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High honors in Dallas

CAMPAIGN 2008 Barack Obama Pledged 1491 Super 241 Total: 1,732

Hilary Clinton Pledged 1332 Super 260 Total: 1,592

SEE STORY PAGE 7

As of May 2, 2008

Epidemic: One Million High School Dropouts Per Year JESSE MUHAMMAD

African-American News&Issues

“When more than one million students a year drop out of high school, it’s more than a problem, it’s a catastrophe. said General Colin Powell, founder of America’s Promise Alliance. “It’s time for a national ‘call to arms,’ because we cannot afford to let nearly one-third of our kids fail.” His statement of urgency came during a press conference announcing the release of a study that details why nearly one in three U.S. high school students drops out before graduating and how the group plans to reverse the downward spiral of retention. “Our economic and national security is at risk when we fail to educate the leaders and the workforce of the future”, added Powell, whose wife, Alma Powell, serves as the chair of the Alliance. Cities in Crisis: A Special Analytic Report on High School Graduation, prepared by Editorial Projects in Education Research Center, was released on April 1. The study unveils that the graduation rates in urban schools’ metropolitan areas surrounding 35 of the nation’s largest cities, were lower than those in nearby suburban communities. There were also disparities between urban-suburban graduation rates with gaps as large as 35 percent-

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age points in many cases. In total, approximately 1.2 million students drop out each year – about 7,000 every school day, or one every 26 seconds. Nearly half of all AfricanAmerican and Native-American students are expected not to graduate with their class, while less than six in 10 Hispanic students will. “The number one predictor of a young person’s future success is whether they graduate from high school,” said Mrs. Powell. “But just conferring a diploma is not enough. Students today must graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in college, work and life. We must invest in the whole child, and that means finding solutions that involve the family, the school and the community.” Why do students drop out? According to interviews conducted with high school dropouts by Civic Enterprises, nearly half of dropouts said the main reason they left school was because classes were not interesting. Nearly 70 percent said they were not motivated to work hard and two-thirds would have worked harder if more were demanded of them. Approximately one-third left for personal reasons (to get a job, become a parent, or care for a family member) and onethird cited “failing in school” as a major factor. Seventy percent were See DROPOUTS page 3

Mothers of post affirmative action kids are often defined by the accomplishments of their much more privileged offspring. Accordingly, they’re usually referred to as their outstanding offsprings’ mom. However, that wasn’t the case with Lucille Jones Jenkins, an urban legend in Houston, Texas’ Fourth Ward community (aka Freedmen’s Town) and Studemont, where she raised outstanding children. In fact, Booker T. Washington’s all time, multi-sports athlete Oliver Jenkins was known as Momma Jenkins’s boy. And one only had to peruse her epitome that was prefaced with the biblical scripture, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies,” to know why she was eulogized as a Proverbs 31 woman during the May 19, 2007 celebration of her life at True Light BC, 7102 N. Main. Pastor John W. Bowie officiated an order of service that included: Sisters Merion Wilkins, Lucy Brackins, Rebecca Hardy, Henrietta Fletcher, Vicki Wilson, Tiffany Wilkins and Frankie Thompson. Active pallbearers were Wil-

Mother’s Day Politics

Michelle Obama epitomizes Proverbs 31 women BUD JOHNSON

African-American News&Issues

“Blessings on the hand of women! Fathers, sons, and daughters cry, And the sacred song is mingled With the worship in the sky- Mingles where no tempest darkens, Rainbows evermore are hurled; For the hand that rocks the cradle Is the hand that rules the world.” Motherhood and politics notwithstanding, the prefacing sentiment penned by American poet William Ross Wallace (1819-1881), gives one cause to pause and ponder, whether or not, -after the people indigenous to the land of the free speak on November 4, 2008-- will the hand that rocked the cradle (of this great nation’s 44th president’s children), just happen to be Black? Denial notwithstanding, politics oftentimes coincides with biblical wisdom, insofar as America’s voters don’t only elect a president. They also elect a “First Family.” Hence, a Judeo-Christian nation is wont to give credence to biblical scripture (Matthew 7:16), that declares: “You will know them by their fruits…. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” President George W. Bush’s dysfunctional family aside, would it be fair to use scripture to play Mother’s Day politics? If so, the Obama’s parenting skills definitely should factor into the Decision 2008’s political games. Accordingly, as Black America’s strongest editorial voice (with an uncompromised Black perspective), African-American News&Issues would, indeed, be remiss not to tell it like it is. And it is that Sen. John McCain’s children are considered “Political Hawks” that study war. Need we suggest that Chelsea Clinton is a composite of her parents? Lest we forget, Hillary publicly dissed “Stand By Your Man” females, hence Chelsea doesn’t emulate Proverb 31

LUCILLE JONES JENKINS

DEC. 13, 1918- MAY 13, 2007

lie Williams, Tyrone Wilkins, Freely, Walter, Oliver, and Robert Jenkins. Wilson Scruggs, Cedric, Keith and Reginald Williams, Justin Wilkins, and Kevin, Lamont, Leonard, Robert Jr., Freely Jr., Cory, Roby, Darryl, Derrick & Oliver Jr. Jenkins, were honorary pallbearers for Lucille, the eldest daughter of eight children born to Willie and Della Jones Jenkins, who was born on Dec. 13, 1918, in Marlin, Texas. Lucille, who was called “Mamie” by her grandchildren,

Michelle Obama as First Lady would resonate with mothers. women. On the other hand, after watching Barack and Michelle interact with Malia and Sasha, no less an expert on the human condition that Windsor Village UMC’s Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell extolled the couple’s admirable parenting skills. Even so, we’ll adhere to objectivity and defer to other opinions. Political columnist Erin Abrams, who wrote in a Feb. 13, 2008 article (Michelle Obama - Work/Life Balance in the Public Eye), “My platform is to make sure that my kids have their heads on straight. We can talk about [that] high-falutin’ notion … but here I am, a woman professional who has to work on top of my first job as a mother.’ Sounds like a statement that could have been made by any working mom in America. But it wasn’t just an ordinary mom, struggling to make ends meet between a full-time job and full-time parenting. “It was Michelle Obama, wife of presidential hopeful Barack Obama, explaining to a voter that she hadn’t really given much thought to her ‘First Spouse’ platform, because her grew up with six sisters, and four of them, Geraldine, Rosalie, Willie V, and Helen who preceded her in death. Mildred and Ernestine are still working in God’s vineyard. Upon moving to Houston, she became an active member of the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. J. E. Jenkins. She attended Colored High now known as Booker T. Washington High School, where she later met a handsome young Christian man who swept her off her feet by the name of Gilbert Jenkins. The two were married on October 18, 1935. God granted 11 loving children to this union. After marrying Gilbert, she united with the True Light Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Emeritus William Bowie, Jr. Being a woman of virtue she came along side her husband. She was a dedicated member of the “Family of Light” now under the leadership of Rev. John William Bowie. She served as one of the first Women’s Day Chairladies, a gifted Sunday School teacher for adults and children, an usher, a

duties as a mother and her job as a hospital administrator took precedence. The woman who asked the questions apologized for offending the candidate’s wife. Realizing that she might have spoken too harshly, Mrs. Obama grabbed the woman’s hand and said, ‘It’s personal.’ “And it is personal, as every woman who has tried to juggle work with motherhood knows. But, to put a new spin on an old phrase, what happens when the personal becomes the political? What kind of inferences do voters draw from the presidential candidates’ spouses, especially Mrs. Obama’s public efforts to maintain the normalcy of her family life and address work/life balance issues that really resonate with female voters? “Many times on the campaign trail, she structures her days around her children’s ballet recitals and soccer games, and tries to make time to snuggle with them in the morning before sending them off to school. In a post-cookie baking era of first spouses (can’t really picture Michelle Obama frosting cupSee MOTHER’S DAY page 3

member of the Ruth Circle, and she had a beautiful contralto voice in the choir. She loved to sew and work with her hands. She could make anything from a dress to a pillow stuffed with love. Sunday, May 13, 2007, Mother’s Day, she opened her eyes, looked up towards the heavens, saw the angels of the Lord coming to take her to her husband of 58 years and two daughters, Meredith Elizabeth and Cathryn Lavern who preceded her in death. She is survived by her nine children; Walter Louis (Betty), Oliver Eugene (Joynell), Robert Leon (Faye), Freely Allen (Gladys), Hattie Marie (Willie), Mary Earline (Jerome), Martha Eurline, Merion Ann and Vicki Lynn. In addition, she leaves behind 34 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren. Two sisters, Mildred Johnson and Ernestine Shaw, nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends. Who can find a virtuous woman? Here is one, Mrs. Lucille Jenkins, a matriarch, mother, friend, hard worker and a Lady of Dignity. TX-1

