Houston Sun celebrates 35th Anniversary on December 8
Breaking News: Congresswoman Jackson Lee introduces emancipation national historic trail bill
CELEBRATING THE HISTORY OF TEXAS
(Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was given permission to address the House
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I have often come to this floor to remind my colleagues of the devastation that the people of Texas have experienced with Hurricane Harvey. I certainly don’t intend to ignore our other friends in the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Florida, and California who have experienced their own devastation, along with Louisiana.
But I am excited today, Mr. Speaker, because I am introducing a bill that celebrates the history of Texas. H.R. 4745 is the emancipation national historic trail. Many people know that the Emancipation Proclamation was not heard in Texas but for 2 years later in 1865. This emancipation national historic trail recounts the journey of many of those individuals: freed slaves going from the Osterman Building and Reedy Chapel in Galveston, Texas; along Texas State Highway 3, Interstate Highway 45 North, Freedmen’s Town, and Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas; following the migration route of newly freed slaves and other persons of African descent; from the major 19th century seaport of Galveston.
It is a collaboration with people from both parties throughout the community. It is one of unity, Mr. Speaker. It is one where we are coming together.
I look forward to passing this legislation with my colleagues-Republicans and Democrats–because it is a celebration of the history of Texas.”
Why We Can’t Wait: Rep. Thierry Urges Governor To Call A Special Session Addressing Mass School Shootings
Austin, Texas — On Monday, May 21, 2018, Representative Shawn Thierry (D-Houston) submitted a written appeal to Governor Abbott deeming the issue of gun violence a crisis worthy of calling the Texas legislature back to special session.With 22 national school shootings in 2018 and the Santa Fe High School shooting being the deadliest in Texas since the 1966 UT Tower Shooting, Rep. Thierry stated, “We cannot successfully protect our children, teachers, and families if we continue to operate in a ‘business as usual’ or ‘thoughts and prayers’ mentality. As a woman of faith, I fervently pray against evil, however, I am also reminded that scripture teaches ‘faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead’. (James 2:17).”
Gov. Abbott recently announced his decision to convene roundtable discussions with diverse stakeholders to discuss more effective ways to protect students from school shootings. Representative Thierry also requested the opportunity to have a seat at the Governor’s roundtable discussions and stated that the legislature must act swiftly, putting politics aside in order to save lives.
As a member of the Texas legislature and a mother of a rising first grader, Representative Thierry has a unique standing and passion to work on legislation to solve the issue of gun violence in our schools. She shared, “My constituents are fearful about the safety of their children, and I must take action to address their concerns. In my role as a mom, when taking my daughter to school, I too, now live under the fear of whether my child is going to make it back home to me alive. ”
“This is a pivotal moment in time for the leadership in Texas to set an example for the nation. We must demonstrate that our great state of Texas has the resolve and the will to provide the necessary resources to better ensure the safety of our children. We also need action from our federal government, but in the meantime, we must show that Texas will lead the way,” remarked Rep. Thierry.
TSU Maroon & Gray Affair raises over $1 million to bolster students
HOUSTON (April 30, 2018) – Texas Southern University (TSU) held its The Maroon and Gray Affair on Saturday, April 28 at the Marriott Marquis Houston and raised in $1 million in funding for deserving TSU students. More than 1,500 patrons were in attendance. Award-winning journalist Tamron Hall was the keynote speaker, entertainment was provided by R&B group En Vogue and comedian Billy Sorrells, a TSU alumnus, who served as the master of ceremonies along with KHOU-TV’s Great Day Houston host Deborah Duncan. The Maroon & Gray Affair, a black-tie event in its second year, recognized two top students and two outstanding alumni. The gala was created by TSU President Austin A. Lane and TSU First Lady Loren Lane.
“The Texas Southern family joined together to salute our fantastic students and accomplished alumni. Our stakeholders and friends have partnered with TSU to meet our mission of standing as a comprehensive academic institution to guide our students in obtaining their degree of choice,” said TSU President Dr. Austin A. Lane.
TSU students Aaron Dallas and Camille Mills were honored for their academic and leadership. The Honorable Senfronia Thompson, State Representative D-141, and the Honorable Rodney Ellis, Harris County Commissioner for Precinct One, were recognized as this year’s alumni honorees.
“What a lovely evening as we gathered to support higher education,” said Mrs. Lane. “We know that the generosity of our guests will help TSU support these deserving students on their path to a better life.”
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner welcomed gala guests at the top of the evening. Tamron Hall, an Emmy-nominated journalist, former national news anchor for NBC News and current host of Deadline: Crime on the Investigation Discovery channel delivered keynote remarks. En Vogue, featuring Houston native Terry Ellis, performed a set of their R&B hits, including “Hold On,” “Free Your Mind,” “My Lovin’,” “Give Him Something He Can Feel” and their new Top 10 hit, “Rocket.”
“Our alumni, donors and major stakeholders delivered excellent support to the mission of our gala. All showed their complete dedication to assisting Texas Southern in closing the financial gap for our students,” said Melinda Spaulding, vice president for University Advancement.
ABOUT TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
Texas Southern University (TSU) is a comprehensive, metropolitan institution providing academic and research programs that address critical urban issues, and prepares its increasingly diverse student population to become a force for positive change in a global society. TSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations – bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees – organized into 10 colleges and schools on a 150-acre campus nestled in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward. The University’s enrollment has a population of 8,000 undergraduate and graduate-school academic candidates. Texas Southern has been a distinguished educational pioneer since 1927, and the University has become one of the most diverse and respected institutions in Texas. TSU has positioned itself as a proactive leader in
Ms. Ruth Campbell Stewart is dead
With great regret, the family of Ms. Ruth Campbell Stewart announces the passing. She was born October 20, 1916, in Savannah, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother. She is survived by her sister, Saramae Richardson, niece, Yvonne Richardson James, great-nieces Sara James and Paige James and nephew James Stewart, Jr. She has cousins and many life-long friends.
Her family, former students, and friends will gather Saturday, April 21, 2018, to celebrate
her life. While she was a member of Salem Lutheran Church, the Funeral service will be celebrated on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at 11:00 am in the sanctuary of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. The eulogist will be the founding pastor emeritus, Dr. William A Lawson. The viewing will be from 10:00 am, an hour before the funeral service which will begin promptly at 11:00 am. After the service, the motorcade will pass by the Stewart-Rollins Music Building, for a salute by the Ocean of Soul Marching Band, as well as other music students. The public is welcome to be part of the salute. The Interment will be at Houston Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 2426 Cullen, Pearland, TX 77581.
On March 1954, Ms. Stewart arrived to teach voice and become the director of the Women’s Glee Club at Texas State University for Negroes (later to become Texas Southern University). During her 29-year tenure at Texas Southern University, she co-produced several operas, including “Cavalleria Rusticana,” “Madama Butterfly,” “La Boheme,” “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” “The King and I,” “Requiem” (Verdi), and “Messiah” (Handel).
Ms. Stewart entered Columbia University the fall of 1943, studying voice with the late Dr. Robert Wilson. She also enrolled in applied piano sight singing, theory and the History of Music. In May 1949 she auditioned and won a pivotal role in the premiere production of “Troubled Island” by William Grant Hill, presented at City Opera, New York City. In 1951 she was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to study at St. Cecelia Conservatory Rome Italy with Maestro Maria Pediconi.
She was voted Regional Governor of the National Association of Teachers of Singing “NATS” including Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, for two years. After her first term, she was voted to continue to lead the organization by acclamation. She also organized with the help of the late Clifford Smith, a Men’s Group – called “The Men of Houston, consisting of 28 men from all walks of life, with one goal in mind – to sing. During a seven-year tenure, the group gave many concerts, performed on many programs and on television.
Ms. Stewart has many students who have had successful careers in teaching and performing. Among those who have achieved success are Faye Robinson, internationally acclaimed soprano; Gloria Harrison-Quinlan, soprano; the late Lionel Stubblefield, tenor, and April Sloan-Hubert, Houston’s premier soprano. Ruth Stewart retired on May 31, 1983. The modern facility, which now houses the Music Department, has been designated as the Rollins-Stewart Music Building in honor of her tenure. ,
Special thanks to McCoy & Harrison Funeral Home, 4918 MLK, Houston, TX 77021, 713.659.7618
Commissioner Ellis Applauds Appeals Court Ruling on Bail Case
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis applauded a federal appeals court that ruled Wednesday the county’s wealth-based bail policy violates the Constitution because it jails misdemeanor defendants simply because they cannot pay money bail.
A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals largely ruled against Harris County in an appeal that the county brought in O’Donnell v. Harris County. In an opinion drafted by Judge Edith Brown Clement, the appellate court held, “We are satisfied that the court had sufficient evidence to conclude that Harris County’s use of secured bail violated equal protection.”
The panel also dismissed Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez from the lawsuit and directed U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal to craft a narrower injunction. However, the appeals court judges held that the county must follow Judge Rosenthal’s injunctive procedures until she crafts new procedures that more directly address the constitutional violations.
“With this decision, the conservative 5th Circuit is telling Harris County that it’s unconstitutional to have two justice systems: one for the rich and one for the poor,” Commissioner Ellis said. “Yet Harris County has already spent more than $5 million defending a morally and legally indefensible bail system that violates the Constitution and punishes people simply because they are poor. The ruling is a significant victory for justice and offers further proof that it is time for Harris County to settle this lawsuit and enact meaningful reforms that treat all people equally and fairly under the law.”
Judge Rosenthal entered a preliminary injunction against Harris County last April after finding that the county treats indigent misdemeanor defendants unequally solely because they cannot afford money bail. She further found that Harris County’s pretrial detention procedures for misdemeanor cases lack due process because defendants are not informed of the significance of being able to afford money bail. Her preliminary injunction required Sheriff Gonzalez to release indigent misdemeanor defendants within 24 hours of arrest if they could not afford to post a money bond.
The bail lawsuit was filed in May 2016 by Maranda Lynn O’Donnell, who spent more than two days in jail because she could not afford $2,500 bond after being arrested on charges of driving with an invalid license. Her lawsuit was merged with another lawsuit filed by two misdemeanor defendants, Loetha Shanta McGruder and Robert Ryan Ford, who were locked up when they could not afford money bail.
Last year, Commissioner Ellis filed an amicus brief in Judge Rosenthal’s court that discussed Harris County’s history of discriminatory treatment of poor defendants of color and that agreed with the O’Donnell plaintiffs’ assertions that the bail scheme is unconstitutional.
In addition to Judge Clement, the three-judge panel that ruled on the county’s appeal also consisted of Edward Prado and Catharina Haynes. The county now can seek permission for rehearing of its appeal by that panel or to have its appeal heard by all the judges on the 5th Circuit. It also can seek permission to have the 5th Circuit’s decision reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Judge Rosenthal stated in her April order that she would schedule a trial on the merits of the lawsuit, but also warned that the plaintiffs have a great likelihood of winning that trial. The trial is expected to be scheduled soon.
Commissioner Ellis stated, “With regard to the remedy, I am confident that once additional evidence has been presented, the federal courts will implement a bail system in Harris County that protects the constitutional rights of everyone.”
Businesses Must Report Taxable Property By April 2
Houston — If you own a business and have tangible personal property used to produce income such as office equipment or inventory, you must report that property to the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) by April 2.
The deadline to file a rendition is usually April 1, but because that date falls on a Sunday this year, the deadline is extended until Monday, April 2.
HCAD is reminding all business owners that they must report personal property to the appraisal district by filing a rendition listing the property. Personal property is tangible property that can be owned, but it does not include land or other structures attached to the land such as buildings or fences. Examples of personal property include computers, desks, chairs, office supplies, business inventory, machinery and vehicles used to produce income, along with other items used in the business.
A rendition is a report that lists all the taxable property the business owner owned or controlled on January 1 of this year. Owners do not have to render exempt property, such as church property with an approved religious exemption or an agriculture producer’s equipment used for farming.
Some renditions may be filed electronically using HCAD’s iFileTM system. If a unique iFileTMnumber is printed on the rendition form below the account number, the owner may render online by going to www.hcad.org and clicking “iFile A Rendition.” If no iFileTM number is printed on the rendition form, the owner will need to complete and file the form manually.
“The appraisal district may use the information submitted in the rendition to set business property values,” said Roland Altinger, chief appraiser.
If a rendition is not filed, filed late or not complete, a 10 percent penalty may be imposed. Filing a fraudulent rendition carries a 50 percent penalty if found guilty.
Property owners who need more time to file their renditions may file a written request with the chief appraiser on or before April 2 to receive an automatic extension to May 1. The chief appraiser may also grant an additional 15 days after the postponed deadline, for good cause.
The appraisal district has already mailed personal property rendition forms to businesses known to have been operating in Harris County during 2017. However, all business owners are required to file renditions whether or not they have received notification. A rendition form is available on the appraisal district’s website at www.hcad.org under the “Forms” tab along with information on the rules of the process.
For more information about rendering property, deadline extensions, penalties and rendition forms, taxpayers may call the appraisal district’s Information Center at 713.957.7800.
Houston Black Real Estate Association celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Fair Housing Act during Its Annual “Realtist” Week, April 14 -21, 2018
Houston Realtists Focus on Growing Black Wealth Through Homeownership
Houston, Texas……… The Houston Black Real Estate Association, (HBREA) a local chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the country’s oldest, minority real estate trade association is planning a week-long series of events, April 14-21, 2018 in observance of the trade association’s dedication to increasing Black wealth through homeownership. This year, the association celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act.
In 1968, NAREB were the catalysts in bringing forward the ultimate lawsuit against the United States government that resulted in legislation of the Fair Housing Act. Without this Legislation, hundreds of Black families would still face the multitude of racism and discrimination. Culminating the 50th Anniversary, Realtists will meet with policymakers and elected officials to ensure that affordable and sustainable homeownership is supported legislatively, through regulatory or other city planning means.
HBREA chapter president Kimberley Barnes-Henson says, “Our efforts will seek to educate and inspire the public about the never-ending struggle for equality, Democracy in Housing, and NAREB/HBREA role in the landmark effort. We fully understand de-facto desegregation and institutional racism remains a pervasive problem throughout the United States. Thus, as we illuminate the accomplishments of the last 50th years, we ask everyone to join in our current efforts to increase Black homeownership, and improve social and economic conditions for all disenfranchised people.”
Homeownership for Black Americans has been on a steady decline since 2004 when it reached its peak of nearly 50%. As of the fourth quarter ending 2017 as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Black homeownership rate hovered nationally at 42.1% compared to the non-Hispanic White homeownership rate of just above 72.7%”.
As a result of these staggering numbers of Black homeownership “Realtist“ Week was created to combat the differences. President Barnes-Henson further says, “Realists” Week events and activities raise awareness that Black homeownership not only strengthens the economic fabric of our city, but also increases the desirability of Houston’s many neighborhoods”.
For more information regarding sponsorship and participation, contact HBREA, 713-551-2092. For media inquiry and to set-up interviews, contact Foston International, 866-922-2544 or jfoston@fostoninternational.com.
Breaking News: Demontrae Jefferson lights up NC Central in NCAA First Four, Makes Texas Southern University History
Texas Southern University beats NC Central, 64-46
Demontrae Jefferson from Milwaukee put on a show in Texas Southern’s First Four win over NC Central. The Sophomore and SWAC MVP recorded a game-high 25 points to go along with 8 rebounds. He has put up 1,000 points in his young career shooting 8-18 to lead TSU to history for the school first win in an NCAA Tournament after eight attempts.
Their next stop comes against an East Region top seed Xavier in Nashville on Friday night.
The Tigers got off to a slow start in the First Four bracket against the North Carolina Central Eagles making only two of their first nine shots. There star Jefferson hit a jumper and the Tigers seems to have gotten their footing and hit 8-13 baskets. Jefferson had 17 points at halftime and TSU was ahead 36-26.
The Eagles made a push early in the second half to no avail. The Tigers thwarted all attempts after an 11-2 run, NC Eagle, Pablo Rivas’ ended the drought but Tiger Donte Clark quickly answered.
Clark ended the night with 18 points for the Tigers on seven free throws and just 4-14 from the field. Trayvon Reed helped the Tigers to victory by blocking six shots and scoring 10 points off the bench.
Coach Mike Davis coached the Tigers to historic victory after an early season of playing top national teams throughout the country. The Tigers are now 16-19 as they head to Nashville for Friday’s game against Xavier.
Commissioner Ellis, Mayor Turner Announce $30 Million Project to Repair Streets in TSU-UH Corridor
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on March 13announced a joint agreement in which Precinct One will pay $30 million to improve seven streets in the University of Houston-Texas Southern University corridor.
“This is a great example of how Harris County can innovatively and strategically partner with the City of Houston, our universities and other entities to improve mobility, safety and quality of life for all residents,” Precinct One Commissioner Ellis said. “Precinct One is looking forward to supporting TSU and UH, and the entire Third Ward community through this project.”
Earlier on March 13, Commissioners Court voted to negotiate with two engineering firms that will develop the scope of the work.
Dubbed “Complete Streets” project, the improvements dovetail with Mayor Turner’s Complete Communities program, which involves improving Third Ward and four other neighborhoods that have been under-resourced for many years.
“Now I’m excited to see that the Commissioner is bringing safer, more attractive streets to this community of twin universities,” Mayor Turner said. “… If the improvements in these areas were just relying on the city, they would be highly incomplete. I want to thank him for this spirit of collaboration and cooperation with the city utilizing resources at his disposal in order to address many of the needs within the city and within Harris County.”
Precinct One is committing $15 million to improve infrastructure near TSU and another $15 million to projects around UH.
The goal is to create streets that are attractive and a source of neighborhood pride, while improving safety and accessibility to all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders.
In addition to roadway work, the project also includes drainage improvements, which will help reduce street flooding during heavy rain.
“This is a win-win opportunity for everyone,” Commissioner Ellis said. “Pedestrian and bike-friendly streets bring neighbors together and encourage healthy activity. I also hope that these improvements will help attract new businesses and jobs for communities in Third Ward.”
Councilman Dwight Boykins, whose District D includes Third Ward, also praised the city-county partnership.
“Given Houston’s revenue cap, it’s crucial that we lean on different partners to find innovative ways to access desperately needed dollars to support our infrastructure,” Boykins said. “As history has shown us, a collaboration between the county and the city in these matters often falls short of what we need to get this job done. That’s why I’m appreciative of the efforts of Commissioner Rodney Ellis and my friend, Mayor Sylvester Turner, who have brought $30 million into my district.”
The streets in the TSU area are Cleburne (Emancipation to Scott); Blodgett (Scott to Ennis); and Attucks (Cleburne to Wheeler).
The streets near UH are Cullen (Interstate 45 to North MacGregor); Wheeler (Cullen to Scott); Elgin (Scott to I-45); and Holman (Scott to Cullen).
“This project will significantly enhance the gateways into these great institutions by creating a beautiful streetscape for students and residents,” Commissioner Ellis said. “The improvements also will help hundreds of Houston residents who attend classes and work at the universities.”
EMILY’s List Statement on Democratic Primary Results in Texas’ 29th Congressional District
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, congratulated Sylvia Garcia on tonight’s primary election results in Texas’ 29th Congressional District. Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY’s List, released the following statement:
“Sylvia Garcia has dedicated her career to leveling the playing field for hardworking families, and her victory tonight is a sign that Texas voters are ready to elect strong women leaders who will fight for middle-class economic opportunity and hold the Trump administration accountable.”
“The EMILY’s List community was proud to support Sylvia Garcia during the primary and will continue to stand with her as she moves another step closer to making history as one of the first Latinas elected to Congress from Texas.”
During the primary, EMILY’s List’s voter mobilization and education project, WOMEN VOTE!, launched a bilingual digital program in support of Sylvia Garcia.
EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, has raised over $500 million to support pro-choice Democratic women candidates – making them one of the most successful political organizations ever. Our grassroots community of over five million members helps Democratic women wage competitive campaigns – and win. We recruit and train candidates, support strong campaigns, research the issues that impact women and families, and turn out women voters. Since our founding in 1985, we have helped elect 116 women to the House, 23 to the Senate, 12 governors, and over 800 to state and local office. Forty percent of the candidates EMILY’s List has helped elect to Congress have been women of color. Since the 2016 election, thousands of women and counting have reached out to us about running for office. To harness this energy, EMILY’s List has launched Run to Win, an unprecedented effort to get more women to run at the local, state, and national levels.
Mayor Turner’s statement on the death of Houston City Council Member Larry Green
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TSU recognizes Black History Month with celebration
Texas Southern is kicking off Black History Month with the Black History is Our History campaign. This initiative will recognize those who have contributed to the University’s rich 90-year history and the local, national and global community. Historical images and anecdotes will be highlighted around campus and the University’s publications, website, and social media platforms throughout February.
This campaign will continue TSU’s 90-year anniversary celebrat
ion. TSU students, alumni, faculty, staff, and stakeholders are encouraged to submit any story ideas, photos, or memorabilia to support this effort. A calendar of events will be posted to keep the TSU community informed about all Black History Month events that will be held on campus.
Follow TSU on Facebook at @texassouthernuniversity, Twitter at @texassouthern, and Instagram at @texassouthern. For story ideas and calendar submissions, e-mail the TSU Office of Communications at media@tsu.edu.
Koch Foundation funds new TSU Center for Justice Research
(l-r) TSU Provost Kendall Harris, Ph.D.; Oliver Bell, TSU Board of Regents; Dr. Howard Henderson, TSU President Austin A. Lane, Gerard Robinson, Center for Advancing Opportunity; Dr. Harry Williams,Thurgood Marshall College Fund; Houston District Attorney Kim Ogg, Dr. John Hardin, Charles Koch Foundation.
HOUSTON (January 22, 2018) – Texas Southern University (TSU) announced the establishment of the Center for Justice Research (CJR), a new initiative designed to produce innovative solutions to criminal justice reform and address challenges in America’s criminal justice system. TSU was awarded $2.7 million by the Center for Advancing Opportunity, an initiative supported by funding from the Charles Koch Foundation and Koch Industries to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
The primary focus for the Texas Southern University Center for Justice Research (CJR) will be to produce innovative solutions to reform efforts by utilizing an experienced group of researchers working to understand and address the current challenges of the U.S. criminal justice system.
“The Center for Justice Research represents a new direction for Texas Southern and will strengthen our commitment to equal justice for all citizens,” said TSU President Austin A. Lane. “TSU is elated to receive strong support for the Center from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Charles Koch Foundation, forming a critical partnership to advance knowledge through our faculty and evidence-based research, and in turn, care for our fragile communities.”
CJR’s mission is to change the paradigm of how historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) address criminal justice reform by developing objective, evidence-based research. The goal is to develop and disseminate interdisciplinary criminal justice research to dismantle barriers faced by American citizens in fragile communities. The Center will be an incubator for policy-driven criminal justice research support, increase the research capacity of HBCU faculty in the field, and train and mentor graduate students interested in addressing issues surrounding mass incarceration.
Howard Henderson, Ph.D., professor of Administration of Justice in TSU’s Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, will serve as the Center’s director.
John Hardin, Ph.D., director of university relations at the Charles Koch Foundation, said that more Americans are incarcerated than have a college degree. Hardin said that the Foundation is concerned that the criminal justice system has more impact on the community than the educational system and also has a greater ability to destroy lives.
“Research is required to ensure that the criminal justice system in this country is one that treats all people equally and with dignity so that citizens can live a fulfilling life,” Dr. Hardin said. “We are proud to be a part of a partnership supporting such critical, academic pursuits.”
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-18th District) said, “Our criminal justice system is deeply flawed and perversely inhumane support for reform spans the ideological spectrum, and this grant to TSU’s Center for Justice Research will help to enhance efforts to ensure that all of us receive equal treatment under the law.”
Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committee on Judiciary and Homeland Security and a strong advocate for justice reform, spoke via speakerphone in support of the initiative. She said that African Americans and other people of color are heavily incarcerated due to a disparate system, but that research and science are the tools to resolve criminal justice problems.
“TSU is an appropriate place for this commitment because it is the people’s university. It costs more than $32,000 to incarcerate people and more women are being incarcerated, so there is a crucial need for this grant,” Jackson-Lee said.
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said, “Incarceration is the end of opportunity for many people, but this grant is setting the stage for a new era in criminal justice. We need a common-sense approach to avoid recidivism and address problems with mental illness and addiction in the community.”
Dr. Bullard ranked among top urban planning professors
Dr. Robert D. Bullard, distinguished professor of urban planning and environmental policy at TSU, was ranked 11th in the top 25 rankings of urban planning faculty in the United States and Canada. Professor Bullard’s book, Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class and Environmental Quality” was ranked 8th on the top 25 rankings of cited publications by urban planning faculty. The rankings were compiled by Tom Sanchez of Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs using Google Scholar Citations. Click here for the complete rankings.
About Dr. Bullard:
Robert D. Bullard is the former Dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University 2011-2016, he is currently Distinguished Professor of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy. Prior to coming to TSU he was founding Director of the Environmental Justice Resource Center at Clark Atlanta University. He has been described as the father of environmental justice. He received his Ph.D. degree from Iowa State University. He is the author of seventeen books that address sustainable development, environmental racism, urban land use, industrial facility siting, community reinvestment, housing, transportation, climate justice, emergency response, smart growth, and regional equity.
TSU’s Office of Continuing Education launches the Atty. Ricky Anderson Entertainment Law Institute
The Office of Continuing Education has increased its online certificate programming with the addition of the Attorney Ricky Anderson Entertainment Law Institute Virtual Campus (ARAELI). The institute’s e-learning certificates are designed to prepare students and lifelong learners for today’s competitive global entertainment and media marketplace.
ARAELI is a customized, self-paced program. Featured courses include artist promotion and representation management, music publishing, production and distribution, recording, performance agreements, merchandising, touring film and television agreements, and “Music in Cyberspace”.
“Texas Southern University is committed to supporting and exceeding the changing needs of our students due to the steady growth of online education and degree programs,” said TSU President Austin Lane. “Full online degree programs provide more flexibility in achieving a college education for our diverse community of learners.”
“With online education rapidly developing and the number of online educational programs increasing, Texas Southern University is committed to supporting and exceeding the current needs of our full-time and part-time students,” said Attorney Ricky Anderson. “The fully online certificate programs provide even more flexibility in achieving an advanced education for our diverse community of learners.”
Enrollment for ARAELI began on January 26, 2018. The programs are taught by experienced faculty and will be delivered through a virtual campus learning management system for online, blended and web-enhanced courses. The Attorney Ricky Anderson Entertainment Law Institute is an educational partner with Aperion Global Institute.
Courses are available 24-hours a day, year-round through a self-paced e-learning licensed technology platform. ARAELI offers a flexible and accelerated online learning process for students and lifelong learners, within and outside the State of Texas.
Click here for a full listing of ARAELI programs and courses.
About ARAELI
The Attorney Ricky Anderson Entertainment Law Institute is an educational experience with prep tools for a career in the Entertainment Industry. And for the novice, it’s an introduction to creative concepts for those with an interest in learning introductory information regarding the Entertainment Industry. https://www.atty-raeli.com
About Texas Southern University Office of Continuing Education
The Office of Continuing Education is Texas Southern University’s administrative unit for essentially delivering non-credit courses, but we also offer courses for college credit through our Weekend College for non-traditional students seeking a degree. More specifically, our unit is designed to meet identifiable community needs in lifelong learning and professional development by providing educational opportunities for all qualifying individuals.
Attorney Ricky Anderson Entertainment Law Institute™ is in partnership with Aperion Global Institute™
TSU’s Debate Team claims first HBCU championship
The world-renowned Debate Team at Texas Southern University won the inaugural HBCU National Speech and Debate Championship Tournament on January 28 at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. The three-day competition featured teams from 22 historically Black colleges and universities from across the country.
TSU’s debaters had earned enough points at the end of the competition to receive the National Overall Sweepstakes Championship trophy. The team also picked up trophies for Debate Team and Individual Events sweepstakes, first place in both Impromptu Speaking and Slam Poetry, second place in Impromptu Speaking and third place in Programmed Oral Interpretation. TSU collected 20 awards in multiple categories.
The TSU Debate Team is preparing for an international competition in Montreal, Quebec in March. Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts is the head coach of TSU’s Debate Team, along with assistant coaches Wendell King II and Sondera Malry, and graduate assistants Shekia Rogers and Okwildilli Onyekawelu. Antréchelle Dorsey is president of the Debate Team. Dr. Thomas F. Freeman, 96, is in his 68th year at Texas Southern and continues to work with the team. TSU debaters have garnered several international titles during the team’s existence.
TSU’s rich history in debating dates back to 1949 under the leadership of Dr. Freeman, professor emeritus and Debate Team head coach. Dr. Freeman and former Wiley College debate team coach, the late Melvin Tolson, were inducted into the HBCU Debate League Debate Hall of Fame at the event.
The tournament concluded with Dr. Haywood L. Strickland, president of Wiley College, conferring an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to legendary actor Denzel Washington. Washington brought attention to African-American debaters in the film The Great Debaters.
The following HBCUs participated in the competition: Bethune-Cookman, Fisk, Hampton, Howard, Huston-Tillotson, Jackson State, Jarvis Christian, Lawson State, North Carolina AT&T, North Carolina Central, Paul Quinn, Philander Smith, Prairie View A&M, Rust, Southwestern Christian, Talladega, Tennessee State, Texas College, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Wiley and Xavier of Louisiana.
The TSU Debate Team is open for membership to any undergraduate student anytime during the semester without regard to previous training or experience. Meetings are held every Wednesday at 7 p.m. and workshops are held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Paige Education Building – Suite 112. Students are invited to visit and consult with the team’s coaches on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Gary Bledsoe named TMSL interim dean
Texas Southern University has announced that former Texas Southern University Regent Gary Bledsoe will assume the role of interim dean at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Bledsoe will lead the law school through its American Bar Association compliance requirements. Bledsoe will assume his new position November 1.
“We are very fortunate to have Gary Bledsoe assume the role of interim dean,” said TSU President Austin A. Lane. “I am looking forward to working with Dean Bledsoe and his new team to advance the storied mission of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.”
Attorney Bledsoe specializes in public interest law, employment and civil rights law. He is president of the Texas NAACP and has held that position since being elected in 1991. He has a longstanding relationship with the NAACP as a member of its National Board since 2003 and is chair of the National Criminal Justice Committee of the NAACP. He earned his bachelor’s and juris doctorate degrees from the University of Texas at Austin.
Bledsoe has received lawyer of the year awards from the Texas Attorney General, the Travis County Bar Association, the national and Austin chapters of the NAACP, and the Austin Area Urban League. He is a member of the Houston Hall of Fame at Riverside General Hospital. He has earned an AV rating from the prestigious legal publicationMartindale-Hubbell, the second-highest rating available for lawyers. His work with the NAACP included handling racial discrimination complaints against the Austin Department of Public Safety that resulted in people of color being admitted into the Texas Rangers and system-wide changes in the Austin Police Department surrounding the handling of police abuse cases. Bledsoe negotiated a program with HEB that provides $25,000 in scholarships for students at Texas Southern, Prairie View A&M and Huston-Tillotson universities.
Professor Marcia Johnson will serve as Special Assistant to the Dean and will assist acting Dean Bledsoe in the transition. Professor Johnson has been serving TMSL as co-founder and director of the new Urban Research and Resource Center, an interdisciplinary collaboration with TSU’s School of Public Affairs, and was a former interim dean of the law school. Professor Cassandra Hill will assist both Bledsoe and Professor Johnson in the administration of the law school.
GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR INSTITUTIONS RECOVERING FROM HURRICANE HARVEY
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has announced that it will award up to $1 million in emergency grants to preserve humanities collections and help restore operations at libraries, museums, colleges, universities, and other cultural and historical institutions affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
Cultural institutions in FEMA-designated disaster areas can apply directly to NEH for streamlined emergency grants of up to $30,000 through the agency’s website. This special Chairman’s Emergency Grant opportunity will be open until December 31, 2017.
With significant support from NEH, Humanities Texas will also award fast-trackHurricane Recovery Grants to cultural and historical institutions in Texas that suffered damage and losses as a result of Hurricane Harvey. Requests of up to $3,000 will be reviewed within ten business days and awarded quickly. Larger grants are also possible. Eligible costs include cleanup, conservation, rental of temporary meeting space, and basic institutional and operational costs, such as purchasing equipment and replacing inventory, shelving, and roofing. Please see the Humanities Texas website for information on eligibility and instructions on how to apply:http://www.humanitiestexas.org/grants/hurricane-recovery-grants
TSU tops 10,500 students after focused recruitment campaign
Hurricane Harvey Photos
If you have great photos of Hurricane Harvey, share them with the Houston Sun and we will publish them and give you photo credit.
Send photos and include the title, place, and a description of what is happening. Send to: sunphotos@houstonsun.com. Include your name, address, and phone number.
FEMA Claims Link
The link below is for Houston Sun’s readers’ use. If you have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey, this link should be beneficial.
https://www.fema.gov/apply-assistance
Since 1983, The Houston Sun brings you new and information that you can use and trust.
Houston League sets up Harvey Care Fund, requests donations
Responding to the devastation of the epic and historic Hurricane Harvey, the Houston League of BUsiness and Professional Women, Inc in collaboration with The Houston Sun has established a three tier HLBPW Harvey Care Initiative. To that end, the Houston League during the conference call explored the following:
- Ways to Support and Engage is Hurricane Harvey Welfare, Safety, and Care Actions
- Establish an Official Fundraiser Process for Hurricane Harvey Donations
- Collection and Delivery of Supplies for residents impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
It was decided to implement the above three initiatives and call upon all members, friends, organizations, the general public, and partners to support those impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
a. Collect, organize, label, bag your supplies, books, toys, games, and deliver them to the Sun or prepared to caravan to the George R. Brown or an official shelter. Organize Clothing items by size, gender; items for children, and babies. Place items in separate labeled bags and deliver to the Houston Sun, 1520 Isabella St. 77004 beginning Wednesday-Friday, from 4-6 PM, providing it is safe for you to travel. Used clothing should be gently used and clean.
b. Participate in the Houston League’s Care Initiative by emailing and posting to your social media Send donors to:hlbpwharveycare@gmail.com to make contributions using PayPal. Those contributions will be distributed as follows: First, Impacted African American Small Business; secondly, Texas Southern University Beta PSI and thirdly, Family with Children. “All funds are tax deductible and will go to businesses and families that have been vetted by the Houston League of BPW,” said Dorris Ellis, Publisher Editor of the Houston Sun and President of the Houston League of Business and Professional Women, Inc.
About the Houston League
The Houston League was organized in 1964 by Mrs. Luellia W. Harrsion as an affiliate of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. Its purpose is to:
- To promote and protect the interest of business and professional women; to create good fellowship among them;
- To direct the interest of Business and Professional Women toward united action for improved social and civic conditions;
- To recognize achievements of business and professional women and to preserve the history of these achievements, that all people may be informed and that our young people may know their heritage and be inspired,
- To develop youth through leadership, and
To seek and create job opportunities.
Kaepernick takes Sankofa trip
Maat Andrews
The Houston Sun
Colin Kaepernick took to social media this Fourth of July announcing his visits to different African locations. Kaepernick’s hajj places him in great and interesting company. He is not alone.
From within the seared hearts of the descendants of African-American slaves comes a burning desire to return to a time and most definitely a place of idyllic uninterrupted, uncolonized independence and autonomy. Some choose to make the journey over water and land to a generalized state of Africa, a sojourn made popular when then-named Malcolm X went on a trek through several countries on the continent of Africa, changed his name yet again to reflect the spiritual transformations he experienced.
Seen now through the eyes of former San Francisco 49er quarterback and now free agent Colin Kaepernick, this journey, also popularized by the young Jackson-Five brothers in the 1970’s, during the height of their fame, did not begin with this first mass unfettered economic and intellectual generation with enough funds and knowledge to go actually go there in large numbers.
The yearning perhaps never died, as reflected in the re-occurring Back-to-Africa movements, the most recent large one energized by Marcus Garvey’s Twentieth Century UNIA movement, which had nation-wide grassroots participation. The movement spurred at least 12 units in Louisiana even.
In the 1800’s the first Back-to-Africa movement (of historical note) was spearheaded by Paul Cuffee, who repatriated about 60 persons to Sierra Leone. Cuffee once protested to President James Madison when his ship was caught in an international conflict between the United States and England. Cuffee’s ship had recently returned from Sierra Leone and was suspected of violating American embargoes against goods and supplies from the British, then colonizer of that West African country.
During the 20th Century, many waves of African-Americans went to Africa, mostly countries on the West coast, in search of meaning and spiritual solace. Entire communities in various countries, especially Ghana, greet the more recent race-worn souls, such as Kaepernick, whose quests lead them to these locations.
One influential thinker in African-American ideas and philosophies, W. E.B. Dubois, Souls of Black Folks, expatriated to Ghana and died, auspiciously, at 103 years on the night before the Martin Luther King-led 1963 March on Washington, during which King delivered the “I Have a Dream” Speech.
Even though Dubois did not found the Ghanaian community of African-American intellectuals, who languish in equatorial heat, his presence inspired so many to relocate to that former empire (6th-12th Century CE). Most black intellectuals offer Dubois praise for his influence in their lives and their journeys
Dubois fought maltreatment of blacks, offered methods of black ascension, collected and compiled data, – laying the foundation for establishing the field of social work and astronomically erected lists of other life accomplishments. Yet, the wear and tear on the human psyche that the American racial set of beliefs, practices,
and expectations extracts an exceptional toll on the black mind through eternal vigilance, as it did on Dubois, as it seems to do on Kaepernick.
The vigilance against harmful and not-so-harmful racially molded practices of the United States brand gets heavy sometimes and wears the brightness out of young eyes, looking for acceptance. That exceptional racial brand sparks a certain alertness to manners, innuendos, movements of personnel, gerrymandered friendship circles, and close readings for what is not included in a story or book.
As in the case of Kaepernick’s journey, many travelers outside their native-born United States often comment that when they were in other countries, they felt lighter and freer, that they did not feel any racial prejudice. When traveling to other countries, especially African countries, there is such a relief. Not that racial prejudice ends at the United States borders, but it is less recognizable, less systemic, and in many cases less intense than the US brand.
Kaepernick, according to his tweet, went to Ghana for self-discovery. This Sankofa, return home, is the kind of spiritual quest so many young African Americans went on during different decades of the 20th and early 21st centuries. It is no surprise that these young people feel an awakening that could be part of a larger spiritual change.
As if an epiphany opened his third eye of awareness and his Christian compassion started flowing, Kaepernick donated his famous sneaker collection to San Francisco’s homeless and his custom-made suits to a program that helps people find jobs after being released from jail. Also, he helped raise funds for a plane load of blood and water for Somalia’s struggling population, according to an article by Nate Peterson on CBSSPORTS.com.
From knee-bowing during the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” to choosing to love as he stated in his Fourth of July declaration some people in local villages and African locations, the most remote from the well springs of attention and least powerful people because they matter in the human narrative also. These are the kinds of choices and sacrifices that leaders make, that heroes make.
Kaepernick may not be back on anyone’s football team this upcoming season, but he has chosen a life path that Christ would give a nod, Frederick Douglass would be proud, and one of which Mother Theresa would be inspired.
Statement from ICE/HSI-ERO Regarding Imposters
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Senate Bill 4 impacts Hurricane Harvey’s victims
First responders, communities unprepared for ‘sanctuary city ban.’
Austin, Texas – On Friday, several bills will take effect amid the Hurricane Harvey rescue efforts. One of these bills is SB 4, the ‘sanctuary cities ban’ that allows law enforcement officers to ask people their immigration statuses during detainments and restricts their supervisors’ ability to direct the use of department resources.
State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez represents Southeast Austin’s HD-51 in the Texas House of Representatives. Austin is the capital of Texas and a major staging area for disaster relief and shelter efforts. Rep. Rodriguez also serves as policy chair of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, the oldest and largest Latino legislative caucus in the nation.
State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez issued the following statement regarding SB 4’s implementation:
“Experts are calling Hurricane Harvey a 1,000-year storm and estimate that the final price tag could reach $100 billion. More than 30,000 people have already been displaced by the storm as the rain continues to fall. It is likely to take years for Texas to recover from this historic natural disaster.
“Like many others, I am concerned that SB 4 will put innocent lives at risk and impede first responders’ heroic rescue efforts if it is allowed to take effect on Friday. Folks are afraid that they will be asked to show their papers and face deportation for seeking shelter from the storm, despite assurances to the contrary by FEMA, Governor Greg Abbott, and our city mayors.
“I hope that the U.S. District Court in San Antonio temporarily blocks SB 4’s implementation before Friday. If it does not, I call on our state’s leadership to issue a strong public statement directing local law enforcement to continue prioritizing disaster relief over immigration enforcement. People need to hear that they need not fear our first responders.
“Local law enforcement must not be held responsible for implementing SB 4 while they are busy saving lives. If postponing the law’s implementation saves just one life, it will have been worth it.”
To those affected by Hurricane Harvey:
In the 2017 Legislative Session, a majority of your state lawmakers changed the laws which help property owners recover losses after a storm like Harvey and hampered your ability to hold your insurance company accountable if they slow to pay, low pay, or no pay.
Well, the new law goes into effect SEPTEMBER 1!! This law will make it harder for you to get the insurance companies to pay what they are supposed to pay when they are supposed to pay it.
UPDATED: this is a formal notice of claim that you can submit.
From an email from State Bar President-Elect, Joe Longley (longtime insurance law guru and consumer advocate):
“To take advantage of current Texas Insurance Law protecting property owners’ with regard to damage claims resulting from HURRICANE HARVEY, policyholders should send a written message or email directly to their insurance company that (1) specifically references their claim; AND (2) is dated BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1, 2017.
Telephone messages will not suffice to give written the notice.
KEEP A HARD COPY OF WHAT IS SENT.”
Once August 31 passes, you will be stuck in the same battle with fewer weapons.
Be safe, aware, and ready to take action.
Ruth Simmons, Ph.D. Named Interim President of Prairie View A&M University
Dr. Ruth Simmons, an accomplished university president with administrative experience in Ivy League schools, a women’s university and a historically black college, has been named interim President of Prairie View A&M University.
Dr. Simmons, who retired as president of Brown University in 2012, will assume her duties July 1, following the June 12 announcement by Prairie View A&M President George Wright that he is stepping down after 14 years to return to teaching history.
“We are fortunate to have such a high-caliber scholar and administrator who can step in without missing a beat,” said Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp. “Dr. Simmons has been an important figure on the national stage for decades. She has the credentials to be the president of any university in America. I am so excited to have her join us.”
Dr. Simmons was President of Brown University from 2001 to 2012. When she retired from Brown University, she returned to her hometown of Houston where her family still lives. Prior to her time at Brown, she was President of Smith College, the nation’s largest women’s university; a Vice Provost at Princeton University; and a Provost at Spelman College, a historically black college.
Dr. Simmons, who attended the Houston public schools, attributed her education at Dillard University, a historically black college in New Orleans, as the pivotal opportunity in her life. She later got her Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures from Harvard University.
“I was from a very poor family with 12 children, at a time when colleges were just desegregating,” Dr. Simmons said. “I know how important historically black colleges and universities are for kids like I was.”
Since retiring, Dr. Simmons said she had turned down other offers, but Prairie View A&M University appealed to her because of its history, its significance and its mission as well as the fact that her brother attended the university.
“I have deep roots in Texas, and I was looking for a way to do something helpful for my community,” she said.
It was important, Dr. Simmons said, to start before the fall semester. Her first order of business will be to meet with the university leadership and learn the issues facing the campus community.
“My task is to listen, and to learn as quickly as I can and get started as quickly as I can,” she said.
At the Theatre: Front Porch Society plays at the Ensemble
By Dorris Ellis
The Houston Sun
Front Porch Society is now playing at the Ensemble Theatre through June 4. Setting in a delta county of Quittman, Mississippi in the city of Marks, seven families come-and-go to the front porches of two delta homes where ladies ages 95-50s bring the world to the audience.
The Ensemble’s Saturday night audience was delighted to become a part of the Front Porch Society’s amen corner, for they responded to the cast as if they were invited to participated. Directed by the Ensemble’s theatre Artistic Director, Eileen J. Morris, she took the Chicago playwright, Melda Beaty’s script and rapt a world premiere opening for the Houston market where it is bound to be a success. The time of the show’s setting is November 2008 on the front porch of Carrie Honey’s, home, played by Michelle Harrell, where the ladies discuss news and information and find solutions to problems as they provide hope and guidance to the old-and-young.
Yes, the content is serious, but this cast of professionals which included Jason E. Carmichael (Towner), the mail carrier, brought much laughter to the audience with its suspense, drama, storytelling and comedy.
Moreover, this play shows a line of compassion for the elderly as the community took care of Miss Martha, the former educator and three-times widower, and it helped to heal the pain and hurt of the 41-years of suffering of Miss Honey.
Supporting cast were: Kendrick “Kayb” Brown (Terrance), the determined high school senior; Gwen Harris (Ms. Maratha), the glue that kept the conversation civil who sat on the porch daily, Rachel Hemphill Dickson (Sister Stallworth) the spirited first lady of the church, Dannette Mcelory-Davis, (Alberta) the connected traveler and Tamara Siler (Winnie) the superstitious loquacious neighbor. This lively cast will amuse Houston audiences as it will make them think, reflect and project into the future.
Recapture issue is on the ballot through May 6
Saturday, April 22nd the Harris County Democratic Party hosted an extremely informative Funding the Future Forum on the Houston Independent School District (HISD) Recapture ballot initiative at Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Please be aware that early voting starts today! Early Voting will be from April 24th until May 2nd and Election Day is May 6th.
The local branch of the NAACP in a statement said that voters in Houston are not accustomed to having May elections so please tell your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to go vote. Below is a link to the early voting locations as well as a link to HISD that gives additional information on the issue for your review.
Passage of Sanctuary Cities by Texas House is A declaration of Racism toward Latinos and a disaster for Texas economy
“It is incredible that Governor Abbott and Texas legislators Are trying to eliminate the ability of elected officials’ to decide what are the best policies for their respective communities. This is an encroachment on the local control of elected officials who campaigned and were elected on their policy ideas and agenda.
The idea of the governor to take away funds that are used to go after drug traffickers, gun runners, money launders, human traffickers, etc. from local law enforcement leaders will actually make Texas and the USA less safe! Especially when independent study after independent study has proven that the increased deportation efforts did not reduce the crime rate!
Comprehensive Immigration Reform with a pathway to citizenship remains the true solution to our illegal immigration problems.”
The ‘anti-sanctuary city’ bill passed on a party-line vote of 93-54.
SENATE BILL 4 PASSES HOUSE ON 2ND READING
Austin, Texas – Today, Senate Bill 4 passed to engrossment on a vote of 93-54 after close to 16 hours of impassioned testimony.
Members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, Mexican American Legislative Caucus, and Texas Legislative Black Caucus proposed numerous improving amendments and raised multiple points of order against the bill, but the course of the debate was largely steered by the Republican Caucus and its overwhelming majority.
State Representative Eddie Rodriguez issued the following statement regarding the debate and vote:
“The young children who testified in opposition to SB 4 before the House Committee on State Affairs returned for today’s floor debate.
“They arrived in the early morning to share their heartfelt stories with members who support SB 4, trying to appeal to their humanity. The children were blatantly ignored.
“I understand that many Republican members face pressure to cast votes in violation of their consciences. Speaking with those children, though, you get a sense of the awesome responsibility that we have as elected members of the Texas House of Representatives.
“Placing one’s selfish interest in reelection ahead of doing the right thing is worse than a good-faith vote for SB 4.
“I feel scared, sad, confused and angry along with all immigrant children tonight. My colleagues voted to condemn them to a life of fear and uncertainty, to hiding in the shadows and dreading the day their parents don’t come home from work. Worse, my colleagues wouldn’t even give them the time of day.
“I’ve opposed SB 4 from the beginning, using my voice to advocate for local control over policing policy from my district in Austin to the national stage. I refuse to be civil or ‘agree to disagree’ on SB 4 because the stakes are much too high.”
Houston black realtors sponsor community housing expo
HOUSTON – Black real estate professionals are geared up to focus the nation’s attention on building Black wealth through homeownership. Realtist Week, April 22-29, 2017, established by the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) in the early 1970s spotlights the important role Black homeownership plays in strengthening and stabilizing communities with a particular focus on the revitalization and desirability of the nation’s urban neighborhoods.
Throughout the country, NAREB’s local chapters are scheduling community events and activities that engage social, civic and business organizations, as well as the Black church community as part of NAREB’s focused effort to Build Black Wealth through Homeownership. See attached Realtist Week agenda and Operations Red Day for Houston.
“NAREB has taken on the charge to encourage Black Americans to purchase homes as the first step toward building wealth. We have always aspired to be homeowners and live the American Dream. Now is the time for us to turn that aspiration into reality; for ourselves, our families and for our future generations,” said Ron Cooper, NAREB president.
Black homeownership has been on a steady decline since 2004 when it reached its peak of nearly 50%. Today, the Black homeownership rate hovers nationally, just below 42% compared to the non-Hispanic white homeownership rate of just above 72%.
“Our Realtist Week events in over 30 cities and more than 21 states demonstrates NAREB is at the forefront of Building Black Wealth Through Homeownership in the country,” stated Antoine M. Thompson, national executive director for NAREB. Realtist Week also serves as a showcase for NAREB’s new 2 Million New Black Homeowners in 5 Years program initiated to reverse the wealth drain among Black Americans.
In Houston, Realtist Week activities heighten the community’s and policymakers’ awareness about the importance of affordable homeownership. Events started on last Saturday with “Walk The Talk” and Sunday with special church worship services and continue events at local schools, meetings with local officials, community service projects, and concluding on Saturday, April 29 with “Operation Red Day”, a community housing expo, being held at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Consumers can talk with financial education specialists; mortgage lenders; housing counselors; insurance experts, and representatives from local government to learn about first-time homebuyer and available down payment assistance programs.
For more detailed information about Realtist Week activities in Houston, call 713-551-2092 or www.hbreahousingexpo.org . For more information on the Houston Black Real Estate Association contact the president, Kim Barnes-Henson at 713-742-2424 or president@hbreahouston.org. We thank you in advance for your support and participation. We look forward to hearing from you.
What’s Happening April 27
Students burnt up the Texas Southern University Tracks
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Left to right Aleeajah Hosey and Abigail Tello-Mettlach are best friends and Jeremiah Kiplagat, a native
of Elboret Kenya. (Photo Credit: Tanuke Smith)
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Kevin Gill North Shore Track/ Field and LeCarl Hayes (Photo Credit: Tanuke Smith)
By: Tanuke Smith
Students from across the United States, came together at Duley Field to compete in the 66th Annual Track and Field Relays, held at Texas Southern University. TSU Relays opening ceremonies were performed by various members of the Alumni. Sonja Dawson Franklin, class of 96, lead the National followed by the Negro National Anthem. The Reverend Deacon Timothy D. Bryant of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church lead the stadium in prayer, blessing the athletes as they display their talents for the spectators to see.
Kevin Gill of North Shore High School ran the 2×4 coming in last year winning the nationals with a speed of 102:16 only to close this season relay with a run time of 127:11. Kevin Gill is looking forward to next year’s relays as Kevin’s dream is to become a professional athlete.
LeCarl Hayes Representing the Nigeria Olympic team, came back to the states to train for the relays. Running twice, LeCarl ran the 400 meters at 10 am. and the 400 meters at 4 pm.
“I’ll be a TSU Tiger for the rest of my life,” said LeCarl Hayes. LeCarl is number two in the country in the 200 meters and comes in first in the Olympic trials.
Jermirah Kiplagat, a native of Elboret Kenya, came to the United States to study. Transferring from University of Texas San Marcos, Kiplagat, enrolled at Grambling State University where he is studying economics.
“Track and Field is my second love. Numbers and love belong to one another. You generate numbers in track and field,” Kiplagat said.
Competition is what Kiplatgat signed up for. Jeremiah Kiplagat Grambling State University seeks success. Jermirah is competing with numbers in the 1500 meters of four minutes and six seconds, Jeremiah inspiration does not come from the Olympian Usain Bolt, his inspirations come from within himself.
Gregory- Portland High School located 15 miles north of Corpus Christi, in Portland, Texas. Aleeajah Hosey and Abigail Tello-Mettlach are best friends. This is their third year competing in the women’s 4×1, 4×2 and open, long and triple. Abigail on the right broke her hip in her freshman year in high school.
“My muscles were so strong; my hips were not able to handle the stress that I put on it during the race,” said, Abigail Tello-Mettlsch.
“We are joined at the hip we cannot run without one other.”
Both girls are smiling as Abigail told her story.
With Aleeajah by her side and the assistance of the local Physical Therapist and Chiropractor; Abigail found herself right back on the track at TSU. Both ladies are headed for college and both are inspiring to work in the medical field. For Aleeajah wants to enroll in UT Austin and study Radiation Therapy, and Abigail wants to attend school and become a Chiropractor.
Make Houston Affordable for All
Jeffery S. Lowe, Ph.D. Associate Professor (Left) Tom McCasland Director City of Houston Housing and Development Department (Right) Photo Credit: Tee Smith of Three6meditgroup.com
By Tanuke smith
Midtown is a realtor’s playground. South of S.H. 288 all the way to Leland street, developers have purchased land in poor neighborhoods and gave the right away for builders to build. In Houston’s Third Ward; A three story townhome or Brownstone list in the low $300.000.00 per unit. A White-Collar Job, excellent credit and a hefty down payment would be the first three things the realtor would request upon completing the buyer’s contract.
Housing and Community Development of the City of Houston, Director, Tom McCasland stepped to the podium addressing Affordable Housing, and other housing concerns the audience had on their minds, on a March Thursday night At Texas Southern University’s McCoy Auditorium.
McCasland spoke on various topics that would benefit mothers with children between the ages of four through eight. The Choice voucher program is an affordable housing voucher, which allows mothers to select housing in zip codes with excellent schools (none were given). Children between the ages of four and eight are at the critical stages of learning and should be educated in a stable learning environment, he said.
McCasland also spoke on tenets living in deplorable conditions. Landlords rent to low-income tenets earning millions of dollars in profits and are slow in reinvesting profits back into the homes of the tenets. The proof was provided via pictures cataloging backed up sewer lines in the restrooms, corroded pipes in kitchens and exposed electrical wires in bedrooms where children or senior citizens sleep.
Tom McCasland challenged the audience to called 311 if they are still living the effects of hurricane Ike, meaning if your home still has the blue tarp covering the roof.
“There is no time frame in when the city will no longer take applications.” Said McCasland.
McCasland believes if the City of Houston invests $7,000.00 dollars in purchasing a new roof for your home, and fixing the roof is the only problem that’s causing a family to live in a deplorable condition, the city will fix that property, and would have saved a family from looking for another place to live.
For more information on Affordable Housing and any other housing, concerns contact: 311.
THS African American History Parade 2017
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Left to right; top row: President Austin Lane, Texas Southern University is the Grand Marshall, sitting on the top. Mrs. Lane, passenger, and the Houston National Association of Corvette Association is the driver, Deloyd Parker, Ex. Dir. Shape Community Center
Below: Parade participants are: Houston Southwest Can Academy and Dr. Ruth Hoffman-Lach
Photo Credit Tanuke Smith
Honoring History through the Streets of 3rd Ward
By Tanuke Smith
The Houston Sun foundation held its 2nd annual Black History parade, near the newly renovated and historic Emancipation park. On Saturday morning at approximately 10:30 am, parade participants formed a line on Tuam street facing Dowling. Texas Southern University’s president Dr. Austin A. Lane, was the Grand Marshall. Mr. And Mrs. Lane greeted bystanders with smiles in an alluringly bright red convertible corvette.
Dozens of people flocked to the streets when they heard the music coming from the loudspeakers of the float, presented by the Houston Southwest Can Academy’s drill team.
Dressed in Pan African attire, community leader Deloyd Parker proudly raised his left fist and smiled as he optimistically greeted the crowd; members of the community clapped and whistled and cheered him on as he walked by.
“I lived in this community for over 25 years, and I am proud to say that brother Deloyd is a good man,” said Brenda Williams.
Bystanders near Dowling and Alabama removed their caps, hats, and other headgear as the grayish white van, pulling the trailer representing the Buffalo SoldiersMmuseum slowly rolled by. Douglass Johnson, and Calvin Woods high-fived one another as they spoke to the crowd saying” it’s been years’ scene we saw a real parade coming down Dowling.” Douglass shifted his eyes to the ground as he pondered on the last time he saw a parade routed down Dowling St.
Breaking News: Federal District Court rules redistricting map illegal
Today a federal court three-judge panel in San Antonio ruled today 2-1 against Texas’ 2011 redistricting Texas House maps, which were superseded by new maps in 2013.
The Texas Attorney General’s Office issued the following statement saying, “We respectfully disagree with the redistricting panel’s 2-1 decision. As Fifth Circuit Judge Jerry Smith observed in his dissent, the challenge to the old 2011 maps are not only moot but ‘a finding that racial considerations were dominant and controlling defies everything about this record.’ Accordingly, we are confident we will ultimately prevail in this case.”
What’s Happening Bridge of Light Honors Houstonians
What’s Happening in HISD Education
What’s Happening
Lawsuit Filed Charitable Feeding Ban Violates Religious Freedom
On April 12, last Wednesday night, Phillip Paul Bryant, a devote Christian, filed a lawsuit (Cause #2017-25049) contesting that Houston’s Charitable Feeding Ban violates his exercise of religious freedom. Bryant keeps cans of tuna and bottled water in his car and spontaneously gives food to the poor when Christ compels him to do so. The City of Houston, requires good Samaritans to get a permit to share food and water when they share it with more than five people. Bryant cannot get a permit because there is no specific location where he will share food. He cannot ask the City of Houston for a permit because he does not know in advance when Christ will compel him to share food and water.
Phillip Paul Bryant is represented by Eric Dick and Randall Kallinen.
Community college celebrated in May
At NISOD, they know community college faculty, administrators, staff work hard every day to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their academic pursuits. We are committed to helping you help your students by providing resources, strategies, and ideas that drive teaching, learning, and leadership excellence.
As it celebrates National Community College Month, they hope that the public will acknowledge the importance of community colleges for the nation’s entire educational system and join us in May for our International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence, the “must-attend” event for the community and technical college educators!
Take a peek at the 2017 Conference Program!
There’s still time to get $50 off regular registration prices! Register by May 6 to receive our Early Bird Registration discount.
Did you know that you can register for the conference now and pay later? Why wait until the last minute? At a time when college budgets are limited, it only makes sense to secure the best price
TSU wins in women’s golf
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Council Member Amanda Edwards challenges Houstonians to “be the solution” with new community empowerment event series
Apr. 22 film screening and summit to focus on youth and young adult community engagement
HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 12, 2017 – Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards will challenge youth and young adults to “be the solution” to the issues that matter most to them with the launch of Council Member Edwards’ Community Empowerment Signature Series (the “Signature Series”) on Saturday, April 22, 10:30 a.m. at the Texas Southern University College of Education Auditorium, 3100 Cleburne, Houston, TX 77004.
“Be The Solution: Empowerment Film & Summit,” will feature a screening of the documentary film, “The Strange Demise of Jim Crow,” which reveals the under-told story of the peaceful desegregation of Houston. Following the film, panels comprised of youth and young adult leaders, as well as some of Houston’s most influential community leaders, will examine how strategies from the Civil Rights Era may be relevant to solving today’s issues. With this event, Council Member Edwards will educate youth and young adults about the long-term impact of strategic and peaceful engagement, challenge them to commit to being part of the solution, and help facilitate post-event activities to enact solutions discussed at the summit.
Panelists include Dr. Thomas Cole, creator and co-producer of the film; Ada Edwards, community organizer; Judson Robinson, III, president and chief executive officer of the Houston Area Urban League; Dr. Christine LeVeaux-Haley, professor and assistant dean for academic programs at the Honors College at the University of Houston; Jerry Ford, Jr.; radio/television personality; and Daniel Vasquez, chair of the Harris County Tejano Democrats. Youth Pastor Ray Bady of Windsor Village UMC will co-moderate the discussion with Council Member Edwards. The event is free and open to the public. Visit https://atlarge4.eventbrite.com to register.
