Category Archives: Community

Community

National Black United Front Houston, New Black Panther Party host Rossalind Wright, takes a stand on racial brutality

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At the New Black Panther Party Headquarters in Houston, TX family members of Emmett Till, Kendrick Johnson, Oscar Grant, Marlin Brown, and Trayvon Martin called in to express their condolences to Mrs. Rossalind Wright , mother of Alfred Wright, who was found 18 days after he went missing in a field with his tongue cut out, throat slit, and eyes gouged out in Sabine County.

Rossalind Wright, mother of Alfred Wright, seated center.
Rossalind Wright, mother of Alfred Wright, seated center.

Sabine County Sheriff Tom Maddox called the death a drug over dose but Mrs. Wright said, “this was a hate crime and murder.”

Wright is asking people to come out on April the 7th at 12 noon to the Texas Rangers Office in Sabine County to have them do a new investigation into his death. Also on August 28th in Washington DC at the Dept of Justice another rally will be held for anyone who lost a love one to an unjustified homicide.

Community

Fighting to keep Southmore Station

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SunPhoto/Myra Griffin Concerned citizens gather at the Third Ward Multi Service Center to discuss the status of the proposed relocation/closure of the Southmore Postal Station on Almeda.
SunPhoto/Myra Griffin
Concerned citizens gather at the Third Ward Multi Service Center to discuss the status of the proposed relocation/closure of the Southmore Postal Station on Almeda.

The community members that populate the Third Ward and Midtown areas came together Thursday evening, February 13th at the Third Ward Multi Service Center with the sense that the United States Postal Service has said, we got your letters and phone calls, thank you very much but we are moving forward any way.

Norma Bradley, President of the Third Ward Super neighborhood and Kofi Taharka, leader of the National Black United Front (NBUF) Houston, held a meeting to keep community members updated on the status of the Southmore postal station that is under review for relocation/closure. The meeting also served as a continuous push to have elected officials on all levels to stand up for their constituents.
The community began to band together in January once they learned about the notice given during a public hearing at Houston’s City Council in December 2013 by that Real Estate Specialist for the USPS, Sandra Rybicki. There have been ongoing meetings and protest any modifications to the Southmore Station.

“Most people didn’t know in the community including myself that this had been done. But the word started to travel after the holidays and New Years and we had several activities that took place,” said Taharka. “One was a rally outside of the post office taking signatures; some people were here from different organizations, there was some representation from political offices that this post office cover. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee held a meeting at the Judson Robinson, some of us were there, United States Postal officials were there and they got read the riot act and didn’t have too many good answers.”

After the meeting at the Judson Robinson, everyone was commissioned to write letters and send them to Rybicki in Dallas, TX. The public was told by USPS officials that their letters would be taken into consideration for it was not a done deal as far as relocating/ closure.

“We took several hundred signatures on a petition to the United States Postal officials. They sent someone down who is a liaison between elected officials and the post master to receive them, “said Taharka. “We showed them that we care enough about this to actually come to Washington D.C. There are federal guidelines to tell them what they have to do when they want to sell or relocate a post office. The first deadline was January 17 and I was in Washington delivering that petition.”

After the petitions were delivered, letters sent and calls made, a letter was still sent out and posted onto the door of the Southmore Station that caused alarm and discontent amongst the community. Within days of posting the letter it was quickly removed.

The letter stated, “ In accordance with the procedures set forth at 39 C.F.R. 241.1, after consideration of the comments received from the community and upon further assessment and review of postal objections, the Postal Service has made a determination to proceed with the relocation of retail services,” signed by Sandra Rybicki.

With the pressure on, the Congressional members are the strongest ally the residents have. The questions fell to Tonya Williams who came to represent Congresswoman Lee.

“The congresswoman is going to have a personal meeting with the post office manager this evening. The issue with the letter going up is it was put up prematurely,” said Williams. “Because there is an appeal process, once the Congresswoman heard that they had put the letter up she immediately contacted them and that’s why it was taken down. It was prematurely put up. There is still an appeal process being made and the Congresswoman has written several letters to them and they are responding to those letters. So that is why she is having a meeting with them tonight via conference call.”

Williams also explained that this move by the post office was a long time coming for they have been considering the closure of the Southmore Station for almost two years.

“They have actually been planning on doing something like this for about 2 years now. Congress actually asked the Post Office to tighten their budget and this is their way of tightening their budget,” said Williams.

Bradley urged Congresswoman Lee’s liaison to please provide updates as soon as possible as they continue to ask for support from elected officials. State Senator Rodney Ellis sent his representative to show his solidarity and commitment.

Beyond the elected officials community members who specialize in law and can provide research on the matter were called upon.

“This is a fight. We know that that is valuable real estate right there and it is no mistake that it’s the real estate department of the USPS that seem to be handling it,” said Taharka. “What are we doing if we can’t stand up and stop this? We are asking for transparency in some of these meetings. This is not a press conference fix and if it is we need someone to call and say you can’t put our hands on this particular post office.”

The next round of appeal is open and is over on March 10, 2014. Comments should be addressed to Vice President, Faculties
Sandra A. Rybicki, Real Estate Specialist USPS Facilities
PO Box 667180
Dallas, TX 75266.

Community

UH Police Chief Appoints Sgt. Dina Padovan as Crime Prevention Coordinator

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Padovan

As part of an overall strategic plan for campus public safety, University of Houston Police Chief Ceaser Moore has appointed Sgt. Dina Padovan, a 17-year veteran of the UH Police Department, as the campus crime prevention coordinator. Padovan’s duties in the newly created position include developing and disseminating resources related to crime prevention to the campus community. Padovan will be responsible for programs at UH, UH Sugar Land, UH System at Cinco Ranch and UH Victoria.

