AANI October 30 - November 5, 2017; Volume 22 Issue 41

OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 5, 2017 | FREE

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VOL. 22 ISSUE 41

Vote FOR Houston Propositions A through E:

The City Bonds

Hon. Sylvester Turner City of HoustonMayor

Greater Houston Area

Houston, if we can dream it, we can do it.

I’ve never been more proud to be a Houstonian than I am today. Our city is bouncing back from Hurricane Harvey because of the kindness and generosity of our people.

Our optimism is fueled by grit and a dogged determination to build a city that will provide a brighter future for all our kids and all their kids.

Busby, The Ordinary Man...

“I Don’t Want Nobody to Give Me Nothing (Open Up the Door, I’ll Get it Myself)” By: James Brown

We have challenges ahead of us as we dig out from Harvey, but we can do more than one thing at a time – and do them all well.

That’s why I am asking all Houstonians to join me at the polls and vote FOR the City Bonds, Houston Propositions A through E. Please go vote right now. You can vote early through this Friday, November 3. Election Day is Tuesday, November 7.

If you have any questions about voting, you can visit our campaign website at www.

LiftUpHouston.com/vote or call the campaign’s Voting Hotline at (346) 970-1019.

Here’s what you will see on your ballot:

Proposition A: Pension Obligation Bonds

SEE PG 4

Your Money & Your Vote

ARE THE MOST POWERFUL THINGS YOU HAVE;

BE CAREFUL WHO YOU GIVE THEM TO.

Proposition A is the final piece of our pension reform plan that protects retirement plans for police, fire and municipal workers – without raising taxes. It allows the city to pay off $8.2 billion in pension liabilities over thirty years and protects taxpayers by capping the city’s costs.

This is a must-win for our city. If Proposition A fails, Houston would be forced to pay an additional $1.8 billion to its pension systems. We could see layoffs of 2,200 police officers, firefighters and city employees and the potential closing of health clinics, libraries and community centers.

When I ran for mayor, I promised to tackle our pension crisis and protect our retirees. We are so close to finishing the job.

~Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher~

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American News&Issues

Too Many Troubling Questions Earl Ofari Hutchinson Author & Political Analyst The troubling questions about the death of Sgt. La David Johnson in Niger didn’t begin and certainly won’t and shouldn’t end with the bungled call that Trump made to Johnson’s widow, Myeshia Johnson. Apart from the furor it ignited and the war of words between White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and Black Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, the call did make Johnson and his death front-page news. That’s just the start.

The official reason Johnson and three other U.S. servicemen were killed is that they were ambushed by

Roy Douglas Malonson Chairman Shirley Ann Malonson President/C.E.O. Chandra Jarmon Kimberly Taylor

purportedly Shahab, ISIS or Al-Qaeda fighters while on a training mission with Nigerien army forces. This narrative may change over time only because the military has kept a tight, need-not-to-know lid on the mission and the action. Officially, the nearly 1,000 U.S. troops who have been in the country since 2013 are there to train the Nigerien forces in counterterrorism tactics and operations.

Though Johnson was not a Green Beret, he was part of special forces units in the country. The other three soldiers killed were Green Beret forces that operate in the country. Their missions are the most hush hush of all. The question of why Johnson and any other American troops are there is a question that wasn’t asked before Johnson’s death, but now is. The answer is just as murky. Again, officially, it’s to train army forces there in counter-terrorist actions. Why U.S. special forces operatives are on the front line engaging in combat, or snooping for alleged terrorist operatives, or even if there are any terrorist forces nesting there is unknown. Johnson’s death

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Production Asst.

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by African-American News & Issues, Inc., 6130 Wheatley Street, Houston, Texas 77091, (713) 692-1892. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm. The entire contents of the paper are copyrighted by African-American News & Issues, Inc. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. African-American News&Issues is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers.

The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the publisher.

African-American News&Issues assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other material, unless accompanied by a self-address stamped envelope.

Letter to the Editor

W

e welcome all original responses from our readers to content found in the AfricanAmerican News&Issues. Letters to the Publisher may be sent via e-mail to news@aframnews.com.

Please keep all letters under 300 words. Be sure to include the author’s name, area of residence.

All letters and articles may be verified before they are published. All letters are subjected to editing or being cut for spacing purposes. Thank you in advance for your submission.

TX-2

Editorial & Opinion

W

Billy “Hollywood” Groves

hen I first started writing, speaking out and standing up for people who were being abused, killed and their civil rights violated, it wasn’t a very popular stance with a lot of my own people; but I knew I had to do what God had instructed me to do. As a matter of fact, I was attacked in the media through the mail, the phone and the internet by those folks who didn’t agree with me. If you fast forward from the time I got started to our current time, it’s like night and day. That’s why I

won’t be enough to get the Pentagon to answer those questions.

The infamous call that Trump made to Johnson’s widow came fully two weeks after Johnson, and the three Green Berets were killed. Why did it take so long? How much did Trump really know about the operation that Johnson was involved with? If Trump did insult Johnson’s widow by saying he “knew what he signed up for,” that shows far more than crude, crass, insensitivity. It hints that Trump really didn’t know much about U.S. involvement in the country. He certainly didn’t seem to know Sergeant Johnson’s name. According to Johnson’s mother who listened to the call he kept referring to Johnson in speaking to Mrs. Johnson as “your guy.”

Johnson’s death also opens yet another deeply troubling issue which was bound to surface, Trump’s call or not. Johnson is an African-American special forces soldier. He was the only African-American among those killed in the attack. There were accounts that he was left behind in the attack. The Pentagon has been tight-lipped on this as well. It has neither confirmed nor denied whether this was the case.

If there is truth to this, then there are more questions. Was Johnson’s separation from the other soldiers killed just an inadvertent happenstance in the fog of war? If so, why did it take two days more to find his body? And was, as some reports have it, was his body mutilated? This latter gruesome possibility was fanned by the report that his widow had him interred in a closed casket.

The big issue though for many is race. There is no evidence the Pentagon treated Johnson’s death any different than any other fallen soldier.

More than likely the delay in recovering his body was due to the fluid and chaotic state of a combat scene. It was the gross insensitivity of Trump toward his widow that made race an issue in the death. This was fueled by the prideful statement by Defense Secretary James Mattis that “the U.S. military does not leave troops behind.” This boost seemed to fly squarely in the face of the fact that Johnson apparently was left behind whether accidental or otherwise.