About the Signature Series
The original concept of the Signature Series arose from a desire to equip senior citizens and their caretakers with vital information to assist with issues surrounding aging. Over time, however, the idea evolved to become more comprehensive in order to respond to shifts in the cultural and political climate of the country.
“When discussing the concept of the Signature Series with my mother, I wanted to be able to provide seniors and their caretakers with the same information that would have been helpful to her as she took care of my grandmother at her later stages, and to find out what my mother would like to know now as a senior,” says Edwards. “However, over the past year, I have observed an emotional, divided nation without clear answers. The concept of empowering both youth and seniors through the Signature Series evolved as a result of me listening to the public outcry stemming from our recent presidential election, police-community relations, and the immigration discourse, to name a few.”
The Signature Series will empower Houstonians by presenting tailored programming to (1)educate citizens with knowledge of key issues impacting communities; (2) equip citizens with effective methods and tools to create community-based solutions; (3) empower citizens to initiate positive change in their places of influence; and (4) encourage citizens to work together peacefully to find resolutions.
“We are empowering our residents by building the necessary human capital for our communities to thrive. By challenging residents to have a vision for the community, and to be the change they want to see in the world, we can achieve this goal,” says Edwards. “At a time where emotions run high regarding a variety of community issues, it is essential that strategic, purposeful, and peaceful engagement be at the forefront of methods used to effect change.”
The theme of the 2017 Signature Series is “Be The Solution,” and future events include the “Empowered You Senior Conference” and the “Youth & Family Immigration Town Hall.”
“We seek to move all of our Houston communities forward, and in doing so we recognize the potential that all community members (ranging from our youth population to our senior citizens) have to positively impact their respective communities as well as their circumstances. In both instances, providing access to knowledge is key, and creating a proactive plan of action with that resident as a part of the solution is essential. To effect long-term change, a community must define the problem, identify the goals related the problem, and commit to “be the solution,” rather than a spectator in the face of those community issues,” said Edwards.
The Black Church & HIV Initiative Launches Newly Updated Pastoral Resources for Faith Leaders, Empowering Them to Incorporate HIV into Ministry
(Black PR Wire) WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, The Black Church & HIV: The Social Justice Imperative announced the release of its newly updated pastoral resources for faith leaders in honor of Minority Health Month. The Pastoral Brief and the Activity Manual offer a foundational approach for faith leaders to address HIV within the Black community from a social justice perspective.
The Black Church & HIV initiative, a partnership between the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Gilead Sciences, Inc. that aims to address the urgent need for action A the HIV epidemic within the Black community, believes the faith community is part of the solution, just as it has been in addressing equity issues affecting African Americans for decades.
The Pastoral Brief is an introduction to The Black Church & HIV, along with first-hand stories of how faith leaders can preach about HIV as a social justice issue and impact the lives of those living with HIV. Complementing the brief is an Activity Manual that provides faith leaders and lay persons who lead ministries in their church with more detailed information about HIV, as well as specific recommendations on activities that combat HIV and AIDS in the African-American community.
“Historically, the Black Church has been instrumental in driving change on social justice issues,” says Dr. Marjorie Innocent, NAACP’s Senior Director of Health Programs. “There is a growing need for pastors and the faith community to help address the alarming rates of HIV among African Americans. These comprehensive tools will empower pastors and lay leaders, giving them the resources they need to bring HIV awareness and prevention into their ministry.”
The African-American community, bearing the heaviest burden of HIV within the United States, is on the front lines of the fight against HIV. While they represent 12 percent of the total United States population, they account for 41 percent of all people living with HIV and 44 percent of all new infections. Additionally, on average, African Americans are likely to experience worse health outcomes than any other racial or ethnic group. Addressing the HIV epidemic is crucial in lowering these statistics and advancing health equity among African Americans, who historically have experienced unequal access to healthcare and been economically and socially disadvantaged, leading to a disproportionate burden of disease.
The Pastoral Brief and Activity Manual, which are an update to the original documents released in 2012, are reflective of the initiative’s learnings over the past five years, as well as current statistics and positions on the issue. They were developed under the guidance and support of an Advisory Committee of bishops, ministers and thought leaders who have worked in HIV ministry for decades.
The timely launch of the Pastoral Brief and Activity Manual allows faith leaders to incorporate HIV education into their sermons in observance of Minority Health Month. This month is dedicated to bringing national attention to the issue of health disparities that continue to affect racial and ethnic minorities, including HIV in the black community.
To download a copy of the Pastoral Brief or Activity Manual or learn more about NAACP’s The Black Church & HIV: The Social Justice Imperative initiative, visit http://theblackchurchandhiv.org/take-action/.
About The Black Church & HIV: The Social Justice Imperative
The Black Church & HIV: The Social Justice Imperative initiative was created in 2013 as a Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Commitment to Action through the NAACP in partnership with Gilead Sciences, Inc. The initiative joins faith leaders, religious institutions and community members committed to ending the HIV epidemic in Black America, while also working to overcome stigma and address HIV as an issue of social justice. For more information, please visit http://theblackchurchandhiv.org/.
About the NAACP
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas here.
Activist Converge On Southlawn Neighborhood For Day of Black Love
By: Kofi Taharka
On Saturday, March 25, 2017 close to a dozen community organizations united to serve the Southlawn Palms Apartment complex. Hundreds of residents came out to receive free food, clothing, health screenings, games and face painting for children. Speakers, music and barbeque filled the air as children played on the newly donated basketball goal. Over forty volunteers staffed different stations providing services for the residents. The Southlawn community has been in the news over the past few years for the proposed “gang injunction” that would have banned over 90 Black men for life from the area. Due to community push back the effort was thwarted. Activist targeted the area for outreach to help quell crime and violence.
One of the lead organizers, Malik Muhammad, National Vice – Chair of Organizing and Training for the National Black United Front (NBUF) stated “We have to be in the streets serving the people, we have the solutions to our own problems, we are our own saviors.” Spearheading the effort were NBUF, The People’s New Black Panther Party, Melanated Men of Action and Black Lives Matter Houston, Texas. Groups that supported the effort included: The People’s Patrol, The Houston Unity Tribe, The Nation of Islam Mosque #45, The Local Organizing Committee for The Million Man March, No More Blood Shed and The Black Women’s Health Project. A community gardener Brother Kelvin led residents in a gardening exhibition. A peace march wound through the neighborhood along with a community clean up that helped to cap a day of Black Love.
Maryland fracking banned bill passes
Senate passes bill with GOP governor’s support, following six years of grassroots resistance across the state of Maryland
Monday night, with game-changing support from Republican Governor Larry Hogan, the Maryland state Senate gave final approval to a bill to forever ban the practice of fracking in Maryland. The move culminates years of protests against gas fracking from landowners, health leaders, and environmentalists in the state. It also sets a nationally significant precedent as other states grapple with the dangerous drilling method.
Maryland will now become the first state in the nation with proven gas reserves to band fracking by legislative action. New York has banned the drilling process via executive order. Vermont has a statutory ban but the state has no frackable gas reserves at present.
With Senate passage late Monday night, the Maryland bill will now be sent to Gov. Hogan’s desk in the next few days for signing.
“Let the news go forth to Congress and the White House: fracking can never be done safely,” said Mike Tidwell, director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “The Republican governor closest to DC – Larry Hogan of Maryland – has joined scientists and health leaders in agreeing that fracking must be banned. This is a win for Marylanders and for citizens nationwide as we move away from violent fossil fuels and toward sustainable wind and solar power.”
Queendom Come, Inc. Joins with Other Houston Organizations to Launch Awareness and Educational Campaign #ProtectOurDaughters Against Sex & Human Trafficking
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HOUSTON – Queendom Come, Inc. (QCI) will host a press conference Thursday, March 30, 2017, at 4 p.m. to launch its #ProtectOurDaughters campaign to address sex and human trafficking in the Houston area. Sex trafficking had become the new “slavery” and has taken national attention when a dozen of black and Latina girls went missing in Washington, D.C. this month. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Houston is one of the largest hubs for human trafficking in the nation and the largest hub in Texas Houston has over 200 active brothels, with two new openings each month. Houston is a popular entryway for internationally trafficked persons due to its two large, international airports and the Port of Houston, which is the largest international port in the United States and the thirteenth busiest in the world.
Age is the primary factor in vulnerability. We are seeing our daughters becoming victims to this modern-day slavery. Pre-teen or adolescent girls are more susceptible to the calculated advances, deception, and manipulation tactics used by traffickers/pimps – no youth is exempt from falling prey to these tactics. Traffickers target locations youth frequent such as social media sites, schools, malls, parks, bus stops, shelters and group homes. Runaway or homeless youth, as well as those with a history of physical and sexual abuse, may have an increased risk of being trafficked.
QCI has launched an educational and awareness campaign that targets women, adolescent girls and their parents in the Houston and surrounding areas. QCI has collaborated with other organizations in the community and women leaders such as, Green House International Church Co-Pastor Sandra Deckard of Greenhouse International Church, Kathy Griffin Grinan of “We’ve Been There Done That”, Valerie Muhammad of the Nation of Islam MGT & GCC, Calandrian Simpson-Kemp of the Village of Mothers, Jinaki Muhammad of the National Black United Front, Attorney Sadiyah A. Evangelista of the Ministry of Justice Millions More Movement, Deric Muhammad and Pastor E.A. Deckard of No More Blood Shed Movement and Deloyd Parker of SHAPE Community Center. A town hall meeting will be announced at the press conference.
WHERE: National Black United Front 2428 Southmore Blvd. Houston, TX 77004
WHAT: Queendom Come, Inc. Awareness and Educational Campaign #ProtectOurDaughters
WHEN: March 30, 2017, 4:00 p.m. CST.
WHO: Queendom Come, Inc.; Greenhouse International Church, We’ve Been There Done That; Village of Mothers, National Black United Front, Nation of Islam MGT & GCC, MOJ Millions More Movement, No More Blood Shed, SHAPE Community Center
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee applauds the groundbreaking at the MLK, Jr. Plaza for the addition of iconic leaders Nelson Mandela, ROSA PARKS, and Barbara Jordan
“April 4th is the 49th Commemoration of the Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – a man who lived his entire life for peace and justice. And now we add more of those who fought for justice”
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations, and the new Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation released the following statement:
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has been an instrumental part of building the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza and statue beginning with the securing of funding through Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood who saw the vast amount of support throughout the Houston community which caused him to push for submission of funding in President Obama’s 2010 federal budget for almost a billion dollars for Houston Metro. This was the first time in Houston’s history to be placed into the President’s budget for transportation dollars for light rail. “We witnessed the implementation and construction on the northeast and southeast lines which included construction along Martin Luther King Street that impacted a tree planted by Daddy Martin King in 1983 to honor his son Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and to advocate for the naming of MLK Street. The tree became the nexus between Houston Metro and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza,” stated Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
“The voice and leadership behind the historical planting of the tree was the Black Heritage Society and one of the leading Civil Right advocates in Houston, Ovide Duncantel. Most people did not know the history behind the tree, but it was Ovide Duncantel that brought Daddy King to Houston to ensure Houston was a part of the national story and a part of history. It was around this time that it was determined the tree would have to be moved in order to build the light rail on the prescribed path. After discussions with the city and Metro, it was finally agreed to move the tree to a new site in McGregor Park where the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza and statue were eventually built. The tree was successfully moved and saved even after experiencing a severe drought, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza and statue were constructed with donations from all walks of life, including seventy-five thousand dollars secured from a major corporation.”
“Now we will add three more iconic figures who believed in Justice. The ‘Icon Benches and Wall of Honor’saluting civil and human rights icons President Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, and Barbara Jordan will further showcase their revolutionary lives and works.”
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee will forever be associated with this remarkable project and memorial honoring some of our world’s greatest leaders. “We look forward to bringing Nelson Mandela’s son Ndaba Mandela to Houston to celebrate the unveiling of these pioneers.”
Out of Resistance – A Powerful New Movement
“To mark and build upon the first 100 days of resistance to the Donald Trump presidency, People’s Action will be in the nation’s capital, convening more than 1,000 activist leaders from around the country. The People’s Action Founding Convention is where we will unveil a new political force comprised of people united against the Trump-Ryan-McConnell agenda and for a bold vision of an economy and democracy that work for everyone, not just the rich and powerful, big corporations, or purveyors of hate.”
CHEJ merged with People’s Action this year. Rise Up 2017 is the Founding Convention, as well as our collective Action of Resistance. Come join the movement! We need you there to take action, plan actions, and resist together!
At Rise Up 2017: April 23-25th in Washington, D.C. We will…
• Build a Long-Term Agenda that points the way to transformative change and guides our campaigns now
• Go on the offense at every level – from cities to statehouses to the halls of Congress
• Commit to stopping the attacks on people of color, immigrants, women, Muslims and others.
• Gather with friends and allies to celebrate what we have won and the movement we are building together
• Visit Congressional Reps. from your area and let them know you’re there – you’re part of a larger resistance movement – watching and ready to take action.
Keith Sweat returns for limited engagement at the Flamingo
Tickets to “Keith Sweat: Last Forever” July 5 – 22 to go on sale Saturday, April 8 at 10 a.m. PT
(Black PR Wire) Las Vegas – After his successful debut in January, Keith Sweat announced he will return for an additional run of his limited engagement, “Keith Sweat: Last Forever,” in the Donny & Marie Showroom at Flamingo Las Vegas from July 5 through July 22, 2017.
In celebration of the 30th a
nniversary of Keith’s triple-platinum album, “Make It Last Forever,” the platinum-selling R&B singer and national radio personality will take the stage in Las Vegas and perform a variety of his notable hits including “I Want Her,” “Twisted” and “Nobody.”
“After an incredible run earlier this year, I could not wait to return to Las Vegas,” said Keith. “Fans came from all over the country to see me perform at the legendary Flamingo, and I’m more excited than ever to bring R&B back to the heart of The Strip.”
Tickets will go on sale to the public Saturday, April 8 at 10 a.m. PT. A special presale will be held for Total Rewards members, the loyalty program of Flamingo Las Vegas’ parent company Caesars Entertainment, beginning Thursday, April 6 at 10 a.m. PT through Friday, April 7 at 10 p.m. The 12 performances going on sale are:
July: 5 – 8, 11, 13 – 15, 18, 20 – 22
Ticket prices begin at $59, plus applicable tax and fees. VIP seats including a meet and greet with Keith Sweat are also available. Tickets are available at any Las Vegas Caesars Entertainment Box Office, by phone at (702) 777-2782 or by visiting www.keithsweatvegas.com. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
There is a new friend on Sesame Street
“MEET JULIA” DEBUTS APRIL 10 ON HBO
As an extension of Sesame Workshop’s ongoing autism initiative, Julia, a new SESAME STREET Muppet with autism, makes her first appearance during Autism Awareness Month in the episode entitled “Meet Julia,” debuting MONDAY, APRIL 10 (8:00-8:30 a.m. ET/PT) on HBO and HBO Family, and in Spanish on HBO Latino. “Meet Julia” will also be available to non-HBO subscribers, who will be able to view the full episode on hbo.com, HBO Kids’ YouTube channel, participating television and streaming partners’ platforms and free oon-demandchannels, as well as PBS KIDS.
“F” is the letter of the day and friends are celebrated in “Meet Julia.” In the episode, Big Bird finds Elmo and Abby playing with Julia, a new friend on Sesame Street. He does not think Julia wants to play with him, but Alan helps him understand that Julia has autism and does want to be his friend. Big Bird learns that kids with autism sometimes do things in a different way, but they share many things in common with all kids – like wanting to have fun, play and be friends. Julia and the Sesame friends invent a new game and then all come together to dance and sing.
In addition to the new episode, a special behind-the-scenes featurette available athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw0_KMBC9-M&feature=youtu.be provides more information about Julia, explores the background of Sesame Workshop’s autism initiative and includes an interview with Julia puppeteer Stacey Gordon.
Julia’s arrival marks a rich new phase of Sesame Workshop’s autism awareness efforts, which can be found at See Amazing in All Children. Introduced last year in digital form, Julia comes to life as one component in a wide range of resources designed to reduce stigma and increase awareness and understanding of autism.
ChallengeHER Conference coming to Houston
Opportunities for Women in Federal Contracting
The SBA ChallengeHer conference is a free event designed to educate, empower and provide opportunities for women inFederal Contracting. It is scheduled for Tuesday, May 16th, at the Houston Community College – Southeast Campus, 6815 Rustic Street, Houston, Texas 77087. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the sessions starting at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“The federal government spends about $400 billion a year on goods and services and this conference is a great opportunity for women-owned small firms to learn how to access those contracting opportunities,” said Tim Jeffcoat, Houston District Director. Women business owners and aspiring women entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend the free conference. For registration or event inquiries, please visit : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/challengeher-houston-tickets-31164368465.
The ChallengeHER Conference will provide an opportunity for women-owned small business owners to learn:
- From Federal Buyers about how to do business with specific agencies
- From successful women-owned businesses
- About the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) set aside program and how to market your business using this set-aside
- Networking with peer mentors and other WOSB firms working in your field
- Techniques for Proposal writing
- How to take advantage of Sources Sought offerings
The event is free to attend. Seating is limited so registration is highly encouraged by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/challengeher-houston-tickets-31164368465.
For more information, contact Charles Abell, public-affairs specialist at 713-773-6512 or Houston@sba.gov.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 and since January 13, 2012 has served as a Cabinet-level agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. www.sba.gov
TSU Aviation program reaches new milestone
The Department of Aviation Science and Technology took a major step toward becoming a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved flight program during Spring Break when it took possession of two new aircraft.
Matthew Julien, former chief pilot and current first officer for Envoy Airlines, (shown above) earned the privilege of flying TSU’s aircraft to Signature Aviation – Hobby Airport. The first aircraft – a Cessna 150 Maroon and Gray – arrived on March 14. The second aircraft, a Cessna 172, arrived on March 16. Captain Roscoe Edwards, TSU’s director of flight operations, had the honor of driving the chase vehicle for the occasion.
“Adding these aircraft to our fleet is a major accomplishment for our department,” Capt. Edwards said. “This will help tremendously in recruiting students to the program and preparing them with the foundation to enter graduate school or enter the workforce as entry-level aviation professionals.
TSU’s aviation program is currently an FAA-approved ground program.
Pfizer and the National Newspaper Publishers Association Collaborate to Raise Awareness of Sickle Cell Disease and Need for Improved Patient Care Collaboration Aims to Educate on the IImportance of Clinical Trials in Developing Potential New Sickle Cell Disease Therapies
(BPRW) Pfizer and the National Newspaper Publishers Association Collaborate to Raise Awareness of Sickle Cell Disease and Need for Improved Patient Care Collaboration Aims to Educate on the Importance of Clinical Trials in Developing Potential New Sickle Cell Disease Therapies
(Black PR Wire) NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a trade association of more than 200 African-American–owned community newspapers from around the United States, are collaborating to raise awareness of sickle cell disease, a lifelong and debilitating genetic disorder that affects red blood cells.
People with rare diseases, like sickle cell disease, have unique and complex challenges. The first initiative under the collaboration will be a national poll, conducted in partnership with Howard University’s Interdisciplinary Research Team in Washington, DC. The goal is to assess the awareness of sickle cell disease, the challenges of living with the disease, and the importance of clinical trial participation in helping researchers succeed in developing potential new treatments. In a review of 174 sickle cell disease trials, difficulty enrolling patients was the stated cause in nearly half of the 30% of the trials that were terminated early.1
“This collaboration with Pfizer provides an opportunity for NNPA to inform and educate the readers of our 211-member Black-owned newspapers in more than 70 markets across the country on sickle cell disease, an often misunderstood disease that has a profound impact on the health and well-being of those affected,” said Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., NNPA President. “Together with Pfizer, we look forward to providing sickle cell disease education that can underscore the importance of improving quality of care in the community.”
Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States, affecting nearly 100,000 Americans.2 Although it affects many different ethnic groups, the majority of people with sickle cell disease are of African descent.3 In the United States, sickle cell disease occurs in approximately 1 out of every 365 African-American births.4 Access to care and delivery of innovative treatments prove to be among the most significant challenges faced by people living with sickle cell disease in America.
“At Pfizer, we are committed to delivering life-changing therapies to people living with rare diseases, like sickle cell disease,” said Kevin Williams, Chief Medical Officer for Pfizer’s Rare Disease unit. “Our commitment also goes beyond clinical research to supporting the rare disease community through innovative collaborations. Working together, we hope to improve awareness and ultimately address the unmet medical needs of sickle cell disease patients.”
The poll results and information about sickle cell disease will be shared with the NNPA network and incorporated into educational programs at NNPA events. More information about sickle cell disease can be found at www.pfizer.com/health-and-wellness/health-topics/sickle-cell-disease. For more information about the NNPA, please visit www.nnpa.org.
Lebensburger JD, Pair L, Hilliard L, et al. Systematic review of interventional sickle cell trials registered in clinicaltrials.gov. Clin Trials. 2015:12(6);575-583.
Statement: Amended TrumpCare no Better Than Before: Americans Still Pay Much More For a Whole Lot Less
Jackson Lee: “This bill is a grab bag of goodies for the very rich, which comes at the expense of stripping health care from 24 million Americans and leaving 52 million Americans uninsured.”
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a member of the House Budget Committee that marked up TrumpCare last Thursday, released the following statement in response to the analysis issued today by CBO finding that under the revised Republican health care repeal bill, Trumpcare 2.0, 24 million Americans will lose their health insurance by 2026 at which time a record 52 million Americans will be uninsured:
“The CBO score confirms what most Democrats already knew. TrumpCare, even in its amended form, wages an unbridled assault on working and middle class families. The Congressional Budget Office analysis confirms that TrumpCare raises premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs while pushing 24 million Americans off their health care and leaving a record 52 million Americans uninsured by 2026. As bad as the original bill was, the Manager’s Amendment is crueler to Medicaid recipients while handing billions more to the richest Americans.
“TrumpCare is not consistent with our values and is beyond immoral. The time has come to pull the plug on this disastrous bill that gives billions in tax breaks to the rich, while denying working Americans the quality health care they deserve. By an overwhelming 3-1 margin, Americans reject the Republicans #PayMoreForLess health plan ”
Sandra Bland Act discussed at press conference
AUSTIN – In front of the Supreme Court building on the north Capitol groundsThursday, March 2nd, Representative Garnet Coleman (D-147) and others held a press conference to discuss the filing of The Sandra Bland Act. The Sandra Bland Act aims to improve our criminal justice system to make Texas safer for everyone.
The Sandra Bland Act aims to improve our criminal justice system to make Texas safer for everyone. Bland was jailed on a highway in Waller County and later died in jail where the actions surrounding her death called a public outcry for justice.
Trump Administration and the Chairman of The House Intelligence Committee Are Crumbling Around the Edges
Jackson Lee: “Absolute shock surged through Congress and around Washington D.C. over the actions of the Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee in going to the White House alone and disclosing classified intelligence to persons allegedly under investigation. What will he do next?”
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, and a Member of the House Budget Committee released the following statement:
“New information has just been released that Trump associates may have coordinated with the Russians in the campaign against Hillary Clinton in 2016. Today an enormous breach took place when the Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence violated all protocols and maybe even the law by reporting classified information to persons who may be under active investigation.
“On Monday, March 21, FBI Director James Comey appeared before the House Intelligence Committee and testified that there was no substance and no truth to the representations of Donald Trump that President Obama had “wiretapped” Donald Trump. And today, the Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee may have figuratively blew up his bipartisan committee’s investigation of Trump’s accusation that he had been wiretapped by order of President Obama and undermined the credibility of the committee’s inquiry into the activities of the Russian Government to influence the outcome of the 2016 Presidential election and the possible collusion of Trump campaign associates in those Russian activities.
“It is clear that confidence in the government must be restored, and that an independent investigation into these matters must go forward. Whether Chairman Nunes should continue to lead that investigation, however, should be conditioned on his providing a satisfactory explanation of his conduct to the members of the Intelligence Committee and to the House of Representatives.
“The allegations under investigation by the Intelligence Committee may bear upon high crimes and misdemeanors and should be taken extremely seriously. The investigation must be factual, impartial, thorough, and unbiased. The American people deserve the truth.”
Statement: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Calls For International Vigilance Regarding Acts of Terror
Jackson Lee: “America cannot stand the existing divide now being created by the Trump Administration with our international allies.”
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and a member of the Helsinki Commission promoting security and cooperation in Europe, issued the following statement surrounding today’s apparent terrorist attack in London:
“Sadly, again we see individual actors perpetrating terrorist attacks against innocent people. This makes international collaboration against terrorism that much more important.
“The attack in London is still being sorted out and authorities are trying to gather more information. I express my deepest sympathies and condolences over the loss of life and for those who were injured. But the events of today show why America cannot stand the existing divide now being created by the Trump Administration with our international allies.”
Precinct One youth and seniors programs receive federal grants totaling nearly $150,000
Harris County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved nearly $150,000 in federal grants for Precinct One programs that assist young people and senior citizens.
The nonprofit Harris County Precinct One Street Olympics Inc. was awarded a $42,024 Community Development Block Grant for the Harris County Aquatics Program, $28,993 for Discovery Camp and $58,502 for the Summer Games.
The Seniors Drama Program received a $20,000 grant. The program, directed by playwright Thomas Meloncon, provides acting and dance lessons. Seniors participate as actors, understudies and costume designers. Throughout the year, they perform plays that raise awareness of crucial issues affecting seniors.
Created in 1986, the Street Olympics implements and sustains year-round programs that provide training, support and resources that lead to healthy and productive lives for Houston-area youth.
The Aquatics Program offers swimming lessons and competitive swimming for youth. In July, Learn-to-Swim students compete in a friendly competition at the Harris County Aquatics Center.
Discovery Camp, which runs through the summer months, offers children ages 6-13 a one-day adventure that includes educational activities, games, crafts and projects that give them hands-on experience to help understand nature in natural settings at Challenger Seven Memorial and Deussen parks.
The Summer Games gives youth at participating agencies a chance to compete in traditional street games such as kickball, jacks, hopscotch, Hula Hoop and foot races. The best participants at the agencies – which include Houston Parks and Recreation Department sites, YMCAs, churches and other youth centers – earn the right to compete at the Final Event in August at NRG Arena, where they can win medals. For more information, call 713 991 6881.
Statement from Senator Borris Miles Regarding the UT Houston Land Purchase
“I respect the decision by the University of Texas System (UT) to not proceed with the development of a local campus on the 300 acres located in my Senatorial District. I met with UT administration and leadership several times, and questioned the recently-appointed regents regarding this purchase at their nomination hearing.
“My greatest concern regarding the UT land deal has always been about the nontransparent method by which the land was acquired and by the system’s inconsistent explanations for how the land was to be used. I am encouraged that UT listened to the voices of concern and decided to pull the plug on proceeding with the Houston development. I understand UT will now sell the land gradually to an entity or entities that will bring economic development and jobs to the surrounding community.
“UT has a very big stake in Senate District 13 and the greater Houston area, with MD Anderson Cancer Center and UT Health Science Center at Houston. UT’s success benefits all Texans, including Houston. In fact, the land in question lies in the heart of my district. But, there must be a methodical and inclusive process when decisions like this are made, especially when it affects our present universities. I look forward to continuing to work with UT System, the board of regents and Chairman William McRaven on ways to improve higher education in Texas and our community.”
City Pursues Strategies for Homeless, Panhandlers
Mayor Sylvester Turner on March 2nd announced what he termed a more holistic approach to reducing homelessness and invited the community to help implement it. The mayor’s plan involves expedited efforts to permanently house the homeless, more shelter beds, new public health and safety regulations and an anti-panhandling awareness campaign.
“Houston has achieved significant reductions in homelessness in recent years, but I am committed to doing even more,” said Mayor Turner. “It is simply not acceptable for people to live on the streets; it is not good for them, and it is not good for the city. We will tackle this complicated issue, and we will do it humanely with a meaningful approach that balances the needs of the homeless and the concerns of neighborhoods they impact. We will need everyone’s patience and help to make it work.”
At the center of the mayor’s plan is expansion of The Way Home, the coordinated housing initiative of 100 public and private organizations that has reduced overall homelessness by 57 percent over the last five years. Another 500 chronically homeless individuals will be placed in permanent supportive housing within six months. Coupled with this aggressive goal, the community, often with direct city support, is continuing to invest in new permanent supportive housing units, but more apartments are still needed. The mayor is calling upon apartment owners and landlords with vacant units to step forward and be part of the solution.
Another 215 shelter beds will come online in August when the new Star of Hope campus on Reed Road is finished. In addition, the city is pursuing creation of one or more secure and professionally managed covered outdoor spaces with restroom facilities where up to 75 individuals could stay temporarily.
“In this city, we are not going to abandon our most vulnerable,” said Turner. “The goal is to get as many people as possible into permanent housing or shelters, but even with all of the assistance being offered, there will still be people who choose to stay on the streets. It would be wrong to tell these people they cannot be here or there without providing a suitable alternative. I am inviting the community and City Council to help identify locations in their districts we can use as temporary outdoor shelters and for feeding the hungry.”
The city will continue weekly cleanups of encampments to address health and safety concerns while the homeless are transitioning to shelters and permanent supportive housing. The Houston Police Department Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) is expanding so there can be increased interaction and assistance for the homeless. Another component is a new ordinance outlawing tents on public property. This ordinance will prohibit people from putting up tents but will not make it illegal to sleep outdoors. There will be a 30-day transition period during which HPD’s HOT team will work to compassionately redirect people in encampments to housing alternatives.
“This is a best practice across the nation and is based on public health and safety concerns,” said Turner. “We cannot have people setting up tent cities where there are no restrooms or other accommodations to meet basic human needs. Not only is it unsanitary, but it also deters from the goal of getting people into permanent supportive housing.”
The Texas Department of Transportation is assisting by installing “no camping” signs at freeway underpasses and is working to allow the city to have access to the underpasses for parking and economic development, an idea Mayor Turner has wanted to pursue since seeing something similar during last year’s trade mission to Mexico City.
The mayor’s plan also takes aim at panhandling with a new ordinance prohibiting obstruction of roadways and an anti-panhandling media campaign involving TV, radio, print and social media ads, street signage, billboards and a way to donate to service organizations via text and online giving. The campaign, which is being funded by 15 management districts, urges residents to help bring about “meaningful change” by donating their “spare change” directly to organizations that provide services. The public awareness campaign will be coupled with a pilot program to connect panhandlers to employment opportunities. The signs and ads are expected to be up and running within a month.
The mayor noted that a lot of homeless have mental health issues and have repeatedly fallen through the cracks of the social service system. He stressed the importance of increased funding for mental health and substance abuse treatment programs and said that he had directed this issue to be added to the city’s legislative priorities in Austin.
“Our existing programs and the expanded ones I have outlined lead all major cities in dealing with a nationwide problem,” said Turner. “This is a realistic, holistic approach that provides meaningful solutions. By offering multiple choices and a little bit of tough love, we hope to convince more of our street population to get off the streets. This plan also provides strategies for easing the pressure in neighborhoods. We will never totally eliminate homelessness, but with the entire community’s help, we can reduce it even more.”
Six years ago, Houston had a homeless population of more than 8,500. Today, that number has dropped to around 3,600. Less than one-third of these people are living on the streets. The rest take advantage of shelter beds.
The National Black Church Initiative Strongly Denounces the Desecration of the Jewish Cemetery and the Continuous Threat Against Our Jewish Brothers and Sisters
The National Black Church Initiative Strongly Denounces the Desecration of the Jewish Cemetery and the Continuous Threat Against Our Jewish Brothers and Sisters
This is despicable in the sight of God!
Washington, DC – The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI), a faith-based coalition of 34,000 churches comprised of 15 denominations and 15.7 million African Americans, is loaning its moral voice in the denunciation against those who have visited violence against the Jewish cemetery and Jewish communities across the country.
Antisemitism does not have any place in our growing and diverse society. We can disagree on policy, but the Black Church will not tolerate any violence toward our Jewish brothers and sisters. We wholeheartedly condemn those who are responsible for the desecration of Jewish cemeteries across the country. An act against the Jewish community is an act against the Black Church and Black Community We stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters shoulder to shoulder and we will not tolerate any violence in either words or deeds against the Jewish community.
Rev. Anthony Evans, president of the NBCI, says, “We are speaking out forcefully against the environment that allows individuals who are not of good will to threaten bodily harm against our Jewish brothers and sisters across the country. We will not tolerate such behavior. The National Black Church Initiative, with its 34,000 churches, wants everyone to understand that our Jewish brothers and sisters are God’s chosen people to interpret the holy Torah, and without their interpretation humanity could be lost.”
He went on to declare, “By touching or harming any of our Jewish brothers and sisters, you are interfering with the will of God. Therefore, all of God’s people, Christians as well as Muslims, condemn these present threats and negative actions against the Jewish community. African Americans are also a part of God’s chosen people and the Jewish community has the same sacred obligation to protect the dignity and the godhead of Christians and Muslims as we are to protect Jews.”
ABOUT NBCI
The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) is a coalition of 34,000 African American and Latino churches working to eradicate racial disparities in healthcare, technology, education, housing, and the environment. NBCI’s mission is to provide critical wellness information to all of its members, congregants, churches and the public. Our methodology is utilizing faith and sound health science.
NBCI’s purpose is to partner with major organizations and officials whose main mission is to reduce racial disparities in the variety of areas cited above. NBCI offers faith-based, out-of-the-box and cutting edge solutions to stubborn economic and social issues. NBCI’s programs are governed by credible statistical analysis, science based strategies and techniques, and methods that work. Visit our website atwww.naltblackchurch.com.
Houston Selected to Participate in National Initiative to Increase Equity and Build Local Pathways to Higher Education and Employment
The National League of Cities (NLC) selected Houston as one of six cities that will take part in a two year project to explore and build equitable pathways to post-secondary and workforce success. The mayors of each participating city have made a commitment to increasing access and decreasing barriers that prevent youth from succeeding in higher education and gaining meaningful employment. Houston’s efforts will focus on the Hire Houston Youth (HHY) program.
“Workforce programs and summer employment can decrease the likelihood that a youngster will drop out of school, they help ensure we have an able and ready workforce and set youth on the path to long-term careers,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Despite these benefits, less than a third of American teenagers held a job last summer and their participation in the workforce is at an historic low. This year’s goal is to provide 5,000 summer jobs for local youth. I’m calling on our business community to help us get to this goal by hiring and paying a HHY summer applicant. If you don’t have a spot, you can pledge $2,500 to sponsor a youth’s salary, training and benefits at a government agency or a nonprofit organization.”
HHY provides local youth ages 16-24 with at least a seven week summer job or internship experience from mid-June through the first week of August. In preparation for job placement, applicants will attend workforce readiness training one week prior to their start date. Students will work up to 40 hours a week for seven weeks, earning at least $8 an hour. The program is part of the mayor’s vision to create complete communities in historically underserved neighborhoods.
Cities are the economic engines of our nation. In understanding this role as economic drivers, mayors and other city partners – including representatives from city workforce, economic development and education – will be working together to ensure access to education and employment for all citizens with the ultimate goal of building vibrant local economies. To reach this goal, cities need clear pathways to college and postsecondary programs that are responsive to regional workforce needs. The value of a college educated community brings both personal and city-wide benefits.
Through its Institute for Youth, Education, and Families and with support from The Kresge Foundation, and LinkedIn, NLC will bring together city leaders from the government, education and business sectors and national experts that will help Houston develop strategies and expand the city’s efforts. The city will also have access to labor market trends in hiring as well as insights on education pathways and key skill sets leading to employment from LinkedIn. For more information, call 832.393.0800.
The six cities chosen to participate as NLC cohort include Austin, Texas; Charleston, South Carolina; Corpus Christi, Texas; Houston, Texas; Jacksonville, Florida and Nashville, Tennessee.
Memorial Park Receives Lone Star Legacy Designation From Texas Recreation and Park Society
Memorial Park became one of five Texas parks honored with the designation as a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) during a ceremony at the association’s annual institute in Irving, Texas, on March 1, 2017.
“Memorial Park becomes the fourth park in our system to receive the Lone Star Legacy designation. It joins Hermann Park, Emancipation Park, and Sam Houston Park in receiving this prestigious acknowledgement,” said Joe Turner, Director, Houston Parks and Recreation Department. “We are honored that Memorial Park’s historic significance has been recognized by the Texas Recreation and Park Society.”
A Lone Star Legacy Park is classified as a park that holds special prominence in the local community and the State of Texas. To qualify for consideration, the park must have endured the test of time and become iconic to those who have visited, played and rested on its grounds. Nominated parks must be a minimum of 50 years old and have to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- The property represents distinctive design and/or construction.
- The park is associated with historic events or sites.
- The park is associated with events specific to the local community/state.
- The park is home to unique natural features.
Memorial Park was established in 1924. Its 1,503 acres were sold at cost to the City of Houston by William and Mike Hogg, sons of James Stephen Hogg, the former governor of Texas. The Park’s creation was in response to letters to the editor of the Houston Chronicle, first from Ilona Benda and later from Catherine Mary Emmott, beseeching the City to consider a park in tribute to the soldiers who trained at Houston’s Camp Logan and the many who died in World War I.
At the behest of philanthropist Ima Hogg, sister to the Hogg brothers, several stalwart protectors of park lands (Terry Hershey, Frank C. Smith, Jr., Sadie Gwin Blackburn, Dr. John D. Staub, and Sarah Emmott) were charged with protecting Memorial Park from encroachments and development concepts ranging from a fish hatchery to the Astrodome to oil drilling. This group of advocates, through efforts led by Claire Caudill, morphed over time to become the Memorial Park Conservancy, a 501c3 that works in conjunction with the City of Houston to care for the Park.
The five parks receiving the honor in the sixth year of the Texas Recreation and Parks Society statewide program include Parque Zaragoza, Austin; Kiest Park, Dallas; Tandy Hills Natural Area, Fort Worth; Kempner Park, Galveston; Memorial Park, Houston; and Cypress Bend Park, New Braunfels.
About the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS)
TRAPS is a non-profit 501c3 professional and educational organization founded 75 years ago with a membership of over 2,000 professionals. TRAPS is committed to advancing the field of parks, recreation and leisure services in Texas, while advocating for enhanced recreation opportunities and the increase of public green space for Texans. www.traps.org.
About the Houston Parks and Recreation Department
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (H.P.A.R.D.) stewards and manages over 37,851 acres of parkland and greenspace for the City of Houston and develops and implements recreational programming for citizens of all abilities. For more information on the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, call (832) 395-7022 or visit www.houstonparks.org.
Mayor Turner and First Daughter Celebrate Black History Month with Free “Hidden Figures” Screenings for 3,000 Students
Mayor Sylvester Turner and First Daughter Ashley Turner hosted free viewings of the award-winning movie “Hidden Figures” for nearly 3,000 students from area school districts over the last two weeks. The film’s plot focuses on female African-American mathematicians at NASA, specifically Katherine Johnson, who calculated flight trajectories for Project Mercury and the 1969 Apollo 11 flight to the moon.
“We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Black History Month than to expose students to the story of Katherine Johnson and her pivotal role in American history,” said Mayor Turner. “I hope the students learned that no matter their environment, if they stay focused and push forward, they can do something as amazing and transformative as sending a man or woman into space. I want to thank our generous sponsors and my Director of Education Juliet Stipeche and Director of Community Relations Janice Weaver for making this project happen.”
“Our children are our future,” said Ashley Turner. “We don’t only want to talk about believing in them, but we also want to demonstrate that we care by investing in them and providing resources. This experience provided 3,000 students and teachers from 28 area schools the opportunity to have a learning experience outside the classroom that taught them valuable life lessons of perseverance, determination and collaboration.”
Before viewing the movie, the students watched a short welcome video in which the mayor and the First Daughter talked about the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It is estimated that by 2018, there could be 2.4 million unfulfilled (STEM) jobs.
“Thank you for making the adventure occur for our young Lions! They were all talking about the impact the movie had on them and how it was one of the best kept secrets about science,” said Kenneth Davis, principal of Jack Yates High School.
“Excellent movie,” said Agnes Perry, principal of Michael DeBakey High School for Health Professions. “Our students enjoyed the presentation and mentioned that they were inspired, especially our young ladies. They felt empowered. I want to thank Mayor Turner for providing the opportunity for our students to see the movie and experience a hidden part of history.”
“As an educator, I have often seen how financial constraints prevent students from luxuries such as going to a movie theater and viewing a film,” said Charlotte Harris, assistant principal of Milby High School. “You not only made it possible for students to experience going to a movie theater, but through this experience, you also opened their eyes to a world of endless possibilities. Thank you for providing our students with the opportunity to get a glimpse into history and see the profound impact education can have on one’s future.”
The mayor’s first young ambassador, Yash Semlani also attended a viewing and addressed the crowd. Students were treated not only to a free screening but also had popcorn, drinks and a snack, and they walked the red carpet. The tickets were graciously donated by African American business leaders who partnered with Fandango for special viewings across the country. In Houston, sponsors included the American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault, former Major League Baseball executive Jimmie Lee Solomon, New York investment bankers Bill Lewis and Charles Phillips, Horizon Group International Vice President Al Kashani, I’m Ready Productions CEO Je’Caryous Johnson and Martye Kendrick of Johnson Petrov.
NAACP Hosts quarterly report at Houston Community College
TSU Spring Enrollment Facts and Figures
The TSU Spring 2017 enrollment of 8,585 is extremely encouraging, especially when compared to first-day enrollment statistics from this time last year (Spring 2016). Here are just a few of the positive gains from our enrollment dashboards:
- 5.7% total enrollment increase
- 84.5% increase – first-time freshmen
- 59.5% increase – transfer students
- 18% increase – first-time graduate
- 3% increase – continuing students
- 6% increase in total credit hours
- School of Communication has the largest percent increase of all schools/colleges – +10.9%
These impressive enrollment numbers tell a story beyond statistics and speak to the increased value of a Texas Southern University education in the eyes of graduating high school seniors and college students transferring to TSU. The numbers also reveal the incredible work put in by all TSU stakeholders – faculty, staff, alumni and students, offering online enrollment and efforts to find resources to support students who were about to be dropped for non-payment. The goal of making Texas Southern University a first-choice destination higher education institution is becoming a reality with major increases in first-time freshmen and transfer students.
TSU expands online learning capability with new high-performance network servic
Texas Southern has partnered with Comcast Business to expand the University’s network. Comcast’s high-performance Ethernet services will increase bandwidth to support TSU’s growing student population and aid online learning. The updated service will provide advanced technology services to improve campus-wide communications and strengthen network access, mobile device management and security.
“Our mission is to offer innovative programs that help our students develop into lifelong learners, engaged citizens and creative leaders in their local, national and global communities,” TSU President Austin Lane said. “Today, this just isn’t possible without high-speed internet and cutting-edge network services. Our partnership with Comcast Business enables us to provide our students with the technological advantages they need to succeed – not only here at the university, but in the real world as well.”
TSU turned to Comcast Business to bring a high-performance network to nearly 40 buildings across campus. The University significantly upgraded its available bandwidth with a 10 Gigabit-per-second (Gbps) Ethernet Dedicated Internet connection from Comcast. TSU’s previous capacity from a different supplier was only 1 Gigabit-per-second. Now, one building has the same amount of bandwidth that was previously designated for the entire campus and has significantly faster internet speeds.
The powerful combination of added capacity and lightning-fast internet enables TSU to improve network access and mobile device management; enhance overall communication between students and faculty; and provide students with high-performance network services, including live streaming video and audio for digital classrooms and other online education initiatives. TSU’s IT department also has enhanced network security and fewer user complaints about the internet connection.
TSU wins SWAC Regular Season Basketball Championship Lady Tigers claim third consecutive regular season title
TSU rated #1 in SWAC
The Other Culprit in the Epi-Pen Price Gouging Scandal? The FDA.
By Sandip Shah
Ordinary Americans, reporters, and even a congressional panel heaped scorn on pharmaceutical company Mylan after it raised the price of its epinephrine injector set from $100 to more than $600.
Mylan deserves criticism for making it harder for patients to afford the injectors they need to prevent fatal allergic reactions. But Mylan isn’t the only culprit in this scandal. The FDA is sitting on a huge backlog of generic drug applications. Such bureaucratic lethargy enables companies to form monopolies and gouge consumers.
Policymakers could solve the problem by giving the FDA the mandate and resources to clear this backlog. Instead, they’re training their fire on innovative drug companies that have nothing to do with this price gouging. Their proposed crackdown on these firms wouldn’t stop abusive pricing practices, but it would stifle innovation and deprive patients of lifesaving new medicines.
Price gouging is only possible when companies face no competition. The FDA has created just such a scenario. In October, a full 2,996 generic drug applications were pending approval or review. At least two of those would have offered allergy sufferers an alternative to Epi-Pens.
But the FDA has stalled both applications. The agency complains that one product uses a slightly different design than Epi-Pen, and that the manufacturer of the other product left some testing data out of the application.
This nitpicking is ridiculous. Researchers developed epinephrine in 1901. It’s now off-patent — as are the older, perfectly effective, designs for injectors. The only thing stopping companies from creating an inexpensive, generic epinephrine injector is FDA lollygagging.
Other firms have taken advantage of the agency’s delays. Turing Pharmaceuticals infamously hiked the price of Daraprim, a medicine used to treat AIDS patients, from $13.50 to $750 overnight. The drug hit the market 62 years ago, so its patent expired long ago. Likewise, Valeant Pharmaceuticals increased the prices of the off-patent heart drugs, Isuprel and Nitropress, by 525 percent and 212 percent.
These companies got away with upping their prices so dramatically because they knew the FDA would take years to approve competing products.
When manufacturers introduce generic drugs to the market, prices plummet. The introduction of a second generic drug cuts brand-name drug prices in half, on average.
If policymakers want to prevent price gouging, they simply need to enable the FDA to approve applications far quicker than the current average of 47 months.
Instead of enacting these targeted solutions, many of our leaders are on the warpath against the research firms that spend billions of dollars to create innovative new medicines. They’re calling for all manner of direct and indirect price controls.
Inventing and bringing a new drug to market is a risky and expensive endeavor. It costs about $2.6 billion and takes 10 years.
When a company does strike gold — developing a unique product and gaining FDA approval — restricting competition for a limited time makes sense. Patents give the company a chance to recoup its massive investment in research and development, and ultimately reinvest its profits in developing other new treatments.
Price controls would take away the financial rewards of drug development.
It’s worth paying for truly innovative drugs. But once medicines go off patent, there’s no reason for consumers to continue shelling out top dollar. Speeding the generic drug approval process would introduce competition, slash prices, and prevent rapacious behavior.
Sandip Shah is the founder and president of Market Access Solutions. He spent nearly three decades working at large pharmaceutical firms, where he developed pricing and reimbursement strategies.
The Environmentalist War on Science
By Jeff Stier
EPA officials just discarded the central conclusion of a report they’d been working on for five years to appease green extremists. Although early drafts found no evidence that fracking has had a “widespread, systemic” impact on drinking water, the final report claims there isn’t “enough information to make a broad conclusion.”
How absurd. An honest look at the science should have environmentalists waving the white flag in their fight against fracking. It’s time for the EPA and green crusaders to quit this political charade and recognize that fracking technology has boosted the economy, helped wean America off imported oil and gas, and dramatically reduced CO2 emissions.
In 2015, a draft of the EPA’s report found fracking operations have not “led to widespread, systemic impact on drinking water.” The science in the report hasn’t changed. But the EPA, under pressure, adjusted its conclusion to suit critics to the left of the administration, who would have been left without a leg to stand on in their efforts to sow doubt about fracking safety.
The findings weren’t surprising. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson conceded she’s “not aware of any proven case where the fracking process itself has affected water.” Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said he has “not seen any evidence of fracking per se contaminating groundwater.”
Green activists and their Washington allies were quick to contest the draft report, ignoring that EPA researchers relied on more than 950 sources for their report. Do environmentalists really expect us to believe the agency, no friend of the oil and gas industry, is in the pocket of Big Fracking? The academic community is in agreement on fracking; only activists are fracking deniers.
For example, a Duke University study in Arkansas found that shale gas development and hydraulic fracturing had no impact on groundwater.
Scientists analyzing the Marcellus Shale region in Pennsylvania found fracking activity harmless, concluding there was “no evidence for direct communication with shallow drinking water wells due to upward migration from shale horizons.”
This year, a three-year study by the University of Cincinnati found that fracking did not affect water supplies — despite researchers’ best efforts to find a link. Lead scientist Amy Townsend-Small said her team was planning to keep the results under wraps because their funders were hoping the “data could point to a reason to ban” fracking.
Attempts to undermine fracking threaten America’s ability to tap into energy benefits. In 2012, oil and natural gas production saved the average U.S. household at least $1,200. All told, the industry supports almost 10 million jobs and represents 8 percent of the U.S. economy — and those figures are predicted to grow, especially if OPEC keeps its promise to reduce production.
Moreover, fracking has strengthened America’s energy independence. As the world’s leader in oil and natural gas production, the United States can scale back its energy purchases from less-friendly nations.
Despite the green movement’s outrage, fracking is helping the environment. The boom in gas and oil production has enabled us to substitute natural gas for coal. As a result, energy-related carbon dioxide emissions hit their lowest level in nearly three decades.
Environmentalists should stop denying science. Fracking boosts our economy, strengthens energy independence, and protects our environment. It’s a shame that, like the most extreme green activists, the EPA is only willing to embrace science when it serves an anti-fossil-fuel agenda.
Jeff Stier is a senior fellow at the National Center for Public Policy Research in Washington, D.C., and heads its Risk Analysis Division.
Mayor Turner Lauds Houston Permitting Center for Improved Customer Service
Performance Metrics Show Permitting Process Improvements Working
Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner released that the Houston Permitting Center’s continuous process improvements are working based on performance metrics for building plan reviews for the first two months of this year.
In January and February 2017, 98 percent of commercial plan reviews were completed within the target of 15 business days and 99 percent of residential plans reviews were completed within 10 business days. Additionally, in the last two months, 85 percent of all residential plan reviews were completed within five business days.
The average time for plan review in Houston for January and February 2017 was 12 business days for all commercial and residential customers combined, compared to an average of 31 calendar days for the same period in 2016.
“These are impressive improvements in responsiveness,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “As a public service agency, our goal should always be to deliver the best customer service possible. I want to commend the staff of the Houston Permitting Center for seeing the need for operational adjustments and making them.”
Improvements at the Houston Permitting Center include:
- Internal adjustments to the division of labor for screening, routing and assigning plans
- The development of pre-submittal materials for residential plans to clarify design elements and code requirements
- Optional pre-submittal meetings with Plan Review staff
- Electronic plan review, which streamlines the process by allowing all assigned disciplines simultaneous access to plans rather than a sequential review of paper submissions.
“Our mission is centered on improving the customer’s experience. These numbers reflect what is possible when we aim for continuous improvement and pursue our commitment to the customer,” said Mark McAvoy, Executive Director of the Houston Permitting Center. “The recent improvements in our plan review performance, paired with upcoming new tools, work to assist our business and development communities in achieving their goals as efficiently as possible.”
A recently approved contract will deliver one of those new tools, a dynamic website and permitting wizard. The new Houston Permitting Center’s website, estimated to launch in one year, will feature a wizard that automatically customizes permitting requirements based on answers provided to a series of questions. Other functions of the enhanced online experience will include comprehensive customer support, keyword search, simple online application forms and electronic signatures.
Additional performance metrics are available for public viewing in the Houston Permitting Center’s Online Dashboard. Individuals with residential, business or construction permit questions are encouraged to email houston.permittingcenter@houstontx.gov or call 832-394-9000.
About the Houston Permitting Center
With a focus on customer service and the implementation of useful communication and information technologies, the Houston Permitting Center helps customers achieve their goals while complying with the City’s regulations. Located at 1002 Washington Avenue, the Houston Permitting Center was established in 2011 as the first one-stop center of its kind for a major municipality in the United States. Ninety percent of all permits, licenses and registrations issued by the City—more than 600 types—are obtained at the Houston Permitting Center through 40 business units across six departments: Administration & Regulatory Affairs, Houston Health Department, Houston Fire Department, Houston Police Department, Planning & Development Department and the Department of Public Works & Engineering. For more information, visit houstonpermittingcenter.org or follow the Houston Permitting Center on Facebook and Twitter.
City Argues Same Sex Benefits before State Supreme Court
In a statement released by Mayor Sylvester Turner’s office on March 1, 2017, the City of Houston is defending its right to provide benefits to married employees, including those in same-sex marriages before the Texas Supreme Court,. The City, with the support of numerous “friends of the court,” is relying on Obergefell v. Hodges, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that granted same-sex couples not only a fundamental right to marry, but also to enjoy the whole constellation of rights that come with marriage according to city officials. Houston contends that the decision in Obergefell left no remaining issues to be decided by any state supreme court or any other state official. The City is also arguing that the petitioners have no standing to challenge the City’s actions.
The City is confident that the Texas Supreme Court will follow its practice of requiring strict compliance with decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court and rule in the City’s favor.
Know Your Legal Rights: Judges’ Power or “Discretion Has Limits”
By Keryl L. Douglas, Esq.While courtroom procedural rules say, AND it is generally well known or assumed, that “A judge’s ‘discretion’ is broad,” it is equally important to remember that a judge’s ‘broad discretion’ in making his or her rulings has limits!
While a person may be represented by an attorney or law firm considered among the best, I recommend that every person embroiled, engaged, or embarking upon litigation or other actions in the justice system involving rulings by judges feel empowered, courageous, and persistent enough to question perceivably questionable rulings on motions and final judgments.
It is your legal right to question rulings by judges you believe the evidence, facts, rules and law do not support – or worst yet, dictate the exact opposite of what the Judge ruled. It is your legal right, AND in the interest of justice and public policy, to hold “even” the Judges accountable to the procedural rules and established law when making their rulings. Judges CANNOT break or ignore established law, procedural rules, nor “abuse” their discretion in applying either of these to your case. Make sure you get have a lawyer committed and courageous enough, that while keeping with all courtroom decorum and respect, they assertively make sure that your rights are protected and progressed via the rules and the law….not politics, favoritism, or monetary antics.
I am compelled to write this encouragement to laypersons because I, a life-long/destined from birth kind of advocate, have been appalled to hear glib comments about certain judges “doing whatever they want,” and/or “caring little about what the law or the rules say!” Either motivation is a denigration of the justice system and should not be tolerated. Even the appearance of impropriety should be questioned and resolved.
It was reported to me recently that person(s) or a law firm bragged that a certain judge “was theirs” and would do whatever they wanted him to….that the Judge was strictly “political” and made his decisions accordingly. After I heard this multiple times about the very same Judge, the thought of countless people being robbed of justice for personal favoritism, political gain, financial gain, etc., is far too serious to ignore. Even the possibility of such miscarriage of justice being true is a threat to justice everywhere; and culprits must be held accountable, whether they inhabit the “robe and bench” or appear before those who do. Ask questions of your lawyer, or have your lawyer ask questions of the Judge and court if ruling or judgment appears unsubstantiated, antithetical to rules and law.
I strongly encourage laypersons to become familiar with the procedural rules affecting their cases or outcomes by asking their lawyers for better understanding. This of course, requires that you select lawyers more committed to your legal interests than they are to their own personal relationships with the Judge. I strongly encourage laypersons do the same regarding the established law relevant to their cases.
Currently, multiple judges are serving prison time and/or have been permanently barred from ever serving as Judge again because a few courageous people appropriately questioned ‘questionable’ rulings. Judges are not gods! They are regular humans subject to error and, at times, temptation. Know that even the Judge in your case is not above review, reversal of ruling, and accountability if their ruling defies, ignores, misapplies established law or procedural rules. While Judges’ rulings are most often reviewed by appeals courts, some conduct of Judges is also subject to review and discipline by agencies like the State Committee on Judicial Conduct. Where appropriate, Judges who flagrantly abuse their position, ignore or even break the law are disciplined, sent to jail, removed, disbarred, etc. You have the legal right to make our justice system “JUST” and FAIR, fueled by integrity and the law.
Keryl L. Douglas is an Attorney in private practice with a long history of community advocacy in Houston, Texas. She has one son, James Matthew Douglas II, and is General Counsel to local non-profits.
Sincerely,Keryl L. Douglas, Esq.
Mirror of life awards set for Deluxe Theater
The People’s Workshop in collaborative partnership with the TSU Department of Music presents the 2017 MOLA Awards, formerly known at the Sammy Awards. The event will be held on March 11, 7:30 p.m. at the the Deluxe Theater¸ 3303 Lyons Avenue near downtown Houston. In Grammy fashion, award winners have already been assessed and voted upon by a panel of arts and entertainment professionals. The line-up will also feature some of the hottest guest acts and celebrities as performers and presenters.
Beyonce, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Whalum, Robert Glasper and many more from their formative years, were beneficiaries of the Peoples’ Workshop Program of providing educational activities for practical training and exposure. It all started with Professor Howard Harris and a group of pop and jazz music composers at Texas Southern University. Later joined by great co-producers, inclusive of Judy Foston, the program grew to become the first multicultural arts organization of Houston featuring all ethnicities and cultures. Thus Professor Howard Harris named it the People’ Workshop, now aka People’s Family Workshop for the Arts.
Pre-event tickets, $15 general and $30 VIP, are available online through donations for the price of the ticket at the People’s Workshop website: www.pfwonline.org. Ticket reservations may also be made by calling (281) 923-6057.
Special guest artists will include the electrifying group, Vostra, and more. This year’s community honoree is TSU’s Dr. Merline Pitre, Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences and author of several books on African American subjects.
African American History and Symposium set
The Houston Sun is calling on you, the public again to help bring African American History and achievements alive. All cultures can participate. Put on your creative, proud hat and join our 2nd Annual African American History Parade, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017 at 10 AM. “Let’s showcase the accomplishments of black folks and take that knowledge to the streets. Spectators will learn and value the work of Freedmen and their descendants in American. So, it’s Show and Tell time on February 18, 2017 at 10 AM. Let’s teach the community about our diverse history and culture,” Publisher Dorris Ellis said. It is important to note that this Parade and Symposium is set at the time of Brotherhood Week so that cultures can learn about each other as we work toward a more perfect union in America.
Texas Southern University’s President Dr. Austin Lane is the Grand Marshall and esteemed educators and civic leaders will serve as honorary Presidents. Among them are: Yvonne Gibbs, Dr. Thomas Freedmen, Captain Paul Matthews, and Ovide Duncantell.
Staging is at Hutchinson and Tuam near Emancipation Park at 9:00 AM. So go ahead and think about who or what you are going to represent. Each individual or group in the parade is asked to do a little homework and decide upon a person, invention or iconic event that was created, invented or made known by an African American. Be creative and showcase their entry to the spectators and to the judges. The esteem panel of judges, vibrant Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, The imaginative Sister Mama Sonja and the artistic Michelle Barnes at the end of the parade at Texas Southern University. Awards will be presented to the winners at the beginning of the Symposium at Texas Southern.
Following the Parade, we host the From Crisis to Solutions Symposium, moderated by State Representative Dr. Alma Allen and co-sponsored by the Barbara Jordan – Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs in room 114 from 12:30-4 PM. The Symposium starts with Parade Award Presentations, and opens with a performance by the TSU Dr. Thomas Freedman’s Debate Team. Engagement between the community and the panelists will be guided Dr. Allen. Among the panelists are: Rep. Senfronia Thompson, Dr. Richard Petrie, Percival Gibbs, and, Aileen Fonsworth.
Families, educators, religious and community leaders, business social organizations leaders, plus the total human network who can place solutions on the table to empower generations present and future.
The goal is to find solution to known problems.
Making life better for the present and the future is the focus.
SBA names Herbert Austin acting Regional Administrator, South Central Region
DALLAS – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has named Herbert Austin the acting regional administrator for the South Central Region which serves 3.3 million small businesses in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
As the acting regional administrator, Austin will lead 10 district offices in the delivery of SBA’s financial, entrepreneurial development, government contracting and international export services.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, SBA approved 1,576 loans for $874 million throughout the Region, an increase of seven percent in dollars compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The Region shows the largest increase this quarter in the number loans to small businesses involved in exporting, with a 155 percent increase in the number of loans and a 234 percent increase in dollars, over the same period a year ago.
