6/30/2006 11:02:00 AM|W|P|Wax Poetic|W|P|The doors of a once proud school district have been closed forever, as Wilmer-Hutchins Independent School District is no more. There is no need to go into the scandals, mismanagement, and poor record of education the district leaves as its final legacy. The predominantly black district, made up of predominantly black students and teachers, run by predominantly black administrators embarks upon a new phase. And when Wilmer-Hutchins was unable to open for the 2005-2006 school year, Dallas ISD was the only school district to step up and educate the children of Wilmer-Hutchins. It was more than Dallas being able, but they were willing to take the kids for at least one year. Just as in the days following Katrina, Dallas took on the challenges had by others, while trying to deal with issues of its own. Again, allowing the surrounding cities to look the other way in a time of need. I have a cousin who was bused from Wilmer-Hutchins to a DISD high school last year, and for her it has worked out relatively well. Some W-H parents are not happy with DISD, but I'd argue that it beats the alternative. The next school bond issue scheduled to be voted upon late next year will be crucial in crafting a more permanent solution for those who matter most: the students.|W|P|115168424187993591|W|P|Wilmer-Hutchins Shuts Down|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com6/29/2006 07:35:00 AM|W|P|Wax Poetic|W|P|

I was listening to the Willis Johnson Show on KKDA Soul 73 last week and he posed an interesting question: Why didn't the Essence Festival choose Dallas instead of Houston. I suppose this is a fair question. So I then asked myself; Could Dallas successfully host the Essence Festival? It took me two seconds to answer, of course not. Look, to say I don't care for Houston is putting it mildly. I've gone through varying degrees of a Hate/Hate relationship with H-Town, and my boys and I constantly debate the viability of each city. Nevertheless, I must give credit to Houston for making a mild rebound from stinky city by the Gulf, to being rated the #1 city in the U.S. for African-Americans by Black Enterprise Magazine. Back to the question at hand, why would Essence choose Houston over Dallas? The overwhelming reason is Reliant Park/Reliant Stadium. Reliant Stadium is the only facility this side of the Georgia Dome in Atlanta that could serve as a concert venue with the same atmosphere as the New Orleans Superdome. So when Dallas let Jerry Jones pack up his ball and take his new football stadium to Arlington, it will cost the City of Dallas the chance at hosting major events like the essence. Most of the city's residents blame Mayor Laura Miller or the County Commissioners for poorly planned and executed negotiations with Mr. Jones. And while the negotiations may have been poorly planned and executed, that is not the reason why they failed. Senator Royce West and Commissioner John Wiley Price pitched serious bids at the Cowboys on behalf of Fair Park. I can't say that the Cowboys entered the talks with any true intentions of moving to Fair Park, giving more details about the architecture of building than its financing. The true reason the Cowboys chose Arlington over Fair Park: PUBLIC TRANSIT. Yes I know that sounds odd, but it's true. The reason Dallas, and the rest of the area's munici|W|P|115158533455970320|W|P|Essence Festival in Dallas?|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com6/29/2006 11:06:00 AM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|Houston RULES!!! Houston's diverse community has an attitude of "we can get it done". They're not bogged down with issues such as North V. South.

They are fortunate to not be surrounded by other cities such as Richardson, Irving, Plano, Duncanville and etc.

If Dallas is serious about being viewed as a "major player", then the citizentry will do away with the council/manager form of government in favor of a council/mayor government once Laura Miller is gone.7/03/2006 11:36:00 PM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|Well,
As being a person that has moved from Houston to Dallas, I must agree with Mr. Williams. Although Dallas is a nice city and has many sites with diverse surroundings. Houston has a more accessible venue for such events. Som what of a one stop shop. The Reliant Complex( Astrodome, Reliant Stadium, Reliant Convention Center) all in one large parking lot. Then 10 minutes away the Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park walking distance from each other conveience is the key.

