by Cheryl Smith
Congrats! I was so pleased to read that Dallas Independent School District Board Trustee Ed Turner’s efforts led to the renaming of the City Lab High School to Diane Ragsdale City Lab High School, in honor of the Sunny South Dallas native and former Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem. I would have been there with some of my team; however, I didn’t receive any notification from the District.
The District has a staff, and communication takes a team effort, but this issue is continuing to cause me angst as the Black Press is ignored, dissed and marginalized. News Flash: All ice is 32 degrees Fahrenheit! (If anyone needs an interpretation of the above statement — Call me 214-941-0110 or email editor@texasmetronews.com.
I wish we had the resources to be everywhere and gather all the information, but we don’t! WE need one another. For too long, the Black Press has been disrespected, and sadly, by some who look like we should be the first call they make. People are being paid to disseminate information, and if they don’t know the audiences or the vehicles to reach those audiences, then they don’t deserve to have their jobs!
Too many are languishing behind their desks, taking the easy route and doing a disservice to those hardworking, prepared, and conscientious professionals who care about their jobs and the communities they serve. Actually, all bosses/supervisors, presidents, et al, should do an audit of their PR/Marketing/Communications work — have them bring a full-fledged presentation with samples of everything your money is being spent on — EVERYTHING!
I would urge those who have communications departments or PR people to ask tough questions of their teams and see just who and what is being served. No more excuses! The Black Press is 199 years old. I owe it to our ancestors and to YOU as well as future generations to ensure it exists for more centuries, by fighting those who deny it exists today! Diane Ragsdale, you are the reason we continue to exist.
You respect the Black Press, and you have worked your entire life on the right side of history. We are attempting to record history, but we also need help. You know and support the Black Press, and we need others to join you. All elected, appointed, and anointed leaders and community folk should support the Black Press.
If your local news organization is not what you think it should be, I know I would love your suggestions as we continue our efforts to build strong institutions in our communities. Help us get better. Support our efforts. Second News Flash: The Black Press is comprised of businesses. So, when someone issues the battle cry to support Black businesses, that includes newspapers, radio/ television stations, podcasts, blogs, magazines, digital newsletters, websites, mobile units, and more.
We’re here because we want to tell our own stories and plead our own causes. Don’t help others devalue us! Thanks for your vision and efforts, Trustee Turner. Congratulations to you, Diane Ragsdale.
You have been a catalyst for change, and you are so deserving of the honor of having a school named in your honor. I want to share your accomplishments with the world. Your tireless efforts have benefited so many, and I salute you. We celebrate your works that extend long before and after your service on the Dallas City Council.
