September 19, 2021
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Vol. 26, Issue 35
BLACK
“Addressing Current & Historical Realties Affecting Our Community”
VOTERS MATTER
DR. THOMAS FREEMAN AVE? By: James Ford
BLACK WOMEN PROTECTING FAMILIES IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE
By: N. L. Preston
their rights, their land During a time when and their freedom. Thanks to Governor many feel that Texas is well on its way Greg Abbott, Texans to become the new can now carry a hand“Wild, Wild West,” gun in public without many Black families a permit or the backare making sure their ground check and households are pro- training the state pretected. A new wave viously required. The of protectors, remi- new “permitless carniscent of the origi- ry” or “constitutional nal Black Panther carry” law lauded by Party, are focusing on gun rights advocates health, wealth, safety has made many, inand PROTECTION of cluding law enforce-
ment officers, fearing what could happen when messages get mixed and situations become volatile and people in compromised situations feel it’s their right to shoot. Also, having the guns in public can make an officer’s job more dangerous than it already is. But -- in the wake of mass shootings -- is it a way to further pro-
tect ourselves? If so, how do we ensure the guns are in the right hands? We may not ever have the answers for that, but one thing is for certain - many Black families are not willing to be “sitting ducks” at the hands of the government or overzealous people. They are making moves to protect their
Protection cont’d page 3
A little over a year ago, Dr. Thomas F. Freeman passed after teaching at Texas Southern University for over 70 years. He was only two weeks away from his hundred and first birthday. Freeman, the debate coach at Texas Southern University, mentored and taught a number of well known political and social justice figures to include Martin Luther King, Jr., Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, Congressman Mickey Leland, and Texas Representative Senfronia Thompson. Watching the funeral services for Dr. Freeman was both informative and inspiring as several people approached the lectern and quietly praised his contributions to humanity while others fostered suggestions that his name should be etched in granite or a statue built to celebrate him. Only a week would pass, and this writer submitted a narrative to the Harris County Historical Commission for a historical marker for Dr. Freeman. That narrative was approved Freeman cont’d page 5
“OUR VOTE AND OUR MONEY ARE THE TWO MOST POWERFUL THINGS WE HAVE. BE CAREFUL WHO YOU GIVE THEM TO.” - ROY DOUGLAS MALONSON
2 AFRAMNEWS.COM
September 19, 2021
EDITORIAL
President/Chief Editor
Tristar
Griselda Ramirez: Production
Partin’ the Waters By Omowale Luthuli-Allen
Office: (713) 692-1892 Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Y the Transgender Hatred? Y the LGBT Hatred? Right wing politicians and duplicitous religious leaders are surfacing and demonizing trans and LGBT citizens. Dictionary. com has a definition of duplicity that I want to use. Duplicity is the practice of intentionally misleading people, by saying different things to different people or acting in different ways at different times. Brain freeze has led these leaders to declare their opposition to a nonbinary world. The velocity of life coupled with our poor cognitive and social skills has driven us to double down on the weak and vulnerable classes while allowing the real culprits a get out of jail free. Often our first response to a suppressed reality is DENIAL. Gay, LGBT in our religious institutions is often the worst kept secret in
the church and community. I am truly upset. I have been insisting that we must solve all murders. Ninety (90) recorded murders of trans people over the past two years in the country. Texas is behind Florida and Ohio in the solving of trans murders. The Texas legislature is full of fake straight legislators seeking to disenfranchise and marginalize trans people with dozens of restrictive bills. How does the climate become so hateful that in America, out of many one, e pluribus Unum, that biologically determined traits terrify us to attack children because they are other than straight? There is a straight line from hate speech to the murder of Matthew Shepherd to the murder of James Byrd. Perhaps we peer back into history. Shepherd was a 22-year-old gay college student who was beaten and tortured to death in Wyoming. His assailants were motivated by anti-gay sentiment. It is very probable that they had heard ‘fire and brimstone” sermons and listened to toxic speech by leaders in print and electronic media. Many pundits who have
had a platform have reached into the Old Testament and characterized non-binary people as “Sodomites” deserving of murder and other atrocities. Without “theological hair-splitting” My straight-line logic leads me to conclude that the same hate that led to the killing of Matthew Shepherd bled over into the killing of James Byrd. Congress concluded that there was a linkage between the horrific murders and President Barack Obama signed the Byrd Shepherd Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law in 2009. The national rate for solving homicides is about 62% but the rate of solving for trans victims is around 40%. Homicide detectives in Dallas and Houston must get the mandate that the community will not go silent on clues for murder, rape and violent crimes, especially for victims of hate crimes. If we are repulsed or morally offended by gay and trans people, don’t date or marry a gay or trans person, don’t be Gay or trans.
