African-American News&Issues by AFRAMNEWS.COM

FREE

™ Vol. 13 Issue 45

TEXAS’ Widest Circulated and Read Newspaper with a Black Perspective

December 10-16, 2008 www.aframnews.com

Houston - Galveston - Texas City - Missouri City - Conroe - Woodlands - Huntsville - Beaumont - Port Arthur - Grove - Orange - Lumberton - Liberty - Cleveland - Livingston - Crockett - San Antonio - Mexia - Gatesville - Bellmead Austin - Brenham - Hempstead - Prairie View - College Station - Bryan - Killeen - Temple - Waco - Dallas - Irving - Fort Worth - Arlington - Waxahachie - Elgin - Round Rock - Harker Heights - Copperas Cove - Ennis - Corsicana

African-American

LIVING LEGEND

Spam for Christmas Dinner

An Economic Outlook: What’s in store for the U.S. Economy in 2009? CARMEN WATKINS

African-American News&Issues

Dena Gray: HIV/AIDS Advocate for treatment and prevention In 1991, at age 21, Dena Gray was diagnosed HIV positive while attending the University of Houston. Ms. Gray started her advocacy in the field of HIV/AIDS as a volunteer with AIDS Foundation Houston, conducting HIV orientation trainings for new volunteers; serving as HIV educator in juvenile detention centers and participating as a youth counselor for Camp Hope, a camp for HIV positive youth. In 1999, she was elected to serve as Community Co-Chair for the City of Houston Health and Human Services Community Planning Group, serving three consecutive terms and she currently serves as Media Chair for the State of Emergency Task Force (SOETF), started in 1999 by the Mayor of Houston, Lee P. Brown, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Harris County Judge Robert Eckels the organization was started after a state of emergency was declared in the African-American community. She has also served on various committees for the Ryan White Planning Council, including the Affected Committee and the Joint Comprehensive Planning Committee. Ms. Gray served for two years on the State of Texas Assembly Group East, Chair for the Houston HIV/AIDS Coordinating Committee (HACC) in 1999 where she continues to serve. Gray has served on the American Psychological Association’s Committee on Psychology and AIDS since 2002 and serves as a facilitator and panelist for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention on HIV related issues. In 2004, she created Pozitive Underground 91, a consulting group which works to educate the community with informal counseling sessions for groups and individuals. This week’s Living Legend is Ms. Dena Gray for her courage to advocate and educate in the face of her own personal challenge.

Quote of the Week: “Anybody singing the blues is in a deep pit yelling for help.” -Mahalia Jackson

Some people think that President-elect Barack Obama’s choice for Treasurer Secretary Tim Geithner, should start his position now instead of in January because of America’s financial crisis.

Sorry, more of the same, my friend. Last year, the U.S. economy fell more than economists expected. The economy’s fundamental problems grew worse as each quarter closed over the years up into 2008 today. America’s biggest concern about finances and our economy is: “What will really happen with the U.S. Economy in 2009?” Business activity show a deepening recession making it an eventful year to come in both politics and the economy. President-elect

Barack Obama will inherit the weakest economy in decades, as U.S. businesses adjust their capital spending and hiring to the deteriorating outlook for sales and profits put us in the toughest financing climate. If Thanksgiving is an indicator, the nations’ turkey producers feared a dry spell, as the cost of Thanksgiving dinner rose over $50. Now some are suggesting that we could see a re-emergence of that old mealtime favorite, Spam. Yes, the not so popular product that many of us grew up with on as sandwiches and as meat substiSee SPAM page 3

Today’s gospel artists’ roots stem from slaves’ old spirituals MARVIN D. CLOUD

African-American News&Issues

HOUSTON- During slavery, clergymen in the new world were employed to convert all captured Africans (and Indians) to Christianity. Many people have wondered why the slaves were so easily converted to this new religion. Partially, it was because many of them empathized with the Biblical characters. For the most part, the message of Christianity allowed them to endure the tragedy, trials and tribulation of slavery. Eventually, the slaves, who after being stripped from their families, only had one thing to hold onto besides distant memories, started blending their heralded music with their new presence, developing a rich musical culture in the process. They created a new form of music as they

sang while they worked, ostensibly to make the labor easier. As they became more indoctrinated in Christianity, their work songs morphed into “spirituals,” which were based more on the Bible, and promised a better life to those who faithfully endured. After slavery, spirituals became the music of choice for worship among Blacks in America and eventually challenged the blues as a commercially viable music form. No one knew the cathartic message of spirituals better than Thomas A. Dorsey, the author of the timeless classic “Precious Lord,” who wrote this song in 1932 in Chicago, Illinois, after his wife Nettie died while giving birth to a child (who died later). Ironically, Dorsey, known as “the father of gospel music,” was a young blues pianist, when he composed the song which has since crossed racial and cultural boundaries. Even Elvis

Phyllis Kennedy

Darrell L. Rushing

Presley, considered the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” recorded it (1958). However, there probably haven’t been a more soul-stirring rendition

than the one that Dorsey’s protege Mahalia Jackson did. At Martin Luther’s King’s funeral in 1968,

See SPIRITUALS page 3

Department of Justice issues new probe into 1964 murders Killers of Schwerner, Goodman and Chaney may finally be brought to justice MARIO SALAS

African-American News&Issues

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is once again probing the Ku Klux Klan’s 1964 brutal killings of Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney, three civil rights workers in Neshoba County Mississippi, popularized as the “Mississippi Burning” case. A DOJ official recently made contact with a Mississippi newspaper inquiring about the court record of the 1967 trial that ended in a guilty finding of Imperial Magic Man Sam Bowers. This could be a signal that the FBI is finally going to do something about the other killers who are out there enjoying life. The Justice Department’s change of attitude from doing nothing,

under the Bush regime, to finally making advances toward prosecuting the other killers is a dramatic shift from their do-nothing attitude in the past. The June 21, 1964 killings of Schwerner, Goodman and Chaney have been ignored by a Bush Justice Department that would rather fire federal prosecutors for doing the right thing, than re-open the Civil Rights murder cases from the 1950s and 1960s. Despite the fact that five suspects involved in the brutal killings of the three civil rights workers are still alive, the DOJ and the FBI are dragging their feet in these cases, apparently hoping that the last remaining murderers will die of old age. The FBI never investigated the murder of Bobby Jo Phillips in

San Antonio, and his brutal killers still remain in the San Antonio area. Phillips was killed in 1968 by San Antonio Police Officers who took turns beating him to a pulp. Those officers were cleared, a typical move by legal authorities in San Antonio. In the case of the three Mississippi men that were assassinated by the Klan, only seven of the 18 killers were actually convicted. However, the only murder prosecution took place 41 years later when a jury convicted Klan killer Edgar Ray Killen on three counts of manslaughter. He is now serving 60 years in prison, and is expected to die there as a convicted criminal and a disgrace to the South. According to records obtained in the case by the Mississippi Clarion-Ledger Newspaper, the grand jury that issued a true bill in Killen’s case missed the mark by not indicting Billy Wayne Posey. According to the Ledger, it was missed by one vote of the grand

jury, and that vote was illegally cast by a relative of Posey. What kind of grand jury setup was that? Since when is it legal for a relative to cast a vote against an indictment for a relative? Still, there is apparently a racist crew at work in the Mississippi justice system. The Southern Poverty Law Center, the group that has slammed the KKK to the ground in the court system, has urged DOJ officials to take up a case against Posey, but many feel that until the Bush regime is out of office it won’t happen. The Civil Rights Movement throughout the South has pressured the DOJ and the FBI to get off of their butts and prosecute the others that were involved but have been given a free pass for all of these years. Activists have made the issue well-known by saying that, “Killen did not act alone. He shouldn’t be in jail alone.” Those other suspects include Billy Posey, Pete Harris, See MURDERS page 3 TX-1

2 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • December 10-16, 2008

WWW.AFRAMNEWS.COM

VIEWPOINTS

EDITORIAL & OPINION

Si 19 nce 94

“We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” -John Russrum, Publisher of Freedom Journal, March 16, 1827

PUBLISHER’S NEWS ANALYSIS

First Family

Tis’ the Season for Busting Teachers

2009 Wall Calendar

Roy Douglas Malonson

NEW

!!!!

Available Now!!! front

rs Get you ! NOW!!

back

8-1/2” x 11” calendar opens to 11” x 17” Each month features an inspirational quote 6130 Wheatley Street

Come in or call for more info

(713) 692 - 1195

Houston, Texas 77091

We accept: American Express, MasterCard, Discover, Visa, Debit, Cash, Checks and Lay-A-Ways

N n Mo W.