A native of Haiti, Austin’s career with SBA began 27 years ago, in 1989 when he was hired in New Jersey to strengthen assistance to export businesses.
Before joining SBA, Austin worked in the private sector as director of Exporting for companies in the United States and overseas.
Gridiron Glory exhibit at TSU to showcase the best of America’s most beloved sport
HOUSTON (January 17, 2017) – Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a 6,000 square-foot traveling exhibit that will arrive January 30 on TSU’s campus for its three-month run in the University Museum. Gridiron Glory, organized by the Pro Football Hall of Famein association with NFL Films, gives viewers a panoramic view of the story of professional football – from its humble beginnings in the early 20th century to its status today as a cultural phenomenon.
Inspirational stories of the game’s pioneers, top athletes, coaches, and unique plays will unfold for patrons. The exhibit will include more than 200 artifacts from the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s collection, rare documents, award-winning photography and a 500 square-foot area reserved for the venue’s “home team” – the Houston Texans. Exclusive exhibit items include the Vince Lombardi Trophy, an authentic interactive instant-replay booth, Knute Rockne’s 1919 Massillon Tigers helmet, Jim Brown’s jersey worn in an actual game, and Emmitt Smith’s rushing-record game mementos.
Gridiron Glory will feature interactive elements for fans of the sport – ‘Measure Up to the Pros’ allows a comparison of your physical dimensions and athletic abilities to the biggest stars in the game; ‘You make the Call’ will let fans step into an Instant Replay Booth and see if they can make the right call; exhibit patrons can try on vintage pads and jerseys along with today’s light-weight equipment; and fans can enjoy interactive touch-screen kiosks that show video clips of their favorite Hall of Famer.
Get your tickets today at www.ticketmaster.com. Media, businesses and organizations are invited to partner with TSU in this amazing experience. Funding through exhibition ticket sales and sponsorships support college scholarships and student programs.
Unique underwriting opportunities include evening venue rental for companies or organizations to host private viewing receptions and funding group tours for youth centers, schools, and young athletes. For details, including sponsorships, group tours, daily packages and options for retail ticket outlets, contact Kendrick Callis at 713-313-7933 or calliskd@tsu.edu, Rodney Bush at 713-313-7603 orbushrr@tsu.edu, Linda L. Ragland at 832-443-6272 or llr@mybrandsite.com.
For individual ticket purchases and hours of exhibition, visit Ticketmaster.
TSU’s The Grid Iron Super Bowl calendar
NFL player, Hill, host Super Bowl 51 event
NFL Offensive Tackle Tony Hills is taking advantage of Super Bowl LI being hosted in his home city. On Wednesday, February 1 from 7-10am, he will appear on Great Day Houston to share his pick for the win at Sunday’s game as well as his experience with the Saints this season, and more.
On Tuesday, January 31 from 4:30-6:30, the 6 foot 5 inches Hills along with Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, volunteers from Generation Hope, an outreach of Joel Osteen Ministries, and other community partners will host a “Super Football Fan Dinner” for the homeless women and children at Houston’s Star of Hope Mission.
The Alief Elsik High School graduate will tour the “You’re All Superstars” NFL Gridiron of Glory Exhibit at Texas Southern University on Thursday, February 2 from 4-6pm.
Celebrity Basketball Game
February 4, 2017, 3p.m
Madison High School
13719 White Heather Drive, Houston, TX 77045
Hills has played with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys and other teams in his 10-year career.
HeartLinks Impacts Houston’s heart health
(January 27, 2017) – The Health and Human Services Facet of the Western Area of The Links, Incorporated is hosting an awareness reception honoring the “HeartLinks to Heart Health” Program on Friday, January 27 at 7:00 pm at The Health Museum, 1515 Binz, Houston, Texas.
“The purpose of the event is to recognize the Texas Spring Cypress (TX) Chapter and the Missouri City Chapter of The Links, Inc. for their work with the Heart Truth and the American Heart Association and to increase awareness of the importance of monitoring one’s health to prevent heart disease,” explains Dr. Wanda Mott Russell, Western Area Health and Human Services Director. The evening will feature presentations by Jackie Pope of the Texas Spring Chapter and Jarmese Roberts Morris of the Missouri City Chapter who will share information on the impact made in the greater Houston area as a result of their programming. Mary Clark, National Chair of the HeartLinks Program will receive an award from Roxann Thomas Chargois,
Western Area Director. “The HeartLinks to Heart Health Program was created in 2008 by Dr. Kimberly Jefferies Leonard. This signature program was created to raise awareness of their risk of heart disease. For more than a decade, the Western Area chapters of The Links have created both sustainable and effective programs,” Mary E. Clark, HeartLinks National Chair, disclosed. “Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women and people need to be aware of what they can do to prevent it. There are lots of activities in the city and throughout the nation for the community to get involved. The Health Museum has a great heart exhibit.
The community can attend an event like the 5th Annual Dr. Evelyn E. Thornton Hip Hop Healthy Heart Awareness Affair at Texas Southern University on Saturday, February 25, 2017 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. It’s about learning about things that one can do to make a difference like healthy cooking, adopting a more active lifestyle, and learning the warning signs. The ‘Red Dress’ event is free and open to the public” said Mott Russell. For more details about the annual Red Dress event, call 832.930.1545.
Senator Miles files Job Training Legislative Package SB 574 proposes internships and career planning for high school and college students
AUSTIN- Senator Borris L. Miles filed SB 574, to expand job training and increase the number of paid internships to high school and college students.
“Students need a pathway to success,” said Senator Miles. “Last week, I filed SB 482, to give youth in the foster care system access to higher education and career assistance. Today, I filed SB 574, to increase the number of internship opportunities for students in high school and college.”
Both, SB 482 and SB 574 are recommendations from the Governor’s Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, which is comprised of commissioners from the Texas Education Agency, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission. They were charged to find solutions that would prepare the workforce to compete in the 21st century.
“These bills are vital to the future of Texas. We need to provide educational opportunities, career assistance and internships to ensure students are successful,” said Senator Miles.
In addition, Senator Miles filed SB 518 last Wednesday, which would create a franchise tax credit for companies who offer internships to high school students.
“This legislative package will increase paid internships, job training, and offer the business community an incentive to invest in Texas’ workforce. This will create a win/win opportunity for students, businesses and Texas as a whole,” said Senator Miles.
Senator Miles Raises Concerns of Lack of African American Representation on UT Board Nominations Governor Abbott’s UT nominations lack diversity
AUSTIN- As a member of the Senate Nominations Committee, Senator Borris L. Miles is very concerned by the names brought forward by Governor Greg Abbott for the University of Texas System (UT) Board of Regents.
“Diversity is one of Texas’ greatest strengths. We attract the brightest minds from all over the globe, they work here, they pay taxes here and they raise their families here,” said Senator Miles. “UT is one of the best higher learning institutions in the state, and its leadership and student body should reflect the population.”
Only three African Americans have served on the UT Board in the 134 years of UT’s inception: Reverend Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr., Dr. Judith Craven and Printice Gary.
“Printice Gary was the last African American to serve on the UT Board, with his term ending in 2013. It’s been more than four years since an African American has served on this board, and we need to get back on the diversity track,” said Senator Miles.
According to UT’s “Fast Facts,” its fall 2015 undergraduate enrollment was comprised of 4.6% African American students. Texas’ overall population is 12% African American.
“The appalling statistics show that UT has a lack of African Americans from the bottom to the top. Rather than lead by example, the nominations from the governor show that this administration plans to continue business as usual at UT. On my watch, this will not go unnoticed. Texas is a richly diverse state, and nominations brought forward should reflect that. Texans demand it,” said Senator Miles.
Know Your Legal Rights….A Talk With Renown Attorney Bob S. Bennett
Know Your Legal Rights….A Talk With Renown Attorney Bob S. Bennett
By Keryl L. Douglas, Esq.
Knowing their legal rights is imperative for laypersons, especially when confronted by authority or legal challenges; and so it is with experienced lawyers as well. As evident from his very own personal confrontation with authority and legal challenge from the State Bar of Texas, it was imperative for Attorney Bob S. Bennett to know and diligently pursue his rights. “They generally get it right; but when they get it wrong, it is devastating,” Bennett said of the State Bar and persons who get unjust outcomes.
Interestingly, one of Bob Bennett’s very ardent and unwavering supporters entirely convinced of Bennett’s innocence, legal experience, and character was Anthony Graves, who had been represented by Bennett since his exoneration after unjustly serving more than 18 years behind bars for murders he did not commit. He was released on Oct. 27, 2010. As you may recall, Anthony Graves was the innocent man wrongly convicted of the 1992 multiple murders of Bobbie Davis (45), Davis’ daughter (16), and four grandchildren. Bennett began representing Graves after his exoneration when the former Texas death row inmate filed a grievance with The State Bar of Texas imploring discipline for the prosecutor who got him wrongfully convicted him of capital murder. Bennett and Graves prevailed and the Prosecutor Charles Sebesta, with 25 years experience, was disbarred.
Robert Bennett is touted to be one of Houston’s renowned attorneys in the areas of Medical and Legal license defense. For professionals, maintaining and protecting their licenses is a priority. Bennett has defended professionals and their licensing for at least the last two of his approximate four decades of legal practice. Then, in 2014, he found himself similarly faced with one of the worst kinds of threat to a legal license – disbarment.
Americans spend over $100 billion in legal fees every year. Lack of communication by consel and Fee disputes are among the leading causes of State Bar Complaints and Legal malpractice claims. Some clients file grievances in attempt to avoid paying fees legitimately and rightly owed to attorneys. Bennett’s experience soberly shows, not even attorneys considered “great” are immune to such challenge to their licenses.
A client of Bennett filed complaint alleging failure to return fees pursuit to Rule 1.15(d). Ultimately, after appeal, the conviction and/or disbarment on that claim was reversed by Appeals Court; its Opinion stating there was “legally and factually insufficient” evidence to support the finding of the lower Court .
In 2014, after a three day trial before then Judge Carmen Kelsey, Judge Kelsey ruled disbarment of Bennett rather than the two year suspension requested by the State Bar attorneys. Bennett appealed. A litany of people proffered encouragement, confidence in his character and practice of law (including Anthony Graves}, wrote letters, filed amici briefs, volunteered to testify at trial. Many disagreed with the ruling and believed Judge Kelsey lacked the adequate experience to hear and properly rule on the case. Lillian Hardwick, Co-Author of “The Handbook on Texas Lawyer and Judicial Ethics,” considered an expert on such matters, told the court that the civil wrongs of breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty can’t be equated to violations of the disciplinary rules.”
(Knowing his legal rights), Bennett appealed his case. For further inquiry, the case is Robert S. Bennett v. Commission for Lawyer Discipline, case no. 14-14-00470-CV, Fourteenth Judicial District Court of Appeals for the State of Texas. In 2016, the Texas Appellate Court reversed the infamous disbarment of Atty. Bennett, and he is back to what he loves: offering expert defense to professionals who’s licensing is under threat. Bennett said he was very pleased with their argument before the Appeals Court, elated with the outcome, and very optimistic about the remaining issue of rule 3.02. Interestingly, Judge Carmen Kelsey lost her bid for re-election.
Bob Bennett’s personal experience/confrontation is a “case study” for lawyers and laypersons alike. Bennett has offered CLE’s on relevant issues for many years before he found himself in similar circumstance. While he and others feel the actions against him were unjust and unwarranted, he moves forward, using his experience to further help others. CLEonline.com has a program based on the grievance disciplinary case involving Bennett’s case which essentially involved every single facet of the grievance process, from initiation to conclusion.
Groups around the nation are calling for reform: transparency, fair judicial processes, uniformity and lack of bias in grievance/disciplinary processes, investigations, findings and decisions by State Bars; more easily accessible and consumer-friendly processes and websites, etc. Attorney Bob S. Bennett said” The Sunset Review Committee is working with the Texas State Legislature regarding reform of the Texas State Bar.” The Houston Sun anticipates reporting on the outcome of this reform effort.
A complete video of the Bob S. Bennett Interview may be found soon on the Houston Sun website, as well as at https://vimeo.com/200990526/c96479cd89, and other sites.
Jackson-Lee holds health care rally
Hello,
You are invited to the following event:
OUR FIRST STAND: SAVE HEALTH CARE RALLY HOSTED BY CONGRESSWOMAN JACKSON LEE
| Event to be held at the following time, date, and location: Sunday, January 15, 2017 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (CST) Mickey Leland Federal Building |
Deferred property tax payments announced
Houston —Texans who are age 65 or older or who are disabled as defined by law may postpone paying current and delinquent property taxes on their homes by signing a tax deferral affidavit at the Harris County Appraisal District office.
Once the affidavit is on file, taxes are deferred – but not cancelled – as long as the owner continues to qualify for the exemption.
“Homeowners who are 65 or older or disabled also should be sure they have applied for and received the appropriate homestead exemptions.
A filed tax deferral affidavit keeps homeowners from losing their homesteads because of delinquent property taxes.
“Homeowners with a mortgage on their home should first check with their mortgage company to make certain the deferral does not violate the terms of the deed of trust securing the mortgage on the property.
All deferred taxes and interest become due when the homeowner or surviving spouse no longer qualifies for the exemption.
For further details about property tax deferral, contact the Harris County Appraisal District’s information center at 713.957.7800 or visit the district’s offices at 13013 Northwest Freeway in Houston.
About HCAD
The Harris County Appraisal District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas established in 1980 for the purpose of discovering and appraising property for ad valorem tax purposes for each taxing unit within the boundaries of the district.
Dodge Journey Crossroad Plus AWD
Cars and Trucks by DJ
MSRP: $29,795
MPG: 16 city / 24 highway
Horsepower: 283 hp @ 6,350 rpm
Towing capacity: 2,500 lbs
Engine: 3.6 L V6
Curb weight: 4,327 lbs
Dimensions: 192″ L x 72″ W x 67″ H
I test drove the 2016 Dodge Journey Crossroad Plus all-wheel drive last week and found it to be a vehicle that could be difficult to resist. Just take it for a ride and I believe that you too will find yourself amazingly pleased about what it can do with you at the wheel. During my time with the Journey Crossroad Plus, I found it to be agile, swift and surreptitiously strong. These attributes made it a fun vehicle to drive and the exterior made it a nice point for the eyes to see with its 19-inch x 7.0-inch hyper black aluminum wheels and body color fascia with platinum chrome.
To continue with its exterior eye-candy features, it has a black gloss grille, tall black lamp bezels, platinum chrome side roof rails and all season touring tires, all with an alluring call to respond.
Standard features also include power heated exterior mirrors with manual fold-away. Inside the Dodge Journey Crossroad was space for seven and enough cup holder for all passengers to enjoy the beverage of their choice. The comfortable leather seats made for a relaxing short or long ride. Technology features are not lacking in this vehicle for the driver and passengers can utilize the ports for their personal entertainment or business equipment and the backup rear-view camera is a a major safety feature for all drivers.
Excitement comes with the spirited, energetic crossroad and the engine is what gives it its lift. Shoppers can choose between a 173-hp 2.4-liter four or a 283-hp 3.6-liter V-6 as well as front- or all-wheel drive. The vehicle I tested was the Plus AWD. The engine was so quite that I had to be careful to note that it had been turned off when I stopped the keyless push button vehicle.
Its practical storage is because of it being outfitted with five of seven seat capacity or more space to put things.
Veterans Day thoughts from a widow
Another Veteran’s Day without my husband, Lonal Robinson, a Vietnam Veteran. It feels different. A void has been left. I however, remember his work to reintegrate himself into life on the home soil. His work as a young man made him a great man because he did what was necessary to build a life for his family and contributed to society through unselfish volunteer work; such as the youth sports leagues in Illinois, Arkansas, and Houston, TX, with the Peggy Park Rebuild and #Emancipation Park renovation! His life was recognized four years ago by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee at Houston’s City Hall Veteran’s Day Ceremony. So, today, I will remember his service as I recall my uncles who served along with a brother, plus one son, who choose to call me his mom. I love them all for the lessons taught and the burdens they lifted from citizens back home who yet not know or understand what the soldiers had to do to return home to America. Being in the family of a service member brings with it many details of life. Happy Veteran’s Day America! Thank you for your grateful service statement may not be enough. We probably need to open doors of opportunity that have been closed and provide real regulatory benefits beyond the VA Education Bill and the VA Housing Loan Bill.
So, today, I will remember his service as I recall my uncles who served along with a brother, plus one son, who choose to call me his mom. I love them all for the lessons taught and the burdens they lifted from citizens back home who yet not know or understand what the soldiers had to do to return home to America. Being in the family of a service member brings with it many details of life. Happy Veteran’s Day America! Thank you for your grateful service statement may not be enough. We probably need to open doors of opportunity that have been closed and provide real regulatory benefits beyond the VA Education Bill and the VA Housing Loan Bill.
We have a new president-elect and a Congress with enough votes to get any legislation passed and signed that is desired and or needed by those who have served our grateful nation. We can and should do more for the families of those who have served. Lip service is not what families require. Tangible results are needed to advance American families.
May God bless and I will see you next week.
Defeat of HRC
The defeat of HRC was based on her failure to deliver a large enough portion of white voters to coalesce with minority voters to win a majority of votes in the Electoral College.
If the split inside the white community is not great enough, the black vote will not determine the outcome. That was the case in this election. The increase in the number of white voters and the across the board support of white voters for Trump led to his win.
Half of the American public appears ready to join the xenophobic and European nationalist fervor that is gripping the western “democracies.”
If the split inside the white community is not great enough, the black vote will not determine the outcome. That was the case in this election. The increase in the number of white voters and the across the board support of white voters for Trump led to his win.
Half of the American public appears ready to join the xenophobic and European nationalist fervor that is gripping the western “democracies.”
The question for me is how can the high level of black participation in this election can be mobilized to participate in the liberation struggles of African peoples. We have to seriously discuss the limits of electoral politics and what else we must do to achieve equality and justice.
AJC Congratulates President-Elect Trump, Urges Quick Steps to UniteNation and Reassure Allies
NEW YORK, Nov. 9, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — AJC, the global Jewish advocacy organization, congratulates Donald Trump on his election as the 45th President of the United States.
“American democracy has spoken after a long and bitterly-fought campaign,” said AJC CEO David Harris. “We wish President-elect Trump well, as he prepares to assume the highest position in the land and the most powerful political position on the planet. And we also extend our best wishes to Secretary Hillary Clinton for her many years of distinguished public service to our nation, the strong campaign she ran, and, I would add, her friendship to AJC.”
“Now that the election is over, a first priority should be to address the wounds of an extraordinarily divisive contest. The United States is one country with one destiny, and any expression of bigotry and exclusion, as we’ve regrettably seen during the extended campaign, must never be allowed to corrode our pluralistic fabric,” Harris added.
Smooth post-election transitions are an essential requirement of our political system. In that spirit, AJC looks forward to working with President-elect Trump and his administration, as well as with the new Congress, on the priority policy concerns that AJC has advocated during this campaign, including at the Republican Convention in Cleveland and Democratic Convention in Philadelphia. Among them:
— America’s diversity must be defended against any further attempts to demonize or stigmatize on the basis of ethnicity, race, gender or faith;
— The United States needs to assert strong global leadership, which only our country is capable of, especially in support of allies and treaty obligations around the world, and in the face of dangerous regional and global state and non-state actors;
— The unique U.S.-Israel relationship, based on shared democratic values and national interests, should continue to go from strength to strength.
From its birth 110 years ago this month, AJC has cherished American democracy and the unparalleled opportunities and protections that our country’s system aspires to offer all its citizens, whatever their background or identity.
“The right to vote is a pillar of democracy, and the nation has spoken. We wish President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence a successful Administration that, we earnestly hope, will take early steps to reach out to every American, including concerned minority communities across the land; reaffirm our links to our friends across the globe; and, in the months and years to come, advance peace, security, and prosperity for our nation and the world,” said Harris.
AJC, founded 110 years ago this week, is the premier global Jewish advocacy organization, with 22 offices across the United States, 10 posts around the world, and 33 international partnerships. It is a strictly, non-partisan 501(c)(3) agency.
SOURCE American Jewish Committee
Labor Voters Key to Winning Electoral Coalition in Harris County races
Block-walks, Phone Banks, Mail, Social Media Fuel Turnout
Houston, TX – Members of labor unions in Texas took advantage of a changing Texas political climate to help build winning progressive coalitions in Harris County, Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation Executive Director Hany Khalil said today.
“Labor’s vote made a major difference in Texas. Amid a tragic national result, Hillary Clinton’s performance here, coming within a margin we have not seen lately, set the stage for pickups in congressional, legislative and local races around the state,” Patrick said. “Union members seized on the opportunity, and we are proud the 2016 election set a new standard for statewide union participation.”
The Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO is an umbrella organization that coordinates the political, community, and educational programs of 45,000 union members in 13 Gulf Coast counties.
Trump wins, glass ceiling still solid
Around 1:30 pm CST on November 8, Hillary Clinton (D), the first female presidential candidate from a major political party was stunned by Republican businessman Donald Trump in an upset victory for the 45th President of the United States of America. Running mate Mike Pence called the victory “A Historic night.” With his family standing near him, Pence (R) Governor from Indiana said that he was deeply grateful in being given the opportunity serve. He then introduced the president-elect business tycoon and television personality Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States. He has never held any job in government and made a decisive win. In front of a crowd chanting USA, he began by saying Hillary has worked very hard and we owe her a debt of gratitude. Trump having won the necessary 270 electoral college votes to become President said that he will bring the country together and unify the people of America.
Clinton, leading in the popular vote did not speak to supporters on election night instead, deferring to make a statement on Wednesday.
Experts warn that Black homeownership is endangered as primary wealth building tool
WASHINGTON–Annual Legislative Conference cautioned that mortgage lending disparities coupled with public policies and inactions by governmental institutions conspire to impede the growth of Black homeownership. the State
of Housing in Black America (SHIBA), the 2016 homeownership rate for Blacks was 41.7%, lower than the national homeownership rate during the Great Depression years of the 1930s. By contrast, the 2016 homeownership rate for non-Hispanic Whites was 71.5 percent.Congresswomen Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) both remarked that the targeting of minority communities, loss of equity, loss of the pathway to wealth accumulation in the Black community is why homeownership needs to increase.
“The continued institutional denial of equal access to mortgage credit is the single-most detrimental factor obstructing wealth building among Black Americans. NAREB is issuing a clarion call to lawmakers, regulators, government agencies, and lenders that a change must and will come. No longer will Black Americans be locked out,” said Ron Cooper, President of NAREB formed in 1947 to ensure equal and fair access by Blacks to own homes and opportunity for Black real estate professionals.
Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY), in his Issues Forum remarks, he said that homeownership is the most important investment in the Black community and further stated that the data contained in NAREB’s report revealed that mortgage originations among Black borrowers continue to decline well after the financial crisis. He added, “While I agree that we do not want to return to the excesses and abuses of the past, we must still find a way toward responsible lending for creditworthy borrowers, including those borrowers of modest means. Policies must be set in place to ensure affordability and increase access to mortgage credit, and there’s an essential role the government must and should play in that process.”
NAREB’s CBCF Issues Forum panelists echoed the mantra that Blacks are victims of a separate and unequal financial system that does not adequately evaluate or reflect a borrower’s real ability to pay. Current credit models are outdated and do not look discrimination in the face. Expert panelists included: James H. Carr, co-author of the SHIBA Report, Professor of Urban Affairs, Wayne State University and Coleman A. Young Endowed Chair; Nikitra Bailey, Executive Vice President, External Affairs, Center for Responsible Lending; Larry Parks, Senior Vice President, External and Legislative Affairs, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco; Maurice Jourdain-Earl, Managing Director, ComplianceTech; Lisa Rice, Vice President, National Fair Housing Alliance, and Mark Alston, Chair of NAREB’s Public Affairs Committee. Panelists universally agreed that lenders continue to use these instruments that work to deny Black borrowers a mortgage loan when other credible models exist, but are not widely used by lending institutions.
Fitch Releases Preliminary Analysis of Pension Reform Plan
According to Mayor Sylvester Turner’s communication staff Janice Evans released that in the first analysis of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s pension reforms by a financial market expert, Fitch Ratings writes the proposal “includes reforms to benefits and contribution practices that could improve the sustainability of the city’s pensions.”
“This early validation from a global leader in credit ratings and research is encouraging and a sign we are on the right track,” said Mayor Turner.
The proposal the mayor will present to state lawmakers for consideration in the upcoming 2017 legislative session will immediately reduce and later eliminate the City’s $7.7 billion unfunded pension liability and costs considerably less next year and every year after when compared to what the City would need to pay in the absence of reform. The plan includes:
- Benefits changes that immediately reduce the unfunded liability by $2.6 billion while still maintaining defined benefit plans for City employees
- A closed 30-year payoff period
- $1 billion in POBs
- A more realistic rate of return of 7% for future investments
- A requirement that the city makes the full required annual contributions to the pension systems
- Limits on annual costs going forward and mandatory negotiations on benefits changes to bring costs back in line if they exceed the specified limits
According to Fitch’s analysis released Friday, “use of POBs alone typically is insufficient to correct underlying sustainability concerns and provides only temporary relief in the absence of broader reforms. However, POB use in conjunction with reforms to benefits and contribution practices increases the odds of strengthening funding positions and improving long-term sustainability.”
Fitch and other credit rating agencies have previously cited Houston’s pension liabilities and voter-imposed revenue cap as credit concerns.
Mayor Turner intends to ask City Council to approve his plan within the next few weeks.
TX House Representative Dist.139 Jarvis Johnson to Confer Community Awards & Speak on Mental Health Saturday, October 8th
TX State Representative Jarvis Johnson candidly speaks saying, “Mental and emotional wellbeing is an important aspect of everyday living. We need to remove the stigma associated with mental health so intervention can occur at the onset.” The fast and frantic pace of society, sickness, death, unemployment, disability, divorce, breakups, all has an impact on mental health. Yet, many African Americans find that mental health and mental illness are tough topics to discuss.
The Gulf Coast of Texas African American Family Support Conference will get the conversation started with the theme “Unveiling Masks: Real Conversations to Shatter Stigma, and Myths” on Saturday, October 8, 2016, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm at the United Way of Greater of Houston, 50 Waugh Drive Houston, Texas 77007.
The conference is coordinated by dedicated community stakeholders, one community leader stated, “Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable as well as recovery is possible. Another community leader, shared, Good mental health strengthens your ability to cope with everyday hassles and more serious crises and challenges.” Shalone Turner, 2015 conference attendee stated, “If it could be okay in society to talk about mental health, things could be different…” Shalone Turner The mission of GCTAAFSC is to strengthen the knowledge and skills of individuals with mental health, developmental disabilities, families, community members and professionals about available health care services by using culturally sensitive education supports and partnerships.
Conference Day:
The conference day will commence with an open plenary address by Dr. Shirley Price, followed by breakout sessions and will culminate at an Award’s Luncheon with Zina Garrison, former World Tennis, and Olympic Gold Medalist keynote address. Rep. Johnson will confer and extend the Flame of Inspiration Award to Destiny Richardson and Jerome Green. The conference will offer an informative exhibition area, free flu shot clinic sponsored by Walgreens Pharmacy, 12 workshop sessions on mental health, disability awareness and the conference will focus on individuals, families and the community with an emphasis on youth only sessions for ages 15-24.
Bland family settles civil suit for $2 million
After the Sandra Bland family settled a wrongful death civil lawsuit, for two million dollars, State Rep. Garnett Colman said, “I will file the Sandra Bland Act this upcoming session. The Sandra Bland Act will include her family’s wishes and recommendations that have been discussed at the House Committee on County Affairs’ oversight hearings that have risen out of the Sandra Bland case.
Additionally, Sandra Bland’s family’s Texas-based attorney Tom Rhodes will be speaking at the upcoming County Affairs hearing on September 20th, 2016.“
Furr High Schools selected as super school in Houston
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Keisha N. Brown (KB) named Executive VP, President and Chair of new health and wellness practice
LOS ANGELES — LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS (LC), a multicultural integrated marketing communications agency, announces the promotion of Keisha N. Brown (KB) to executive vice president and chair of the new Health and Wellness Practice. As chair of the practice, KB will drive creative solutions for all of the agency’s healthcare clients. With more than two decades of healthcare experience working with clients on a local, regional and national level, LC is excited to launch their Health and Wellness Practice with a skilled professional that works across all disciplines and cultures.
“I look forward to leading the new Health and Wellness Practice at the agency and utilizing my experience and passion to make a difference in the lives of African Americans and Latinos,” said KB. “I have worked on health care accounts for more than 20 years, and understand the challenges that impact behavioral change to make our communities healthier and people live longer.”
KB brings a wealth of experience, insight, and maturity to the Health and Wellness Practice. She has worked with corporate, not-for-profit and government clients, including American Cancer Society, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), Novartis and the Office of National Control Drug Policy, to name a few. Relying on her keen understanding of health disparities and cultural nuances amongst African American and Hispanic communities, KB has successfully executed award-winning campaigns with multi-million dollar budgets and led multidisciplinary teams. She now manages the advertising and marketing account for Covered California, educating African American consumers about their services and maximizing the number of Californians enrolled in health insurance coverage. In addition, under KB’s leadership, the team will focus on entities such as hospitals, healthcare plans, not-for-profit, government, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
“KB is the biggest success story of the agency’s internship program,” said Mr. Kim L. Hunter, President, and CEO of LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS. “She is the epitome of what an IMC specialist is and does. KB is one of the few communicators that has a good understanding of the three disciplines (advertising, marketing, and public relations) and how they intersect with one another to create a truly holistic campaign.”
As a 21-year veteran of the firm, KB is an integrated marketing communications specialist that has successfully executed integrated advertising, marketing, and public relations campaigns for clients such as L.A. Care Health Plan, The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Martin Luther King Jr., Community Hospital.
Throughout her career, KB has been recognized for her work and expertise in multicultural communications. Most recently, the firm received the Healthcare Public Relations & Marketing Association (HPRMA) Golden Advocate Award for the launch of the L.A. Care Covered
The campaign, a project headed by KB. Johnson Publications, the publishers of Ebony and Jet magazine, also named KB “One of the Most Outstanding Women in Marketing and Communications” and PRWeek Magazine featured her in a roundtable discussion regarding diverse viewpoints on multicultural communications.
The Los Angeles native holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in business administration from Howard University in Washington, DC.
National Youth Commission Advocating for STEM Public Policy in Washington, DC
HOUSTON – September 8, 2016 –
While in Washington, DC, the Youth Commissioners will attend Congressional Black Caucus Foundations Annual Legislative Conference where they will participate in Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson’s STEM Brain Trust, “The STEM Melting Pot: Addressing the Importance of Diversity”.
STEM roles are growing twice the rate of all other jobs. According to Duke Fuqua School of Business (2016), there are currently 97 defined STEM occupations. Current economic forecasts, projects, that there will be 8.5 million NEW STEM jobs by 2020, however, there is no guarantee the talent will be available domestically to fill those jobs. Currently, only 40% of students who enter college intending to major in a STEM field complete a STEM degree within five years. Women now represent the largest percent of college graduates, however, less than 22% choose to pursue degrees in a STEM field.
Houston area State Farm Agent Tiffany Jones presented C-STEM Youth Commission with the $86,000 Youth Advisory Board grant that launched the program in 2015. Jones said the funds help the organization reach its goals to positively impact local youth; “The C-STEM Youth Commission project helps students gain a better understanding of STEM-focused education and pursue STEM-related careers. We’re proud to continue our support of those efforts through a State Farm Youth Advisory Board grant.”
“I am excited about the STEM public policy advocacy work being led by students on behalf of students. These are high school students who are currently experiencing STEM opportunities being offered at their schools and in their communities. Who better than they to share and advocate for improvements in STEM education on behalf of youth nationally.
Communication, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (C-STEM) is a Houston-based education nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides hands-on, STEM-focused learning opportunities to underserved and socio-economically disadvantaged students in grades Pre-K through 12, professional training in STEM education, and internships for college/university students.
For more information on C-STEM, email us at info@cstem.org
Founded in 2002, C-STEM Teacher and Student Support Services, Inc. has impacted more than 200,000 Pre K-12th-grade students nationally. The organization is dedicated to developing STEM talent pipelines, bolstering self-confidence, and fostering a well-rounded mastery of the areas of communication, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. C-STEM is closing the STEM academic achievement gap for students and the STEM skills development gap of teachers. For additional information, visit www.cstem.org.
Rising Waters art show at Houston Museum
2016 BOXTOROW HBCU Football Coaches Top 10 Coaches Poll Week 1
North Carolina A&T unanimous No. 1 with coaches in BOXTOROW Poll
Boxtorow.com
The defending BOXTOROW national champion North Carolina A&T Aggies
received all 20 first-place votes in the BOXTOROW Coaches poll after the
first week of play.
N.C. A&T opened the season with a 62-0 beating of Saint Augustine’s on
Saturday. The Aggies outpace No. 2 Bethune-Cookman by 34 points.
Speaking of Bethune-Cookman, its matchup with Alcorn State in the
MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Sunday was supposed to help define week one and
poll rankings for both teams, but the game was canceled due to severe
weather and will not count for either.
MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Sunday was supposed to help define week one and
poll rankings for both teams, but the game was canceled due to severe
weather and will not count for either.
Alcorn State sits at No. 3 in the poll.
Grambling and Prairie View A&M won its opening games and round out the top
five.
Tennessee State is the only team in the bottom half of the poll to win in
week one, defeating Arkansas-Pine Bluff 44-0 and sits at No. 9 after not
being ranked in the preseason poll.
In its eighth season, the BOXTOROW HBCU FCS coaches poll is administered
by FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW and is voted on by the HBCU Football
Championship Subdivision coaches.
2016 BOXTOROW HBCU Football Coaches Top 10 Poll
Week 1
(Records through September 4, 2016)
No. Team W-L Pts. Preseason Poll
1. North Carolina A&T (20) 1-0 200 1
2. Bethune-Cookman 0-0 166 2
3. Alcorn State 0-0 160 3
4. Grambling State 1-0 130 5
5. Prairie View A&M 1-0 114 6
6. North Carolina Central 0-1 95 4
7. Alabama State 0-1 64 8
8. South Carolina State 0-1 60 7
9. Tennessee State 1-0 41 NR
10. Southern 0-1 38 9
Other receiving votes: Hampton (0-1) 15, Norfolk State (1-0) 9, Texas
Southern (0-1) 3, Morgan State (0-1) 2, Jackson State (0-1) 1.
(1st place votes in parentheses)
Letters to the Editor
Dear Friends,
“We must out-innovate, out-educate and out-build the rest of the world.”
President Obama said it best, and the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference (CBC-ALC) will address the most urgent, complex, and challenging policy issues facing our nation, of which one is supporting small and innovative businesses. I am committed to fostering business partnerships between the Federal Government and the private sector, and it brings me great pleasure to invite you to participate as a vendor or small business owner during my braintrust: Meet/Match-Minority Suppliers Doing Business with the Public and Private Sector during the 46th Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference (CBC/ALC).
Public and private sector vendors and small business owners can register at:http://www.cbcfinc.org/MeetMatch_ALC16
The Meet/Match procurement event will provide many small, minority, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone, and women-owned businesses a great opportunity to market their products and services to public and private procurement officers and contract managers. Minority vendors and suppliers will also learn how their products and services can be competitive in both domestic and international markets.
The Meet/Match vendor outreach session will be held on Friday, September 16th, 2016 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, in Room 146 A & B, in Washington, DC.
I look forward to your participation in the 46th Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference. To indicate your interest in participating in the session register at the above link or contact Abiola Afolayan, Esq. at abiolaafolayan@gmail.com.
Very truly yours,
Sheila Jackson Lee
Member of Congress
Rep. Waters Tours Flood Damage in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Last week, Rep. Waters met with retired Lieutenant General Russel L. Honoré, who was Commander of the Joint Task Force Katrina; former Louisiana Congressman Cleo Fields; representatives from FEMA, HUD, and SBA; and Red Cross volunteers at the Baton Rouge River Center Shelter to see how they are helping Louisiana residents affected by the devastating flood find housing and getting businesses back up and running WASHINGTON — In the wake of historic flooding in the Baton Rouge, La., area, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services and long-time friend to the Louisiana area, visited the disaster-affected region. Rep. Waters met with local officials as well as affected residents to review the damage, assess the federal government’s response thus far, and understand key issues ahead of the need to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by September 30, 2017. “Seeing the devastation of this historic flooding first-hand was both humbling and upsetting. I saw streets that were still covered in debris and families that had lost everything. But just as I was 11 years ago in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, I am once again awed by the strength and resiliency of the people of Louisiana in the face of disaster. “While the local leaders and residents I spoke to told me they were pleased with FEMA’s swift response to the disaster so far, I remain very concerned about the number of residents who were wholly unprepared for this disaster through no fault of their own. Too many Americans receive outdated and incorrect signals from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). As Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee with jurisdiction over the NFIP, I will make sure that as we continue to think through its reauthorization that we take into consideration the inadequacy of our flood maps. “I must note that despite the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, the people of Louisiana came together to rebuild and I was proud to stand alongside them and to support them as they did so. In the aftermath of yet another disaster of historic proportions, I pledge my continued support for the people of Louisiana.” During her visit, Rep. Waters met with officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Joint Field Office in Baton Rouge to hear about their recovery efforts thus far. She also visited the Baton Rouge River Center Shelter — an emergency shelter where over 850 people are still stranded — as well as the New Hope Baptist Church, Disaster Recovery Center where disaster victims can go to apply for aid from FEMA and the Small Business Administration (SBA). This trip is reflective of Rep. Waters’ longstanding commitment to the Louisiana area. She was one of the first Members of Congress to visit the state following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and she authored legislation, “the Katrina bill” (H.R. 1227 in the 110th Congress), to help the Gulf Region recover from the storm. In the aftermath of Katrina, Rep. Waters also held multiple field hearings in the region, fought for disaster recovery funds and their fair use, and helped displaced residents return to their homes. Additionally, Rep. Waters has worked extensively on bipartisan efforts to improve the National Flood Insurance Program, playing a key role in the passage of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act (HFIAA), which was signed into law on March 21, 2014. The law made clear that addressing affordability was to be a top priority of the NFIP. The current authorization for the NFIP expires on September 30, 2017 and as Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee, Rep. Waters is taking a lead role in preparing for the reauthorization of that program. After the recent flooding in Louisiana, Rep. Waters sent a letter to President Obama, urging him to do everything in his power to waive any cost-sharing requirements that would pose additional financial burdens on the state of Louisiana. She also joined with Reps. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Cedric Richmond (D-LA) to send a letter to Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), calling on him to hold a field hearing in Baton Rouge to assess the federal government’s response and educate Committee Members about key issues in advance of the reauthorization of the NFIP. |
Texas Southern University announces personnel changes
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HOUSTON (August 29, 2016) – Texas Southern University announces personnel changes in two academic areas and one university leadership positon. Dr. James Douglas has been appointed to serve as Interim Dean of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law; Dr. Michael Adams to serve as Interim Dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs; and Dr. Bobby Wilson to serve as Interim Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Dr. Douglas, a TSU stalwart who served as Texas Southern University President from 1995 to 1998, served most recently as a Distinguished professor of Law at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law (TMSL). Currently the president Houston Chapter of the NAACP, Dr. Douglas has held positions as dean and professor of TMSL, Interim dean, Florida A&M University College of Law, Professor, Northeastern University School of Law, Assistant professor, associate dean, Syracuse University College of Law. He has been involved in the Minority Affairs Committee, Law Admissions Council, former American Bar Association education chair, Committee of Science & Technology. He is married to Tanya Smith Douglas and has three adult children. Dr. Douglas earned his B.A., in Mathematics from Texas Southern University; a J.D., from the Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law; and his J.S.M., from Stanford University.
Dr. Wilson, another TSU stalwart, is a nationally regarded research chemist and a Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Toxicology in TSU’s College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (COSET). He serves as the L. Lloyd Woods Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Shell Oil Endowed Chaired Professor of Environmental Toxicology at TSU. Dr. Wilson has been honored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his extraordinary efforts to significantly increase the number of African Americans with Ph.D. degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). He has mentored 19 Ph.D.s from the United States who are from underrepresented groups in STEM, including eight African American males and 11 African American females.
Dr. Adams, a dedicated TSU academician since 1983 served most recently as the Director of MPA and online eMPA program and Professor of Public Affairs at the Barbra Jordan- Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs. A noted political expert, Adams is an avid scholar in the Public Affairs arena, he has co-authored several books including Readings in American Political Issues and Public Administration both published by Kendall-Hunt Press. Dr. Adams also has been published in the Journal of Service Science; the Encyclopedia of African America History; International Journal of Education Research and the European Journal of Social Sciences.
Texas Southern University is currently in the process of launching a national search to fill the positions permanently.
Juneteenth 2016 Pageant
It was gathering of splendor and pageantry as girls and boys from area Houston schools showcased their talents in hopes of being crowned Miss and Mr. Juneteenth 2016 at the 8th Annual Mildred Johnson Miss Juneteenth Pageant presented by Friends of Emancipation Park and held at Trinity United Methodist Church.
A total of 18 contestants competed in the following categories (ages 3-5) Little Miss Juneteenth, (ages 6-9) Junior Miss Juneteenth, (ages 12 and up) Miss Juneteenth for the young ladies. The young men, fell into two categories (ages 3-5) and (ages 5-12) Mr. Juneteenth and Mr. Handsome respectfully.
The pageant promotes community service, academic excellence, as well as encouraging poise and positive self-esteem.
In addition, the contestants were judge on their Juneteenth paper and poster competition. The four-judge panel also scored the contestants on their One-on-One interviews which was conducted immediately after each of them took to the stage to showcase their pageant-walk.
There were 18 contestants in four categories. Addison DeBoest, Kainaan Jones and Faith White represented the Girls 3-5 Year Olds. Next was the 6-9 Yearl Olds Girls. The participants were Olivia Rogers, Symone Jones, Yanni White, Zoriyah Mack, Za’nya Forsey and Zanora Dorsey. The older girls category 12 and Up participants were Raven Jacson, Kayla Ceasar and Terykah Lewis.
The Boys 5-12 year participants were O’ryan Rogers, Cornelius White, Jakiyea Mack, Jaylon Mack, Lawrence See and LeMarcus Thomas.
A total of five titles were awarded in the Miss Juneteenth 2016 Pageant, where Raven Jackson,12 earned the title of Miss Juneteenth, Addison DeBoest, 6 won Junior Miss Juneteenth and Kainaan Jones, 5 was named Little Miss Juneteenth. O’ryan Roger, 5 was crowned Mr. Juneteenth and Lawrence See, 9 won Mr. Handsome.
The runner-ups, Kayla Ceasar and Terykah Lewis/Miss Juneteenth, Olivia Rogers and Za’nora Dorsey/Junior Miss Juneteenth and Faith White/Little Miss Juneteenth along with Cornelius White/Mr. Juneteenth joined by Jaylon Mack and Jakiyea/Mr. Handsome will joined the title holders in the 43rd Juneteenth Parade and Music Festival.
LeMarcus Thomas, 2015 Mr. Mr. Juneteenth graciously gave his final walk recalling how it has been an honor to have carried a title in recognition of Juneteenth.
“When I won last year, I had a general idea of the significance of Juneteenth. For instance while all of the Black enslaved people in the nation had been freed, Texas was the last state to get word,” he said.
“That means that Black folks were still in slavery. When word finally arrived in 1865 of June 19th, they rejoiced. That is why we celebrate this day of freedom still today.”
Thomas went on to say that over the past year he has met many important people. And that he really enjoyed being in the parade and the bike that he won. He also said that he enjoyed meeting the Annise Parker, the mayor at the time.
“Mayor Parker told me to ‘keep doing what you are doing and to stay on the right track’.”
Thomas said that his future plans are to enjoy his summer and have fun because he will be entering high school next year.
Mrs. Mildred Johnson had a word for the audience. She thanked the parents and gave special homage to the grandparents. “When you trust someone with your children you trust God,” she said.
Mrs. Johnson said that it takes a lot of work to do what they do. “All of the pretty dresses, costumes, decorations, etc. I directed this pageant by telephone. I told everybody what to do and want needed to be done. I want to thank Dorris Ellis, Dorcaus Robinson, the committee, the judges and KijanaWiseman.”
She went on to say she is looking forward to the parade and that Mayor Sylvester Turner is taking an active role in the parade. Also she informed the crowd that if all goes well that the Juneteenth court could be part of the upcoming Super Bowl LI to take place in Houston.
Sponsor of the 2016 Juneteenth Pageant were Gerald and Anita Smith, This Is It Restaurant, Houston Super Bowl Committee, Ladies of Golf and Priscilla Graham Photography.
Market Place Advertising
Houston Theater Opens New Lineup For Anniversary
Applause was the appropriate reaction in Houston’s Ensemble Theater as it held the Dawn of The Decade 40-year anniversary press conference for the lineup of this year’s performances.
Within the city lies an instrumental one-story building which holds a mission: to preserve African American artistic expression; to enlighten, entertain and enrich a diverse community. Eileen J. Morris, who is the theater’s artistic director, stands by that mission.
“Every time we do art, we are speaking to the community,” Morris said.
“I think that the art that we do and the fact that we are connected so much with our community is what is impactful. That’s one of the traits of the Ensemble Theater, so to speak.”
So much has changed since the theater was founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins, who was influenced by the African American Theatre Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Such a movement prompted Hawkins to make a company into what is now known as one of Houston’s go-to places for performing arts. Development Director Kathy L. Kelley, a longtime Houston resident, thinks the theater does make an impact in the Houston community and vice versa.
“The community comes here and they’re embracing and appreciative of what we do and understand what we’re doing and they really support what we do,” Kelley said.
Other than the theatrical arts, the theater will also hold major events such as a gala and a golf tournament to continue spreading the foundation the theater has done. Also discussed by this is Janette L. Cosley, the theater’s executive director.
“And the children who come here for those field trips? I cannot tell you how diverse those audiences are because majority of them come from the Houston Independent school District,” Cosley said.
“They know about African Americans who play sports, they know about African Americans who make music, but they don’t necessarily get to know the actors.”
Public Relations Manager Robert Ross keeps that in mind throughout the conference.
“The community gives us feedback and, as any responsible institution or business, for that matter, you really have to listen to your patron base in order to meet their needs and what their interests are,” Ross said.
Plenty of Time, one of the many plays lined up for the year, will portray the basis of what the Ensemble Theater stands for. Perhaps an appearance by the conference’s guest performer Regina Hearne may be seen at one of the plays. Their season lineup and special events can be found at their website: www.EnsembleHouston.com.
Previews of the show run for two days, and the main show runs from May 12 through June 5. May 12 at 7:30 pm is the start of Plenty of Time.
Duncantell, local living legend and warrior
Angel ChappleHOU—On January 11, 2016, Living legend Ovide Duncantell sat with me and discussed politics, community
HOU—On January 11, 2016, Living legend Ovide Duncantell sat with me and discussed politics, community activism and leadership.
Ovide Duncantell, born August 7, 1936 in Natchitoches, LA, moved to Houston, Texas and became active by creating opportunities for African Americans through community leadership and organization. He earned his Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Sociology and Minor in Government from Texas Southern University and created th
e Black Heritage Society, Inc., as Founder and Executive Director.
Many have come to recognize Duncantell for his driving forces behind the renaming of a major street to Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd and the establishment of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Statue. But there are several other contributions in addition to the above mentioned that make him an Icon within the black community.
In the early 60s, he recalled the time during which barriers were set up against Black Houstonians to prevent them from running in elections, such as property ownership and a large filing fee. Duncantell took it upon himself to challenge what was proposed as law, overcome and it was declared unconstitutional. Because of his assertiveness, he opened the door for other blacks to come behind him and become councilmembers without grief. He stated, “Someone had to do it. I had to test the waters.”
After that, Duncantell ran for city council and gained 22,000 district votes but lost because his incumbent had 80,000 total votes. He too was responsible for the change which applies today that the votes from the district are what counts for the running candidate within that district. He also collaborated with Harris County Commissioner Tom Bass whom he instructed on creating a black district for the city of Houston, where only a black person could win.
One night after leaving a campaign rally, Duncantell was pulled over by police and was beaten by nearly 40 policeofficers. He stated that the only thing that saved him that night was a Presbyterian preacher who witnessed the incident and threatened to identify those involved if he ended up dead. He was bloodied and beaten, but he survived and continued his fight for equality and justice.
Duncantell was involved in an organization in which one of his young men had been shot in the back by police. He was outraged and stood fearless before City Hall and threatened to kill ten pigs if another one of his men were shot and killed. No one else was murdered by police within his organization, after that.
His mentors were Mose LeRoy and George T. Nelson. Duncantell stated, “These men didn’t just talk politics 24/7 but they made moves.” (City of Houston parks have been named in honor of both men). He worked alongside and with them in order to bring change of policy in regards to the betterment of the black community. Establishing food stamps was one of them at a time when people were only receiving commodities for 250 people, leaving 750 without and unfed.
Duncantell’s fearlessness, intelligence, dedication and service for the equality of the black community is immeasurable. The sacrifices that he made years ago would never enter the mind of today’s leaders as a thought. “I believe anything that you want, you have to fight for it,” he stated. His life contributions are equal to the things in which he not only spoke about, but also stood for. Herein, is why he has been selected as a feature for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. issue because his legacy as Dr. King’s is an example for all to recognize and follow.
Angel Chapple is a Houston Sun intern from Prairie View A&M University.
Audrey H. Lawson, dead at 83
Dorris Ellis
The Houston Sun
Audrey Hoffman Lawson died of natural causes on December 12 in her home surrounded by her family. She was age 83. She was born March 20, 1932 in St. Louis, Missouri, one of nine children of John Henry and Alma Hoffman. She married William “Bill” Lawson and they remained united for 61 years. Mrs. Audrey Hoffman Lawson held many titles. She was First Lady Emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church for 40 years. She was one of the founders of WABC along with her husband, Rev. Dr. William A. “Bill” Lawson, Pastor Emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in 1962. She is the mother of Melanie, Cheryl, Eric, and Roxanne Lawson. She was “Maka” to granddaughters Robyn and Raven. And she was the founder of the WALIPP-TSU Preparatory Academy.
She attended Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee and received a B. A. in Social Work. While she was in her Social Work studies at TSU, she began a long distance correspondence with a TSU alumnus, now a graduate student in theological seminary, William “Bill” Lawson, who lived in Kansas City. That correspondence would endure for over two years, involve over 600 letters, and result in their marriage in January of 1954. The Lawson Letters, three volumes, now archived by the Houston City Library, are a major feature in Audrey’s biography. She began her career at the St. Louis YMCA. When she married Bill and the two of them moved to Houston, Texas, she became a Social Worker at what was then called The Negro Child Center, part of the DePelchin Children’s Center. She worked at what was then called Vocational Guidance Center, later expanded to Career and Recovery Resources of Houston.
Shortly before the birth of their youngest child, Roxanne, the two of them established Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Audrey was the reason for the nature of the ministry of that church. Community services and ministries with children were almost automatic. Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops were born virtually with the church. Normally Pre-school began at three years old. But Audrey conceived of school beginning almost at birth, which would require toilet training. And she set the pattern for such birth-to three-years care, and created the Wheeler Avenue Infant School, which is now WACA, Wheeler Avenue Children’s Academy.
In 1996 the Houston community celebrated the 50th anniversary of the entry into the ministry of Bill Lawson. As a gift they gave him a fully-funded 501c3 non-profit, to use in any way he saw fit. Audrey saw an opportunity to use it to establish a Charter Middle School for boys, and created the WALIPP Preparatory Academy for Boys, later to be identified with Texas Southern University, as WALIPP-TSU Preparatory Academy, and finally to be taken over by their daughter Cheryl, promoted to a State Charter, which required a parallel girls’ middle school. It currently is comprised of both boys’ and girls’ schools. Audrey had another passion that leaves a major legacy for the City of Houston: black theatre. The Ensemble Theatre was the creation of a brilliant writer-director, George Hawkins. But it was struggling to survive, and he was mortally ill. Audrey loved George, and knew the Ensemble was an extremely valuable institution.
She commandeered two fellow board members and an aged but passionate lover of theater. Under her leadership, the seemingly insurmountable debts were paid off. The huge, ugly building was purchased and remodeled into a theater. A small staff was hired, and the Ensemble became an icon of Houston’s Midtown. When METRO opened its light rail along Main Street in 2004, the stop between Alabama and Holman Streets was named Ensemble-HCC. Audrey is now Chair Emeritus of the Board of Directors of the Ensemble, but all who know the history of this highly-respected arts institution call her the Mother of the Ensemble Theater. Houston would not be what she is today without the multiple contributions of Audrey Hoffman Lawson.
In June 2015, the Houston League of Business and Professional Women, Inc. under the anniversary leadership of Dorris Ellis Robinson, Juanita Harang and President Patricia Sullivan, presented Audrey Lawson with its most prestigious award, the Sojourner Truth Award. During the Houston Sun’s 30th anniversary, the paper presented the Lawsons with its Infinity Award.
Both the wake and funeral will be held at Houston’s historic Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Ave. Her husband served there as pastor for more than 40 years. The wake is scheduled from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday. A viewing will be on Friday 9-11 a.m., and will be immediately followed by the funeral, according to Melanie Lawson, Lawson’s daughter. The services will also be streamed on WABC.org.
After quarter of a century Turner elected Houston’s Mayor
Dorris Ellis
The Houston Sun
In the packed grand ballroom at the George R. Brown Convention Center, about 1,000 citizens awaited the election returns in the mayor race between State Representative Sylvester Turner, 61 and former Kemah Mayor Bill King, 65. Turner was the front runner coming out of the November General Election and kept that lead through the runoff, albeit it was a slim 678 votes according to the Harris County election results. Even with the thin margin to victory, the crowd never lost its vigor. They danced to the music of “Tonight is going to be a good night.” They engaged in song, dance, and much chatter and moved with joy to “Can’t Touch This” while taking cellular phone selfies photos and smiles with anticipation was abound. A jubilant Maldrick Bright said, “It’s one of the most exciting and unprecedented mayoral races in the city of Houston. It’s the time and place for him [Turner] to be elected. Turner had sought the Mayor’s office and was defeated in a run-off to Bob Lanier in 1991. He ran again in 2003 where he did not make the run-off and finally making it to victory in the 2015 run-off election. Joseph Bennett said, “I believe the race is tight because people really weren’t paying attention in the beginning and when they realized what the issues were, they got on board later.”
Once entering the victory stage, Turner said that Saturday, December 12 was mostly a night for ‘thanks’ and after he expressed appreciation to many, he gave the largest “shout out” to Ft. Bend County, saying, ““I love me some Fort Bend!” where a mostly African American voter base in an incorporated section of Houston delivered him 3,728 votes to King’s 277 when there were just 500 votes separating them.
Depending on an electorate that is disengaged in civic affairs, the two candidates had to split the meager 209,794 (21.42%) who cast ballots in the run-off mayoral race. According to Harris Votes County Clerk’s office, of the 979,401 registered voters in the City of Houston, Turner garnered 104,639 votes (50.16%), to King’s 103,961 (49.84%). With the slim margin of 678 voters, Turner, a Democrat, became the 60th Mayor of the fourth largest city in the country after Turner had received 50.2% of the Harris County votes and 93% of Ft. Bend County votes. It was after 10 o’clock in the evening when King, a Republican, made the call conceding defeat to Turner.
Vicky McBride, PhD in urban planning said, “This is an opportunity of inclusion where many of us had been left out, unable to participate and make use of our talents and skills. In this election, all were a part of this victory–from baby boomers to the millenniums. It takes us all to make this a vibrant city.” Demetrious Guidry Moore said, “My view of this race is I believe that the citizens of Houston have made the best decision based on the information provided the people. The people had been misled.” In his victory speech, Turner said that he will be the mayor for all the people whether they voted for him or not.
The three-time mayoral candidate from Acres Home, with his sisters standing on the stage with him said that this campaign has been a long journey that started with him mother (who died in April) when she signed a loan paper for him to go to college at the University of Houston where he graduated magna cum laude and later received his law degree from Harvard. He told his audience with much emotion that his mother taught the children to “never overlook those who are at the bottom.” He shared the crowd that ‘everyone will be welcome at the table in a Turner administration. He continued saying, “I’ll do by very best to represent every single Houstonian. The only question I will ask, ‘Is what you are asking — is it in the best interest of the city of Houston.’”
Ending his talk to the audience who were all dressed up and nicely attired for a victory, Turner said, “Stay strong, work hard and believe.” Shelly Kennedy, a member of the State Democratic Committee said, “I am a strong supporter of our new mayor; he has the experience. He has the legislative experience that we need here in Houston. He knows where the money is and he can help us get it. He loves Houston.” Term-limited At-Large City Council member Clarence O. Bradford said that the Turner victory is great for Houston. He knows how to unify people as he did in the legislature while serving for 26-years and this will be good for Houston according to Bradford. Lawrence Payne said that Turner’s win is huge and he has what it takes to run the city. “He has the legislative skills to do the job well. He knows how to work with all people.”
Since the beginning of his campaign 22-months ago, Turner has proclaimed that he would be the mayor for all the people and after waiting for 24 years, the people have helped him quench his thirst that started as a boy who rode the bus from Acres Homes to downtown. He now has the opportunity to lead Houston after earning more than 93% of the African American vote while King took 71 % of the white vote. He won the predominately African Americans populated city council districts precincts and the two Latino districts precincts while losing the “progressive” District C by 10% where incumbent city council member Susan Cohen was re-elected. Turner becomes Houston’s second African American mayor with Lee P. Brown being the first in 1998.
Several attendees at the watch night party were concerned, however, about Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, the Starkville, MS native and Houston businessman,
insertion of himself into the campaign against Turner. One Acres Home residents began to discuss the location of McIngvale’s first store saying that Mack made his money off the black community and ‘he turned on us. He continued saying that ‘he should have stayed out of the race and now we should stay out of his stores.’
In other races, runoff races Steve Le defeated incumbent Richard Nguyen for the District F council seat. In open seats Karla Cisneros beat Jason Cisneroz for District H, and Mike Laster defeated Jim Bigham for District J.
In the At-Large council seats, Mike Knox narrowly defeated Georgia Provost for Position 1, while Position 2 voters returned David W Robinson in his victory over Willie R. Davis. In the open at-large seat that was filled by Clarence O. Bradford, Amanda Edwards handily defeated Roy Morales for Position 4 and Jack Christie won the Position 5 seat defeating new-comer to politics Sharon Moses. Finally, in the Controller’s race, Chris Brown narrowly defeated accountant Bill Frazer for the Controller’s office.
Turner along with the other newly elected officials will be sworn in January 4 at Jones Hall and will take office for the new term limits that were approved for 4-year terms. (This ballot issue is being challenged in court). The inauguration is free and open to the public. Guest should arrive starting at 8 AM.
The Houston Sun celebrates 32nd Anniversary Scholarship Pillar Award Luncheon
By Dianna Johnson
The Houston Sun Newspaper celebrated its 32nd Anniversary on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at the historical Buffalo Soldiers National Museum located in Houston’s Museum district. The anniversary luncheon was a celebration of recognition of THS great achievements and civic services for the community. It was also a platform to honor prominent individuals throughout the city of Houston. Educators, Doctors, Lawyers, local business owners, Executives, and Community Activist were a few among the honorees that the Sun recognizes as Pillars of Success. Young Jordan Bush got the program started by toasting the honorees with jazz and classical music during the VIP reception followed by young Marcaus Nickle’s introduction of, the Master of Ceremonies, news anchor Jose Grinan of KRIV-TV, FOX 26 morning news was the host for the afternoon.
The Pillars of Strength who hold the Light is an award created by Dorris Ellis Robinson, cofounder of The Houston Sun Newspaper to recognize the accomplishments, achievements and contributions that others have provided for the Houston community through their boundless efforts to bring forth change and positivity to the city. “Whatever you choose to do in life, do something for the people,” said Ellis Robinson, words given to her from the great Dr. Martin Luther Jr. when she was a young girl. “These honorees are holding the light by their service to Houston which illuminates the path for others.” Ellis Robinson continued. The event began with the introduction of the Pillars of Strength honorees.
