By Lorrie Irby Jackson - Dallas South News Contributor With our nation’s first African-American president now in the White House, as well as the never-ending drama of black and white issues in popular culture, I figured it was a good time to revisit one of the most honest and insightful books on race relations that I’ve ever read, Rajen Persaud’s Why Black Men Love White Women. Don’t let the incendiary title fool you: instead of it being an instruction manual on how to diss the sisters or giving credence to often-circulated and tired stereotypes, 2007’s Why…. intertwines the author’s own personal observations and experience with facts, percentages and thoroughly researched explanations behind the mindset and motivations of brothers who seem to trip over the sisters in the pursuit of non-blacks for love and companionship. From his home in New York City, the day trader, filmmaker and lecturer peppered our chat with his explosive views on the recent Essence and Vanity Fair magazine cover controversies, his take on the Tiger Woods debacle and our duties to the young people in our lives to keep them from making some of the same racially-centered errors in life. Lorrie Irby Jackson: A lot of subscribers were upset by ...

From the Dallas South News Wire (Office of the Press Secretary) WASHINGTON, DC – Tomorrow in Baltimore, Maryland, President Obama will announce details of the Small Business Jobs and Wages Tax Cut, one of his new proposals to create good jobs in America.  In last night’s State of the Union Address, President Obama outlined a series of ways he will fight to create good paying jobs and continue our economic recovery. One of these proposals, the Small Business Jobs and Wages Tax Cut, will put more Americans back to work by giving businesses – particularly small business – a tax cut for new hiring.  The new proposal will also provide tax incentives for businesses to expand wages for their employees. Through the Small Business Jobs and Wages Tax Cut: ·         Businesses will receive a $5,000 tax credit for every net new employee that they employ in 2010.  The total amount of the credit for any one firm will be capped at $500,000, to ensure that the majority of the benefit is targeted at small businesses.  Start –ups will be eligible for half of the tax credit. ·         Small businesses that increase wages or hours for their existing employees will be reimbursed for the Social Security ...

(Office of the Press Secretary) Washington, DC – Today, President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will hold a meeting of the Middle Class Task Force, where they will lay out key investments for middle class families.  Today’s discussion will preview one of the key themes of the President’s State of the Union address, which include creating good jobs, addressing the deficit, changing Washington, and fighting for middle class families. President Obama said, “We are fighting every single day to put Americans back to work, create good jobs, and strengthen our economy for the long-term. The additional steps laid out today focus on easing the burdens on middle class families who are struggling in this economy, and providing the help they need to get ahead.” “Every day, middle class families go to work and help make this country great.  For a year, our Task Force has been hearing that they are struggling with soaring costs and squeezed family budgets.  These common sense initiatives will help these families cope with these challenges,” said Vice President Biden. After traveling across the country the past year talking with families, ...

From Dallas Hyperlocal News Site DallasSouthNews.org By Me A talented cast brings Alice Walker's classic The Color Purple to life on the stage of The Music Hall at Fair Park. Many felt that Steven Spielberg's adaptation for the screen was as good as it gets, but since opening on Broadway in December of 2005, the play has proved otherwise. The Color Purple is billed as "The Musical about Love" but I think it's more of "A Musical about Survival." From the moment I saw Celie and Nettie appear at stage right clapping hands, I leaned over to my wife and said "I'm already sad." But there wasn't enough time for me to dwell on the Hell that Celie was about to endure, because immediately my spirit was lifted by the company performance of "Mysterious Ways." For a moment I thought I was in church and it took everything in me not to stand up and start clapping my hands. The play stands on its own, and I rarely found myself comparing it to the movie. But it was comforting to hear many of the famous lines that have been repeated over and over through the years: You told Harpo to beat ...

So far there have been no reports of damage related to this morning's 6.1 magnitude earthquake in Haiti. This underscores why most Haitians are sleeping outside rather than take the chance of being caught in buildings that may be affected by aftershocks.

From the Dallas South News Wire (State Department) WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the earthquake in Haiti, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is dispatching a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and has activated its partners, the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team and the Los Angeles County Search and Rescue Team.  The USAR teams will be composed of up to 72 personnel, 6 search and rescue canines and up to 48 tons of rescue equipment. The USAR team will be accompanied by USAID disaster experts who will assist with assessments of the situation. “This is a tragic situation and we will work alongside the Haitian government to provide immediate assistance in the rescue effort,” said USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah. “On behalf of the American people, I wish to convey our sympathy, thoughts and prayers to the people of Haiti who have been affected by this devastating earthquake.” USAID will continue to provide additional support as needed. For more information about USAID's emergency humanitarian assistance programs, please visit: www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/. The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.

By Keshia Dawn - Dallas South News Intern The admission is free. There are no bouncers at the door and there's plenty of room for those who want in. Hats are welcome (especially crowns sitting atop saintly heads) and three piece suits often lead the entrance through double doors. But what about those wearing sneakers? How about jeans? Dress codes are "strictly enforced" on the club scente, but what about at church? The old mantra, ‘come as you are’ is music to the ears of those who seek a change. So they go to the Lord's house: some in jeans, some in sundresses, and maybe even in shorts. For those lost and trying to find their way in life, an inviting and safe place to worship can bring ease in the midst of transition. Being accepted by a welcoming church family can make the new lifestyle easier for the weary and confused. But as the newcomer settles into membership, the same clothing worn before their change often become a source of ridicule that ostracizes them. Head shaking, stares, and whispers let the offending party know that something is amiss. Who is to say exactly what should be worn behind chapel doors? ...

By Shawn Williams - Dallas South News Editor What Do You Want To Do Before you Die? That's the premise of a new MTV Reality Show that will feature a local artist in their 2nd episode that is set to air later this month. On Monday January 25th, MTV's "The Buried Life" will focus on the story of Sam Fuller and his quest to reunite with a son he had not seen in 17 years. Dallas South News is teaming up with The Wolf Group to host a Buried Life Watch Party at 3900 Willow Street near Deep Ellum starting at 7:30 P.M (show starts at 9 o'clock). Sam Fuller will be the featured guest with a special appearance from another star of the episode. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Sam Fuller (L)"][/caption] MTV's "The Buried Life" centers around four young Canadians traveling across the world looking to mark items off of their "Bucket List." While knocking out things they've always wanted to do, the guys also help others achieve some of their life dreams. Trailer - MTV's "The Buried Life" The Buried Life - MTV Shows On a trip through North Texas, the crew came across a gentleman selling his art near downtown ...

By Shawn Williams – DSN Editor Here are some of the happenings about town that we’ll be watching in 2010. Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge Driving west on Woodall Rodgers you can see the future Trinity River crossing taking shape.  By this time next year we should start to have an idea of just how the first “signature bridge” will alter the Dallas skyline.  The bridge to West Dallas is starting to come into focus. Dallas Black Dance Theater at Wyly Theater The Dallas Black Dance Theater has already broken in their new home with their Winter Series and looking forward to “Boundless”.  The intimate configuration of Wyly Theater suited the DBDT troupe just fine in their inaugural performance last month.  Dallas’ oldest continuously running dance ensemble has waited a long time, but their change has come. Texas House 100 Race Terri Hodge Political newcomer Eric Johnson has gotten off to a strong start in his bid to represent Texas House District 100.  He has raised lots of money and garnered favorable press.  But his opponent, incumbent State Representative Terri Hodge, looks to shake off legal troubles that have dogged her for months.  She’s launched a campaign website and the Democratic and Black political establishments are starting to line ...