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VOL 5 ISSUE 18

I MESSENGER January 1, 2016

www.myimessenger.com

Thought-provoking, informative, enlightening and entertaining news and commentary from around the world!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

DEDICATIONOLIVIA FRAZIER KERR

stresses excellence in everything she does!

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JANUARY 1, 2016

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The devastation resulting from thunderstorms in Texas left many displaced families but also showed the true spirit of our people as caring citizens gathered to give support to those hit. There were deaths, destroyed homes and businesses and many displaced families. We were in the season of giving, when even most scrooges show generosity toward the less fortunate. Elected officials, organization members, families and concerned citizens gathered together to offer assistance during a time when they are concentrating on their own families and needs. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared Dallas, Rockwell, Collin and Ellis Counties as disaster areas. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins also authorized assistance for areas affected. It’s times like these when folks really see the value of organizations like the American Red Cross. The organization’s mission statement is: The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. I know firsthand of the great work that the American Red Cross is responsible for with the help of donations, staffers, volunteers and other philanthropic organizations. And since the Red Cross operates year round, regardless of if there is a disaster, it is imperative that we think about supporting and donating to this organization and others like it, and not just when there is a call for help. As we celebrate and welcome in another year, there are two resolutions that are easy to keep:

1. Give to organizations like the Red Cross, Tom Joyner Foundation, Black United Fund, UNCF and HBCU alumni associations, Minnie’s Pantry, and the Heads Up Foundation!

2. Find someone who you owe money to and pay them back! That’s right, even if they don’t ask for you to pay it back, they probably didn’t ask you to borrow it either, so pay them back. You may think they don’t need the money -- they are doing fine. Well since you didn’t ask for a gift and you said you would pay it back, pay them back!

Those are two easy and honorable resolutions. Just call it doing the right thing!

Cheryl

I MESSENGER

Cheryl Smith, PublisherEstablished 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 considerat ion may be submitted to www.myimessenger.com.

Message to the People... Venton Jones

5

Remembering James Belt

13

KwanzaaFest2K15

18

JANUARY 1, 2016

Olivia Frazier

Kerr

13

Doing the Right Thing in 2016

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JANUARY 1, 2016

2016 MLK Parade and March on

Saturday, January 16 in Garland!

By Gwendolyn H. Daniels The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Garland, Texas unit will host its 27th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade and march on Saturday, January 16, 2016, beginning at 10:00 A.M.

MLK Parade Route in Garland – Saturday, January 16, 2016Parade starts on Dairy Road @ Garden Drive (near Embree Park), Garland, Texas, 75040It proceeds north on Dairy Road to Highway 66 (Avenue D)West (Left) on Highway 66 (Avenue D) to First StreetNorth (Right) on First Street to Highway 66 (Avenue B)West (Left) on Highway 66 (Avenue B) to Fifth StreetNorth (Right) on Fifth Street to Main Street West (Left) on Main Street and circle the City Square to Austin Street Parade ends at the Granville Arts Center, 300 North Fifth Street in downtown Garland (75040)The 2016 theme for Garland’s celebration is: “PURSUING KING’S DREAM IN 2016” and

Mr. Scott Herzog, regional director for H&R Block, will serve as the parade’s MLK grand marshal.

MLK Commemorative Program in Garland – Saturday, January 16, 2016

Immediately following the MLK parade and march, Garland’s NAACP will host a commemorative program celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King. The event will be held in the Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth Street in downtown Garland at the site where the parade ends. Garland’s 100-plus voice MLK Citywide Youth Choir led by clinician Reuben Lael Griffin will be in concert. This event is free and open to the public.

MLK Youth Extravaganza on January 17, 2016 - Granville Arts Center in Garland

Youth groups from area churches and the Garland ISD will showcase their spiritual talents in praise dance and athletic talents in step routines on Sunday afternoon at 300 N. 5th Street, downtown Garland, 75040, beginning at 4:00 P.M. Admission is free and the MLK Youth Extravaganza is open to the public. For more information on these events, please contact the NAACP Garland unit at 972.381.5044, voice box #5, or visit the NAACP Garland unit’s Web site at: www.garlandtxnaacp.org.

