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The Conversation with Al McFarlane

Join the conversation with Al McFarlane. Share your stories and help build a stronger, more informed community.

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Al McFarlane at The Conversation with BlackPressUSA TV

Join the Conversation with Al McFarlane (TCWAM). We invite you to engage with us, share your stories, and be a part of the ongoing conversation. Together, we can build a stronger, more informed, and united community that thrives on knowledge, creativity, and empowerment.

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Black History

COMMENTARY: Bring on the Positive Calvary

SEATTLE MEDIUM — Dr. E. Faye Williams addresses the exhaustion many Americans feel following two years of political hostility, corruption, and systemic bigotry.

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(Trice Edney Wire)—Like Amy Acton, candidate for Governor in Ohio and Dr. Abdul El-sayed for U.S. Senate in Michigan, the Positive Calvary really is coming soon! Aren’t we all tired of the negative past two years we’ve experienced in the U.S.? Aren’t we tired of the atrocious accusations being thrown around, the filthy language, lies, unending corruption, hatred, racism, sexism, Islamophobia, and bigotry of all kinds. This election season has been worse than ever! I’m sick and tired of women’s names being dragged through the mud—as mine, and others have been out of hate and jealousy. I’m tired of so many people being reluctant to support women. Let’s be the ones to stop this

I’m ready to hear in detail what candidates are ready to do to win the upcoming elections and give help to the people in need—and there are a lot of things from which to choose!

My prayer is that candidates will stop bickering and just tell us what they’re planning to do to help to bring us out of this abysmal situation we’re in now. Instead of spending so much time being shocked by what the highest elected man in the land is saying and doing, let’s concentrate on how to put up guard rails for him when we vote We already know more than enough about what he has said and done. Let’s pledge to elect leaders who’ve shown they care about the people they campaign to represent. There are a lot of good candidates out there who are being overshadowed by the bickering

Let’s not leave everything to elected leaders. As community activists, Get Out the Vote workers, religious leaders and all the good people around us. Show the way to a better nation to all around us. Let’s concentrate on what we are going to do to help people in need. Let’s work on plans to make their lives better. Let’s pledge to get along with our neighbors at home, and our neighbors in Canada, our friends in Ukraine and stop being led by someone who hangs out with those set on disrupting our system of democracy. Ignore the wrecking balls who are more interested in tearing down monuments and praising themselves, supporting evil with lies and unbelievable positions on good people, those who are destroying our military and using government and our taxes on evil things.

Let’s call out corruption, but don’t participate in it. Let us ignore lies about good candidates at all levels. Let’s support the left out. Jamie Davis, a Black man in Louisiana, is a leading candidate for the U.S. Senate. We don’t have to live in Louisiana or be a Democrat or a farmer to support him when you see how much trouble the person running against him is dealing with something people don’t want.

We can vote across party lines when that candidate has expressed the good things she/he will work for when elected. Never mind that in this case she has an R after her name. I know Monique Appeaning in Louisiana who worked in my campaign for Congress when she was a very young woman. I missed winning by a few votes to become the first Black woman to represent my home state in Congress. Forty years later, there has still been no Black woman in the Louisiana delegation. Monique has chosen to pick up the challenge and give my hope life so that other young Black women can have hope in refusing to allow any good thing to be beyond their reach

You know right from wrong, so don’t be afraid to vote for what’s right in a few days. Always promote good. Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and Amy Acton deserve your vote if you are in Ohio or Michigan. Yes, you know right from wrong, so do what’s right wherever you are.

Based on reporting by Seattle Medium.



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Black History

Retirement Triggers Doctor to Pen Book for Young Audience

THE CHAMPION NEWSPAPER — After more than 35 years as a pediatric surgeon, Dr. Deborah Burton has transitioned from the operating room to the world of young adult literature. Writing under the pen name MD Burton, the retired Marietta physician recently released her debut sci-fi fantasy mystery novel, Invisible Cages: The Alynthia Quest.

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Retirement Triggers Doctor to Pen Book for Young Audience

After more than 35 years as a pediatric surgeon, Deborah Burton retired but didn’t give up one of the most rewarding aspects of her career—connecting with young people.

Burton used writing and her imagination to create a young adult sci-fi fantasy mystery novel, Invisible Cages: The Alynthia Quest, under the pen name MD Burton. Her debut novel launched in early October, and Burton said she’s been delighted with the responses so far.

