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News

Unarmed teen Michael Brown killed by Ferguson Police

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53e7056bf3bf0_imageContribution 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.

Editorial

State Senator Rodney Ellis remembers Mickey Leland

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Mickey Leland
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

Entertainment

THUMBS UP FOR “GET ON UP”

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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.

Education

First HISD FUTURES class to graduate with college degrees, work certifications

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July 31, 2014 – The Houston ISD FUTURES Academy will recognize 84 students who earned an associate’s degree or work certification from Houston Community College at a graduation ceremony as part of the academy’s mission to prepare students for job opportunities in high-demand technical fields. The ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 7 at Houston Community College Southwest, 5601 W. Loop South.

HISD opened five FUTURES academies two years ago, and this is the first graduating class. The graduation will recognize students from the Academy of Manufacturing Engineering Technology at Booker T. Washington High School, the Academy of Engineering Technology at Furr High School, the Academy of Process Technology at Kashmere High School, the Academy of Network & Computer Administration at Scarborough High School, and the Academy of Logistics & Global Supply at Sterling High School.

Over the summer, 59 students in the program earned an associate’s degree in applied science, while 25 students received a Level I Certificate in workforce programs such as technology, computer administration, and engineering. Through a partnership with HCC and most recently, the University of Texas MD Anderson School of Health Professions, students are able to receive college credit, career training, and industry credentials to provide them with options for a promising future after completing high school.

“The students who graduate from the FUTURES Academy will leave this program more skilled and ready to begin a career in a high-demand field or to continue their education at a four-year university,” said FUTURES Academy Assistant Superintendent Michael Love. “Whatever choice they make, they are well-equipped to be successful in the next step of their life.”

Next week, a FUTURES Academy Enrichment Week will be held for rising 10th grade students interested in applying for the academy, which also includes FUTURES academies in pharmacy, health science careers and construction technology at Long Academy, Jones High School, and Westside High School. The students will participate in a session to prepare for college readiness exams and visit Junior Achievement’s Finance Park, an interactive community with business models created to teach students about career readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

Editorial

Wendy Davis recognizing the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer.

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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.

Education, News

Lovett Elementary School’s Art Car

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ART Car

By Rickey Polidore, Jr.

As the Visual Arts Instructor at Lovett Elementary, Charlotte Gifford-Weaver contacted me to informed me that she was in possession of a van that belonged to an artist friend of hers, Mrs. Winifred Center, who taught Visual Art at Fondren Middle School years ago. It was the wish of Mrs. Center that after her death her old Astro Van be transformed into an Art Car for the artistic educational enjoyment of the children who would work to create it.

The students of Lovett Elementary transformed that van into an Owl made of recycled CD’s graciously donated by one of its wonderful parents, Steve Martin. All students, Kindergarten through 5th grade, spent the year building the exterior of the owl’s feathers in the classroom. Scientific methods and mathematical concepts were stressed as experiments were held in order to determine which materials would work best in outside elements.

Also, a template was made to scale so that parts could be built inside of the school and then layered onto the vehicle while parked outside. The measuring of the vehicle, science experiments, and the testing of different media were just as important for the kids as the artistic experience itself, with the hope that they might gain understanding of the real life applications of the concepts they learn in core curricular classes every day.

My gratitude goes out to Mrs. Center and her wonderful daughter, Liz Wilson. It extends also to Mrs. Charlotte Gifford-Weaver for making the union possible, Lovett PTO for all that they do, and for the campus as well as its students for the vision and hard work.

Come and cheer on entry #169, Disc is Owl We Do It!, in this year’s parade on May 10th from 2 to 4pm along Allen Parkway!

Entertainment

Is Kim Kardashian truly En Vogue

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Byron Halford- Greely
Special Contribution
The Houston Sun

Its kind of crazy how something as seemingly insignificant as a simple magazine cover can cause as much of a stir as the April 2014 issue of Vogue.

As you’ve probably heard a million times, its covered by none other than Kim Kardashian and her fiancé the prolific Kanye West. Yes, Kim Kardashian is on the cover of the most credible fashion magazine in existence. Sure, she is standing next to Kanye West, a fashion icon in his own right, but she is still right there, front and center in her photoshopped glory. In recent years, magazine subscriptions have decreased exponentially and even the fashion bible isn’t immune to changes in the market.