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JANUARY 1, 2016

Washington, DC – The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the nation’s leading civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, is proud to announce the expansion of its Black LGBT Health and Wellness Initiative with the creation of a new leadership role—Program Officer for LGBT Health and Wellness Initiatives. Venton C. Jones Jr., MSHCAD, NBJC’s former Events and Operations Manager, will take on this new role to foster and expand the health and wellness sector as an institutional priority for the organization. As the Program Officer for LGBT Health and Wellness Initiatives, Venton will lead NBJC’s advocacy andprogrammatic efforts to improve the overall health and wellness of the Black LGBT, queer and same gender loving population in our nation. “I am delighted that Venton will continue his tenure at NBJC in this new role, which is a top priority for our organization,” said Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer. “Venton was a critical voice in the development of this portfolio. Institutionally, we are prepared to address the unequal and inequitable conditions that Black communities have historically endured in the health care sector of society. In addressing the health and wellness of the Black LGBT population—including the HIV epidemic—NBJC will bring voice and take action to ensure that our constituents are recognized and receive culturally competent care. I am confident that Venton will do a phenomenal job in leading our efforts.”

With the support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, NBJC created the Black LGBT Health and Wellness Initiative in December of 2014 to address current health crises and disparities in culturally competent wellness programs that target Black LGBT people and families. This overlooked community represents multiple populations that demonstrate higher health disparities and a need for swift and strategic action. Venton

will lead the effort at NBJC to strategically and innovatively bring voice and visibility to Black LGBT health and wellness concerns. “As a passionate advocate for marginalized and underserved communities, particular the Black LGBT community, I am honored and eager to continue the imperative work of implementing policy solutions which provide more resources to Black LGBT people and our families,” said Jones, Program Officer for NBJC’s Health and Wellness Initiatives. “Critical to this work is ensuring that all Americans, especially those communities who face syndemic challenges, have access to quality and National Black Justice Coalition affordable health insurance. This is the first step in addressing health disparities impacting our community.” Jones Jr. represents a new generation of national leaders committed to advancing equality and social justice for the African American and LGBT communities. Prior to joining NBJC, Venton worked extensively in the areas of non-profit administration, public health communications and community organizing.

He has served as an expert consultant on mobilizing LGBT communities of color, HIV/AIDS and other health disparities for a number of agencies and government entities throughout the United States, including the White House. He has been featured in a number of publications and other media outlets, including JET magazine, Poz magazine and BET. Venton received his Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health from Texas A&M University and his Master of Science degree in Health Care Administration from The University of Texas at Arlington. Most recently, Venton was selected to serve on the Board of Trustees for AIDS United next year. “AIDS United is thrilled to have Venton join our Board of Trustees in 2016. His immense experience tying social justice, health, and community organizing together will undoubtedly bring valuable perspective and insights to our Board. We look forward to Venton’s leadership as AIDS United pursues our mission to end AIDS across the United States,” states Michael Kaplan, President and CEO of AIDS United. In his new role at NBJC, Venton will work to address health disparities that disproportionately impact Black LGBT people, including HIV/AIDS. Central to his work is educating and moving to action public policy leaders and other key stakeholders on the critical challenges that hinder the Black LGBT community from achieving holistic health. This includes working towards public policies that foster a more culturally competent health care system for Black LGBTQ/SGL people.

Jones has new leadership role with NBJC

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JANUARY 1, 2016

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CITY LOCAL TRUCK DRIVER

519 N. Cedar Ridge Dr., Suite #7 Duncanville, TX 75116www.mycrossroadtruck.com

We are seeking Local City Drivers who must have a Class A - Commercial Driver License.

NOTE: All Drivers must have a clean background (no felonies or misdemeanors) and at least one year driving experience with a clean MVR. Must have medical card, valid DL, SSC card, DOT card and must pass a required physical and drug screening.

Driver should have a minimum of one year of driving experience in the last 3 years and 5 years of driving experience in the last 10 years. Must be 21 years of age and have a required High School Diploma/GED.

Minimum RequirementsDriver’s License Type: Class A - Commercial Commercial Driver’s License Endorsement:

X - Combination of N and H T - Doubles/Triples

Between $900.00 /WK and $1,000 / WK. Rotating Shift - home daily. Work week - full time 30-45 hours.