Honoree are as followed: Lauren Anderson, Houston Ballet; Eugene Barrington Ph.D. Retired Texas Southern University Professor; Lois C. Ray, Realtor; Pastor Kirby John Caldwell, Windsor Village United Methodist Church; Karen Franklin, World Youth Foundation; Attorney Anthony Griffin, Kathy Johnson Green, Experience in Dance; Mark Holley, Holley’s Seafood and Oyster Restaurant; Rev. Michael Crow, Barber Memorial MBC; Rev. Samuel Smith, Mt. Horeb MBC in Freedmen’s Town; Christina Sanders, Young Political Scientist; Gladys House, Freedmen’s Town Association; Dr. Howard Harris, Jazz Professor and Founder of the People’s Workshop; Jean Jones, Educator and Community Volunteer; Power 4 Life Ministries, Rev. Catherine Smith and Minister Madelyn Traylor; Honorable Al Edwards, Fred Hoyer, VP Bayway Lincoln; Deborah Barriere, Retired educator and community volunteer; Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, PhD., Texas Southern University Museum Director and Professor, and Honorable Francis “Sissy” Farenthold
At the start of the ceremony, Mayoral hopeful Sylvester Turner, stopped by to extend congratulations on the Houston Sun Newspaper 32nd Anniversary Scholarship & Pillar Awards and to acknowledged the newspaper for its continuous support and coverage on community electoral and political campaigns throughout the city of Houston.
The event proceeded with a magnificent melody by Texas Southern University’s School of Music students, Julio Peterson and Ashton Jones. Following, each honoree was given an award of recognition for their achievements and services and given a moment to embrace the audience with words of gratitude.
A silhouette saluting the honorees was presented by Freje Davis, a former student of honoree, Lauren Anderson, the first African American principal dancer for the Houston Ballet. The heartfelt performance brought tears of joy to Anderson and others in the room. Anderson was so grateful to be considered as an honoree amongst other prominent pillars of the community. “I was shocked at the invite and honored to be part of a group of distinguish men and women,” said Anderson.
As the anniversary came to an end, a Presentation of Lights ceremony began with every audience member receiving a light in representation to wish each individual a lifetime of greatness and success. Host, Jose Grinan closed by asking every veteran pillar in the room to stand for acknowledgment of their contributions for making a positive impact for bettering the community. “I want to thank you all for all that you have done,” said Jose Grinan, “because of your legacy we are able to do what we love, and because of you the Houston Sun will continue to thrive for 32 more years to come.”
Other participants in the program was second and third generation Robinsons, the children and grandchildren of Lonal Robinson and Dorris Ellis Robinson. Participants were: Sirrod and Dorcaus Robinson, and grandson of the couple, Marcaus Nickle. Present in the audience was Rashaud Williams, the 6 month old grandson of the founders and son of Dorcaus Robinson. . Each honoree brought their guests to share in his or her honor and they filled the room with positive energy and excitement.
It took a stellar Steering Committee to make the event a success and Mrs. Thelma “Lady J” Johnson lead the way as honorary chairperson with Co-chairperson Helen Graham. Other committee members were: Dorris Ellis Robinson, Dorcaus Robinson, Priscilla Graham, Patricia Sullivan, Ruby Mayes, Lakesha Lewis, Dr. Jessica Randall, Amber Cloud, Christopher Allen and Sheila Ray Reed.
At the close of the debriefing, planning began for the 33rd anniversary celebration with a presentation of the Key Stone Awards. We will be seeking to honor Houstonians who are central stones at the summit of Houston’s arch, that hold the city together. Sponsors included: Bayway Lincoln, Windsor Village UMC and Texas Legislative Black Caucus.
Dorris Ellis The Houston Sun 1520 Isabella Street Houston, TX 77004 713-524-0786 713-524-6786 Fax Serving Houston Since 1983
Houston Sun celebrates 32 years, honors pillars and presents scholarships
Houston Sun Presents 32nd Anniversary Scholarship and Pillar Awards Luncheon
Houston, TX- 10/06/2015- The Houston Sun Newspaper will be celebrating its 32nd anniversary this Saturday, October 10, 2015 from 2pm to 5pm at the historic Buffalo Soldiers National Museum located at 3816 Caroline Street, Houston Texas 77004. The event will serve as a platform to not only recognize the 32 years of outstanding services that the Houston Sun has provided to the community, but also to honor some of the most prominent people throughout the city of Houston. Business Executives, Lawyers, Community Activists, and Civil Rights Leaders are among a few who will be honored at the luncheon.
This event further aims to recognize the work, accomplishments, and contributions that each honoree has made through their tireless efforts to constantly make a positive change throughout the community. “I want each honoree to feel special,” said Dorris Ellis, founder of the Houston Sun. They are staples of the community who have done great work, so I want them to enjoy this experience,” said Ellis.
Among the honorees are: Lauren Anderson, Houston Ballet; Eugene Barrington Ph.D. Retired Texas Southern University Professor; Lois C. Ray, Realtor; Pastor Kirby John Caldwell, Windsor Village United Methodist Church; Karen Franklin, World Youth Foundation; Attorney Anthony Griffin, Kathy Johnson Green, Experience in Dance; Mark Holley, Holley’s Seafood and Oyster Restaurant; Rev. Michael Crow,Barber Memorial MBC; Rev. Samuel Smith, Mt. Horeb MBC in Freedmen’s Town; Christina Sanders, Young Political Scientist; Gladys House, Freedmen’s Town Association; Dr. Howard Harris, Jazz Professor and Founder of the People’s Workshop; Jean Jones, Educator and Community Volunteer; Power 4 Life Ministries, Rev. Catherine Smith and Minister Madelyn Traylor; Honorable Al Edwards, Shekira Dennis, Black Lives Matter; Fred Hoyer, VP Bayway Lincoln; Deborah Barriere, Retired educator and community volunteer; and Honorable Sissy Farenthold.
During the event there will be a special performance by Jordan Bush before the award ceremony and followed with a salute to honoree by Freje. Each honoree will be given the opportunity to provide the audience with a brief synopsis on their journey to success.
All guests are encouraged to visit the Houston Sun’s exhibit highlighting some of the newspaper’s most memorable articles and interviews in memory of the newspapers late and great founder Lonal Robinson and second generation publisher, Lonal X. Robinson.
About The Houston Sun:
The Houston Sun empowers and informs the community while serving without fear or favor! The Houston Sun has been Houston’s # 1 community newspaper for more than thirty years. From covering electoral events to covering city council to school boards to local organization to providing a platform for local businesses to advertise and grow their business, we encourage and inspire! The Houston Sun has provided the community with a voice for those who were sometimes voiceless, all-the-while honoring those who have made great contributions to this community.
Tickets and sponsorship packages can be purchased at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/houston-sun-presents-32nd-anniversary-scholarship-and-pillar-awards-luncheon-tickets-18563532024
Credentials are required to attend this event. For those seeking interviews or who would like additional information, please contact Lakesha Lewis at lakeshalewis91@yahoo.com (713) 371-7636
Philanthropic experience and giving traditions of African Americans to be explored in new exhibition at Buffalo Soldiers Museum
HOUSTON, TX — The groundbreaking exhibition Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited will open on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. The touring exhibition will explore the African-American philanthropy experience and giving traditions grounded in faith, mutuality, responsibility and social justice.
The exhibition illustrates Black philanthropy through highly innovative presentations, including luminous photographic prints on metal, iPad kiosks, video and interactive digital apps featuring music, poetry, photography, narratives and more. It comprises over a dozen vignette stories and more than 50 black-and-white images that depict facets of giving across generations. Images and stories composing the exhibit are from the book “Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists” by author Valaida Fullwood and photographer Charles W. Thomas Jr. Monika Rhue, library director at Johnson C. Smith University, serves as project manager for the exhibit’s grant-funded tour, and Prairie View A&M University Office of Development and Buffalo Soldiers Museum are the host. “Centuries-old cultural customs and beliefs about giving, though rarely acknowledged as ‘philanthropy’ in African-American communities, have long been an integral and transformational force in lives and communities throughout American society,” Fullwood said.
“African Americans are often left out of the conversation around philanthropy unless fame and wealth are associated, or they are being portrayed only as beneficiaries or people in need,” said Fullwood. “But African Americans actually give a higher percentage of their discretionary income to charitable causes than any other racial group in this country. This exhibition will help reframe the discussion and reclaim the root meaning of the word philanthropy, which is ‘love of what it means to be human.’” News Release For Immediate Release Contact: Dr. Camillia Rodgers, Executive Director Buffalo Soldier National Museum 3816 Caroline, Houston, TX Tel: 713.942.8920.
The exhibition will be on display through November 13th before continuing traveling to several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and cultural institutions across the South and other regions. In addition to the exhibition, corresponding public programs will allow groups to explore a broad range of topics related to philanthropy, including the Historical Characteristics of Philanthropy in the African American Community (October 13th), Next Generation Giving (October 27th), and the Corporate Impact on Philanthropy (November 10th) at Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, 6pm. To schedule a guided tour and learn more about programs and educational forums, email the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum at info@buffalosoldiermuseum.com Exhibition Sponsor and Partners Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited is made possible by a $96,665 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and $124,494 in matching funds and resources.
The James B. Duke Memorial Library at Johnson C. Smith University, in partnership with author Valaida Fullwood, photographer Charles W. Thomas Jr. and New Generation of African American Philanthropists giving circle, will manage the exhibition’s grant-funded national tour through June 2016. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Its mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Johnson C. Smith University, founded April 7, 1867, is an independent urban university located in Charlotte. Under the leadership of Dr. Ronald L. Carter, the University continues to evolve into a 21st century higher education institution, building upon its long legacy of producing compassionate and forward-thinking leaders. Ranked 17th among Historically Black Colleges and Universities by U. S. News & World Report (2014), it is recognized as one of the best comprehensive colleges in the South. New Generation of African American Philanthropists is a giving circle founded in 2006 that promotes philanthropy—the giving of time, talent and treasure—among African Americans in the Charlotte region, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life within our communities. Additional sponsors and partners include, the Houston Arts Alliance, City of Houston, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Divinely Inspired Events, Ujima South, HiMac Center for Creative Thinking, Prairie View A&M School of Architecture, and the Office of Development.
Exhibition-related Programs • Tuesday, October 6, 2015 Exhibit Grand Opening Reception, Buffalo Soldiers Museum 6:00pm – 9:00pm Music by Kathleen Harrell and Award Winning Song Writer, Kathy Burrell, of Yourweh Music – more – After events on opening day, a series of scheduled programs at the museum will accompany the exhibition during its local run through November 13th. Dr. Lason Hines, Captain Paul Matthews, Dr. Camillia Rodgers, Phyllis Darden-Caldwell, Carmetha Williams, Nelson Bowman, and Dr. Lauretta Byars, the exhibit’s Houston Planning Team, is responsible for exhibit program development and coordination.
The Historical Characteristics of Philanthropy in the African American Community, Buffalo Soldier National Museum October 13th at 6:00pm Sponsored By: The HiMac Center for Creative Thinking, Entrepreneur Innovation & Organizational Development; and Divinely Inspired Events This discussion will center on the historical perspective of giving in the African American community, and the characteristics of giving back. The discussion moderator is Jeffrey L. Boney, Entrepreneur and Radio host.
The Next Generation of Giving, Buffalo Soldier National Museum October 27th at 6:00pm Sponsored By: Ujima South This discussion will focus on the charitable habits and engagement of generations Y and Z in giving within their communities
HCC opens doors for voter registration
HOUSTON [Sept. 17, 2015] – Houston Community College (HCC) is committed to doing its part for National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, September 22. HCC has teamed up with Neighborhood Centers Inc. to provide Harris County residents an easy and efficient way to register to vote.
A deputy voter registrar will be on hand at the West Loop Campus on September 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then from 4 to 7 p.m. to assist in the registration process. West Loop Campus SGA volunteers will work alongside Neighborhood Centers, Inc. employees. The help is free and open to public with hours designed to fit work schedules.
Harris County residents over the age of 18 will need to bring a valid Texas driver’s license or a Texas personal ID number. Individuals will also need to know the last four digits of their social security numbers.
For more information about HCC and its involvement in the community, visit hccs.edu. Media is welcome on the West Loop Campus premises, 5601 W. Loop South, Houston, TX 77081, for live shot opportunities or stories related to this event. Contact Kristi Powers, Community Outreach Coordinator at 713.718.7768.
About HCC
HCC is one of the country’s largest single-accredited, open-admission, community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities for 113,000 students annually. HCC is composed of 12 Centers of Excellence and numerous satellite centers that serve the diverse communities in the Greater Houston area by preparing individuals to live and work in an increasingly international and technological society. To learn more go to www.hccs.edu.
Texans win over 49ers 23-10 in preseason opener
Houston Texans quarterbacks Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett and Tom Savage, already ranked one, two and three in the eyes of many eyes showcased their talents in a 23-10 victory over the San Francisco at NRG Stadium as three quarterbacks vied for starting position in the season opener in the midst of 71,400 fans.
The Texans started with Hoyer. He was in and out but, he went straight into action promptly with a 58-yard pass to wide receiver Cecil Shorts III. He continued with a two-point conversion to DeAndre Hopkins. Texans lead the first quarter 8-0. Hoyer finished 2 for 4 with 67 yards.
The 49ers got on the board in the second quarter with a 10-yard pass from back-up quarterback Blaine Gabbert, followed by the extra point from kicker, Phil Dawson. The game, a one-point difference, between the teams, 7-8, with a Texans’ lead
Late in the second quarter, Dawson puts up three for the 49ers with a 37-yard field goal. The 49ers get the lead, closing out the second quarter 10-8.
Mallett took over through the half and came up short when it came to scoring. At one point the ball was moved all the way to the 1-yard line. The Texans had eight plays to take it into the end-zone. But just couldn’t make it. It was a serious ball-stall.
Mallett finished his preseason opener with 10 of 11 for 90 yards and eight-pass completion.
Like Hoyer, Savage made his way to the scoreboard. He landed a 10-yard pass to wide receiver, Jaleen Strong in the third quarter. Texans up 15-10. Two more points were added by safety, Jason Ankrah as he stopped Gabbert in the endzone. Houston leads 17-10.
Fourth quarter scoring was left solely to the Texans. Kicker Randy Bullock does what he does best. He put up two field goals. One was for 41-yards; the other for 39-yards with 6:47 remaining in the game. Final score 23-10, gives the Texans a win it the pre-season opener.
The answer is still in the air, somewhat on who will be the Texans’ leading quarterback. What is for sure from the mouth of Coach Bill O’Brien is that Mallett will start the next preseason against Denver on August 23 at NRG Stadium.
Texans’ fan, Michael Moore, says that he is picking Hoyer for the top spot. “He’s the best. The Texans got him in and he played only a short time. This means, they know what he can do. Also, they don’t want him to get hurt. The others, (Mallet and Savage) have to prove themselves,” he said.
Moore could be right in a sense, since Mallet is starting next week. Mallet does know that he will have to put some points on the board. If not, then the contest starts again between Hoyer and Savage and not among the three.
sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com
Slan leader MLK remembered by local group
Dorris Ellis
The Houston Sun
Several hundred people gathered for the annual Black Heritage Society’s (BHS) memorial candlelight vigil on April 4 to remember the life’s work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Having the newly installed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s plaza in MacGregor Park, it was the place to be. Organized by BHS vice president Sandra Massie Hines, the program included “A Moment in Time” film with Tom Jones where he discussed Prairie View A&M University’s choir having sang for Dr. King the night before his death. A skit about Rosa Park and the Alabama Bus boycott and a musical by Khalia K-Night was entertainment and content discussion. T
he 39-year old King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, 47 years ago on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN. The day before King spoke about having seem the mountain top stating that he may not get there with us, but we shall get there. King the minister was remembered by local ministers with prayers from Rev. James Nash, Rev. Melvin Bradford and others.
In the year of 2014, Dr. King was honored after 33 years of work by a transplanted Houstonian Ovide Duncantell who kept a promise made to Dr. Martin Luther King’s father. “I fought with the city of Houston for 33 years to put up this Dr. King statue that looks like him. And I thank Ben Hall for putting up the cash to pay for this statue so that I would not have to bow down to the city or METRO,” said Ovide Duncantell, the President and Founder of the Black Heritage Society.
Duncantell welcomed his friends for years of support calling them to come forward to stand with him as speeches were made. He called his long-time friend Johnny Matta from the Coalition of Justice stating that they have had many battles together. Matta congratulated Duncantell saying, “He has done more than any three men have done for this city.
Elected officials brought recognition and certificates of appreciation from Representative, Ron Reynolds, State senator Rodney Ellis sent a representative, Jeremy Brown with his certificate and Aston P. Wood told the audience that Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee would be coming. Upon Jackson-Lee’s arrival she thanks Duncantell for his years of service. Lee went further to discuss the recent Iran agreement framework saying that President Barack Obama should be congratulated for opening talks that had been closed since 1979 following the hostage crisis during President James “Jimmy” Carter’s administration. The congresswoman charged her colleagues and the audience to not speak without knowledge calling the steps to deal with Iran’s tentative agreement as an opportunity for peace. She connected standing at the MLK monument, the man of peace, with the need to seek international peach.
Pointing to Congresswoman Lee, Duncantell said, “We would not be here at the MLK plaza without this lady. She brought the bacon home getting a million dollars for this project.” While standing on the side and observing the program, Stephan Garrett, 40 said, “I am here to support my people and what is going on in the black history movement. I want everyone to get along and not be discriminated against because of the color of one’s skin.”
After prayer and each individual calling on the names of a person whom he or she wished to remember, who has made a difference in their life or in the world, the candles were lit, followed by the singing of “We shall Over Come”. The Black Heritage Society ended its reflections of Dr. King’s service on the day of his assassination with a prayer sending the peaceful crowd away chanting and speaking of hope.
Xi Alpha Omega Donates 180 Pounds of Food to Fight Hunger
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Xi Alpha Omega Chapter’s Family Strengthening Program donated more than 180 pounds of food to Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church’s St. Vincent de Paul Pantry in the Fifth Ward Community on April 17, 2015.
Under the direction of Jackie Davis Gilmore, vice-president, Stephanie Trouillier Johnson, Be’Atrice Randall and Cerendy Sias, chair and co-chairs respectively, ten members of the committee spent four hours packaging and distributing food to those in need.
The chapter targeted a critical issue facing many families today, the lack of food. As a result, a food drive was held during the March meeting. “No one should have to go to bed hungry; we want to fill pantries and enrich lives,” Davis Gilmore, vice-president, said.
The reality, according to Target Hunger, is that hunger in Houston is an everyday problem – not just a holiday season issue. Many of our neighbors experience difficulty making ends meet every day.
“I believe that food drives, such as ours, support community pantries to meet the needs of the community. We are happy to be that source,” Trouillier Johnson, committee chairman, said.
Xi Alpha Omega’s community hunger initiative was launched in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul Pantry staff and Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church. Members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (or “Vincentians” ) are men and women who strive to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to individuals in need. They are young and old, and their members come in every shade of skin color. All believe they are blessed with an awareness that their blessings (time, talent or treasure) are to be shared with brothers and sisters who are in need.
Committee members present included: Gayle Brown, Delores Johnson, Victoria McClain, Ruth Ferguson, Carolyn Woodard, Gwen Allen and Thelma Johnson, along with Gilmore, Trouillier Johnson and Randall.
“As Alpha Kappa Alpha members, we are humbled to give of our time, talents and treasures through our International Program, “Family Strengthening”, to help the less fortunate, and we are honored to be a partner in fighting hunger,” Davis Gilmore said.
TSU Tigers, SWAC champions proceed to NCAA March Madness
The No. 1 ranked Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Texas Southern University (TSU) men’s basketball team declared victory against the Southern University Tigers on March 14, at the Toyota Center for the SWAC Men’s Championship Title beating the Southern Tigers 62-58
TSU actually had the SWAC championship title in its pocket the night in the 90-77 semifinal win over Prairie View A&M. The Southern Tigers were actually playing in a barred phase due to poor academic performance. In February, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) banned all Southern University athletic programs from postseason play because of poor grades.
For the record if Southern would have beat TSU, in the SWAC Championship game, the Southern Tigers would have not advanced to the NCAA. The Saturday win for the TSU Tigers just made their automatic SWAC bid to the NCAA bid just that sweeter.
This is the second consecutive year for the TSU Tigers (22-12, 16-2 SWAC) to step into the NCAA March Madness. They will go up against the powerful Arizona Wildcats. The Wildcats are second seeded (31-3). The action will take place in Portland, Ore in the second round of the NCAA West Region.
TSU should not be taken lightly. In regular season, the Tigers had some surprising wins against Michigan State (74-61) and Kansas State (58-56). Plus the Tigers’ not-so- secret weapons, the self-assured coach, Mike Davis who is ready for any opportunity and challenged.
He told a local CBS sports radio show that the big non-conference wins gave his guys a sense of pride. “I told the guys they have to play against really good basketball teams so they can understand the process. When we played Michigan State and won, Kansas State and Mexico State, our guys realized you can win basketball games without having a lot of great talent,” said Davis.
2015 SWAC basketball playoff action at Toyota Center
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) will swing into action on Tuesday, March 10 at the Houston Toyota Center with both Texas Southern University (TSU) men’s and women’s teams holding the top bracket spots.
The Texas Southern men won 11 of their last 12 games to finish 16-12 in league. Overall they landed 19-12. TSU will face the winner of Alcorn State (5-25, 4-14 SWAC) and Grambling State (2-16, 0-18 SWAC) in the last quarterfinal game of the day on Wednesday, March 11, at 8:30p.m.
Alabama State University (18-9), 14-4 SWAC) defeated Jackson State University (11-20, 9-9 SWAC) to secure the No.2 seed. The will take on No. 7 seed Mississippi Valley State University (6-25, 5-13 SWAC) Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.
On Thursday, No. 3 Southern University (16-16, 15-5 SWAC) will face No. 6 Alabama A&M (9-19, 8-10 SWAC) at 2:30 p.m. Then No. 4 Prairie View A&M University (14-17, 12-6 SWAC) against No. 5 Jackson State University in the final quarter matchup at 8:30 p.m.
After finishing the season tied, The TSU Lady Tigers (19-10, 16-2 SWAC) split the regular season title with Southern (18-10, 16-2 SWAC), and edged past in the tiebreaker for the No.1 seed. TSU lost only one game after a 15-game win streak heading into the tournament.
They will take on the winner of the Alabama A&M (6-23, 5-13 SWAC) and Mississippi Valley (4-25, 2-16 SWAC) on Wednesday, March 11 at 6 p.m. As the No. 2 seed, Southern faces No. 7 Grambling (10-19, 7-11 SWAC) at noon.
Day two of the women’s tournament pits No. 3 Jackson State (13-16, 10-8 SWAC) vs. No. 6 Alcorn State (10-17, 9-9 SWAC) in the first header at noon on Thursday. In the second game, No. 4 Alabama State (14-14, 10-8 SWAC) takes on No. 5 Prairie View (13-17, 10-8 SWAC) at 6p.m.
The 2015 SWAC tournament will open Tuesday, March 10, with a doubleheader, beginning with the No. 8 Alabama A&M women against Mississippi Valley at 6 p.m. and ending with the No. 8 Alcorn State men taking on no. 9 Grambling State.
The semifinal game will take place on Friday, March 13 at noon and 6 p.m. with the championship broadcasting live on ESPN3 at 2 p.m.
Basketball trailblazer Earl Lloyd passes at 86
Basketball trailblazer, Earl “Bigcat” Lloyd the first African American ever to play in the NBA (National Basketball Association) passed away on Thursday at the age 86. Lloyd made his debut in 1950 for the Washington Capitals. During the same year three other black players were drafted by the NBA but Lloyd was the first one to make it to the court.
Known for his defense, Lloyd was selected in the ninth-round of the 1950 draft. He played for nine seasons in the NBA. His first game was on October 31, 1950 against the Rochester Royals. He only had a seven game stretch with the Washington Capitals before the team folded in January of 1951.
He was picked up by the Syracuse Nationals (currently the Philadelphia 76ers) where he spent six seasons. Lloyd went on to play two seasons with the Detroit Pistons in 1958-60 before he retired. He also coached the Pistons in 1971-72 season where he was 22-55 and the first nine games in the 1972-73 season.
Lloyd helped the Syracuse Nationals win the 1955 NBA Championship Title. In 2002, he was inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Lloyd said he encountered virtually no racist treatment from his teammates and opponents during his time in the NBA. However the spectators were not so tolerant. In a posting on the National Basketball Association website Lloyd solution to dealing with racist audiences was to play harder and ignored them.
“Fans would yell stuff like, ‘Go back to Africa.’ And I’m telling you, you would often hear the N-word. “My philosophy was if they weren’t calling you names, you weren’t doing anything. You made sure they were calling you names, because you were hurting them,” said Lloyd.
The three other African Americans to play in the same season were Chuck Cooper, Nathaniel Clifton and Hank Dezonie.
2015 SWAC Basketball Tournament passing the Salt-N-Pepa
The 2015 Toyota SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) Basketball Tournament which runs March 10 -14 at the Houston Toyota Center will be shaking it up for the fans with a line-up of name performers in addition to some spell-bounding competitive basketball.
On Friday March 13, Hip Hop Trio Salt-N-Pepa featuring DJ Spinderella and R&B quartet 112 will perform some old-school magic. The following day, Saturday March 14, debonair rapper Rick Ross and friends will take the stage in a post-championship concert.
The SWAC 2015 Concert Series will continue on Sunday with a special performance from The Forever Charlie Wilson Tour with his special guests musical sensations Kem along recording artist Joe, “I Wanna Know”.
All-session booklets, which include admission to all of the tournament games and select ancillary events, are available for just $125. Individual session passes and tickets to the championship night games are also available.
They can be purchased online at www.swachoops.org or www.houstontoyotacenter.com, in person at the Toyota Center box office, or over the phone at 1-866-446-8849.
The Forever Charlie Tour is not included in the all-session booklet.
Winners of the 2015 Toyota SWAC Basketball Tournament will have a chance to advance to the NCAA Basketball Championships.
Rep. Sylvester Turner announces candidacy for Mayor of Houston
During a private session with the Black Press, State Rep. Sylvester Turner announced his candidacy for the Mayor of Houston.
The meeting was informal but served as a informational address about his plans for a future mayoral race.
Education, road repair, transportation, economic mobility are his key campaign targets.
“We need programs for the kids,” said Turner. “We need summer programs and jobs for them.”
Rep. Turner is ready to expand his territory using the Prayer of Jabez as his catalyst.
“I want to place myself in a better position to serve others,” said Turner.
He wants to bring results to Houston. After 31 years in business within the city he is poised to facilitate a better relationship between the head of the city and the people.
“The Mayor is the CEO and has to be hands on and bring something to the table,” said Turner. “I understand the budgetary process, I want to be the type of man that is accessible.”
To all his constituents he expressed that he is not stepping away from them but expanding his territory to better serve them.
“When I’m in Austin, I’m usually working on city issues more than state issues. I’m just placing myself in a better position to serve.”
Better jobs,safer communities, roads, infrastructure and better city finance are a top priority for Turner while he steps up to take on his candidacy as Mayor.
This will be Turner’s last political office he will be seeking.
Check out the full story in the print edition of The Houston Sun.
Carnival Freedom celebrates military families
Carnival Cruise Line threw out its cupid arrow on Valentine’s Day to more than 800 hundred military families aboard its newly renovated Carnival Freedom while welcoming the charming vessel to its new year-round homeport of Galveston, TX.
Through the partnership with Operation Homefront, Carnival treated the service families to meals, entertainment and overnight accommodations. In additional Carnival Cruise Lines presented a $100,000 check to Operation Homefront. The national non-profit organization provides financial support and programs to military families and wounded warriors.
Among the day’s festivities was a special outdoor on-deck performance by musical superstar Martina McBride. She gave a magnificent performance with her brilliant band and gorgeous back-up singers.
McBride performed for over three hours and entertained the crowd with some of her popular songs as well as tunes from her new CD, “Everlasting.”
She told the audience that she was honored to performed for them. “I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to perform again on a Carnival ship and am thrilled that I was chosen to be part of this wonderful event that honors U.S. service members and their families,” said McBride.
“I’ve played for many audiences in my career, but it will truly be a privilege to salute these incredible families and partner with Carnival to bring an extra special Valentine’s Day.”
Major John Considine, his wife Marily and their two beautiful children were among one of the invited military families. They reside in Fort Hood and Major Considine is an Army Engineer Specialist. He has recently come off of a Tour of Duty in Afghanistan.
“This is really big what Carnival is doing for us. We drove down from Fort Hood and are just really happy being here. The kids are really having a good time too,” saidMajor Considine.
The Considines have been married for 14 years. Marily teaches preschool in Killeen, TX which is less than five miles from Fort Hood. She is a breast cancer survivor and serves as the face of the Central Texas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen foundation.
Marily is actively involved working with the USO (United Services Organizations). In 2013, she was awarded Fort Hood’s Spouse of the Year. She was featured on the Today Show in New York for a special Mother’s Day Surprise. When the Considines arrived back home, they had a complete backyard makeover, including an outdoor kitchen courtesy of the Today Show.
A special moment for Major Considine was 11 years ago when he returned from duty he was a father. “I had a beautiful six-month old baby daughter. It was so special seeing her for the first time. I was so proud,” he said. For the birth of their second child, he was at home on leave.
Carnival Freedom recently $70 million makeover consists of a new family entertainment programming including Seuss at Sea, as well as the new Camp Ocean kids facilities.
The latest updates also incorporate a number of bar, dining and entertainment innovations. The Blue Iguana Cantina and Guy’s Burger Joint were developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri. There are also several poolside bars and a spacious roomy swank bar on the 5th level called the Red Frog Rum Bar that also offers nightly live entertainment.
Carnival Freedom offers four-to-seven-day cruises that visit beautiful ports throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida.
For more information on contact any travel agent or call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.
Hometown fame composer Jason Moran “Holed Up” in Houston
If you have seen the critically acclaimed movie, Selma, then you know that the sound track is equally compelling as the film. The arranger of the powerful sound track is composer jazz pianist and native Houstonian Jason Moran. The songs “Bloody Sunday”, “Final Speech” and “Cager Lee” are actually performed by the musical prodigy.
Growing up, Moran’s parents cultivated his musical and artistic talents by enrolling him into various top-notched musical training programs such as the renowned Yelena Kurinets Suzuki Music School where he received classical piano training and the Houston Symphony Young Artist Competition where he showcased his tuneful melodic talent. His artistic gifts broaden even farther into the arts from spending time in museums and galleries.
Now Moran is back in Houston in conjunction with Da Camera of Houston and The Menil Museum where you can see him pay homage to visual artist fellow Texans Robert Rauschenber and his “Holed Up” project. Rauschenber has had a major influence on Moran’s work. This event will be held at the Menil Museum on February 5th.
In the meantime, Moran is schedule to appear and perform at several events around town starting tonight. The schedule of events is listed below:
Saturday, January 31, 7:00 PM, Eldorado Ballroom: Listening Party with Jason Moran playing and discussing his favorite recordings, co-hosted by Tierney Malone, Homecoming Residency Host Committee member and host of KPFT’s Houston Jazz Spotlight. 2310 Elgin St. Free
Monday, February 2, 9am to Noon Special edition of KPFT’s Houston Jazz Spotlight, featuring an interview with Jason Moran and an extensive selection of his music. Hosted by Tierney Malone. KPFT radio HD-3. kpft.org.
Thursday February 5, 7:00 PM at The Menil Collection:Artists Talk with Jason Moran, Robert Pruitt and Sarah Rothenberg. The creators of “Holed Up” discuss their creative process. Free
Saturday, February 7, 8:00 PM, Cullen Theater, Wortham Center: Tickets required
Court- ordered mediation may help FTPC save historical bricks
What seemed to be a pre- court room press conference about the historical bricks that line the streets in Freedmen’s Town/Fourth Ward, turned out to be a notice that a resolution could be right around the corner by way of court ordered mediation.
Led by their apparent tireless leader, Dorris Ellis Robinson, the Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition and supporters presented a statement giving the public an update on what the status is on the bricks and their removal.
“The impasse came on January 20 when the city began removing the bricks and the FTPC immediately sought a restraining order and Judge Alexandra Smoots- Hogan granted a Temporary Restraining Order with a hearing set for Friday, January 30,” said Dorris Ellis Robinson, President of the FTPC. “With the importance of this historic cultural resource, the need for preservation and the need to improve infrastructure in the area, Judge Larry Weidman, in the 80th Civil District Court has ordered the City and FTPC to mediation, which begins February 5.”
The mediation news is an ice breaker in the long standing stalemate between the City and the FTPC about the removal of the bricks for an infrastructure utility project to be done under the historical brick streets.
After a temporary restraining order (TRO) was served to Don Conrad of Conrad Construction on January 20th and the project came to a crashing halt, the City of Houston contested the motion which landed the FTPC under the counsel of Attorney Benjamin Hall in Judge Smoots-Hogan’s courtroom on Tuesday, January 27th, a week after the restraining order was served. Judge Smoots- Hogan upheld her TRO, only to amend it to add the date it was issued to the document.
January 30th was the anticipated day for a court room battle that has been brewing for 7 months, but Judge Larry Weidman whose court they were scheduled to be in, ordered the two parties to mediation during a status meeting between both counsels.
“I want preservation of the area, if it comes through mediation I’m good with that, if it comes through a forced resolution we are fine with that as well,” said Ellis- Robinson.
The TRO is still in effect and during the mediation phase the bricks are protected from removal by the City.
Members of the FTPC are hopeful through mediation the City will see that there are alternate solutions and see the value of preserving such a historical landmark.
“They are historic, they are legacy, they are the blood and sweat of the freed men and their ancestors and their money made the difference,” said Ellis- Robinson. “That is why we can stand here today because they made a decision to improve themselves and this was about 49 years out of slavery, so their energy should be an inspiration to us all, so this area should be a place where people should want to come to see what did people do once slavery ended, where did they go, how did they fare, how did they make a living. It’s so much energy that should come from it.”
Their plan is to come before the City again, as they have presented their trenchless tunneling method of procedure since July of 2014, and ask them to take another look at their actions and what taking those bricks up means to the city.
Restoration is not an option; the FTPC wants preservation only and is still ready to fight for what they believe in. One hurdle they have to go back and jump again is the bricks that have already been removed in two previous attempts to uproot. The City of Houston promised to label each brick so they may be placed back from which they came, yet during the excavation of the bricks twice prior, no labeling was performed.
“That is an unresolved issue that has to be discussed at the table,” said Ellis-Robinson about the failure of the City to label the bricks. It is a known fact that the bricks were laid in a Yoruba pattern that led many to safety and have historical markings on some. “We can’t let that continue and we will find clarity to figure it out.”
A voice in the midst of the supporters compared Freedmen’s Town bricks to the infrastructure project performed in River Oaks many years ago, calling for the same methods to be used.
“The city of Houston actually pioneered trenchless technology 30 years ago in the River Oaks project when they put in all the sewage there without disturbing the streets and not tearing up the surface at the demand of the people of River Oaks,” said Michael Nixon, the National Historical Preservation Consultant for the RBH Yates Museum located in Freedmen’s Town blocks away from the designated removal site. “That was done and it’s been done all over the country and even since then it’s a common thing. You actually save money because it’s a less labor intensive thing you don’t have to have as much digging up and in terms of the bricks you don’t have to mark them, remove them, put them back in the same place which is very labor intensive and the city is not even doing that, they infer they are but they really aren’t and they admitted that in court on Tuesday that they aren’t numbering the bricks and we are saying like before, do what you did for the people of River Oaks and do it for Freedmen’s Town, it’s a win, win and it doable. It’s very easy to adapt the current contract to provide for that.”
Now that a judge has order the City to talk to the FTPC via mediation the discussion of preservation and protection for what was called a “culture treasure” will finally take place on what should be listening ears with a mind for compromise.
“We aren’t trying to present the City with any new information. We have been presenting to the City since July options that were available to them to preserve and protect,” said Ellis- Robinson, FTPC President.
“Now that the judge said go to mediation to work it out and figure it out, I believe that on both sides we will work to figure out what the solution is. We will come out with a good solution for the preservation of the Freedmen’s Town and also to provide the infrastructure that citizens in this area is in need of.”
Updated information: Mediation will begin Wednesday, February 4, 2015 from 9a.m.-5p.m. at 770 South Post Oak lane, #410, 77056 with Judge Mark Davidson as the mediator. Mediation for FTPC is led by Attorney Benjamin Hall.
Seahawks and Patriots headed to Super Bowl XLIX
Who would have ever though that the Seattle Seahawks would go into overtime against the Green Back Packers to win the NFC Championship after they were down by 16 points to quarterback, Aaron Rogers and company? What excitement and the biggest comeback ever in a conference title game. The final overtime score was 28-22. Seattle won the Super Bowl last year and are now headed to Arizona for Super Bowl XLIX. It has been 10 years since a defending champion has had a back-to-back Super Bowl appearance
.
Rogers summed up the defeat with these words, “This is one of the one’s that’s going to stick with you because of the way it ended. Every loss in the playoffs is difficult. This one, being just a few minutes from going to the Super Bowl, obviously is a little more difficult, he said.
The AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts was a blowout and didn’t generate an ounce of excitement as in the NFC big game. The Patriots hammered the Colts beating them 45-7. Tom Brady threw three touchdown passes and running back LeGarrette Blount ran for three more touchdowns and Patriots kicker, Stephen Gostkowski topped it off with a field goal to advance to the Super Bowl.
This will be New England’s 8th Super Bowl Appearance in franchise history and 6th with Brady and Coach Bill Bellichick.
It should be a rousing game Super Bowl match-up between the Seattle Seahawks with the best defense in the league and Brady and Bellichick’s Patriots who has the most impressive offense in the league.
One thing for sure though, Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, AZ on February 1st will have many folks watching the footballs to make sure their air pressure PSI (Pressure for Square) is in NFL compliance.
After the blow-out between the Patriots and Colts, it was brought to the attention of the NFL that 11 of 12 footballs used on offense were found to be underinflated by two pounds per square inch.
According to Fox Sports, the league was already planning to inspect the balls at halftime. Earlier reports had claimed that Colts linebacker D’Qwell Jackson notice something was not right about a ball he intercepted from Brady.
Five days later after the Patriots victory and allegations of Brady knowingly played with deflated balls in the NFC championship game, a press conference was held for Bellichick and Brady to address the matter.
When asked by one reporter if he was a cheater, Brady replied, “I don’t think so.” Brady went on to say that he feels like, he has always played within the rules. And that he would never do anything to break the rules. “I believe in fair play, and I respect the league,” Brady said.
Coach Bellichick backed him up and said, “We have followed every rule to the letter and we welcome the league’s investigation in this matter. A couple of days later, when asked Seattle’s Russell Wilson about the issue, he said, “deflating has nothing to do with us.”
One thing for sure, in Super Bowl XLIX, all eyes will be on every football to make sure they are in NFL compliance.
Temporary Restraining Order halts historical brick removal
After another round with the City of Houston and Conrad Construction, the Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition has stopped the uprooting of the hundred year old bricks on Andrews Street this morning.
FTPC President, Dorris Ellis Robinson, spent the morning hours speaking to media while watching construction workers pick at the bricks, taking them up one by one and stacking them neatly in layers. In her patience, she worked diligently with her team to get a legal motion to the site to stop the further work. By 11:30 am, Catherine Roberts of the FTPC and Rutherford B. Yates Museum rushed over the freshly signed temporary restraining order requested last night in an emergency motion to stop the project.
Since July of 2014, the FTPC has requested that Mayor Parker and the City of Houston to reverse their decision to take up the bricks in order to update utility (water) lines under the streets. The debate over preservation and restoration has resulted in a stalemate as neither side has found a middle ground with the other.
“We have tried to schedule meetings and we do our work and they do their work and no meetings take place,” said FTPC President Dorris Ellis Robinson. “We’ve come to an impasse and we had to do a TRO (temporary restraining order) today.”
This is not the first time Robinson has interrupted Conrad Construction’s project as she laid in the trench made by removed bricks almost a month ago, during a trial run of what would be.
“We have 14 days to meet with the City and again explain the alternative solutions and to have support for preserving a historical place,” said Robinson.
Community member Charonda Johnson saw crew members out Monday afternoon inspecting the area and said she knew then it was be something going on today.
The members of the FTPC have continuously shown their devotion to preserving the history of the freed men who paid their own money to have the bricks made and laid.
“They’ll never be able to put back the sweat and tears that it took to put it (bricks) down,” said Reverend Samuel Smith, pastor of Mt. Horeb Baptist Church that sits about three blocks away from the construction site.
Many that gathered at the site complained that the bricks were not being labeled and placed like the City promised which provided further unrest about the project.
“It’s disheartening, the broken promises by the City,” said Ashley Jones of the FTPC. “The methods used are not what they promised, no labeling or identifying of the bricks. How can they be replaced?”
Once the TRO was given to Don Conrad of Conrad Construction and after reviewing the document and speaking to the City of Houston, stopped the removal of the bricks and began to replace the ones removed.
According to Alvin Wright, Public Information Officer for the City of Houston, the next step is for the City to go through legal and they will review it. The first court hearing will be January 30th at 1 p.m.. The court has not been released yet.
The temporary restraining order will stop the construction project for 14 days.
Young man dead after police shooting at lounge
Christmas night ended in death at a popular lounge in Texas City, TX as a 20- year old black man named Carlton Smith was shot to death by a Texas City police officer, Christopher Hamm, in the early hours.
Officers were called to H.T.’s Lounge on Hwy FM 1765 at Lake Road at 1:20 am asking for assistance in closing the club. Witnesses have repeatedly said that there was a fight in the club that allegedly the young woman who was with Smith was involved in. The participants in the altercation were said to be removed from the club and then another fight broke out that involved the deceased.
“It all started off that there was a fight that broke out in the club and one thing led to another and somehow it ended up outside. As they go outside my buddy Carlton was getting jumped by six or seven people and the only one to defend him was himself. His cousin, Erica, got a gun and shot in the air to get everyone away from him and as she shot it in the air someone hit her and she fell,” said an eye-witness, whom wished to keep his name private,as he stood with Smith’s family. That’s when Carlton grabbed the gun and that’s when he started shooting at the ground to get them away from him, everybody got away from him and as he had the gun pointed to the ground the law man just shot him in the head, first shot, and then when he was going down he shot him in the shoulder,second shot and then he just walked up on him and he shot him like four more times.”
The trouble with this incident is the many different recountings of what really happened.
Texas City Police Chief Robert Burby held a press conference the same day as the shooting, December 26th, to issue a statement that varies from many several eye- witness testimonies.
“Upon arrival to the scene the deceased was observed in the front parking lot firing a handgun in the direction of the patrons who were exiting through the front door of the establishment,” said chief Burby. “The Texas City police officer arrived in the parking lot and saw the individual shooting a handgun in the direction of people and drew his service weapon. The deceased turned towards the officer and pointed his gun at the officer. The officer then fired his weapon striking the deceased. The deceased was pronounced dead at the scene.”
H.T. Aldridge, owner of H.T.’s Lounge, who has operated this heavily frequented club for over 30 years handed over surveillance videos over to the authorities and is cooperating with the investigation.
On Sunday, December 28, 2014 at 5:00pm, the Smith family led by activist Quanell X held a press conference on the steps of Texas City Police Department asking for the releasing of the videotape to the family and public. Due to the conflicting reports community members such as King Yashua and the Nation of Liberation feel as if Smith was assassinated. Quanell X has joined the family and community to demand transparency under “questionable circumstances” that surround this shooting.
“We just have three demands that’s all.Release the video tape. We are asking that the videotape be released we want that tape from the night of the club to be released,” said Quanell X. “That will tell the truth about what happened at that club that night. So if for the sake for transparency and justice, release the videotape because we believe the videotape will tell the story according to eye witnesses the young man was shot from the back.”
The hurt of the family was profound as his mother, Kathy Kelly, could barely express her thoughts on the situation. All she could manage to say was, “I cant describe how it feels.”
The sadder issue was the opposition the family met by supporters of the Texas City Police Department that created a stir during the brief press conference.
Protestors revved up the motorcycle engines to try and block communication between Quanell X and the media. They tried to over power the eyewitness and mother. It quickly escalated to racial rhetoric and that only added more grief to a tragic situation.
“Just go home,” yelled a protestor. “The truth is going to come out,” responded King Yeshua.”We want America to see how we are treated down here. We are in the heart of the confederacy. You should have never assassinated the man.”
The press conference fell apart as the two sides mashed up in a shouting match that lasted longer than the press conference. Eventually prayer was given although it was not respected by everyone present. Over time more and more community members started to show up due to the heavy circulation of social media posts about the highly charged event.
Quanell X gathered the crowd together in the dark,cold and rainy night to tell them to pray and not to be led into something that was not intended, to leave with respect.
“We want one thing ,we only want one thing, We have spoken to eyewitnesses who haven’t even given statements to the police yet and we want the actual footage, let everybody see. If the brother was wrong then we need to see because none of us are defending someone who is wrong but if the young brother was shot from the back and never given a command to put the gun down and all he was doing was grabbing the gun trying to stop the young girl with the gun and shot that many times from behind, we have a problem,” said Quanell X.
He requested that everyone respected the wishes of the parents,to be non-violent.
The investigation is still pending and Officer Hamm has been placed on modified duty.
No police were present at the press conference.
– story developing
#thsoriginalreporting
Scholarship Opportunity: The Princeton Summer Journalism Program 2015
We are writing to inform you about an all-expenses-paid program for highschool student journalists from low-income backgrounds that will take place for 10 days next summer on the campus of Princeton University. The program is entering its 14th year; since 2002, approximately 260 students from high schools across the country have participated. The program’s goal is to diversify college and professional newsrooms by encouraging outstanding students from low-income backgrounds to pursue careers in journalism.
Classes at the program are taught by reporters and editors from The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New Yorker, The Daily Beast, Time, National Journal, New York Magazine, The New Republic, ESPN the Magazine, CNN and NPR, among other media outlets. Students meet with numerous Princeton professors, as well as Princeton’s president and dean of admissions. They report an investigative story, cover a professional sports event, produce a TV segment, and publish their own newspaper. And they receive guidance on the college admissions process not only during the 10 days of the program, but also during the fall of their senior year of high school.
Students selected for the program will have all their costs, including the cost of travel to and from Princeton, paid for by the program.
If you are a teacher, we ask that you encourage your students to apply. If you are an administrator, we ask that you help us spread the word by publishing an announcement for teachers or other administrators who might know students who would be interested in applying. We will happily accept several students from the same school, so there is no need to worry about your own students competing for slots in the program.
The application process will take place in two rounds. The first round of the application should be filled out online here:
https://fs4.formsite.com/pusjp/form1/secure_index.html
We must receive this part of the application by 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, February 20, 2015.
Those students selected to advance to the second round of the application process will be notified in March. They will be asked to provide printed copies of the following items via U.S. mail: an official transcript; the first page of the 2013 (or 2014, if available) income-tax return form (the 1040 or 1040EZ form) of their custodial parent(s)/guardian(s), or a signed statement by their parent(s)/guardian(s) saying that their income is below the level at which they would be required to file income tax returns; a recommendation letter from a teacher; and clips from their high school newspaper or other publication (optional).
To be eligible for the program, students must meet the following qualifications:
- They must currently be juniors in high school.
– They must live in the continental United States.
- They must have at least an unweighted 3.5 grade point average (out of 4.0).
– They must have an interest in journalism.
– The combined income of their custodial parent(s)/guardian(s) plus child support payments, if any, must not exceed $45,000.
Note: This program is for students from low-income backgrounds. If the combined income of the custodial parent(s)/guardian(s) plus child support payments, if any, exceeds $45,000 and a student still wishes to apply, he or she may attach a letter explaining why his or her family qualifies as financially under-resourced.
Additional information about the program is available at www.princeton.edu/sjp.
If you have questions, the best way to reach us is via email at sjp@princeton.edu.
Texans win over Ravens 25-13
The now (8-7) Texans led by quarterback Case Keenum, shut the Baltimore Ravens down game day Sunday, December 21, beating them 25 to 13 at NRG Stadium with impressive performances from kicker Randy Bullock, running back Arian Foster, JJ Watt and the defense, and a history making day for wide receiver Andre Johnson.
After being summons by the Texans earlier this week straight off of the St. Louis Practice Squad, Keenum was eager and performed well against Ravens seasoned quarterback Joe Flacco. Keenum threw for 185 yards with one interception. Flacco threw for 195 yards with three interceptions and two touchdowns
Bullock made up for missed touchdown opportunities by the Texans. He put up 18 points of field goals from the 20, 25, 30, 33, 35 and 39. The six for six field goals were a franchise-record.
The Texans only touchdown in the game came by way of Foster. It was a brilliant play. With only seconds left in the half, Foster ran to the right, drew in the Ravens’ defense and threw a five-yard halfback pass to tight end, C.J. Fiedorowicz in the end zone for the score. Foster had 95 yards rushing including a 43 yard run.
The leading candidate for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Number 99, Watt did his thing again as he does on every game day. Watt led the Texans with eight tackles. Watt tackled Flacco to stop a two-point conversion attempt after a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The fans went wild after the play, when Watt gave his signature finger “no-no” wave.
Texans fans cheered when Johnson reached the groundbreaking mark of 1,000 receptions. He went in today’ game with 996 receptions. He had six receptions for 65 yards. He is only the 10th player in NFL history to make this achievement of 1000 or more receptions.
“It puts you in an elite group. I never thought I would be in this situation,” said Johnson after the game. “You can say everything you want when you first come in the league about how good you want to be but you have to go out there and play and put the numbers up and things like that.”
Johnson continued, “It was just so special to do it here because we have fans that have been riding with us for a long time. I’ve been here to experience a lot of things that have went on with this organization. It was just fun to do it here.”
Today’s win keeps the Texans playoff hopes alive. There are several things that need to happen in Week 16 for this to happen. The Cleveland Browns must beat the Indianapolis Colts, the Kansas City Chiefs must beat the San Diego Chargers.
And the Texans must beat the Jacksonville Jaguars who they will host next week in the season’s final game at NRG Stadium.
This is all possible, because who will have thought that Keenum would be the starting quarterback for the Texans after he was release by them during the practice squad.
sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com
Holiday Bicycle Giveaway : December 23, 2014
Houston City Council
Dwight Boykins
Holiday Bicycle Giveaway
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2014
Contact: Chelbi Mims (832) 393-3001
Chelbi.mims@houstontx.gov
In recognition of the holiday season, Council Member Dwight Boykins is partnering with the University of Houston Police Department to host a Holiday bicycle giveaway for 15 children from Forever Families Foster Care and Adoption Agency.
Forever Families is a non-profit organization that provides adoptive and foster placement for children within Texas. Forever Families provides children with a safe nurturing and educational environment through connection with families that last forever.
Who: Council Member Dwight Boykins, University of Houston Police Department, and Forever Families
When: December 23, 2014 at 4:00 pm
Where: Intersection of Southmore Blvd. and Almeda Rd. Houston TX 77004
Why: “A bicycle should be an integral part of every child’s experience,” said Council Member Dwight Boykins. “It gives me great pleasure to partner with The University of Houston Police Department and Forever Families to make the dream of owning a bicycle a reality for these deserving youth.”
Phone: 832.393.3001 FAX: 832.393.3201
Group protests removal of bricks in historic Freedmen’s Town
http://www.click2houston.com/news/group-protests-removal-of-bricks-in-historic-freedmens-town/30240542
The bricks came up to go back down: Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition saves the bricks for another day
The Freedmen Town Preservation Coalition (FTPC) showed how serious they are about protecting the historical bricks of Fourth Ward today as they firmly stood on the bricks, unmoved, forcing Conrad construction crew to stop removing the bricks.
On Wilson St, in Fourth Ward construction crews hand removed bricks for what was a demonstration of what will be. They dug up the bricks and stacked them on top of each other before the FTPC and concerned community members began to show unrest about the demonstration.
“This is just a trial,” said Alvin Wright, Public Information Officer for the City of Houston. “We are hand picking them up and taking them to a center to have them cleaned and to see if we are doing the process properly.”
The continuous fight over preservation and restoration has been continuous since June when Mayor Parker announced she would restore the streets in Freedmen’s Town/Fourth Ward after doing infrastructure to update utilities. The issue came in when community members realized the hundred year old historical bricks would be disturbed in the process.
For months the FTPC along with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee championing for them on the federal side have visited City Hall petitioning for a recall of the restoration project while holding press conferences, teach-in and walk throughs of the streets for people to learn history in order to appreciate their effort and join in.
Many entities are involved such as the Texas Historical Commission and TXDot. TXDot is working with the FTPC now to see if disturbing the bricks as is, is illegal due to the historical significance.
Congresswoman Lee said she wanted TXDot and the US Department of Transportation notified so they may begin a thorough investigation as federal money is involved.
The lack of communication between the City of Houston, the FTPC, TXDot and other powers that be led to the misunderstanding of when to touch the bricks and where. Today they all discovered that it will not be an easy task to take up the bricks and the FTPC showed constant displeasure in the process of taking up the bricks.
“They took them up without labeling them, how are they supposed to know where to put them back,” said Lue Williams of the FTPC?
After a three hour stand off the bricks that were taken up were replaced in the street. President of the FTPC, Dorris Ellis Robinson, laid down in the trench where the bricks were removed after she led the protestors in the song, We Shall Not Be Moved.
The bricks were replaced and they remain for another day. The Congresswoman has requested another meeting with the City for January as she spoke with the city liaison for Mayor Parker, Keith Wade.
Behind the Lens: Common Interview
On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, Houston was blessed to have one of Hip Hop’s biggest MCs grace the Warehouse Live stage for his “Nobody’s Smiling Tour”. For this ambitious photojournalist, covering a Common concert was a dream come true. I could not believe that after the show publicist Sarni Jaye would personally escort me backstage for an exclusive interview with the man himself.
On this brisk Tuesday night, concert lines wrapped around the building while eager Common fans waited to get inside. I could feel my heart pumping like the rhythm of the bass thumping as we made our way into the venue. So many different faces and styles united with one thing in “common”—to witness one of Hip Hop’s most passionate MCs rock the microphone.
New Orleans native, Jay Electronica opened the show with an energetic lyrical performance. For a second, I forgot we were photographers because the music resonated to our bones. It’s funny to see a fellow photographer snapping pictures and rapping along knowing each and every verse.
It did not take long for the man of the hour to hit the stage. Lights dimmed and audience members looked like mesmerized children staring at greatness. I have covered concert performances before, but this show was different. Thank goodness for a fast shutter speed and quick eyes because Common was rarely in the same spot for long.
He rocked the stage with the same passion as if it were his first performance. And he was working on his first record deal. Not only did Common deliver his Hip Hop classics like “Testify” and “The Food,” he surprised the audience with a hot exclusive freestyle highlighting the city of Houston.
Imagine a room full of fans cheering on the popular kid rapping in the cafeteria cypher. That’s the feeling you receive while listening to Common rhyme about his love for Pappadeaux Seafood Restaurant, The Breakfast Klub, and various other popular Houston-based landmarks.
Common displays an impeccable stage presence that resonates with Hip Hop heads across all borders. Looking across the diverse audience there was no question Common’s music is respected by all Hip Hop lovers. I was just as surprised as everyone else by the surprise performance from Scarface and Willie D of the Geto Boys of their classic hit “Mind Playing Tricks on Me.” Common wouldn’t let the show be complete without bringing one of his many adoring fans onstage. Not only did he serenade the adoring fan with dope lyrics, he made sure it would be a night she’d never forget.
I can appreciate how Common successfully uses his platform to let his fans know that they can achieve their dreams. It was inspiring just hearing him reminisce on his beginnings in the industry. By opening up about his childhood and his dreams of wanting to be somebody, this made for a more deep and intimate show.
After the performance, I sat down with Common to ask him a few questions. Although I wanted to ask him, “Can I borrow a dollar?” I opted to focus on his career and longevity because he’s accomplished what so many only aspire to achieve.
With a successful career spanning more than 20 years, how have you balanced working in the entertainment industry while still following your passion?
“I believe you start first with doing the stuff you love: creating music or art that you feel like is quality… Some of your business aspects don’t have to be [just] you; you can team up with people who are more business savvy. You always wanna know what’s going on with your business, but someone else may be a better business person than you may be. It starts with creating a special art.”
When asked if there is any positivity that can be salvaged from the incident in Ferguson, Common did not feel entitled to talk specifically about Mike Brown and his family. He wanted to be respectful to the family. He did share this.
“I do believe out of any situation that can be negative or painful, you can find something that will cause you to grow. You can grow from any of those struggles. Right now it’s making the country and people across America really pay attention to how black life is not valued in America as much as it should be. It’s making people say, ‘Man, we don’t want this to happen anymore to ourselves or our children.’ ”
How have you maintained consistency in an industry where others sometimes reach their breaking point?
“You always wanna learn. Be humble enough to know you gotta grow and get better. Have the desire to wanna get better and be like, ‘I can be great at this.’ You can still appreciate some achievements or things that have come and been blessings, and be like, ‘Man I just did a dope song.’ But that’s not the end of it; you don’t just ride off that. You can’t live off the past, you just appreciate where you are and think about getting better. To me, living life and gathering information is a key to getting better ‘cause you might get inspired by other music, you might get inspired by a film, you might get inspired by photography, or you might get inspired by poetry. There’s different things that you always want to be learning.”
Happy 31st Anniversary to The Houston Sun
Goodbye King’s Flea Market, Hello Villages at Palm Center
The Palm Center at the corner of Griggs at Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd will receive a facelift in the next year as the old King’s Flea Market will face demolition to become the new Village at Palm Center, affordable living in an area that is seeing lots of new development.
There will be a four story mixed unit, mixed – income living complex that will hold 222 units and 200 of them will be for low to moderate income. 22 of the units will be at market rate. The breakdown will be 154 apartments and 68 townhomes. There is a call back list for units and once the doors open they will start to call the people who are on the list.
“The low income housing will be based off of the incomes of applicants. They are mixed at 30% Area Median Income (AMI), 50% AMI, and 60% area median income and it’s for the whole Galveston and Houston area so a lot of the people who live in the community now can afford it”, according to Chris Akbari of ITEX.
The impending Metro rail that has already paved its way down MLK, Jr. Blvd proved to be an alluring aspect to the ITEX Group, when Clark Colvin, saw the area and began to visualize what could be the future of a once thriving neighborhood that has earned the reputation of being blighted.
“Two years ago Clark Colvin came to me with the idea of demolishing a flea market here in Southeast Houston and rebuilding housing,” said Chris Akbari, President of ITEX Group. “I kind of thought for a second he was crazy because I didn’t really know what he was talking about that day; but as I started to really evaluate all of the enterprises that are going on here in Southeast Houston, all the revitalization and all the collaborative efforts with the management district, with TIRZ, OST Partnership and all the neighborhood organizations that came together to really work to revitalize and do things in the world today where housing is being pushed into the suburban areas it is a tremendous benefit to have revitalization in the inner city of Houston.”
Akbari explained benefits of restoring the inner city community instead of pushing residents out so they have to live in the Pearland and in the outer suburban areas.
“It’s a chance to revitalize a part of the community that has needed it for quite a long time,” said Akbari.
This project had help from citizens as well who had a vision for their neighborhood and allowed ITEX to make it happen for them.
Neal Rackleff, Director Houston Housing and Community Development Department, was an integral part of the $40 million project, providing $15.3 million in city funding to get it underway.
“How do we go from neglect and disorder to unity to light to beauty,” questioned Rackleff? “It takes people. It takes good people.”
He recognized the hard work of the community and reassured them that great things are happening there. Also District D’s Councilmember Boykins was attributed for his approval of the allocation of the money. He was cited as a champion of the community.
“We are really proud to be at the forefront of the resurgence of this community. The Village of Palm Center will have state of the art amenities including a 4,000 square foot community center, 2 playgrounds, a fitness center, ample green space, 222 units and 200 will be dedicated to people with low and moderate income,” said Rackleff. “One of the reasons we chose this area and we were quite strategic about it was because this area is on the upswing and people who live here are well aware. It was important to find a way to make sure that those with lower income can remain in this community as this wave of gentrification passes over us. It’s on the light rail, right next to the Houston Texans YMCA.”
Councilmember Dwight Boykins of District D was extremely excited about the new development in the area. As a native of the area he has big plans for the future of the Palm Center.
