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By: Cheryl Smith
January 3, 2007
The new year began early for the Dallas Weekly with a double issue that captured the end of 2005 and the beginning of 2006.
Pastor Frederick D. Haynes III graced the cover and the focus was on the new home for Friendship West Baptist Church. We said at that time that the facility would be of benefit to more than just the members of this progressive institution and we were right. Whether it was the Rev. Al Sharpton convening ministers, Congresswoman Maxine Waters moderating a town hall meeting or BET presenting a women’s health symposium, Friendship West was buzzing with activity.
Astrid Laws Gulley joined the Dallas Weekly family with her business column. New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin visited Dallas and he also announced a 17-member commission to develop a revitalization plan for the city. The New Black Panther Party held a vigil following the execution of Stanley Tookie Williams. And activist Dick Gregory, in support of the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, spoke at the St. Paul United Methodist Church. He returned shortly after to receive honors from Mothers Against Teen Violence.
Blanche Richardson, owner of the oldest African American book store in the U.S., Marcus Books, brought her message of self determination to the Metroplex, discussing “Male Chauvinism in the Black American Movement.”
Ken Parish Perkins wrote about Dr. Martin Luther King, in the eyes of the hip-hop generation.
We read about media moguls Jim and Janis Ware Washington touring Africa with other journalists.
The Dallas Weekly continued its coverage of Hurricane Katrina, informing readers of efforts to return many to their homes and rebuild New Orleans. The coverage actually extended past the anniversary of Katrina and even continues to this day.
The word nigger was debated at length early in the year, before comedian Michael Richards acted a fool. David W. Carter high school teacher Curtis Ferguson launched a campaign to end the use of the word in DISD.
Maxine Luster was named president of the Dallas Metroplex Council of Black Alumni Associations, representing Alcorn State University.
After the Dallas Weekly’s Khashan Poitier wrote about young Joseph Payne’s battle with leukemia, the 14-year-old died.
This year’s African American Read-in paid tribute to the late Ossie Davis and Tarsha Polk joined the staff to write about marketing your business. KRNB’s Tony B. and the Tony B Foundation hosted “Save a life, save a heritage,” calling attention to many of the health issues plaguing African Americans. It was a time of celebration for the family and friends who gathered to celebrate Ms. Lillie Gowans Fuqua’s 100th birthday. The month of January ended on a sad note with the passing of Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Just months after the passing of another icon, Mrs. Rosa Parks, Mrs. King’s death of ovarian cancer, saddened Peter Johnson, who knew the King family well. He talked about her illness to the Dallas Weekly, “We were pleased with her progress but she was frustrated because she couldn’t speak,” he said, as he reminisced about her frying chicken for him and other members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Nationally, Harry Belafonte made headlines when he called President George Bush a terrorist.
Celebrating Black Love in February, Mene and Nia Khepera talked about their marriage and a business they developed, Khepera Kreations, a greeting card company that promotes life-affirming expressions through written expression and art, and crooner Miles Jaye brought his Miles Jaye Jazz Café for Lovers to Emerald City.
As always, the list of Quest for Success honorees is much anticipated. For 2006 the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce honored Mary Davis of Ms. Mary’s Southern Cuisine, Dr. Phyllis J. Gee, Gary D. Hasty of D’Marc Medical, Johnnie King Jr., of the King Group, James Mitchell of Saint Martin’s Place, Jimmy Porch of Eclipse Magazine, Tracy L. Delce of Tin Man Enterprises and Doug Smith of Smith Interiors Construction.
For me, it was an honor to join the ranks of Jackson State University’s Terrell Bolton, Tuskegee’s Tom Joyner, Paul Quinn College’s Hiawatha Williams, Hampton’s Curtis Ranson and Southern University’s David Stephens and Avery Johnson as the year’s HBCU Alumnus of the Year.
There was also a celebration as Deb Peoples was named local AT&T VP/General Manager in a move by the communications giant to “strengthen its local market focus.”
Always in tune with what’s going on internationally, the Dallas Weekly reported on the swearing in of Ellen Johnson –Sirleaf as the new president of the West African nation of Liberia.
