Managing Editor and Staff Writer for the Houston Sun.
Texas Southern University Graduate
B.A. Communication/Print Journalism
B.A. English
5 years at Houston Sun
Another Costco will arrive near Houston very soon as city council carried the vote to allow the development of a Costco inside of their extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
As a part of Mayor Parker’s 380 program which is set up to bring businesses into the Houston proper limits to stimulate economic growth, Costco will become the newest business to join in.
All members of city council did not find this agreement a good move as At-Large Position 2 city councilmember Andrew Burks and Vice Mayor Pro-Tem C.O. Bradford both voted no on the deal.
For Burks veterans weighed heavily as the issue why he voted not to enter into an incentive deal with Costco. As a veteran, Burks stated he has a problem when he knows veterans are out looking for jobs or work and it seems like they are not playing on a level field.
“What I ask for with Costco is to go to a system in which the federal government uses for hiring veterans, not employment just an application,” said Burks.
Councilmember Burks addressed his colleagues and said he resents how regardless of what is said in council the contract is final and nothing can be added to it such as the veteran or summer job programs incentive in order to enter into the agreement.
“I was duly elected to work for the citizens of Houston and when it comes to someone on the outside not elected in my place making deals and then telling me we can’t do anything or add or take away but they need my approval and our approval to do it; I think its wrong, therefore I’m going to vote no,” said Burks.
Mayor Parker added after Burks comments that the item came before council in May which gave council members such as At- Large Position 3 City Councilwoman Melissa Noriega time to meet with the administration repeatedly to learn more about the issue.
Costco had many locations they were scouting to develop. The location for the Costco will not be inside Houston city limits but north of Interstate-10 yet it will still be in the ETJ.
State Senator Rodney Ellis shoing support during filibuster.
Dear Friend,
Over my strenuous objections, the Texas Senate just passed House Bill 2, an unprecedented, unreasonable, and unconscionable attack on women’s health that will eliminate reproductive health care services in all but four of Texas’ 254 counties.
Tonight was an extremely disappointing moment in the struggle for women’s rights and the movement to ensure all Texas families have access to affordable and quality health care.
On the heels of a major assault on our voting rights by a right wing Supreme Court, tonight is another reminder of the need for all of us who truly care about advancing the cause of democracy that the fight continues. We must push forward and stand together to protect the rights of Texas families from attempts to reverse our nation’s proud history of evolving towards greater equality and justice for all.
Instead of talking about how we can improve education, expand access to quality health care, or protect voting rights, the debate again centered on eroding access to care for Texas women. According to recent polling, 80 percent of Texans wanted lawmakers to focus on those issues–like education, jobs, and the economy–in special session, not bring up divisive issues like reproductive rights.
House Bill 2 is not based on indisputable medical evidence or even best medical practices. Supporters of this legislation claim it will protect women’s health, but if this were true then why did the Texas Medical Association, Texas Hospital Association, and Texas Chapter of American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists object to its passage?
The sad truth is that Texas is failing our mothers, failing our children, and failing to focus on solutions that help all Texans. Texas women and families deserve better.
After all, there is a health care crisis facing Texas families. Approximately 30 percent of Texas women and 16 percent Texas children lack health insurance. Twenty-five percent of Texas children live in poverty. In Houston, 28 percent of children live in poverty. We know that by improving access to health insurance for these women and children, improving quality prenatal and postnatal medical care, expanding childhood nutrition programs, and providing early childhood education, we can truly improve the health and safety of women and children – both born and unborn.
If we are sincere about expanding the quality of care for women and children, we should implement policies that truly improve the lives of Texans, and not those that endanger women’s health.
Last week, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I filed an alternative package of bills that would provide better prenatal and early-childhood health care to mothers and babies who need but often can’t afford it. The bills would protect women in Texas and ensure that they have access to the health care they need to make the best decisions about their lives and their bodies:
• SB 24 gives teen moms 15 years old or younger the legal ability to consent to receiving contraception. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Texas leads the nation in repeat teen pregnancies. • SB 25 requires that sex education programs be based on actual research-based, scientifically-verified evidence. • SB 26 requires that sex education be both evidence-based and comprehensive so that young adults know all they need to know about preventing pregnancy and avoiding sexually transmitted diseases. • SB 27 requires that parents be notified of the sex education curriculum that their children are being taught so that parents can be part of the process. • SB 28 ensures that women can pursue equal pay for equal work under state law. It’s identical to the Texas Lilly Ledbetter Act, which was passed by the legislature in the regular session but vetoed by the Governor last month. • SB 29 ensures more Texas women and families have the health coverage they need by expanding Medicaid as called for under the Affordable Care Act. • SB 30 extends Children’s Health Insurance Program perinatal coverage from 60 days to 6 months after an infant is born. Rather than focus on divisive policies like HB 2, the Senate would have been wise to pass common-sense measures like those above, which will actually help women and children across the state. For hours we offered amendments that would actually reduce the need for abortions, provide quality health care to more women and children, and give women better opportunities to provide for their families; however each one was shot down and rejected.
