Black El Paso Voice

All Things Black in El Paso

Monica Tucker

Monica is the founder and publisher of Black El Paso Voice. She is an advocate fighting against racism and embracing positive community involvement. She is a lover of God, Puerto Rican cuisine, and the greatest defender of her family. She also enjoy House Music and swears it's the best music on the planet!

Choosing Not to Associate: A Decision Rooted in Values, Not Ill Will

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I absolutely support local arts organizations. My family, friends, and community co-laborers are artistic. Our goals include advancing the movement.

Transparency as a professional and community activist: As publishers, making decisions about supporting organizations in our local community can be challenging. Ultimately, we prioritize what is best for our publication, readers, and family, ensuring our choices align with our core values and mission.

Transparency: The Question – Why are you choosing not to associate your name and brand with the new black arts organization? | As a parent, I ensure my children’s well-being and comfort, regardless of age. In addition, protecting your name and brand is crucial during these times. Specific individuals associated with a local supposed cultural arts organization have demonstrated behavior that is detrimental to a positive and supportive artistic environment. These actions have caused significant concern and discomfort for people, including my family. We have chosen not to associate ourselves with the organization. We want nothing but the best for any initiative meant to advance the culture as long as harmful tactics aren’t used to do so.

This choice is rooted in our commitment to maintaining a safe, ethical, and nurturing space for artistic expression. We believe that creative endeavors should be pursued in an atmosphere free from anxiety, toxicity, or any form of negative influence.

Our non-participation is not a reflection on the importance of Black arts in our community but rather a stance against specific behaviors and attitudes incompatible with our values and the well-being of artists.

We remain committed to supporting and promoting Black arts through other avenues that align with our principles of respect, integrity, and positive community building.

Our activation of a positive local Black Arts initiative is not hindered by the pause in our efforts due to intellectual property issues; it will continue as it has since prior to meeting the current leadership of the aforementioned.

Transparency: Official Statement | The organization’s inception is marred by intellectual theft and a betrayal of trust, as the concept and name were originally my daughter’s idea. The individual who appropriated this idea has shown a troubling lack of integrity, not only by using my daughter’s concept but also by admitting to using psychological manipulation for personal gain against others as stated by the individual themselves.

My decision is not a hasty one, but a result of a steadfast commitment to authenticity, safety, and moral principles. By placing my family’s well-being at the forefront and aligning with those who uphold honesty, respect, and civility, I am consciously distancing myself from potentially toxic and harmful influences.

I firmly believe that true artistic and cultural movements should be founded on genuine creativity, mutual respect, and positive community impact, not on manipulation and false narratives.

I choose to adhere to a path of integrity, even if it means standing apart from a different cultural movement that some have unfortunately embraced.

This approach reflects my belief that the quality of one’s associations and the ethical foundation of artistic endeavors are more important than mere popularity or scale.

My rejection of this association is not a rejection of Black arts or cultural expression but rather a principled stand against these essential concepts’ misappropriation and potential misuse.

It is a powerful reminder that the integrity of a movement’s leadership and founding principles is crucial to its true value and impact.

If you have an organization (arts or otherwise) that we can truly work with void of toxicity, let us know. Our goal is to work smarter, not harder because we are better together; however, please be genuine and have a loving care and concern for the community respecting the ethical and moral positive beliefs of others.

If your goal is to deceive and manipulate people, I can’t recommend nor participate.

It’s time for real change.

Timeline

2021: My daughter and I discussed her interest in starting a local organization for Black citizens involved in various artistic disciplines.

2022: We began to develop the concept, incorporating ideas from previous initiatives that I and her godfather had envisioned for Black El Paso Voice in the late 90’s. As my daughter was busy with school, I took the lead in identifying local artists and briefly shared the information with a newcomer to El Paso.

August 2023: I revisited the idea with this new individual, who found the concept unique and brilliant and agreed to participate.