Mattis’s bold assertion would be jumped all over by some in the press and the public considering what

I Was An Activist…When Activism

use the term “I was an Activist before activism wasn’t cool.”

There was an old country song that was named “I was country when Country wasn’t Cool”, was where the reference form this article title came from. I’m not a minister or a Bible theologian, but I know that there is a Bible verse which says “ My people perish for lack of knowledge”. A lot of the people who are involved in our current fight for freedom like The Black Lives Matter movement, were not around when I began my activist role. I was inspired by people like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Fredrick Douglass, Nate Turner, The late writer Bud Johnson of Houston’s African-American News&Issues, Sojourner Truth, the late Earlie Marshall Groves and many others.

The knowledge I got from those people inspired and informed me about what had happened in the past to our people and what we needed to do in the future to survive. With what happened in recent years with the Trayvon Martin murder and many other high profile racial tragedies; the people of America including a whole new generation of Americans of all races, religious and different background ethnicities have become aware of our nation’s malfunction.

Freedom Fighters, Freedom writers, activists and others who are standing up for citizens who are under attack are viewed as heroes by a majority of Americans these days.

Activism and activists are as American as the NFL, NBA and other

Texas • October 30 - November 5, 2017

happened to Johnson. But he quickly scotched these questions and doubts by simply demanding that no one question the actions of U.S. troops. Presumably by that he meant no questions will be answered about the actions of U.S. forces wherever they are.

So, did Trump and the military hide, cover-up, or were simply ignorant of what Johnson and the other Green Berets were doing at the time of their ambush? This is a troubling question that hasn’t been answered. As for the bumbling Trump call, Trump loudly protested that it was deliberately misrepresented, and that he cares deeply for the troops. As proof of that there was no issue made of his call to the families of the other three slain servicemen. Whether that’s true, it’s a question that only the families can answer.

The one indisputable fact is that Johnson and the others were killed.

Neither their families or the American public really know the full story why.

Maybe that even includes, the man who should know, Trump.

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sports. The words and information of modern day activists are respected by our nation. I will end this article saying: My late Mother Earlie Marshall Groves instilled in me and her children the fact that sometimes things that are popular or “cool” are not always the best for the people. I learned about Bud Johnson when he was writing for the Forward Times Newspaper in Houston, when I was a very young boy from my Mother. She knew she was teaching us about things that were not popular at the time; however, she understood that if we wanted to help our people get to a better situation in America, we had to represent a cause “Freedom Fighting” which wasn’t popular or “cool” at the time. God Bless America.

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Make Sure YOU Get out and Vote!

Early Vote Monday October 30 - Friday November 3, 2017 7am - 7pm General and Special Elections Vote, Tuesday, November 7, 2017

TEXAS • OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 5, 2017

Editorial & Opinion

The N Word

D

isturbing right? This is what was sent to a Black girl who attends The Woodlands High School from one of her peers on social media. I am sure you are familiar with the term “nigger,” but just in case, the dictionary defines it as, “a contemptuous term used to refer to a black person.” It further states, “a contemptuous term used to refer to a person of any racial or ethnic origin regarded as contemptible, inferior, and ignorant.” This six letter word holds so much history, so much negativity, and can trigger any argument or fight if mentioned.

This word, if mentioned, in an instant brings up so much pain, hostility, tension, and anger. The quote previously stated by that student is highly offensive and hurts. It is sad to know that this is the mindset of some people of whom we brush shoulders with each and every day. It is also sickening to know that a person’s skin color is still judged before a person’s heart or character. However, I do have a question for you. Why do we as a black race get offended by this word, but we call each other a “nigga” all the time. Even other ethnicities such as the Mexican race has adopted this word and it has become a part of their daily vernacular as well.

From my understanding, we (as a Black race) have taken this derogatory term and have given it a more positive meaning. I hear the word all the time in the hallways at the school I teach, at the mall, or simply, in some music that I hear. Speaking of music, millions of dollars are being made with rap songs using the term, and many different ethnic groups are listening to these lyrics, which can give off the wrong impression of this word. No matter how much we as a race have transformed this word to take on a new connotation, I am sorry to say that it is still the same word. The ending in the spelling of the word is different, but the meaning is still the same. No matter how the word has been changed,

American News&Issues

“Your Money”, “Your Vote”,

Don’t suffer in silence America.

“We should have hung all you niggers while we had the chance and trust me it would make the world better.”

African

You Need to Decide Who to Give Them to!

The Overflow

By Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M.Ed

the history, and the pain behind this it has not and will never change.

In respect to our past, in respect to our ancestors, we owe it to them to try to demolish the usage of this word period. Keeping it as a part of our vocabulary has already set a bad precedent as if it is okay for anyone to use this word. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and members of the Civil Rights movement marched, went to jail, were stoned, beaten, and hosed down by police for equality and respect. They did not want to be called a nigger, and they did not want to be treated like animals, or demeaned by their oppressor. They just wanted to be treated like the human beings they were. I wonder if they were alive today, what would they have to say about our “progress” as a Black race.

In my opinion, we can’t keep getting upset with other races when this term is used against us, when we still are referring to one another as a “nigga.” I hope you understand what I’m saying. I am not giving people an excuse to use the term. I am simply explaining that if we’re still upset about the usage of the word nigger, then why keep it around?

Think about this. Metaphorically speaking, if you skin a cat, at the end of the day, it is still a cat. All you did was change the appearance of the cat, but its original form and state is still the same no matter how much you try and change the cat. The same thing works for this word. All we (as a Black race) was skin the ending off the word for a new ending. However, the original form of the word and the state of its being is still the same.

Still not convinced? I have personally witnessed Black people get upset from White people calling them a nigger and from calling them a nigga as well.

What’s the difference? You are what

For over thirty-years, I have been telling anyone that will listen to me, the power that we possess as citizens of this nation. “Your money” and “your vote” are two of the most powerful tools that you have. Therefore, you should be careful who you give them to. Whoever you freely give, “your money” and “your vote” to, are amongst those whom you empower.

This statement is applicable to any registered voter or any person who spends even a penny in this country, regardless of what race, ethnic group or culture you belong to.