VIEWPOINTS & OPINIONS

2 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • May 7-13, 2008

EDITORIAL

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

WE MUST UNDERSTAND: Black Mother’s Catch-22

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e forewarned, AfricanAmerican News&Issues isn’t limited to glorifying descendants of slaves’ hard won victories and tenuous progress, or exalting Black faces in high places (negotiating the system to attain enviable lifestyles advancing the--real, or imagined-- America Dream), that more positive Black publications focus on. Nor do we wish to criticize Black publishers, and/or owners of broadcast media, who have no shame in their game to proclaim (in their mission statements) their dedication to positive, uplifting news about our people. Instead, we’re simply saying that we’re dedicated to Black newspapers’ historical prime directive: “We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” We Must Understand, in a perfect democracy—anchored by a free press ideally reporting all news without fear or favor—a common line of communication would suffice to enlighten and entertain the wide diversity of races, creeds, and religions indigenous to the land of the free. Need we tell you that the land of the free has yet to evolve into the perfect democracy that would, indeed, make the America Dream a reality? That reality should not only be obvious from a common sense Black perspective, but a realistic White perspective as well. Denial notwithstanding, in spite of a preponderance of evidence to the contrary Black America fail to see the folly of allowing others to speak for us. Hence, we dare ask if you consider the mainstream media your primary source of information? We ask, because we’ve always had cause to pause and ponder why made in America Africans’

PUBLISHER’S NEWS ANALYSIS

BUD’S EYEVIEW

Mom & Pop Business

TX-2

On: Baby Momma’s Drama

Roy Douglas Malonson

suspect African-American News&Issues’ detractors, wont to condemn our tell it like it is newspaper (as a negative, race baiting periodical that over dramatizes African-American’s woes in the land of the free to support our Black perspectives editorial policy), expect for us to use Mother’s Day to cleverly play a race card. If so, I hate to disappoint them. Even so, I would be naïve not to realize that today’s “You must love yourself first” mothers, fall far short of the Holy Bible’s Proverbs 31 woman. But I won’t play the dozens. Everybody has, or had mothers they should love unconditionally, whether they deserve it or not. Meanwhile, the ever increasing discord (between men and women that’s dividing and confusing 2008 Black America), is literally destroying the Black family. I won’t waste valuable space with a litany of statistics to validate that sad fact? But I will say that we (Black people) are spinning our wheels talking about community unity until we address our family problems. Maybe we should go back to the old days and learn what happened to the family values that made us value our family. Think of Asians whose businesses thrive in the ‘hood. Yeah, I hear you saying that their culture allows Asian men to control their families. However, I beg to differ with you. Maybe some Black people have forgotten, or just don’t know our history, but I remember when Black moms and pops were business partners. The term “Mom & Pop,” probably originated with businesses in the ‘hood. In fact, I don’t have

to look any further than the African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston’s seniors to validate that there have always been Black women who had good Black men’s back. I also know that there are few of those kinds of enterprising Black women around today. And I’m lucky to have one. Perish the thought, I’m beating my own drum here. But I have personal knowledge about what Black men can do when loyal women have their backs. Not only because they loved and respected them, but they also supported their dreams. I’m saying all of this, to say that we should make a collective effort to revive our “Mom & Pop” relationships before it’s too late. Today’s economy suggests that small family businesses could be our future generation’s salvation. And there’s no better time to discuss that reality than the nation’s 94th observance of Mother Day. (FYI: The United States celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May. In America, Mother’s Day was loosely inspired by the British day and was imported by social activist Julia Ward Howe after the Civil War. Her idea was influenced by Ann Jarvis, a young Appalachian homemaker who, starting in 1858, had attempted to improve sanitation through what she called Mothers’ Work Days. When Jarvis died in 1907, her daughter, named Anna Jarvis started the crusade to found a memorial day for women. The first such Mother’s Day was celebrated in Grafton, West Virginia, on May 10, 1908. In 1914 President Woodrow

intelligentsia (identified as our leaders) are politically naïve enough to depend on descendants of slave owner’s lines of communication as their primary source of information? Have they been subliminally brainwashed, or programmed (by the nation’s public schools) to disregard America’s institutionalized racism? Translation: Are they crazy? Self-aggrandizement aside, any sane, politically-astute Black America wouldn’t meander past an African-American News&Issues newsstand without taking one. On second thought, take as many as you need to distribute among your family and friends. They might enjoy reading a newspaper that tells it like it is from an uncompromised Black perspective. We Must Understand, in an imperfect world an oppressed people must have a strong editorial voice to plead their own cause and/ or to help them identify intellectual Trojan Horses, lest they will be destroyed for lack of knowledge. Take, for instance, the spiritual catch-22 Black mothers find themselves in today because they allow a hostile media to denigrate the father of their children with impunity. Surely today’s “liberated Black mothers” will deny that they still suffer from the Willie Lynch syndrome. (FYI: “Take the female and run a series of tests on her to see if she will submit to your desires willingly. Test her in every way, because she is the most important factor for good economics. If she shows any sign of resistance in submitting completely to your will, do not hesitate to use the bullwhip on her to extract that last bit of “bitch” out of her. “Take care not to kill her, for in doing so, you spoil good econom-

Bud Johnson: The Old African Warrior

oebeit “babies having babies” is a bane in the land of the free today, I beg to differ with the Bill Cosbys of 2008 America. Yes, you can queue up The Twilight Zone theme forthwith, because I must diss dummies that drift into The Outer Limits of playing the dozens when they regurgitate invalid premises (propagated by barren social engineers), that second guess God Almighty. Square business, I hear brothers and sisters, who confuse social problems with biological reality, “igno-ranting” media propaganda. Yet, I challenge any anthropologist to go on record to deny that fertility is what it is. Hey, I know it’s something folks don’t like to discuss. But can we talk? Like it or not, if your girl-child needs sanitary napkins, she’s ready, willing, able, and lustfully waiting to reproduce a child. Females’ cycles signals fertility, because that’s just the way God planned it. Furthermore, mayhaps while teaching Biology 101, I should further explain that we’re defying God’s will to ignore a preponderance of (Biblical and/or historical) evidence that dictates when our little princesses are ready to go forth and multiply. Okay, I’m just a crazy, old African warrior, so I’ll defer to the nation’s Health and Human Resources bureaucracy that states: “In the United States, the aver-

age age of fertility is 12. This does not mean that all girls are the same. A girl can start her period anytime between the ages of eight and 15. Usually, the first periWinnie od starts about (circa 1934) two years after breasts first start to grow. “If a girl has not had her first period by age 15, or if it has been more than two to three years since breast growth started, she should see a doctor.” Accordingly, the Texas Department of Health reported that nearly 60 girls married in 2002 at the tender age of 14. (In Alabama, South Carolina and Utah, girls also can marry at 14; in New Hampshire it’s 13; in Massachusetts and Kansas, 12.) I rest my case. But, alas, since I was born Jan. 7, 1934, four days before my momma turned 20 on Jan. 11, I’m a wee bit prejudiced. Hey, my mother assured me that she wasn’t knocked up when she and Daddy jumped the broom on Oct. 1, 1930, because “(Sam) Junior was born June 23, 1932. I damn sure ain’t no elephant.” For real, that’s how we rapped, and I sho’ nuff miss that little devil who told me “hasta la vista baby,” on Oct. 9, 1991. She probably was tired, because

