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Santorum rallies supporters during stops in Texas

shawnpwilliams — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:47:56 +0000

By Julie Fancher

ALLEN– Hot off his improbable trifecta in primaries and caucuses in Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado on Tuesday, Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum swept through Texas on Wednesday to promote his campaign as the ultimate conservative.

“I can’t think of a better place to be to celebrate the conservative cause and the wins in three states last night,” Santorum said at a rally in Allen, “and I am anxious to get down and campaign in Texas.”

Santorum a former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, made campaign stops in Allen, McKinney and Plano, and attended a fundraising luncheon at Northwood Country Club in Dallas. His goal now is to round up support as he takes on well-financed rival Mitt Romney. Santorum was in Texas to address local pastors, Tea Party activists, and supporters.

“Rick is coming by to speak because he was in town, and we invited him to stop by and say a few words,” said Reva Nathanson, Vice President of the Republican Women of North Collin County. Her group sponsored a meet-and-greet for local officials running for office at the Courtyard Marriott in Allen. About 200 people came to see Santorum speak there. The candidate then went on to a much larger rally of supporters in Plano, which was sponsored by his campaign.

Santorum spent his time in Allen pushing his message and reminding voters of his consistent conservatism. He discussed some of his policies, specifically those of family values, bringing jobs back to small towns, and restoring the economy.

“We need a leader who understands that unless we have strong families were not going to have a strong economy,” said Santorum as the audience erupted enthusiastically into applause.

Gina Livolsi and her colleague Liz Holman were at the rally to not only support Roger Burns, who is running for Texas House District 67, but also to show their support for Santorum and his policies.

“I like his family values, getting work back here in America, tapping energy resources, challenging Obamacare, I trust him with America,” said Livolsi.

The Texas primary is scheduled for April 3, but that date is likely to be changed pending litigation regarding redistricting. Election officials have said the primary could be moved back a month or more.

As Santorum finished his speech in Allen, he reiterated the importance of his message, and how the people have the power to make a change.

“If you in Texas want to make a big statement you need to get out there and start working to get behind the conservative candidate that contrast and can defeat Barrack Obama,” said Santorum. As the audience again erupted into applause, a noticeably ebullient Santorum stopped to pose for photos and sign autographs.

Julie Fancher is a 20 year old junior studying Convergence Journalism and Political Science at SMU. You can email comments and questions at jfancher@smu.edu

Shawn Williams talks Mayor Rawlings’ Southern Dallas Plan with NBC 5

shawnpwilliams — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:31:23 +0000

Dallas South News editor interviewed by NBC 5 discussing Mayor Rawlings Southern Dallas plan to be unveiled on Monday.

View more videos at: http://nbcdfw.com.

Parkland’s Bluitt-Flowers celebrate 20 years of community care

shawnpwilliams — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:33:56 +0000

Dallas South News Wire (Parkland Health and Hospital System)

Patients and employees from Parkland’s past and present came together to celebrate Bluitt-Flowers Health Center’s 20 years of service on Jan. 26. Some of them were among the first to walk through its doors in 1991, and the community-based health center has since logged nearly 250,000 clinical visits.

The celebration included a historical reflection by Ron Anderson, MD, on two physicians in the beginning of the 20th century, R.B. Bluitt, MD, and William Knox Flowers, MD, who sought to improve the quality of health care for African Americans in Dallas. Bluitt-Flowers carries on their legacy by continuing Parkland’s long-standing tradition of providing health care for everyone in the community, regardless of ethnic background or ability to pay.

Durado Brooks, MD, the clinic’s first administrator, reflected on the beginnings of Parkland’s first community clinic while Parkland Board of Managers Chair Lauren McDonald, MD, Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price and other officials praised the clinic’s effectiveness at providing health care in a local setting.

The ceremony also recognized the current employees who have been serving for nearly the entirety of the clinic’s life.

Comerica Bank Gives Large Donation to Dallas Public Libraries

shawnpwilliams — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:33:45 +0000

By Haley Thayer

Comerica Bank unveiled an African American e-book collection on Tuesday that it has donated to the Dallas Public Library system. The bank also donated 30 new Kindle e-readers to the system, 15 to the North Oak Cliff Library branch and 15 to Polk Wisdom Library.

The donation, which was announced at a press conference at the North Oak Cliff Library, has a value of $15,000, official said.