Oftentimes, voters tend to show more interest on heavily publicized elections, such as the: presidential, governor’s and mayoral races. For some reason, they consider these races as more of a priority, in regards to whether or not; they will exercise their right to vote. However, history has shown that voter turnout is not as heavy, as it relates to voting on elections that are primarily focused on bonds and propositions within citizen’s perspective counties and local jurisdictions. Nonetheless, it is important for us to understand that voting on bonds, proposed by local officials are just as relevant as other elections.

We MUST Understand that voting on propositions within your county are, issues that directly impact and affect you as a resident and your family. Anytime a voter lives in a specified county and propositions are on the ballot in that district, then officials are requesting your permission, by way of voting. So when voters choose not to vote, then in essence what they are telling their elected officials is, “do what you want and spend “my money” as you see fit.” This is one of the main reasons, why I stress emphasis on members of the African-American community, taking control of the power that lies within “your vote”.

To that regard, we are approaching the upcoming bond elections on November 7. For our readers understanding, it is vital that the term “bond” is understood, as it relates to the type of “municipal bonds” that are being presented. According to the, U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s, investigator.gov, municipal bonds are, “debt securities issued by states, cities, counties and other governmental entities to fund day-to-day obligations and to finance

capital projects such as building schools, highways or sewer systems.

By purchasing municipal bonds, you are in effect lending money to the bond issuer in exchange for a promise of regular interest payments.”

These bonds are proposed by our local elected officials and voters are given the right to approve them by voting, “yes” or “no”. Once these bonds are approved through, “your vote”, it is, “your money”, that is responsible for paying them. In this election there are several propositions that will be on the ballot for the City of Houston residents. Hence, I would like to encourage the audience of African-American News & Issues, to go out and vote! There was a time when Black folks didn’t have the right to vote on anything, less known how their money would be spent.

Continuing, I would dare not impose my beliefs on the propositions that are up for voting, in the upcoming election. But, I want our readers to have the knowledge of the items that are being proposed, in regards to how “your money” is being proposed to be utilized. As such, here is a brief overview of the Bond Election and Local Option Election, as it relates to qualified voters within the City of Houston. For our readers’ reference, I have included the ballot language, as it will be written for Propositions A through E. This information has been retrieved from the City of Houston’s website, houstontx.gov. Each proposition is listed as follows: Proposition A: The issuance of $1,010,000,000 pension obligation bonds for the purpose of funding a portion of the unfunded liability of the City with respect to the Houston Police Officers’ Pension System and the Houston Municipal Employees Pension System as contemplated by the pension reform plan contained in Senate Bill 2190 (adopted in the 85th (2017) Texas Legislature, Regular Session), and the levying of taxes sufficient for the payment thereof and interest thereon.

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We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

Proposition B: The issuance of $159,000,000 public safety improvement bonds for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation and equipment of public safety permanent improvements for the police and fire departments and the levying of taxes sufficient for the payment thereof and interest thereon.

Proposition C: The issuance of $104,000,000 park improvement bonds for the conservation, improvement, acquisition, construction and equipment of neighborhood parks, recreational facilities and bayous, including such green spaces along all bayou walking, running and bicycle trails to enhance, preserve and protect the health of citizens, water quality, natural habitat and native wildlife and the levying of taxes sufficient for the payment thereof and interest thereon.

Proposition D: The issuance of $109,000,000 public facility improvement bonds for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, remediation and equipment of permanent improvements that support public health and wellness, sanitation and other essential governmental and general services of the City and the levying of taxes sufficient for the payment thereof and interest thereon.

Proposition E: The issuance of $123,000,000 library improvement bonds for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation and equipment of the public library system and the levying of taxes sufficient for the payment thereof and interest thereon.

Concluding, our local elected officials are requesting your permission to use your money for the purpose of, the pensions of police officers and municipal employees. They also are asking you to authorize funds be allocated to the improvement of: public safety, neighborhood parks, public facilities and library improvements.

Make note of the amounts that are being proposed to finance these efforts.

And remember, it’s “your money” and “your vote”, you need to decide how you want it to be used.

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African

American News&Issues

BUSBY from pg. 1

Cover Story by the passing of his father. He admitted that he was engaging in several activities that were out of character for him.

WILLIAM, EARNEST

AND

BRIAN BUSBY & ALFRIEDA

HOUSTON – Nearly half a century later, an ordinary man, Mr. Brian Busby; with an extraordinary story, has used these lyrics, as a creed to live by. Recently, African-American News & Issues allowed me to conduct an exclusive with Mr. Busby. In it, he enlightened me with a brief overview of his journey within the Houston Independent School District (HISD), of which he has ascended to the role of Chief Operating Officer.

Despite not being raised by his biological parents, Busby received no lack of nurture or discipline, than one would experience from genuinely loving and concerned parents. As it was, Busby was the product of teenage parents who were inadequate to care for him at the time.

However, God Almighty had already provisioned the late George Henry and his wife, Majorlee for the divine assignment. At the age of ten-days old, young Brian was relocated from Beaumont to Houston and legal guardianship was awarded to his grandmother’s first cousins. His parents were native Houstonians and graduates of Texas Southern University. Accordingly, they were avid supporters of education and instilled those values in their son. During his youth, he attended Wonderland Private School and was involved in the National Youth Achievers Top Teen; in addition to participating in other scholastic and honorary programs in school.

Growing up, Busby’s father made it law within their home that his son occupyied his leisure time with productive activities. Therefore, he chose to labor by cutting his neighbor’s yards in South Park. Once he became of legal age, he began his first official job at Astro World. After arriving at high school, he expanded his work experience by working at places like: FedEx, performing security at Smith Towers (Medical Center) and various malls throughout the city.

He went on to graduate from Jones High School with Honors.

Determined to uphold the educational values imbedded in him by his parents, he enrolled at TX- 4

AND

ROBERT STEVENSON

Texas Southern University. In past, he’d learned of the exceptional football talents of his biological father and had a desire to pursue football on the collegiate level. However, this intent was short-lived, after realizing he was amongst a wide range of outstanding competitors. He admitted that he did not believe that he was a stand-out star on the field, as others. Thus, he returned home and told his father that he wasn’t sure of what he really wanted to do. His father retorted, “Well stop wasting VICTORIA, DR. those people time and my money and quit.” Needless to state, he heeded his father’s words.