Though we took a step backwards in the Senate today, we will continue to stand up for the rights of Texas women and push forward in the fight to improve access to quality and affordable health care for all Texas families. Thank you for your support and dedication these past few weeks.
Carl Hampton Memorial at P.A.B.A. The People’s Party #3 , Black Panther Party Alumni and the Progressive Amateur Boxing Association (P.A.B.A.) commemorate slain activist, Carl Hampton on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at the P.A.B.A 3212 Dowling St. 77004 from 12 pm-2 pm. A candlelight vigil will be held at 6 pm. Entertainment: Guest speakers, poets, face painters and vendors. For more information call: 832-507-8096 or projectgoodcare@yahoo.com. Donations can be delivered to the P.A.B.A. Sister Ayanna Ade will be honored.
1000 Women in White Annual Day at Holman Baptist Church July 21th, a 1000 Women in White “Women of faith rooted and grounded in the word of God” will host their annual event at Holman Baptist Church, 3501 Holman Street Houston, TX 77004 at 3:30 pm.
“A Dialogue- The Proposed Closure of Palm Center” The Old Spanish Trail Community Partnership invites you to “A Dialogue- The Proposed Closure of Palm Center” on Monday , July 22, 2013 at 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm inside of Judge Zinetta Burney’s Courtroom, Palm Center Annex 2nd Floor 5330 Griggs Road. Open to the public
Texas Legislative Black Caucus Town Hall Meeting on July 24th from 6:30p to 8:30p On Wednesday, July 24th from 6:30p to 8:30p, the Texas Legislative Black Caucus will host a Town Hall meeting in the McCoy Auditorium (Room 114) of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs of the Texas Southern University Campus located at 3100 Cleburne (Tierwester & Cleburne). The Texas Legislative Black Caucus has partnered with the KEY PAC, Houston Sun, Houston Sun, Houston Forward Times, Majic 102FM, KTSU Radio, KCOH 1230AM and the Texas Southern University – School of Public Affairs for this event. The Town Hall meeting will provide unprecedented access to African American members of the Texas Legislature from the Houston-area as we cover topics such as the 83rd Session, the recent Supreme Court decision striking down Section 4(b) of the Voting Rights Act and the impact on Texas, in particular on Voter ID, and the Trayvon Martin verdict. This meeting will provide a unique opportunity for members of the community to discuss the 83rd Session, as well as how recent Supreme Court actions will have an impact on them. In addition, we want to have a discussion with the community on what lies ahead after the Trayvon Martin verdict. Further, we encourage and will provide an opportunity for members of the community to ask questions to members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus for a fulfilling, in-depth exchange benefitting all those in attendance with the most current information on the important recent actions which will impact their lives. For more information, contact Murry Matthews or Alison Brock at 1.866.885.8900 or 512.463.0554.
The Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association host banquet The Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association “PVILCA” will host their 34th Annual banquet/ awards ceremony on Saturday, July 27, 2013 in Fort Worth, TX. ( Irving, TX at the Westin Dallas- Fort Worth Airport Hotel from 1:30 – 4:30 pm. The Houston Area inductees are Daye Shon Roberson, Gary Joseph, Mareon Lewis, Billie Matthews, Elton Conger, Clifford Mc Bride, Thomas Valley, Marcus Moseley and Jerrell “Tank” Washington. The PVILCA is an organization preserving the past while remembering the ‘glory years’ of the Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association. The organization instills personal pride and self esteem by increasing cultural awareness of the PVILCA heritage. For table and ticket information contact Robert Brown at 713-747-3764.
Rev. Timothy Dinger to Speak:Annual Camp Lone Star BBQ Rev. Timothy Dinger, Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Port Arthur, will be the featured speaker t the Annual BBQ Worship Service at 11: 00 am on Sunday, July 28 at Camp Lone Star. The day will include the traditional Barbeque dinner at 12:00 noon with all the trimmings. Drive –thru BBQ plates can also be purchased for $8.00 from 11:00 am to 12:30 p.m.. Live and silent benefit auctions follow from 1-3:00 p.m. indoors in the camp’s Koop Center. For more information on the Barbeque or to donate an item to the auction, please call 1-979-968-1657 or go to camp’s website at www. LOMT.com.
Back to School Health Fair and Supply Drive The Friends of Emancipation Park will partner with Houston Parks and Recreation Department to host their first Back to School Health Fair and Supply Drive on August 17, 2013 at Emancipation Park Community Center, 3018 Dowling Houston, TX 77004 from 9am – 12 pm. Proof of enrollment is mandatory. Parents must bring the student to receive and supplies.
