African-American News&Issue by AFRAMNEWS.COM

Vol. 19 Issue 33

Greater Houston

September 8 - 14, 2014 | FREE Â®

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Nothing Has Changed When It Comes to Policing Blacks! What Happened to Us is Still Happening to Us~ Know Your History! ~Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman~

Reginald Gordon of Operation Outreach

OG1 Refuses to Give Up on Black Youth Photo Credit: Jesse Muhammad

See OUTREACH pg. 4

African

American News&Issues

AUSTIN - Texas game wardens have recently been involved with four separate illegal marijuana cultivation cases in rural areas. The problem is not unique to the Lone Star State. In other states, including Washington, California, and Arkansas, game wardens are involved with combating illegal grow sites. These operations break a lot of laws, including trespassing, destruction of natural habitat, violation of pollution statutes and illegal dumping. Additionally, grow sites utilize a large amount of water illegally pumped from nearby streams and lakes to supply often complex irrigation systems. One recent enforcement effort in Fort Bend County was a joint operation carried out by TPWD game wardens and the Fort Bend County Drug Task Force. That task force is made up of officers from the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and several area police departments. Each offers their own expertise and assets during different stages of the operation. Anyone spotting what appears to be a clandestine marijuana cultivation site is urged to call the TPWD Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-7924263 or their local 911.

R.D. Malonson Chairman S.A. Malonson President/C.E.O. Chandra Jarmon Production/ Sales Ruth Randle Distribution General: news@aframnews.com Ads: sales@aframnews.com Website: www.aframnews.com African-American News&Issues is published by African-American News & Issues, Inc., 6130 Wheatley Street, Houston, Texas 77091, (713) 692-1892. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm. The entire contents of the paper are copyrighted by African-American News & Issues, Inc. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. African-American News&Issues is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the publisher.

TX-2

COLLEGE STATION - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Judith A. Canales announced that farmers and ranchers still have time to apply for low interest 2014 loans available through FSA’s direct farm ownership program. The deadline to submit applications is Sept. 30, 2014. Eligible producers can borrow up to $300,000 in direct farm ownership loans to buy or enlarge a farm, construct new farm buildings or improve structures, pay closing costs, or promote soil and water conservation and protection. The interest rate on select loans can be as low as 1.5 percent with up to 40 years to repay. FSA encourages all interested applicants to apply for direct farm ownership loans. For more information about the program and other loans administered by FSA, visit any FSA county office or www.fsa.usda.gov.

What’s Happenin’ around Texas? Submit your news to DALLAS - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosted a briefing on the psychological and cultural damage done to children whose parents are incarcerated. There are approximately 1.7 million children in the United States who have a parent that is confined in a prison or jail, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics. Nearly 25 percent of those children are younger than four years of age. Black children are seven times more likely to have a parent incarcerated than are White children, while the rate for Hispanic children is more than two times that of White children. “This briefing is designed to fully explore the problem that children of incarcerated parents face,” said Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. “The discussion will give us an opportunity to learn more about the impact of parental incarceration on children and how Congress can help to remedy the situation.”

Texas R und-Up

FORT HOOD - Fort Hood officials have released the name of a Soldier who died Aug. 13 from an apparent gunshot wound in Killeen, Texas. Sgt. Triston James Johnson, 23, whose home of record is listed as Houston, entered active duty service in October 2009 as a combat engineer. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, since November 2012. Johnson deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn from April 2010 to March 2011. Johnson’s awards and decorations include two Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medals, Iraq Campaign medals with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Medal.

FT WORTH - Texas Boys Choir, Inc. is proud to announce the hiring of Alisha K. Hudman as its Development Director. Previously Development & Marketing Director of Susan G. Komen Greater Fort Worth, Alisha has strong ties to the community and brings new energy and enthusiasm to the position. Alisha will oversee all fundraising projects at TBC, Inc. including the Annual Campaign, Special Events, grants and other development objectives. Alisha has a proven leadership and development record. Originally from Midland/Odessa, she graduated from Texas Christian University in 2003 with dual degrees in Advertising/Public Relations and Political Science. After working as a political consultant and fundraiser in Austin through the 2004 election season, she moved back to West Texas for her family. There she served on numerous boards including the Midland Chamber of Commerce, Casa de Amigos, Young Professionals of Midland, Permian Basin Advertising Federation and Midland Odessa Area AIDS Support, Inc.

GALVESTON - The 2014 Overeaters Anonymous Houston-Galveston Convention will take place October 3-5 at the Holiday Inn Resort on the Beach, 5002 Seawall Blvd, Galveston. Anyone seeking relief from compulsive overeating, anorexia, bulimia or other eating disorders is welcome to attend. For more information email OAFallConvention@gmail. com or see registration form online at www.oahouston.org.

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HARRIS COUNTY - Jean Polichino, Harris County Department of Education Therapy Services director and occupational therapist, urges parents to consider several factors in consideration of their child’s back health. Backpack safety tips: • Choose the right size backpack: A small student needs a small backpack. • The backpack should fit snugly, with the backpack bottom at or slight below the waistline. • Load the heaviest items closest to the child’s back. • Observe the 10 percent rule: A 50 pound student should only carry five pounds. Awareness about the potential strain of backpacks is a back-to-school initiative from Harris County Department of Education’s Therapy Services division in collaboration with the American Occupational Therapy Association. HCDE physical, occupational and music therapists work with children in school settings through partnerships with school districts in greater Harris County. For more information, go to www.hcde-texas.org/ therapyservices .

