August 22, 2021
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Vol. 26, Issue 31
who police the police? “Addressing Current & Historical Realties Affecting Our Community”
Third shots needed
By: By: N.L. Preston
Big, Black, Beautiful and Unapologetic!
By: Roy Douglas Malonson
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and, frankly, who gives a damn what you think! That is what more women are saying these days – tired of living under the microscope and scrutiny of judgment and unwanted advice. Why can’t we all just let a person be whom they want to be – especially if they
are not bothering you. Can we be FAT and HAPPY? Sounds strange that we even have to ask these questions, but sadly, today, we do! The “weight loss industry” is racking in billions – from a collection of fad diets and products, “healthy meal” services, exercise equipment, gym memberships,
waist trainers, etc. etc. etc. because so many of us are trying to live up to others’ standard of beauty. We are not against anyone getting healthy and physically fit, that is necessary to save lives, we are just against the stigma of people trying to “perfect” themselves and not focusing on positive body images.
Black women are in a category all by themselves. Many of us will never fit into the “Hollywood” stereotypical – or rather European – ideals of beauty. We are, by design, made stronger, with more athletic builds, broader shoulders,
Unapologetic cont’d page 4
It seems we’re back where we started in this COVID-19 crisis. Despite vaccines being administered, cases continue to rise, and hospitals are to the brim with patients suffering from the Delta variant of the coronavirus. Health experts say the effectiveness of the vaccines against the new variant is declining. While the vaccine does keep most people from being hospitalized, people are still contracting the virus. The Centers for Disease Control is now recommending booster shots. In a blunt – perhaps troubling – assessment
about the need for a third vaccine shot, CDC Dr. Rochelle Walensky said the agency examined numerous cohorts through the end of July, and early August and three points are now clear. “First, vaccineinduced protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection begins to decrease over time. Second, vaccine effectiveness against severe disease, hospitalization, and death remains relatively high. And third, vaccine effectiveness is generally decreased
Shots cont’d page 3
“OUR VOTE AND OUR MONEY ARE THE TWO MOST POWERFUL THINGS WE HAVE. BE CAREFUL WHO YOU GIVE THEM TO.” - ROY DOUGLAS MALONSON
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August 22, 2021
EDITORIAL Partin’ the Waters By Omowale Luthuli-Allen
Office: (713) 692-1892 Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Mortified beyond Expression Before we go full bore on President Joe Biden, let’s consider the impact of receiving soldiers remains in flag draped caskets and consoling the bereaved families. Going to D.C. for the majesty and splendor of the African American Museum or the Smithsonian is a lot different from viewing the graves at Arlington cemetery of thousands of fallen American boys and girls. Old corrupt men sent many of these young men to fight and die in wars that were not in our national interest nor national honor. Maybe, we all need to be lacerated by our consciences for the American people are responsible for the looming human rights catastrophe. The carnage facing thousands of Afghan interpreters and supporters was preventable. That is, proper and prior preparation
prevents piss poor performance. How could the intelligence be so far wrong? A Taliban takeover of the country was calculated to be 6 months away. If the facts hold, the intelligence led us into a blind alley and now the cost in lives will be unconscionable. America has seen this before, Saigon Vietnam 1975. Our allies panicked and stormed the last helicopter out. McGeorge Bundy and General Westmoreland had given the President bad intelligence after American B 52’s had helped to kill a million Vietnamese. Young men that could not spell Communism were put into a nowin situation in rice paddies of Vietnam. After paying keen attention to the shining black prince, Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali prepared the way for Kaepernick and others to redefine patriotism by refusing to be inducted into the US Army. As defined by President Obama, American boys were fighting a “war of necessity” in Afghanistan following the NYC 9-11 World Trade Center attacks that were orchestrated by twisted Maestro Ben Laden.
In both cases there was American military superiority as measured by 300,000 soldiers to an estimated 75,000 Taliban in Afghanistan. It is worthy to note that creditable intel reports that up to 100,000 Afghan soldiers had deserted and that government thieves looted the funding for resupply and other logistics. Total domination thru the Air Force with laser guided drones and bombs. Certainly, there was a special forces superiority. 1,000-pound bombs that terrorize from 10,000 feet could not defeat the will of the Taliban. Did the intelligence factor in that the Afghans had fought the British for a century, then the French and 10 years repelling the Russians? Did the intelligence factor in that during the Cold War a Texas Congressman, Rep. Wright had raised tens of millions of dollars to equip the mujahedeen with sophisticated weaponry for the purposes of defeating the Russians. Unintended consequences would follow the actions of swinging Texas playboy Congressman Jim Wright.