For more visit aframnews.com
A Revival of God
Consciousness Bobby E. Mills, PhD
The Mendacity of the GOP Christian Right Evangelicals, GOP, and White Nationalists stand for nothing righteous, and everything unrighteous. The very mendacity of the GOP to morally question the Biden Administration’s disengagement from a twenty year “messy” war in Afghanistan after never holding former President Trump accountable for any action or in action. America does have a formal check and balance system that the Founders instituted in our democratic processes to guard against governmental corruption. Moreover, we do not need to discuss the impeachment procedures and processes or the provable evidence against President Trump. Nor do we need to discuss the number of corrupt Trump officials who were indicted, convicted, and sentenced to jail. Or the number of elected GOP offi-
cials who supported the BIG LIE and may have legal complicity in the January 6th, 2021 insurrection. Now, the GOP is huffing and puffing concerning America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan seeking to create a political issue; where there is no issue in order to reposition their “non-policy” oriented party for the mid-term elections. America, if this is not the essence of immoral “mendacity,” then what is? Even more so, they have openly begun to sublimely change the GOP to the White Privilege (Nationalists) Party and in so doing, establish an autocracy by destroying democracy. Sadly, Christian Right Evangelicals are wholeheartedly supporting this process religiously by saying Lord, Lord, and running with the devil. America, know this religion that is based upon culture and man-made “isms” rather than a search for God (TRUTH) is confusion, not Judaea-Christianity. The GOP is seeking to make the carnal mind normality, and legalize all things of man; which in turn, is not of GOD. For more visit aframnews.com
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION Protection cont’d families -- safely -with the proper education and training. And surprisingly, many Black women are stepping into the forefront. African-American News&Issues reached out to Natural Sekhmet P. after seeing social media posts of her engaged in physical fitness training, shooting classes and her loving interactions with her proud Black family. We wanted to know more about this woman who was clearly involved in “a movement.” AANI: Tell us about yourself. Natural: My name is Natural Sekhmet P. I am a wife of a lucky handsome Black God, and mother of five beautiful children. AANI: We’ve been following your journey on Facebook and I see women empowerment, Black pride, etc. Please describe “the movement” you are a part of. Natural: I do a lot of community work here in Houston, which is a very rewarding and a humbling. I love giving back to the community and do this by joining organizations to feed the homeless, help families in need by providing food, clothing, and information to multiple resources as needed. One organization I am a member of teaches
self-defense training, education of gun laws and we also practice our right to bear arms. I strongly agree with and follow the 2nd amendment law to the fullest. AANI: What other causes are you passionate about? Natural: I am very passionate about helping women and children in domestic violence situations. This is very important to me being a victim of domestic violence in the past. One organization I was affiliated with provided domestic violence victims with a safe haven in their time of need. Our women and children need to know that they are loved and protected. Uplifting and encouraging our Black people is a passion of mine. If we don’t love and protect one another, who will? AANI: What types of trainings do you do? Natural: I love physical fitness! Boxing is great to relieve stress and built- up tension. It is something about hitting that punching bag or pads that is extremely satisfying lol. I practice Montu Arts (Martial Arts) and kickboxing in my spare time. I use yoga and meditation to clear the heart and mind. AANI: How do you feel about the new “permitless carry” law in Texas? Natural: I do believe
September 19, 2021 in (legally) carrying at all times. Everyone should be aware of their surroundings. Paying attention to small details can save your life. I believe that if you purchase a weapon, learn gun safety, get the proper training needed to operate your weapon and educate yourself on your state laws as well as any state you travel to. I would also suggest that you still get the permit in order to travel from state to state. Different states have different gun laws. AANI: What do you feel is the best way of protecting ourselves, protecting the Black family? Natural: Self-defense is a must! Whether you are a man, woman, or child, it is necessary. Anything can happen at any given time so we must be trained to react quickly but think clearly. I began teaching my children how to defend themselves at a very young age, the importance of being able to and why. As for protecting our Black families, first off, we have to love one another enough to do what is right and necessary to remain a family! The black family should not be formed only out of love. A family’s focus should be to build together financially and accumulate generational wealth. We have to get out of that
