Category Archives: Community

Community, Front, News

Breaking News: Federal District Court rules redistricting map illegal

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Today a federal court three-judge panel in San Antonio ruled today 2-1 against Texas’ 2011 redistricting Texas House maps, which were superseded by new maps in 2013.

The Texas Attorney General’s Office issued the following statement saying, “We respectfully disagree with the redistricting panel’s 2-1 decision. As Fifth Circuit Judge Jerry Smith observed in his dissent, the challenge to the old 2011 maps are not only moot but ‘a finding that racial considerations were dominant and controlling defies everything about this record.’ Accordingly, we are confident we will ultimately prevail in this case.”

Community, Front, News

Lawsuit Filed Charitable Feeding Ban Violates Religious Freedom

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On April 12, last Wednesday night, Phillip Paul Bryant, a devote Christian, filed a lawsuit (Cause #2017-25049) contesting that Houston’s Charitable Feeding Ban violates his exercise of religious freedom. Bryant keeps cans of tuna and bottled water in his car and spontaneously gives food to the poor when Christ compels him to do so. The City of Houston, requires good Samaritans to get a permit to share food and water when they share it with more than five people. Bryant cannot get a permit because there is no specific location where he will share food. He cannot ask the City of Houston for a permit because he does not know in advance when Christ will compel him to share food and water.

Phillip Paul Bryant is represented by Eric Dick and Randall Kallinen.

 

Community, Education

Community college celebrated in May

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At NISOD, they know community college faculty, administrators, staff work hard every day to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their academic pursuits. We are committed to helping you help your students by providing resources, strategies, and ideas that drive teaching, learning, and leadership excellence.
As it celebrates National Community College Month, they hope that the public will acknowledge the importance of community colleges for the nation’s entire educational system and join us in May for our International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence, the “must-attend” event for the community and technical college educators!
Take a peek at the 2017 Conference Program!
There’s still time to get $50 off regular registration prices! Register by May 6 to receive our Early Bird Registration discount.
Did you know that you can register for the conference now and pay later? Why wait until the last minute? At a time when college budgets are limited, it only makes sense to secure the best price

 

Community

What’s Happening

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REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM AT EMANCIPATION PARK BEGINS APRIL 1st

Online registration for the Summer Camp that will be available at Emancipation Park will become available on April 1st and slots are first-come first serve and very limited

The camp will be available all summer from June-August for ages 6-13 from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The activities will range from swimming to arts/crafts to field trips!

APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED ONLINE AT HOUSTONTX.GOV 

Families have to create an account before they can proceed with applying

The camp will be FREE for families who qualify for Medicaid or Food Stamps and $30-35 a week for other families

After the application is completed families will be directed to go to Emancipation Park,  3018 Emancipation Ave ( Dowling St) , Houston, TX 77004 to complete their verification

After their children are accepted into the camp parents must continue to register every week unless they indicate they want all summer when they first register.

There will also be a mandatory parent meeting upon acceptance.

If you have any further questions or need help with the application call
832-395-7400 or
832-395-7402

                  NCCER Construction/Basic Apprentice Training

PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE FREE TRAINING AND SUPPORT SERVICES INCLUDING:

  • Basic Safety:  Complies with OSHA 10-hours Training Requirements
  • Introduction to Hand & Power Tools
  • Introduction to Construction Math                                                                                        
  • Construction Drawing
  • Introduction to Material Handling
  • Workplace Communication Skills                                                  
  • Employability Skills: Workplace Job Readiness
  • Supportive Services
  • NCCER Core Curriculum Certification
The NCCER Core Curriculum is a prerequisite to all other Level 1 craft curriculum. Completing this curriculum gives   the trainee the basic skills needed to continue education in any craft area he or she chooses.
* Minimum Age requirement is 18                        * Able to commit full time for 3 weeks
Community

Council Member Amanda Edwards challenges Houstonians to “be the solution” with new community empowerment event series  

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Apr. 22 film screening and summit to focus on youth and young adult community engagement

HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 12, 2017 – Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards will challenge youth and young adults to “be the solution” to the issues that matter most to them with the launch of Council Member Edwards’ Community Empowerment Signature Series (the “Signature Series”) on Saturday, April 22, 10:30 a.m. at the Texas Southern University College of Education Auditorium, 3100 Cleburne, Houston, TX 77004.

“Be The Solution: Empowerment Film & Summit,” will feature a screening of the documentary film, “The Strange Demise of Jim Crow,” which reveals the under-told story of the peaceful desegregation of Houston. Following the film, panels comprised of youth and young adult leaders, as well as some of Houston’s most influential community leaders, will examine how strategies from the Civil Rights Era may be relevant to solving today’s issues. With this event, Council Member Edwards will educate youth and young adults about the long-term impact of strategic and peaceful engagement, challenge them to commit to being part of the solution, and help facilitate post-event activities to enact solutions discussed at the summit.

