In Dallas, the juvenile justice system stands at a crossroads, facing a crisis that threatens the future of our youth and, by extension, the fabric of our community. At the heart of this crisis is a systemic failure to provide meaningful alternatives to detention, a failure that not only exacerbates the challenges facing vulnerable children but also ignores the transformative power of mentorship.

In the multi-tiered educational landscape of the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), the echoes of a deeply entrenched and problematic doctrine reverberate through the hallways, classrooms, and policy-making chambers. This doctrine, far from the egalitarian principles the public school system professes to uphold, effectively ensnares poor families in a cycle of educational deprivation and diminished opportunities.

In Dallas, the gap between progressive promises and the stark reality of their implementation under District Attorney John Creuzot has reached a critical juncture. This failure to indict a sex trafficker, accused of exploiting a 15-year-old girl, underscores a disturbing pattern of incompetence that demands immediate attention.

In the midst of the Dallas Independent School District’s (DISD) financial disparities, Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde’s recent actions have sparked a well-deserved uproar. Her opposition to HB1, which included provisions for school choice, directly impacted the financial well-being of DISD’s teachers and support staff. This opposition contributed to the stalling of the legislation in #txleg, denying significant raises to those who needed them most.

In the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), a concerning narrative unfolds under Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde. Her recent unanimous approval for a $57,000 raise starkly contrasts with the modest 3% increase afforded to teachers and support staff. This decision, far from being an isolated incident, is emblematic of a deeper systemic issue within DISD.

In the shadows, the city of Dallas grappling with the persistent issue of illiteracy and poor educational outcomes among its Black youth, stands a figure who had the potential to be a catalyst for positive change. This individual is none other than Justin Henry, a key figure within the Dallas Independent School District (DISD). His role as President of the Board of Trustees as well as supposedly serving District 9, marked more by a lack of decisive action than by impactful initiatives, has only served to intensify the obstacles confronting the very community he vowed to uplift. In a position where leadership could have been transformative, Henry’s tenure has instead been characterized by a series of missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises, leaving a significant void in the quest for educational advancement among Black students in Dallas.

In a brazen move, figures like Judge Clay Jenkins and Dr. Elizalde from DISD are pushing for mental health evaluations that dangerously lean on prescription drugs as a panacea for student behavioral issues. This superficial fix blatantly ignores the deeper, underlying struggles that many at-risk students face.

Under the guise of superintendents like Miles Morath and Michael Hinojosa, Dallas ISD (DISD) has been mired in a deeply deceptive practice of grade inflation, masking an actual epidemic of illiteracy. This façade of academic success, especially under current leadership like Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, conceals a narrative fraught with systemic failures. It’s high time we confront this reality head-on.

This holiday season, children are being orphaned. As families prepare to celebrate the holidays, some are mourning. Michael Pierson’s and Tenery Walker’s families, among others, face a bleak season. These aren’t just workers; they’re fathers, sons, and husbands. Their bravery, heading to work every day in dangerous and unthankful environments like Family Dollar or Dollar General, is met with tragic ends.

When it comes to the topic of criminal justice, in the heart of Dallas, we are witnessing a disturbing deviation from some very basic principles. Our court system has alarmingly transformed into a breeding ground for a perilous leniency that threatens the very fabric of our community. This week, our focus is not merely on criticism but on a vehement challenge to the systemic failures that have led to catastrophic outcomes. These failures are not random missteps; they are the direct result of actions and decisions made by District Attorney John Creuzot, Judge Clay Jenkins, and a cadre of progressive judges and prosecutors. Their conduct suggests a troubling alignment with the interests of the wealthy elite, overshadowing their duty as guardians of justice for the working class.

In the realm of public education, the role of a school board trustee is not just a position of honor; it is a profound responsibility. It is a commitment to uphold the educational standards and ensure the holistic development of every student under their care. However, in the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), Trustee Maxie Johnson’s tenure raises serious concerns, particularly when it comes to meeting the critical needs of the district’s students.

The Robin Hood taxation policy in Dallas, aimed at funding poorer schools, has failed to resolve the deep-seated problems in the Dallas Independent School District (DISD). Despite reallocating funds, many students still struggle with basic reading and math skills. This failure signals a broader crisis in education that goes beyond just financial issues. After visiting many schools in different regions, it is clear that the money from the tax scheme isn’t making it to the hood.

We have long since cast our vote in favor of educational freedom and well-funded, responsible policing. We see the direct link between access to quality education and a safer, stronger community. But our so-called “representatives” in the Democratic-run City Council don’t seem to get the memo, do they?

We have long since cast our vote in favor of educational freedom and well-funded, responsible policing. We see the direct link between access to quality education and a safer, stronger community. But our so-called “representatives” in the Democratic-run City Council don’t seem to get the memo, do they?

In Dallas, the presence of Black public officials is a testament to the city’s diverse representation. Yet, the stark contrast between occupancy and engagement paints a troubling picture. While it’s relatively easy to spot Black faces in positions of power, it’s significantly harder to find those who are actively bridging the gap between office and community, who are not just present but profoundly engaged. The true measure of representation is not merely in numbers but in the active, empathetic listening and the subsequent actions that reflect the community’s voice. It’s in the willingness to step into the neighborhoods, to hear the lived experiences of the constituents, and to champion their needs with vigor and resolve.

The Dallas public education system is in a state of crisis. The schools, particularly those in impoverished zip codes, are battlegrounds where students and teachers face more than just academic challenges. Drug abuse, gang violence, and underage pregnancy are rampant, creating an environment where learning is not just difficult—it’s dangerous. These institutions, meant to be safe havens of knowledge, have become perilous, where the promise of education is overshadowed by the threat of survival.

We have long since cast our vote in favor of educational freedom and well-funded, responsible policing. We see the direct link between access to quality education and a safer, stronger community. But our so-called “representatives” in the Democratic-run City Council don’t seem to get the memo, do they?

In the political chessboard that is Dallas, Black voters find themselves pawns in a game where both major parties seem to have forgotten that we, too, have the power to declare checkmate. The Dallas City Council, a stronghold of Democrats, has consistently turned a deaf ear to our calls for school choice and adequate funding for police and public safety in our neighborhoods. On the other side, Republicans seem to think they can afford to ignore us, as if our votes are inconsequential. Well, it’s time to set the record straight.

It’s disheartening to see the disconnect between what Black voters want and what our so-called representatives are willing to offer us in Dallas. The numbers don’t lie: 3 in 4 Black voters support school choice and educational freedom, and a resounding 72% actually opposed the “defund the police” movement. Yet, City Council Members, who claim to represent our interests, are doing the exact opposite—blocking charter schools and cutting into public safety funding. The question that looms large is: why do local politicians refuse to listen to Black voters?

In a political climate where labels often supersede logic, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson’s recent decision to switch from the Democratic to the Republican Party has unleashed a torrent of reactions that expose the profoundly ingrained, stochastic racism within our society. The response from white liberals has been particularly telling, revealing a disturbing tendency to reduce a Black man’s worth to his political affiliation.