irst ladydfwblacknews.com/assets/fwbn2016_april.pdf · april 2016 • serving you since 1997 •...

APRIL 2016 • SERVING YOU SINCE 1997 • www.dfwblacknews.com

Fort Worth Black News Serving You Since 1997

Box 121961 - Ft Worth, TX 76121

www.dfwblacknews.com

Call: 817-729-6491 or 817-288-6112

Jill Darden, Publisher

FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA

Speaks in Austin, Texas at SXSW

PAGE 7

By Jill Darden, FWBN Publisher & Founder It was in my own quest for land to build on that I discovered a unique group of entrepreneurs and local citi-zens with a similar vision for Fort Worth’s Southside. As many of you know, Fort Worth Black News will celebrate 20 years in business in 2017, and having a free-standing office building with television studios is among the plans. After making a few phone calls and knocking on a few doors, I ended up having breakfast with members of Southside Renais-sance. This transparent organization has no titles, no hierarchy, no fights for power - simply a common desire to bring life to an area that once thrived with commerce, entertainment and quality of life. Southside Renaissance has already purchased several plots of land near the Evans Avenue and Rosedale Street intersection. The group wants to build businesses like restaurants, medical

office space, physical fitness centers and other venues that create eco-nomic prosperity. Dr. Brian Dixon, M.D. and owner of Progressive Psy-chiatry answered the following ques-tions for FWBN about the initiative: Many African-Americans go off to college, receive their educations and never return to help the communities that gave them their start. Why have you chosen to remain connected and help? Why do you feel it's important for others to join you in this movement?

“I firmly believe the adage ‘to whom much is given, much is ex-pected.’ Growing up in Lufkin, Texas, the communal spirit in the African-American community was strong and despite the trials our indi-vidual family went through, the com-munity rallied around to support us in numerous ways. My success is built on the meals I got from neighbors. My work ethic relied on getting rides to work from supportive friends. Now that I am in a position to give back, I feel compelled to do so just like oth-ers did for me. We live in an age now where we have no excuse not to join in a movement to revitalize our con-nections; thus I hope more people

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 9)

“I remember dreaming of a time when I'd have money and time to do something big. When I got to undergrad, I ran across a quote by Henry David Thoreau: The best thing a man can do for his culture when he is rich is endeavor to carry out those schemes he entertained when he was poor. So my future goal is to carry out those schemes." - Dr. Brian Dixon, M.D.

Dr. Brian Dixon, M.D., investing in the Southside of Fort Worth

One of several pieces of land purchased for development

CAJUN & BBQ

Two Family-owned Restaurants Open in City’s Eastside

PAGE 11

RISING STARS

Black Chamber of Commerce Hosts 24th Annual Film Institute & Rising Stars Awards Luncheon

PAGE 8

FORT WORTH BLACK NEWS • APRIL 2016 • PAGE 2 • www.dfwblacknews.com

May Book Signing Prolific author & historian Reby Cary

announces the Pre-Memorial Day Book Signing for his latest book:

“The Hurdlers: Historic Black Icons in Fort Worth and Tarrant County

Jumping over Slavery & Segregation to Lofty Heights”

