Category Archives: Community
Amber Cloud, Self-Made Musician
Developed as a Self-Help for African People through Education, or (S.H.A.P.E.), this particular community center at Live Oak Street in Houston has continued over 47-years-of-existence with hard-working staff members and volunteers. One of the new standouts of this center is Amber Cloud, who realized at a very young age that music was for her.
“I started liking music when I was ten-years-old. I knew that it was something I was passionate about,” Cloud said.
Having trouble with reading and writing at first, the Katy, Texas native broke that habit by learning to read and write music. As she read and wrote music on a day-by-day basis, she fully understood literacy. She would be able to do all she can with her literacy, only to do it more with music.
“I understood music when I read and write it. It took so much out of my time, but I enjoy doing it, and I love making music,” Cloud soundly said.
Cloud, 25, began to invest in recording equipment at 15 years old. Following her high school graduation, she initially attended Houston Community College (HCC) onto the University of Houston (UH), until constant support from Texas Southern University (TSU) convinced her to transfer and remain there until she walks the stage with a bachelor’s in Business Marketing.
“It was the mentors and the relationships at Texas Southern that led me to come and maintain my passion for music and creating it,” Cloud said.
She felt that music will keep people out of trouble. She would fulfill that feeling by making her own studio at S.H.A.P.E on Almeda Road. The Live Oak center is also called SHAPE, but without periods.
Within the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center, it provides activities and programs that not only strengthen families, but also the community. Because of this, S.H.A.P.E. would eventually become an award-winning place, which includes an MLK Humanitarian Award. One individual who visits Cloud at S.H.A.P.E. is Najwa Malveaux. Najwa Malveaux, Cloud’s friend, recalls on how they became close eight months ago.
“I could tell she is an articulate person. I met her at a coffee shop, and when I spoke to her, she was a real introvert, and we hung out ever since,” Malveaux said.
Her mentor, Laurence Payne, describes Cloud as a person with four P’s: passion, purpose, persistence, and perseverance.
“You have to be able to articulate your vision verbally and in writing. She articulates her vision verbally and in writing,” Payne said.
What Payne has done in the community is not only being a TV host of HCC’s Dialogue Houston, he has provided service to help individuals become successful human beings. He did the same with Amber by instilling intentionality and mindfulness to her.
“I also told her about medi-flect- that is meditation and reflect combined. If you have those two traits and medi-flect, you can do anything,” Payne said.
Angela Cloud, Amber’s mother, knows that her daughter is really trying to make it happen.
“She is a visionary. She has a love for music,” Angela said.
Amber’s mother is very, very proud of her. Her daughter is a go-getter and very focused on her music.
Amber’s ongoing project is her studio, which she plans to not only modify, but also have to create her music and record. Now that she is a musician, Cloud will be made into a successful one, and feels that musicians aren’t born, they are made.
Lonal Robinson Volunteer of The Year Awards Ceremony
Inspiration filled the Third Ward Multi-Services Center as it hosted a community meeting and the fourth annual Lonal Robinson Volunteer of The Year Awards Ceremony.
Sponsored by the Friends of Emancipation Park, Inc. (FEP), the evening ceremony was honoring the volunteers of the organization for their service to the Third Ward community and for their own personal service. Many of the attendees congratulated the recipients for their participation and the ceremony committee FEP Board Member Cleo Steward who has chaired the event for five years. FEP Board Member and co-chair Myra Griffin called the ceremony a pleasure.
“It’s just a pleasure to be able to host this for him [Lonal Robinson],” Griffin said.
Robinson, who co-founded FEP with his wife Dorris, passed away on March 17, 2012 after a brain hemorrhage. He was 63. He was very active in the Houston community and his service through teaching, working, and publishing would eventually have his name honored and placed on the awards, which also includes the historic Emancipation Park.
Emancipation Park was constructed in 1872 by freed African American to celebrate the end of slavery. Considered as the oldest and first public park in Texas, it is now an area where families of any kind gather to enjoy outdoor activities and quality family time.