Shortly thereafter, his father passed away in May 1998. The loss of his father devastated him. He expressed, “My life changed because mentally, I assumed my only goal in life was to take care of my mother; not realizing, her goal was for me to take care of myself.” Consequently, his mother drove him to the Human Resource division of HISD and encouraged him to apply.

Upon his arrival, he met Mr. James Lang who scorned him for his appearance and the attitude he displayed with his mother. He admonished him to leave and, “come correct”. At the time, Busby was going through a stage of depression induced

Busby returned back to HISD with a new attitude and was hired in October 1998. Initially, he was employed as an hourly, where he performed a variety of duties. He explained, “Back then, you were sent out on assignments and you would have to call in to find out your assignment, every week. One week I would be a custodian the next week, a payroll assistant or something else…”

As time progressed, he was exposed to several people that he characterizes as, “seeds sown in his life by God”. He said, “Later in my life, when I really needed rearing, there were people who stepped in and told me, ‘I was going nowhere fast, with a lot of potential.’” Busby mentioned, Pastor Johnnie Tates, as one of those “seeds”

COURTNEY, BRIAN, MORGAN & REAGAN BUSBY

who became an impactful mentor in his life. He also made reference to other “seeds” such as: Roland Shaw and the late Melinda Garrett, who pushed him to figure out his destiny and encouraged him to return to school. As a result, he attended Houston Community College, Lone Star Community College and re-enrolled at TSU. However, after receiving several promotions and feeling that school was moving too slow for him; he discontinued his studies.

In 2000, Busby was offered a permanent role in the Customer Care Center. While serving in this capacity, he learned everything about facilities. A year later, he was promoted to a

TEXAS • OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 5, 2013 2017 Texas 30 • August 12-18,

Planner-Supervisor within the district. A couple years thereafter, he obtained the level of School Maintenance Manager in the south region of campuses. While operating in this role he met his area superintendent, Warner Ervin. He regarded Ervin as being one that was tedious about work ethics. Yet, he found that the training he received from him would help to groom him professionally.

Over time, Busby developed a working relationship with the Chief Operating Officer at the time, Mr. Reginald Moore. On one occasion, his superior questioned him in regard to the look of disengagement that he sensed from him. Busby truthfully shared that, he felt like he was doing a lot, but didn’t see a purpose for himself within the organization. Immediately, Moore inquired about his degree and Busby explained that he didn’t have one. Moore told him that if he was to acquire a degree that his opportunities would be endless. Meanwhile, he took Busby under his wings, trained him and allowed him to be responsible for tasks that were far greater than his pay grade. A couple years passed, and his mentor resigned, swiftly diminishing all of the authority and status that Busby had attained.

At this point in his career, he had yet to receive a degree, but had become accustomed to operating as an executive. Busby said, “It was like a fall from grace, I had to go back to the maintenance area and begin reporting to people again.” He continued, “At that point, I had to reinvent myself, educationally and mentally. Because some of the same people I promoted, I ended up having to go to them, to regain my footing.”

“It was a humbling experience, watching people that I hand-picked along the way, become the ones being called upon to do things that I used to be responsible for,” he added.

Nevertheless, Busby adjusted and continued on in his daily functioning.

Eventually, he was called into the office by the new General Manager of his department, Mr. Issa Dadoush. As it was, Busby had developed a reputation for being, one with a great supply of institutional knowledge about the district; even though it was outside of the area he was assigned to. The new GM took notice at the recommendation of board member, Mrs. Paula Harris and began to heavily rely on Busby’s expertise.

From this experience, he was later elevated to Senior Manager of Operations.

Continue reading online @ www.aframnews.com | By:Rebecca Jones

business

TEXAS • OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 5, 2017

SBA- Small Business Administration Darla Booker Small Business Administration - Public Information Officer

It has been two months since Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas, including areas right here in the local community. When President Trump declared Hurricane Harvey a federal disaster it opened the door for all forms of federal funding, including affordable disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Already SBA has approved more than $1.5 billion to applicants in 41 Texas counties. And, there is still time to apply, since the deadline has been

extended to Nov. 24.

We urge those impacted to apply for SBA assistance whether you think you may need or want a loan, before the deadline passes. Applying for an SBA disaster loan is a critical part of the recovery assistance process.

What is the process?

Survivors that register for FEMA grant assistance using disasterassistance.gov are automatically screened to determine if they should be referred to the SBA disaster loan program. If referred to SBA, disaster survivors immediately are presented the option to begin the SBA disaster loan application.

The application process is simple.

There are three ways to apply: online at sba.gov, in person at a neighborhood Disaster Recovery Center (you

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can find the closest location by visiting sba.gov) or you can apply by mail by calling 800-659-2955. Approximately 80-90 percent of all disaster loan applications are submitted online using SBAs secure electronic loan application process.

Once an application is received, it is assessed for credit and repayment ability. Then, a determination is made to advance the loan or decline the loan. Applications that meet the initial credit and repayment threshold, based on the minimum income level and debts as reported on the application, are advanced.

Because SBA is a direct lender of taxpayer funds to disaster survivors, it is critical that applicants demonstrate a reasonable ability to repay the loan.

The interest rate on disaster loans is below the rate charged in the private sector, and the term of the loans goes out as far as 30 years. In addition, the

first loan payment is not due for up to 12 months from the closing date.

These features can make the SBA disaster loans more affordable, and broaden the pool of applicants who qualify. Nevertheless, SBA can only make disaster loans to those who can demonstrate a reasonable ability to repay.

When processing disaster loans, SBA can apply more lenient credit standards, however, at the same time, SBA must adhere to fundamental credit standards and must thoroughly process loan applications to ensure that each loan is likely to be repaid.

SBA regulations allow an expedited processing of applications from disaster survivors with strong credit. This complements SBA’s practice of expediting initial declines for home loan applicants so they may be quickly referred back to FEMA, for Other Needs Assistance (ONA),

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which could include personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

In instances where the applicant is declined, SBA staff will initiate follow-up phone calls to ensure they are aware of their right to appeal, the availability of other services, and to provide an opportunity to ask questions.