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Texas • September - 14, 2014 Texas • August 8 12-18, 2013

HOUSTON - The Houston Independent School District is kicking off a new Sustainable Schools initiative that involves students in reducing energy use on their high school campuses. Through a no-cost collaboration with CenterPoint Energy, the Sustainable Schools Program gives participating students a fun, hands-on, project-based experience in energy conservation and engineering. Students are being encouraged to form Sustainability Teams to highlight ways their schools are already minimizing energy use and to identify creative ways to further reduce energy use in their schools. As the program implements, Willdan Energy Solutions provides teachers with project resources, templates, tools, lesson guides, and ongoing support from energy efficiency experts. Two HISD schools, Waltrip and Carnegie Vanguard High School, have already received training to implement the program. Nine others have signed up. Williams, who joined the district in May, is seeking to maximize community partnerships that can help promote energy conservation as a way to help redirect resources to the classroom. She formerly worked as energy manager for Fort Bend Business Card for Paper_Layout 1 6/9/14 ISD.

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Edit rial & Opini n

The Emotional Toll of Growing Up Black in America Marian Wright Edelman President, Children’s Defense Fund

Dr. Terrell Strayhorn, a brilliant, Black Ohio State University professor, recently opened the Educational Testing Service and Children’s Defense Fund co-sponsored symposium on Advancing Success for Black Men in College by sharing a question his 14-year-old son asked him: Why did he get in trouble for speaking out of turn when he jumped in to answer his teacher’s question, but when his White friend did the same thing she was praised for being excited about learning? Dr. Strayhorn noted that many parents and grandparents and educators and policy experts are concerned about the same question: “There are lots of Black and Brown boys who are often penalized for committing the same exact act that non-Black and non-Brown, usually White kids, commit in school and some students are praised for certain behaviors that other kids are penalized for. It sends a very mixed message, because my son is confused: ‘So what should I do? Not be excited about learning? What if you just can’t wait for the question? How do I signal to the teacher I’m not a rule-breaker?’” Dr. Strayhorn said these questions are something we’ve got to think about. Dr. Strayhorn highlighted a number of other roadblocks we must all be sensitive to and overcome to get all our children on a path of healthy development, confidence and success. The disparate treatment of Black children in the classroom from the earliest years, especially Black boys, often discourages and knocks many off the path to high school graduation and college. The cumulative and convergent toll of subtle, but discouraging, adult actions in schools and other childserving systems they come into contact with too often impedes the success of

children of color, especially those who are poor, and burdens them with an emotional toll they don’t deserve. I used to sing Sesame Street’s Kermit the Frog’s “It’s Not Easy Being Green” loudly with my children, and I can only imagine the number of Black children and adults who sing inside daily “It’s Not Easy Being Black.” I’m sure that Black youths seeing what happened to Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown and others who lost their lives for walking while Black and those who are stopped and frisked and arrested and victimized by excessive police force carry these burdens inside every day. Even the youngest Black boys, ages 4 and 5, who are put out of school and even preschool for nonviolent disciplinary charges for which White children would never be suspended or expelled must be confused and feel this way too. Dr. Strayhorn spelled out another way Black children are harmed: through disparate resources in the classroom, including textbooks, that hold Black, Brown and poor students back. He described an experience he had while a professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville working with a Knoxville high school that was 97 percent Black. “I found that in this high school these students were learning from textbooks that were at least 10 years old... What exactly are the implications of learning from a textbook that’s 10 years old? Well, I’ll tell you this: If you don’t catch up too quickly, especially in terms of science, there are certain technological revolutions that have happened at such a fast pace that they’re not even mentioned in the books from which they’ll learn but will certainly be part of the test that they’ll take to demonstrate competency to go on to college. So it means a whole school of children and youths are set behind, not because they’re saying ‘Don’t take me into the future’ or ‘I don’t want to learn’ or ‘I don’t want to be successful,’ but in fact because they’re studying hard from textbooks that were set up to set them behind. That’s inequitable and that’s unfair.” Source: Hufﬁngton Post

American News&Issues

“We MUST never forget slavery, lynching, Jim Crow Laws, the disrespect of the Black race and the ﬁrst Black president.”

Bo Knows Baseball, But Bo Must Don’t Know White Folks

here’s a saying that, “A wise man takes heed to warning signs, but a fool will ignore them.” The Houston Astros fired Bo Porter as its manager, reportedly because of tension with the team’s general manager Juff Luhnow. Porter was said to be feeling undercut as a manager of the team and reportedly took his plight to the owner Jim Crane. The outcome evidently wasn’t in his favor and Crane, unsurprisingly, chose to take the side of Luhnow. We attempted to warn our community and Porter about the people he was dealing with, but we guess that fell on deaf ears. The result: A reality check in how that system will only support that which is in their interest. They could careless about Porter. Are we surprised? Of course not. It’s obvious that Bo knows baseball, but maybe he didn’t know enough about whom he was working for. They had it in for him from day one. He was in a lose-lose situation: He was a Black man, managing a system that caters to the arrogant White establishment aimed at disrespecting the Black community. How do we know? A few months back, for several editions, we here at AfricanAmerican News&Issues took on the Astros top officials in a editorial

war of words because we wanted to send a clear message that they were not dealing with some coward paper or scared-to-death Negro chairman. We let Crane and his staff know that they could take their media passes and shove them up their a*ses! He refused to meet with us and we refused to settle for him sending us a front man to “pinch hit” for him. We called out Crane and the Astros organization for being disrespectful to our community, which has invested a lot into the their team. We MUST Understand that this is not the time to bow or compromise. This is the time what we should stand firm on what we believe in and not be bought off by anyone; that includes Crane and the Astros. In an African-American News&Issues article titled, “What Bo Doesn’t Know about the Houston Astros”, we wrote: “Bo Porter is an AfricanAmerican front face of an organization that appears not fully cooperate on granting unbiased credentialing access to a respected, local Houston Black newspaper. What kind of charade is the organization playing? What Bo doesn’t know is that while the Houston Astros have made him the “face”, it is apparent that not all things have changed within the organization and how it may

