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Electronic voting problems could impact future Black ballot power DARWIN CAMPBELL
EXPO 2007 leader Page 7
Roundup from the
Lone Star Hoods
PORT ARTHUR– Lincoln High School graduates of 1972 came together at Booker T. Washington Elementary for their 35th anniversary, to give back to the community they grew up in. Their generosity resulted in pencils, crayons, books and more than $200 in gift certificates were part of the donations to the school that will help children of West Port Arthur. Washington’s principal, Ella Williams was pleased with the support for the neighborhood where many Black children live. “It’s going to help a great deal because we’re a Title 1 school, which is a school where most of our children are on free and reduced lunch,” Williams said.
WILMER– Citizens to Restore Wilmer-Hutchins ISD is continuing its efforts to raise awareness about the need to restore the school district at a series of Town Hall meetings at Tommie M. Allen Recreation Center, 7071 Bonnie View Road, in Dallas, Texas. The group is using the Town Hall meetings to raise awareness on efforts they are using to reopen their neighborhood schools and to raise badly needed funds to pay attorney fees. The group hired an Atlanta, Georgia law firm to represent them in their case. That firm drew up petitions for residents that have been circulating for a show of moral support.
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African-American News&Issues
With the coming of the November elections and a critical Presidential race of 2008, now is the time to ask vital questions about county voting machines. Electronic voting systems have numerous problems that the main-line media refuses to report or reveal and those issues do affect the outcome of elections. Electronic voting machine problems do impact Black ballot power and has the potential to muffle the voices of thousands of African Americans who think their vote counts. African Americans wanting to make sure that “one man one vote”
truly is what it means today must demand that every registered voter’s voice is represented fairly and guaranteed a genuine say on the key candidates and issues affecting neighborhood, community and nation on election day. Use of DREs in the federal General Election is the highest in U.S. history. According to Election Data Services “thirty-six percent (36%) of the counties, with 38.4% of the registered voters, [used] direct recording electronic (DRE) equipment.” Texas is not immune from these problems with its voting machine companies having its fair share of troubles reports results accurately. Texas is among 11 other states that See ELECTRONIC page 4
DOES RAP HURT THE BLACK CHURCH? Money is root of Hip-Hop Industry’s evil BUD JOHNSON
African-American News&Issues
Music has been an essential element of African American religion from its very beginning, when slaves combined the call-and-response songs of their lost homelands with the Christian hymns they absorbed in bondage. The result was both a body of liberation music for themselves and a profound influence on popular music in the United States and beyond. With emancipation from slavery and the establishment of the major black Christian denominations, Black churches relied on a steady stream of musical and religious talent. In the last generation, however, See RAP page 3
Bishop James Dixon II coordinator for the Houston National Day of Decency Initiative leads a group of outraged citizens in protest in front of Soundwaves, 20 E. Crosstimbers. Photo by Roger Jackson
National Day of Decency in Houston MARVIN D. CLOUD
African-American News&Issues
HOUSTON- On August 7, Bishop James Dixon II, coordinator for the Houston National Day of DeIt’s been two years since God called Floyd Simon home. But the precious memories that he left as a loving and devoted brother and uncle continuously inspire his devoted survivors who celebrated his long and productive life on September 3, 2005 at Ross Mortuary Chapel, 3618 Lyons Avenue, with Pastor R. L. Rhone officiating. Craig Keener, Vashawn Jones, Terry Tisdell, Donald Manning II, Terrence Tisdell, Ulysse Miller and Arthur Jones were active pallbearers for Simon, who was the only son born to Pete and Rose Simon on September 14, 1926, in Jennings, Louisiana (FYI: Jennings is a small city located in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana near Lake Charles. In September of 1901, the first oil well in the State of Louisiana was drilled just North of Jennings. The oil and gas industry has been a vital part of Louisiana’s economy since that time and Louisiana has become a key provider of energy to the rest of the nation.Wikipedia Free Online Encyclopedia.) Meanwhile, Floyd was grow-
cency Initiative and senior pastor of The Community of Faith Church, 1023 Pinemont, lead a group of about 200 protestors as part of a nationwide protest to ban misogynistic and offensive lyrics in hip-hop music. The protest, fueled by Rev.
FLOYD SIMON
Sept. 14, 1926 - August 24, 2005
ing up in Jennings, where he was christened as a Catholic at an early age at Our Lady Help of Christians. When Floyd was 21, he moved to Houston, Texas’ Third Ward community in 1947 and joined St. Mary Catholic Church. History records that the post-World War II era was the pivotal point for America In fact, World War II was a blessing in disguise for Black America, insofar as it forced a racist nation to utilize all of its
Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, renewed the debate over the genre’s role in shaping society, and whether responsibility rests with entertainment companies or the artists and whether activists should target other community issues. resources to either serve in the military or work in defense plants and nobody else were more ready, willing and able to answer that call than hard working African Americans. An excerpt from a Library of Congress report (The Postwar United States, 1945-1968) reveals: “Building on the economic base left after the war, American society became more affluent in the postwar years than most Americans could have imagined in their wildest dreams before or during the war. Public policy, like the socalled GI Bill of Rights passed in 1944, provided money for veterans to attend college, to purchase homes, and to buy farms. “The overall impact of such public policies was almost incalculable, but it certainly aided returning veterans to better themselves and to begin forming families and having children in unprecedented numbers. The image and reality of overall economic prosperity--and the upward mobility it provided for many White Americans--was not lost on those who had largely been excluded from the full mean-
Fabolous and other rappers like him might be hurting the Black church. Sharpton who held a rally in the rain in Dearborn, Michigan, before attending a rally calling for music lyricists to stop using the “n-word” and derogatory language towards women in front of the famed former studios of the Motown label in Detroit. The Decency Initiative of the National Action Network, led by Tamika Mallory, was established in order to address standards in the media and entertainment industries. The Initiative’s initial goal is to eliminate the use of three words in music and media; the “N” word, the “B” word and the “H” word, which are a blatant disrespect to women and the African American community. The overall goal is to establish a single standard that will be adopted by media and entertainment entities that will respect all people regardless of race, gender and sexual orientation. Mallory led 300 hundred marchers outside of Virgin Music Story, along with such notables as Sonia Osorio, President of the New York branch of NOW (National Organization of Women), and Reverend W. Franklyn Richardson, ChairSee DECENCY page 3
ing of the American Dream, both before and after the war. As a consequence, such groups as African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and American women became more aggressive in trying to win their full freedoms and civil rights as guaranteed by the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution during the postwar era.” Floyd, however, had already found a gratifying job at Welden Cafeteria and was content to work there until it closed, decades later. He was called home by God on August 24, 2005 and was preceded in death by his sister, Roszeia, and his parents. He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and caring sisters, Amy Hall and Rosa Jones; his brother-in-law, Arthur Jones; a host of nieces and nephews, Annie Mae Tisdell, Lydia Manning, Eleanor Jones, Searle Jones, Salinger Jones, and Tomika Jones; great nieces and nephews, Terry and Rose Tisdell, Stephanie and Ramon Thompson, Amy and Herman Miller; and a host of great and great-great nieces and nephews, and friends. TX-1
VIEWPOINTS & OPINIONS
2 • African-American News&Issues • Texas •August 22-28, 2007 Si 19 nce 94
EDITORIAL
“Our country must abandon all of the habits of racism, because we cannot carry the message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the same time.” President George Walker Bush
WE MUST UNDERSTAND: Slade Scorned Media
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PUBLISHER’S NEWS ANALYSIS
Run Obama Run!
