Jack Yates Senior High School celebrated two championships awarded to them after playing Dallas Madison two years in a row and falling short by a few points.
Dallas Madison had to forfeit of their trophies due to playing with an ineligible player during their 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 season.
The school was filled with pride as well as bittersweet emotions as the championship team came into the jammed packed auditorium minus one player, Artreal Jones, who passed away during the summer.
Yates Marching Band under the leadership of Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul Alum, Gerald Bryant cranked out popular tunes until the program began.
97.9 the Box hosted the event and introduced State Representative Alma Allen who spoke on the behalf of State Rep. Sylvester Turner, Councilmember Dwight Boykins, District D, and a spokesperson for State Senator Rodney Ellis.
State Rep Alma Allen congratulated the team and said, “It takes everyone to win a championship,” as she turned he attention to the band. The Yates Band has made news also as they are in dire need of uniforms.
“We will raise the money for the uniforms,” said Allen. She donated a $1,000 followed by Council member Boykins who too donated a thousand and the Legislative Black Caucus that donated $1,500. The State Rep. went on to say they will commit whatever it takes to get the uniforms and no band shouldn’t have uniforms.
The crowd went wild and the ceremony began. Each player was given a medal and two trophies were passed around. An honorable moment occurred when the family of Artreal Jones was called up to receive his medal. Coach Greg Wise personally spoke about Jones and his leadership and value to the team which brought tears to his family’s eyes.
As confetti danced around, the band played and the crowd cheered, Coach Wise made an announcement to recruit for the next championship team.
Congratulations Jack Yates Basketball Team!!!
Yates Championship players holding their trophyYates Championship Basketball teamArtreal Jones family, a fallen Yates Basketball player who was on the championship team, accepts his awardsYates students and Alumni fill the audience.Coach Greg WiseYates Championship trophies
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, President of Franklin Beauty College, Ronald Jemison, Jr., and NFL Player Santana Dotson will host a Back to School event on Sunday, August 24, 2014 from 8am- 3pm at 4965 MLK Blvd. Houston, TX 77021 713-645-9060. Boys and girls ages 7-17 will be able to receive free haircuts and hairdos courtesy of Franklin Beauty Institute, leadership workshops, fun, entertainment, food, backpacks, school supplies, gifts, and prizes.
ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST PRE-REGISTER! Last day to register is Friday August 22, 2014.
Click this link and it will take you directly to the registration form
When you drive down Andrews Street in the historical Fourth Ward Freedmen’s Town you see an interesting looking street. On the right hand side you see red brick and then on the left hand side you see cement, pot holes and the remnants of what use to be a trolley train track.
The street seems unimpressive to the uneducated eye except for the killer view of Downtown as a back drop for the closely fit narrow houses and emerging condos. Yet, those dusty red, hundred year old bricks that line Wilson and Andrews Street for 7/10 a mile has become the next big fight for the people of Freedmen’s Town.
On June 11, 2014 City Council unanimously passed Item 51, an ordinance that awarded a $5,600,000.00 contract to CONRAD CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD. for the Freedman’s Town Brick Streets Restoration Project.
“The project will replace water and sanitary sewer lines, restoration of the brick streets and local street drainage on Andrews Street from Heiner Street to Wilson Street and on Wilson from Andrews to West Dallas Street in the Freedman’s Town Area. Contract duration for this project is 365 calendar days,” according to Request for Council Action document.
The intention of the City is welcomed. Who doesn’t want improved traffic circulation, mobility drainage and roadway upgrades? But then the realization sets in that by completing such a construction project in the manner the City has decided to go with it is a disruption of history and a legacy. This has prompted determined preservationist in Freedmen’s Town to fight harder to not let this project happen as is.
“This is our history,” said Lue Williams of the Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition. “The City didn’t even try to hear our side. We have been fighting to save our historical structures in Fourth Ward for years and they just don’t care.”
Williams along with long time activist and preservationist for Freedmen’s Town, Catherine Roberts gathered as many supporters together to try and protest the decision rendered by Council in June. The project is slated to begin in August, so these ladies knew their time is limited. They enlisted the help of Dorris Ellis, President, Friends of Emancipation Park and asked her for her knowledge on how to preserve a historical area.
