African American News & Issues

FREE • July 8 - 14, 2018

www.aframnews.com

Vol. 23, Issue 25

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Next Level Automotive with Brandon Stewart

Marvelyn Harris, SSLW Phenomenal Partner & Program Chair, Scholarships & Support, pg. 6

Did You Know? One of the world’s greatest writers was a Black Frenchman? Read the incredible story of Alexandre Dumas on pg. 7

Brandon Stewart, owner of Next Level Automotive with his first investor, his mother, Patricia Stewart.

By Rebecca S. Jones Photos courtesy of Brandon Stewart

“I like to encourage people and let them know that anything is possible. I ain’t nobody, I’m just a guy from the hood. But, it’s God who has put me in the position to be in the place with certain types of people. Some people may feel like they don’t know how to do x, y and z. I have never had a business loan or nothing like that... It’s all

Afram News

been about hard work and that’s what people are seeing.” Mr. Brandon Stewart, owner of Next Level Automotive expressed these words during a recent interview with African-American News & Issues.

From as far back as he can remember, he has maintained a unique talent to look past a vehicle’s current state and envision it at its full potential.

Through self-taught measures,

trial and error and paying attention to detail, Stewart has developed impeccable skills which have enabled him to emerge as a leader in Houston’s automotive customization industry.

His exceptional gift to restore and transform vehicles, coupled with his strong faith in God has made room for him in the presence of celebrities, professional athletes, hip-hop artists and tons of others. He has traveled the nation coast to coast, delivering

African-American News&Issues Newspaper

the latest styles and trends in the automotive culture and is known throughout the local community as a motivational speaker and mentor to area youth.

Brandon Stewart Stewart is a native Houstonian born and raised in the Hiram Clarke area. His mother, Patricia reared him in a loving, supportive Christian environment.

Growing up he attended Greater Continued on Page 4

Afram News

Learn how opiate addiction affects the Black community on pg. 9

2 • African-American News&Issues

Texas • July 8 - 14, 2018

EDITORIAL & OPINION

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Is the Supreme Court Outdated?

W

ith the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on immigration, which clearly favored President Trump and his racist ideology, in my mind, the question that needs to be asked is, “Should the U.S. Supreme Court and the Electoral College System (which allowed Trump to become president) be limited or removed from our democracy?”

It is a known fact we have enough intelligent, politically minded, true people of God (not fake evangelicals) of all races who can come together, implement and install a much more humane, fair and legitimate governmental system.

This could replace our current dictatorial U.S. Supreme Court and the “fake” Electoral College debacle which makes America look like an outdated, corrupt nation.

What we have witnessed recently is massive disrespect for human and civil rights. Although Clarence Thomas, an African-American, has served on the highest court in the land for many years, he has always displayed an anti-Black, anti-minority, anti-immigrant and anti-female mentality when voting on certain issues. You would think he would want to follow the historical footsteps of former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, an African-American who voted to help African-Americans, women, minorities, poor whites and immigrants, a true American hero, not an Uncle Tom who is willing to do anything racists tell him to do.

Longtime Supreme Court Judge Anthony Kennedy announced he would be retiring soon. Although Kennedy was considered a fair U.S. Supreme Court Justice, he voted against the people many times. With Trump’s power to replace him, we know it will be another person who has the Trump mindset.

National security concerns have become overrated by our U.S. Supreme Court. A lot of so called financially stable conservative Americans were brought to America by their immigrant

The Standard View

By Billy “Hollywood” Groves

family members, who didn’t have a “dime” when they came to America. Now that their families are rich, they have a far different attitude (mostly negative) toward people who are still struggling while trying to achieve the American Dream.

We the American people must use our power to stop the un-American behavior of our Supreme Court and leadership.

Donald Trump recently called California Democrat, Congresswoman Maxine Waters a low IQ person, for speaking out against him and the U.S. Supreme Court. We all know calling Black people “dumb” is a historically racist practice. Waters, a longtime African-American Congresswoman, even received death threats after Trump’s statements about her. With all of the gun deaths we have endured, including the recent killing of five journalists at an Annapolis, Maryland newspaper, we can clearly see gun safety and human rights have been disrespected by our Supreme Court. Trump’s followers want to put people back “in their places” and make America “Racist Great” through racist constitutional laws.

I’ve never heard Trump or members of his conservative U.S. Supreme Court ever say anything bad about Saudi Arabia, or pass laws against them.

The home nation of the killers of the New York City 911 tragedy came from. Instead this core group has bad mouthed and disrespected certain Americans and immigrants who have never challenged them. Congratulations, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters we appreciate the stand that you took supporting all Americans.

You are a great American, and a true American patriot.

I will end by saying, “The U.S. Supreme Court and The Electoral College system are flawed and outdated. “We the People” can change that! God Bless America!

- AANI

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America is a Caste System

or weeks on hand we all observed the rise in energy surrounding this recent royal family induction. Getting beyond the fact that the prince in conversation isn’t even in succession for the throne, the excitement for simply getting into another “White House” symbolizes the transgenerational dysfunction that the Black family has yet to heal from since our grandparents.

Despite the new princess being twice divorced and having her own energetic upbringing in racism between family members, Black society sat around parading this lighter pigmented, European featured woman as a new beacon of hope and a new horizon for Black queens. “We finally got us a sista in the family!” only to read about her not claiming her Blackness at all, sigh. If only sarcasm could be portrayed on paper.

Now what is a caste system and why such fascination with all these royal titles while existing at the bottom of the totem pole economically? It’s simple.

A caste system involves a ranking of importance, value, and economics within a society.

This is where we get the king, court jesters, queens, bishops of the court, and so on until you get to the working class and peasants. It matters not what you say and think you are, rather the financial importance or war value you bring to the castle. This sounds like behavior you see today in America regarding one president ruling over all, with leadership all the way down to the paid entertainer, working class American and poor.