Protestors stormed Houston ‘s City Hall chanting no justice, no peace and Trayvon Martin that errupted into chaos in council chambers as Houston Police dept. rushed in to shut down the protest.
Two women were handcuffed as a small scuffle broke out. The story is still developing. #thsoriginalnewsreporting
After the demonstration was over and done, people were escorted out of City Council chambers the emotions of the day still lingered in the minds of city councilmembers. During the city council meeting on Wednesday, July 17th Councilmember, Larry Green spoke on the issue that brought the protestors out, Trayvon Martin.
“Mayor we are all mindful of the tragic shooting death of Trayvon Martin last year in SanforD, Florida and we’re also aware that the state trial that reached its conclusion on Saturday evening, as Americans we recognize we are a nation of laws and that the jury has spoken, however the community is deeply and rightly concerned about this case and as passionate community leaders and concerned citizens have expressed in our city over the past few days since the not guilty verdict and here at council yesterday. As an African American male I am also very concerned about this case because our young African American boys should not fear their lives just walking in their neighborhoods and they should not be profiled because of the color of their skin or what they’re wearing. I believe this tragedy provides us another opportunity for our city to speak openly and honestly about the complicated and emotionally charged issue that this case has raised issues of race, class, and the belief by some in our community that somehow black life is not valued as others in this community. It is time to strengthen our resolve to address these issues that directly impact our children. We must confront the underlying attitudes and mistaken beliefs and the unfortunate stereotypes that serve too often for police action and privat judgments against African Americans in our city. I would ask the city council in one of the most diverse cities in the country that we pledge to work together to ensure that the young Trayvon Benjamin Martin did not die in vain.” – Larry Green City Council, District K
Follow up: No arrest were made both women were released.
Councilmember C.O. Bradford as well as the Mayor both praised the efforts of the Houston Police Department in their effectiveness of controlling the crowds and how they treated the protestors.
George ZimmermanA not guilty verdict was rendered, Saturday July 13, 2013 in the 2nd degree murder trial of George Zimmerman. Zimmerman was on trial in Florida for the alleged self defense killing of 17 year- old Trayvon Martin as he was walking home un-armed from a corner store to his father’s girlfriend’s home.
The trial has proved to be racially charged as many believe the outcome may have been different if the ethnicity of Zimmerman and Martin were switched.
On many social media outlets people have changed their avatars to a black screen or to an image in black with a hoodie to represent their support of the Martin family. Superstars took to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and other social media outlets to express their disappointment in the verdict as well.
Zimmerman who didn’t testify in his own defense faced 20 years to life if convicted. The stand your ground law stood firm and has set precedent as a law the will stand up in court.
Lonal X. Robinson, 2nd Generation publisher of The Houston Sun
The Houston Sun family and all of Houston has lost an icon and a beacon of light that gave us laughter, hope and a path when there seemed to be roadblocks on April 30,2013 when second generation Publisher and poet, Lonal X. Robinson passed away at Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX.
Robinson’s 33 years of life was one of work and giving to those who needed a helping hand. Born June 24, 1979 in Champaign, Illinois, Robinson is the second son and third child of Lonal and Dorris Jean Ellis Robinson. When Lonal X. was three years- old, he and family moved to Houston, TX where Robinson was taught to love his community. As he matured he exhibited a strong sense of pride and fondness of his community; he did whatever he could to uplift Third Ward.
“Lonal was a fiery spirit, but at the core of his being was a love for his family and his community,” said Troy Thomas, a business associate. “He was a brother with a big heart who only wanted to give and receive love from the streets to the suites. I appreciate all the love and respect he showed by helping me and my son.”
Lonal X. attended Ruby L. Thompson Elementary, James D. Ryan Middle School and Jack Yates High School in the Third Ward community and college at Langston University in Langston, OK. After his time at university, Robinson returned to Houston to make his mark at his family company, The Houston Sun. He took business seriously and added a digital and youthful approach that has given the paper a unique quality that sets them apart from any other publication in the city of Houston.
Robinson is an accomplished poet, playwright, writer, philanthropist and visionary who offered so much of himself to others. He had a knack for humor and had a sharp wit that could make someone stop and think just to keep the banter going. Lonal X. provided the opportunity for the next generation of writers, musicians, artist and entrepreneurs to showcase their talent through The Houston Sun. Once he noticed talent he tried to help bring forth the fruition of success for them in any way he could, Robinson truly believed in forward thinking and he was going to be the man to bring it forth.
“Lonal was a man whose passion was to connect African- American business owners with each other,” said Christopher Allen. “He encouraged entrepreneurs like myself to continue to build and shape our community with my talents. I’ll always be grateful for that inspiration.”