“I have to thank the Mayor for her commitment to the Village at Palm Center,” said Boykins. “It is a $15.3 million dollar financial investment into District D, with 15% set aside for Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE).”
Boykins did request for jobs for local residents and for non- violent ex-offenders.
“This project is going to revitalize this neighborhood; we are going to put some mixed units here, retail under the ground. We are going to protect this neighborhood,” said Councilmember Boykins. “This is going to be good for our community, we are going to bring it back you guys and I’m so, so excited.”
He also mentioned that it was easy to get a project like this in that area. The land was there, an investor and developer that wanted to come in, along with the potential of the neighborhood and rail coming.
“In their calculation they had to determine if it was worth it and they saw future development with 610 and the universities here and land locked with University of Houston is prime,” said Boykins.
The defining element of this project is the shopping area that will be located on the first floor of the complex. It was stressed by the community and their councilmember that the right retailers come in that will match the community’s needs.
“It will be small retail because the square footage will go for living accommodation. That’s why it’s called mixed use because underneath on the first floor it will be commercial like a coffee shop, a little convenience store,” said Boykins. “We want it to fit the community. There is no need to put a product in here that nobody is buying because you want it. We want it to be service because the nearest major store is off of Mykawa and Gulfgate but you have all these people in this area here that need basic services.”
Super neighborhood President, Preston Roe, was in support and attendance as he too worked with the project to address the needs of the community. As a 50 year resident in the same house, he remembers how vibrant the area once was mentioning the Montgomery Wards that use to be there.
“We are coming back to bring the neighborhood back to what we the ones who have been staying in this area have once knew it to be. In times that have passed this has been a fluid area but the area went down. Many people left but I stayed,” said Roe. “As people see it grow they will gradually come back into the area.”
Demolition starts on Thursday, December 4th to tear down what is affectionately known to Houstonians as King’s Flea Market and it will last 60 days and then vertical construction will start. Construction will last about 14 months and the newly erected Village at Palm Center will be open to the new tenants.
Texans slaughter Titans 45-21
It was a fine day at the Texans NRG Stadium, roof open for the second time this season and the weather above was picture perfect and the field below was picture perfect as quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a franchise-record six touchdowns sending the Tennessee Titans back home with a (2-10) record.
All Photos by C. Allen Media
Fitzpatrick’s performance proved that his two-game benching was a time of deep reflection, and if chance arose for him to be at the helm again, he would show them, and he did. This time around he was accurate, decisive and confident.
He used his playing ground wisely and threw 9 receptions for 238 yards. Two of Fitzpatrick’s touchdown passes went into the hands of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. This was also a fine day for Hopkins as he racked up a career high of 238 yards.
The scoring action, actually started early with a Fitzpatrick eight-yard hit to tightend Ryan Griffin on the opening drive. Running back Arian Foster, back in play after a groin injury, showed the crowd that all is well, when he went in for a seven-yard touchdown pass, Texans leading 14-0.
The Texans’ lead expanded with a 37-yard field goal by kicker Randy Bullock with 3:25 remaining on the clock, 17-0.
Then with only 38 seconds left before the half-time break, Fitzpatrick hit Hopkins with that first 58-yard scoring play to put Houston up 24-0.
Early in the third quarter, Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger connected with wider receiver, Kendall Wright to put the Titans on the board, 24-7.
That would be Mattenberger’s last touchdown reception of the game. A few plays later, he was taken down by a JJ Watt tackle. Back-up Jake Locker had to be called-in to lead the Titans.
The Titans next score of the game came when cornerback Jason McCourty stole the ball from Texans wide receiver, Andre Johnson and ran for a 62-yard touchdown, narrowing the lead 24-14.
The scoreboard widen again, late in the third quarter 31-14, when Hopkins made his second touchdown. Johnson made up from the earlier striped ball, and reached up for a Fitzpatrick pass in the end zone, widening the lead 38-14.
In the fourth quarter, Watt found himself on the receiving end of a 1-yard touchdown, his fifth of the season, making the score, 45-14.
Titans’ wide receiver, Nat Washington managed to catch a 25-yard reception touchdown from Locker late in the fourth. The final score 45-21 with a Texans’ win.
In the post-game press conference, Fitzpatrick said, “I didn’t now know if I’d ever have a chance to play again. It’s an eye-opener for me not to take it for granted.”
Fitzpatrick started for nine games, than was bench for two games for Ryan Mallett, who is out for the season, after he suffered a chest injury last week.
With all eyes around the football nation on Watt’s outstanding season and his five touchdowns, Watt humbly stated, “I don’t think, I could have imagined scoring one touchdown anywhere. Five right now is very cool,” he said.
The Texans are still in the playoff contention at (6-6), and have a chance to be the wildcard in their division. They will play the (2-10) Jacksonville Jaguars on December 7, at Ever Bank Field in Jacksonville.
sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com
New MLK, Jr. statue vandalized
A week after the Martin Luther King, Jr. statue donors and sponsors celebration at the beautiful promenade at MacGregor Park, two teenage males were spotted vandalizing the 8 foot image of Martin Luther King, Jr.
According to Sylvester Brown, Project Manager for the Black Heritage Society, a concerned citizen made a call that they witnessed two young kids beating on the statue with iron pipes.
The Houston Parks and Recreations department is working to assess the damages as they along with the Arts Alliance will help make the repairs to the new statue.
“This incident shined a light. We need security out there so the statue can be protected,” said Brown. “From my understanding Park Rangers chased them out but they were not apprehended.”
The incident was reported Friday, November 28th, just days after protestors gathered around the statue to pay respects to Michael Brown a slain African American teen in Ferguson, MO. The protestors are not suspected to be a part of this criminal act.
It is important to the Black Heritage Society that the statue is protected and that a security mechanism to protect it in the future is set in place. We want to prevent people from doing damage, and add protection for it 24-hours a day, said Brown.’
HPD has been contacted and the Sun is awaiting their response.
Story is still developing.
Ferguson grand jury no-bills police office in killing of teen
Nine whites and three blacks that made-up the Ferguson grand jury in the shooting of teen Michael Brown by officer Darren Wilson has decided today, November 24, there is not enough proof to indict the office in the murder of the 18-year-old.
Wilson, who is white, shot Brown multiple times in broad daylight on August 9, around noon as he and his friend, Dorian Johnson was walking down the street in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson. The town was rocked by the killing of the unarmed teen and protest broke out in the immediate aftermath of the shooting that led to some vandalisms and arrests.
The decision was announced by St. Louis County prosecuting attorney Robert McCulloch. He said the grand jury decided that not probable cause existed to indict the officer on any of the five possible charges (first-degree murder, second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter or no charges) and no bill on all five accounts.
Both eyewitness testimony and physical evidence pointed to Brown being the aggressor including the presence of the teenager’s DNA and fingerprints in the officer’s vehicle and on his gun. Brown’s bloody body rested in the streets approximately five hours after his death. Than was taken away by officials.
McCulloch said that several eyewitnesses gave statements that were inconsistent with other statements they were made and also conflicting with physical evidence.
President Obama spoke after the announcement calling for a peaceful response to the decision both by the citizens of Ferguson and the officers calling for them to show restraint.
“First and foremost, we are a nation built on the rule of law. And we need to accept that this decision was the grand jury’s to make. There are Americans who agree with it, and there are Americans who are deeply disappointed, even angry. It’s an understandable reaction. But I join Michael’s parents in asking anyone who protests this decisions to do so peacefully,” he said.
“I appeal to the law enforcement officials in Ferguson and the region to show care and restraint in managing peaceful protests that may occur. They have a tough job to do to maintain public safety and hold accountable those who break the law.”
The President also echoed the words of Michael Brown’s father. “Let me repeat Michael’s father’s words: “Hurting others or destroying property is not the answer. No matter what the grand jury decides, I do not want my son’s death to be in vain. I want it to lead t incredible change, positive change, change that makes the St. Louis region better for everyone.”
The President concluded, “Michael Brown’s parents have lost more than anyone. We should be honoring their wishes,” he said.
In a statement released after officer Wilson’s no bill verdict, the Brown family said, “we are profoundly disappointed that the killer of our child will not face the consequence of his actions.”
Prosecutor McCulloch detailed the account of the officer and teen’s encounter. He said that during the incident, Wilson angled his vehicle to block the path of Brown and his friend. Two shots were fired while Wilson was still in his police car. Brown’s blood was found inside the vehicle. McCulloch said, referencing witnesses, that some kind of “tussling” or “tug of war” took place.
He added that Brown ran and Wilson went after him. McCullough said 10 shots were fired after the teen ran. And that Brown was hit seven or eight times.
In an internal affairs interview after the shooting, officer Wilson said Brown started the encounter by leaning into the squad car’s driver’s side door while he was still inside. Then the dispute turned physical. The officer said he tried to get his mace but was unable to reach it so he “drew his firearm and Brown managed to grab it,” he said.
“I was guaranteed he was going to shoot me. He had completely overpowered me while I was sitting in the car,” the officer said.
The grand jury had reached a decision in the early afternoon but officials didn’t release it to the public until 8:00 PM eastern standard time. McCulloch said the six hour delay in publicly announcing the grand jury decision in conjunction with his press conference was necessary to help curtail any melee that could occur and also to have the necessary patrol in place.
Several days before the anticipated grand jury decision came, Missouri’s Governor Jay Nixon called up the National Guard to come to Ferguson to come and help with policing and public safety.
Hours after the grand jury’ decision to free Wilson of any charges, there were reports of gun shots in the air by some of the protestor along with looting as well as several building burnings.
According to authorities, police made 29 arrests and at least 150 gunshots were heard and that the police didn’t fire at anyone.
The Associated Press reported a Walgreens was seen in flames and people were seen entering stores. And that a Little Caesar’s and a storage unite were among the builds that burned.
Federal authorities are still investigating officer Wilson which could bring civil rights charges.
sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com
MLK, Jr. statue donors, Ovide Duncantell receives ‘roses’
The Black Heritage Society hosted an official unveiling of donors and supporters at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Statue in Mac Gregor Park on Saturday, November 22, 2014. Although it was a way to acknowledge supporters, Ovide Duncantell was the star of the show and received his flowers while he can smell them.
Councilmember Dwight Boykins, District D, served as Master of Ceremony for the occasion. He is known for his praise of Duncantell and also told of his long history with him and his influence over his life. DeWayne Lark, President of the Harris County Council of Organizations also offered words in the same manner.
“Ovide Duncantell is selfless. This is about the friends that made this happen, but for me it is about a visionary and the fact of how many other visionaries are here inspiring,” said Lark.
Elected officials such as Constable May Walker, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, State Rep. Harold Dutton and State Rep. Ron Reynolds came out to give their gratitude to Duncantell for his leadership over the years.
Affectionately called a “Rebel Rouser”, Duncantell’s reputation for fighting for people of color earned him many praises and also led to the MLK statue in which everyone gathered at in the rain to celebrate.
“It is a distinct honor to have a token of appreciation,” said State Representative Ron Reynolds. “Thank you for being a trailblazer and being consistent over the years, you have sacrificed your time and we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you and the Black Heritage Society. It’s important to give you your flowers while you’re alive.”
His appreciation and thanks were given to Duncantell with a flag flown over the State Capitol on November 19th.
Duncantell was cited as the reason why many people began their political careers while paving the way for them. He planted the seed in them to become political, he was their inspiration.
Minister Robert Muhammad who also worked along Duncantell on the MLK statue had words of wisdom for the community about how elders are treated.
“This is Mr. Ovide Duncatell’s dream to have this statue, my job as an elder in training is to make sure that one of our elder’s dreams get fulfilled in his lifetime,” said Muhammad. “I get tired of passing around the bucket and the basket to bury our elders or to buy funeral programs for them when they paid the price for us to be standing where we are.”
He went on to credit the donors and supporters by saying, on this program the important people are the names on the back of the program. Those are the people whose names are on the plaques on the tree of life, along the chronology wall and down at the opening on the pathway leading to the statue.
“He is an icon in the community, he brought about something that none of us would have imagined,” said Muhammad. “The partners that are here, the corporate partners and the governmental partners would not have come to the table if it wasn’t for Mr. Duncantell’s will to get it done.”
The icon soon stepped up to receive his “flowers” and praise but in the fashion of Ovide Duncantell he reminded everyone of the struggle of the African American people in Houston. He also honored his friend Johnny Mata for his work alongside him over the years to improve the lives of all people of color.
“I believe in us having our own. We don’t need to wait for anyone else to give us power. When you are strong and united like a fist you can take power, they don’t give it away,” said Duncantell. “They said Dr. King name would never rise in this town. It took 30 years for us to get here. We took up the mantle.“
Although this was an event for the donors, those who gathered definitely acknowledged who paved the way for the event with all the gratitude they could muster.
“I pray that God will bless all of us to give people flowers while they live. I’m not naming a park or a street or an alley after Ovide Duncantell after he is dead. It was in my heart to make sure this got done so he could see and touch it, so we can give him his flowers while he lives,” said Minister Robert Muhammad.
Many kind words were given to Ovide Duncantell throughout the morning. His hard work has not gone unnoticed. The MLK statue is just a visible testament to Duncantell’s work and character. A promised fulfilled and a wonderful place of enjoyment for generations to come.
109-year-old independent woman speaks of what she knows for sure
Working in the fields plowing and chopping cotton was one of Mrs. Emma Primas favorite things to do as a youngster on her family farm back in Cold Springs, TX. The 109-year old now is one of Houston’s oldest and most vibrant resident. “I did everything on the farm until I was about 10-years-old. We didn’t start school until we were around that age because we had to work in the fields. I loved to plow. I had an old mule name Julie. We would plow and plant together. Old Julie loved that. But when it came to 12 o’clock, old Julie wasn’t going another step. That mule could tell time by looking up at the sun. And she would call out ‘wonk, wonk wonk’, to let me know it was time to stop. You could whip those legs all you wanted. Old Julie wasn’t going another step,” said Primas.
Farm life for Primas was one that taught her about balance in life — hard work, money management and enjoyment. After a working through the day and helping to care of family business, Primas would go to the farm lake to relax and fish. “We had a mill on our property for grinding whole corn. We also raised sugar cane. Everybody had their own and would help each other. We were a community” Primas said.
The Japanese would come by and go to all of the neighbors and collect sugarcane and process it. Each neighbor would have it grind up and cooked. They would also grind it into sorghum. It’s something like molasses, not as sweet though. I really liked it, “she said.
As a community, Primas detailed how children were brought up during her childhood era. She said that people in the country helped raised each other’s children. If the children were not behaving that the neighbor would “get after them” and that the discipline didn’t stop there. “Neighbors didn’t mind whipping other neighbors’ kids. And then they would tell the parents and the parents would sometimes whip them again. Not today, if you touch somebody’s kids, you better have a 45 (caliber) and some money,” she said.
Finding Jesus
Born in 1905, Primas grew up in Cold Springs in east Texas rural area off Texas Highway 156 about 63 miles north of Houston in San Jacinto County. She had an extraordinarily awakening at age of 10. Primas told the story of her very first encounter with the Spirit of God and the Mona Bench. It is a backless long bench made original of stone. But at Primas’ childhood place of worship it was made of wood. It puts you in the mind of a long wooden backless church pew.
“We had to go before what you call a “Mona Bench.” [mourning bench, the place to prepare for spiritual conversion and baptism] during revival meetings. There certain people would pray for us; then touch us in the back. We would run all over the place. One night we all got happy. We found Jesus. Then, the old people told us that we hadn’t found Jesus. So they made us go back to the ‘Mona Bench’ again,” Primas said.
“And when we got back there, we couldn’t stay there. We were so happy. And we had what you called the Holy Ghost. We were saved,” said Primas. This perfect state of euphoric Primas said had her feeling light as a feather. And that it was like she wanted to fly all the time. As though she could take up wings and fly. She said it was like a feeling she had never felt before. “Lord, I prayed so hard. They told us how to pray and what I felt, I knew it could have only been the Lord. And it wasn’t man that had me like that. The ‘Mona Bench’ was there to save our souls,” she said.
School and Work
As a teenager, Primas enjoyed going to school and working. After school, she would go to white people homes and wash dishes where she got paid $2.00 to $3.00 for a day’s work. “And baby, we were rich with that money. That was big money. You could buy 10 sticks of candy for a nickel. Oh baby, we got a dollar and we thought we were ‘nigger rich’ because we could buy anything we wanted. And we enjoyed it so much,” Primas said. Her favorite subjects in school were reading, arithmetic and geography, and while reminiscing and smiling, she said, “I really liked reading geography,”
Working Woman
After she moved to Houston, she married and had one daughter. She enjoyed Houston but heard that jobs and opportunities were plentiful in California. She and her family packed-up and moved. “I got word that things were real good in San Francisco. I got me a job working at The Sir Francis Drake Hotel where I was a salad girl. Every other week, I made $40.00. I told my in-laws that I wanted to do something I never done before. I wanted to drive a street car. So I got a job operating a street car until I got tired and wanted to quick,” Primas said.
Primas didn’t quick and continued to work for an additional year based on a promise from management for better jobs. “We were told if we kept working and give the soldiers a rest; since the war (WWI) was over, that we would get promotions. They didn’t do what they said. So after that year, I found me some other work,” Primas said.
Finding new employment in northern California was no problem for Primas. She landed a position as a dietician assistant for a school and within months found herself over cafeteria menus for five schools. “I made $15.00 dollars a day for each of those schools. I saved my money, and when I came back to Houston, I was loaded,” she said.
Taking Care of Business
Primas has always been a money manager and kept her eyes on the money even when she was married. “I saved money, paid bills and didn’t allow my husband to pay the bills. You have to stay on top of things. I had one husband who bought a lady a pair of shoes”, she said.
“I notice that five dollars was missing from the household. So I went down and wanted to see my husband’s check that had been cashed. They showed it to me. I told him about it. He told me ‘I didn’t work for that check’. That it was his check. I then told him that he was my husband and that’s my check too and that he didn’t pay the bills: that I did,” said Primas.
She further explained that’s why men want to pay all of the bills, so they can have full control. “I was strict and I could be, and if they didn’t like it, they could keep going. I wasn’t like a lot of women waiting on a man to give me a few nickels. I worked. And I knew how to do a whole lot of work. Work that some people with lots of education couldn’t take care of,” Primas said.
Miracle
Sickness has only come Primas way when she was 92-years-old and she almost didn’t make it. She was celebrating her birthday at a local restaurant the day before she fell ill. She was laughing and talking with family and she started coughing up some dairy food she had consumed. The following day after church, she came home and had a big bowl of ice cream.
About 30 minutes later she started experiencing terrible stomach pains. She said the pains were just about to cut her into two. At first, she didn’t want to go to the hospital but family and the severe pain had changed her mind. At the hospital blood was taken numerous times and it was determined she had ptomaine poison. (Ptomaine poison is colloquially referred to as food poisoning; any illness resulting from the consumption of contaminated food, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or parasites).
During Primas’ illness she said, “There were two white doctors seeing about me; a young one and an old one. The young doctor told me that I needed surgery to remove part of my intestines. The old doctor was trying to talk over him and said it was little to be done for someone my age. My daughter told him that was not a nice thing to say. The old white doctor didn’t open his mouth after that,” Primas said.
The young doctor continued with Primas’ assessment. He then reached into his medical jacket and pulled out a Bible. “The little young doctor began reading some scriptures, and wanted to know if it was okay if we prayed. These are the words the young doctor prayed: Father there is nothing I can do. But through you I can do all things. He then ordered a bed so that my daughter could stay overnight with me and told me he would operate on me in the morning. He took the bad part of my intestines out and sewed everything else back together.”
Primas’ granddaughter, Denise Mickey who she now lives with her has been working in the medical field for over 25 years said what that doctor did for her grandmother is unheard of in the medical field. “Doctors normally don’t do what this one did for my grandmother. He had a Bible, asked to pray and acknowledged that God was working through him. And that God has all of the power. Now that’s what you call amazing,” Mickey said.
On Primas’ last post-operative check-up, the young doctor had her daughter to take her down to the old doctor to see how well she had recovered. “That old doctor was amazed to see how well I was living and looked. And he’s the one that told them I was too old for an operation. If I had been his patient, he would have not touched me. He would have sent me somewhere to die,” she said.
Dr. Michael Radcliff of Northwest Memorial Hospital is the young doctor who used the Word of God to save Primas still keeps in contact with her today. He has attended her 100 Birthday Celebration as well as her 101 and 105 Birthday Celebrations. “Anytime I am having something special and we invite him and he comes,” said Primas. “I put my trust in God. Nobody can do these things but Him. Certain things that have been in my path, I know that have only come from Him. My trust and faith are in Him,” Primas said.
Politics
Voting has always been important to Primas. She said back in the day only white men could vote and the white women were mad because they wanted to vote too but couldn’t. “They didn’t let the white women vote at first with them because they thought women were unpredictable. Soon as blacks were allowed to vote, I voted in California. You just had to be 18 there and nothing else. So when I knew I was moving back to Houston, I bought my poll taxes so I could vote in Houston,” Primas said.
On President Obama, she though in her lifetime, she would never see a black man in America become President of the United States. She said even though they are giving him a hard time he is sticking in there. “People should get out in vote. It makes a difference. If it didn’t, they wouldn’t be trying to do everything to stop you from voting. So it just makes sense to vote. Just don’t sit there,” she said.
Religion
Primas said many churches today have lost their way. That ministers and pastors need to instill the Word into their members, but they do not and just focus on the money. “There are only a few churches now that really help people today. “Many churches have gone money crazy. Just greedy! One wants to out-do the other to see who has the biggest church and the most memberships. They don’t care what the Word says. They just want that money while they are here.”
Death
Primas just recently lost her only daughter who died at 88-years-old. She says some days she can talk about it and some days she cannot. But she knows the Lord.
Living
At 109-years old, Primas still attends civic and community functions. She enjoys watching the Steve Harvey Talk Show and would also like to meet him. She says she likes his style. “He takes care of himself. He is a good dresser like me and plus he talks a lot, just a no nonsense man, and I like that.”
sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com
Happy Veteran’s Day
Prominent pastor Dr. Myles Munroe and wife die in plane crash
The Associated Press has just reported today, November 10 that international pastor and bestselling author Dr. Myles Munroe of Faith Ministries has died in a plane crash along with his wife Ruth Ann as well as nine other people who have not yet been identified.
The crash occurred in the Bahamas on Sunday at 5:10 PM. The plane a Lear 36 Executive Jet was making an approach for landing at the Grand Bahama International Airport and instead stuck a crane at the Grand Bahama Ship Yard exploding on impact and crashing into the ground.
According to the Bahamas Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the jet departed the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau Bahamas at 4:07 PM for the 132 mile trip to Grand Bahama Airport in Freeport Bahamas.
Munroe was on his way to his annual 2014 Global Leadership Forum which was to start today. Scheduled speaker former mayor and U.S. Ambassador, Andrew Young, released a statement in the unexpected death of his friend.
“It is with deep sadness over the tragic death of my friend Dr. Myles and Mrs. Ruth Munroe. My condolences to the Munroe family and the families of the other souls who lost their lives as a result of this shocking plane crash,” expressed Andrew Young.
The cause of the crash is unknown. But there were reports of heavy rain in the area and some flights were diverted. A full investigation is expected to begin today.
Munroe was 60-years old. He was a student at Oral Roberts University and later taught there. He was known for his work and teachings on leadership purpose and maximizing potential and vision.
He was the senior pastor of Bahamas Faith Ministries International Fellowship. His wife served as the senior co-pastor. They are survived by their two children a son and a daughter.
sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com
Voter Apathy or Generation Peter Pan
The title used to give reason as to why my generation doesn’t vote is called Voter Apathy. Surely, it is such a thing, but I do not truly believe it is the reason why my fellow peers do not vote.
I am 29 years – old and a proud 80’s baby! I don’t believe I’m in the Generation X category but I’m not quite sure if I fall in the Generation Y group either. I think we are the Straddle on the Fence Generation or better yet the Peter Pan Generation.
My generation has chosen not to grown up and When we choose to not grow up and assume the responsibilities of adulthood, we choose apathy.
The 2014 Midterm Election cycle, which was pure torture for any Democrat to watch, The Grand Old Party had a magnificent night. With each Republican that won followed a bittersweet victory speech, while they watched with pride as their opponents gave hardy concession speeches of a better tomorrow; well that was definitely the case in Texas.
We have heard statistics for years that Texas should be a “purple” state. There are plenty Caucasians and majority minorities that live in the state that pledge allegiance to the democratic plight that the state truly should be “blue”. The voter turn-out says otherwise. It’s exactly what election night said, it is “Battle Red”.
But how is this possible? Yes, Texas is a wealthy state, filled with Oil and Gas, Energy, Cattle industry big timers but for every one of them there are three that aren’t doing quite so well. Education has been the biggest topic in Harris County within the past ten years. Healthcare is continually the no- go zone and wage increase, well the lack there of had Houstonians picketing outside of Burger King a couple of months ago and we re-elected those who oppose all these things again so they may continue the same practices.
Voter Apathy also known as the “It doesn’t affect me syndrome” allowed many young voters to stay at home and not exercise their right to vote. But I must say it is a duty. It is a responsible duty that we all must practice for the sake of our own lives and others around us.
I read on many social media sites that people really thought their vote didn’t count or the election process is just one big scam. How do you compete with that when the Peter Pan Generation were budding young adults during the Al Gore and George Bush election sham? That type of situation made a lasting impression in the minds of these adults. It made some more intense in their desire to vote and it turned others all the way off.
But it’s sad to see that its so many people of color who willingly and fervently choose not to vote. Legislation is the only thing that made and keeps the African American free. Legislation is the only reason why African Americans can vote. All of these things require a voted in legislator and of course, a vote. Then we must remember that the Voting Rights Act has to be voted to be renewed every 25 years. The power of the vote… and you say yours doesn’t matter, right?
What does this all mean to my fellow Peter Pans’? We must grow up. We must become our parents and realize that we must stay abreast of the current issues around us. We must watch the news in the morning before work and before bed. We must engage in who governs the world around us from the mayor of our city to the governor of the state. We must understand what it means when we vote for or against propositions in our cities and what that will mean in your everyday life. If we take a slight interest and not have so much apathy for things we have not yet to understand, we may can make use of the gifts bestowed upon us.
Voting is not a burden; it is a privilege that so many did not get the opportunity to have. It’s our duty to govern ourselves since America is the land of the free. How can we be a democratic society but don’t exercise your constitutional right to vote? To be an American citizen it is your right to vote.
For the next four years we will have a governor of Texas that isn’t a reflection of the Peter Pan generation. We will raise children under an administration that doesn’t want to provide adequate funding to public schools when they need it the most. We will raise children under an administration that doesn’t favor women’s health choices and women’s rights in wages. We will raise children under an administration that doesn’t care about the millions of children without health insurance because of one reason, APATHY.
The apathy towards the working class and the APATHY towards the minority man of power in Washington, D.C. .The war of classism and race will be our continued issue for the next four years all because we didn’t want to grow up.
Texans remain Battle “Red”
The midterm elections for 2014 proved to be an extremely disappointing night for the Democratic Party all over the country. Texas continued to be a “red” state despite the heavy campaigning and desire to turn “purple” or “blue”.
Attorney General Greg Abbott beat State Senator Wendy Davis by a 4% margin. His overall total votes were 349,109 and Davis earned 319,454 losing by 29,655 votes. This was a hard blow to die hard democrats who were hoping for Davis to win and change the political atmosphere in the state.
Davis’ concession speech was heartfelt. She told her supporters, “ Being disappointed is ok, being discouraged is not.” The loss set the tone for the rest of the nights results as many democrats hoped they could ride in on Davis’ coattails.
Senior incumbents such as Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, State Representative Senfronia Thompson, State Representative Sylvester Turner, State Representative Alma Allen, State Representative Borris Miles and Congressman Al Green retained their seats in their districts that have proved to be loyal to them.
The real race were in positions such as Attorney General, Texas Land Commissioner, Railroad Commissioner, and in the judicial sector where many were running for open seats or against incumbents that came in during the last republican sweep in 2012.
In the Attorney General race, Sam Houston – D, lost to Ken Paxton- R by 39,254 votes, 6%. This was the circumstance for majority of the races. Candidates lost by small margins and proved why the early vote really is an important measure in election practices.
The District Attorney race for Harris County was one to watch as major issues such as the future of misdemeanor drug policy in Houston was at stake. Democratic candidate Kim Ogg lost to incumbent Devon Anderson by a 6% margin as well. Ogg was 43,004 votes shy of winning.
The county had a Republican sweep. Incumbents kept their seats especially in the judiciary and claimed the top seat in the statewide races.
Congresswoman Lee gathered democrats together at the end of the night to rally together after Wendy Davis’ speech at the Harris County Democratic Party headquarters.
“Thanks Wendy for never giving up,” said Lee. “For never stopping with your story of hope and inspiration.”
That hope and inspiration is now targeted toward the 2016 election cycle.
“We continue to be proud democrats,” said State Rep. Sylvester Turner. “We will still fight for our children and education so they may have opportunities, so they may be able to go to college and have the opportunities our parents didn’t have.”
The issue of healthcare and lack of it for millions of Texans is still there even as a new governor will come into power. Elected officials that retained their seats will have to continue the battle with a heavier Republican influence for the next two years.
Although the night proved to be a dim one for democrats State Rep. Turner reminded supporters that today leads to tomorrow and tomorrow will lead to a change.
Post Election Day Editorial: We are not there yet ?
Why do voters stay home? Why do voters allow others to carry the heavy weight of government? Have the democrats given up hope? Do democrats have a qualified field of candidates who can motivate the constituents? Do democrats know how to engage the absent voter?
The disenfranchised voter is in a major funk. On the ground is where the vote is won. Connecting with the voter is what motivates voting. Learning what voters need is essential to prospective voters.
The status quo has been the rule of the electorate in Texas since the Civil Rights legislation signed by President Baines Johnson 50 years ago. The nation has fought that progress continuously. For the black and white together has not occurred as our nation has yet to overcome the issues that divide. Are we there yet? Maybe the question is do we want to go there? If so, how do we get there?
Regardless of the kind of legislation passed to equalize the socio-economic classes and the racial and gender classes, law cannot regulate nor change the hearts of men and women. America has an entrenched band of entitlement and it is ruthful and unwise to think that a “mine” and “take” American will give another what they think will weaken their position. To make one equal, something must be taken from the other who has access to more. America is a capitalist nation and those with the capital are uninterested in sharing their capital with those who have less. In the past six years, ultraists who practice extremism, especially in politics or government have become radical, employing an intense anti – President Obama stand that is making America an unsustainable, unsound country placing it on shaky ground as a melting pot nation.
Why do I assert this notion? The risk our nation faces is evidenced in the lack of hope our nations’ citizens’ displays. For example, the economy has improved; the stock market is up; unemployment is lower; the air is cleaner; all are indicators that the nation is moving ahead nicely, still the menu of media talkers fill the minds of Americans with defeat. Hence, citizens become overwhelm with continuous negative concepts and fail to perform self – analysis, therefore they retreat into becoming irrelevant and as a result of not protecting their own interest – i.e., not voting.
When citizens of the greatest nation on the planet Earth do not participate in its government of the people, for the people, and by the people, we become a nation that is in trouble. When more people stay home than select to exercise their right to be a part of the directing of America’s polices, we establish a pattern of abandonment and negligence. When the children of the nation experiences abandonment and negligence, they lose hope and without hope, we risk not forming a progressive nation. Instead, we work to build an oppressive nation.
A nation that seeks non – inclusivity, does not encourage people to register to vote defeats itself. When this happens we do not energize the opportunity to get the best from all of our citizens. The oppressed is encouraged to remain oppressed by the creation of insidious policies, which dumb-down the citizens causing many of them to believe that one’s vote does not count. The vote does not count only if it is not casted and in Harris County just as through America, Americans failed themselves. They failed, because during this 2014 mid-term election, we rejected the gift that forefathers gave us. We rejected their work, counted it a zero, saying that they were foolish to risk their lives thinking that we would be wise enough to use and expand their work for the good of America and it starts with the vote.
The Voting Rights Act is an Act. It is not a law. You must know that it has to be reauthorized every 25 years. If future generations do not keep their eyes on the calendar, it will go away. With the turnout of the 2014 mid-term election, it might as well go away some may say. Now, what is Americans to do? Analyze this cycle. At the top level of the Democrats, 37 million dollars was raised, which is a benchmark for the next election. As the Democrat learns how to raise money, they must also learn how to Get Out the Vote. That strategy should begin now, not a month before the election. For when a commitment is made for democracy, the work is 365 days a year, not just during the election season, which is upsetting to the people who refused to cast their votes on yesterday. During the next 730 days our nation regardless of party affiliation need to fix some things. Our nation needs to learn the answers to these questions: Why do voters stay home? Why do voters allow others to carry the heavy weight of government? Have the democrats given up hope? Do democrats have a qualified field of candidates who can motivate the constituents? Do democrats know how to engage the absent voter?
Democracy works better when more citizens participate. Albeit most voters stayed home in Texas and throughout the country, those who had the insight to vote for their interest did, as they understood the value of their vote.
Texas is still “red” from top to bottom. The US House and Senate are “red”. America has a “blue” executive branch and we must learn what will happen in January when the Republicans take its responsibility to govern the nation at the congressional level. The last time that the Republicans governed at the federal level they issued a Contract with America. It is time for all Americans to participate in a 2015 version of the contract as a joint venture between the people and those who represent them.
May God bless and I will see you next week.
Today is ELECTION DAY, NOV. 4, 2014! GO VOTE!!!
See Houston Sun election guide! Polls are open from 7am- 7pm.
www.houstonsun.com/2014/11/03/houston-suns-election-guide-endorsements/
Houston Sun’s Election Guide, Endorsements
The Houston Sun endorses Wendy Davis for Governor of Texas.
State Senator Wendy Davis will reinvigorate Texas and bring
out the true nature of the Lone Star State. Strength, courage and integrity are characteristics of Davis and the values she will bring to the governor’s office.
Davis’ story is one that many modern women have faced; Single parent at the young age of 19 and working two jobs. She went to community college and transferred to Texas Christian College with the help of scholarships and students loans. Davis went on the Harvard Law and graduated with honors.
After law school she went into business in Fort Worth and proved to be fiscally sound. She became the Chair of the City’s Economic Development Committee, which gave her a skill set she would need in her future career.
In 2008, Davis was elected to the Texas Senate. Where her courage, strength and integrity has made her a stand out figure and a viable candidate for the Governor of Texas.
Some of the State Senator’s work that has made her a prize contender is the famous filibuster in 2013, where she stood up for 12 hours fighting for women’s health rights. She also filibustered a budget that slashed over $5 billion from public schools. Davis also helped getting a majority of that funding restored to the budget in 2013.
Vote for Wendy Davis if you believe in education on all levels, job creation and veteran services, healthcare policies that benefit everyone and equal rights for everyone regardless of gender or race.
The Houston Sun endorses Sam Houston for Texas Attorney General.
Attorney Sam Houston, 51, is running to change an office that is under a lot of scrutiny right now as the present Attorney General Greg Abbott, who is running for governor, has tied the state up in litigation that is the biggest issues in the governor’s race.
Houston is a graduate of Baylor College of Law. He is Board Certified and has practiced civil defense law for 26 years.
The changes he would like to make once elected is to settle many cases that are tied up in litigation such as the gay marriage amendment lawsuit, the abortion center closure lawsuit, voter id and the gerrymandering lawsuits. He would like to focus more on consumer protection and environmental rights. He wants to make sure that Texas is not at was with the federal government and end the policy of lets just sue the president.
He wants to be the lawyer for the state that will give advice and great counsel without just jumping straight into a lawsuit. Houston will listen and resolve disputes and look at the job through the eyes of a good attorney. He believes in compromise and is not ashamed to do so.
Houston ran for the Supreme Court of Texas in 2008 and did not win. But he knows he can do better.
Payday lending, environmental issues, fair child support, better living for the elderly and hard work for the public is what Sam Houston is working to do. He wants to be transparent and use the $500 million budget to represent all Texans as a creative and aggressive attorney.
Texas Railroad Commissioner
Candidate: Steve Brown (D)
Candidate : Ryan Sitton (R)
The Houston Sun endorses Steve Brown for Texas Railroad Commissioner.
Steve Brown, 39, has worked his whole life to get to this moment. He is a graduate and was a student organizer at North Carolina A&T, running mayoral campaigns and succeeding, he was the youngest African American to win a statewide primary in Texas and is working so hard to leave a legacy for generations to come. That is the reason why Brown is the best choice for the position of regulating the oil and gas in Texas.
Brown has worked for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and State Representative Sylvester Turner, he has worked at Legislative Affairs at the White House doing public policy during the Clinton Administration, so he is not a stranger to politics. He was elected twice to be the Democratic Party Chairman in Fort Bend.
The Texas Railroad Commission is the agency that regulates oil and gas. There are three commissioners and they each serve a six year term. Many different things fall under the Railroad commission such as mineral rights, jobs in the energy sector, regulating natural gas.
Brown will be a breath of fresh air to a committee that needs a public advocate. His motto is to regulate, protect and restructure and not to support and be cheerleaders for the oil and gas industry. For a billion dollar industry, it’s likely that Brown has ruffled a few feathers but for protection and correct policy someone has to provide checks and balance and that will be Steve Brown.
Ryan Sitton is graduate of Texas A&M University and is a Mechanical Engineering. He and his wife own PinnacleAIS, an engineering and technology company focused on reliability and integrity programs for the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.
Sitton has over 15 years of experience in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industry, Ryan is an active member of several industry groups including: The Texas Alliance of Energy Producers (TAEP), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the American Petroleum Institute (API).
His promises are to ensure efficient and effective service to the state by providing a vision of technical competence, efficient management, and uncompromising customer service to both the industries and the taxpayers of the State of Texas. Guaranteeing regulations are consistent with both industry best practice and the latest technology and methodologies used in the drilling, production, and transport of natural gas, crude, and other related products. Carrying a strong message on our ability to self-regulate inside the State of Texas and advocate on behalf of Texans by pushing back on the intrusion of the EPA, OSHA, MSHA, and other federal regulatory agencies into our energy production.
Brown wants to reform the recusal policies. He believes they are weak and creates many conflicts of interest. Also a goal is to tighten up on policies and do the right thing by the people of Texas, while regulating and properly assessing mineral rights, giving the proper money owed. Future generation job security is also a priority. He would like to expose and help children especially minorities learn and discover jobs in the oil and gas industry.
The community opportunities that exist if we teach oil and gas work skill sets. There are plenty of jobs for the future generation in the oil patch. There are general contracts, trucking, during this oil boom.- Steve Brown.
He wants to set a mandate that the people want a change. Brown wants to be the public voice and advocate.
These two candidates are the same age but have two different backgrounds and points of view. The Sun recommends Brown for transparency and for the independence to be a neutral entity that will regulate without industry bias and ties.
Texas Land Commissioner
Candidate: John Cook (D)
Candidate: George P. Bush (R)
The Houston Sun endorses John Cook for the The Texas Land Commissioner.
John Cook, 68, is a respected civil servant who gave 14-years of service as a 6 year city councilmember and 8 year mayor of El Paso, the 6th largest city in Texas because he believed public service was an honor.
He received recognition as the 5th Best Mayor in the World for standing up for the civil rights of others because he was raised to do what’s right and make it popular rather than taking what’s popular and trying to make it right.
Cook is the longest serving municipal elected official of El Paso. He is a former teacher and a Vietnam combat veteran. As a businessman, he setup non-profit organizations to address gaps in services to those less fortunate.
Cook believes he is the better candidate for The Texas Land Commissioner because of his 35 years of real business experience and his leadership in Texas government, and his record as an elected official.
The Texas Land Commissioner is the fiscal trustee of $29 billion in land assets as well as mineral, oil and gas royalty revenues. These assets are dedicated to funding the Permanent School Fund which helps fund school districts statewide.
Texas State Board of Education Pos. 4
Incumbent: Lawrence Allen, Jr.
The Houston Sun endorses Lawrence Allen, Jr. for the re-election to the Texas State Board of Education Position 4.
Lawrence Allen, Jr., 52, has been a life long educator. He taught for Houston Independent School District for 31 years before he became elected to his seat 10 years ago.
Allen was a teacher at Lanier and Dowling Middle School until he became the Assistant Principal at Jones High School. He went on to become the Assistant Principal at Yates Senior High and finally the Head Principal at his alma mater, Jesse H. Jones. Although he has a passion for the education realm he had the desire to reach out into the political arena as he ran for City Council in 2006 against Wanda Adams and lost.
That City Council run did not slow Allen as he went on to win a seat for the Texas State Board of Education and has kept his seat through five election cycles.
His position sets the standards for education throughout the state. Allen has set the tone that elected officials can still relate to the community. He serves as the Community Relation Liaison for HISD and keeps the relationship between the faith based organizations and the district.
Allen’s area spans from where Lamar is by the Galleria area on east such as Alief, Galena Park, Sheldon, Channelview and as north as Spring.
If re-elected Allen will push for more creative charter schools. The legislature has already moved the count to 300, which leaves room for another 85 schools in the next 10 years.
United States Congress District 10
Incumbent: Congressman Mike McCall (R)
Candidate: Tawana W. Cadien (D)
The Houston Sun endorses Tawana W. Cadien for the U.S.Congress District 10.
Tawana W. Cadien, 41, is a reflection of what President Barack Obama propagated, Change. She is running because she wants change and it starts with an idea, a passion and a plan. Cadien is a Registered Nurse and received her Masters’ in Public Administration from the Barbara Jordan/ Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University, where many greats went before her.
This is Cadien’s second time running for this seat. She ran in 2012 and lost. Her platform is a strong economy, improving education and protecting seniors. She believes health care is still a huge issue in Texas and that the incumbent does not see it as a priority. Education should be equal as well as the opportunities and the respect of veterans and senior citizens are her focus points.
Job security and the support for small businesses as well as retirement are her focal points. She wants to get rid of partyism and push for community support on progressive issues.
Congressman Michael T. McCaul is in his fifth term representing Texas’ 10th District in the United States Congress. This district stretches from Austin to the Houston suburbs, and includes Austin, Bastrop, Colorado, Fayette, Harris, Lee, Travis, Washington and Waller Counties.
Rep. McCaul became Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security. The Committee has oversight of the Department of Homeland Security ensuring it is able to carry out its core mission of protecting the American people from terrorist attacks. As Chairman, McCaul prioritizes the threat of international and domestic terrorism, cyber security, airport security and fixing dysfunctional management within DHS which contributes to wasted taxpayer dollars, delayed security operations and corruption.
Congressman McCaul is also the Chairman of the U.S.-Mexico Inter-Parliamentary Group (I.P.G.) .
After 10 years of service McCaul has done a good job but it is time for a new face to represent the issues of the current need of Texans. Cadien has campaigned and is ready for her shot to lead .
State Representative for Texas House District 133
Incumbent: State Rep. Jim Brown- R
Candidate: Laura Nicol- Progressive D
The Houston Sun endorses Candidate Laura Nicol for State Representative for Texas House District 133.
Texas politics needs a burst of enthusiasm, some serious excitement. Laura Nicol, 51, is bringing the spunk as she has set out to challenge incumbent State Rep. Jim Brown, 56, for his long time seat. Nicol’s ideas and progressive ways of thinking is why the Houston Sun endorses Laura Nicol.
Nicol describes her district as a small section in starting from IH-10 to Westheimer and Hwy 6 to IH-610. The demographics read that the population is educated, fairly young and employed with a $58,086 income range per capita, according to the Texas House District 133 profile.
Her platform is better schools, good jobs and an improved community. She is a native Texan, who has raised a family in Houston since 2004. She has an engineering degree from UT Austin but has a strong involvement in her community. Politically she has served as the Precinct Chair and Election Judge for her district and she is ready now to throw her hat in the ring for the big seat.
Nicol and Brown have differing issues on LBGT rights as Brown has a record of standing in the way of the progression of gay rights in Texas and Nicol believes no business or public facility has the right to discriminate based on sexual orientation.
Education, wages and environmental safety are some of Nicol’s biggest concerns. She wants better funding for neighborhood schools and resources according to need. The battle over equal pay for women is not just a part of the governor’s race. Brown has voted against equal pay for women and Nicol vows to “champion legislation” that provides a living wage for everyone.
At her screening, Nicol’s said she was all about the people especially the children. Flooding and water management is a topic she speaks passionately about but is not big on her opponent’s agenda.
Although the incumbent Rep. Jim Brown has served in his seat from 2007- 2009 and again from 2011 until now, the seat could use some new blood and new ideals to continue with the changing political and socio status of Houston.
Other Endorsements: AFL-CIO, Spring Branch Democrats, Katy Democrats, SD17 Democrats, Democracy For Houston
The Houston Sun endorses Kim Ogg for Harris County District Attorney.
Attorney Kim Ogg is an experienced advocate for the people. She has worked and dwelled amongst all walks of life in her 54 years of life. Ogg has waitressed, bartended, worked in the newspaper business as a writer and in advertising, and also branded Crime Stoppers in Houston, went to law school at South Texas College of Law and has practiced family and criminal law for 27 years.
Ogg wants to take the politics and double standards out the D.A.’s office and has reform up her sleeve. Her biggest policy issue is on the arrest of those with small amounts of marijuana in their possession. She believes they should be ticketed instead of taken to jail and tried. Her object is to reduce crime and do right by the people of Harris County.
The District Attorney sets the tone for the policy in prosecution of cases in the county. Ogg wants prosecutors to be more experienced as they deal with people’s lives, with mature and sound judgment. She will bring more diversity into the office and bridge the cultural divide of lawyers and prosecutors.
She wants to revamp the agency and bring it into the 21st Century with technology, crime mapping and allowing agencies to coordinate. Her time will go more into prosecuting white -collar crime and rehabilitating non- violent offenders and drug users. But her first priority is to immediately implement a new drug policy.
Harris County Clerk
Incumbent: Stan Stanart
Candidate: Ann Harris Bennett
The Houston Sun endorses Ann Harris Bennett for the Harris County Clerk.
Ann Harris Bennett, 61, has had a long career working in the aspects that fall under the parameters of County Clerk. She has 14 years of experience as a district court administrator, 12 years as a legal secretary and 12 years’ experience in genealogy research and served as an expert witness for Spanish and Mexican land grants.
The office of County Clerk maintains the records, vital records, issuing of marriage licenses, death certificates, property records and cattle brands. If elected she will also select the clerks that will serve in the county probate courts as well as manage the election records and results.
Bennett is adamant she can provide the county with better service than the incumbent Stan Stanart. If elected she will get rid of the partyism in the office and take politics out.
She will also call for electronic filing and upgrade the technology in order to help the courts flow better. Bennett believes the delay in filing paperwork is negligent to the tax payers, judges and the whole judicial system.
“Folks are tired of the election process being tampered with.”- Ann Harris Bennett
234th Civil District Court Judge
Incumbent: Judge Wesley Ward (R)
Candidate: Attorney Barbara Gardner(D)
The Houston Sun endorses Attorney Barbara Gardner for Judge of the 234th Civil District Court.
Attorney Barbara Gardner is as sharp as a filleting knife but just as compassionate about the people of Houston when it comes to justice and fairness on the bench. Candidate Barbara Gardner is an experienced attorney of 30 years who is highly decorated and was #1 in her law school class at South Texas College of Law.
Gardner has had trial experience in district, appellate courts and has argued cases before the Texas Supreme Court. As a defense attorney, she has tried cases for 30 years and has been also argued as for the plaintiff.
Judge Wesley Ward is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law and has 16 years of civil law under his belt. He has practiced business litigation, personal injury and shareholders disputes. Judge Ward was appointed by Governor Rick Perry and was unanimously voted in by the Texas State Senate.
Ward realizes there is still work to be done in his court as he would like to cut down on default judgments, which is when one party doesn’t show up and the litigant automatically loses. He wants to educate about the importance of understanding your role in the judicial system, and pro- se litigants get their fair day in court, while getting his docket down by making decisions on cases three years and older.
If elected, Gardner wants to make the docket move and resolve more cases instead of resetting trials. She vows to have organization, efficiency and work hard for the citizens that come before her.
Her experience and tenacity to provide fair and equal justice mixed with the desire to get the courts docket under control, with a prepared and effective court makes Gardner a very viable candidate for 234th Civil Court.
She ran in 2012 for the Court Appeals and lost. Gardner also has served as the President of the Harris County Democratic Women.
269TH Civil District Court
Incumbent: Judge Dan Hinde (R )
Candidate: Attorney George Arnold (D )
The Houston Sun endorses Candidate George Arnold for 269th Civil District Court Judge.
Attorney George Arnold, 47, is an extremely smart man. His honesty and experience with Civil Law makes Arnold a very compelling candidate. He is a Baylor undergraduate and Law School grad. For the past 22 years, Arnold has practiced Civil Law only such as products liability and mass torts. He has represented individuals, corporations, healthcare providers and insurance companies, all the way well rounded.
Governor Rick Perry appointed the incumbent judge Dan Hinde in 2008. He is now running for his seat again. Hinde is an honor grad of UT Law School in 1997. For 17 years he practiced Civil Law in many different areas before his appointment.
Arnold has experience in state and federal courts and is a first time candidate. He wants to change the climate of the 269th court. Arnold thinks the court is too stiff and has the feel of a federal court in which the incumbent clerked in before he became a judge. He would like to allow counsel to conduct a jury selection, opening and closing statements away from a stationery podium and allow counsel to withdraw from cases when a conflict arises.
With the hopes to bring change to the 269th Civil District Court, Arnold would like to utilize his experience gained over the past 20 years to provide a meaningful service to the people of Houston.
Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 10
Incumbent: John Connely (R)
Candidate: George Barnstone (D)
The Houston Sun endorses George Barnstone for Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 10.
George Barnstone, 51 has over 20 years of experience in the legal system as a practicing attorney and is a graduate of University of Texas School of Law.
If he is elected to Criminal Court No. 10 his platform would be mental health. He would also mandate personal recognizance (PR) bonds in his court to first time offenders on minor infractions so people will not have to spend excessive time in jail until their trial.
Barnstone wants to improve justice in Harris County by getting rid of the pay or play system especially when it comes to bonds. He said, defendants whether they are rich or poor, black or white deserve equal and fair treatment in the judicial system.
He expects to achieve a model courtroom where defendants will know they will receive a fair trial and not one that sacrifices justice for expediency. Barnstone believes the judiciary protects the Bill of Rights and its their job to uphold it.
Barstone is supported by State Senator Rodney Ellis, Sissy Farenthold and has been endorsed by the Mexican Bar Association of Houston, the Pasadena Bar Association the AFC-CIO, The Houston Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgendered Political Caucus.
230th County Criminal Court
Incumbent: Judge Brad Hart
Candidate: Greg Glass
The Houston Sun endorses Attorney Greg Glass for judge of the 230th Criminal District Court.
Attorney Greg Glass, 66, is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law. He has 41 years of experience as a criminal trial attorney. Glass has argued before the state and federal courts in misdemeanor and felony cases. He is Board Certified in Criminal Law.
Glass is a strong believer in rehabilitation and discipline versus straight jail time. He is smart and knows his craft front and back.
The Pre- Trial bonding system is a concern of his. Glass believes there are too many ex prosecutors on the bench and the justice system is not balanced. Because the bond system is set up as is, Glass believes there are too many people in jail and the bonds should be reviewed and based on the person.
“People are humans and not statistics.”- Attorney Greg Glass
The incumbent is Judge Brad Hart. He is a graduate of South Texas College of Law and was hired as a prosecutor for the District Attorney’s office after passing the bar. In 2006, he was promoted to Felony District Court Chief. He has jury trial experience and was appointed in 2013 by Governor Rick Perry .
Attorney Greg Glass is ready for the bench.
He is more experienced than his opponent and is ready to administer impartial justice.
Harris County Criminal Court #2
Incumbent: William Harmon (R)
Candidate: Harold Landreneau (D)
The Houston Sun endorses Harold Landreneau for the Harris County Criminal Court #2.
Harold Landreneau, 45, is a graduate of the South Texas College of Law and is running to bring justice back to the County Criminal Courts. He has practiced criminal law for nine years. Landreneau was twice elected to The Harris County Bail Bond Board and served as a Harris County Precinct Judge from 2002-2013.
Landreneau wants to be a judge that will follow the law and be fair and impartial and not as another prosecutor who will automatically side with the prosecution. He believes in fairness and will be impartial while following the law.
If elected he will be on the bench on time and work for the people, deal with the backlog in this court and get the docket moving again, educate about PR Bonds because money shouldn’t dictate if someone gets a fair shot, interpreters for the vast multi- ethnic population in Houston and he will provide the proper demeanor of a judge while on the bench, cutting out mass pleadings and the chain gang parade in County Criminal Court #2.
Landreneau has a unique experience as a legal clerk and working his way up to the Chief Clerk gave him the opportunity to be able to learn how to facilitate a courtroom from the ground up. He is highly qualified to take on the position as judge of the County Criminal Court #2.
263rd Criminal District Court
Incumbent: Judge Jim Wallace
Candidate: Herb Ritchie
The Houston Sun endorses Herb Ritchie for the 263rd Criminal District Court.
Attorney Herb Ritchie,68, is a highly decorated academic who graduated from the University of Texas School of Law. He has 34 years of experience in criminal law, real estate law, civil law and he was counsel for Southwestern Bell Telephone. Ritchie is Board Certified in Criminal Law.
Ritchie was elected to the 337th Criminal District court from 2009-2012. His experience is vast and his demeanor is what will make him the best candidate. Known for reform over sentencing, Ritchie wants to improve the quality of life for those who come before him on the bench. The rulings usually lead to treatment and rehabilitation for non- violent offenders. His theory is that prison is not always the best choice.
Judge Jim Wallace has presided over the 263rd Criminal District Court for the last sixteen years. He has been elected four times since 1994. He is highly qualified for his seat. Wallace is a graduated from Texas A&M University- Commerce and is a former police officer and assistant district attorney. He is also Board Certified in Criminal Law.
Both candidates are qualified for the seat but have two different point of views and ruling styles.
If Ritchie is elected to the 263rd he will allow deferred adjudication or probation to be options, as he believes in second chances. He also wants to educate the youth while setting provisions that will help non- violent offenders.
Harris County Probate Court 4
Incumbent: Judge Christine Butts
Candidate: Attorney James Horwitz
The Houston Sun endorses Attorney James Horwitz for Probate Court 4.
Attorney James Horwitz, 65, after 37 years practicing civil law such as family law including divorces, mediation and probate law as well. After an unsuccessful run for City Council last year, Horwitz will run for a position better suited for his expertise, the presiding judge for Probate Court 4.
Incumbent Judge Christine Butts was voted in, in 2010 and is up for re-election. Judge Butts practiced probate and tax law for 14 years before she took the bench. She was honored as one of Houston’s Top Lawyer in 2007-2009 and was partner at Riddle, Butts and Aikens, LLP from 2007 until she was elected.
Horwitz experience is double of the Judge Butts but Probate Court 4 has a mental health docket that Horwitz believes he can make a true impact in. He has a B.S. in Psychology and has five years working as a Social Worker. But outside of family and mental health, Horwitz has practiced all aspects of probate law and is confident in his ability.
His promise to Houstonians is to be fair and impartial and balance the needs of the individuals versus the needs of society.
As a solo practitioner, Horwitz can hold his own in the legal world. He believes in community and the service elected officials should provide. Horwitz believes it is every public officials job to educate the public on how to help themselves in issues that they can handle.
Both contenders are University of Houston Law Center graduates.
County Criminal Court #8
Incumbent: Judge Jay Karahan, (R )
Candidate: Kelli Johnson, (D)
The Houston Sun endorses the incumbent, Judge Jay Karahan, for re-election to the County Criminal Court #8.
Judge Jay Karahan, 58, has presided over the Criminal Court #8 for the past 12 years. He has adjudicated over 60,000 serious misdemeanor cases and over 500 trials. Karahan is a graduate of South Texas College of Law. His 20 years of experience are vast and is what makes him the best for this seat.
Before finishing law school he was a law clerk. He graduated and passed the bar and became an Assistant District Attorney, and then he went on to become an Assistant to the U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice. His next step took him in the opposite direction as he flipped sides of the courtroom and became a defense attorney instead of a prosecutor. Karahan has also taught law and advocacy which adds to his knowledge base about his profession and position.
His personal experiences have molded him into a fair and even tempered man. Karahan is a humble man, was a single father and believes in being a “servant leader”.
Two key things that he plans on doing to keep improving his court is working hard on the Mental Health Jail Diversion Program Courts. It will be three of them, the 215th,5th and his court the 8th. These courts are designed to keep people out of jail who don’t need to be there but need help in other areas.
Attorneys will be trained to spot the mental health problems so the defendant can be diverted to the right court. Pre- Trial bonds are the also a target with Karahan. He does not like the Bail Bond business and how it is currently running in Harris County. He believes in using the PR Bonds as much as possible for non-violent crimes.
Judge Karahan understands his craft and is a Board Certified Criminal Lawyer. He runs an ethnically diverse courtroom and is ranked very highly amongst lawyers as a judge according to the Houston Bar Association. He believes that he allows his courtroom to flow and lets the jury decide and not make the defense attorneys sit on their hands and not do their job.
“I show up every day, on time, cases get tried without delay and I reset before each case. I don’t drag my thoughts from the last case to the next case. I stop and reset before each case.”- Judge Jay Karahan.
Attorney Kelli Johnson has served as a Harris County Assistant District Attorney for 15 years and for the last eight years as a Felony Chief Prosecutor in White Collar Crime and in the Trial Bureau. She has prosecuted thousands of cases from misdemeanors to Capital Murder. She is a graduate of South Texas College of Law. While in law school she clerked for the Court of Criminal Appeals.
Judge Karahan is in mid stride of doing tremendous work in his court. He is competent and well deserving of re-election. He is highly recommended to keep his seat as Judge of County Criminal Court #8.
190th Civil District Court
Incumbent: Judge Patricia Kerrigan (R)
Candidate: Attorney Farrah Martinez (D)
The Houston Sun endorses Judge Patricia Kerrigan for re-election of the 190th Civil District Court.
Judge Patricia Kerrigan, 63, is a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center and has practiced civil law for the 24 years. She was appointed to the 190th Court by Governor Rick Perry in December of 2007 and then she ran in 2008 primary and survived the Democratic sweep. She ran again in 2010, won and now she is back up for re-election.
Kerrigan is smart and has worked in many sectors of civil law such as product liability, tort, arbitration and commercial law. She has a patient temperament that will allow lawyers to do their job in her court, but she will still enforce the rules. Her philosophy is that when the wheels come off the car she is the one to put them back on and get them going in the right direction to get to the end.
Attorney Farrah Martinez, 35, has fire under her feet and she is ready to take the next step. Young and ambitious, Martinez graduated from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University and has been a solo practitioner for nine years. For the past six years she has worked as the Director of Legislative Affairs at the District Clerk Office. Martinez needs a little more preparation in the courtroom before she takes the next step to become a judge. Her down to earth demeanor and respect for the underdog will catapult Martinez in a future race.
If elected Attorney Martinez would like the judiciary to reflect the diversity of the city and bring the 190th Court from favoring the rich.
Judge Kerrigan is a hands-on judge who believes in being accessible. She is extremely knowledgeable and unafraid to do her job.
309th Family District Court
Incumbent: Judge Sheri Dean (R )
Candidate: Kathy Vossler (D)
The Houston Sun endorses Attorney Kathy Vossler for the 309th Family District Court.
Attorney Kathy Vossler , 52, is a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center and has practiced family law for the past 17 years. Her candor is what makes her the best candidate for this position as she has the right posture to keep a Family Court in line.
Vossler understands the practice of family law and has trial experience. She believes in having respect in the courts and providing litigants a dignified atmosphere. Her goal is to improve the court so families can have closure and move on.
The incumbent is Judge Sheri Dean, a graduate of South Texas College of Law. She practiced 18 years of family law as a solo practitioner before she was appointed to the 309th by Governor Rick Perry in 2010. The same year she was elected to the seat and she is now up for re-election.