Early September 2023: The individual revealed toxic and harmful behavior. To protect Black men focused on community building and myself, we severed ties after the person admitted to using their psychology background to manipulate someone.

The Following Week: The person began circulating the name “El Paso Black Arts Association,” which was the name my daughter had intended for her organization that I shared with this individual as the hope was to plan for Black History Month 2024 due to the theme of: African Americans and the Arts. This was a regrettable outcome of sharing our plans with the person. 

Since Then: The situation has been challenging, with continued falsehoods and cyberstalking despite my requests for no further communication. In addition, several well-respected people in our community informed me that I should inform the community that I have no ties with the person due to her behavior with them as well. I chose to remain silent but in doing so, the situation worsened. I was told that I should protect my name and business as this person was mentioning both in meetings and public spaces. 

Moving Forward: My daughter remains undeterred and will continue to pursue her dream of creating an arts organization for the Black community that encourages engagement with other cultures. She has not allowed the theft of her intellectual property to stop her.

I cannot support toxic activity from those who are supposed leaders. Our values do not align, as I am committed to positive community building and not negative manipulation. Not that it matters, but because my faith was questioned, I not only love God, but follow the principles of love, grace, faith, and forgiveness, and will continue to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, unapologetically.

I do not dismiss anyone whose spiritual beliefs are akin to mine; however, I do not condone certain practices that may cause harm to others, including mentally, physically, or socially.

My prayers will forever include those whose behaviors are harmful to others, asking God to deliver them from evil. 

The Vital Role of Gatekeeping in Community Building

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“Ensuring the safety and integrity of your name, brand, business, family, and community is not gatekeeping; it’s protection.”

 

The Vital Role of Gatekeeping in Community Building: To move forward, we must expose those who claim to do good but are bad actors in the community.

As someone deeply committed to strengthening community bonds and fostering collaboration, I often find myself navigating the delicate balance between promoting unity and addressing the challenges posed by adult bullies within our community. Throughout my extensive involvement in various community initiatives over the years, I’ve encountered individuals whose toxic behavior has necessitated implementing gatekeeping measures to protect the well-being of our collective pursuits.

During an interview, I faced the disturbing reality of intentional exploitation by a community member. This individual shamelessly admitted to exploiting others’ perceived weaknesses, displaying a blatant disregard for ethical conduct and empathy. Decisive action was needed to prevent further harm to unsuspecting collaborators.

In grappling with the moral dilemma of whether to intervene and alert others, I confronted the harsh truth of how manipulative individuals can perpetuate falsehoods and inflict lasting damage on our community. Despite initially hoping for personal growth and redemption, I realized the urgency of prioritizing the protection of vulnerable individuals from exploitation and deceit.

Though challenging, I decided to cut ties with such individuals because I felt a deep sense of responsibility to safeguard the integrity of our community initiatives. Witnessing the insidious spread of falsehoods and intellectual property theft underscored the importance of distinguishing between genuine allies and opportunistic detractors.

Furthermore, my dedication to shielding loved ones from potential harm led me to withdraw from collaborations tainted by deceit and manipulation. This sobering realization emphasized the necessity of vigilant gatekeeping to preserve the integrity of our shared endeavors, even in familial contexts.

In prioritizing authenticity and integrity over superficial alliances, I found solace in my daughter’s commitment to pursuing her artistic vision independently. Despite facing setbacks orchestrated by deceptive actors, her resilience in amplifying Black voices in the community served as a beacon of hope amidst adversity.

Reflecting on these experiences, I’m compelled to initiate an honest dialogue within our community about the nuanced dynamics of gatekeeping and its role in promoting inclusivity and safety. While gatekeeping can evoke mixed reactions, its importance lies in distinguishing between constructive standards and exclusionary practices.

Bad gatekeeping, characterized by arbitrary criteria and discriminatory practices, fosters a hostile environment that undermines community cohesion. Such behaviors erode trust and perpetuate divisiveness, harming the fabric of our community.

