Monthly Archives: February 2008

SOC just one win away from 4th straight trip to state, Highland Park up next

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Keith Whitmire of the Dallas Morning News reports on South Oak Cliff’s 53-49 come from behind victory vs. Whitehouse. The loss was only Whitehouse’s 2nd of the season.

Whitmire reports:

After trailing by eight at halftime, South Oak Cliff outscored Whitehouse, 34-22, in the second half, holding Whitehouse to just nine points on three field goals in the fourth quarter.

J’Mison “Bobo” Morgan led South Oak Cliff (22-8) with 16 points and was a huge defensive presence in the middle with his shot-blocking ability. Brandon Jones scored 11, all but two in the second half when SOC made its push.

Read Whitmire’s entire game summary here.  SOC and Coach James Mays II will play Highland Park at 3:00 p.m on Saturday at Garland Special Events Center.

The African-American voting block is not new or limited to black candidates

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al-gore.jpgJust a brief point on the assertion that black folks are voting for Obama because he’s black. The more accurate position on the subject is that African-Americans tend to like the same candidate.

kerry.jpgWhy didn’t CNN et. al produce story after story on the fact that 90% of black candidates voted for Al Gore in the 2000 election? Why no follow up on the fact that John Kerry received 88% of the black votes in the 2004 Presidential election.

To look back farther, Bill Clinton carried 84% of the black vote in 1996 and 83% in 1992. I didn’t hear any complaining about black voters being racist back then.

The fact of the matter is that African-Americans tend to see politics in a similar manor. We are not monolithic, but the numbers don’t lie here.

The black politicians that are complaining over their constituents disdain for their support of Hillary Clinton should not be surprised. It’s their fault for not waiting to determine the will of the people before pledging their support for one candidate or the other. I mean they do still represent the people right?

Read more about the African-American voting block in presidential elections here and here.

CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON ANNOUNCES OVER $12 MILLION IN FEDERAL GRANTS FOR HIV EMERGENCY RELIEF PROJECTS FUNDS IN DALLAS COUNTY

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CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON ANNOUNCES OVER $12 MILLION IN FEDERAL GRANTS FOR HIV EMERGENCY RELIEF PROJECTS FUNDS IN DALLAS COUNTY

Washington, DC - (Friday, February 29, 2008) Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson announced that Dallas County Health and Human Services has been awarded a $12,722,134 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help assist patients with HIV/AIDS in the Dallas area. The grant will make available comprehensive programs and accessible clinical care needed by HIV/AIDS patients. The funds will also ensure resources to develop and operate effective, appropriate and cost efficient programs to provide health care and support services for individuals and families dealing with HIV disease in Dallas.

"This grant will help bring the most appropriate care to HIV and AIDS patients in our community," said Congresswoman Johnson. "I am pleased that Dallas County Health and Human Services, which has been serving the area's needy populations, was able to secure this valuable funding."

Recently, in coordination with National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Congresswoman Johnson teamed up with members of the Congressional Black Caucus to take HIV tests on Capitol Hill. Congresswoman Johnson hoped to encourage testing and to promote awareness of the free and confidential HIV testing services available in the Dallas region.

Editor of Trumpet Newsmagazine clarifies mistatements by Tim Russert regarding Min. Louis Farrakhan and Rev. Jeremiah Wright

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We all know that Tim Russert attempted to “swift boat” Senator Barack Obama (and Clinton for that matter) in last Tuesday’s debate. Russert decided to take the debate off the issues and turn it into a muckraking session.

Russert asked Obama about comments made by Minister Louis Farrakhan as well as comments about Min. Farrakhan that he attributed to Rev. Jeremiah Wright. I received an email this morning with information from the Managing Editor of Trumpet Newsmagazine. Her message clarifies the bad information that’s been out there as well as the bad information Russert gave during the debate.

 

To whom it may concern:

I write to bring some journalistic clarity to what has become a widespread inaccuracy. My name is Rhoda McKinney Jones, managing editor of the Trumpet Newsmagazine, and the author of the Minister Louis Farrakhan article in our November/December issue.

Over the last few weeks, I have watched in disbelief as seasoned journalists and not-so-well-intentioned bloggers have attributed to Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., pastor emeritus of Trinity United Church of Christ, the last three words of my first person, introductory piece on Minister Farrakhan.

Those words are now familiar to you, especially after Tuesday night’s debate and Tim Russert’s use of them—“truly epitomized greatness.” Dr. Wright, never said, wrote or uttered those words. Those words are mine and mine alone. Whether one agrees with my assessment is not the issue or the reason I was prompted to correct the record.

As a well-trained journalist, I know the most basic fact checking would have revealed the truth. Next time, when attempting to sully a presidential candidate by discrediting his church and its renowned, religious leader, let’s get the facts straight.

Rhoda McKinney Jones

 

Managing Editor

Trumpet Newsmagazine

Graduate of Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and Spelman College

 

Don’t have time today, but I will have more on this in the days to come.

