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December 12-18, 2007 ™ Vol. 12 Issue 45
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Broadcasting Historical marker Stupidity KCOH 1430 AM owners will not sell to politicallyincorrect Blacks PAGE 2
Roundup from the
Lone Star Hoods
ARLINGTON- A Black Student Reunion is planned for UTArlington students. If you graduated, attended or just passed through University of Texas in Arlington, organizers are looking for you to rekindle friendships, catch up on old times, and just celebrate the experience of life’s lessons on campus. The African-American Students Reunion weekend will begin on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. until Sunday, December 30, 2007. It will be held at the Crowne Plaza Suites, 700 Avenue H, in East Arlington. The tickets are $50 per person for entire weekend. For more information, please call (817) 907-7886. AUSTIN- Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples announced that more than 11,000 adult and child day care centers and day care homes in Texas are serving free or reduced-priced meals for eligible children and adults. Children participating in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Food Stamp Programs are eligible to receive free meals. Adults are eligilble for free meals if they receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or medicaid or are a member of a food stamp household. Locations will display the poster, “Building for the Future.” To find out if a center or day care home participates in the child and Adult Care Food Program, call 800-835-5832. See LONE STAR page 7
BLACK
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unveiled
MARIO SALAS
Black Friday’s Reality Santa Claus has become multi-lingual
African-American News&Issues
SAN ANTONIO- Recently, Mt. Zion First Baptist Church, 333 MLK at South Hackberry, celebrated its 136th church anniversary. The church was inaugurated in 1871 at a location in the old Victoria Courts area, and a historical marker has been erected at this locality. The marker was unveiled to a grand crowd of Mt Zion First Baptist Church members. The historical marker was made possible through funding by the TIRZ board for the City of San Antonio. This writer, as vice-chair of the TIRZ Board, made this a historical priority, and was able to procure the funding necessary for the building of the marker. I also researched the site and rendered the historical narrative for the See HISTORICAL page 3
BUD JOHNSON
African-American News&Issues
Black Friday also translates to a political reality in an era of crass commercialism that drives the bottom line economy of the land of the free.
Over 200 members of the Mt. Zion First Baptist Church attended the unveiling of a historical marker, at the church’s 136th anniversary. The marker was made possible through funding by the TIRZ board for the city of San Antonio. As an ongoing and unique tributetoBlackAmerica’smillionsof unheralded history makers, Shirley Ann’s Black Arts & Kollectibles Showroom (see Page 2) graciously sponsors a complimentary memoriam coinciding with the homegoing of AfricanAmericans that contributed over eight decades of history. Thus, without further adieu we note that it’s been more than two years since Mother Ida Young’s very long and productive life was celebrated on Dec. 10, 2005 at the Greater Park Hill Church of God in Christ, 7809 Winship. Bishop A. L. Lacy eulogized Mother Young at the discretion of Dr. Clarence L. Robinson Sr., pastor and officiant. “The Praise Celebration in Honor of Mother Young” was also blessed with selections by Third New Mount Corinth Worship Center and Church of the Living Temple #95. Minister Stephen Allen and Pastor DeWitt Clark‘s scriptural presentation was followed a prayer by Pastor A. D. Norton, Macedonia BC. Dr. Dorothy Renfro’s spirit filled solo and musical tribute by
IDA YOUNG
June 2, 1925-December 4, 2005
Pastor Craig Maxey of Straightway Apostolic Ministry, which opened the door for expressions from Mins. Pamela Lacy, of Third Mount Corinth Worship Center. Brandon Watson, James Mosley Jr., De’Louis Armstead, Davalon Dismuke, Fabian Early Jr., Obie Armstead and Jarrett Bryant were active pallbearers. In addition Obie Lacy, Lonnie Walker, Darren Taylor, Roderick Watson, Arthur J. Walker, Jimmie Walker, David Williams and Stephen Allen were honorary
pallbearers for Mother Young, the youngest of seven children who was born on June 2, 1925 to Mr. Dock and Rosa Cooper in Taylor, Louisiana. The Cooper kids became legends in Taylor, a tiny hamlet that’s situated in the United States of America approximately 1001 miles from the US capital Washington, DC., named for Gen. Zachary Taylor (1784-1850), who became America’s 12th president. Surely, Ida who professed her faith in Christ at an early age under the leadership of Rev. A.L. Dowell at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Taylor studied that history in Taylor’s schools. Meanwhile, Ida and her sisters were the top basketball players at that time. Adding to their legend, Ida and her sisters organized a spiritual quartet singing group called “The Cooper Singers,” and once got a chance to sing with the legendary gospel singerturned soul singer, Sam Cooke. She later joined Christ Temple Church under the leadership of the Late Elder Patterson and was filled with the Holy Ghost. She was
Freezing temperatures didn’t deter bargain hunters in Dearborn, Mich., where the parking lot at the Fairlane Town Center Mall was already 70 percent full by 6:30 a.m. on Black Friday. Meanwhile, KB Toys at the Hamilton Place Mall in Chattanooga, Tenn., was scheduled to get its Black Friday business underway at 5 a.m., but opened earlier due to large crowds outside its door, according to mall spokesman Jeff Odom. According to CNNMoney.com, unlike last year, “shoppers this year appear to be more targeted about where they want to shop. One lady who was here at 4 a.m. and she had a newspaper with her showing the doorbuster ads. She had her stores circled and ranked one, two and three. The bilingual Elmo was one of the hottest toys selling at the KB Toys store.” Perhaps, the foregoing intelligence is only informative from a history illiterate consumers’ perspective, nevertheless from a politically-astute Black perspective, it sends an ominous message to African Americans that grasp the concept that a highly successful Black Friday portends the kind of lucrative “White Christmas” that the late, great Bing Crosby immortalized in the 1942 musical Holiday Inn with his Academy Award winning song, “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.” Race Card notwithstanding, Black Friday also translates to a political reality in an era of crass commercialism that drives the bottom line economy of the land of the free. Visit African-American News&Issue’s archives www. aframnews.com and you can easily depict when the progress of the civil rights movement’s affirmative action commanded respect from corporate America. Money talks aside, Black conSee BLACK FRIDAY page 3
known as a strong prayer warrior, and God blessed her with the Gift of Prophesy. She was a faithful member of Third New Mount Corinth Worship Center under the leadership of Bishop Lacy until her failing health. Ida met and married Joseph Young who preceded her in death. They successfully raised two daughters. Mother Young was preceded in death by her siblings, Estella Cooper, Johnny D. Clark, Hattie Lou Cooper, Ruth Cooper and Lola Mae Allen. She leaves in the care of God, two daughters, Barbara Ann Lacy (Obie Lacy) and Catherine Thompson; a loving sister, Mary Lizzie Walker (Arthur J. Walker); and a legacy of four generations: six grandchildren, Linda Lacy, Gwendolyn Williams (David), Michelle Lacy Bryant, Rosalind Taylor (Darren), Iris Willis and Tamaqua Allen (Stephen); 16 greatgrand-children; eight great-greatgrandchildren; four godchildren, Craig Maxey, George Ross, Renee Walker, and Deborah Whitaker; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. TX-1
VIEWPOINTS & OPINIONS
2 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • December 12-18, 2007 Si 19 nce 94
EDITORIAL
“Our country must abandon all of the habits of racism, because we cannot carry the message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the same time.” President George Walker Bush
WE MUST UNDERSTAND: Deadly Yuletide Message
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ouston’s City Councilmember/radio talk show host Ada Edwards often uses a cliché that assures: “When you know better, you do better.” Ideally, that makes good sense. However, when you apply that logic to Black America’s persisting problems it becomes unfounded rhetoric. That kind of rhetoric is the main reason I decided to stop wading in the shallow water of reporting nice community news and jumped into the deep end of publishing and started telling it like it is (from African-American News&Issues’ uncompromised Black perspectives) in 1996. It bothered me after it became evident that existing media’s style of reporting was tantamount to broadcasting Stupidity to politically-naive citizens. Even today, whenever I’m speaking in public, I admonish the audience to stop believing everything that you hear, see, or read in the media. Accordingly, I’ve invested an enormous amount of time, energy and money to make sure our well-researched and validated news is distributed widely enough throughout Texas, and/or on our Web site at www.aframnews.com to be accessible for citizens who have a right to know the truth. Admittedly, it’s frustrating to report all news without fear or favor, only to have it ignored, and/or rejected unless it’s validated in the bias mainstream media. That’s why it disturbed me to hear an articulate Black man appeal to Black Houston to “come together, pool our resources and buy KCOH radio.” I wish I hadn’t responded to a friend who called and told me to turn on the radio. The very sincere gentleman TX-2