Conversely, good gatekeeping serves as a defense against toxicity and exploitation, maintaining the integrity of our shared spaces and promoting accountability and mutual respect. By setting clear standards and boundaries, gatekeepers uphold the values that define our community and mitigate the risk posed by malicious actors.

To safeguard our collective well-being, we must recognize the pivotal role of good gatekeepers and support and empower individuals who demonstrate integrity and compassion in their stewardship of community resources. Whether through formal leadership roles or grassroots initiatives, fostering a culture of accountability is essential for our community’s growth.

Moving forward, I advocate for a proactive approach to gatekeeping that prioritizes transparency, inclusivity, and education. By encouraging open dialogue and promoting diversity, we can overcome the barriers posed by toxic behavior and build a community grounded in trust and solidarity.

Bad Gatekeeping

Bad gatekeeping is exclusionary and discriminatory, often based on arbitrary or superficial criteria. It can be harmful to individuals’ mental health and create toxic environments by barring people from participating in a community based on things like how big of a fan they are or the circumstances of their discovery of the community.

This form of gatekeeping can be particularly damaging in fan communities, where the joy of shared interest should be inclusive and where gatekeeping can be used to exclude typically underrepresented groups, such as women or people of color, based on prejudiced views.

In summary, good gatekeeping protects the essential characteristics of a community and ensures its members are qualified or aligned with its goals. In contrast, lousy gatekeeping is exclusionary, often based on prejudice, and harms the community by creating a hostile and unwelcoming environment.

Good Gatekeeping (When it goes right, keeping toxic people from harming others and their pursuits.)

Good gatekeeping involves setting and maintaining standards, boundaries, or rules necessary for functioning or preserving a community’s core values and purpose. It can be a form of quality control that ensures the integrity of a community or activity is maintained.

For example, in professional or specialized communities, gatekeeping can ensure members have the necessary skills or knowledge to contribute effectively. This type of gatekeeping is often seen as essential to keep countercultures vibrant and thriving, as it can prevent the dilution of a community’s unique culture or the misrepresentation of its values. Good gatekeepers play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of a community by keeping toxic individuals out to prevent harm. They serve as protectors of the community’s well-being and values.

However, good gatekeepers need to exercise their role responsibly, ensuring that their actions are based on transparent and fair criteria and that they do not engage in discriminatory or exclusionary practices. Good gatekeeping should focus on preserving the community’s positive aspects and promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all members.

In essence, gatekeeping is a means of nurturing communities built on trust, integrity, and inclusivity. We can dismantle barriers and create a future defined by genuine collaboration and mutual respect.

Gatekeeping operates in various contexts, impacting advocates within communities as well. Here are some examples:

  1. Media Advocacy: Advocates often engage in media advocacy, where gatekeeping involves pitching stories or perspectives to journalists or editors. Gatekeepers in media ultimately decide which stories get coverage, shaping public discourse on social issues.
  2. Healthcare Advocacy: Within healthcare, advocates may encounter gatekeeping when advocating for improved access to healthcare services or challenging discriminatory practices. Gatekeepers in healthcare settings, such as insurers or healthcare administrators, may control access to resources and services.
  3. Social Media Advocacy: Advocates utilize social media platforms to amplify their messages and mobilize support for causes. However, through content moderation policies or algorithmic decisions, gatekeeping by social media platforms can impact the visibility and reach of advocacy efforts.
  4. Community Advocacy: Gatekeeping can also occur within community advocacy efforts, where specific individuals or groups may control access to decision-making processes or resources. Advocates may face challenges navigating these gatekeepers to advocate for community needs effectively.
  5. Policy Advocacy: Advocates working to influence policy decisions may encounter gatekeeping within governmental or organizational structures. Gatekeepers in policymaking processes, such as legislators or government officials, can shape policy agendas and determine which voices are heard.
  6. Funding Advocacy: Securing funding is essential for sustaining advocacy efforts, but gatekeeping by funders can pose challenges. Gatekeepers in philanthropic organizations or grant-making institutions may prioritize specific issues or approaches, affecting which advocacy initiatives receive support.
  7. Intersectional Advocacy: Advocates working at the intersections of multiple social justice issues may face additional layers of gatekeeping. Intersectional gatekeeping can arise from entrenched power dynamics and systemic inequalities, requiring advocates to navigate complex barriers to achieve meaningful change.