Dallas is a city growing but with so much cultural divide especially between Anglos and Africian Americans, Houston is far more acceptable. Let's face it, we all have our own beliefs and quarrels but the "Powers that Be" here in Dallas are so far removed from what is really going on and what is needed. What will it take to get everyone a little closer.6/28/2006 05:58:00 AM|W|P|Wax Poetic|W|P|There is no way around the fact that there were heavy hitters from the black community here in Dallas (Oak Cliff as the paper kept referencing this morning) yesterday. Though some may disagree with the politics of Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson, no one can deny the fact that these men have worked tirelessly in the struggle for justice and equality. The National Conference and Revival for Social Justice made me reflect on that struggle and look forward towards the challenges that are before us. I saw before me what promises to be a changing of the guard on yesterday. Rev. Sharpton and Rev. Jackson have been on the front line for years, and when looking into the eyes of either man, one can see the toll it has taken on each. It was not lost on me, the fact that the older Sharpton, Jackson, or even Charles Steele of the SCLS, were hosted by a younger pastor of similar ilk: Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III. Dr. Haynes is taking the substance of their approach and infusing it with fresh perspectives and unique ideas. Martin Luther King was referenced throughout the day, as he should be, for the fact that we all stand on the backs of his courage and his sacrifice. However, most forget the youthfulness of Dr. King (and Malcolm X for that matter) during the Civil Rights Movement. This youth was one of King's greatest assets. Dr. King was but 26 years old when he was elected president of the Montgomery Improvement Association, and only 39 at the time of his death. Will Black Generation X have any leaders who make a King/X contribution, as they find themselves living out their 30's? How about a Jackson/Sharpton contribution? I'm sure Rev. Sharpton, Rev. Jackson, as well as the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan will fight the good fight until the very end, but new leadership, new tactics, new blood, new energy, new money, new resources must be forthcoming. This is not about a singular figure but about a singular purpose. QUOTE OF THE DAY FROM THE CONFERENCE Would you rather have a Mega Church in Egypt, or a storefront church in Canaan? Rev. Jesse Jackson TONIGHT Rev. Al Sharpton will close out the revival tonight as he is the preacher of the evening. The service will begin at Friendship-West, Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m.|W|P|115149473386379627|W|P|Dallas Conference and Leadership Icons|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com7/03/2006 10:59:00 AM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|Hey Brothers,
If you are having a good God blessed day and you don’t won’t to spoil it, don’t read Star Parker’s article in the DMN 7/3/06 Viewpoints page “Democrats Call This Progress?” It never ceases to amaze me that for money someone is perfectly willing to disparage people who look like them. In this article Ms Parker is again displaying how shallow she is concerning people who look like her. She writes about the many negative things concerning our people that the Religious Right likes to read. If she were another nationality her columns would be labeled racist. When these type articles are written by someone who looks like us it takes on a deceptive legitimacy. I wonder if she writes on another subject would the DMN continue to publish her. I think not.7/03/2006 11:02:00 AM|W|P|