- Roy Douglas

We MUST Understand By Roy Douglas Malonson, Chairman

really feel about African-American news organizations, Black people, culture and community history and heritage. Bo doesn’t know that a respected African-American publisher and his newspaper that has been a staple in Acres Home and Texas has been disrespected. This is a Black community newspaper that has been a beacon in the Black community for 19 years and its publisher active in many community, business and civic arenas. We further wrote, “Bo Porter and his visions for the Black community from a Black perspective and for generating more Black interest in the game of baseball will remain a mystery because getting Black press credentials to get access to the Houston Astros, Porter and other African-American coaches and players is as elusive as ﬁnding out how many licks it takes to eat a tootsie roll pop….The world may never know.” And now the city, country and world surely will never know now. Why? Because Bo knew baseball, but he didn’t know he was behind enemy lines trying to fight a war for a people who don’t care where his next check will come from.

e welcome all original responses Letter to the Editor inW from our readers to content found the African-American News&Issues.

Letters to the Publisher may be sent via e-mail to news@aframnews.com. Please keep all letters under 300 words. Be sure to include the author’s name, area of residence. All letters and articles may be verified before they are published. All letters are subjected to editing or being cut for spacing purposes. Thank you in advance for your submission.

TX-3

African

OUTREACH from pg. 1

HOUSTON - Reginald Gordon is very familiar with getting caught up in the American prison system at a young age. He served 19 years and 9 months behind bars. People usually write off Black men who get a criminal record, the country is unforgiving even after they “pay their debt to society”, and most of them are expected to return to jail upon release. Gordon has personally beaten the odds and since being out of prison for over 17 years, he has been relentless in his efforts to save countless young boys and girls from going into the “Belly of the Beast.” If they’re already entangled in the system, he’s not giving up on them. “As a community, we have distanced ourselves from the youth. We have to regain the confidence, respect and trust of our young people. We got to almost be willing to sacrifice our life to gain respect. They don’t see hope in most of our organizations anymore”, said Gordon. “They feel hopeless but they see me, that I won’t stop coming out to reach them. I keep my focus and keep doing the work to save these young brothers and sisters in these streets. A lot of them are doing things in the day light hours that they usually would do only at night. That’s how bad it is out in the streets and why we must step up out efforts.” Gordon’s platform is Operation Outreach OG1, which has consistently offered a plethora of unique services to the community, with a particular focus on youth. The organization recently hosted another powerful seminar at Burks Funeral Home in Third Ward. The focus was on stopping the violence, police brutality, and conflict resolution. Gordon says he had women to talk to the male attendees about domestic violence to address questions such as: “How should you conduct yourself around women?” and “Is it alright to hit a woman or manly to walk away?” Gordon said that aspect of the seminar was inspired by the recent tragedy in Pearland involving a man killing his pregnant 16-yearold girlfriend. Another case was an alleged sexual assault victim’s calling on police to take action after photos TX- 4

C ver St ry

American News&Issues and videos of their alleged attack appearing on social media. “No matter what’s going on, I can’t stop doing this work. And there’s always more we can all do,” said Gordon. Black males still under siege According to a study, one in every three Black males born into this world can expect to go to prison at some point in their life, compared with one in every six Latino males, and one in every 17 White males. This and more dismal statistics presented last year by the Sentencing Project in their report regarding racial disparities in the United States criminal justice system. The report argues that, “The source of such disparities is deeper and more systemic than explicit racial discrimination. The United States in effect operates two distinct criminal justice systems: one for wealthy people and another for poor people and minorities. The former is the system the United States describes in its report: a vigorous adversary system replete with constitutional protections for defendants. Yet the experiences of poor and minority defendants within the criminal justice system often differ substantially from that model due to a number of factors, each of which contributes to the overrepresentation of such individuals in the system.” “Racial minorities are more likely than White Americans to be arrested,” the report explains. “Once arrested, they are more likely to be convicted; and once convicted, they are more likely to face stiff sentences.” The report’s findings include: • The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world, dwarfing the rate of nearly every other nation • Roughly 12% of the United States population is Black. Yet in 2011, Black Americans constituted 30% of persons arrested for a property offense and 38% of persons arrested for a violent offense. • Black youths account for 16% of all children in America yet make up 28% of juvenile arrests. • Between 1980 and 2000, the U.S. Black drug arrest rate rose from 6.5 to 29.1 per

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1,000 persons; during the same period, the White drug arrest rate increased from 3.5 to 4.6 per 1,000 persons. A study found that White students were slightly more likely to have abused an illegal substance than Black students. Yet from 1980-2010, Black youth were arrested for drug crimes at rates more than double those of White youth. Blacks constituted 16% of observed drug dealers for the five most dangerous drugs but 64% of drug dealing arrests for those drugs. The Bureau of Justice Statistics found that while White, Black, and Hispanic drivers were stopped at similar rates nationwide, Black drivers were three times as likely to be searched during a stop as White drivers and twice as likely as Hispanic drivers. Furthermore, Black drivers were twice as likely to experience the use or threat of violent force at the hands of police officers than both White and Hispanic drivers. Blacks constitute 25% and Hispanic Americans constitute 29% of New York City’s population. Yet between 2010 and 2012, 52% of those stopped by the NYPD during “stop and frisk” were Black and 32% were Hispanic.