Additional details: We are looking for drivers who are safe and will not have customer complaints. Driver must be free of accidents, service violations, and accident services.

Cell: 214-475-3052Office 214-245-5157 or email us at

cr.trucking519@gmail.com

REGIONAL DRIVER

519 N. Cedar Ridge Dr., Suite #7 Duncanville, TX 75116www.mycrossroadtruck.com

Seeking Team Drivers (OTR). .42 cents per mile, must have a Class A - Commercial Driver License.

NOTE: All Drivers must have a clean background (no felonies or misdemeanors) and at least one year driving experience with a clean MVR. Must have medical card, valid DL, SSC card, DOT card and must pass a required physical and drug screening.

Driver should have a minimum of one year of driving experience in the last 3 years and 5 years of driving experience in the last 10 years. Must be 21 years of age and have a required High School Diploma/GED.

Minimum RequirementsDriver’s License Type: Class A - Commercial Commercial Driver’s License Endorsement:

X - Combination of N and H T - Doubles/Triples

Additional details: We are looking for drivers who are safe and will not have customer complaints. Driver must be free of accidents, service violations, and accident services.

Cell: 214-475-3052Office 214-245-5157 or email us at

cr.trucking519@gmail.com

TRUCKING

TRUCKING

JANUARY 1, 2016

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America is a land of immigrants. Since its inception, the United States of America has been a place where persecuted people have come and been able to live freely.

Our willingness to open our country’s doors to refugees of the world has been met with its fair share of dissension; however, America is great because of its great diversity.

To be great, we must strive to include individuals from all walks of life.

In the wake of the Syrian Civil War and the resulting Syrian Refugee Crisis, many elected officials have resorted to harmful rhetoric that is disparaging and disappointing.

For instance, House Speaker Paul Ryan recently suggested that we should freeze the acceptance of Syrian refugees because “we cannot let terrorists take advantage of our compassion.”

This way of thinking is misguided and misinformed.

The fear that Paul Ryan and countless other Americans have of terroristic violence is the same fear that drives these refugees to our doorstep.

Families have been torn apart and forced out of their homes because of violence in their backyard. As Americans, we should greet suffering refugees with open arms and understanding hearts, not with prejudice and hatred.

According to reports, roughly ten percent of the annual 70,000 refugees from all nations that the United States accepts settle in Texas. To date, 184 Syrian refugees have already been settled in Texas, many in the Dallas area.

This leads to the question, why is it that one of the leading states in refugee resettlement be one of the most unforgiving when it comes to immigration?

Our state has been made greater by those who have relocated, resettled,

and contributed so much to our communities and our state.

The Syrian Refugee Crisis highlights a problem that America has seen time and time again—fear of the lesser known.

Refugees fleeing Nazi persecution prior to and during World War II were met with fear before the Holocaust, and that is a mistake our nation now must live with.

France, a country that recently suffered extreme loss at the hands of terrorists, plans to accept 30,000 Syrian refugees.

That is a gesture that truly embodies compassion. It is time we overcome our fear and do the same.

We must not forget that our country is one built by and made great because immigrants who have come from all parts of the world in search of a better life..

The Texas I know and represent is a warm and friendly place, where a stranger always has a seat at the table – where everything is bigger, including and especially our hearts. Exclusivity is not the culture of Texas, and it is not the culture of this great nation.

America is the Land of ImmigrantsFrom

the U.S. Congress

By Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson

P A M E L A J. D A Y E S is a Licensed & Certified Health Insurance Agency serving North Texas area. She is passionate about learning and gaining knowledge in the area of HealthCare reform. She is devoted to passing on that knowledge in particularly to the Senior Market. Her expertise is in making Medicare clear and understandable. I look forward to answering your questions. Email questions to askpam@med-supps.comFollow me: Twitter: pjdayes Facebook: askpamdayes

Q - I’ve been on Medicaid for several months and drawing SSI f r o m S o c i a l S e c u r i t y Administration

(SSA). I’ll be turning age 62 next month, I was informed by SSA that my SSI would go away because I’ll start drawing a Social Security Retirement check. Since my retirement income

will be significantly greater than the SSI I’ll no longer be eligible for Medicaid assistance. I’m concerned about keeping some medical assistance so my question is will I get Medicare too when I turn 62 next month?

