African-American News & Issues 7 1:7 7, 2018

FREE • July 1 - 7, 2018

www.aframnews.com

Vol. 23, Issue 24

The Largest Court Martial in U.S. Military History

Seun Adigun, Houstonian member of the Nigerian Olympic Bobsled team, at Mayor Sylvester Turner’s 7th annual Juneteenth parade, pg. 8

Blues artist Diunna Greenleaf at Rockin Americana Blues, pg.

9

Sixty-four soldiers from the 3rd Battalion of the 24th United States Infantry, a predominantly Black unit, were tried in the largest court martial in U.S. military history. Thirteen were sentenced to death.

By Sir Christofer Wayne

Houston 1917 Good ol’ Houston, Texas in the early 1900s housed about 130,000 Americans with 30,000 being African-Americans. It was the largest population of Black people in any Texas city, and a thriving one at that. Houston was growing economically as a whole during this time. Despite being in a segregated town, Black people owned their own

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baseball team, newspaper publications, and businesses. But after the Civil War, things changed drastically as America enacted laws that would then keep Black Americans “in their place” in southern society. White supremacy reigned throughout and police officers held a top rank amongst the society. That still doesn’t take away from a historical moment when Black society prospered economically, segregated from merging with the rest of society.

A Beautiful Park With an Ugly History Memorial Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and has over thirty miles of beautiful hiking trails. It has been a staple in our city for years with a hidden history that wasn’t known to most educators and Houstonians themselves. We jog, hike, ride bikes, and walk our dogs through the nature trails of a park that was dedicated to the soldiers who trained there years ago and fought on

African-American News and Issues Newspaper

foreign soil for the U.S. This is the pretty picture painted as the ugly truth hides behind the nature of the memorial.

Memorial Park is located inside the 610, touches east downtown, and is bordered by I-10.

In 1917, the true history behind the park’s name began when the United States declared war on Germany and entered the first World War. America rushed to establish two new military training bases in Harris County. One Continued on Page 4

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The recently completed Arboretum Trail welcomes the community to view its 300 foot length, pg. 7

The People’s Servant Ministry’s Pastor Bivins after the Universoul Circus, pg. 6

2 • African-American News&Issues

EDITORIAL & OPINION

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WANTED:

We need stories from 100 year olds. We will feature anyone 100 and over in the community in our paper.

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Information Is Power

ith the chaotic confused activities of our current POTUS in the White House, I can’t speak strongly enough about the power of information.

The power I’m speaking of, can determine the success or failure of the people under our government. It can also be the difference between “life and death” for many of our citizens.

History has shown that societies that have allowed channels of information to operate freely have always been stronger, more advanced and more powerful than nations and societies which receive very limited information or none at all.

Our modern day AfricanAmerican communities depend on the media information they receive to enlighten them with the knowledge that they need to survive. Subsequently, our American newspapers including our African-American newspapers carry this information that we need. If these newspapers are controlled by “true people,” who know what is really happening in their communities, they will report the truth.

Information is described in the dictionary as “knowledge, facts and news.” Our American newspapers must stand up for the rights of “all” of the people and report well balanced information on people responsible for doing good deeds as well as those responsible for committing wrong doing. Information through media outlets, especially newspapers provides “checks and balances” which fully benefit all people.

Actually, American and other world leaders will and can do their jobs better (for the citizens) when they know that newspapers and other legitimate news outlets will accurately report their information. Additionally, the information provided by accurate reporting through newspapers can hold “crooked” leadership down and make it ineffective.

In relation to African-Americans, information on racism and disrespect for the race has been brought to the forefront by newspapers. Examples of this

The Standard View

By Billy “Hollywood” Groves

can clearly be seen in the reporting of information on the enemies of human and civil rights and the revealing of true intentions of those involved in these issues.

People lying to the public has been going on as long as people have been reporting news. We know that without information there is no way for us to know and compare which voices are legitimate and which are illegitimate, which voices are speaking for the betterment of the people and which are speaking against the people.

Therefore, our democracy in America depends on information from true unbiased newspapers and their reporters.

These newspapers have given information down through the years that helped make America great! They told us about slavery, pointed out its supporters and even those who opposed it. Needless to say, these newspapers were never endorsed by people with bad and evil intentions.

As a longtime writer, activist and freedom fighter, I truly understand the power of information. When I write down issues of interest that help people, it really does have a positive effect on people. I know it to be true, because people are willing to share the fact with you that “the information they received helped them.”

There is a verse in the Bible that says “for lack of knowledge our people perish.” That is a strong, true Biblical quote, that gives validity to the fact that information is power.

I will end this article by encouraging our American people, especially African-Americans and minorities to get their valuable information out to the public. That “information power” will continue to keep our nation great! God Bless America!

- AANI

I

Police Brutality – An Epidemic?

t has happened again. An unarmed Black teenager was shot and killed, this time in East Pittsburgh as he tried to flee a traffic stop. Antwon Rose II, 17, was an honor roll student taking Advanced Placement classes at Woodland Hills High School.