Tis the season to be jolly” notwithstanding, there’s a preponderance of evidence that suggests that along with the customary messages (that’s traditionally sent to Christmas shoppers basking in the good cheer of yuletide), a more deadly message is being sent to criminal predators that tend to assume the starring role in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas production. Denial notwithstanding, there’s a citizen backlash against the criminal element that prey on their hard working neighbors and/ or fellow citizens who unwittingly become their Santa Claus. Surely, those emoting over the wanton slaying of three Black men in the Greater Houston area know where we’re coming from. We Must Understand, survival is a basic instinct that has been somewhat subdued in humankind in a (real or imagined) civilized society that makes the law of the jungle against the law. Even so, if pushed far enough the most docile person is likely to yield to the innate beast within. Although it would be presumptuous of African-American News&Issues to conclude that the controversial shooting involving 61-year-old Pasadena, Texas “Vigilante” Joe Horn, is evidence of an angry citizen’s backlash. Yet, a similar incident in Porter, Texas gives one cause to pause and ponder, whether or not, besieged citizens are sending criminals a Deadly Yuletide Message. History certainly records that when things get tough people get tougher to survive. Accordingly, economically depressed citizens can’t afford
messed up my mind so until I actually had to take a small break to get back in the mood to take care of business. So I hope neither he, nor Bill Russell who gave him a forum on his car show doesn’t take it personally, but I must say that either they are clueless about the media, or they have special agendas to protect. If I’m wrong, I apologize. However, when I considered joining a group to buy the station I did the research. That’s why I just don’t believe Black leaders who have an iota of political savvy (especially our U.S. Congressmembers), don’t know that as we speak, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is changing the rules for minority ownership that used to be harder than buying tickets on a space ship. So why isn’t our elected officials discussing the sale of “Houston’s only Black radio station” with their constituents? I ask this because on Oct. 22, 2007 Sen. Barack Osama took time from his presidential campaign to write: “Dear Chairman Kevin J. Martin: I am writing regarding your proposal to move forward aggressively with modifications to existing media ownership rules. According to press accounts, you intend to present specific changes to existing rules in November with a Commission vote on that proposal—whatever it may be—on December 18, 2007. I believe both the proposed timeline and process are irresponsible. Minority owned and operated newspapers and radio stations play a critical role in the AfricanAmerican and Latino communities and bring minority issues to the forefront of our national discussion. However, the Commis-
to become surrogate Santas for a criminal’s family. Police Departments throughout the nation agree that certain crimes tend to increase during the Yuletide season (that makes honest citizens unwittingly shop so that criminals can have a Merry Christmas); therefore they warn citizens in the media: On Nov. 26, 2007 the Sun-Times News Group published the following Police tips for holiday safety: “It’s OK to be a little obsessive-compulsive about your personal security when doing your Christmas shopping this year. In fact, as far as neuroses go, local law enforcement officials are actually fine with this one. “The simple act of checking to ensure that a vehicle’s doors are locked at all times can dramatically decrease your chances of becoming a crime victim, at Yuletide and throughout the year. Typically, we see an increase in the number of car burglaries over the holidays, many of which could be prevented by always keeping all of a vehicle’s doors and windows locked. Other police safety tips include: • Parking in well-lighted areas of parking lots and decks, where others are more likely to see and hear you in the event of an emergency; • Keeping residential doors, windows, walkways and yards welllighted at night and during inclement weather; • Taking electronic garage door openers with you whenever you leave a vehicle unattended; and • Immediately reporting all suspicious activity to police.” We Must Understand, it would
BUD’S EYEVIEW
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PUBLISHER’S NEWS ANALYSIS Broadcasting Stupidity
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On: World AIDS Day
Bud Johnson: The Old African Warrior
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oebeit when I go against the politically-correct grain, I feel like the Lone Ranger when he lamented to his faithful Indian sidekick, “We’re surrounded by the Indians Tonto.” For sure, folks I grew up in Houston, Texas’ Fifth Ward ‘hood with, know exactly where Tonto was coming from when he quipped, “Whatcha mean, ‘we’ white eyes? Me Injun.” Even so, my common sense elders taught me that if something didn’t make sense, it’s nonsense. And you ain’t got much sense yourself if you waste time trying to make sense out of nonsense. Yet, folks who think I haven’t got good sense will mentally queue The Twilight Zone theme when I say World AIDS Day that was observed on Dec. 1, 2007 didn’t make sense to me. Even so, the way AIDS Day was observed makes less sense, to me, than the propaganda that medical terrorists espouse. Then again, I’ve always had enough sense to research a life threatening malady. That’s when I went straight to the library after Magic Johnson confessed (the wages he paid women to sin put him on a collision course with death), in 1991. Unfortunately, I was computer-illiterate when Magic hit his fans dead in the head with that no look pass. Accordingly, I suspected old Magic was on the down-low (like many other “La-La Land” celebs), because I accepted as gospel the 1985 report revealing:
The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in a cohort of homosexual men. A six-year follow-up study as gospel. Mayhaps I’m stuck on stupid, but I never could make sense out of AIDS’s amazing evolution. How, pray tell, could AIDS evolve from: By December 1984, 2.4% of the White gay men had the syndrome; mortality attributable to the syndrome in 1984 was 600/100 000, to: In 2004, Blacks accounted for just 12.2 percent of the U.S. population but 49.3 percent of estimated new AIDS cases? Yeah, I know Houston, Texas’ City Councilmember Ada Edwards, who represents the most AIDS-infested population indigenous to the underserved southeast ‘hood, espouses wisdom when she reasons: “It makes no different where AIDS came from. It’s killing our people and that’s the problem we must address.” But, alas, I can’t make sense out of why she allows the bulk of AIDS’s federal funds to be diverted to affluent locales populated by gay White folks without raising hell. For sure, I still agree with her that AIDS must be taken serious. That’s why I don’t understand why she didn’t scold Rep. Boris Miles for promoting an AIDS testing rally by coercing urchins with free tickets to a Hip Hop concert. I felt sorry for the little vixens (some no older than 14 who unwittingly confessed to their parents, teachers, and church family), that they’re sexually active
sion has failed to further the goals of diversity in the media and promote localism. As a result, it is in no position to justify allowing for increased consolidation of the market.” Okay now connect the dots with KCOH’s deceitful message, and you’ll learn they’re utilizing the FCC’s nebulous “distress sale” policy to circumvent selling the station to politically-incorrect Black
Houstonians with deep pockets. Don’t believe me, just research the April 1, 1989 federal court ruling that mandated: “The FCC policy intended to increase opportunities for members of minority groups to own radio and television stations is unconstitutional.” The F.C.C. has never appealed that decision. Thus, it’s a loop hole that can be exploited. Surely KCOH and the
be unlawful for peace officers and/ or law enforcers to encourage citizens to take the law into their own hands, but one only had to listen to an irate Mayor Bill White, after learning that desperate thieves in Houston, Texas’ impoverished Fifth Ward community was causing thousands of dollars worth of damage to schools, churches and businesses by savaging air conditions to steal the easy-to-sell copper. White was angry enough to offer $10,000 for any information leading to the arrest of the thief, or thieves responsible. But, Dr. Albert Lemons, principal of a victimized school more adequately expressed the sentiments of his community when he said, “I wish they would bring them to me when they catch them.” Although Dr. Lemons is a very pious man, his statement can be interpreted as a Deadly Yuletide Message. It is understandable that high unemployment, the ever increasing cost of gas and everything else impacted by the outrageous cost of oil has made this a tough year for citizens throughout America. Especially, for those living from paycheck to paycheck, or depending on the benevolence of a draconian welfare system. Yet, it’s untenable for criminal bent predators to prey on the most vulnerable people in their own imperished, underserved neighborhoods. Accordingly, sick and tired citizens are “as mad as hell and ain’t gonna take no more.” Henceforth (depending on your interpretation), that lament could be sending miscreants a Deadly Yuletide Message.