While not a popular subject, a dispute between the King (Martin and Coretta Scott) children about the future of the King Center in Atlanta dominated headlines. And across town, U.S. Rep Cynthia McKinney’s home was toilet papered with VCR tape. On the cover that week was Dallas’ favorite Girlfriend, Jill Marie Jones, who has since left the popular sitcom. And Kelvin Bass looked at the district attorney race in Dallas County. In the three-way race for the Democratic Primary, Craig Watkins defeated B.D. Howard and Larry Jarrett. Of course, he went on to win it all, becoming Dallas County’s first African American DA.
Six months following Hurricane Katrina, businessman Ed Robinson talked about the destruction in New Orleans. PR guru Lyria Howland was honored by the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. And in what has become a very enlightening experience for TV viewers, Cheryl Pearson-McNeil came to town to discuss the significance of Nielsen Media Research and local people monitors that record viewing habits of “Nielsen families.”
With a staff of mostly HBCU grads, of course we had to celebrate 134 years of existence for Dallas’ own Paul Quinn College in March. It was also a time to celebrate Jackson State’s Lynda Johnson, who was named GM of American Airlines-Love Field and Portia Simpson Miller who was elected the first female Prime Minister of Jamaica.
While April was Minority Health Month, the Dallas Weekly focused heavily throughout the entire year on health issues, from Alzheimers to HIV and Sickle Cell Anemia and skin diseases.
The next cover story was written by psychologist, author and college professor, Dr. Brenda Wall, who asked the question, “Is God trying to tell us something?”
Considered by many to be one of the most influential men in Texas, State Sen. Royce West was easily named President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate. It was a battle, however in South Dallas as the South Dallas Café owners resisted attempts by Dallas Area Rapid Transit Authority to relocate the popular eatery.
Next Jim Washington wrote about his personal journey from patient to survivor in “Thank God I Got Prostate Cancer.”
Former Judge H. Ron White received honors from the Dallas Bar Foundation. African Chamber of Commerce President Sanmi Akinmulero, in a continuous effort to build relationships between African Americans and Africans, held several programs featuring groups and dignitaries from the Motherland.
Valencia Nash became Dallas’ first African American female Justice of the Peace, receiving 70 percent of the vote.
Now the April 26 issue of was one worth reading. In a gripping story, staff writer Tiffany Jackson told of her brutal rape, by her uncle. Tearful at times, she recounted how she fought, to no avail, as he continued to pummel her, before raping her. His plea of not guilty angered her. She felt better when he was sentenced to life in prison.
One of the Dallas Weekly’s 25 to watch in 2006, Rickey Smiley, appeared on the pages again and again, but in this issue, he received the key to the city from Dallas Mayor Laura Miller. And it was a good day for the Dallas Mavericks when Avery Johnson was named NBA Coach of the Year (later in the year he was the subject of a cover story) and new Dallas Weekly sports writer Kichecko Dawson, who joined intern Ron Murray on the sports pages.
Next Kimball High School’s principal Danny J. Stigers graced the cover as he talked about discipline and a quality education for youth.
African American Museum’s Dr. Harry Robinson was honored by Africa Care Academy and Angela Harper provided financial advisement.
On Mother’s Day, we looked at the hand that Rocks the Cradle, written by Dr. Wall. Black Enterprise came to town for the annual confab that will move to Florida next year.
In what was considered a divisive election, Ray Nagin was re-elected mayor of New Orleans and businessman Calvin Golden was awarded a lifetime achievement award from Wingstop.
Entertainer Bill Cosby made headlines when he discussed options for Black women as they face life possibly as single women.
Always active, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, other U.S. Reps and religious leaders were arrested while participating in a demonstration at the Sudanese Embassy, calling for an end to the genocide in the Darfur region by the Sudanese government through its Janjaweed militia allies.
June was Black Music Month and it was filled with festivals and performances. Cover stories featured the Blues and Jazz Festival, music prodigy Jeremy Bonner, and a look at the Morning Radio Wars. The Juneteenth Film Festival was exciting as usual and Dr. Ouida Lee was named senior pastor of United Methodist Church of Disciple.
In celebration of Father’s Day, Hill Harper participated in several book signings for his new book, “Letters to a Young Brother.”
During the summer, noted attorney Cheryl Wattley left the area to become a professor at OU. Wattley, who should have been a federal judge, still owns the Princess Elizabeth in Fort Worth.