Saturday, May 28, 2016

2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

East Regional Library - 6301 Bridge Street Ft. Worth, TX 76105

For more info….817-429-0679


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The City of Fort Worth will hold a special election on May 7, 2016 for voters to de-cide if they want to amend the Fort Worth City Charter. Eleven propositions are on the ballot and each must be voted on sepa-rately. They range from increasing the number of City Council members to rais-ing the salaries of the Mayor and Council members in October 2016. Below is a list of the propositions and descriptions to help you make an informed decision at the polls next month: Proposition 1 Shall Sections 1 and 2 of Chapter III and Section 2 of Chapter IV and other sections referencing the term of office for the City Council in the Fort Worth City Charter be amended to increase the current two (2) year terms for the City Council to three (3) year terms starting with the 2017 general election? Proposition 2 Shall Sections 1, 2 and 5 of Chapter III and Section 3 of Chapter IV and other sections referencing the number of council members in the Fort Worth City Charter be amended to increase the number of City Council mem-bers from nine (9) to eleven (11) members, one of which is the mayor, beginning with the first election following the 2020 census and adoption of the new redistricting map by the City Council and to maintain the quorum at two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the City Council? Proposition 3 Shall Section 3 of Chapter III of the Fort Worth City Charter be amended to increase the compensation of council members from the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) per year to forty-five thousand dollars ($45,000.00) per year and the com-pensation of the mayor from twenty-nine thousand dollars ($29,000.00) per year to sixty thousand dollars ($60,000.00) per year starting October 1, 2016? Proposition 4 If Proposition 1 is approved by the voters, shall Section 4 of Chapter III of the Fort Worth City Charter be amended to allow a majority of the City Council to appoint a qualified person from the district whose place has been vacated to serve the unexpired term if the vacancy occurs twelve (12)

months or less prior to the end of an unex-pired term? Proposition 5 Shall the first paragraph of Section 5 of Chapter III of the Fort Worth City Charter be amended to provide that the newly-elected City Council members may be sworn in at the same meeting at which the election re-sults are canvassed provided the meeting is held within the City limits of Fort Worth? Proposition 6 Shall Sections 1 and 3 of Chapter IV of the Fort Worth City Charter be amended to clar-ify that a person seeking election to the City Council must have resided in the district for which he or she seeks election for 180 days prior to the first allowed filing date for the election? Proposition 7 Shall Chapter VII of the Fort Worth City Charter be amended to add a new section to provide that municipal judges will be ap-pointed and may be removed for cause by a majority vote of the City Council? Proposition 8 Shall Section 2 of Chapter X of the Fort Worth City Charter be amended to provide for budget hearings, adoption and publication of the budget, appropriation ordinance and tax levy ordinance in accordance with State law? Proposition 9 Shall Section 6 of Chapter XX of the Fort Worth City Charter be amended to clarify that when competing ordinances are pre-sented to the voters at an election that the ordinance that receives the highest number of favorable votes prevails?

Proposition 10 Shall Chapter XXVII of the Fort Worth City Charter be amended to add Section 21 to provide for electronic and other web based publications and notices as a substitute for newspaper publications where allowed by State law?

Proposition 11 Shall Section 8 of Chapter III and Section 7 of Chapter XXVII of the Fort Worth City Charter be amended to eliminate the provi-sions in each section that are in conflict with State and Federal law?

AREAS OF PRACTICE • Entertainment Law • Transactional Law • Employment Law • Wills & Trusts

• General Business Law • Administrative Law • Serious Injuries • Probate

Call...413-0830 Metro: 214-543-5041

Fax: 817-534-2998

4001 E. Lancaster Ave. Suite A - Fort Worth, Texas 76103

Licensed By: The Supreme Court of Texas - 1976 U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas - 1976 U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit - 1977

Member: State Bar of Texas Entertainment & Sports Law Section

10 a.m. April 23, 2016; Hazel Harvey Peace Center for Neighborhoods, 818 Missouri Ave. 6 p.m. April 28, 2016; Christ Centered Missionary Baptist Church, 5205 Carol Ave.

10 a.m. April 30, 2016; University Christian Church, 2618 S. University Drive.

City of Fort Worth Charter Election Information Meetings:


After a full and accomplished career in music education, Dr. Michielle Benson is following in her father’s political foot-steps. She is the daughter of Harold Ben-son, a visionary who previously served as Forest Hill Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman for eight years. Dr. Benson is running for Place 3 on the Forest Hill City Coun-cil and the Library Board in the upcoming May 7th Election.

“My father was brilliant, his vision and standards enriched my life. I’m trying to carry forth the things I was taught,” she shared. “I remember my father saying whatever you do, look at the city’s master plan, something he was trained do working as an urban planner for Omaha, Nebraska.”