A - That depends; people are eligible to enroll in Medicare prior to age 65 only if they’re on Social Security Disability and have met the 24-month waiting period, or have a special condition. Check with the Social Security Administration to see when you will be eligible for Medicare. If you find that you’re not eligible for Medicare yet, then you can always visit yourtexasbenefits.com or call 2-1-1, that’s if you live in Texas, to find

what medical resources are available in your area.Medicare Annual Open Enrollment period: October 15th thru December 7th.

The Affordable Care Act - Federal Marketplace Exchange – 2016 Open Enrollment period: November 1st 2015 thru January 31st 2016.

Ask Pam

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By Marquesa LaDawnGeorge Curry Media Columnist What a week for The Real

Housewives! Life is not always as pretty as it seems, not even for the Housewives.

This week's episode of the Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) was one of the best, certainly of the season so far. I love Kim Fields, although she whines a bit.

She's real and one of the first housewives who seems to get through to Kenya in a real way. Kenya is great TV, but often plays the victim with every situation.

I may get a few dislikes for this

comment, here goes...Kenya was yet again an instigator with the most recent brawl. No, there is never a reason or excuse for a man to go off on a woman.

That being said, Kenya's mouth did not help the situation one bit. She never says, "Maybe I shouldn't have," or "I will apologize." She has a habit of removing people when they bark back. Kim Fields called her on her stuff. I wanted to kiss my TV screen. Yeah, Kim!

Unless you have been hiding

under a rock, you know there was yet another brawl on RHOA. It seems to have started with one of the male guests who was ticked off by Kenya.

I also think off-camera, he was coached by his Auntie Tami to watch ou t fo r ce r t a in housewives . Whatever the reason, one of the male guests became disorderly and after being asked to leave, hit his own aunt and knocked her out. It was a shocking scene.

But the shocks kept on coming. The ladies treated poor Tami like a

crazy woman and Kandi and Kim fled the very next morning.

In the Beverly Hills Housewives

world (RHOBH), things picked up. I'm so bored; we need Brandi. NOW!

What I find the most interesting is

not the new housewife - Anna Nicole Smith anyone? Not, the cute mini horse purchased for Ken by Lisa Vanderpump. But poor Yolanda getting trashed.

The ladies of Beverly Hills seem

to question Yolanda's core illness. Is she sick or isn't she? Is she looking for sympathy or is there more going on? Initially, I was a bit offended for Yolanda over this, but I can kinda understand the confusion.

What I understand more is friendship and that alone should stop the questions.

But if you think about it, the OC housewives got a ton of publicity over questioning an illness with a non-housewife so, I think it's a competitive move.

I'm watching closely. Off-screen, we all know Yolanda is headed for divorce and we are pissed. Why? David Foster doesn't seem to take

marriage seriously and he's forgotten the "in sickness and in health" vow. All I can say is wow, I hope you never get sick David.

On to the hottest news of the week

in Real Housewives land...(drum roll) Teresa Guidice of the , The Real H o u s e w i v e s o f N e w J e r s e y (RHONJ) is out of prison Yeah!

I'm so excited and happy for her and her family. I must say, fans on social media seem all over the place, they want to see Teresa.

She looks beautiful and refreshed. She needs to forget the tan and big hair and keep it natural with flair.

They want to hate Teresa because she has a new Lexus, really? Why? Since she's committed financial fraud, she should spend her money in a smarter fashion.

I can understand that and partially agree. But whether we like it or not, she's a celebrity, this means she's making five times what the average person earns and she's infamous.

Everyone wants to know: What was it like for her in prison? This means she easily earns money in her sleep.

Stop with the jealousy and pray that she and her husband Joe will do good by their children and make sound decisions. I do think it was brilliant that she organized her photos and released what she wanted.

You go girl! Excited to see and hear more about your new life post-prison.

Marquesa LaDawn is a professional businesswoman who escapes the pressures of living in New York City by retreating into the real world of reality TV. Follow her on twitter @realityshowgirl, Periscope and s u b s c r i b e t o h e r p o d c a s t a t www.RealitytvGirl.com

Reel-ality TV Talk

Quit Playin’By Vincent L.