Wilson declared the first national Mother’s Day. According to the National Restaurant Association, Mother’s Day is now the most pop-

ular day of the year to dine out at a restaurant in the United States.Wikipedia Encyclopedia.) Surely, it would be beneficial

Read us online at www.aframnews.com

ics. When in complete submission, she will train her offsprings in the early years to submit to labor when they become of age. Understanding is the best thing. Therefore, we shall go deeper into this area of the subject matter concerning what we have produced here in this breaking process of the female nigger. We have reversed the relationship; in her natural uncivilized state, she would have a strong dependency on the uncivilized nigger male, and she would have a limited protective tendency toward her independent male offspring and would raise male offsprings to be dependent like her. Nature had provided for this type of balance. We reversed nature by burning and pulling a civilized nigger apart and bullwhipping the other to the point of death, all in her presence. “By her being left alone, unprotected, with the MALE IMAGE DESTROYED, the ordeal caused her to move from her psychologically dependent state to a frozen, independent state. In this frozen, psychological state of independence, she will raise her MALE and female offspring in reversed roles. For FEAR of the young male’s life, she will psychologically train him to be MENTALLY WEAK and DEPENDENT, but PHYSICALLY STRONG. Because she has become psychologically independent, she will train her FEMALE offspring to be psychologically independent. What have you got? You’ve got the nigger WOMAN OUT FRONT AND THE nigger MAN BEHIND AND SCARED. This is a perfect situation of sound sleep and economics.-Willie Lynch’s How to Make a Slave.) Sleep well America. Meanwhile, Happy Mother’s Day.

she became mother to her five siblings at age 11, after her momma died trying to birth a seventh child at age 26. Thus, I ain’t about to believe a 14-year-old girl having a baby is a problem. Then again, I realize that institutions, e.g., the family structure, have failed our babies, and are passing the buck to causalties of their spiritual war. Square business, it should behoove you that it’s more intelligent to diss unwed mothers (of any age) having babies as a problem. Even so, when my momma’s baby sister got knocked up, it wasn’t society’s problem. It was a family problem that we were well-equipped to handle. After all, my momma had been taking care of babies since she was 11. Incidentally, when she got married at 16, she was a senior in Phillis Wheatley’s 11th grade, but at the time, married students couldn’t attend public schools. Nevertheless, Grandpa Fonteno taught my momma everything she needed to know to be a parent, and she in turn taught her siblings. For real, Aunt Pearl (named for her momma, Pearlie Easter, the daughter of John and Winnie Easter, who was my momma’s namesake), did gumbo at age nine. And each of the three girl and two boy siblings were excellent cooks, and their house cleaning skills could turn shacks into castles. Momma also taught me what she taught her siblings. That’s why I don’t buy the baby momma’s drama propagated by White intellects that historically hired young, Black gals to raise their urchins. I wonder if anybody knows where I’m coming from? for descendants of slaves (educated, i.e., trained, brainwashed, programmed, in a post integration See MOM & POP page 3

COMMUNITY & POLITICS DROPOUTS -from Page 1

confident they could have graduated, including a majority with low GPAs. More than 80 percent said their chances of staying in school would have increased if classes were more interesting and provided opportunities for real-world learning. The majority cited that higher expectations from teachers and parents and improved supervision in the classroom would have helped keep them in school. “I got really bored so I started cutting class to hang out with friends”, said Fallon O’Hagan, who dropped out of school over six years ago. She has since been working as a waitress at two restaurants, but desires to get a GED one day. “I was failing most of my classes so I figured it was too late. But if I met any student today who is thinking about dropping out, I would tell them that’s not smart.” Lyle Oats was kicked out of school and turned to drug dealing. “In school, everything is a little bit boring and in a box. So I started selling drugs, but then I realized I didn’t know what I was going to do with my life since I didn’t have a job or an education.” He is now a student at YouthBuild Just-A-Start in Cambridge, Mass. In YouthBuild programs, low-income young people ages 16-24 work toward their GED or high school diploma, learn job skills and serve their communities by building affordable housing. A further breakdown analysis by the Alliance showed that those with the lowest graduation rates included Detroit City School District (24.9 percent), Indianapolis Public Schools (30.5 percent), Cleve-

land Municipal City School District (34.1 percent), Baltimore City Public School System (34.6 percent) and Columbus Public Schools (40.9 percent). Part of the Plan for Graduation Success, compiled by the Alliance, demands accurate graduation and dropout Data; the establishment of early warning systems to support struggling students; adult advocates; rigorous college and work preparatory curriculums; focused research; and making the increase in the high school graduation a national priority. Over the next two years, the Alliance will host drop-out prevention summits in every state in the country and in select communities. These summits will increase awareness, encourage collaboration and facilitate action in those states and communities that want to improve their graduation rates. In his book, “A Torchlight for America,” Minister Louis Farrakhan writes that, “the problem in today’s education is that the root motivation is the acquisition of wealth and material things rather than cultivation of the human spirit. We must also make changes in the training of teachers and in their teaching schedules, so that they, too, will be able to incorporate sound teaching practices into their daily routines. Recognition of God is the proper beginning point for understanding every discipline. If we cannot honor God, the Supreme Teacher, then how can the children honor their teachers? We have this thing all backwards.” Muhammad is a freelance writer living in the Houston, Texas area.

Mother’s Day Brunch hosted by Black Academy of Arts & Letters DALLAS- A Mother’s Day Brunch will be presented by The Black Academy of Arts and Letters on Sunday, May 11, 2008. “An Afternoon of Dining and Entertainment,” just for the mother in your life, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Music will be presented by Jared Coleman and catering is by Peaches Party Package. The event will be held at the Dallas Convention Center Theater Complex (Corner of Canton and Akard Streets). The cost of the Mother’s Day Brunch is $30. You may pay for tickets by phone with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express by calling TBAAL’s Box Office at (214)-743-2400. MOTHER’S DAY -from Page 1

cakes any better than Bill Clinton), Mrs. Obama’s struggle to keep her children’s lives as normal as possible and maintain her own career in light of her husbands meteoric rise strikes a chord with other working moms.” Mother’s Day Politics aside, African American News & Issues wish Michelle Obama--and all other Proverbs 31 women-- Happy Mother’s Day.It’s that time of year

Roy Douglas Malonson-Chairman Shirley Ann Malonson-Pres./CEO Bud Johnson-Mgr. Editor Emeritus Marvin D. Cloud-Production Mgr. Lisa M. Smith- Production Assistant Jesse Simon - Photojournalist Mario Salas-Cont. Writer Oswald J. Scott -Cont. Writer Roger Jackson-Photographer Fred Smith-Advertising/Sales James Johnson-Distribution Allen Carlton-Distribution David Johnson-Distribution • 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).

when newspaper headlines across the USA announce the latest tuition increases at the local public college or university for this coming fall semester — increases that could well be in the high single digits and, in some cases, double digits. MOM & POP -from Page 2

era who’ve progressed because of affirmative action that has a natural tendency to emulate privileged descendants of slave owners), to make a collective effort (Perhaps, in our churches), to have serious discussions about motherhood from a historical Black perspective. Sadly, those old fashioned, stand by your man Black moms are an endangered species today. But I won’t belabor that reality. Instead, I want to wish Black “Mom & Pop” entrepreneurs (still taking care of family business the old fashion way) Happy Mother’s Day.