Some of the issues in the 309th that Vossler wants to fix are the pre-trial docket. She believes it is a waste of time if the case is not about to be heard. Vossler calls it 1-3 hours of wasted time and billable hours for people who can barely afford it. She would also honor mediated settlement agreements. She just wants to apply the law and not add anything to it. Her goal is to be a good competent person that judges each case individually, while having integrity.
55th Civil District Court
Judge Jeff Shadwick (R)
Attorney Kay Morgan (D)
The Houston Sun endorses Kay Morgan and Judge Jeff Shadwick for the 55th Civil District Court.
Attorney Kay Morgan, 67, has 33 years experience practicing law. Her scope in civil law is wide, as she has practiced commercial/business litigation, personal injury, products liability, medical malpractice and insurance law.
Morgan is a graduate of St. Mary’s University School of Law, and from there clerked for the Honorable John Brown in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in which she learned about how to practice and apply the law.
The incumbent is Judge Jeff Shadwick. He is a graduate of Baylor Law School and has 28 years experience as an attorney in civil litigation. For the past five years he has served on the 55th District Court bench. In 2007 he was appointed by Governor Rick Perry and lost in the 2008 election. In 2010 he made a comeback and now is back up for election. He has also served twice on HISD’s School Board in the past.
Judge Shadwick knows his craft and understands the emotion of the court. He has a sense of fairness and believes everyone deserves their day in court. Shadwick has a sense of humility and is a single father, which also provides for his sense of humor and common sense.
Morgan if elected would like to make a change in the 55th. She would like to decrease summary judgments, which don’t allow for jury trials. Compassion, dignity and a level playing field is what Morgan is offering along with her vast experience.
Judge Shadwick would like to help lawyers to understand the process of summary judgments in the 55th. If the summary judgment is done correctly he will rule and move the docket. He would also continue to mentor young lawyers and law students in order to help with decorum and also show them the way to get better at their craft.
Attorney Kay Morgan is ready for her shot to lead and has put in the work to get there, but Judge Shadwick is effective and runs his court in an efficient manner. Both contenders are worthy of the position.
295th Civil District Court
Judge Carol E. Baker (R)
Latosha Lewis (D)
The Houston Sun endorses Judge Carol E. Baker and Attorney Latosha Lewis for the 295th Civil District Court.
Attorney Latosha Lewis is an extremely bright civil lawyer that has practiced for the past 14 years. She has argued cases such as personal injury, environmental, property damage claims, premise liability, breach of contract claims, insurance coverage claims, debt collection, workers compensation and consumer credit reporting.
The incumbent is Judge Carol E. Baker, 51. Baker served as a civil court judge for 16 years. A graduate of Princeton and the University of Texas Law School, Baker has 20 years of civil trial experience. She is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and a Certified Mediator.
Judge Baker was elected in the 1997 to the 151st Civil District bench and held on to her seat for 11 years until she lost in 2008. Governor Perry appointed Judge Baker to fill a vacant seat in 2009 and then she was elected in 2010 to the 295th Civil Court.
Her demeanor as a judge is one of understanding and experience. Baker wants to create an atmosphere of an equal playing field where lawyers can be heard. She is not scared to do her job and is quite knowledgeable about her role as a judge.
Service is another key component of her work as she volunteers in the S.T.A.A.R. court to help people with their addiction and restructure their families.
Judge Baker would like to make improvements inside the civil courts such as the Ancillary system for emergency motions. She would like to take it back to the old system, where a judge only heard emergency cases for two weeks to handle those particular situations. Baker believes the new system is confusing and not fair to the people who need relief, the judge or those on trial. The e-filing system is also a concern as well as she feels people need complete access to the courts whether they have internet access or not. A balance of technology and the walk- in process is an issue she would like resolved.
Lewis is a graduate of University of Texas School of Law as well. She made partner at Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP while practicing Environmental law.
What makes Lewis the viable and the candidate of choice is her willingness to put in the extra work to have a low docket count, her commitment to service and her dedication to help pro- se litigants through the judicial process.
Judge Baker is poised to continue her work and improve throughout the next four years. She is a strong candidate choice.
Harris County Criminal Court #4
Incumbent: Judge John Clinton (R)
Candidate: Nikita “Niki” Harmon (D)
The Houston Sun endorses Attorney Nikita “Niki” Harmon for the Harris County Criminal Court #4.
Attorney Nikita “Niki” Harmon, 54, has 24 years of experience practicing criminal law. She is a graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. As a practicing attorney, she focused on family law and criminal defense.
Harmon aided victims of domestic abuse and provided assistance to battered women and their children in family domestic court with a strong emphasis on custody hearings and property division.
She has comprehensive knowledge of court processes and procedures. In 1999, she was appointed by the City of Houston Courts as a municipal judge and has served in that position for 14-years where she presided over numerous jury and bench trails.
Harmon says that she is the best candidate for the position because she believes the judiciary system needs improving so that citizens can have confidence in the system. Harmon believes she is extremely fair and practices impartiality as a municipal judge. In addition, if elected to the bench for Harris County Criminal Court #4 she will not be influenced by race or wealth when it comes to dispensing justice.
One of the goals she would like to accomplish is having a specialty court for first time, non-violent offenders and give access to Pre-Trial diversion. She would also like to provide a life skills program for young women in court for prostitution.
Harmon understands procedure and how to facilitate a court, she can move the docket while understanding everyone’s time.
Her mantra is fair, formed and focused. Fair, meaning that she treats everyone with dignity and respect. Formed meaning she will run a very efficient and effective courtroom and; Focused, meaning she will apply the law consistently and fairly even when it may not be the popular thing to do.
County Probate Court #1
Incumbent: Judge Lloyd Wright
Candidate: Kim Hoesl
The Houston Sun endorses Attorney Kim Hoesl for judge of the County Probate Court #1.
Attorney Kim Hoesl has practiced civil and probate law for the past 11 years. She has extensive trial experience and is knowledgeable about the law.
If elected, Hoesl will not be afraid of getting a contested case heard. She believes in making a decision and standing on it. Her experience as an attorney has allowed her to know how to get it right and get the job done.
She believes everyone deserves their day in court and she wants to revamp the appointment system to make it fair for indigent clients. Community outreach is also a big deal for Hoesl as she believes there needs to be a bridging of the community and the court.
“Having judges who are inexperienced in trial matters is a particular problem in the probate courts.”- Attorney Kim Hoesl
Hoesl would like to bring change to the County Probate Court #1 by starting the docket in a timely manner, listen to the facts with fresh ears and use her knowledge of both the law and process necessary for justice.
The incumbent is Judge Lloyd Wright who was elected in 2010. He is up for re-election.
185th Criminal District Court
Incumbent: Susan Brown (R)
Candidate: Mack McInnis (D)
The Houston Sun endorses Mack McInnis for the 185th Criminal District Court.
Mack McInnis, 68 is a well-respected civil rights criminal defense lawyer and a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center. He is Board Certified in Criminal Law and has 32 years of experience. As of now he works at the Harris County Attorney’s Office in the Child Protective Division.
This isn’t McInnis’ first rodeo but he is still seeking office because he wants to change the Harris County system of Grand Juries. He says it has become a shameful scandal.
McInnis says his opponent Judge Susan Brown has convened the runaway Grand Jury that smeared former District Attorney Patricia Lykos. He believes she uses an archaic and notorious method of selecting grand juries called the pick-a-pal method and the sealing of grand jury records in Harris County.
McInnis also want to return to a fairer, cheaper, and safer Pretrial Release Program so that non-violent working class defendants will be returned to work before trail rather than waiting months in jail which often causes them to lose jobs while waiting for court dates.
If elected to the bench for the 185th Criminal District Court McInnis hopes to end the pick-a-pal grand jury system, to convince the judges in Harris County to return to a fair pretrial release program and to end the wrongful convictions which are caused by a failed crime lab and evidence storage system that must be reformed.
McInnis has been endorsed by every Democratic organization and has the strong support of community leaders and attorneys who care about reforming the judicial system.
314th Juvenile District Court
Judge John Phillips (R)
Natalia Oakes (D)
The Houston Sun endorses Attorney Natalia Oakes for the 314th Juvenile Family District Court.
Attorney Natalia Oakes, 62, has 14 years handling juvenile delinquencies as lawyer. A former school teacher and a very involved parent, Oakes is apt to understand juveniles and are able to work with them. Her experience in the courtroom has only pertained to juveniles and family law and she is a certified mediator.
Oakes is a graduate of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law of Texas Southern University and has worked with the Juvenile Law Section of the Houston Bar Association.
Judge John Phillips is a graduate of South Texas College of Law, and a former Assistant District Attorney. Judge Phillips had a private law practice for 16 years. He was elected to judge in the 314th District Court in 2002. Judge Phillips was re-elected again in 2006 and 2010. He currently serves as Administrative Judge of the juvenile division. Judge Phillips helped develop the Juvenile Mental Health Court.
Oakes has goals for the 314th Juvenile Court, which includes changing the temperance of the court from one of alleged intimidation to a positive morale. She would also like to see more effective rehab programs such as the expansion of the mental health court where there can be more juveniles seen inside the court.
Although Judge Phillips has brought new programs into the 314th Juvenile Court, it could be improved on dramatically and the method of ruling out Grandparents Rights is archaic. Attorney Natalia Oakes will be the best candidate for the future of the 314th Juvenile Family Court.
Harris County Criminal Court #5
Judge Margaret Stewart Harris (R)
Ramona Franklin (D)
The Houston Sun endorses Attorney Ramona Franklin for the Harris County Criminal Court #5.
Attorney Ramona Franklin,42, is a rarity in this midterm election. After graduating from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Michigan, she went to work in the District Attorney’s office before she became a criminal defense lawyer, so she has been on both sides of the courtroom.
Her desire to make a difference and not just lock people up is definitely a perk in this race.
Franklin has practiced law for the past 12 years. Her diverse background and the want to be impartial and fair will make a difference in Harris County.
Judge Margaret Harris graduated from the University of Houston Law Center in 1986. She too has served as a prosecutor as she worked for Harris County District Attorney Johnny Holmes as a prosecutor in 1986, and promoted to Felony Chief Prosecutor in December 1991. She also served for many years in the Special Crimes Bureau, prosecuting Public Integrity, Major Narcotics, and Major Fraud cases.
Harris was elected to the bench in 2002.
Harris County courts have developed a reputation for prosecutors becoming judges that prosecute from the bench. Franklin wants to rid the bench of that and just follow the law. Pre-trial diversion will be another goal that she will work on if elected to the County Criminal Court #5.
246th Family District Court
Open Seat
Candidate: Attorney Sandra Peake (D)
Candidate: Charley Prine (R )
The Houston Sun endorses Attorney Sandra Peake.
The current judge in the 246th Family District Court will not run again for the seat. So it is fair game and may the best candidate win.
Attorney Sandra Peake has 30 years of experience as a civil lawyer practicing mainly family law such as divorces, custody modifications and enforcements, post divorce division and adoptions, family mediation, wills and probate, Social Security appeals and consumer bankruptcy. She is a certified mediator, hearing officer and an instructor at HCC for Legal Assistants to be certified.
Peake is a graduate of the University of Houston College of Law.
Charley Prine is a graduate of South Texas College of Law and has been practicing family, probate and real estate law for almost 20 years. He is an Associate Judge in the 309th District Court.
Attorney Peake is the best candidate for the 246th Family Court because of her efficiency and experience. She wants to run a timely court and move the docket but in a fair manner. If elected she will be the first African American woman to be elected to the family court bench in Houston. Due to her vast experience in family law Peake will have no problem adjusting to the position.
311th Family District Court
Incumbent: Judge Alicia Franklin
Candidate: Attorney Sherri Cothrun
The Houston Sun endorses Attorney Sherri Cothrun for 311th Family District Court Judge.
Attorney Sherri Cothrun, 58, has practiced Family Law for 30 years and is ready for the next step. She has ran before in 1994 and in 2010 to no avail but this year may be a different story. Sherri has a way of relating to people that will do well in the courtroom as a judge.
Cothrun is a graduate of Pepperdine Law School. She is Board Certified as a Family Law Specialist and was voted Most Qualified Candidate in 2014 by the Houston Bar Association for the 311th Family Court Bench. She has practice family law, is a certified mediator and arbitrator.
The incumbent judge Alicia Franklin was appointed by Governor Rick Perry after Judge Pratt resigned. Franklin graduated from St. Mary’s School of Law in 2003 and practiced until her appointment.
Franklin is not nearly as qualified for the position as Cothrun and her experience overshadows the incumbent.
Cothrun wants to improve the courts website to help guide constituents who want to defend themselves through the process and also provided services in Spanish and Vietnamese.
113th Civil District Court
Incumbent: Judge Michael Landrum (R)
Candidate: Attorney Steven Kirkland (D)
The Houston Sun endorses Attorney Steven Kirkland for Judge of the 113th Civil District Court.
Attorney Steven Kirkland, 54, is not a stranger to the bench. He served as judge in the 215th Civil Court from 2008 and lost in the 2012 race. He championed the Homeless Recovery Court in the Municipal Courts, where he has been a judge since 2001, as a way to satisfy warrants accumulated by the homeless without them going to jail. In the 215th District Court he mandated e-filing in all cases and saved constituents money by being prepared for court.
Kirkland has 24 years of legal experience and 12 years of judicial experience. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston Law Center.
He has represented all types of litigants from individual homeowners to international oil companies. He has been on both sides of the courtroom and has the experience as a judge as well.
His commitment is to be fair, transparent and give diversity to the courtroom.
Incumbent Judge Michael Landrum,62, is an appointee of Governor Rick Perry in 2012 to the 113th Civil Court bench. He is well qualified for his position as judge as well. He practiced law for 37 years before he was appointed to his seat. He graduated from UT School of Law and is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Appellate Court Law. He has practiced before the Supreme Court of Texas and the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Landrum also has 22 years experience as an arbitrator and 14 years under his belt dealing with delinquent tax cases.
Judge Landrum is understanding and has the temperament that anyone would want to see on the bench. He is known to be accessible and know the law. He believes in transparency and order. Landrum understands the business of law and the inner workings of being a judge. He is definitely a viable candidate for re-election.
Kirkland is ready for the bench again. He has the experience and has even served as a juror before. He understands the plight of the plaintiff, the defendant and the juror. He sees every case as important and believes every case should be heard and given a fair verdict based solely on the law.
281st Civil District Court
Incumbent: Judge Sylvia Matthews
Candidate: Tanner Garth
The Houston Sun endorses Attorney Tanner Garth for the 281st Civil District Court.
Attorney Tanner Garth, 57, has practiced civil law for the past 27 years and is a graduate of the South Texas College of Law. He is a Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer. This is not Garth’s first run for judge but this should be a successful run.
Garth would like to return the morale back to the 281st Court. He would like to give respect and dignity to the litigants that come into the court by providing an equal and fair chance.
Judge Sylvia Matthews was appointed to the 281st in 2008 by Governor Rick Perry. She has had 20 years of trial experience and was partner before she became a judge. She believes in fairness and hard work.
Garth believes it is very important to give back to the community and teaches as an adjunct at South Texas College of Law doing mock trial teams.
313th Juvenile District Court
Incumbent: Judge Glenn Devlin (R)
Candidate: Tracy Good (D)
The Houston Sun endorses Attorney Tracy Good for the 313th District Court.
Attorney Tracy Good, 47, is a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center and has 9 years under his belt practicing law. He is a private practitioner and has argued cases in civil and family law such as juvenile cases, contract drafting, bankruptcy and consumer fraud. Before Good became an attorney he was a CPA.
Judge Glenn Devlin has 30 years experience practicing law involving Child Protective Service and delinquency cases. He was elected in 2010 and serves on the Harris County Juvenile Board, developed and presides over the only Juvenile Gang Court in Texas.
Judge Devlin also served on the bench in Spring Valley, Texas.
Attorney Good makes the best candidate choice because of his desire to create an even playing field for those who are less fortunate. He wants to make the Harris County Public Defenders Office more accessible and have better resources. He will make sure lawyers are not making excessive and fraudulent billable hours with CPS, by making the case go to trial by 12-18 months. Good wants to get rid of the pay to play system and even it out for all litigants that come before the 313th bench.
Battle red Texans fall to green Eagles 31-21
The Texans charged into NRG Stadium with their Battle Red jerseys on and blazing and ready for business against the Philadelphia Eagles. This was the Texans fourth home game and even though the weather outside was picture perfect at 72 degrees mildly cool and sunny. Management elected not to open the stadium to the crisp blue skies. It might have been a wise choice since the Texans lost another game they could have won.
First quarter action began with the Philadelphia Eagles striking first with a 59-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Nick Foles to wide receiver Jeremy Maclin putting the Eagles up on the board 7-0.
The Texans came back with a Foles’ interception intended for wide receiver Riley Cooper but was scooped up by Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye, for a 51-yard touchdown to put the Texans up 7 with the Eagles to tie the game.
The Eagles would score again but without its first string quarterback. Foles fell with two back-to-back sacks by Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus near the end of the first quarter. He was taken out of the game and replaced by back-up quarterback Mark Sanchez. It was later revealed that Foles had suffered a shoulder and collarbone injury.
Sanchez got into field-action quickly taking his first drive 60-yards in six plays moving the ball along the field. He scored his first touchdown of the season with a short left pass to wide receiver Jordan Matthews for an 11-yard score. Eagles lead Texans 14-7.
It took the Texans a couple of drives to get back on the scoreboard due to an illegal block penalty by tackle Duane Brown. Fitzpatrick threw a deep right 56-yard touchdown pass to running back Arian Foster to tie the game 14 to 14.
With a little less than four minutes left before the half time break a 45-yard field goal by Eagles’ kicker Cody Parkey put Philadelphia up by three points leading Houston 17 to 14.
The third quarter was a bit messy for the Texans. Fitzpatrick threw too many incompletions and wide receiver Andrea Johnson had a reception coming straight to him but it seemed to slide off his hands, and kicker Randy Bullock missed a 39-yard field goal.
The Eagles extended their lead with an 8-yard touchdown run by running back Chris Polk. The Eagles now lead 24-14.
The Texans came back in the fourth quarter with a 7-yard pass from Fitzpatrick to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for a touchdown that put the TeBattle Day Red Texans at NRG Stadiumxans within three of the Eagles 24-21.
The remainder of the final quarter was
all Eagles. Sanchez hit Maclin with an 8-yard touchdown pass that extended Philadelphia’s lead by 10 with a final score of 31-21.
The Texans are now (4-5). They are off next week and will meet the Cleveland Browns on November 16.
sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com
Light of Justice:Texas Defender Service
Since 1995, The Texas Defender Service (TDS) has sought to articulate the message that the criminal justice system in the second largest state in the nation should be fair and just. In addition, its mission is also to educate the public about the flaws in the Texas death penalty system.
At TDS Light of Justice Luncheon on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at the Houston Hilton of Americas, the keynote guest speaker best-selling author, scholar and historian Thomas Cahill presented the issue of disparities in the criminal justice system and how these disparities begin at childhood.
Cahill opened his presentation with Biblical writings from the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. “When I was a child, I spoke like as a child. When I was a child, I thought like a child. When I became a man, I put away childish things. These were the words referenced by Barack Obama at his first inauguration,” Cahill said.
“Now imagine if your life as a child was one of sadness, deprivation, beatings, humiliation. How do you put away childish things if you haven’t had the chance to be a child? How do you become a man as the Paul says if you never had a chance to be a child? How do you grow up if you never had the chance to be a child?” asked Cahill.
“Every psychologist will say unless you have had the chance to be a child to play, to battle, to explore and to try things out while yielding parental admiration and love you cannot successfully negotiate the transition from a child to an adolescent; and from an adolescent to an adult and never become a genuine adult.”
Building on his theme, of childhood unfairness, cruelty and abuse, Cahill said that when parents take out their adult frustrations on the helpless body of a child with constant humiliation, beatings and even torture that most of these children will most likely face the law and sooner or later find themselves facing prison time. And he added that it is more prevalent for the males who come from abusive homes who experienced a healthy childhood to end in prison.
Cahill told the story of one of his friends, a respected journalist and writer. But a one time, the friend was a bank robber. Cahill’s friend eventually was caught and served some prison time. “My friend revealed to me recently that he never met a man in prison who was not beaten by his father, mother or abused or abandon,” said Cahill. His friend had lost his mother at a young age and the father had trouble coping with the lost took his frustrations out on his son by delivering terrible frequent beatings.
Equating the meanness and unfairness of such situations, Cahill said it is accepted by society because they are able to look beyond circumstances especially if someone is poor and black. To add validity to his assessment, Cahill pointed out that he doesn’t know one white wealthy man on deathrow. “The system doesn’t send people like me to deathrow. They send people who don’t look like them. It’s not that blacks commit more crime than whites. It’s that the courts sentence them because most don’t have good representation and because of their race,” said Cahill.
“It reminds you of a certain form of Calvinism which is really destructive. I think they are looking to kill people who are different from them inn many circumstances with retributive justice or punishing wrongdoers for violating the law. Texas is particularly afflicted with it. Let’s get them. Let’s get the people who are not us. Let’s get the others,” Cahill said.
Cahill told the story of another man, Dominique Green a former Texas Death Row inmate who he had grown close to while he was on deathrow. “Dominique was young, black and poor. Before he got on deathrow at 18, he was a petty drug pusher. He came from a family where his mother, a prostitute will discipline him by beating him and holding his hands over open flames until their burned. His father was a pimp and would also beat him. Dominique ended up living in a storage unit for three years from the age of 15. He was a schizophrenic even developed multiple personalities, said Cahill.
Green entered onto the Texas Deathrow in July of 1993 after he was convicted of robbing and shooting a man along with three other guys. Green admitted to being present at the scene of the murder, but claimed he was only the lookout guy and shot no one. One guy who partook in the crime was white. The grand jury No-Bill he while the other two black guys worked out prison plea deals.
Cahill met Green at the request of Judge Sheila Murphy who was working on the appeal of the case. Cahill said that he found a level of goodness and peace in Green.
“Through all that Dominique had been through he had blossomed into a beautiful human being. He became an advocate reader, student and an excellent writer. He was an expert on the legal system and helped other inmates with their cases. I don’t believe that he killed anyone” said Cahill.
Cahill even convinced Archbishop Desmond Tutu to come all the way from South Africa to the Walls Unit of the Texas Death Row to visit Green who had great admiration for the renowned social rights activist. Archbishop Tutu even pleaded for mercy for Green.
“Dominique was deeply impressed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s book, No Future Without Forgiveness. Dominique believed in forgiveness and encouraged others to forgive and asked for forgiveness and to drop all pettiness,” said Cahill.
On October 26, 2004, Dominique Green was executed by lethal injection. His final statement was: I am not angry, but I am disappointed that I was denied justice. But I am happy that I was afforded you all as family and friends. You all have been there for me; it’s a miracle. I love you…I am not as strong as I thought I was going to be. But I guess it only hurts for a little while. You all are my family. Please keep my memory alive.”
Cahill was so moved by Green’s plight and remarkable triumph while on deathrow that he wrote a book on Green’s story called A Saint on Death Row.
One of the Texas Defender Service core projects is the Policy Project which seeks to improve capital and indigent defense policy at the county and state levels through research and advocacy. In the past year, TDS has trained more than 2,500 capital defense team members.
Bobby Seale, Co-Founder and Chairman of Black Panther Party talks history, progression 48 years later
Black leather, big, beautiful, perfectly molded afros and strong Black men and women carrying huge Dirty Harry style guns is the impression that comes to mind when hearing the co- founder of the Black Panther Party is in Houston for the 48th annual anniversary of the organization.
Instead, three members, Co- Founder/Chairman Bobby Seale, Stephen Edwards of the Houston Chapter and Jonina Abron Irvin, the former Editor of the Black Panther Party Newspaper, who looked like normal grandparents sat before the press with bounds and bounds of stories and memories that were as captivating as an story grandma or grandpa could ever tell.
In 1966, Bobby Seale and Huey Newton recognized the disparities in the Black community of Oakland, California and the blatant racism. They grew tired but not weary. Instead of continuing to grumble they put their brains and muscle together to form one of the most influential and memorable organizations in the history of America.
Seale created a 10- point platform on the need for freedom and as a war on poverty. The party was formed on his birthday October 22, 1966. In the mid 60’s the country was amidst turbulent fighting for human civil rights and the anti-Vietnam movement, when a young Black college student with an aerospace engineering job inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. quit his job and began organizing for youth jobs in North Richmond.
Soon a small group of men began to meet and to learn the law. Memorizing and understanding the law was the niche that made the Black Panthers so dangerous because they knew what could and couldn’t be done under the law and they could stand on it. They began patrolling the police. They would stand the mandated distance away with their weapons and tape recorders observing their actions.
“The police jumps up to tell us you have no right to observe us and Huey began to state the law. The looked around like what kind of negroes are they,” said Seale?
By Huey Newton, the Minister of Defense, knowing the law, they captured the attention of the police and the people.
“The first year we had 50 members. We had people like Eldridge Cleaver and his wife Kathleen by May of 1967,” said Seale. “In the early days the Black Panthers were for self defense and even women wanted to join and carry guns.”
Seale believed to really create change Blacks had to be elected into “power seats”. In the 60’s when the Black Power phrase was popular there were 50 Blacks in office across America, said Seale. The only way to change the racist laws was to be in some type of position of power to create legislation.
Changing legislation was exactly what happened but not for the party. Politicians began to change the laws where they stopped the Panthers from carrying weapons.
“We were rising up and resisting,” said Seale. “They made the Jim Crow laws and it had to be enforced. Its one thing to holler Black Power this and that but power comes from the ability to make phenomena act is a desired manner. They will kill you and murder you about taking that power.”
The Panthers did amazing work within California that began to spread in Black communities all over the country. The breakfast program started and community support systems were flourishing.
“The reasons schools have free breakfast programs now is because of us,” said Jonina Abron Irvin, Former Editor of the Black Panther Newspaper. “J. Edgar Hoover called the program a threat. He understood the power of feeding hungry children.”
The next phase was to apply the original intent, which was to get the proper legislation passed. They tried to get referendums passed in three cities, Richmond, Oakland and San Francisco. San Francisco was the only city that received enough votes to get the Police Patrol Referendum on the ballot. It allowed for 3-5 community members who were duly elected to review and investigate police complaints.
The party began to dissolve by 1974 and Seale resigned from his seat as chairman. Political organizing mistakes, central community framework and mistakenly breaking down of chapters allowed for the dissolution of the Panthers after close to 10 years of service.
Seale passed down advice to the younger Black community that they should continue to run for political office.
“In 1960 there were 500,000 seats we (Blacks) could be elected to and we only had 50,” said Seale. “We couldn’t vote and it had to be changed and it was the reason we started the Black Panther Party. Now we have the Black Caucus and 42 power seats, we must keep those seat, its power.”
Seale went on to say that people don’t need guns in this day and age. They just need video cameras and an organizing mind and spirit. If the political seats can be gained and the community takes over the local government then a community can gain real control.
The Black Panther Party will celebrate their 48th Anniversary at the Communication Workers of America (CWA) Hall in downtown Houston on Friday, October 24, 2014 at 7:00 pm.
Early Vote starts today Oct. 20
The midterm elections are here and the Early Voting process starts today, October 20th.
Voters need their identification card and their voter registration card.
Remember it is important that your ID and your voter registration card match with all of your information or you will not be able to vote.
For polling locations and further details visit www.harrisvotes.org
Wendy Davis takes over Houston before early vote
Amy Purdy: Oprah’s The Life You Want Tour
Snowboarding champion and “Dancing With The Stars” finalist, Amy Purdy who lost both of her legs from a bacterial meningitis infection 16-years ago has a lot to be thankful for and she is sharing her story and inspiring others on Oprah’s “The Live the Life You Want” Eight City Tour which kicked-off in Atlanta in the early fall and will end in San Jose in November. The Houston dates are October 17 -18 at the Toyota Center. Purdy is representing the tour’s title sponsor, Toyota as the Toyota Athlete and Brand Ambassador.
Her story is one of inspiration and courage. She refused to succumb to a disease that shut down her kidneys, robbed her of her spleen and legs. Instead she decided to fight back and she triumphed. Within seven months after receiving her prosthetics she was back on the fresh white snow doing what she loves; gracefully descending down mountains and standing tall on her snowboard.
“With a grateful heart anything is possible no matter what the circumstances are. You have to push off the obstacles to move forward. I don’t look at myself as a victim or someone who lost their legs. I am thankful for my prosthetics. They have allowed me to travel the world and afforded me many opportunities,” said Purdy.
Purdy was invited by Oprah to share her triumphant story on the “The Live the Life You Want” tour. In addition, Purdy also joins Oprah on stage to recognize extraordinary people in each of the cities who have made a profound difference in their communities. Purdy the presents the recipient(s) with the Toyota Standing Ovation Award, a $25,000 grant to help the recipient(s) to further fund their causes.
“I am so honored to be a part of this. I was really touched by the Newark, New Jersey Toyota Standing Ovation recipient, Tawanda Jones, founder of the Camden Sophisticated Sisters Drill Team. This lady has made a huge impact on the lives of the students in her community where only 50% graduate from high school,” said Purdy.
She continued, “Ms. Jones has empowered and inspired these kids to move forward. The amazing factor is that 100% of the kids that has come through her program have all gradated high school. Right now there are 400 students on the waiting list. I hope that the $25,000 will help her find a building and expand.”
Purdy doesn’t like to call herself a motivation speaker but a storyteller and sharer of life stories. She believes in working hard and she sees herself as a perfectionist. I really enjoyed “Dancing With The Stars.” As an athlete, I was used to training for long periods. So, I didn’t mind the intense training. I enjoyed the experience and actually came out as a pretty good dancer. ,” said Purdy.
When speaking to audiences throughout the nation. No matter if the setting is a college campus or a large corporation; there are always two common questions that people asked Purdy. One refers to her pivotal moment in overcoming her crisis and the other refers to her tenure on “Dancing With The Stars.”
“I always tell people that you don’t necessarily overcome but you make it through any difficulty with gratitude. You have to believe and be grateful through situations. Most people wait for things to perfect and that is not it. It is about pushing through an obstacle and moving forward which can open new doors and opportunities,” said Purdy.
Purdy’s story has opened many doors for her and she travels nine months out of the year. When Purdy is not on the road with her speaking engagements, television appearances and acting, she relaxes at her home in Colorado.
And the day I was speaking with her she was at home carving pumpkins before she got back on the road with the Toyota Standing Ovation Award/Oprah’s Live the Life You Want Tour.
sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com
Texans cash in on the Bills for 23-17 win at NRG
The Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills went into Week 4 with a record of 2-1. Both teams needed the win, yet it was hard to tell since both teams didn’t manage to score in the first quarter. Both offenses looked like a big wrestling brawl on the field dropping balls, missing passes, tugging, pulling and not putting any points on the board.
The Bills came back in the second quarter and put 10 on the board with an EJ Manning touchdown pass to wide receiver Sammy Watkins and a field goal by kicker, Dan Carpenter. Deep into the second half with less than a minute on the clock Fitzpatrick connected with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for a 35-yard touchdown with the Bills leading 10-7 in the half.
At the top of the 3rd Quarter with the Texans possessing the ball, Fitzpatrick threw an interception that ended in the hands of outside linebacker Nigel Bradham. Two plays later, something magical happened, Manning threw a pass which was intercepted by JJ Watt on the 20. Watt brought it for an 80-yard touchdown. Texans led 14 to 7.
A 41-yard field goal by Texans kicker Randy Bullock earned the Texans three more points putting them out front with a 17-7 lead after a 12-play, 42-yard drive guided by Fitzpatrick.
Early in the fourth quarter Bullock scored again with a 55-yard field goal. After the kickoff, Bills wide receiver Mike Williams caught a, 80-yard touchdown. The score was Texans 20 and Bills 14.
The Texans responded with a 50-yard field goal with less than five minutes to go for a 23-17 lead. This was Bullock’s fourth field goal in the game. With only a 1:14 left on the clock Buffalo tried to go deep for a touchdown but it was intercepted by Texans defensive back Darryl Morris.
Even though it was a victory for the Texans, Fitzpatrick performance was not that good. He threw for 268 years with two interceptions. The Texans might consider bringing in backup quarterbacks, Ryan Mallett or Tom Savage to get some field time on the upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Myron Anderson Listening Back Foundation Hosts Second Annual scholarship fundraiser on October 12th (FREE Admission)
(Houston)….It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year and a half since Houston lost one of its most popular radio personalities. Myron Anderson―
host of Listening Back with Myron on KTSU-FM Radio for over 30 years―passed away suddenly from a stroke in February 2013. The Texas Southern University Distinguished Alumni graduate was only 63.
Since Myron’s death last year, his widow Beth is determined to keep his legacy alive. On Sunday, October 12, 2014, from 5-9 pm (three days before Myron would have turned 65), the Myron Anderson Listening Back Foundation will host its Second Annual Scholarship Fundraiser. Friends and fans are invited to come out and “party with a purpose” at one of Myron’s favorite night clubs, The Red Rooster, 4937 Martin Luther King Blvd. & OST.
Admission to the fundraiser is FREE but everyone is encouraged to make a generous donation toward the Scholarship Fund which benefits a graduating senior from Myron’s alma mater Evan E. Worthing High School. The evening will include great food, door prizes, dancing to the oldies (including Myron’s favorite Temptations), as well as a few surprises.
The highlight of the event will be the unveiling of a new framed wall photograph of Myron which will be presented to KTSU-FM Radio in Myron’s memory on his birthday October 15.
For more information, contact Beth Anderson at 832-850-0447.
Coalition of National Civil and Human Rights Organizations ApplaudJustice Department’s Announcement of Racial Bias in Law Enforcement Study and Civil Rights Investigation of Ferguson Police Department Coalition Continues to Urge National Reforms and Recommendations to Address Police Abuse
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 23, 2014 – A coalition of national civil and human rights organizations and leaders concerned about police abuse commends last week’s announcement by Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. launching the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice. The initiative will enlist a team of criminal justice researchers to study racial bias in law enforcement in five U.S. cities and will focus on training to reduce bias and ensure fairness in law enforcement. The group also applauds the federal investigation by the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division of the Ferguson, Missouri, Police Department following the August 9, 2014 fatal shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed African American teenager, by a Darren Wilson, a white police officer. The weeks following Mr. Brown’s death have seen protests, unrest and further police-related incidents in the area, underscoring a deep schism between the police and the communities they are supposed to protect and serve.
Lawyers’ Committee President and Executive Director Barbara Arnwine and Public Policy Director Tanya Clay House, originally convened 14 national civil and human rights organizations and leaders to issue a Unified Statement of Action to Promote Reform and Stop Police Abuse on August 18, 2014. Two of the coalition’s recommendations have come to fruition: an independent and comprehensive investigation by the DOJ of Michael Brown’s shooting death and the use of body-worn cameras by Ferguson police officers. The group continues to call for the use of police officer body-worn cameras nationally and commends the White House’s recent announcement of testing of body-worn cameras by the U.S. Border Patrol. Notably, five additional groups, including the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, and more than 340 independent signatories, have joined the open letter which was sent to the White House and the DOJ.
The coalition is also encouraged by Attorney General Holder’s emphasis on the need for diversity across police departments and his description of the proactive steps that the DOJ has taken to engage the St. Louis County Police Department during his remarks regarding the civil rights investigation. Yet while the investigation of Mr. Brown’s death, as well as the racial bias study and its associated results are significant steps forward, the groups continue to call upon the DOJ, FBI, and police departments across the country to comprehensively address the ongoing killing of unarmed African American and Latino youth and adults by police and civilians alike that may have been motivated by racial bias, and to effect universal and long-term systemic reform to end police killings and the use of excessive force. In addition, the group continues to urge release of the federal racial profiling guidance, improved community policing, federal oversight of the distribution of federal weaponry and Congressional hearings on the use of excessive and deadly force by police.
The coalition, which remains in conversation with the White House, the DOJ, Ferguson and St. Louis County officials, and community groups and leaders, will continue to closely monitor related police-involved shootings and brutality nationwide. Likewise, the group will remain a vital part of ongoing reforms, recommendations and actions.
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“As the federal investigation of the Ferguson Police Department continues, revealing the actual practices by the police department, including patterns of racially disproportionate policing, and as the Department of Justice’s study of racial bias in law enforcement gets underway, the Lawyers’ Committee remains hopeful that the application of the rule of law will yield a just and fair result for Michael Brown and his family and former and pending police lawsuits and internal investigations nationwide. Also, the Ferguson tragedy heightens national awareness of the criticality of voting. It is your right and your duty to make your voice heard by exercising the fundamental right to vote to effect change in your community and in the nation.”
-Barbara R. Arnwine, President and Executive Director, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
“Attorney General Eric Holder’s plan to investigate racial bias among law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, is a bold first step towards justice for thousands of victims of racial profiling throughout the country. The NAACP Missouri State Conference has been a leader on this front, filing five complaints with the Department of Justice, with regards to cases in St. Louis County. We applaud Attorney General Holder for his leadership in investigating the police interactions that resulted in the death of Michael Brown and that of others across the country. ”
-Cornell William Brooks, President and CEO, NAACP
“The A. Philip Randolph Institute supports the recommended strategy of reform to ensure that the problem of police abuse is addressed at the highest level. We applaud the swift action of President Barack Obama, Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr. and the Department of Justice for taking a strong stance against violence and for speaking in favor of restructuring the current landscape to encourage diversity within law enforcement so that the true healing of our communities can move forward.”
-Clayola Brown, President, A. Philip Randolph Institute
“The Department of Justice should be commended for responding swiftly to the tragedy in Ferguson and for taking steps to address racial bias in policing, which undermines effective law enforcement and leads to the victimization of entire communities. The need for sensible reforms is urgent and we urge the administration and Congress to respond accordingly.”
-Wade Henderson, President and CEO, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
“The National Bar Association applauds the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division’s civil pattern or practice investigation into allegations of unlawful policing by the City of Ferguson. Such an investigation was needed and long overdue. African American communities, such as Ferguson, have routinely been subjected to Investigatory Stops without reasonable suspicion or probable cause. Stops resulting in unconstitutional detentions and searches. Accordingly, The National Bar Association encourages the DOJ to launch similar investigations in the 25 cities that it has sent Open Records Request. More important, the Association demands Congress to enactment of federal legislation: 1) making it mandatory for police officers to wear body monitors and any violation of this requirement would result in automatic suspension and/or termination; 2) developing and implementing an Early Warning System be to identify officers who are prone to emotional instability or behavior problems; 3) reviewing the use of Deadly Force policies; and 4) mandatory reporting of incidents by race.”
-Pamela Meanes, President, The National Bar Association
“We are encouraged by the Attorney General’s plan to investigate racial bias in law enforcement in select U.S. cities and hope to see such actions replicated nationally. The Department of Justice must use all of its power to implement systemic policing reforms so that the federal government is able to monitor discrimination and use of excessive and deadly force by local police agencies. These investigations are an important first step to help avoid the all too familiar deadly consequences of these unchecked systems.”
-Laura W. Murphy, Director, Washington Legislative Office, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Does Alameel, Democratic Party want the Black vote?
Texas Publishers Association
Has the African-American community become so loyal to the Democratic Party that politicians the likes of David Alameel and the Texas candidate for the Governor’s office feel they no longer need to work to earn our vote? It’s a fact since 1932 with the election of Roosevelt, the Democratic Party has consistently garnered more than half of the Black vote. Understandably so, considering who the Republicans have had to offer in the past years and with the emergence of the Tea Party in recent years, the overall party is ever so hostile towards Blacks, people of color, women and every other demographic excluding wealthy white males. But that’s no excuse for the continued gross and negligent oversight of the Democratic Party as a whole and its many candidates respecting the need to earn the Black vote.
Perhaps this is why Alameel and the current Texas Democratic candidate for the Governor’s Office have yet to answer the call of the Black press to sit and address the Black agenda. They have been happy to sit down and speak to FOX News about issues of importance to the Latino community. They have even made it their business to address local issues affecting the LGBT community in order to receive support.
Alameel even seemed elated to speak with CBS KENS5 News about his plans, if elected to bring back American jobs from Japan and China. He sounded jubilant to talk to Jay St. John and Sergio Mora on AM Radio about his travels “all over the state of Texas” and how much “fun” he has been having.
We know where both candidates stand on immigration reform. We know where they both stand on the economy. We know they are working very hard to gain the support and votes of the Latino community. But why are they deliberately ignoring the Black vote? Is the Black vote not equally as important? Do we not have issues that are pressing? Why are we continually being disregarded when we have a number of media outlets that can ensure the Black communities throughout Texas receive the proper information regarding the platforms of each Democratic candidate who claim to represent ALL of Texas.
Maybe these two Democratic candidates have been ill advised regarding the importance of addressing the Black community collectively and continually. Maybe these two candidates believe that Black people will not mobilize collectively to demand a platform that addresses Black unemployment, police brutality, voter suppression laws and the host of issues plaguing the Black community.
Considering it was in the heart of the Black community, Oak Cliff (a Dallas Community), where Alameel got his humble beginnings one would think courting the Black vote would be atop Alameel’s campaign agenda. However, if he thinks aligning with certain politicians of color is enough to win our support, he has made a gross miscalculation. Black leaders sometimes are well intentioned in their efforts, howeer it would be wise for them to pay attention to their constituents in their districts. Texas Black Publishers are now requesting a meeting to address and stress the need for Alameel, and other Democratic candidates meet with the Black Press of Texas. It’s time to stop being inaccessible to the concerns and questions being asked by the Black Press. It’s time to stop being unresponsive to the Black community. We are tired of the symptomatic negligence both candidates and the Democratic Party have continued to display for the Black communities around the Lone Star State.
Do not make the mistake of thinking a select group of Black elected officials speak for the Black community at large and definitely not the Black press. If David Alameel and the candidate for the Governor’s Office want our continued support, our endorsements and our vote, then they will have to earn it just as any other viable candidate would. Do not expect us to toe the Party line. These candidates cannot assume that just because their opponents do not like the agendas of our current presidential administration that the Black vote is in the bag. It is no longer a matter of the lesser of two evils.
We look forward to sitting down in the near future.
America is at war
The United States has proceeded with airstrikes in Syria. Partnering with Saudia Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain the US has taken action against ISIS from overhead. The US is also in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Source: CNN
Breaking news
Community protest the programming at Jack Yates High and new Energy Institute
The rain did not stop Jack Yates High alumni from gathering outside the front gates of the prized school to protest the building of a new Energy Institute in the community and the lack of programming within the school.
The band lacks uniforms, the school of communication is nearly non existent, cosmetology has been removed and so on and so on the list goes inside Yates. The heavily involved alumni association has had enough and gathered in protest before a development meeting with School Board Trustee Paula Harris.
Below is footage of the rally.
Alumni Gary Monroe is speaking.
Story still developing. #livereporting #thsoriginalnewsreport
Protest against H.I.S.D. School Board’s plan for a warehouse school at Jack Yates
For More Information Contact: NBUF (713) 962-0284 or nbufhouston@gmail.com
“Calling All Jack Yates Lions & Supporters”:
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
@ 5:30 P.M.
Address: 3703 Sampson St.
Houston, Tx. 77004
Your presence is URGENTLY requested to RALLY
SPEAK OUT in support of a First Class,
New Jack Yates Sr. High School.
Protest against H.I.S.D. School Board’s plan for a warehouse school.
Trustee Paula Harris is scheduled to conduct a formal meeting at 6:30 P.M. (same day and
location) to discuss the District’s future plans for Jack Yates Sr. High School.
**NOTE: Wear your Crimson & Gold! Let’s make our voices heard: Our children and Community are depending on us!!
Texans come out of Oakland with a 30-14 win
Week 2 for the Houston Texans brought them a victory on the road beating the Oakland Raiders, 30-14. This week the offense got its time to shine along with the unstoppable defensive end JJ Watt. Watt delivered the first touchdown of the game. Yes, a JJ Watt tight end touchdown.
On the first offensive drive, running back Arian Foster had five runs. On the fifth run, Foster took the ball to the goal line. On the next play, Watt lined-up as a tight end and was wide open, all by himself in the corner of the end zone. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick aimed in and connected with Watt for the touchdown catch. Lesson learned, any team coming up against the Texans should always keep its eyes on Watt.
The next score came late in the quarter with an Arian Foster run for a touchdown. The extra point put the Texans up 14-0. On the next drive, Raiders’ Quarterback, Derek Carr threw an interception to Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson. The Texans put up three for a field goal. The Texans had a half-time lead 17-0.
The third quarter brought the Texas another score after the Raiders fumbled its first possession away. Fitzpatrick connected with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for a 12-yard touchdown pass to go up 24-0.
Houston scored again in the final minutes of the third quarter with a 39-yard field goal by placekicker Randy Bullock. The quarter ended with a Texans lead, 27-0.
The fourth quarter gave way to the Raiders first score of the game when running back, Darren McFadden ran in from the goal line following a pass interference call on the Texans’ cornerback A. J. Bouye. The Raiders were on the board with the Texans leading 27-7.
Nine minutes into the fourth, Houston scored again with a field goal giving them a 30-7 lead. With just a little over 10-seconds to play, the Raiders put up seven on the board. The final score Texans 30 and Oakland 7.
Fitzpatrick finished with 14 for 19 passing for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Foster had 138 yards and a touchdown on 28 carriers and Randy Bullock made fields goals from 33, 39 and 46 yards. This was a good day for the Texans with a win and no turnovers.
The 2-0 Texans will meet the 0-2 Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, September 21 at 12 Noon. The game will be broadcast on CBS.
sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com
E.O. Smith/ Wheatley demolition in hiatus due to court ordered mediation
The historical African American Phillis Wheatley High School has a slight reprieve for now as the community and Houston Independent School district are at a standstill due to a court – ordered mediation about the unwanted demolition of the school.
Historical preservation is being called for throughout the city of Houston this summer as Wheatley alumni and concerned citizens have sued HISD for deciding to demolish the community treasure. During a strategy meeting in Fifth Ward, alumni continuously expressed their upset that HISD would take bond money to tear down the school.
“I sure hate they are tearing all our stuff down,” said Gail Nelson, a native of Fifth Ward who happened to stop and look at the giant hole on the side of Wheatley. “Why are they tearing it down? They built a whole new school so what are they going to do with that?”
Nelson’s reaction echoes many other community members and alumni thoughts, they want to know why.
During the election season in 2012, the HISD bond proposed many renovation and new school projects for campuses throughout the district. Along that time, Houstonians could drive pass schools throughout the city and see huge bond signs with an enormous money amount on it, promising better for the community schools. The only problem is the illusion on the bond signs did not match up to the fine print on the official election order. This is what has Wheatley supporters in court. That fine print called for demolition, which was not submitted to voters, before, during or after the vote.
“Once again HISD has proven not to be an entity of their word, they actually back door the whole bond referendum process by adding the demolition of the historic site, in very small print as an agenda item for a board meeting a few months ago,” said Loretta Brock, an education activist.
The outrage caused the Wheatley/E.O. Smith Preservationist Coalition to stand up to HISD to stop the demolition of the site although on Labor Day a wrecking ball tore a huge hole in the side of the historical structure.
“They came like a thief in the night,” said Kathy Blueford-Daniels, a Wheatley alum and active member of the coalition. “On Saturday evening we had a meeting with HISD and we agreed that they would wait until Tuesday to do anything and the trustee would go back to HISD and let them know what we discussed. The next day we were getting calls and text that they were knocking holes in the building. They did it in the area we had just talked about salvaging for historic purpose.”
On September 2nd, the Coalition sued HISD.
As of now the demolition is on hiatus as Judge Elizabeth Ray ordered both parties to engage in mediation. They have not reached an agreement and have been placed under a “gag order” according to the E.O. Smith/Wheatley Preservation Coalition’s statement.
Phillis Wheatley High School is a historic treasure to the Fifth Ward community. Built in 1929 it was the only school African American children could attend. It later became E.O. Smith Middle School while carrying on the traditions of the original Wheatley.
Legendary Jazz pianist and composer, Joe Sample dead at 75
Pianist and composer Joe Sample has died. He was 75.
Sample died of complications due to lung cancer Friday evening at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, his manager, Patrick Rains, told the Associated Press on Saturday.
Rains said Sample’s family was at his bedside.
Sample was a founding member of the genre-crossing Jazz Crusaders who helped pioneer the electronic jazz-funk fusion style.
Texans shine in 2014 game day opener
Houston Texans fans rolled out of NRG Stadium with victorious faces celebrating the Texans 17-6 win over Washington for the game day opener.
Defensive end JJ Watt recently made headlines with his record breaking contract extension. Today’s performance proved why he is worth every buck of his $100 million deal. Watt racked three tackles, a sack, a blocked extra point, a fumble recovery and stopped a play with the palm of his hand with his signature swatt pass.
The scoring action started in the second quarter when Washington fullback Darrel Young rushed up the middle for a touchdown. No additional point accompanied the play as JJ Watt went up and blocked the extra point. It wasn’t long after Washington put 6-points on the board that the Texans went in to score.
Quarterback Ryan Fitzgerald connected with De Andre’ Hopkins for a 76-yard touchdown. The Texans led 7-6. On the next drive, Texans running back Alfred Blue blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown putting the Texans up 14-6 at halftime.
It was a not a good day for Washington quarterback Robert Griffin, III (RG3). The Texans defense wore him out. D.J. Swearinger joined JJ Watt to let RG3 know this was not Waco, TX where the Baylor Bears just unveiled a statue of their former star player. RG3 went down with three sacks from the mighty Texans’ defense.
In the third quarter, JJ Watt did what he does best, seized opportunity. Watt recovered a fumble after a spoiled attempt by RG3 to Alfred Morris on the Texans’ seven-yard line.
During the next drive, Swearinger took down tight end (TE) Niles Paul and caused a fumble after a 48-yard pass from RG3. Texans safety Kendrick Lewis recovered the ball at the 9-yard line.
The Texans didn’t put up any scores with the two second-half fumbles. They punted after the first one and the other was lost by Arian Foster after a long Texans’ drive.
The fourth quarter sealed the game for the Texans with a 42-yard field goal by kicker Randy Bullock.
Fitzpatrick had 206 yards passing. Foster ran for 103 yards and Andre Johnson had 93 yards receiving.
First-round number-one draft pick Jadeveon Clowney left late in the second quarter because of a knee injury. Late reports have indicated that Clowney has a lateral torn meniscus tear. Clowney is set to meet with doctors on the prognosis of his right knee.
Coach Bill O’Brien said they will know better as the week goes on about Clowney’s injury. “I am no sure about the status, but I will say right now that think it’s going to be ok. He may miss some time. He may not,” said O’Brien.
Game-day at NRG Stadium had a record attendance of 71,770, the second largest crowd in game history and the largest in game opening.
sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com
Meet 64th President of the National Funeral Directors and Mortuary Association, Inc. Jayme Cameron, “Dawn of a New Day”
Jayme Cameron was elected as the 64th General President of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Inc. in August 2013 with “A Dawn of a New Day” as her vision and mission during her tenure.
Cameron is not a novice to the mortuary business as she is third generation operator of a funeral home Michigan.
![photo[1] (6)](http://www.houstonsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo1-6.jpg)
“I am third generation in my family business,” said Cameron. I started when I was 12 doing insurance claims. I am 41 years- old now.”
After 29 years she has risen to the challenge of becoming the president of an organization she has been hanging around since she was a little girl. She is the youngest woman to serve as president and the sixth woman to hold the position.
“Five women have been national president prior to me. They were strong women but it is not as difficult as some said it would be,” said Cameron.
The NFDMA just finished their annual conference and Cameron emphatically said it was the best she has attended in the past 16 years. She has spent the past year on the road traveling the country trying to reach out to association members, showing them that she values them as members.
“My goal is to increase membership and reactivate members,” said Cameron. “People are excited, people are joining and participating!”
Madame President believes that it is necessary that everyone works together. Even when they disagree they must learn to agree to disagree.
As far as industry goes, the African American mortuary business is still in good standing.
“Primarily African Americans are leading in the industry. We still have full service funerals versus other races where cremation is big,” said Cameron. “Our mortuaries are in the position to help educate others, to celebrate the lives of loved ones.”
With a booming industry at her feet and an organization that holds 3,200 African American funeral homes across the country Cameron just wants to operate with love while pushing her organization to embrace, engage, equip and empower into a new day.
Prior to running for office Ms. Cameron was very active in her state and national associations. She held the position of State Secretary (1999-2004) and Vice-President (2004-2007) of the Michigan Select Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Inc. She has served the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association in the capacity of Membership Committee Co-Chair (2002-2004) and Membership Chair (2004-2007). She also has been a proud member of the NFD&MA Choir, a member of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice where she earned her CFSP designation in 2003 and a member-at-large of Epsilon Nu Delta Mortuary Fraternity.
Sept. 5 is Cheese Pizza Day
Cheese Pizza Day is a day to chow down with one of America’s favorite meals. Pizza is a favorite of young and old. Originating from Italian cuisine, it’s a staple in the American diet. For many American families “Pizza night” is a Friday or Saturday routine. It’s also popular at parties.
Have a happy Cheese Pizza Day!
Former NBA player turns philanthropist
For the past three years, former NBA player and Coach John Lucas has given back to the community through his foundation. His annual golf tournament has raised funds and awareness to promote a healthy living program geared toward drug and alcohol prevention. This program is extremely close to Lucas as he was a former drug abuser and now wants to help other athletes steer clear of such vices.
The John Lucas Foundation also provides mentoring and coaching and leadership development along with financial support for youth with services geared toward life skills development and academic achievement.
Lucas also partners with the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department in support of “Basketball and Beyond,” a program to revitalize basketball, life skills, wellness and leadership at more than 20 facilities. Through Foundation resources, Lucas has provided a program for over 1000 children and youth in the last two years.
“This event is a great way for people to learn more about what we do, play golf with a few sports legends and community stars, while at the same time, donating to the foundation. These valuable contributions will allow us to continue to give people a second chance at achieving their dreams,” said Lucas.
The John Lucas Foundation Champions Celebrity Golf Tournament tees off on Friday, September 19th at 8:00 a.m. on the Memorial Park Golf Course located at 1001 E. Memorial Loop in Houston, TX 77007.
This year’s chairs are NBA Hall of Famer, Julius Ervin “Dr. J.” and former Houston Rocket, Vernon Maxwell. Other NBA players along with current sports stars and celebrities will be on the green putting and swinging for charity.
This annual occasion is designed to share information about the non-profit, network with community and corporate partners and raise funds for the foundation’s charitable and educational services.
“This event is a great way for people to learn more about what we do and to play golf with a few sports legends and community stars, while at the same time, donating to the foundation. These valuable contributions will allow us to continue to give people a second chance at achieving their dreams,” said Lucas.
Four person teams will play a Scramble Format, with team prizes awarded to the top finishers. An awards luncheon and silent auction will take place after play.
Registration fees are $1250 for a Celebrity Foursome, $800 for a Foursome and $250 for individual players. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, donating silent auction items or to register, visit www.johnlucasfoundation.org.
Yates celebrates with huge pep rally, Basketball Champs
Jack Yates Senior High School celebrated two championships awarded to them after playing Dallas Madison two years in a row and falling short by a few points.
Dallas Madison had to forfeit of their trophies due to playing with an ineligible player during their 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 season.
The school was filled with pride as well as bittersweet emotions as the championship team came into the jammed packed auditorium minus one player, Artreal Jones, who passed away during the summer.
Yates Marching Band under the leadership of Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul Alum, Gerald Bryant cranked out popular tunes until the program began.
97.9 the Box hosted the event and introduced State Representative Alma Allen who spoke on the behalf of State Rep. Sylvester Turner, Councilmember Dwight Boykins, District D, and a spokesperson for State Senator Rodney Ellis.
State Rep Alma Allen congratulated the team and said, “It takes everyone to win a championship,” as she turned he attention to the band. The Yates Band has made news also as they are in dire need of uniforms.
“We will raise the money for the uniforms,” said Allen. She donated a $1,000 followed by Council member Boykins who too donated a thousand and the Legislative Black Caucus that donated $1,500. The State Rep. went on to say they will commit whatever it takes to get the uniforms and no band shouldn’t have uniforms.
The crowd went wild and the ceremony began. Each player was given a medal and two trophies were passed around. An honorable moment occurred when the family of Artreal Jones was called up to receive his medal. Coach Greg Wise personally spoke about Jones and his leadership and value to the team which brought tears to his family’s eyes.
As confetti danced around, the band played and the crowd cheered, Coach Wise made an announcement to recruit for the next championship team.
Congratulations Jack Yates Basketball Team!!!
The SPORTS WHISPERER WITH SHEILA RAY-REED
Not so “gay” for Michael Sam
This Labor Day weekend was not a merry time for the NFL’s first openly gay player Michael Sam as he landed on the 2014 NFL roster cuts. The seventh-draft pick was release by the St. Louis Rams after he lost out to rookie Ethan Westbrook who landed a spot on the Rams’ final roster spot.
There was speculation that Sam would land on the Rams 10-player practice squad. That didn’t happen either. Sam is now a free agent. I wonder who he’s kissing now.
JJ Watt #99, a $100 Million-Dollar Man
What makes Houston Texans JJ Watt so special? Let me tell you. He works hard, he has a great attitude and people like him. Turn on your TV set and you will most likely catch him in a commercial or two.
You heard the saying attitude is everything well that might just be true. Last season when the Texans had the worst season record in the league with 12 loses and 4 wins, some of its premier players lost their cool on the field.
Even though JJ Watt didn’t like how his team was playing, he kept his cool and didn’t mumble or grumble. Even during a game against the Seattle Seahawks last year when Watts injured his nose, he didn’t stop or complain he continued to play with a bloody nose. Now that’s what you call leadership and tenacity.
During this year’s training camp, he was there setting an example for all. Once again, working hard and showing his gratitude to the fans.
Well it has all paid off, the two-time first-team All Pro and 2012 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is now what we call a very wealthy man.
News broke this Labor Day weekend that Watt has signed a lucrative extension with the Texas for a $100 Million Dollars. The deal guarantees Watts $51.8 Million and $16.5 Million annually for six years.
Why fire Bo now?
Who would have ever thought after the MLB 2014 Civil Rights Game at Minute Maid Park this year that Houston Astros’ Manager Bo Porter would get his walking papers three months later. Well that is exactly what happened.
General Manager Jeff Luhnow fired Porter who has served almost two seasons as manager of the Astros, and gave his reasons for doing so during a press conference on Labor Day of all days.
“This decision was not made because of our current level of competitiveness in the Major Leagues. I recognize that our win-loss record is largely a product of an organizational strategy for which I am responsible,” said Luhnow. “Rather, I made this decision because I believe we need a new direction in our clubhouse.”
Luhnow has been described as having a strong personality and Porter’s personality has been described as fiery and emotional. Only way this combination can mix well is if there is a consistent 90% win and 10% lost record. That is not the case with the Astros. The team currently sits at a 59 wins and 79 losses.
But why fire Bo now when the team went 15-14 last month. Maybe it’s that Luhnow is the boss and the two just don’t like each other.
Bench Coach Dave Trembley was also fired as well mostly likely for good measure.
sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com
Third Ward slated for new STEM school in 2017
Houston Independent School District officials held a meeting with community leaders to explain about the newest edition that will come to the Third Ward community, a specialized Energy school that is slated to open in 2017.
This new school will be built at the old Lockhart Elementary sight at Southmore and Tierwester. Right now under 400 students who are already in the program for the STEM school are housed at the old Dodson Elementary.
![photo 2[1]](http://www.houstonsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo-21.jpg)
“The target is to build a workforce from within the city,” said an HISD official.
STEM and Engineering are the specialties that will be offered at this new school that was approved of in February of 2013.
Unlike many of the other specialty schools in HISD, this particular school does not have stipulations to get in besides the regular criteria for graduation. Since HISD is an open enrollment district students will be selected by a lottery that pulls random names that have applied to attend the particular school as well as those who are zoned.
This posed a concern for community leaders such as Deloyd Parker of Shape Community Centers and Rev. D.Z. Cofield of Good Hope about the future of Jack Yates Senior High.
“Why build a brand new school down the street from Yates at the same time you all are supposed to build on Yates,” said Parker?
HISD officials continuously reassured the community members that the school will not endanger Yates for closure by taking its students.
The new Energy school is not a part of the 2012 HISD Bond that has left a bad taste in the Third Ward community as many schools have been repurposed or shut down such as Jones, Ryan Middle School which is not the Baylor College of Medicine and Dodson Elementary which was closed.