HallVincent L. Hall is an

JANUARY 1, 2016

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The Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (formerly the Dallas-Fort Worth Assoc iat ion of Black Communicators) will present its annual Urban Journalism Workshop for high school and college students in 2016. This 12-week workshop is open to students in Dallas, Tarrant, Ellis, Collin and Denton counties. Students receive hands-on experience working with seasoned professionals who have gained a reputation loca l ly and na t iona l ly, a s we l l a s internationally. The program, which emulates one started by George Curry, Gerald Boyd and other members of the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists in St. Louis, has graduated students who have gone on to anchor newscasts, edit newspapers, open public relations firms and produce radio shows. Mr. Curry visits the Dallas workshop students annually to conduct his “basic training.” Mr. Boyd died of lung cancer in 2006. “We’re excited about continuing the tradition that was started almost 30 years ago,” said Eva Coleman, one of the instructors for the program. “I am looking forward to working with students this year.” Ms. Coleman, who teaches radio and television in Frisco ISD will be overseeing the radio and television segments of the workshop, pulling together experts in the field.

Previous speakers have included: Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, Senator Royce West, Star-Telegram editor and columnist Bob Ray Sanders, Dallas Morning News columnist Norma Adams Wade, Our Texas Publisher General Berry, PR gurus Lyria Howland and Rose Gafford, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Irwin Thompson, K104’s Sam Putney, 97.9’s Gary with the T, Dallas Examiner Publisher Mollie Belt, Producer Haile Gerima and Dallas Weekly Publisher James A. Washington. Ms. Smith, who has been with the program since its inception, took over the directorship in the mid 90s and continued through 2004. Ms. Smith returned to the program as director in 2007. At the conclusion of the workshop, the students will participate in a closing ceremony where they will present a newspaper, television and radio broad-casts, a website and a special project. For more information about the workshop, contact Ms. Smith at 214-941-0110. Applications must be turned in by January 21, 2016.

Mail completed applications to:DFWABJ320 South R.L. Thornton Frwy #220A Dallas, TX 75203

Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black JournalistsURBAN JOURNALISM WORKSHOP APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED

JANUARY 1, 2016

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Dear Alma,Alma

JANUARY 1, 2016

My Husband Embarrassed Me

Big City Comics has announced the official release date of the highly anticipated graphic novel, Brotherman: Revelation. The revered origin saga of the hero of Big City begins here and reaches the masses during Martin Luther King weekend 2016 (Jan. 16-17, 2016). The comic and literary world will never be the same. You can have your copy as soon as they drop off the presses by pre-ordering. Visit BrothermanComics.com to secure yours before they're all scooped up.

The Long Awaited

Brotherman Saga...Is

Here!

Pioneering Black Publisher Charles F.

Harris dies at 81

 By Herb BoydNew York CorrespondentGeorge Curry Media

 NEW YORK - Ten years ago when Charles F. Harris sat for an interview with Historymakers, he disclosed his first contact with the world of words in print.  His father insisted that he read t h e p a p e r s h e delivered.  Harris not o n l y r e a d t h e papers, he devoured them, digested them so thoroughly that elements of them emerged again in the books he edited and published.  A pioneering Black publisher, Harris, 81, died on Dec. 16 in Manhattan. According to his son, Francis, the cause of death was colon cancer. A robust man of diverse interests, Harris was born January 3, 1934 in Portsmouth, Va.  He graduated from Virginia State University in 1955 with a B.A. degree.  After college, he enlisted in the Army and rose to the rank of first lieutenant. In 1965, while employed at Doubleday & Company, his first job in publishing, he launched the Zenith Books Series that focused on young African American readers. He was busy over the next two years accepting and developing manuscripts from such notables as historians John Hope Franklin, Rayford Logan, economist Robert Weaver, and football immortal Jim Brown. Harris was a senior editor at Random House in 1967 and began editing Amistad, two volumes of writings devoted to Black history and culture. The magazine became very popular among general readers and particularly scholars.  He also acquired The Greatest by Muhammad Ali with Richard Durham.

 From 1971 to 1986, Harris was at Howard University where he created and managed the college's publishing arm. Amistad Press Inc. resulted from this venture and he continued his interest in specializing in African American topics and themes for his books.  Both Amistad and its literary series featured a coterie of notable authors, including Arthur Ashe, Susan Taylor, John Johnson, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison, Richard Wright, and Alice Walker.

