Vol 28 Issue 18

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

It’s Not About Age

By: Bobby Mills, PhD

Age is only a number. Therefore, age does not determine or define one’s abilities or capabilities in achieving or completing a certain goal. Thus, it is not about age. It’s about wisdom, and wisdom comes from a spiritual relationship with God. The majority cultural group in American society has a self-identity problem. Yet, some confused American voters are using the age of Biden as a camouflage political issue. Is Joe Biden too old to run for reelection?

Some will debate and say yes, but that is not the real reason circulating among and around

the political arena. Let’s step back and look at America’s political stance on candidates seeking political office. The majority social group in American society has a self-identity problem. Identifying oneself by skin-tone is a monumental societal problem, especially in a multi-cultural ethnic society. Too many individuals who are identified with the majority ethnic group believe in nothing, and so they fall for nothing. Now these same confused American voters are using the age of Biden as a disguise to attack the real political issue, racial identity.

Age on pg. 3

Jim BroWn Dies at 87

Arguably the greatest player in NFL history and a champion for social activism throughout and long after his football career ended with the Cleveland Browns, Brown died peacefully Thursday night at his home in Hollywood Hills, California, Brown’s wife, Monique, confirmed in a post Friday on Instagram. He was 87.

GeorGe C. Fraser Visits aCreaGe home

By: Afram Houston

On the evening of May 11, 2023, people traveled from every direction across the city of Houston to the Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development, for a historic occasion, to witness the now 78-year-old world renowned author, speaker, teacher, and business mogul Dr. George C. Fraser.

Named as one of the “Best Speakers in America,” Dr. Fraser first welcomed the crowd, giving them a crash course lesson on how to effectively introduce yourself when networking.

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Jim Brown on pg. 3

Dr. George C. Fraser and Warren F. muhammad

News: Office: (713) 692-1892

A Revival of god Consciousness

Bobby Mills, Phd

Vigilantism has become a serious public safety problem in American society because vigilantism is not punished to the full extent of criminal law. Sadly, in Confederate Southern States we have in operation “Stand Your Ground Laws”. When a society promotes individualized policing it gives rise to vigilantism, and vigilantism engenders societal confusion and chaos, especially in a multi-cultural democratic society. America let’s utilize common sense, even though common sense is not common, especially among Christian Right Evangelicals, The GOP, White Nationalists, Fox “FAKE” News, and some spiritually misguided and confused Blacks and other minorities. Seeking to justify one sin with another sin is still sin. Therefore, America let’s not put these variables into motion whereby we enter the land of no return inhabited by mad men, because Newton’s Third Law of motion states: “That for every ac-

the Overflow

Stop the Foolery

Many have been discussing the Ja Morant social media video of him waving a gun, and this is not his first time. This was not smart of him of course, and I am not sure why he felt compelled to do it. He is young, but you would think that common sense would have told him not to. Especially since he had already apologized once for this act of foolery. Guns continue to be an issue in America as we are still seeing mass shootings, and sadly, even accidental shootings with young people. We just saw this with the four-year-old who shot their one-yearold sibling in the leg. How did this child get access to the gun? Where were the parents? Why does this continue to happen?

ranked second highest for unintentional shootings by children in 2021. We must do something about gun control.

It was Albert Einstein who said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. In my opinion, doing nothing is still doing something. Too many lives have been lost, and nothing is being done about it. It’s as if people’s “rights” are more important than the lives that are being taken. For Morant, I am not sure what it will take to get his attention. Having a gun doesn’t make you cool. It is not an accessory that you should be waving around like a piece of jewelry. Morant could use his platform to educate others like our youth about gun safety. He has an opportunity to take this foolish act and turn it into something positive. Our young people look up to celebrities. They aspire to be like them. They follow them on social media and mimic their actions, behaviors, fashion, and so much more. Our young people need more positive role models who are in the limelight.

For

According to Everytown for Gun Safety, there have been at least 114 unintentional shootings by children just this year. The shootings resulted in 47 deaths and 69 injuries nationally. Texas was

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Age cont.

All this hoopla and socio-political upheaval is simply about skin tone. Sadly, many of these same sociopolitically confused individuals voted for Trump rather than Hilary Clinton, and America has suffered immensely because of the Trump Presidency. Now these same confused American voters are using the age of Biden as a camouflage political issue. Of course, they do not care who they use in their evil game of socio-political deception, even young Democrats, Independent Voters, and some spiritually confused and misguided Blacks and other minorities. Even some major News Media Outlets are chiming in on the nonsense concerning Biden’s age after his announcement concerning reelection. America let’s be crystally clear about death and life. No individual knows the time and day of their demise (death) unless they are willing to commit suicide!

Moreover, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof”

(Proverbs 18: 21).

The real problem is the skin-color of Vice President Kamala Harris, not Biden’s age. What they truly fear is President Biden being called home to be with God, and Kamala Harris becoming the First Female President of the USA. They had their chance to elect a White female but didn’t use it. Just a Godly reminder, in 2016, White American women, you had an opportunity to vote for the first female White President. Now, it appears that skincolor is the overriding socio-political issue rather than a female Presidency. America, it is unwise to deal in skin-tone rather than to condemn unrighteousness and sin. Miriam and Aaron found out the hard way when God demonstrated that He is a God of inclusion rather than exclusion

(Numbers 12: 1-12).