Now ask yourself a serious question. What social class rank is your family in this American society given all the rules at play? Are you a soldier, aka warrior or knight, a professional ball player, aka court jesters of entertainment, or are you one of those people you see on medieval movies that’s somewhere off in the background rustling around the marketplaces as a commoner?

When the poor grew up alongside knights and other royal as-

Speaking to Dysfunction

By Sir Christofer Wayne

pects of society, they often mimicked their behavior by dressing as such, talking like the royals while wearing handmade royal regalia. The peasants may even attempt to live life as royalty amongst those within their environment to show some sort of class rank socially.

Does any of this sound familiar to what you may see in your own society? Poor fighting amongst the poor for the same scraps at Walmart, or even overspending on items to maintain an appearance of financial stability aka Coach purses and Gucci handbags just to fill the pockets of Queen Aida Calvelli herself.

American is a caste system because we are still technically living under the rules of the king. It has to always be the rich, warriors, working class, entertainment and poor. Black and poor people are so fascinated with royal titles because we have been stripped culturally and deprived economically for so long.

We cling to symbolism and achievements for a quick burst of feeling like one is finally coming out of repression from slavery. One would regret to even mention the symbolic nature of a half African, half White, nonBlack/African-American president who appeared to speak outwardly more for the LGBTQ community than his assumed Black people.

Any Black person over 40 will fight you, and rebuke you in Jesus name for speaking truth against the hidden veil of Barack Obama, but observing President Trump get nothing done in terms of law while still being able to speak openly to his people in American society, really makes you wonder if all of us were bamboozled. To finally get a Black person as a head of anything was achievement enough for the older Black community…. but at what cost? - AANI

African-American News&Issues • 3

Texas • July 8 - 14, 2018

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Black Women in Power

e have all heard of the “glass ceiling” and how women have been impacted by this invisible barrier for years.

This “glass ceiling’ has not only impacted just women in general, but Black women have had their own share of “glass ceilings” to break through.

In today’s society, women have made a lot of progress in the working world, but there are still some barriers that have to be broken. We witnessed a lot of it during the time that former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton put up a strong fight against President Trump.

Despite her loss, I believe that she paved a way for women to follow. She gave women a new kind of strength and hope, and assured the world that women are more than just homemakers.

In spite of the strides that Clinton made, it is still hard for many Black women to progress in this society. There are so many barriers that we still must cross until we can finally say “we made it.”

Black women have to be careful in how we dress, talk, think, act, and even how we wear our hair. All of these factors are considered when applying and interviewing for jobs, or even just living in this society.

In recent news, a group of women in South Fulton, Georgia has had many people talking about them. This city’s judicial system is run by Black women.

When I heard about this story, I had to immediately research it because I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

When I pulled up the story, I was taken aback because the image of these women spoke volumes and was so powerful to witness. I was moved and I was inspired. I was also encouraged to continue my own journey to being a strong Black woman in power.

We need more Black women in these type of positions. We need more Black women in high positions period. In order for this to happen, there are some things that Black women need to do and understand.

First, we have to educate our-

EDITORIAL & OPINION The Overflow

By Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M.Ed.

selves. Getting an education is one thing that can’t be taken from you and can help you grow and progress professionally and financially. School is one way to educate yourself, but it is not the only way. You can read different books and network with other people who are informed on what you’re trying to do.

Secondly, we have to stop tearing each other down. Don’t be jealous of another woman just because she is doing great things, and don’t look down on a woman who may be struggling.

I never could understand why people get so envious of others’ success. What God has for you, is for you. We have to help each other and lift one another up.

At the end of the day, no matter where you stand, we are all the same, fighting the same battle. So why fight against each other? What will that really accomplish?

Black women must also be confident. There is nothing more beautiful than a confident and strong Black woman. Be bold and take risks, but be confident in all that you do.

When you believe in yourself, you can reach greater heights that may have seemed impossible before. Lastly, always remain humble. If you stay humble in all that you do, I believe that you will reach even greater heights.

I encourage not only Black women, but women in general to continue to be a role model to our youth. Our young women need us to teach and nurture them, to show them how to be young ladies in this world. We need to also teach them to love and to help support others and not just be about themselves.

Our young women are watching us, and if we can’t get it together, then what does that mean for our future? Remember, as a woman, you are strong, and you are beautiful.

- AANI

In the Name of: Making America Great Again???

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lack and Brown have always had a close correlation. Of course, most obvious of the two rests in the fact they are amongst two of the darkest shades of color in the scheme. When it comes to the similarities which exist between African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans, the close relationship in the color scheme still applies. For years, I have been advocating for unity amongst minorities in this nation.

We MUST Understand even though we have different foods, customs, religions and practices; when it comes to coexisting together in these United States our White counterparts still view us all the same in a sense. It is no secret we Africans living in America have been the beneficiaries of a very dark and grim entrance and existence in American history. Nonetheless, many minorities which have become a part of this nation have seen their fair share of trials. As it is, in 2018 we are witnessing an administration which is openly opposing and overlooking some of the very fundamentals in which this country was founded upon – in the name of MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. Since I was a boy growing up in Acres Home, I have always heard the old folks say, “What goes around comes around.” I don’t care who a person is this thought has proven itself to be true over and over again. Therefore, citizens of this country would be wise to wake up and look at what is unfolding before our eyes. Any person can see what went around with Black folks over two centuries ago is coming back around again in a modernized form. An executive order promoted by the idea this administration is MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN should be a wake-up call to any person that is not of the majority race.

We MUST Understand the things we are witnessing now are nothing new in this nation.

Just like the Bible says, “there is nothing new under the sun, the same applies for the land of the free. The destruction and tearing

apart of families Donald Trump has been hell-bent on inflicting on the Hispanic community is history simply repeating itself.

