September 12, 2021
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Vol. 26, Issue 34
BLACK
“Addressing Current & Historical Realties Affecting Our Community”
VOTERS MATTER
Dr. Stacey Jones Reeed
BLACK FAMILIES MATTER
By: Roy Douglas Malonson
During these times of unemployment, racial injustice, and instability within families, the need for fatherhood, especially Black fatherhood, is greater than ever. Millions of children across America live in households without a physically present father, and millions more live in a household with emotionally absent fathers. But why is this? According to Fathers.com, 57.6% of Black children, 31.2% of Hispanic children,
and 20.7% of white children live in homes absent of their biological fathers. The United States Census Bureau reports that 1 in 4 children (18.3 million children) across the country live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home. Children without fathers are four times more likely to be impoverished, seven times more likely to experience teen pregnancy, have a greater likelihood of behavioral issues, are more likely to commit crimes and be in-
carcerated, and face a greater chance of abusing drugs and alcohol. In the Black community specifically, single-parent homes are an epidemic and need to be addressed, but it’s important not to fall prey to misinformation and stereotypes surrounding Black fathers and their involvement in their children’s lives. First, let’s look at how it all began. As Dr. Umar Johnson so poignantly pointed out, the attack of the Black father and destruction of the Black
family was “created by design.” We were married and in holy unions in Africa, remained each other’s rocks during slavery and reconstruction - with the Black man always being head of the household – primarily up until the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. After that, the United States government set its site on neutralizing the Black power base which, of course, was the Black family. Independent Black families
Family cont’d page 3
Ms. Jerri
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS! By: Fred Smith
The Family Health and Wellness Center, a staple in the Acres Home community, is proud to celebrate 20 years in service. The health center, which was established on September 17, 2001 by Dr. Stacey Jones-Reed, has provided needed social, mental, and physical services to over 10,000 patients over the last two decades. Dr. Jones-Reed, an Acres Home native, attended Howard University in Washington, DC, where she attained her Bachelor in Science Degree. She then returned to Houston for completion of her Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, located in the world renowned Texas Medical Center. After completing her medical training, Dr. Jones-Reed went back to her beloved neighborhood to launch her business. Through the establishment of the Family Health and Wellness Center, Dr. Health cont’d page 5 Jones-Reed has been able
“OUR VOTE AND OUR MONEY ARE THE TWO MOST POWERFUL THINGS WE HAVE. BE CAREFUL WHO YOU GIVE THEM TO.” - ROY DOUGLAS MALONSON