Renovations are currently being made to the park, and FEP Youth President Marcaus Nickle sees more than that.
“It will make the community a better place. It will bring everybody together. I feel like were helping each other more than just giving a hand,” Nickle said.
FEP’s mission is to preserve and protect the legacy of Emancipation Park through Exemplary Programs, making it a destination for all. Their mission has been growing by other individuals who volunteered. This influenced a presentation of the awards to those whose impact in the community received recognition.
Helen Graham, who was not present at the ceremony, received the FEP Outstanding Board Member of The Year Award. As an FEP Board member, she has a heart for people and loves to help others.
Golden Age Hobby House- Houston took home the Lonal Robinson Volunteer Organization of The Year. What this organization functions is that it provides seniors and youth with social interaction and a feeling of inclusion like no other, and they can be counted on to volunteer as needed for the youth programs at EP.
Taking the final two awards for Lonal Robinson Volunteer of The Year are married couple Cheryl and Robin West. Cheryl, an Evangelist, and Robin, a Minister, found Westside of Heaven Outreach Music Ministry in 2000, which she and her husband work to help individuals be achievers, more than conquerors, and rebuild their lives for the betterment of themselves, their families, and their community.
After the ceremony, Carrington Stewart, who is now in retirement, believes that the ceremony will keep the FEP tradition going.
“I think what it’ll do is it will recognize people who are in the community and will tie the connections to the park,” Stewart said.
Cleo Stewart, FEP Board Member, and Committee Co-Chair, certainly hopes so as well.
“We try not to miss a year. Any time we stop doing it, then we lose our motivation,” Cleo said.
FEP vice president Reverend Glen Cheeks highlighted the event’s reasons, as it concluded, with these words: “We are not doing this for the money. We are doing this for the heart.” Each FEP Board member was presented a red rose by President Dorris Ellis for their service.
Alma A. Allen, Texas State Representative seeks HISD top job
Within the 150-member assembly of the Texas House of Representatives is a woman by the name of Alma Allen.
Currently serving as the state’s Representative of District 131, Allen has put on quite a résumé. But elected to one of the governmental jobs in the Lone Star State is just another destination to her tirelessly life journey.
Growing up in Livingston, Texas, Allen wanted to make a difference as a young girl, and education became an essential part of that difference.
“(I believe) education is the key,” Allen said.
Allen, 77, would eventually excel in elementary all the way up to college. She initially picked Prairie View A&M (PVAMU) as one of those universities which helped minorities like herself until she ultimately chose Texas Southern University (TSU).
“TSU gave me the background to put me as an educator,” Allen said.
She would soon have Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees under her belt.
“Having a degree has put me at a difference in quality of my life,” said Allen soundly.
One of Allen’s dear friends, Wilma Jordan, says that her love for people, her love for children is what makes her stand out from everyone.
“She will go out of her way, saying, ‘If you need help, I’ll help you do it’,” Jordan said.
Allen then goes after her Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction along with a certificate in administration and supervision, which she received from the University of Houston. As an alumna, Allen worked at the Houston Independent School District (HISD) before working as an adjunct professor for PVAMU, then for TSU. Afterwards, she got elected to the State Board of Education in 1992.
Current PVAMU professor William Parker, who is also a former colleague of Allen, knows the type of professional and person that she is.
“She holds all her colleagues, professors, and students to a standard of excellence,” Parker said.
“As long as she has a tone vision of education, she makes an impact in the community. She is known as an educator of Texas, and in the country”
Later, Allen would land at the Texas House of Representatives having being reelected for two-year terms since 2004 while viewing Houston as a condition of betterment.
“There’s always a lot to improve and I want to be a part of it,” Allen said.
A woman of integrity like herself has considered another opportunity once her Democratic Representative days finish, for she will be a candidate for superintendent of HISD. Her son, Laurence Allen, Jr., sees the character in her mother that impacts the people.
“She motivates other people to get involved. I am so proud of her,” Laurence said.