The novel follows Jade Babington who leads a team of resourceful friends as they join an elite organization to crack a spy network and embark on a high-tech adventure to find answers. Her quest is complicated by powers that surge through her body, and to be successful, she needs to understand her family roots, embrace her emerging talents, and step into her legacy, according to a press release.

Through the book, readers are introduced to a range of characters who work in STEM and healthcare careers which Burton hopes will inspire readers to consider pursuing careers in some of those areas.

Burton moved to Dunwoody in 1995 and ran a successful pediatric ear, nose, and throat practice in Marietta. She retired in 2021 but missed the educational moments she shared with her young patients.

“I talk to kids all the time,” said Burton, adding that she likes to share insight into the many career paths in healthcare. “I love to educate and empower.”

She said she worked on the book for five years, researching coding, microchips, and satellites.

“It was a learning journey,” she remarked.

The book explores themes of self-acceptance, girl empowerment through strong female characters, the importance of family, and STEM exposure, states the press release. Set on a fictional health complex, the novel introduces readers to healthcare careers, as well as engineering and computer science.

The author also had to delve into unique aspects of her main character.

“Jade has powers and sees auras,” she explained. “So I spent a good amount of time learning about auras, telepathy and magical realism.”

In addition, to providing insight to STEM and healthcare careers, Burton hopes the books help her teen female readers dealing with insecurities to better understand and appreciate what makes them unique and the power they possess. She also hopes it will build self-confidence.

“You have to accept who you are,” she said. “Whatever your differences are, everybody’s got them, embrace them.”

Burton said she originally planned the book to be a seven-part series but on the advice of her edit changed it to four parts.

“I know what my end goal is,” said Burton noting that she’s included Easter eggs in the first book to entice readers throughout the reading process and has a completed outline for the other books in the series. After completing an audiobook of Invisible Cages: The Alynthia Quest by the end of the year, Burton plans to start writing the next book in 2027.

On Nov. 15, a book signing is scheduled at the Politan Row food hall in Dunwoody.

The self-published book is available in eBook, paperback, and hardback formats, on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online retailers.

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Based on reporting by The Champion Newspaper.



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Black Press

Fatigue, Bloating, and Inflammation: Spotting the Subtle Signs of MASLD

THE BLACK CHRONICLE — Many individuals mistakenly believe that liver disease is exclusively the result of heavy alcohol consumption, causing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease to frequently go undiagnosed. This condition occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver, leading to unchecked inflammation and potential long-term damage.

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Fatigue, Bloating, and Inflammation: Spotting the Subtle Signs of MASLD

Because many people falsely assume liver disease is strictly caused by heavy alcohol use, life-threatening conditions like MASLD frequently go undiagnosed until major damage occurs. When excess fat builds up in the liver, unchecked inflammation […]

Continue reading with a Black Chronicle subscription. Purchase The Black Chronicle Newspaper Subscription – Now with the All-New TBC Magazine! or The Black Chronicle Newspaper Subscription – Now with the All-New TBC Magazine!! to unlock this article and all subscriber content. Already subscribed? log in.

The post Fatigue, Bloating, And Inflammation: Spotting The Subtle Signs Of MASLD appeared first on The Black Chronicle.

Based on reporting by The Black Chronicle.



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Black History

Metro Detroit Faith Leaders Call out Islamophobia in Michigan Senate Race

MICHIGAN CHRONICLE — Faith leaders from diverse religious backgrounds gathered Thursday at the downtown Detroit United Methodist Church to denounce the rise of Islamophobic rhetoric in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race. Clergy members, including representatives from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions, expressed concern over religious identity being used as a weapon in the final weeks before the general election.

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Metro Detroit faith leaders stand behind Rev. Paul Perez of the United Methodist Church downtown Detroit. Photo Samuel Robinson
Metro Detroit faith leaders stand behind Rev. Paul Perez of the United Methodist Church downtown Detroit. Photo Samuel Robinson — Photo Samuel Robinson

Faith leaders of different religions came together Thursday afternoon inside the downtown Detroit United Methodist Church to oppose Islamophobic rhetoric that’s ramped up ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

“In the final weeks of Michigan’s U.S. Senate race, we have watched religious identity used as a weapon,” said Rev. Paul Perez, who leads the downtown Detroit church.