just to get a concert ticket. Shame, shame, shame on you Boris. Hark! You say if I’m so smart, why don’t I solve the AIDS problem? Well, first I would have sense enough to know that bleeding is only a symptom of a wound. Accordingly, anybody with good sense knows you can’t heal a wound unless you stop the bleeding first. So if AIDS is caused by sexual activity the solution becomes obvious. For real, if premarital sex that spiritually wound our “hot tail gals” and “horny pubescent bucks” to the extent they risk their lives to copulate, I suggest that our lawmakers make it a crime to fortificate. Constitutional rights aside, if laws can give adolescents a curfew, why should we allow them to screw? Shazam! Please forgive me, but it’s difficult to talk sex without drifting into The Outer Limits of indecency. For real, I suspect it’s easier to test kids for sexual activity than for drugs? So let’s make premarital sex a misdemeanor that becomes a felony if the girl get’s knocked up. Sloppy police labs aside, getting a felony indictment for the boy will be difficult, but the girl’s body of evidence would be compelling. Oh? You still think I’m playing with something as serious as AIDS? Square business, when I noted how little coverage the nation’s media gave World AIDS Day, I figured that it was, indeed, a game that everybody is playing. I wonder if anybody knows where I’m coming from? To contact Bud Johnson, please call 281- 847-9929 (8-5- Wednesday -Thursday) or via e-mail at Africanwarrior@aol.com
mainstream media know that, and if our elected officials don’t know, they should have. On the other hand, if media— naïve citizens don’t ask, those conspiring to control Black voices won’t tell. Even so, let’s hope that now that vocal Black community leaders know better, they’ll do better and stop Broadcasting Stupidity.
COMMUNITY & PEOPLE
African-American News&Issues • Texas • December 12-18, 2007 • 3
Everyday People with Jesse Simon
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HOUSTON- A Birthday “Blast Throw Down” was given in honor of Carolyn Hancock at A Moment n’ Time, 5400 Tidwell Rd.. Family, friends and members of the Finnegan Park Dance Group helped her to celebrate her special day until the wee hours. The next day she hopped a boat to the Caribbeans as icing on the cake. Photos from the left: 1). Carolyn Hancock 2). Nevelle Jones and Carol Tyson 3). Dorothy Sneed, Mildred Johnson-Harris, James Harris, Barbara Gentry, Iris Bell and Joan Edwards. 4). Gussie smith, Arnetta Johnson, Annie Gilliam and Betty Conley 5). Bridgette Martin, Xavier F. Stevens and Celeste Freeman Roy Douglas Malonson-Chairman Shirley Ann Malonson-Pres./CEO Bud Johnson-Mgr. Editor Emeritus Marvin D. Cloud-Production Mgr. Lisa Smith - Production Assistant
BLACK FRIDAY -from Page 1 sumer dollars convinced Santa Claus to diversify his toys according to Ebony magazine’s Nov. 1998 article: “On the night before Christmas and all through your place, there will be ribbons and boxes and tape by the case. Although the stockings will be hung by your chimney with care, you’ll want some Black heritage toys to go in there. There’s quite a selection this year, so you won’t go berserk. You’ll find dolls and soldiers and games galore, with figures of baseball players to tell you the score. There’s a G.I. Joe and a general, too, and they all come in the most delightful brown hue. Shopping this year won’t be a chore with so many cultural toys that you can’t ignore. The children’s Christmas wish you’ll fulfill; there’s only one problem for parents -- when you get the bill. “Choosing the right Christmas toy for your brown girl or boy is not just child’s play. It’s also big business -- nearly $23 billion to be exact. That was the sales figure from Christmas 1997 in the United States alone. And toy retailers hope that figure increases this year. The growing Black consumer market has shown it’s willing to spend big bucks on toys and games for tiny tykes. And the toy industry is listening. Black-owned toy companies, which unfortunately seem to be fewer this year than last year, key toy manufacturers and major retail chain stores such as Toy `R’ Us are offering a bonanza of books and toys aimed at African-American children.” For sure, Black America had it going on. So what happened? In
essence, Black entrepreneurs chose to sell our heritage to the highest bidders and once again become corporate sharecroppers. Moonwalking aside, inasmuch as capitalist’s credo is: “Follow The Money,” one only has to note UGA’s Selig Center for Economic Growth’s Sept. 1, 2006 report for insight into the nation’s economic shift: “In terms of spending power, 2007 will mark the first year that Hispanics control more disposable personal income than any other U.S. minority group. The Selig Center estimated Hispanic buying power will be $863.1 billion in 2007, an 8.1 percent increase over 2006. “The economic clout of Hispanics has risen from $212 billion in 1990, when I first started doing this study, to $798 billion this year and I expect it to be almost $1.2 trillion five years from now,” said Jeff Humphreys, director of the Selig Center. That’s more than 450 percent growth and the Hispanic population is expected to increase 126.4 percent. Better employment opportunities and higher business ownership are the other driving forces boosting the Hispanic consumer market. The number of Hispanicowned businesses grew by 31 percent between 1997 and 2002, Humphreys said, which is triple the 10 percent rate of growth for all U.S. businesses. Additional insights from this year’s report includes Asian buying power that has the second fastest projected rate of growth, behind Hispanics. Asian buying power will grow 434 percent between 1990 and 2011 (versus the 457 percent gain for Hispanics from 1990 to 2011).
Humphreys noted that “Asian buying power is attaining critical mass in a growing number of states.” In 2000, only six states had more than $10 billion in Asian buying power. As of 2006, 11 states have reached that benchmark, on its way to 14 states by 2011. The economy has gotten much worse since UnityDiversity.com reported that data on April 5, 2004, accordingly one would have to be economically naïve to think that greedy capitalist haven’t read: “The Black unemployment rate is 20 percent higher than when President Bush took office—and is significantly higher than the national average, which went up to 5.7 percent in March. From late December through the end of March, an estimated 1.1 million jobless workers have exhausted their regular unemployment benefits without receiving additional aid. This is the largest number of ‘exhaustees’ in over 30 years, and this figure will only continue to grow as 80,000 jobless workers exhaust their regular benefits each week.” Thus, when one realizes that (other than vastly understated unemployment rates for African Americans), that’s what time it is in 2007 Black America. Thus, in wake of rapidly increasing unemployment and decreasing government assistance, made in America African-Americans are no longer the nation’s super consumers on Black Friday. Accordingly, since Black consumers are getting poorer while non-English speaking minorities are getting richer… Santa Has Become Multilingual.