White New Yorkers are 44% of the city’s population, but only 9% of those stopped were White. Blacks and Hispanics were slightly less likely than Whites to be caught with weapons or contraband such as drugs. • Black and Hispanic defendants are far more likely to need the services of a public defender than their White counterparts. It gets worse. The report notes that the War on Drugs has been waged in racially disparate ways. From 1999-2005, African Americans constituted roughly 13% of drug users on average but 36% of those arrested for drug offenses and 46% of those convicted for drug offenses. “While the War on Drugs creates racial disparity at every phase of the criminal justice process, disparities in sentencing laws for various types of drugs and harsh mandatory minimum sentences disproportionately contribute to disparity,” the report argues. The report further notes that in 2010, the number of Black male offenders convicted of a federal offense subject to a mandatory minimum sentence was twice that of convicted White males. Mandatory minimum provisions doubled the average length of sentences received by Black defendants, from 76 months for all federal offenses to 152 months when the federal offense was subject to a

Texas • August 8 12-18, 2013 Texas • September - 14, 2014

mandatory minimum provision. Recommendations made by the study include establishing a National Criminal Justice Commission to examine incarceration and racial disparities; the United States substantially scaling back its War on Drugs; the elimination of mandatory minimum sentences; abolishment of capital punishment; full funding and staffing of indigent defense agencies; a policy requiring the use of racial impact statements; and the allowance of social framework evidence and structural reform litigation in trials. Finding Solutions Through Film And Activism A gripping PBS film, “15-to-life: Kenneth’s Story,” chronicles how in June 2000, 14-year-old Kenneth Young was convinced by a 24-yearold neighborhood crack dealer to accompany him on a spree of armed robberies. He was caught and at the age of 15 he was tried as an adult in Florida. Shockingly, he received four consecutive life sentences, which meant he was assured to spend his last breathes in prisons. According to the website, “15 to Life: Kenneth’s Story” follows the young African-American man’s battle for release, after more than 10 years of incarceration, much of it spent in solitary confinement. To continue reading visit us online @ www.aframnews.com Story By: Jesse Muhammad Contributing Writer

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1,300 H-E-B Employees Salute Local Heroes at 200 Fire Stations 10th Anniversary Celebrated with 10 Days of Surprise Giveaways

HOUSTON- H-E-B will honor our nation’s firefighters for their dedication and selfless service with its 10th annual company-wide volunteer program, Helping Heroes, on Thursday, September 11. More than 1,300 H-E-B Partners (employees) from H-E-B stores in the Houston Region will visit local fire stations to serve breakfast and lunch to firefighters and help with around-thestation chores. Throughout the area, H-E-B will visit 200 fire stations to show their support and appreciation for the brave men and women serving their communities. In addition to cooking meals for the morning and afternoon shifts, H-E-B volunteers will perform service and maintenance projects such as yard work, station and fire

engine cleaning, equipment cleaning and preparation work. Statewide, more than 4,130 H-E-B Partners from H-E-B stores along with manufacturing and support centers are participating in Helping Heroes, assisting at 636 fire stations across Texas. This year to celebrate the 10th annual Helping Heroes, H-E-B is paying it forward by giving back to the local fire stations who keep their community safe with a 10 Days of Giving celebration. Every day from now until September 10th, H-E-B stores across the state are giving away a surprise $100 gift card to the local firefighters who shop at their stores. On Tuesday, September 9 at 10 AM, H-E-B at 207 E. South in Alvin, will surprise the Alvin Fire Department by

paying for their groceries when they check out. “H-E-B volunteers have supported Helping Heroes for the past decade with enthusiasm and dedication. As we celebrate this milestone, I have no doubt we will continue the momentum for the next 10 years,” said Winell Herron, H-E-B Group Vice President Public Affairs. “Whether we are preparing a hot meal or helping with chores around the station, Helping Heroes gives us the opportunity to support and thank some of the bravest members of our community.” Helping Heroes allows H-E-B Partners to honor local heroes who risk their lives every day to protect the community and commemorate the heroism of civil servants across Texas. This community project honors September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance that pays tribute to the men and women rescue teams who risked and lost their lives at the World Trade Center.

Texas September 8 - 14, 2014 nd size of• Ad to run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston What’s Happenin’edition. DITION DATE: September (Vol. PUBLIC NOTICE Friday 8-14, 2014 Sept 20 - 19 SeptIssue 21 33) 2013 CAPER PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of Houston (City) Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD) will submit its Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Program Year 2013 (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014), to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), no later than the close of business on September 30, 2014, unless HUD grants an extension to the City allowing it to submit the CAPER at a later date. The CAPER is an annual report that describes the use of the following Entitlement Grants: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) grant, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) grant, and may include others that may be added from time to time. A draft copy of the proposed Program Year 2013 CAPER will be available for citizen review on our website at www.houstonhousing.org; at our office, located at 601 Sawyer Street, Suite 400, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; and at the Houston Public Library’s Central Library branch, located at 500 McKinney Street, open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The public has fifteen (15) days to comment on the proposed CAPER draft. Send written comments to: City of Houston, HCDD, 601 Sawyer Street, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77007, Attention: Brenda Scott, or e-mail to Brenda.Scott@HoustonTX. gov. The fifteen (15) day public comment period extends from Friday, September 5, 2014 through Saturday, September 20, 2014. Comments will be accepted through 5:00 p.m., Saturday, September 20, 2014.

