WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

Our SUPERB WOMAN

LaDonna Castro

LaDonna Castro began pursuing her career in journalism at Duncanville High School and as a participant in the Urban Journalism Workshop sponsored by the D/FW Association of Black Communicators (now Journalists). After graduating in 1999, she lived in France as a Rotary Exchange student. She then returned to the States and enrolled in the "Global College Program" of Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York. Fluent in five languages, she has studied in Kyoto, Japan; San Jose, Costa Rica; Bahia, Brazil; and completed her senior year in London, England. She studied in Cairo, Egypt and Dakar, Senegal where she completed her senior thesis, a video documentary, "Aswan Temples and the Nubians of Upper Egypt." A lover of the arts, she graduated with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree from Long Island University. The secretary/treasurer of DFW-ABJ, this mother of two is the creator of LaDoMedia International and she's the person you want when looking for the best video producer. She is a modern day Griot who also loves to dance.  She is the total package because she's a pro.  She's a pleasure and joy to be around!
GET YOUR VACCINE!

No appointment needed at Parkland’s Ellis Davis Field House vaccine site Specific hours designated at drive-through location DALLAS – Beginning Wednesday, April 7, individuals over the age of 16 can receive a COVID-19 vaccination without an appointment between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday – Saturday at Parkland Health & Hospital System’s drive-through location at Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 S. Polk St., Dallas, 75232. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Ellis Davis Field House is open to those with an appointment from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday – Saturday. The location is closed on Sundays. For additional information about COVID-19, please visit www.parklandhospital.com/covid
Dallas College and Texas A&M-Commerce invite Young Men to MALES Summit
DALLAS – To help men of color explore new and rewarding career paths, Dallas College and Texas A&M-Commerce will host the MALES (Mentoring, Achievement, Leadership, Empowerment and Service) Summit: Men at Work. The online event will be held Fri., April 9. 
This free, virtual summit was created to provide mentoring and support to minority males ages 14 to 24. It addresses historic cultural and opportunity challenges and emphasizes the importance of education.
Summit presentations run from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and feature a keynote presentation by BET News host and podcaster Dr. Marc Lamont Hill. Those sessions are followed by a mini career and resources fair from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., which pairs participants with both resources and employers dedicated to finding talent among diverse job seekers. Attendees may drop in and out of events as their schedules allow. To register, visit the Dallas College MALES Summit webpage.
MALES Summit: Men at Work highlights and presenters are:
  • 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.— Keynote presentation by Dr. Marc Lamont Hill
  • 10:05 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. — “Foundations of Leadership,” A.C. Cristales
  • 10:40 a.m. to 11 a.m.— “Framing Your Success,” Tim and Terrance Maiden
  • 11:05 a.m. to 11:35 a.m. — “Detours of Life,” Curtis Lee
  • 11:40 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. — “Your Image, Your Brand!” Jack Duffie
  • 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. — “Higher Education Homies,” Dr. Fred Fuentes
  • 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. — Mini Career & Resources Fair
The one-day summit is hosted by Dallas College Men of Distinction program and is jointly sponsored by Dallas College and Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Derek Chauvin Murder Trial continues!
Tune in to rolandsmartin.com or #rolandmartinunfiltered
on YouTube
Noted attorney, legislator,
U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings
transitions