Panelists include Dr. Thomas Cole, creator and co-producer of the film; Ada Edwards, community organizer; Judson Robinson, III, president and chief executive officer of the Houston Area Urban League; Dr. Christine LeVeaux-Haley, professor and assistant dean for academic programs at the Honors College at the University of Houston; Jerry Ford, Jr.; radio/television personality; and Daniel Vasquez, chair of the Harris County Tejano Democrats. Youth Pastor Ray Bady of Windsor Village UMC will co-moderate the discussion with Council Member Edwards. The event is free and open to the public. Visit https://atlarge4.eventbrite.com to register.

About the Signature Series

The original concept of the Signature Series arose from a desire to equip senior citizens and their caretakers with vital information to assist with issues surrounding aging. Over time, however, the idea evolved to become more comprehensive in order to respond to shifts in the cultural and political climate of the country.

“When discussing the concept of the Signature Series with my mother, I wanted to be able to provide seniors and their caretakers with the same information that would have been helpful to her as she took care of my grandmother at her later stages, and to find out what my mother would like to know now as a senior,” says Edwards. “However, over the past year, I have observed an emotional, divided nation without clear answers. The concept of empowering both youth and seniors through the Signature Series evolved as a result of me listening to the public outcry stemming from our recent presidential election, police-community relations, and the immigration discourse, to name a few.”

The Signature Series will empower Houstonians by presenting tailored programming to (1)educate citizens with knowledge of key issues impacting communities; (2) equip citizens with effective methods and tools to create community-based solutions; (3) empower citizens to initiate positive change in their places of influence; and (4) encourage citizens to work together peacefully to find resolutions.

“We are empowering our residents by building the necessary human capital for our communities to thrive. By challenging residents to have a vision for the community, and to be the change they want to see in the world, we can achieve this goal,” says Edwards. “At a time where emotions run high regarding a variety of community issues, it is essential that strategic, purposeful, and peaceful engagement be at the forefront of methods used to effect change.”

The theme of the 2017 Signature Series is “Be The Solution,” and future events include the “Empowered You Senior Conference” and the “Youth & Family Immigration Town Hall.”

“We seek to move all of our Houston communities forward, and in doing so we recognize the potential that all community members (ranging from our youth population to our senior citizens) have to positively impact their respective communities as well as their circumstances. In both instances, providing access to knowledge is key, and creating a proactive plan of action with that resident as a part of the solution is essential. To effect long-term change, a community must define the problem, identify the goals related the problem, and commit to “be the solution,” rather than a spectator in the face of those community issues,” said Edwards.

Community, Lifestyle

The Black Church & HIV Initiative Launches Newly Updated Pastoral Resources for Faith Leaders, Empowering Them to Incorporate HIV into Ministry

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(Black PR Wire) WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, The Black Church & HIV: The Social Justice Imperative announced the release of its newly updated pastoral resources for faith leaders in honor of Minority Health Month. The Pastoral Brief and the Activity Manual offer a foundational approach for faith leaders to address HIV within the Black community from a social justice perspective.

The Black Church & HIV initiative, a partnership between the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Gilead Sciences, Inc. that aims to address the urgent need for action A the HIV epidemic within the Black community, believes the faith community is part of the solution, just as it has been in addressing equity issues affecting African Americans for decades.

The Pastoral Brief is an introduction to The Black Church & HIV, along with first-hand stories of how faith leaders can preach about HIV as a social justice issue and impact the lives of those living with HIV. Complementing the brief is an Activity Manual that provides faith leaders and lay persons who lead ministries in their church with more detailed information about HIV, as well as specific recommendations on activities that combat HIV and AIDS in the African-American community.

“Historically, the Black Church has been instrumental in driving change on social justice issues,” says Dr. Marjorie Innocent, NAACP’s Senior Director of Health Programs. “There is a growing need for pastors and the faith community to help address the alarming rates of HIV among African Americans. These comprehensive tools will empower pastors and lay leaders, giving them the resources they need to bring HIV awareness and prevention into their ministry.”

The African-American community, bearing the heaviest burden of HIV within the United States, is on the front lines of the fight against HIV. While they represent 12 percent of the total United States population, they account for 41 percent of all people living with HIV and 44 percent of all new infections. Additionally, on average, African Americans are likely to experience worse health outcomes than any other racial or ethnic group. Addressing the HIV epidemic is crucial in lowering these statistics and advancing health equity among African Americans, who historically have experienced unequal access to healthcare and been economically and socially disadvantaged, leading to a disproportionate burden of disease.

The Pastoral Brief and Activity Manual, which are an update to the original documents released in 2012, are reflective of the initiative’s learnings over the past five years, as well as current statistics and positions on the issue. They were developed under the guidance and support of an Advisory Committee of bishops, ministers and thought leaders who have worked in HIV ministry for decades.