I
Roy Douglas Malonson
f your paper is dedicated to a Black perspective why aren’t you 110 percent behind Sen. Barack Obama? The foregoing question is easier for publishers (who fully grasps the Free Press concept) to answer than one might think. First and foremost objectivity is essential to any newspaper’s integrity and/or creditability (FYI: free press - a press not restricted or controlled by government censorship regarding politics or ideology- public press, press - the gathering and publishing of news in the form of newspapers or magazines.-The Free Dictionary by Farlex.), therefore a newspaper publisher’s prime directive is to report all news without fear or favor. Nevertheless, Black newspapers have a unique mission. Since the first White newspapers were published by White people, only for White people, Black newspapers’ mission was to publish Black newspapers for Black people. So we must remember that our people evolved intellectually from no education, to being miseducated, to being domesticated in public schools for the nation’s workforce. In addition, since a revision or lack of Black History was the underpinning of our miseducation, it’s incumbent upon African American News&Issues to integrate history into overall editorial policy so that our readers will have knowledge of where we came from, so that they can have a good idea how we can get to where we’re going. I know history is no big thing for many Black people, but there’s no way to think logically without it. When I hear people talk about Sen. Barack Obama being the first Black president, I realize how TX-2
f you agree with the 17th century poet J. G. Saxe’s assertion: “Heav’n has no Rage, like Love to Hatred turn’d, Nor Hell a Fury, like a Woman scorn’d,” you surely will also agree that the world had yet to see the fury 2007 America’s media unleashes against high profiled citizens (who they once embraced and put on a pedestal) who make a lie out of them. Need we conjure the image of erstwhile media darling O. J. Simpson to validate our connotation that a media scorned makes vindictive females look like Alice in Wonderland? Especially in Houston, Texas that has only one, bias daily newspaper and a system friendly mass media. Need we also mention an autocratic D.A., dedicated to filling up Texas’ penal system, e.g., death row? We Must Understand, the cornerstone of America’s criminal justice system is an adversarial court alliance. Justice becomes an afterthought if the judiciary is in lock-step with (win by any means necessary) prosecutors and an overzealous constabulary that guarantees a rough ride, even if one manages to beat the rap. Conspiracy notwithstanding, disgraced Texas Southern University’s erstwhile president Priscilla Slade stands as much chance of getting a fair trial as the late Iraqi tyrant Saddam Hussein. Due process aside, in the strictest sense of the law Dr. Slade’s constitutional rights to a fair a trial have already been violated (FYI: The Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution extends the Bill of Rights to the States, thereby guaranteeing Due Process of Law to all Americans.) The right to due process of law can be traced back to the Magna Carta. As every law student knows due process requires notice and the right to be heard. But it is more than that. Due process requires fundamental fairness, especially when anyone is brought before a tribunal and is subjected to the potential loss of life, liberty and property. As the United States Supreme Court states: “A fair trial in a fair tribunal is a basic requirement of due process.” -People For The American Way.) Perish the thought that we think we know more law, or court procedure than state District Judge Brock Thom-
important knowing our political history is. Otherwise, you’ll be like the e-mailer who thinks any doubt about Obama becoming president translates to racial disloyalty. “He’s smart, articulate and White people are supporting him” has become a mantra in Black America. I agree. But I suspect they’re really saying that Obama talks like White people. But he definitely is no more articulate than Shirley Chisholm who was an educator before entering politics. Furthermore, her 1972 presidential campaign message was so brilliant until she received 152 delegate votes, before ultimately losing the nomination to South Dakota Senator George McGovern. Although Jesse Jackson spoke like the Baptist preacher that he is… he’s truly articulate. If you know your history, you know that Jesse’s message evoked a Rainbow Coalition of voters to articulate, “Run Jesse, Run!” And Jesse ran well enough to win five southern states on Super Tuesday, March 8, 1988. On March 12, he won the caucus in his birth state of South Carolina and three days later, finished second in his home state of Illinois. On March 26, 1988 Jackson stunned Dukakis and the rest of the nation in the Michigan caucus: Having won that northern industrial state with 55 percent of the vote, Jackson became the Democratic front-runner. Just like Obama did briefly. Need I explain how politics turned to politricks to deny Jackson? I bet you didn’t know that Rev. Al Sharpton also was a political force when he ran for the senate. In fact, political astute White people take him a lot more serious than elitist Black people. Sharpton’s rap resonated in
as, but his arbitrary denial of defense attorney Mike DeGeurin’s change of venue request was an unfair decision. Then again, after witnessing how former Judge Betty Brock Bell was dogged, fairness is a foreign concept in Houston’s courts. We Must Understand, according to FindLaw: “Changes of venue are rare. A lawyer who makes the application has to submit compelling reasons for it. Among the factors are convenience for witnesses or overheated publicity or religious or racial prejudice in an area that would convince a judge that a fair trial could not happen in the county where the crime has occurred.” Conversely, there are extenuating circumstances in Slade’s case that any rightthinking people would consider if they really and truly intended for her to get a fair trial. Need we, once again, refer you to our 2002 archives (www.aframnews. com) that contains articles essential to Slade’s defense? It becomes clear that Dr. Slade is the political monster created by Team Frankenstein, i.e. Gov. Perry, TSU’s Board of Regents, impotent alumni, mainstream media,when you read them. For instance, AAN&I’s August 28Sept. 3, 2002 Publisher’s News Analysis (Is TSU’s President Slade arrogant or crazy?), revealed: “On June 26, 2002, the Texas State Auditor’s Office (SAO) issued, nearly five months late, ‘A Follow-Up Report on Rider 5: Texas Southern University Accountability Systems.’ With the issuance of the Report, Texas Southern University (TSU) could now be considered a training facility for future chief executive and financial officers seeking to be schooled in the traditions of Enron Corporation and Arthur Anderson.” Translation: Slade was given a free hand to do what she ultimately has been criminalized for doing. Consequently, now that the monster Team Frankenstein created has embarrassed, rather than glorified them, she must be destroyed, so that they can get back to the task of creating another monster. And, for sure, a scorned media has done such a thorough job of destroying Slade until it’s impossible for her to get a fair trial in Houston.
BUD’S EYEVIEW
ON: X’s Foolishness
Bud Johnson: The Old African Warrior
W
oebeit common sense logic precludes me from believing that descendants of slaves shall ever overcome the residual effects of our Willie Lynch How to Make a Slave indoctrination. Even so, a compulsion to step up, or speak out against (real or imagined) injustice, in spite of costly consequences, has bedeviled me throughout my misspent life. Ergo, I’ve often found myself in a jail cell reflecting on my foolish behavior. Hey, don’t queue The Twilight Zone theme because I call myself a fool. Truth is, if “safe Negroes” dared to venture into The Outer Limits of their subdued psyche they would meet a bigger fool cringing in fear than I am. But, I won’t go there now. Instead, let’s talk about something that has vexed my spirit every since I heard a brainwashed brother justify his cowardice by denigrating Quanell X (leader of the New Black Panther Party based in Houston, Texas), for having the nerve and verve to do what Black citizens of good conscience and religious leaders use to do when our folks were misused and abused by a racist system’s overzealous centurions. Surely, one has to be a damn fool to mess with evil in high places. But, mayhaps, I should first explain where I’m coming from when I use that demeaning appellation in Eyeview vernacular.
For sure, since it took me 40 years to finally realize I was, indeed, a fool, I’m an expert on foolishness. So, trust me when I say that there’s a very thin line between fools and heroes. For real, I ain’t just cracking foolishly, but facting intelligently. According to a study (Running Head: Explicit and Implicit Risk Taking) by Macquarie University professors Richard Ronay and DoYeong Kim: “Simultaneously guarded against and courted with excitement, risk is a construct that is both praised and disparaged by societal judgment. Risk-takers themselves are seen as both heroes and fools, with the difference often determined by nothing but chance. How these mixed messages are internalized and formed into attitudes and behaviors is no doubt influenced by many factors.” So, can we talk? As you know, I monitor the airwaves as relentlessly as Homeland Security observes suspected terrorists private conversations. Hence, some of the things I hear brothers and sisters say about Black activists make me want to holler. Then again, I suspect that talk show warriors, that depend on the White media for their major sources of information, don’t have a clue what Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is supposed to do when they berate her for doing exactly what she was elected to do. Then
New York’s predominately Black ‘hoods when he ran against incumbent Sen. Patrick Moynihan and he garnered 80 percent of the Black vote, resulting in 25 percent of all votes cast. What I’m saying is, Black people will vote for a Black person whether, he or she has a chance to win or not. Even Dr. Dr. Lenora Fulani of the New Alliance
Party, who claims she is the first Black woman who had a legitimate chance to become president, received 217,221 of the popular vote in 1982. And don’t forget that Alan Keyes, the Black Republican who ran against Obama for Senator, received 21 percent of the votes in Utah during the 2000 presidential primaries. I know too much history to
again, it puzzles me why they vilify Quanell X for taking up the slack left by ceremonial political eunuchs that are missing in action when it’s time to represent the disenfranchised brothers and sisters that elect them? Shazam! Although I have my young African Warriors’ backs, I grudgingly submit that Quanell’s actions often translate to the definition of a fool that’s recorded in MerriamWebster’s Online Dictionary: Fool. 6. One who subverts convention or orthodoxy or varies from social conformity in order to reveal spiritual or moral truth. Damn, that describes a whole bunch of historical “holy fools,” who suffered dire consequences because of their foolishness. Blasphemy aside, but, God forbid, Jesus the Christ quickly comes to mind. Hey! I sho’ nuff ain’t going there. Then again, I would also get stoned if I inferred that Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr. lost his life for foolishly trying to make “Pharaoh” let his people go. I’m not suggesting Quanell has reached that status, but he shares one thing in common with them. His foolishness not only gets evil in high place’s attention, but it also makes envious Black folks jealous because he gets too much note in the White folk’s media. I wonder if anybody knows where I’m coming from? To contact Bud Johnson, please call 281- 847-9929 (8-5- Wednesday & Thrusday) or via e-mail at Africanwarrior@aol.com
get excited about Obama’s chances, just yet. We must remember that America has never elected a Black, Mormon, or female president. And when you really think about it, this great “melting pot” nation has never elected a president with an ethnic sounding name like Rudy Giuliani. Meanwhile, like every other proud African America I’m saying Run Obama Run!