For more visit aframnews.com
A Revival of God
Consciousness Bobby E. Mills, PhD
Help the Helper Nothing is impossible for God, because if God is carrying you on his back then why drag your feet in sin. God is an everpresent help, and if He does not come when you think that you need him the most, He is always on time. God is an on-time God, not a sometime God. Martha asked, “Jesus if you had been here, then my brother, Lazarus, would not have died”. Jesus spiritually comforted Martha by declaring: “Thy brother shall rise again”. Martha replied, “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Then, Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection, and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11: 23-25). Jesus said, “Lazarus Come Forth”!
Without rules and laws human beings are only another form of animal life. God is the answer, not man or guns, harsh words, evil deeds, violence, Christian Right Evangelicals, Politicians or White Nationalists. What every human being needs is to know and have a personalrelationship with the Lawgiver: GOD. Even when human beings sin against God, self and others, God makes provisions for the forgiveness of their sins and the healing their land: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7: 14). For over twenty years America helped Afghanistan attempt to overcome the leadership influences of the Taliban on their society, and it was all to no avail. Hence, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3: 3). Sin separates individuals from God as well as from each other. For more visit aframnews.com
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION Shots cont’d against the delta variant,” Walensky said. Dr. Walensky’s comments come as health officials and medical experts connected to the Biden-Harris administration announced that booster shots would commence Sept. 20. The statement also arrives the same day as the CDC published its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, which reinforced the notion that vaccines alone can’t stop the pandemic. Safety precautions like wearing masks must coincide with “a layered approach centered on vaccination,” Researchers at the New York State Department of Health and the University at Albany
August 22, 2021 School of Public Health wrote in a new study of vaccine effectiveness across New York state. Another report that collected data from the Mayo Clinic discovered a 42 percent drop in the Pfizer vaccine’s effectiveness against the delta variant. The study found the Moderna vaccine proved about 76 percent effective against delta. Overall, the CDC found effectiveness against infection declined for those living in nursing homes. The CDC said the vaccine’s effectiveness against delta in nursing homes dropped from 75 percent in March through May, to 53 percent in June and July. Officials stressed that vaccines remain highly effective against
hospitalizations. “Additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine might be considered for nursing home and long-term care facility residents,” the researchers concluded. Still, another analysis published by the CDC noted that patients at
AFRAMNEWS.COM 3 21 hospitals in 18 states found sustained protection against hospitalization. In addition, the study revealed that effectiveness remained at 86 percent, despite the uptick in cases caused by delta. The effectiveness for adults without comprised immune systems also held steady at 90 percent.
“We are concerned that the current strong protection against severe infection, hospitalization, and death could decrease in the months ahead, especially among those who are at higher risk or who were vaccinated earlier,” Dr. Walensky declared. - AANI
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4 AFRAMNEWS.COM Unapologetic cont’d thicker legs and backsides that many other races are paying for in an effort to duplicate cosmetically. But just as much as they try to imitate, they also try to annihilate when it comes to the “true image” of the beautiful, Black woman. They tell us that we ARE NOT beautiful or worthy, and try to make us believe it ourselves. Well, women like Oprah Winfrey, Queen Latifah, Loni Love, Mo’Nique, and even the late Della Reese showed us “large and in charge” Black women are a true sight to behold. But while all these queens were fashionably modest, newcomer Lizzo is taking her selfconfidence to a whole new level – and stirring quite a few feathers. She’s been quite the shocker either baring it all or wearing scantily-clad clothing that many people have said should be worn by “skinny folks.” Their criticisms drove her to pull slightly back from the spotlight. Lizzo made her return to social media last Monday after leaving for over a year because of the constant hate and negativity she received. On August 13th, the three-time Grammy winner released
August 22, 2021 her latest project, “Rumors,” featuring rapper Cardi B. The song deals with some of the backlash Lizzo has received since being in the spotlight and displays Lizzo’s positive outlook and confidence to be herself. But it was only a matter of time (two days) before Lizzo would be trending for her looks – again - instead of her talent. The Houston native went on Instagram Live to express her frustration and disappointment. “I just feel like I’m seeing negativity directed towards me in the most weirdest way, like, people saying s–t about me that just doesn’t even make sense,” she said. “It’s fat-phobic and it’s racist and it’s hurtful. If you don’t like my music, cool. If you don’t like ‘Rumors’ the song, cool. But a lot of people don’t like me because of the way I look.” Lizzo’s completely right, her talent and creative vision are being largely ignored because she is a big, Black woman. Many critics argue that Lizzo promotes an unhealthy lifestyle, but in reality, she actually promotes healthy eating and exercise. Even if she didn’t, her making music and being comfortable in the skin she’s in is not “promoting” obesity.