But, one thing I don’t mind saying about Trump is that he did not attempt or even try to deceive the American people in regards to certain aspects. From day one, he let people know where he was coming from and he did not adjust his character to be misleading in any other way.

Everything about him shows he is racist and willing to go to any lengths to accomplish his mission.

For our readers’ reference, I have included a copy of the memorandum issued from the Office of the Attorney General.

The memo is Donald Trump’s new “zero-tolerance” policy for immigrants seeking refuge in the United States. The first three paragraphs read as follows.

“On April 11, 2017, I issued a memorandum to all federal prosecutors entitled “Renewed Commitment to Criminal Immigration Enforcement,” in which I directed the prioritization of the prosecution of certain criminal immigration offenses. I further directed each United States Attorney’s Office along the Southwest Border to work with the Department of Homeland Security to develop guidelines for prosecuting offenses under 8 U.S.C. § 1325(a).

Those seeking to further an illegal goal constantly alter their tactics to take advantage of weak points. That means we must effectively respond with smart changes also. The recent increase in aliens illegally crossing our Southwest Border requires an updated approach.

Past prosecution initiatives in certain districts-such as Operation Streamline-led to a de-

We MUST Understand

By Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher

crease in illegal activities in those districts. We must continue to execute effective policies to meet new challenges.

Accordingly, I direct each United States Attorney’s Office along the Southwest Border to the extent practicable, and in consultation with DHS- to adopt immediately a zero-tolerance policy for all offenses referred for prosecution under section 1325(a). This zero-tolerance policy shall supersede any existing policies. If adopting such a policy requires additional resources, each office shall identify and request such additional resources.”

Concluding, it is no secret the phrase Trump has been pushing throughout his administration, “Make America Great Again,” is reflective of a very dark time in American history. A time when a person’s color was enough to classify him as three-fifths a human; a time when a shade of tint suggested one was property and not worthy to vote or have rights as those whose skin was pale or White. So, my message to our Brown brothers and sister is this, ‘look around and see you are not one of them and you will never be classified as one of them.’

There is a very fine line between being able to pass as someone you are not. Eventually, the truth will reveal itself and somewhere down the line there will be a reminder to let you know exactly who you are and what your place is in these United States.

- AANI

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4 • African-American News&Issues

Continued from Page 1 St. Matthew Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. Gusta Booker, Jr. There, he was active in the choir and other functions of the church. Early on, he developed a fascination with “tricked-out” cars. He would

COVER STORY

often spend time at his grandparent’s home in South Park.

During his stay, he remembers excitedly gazing out the window watching the likes of local artists such as, Fat Pat, Lil Keke and others. As he matured, the images of them parading their candy-painted cars and spinning

Brandon Stewart speaks a message of empowerment to students at Lake Olympia Middle School.

Local DJ and positive social motivator Shawn, Hardbody Kiotti of FM 97.9 the Box and Brandon Stewart.

wheels up and down the street, blaring their latest albums remained cemented in his mind.

At the age of 15, he experienced his first bout with entrepreneurship while still in high school. Aware the school sold cookies two for $1, he tactfully engineered an approach to challenge his competition. After preparing a batch of cookies, he took them to school and allowed his peers to sample them; afterwards, he asked them if they would buy them and everyone agreed they would. Recognizing his mother as his first investor he said, “My mom saw what I was doing and asked if I was serious about it; when I told her I was, she went out and purchased all of the ingredients for me.”

A couple days later, Stewart returned to school with a better quality product, which was fresher and cheaper – selling his cookies three for $1. His venture was an instant success, and he showed gratitude to his mother by giving her the money she spent and a return on her investment. Before long, he became known as the “Cookie Man” around campus. Students and teachers alike were in constant demand for his supply, often coming to his classroom to see if he had more. Every morning he would get up an hour and a half early to ensure he could deliver his cookies fresh every day.

By the time he was 16, he had begun working at the movie theater while still selling cookies at school. Once he finally saved enough money to buy his

Texas • July 8 - 14, 2018

first car, he purchased a Honda Accord for $3,500. Later that year, he bought a Honda Civic and customized it with four TV screens and 17-inch tires and rims. Undoubtedly, his creativity sparked an interest in those around him, because eventually people started seeking him and his friends out for advice on how to enhance their cars. “I feel like this part of my life really stamped my future,” he said.

While maintaining his business venture, participating in the band and choir and working Stewart remained dedicated to his studies. In 2000, he graduated in the top of his class from Madison High School. Thereafter, he and three of his lifelong friends established a vehicle customization shop.

Climbing the Ladder to Entrepreneurship Prior to officially implementing the shop, the crew had already built a strong reputation for themselves in and around the city. They were a vibrant group of young skilled Black entrepreneurs who all shared a common love for custom cars. Their unique “713” branded shirts and chains and over-the-top customer service techniques kept them unrivaled amongst competitors.

Frequenting other cities and adapting the latest trends across the country into their builds also provided them with an additional edge over the competition.

Together they helped introduce some of the nation’s freshest and most innovative designs into Houston’s automotive industry.

Next Level Automotive customization of the Polaris Slingshot.

The team effectively operated for years before mutually deciding to part ways. Though each member went their way, they still remain close friends to this day. Stewart expressed, “What we built together can never be taken away from us because the stamp is there. We learned a lot from each other and fed off of each other’s energy. Collectively we were unstoppable. I was hurt when we parted ways because we were friends and all of us came up together. We were poor together so, when you poor and come up with somebody it’s a different type of come up, versus when you already have money and get with someone – then it’s straight business. So, because we struggled together, I feel like our story was different.

But, I couldn’t dwell on it because it was swim or sink time.”

The Dawn of New Era: Next Level Automotive Although Stewart was enthralled in the company, he never neglected furthering his education. Upon completion of high school, he enrolled at Prairie View A & M University for a short period. He then matriculated at the University of Houston-Downtown, where he earned a degree in Business.