The timely launch of the Pastoral Brief and Activity Manual allows faith leaders to incorporate HIV education into their sermons in observance of Minority Health Month. This month is dedicated to bringing national attention to the issue of health disparities that continue to affect racial and ethnic minorities, including HIV in the black community.

To download a copy of the Pastoral Brief or Activity Manual or learn more about NAACP’s The Black Church & HIV: The Social Justice Imperative initiative, visit http://theblackchurchandhiv.org/take-action/.

About The Black Church & HIV: The Social Justice Imperative

The Black Church & HIV: The Social Justice Imperative initiative was created in 2013 as a Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Commitment to Action through the NAACP in partnership with Gilead Sciences, Inc. The initiative joins faith leaders, religious institutions and community members committed to ending the HIV epidemic in Black America, while also working to overcome stigma and address HIV as an issue of social justice. For more information, please visit http://theblackchurchandhiv.org/.

About the NAACP

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas here.

Community, Education, Health

Activist Converge On Southlawn Neighborhood For Day of Black Love

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By: Kofi Taharka

On Saturday, March 25, 2017 close to a dozen community organizations united to serve the Southlawn Palms Apartment complex. Hundreds of residents came out to receive free food, clothing, health screenings, games and face painting for children. Speakers, music and barbeque filled the air as children played on the newly donated basketball goal.  Over forty volunteers staffed different stations providing services for the residents. The Southlawn community has been in the news over the past few years for the proposed “gang injunction” that would have banned over 90 Black men for life from the area. Due to community push back the effort was thwarted. Activist targeted the area for outreach to help quell crime and violence.

One of the lead organizers, Malik Muhammad, National Vice – Chair of Organizing and Training for the National Black United Front (NBUF) stated “We have to be in the streets serving the people, we have the solutions to our own problems, we are our own saviors.” Spearheading the effort were NBUF, The People’s New Black Panther Party, Melanated Men of Action and Black Lives Matter Houston, Texas. Groups that supported the effort included: The People’s Patrol, The Houston Unity Tribe, The Nation of Islam Mosque #45, The Local Organizing Committee for The Million Man March, No More Blood Shed and The Black Women’s Health Project.  A community gardener Brother Kelvin led residents in a gardening exhibition. A peace march wound through the neighborhood along with a community clean up that helped to cap a day of Black Love.

City, Community, Health, News

Queendom Come, Inc. Joins with Other Houston Organizations to Launch Awareness and Educational Campaign #ProtectOurDaughters Against Sex & Human Trafficking

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HOUSTON – Queendom Come, Inc. (QCI) will host a press conference Thursday, March 30, 2017, at 4 p.m. to launch its #ProtectOurDaughters campaign to address sex and human trafficking in the Houston area. Sex trafficking had become the new “slavery” and has taken national attention when a dozen of black and Latina girls went missing in Washington, D.C. this month. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Houston is one of the largest hubs for human trafficking in the nation and the largest hub in Texas Houston has over 200 active brothels, with two new openings each month. Houston is a popular entryway for internationally trafficked persons due to its two large, international airports and the Port of Houston, which is the largest international port in the United States and the thirteenth busiest in the world.

Age is the primary factor in vulnerability. We are seeing our daughters becoming victims to this modern-day slavery. Pre-teen or adolescent girls are more susceptible to the calculated advances, deception, and manipulation tactics used by traffickers/pimps – no youth is exempt from falling prey to these tactics.  Traffickers target locations youth frequent such as social media sites, schools, malls, parks, bus stops, shelters and group homes. Runaway or homeless youth, as well as those with a history of physical and sexual abuse, may have an increased risk of being trafficked.

QCI has launched an educational and awareness campaign that targets women, adolescent girls and their parents in the Houston and surrounding areas. QCI has collaborated with other organizations in the community and women leaders such as, Green House International Church Co-Pastor Sandra Deckard of Greenhouse International Church, Kathy Griffin Grinan of “We’ve Been There Done That”, Valerie Muhammad of the Nation of Islam MGT & GCC, Calandrian Simpson-Kemp of the Village of Mothers, Jinaki Muhammad of the National Black United Front, Attorney Sadiyah A. Evangelista of the Ministry of Justice Millions More Movement,  Deric Muhammad and Pastor E.A. Deckard of No More Blood Shed Movement and Deloyd Parker of SHAPE Community Center. A town hall meeting will be announced at the press conference.

WHERE:        National Black United Front 2428 Southmore Blvd. Houston, TX 77004

WHAT:           Queendom Come, Inc. Awareness and Educational Campaign #ProtectOurDaughters

WHEN:           March 30, 2017, 4:00 p.m. CST.

WHO:             Queendom Come, Inc.; Greenhouse International Church, We’ve Been There Done That; Village of Mothers, National Black United Front, Nation of Islam MGT & GCC,                                  MOJ Millions More Movement, No More Blood Shed, SHAPE Community Center