African-American News & Issue vol 23 issue 21 June 10th

FREE • June 10 - June 16, 2018

A young pageant winner rides a float as a part of Mayor Turner’s Annual Juneteeth Parade, pg. 5.

www.aframnews.com

Vol. 23, Issue 21

Sonya’s Open House Party

Minister Larry Scott mentors kids with his Dealing With Issues (DWI) initiative, pg. 8

Houston Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Alumni Association, Inc.’s primary objectives, pg. 7

Rep. Eric Johnson named Elected Official of the Year, pg. 6

Mary Thompson, Sonya’s mother and house cook, and Nicky Hawkins, Sonya’s younger sister.

By Arielle Johnson Photos by Arielle Johnson

Several months ago, we brought you news about a woman named, Nefrintina “Nicky” Hawkins who decided to turn one of the darkest moments in her life into a big, bright pitcher of lemonade.

Ms. Hawkins lost her big sister, Sonya to AIDS in 2003, but that was after her sister and best friend fought against the disease for 11 long years. It could have been the most devastating thing

Afram News

to happen to her in her lifetime, but eventually she came to the realization that she had to get on with life, as well as educate and nurture others.

Nurturing others, not only meant dealing with women who were struggling with their lives being stigmatized by becoming members of a population of women who are HIV positive, but also being nurturers of family members who are facing all sorts of complex situations in attempting to be a support system

to the family members of the victims. In so many words, being HIV positive, does not have to be a death sentence.

On a sunny day in June 2017, Nicky Hawkins opened up the doors to Sonya’s House, which is a Boarding House facility for women who are HIV positive. The home houses up to six women, and in addition to them have a clean and safe space to live in, they receive a number of other very important services in-house.

African-American News&Issues Newspaper

Sonya’s House Inc. provides meals, a laundry facility, financial literacy education, nutrition planning, counseling and medication compliance education.

The idea behind the home is to provide up to six months of temporary housing, for the women to manage the responsibility of creating a stable home environment for themselves.

Stable and safe shelter is one of the most basic necessities in life, but also in many cases, the

Continued on Page 4

Afram News

2 • African-American News&Issues

Texas • June 10 - June 16, 2018

EDITORIAL & OPINION

WE ENCOURAGE YOUR OPINION Please be advised copy allows an approximate word count up to 350 words and will be edited for content to fit. Please send to news@aframnews.com.

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Juneteenth American History

his is June and the most celebrated holiday in African-American history of slavery will be honored on June 19.

Unless you have been on another planet or live in a remotely isolated area you have heard of Juneteenth, an official American holiday.

As a young man growing up in Texas, Juneteenth or as it was called back then, the 19th of June, was always a special holiday for Black people. Everywhere you went African American communities celebrated with food, prayers, laughter and entertainment.

It would be years later before I understood the significance and what it meant. African Americans adults and older people who lived through the early days of freedom from slavery viewed it as a special time when their people became free.

Although President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, it was over two years before Blacks in Texas were allowed to leave as free people.

On June 19, 1865 the Union Army known as Yankees arrived at Galveston and delivered the information that slaves no longer belonged to their plantation owners. They proceeded to take that news all over Texas, part of the South’s Confederate Rebel” Army.

The Black freed slaves were allowed to celebrate their freedom right on the grounds where they were held captive. However a few years later, the Ku Klux Klan burned down a lot of the courthouses in Texas, especially East Texas which probably had the most slaves during that era, and destroyed many records of those who fought for the South.

Without these records, those who fought against America could not be identified and would not have to face restrictions for their actions. With the records gone, the local confederates soon took back most of the property that they controlled before the Civil War. They took advantage of the newly freed Black people by making fake deals where they used the Blacks farming, food

The Standard View

By Billy “Hollywood” Groves

growing sills and labor for their benefit. They would get all of the products through a property deal where the blacks were growing and making money but never got out of debt.

The Black people were worth millions of dollars as slaves and they made their owners and their communities rich. After the abolishment of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865, Texas went broke over night without free labor provided by the slaves. It took a while and even some under the table deals with the U.S. Government for the rebels of the defeated Texans to get back in control of the economy.

These days African Americans are still fighting for their civil rights and freedom, although slavery has been over for 150 plus years.

In East Texas, people like Dr. Ianthia Fisher of Crockett, a former educator and Minister has been directing a Juneteenth parade and festivities for over three decades. I can proudly say that we have had white leaders like former Houston County Judge Erin ford and other Hispanic leaders participating in Juneteenth parades and festivities.

Juneteenth activities have spread all over America and people are recognizing it as a National and even global Holiday.

We must not forget that Black soldiers fought in large numbers for the American Northern Army and were the main reason the North defeated the South.

I have heard some “people of knowledge” say many times that President Lincoln put the black men on the battlefield because he feared losing the war.

Whether that is true or not, “We Are Free”, now and we will never be American slaves again.

Have a great Juneteenth Day Celebration on June 19, 2018, your descendants are proudly looking down from heaven.

God Bless America!

- AANI

J

Keep On Beating Ya Kids

ust their asses burn, not their souls…

Being a person who sits back to analyze society around me objectively, I’ve always had this confusion about child discipline and sparing this symbolic rod.

Are children that unruly from infancy to where we should apply physical force to get them to “do as we say?” And if we be honest, how many old Black church mothers have we seen beat a child because they won’t shut up, aka stop crying, while in church? Wow, go figure. A child who can barely understand diction is crying on purpose.

I hope my sarcasm was read properly in that last sentence.

My first gripe is that Black people think it makes sense to read an ancient book and appropriate beating a child to “sparing the rod” that was spoken of in the Bible. Discipline comes in many forms, including the most important, leading by example with love. Now I’m not sure about the parenting practices from those days, but they also believed in burning a woman’s sheets if she stains them on her period; eye for and eye; and many other things that we would all deem inhumane and illogical to the common man.

But why do we continue to teach beating our children in the Black community? We say it’s tough love, but is it really?

Black people will tear up at the yelping of a hurt dog, but will continue striking their child with a belt and or extension cord during their yelling, screaming, begging for help, pleading for the pain to stop, and crying. That is love in the Black community.

Beat ya child to their last breath as they did Jesus, then tell your child you love ‘em afterwards.

Maybe little Black children should start looking up after whoopings and say, “Father, mother, why have thou forsaken me?!” You beat me past pain, then leave me alone in my sorry, facing a black bedroom wall.

Black people have this inferiority complex that we refuse to acknowledge or even accept. We ignore the basic principles of life and any religious text which is to lead by example and think of the

Speaking to Dysfunction

By Sir Christopher Wayne

next man before yourself. Meaning, if you must beat your child for anything, you’ve already failed at the task, in my opinion, that task being to have lived the example for your child for them to know right and wrong. Black children get their butt beat for basic childish activities. All kids learn by the examples leaders set.