mind frame of living for today and focus on building a legacy. AANI: What are your ideals on parenting? Natural: Parenting doesn’t come with a manual and it takes lots of patience. You may experience these side effects from parenting -- stress, the bubbly feeling of love, and missing patches of hair (that you frustratingly pull out your own head). I am always open and honest with my children. I d i d n’t g i v e them the talk about the “stork delivering cute bundles of joy”
to t h e m o t h er’s doorstep. When they were old enough to understand, I explained to them where “babies came from “ and how they were made. I prepared them for the world. One thing I had to
Protection cont’d page 5
AFRAMNEWS.COM 3
4 AFRAMNEWS.COM
September 19, 2021
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
POLITICS
GOVERNOR NEWSOM DEFEATS MORE THAN THE ‘RECALL’
By: Dr. John E Warren
With more than 68% of the votes counted within an hour of the California Recall Election, Governor Gavin Newsom was declared the winner by the Associated Press. It was not a guess, but a progressive analysis of voter response to the recall on a county-bycounty basis. Throughout the media coverage of voter turnout, there was a clear comparison between Donald Trump’s votes in those areas voting “Yes’ on the recall, and the actual numbers Trump received in the same areas during the November 2020 election. Governor Newsom, in his victory speech, said he was humbled by the votes of the people of California, but acknowledged what so many already knew. In his words, this was a victory for Democracy, for diversity, for individual human rights; a victory for vaccines, the wearing of masks, the safety of our children, our economy and all we hold dear. These remarks reflected everything that Larry Elder, the leading Republican contender, stood against.
Elder was a Trumper all the way. He was calling election fraud before the votes were counted and the polls opened. He was against the vaccine, against the wearing of masks, against the idea of vaccines for children and in favor of reparations for former slave owners. Elder was the “Great Black Hope’’ of the Republican Party without the party endorsing him. Newsom said his defeat of the Recall was a defeat of all Elder and his supporters stood for, from voter suppression to plans to change the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Elder had said that if he won the election and Senator Feinstein’s seat became vacant during his
time as Governor, he would appoint a Republican. This single act would have given the Republicans control of the U.S. Senate. San Diego County was one of the first to overwhelmingly report a vote against the recall and it only went downhill from there for the recall supporters. - AANI
Photo: Courtesy of CBM
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION Protection cont’d prepare them for was reality. Part of that reality was preparing them for racism, police brutality and injustice. Speak to your children but listen to them as well. Keep a line of communication open at all times and ensure them that it is safe to express their feelings in a respectful manner. Be firm when needed and tell them you love them daily. Remember that
no matter what you taught or instilled in them, they will choose their own path whether you agree with their choices or disagree. Don’t be too hard on yourself, pat yourself on the back and know that you did the best you can. AANI: What do you think is the true definition of “Black Love?” Natural: I can give you two different ways to look at “Black Love.” Black love can be the love we have for our brothers and sisters of
September 19, 2021 the same race/skin tone. Black love can be the love between a Black King and Queen. Black love to me is powerful and sexy. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment. Black love is you and that person against the world. It can be filled with laughter, friendship and, at times, heart ache and pain. Realizing that you and your spouse aren’t perfect people but perfect for each other. Once you realize that, it becomes easier. Too many black men and women fight against each other instead of realizing their power
and presence just being together. Nothing is more beautiful and exotic than “black on black” skin. AANI: What have you learned during the pandemic? Natural: The COVID-19 pandemic was very unexpected, but it came with a valuable lesson. Many weren’t prepared for such a tragic situation. Health insurance is extremely important as well as your overall health. So many people found themselves without work. It is smart to stay stocked up on supplies, such as non-perishable foods, water, first aid
