 Photo
Caption: Joyce Ann Brown, Pastor Frederick Haynes III, Erykah
Badu,
Tom
Joyner and Chris Bosh
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By: Cheryl Smith
December 13, 2006
Last year's list of people to
watch in 2006 were definitely newsmakers as many continued
to garner headlines throughout the year. Here's a
look back at the people we deemed worthy of paying
attention to in 2006.
Erykah Badu
Whether she is working with
the Hip Hop Action Network, speaking or performing at
area schools or raising money for Katrina survivors,
her name is synonymous with activism. As a philanthropist,
artist, actress, mother and activist, Dallas' own award-winning
Erykah Badu has been nominated for a Grammy, so let's
continue to uplift her in prayer. Also, ride by the
Forest Avenue Theatre-you'll find something thought
provoking on the marquee.
Chris Bosh
He's not just a major player
for the Toronto Raptors. Chris Bosh, who is a recipient
of the NBA Community Assist Award, deserves a community
service award for his work in his community, which includes
donating thousands of dollars worth of school supplies,
computers and basketball gear to youth at the John C.
Phelps Recreation Center. Additionally, the Chris Bosh
Foundation continues to promote social enrichment through
programs like SAT/ACT prep classes and annual physical
summer camps.
Joyce Ann Brown
She's not sitting back bitter
and confused. Joyce Ann Brown spent nine years, five
months and 24 days in prison for a crime she didn't
commit. Since her release, she has worked tirelessly
for the rights of the incarcerated and their families.
This Saturday, the families of incarcerated or formerly
incarcerated, will be recognized at the annual gala
at the Adam's Mark Hotel, featuring actor Rockmond Dunbar
and a special message from fellow actor, Hill Harper.
Skip Cheatham
Most recently Skip Cheatham
received the lifetime achievement award from the Living
Legends Foundation and he is known for his Dad for A
Day program where he takes area youth on outings. He's
the program director and afternoon drive personality
on number one K104 FM, president and host of FLAVA TV,
host of National Radio Countdown's "Super Jam Survey"
and as if this husband and father was not busy enough,
he's been a correspondent on Live at the Apollo and
co-host of UPN's Dance Club 21 dance show.
Tammy Demery
On Jan. 19 Tammy Demery was
installed as the second woman chairperson of the Dallas
Black Chamber of Commerce. She has worked for American
Express for more than 15 years and was recently assigned
manager, South Region of the U.S. Commercial Card Division.
Having been an active board member for more than 10
years, she presided over this year's Quest for Success
and 80th Anniversary Programs this year.
Dvorah Evans
In 2005 she was named one of
the Association Trends Young & Aspiring Association
Professionals. The Prairie View A&M alum and member
of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. continues to promote
Dallas as a major meeting and leisure destinations for
minority conventions and tourists as well as coordinating
several ongoing strategic meetings and events for the
Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce.
Pastor Frederick D. Haynes III
The excitement of Friendship-West
Baptist Church's new home has not worn off nearly a
year later. Continuing at the helm of one of the most
progressive religious institutions in Dallas, if not
the country, the action never seemed to stop. Rev. Jesse
Jackson, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Congresswoman Maxine
Waters and the Rev. Al Sharpton were just a few of the
notables who made stops there. This year there was a
leadership summit, BET's Women's Health Expo, youth
and singles summits and when author/activist/commentator/journalist
Tavis Smiley needed a place to have a book signing,
even he came to 2020 Wheatland Road.
Donald Hill
Eyes will definitely be on Dallas'
Mayor Pro Tem Donald Hill as he is expected, at any
moment, to throw his hat into the ring for mayor. If
elected in May, he will be the second African American
to hold that post. Folks have been wondering all year
long if the talk about FBI investigations and all the
hoopla was just a smokescreen to discourage Mr. Hill.
Where are the indictments, arrests, etc.? Fortunately
for Mr. Hill, he got on with his business, including
getting married in 2006.
Robin Hutchison
As executive director of the
Dallas After School All Stars, clearly you see that
Ms. Hutchison is passionate about youth. This year saw
the DASAS partner with YMCAs, providing more services.
It was a match that would be beneficial to youth and
the foundation. She is always looking for opportunities
to expose youth to all the world has to offer on a positive
tip. A special treat was a visit by actor The Rock.
Youth had an opportunity to spend quality time with
a real role model!
Jabari Johnson
Jabari Johnson took to the court
as a player/coach the last season for the Texas Tycoons.
Equally impressive and significant is his work with
the HeadsUp! Foundation. This year the basketball camp
moved to a different site and an overflow roster of
area youth enjoyed the week-long program. Each year
the program gets bigger and better. 2007 won't be any
different.
Willis Johnson
Last year we said that Willis
Johnson was more than just an air personality on KKDA-AM
and he made that point an understatement as he continued
to host business forums in Dallas and Fort Worth while
also becoming an integral player on the political scene
as he worked on the Say Yes Bond Proposition Campaign.
And in 2007, you'll see more of him as Dallas gears
up for the mayoral election. No he's not running. But
who knows what the future holds?
Tom Joyner
Money, Money, Money. Informa-tion,
Information, Information. Joy-ner, Joyner, Joyner. What
can you say about the multi-dimensional Mr. Joyner,
who conducts some of the best interviews on radio? Last
year we said he is an institution and that still holds
true. There's the Tom Joyner Morning Show, heard in
over 100 cities across the country and locally on Radio
One's 94.5. Then there's The Tom Joyner Foundation,
Tom Joyner Television Show, Fan-tastic Voyage, Family
Reunion, Reach Media and BlackAmerica-Web.com. He also
released a book and this grandfather continues to support
his passion-HBCUs.