I say this because for decades, we’ve sat in the Black church and around our hoods, witnessing children abused for our own entertainment. We see lil Black boys getting they butt beat by a daddy who can’t stand the boy’s mother and vice versa. We all laugh and assume he did something oh so wrong that it was well deserved, not realizing we were laughing at true traumatization in real time. We even speak prison and criminality into their life just because we see them in trouble. You are dealing with mental abuse, physical abuse, emotional and the psychosis of Stockholm syndrome. Abused single mother blames daughter for her boyfriend leaving, so she kicks her out the apartment. We all know this narrative and know young girls in this situation who grew up to be promiscuous, but all the elders of the community turn a blind eye to the dysfunctional environment and spread judgement on the now grown child. The funny thing is, we won’t talk about how this little girl got whoopings her whole life, and still came out dysfunctional. So, the catch 22 is that sparing the rod spoils the child, as well as using the rod to the best of your abilities can still breed a dysfunctional human being. James got whoopings and made it through college. That is his testimony. Johnny in the same family caught whoopings as well and made it through prison perfectly fine. So I ask, why are we still beating our kids and has it really worked over the decades?

- AANI

African-American News&Issues • 3

Texas • June 10 - June 16, 2018

4 Lessons the NFL Could Learn from ABC

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ollowing Roseanne Barr’s obscenely offensive comments about former Obama Senior Advisor, Valerie Jarrett, ABC took immediate and decisive action to demonstrate that her words describing an accomplished Black woman as an ape did not reflect the networks values. The network’s cancellation of its highest rate show - a move that prioritized integrity and a commitment to decency over money, ratings, and even political expediency - surprised many. The NFL, as it faces continual media and public scrutiny, could stand to take a knee and learn a lesson from ABC. To be fair, ABC faced well-deserved scrutiny regarding its decision to reboot Roseanne in the first place, given Barr’s previous divisive and racist comments.

The cancellation, nonetheless, has been generally well-received by the public, or at least Black Twitter, as a bold and affirming commitment to the diverse audience that ABC serves.

ABC and NFL – both massive media corporations - are at two ends of a spectrum with handling racism in the Trump era.

Under pressure from President Trump and donors, the NFL recently decided to censor its players’ peaceful protest by forcing them to stand for the National Anthem or to invisibly protest in the locker room. The new policy, set to go into effect in the upcoming NFL season, poses a serious question: How will this decision affect players who feel silenced and fans who feel ignored by the League’s aggressive stance against such a pervasive social justice issue.

A poll that I conducted earlier this year on behalf of BlackPAC, an organization committed to increasing political participation of Black voters, showed that in the previous NFL season, 21 percent of Black consumers watched less football and 14 percent stopped watching football all together due to the treatment of Colin Kaepernick’speaceful protest. This downtick in viewership should’ve served as a warning to the NFL. Instead, the League decided to censor the

EDITORIAL & OPINION Senior Analyst

By Terrance Woodbury

peaceful protest of every single player.

Many spectators, myself included, are waiting with baited breath to see how this decision will affect NFL ratings in the upcoming football season. But while we wait, there are a few lessons the NFL should have learned from ABC’s decisive response to bias and racism.

1.Do not mistake the aggressive banter of a few loud racists as an erosion of American ideals and values. ABC understood the Barr-fiasco for what it was: an opportunity to declare that the normalization of hateful and divisive language does not reflect the values of this nation, no matter who they come from or how loudly they are tweeted.

The NFL had an opportunity to make a similar declaration about American values. Despite the feeble attempt of some to co-opt a movement about justice and dignity into a debate about white nationalism thinly veiled as patriotism…we still hold some truths to be self-evident.

That freedom of both speech and protest are inextricably woven into the fabric of our nation. In the coming season, athletes that choose to accept punishment over censorship, as many undoubtedly shall, will be remembered on the right side of history and justice, just as Muhammed Ali has been honored for protesting the Vietnam draft.

2. Stand up for and defend the dignity of the people responsible for making your brand among the most valuable in the world. ABC built one of the most diverse audiences in entertainment by ushering in content that is created by, starred in, and catered to minority audiences.

Blackish, Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder, and Grey’s Anatomy - successful shows created and produced by women of color whose appearance Barr presumably equates to apes.

- AANI

Your Word Ought to be Your Bond

T

he late Orson Welles was on to something when he said, “In common with all Protestant or Jewish cultures, America developed on the idea that you word is your bond. Otherwise, the frontier could never have been opened, ‘cause it was lawless.’ A man’s word had to mean something.”

While I cannot say that America has built a strong reputation for keeping its word, I will say that Welles had a valid point by expressing a man’s word should mean something. If a person has nothing else in this life to offer, at the very least you ought to have a word and strive to keep a good name.

Back when I was coming up, people used to have a word and it meant something. Credit was established in our communities with the simple gesture of a handshake.

Our parents could send us to the store with nothing and we would come back with groceries, clothing and any other item needed.

Why? Because they had a word and could be trusted to keep it, by any means necessary.

But oh, how things have changed. Although we know it impossible to go back into the archives of times and live life the way we did decades ago, there is nothing wrong with taking those good old fashioned morals and values and implementing them into our current society.

We MUST Understand having a good name and being able to keep your word amongst people can go a long way. This is true not only in dealing with business, but, in every aspect of life.

Things have changed much since I was coming up, that’s for sure. For those who don’t believe that having a good name and keeping your word means nothing, go try and purchase a home, vehicle or some other major item that you cannot afford to pay cash for with bad credit and see where it gets you.

Oh yeah, feel free and send a letter to the editor and let us know how that worked out for ya!

Furthermore, I often stress emphasis on members from our community holding those who have been elected and selected to serve as leaders accountable to the task for which they have been chosen.

This element ties right back to leaders keeping their word to the people who are depending on them to do so. The same should apply for parents in the home, educators in school and every aspect of life.

We live in a society where it is very seldom that people remember when you do what you say.

On the contrary the very instant that a person makes tons of promises and refuses to hold up to them – history and people will forever paint you as a liar.

Therefore, it is important that we Africans living in America understand the need to keep a good repertoire amongst folk in general.

But, it never ceases to amaze me how members from our communities will make promises and give you their word, not hold up to it and then have the nerve to get mad when you call them out on it.

Sometimes people try and get away with their shenanigans because no one will call them on it. People get away with bad behavior because other people let them get away with it. If you don’t have the wherewithal to keep your word, don’t get bent out of shape when someone calls you on it.

Integrity isn’t something you have to withdraw from a bank, and if you’re truly serious about being a person of your word, you’d remember that rather than blowing sunshine up skirts.

These things just shouldn’t be.

At least if something comes up and a person is unable to live up to what they promised, rectify the situation by offering some form of explanation or reason as to why you were unable to deliver.

In this modern day society words such as: loyal, committed, dedicated, integrity and honorable are qualities that are hard to find in people. Therefore, if you just happen to luck up on someone whose traits exemplify them, then you would be wise to hold on to them tight – because

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher

they are hard to find.

To that regard, there are many times me and my wife as business owners have incurred loss simply because we believe in keeping our word and doing what we promised people.

Because at the end of the day, we know and understand the significance of people being able to depend on you living up to what and who you say you are.

We have spent years, building a name for ourselves so even if we have to lose in some ways to uphold our word, we would rather do so than be labeled a liar.