As reported by the Houston Chronicle, she plans to improve morale and the focus on finances and stability as one of her top priorities.
“The big challenge is to make people feel wanted and needed,” Allen said in the newspaper.
Allen will take this task head-on, if elected, once her term as State Representative ends in 2018.
A date for the choosing of the permanent superintendent has yet to be determined.
The Bridge of Light Tour will be hosting a conference geared toward social change. It will take place at Communication Workers of America Building on 1730 Jefferson St Houston TX 77003 on February 21, 2016 at 6-10pm. It’s free for all to attend.
Vote for Dorris Ellis #55 daily for Houston’s Hometown Hero
Please click and copy the below link to vote for Dorris Ellis as a Houston Home Town Hero sponsored by 97.9 The Box radio station. Place the link in your browser in the URL window to proceed. She has been nominated by her daughter, Dorcaus Robinson. How loving of her to do this. Therefore, your help is needed daily. Register first, go to the word “last” and backspace to #55 and vote for Dorris.
<script type=”text/javascript” src=”http://theboxhouston.upickem.net/engine/SubmissionWidget.aspx?PageType=VOTING&ContestID=202016&SubmissionID=81887590″></script>
Schedule for events surround Sylvester Turner’s inauguration
Houston Sun News Service
SUNDAY Jan 3 from 4:30-7PM. Mayor Elect SylvesterTurner, New Council Members, and Controllers will have a picnic in Market Square, 1001 Preston Street. Members of the public are invited to come down, take pictures, and talk with Mr. Turner and all the rest. Families of the elected officials will be there too.
6:45 PM a fireworks display takes off for a few minutes setting the stage for Monday’s inauguration.
MONDAY: Jan 4. OTR, On the Red Carpet events takes place inside the lobby of Jones Hall. Camera crews are invited in to gather video and sound bytes from the crowd.
9:30 AM Pool Cameras take over the event. Channel 13 is pool and Richard Carson, the city photographer is pool still photog. No cameras are allowed inside other than the pool cameras.
From there the new Mayor and Council travel back to City Hall where the Mayor will gavel the new council to order for a roll call. This is also an open event to the press. Families will be there to snap pictures and take turns sitting in the Mayor’s chair.
First Black Harris County Commissioner dies at 66
Commissioner El. Franco Lee, dead at 66
Houston Sun News Service
El Franco Lee, Harris County’s first African American commissioner, died this Sunday morning, January 3 of a heart attack. He was 66. Bryan McLeod, a spokesman for Harris Health System said that he was pronounced dead at 10:01 a.m. at LBJ Hospital.
Lee, a Houston native attended Wheatley High School and was a graduate of Texas Southern University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Technology and postgraduate studies at the TSU’s School of Public Affairs, and at the University of Houston. He began his political career in 1979 when he was elected Texas State Representative for District 142 where he served until becoming a county commissioner in 1985. He was serving his seventh term in office for Precinct One.
During his tenure, he advocated for the Street Olympics for young people, , provided transportation for senior citizens , directed money to County Parks in Precinct One, funded the Mickey Leland Plaza and provided for the new Dynamo stadium.
Houston’s newly elected mayor Sylvester Turner said, “El Franco was a beloved public servant who never sought the limelight, preferring a low-key approach that put the needs of his constituents above self-promotion.”
Turner stated that Lee defeated him in the 1984 race for county commissioner. “His passion was helping seniors and improving quality of life for underserved youth and young adults in the inner city. His unmatched programs for thousands of seniors include everything from health and fitness initiatives to arts and crafts and music tutorials to holiday celebrations and other special events.
“Commissioner Lee was a giant of a man,” U.S. State Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee said. “We could always count on his heart and his passion for the most vulnerable.” Turner has directed that flags at City of Houston facilities be lowered to half-staff.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said the commissioner was “a champion” of mental health resources, quality of life for seniors and intellectual and athletic development of children, focusing on “people who couldn’t speak for themselves.”