POLITICAL NEWS
4 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 22-28, 2007 ELECTRONIC-from Page 1 lishing centralized voter registration databases. According to Electiononline.org Texas, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Virginia and Wyoming have not successfully implemented a federally compliant statewide voter registration database, as of Oct. 14, 2006. Registered African American voters are ignorant to the fact that faulty voter databases and bad machines combined are potentially robbing the Black community of its voting rights. Voting rights are the the proverbial “Black Ark of the Covenant” and should not be taken for granted, or its importance ignored. A 2004 report by the People for the American Way and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People underscores the vital truth about how your vote is being manipulated and watered down. According to the report, the history of the country is rich with lessons taught stressing the importance for every citizen. AfricanAmericans are survivors of decades of voter intimidation, oppression 8/14/07 andRU081907AA_5_56x10 suppression at the polls. The bloody days of violence and retri-
bution following the Civil War and Reconstruction are gone. The poll taxes, literacy tests and physical violence of the Jim Crow era have disappeared. The historic Voting Rights Act of 1965 changed all that, but now other tactics have risen to take its place. Without its passage, along with intense and sustained federal involvement and enforcement, no meaningful and lasting rights for African Americans could have been secured. Voters may no longer be turned away from the polls based on their race, but are still being knowingly discouraged, misdirected, misinformed and deceived about voting. Many of the companies are deeply rooted and supported by rich Republican financiers whose motives for this technology have become more clear in recent years. Optical scan, or marksense voting system allows a voter to record votes by making marks directly on the ballot, usually in voting response locations. A direct-recording electronic (DRE) voting system records votes by means of an electronic display provided with mechanical or electro-optical that can 10:04 AM components Page 1 be activated by the voter; that processes voter selections by means of
a computer program; and that records that processed voting data in memory components. According to the Texas Secretary of State 2006 voting equipment list, Harris County uses Ballot Now and E-Slate Optical Scan and DRE by Hart manufacturers. Dallas County uses DRE by ES&S with a IVotronic; and Optical Scan Models 100 and 650. Travis County also uses Optical Scan and DRE by Hart Tarrant County uses Ballot Now, Eslate and E-scan Optical scan and DRE made by Hart Bexar County uses Optical Scan ES&S iVotronic and Model 650 voting machines. All system have discrepancies that should raise serious questions about whether elections can be held that are fair and represent the true will of the people. In one case a voter reported, “The (electronic) machine I was using recorded a vote for a Republican three times instead of the Libertarian. I chose in three cases for individuals listed in succession on the screen. I was so shocked I spoke out-loud that the machine was not recording my votes, but giving my votes to a candidate I did not choose. I had to make three corrections in successive order to correct these three
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ty vote-switching from Democrat to Republican was also reported on the ES&S iVotronic screen. The same reports surfaces about machines being used in Collin County and El Paso County. Author and radio show host Thom Hartmann stated, “Many citizens and even a few politicians are wondering if it’s a good idea for corporations to be so involved in the guts of our voting system. The whole idea of a democratic republic was to create a common institution (the government itself) owned by its citizens, answerable to its citizens, and authorized to exist and continue existing solely ‘by the consent of the governed.’” Voting machines are a more subtle, cynical and creative way to discourage African American participation at the polls. Every African American registered voter need to be accounted for and every precinct to have a fool proof means to count the vote and make it stick.
There are many questions surrounding electronic voting machines. Among them is whether the Black vote is counted properly.
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errors. I was even more shocked when the summary appeared. I saw that Perry, Dewhurst and Combs were being credited with votes I did not cast for any of them! I am positive who I chose for those offices and Chris Bell was being denied the vote I cast.” Similar problems have been reported across the state. Just last May in Wise County, two out of three Diebold touch screen machines malfunction. One of them lost 38 votes, which even Diebold cannot retrieve. In Denton County, the county’s Hart voting machines were programmed to print the totals by precinct because of the amendment, but it didn’t give totals for Flower Mound’s two council races, two alcohol propositions and 10 charter amendments Last November in Williamson County, an ESS iVotronic touch screen machines counted every vote three times. The computer software counted each electronic vote three times, making the initial reported vote total about 6,500 more than the actual total. In Bexar County (San Antonio), some ES&S iVotronic machines failed to work, and paper ballots weren’t available. Voters across the country complained of flaws with electronic voting systems. In Travis County (Austin), Hart InterCivic eSlate machines chopped off the last part of candidate names on the review screen. This is the same problem reported previously, but despite complaints to the manufacturer for two years, little has been done to correct the problem. In Tarrant County, the Hart InterCivic reportedly was vote-switching. Some voters said they selected gubernatorial candidate Democrat Chris Bell and the eSlate machine switched their vote to Republican Rick Perry. In Jefferson Coun-
KAY BAILEY HUTCHINSON AUSTIN
AUSTIN- Every day at rush hour, we are reminded of the strain that Texas’ growing population puts on our roads and highways. Severe congestion can turn major arteries into virtual parking lots. Even rural and suburban Texans are affected as urban areas expand outward. As your U.S. Senator, making sure Texas receives its fair share of federal transportation funding is one of my top priorities, and we have made great strides in this area. When I came to the Senate in 1993, our state received only 76 cents in transportation funding for every dollar we paid in gas taxes. But in the years since, I worked with my colleagues to increase our average annual funding by almost $800 million and make Texas second only to California in federal transportation support. Unfortunately, large states have historically paid more into the federal Highway Trust Fund than they receive back in transportation investment. The money Texans pay should be used on Texas roads, and I will continue my efforts to secure a 100 percent return on our gas tax dollars. However, as new demands are placed on the Trust Fund, even a full gas tax return would not provide for all of our necessary projects. In fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation predicts a $4 billion highway budget shortfall within two years. Like many states, Texas has turned to other options, such as the construction of toll roads, to pay for transportation improvements. While new toll roads can be a successful part of an overall trans-
Read us online at www.aframnews.com.
portation solution, no one should be forced to pay tolls to use roads they have already paid for. Meanwhile, the rights of property owners must be protected. Mass transit can also help ease traffic congestion by reducing the number of drivers on the road. I authored Texas’ first mass transit bill during my time in the state legislature, and I continue this advocacy in the U.S. Senate. Our cities have embraced light rail and bus services and are continuously expanding their transit capacity. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), for example, is a model of excellence in urban and suburban transportation. The organization has consistently finished its expansions on time and under budget, making it possible for me to secure a $700 million federal funding agreement for a new southeast/southwest rail line last year. The Houston METRO system is pursuing a similar grant agreement to serve the residents of Harris County, and projects to expand METRO were included in the President’s Fiscal Year 2008 budget. In addition, Amtrak passenger rail links Texans to hundreds of destinations within our state and across the nation. Transportation will remain a central issue as Texas continues to thrive. If we fail to meet the transportation needs of our growing population and booming economy, businesses and employers may relocate to areas with more suitable infrastructure. To ensure that Texas provides the best environment for business and its citizens, I will carry on my efforts in Washington to facilitate sustainable growth and keep transportation moving.
To get FREE coverage of your political events and news and announcements, please send items to news@aframnews.com. TX-4
African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 22-28, 2007 • 3 DECENCY -from Page 1
man of National Action Network’s board. The Initiative is targeting record labels, major corporations and media conglomerates that continue to profit from racism and sexism. The Initiative is leading a national effort to educate consumers on corporate policies, purchasing power and consumer rights and will mobilize consumers towards direct protest of companies who support the degradation of any group. Pastor Dixon stated, “Today, we assemble as a group of outraged citizens who stand together with Rev. Al Sharpton and those of like mind around the nation in support of the Decency Initiative. We lift our voices as anointed advocates. The goal of the Decency Initiative is to establish a single standard that will be adopted by media and entertainment entities that will respect all people regardless of race, gender and sexual orientation. The Initiative holds responsible record lables, major corporations and media conglomerates that continue to profit from lyrics that promote racism and sexism. This national day of outrage is organized in 20 cities across America to demand a single standard of
decency. “We have not assembled to protest this particular music store. We have gathered to bring attention to the unacceptable music and videos they distribute and facilitate which demean, devalue, and debase women and promote violence. We are urging pastors and churches, elected officials, civic leaders and other leaders to lend their voices to this righteous outcry. We are alos urging parents to become selective in what we allow our children to listen purchase and listen to. “This group is not opposed to the hip-hop culture in general. Many of us are a part of it. This is certainly not a blanket indictment against all vestiges of hip-hop in our culture. However, we are calling on hip-hop artists and members of the culture to discontinue mis-labeling our people and debasing and denigrating women. We deplore the use of “niggas,” “bitch,” and “ho” and advocate the establishment of a single standard of respect by artists, music companies and media conglomerates.” The Rev. Al Sharpton orchestrated protests in more than 20 U.S. cities over the use of degrading lyrics in rap songs. The Day of Outrage
included protests in New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Houston, Richmond (Virginia), Jacksonville, (Florida), and other cities. Organized by Sharpton’s National Action Network, the protests arose out of an April initiative to purge sexually and racially demeaning words from rap lyrics. Sharpton called for the withdrawal of public funds from entertainment companies that “won’t clean up their act.” Some in the music industry have defended rappers’ free speech rights, but say the degrading words at the center of the controversy should be treated the same as extreme profanities and consistently edited out of clean and radio versions of songs “I’m here in Motown in Detroit as a symbol of when music was not denigrating and was entertaining,” said Sharpton, who launched the campaign to combat the use of “bitch” and “ho” in April. “The opposition has tried to use the argument of free speech, but they don’t have the freedom to use peoples’ pension funds against their own will and interest,” the 2004 presidential candidate said from Detroit where he led a rally outside the famed former studios for the Motown label.