God in his infinite wisdom just might cease providing a

Ram in the bush to save America from herself. Therefore, America we should never spiritually forget that in 2020 Biden was indeed God’s Ram in the bush to save America from herself. God has provided Biden with Great Rewards for him to rebuild the socio-economic structure of American society from the bottom-up (common individuals), not the top-down (Billionaires). Also, we know that in 2020, “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those who published it” (Psalm 68: 11).

Biden won the 2020 Presidential election, and it was the most secure and fair election in America’s history, even with all of Trump’s antics as well as those of his loyal MEGA followers, and it has not ceased, even though the 2021 attempted coup was unsuccessful.

Jim Brown cont.

Brown is survived by Monique and their two children, in addition to three children from his previous marriage.

“To the world, he was an activist, actor and football star,” Monique Brown wrote on Instagram. “To our family, he was a loving and wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Our hearts are broken.”

Barry Sanders never hesitated to draw the line when people asked if his son was the greatest running back ever. As William Sanders declared: “Jim Brown was Jim Brown … the best I’ve ever seen.”

year from now.”

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John Wooten, Brown’s former roommate with the Browns, told USA TODAY Sports: “We lost a great fighter.” Brown, who led the Browns to the NFL championship in 1964, was undoubtedly one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, Brown retired as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher (12,312 yards) after earning eight unanimous first-team all-pro selections and nine Pro Bowl honors during nine NFL seasons. A four-time NFL MVP and eight-time rushing champ, he averaged 104.3 rushing yards per game – and never missed a game. That’s why the late father of the great

Just as significant to his legend was the manner in which Brown walked away while in his prime. During the summer of 1966, Brown stunned the sporting world with his abrupt retirement while he filmed “The Dirty Dozen” – the classic movie that launched a successful acting career that spanned decades and included more than 50 film and TV roles.

“I could have played longer,” Brown told Sports Illustrated a day after announcing his retirement. “I wanted to play this year, but it was impossible. We’re running behind schedule shooting here, for one thing. I want more mental stimulation than I would have playing football. I want to have a hand in the struggle that is taking place in our country, and I have the opportunity to do that now. I might not a

In the biography, “Jim Brown: The fierce life of an American hero,” author Mike Freeman (a current USA TODAY Sports columnist), called Brown “the first Black action star.” In the 1969 movie, “100 Rifles,” Brown appeared with Raquel Welch in Hollywood’s first interracial love scene. Brown’s impact as a social activist was also profound. On Thursday, the Browns will place a marker outside FirstEnergy Stadium that commemorates the “Muhammad Ali Summit” that Brown inspired in 1967 in Cleveland – where several prominent Black athletes from that era, including Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar –gathered and expressed public support for Ali, who was stripped of his championship status due to his objection to joining military efforts in the Vietnam War.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Stop the Silence

By: Crystal LaShan

The Sister’s Network Stop the Silence Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run was a major success. The picturesque campus of the University of Houston was the perfect new location to hold the annual event, which was in its thirteenth year of existence. Black women came from all over to participate, support, and raise money to fight breast cancer.

In April 2010, the Stop the Silence Walk became the first and only national Black Breast Cancer Walk/Run. For the last thirteen years, more than 7,000 participants have traveled from all different areas of the country to Houston to honor and celebrate Black women who are courageously fighting breast cancer. The Sister’s Network Inc. Breast Cancer Assistance Program receives the funds raised to make a difference in breast cancer patients and survivors’ lives every day.

It was an Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. takeover with sisterhood and service as they participated and helped raise money for this great cause. Sisters NetworkDetroit chapter members were pretty in pink sporting the flamingo glasses. The Krewe of Athena Carnival Club Inc. were ready to fight Breast Cancer the “Big Easy Way,” looking super cute in their Mardi Gras festive outfits. Friends don’t let friends fight cancer alone, was the perfect t-shirt and description of the heartbeat of this event. It was great to see husbands and children enjoying the experience

and supporting their mothers, daughters, and sisters. What a beautiful way to support your family and friends when they need you the most. For more information, please visit www. stopthesilencewalk.org/.

Friends don’t let friends fight cancer alone was the best t-shirt winner of the Stop the

Silence Walk. Stephanie Pete, Sonja Webb, Angie Delgado, Cynthia Rushing, Avis Worsham-Price, Connie Linsey, Bernadette Dennis-Lewis, Amy Metoyer, Byaundra Harris & Linda Johnson

It was an Alpha Kappa Alpha Takeover led by their soror and Houston Mayoral Candidate Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee.

Tonya Bush, Katwayna Harris, Denise Parker, Shajuan Burns, LaQuana Whiteside, Kathy Goodman, Ireiane Davis, Jamise Allen, Ramona Whitley

The Suburban Houston-Fort Bend Alumnae Chapter of Delta Gems and Delta Academy were excited to cheer on the runners as they entered the final stretch of the 5K.

Sisters Network-Detroit chapter were pretty in pink sporting flamingo glasses.