He was expected to graduate at the end of the year.

Rose, who was shot to death by a policeman on his first full day on the job, is yet another victim of police brutality -- an epidemic that must be stopped.

Houston, of course, is no stranger to police harassment and brutality. In 2012, almost half the Houstonians arrested during traffic stops were African-Americans, though they make up less than a quarter of the city’s population.

Houston Police Department statistics show that white drivers are more likely than Black drivers to be carrying contraband, but according to HPD’s annual report on racial profiling - which concludes, “The analysis provides no evidence that officers of the Houston Police Department engage in racial profiling” -- officers performed “consent searches” on Black drivers in 2012 more than four times as often as on white drivers. A consent search is specifically one made without probable cause.

With these statistics alone, it is easy to see how racial bias plays a role in both police harassment and police brutality of Black individuals in the United States, in Texas and in Houston.

Police brutality, by legal definition, is a civil rights violation that occurs when a police officer acts with excessive force -- a violation of a person’s rights -- by using an amount of force with regards to a civilian that is more than necessary.

I, too, have been a victim of police brutality.

In September of 2014, I was pulled over by a Harris County Precinct 1 deputy constable -Deputy John Brown -- for what should have been a routine traffic stop. He was joined by five additional officers, made up of officers from both the constable’s office and the Houston Po-

Texas • July 1 - 7, 2018

State Rep District 139 Jarvis Johnson

lice Department (HPD).

Deputy Brown approached me with his gun drawn and pointed at my head. This was the first time that I feared for my life.

Although he was out on traffic patrol, Deputy Brown’s dash cam was not working that night.

Too much money is spent on dash cams to protect both citizens and law enforcement for this to be allowed.

In the worst case scenario, which unfortunately has become the common one, the officer could have shot me, killed me, and no one would have known what truly happened.

Had it not been for the gas station’s surveillance cameras -which caught part of the incident -- it would have simply been my word against the officer’s.

Following the incident, I filed a complaint with Harris County Precinct 1. While the police took money from me during their search, I cared more about the hostile behavior of the officers that slapped, handcuffed and threw me in the back of a police car.

The video showing what happened remains on YouTube and can be viewed by following the link https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=xdysDchHuww.

It is important to pay attention to the following minute marks: • 2:00 - Deputy Brown pulled his gun when approaching my vehicle.

• 4:15 - I was taken to the police car in handcuffs.

• 4:20 through 9:55 - My vehicle was illegally searched by officers.

• 19:15 - I was released from the back of the police car.

• 19:50 - My handcuffs were taken off.

• 20:41 - I was issued a speeding ticket.

The second video shows how I continued to be harassed by officers for over 25 minutes even after my speeding ticket was issued.

- AANI

Texas • July 1 - 7, 2018

Immigration and Slavery

I

t is truly devastating to see the images and videos that have surfaced amongst the web regarding immigration. Immigration has been an issue for years and it seems as if there isn’t a solution that everyone can agree upon.

However, I think there is one thing we can agree on, and that is to not separate families no matter what the situation is. Our President should be ashamed of what is occurring, but honestly, I doubt he is. From what we have witnessed thus far, he has led us to believe that he is against immigrants considering his constant push for a wall, border control, and all of the hateful things he tweets about or says. Just to throw this in parenthetically, I have always found it amusing that his wife is not American, but yet, he shows so much hatred towards other immigrants.

The irony, right?

The current issue regarding immigration and the separation of families has reminded me of what occurred during the days of slavery. If you were enslaved, you lived in fear on a dayto-day basis because of what could potentially happen to you.

You could have gotten beaten, killed, or even separated from your family. Personally, I can’t imagine being separated from my family against my will and with no means to reach them. To make matters worse, if a slave was sold, there was a strong possibility that he/she would never see his/her family members ever again. Many slaves were sold to different people and even shipped or moved to another state or even out of the country.

How would you feel?

I recently read an article under the National Humanities Center

by Heather Andrea Williams. In this article, she addressed different reasons why slaves were separated from their families.

“An enslaved person could be sold as part of an estate when his owner died, or because the owner needed to liquidate assets to pay off debts, or because the owner thought the enslaved person was a troublemaker. A father might be sold away by his owner while the mother and children remained behind, or the mother

African-American News&Issues • 3

EDITORIAL & OPINION The Overflow

By Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M.Ed.

and children might be sold. Enslaved families were also divided for inheritance when an owner died, or because the owners’ adult children moved away to create new lives, taking some of the enslaved people with them.”

What happened to these families is sad, and if anything, families must stay together. It is imperative that we keep families together because separating them can be mentally damaging, especially for children. The children are innocent and do not understand everything that is occurring around them. They are the ones who suffer the most in the long run.

So, is immigration like slavery? No of course not, but there are some things occurring with immigration that occurred during slavery. For one, these people are being held against their will, just like slaves were.