 In 1999, he sold Amistad to HarperCollins Publishers, and joined the company as vice president editorial director of the new imprint as well as executive editor of the company's general books division.  "I am pleased to be bringing Amistad Press to HarperCollins, a company that shares my vision and supports my mission,"

Harris upon selling the press. "HarperCollins has a strong heritage of publishing books by African-American authors: books by authors such as Shelby Steele, Lawrence Otis Graham, Richard Wright, Earl Graves, Zora Neale Hurston, and Marion Wright Edelman; highly successful children's books by authors such as Walter Dean Myers, Joyce Carol Thomas, Jerry Pinckney and Eloise Greenfield; and popular Christian titles by Zondervan authors such as Dr. Ben Carson, Mike Singletary and Rosa Parks. "In addition, HarperCollins' acquisition of William Morrow and Avon Books brings with it many more important African-American authors including Paula Giddings, Tony Brown and Les Brown. I am very proud of all we have achieved at Amistad and look forward to an exciting future building on that success with HarperCollins." At the same time, he began writing a monthly column for BET.com.     In 2003, Harris left HarperCollins Publishers to once again start his own publishing company, Alpha Zenith Media Inc., where he continued to publish works critical to the African American community. Funeral services were in Portsmouth, Va.

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JANUARY 1, 2016

Olivia Frazier Kerr, Coordinator and Professor of the Business Office Systems and Support Program at El Centro College, has been recognized as a Distinguished Professional in her fi e l d t h r o u g h Wo m e n o f Distinction Magazine. Ms. Kerr will be featured in the upcoming edition of the Women of Distinction Magazine in 2015/2016. Bringing the Business Office Sys-tems and Support Program to light by applying innovation in the program and converting the typical classroom to a 21st century, real-world learning experience, Ms. Kerr began teaching office technology courses in community colleges in 2002. Teaching at Brookhaven College, El Centro College, North Central Texas College, Central Texas College, Axia College, and Ashford University Online, Ms. Kerr is now serving as Coordinator and Professor of the Business Office Systems and Support Program exclusively at El Centro College in Dallas, Texas. "In 2004, the Dean of Business Studies at Brookhaven College recommended that I become a visiting scholar. Once the position ended in 2006, El Centro College contacted me to become an adjunct instructor," Ms. Kerr explained. "I was also teaching at North Central College as an adjunct instructor in the business division at the time. In 2008, I interviewed for the full-time faculty position available in their business

division at El Centro and was hired. Months later, the coordinator position became available and I filled that position as well." In Ms. Kerr's role serving as a full-time faculty member and coordinator of the program, she has established an award that gives l e a r n e r s o p t i o n s i n t h e i r credentials, such as entrepreneur-ship training and industry-certification preparation. She continues to build a great rapport in the business community as well, via networking, inviting business executives to become a part of the program's advisory committee, and by sharing current trends in the business industry. Ms. Kerr began her career in the early 1980's as a legal secretary for Thompson & Knight Law Firm, then as a word processor for Xerox

Corporation, technical librarian/editor for Peer Services, Inc., and finally technical writer for IBM before becoming a consultant specializing in technical writing/editing, training, business analysis, and project coordination for various companies like Burlington Northern Railroad, Sprint, Ericsson, Motorola, and Verizon. A member of International Association of Administration Profess ionals, International Business Education Association, National Business Education Association, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Ms. Kerr is also the recipient of numerous awards, one of which includes being recognized in the El Centro

College's Circle of Excellence Award for Qual i ty Matter s Compliance in 2015. Very much a humanitarian, which Ms. Kerr says is her calling in life, she also enjoys reading, traveling, playing the flute and hand bells, attending cultural events, and line dancing. For more information, visit www.dcccd.edu/CD/DCC/Bus/BOSS/about/Faculty/Pages/OFKerr.aspx. Women of Distinction Magazine strives to continually bring the very best out in each article published a n d h i g h l i g h t Wo m e n o f Distinction. Women of Distinction Magazine's mission is to have a platform where women can grow, inspire, empower, educate and encourage professionals from any industry by sharing stories of courage and success.