School Improvement Officer Shonda Huery Hardman assured those present repeatedly that she would work diligently to repair communication between the school district and the community as well as provide the best educational service to the children in the area as she too is a product of Third Ward.
STEM programs are the biggest wave in educational uplift in Houston for the past couple of years replacing many of the neighborhood schools.
Lunch is free at 169 campuses HISD
This is the second in a series of stories counting down to the start of school, spotlighting what is new in HISD in the coming year. For online Nutrition Services, including information about school meal benefits, managing your child’s cafeteria account, menus, nutritional information, healthy recipes and the latest news, go to www.HoustonISD.org/NutritionServices.
Expansion of a federal pilot program is enabling Houston ISD to offer free lunches to students at 169 campuses in the 2014-2015 school year, regardless of family income — no applications required.
The free meals are part of the growth of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. HISD identified participating schools through a variety of economic criteria, including students’ families’ participation in federal assistance programs. About 170,000 or 81 percent of HISD students met the criteria last year for free or reduced-price lunches, and the selected schools tended to have at least 90 percent of their students qualifying last year.
HISD has already offered free breakfast to all students since 2010. This push to expand the free lunch program, known as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), is just the latest step to ensure low-income students don’t go hungry that include providing free dinner to youngsters ages 1-18 on some campuses where need has been determined.
Altogether, the district serves about 270,000 meals daily, providing necessary nutrients, whole grains, low-fat proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
HISD schools included in the free-lunch program for 2014-2015 are:
Elementary Schools:
Alcott
Almeda
Anderson
Atherton
Barrick
Bastian
Bellfort
Benavidez
Berry
Blackshear
Bonham
Bonner
Braeburn
Briscoe
Brookline
Browning
Bruce
Burbank
Burnet
Burrus
Cage
Carrillo
Codwell
Cook
Coop
Crespo
Crockett
Cunningham
Davila
Dechaumes
Dogan
Durkee
Eliot
Elmore
Elrod
Emerson
Farias Early Childhood
Foerster
Fondren
Fonwood
Foster
Franklin
Frost Gallegos
Garcia
Golfcrest
Gregg
Grissom
Gross
Halpin
Harper Alternative
Harris, J.R.
Harris, R.P.
Hartsfield
Helms
Henderson, J.P.
Henderson, N.Q.
Herrera
Highland Heights
Hilliard
Hobby
Inspired for Excellence West
Isaacs
Janowski
Jefferson
Kandy Stripe Academy
Kashmere Gardens
Kelso
Kennedy
Ketelsen
Laurenzo Early Childhood
Law
Lewis
Lockhart
Looscan
MacGregor
Mading
Marshall
Martinez, C.
Martinez, R.
McGowan
McNamara
Milne
Mistral Early Childhood
Mitchell
Montgomery Moreno
Neff
Neff Early Childhood Center
Northline
Osborne
Paige
Peck
Petersen
Pilgrim Academy
Piney Point
Pleasantville
Port of Houston
Pugh
Reagan
Reynolds
Robinson
Rodriguez
Ross
Rusk
Sanchez
Scarborough
Scroggins
Seguin
Shadydale
Shearn
Sherman
Smith
Southmayd
Stevens
Sutton
Thompson
Tijerina
Tinsley
TSU Charter Lab
Valley West
Wesley
Whidby
White
Windsor Village
Woodson
Young
Young Scholars
Middle Schools:
Attucks
Burbank
Cullen
Deady
Dowling
Fleming
Fondren
Fonville
Forest Brook Gregory-Lincoln
Hartman
Henry
Hogg
Holland
Jackson
Key
Marshall McReynolds
Ortiz
Project Chrysalis
Stevenson
Sugar Grove Academy
Thomas
Welch
Williams
High Schools:
Beechnut Academy
Furr
Hope Academy
High School Ahead Academy
Jones
Kashmere Lee
Milby
North Forest
REACH Charter
South Early Sterling
Washington
Wheatley
Worthing
Yates
South Korea beats U.S. Chicago’s Jackie Robinson West in World Little League Championship Series
Chicago’s hottest sensation, the Jackie Robinson West Little League Baseball team fell short of the win for the Little League World Series Finals against South Korea who earned their third Championship.
Jackie Robinson West made their first appearance at the World Series after 31 years. Despite a 8-4 loss, the team still receives tremendous praise and admiration.
There have been several reports of community and statewide pride as the team went international and made history!
Chicago’s Jackie Robinson West Little League Baseball Team wins Little League U.S. Final
South Side of Chicago’s Jackie Robinson West Little League Baseball team just earned a spot in the Little League World Series championship game by defeating Nevada in a 7-5 victory at the U.S. Championship.
Jackie Robinson West is the first team from Chicago since North Roseland in 1967 to qualify for the championship. They will face Asia-Pacific champion Seoul, South Korea, in the world final, Sunday at 2 pm.
Mayor Parker rejects Preservation of Historical Brick streets in Freedmen’s Town Fourth Ward
The Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition continue their fight against the City of Houston, going close to two months strong after City Council unanimously voted to restore the historical bricks that line the streets of Andrews and Wilson street after laying new utility lines on June 11th.
The fight over preservation, which the FTPC is calling for, versus restoration which the City has opted to do, is continuous as week after week the community members of Freedmen’s Town Fourth Ward show up to the public session at City Council on Tuesday afternoon in their white and black or custom made S.O.S.”Save Our Streets” t-shirts. People of all types lifestyles presented facts, history and pleaded their own emotional laments for the preservation of the bricks.
Mayor Parker, Councilmembers Cohen (District C), Kubosh (At-Large), Boykins (District D), Davis (District B) and Green (District K) have taken interest in this project. They have addressed the constituents although they are not finding the favor they are seeking in the Council members. Ultimately the Mayor is the only person who can put the restoration project back on the agenda for amending.
“The contract is set to go and we are fully complaint within the State and Federal guidelines,” said Mayor Parker at her weekly press conference on Wednesday August 20th. The day prior, she and the FTCP and many community members had a private meeting to discuss the bricks. The outcome did not satisfy the FTPC nor Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
Congresswoman Lee submitted a letter for agreement terms that stated, “There will be established a Community Advisory Taskforce (CAT) appointed by City officials comprised of members of the community, the City will contract with an archeologist to chronicle the history and to survey, catalogue and photograph Andrews and Wilson Streets, and they must hire locals to work on the project.”
The project will go on as it is a part of a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) project. But the means of how is still at odds.
“It will disrupt history,” said Dorris Ellis Robinson, President of the FTPC. “The City are supposed to be stewards of these streets under the National Historic Preservation statue. By tearing removing these bricks they are proving not to be so.”
FTPC members have filed a grievance against the City which is being investigated. The alleged violation results from section 110 of the NHPA, in which the city is obligated as the steward of the Traditional Historic Property, in which the streets fall under, to preserve it.
“With each cut into the street it damages the Traditional Historical Property,” said Robinson after Mayor Parker didn’t rescind her contract to restore the streets. “We now need our city to have the will to protect this historical site.”
They are calling on the City to use the Best Available Technology, which is trenchless tunneling which is recommended to go under the sidewalks, which will prevent the streets from further disruption and still afford the community with the updated utilities. FTCP cites how it has been used in River Oaks and three other projects are in cue to use this type of technology.
Wednesday, August 20th Mayor Parker said the project is a go and the contractor will begin the following week, but the FTPC said it is not over.
Anthony “Tony” Morris Obituary
Anthony William Morris
August 27, 1950 – August 11, 2014
Obituary
Born in the summer of 1950, in the windy City of Chicago, Illinois, Anthony “Tony” Morris moved with his parents, the late Mary E. Morris and Edmund R. Morris, to Brooklyn, New York as an infant. This robust city was his home until he went away for college to the small community of Binghamton, New York just as the nation began to embrace change in the late 1960s.
An honors graduate of Boys High School in Brooklyn, Tony enrolled in the pre- law program at the State University of New York at Binghamton. His passion for how government works evidenced through the images he captured through his camera lens may have been ignited during his work for the Broome County Government in Binghampton and while serving on several Model Cities Community Advisory Boards. Just weeks shy of graduation, Tony left Binghamton headed west to Houston, Texas where he would make his mark on the world.
Growing up in Brooklyn where deals are made in small shops and along busy street corners, Tony’s entrepreneurial spirit drove him to open stores and flea market stands offering unique items that reflected the culture and political pulse of the community in every place he called home. Even as his health declined, he would set up shop at major events like Grand Prix Houston displaying his wares and photographs to willing patrons on the hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures.
Where he found his calling was behind the lens of his camera, capturing millions of images including those of extraordinary people and significant moments in History and of ordinary people, places and situations. He was always in the midst of the ACTION, be it at Houston City Hall in Council chambers, on the steps of the Texas State capitol, on the lawn of the National Mall, inside the makeshift home of Katrina evacuees in the Astrodome following Hurricane Katrina or chronicling the recognition of Houston’s citizens at black-tie galas and neighborhood press conferences. Tony was both in the background and in the forefront, always with one or more cameras.
Tony is survived by his children Yusef Morris (Yolanda), Simel Morris (Alishia), Angelica Morris, Ishmael Morris and Khalif Morris, grandchildren Aaron, Alijah, Nadyia, Jemel, Manolo, Lynia and Skye, siblings Suzette Eaddy, Cynthia Y. Townsend, Alan J. Bell and Bonnie A. Bell, nieces Danielle Eaddy- Alleyne, Talim Johnson, Cineste Robinson, Serita Thompson, nephews Celen Thompson, Bryant Townsend, Gabriel Townsend, Herbert Townsend, great-nephews Nyle Johnson, Aaron Johnson and one great-niece Kayla Johnson. His younger sister Bonita M. Bell preceded him in death last year.
Tony brightened and enhanced the lives of all he touched. We mourn his passing and celebrate his life.
Back to School EVENT!!! Free Haircuts, Hairdos, Supplies and more! August 24, 2014
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, President of Franklin Beauty College, Ronald Jemison, Jr., and NFL Player Santana Dotson will host a Back to School event on Sunday, August 24, 2014
from 8am- 3pm at 4965 MLK Blvd. Houston, TX 77021 713-645-9060. Boys and girls ages 7-17 will be able to receive free haircuts and hairdos courtesy of Franklin Beauty Institute, leadership workshops, fun, entertainment, food, backpacks, school supplies, gifts, and prizes.
ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST PRE-REGISTER! Last day to register is Friday August 22, 2014.
Click this link and it will take you directly to the registration form
Press Conference on the Steps of City Hall, Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 4 PM
Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition
For Immediate Release Contact
August 18, 2014 Dorris Ellis Robinson 713-443-9774
or 713-524-0786
Press Conference on the Steps of City Hall, Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 4 PM
FTCP meets with Mayor Annise Parker at 6 PM
HOUSTON—Dorris Ellis Robinson, president of the Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition (FTPC) announces a press conference Tuesday, August 18 at 4 PM on the steps of City Hall. The conference takes place following FTPC’s 6th public hearing appearance before the Houston City Council and before a called and agreed upon special meeting between Mayor Annise Parker and the Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition. The Coalition will meet with Mayor Parker and her staff at 6 PM in her conference room in an effort to further explain the priceless value and significance the bricks at Andrews and Wilson. FTPC stresses that the bricks that were purchased by Freedmen are a Traditional Cultural Property that are protected under the National Historic Perseveration Act.
Located in a National Historic District, the “Removal of bricks from Andrews and Wilson streets is not preservation,” clarifies Catherine Roberts, founder of Rutherford Yates Museum. Recognizing the need for updated utilities, the city’s plan to dig up the bricks is based on digging under the historic streets to allow for utility inlay and thereby, destroys the legacy left by Freedmen following their enslavement. FTPC instead, is proposing micro-tunneling under the sidewalks to save the historic bricks.
While the meeting takes place, residents will hold a solidarity vigil outside city hall.
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Brown family releases preliminary autopsy findings
By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American
Initial findings of a second autopsy performed on unarmed teenager Michael Brown confirm there were six shots fired, including two to his head, a chest wound and shots to his right arm and hand. The family commissioned the independent autopsy.
Attorneys for Brown’s family, along with a famed medical examiner Dr. Michael Baden and forensics pathologist Shawn Parcells provided details this morning during a press conference at Greater St. Mark’s Missionary Baptist Church in Ferguson.
New information they released today sheds more light on the direction two of two of those bullets.
“It shows a back-to-front for both of those, and it supports what the witnesses said about him trying to surrender to the officer,” Attorney Daryl Parks said. “And his head was in a downward position – it had to be, for what had happened.
“Those type of facts are clear and we believe that given those type of facts that this officer, officer should have been arrested.”
Parcells described the shots.
“We’ve got one to the top of the head, the apex … one that entered just above the right eyebrow … one that entered the top part of the right arm … a superficial graze wound to the middle part of the right arm … a wound that entered the medial aspect of the right arm and we’ve got a deep graze wound that produced a laceration to the palm of the right hand,” Parcells said. Additional wounds are possible bullet re-entry and exit wounds, he added, and he said their findings have to be conferred with the first autopsy.
Parcells made another critical point that he wanted everyone to be clear on about the wound to the medial aspect of the right arm.
“The question asked to us was, could that wound occur from him walking away, and then he turned around. It is consistent with that,” Parcells said. “However, understand too that while the shot could have come from the back…the arm is a very mobile part of your body, so it also could have occurred when he was putting his hands up… it could have happened if he put his arms across in a defensive manner. We don’t know.”
Dr. Baden stressed the results were preliminary, and he needed to review x-rays taken before the first autopsy as well as the victim’s clothing.
This second autopsy confirmed that Brown was shot from a distance since there was no gunpowder residue present on the body. Additionally, Brown’s body showed no signs of a struggle, Baden said, other than facial abrasions when he fell forward onto the street.
He added that the third autopsy, this one by federal authorities, is expected in the next day or two.
“It verifies witness accounts were true,” said Benjamin L. Crump, attorney for the family.
Unarmed teen Michael Brown killed by Ferguson Police
Contribution from the St. Louis American
Tensions were high in North County Saturday afternoon after reports of the shooting death of an unarmed teen in Ferguson at the hands of police.
Hundreds gathered outside the Canfield Green Apartments well into the night to protest the death of the young man who was later identified as Michael Brown.
He was reportedly scheduled to begin college classes Monday.
The outrage initially spread through social media, prompted by an image of a man holding up a cardboard sign that read “Ferguson police just executed my unarmed son!!!”
The image was shared through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – accompanied by several reports by citizens who were on the scene.
A spokesman for the St. Louis County Police Department confirmed to the Associated Press that it was a Ferguson police officer who shot the man, but did not identify the officer and did not immediately give a reason for the shooting.
The crowd eventually dispersed and police scheduled a news conference for Sunday morning.
“We are hurt to hear that yet another teenaged boy has been slaughtered by law enforcement especially in light of the recent death of Eric Garner in New York who was killed for selling cigarettes,” St. Louis County NAACP President Esther Haywood said in a statement. “We plan to do everything within our power to ensure that the Ferguson Police Department as well as the St. Louis County Police Department releases all details pertinent to the shooting.”
Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson told KMOV.com that St. Louis County Police have taken over the investigation and the officer involved in the shooting has been put on paid administrative leave.
Red Turns Heads in New Orleans
The great thing that I love about New Orleans, it is the one city whenever you visit; you know you are going to have a good time and experience some unexpected pleasant surprises. During my visit that is exactly what I experienced a fantastic time with some grand surprises.
I was told about the Annual 5K Red Dress Run but had no idea of its magnitude. Pictured this, there were at least 5,000 guys and girls decked out in their fancy crimson dresses and running shoes in the early daylight starting out in downtown New Orleans and making their way throughout the assigned running route as they raced toward the narrow historical streets of the French Quarters.
It was a spectacular sight to see all of these people in red gowns, minis, maxis and even tutus running for a worthy cause. Many appeared to be season runners while others like in any other marathon mark their own time as they made their way to the finish line. As for me, I fitted right in as I just happened to have on my red dress although I didn’t donned any running shoes.
Once in the Quarters, the red dress runners did what most people in the Quarters do feast on libations and scrumptious food. It sounds so licentious. And yes it was, all for a good cause with proceeds going to various charities.
One of the loveliest surprises was my hotel, Hotel le Marais, part of the New Orleans Hotel Collection. It’s an upscale hide-a-way in the midst of the Quarters located on Conti Street just around the curve from Bourbon Street. This lavish French Quarter boutique gives no clue of its extravagance from the outside, but wow when you stepped through the front door you are engulfed into an opulent sanctuary.
Hotel le Marais prides itself on casual elegance and that theme is repeated throughout the picturesque property that boasts a fashionable lobby that leads to the lively sophisticated and stylish Bar Vive where I met Marc Becker director of sales development for the New Orleans Hotel Collection, and some of the locals who gather there monthly to socialize and talk shop.
Adjacent to the Bar Vive are French doors that open to a relaxing salt water pool centered in the middle of an intimate French style courtyard that is decorated with high-end designer outdoor sofa chaise loungers and dining sets.
I really relished sitting in the courtyard each morning enjoying the scrumptious continental breakfast. It was so tranquil. This was a nice way to start your day before stepping outside into the festive French Quarter.
Well there is an interesting aura about the breakfast. When I thought of continental breakfast I was thinking more along the lines of juice, coffee and pastries. That is not the case with Hotel le Marais complimentary morning cuisine. It’s more on the lines of a marvelous traditional breakfast selection of sausage links, bacon, scramble eggs, boiled eggs, variety of cereals, milk, pastries coffee, tea, orange juice, cranberry juice and apple juice, yogurt, biscuits , toast, bagel, bananas and apples.
This is just a classy hotel all around. My room was the double bed deluxe. It came with all of the amenities one expects from a first class establishment: Wi-Fi and high speed internet access, flat-screen television with multiple cable channels, plush pillow-top comfortable beds; and my favorite was the soothing grey wall porcelain walk-in shower complete with all of the deluxe bath amenities. Love it.
Being in New Orleans one has to dine at some of it fabulous restaurant and I did. I had lunch at the Red Fish Grill. It was so delicious and the manager, chef and staff were gracious and on point. The Red Fish Grill located at 115 Bourbon Street and is owned by Ralph Brennan the family name that is synonymously with fine Cajun cuisine.
Executive chef, Austin Kizner prepared me a super delicious meal starting with flash fried BBQ Oysters with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce. You have to try this appetizer. It is so delicious and if you have to share you probably should order two portions. This was one of my favorite dishes along with my entrée the award winning Wood Fired Grilled Gulf Red Fish and crabmeat with Tasso fritters.
What do you do after a good lunch in the French Quarters; well you walk it off by taking in the talents of the street performers, people watching and stopping by the specialty and antique shops and making a purchase or two.
Then when you need to retire for a while, you can walk right down the street to your sanctuary, Hotel le Marais and enjoy the lobby for a while and visit Bar Vive and get a cool refreshing beverage and relax.
Dinner that evening was over in the business district at Vitascope Hall located inside the Hyatt Regency. This is a great place to take a break from the French Quarters and see another side of New Orleans. It is a sophisticated lively huge bar that offers a selection of craft beers and custom-made cocktails where you can enjoy sports on the big flat screens. What better food to order when in a sports bar then beef ribs and fries. This is a cool hangout to watch sports and the atmosphere was very lively.
The following day, I was in for a treat. I had dinner at the remarkable Arnaud’s restaurant. This is a very enchanting and historical establishment that offers numerous dining options under one roof. There is the Jazz Bistro, Main Dining Room, The renown French Bar 75, Remoulade known as the casual side of dining at Arnaud’s, and a collection of private dining rooms.
Upstairs houses the Germaine Cazenane Wells Mardi Museum. It honors the daughter of the restaurant founder, Count Arnaud. Germaine was a diva in the true sense of the word. She reigned as queen over 22 Mardi Gras Balls from 1937 to 1968. The museum displays 13 of her elaborate Mardi Gras gowns in huge glass showcases. It is a phenomenal sight to see and quite spectacular. It just leaves you in total awe one being the intricate details of the gowns resonates pure royalty.
Lisa Sins of Arnaud’s showed me the many wonders of the restaurant. She introduced me to a beverage name after the French 75 Bar. It is a mixture of fine Courvoisier, lemon juice, Moet and Chandon champagne. It was superb and smooth.
The dining experience was equally impeccable. It began with Arnaud’s famous Puff Soufflé potatoes. These delicious crispy potato puffs are beloved for their tastes and texture. Next on the menu were the turtle soup and the seafood gumbo. This was the best gumbo I have ever eaten. The roux wax cook to perfection. The deep thick dark base could have stood on its own without the shrimp, chicken or sausage. It was divine. For my entrée, I chose, Pompano Duarte, a sautéed fillet topped with gulf shrimp, tomatoes, garlic, fresh herbs and crush chili peppers. The entire dining experience at Arnaud’s was splendid.
The evening was capped off with a sensational jazz trio at Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse, a very warm and upscale setting.
On your next visit to New Orleans, Hotel le Marais is a must. You will be talking about it for days.
sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com
Wendy Davis defends Sexual Assault victims, visits Houston City Hall
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The heat is on for the Governor’s seat in Texas and State Senator Wendy Davis D- Fort Worth is still fighting strong as she held a press conference, Monday July 11, 2014 on the steps of Houston’s City Hall backing up her new commercial ad about Texas rape procedures and her competitor, Attorney General Greg Abbott.
Davis along with colleagues State Representative Senfronia Thompson, City Councilwoman Ellen Cohen, District C and a rape survivor who testified for Davis when introducing Senate Bill 1191 and 1192, Lavinia Masters, spoke about what SB 1636,1191 and 1192 really is in context to everyday life.
“It was a privilege to work with State Senator Davis on SB 1636,” said State Rep. Thomas. “1 in 3 rapes are reported, there aren’t enough designated facilities to treat rape victims and it is a travesty.”
SB 1636 is a bill written by Davis relating to the collection, analysis, and preservation of sexual assault or DNA evidence. In the state of Texas there were close to 18,500 untested kits until State Senator Davis worked her fiscal magic and found $11 million to go back and test the back logs of thousands of violations.
All emergency rooms are required to have personnel who can collect evidence from sexual assault victims as of September 1, 2013 by way of SB 1191. If by chance a victim goes to a medical facility that isn’t equipped to do proper testing and collections, the medical institution has to stabilize the patient and then give the option whether they want to go to a facility that offer the service.
The elected officials used rape victim, Nicole Anderson as their example for why SB 1191 is so important as she drove 50 miles and went to 3 hospitals before she could find a facility that could perform a rape kit on her in Dallas, TX.
The process of vindicating sexual assault victims in Texas, even right here in Houston has proved to be at a turtle’s pace as Councilmember Ellen Cohen, District D confided there were 6,663 untested rape kits, in the city before SB 1192. This bill allows sexual assault victims, the guardian of a victim, or a close relative of a deceased victim rights about the notification of evidence that was collected from their assaults, including when evidence collected during the investigation of the assault is submitted to a crime lab for analysis.
Lavinia Masters was raped at the age of six. A rape kit was performed on her and it was stored for 20 years. After two decades it was tested and the DNA matched for the aggressor but the statute of limitations had ran out and he couldn’t be prosecuted for his crime. Masters did not receive justice.
When Davis introduced these bills, Masters willingly gave her testimony as she did again on the steps of Houston’s City Hall.
“Wendy Davis listens to survivors and she fights for us,” said Masters.
State Senator Davis stepped up to speak with the sun blaring down on her. She thanked her colleagues and praised Masters for her courage. But took no time diving in to say how her legislation helps to protect everyone from sexual predators.
“These bills give us freedom from fear and now they will know justice will be done and on the first try,” said Davis.
She explained the bills and how they work but didn’t forget to bring up how Attorney General Abbott sided against a rape victims lawsuit when he sat as a judge on the Texas Supreme Court. This was the basis of her latest commercial.
In the commercial, which is based on a true story, a woman is sexually assaulted by a door to door salesman who sold Kirby vacuums. When she sued Kirby it went all the way to the Texas Supreme Court where Abbott, solely, voted against the victim, stating it wasn’t Kirby’s fault for not providing proper background checks.
Davis is proving to be a strong contender for the women’s vote in this election, whereas Abbott is known to pull a strong voting base from women through his work with Child Support Services through Attorney General.
Mr. Indian Hair store, armed robbery, Activist Quanell X warns robbers to stay away
Armed robbers held up Mr. Indian Hair store on Almeda, Friday, August 8, 2014 leaving owner, Kehlin Farooq, with a gunshot wound to the thigh, an extremely startled sister and customer.
For the second time this year, Farooq has been hit for his high end hair extension products. His popular business is located on the Almeda Corridor and has become a target along with other businesses due to the high demand for hair extensions within the African American community and the big bucks it draws in.
Although no merchandise was taken, Farooq was injured with a bullet wound to the thigh and according to Tharetha Black, a victim in the robbery the whole entire ordeal was plain out scary.
“These two dummies came in with masks and bandanas on their face. She say hit the floor and she pushed me down,” said Black. “All I remember them saying is get to the back and I wasn’t screaming but I was real nervous and panicky. I crawled to the back office and the next thing I hear is Brother Kehlin running out and I don’t know what he saw but I heard a pop, but I just stayed on the floor. He didn’t know he had been shot, he just asked where is his sister?”
Every one survived, shaken up of course but not discouraged as activist Quanell X, Kofi Taharka President of the National Black United Front, Krystal Muhammad, Leader of the New Black Panther Party Houston, Minister Robert Muhammad and disgruntled Black business owners stood in support of Farooq at a press conference outside his store on the following Monday, August 11, 2014.
“We have come here collectively to say that what took place against this brother and his sister and the people of this community, his customers on last week will not be tolerated,” said Quanell X. “We are fed up and sick and tired of letting our own brothers and sisters who look like us to prey on us to shoot, maim, harm and sometimes kill valued members of our community.”
Although Farooq has been hit before this is the first time it was an armed robbery attempt. Other businesses like Brashae’s Beauty Supply was hit too the week before Mr. Indian Hair. Brashae’s Hair Supply is the one and only African American full service beauty supply in Houston that is an African American owned business, said Farooq.
The target which is hair extensions are a hot commodity. Ranging anywhere from $150- $300 for a bundle of hair, these extensions are lucrative business. Thieves steal these products with the desire to sell them for a discounted price on the black market. Yet Farooq and colleagues in the business are suspicious that African American hair extension stores are under massive attack but Asian owned hair extension stores haven’t met the same rate of robbery attempts.
“I never thought I would see the day where brothers would break in and not even want the cash register,” said Quanell X. “I mean not even look at it but go straight for the hair. That’s a shock to me.”
As shocked as he maybe he stood strong as he delivered his address to the youngsters who made the robbery attempt. A warning was firmly set for them and for anyone else who has ill plans for the Third Ward community.
“This man isn’t just someone who has not made a positive investment into this community and he has worked night and day to help many of us in this area and now our young brothers whom we love will come into this man’s business and put a gun to his sisters head and shoot him in the leg,” said Quanell X. “We want to say to these young brothers, we love you but this time you shot the wrong brother, this time your robbed the wrong institution and we want you to know you shouldn’t be robbing any place but like hell we will let you shoot down valued members of our community, we are prepared by any means necessary to hunt you down wherever you are, we are prepared to protect his life and the lives of our community members by any means necessary. We are saying to these young brothers to lay down your guns.”
The community stood behind their leaders as Farooq leaned over on crutches in the blaring heat on the Almeda Corridor, once a mecca for African American businesses. Farooq said he will continue to run his business with Quanell X adding if another robber comes in they might not be so lucky next time.
The Fight to Save Freedmen’s Town’s Brick Streets
This is a open manifesto to the Mayor of Houston and City Councilmembers that was presented by Dorris Ellis – Robinson on August 5, 2014.
State Senator Rodney Ellis remembers Mickey Leland
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the untimely passing of Congressman Mickey Leland. While leading a relief mission to a refugee camp in Ethiopia, his plane went down in remote mountains, killing him, his staff, and a group of international leaders.
Mickey was my boss, my mentor, and my dear friend. He died as he lived, trying to end world hunger and serving as a voice for the voiceless. His story is worthy of celebration and remembrance, as the values he embraced still live on a quarter of a century later.
First elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1972, Mickey was unlike anyone who had ever served in that body previously. Picture an African American with an afro, platform shoes, leather shoulder bag, and bright dashiki walking around the Texas Capitol. He caused quite a stir.
By the time he got elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1978 – replacing Barbara Jordan – he had traded in the dashiki for a business suit, but that did not change what he fought for. He used his position in Washington to shine the spotlight on the plight of the powerless in this world.
Mickey had a motto, quoted from the Talmud: “If you save one life, you save the world.” He put that motto in practice, fighting to bridge the differences in our society, expand diversity, and end world hunger.
One of the first things he did in Congress was create a program that has sent hundreds of students from his congressional district to Israel during the summer of their junior year of high school, helping to broaden their perspective of the world.
He also began an internship program to start casting the net for more minority students to get involved in government service – one that I emulated through the Texas Legislative Internship Program. Mickey opened the door to students interested in the system and helped them get their foot in the door for training and experience. His efforts helped change lives, and also – in small ways – helped change the culture and complexion of the professional staff in Congress.
It was also his staff that ended up changing my life. I met Licia Green at an event in DC with Mickey. She later moved to Houston to run his district office, we fell in love and got married, and the rest is history.
But the cause that came to define Mickey was the plight of Africa, particularly the children of the continent. He talked frequently and eloquently about how this issue became his defining cause. On a trip to the Sudan in 1984, he watched a young girl die of starvation right before his eyes. He said he saw her face every day.
He knew something had to be done, and he was in a position to do something about it. He worked hard to expand ties and increase aid to the nations of Africa. He championed anti-hunger efforts and helped expand U.S. aid to Ethiopia during the famine in 1985. He traveled frequently to Ethiopia and across Africa and put into practice his deep belief that we are supposed to help “the least of our brothers.”
I still miss Mickey every day, but the lessons that he taught me will always guide my public service.
He taught me that there are no lost causes or unwinnable fights. He taught me that patience, cooperation, and dedication are the small but vital steps of progress.
He taught me that change comes in constant and consistent action, not in one fell swoop. He taught me that we are responsible not just for ourselves and our families, not just for our friends or neighbors, but for the people and children of the world.
And he taught me that we can all make a difference if we simply choose to get involved and take a stand.
So I am using the anniversary of Mickey’s passing as a moment to rededicate myself to the values that he espoused: courage, compassion, and a commitment to all people. I hope today’s solemn occasion will cause more to follow his lead.
Sincerely,
Rodney Ellis
THUMBS UP FOR “GET ON UP”
Sun Contributing Writer
Lynelle Bacon
James Brown. He was indeed super-bad in many ways.
“Get On Up” is a biography based on James Brown’s life. The story journeys through James’s childhood and adulthood. Despite having an impoverished childhood, he has a determined disposition that keeps him strong throughout his entire life. Needless to say, James perseveres.
Act I – 1988 in Augusta, Georgia
The biopic begins in 1988 in Augusta, Georgia with James driving to the Man’s World Enterprises Building that he owns. He enters the building and discovers that someone who is attending a seminar at his building has taken a dump in the bathroom. James becomes extremely annoyed because of this and demands to know who had the gall to take a dump in his bathroom. This sh-t is funny. No pun intended. After much torture to the attendees, James removes a shotgun from his truck and in the middle of his rant, forgets why he is so angry. He inadvertently shoots through the roof of his building. A high-speed police chase ensues.
Early Life of James Brown
The film retreats to 1939 when James and his mother, played by the remarkably talented Viola Davis, are frolicking in the backwoods near their cabin. James tells her that he is hungry. She dismisses him due to a lack of food and says to him that his hunger pangs are simply a spirit trying to make him laugh. She then tickles him.
James’s father, played by Lennie James, arrives home after being away for more than a week, and begins quarreling with his mother. James’s mother decides she would be better off without them and commences to leave the house. James’s father initially asks her to take James with her and she turns around in an attempt to retrieve him but is threatened by her husband and leaves without James. She walks away and begins a new life: a single and childless life.
James wonders off to the woods and comes in contact with a man who has been hanged to death. He takes the dead man’s fancy shoes off his feet and safely stores them away.
James father decides to join the army and delivers James to his Aunt Honey’s brothel and tells James to look after himself. Aunt Honey is played by the multi-award winner Octavia Spencer. Aunt Honey nurtures James and tells him that he is going to be rich one day and everybody will know his name.
Act II – The Turning Point in James Brown’s Life
At age 17, while wearing the fancy shoes that he took off the dead man’s feet when he was a young boy, James breaks a window and steals a three-piece suit, maybe to complement his shoes, and is subdued by the police and sentenced to five to 13 years in jail. While serving time in jail, he meets an aspiring gospel singer named Bobby Byrd, played by Nelsan Ellis. Bobby is a member of a gospel band that sings for the prisoners. He is very fond of James’s singing talent and persuades his mother to allow James to live with them as a means of getting out of jail sooner. James joins the gospel band, and this is the turning point in his life. An executive from King Records invites James and Bobby to Cincinnati to cut a record.
The movie goes back in time. James gets the attention of Little Richard, who is performing at a juke joint. Little Richard befriends James and gives him advice on how to make it in the music industry.
Act III – James Brown Goes Back to His Gospel Roots
The movie ends in 1993 when James visits Bobby Byrd, who has long severed ties with James. James invites Bobby and his wife to attend his upcoming concert. Bobby is very hesitant about attending the concert, and James is skeptical of his attendance.
Before going on stage, James reminisces about his life and says, “I paid the cost to be the boss.” James is delighted to discover that Bobby Byrd and his wife are in the audience. James redirects his band and sings the gospel song “Try Me” and it brings Bobby to tears.
Cast Members
While there are many fine actors who could have portrayed James Brown, this role was meant for Chadwick Boseman. He mastered James’s mannerisms. Chadwick is a phenomenal actor who also starred as Jackie Robinson in “42” – another great film. No one should be surprised if Chadwick is holding an Oscar on February 22, 2015.
Some of the other cast members include Tika Sumpter, who plays a professional back-up singer named Yvonne Fair. Though her role is somewhat minor, the super-talented actress puts her heart and soul in it.
The multi-talented Jill Scott stars as James’s second, sexy wife, DeeDee.
Dan Aykroyd, who James refers to as “Pops”, stars as his manager and good friend.
The hilarious Craig Robinson plays Maceo Parker, one of the band members.
I believe James would be very proud to see his life portrayed on the big screen.
The Godfather of Soul’s Style
From the singing, the splits, the spinning of the feet, to dancing with the microphones, there is no doubt that Prince, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger (one of the producers of the movie), and many other artists’ dance moves and singing styles originates from The Godfather of Soul, who was in a class by himself.
The Hardest Working Man in Show Business
It is no wonder why James Brown was dubbed “The Hardest Working Man in Show Business”, as he was a perfectionist and he demanded perfection from everyone in his camp.
A Must-See Movie
“Get On Up” is definitely a must-see movie. It gets five stars. So, Please, Please, Please Get Up Offa That Thing and get to a theater and treat yourselves to the incredible biopic. At two hours and eighteen minutes long, it is well worth the time.
Rest in Peace, Godfather.
Wendy Davis recognizing the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer.
As we enjoy the bright days of summer, we should take time to reflect on two important anniversaries. Fifty years ago, this summer, America and the world watched one of the most iconic moments of the Civil Rights Movement unfold. And it was ninety-five years ago that Texas took a large step forward for women. Both anniversaries concern a right we as Texans hold dear: the right to vote, through which we express our desires and priorities as citizens.
In 1964, scores of young people, black and white, energized with a spirit of racial justice converged on the state of Mississippi. They had journeyed there to help register African-Americans to vote. That season of heroism and insurmountable determination became known as the Freedom Summer. Only a small fraction of eligible African-Americans in the state were registered. In Mississippi, as in other places across the country, an entrenched establishment resisted allowing racial diversity to express its voice through the political process.
But soon after the summer began, tragedy ensued. Late that June, three volunteers disappeared after first being arrested by local police: James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner. On August 4, 1964, their bodies were found. They had been murdered by people who were willing to kill to prevent African-Americans from voting. But the young men had not died in vain. Outrage over their deaths ultimately led to passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The right of women to vote was itself the culmination of a long struggle. Since our country’s birth, women have fought to have their voices heard in the halls of power. Women’s suffrage and the abolition of slavery were often discussed together. Indeed, Frederick Douglass was among the earliest and most prominent male supporters. In the last part of the nineteenth century, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony wrote the text of a constitutional amendment giving women the right to vote. It would not be until 1919, though, that Congress finally proposed it to the states. On June 28, 1919, Texas became the ninth state to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment.
Honoring these two anniversaries allows us to measure the great strides we have made. Were it not for the political ripples that spread out from the Freedom Summer, we would not have known the great vision and leadership of a Barbara Jordan or a Mickey Leland. Had brave and tireless women not demanded the right to vote, we Texans would never have had trailblazers like Irma Rangel, Ann Richards, and Kay Bailey Hutchinson.
Today, though, many Texans face some of the same challenges that the Voting Rights Act and women’s suffrage sought to remedy. Soon, a federal court in Corpus Christi, TX, will consider whether Texas’ restrictive voter ID law, passed in 2011, violates the remaining provisions of the Voting Rights Act. Previously, a panel of federal judges in Washington, D.C., determined that implementation of Texas’ voter ID law would result in a discriminatory impact on minority voters, while noting during the trial that women whose last names had been changed through marriage or divorce could be disproportionately harmed, as well.
Whether the Voting Rights Act will continue to provide Texans with the protections it was meant to assure hinges on the outcome of that trial. It is sobering to consider that lives were lost toward a cause that may eventually be rendered hollow.
Our state and our nation are stronger when all of our voices – regardless of race, gender or economic stature – are included in political dialogue. Speaking our priorities through our votes assures public accountability in education, infrastructure investment and an economy that works for all Texans, not just a select few.
As we mark the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer and the efforts of those who risked their lives in order to guarantee each of us the precious right to vote, let us take a moment to consider their work. And this November, let us honor the memory of those who fought to assure that we were granted our most sacred of Constitutional privileges by making our voices heard at the ballot box. Remaining silent by failing to vote does them a disservice and carries tremendous consequences.
SAVE OUR STREETS: FREEDMEN’S TOWN FIGHTS FOR BRICK STREETS
When you drive down Andrews Street in the historical Fourth Ward Freedmen’s Town you see an interesting looking street. On the right hand side you see red brick and then on the left hand side you see cement, pot holes and the remnants of what use to be a trolley train track.
The street seems unimpressive to the uneducated eye except for the killer view of Downtown as a back drop for the closely fit narrow houses and emerging condos. Yet, those dusty red, hundred year old bricks that line Wilson and Andrews Street for 7/10 a mile has become the next big fight for the people of Freedmen’s Town.
On June 11, 2014 City Council unanimously passed Item 51, an ordinance that awarded a $5,600,000.00 contract to CONRAD CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD. for the Freedman’s Town Brick Streets Restoration Project.
“The project will replace water and sanitary sewer lines, restoration of the brick streets and local street drainage on Andrews Street from Heiner Street to Wilson Street and on Wilson from Andrews to West Dallas Street in the Freedman’s Town Area. Contract duration for this project is 365 calendar days,” according to Request for Council Action document.
The intention of the City is welcomed. Who doesn’t want improved traffic circulation, mobility drainage and roadway upgrades? But then the realization sets in that by completing such a construction project in the manner the City has decided to go with it is a disruption of history and a legacy. This has prompted determined preservationist in Freedmen’s Town to fight harder to not let this project happen as is.
“This is our history,” said Lue Williams of the Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition. “The City didn’t even try to hear our side. We have been fighting to save our historical structures in Fourth Ward for years and they just don’t care.”
Williams along with long time activist and preservationist for Freedmen’s Town, Catherine Roberts gathered as many supporters together to try and protest the decision rendered by Council in June. The project is slated to begin in August, so these ladies knew their time is limited. They enlisted the help of Dorris Ellis, President, Friends of Emancipation Park and asked her for her knowledge on how to preserve a historical area.
Immediately the Rutherford B.H. Yates Museum and supporters began working to try and stop the removal of the bricks. Freedmen’s Town is under the National Historical Preservation and has a marker outside the Yates Museum. The area is a known historical setting which further troubles the FTPC.
History
The brick that pave Wilson and Andrews Street once lined several streets in the 80 blocks that use to be Fourth Ward Freedmen’s Town. Free men of African ancestry settled there following Emancipation, floating in on the banks of Buffalo Bayou. Those families faced racism even when it came to paving the streets.
According to Catherine Roberts of the RBHY Museum, after asking the City of Houston for six years for paved streets and being denied the residents paid for their own bricks and had them made in their own community and laid it themselves.
Those bricks have lasted a hundred years. Over time many bricks have crumbled under the pressure of modern vehicles and climate, while others have been covered by cement for the purpose of patching or what the City plans to do again which is update utilities under the streets.
Justification for the project is, “Replace a street that has been deteriorated beyond economical repair,” according to the Request Report by the City of Houston.
The Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition (FTPC) launched a SAVE OUR STREETS (S.O.S.) Campaign all over social media while holding town hall meetings, visiting City Hall during the public session to speak to Mayor Parker and Councilmembers about the historical bricks that make up Andrews and Wilson Street, classroom information sessions at Texas Southern University held by engineering consultant Craig Champ out of California to teach about the other options presented such as the underground micro tunneling that could be ran under the sidewalks.
In 2007, under Bill White’s Administration, the brick streets were spared from removal. With the work of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Gladys House and the RBHY Museum they were able to link up with an Engineering Consultant, Eric Skonberg who too believes micro tunneling under the sidewalks can be a surefire preservation method.
Communication between the City and the FTPC is scarce and un-resolving. Mayor Parker is adamant about the restoration of the streets.
“I have driven down Andrews Street and the potholes and humps and bumps. I want to be able to drive down those bricks in a smoothly,” said Mayor Parker. “We are going to put the bricks back.”
The argument over restoration and preservation is a view point type of rhetoric. Mayor Parker called herself a preservationist.
As of now the construction project is still underway, and the Council has until August to find a way to hear the cries of their constituents. Many invitations have been extended to Councilmembers and Mayor Parker to attend town hall gatherings and the engineering teach in, their presence and representation lacked, according to the FTPC.
The FTPC backed by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee will continue to push for the alternative of restoration which is preservation through the use of micro tunneling underneath the sidewalks.
Wendy Davis, 100 days left in race for Texas Governor’s seat
State Senator
Wendy Davis at volunteer event in Houston
Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate State Senator Wendy Davis rallied to a full house of supporters who came out to train as volunteers for the last 100 days until the November election.
The Iron Workers facility in South Houston was jammed packed with an eclectic mix of people who cheered loudly and proudly as Davis walked up on stage.
“I have worked other campaigns but this one is special. I feel like Wendy can do wonders for Texas, ” said Penny Taylor, a young woman who attended the rally.
Davis has earned a reputation for standing up during difficult decision times but also for her grassroots campaign. She has earned the most donations from small donors in a record time and she is far from over.
Greg Abbott was the focus of her speech as he is her contender. But her main focus was the momentum of her volunteers.
“I am grateful to each and everyone who believes it can be done and with each and every one of us it can be done,” said Davis.
Davis gave an update about the work she is doing now in the legislature by filibustering again but this time for education.
According to Davis, Abbott has been fighting 600 schools in court for budget cuts close to $5 billion. Davis claims she has fought hard to restore 3.5 billion back to those schools.
“I value the importance of the schools. My values are roots that every child should be able to reach their dreams,” said State Senator Davis.
The State Senator has campaigned on the aspect that she is a hard working woman who has earned her stripes. She prides herself in not being an “insider” and states her and Abbott are two very different people running for the same office.
“We’ve seen in 14 years Austin insiders. They have ignored our votes and taken our votes for granted,” echoed Davis throughout the room. “People have woken up to the strength of their own voices. People think Texas can’t be won by a woman with a D by her name. I have stood for hard working Texans even when I knew I wouldn’t win. It means something to me.”
Davis appraises herself as Governor who would bring tax dollars to Texas and spend them inside Texas, having sound economic policies and someone who will not be up for sale.
The Sun had an exclusive interview with State Senator Wendy Davis after her rally speech where we has a brief discussion about her last 100 days campaigning.
Sun: What do you see happening with volunteers in the next 100 days?
Davis: “In the next 100 days I expect our volunteer numbers are going to continue to swell. We already have over 27,000 people volunteering in this campaign. It’s historic, there has never been anything like this in the state before. I am sure that it will continue to grow and those conversations that are so important with voters to make sure we have someone in the Capital who will represent all hard working Texans and not an insider representing only an inside few. Those conversations are going to make the difference in the race.”
Sun: How did the filibuster about education help draw people to you?
Davis: “The number one issues in this race is education. I talk to parents and teachers every single day and they want to see someone who is going to make sure that we once again make education a priority, that we fund it properly and focus on early childhood education and get kids doing well before we lose them forever and those will be my priorities as governor.”
Sun: What can I tell The Houston Sun readers about Wendy Davis that they don’t already know?
Davis: “Tell them that she’s a fighter and that she stood and fought against a 5 1/2 billion dollars in cuts to public education while Greg Abbott has been fighting for three years in court to defend those cuts and that’s what they need to know about the two people who are asking for the privilege to serve them.”
PhotoCred: Justin Schooler
GRAND OPENING: Cullen Family Practice
South Park and the Sunnyside Area are known and often times categorized African American communities that lack the essentials that a thriving neighborhood needs.
Fresh market grocery stores, and clinics that are affordable are in high demand. Dr. Bernadette Iguh, R.N., M.D. saw the need and prayed to God for the chance to bring health to the African American community and so she did.
July 12, 2014, Dr. Iguh held a lavish Grand Opening Ceremony for Cullen Family Practice Clinic 7710 Cullen Blvd Houston Texas 77051. As a practicing Registered Nurse (R.N.) for 14 years, Dr. Iguh believed in quality health care and with a spiritual touch.
“Bernadette had her own ideas on how to do treatments so she went on to medical school. She became a doctor,” said a close friend and colleague of Dr. Iguh.
Many people stood up and spoke on the quality of person and work that she represented and what a blessing she would be to the South Park and Sunnyside communities.
Dr. Iguh has practiced as a Medical Doctor (M.D.) since 2005. She saw the need in the particular area and vetted for a place to open shop.
“I am very familiar with this community, I worked in the South Park area for five years” said Dr. Iguh. “I have donated services to the community and I felt the need to be here.”
Her community service now extend beyond food giveaways as Cullen Family Practice will be open Monday through Friday 9 am- 6pm and on Saturdays by appointment only.
Dr. Iguh accepts all types of insurance.
Inside the clinic there are six exam rooms and an immunization room. It is a family medicine clinic that treats pediatric to geriatric patients.
Iguh’s husband and children are a part of her working environment as her husband helped restructure the building to become a clinic and her daughter is a nurse.
“This use to be a feed house for animals, now it is a place of health for humans,” said Dr. Iguh’s husband.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee read a proclamation before the ribbon cutting and dignitaries from Africa flew all the way to South Park Houston, TX to celebrate the opening of Cullen Family Practice.
2014 Essence Festival
Thanks to the Houston Sun Newspaper, I was on the scene for the 2014 Essence Festival in New Orleans. This year, the Essence Festival celebrated its 20th Anniversary and kicked off the special occasion with Prince as its signature performance. The weather wasn’t the only thing scorching this 4th of July weekend as celebrities and event goers filled the New Orleans Convention Center.
I couldn’t believe how many brands and sponsors were a part of the Essence Expo. It was a photographer’s dream job. There were so many good photo opportunities. Imagine walking in the convention center and your favorite celebrities are on stages spread across one giant room. As a first time attendee of The Essence Festival, I have to admit I was overwhelmed. Brands like Walmart, McDonald’s and Verizon all hosted stages with celebrities interacting with audiences throughout the whole day.
If you had a chance to visit the Coca Cola stage you’d thought you walked on the set of a new music video. In addition to the music pumping DJ, you had Tyrese discussing how his 30 second commercial with Coca Cola changed his entire life. Tyrese said that his music teacher canceled their music class to personally take him to the Coca Cola audition. He went on to say that the audition led to his first commercial which ultimately was the beginning of his career. Since then he has starred in box office Blockbuster films and has had a very successful music career, and influences millions of people through his social media platforms.
If this didn’t inspire you, you could easily walk over to the Walmart Stage and hear artists like singer Trey Songz or singer Ledisi discussing how their dreams became reality.
The Essence Festival was literally like walking inside of an issue of Essence. I attended the festival as a photojournalist but if I could walk around with a giant tape recorder I would have. The first account information shared by the guests was invaluable.
In addition to the extraordinary shared dialog, the Essence Festival provided plenty of cuisines and giveaways for all taste buds and ages. My choice of vendor food came from a booth named The Taste of “Nawlings.” I can still taste the New Orleans flavored Catfish and Jambalaya the city has to offer.
Not to be left out, this year the Marriott International partnered with the Essence Festival to host a few of its own events. I was really excited to provide photography for
celebrities like Angela Simmons and Boris Kodjoe. ESSENCE Love & Relationships Editors Charli Penn & Sixx King made sure audience members’ questions were getting answered throughout the ‘Totally Tripping” hotel event. It was exciting to see television actor,Laz Alonso surprise guests of the hotel by taking selfies and giving away tickets to the Prince concert, courtesy of Marriott.
Marriott International also invited Laz Alonso along with actress Angela Simmons, movie actor Boris Kodjoe and his wife, actress Nicole Ari Parker to be panelist for their ‘Totally Tripping” event.
It was refreshing to hear Nicole and Boris Kodjoe say traveling is a way they keep their relationship fresh. The audience was impressed when Nicole admitted that she recently surprised her husband Boris Kodjoe with an impromptu trip to Bora Bora.
Simmons chimed in and said that when she travels, she likes to choose hotels with great ocean views. Alonso said that the best part of traveling for him is having nice pillows and beds. They all agreed that each of these amenities make for a peaceful and successful getaway.
Another high point of my 2014 Essence experience was meeting the magazine’s Love & Relationships editors, Charli Penn & Sixx King who were very friendly and engaging. They played moderators while audience members listened with excitement and intrigue.
Not only were we treated to photo opportunities with the panelist, we were given free reign to ask questions related to the discussion. Besides great conversation, the group selfies seem to be a big hit with everyone. Sixx King made sure the entire room took one giant selfie with the panelist before closing out the event.
If you thought the daytime events of Essence were it, then you were in for a bigger treat for the night-time performances. I am now a newly converted fan of Janelle Monae. While taking pictures of her stage performance, you couldn’t help but feel her high energy.
It was also an honor to photograph music legends like Mary J Blige and Jill Scott on the Essence Mainstage. The super lounges which featured artists like The Roots and Ledisi allowed us to experience performances in a more intimate settings.
Other performers who had the crowd rocking and on its feet were Erykah Badu, headliners Prince and Charlie Wilson with Lionel Richie closing out the 2014 Essence Festival with their popular hits.
I recommend getting started early on your 2015 Essence Festival plans. It will be time well spent.
#callenphotos
#callenmedia
#christoperhallen@houstonsun.com
Happy 142nd Birthday Emancipation Park
Friends of Emancipation (FEP) Park surprised the children of Emancipation Park’s Summer Recreation Program with pizzas, a variety of delicious looking cupcakes, assorted juices and ice cream to celebrate the 142nd Birthday of the historical park founded by free slaves on July 19, 1872.
The birthday surprise had the children laughing, running and playing and guessing whose birthday celebration it was. “It’s her birthday,” one of the kids said while pointing at FEP President, Dorris Ellis. Then they all started laughing and telling her happy birthday and giving her big hugs. “No, no, no, it’s someone else’s birthday, someone that really enjoys have you all here,” she said with a huge smile.
After several more guesses by the eager children, the correct answer came hurdling out of a crowd of children surrounded by a couple of young adults who work at the park. “It’s Emancipation Park’s birthday,” the group shouted in unison. Some other curious children then asked,” How old is Emancipation Park?” The same group who guessed the birthday answer came up the age of the park, “142- years-old,” they rang out with merriment.
By this time, the kids were ready to move on to the good part of the Friends of Emancipation (FEP) Park surprised the children of Emancipation Park’s Summer birthday celebration; the yummy treats. They had to wait a few more minutes for one of the FEP volunteers, Rev. Robert Gilmore to bless the food. The kids then lined-up and made their way to the celebratory eats that they were to consume in style.
The tables popped with a cheerful display of color with bright chartreus tablecloths adorned with birthday theme confetti down the center of each table. It was a festive setting and the kids enjoyed it all as they sat down and ate and talked with each other.
Emancipation Park was originally purchased to celebrate the Texas Emancipation Holiday “Juneteenth.” Until the 1950s it was the only public park and swimming pool in Houston opened to African Americans.
Currently the park is under renovation. The 10-acre project will include refurbished landscapes, playgrounds and the renovation of the two historic buildings and the addition of a new building and plaza. The recreation center will be repurposed as a community center and the famous pool-house will be renovated and expanded all in the fall of 2015.
The new Emancipation Park will be an inter-woven tapestry of buildings and landscape that will celebrate the park’s rich history while embracing the present and future of its community.
Venetian Las Vegas: Do Come Inside
There are many stylish casino designed hotels and resorts that line the 4.2 miles of the Las Vegas Strip. Glitz, glamor and eye-catching attractions embellish one of the most well-known skylines worldwide. However, there is one hotel that is one of a kind. The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino’s exquisite architecture sets this landmark apart from the rest.
You can actually hear the people admiring the hotel’s beautiful Renaissance artwork on the high arch ceilings with bursts of oohing and ahhing during check-in and as they stroll through the hotel’s palatial promenade.
The Venetian provides all of the guestroom amenities that one expects from a first class hotel and much more. When I walked into my suite, it was much grander than I had imagined. I was greeted by 650 square feet of pure luxury and marble flooring. My bed chamber included a plush king-sized pillow-top bed with a relaxing lounger at the foot and a flat screen stylishly mounted on the wall surrounded by spectacular art work.
Just a few feet away was the sunken living area with its own flat screen and a comfortable full sized l-shaped sofa-sleeper and an office area that offered all the technological amenities to conduct business as well as a dining area and an oversized bay window with remote control handcrafted curtains and tailored-made pleated drapes that overlooked the lively Vegas Strip.
The bath area reflected the spaciousness of the bed chamber and sunken living quarter. It provided a 130-square ft. sanctuary with a Roman tub and a separate glass enclosed shower. The sink was a double sided vanity and a 17 inch flat-screen hung inside as well, but I can tell there was no need for me to watch television because the ambiance was so plush there and just pure relaxation. The quality body wash, shampoo/conditioner and other bath amenities kept my skin supple and my hair soft and shiny. I really didn’t want to leave my suite. But The Venetian has so much more to see and experience.
The Venetian offers over 30 restaurants from fine dining to casual dining. I chose to enjoy my meals at the Grand Lux Café which is located on the casino level, which is more on the casual dining side. I really enjoyed the atmosphere plus the wide selection of food. My favorite was pasta with ground beef and with pieces of slow roasted short rib, smoked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, a touch of garlic and a mildly spicy marinade; and of course a Greek salad- Yummy. By-the-way the Grand Lux offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.
One of the best ways to shop is just to sometimes browse; known as window shopping. The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian will give you an eyeful of beautiful things even if you don’t make a purchase you can add to your wish-list for later. The Grand Canal Shoppes has more than a 160 signature stores and for us shoe-nistas; Tory Burch, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin are among the favorites. And the ever-popular Michael Kors right in sight has a signature shop with a host of handbags that range from the high-end to the moderate price point. And in the midst of it all is The Venetian famous gondola ride, this is a must, even though I didn’t partake but will on my next Vegas outing.
One huge attraction that I didn’t missed out on was the Motown Human Nature Show exclusively at The Venetian. This stage-show will dazzle you for days. Okay, picture this, four talented blue-eyed Aussies, yes I mean the kind from Australia. They have the Motown sound down complete with all of the steps, moves and oh-yeah those voices, with blended perfect harmony.
These guys; Andrew Tierney, Phil Burton, Toby Allen and Mike Tierney brought all of Motown’s favorite songs, showmanship and impeccable sleek polished image packed in a 2 ½, hour-show and entertained with their melodic and energetic renditions of “My Girl”, “Tears of a Cloud”, “Stop in the Name of Love”, “Uptight-Everything is Alright”, “I Will Be There”, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” and “My Girl” and “Get Ready” among other Motown top picks. These musical selections and Human Nature’s intoxicating performance had the crowd rocking and standing to its feet throughout the performance.
The group voted best singers by the Las Vegas Review Journal and Trip Advisor’s #1 show in Las Vegas, Human Nature: The Motown Show is one not to be missed. Ticket prices range from $118 to $74.00 and the performance is held at The Venetian Sands Show Room.
Currently The Venetian is running a special on its Luxury 650 square feet Luxury Open Floor Plan Suite at $159.00 per night. Now that is an awesome deal! For more information on accommodations and Human Nature Motown please contact guest relations at (702) 607-4644.
sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com
#The Venetian @ Las Vegas
#Human Nature Motown @ The Venetian
Houston Parks and Recreation Department Plans an Exciting Summer of Outdoor Fun and Games
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department kicks off the 2014 summer season this weekend with activities and classes for all ages and abilities.
“We’re excited that summer is here. It’s one of our busiest seasons,” said Joe Turner, Director, Houston Parks and Recreation Department. “We welcome visitors to our 360 plus parks and encourage them to check out H.P.A.R.D.’s 2014 summer catalog to see all the programs we have to offer during the summer.”
H.P.A.R.D.’s 2014 Summer Activities and Class Catalog offers a complete list of summer programming offered by the department with dates, fees and information numbers for the public to download. The catalog is available for download at www.houstonparks.org.
Some activities and programs listed in the catalog and offered by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department this summer include:
Pools:
Offers:
37 pool sites provide cool relief from Houston’s heat. Swim classes are also offered.
Fee: Free
Ages:
Open to all ages. Youth under 8 years of age must be accompanied by parent/guardian
Locations:
www.houstonparks.org
Days:
May 31 – August 17; Tuesday – Sunday (closed on Mondays)
August 18 – Sept 1; Saturday and Sunday only (closed Mon – Fri)
Learn to Swim – H2O Safe
Offers:
Three levels of Swim Instruction at 33 pool sites across the city. Registration is required. Thirty (30) minute classes are offered between 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Schedules vary by site.
Fee: Free
Ages: 6-13
Locations: www.houstonparks.org
Summer Food Service Program
Offers:
Lunches and snacks at over 400 sites across the city for children ages 1 – 18 to replace meals provided during the school year. No registration is required. H.P.A.R.D. has sponsored this program since 1980.
Fee: FREE
Ages: 1-18
Locations: Over 400 sites across Houston and Harris County
Days: June 2 – Aug 15 (Mon – Fri only)
Time: Lunch 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Snack 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Information:
2-1-1 (give operator your zip code for closest site to you)
Summer Enrichment Program
Offers:
A day camp-style program for youth ages 6 – 13. The program operates under “Texas Standards of Care” as defined by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. Activities include crafts, nutrition education, fitness, track and field, junior golf, nature exploration, recycling awareness, hiking and fishing excursions, and computer literacy.
Fee: Tuition is $30 per week per child
Ages: 6-13
Locations: 49 H.P.A.R.D. sites across Houston
Days: June 2 – Aug 8 (Mon – Fri only)
Time:
8:00 am – 6:00 pm (parents responsible for transportation to and from site)
Registration: Online Only www.houstonparks.org
Golf Courses
Offers:
7 Locations across the city. A wide variety of amenities ensure that H.P.A.R.D. golf courses offer something for everyone at all skill levels. All sites are non-metal spike courses.
Fees:
Vary; consult website for each golf course www.houstonparks.org
Locations: www.houstonparks.org
Lake Houston Wilderness Park
Offers:
4,786.6 acres of wooded parkland, approximately 30 minutes north of downtown Houston off of Highway 59 near the town of New Caney. It is the only park in the H.P.A.R.D. system where overnight camping is available. Cabins (both lakeside and wooded sites), lakeside tent platforms, screen shelters, backpack campsites, and dining hall are available for rental. Activities include hiking and biking on 12 miles of hike and bike trails, kayaking on tree-lined creeks, and horseback riding on 8 miles of equestrian trails. (Bring your own bikes, watercraft, and horses).