1936-2021
Congressman Alcee L. Hastings, died Tuesday. He was the first African American from Florida since the post-Civil War era to be elected to the United States Congress.
As a senior leader in the Democratic Caucus, Hastings served in the 116th Congress as Vice Chairman of the powerful House Rules Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process, Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (known as the Helsinki Commission), Senior Democratic Whip, and Dean and Co-Chairman of the Florida Congressional delegation.
Throughout his lifetime, Hastings has championed the rights of minorities, women, the elderly, children, and immigrants.
Born in Altamonte Springs, Florida, he attended Florida’s public school system and graduated from Fisk University. in 1958. He then earned his law degree from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.
Known to many as “Judge,” Hastings distinguished himself as an attorney and civil rights activist. In 1979, he became the first African American Federal Judge in the State of Florida, when President Jimmy Carter appointed him to the bench. He served in that position for 10 years. In 1992, Hastings was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he established himself as an outspoken leader for making our country safer and more secure.
He has worked to protect women and vulnerable populations, fund Head Start and other education programs, and provide family and medical leave to all workers. Hastings has also worked to strengthen Social Security, protect the rights of voters, create tax incentives for small businesses, provide job training for displaced workers, ban assault weapons, and advocate for environmental protections to keep Florida safe for future generations.
Hastings has also distinguished himself on the world stage and has become one of the most respected voices in international affairs. He is known throughout the world as an expert in foreign policy.
In 2007, Hastings became the first African American to Chair the U.S. Helsinki Commission, an independent U.S. government agency created in 1976 to monitor and en- courage compliance with the landmark human rights and democracy-building treaty signed in Finland the previous year.
Again, serving as Chair, Hastings continues his work in the areas of human rights, economic development, and parliamentary diplomacy.
As Vice Chairman of the powerful House Rules Committee, Hastings is an expert in House Floor procedure and the legislative process.
Furthermore, as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process, he led Congress’oversight of matters associated with the inter-branch relations of Congress and the Executive. He is also the former Vice Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI).
Hastings is the proud recipient of numerous honors and awards bestowed on him from organizations both at home and abroad. His governing philosophy is simple: he passionately believes that progress and change can be achieved through mutual respect and understanding, and that individuals and communities can see beyond the limits of parochialism, enabling them to better appreciate each other. 
State Fair of Texas Community Connection
Congratulations, South Dallas Fair Park Transportation Initiative!
A six-month pilot demonstration of GoLink, an on-demand, personalized, curb-to-curb service, has been approved by the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board to serve areas around South Dallas and Fair Park. Working with the South Dallas/Fair Park (SDFP) Transportation Initiative group, a survey was done of 200 residents of zip codes 75210 and 75215 that identified concerns that the pilot demonstration hopes to rectify. Through the survey, the SDFP group noted that although the South Dallas-Fair Park neighborhood has extensive bus and rail service, bus travel within the neighborhood can be difficult for very short trips, particularly to recreation centers and grocery stores. The area is currently served by three DART rail stations – MLK, Jr. Station, Fair Park Station and Hatcher Station, as well as 10 bus routes. Already available in Farmers Branch, Glenn Heights, Inland Port, Kleberg and Rylie, Lake Highlands, Lakewood, North Dallas, Park Cities, Legacy West, Far North Plano, North Central Plano/Chase Oaks and Rowlett, the GoLink pilot for South Dallas and Fair Park will cost $50,000, include one dedicated accessible taxi, supplemented by Uber Pool, and cover an 8.5 square mile area. Organizations involved include ICDC, Circle of Support, TR Hoover, Dallas Innovation Alliance, St. Philip's School and Community Center, Green Careers Dallas, Dallas Leadership Foundation, and the State Fair of Texas. 

Cheryl’s World with
Cheryl Smith
Tune into Cheryl’s World with Cheryl Smith, Thursday at 10 am. Her special guest: Christie K. Moore a native Texan, Christie serves as CEO of Mansfield Funeral Home where she and her staff serve families throughout the D/FW metroplex. She seeks to continue the legacy of public service which was exemplified by her family. Christie K. Moore is a candidate for Mansfield City Council Place 5. Join in the conversation; you don’t want to miss it. Live on Facebook.com/Texas Metro News and BlogTalkRadio.com 646-200-0459.
President Biden nominates Three Black Women for Federal Court of Appeals
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Remember these names: Ketanji Brown Jackson, Tiffany Cunningham, and Candace Jackson-Akiwumi. These are President Joseph Biden’s first three nominations for the federal Court of Appeals.
NNPA Newswire Correspondent