We Appreciate Our Customers

100 % Black Owned

N. shepherd

Wheatley/Ella

610

W. Tidwell

T. C. Gester

290

W. Little York

tgo

W. Little York

W. Tidwell

REGULAR STORE HOURS THURSDAY 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. FRIDAY 11 a.m. - 7. p.m. SATURDAY 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

45N

610

guest viewpoint The Changing Rules for Homeownership Annise Parker

Right now may be the best and worst of times for affordable housing in Houston. Most observers predict that President Obama and Congress will do everything possible to stabilize the housing market and make it easier for people to stay in their homes and buy new homes if they can truly afford them. Job losses, however, are mounting, and it’s getting harder to find a job. Even Houston’s bustling oil economy has slowed down. Unless you’re financially secure or have a stable job, now may not be the best time to buy a home. What about two years from now? Mortgage companies require at least two years of good credit. If you’re interested in buying a home in a few years, now is the time to start down that road. HUD (The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) offers excellent information at http://www.hud. gov/buying. They also offer a long list of government-approved housing counselors, such as the Houston Area Urban League (713-393-8729). If you already have a home and a mortgage, and need help staying in your home, you can contact these free services: • Homeownership Preservation Foundation HOPE Hotline 1-888995-4673 or www.995hope.org , sponsored locally by the Houston Area Urban League; • ACORN HELP Hotline 1-888409-3557 or www.acornhousing. org; • Gulf Coast Community Services 713-393-4700 or gulfcoast@ gccsa.org The city of Houston has stepped up its affordable housing program TX-2

and could benefit from new federal grants to buy foreclosed or abandoned homes and apartment buildings. The county’s $14.8 million program and the city’s $13.5 million program have not been finalized so you’ll have to watch for further announcements. Tentative plans call for the local governments to buy foreclosed properties and, if necessary, renovate them as affordable housing. Foreclosed homes might even be sold back to the original buyer. A family of four can make $73,300 and still qualify. The city’s Housing and Community Development Department will administer the city program while the county’s Community Services Department will oversee its grant funds. LARA, the Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority, a concept I actively supported as an at-large council member, turns homes and lots abandoned because of delinquent taxes into affordable housing through Houston Hope. The city’s Homebuyer Assistance Program can provide borrowers with decent credit up to $30,000 for a down payment. It’s $40,000 for police officers, firefighters and teachers. The program serves qualified first-time home buyers with incomes ranging from $34,150 (single) to $70,150 for a family of three or more. Interested homebuyers must complete home-buyer education through a certified counseling agency. To find an agency near you, call 713-522-HOME or go to www. houstontx.gov/houstonhope/index. html. Non-profits: Habitat for Humanity and CDCs See HOMEOWNERSHIP page 3

With the holiday season in full swing, it must be surprising to a number of local teachers that local school districts are playing the role of Mr. Grinch. In less than three weeks, at least five teachers have been found to have been in possession of, or having drugs in their automobiles. Now, I know that all teachers are tested for their ability to convey knowledge and drug use before they are accepted as instructors in schools in Texas schools, but these teachers must have fallen off the “good sense wagon” somewhere down the road. What would possess a teacher to think that they could come to school high or carry drugs with them on school property? Even the thought, outside of it being careless and disrespectful to the role, is full of irony. A teacher is found with drugs, in a safe haven zone, a school. If it were not so sad, it would be laughable. The Sniffing Dogs So if you are one of the thousands of teachers instructing our

youth, whatever illegal activity you are doing, needs to stop right now. I am just waiting for the next shoe to drop, the day a teacher supplies drugs to students and staff on campus. You may think this is a bit strange, but why not? In the midst of an environment where every local police unit can use drug sniffing dogs, what would make anyone think that the teacher’s parking lot was safe? Or has it been a safe place for many years? What is clear is if you know someone that is a teacher on a Texas campus, tell them to get their act straight so that they won’t receive the gift of Christmas past. That one that has been received by the other five that have been caught in the last three weeks. Handcuffs and an escort off school property and of course their 15 minute of fame or shame. Maybe, we will add to the growing list of coverage, right here at African-American News&Issues and list those who have been busted, only in an attempt to get the rest of you to stop.

CARMEN’S CORNER

Its official... we are in a Recession Carmen Watkins

After almost a year of speculation by economists, analysts, pundits, and speculators, it seems that they all agree and it is official, we are certainly in the midst of a recession. So now what? For months we have heard the scholarly and the not so scholarly argue the merits of a U.S recession, with some even using the next most feared word “depression.” But hold up … not so fast. By definition, a recession is an extended decline in general business activity, typically two consecutive quarters of falling real gross national product or for you jargon lingo types “GNP.” But still others vow that there are additional factors outside of GNP that lead to the true definition. Those other factors included things like, when businesses stop expanding, employment falls, unemployment rises, and housing prices decline. Sound familiar? Tipping the Dominos. What we should be bracing ourselves

for is not the news, but its impact. After November’s closing and showing the worst numbers for job losses in 34 years, with more than 500,000 losses; and more to come, this is the problem. No longer will the topic of conversation just be the bailout and the rip-off of adjustable rate mortgages in the housing market. The next challenge for the economy is the depleting job market. For years we were disgraced by the outsourcing of labor to foreign countries, but with opportunities still available, it was more dinner conversation than angry protest, and of course it was justified by establishing the justification … it just made good business sense. But with fewer and fewer jobs available and more companies like AT&T laying off 7,000 here in Houston, maybe we want to revisit our “business case model.” It is clear that the dominoes are beginning to fall and its impact will be devastating.

DERIC’s debate

Suicide Among Black Men Deric Muhammad I recently received an earthshaking phone call. A close childhood friend of mine had suffered a closeranged gunshot wound to the head and was hooked up to a life support machine. I was startled, but not totally surprised. We grew up in a tough neighborhood where he’d been shot before and survived. But after being told that this time he, himself, was the triggerman I was confused. I personally knew this person to be a fearless and strong Black man. Growing up he never backed down from anyone or anything. Some say that lately he’d been acting like a doom peddler and murmuring about how his life was unfulfilled. One friend got tired of hearing it and sent him home. His mother found him on the floor bleeding later that day.

Usually when a friend is ill I will visit him in the hospital and pray to God for healing. But honestly, and shamefully, I must admit that I was not sure about what prayer I should pray. Should I have prayed to God to bring him back even though he didn’t want to be here? He didn’t leave a note or an explanation why he did it. After two weeks on life support his mother decided to let him go. My experience mirrors the typhoon of confusion in the Black community when one of our own commits suicide. For decades suicide was virtually nonexistent in the Black community. If you read about a suicide in the daily news, it was safely assumed that the person was White. Black suicide was so rare that if it happened it was never discussed. Nowadays, it is so preva-

Anyone for a Three-peat? At one South Houston campus, not one or two, but three teachers have been busted for marijuana possession on the ground. What must the faculty lounge be like? Maybe teachers are having throwback parties with Funkadelic and Parliament playing in the background? Probably not, and these “bad apples” should not even allow the cynic in me to draw that conclusion, even if the M.C. Williams Middle School teacher who was busted, at one time had the honor of being “Teacher of the Year.” Wrong is still wrong. And just as I was beginning to find myself annoyed that it seemed that only schools in African-American communities were being targeted, the same thing happened in Bellaire. Not only was that teacher charged with a felony, but he was found to be growing “Mary Jane” in his home. Now I understand that the HISDs’ current policy only allows random drug testing of bus drivers, police officers and other security personnel and does not include teachers. Well, maybe the impact of the new tip-line will help them change their mind on this issue and find some legal way to conduct random tests of teachers. I leave you with some recessionproofing tactics. While these are not absolute, they fall under the category of what your mother use to say, “A word to the wise…” Sock away some emergency cash. The rule of thumb is that if you are a two-family income household; try to have at least three months saving in high interest or money market account. Yes, I know that this is easier said than done, but start now and you will breathe easier later. Pick up a part-time job. This only adds to your ability to save for a rainy day. Decrease your debts. Work on this now, pay-off any high interest charge cards and don’t charge again. Get your Job right. If you have been slacking know that this is not the time to do so. Work on understanding your organization and adding value. Remember it is a competitive market and employers want people who can add value. If you thing you could be next, start looking before you get the notice. Be proactive and do what you can to assist your family through what could be turbulent times ahead.