Second, they are being held in what appears to be fenced in areas that look like cages.

Maybe they don’t have chains like many slaves were forced to wear, but to me, they are still being treated inhumanely, as if their lives don’t matter. Let’s not forget the separation of families.

As previously discussed, many children are being separated from their families just like a lot of slaves were. Slaves were sold and shipped away, and immigrants are shipped back to where they came from. Most of all, immigrants don’t have a voice just like the slaves didn’t as people had to speak for them.

So, what can we do to help?

We can’t just sit quiet. We need to be a voice for those who aren’t able to speak on their own behalf. The most important thing that we cannot do is turn a blind eye to the wrongdoings of this country. I think we’ve done that long enough. America, we can do better. America, we must do better. The beginning of change starts with you.

- AANI

T

Are WE Free?

he Preamble to the Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Any person reading this would be completely awestruck by the tone and implication listed in its contents and the peace in which it suggests.

Any person living in a state of bondage, disarray or inhumane injustice would go through pure hell to make it to a land which proclaims freedom to all… In fact, we are witnesses due to the melting pot society which surrounds us that many have gone through much tribulation trying to attain citizenship in this country.

However, the true history which lies behind these United States appears to be quite contrary from those “self-evident” truths listed in the Preamble.

By way of action, America has shown that all men are NOT created equal.

To that regard, neither has every American been privileged to experience the unalienable rights vested in the declaration which alludes to, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Sure “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” has been extended to some of our American counterparts and is a way of life for many. But, when it comes to Black folks and other minorities this is often not the case. Even more, after working to build this nation and fighting for its freedom, Black folks have been on the wrong end of achieving, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

We MUST Understand throughout the history of Black folks’ existence within these United States, there have been scores of times that the strength of the culture was used for a purpose which would not benefit them.

Long before, the Emancipation Proclamation was signed Black folks were on the battlefield fighting for freedom in a nation in which they were still oppressed. The Fourth of

July, or Independence Day as it is known, is the day which has been set aside to mark the Founding Fathers separating from England and writing the Declaration of Independence.

According to actual history, it was during the American Revolution that the legal separation of the 13 colonies from Great Britain occurred, two days prior to the celebrated date. On July 2, the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence which was proposed by Richard Henry Lee. The official declaration was written and declared on July 4, 1776.

While America received her freedom in 1776, slaves who fought in the war were still in bondage. It wasn’t until nearly a century later, when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Even more, when that proclamation was signed it did not instantly free the slaves.

African-Americans recently celebrated Juneteenth which was a year and a half delayed celebration to the official signing on January 1, 1863. Yet, even then Black folks were still not free, because many of us still had to fight for the right to vote in a land where our ancestors fought to secure its freedom.

I often refer to an article published in The Informer entitled, “Congress still debating whether Negroes are individual or property”; that was just in 1963. So in theory, it may be that there is some truth to the Preamble after all...

If I was to consider the sentiments expressed in this article, it would mean that Black folks were exempt from its grasp anyway, because we were never considered human to begin with.

While my tone here is sarcastic at best, many people are unaware of the times in U.S. history when Black slaves were

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher

considered 3/5 a person.

To add, in our current society African-Americans are still victims of mass incarceration, racial profiling, economic disparities; and that’s not to mention the systematic imbalance of losing our young Black men at the hands of authorities.

If America is truly home to the land of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” why then is there a need for the Black Lives Matter movement?

Why is Donald Trump using his executive power to drive a wedge between the NFL and its professional Black players?

Why are Black NFL players being singled out for kneeling in protest of a country which would stand and uphold their unjust deaths in the face of an angry or disgruntled public servant?

The list is endless in regards to the many liberties that exist amongst those who do not look like us in comparison to the liberties in which African-Americans have.

Then again, as I always say, “There is just something about this Blackness which is seriously misunderstood.”

Concluding, I would just like to ask the faithful audience of African-American News&Issues a couple of questions… That is, considering that the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1774, the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the Civil Rights Act in 1964: did those declarations, proclamations and acts provide Africans living in America any real freedom? In, 2018 are WE really free???

- AANI

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4 • African-American News&Issues

Continued from Page 1

Twenty-three years old: convicted of murder, mutiny, and assault with intent to murder during the Houston race riot of 1917.

COVER STORY

training site was named Ellington Field, and the other was a site called Camp Logan which the army sent the Third Battalion of the Twenty-Fourth U.S Infantry to guard; also known as the Buffalo Soldiers, African American warriors named by the Native Americans they fought so hard against. Understand the difference this period was compared to society today. Free is an understatement when you think about being forced to fight a war for a country who won’t consider you an American.

This Is STILL Texas, Boy! You’d think such a gun-toting bragging state would be 100% in favor of a group of soldiers coming into town to protect our country, but that wasn’t nec-

Soldiers of the 24th infantry regiment at Camp Logan (Memorial Park) in Houston, Texas, in 1917.