Remember these names: Ketanji Brown Jackson, Tiffany Cunningham, and Candace Jackson-Akiwumi.  These are President Joseph Biden’s first three nominations for the federal Court of Appeals. In 2020, Biden pledged to name the first African American woman to the U.S. Supreme Court.  A number of retirements are expected from the federal judiciary now that Donald Trump is out of office. The percentage of African American judges on the federal appellate circuit is inconsistent with the makeup of the broader U.S. population overall. Former President Trump nominated no African Americans of 54 U.S. appellate nominations. President Biden has now nominated U.S. District Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit.  She would replace Merrick Garland who is now U.S. Attorney General. The position is also seen as a steppingstone to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Dallas Black Dance Theatre Encore:
Rising Excellence
You can view Rising Excellence On-Demand starting Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 7:00 CDT through Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 11:59 CDT.
Virtual Tickets $30 per household
Group Rates Available
Group Rates are perfect for organizations, class projects, and friends who want to buy tickets together to take advantage of group rates.
SPOTLIGHT

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Arlington Alumnae presents Financially Free with DST
Are you looking for a Financial Planner? Do you need tips on how to invest?
Join us on Thursday April 8 for a virtual financial workshop with resources and strategies on the topics of Financial Planning & Investing. Don't miss out!
State Senator Royce West

Senator Royce West; “I'm humbled to posthumously recognize The Honorable Curtistene S. McCowan as an Outstanding Texan awardee for Senate District 23, awarded at the Texas Legislative Caucus Biennia.”
Curtistene McCowan was an exemplary citizen and a dedicated civic leader, and her courage, fair-mindedness, and commitment to public service had a far-reaching impact on the fabric of life in DeSoto. In 1990, she became the first African American elected to public office in DeSoto when she won a seat on the DeSoto Independent School District Board of Trustees; she served for six years and was the board’s president for two years; she also served on numerous committees and panels for the Texas Association of School Boards and the Texas Education Agency. She was a founder of Concerned DeSoto Citizens, a nonprofit community service organization, and she held leadership positions in numerous organizations, including the Texas Southern University Board of Regents, the DeSoto Economic Development Corporation, the North Central Texas Council of Governments, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, the African American Education Archives and History Program, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. In 2012, she was elected to the DeSoto City Council, and she served as mayor pro tempore from 2014 until 2016, when she was elected mayor of DeSoto; in recognition of her many years of service to the community and her untiring advocacy for education, the Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School was named in her honor. She was a woman of grace, compassion, and perseverance, and she gave unselfishly to others; her wise counsel, her generous spirit, and her dedication to serving her community will not be forgotten by those who were privileged to know her and to share in her life.
North Texas Black-owned birth center provides alternative for pregnant women
Midwife Krystal Brown said ‘informed decision making’ builds trust
between care provider and patient

When Ashleah Green told her obstetrician that she wanted to have a natural birth, the doctor said, “We’ll see.” This was Green’s second pregnancy. The first ended in a cesarean section, which she wanted to avoid again if possible. Her doctor, she said, didn’t give her much information. The Frisco resident was already in her second trimester, but the lack of transparency pushed her to seek out alternative care providers. After hours of research and a phone call with her previous doctor in Denver who delivered her first baby, Green knew that a vaginal birth was completely doable. That’s when she reached out to Lovers Lane Birth Center, a midwifery practice in Richardson.“I can’t even say with the OB [that] I was 50% comfortable,” Green said.
Ashleah Green photographed with her her son, A'ri, at home on Thursday, April 1, 2021, in Frisco. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News)(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
This story, originally published in The Dallas Morning News, is reprinted as part of a collaborative partnership between The Dallas Morning News and Texas Metro News. The partnership seeks to boost coverage of Dallas’ communities of color, particularly in southern Dallas.
Happy Birthday to you! April 8
Biz Markie, Dej Loaf, Skai Jackson, Brenda Russell, Robert L. Johnson, Brandon Scoot, Black Youngsta, Shawn Fonteno, Willie Beatrice Tolliver, Lisa Lisa Parhams, Elizabeth Mis, Larry Lundy, Ralston Sterling, Durlin Matthews, James Mitchell, 
National Zoo Lovers Day 
GET YOUR VACCINE!