The thing that most people don’t understand is when you fail to keep your word, you show and tell people that you can’t be trusted.

Sure, there are times when people just get overly excited and they want to do this and that and no good and well they can’t live up to it. But, believe it or not, there is a simple solution. Shut up! Be quiet and don’t make promises you know you can’t keep. Because there are some people who already know they will not able to keep their word, so, why lie? Why even bother initiating something you know you can’t keep?

Making a promise is simple.

It’s not difficult to let the words come out your mouth. But keeping a promise isn’t as easy, especially when you had no intention of honoring it in the first place.

Talk really is cheap nowadays, with words thrown around like tinsil: bright, attention-getting streamers that ultimately have no substance.

Finally, I will conclude with words once expressed by author, Brian Tracy. He said, “Integrity is the most valuable and respected quality of leadership. Always - AANI keep your word.”

4 • African-American News&Issues

Continued from Page 1 first thing women who are HIV positive lose, once they reveal to their status to family and friends.

Last month, Sonya’s House had an open house/house party. With the facility being very close to celebrating one-year of brightening the lives of the residents, and connecting them with people and resources which play a major role in keeping their lives healthy, the facility’s

COVER STORY

founder, Nicky Hawkins, decided to open its doors for one day.

This rare opportunity, which was months in the making, allowed members of the community and abroad to come by to get a feel for the space the women live in. To protect the privacy of the residents, prior arrangements were made for them to enjoy their Saturday away from the facility until the party ended and the space was cleared.

Ms. Hawkins definitely pulled

Information was provided about Sonya’s House, HIV and AIDS, as well as condoms.

out all the stops and covered all her bases to create the “House Party” feel during the early afternoon. As soon as you walked into the house, you could hear the base pumping from the sounds of an 11-year old DJ who goes by the name of DJ RGII (Roderick Green, II), in fact, when AANI arrived, the floor was packed with visitors who were shuffling across the room to the sounds of the must have house party jam, “The Cupid Shuffle.”

Those who were not engaged in the shuffle were either, holding heavy plates filled with dollops of all your favorite soul food dishes, courtesy of Mary Thompson. Ms. Thompson is the Sonya’s House personal cook who also doubles as Ms. Hawkins’ mom.

There was even a real blackjack dealer named Solomon, with a real Casino table and chips, who set up his table on the side of the room near the entrance with a warm smile that never faded.

The festive mood within Sonya’s House literally lasted for hours; however, just a few feet beyond the main living area, and

Guests at Sonya’s House, House Party gather for a group photo.

Texas • June 10 - June 16, 2018

directly outside of the kitchen area, there was a more somber mood.

This is where Nicky set up a special table and over to the right of it, was a door, which was the gateway to a moment of truth for anyone in attendance with the desire to know their status.

The table held a basket of condoms, informative brochures about HIV, red elastic bands with the red ribbon logo, symbolizing the need for awareness and prevention, in the fight against the disease and a book penned by Nicky which outlines her personal journey, during the final years of her sister’s life.

The room next to it provided free testing. Michael Patterson, a representative of Prism Health, was able to provide on the spot results by using the Insti HIV Test method.

Before leaving the Sonya’s House Party, AANI was able to pull Nicky Hawkins aside to ask her to give us the inside tea on future plans for the home and creating a more permanent bright spot in the lives of the women who have been fortunate to find housing in their transitional home setting.

“I want to start doing a gala every year for Christmas for Sonya’s House,” Nicky said. “I want to give individuals an opportunity to put on some clothes and be beautified, so they can mix and mingle with people from all walks of life. Another one of my goals is to open up a multi-family unit.”

We are happy to say that just

a few days after attending the House Party and interviewing Ms. Hawkins, she is a step closer to her goal of wanting to provide housing to families, as she is now able to provide housing to men, as well as women.

Many came and left that day, and some of it was even captured on a Facebook live post Nicky made at the beginning of the Open House.

Some of those in attendance were Councilman Tennell Atkins, Joseph Kemp, the first owner of a Sav-a-Lot store in Dallas, Mykeisha Bolin, a Banker with Legacy Texas, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Howell of the Chris Howell Foundation, Johnny Lewis of Legacy and many others.

Everyone has heard of the term, “It takes a village…” however, most of the time it is associated with children. Well... in the case of the Sonya’s House Open House/House Party, the phrase, at least the beginning of it, was appropriate for this setting. Visitors stopped by with monetary donations and suggested house supplies.

If you visit Youtube and type in “Sonya’s House Inc. House Party Teaser,” it should bring you to a brief video, which captures most of the highlights of the event. The video also provides details about how you may donate to the organization. The website address for the Sonya’s House is sonyashouseinc.org.

- AANI

Solomon Simpson, blackjack dealer and owner of Incredible Events, a traveling casino business.

Texas • June 10 - June 16, 2018

JUNETEENTH

Mayor Turner Celebrates Juneteenth with 7th Annual Parade in Acres Homes

Acres Homes Riding and Roping Club.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner celebrates Juneteenth with his 7th Annual Juneteenth Parade in Acres Homes June 16.

The parade features over 100 entries, including local marching bands, dancing groups, horses, floats, vintage cars and more.

A number of special guests will be participating and there will be ticket giveaways to spectators.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 16, at the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center, 6719 West Montgomery, and travels north up West Montgomery to turn left on Dolly Wright and disband at Greater Zion Baptist Church and Drew Academy.

“Juneteenth is an important day in our community,” Mayor Turner said. “I want everyone to come out and celebrate. We’ve gone all out on the 2018 parade.

You won’t want to miss it.”

Among the special guests joining the Mayor for this year’s event are: UniverSoul Circus -- The circus featuring performers from 24 countries will bring acrobats, clowns, stilt walkers and more to the parade. They will hand out tickets to their performances which run through June 24 at Butler Stadium.

Z-Ro -- This Houston rapper has released several albums. A New York Times reviewer said “This bluesy Houston hip-hop star must be one of America’s most underrated rappers.”

Seun Adigun -- Seun is a Nigerian-American bobsledder who represented Nigeria at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Seun

ran track for the University of Houston and is the niece of former Houston Rockets and UH star Hakeem Olajuwon.

Brian Courtney Wilson -The Houston gospel singer has released a number of albums and has won Dove and Stellar Awards and been nominated for a Grammy.

Clyde Drexler -- The former Houston Rocket great is commissioner of the Half-Court Professional Basketball League.

Four games of three-on-three competition will be held in Houston June 22 and Clyde is bringing game tickets to give away.

Raphael Igbokwe -- Raphael is a super middleweight boxer from the Houston area. His nickname is “Trouble.”

IMAJ -- IMAJ is a young African American country singer/ songwriter and humanitarian.

She gets her creative talent naturally from her father, Philip Michael Thomas, star of the 1980s hit TV series, “Miami Vice.”

Vince Young -- Former University of Texas quarterback and two-time Pro Bowler in the NFL. Mayor Turner’s Juneteenth Parade will also honor local pastors with a float called “Legends of the Pulpit.”