“We need our campus communities to work with us and play an active role in campus security,” said Moore. “Sgt. Padovan will be the police liaison to facilitate a close working relationship with faculty, staff, students and organizations on campus so that together we can more effectively address safety and security concerns of our students, as well as reduce the opportunity for crime.”

Padovan was most recently assigned to the UHPD patrol division. She earned an undergraduate degree in criminal justice from Midwestern State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice, leadership and management at Sam Houston State University. Padovan graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2005 and has been awarded the honor and title of Master Peace Officer by the state of Texas. She is also certified as a sexual assault family violence investigator, crime prevention inspector, mental health officer and bike patrol officer. Padovan began her new role in mid-January.

“My focus is on planning and prevention,” said Padovan. “I want to educate students on how they can reduce their chances for becoming victims of crime. We not only want to create a safe living and learning environment on campus, but also give our students personal safety knowledge and tools they can use beyond campus.”

On the UH campus, Padovan is starting her outreach efforts in the areas of campus that see a high volume of traffic and operate for longer hours, such as residential areas, the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, the University Center and libraries.

“I am identifying any areas of concern on campus and will then work to create programs that address those concerns,” said Padovan.

Padovan’s office is in the M.D. Anderson Library (next to the 24-hour lounge) and is open to the campus community. For more information about campus safety programs or resources, Padovan can be reached at preventcrime@uh.edu or 713-743-0596.

About the University of Houston

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the nation’s best colleges for undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation’s fourth-largest city, UH serves more than 39,500 students in the most ethnically and culturally diverse region in the country.

Padovan

Community

Community shows up for town hall to save post offices

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SunPhoto/Kenya Chavis Above:Community member and retired Post Office employee, Jackie Bostic, speaks to the community and leaders about the importance of the postal system in the nation and to the community.
SunPhoto/Kenya Chavis
Above:Community member and retired Post Office employee, Jackie Bostic, speaks to the community and leaders about the importance of the postal system in the nation and to the community.

The Judson Robinson Community Center was a packed house Saturday, January 11, 2014 as Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee held a town hall meeting to address constituents who were upset and confused with the recent news that the United States Postal Service (USPS) could possibly close down six stations.

Continuous swells of Houstonians filed in to hear what the Congresswoman had to say about the postal locations. As the meeting location was in the 9th Congressional district which is Congressman Al Green’s turf, he stood with his long- time colleague and with elected city officials, Larry Green of District K and newly elected Dwight Boykins of District D. USPS had their representatives present as well to address the community. Sandra Rybicki, the real estate specialist for USPS, came back to give her public address that she once before gave to City Council in December. Rybicki was joined by the Houston District Manager USPS, William Mitchell and acting Post Master, Jocelyn Wynn.

Lee started off by saying that the post office is an economic engine in the community. She began to rattle off the locations asking the community members which ones were their station.

The Southmore station received all the attention as the African American community showed concern about what the closure would mean in terms of the historical marker that has been incorporated into that particular post office location.

“That is a place that Texas Southern University students marched from TSU to indicate that we cannot live in two Americas; that is history for us,” said Congresswoman Lee. “That is a place that we not only go to the post office but we are able to look at a marker that says this belongs to the community.”

Sandra Rybicki was called to address the community and the Congressional members present as she did the Mayor and City Council. She explained about the excessive space and why if found to be conclusive that the postal areas are underutilized then they will be closed and relocated.
When the Sun talked to Rybicki she stated, “There hasn’t been much opposition. Some don’t mind the move and some don’t mind as long as there is another station in the direct area, but there hasn’t been much feedback.”

The feedback came right away once she finished her speech on the procedures and method that would be executed.

Closure is based on the premises of saving money. William Mitchell, Houston District Manager USPS, informed the masses that the USPS is losing between 20-25 million a day.

“The postal service does not accept tax dollars. The only money we do receive in revenue is revenue that comes from postage. Right now we are faced with a situation where we have retiree health benefit that is being taken out of our bottom line to the tune of 5-7 billion a year which forces us to have to look at opportunities for us to save money,” said Mitchell. “One of those things we do to save money is to look at our facilities to see which ones are oversized and see if there is an opportunity for us to move carriers into those facilities and if we can move carriers into those facilities, sell the existing facility after setting up an alternate retail in that same area. If we can do that we can save a significant amount of money, relocating those carriers and selling the property.”

For many members of the community, the issue was very personal as they correlated the issue to gentrification and the value of property along the Medical Center corridor into Third Ward. Saving the postal service money was not high on the priority list.

Yet in still, many of the people present started or had a lasting career with the USPS, including the Congresswoman and community member, Jackie Bostic, who spoke as a retiree of the postal system and as a concerned citizen.

Community input ranged from why are the outside postal boxes gone from the Southmore station, to how far away will a new post office be put for those who walk. The town hall gave Houstonians a place to air all their grievances.

Suggestions were given as to how they could utilize space. Gerald Womack, a developer, voiced that the excess space could be used as a mixed- use facility that could be subleased to other businesses to conjure capital.

The public was told to write Sandra Rybicki at her Dallas location and to mail it off before the January 17th deadline. Houstonians were told repeatedly that the closures are not a done deal and with community support the decision can go either way.

The proposed closures were for Southmore Station, Medical Center Station, University Station, Greenbriar Station, Julius Melcher Station and Memorial Park Station.

USPS officials did listen to community members as the outside postal drop box is back at the Southmore Station.