In recognition of Black History month all the new e-books are by prominent African American writers and inspiring figures such as Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, and Serita Ann Jakes. Jakes was at the press conference, where she read an excerpt from her latest novel, “The Crossing.”

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, who made it out for the press conference, said that the African American culture is “strong and vibrant in our community, so it is something that we want to honor.”

In total there are 900 e-books in the collection. The collection includes adult literature, children’s literature, biographies, non-fiction and fiction books. All of the books will be available for download by any Dallas library patron.

Wayne Mielke, Comerica’s Vice President of Corporate Communications, said that Comerica is very proud of its partnership with the Dallas Public Library system and the nonprofit group Friends of the Dallas Public Library, which raises money for the system.

“This is a win-win for our community,” Mielke said.

Comerica made a $50,000 donation in 2010 to North Oak Cliff Library and to Polk Wisdom Library for a new financial literacy collection. Today this free program still attracts many residents and shows that the number of checked out books has risen because of it.

“We are a community-based and relationship-based bank,” said Irv Ashford, Senior Vice President of Community Development and External Affairs at Comerica Bank.

Education takes place everywhere there is something to read and learn, and the library system is exactly that, officials said. With this donation, the 28 branches in the library system will enjoy more than 7,000 new checkouts.

Comerica Bank’s Texas Market President, Pat Faubion, said his company believes that libraries are a special part of communities. Faubion said he grew up with a strong library system.

“Libraries build strong neighborhoods, strong neighborhoods build strong communities, strong communities build first class citizens.” said Faubion

Haley Thayer, 20, is a sophomore at Southern Methodist University majoring in Journalism and minoring in Art History.

Lancaster Student-Athletes Commit to Colleges/Universities on Signing Day

shawnpwilliams — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:59:16 +0000

Dallas South News Wire

Lancaster High School had National Signing Day on Wednesday, Feb. 1 in the LHS Cafeteria. The following student-athletes made the following commitments:

Taije Jordan, Girls Track: Baylor University
Jacoby Beasley, Football: Northwestern Oklahoma State
Darnell Farley, Football: Cisco College
Chris Thomas, Football: Cisco College
LaDarius Newbold, Football: Texas Tech University
Dominique Martin, Football: Tarleton State University
Jaston Jones, Football: Lon Morris College
Davon Hodge, Football: Concordia University

We expect several more to sign soon.

Photos by: Anthony Martin, LHS student photographer

Introducing A. Maceo Smith New Tech High School

shawnpwilliams — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:31:08 +0000

Story By Michael Hubbard & Photos By Grant Meeks

Academic achievement has been lacking at A. Maceo Smith High School for many years now. As a Texas Education Agency “Unacceptable” ranked school, low reading and math scores have been the norm since the school moved from the old Nolan Estes Plaza in 1989 to its current location in Oak Cliff.

Performance levels at the school became so bad that the state threatened to take it over if the Dallas Independent School District’s Board of Trustees didn’t make changes. Add a 2007 credit card scandal that resulted in the firing of the principal and you can understand why A. Maceo Smith has not been a source of pride.

DISD Joins The Network

Two years ago the DISD Board of Trustees voted to convert the school into a New Tech campus. The New Tech Network (NTN) is a non-profit organization that helps high school students gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life, college, and the careers of tomorrow.

Founded in the mid-90s in Napa, California, NTN currently supports 86 public schools in 16 states. “The idea of having a New Tech High School in Dallas ISD was proposed by me and Adam Medrano after attending a school board conference a few years ago,” said DISD Board Trustee, Dr. Lew Blackburn. The opportunity to have a school with so much technology was intriguing.”

But could A. Maceo Smith, a school that grew comfortable wearing a cloak of underachievement, be a good candidate for the New Tech model? According to Tim Presiado, Senior Director of New School Development for the New Technology Network, the answer is yes. “NTN works with many different types of communities and schools and identifies individual needs from the very beginning,” Mr. Presiado said.

“The design principles of our New Tech approach are flexible enough to succeed in a variety of settings, including stand-alone facilities, schools co-located on larger campuses, new schools, existing conversions, charter schools and schools in rural, urban and suburban areas.”

Instilling The New Tech Culture

The official re-branding of A. Maceo Smith began in December of 2011. That’s when head principal Brian Lusk, a 15-year veteran of DISD, began working with his staff and the NTN to transform the school’s culture for the inaugural ninth grade class.