Carmen

lent among Black men that it can no longer be ignored. What makes a Black male want to take his own life? It is a tough study, considering after one kills himself you can’t interview him. Nineteen-year-old Abraham Biggs made national headlines by committing suicide by overdosing as a chat room watched him via his live webcam. More recently, 61-year-old Charles Smith forced his way into a family Thanksgiving gathering and killed his wife of 39 years and then himself. He was angry because they had recently separated. According to the American Association of Suicidology, Black men ages 15-24 increased 83% in the 80s and early 90s. It is still the third leading cause of death among Black males who are seven times more likely to commit suicide than Black females. Black females account for nearly all higher education gains in Black America including 60% of college enrollment and 80% of honor roll students. The Black man in America is the most unemployed See BLACK MEN page 5

COMMUNITY/POLITICS SPIRITUALS- from Page 1

she sang it as his last request. This song is considered to be the greatest gospel song of all times. It’s not surprising that Dorsey would transition from working with top blues artists or the day such as Tampa Red, Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith to being a prolific gospel composer—mainly because both gospel and the rhythm & blues were born in the church. Jackson, a spiritual or gospel singer, from New Orleans, La., was considered by many insiders as the first “Queen of Gospel Music.” Jackson became an international gospel singer, recording about 30 albums (mostly for Columbia Records) during her career, and her 45 rpm records included a dozen million-sellers. Her songs encouraged the faithful with such titles as “Move on Up a Little Higher,” “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” ‘How I Got Over,” “Trouble of the World,” “In the Upper Room,” “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” and “The Lord’s Prayer,” among others. In 1969, “Oh Happy Day” a gospel music arrangement of an 18th century hymn which was recorded by the Edwin Hawkins Singers, became a crossover international hit, reaching number 4 in the US and number 2 in the UK on the pop charts. The Edwin Hawkins Singers began as The Northern California State Youth Choir founded in 1967 by Hawkins and Betty Watson. The record reached the US Top 5, and garnered a Grammy and millions of sales worldwide. When Jackson died in 1972, it was the beginning of a period of time known as the “Funky Seventies.” A music dance-fad called Disco, followed the next year. Other 70s’ events included the resignation of President Richard Nixon (1974); the Jonestown Massacre (1978); and the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin was introduced in 1979. But the seventies were also when the New Children of Christ Community Choir was formed and changed the landscape of Houston, Texas, as well as the country as a whole with such songs as “Can’t Stop Praising His Name,” “If It Had Not Been For The Lord On Our Side,” “No Way Lord,” “If God Is Dead, Who Can Show Me Where His Body Lies?,” “Saved,” “Magnify The Lord,” “Work It Out,” “Noah’s Ark,” “Better Off In Glory,” “I Will Lift Up My Eyes,” “All God’s Children Get Together,” “Over Yonder,” “Tell Men” and “In The Gloryland.” NCC built on the success of the community choir phenomenon which was beginning to sweep the nation. Although these choirs were modeled after standard church choirs, they were open to mem-

bers of the community and often made up of various church choirs which came together for concerts and other musical programs. NCC, formerly the New Commandment and Community Mass Choir became the forerunner of today’s top 25 Billboard Gospel Artists which heralds such groups as Hezekiah Walker & LFC, Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers and James Fortune & FIYA. The greatly anticipated reunion of NCC’s legacy which continues to span three decades will be held Friday, December 12 through Sunday, December 14, 2008 at New Community Baptist Church, 9005 North Wayside Drive. Mrs. Letha Manuel Holmes is chairperson of the event and Ms. Eileen Morris, is the assistant chairperson. Phyllis Kennedy and Darrell Rushing are co-founders of the choir. Kennedy, originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, moved to Houston, Texas with her family in 1973. She is the mother of two daughters, LeKesha Garrett, and Airika Kiner. She is the proud grandmother of Mia Garrett, Myles Garrett, and Steven Kiner, Jr. At the age of 16, she became the choir director of New Community Baptist church where her father, Rev. L.A. Kennedy is pastor, She organized the 120 -voice choir, New Children of Christ choir. People were amazed by her unusual and spirited directing and came from throughout the city whenever the choir was performing. Over the years she has composed several songs and complete albums including: “I Am Determined,” and “Gotta Keep on Moving.” Her reputation for excellence led to her working with many national gospel artists including Yolanda Adams, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Edwin and Walter Hawkins, Shirley Caesar, Richard Smallwood, John P. Kee, Donnie McClurkin, Gary Oliver, Marvin Sapp, Darlene Bishop, and many others. In addition, she is also the founder of the well-known conference, All Nations in Praise (A.N.I.P.), held yearly in March. In 2002, the conference recorded and distributed “Let the Praises Go Up,” followed by “Thanks for Everything,” in 2005. Chapters of the conference have been established across the nation. Kennedy is also author of “She Just Wanted to Preach,” which details the obstacles she overcame after accepting God’s call to the ministry. Rushing, is a native Houstonian, who at the age of seven, found his love for gospel music through the same inspirational hymns offered by our forefathers. From there, he developed an interest in the piano and organ and started playing at age 16. Encouraged by his mother, the late Mrs. Nevora Rushing, he came to master the organ.

African-American News&Issues • Texas • December 10-16, 2008 • 3 The next 30 plus years would see him excel in music ministry, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in songwriting, producing, music publishing, conducting workshops, copywriting and preparation of numerous choirs for service. Using his experience and expertise, Rushing wants to translate the same success to other aspiring artists. He has recorded professionally with the renowned late Rev. James Cleveland, president of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (G.M.W.A.), and presented and recorded numerous compositions with the Gospel Music Workshop of America National Mass Choir. In addition, he has recorded with the Texas Mass Choir, where he serves as dean. As an artist, he has produced three albums and two CD’s of his own. The composition “I Owe It All To God” is a constant staple on radio stations across the country. His first instrumental CD “Amazing Grace” where he is featured on the Hammond B-3 Organ. The CD features anointed and electrifying renditions of traditional hymns. Rushing stated, “I feel that gospel music is a continuation of the beginning of life. Therefore it is my desire to bestow upon every race, creed, and color the realization of grace, goodness and the love of Jesus. Rushing currently serves as Minister of Music at the Mt. Herman Baptist Church where Rev. Richard Justice, is pastor and is organist at the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church where Rev. Dr. Edwin A. Davis is pastor. He is founderpresident of Gospel Music Awareness Mass Choir, Inc., of Houston, and Owner of Rush-In Music a gospel music publishing company. The last time members of NCC performed together was during the mid-80s. Rushing said he is expecting about 75 former choir members to gather for the reunion based on interest from A Meet and Greet Reception held a few months ago and recent rehearsals. On Friday, December 12, 2008 at 7:30 p.m., a musical will be held featuring local choirs, groups and soloists. Special guest artist will be Jackie Smith. On Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 7:30 p.m., “Founder’s Night” featuring Claudia Williams of Austin, Kathy Taylor and Gary Mayes with the Second and Third Generation of The New Children of Christ (the children and grandchildren of the original members.) On Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 6:30 p.m., the New Children of Christ will be featured in a live recording and concert. The mistress of ceremony will be Corliss A’Rabb. For more information, call (281)935-3902.

SPAM- from Page 1

spent $700 billion in a financial rescue program. There are no indications that lending has increased which was the originated objective of the plan or any clear or defined plan yet on how the remainder of the funds will be used. And at the very moment that we think we have figure out one problem, the next leak appears, First banking and housing, now the auto industry and yes there are many more lined up to their swing at bat. Locally it appeared that we were sailing clear, with relative modest hits in the housing market as compared to other metropolitan areas. But the trickle down is finally here, first an immediate blow by Hurricane Ike, that has left Galveston barren and low income housing almost depleted, not to mention, businesses that have yet to recover from the storm. Now expect to see the nest chapter of national concern include our local energy giants.

HOMEOWNERSHIP- from Page 2

index.php. • CDCs The 32 local CDCs have developed more than 544 affordable homes with 492 more underway; 2,704 affordable apartments; and 243,944 square feet of commercial and community space. For more information: www. cdcagh.org or (713)520-7883.

MURDERS- from Page 1

ers who are still alive and connected to murder cases that have yet to be investigated. With Klansmen crawling out from under rocks, this made it hard for Whites who hated the organization, but were afraid to speak out for fear of being terrorized.

tutes at breakfast. It seems that suddenly Spam and others like it are making a comeback. Costing just over $2.40 a can, people are realizing it’s not that bad a product. So what can we expect at Christmas? Well, if the logic follows and the economy worsens, maybe we will get a taste of Spam with “potted meat” dressing or maybe a great Vienna sausage stew. Just yummy! Sarcasm aside with the GDP sliding even further in the ground, only time will tell what substitutions we could have in store for us. So what does America have to look forward to in the U.S. economy in the upcoming year 2009? It is likely to get worse before it gets any better. We have a major economic crisis on our hands, with rising unemployment rates, huge banking and stock market losses, a housing market in crisis and no relief or rebound on the immediate horizon after the government has • Houston Habitat for Humanity Habitat sells homes at cost through zero-interest loans to qualified first-time buyers who have a $2,000 down payment and give 300 hours of volunteer work building the home. 713-671-9993 or www.houstonhabitat.org/apply/ Olen Burrage, former police officer Richard Willis, and Jimmie Snowden. The number of KKK members in Mississippi has dwindled to a small fraction, but at one time most of Neshoba County, was infested with Klansmen, and oth-

Three Semester Credit Hours in Three Weeks ACT NOW! Holiday Mini Term registration ends and classes begin December 17 classes run through January 8

Vermel Lois Cook Celebrates 95th Birthday Af American news_HMT ad .indd 1

R.D. Malonson-Chairman S.A. Malonson-Pres./CEO Marvin D. Cloud-Web Developer Lisa M. Smith- Production Carmen Watkins- Writer Jesse Simon - Photojournalist Mario Salas-Cont. Writer Roger Jackson-Photographer Fred Smith-Advertising/Sales James Johnson-Distribution Allen Carlton-Distribution David Johnson-Distribution E.C. Davis- Intern • Advertising: 713-692-1178 • Houston: 713-692-1892 • Fax Line: 713-692-1183 • General: news@aframnews.com • Ads: sales@aframnews.com • Web: www.aframnews.com African-American News&Issues is published by African-American News &Issues, Inc., 6130 Wheatley Street Houston, Texas 77091, (713)692-1892. 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 assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other material, unless accompanied by a self-address stamped envelope. 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. Letters to the Editor should include name, address and daytime phone number (name & city will be printed).