School was out and Tennessee State University journalism student Melaney Whiting joined the Dallas Weekly, along with Norfolk State University’s recent graduate Asia M. Davis. Dr. Wright Lassiter was named chancellor of the Dallas County Community College District. Former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell was sentenced to prison for tax evasion.
Actor Rockmond Dunbar came to town for the fifth annual Reebok Heroes Celebrity Baseball Game in June and he returned to be the keynote speaker at the Mothers (Fathers) for the Advancement of Social Systems Christmas Youth Gala.
Carla Ranger became the newest member of the DISD Board, winning the seat vacated by Hollis Brashear. After retiring from United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Calvin Smith became executive director of the American Red Cross Blood Services – Southwest Region – Texas.
Dallas County Constable Derick Evans continues to be a strong force, in and out of his uniform. His team won first place in the 12th annual Cheryl Smith’s Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon.
It was a new day in Dallas, many said, as Black preachers gathered at Friendship West to talk about social responsibility of the clergy. “We’re not giving a pass to anyone,” they said.
As the summer heated up, some celebrated Mayor Laura Miller’s decision to not seek re-election. Celebrity trainer Jeanette Jenkins stressed healthy living and exercising at the BET Foundation’s Women’s Health Forum.
Charles English was named president and CPO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. The Dallas Weekly went to the Essence Festival and Paul Quinn College got a new president—Dr. John Waddell. Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, Rev. Peter Johnson and others spoke out about gun violence in Dallas.
Radio personality Jean Jones, the UNIVERSOUL Circus, Robert Pitre’s Life Chart and the American Red Cross were cover stories during the summer.
The exclusive story with Samuel Jones was an eye-opener. Mr. Jones spoke from Collin County Jail as he talked about why he hijacked an 18-wheeler. He said it really is hard for a Black man in America.
At the national convention for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Warren Lee of Dallas was elected president.
A story on AIDS and 97.9’s Action Jaxon’s efforts to make a difference won the Dallas Weekly the coveted Messenger Award. The prestigious award is the Dallas Weekly’s fourth. The National Medical Association met in Dallas and released a disaster preparedness plan. The Southern Soul Network named “Wolf” the 2006 Personality of the Year.
A year later, suffering continues as families are still displaced. Hurricane Katrina hit, and as Pastor Haynes says, then came Hurricane Bush. The Dallas Weekly’s anniversary coverage was extensive with back to back cover stories, one featuring volunteer Pat Clark Webb.
A sign of times was the Agg Townz Fights DVD where young men and women were participating in fights that were taped then sold. Skip Cheatham, Rickey Smiley, elected officials and pastors decried the actions.
School’s back in and DISD trustee Ron Price said, “pull those pants up!” Former Dallas Cowboy Deion Sanders visited Paul Quinn and donated equipment to the football team.
In September, the Dallas Weekly went west, to Tarrant County, looking at leadership in Arlington and Fort Worth - Kathleen Hicks, Donovan Wheatfall and Robert Rivera.
The Rock visited Dallas and the After School All Stars, as well as area schools, while promoting his latest movie, “Gridiron Gang.”
Can you believe it? Texas has its first African American Ms. Texas - Shilah Phillips.
Preachers were busy in the Metroplex in 2006. In September, 30,000 Baptists attended the 126th annual National Baptist Convention USA.
Bishop Terry Hornbuckle of Agape Christian Fellowship was sentenced to 15 years after months of media coverage surrounding allegations of rape and drug abuse.
There were some big birthdays in 2006 - and they were featured in cover stories - The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Dallas Black Dance Theater, Black Chamber of Commerce, Jeffries Street Learning Center - and also the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Grambling and Prairie View A&M came to town and so did the National Association of Black Social Workers and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.
When Claudia Price, the mother of R&B soul singer Kelly Price, speaks, everyone listens. She came to town to urge women to get tested for breast cancer. She is a seven-year survivor. It was announced that the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan had serious health concerns and an administrative team would be in charge of the Nation of Islam.
Speaking of health, a no-nonsense menu was touted at the Subway Store in Sunny South Dallas.
After years of debate, finally the Wright Amendment, restricting travel out of Love Field, was repealed. And, West Dallas Community Church announced the opening of a new facility.
Did T.O. really try to commit suicide? Many say, “Don’t believe the hype.”