Protestors march in front of the Soundwaves store in Houston as part of the National Day of Decency Initiative. Photo by Roger Jackson.
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We got mail... The great Third Ward land grab After Yates High School relocated from 2610 Elgin to 3703 Sampson in 1958, Ryan Colored Junior High School opened in Yates’ former location. Ryan was named after Yates’ second principal, James D. Ryan. It appears the HISD board, president and superintendent is consciously or unconsciously participating in the Great Third Ward Land Grab; even though, the infamous Fourth Ward Takeover is still fresh in the minds of citizens. The HISD boards of trustees have proposed an $805 million dollar bond to improve facilities. In this bond, Ryan Middle School will be consolidated with Cullen Middle School. This consolidation could hurt Cullen and help in the destabilization of the Third Ward area. New homes, new businesses, and new people are beautiful things unless they are at the expense of the people who are already living in an area. What will HISD do with the land
RAP-from Page 1 a variety of economic and artistic factors have interrupted this supply line. The emergence of rap music, which does not require a practitioner to sing or play any instrument, has reduced the number of Black kids skilled with keyboards and who are conversant with the gospel canon. Meanwhile, the commercial market for gospel musicians has made the five-figure salaries and 24/7 hours of midsize churches seem unappealing, though many megachurches pay upward of $100,000. “Musicians are going to the highest bidder because they can,” said L. Stanley Davis, a former instructor in gospel music at DePaul and Northwestern Universities in Chicago and a board member for the Stellar Awards, gospel’s equivalent of the Grammys. “The years when we celebrated ministers of music who served for 35 or 40 years are gone. For many, it was a commitment. It was a way of life. But for musicians 40 or younger, it’s employment.” Inasmuch as African American News&Issues had cause to pause and ponder whether, or not, there were deeper issues behind Black religious leader’s relentless attack on the Hip-hop Generation, we concluded that the foregoing (edited) text from an article (Black Churches Hungering for Musical Talent), in the New York Time’s Jan. 13, 2007 edition gave insight into the motive behind Rev. Al Sharpton’s “madness.” Perish the thought, we’re saying Rev. Sharpton’s August 7, 2007 “Day of Outrage” in 20 cities, e.g., Houston, Texas had no merit. Even so, it’s not surprising that his National Action Network’s efforts didn’t get as much note as the NAACP’s mock burial of the “n-word.” Then again, history records that Rev. Sharpton once defended the Hip-hop industry. “What do you expect them to sing, ‘Hello, Dolly’?” Sharpton was quoted in the New York Daily News in 1995. “I don’t want to see Time Warner cave to criticisms from the right.” Sharpton was alluding to Sen. Bob Dole’s criticism of Time Warner’s HBO hip-hop connection. That was then, but this is now. “It appears people are more enraged and outraged than even we thought,” Sharpton said through a bullhorn as he stood atop a NYPD flatbed truck. “How many of y’all are ready to keep building and keep going after record companies?” Ironically, Time Warner Center in Columbus Circle was the rally’s final destination. For sure, money is the root of
the hip-hop industry’s evil. Accordingly, “Today, hip-hop music is the second best-selling genre behind “country,” having racked up close to $2 billion in U.S. sales in 2000,” opined Black Enterprise’s Shaw E. Rhea. “It is one of only two music genres continuing to grow in earnings. Hip-hop artists are now outselling many international music icons,” Rhea’s article (Music masters: a new generation of rap moguls is making the industry dance to a different beat: ownership) revealed in August 2000. “DMX’s new release’s sales have eclipsed those of Michael Jackson. And the music continues to influence other parts of the Hip-Hop Economy. For example, more than 10 years ago, some radio stations refused to play hip-hop. Now, radio stations with hip-hop formats dominate major markets. Moreover, the production of hip-hop music videos, with their bold styling and million-dollar budgets, has created an industry and propelled lucrative movie careers for its’ directors. “And hip-hop music has given birth to a score of national and local publications, led by The Source, one of the top-selling magazines in the nation. Sales performance has given this generation of music entrepreneurs more leverage to negotiate favorable deals from major record companies and distributors.” For instance, recent reports show that rap moguls now rank among the industry’s heavyweights in pay and clout. “We were the guinea pigs for the corporate music business to build a new kind of relationship with entrepreneurs who wanted to fight for a bigger share of profits,” says Russell Simmons, the hip-hop veteran who founded Def Jam Records. “These young guys have way more power, control, and access than I ever had.” The Rap mogul Diddy personifies what a clever operator can do if he keeps the faith and spreads it abundantly. In fact, he preaches the same prosperity sermon as “Rev. Lowdown.” Anthony Heilbut, author of the definitive book “The Gospel Sound: Good News and Bad Times,” spoke of the oddly parallel evolution of hip-hop, with its materialistic worldview, and evangelical Christianity’s increasingly popular strain of “name it and claim it” theology, which views wealth as a reward for righteousness. The music, the rituals, the protocols, the decorum of the Black church, all of this has changed,” Heilbut said. “Modern church theology and hip-hop mesh uncomfortably well because both of them place a premium on Jesus and bling.”
More time needed on bond proposal
where Ryan sits? I saw two candidates for Board trustee member # 4 but I didn’t see any other candidates. Does a politician supposed to do what’s right or what’s right now? I support the spirit of the bond and with $805 million dollars; I believe James D. Ryan Middle School can be saved (especially with $23 million dollars left over from the other bond elections). If Ryan is consolidated, please make it policy for Ryan’s former students to be welcomed to Lanier, Johnston, Pershing, Pin Oak and West Briar Middle Schools with open arms. If this bond is placed on the ballot in its present form, then those schools and those communities that will receive the benefits without any adverse consequences will outvote communities that will be adversely affected. Larry McKinzie via email
The Houston Independent School District Board approved an $805 million proposal for the November 6th ballot. But HISD has not done its job explaining how the money raised will be used. I know we’re all going to pay more, but I don’t know what we’re getting. The first red flag raised by this proposal was the fact that the community had very little input into its creation and that is never a good way to start. Secondly, few people outside the HISD Board had a chance to review the proposal before Thursday’s vote. My impression is that HISD is trying to rush through this proposal because they believe the majority of voters will go along with it simply because
they want a good education for their children. I am asking people to reserve judgment because the community deserves more information. Questions remain as to whether past bond funds have been spent wisely. Repairs being made to M.C. Williams Middle School may not be completed by the time school opens. Old furniture is being used in a facility that has been rehabilitated. I have fought for money for local school districts for years and I have to make a case for those funds. HISD has not made a compelling case. That proposal needs to get out of the central office and into the community so people can make an informed decision. Based on what I’ve seen and heard so far, HISD still has a long way to go to win passage of this bond referendum in November. State Representative Sylvester Turner Houston, TX
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SPORTS & COMMUNITY
African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 22-28, 2007 • 5
One family’s battle with End Stage Renal Disease DALLAS -How MARIAN HUBBARD JEFFERSON would you tell a husband, who The Dallas Examiner has worked his entire life without any hint of serious illness, who is the pillar of strength for his family and community, that he now has a disease that will ultimately mean not only the loss of vocation, but independence and financial stability? And imagine that you must share with a woman, a wife and mother of three, who has always been athletic, the picture of health, with no history of drug abuse, high blood pressure, diabetes, lupus or any other disease that her kidneys have failed and unless she receives a transplant will face the prospect of an early death. Now imagine you had to inform a child and her parents that after years of dealing with the crippling and debilitating disease, Lupus, which the child has suffered with since age five, that her body has finally taken all it can take, that her kidneys are failing and without a transplant she (now twenty-one) may not live long enough to realize the dreams of almost every young woman; graduating college, starting a profession, becoming a wife and even a mom. Chances are you wouldn’t envy the doctor who had to deliver this news to anyone, but consider how much more difficult the job would be if this news had to be delivered, not to three complete strangers, but to three members of the same family as in this story. Henry, Jennifer and Tiffany Cox are father, mother and daughter each living and battling with kidney disease. In 1989, Henry Cox discovered that his kidneys were failing and additional tests would soon uncover that he had prostate cancer and would have to be taken off the list for transplant surgery. Mrs. Cox says that there is a two-year waiting period before he can be placed on the list again because of conditions that he must first meet. “They told him that his kidneys wouldn’t last five years. They lasted 14 years before he was told he needed to go on dialysis. This was a most difficult time for our family…anytime the bread winner in the family is hit, it’s particularly hard on a family,” she said. “He was a long-haul truck driver. After he told his job what the situation was, he had to apply for SSDI benefits and
go on Medicaid. It is not what the family was used to, said Mrs. Cox, but the Lord has provided.” While dealing with their daughter Tiffany’s diagnosis of Lupus, an auto-immune disease Mrs. Cox, administrative assistant to Pastor Tony Evans of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, discovered that her kidneys were failing and that she would need a transplant. She was on the waiting list for seven months before her transplant surgery. That was over 12 years ago. She said receiving her diagnosis was hard, but nothing was as hard as dealing with her daughter’s illness, especially when the family was informed that she too needed a kidney transplant. She asked her daughter how she was able to handle it all and said her daughter’s words to her were a source of encouragement. She said her daughter told her that she was determined to reach her goals and despite the pain and discomfort she was going to just suck it up and keep on going. Tiffany is a student at Mountain View Community College. She has attained a certification in dental assistance and is now working toward a degree in nursing. If it all seems like it might be too much to bear, Mrs. Cox, Community Advocate for End Stage Renal Disease education efforts, says that as she goes about educating and sharing her story with others, she invariably runs into those who agree with the sentiment that it is just more than they can bear. But as for the Cox family, she says, they have just decided that despite everything that is going on they are blessed. She said that her faith in God, having the unusual distinction of having others in her immediate family that have similar struggles have made for an environment of support that is like none other. She says she draws strength from the support of friends and the privilege of serving as an instrument to increase awareness for the need for more consents for organ donations, especially in the Black community. But Mrs. Cox would not be here had she not received the contribution of an anonymous donor. She is part of a campaign in Texas, Donate Life Texas (donatelifetexas.org) to increase donor registry. She says that when she runs into those who are still undecided about registering, she merely asks them to take the story that was told earlier and then imagine that they were not her family members, but theirs.