According to Principal Lusk, A. Maceo Smith New Tech students are taught and evaluated on 21st century skills that equip them for success in the real world. These skills include work ethic, collaboration, content literacy, written and oral communication, critical thinking and global awareness.

Transforming the culture on each campus in the New Tech Network cannot be understated. “Each New Tech campus is created with a culture of trust, respect and responsibility. This culture is as important to a New Tech campus as project-based learning and technology in the classroom,” Mr. Presiado said.All of the students work is connected to real life situations allowing them to see the relevance of what they do.

“We now utilize project- based learning in a one-to-one technology environment. Our students do authentic work much like what you would see in a professional work situation,” Principal Lusk said.

Every school in the NTN provides each student with his or her own laptop. In addition, all classrooms are equipped with Web-enabled computers and the latest in collaborative learning technology. The goal is for every student to become a self-directed learner who doesn’t rely on teachers or textbooks for direction. An online learning management system called Echo is also used to create a network to help students, teachers, and parents to connect.

The innovative New Tech approach requires a specific type of teacher. Principal Lusk was very intentional when it came to choosing his staff. “We have veteran teachers that had to have certain skill sets coming in the door. We were very careful making sure they had technology skills and that they were strong in their content,” Principal Lusk said. “They also needed to be willing to put in extra time to make sure our students are successful.”

A. Maceo Smith faculty and staff receive ongoing training from the New Tech Network. “Intense training is provided to all teachers and leaders at a New Tech school. This training is ongoing over the four years that we engage with direct support for a school,” Mr. Presiado said.

Room To Grow

A. Maceo Smith is the only New Tech School in DISD, and will most likely retain that distinction because of the 5.6 million dollar price tag that came with renovating and furnishing the campus. First year enrollment stands at 130 ninth graders, but the plan is to incrementally increase those numbers. “The plan is to add a new ninth grade class each year until the school has all four grades, 9-12,” Principal Lusk explained. “We are growing slowly and creating a culture that is very powerful and over time we will have a four year high school.”

Conversion to the New Tech model did not exempt A. Maceo Smith from state specific achievement standards. “All curriculum development begins with achievement standards in mind. Within our projects students take exams that measure content acquisition of the standards addressed in that project,” Mr. Presiado said. “So, our school-wide approach to project- based learning enables our students to still gain valuable content knowledge and provides them with real, meaningful applications for this content.”

When Dr. Blackburn and Mr. Medrano initially proposed conversion to the New Tech Network, it was important that students in the neighborhood be given the opportunity to attend the school. A. Maceo Smith is now classified as a Technology Magnet School but there are no admission requirements and it remains a school choice campus.

“Part of the assurance I gave to the community when making the decision to convert the school was that 25 percent of its student body would come from the neighboring community,” Dr. Blackburn said. “In essence, we turn a bad situation into a good opportunity.”

Principal Lusk added, “We want to make sure that when students walk out of these doors in four years that they not only have content knowledge but that they are prepared for college, that they are ready to engage in collaboration and that they have a strong work ethic.”

A. Maceo Smith, a school previously on life support, was revived when it became a New Tech campus. Students at the school are now enthusiastic about learning and academic achievement. That description wasn’t applicable a few years ago. A. Maceo Smith is now poised to forge a new identity, one that would make its namesake proud.

“It is one of the newest shining stars in Dallas ISD,” Dr. Blackburn said.

Michael Hubbard is a freelance writer and blogger. A native of Dallas, TX, he is a proud graduate of James Madison High School. Michael brings a unique, hometown perspective to his political and social commentary. You can follow his opinions at mikeondallas.blogspot.com, and Mike can be reached at Mhubbard23@aol.com

Future North Texas Super Bowl bids should anchor in Dallas

shawnpwilliams — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:37:31 +0000

By Shawn Williams

What was thought to be North Texas’ biggest asset for Super Bowl XLV ended up being our biggest weakness. Indianapolis made a much better Super Bowl impression that we did and it had little to do with the weather.

Granted, the most memorable thing about last year’s Super Bowl (unless you bought tickets for seats that weren’t built) was the weather. Six inches of snow couldn’t have fallen at a worse time. The same can be said for the twelve inches that fell the year before during All-Star Week.