Gatekeeping can have significant impacts on marginalized communities in various ways. These examples demonstrate how gatekeeping can hinder marginalized communities’ inclusivity, representation, and progress in various spheres. 

  1. Exclusion of Marginalized Voices: Gatekeeping can exclude individuals or groups with valuable perspectives, limiting diversity and representation within movements or communities.
  2. Fragmentation and Divisiveness: Strict gatekeeping can lead to internal conflicts and the marginalization of voices that do not fit within predefined boundaries, contributing to fragmentation and divisiveness within grassroots movements.
  3. Replication of Power Structures: Gatekeeping can perpetuate existing power imbalances, making it challenging for minoritized individuals to persist in certain fields such as STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine).
  4. Cultural Gatekeeping: In creative industries, cultural gatekeeping by the dominant group can limit the opportunities and recognition of marginalized creators, reinforcing existing power dynamics.
  5. Reduced Community Engagement: High barriers and exclusive cliques created by gatekeeping can alienate and intimidate community members, reducing engagement and limiting the potential for widespread mobilization.

In navigating these contexts, advocates must strategically address gatekeeping challenges, build alliances, and advocate for transparency and inclusivity in decision-making processes. By recognizing and confronting gatekeeping barriers, advocates can work towards fostering more equitable and inclusive communities.

In solidarity and commitment to collective growth,

Monica Tucker

Community Advocate and Activist

Publisher: Black El Paso Voice News & Information

Politics | Alexsandra Annello Announces Run for HD 77

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“She is a Champion of Community and Equality. It was an honor to honor her at our Black Business and Community Awards.” ~Monica Tucker

 

In the heart of El Paso, Texas, stands a woman whose commitment to her community knows no bounds. Alexsandra Annello, a pillar in the local landscape, has dedicated herself to uplifting those around her through advocacy, service, and unwavering dedication to equality.

 

Alexsandra’s journey to becoming a beacon of change in El Paso began with a foundation of resilience and empathy. After experiencing the unexpected loss of her father during her studies at Catholic University, she found solace and renewed purpose at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Here, she not only completed her college degree but also imbibed the ethos of community service that would define her career.

 

Alexsandra ignited her passion for community building after immersing herself in the arts and nonprofit sectors across Texas for a decade. However, her pivotal role in initiating the Juneteenth El Paso event, now a celebrated city occasion, solidified her reputation as an initiative-taking and inclusive leader.

 

Throughout her tenure on the El Paso City Council, Alexsandra distinguished herself as a champion for equity and justice. She spearheaded initiatives to enhance access to education, healthcare, and public spaces, recognizing these as fundamental pillars of a thriving community. Her commitment to women’s rights, evidenced by her advocacy against corporate welfare and women’s autonomy in healthcare decisions, earned her widespread admiration and respect.

 

Now, as she embarks on her campaign for State Representative, House District 77, Alexsandra continues to amplify the voices of those she serves. Her platform is rooted in the principles of education, empowerment, and economic opportunity. Adamantly opposed to policies that undermine public education, such as vouchers and book bans, she stands as a steadfast advocate for the vital role of institutions like UTEP and El Paso Community College in shaping Texas’ future workforce.

 

Beyond her political endeavors, Alexsandra remains deeply connected to her community. Whether strolling through Memorial Park with her husband Beto and their dog or finding solace in the pages of a book at her local library, she epitomizes the spirit of accessibility and approachability that defines her leadership.

 

Alexsandra Annello is an example of progress. Her dedication to community, along with her steadfast advocacy for equality and justice, serves as a reminder of the transformative power of compassionate leadership. 