Businesses that are declined are referred to SBA resource partners for additional counseling services.

Who is eligible?

Homeowners can apply for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their damaged or destroyed primary residence. Interest rates on these loans start at 1.75% for up to 30 years, fixed, no fees, no points, no closing costs.

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Helping Harris County Public School Teachers Restore Classroom Learning

Hurricane Harvey caused so much devastation not only to homes and businesses, but to schools as well. Even though it has been two months after the catastrophic storm, many people are still trying to put the pieces of their lives back together. Teachers are amongst those who have been trying to put everything back together in spite of what they may have lost. In order to ensure that teachers and students have everything they need, Chevron has donated $1 million dollars to help Harris County school teachers gain the classroom essentials they need for learning.

This donation is part of Chevron’s Fuel Your School program, which has helped fund 39,496 classroom projects in communities throughout the U.S. since 2010. Chevron has also donated $1 million dollars to the Red Cross to help those who are in need.

Chevron has partnered with DonorsChoose. org in order to help rebuild teachers’ classrooms

with the resources they need. “Donors Choose is a great partnership that Chevron has had for a long time, and they have a great reach with public schools, and it was just a natural migration that when we wanted to start the program, we wanted to get with a program that had the same values and mission that Chevron had,” expressed Karen Rawls, Chevron Public Affairs Representative.

Teachers are encouraged to apply and submit their request to receive support for their classrooms. Rawls further stated that, “The program is really designed to release the financial barriers that teachers have in the classrooms. So many of our classrooms have been impacted in the Harris County schools, and Chevron wanted to be on the forefront and provide the financial resources to help eliminate those barriers.”

The program was actually modified this year so that teachers could go in and provide clothing, food, and basic necessities for their classrooms

that are so important and critical for teachers in the classroom. In order for teachers to apply, they have to be a Harris County teacher, and must go in the DonorsChoose.org website and apply as it will go into a rotational where Donors Choose will go in and select the project. “It really is first come first serve basis in how the projects are selected, and we’re really trying to focus on those schools that have been hit the hardest and get them the relief fund sooner,” stated Rawls.

Teachers are able to receive $1,000 for their classroom project, which can consist of typical classroom supplies such as pencils, books, tablets, and computers, to life essentials.

In addition to this project, Chevron has other community affairs that they are engaged with.

They focus on STEM education and they have great partnerships with the University of Houston where they sponsor their STEM competition, which is one of the largest STEM affairs in

the country. In this competition, students come from all over the world come to participate.

This is one of many community projects that Chevron is committed to. Rawls made it known that, “Chevron has a great legacy and history in Houston and we’re committed. Chevron is committed to making Houston strong and making education strong in the Houston community as well.”

Teachers are heavily encouraged to apply, as Chevron is happy to assist to help break that financial wall so that students are learning and their education is not interrupted due to the lack of resources. As of October 9th, Chevron has funded a total of 769 teacher projects, in 416 Houston area schools, posted on DonorsChoose. org. These projects range across elementary to high school classrooms.

Continue reading online @ www.aframnews.com By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M.Ed. TX- 5

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New Age of Agriculture

nearly 200,000 gallons of water per head vs. 2 gallons for hydroponically raised lettuce. By using artificial illumination, the entire process can be done pesticide free and entirely on a factory production schedule. Demand can be anticipated and supplied as it arises.

Because Aquaponics/Hydroponics is economically superior to standard farming methods, tomatoes and other vegetables are being moved to this farming system rapidly. There is little to zero excess production, higher quality output and as mentioned earlier, no seasonal variations. Another great advantage is that the process can be stacked vertically, allowing as seen in Western Spain and Portugal, some crops to be stacked in a 40 story building, with some crops as many as 20 layers to the story. This method allows for the production 8000 acres of output with a building covering a land space of 10 acres.

Pictured above is Jerry of Urban Green University Story By: Arielle Johnson

Agriculture as we know it is doomed.

Looming shortages of Phosphates and Potash will shortly make any other form of agriculture impossible. It is already rapidly being replaced by new aquaponic/hydroponic farming allowing massive gains in the food supplies of mankind.

The produce crops on demand, on time using a fraction of minerals and water needed for standard farms. Mineral demand is decreased by a factor of 100 or more, and water demand by a factor of up 10,000. This new age technology is already massively used in the EU region where nearly 1/3 of all vegetable demand is satisfied by growing under artificial lighting, and when natural, seasonal lighting is not ideal for crops, this lighting is employed to meet human demands. The costs of labor and the demands of automation have paved the way for the development of a technology of growing crops without soil or sunlight.

The Urban Green University is on the cutting edge of hands on education, and is developing devices, methods and a production structure for this industry. Land including residential, non-profit and church sites that might otherwise be useless, is extraordinarily suited for farming and providing hands on training to members of the community. The result is a self-sustaining community.

Aquaponics/Hydroponics was developed in the early 1940’s to a fairly refined science and has seen refinements on a continuous basis.

Today it is approximately 1/100th as demanding of minerals as a standard cropland model with water demand so low as to be insignificant. For example, lettuce produced on farmland requires HOU - 6

Massive efficiencies in planting, care and harvesting have been realized through the implementation of this method. For example, strawberry production can be conveyor managed to allow the pickers to be stationary in a comfortable position and to work like an assembly line.

Hand labor jobs are easily automated and this all becomes a very impressive production machine.

The efficiency is compounded by the reduction of transportation costs. The crop can literally be produced where it is consumed or within a few miles at most of the consumer markets. Quality of product can be absolutely controlled creating greater consumer demand and greater consumer confidence in the product. There are no pesticides generally, and as such, consumers view the product as superior due to freshness, appearance and flavor.

As this process progresses the automation of the process will make way for highly automated facilities and increase the need to employ robotic devices not currently in use, but as the field grows, so will the need for highly skilled developers.

The Urban Green University has established itself in an area north of the Trinity and will be able to serve most of South Dallas, which is well over 3 million people. And with the great water supply it already has, we can easily see this number double within a short period of time. The anticipated population growth makes it a great opportunity for students interested in artificial lighting, robotics and production management.