Fee: $3.00 daily admission fee; other fees apply and vary depending on cabin rental.
Hershey Track & Field
Offers:
A FREE exciting track & field event for children ages 6 – 14. The program is open to all track & field clubs and school team members and individuals, and no experience is necessary. The meet takes place from 9:00 – 2:00 June 10 and July 9 at the Barnett Sports Complex, and features dashes, runs, relays, broad jumps, and softball throw. The Jacob & Therese Hershey Foundation is a partial sponsor for the event.
Fee: Free
Registration:
May 2 – July 3 (ongoing through those time periods)
Meets/Ages: June 10 (ages 9-14) and July 9 (ages 6 – 14)
Houston Teens Outside With Nature (HTOWN)
Offers:
A FREE year-round program that offers youth ages 14 – 18 opportunities to
build confidence and self-esteem through mentoring and H.P.A.R.D. programs and
special events. Activities include community and volunteer projects, teen
forums and workshops, field trips and tours, hands-on outdoor activities, and sports.
Fee: Free
Registration: Ongoing
Ages: 14-18
Locations: H.P.A.R.D. Community Centers
Opening Doors Teen Mentoring Workshop
Offers:
Youth ages 14 – 18 have the opportunity to perform community service during the summer. Teens develop character and self-worth and prepare for the job market with interview and resume training. They take part in community projects, field trips, workshops, and a team-building camping experience at Lake Houston Wilderness Park. The 8-week summer program meets at the Judson Robinson, Jr., Community Center.
Fee: $30 per week, (Monday – Thursday only)
Ages: 14-18
Location:
Judson Robinson, Jr., Community Center, 2020 Hermann Drive
Teen Adventure Caravan
Offers:
Programs, field trips, mentoring, and special teen events for youth Ages 14 – 18 at
H.P.A.R.D. community centers across town. Activities include motivational speakers, essay and talent competitions, nature and camping activities, and college campus tours.
Fee: Free
Ages: 14-18
Locations:
Select H.P.A.R.D. Community Centers (call for Locations)
Athletes Seeking Knowledge
Offers: FREE educational support, resources, and scholarship opportunities to youth
Ages: 13 – 18 in H.P.A.R.D.’s Summer Enrichment or other recreational programs.
Fee: Free
Ages: 13 – 18
Locations:
H.P.A.R.D. Community Centers (call for Locations)
D-Tag Tattoo Removal
Offers: Tattoo removal service upon completion of 6 hours of community service. D-Tag
is co-sponsored by the Harris County Medical Society.
Ages: Young people 10 – 24
Fee: Free with completion of 6 hours of community service to be performed prior to tattoo
removal procedure
Locations:
Judson Robinson, Jr., Community Center, 2020 Hermann Drive
Summer Youth Tennis
Offers:
Through a partnership with the Houston Tennis Association, Inc/NJTL, tennis lessons for children teach them the fundamentals of the game of tennis along with invaluable life skills. Summer classes meet in the morning or afternoon, and no pre-registration is required, although class enrollment closes 2 weeks after classes start.
Fee: Free
Ages: 4 – 18
Locations: 37 H.P.A.R.D. tennis courts across Houston Area
Skateparks
Offers: 5 Above ground skatepark sites across the city, and 1 in-ground skatepark, the Lee & Joe Jamail Skatepark for skateboarders to use.
Fee: Free
Ages: 6 – Up
Locations: www.houstonparks.org
General Order No. 3 – Happy Juneteenth
General Order No. 3
The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property, between former masters and slaves and the connection heretofore existing between them, becomes that between employer and hired labor. The Freedmen are advised to remain at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts; and they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.
Happy Juneteenth- Full transcript of the Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation
January 1, 1863
A Transcription
By the President of the United States of America:
A Proclamation.
Whereas, on the twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, a proclamation was issued by the President of the United States, containing, among other things, the following, to wit:
“That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.
“That the Executive will, on the first day of January aforesaid, by proclamation, designate the States and parts of States, if any, in which the people thereof, respectively, shall then be in rebellion against the United States; and the fact that any State, or the people thereof, shall on that day be, in good faith, represented in the Congress of the United States by members chosen thereto at elections wherein a majority of the qualified voters of such State shall have participated, shall, in the absence of strong countervailing testimony, be deemed conclusive evidence that such State, and the people thereof, are not then in rebellion against the United States.”
Now, therefore I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested as Commander-in-Chief, of the Army and Navy of the United States in time of actual armed rebellion against the authority and government of the United States, and as a fit and necessary war measure for suppressing said rebellion, do, on this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and in accordance with my purpose so to do publicly proclaimed for the full period of one hundred days, from the day first above mentioned, order and designate as the States and parts of States wherein the people thereof respectively, are this day in rebellion against the United States, the following, to wit:
Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, (except the Parishes of St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles, St. James Ascension, Assumption, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary, St. Martin, and Orleans, including the City of New Orleans) Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, (except the forty-eight counties designated as West Virginia, and also the counties of Berkley, Accomac, Northampton, Elizabeth City, York, Princess Ann, and Norfolk, including the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth[)], and which excepted parts, are for the present, left precisely as if this proclamation were not issued.
And by virtue of the power, and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons.
And I hereby enjoin upon the people so declared to be free to abstain from all violence, unless in necessary self-defence; and I recommend to them that, in all cases when allowed, they labor faithfully for reasonable wages.
And I further declare and make known, that such persons of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places, and to man vessels of all sorts in said service.
And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution, upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the eighty-seventh.
By the President: ABRAHAM LINCOLN
WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.
WHOA SPURS! 2014 NBA Champions
The Miami Heat stepped into Game 5 down by 3-1 and it appeared at one point that LeBron and crew were on a mission to see a Game 6 as they came out very aggressively and dashed to an 8-0 lead to begin the game; and then continued to sprint with a 22-6 lead over the Spurs in the first quarter. But the Spurs were not having it and shot back hard and by the end of the quarter were narrowing Miami’s lead within seven by a score of 29-22.
In the second quarter, the Spurs bounced all the way back first to tie the game and then to lead by seven and take over the game by 19 at the end of the third quarter with the Spurs up 77-58.
From that point, it was no looking back for Duncan and crew as the Spurs spun out of control with basket after basket. The Spurs reigned victoriously with a 104-87 blowout sending King James home empty-handed; and winning the 2014 NBA Championship title.
Spurs 22-year-old forward Kawhi Leonard received the NBA Finals MVP award. That honor puts Leonard in the class of one of the youngest players to do so, just as his teammate Tim Duncan did 15 years ago also at the tender age of 22. Leonard had 22 points and 10 rebounds.
Just for the record, James finished with 31 points, 10 rebounds and also a team-leading five assists, Dwayne Wade scored only 11 points and Chris Bosh finished with 13 points. Looks like the Heat have a lot of reflecting to do during the off-season. Like who will be playing with whom next year.
This is the fifth NBA championship title for the San Antonio Spurs, with championship wins in 199, 2003, 2005 and 2007, all under the leadership of Coach Gregg Popovich who is only with of three coach in NBA history to win Coach of the Year three times.
sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com
Houston Sun Quote of the Day
“The Negro is a genius in a fix.” – Unknown
Happy Juneteenth
The Houston Sun Juneteenth 7 Village Freedom Breakfast is at the Power Center, Saturday, June 14 at 8AM
Dear Community of Responsible Residents:
You are invited to participate in a Freedom Acceleration Roundtable Exchange of Ideas.
The Houston Sun Juneteenth 7 Village Freedom Breakfast is at the Power Center, Saturday, June 14 at 8AM. Tickets are $40. Roundtable Discussion is Free. Your 7 Villages of Freedom Community Empowerment Dialogue is priceless. Please participate.
I am also asking you to share the attached flier with your email list. My goal is to generation substantive dialogue that addresses the empowerment needs of our community.
Please help grow the Empowerment Community and be part of the Solution for this age and the next generation. Come on, we can do this on the eve of Father’s Day! Grab a young person and bring her or him along. Persons age 16 and under breakfast ticket is $25. Bring a group of five or more and pay $20 per youth.
Credit cards and PayPal are accepted. Go to houstonsun.com to make your purchase.
Houston Sun Presents: 7 Villages – Juneteenth Breakfast Symposium
Jasmine Smith, 15, Miss Juneteenth
Emancipation Park
All Queens pose below with FEP President Dorris Ellis Robinson.
Miss Toddler Juneteenth, Jr Miss Juneteenth, Miss Juneteenth and Miss Teen Juneteenth 2014.
Ovide Duncantell accepts his award from President of Friends of Emancipation Park, Dorris Ellis
Ovide Duncantell receives award from the Friends of Emancipation Park during the Juneteenth Pageant for his hard work to preserve and protect the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Houston Sun Presents: 7 Villages – Juneteenth Breakfast Symposium
For Texas’ African American residents, June 19th (Juneteenth) is the essential Freedom Day. It is the reminder of the joy of liberty, of the pain, the struggle, and the perseverance of Africans in Diaspora ancestry.
This day also brought new hope with great expectations. Black Texans longed for freedom and on June 19, 1865; two years after President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation, the enslaved in Texas learned about their freedom when General Granger and 2000 soldiers came into Texas to read the Proclamation.
Throughout the day Empowerment Community Building Panels will provide educational discussions on the
Today, the official Texas holiday serves to spotlight the end of slavery in Texas’ and to celebrate African American History and Heritage.
Families are strengthen with the celebration of Juneteenth. As African Americans unite, reflect, and bond, positive change happens. It is also an opportunity to share African American culture with other ethnic groups, the tragedy of slavery and the rise beyond the enslavement.
That rise is the celebration that is found in 151 years of freedom, which is only two full generations ago; and when you add back the 100 years of legalized Jim Crowism and de facto segregation, African Americans have only lived in the USA under a freedom banner for 151 years. This newly found freedom rides of the backs off and under the efforts of the Freedom Riders and Freedom Fighters that worked fearlessly from 1618 and slavery to the 1960s which resulted in the Civil Rights Act. Even today Voting Rights Act must be renewed every 25 years to remain enforceable by law Freedom AIN’T Easy!
Don’t you think that these few years of freedom are worth celebrating? We think so. Therefore, the Houston Sun is inviting you to put your best advertisement message in our June 19th publication.
Special Issue closing is June 17, at 12 Noon for placement and copy by 5PM. Electronic copy in PDF, JPEG or TIFF formats may be sent to: Juneteenth@houstonsun.com or sungroupads@yahoo.com. Make checks payable to The Houston Sun and mail to the above address.
We accept VISA/MC/AMEX cards or you may pay using PayPal.
For more information, call 713-524-0786. Call Today and say “Yes” to this FREEDOM Salute.
Part two of our celebration is the THS 7 Juneteenth Freedom Village Breakfast and Panel June 14!
7 Villages of Freedom.
1. Faith Village will help 21st century citizens learn about perseverance and faith today.
2. The Economics & Financial Literacy Village vendors sell an array of African and African-American clothing, art and artifacts, specialty items, crafts and delicious foods.
3. The Legal Village will feature “Know your Rights” under the law.
4.The Education Village will feature colleges, schools and childcare centers.
5. Children’s & Information Village has games, face painting, crafts and other fun, educational enrichment activities and information.
6. The Health Village includes blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and HIV screenings. Medical professionals from area health centers and hospitals are available for consultations and the
7. Housing Village will include a homebuyers information and real estate opportunity for improved quality of life.
Your business or organization, along with other businesses and organizations, are offered booths to inform the men, women, youth, and families of services about mentoring, tutoring, mental health, substance abuse, job services, etc. and activities such as music and drama camp, summer camp, day camp, after school, athletic teams etc., available in Houston and surrounding areas. Professionals in their respective fields will provide information, activities, and demonstrations that will advance youth in our community.
Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance Passes
Houston’s Mayor Annise Parker’s Equal Rights Ordinance passed 11-6 and proved to be almost as tedious as her mayoral election.
Although it is a major victory for the LGBT community, Councilmember Jerry Davis, who voted for the ordinance, emphatically expressed to the citizens of Houston that this is for the people of his district, the young men of color who are disenfranchised because of the color of their skin.
Councilmember Dwight Boykins of District D, stressed how conservative his constituents are and he made his decision based on his district which turned out to be a no vote.
Councilmember C.O. Bradford At- Large, Larry Green, District K both voted yes citing it was just the right thing to do.
The weeks of waiting caused both the pro and con sides to grow in there fervor for their cause.
City Council and Mayor Parker heard over 200 constituents that ranged from clergy, transgendered, transitioning, homosexuals, heterosexuals, students, elected officials and everyone in between.
There is a six month period where the ordinance can be contested but Mayor Parker hopes it doesn’t come to that at all.
2014 Civil Rights Game and Beacon Awards hosted by the Astros
Less than a week before she died, legendary poet Dr. Maya Angelou canceled an appearance at The 2014 Major League Baseball (MLB) Civil Rights game which will be played at Minute Maid Park on Friday, May 30th between the Houston Astros and the Baltimore Orioles.
Angelo along with NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown and Motown founder and music pioneer Berry Gordy are this year’s Beacon of Life 2014 Honorees. Brown and Gordy will received their awards at the MLB Beacon Awards Luncheon and the Baseball Civil Rights Movement Roundtable Luncheon hosted by Robin Roberts of Good Morning America.
The Astros office said they do plan to still honor the legendary poet in her passing but have not release the details at this time.
The Civil Rights game and its Beacon of Life Award was developed by the MLB in 2007 to pay tribute to those who fought on and off the field for equal rights.
This is the eighth year of the Civil Rights game and the first where the teams will wear the Negro League uniforms. The Astros will wear the uniforms of the Houston Eagles which played for two years (1949-1950) and was the only team from Texas in Negro League History.The Baltimore Orioles will wear the uniforms of the Baltimore Elite Giants which played from 1938 through 1950.
The first 15,000 fans to enter Minute Maid Park will receive a special commemorative Civil Rights Cap.
Chart-topping Aloe Blacc will perform “The Man” before the first pitch, Actress and singer, Jadagrace will sing the National Anthem and recording artist, Jeffery Osborne will treat fans to a special rendition of “America the Beautiful” during the 7th inning stretch.
After the game, the Astros will host a special fireworks show that will have a Motown theme.
sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com
Video: Equal Rights Ordinance Live Coverage
Houstonians outside of Houston City Council protesting Equal Opportunity Ordinance.
Houstonians inside City Council Chambers that supports the Mayor’s ordinance.
The waving of hands is a way to show applause or favor inside Council Chambers.
Poet Laureate, Maya Angelou, dead at 86
Influential poet and writer, Maya Angelou has died at the age of 86.
Officially released statement from her agent, Helen Brann, Angelou passed in her home in Winston- Salem.
Recently she has been reported to be frail and having heart troubles. The official cause of death has not been released.
Angelou is a prized and award winning poet for works such as “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” ,”And Still I Rise” , Phenomenal Woman” , “I shall Not Be Moved. Her works range from plays , poems, spoken word, poetry, cookbooks, letters to her daughters and autobiographies.
Her legacy has spanned over 50 years.
At Last, MLK, Jr. statue unveiled in Houston
Thirty years later Ovide Duncantell’s promise to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s father came to pass on May 24th at Mac Gregor Park.
The unveiling was hosted by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. An array of elected officials paid homage but the main attraction came from Civil Rights elder, Rev. Lowery and Martin Luther King,III, who delivered the keynote address in honor of his parents.
The theme of the event circled around did Dr. King die in vain. The future generations progress and struggles also was a strong primary topic of speeches.
The MLK, Jr. Pavilion and statue is located at Mac Gregor Park at Mac Gregor and Calhoun.
This statue is the testament of the hard and diligent work of Ovide Duncantell, the Black Heritage Society and benefactor Attorney Benjamin Hall, III.
Southmore Station Spared, No Closure
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee called a press conference at the Southmore Post Office Station at 4110 Almeda Rd. where she proudly announced along with community members turned super activist that the Southmore Station will be spared from closure.
The historical landmark brought the predominately African American community of Third Ward together as they fought side by side to save the post office from imminent closure. This is also a much needed win as rapid change has happened within the community within the past couple of years.
This struggle started in December of 2013 when the community learned of a public hearing during a City Council meeting. Real Estate Specialist for the USPS, Sandra Rybicki, delivered the shocking news to council members and Mayor Parker that six stations were under review for proposed closures: Southmore Station, Medical Center Station, University Station, Greenbriar Station, Julius Melcher Station and Memorial Park Station.
The Southmore Station received thousands and thousands of letters on behalf of its importance to the community of Third Ward/ Midtown and the city of Houston. Leaders such as Kofi Taharka of NBUF personally hand delivered the letters in Washington, D.C. to send a direct message that Southmore Station would not be an easy target.
Students from Texas Southern University under the leadership of Professor Serbino Sandifer- Walker diligently protested, marched, wrote letter and rallied for others to write letters to save their station.
With the good news delivered the Congresswoman and community members were all smiles yet they remained focused as to the lingering issues of the closures in the community schools.
Community members were reminded of the power they hold when they unite and fight together. Their united front saved Southmore Station from closure and preserved the historical legacy of the civil rights break through that happened right there on that property before the USPS decided to build a post office on the land.
Update: Houston at odds over non-discrimination equal opportunity ordinance
Wednesday, May 14th, the City Council body will vote on the non- discrimination equal opportunity ordinance, during their regular city council meeting at 9 am in council chambers.
The day before the Wednesday City Council meeting Councilmember Jerry Davis along with Mayor Parker decided to change the language of the ordinance in order to compromise with Houstonians who weren’t so receptive to the ordinance as is.
The section that states the businesses open to the public cannot deny a transgendered person entry to the restroom that is consistent with his or her gender identity caused controversial debates and even protest that had faith based leaders preaching on the steps of City Hall and community members singing Hallelujah loud enough outside to be heard inside on the second floor.
Taboo as the issue maybe it has brought out the worst fears in many who believe that the ordinance can be an opening for predators. Yet during Tuesday’s public session many Houstonians came up to support the ordinance saying it is not a safety issue but a safety issue.
“Have you ever heard of a man in a dress hurting anyone,” said Councilmember Ellen Cohen, who avidly supports the Mayor’s ordinance.
Laughter has been the tension breaker throughout many testimonials, pro and con. The ordinance has served many Houstonians already as it was a way for them to be vocal about the LGBT rights and a platform for those who were living in secrecy to come out and have support as Matthew Williams did during one public session.
Mayor Parker believes that the language has become a distraction from the essence of her ordinance which is to give civil rights protections to gender identities.
“People ought to have the right to have safe and public bathrooms… it is inhuman that someone who is transgender would have to search for a gender neutral bathroom. Who knew people would focus an issue on transgender use of bathroom,” said Mayor Parker.
Section A of the ordinance will be amended and will strike the paragraph of the ordinance that would allow transgendered persons entry into the restroom they identify with but the rest of the ordinance will stay the same.
They gender identity clause has overshadowed the other attributes of the ordinance for non- discrimination such as race and gender, which is a reason Councilmember Jerry Davis, District B, is such a strong advocate for the passing of the ordinance. His leadership and outspokenness is tied into his work towards bring contracts to minority business owners in the city. Even former Councilmember for District D, Jolanda Jones asked for the passing on the ordinance on the stance of racial and gender discrimination.
Councilmember at Large, C.O. Bradford tagged the item for it to revisited in two weeks so he and his colleagues examine the clauses A &B in the ordinance before voting. The language was changed just hours prior following the Tuesday session.
Houston at odds over non-discrimination equal rights ordinance
Mayor Parker has made great advances for the Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender community in her two terms as mayor of Houston, but in her third term she has continued her plight to further the social rights for those in the LGBT community.
In recent weeks Mayor Parker has proposed an non- discrimination ordinance that would ban discrimination based on sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, family status, marital status, military status, religion, disability, pregnancy and genetic information, but also would extend into sexual orientation and gender identity.
The ordinance will apply to private businesses, the ordinance would apply to housing, city employment and city contracting. Violators could be fined up to $5,000. There are some places and institutions that are exempt from the ordinance such as churches and private clubs or business with less than 50 employees, but only under a private provision.
Houstonians are not silent on this issue as City Council chambers have seen fully packed audiences for two weeks and today, Tuesday May 13, 2014, as well. Supporters and those who don’t have taken the time to speak to the mayor and City Council members in order to sway their thoughts in hopes for a favoring vote.
Wednesday, May 14th, the City Council body will vote on the non- discrimination equal opportunity ordinance, during their regular city council meeting at 9 am in council chambers.
New Parents, Jessica and Ryan celebrate Mother’s Day
Gabriel Michelle Harden born on April 27, 2014 at 8lbs and 10ozs., with a head full of dark glowing hair is the beautiful baby girl of proud parents Jessica Combest-Harden and Ryan Harden. This Mother’s Day will be a special one for the new parents especially Jessica as it will be the beginning of her first and many to come.
“I told Ryan that he has two gifts to get this Mother’s Day one for his mom and one for me,” Jessica said with a smile. Ryan replied, “I’ll get Jessica a little something-something, she doesn’t have to worry.”
The most exciting moment for the couple during the birth of their daughter was when they heard baby Gabriel’s welcome cry into the world.
“It was a real beautiful experience to hear her voice,” said Ryan. Jessica’s sentiments were much the same, “To know that she was finally here and that she was on the outside and healthy was a relief and a blessing,” said Jessica.
The arrival day at the hospital for the Hardens was one of nervous anticipation and some unexpected circumstances. Ryan said he found himself pacing back and forth for the most part.
“I didn’t know it would take all day. I thought she would be in labor for several hours and the baby would pop out. But Jessica was in labor most of the day and finally that said they were just going to perform a C-Section,” Ryan said.
“I got up that morning around at 9 a.m.,” said Jessica. “I thought I was going to the restroom on myself but my water had ruptured. I was having contractions and everything was fine. Then by 5 p.m., the doctor told me I was five centimeters. And by 7 p.m., I was still five centimeters and then at 8 p.m., the doctor was like ‘were are going ahead and do a C-Section. That was nerve-racking because I know you have to be woke and still,” Jessica said.
“She was freaking out at first and I had to calm her down, but she got through it,” said Ryan. He continued,” I was in the room during the C-Section; a curtain was up, so I couldn’t see anything but I could hear everything. You could hear a couple of tugs and pulls with them trying to get Gabriel out. And then we heard some crying, and we started to cry,” said the proud father.
After the birth, the exuberant parents saw their baby and Jessica fell fast asleep. “We were in the hospital for three days,” said Jessica. “Just spending time with our baby and bonding with her at the hospital, it was a rewarding experience. From the time they moved us into a room, Gabriel has been with us the whole time. Just holding her and having my baby and the fact that she is finally here just made me cry some more. I just wished everybody could have been there to see her but looking back that was our special time.” Jessica said.
“This is something like I never felt before,” said Ryan. “It’s magical, every time I hold her or when she is sleeping on my chest; and when she makes a cute little noise. It just something that grows on you. It’s beautiful.”
The only time that Ryan left his girls during the three days was to go home and feed their beloved pet, Tricia who is also a special part of the family. “It was so funny when we brought Gabriel home, Tricia came down and looked in the car and had this puzzled looked on her face, ‘like what is this?’ But we let Tricia sniff one of Gabriel’s blankets and they have been best buddies since,” said Ryan.
“Tricia is so protected of the baby. She has really adjusted.” said Jessica. When she hears Gabriel cries, Tricia will hop on the bed to make sure that the baby is okay. It’s really funny to watch, but I guess they bonded the whole time I was carrying her. Even Tricia’s barking doesn’t frighten Gabriel. I guess she’s just use to it,” Jessica said.
“Just being a family and having our baby girl is so special. I am a momma now, and I would not trade anything for it. Gabriel is here and we love her,” Jessica said.
The number of new mothers who gave birth in the United States within the past 12 months is 4.0 million according to www.census.gov/fertility. Mother’s Day has been observed in the United States since May of 1908 and became a national observance day for mothers in 1914 when Anna Jarvis of Grafton, WV asked Congress to set aside a day to honor mothers which is always the second Sunday in May.
93- year- old slain woman by police, community fed up
HEARNE — Pearlie Golden, a 93-year-old Central Texas woman, who was fatally shot at her home by a police officer Tuesday evening has caused a stir in the city of Hearne as the community stands to say enough is enough.
Golden, was shot five times by Officer Stephen Stem after he was called out to Golden’s home following a dispute with a family member. Golden allegedly had a gun and refused to put it down.
The community rallied together on Thursday in front of the Hearne City Hall to demand the removal of Officer Stem from his job and to express their disgust with law enforcement’s attitude towards minorities.
“We need to stand up and be bold, because this is what all this killing is about,” said activist Quanell X, who led the rally. “We need them to stop the killing of us and we need to stop the killing of us.”
Golden, a longtime resident of Hearne, death is not the first time Officer Stem has killed a citizen on duty as he shot and killed a young man in 2012.
“This was really a surprise to everybody that a rogue officer would kill a 93 -year- old woman, but he is the same one who killed a young man who was over here in the village,” said William Foster, III, a community activist. “He shot him in the back as he was running away now he goes and kills a 93 – year -old woman and he shoots her five times. This is unacceptable and we have to take a stand.”
Nearly a hundred or so people stood in a circle surrounding a propped up Quanell X listening to his words as they search for some type of understanding.
“We are rallying this time. The last time this happened nothing was done,” said LaShunda White, whose husband is the cousin of the deceased and neighbor as well. “She could have been talked down, they didn’t have to shoot. The community is hurt and feels unsafe. It’s not about race but about doing the right thing. She (Golden) is my husband’s cousin and we live down the street. We heard the five shots and when we came to see they said she was alive still but we knew she was gone.”
There will be rallies and vigils but on the city side there will be a City Council meeting held on Saturday to discuss the matter.
Mayor Ruben Gomez told the Sun that, “On Saturday we will discuss what happened, how it was handled and we will make a decision from there. Recommendation from the mayor is that we go ahead and terminate the officer because there is a loss of confidence in the community. The community has lost confidence in the officer and this is something that the city of Hearne does not want to have employed.”
By the end of the rally the crowd began to chant, No Justice, No Peace, their cries expressing their direct sentiment, no peace.
“He needs to be fired and he doesn’t need to work in Texas. He doesn’t need a gun wrapped around his side anywhere in this state,” said Foster. “He has tasted Black blood and he will continue to do it. We need to get rid of him.”
Officer Stem has been placed on paid leave pending an investigation into Tuesday’s shooting.
With a community size of about 4,500 persons, Hearne doesn’t have much room for discontent amongst the people and the officers whom are sworn to protect and serve them.
“There is no way to become comfortable with a police department that appears to be racist. There must be a different mindset in the leadership of the police department from the mayor, city manager, the council members that elect the Police Chief,” said Quanell X. “The Police Chief sets the standards for the attitude and mindset towards the community, towards his officers. They have to put pressure to bring in the right type of leadership for these police stations and then they can expect to see some type of change in the community.”
According to Hearne Police Department, Golden did not die immediately and was transported to a hospital in Bryan, where she succumbed to the wounds and died.
A revolver believed to be the weapon Golden had at the time of the shooting was found at the scene by officers, the statement said. She was taken to a hospital in nearby Bryan where she died from the injuries.
Donald Sterling’s racist comments sparks fury
The hottest story of the weekend has to be the riveting taped conversation between L.A.Clippers Owner, Donald Sterling and girlfriend, V. Stiviano, as to why she wants to be seen in public with Blacks.
The video has gone viral thanks to TMZ Sports and has caused an outrage between former NBA players, such as Magic Johnson, who was mentioned in the conversation, and even civil rights activist such as Al Sharpton.
Many are calling for some type of action to be made in reprimanding Sterling for his comments.
Below are links to video: All videos come from TMZ Sports
Donald Sterling, L.A.Clippers Owner, telling his bi-racial girlfriend, not to be seen with Blacks.
Al Sharpton speaks on what the NBA should do about the Clippers. Courtesy of TMZ SPorts
Former NBA Star Magic Johnson comments on Donald Sterling.
AL Sharpton caught wind of the racial prejudice of Donald Sterling, L.A. Clippers Owner, and is calling for a protest of the NBA!
Courtesy of TMZ Sports
School Choice Fair to Highlight Available 2014-2015 Specialized Programs
Families interested in a specialized program for the 2014-2015 school year will have an opportunity to learn about 50 schools with openings at the HISD School Choice Fair. The event will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at the Northwest Mall, 9500 Hempstead Highway.
“We received thousands of applications during our initial magnet and Vanguard application process,” said School Services Officer Dr. Lupita Hinojosa. “But there are many schools still actively seeking interested students, and we want families to take full advantage of the wonderful programs available to them.”
Participating schools with available space include magnet programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), fine arts, environmental science, medical health science, and communications, among others. Dual-language programs at Emerson, Shearn, Burnet and Memorial elementary schools still have space available, and representatives will be on hand to answer all questions and accept enrollment applications.
Vanguard programs with availability for the 2014-2015 school year include Carillo, DeZavala, and Windsor Village elementary schools. Middle schools include Black and Hamilton middle schools, and Long Middle School 6-12. Other available programs participating at the School Choice Fair are Futures Academies and Early Colleges with open enrollment for 2014-2015.
For more information about the School Choice Fair or for an updates list of available schools, please contact the Office of School Choice at 713-556-6947 or visit www.houstonisd.org/schoolchoice
Dorris Ellis to appear on Crossroads
Publisher of the Houston Sun, Dorris Ellis will appear for an interview on Crossroads, on Easter, April 20th.
Parents Protest HISD video. (Click to View)
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WJEPu-zK0A&w=560&h=315]
HISD Board of Education votes Dodson down
Live:
The HISD Board of Education on Thursday voted to table indefinitely an agenda item to cancel the consolidation of Dodson Elementary with Blackshear, the Rusk School and Lantrip elementary schools. The 5 to 3 vote comes after much debate on the topic and a move by board members who brought the item back to the agenda late last week. Trustee Paula Harris was absent from the meeting.
Trustees that voted for the item to be tabled indefinitely were Michael L. Lunceford, Harvin C. Moore, Anna Eastman, second it, Manuel Rodriguez and Greg Meyers.
Trustees that voted against was Wanda Adams, Juliet Stipeche,president and Rhonda Skillhern-Jones.
No vote from Paula Harris.
“Despite being unpopular and difficult, school consolidations represent opportunities to strengthen schools,” said Superintendent Terry Grier.
Community member moaned from their seats as Assata Richards, said aloud, “a day of reckoning is going to come,” before officers approached her to escort her from the meeting. She continued, “You can’t silence the people forever.”
Another school closure has only added fuel to the flame as Jones High School in South Park was repurposed only a month ago.
A bittersweet point is that Blackshear will adopt the Montessori program that Dodson offers but the students that have benefitted from the Montessori program at Dodson will not necessarily have the access at the new school they attend in the fall. That is a another sore note for parents.
Trustees voted 5 to 4 to close Dodson Elementary.
The Houston Sun celebrates their 30th Anniversary with Infinity Honorees
The Houston Sun Newspaper wrapped up its 30th Anniversary celebration in grand style with the “Sun After Dark Explosion,” finale where they showcased the “two became one” theme honoring 30 remarkable infinitive honoree couples on March 29th at the Reliant Crowne Plaza Hotel.
It was a wonderful festive event that began with Sirrod Robinson, eldest son of Houston Sun’s founders Lonal and Dorris Ellis Robinson. He introduced the prestigious Master of Ceremony Len Cannon, KHOU Channel 11 Anchor, who rang the bell for the night to begin.
The Houston Sun family guided by Dorris Ellis Robinson along with her children and grandchildren entered the grand ballroom followed by the honorees and the Houston Sun staff as seated guest welcomed them with a round of applause.
A word of deference came from Mayor Annise Parker who showed-off some of her comedic wit.
“Dorris I am so glad to be a part of this grand finale celebration as I must say this is one of the longest celebration I believe I have ever seen,” said Mayor Parker as the crowd broke out into roaring laughter.
Rev. Dr. Patricia Williams of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church gave the blessing of the occasion and dinner. Famed operatic gospel singer Barbara Tucker graced the audience with an a cappella song that sent chills throughout the grand ballroom. The crowd stood up in an enthusiastic ovation.
The event featured a salute video entitled “Two Became One” created by two talented Houston Sun interns, Derrick Ellison and Chasity Brewer. The video segment showed the 30 couples talking about their special bond and commitment to each other.
Honorees were presented with a beautiful colored suspended hand blown Oscar-sized glass infinity sculpture with a bronze engraving on its base. The honorees all appeared surprised and delighted when they opened their boxes to see the exquisite sculptures.
They were also given special proclamations from State Legislator Ron Reynolds and a 30th Anniversary Commemorative Book capturing and highlighting the history of The Houston Sun Newspaper.
Another milestone occurred when Dorris Ellis Robinson gave a special tribute to her late husband, Lonal Robinson and late son Lonal Xela Ellis Robinson. She shared how her son gave so many ideas to move the paper forward and also how the vision that she and her husband brought to life is still moving forward from 30 years ago.
Entertainment in the form of a fashion show, live band, and comedians kept the crowd lively has the festivities move into the midnight with a breakfast fit for a king with bacon, sausages, ham, salmon, omelets, eggs, grits, hash brown, biscuits, pastries, assorted cheeses and fruits, coffee, tea and juices.
This grand finale capped a year-long celebration of The Houston Sun’s 30th Anniversary that included an anniversary kick-off event in March of 2013 with a First Amendment Symposium for College and High School Students, Launch Party to honor 30 Women of Power and Purpose, Future Journalist of American Symposium, then in June, Houston’s Finest Men; Beacon of Light Men of Valor and Purposes, and in July a Veterans Career Fair; Concluding with the celebration with HALO-Aspiring to Be and Sun After Dark Explosion.
These well-attended events were made possible by the expertise, enthusiasm and commitment of event chairs, steering committees and The Houston Sun Staff and interns.
sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com
Miss HALO winner, Amyra Chapman
The winner of the Houston Sun’s Miss HALO pageant is Amyra Chapman, 25. Chapman attended Grambling State University under the study of Psychology/ Sociology in which she uses everyday through her meaningful work through Change Happens non- profit organization.
“I would love to receive my PhD and become a Clinical Psychologist,” said Chapman.
Amyra’s favorite color is pink, her favorite musician is Robert Glasper, she has recently traveled to New York and aspires to go to Africa.
Her favorite activities are cooking, shopping and reading.
Texas Southern wins SWAC Championship, beats Prairie View 78-73 goes on to NCAA Tournament
SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp presents the Most Valuable Player trophy to Texas Southern University’s Aaric Murray after winning the Championship at the Toyota Center, Houston, TX.
Texas Southern University Men’s Basketball Team sailed through the 2014 SWAC Tournament at Toyota Center in Houston, TX to claim victory over its rival Prairie View A&M in a 78-73 win to advance to the NCAA Tournament.
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) nod went to Aaric Murray, as well as the Defensive Player of The Year. Murray had 27 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.
The 6’10” 245 center led the SWAC in scoring for the entire regular season averaging 21.7 points per game while hauling in 7.7 rebounds per contest. He was TSU’s leading scorer in 17 of their 29 games of the year. Defensively, he blocked a league of best 69 shots for an average of 2.4 per outing.
After more than a decade, Texas Southern University is heading back to the NCAA tournament where they will face Cal Poly in a first-round play-in game of the NCAA Tournament in Dayton, Ohio. TSU received a no. 16 seed in the 68-team tournament.
TSU is the third school Tigers’ second-year coach, Mike Davis, has led to the NCAA Tournament. The winner faces last season’s Final Four participant, Wichita State (34-0). Texas Southern and Cal Poly will tipoff at 5:40 pm on truTV from the University of Dayton Arena.
Mathew Knowles lectures at Texas Southern about Entertainment, Media Industry
Dr. Rockell Brown Burton, a professor at Texas Southern University invited Mathew Knowles, father of mega superstar songstress, Beyonce, to her classroom to speak to her Radio Television and Film students about entertainment and media analysis.
Knowles, born in Gadsden, Alabama in 1952 said he credits his entrepreneur ways to his dad who ran his own scrapping business. His father worked on a produce truck making $25 a week and his mother knitted and sold quilts.
“I was one of the first Blacks ever to attend Fisk University in Tennessee and you had to be very smart,” said Knowles.
He graduated from Fisk University in 1974 and moved to Houston, TX in 1976. He landed a job at Xerox through a man he met during happy hour at a local bar. Knowles was the only Black in his department where he held his job with high standards until 1988 when it closed.
After leaving Xerox, Knowles helped make his ex- wife’s dream come true. In 1982, he and Tina Knowles opened a hair salon. By 1984 they had made their first million.
“In 1992, I entered the music business and got my former artist Lil’ O his first deal,” said Knowles.
Knowles went on to create Music World and take popular girl group, Destiny’s Child to the top of the R& B chart.
“In this business, the music has to be your passion and your dreams must come before everything,” said Knowles.
With 35,000 albums coming out each year he stressed to the students that only 1% (350) are successful and make a profit.
Video: National Black United Front and Community Rally to Save Jones High School
With the impending decision on whether to close another predominately African American school in Houston, parents and community leaders are requesting that Superintendent Terry Grier be fired.
A moratorium to stop the closure has been demanded and the community, concerned parents and elected officials are called out to come to the Hattie Mae White Educational Center at 4400 West 18th St. Houston, TX 77092 and protest the closure at the School Board meeting Thursday, March 13, 2014.
Jones is not the only school on the chopping block as Dodson, Henderson and Port Houston Elementary and Fleming Middle School are in cue as well.
School closures are are attributed to low enrollment, high transfers out, high budget cost per student and changing demographics.
The National Black United Front helps lead the charge to stand up to save Jones High School.
Below is video of Minister Robert Muhammad giving his thoughts on the closure of African American Schools in Houston.
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Event Schedule for Houston Sun’s HALO- Aspiring to Be Symposium
Help At Least One
HALO-Aspiring to Be
Friday, March 28, 2014
Crowne Plaza Hotel 8686 Kirby @ 610 South
Tickets are on sale for $30.00 each at The Houston Sun
1520 Isabella St.
Houston, TX 77004
713-524-0786
Payment can be made by Cash, Check, or Credit Card.All major credit cards are accepted.
Time/ Event
| 2:15PM – Fashion & Modeling Panel – Illustration & Drawing |
| 3:00 PM – Make-up – Panel – Face & Neck |
| 3:45 PM – Hair Styling & Men’s Hair – Panel – Winter & Spring Styles; Cuts and More Cuts |
| 4:15 PM – Publishing & Photography – Panel – How to Publish your work; Photography Tips |
| 5:00PM – Competition – Panel – Showcase |
| 6:00 PM – People’s Choice – Audience Judging |
| 6:00PM – Professional Judges – Professional Judges |
| 6:50PM – Awards – Showcase |
| 7:00PM – HALO – ATB Networking Reception – Presentation of Best in Houston Awards – Interviews |
| 7:30 PM -9:00PM – THS Pageant Contestants – Show in: Talent, Formal, Casual, Swim, Interview – Presentation by Category |
| 8:45PM – Founder’s Focus Video – Excerpts about the Idea |
| 9:00PM – Crowning of Miss THS – Entertainment – Fun/Door Prizes |
| 9:15PM-10:15PM – Entertainment – DJ – Dancing |
| 9: 00 PM – Crowning of Miss THS – Entertainment – Fun/Door Prizes |
| HOUSTON – Due to the funeral arrangements for Houston firefighter Marcelo Garcia, the City of Houston has postponed this week’s consolidated council meeting to Thursday, Nov. 14. There will be no public session on Tuesday, Nov. 12, or meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13. This week’s council meeting is consolidated in observance of Veterans Day and will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14. |
 Firefighter Garcia died in the line of duty while fighting a warehouse fire in Greater East End on November 6.He joined HFD in 2015 and for the past six years has been assigned to Station 23, off Lawndale St in Southeast Houston. He also worked at Stations 9, 26 and 29. |
| Mayor John Whitmire, city council members, and members of the public will pay their respects during a public viewing on Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale. Garcia’s public funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy. Mayor Whitmire requests that Houstonians and those who commute to the city turn on their vehicle headlights Wednesday to honor Garcia. |
Houston Public Library Receives $75,000 Grant to Expand Career Online High School Program
| HOUSTON, TX – The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) has awarded the Houston Public Library (HPL) a $75,000 Special Projects Grant to expand its Career Online High School Program. The funding will provide scholarships to 40 new participants in FY25, enabling adults aged 21 and older to earn an accredited diploma online. Applicants must have completed at least the eighth grade and pass a prerequisite course with 70% or higher. To apply, potential students must take a brief survey to determine eligibility. The application deadline for scholarship funding is December 30, 2024. This grant is part of over 40 awarded this year by TSLAC, funded through the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the Library Services and Technology Act. “TSLAC is pleased to recognize and support the important work of Texas libraries in delivering innovative information services that strengthen local literacy, workforce, and digital opportunity efforts,” said TSLAC Director and Librarian Gloria Meraz. “Students who want to complete their high school diploma shouldn’t have to deal with the burden of extra costs. These funds will allow more students to achieve this milestone and gain other opportunities,” said HPL Community Engagement Division Manager Mercedes Clarke. For more information about this program, please contact HPL’s community engagement and education team at 832-393-1737. |
| About Houston Public Library We are a dynamic organization that serves one of the largest service areas –both population and area – in the country. 2.3 million residents in the City of Houston are the primary beneficiaries of a comprehensive customer-focused service delivery strategy. Our system consists of 44 public service units which include one Central Library, five Regional Libraries, 29 Neighborhood and Express Libraries, three History Research Centers, four TECHLink technology centers, one Satellite location at Children’s Museum Houston, and one Mobile Express. About The Texas State Library and Archives Commission Formed in 1909, TSLAC is committed to giving Texans access to information and programs to improve their lives and communities. TSLAC provides historical and genealogical search assistance, federal and state government documents, electronic research, and library services to all Texans, including those who are unable to read standard print material because of physical or reading disabilities. For more information, visit www.tsl.texas.gov. |
HCAD Named A Top Houston Workplace 8 Years In A Row
November 12, 2024
Houston — The Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) has been selected as a Top Workplace in the Houston metropolitan area by the Houston Chronicle for the eighth consecutive year.
“The recognition as a public-sector employer of choice only happens because of the contribution and dedication of every employee,” said Roland Altinger, chief appraiser.
“I’m so proud of everyone at HCAD. Being named a Top Workplace in the Houston area for the eighth successive year is an honor for everyone in the district because the selection is made by responses to an employee survey in which 88 percent of our employees shared
their thoughts.”
The appraisal district was ranked number 6 among the large organizations participating in the Houston Metroplex this year, its fifth consecutive appearance in the top 10. The district has also received national recognition for Culture Excellence in 8 subcategories.
“The appraisal district continues to be responsive to the needs of the jurisdictions and
the public we serve,” Altinger said. “We continually look at new ways to use technology to provide faster services and easier access to property owners. We are always striving to improve our customer service.”
The top workplaces are based on an employee feedback survey administered by an independent firm that provides technology-based employee engagement tools.
The anonymous survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including engagement, organizational health and employee satisfaction with the organization and their jobs.
“Building an organization where every employee feels empowered allows us to provide first-class service to the public, and those principles have helped us remain on the Top Workplaces list for the past 8 years running,” Altinger said.
About HCAD
The Harris Central Appraisal District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas
established in 1980 for the purpose of discovering and appraising property for ad valorem
tax purposes for each taxing unit within the boundaries of the district. The district has
approximately 1.8 million parcels of property to assess each year with a total market value
of approximately $895 billion. The appraisal district in Harris County is the largest in
Texas, serving more than 500 taxing units, and one of the largest appraisal districts in the
United States. For further information, visit www.hcad.org.
Astrodome Conservancy unveils new plans for the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’
Opening in 1965, the Astrodome was the world’s first domed and air-conditioned stadium.
Houston Public Media Reprint
The Astrodome Conservancy unveiled new plans to bring the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ back to life.
The conservancy is hoping that the $1 billion project will spark new life into the dome, which has sat vacant for more than a decade. The plan includes a flexible arena space for events and entertainment at its core. Surrounding the center, the plan shows levels of office and hotel spaces with an array of restaurants for visitors to choose from.
Phoebe Tudor, the founder of the Astrodome Conservancy, addressed the swirling questions surrounding the condition of the idle landmark.
“There is no debt left on the dome; it is a fully paid-for Harris County asset,” said Tudor “Any asbestos has already been removed.”
She continued by stating the dome is structurally sound, in remarkably good condition and ready for its next phase of life.
Gensler architect, Kristopher Stuart, shared intricate details of the plan including raising the floor of the dome approximately 30 feet to provide a seamless flow for visitors entering the Astrodome and allow for more parking spaces underneath. Stuart shares another key detail to enhance the experience for onlookers.
“The boulevard was a gesture to make it more public and more accessible,” said Stuart. “If we do a program within the dome, we don’t want people walking around wondering what’s inside. We want them to know that they can come inside and experience what we create.”
The conservancy is asking for a $250 million investment from the county. The conservancy also plans to utilize $400 million in tax credits alongside private and public partnerships to get the project off the ground.
“There’s a lot of enthusiasm, but there’s a long way to go. This is a complicated project. It’s complicated in many ways,” said Tudor. “I think finding consensus among the political leadership and the stakeholders involved with this is going to be an important next step.”
To ensure the success of this project, they need support from key stakeholders including the Rodeo and the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation. Following the press conference, Bishop James Dixon, the Chairman of the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation said he respects the efforts of the Astrodome Conservancy in a released statement.
“Over the last few years, we have seen several concepts that, while thought-provoking, haven’t resulted in viable funding and maintenance solutions,” he said. “We are currently working with Harris County and a team of industry-leading experts to plan for the future of NRG Park. The solution for the Astrodome must be decided within that context. In addition, we cannot consider any future vision for NRG Park without first understanding certain baseline financial information related to the Astrodome.
The Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation is in the process of obtaining data to use in evaluating proposed plans. This critical information will provide us with the most viable path forward, ensuring NRG Park continues to meet the needs of its stakeholders and the public for now, and for the future.”
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo also released a statement shared widely on social media and said the money might be used better elsewhere.
“The proposed plan by the Astrodome Conservancy does not align with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s strategic vision and operational requirements. The Rodeo, Texans, and Harris County Sports & Convention Corporations have been working on plans for NRG Park’s future,” the statement said. “As the only tenant that uses all three of these buildings at NRG Park, we recognize and must address these critical facility issues.”
Garcia Appointed Chair of Harris County-Houston Sports Authority
“Congratulations to Juan Garcia on his historic appointment by a majority of the Commissioners Court as Chairman of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. Juan’s life and career are a testament to hard work, resilience, and a deep passion for serving the community. From his humble beginnings in Brownsville as the son of Mexican immigrants to becoming an advocate for justice, business owner, and a dedicated lifelong volunteer, Juan’s journey embodies the American Dream and is an inspiration for all of us in Harris County,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones.
As the first Hispanic member-at-large to serve on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Executive Committee, and now as the first Hispanic Chair of the Sports Authority, Juan is breaking barriers and opening opportunities for future leaders. His commitment to lifting others up, seen through his tireless work advocating for justice through his leadership of the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston and Johnson Garcia LLP and his significant community involvement, is evident in every role he assumes.
I look forward to Juan leading the Sports Authority with the same heart, hustle, and higher standards that have defined his remarkable career.”
Garcia Appointed Chair of Harris County-Houston Sports Authority
“Congratulations to Juan Garcia on his historic appointment by a majority of the Commissioners Court as Chairman of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. Juan’s life and career are a testament to hard work, resilience, and a deep passion for serving the community. From his humble beginnings in Brownsville as the son of Mexican immigrants to becoming an advocate for justice, business owner, and a dedicated lifelong volunteer, Juan’s journey embodies the American Dream and is an inspiration for all of us in Harris County,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones.
As the first Hispanic member-at-large to serve on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Executive Committee, and now as the first Hispanic Chair of the Sports Authority, Juan is breaking barriers and opening opportunities for future leaders. His commitment to lifting others up, seen through his tireless work advocating for justice through his leadership of the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston and Johnson Garcia LLP and his significant community involvement, is evident in every role he assumes.
I look forward to Juan leading the Sports Authority with the same heart, hustle, and higher standards that have defined his remarkable career.”
Religion in the Classroom
| A growing number of states have recently introduced or passed laws to increase the role of religion in public schools. On Tuesday, a federal judge ruled that a new Louisiana law mandating the presence of the Ten Commandments in classrooms was unconstitutional. Pew Research Center has asked Americans their views on religion in public schools many times. In a February survey, we found that 48% of U.S. adults agreed with the view that “conservative Christians have gone too far in trying to push their religious values in the government and public schools.” In a different question on the same survey, 50% agreed that “liberals who are not religious have gone too far in trying to keep religious values out of” these institutions. In 2021, 30% of U.S. adults said public school teachers should be allowed to lead students in Christian prayers, while 46% said they should not be allowed to lead students in any kind of prayer. An additional 24% said neither of these options reflected their views or had no opinion on the matter. |
Local artist, Floyd Newsum, mourned
| The University of Houston-Downtown Mourns the Loss of Visionary Art Professor Floyd Newsum |
| “Professor Newsum was more than an artist, more than a teacher,” said UHD President Loren J. Blanchard. “He was a connector, a motivating force who worked to touch lives every day and who brought people together in remarkable ways. His art was intricately linked with his desire to nurture young artists and invest in the next generation of change agents, not only here at UHD but also in the historic Third Ward of Houston and even in communities he visited when his art was on view.” Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Professor Newsum graduated from Memphis College of Art with a BFA in 1973 and from Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with an MFA in 1975. He joined the UHD faculty in 1976, and over the years taught a variety of courses, including drawing, painting, printmaking and art appreciation, among others, in addition to coordinating the studio sections for UHD’s Art Department. In 2003, Professor Newsum received UHD’s Scholarship/Creativity Award in recognition of his contributions to visual art across a variety of media and thematic investigations. During his tenure at UHD, Professor Newsum created a wide range of work as a major local artist with a profound impact on the national contemporary visual arts scene. His work is part of permanent collections at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C., the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.His numerous public art commissions include two Houston Metro Light Rail Station art designs, seven sculptures for Houston’s Main Street Square Station, four paintings in the UHD Commerce Street Building, a suspended sculpture for the lobby of the Acres Home Multi-Service Center in Houston, a relief sculpture in the Cathedral Atrium at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston and five suspended sculptures for the lobby of the Hazel Harvey Peace Building in Fort Worth, Texas. His work has been displayed in more than 100 exhibitions across the United States, including the University of Maryland College Park, Taft Museum in Cincinnati, the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, the Studio Museum in Harlem, and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. Professor Newsum was one of seven visionary African American artists who founded Project Row Houses (PRH) in the Third Ward in 1993. PRH is the nationally known nonprofit organization originally comprised of 22 Row Houses that “succeeds as a social sculpture when Black art, culture, and community are protected, promoted, elevated, and celebrated in new and vibrant ways.”As a co-founder of PRH, Professor Newsum worked with James Bettison, Bert Long Jr., Jesse Lott, Rick Lowe, Bert Samples, and George Smith to build an integral part of the arts community in the Third Ward, using row houses that were once modest homes for a rising affluent Black community. The co-founders established programs that not only supported Black art and culture but also built community. Professor Newsum’s dedication to community engagement remained a central part of his personal mission throughout his career.From May through October 2023, Professor Newsum received his first large-scale retrospective, “Evolution of Sight,” at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art in Madison, Wisconsin. The exhibition was organized by guest curators Dr. Lauren Cross, Gail-Oxford Associate Curator of American Decorative Arts at The Huntington in San Marino, California, and Mark Cervenka, UHD Professor of Art and O’Kane Gallery Director. “Evolution of Sight” reflected on the artist’s entire practice, including paintings and models of public art commissions such as sculptures and relief installations, with each work transmitting the deeply personal history of the artist including symbolic references and often family photographs—all veiled by richly layered color and textures that create tactile surfaces. Newsum explained: “My career covers 50-plus years of creating works of art that are exploring color, marks, and surfaces in various mediums. I call my evolution in creativity a problem-solving event of expression of the soul.”UHD is planning a number of tributes in his memory, including an endowed scholarship: the Floyd Newsum Visionary Artist and Humanitarian Scholarship with a focus on art and social justice that will be available to students pursuing Art or Social Work degrees. Contributions for this scholarship may be made at https://giving.uh.edu/UHD/Newsum-Scholarship. At the time of the “Evolution of Sight” exhibition, co-curator Mark Cervenka stated, “A comprehensive museum exhibition of Floyd Newsum’s art is long overdue. With a career emerging from the heart of the Civil Rights Movement in Memphis in the 1960s, Newsum’s layered works have consistently included both overt and subtle responses to civil rights issues. Newsum’s father, one of the first African American firefighters in the South, set an example and provided the impetus for one of Newsum’s primary symbols in the form of a ladder.” “A bold often intensely colored palette, sometimes offset with collaged elements,” continued Cervenka, “provides a foundation both for works addressing broad cultural observations and those seeking the more intimate focus of spiritual awareness and a profound recognition of love and family.”In keeping with that description of his artistic vision, Professor Newsum will be best remembered by his colleagues, friends and students at the University of Houston-Downtown for his deep spirituality, sense of joyful purpose, and the love that he unselfishly shared with all who knew him. For more information, please visit uhd.edu. ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-DOWNTOWNCelebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard.UHD educates approximately 12,000 students annually, boasts more than 67,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. TheStockWatcher.com called UHD a “notable institution providing high-quality online MBA programs. … UHD ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to succeed in their chosen career paths.”The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu. |
Texas Southern Professor Named Fulbright Scholar, Heads to Rwanda for Prestigious Program
Houston, TX – August 22, 2024—Dr. Lucy Ojode, CPA(K), a distinguished professor in the Texas Southern University Jesse H. Jones School of Business’s Department of Business Administration has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award. As part of this esteemed international exchange program, Dr. Ojode will spend the 2024-25 academic year in Rwanda training entrepreneurs who are seeking their Executive MBA.
“I am honored and deeply grateful to receive this Fulbright award,” said Dr. Ojode. “I truly appreciate the support from my colleagues and students. This year marks my 20th year at Texas Southern University, and it has been a wonderful journey since 2004. I have thoroughly enjoyed my classes, students, and colleagues, and it has always been a joy to be part of this academic community. I am excited to embark upon this opportunity to build connections between TSU-trained entrepreneurs and the burgeoning markets that exist in Africa.”
Dr. Ojode’s selection as a Fulbright Scholar underscores her commitment to academic excellence and her dedication to fostering global understanding. As she heads to Rwanda, she will be part of a broader effort by Fulbright Scholars to make meaningful contributions to communities abroad and at home, enriching both their host institutions and their home institutions with their experiences and insights.
“Texas Southern University is a proud partner to the Fulbright Program,” said President Jim Crawford. “The U.S. Department of State has named the University as a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader for four consecutive years in recognition of our support for Fulbright exchange participants and our promotion of Fulbright program opportunities on campus. The presence and contributions of those visiting scholars and our international students over the years add to TSU’s culturally rich environment in myriad ways. Likewise, we are delighted to share Dr. Ojode with the world through this tremendous honor. We look forward to the new knowledge she will create and share, which she will bring back from Rwanda.”
The Fulbright Scholar Program, one of the most prestigious academic exchange initiatives worldwide, annually awards more than 1,700 fellowships to college and university faculty, administrators, researchers, artists, and professionals. This program facilitates cross-cultural collaboration and provides scholars with the opportunity to build their skills, expand their global networks, and gain invaluable international insights.
Active in over 3,500 countries, not only does the Fulbright Scholar program enhance the professional and personal growth of its participants, but it also fosters a global network of accomplished alumni who serve as leaders and educators worldwide.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Carl Goodman, praised this achievement, stating, “Dr. Ojode’s selection as a Fulbright Scholar is a testament to her exceptional contributions to academia and her unwavering dedication to her students and colleagues. We are proud to see her represent Texas Southern University on this global stage and look forward to the valuable perspectives she will bring back to our institution and community.”
Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex global challenges. Notable Fulbrighters include 62 Nobel Laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 80 MacArthur Fellows, 41 heads of state or government, and thousands of leaders across the private, public, and non-profit sectors.
Sylvester Turner gets CD 18 nod for November election
Dorris Ellis
The Houston Sun
With decent and in order as the standard, Harris County Precinct Chair Linda Bell Robinson and 79 of the 240 – 18th Congressional District Precinct Chairs (PCs) gathered in Third Ward at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church facilities. Their purpose was to accept the names of the six candidates who were vying for a two-year term for Congressional District 18 seat. Until the July 19 death of 14-term Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, 74, who had won the right to be on the November 5th ballot, did this vacancy occur. Congresswoman Jackson Lee had received the vote of the constituents during the Primary to be on the November 5 General Election ballot. Since Jackson Lee’s death, the CD 18 Precinct Chairs had work to do which they completed in about two hours.
Texas law requires the same person who could not seek the unexpired term of six month be the same person seeking a full two-year term for Congressional District 18. Jackson-Lee’s daughter, Erica Lee Carter placed her name in nomination to filled the unexpired term left by her mother. Hence, the Precinct Chairs of the CD 18 duty was to find a nominee to be placed on the General Election November 5th ballot. Candidates who put their names in nomination received three minutes to tell the Precinct Chairs why they should vote for them. Following the speeches, votes were cast, and results were tallied. Votes received on the first ballot were: Amanda Edwards 34 votes, Jarvis Johnson, 2 votes, Christina Morales, 3 votes, Leticia Plummer, 5 votes, Robert Slater, 0 votes, and Sylvester Turner, 35 votes.
With no one receiving a majority of votes pursuant to the Texas Democratic Rules, a run-off was required between the two top candidates, Edwards and Turner. In the run-off a one-minute time limit was given to Edwards and Turner each to address the body a second time for an immediate run-off.
Turner, 69, a bone cancer survivor, who in 2022 shared that he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in his jaw. He thereafter had surgery and received six weeks of radiation treatment. While speaking, he stated that he had received the best health care available and believed that others likewise deserved it. He spoke about Experience, Education and Houston Independent School District take-over, Health Care, infrastructure, Climate change, Affordable housing, Economic development and working to continue the work that Jackson-Lee had started. He pledged to seek the position for two terms and that he is a bridge to the next generation. He said that every neighborhood deserves a voice and Congresspersons are to bring resources to the District. He said that experience matters and with his booths on the ground, he had knowledge to share.
Edwards, 42 spoke of Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath, Commitment to constituents, small and women-owned businesses, and Systems, Bold ideas that work for people. The public finance attorney spoke of equity and noted her experience as a city-wide city council member with new ideas and to build upon ideas presented by Jackson Lee, and Infrastructure. She ended with, “This is about you” as she alluded to allowing for younger representation.
Chairwoman Robinson called for the Standing Division of the House Vote for the run-off. Voters swapped chairs to cast their runoff vote for the last two competing candidates in the run-off election. There were only 10 votes for the candidates to capture from the other four candidates now out of the running.
One observer was provided by each camp along with the vote counters. The results announced revealed that Turner had captured 41 votes and Edwards had earned 37 votes. With excitement and signs the venue became a rally for Turner to kick-off his 84-day campaign for 18th Congressional District.
If elected, he would be the second man to represent the highly gerrymandered Democratic district that was carved out in Houston to serve African Americans following the Civil rights movement. It has been represented by Barbara Jordan, (1973-1979); George “Mickey” Leland, (1979-1988); Craig Washington, (1989-1995); and Sheila Jackson Lee (1995-2024). Washington is the only living former legislator who has represented the District. Replacing the late Sheila Jackson Lee on the November ballot is former Houston Mayor and State Representative, Sylvester Turner. If elected, he would be the fifth person to represent the 18th Congressional District. He has a Republican opponent in the November election.
Thanks to the volunteers, the sergeants-at-arms, and all who assisted in the special election meeting to select a Democratic nominee. Special appreciation was given to Dr. Linda Bell Robinson by Mike Doyle, Harris County Democratic Party Chairman. Doyle told the PCs and the audience that they had 84 days to show what the Party can do up and down the ballot.