Benson’s father was a military man, traveling across the globe with his family. In fact, Dr. Michielle Benson was born in Tokyo, Japan. As she navigated through life she developed musical talent and backed it with degrees from the Univer-sity of Nebraska, eventually earning a Doctorate in Education. She is the recipi-ent of numerous awards and honors, in-cluding being selected as the first winner of the prestigious Bayard H. Friedman Teaching Chair for Excellence in Fine Arts. During her professional journey, she served as the Director of the Creative and Performing Arts and Head Band Di-rector for O.D. Wyatt High School.

As a Forest Hill home owner since 1979, the educator has been active in the

community and is currently a member of the Forest Hill Lions Club and Harlean Beal Site-based Management Team. She also raised over $75,000 for children in the city for 2015-1016. When not volun-

teering, she operates her own business, Arts for Minority Youth. Dr. Benson said she is focused on change and transforming city politics and wants to hold the City Council accountable to the citizens. “I want everything that has been promised that’s not been done to be completed,” the candidate said. “From pot holes in streets that have been there for 20 years to programs that will help peo-ple repair their homes, Forest

Hill has to be accountable for the services citizens can receive.”

She also believes the city should have its own school district to instill a sense of pride in students, which she researched and believes it has a positive impact on academic performance.

Though she is known for success in the music and education fields, she would like people to understand that her ap-proach to life is authentic.

“I am who you see. What you see is what you’re getting,” she explained. “I love people and I am approachable.”

Dr. Benson is challenging Brigette Mathis (Incumbent) for her seat on the Forest Hill City Council and Mary A. Finley (Incumbent) on the Library Board.

Stephanie Boardingham identifies herself first as a wife and mother who raised five children, with one to go. Like many American women, this Forest Hill City Council Candidate put her career on the backburner to become a full-time mom when other children in the family needed a home and care. During that time her hus-band worked most of the day, often getting only three hours sleep. When she reflects on the choices they made her eyes light up and she is quick to quote the saying that governs her life.

“Forget yourself at times for others, and God himself will make sure that others forget themselves at times for you,” Boardingham shared. “It turned out great; the children graduated high school and got training. Now they help us in the business, each in their own way.”

Boardingham and husband, Timey, own the Indoor Outdoor Market on Mans-field Highway in Forest Hill. As a busi-ness owner and home owner in the city for 12 years, she believes she can bring unity to the City Council and community.

“I’ve been an asset to Forest Hill through community involvement. There is division and groups opposing one an-other which hinders progress,” Boarding-ham said. “We should have the same goals and purpose in mind when working to improve the quality of life for every

citizen. In unity, there is strength.” She is a member of the Forest Hill

Lions Club, PTA and Friends of the For-est Hill Library. Boardingham pledges to work on giving the Forest Hill Conven-

tion Center back to the citi-zens. Her goal is to reduce fees and allow non-profit or-ganizations within the city free access for community func-tions. If elected she also plans to put an end to passing “unnecessary ordinances” and lower the fees for permits. “The city belongs to the people of Forest Hill, not the council-members,” Boardingham said. “These positions should be used to help as many people as we can. I believe with support

and God’s help we can make this city better by giving citizens what they want, instead of serving individual interests.”

Boardingham said she would also like to see more transparency in how the city is governed, something she learned from her grandfather who served as police chief for Dallas many years.

She is running for the Forest Hill City Council Place 2 seat and also the Library Board of Trustees Place 4.

Boardingham is running against Carlie Jones for City Council and Bonnie Winfield (Incumbent) on the Library Board.

Benson and Boardingham Make History Running for Two Offices in Forest Hill

Dr. Benson Boardingham

Both are running for Forest Hill City Council and the Library Board of Trustees in the May 7, 2016 Election

3536 E. Lancaster Avenue Ft. Worth, TX 76103 817-531-3716

Visit online, anytime for updates www.dfwblacknews.com


PLACE 3 FOR FOREST HILL CITY COUNCIL & LIBRARY BOARD PLACE 2 FOR FOREST HILL CITY COUNCIL & LIBRARY BOARD

• A POLITICAL OUTSIDER WITH A FRESH APPROACH • REAL CHANGE & REAL ACCOUNTABILITY FOR

CITY GOVERNMENT • RAISED OVER $75,000 FOR FOREST HILL CHILDREN • A VERSATILE & SEASONED PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR • INDEPENDENT THINKER & COMMUNITY ACTIVIST • HOMEOWNER IN FOREST HILL SINCE 1979 • BUSINESS OWNER IN FOREST HILL • DEDICATED TO HELPING THE COMMUNITY • MEMBER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY,