After the dissolution of his former partnership, he knew it was of necessity that he reinvented himself. He had already begun laying the groundwork to incept his own business and started networking around the country with individuals in the field.

Coincidentally, he met a man named Dave through a mutual acquaintance, who was in California for the BET Awards weekend at the same time he was. As luck would have it, his newly-developed associate was well-connected around Cali.

Hence, the pair went to a party at the home of Academy Award winner, Jamie Foxx. While there, Stewart interacted with several celebrities like: Marcus Houston, Omarion, Jamie Foxx himself and scores of other celebrity personalities. Not long afterwards, Dave suggested to Stewart that he bring his skills and talent to the West Coast.

With that encouragement, Stewart took a leap of faith, stepped outside of his element and estab-

Texas • July 8 - 14, 2018

lished Next Level Automotive (NLA) in 2015 in Long Beach, California.

Upon returning home, he began looking for spaces to pioneer a location in Houston.

Initially, he was hesitant to reintroduce himself because he was known from his prior role and was unsure of how he would be accepted. However, that fear was subsided when he received a call from a former customer who desired to get some work done.

By this time, Stewart had officially opened the doors to Next Level Automotive in Houston.

After informing his customer that he had his own shop; his customer responded, “I don’t care where you are, as long as you can do the same job you did before.” That simple inference served as a mountain of motivation for him and almost immediately his confidence level was boosted. Up until that moment, he had been quietly working in his shop and wasn’t promoting the company too much.

He explained, “This was one of the reasons I wanted to jumpstart Next Level in California because I wouldn’t have to have the conversation about why we were no longer together.

I wasn’t prepared for the questions… But, I realized I couldn’t be afraid, I had to embrace it. I said to myself, ‘If I’m going to be successful, I have to push it all the way.’ Once I let it all go and dropped my fears, people starting congratulating me and letting me know they had been ready for me to venture out on my own. I couldn’t see past leaving my friends because it was a relationship. Honestly, I never saw myself in this position, because I was always more comfortable working behind the scenes.”

Stewart shared once he alleviated all of his internal reservations it was as if the flood gates opened for NLA. “I was amazed because the struggles I dealt with internally, outside people didn’t care about any of that.

The way we view ourselves is internal and when people see us they don’t have any idea. Even though it feels like people can look through you and see the hurt, pain and struggles – they can’t, because they are dealing

COVER STORY

with their own issues. But, it took me a while to come to that conclusion.”

Services of Next Level Automotive NLA has become home to one of the most elite vehicle customization shops in the city.

As a business owner, Stewart has built an extensive base of high-profile clientele. Yet, he keeps his doors open to accommodate customers from all walks of life and economic statuses and backgrounds. He says, “I treat everybody the same because that’s the way people should be treated. Overall, I am just thankful for having the opportunity to work with so many people.” When asked to recall one of his most memorable experiences from a customer, he revealed the following.

“Once, we delivered a car to a Charger’s player right after his game. He was excited and said the whole time during the game, all he could think about was his car. So it makes me feel good to know, we have that type of impact on people. Sometimes people will forget that celebrities are human.” He continued, “But, we are inclusive with everyone and I appreciate regular customers.”

This factor is evident from visiting the company’s Facebook profile page, which displays all types of customized vehicles; from battery-operated jeeps to top of the line Mercedes Benz’s.

NLA provides car shipping, insurance claims and loaner cars. Furthermore, the premier shop also specializes in custom body work, rims and tires, audio/video design and much more. It is located at 7315 Ashcroft, Suite 110, 77081. For more information or details regarding services contact (281) 888-3423; email NextLevelAutomotiveLLC@gmail.com or visit them on Facebook @ Next Level Automotive.

Challenges as an Entrepreneur Stewart has always prided himself on being attentive and concerned with the needs of each individual customer.

Though he has seen much success in his approach, he admitted achieving this level of customer satisfaction can be challenging at times. “One of my biggest challenges is making every-

body feel like they are the only customer; sometimes it can become a burden when everybody is trying to get that attention at the same time. Also, making sure we stay focused on our own path is vital; because, no matter what you are doing if you look at somebody else journey you will think you are losing. So, we have to remember never try to run somebody else’s race because you will lose, it’s not your race to win – you can only win your race.”

The Importance of Giving Back When asked about advice to the African-American community, Stewart stressed emphasis on the need to support one another. “If we don’t support each other, there’s not going to be a foundation for those coming behind us to build on,” he said. To that regard he has taken a stance to lead by example, through his implementation of the “Father & Son Conversation” a frequent gathering which takes place at his shop. In this effort, Next Level discusses real-life situations and applications with youth from the community. In understanding the need to keep them engaged, Next Level also provides various activities for the youth, like bowling.

“We want to build a relationship with them. In the children minds’ there is a disconnect between us and them. So, I feel we need to get down on their playing field in order to relate to them. We want to be able to understand what’s going on out there, because if we don’t know, then we won’t be able to come up with a solution. They are our future and the ones who will be taking care of us, so, we need to at least build a foundation with them.”

“I also feel that it is equally important that our youth see positive role models within the community that look like them.

When I was growing up, success was presented to us in the form of suits and ties. However, I have learned it’s not always about your attire. Over the years, things have changed and I like to show the youth it’s not about what you wear; your heart and work ethic is what’s most important. If you work hard, have

African-American News&Issues • 5

faith and are willing to learn you can achieve success.”

Continuing, Stewart does not just limit his community outreach and activism to the youth.

During the holiday season, they feed the homeless, give out clothes and other necessities. Last year, when Hurricane Harvey struck Next Level did not waste time lending a hand to those affected. They opened their doors to house clothing, furniture, household items, food, water other and essential needs and hand-delivered the items to victims of Harvey.

