My Day: Joyce Foreman, The Candidate
There is something especially fascinating about an African American woman who defies stereotype.
It is even more of a fascination when she is bold, influencial, determined to make a difference, confident, relentless and comfortable in her own skin, with friends from all walks of life.
The best thing about this article is that I do not have to ask anybody about Joyce Foreman. Joyce Foreman and I have been good friends for decades. I like to say we are friends that agree to disagree– always with a purpose we are championing. We differ, sometimes loudly and profusely, then its back to business. We are often mistaken for each other because so many think we look alike. Over the years, we have participated in countless “battles-that-matter” in this community and beyond–all for the common good and progress of children and citizens. Needless to say, I consider her an ideal for all generations. At the moment she is in a run off for Trustee District 6, Dallas ISD. (So VOTE, please, on Saturday, June 21). When Joyce called and told meshe was running, we discussed it and then I had a laugh. Joyce Foreman has actually been a respected preferred “community voice” on the school board since she left DISD as a product of the school district. It just was not an elected position until now.
An only child born and raised by a single mother in historic South Dallas Dixon Circle, Joyce Foreman has very fond memories of caring teachers, principals, parents and trustees with a single top priority. That being the education of all children under their guardianship and tutelage. Joyce Foreman’s mother conveyed very clearly to her the importance of community, education and commitment.
Some years ago, I served as Mistress of Ceremonies at a roast for Joyce Foreman. It was awesomely funny. She has served on over twenty plus major boards and commissions in the city she loves. And for over thirty(30)years owned a business. Foreman Office Products was the only African American owned business in downtown Dallas. At the roast, business owners, CEO’s of downtown corporations, women entrepreneurs, bankers, homeless in dress attire, classmates, they all came.
As a business owner, Joyce Foreman has long had a vision for this city which included massive growth and excellence in education for our future. How amazing is it to have home grown talent stay involved and return as a trusted trustee. My benefit in all of this is having an opportunity to pen my friend.
Ester Davis can be reached at 214.376.9000. Coming up!! The famous RED CARPET SHOWS Real Men Cook, now Father’s Table and join me as celebrity host/bowler “Don’t Believe the Hype” WRITE to Comer( with love) Cottrell at this paper.