The best selling issue of 2013 was Houston’s very own Beyonce Knowles, and its worth noting that she outsold a bevy of models, Sandra Bullock, and even Michelle Obama. That is proof that the bigger the celebrity the more they will sell and in 2014 there is a severe shortage of people more famous than Kim Kardashian. The problem many people see with Kim on the cover is that she has given nothing to the fashion industry. Its definitely true that Kanye has raised her profile, but is it really enough?

She is undeniably beautiful and fits clothing magnificently but by no means is she a model. In fact, neither is she a musician like Beyonce, an actress like Sandra, or the first lady like our dear Michelle. There is no substance behind her celebrity and credibility should always be backed by substance. She offers nothing to the editorial creatively but the chance to make a killing commercially.

Vogue is not Glamour, nor Elle or Marie Clare: it is the STAPLE of fashion and it should be credible and choosy to a fault. This is a joke and yet another example of a great institution “selling out” to turn a profit. Its a sign of the times; with dwindling returns editors have to make tough decisions to stay afloat but shouldn’t there be some invisible line that should never be crossed? If we are letting the Kim Kardashians of the world cover our shining glory who next?

Will Joseline Hernandez be Vogues’ next cover star? Hopefully not, but I’m sure she’d look good too.

Education

Advanced math course has benefits in high school and beyond

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BY: HISD NEWS BLOG

At Young Men’s College Preparatory Academy, math teacher Saul Cantu has one message for students wondering if they should take Algebra II: Take the class.

“The lack of Algebra II slams doors shut,” said Cantu, who has been teaching for 15 years. “Every college major – even history and business – requires at least one year of college algebra. Students will end up in a remedial math class if they don’t have exposure to Algebra II in high school. They will have to pay for it in college, and it doesn’t carry any credit hours.”

In January, the Texas Board of Education gave final approval to a new high school graduation program with three graduation plans, two of which do not require Algebra II. That doesn’t mean, however, that HISD students are off the hook.

“Although new legislation no longer requires today’s eighth-graders to take Algebra II in high school, HISD’s expectation is that every high school student in the district will take the course,” said Director of School Support Services Mark White. “We don’t want our students to be limited in the future because they didn’t take Algebra II.”

Under House Bill 5, next year’s ninth-graders and those after them must take Algebra II to graduate under the Distinguished Level of Achievement graduation plan. Choosing not to graduate under this plan means they give up the opportunity to be automatically admitted to Texas public colleges and universities under the state’s Top 10 percent Rule – students in the top 10 percent of their graduating class are automatically accepted to state universities.

“I hear it all the time from students – ‘Why do I need to take this? I’m never going to use it,’” said Jonathan Trinh, Dean of Instruction/Associate Principal at YMCPA and a former science teacher. “If you’re planning to attend a four-year university or technical school, you’re going to need it, regardless of your major. Algebra II is essential to passing your college math requirement. Without Algebra II, you can’t ever become a scientist or engineer.”

Cantu also pointed out that students live in a world of high-stakes testing where a few points can make a huge difference in their future-earning power. “Algebra II will help students score higher on the math portions of the SAT and ACT,” he said. “Higher scores equal admission to better colleges and universities, which in turn impacts life after graduation.”

Michael Suber, a junior at YMCPA, credits Algebra II for dramatically raising his test scores. “Thanks to Algebra II, my PSAT scores went up a lot from sophomore to junior year,” said Suber. “Algebra II is teaching me how to think logically and solve problems. I think it will help me if I decide to go into corporate law.”

Algebra II can help students in other areas as well. “Algebra II introduces students to exponential functions,” said Cantu. “Money grows exponentially, so students need to understand that in order to understand how money grows when it’s invested. Eventually they will need it to manage their retirement funds. Algebra II has many real-world applications.”

If students opt out of Algebra II, they still have to take a third math course in addition to Algebra I and Geometry. Besides what is currently offered, the Texas State Board of Education is directing the development of two new courses – Algebraic Reasoning and Statistics – that will be available in the 2015-2016 school year.