HISTORICAL -from Page 1 inscription. The event was part of the Sunday Church services beginning at 10:00am with church services culminating at the unveiling. The members of the TIRZ board voted to include into a development arrangement with the San Antonio Housing Authority, the capital for the installation of a historical marker inside the Victoria Commons Project (formally the Victoria Courts), that depicts the fact that the original Baptist (African American) Settlement was founded at the site. The “first” Black residents of San Antonio can be tracked to the Canary Islanders appearance, in the 1700s, as Black Moors were made to constitute a presence on the eastern embankment of the San Antonio River because of Spanish bigotry. There seems to be some implications that a Black presence in the San Antonio area even predated the 1700s, as Afro-Mexicans from Mexico might have been living on the eastern side of the San Antonio River as early as the later part of of the 1500s. Later, the remaining Black residents would be extract-
ed from the area to establish an all White housing project. In this way, the remains of Black historical sites would be shattered, and the history of Black beginnings in San Antonio obscured. The establishment of a Baptist Settlement would lay the groundwork for the establishment of Mt. Zion. Mt. Zion First Baptist was sold property for the establishment of a church on account of white members of First Baptist Church Downtown did not want newly emancipated slaves attending their house of worship as free men and women. What would have been happening, on a social level during that era, was the anxiety on the part of white churchgoers about having to share a church bench with African-Americans who were now free. Whites in San Antonio were fearful of Reconstruction and wanted to fix and bolster segregated church facilities. This is one of the reasons why White churches in San Antonio often conferred land and dollars to Black congregations. They desired to keep racist churches White. The action by the
TIRZ Board to include a historical marker at the site helps to establish a Black presence in the historical account that would have been erased otherwise. In an undisputed vote, the TIRZ Board voted to include the marker as part of the development agreement. In other action, the community will also see the construction of a wrought iron fence around the African American cemetery at Montana and South New Braunfels Street. Construction is scheduled to begin this month. Numerous citizens feel it a complete disgrace that the Confederate Cemetery, a graveyard that clenches the remains of those that supported the horrors of slavery, is fenced and shown more reverence that the African American cemetery. It is indeed shameful, that more accolades are shown to those who supported the malignancy of slavery, and fought for the bigots, than to those who opposed it. With this action, the San Antonio TIRZ Board hopes to show equal respect for the dead, rather than the norm of casting aside Black burial grounds.
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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
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HOUSTON- A Celebration of Life for Mrs. Katherine Louise Hunt-Crumley was held on November 24, at the Darien Loop Church of Christ, 7401 Darien Loop with Brother Thomas Reed officiating. The order of service included Frank Preston as master of ceremony, Frank Brown, soloist, “Empty Mansion,” prayer, Jessie Simon; Old Testament Scripture, Fred Hickerson; New Testament Scripture, Willie Childress,; resolutions, Dorothy Simon, and Eulogy and closing prayer by Thomas Reed.
Katherine was born in Kilgore, Texas on April 16, 1916 to Maude E. Horton and Louis Hunt. She married Hosie Crumley to which no children were born. After graduating as valedictorian of her class in 1936, she attended Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas, but left at the end of her sophomore year to take a job teaching in the Howard County Training School in Nashville, Arkansas. She served on the Shepherd City Council for 14 years, and in 1980 she was appointed to the Housing Agency Board by Governor Bill Clements.
Governor Mark White appointed her to the Board of Directors for Professional Counselors in 1986. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hosie, and son, Travis W. Glaster, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memories, one brother Luevis Hunt of Forney, Texas, one grandson, Travis W. Glaster III, nieces, family members and other friends.
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Photos from the left: 6). Crumley Family members 7). Frank Preston, Thomas Reed and Willie Childress 8). Katherine Louise Hunt Crumley TX-3
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BARBER/BEAUTY
Hair Design by Antoinette 163 Greens Rd. Houston 77060 281.875.4993 Rogers Barbershop 2113 West Little York Houston 77091 713.680.8827 Tracy’s Beautiful Braids and Beyond 8222 Antoine Dr. Suite 101 Houston 77088 832.888.3906
BARBER COLLEGE
Acres Homes Barber College 2306 Ferguson Way Houston 77088 281.931.5591
BEAUTY SALON 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:
Tues-Fri 10am-7pm Sat 7am-4pm
(Mon. Appointments Only)
Masseur & Reflexologist on Staff
SYLVESTER TURNER Attorney At Law
16630 Imperial Valley #242 Houston, Texas 77060 281-591-0152 Hiring Hairstylists & Nail Techs
(commission or booth rental) Ask for Natasha or Jacquie
BLACK ART-GIFTS since 1994
Barnes & Turner
(713) 650-3688/office (713) 650-0308/fax bbarnes@barnesturner.com www.barnesturner.com
African-American Chamber of Commerce of Arlington, Inc. P.O. Box 202716 (817) 946-5196
African-American Chamber of Commerce of Victoria 1501 E. Mockingbird, Sute 104 Victoria, TX 77904 (361)575-2061 Lubbock Black Chamber Entrepreneurs, Inc. P.O. Box 1796 Lubbock, TX 74408 (806)771-1815
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
FUNERAL HOMES Boyd Funeral Home 7411 Wheatley St. Houston Texas 77088 281.445.0971 Morgan Harris Funeral Home 8011 West Montgomery Houston Texas 77088 281.820.2391 O.W. Wiley Mortuary, Inc. 1290 Pinemont Dr. Houston 77018 713.681.7475
Free 5-line listing for your business! Call (713) 692-1892 for more information
HAIR CARE
& Janitorial Supply Company & Janitorial Supply Company 4308 Kelly 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.
Rate and size of ad to run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston edition. Ad to run in AAN&I’s Houston/Gulf Coast edit Dallas Black Chamber of Publication Date: November 28- December 4, 2007 Commerce EDITION DATE: March 14-20, 2007
ATTORNEYS
Attorneys At Law 440 Louisiana Street 1880 Lyric Centre' Houston, Texas 77022
Black TAAACC Members
2638 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Dallas, TX 75216 (214)421-5200
Denton Black Chamber of Commerce 602 S. Elm St. Denton, TX 76201 (940)484-4404 El Paso Black Chamber of Commerce 109 N. Oregon St., Suite 212 El Paso, TX 79901 (915)534-0570 Ennis Negro Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1036 Ennis, TX 75120 (972)878-0068 Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce 1150 South Freeway, RM 211 Fort Worth, TX 76140 (817)871-6538
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Make some history of your own with the LUNCH BUNCH
at the African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston’s
Business Networking Luncheon Thursday, January 10, 2008 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Come One! Come All!
CHILDCARE
LL&S &S Small World Academy Small World Academy “Learning to Compete” • LICENSED BY THE STATE • NEWBORN- 13 Years • LEARNING ENVIROMENT • QUALITY CHILD CARE • TRANSPORTATION • DROP-INS WELCOME 24- Hour DAY CARE SERVICE
(713)L&S 697-7879
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The Learning Garden 6672 Antoine Houston 77091 713.682.0601
CONTACT INFORMATION Title: Name: Billie DayBurns Care 2855 Phone: MANGUM, 713-522-9821 4TH FLOOR, SUITE 450 Fax: 713-520-5247 713.683.1017 Email: bburns@wbctx.com
Mar Help
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You must be 21 years old, have six months experience, a clean driving record and be able to pass a DOT physical and drug test. APPLY at 430A Airtex, Houston, TX 77073 Williams Brothers Construction Co. Inc. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 281-209-1811
CREDIT REPAIR
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F RESH S TART C REDIT C ONSULTING & R EPAIR S ERVICE
This is theAD price and size of the Ad to RANCH HAND COST 2x2”Greater ad for 52Needed weeks=$2,080 for ranch in AAN&I’s Houston Edition Janu +one time set-up fee=25.00 Hempstead, Texas area. own reliTotal cost to run Must ad forhave 52 weeks= able transportation and $2,105
HEARING AIDS Hearing Aids of Houston Sandi Coe, M.A., CCC-A CLINICAL AUDIOLOGIST
knowlegable in farm equipment and cattle. Call (713)692-1100 for more information.