White ParTee on the Green | El Paso, TX Chapter of the Links, Inc.

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Via The El Paso, TX Chapter of the Links, Incorporated.

“Have a business or a cause? Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in scholarships for students and service programming efforts. Become an event sponsor or “swing” your marketing items into our Swag Bags!!
Proceeds from “White Par-Tee on the Green” will also benefit The Links Foundation, Incorporated, a non-profit corporation operating within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Contact us at epclinksinc@gmail.com for details!”

Rising Above Negativity: Preserving Cultural Pride and Fending Off Discreditation, Both Internally and Externally

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Within the Black diaspora, a common adage prevails: “With every new level, new challenges arise.” We remain susceptible to these challenges, just like anyone else.

While we may view confronting negative assumptions and debunking false narratives as time-consuming, there are instances where it becomes essential; this is particularly true when we anticipate obstacles that could undermine the substantial effort invested in advancing our goals.

El Paso’s Black community is a resilient and powerful force. We have contributed to the vibrant history here on the border for years. We must remain steadfast and take action to prevent any attempts, both internal and external, to discredit or disrespect our cultural heritage and the leaders who have paved the way for us.

In our journey of ascending to higher heights, vigilance against negativity is paramount. Negativity can erode our confidence and hinder progress. We must guard our minds to rise effectively, filtering out pessimism and doubt – regardless of where they originate. Maintaining a positive mindset contributes to resilience and fuels ambition. Embracing challenges with optimism enables us to reach greater heights. As we ascend, let us remember that negativity is a weight we can discard, allowing us to soar higher and achieve our goals with unwavering determination.

In addition, despite facing immense challenges such as systemic racism and inequality, the Black community has persevered. Our present and past leaders have worked tirelessly to promote progress, justice, and empowerment. We should be cautious of those seeking to undermine our accomplishments while addressing internal issues that could harm our cultural heritage.

Our strength lies not only in our unity but also in our collective intelligence. We must exercise critical thinking and discernment to identify genuine allies while addressing those within our community who engage in actions that could harm our culture.

We must continue to honor and celebrate our rich heritage, stand united against any forms of disrespect, and strive to tackle internal issues constructively for the betterment of our community. By doing so, we can thwart any attempts to belittle our community and move towards a future marked by progress, equality, and realizing our full potential.

#BlackBusinessMonth | Young Pioneer Changemaker: Wilbur “Bookie” Coleman III Named Black El Paso’s Youth of the Year

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Young Pioneer Changemaker: Wilbur “Bookie” Coleman III Named Black El Paso’s Youth of the Year

 

Wilbur “Bookie” Coleman III has emerged as an inspirational force in El Paso, earning the coveted title of Black El Paso Voice Youth of the Year – he’s also affectionately known as the “Fresh Prince of El Paso.” His dedication to driving positive change shines through his co-founding of “Bookie and Mommy’s Helping Hand,” a nonprofit committed to alleviating hunger among the homeless population in the city.

 

Bookie’s journey started during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic when he actively participated in distributing essential supplies to those in need. This experience ignited his empathetic drive, leading to the creation of a brilliant nonprofit venture. Through their 501c3 organization, Bookie and Mommy (Cheree Coleman) play a pivotal role in providing sustenance and support to vulnerable segments of society.

 

His journey from visionary advocate to Black El Paso Youth of the Year exemplifies the potential of youth-led change, underlining the spirit celebrated during #BlackBusinessMonth.

 

As #BlackBusinessMonth takes center stage in August, Bookie’s narrative gains even more significance. His tireless dedication to addressing homelessness underscores the power of youth-driven initiatives. By raising awareness and garnering community support, Bookie and Mommy’s Helping Hand exemplify the potential of emerging young activists.

 

You can contribute to their cause through platforms like CashApp, Zelle, ApplePay, and Venmo. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram: @bookieandmommyshelpinghand. For inquiries or collaboration, contact them at bookieandmommyshelpinghand@gmail.com.

