There are few things that are purely American. On that short list are baseball and the two-year community college. Bill Jason Priest possessed skill and acumen for both. The better part of his life was spent developing and defining the junior college into the comprehensive community college. His contributions earned him a prestigious place in the annals of higher education, but his personality was not one of a stereotypical stodgy educator, nor is the story of his life a dry read. After working his way through college, Priest played professional baseball before serving in Naval Intelligence during World War II. His varied experiences helped shape his leadership style, often labeled as autocratic and sometimes truculent in conservative convictions. The same relentless drive that brought him criticism also brought him success and praise. Forthright honesty and risk-taking determination combined with vision brought about many positive results. Priest’s career in higher education began with the two-year college system in California before he was lured to Texas in 1965 to head the Dallas County Junior College District. Over the next fifteen years Priest transformed the junior college program into the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) and built it up to seven colleges. …

In 1984, a Moroccan national named Abdelkrim Belachheb walked into Iannis Restaurant, a trendy Dallas nightclub, and gunned down seven people. Six died. Despite the fact that the crimes occurred in a state that prides itself on being tough on criminals, the death penalty was not an option for the Belachheb jury. Even though he had committed six murders, and his guilt was never in question (despite his insanity defense), his crimes were not capital murders under 1984 statutes. As a direct result of this crime, during the 1985 regular session the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 8--the “multiple murder” statute--to make serial killing and mass murder capital crimes. Belachheb’s case serves as an excellent example to explore capital punishment and the insanity defense. Furthermore, Belachheb’s easy entry into the United States (despite his violent record in Europe) highlights our contemporary fear over lax immigration screening and subsequent terrorism. The case is unique in that debate usually arises from an execution. Belachheb was given life imprisonment and is currently under maximum security--a fate some would argue is “worse than death.” He is scheduled to have his first parole hearing in 2004, the twentieth anniversary of his crime. “This is a …

No More Silence is the first oral history of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, from eyewitness accounts through the police reactions, investigations, and aftermath. Based on in-depth interviews conducted in Dallas, it features narratives of forty-nine key eyewitnesses, police officers, deputy sheriffs, and government officials. Here—in many cases for the first time—participants are allowed to speak for themselves without interpretation, editing, or rewording to fit some preconceived speculation. Unlike the testimony given in the Warren Commission volumes, the contributors openly state their opinions regarding conspiracy and cover-ups. Of particular interest are the fascinating stories from the Dallas Police Department—few of the policemen have come forward with their stories until now. No More Silence humanizes those involved in the events in Dallas in 1963 and includes photographs of the participants around the time of the assassination and as they appear today. Was there a conspiracy in the assassination of President Kennedy? No More Silence gives readers the best perspective yet on the subject, allowing them to sift through the evidence and draw their own conclusions. "Sneed accomplishes what has never been done before, which is to tell the story of the four days from the Dallas point of view …

Photograph of an unidentified man and woman arriving together on the red carpet.

Photograph of an unidentified woman gazing to the right.

Photograph of Timothy Stickney on stage.

Photograph of Roger E. Mosley and Della Reese reading a program together.

Photograph of Kim Fields speaking on stage from behind the podium.

Photograph of Irma P. Hall and an unidentified man at a gala celebrating the 30th Anniversary of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, held at the Dallas Convention Center Theatre Complex. The man helps Hall out of a black vehicle.

Photograph of Timothy Stickney standing on stage at the podium.

Photograph of Ella Joyce, Kim Fields, Erykah Badu, and Curtis King conversing on stage with other guests seated around them.

Photograph of several guests on stage, including Della Reese, Albertina Walker, Irma P. Hall, and Curtis King.

Photograph of two unidentified guests arriving at the gala on the red carpet.

Photograph of three unidentified guests, one seated and two standing, conversing.

Photograph of Curtis King posing with several guests, including Albertina Walker, Della Reese, and Kim Fields.

Photograph of Peabo Bryson holding an audience member's hand while performing in front of the stage.

Photograph of a row of three audience members, including Kim Fields.

Photograph of several guests arriving at the event with one guest in the center of the photo raising his right fist in the air.

Photograph of Curtis King, Timothy Stickney, Bill Cobbs, Kirk Franklin, and several other guests posing for a picture.

Photograph of an unidentified man speaking for a small audience, among which is Curtis King.

Photograph of an unidentified man speaking at the podium on stage.

Photograph of an unidentified man and woman on the red carpet speaking to interviewers.

Photograph of several guests on stage, including Della Reese, Irma P. Hall, Albertina Walker, and Curtis King.

Photograph of Curtis King on stage with several special guests.