FOREST HILL LIONS CLUB, HARLEAN BEAL SITE-BASED MANAGEMENT TEAM, TARRANT COUNTY GIRLS SERVICE LEAGUE

• DEDICATED WIFE & MOTHER, RAISED 5 CHILDREN WITH ONE TO GO • HOMEOWNER IN FOREST HILL FOR 12 YEARS • BUSINESS OWNER IN FOREST HILL • FRIENDS OF THE FOREST HILL LIBRARY MEMBER • LIONS CLUB MEMBER, PTA MEMBER • A HANDS-ON LEADER WHO LISTENS TO THE CITIZENS • WILL WORK TO CREATE UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY • WILL WORK TO CREATE AFFORDABLE PERMIT FEES • BETTERING PARKS, SENIORS TRANSPORTATION

& YOUTH ACTIVITIES • WILL WORK TO GIVE CONVENTION CENTER BACK TO THE

COMMUNITY, REDUCING FEES & ALLOWING NON-PROFIT ORGANIATIONS IN THE CITY FREE ACCESS

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A habit is an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become al-most involuntary. Oftentimes when we want to in-corporate small steps toward living a more healthy lifestyle, we just don’t know where to start -- espe-cially with so much information when it comes to diet and exercise. As we make it a habit to exercise and do things that will continue to challenge our bodies, it is imperative that we surround ourselves with other like-minded people who are doing things we enjoy or would like to try.

That’s where Blue Zones Project can come in to help. We all know that it’s easier to follow through on something if you do it with a buddy. So Blue Zones Project offers Walking Moais. (Mo-what? Moai, pronounced “mow-eye,” comes from Oki-nawa, Japan, and means “meeting for a common purpose.”) Walking Moais are groups of 5 to 8 peo-ple who meet once a week for 10 weeks to walk

together and socialize. They’re great for making new friends and/or strengthen existing friendships, incorporating a healthy activity into your routine, and exploring or discovering your community by foot. Being social and moving naturally are proven ways to live a longer, happier, healthier life!

We’re hosting a public Moai launch on Saturday, April 23, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Trailhead at Clearfork. During the free event, you can learn more find others looking to join a group. Or you can visit www.meetyourmoai.com to create your own Moai or locate a group in your area. (Like to cook? We offer Potluck Moais, too!)

If you want to know more about how you can get

involved in our community with Blue Zones Project, please visit our website at

www.bluezonesproject.com or contact me at [email protected].

By Yolanda Roberts

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Local Author Sheryl Grace released her new book, He Calls Her Blue this year at the African American Museum in Fair Park. Learn more about Grace and her novel by visiting the website below:

PHOTO BY SANDRA WILLIAMS

First Lady Michelle Obama at SXSW Conference with Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott

First Lady Michelle Obama left attendees inspired after appearing onstage as part of a Keynote Con-versation during the South by Southwest (SWSW) Music Confer-ence in Austin, Texas. On March 16, 2016 she spoke along with a panel that also included Queen Lati-fah and Missy Elliott. The First Lady came to SXSW to discuss the “Let Girls Learn” Initiative, which aims to break barriers for 62 million girls around the world who are not in school today. Over the past 30 years, SXSW has become the premier destination to discover game-changing new technologies, films, and artists while networking with some of the

brightest minds. Ideas and topics come together to unite all industries and cultures. It spans a ten day pe-riod and was held at the Austin Convention Center in Texas. President Barack Obama spoke with Evan Smith of the Texas Trib-une about tech innovation and citi-zen engagement on the Friday lead-ing up to his wife’s appearance. This marks the first time in SXSW history that a sitting President and First Lady have participated in the event. Other keynote music sessions featured legendary producer Tony Visconti, Rap-A-Lot Records foun-der and CEO James Prince and rap-per Bun B.