Warren Lee
In 2006, in Little Rock, Ark.,
at the Grand Conclave of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.,
Warren Lee was elected International Grand Basileus
of the public service fraternity. There will be challenges
for Mr. Lee as he leads this prestigious organization
toward its centennial. Following on the heels of an
impressive roster of brothers, Mr. Lee is focusing on
establishing Omega Psi Phi as an organization making
a difference in the lives of Black people around the
world.
Vicki Meek
Last year, we said there's a
reason why Dallas' Black cultural experience is so profound-Vicki
Meek! Well Ms. Meek has had her challenges this year
as she dealt with a lethargic effort to complete renovations
on the South Dallas Cultural Center. Sure she received
a grant, with help from Councilman Leo Chaney. But what
about the center? How long will African Americans have
to wait for their center? Hopefully Ms. Meek will bite
the bullet and push forward with her plans, instead
of succumbing to the numerous offers she receives constantly
from around the country. If Dallas doesn't get serious,
we could lose one of our most positive influences. It's
a shame others elsewhere realize her worth!
Liz Mikel
Liz Mikel is Dallas' Diva and
in 2006 it was no difference as she dazzled audiences
at the Dallas Theater Center and the Black Academy of
Arts and Letters. In 2006, she continued to light up
stages and bring smiles to the faces of theater-goers.
We can expect no less from this vibrant talent. In March
2006 she was featured as Queen of the Arts - The Face
of Black Theatre in Dallas. And it's no wonder-films,
commercials, live performances-Liz Mikel tops the list.
Minister Jeffery Muhammad
Jeffery Muhammad is the local
representative of the leader of the Nation of Islam,
the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. At a time when
Minister Farrakhan has dealt with health issues and
called on his administrative team to run operations,
Minister Jeffery has been a dominant force in the Dallas
area. Whether supporting other ministers, nonprofit
organizations, or speaking out on issues, this dynamic
speaker and community activist continues to addresses
issues and provide significant programming at Muhammad's
Mosque Number 48.
Kathy L. Nealy
Known for mobilizing the Black
vote, folks will be watching Kathy L. Nealy in 2007
as well, especially since Dallas will be electing a
new mayor and she is working on one of the campaigns.
This graduate of the City University of Los Angeles
is the founder of Kathy L. Nealy and Associates, and
as 2006 draws to a close, she was busy making sure that
the 16th annual KwanzaaFest was an overwhelming success,
but she still had her finger on the pulse of the political
landscape.
Nate Newton
As this Florida A&M University,
Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers alum has regrouped
and rebuilt his life following some unfortunate dealings,
2006 saw Nate Newton as the proud father of a high school
football standout. In addition to donating his time
and resources to nonprofit organizations, Mr. Newton
worked as a regional coordinator for O-D Sports football
camp. He's back on the right track.
Dr. Oswell Person
Dr. Oswell Person has distinguished
himself in the educational arena and he brought energy
and excitement as the interim president of Paul Quinn
College. While he did not assume the position as president,
Dr. Person left an indelible mark on the campus and
students.
DeMetris Sampson
A managing partner at Linebarger
Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, Ms. Sampson has continued
to be an integral player on Dallas' political scene.
This year was no different as the landscape of Dallas
politics changed dramatically following the November
election that saw Dallas' first African American district
attorney elected. Very unassuming, Ms. Sampson does
not have to yell or make a public display. She wields
power and you saw it in 2006 and we're sure she won't
be slowing down in 2007.
Dumas Simeus
Dumas Simeus was not victorious
in his quest to become the president of Haiti. But that
doesn't mean that he abandoned efforts to have a positive
impact on his homeland. The Simeus Foundation launched
a clean water project that has provided 400 families
in Pont-Sonde with filtrated drinking water and you
can look to hear more about the foundation's efforts
as Mr. Simeus remains passionate about causes he has
embraced.
Rickey Smiley
You don't just hear this man
on 97.9 The Beat. He's in the community. Whether addressing
youth at forums, partnering with local ministers and
politicians to address the high rates of violence in
the area or speaking out on standards in the radio industry,
Rickey Smiley is serious and committed. During a recent
visit to Dallas, the Rev. Jesse Jackson referred to
him as Dr. Smiley. Maybe he has been dubbed "Dr." because
of his ability to address the ills in his community.
Charlie Mae Smith
Charlie Mae Smith was honored
Jan. 14 for 50 years of service to Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc. and as the year came to a close, she
was recognized again for a lifetime of service. This
graduate of Prairie View College has a Masters degree
from Texas Woman's University, and she was the first
full-time Black librarian at Paul L. Dunbar Elementary
School. An active member of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter
of Delta Sigma Theta, she is the librarian at Greater
Golden Gate MBC, a Black Academy of Arts and Letters
board member, member of the African American Museum
of Life and Culture and a Duncanville Public Library
board trustee.
Barbara Steele
Mrs. Steele garnered headlines
as one of the hosts of the National Baptist Convention,
which was held in Dallas in September. Married to Justice
of the Peace Cleophas Steele, she's no longer a behind-the-scene
player in Dallas' annual $8 billion-plus convention
and visitors industry nor issues effecting African Americans.
She remains actively involved with the Barristers Wives,
Jack and Jill, the J.L. Turner Legal Foundation, and
numerous other local, regional and national organizations.
Louie "Wolf" White
How many jobs does this brother
have? He continues to teach in the communications magnet
at Lincoln High School during the day, then he turns
into "Wolf" and does a five-hour shift at KKDA-AM. He
is the host and producer of DaBlues Television Show
and in his spare time still mentors aspiring journalists.
The award winning producer, director, writer, actor,
educator and instructor in the visual arts arena continues
to pick up steam with his television show that receives
rave reviews across the country.
Look for the 25 to watch in
2007, coming soon, along with the Dallas Weekly's new
design. |
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