Community

The meaning of Kwanzaa

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kw

Written By:Maat Heru

Celebrations and rituals seem to be natural phenomena arising from
The Houston Sun
the human heart. These activities fill a psychological or spiritual void that the everyday, common-sense mind does not approach. Rituals attach the human psyche to something like itself, unseen. Or so seems the thinking of Maulana Karenga , who years ago initiated the custom of celebrating Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa, a celebration of the first fruits, began in the 1960’s and by the 70’s was common place in many artistic circles throughout the United States. In the least, it was an effort to start a conversation about a past African-Americans had neglected for the hopes of a seamless inclusion into a bright and shiny American dream. The conversation that Karenga invited African-Americans to participate in included the time before The Maafa, a term grafted from the homeland, meaning The Great Suffering, which starts with the capture, transport, and selling of Africans into forced unpaid labor, violent exclusion from primordial human interaction and continues up to today’s delusional shopping.

The Kwanzaa invitation was a reasonable one. It was a call to remembrance. At its highest possibility, this celebration asked that the children of a much burdened people look back in appreciation to a time when the nurturing black hand of mother consoled the childish tears of her loved ones, when the harmony of her work-song resonated within the beating heart of her young one carried on her back as she harvested the first fruit of the season, Kwanzaa.
But the memory could not be had so easily then. For the most part African-Americans had no words with which to talk about their past; they had no language. For some reason, the pictures in the human mind need words to bring them forth, need rituals on which to hang their neurological links, and so, Karenga used Kiswahili, a multi-people language from East Africa to express the principles and functions of this return home, Sankofa.

Kwanzaa parties or gatherings begin on December 26 and end on January 1. Each day of the seven days has a different focus and theme.

December 26 – Umoja, meaning Unity
December 27 – Kujichagulia meaning Self-Determination
December 28 – Ujima, meaning Collective Work and Responsibility
December 29 – Ujamaa, meaning Cooperative Economics
December 30 – Nia, meaning Purpose
December 31 – Kuumba, meaning Creativity
January 1 – Imani, meaning Faith

During the celebration, each day a candle is lit. There are three red candles, three green candles and one black candle. Libation is poured and ancestors’ names are remembered aloud. Gifts are given each day. Gifts should have meaning and not be commercial. After that, the activities vary. A beginning practitioner should follow his or her heart. Some activities include, poetry, music, speeches on the theme or principle of the day, testimonials, dancing and, of course, food.

Kwanzaa is a time of self-reflection and can be as formal or informal as one wants it to be. One key ingredient here is remembering; another is re-aligning oneself with a life purpose to begin a new year.

Opponents to the Kwanzaa celebration argue that this holiday is made-up. True that. But then, so are all other human celebrations. These religions, faiths, and paths are constructs from some other human mind, and they illicit followers and believers to participate, as Kwanzaa does. This celebration asks for a most humane undertaking, remember the ones who came before and align oneself to a purpose. What African-American could refuse such an humble invitation? What stone-thrower could begrudge a much maligned people such an honorable custom?

So, with a little research and a few to many friends and family, one can add to the holiday cheer and extend the cloth of humanity by celebrating Kwanzaa thanks to Dr. Maulana Karenga and his insights. Asante.

Community

Freedman’s Town New Zion Temple Church receives Historical Marker

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New Zion Temple Church-Worldwide Fellowship, Inc. was founded as a Church of God in Christ in 1933.
“The Little Church on Ruthven Street” started under the direction of Bishop Hayward W. Falls a wood-framed storefront building at 1601 Ruthven, in the historic Freedmen’s Town District of the Fourth Ward.

Bishop Falls bought the property in 1938 and sold it to church trustees for one dollar.
The storefront building was expanded and renovated in 1941 and the name was changed to New Zion Temple Church of God in Christ. The current building was built and opened in May of 1946.
The church remained a church of God in Christ until 1951, when Falls decided to establish the “New Zion Temple” as a nondenominational church.

With the organization of the Worldwide Fellowship in 1952, New Zion Temple became headquarters and host for its national meetings and conventions. In May of 1983, its name officially changed to include “Worldwide Fellowship, Inc.”
With assistance, other churches have been established in Texas, California, Louisiana, Ohio, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and England.

Left to Right: Dr. Theo Herrington, Catherine Roberts, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Lou A. Williams stand together after the historical dedication of New Zion Temple Church in Fourth Ward.
Left to Right: Dr. Theo Herrington, Catherine Roberts, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Lou A. Williams stand together after the historical dedication of New Zion Temple Church in Fourth Ward.

Today, the New Zion Temple- Worldwide Fellowship, Inc serves with a food pantry, clothes closet, annual holiday donations, prison ministry, and Juneteenth.

Community

Lockhart Elementary’s Letters to Santa

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Lockhart Elementary
Dear Santa,
For Christmas I would like money so I can give it to the homeless people so they can have food, clothes and shelter. I would also like an xbox one so that I can play my favorite games when I’m finished with my homework and talk to my friends online. Finally, I would like a 3DS and I promise I will not try to sell my little sister on Ebay or Craiglist and I will try not to fight with her.
Love, Aniya Nicole Walker

James Mitchell
This holiday I wish I can have dinner with my cousin Ronald. Then I wish for a x-box with letters. Then I will wish for a blue sell phone. Then I will wish for 1 green doller and 25 cent. I wish for a long plant. I wish for a gray smart board.