The National Action Network will host a National Conference and Revival for Social Justice in the Black Church. According their website (http://www.nationalactionnetwork.net) "National Action Network (NAN) is a political, social, and activist-oriented organization that was conceived with a focus on action." The Conference will be held at Friendship-West Baptist Church and Conference Center; 2020 Wheatland Road, Dallas Texas, 75232. Speakers for the two-day event include: Rev. Al Sharpton Dr. Cornell West Rev. Jesse Jackson Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson Marc Morial Rev. Dr. Boise Kimber Rev. Marvin Mercer Dr. Joseph Lowrey Dr. Calvin McKinney Workshops open to the public will be held during the day, and a revival each night beginning at 7 pm. The goal of this event is to reawaken the African-American Church, and take the church back to it's roots of fighting for justice and addressing the social ills of our community.|W|P|115141017568127437|W|P|National Action Network Comes to Dallas|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com6/25/2006 10:23:00 PM|W|P|Wax Poetic|W|P|If Dallas South Blog were a store, this would be the Grand Opening. If Dallas South Blog were a ship, this would be the Maiden Voyage. If Dallas South Blog were a movie, this would be the Initial Screening. Welcome to the Official Launch of Dallas South Blog! As I began to share with my friends and my family that I was starting a blog, surprisingly enough, the most frequently asked question was, "What is a blog?" The name Mark Cuban usually followed soon thereafter. So for those who made it here but are still wondering, blog is short for "web log" and is an online journal created for the consumption of the general internet public. Blogs are places where a blogger (that's me) can communicate with an audience (that's you) on varying topics. It's sort of a modern day water cooler. This particular blog was created to discuss issues unique to Southern Dallas and Dallas County, specifically focusing on its African-American citizenry. There will also be comments on Black Issues in the national news as well. Please read the welcome post for a more detailed description. The first necessity of a successful blog is TRAFFIC. That's where you come in. Log on to Dallas South Blog to check for new posts, updated links, and the latest information. Your comments would be much appreciated, and shoot me an e-mail if there are topics that you think would make for interesting discussion. If you like what you see (and I'm sure you will), pass the website to like-minded individuals. Actually non like-minded individuals would be good to, send the website to any and everyone. Another important factor for a successful web log is LINKS. Feel free to create a link on your site to Dallas South Blog, and if you would like for me to include a link to your site let me know. Keep the comments clean, and the conversation flowing. God Bless, Shawn|W|P|115129469361524203|W|P|The Launch of Dallas South Blog|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com6/26/2006 11:12:00 PM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|Welcome to the bloggin world. I have been blogging since last year. Great idea for the site. I will visit often.6/26/2006 11:17:00 PM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|After a month I moved away from blogger. Unfortunately you may find that it is down way too often and your readers won't be able to leave comments. I would suggest adding the option for a reader to leave their email address so you can email them back. That can be very helpful. If someone doesn't have a site of their own, there is no way for you to respond to their comments other than them coming back to your site, but by that time they may forget what they wrote.6/22/2006 10:03:00 PM|W|P|Wax Poetic|W|P|For centuries we as African-Americans have divided ourselves, on many levels. As a matter of fact, those who brought us here in shackles and chains have taken every available opportunity to promote separation within our race, be it physical, mental, or spiritual. You need look no further than The Willie Lynch Letter to see that there was a deliberate and systematic plan to divide those who were enslaved, and ensure that it be a permanent condition. The document does not try to hide the intention of these slave holders, as it suggests how differences should be used to instill distrust and envy amongst it's property: On the top of my list is "AGE" but it is there only because it starts with an "A"; the second is "COLOR" or SHADE, there is INTELLIGENCE, SIZE, SIZE PLANTATIONS, STATUS ON PLANTATION, ATTITUDE OF OWNERS, WHETHER THE SLAVES LIVE IN THE VALLEY, ON THE HILL, EAST, WEST, NORTH, SOUTH, HAVE FINE HAIR, COURSE HAIR, OR IS TALL OR SHORT....DISTRUST is stronger than TRUST, and ENVY is stronger than ADULATION, RESPECT, or ADMIRATION. The Willie Lynch Letter In 2006, we are still divided along many of these same lines, but for the sake of today's blog, I want to focus on differences that Black Dallasites make according to which part of town we call home. More specifically these debates and discussions generally divide along northern and southern boundaries. I'm just as guilty as any brother or sister who uses place of residence as a divider, but I can say that I do it knowingly. For the past 6 years my family and I have lived south of downtown, having lived in Grand Prairie and now Southern Dallas. I often joked with close friends that I became nauseous as soon as I drove north of 635, and blacked out once I made it to the George Bush Turnpike. Personally, I won't begrudge a man for where he (or she for that matter) chooses to root his family. There are any number of factors that go into where one chooses to set up shop. But I don't hesitate to challenge a black man or black woman to examine their motives, and be honest about whether or not they are participating in their own form of "white flight". Dr. Claud Anderson suggests that as soon as a predominantly white neighborhood becomes 10% black (or "minority"), FOR SALE signs immediately begin to pop up. In this town our white brethren flown darn near to the Oklahoma border. But they better know we won't let them leave us too far behind. So Little Elm, Prosper, Fairview, Anna, you better get ready, cause we're coming for you too. We must all realize that this is a bigger issue than where I can afford to live, and getting the most house for your money. Economic factors are at the top of the list when deciding to buy a house, but life has got to be about more than black folks coming home to a fat crib in Sache closing the door, never to be seen or heard from again. Every other race of people realizes that the sum of the whole is greater than its parts. There are Little Mexicos, Little Saigons, and Little Indias in every reach of the city. While our immigrant brothers and sisters are moving together and raising communities, black folks are trying to get as far away from one another as possible. Our political and economic power is strongest when we are together. This is a majority rule country, who gives the minority little more than lip service. They have given this to us as a label should tell us know what they think about us, and where they intend for us to stay: MINORITY. Whether it's Frisco or Southlake, Highland Village or Highland Park (check that, they won't let us into HP) we are diluting the power of our voices, our vote, and our dollar as we move on up and move on out. There are more black people in Southern Dallas than the entire city of Atlanta. We can go to church in the hood, but we can't live in the hood. The kids in our "urban" neighborhoods could be blessed just by seeing successful black families milling about the grocery store. But too often they are tied up waiting in line at the Cheesecake Factory or checking out the North Park Mall expansion. We MUST rebuild our communities, and a good start would be bringing our "Talented Tenth" back home.|W|P|115103208884152150|W|P|North Dallas/South Dallas: Somewhere Willie is Smiling|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com6/27/2006 10:24:00 PM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|Being a native of Southern Dallas, I'm bias of living in the area. I have lived north in Allen before I moved back to the south. I found that the only thing I enjoyed about living "way up there" was I was 10 minutes from my job...until I got laid off. Once that convenience left me I found myself traveling south to go to church, go to my parents house, go to different events. So from my standpoint, they can keep that area of the city for themselves.