REGISTERED DISPENSER
HEARING AIDS Jump Start Your New Year’s Cafeteria Please signOFfor approval andLacy’s fax back to and 713-692-11 (713) 692-EARS(3277) Resolution With Financial Freedom! Restaurant
Bring your kids for pictures with Santa Claus before Christmas
(713) 697-9410 Ad must be approvedFAXand payment received by 12 NOON Tues HELP WANTED PARKWAY TOWERS Inquire About Our Year before150 W. PARKER ROAD, SUITE 506 Wednesday publication or the Cooks andad will not ru HOUSTON, TX. 77076
End $75.00 Promotion
Me n t i o n t h i s AD Ge t $ 5 0 t o $ 5 0 0 o ff
Utility Worker 713-631-3962
Keynote Speaker: Office:Signature (281) 227-9755 Date Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 Kirbyjon Caldwell INSURANCE Mobile: (832) 282-0411 Senior Pastor, *Child Support *Adoptions E-mail: Windsor Village UMC Wednesday publication or the ad will notGEORGE run. W. *Custody BORRIS L. MILES the price*Modifications and size of the Ad to by run12 in NOON Friday before for sonya@freshstartfsc.com
FAMILY LAW
*Name Change *All Areas
CRIMINAL - ACCIDENTS reater Houston Edition May 16-22, 2007. 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
IMMIGRATION DEPORTATION F orester Law Firm Since 1974
713-528-4668 www.visa2us.us
Members: $20 Non-Members: $25 RSVP by January 8, 2008 You can register & pay online.
Signature Beulah Ann Shepard Bld. Marketplace Heading: 6112 Wheatley St. Houston, TX 77091 Attorney 713-692-7003
See Page 2 for more information!
Email: info@aaccgh.org Website: www.aaccgh.org
713-692-1195
6130 Wheatley Street
Rodrick Dow, PC
We accept: American Express, MasterCard, Discover, Visa, ATM/ Debit, Cash, Checks and Lay-A-Way
o run in AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston edition. HOUSTON MINORITY DATE: VOLUME 12 Issue 13,Owned 2007 BUSINESS COUNCIL 100% Black
4001 N. Shepherd Dr., Ste. 223 Houston, Texas 77018 – 713-696-9500 www.plovelaw.com TX-4
Supporting The Community
Memorial Mortuary
Bus. 713-355-8331 Fax: 713-355-8318 Pgr. 713-406-1088
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5302 Almeda Rd. Hou. TX 77004
...see more on PAGE 2
713-271-7805 | www.hmbc.org
Black TAAACC Members
BUSINESS SERVS.
5000 Almeda Rd. Houston Texas 77004
Hands On Business Services 8450 Sterlingshire St. Houston 77078 832.512.0863
Paradise
CAFE Coolwater Cafe 11500 Northwest Fwy. Houston 77045 713.680.2665
+One
Auto - Life Home - Health BusinessFee Time Set-up
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.
Hunters Insurance Agency
Auto • Home • Life Scott Hunter, Agent Please approve Disability • Annuity the ad, sign and fax to 71 FUNERAL HOMES Commercia u t o be signed by Ad must be paid in full and thisl ad sheetAMUST Health Insurance H o e MABRIE to Ladi m being to ran. fe 713-862-4332 Ask for Rodrick
Three Riverway, Suite 555 Houston, Texas 77056
Acres Home Citizens Chamber of Commerce 6130 Wheatley St. Houston, TX 77091 (713) 692-7003
Borris L. Miles
Certified Public Accountant
We Appreciate Our Customers
Abilene Black Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 3572 Abilene, TX 79604 (325) 676-0138
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ELECTRICAL Date
Aus-Tex Electric 1525 Wilburforce Houston 77091 713.682.5809
LUNNON, JR. Agent
Insurance Agency
FuneralSignature Home & Cemeteries 10401 W. Montgomery Rd. Houston, Texas 77088 281.445.1201 "Committed to the Community"
email:bmiles@bmilesinsurance.com
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Date
scott@huntersinsuranceagency.com Bryant Hunter started the agency in 1993 with the vision of helping people protect their most valuable assets. Scott joined the family business in 1997 and has continued the tradition of helping people protect their homes, autos, RVs, businesses and most importantly, their families.
BUSINESS and COMMUNITY Retiring, Changing Jobs or Laid Off? Don’t Leave Your Money With Your Former Employer Let me assist you with your Retirement Plan Options!!
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Tune-Ups Brakes 99 Front End Work Tires - Batteries Alignments Up to 5 qts. + EPA + tax A/C Work Check Engine Lights State Inspections CV Joints - Axles Original Owner is Back! Engine Diagnostics
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Roger Jackson, Photographer
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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
NEWSPAPERS/BLACK
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African-American News&Issues • Texas • December 12-18, 2007 • 5
SHOE REPAIR
Connect the Dots
Increase your business potential!
MIGHTY FINE SHOE REPAIR
10:30 am-12:00 noon Wed
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Men & Ladies - Boots & Shoes Shined, Waxed, Glazed, Dyed & Repaired
RESTAURANTS Rate and size of Ad to run in281-448-9255 AAN&I’s Houston/Galveston edition. Advertise NEWSPAPERS/BLACK Leonard’s Famous Burgers Pager 713-687-8592 • mfshoe@aol.com
with13, us!2007 EDITION DATE: VOLUME 12 Issue
Akwasi Evans 1154-B Angelina St. Austin, TX. 78702
1913 W. Little York Rd. Houston 77091 (713) 686-3555
Power Pages Hattie Kelly 313 S. Hamilton Farmersville, TX 75442
Josie’s Place 7473 N. Shepherd Dr. Houston 77091 (713) 695-7711
San Antonio Observer Hussien Ali P.O. Box 200226 San Antonio, TX 78220 Southwest Digest
1400 South Victory Houston, TX 77088 Major Credit Cards ACCEPTED
SOUL MUSIC
$40.00
Cecil shaw Sounds like motown baby!
SCHOOL/CLASSES On Point Music & Dance 8222 Antoine Dr. Suite #250 Houston 77088 (281)447-3517
For bookings call (832)256-9992
Support Black Businesses!
T.J. Patterson Ad to run in AAN&I’s Marketplace Where you spend your P.O. Box 2253 money Rate and size of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Housto TX 79408 www.myspace.com/cecilshaw is IMPORTANT! BeginningLubbock, Edition Date: December 12-18, 2007 FREE The Villager Publication Date: November 28- Dec African News Digest High School Diploma Tommy Wyatt African Herald Dr. Richard Nwachukwu 8204 Elmbrook Ste. 217 Dallas, TX 75247 Beede Amuka 10103 Fondren Ste. 442 Houston, TX 77096
Cherokee County Informer DBA Texas Informer Walter & Maxine Session P.O. Box 332 Rusk, TX 75785 Corsicana Examiner Rev. Dairy Johnson P.O. Box 1613 Corsicana, TX 75110 Dallas Examiner James & Mollie Belt 1515 Corinth St. Dallas, TX 75215 Dallas Post Tribune Dr. Theodore Lee 2727 Beckley Ave. Dallas, TX 75225 Dallas Weekly Jim Washington 633 Pryor St. Sw, Atlanta Georgia East Texas Review Joycelyne Fadojutimi 517 South Mobberly Longview, TX 75602 Elite News Jordan Blair P.O. Box 397925 Dallas, TX 75339 Garland News Journal Willie Hobdy P.O. Box 24 Greenville, TX 75043 Kuumba Heritage Willie Hobdy P.O. Box 24 Greenville, TX 75043 Our Texas Magazine General E. Berry P.O. Box 4463 Dallas, TX 75208
1223 Rosewood Ave. Austin, TX 78702
PEST CONTROL Your BUGS are our Problem!