Dear Santa,
For Christmas I would like lots of toys so I can give them to children who won’t have toys for Christmas. I would also like books so that I can get all A’s on my report card. Finally, I would like to be with my family and I promise to be a good child all the time.
Love, Natalja Alexander

Dear Santa,
For Christmas I would like Jesus Christ to bring Ms. Green a husband and children. I would like a IPhone and a PS4. I promise to have good conduct.
Love, Kamryn Washington

Dear Santa,
For Christmas I would like unlimited video on my DS so I can videotape you and show the world you exist. It may go viral and that would be awesome. I would also like spy gear so that I can listen to my parents talking before I go to sleep. That would be awesome too. Finally, I would like 2k14 and I promise I will have better behavior and I will always pray more than I do now. I always pray.
Love, Nasir Benjamin Starks

Dear Santa,
For Christmas I would like family time so I can have peace of mind for Christmas. It’s a joyful holiday and you get gifts. I would also like an IPod so that I can type because I like to type and an Ipod is cool, Its really fun to have! Finally, I would like a happy Christmas and I promise to be a good girl because it’s a special holiday.
Love, Tania Smiley

Dear Santa,
For Christmas I would like a chameleon , so I can see it change colors and take care of it. I would also like a ferret so that I can play with him and take care of him too. Finally, I would like everyone to have fun and I promise I will be good and thankful for what I get.
Love, Elijah Leonard

Dear Santa,
For Christmas I would like new shoes. I would like to get all E’s. I would like a purse. I promise I will be good and be nice to my classmates.
Love, Alana Brown

Dear Santa,
I want an IPad for Christmas so I can get on the internet to learn things for school. I also want a Wii-U so I can play games and have fun. I want some Hello Kitty clear glasses so I can look cool. Last I want my whole family together so I can have a better time.
Your friend, Sydney Stevenson

Dear Santa,
For Christmas I would like a computer. I can get on things to make me better in school like think through math. I would also like a IPhone so that I can get in touch with my friends and family just in case something happens. Finally, I would like a dog and I promise I will take care of it and feeding it, give it bath and give it water.
Love, Ayshia Houston

Dear Santa,
For Christmas I would like a metal detector so I can search for gold, silver and other valuable metals. I can then give it to people who need it. I would also like water and food so that I can help the homeless or people who need food and water for Christmas. Finally, I would like a dog and I promise to feed it, walk it and play with him/her.
Love, Kameron Outland

Dear Santa,
For Christmas I would like a car so my mom can go places. I would also like clothes so that I can wear to my friend’s birthday parties. Finally, I would like a phone and I promise to use the phone wisely.
Love, Trinity Morrow

Community

Blackshear Elementary’s Letters to Santa

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Blackshear Elementary
Mrs. Guillory 2nd Grade Class
Jeremiah Williams
Dear Santa,
I am 7 years old in the 2nd grade. I can’t wait until Christmas to open all of my presents from my wish list. This year I want a real bay blade that is very powerful. I also want a mereo race track game for a 3DS a pirote of the carabear and an NFL watch. Thank you Santa for getting me my gifts.
Love, Jeremiah

D’Quincy
Dear Santa,
This Christmas I want an X-box 360, Leap Frog Learning game remote control and a new bike. I can’t wait to open my presents.
Love, D’Quincy

Zenab Jimale
Dear Santa,
It is almost Christmas and I want a game, Hello Kitty bear and a dackpacks and a cell phone.
I will leave you a snack under my Christmas tree.
Love, Zenab

Troy Jackson
Dear Santa,
How are you doing today? I hope you are well and ready to pass out presents. Santa, am I on the naughty list or the nice list? I hope it is the nice list because I am making good grades in school. This Christmas I would like a game called Super Mario 3D Land for my Nintindo 3D. I would also like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle game. I hope you will be able to deliver my presents. I will leave you a snack under the tree. Have fun bringing toys to all the nice kids.
Love , Troy

Habibo Abdullahi
Dear Santa,
My name is Habibo and I am in the 2nd grade. This year I would like some toys for Christmas. Will you please bring me a Barbie doll, new shoes, new clothes and some toys for my sisters and brothers? I can’t wait until Christmas morning to open all of my presents from you.
Love, Habibo

Dear Santa,
I am so excited because Christmas is almost here. This is my Christmas list. I would like an ironman toy, Hulk westling man, and an x-box one with a game. Santa I also know that school is important so will you please bring me some good books to read so that when I get tired of playing with my new toy I could read my books. I hope you are able to find the toys from my list.
Love, Jaheim

Kassandra Trejo
Dear Santa,
Christmas is coming soon and I have made good grades in school. I made a list for you. Here are the things I would like to get for Christmas. I would like to get for Christmas. I would like a bike so that I can ride around my house on Saturday. I am not a very good reader so if you get me a computer I will be able to work on I-Station and dreambox. I would also like a phone to call my friends. Thank you very much for any gift that you bring to me.
Love, Kassandra

Jeremiah Baker
Dear Santa,
This school year was great for me. I help my mom keep the house clean and I kept my room clean. My mom said that if I did my chores every day I could make my Christmas list. This year I would like a lot of toy guns with soldier men and helicopters and a jeep. I hope I am able to get everything from my list.
Love, Jeremiah

Tyler Morris
Dear Santa,
My name is Tyler Morris and I am seven years old. I have been good to my mom. I wish you were real but who ever read my letter these are the things I wish for. I would like a super fast car, nerf guns, actin figers, a lego ninja turtles and a x-box 360. I hope the real Santa brings everything on my list.
Loves, Tyler

Mya JaNae Coleman,
Dear Santa,
My name is Mya. I am a passing student in 2nd grade at Blackshear Elementary school. For Christmas I want a new bike, an Ipad, clothes and two pairs of shoes. I would also like a Wii, a motor bike, a careokey machine, an Ipod, a pair of nike socks, a watch, a new jacket, a playstation three and a hat that has my name on the back and the name of my school. Finally, I would like a nintindo 3DS. Santa, I know that my list is long, but I really work hard in school and I am a honor roll student. I hope you are able to carry all of these toys.
Love, Mya