Inspirations and Motivations Today, Stewart remains grateful for his Christian upbringing and membership at Greater St. Matthew B.C. and says he has been able to incorporate many of the virtues he has learned into

operating his own business. He shared, “Church has helped me with patience and guidance. I always like to make my belief known and let people know God is responsible for who I am. I feel that’s important, otherwise people will think I did everything on my own; and the second you do that, it can get snatched away.

Church has been my underlying foundation - those people taught and helped mold me.”

He also revealed that his grandfather, Leroy Stewart was instrumental in his life.

Stewart was adamant about acknowledging his partner, Mike who was also a co-owner at their previous venture. “Mike has been my road dog since sixth grade, Even today, he keeps me in check and does sales and performs other duties here.”

- AANI

Brandon Stewart feeding Houston’s homeless population.

From bumper to bumper NLA keeps its customers riding so fresh and so clean, clean…

6 • African-American News&Issues

COMMUNITY

Fourth Annual Scholarship Brunch Saluting HBCU Honorees

L-R sitting: Rennekia Goffney, Dr. Grenita Lathan, Victoria McClain, Linda Wooten, LaTricia Williams, Detective Darlene Johnson; L-R standing: Dr. Kaycee Solari Williams, Edwina Johnson Clark, Raechelle Kay, Cimberli Darrough, Shaunte’ Norris

L-R: Lady Lillie Lacy, President of Sugar Valley Chapter of TLOD, Inc; Dr. Kayce Solari Williams, one of the honorees and graduate of Texas Southern University; Lady Sheri Cole

Sugar Valley Chapter of the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.

The Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., Sugar Valley Chapter recently presented its Fourth Annual “Laissez Les Bon Tempts Rouler” Scholarship Bunch saluting HBCU Alumni.

Lady Valeria Davis, Co-Chair introduced Eric Cork as the Master of Ceremony with prelude by Tom Burton Band. Lady Lillie Lacy, president offered the welcome and meditation/grace

by Lady Joyce Warner, Chaplain.

The honorees were presented

by Ladies Sheri Cole, Bettye Narcisse and Janice Chilton.

The honorees from Texas Southern University were, Detective Darlene Johnson, Raechelle Kay, Jacqueline Leggington, Dr. Kayce Solari Williams, LaTricia Williams and Linda Wooten; Prairie View A&M University; Edwina Johnson Clark, Cimberli Darrough and Victoria McClain; Dillard University, Rennekia Goffney; North Carolina A&T University, Dr. Grenita Lathan and Clark Atlanta University; Shaunte Norris.

Excellent door prizes were presented by Lady Anitra Provost and Raffle drawing conducted by Lady Raechelle Kay. Acknowledgements and remarks by Lady Lillie Lacy, president.

The African America News & Issues salutes the Sugar Valley Chapter for honoring the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Alumni.

- AANI

Texas • July 8 - 14, 2018

SSLW Thanks Their Phenomenal Partners!

Enormous thanks and endless appreciation to our Phenomenal Partners who cheerfully, willingly, and generously provide annual financial resources to fund community programs and scholarships!

Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development, Inc * Amazing Smiles, Margaret J. Allen,D.D.S. * Milton & Dr. Rose Austin * Mose and Mable Scott Austin * Bay City Ophthalmology * Caleb & Katheryn Bonds * Dr. Robert & Ellen Bostic * Vera Brown; Jerry & Errol Chenier * Belinda Allen – Clark; Dr. Charles & Seeju Dupre * A Concerned Citizens Group * Lawrence & Marsha Eckermann * Fort Bend Publishing Group * Albert Glover, Jr. * Joel & Elise Leaks Harmon * George & Marvelyn Harris * Dr. Johhny & Anne Johnson * Deloris Scott Mills

* Barry & Maria Navoy * Fort Bend Harris Retired Educators * Dr. Michael & June Peggs * Commissioner Grady & Fheryl Prestage * State Representative Ronald & Dr. Jonita Reynolds * Dr. Thomas & Rubye Randle * James Rice of Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc * Raymond & Shirley Sewell * Walter Veterinary Services, PLLC * Jackson State University, Houston Area Alumni Chapter * Trinity Freight Services, LLC * Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc - Suburban Houston - Fort Bend Alumnae Chapter * Walmart * Dr. Moses & Susan Wilcox * Winston & Marie Williams * Windsor Village Church’s Family * Helen R. Wright, thanks for daring to be different by making a difference in the lives of our infants, children, youth, and adults. Together, we transform lives. - AANI

Dr. Michael & June Peggs, SSLW Committed Members and Phenomenal Partners.

Dr. Moses & Susan Wilcox, Phenomenal Partners and Chairs, “30 for 30” April, 2019 Fundraiser.

Texas • July 8 - 14, 2018

DID YOU KNOW?

Alexandre Dumas, Writer Extraordinaire

When one thinks of swashbuckling heroes, palace intrigue, sinister villains, and elaborate revenge schemes, one doesn’t necessarily think of a Black writer. Alexandre Dumas, however, a Frenchman of African descent, wrote about those very subjects and in the process created some of the world’s greatest literature. His works have been translated into nearly 100 languages, and he is one of the most widely read French authors.

Many of his historical novels of high adventure were originally published as serials, including The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers, His novels have been adapted since the early twentieth century for nearly 200 films.

Dumas was born Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie in 1802, to Thomas-Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie, a general in Revolutionary France and the highest-ranking man of mixed African descent ever in a European army. He was the first person of color in the French military to become brigadier general, the first to become divisional general, and the first to become general-in-chief of a French army. His mother, Marie-Cessette Dumas, was a slave of Afro-Caribbean ancestry.

Alexandre was four in 1806 when years his father died of cancer. His widowed mother could not provide him with an education, but he read everything he could and taught himself Spanish. Although poor, the family had their father’s distinguished reputation and aristocratic rank to aid their advancement. Alexandre Dumas moved to Paris in 1822 after the restoration of the monarchy. The then 20-year-old acquired a position at the Palais Royal in the office of Louis-Philippe, Duke of OrlÊans.