Camp Logan, circa 1917, was a World War I Army training facility located where Memorial Park is now.

essarily the case back in 1917; especially in the southern states.

You just can’t send a bunch of proud Black men from the north to the south without warning.

The early 1900s was not very kind to people who were not White. Black people weren’t even looked at as human. Racism and segregation was not yet a figment of our imagination being that Blacks were just now allowed to fill labor positions because of World War I. Lynching was also still something that was allowed even during times of war. To be a Black person, let alone a soldier, with the imminent fear of being lynched or shot by an enemy…

Racism and the system that appropriated it was not a joke in the south. Many people who visit current Texas from out of town are quite surprised at our southern hospitality and are horrified in the same sentence when they learn of our weird laws that governed our society years ago.

We are a growing, loving, mixed bunch of folk now but life was different 100 years ago.

The Houston community wasn’t too accepting of Black soldiers coming into town to set up shop at Camp Logan, which is where Memorial Park is located today. There was tension between Black soldiers/citizens and White society, as the Jim Crow laws were still common.

Black soldiers were still held to segregated life like any other Black person, despite fighting for the country. White soldiers still wanted separate drinking stations and segregated transportation.

The Buffalo Soldiers couldn’t avoid the growing heat from the unjust laws and police authorities just from being Black in a segregated society. Former police chief Lee Sparks during the early 1900s even suggested Houston hire bloodhounds as part of the police force, specifically to keep Black people in line. Once again, tensions between authorities and citizens isn’t a new urban issue, yet another historical notch on America’s belt that has never been fully discussed.

Houston Riot 1917 Yes, Houstonians! We have a history of a riot right here on our

own soil. We’ve had a few in the past.

The Houston Riot of 1917 began when an already suspect Officer Lee Sparks got a little too carried away with his job in an already racially justified state. August 23, Officer Sparks and another officer spotted two dice shooters who then fled upon being spotted by the authorities.

The officers chased the teens down an alley and into the home of a Ms. Travers. The cops broke into the home, which caused an altercation between them and led to her being assaulted and arrested.

A Black soldier nearby overhead the commotion and was pistol whipped for coming to Ms. Travers’ assistance. They both were taken to jail.

When word got back to camp about what had taken place, well respected guard on duty Corporal Charles Baltimore went on the hunt for Officer Lee Sparks to inquire about the situation.

Officer Lee, still abiding by good ol’ southern laws, didn’t appreciate a Black man questioning his authority, which eventually led to Baltimore suffering the same fate as the other two individuals.

Mutiny on the Bayou Mutiny is a word used to describe blunt, open rebellion against those who are in control or the proper authorities. This word is directly connected to a negative narrative that usually describes a person of interest who has gone rogue and is against the system.

But what does one do when a mutiny describes fighting back for what you believe to be right?

Is it not the duty of an American to fight for liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness?

This isn’t to celebrate the essence of what the latter describes about mutiny rather, how can we really understand the sentiment of what it means to truly enjoy freedom and independence in America when we are just now discovering recent historical truths? We think of war as a third world problem that won’t be seen again in our lifetime, but how quickly do we forget our own history right here at home.

After Baltimore’s arrest, ru-

Texas • July 1 - 7, 2018

mors spread at the training site he’d been killed by the cops and the African-American soldiers begin to talk about retaliation.

To keep the tension down, officers decided to walk Baltimore back to Camp Logan to prove he wasn’t dead, thinking it would stop the other Black soldiers from being incited. Once the soldiers got a glimpse of their battered brother in arms, all respect was lost and the soldiers began to ready themselves for war.

The Black soldiers devised a plan at night for mutiny against the White officers who wronged their camp. They marched through the city, shooting officers and terrorizing families associated with those they felt were against them. White people feared for their lives as hundreds rushed downtown to get ammo. The police chief armed thousands more before going towards the riot area. After almost 2 hours of chaos, 4 soldiers were dead and 15 White civilians were killed, resulting in both the largest murder trial and the largest court martial in U.S. history.

Four months later, 13 Black soldiers were hung in San Antonio on Camp Travis. Sixty-three soldiers were given life sentences and a year later, six more were hanged at the same site on Camp Travis.

America the Beautiful Memorial Park will forever remain a beautiful place where secrets kept as the social norms of our time really took its toll on our American community. This was the one time where society reached its breaking point, and tragedies occurred.

Losses were had on both sides of the racial divide but as time does with all things, we grew, kept living the best we knew how as a society, and eventually elevated to be this great diverse city we inhabit today.

So, while we’re all out enjoying our red, white and blue popsicles while gazing upon artificial bursting stars through the night sky, remember a time in history when things weren’t so pleasant around us and try to appreciate the more subtle freedoms we do get to enjoy 100 years removed from our past.