Dear Santa,
I hope you are ready to give all the children presents. I can’t wait until Christmas morning to open all of my presents. This Christmas I would like a truck that can do backflips. A remote control helicopter that can fly and a batman toy. Santa, please leave all of my presents under the Christmas tree, in the front room.
Love, James Steel

Kevin Harrison
Dear Santa,
Christmas is only nine days away and I cannot wait until Christmas morning. This Christmas I would like a lot of toys. Will you please bring me a spy gear watch, a shotgun, a remote controller helicopter, a chief action figer, sniper rifle, xbox live, a bike, the game called grand theft auto five, and labtop so that I can practice my math and reading on dreambox and IStation. Thanks Santa for reading my letter and if you can’t bring me everything I ask for just bring me a labtop so that I can learn more in school.
Love, Kevin

Sean D. Wilson,
Dear Santa,
My name is Sean. I am 8 years old. I am in the second grade. I will love it if you will get me an xbox one, ps4 and a bike. One last thing a picture with you Santa. I am good at home but not good at school. I mostly get S but I still want a toy. I will like you to get my dad and mom bathroom, kitchen and liverroom supplies. I want school supplies.
Thank you, Santa for reading my note.
Love, Sean

SJaunMarion Watts
Dear Santa,
I was not very good in school this year but after the Christmas break I will work on becoming a good person in school. Will you please bring me six gifts? I would like for you to bring me an x-box 360, a bike a go-cart, remote control helicopter and a batman toy. If you can please bring the toys to my white house on Delano Street in Houston, Texas. I will also give you a present. I will leave you some cookies and a glass of milk on the kitchen table.
Love, SJaunMarion Watts

Miguel Moreno
Dear Santa,
This year has been a good year for me. I am an honor roll student at Blackshear Elementary, I have a Christmas list of all the things my mom said I could have. Santa I would like an Ipad and a computer so that I could play games and do my homework. I hope you are able to bring the things from my list.
Love, Miguel Moreno

Jaylon Fox,
Dear Santa,
Christmas is almost here so I made my Christmas list. I would like an X-Box 360, a dirt bike, a remote control car and a ninja turtle with two swords. Santa, if you cannot give me all of these toys and that is an X-Box 360. Hope to see you soon.
Love, Jaylon Fox

Niyonkura Edesantusi
Dear Santa,
My name is Niya and every day I keep my room clean so that you will bring me new toys for Christmas. This Christmas I would like a bike, a police car, a rocket ship and an X-Box 360. Santa, I will leave you a snack under the tree.
Love, Niyo

Fallan Henderson,
Dear Santa,
How are you? I hope you got a lot of rest because you are getting ready to be real busy passing out presents. This year I would like a dog, a Hello Kitty teddy bear, a bike, a kitchen and a computer. Santa if I cannot get any of those gifts that is ok because I really want you to help my mom get a better job and make more money.
Thank you for reading my letter.
Love, Fallan

Cathy Alfaro
Dear Santa,
I am 7 years old in the 2nd grade at Blackshear Elementary school. Today we made a wish list for Christmas. I would like some new boots, shoes and a bike. I hope you are able to find boots that are my size. I wear a size 2. I will leave you some cookies and milk.
Love, Cathy

Jessie Silas
Dear Santa,
I have done hard work at my house. I would like to have a great Christmas. This year I would like a fire truck, bike, legos, and a toy car. Thanks Santa for reading my letter. I hope you are able to get the toys I want.
Love, Jessie

Destiny Spears
Dear Santa,
My name is Destiny and I am in the 2nd grade. Santa will you please bring me some Hello Kitty toys! Hello Kitty is my favorite toy and I would like a Hello Kitty Math Book, lunch box and colors and coloring book tablet, a cat and a toy car. I will leave you a snack when you drop off my toys.
Love, Destiny

Jaylon Davis
Dear Santa,
How are you feeling I hope you are ready to visit my house? I would like a bike that can do tricks. If you go to Wal –Mart there are a lot of bikes. Thank you for reading my letter.
Love, Jaylon

Maria Salas
Dear Santa,
I am in the 2nd grade. I want a teddy bear for Christmas, a bike, a Barbie car, an ipad, a baby doll, a hello kitty doll, a little white and brown dog, and a gray and white cat. Thank you Santa for bringing me the things I want.
Love, Maria

Ms. Wheelock 2nd Grade Class
Norma Lewis
Dear Santa,
How are you? I have been naughty but can you forgive me? I like to be with my family for Christmas. Santa my mom said hey, my mom and dad want a car for Christmas. We want a ipad and a bike and a motorcycle. Can you be my friend Santa?
Your friend, Norma Lewis

Carleon Robbins
Dear Santa,
How are you? Are you sleepy? Are you excited because Christmas is coming? What kind of cookies do you like Santa? I need an X-box 360 and a X-box one for Christmas. I love you Santa.
Love, Carleon Robbins

Thomas Williams
Dear Santa,
How are you doing? I have been great. Are you feeling nervous Santa? I would like a video game, a Star Wars toy, ripstick and an x-box one. Thank you Santa. I am making you some cookies.
Your good friend, Thomas Williams

Jaliyah Thomas
Dear Santa,
Santa how are you? Are you happy that Christmas is coming? I am happy Christmas is coming too. Santa can you give me an Ipad and one big car? Santa are you sleepy? Santa what kind of cookies would you like Santa, how do you get around the world? How do your reindeers get up in the blue sky?
Your friend, Jaliyah Thomas