While working for Louis-Philippe, Dumas began writing magazines articles and plays for the theatre. As an adult, he used his slave grandmother’s surname of Dumas, as his father had done as an adult. His first play, Henry III and His Courts, produced in 1829 when he was 27 years old, met with acclaim.

The next year, his second play, Christine, was equally popular.

These successes gave him sufficient income to write full-time.

After writing additional successful plays, Dumas switched to writing novels. Although attracted to an extravagant lifestyle and always spending more than he earned, Dumas proved to be an astute marketer.

Dumas’ novels were so popular that they were soon translated into English and other languages. His writing earned him a great deal of money, but he was frequently insolvent, as he spent lavishly on women and sumptuous living.

Dumas wrote in a wide variety of genres. He also made use of his experience, writing travel books after taking journeys. He traveled to Spain, Italy, Germany, England and French Algeria.

After King Louis-Philippe was ousted in a revolt, Louis-NapolĂŠon Bonaparte was elected president. As Bonaparte disapproved of the author, Dumas fled in 1851 to Brussels, Belgium, which was also an effort to es-

cape his creditors. About 1859, he moved to Russia, where French was the second language of the elite and his writings were enormously popular.

Despite Dumas’ aristocratic background and personal success, he had to deal with discrimination related to his mixedrace ancestry. In 1843, he wrote a short novel, Georges, that addressed some of the issues of race and the effects of colonialism. His response to a man who insulted him about his African ancestry has become famous.

Dumas said: “My father was a mulatto, my grandfather was a Negro, and my great-grandfather a monkey.

You see, Sir, my family starts where yours ends.�

Dumas married actress Ida Ferrier (born Marguerite-JosĂŠphine Ferrand) on 1 February 1840. He had numerous liaisons with other women and was known to have fathered at least four children by them.

At his death in December 1870, Dumas was buried at his birthplace of Villers-CotterĂŞts in the department of Aisne. - AANI

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- AANI

8 • African-American News&Issues

EDUCATION

Texas • July 8 - 14, 2018

Free Summer Meals to be Offered Interim Assistant Chief Tapped to Serve as Second at Nearly 200 HISD Schools The Houston Independent where meals are being served is in Command of HISD PD School District is formally kick- online. Parents are encouraged

Lucretia Rogers Interim Assistant Police Chief Lucretia Rogers has been selected to serve as the second in command of the Houston Independent School District Police Department.

A former detective, Rogers has been serving as interim assistant chief since February 2018. She permanently assumes the role on May 22.

Rogers was selected by HISD Police Chief Paul Cordova, who also was recently named to his position. Both Cordova and Rogers have been tasked with building a new culture within the police department while also improving the agency’s reputation and strengthening its relationships with the community.

Chief Cordova praised Rogers’ high level of integrity, noting that he had been impressed by the time she spent as interim assistant chief.

“She believes in our mission and vision, and she has proven that she is eager to join me in moving the department forward,” Cordova said. “Her education and background are exactly what we need to push our agency to the next level. It is an honor to call her my partner.”

Rogers was sworn in as an HISD police officer in April 2014 and assigned to Wash-

ington High School, where she worked directly with school administrators to ensure a safe learning environment.

After two years, she was promoted to detective with the department’s Investigations Bureau and tasked with heading all investigations involving crimes against children.

Prior to joining HISD, Rogers served as a patrol officer with the Brazos County Sheriff’s Department and as a reserve deputy for Brazos County Precinct 4. Her path to law enforcement was nontraditional. She worked as a correctional health professional after practicing as a nurse — a license she has held for 14 years.

In her new role, Rogers will focus on establishing a Northwest substation to better serve schools in the area, reorganizing the department to make the best use of its resources and budget, and ensuring consistency with industry best practices. She also will help create a districtwide Critical Incident Safety Plan, which includes the formation of an emergency response team.

A College Station native, Rogers holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston-Downtown and a master’s degree in criminology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. She is a licensed vocational nurse, holds an advanced peace officer certification, and is one of just a few HISD police officers certified in sexual assault and family violence.

“My law enforcement education further taught me the value of holding someone’s life in your hands,” Rogers said. “It taught me about having integrity while having power and authority in this field, and that is the foundation I will always lead my career by.”

- AANI

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ing off its Summer Meal Program on June 6 at more than 190 area schools, where breakfast and lunch will be served for free to children ages 1 to 18.

Children do not need to be enrolled in summer school to participate in the program, and no paperwork, registration, or proof of income is required.

Adults may purchase breakfast for $2.25 and lunch for $3.75.

Specific serving times vary by campus. Meals will be served at most campuses Mondays through Thursdays from June 6 to July 3, though some campuses are extending the program until later in July and others are serving meals on Fridays. A map detailing when and

to call the site before they go to confirm serving times.

All HISD meals are nutritionally balanced to ensure children receive the vitamins and nutrients needed to maintain a healthy diet. Last summer, HISD Nutrition Services served more than 1.1 million free meals to Houston-area children.

If you have questions about the free summer meals program, contact HISD’s Nutrition Services department at 713-5562979.

For information on where to find free meals after the program ends, contact the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department at 713-676-6832 or dial 2-1-1.

- AANI

New Washington HS Set to Open for the 2018-2019 School Year When students enter the new Washington High School this fall, they will be greeted by a prominent image of civil rights activist and educator Booker T. Washington.

This year marks the 125th anniversary for the school, which was built in 1893 as the city’s first African-American high school. Washington Principal Carlos Phillips said he is excited to move into the new school and looking forward to presenting the facility to the community.

“I think community members are going to be impressed with how students will thrive and learn in this building,” Phillips said. “The next era of Booker T. Washington is going to be outstanding.”