Distinguished educator recognized

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2016Happy New

YearImani –

Jan. 1, 2016Observe the principle Imani in your

home with family and friends.

January 2ANNUAL BIRTHDAY BASH 2016

Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel900 East Lookout DriveRichardson, TX 75082

7:00 PM (CST) untilIf any question, please contact

Brenda Williams at brendarobwilliams@gmail.com

January 6DBCC Power Lunch!

January 6, 2016 Real Estate 101Bill J Priest Institute 1402 Corinth Street

Dallas 752151-3pm

January 8-9Four brothers are back by popular

demand! CUSP 'THE POLYMATH,' DA BEAR, AWAJI JOHNSON, OBBIE WEST

hits the stage again this season, rippin' and rappin' like the poets of

the 1960's Cultural Revolution. Sharing their personal experiences

while honoring four distinguished poets, the brothers words are

penetrating and smooth and so is the jazz. They've got a word for the

ladies! 

Friday and Saturday, January 8 & 9, 2016 @ 9pm 

Clarence Muse Cafe Theater  Dallas Convention Center Theater

ComplexPhysical Address:  

1309 Canton Street | Dallas, TX  75201

Admission - $10  

To purchase tickets, call TBAAL Box Office at 214-743-2400 

January 9

Comedian Lavell Crawford performs at the Majestic Theatre. Call 888-929-7849 FOR TICKETS

January15

Fred’s Entertainment Pays Homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mr.

Harry T. MooreThe Pan African Connection 8:00 PM

Until4466 South Marsalis Ave @ Ann

Arbor Dallas, Tx. 75216Keynote Speaker: Dr. Juanita Wallace

Founder of 100 Black Women of America

Speaking on Mr. Harry T. Moore: Mr. Gary Brown

(Mr. Harry T. Moore is the founder of the first branch of the NAACP in

Brevard County Florida) Special Guest: Mr. Lee Alcorn and

FamilyAfrican Drumming by Baba Kwasi 

Doors Open at 7:00 PMPLEASE DRESS IN ALL WHITE HEAD

TO TOE Admission:

Student With ID  $9.00  ($33.00 at the door). General  $15.00 ($33.00 at the

door). VIP  $27.00 ($33.00 at door)Go to Payment Page on

www.fredsentertainment.com And click on Buy Now

Contact:  Fred A. Ghaffar at 214-607-6445

********

Black Music Civil Rights Movement Concert at the Morton H. Meyerson

Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St, featuring Tony Terry and Rahsaan

Patterson.Student performance 10am on

Friday. Public Performance 730pm on Sunday

**********

Friday and SaturdayComedy at the Muse Theater at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, featuring Damon Williams at 9p.m.

JANUARY 1, 2016

I MESSENGER PAGE15

I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com

"Our people have made the mistake of confusing the methods with the objectives. As long as we agree on objectives, we should never fall out with each other just because we believe in different methods, or tactics, or strategy. We have to keep in mind at all times that we are not fighting for separation. We are fighting for recognition as free humans in this society." MALCOLM X

Lose 5

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR MERRI DEELegendary TV Anchor Merri Dee is coming to The Black Academy of Arts and Letters to discuss her memoir. To look at the polished and poised Merri Dee you would never guess that she was shot in the head twice and left for dead one night after a broadcast. She wasn't expected live, and was even given her last rights by friend, Reverend Jesse Jackson. Surviving this harrowing event caused Dee to live life with PURPOSE and encourage others by writing her story. Ms. Dee is a part of TBAAL's Roundtable Writer's Breakfast Series. Get your tickets from the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists. Call 214- 941-0110.

JANUARY 1, 2016

January 21Oak Cliff Chamber for its Annual

Awards & VIP Reception, "Spotlighting the Cliff." Featuring Master of Ceremony, Rep. Rafael

Anchia, the Awards Ceremony will recognize the best Oak Cliff

businesses, organizations and individuals in 2015 for their achievements, community

contributions and milestones. Bishop Arts Theatre Center

215 Tyler StreetDallas, TX 75208

Advance General Admission Tickets:  $40 per person / $75 per couple

(Awards entry ONLY)*Available for Advance Purchase

only - ends at 6:00 p.m. on 1/15/2016.