Ja’Nae Beller
Dear Santa,
How are you? How have you been? Are you glad Christmas is coming soon? I know I have been bad but I will not do it again. Are you coming to my house? What kind of cookies do you want? How are you and your elves doing? And a Merry Christmas to you and your elves and Mrs. Santa.
Love ,
Ja’Nae Michelle Beller
How are you? How have you been? Are you glad Christmas is coming soon? I know I have been bad, but I will not do it again. Are you coming to my house? What kind of cookies do you want? How are you and your elves doing? And a Merry Christmas to you and your elves and Mrs. Santa.
Love, Ja’Nae Michelle Beller

JaLaiya McDaniel
Dear Santa,
How are you? How do you feel about Jesus Birthday Santa? We can ‘t wait to Christmas Santa! We love you Santa, you gave your heart, but I can explain to you Santa why I have been misbehaving in class, but I won’t do it anymore Santa, I love you. And now can I ask you for presents? What I want for Jesus birthday is a Crayola maker and other things Santa.
Your friend, JaLaiya

Jon’Taejah Richard
Dear Santa,
How have you been? Are you ready for Christmas? What kind of cookies do you want for Christmas? How are your elves doing? How is Mrs. Clause doing? I am doing good in class. It is fun in the 2nd grade, our teacher is fun, she is a good teacher. Are you coming to my house for Christmas? I would like an Air Brush Marker and an ipad, a Crayola marker machine, water gun and a doll house. John Cena tag and a WWE girls, Brie Bella, Nike Bella and AJ Lee tag and the Rock. A Hello Kitty Bed, shoes, teddy bear and also a Monster High and a purse. Hello Kitty dress and Lunch box that go with it and some money for Christmas and a xbox 360. Happy Christmas Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause.

Isja Bryant
Dear Santa,
How are you? Are you feeling good , are you ok Santa? I would like a furbyboo and a dog for Christmas and also a DS, and dolls too. Merry Christmas Santa.
Love you Santa.

Tracion James
Dear Santa,
What are you doing? I been good Santa. Can you come to my house and I will put some milk, what kind of cookies do you like? I want a dirt bike and a motorcycle, a drum set and that is it Santa.
Love me, Tracion James
Ja’Shae Shields
Dear Santa,
How are you, I’m excited that Christmas is coming up and what I would Like a pool, ipad, John Cena wristband and T-Shirt, CM Punk wristband, the Bella twins house shoes, monopoly board game, Monster truck, Daniel T-Shirt ad Monster High purse and taps for the psp and taps for the Wii and taps for the 3DS, John Cena truck and my teacher is pretty. I want all of the WWE girls toys and T-Shirt. What time are you coming to my coming to my house, what kind of cookies and milk you want and I hope you and the elves and Mrs. Claus and the rain clears, have a great Christmas.
Love, Ja’Shae Shields

Desmond Green
Dear Santa
How are you? What kind of cookies do you want Santa? I would like a video game, a Star Wars game, wrestling man, leggos and a ripstick skateboard. Oh, I forgot to add a laptop, wii and a xbox 360. Thank you a whole bunch Santa. Merry Christmas.
Love, Desmond Green

Eric Wyatt
Dear Santa,
How are you doing? I am sorry for being bad. I promise I will be good next year. Oh yeah Santa are you coming to my house for Christmas. If you are, can you bring me the Xbox 360, and a skateboard, and toy cars and a PS 4? My mom needs a new car. I know my mom can’t buy it so can you please make it come? Please Santa?
Thank you, Eric Wyatt

Oliver Tuyisenge
Dear Santa,
How have you been? Are you happy for Christmas to come/ Do you have a list of the good and the bad people/ Are you going to have a merry Christmas? I’m so happy Christmas is coming and I know you are coming to town and giving gifts to the good people and not the bad people. I want a remote control car, a star wars sword, a chess board game, a medium sized black board, a tablet, and a water gun.
Love, Oliver Tuyisenge

Dear Santa,
How have you been? Are you happy for Christmas to come? Do you have a list of the good people and the bad people? Are you going to have a Merry Christmas? Are you having a fun holiday? Are you feeling good? Are you eating chips and cookies? I love Santa because you bring me presents. Thank you for giving me presents Santa.
Love, Ronchelle Williams

Terrier Sloan
Dear Santa,
Are you excited for Christmas? I want a Hello Kitty Bear, a Monster High Doll, boots, shoes, baby doll. Dsi and a new game.

Ms. Gilbert Pre-K/Kindergarten class
Dear Santa,
I have been very good this year. I would like a D.S. Thank you!
Love, Taylor

Dear Santa,
I love Santa and Santa love me. Santa come to my house please.
Love, Jeniya

Dear Santa,
I have been very good this year. I would like a doll.
Brianna Qualls

Dear Santa,
I have been very good this year. I would like a IPad.
Love, Jeniya Kelly

Dear Santa,
I have been very good this year. I would like a Xbox. I like a game.
Jaden Williams

Dear Santa,
I have been very good this year. I would like a doll.
Damarius

Dear Santa,
I have been very good this year.
Tembi

Merry Christmas
Taylor
Dear Santa,
I have been very good this year. I would like a XBOX.
Myra

Dear Santa,
I have been very good this year. I would like a xbox.
Love, Trneshia

Dear Santa,
I have been very good this year. I would like a IPad.
Karla

Dear Santa,
I have been very good this year. I would like a toy truck.
DaShawn Thomas

Mr. Lopez Pre K/ Kindergarten class
Sismai Guzman

Dear Santa,
I want a doll because I been good.

Dear Santa,
I want a race car because I been great.
Dave Solis

Melanie Aguilar
Dear Santa,
I want a doll because I been great.

Andrew
Santa,
Yo quiero un carro porque me porto bien.