The $56.5 million project, which is part of HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program, is slated for completion this summer, with doors formally opening to students for the start of the 2018-2019 school year. Finishing touches on the building, such as paint and exterior landscaping are underway, as is flooring of the three-court gymnasium. Bus drives and parking lots have been poured.

HISD Board of Education President Rhonda Skillern-Jones and a small group of community members got a sneak peek of the new facility last week when they visited the school’s grand staircase, science and engineering labs, cafetorium, gymnasium, and administrative offices.

President Skillern-Jones said she considers the project somewhat restorative for a community that has, at times, felt neglected throughout the years.

“This is one of those buildings that will bring children to 21st century learning,” SkillernJones said as she looked up at the loft-style ceilings. “To give a building like this to kids who have been historically underserved means a lot.”

The new facility will showcase the school’s engineering magnet program through the use of 21st century technology, specialized engineering and science labs, and flexible learning spaces that support project-based learning and encourage collaboration. The modern campus — located off of Yale Street — will consist of four large buildings set to house up to 1,300 students.

- AANI

Lawson MS Hosts ‘Walk to Remember’ Music echoed throughout the Lawson Middle School gym as community members gathered with former students and staff to catch up with old friends, flip through old yearbooks, and dance the afternoon away.

Led by current students and staff, the stroll down memory lane was part of a ‘Walk to Remember’ — an event held to let stakeholders bid their final farewells to the building before it is demolished later this summer.

“It’s important to preserve the memories,” Lawson Principal Kasey Bailey said. “There’s a lot of history with this school, but we’re very excited to move into the new building.”

Lawson is one of 40 schools being renovated or rebuilt as part of the voter-approved 2012 Bond Program. Construction on the new building is set to wrap this summer with doors formally opening to students for the 2018-2019 school year.

The 197,093 square-foot facility is being built adjacent to the existing campus and will feature a dining commons, two gyms, a central courtyard area, and a fine arts wing complete with a modern black box theatre.

During the festivities, former Rice School student David Baptiste looked around the gym remembering his time spent as a basketball player at the Lawson campus, which then was named Dowling Middle School.

“I have a lot of memories in this place,” Baptiste said. “My mom taught here, and I met my first love here. So I needed to see the building as it was before we go to what it is.”

It was also a bittersweet moment for class of 1985 alumna Alma Sauceda-Ramirez and her three sisters — who are also alumni — as they walked the halls reminiscing about old times.

“I think I may get emotional when it comes down,” Sauceda-Ramirez said. “It brings a lot of memories.”

Her younger sister, Sara Sauceda-Cerda, said though the demolition will be sad, she is optimistic about the future of the new school.

- AANI

Texas • July 8 - 14, 2018

African-American News&Issues • 9

HEALTH

Opiate Addiction and the History of Pain and Race in the US

By Joseph M. Gabriel “I have had little or no sleep, owing to the tooth ache or rather stump ache,� Elizabeth Drinker wrote in her diary one night in 1796. “One of my Eye teeth very sore, my face much swelled and painful.�

Drinker, a White woman from a prominent family in Philadelphia, filled her diary with comments like this. Disease was rampant in those days, and injuries often didn’t heal properly. Food was frequently spoiled, leading to painful stomach problems. Cavities and severe gum disease were common. These and other problems meant that pain – severe, intractable pain – was an ordinary part of daily life.

Of course, many people suffered far more than Elizabeth Drinker. Slaves, in particular, were forced to perform long hours of grueling work, and their injuries and illnesses were often left untreated. They also suffered from brutal physical punishment. In his 1845 autobiography, Frederick Douglass described how the overseer on his plantation whipped his aunt: “No words, no tears, no prayers, from his gory victim, seemed to move his iron heart from its bloody purpose. The louder she screamed, the harder he whipped; and where the blood ran fastest, there he whipped longest.�

It is worth considering this history in the current opiate crisis. I am a researcher who has closely studied drug use in the U.S. in the 19th century. I see many parallels between the past and today in the shameful way people of different races are treated when it comes to pain and to drug addiction.

Rise of Narcotics When Drinker was alive, people did not have many options for treating pain. The only really effective treatment was opium, taken as a tincture in an alcohol solution. Opium could dull minor and perhaps moderate pain, but if you crushed your foot in an accident, nothing could be done for your agony.

Plus, since opium also caused constipation, nausea and vomiting – all of which could be serious medical problems in their own right – people only used it in modest amounts.

Slaves were rarely given opium for their pain. Their illnesses and injuries were often left untreated. But it was also widely assumed that different types of people felt pain more or less strongly. The poor supposedly felt less pain than the rich, while men felt less pain than women and Blacks felt less than Whites.

Physicians and slave owners therefore believed that when slaves claimed to be hurt, they were probably lying. They also believed that whippings had to be severe to be effective.

Opium was not particularly helpful for severe pain, but injected morphine was. Morphine was first isolated from opium around 1805, but it was rarely used for the next five decades, because it was difficult to tolerate when taken by mouth. In 1856, Scottish physician Alexander Wood invented the hypodermic needle. He discovered that injected morphine gives fast and highly effective relief for even excruciating pain.

Injected morphine was first widely used during the Civil War. After the war, it was used to help wounded veterans cope with their injuries, and then became a popular way to treat acute pain of all kinds.

Responses to Addiction For many people, morphine was a godsend. However, serious problems accompanied its widespread use. People began to inject morphine for recreational purposes and to escape despair.

Suicide and overdoses became common. Others became addicted to morphine as well as other intoxicating drugs at the time, including cocaine and hashish.

By the end of the century, physicians were debating whether or not addiction should be considered a disease. Reformers passed the first wave of laws intended to control narcotics and other drugs. They also established treatment facilities to help people recover from their addiction.

According to historian Timothy Hickman, these efforts divided drug users into two types.

