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Category Archives: Community
Congressman Al Green displays civil disobedience
Article I, Section 5 of the United States Constitution provides that the “Each House [of Congress] may determine the Rules of its proceedings, and punishment for its members for disorderly conduct.
During the March 4, 2025, the 118th Joint Session of Congress Speech by President Donald Trump, Houston Congressman Al Green (CD9) became the 28-lawmaker censured for disapproval of conduct by a representative. Green was flagged with a censure for his calling out the President did not have a mandate to cut Medicaid.
Censured lawmakers do not lose any rights or privileges. In the Well of Congress, Green and other Democrats began singing, “We shall overcome”. Some walked out with the word “resist” printed on their shirts while others used paddles and white erase boards with printed protest messages.
Green said that he accepts the punishment and that he would do it again. Green’s action is viewed as a form of civil disobedience which was often used during the civil rights movement. Green is serving his 11th term in the House.
Past African History Parade Grand Marshals and Symposium Chairs Return
The Houston Sun Foundation was founded in 2014 and shortly thereafter, the Houston Sun Parade and Symposium was organized. “As we celebrate our 10th anniversary of the Foundation’s Parade and Symposium, we are establishing the African American History Circle of Honor,” said Dorris Ellis Robinson, publisher of the Houston Sun.
They will be installed on Saturday, February 15, 2025 on the campus of Texas Southern University in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs before the Symposium. The theme for the 2025 African American History Month is African Americans and the Law.
Among those being installed are Rev. Samuel H. Smith, Captain Paul Matthews, Dr. Natalie Caroll, MD, and Claude Cummings.
Register to enter the 10th annual African American History Parade
Houston Sun Foundation Presents its 10th Annual African American Parade and Symposium
Dorris Ellis Robinson’s Statement
10th Annual African American History and Symposium Statement
Good morning, Houston, Media Friends, Houston Sun Foundation Steering Committee, our beloved Houston community.
Thank you for your presence and help in getting the message to our cherished community.
” Today our beloved community stand at a pivotal moment in America’s history as the Houston Sun Foundation come announcing its 10th annual African American History Parade and Symposium,” said Dorris Ellis, president and founder of the Houston Sun and the Houston Sun Foundation.
She continued, “Americans are at the intersection of African American history, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the theme of discussion for African American History Month is “African Americans and Labor”.”
Left to right– Dr. Gilbert Rochon, Interim Dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, Dorris Ellis Robinson, Claude Cummings, Parade Grand Marshal and International President of the Communications Workers of America. Cummings is the first African American president in the organization’s 78 -year history. (Sun photo/Jerome Timmons).
The 10th Annual African American History and Parade is
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Staging at Texas and Hamilton on the Southeast corner of Daikin Park at 8 a.m.
Kickoff 10 AM
Grand Marshal, Claude Cummings, President of the International Communications Workers of America. He is the first African American to serve as its leader in the 78th years of the organization.
Immediately following the parade, the lunch and Symposium will be held at Texas Southern University in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs.
Walter McCoy Auditorium, Room 114
12:30-4 p.m.
$10 parking or street parking
The Symposium is FREE and opened to the public and speakers will discuss African Americans and Labor. Among the speakers are Claude Cummings, International President, Communications Workers of America and others.
In 2025 America has a rich area for exploration. Here are several key points that illustrate this intersection:
- Historical Context of Labor
–Slave Labor: The foundation of African American labor history is rooted in the brutal system of slavery, where enslaved Africans were forced into labor without compensation. Understanding this history is crucial for addressing ongoing disparities.
– Post-Emancipation: After the Civil War, many African Americans sought better labor conditions, often facing systemic barriers such as sharecropping, discrimination, and lack of access to education and resources.
- Labor Movements and Activism
– Union Involvement: African Americans have played significant roles in labor movements, advocating for rights and better working conditions. Their contributions to unions and strikes highlight the importance of inclusivity in labor history.
– Civil Rights and Labor Rights: The fight for civil rights was often intertwined with labor rights, as activists worked to dismantle both racial and economic injustices. Understanding this connection can inform current DEI efforts.
- Economic Inequality and Structural Barriers
– Disparities in Employment: African Americans have historically faced barriers to employment, wage disparities, and underrepresentation in many sectors. Addressing these inequities is essential for fostering a more inclusive workforce.
– Access to Opportunities: DEI initiatives aim to create equitable access to job opportunities, training, and advancement, which are critical for addressing the historical injustices faced by African Americans in the labor market.
- The Role of Policy and Legislation
– Labor Laws: Analyzing legislation such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and its impact on African Americans can highlight ongoing challenges and the need for policies that promote equity.
– Affirmative Action: Policies designed to increase representation and support for marginalized groups in the labor market are vital for addressing historical inequalities.
Contemporary Relevance
– Workplace Diversity: Today, many organizations are recognizing the need for diverse workplaces. Understanding the historical context of African American labor can enhance DEI initiatives and promote meaningful inclusion.
– Cultural Contributions: African Americans have significantly influenced various industries, from arts and entertainment to technology and entrepreneurship. Celebrating these contributions fosters a more inclusive narrative in labor history.
- Education and Awareness
– Curriculum Development: Incorporating African American labor history into educational programs can raise awareness and foster understanding of the systemic issues that have shaped the current labor landscape.
– Community Engagement: Engaging communities in discussions about African American labor history can empower individuals and promote advocacy for equity and inclusion.
In Conclusion, the intersection of African American history, DEI, and labor highlights the importance of recognizing past injustices while striving for a more equitable future. By understanding these connections, Americans can work towards creating inclusive environments that honor the contributions of African Americans in the labor force and address the systemic barriers they continue to face.
Event sponsors are EMPA, SOPA, Dept. Political Science and Public Administration, The Houston Sun, and Norma Huger.
(AI was used in the research of this statement).
City Council Approves Five New Historic Landmark Designation
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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
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.
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
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.”