To find out more about the Urban Green University, you may visit them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/theugu/ or you may contact the President at urbangreenu@gmail. com -END-

TEXAS • OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 5, 2017

Kingdom Village - Rites of Passage Submitted By: Arielle Johnson

Urban Specialist, Antong Lucky, held a 3-day mentoring workshop for young boys between the ages of 8 and 18 at the 16th Street Initiative in South Dallas, Texas. In order to qualify for the program, the children have to have at least one parent who is incarcerated or absent from the home.

Mr. Lucky likes to refer to the experience as being a rites of passage.

AFRAM News attended the workshop which started at 6:00 p.m. Thirteen young boys were were seated around a long table and listened intently as various men of all walks of life stressed the importance of obedience and responsibility and not allowing bad influences to ruin their lives.

Gary “DeVito” Walker was one of the presenters who looked sternly at the young boys as he said, “Don’t be a follower of the wrong things. I spent 16 years in the free world, and then the next 21 in prison. I made some wrong choices, but I have an opportunity to earn back some of the years I lost by making sure you stay on the right path.” In 1992, DeVito was convicted of a murder he did not commit. He was released in 2013 after a lie detector test proved his innocence.

But as he later mentioned to the kids, he allowed himself to be enticed by the material items some of his drug dealing friends were able to purchase with their drug slinging earned money.

DeVito felt pressured to help

out his recently divorced mom who was working two jobs and his two younger siblings.

After DeVito spoke, Mr. Lucky looked at the children and said, “You really have to listen to what we’re saying to you to make the right connection. Right now, this room looks like a prison day room with one television. We don’t believe you can’t control yourself.

Regardless of how bad things are, it’s on you.” He then cast a furtive glance at one of the teenagers who was following him with his eyes everytime he walked to another area of the room, addressing the youth. He briefly acknowledged the young man, and identified him to the group as someone who more than likely would benefit the most, from the teachings of the Kingdom Village Program.

None of the speakers lost a beat as they seemed to continuously pass the baton to each other in an imaginary relay race against time to capture the attention of the youth. The prize in this case was to leave an indelible impression upon the children’s minds, to serve as a reminder to stay focused in pursuing their dreams in life and avoid negative things and people.

A gentleman by the name of A.J. spoke shortly after Mr. Lucky and started out complimenting all of the boys on listening to each speaker. A.J. grew up in the West Dallas projects, better known as the “rough

side of town”. When he left his house to hang out one evening, he decided to tote a gun in a brown paper bag. He knew he was going to be coming back late and didn’t want to be caught without a way to protect himself, if the wrong group or person cornered him. During the walk home, for some reason, he decided to run the rest of the way, again with the intention of avoiding a hostile encounter.

But, the brown bag that held his gun was visible in the wee hours of the morning as he ran. A.J. was soon spotted by two female officers who thought he may have been running because he had just robbed someone. They stopped him in his tracks and took his gun, then removed the bullets. A.J. was lucky. He never had to appear before a judge or even so much received a fine for carrying the weapon. Instead, he received a stern warning.

A.J. described his experience as being life changing. It was that day he decided he was never going to do anything that would put him on the wrong side of the law. Also, he realized he was going to have to be successful to improve his options in life.

Today he is a film and television producer.

The first Kingdom Village was held on Friday, August 11, 2017, and culminated in a completion award ceremony which was held at the Kingdom War church in Downtown Dallas on Sunday, August 13.

2017.

Continue reading online @ www.aframnews.com

DATE: October 30 - November 5, 2017 EDITION DATE:EDITION October 30 - November 5, 2017 (Vol. 22 Issue 41) (Vol. 22 Issue 41) 6 - Issue 12, 2017 EDITION DATE:EDITION NovemberDATE: 6 - 12, November 2017 (Vol. 22 42) (Vol. 22 Issue 42)

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TEXAS • OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 5, 2017

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Rate and sizeNOTICE of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Houston PUBLIC PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice edition. Public Notice Houston Community College Houston Community College 30 - November EDITION DATE: October 5, 2017, (Vol. 22Contact IssueInformation 41) Contact2017 Information Request for Proposals (RFP)

Drymalla Construction Company is bidding on the City of Houston Project WBS No.: C-000206-0001-4 New Fire Station 55.We are looking for possible MWSBE suppliers to provide the following: Concrete, Masonry, Structural Steel Fabrication, Steel Erection, Miscellaneous Metals, Carpentry, Wood Framing, Casework, Thermal and Moisture Protection, Roofing, Doors and Hardware, Glazing, , Drywall, Acoustical Ceilings, Flooring, Miscellaneous Specialties, Equipment, Furnishings, Fire Suppression, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, Fire Alarm, Earthwork, Termite control, Pavement Markings, Fencing as well as any other trades listed in Drawings/Specifications. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Jason Labay at 979732-5731. We must receive your bid no later than 11/15/17 @ 2 pm to be considered.

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George Thomas “Mickey” Leland Library

The late Congressman George Thomas "Mickey" Leland's interest in helping the community started years before his election to Congress or his involvement in government; it started as a pharmaceutical student at Texas Southern University in the mid-1960s. The late Congressman's compassion for others reflected in his outreach throughout the world, especially on the Continent of Africa, where he sought solutions to end pain, hunger and hopelessness.

In 1997, Black United Fund of Texas (BUFTX), launched the George Thomas “Mickey” Leland Library & Museum of African History, Culture and Social Change (MLLM) to promote his work in the community on issues centered on; history, culture, poverty, social justice, community service, leadership development and literacy.

As a youth, Texas State Representative Jarvis Johnson, along with his sister Velika, was one of the founding members of the Mickey Leland Youth Task Force, therefore, he is hosting the first public showing of “Accentuating the Work of “A Texas State Representative and Congressman, Legislation & Photography Exhibit”, opening on Monday November 6, 2017.

A special premiere reception will be held on Saturday December 2, 2017 at Jesse H. Jones Central Library Art Gallery from 3-6.

Showcased will be, never seen photographs of Mr. Leland as a State Representative, along with Governor Briscoe and other members of the State House. Several documentaries, one being “Mickey Leland -Citizen of the World,” a poem he wrote “She’ll Never Know” and an audio interview by John Hanson. Also, there will be highlighted moments of his Congressional days, presented by Texas Southern University Mickey Leland Center.