Dorris Ellis, hosting the first town hall for the Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition about the preservation of the brick streets.
Immediately the Rutherford B.H. Yates Museum and supporters began working to try and stop the removal of the bricks. Freedmen’s Town is under the National Historical Preservation and has a marker outside the Yates Museum. The area is a known historical setting which further troubles the FTPC.
History The brick that pave Wilson and Andrews Street once lined several streets in the 80 blocks that use to be Fourth Ward Freedmen’s Town. Free men of African ancestry settled there following Emancipation, floating in on the banks of Buffalo Bayou. Those families faced racism even when it came to paving the streets.
According to Catherine Roberts of the RBHY Museum, after asking the City of Houston for six years for paved streets and being denied the residents paid for their own bricks and had them made in their own community and laid it themselves.
Catherine Roberts, RBHY Museum and preservationist
Those bricks have lasted a hundred years. Over time many bricks have crumbled under the pressure of modern vehicles and climate, while others have been covered by cement for the purpose of patching or what the City plans to do again which is update utilities under the streets.
Justification for the project is, “Replace a street that has been deteriorated beyond economical repair,” according to the Request Report by the City of Houston.
The Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition (FTPC) launched a SAVE OUR STREETS (S.O.S.) Campaign all over social media while holding town hall meetings, visiting City Hall during the public session to speak to Mayor Parker and Councilmembers about the historical bricks that make up Andrews and Wilson Street, classroom information sessions at Texas Southern University held by engineering consultant Craig Champ out of California to teach about the other options presented such as the underground micro tunneling that could be ran under the sidewalks.
Dr. Shabazz preparing a press release about the Preservation of the Bricks.Rev. Smith of Mount Horeb Baptist Church on West Gray came down to City Council to speak about the preservation of the brick streets.
In 2007, under Bill White’s Administration, the brick streets were spared from removal. With the work of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Gladys House and the RBHY Museum they were able to link up with an Engineering Consultant, Eric Skonberg who too believes micro tunneling under the sidewalks can be a surefire preservation method.
Communication between the City and the FTPC is scarce and un-resolving. Mayor Parker is adamant about the restoration of the streets.
“I have driven down Andrews Street and the potholes and humps and bumps. I want to be able to drive down those bricks in a smoothly,” said Mayor Parker. “We are going to put the bricks back.”
Catherine Roberts and Sally Wickers as they give the media a tour of the brick streets.
The argument over restoration and preservation is a view point type of rhetoric. Mayor Parker called herself a preservationist.
As of now the construction project is still underway, and the Council has until August to find a way to hear the cries of their constituents. Many invitations have been extended to Councilmembers and Mayor Parker to attend town hall gatherings and the engineering teach in, their presence and representation lacked, according to the FTPC.
The FTPC backed by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee will continue to push for the alternative of restoration which is preservation through the use of micro tunneling underneath the sidewalks.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Dr. Iguh cutting the ribbon.
South Park and the Sunnyside Area are known and often times categorized African American communities that lack the essentials that a thriving neighborhood needs. Fresh market grocery stores, and clinics that are affordable are in high demand. Dr. Bernadette Iguh, R.N., M.D. saw the need and prayed to God for the chance to bring health to the African American community and so she did.
July 12, 2014, Dr. Iguh held a lavish Grand Opening Ceremony for Cullen Family Practice Clinic 7710 Cullen Blvd Houston Texas 77051. As a practicing Registered Nurse (R.N.) for 14 years, Dr. Iguh believed in quality health care and with a spiritual touch.
“Bernadette had her own ideas on how to do treatments so she went on to medical school. She became a doctor,” said a close friend and colleague of Dr. Iguh.
Dr. Iguh, left, and friend.
Many people stood up and spoke on the quality of person and work that she represented and what a blessing she would be to the South Park and Sunnyside communities.
Dr. Iguh has practiced as a Medical Doctor (M.D.) since 2005. She saw the need in the particular area and vetted for a place to open shop.
“I am very familiar with this community, I worked in the South Park area for five years” said Dr. Iguh. “I have donated services to the community and I felt the need to be here.”