While the media gave us an F for putting sand on top of the snow instead of salt, the general consensus about Super Bowl XLV was that things were too spread out. On the contrary, Indianapolis was given high marks because many Super Bowl related events were in walking distance. Al Michaels even made that point during the broadcast.

The same thing can be achieved in a future Super Bowl in North Texas if Dallas is the focal point. For starters, put the NFL Headquarters at the Omni and NFL Experience back at the Convention Center. The Media hotel could be the Sheraton again or the Hyatt.

From there take your pick. You’ve still got the American Airlines Center for Taste of the NFL, the Fairmont, Gilley’s, House of Blues, Convention Center Arena, Fair Park and any number of venues to put forth a more compact bid. If weather were to come into play, you wouldn’t have to ask folks to hit the highway except for media day and the game itself.

Last year Ft. Worth was designated as the AFC host city and Dallas was the NFC host city. Scrap that plan completely. You want to encourage fans from each team to interact with one another. Sounded good on paper but not in reality.

I was part of the host committee and remember when the venues for Super Bowl events was announced. It was a mix between the Grammy Awards and Romper Room.

As the names were read, every city, every municipality, every part of the region had to get something out of the deal. The mayors all seemed ready to cry foul if one city seemed to get too many events.

Ft. Worth got the Taste of the NFL and the AFC hotel and party (and eventually snatched the ESPN home base). Irving snagged the NFC Hotel. Dallas had the NFL Experience and Media Hotel. Arlington of course had the game and credentials center. I-30 was designated as Super Bowl Highway, connected Dallas, Arlington and Ft. Worth. It looked good on paper

The problem is when people are spread throughout the region, no one place feels like it’s the place to be. Density is the key. Traffic jams and gridlock are much better than sparcity and scarcity. The regional approach will never get a good review from the media, who are really the barometer as they travel from Super Bowl city to Super Bowl city.

I was in Houston in 2004 when the big game was held there. Realize Reliant Stadium is not downtown. It’s a pretty good hike actually. Houston, in all of its expanse, kept the majority of their activities within the downtown area. Houston received high marks and is still considered a candidate for a repeat once all the new stadiums have had their turn.

Dallas’ downtown, while on the uptick, is not generally a selling point. While we may not be Ft. Worth, I have to believe Downtown Dallas could compete to some degree with Indianapolis.

I understand that Arlington and Tarrant County want their shine and would loathe the thought of a Dallas Super Bowl L, LI, LII, LIII or whatever it might be. Anytime an announcer dare say Cowboys Stadium is in Dallas they’re sure to get a quick correction from our neighbors to the west. Our region mates feel they spent the money and should therefore have the spoils.

That argument only goes so far. If it was that big of a deal then they’d push for the Dallas Cowboys to become the North Texas Cowboys or the Arlington Cowboys or the Tarrant Cowboys. That ain’t gonna happen. For the same reason the Arlington Cowboys retain the Dallas name, the North Texas Super Bowl should relent to Big D.

Looking back I think we can all agree that the North Texas regional approach was ambitious, but not in line with what Super Bowls should be about. Cowboys Stadium will always be a player in Super Bowl discussions. But as we learned a great stadium alone does not a great Super Bowl experience make.

Photos by Grant Meeks and Byron Waters

Journey of a Young Lady Inc. Participates in Planting Ceremony

shawnpwilliams — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:30:07 +0000

Dallas South News Wire (Journey of a Young Lady)

This past Saturday Journey of a Young Lady teen ladies took part in the fight against hunger led by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. Journey teen Jasmine Nalls worked as Youth Leader for Congresswoman Johnson’s office on the event.

Trees where donated by TXU Energy, and the planting was over seen by the Texas Trees Foundation who instructed volunteers on the proper way to plant each fruit tree. The trees consisted of apple, peach, pear, and fig. The goal of the initiative is address the hunger issues here in Dallas by planting fruit trees in neighborhoods so they have free access to fresh fruit.

The Planting Ceremony took place at Promise of Peace Gardens on E. Grand Avenue where Congresswoman Johnson spoke to the community on the importance of this project while recognizing key partners instrumental in making this effort possible.

Journey Teen volunteers included: Morgan Wright, Mikala Wright, Libby Wright, Chief Administrator, Ayalah Raphiel, Jasmine Nalls, and Tamera Nalls, CEO.