Perez and other faith leaders said at the press conference they weren’t endorsing a candidate, but compassion and understanding as Michigan voters decide who to send to the U.S. Senate.

Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed would be the first Muslim ever elected to the U.S. Senate. His identity is being used by supporters of Rogers’ campaign to cast doubt on his loyalty to the U.S. Constitution.

Earlier this month, El-Sayed’s Republican opponent, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers agreed with a social media post calling El-Sayed a terrorist.

“The charge of dual loyalty has been thrown at Jews for generations,” says Rabbi Alana Alpert, of Ferndale’s Congregation T’chiyah. “When we hear it aimed at our Muslim neighbors we recognize it. And we will not let it be used against anyone.”

At an El-Sayed event Thursday at the Wayne State Fieldhouse, an ant-Muslim activist Cam Higby interrupted his rally as El-Sayed began his remarks.

“Why do you take money from members of the Muslim Brotherhood?” Higby shouted before being escorted out of the gymnasium.

TV and digital ads echo the charge against El-Sayed that he is connected to designated terrorist organizations, which he has denied. He has disavowed and condemned Hamas, the military group controlling Gaza, and the Muslim Brotherhood, a decentralized movement with a long history in Egypt.

While tweets from his half-sister suggest she and her mother had sympathetic attitudes toward the organization, no evidence has been produced that points to El-Sayed being affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood.

In an interview with Michigan Chronicle, Higby said he doesn’t believe Muslims belong in America. That sentiment is often found in online replies and comments from accounts run by conservative Christians.

sd Democratic voters have also expressed skepticism about El-Sayed’s faith.

Ahead of the primary election, Farmington Hills School Board member Angie Smith caused an uproar online after she told Michigan Chronicle she wasn’t sure whether El-Sayed could represent everybody.

“Don’t come out speaking only Arabic; don’t come out with your Arabic music on; represent everyone,” Smith said.

She later apologized for the comments.

At Thursday’s press conference, Imam Steve Mustapha Elturk of Warren’s Islamic Organization of North America, shared a story about how he eventually earned the trust of new neighbors who feared his congregation was bringing Sharia law when they arrived.

“When a person’s faith is treated as evidence for disloyalty, every Muslim family hears that message. Our children hear it. They come home from school and ask, ‘Are we really American?,’” Elturk said. I want to answer them today from this pulpit surrounded by our Christian and Jewish brothers and sisters, yes, we are Americans. Yes, we are Americans. Our faith is protected by the same Constitution that protects every other faith.”

Pastor Louis Forsythe II of Detroit’s Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, said that liberation of Christians, Jewish and Muslims are tied together.

“The Black church knows what it means to have our loyalty questioned,” Forsythe said. “We know what it means to be told we are less than full citizens. We are called un-American for demanding the rights of the Constitution promised us.

“Our faith carried us through that, and it was the faith of others standing beside us that helped bend this nation toward justice. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote from a Birmingham jail that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Based on reporting by Michigan Chronicle.



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Black Press

Dallas Trinity FC Signs Kaiya Brewer to Academy Contract

THE DALLAS WEEKLY — Dallas Trinity FC has signed 15-year-old midfielder and forward Kaiya Brewer to an academy contract, allowing the Kansas City native to train and compete in the Gainbridge Super League while maintaining her collegiate eligibility. Brewer joins the professional club following a stint with Kansas City Current II and a successful youth career with the Utah Royals U19 ECNL.

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Dallas Trinity FC Signs Kaiya Brewer to Academy Contract

DALLAS (Oct. 21, 2026) – Dallas Trinity FC announced today that it has signed 15-year-old midfielder and forward Kaiya Brewer to an academy contract. The academy contract allows Brewer to train and compete with Dallas Trinity FC in the Gainbridge Super League while preserving her collegiate eligibility.

Brewer joins Dallas Trinity FC after competing with Kansas City Current II in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). The Kansas City, Kansas, native also played for Utah Royals U19 ECNL, where she earned ECNL Midwest All-Conference First Team honors.

“Kaiya is an exciting young player with the opportunity to take an important next step in her development here in Dallas,” said Brian Corcoran, sporting director for Dallas Trinity FC. “Our academy pathway gives players the chance to challenge themselves in a professional environment while keeping their college options open. We look forward to supporting Kaiya as she grows within our club.”