“Local churches and non-profit organizations are adopting blocks along the West Montgomery parade route and bringing out folks to cheer on the participants,” said Mayor Turner. “I hope everyone will turn out for this exciting event.”

- AANI

African-American News&Issues • 5

RELIGION What’s Up Doc? Recently, I completed a doctoral degree focusing on Urban Social Impact At Virginia University of Lynchburg, an HBCU (Historically Black College and Universities). Why? Because more than ever before, the church needs ministers who are spiritually grounded, intellectually prepared, culturally aware, and emotionally impassioned to lead a movement to save our endangered communities.

Certainly, we should welcome the earnest support from those outside our communities. Ultimately, I advocate that we are all God’s children and our destinies are bound together. However, Blacks should still take responsibility to lead the way to rescuing and repositioning the Black community at large. For me, this means that the church must be challenged. We must challenge our politicians. And we must also hold Black professionals accountable. If you’re not in the fight for our communities, you are in the fight against our communities. Our predicament perilous to ignore. Consider the following.

Income Gap

To make the point, observe this quote published by Forbes Business.

“According to Pew Research analysis of Current Population Survey, found that “racial gaps in income and earnings, with white households earning more than their black counterparts remained largely constant or even widened between 1967-2015.”

(September 26, 2017, Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences, pnas.org) Back in 1979, white Americans earned an average hourly real wage of $19.62 compared to $16.07 for blacks, making for an 18.1 percent wage gap. While the gap narrowed in the late 1990s, it began to expand again in 2000.

According to new research by the Economic Policy Institute, in 2015, the racial wage gap stood at 26.7 percent, with whites taking home an hourly real wage of $25.22 on average, compared to $18.49 for blacks. The gap is

especially wide for young black women. These realities fly beneath the radar screen of most Americans. Most people are oblivious. Others who are aware, are not prone to doing anything to address them. Most expert studies prove that discrimination is still largely to blame for these disparities. Question. Have you heard any sermons about this in your church? Does your church support a Black business chamber, the NAACP, or any entity that advocates for and elevates black life and economics? Is your pastor an advocate for your financial freedom by supporting efforts to enforce anti-discrimination laws in the workplace?

Clearly, I’m not against preachers who prosper. But if they are content to see their people in poverty, while they prosper, that’s when there’s a real problem.

The Wealth Gap

Please review this statement published by the New York Times. “Black families in America earn just $57.30 for every $100 in income earned by white families, according to the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey. For every $100 in white family wealth, black families hold just $5.04.” (New York Times, September 18, 2017, The Upshot, by Emily Badger, nytimes.com). Do you know what this formula means? It means that Blacks are presently incapable of leaving any semblance of inherited wealth for next generations. Actually, each new generation begins behind, and in debt!

The Home Ownership Gap These facts are quite revealing of the continuing disparity between white and black Home Ownership. According to Zillow Research, “In 1900, 48.1 percent of whites in the United States owned homes, while only 20.5 percent of blacks did – for a homeownership gap of 27.6 percentage points.” (April 10, 2018, Zillow Research, by Skylar Olsen,zillow.com). This is important for many reasons.

One is, home Ownership is the fundamental ingredient for

By Dr. James Dixon II building long term family stability. Secondly, it is the foundational building block for wealth empowerment. I teach people to understand this way. Full citizenship without land ownership is a myth. Land owners have the powerful voices in their communities.

The Education Gap

Since 2014, kids of color have made up the majority of students in K-12, in America’s public schools. Based on the obvious direction of demographic trends, this will become the prevailing reality. Soon, kids of color will become the majority of America’s graduating classes. The National Center for Education Statistics projects that by 2025, whites will only represent 46% of students in public schools. In fact, a majority of kids 5 years in America are already kids of color.Consider this fact published by a credible information source. “While 87 percent of white students, for instance, graduate from high school on time, that number falls to 76 percent for Hispanics, and 73 percent among African Americans.

And although white, African American and Hispanic students are now about equally likely to start college immediately after completing high school, black and brown students remain much less likely to complete a BA within six years. That disparity hints at the large enduring difference in the quality of the K-12 preparation many minority students are receiving.” (The Atlantic, The Challenge Of Educational Disparity, May 19, 2016, atlantic.com).

- AANI

6 • African-American News&Issues ce Sin 94 19

Texas • June 10 - June 16, 2018

POLITICS

State Rep. Eric Johnson, Elected OfďŹ cial of the Year Happy Father’s Day

Rep. Eric Johnson

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Recently, State Representative Eric Johnson (D-Dallas) was named the Dallas County Democratic Party’s 2018 “Elected Official of the Year�, at the Johnson Jordan Dinner. Representative Johnson (D-100) represents parts of Dallas and Mesquite, in the Texas House of Representatives. Since first being elected in a special election in the spring of 2010, he has served three additional consecutive terms.

Amidst being known as an outspoken mouthpiece within his party, he serves on four prominent committees including: Vice Chair, House Committee on Redistricting; member, House Committee on Ways and Means; member, House Committee on Investments and Financial Services; and member, House Select Committee on State and Federal Power and Responsibility.

During an interview with the honored Representative, he informed he was completely surprised to receive the distinctive designation. In past, Rep. Johnson has been highly critically of his party in terms of: expressing the need for the Party to become more engaged with communities of color; addressing the importance of recruiting candidates in certain areas; calling out the Party for not being welcoming and open to new comers, amongst other issues he believed were of vital concern.

Overall, he shared he was thrilled and honored to have

been selected to receive the honor. He says, “The fact that they gave me an award, I believe shows we are turning a corner in Dallas and understanding how important it is - that we stop squabbling over petty stuff and get our act together and focus on the main issues that are plaguing our communities.�

Furthermore he said, “I tip my hat to the party chair, Carol Donovan; because I’m sure this was her ultimate call to make‌â€?

He continued, “Although some of my criticisms in the past have been directly to her, for her, to be willing to give the highest award they give - says a lot to me and makes me feel good. It lets me know that the party I love so much actually has some love for me.�

About: State Representative Eric Johnson

Rep. Johnson is an esteemed graduate of Harvard University, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in History.

In addition, he possesses a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Public Affairs in International Relations from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

Upon election into the Texas House of Representatives, he immediately began to make a name for himself. As such, after completing his first session he was selected to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation. The following session he was selected as a Rodel Fellow by the Aspen-Rodel Institute in Public Leadership.

During that same session he was chosen as a participant in President Obama’s first ever meeting with a delegation of African-American state legislators.

In April 2016, Representative Johnson was selected by the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF) as one of seven delegates from across the United States to travel to China

as part of a bipartisan group of state and local elected officials to improve U.S.-China relations at the sub-national level.

Later that year, he was selected by the German Marshall Fund as one of its 75 Marshall Memorial Fellows and traveled to Germany, Spain, Bosnia, and Belgium to meet with local leaders and discuss a wide range of issues aimed at increasing transatlantic cooperation.

Prior to the close of 2016, he was elected to represent the Southern Region on the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee’s Board of Directors. Additionally, Rep. Johnson was recruited for membership in the Council on Foreign Relations and has also been appointed to serve on the Democratic National Committee.