The High Cost of Missed Opportunities

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Many business owners often focus on the traditional method of conducting business, and obtaining working capital funding. They are locked into the mind-set of borrowing low-interest long-term loans from banks. The problem with this type of mind-set is that the traditional bank loan process is often slow and often ends with declines. During this arduous time-consuming process, many opportunities for profit-making deals have been missed, and thus harming the busi-ness owner’s bottom line all the more. Once owners have been declined, they either give-up or continue to seek loans with that same traditional mind-set of long-term debt.

To compete and succeed in today’s fast-paced business environment, business owners must position themselves to seize opportunities immediately! This requires quick access to working capital cash for opportunities or cash-infusions into businesses that may be needed to sustain business opera-tions until Receivables are paid.

Alternative Business Loans are an untapped and misunder-stood solution for business owners who may remain loyal to the traditional mind-set of seeking bank loans. Often when business owners explore these loans, they approach it with a traditional bank loan mind-set, only to walk away because of intimidating interest-rates and short-term payback schedules. Business owners often believe that they are doing an “apples-to-apples” comparison, when in reality these loans are nothing like traditional bank loans.

Alternative loans are intended to serve as Opportunity Loans for immediate needs. The only fair apples-to-apples comparison for these loans would be to compare the cost of missed profits that could come from additional sales, addi-tional projects, additional services, or additional business deals versus not having the profits at all. Declined bank loans could cost considerably more in missed profits than the high interest-rates of Alternative Business Loans. Alternative Business Loans could make the difference in small companies going out of business or staying open!

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24th Annual Film Institute Connects Industry Leaders to Students

Film Institute Director Gwen Barbee with speakers, producers, actors & supporters, Jim Austin, M. Legend Brown, Arthur Muhammad, Richard Burnett, Linda McAllister, Dennis O’Neill and Len Andrews

Film Institute students held tickets during the morning workshops in hopes of winning door prizes.

Film industry insiders shared the secrets of their success with students attending the 24th Annual Film Institute & Rising Star Luncheon, presented by the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce on March 12, 2016. The all day event featured producers, talent agents, actors and directors. Children and adults participated. “Never get caught acting,” Dennis O’Neill said. “Don’t memorize your lines, know them, the other characters and your environment.” O’Neill has ap-peared in numerous television and film productions throughout his career and created his own television series called, Bail Out. Awards were presented during the luncheon to local talent making significant strides. Producers and cast of

the Carter High film took home gold trophies resem-bling an Oscar. “To have the first award you get to come from a place you’re from blows you away,” said Len Andrews, actor. Andrews is from Fort Worth’s Stop Six neighborhood and attended Eastern Hill High School. Guest Speaker Arthur Muhammad, Carter High movie writer and director encouraged aspiring film-makers to stay the course. “After difficulty comes ease, but not if you quit during the difficulty,” he said. Held at the Forest Hill Convention & Civic Center, the event was coordinated by Gwen Barbee, Film Insti-tute Director. If you missed this year, mark your calen-dars for February 25, 2017 for the next one.