Her community service now extend beyond food giveaways as Cullen Family Practice will be open Monday through Friday 9 am- 6pm and on Saturdays by appointment only. Dr. Iguh accepts all types of insurance.
One of the six exam rooms.
Inside the clinic there are six exam rooms and an immunization room. It is a family medicine clinic that treats pediatric to geriatric patients.
Iguh’s husband and children are a part of her working environment as her husband helped restructure the building to become a clinic and her daughter is a nurse.
Dr. Bernadette Iguh, black dress, seated next to her husband and with staff.
“This use to be a feed house for animals, now it is a place of health for humans,” said Dr. Iguh’s husband.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee read a proclamation before the ribbon cutting and dignitaries from Africa flew all the way to South Park Houston, TX to celebrate the opening of Cullen Family Practice.
Congresswoman Lee and African dignitaries honor Dr. Iguh.
Children at Emancipation Park guessing whose birthday it is.
Friends of Emancipation (FEP) Park surprised the children of Emancipation Park’s Summer Recreation Program with pizzas, a variety of delicious looking cupcakes, assorted juices and ice cream to celebrate the 142nd Birthday of the historical park founded by free slaves on July 19, 1872.
The birthday surprise had the children laughing, running and playing and guessing whose birthday celebration it was. “It’s her birthday,” one of the kids said while pointing at FEP President, Dorris Ellis. Then they all started laughing and telling her happy birthday and giving her big hugs. “No, no, no, it’s someone else’s birthday, someone that really enjoys have you all here,” she said with a huge smile.
Friends of Emancipation Park Boards Members, Dorris Ellis, Jacqueline Bostic, Jackie Bostic, Jackie Gilmore, JoAnn Johnson( Park Director) and Alma Thompson setting-up pizza station.
After several more guesses by the eager children, the correct answer came hurdling out of a crowd of children surrounded by a couple of young adults who work at the park. “It’s Emancipation Park’s birthday,” the group shouted in unison. Some other curious children then asked,” How old is Emancipation Park?” The same group who guessed the birthday answer came up the age of the park, “142- years-old,” they rang out with merriment.
By this time, the kids were ready to move on to the good part of the Friends of Emancipation (FEP) Park surprised the children of Emancipation Park’s Summer birthday celebration; the yummy treats. They had to wait a few more minutes for one of the FEP volunteers, Rev. Robert Gilmore to bless the food. The kids then lined-up and made their way to the celebratory eats that they were to consume in style.
The tables popped with a cheerful display of color with bright chartreus tablecloths adorned with birthday theme confetti down the center of each table. It was a festive setting and the kids enjoyed it all as they sat down and ate and talked with each other.
Friends of Emancipation volunteer Rev. Dr. Robert Gilmore and children saying a blessing before the birthday meal.
Emancipation Park was originally purchased to celebrate the Texas Emancipation Holiday “Juneteenth.” Until the 1950s it was the only public park and swimming pool in Houston opened to African Americans.
Currently the park is under renovation. The 10-acre project will include refurbished landscapes, playgrounds and the renovation of the two historic buildings and the addition of a new building and plaza. The recreation center will be repurposed as a community center and the famous pool-house will be renovated and expanded all in the fall of 2015.
The new Emancipation Park will be an inter-woven tapestry of buildings and landscape that will celebrate the park’s rich history while embracing the present and future of its community.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee called a press conference at the Southmore Post Office Station at 4110 Almeda Rd. where she proudly announced along with community members turned super activist that the Southmore Station will be spared from closure.
The historical landmark brought the predominately African American community of Third Ward together as they fought side by side to save the post office from imminent closure. This is also a much needed win as rapid change has happened within the community within the past couple of years.
This struggle started in December of 2013 when the community learned of a public hearing during a City Council meeting. Real Estate Specialist for the USPS, Sandra Rybicki, delivered the shocking news to council members and Mayor Parker that six stations were under review for proposed closures: Southmore Station, Medical Center Station, University Station, Greenbriar Station, Julius Melcher Station and Memorial Park Station.