 

Bookie’s upcoming 9th birthday on September 2nd will bring a unique challenge to the community. Black El Paso Voice is challenging the community to participate, so stay tuned for details within the next two weeks as this young advocate continues to shape the positive narrative we so desperately need in our community, especially for young Black leaders. 

 

Bookie and Mommy’s Helping Hand stands as a testament to the impact of empathy and proactive action.

Multi-Agency Effort to Curb School Threats: A Call for Safety and Responsibility in El Paso Area

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As schools kick off a new academic year, law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies in El Paso have joined hands to remind parents, students, and the community that threats aimed at schools will not be tolerated. The multi-agency collaboration vows to treat every threat seriously, mobilizing substantial resources to address and defuse potential dangers.

 

In a recent press release, officials highlighted the alarming increase in school threats nationwide, with a staggering 60% rise in reported threats to the FBI in 2022 compared to the previous year. Locally, law enforcement agencies in El Paso faced the daunting task of addressing at least three threats per day from schools in Region 19 school districts during the same period.

 

Social Media Vigilance and Responsibility

One crucial aspect of this joint endeavor is the emphasis on community involvement. Officials urge immediate reporting to law enforcement if a threat is detected on social media platforms. However, the release warns against forwarding the threatening content to others, as it can exacerbate community fear and hinder law enforcement’s ability to distinguish between new threats and previously shared ones.

 

Unified Effort for Student Safety

Statements from key officials within the agencies underscore the collaborative nature of this initiative. El Paso Independent School District Chief of Police Manuel Chavira emphasized that unity and consistency among law enforcement partners are instrumental in safeguarding students and maintaining community vitality. El Paso Police Department Interim Police Chief Peter Pacillas further warned against the grave consequences of false alarms, stressing that threats, regardless of their origin, will be met with an immediate and thorough investigation.

 

El Paso County District Attorney Bill Hicks reaffirmed the commitment to prosecuting those responsible for school threats, underscoring the penalties’ severity. Threats culminating in actions, such as bringing firearms to schools, can lead to 3rd Degree Felony charges, leading to a 10-year prison term.

 

Community Involvement and Reporting

The broader community is called upon to play an active role in maintaining school safety. Law enforcement agencies have established several avenues for reporting threats: immediate threats to life should be reported via 911, while other tips can be shared with preferred law enforcement agencies. The City of El Paso offers various reporting methods that are monitored around the clock, including calling (915) 832-4400, texting 847-411 with “EPPD and then tip,” and using the “El Paso PD” app for texting tips and receiving alerts. Additionally, the FBI can receive tips at tips.fbi.gov or by calling (915) 832-5000.

 

A United Front Against Violence

This multi-agency effort aims to guarantee that schools remain secure learning and development environments. FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey, speaking from his roles as a law enforcement officer and a parent, underscores the significance of vigilance and communication. He encourages parents to converse with their children about school safety and promptly report concerns to authorities.

 

The collaboration extends beyond local agencies, as El Paso Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Luis Gonzalez acknowledges officials’ collective determination nationwide to curtail school violence. He emphasizes that commitment and collaboration are the only ways to achieve a safe and peaceful learning environment.

 

Conclusion

As El Paso and its surrounding areas enter a new academic year, the community is reminded that everyone has a role to play in preserving the safety of its students. Through active reporting, responsible social media behavior, and a united effort among law enforcement agencies, parents, students, and officials alike can work together to ensure that schools remain nurturing environments where growth and learning can thrive without the looming shadow of threats.