Journey Teens also represented for the DeSoto Library Teen Board Council under the direction of Mark Rennels, Teen Volunteer Coordinator where Jasmine Nalls is President, Mikala Wright is Vice-President, and Ayalah Raphiel, is Treasurer.

Fitness Girls’ guide to Valentine’s Day

shawnpwilliams — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:10:13 +0000

By SportyAfros.com Co-Founders Whitney Patterson and Alexandria Williams

With the month of February comes a variety of big celebrations such as the Super Bowl, Black History month and, of course, Valentine’s Day. Even if you have a valentine you can still show yourself some love too, right? Here are a few things the fitness chick can do to show herself love for Valentine’s Day:

Inspire Yourself- If you are feeling down and need some inspiration, purchase a new book. There are hundreds of books that will inspire you about whatever journey you are on. A great, quick read is Runner’s Revelations: How Running Changed My Walk by Monisha Randolph. You will surely be inspired as Ms. Randolph takes you on her funny, moving and triumphant journey through training for her first marathon.

Celebrate Uniquely- Instead of the normal girl’s night out, try something fun that will expand your knowledge at the same time such as a cooking lesson, a dance class, painting, etc. This month, Sporty Afros is hosting February Fabulousness, where we will have a discussion about fitness, style, nutrition, hair care over cocktails. It will be fun and informative. Check out SportyAfros.com for more details.

Spruce Up Your Hair- A new doo always makes a girl feel better! Do you normally wear your hair straight? Try experimenting with curly half wigs or a roller set for new look you are sure to love. If you normally wear your hair curly, try straightening it out or try a straight wig for a sleek new look.

Splurge on Gear- For you all who are still keeping your fitness new years’ resolutions, what better way to spoil yourself than with new workout gear and gym bag essentials?! Here are few of our favorite finds that we love: Under Armor sports bras, any Nike leggings and/or workout pants, Brook’s performance shirts, Burt’s Bees moisturizing lip balm, iPod and Adidas duffel bags. With these items, you will be able to step up your workout routine. Your entire body will thank you too.

New Workout Class – Bored with your usual workout routine already? Try a new workout class/routine to switch it up. Some of our favorites are hot yoga, zumba, belly dancing, rock climbing, hip hop dance; the list goes on and on. Check your local area to see what fun classes are happening.

Remember, Valentine’s Day is not only for giving and receiving gifts but showing yourself some love too!

Whitney Patterson and Alexandria Williams are two triathletes who startedSportyAfros.com after constantly being asked how they maintained their curly/coily hair while sticking to a consistent workout routine. Sporty Afros is the first site to connect the dots between hair care, exercise and nutrition.

Statement from Susan G. Komen Board of Directors and Founder and CEO Nancy G. Brinker

shawnpwilliams — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:42:04 +0000

Dallas South News Wire (Susan G. Komen For The Cure)

We want to apologize to the American public for recent decisions that cast doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving women’s lives. The events of this week have been deeply unsettling for our supporters, partners and friends and all of us at Susan G. Komen. We have been distressed at the presumption that the changes made to our funding criteria were done for political reasons or to specifically penalize Planned Parenthood. They were not.

Our original desire was to fulfill our fiduciary duty to our donors by not funding grant applications made by organizations under investigation. We will amend the criteria to make clear that disqualifying investigations must be criminal and conclusive in nature and not political. That is what is right and fair.

Our only goal for our granting process is to support women and families in the fight against breast cancer. Amending our criteria will ensure that politics has no place in our grant process. We will continue to fund existing grants, including those of Planned Parenthood, and preserve their eligibility to apply for future grants, while maintaining the ability of our affiliates to make funding decisions that meet the needs of their communities.

It is our hope and we believe it is time for everyone involved to pause, slow down and reflect on how grants can most effectively and directly be administered without controversies that hurt the cause of women. We urge everyone who has participated in this conversation across the country over the last few days to help us move past this issue. We do not want our mission marred or affected by politics – anyone’s politics.

Starting this afternoon, we will have calls with our network and key supporters to refocus our attention on our mission and get back to doing our work. We ask for the public’s understanding and patience as we gather our Komen affiliates from around the country to determine how to move forward in the best interests of the women and people we serve.

We extend our deepest thanks for the outpouring of support we have received from so many in the past few days and we sincerely hope that these changes will be welcomed by those who have expressed their concern.