta James or Monique. Joyce leaves a legacy of love and commitment. She looked for the best in everyone and gave her best in all that she did. Joyce believed the justice system could be fixed and that this world could be a better place and she was doing everything she could to assist.

She was preceded in death by her father Sylvester Spencer; son Lee Viser, Jr.; brother James Clayton and special friend Lee Viser, Sr. Left to celebrate her life and cherish her memories are: Parents Robert and Ruby (MaDear) Kelley and Addie Mae Spencer (Sylvester); Daughter Koquice Spencer; Granddaughters Brittany and Jereny; Great Granddaughters Jh’Mia Spencer and E'Myia Davis; Son Mygeish and grandchildren Christopher Miller-Dennis, Mygeish Dennis Jr., Joshua Dennis, Destinae Dennis, Chryshareaya Cook Dennis, Aleea Walker, T’Kedrian Fields, Mya Dennis, Gianni Sneed and MiCah Dennis; Stepdaughter Shannon Anderson; Brothers Robert Spencer (Barbara Ann); Horace Spencer (Donna); John Spencer Sr. (Mayme), Sylvester Spencer Jr. (Debra), Marvin Kelley (Barbara), Jimmy Dell Spencer (Brenda), Lago Spencer (Taneicesaya); Sisters Mary Black (Benny), Vickie Wilson (William), Jean Reed (Richard), Judy Jones (John), Tangila Thomas (Walter), Addie Spencer, Stacy Spencer, Debra Lyons and Patricia Wright; Special Grandchildren Dwight Kennedy, Andre Smith, Alayna Smith, Annya Smith, and Ayanna Smith; Godchildren, Eric Proctor (Myshia), Valencia and Audrey McBride, LaTonya Roque, DeAmber Nelson, Jeff Liscum, LaToya Mace, Lowell Burrell and Jacque Burrell; numerous nieces and nephews and thousands of other relatives, supporters, MASS members and friends.

12 JUNE 17, 2015 W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE

At times, it is ironic to me that so many different churches profess the belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, was crucified, died and was buried to arise again on the third day and sits at the right hand of

His Father in heaven. From Catholic to Pentecostal, from Baptist to Presbyterian, from Episcopalian to Methodist, from Church of God in Christ to Lutheran, from Evangelical to just being saved, each denomination wants to set itself apart from the others based upon its doctrine being more in line with God than any of its Christian cousins.

Throughout history so called Christians have persecuted other so called Christians in the name of being more in tune with God’s Word than that denomination being persecuted. It’s just the more I read the bible the more confusing this becomes, or the more ridiculous.

As a point of reference in my own faith walk, one of the things that got in my way was the decision about which church to actually join. I was introduced to rural Baptist traditions by my grandmother, only to be baptized Catholic as a young boy and subsequently not follow any particular religion most of my adult life. Even now I sometimes question which church I should attend only to have the Lord backslap me with the fundamental question, “How does where you go to church have anything to do with my Son’s ministry?” When you actually think about it, do you really believe God is paying attention to the marquee of the church you attend? Do you really believe that where you go to church on Sunday carries more weight with God than what you do on the other six days of the week?

When I get confused on this issue, I’m reminded to pick up a bible and rekindle the notion that faith is an internal measurement that refuses to succumb to external pressures. In this instance the external pressure is manmade and not God sent.

For those who believe their religion or theology is better than someone else’s, they surely have missed the entire point of the life and times of one Jesus Christ. My reading of scripture confirms for me, maybe not for you, that Jesus was

anti-theology and pro faith. I mean we are talking about someone who rather angrily turned over tables in the Temple because He was insulted by the goings on there; something to do with not using his Father’s house for prayer, but rather as a den for robbers. Everything Jesus stood for seems to translate into acts of faith, acts of worship, acts of love and kindness and forgiveness and yes, acts of mercy. These acts don’t confirm for one moment that one person’s religion is better or more meaningful than the religion practiced in the church up the street or around the corner. If Jesus was alive today, would you be Sadducees of Pharisees? Would you be Jew or Roman? Would you be a member of the Sanhedrin?

Either way, if you were not carrying out the will of God the Father, you more than likely would have problems with God the Son. You see the Law, your religion, your theology will be forever secondary to the will of God.

Now I didn’t say this. Jesus did. In closing let me confirm that there is no better place to follow the simple edict, practice what you preach, than in church. Which church is actually quite irrelevant as I see it.

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10. May God bless and keep you always.

James

What Church Do You Go To?

Spiritually Speaking

by James A. Washington

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W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M JUNE 17, 2015 13 LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE

14 JUNE 17, 2015 W W W. T E X A S M E T R O N E W S . C O M LIFESTYLE

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