“Church Ladies” a Mother’s Day event HOUSTON- The French Creole Productions ~ Shrine of the Black Madonna Cooperative Fundraising Project gives groups, organizations, and churches the opportunity to raise funds for their in- Norma J. Thomas dividual programs by selling tickets to the inspiring, uplifting, tear-jerking,

African-American News&Issues • Texas • May 7-13, 2008 • 3

Rep. Ruth McClendon named to Select Committee on Property Tax Relief

SAN ANTONIO– Speaker Tom Craddick (R-Midland) has appointed Representative Ruth Jones McClendon (D-San Antonio) to the Select Committee on Property Tax Relief and Appraisal Reform. The committee will oversee all matters related to property tax relief and reforming the property appraisal system. “I appreciate being asked to serve with Chair John Otto and the Select Committee Members in developing property tax and appraisal proposals for the 2009 Legislative Session. The challenge we face, as Committee Members and as Legislators, is how to keep property appraisals and tax rates reasonable and equitable, without impairing the ability of cities, counties, and school and hospital districts to function at levels the public expects. Definitely, we have our work cut out for us.” The committee will review the sections of the Texas Constitution and the state tax code that limit or authorize limiting the appraised value or increases in the appraised

value of property for tax purposes. It may request assistance from any executive branch agency, and it will issue a report to the House of Representatives before the 81st Legislative Session, which may include draft legislation or recommendations for legislation. “Representative McClendon’s experience as a result of her work on the House Appropriations Committee and the House Pensions & Investments Committee make her a well-qualified member of this team,” Speaker Craddick said. “I have full confidence that she and the rest of the select committee members will find a viable solution to this important issue.” Representative McClendon is serving her sixth term as the State Representative for House District 120, and is running unopposed for reelection in November. She is the Chair of the House Rules & Resolutions Committee. She also serves as a Member of the Subcommittee on Education and the Subcommittee on the Texas Department of Trans-

Rep. Ruth McClendon portation for the House Appropriations Committee, and as Chief Budget Officer of the House Pensions & Investments Committee. In addition, she serves as a Member of the Sunset Advisory Commission.

ne of the reasons why Obama is doing so well in the current election is because of the Iraq War. Americans are sick of all of the lies and excuses being used to justify a phony war in which Americans are being asked to give their lives. With the Iraq War going on and on, with no end or win in sight, it becomes all the more apparent that to leave in Iraq is a damning proposition, but worse is the prospect of staying and becoming a colonial occupier. If we stay, we are double damned! Despite the usual government excuses of why we are still there. The war was fought on false pretenses. There were no weapons of mass destruction (WMD’s) as claimed by the Bush administration. The Iraq government under Sadaam had no connections to Al Qaeda, and there was an interest in Iraq oil by the big oil monopolies. After the Bush administration was busted for fabricating lies about WMD’s they then came up with a new set of lies. This included the false claims that Iraq had a connection to the terrorists that bombed the World Trade Center. This was also proven false. Like schoolboy liars, the Bush administration invented one lie after another. But it did not end there. Then we heard that often-repeated false advertising commercial that the world was better off without the Iraqi dic-

tator. The world would be better off without the King of Saudi Arabia or the racist wall on the border with Mexico, or the Israeli wall built and their weapons of mass destruction, or any number of dictators that the Bush administration claims as friends. The world would be better off without all of the lies that keep us in Iraq. After these lies fell short of the mark, a new one appeared that said we are “building democracy in Iraq.” There is little or no democracy in Iraq since the war began. What we are seeing is a corrupt Iraqi government that excludes people and calls itself a democracy. We have lost over 4,000 American lives, (and still counting) for all of the lies told, in the meantime, most Iraqi people want us out of their country. The surge (escalation is a more appropriate word) of troops has only worked because Shia gunmen have ethnically cleansed the city of Baghdad of Sunnis. The Bush administration kept the war going and in so doing invited Al Qaeda forces to train their fighters in this theatre of war. The Iraqi insurgents have started shooting at AL Qaeda and not the U.S. for the time being, giving the appearance that the surge is the only reason some of the violence has dissipated. True to the continued lying program, we are being told that the surge is the reason why some of the

violence has stopped, but we have become aware it is mainly because of the insurgent temporary ceasefire. When the time comes, the fighting will pick up again, as the insurgents have vowed to resume attacks on U.S. troops once Al Qaeda is subdued. There is now another problem. The Shiite community wants the U.S. to get out of Iraq, and they make up 60 percent of the population. They do not trust the Iraqi government set up by the U.S. and increased fighting is on from this sector. Iraq is a complicated situation that will not be solved with the “export of democracy.” We will not be able to solve Iraq’s problems and should not be trying to do so. We need to remove our troops from Iraq as soon as possible and recognize that the whole thing was one huge mistake. We will have to live with whatever happens in Iraq when we leave because our involvement there was based on one lie after another. We should not be staying in Iraq to keep President Bush from going down in history as the worse president in modern times. If we leave Iraq, Bush and those who supported the war will go down in history as the biggest buffoons in the history of foreign policy. If we stay, there will be uprisings against the occupation of that country. We will become hated colonizers and occupiers of a country that has to solve its own problems. When the troops are removed, discussions will center on those who started this lunacy, and the Republicans are trying to avoid talks that will haunt their president and party for a long time to come.

side-splitting musical production, “Church Ladies.” The production is written, produced, and directed by Norma J. Thomas, featuring music composed by Mr. Jimmie Jacob, and under the Musical Direction of Keith Morrison and Pamela White. The show promotes the themes of people helping people, of women reaching out to each other that they might experience wholeness, completeness, and empowerment in their personal lives and in their community. It is the show that took Houston’s Zilkha Hall by storm dur-

ing the 2006 All Women of Power, Women’s Conference. The acting is great; the singing is superb, and the message is a powerful one. It is A Mother’s Day Special Event, scheduled to be presented Sunday, May 11, 2007 at 4p.m., at the Shrine of the Black Madonna, 5151 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., in an attempt to spend the day celebrating motherhood, sisterhood, and, indeed, womanhood in a very special way. A free preview being held at the same location, will be performed on Friday, May 9, 2008 is an attempt to reach out to sisters in shel-

ters, transitional situations, and recovery groups with a message of empowerment. The partnership endeavor between French Creole Productions and the Shrine of the Black Madonna is an effort to demonstrate to the community what people can do for themselves if they work together. The success of this endeavor will send a resounding message throughout the community and pave the way for many more endeavors like it, on even grander scales. For more information, call (713) 671-4161 or (281) 794-5441.

S A L A S’ P O INT Iraq War: Damned Either Way Mario Marcel Salas

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Rate and size of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston marketplace. 4 • African-American News&Issues 7-13, 28, 20082008 EDITION DATE:• Texas May• May 7-May ACCOUNTANTS

ATTORNEYS

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CHILD SUPPORT BLUES GOT YOU DOWN?

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FUNERAL HOMES

INSURANCE

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BORRIS L. MILES Insurance Agency

Memorial Mortuary

5000 Almeda Rd. Houston Texas 77004 713-942-7673

America can depend on Farmers

Morgan Harris Funeral Home 8011 West Montgomery Houston Texas 77088 (281)820-2391 O.W. Wiley Mortuary, Inc. 1290 Pinemont Dr. Houston, Texas 77018 (713)681-7475

Rate and size of ad to run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston edition. Spring Blossom Plate HEARING AIDS Borris L. Miles 14” tall Publication Date: November 28December 4, 2007 AUTO REPAIR Supporting The Community Hearing Aids of Houston

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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.