Hylon Williams, Jr. honored by Mayor White HOUSTON -Mayor Bill White gave a proclamation to Hylon Williams Jr. for representing Houston in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials-Boxing, held at the George R. Brown, Monday through Sunday, Aug. 20-26, 2007. The proclamation was given on August 14 at City Hall. Hylon “Lil’ Ced” Williams new record is 137-18. He is now the youngest member of 2007 National Golden Gloves team. He participated in the U.S championships June 2-8 in Colorado Springs. Hylon just won the 2007 National Golden Gloves defeating Orlando Gomez and Manuel Delacruz. Last year he brought home the Gold from the 2006 Aliyev Cup, May 6-10 in Baku, Azerbaijan. He is the second American in history to win a World title in the Jr. division. Eighty-eight of the nation’s top amateur boxers will vie for 11 coveted Olympic berths at the U.S
Olympic Team Trials. Eight boxers will compete in each of the 11 weight divisions at the double elimination tournament, which will determine Hylon Williams Jr. the U.S. Olympic Team for Boxing. The competitors earned berths in the event by advancing to quarterfinal action at the 2007 U.S. Championships. The action will kick off with first round action on August 20, and conclude with final round competition on August 25 and a second day of final round action. The victors of the winners’ bracket and the challengers’ bracket will meet in the final two days of action. August 20: 44 Preliminary Round
Bouts August 21: 22 Winners’ bracket second round bout and 22 Challengers’ bracket first round bouts August 22: 11 Winners’ bracket third round bouts* and 22 Challengers’ bracket second round bouts August 23: 11 Challengers’ bracket third round bouts August 24: 11 Challengers’ bracket fourth round bouts* August 25: 11 Final round bouts between the winners’ bracket victors and the challengers’ bracket winners August 26: Final Round bouts between the winners’ bracket victors and the challengers’ bracket winners (if necessary) *Winners advance to final round action on August 25, 2007.
SportsPerspectives By: Bud Johnson Nicholls State has Houston flavor THIBODAUX, LA-Although Nicholls State University doesn’t have the reputation of Rice University’s big name opponents, i.e. Baylor, Texas, UH, don’t be surprised if the Colonels’ section is filled with Houston area supporters when the Owls host the Thibodaux, Louisiana school at 7 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2007 at Rice Stadium. The Colonels definitely has a Houston area flavor with eight native sons on their roster. Heading the Houston area contingent is Jesse Frazier, II, a senior offensive lineman who was a first team All-District and second team All-State selection when he played for Coach Marshall Law at HISD’s Bellaire High School. Jesse, also Jesse Frazier, II has been featured in African American News&Issues several times. He’s also the son of Karen Carter Richards and the grandson of Lenora “Doll” Carter, who publishes the Houston Forward Times newspaper. Voted First team All-Greater Houston as a senior, Jesse ranked in the top 20 offensive lineman in the city of Houston and top 50 offensive linemen in the state of Texas. He chose Nicholls State over Stephen F. Austin, TCU, UH and Sam Houston State. The 6’ 3,” 305 pound Jesse saw limited action as backup as a freshman, but took over at right guard as a sophomore and helped the Colonels win the Southland Conference and garnered All-Conference Honors for himself. As a senior, Jesse (a Business Education major) will anchor an offensive line that features 18 offensive linemen, of which 10 are returning players. Nicholls returns all but two starters on the line from 2006 with former Colonel Jacob Bender being chosen in the NFL Draft by the New York Jets in the sixth round (177th selection), and Jacob Housson who graduated. Returning starters include junior center Nigel Cormier, Frazier, and junior right tackle Davonn Dutton. Cormier, Frazier and Dutton started every game for the Colonels a season ago, and are penciled in on the depth chart to do the same in 2007. Jordan Oglestreet, is a much-heralded junior DB from Langham Creek High School. The 5’ 10,” 190 pound speedster, who also lines up at wide-receiver, recorded 90 tackles with one interception and broke up 5 passes in 2006. Other Houston area players include: Jonathan DeAvila, a 6’3,” 255 pound DE from Aldine High School; Martin Chase, a 6’1,” 235 pound DE from Jordan Oglestreet Sugar Land Kempner High School; Janaseck Bryson, a redshirt freshman QB from Tomball, Texas and Kyle Van Zant, a 6’1,” 300 pound OL from Cy Falls High school and true freshmen Spenser Langthorn from Kingwood, Texas; Brandon Ward from Conroe, Texas and Charles McDade of Friendswood, Texas.
Millions More Movement Ministry shines light on Pasadena Police Department PASADENA -The Ministry of Justice for the Million More Movement hosted a press conference with Joycelyn Edwards on August 14, at her home at 1141 Burke Rd. Edwards has filed an internal affairs grievance against Pasadena Police Officers Oakley and Michael out of an incident that took place August 5. She and her husband were outside on their porch when the officers approached them and started to talk with them. Joycelyn then excused herself to go inside to use the restroom. She states that is when one of the officers entered her home without consent or a search warrant, then entered the restroom. She asked the officer to please close the door while
she “cleaned” herself, to which the officer refused, grabbed her by the left arm, put handcuffs on her before she could even pull her pants up. She was then pushed outside half naked and pushed down to the ground. At that time Ms. Edwards asked to pull her clothes up and tried to explain to the officer she just had stomach surgery a week before but the officer commenced to push her down to the ground with his boot in her back. She alleges that she was not told what she was being arrested for. She states that she also was not read her Miranda rights. She later learned she was arrested for evading and resisting arrest, which she denies.