Your moments. Your stories. Your hometown paper. . . . Fort Worth Black News

will feel the urge to rekindle that old communal spirit. What are you hoping to accomplish through Southside Renaissance? What is the desired end result of your and the group's efforts? Having a structured concept keeps everyone moving toward a general idea: community revitalization. What we shy away from is telling people "what" to do; after all, we live in the greatest nation in the world because we have the ability to choose. Southside Renaissance focuses on the "how." Sometimes it's as simple as connecting one person with another in a different field. Sometimes it's more complex, like addressing intergenerational and per-sonal traumas and fears that hold back people of color from their goals. Either way, we include and encourage open-minded and civically progressive individuals that want to share socioeconomic prosperity for people living in the Historic Southside area. Ideally, in 10 years, this area will be awash in business and residencies where neighbors know one another, where kids can play in the street safely, and where citizens know that with some cour-age and hard work, anything is possible. What type of people are you looking for to join in and how can they become a part? There are no requirements for color, race, religion, creed, sexual orientation, education, or citizenship. We only ask that you bring an open mind, an easy smile, and a desire to build something meaningful and long last-ing. Additionally, we value all ideas and open dialogue but keep in mind that big egos don't have a place in this group. America, Texas, and specifically D/FW have unlimited opportunities for community revitalization so we don't believe in pressuring anyone to be anything that they are not. If you have a dream that supports positive sustain-able and culturally sensitive socioeconomic growth for the Historic Southside, you are welcome at the table. When did the group start meeting and what accom-plishments would you like to share with readers? We began meeting last year after I realized just what potential the Historic Southside had to be an area for a homestead. I reached out to Southeast Fort Worth Inc. who put me in contact with James Walker, a real estate agent. He then introduced me to tons of people including Joy Woods, and we've been meeting ever since. One of our goals is to invigorate the people of the neighborhood, starting from the ground up. We met with Stacy Marshall

and Al Piper who have been instrumental in guidance and advice. We look forward to packed neighborhood associa-tion meetings and helping to build a bright future for diver-sity and inclusion in this historic neighborhood. Can you give a brief description of your background, upbringing and education? I'm the last of five kids born to a Pentecostal preaching father and a iron-willed mom. After their divorce (I was five), life threw us more ups and downs than I can remem-ber. I started working at age 16 doing retail and haven't stopped working since. I finished undergrad at Baylor University, medical school at Texas A&M, and a 5 year residency at the University of Kentucky. I am a board eligible pediatrician and a board certified adult, adolescent, and child psychiatrist who now gets my education from kids that I treat in jail, my patients in my private practice, my friends, colleagues, and family.

What do you consider as the defining moment in your life, that perhaps changed the course of your future? A couple moments stand out to me. One, when my favorite television show was cancelled about 10 years ago, I learned that television isn't created for my benefit; it's a technique to sell ads. It was in that moment that I recog-nized that the world doesn't owe me anything and that if you're not mindful in what you do, what you say, and who you are, you will be bamboozled by those who make it their job to sway you. The second moment was starting my private practice. I was raised to believe that in order to be successful, you went to work, did your job, and "hung in there." After three physician jobs I was burned out and I realized that in order to be true to myself, I had to be my own boss and step out on faith that things would work out. Thank goodness, they have. What made you want to become a Psychiatrist, espe-cially one that focuses on children? Do you also treat adults? Yes, I enjoy seeing anyone that needs help; I concen-trate on seeing kids because they resonate with me more, likely because of my parents’ divorce and its effects on me growing up. Kids are fun because they have no pre-conceived notions other than the ones we give them. They believe in magic and aren't stubborn like most of us adults. Working with parents is a joy because they are so motivated to help their child succeed. Working with adults is also rewarding but only when patients are ready to make a change for themselves.

What do you most want people to understand about mental health? First off, there is no such thing as "crazy" or "normal." It doesn't exist. What does exist is depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, ADHD, and a whole lot of variations of "typical." I enjoy teaching people how to treat their ill-nesses and identify the "typical." Secondly, "Effie, we all got pain." Every person will go through something in their lives and how you respond to it will change the course of your experience here on Earth. Accessing a guide to walk you through the tough times (therapist, counselor, psy-chologist, psychiatrist) doesn't mean you're broken. It means you're willing to learn more about you while you're here.

Explain why you feel it’s best for Southside Renais-sance to remain unincorporated and not have titles within the group? Human beings, especially Americans, place great em-phasis on fairness. For the African-American community, we also value transparency given our cultural history of slavery and civil rights. Creating a single company and arranging people with titles and a hierarchy is the antithe-sis of fairness and tends to breed resentment and shadi-ness. Instead, the principles of Southside Renaissance are individuals with their own goals, ideas, dreams, and com-panies who are choosing to work in concert. It's been a resounding success so far and we're excited to bring more people on board. If all goes according to plan, what are your future goals? At some point it'll be good to take a vacation. Until then, I'm working on all the projects that I dreamed of. I remember going to the store as a 10 year-old, clutching food stamps that Momma would give us. We'd go and buy candy or cookies; a rare treat since Momma did all the cooking at home and taught us how to stretch a dollar. I remember dreaming of a time when I'd have money and time to do something big. When I got to undergrad, I ran across a quote by Henry David Thoreau, “The best thing a man can do for his culture when he is rich is endeavor to carry out those schemes he entertained when he was poor." So my future goal is to "carry out those schemes." That includes healthcare reform, mentoring, building a successful private practice, and community revi-talization, as a start.

