African american News&Issues by AFRAMNEWS.COM

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August 8-14, 2007 ™

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Vol. 12 Issue 27

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INTERNATIONAL

More than an educatonal paycheck in Ft. Worth Page 8

TSU to receive millions of dollars to fund security center WASHINGTON DC – Congressman Al Green (TX-09), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, participated in the joint HouseSenate conference to reconcile the 9-11 commission bill. As a participant in this conference, Congressman Green was able to play an integral role in securing a National Transportation Security Center (NTSCE) for Texas Southern University, as part of the 9-11 commission bill. The Homeland Security Centers of Excellence (HS-Centers) bring together leading experts and researchers to conduct multidisciplinary research and education for homeland security solutions, and are authorized by Congress. Each center is led by a university in collaboration with partners from other institutions, agencies, laboratories, think tanks, and the private sector. Texas Southern University’s National Transportation Security Center of Excellence will conduct research and education activities, and develop or provide professional security training, including the training of transportation employees and transportation professionals. “Houston has one of the largest transportation infrastructures in the country. The establishment of this NTSCE will help to ensure that our city’s transportation infrastructure is also the safest in terms of security. I am honored

See TSU page 9

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BLACK HISTORY EVERYDAY

Quote of the Week

“But there is no politics in this country that is relevant to US... to Black people.” H. Rap Brown

Young Black Patriot’s death grim reminder of the bearer of Iraq’s boondoggle DARWIN CAMPBELL

African-American News&Issues

PORT ARTHUR- When Hurricane Rita swept through, Brandon Keith Bobb was forced from his home in Port Arthur. After moving to Florida, the former Memorial High School student went on to graduate from high school and took his hopes, goals, dreams about a brighter future into the United States Army. Those dreams were cut short last month when the 20-year-old was killed when a makeshift bomb exploded near their vehicle in Baghdad on July 17. Bobb was a military police officer with the 401st Military PoliceCompany, 92nd Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, stationed at Fort Hood. He was the son of Paula Bobb Miles and Johnny Miles Sr., of Port Arthur. Rather than entering college, the workforce or finding the love of his life and having children, his legacy was cut short and his life ended, making him one more statistic in a war started by politicians who are distantly removed from the pain, anguish, horror and suffering of every mother, father, sister, brother, husband or wife who has lost someone in these battles in Iraq. Bobb’s photos show a man of confidence, a youth with dream of making a difference in this world and a man with vision and a zest for life. His full potential and contributions to this world will never be known. One thing is sure, it was not to come here for 20 years and die on foreign soil fighting for a people who in the end will spit on our boots and slam the door on us at their borders. At the funeral, his family was offered See PATRIOT page 3

It’s been two years since God called His servant, Pastor Alvin “Dad” Montgomery, home. But his precious memories continuously sustain his love ones that celebrated his long and productive life on Sept. 10, 2005 at Pentecost Tabernacle Holiness Church, 3200 1/2 Scott at Adair. Pastor Amos Harrell officiated an order of service that included: Sis. Jossie B. Harrell, Elder Washington, Lula Washington, Melanie Jackson, Evangist C. Harrison, Vickie Lynn Pringle and Lady Tina Wilson. Active pallbearers were: James Henderson Jr., Jerome K. Lewis, Renard Tallaman and Samuel, Dwight and Alvin Montgomery Jr. Lonnie Montgomery and James Kemp were honorary pallbearers for Alvin, who was born on March 11, 1927 to Lonnie and Gladys Montgomery in Bernice, Louisiana. (FYI: Brought into being in 1899 by the railroad, Bernice, Lousiana is Union Parish’s “new kid on the block.” As the youngest town in the parish, it has a colorful history as a sawmill town and agri-

WILL BLACK WOMEN RETURN HILLARY TO THE WHITE HOUSE? BUD JOHNSON

African-American News&Issues

Following a Hillary Clinton “Vote for me because I’m a woman” event The New Republic reported: “Ellen Malcolm, however, displayed a considerably heavier touch, at a point gushing about how great it was to watch the recent Democratic debate where, smack dab in the middle of ‘all these white men in their dark suits and power ties’ stood Hillary.” Malcolm’s July 8, 2007 remarks inauspiciously inspired the question: “Is this also how black female supporters of Clinton view Barack Obama? Is he just another white man in a dark suit and power tie?” Colorblind politics notwithstanding, it was duly noted that Malcolm, who has had a long career in politics, particularly in political fundraising, evidentally ignored Obama’s African heritage. Then again, stirring contro-

Hillary appeals to the sisterhoods. versy was apparently the devious intent of Malcolm, a heiress of one of the founders of IBM who started working for Common Cause shortly after graduating from Hol-

lins College in 1969. (FYI: Malcolm was also a press secretary for National Women’s Political Caucus and later Esther Peterson, speSee HILLARY page 3

PRESERVING BLACK HISTORY

The school opened in 1918, and in its 52 years of existence, more than 12,000 people passed through its hallways.