Three Generations: Mrs. Vermel Cook center, Kaela Watson, great-granddaughter, (bottom left) and Pamela Mitchell Watson (granddaughter) right

HOUSTON- World Events in 1913 included were the first paved coast to coast U.S. highway opened, the USA introduced income tax, Ford Motor Company introduces the first moving assembly line, New York’s Grand Central tenninal opens as the world largest train station and in the state of Texas, on November 24, 1913, a baby girl was born to Mamie Gaines Ashford and Henry Ashford and they named her Vermel Lois Ashford. Family and friends gathered to celebrate the 95th birthday celebration of Mrs. Vermel Ashford Cook on November 22. This momentous occasion was held at the Brentwood Baptist Church-Joe Samuel Ratliff Lifelong Learning Center. Two of her grandchildren, Tawana Cook Henderson and Pamela Mitchell Watson were the coordinators for this surprise celebration. Watson stated, ”It was an honor to plan such an event for the matriarch of our family, I celebrate her life every day. Her wisdom and

12/2/08 3:38:02 PM

guidance in my life is such a blessing.” Mrs. Cook and her late husband, Lee Roy Cook raised five children in the Houston’s Third Ward area. She has one living child, Ms. JoAnn Cook Griggs, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Mrs. Cook retired after 30 years of service from the Methodist Hospital where she was a surgical nurse for the renowned Dr. Michael DeBakey and Dr. Denton Cooley. She has witnessed and encountered a great deal in her life time, but the most historical, is the recent election of President-elect Obama. She stated, “The good Lord allowed me to see this day in our history, our first Black President.” She received accolades from the White House, Gov. Perry, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, State Rep. Sylvester Turner, President-elect Barack Obama, and Houston Mayor Bill White. Mrs. Cooks stated that she owes her longevity to God Almighty. TX-3

4 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • December 10-16, 2008 ACCOUNTANTS MICHAEL LOVE, CPA ELECTRONIC FILING Member AICPA

713-666-2900 Off 713-666-2932 Fax Email: mlovecpa@yahoo.com www.michaellovecpa.net 2626 South Loop W, #420 Houston, TX 77054

Media Partnership Purchase an ad in our publication for 26 weeks or more, and we will do a profile on your business that will be published in our newspaper. We will help publicise your events, activities, etc. Contact AAN&I’s staff at (713) 692-1892 for more information.

BLACK ART-GIFTS since 1994

Artwork by Wishum Gregory 44th President of the United States

his is the price and size of the Ad to run in Availab le Marketplace-November 26-December 17, 2008 (4 weeks) Now !!! Michael Love specializes in tax planning and return filing for individuals; taxes and bookkeeping for small businesses and corporate tax returns. Education courses offered by local chapters of national associations keep the firm on the leading edge of ever-changing tax laws and accounting methods. Computerized offices and internet access ensures clients accurate, efficient, state-of-the-art service at a competitive price.

This 1.5” ad could be Ad Heading: your for just $150 for Adoption 4 weeks! Please callsize AAN&I This is the price and ofatthe Ad to run in (713) 692-1178 AAN&I’s Greater Houston Marketplace ADOPTION for more information! Ad Contact Information:

Rainbow of Love Adoption Agency Adoption, Foster Care, Training and Home Studies (713) 779-8877

www.rainbowoflove.org

APARTMENTS

Tidwell Estates Aparments 2303 West Tidwell Houston 77091 (713)688-5125

WWW.AFRAMNEWS.COM CHEMICALS Citywide Chemical Janitorial & Commercial Pest Control Company 3521 Jensen St. Houston, TX 77026

713/227-4808 or 4809 Janitorial Supplies Sales-Service-Supplies Wholesale-Retail

We repair buffers, vacuum, shampooers and all other machines. Charles Dawson

SAME DAY FREE DELIVERY

US METRO Chemical

Dawson Chemical

713/633-9019

713/697-7137

& Janitorial Supply Company & Janitorial Supply Company 4308 Kelley St. • Hou., TX 77026 6010 Irvington -Hou.,TX 77009

Citywide Chemical, founded in 1977, is the largest minority-owned chemical company in the southwest. They pride themselves on being customer-oriented offering same day, free delivering, free installation of dispensers and free training on all equipment, rented or bought.

ELECTRICAL Aus-Tex Electric 1525 Wilburforce Houston 77091 (713)682-5809

FINANCIAL IRS PROBLEMS & Income Tax Preparation Do not talk to the IRS without Representation!!! Let me handle your IRS Issue and Problems. Generally you will never have to speak with or meet with the IRS if I am your representative.

Rodrick Dow, PC

INSURANCE GEORGE W. LUNNON, JR. Agent

Auto - Life Home - Health Business

Ph:281-447-3448 Fax:281-447-8822 11005 North Fwy#A Houston, TX 77037

www.georgelunnon.com A sign of a good insurance agent that will care about you is one that cares about the community. George W. Lunnon, Jr. is that kind of agent. Among his activities, he is active in Greenspoint Mng. District, Greenspoint Chamber, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and is a charter member & President of 100 Black Men.

Rate and size of ad to run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston edition. 713-862-4332 Ask for Rodrick Publication Date: November 28- December 4, 2007 FUNERAL HOMES

CHILDCARE Name: Debbie Richards Address: P.O. Box 310245 LL&S &S AUTOMOTIVEHouston,TX 77231 Small World Academy Wallhanging Small World Academy Phone: (713) 779-887717” or x 26” Acres Homes “Learning to Compete” Automotive (832) 835-1007 Come in or Call for more information Fax: (281) 835-1008 6960 T.C. Jester (@ Little York) 713-692-1195 • LICENSED 1.5” Ad for 52 weeks BY THE STATE Tune Ups -A/C Work • NEWBORN- 13 Years 6130 Wheatley Street

$780.00 • LEARNING ENVIROMENT • QUALITY Total Cost for 52 weeks: CHILD CARE REGULAR STORE HOURS: • TRANSPORTATION 1” Ad ForThursday: 4 Weeks 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. $780.00 • DROP-INS WELCOME SHELL RAPID LUBE Brakes - Tires-Front End Work

Batteries - Alignments State Inspection

Houston, Texas 77091

Certified Public Accountant

BORRIS L. MILES Boyd Funeral Home 7411 Wheatley St. Insurance Agency Houston Texas 77088 Heading Title: (281)445-0971 Child Care

Carl Barnes Funeral Homes, Inc

America can depend on Farmers

746 West 22nd Street Contact Information Houston, TexasMr. 77008 Name: Robert Leday 713.869.4529 Company: L&S Small World Academy

Phone: 338-4766 or (713) 249-9337 "Committed to the(832) Future" This is the price and size of the Ad to run in 24- Hour DAY CARE SERVICE APPAREL AAN&I’s Texas Marketplace-November 26-December 17, 2008 (4 weeks) (713) L&S 697-7879 Square Biz Greek Shop 4800 W. 34th Suite C-11 Houston 77092 (713)683-1855

$ 100.00 Friday: 11 a.m to 7 p.m. Oil Change- $19.99 +One Time Saturday: Set-up Fee 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (713) 956-2500 $25.00We accept: American Express, Discover, Visa, ATM/Debit, Total CostMasterCard, to run ad: Cash, Checks and Lay-A-Way AUTO REPAIR $125.00

Curtis Adams 5203 N. Shephard Houston 77091 (832)207-6796 You looked here...... Floyd’s Premier and so will your 2201 W. LittleInformation: York Contact CUSTOMERS! Houston 77091 Mr. Elias Michalopoulo Please call Name: (713)688-7325

(713) 692-1892 Address:BARBER/BEAUTY 6960 T.C. Jester Blvd. or go to our Houston, Texas 77091 Acres Homes Barber College www.aframnews.com . 2306 Ferguson Way Phone Number: 281-701-3790 for more information Houston 77088 Fax: 281-597-9990 (281)931-5591 Elliott Community Shop 13030 Woodforest Suite G Houston 77075 (713)455-2321 Hair Design by Antoinette 163 Greens Rd. Houston 77060 (281)875-4993 Individual Styles 11635 Homestead Houston 77016 (281)639-2334

100% Black Owned

We Appreciate Our Customers

...see more on PAGE 2 Angels Gift Shop & Svcs. SPECIAL 10% OFF

•Precious Moments •Bradford Exchange Figurines •Crystal Clear Giftware •Oneida Flatware • and more!

3621 Mainer St. Suite A Phone/Fax (713)747-0382

401 West Donovan Houston, 77091 (Between N. Shepard & Yale)

MABRIE

Memorial Mortuary Ad Heading: 5000 The Learning Garden Almeda Rd. 6672 Antoine Houston 77091 (713) 682-0601

Gift Shop Houston Texas 77004 713-942-7673

CIVIL RIGHTS ORG.

