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Glenn Ligon: America, Exhibit at The Modern You can now find a compelling collection of Glenn Ligon's work on display at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth through June 3, 2012.  The exhibit features a look back at Ligon's creations throughout his career.  A leading artist of our time, Ligon is best known for his series of text-based paintings based on the writings of noted African-American authors such as Zora Neale Houston and Ralph Ellison.  He is part of a generation of artists who came to the forefront in the late 1980s and 1990s by exploring racial and sexual identity in their work.  Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Ligon received a Bachelor or Arts from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, and he studied at the Whitney Museum.  When you visit The Modern you'll find over 100 works by the artist, including paintings, prints, photography, drawings, sculptures and neon reliefs.  For more information, go to www.themodern.org .  A panel discussion that includes the Ligon exhibit will be held May 1, 2012 from 7-8:30 p.m. in The Modern Auditorium. New Opportunities for Jobs & Skills Training The former Meadowbrook Library has been converted into a center to help Fort Worth residents sharpen skills and prepare for professional advancement.  Located just off East Lancaster on Stark Street, the new eSkills Branch is dedicated to offering computer training, research and now GED Classes. See below... Third Thursday Jazz Series Kicks-off in May The sounds many have grown to love over the last three years will continue this year at the Fort Worth Library.  The 3rd Thursday Jazz Series begins in May and runs through Fall 2012.  Live performances take place each month at 6:30 p.m., Central Library, 500 W. 3rd Street.  Brad Leali's Quintet is first on the line up with "The Bebop Revolution," featuring the music of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespe.  The following month highlights Victor Cager and Jazz vocalist Tatiana Mayfield.  July brings the James Shannon Quintet.  Grammy Award-winning drummer Adonis Rose will peform on August 16th with his band, bringing the music of New Orleans to the stage.  Performances are free and open to the public.  For more information, call 817-392-7323.

D. Jay's Back, Bigger & Better in Woodhaven       The place where you can find good food, good people and feel like you’re family is back.  D’Jay’s Kountry Grill has reopened on Woodhaven Boulevard in East Fort Worth with more space and a bigger menu.  In addition to a long list of home-style favorites like chicken fried steak, meatloaf and catfish, the restaurant has added daily T-Bone Steaks and Chicken Family Specials.  Orders can be placed from eight to 100 pieces. Loyal customers have wasted no time showing up to the new location, which is big enough to rent for special events.     “You follow good people,” said Oscar Robinson, faithful diner.  “It’s just like home.  You can sit down, dine and watch TV - and they know your name.” Robinson said he doesn’t have a favorite item because he likes everything. “If my wife is looking for me, she knows where to find me,” he added. A clue to how the business was able to expand is found on the sign that reads, “God is Good.”  Restaurant owner D. Jay Young said three investors put a significant amount of money into the business after her lease expired at the previous location.  She was planning to pack up and move to Atlanta to be with her grandkids when she got the news.     "One of the investors had eaten here before," Young said.  "Two others joined in and here we are now."     The financial resources allowed her to create a larger seating area, a bigger kitchen, full salad bar and grill, and an extended hot table.  She was also able to hire 20 people and extend business hours.     "We're blessed to be in this position," Young said.  "We continue to have A-1 guest service and the food is great."     Meals now come with three side items; free drinks and cornbread muffins are served with dine-in plates.      D’Jay’s reopened at 1023 Woodhaven in November of 2011 and is open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.  For more information, call 817-653-7592.  Another location is planned soon nearby, next to the Fort Worth Potter's House Church.  The second site will feature a Jazz and Gospel Brunch and is expected to open this spring.

Gwen Barbee, Tuskegee Airmen, Blake Moorman Downtown Fort Worth

Red Tails - Local Movie Screening held with special guests Tuskegee Airmen The Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce hosted a special screening of the movie, Red Tails in Fort Worth.  A reception took place at the Jubilee Theatre Downtown, followed by the movie at the AMC Palace 9.  The event provided an opportunity to hear members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen speak of their experiences.  Several soldiers from that historical era in attendance received a standing ovation from a packed house.  Tuskegee Airmen served at a time when the military was notably segregated, and discrimination rampant nationwide. Despite the lack of support from their fellow countrymen, about 995 Black pilots graduated from a military flight school in Tuskegee, Ala., from 1942 to 1946. About the Movie:1944. As the war in Europe continues to take its toll on Allied forces, the Pentagon brass has no recourse but to consider unorthodox options - including the untried and untested African-American pilots of the experimental Tuskegee training program. Just as the young Tuskegee men are on the brink of being shut down and shipped back home, they are given the ultimate chance to show their courage. Against all the odds, with something to prove and everything to lose, these intrepid young airmen take to the skies to fight for their country - and the fate of the free world. The movie is now showing in theaters nationwide, starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Terrence Howard.

Stay informed & inspired with dfwblacknews.com Whether you're looking for the latest development or newest restaurant, we're on the job bringing feature stories from the African American Community.  For over 14 years, the Fort Worth Black News has given voice to events and issues that are of interest to Urban America and the African-American community. We've done this by publishing newspapers, books, and producing television shows.  It is our hope that readers and viewers will be inspired through our publications, as well as the works we publish for others.  Thank you for visiting dfwblacknews.com and newsandbooks.com! To Advertise your business or event in the Fort Worth Black News or online, email gpblacknews@aol.com or call 817-921-5444. You may also contact the publisher, Jill Darden directly at JillDardenNews@aol.com .  Please include an email address and contact number. Program for minority business owners  The Agenda for Building Capacity (ABC) hosted its second quarterly buyer/ vendor forum this spring. The purpose of the ABC Program is to create a forum for Tarrant County- based minority- and women- owned businesses to connect with buyers and procurements opportunities from public entities, corporations, prime contractors and developers.  For additional information, please contact Velina Willis, Tarrant County, 817-884-1948, vgwillis@tarrantcounty.com.