The former Congressman, State Senator & State Representative Craig Washington, former State Representative & City Councilman Ben Reyes, actor Charles Robinson, (childhood friend) elected officials, former elected officials, entrepreneurs, statewide community leaders, and the African community will address the audience.

Those that appeared in the documentary, former members of the youth task force, his Washington Interns and former staff will be recognized.

The Haitian and Cuban communities have been invited, two communities that Mickey Leland, greatly supported.

My Brother’s Keeper will make a special presentation and entertainment will be provided

by Rev. James J. McLaughlin and the Conrad O. Johnson Youth Jazz Ensemble.

This Legislation & Photography Exhibit serves as a teaching tool, which will tell the story of how the governance of a man worked across party lines, both as a State Representative and TX - 8

Cleo Glenn Johnson-McLaughlin

Congressman to help establish legislation that ultimately enhanced the lives of people around the world. The intent of this exhibit is to help people remember, especially young people, know the man that took his “Passion to Capitol Hill.” He created & chaired the first House of Representative’s Select Committee on Hunger in 1984.

On Saturday November 18, 2017, at the Mickey Leland Memorial site in the community, at his old state office location, 3815 Cavalcade, a Libation ceremony conducted by Mr. Omowale Luthuli-Allen, will begin at 12:00 noon.

The pictures and copies of his state legislation will hang in the Central Library Art Gallery, beginning Monday November 6 through December 30, 2017. Then the exhibit will be taken to Austin, Dallas and other cities.

Congressman Leland believed in young people as having a place in the work of healing the world, so please join us on this journey to enlighten the community on how one man’s work help change the world.

The community partners helping to make this demonstration of history possible are; Black United Fund of Texas, Jesse H. Jones Central Library Art Gallery, Texas Southern University Mickey Leland Center, University of TexasAustin and Mickey Leland Library & Museum of African History. They will help celebrate the dream, the work and the ideas of the late Congressman in commemoration of what would have been the late Congressman’s 73rd birthday, Monday November 27, 2017.

Mickey Leland believed that within the equation of life & work, he could heighten the awareness of others to be more understanding of what needed to be done for the poor, the lost, the least and the lonely. As much as he demanded of others, he was much more demanding of himself Join us on Saturday December 2, 2017 from 3:00-6:00 pm in the Jesse H, Jones Central Library Art Gallery on 500 McKinney Street, Houston, Texas at a Reception for the first public showing of “Accentuating the Work of A Texas State Representative and Congressman, Legislation & Photography Exhibit” - END

TEXAS • OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 5, 2017

Third Ward's Emancipation Economic

Houston – Project Row Houses (PRH) is proud to present its 47th Round of installations, collectively titled The Act of Doing: Preserving, Revitalizing and Protecting Third Ward, in the Art Houses of Holman Street. The Emancipation Economic Development Council (EEDC) was formed in the face of uncertainty. Threatened by gentrification and the loss of their history and culture, a coalition of churches, nonprofits, community development corporations, business owners, artists, and residents joined forces to inspire hope and contribute to the revitalization and preservation of the Third Ward.

"PRH spearheaded the formation of the EEDC because we sensed that the redevelopment of our community was at a tipping point," said Eureka Gilkey, Executive Director of Project Row Houses. "It has been incredible to witness the collective and creative efforts of our residents and community leaders, all working to build an inclusive revitalized community and preserve its historic legacy."

The Act of Doing amplifies the questions posed by the EEDC – questions of place, displacement, ownership, and creative community organizing - while documenting its formation and early impact on the community through a timeline installation and an interactive space capturing the stories ignored in the gentrification process. While these houses are dedicated to the

EEDC's journey, several installations will house a poetic exchange between local artists and the vision of the Council.

"The art houses are a beautiful way for us to elevate the conversation around the work happening at a level localized specifically to the Third Ward," said Curator and Programs Director Ryan N. Dennis. "This Round highlights the exchange between artists, the EEDC, and the community as a marriage of poetics and fundamentals, utilized as a means of engagement."

Participating artists include Right to Stay/ Right to Say (Zeinab Bakhiet, Olutomi Subulade, and Melanie Meleekah Villegas); Brian Ellison; Danielle Fanfair, Harrison Guy, Marlon Hall, and Anthony Suber; Nikita Hodge; Sofia Mekonnen; Marc Newsome; and Collaboration Timeline House, designed by Adele Main.

PRH hopes that this Round will be seen as an opportunity to raise awareness of community-led revitalization efforts in communities like Third Ward, what it means to truly engage a community in these efforts, and how their history and culture can be preserved in an evolving city like Houston.

“The EEDC is determined to prove that the people and institutions that have historically defined a place can be leveraged as assets to build a thriving community,” stated Assata Richards, Vice Chair of the EEDC and Director of Sankofa Research Institute.

Curbside Recycling Collection

Houston--After a 2-and-a-half-month suspension due to Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts, the City of Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) will resume its curbside recycling collection schedule starting Monday, November 13, 2017. The resumption of service is as follows: “B Week” collection will begin the week of Monday, November 13, 2017.

“A Week” collection will begin the week of Monday, November 20, 2017

As curbside recycling collection reboots, customers are encouraged to place only the following items in their green recycling carts: paper, cardboard, clean food cartons, plastic containers #1-5 and #7, aluminum cans and bimetal cans.

A detailed list of accepted items can be found on department’s website (http://www.houstontx. gov/solidwaste/recycling.html). Customers are also reminded that glass is not accepted in the curbside containers, but can be recycled at all City recycling drop-off locations. The recycling link previously mentioned lists those locations and has them mapped.

Here are a few other reminders to remember

after our recycling hiatus:

No Hurricane Harvey Debris should be in the recycling cart. While we recognize that many customers used their carts to haul demolition material to the curb immediately after Harvey, material of that type is not recyclable and is considered trash.

Recycling should be loose and not bagged in the cart. Loose material speeds the processing line and ensures that contamination is kept at a minimum.

Glass is not accepted at this time and should be taken to a convenient drop-off site.

Junk Waste and Yard Waste services remain suspended until further notice. Those crews continue to work on Hurricane Harvey debris removal.

All city drop-off locations continue to work on a 7 day schedule until further notice. These sites include the Neighborhood Depositories, Westpark Recycling Center and the Environmental Service Center. Remember to check with 3-1-1. or the department’s webpage for operating hours. http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/

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All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information.

Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums, and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Calling the number above will connect you to a licensed sales agent. Other providers are available in our network. The provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. Cigna-HealthSpring complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age disability or sex. Cigna-HealthSpring cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no dicrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. English: ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge are available to you. Call 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). Spanish: ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). Chinese: 注意: 如果您使 用繁體中文, 您可以 免費獲得語言援助服務. 請致電 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). You must reside in the plan service area. Available in certain counties of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. Cigna-HealthSpring is contracted with Medicare for PDP plans, HMO and PPO plans in select states, and with select State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in Cigna-HealthSpring depends on contract renewal. © 2017 Cigna Y0036_18_45086 Accepted TX - 9

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HOUSTON - Mr. John Landry is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and the oldest of seven children. At an early age, he was exposed to diverse cultures and regions due to his father’s commitment to the United States military. While Landry and his family travelled abroad frequently, his formidable years of education were spent in Europe.

Acres Home Chamber for Business & Economic Development. Inc.

After graduating high school in Europe, Landry attended the University of Maryland and Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

Upon completing four years of undergraduate studies, he enrolled into the military and dedicated eight years of service. While there, he served in Korea and obtained various medals and recognition for his outstanding contributions. Furthermore, he was the first African-American instructor in a highly-classified field of intelligence. He also met and married his wife, Karen Landry.

Landry went on to work for the railroad, until retirement. Following, he was employed

by Homeland Security for 20 years. During that period, his daughter became very ill and eventually passed away. He retired from Homeland Security within the same year. Simultaneously, his wife retired from the VA Hospital, after nearly three decades. After having become accustomed to operating in professional fields for majority of both their lives, retirement did not appease the pair. Therefore, Karen applied with the United States Department of Labor and went back to work as a Counselor for Job Corps. Intrigued by the functioning of the Department and excited at the opportunity to help others, Landry applied also. Due to his extensive background in leadership, he was hired on as the Outreach Specialist for the U.S Department of Labor, Job Corps.

Today, Landry devotes his time spreading the many beneficial assets of the organization. He is a representative of Cornerstone Solutions, Inc., which is under contract by the U.S. Department of Labor, Job Corps.

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comprehensive residential education and job training program for at-risk youth. It is a unique and effective solution for at-risk youth which, combines classroom, practical and work-based learning experiences to prepare youth for stable, long-term, high-paying careers. Job Corps is a free governmental-regulated program that has the ability to transform and secure a young person’s life. The service provides a first chance to some and a last chance to others. Candidates seeking entry into the program must be: a U.S. citizen, ages 16 through 24 and low-income. There are 125 centers throughout the nation, with four located in the State of Texas.

Cornerstone Solutions, Inc. under contract with the U.S. Department of Labor, Job Corps

Cornerstone Solutions, Inc. is a family-based organization that is stretched out into different locations within the United States. It was incorporated in the State of Georgia by founder, Mr. Ronald E. Jones. Jones is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and Prairie View A &M University graduate. He received the contract to operate under the U.S. Dept of Labor, on December 16, 2004. Since that time, he has secured a solid presence of centers throughout the country.

Cornerstone subscribes a mission to, “deliver solutions, programs and services that add value and demonstrably beneficial outcomes to customers, constituents and the community, while maintaining uncompromising core values.”

In Landry’s role as outreach specialist he visits: local high schools, churches, homeless shelters, non-profit organizations and various events throughout the city advertising the resources available for the community through Job Corps. Additionally, he has aligned with varying organizations on behalf of Job Corps, such as: Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Turnaround Houston, the Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development and the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County.

Twice a month, Landry takes candidates for the program on a tour to the nearest center in Gary, Indiana. Those who desire to become a part of the organization after viewing the campus are referred to counselors, who enroll them into the program. Once enrolled, recruits leave home to stay on the campus. The program offers a wide variety of services including: (State of Texas) high school diploma, driver’s license, medical, mental and/or emotional attention, certification in a field of choice and transition money upon exit. To date, there have been numerous success stories for youth that have effectively completed the program.

Mr. Landry has made a commitment for the rest of his days to continue seeking out people that are in need and do his very best to try to render some type of help to them. He says, “My wife and I truly enjoy helping people, especially the youth.” “It is the highlight of our day to get a hold of some of our young people and try to make a change in their lives,” he added.

John and Karen Landry have been married for 28 years. Together they have five successful children, of whom one is deceased. Mr. Landry enjoys traveling overseas and within the United States and has a hobby of collecting cups, from his travels. They are proud members of, Southwest Community Baptist Church “The Bridge”, under the leadership of Dr. Gregg J. Patrick.

If you are someone you know, meets the requirements for Job Corps contact, Mr. John Landry at (832) 581-7847 or email jlandry@csiteamonline.com. For more details about the U.S. Department of Labor, Job Corps visit, www. dol.gov and for information about Cornerstone Solutions visit www.csiteamline.com.

By: Rebecca Jones

11

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Community

TEXAS • OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 5, 2017

“The Empowered You” Conference

“The Empowered You: Houston Senior Citizens Conference” proved to be like “Seniors 101” by providing a one-stop shop for resources and information to help seniors thrive in this season of their lives. Nearly 600 seniors attended this event held at the Kingdom Builders’ Center on October 19th. The participants left the event feeling inspired by dynamic speakers, such as Rawle Andrews, Jr., Regional Vice President of AARP, and DeEtte Sauer, a champion swimmer; informative workshops; and community resources. A community resource fair connected senior citizens and caregivers to local organizations that provide services and resources for senior citizens.

The conference also featured workshop sessions on topics such as, Hurricane Harvey recovery, estate planning, cooking and nutrition, healthcare, life after retirement, senior housing and care, and senior transportation options. Participants also enjoyed line dancing, aerobics, and cooking classes! The BBQ lunch featured live entertainment by the band, Bourbon Street. A great time was had by all!

Community Empowerment- Estate Planning Workshop

AARP Respresenative

Rawle Andrews, Regional Vice President, AARP

The Empowered You Conference Participants

Sit and Be Fit Aerobics led by Gretchen Jean TX -11

African

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American News&Issues

TEXAS • OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 5, 2017

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