- AANI

6 • African-American News&Issues

UNIVERSOUL

Texas • July 1 - 7, 2018

The Circus Passes Through the ‘Hood’

By Arielle Johnson Photos by Arielle Johnson

Councilman Atkins gives Pastor Bivins, a member of his district, a big hearty hug as Councilman and Mayor Pro tem Dwayne Caraway looks on.

Volunteers making sure supplies are readily available as circus attendees exit the Cummings Recreation Center.

Cummings Recreation Center Summer Youth Camp waiting patiently for the show to start.

The circus literally came to town recently, to one of the most unlikely places you could possibly imagine - “the Hood.” But we’re not talking about your average circus, we’re talking about the Universoul Circus. And when we say Universoul, best believe there’s a lot of SOUL in it.

As a way of giving back to the Dallas community, the Universoul Circus administrators decided they would conduct a pre-show at the Cummings Recreation Center located in District 4 which belongs to City Councilman/Mayor Pro tem Dwaine Caraway. Like a proud father, Councilman Caraway was all smiles as he greeted several busloads of bright, bubbly summer camp kids from all over the city.

He definitely handled the crowds with finesse, while simultaneously fulfilling the requests of various media personalities. We noticed him beaming when he mentioned, “A lot of these kids will never go to the circus, so we are bringing the circus to them.”

Indeed, Councilman Caraway’s words were true, because we interviewed both adults and children after the show to hear their thoughts.

“The most exciting thing for me is that I have never been to the circus,” said 46-year old Linda Redmon from the Pleasant Grove section of Dallas. Ms. Redmon works at the

Cummings Recreation Center.

She was responsible for making sure the kids behaved during the pre-show, and each one accounted for at all times. She mentioned that after the show, the kids couldn’t stop talking about the clowns, who performed to “JUJU On That Beat,” and invited audience members onto the stage. Even Mrs. Redmon was guilty of not being able to control her excitement. She kept sharing things about it with her husband, who finally commented, as they both decided to call it a day, “You must have REALLY had a good time.”

Inside the gym was one aspect of the entire experience that took place at the Cummings Recreation Center. The kids got a chance to see RAW TALENT. There was no padding on the floor as protection for the acrobats. And although the roar of excitement coming from the crowd was not as thunderous as other venues capable of seating more than a thousand people, the genuine love between the audience and performers could be felt. The performers brought a ton of energy in a more intimate setting and even invited members of the audience to share the stage with them.

The entire show lasted for approximately 90 minutes and when the various summer camps left the Cummings Recreation Center, there were volunteers

Kids from audience are asked to come on stage to dance with the clowns to “All I Ever Wanted Was a Rollie.”

standing at the exit handing the children grilled franks, chips and cold beverages.

When you start to examine all of the components involved with having a grand event, it doesn’t take long, before you realize, ‘Hey...This is how you bring a city together!”

You find something major to rally behind, then get as many people as you can together to make sure things run smoothly.

That’s what Councilman Caraway and Councilman Atkins did. Councilman Caraway had the pre-show in his district and Councilman Atkins will be hosting the Universoul Circus at the Southwest Center Mall in District 8, starting from June 27July 8.

We’d like to send a shout out to the children’s summer camps we met personally, Cummings Recreation Summer Camp, The People’s Servant Summer Camp, Stream, Dallas Community Fellowship, Inc. It would have been great to meet each of the individual groups, but time would not allow for it. Just know, each and everyone’s presence was needed to make a great memory for all who came out.

We want to also send a shoutout to Leah Anthony, who is a volunteer grandmother at the Cummings Recreation Center.

She too, is an adult who never experienced a circus performance. She has asked us to send out a special shoutout to her two grandsons, Camron Badon and CJ Knox. Both of her grandbabies were happy to tell me what they loved most about the show.

“I liked the clowns when they did “JUJU on That Beat,” said Camron. CJ chimed in right after Camron paused and said, “And I like the way the boys were twisting their body and everything.” He was referring to the body contortionists. Both boys are 8-years old.

This year, the Universoul Circus is celebrating its 25th Anniversary and the theme is celebrating diversity, by unifying people from all over the world on their stage.

- AANI

Texas • July 1 - 7, 2018

African-American News&Issues • 7

COMMUNITY The Arboretum Trail at Willow Waterhole

The Arboretum Trail has been recently completed and it is time to welcome the community to view its entire 300 feet length and thank all those who participated in its construction! Nine Eagle Scout projects and one Gold Award project were completed during the yearlong effort on the Trail, along with conservation workdays held with several area organizations. Troop 242 from Wheeler Avenue Baptist, Troop 500 from Brentwood Baptist, Troop 740 from Willow Meadows Parents Club, and Troop 55 from St. John the Divine Episcopal all had Eagle Scout projects.

Troop 1126, from St. Thomas More, had the Girl Scout Gold Award project.

See the list of scouts below.

Faith organizations from Westbury United Methodist, Salem Evangelical Lutheran, and the Interfaith Environmental Coalition participated and volunteer support was also provided by Keep Houston Beautiful, Dow Chemical, and Constellation Energy.