The Southmore Station received thousands and thousands of letters on behalf of its importance to the community of Third Ward/ Midtown and the city of Houston. Leaders such as Kofi Taharka of NBUF personally hand delivered the letters in Washington, D.C. to send a direct message that Southmore Station would not be an easy target.
Students from Texas Southern University under the leadership of Professor Serbino Sandifer- Walker diligently protested, marched, wrote letter and rallied for others to write letters to save their station.
With the good news delivered the Congresswoman and community members were all smiles yet they remained focused as to the lingering issues of the closures in the community schools.
Community members were reminded of the power they hold when they unite and fight together. Their united front saved Southmore Station from closure and preserved the historical legacy of the civil rights break through that happened right there on that property before the USPS decided to build a post office on the land.
The Houston Sun Newspaper wrapped up its 30th Anniversary celebration in grand style with the “Sun After Dark Explosion,” finale where they showcased the “two became one” theme honoring 30 remarkable infinitive honoree couples on March 29th at the Reliant Crowne Plaza Hotel.
It was a wonderful festive event that began with Sirrod Robinson, eldest son of Houston Sun’s founders Lonal and Dorris Ellis Robinson. He introduced the prestigious Master of Ceremony Len Cannon, KHOU Channel 11 Anchor, who rang the bell for the night to begin.
The Houston Sun family guided by Dorris Ellis Robinson along with her children and grandchildren entered the grand ballroom followed by the honorees and the Houston Sun staff as seated guest welcomed them with a round of applause.
A word of deference came from Mayor Annise Parker who showed-off some of her comedic wit.
“Dorris I am so glad to be a part of this grand finale celebration as I must say this is one of the longest celebration I believe I have ever seen,” said Mayor Parker as the crowd broke out into roaring laughter.
Rev. Dr. Patricia Williams of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church gave the blessing of the occasion and dinner. Famed operatic gospel singer Barbara Tucker graced the audience with an a cappella song that sent chills throughout the grand ballroom. The crowd stood up in an enthusiastic ovation.
The event featured a salute video entitled “Two Became One” created by two talented Houston Sun interns, Derrick Ellison and Chasity Brewer. The video segment showed the 30 couples talking about their special bond and commitment to each other.
Honorees were presented with a beautiful colored suspended hand blown Oscar-sized glass infinity sculpture with a bronze engraving on its base. The honorees all appeared surprised and delighted when they opened their boxes to see the exquisite sculptures.
They were also given special proclamations from State Legislator Ron Reynolds and a 30th Anniversary Commemorative Book capturing and highlighting the history of The Houston Sun Newspaper.
Another milestone occurred when Dorris Ellis Robinson gave a special tribute to her late husband, Lonal Robinson and late son Lonal Xela Ellis Robinson. She shared how her son gave so many ideas to move the paper forward and also how the vision that she and her husband brought to life is still moving forward from 30 years ago.
Entertainment in the form of a fashion show, live band, and comedians kept the crowd lively has the festivities move into the midnight with a breakfast fit for a king with bacon, sausages, ham, salmon, omelets, eggs, grits, hash brown, biscuits, pastries, assorted cheeses and fruits, coffee, tea and juices.
This grand finale capped a year-long celebration of The Houston Sun’s 30th Anniversary that included an anniversary kick-off event in March of 2013 with a First Amendment Symposium for College and High School Students, Launch Party to honor 30 Women of Power and Purpose, Future Journalist of American Symposium, then in June, Houston’s Finest Men; Beacon of Light Men of Valor and Purposes, and in July a Veterans Career Fair; Concluding with the celebration with HALO-Aspiring to Be and Sun After Dark Explosion.
These well-attended events were made possible by the expertise, enthusiasm and commitment of event chairs, steering committees and The Houston Sun Staff and interns.
The winner of the Houston Sun’s Miss HALO pageant is Amyra Chapman, 25. Chapman attended Grambling State University under the study of Psychology/ Sociology in which she uses everyday through her meaningful work through Change Happens non- profit organization.
“I would love to receive my PhD and become a Clinical Psychologist,” said Chapman.
Amyra’s favorite color is pink, her favorite musician is Robert Glasper, she has recently traveled to New York and aspires to go to Africa.
Her favorite activities are cooking, shopping and reading.