One of Robinson’s signature lines was, “What are you doing in the community?” The community was important to him and if you were not working to improve it your business was not wanted. Lonal X. worked within Emancipation Park to help beautify Third Ward and mentor the children that frequent the park. Countless events and programs, Robinson has masterminded and worked within to make them a success as a team player. Time and time again he would seek to find ways to help others without compensation. He offered the idea for The Houston Sun to adopt Emancipation Park and present back-to-school rallies and talent shows for the children. His wish was that through performance they could prepare themselves for a better life.
“Lonal has been an inspiration to me for years. His resilience is uncanny to most. His heart was warm and welcoming and his spirit will forever live on through me as well as all of the lives that he has touched along the way,” said Lanora “Onney” Laws.
Lonal X. led a good life. He led a successful life. Even as a younger man growing into adulthood he met achievement as he wrote an award winning play in high school called “CHANGE” for the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women Lullelia W. Harrison Youth group. He took his production to the South Central District and to the National Convention and won 1st place in New York City It is the only first place award the Houston League’s youth group has earned in its 30-year-history. Robinson has also earned the 4-H Club Spirit Award, National Council of Negro Women, Million Men March Award, Houston Sun Beacon of Light: Men of Valor Award. During his years in college, Lonal X. made a road map for others when he started the Langston University Theatre and Drama Club providing the students the opportunity to perform and travel. He also was a leader for library technology upgrades. He became a missionary while at Langston as well as he traveled across the country during mission work with United Methodist Church.
“He was and still is my best friend, my mentor,” said Keiundra Jackson. “He inspired me and many to believe in helping the next without looking for a return.” As second generation publisher, Robinson poured his heart into his work. He was passionate about The Houston Sun and everything he did was to bring success to his company and family. He started Houston Sun Presents, adding legendary visionary projects, a program whereby the company offered services and programs to the community such as the recent First Amendment and Law Symposium for high school and college journalism students, and the Spoken Word and talent shows. His commitment was strong and his love for the product was immeasurable. Lonal X. was a businessman in all respects, but he was also a family man who loved his mother, father, sisters and brother with all his heart. He was an uncle who took pride in his nephews and niece. Family was a driving force in all that he did and he put nothing above them. Lonal’s father passed a year in March of 2012 and it was a heavy spot on his heart yet he worked without ceasing by his mother’s side in his honor. “He was very protective and loving. Lonal was true to himself in however he felt at the time and passionate on both ends of the spectrum,” said Dorcaus Robinson, his younger sister. “He loved his family dearly and was very exclusive with them. He respected the women in his family and believed we were beautiful and intelligent.” Lonal X. joined his father, Lonal Robinson in death. Also welcoming him is his material grandparents, Ethel Lee Hoover Ellis and Joe Davis Ellis and paternal grandparents Bessie Gee Robinson and Alex Robinson. He is survived by his mother, Dorris Ellis Robinson, brother, Sirrod Robinson (Sophia) of Houston, TX; two sisters Shuronda Robinson, Austin, TX; and Dorcaus Robinson, Scottsdale, AZ; four nephews: Adisa Jones, Alex Parks, and Jordan Parks, Austin, TX and Marcaus Nickles of Scottsdale, AZ; and one niece, Sarai Robinson, (Seble Wobshet, mother) Houston, TX; and two step nieces: Jameca McDaniel and Aryelle Williams (Sophia Robinson, mother). Robinson passed away after a month hospital stay following a ten-year bought of compounding illnesses. Donations in his honor can be sent to The Houston Sun Education Foundation and Friends of Emancipation Park. Robinson completed a book of poetry, Pieces of Me and Poetry for all Seasons; that is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2003.
Rick Perry, Govenor of Texas Rick Perry will not seek re-election as governor of Texas in this upcoming election.
Perry is the longest to serve as govenor of Texas, elected in 2000. He is the successor of former president, George W. Bush.
The govenor may just try for another shot as the president as he said any, “future considerations” will be announced “in due time and I will arrive at that decision appropriately.”
Perry’s departure leads to many question marks about the future leader of Texas as many politicians have waited many years to take a shot at that seat.
Reports from the Associated Press reveal that South African president, Nelson Mandela, “is very much alive,” according to his grandson, Ndaba Mandela.
After reports swirled that 95 year-old, Mandela was on his deathbed due to lung failure, it created a wave of sadness that even resulted in America’s president, Barack Obama, traveling to Africa for diplomacy, education and to see him.
Ndaba Mandela told the South African government that his grandfather is still in critical condition but he is stable.
Nelson Mandela is South Africa’s first democratically elected president after 27 years in prison for his fight against white oppression.