Brewer made her first appearance for Dallas Trinity FC on Oct. 17, opening the scoring in the club’s 3-2 win over Chivas Femenil in the 2026 State Fair Clásico at Cotton Bowl Stadium. The international friendly did not count toward official league statistics.

“Kaiya brings pace, vision and a willingness to put pressure on opponents,” said Lee Nguyễn, first team manager and technical director for Dallas Trinity FC. “The Clásico was a great opportunity for her to test herself, and it was encouraging to see her take that chance and score. We’re excited to help her build on that experience and keep developing her game.”

Brewer joins her older sister, Dallas Trinity FC defender Meila Brewer, who signed with the club in September and is representing the United States at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

PLAYER BIO

Name: Kaiya Brewer

Pronunciation: KAY-uh BROO-er

Position: Attacker

Height: 5-7

Jersey Number: #26

Date of Birth: December 6, 2010 (15)

Hometown: Kansas City, Kansas

Nationality: United States

Previous Club: Kansas City Current II (WPSL)

TRANSACTION: Dallas Trinity FC signs midfielder and forward Kaiya Brewer to an academy contract. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The post Dallas Trinity FC Signs Kaiya Brewer to Academy Contract appeared first on Dallas Weekly.

Based on reporting by The Dallas Weekly.



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Black Press

Dallas Mavericks Unite Players, Legends and the Oak Cliff Community at 2026 Community Tip-Off

THE DALLAS WEEKLY — The Dallas Mavericks launched their 2026-27 season by bringing the annual Community Tip-Off directly to the residents of Southern Dallas. Held at Halperin Park in Oak Cliff, the free event attracted approximately 3,000 children and featured current stars alongside franchise legends.

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DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 19: The Dallas Mavericks entire organization was on hand to kick off the season with a community event on October 19, 2026 at Halperin Park in Dallas, Texas. Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 Dallas Mavericks Credit: (Photo by Brandon Colston/Dallas Mavericks Photography)
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 19: The Dallas Mavericks entire organization was on hand to kick off the season with a community event on October 19, 2026 at Halperin Park in Dallas, Texas. Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 Dallas Mavericks Credit: (Photo by Brandon Colston/Dallas Mavericks Photography) — Credit: (Photo by Brandon Colston/Dallas Mavericks Photography)

Dirk Nowitzki played 21 seasons for the Dallas Mavericks, becoming one of the most recognizable players in franchise history. However, some of the younger fans attending the team’s 2026 Community Tip-Off had a question for the Mavericks legend.

“I’m sure some of these kids didn’t know who I was because they asked,” Nowitzki said. “Some of them asked me, ‘Did you play for the Mavs?’ I think so, when your parents were around.”

It was one of many interactions that took place Monday afternoon as the Mavericks brought their 2026 Community Tip-Off directly to the people of Southern Dallas at Halperin Park in Oak Cliff.

Thousands of children had the opportunity to play basketball, enjoy festivities and spend time with their favorite Mavericks players and legends at the free community event, presented by Ticketmaster.

Dallas Mavericks Community Tip-Off Event at Halperin Park on Monday, October 19, 2026, in Dallas, Texas. (Nicole Malunowicz/Dallas Mavericks)

Mavericks president of business operations Ethan Casson spoke about the planning that went into bringing the celebration to Oak Cliff and the organization’s desire to create something different for the community.

“I think what we wanted to do for this season was really establish something that was about creating something more substantial, being very intentional with our efforts,” Casson said. “What if we showed up in a very grand way?”

That vision helped bring the Mavericks to Halperin Park, a bridge park constructed over Interstate 35E to reconnect Oak Cliff neighborhoods that had been separated by the highway for decades.

“We recognize what this park physically represents, which is connecting communities,” Casson said. “And when you’re able to visit, which we did with April and her team, the vision started to come to life.”

The park officially opened in May after years of planning, fundraising and community involvement. The Mavericks saw an opportunity to bring basketball and entertainment to a space created to strengthen relationships between neighborhoods.

April Allen, president and CEO of the Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation, appreciated the organization choosing Oak Cliff for its season-opening celebration.

“For the Mavs to come here to Oak Cliff, to spend the time, energy and resources that you see here is really a testament to their commitment to community,” Allen said. “We’re so grateful and honored that they chose us for this experience.”