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Saturday - Sunday New Mt. Calvary BC Family & Friends Community Festival 4711 Kelley St Houston, TX 77026 9/20 From 10am - 4pm Heading 9/21 Beginning at 10am Title: Public For more info contact: Notice (713) 635-1955 Sunday First Baptist Church of Lincoln CityInformation: Contact FBC Praise DancersY Jones Name: Andrea 844 FortuneCity St of Houston Housing & Company: Houston, TX 77088 Community Development Department Phone: at 713-868-8439 Beginning 11:30am Fax: info contact: For more Email: Andrea.Jones@houstontx.gov (832) 892-5078

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African American News And Issues (Houston)

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Religion

Texas • September 8 - 14, 2014

(Heart of Faith Church) Archbishop John and Mary H. Baines In that same year God spoke to him in a vision. This vision explained that he was going to give him the land across the street from the facility that the initial ministry was established upon. Not ElectLady Mary H. & Archbishop John W. Baines, Sr. DD willing to sit idle on his HOUSTON - Jessie Sr., and assignment he contacted the owner, Mary L. Baines bore a fourth child Ms. Julia Jitkoff and inquired of the into the world that would later turn property. She in return asked him of Houston’s Northside of town, upside his agenda and he explained in great down and inside out! Being an atdetail that his inquiry was divinely tendant of the Houston Independent induced and that God had shown him a School District’s public school system, vision. He explained, he was instructed afforded him the basic essentials in that vision to, “first build phase one needed to begin his journey to great a building so that we can move out of success. That son was John Baines. the store front property that me and This noble and mighty man of the parishioners worshipped in. From valor received and confessed a call there, onto the property that He promto preach the gospel of Christ on ised and to: revitalize and reconstruct September 21, 1986. He adhered to the community spiritually, promote that call under the leadership of Pastor Christian education, provide after Abraham Horton at Pilgrim Rest school programs, a facility for battered Missionary Baptist Church. He later women and children, promote affordjoined the Little Zion MBC under the able daycare for single parents and leadership of the (Late) Pastor Isaiah commit to saving souls and to build Thomas. There he served faithfully as an Edifice that will have class rooms, an Associate Ordained Minister. For work out rooms for men and women, a it was there that he met the help meet computer lab for adults and children, a that God promised to him. He married daycare and a multipurpose family life that God-sent love in the person of, center all under one roof and whatever Mary H. Baines nearly three years to seating capacity.” God simply told the date that he heeded to his call to him, “You build it, I would fill it”! preach. As in all things, if God said it, it He would later go on to attend shall truly come to pass. Accordingly, the University of Houston as well in 1996 Ms Julia Jitkoff released at as the Inter-Baptist Theological no cost 5.74 acres to Heart of Faith Extension Center in Houston, Texas. Church. The Heart of Faith Worship After completing his graduate studies Center was built 95 percent by the in Theology and Pastoral Ethics he hands of the members with God as the received his B.A. in 1992. Under the Master Builder and members as the direct unction of the Holy Spirit, in co-laborers. addition to numerous hours of prayer, Today, he and his wife Elect Lady fasting, laying on of hands and much Mary H. Baines (who also proclaims counseling from; his Pastor as well as the gospel of Christ to the masses), his Grandfather and Mentor Pastor serve faithfully as humble servants of George Thomas D.D., he was led the Lord. However, upon the initial to give birth to the Heart of Faith establishment of the ministry Pastor Ministries in February of 1995. Baines explained, “God spoke to me TX-8

and said different nationalities he would send through Heart of Faith to be taught His word, loved, nurtured, healed, delivered and instructed in His word, amidst a variety of other assets.” In 2003, he was chosen by God and accepted by the people to be their Bishop in the body of Christ. He sought counseling from his Pastor, Mentor and his Best friend Elder Leon Witherspoon. Through that afﬁliation as well as much prayer, anointing of oil and laying on of hands upon him. In August of 2004, the Lord once again gave him a vision to birth Faith Fellowship International. Meanwhile, in 2005 he launched the Heart of Faith School of Ministry. Finally, in 2010, Faith Fellowship International was given birth where he serves as the Presiding Bishop. For more information about Faith Fellowship International contact, (281) 513-4936. Being a good steward of the sheepfold wherein he was entrusted, he has remained true wherein the calling he was elected. As a result, the Heart of Faith Church has developed several Community Outreach Programs. Inclusive with: The Heart of Faith Community Food Pantry which was opened in March 2012; the Food Pantry opens every Wednesday from 4:30 - 6:30pm, Computer Lab for Computer Training, give school supplies for Pre-K - 12 grade (in August), Summer Youth Camp, (Beginning in June and commencing through August 15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00am - 2:00pm), a toy drive in December and Community Outreach (Team Outreach) once a month where members congregate in groups and go into the community spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. For more information or details regarding these services contact (281) 546-5433. Bishop John and Elect Lady Mary H. Baines have proven through their continued dedication and faith to their commitment in the ministry that you do not have to have a Mega Ministry to do Kingdom work at a level of excellency! To continue reading visit us online www.aframnews.com Story By: Rebecca S. Jones Photo Credit: Faith Fellowship International

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Texas • September 8 - 14, 2014