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner released this statement:
My heart is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Harris County Commissioner El Franco Lee. I first met El Franco more than three decades ago when he was serving in the State Legislature. In 1984, we ran against each other for Harris County Commissioner and he beat me.
El Franco was a beloved public servant who never sought the limelight, preferring a low key approach that put the needs of his constituents above self-promotion. His passion was helping seniors and improving quality of life for underserved youth and young adults in the inner city. His unmatched programs for thousands of seniors include everything from health and fitness initiatives to arts and crafts and music tutorials to holiday celebrations and other special events. El Franco’s dedication to improving social services, health care, educational and vocational needs for Harris County youth is exemplified by his wonderful Street Olympics Program. He grew the Street Olympics from a summer-only recreation activity into a comprehensive event that impacted the lives of more than 10,000 young adults every year.
El Franco served Harris County well for 30 years and will be greatly missed. On behalf of the City of Houston, I send condolences and prayers to his family. I have directed that flags at City of Houston facilities be lowered to half-staff.
With his death, comes an opening in the March primary election for Harris County Precinct One. Commissioner.
After quarter of a century Turner elected Houston’s Mayor
Dorris Ellis
The Houston Sun
In the packed grand ballroom at the George R. Brown Convention Center, about 1,000 citizens awaited the election returns in the mayor race between State Representative Sylvester Turner, 61 and former Kemah Mayor Bill King, 65. Turner was the front runner coming out of the November General Election and kept that lead through the runoff, albeit it was a slim 678 votes according to the Harris County election results. Even with the thin margin to victory, the crowd never lost its vigor. They danced to the music of “Tonight is going to be a good night.” They engaged in song, dance, and much chatter and moved with joy to “Can’t Touch This” while taking cellular phone selfies photos and smiles with anticipation was abound. A jubilant Maldrick Bright said, “It’s one of the most exciting and unprecedented mayoral races in the city of Houston. It’s the time and place for him [Turner] to be elected. Turner had sought the Mayor’s office and was defeated in a run-off to Bob Lanier in 1991. He ran again in 2003 where he did not make the run-off and finally making it to victory in the 2015 run-off election. Joseph Bennett said, “I believe the race is tight because people really weren’t paying attention in the beginning and when they realized what the issues were, they got on board later.”
Once entering the victory stage, Turner said that Saturday, December 12 was mostly a night for ‘thanks’ and after he expressed appreciation to many, he gave the largest “shout out” to Ft. Bend County, saying, ““I love me some Fort Bend!” where a mostly African American voter base in an incorporated section of Houston delivered him 3,728 votes to King’s 277 when there were just 500 votes separating them.
Depending on an electorate that is disengaged in civic affairs, the two candidates had to split the meager 209,794 (21.42%) who cast ballots in the run-off mayoral race. According to Harris Votes County Clerk’s office, of the 979,401 registered voters in the City of Houston, Turner garnered 104,639 votes (50.16%), to King’s 103,961 (49.84%). With the slim margin of 678 voters, Turner, a Democrat, became the 60th Mayor of the fourth largest city in the country after Turner had received 50.2% of the Harris County votes and 93% of Ft. Bend County votes. It was after 10 o’clock in the evening when King, a Republican, made the call conceding defeat to Turner.
Vicky McBride, PhD in urban planning said, “This is an opportunity of inclusion where many of us had been left out, unable to participate and make use of our talents and skills. In this election, all were a part of this victory–from baby boomers to the millenniums. It takes us all to make this a vibrant city.” Demetrious Guidry Moore said, “My view of this race is I believe that the citizens of Houston have made the best decision based on the information provided the people. The people had been misled.” In his victory speech, Turner said that he will be the mayor for all the people whether they voted for him or not.
The three-time mayoral candidate from Acres Home, with his sisters standing on the stage with him said that this campaign has been a long journey that started with him mother (who died in April) when she signed a loan paper for him to go to college at the University of Houston where he graduated magna cum laude and later received his law degree from Harvard. He told his audience with much emotion that his mother taught the children to “never overlook those who are at the bottom.” He shared the crowd that ‘everyone will be welcome at the table in a Turner administration. He continued saying, “I’ll do by very best to represent every single Houstonian. The only question I will ask, ‘Is what you are asking — is it in the best interest of the city of Houston.’”