The Trail construction was led by Conservation Committee members of the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy.

Russell Schexnayder, a founding member of both WWGC and the Brays Bayou Association, was the visionary for the Trail and provided a large share of

the funding required. A plaque has been placed at the trailhead honoring Russell for his contributions to the Westbury community. The Arboretum contains over 100 understory plants, all native to Texas. Jed Aplaca from the City of Houston Parks Department and Stephen Benigno from the Harris County Flood Control District provided advice on plant selection. The diversity of tree groves and nearby wetlands made the area attractive for botanical education purposes and it is close to where a farmhouse stood when rice fields ruled the day. It also possesses a great view of Trian-

gle Lake and is adjacent to the Rafferty Memorial Oak and the new Chimney Swift Bird Habitat. This area is expected to become a key destination point for visitors to the Greenway.

Eagle Scouts Justin Varkey, Troop 55 Charles Pittman, Troop 500 Sharrief Bellow, Troop 500 Alex Huff, Troop 740 Asa Singleton, Troop 242 Daniel Hinton, Troop 242 Marcellus Jordan, Troop 242 Benjamin White, Troop 242 Shane Bennett, Troop 242 Gold Award Scout Madison Contreras, Troop 1126 - AANI

Shane Bennett is a member of Troop 242 at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Flowers for All Occasions

WWGC Conservation Chair Bill Burhans, here with Paul White, worked with Eagle Scouts from several area troops and a Girl Scout Troop from St. Thomas More Catholic Church to design and build the Arboretum Trail at Willow Waterhole.

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Volunteers and Eagle Scouts include Shane Bennett, son of the Hon. Al Bennett of the U.S. Southern Court and Benjamin White, 16, son of Gary White, CPA, along with Asa Singleton, Daniel Hinton and Marcellus Jordan are all members of Troop 242 at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Other Eagle Scouts who worked with them are Alex Huff of Troop 740 in Willow Meadows, Sharrief Bellow and Charles Pittman in Troop 500 from Brentwood Baptist Church completed their Eagle Scout Award honors through more than 2,000 hours of work on the Arboretum Trail.

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8 • African-American News&Issues

JUNETEENTH RECAP

Texas • July 1 - 7, 2018

Mayor Turner’s 7th Annual Parade in Acres Homes Photo Credit: Sue Davis

Booker T. Washington.

Mayor Sylvester Turner and Clyde Drexler.

Member of the HCC Fire Training Academy passes out gifts to spectators

Singer IMAJ

Parade enjoyed by folks of all ages.

Recently, Mayor Sylvester Turner hosted his annual Juneteenth Parade in Acres Homes.

For seven years, he has honored the memory of Juneteenth by this grand celebration. The parade began at the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center at 6719 West Montgomery and concluded at Greater Zion Baptist Church and Drew Academy.

This year, over 100 entries were featured, from horses and carriages to vintage cars. Other displays were local marching bands, dancing groups, floats and special guests. Mayor Turner honored local pastors around the city with a float called “Legends of the Pulpit.”

During the event, several special guests complimented attendees with ticket giveaways.

The UniverSoul Circus featured acrobats, clowns and stilt walkers, and distributed tickets to the circus performance held at Butler Stadium. Also, former Houston Rocket and commissioner of the Half-Court Professional Basketball League, Clyde Drexler awarded tickets to his three-onthree competition tournament that took place on June 22.

Several famed Houstonians represented in the parade included Z-Ro, rapper who has released several albums; Seun Adigun, a Nigerian-American bobsledder who participated in the 2018 Winter Olympics; Grammy-nominated Brian Courtney Wilson, a gospel singer who has released various albums; Raphael “Trouble” Igbokwe, a super middleweight boxer, former University of Texas quarterback and two-time Pro Bowler in the NFL, Vince Young.

Additionally, IMAJ supported the occasion. IMAJ is a young African American country singer/songwriter and humanitarian.

Mayor Turner’s 7th Annual Juneteenth Parade was a success as smiles were seen throughout the faces of local elected officials, clergymen, educators and leaders of the community, residents and children of all ages.

The Mayor thanks all who came out and supported this commemorative event.

- AANI

Texas • July 1 - 7, 2018

African-American News&Issues • 9

ARTS

Rockin’ Americana Blues, Ruthie Foster and The Peterson Brothers Bring the City of Houston Out

By Keandra Scott

Photos by Kristina Kolosova

Bridging the gap between generations, The Peterson Brothers and Ruthie Foster solidified the many reasons this month in its entirety, is a celebration of African American Music. Presented

by Discovery Green, University Houston-Downtown, KPFT 90.1 FM Pacifica Radio, Saint Arnold Brewery, Cactus Music and the Record Ranch, it was a Rockin’ Americana Blues adventure to the many in attendance. The show kicked off around 7:00PM on Thursday, June 21, 2018 with Bastrop, TX natives, The Peterson Brothers band, led by Glenn, Jr. (21) and Alex (19). These guys may be young but they know what they are doing. They’ve opened for the late B.B. King, Buddy Guy and many other legendary musicians. From the Chicago Blues Festival to the Kerrville Folk Festival, they are becoming well-versed as they hone in on their very distinguished sound.