Morgan Harris Funeral Home 8011 West Montgomery National Black United Front Ad Chapter Contact Information: Houston Texas 77088 Houston (281)820-2391 Name: Cynthia Rean Address: 3632 MainerKashmere St. Suite AFuneral Home Chairman Kofi Taharka 5908 Lavender Houston,TX 77021 Houston Chapter Houston Texas 77026 Phone: (713) 747-0382 (713)633-3809 Fax: (713) 747-0382 Meetings Monday @ 7:00pm O.W. Wiley Mortuary, Inc. 1290 Pinemont Dr. 2428 Southmore Houston, 77004 Houston, Texas 77018 www.nbufhouston.org (713)681-7475

COMPUTER SERV.

HEARING AIDS 1 x Services 1.5” Ad For 4 Weeks approve the ad, sign and fax to 713-692-1183. BUSINESS ORG. Hands on Business $ 200.00 Computer Repair $60 Hearing Aids of Houston id in full and this ad sheet MUST be signed by 12 noon 281-975-9649 +One Time Set-up Fee Please approve the ad and fax to 713-692-1183 by Noon Wednesday. Sandi Coe, M.A., CCC-A $25.00 rlbcandw@yahoo.com Wednesday the week prior to ad being to ran. AUDIOLOGIST Total Cost to runCLINICAL ad: Ad must be paid in full byProfessional 12 NOON Wednesday or the ad will not run. CREDIT REPAIR $225.00 Hair Designers of TX

TEXAS

Borris L. Miles

Supporting The Community

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 email:bmiles@bmilesinsurance.com

MEDICAL

REGISTERED DISPENSER OF HEARING AIDS

10767 Eastex Freeway This 1” ad could be Houston 77093 yours for only $100 Date (713)691-0868 for 4 weeks! Call 713-692-1892 for Rogers Barbershop more information! 2113 West Little York

Trustworthy & honest. Registered and bonded. Call: (713)780-0332 www.crlc1.com

(713) 692-EARS(3277) FAX (713) 697-9410

PARKWAY TOWERS 150 W. PARKER ROAD, SUITE 506 HOUSTON, TX. 77076

Please sign for approval and fax back to Me n713-692-1183 t i o n t h i s AD Ge t $ 5 0 t o $ 5 0 0 o ff HOUSTON MINORITY how to Pay Women by 12 NOON Friday before forLearn Wednesday publication or the ad What will not run. BUSINESS COUNCIL

Houston 77091 (713)680-8827

NEED A WILL? QUESTIONS ON PROBATE? FOR FREE INFORMATION Contact Attorney Oswald J. Scott, Sr.

713/227-8060

texasprobateandwills.com Not certified by theTexas Board of Legal Specialization

SYLVESTER TURNER Attorney At Law

Spoil & Pamper Me Day Spa & Salon Date

Signature

Three Riverway, Suite 555 Houston, Texas 77056

The Unique Salon for “The Phenomenal Woman”

713-271-7805 | www.hmbc.org

We offer: Complete Healthy Hair Care for All Type Hair Free Hair Analysis Precision Cuts, Relaxers, Styles, Perms Texturizers, Hair Extentions Hair Protein Infusions

Come join the “LUNCH BUNCH” at the African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston’s

Your Mortgage and Other Debts OffDate

SAN ANTONIO- United First Financial Strategies is hosting the Money Merge Account program that allows you to pay off your mortgages and all other types of personal and business debts, saving you thousands of dollars in interest. The workshop will be held on Monday, December 15, 2008, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the HEB Credit Union’s Small Business Resource Center, 1100 NW Loop 410 Ste. 109. For more information, please call (210) 490-7100.

HELP WANTED

need to know about Divorce workshop

AUSTIN- The Divorce Workshop for Women is a monthly workshop that gathers expert attorneys, financial advisers, and family mediators and counselors to address the legal and financial issues that arise with divorce. It is designed to help women take the next step, no matter where they are in the process of untying the knot. A few of the Workshop topics include: Child custody and support, protecting yourself legally and Heading finan- Title: cially, dealing with a hostile Education spouse, helping your family cope, rebuilding self esteem, and preparing for divorce financially. Contact Informat The workshop price is $45 Name:Timothy Williams per person. This month’s Company: North Houston H workshopPhone: will be held on 713-686-6900 Saturday,Fax: December 13, 2008, from 8:30 am-noon, at Address for tearsheets: DeVry University’s Stratum 1126 West Tidwell ExecutiveHouston, CenterTexas Bldg. B, 77091 room 102, 11044 Research Blvd, in Austin. For more information, please call (512) 732-1244. Ad Cost:

Rate and size of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Part Time Office Houston/Galveston Cleaning Person neededmarketplace. on PleaseHours: approve the ad, sign and fax to 713-692-1183. Luncheon Ticket Prices (Mon. Appointments Only) in the Northwest Houston Presale: $25.00 EDITION DATE: November 12, 2008-May 6, 2009 Ad must be paid in full and this sheet area. Must be reliable. At thead Door: $40.00 MUST be signed by 12 noon Masseur & Reflexologist Business Networking Luncheon Thursday, January 15, 2009 12:00 PM

Tues-Fri 10am-7pm Sat 7am-4pm

Barnes & Turner

Attorneys At Law 440 Louisiana Street 1880 Lyric Centre' Signature Houston, Texas 77022

(713) 650-3688/office (713) 650-0308/fax bbarnes@barnesturner.com www.barnesturner.com

Attention !!! Get this 1.5” ad for $390.00 for 13 weeks! For more information, call AAN&I staff at (713) 692-1892.

TX-4

by January 13 , 2009 on Staff Wednesday the RSVP week prior to ad being to ran. You can register & pay online.

16630 Imperial Valley #242 Houston, Texas 77060 281-447-5252 Hiring Hairstylists & Nail Techs

(commission or booth rental) Ask for Natasha or Jacquie

Teran Barber Shop 661 Rose Houston 77015 (713)671-0011 Tracy’s Beautiful Braids and Beyond

8222 Antoine Dr. Suite 101 Houston 77088 (832)888-3906

“It will be a good thing all the way around if we can figure out how to do some more mergers because the main issue is size and most Black firms aren’t big enough.” - William S. Spriggs

The January luncheon will be held at: Date

Hyatt Regency Hotel

1200 Louisiana Street Houston, Texas 77002 For more information, please call (713) 692-7003 Email: webmaster@aaccgh.org Website: www.aaccgh.org

Support Local Black Businesses !!!! Where we spend OUR money is IMPORTANT!!!!!

Please call 713-692-1100 for more information

EDUCATION

Now Hiring & Enrolling for Fall 2008!

North Houston High School for Business (Grades 9-12)

Attorney Timothy L. Williams, Executive Director

North Houston Multi-Language Academy (Grades 1-5)

1126 West Tidwell, Houston, TX 77091

No Tuition Costs • Free Transportation Call: 713.686.6900

Visit our new and improved website at www.aframnews.com

2x2” ad for 26 weeks= $1,560

MARKETPLACE

WWW.AFRAMNEWS.COM BLACK MEN from Page 2

INVESTMENTS

Retiring, Changing Jobs or Laid Off? Don’t Leave Your Money With Your Former Employer Let me assist you with your Retirement Plan Options!!

• 401(k), • 403(b), • Pension

• Profit Sharing • ESOP • Other

NO COST CONSULTATION! Other Services Include:

Income Tax Preparation IRS Problems

Certified Public Accountant

713-862-4332

* Rodrick Dow, CPA, MBA Registered Representative, Securities offered through H. D. Vest Investment ServicesSM, Member SIPC, Advisory Services offered through H. D. Vest Advisory ServicesSM, Non-bank subsidiaries of Wells Fargo & Company, 6333 North State Highway 161, 4th Floor, Irving, Texas 75038 (972) 870-6000

PHOTOGRAPHY

Creative Colours By RJ Outdoor PortraitsCommercial Weddings Fashion-Advertising

713/734-1442

REAL ESTATE HUD/RESALE AND NEW HOME SALES. Call Your Hometown

Realtor Now! Frances Campbell 281-414-2211

Need an Appraisal?

and incarcerated of all race genders. This state of disrepair leads to great depression. The first thing that we must do is mentally erase the perception that suicide is not pervasive in the Black community. That ship has officially sailed. The American economy is in recession. As opportunities become more nonexistent for Black men, depression will set in like never before. If that depression is not properly addressed we could very well see a spike in suicides among brothers. Many suicides are a result of mental health issues. This is a taboo subject in our community, as well. However, too many suicides and

PUBLIC NOTICE Houston Community College Invitation for Bids Sewing Machines and Accessories Project No. 09-12 Houston Community College (“HCC”) is soliciting sealed bids from qualified firms to provide Sewing Machines and Accessories. The solicitation documents can be obtained in Procurement Operations, 3100 Main Street (11th Floor), Houston, TX 77002, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM (local time), Monday through Friday or by calling Georgia Coats at (713) 718-5004 or by visiting the HCC website at www.hccs.edu (Click on: Business & Community / Doing Business with HCC / Procurement / Current Bids and RFPs). Sealed bids will be received in Procurement Operations (Room No. 11A06) until 3:00 P.M. (local time) on December 16, 2008, and publicly opened in Room No. 11A07 at that time. HCC is an equal opportunity/educational institution, which does not discriminate on the basis of race, color religion, national origin, gender age or disability.