Over the years, Rep. Johnson has been the recipient of many awards, honors, accolades, honors and recognitions. A brief snippet of a few of those distinctions include: the Achievement Award from the Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship Program; the Dallas Regional Chamber’s first ever “Courage in Public Service Award� for his contributions to higher education; named to the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) which prompted his affiliation with an ACYPL delegation that visited Israel and the Palestinian Territories; named to the Board of Advisors of Let America Vote and he has been named one of the Texas Junior Chamber of Commerce’s “Five Outstanding Young Texans,�to state the least.

Today, Rep. Johnson continues to serve as a dedicated and passionate public servant of the Dallas Democratic party on behalf of the Texas House of Representatives and is Of Counsel to the law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP. A resident of Dallas, he is married to his wife, Nakita and together they have two sons, William and George.

- AANI

Texas • June 10 - June 16, 2018

HBCU

African-American News&Issues • 7

Houston Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Alumni Association, Inc.

Houston Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Alumni Association, Incorporated, is a non-profit 501 c (3) professional organization, which was incorporated on December 1, 1986. It is a consortium of Houston based an Alumni chapters from several Black Colleges and Universities. They are always looking for additional chapters, individual members, friends and supporters to join this professional organization.

The primary objectives of the Houston HBCU Alumni Association are to: raise funds for Historically Black colleges and universities; to help improve the quality of education in the HBCUs; inform prospective students of the many advantages of attending historically Black colleges and universities; and increase community awareness of the achievements of graduates who attended Black institutions of higher learning.

They are made up of schools such as: Texas Southern, Grambling, Southern, Alabama A&M,North Caroline A&T, Florida A&M, Tougaloo, Huston-Tillotson, PrairieView, Jackson State, Bethune Cookman, Jarvis Christian, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Fisk, Dillard, Virginia State, Wilberforce, South Caroline State, Texas College, Tennessee State, Wiley, Langston, Tuskegee, Mississippi Valley and Paul

Quinn just to name a few.

Members of the organization devote numerous hours and resources toward preparing Houston’s Youth for college life and thereafter. Houston HBCU Alumni Association members are Extremely active in such activities as College and Career Fairs serving as alumni recruiters, Annual College Tours to various HBCU campuses designed to expose students to a day in the life of a college student. Mentoring and Scholarship fundraising Presentation of Scholarships to students.

A glance at our major events includes: Annual Alumni Reunion gathering has grown to over 1000 HBCU Professionals coming together to promote and continue uplifting rich traditions and history of their Beloved Alma Maters, while raising scholarship funds and highlighting membership.

This year in March, Houston HBCU Alumni Association. Incorporated launched its largest gathering ever designed to Promote and Celebrate the legacy of our HBCUs launched a “Complete Weekend of Celebrating our HBCUs!” The goal of the weekend of events was to bring awareness and ensure the legacy of these great institutions lives on for generations to come.

Our annual College Fair hosted in partnership with Texas

Visit our website online at aframnews.com

Black Expo has attracted over 600 student and parents. This year the event will be hosted Saturday, June 9, 2018 from 9am until 2pm at George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Texas.

Our annual HBCU Family Fest is designed to promote our undivided attention to exposing our children, students and friends to our great institutions of higher learning in a fun, exciting and interactive environment. 2018 HBCU Family Fest will be held Saturday, June 23rd, Houston Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Alumni Association, Inc., Kitty

Hollow Park, 9555 Highway 6, Missouri City, Texas.

Through our partnership and membership with Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, the Museum and Houston HBCU Alumni Association launched “At Ease Thursday” offering Houston HBCU Alumni Association members a private, exclusive, invitation only environment where Like-Minded professionals can RELAX-CONVERSE-CONNECT, while ensuring a long lasting relationship with the Museum.

The Executive Leadership Team include: President, Veronica Johnson Williams, Gram-

bling State University; Vice President, Richard Harper, Paul Quinn College; Secretary, Janice Argudin, Virginia State University; Treasurer, Crystal Henderson, Southern University A&M College and Parliamentarian, Gardner Story, Wilberforce University.

You are invited to join the “HBCU Awareness Movement! Join them on Facebook, LinkedIn & TWITTER Houston HBCU Alumni Association. Mailing address-P.O. Box 8054-Houston, Texas 77288.

Telephone-(281) 701-1679 and email, houstonbcualumniassoci- AANI ation@yahoo.com

HBCU Alumni Pictured as below: Seated Left to Right: Richard Harper (Vice President.

Alum of Paul Quinn College), Doris Foreman (Paul Quinn College), Georgia Provost (Texas Southern University), Veronica Johnson Williams, MBA (President. Alum of Grambling State University), Annie Jenkins (Paul Quinn College), Gardner Story (Parliamentarian. Alum of Wilberforce University); Standing Left to Right: 1st Row - Bottom, Keith Williams (Texas Southern University), Tamara Cubit (Texas Southern University), Brittany Harper (Paul Quinn College), Daiseyetta McDaniel (Paul Quinn College), FD Guyton (Grambling State University), Angelee Moody Rhyne (Grambling State University), Helen Rutland (Paul Quinn College), Thelma LaDay (Jarvis Christian College),Willie Green (Texas College), Beverly Dancer (Texas Southern University); 2nd Row: Sharvete Mallard (Paul Quinn College), Jarred Milledge (Jarvis Christian College), Gaylon Davenport (Paul Quinn College), Vickie Williams (Paul Quinn College), Sherry Alfred (Texas Southern University); 3rd Row: Pamela Jones (Wilberforce University), Heidi Saul (Fisk University); 4th/Top Row: Garland Gossett, MD (Wilberforce University), Cherise Story, CPA (Southern University and A&M College), HBCU Alum.

8 • African-American News&Issues

COMMUNITY

Texas • June 10 - June 16, 2018

From Minister to Mentor: Dealing With Issues (D.W.I.)

By Rebecca S. Jones

Rapper artist Willie D. and Larry Scott with the DWIHawks coed basketball team.

Houston and making an entry into gospel ministry, he received a revelation which aided in his healing and provided a beacon of light to others. “God revealed to me to be a father figure and mentor to those young people who didn’t have one,” he shared.

Consequently, he established Dealing With Issues (D.W.I.) as a means to operate in the ministry assigned to him.

D.W.I. is a coed youth and young adult mentor program which targets youth ages 7-17.

The organization offers one-onone and group mentor sessions; family counseling; and specializes in dealing with individuals experiencing emotional issues, substance abuse, abusive relationships and varying other factors. Through its 10-step action plan of promoting values associated with respect, prayer and love, D.W.I. addresses delinquent behavior, violence, peer pressure, substance and sexual abuse, emotional problems, personal appearance and leadership in mentoring sessions.

Since its inception, the organization has been responsible for successfully mentoring over 120 children. One strategy D.W.I. has implemented within its design to reclaim the minds of youth and young adults has incorporated a seasonal girls’ and boys’ basketball team. In

Volunteer staff Chris Mathis with one of the young ladies in DWI program giving back to the community through a food drive.

