Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the country that houses thousands of foreign citizens and does about $274 billion in foreign trade annually. On July 31, 2013, Mayor Annise Parker signed an executive order for the city to develop a language access plan for five different languages.
The executive order will be used to breakdown a language barrier that prevents many Houstonians that do not speak English from getting the services they need and to help them receive the essential information they need to survive in such a large city.
“This is not about going around re-doing signs around the city,” said Parker. “This is about different populations having access to information.”
The languages have not yet been chosen but they will look at large populations like the South Asian community that comprises of Indians, Pakistani, and Hindi.
The translations are critical especially during the hurricane seasons where danger can happen within a 24 hour span and communication is vital. There are over a 100 different languages spoken in Houston.
For the next six months research will ensue to identify the point of contacts that will do the translating and communicate with the target communities. The Office of International Communities (OIC), a division of the Department of Neighborhoods will spearhead this project and they have six months to come up with the language plan.
“It will be simple information such as how to pay a ticket, how to use the municipal courts or how to report an incident with the police,” said Mayor Parker.
The goal is to make city services more accessible and give the international community an easier way to connect to the community.
“The OIC will conduct a data-driven language needs assessment, work closely with the City departments, international community leaders and university- based experts to identify the five languages that will be adopted into the plan,” said the OIC representatives.
Mayor Parker sees this as a big move for Houston as it stakes its claim as a premiere international city.
Community members from the greater Old Spanish Trail (OST) area filled Judge Zinetta Burney’s courtroom on the second floor of the Palm Center to the max as they questioned city officials and Marlon Mitchell of the Houston Business Development Inc. about the rumored closure of Palm Center.
Palm Center is a staple for the greater OST region as a place of economic development. Ken Bolton, former Assistant Director of Economic Development for the city of Houston’s Housing and Community Development, addressed the assembled first about the vision for Palm Center for the past 25 years as a place for revitalization and business development. Bolton went on to say that the Palm Center is an engine for economic development and wherever economic development is there is money.
Councilmember Wanda Adams quickly approached the crowd to offer her support and to publicly say she stands with the community she represents in District D.
“I offer my commitment as an elected leader,” said Adams. “There is no way there are any plans to sell Palm Center.”
For there to be a sale of Palm Center it would be up to a city council vote and Councilwoman Adams strongly said there won’t be any support for it amongst her colleagues.
Elected officials and hopefuls from around the city took turns trying to quiet the concerns of the people assembled. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee called as she was in Washington at the time to say that the federal dollars she allowed to trickle down for Palm Center would not just fade away in vain.
“I will fight to make sure there is no sale to Palm Center,” said Lee. “A change to Palm Center won’t be tolerated.”
The city of Houston Housing Department represented Mayor Parker. They presented a letter from Neal Rackleff, Director of Housing and Community Development, stating that the City has placed Land Use Restrictions (Restrictive Covenants) on the Palm Center for a period of 20 years “to insure that HBDI will use the Palm Center Project for economic development purposes” and that HBDI may “not sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of the Palm Center Project Property, without the prior approval of City Council and if “HBDI agrees that its failure to abide by the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the Restrictive Covenants … will result in a default. The city of Houston will enforce the contract in order to make sure a sale of Palm Center doesn’t happen.
Carroll Robinson, Board Trustee, District IV Houston Community College spoke to HCC’s role in the rumored closure of Palm Center’s closure. Originally Palm Center was a target area for the westward expansion of HCC’s campuses but the proposal did not make much headway with HBDI and HCC will expand in the Medical Center.
At this point is where the confusion set in for the proposal from HCC was a main catalyst for concern about the future of Palm Center. Leaders such as Judge Zinetta Burney and Constable May Walker of Precinct 7, whom have their offices located in the Palm Center, both declared that HCC could not make a home inside Palm Center even though they are champions for growth in the area.
“I was told by high level people that HCC wants to buy Palm Center,” said Burney. “I hope HCC puts a campus nearby just not at the Palm Center.”
The entertaining of the idea of closure cause for serious upset and Constable Walker demanded to know what the plans would be for Palm Center stating that everyone needed to know what was going on.
For now Palm Center is safe. There will be no sale of the facility but across the street there will be a state of the art, two story library built with $6 million from the HISD bond that was voted on in last November’s election. The Young Branch Library will break ground in June 2014.
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.
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.
The Lonal Robinson Award will be given to two nominees from the Friends of Emancipation Park.
Celebrate Emancipation Park’s 141st birthday and the presentation of the Lonal Robinson Volunteer of the Year Award by the Friends of Emancipation Park on July 13, 2013 at Emancipation Park, 3018 Dowling St. 77004.