“Fair Market Value” Appraiser@WeTCB.com

A poll from Rasmussen Reports reveals that Americans strongly support the RESTAURANTS Headingsaying Title:of the Pledge of AlleBids and giance, Notices but less than half of that number believes that “the United States is truly the land of liberty and justice for all.” Black votContact Information: ers were the group that disName: Georgia Coats agreed most strongly, with Company: Houston Community 60 percentCollege saying that there Phone: (713) 718-5004 is no liberty and justice for Fax: 713-718-2113 all and with only 20% agreeCafeteria & Restaurant Address for tearsheets: ing. The reasons for this Full Line Catering Service 3100 Main Street are historic. Blacks were HolidayHouston, Turkey Dinner Texas 77002 slaves for over 200 years and 10-12 lb. Turkey - Cranberry Sauce Cornbread Dressing - Giblet Gravy denied basic human rights Candied Yams - String Beans well after the Civil War was Sweet Potato or Pumpkin PieCranberry Sauce concluded. Feeds 10-12 People There were promises of AD COST “forty acres and a mule” $64.95 which were never delivered Net Rate: $90 x 4.25’= $382.50 Smoked Turkey Dinner and no expected any good 40% Discount = $153.00 $69.95 news on a train from WashTotal Cost:ington. $229.50 Patriotism is born Fried Turkey Dinner of fairness and equality and $69.95 this is something that has Holiday Ham Dinner been foreign the in application of American political $69.95 thought. While many AfriFried Turkey can-Americans are exuber$40.00 ant that Barack Obama won the election, becoming the (Plus Tax - $10 Deposit) African-American to Headingfirst Title: 9606 Mesa Dr. @ Tidwell be elected a U.S. president, Bids and Notices (East Park Shopping Center) they are also vigilant. 713-631-3962

LACY’S

to run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston edition. December 10-16, 2008 (Vol. 13-Issue 45) Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) Project Title: Master Planning Support & Emergency Event Restoration Services Project No. 09-14

homicides are committed by those with mental health issues that their families did not know how to manage. We must seek the proper help for our loved ones and ourselves. We must make sure that we have the tools to manage the mental health issues in our families. Suicide often takes place when the pressures of the world become so overbearing that the desire to face tomorrow disappears. Spiritual strength is needed to combat this type of “stinkin thinking.” There is a Bible scripture that states “greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.” The spiritual power within us must be so great that it dwarfs the problems in the world around us. Our

internal faith must be stronger than our present circumstances. The word of God is the water that puts out the fires of the world. Make sure that you are storing up plenty of water every day. If someone around you shows signs of a suicidal nature or openly speaks about taking their own life please don’t take it lightly. Do your best to encourage them to get some professional or spiritual help. Mr. Suicide has officially posted up in the Black community. We can no longer afford to act like he is not there. Deric Muhammad is a Houston-based community activist and can be reached a www.askbroderic.blogspot. com.

Well known playright and movie director Tyler Perry once considered suicide and even attempted it because in his own words, “I thought it would be easier to be dead.”

Vigilance and Reparations: What happened to “The Forty Acres And A Mule”?

www.WeTCB.com to run in AAN&I’s edition. 4925 RichfieldHouston/Galveston MARIO SALAS 713-882-8262 Lane African-American TX 770482008 DecemberHouston, 10-16, 13-Issue 45) News&Issues Lloyd (Vol. George Enterprises Roger Jackson, Photographer

African-American News&Issues • Texas • December 10-16, 2008 • 5

One must remember that after the Civil War, AfricanAmericans enjoyed many rights in a period called Reconstruction. During Reconstruction many African-Americans were elected to offices that were previously reserved for Whites. This period of revolutionary change lasted only 10 years and was then destroyed. It is no wonder that many African-Americans are happy that Obama won, but are careful not to accept a lasting change without true vigilance. As soon as one goes to sleep the racists have a way of reordering society. Reordering is already taking place as radio hate shows continue to lambast Obama with a barrage of lies and propaganda rhetoric designed to push haters over the edge. One has to wonder if reparations will be given a fair hearing under the Obama administration or is this too much for Whites to handle? Many Whites agree that Black people are owed more than just an apology for centuries of racist and terrorist murders. This is why many African-Americans don’t view the words “liberty and justice for all” as a true ring of freedom, but instead a

bell toll of injustice. African-American Reparations are not based on an emotional outburst against racism, but on legal precedence, that when the social order, or group of its own accord knowingly commits a crime against another, then compensation is due from the institutions that represent the offending society or group. There are countless examples of this principle including the false imprisonment of Japanese-Americans during WWII, and the genocidal war against Native-Americans by Andrew Jackson and others. Without some form of reparations, which might include no taxes of any sort for 20 years, then AfricanAmericans will never view themselves as trusting of American society. The same can be argued for Mexican-Americans and others that were terrorized by Whites and their racist institutions. “Liberty and justice for all” rings hollow when the ghettos of America are still with us. It rings hollow when thousands of African-American men are in prison rather than in college, many of them sent there as a result of poverty and illegal arrests.

The words in the “pledge” ring hollow when hate radio does everything in its power to sabotage the administration of Barack Obama even before it gets under way. The words of “liberty and justice for all” seem but empty rhetoric when Blacks were forced into a war that was started on the basis of lies, and where immigrants from Mexico are treated like terrorists, but the KKK can front an organization called the “Minutemen.” The balkanization of America will continue until racism is outlawed and placed into the category of a crime against humanity in this country. When will the ones that tortured people, a crime against humanity and against U.S. law be punished for the barbaric acts committed in the name of America in a war on terror? When will the German Americans who were falsely imprisoned during WWII be compensated? When will the Federal government truly honor Native Americans and give them back good land for their people? And when will AfricanAmericans be compensated for the terrorist war committed against the Black population of the U.S.?

to run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston edition. Josie’s Place N. Shepherd Dr. Date: November 28-7473 December 4,Information: 2007 YWCA Young Leaders Board asking Community to give to Contact Houston 77091 Houston Community College (“HCC”) is soliciting sealed proposals from qualified firms to provide Master Planning SupLL&S & S portSmall & Emergency Event RestoWorld Academy World rationSmall Services. The Academy solicitation documents will be available on or“Learning about December 1, 2008 to Compete” and can be obtained in Procurement Operations,BY3100 • LICENSED THEMain STATE Street • (11th Floor), Houston, NEWBORN13 Years TX 77002, between the hours • LEARNING ENVIROMENT of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM (local • QUALITY CHILD CARE time),• Monday through Friday TRANSPORTATION or by• DROP-INS calling JohnWELCOME Carter at (713) 718-5029 or byDate visiting the24HCC website at www.hccs. Hour DAY CARE SERVICE edu (Click on: Business & Community /(713) DoingL&S Business with 697-7879 HCC / Procurement / Current 401 West Donovan Bids and RFPs). Houston, 77091 Sealed proposals will be re(Between N. Shepard & Yale) ceived in Procurement Operations (Room No. 11A06) until 3:00 p.m. (local time) on December 15, 2008. HCC is an equal opportunity/educational institution, which does not discriminate on the basis of race, color religion, national origin, gender age or disability.

Second Annual Holiday Food And Supplies Drive

Name: John Carter (713) 695-7711 Company: Houston Community College Leonard’s Phone: Famous(713) Burgers 1913 W. Little Rd.Heading Title: DALLAS- The YWCA Young Leaders Board is hosting its Second Annual Holiday Drive now through Tuesday, DecemFax:York (713)Houston 77091 ber 16. Donations can be dropped off at the YWCA’s main office, 4144 N. Central Expy. #580 or the Dallas Black Chamber of Child Care Address for tearsheets: (713) 686-3555 Commerce, 2838 MLK Jr. Blvd. Donations will go to families served by the YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas. Monetary dona3100 Main Street Sartins Seafood of Nassau Bay tions will also be accepted. All checks should be made payable to the YWCA. Families are most in need of nonperishable Houston, Texas 77002 foods and baby items. Suggested donations include: canned fruits and vegetables, canned tuna or chicken, canned soup, stew 18023 Upper Bay Road Houston 77028 and chili, Peanut butter, cereal or breakfast bars, rice, toiletry items, formula and baby food, diapers (all sizes), and baby cloth(281) 333-4040 ing and blankets Contact Information “Last year’s holiday drive was a great success,” said Paige Montgomery, YWCA Young Leaders Board president. “With famName: Mr. Robert Leday SCHOOL/CLASSES iliesWorld feelingAcademy the pressure of a tough economy this year, we are reaching out to the community to give from their hearts. The Company: L&S ADSmall COST families that 249-9337 benefit from this drive are grateful for the support they receive because it often makes the difference between Phone: (832) 338-4766 or (713) New DirectionNet Job Rate: Service$90 x 4.5’= $405.00 needs being met or having to go without essentials.” 8222 Antoine #11240% Discounttheir =The $162.00 YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas’ purpose is to improve women’s lives and remove barriers to self-sufficiency. The Houston 77088 celebrates 100 years of serving women in the Dallas community in 2008. The YWCA is a partnering agency of the Total Cost:YWCA $243.00 (281)447-0663

or approval and fax back to (713)692-1183 fore for Wednesday publication or the ad will not run.