If you would like to get involved with this initiative, email [email protected]

Southside Renaissance (CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE)


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Destiny’s Cajun Express Brown’s BBQ

Located on the corner of East Lancaster Avenue and Ayers you’ll find Destiny's Ca-jun Express. Named after the daughter of owners Jordan and Stacy Woods, the restau-rant features a full menu of delicious meals with a New Orleans flavor. From slow-cooked favorites like the seasoned shrimp etoufee and gumbo Cajun fish dinners, vari-ety is one of its strongest selling points. The location in Fort Worth opened in January, but previously operated in Arlington for three years prior. The Woods family

is originally from Lake Charles, Louisi-ana and moved to this area 14 years ago. Jordan Woods said his wife, Stacy, worked in catering for much of her career and he purposed in his heart to get a restaurant for her one day. “I had to come through for her,” he said. “She has always been a good cook. I gained weight when we first got married.” Ironically Stacy said she learned to cook good meals out of love for him. At first she would sneak and have her mother make the meals, but discovered she enjoyed mixing different spices to create new flavors. “To me, cooking is like science. I like chemistry and combining items to make something different is interest-ing,” she explained. “We are passion-ate about our food. It is authentic and slow-cooked to order. We actually make the roux for our gumbo.” Destiny’s Cajun Express is located at 3633 E. Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76103, 817-274-9800.

You may recognize Tony Brown (far right) from the Original Kings Kids Fort Worth group, directed by Charmion Polk when he was in fifth grade. As a child he would sing with the organization. Now at age 40 he has opened Brown’s BBQ on Edgewood Terrace, and has a “Kings Kid” T-Shirt on the wall in the dining area. His busi-ness sells wood-smoked pit barbecue classics like brisket, chicken, ribs and pork chops. They also have loaded baked potatoes and brisket tacos, all served with a sense of pride and generous flavorful portions. Brown’s wife, Sumia, and other family members

over, then we started selling.” They opened the restaurant in Feb-ruary and have gotten a welcoming response from customers. In addition to selling full meals, Brown’s also of-fers chopped beef sandwiches with grilled bread, chicken wings and des-serts popular for their southern flavor like famous banana pudding cake and peach cobbler. You can visit Brown’s BBQ at 1900 Edgewood Terrace, Fort Worth, Texas 76105, 682-552-9995.

work in the restaurant to help keep operations running smoothly. He was given a pit by his father in 2006 who told him it would be good for his future one day. “I started experi-menting at home and the food turned out good,” Brown said. “People kept coming

3633 East Lancaster Avenue (Corner of E. Lancaster & Ayers) - Fort Worth, TX 76103 - 817-274-9800

Slow Cooked Favorites Chicken & Sausage Gumbo Red Beans & Rice Shrimp Etoufee Cajun Rice Po-Boy Sandwiches w/Fries Chicken, Hot Sausage Shrimp, Catfish, Oyster Combo Po-Boy

Chicken Wings Buffalo, Hot, Lemon Pepper, Asian Zing, Sweet & Spicy, Honey Mus-tard BBQ Bayou Specialties Shrimp Pistolette Boudin Per Link Pecan Candy Boiled Crawfish

Fresh Salads House Salads Chicken Grilled/Fried Shrimp Grilled/Fried Choice Sides Regular Fries, Mashed Potatoes, Macaroni & Cheese, Spicy Green Beans, Fried Okra, Corn Nuggets

OPEN 11 A.M. - 9 P.M., 7 DAYS A WEEK! Try our Great Food You’ll

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