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o run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston edition. 713-692-1195 DATE: VOLUME 12 Issue 13,Owned 2007 100% Black Come in or Call for more information
3521 Jensen St. Houston, TX 77026
713/227-4808 or 4809 Janitorial Supplies
Thursday, September 6, 2007 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
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Citywide Chemical Janitorial & Commercial Pest Control Company
Business Networking Luncheon
Law Offices of James & Stagg 1314 Texas, Ste. 701, Houston, TX 77002
CHEMICALS
Ma Hel
Funeral Home, Inc
9402 Lockwood Dr. Houston, Texas 77016 713.633.1492 "Committed to the Future"
MABRIE Memorial Mortuary
5000 Almeda Rd. Houston Texas 77004 713-942-7673
Boyd Funeral Home 7411 Wheatley St. Houston Texas 77088 281.820.0508
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Auto • Home • Life Disability • Annuity Commercial Health Insurance
Bus. 713-355-8331 Fax: 713-355-8318 Pgr. 713-406-1088 5302 Almeda Rd. Hou. TX 77004
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PARKWAY TOWERS 150 W. PARKER ROAD, SUITE 506 HOUSTON, TX. 77076
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Bryant Hunter started the agency in 1993 with the vision of helping people protect their most valuable assets. Scott joined the family business in 1997 and has continued the tradition of helping people protect their homes, autos, RVs, businesses and most importantly, their families.
scott@huntersinsuranceagency.com
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Rodrick Dow, CPA, MBA Registered Representative Securities offered through H. D. Vest Investment Securities Inc., Member SIPC Advisory Services offered through H. D. Vest Advisory Services, Inc. 6333 North State Highway 161, Suite 400, Irving, Texas 75038 (972)870-6000
MEDICAL
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African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 22-28, 2007 • 7 RESTAURANTS
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African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston Member Profile: Owens Security & Investigations HOUSTON- Owens Security & Investigations, 9894 Bissonnet, Suite 215, is a family owned and operated business centrally located in the Houston area since January 1994. The firm offers both commissioned and non-commissioned officers that have been carefully screened for their client’s protection. They carry a general liability insurance policy with a licensed Texas Agent as required by the Texas Private Security Bureau. As society continues to grow more
complex, the need for security becomes greater than ever before. Owens Security & Investigations provides highly trained security officers, ensuring that their clients, whether they are residential or commercial, get the security and safety that they deserve. The company enjoys an-ongoing relationship with law enforcement to ensure continued quality education for their officers. For more information, call (713)7761022.
Inspections Houston/Galveston edition. e andDallas size Ad to runState in AAN&I’s Postof Tribune Dr. Theodore Lee Original Owner is Back! 2727 Beckley Ave. EDITION DATE: VOLUME 12NoIssue 13,for Repairs 2007 Credit Check Financing Dallas, TX 75225
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Dallas Weekly Jim Washington 633 Pryor St. Sw, Atlanta Georgia East Texas Review Joycelyne Fadojutimi 517 South Mobberly Longview, TX 75602 Elite News Jordan Blair P.O. Box 397925 Dallas, TX 75339 Garland News Journal Willie Hobdy P.O. Box 24 Greenville, TX 75043 Kuumba Heritage Willie Hobdy P.O. Box 24 Greenville, TX 75043 Our Texas Magazine General E. Berry P.O. Box 4463 Dallas, TX 75208 The Smith County Herald DBA The Herald Stephanie Johnson P.O. Box 8252 Tyler, TX 75701 Houston Style Magazine Francis Page Jr. 2646 South Loop West #375 Houston, TX 77054 Metroplex South Star Willie Hobdy P.O. Box 24 Greenville, TX 75043 MON- The Gazette Thurman Jones 1100 Summit Suite 101 Plano, TX 75074
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Houston Minority Business Council EXPO 2007
HOUSTON - EXPO 2007, in its 31st year, is an elite marketing event. The Business Opportunity marketplace is the marketing event of the year for minorityowned business and the sourcing event of Date the year for Ira Wayne corporate McConnell buyers. The event, “Open the Doors of Opportunity to EXPO 2007,” which will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, September 11-12, will give corporate buyers the opportunity to show their support of minority business development while connecting with the buyers, sellers, information and resources that will drive their success. Minority business owners (MBEs) are making plans now to meet faceto-face with more than 1,300 key decision makers from over 200 major corporations, government agencies and financial and educational institutions. They will have a chance to showcase their company and gain valuable marketplace information. Buyers will be ready to meet with more than 1,500 minority business owners that will introduce their products and services and discuss their competence and proven track
record in delivering these services expertly, competitively and within expected timelines. On September 11, special forums will present value insights into key sectors of the Houston marketplace. Forums on energy, technology, medical, space, education transportation and finance are scheduled. The forums will explore emerging business opportunities in these areas. On September 12, imagine coming face-to-face with more than 1,300 buyers and decision makers and having direct access to 2,500 business leaders....all in one day and all under one roof! EXPO 2007 will connect you to: MBEs that can deliver services and/or products buyers are seeking; Promising resources to grow and expand your business; Business prospects in key markets; and Much, much more. Ira Wayne McConnell, the 2007 MBE chair, is the Managing Partner for McConnell & Jones LLP, and McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP, the largest African-American owned accounting and consulting firm in the State of Texas. The firm offers a wide range of business advisory and consulting services. McConnell is the breakfast speaker on September 12. He stated, “I am truly honored to be the MBE Chair for Expo 2007 and know that this year’s EXPO will be a huge success for all the minority business firms and corporations that attend.” For more information visit www.hmbc.org.
Quality Education Without the Debt An HCC education costs 70% less than four-year colleges, and courses transfer to Texas universities.
Prepare for a workforce career in one of 11 in-demand fields Business Administration & Management • Marketing Electronic Engineering Technology • Criminal Justice Drafting & Design Technology • Child Development Business Technology • Cosmetology • Real Estate Computer Science • Accounting
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Power Pages Hattie Kelly 313 S. Hamilton Farmersville, TX 75442 San Antonio Observer Hussien Ali P.O. Box 200226 San Antonio, TX 78220 Southwest Digest T.J. Patterson P.O. Box 2253 Lubbock, TX 79408 The Villager Tommy Wyatt 1223 Rosewood Ave. Austin, TX 78702
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To get FREE coverage of business, please send items of AfricanAmNewsAug 17 indd 1 interest to news@aframnews.com For more information, call (713) 692-1892.
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TX-7
COMMUNITY/EDUCATION
8 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 22-28, 2007
Black Population in America
Can North Forest ISD Protect Its Students?
Population: Blacks make up the second-largest minority group in the United States. The Black population increased by 1.3 percent, or 522,000, between 2005 and 2006.
Temporary merger could be lesson in friction, turf battles and educational distractions
Location: The minority of Blacks live in New York. In 2006, it had the largest Black population (3.5 million), followed by Florida (3 million), Texas (2.9 million) and Georgia (2.8 million).
schools as in rural ones and North Forest and M.B. Smiley schools are in urban environment. African-American News&Issues The phenomenon of bringing HOUSTON- With a new school different youth groups and culyear approaching, North Forest tures together has proven dangerIndependent School District leaders ous. When Katrina evacuees came are concerned that the new school to Houston and Dallas schools, year could become an education despite sharing the common bond in how to deal with turf battles of being African American, the and teen vioTexas stulence. At a key dents and time when Afrithe students can American from Louisichildren should ana, constanbe focused on ly clashed. preparing for It was the college or vocasame when tional interthe Wilmests, students er-Hutchins and parents Indepenare wondering dent School how the mergDistrict ing of two rival merged with high schools in the Dallas the district will Indepenfare between dent School the two schools. District, the “Our staff is more rural working dilistudents gently to ensure were not a successgiven the red ful start for the carpet treatDistrict officials offered M. B. Smiley High School as the alternative and ment. new school year by developing a decided to open its doors to accommodate all high school students in the disIt was an plan to effective- trict. uphill batly merge the two tle for accephigh schools,” said NFISD School cerned over the board’s decision to tance as each day was filled with Administrator William Jones. join the school populations. friction, ridicule and threats in the He continued, “We know it will North Forest High School stu- halls of DISD. Perhaps the most take all of us; staff, parents, stu- dents and Smiley High School stu- unsurprising fact was that 83 perdents, community members and dent scome from two different cent of the school victims, and concerned patrons to assist us Houston neighborhoods and it 96 percent of the offenders, were through this transitional period. We is that recipe that raises concerns male, the study said. To head off encourage and invite the support as one group may feel the other potential trouble, the North Forest of all stakeholders as we enter and group of students is violating its Police Department will post at least complete this process.” Forest Brook turf. Turf battles and friction have six police officers at the M.B. Smiley students are being temporary reas- long been part of the juvenile and campus and put into play a daily signmed to M.B. Smiley for at least youth culture and is linked to vio- plan that includes having four offipart of the school year. lence, injury and death of many stu- cers that will monitor the interior The merger is necessary because dents attending schools across this of the school and two officers will of extensive damage and vandal- country. It is a fact that this problem patrol the exterior of the campus. ism that occurred at Forest Brook. has poured over into public schools Police officers assigned to the The school will not be ready and across the United States, according M.B. Smiley campus will also cooropen for students on August 27, to school violence think tanks. dinate with the present campus 2007. District officials offered M. B. Patrick Kachur of the National administrators and other selected Smiley High School as the alterna- Center for Injury Prevention and staff to provide a safe and secure tive and decided to open its doors Control, found that during a two- closed campus. They will enforce a to accommodate all high school year period 105 people (including zero tolerance policy to ensure that students in the district. 76 students) had died on school each student and faculty member It has been estimated that the grounds or while traveling between will have a safe learning and workrenovation will take approximately home and school. The Kachur study ing environment. While underfour months. Smiley has the capac- also found that 81 percent of the standing the concerns and statisity to accommodate over 2,100 stu- school deaths were homicides, with tics, North Forest ISD does not have dents, which will more than handle the remainder being suicides or to turn it school halls into prison the merger. North Forest Indepen- accidents. Firearms caused 77 per- yards. dent School District is located in the cent of the school deaths; knives Black children should be affordnortheast section of Harris County. accounted for 17 percent. ed the same safety and piece of The district covers some 33 Fifty-one percent of the murder mind as other attending public square miles and serves approxi- victims, and 50 percent of the per- schools in more affluent areas. The mately 10,000 students in grades petrators, were Black, non-Hispan- N.F.I.S.D. must be in the forefront pre-kindergarten through twelve. ics. According to Pachur, schools and take the lead when it comes A predominately African American aren’t average places: The homicide to focusing on the positive values school system, the ethnic makeup rate was nine times higher in urban of education.