RAYCO
Pest Control
GUARANTEED!
281-444-3525
www.raycopest.com Rayco will get rid of or prevent, pest problems, inside and out at your residence or business. Rayco can help with mice, ants, wasps, roaches, spiders, bees, silverfish, termites, fleas, earwigs and much more. Rayco uses microencapsulated products for a more effective treatment.
You can get a 4-line ad like this
YOUTH SPORTS
for only $17.50 per week. Heading: For more information, call Second Chance Pest Control (713)692--1892.
Morning, Evening & Weekend Classes in English & Spanish
Technology Edge
L & S Youth Sports
Our advertisers 832-519-0727 or CONTACT INFORMATION support our 713-706-3093 newspaper ask for Juan, Xavier or Litisha Name: Raynard Jones- Rayco and Pest so Control Phone: 281-444-3525 should you!
THIS AD COULD BE Fax: 281-999-0161 YOURS and ...
Please support your local AD COST African 1.5’ ad for 52 weeks -American $780.00 Chamber of Commerce TOTAL COST TO RUN AD: $780.00!
potential customers would be reading it instead of this
African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston’s First Annual Membership Appreciation Reception
BASKETBALL LEAGUE
BOYS & GIRLS AGES 9 THRU 18
Registration starts: November 19, 2007 Harvest Time Community Center 17770 Imperial Valley Houston, Texas 77060 Registration Fees: $75.00 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
Second Annual Tarrant HOUSTON- The African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston is County Food Bank’s canned holding its First Annual Membership Appreciation Reception on Thursday, December 13, 2007 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at 6112 Wheatley St., Houston, TX 77091. They are inviting food drive and car show Please sign you to the event and to solicit your membership for thefor 2008approval calendar year. and fax back to 713-692-1183 For more information, please contact Sharon Johnson or DaVetta Shelton at (713) 6927003.
FORT WORTH- The Tarrant County Food Bank will
by 12 NOON Friday or the ad will not run. host the Second Annual Tarrant Area Food Bank Can Food
PatriceSignature Wooten Hightower takes on new role Date at real estate brokerage and managment firm
HOUSTON - Patrice Wooten Hightower has been named Secretary/Treasurer of Pathway Real Estate Advisors, a Houston-area real estate brokerage and management firm. Hightower is a Partner and Realtor with Pathway Real Estate Advisors. She is the founder and President of The Pathway Management Group, a diversified investment firm involved in real estate and investment management, and the parent firm of Pathway Real Estate Advisors. A native of Houston’s Riverside area, Hightower has more than 25 years of experience in real estate asset management and investments in Houston and New York. Since establishing The Pathway Management Group in 1992, she has focused on investment management and financial planning for individuals and businesses. Previously she served as an asset manager with PrudenSignature tial Real Estate Investors. At Prudential, she was the asset manager for the Empire State Building, part of a $700 milDate lion New York portfolio. She also served as manager for Patrice Wooten Hightower $175 million in Houston assets, including transactions such as the sale of the Hyatt Regency Downtown and the 200,000-square-foot Harris County Appraisal District lease at Brookhollow I. Wooten Hightower has a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Houston and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas. She is a licensed Texas Real Estate Broker, Texas Mortgage Broker, General Securities Representative and Certified Financial Planner™. A resident of the Third Ward, she has been active as Treasurer and Board Member of the Sandra Organ Dance Company and of I Have A Dream-Houston.
Drive & Car Show Competition, on Saturday, December 15, 2007, beginning at 11:00 a.m., at the Riverside Community Center, 3700 E. Belknap Street, in Fort Worth. Admission for this event is free. You will be able to meet celebrity DJ Host and Car Show Judge Kiki from #1 HIP HOP K104-104.5FM. An entry fee of 10 cans of food, will enter your cars and trucks to compete for Best Area Show Car & Truck. Eight First Place Trophies will be awarded & eight different categories will be chosen. An autographed Tony Romo Dallas Cowboys Jersey goes to the person who donates the most cans between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Receive a special edition “Can Food Drive” T-shirt for a donation of five cans. For more information, please call (817) 871-7670.
Please sign for approval and fax back to Please sign for approval and fax back to 713-692-1183 by 12 the NOON Friday foravailable Wednesday Job before training at publicat Ad must be approved and payment received by 12 NOON Friday week The Smith County Herald St. Philip’s College DBA The Herald before Wednesday publication or the ad will not run. Stephanie Johnson P.O. Box 8252 Tyler, TX 75701
Houston Style Magazine
Signature Francis Page Jr.
2646 South Loop West #375 Houston, TX 77054 Metroplex South Star Willie Hobdy P.O. Box 24 Greenville, TX 75043 MON- The Gazette Thurman Jones 1100 Summit Suite 101 Plano, TX 75074
SAN ANTONIO – St. Philip’s College will have a direct Date impact on what is being touted as the most technologically advanced commercial jetliner built to date. The College received an $887,956 grant, made possible through the Skills Development Fund from the Texas Workforce Commission. “This is an incredible day for St. Philip’s College, the Alamo Community College District and the aerospace industry,” said Dr. Adena Williams Loston, president of St. Philip’s College. The positions range from avionics technicians, structure and general mechanics to quality inspectors and production control specialists. Upon completion of the training, the average pay for these positions will be about $20.88 per hour.
Please visit our website at news@aframnews.com. TX-5
YOUTH/EDUCATION
6 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • December 12-18, 2007
Dropping out is not the answer
DR. MAGARET L. FORD
African-American News&Issues
About 20 years ago when I taught Freshman English, a young man by the name of Michael was enrolled in my 7:30 a.m. class. Michael was very conscientious, bright and determined. He, like so many of our students, was the first in his family to ever attend College. He was always prompt; his questions were thoughtful, and his essays were compelling. He earned an “A” on every essay that he wrote. Despite Michael’s excellent grades, two weeks before the semester ended, without the benefit of a conversation or a goodbye, he dropped out of school. I have always wondered why, but I never saw Michael again to ask why and to hear his response. No doubt, students drop classes every day—and for many reasons. The most common reasons are those associated with course difficulty or extenuating circumstances pertaining to job or family. Nevertheless, it is heartbreaking to see students trash their outstanding academic year by dropping a course or two—or worse yet—by dropping out of college altogether. Sometimes, there are issues occurring in students’ lives that we, as professionals, are not aware of and that we are not equipped to address. Problems that are correctable are addressed immediately, however. As a standard rule, students should talk to their professors and administrators and seek tutorial help as needed. Even with this solution, I still wonder why Michael did not persist for two more weeks to earn the “A” which his prior performance showed he was destined to receive. Despite specific answers to the question, I have fully embraced student persistency and retention as a professional mission to help students succeed through early alert intervention strategies. As I was trying to give voice to the problem of student attrition, I read about the Bowen Theory of human functioning which discusses the impact of relationships, particularly familial relationships on student success. The eight concepts of the Bowen theory are organized into interconnected variables. While all variables are interrelated, the two concepts that resonated most with me were the Multi-generational Transmission Process that describes how small differences in the levels of differentiation can lead to marked growth, and the Differentiation of the Self which highlights that the core building blocks of a person’s “self” are inborn and that the individual’s family relationships during childhood and adolescence primarily determine how much “self” he develops. Once established, the level of self, according to the Bowen Theory, rarely changes. Thus, everything in life is affected –including educational accomplishments. How could the level of “self” affect educational accomplishments? It seems plausible that the fear of alienation from family and friends would be one factor to deter a person from committing negative, aggressive acts, but how could it also influence a person to maintain a mediocre, undereducated position in life? As I recall in the essays that Michael wrote for submission, he lived with his parents and was very close to them.