The Mavs Foundation also presented a $50,000 grant to Halperin Park during the celebration, providing additional financial support for the community space.

Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert attended the event and emphasized the importance of bringing celebrations and resources to Southern Dallas rather than leaving communities behind.

“We’ve got to continue to make sure that our community members are not left behind, and we’ve got to take things and be bold about going and being a part of community assets like Halperin Park,” Tolbert said.

Dallas Mavericks 2025.
(Roberto Hernandez/Dallas Mavericks)

The park represents an opportunity for neighborhoods to reconnect while creating a space where residents can gather and build relationships.

“I see that park as now a bridge that’s going to help us do that, even at a higher level,” Tolbert said.

Nowitzki also recognized the significance of the park and the investment that went into bringing the project to life.

“We all know what this park means to Dallas,” Nowitzki said. “Obviously, it’s been a project that’s been in the works for a long, long time.”

The Mavericks transformed Halperin Park into a gathering place filled with children playing basketball, visiting food vendors and interacting with players they had watched throughout the season.

Casson estimated approximately 3,000 children participated in the Community Tip-Off, including students from kindergarten through sixth-grade after-school programs.

Parents, teachers, local businesses and nonprofit organizations also attended, helping bring different parts of the Southern Dallas community together for the afternoon.

Approximately 200 Mavericks staff members helped organize the celebration, along with basketball operations personnel and corporate partners. Casson emphasized that bringing the entire organization together was an important part of making the event possible.

“When I say it was all hands on deck, it was all hands on deck,” Casson said. “It was really just one goal. How do we make it grand?”

Once the celebration began, the players had opportunities to interact with young fans and share messages about pursuing their dreams.

Mavericks forward Morez Johnson Jr. was among those who took the opportunity to encourage children to believe in themselves and work toward their goals.

“I think it means a lot, you know, to give these kids a lot to look up to,” Johnson said.

Johnson also reflected on messages shared with the children by his teammates, including P.J. Washington, Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg, about working hard and remaining focused on their dreams.

As one of the newer members of the Mavericks organization, Johnson appreciated the welcome he received and the chance to begin building relationships with the Dallas community.

“They welcomed me with open arms,” Johnson said. “I’m excited to get a chance to spend some time with these kids when I’m done with the interviews. I’m grateful to be here.”

For Casson, having players interact with children was one of the most meaningful parts of the celebration. He believes many athletes can relate to the experiences of young fans because of the coaches, teachers and mentors who helped shape their lives.

“To see your superheroes in person and know that those superheroes raised their hand and said they want to be here and be a part of it for this group is pretty special,” Casson said.

Nowitzki has experienced that relationship with Mavericks fans for more than two decades. Although some of the children were too young to remember his playing career, he appreciated the opportunity to connect with another generation.

“It’s cool to still get embraced by the city that I’ve played for for so long and now is my home,” Nowitzki said. “So definitely special. It means a lot.”

While the Community Tip-Off helped introduce the Mavericks to another generation of fans, the organization hopes to continue bringing similar celebrations to neighborhoods throughout Dallas.

Casson said the team plans to make the event an annual tradition, with future celebrations taking place in different communities.

“This is just the beginning,” Casson said. “This celebration we plan to bring to different communities, special communities throughout Dallas, year after year after year.”

The organization’s plans to visit other neighborhoods will not end its involvement in Southern Dallas. Casson emphasized that the Mavericks intend to continue supporting the community through additional programs, resources and investments.

Halperin Park was built to reconnect neighborhoods that had been separated for decades. On Monday, it also brought together generations of Mavericks fans, from those who watched Nowitzki throughout his career to children meeting him and the current team for the first time.

The Mavericks came to Oak Cliff to celebrate the beginning of the 2026-27 NBA season, but their goal extends beyond one afternoon of basketball and entertainment.

For Casson, the lasting impact of the celebration will depend on the organization’s willingness to continue showing up for the communities it serves.

“I think it’s important when you do any event, big or small, that it’s not a one-off,” Casson said. “This is about showing up again and again and again in different ways.”

The post Dallas Mavericks Unite Players, Legends and the Oak Cliff Community at 2026 Community Tip-Off appeared first on Dallas Weekly.

Based on reporting by The Dallas Weekly.



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