General Admission Tickets:  $50 per person / $100 per couple

(Awards entry ONLY)

January 22 -23

Friday, January 22, 2016 @ 8:15pm

Saturday, January 23, 2016 @ 3:15 & 8:15pm

Clarence Muse Cafe Theater Dallas Convention Center Theater

ComplexAdmission - $16.50

February 3DBCC Power Lunch!Bill J Priest Institute 1402 Corinth Street

Dallas 752151-3pm

February 3, 2016 Understanding Government Contracting

February 14

12th Annual Dallas Blues Festival featuring Latimore, Sir Charles

Jones, Theodis Ealey, TK Soul, Shirley Brown, Cupid, Bobby RushSun, Feb 14, 2016 - 6:00PM

Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie1001 Performance PlaceGrand Prairie, TX 75050

February 17DBCC Power Lunch!Bill J Priest Institute 1402 Corinth Street

Dallas 752151-3pm

February 17, 2016 Understanding the RFP &RFB Process

February 20UNCF Masked Ball at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. Call 972-234-1007 for

tickets.

February 26

I MESSENGER PAGE16

I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com

Spiritually Speaking

By James A. Washington

Jamesjaws@dallasweekly.com

JANUARY 1, 2016

New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church will host its 11th Annual

Raymond B. Spencer Scholarship banquet on February 26th 2016, at 7:00 p.m. at the Fort Worth Hilton

Hotel.  The Featured keynote speaker will be Dr. Rev Raphael G.

Warnock, Ph.D., a civil rights leader and new generation trailblazer. Dr. Warnock is the senior pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church,

Atlanta, Georgia, the church home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

February 27JD Lawrence presents Martin,

Malcolm and Me at the Majestic Theatre. Call 888-929-7849 for

tickets

March 2DBCC Power Lunch!Bill J Priest Institute

1402 Corinth Street Dallas 752151-3pm

March 2, 2016 How to do a Business with DART

March 12MaDea’s on the Run - Two shows 3p.m. And 8p.m. At the Verizon

Theatre in Grand Prairie. Call 888-929-7849

April 2HERB ALPERT & LANI HALL

8 p.m. Majestic TheatreThe nonprofit AT&T Performing Arts

Center and AEG Live announced Herb Alpert and Lani Hall will

perform at the Majestic Theatre

in downtown Dallas. Center Members get access to the best

available seats. Call Membership

Services at 214-978-2888 or go to www.attpac.org/support to join.

Center Membership presale began Tuesday, September 29 at 10 a.m.

Ticket prices for Herb Alpert & Lani Hall range from $76.75 to $36.75 and

can be purchased, beginning on October 2 at 10 a.m., online at www.attpac.org, by phone at

214-880-0202 or in person at the AT&T Performing Arts Center

Information Center at 2353 Flora Street (Monday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.;

Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.).

The Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) will celebrate the 9th

annual Appetite for Advocacy Luncheon featuring keynote

speaker Brené Brown on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at 12 p.m. at the

Sheraton Dallas Hotel, 400 N. Olive Street.  A VIP sponsor reception will be held following the luncheon in a private room at the Sheraton from

1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

I MESSENGER PAGE17

I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com

JANUARY 1, 2016

Welcome to DISD, Dr. Cynthia Wilson, new Chief of Staff

AT&T Mixer

UNCF Advisory

Board Meeting

The Holiday Party hosted by Tres Amigos

I MESSENGER PAGE18

I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com

JANUARY 1, 2016

TOWN HALL MEETING

with DA Hawk

4 Southern Heritage Classic: Tennessee State holds off Jackson

5 Florida Classic: Bethune Cookman University v. Florida A&M University

3 State Fair Classic: Grambling State puts away Prairie View A&M

1 Magic City Classic: Alabama State runs past Alabama A&M.

2 Bayou Classic: Grambling State over Southern

I MESSENGER PAGE19

I Messenger 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 220, Dallas, TX 75203 | 214-941-0110 | www.myimessenger.com

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I MESSENGER PAGE20

The Collector, 1234 Main Street, Any Town, State ZIP | 123-456-7890 | www.apple.com/iwork

Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE?

POLICE have not apprehended Pookie the serial rapist.

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

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