Ending his talk to the audience who were all dressed up and nicely attired for a victory, Turner said, “Stay strong, work hard and believe.” Shelly Kennedy, a member of the State Democratic Committee said, “I am a strong supporter of our new mayor; he has the experience. He has the legislative experience that we need here in Houston. He knows where the money is and he can help us get it. He loves Houston.” Term-limited At-Large City Council member Clarence O. Bradford said that the Turner victory is great for Houston. He knows how to unify people as he did in the legislature while serving for 26-years and this will be good for Houston according to Bradford. Lawrence Payne said that Turner’s win is huge and he has what it takes to run the city. “He has the legislative skills to do the job well. He knows how to work with all people.”
Since the beginning of his campaign 22-months ago, Turner has proclaimed that he would be the mayor for all the people and after waiting for 24 years, the people have helped him quench his thirst that started as a boy who rode the bus from Acres Homes to downtown. He now has the opportunity to lead Houston after earning more than 93% of the African American vote while King took 71 % of the white vote. He won the predominately African Americans populated city council districts precincts and the two Latino districts precincts while losing the “progressive” District C by 10% where incumbent city council member Susan Cohen was re-elected. Turner becomes Houston’s second African American mayor with Lee P. Brown being the first in 1998.
Several attendees at the watch night party were concerned, however, about Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, the Starkville, MS native and Houston businessman,
insertion of himself into the campaign against Turner. One Acres Home residents began to discuss the location of McIngvale’s first store saying that Mack made his money off the black community and ‘he turned on us. He continued saying that ‘he should have stayed out of the race and now we should stay out of his stores.’
In other races, runoff races Steve Le defeated incumbent Richard Nguyen for the District F council seat. In open seats Karla Cisneros beat Jason Cisneroz for District H, and Mike Laster defeated Jim Bigham for District J.
In the At-Large council seats, Mike Knox narrowly defeated Georgia Provost for Position 1, while Position 2 voters returned David W Robinson in his victory over Willie R. Davis. In the open at-large seat that was filled by Clarence O. Bradford, Amanda Edwards handily defeated Roy Morales for Position 4 and Jack Christie won the Position 5 seat defeating new-comer to politics Sharon Moses. Finally, in the Controller’s race, Chris Brown narrowly defeated accountant Bill Frazer for the Controller’s office.
Turner along with the other newly elected officials will be sworn in January 4 at Jones Hall and will take office for the new term limits that were approved for 4-year terms. (This ballot issue is being challenged in court). The inauguration is free and open to the public. Guest should arrive starting at 8 AM.
The Houston Sun celebrates 32nd Anniversary Scholarship Pillar Award Luncheon
By Dianna Johnson
The Houston Sun Newspaper celebrated its 32nd Anniversary on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at the historical Buffalo Soldiers National Museum located in Houston’s Museum district. The anniversary luncheon was a celebration of recognition of THS great achievements and civic services for the community. It was also a platform to honor prominent individuals throughout the city of Houston. Educators, Doctors, Lawyers, local business owners, Executives, and Community Activist were a few among the honorees that the Sun recognizes as Pillars of Success. Young Jordan Bush got the program started by toasting the honorees with jazz and classical music during the VIP reception followed by young Marcaus Nickle’s introduction of, the Master of Ceremonies, news anchor Jose Grinan of KRIV-TV, FOX 26 morning news was the host for the afternoon.
The Pillars of Strength who hold the Light is an award created by Dorris Ellis Robinson, cofounder of The Houston Sun Newspaper to recognize the accomplishments, achievements and contributions that others have provided for the Houston community through their boundless efforts to bring forth change and positivity to the city. “Whatever you choose to do in life, do something for the people,” said Ellis Robinson, words given to her from the great Dr. Martin Luther Jr. when she was a young girl. “These honorees are holding the light by their service to Houston which illuminates the path for others.” Ellis Robinson continued. The event began with the introduction of the Pillars of Strength honorees.