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Acres Homes Barber College We Appreciate 2306 Ferguson Way Our Customers Houston 77088 (281)931-5591 ...see more on PAGE 2 Elliott Community Shop 13030 Woodforest Suite G Houston 77075 BUSINESS ORG. (713)455-2321 Hair Design by Antoinette Come join the 163 Greens Rd. “LUNCH BUNCH” Houston 77060 at the African American (281)875-4993 Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston’s Professional Hair Designers of TX 10767 Eastex Freeway Business Networking Luncheon Houston 77093 Thursday, June 5, 2008 (713)691-0868 12:15 PM Ad11:00 ForAM 4 -Weeks Rogers Barbershop $200.00 2113 West Little York Houston 77091 +One Time Design Fee Date (713)680-8827

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

HELPCompany: WANTED L&S Small World Academy 5302 Almeda Rd. Phone: (832) 338-4766 or (713) Hou.249-9337 TX 77004

email:bmiles@bmilesinsurance.com

Rate and size of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston edition. Me Help You Cut Publication Date: April 16-May 7, 2008 Let Costs On Insurance (713) L&S 697-7879

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

The Learning Garden 6672 Antoine Houston 77091 (713) 682-0601

Heading Title: SEMINAR

Part Time House 505 N. Sam Houston Pkwy E#410 Auto* Home* Houston, TX 77060 Cleaning Person needed on SEMINAR CIVIL RIGHTS ORG. Flood* Angela L. Dixon is licensed in Texas. Seminar: Sneaky SAP Secrets Mondays &Tuesdays Helesha D. Brown Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 She has a Juris Doctor degree from the *Life *Health* Hosted byBlack TheRate Consulting Institute and size of Ad to run in AAN&I’s University of Iowa College of Law, an National United Front Agent in the Hempstead Saturday, May 31, 2008 M.B.A. from St. Ambrose University *Business* Houston Chapter NOON Friday and a Bachelor ofbefore Arts degree from for Wednesday publication or the ad will not run. (FM 1736 Rd. & Houston/Galveston marketplace. Contact Information Ph: 281-448-6677 LOCATION Alabama A&M University. She handles LaneName: View area). a variety of legal matters providing Crowne Plaza Houston Downtown Elwanda Bennett Chairman Apply Online~ clients with quality legal services in a 1700 Smith St. Houston, TX 77002 Please call May 7-13, EDITION DATE: 2008 Kofi Taharka P.O.#: cost-efficient and timely manner. www.USAinsurance.com Hotel Phone: 713-739-8800 Chapter 713-692-1100 to inquire Hotel Fax:Houston 713-739-7307 Company: The Consulting Institute

FAMILY LAW *Child Support *Adoptions *Modifications *Custody *Name Change *All Areas CRIMINAL - ACCIDENTS Law Offices of James & Stagg 1314 Texas, Ste. 701, Houston, TX 77002

713-223-5811 Se habla Espanol Not certified by Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Spoil & Pamper Me Day Spa & Salon The Unique Salon for “The Phenomenal Woman” We offer: Complete Healthy Hair Care for All Type Hair Free Hair Analysis Precision Cuts, Relaxers, Styles, Perms Texturizers, Hair Extentions Hair Protein Infusions Hours:

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$25.00 Total $225.00

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Benjamin L. Hall, III, Esq. AdThe ForHall4 Law Weeks Firm Members: $100.00 Presale: $25.00 +One At Time Design Fee the Door: $30.00 Non-Members: $25.00 Presale: $35.00 Total At the Door: $40.00 RSVP by June 2, 2008 $125.00 You can register & pay online.

REGISTRATION

MeetingsCall Monday @ 7:00pm 832-484-9792 Fax 832-553-2519 2428 Southmore Houston, 77004

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Only $195 while seats last. COMPUTER CLASSES

Computer Software Classes Personalized Business Training

Phone: 832-484-9792 Fax: 832-484-9792 CDL DriverAddress needed for forHaul tearsheets: Truck w/Lowboy (713) 9412202 Laurel Branch Way 1232. Standard Constructors, Houston, TX 77014 Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer.

INSURANCE GEORGE W. LUNNON, JR. Agent

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Minority Business Hall Heading Title Employment of Fame

DALLAS— The Minority Business Hall of Fame and Contact MuseumInformatio Name:Inc., Norma Meadows recentCompany: Standard ly recognized Constru Phone: 713-941-1232 pioneers Fax: 713-941-6616 of minoriAddress tearsheets: ty for business development at an awards Brothers dinner at The Stonebriar CounAD COST try Club Net Rate: $67.50 in Frisco, Texas. The 3rdTotal annuCost: $67.5 al induction ceremony Conyers honored Dorothy Brothers (posthumously), former vice president and Date executive direcOsborne tor of supplier diversity, Bank of America; Nathan George Conyers, former Ford and Jaguar automotive dealers; Gerald Diez. President and CEO, The Diez Group; Carmen Muñoz, executive director, Focus Hope Enterprise and former automotive suppliers; Dr. Alfred Osborne; professor of entrepreneurial studies, Anderson School of Management, UCLA; and Dr. Steven Rogers, professor of entrepreneurship, The Kellogg School, Northwestern University. J. Frederick Canady, vice president of diversity, PepsiCo Inc, hosted the awards program, sponsored by PepsiCo, Inc.

Home - Health ELECTRICAL Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 Beulah Ann Shepard Bldg.

Business

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

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

6112 Wheatley St. by 12 NOON Friday before for Wednesday publication or the ad will not run.

Masseur & Reflexologist on Staff

16630 Imperial Valley #242 Houston, Texas 77060 281-447-5252 NEED A WILL? QUESTIONS ON PROBATE? FOR FREE INFORMATION Contact Attorney Oswald J. Scott, Sr.

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texasprobateandwills.com Not certified by theTexas Board of Legal Specialization

SYLVESTER TURNER Attorney At Law

Signature

Hiring Hairstylists & Nail Techs

(commission or booth rental) Ask for Natasha or Jacquie

Houston, TX 77091

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Email: webmaster@aaccgh.org Website: www.aaccgh.org

FINANCIAL Date IRS PROBLEMS &

Income Tax Preparation Do not talk to the IRS without Representation!!!

Teran Barber Shop 661 Rose Houston 77015 (713)671-0011

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.

Please sign for approval and fax back t by 12 NOONHunters Friday before Insurance Agencyfor Wednesday publica

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.

Tracy’s Beautiful Braids and Beyond 8222 Antoine Dr. Suite 101 Houston 77088 (832)888-3906

Rodrick Dow, PC

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2656 S. Loop West #340 Houston, TX 77054 (832) 778-8194

Please sign for approval and fax backThis to1”713-692-1183 ad could be FUNERAL HOMES yours for only by 12 NOON Friday before for Wednesday publication or$100 the ad will not run. Boyd Funeral HOUSTON MINORITY P.O.Home Number for 4 weeks!

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You looked here...... and so will your CUSTOMERS! Please call 713-692-1892 for pricing information.

TX-4

Support local Black Businesses and Signature !!! Organizations

BUSINESS COUNCIL

Three Riverway, Suite 555 Houston, Texas 77056 713-271-7805 | www.hmbc.org

7411 Wheatley St. Houston Texas 77088 (281)445-0971

Date

You can get a 4-line ad for only $17.50 per week. For more information,call (713)692-1892 Kashmere Funeral Home 5908 Lavender Houston Texas 77026 (713)633-3809

Call 713-692-1892 for more information!

Media Partnership Purchase an ad in our publication and we will do a profile on your business that will be published in our newspaper. Plus, we will help publicise your events, milestones, activities, new products, etc. Contact AAN&I’s staff at 713-692-1892 for more info and to find outDate about our Media Partnership that offer for even more benefits.

Attention !!!!!!! Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 Get this 2” x 2” ad byfor 12 NOON Friday before for Wednesday publication or the ad will $400 for 4 weeks! LOCKWOOD For more information, contact Funeral Home, Inc the AAN&I staffSignature at 9402 Lockwood Dr. Houston, Texas 77016 713-692-1892 P.O. Number

713.633.1492

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BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

LL&S &S Small World Academy Small World Academy

RADIO

INVESTMENTS

“Learning to Compete”

Retiring, Changing Jobs or Laid Off?