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DMN article details Jack Matthews/Mattews Southwest plans for Dallas Convention Center hotel

			
						

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“We believe (the hotel) will be a huge benefit to South Dallas and will kick off a lot of development.”   Jack Matthews


I’ve gotten a number of emails over the last couple of months regarding my writings on the Dallas Convention Center Hotel.  Many of them we’re thinking I’d pulled my thoughts on the subject out of thin air.


Now there’s another voice weighing in on the subject.  Sheryl Jean of the Dallas Morning News writes an article regarding Matthew’s plans for the property on the convention center’s southern side.  Here are some highlights from the article.


    

  •  Regardless of whether the city chooses Jack Matthews and his Matthews Southwest company in Lewisville, he’ll be involved in development related to the hotel.  Mr. Matthews is assembling a block of property to develop office, residential, retail and entertainment space and a potential hotel on South Lamar Street near Eddie Deen’s Ranch – and possibly the Texas-themed banquet hall itself.
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  •  “We do believe … [a hotel] is the highest and best use for the site because of where it is in relation to the convention center and the DART line and the visibility from Interstate 30,” Mr. Matthews said.  “We believe it will be a huge benefit to South Dallas and will kick off        a lot of development.”
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  • In the selection process of a developer, they may identify a location that the City Council and city staff might find works better,” said Frank Poe, the city’s director of convention and event services.  “We’ve said the land could be used for a convention center hotel or used for expansion of the convention center,” he said.
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  •  Some city and real estate leaders have called the publicly subsidized hotel plan risky and question whether the market can support more rooms. Others think a convention center hotel is crucial.  Mr. Matthews has big plans for the South Side.  He has hired Foster & Partners, a London-based architecture and planning firm, to create a master plan for the area.
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Read Ms. Jean’s article from yesterday’s business section by clicking here.  I still support the Matthews Southwest plan.  You can read my thoughts on the subject here, here, and here.  And remember, you heard it here first.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Barack Obama addresses enthusiastic crowd at Duncanville’s Meadows Arena

			
						

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 On Thursday, Senator Barack Obama made a stop at Sandra Meadows Memorial Arena in Duncanville.  About 45 minutes before Sen. Obama was scheduled to address his supporters, the Arena had filled to capacity.  Those arriving late were sent to the football stadium where audio of his speech could be heard.


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Before the junior senator from Illinois reached the stage, a a smallish gentleman with greying hair approached the microphone.  Fifty-nine year old Richard Perkins introduced Obama.  The contractor, with his tape measure still attached to his pants pocket, told those assembled that he was voting for Obama because of the changes he could make for working families.  


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As the Senator entered the arena, chats of “OH-BAH-MAH” rang out.  “We love you,” screamed one supporter. “Si Se Puede,” shouted another.  Obama said he stopped by to see those who could not get inside the rally before making his way to the podium.  He lead off by thanking Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson for her support.  Some of the faces in the crowd included Sen. Royce West, Rep. Yvonne Davis,  State Rep. Terri Hodge, Judge Victor Lander, NAACP President Casey Thomas, Councilman Dwaine Caraway, and City Plan Commissioner Mike Davis.


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The senator stuck to the main themes of his campaign at the rally; keeping jobs in America, making college more affordable, keeping special interests at bay.  He rarely referred to his opponent, keeping the focus on his plan for America.  It was his general campaign stump speech, but his supporters loved it none the less.  Obama even took a few questions at the end of the rally.


Senator Obama will hold a “Stand for Change Rally” tonight at the Ft. Worth Convention Center.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the rally begins at 8:00 p.m.


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SOC just keeps winning, defeats Killeen 74-68

			
						

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dal_soc_boys.jpgIt’s business as usual for Coach James Mays II and the defending state champion South Oak Cliff Golden Bears.  After a disappointing start to the season, SOC finished a tough district season on top and will make a return trip to the Garland Special Events Center and play for another regional crown.  Highland Park has also advanced to the Region II semi-finals in Garland.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

				
					
	

		

						
Dallas Progress highlights Dr. Sheron Patterson’s “Breast Cancer Builds” effort

			
						

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sheronpatterson_sm.jpgMike D. at Dallas Progress updates us on the latest initiative from Dr. Sheron Patterson.  Dr. Patterson, Pastor of Highland Hills United Methodist Church and breast cancer survivor, has initiated a  community effort called “Breast Cancer Builds.”


Here’s an excerpt from Mike’s post.


cancer_builder.jpgStarting March 1st (this Saturday!) and continuing each Saturday through the end of April, Dr. Sheron will lead the charge to build a Habitat for Humanity Home in South Oak Cliff. The home will be located at Bonnie View and Loop 12, and will be a vessel to raise awareness and money to provide mammograms for low-income women in North Texas and for Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity.


Mike lets us know that Dr. Sheron needs 200 breast cancer survivors (25 per day to do one of the eight Saturdays) to complete the project.  Those who are interested may sign up by clicking here.


I pray that God will continue to bless Dr. Patterson and all of her efforts. To read Mike’s post in its entirety click here.