Front row-Charlene McDougle, Victoria Griffin

Middle row- Laura Huggins, Emily Lee, Janice Fitzhugh, Fidelia White, Gloria Cunningham, Back row- Loretha Hill, Tamara Myles and Donnett Jourdan

the enSemble theatre preSentS brother toad

By: Crystal LaShan

Nathan Louis Jackson’s Brother Toad was a brilliant, thought provoking, and heartfelt masterpiece on stage. I cried, laughed, and was inspired to seek opportunities to truly make a difference in my community.  This awesome play truly seeks to motivate action from everyday people who are often made to feel as if they can’t make a difference. Everyone can make a difference in their community, and collectively our efforts can change the world.

Brother Toad is a must-see theatrical experience touching on gun education, social media relevance, and the crucial question of our time: What does responsible gun control look like?

Tanner Ellis gave an eloquent portrayal of Marquis. He took the audience through a roller coaster of emotions which allowed us to step into the shoes of his mother Janelle, brilliantly portrayed by An’Tick Von Morphing. They shared a great chemistry

as a concerned mother and traumatized son.

Additionally, the comedy relief steps in with the poignant and colorful Nicholas Lewis portraying Randall, the brother of Janelle and Uncle to Marquis. Randall gained success and moved out of the hood to still find that he must balance moving on up and still staying connected to his roots. Shayna, Randall’s wife, portrayed by Aria Hope, gave an awesome performance as the dutiful and outspoken wife who was ready to change the world. Randall’s friend, Chris portrayed by Roc Living, was the perfect bro duo delivering the best laughs ever connected to the seriousness of gun control.

Brother Toad was the excellent masterpiece that we needed at this time. A special congratulations to the Ensemble Theatre Artistic Director/ Co-Director Eileen J. Morris and Co Director Rachel Hemphill Dickerson, on a job well done. If you’re looking for

something great to do, grab a friend and make a date to enjoy this important play. Our future depends on our collective effort to be motivated to make a difference and Brother Toad is a great way to start.

The Cast of Brother Toad

Brother Toad Cast & Crew did an amazing job bringing this important play to life. Rachel Hemphill Dickson, Nicholas Lewis, Aria Hope, An’Tick Von Morphing, Tanner Ellis, Eileen J. Morris, and Roc Living.

Marquis (center) is under pressure to make the right decisions for his family.

Actor Tim Dickerson, his wife, Director Rachel Hemphill Dickerson, and their son Torry, enjoyed celebrating the success of Brother Toad.

Mother and son moment between Janelle and Marquis.

PuBlic NOTice PuBlic NOTice

Notice to Proposers

Request for Proposals will be received by Lone Star College for:

• RFP # 874 – Nursing Admissions

Assessment Exam. Electronic bids due by 3:00PM, Thursday, June 8.

• WebEx pre-proposal meeting: Wednesday, May 31, @ 3:00PM; call-in number 1-408-792-6300, Meeting #2620 508 2893

• Contact: pamela.johnson@lonestar.edu or (832)813-6782.

• Must Register to Bid: http:// wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/ supplier.htm .   If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the online registration process, contact MC-vendors@lonestar.edu.

Notice to Proposers

Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for:

• RFP #873 – Student Engagement Tool. Electronic bids due by 3:00PM, June 7, 2023.

• WebEx pre-proposal meeting: Thursday, May 25 @ 2:00PM (CST); call-in number 1-408-7926300, Meeting #2627 773 1843

• Contact: pamela.johnson@lonestar.edu or (832)813-6782.

• Must Register to Bid: http:// wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/ supplier.htm .   If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the online registration process, contact MC-vendors@lonestar.edu.

ShOe rePair

Notice to Proposers Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for:

• RFP #867 – Bank Depository Services. Electronic bids due by 3:00PM, June 7, 2023.

• WebEx pre-proposal meeting: Tuesday, May 23rd @ 2:00PM (CST); call-in number 1-408-7926300, Meeting #2624 387 8506

• Contact: pamela.johnson@lonestar.edu or (832)813-6782.

• Must Register to Bid: http:// wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/ supplier.htm .   If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the online registration process, contact MC-vendors@lonestar.edu.

Notice to Proposers

The Houston Independent School District Purchasing Services Department located at 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, TX 77092 is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link https://houstonisd.ionwave.net/Login.aspx until 10:00 a.m. (CST) Monday, June 26, 2023, for the following solicitation:

RFP 23-04-04 Fencing Services Districtwide Pre-proposal conferences via Microsoft Teams will be held in conjunction with this RFP. Information regarding dates, times, and instructions to receive a link to join the meeting can be located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab specific to this solicitation.

The Houston Independent School District Purchasing Services Department located at 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, TX 77092 is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link https://houstonisd.ionwave.net/Login.aspx until 10:00 a.m. (CST) Wednesday, June 14, 2023, for the following solicitation:

RFP 23-04-03 Capital Program and Project Management Software

Pre-proposal conferences via Microsoft Teams will be held in conjunction with this RFP. Information regarding dates, times, and instructions to receive a link to join the meeting can be located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab specific to this solicitation.

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