MIN. ROBERT MUHAMMAD • LICENSED BY THE STATE

• NEWBORN- 13 Years • LEARNING ENVIROMENT • QUALITY CHILD CARE Connect the Dots • TRANSPORTATION 10:00- 11.30 a.m. Wed • DROP-INS WELCOME KPFT 90.1 FM

African-American Heading Title: News&Issues • Texas • May 7-13, 2008 • 5 Child Care

New Orleans hosts Black MIGHTY FINE World Conference SHOE REPAIR Contact Information SHOE REPAIR

Men & Ladies - Boots & Shoes NEW ORLEANS- The Institute of the Shined, Waxed, Name:Glazed, Mr. Robert Leday DyedCompany: & Repaired L&S Small Century, under the leadership of veteran World Academy

Black World 21st social and politi281-448-9255 cal activist Dr. Ron Daniels, Phone: (832) 338-4766 or (713) 249-9337 Pager 713-687-8592 • mfshoe@aol.com announced plans to convene • 401(k), • Profit Sharing 24- Hour DAY CARE SERVICE 1400 South Victory Houston, TX 77088 the Second State of the Black Major Credit Cards ACCEPTED • 403(b), • ESOP L&S (713)ESTATE 697-7879 World Conference (SOBWC) REAL • Pension • Other in New Orleans, November 401 West Donovan T-SHIRTS HUD/RESALE AND NEW HOME SALES Houston, 77091 19-23, 2008. The organizers of Call Your Hometown Realtor Now! Events/Family Reunion T-Shirts NO COST CONSULTATION! (Between N. Shepard & Yale) SOBWC hope to attract some Frances Campbell 281-414-2211 4913 Griggs St. 3,000 people from Black comwww.culturalconcepts.net CCD Ventures, Realtors Other Services Include: munities across the United (713) 747-0021 Income Tax States and people of African Need an Appraisal? Preparation YOUTH SPORTS descent communities in Canawww.WeTCB.com IRS Problems Certified Public Accountant da, the Caribbean, Central and 713-882-8262 L & S Youth Sports South America, Europe and Lloyd George Enterprises 713-862-4332 Basketball League Africa. * Rodrick Dow, CPA, MBA Registered Representative, Securities offered through H. D. Vest Heading Title “Fair Market Value” Boys & Girls The program/schedule will Michael Baisden Investment ServicesSM, Member SIPC, Advisory Services offered through H. D. Vest AdvisoAppraiser@WeTCB.com include the Damu Smith Leadry ServicesSM, Non-bank subsidiaries of Wells Fargo & Company, 6333 North State Highway Ages 9 thru 18 Heading: 161, 4th Floor, Irving, Texas 75038 (972) 870-6000 For more information call ership Development and Organizer Training Institute; A RESTAURANTS Pest Control National/International Town Hall Meeting; Katrina Policy (832) 338-4766 or Roundtables; a Special Session on Haiti; Pan African PoliLeonard’s Famous Burgers LEGAL SERVICES (713)249-9337 PEST CONTROL cy Forum; Black Family Summit; a wide range of issue area 1913 W. Little York Rd. ENROLL NOW !! Contact Information Working Sessions: and, Intergenerational Dialogues. CONTACT INFORMATION Houston 77091 Suspended Driver’s Your BUGS are our Problem! All games will be played at Name: Ricky Hayden Scores of national, regional and local civil rights/human (713) 686-3555 License Because of an RAYCO Name: Raynard JonesRayco Control rights, religious, labor and political leaders and activists are Harvest TimePest Community P.O.#: Sartins Seafood of Nassau Bay Center- 17770 Imperial Valley Alcohol or Drug Charge? PestCompany: Control Adult Learning CenterBay Road being invited to participate in the conference Heading Title: including Marc 18023 Upper Phone: 281-444-3525 Get them back in as little as 7 days! GUARANTEED! Phone: 713-695-2672 Houston 77028 Morial, President/CEO, National Urban League; Kevin PowSEMINAR Fax: 713-695-4374 (call first) ell, author, commentator and political activist; Rev. Jesse L. 281-444-3525 GRAM (281) 333-4040 SEMINAR Fax: 281-999-0161 D PRO E V www.raycopest.com O Address for tearsheets: Jackson, President, National Rainbow/Push Coalition; Susan R P P A SEMINAR E STAT Rayco will get9322 rid of orEastex prevent, pest probFrwy Taylor, former Editorial Director, Essence Magazine; Rev. Al SCHOOL/CLASSES Seminar: Sneaky SAP Secrets lems, inside and out at yourTx residence or Houston, 77093 Sharpton, President, National Action Network; Dr. Iva CarAD COST Hosted by The Consulting Institute business. Rayco can help with mice, ants, New Direction Job Service Saturday, May 31, 2008 ruthers, General Secretary, Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conferwasps, roaches, spiders, bees, silverfish, ALC • 713-695-2622 8222 Antonie #112 1.5’ ad for 52 weeks - $780.00 termites, fleas, earwigs and much more. ence; Kimberly Crenshaw, Columbia and UCLA Law ProfesContact Information Houston 77088 LOCATION Rayco uses microencapsulated products Ad For 4 Weeks RUNPlaza AD: $780.00 sor; Roland Martin, CNN Analyst; Makani Themba-Nixon, Houston Downtown for a more effective treatment. (281)447-0663TOTAL COST TOCrowne Name: Elwanda Bennett 1700 Smith St. Houston, TX 77002 MEDICAL Executive Director, Praxis Project; Dr. Cornel West; Bev $200.00 P.O.#: Hotel Phone: 713-739-8800 North Houston Academy Smith, National Radio Talk Show Host; Haki Madhubuti, Hotel Fax: 713-739-7307 Company: The Consulting Institute Design Fee PHOTOGRAPHY +One 1126Time W. Tidwell author, poet and Distinguished Phone: 832-484-9792Professor; Melanie Campbell, Houston$25.00 77088 REGISTRATION President, National Coalition for Black Civic Participation; Call 832-484-9792 Fax: 832-484-9792 Creative Colours By RJ (713)686-6900 Fax 832-553-2519 Sonia Sanchez, internationally acclaimed author and poet; Total Address for tearsheets: Outdoor PortraitsOn Point Music & Dance and, Danny Glover, actor and humanitarian. Commercial Weddings 2202 Laurel Branch Way Registration Fee is $350.00 USD 8222 Antoine Dr. Suite #250 $225.00 SOBWCHouston, will alsoTX present - meals included. Fashion-Advertising 77014a Leadership Award to Michael Houston 77088 Save money by registering early! Baisden for his galvanizing work on the Jena 6 Case and a 713/734-1442 (281)447-3517 Only $195 while seats last. Lifetime Achievement Award to Rev. 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o run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston edition. to run6,in2008 AAN&I’s Marketplace tion Date: AprilAd 30-May Beginning Edition Date: December 12-18, 2007

Rate and size of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston edition. Publication Date: April 16-May 7, 2008

Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 by 12 NOON Friday before for Wednesday publication or the ad will not run.

Young Entrepreneur motivates Thurgood Marshall Students JESSIE MUHAMMAD Contributing Writer

FORT BEND- “It is important to surround yourself with people who share the same interests as yours, the same mindset and are not just talking, but are working to take their lives to the next level”, said Keith J. Davis Jr, to many students at Thurgood Marshall High School in the Fort Bend District. He would serve as the keynote speaker for the school’s National Library Week event themed, “Join the Circle of Knowledge.” “Naturally everyone would love to achieve success in some shape or form”Date , said Keith Jr. aka K.Jer’Rod. “But people often fail to realize that success is not given, won or even bought. It must be earned.” The audience in the school’s auditorium included students enrolled in challenging business classes, faculty, staff and administrators who all were eager to hear from the 17-year-old entrepreneur, who is making Signature waves throughout the city of Houston. His hour long interactive talk covered a range of topics including business start-up tips, the need for entrepreneurship in a failing economy, marketing tactics, how to develop a positive attitude, preparation, appearance and the art of the deal. Signature “You don’t have to wait to get out of school to start a business. You can do it now,” he said, as many of the students took notes for a class project. “It used to be a time where our parents could work for the same company for decades, retire and then have the government take care of them. That day is over. Lay offs are on the rise so we must do something for ourselves.” K. Jer’Rod is the president of his own foundation, author, jr. publisher of FYTYA.com, rising model, and one of the cities most sought after motivational speakers. He balances this all while still keeping up his grades at Cy-Springs High School. To close out the speech, he covered points from his soon to be released book titled “Young? So What! Ten Steps To Become A Young Entrepreneur.” The book is destined to be a hit among young people as it outlines how success can be attained no matter what age you are. The Thurgood Marshall students soaked up the steps that included networking, developing a game plan, building a mentoring team and maintaining longevity at the top. “I truly enjoyed his words today”, stated Cortez Kimble, a senior who is headed to LSU in the Fall semester. “I am looking forward to doing big things.” “We were so honored to have K. Jer’Rod on campus today and he did a wonderful job”, said Ms. Yvonne Jackson, the school’s lead librarian and event coordinator. “The kids were coming by my office sharing their excitement! It was a great venue indeed.” Also in attendance was his father Keith J. Davis Sr. and Tony Bynum, a former student at Thurgood Marshall who is now a successful young realtor.