AFRAMNEWS.COM 5 supplies, camping equipment, cleaning supplies, vitamins as well as ammunition. These items became very limited and hard to find. A good way to always be prepared is to keep a packed “bug out bag” to carry in the event of an emergency. A bug out bag can be a backpack, tactical backpack, etc. A simple bug out bag can be filled with bandages, band-aids, a multi-too, water filtration system, paracord, tent, sleeping bag, anti-bacterial wipes, painkillers, matches, medications needed. AANI: How can we
Lone Star C
find out more about you? AANI: How can we find out more about you? Natural: I am the owner and CEO of Eye Create LLC. I create unique handmade jewelry, nose cuffs, waist beads, beauty and skin care and so much more! You can find my online store at www.eyecreatellc. com, EYE CREATE LLC on Etsy and follow us on Instagram at @eye.createllc. We thank you, my sister. Stay Black, Stay Proud! - AANI
ollege is
E C A L P T A GREA ! T R A T S TO LoneStar.edu
/Start 09.02.21.01
Workforce training 30+ fully-online degree programs Affordable tuition Credits that transfer to universities
6 AFRAMNEWS.COM
A/C & HEATING
September 19, 2021
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
MARKETPLACE CHURCH
CHURCH
FOR SALE
RANCH
LOCAL FOR SALE ARTS, GIFTS
713.244.4067 JAMAICAN FOOD
OPEN Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10am – 4pm
PLEASE WEAR MASKS
713.692.1195
6130 Wheatley St. Houston, Texas 77091
CHEMICAL
VINTAGE CARRIAGE COMPANY, LLC
CARRIAGE RIDE VINTAGE CARRIAGE COMPANY, LLC TERENCE J. REED, OWNER
Facebook: Go Vintage, LLC Instagram: govintagellc 713-489-8905/281-901-4966
VINTAGE CARRIAGE COMPANY, LLC
TERENCE J. REED, OWNER
FACEBOOK: GO VINTAGE, LLC INSTAGRAM: GOVINTAGELLC
713.489.8905 281.901.4966 CHURCH Willie Wright Jr. Ministries, Inc. A Ministry Committed to the Worth of the WORD and Energetic Evangelism “Christ-centered, Bible-based, and Prayer-minded”
REAL ESTATE
FLOWERS
TERENCE J. REED, OWNER
Facebook: Go Vintage, LLC THE ISLANDS Instagram: govintagellc HAS LANDED IN 713-489-8905/281-901-4966 ACRES HOME
2213 S. VICTORY DR. HOUSTON, TEXAS 77088
Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10am – 4pm
713.692.1100
www.williewrightjr.com
PLEASE WEAR MASKS
2810 Rosedale St. Houston, TX 77004
www.shirleyannflowershop.com
6130 Wheatley St. Houston, Texas 77091
Broker Associate Director of Commercial
WWW.HOMESDUNNRIGHT.COM ASKRECY@KWCOMMERCIAL.COM
832.328.5220
C. 832.541.7466 O. 281.444.3900
LANDSCAPING
SHOE REPAIR
COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL
Terrence Jelks
CALL US TODAY
713-780-9804 ezmailhou@aol.com
FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER 509 W. TIDWELL #100 HOUSTON, TX 77091
509 W. TIDWELL #100 HOUSTON, TX 77091
Cell:832.713.0102
jamesbond6030pebble@gmail.com
Services: Direct Mail Consulting, 1st Class Mail, Standard/NonProfit Mail, Mail Merge, Folding/ Tabbing/Inserting, Mailing Lists, Postcards, Political Mail, Bulk Mailing, Courier Services
DR. STACEY N. JONES-REED
FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER
6030 Pebble Ln., Houston, TX 77087
WE OFFER QUALITY SERVICE AT A COMPETITIVE PRICE
WELLNESS CENTER
DR. STACY N. JONES-REED
Services: Mowing, Landscape Renovation, Edging, General Lawn Clean Up, Shrub Trimming and Removal, Brush Clearing, Lawn Fertilization, Flower Bed Installations
E-Z MAIL MANAGEMENT
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: RFP No. AS-ES 2021, Accounting Services – Employment Service Projects Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries, Inc. (ACAM) received a preliminary contract award from the Houston-Galveston Area Council for Workforce System - Next Generation Youth Services. Accordingly, ACAM hereby solicits proposals from qualified contractors of accounting services, registered to work in the state of Texas. Interested parties may obtain the RFP as of Friday, September 17, 2021 by visiting ACAM’s website (https://acamweb. org/funding-vendor-opportunities/) OR by contacting: Susan Young, via email syoung@acamweb.org, Phone 713-341-5336. For consideration ACAM must receive proposals no later than 12:00 PM CDT on Friday, October 1, 2021. See RFP for submission details. Proposals received late or incomplete will not be considered. ACAM reserves the right to negotiate with any offerors that submit proposals. ACAM complies with 2 CFR Part 200 and all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances for procurement.
713-694-6447
Landscaping by the Jelks
MAILING
OPEN
RECY DUNN
PUBLIC NOTICES
SOUL FOOD
MRS. EʼS KITCHEN
MON - SAT 11AM-6PM
soul food onl y sold on saturda y 2201 W. LITTLE YORK RD. HOUSTON, TX 77091
(LOCATED INSIDE: FLOYDʼS PREMIER SERVICE)
832.277.0563
713.694.6447
ADVERTISE ONLINE with us
• Mother’s/Father’s Day • Anniversaries • In Memory Of • Birthdays • Graduations • Weddings etc.