Honoree are as followed: Lauren Anderson, Houston Ballet; Eugene Barrington Ph.D. Retired Texas Southern University Professor; Lois C. Ray, Realtor; Pastor Kirby John Caldwell, Windsor Village United Methodist Church; Karen Franklin, World Youth Foundation; Attorney Anthony Griffin, Kathy Johnson Green, Experience in Dance; Mark Holley, Holley’s Seafood and Oyster Restaurant; Rev. Michael Crow, Barber Memorial MBC; Rev. Samuel Smith, Mt. Horeb MBC in Freedmen’s Town; Christina Sanders, Young Political Scientist; Gladys House, Freedmen’s Town Association; Dr. Howard Harris, Jazz Professor and Founder of the People’s Workshop; Jean Jones, Educator and Community Volunteer; Power 4 Life Ministries, Rev. Catherine Smith and Minister Madelyn Traylor; Honorable Al Edwards, Fred Hoyer, VP Bayway Lincoln; Deborah Barriere, Retired educator and community volunteer; Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, PhD., Texas Southern University Museum Director and Professor, and Honorable Francis “Sissy” Farenthold
At the start of the ceremony, Mayoral hopeful Sylvester Turner, stopped by to extend congratulations on the Houston Sun Newspaper 32nd Anniversary Scholarship & Pillar Awards and to acknowledged the newspaper for its continuous support and coverage on community electoral and political campaigns throughout the city of Houston.
The event proceeded with a magnificent melody by Texas Southern University’s School of Music students, Julio Peterson and Ashton Jones. Following, each honoree was given an award of recognition for their achievements and services and given a moment to embrace the audience with words of gratitude.
A silhouette saluting the honorees was presented by Freje Davis, a former student of honoree, Lauren Anderson, the first African American principal dancer for the Houston Ballet. The heartfelt performance brought tears of joy to Anderson and others in the room. Anderson was so grateful to be considered as an honoree amongst other prominent pillars of the community. “I was shocked at the invite and honored to be part of a group of distinguish men and women,” said Anderson.
As the anniversary came to an end, a Presentation of Lights ceremony began with every audience member receiving a light in representation to wish each individual a lifetime of greatness and success. Host, Jose Grinan closed by asking every veteran pillar in the room to stand for acknowledgment of their contributions for making a positive impact for bettering the community. “I want to thank you all for all that you have done,” said Jose Grinan, “because of your legacy we are able to do what we love, and because of you the Houston Sun will continue to thrive for 32 more years to come.”
Other participants in the program was second and third generation Robinsons, the children and grandchildren of Lonal Robinson and Dorris Ellis Robinson. Participants were: Sirrod and Dorcaus Robinson, and grandson of the couple, Marcaus Nickle. Present in the audience was Rashaud Williams, the 6 month old grandson of the founders and son of Dorcaus Robinson. . Each honoree brought their guests to share in his or her honor and they filled the room with positive energy and excitement.
It took a stellar Steering Committee to make the event a success and Mrs. Thelma “Lady J” Johnson lead the way as honorary chairperson with Co-chairperson Helen Graham. Other committee members were: Dorris Ellis Robinson, Dorcaus Robinson, Priscilla Graham, Patricia Sullivan, Ruby Mayes, Lakesha Lewis, Dr. Jessica Randall, Amber Cloud, Christopher Allen and Sheila Ray Reed.
At the close of the debriefing, planning began for the 33rd anniversary celebration with a presentation of the Key Stone Awards. We will be seeking to honor Houstonians who are central stones at the summit of Houston’s arch, that hold the city together. Sponsors included: Bayway Lincoln, Windsor Village UMC and Texas Legislative Black Caucus.
Dorris Ellis The Houston Sun 1520 Isabella Street Houston, TX 77004 713-524-0786 713-524-6786 Fax Serving Houston Since 1983