$125.00

Elwanda M. Bennett

AACC-GH welcomes Dr. Benjamin L. Hall, III, Esq. as June luncheon speaker

HOUSTON— The African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (AACC-GH) June luncheon speaker is Dr. Benjamin L. Hall, III, Esq. Dr. Hall is a Harvard-trained lawyer who founded The Hall Law Firm in 2000. The Hall Law Firm concentrates on litigation matters, including complex construction litigation, complex commercial and contract cases, as well as consumer/personal injury claims. Over the years, Hall and his Firm have generated more than $300,000,000 in recoveries for clients. Hall was the City Attorney for the City of Houston during the administration of Mayor Bob Lanier. For approximately three years, he managed and supervised a 200+ member legal department, as well as an annual budget of $12+ million dollars. His responsibilities included supervising all city litigation, drafting and implementing legislative enactments desired by city council, Mayor and/or client departments, drafting all city contracts, negotiating with vendors and other local governmental entities on behalf of the City of Houston, including agreements with METRO, Galveston, Pasadena, South HousDr. Benjamin ton, Katy, the Memorial Villages, etc. He is also a recognized legal expert in construction law and per- L. Hall, III, Esq. sonal injury litigation. He has received numerous honors and accolades for his services in the legal field, including but not limited Date to the following: The highest rating for professional competence and ethical standards awarded by Martindale-Hubbell, the leading legal reference manual in the United States (AV Rating); dual board-certified in personal injury trial law and civil trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization; four times recognized as a A Texas Super Lawyer@ by Texas Monthly Magazine; recognized as a Houston Top Lawyer for the People by AH Magazine”; 2007 recipient of the NAACP Mickey Leland Humanitarian Award; and 2008 recipient of the Houston Lawyers Association Francis Williams Advocacy Award. Hall has Date to: Rockefeller Scholar to Africa; Duke Merit Scholar; Duke Black received many scholastic honors, including but not limited Graduate Fellow; DAAD Scholar to Germany and German Research Fellow. He is also a popular lecturer on a wide variety of topics ranging from insurance and legal issues to minority rights and ethics. Hall is a lifetime member of the NAACP and is a recipient of one of its highest local awards. Of all things, Hall prides himself in being a Christian minister. He has been an ordained minister since 1975 and has served the congregation of the Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ since 1974. He has been married to Saundra Turner Hall since April 18, 1981, and they both are the proud parents of two sons: Benjamin, IV (16) and Zachary, (9). For more information regarding the African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston’s June luncheon or membership prices, please call (713) 692-7003.

or approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 ore for Wednesday publication or the ad will not run. Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 Ad must be approved and payment received by 12 NOON Friday the week before Wednesday publication or the ad will not run.

Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 by 12 NOON Friday before for Wednesday publication or the ad will not run.

(Photos from the left) Ms. Yvonne Jackson (c), the school’s head librarian, congratulates K. Jer’Rod (l) and Tony Bynum on their success as young entrepreneurs. (Second photo) K. Jer’Rod autographs copies of his youth newspaper for students.

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TX-5

CHURCH & COMMUNITY NEWS

6 â&#x20AC;˘ African-American News&Issues â&#x20AC;˘ Texas â&#x20AC;˘ May 7-13, 2008

CHURCH ADS and LISTINGS

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

Baptist

Blessed Hope MBC 3741 Colvin Houston 77013 (713) 673-6309

Praise throughout our Communities Catholic

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

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

Cliffdale BC 854 Enterprise Houston 77088 (281) 447-8850

Church of Christ

Jerusalem MBC 2835 Fidelity Rd. Houston 77029 (713) 674-3794

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

SUNDAY SERVICE

Sunday

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.

Mt. Ararat Community BC 9313 Lockwood Houston 77016 (713)858-9801

8 AM and 11 AM BIBLE STUDIES Wednesday 7:30PM

Wednesday

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

OFFICE: 713/674-5131

Mt. Olive BC 3239 Areba St. Houston 77091 (713)812-9061

Leonard N. Barksdale, Pastor

Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church 4300 Noble Street, Houston TX 77020 Ph: 713/675-5111 â&#x20AC;˘ Fx: 713/675-1522

140 Fidelity Rd. Houston Tx 77029 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

New Pleasant Grove MBC 3221 Bain St. Houston 77021 (713) 672-7419

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.

GREATER FRIENDSHIP MBC Rev. Johnny L. Goff, Sr.,

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

Website

www.ď&#x192;&#x17E;fthwardcoc.org

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

14055 Dublin

Houston, TX. 77085

Office: 713-728-9503 Study: 713-728-4428

www.gfmbc.com Experience the Friendship! Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is a church with a mission- â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let Each One, Reach One!â&#x20AC;? They have been committed to following the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s command to reach out to the lost (Matt. 28: 18-20) since their founding in 1987.

Historical Black Churches are IMPORTANT!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;GIVING, GROWING, & GAININGâ&#x20AC;? 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.

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

Homestead Rd. Church of Christ 7211 Homestead Rd. Houston 77028 (713) 633-1540

St. Matthewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MBC 870 Paul Quinn Houston 77091 (713) 695-2288

713/861-6625 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

FIDELITY CHURCH OF CHRIST â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Church That Caresâ&#x20AC;?

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

730 West 26th St, Houston, TX 77008

Sunday

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

Green Meadow MBC 777 Green Meadow Lane Houston 77091 (713) 694-7624

Ebenezer MBC 1814 Jensen Houston 77026 (713) 222-0838

SHADYâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;ACRES

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Opportunity is

Knocking Come step through our doors and into your future this summer!

On-campus registration hours through June 1

.POEBZ 5IVSTEBZ B N UP Q N t 'SJEBZ BOE 4BUVSEBZ B N UP Q N

On campus registration hours June 2 to August 10

Fall registration also in progress!

Affirmative Action/EEO College

TX-6

Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love turns tragedy into blessing

HOUSTON- Gracious Hope Baptist Church Scholarship fund presents, 100 Women in Red, Sunday May 25, 3:30p.m. The Theme is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Power In The Blood of Jesus.â&#x20AC;? Pastor Melvin Hurstâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife, Sis. Mazola Hurst is the speaker for this occasion. Church location, 13105 Summit Ridge Houston, Texas (near Butler Stadium).

Peer Support Group Meetings

.POEBZ 5IVSTEBZ B N UP Q N t 'SJEBZ B N UP Q N

Carver Center 281.618.5800

NorthHarris.LoneStar.edu

Please support your local African- American Historical Churches !