People who became addicted after using morphine or other drugs to treat their pain were often described as sympathetic victims and given help. People who used drugs for recreational reasons, however, were considered “degraded� and put in prison.

In practice, of course, the difference between the two categories was often blurry. People who became addicted trying to control their pain were frequently incarcerated under the faulty assumption that their continued use was a personal choice. They were also mistaken for people who took drugs solely for recreational reasons.

There was also an important racial component to all this. After the Civil War, the widespread suffering of freed slaves was ignored by policymakers and the media as part of the effort to reunite the nation. It was also ignored by White physicians.

Although statistics from the period are unreliable, it appears that Blacks were prescribed morphine significantly less often than Whites – in part because they received less medical care and in part because White physicians assumed that they suffered less physical pain.

Like Whites, Blacks sometimes used other drugs that authorities found concerning. Unlike Whites, however, Blacks were rarely offered sympathy or treatment for their addiction.

White authorities almost always assumed that Blacks used these substances for “degraded� reasons. Although Whites were sometimes given sympathy and treatment even if they were considered degraded, Blacks rarely were. Black addicts simply were not understood as sympathetic victims in the same way as many Whites. They were seen only as dangerous criminals and often described in racist terms.

Lessons for Today Today, Americans live with the consequences of this history.

We all benefit from the ability of physicians to relieve serious pain by prescribing narcotics.

Yet these drugs also cause immense harm, just as injected morphine did more than a century ago. And many still have a deeply confused reaction to ad-

Illegal drug use also plays an important role in both White and Black communities. Blacks use illegal drugs at roughly the same overall rate as Whites, yet their

Many still have a deeply confused reaction to addiction. diction, mistaking people who cannot control their drug habits with people who take drugs for other reasons.

The mistaken belief that Blacks suffer from less physical pain than Whites still persists among medical students and physicians. So does the assumption that Black people are more likely to seek narcotics for supposedly illegitimate reasons.

Black people receive less treatment for both acute and chronic pain than Whites.

Prescription practices by physicians are only one cause for opiate addiction in this country.

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rate of incarceration is three to four times higher. They also receive less effective treatment for drug addiction than Whites.

The lessons here are stark. As a country, the U.S. responds to drug epidemics in very different ways depending on the skin color of the communities involved.

At the same time, we have historically treated the pain of Whites far more seriously than we have that of Blacks. In my view, the country needs more treatment, and less prison, for people who struggle with addiction. We also need effective pain relief for everyone.

- AANI

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Texas • July 8 - 14, 2018

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PUBLIC NOTICES 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 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.

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.

Lone Star College Bid Requests: • RFP 584 Facilities Management Program for LSC-North Harris Campus and Centers. Electronic bids due by 11 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2018.

Mandatory Pre-Proposal/Site Visits, July 24- July 26, 2018, refer to set schedule/ times listed in RFP docs. Must register to bid: http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/ istar/supplier.htm. If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date.

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Texas • July 8 - 14, 2018

African-American News&Issues • 11

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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

SATURDAY, JULY 14

Junior Division Concert New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 2419 Metropolitan Ave Dallas, TX 75215 5:00 p.m.

Carmalie Sims, Co-Director, Carolyn Donnell, Co-Director Come join us!

This is a Free Concert Open to the Public!

SATURDAY, JULY 14

Free Legal Clinic for Veterans Katy VA Outpatient Clinic 750 Westgreen Blvd., 2nd Floor, Katy, TX 77450 9:00 a.m. until noon Veterans who need legal advice or legal assistance can visit a free legal clinic scheduled in Katy.

No appointment is necessary. For more information contact the Veterans Legal Initiative at 713-759-1133 or visit www.hba.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18 Acres Home Super Neighborhood Council No. 6 Acres Home Multi Service Center 6719 West Montgomery Rd. Houston, TX 77091 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 20

Summer Art & Music Fresh Fridays Volunteer today at a fun and FREE community event. During the event there will also be FREE Live Music.

Children’s Art Workshops Mural painting & more at 5 p.m.

Register online today Camera Cult Free live music begins at 7 p.m.

JAM Park, 3705 Lyons Ave. www.fifthwardcrc.org For questions contact Jessica at jjaimes@ fifthwardcrc.org or call 713-674-0175

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25 Working Through the No’s: Job Readiness for Returning Citizens (Ex-Offenders) Workshop 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Magnolia Multi-Service Center 7037 Capitol Street Houston, TX 77011 Lunch will be provided www.becomingonecommunity.org 832-422-6926

THURSDAY, JULY 26

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

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 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

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 Sponsors are welcome.

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SATURDAY, JULY 28

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

SUNDAY, JULY 29

Celebration for Bishop Dr. L.A. Kennedy, Pastor Emeritus of The Fellowship of Enlightenment (FOE) Church hosted

by Pastor and First Lady Lawrence Woods 3:30 p.m.

The Fellowship of Enlightenment Church, 9005 N. Wayside Drive in Houston, TX 77028 If you are unable to attend you can make a financial donation by going to www.theFOE. net, click GIVE, GUEST and follow the prompts or you can send checks payable to NCBC to P. O. Box 11278 Houston TX 77293

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31

Kashmere High School Class of 1968 50 Year Reunion Sheraton North Houston 15700 JFK Boulevard Houston, TX 77032 Hospitality Night Drifter’s Bistro Room 8 p.m. – 12 p.m.

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 houstonblackheritagefest.com

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, Zip 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

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

SATURDAY OCTOBER 27 Houston AfriFEST, is a family-friendly, openair community event hosted by a number of partnering African organizations, led by the Nigerian-American Multicultural Council.

This festival brings together over 10 African communities to share the richness of Africa’s diverse cultures.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19

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

To pick up our newspaper on the street, go to aframnews.com, then CLICK HERE, “Find a Newspaper Location Near You.”