Age: While the average age of White Americans is 40.1, our Black population in 2006 was younger, with a median age of 30.1, compared with the population as a whole at 36.4. About 31 percent of the Black population was younger than 18, compared with 25 percaent of the total population.
Source: www.census.gov
Black College Legends Honored DALLAS - As a special project to raise money for the United Negro College Fund and to honor male and female legends of Black Colleges and Universities in Track & Field, Basketball, and Football, a t-shirt, “Celebrating the Gold” was created with a sport’s figure picture on the front and name of individuals on the back, who played or ran in the Black conference. It also focuses on sharing some history of athletes who set World Records, Conference records, and NCAA records, with athletes of today. One of the legends who will appear on the back of the shirts is Essie Kelly, who is currently Essie Washington, the Head Women’s Track and Field coach at Prairie View A&M University, where she ran under the direction of Olympic Coach and Hall of Famer Barbara Jacket. Another one is Clyde Duncan, of Texas Southern University, who is one of the many names on the sprinter shirt. He ran with Jim Hines and is now the Head Track and Field Coach for men and women at Texas Southern University. The shirt will be a classic and very historical, honoring former Black men and women athletes and will help to raise funds for the UNCF. In the future, there will be new editions every year with new names and designs. The t-shirts will be $18.00. For ordering information or more general information, call (214) 331-3433.
Houston Fire Department assists in children immunizations HOUSTON- It’s never too early to get children vaccinated just in time for the next school year. It’s necessary for children to get vaccinated. The Houston Fire Department has opened up some of its stations to offer immunizations for children for FREE. Thoughout the year, The BlueCross BlueShield Care Van administers vaccinations to children from newborn to 18 years. All parents or guardians need to do is provide all prior immunization records. Immunizations will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Upcoming immunization sites:
September 6 - Station 56- 5820 E. Little York September 20 - Station 44 - 675 Maxey Road October 4 - Station 5 - 2020 Hollister October 18 - Station 76 - 7200 Cook Road November 1 - Station 59 - 13925 S. Post Oak November 15 - Station 82 - 11250 Brarsridge December 6 - Station 23 - 8005 Lawndale
Governor Rick Perry to host UNCF’s “North Texas Governor’s Luncheon” DALLAS- Governor Rick Perry will be the keynote speaker for the United Negro College Fund’s annual “North Texas Governor’’s Luncheon on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel at DFW Airport. The luncheon is a first-time partnership with UNCF and the governor’s office. Luncheon proceeds will support UNCF’s schools in Texas. Texas is home to five UNCF schools: Paul Quinn College, Texas College, Jarvis Christian College, Wiley College and Huston-Tilloston University. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the UNCF Dallas Area Office at (972) 2341007 or visit www.uncf.org/dallas.
Give life a second chance. Be an organ, tissue and eye donor. www.DonateLifeTexas.org TX-8
Darwin Campbell
of the district is 77 percent African American; 22 percent Hispanic; 6 percent white; and 8 percent Asian. However, the fear among some is that the rivalry, friction and atmosphere created by the merger of the two schools will lead to gangs, fights, violence and disruptions in halls, classrooms and school yards. Parents have reason to be con-
Dallas Foster, Heart Recipient
ENTERTAINMENT/AUTOMOBILES African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 22-28, 2007 • 9 Creative Experience Web site reveals that all Black women are not angry Summer Arts Program allows children to act
HOUSTON- Creative Experience Summer Arts Program is allowing children take to the stage to get a taste of the performing arts in a new summer program. This threeweek session is led by Della Banks, who is an actress, dancer, and singer. “All kids can’t play sports. All kids can’t play football and be cheerleaders, but they are all creative, so I think this gives them a positive outlet,” Banks said. When Banks came up with the idea for a summer arts program, her first choice to do it in the Sunnyside community. She opened a free program for children between 5 and 17-years-old. “I just thought that this would be something really, really, positive for us to do in the community and it’s the first time that it’s ever been done,” Banks said. The program focuses on music, drama, dance, as well as eadership skills. All programs are designed to boost self-esteem. In the first year, nearly 40 students signed up for the program, mostly by word-of-mouth. Organizers hope the momentum continues to build in the coming years. On Friday, August 24, 2007, the students will hold a performance for the community called, “Who Am I?” at the Sunnyside Multi-Service Center, 4605 Wilmington at Cullen. Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for senior citizens. Children under 5 are free. For more information about the Creative Experience Arts Program or the performance, call (713)734-5863 or visit www.delaproductions.com.
DALLAS- The sweeping statement that 90% of black women are angry is a disturbing one. At some point we have all heard of the so called “angry Black woman” syndrome. The expression gives off a vision of a tart-tongued, creatively choreographed neck twisting, finger-wagging, eye-rolling, eye-brow rising, loud-mouthed, drama-filled, and defiant sisters. Are there sisters like that? Most certainly, but are all Black women like that? Contrary to popular belief, all Black women are not angry. Fed-up maybe, but not angry. Lately, it seems that Black women are constantly being portrayed in this negative light. “We do have some serious issues with our Black men. Brothers as well as society are using the ‘angry Black woman’ label to participate in misogynistic, unmanly, disrespectful, infantile and non-nurturing behaviors,” says Tina Clark, creator of www.dearblackman.com. “Black Women have picked up the slack for the abandonment of too many Black men and had to take on the job as the provider and the protector. Men are the natu-
ral providers and the protectors of their families and their communities and Black men as a whole haven’t done Tina Clark their jobs, i.e. not providing enough, too much poverty and not protecting enough, too much crime. Therefore, it is simply ridiculous for any sane Black man to say that all Black women are angry.” She continued, “Black men love it. It gives them an excuse to disregard us as a whole. They just shrug their shoulders and say we are just ‘too angry’ – as they dismiss a group which includes their mothers, their sisters and their grandmothers and aunts. “We just want our men to do better jobs of taking care of their families, their communities, and the Black race. You never hear such broad and inaccurate caricatures about white women or any other
women for that matter. But somehow, it is acceptable and can magically apply to all Black women.” Rhonda Rhonda Jackson Jackson runs the creative aspect of the maggazine and exerts creative control over, “Dear Black Man: I’m Not Angry, I’m Just Mad as Hell.” She said, “It is important that there is open dialogue between African American women and men. The goal of the new Web site, which men and women are finding interesting, is to encourage Black women to move beyond past pain and fear, acknowledge the frustration that contributes to emotional breakdowns and outburst that drives good things out of their lives. We also want Black men to gain a greater awareness and sensitivity to the issues we struggle with daily. Because truth is, some women are angry because they are exhausted
or they have been ignored and dismissed or they’re not taken seriously, or they are being abandoned or they are being rejected. This anger of course is not justified if it becomes a never-ending bitterness that clouds ones present or future. It is not justified when it is an obstinate attitude which appears angry at everything in general and seems to especially relish demonizing all Black men, nor is it justified when it is constantly a source of baseless and negative unsolicited criticism. Many Black women don’t have a catharsis for their pain and haven’t learned how to forgive and let go. As Oprah Winfrey often states, “writing is cathartic.” Dearblackman.com provides a platform for dialogue to resolve the misunderstandings between Black men and women, as well as provide an opportunity for Black women to write anonymous open letters to Black men about their relationship experiences with them, with the intent to forgive, let go, heal, cleanse and be whole again. For more information, visit twww.dearblackman.com.
Organizations partner with Comerica Bank to offer financial and computer classes HOUSTON- The Acres Home Center for Business and Economic Development and the African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston will partner with Comerica Bank to provide financial literacy and computer training classes to the community. The courses will be held August 21st - November 8th at the Beulah Shepard Building located at 6112 Wheatley Street in Houston. “We are excited to partner with Comerica Bank to provide these services” said DaVeeta Shelton, African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston. “We realize this knowledge is critical, and we are glad to be a part of building the community.” Some of the workshops include: QuickBooks for Small Businesses, Accessing Money for a Home Loan, Web Advertising, Your Credit Score and Credit Repair, Creating and Monitoring your child’s MySpace Page, Internet for Seniors. Computer training classes will be held on Tuesdays, and Homebuyers financial workshops will be held on Thursdays. All classes are scheduled from 5 – 7:30p.m., except for the computer classes for seniors which will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.. “Comerica is committed to providing financial literacy,” said Vanessa Reed, Community Reinvestment Act Manager for Comerica’s Houston market. “Our sponsorship of financial literacy and training programs empower people to improve their lives. Comerica is in the business to help people be successful.” The workshop is free for the first 12 participants who RSVP, and refreshments will be served. For more information, please call Sharon Johnson or DaVeeta Shelton at (713) 692-7003.