For more information sales@aframnews.com
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION Freeman cont’d at the county level and was submitted to the Texas Historical Commission. Texas approved the marker narrative and it will be engraved within the year and erected on the campus of Texas Southern University. What more could be done to commemorate this human being who, like Sisyphus rolled a boulder up the mountain? Unlike Sisyphus, whose boulder rolled back down the mountain repeatedly, students, who Dr. Freeman mentored, have put a shoulder to Freeman’s philanthropic boulder and continued pushing it to the top. Why not name a street for Dr. Freeman? A street named after Freeman, not a statue, would surely commemorate the work and life-long contributions of a man who contributed so much to the c au s e s of
humanity. Where would the street be located or what street would be renamed? The street to rename has been right there the whole time when the thought initially came to mind. Cleburne Street, the main address of Texas Southern University, a Historically Black College and University who has been training, teaching, mentoring and pushing African American students up that same mountain as Freeman, should be renamed. Cleburne Street is named for Major General Patrick Cleburne. Patrick Cleburne was a Confederate Soldier, who fought to continue, “the institution of negro slavery as it now exists in the Confederate States.” The quote is taken directly from the Confederate States Constitution of 1861. Cleburne Street should be changed to a street name that more appropriately reflects the pride, struggles,
September 19, 2021 and contributions of all Americans. Dr. Thomas F. Freeman is a symbol of that pride, struggle, and contribution—he pushed the boulder of progress up the mountain and those he mentored have rushed behind him to continue the efforts of making America the greatest nation for all Americans. This writer has moved forward with a campaign to change the name of Cleburne Street to Dr. Thomas F. Freeman Ave. Letters have been sent to the residents/owners of property on Cleburne for signature, which is required by the City of Houston. Of those residents, 75% must sign and agree to the name change. You can help. Call a friend who is a resident/owner of property on Cleburne and encourage them to sign and send back the letters. This is an “each one must reach one” effort to move the racist nod of Cleburne Street toward a more appropriate scream for America to be what its Declaration suggests—that all men are created equal. James H. Ford Jr. -AANI
AFRAMNEWS.COM 7
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED METRO FISCAL YEAR 2022 OPERATING & CAPITAL BUDGETS The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) is holding a public hearing to receive public comments on its proposed Operating and Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2022 (October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022). The public hearing will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 in the METRO Board Room on the Second Floor at 1900 Main Street in Houston, Texas 77002. The public is invited to attend the hearing and provide comments in person. You may also join the hearing on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84985325440 or by dialing: 346-248-7799, Meeting ID: 849 8532 5440. Participation on Zoom is only necessary if you want to provide comments during the public hearing. Otherwise, you may view a livestream of the hearing online at https://www.RideMETRO.org/Pages/BoardStreamingVideo.aspx. A video recording of the hearing will also be archived on RideMETRO.org. A copy of METRO’s proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Operating and Capital Budgets is currently available for review by the public on METRO’s website at RideMETRO.org and in the lobby of the METRO RideStore in the Lee P. Brown METRO Administration Building, located at 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002.
PROCESS FOR PROVIDING PUBLIC COMMENTS It is recommended that anyone wanting to make public comments register as a public speaker with METRO’s Board Office at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing by calling 713-739-4834 or sending an email to boardoffice@RideMETRO.org, and providing their name, address, and telephone number. If you pre-register, your comments will be heard first at the public hearing. Your name will be called at the appropriate time for you to make your comments. Alternatively, you may provide public comments after the pre-registered speakers by raising your hand when called upon if you are present in the Board Room, by selecting the “Raise Hand” feature on the Zoom platform online, or by pressing *9 if joining by telephone. Those calling in will automatically be placed on mute. After an unregistered speaker’s name or number is recognized, their microphone will be unmuted and they will be able to provide their comments. The public may also provide comments by email to Budget.Book@RideMETRO.org or by calling METRO’s Customer Care Center at 713-635-4000 in advance of the public hearing.
LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE, ACCESSIBILITY AND SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS Upon request, METRO provides free language assistance to help patrons who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English in accordance with its language assistance plan. METRO’s public hearings are accessible to persons with disabilities. Request for language assistance and other accommodations should be directed to the Board Office at 713-739-4834 at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.
RideMETRO.org • 713.635.4000
8 AFRAMNEWS.COM
September 19, 2021
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
SCORE THESE
GAME DAY ESSENTIALS
Online prices may vary from ad/in-store. See heb.com
©2021 HEB, 21-8337