Well, the push was on to pass the bond proposal. All 12 propositions passed. The NAACP and others said “stop” with the negative campaigning. And in what has to be one of, if not the biggest story of the year for Dallas County, Craig Watkins was elected DA and a lot of Republicans became unemployed. Asia Davis interviewed her brother about the war in Iraq.
One of Dallas’ Finest, Detective Dwayne Bishop retired and moved on. His card reads: National Basketball Association.
In November, Shekeira Gillis joined the staff. It was a great day in Texas when Sen. Royce West was sworn in as Governor for a Day. And all eyes were on Emmitt’s feet, as Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke danced their way to the championship in “Dancing with the Stars.”
Dallas got its first African American female postmaster, Pat Williams.
Local members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity celebrated their centennial.
There was talk of next year’s mayoral race. And the fact that nothing has come of all that FBI talk surrounding Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill. What was the deal with this big investigation?
Southern University won the Bayou classic and later Grambling’s coach, Melvin Spears, was fired.
Terrell Owens spitting on a player! Has he forgotten what they called him when he was young? Allen Iverson traded to Denver.
Publisher James Washington, Shewanda Riley and Cathy Moffitt provided spiritual perspectives for readers.
Shay Moore kept us updated on the entertainment scene with “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” and Tre C discussed Lifestyle Essentials. Vincent Hall told us to “Quit Playin’.”
George Curry, Bill Fletcher, James Clingman, Frank S. Washington, Marion Wright Edelman and Gwendolyn Baines were our regular columnists tackling issues. Guest columnists for the year included the Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson and Phil Wilson.
It was a sad day on Christmas Day when James Brown died. The Godfather of Soul’s death made headlines around the world and received extensive coverage. Then former president Gerald Ford died.
And as the year came to a close, we gave you 12 gifts to consider and the Top 25 people to watch in 2007. Both lists were controversial and fun!!!
Books
Hood Rich by Crystal Perkins-Stell
Every Sistah Wants It by Victor McGlothin
Prison Affairs by Christene Howard
Blood Brothers by Steve J. King
Sadie's Row by DeCarlton Wooten
Bad Girls Finish First by Shelia Dansby Harvey
Who's the Man by Carl Weber
Black Beauty by Elaine Flowers
Proper Care and Feeding of the Soul by Deborah Lintz Hill
Come Hell or High Water by Michael Eric Dyson
Down on My Knees by Victor McGlothin
You Can Fly by Clara Griffin King
Healed Without Scars by David G. Evans with Danielle Horner
Fallen to Grace by Lewis Banks
Mama Made the Difference by T.D. Jakes
Destiny Killer by Prophetess Chiffon Foster
Nothing But the Right Thing by Stacy Hawkins Adams
Keeping Your Relationship Alive by John Graves
My Spiritual Blood Transfusion by Patricia Hughes
I'm Black and I'm Proud-wished the white girl by Lynn Markovich Bryant
Letter to a Young Brother by Hill Harper
Hungry for More by Robyn McGee
Evil Among Saints by Jade Alex
The Senator and the Socialite by Lawrence Otis Graham
The People Next Door by Betty Griffin
Who Does She Think She is by Benilde Little
What Goes Around by Parry Brown
T.O. by Terrell Owens
Satin Nights by Karen E. Quinones Miller
Nothing But Trouble by Bettye Griffin
Life is not a Fairy Tale by Fantasia
It Ain't So by Shannah Trailor
Put on Your Crown by Dr. Sheron Patterson
Beloved by Barbara Cambridge
What You Sow by Wallace Ford
The Fat Smash Diet by Dr. Ian Smith
A Legacy of African American Literature
Crunk
Bad Hair, Rainy Days and Mondays
Mandela
Lady Sings the Cruels
Turn up the Heat by G. Garvin
A Child called 'it'
Quit Playin' by Vincent Hall
Deaths
Lou Rawls
Coretta Scott King
Joseph Payne
Nettie Ruth Ivory Adams
Wilson Pickett
Wilhemina J. Rolark
Charles A. Berry
Annette McTurner Humphries
Damu Smith
Katherine Dunham
James Cameron
John Henry Lenear
Ann Richards
Ethel B. Hunter
George Albert McElroy
Ed Bradley
Gerald Boyd
Enolia McMillan
Nick Howse
Gordon Parks
Melba A. Sweets
Mary Ralston
Bebe Moore Campbell
Phyl Garland
Gerald Ford
James Brown
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