One thing that I dislike about living in South Oak Cliff is that as soon as a suburb, rather north or further south, becomes a hot spot businesses move out. I live in the area of Red Bird Mall (Southwest Center for you new cats) and I can remember when the mall was as popular as The Parks is now, when 3 movie theaters were in the same vicinity and all were packed, when we could enjoy eating out and having more choices than chicken and chinese food buffet. I live for the day for us to move back to this area and fill some of these vacant buildings with our own businesses and recycling the millions we end up spending else where in the city. I'm new to this blogging stuff so forgive me if I'm rambling.7/17/2006 09:31:00 PM|W|P|

Wax Poetic|W|P|Two 18, I couldn't have said it better myself. We as African-Americans are the only group of people in the world who don't understand that there is strengh in numbers. Nowhere is this more evident than in the area of the Black Dollar. It's not (just)about living with white folks, although that it's a psychological issues in and of itself. It is about what we can achieve as a group, like everyone else does. Our best and our brightest are so spread out, that it is hard to have their support except on Sunday's. This is something that black folks must solve before we can be uplifted on a collective scale. No one has presented an arguement as to how we as a people are better served by moving "way out." But I would argue that too few are concerned about the collective.6/21/2006 01:06:00 PM|W|P|Wax Poetic|W|P|When I started this site, my intention was to update it every 2 or 3 days with information pertinent to Southern Dallas, and the Dallas area as a whole. And there have been so many things happening over the last few weeks that could provide great discussion amongst readers. However, the launch of this site coincided with something that has captured the imagination of the entire city: The Playoff Run of the Dallas Mavericks. It seemed like every evening I had something good to blog about, the Mavs had a game, and once I sat down, it was at least 3 hours before I was anywhere near useful. The entire city has been caught up in MAVS EUPHORIA, and that includes fans that inhabit every portion of North Texas. In the supermarket, at the work place, on the radio, even in the House of the Lord, Mavericks Basketball was top of mind for any and everyone. Not since the Cowboys of the 90's had a Dallas sports franchise captured the national spotlight to this extent, and given the locals such a rallying point Last night, that run came to an end, as Dwyane Wade single handedly ended what was still the greatest season in the history of Dallas' basketball franchise. Tuesday, ironically, was scheduled for a Mavericks parade through downtown Dallas, had they swept the Heat. Instead of an 11 a.m. celebration, shortly after 11 p.m. we all watched as Jason Terry clanked another brick off the front of the rim giving Miami the title. There is plenty of blame to go around, and you can point a finger every player, and every coach. But in the end, one thing is true......WE LOST. It didn't take long for the haters from Houston and San Antonio to start ringing my phone. The same cats that were sending me congratulatory messages with 6 minutes left in Game 3, could not wait to rub it in my face last night. The outcome validated their claim that "you can't win an NBA title if your best player is a white boy." I didn't have much to come at them with, Dirk was MIA for the entire series. He obviously didn't play in the 4th quarter, if so I missed him, but I do know he was credited with two points. With everything that is going on in our city, and all the things we should focus our attention on, Mavericks fans across the city are having a hard time coping with the outcome of the NBA Finals. I've spoken to friends this morning who expressed their feelings as "I'm so sick I'm about to throw up ," or "get me down off the ledge". On the radio, callers described themselves has having "rope burns around their necks," or "slit wrists." I began to wonder how is it that sports can capture our imagination to the point that we compare losing to wanting to commit suicide? However, this is not unique to Dallas or basketball fans. Millions in the worldwide soccer community are experiencing similar feelings during the World Cup taking place in Germany as I blog here today. Since the days of the gladiator, spectators have tied their fortunes and identities to those for whom they cheer. I'm sure that someone has already done a study on this phenomenon, and it's probably very interesting, but today, the Mavericks faithful can only reflect on what could have been for the home team. And as the trials and rigors of life continue, as the problems of this city and this nation mount, Dallas fans should know that it's OK to mad, upset, disappointed, even sad. But as was the case today, tomorrow the sun will rise in the East, and life will go on. As Chicago Cubs fans know all too well.........There's Always Next Year!|W|P|115091546241506064|W|P|Confessions of a Dallas Mavs Fan|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com6/23/2006 07:43:00 PM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|Very interesting analogy. There are some winners and some losers. It takes a real man to accept your defeat and learn from it and not always pointing fingers, etc. There will always be a next time. Play harder and figure out what it takes to be a winner.6/29/2006 03:43:00 PM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|I am a serious Mavs fan and while I was disappointed by the results of the finals, the real fans and the team will Stand Up and go on. The way you view The Finals depends on ones perspective, at the beginning of the season and even at the beginning of the playoffs who would have predicted the Mavericks would compete in the NBA Finals.