City

2014 Great Texas Warrant Round Up

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seal

Hundreds of Law Enforcement Agencies Across Texas Unite For the 2014 Warrant Round Up

HOUSTON, Texas – The City of Houston’s Municipal Courts Department and Houston Police Department (HPD) will be among 300 law enforcement jurisdictions across Texas that will participate in the 2014 Great Texas Warrant Round-Up. For the 3rd year in a row, HPD will be assisted by the Texas Attorney General’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit to search for individuals with outstanding warrants beginning Saturday, March 1, 2014. Neighboring jurisdictions joining this statewide initiative as regional participants include, Harris, Galveston, Fort Bend, and Waller Counties. A complete list of regional participants is listed below.

“This is by far the largest concerted law enforcement effort in Texas,” said Director and Presiding Judge Barbara E. Hartle. “We do this program simultaneously with other jurisdictions to bring about greater public awareness, which will hopefully encourage someone to resolve their case or cases before they are arrested,” said Judge Hartle.

Once the Warrant Round-up period begins March 1st, HPD and other law enforcement agencies will aggressively target those defendants on the warrant list. Authorities warn that arrests can take place at any location, including the defendant’s home, school or workplace. Additionally, a special task force will focus solely on locating defendants with outstanding warrants through a license plate recognition program and whose parked vehicle has been documented multiple times at specific locations.

“With the assistance of law enforcement, we fully intend to use the entire scope of our resources, and we want to make everyone aware that ignoring your court matter is not an acceptable practice,” stated Judge Hartle. “The License Plate Recognition program has been in force since September of 2011 and has been extremely helpful in allowing us to locate scofflaws,” she added.

As the regional coordinator of this effort for the past eight years, the City of Houston Municipal Courts Department has thousands of active warrants it is seeking to clear. Municipal Courts officials are encouraging defendants to take advantage of the options available to resolve outstanding warrants. There will be no amnesty offered during the Warrant Round-Up effort.

Notices are being mailed to all Houston Municipal Court defendants with active warrants. Citizens with warrants in jurisdictions other than the City of Houston should contact those jurisdictions for information about how to clear those warrants. A complete list of participating regional partners can be found at www.houstontx.gov/courts.

For more information about warrants or citations visit the website at www.houstontx.gov/courts or contact City’s Helpline at 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311, if outside the City of Houston.

2014 Great Warrant Round-Up FAQ’s

Why are you doing this?

To close cases for which all other means of resolution have been unsuccessful.

Why do this now?

Statewide cooperation with other entities provides broader public awareness. Tax refund season creates better opportunity for some defendants to have the ability to pay their fines.

How many warrants are outstanding?

This number is not constant and changes all the time. In the month of January, in the City of Houston alone, there was an average of about 300,000 active warrants in the court’s system. Some defendants have multiple warrants.

How can I find out if I have warrants?

For Houston Municipal Court warrants, dial Houston’s Helpline at 3-1-1, visit the website at www.houstontx.gov/courts or visit any City of Houston Municipal Court location (see chart below). For information about warrants issued out of the Harris County Justice Courts, visit the Justice Court’s website at www.jp.hctx.net. For warrants issued out of surrounding municipal and justice courts, contact the Court in that particular jurisdiction for further information.

What are my options if I find out I do have warrants?

You may pay the fine and court costs, or post a bond and have your case(s) reset for a new court date. You may also seek legal advice from an attorney.

If I come to court to pay, will I be arrested?

No, defendants are encouraged to come in voluntarily to resolve cases during the Warrant Round-Up.

Will there be an amnesty offered to reduce the cost of any of the fines or fees?

Not at this time.

If I want to pay for my warrants, what are my payment options?

Payment options for warrants issued by the City of Houston Municipal Courts are as follows:
•ONLINE – www.houstontx.gov/courts/OnlineTicketPayments.html
•BY PHONE – Call 713.221.0288 (24 hour payment line)
•BY MAIL – Municipal Courts, P.O. Box 4996, Houston, TX 77210-4996
•WESTERN UNION (use code: Ticket Texas)
•IN PERSON – at any of the six court locations listed:

COURT LOCATIONS

MAIN LOCATION

HOURS

PHONE

Herbert W. Gee
Municipal Courthouse
1400 Lubbock
Houston, TX 77002

Monday – Friday
8am to 10pm

Saturday
8am to 4pm

713.247.5479

ANNEX LOCATIONS

HOURS

PHONE

Acres Homes/North Command Station
9455 West Montgomery
Houston, TX 77088

Monday – Friday
8am to 5pm

281.405.5319

Clear Lake Sub-Station
2855 Bay Area Boulevard
Houston, TX 77058

Thursday
8am to 5pm

281.283.4946
281.283.4947

Kingwood (Municipal Court Annex)
3915 Rustic Woods
Kingwood, Texas 77339-5203

Wednesday
7:30am to 4:30pm

281.361.6574

Southeast Command Station
(Courts 13 & 14)
8300 Mykawa
Houston, TX 77048

Monday – Friday
8am to 5pm

713.731.5155
713.731.5156

Westside Command Station (Court 18)
3203 South Dairy Ashford
Houston, TX 77082-2320

NOTE: All courtrooms are closed Noon to 1 P.M.

Monday – Friday
8 am to 9pm

281.584.4889

Lifestyle

CHRISTIANITY & THE LAW OF ATTRACTION and THE ONE COMMAND

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Daood Obaid Aka Soul Detective
Contributing Writer

beverly jones

Daood: Ms. Beverly Jones you have a book signing Feb. 15th at Dock BookShop and will be reading from your new book Christianity, The Law Of Attraction And The One Command.” Exactly what separate this book from your contemporaries?

Ms. Jones: My book is written with Christians in mind. It doesn’t just tell you that you can ask for what you desire. It provides scriptures that tell you exactly what to do with examples.

Daood: For those of us not familiar with the One Command, from a general perspective can you expound?

Ms. Jones: the short answer is that The One Command is a six step technique that takes you into a meditative state where you connect with your creator to ask for what you desire. It takes away the negativity and self-doubt.

Daood: 13 chapters and this book is equivalent to an encyclopedia wealth of information which must have took great effort and ingenuity?

Ms. Jones: Daood, I did a lot of research for the book. As I was gathering information I was led to different books, TV programs, church services. It was as though I was being given the information to share. Each time I would stop working on it, a little nugget of information would arrive. I didn’t work on it consistently however it came together over a period of about two years. In putting the book together I didn’t know how the chapters would work until one morning the idea came to me to let each chapter stand on its own except for the first two which are the foundational chapters. That way my audience could read what they needed.

Daood: Were there any unique or vexed circumstance/s in accomplishing this book completion?

Ms. Jones: Mainly how the book should be organized. I have written course material and it must follow a certain order. A novel has one chapter that follows another until the climax. However this book is more like a text book. in that you go read understand and do what you need at that time. An example would be Chapter Six. Fear and The One Command. If you are experiencing doubt or fear of some type, this chapter will help you conquer that fear by recognizing what you really want and then asking the Creator for that specific thing.

Daood: Within the preface you question why so many people whom believe in the bible take issue with the Law of Attraction. Can you briefly elaborate as to Bible and The Laws Of Attraction precedent to each other?

Ms. Jones: If you are asking how they are related let me first explain the definition of “The Law of Attraction.” It is getting everything you want out of life through the power of your own mind. That which you think about most is what you will receive. The Law of Attraction is associated with new age thinking however the Scriptures tell us the same thing. In fact, my signature scripture is Matthew 9:29 “According to your faith let it be done to you,” they both tell you the same thing only in different words.

Daood: Dock Book Shop Feb. 15th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. That is a very famous bookstore in Fort Worth Texas. Exactly where is it located, and should be people arrive there earlier to get a parking space?

Ms. Jones: It is located at 6637 Meadowbrook Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76112. Meadowbrook Drive is off of 820 just south of the I-30 exit. It is located in a strip mall so parking is not a problem.

Daood: Well I think you for this opportunity and in closing communicate for us the important of the usage of words as it relates to the Bible & The Law’s Of Attraction?

Ms. Jones: The words that you speak are a blessing or a curse on your life. Speak only of what you desire as though it was already yours. If you desire to be debt free imagine what it is like (not would be) to be free from debt with a certain amount of money in the bank. Mathew 7:7-8 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened”

Thank you Daood for this opportunity to share with you just a little about what “Christianity, The Law of Attraction, and the One Command” will give to the reader. See you all on the 15th in Ft. Worth

Dock BookShop
Ms. Beverly Jones Book signing
February 15th at 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
6637 Meadowbrook Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76112
http://www.thedockbookshop.com

Ms. Beverly Jones
http://commandingyourlife.com
http://silverfox.silvacourses.com
https://www.facebook.com/CommandingYourLife
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