RADIO MIN. ROBERT MUHAMMAD

Connect the Dots 10:00- 11.30 a.m. Wed

KPFT 90.1 FM

On Point Music & Dance 8222 Antoine Dr. Suite #250 Houston 77088 (281)447-3517

YOUTH SPORTS

L & S Youth Sports Basketball League Boys & Girls Ages 9 thru 18

For more information call (832) 338-4766 or (713)249-9337

ENROLL NOW !! All games will be played at Harvest Time Community Center- 17770 Imperial Valley

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. For more information about the YWCA, please visit www.ywcadallas.org or call (214)-826-YWCA.

Business Start-up Bootcamp Gives Building Blocks of Successful e-Commerce Enterprises

GARLAND- An eBusiness Start-up Boot Camp Saturday, December 13, 2008 from 1p.m.-5p.m. at the Days Inn Dallas Garland West, 3645 Leon Road. The e-Business Express workshop was designed to provide a step by step guide for the design, development and integration of an online sales channel within an organization. Attendees will explore the impact of e-commerce as it relates specifically to their customers, employees and business systems.

or approval and fax back to (713)692-1183 fore for Wednesday publication or the ad will not run.

Analysis will be used as input into the design development phase of the planning process. After a discussion of the components of e-Commerce, the workshop concludes with a discussion of best practices and the development of a project timeline. On completion, attendees will have an appreciation of the impact of eCommerce on their day-to-day business activities, have an understanding of the building blocks of e-Commerce

-product catalog, payment gateway, merchant account, order fulfillment and security and have project specifications and an e-commerce implementation timeline. The workshop is for directors, senior managers, practice managers, IT managers or other IT professionals responsible for the business implementation of e-Commerce within an organization. For more information email: workshops@businessintheblack.com TX-5

CHURCH ADS and LISTINGS

BAPTIST Blessed Hope MBC 3741 Colvin Houston 77013 (713) 673-6309 Bible Fellowship BC 10318 Antoine Dr. Houston 77086 (281) 447-0901 Cliffdale BC 854 Enterprise Houston 77088 (281) 447-8850 Ebenezer MBC 1814 Jensen Houston 77026 (713) 222-0838

SUNDAY SERVICE

8 AM and 11 AM

Fidelity BC 9735 Nedwald St. Houston 77029 (713) 671-0095

Olivet MBC 3115 Lyons Ave. Houston 77020 (713) 224-1515

Greater Progressive MBC 840 Ringold Houston 77088 (281) 445-8603

Green Meadow MBC 777 Green Meadow Lane Houston 77091 (713) 694-7624 Jerusalem MBC 2835 Fidelity Rd. Houston 77029 (713) 674-3794

Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church

4300 Noble Street, Houston TX 77020 Ph: 713/675-5111 • Fx: 713/675-1522

Website: www.fwmbc.org

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 and in our world.

Mt. Olive BC 3239 Areba St. Houston 77091 (713)812-9061 New Pleasant Grove MBC 3221 Bain St. Houston 77021 (713) 672-7419

713/861-6625

Sunday

Early Worship 6 am Minister Frank Melton Jr. Sunday School 9:30 am Regular Worship Res.713/733-0868 10:30 am Off. 713/861-9249 Evening Worship 6 pm FX 713/861-2744 Wednesday Assoc. Minister General Song Practice Glen Burgess, Sr. 7:00 pm Bible Study 7:30 pm Res.713/734-8983

MINISTER: Mid-Week Bible Class Theaster Maloy, Sr. 7:00 p.m.

OFFICE: 713/674-5131

140 Fidelity Rd. Houston Tx 77029

Historical Black Churches are IMPORTANT to our communities!

CATHOLIC St. Monica Catholic Church 8421 West Montgomery Rd. Houston 77088 (281) 447-5837

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Mt. Ararat Community BC BIBLE STUDIES 9313 Lockwood Wednesday 7:30PM Houston 77016 Leonard N. Barksdale, Pastor (713)858-9801

730 West 26th St, Houston, TX 77008

Morning Bible Class 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:45 a.m. Evening Bible Class 5:00 p.m. Evening Worship 6:00 p.m. Chorus Group Rehearsal 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday

St. Matthew’s MBC 870 Paul Quinn Houston 77091 (713) 695-2288

Mt. Ararat BC 5801 W. Montgomery Houston 77073 (713) 692-9954

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Sunday

Starlight MBC 9202 Willow St. Houston 77088 (281) 447-8788

Brookhaven COC 8630 Southview Houston 77051 (713) 733-5664 East Houston COC 7515 E. Houston Houston 77028 (713) 631-7435

FIFTH WARD CHURCH OF CHRIST SUNDAY 8:00 a.m. Worship 10:00 a.m. Bible Class 11:15 a.m. Worship 6:00 p.m. Worship MONDAY 10:00 a.m. Gary Smith Ladies Bible Class Minister WEDNESDAY 7:30 p.m. Bible Class for all

“GIVING, GROWING, & GAINING” 4308 Stonewall St. Hou. Tx 77020

713-672-2654

In addition to their other activities, the Fifth Ward COC also holds a Bible Class for non-members on Thursday nights at 7:30 PM. For more information on the various special events or activities you really should visit their website, it is very well done, informative and worth a visit even if you have another church home.

Homestead Rd. COC 7211 Homestead Rd. Houston 77028 (713) 633-1540

CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST DUNCAN MEMORIAL

CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST Sr. Pastor Elder Greg Edwards (713) 674-5466

2222 Lockwood Dr.

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church 1055 W. Tidwell Rd. Houston 77091 (713) 680-1419

NON-DENOMINATIONAL Christian Life Community Church 8146 E. Houston Rd. Houston 77028 (713)631-4851 Hope In Christ Church 10310 Antoine Drive Suite A Houston 77086 (832) 882-7925

PENTECOSTAL Holy Temple Jesus Christ No.1 8409 Hoffman St. Houston 77016 (713)631-6685

UNITED METHODIST

Houston, Tx 77020 SUNDAY

Morning Prayer: 9:15 am Sunday School: 9:30 am Church Services: 11 am Duncan’s Vision Statement: “To train, educate, empower, evangelize, and to insipre the body of Christ by developing GODLY character through the word of GOD (2:Timothy 2:15).

Website

www.fthwardcoc.org

LUTHERAN

SHADY ACRES

FIDELITY CHURCH OF CHRIST “The Church That Cares”

Progressive MBC 944 Reverend B.J. Lewis Dr. Houston 77088 (281) 447-2342

Greater True Vine MBC 3010 Fontinot Houston 77026 (713) 672-9086

CHURCH

WWW.AFRAMNEWS.COM

6 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • December 10-16, 2008

Duncan Memorial holds Morning worship on Tuesday mornings at 11 am and Bible Band & Mission from 12-1 p.m. Choir Rehearsals are held every 2nd and 4th Wednesday night. They also have Friday night Bible Study at 7:30p.m.

Wesley UMC 7225 Homestead Houston 77028 (713)633-6849

Support Your Local Churches and Religious Organizations!

Everyday People with Jesse Simon

A Birthday Celebration for Marshall “Itchey” Garrett Jr. 2

HOUSTON- Marshall (Itchey) Garrett, Jr., a popular 5th ward native, hosted a gracious feast at his spacious home in The Riverwood Estates, in Northeast Houston, to celebrate his 73rd birthday. The occasion was well-attended by family and friends along with three generations of Garretts. Happy Birthday Itchey, we wish you many more. Photos: 1. Julia Seroggins 2. Margaret Kanaway and Gwen Steptoe 3. Jordan Porto, Marshall IV, Marshall Jr., (Itchey), Cameron Garrett, Marva Caraway, Marshall III and Theresa Garrett

It cost less than

A little change can make a big change in your life!

You Think!

Texas Tuition comparisons for ‘09 based on 12 credit hours.

Enroll Now For Spring 2009 Classes!

Lone Star College-North Harris Devry* ITT Technical Institute** Sam Houston State University* University of Houston* University of Texas* Texas A&M University* University of North Texas*

$564 $3,720 $5,352 $3,066 $3,329 $3,835 $3,711 $3,233

*These 12-hour basic tuition rate comparisons for 4-year universities contain some student fees and usage fees, but do not include course related fees or optional fees that might be imposed depending on the course of study. Costs are for tuition only and do not include books, room or board expenses. ** ITT Tech’s fees do include most books, but do not include tools or other supplies.