Diego Silva
I want an Ipad.

Elizabeth
I want a bike.

Max
I want a rabbit.

Vallerie
Yo quiero una muneca.

Marixsa Pena
Santa,
Yo quiero una myaocote.

Samantha Ortega
Santa,
Yo quiero una cosine para jugar.

Genesis Morales
I want a doll.

Ms. McGee PreK Class

Dear Santa,
My name is Makenzie Armstrong.For Christmas please bring me a doll and a dollhouse some skates. A princess doodle desk, a Barbie car, a bike, easy bake oven.

Dear Santa,
My name is Charles. I want a tablet and Avenger please.

Dear Santa,
My name is Chance. For Christmas I would like a skateboard.

Dear Santa,
My name is Michael Robinson. I want a Power Ranger Lego.

Dear Santa,
My name is Angel Rivera and I just want to take my time to tell you what I want for Christmas this year. First I have been a good boy this year. I want to ask you for a Spiderman, Horse and a cowboy’s toys. I will be happy if you can get me any of this things. But I am happy with anything you give this year.

Dear Santa,
My name is Jontravien. All I want for Christmas is a flying hero.

Dear Santa,
My name ia Shanniyah. I’m in Pre-K and I do all my work in class.

Dear Santa,
My name is Aniyah Allen and I would like a doll for Christmas.

Dear Santa,
My name is Tonia McKenzie. For Chrismas I would like a Dora Doll and something to learn from like a leap frog. I also would like a doll house and doll bed. I hope you keep safe and reach all the kids. I love you Santa. Thank you.

Dear Santa,
My name is Janessa McGrew. I have been a good girl. I want a Barbie doll for Christmas.

Dear Santa,
My name is Javonte. I have been a good boy. I want a truck for Christmas.

Dear Santa,
My name is Shamar Griffin. I am 4 years old. I am very smart student. The most important thing to me I would love to have an electric skooter. I have been wanting this for the longest. I think I deserve it.

Dear Santa,
My name is Tyler Williams. I am 4 years old and I’m in Pre-K. What I want for Christmas is an electric scooter, race cars, pogo stick, clothes and shoes that is what I want for Christmas.
Love, Tyler

Mr. Heard 1st Grade Class

Dear Santa,
My name is John. I am in the first grade. I am six years old. I make good grades and I do all my homework. I also help out with my chores at home. All I want for Christmas is an electric scooter and a monster truck with the remote. I would really be happy if I got those gifts because I work hard at school and home.
Thank you, John Richard

Dear Santa Claus,
My name is Michael Moshay. I am six years old for Christmas I want a IPad. I am praying it comes from you Santa or my mother or father. I work for the Summer and bought myself a cellphone. It was a lot of money and I someone to help me buy the IPad I deserve.
Thanks Santa,
Masiah

Dear Santa Claus,
I am writing to ask for the new playstation 4. I really want this game system because I can play it with my big brother Ja’Varie and my cousin Jaylin. I was a good boy this year. My mother said that I was able to ask Santa for this gift for also making good grades in school. I would also like to thank you for my batman action figure you brought me last year that you for putting it under my Christmas tree. Can you please say hi to Mrs. Claus for me and the reindeer in the North Pole. I am excited to see what will be under my Christmas tree this year.
Thank you, Paul Wright

Dear Santa,
I would like to start this letter by saying that I have been a very good boy this year. For Chrismas this year I am asking for a drumset and a big remote control truck. I will be very thankful for these gifts. Thank you and have a Merry Christmas.
Sincerely yours, Denzel Thomas

Dear Santa Claus,
Hello my name is Keiana and I am 6 years old. First of all I would like to say Merry Christmas to you Santa. I have been doing very good at school this year and I listened to my parents and my teacher. This year I would love to have a xbox one. I really enjoy playing with my brother on xbox 360 but sometimes he won’t let me play so I would like one of my own. Santa thanks for all the wonderful gifts you gave me last year.
Sincerely, Keiana Rodgers

Dear Santa Claus,
My name is Princesha Crump and I am a 6 years old. I go to Blackshear Elementary School. You are one of my favorite people. I love that you care about all the children in the whole world. Last year I was good. I really do Thank you for all the presents that you gave me last year. This year Santa I really want a IPad to play games on. I want a Power wheel Jeep, a jewelry set also a doll to ride with me on my powerwheel Jeep. Santa Claus while you are riding through the sky, when passing by heaven, tell my grandma and grandpa I said hello and Merry Christmas. Please tell Mrs. Claus and everybody in the North Pole that I said hello. Tell the Reindeers to keep calm, because I know that they get tired this time of the year. I will make sure to have milk and cookies waiting for you guys to keep your bones strong until then keep warm.
With love, Princesha Crump

Dear Santa,
My name is La’Manni Dotson. I attend Blackshear Elementary and I am 7 years old in the 1st grade. Santa, I’ve been a little bad but mostly good. Lol. Please give me a 2nd chance. All I want for Christmas is all Doc McStuffing toys. Oh Santa, I almost forgot. I love to sing the Jingle Bell song. Thank you in advance.
Sincerely, La’Manni

Carolyn
Dear Santa Claus,
What I want for Christmas is an IPod touch. I have been very good on my progress report, my grades are 93, 92, 94,91,98 and my mom will tell you all about how I been in school and at home. And I also want an IPhone5s. My mom says I deserve a party at school. I get E’s every day. I love Christmas and have a god Christmas.

Donald
Dear Santa,
I am writing to ask for a PlayStation 4. I have been a good boy and my mom said I deserve this toy. I would like to thank you for everything, I would like to share it with my sister and family. I would love some new shoes.