No appointment needed at Parkland’s Ellis Davis Field House vaccine site Specific hours designated at drive-through location DALLAS – Beginning Wednesday, April 7, individuals over the age of 16 can receive a COVID-19 vaccination without an appointment between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday – Saturday at Parkland Health & Hospital System’s drive-through location at Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 S. Polk St., Dallas, 75232. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Ellis Davis Field House is open to those with an appointment from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday – Saturday. The location is closed on Sundays. For additional information about COVID-19, please visit www.parklandhospital.com/covid
Hospital capacity in Dallas on April 5, 2021

DALLAS — Twenty-five hospitals on Sunday reported ventilator and bed capacity numbers to Mayor Eric Johnson's office.
Dallas hospitals are required to report the information pursuant to the City of Dallas emergency regulations enacted by Mayor Johnson during the local state of disaster. The reporting requirements are meant to provide data to decision-makers and information to the public regarding the medical community's capacity to handle COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
Here are the aggregate capacity totals for Sunday, as reported by the 25 hospitals:
  • Total beds: 5,981
  • Beds occupied: 4,025
  • Total ICU beds: 875
  • ICU beds occupied: 551
  • Total ventilators: 1,015
  • Ventilators in use: 302
Please note that the numbers represent a point-in-time snapshot and might fluctuate throughout the day. Hospitals also may be able to expand bed capacity if necessary.
City of Dallas COVID-19 vaccination efforts to resume
The City's COVID-19 vaccinations will resume Wednesday at The Potter's House, Mayor Eric Johnson announced Tuesday.
The City will administer 5,000 first doses and 3,000 second doses of the Moderna vaccine this week at the southern Dallas church. The City's contracted vendor, American Medical Response (AMR), operates the site.
In addition, Mayor Johnson's partnership with Uber and Project Unity will continue this week. Project Unity, in partnership with UT-Southwestern, is hosting an all-day vaccination event on Saturday at Red Bird Mall and will make promo codes for free Uber rides available to those who need them.
The City also continues to assist operations of the vaccination hub at City-owned Fair Park, which distributes Dallas County's vaccine allotment. The Fair Park hub has begun allowing people in certain age groups to receive the vaccine without appointments. Dallas County, which is the City's contracted public health authority, has been providing the information about availability on Twitter through its @DCHHS account.
The Potter's House remains open by appointment only. Only people who are registered on Dallas County’s wait list will be invited to make an appointment at The Potter’s House, and people are asked to not show up at the City’s vaccination hub unless they have a direct invitation to do so. To register for the Dallas County wait list, visit DallasCountyCovid.org or call 1–855-IMMUNE9 (855–466–8639) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., seven days a week.
Mayor Johnson is encouraging all residents to register with Dallas County and with other health providers. The State of Texas, which allocates the doses to the City, has made all residents age 16 and older eligible to receive the vaccine. The state has also launched a vaccine registration website: getthevaccine.dshs.texas.gov.
As of Tuesday morning, about 35% of Dallas County residents had received at least one dose of the vaccine. Nearly 20% of the county's residents had been fully vaccinated. More information is available on the City's COVID-19 data dashboard.
"To end this pandemic, we must continue to mask up and to vaccinate as many people as possible in every community in our city," Mayor Johnson said. "The City of Dallas is not a public health provider, but we will continue to do our part in this amazing mass vaccination effort, and we stand ready to do even more.
"I encourage our residents to get a vaccine as soon as they can. Anyone who is on the fence should know that the COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe and effective, and they will help us move forward from this awful virus that has claimed too many lives and livelihoods."
For more information on COVID-19 and the City’s response and recovery efforts, visit DallasCityHall.com/coronavirus.
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