Marshall University Football Team Visits Marshall Middle School
School inspired by movie about team’s comeback following devastating plane crash 37 years ago
His identity was directly tied to his parents’ view, value, and expectation of him. On one occasion, he indicated that his parents— while proud of him and encouraging him to succeed—also felt that his education would drive a wedge between him and his siblings. Do you have a similar concern? Do you want to achieve more but feel that success will isolate you from the people that you love? We can help you to view the outcome of your success quite differently. If you have questions or comments, I invite you to contact my office at (713)718-8008. Keep in mind that education can enrich everything about your life. I encourage you to pursue your dreams. As you do, forge ahead with great commitment and gusto; and if you really want to soar, eliminate dropping out as an option. Ford is the president of Houston Community College-Northeast. For more information call (713)7188010.
HOUSTON- Before the coaches and players of Marshall University’s football team met the University of Houston Cougars on the playing field recently, they took time out to meet with the staff members and students at HISD’s John Marshall Middle School. The students and staff at the HISD campus feel a special affinity for Marshall University. Both are named after the fourth Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court—and because faculty and staff members at the Houston-area middle school were so inspired by the movie, “We Are Marshall” (which tells the story of the comeback of Marshall’s football team after losing almost the entire team and coaching staff in a tragic plane crash on November 14, 1970), that they decided to adopt “We Are Marshall” as the school slogan after watching the film during a staff-development day. When English department chair and journalism teacher Thelma Johnson learned that the current Marshall team would be coming to Houston, she organized a schoolwide letter-writing campaign Marshall Middle School football team capto invite the team to visit. More than 900 letters were mailed to tain Dexter Rogers (right) and quarterback the university—and the team accepted the invitation. “The letters Desmine Van Dyke (center) present a footwritten by our students show them that having the ability to com- ball autographed by the entire 2007 football municate an idea effectively can make a difference,” she said. team to Marshall University’s football team “Each one of us has the power to excel,” added Marshall Princi- captain. pal Jorge Medina. “We don’t have any say in what happens in life, but we do have a say in what we do about it. It is my hope that this opportunity will be a strong motivational factor that will guide Marshall to unbelievable heights.” November 14 marked the 37th anniversary of the crash, which remains the worst sports-related disaster in U.S. history. The crash claimed the lives of 75 people, including team members, coaches, fans, and the aircrew. There were no survivors.
Hirsch ES receives $3,000 donation from Security Service Federal Credit Union SAN ANTONIO- Security Service Federal Credit Union opened a new branch and opened its checkbook for Hirsch Elementary School. SSFCU celebrated the grand opening of its new location at Southeast Loop 410 and Rigsby Avenue by donating $3,000 to its nearest public school. Principal Mateen Diop and SAISD Board Vice President James Howard (standing behind the ceremonial check) join students in accepting the check at SSFCU.
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African-American News&Issues • Texas • December 12-18, 2007 • 7
Bud Johnson’s SportsPerspectives Did Vincent Young Fail Houston’s (“Toby”) Litmus Test?
The inane controversy over the Houston Texans’ unforgivable sin of not grabbing hometown hero Vincent Young with their first overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft has always amused me. Predictably, it will be renewed every time Vincent puts some serious hurt on the hometown team that rejected him, as he did last Sunday when the Texans visited Nashville. In spite of the bias sports commentator’s attempts to glorify Mario Williams (for getting his hands on a less than 100 percent of Vincent a couple of times), the lad from Sunnyside continued to bedevil the Texan’s hierarchy that passed on him. As if rejuvenated, he played his best game of the year, throwing for 248 yards and two touchdowns to beat the Titans, 2820. Payback is a “mother” notwithstanding, Vincent’s “Superman” performance (in spite of a nagging sprained right quadriceps that caused him to miss the Tennessee’s 38-36 win on Oct. 21 in Houston), snapped a three-game skid for his team that hadn’t even held a lead in a month. During a nitty gritty time, 63-yard drive Vincent found an open Roydell Williams on a 43-yard TD pass, putting the Titans up 14-10. It was the Titans first lead since beating Carolina 20-7 on Nov. 4. Then he completed all six passes for 40 yards and ran twice for 16 more in an 87-yard drive he finished with an 11yard toss to Justin Gage in the right corner. Young had a 147.2 passer rating in the quarter, helping the Titans hold onto the ball for 10 minutes. Arrogance aside, Vincent chided after the victory: ”Just cause we’re in the NFL doesn’t mean we can’t have fun beating somebody’s butts.” For sure, I enjoy the perplexed intellectual interchange as much as any other sports fan. Mayhaps moreso, since I played a wee bit of quarterback as a youth, and parlayed my passion for sports into a 32-year career (as an awarding winning Sports Editor), that ended when I retired in 1985 with much fanfare. An appreciative Black community honored me with a going away party replete with a very memorable “Bud Johnson Day” that was unanimously ordained by the City of Houston’s Mayor Kathy Whitmire at the behest of the late, great Lloyd “The Judge” Wells. Yet, when I analyze the Texans’ rationale for snubbing Vincent (from a truly insightful Black perspective), I concur with their painful decision to shoot themselves in the foot by making one of the dumbest moves
LONESTAR -from Page 1
DALLAS- The Texas Association of Developing Colleges (TADC) is the recipient of a one-year grant for $136,313 from the TG Public Benefit Grant Program. Under the “Black Male Youth Accessing Higher Education With E’s” program, TADC in partnership with the Dallas Housing Authority will conduct a college access program for 50 Black male youth and their families
Vincent Young (10) must learn when to hold’em and when to run. in the history of professional football. And be well advised, the operative words here are “insightful Black perspective,” lest you’ll misconstrue my wisdom as racism. First and foremost, although I’ve never met Young in person, nor do I have a desire, or inclination to latch onto his celebrity status (to enhance my journalistic portfolio), I’m not being presumptuous when I say I know the outstanding young brother better than most sports pundits. That’s why I remotely shouted at him to chill when he appeared on CBS TV’s 60 Minutes news magazine recently. Hey, as much as I hate today’s media’s intrusive style of news reporting, nobody can set word traps better than a preacher’s grandson from Houston, Texas’ Fifth Ward ‘hood who delighted in playing the dozens with his trash-talking peers. Add the fact that I was captain of Aldine G.W. Carver’s state championship debate team (with my loquacious pal Roy Adams, the younger brother of the late Billy Gene Adams who could talk more trash than his BTW classmate John Hightower, one of Black Houston’s real estate pioneers), and you’ll know that I sho’ nuff can recognize intellectual Trojan horses. So trust me when I say that Vincent’s “Can’t nobody tell me nothing” response will come back to haunt him. I’m talking image here. Vincent controls his performance on the field, but his (real or imaged) arrogance and/or self assured cockiness could cost him from a public relations perspective. Unless you’re brain-dead, I’m sure you’ve noted that Black