Dear Santa,
I am 7 years old. I deserve a DS because I help my mom with my dog. I really like computers. This year I hope I can receive this special gift.
Thank you, Jamisha

Ms. Hinga’s 1st Grade Class
Dear Santa,
How are you feeling? Fine I hope. For Christmas, I would like a My American Doll. I know I’ve been bad but wouldn’t it be nice if everybody was good? So please Santa, would you give me a second chance?
Love, Sarrah Loambah

Dear Santa,
How are you feeling? Fine I hope. For Christmas, I would like a Hot Wheel car. I try very hard to do well in school.
Thank you, Justin Nguyen

Dear Santa,
How are you feeling? Fine I hope? For Christmas, I would like a Superman toy. I have been a good boy.
Thank you, Salah Sulieman

Dear Santa,
How are you feeling? Fine I hope. For Christmas, I would like a crazy cart.
Thank you, Roman Burks

Dear Santa,
How are you feeling? Fine I hope. For Christmas I would like a laptop.
Thank you, Kendahyl Chatmon

Dear Santa,
How are you feeling? Fine I hope. For Christmas, I would like a Scooter and a IPod.
Thank you, Andrew Vaughns

Dear Santa,
How are you feeling? Fine I hope. For Christmas, I would like a IPad tablet. I love you Santa.
Thank you, Anisa Mahdi

Dear Santa,
How are you feeling? Fine I hope. For Christmas I would like a Scooter, a Ninja Turtle toy and some new drumsticks.
Thank you, Deion Christten

Dear Santa,
How are you feeling? Fine I hope. For Christmas I would like a tablet and a IPad.
Thank you, Sherlyn Roque

Dear Santa,
How are you feeling? Fine I hope. For Christmas I would like a Barbie doll and a laptop. I love Santa!
Thank you, Iraima Ramirez

Dear Santa,
How are you feeling? Fine I hope. For Christmas, I would like a IPad. I love you Santa!
Thank you, Rukiya Hussein

Dear Santa,
How are you feeling? Fine I hope. For Christmas I want a Barbie Doll.
Thank you, Asha Bare

Dear Santa,
How are you feeling? Fine I hope. For Christmas I would like a Barbie Doll.
Thank you, Amina Abdi

Community

Emancipation Park holds Annual “Holiday in the Park”

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Sandra McNuckles
The Houston Sun

Emancipation Park's youth decorate their tree in the Holiday in the Park tree decorating contest.
Emancipation Park’s youth decorate their tree in the Holiday in the Park tree decorating contest.

While I know that we all know that a park is land set aside for the enjoyment of the public to rest and relax; and I believe that most of us have, at least, heard of Emancipation Park, once or twice,I can’t help but wonder if we all knew its fascinating history and what it offers the citizens of Houston, today?

So, I sat down recently with the Co-Founder & Editor of the Houston Sun Newspaper, Dorris Ellis-Robinson, to discuss, the history of Emancipation Park.The history is quite exciting involving names that you may know like President Roosevelt (FDR), the late Congressman Mickey Leland, former Mayor Bill White, Mayor Annise Parker, City Council Member James Rodriquez, City Council Member Wanda Adams, and many more. Have I whet your appetite, yet?

Did you know that four Negro men from Freedman’s Fourth Ward, two businessmen (Richard Allen & Richard Brock) and two clergymen (Elijah Dibble and Jack Yates) amassed a sum of $800 in order to purchase 10 acres of land at the same location (3018 Dowling at Elgin, Houston, TX 77004) that is Emancipation Park today, in an effort to celebrate their newfound FREEdom? Yes, you’ve heard the story, when President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863 and Texas received the news on June 19, 1865. In 1872, the story further goes that these noteworthy men created the first Negro park in Texas and it “was central to the life of freed men, women, and children as a facility for various purposes such as to have fun, to display talents, to disseminate information, to become educated, and to be used as housing”, according to Ms. Ellis-Robinson. She went on to say that this is the same goal (today) of Friends of Emancipation Park Houston.

The Friends of Emancipation Park celebrates its sixth year as a non-profit volunteer organization that services Emancipation Park, in case you (the Reader/Public) would like to get involved. All you have to do is go to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Emancipation-Park-Houston or to the Friends of Emancipation Park’s website at www.emancipationusa.com to find out how and also to become more familiar with the history and events both upcoming and offered at the Park.

So if you already knew the above, do you also know that Emancipation Park offers all children, even the handicapped (6-18yrs.) various year-round Afternoon/Afterschool programs from 3-6p such as tutoring, arts & crafts, basketball, softball, volleyball, swimming, 4H Club, Afro-American History, and others activities that include a daily snack & meal? There are classes for adults such as line dancing, water aerobics, exercise classes, quilting, and more. I am told that the elders are also always welcomed and can volunteer in any of the programs of interest to them. They are gracing our children as story tellers, as audience members, and they can be seen cheering on the children, as well. I don’t have to tell you how beneficial this is to both parties, do I?

I found out from the Emancipation Park’s Recreation Facilities Manager, Ms. JoAnn Johnson, at 713-284-1302, that their Community Outreach Program’s Christmas Giveaway this Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013 (10-2p) is sponsored by yet another very interesting non-profit organization called The Houston Launch Pad that you may also know or want to know about.

On December 14, 2013 The Friends of Emancipation Park sponsored their Annual “Holiday in the Park” where different organizations came out to decorate the trees in the park to look like Christmas trees. The trees were then judged and the winners were announced at the “Holiday in the Park” ceremony. The tree lighting followed.
Organizations and businesses such as Gyrls Inc., FEP Youth Leadership, Houston League of Business and Professional Women and the Houston Sun participated.