Christina Terry and Sherrill Scott, DWI volunteer staff.

In July 2013, we presented Minister Larry Scott to our readers as a newly-professed minister of the Gospel. In an exciting update, we are elated to inform our audience that not only has this fervent gospel preacher remained dedicated to his calling; but has expanded his reach in ministry by establishing a non-profit organization. In the summer of 2015, Minister Larry Scott founded Dealing With Issues (D.W.I.). Within three years, the mentor program has grown by leaps and bounds and is constantly making an impact

throughout the Houston and surrounding areas.

Founder: Minister Larry Scott

Minister Larry Scott hails from Shreveport, Louisiana.

Growing up, he had many role models and father figures in his life. However, he never had the privilege to have his biological father in his life. Over time, he began acting out and found himself in trouble during his early years. He attributed much of his troublesome behavior to craving attention.

Years later, after relocating to

the basketball program, mentors train participants to compete at the competitive level and prepare them for a competitive tournament. In the process, mentors include real life applications within the system.

Minister Scott said, “We associate the sport with life – life may knock you down, but don’t get up and want to fight – learn how to control your temper.”

He continued, “Many kids these days feel like they don’t need a mentor; but they don’t mind playing basketball and don’t realize that while they are playing, they are being mentored on the court.”

In another initiative, D.W.I.’s volunteers take the time to visit the schools of children enrolled in the program. Volunteers travel from district to district performing unannounced sit-ins in the classroom. To date, they have seen a great response from educators in regards to the tremendous impact these surprise visits have on students, which is indicated by the difference in student’s behavioral patterns.

One of the organization’s most recent endeavors was presented during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Volunteers and youth enrolled in the program hit the streets and distributed goods and items to families affected by the devastation.

Overall, Minister Scott remains vigilant and grateful to the volunteers and mentors of D.W.I. He says, “As a minister, this is part of my ministry. Outside of the church walls this is what God called me to do - going into the highways and streets and dealing with our young people; because, they are our next generation and future.”

For his continued efforts, Min. Scott was recently honored as Man of the Month during Black History month at Greater Pure Light Baptist Church by Pastor Darryl Broussard. “Although I was acknowledged, I don’t do what I do for recognition; I do it because I feel like this is a part of what God has called me to do,” he added.

Members of D.W.I. meet every first Saturday of the month at the Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library located at 8501 West Montgomery Rd., 77088 at 2:00 pm. There, partners gather for a strategic meeting to discuss plans, goals and objectives.

The organization is compiled of several dedicated mentors who work with Minister Scott in the mentor program. Members include wife Sherrill Scott, Chris Mathis, Valencia Mason and Christina Terry; Board members Renee Thompson and Shannon Williams; and loyal volunteer, Lashay Nash.

Today, Minister Scott remains committed to Greater Pure Light Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Darryl Broussard.

He is also married to Sherrill Scott, who diligently works alongside him.

D.W.I. accepts youth from the Greater Houston and surrounding areas. Tentatively, the organization is seeking to expand to a South side location.

For more information about DWI contact Minister Scott directly at (832) 388-9468; email dealingwithissuesmentors@ gmail.com; visit the organization’s website at www.dwimentorprogram.org or follow them on Facebook at DWI Dealing With Issues Mentor Program.

- AANI

Texas • June 10 - June 16, 2018

African-American News&Issues • 9

BUSINESS

The Story Behind Rocking Single Moms with Florinda Johnson

By Rebecca S. Jones

Benjamin Disraeli said, “Through perseverance many people win success out of what seemed destined to be certain failure.� This thought corresponds to the life of local business owner, Florinda Johnson, the founder of several business ventures. Having experienced her fair share of life’s unfortunate circumstances, she has chosen to utilize her past trials as motivation to help establish others. Over the years, she has incepted several businesses and worked from home and now spends her time empowering and assisting single mothers and others gain employment through her newest establishment, Rocking Single Moms Staffing Agency (RSM).

Who is Florinda Johnson?

Florinda Johnson is a product of the Acres Homes community.

Part of her upbringing was limited to her father, Lloyd Johnson after her mother was imprisoned for some time. Nevertheless, her father, and what she describes as her “village,� labored to ensure that she never went lacking.

She says, “I can’t say I missed out on anything as a child except for my mother’s presence for a while. But, when she came home that was no longer an issue. My mother and I became best friends and I have always looked up to her.�

Initially, Johnson had a desire to become a registered nurse and enrolled into college to pursue her goal after graduating high school. She maintains she has always been the type to focus on more than one thing at a time.

Accordingly, she took up CNA classes during a semester break from her primary studies to acquire experience in the field of medicine. Although successful in her endeavors, she encountered a situation which brought her goals to a brief halt.

After being incarcerated for a short time, Johnson was determined not to allow this blemish detour her from being a productive member in society.

She considered her options and

thought it would be impossible to become a registered nurse so she decided to enroll in a Medical Assistant program. Johnson said, “I told myself, if I couldn’t finish what I started, I would still like to operate in the same field.�

Hence she graduated from Everest Institute in 2009 with a certification as a Medical Assistant.

Though Johnson was motivated to excel, she was confronted with many obstacles. She said, “There were walls put up in my way. After every wall, every door I get to get into and get almost out, there goes another wall ... Alright, when I go around that wall, it’s another wall. So I’m like, ‘Wow, these are a lot of walls. But I told myself, I can’t give up!’�.

Therefore, after completing her internship, she took a leap of faith and established Abe & Amar Healthcare the same year.

She named the company in honor of her sons.

While business was booming in her newly-established venture, she held true to her uncanny multi-tasking ability and pioneered another business, Flo’s Kitchen on Wheels in 2014.

Flo’s Kitchen on Wheels was an instant hit, securing clientele from area schools, local barbershops, welding businesses and other companies.

Johnson operated her catering business solely as she cooked and delivered six days a week for two years. After having persistent headaches and being informed of her life-threatening high blood pressure levels, she had no choice but to take a break and focus on her health.

Frequent trips to the emergency room and shifting through various blood pressure medications resulted in a referral to a heart specialist for further treatment, which she complied with.

Thereafter, she faced her fears and applied for a position in the field of her medical certification.

To her surprise, she was hired at ResCare and quickly began soaring through the ranks. Within three months, she was promoted to floor manager. Johnson continued her work there until the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. A couple weeks after

returning back to work, she was laid off.

About RSM StafďŹ ng Agency

Unwilling to sit idle, she resorted back to her entrepreneurial trait. In doing so, she considered all of the things she had been through in life and was inspired to give back to the community.

From this experience, she developed Rocking Single Moms Staffing Agency (RSM), which was geared towards helping single mothers. Being a single mother of three boys, Johnson felt the need to inspire and help other single mothers obtain employment.

Since then, she has extended the private-owned staffing agency to include all forms of employment for people in various backgrounds and professions.

RSM has a mission statement that ensures it works for the people by putting the resources together to help find the right job which fits each individual, and works to make sure each client’s goal is achieved. The agency offers job placement in the following industries: retail, clerical (office administration and administrative medical positions), janitorial, construction and warehousing. Furthermore, RSM provides employment in temporary to permanent workplace positions.