RegiSTeR Now! Spring classes begin Monday, January 12, 2009. Call 281.618.5410 for more information and registration hours, or visit NorthHarris.LoneStar.edu. NorthHarris.LoneStar.edu

TX-6

LSC-North Harris

2700 W.W. Thorne Drive 281.618.5400

LSC-Greenspoint Center 250 N. Sam Houston Parkway E. 281.260.3500

LSC-Carver Center 2330 S. Victory Street 281.618.5801

Visit our new and improved website at www.aframnews.com

SPOTLIGHT

YOUTH PAGE

WWW.AFRAMNEWS.COM

Our Future in the SP

African-American News&Issues • Texas • December 10-16, 2008 • 7

TLIGHT!

By E.C. Davis Send your youth items and photos to E.C. Davis via email: news@aframnews.com

8 7

1. The Miss Prairie View A&M University Scholarship Pageant has been an experience for the young women of Prairie View A&M University. It has served well as a part of the development of the whole person. Kara Willis, Miss PVAMU is a senior who is studying agricultural economics. She was presented during Prairie View A&M’s 2008 Homecoming game. 2. Vincent Harding is the first African-American to win the title of Homecoming King at the University of Houston. He is the president of Campus Crusade for Christ, a residential assistant, a coordinator in the Metropolitan Volunteer Program and a member of Men After God’s Own Heart. After graduating from the University of Houston in May 2009, he plans to attend law school.

6. All though they have relocated to Hollywood, San Antonio’s own twins Ashley and Ashton aka 2-U-NEEK are at it again for their home town. They are working to help raise one million pounds of food to fight local hunger. With their recent Grammy Camp experience (thanks to ASCAP) the twins were introduced to DoSomething.org a national non-profit which helps youth make positive differences in their communities. The twins have started their own club A.C.T.I.O.N., (Aiding Communities Through Involvement Opportunities).

7. Ashley Crayton, a 19-year-old cosmetologist who has a vision of owning her business, currently specializes in hair styling and manicures in a local beauty salon. Crayton is a talented, reputa3. The reigning Miss Texas Southern University is Miss Princess ble beautician which is important when it comes to taking proper Kandeh, a senior majoring in Clinical Laboratory Science in the Col- care of your hair, skin, and overall good health. “You not only want lege of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Miss Kandeh is actively in- to look your best, but feel your best also,” Crayton stated. volved in the Student Government Association and Golden Key Hon8. Trashanna Smith, from Houston, Texas is a sophmore at Laor Society. She has also been recognized in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. After graduation, she plans to continue her mar University who played for Coach Bob Wall at Hastings High academic journey by securing credentials needed to become a Physi- School and set a school record for rebounds with 385 boards durcian’s Assistant. Her ultimate goal is to own a clinic and laboratory to ing her senior season. Smith was named First Team All District as further her desire to be a health advocate for the African-American a junior and senior. She earned honorable mention All-Region allHouston area and All-State. Smith is majoring in Communications community. Kandeh is the daughter of John and Lillian Kandeh. and enjoys singing, talking on the phone, playing basketball, and 4. Keisha Smoke, a 5’-8” junior at Dillard University has been named swimming Born in New Orleans, La on November 8, 1989, she is to the 2008 GCAC Volleyball All-Conference Team. Smoke ranked in the daughter of Linda Smith and she was also recruited by Souththe Top 10 of the conference, in four categories: 4th in Service Aces, eastern, Sam Houston, Nicholls, and McNeese State. 5th in Digs (2.8 per game), 7th in hitting percentage (.157), and 10th in 9. Marcus Davis, a corner back for League City’s Clear Creek kills (1.9 per game). Smoke led the Lady Blue Devils to a fourth place finish in conference and a trip to the GCAC conference tournament High School, has been selected to play in the 2009 U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl, the nation’s premier high school football all-star semi-finals for the first time since Hurricane Katrina. football game. Davis will join an elite group of student-athletes se5. Aldric Reynolds attends Rogers State University majoring in lected to play in the ninth annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl Sport Management. The 6’2” 185 lb. point guard started 30 games for on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, the Hillcats in 2007-08, averaging a team-high 30 minutes per night. Texas. This classic East vs. West match-up will be televised live The Houston product led the team in assists and was second in steals. on NBC at 1:00p.m.EST and will feature the nation’s top 90 high He dished out a season-high eight assists vs. University of Science & school football players, 75 of whom are African-American. Davis Arts of Oklahoma. Reynolds was an all-conference honorable mention is shown receiving his official U.S. Army All-American Bowl jerselection in 2007-08. He played two years for Coach Tim Carter at the sey from an Army representative during an Army All-American University of Texas-San Antonio before transferring to RSU. Bowl Selection Tour event at Clear Creek High School in League City, Texas.

10. Running back Christine Michael of Beaumont’s West Brook High School has been selected to play in the 2009 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Michael is shown receiving his official U.S. Army All-American Bowl jersey during an Army All-American Bowl selection tour event at West Brook in Beaumont, Texas. 11. Greg Timmons, a wide receiver from Eisenhower High School in Aldine, Texas, has been selected to play in the 2009 U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl. Timmons is shown receiving his official U.S. Army All-American Bowl jersey from an Army representative during an Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour event At Eisenhower in Aldine. 12. Michael Osikoya attends Lone Star College and is academically strong with a scholarship awarded for his academics. Osikoya was also a committee member for the Black MaleSummit, which turned out to be a great success. He is also on the verge of getting an Associate of Science degree this summer. HOU-7

8 • African-American News&Issues • Texas -December 10-16, 2008

Low Prices

7 03 FREE! items

Get up to

every day!

Get This

free!

Prices Good Thru Tuesday, December 16, 2008

buy

two (2) Clorox Bleach

$ 79 lb.

Hill Country Fare Split Chicken Breasts

Fresh! Ground Round

value pack, limit-2 pkgs. with an additional $10 purchase

85% lean value pack

Great for tamales!

2$ for

Hill Country Fare Sliced Bacon

Boston Butt Pork Roast sold in a bag limit-2 pkgs. with an additional $10 purchase

free! with in-store coupon

82 - 96 oz. assorted varieties

Clorox Wipes

35 ct. assorted varieties

free! with in-store coupon

That’s up to

2.99

free! buy

Jell-O Gelatin 6 oz. assorted varieties

GET

free! with in-store coupon

Kool-Aid Bursts

12 oz. assorted varieties

3$ for

GET

lb.

Sweet!

Crisp!

Black Seedless Grapes

Small Gala Apples

6 pk., 6.75 oz. btls. assorted varieties

free!

That’s up to

with in-store coupon

99¢

free! buy

Mission Chicharrones 4.5 oz.

GET

free! with in-store coupon

Mission Twists

2.25 oz. caramel or cinnamon

free!

That’s up to

with in-store coupon

free! H-E-B Sour Cream 16 oz. assorted varieties

Minute Maid Bright & Early Breakfast Beverage

Hill Country Fare Tea Bags 25 ct. assorted varieties

64 oz.

buy Birds Eye Voila!

21 - 23.5 oz. assorted varieties

GET

free! with in-store coupons

•H-E-B Ready to Cook Tortillas, 10 ct. •Hill Country Fare Bake & Spread Sticks, 16 oz.

Meet our Partners Debbie Wilson is a Senior Human Resources Manager for H-E-B. In this position, she manages Partner (H-E-B employees) relations for more than 1,500 Partners. In addition, Debbie oversees retention initiatives, human resources training for directors and managers, and coordinates diversity initiatives for women and minorities. Debbie has worked in Human Resources industry for more than 10 years. She joined H-E-B in April 2006.

Debbie Wilson Senior Human Resources Manager H-E-B Houston Division

Debbie enjoys volunteering in her spare time. This year, she helped coordinate the March of Dimes WalkAmerica Campaign for the H-E-B Houston Division. The walk raised money and awareness to prevent birth defects and premature births. Debbie also worked successfully with the YMCA of Greater Houston to help bring affordable fitness program options to H-E-B Partners. Debbie received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Houston. In 2003, she received her professional certification in Human Resources. She is also an active member of Society of Human Resources. A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Debbie is the proud mother of one, Jillvonni.

Prices Good Wednesday, December 10 Thru Tuesday, December 16, 2008 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.

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, visit www.heb.com WIC And Manufacturers' Coupons. Printed on recycled paper. ©2008 H-E-B Food Stores, 09-0886CS

HOU-8

free!

That’s up to

1.68

with in-store coupons

free!

$ 97 ea.

Ampro Pro Styl Gel 10 oz.

buy Oscar Mayer Ham Lunchmeat

16 oz., smoked, honey, baked or boiled

GET

free! with in-store coupon

Big Red or Diet Big Red 2 L btl.

free! with in-store coupon

That’s up to

1.39

free!

$ 88

Dr Miracle’s No-Lye ea. Relaxer

buy

La Vaquita Queso Fresco Mexicano 16 oz.

GET

free! with in-store coupon

Garcia Chorizo Fino 12 oz.

free!

H-E-B Business Center *Check Cashing *Bill Pay and more...

WESTERN MONEY UNION TRANSFER

Services not available at all stores.

That’s up to

1.99

free!

with in-store coupon