100 Women in Red Scholarship

Three-week May mini-mester begins May 12 First summer session begins June 2 Second summer session begins July 10

Greenspoint Center 281.260.3500

Wesley UMC 7225 Homestead Houston 77028 (713)635- 3191

HOUSTONAnd Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: Church of God for whither thou goest, I in Christ will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy DUNCAN MEMORIAL CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST people shall be my people, Sr. Pastor Elder and thy God my God: are Greg Edwards memorable words famil(713) 674-5466 iar to Christians, but one 2222 Lockwood Dr. only has to see the lovHouston, Tx 77020 ing bond that evolved SUNDAY between two grieving Morning Prayer: 9:15 am women in Houston, Texasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sunday School: 9:30 am Church Services: 11 am Fifth Ward community, to Ernesto Thomas be reminded of the story Barabin of Ruth. (FYI: The religious truths found in this Duncanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vision Statement: â&#x20AC;&#x153;To train, educate, empower, evanbook relate more to practical life than to abstract theolgelize, and to insipre the body of ogy. Loyalty, love, kindness, the value of persons, and the Christ by developing GODLY character through the word of GOD need to understand one another stand out. In the midst (2:Timothy 2:15). of the chaos then in the land, meaning could be found by returning to the first principles of simple truth. The book of Ruth tells us that no matter how bad things may be, goodness can exist, if we are willing to make the Lutheran effort. --Walter A. Elwell, ed., Bakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bible Handbook), even so one can only imagine the pain that Lessie Marie Clay Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and Kathy Ramirez had to deal with when the sad intel1055 W. Tidwell Rd. ligence of Ernesto Thomas Barabin, sudden and untimeHouston 77091 (713) 680-1419 ly death reached them on February 20, 2008. He was 51. His beloved mother, who was looking forward to her only Non-Denominational son returning home to make her last years, indeed, golden, was blessed to have Ramirez, the 51-year-old Ernestoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christian Life Community Church fiancee (awaiting his arrival so that they could be web in 8146 E. Houston Rd. his home church) in her life. Houston 77028 The two women who loved the same man comfort(713)631-4851 ed each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in their unfathomable grief. Suffice it to Hope In Christ Church say that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love for Ernesto that binds them, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love 10310 Antoine Drive Suite A for each other that has them together. And that spiritual Houston 77086 bond was never more evident as the two grieving women (832) 882-7925 drew strength from each other during the February 29, 2008 celebration of Barabinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relatively brief but very productive life at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 1510 Pannell, with senior pastor, Rev. Harvey Clemons, Jr. officiating an order of service that included: Leslie Baldwin, Vicki Easy, Alma Llorrance and Houston City Councilman, District B Jarvis Johnson. Antonio Thomas, Ernest Thomas, and Daryl Washington, Brothers: Grover Smith, Tommy Riley and Joel Garza were the active pallbearers for Ernesto, who was born on Nov. 21, 1951 to Shiloh Barabin and Lessie Marie Clay in Port Arthur, Texas. Ernesto, however, grew up in Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fifth Ward community and graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1969. Evidentially Ernesto was a wanderlust, insofar as he not only served in the U. S. Army, but later served in the Marines. He also played trumpet in the Royal Canada Band, before settling down to civilian life as a distinguished member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Ernesto also had a genuine thirst for knowledge, therefore he attended Northland College, in Grandfork, North Dakota, where he earned an Associate degree in Criminal Justice. He also earned a BS Degree in Criminal Justice in 2007 from Lake Superior State University and was a member of Alpha Phi Sigma National Honor Society, as well as an honored member of Manchester Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Who of Executives and Professions. On an icy morning in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he embarked on his last earthly journey (en route to Houston where Kathy Ramirez, the love of his life and intended wife), and several hours later his mother learned that he had made an untimely transition from time, into eternity. He left her in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s care, along with four daughters: Raquel Hodge, Becky Baldwin, Raquel Harris and Melissa Barabin; five sons: Antonio Thomas, Ernest Thomas, Marcos Barabin, Felipe Barabin and Javier Barabin; 24 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; numerous cousins and dear friends.

North Harris 281.618.5410

United Methodist

Open doors

FORT WORTH- Tarrant County Winners Circle Peer Support Network are open to the public. Many of the members at one time of another have been to prison, usually as a result of a drug or alcohol problem. There are many others who are in the process of putting their lives back together after being in prison. Winners Circle is a blend of people at various stages of re-establishing their lives. Members assist others by sharing in meetings, the steps they are taking in order to address their own personal goals, objectives and strategies in maintaining a drug, alcohol and crime free lifestyle. Meetings are held each Friday at the Youngman Family Room, The villages of Samaritan House, 929 Hemphill St. For more information, call (817)448-5246.

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COMMUNITY

African-American News&Issues • Texas • May 7-13, 2008• 7

Free Children’s Bicycle Helmets

Everyday People with Jesse Simon

PEARLAND- May is Bike Safety Month! Celebrate with RediClinic and Memorial Hermann, on Saturday May 17, 2008 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the RediClinic located inside H.E.B. at 2805 Business Center Dr. , in Pearland. The first 200 visitors will receive a free children’s bicycle helmet. For more information, please call (866) 607-REDD (7334).

Monica Lamb joins the Houston Comets for Women’s Day event

HOUSTON- Jimmie Lee Herbert-Swearington celebrated her 65th birthday, in the loving embrace of family and friends in her spacious home in the Riverwood Sub-division, North East Houston. Jimmie is a retired LVN, who worked 20 years in The Harris County Hospital District System. She is a proud graduate of Phillis Wheatley High School, class 1961. She now does limited private service, spending most of her time caring for her husband, Earl Swearington and mother, Maybell Herbert. Jimmie said, “Although I do some “granny do’s,” I am trying to cut all ‘umbilical cords’ so that I might have some ‘self time,’ for relaxing and traveling.” Photos: Top: Rondra (Renee) Kissam, Inez Washington, Quincy Holdman, Dwight Swearington, Jimmie and Earl Swearington Bottom: Minnie and Cassandra Jackson

HOUSTON- The Monica Lamb Wellness Foundation announces an upcoming event in partnership with the WNBA Houston Comets and the Memorial Hermann Wellness Center. This is especially exciting for the MLWF because it is a community-based organization focusing on health education and health initiatives for women and children. The event – “Shooting for Health & Wellness Festival” promises to be a wonderful event. On Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Wellness Foundation along with the Houston Comets and Memorial Hermann Wellness Center will host a wellness festival for women and girls at 7731 Southwest Freeway Houston. Free and open to the public, participants will be able to come and take advantage of events and services including: Free Basketball mini clinic for girls and women – by the Houston Comets Team; Blood Pressure testing; Cholesterol screening; Healthy cooking demonstrations; Body Fat Measurement For more information, call (713)448-WELL (9355).

TXU awards Ann Williams, founder of Dallas Black Theatre

DALLAS – Texas Woman’s University (TWU) will honor Ann Williams, the founder and artistic director of the world-renowned Dallas Black Dance Theatre, with an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Dance at spring commencement on Saturday, May 10, 2008. The ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. in Pioneer Hall, Bell Avenue at University Drive, on the TWU Denton campus. Williams is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University and earned a Master of Arts Degree in Dance and Related Arts from Texas Woman’s University. She is a TWU Distinguished Alumna, a former member of the university’s Board of Regents and the TWU Foundation, and a past president of the TWU Former Students Association. In September 2002, she was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, and in April 2005 she was honored at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. as a part of the Masters of African-American Choreography series. She also has been honored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. “It is rare for TWU to award an honorary degree,” said Dr. Ann Stuart, TWU Chancellor and President. “Ann Williams has made profound contributions in the arts and is most deserving of this prestigious recognition – one of the highest commendations the university can confer on an individual. Her work embodies the mission of TWU, providing opportunities for students; advancing education in the arts and humanities; and serving this community and beyond. With an international reputation, Ann Williams continues to bring distinction and prominence to the university.” Recipients of an honorary de-

Ann Williams, founder and artistic director, Dallas Black Dance Theatre will be honored on May 10, 2008. gree from TWU must demonstrate genuine achievement in an activity consonant with the university’s mission. Nominations are made by faculty, staff or members of the TWU Board of Regents, and an advisory committee reviews the nominations and makes a recommendation to the chancellor of the university. Founded in 1976 by Williams, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) creates and produces contemporary modern dance at its highest level of artistic excellence through performances and educational programs that bridge cultures and reach diverse communities. For 32 years, Ms. Williams has led the Dallas Black Dance Theatre from what began as a communitybased and semi-professional organization to a full professional dance company with an international reputation. It is the oldest, continuously operating professional dance company in Dallas.

2008 Spring Luncheon William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity

Join Rev. Bill and Mrs. Audrey Lawson In a Special Afternoon as We Honor the Boys of WALIPP Preparatory Academy Texas Southern University

May 19, 2008 t 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Hotel ZaZa t 5701 Main Street

CO-CHAIRS Barbara Goldfield, Mary Ramos, David Harris www.WALIPP.org

For additional information or if you would like to RSVP, please call (713) 741-3600.

Read us online at www.aframnews.com HOU-7

8 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • May 7-13, 2008

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