which will take these young men through a 10-12-month program to prepare them for a postsecondary education. “The parental support has been overwhelming,” says Barbara Hawkins, Executive Director of TADC. DALLAS/FT. WORTH — Koinonia Baptist Church in partnership with Connecting Spirits Internationally (CSI) Entertainment Group, presents the “2nd Annu-
al D/FW Gospel Round,” a free concert to reach families in need during the holiday season, Sunday, December 16, 2007, 6:00 p.m. at Koinonia Baptist Church located at 616 W. Kiest, Dallas, TX (in the former Friendship West Church location). This concert will allow CSI Entertainment Group to again assist families with basic necessities (ie. food, clothing, winter coats, shoes, utility bill assistance and much more). Several local and
athletes that evil in high places can’t control, aren’t very marketable in 2007 America. Race card aside, when I connect the dots (with a year of getting into the head of Vincent’s father via mail, and checking out his mom Felicia’s straight up, no shame in my game persona, not to mention how he changed Coach Mack Brown’s perspective at Texas University), I wasn’t a bit surprised when the Texans passed on him. Pure and simple, Houston has a long history of passing on great athletes who fail to pass the “Toby Test.” I can just imagine Vincent being interviewed by the Texan’s hierarchy before the draft. I suspect he unwittingly looked his prospective “Massas” directly in the eyeballs (like Kunta Kinte made the mistake of doing in the movie classic Roots), without realizing he was violating a long-standing White supremacist’s cardinal rule. Even so, what really killed the deal for the Texans was when Vincent’s “nobody can tell me nothing” self-assurance translated to, “I don’t let other folks think for me.” While it’s only my racist opinion, but Vincent even upset well meaning Black folks when he walked his talk by going against the politically accepted grain. Much to the chagrin of the Sports Agency industry, Vincent really dropped the ball when he hired his family’s legal counselor and friend Atty. Major Adams, Jr. to be his agent. Need I reiterate how the powers that be attacked Vincent after he showed his propensity to go with his gut, rather than rely on the wise counsel and guidance of rich and powerful White folks? Lest we forget, that industry didn’t exist until economic naïve Black athletes started getting paid enormous sums of money for their unique and much coveted talents. Money talks aside, I’m sure you know how the media insidiously called Vincent stupid (by making the NFL’s dumb and meaningless intelligence test a big thing), when they couldn’t find any other way to psychologically, or even spiritually lash him until he decides it’s best to stop being Vincent and become the system’s Toby. Hey, don’t take my word as gospel, just check Houston’s pro sports history and you’ll learn that the Jim Wynns, Joe Morgans, Vernon Maxwells, Warren Moons et al, including Earl Campbell and/or Hakeem Olajuwon (at the end of their brilliant careers), were shipped out forthwith when they stopped acquiescing to the last bastion of chattel slavery in the land of the free. In essence, when athletes refuse to deny themselves as Black and proud individuals at the behest of sport’s plantations, they fail the Toby Test.
national recording artists, groups and dancers have already pledged their support to be a blessing in this endeavor. For more information, call (817)229-4323. HOUSTON- The Julia C. Hester House Awards Luncheon, “Open the Door to Hope,” will be held at the Renaissance Houston Hotel, 6 Greenway Plaza East, on Thursday, December 13, 2007 from 11:30a.m. to 1:30p.m. This event
will help support the Julia C. Hester House’s effort to enhance the quality of life in Northeast Houston through programs and services. Honoroes are: Odessa Sayles, Julia C. Hester House Award; Sheila Jackson Lee, Leadership Award; Don North, Champion Award; and Robert Parker, Purple and White Award. Co-chairs for the event are Duni Hebron, Sandi Woolf and Jan Miller. For more information, call (713)672-2573.
CHURCH ADS and CHURCH LISTINGS DUNCAN MEMORIAL
CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST Pastor Elder Supt Ohmas Edwards (713) 674-5466
2222 Lockwood Dr. Houston, Tx 77020 SUNDAY Morning Prayer: 9:15 am Sunday School: 9:30 am Church Services: 11 am “Preaching The Gospel Is More Important Than Philosophizing. Soul Winning Is More Important Than Building Membership .” If you are looking for a church home, you might want to come fellowship with these folks. Besides Sunday, they meet for prayer on Tuesday morning at 11 am, and on Friday the Bible Band Mission meets from 12 to 1 pm and a Bible Study Friday evenings at 7:30.
FIDELITY CHURCH OF CHRIST “The Church That Cares” 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.
Wednesday
MINISTER: Mid-Week Bible Class Theaster Maloy, Sr. 7:00 p.m.
OFFICE: 713/674-5131
140 Fidelity Rd. Houston Tx 77029
Blessed Hope MBC 3741 Colvin Houston 77013 (713) 673-6309 East Houston Church of Christ 7515 E. Houston Houston 77028 (713) 631-7435
SUNDAY SERVICE
8 AM and 11 AM BIBLE STUDIES Wednesday 7:30PM Leonard N. Barksdale, Pastor
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. 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
Website
www.fthwardcoc.org “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.
Ebenezer MBC 1814 Jensen Houston 77026 (713) 222-0838
Office: 713-728-9503 Study: 713-728-4428
www.gfmbc.com
Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church
Praise N’ Motion Dance Center offers Christmas Break Camp
GREATER FRIENDSHIP MBC Mt. Ararat Baptist Church 5801 W. Montgomery Rev. Johnny L. Goff, Sr., Houston 77073 14055 Dublin (713) 692-9954 Houston, TX. 77085
Experience the Friendship! Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is a church with a mission- “Let Each One, Reach One!” They have been committed to following the Lord’s command to reach out to the lost (Matt. 28: 18-20) since their founding in 1987.
SHADY ACRES
CHURCH OF CHRIST 730 West 26th St, Houston, TX 77008
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
Greater Progressive MBC 840 Ringold Houston 77088 (281) 445-8603 Hope in Christ Church 10310 Antoine Drive Suite A Houston 77091 (832) 882-7925 Jerusalem MBC 2835 Fidelity Rd. Houston 77029 (713) 674-3794
HOUSTON- Praise N’ Motion Dance Center, 3333 Fan-
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church/ School nin #100, will offer a Christmas Break Camp from Decem1055 W. Tidwell Rd. ber 17, 2007 thru January 4, 2008, daily, from 7:00 a.m. Houston 77091 6:00 p.m. The camp is offered to boys and girls ages 4- 17. (713) 680-1419 New Pleasant Grove MBC 3221 Bain St. Houston 77021 (713) 672-7419 Olivet Missionary Baptist Church 3115 Lyons Ave. Houston 77020 (713) 224-1515
Prices are only $75.00 for one week, $125.00 for 2 weeks, and and $175.00 for 3 weeks, with no registration fee. Prices include 2 snacks and lunch per day, art projects, dance classes, game room, baking class, and more. Please note that the camp will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. For more information, please call (713) 523-2623.
Progressive MBC 944 Reverend B.J. Lewis Dr. Houston 77088 (281) 447-2342 St. Monica Catholic Church 8421 West Montgomery Rd. Houston 77088 (281) 447-5837 Wesley United Methodist Church 7225 Homestead Houston 77028 (713)635- 3191
Praise N’ Motion Dance Center campers enjoy an outing at an ice skating rink.
Announcements
Dallas- On December 22, is the UBF Black Firefighters Ball & Extravagaza. There will be food and live entertainment. This event is open to the public. It will be held at the San Antonio Professional Fire Fighters Association Building, 8925 IH 10 West. Please call Eddie Douglas III at (210) 789-1310, for ticket information.
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8 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • December 12-18, 2007
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