Hypertension & Massage Therapy: AMatch Made In Heaven

ccording to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Blacks suffer from hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, at rates 10 % higher than their other counterparts. 40.5 % of Black men suffer from high blood pressure, and 44.3 % of Black women. High blood pressure, an elevated pressure of the blood against the artery walls, increases one’s risk for a stroke and heart attack, which is also very high in the Black community. Blacks develop high blood pressure more often and at an earlier age than any other race or ethnicity. 9 % of Black men develop high blood pressure between ages 20 and 34. Sadly, it spikes to 24 % between ages 35 and 44. In Black women, 6.7 % experience hypertension between ages 20 and 34, and then a spike to 17.6 % between ages 35 and 44. In both Black men and women, the percentages increases 20 % every 10 years. So how is massage therapy a match made in heaven for those suffering with high blood pressure? Massage therapy is a lot more involved than what most people realize and certainly

more technical than what we see on television. It is a systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. This therapeutic tool affects every system of the body: the muscular system, nervous system, circulatory system, skeletal system, reproductive system, endocrine system, digestive system, respiratory system, integumentary system and excretory system. They are all direct and indirect recipients of the beneﬁts of massage therapy. This also means that since the circulatory system controls the circulation of blood throughout the body, having high blood pressure affects the level at which each system functions or dysfunctions under such conditions. For those with hypertension, the massage therapist should be made aware to enable him or her to customize the therapeutic session at best. The massage should be very slow, soothing and relaxing. Taking deep breaths will allow the body to take in more oxygen to carry through the blood stream to the heart and brain to induce a sensation of calm and peace. Slow and steady breathing will bring an even balance to the heartbeat. The massage therapist may also use aromatherapy to compliment the therapeutic

Health

massage. By taking in essential oils such as lavender, lemongrass, and peppermint, the brain sends messages to the body through neurotransmitters to further promote feelings of well-being and euphoria. The mind begins to settle into a quiet state allowing the body to do the same. Quite often, those receiving massage therapy will fall asleep. Many experience some of the best rest during a massage session. Although it is understood than an entire lifestyle change will take time and patience, a trip to a spa will only take one hour. For those with a modest budget seek out individually owned spas as well as massage schools for excellent rates. Many massage therapists, especially those with their own establishment, will have the ability to be flexible and offer first time client specials as well as various discounts to suit each client’s needs. Therefore, delay no more. Sit yourself in Heaven at once! (Note: If taking medication, please be sure to consult your physician before receiving massage therapy) Ebony S. Muhammad is a Licensed Massage & Spa Therapist and is the Owner of Origins Massage Spa located in Houston, Texas. You may visit them online at OriginsMassageSpa.com. Feel free to follow her on Twitter @OriginsDaySpa. Ms. Muhammad is also the Publisher of Hurt2Healing Magazine, the #1 digital publication that features real stories of living through and overcoming trials. Visit H2H Magazine online at Hurt2HealingMag. com as well as on Twitter @ EbonySafiyyah.

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Life or Death: The Choice is Yours By: Shareefah Muhammad

VS.

“There is no way of prolonging the life of human-beings- or any other life- unless it begins with restrictions of the foods which sustain life: the right kinds of food and the proper time when it should be taken into our bodies.” (How to Eat to Live Book 1) According to the National Alliance for Nutritional Activity (NANA), more than 75% of the nation’s medical healthcare costs are the result of chronic diseases. Chronic diseases are considered to be diseases that last for a long time; at least 3 months or longer. Examples of such diseases include: allergies, obesity/overweight, diabetes, heart disease, glaucoma and even certain cancers. The Center for Disease lists the top four leading causes of death for African Americans as: (1) heart disease, (2) cancer, (3) stroke and (4) diabetes respectively. As of 2010, approximately 24.1% of deaths in the African American community are related to heart disease, 23% to cancer, 5.2% to stroke and 4.2% to diabetes. NANA further states, “Much of our nation’s disease burden is preventable. Approximately 70% of premature deaths are caused by poor nutrition, physical inactivity and tobacco use.” That means that the majority of the ailments that we suffer from are under our control. And if we eat the right foods at the right time, we would eliminate hundreds, thousands, and millions of dollars of doctor bills and hospitalization. Since many of us have not

chosen this option as a people, we have allowed ourselves to become victims of our own untimely demise. Eating unhealthy, processed and “Frankenstein” foods because they are conveniently available has never been and can no longer be an excuse for trying to fulﬁll a nutritional void. As the stats are showing, we are not reaping the beneﬁts. This isn’t anything new, let’s take a look back in time and prove it. In the Book of Daniel (1:817), Daniel and his companions are taken as captives under King Nebudchadnezzer. Daniel refuses to eat the royal food of the King. Instead he requests the foods of his people. The guard overseeing Daniel and his companions responds to this request by saying, “Why should he (the King) see you looking worse than the other young men of your age?” (from refusing the royal food). Daniel’s response was, “Please test your servants for ten days... then compare our appearance...)”. Well at the end of ten days, Daniel and his companions looked healthier and better nourished than ANY of the men that ate the royal food. And as a result, God gave them clarity of mind to receive knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. With this historical (yet prophetical) story given to us, what kind of response do we get when we make better choices in our diet? Continue reading “Life or Death” online @ www.aframnews.com

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In a rare collaboration, two Houston-area high schools across town from each other joined forces to present the only highschool performance of Memphis, the Musical, in the nation. Students from G.W. Carver High School in Aldine ISD and Memorial High School in Spring Branch ISD have been hard at work since this summer rehearsing and building sets for the show. Half of the cast is from Carver, and half is from Memorial. Memphis, the Musical tells the story of the birth of rock and roll in the 1950s from the segregated R&B clubs and radio stations of Memphis, Tennessee. In this fictional story, a young white disc jockey, Huey Calhoun, falls in love with a beautiful African-American singer, Felicia Farrell. Calhoun and Ferrell challenge prevailing cultural and racial norms with their risky love affair and their attempt to bring her music out of the underground and into the homes of all Americans through radio, and later, television. Carver Director Roshunda Jones and Memorial Director Nicole Morgan, who work together on the Texas Thespian Festival each year, have discussed collaborating on a show for years. Last year at the Festival, Jones mentioned that Memphis would be the perfect musical and Morgan agreed. It is also a great choice because of the demographics of both schools. “The process has been educational for everyone. The students are learning more than just songs and lines; they are learning about history,” Jones said. “They are going to get to see the progression of not only how racism played out, but also how radio became popular, then transitioned into television, and how people could make it or break it based on that. Both Carver and Memorial want TX-10