Deals & Wheels Bad credit, no credit myths GWENEVERE M. CLOUD Automotive Correspondent
HOUSTONA comedian said somethings are a lie and the truth at the same time. He gave as an example, dealerships that offer “everybody rides, bad credit, no credit, bankruptcy deals - on approved credit.” Although his statement was funny, it’s not that amusing when people who have been taken advantage of, by what should be a legitimate marketing message, visit me later. The truth is, everybody rides - for a price. And the lower your credit score, the more cash you have to put into the deal or fees you must pay to the lender. Unscrupulous dealers sometimes use questionable business practices to get a deal at any cost. No one wants to repossess a vehicle. However, charging more, from the selling price to the interest rate, limits the liability. Yet, I’ve had people to come in who still owed $20,000 and more on vehicles that were several years old and worth far less. Others thought they were one or two payments away from paying their vehicle off, only to discover a “balloon” payment was due. Our policy is to give everyone an honest assessment of their financial situation and provide them with workable solutions. I say, ‘If I can’t help you, I won’t hurt you.”
Gwenevere M. Cloud is Business Development Manager for Gulfgate Dodge, 7250 Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX. For more information, call (281)4776767 ext. 6130 or email her at gcloud@ gulfgatedodge.com.
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To get FREE coverage of your lifestyle events and news and announcements, please send items to news@aframnews.com. TX-9
10 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 22-28,
JESSE H. JONES SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
B.B.A. in Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing M.B.A. in General Business M.S. in Management Information Systems
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY & HEALTH SCIENCES
Doctor of Pharmacy (six-year program); Doctor of Pharmacy (2-year postbaccalaureate degree) B.S. in Environmental Health, Health Administration, Health Information Management, Respiratory Therapy, Medical Technology M.S. in Health Care Administration, Pharmaceutical Science Ph.D., Pharmaceutical Science
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Opening doors to dreams ... A first class educational experience, offering over 120 baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degree programs in nine schools and colleges.
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SCHOOL OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
B.S. in Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Airway Science, Physics B.S., M.S. in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Toxicology, Mathematics, Industrial Technology, Transportation Planning & Management Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
B.A. in English, French, Spanish, Art, Music, Theatre, Psychology, Sociology, History, Economics, Social Work, General Studies B.S. Dietetics, Human Services & Consumer Sciences M.A. in English, Fine Arts, History, Human Services & Consumer Sciences, Psychology, Sociology
TAVIS SMILEY SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS
B.A. in Journalism, Radio, Television & Film, Entertainment Education or Communications Arts & Sciences M.A. in Communications
BARBARA JORDAN-MICKEY LELAND SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
(713) 313-7071 www.em.tsu.edu
B.S. in Public Affairs, Administration Justice B.A. in Political Science M.S. in Public Administration, Urban Planning & Environmental Policy, Administration of Justice
THURGOOD MARSHALL SCHOOL OF LAW J.D. J.D./M.B.A. J.D./M.P.A.
TX-11
CHURCH/COMMUNITY NEWS
African-American News&Issues• Texas August 22-28, 2007• CHURCHES
Pastor’s role as civil rights leader in S.A. chronicled in book written with grandson MARIO SALAS
African-American News&Issues
SAN ANTONIO- A steady stream of well-wishers and those wanting to purchase a signed copy of “Grandpa Was A Preacher,” were on hand recently to continue the celebration of life for Rev. Claude W. Black. The recently released book is the work of Rev. Black and his grandson, Taj I. Matthews. The book is filled with historical photos and stories about Black’s life as a preacher and a civil rights leader. The book reveals several important incidents that reflect the nature of racism in San Antonio and general acceptance of racism among the White elite. Black recalled that in July of 1958 that Billy Graham crusade was coming to San Antonio. Unfortunately, Price Daniel, a well-known segregationist would be introducing Billy Graham. Daniel was at the time a candidate for governor and was apparently trying to get as much political mileage as possible by appearing on the same stage as Billy Graham. In this way, Daniel could associate his racist beliefs with a wellknown Christian preacher. According to Black, many African American preachers felt that to support Billy Graham with Daniel on stage would give tacit support to the acceptance of segregation. When Black contacted the organizers of the crusade, they just blew him off and said he and the other ministers “needed to be better Christians.” He did not give up however and decided to boycott the crusade unless Daniel was removed from the program. Black hit home when he asked, “How can we talk about God and love, but accept racism, discrimination and segregation?” Because of his actions, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., A. Phillip Randolph, Adam Clayton Powell, Ella Baker, and others “sent letters and telegraphs to Graham requesting that Daniel be dropped from the crusade.” In a classic move to divide and conquer, Graham “asked
another local Black minister, Rev. P.S. Wilkerson from New Light Baptist Church to appear on stage with Daniel.” On many occassions, Black risked his personal safety and the safety of his family by taking on the racists of that day. There were also times when he was set up to be beaten or physically hurt. Black once prevented a “riot” that was about to erupt in San Antonio because of the brutal beating of Bobby Joe Phillips by the San Antonio Police Department. An angry crowd of Blacks had gathered at the Cameo Theatre and was planning on burning the city down. Black arrived at the meeting and saw the large police force that had gathered outside of the meeting and planning to carry out their own attack. Black appealed to the crowd that such an effort was doomed since the police had all of the guns. He appealed to their common sense and did not do as so many others would have done. He did not try to convince the crowd that they were wrong in their anger as many others had done, but sympathized with their anger and demand for justice. He never lost the respect of those who wanted a more militant approach to ending racism and segregation. Black and Taj Matthews have teamed together in a family spirit that touches all of those in the community who want to see justice. His life and his wisdom will always be remembered and his name will never be forgotten in the minds and hearts of all of those who fought for freedom in San Antonio and Texas. Black’s name will continue to grace the pages of San Antonio’s history beyond all of our lives and will be a beacon of light for those yet unborn whose job will be to consolidate the gains of justice for an end to racism and inhumanity. In signing my copy of his book, Black left me with these very true words, “Life is the story of failure and victory.” Black’s life and contributions to this community have been a blessing upon which
FIDELITY CHURCH OF CHRIST “ The Church That Cares”
GREATER FRIENDSHIP MBC Rev. Johnny L. Goff, Sr.,
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www.gfmbc.com Experience the Friendship! Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is a church with a mission- “Let Each One, Reach One!” They have been committed to following the Lord’s command to reach out to the lost (Matt. 28: 18-20) since their found-
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“Preaching The Tx Gospel Houston, 77020Is More Important Than Philosophizing. SUNDAY Soul Winning Is More Important Than Building Membership Morning Prayer: 9:15 am .” If youSunday are looking church School: for 9:30aam home, you might want to come Church Services: am Befellowship with these11folks. sides Sunday, they meet for prayer on Tuesday morning at 11 am, and on Friday the Bible Band Mission meets from 12 to 1 pm and a Bible
Greater Progressive MBC 840 Ringold Houston 77088 (281) 445-8603 Hope in Christ Church 10310 Antoine Drive Suite A Houston 77091 (832) 882-7925 Mt. Ararat Baptist Church 5801 W. Montgomery Houston 77073 (713) 692-9954
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Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church members will endeavor to provide a strong foundation of love; we will stand on Biblical Truths; and we will equip one another to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our community
Early Worship 6 am Sunday School 9:30 am Regular Worship 10:30 am Evening Worship 6 pm
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Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church/ School 1055 W. Tidwell Rd. Houston 77091 (713) 680-1419
Rev. Black with grandson Taj Matthews sign copies of their book “Grandpa was a Preacher.”
Greater Ward A.M.E. Church welcomes Pastor Eddie L. Everline, Jr. & family HOUSTON -The Greater Ward African Methodist Episcopal Church, 6822 Arabella, extends an invitation to the public at the welcoming event of their new pastor, Eddie L. Everline, Jr. & Family to the city of Houston. The event will be held at the Acres Home Center for business & Economic Development in the Beulah Shepherd Building on Saturday, August 25, 2007 at 6:30p.m. Please RSVP no later than Monday, August 20, 2007 by contacting Robbie Brown at 281-580-8058.
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St. Monica Catholic Church 8421 West Montgomery Rd. Houston 77088 (281) 447-5837 Progressive MBC 944 Reverend B.J. Lewis Dr. Houston 77088 (281) 447-2342
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12 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 22-28, 2007
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