Despite leading a hectic schedule as a business owner, Johnson is sincere to her commitment as a single mother of three sons: Abraham, Jr. and Amauree Walls and Artiece Johnson. Having several bouts with being self-employed, she now realizes the significant strain that operating in such a capacity can have on her family.

Therefore, she limits her work hours to normal business hours during the week. She does this in order to ensure each of her sons has her support when needed and so that she can provide them each with the highest level of attention she can.

To this day, Johnson regards her mother, Geraldine Jones, father, Lloyd Johnson and her grandmother, Lois Hill as her

greatest influencers along her career path. She said, “As a teenager, I took care of my grandmother. I remember changing her feeding tubes, pampers, feeding her and being there as a companion to see to her. I believe that is one of the reasons I had such a passion for the medical field.�

Johnson attributes her hard work ethic to both her parents as she rendered the following statements. “I think I get a lot of my hustle from my mother.

Even though she went to prison, she came home and worked as a CNA at nursing homes. I saw her do it when I was younger and it encouraged me to push until I couldn’t push anymore, just as I saw her do. During the times, that I was responsible for caring for my grandmother, it was because my mother was out working double shifts. My father is also a workaholic; he still hasn’t retired and works just as Flowers for All Occasions

Florinda Johnson hard now as he did when I was younger.

For more information about RSM Staffing Agency contact, Florinda Johnson at (281)8829470; email florindajohnson34@gmail.com or visit the company website at https://rsm- AANI staffingagency.org/.

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Texas • June 10 - June 16, 2018

PUBLIC NOTICES

Leonard N. Barksdale November 11, 1948 May 14, 2018 Leonard was born on November 11, 1948 in Galveston, Texas. He attended Galveston County School District, graduated from Central High School in 1967, and went on to attend the University of Houston, where he received a B.A. in 1971. He then attended Thurgood Marshall School of Law where he received his Doctorate of Jurisprudence degree in 1974.

In 1974 he also married the love of his life, Gladys Glass and they lived in Kentucky.

Upon returning to Houston, he served as an attorney with the Houston Legal Foundation and in 1976 entered the private practice of law. His family included his daughters Lea and Anita. In 1994, he was called as Pastor of the Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church.

Jacquelyn Peters Randall Barnett August 8, 1948 May 16, 2018 Jacquelyn Nell Peters was born August 8, 1948 in Houston, Texas. She grew up attending Progressive Missionary Baptist Church and later became a member of Cathedral of Faith. In 1966, she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and pursued further education at Prairie View A&M University, where she met Johnny Randall, Jr. They married in 1968 and had two amazing sons, Johnny Duane Randall of Las Vegas, Nevada and Reginald Jermaine Randall of Houston, Texas. She worked at Texas Commerce Bank, Safeway Stores, the City of Houston Municipal Courts and part time for Harris County Voting Polls. Her memory will be cherished by the many who knew her.

Leboria Smith Biley December 3, 1934 May 1, 2018 Leboria Smith Biley was born on December 3, 1934 in Bessmay, Texas. She graduated from the former Frazier Waldo Matthews High School in 1952. She went on to attend the Hamilton School of Beauty Culture, where she graduated in 1956, and became a licensed beautician. She married the love of her life, the late Carl L. Biley; they remained happily married for 62 years until his death in 2006. They were blessed with two children, Jimmy L. Biley and Vanessa Biley-Williams. She was cherished and respected not only by her family, but also by her church and community.

She served on many committees and was an active, loyal and faithful member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church for over 70 years.

Willetta Smith March 11, 1942 May 5, 2018 Willetta Smith was born March 11, 1942 in Houston, Texas. She graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1961 and attended Texas Southern University in the pharmacy program. She was employed by Stouffer Chemical Company, Lyondell Petrochemical Company and University of Texas Health and Science Center Medical Library. She retired after a total of 40 years of employment. She married the love of her life, Clarence Irvin Smith, December 2, 1962. They remained together for 55 years until her demise. To this union was born two children, Kevin Irvin Smith and Kimberly Yvette Smith-Albrow.

Her favorite scripture was, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.�

Philippians 4:13.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Rev. Dr. E. E. Coates Rev. Dr. E.E. Coates died of natural causes on June 4 at a local hospital surrounded by his family. He was Pastor Emeritus of the historic Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Church in Third Ward where he served for 37 years from 1965-2002.

He was known as an extraordinary pastor, a fiery preacher and an influential community activist with an humble spirit.

He was supported in this ministry by a loving and devoted wife of 60 years, the late Mrs. Lucille H. Coates and children Lucille, Robert and the late James Arnold assisting in the music ministry and the youth church activities.

Rev. Coates provided spiritual leadership to his congregation as a powerful praying, singing, teaching and preaching pastor. He was courted by local and national political leaders for his counsel.

Deacon Calvin “Sam�

Jackson, Jr. December 5, 1940 February 14, 2018 Calvin “Sam� Jackson Jr. was born December 5, 1940 in Bunkie, LA. He moved at an early age and resided in Houston, Texas where he received his education from H.I.S.D. and graduated from Booker T. Washington. In 1982 he was united in holy matrimony to Ellen Sue Wilburn. With this union they reared four beautiful children. Sam retired in 2006 from Allied Concrete where he worked for many years. After his retirement, he worked at Mighty Fine Shoe Repair. Sam leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Ellen Sue Jackson, one son Calvin III (Vivian), three daughters Tracy (Louis), Trachelle (Dondrick) and Tonya (Shon) and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Rev. Sam Irvin Smith, Sr. August 17, 1940 April 21, 2018 Sam Irvin Smith, Sr. was born on August 17, 1940.

He attended Yates and Texas Southern University. His goals were to either enter professional sports or construction, but a substitute teacher job at what was then Houston Technical led to 30 years of service primarily at Barbara Jordan High School for Careers. In 1990 he became a local pastor serving two different churches. 31 years ago he met Emma Joahanne and both discovered how passionate each was about serving others, especially K-12 students, college students and the less fortuate in rural communities. Mourning his loss are countless family, friends and colleagues. He leaves behind a legacy of serving others sometimes at great personal sacrifice.

Lone Star College Bid Requests: • RFP # 596 Photography Equipment – Lone Star College-Kingwood. RFP Due: 7/3/18 @ 10:00a.m. Online WebEx pre-proposal meeting will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2018, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; call–in number 832-813-6701. Contact michelle. allen@Lonestar.edu 832-8136299For information to register and bid, please visit: http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/supplier.htm Lone Star College Bid Requests: • RFP # 594 First Aid Equipment & Supplies – Lone Star College-Kingwood. RFP Due: 6/26/18 @ 10:00a.m. Online WebEx pre-proposal meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; call–in number 832-813-6701. Contact michelle.allen@Lonestar.edu 832-813-6299 For information to register and bid, please visit: http://wwwappsdstc. lonestar.edu/istar/supplier.htm Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) Pre-Owned 2015 Freightliner Tractors Project No. 18-36 Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Tuesday, July 3, 2018.

Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs.edu/procurement.

Notice to Proposers Sealed electronic proposals will be received by Lone Star College for: • RFP #592 – Computers, Printers & Accessories. Electronic bids due by 1:00 p.m., Thursday, 6/28/2018.

WebEx pre-proposal meeting will be held Tuesday, 6/12/18 @ 10:00 a.m., Contact: sharon.k.ognowski@ lonestar.edu or 832-813-6211.

Must Register to Bid: http:// wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/ supplier.htm . If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the online registration process, contact donna.e.cottrell@lonestar.edu or 832-813-6275.

Public Notice The City of Houston (City) will receive $1,155,119,250 in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds for assisting in long-term housing recovery from Hurricane Harvey. To receive this funding, the City must submit a local action plan to the Texas General Land Office (GLO), which will be incorporated into the State of Texas Plan for Disaster Recovery: Hurricane Harvey – Round 1 as a substantial amendment. This local action plan is prescribed by the GLO and includes a local needs assessment, programs and budget, and expenditure timelines for the City’s expected allocation of CDBG-DR funds.

The draft local action plan is available for review and public comment from Thursday, June 7, 2018 until Thursday, June 21, 2018.

Public comments may be submitted by email to: Fatima.Wajahat@ houstontx.gov or by mail: HCDD, ATTN: Fatima Wajahat, 601 Sawyer, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77007.

View the draft Plan at: • HCDD website – http://houstontx.gov/housing • Main Public Library – 500 McKinney, 77002 • HCDD Office – 601 Sawyer, Suite 400, 77007 (copies may be obtained at this location upon request). To learn more about CDBG-DR and upcoming events related to disaster recovery, please call 832.394.6200 or visit www. houstontx.gov/housing. An online survey asking about your disaster recovery needs and priorities is available at: www.surveymonkey. com/r/HoustonHarveyRecovery.

For specific questions or concerns about fair housing or landlord/ tenant relations, please contact HCDD at (832) 394-6300 and choose the option for Fair Housing.

Lone Star College Bid Requests: • RFP # 593 Dental Equipment & Supplies – Lone Star College-Kingwood. RFP Due: 6/26/18 @ 10:00a.m. Online WebEx pre-proposal meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; call–in number 832-813-6701. Contact michelle.allen@Lonestar.edu 832-813-6299 For information to register and bid, please visit: http://wwwappsdstc. lonestar.edu/istar/supplier.htm Lone Star College Bid Requests: • RFP # 591 Cosmetology Equipment – Lone Star College-Kingwood. RFP Due: 7/3/18 @ 10:00a.m. Online WebEx pre-proposal meeting will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2018, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; call–in number 832-813-6701. Contact michelle. allen@Lonestar.edu 832-813-6299. For information to register and bid, please visit: http:// wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/ supplier.htm

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Texas • June 10 - June 16, 2018

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Rev. Curley Randle, Senior Pastor WEEKLY SCHEDULE Sunday School ......................................8:00 am Worship Service ...................................9:30 am Communion (1st Sunday) ................. 6:00 pm Bible Study (Tues.) .............................. 7:00 pm

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Rev. Dr. Edwin A. Davis, Pastor WEEKLY SCHEDULE Sunday School .......................................7:45am Sunday Services ...................................8:45 am Mid-Day Bible Study (Weds.) ..... 12:00 Noon Prayer Meeting, Teachers Meeting & Bible Study (Weds.) ........................ 6:30 pm

(281) 445-1201

http://www.paradisefuneralhome.net/

6112 Wheatley St. Houston, TX 77091

ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW

FUNERAL HOME

10401 W Montgomery Rd, Houston, TX 77088

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African-American News&Issues • 11

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SHOE REPAIR MIGHTY FINE SHOE REPAIR

1400 S VICTORY DR HOUSTON, TX 77088

(281) 448-9255 SHOE REPAIR & SHOE SHINE OPEN: MON - FRI 7AM - 6PM SAT 9AM - 3PM

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ FRIDAY, JULY 20

Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church Celebrating 6 years Pastoral Appreciation Celebration Banquet Honoring our Pastor and First Lady Rev. Dayle Perry and First Lady Brenda Perry 7:00 p.m.

S.B. Parker Fellowship Hall 1620 Dolly Wright Street Houston, Texas 77088

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

SATURDAY, JUNE 16 Mayor Sylvester Turner’s 7th Annual Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Contact Kynetta Moore, 832-393-0825 or email Kynetta Moore @houstontx.gov www.

HoustonSpecialEvents.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 16 Free Legal Clinic for Veterans 9:00 am - noon Conroe VA Outpatient Clinic, 690 South Loop 336 West, Conroe, TX 77304. No appointment is necessary. More information about the clinics is available at www.hba.org.

Guest Speaker Roy Douglas Malonson Publisher, AfricanAmerican News&Issues Buy Your Tickets Now $35.00 Per Person $280.00 (Table for 8) $350.00 (Table for 10) For more information contact Sis. Marilyn King at (713) 503-0687 or kings77088@att.net

THURSDAY, JULY 26

SUNDAY, JUNE 17

City Men Cook 3 pm – 6 pm Gilley’s Southside 1135 S. Lamar St. Downtown Dallas, 75215 Tickets $20/Adults $10/Children For more info visit www. citymencook.com or call 214-233-6199

SATURDAY, JUNE 23 to MONDAY, JUNE 25 18th Annual TX Int’l Hair & Trade Show Mesquite Convention Center www.texashairshow.com 469-751-8820

Reception Introducing the New Superintendent of Aldine ISD Dr. LaTonya Goffney Event opens from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Acres Homes Chamber 6112 Wheatley St. Houston, TX For more information contact 713-692-7003 Open to the Acres Home community

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11 SUNDAY, AUGUST 12

Houston Black Heritage Arts & Music Festival Event opens from 2 p.m. - 10 p.m.

George R. Brown Convention Center Introducing Lalah Hathaway and Stokley Williams

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18

Big Event Annual “Scholarship Banquet� “An Evening Dedicated to Excellence in Education�

Houston Sheraton Brookhollow Hotel “Grand Ballroom�

3000 North Loop West, Zip 77092 Seating 4:30 p.m. Program 5:00 p.m.

Dinner will be served promptly at 6:00 p.m.

Deadline for ticket sale is August 4, 2018 Ticket Price $75.00 Semi-Formal/ Dressy Attire Event Chairperson Rosa P. Abram (713)453-1803 Will Call Tickets must be postmarked by August 01, 2018 please mail checks: BTWAA P. O. Box 10625 Houston, Texas 77206-0625 BTWAA President Diane Edwards Giles (281)217-2674 Houston Sheraton Brookhollow Hotel Hotel Contact: 713-688-0100 Vice-President Larry Johnson (713) 410-4958 Deadline for Room Reservations: Saturday, August 4, 2018

FRIDAY, AUGUST 17 Booker T. Washington Alumni Association Celebrating 125 Years of Dedicated Excellence in Education Houston Sheraton Brookhollow Hotel 3000 North Loop West 7:00 P.M.