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 – 18^th 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 5^th 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 5^th 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.

Empowering Young Musicians with Expert-Led Workshops and Activities

Houston, Texas (July 2, 2024) – Webber Marketing (WM), creators of the National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB), is partnering with Houston Community College’s Media Arts program to host a three-day band camp open to all high school bands across the country.

Counting down to the 10th anniversary of the Pepsi NBOTB, this event aims to inspire and educate young musicians to have an unforgettable experience. The camp will occur July 17th through 19th, each day from 2 PM – 6 PM, on the North Forest Campus of Houston Community College. Directed by Dr. Juvon Pollard, a Sr. Associate Direct of Bands of Texas Southern University’s “Ocean of Soul,” and assisted by Mr. Edward “PJ” Howard, an HBCU Band Director and Lecturer, the three-day camp will be filled with music, fun, and fellowship.

“We are incredibly excited to offer this high school band camp as part of our countdown to the 2024 NBOTB 10th Anniversary Celebration,” says Derek Webber, CEO of Webber Marketing and Executive Director of National Battle of the Bands. “This camp provides a unique opportunity for young musicians to develop their skills and gain invaluable insights into the music industry. Our goal is to inspire and nurture the next generation of talented musicians who will continue the rich legacy of HBCU marching bands.”

Students will participate in a two-part workshop that includes Introduction to Music Business and Audio Recording. As a completion award, each participant will be gifted two free tickets to this year’s NBOTB, which will take place on Sunday, August 25th, at the NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. Registration for band camp is $25 and closes on July 13th.

“The NBOTB Summer High School Band Camp is more than just a training ground; it’s an experience that will leave a lasting impact on these young musicians,” says Dr. Pollard, “We are committed to providing top-notch education and fostering an environment where students can learn, grow, and build lifelong friendships. We can’t wait to see the talent and enthusiasm these students will bring to the camp.”

As a kick-off to the main event in August, this in-person camp will bring together talented high school bands from different parts of the country to showcase their skills and musical talents.

To register and for more details, please visit https://www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/event/bandcamp/ . Stay connected with the NBOTB on social media: @NationalBattleOfTheBands (Facebook/Instagram/TikTok/YouTube) / @NationalBOTB (Twitter).

SPECIAL FOR TSU

Thomas F. Freeman Honors College Dean Dr. Diane Jemison Pollard retires after 44 years of distinguished service.

The end of 2022 marks the end of an era. Dr. Dianne Jemison Pollard, Dean of the Thomas F. Freeman Honors College and Professor of Theatre, is retiring from Texas Southern University after 44 years of distinguished service. Dr. Jemison Pollard led the theatre program for many years, was chair of the Department of Fine Arts (Art, Music, and Theatre) for more than 10 years, and served as Associate Dean and Dean of the Honors College for more than nine years.

As an accomplished university stage director, she directed inaugural productions for the following TSU presidents: Dr. Leonard H.O. Spearman, Dr. William Harris, Dr. James Douglass, Dr. Priscilla Slade and Dr. John Rudley. Her ability to teach students the fundamentals of directing as they shaped every aspect of “being” the character garnered her several first place directing awards on the national level at the National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts (NADSA). In all, she’s directed more than 50 plays.

As the Dean of the Thomas F. Freeman Honors College, she implemented several initiatives including: the Research and Recruitment Trip, the Biannual Honors College Research Conference; The Freeman Honors Research Journal, which is an open access digital journal that houses the senior thesis and honors newsletters. She also implemented the gold medallion on the graduation stole Freeman Scholars receive at graduation and branded the name Freeman Scholars.

During a retirement celebration paying homage to her 44 years of service, Mayor Sylvester Turner declared Tuesday December 14 “Dr. Dianne Jemison Pollard Day” In the City of Houston.

She and her family commissioned artist and TSU alum, Jesse Sifuentes, to produce a bust of Dr. Freeman, founding dean of the college, as her gift to TSU. The bronze bust was unveiled outside the Honors Suite in the Library Learning Center on December 8. Also, she arranged for the Freeman Archives to be in room 303, next to the Honors College, so that all people can see not only artifacts, papers, books important to Dr. Freeman, but his original desk from the Debate office, which has been refurbished, can be viewed.

Dr. Jemison Pollard has worked hard and will be missed by students, colleagues, and alumni.

HOUSTON SUN NEWS

The 8^th annual and 2023 City-Wide African American History Parade and Symposium is held February 18, 2023, in downtown Houston. The Parade is at 10 a.m. at Texas and Hamilton near Minute Maid ballpark and the Lunch and Symposium is on the campus of Texas Southern University in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs with lunch at 12 noon and Symposium at 12:30 p.m.

With history being taken out of schools instead of being taught, it is far more important to learn about African American History to find alternate ways for awareness and teaching. As a teenager growing up in Mississippi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. took hold of both of my hands and said to me, four times, he repeated, “Whatever you do, do something, do something for the people, do something for the people, do something for the people, do something for the people.” Producing the City-Wide African American History Parade and Symposium is just one of my ways of ‘doing something for the people’.

“Real education means to inspire people to live more abundantly, to learn to begin with life as they find it and make it better,” said, Carter G. Woodson, Ph.D. the father of Negro History Week in 1926, now African American History Month. Woodson also said, “No man knows what he can do until he tries.” Since 2016, the Houston Sun has ventured to teach African American History to diverse demographics in Houston by inviting all to participate in the African American History Parade and Symposium.

Each year we take our theme from the Study of Association for the Study of African American Life and History which was founded in 1915 by Carter G. Woodson. This year’s theme is Black Resistance, and we are encouraging youth from elementary, middle school and high school to write an essay and create art that displays the theme. Elements of Social Justice will be on display and discussed during the Parade, the Symposium, and in the youth papers. Students will receive scholarships and Awards will be issued for categories in the Parade.

With this Parade and Symposium, we aspire to take our city where it is and improve it through knowledge, engagement, and exposure. The Grand Marshal is Rev. Dr. Samuel H. Smith. Honorary chairpersons are Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Mayor Lee P. Brown, Attorney Gary Bledsoe and Merline Pietre, Ph.D., historian.