She’s just being herself. Lots of people get confused when they see a fat person who is happy and secure. Society tells us that fat equals unhappiness, or more so, if you are fat, you do not deserve to be happy. That is what’s happening with Lizzo. People are outraged at her confidence and want to punish her for breaking the mold that says fat people deserve less. Society would rather Lizzo, a big Black woman, hide and shame herself than express herself in the best way she knows how. Critics can’t comprehend how this plus-size woman is as successful as she is today. Fatness has been seen as a failure, or as something shameful but Lizzo celebrates it and has used her “larger than life” looks and talent to take her straight to the top. The double standards are clear, Lizzo is doing the same things other Black women are doing in the music industry, yet receives a very different response. So, the question is: is it about looks or is it about health? According to the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, almost 4 out of 5 Black women are overweight or obese. In 2018, Black women were 50% more likely to be obese than white women. Also, in 2018 Black people were 20% less likely to engage in physical activity and 1.3 times more likely to be obese than our white counterparts. A U.S. National Library of Medicine study found that socioeconomic factors played a huge role in high obesity rates in Black American and Black Caribbean men and women. Type 2 Diabetes, coronary heart disease, asthma, and strokes were more prevalent in the Black community than in other races. Yes, obesity and associated
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION health risks are a huge problem in our communities. But Lizzo does not promote an unhealthy lifestyle. She stands against fatphobia and promotes physical activity and healthy eating. The point is this – we all need to focus on eating better, exercising more and
practicing a healthy lifestyle. But when it comes to our mental health – we need to focus on loving ourselves more and accept others for who they are. It’s alright to be FAT AND HAPPY! -- AANI
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
August 22, 2021
In memoriam Tim Anderson
Timothy William Anderson Jr, M.D. P.A. (aka Tim), 73 years of age, of Beckley, West Virginia, passed away on August 6, 2021. Tim was born on August 1, 1948 to Timothy W. Anderson Sr. and Margie L. Anderson in Beckley, West Virginia. He graduated as Valedictorian at Stratton High and then attended H o w a r d University where he graduated majoring in Physics, Mathematics, and Biology and a minor in Russian and Chemistry. He was also a member of Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity, the Men of the Rising Sun Alumni Assoc. of Philadelphia. From there he was accepted to the State University of New York at Buffalo for medical school. Tim met his wife, Annette, aka “”Cookie”” while in Buffalo and they were wed in 1974. Tim also served his country treating many service members in Korea where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his
AFRAMNEWS.COM 5
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service as Command Surgeon, Fourth United States Army Missile Command from August 1975 to September 1976. Once he returned to the U.S., Tim attended Baylor College of Medicine where he completed his Cardiology residency. Tim also joined the order of the Free and Accepted Masons of Texas and its Jurisdiction. There he achieved the level of 33° Mason, achieving
EMPLOYEE INCENTIVES the 33° is an honor that can be bestowed upon a Scottish Rite Mason. It is not campaigned for. It is granted solely by the Supreme Council. A 33° Mason is a Master Mason who has exhibited knowledge, passion and sacrifice to his craft. Tim loved his
Anderson cont’d page 7
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August 22, 2021
EDUCATION
Lone Star College health care shortage
By: Staff
HOUSTON – Lone Star College first- and secondyear nursing students are being recruited to assist local hospitals impacted by the overwhelming demand for health care due to the COVID-19 surge. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, Lone Star College has been actively involved in helping our community,” said Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., LSC chancellor. “From loaning ventilators, providing COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites, and conducting face mask and food drives, we will do whatever we can to help those in need.” U.S. Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee organized a partnership program to have firstand second-year student nurses from Lone Star College help the staff which oversees United Memorial Medical Center, Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital and Ben Taub Hospital. Currently, the greater Houston area is facing an acute shortage of nurses. LSC has a long tradition of training qualified health care workers and recently started to offer Bachelor of Nursing degrees with its inaugural class set to graduate later this month. The LSC nursing programs offer state-of-the-art simulation equipment and
laboratories, classrooms and clinical facility rotations. “Lone Star College remains committed to providing the resources necessary to wherever it’s needed and strongly encourages everyone to become vaccinated and wear a mask when on campus,” said Head. The LSC nursing students will work in nonCOVID-19 areas to allow full-time staff to attend to those suffering from the pandemic. Visit LoneStar.edu/ Nursing to explore all the health care programs available at LSC. - AANI
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Anderson cont’d children and family as well as practicing medicine and helping people. He had a passion for cars, pens and elephants. Tim was predeceased by his parents Tim Sr. and Margie as well as his sister Elaine. He is survived by ex-wife, Annette M. and 3 children Tianne Elaine, Timothy William III, and Trevor Michel. He also leaves loved ones Tycilla Creeks and family. Services are to be held at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 3015 N MacGregor Way, 77004 at 11:00 am on August 20, 2021. Visitation will be prior to service, beginning at 10:00 am. For livestream access: www.GoodHope.org - AANI
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