to thank our administration for their support during this process.” Joint productions in high schools are rare and difficult to schedule. Some of the challenges included dividing up the workload among the four directors involved, transportation between the schools for rehearsals; rehearsing when students who have work and travel conflicts; and long rehearsals throughout late July and early August that were required to prepare the show before school started. Vocal Rehearsal Cast members from Carver High School and Memorial High School rehearsed on a joint production of Memphis, The Musical. Jabari Collins (Carver’s Technical Director and Memphis Choreographer) said the show required extensive dancing and he had to teach the students the 50’s dance style. It was challenging at first but in the end very rewarding! Sariah Felix, a Carver junior who plays the lead role of Felicia Farrell, says the show is “amazing.” “It has so much meaning behind it, so much passion from the ensemble and the main characters. It is a very powerful story.” Students from both schools have enjoyed working together and getting to know each other during their long summer rehearsals. “All these kids are really cool, incredibly talented and welcoming,” said Memorial senior Nathan Morgan, who plays the lead role of DJ Huey Calhoun. “It is a learning experience, and we can only hope our interactions are reﬂected on stage.” Kiera Prusmack, the Carver student choreographer, noted that collaborating with another school “is very different because we’ve never combined

Educati n/Y uth

Texas • September 8 - 14, 2014

Carver High School and Memorial High School Collaborate on Joint Production of Memphis, The Musical

with another school before.” But she said, “It’s refreshing to work with another school. I love the Memorial kids. I just really enjoy it.” Neither director has ever heard of high schools coming together to produce a show together like this. Moreover, this production of “Memphis, the Musical,” will be the only high school production of the show in the country, and one of the few non-Broadway productions. “Theatre Rights Worldwide, which owns the rights to Memphis, the Musical, originally had licensed the show to schools and community and regional theaters across the U.S., but pulled nearly all of those licenses when they extended the national Broadway tour but they let us license it, to see how it looks on a high school stage, and because it is such a unique joint effort and both schools have been very successful in theater in their own right,” Jones said. The show was directed by Jones (Carver), Collins (Carver), Morgan (Memorial) and Jay Matthews (Memorial)

Texas • September 8 - 14, 2014

Loveless Galleries Story By: Rebecca S. Jones

FT WORTH - AfricanAmerican News&Issues presents Loveless Galleries as our Business Profile of the week. Ironically, the endearing term Love is one that genuinely promotes and expresses the concept of the last name of the owners who established it, Mr. James, Jr. and Yvette Loveless. Their story began in 1999. It was then that, “Yvette was working at a medical facility and James was working as a courier for Federal Express. James hurried to Yvette’s desk and asked, “Will you please sign for this package?” Yvette confidently answered, “No, I never sign for packages!” Astonished James asks, “Why?” Looking very serious, Yvette says, “I signed for a simple package once before at another facility and was accused of taking their payroll checks.” (Of course, Yvette admits, she was only holding him longer because he was so tall and handsome). Yvette says, “I told them I didn’t have the

T-Shirt Concepts

Mr. Raymond Thompson

HOUSTON- Creativity, innovation and a skilled sense of design all accompany the native of Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Ramond Thompson (Owner of T-Shirt Concepts, formally Cultural Concepts). He is a graduate

checks.” They replied, “Oh, yes you do, because we have your signature here on the Federal Express roster.” The president’s secretary finally walked in and said, “No, sugar, I took the checks that Yvette signed for early this morning.” The secretary gave no apologies, and Yvette claims she will NEVER sign for another package again! James said, “I’m sorry that happened to you.” Wanting to change the subject to get the package signed, James says, “Is this your artwork on the wall?” “Why, yes it is.” Yvette proudly replies. Interested in the conversation James says, “I’m an artist too!” Four months later the two were married on November 7th. The rest literally became history hence Loveless Galleries was pioneered and engineered! The talented pair own and operate Loveless Galleries together. The gallery is a user-friendly, Black-owned, Christian on-line art gallery that is available 24/7. The option

from Southern University where he earned a Business Management/Athletics degree. Ramond went on to soar to great heights by devoting many years of service to Bishop College and MB Smiley High School as an Athletic Trainer. After a successful career in these institutions he proceeded to invest a great deal of his time into printing T-shirts and selling his splendid designs at major festivals and events. Affectionately known by many as, “Doc” he soon became an awesome wonder throughout the Houston area. During the late 80’s, he had began not only selling T-shirts but had incorporated various cultural accessories into his venture. He also built a reputation on the campus of

Bus ness

to purchase to some of the best in African-American art directly from the website framed and unframed using secure shopping carts is available. The convenience of purchasing affordable art featured conveniently in categories, including, religious, Black love, family, music, abstracts, bedroom, living room, dining room, bathroom and kitchen art is their specialty as well. Offering open and limited editions, canvas transfers, sculptures and ceramics has been the very popular and Loveless Galleries pride themselves in offering outstanding customer service. Even if one is in the process of searching for a unique gift for family, pastor or corporate administrators; Loveless assures that they can create a great “surprise” gift that supersede every expectation. Born and blessed with the God-given talent to artistically draw and design masterpieces, James enhanced his gift by studying at the Kansas City Art Institute. It was there that he majored in Graphic Design and earned a Bachelor of Fine

Texas Southern University, as he was seen at many of the campus and athletic events selling T.S.U. T-shirts, pompoms, caps, jackets, and other accessories. However, what started out as a retired athletic trainer’s mere hobby and sport ultimately led to a booming industry in 1991. In that same year he married his wife, Stephanie and together they implemented Cultural Concepts. The pair would later become known for their designs and products, as they were often seen at many functions and events throughout Houston promoting and selling their merchandise. For many years, Cultural Concepts was the spot that many would frequent to purchase African clothing and accessories during Black