On stage, The Peterson Brothers band infused their original style with a modern-day twist of blues to different well-known R&B and soul selections. They played “Before I Let Go� and the crowd got up on its feet to dance. Intertwining their original material with tunes that are familiar was a good gesture for those who may not be familiar with them just yet. At the finishing of the duo’s set, show goers noticed glow in the dark sticks were being passed out along with buttons.

There were also easels with pictures of late band member and well-known drummer Samantha Banks. Ruthie Foster payed tribute to drummer Samantha Banks by bringing to stage 5 time Grammy-Award nominee with Taj Mahal, Larry Fulcher and jazz band mate Matt Underwood.

Foster’s down home soulful voice resonated as she sang “Death Came A-Knockin’ (Travelin’ Shoes)� from Runaway Soul album (2002). Foster invited well-known Blues artist Diunna Greeleaf and Annika Chambers to join her in deliver-

ing a powerful improv to “Real Love� from album Crossover (1999). Right before the closing of the show, audience members lit the night with the glow sticks as Foster performed a heartfelt song inspired by Samantha

ce Sin 94 19

Banks’ memorable recording (in which the audience got a chance to hear) of Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman�. Thursday Concert Series presented by UHD is a FREE concert each week at Discovery Green.

- AANI

Bra n d New !

Tote Bags Matt Underwood.

Larry Fulcher.

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Annika Chambers and Ruthie Foster.

Angel in Flight 17� x 17�

Angel Praying

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We appreciate o ur customers!

Samantha Banks.

10 • African-American News&Issues

ARTS & GIFTS ce S in 9 4 19

CANDY

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Texas • July 1 - 7, 2018

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PUBLIC NOTICES Houston Community College Request for Proposals – Commodity (RFP-C) NEO’s Market & Bakery and Culinary Arts Program Food Suppliers Project No. 18-21 Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Monday, July 23, 2017. Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs.edu/ procurement.

Lone Star College Bid Requests: • RFP #601 Golf Carts for Lone Star College- Kingwood. Due: 7/24/2018 @ 11 AM. WebEx pre-proposal meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, at 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM; call–in number 832-813-6704. Contact christina.m.thibodaux@lonestar.edu 832-813-6575.

Must register to bid: http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/supplier.htm. If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date.

June 26, 2018 Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) Project No. RFP 18-37 Salary Benchmark Tool Services Proposal Submittal Due Date: Monday, July 30, 2018 Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time).

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

June 26, 2018 Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) Project No. RFP 18-24 PreEmployment Testing Services Proposal Submittal Due Date: Tuesday, July 24, 2018 Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time).

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

Houston Community College Invitation for Bid (IFB) (LoanStar II PROGRAM) Project No. IFB 18-30: HVAC Chiller, Boiler Systems & Associated Equipment Replacements, for HCC’s Spring Branch Campus A Pre-Bid Conference (Non-Mandatory) for IFB 18-30 will be held at HCCS Spring Branch Campus, 1010 West Sam Houston PKWY, Houston, TX 77043, on Monday, July 2, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. (local time). Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs.edu/procurement.

Houston Community College Invitation for Bid (IFB) (LoanStar II PROGRAM) Project No. IFB 18-38: LED Lighting RetroďŹ t – Multiple Facilities A Pre-Bid Conference (Non-Mandatory) for IFB 18-38 will be held at HCC’s Central Campus, San Jacinto Building, Room No. 112, Houston, Texas 77004, on Monday, July 2, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. (local time). Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Thursday, July 12, 2018.

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

Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) Project No. RFP-C 18-39 Team Surgical Simulator System Proposal Submittal Due date: on Monday, July 23, 2018 Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time).

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

Texas • July 1 - 7, 2018

PUBLIC NOTICES Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) Project No. RFP 18-32 Merchant Services Proposal Submittal Due date: on Friday, July 26, 2018 Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time).

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

Lone Star College Bid Requests: • RFP #606 Tiered Seating System LSC-Kingwood College. Electronic bids due by 11:00 am, Monday, 8/6/2018.

WebEx pre-proposal meeting will be held on Tuesday, 7/17/2018, at 11:00 AM – 12:00AM; Call–in number 832-8136702. Contact Patricia.S.Dean@lonestar. edu 832-813-6873. Vendors 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 on-line registration process, contact Michael.Loudis@ lonestar.edu or 832-813-6532.

