Black Lives Matter

We at TanglewoodMoms.com and Madeworthy Magazine have felt a need to share black and other minority stories both online and in print since our early publishing days. We have been asked by our readers to publish them today so that they can support black- and minority-owned businesses in our city.

While we are working on new stories, here are some of our friends that would love your support and patronage. Some might even want your action. Please reach out to them and see what you can do to make their lives better and help support their causes.

In our 3rd issue of Madeworthy Magazine, we told the story of published author and Jarrel James Salon owner, Sau Le Hudecek.

photo credit: Kim Burnstad

“Set a bit incongruously, or perhaps anachronistically, on the corner lot of two residential streets in an established and affluent neighborhood north of I-30, the Jerrel James Salon caters to the cosmetological needs of many of Fort Worth’s well-heeled citizens. As I drive through quiet, well-lit streets on my way to meet Sau Le Hudecek, the owner of the salon, I pass pretty houses with manicured lawns and shiny new SUVs and sedans in the driveways. I am struck again by the shocking first sentence of Sau’s new book, The Rebirth of Hope, published by TCU Press:

‘When I was six years old, the night before school started, my sister was killed by a land mine.'”

Full story: HERE

In that same issue, we published a story about A.L. “Drew” Thomas of Drew’s Place.

photo by Jocelyn Tatum

“A medium-sized green, plastic trashcan sits zip-tied to a section of railing on Merrick Street in the Como neighborhood. It reads, ‘TRASH. Keep Como Clean,’ in black Sharpie. On the day I visited, it has a fresh garbage bag inside filled halfway with newly-accumulated soda cans and napkins. A serene lake and wildlife area surrounded by old homes, some restored and some sagging, lie just beyond the trashcan with its plea.”

Read the full story: HERE 

We featured Tareka Lofton of Loft22 Cakes on the Cover of our Nov/Dec 2018 issue.

photo credit: Beth McElhannon Photography

“First and foremost, Tareka Lofton of Loft22 Cakes is an artist. Sitting in her bakery located on Daggett Street, her work on the wall is one of the first things that she points out. ‘See that watercolor over there, that’s my work.’ I cannot help but be impressed. The work is eye-catching. Yet, it is not the only work of art in the room. Not too far away, several dozen colorful cakes and cupcakes are displayed in a refrigerated case next to the cash register.  She takes a look around the room as we talk. She seems to be in her sweet spot. If her innate artistic talent is what so beautifully and distinctively colors her work, most certainly the secret ingredient that flavors her cakes and pastries so well is grit. Pure grit.”

Read the full article: HERE

In that same issue, we featured Melvin Robinson of Doughboy Donuts.

Photos by Rory Balkin

“The first time I met him, he was covered in sweat in the Texas heat. In his hands, he carried a large box of treats. He was delivering donuts to Texas Christian University – some covered in Fruity Pebbles, and others flavored with “sriracha bacon.”I was working at TCU that summer. We were planning an event, and Melvin Roberson came to give us a taste test from his up-and-coming donut food truck. When he opened the boxes, we stared in awe at the gorgeous donuts and with unique flavors. I thought of all the sweets lovers I knew and took a picture to send to my family.”

Read the full story: HERE 

In our Nov/Dec 2019 issue, we published a story about Ernestine Edmond, owner of Mama E’s BBQ and Home Cooking.

photo credit: Reverie Photo Co.

“Driving down Rosedale Avenue, past Torchy’s Tacos and the hospital district, I spot a small brick building with barred windows and a large sign boasting ‘Mama E’s Bar-B-Que and Home Cooking.’ I pull into the gravel parking lot and make my way inside. Three women stand behind the counter, slicing brisket, buttering buns and pulling fresh, homemade pastries out of the oven. The oldest is a small woman standing just over five feet, with a smile as bright as the sun. She walks out of the kitchen through a side door covered in children’s art and hugs me.”

Read the full story: HERE 

These are just some of the stories we have shared over the years, and we will continue being advocates of Black Lives Matter and our city’s minority- and black-owned businesses. In our next blog, we will highlight some of the organizations that are making a difference in Fort Worth and how you can get involved.