African

Arts degree. Since that time, he has created oil paintings to illuminate the impression that his grandfather’s influence left upon him as a cowboy and rancher. Through his creative design he strives to portray rich Christian history and life in the old west. Over the years, James has built a reputation as being an artist that has left no drawing unpainted. He paints original portraits and landscape art. Thus, his expertise has enabled him the opportunity to exhibit his artwork in many national competitions. He is also a member of the Oil Painters of America. However, James does not stand out alone in his list of accomplishments because Lady Yvette has left footsteps in her own endeavors and success. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Webster University in St Louis, Missouri where she majored in Marketing. In addition to implementing Loveless Galleries The Loveless Duo sings in over 65 nursing facilities in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and manages a seven piece band. They perform for special

History Month. While, the business still thrives off of selling African Clothing during the month of February; the main focus of the business eventually centered around its unique printing and designing capability. Thus, T-Shirt Concepts emerged. A business which prints, designs and sells: T-shirts for special events, schools, churches, and (Photo Designs) for individuals. T-Shirt Concepts also prints items such as: promotional pens, water bottles, magnets, tote bags, cups, mugs, key chains, banners and much more. Ultimately, you name it and T-Shirt Concepts will design and print it! Mr. Thompson expressed, that it has been a delight and great experience to operate within the Houston region

American News&Issues

Mr. James, Jr. and Yvette Loveless (Owners of Loveless Galleries)

events, wedding receptions and corporate events. Additionally they are great with comical interactions and are requested by many throughout their region. James and Yvette were born in St. Louis, MO and had performed musically in shows in Branson for three years before relocating to Fort Worth, TX, where they came to plant a church. Nearly six years later, the team serves as deacon and deaconess at Forgiven

Church. There they also render melodious sounds by way of the praise and worship team. To their union have five children been added as well as nine grandchildren. For more information or details on Loveless Galleries call (817) 841-7625; visit: www.ILoveBlackArt.Net or http://www.jamesloveless. com/index.html to see and/ or patronage the explicit and innovative artistic talent that the Gallery entails.

selling his designs and accessories. “I truly thank and appreciate all of the churches, organizations, universities, businesses and individuals who supported me and have all been a part of helping to ensure that T-Shirt Concepts is a continued success; and I look forward to servicing the community for many years to come” he added. Ramond Thompson is a long-time member of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and a member of the deacon board. He is also the Vice President of McGregor Trails Civic Club, member of the Metro Community Advisory Board for the Southeast corridor and a part of KCOH Sports Rap team with Ralph Cooper and well known throughout the Third

Ward community. Over the years, T-Shirt Concepts has printed countless of T Shirts, material and accessories for groups, organizations, churches and political candidates. Today, Ramond, his wife Stephanie along with their two daughters, Afar and Safari are all an active part of the T-Shirt Concepts business. In 2012 T-Shirt Concepts became a certified minority vendor with METRO where they expanded their horizon and have printed several jobs for the METRO LIGHT RAIL system. One of T-Shirt Concepts ultimate mission’s is to, “Add excitement to your concept!”

Photo Credit: Loveless Galleries

To continue reading about T-Shirt Concepts visit www.aframnews.com Story By: Rebecca S. Jones

TX-11

African

American News&Issues

Texas • September 8 - 14, 2014, 2014

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• H-E-B Creamy Creations® Premium Ice Cream 1/2 gallon assorted varieties

10.5 oz.

That’s up to

5.18

free! buy

General Mills Honey Nut Cheerios 17 oz.

That’s up to

3.78

free! buy

H-E-B Fully Cooked Shredded Beef with BBQ Sauce, 28 oz.

That’s up to

4.98

assorted varieties

HOU-12

free! with in-store coupon

Kool-Aid Sugar Sweetened Canister makes 8 quarts assorted varieties

GET Llévatelo

free! ¡gratis! with in-store coupons

hazelnut or French vanilla

• Pepperidge Farm Milano Cookies 5 - 7.5 oz. assorted varieties

Llévatelo GET

¡gratis! free! with in-store coupons • Chex Mix Popped, 7.5 - 9 oz.

sweet & salty or white cheddar

H-E-B Flyin’ Saucy Wings, 24 oz.

Some items may not be available in all stores. Items not valid at Central Market. Due to the popularity of our Extra Low Prices Every Day, we reserve the right to limit quantities. Limit Rights Reserved. We Accept Lone Star Card, WIC And Manufacturers’ Coupons. ©2014 HEB, 14-1848 visit www.heb.com

GET

• Nestlé Coffee-mate Shelf Stable Liquid Creamer, 16 oz.,

free! buy

Prices Good Wednesday, September 10 Thru Tuesday, September 16, 2014 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.

FREE

19 in 9 items!

That’s up to

2.98

free!

• American Children’s Book assorted varieties

Llévatelo GET

GROW YOUNG MINDS, READ 3 TIMES A WEEK

¡gratis!

free! with in-store coupons

Para niños bien listos ¡leéles 3 veces a la semana!

• H-E-B Kettle Cooked Potato Chips 8 - 8.5 oz. assorted varieties

• H-E-B Specialty Series Salsa, 16 oz. assorted varieties

Llévatelo GET

¡gratis! free! with in-store coupons

• H-E-B Cheese Puffs, Balls or Crunch, 9.75 oz. assorted varieties

• H-E-B Flyin’ Saucy Sauce, 5 oz. assorted varieties

Llévatelo

¡gratis!