I could blog for hours about the bad calls in the finals, the suspension, and the excessive
fines. I strongly believe the NBA officials favored the Heat for whatever reason. Even if Mark
Cuban is a thorn in the side of NBA executives, it is not fair to punish the team. I am a fan of
DWade when he is not playing against the Mavs, but I feel that the idol worship has started early.

I am a glass half full kind of brotha so I say the Mavs will have their day!

Ben7/05/2006 09:26:00 PM|W|P|

Wax Poetic|W|P|I see K.P. you wouldn't pick Dallas for anything important....except for raising your family.6/12/2006 12:20:00 AM|W|P|Wax Poetic|W|P|

What is the difference between Dallas and other big cities in the United States? A better question would be; what does Dallas lack, that all other municipalities it's size can already boast of having? That question probably has lots of answers; including the lack of a vibrant nightlife, the lack of a viable downtown, and lacking a park system of which its residents can be proud. But think about this statement: Dallas is the largest city in America that does not have a public institution of higher learning. Think about that. Now many of you probably thought immediately of SMU, but Southern Methodist is a private university. No Money, No SMU. L.A. has UCLA and USC. New York has NYU. In Texas, Houston is home to both the University of Houston and Texas Southern (TSU). Even San Antonio has UTSA. And I'd be remiss if I didn't at least acknowleged the school housed in the state capital (that's the best an A&M grad can do). While each of these cities realized sooner (NYU founded in 1831), or later (UTSA established in 1969) that it was important to provide college level education to its masses, Dallasites have sent their students to Arlington, Denton, or Commerce - yes Commerce, Texas - for a pseudo local education. Is this a big deal? Apparently Dallas finally believes that it is. Construction is currently underway on the University of North Texas at Dallas campus (http://www.unt.edu/unt-dallas) And why is that important to this blog? Because that construction is taking place in the southern portion of the city of Dallas. If you travel on Interstate 20 between I-35 and I-45, or better yet take a trip to the corner of Houston School Road and Camp Wisdom, you will see a new building taking shape in one of the most scenic portions of North Texas. Education is literally rising up from the ground, as the university is being built in a historically underserved community. As a matter of fact, much of the area lacks basic sewer or water services. The immediate area surrounding the campus is populated 90% by African-Americans, but you can rest assured that there are some who are already planning a demographic shift. If black folks aren't careful, the city will gentrify 75241 to the point that it looks like the State-Thomas section of Uptown (Oh you didn't know that Uptown used to be the black part of the city?). Due in large part to the efforts of State Senator Royce West, a rose is sprouting among what has long been considered a row of thorns. We cannot allow those outside our community plan our future for us, and be left to wonder what happens when the makeup of the neighborhood has totally changed. Imagine a day when graduates of Carter, Kimball, South Oak Cliff, and Roosevelt, can be educated in their own backyards, literally. The University of North Texas Dallas Center currently operates at 8915 S. Hampton Road, just South of I-20. The campus currently offers undergraduate degrees in Computer Science, Elementary Education, Criminal Justice and other disciplines. Graduate Level Courses currently include Business Administration, Counseling, and Education Administration. The Mater Plan calls for there to be 16,000 students at UNT Dallas by 2030. Will our kids be in that number? I feel that it is imperative for Black Dallas, to grab as stake in this school, and make this a place where we can one day send our children to get one of the best educations in North America.|W|P|115008970015593548|W|P|UNT-Dallas: Is Education the Salvation?|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com7/03/2006 10:31:00 PM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|Shawn,

What a wonderful way to begin your new blog. Of course, I'm a little biased--I'm the head of the library at the UNT Dallas Campus and am delighted to see your insightful story. I grew up in Duncanville and went to East Texas State University (now A&M Commerce), in part because there wasn't a 4-year public university closer at that time. I received my first master's degree at SMU, and my master's in library science from UNT Denton; guess I've covered all the examples you gave!