WHAT’S HAPPENI N’ THURSDAY, JULY 5

Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development, Inc. Cordially invites you to attend the July Monthly Business Networking Luncheon 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

Acres Home Chamber 6112 Wheatley Street (Beulah Ann Shepard Building) Houston, Texas

Guest Speaker Brandon Martin Operations Director Krab Kingz Seafood UPDATED TICKET PRICES Member Price $30.00 Non Member Price $45.00 For more information contact 713-692-7161

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11 Janet Jackson State of the World Summer Escapade Tour Austin360 Amphitheater 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin, TX 78617 8:00 p.m.

Tickets at www.ticketmaster.com

African-American News&Issues • 11

MARKETPLACE WHAT’S HAP PENI N’

SATURDAY, JULY 14

Carver Community Cultural Center presents A Night at AlaMOTOWN “Tribute to Eva” featuring the Nate Evans Temptations Revue VIP Reception 6:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m.

Concert 7:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Watson Auditorium at St. Philip’s College 1801 Martin Luther King Dr., San Antonio, TX 78203 Visit https://ellaaustin. givezooks.com/events/ a-night-atalamotown To purchase tickets online: Block of VIP tickets 10 @ $1,500 includes attendance at reception &concert; Individual VIP tickets $150 each includes attendance at reception &concert; Concert only $50 presale and $65 at door.

FRIDAY, JULY 20

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

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

THURSDAY, JULY 26

Reception Held For All to Meet and Greet the New Superintendent of Aldine ISD Dr. LaTonya Goffney Event opens from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

George Washington Carver High School Cafeteria 2100 South Victory Houston, Texas 77088 This will be a historical event and everyone is invited to attend.

SATURDAY, JULY 28 10th Annual FN Williams Sr Golf Classic 8:00 am Shotgun Start Jersey Meadow Golf Course 8502 Rio Grande Jersey Village, TX 77040 Registration $110 (includes golf fee, lunch and donation) Sponsors are welcome.

For more information or to register email fnwilliamsgolfclassic@ gmail.com. Registration Deadline for shotgun start is July 24,2018.

SATURDAY, JULY 28

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

Aldine ISD in Partnership with Congressman Gene Green and BakerRipley invites you to the Family Engagement Expo 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

M.O. Campbell Educational Center 1865 Aldine Bender Free Immunizations (for first 100 students), Free Health Screenings, Door Prizes & Refreshments

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 4

2nd Annual Health and Black Business Expo 1:00 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Ibgo Catholic Community Center 8250 Creekbend, Houston, TX 77071 The event will include activities for the entire family. There’ll be live music, children’s games, mental health awareness and entrepreneurial workshops.

There will also be small business vendors, cooking demos, massage therapists, art, fashion, natural products and more! Activities also include mini dance sessions such as yoga, Caribbean dance, an!

Afrobeats. In addition, we will highlight local members of the community who have made positive contributions in health and wellness.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

Lotions by K presents Vendor Expo & Fun in the Sun 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Free admission, shopping, kid activities, food 14503 Bammel North Houston Houston, TX 77014

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 Grammy award winning Lalah Hathaway, and lead singer of R&B group “Mint Condition”,Stokley Williams Tickets available at houstonblackheritage fest.com

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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.

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, Houston, TX 77092 Deadline for ticket sale is August 4, 2018 Ticket Price $75.00 Semi-Formal/ Dressy Attire Event Chairperson Rosa P. Abram (713)453-1803 please mail checks: BTWAA P. O. Box 10625 Houston, Texas 77206-0625 BTWAA President Diane Edwards Giles (281)217-2674

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18

Back to School Hosted by KamKam Productions Third Ward MultiPurpose Center 3611 Ennis St, Houston, TX 77004 11:00 am to 4:00 pm FREE FOOD| FREE BEVERAGES | MUSIC | FUN | FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES (Pre-K - 12th)| TALENT SHOWCASE Entertainment by Fierce Elite Diamonds Pre-Registration sign up is from July 1st - August 17th click the link to register. https://goo. gl/forms/UvYj4VykStbV8H0j2 Donations Accepted: Contact Nakisha Cole or email psbe2009@ gmail.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Capital City Black Film Festival Leon and Malik Yoba as Celebrity Ambassadors Austin Convention Center 701 Brazos St #5f00, Austin, TX 78701 This festival celebrates the unique, and yet still universal, perspective of talented African Americans filmmakers.

Includes year-round events and opportunities to experience the brilliant works of black artists and filmmakers from across the globe.

For more information call (512) 301-4141 or go to http://www.capcitybff.com/.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 The Black Academy of Arts and Letters presents Riverfront Jazz Festival Texas Horse Park 811 Pemberton Hill, Dallas, TX 75217 For tickets and more information visit: www.tbaalriverfrontjazzfestival.org

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14

Invitation to the Dedication of the Dr. Archie L. Blanson Career & Technical Education High School Tours & Reception 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Program 3:00 p.m.

311 West Road Please RSVP by October1 to 281-985-6202 or LDGray@AldineISD.org

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Drive For Scholarships 25th Annual Golf Tournament Foundation@LoneStar. edu or call 832-613-6592 LoneStar.edu/Golf2018