#BlackBusinessMonth | Highlighting Angie Michelle Barraza | Art4Life

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Angie-Michelle Barraza (she/her), a local artist from El Paso, Texas, has cultivated a remarkable artistic journey spanning over two decades. With a Bachelor’s degree in studio art painting and a Minor in metals from the University of Texas at El Paso, she has established herself as a dynamic force in the creative landscape. As a former El Paso Art Association board member in 2021, Angie-Michelle showcased her commitment to the local art community. Her artistic exploration has birthed two compelling coloring books: “I Love Us” and “I Love Us So Much!” released in 2021 and 2023, demonstrating her ability to merge storytelling with interactive art. Angie-Michelle’s work portrays her experience as a Black/Afro-Latina woman in America. It extends to commissioned paintings enriching the city’s spaces and sharing her expertise through painting instruction at public events.

linktr.ee/angie_michelle

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“I deserve to take up space.”

#BlackBusinessMonth | Highlighting Tyrone D. McDuffie Jr., LPC

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Tyrone D. McDuffie Jr. is a licensed professional counselor who believes that there should be no negative stigma attached to a person seeking help for mental health related problems. He specializes in treating patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and anger management with a focus on stress management. He has found that with many of his patients that suffer from mental health related problems that overwhelming stress and the lack of healthy stress management techniques is a main contributing factor.

Tyrone is a certified stress management coach under the Spencer Institute and certified anger management coach under Century Anger Management. He has also served as a host, motivational, and keynote speaker in El Paso, Texas and the surrounding areas. Tyrone served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1993 to 1998 and is a proud veteran. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (2010) from Park University and Master of Arts in Counseling (2013) from Webster University. He completed his post graduated supervision at the Army Continuing Education Services (ACES) Ft. Bliss Texas and El Paso Behavioral Health System in El Paso, Texas. He is always motivated about helping people live better lives through counseling, coaching, and consulting.

facebook.com/mcduffie.tm

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“Some of the best things in life will happen for you when you just show up.”

#BlackBusinessMonth | Highlighting Ronnie & Dr. E.C. Dukes, DUKEScomics.com

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E.C.-Dukes and Ronnie Dukes are the creative force behind DUKEScomics, an independent comic books publisher. E.C. is a writer. Ronnie is an artist. The duo met in Minneapolis, Minnesota. E.C. is from New Mexico and Ronnie from Chicago. They’ve been married for over 15 years. Their first graphic novel “A.W.O.L.” was published in English in 2016 and premiered at El Paso Comic Con. The Japanese edition of “A.W.O.L.” was published in 2018 and premiered the same year at Tokyo Comic Con in Japan. The Spanish edition of “A.W.O.L.” came out in 2020 and premiered at virtual MexAmeriCon. Elvira and Ronnie have just released their second graphic novel, Daizee and the Dukes of Chuco: Chuco-Juárez World Rally and have launched into a world tour to promote their new epic adventure.

“Embrace the journey because every step, whether big or small, takes you closer to your dreams.” Ronnie & Elvira Dukes

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Ronnie Dukes is a Black artist from the south side of Chicago. His first professional artist experience began at Gallery 37 while in high school. Ronnie earned a degree in computer animation in Minneapolis before relocating to Harlem in New York City where he began to paint and exhibit work. Ronnie created his publishing company DUKEScomics with his wife, partner Elvira Carrizal-Dukes, featuring their first major print project “A.W.O.L.”, a full -color graphic novel available in English, Japanese and Spanish. Ronnie past work includes collaborations with the Department of Tribal Empowerment Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, the Alzheimer’s Association West Texas Chapter, and the El Paso Museum of Art. 

#CONSTANTER

 

E.C.-Dukes (a.k.a. Dr. Elvira Carrizal-Dukes) is a Xicana writer from Chaparral, New Mexico. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Rhetoric and Composition from the University of Texas at El Paso, a Master of Fine Arts degree in Film from Columbia University in the City of New York, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in Journalism and Chicano Studies and a minor in Theatre Arts. Dr. Dukes writes comics, graphic novels, screenplays, plays for theatre production, and academic scholarship. She is a writer, filmmaker, and teaching artist. To learn more about Dr. Dukes’ work, visit her online portfolio at: https://ecdukes.wixsite.com/multimedia-portfolio