I'm just thrilled to be part of those who are building this 21st century university in the part of Dallas that means so much to me. You'll be pleased to know that there has been much input from the citizens in the area. We at UNT want to build a university that its citizens can be proud of.

There's another "young" group that's working to improve the education of children and youth in this area. It's the Southern Dallas County Educational Consortium (sorry, we don't have a website yet, but we're working on it). It's composed of educators and area business people seeking creative and effective ways to improve the education level of all children and youth in Southern Dallas.

Again, thank you for calling attention to the "university of the people" in southern Dallas. Let's get the word out that we're here to serve. Give us a call and let us know how we can help.
(972-780-3600)

Leora Kemp6/06/2006 08:53:00 PM|W|P|Wax Poetic|W|P|Welcome to the Dallas South Blog, a forum dedicated to the discussion of all thing south of the Trinity River in Dallas, Texas. Although most of my blogs will focus on Southern Dallas, i.e. South Dallas, Oak Cliff, and West Dallas, there's also room for discussion of the Southern suburbs. So Lancaster, DeSoto, Duncanville, and Cedar Hill may also be in the mix. Having grown up in East Texas, my family and I made plenty of trips to the city; Big D, D-Town, The Metroplex. I got to know the city pretty well, at least the parts that surrounded Red Bird Mall. Weekend excursions during my high school years led my friends and I to prominent destinations like Kiest Bazaar, Big T Bazaar, Shamrock Skating Rink, the aforementioned Red Bird Mall, and the mother of them all: The Grambling-Prairie View Football Game at the State Fair. Throw in a yearly trek to Six Flags, and this was my view, my experience, my understanding of Dallas. Upon Graduation from Texas A&M University in the late 90's. I was eager to get a job and move to Dallas. Once I got here, I quickly realized how narrow and limited my view of the city really was. There was so much to see and do, I rarely made it to those parts of town that meant so much to me only 5 years before. The Galleria, North Park Mall, Dallas World Aquarium, Iguana Mirage, and Park Avenue, all got some of my newly earned cash, as well as my free time. But the glitz and glamour could not hide the fact that Dallas was divided, literally. I realized, as many have, that the Trinity River serves as a physical, and psychological barrier between the two sections of town. The world that I knew in Dallas South, was different than what I was experiencing in the North. Over the last 9 years, I have had a growing interest in what politicians refer to as "The Southern Sector." Most locals mistakenly refer everything south of downtown as South Dallas. They make no distinction between South Dallas, Pleasant Grove, West Dallas, North Oak Cliff, South Oak Cliff and the various neighborhoods that make up this part of town. With the majority of the city's African-American population living in these very communities, it has been all too easy for the city to delay and renege on promises to develop the south. I hope that bloggers throughout North Texas, and throughout the country will weigh in on the topics that we discuss, as many of the nation's urban centers are experiencing similar problems. Finally, this blog will not be a place devoted to complaining and finger pointing, but rather a forum to increase awareness, purpose action that ultimately leads to positive outcomes. I will discuss the great progress being made by individuals, groups, schools, and businesses; stories not reported on the nightly news or in the papers. Our black youth in these communities (especially our black boys), are disproportionately at risk of dropping out of school, contracting sexually transmitted diseases, and receiving harsher judgments from the legal system. If we as Black Citizens of Dallas, don't work to save them, I can promise you this: NO ONE ELSE WILL. So enjoy the Dallas South Blog, and let's work not just to make noise, but to make a difference.|W|P|114965062923553600|W|P|Welcome to Dallas South Blog!!!|W|P|shawnpwilliams@gmail.com6/11/2006 10:52:00 PM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|Looking forword to reading more of your thoughts. The South Dallas area needs more insiders with a positive vision to step up and lead.

I'll be checking in from time to time.6/26/2006 01:33:00 PM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|Interesting. As someone who has always lived on the "North Side", I am interested in hearing the other side of the story.

Good luck and I'll be sure to check back for more discussion...6/27/2006 07:31:00 PM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|This is great news for the South Dallas community. Keep up the good work! I saved the link, and I will be checking back periodically. I would like to support by writing a few thought provking articles.