Park honors Tyler’s only Black high school DARWIN CAMPBELL

African-American News&Issues

TYLER- For former students of the all-Black Emmett J. Scott High School, remembering Black history means preserving their own. Members of the Class of 1971 have accomplished a great goal of renaming of a park to Emmett J. Scott Memorial Park across from the site of their former school. Donald Sand-

ALVIN MONTGOMERY

March 11, 1927 - August 31, 2005

cultural trade center. The area was known as the “big woods” for its large stands of huge virgin pine, which Captain C.C. Henderson planned to exploit by means of his Arkansas Southern Railroad, the first railway in the parish. Moving south from Junction City, his trailblazing path eventually reached to Winnfield. Henderson almost bought some property about a mile north of the present town from Henry Mabry, but they could not agree on the price. The Cap-

ers, now a Tyler city councilman and member of the class of 1971, spoke to a small gathering of his former classmates at the ceremony. The renaming honors efforts to remember a time and era that should not be forgotten in AfricanAmerican or American history. After the Emancipation Proclamation abolished slavery in the South in 1865, racial discrimination was regulated by the Jim Crow laws, which mandated strict segregation of the tain moved south and bought land from Allen Lowery and Dave Cole and eventually named his acquisition for Lowery’s infant daughter, Bernice. One late spring day in May, he auctioned lots for the planned community. Jake Crews was the first mayor. He was also the contractor who built many of the earliest homes. Still standing are his personal 1900 home, now the Caldwell Home and said to be the oldest house in town; the 1902 Garland/Reeder House; the 1903 J.W. Heard/Laurence/ Patton House; and the 1904 Thomas Heard House.”-Wikipedia Free Online Encylopedia.)

Ironically, it became Montgomery’s mission in life to bring water—“Living Water”—to those whose lives he touched through his ministry. He started his Christian journey, when he united with God’s Holy Tabernacle in 1949 and was a faithful deacon until 1985. He then joined Pentecostal Tabernacle Holiness Church on May 17, 1985. On January 7, 1988, he was appointed Superintendent of the Sunday School Department.

Emmett J. Scott. See PARK page 3

He was ordained a minister on November 11, 2003. He was a dedicated and committed member until the end. Montgomery was an employee of United Gas Co. (later named Entex) for 36 years. Montgomery, who had one sister that preceded him in death, leaves to cherish sweet memories; his loving and dedicated wife: Mrs. Virgie Lee Montgomery of 15 years. His children: Wilma Ann, Vickie Lynn, Alvin Jr., Samuel Leigh, Dwight Tell, Byron, Lutheriene Faye, Bennie Ray, Geletha Gay, Lonnie Lee Thomas, Leslie Diane, and Johnnie Mae. Rev. Montgomery also left precious memories for his step-children: Arthur Jackson, Jena (James) Kemp, Melanie Jackson, Charlotte Jackson, James Lee Jackson, Betty Parker, Michael Jackson, and Jerome K. Lewis, all of Houston, Texas; 35 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 7 great-great children and host of nieces, nephews and loved ones. Montgomery truly loved the Lord and was loved by many who dearly miss his earthly presence and wise counsel. TX-1

VIEWPOINTS & OPINIONS

2 • African-American News&Issues • Texas •August 8-14, 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: Media Amnesia Confuses

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Inhumanity Ain’t Racism Roy Douglas Malonson

here’s an old joke (I learned rich plantation owners once bred as a pre-teen while work- enslaved African warriors to do ing in my father’s barber shop in exactly what the fierce pit bulldogs northwest Houston, Texas’ Acres are doing. I’m sure you’ve heard the Home community), that was guar- name Mandingo. anteed to get a laugh from Black Even if you haven’t read the book men who gather at neighborhood (FYI: Mandingo is a novel writbeer joints and barber shops. I real- ten in 1957 by Kyle Onstott. The ly didn’t understand book is set in the why the punch line, 1830s in the ante“Oh Lord, please let bellum South prime die and come back marily around Falas dog,” was so funny conhurst, a ficbecause as a clueless tional plantation child I couldn’t conin Alabama owned nect it with a beautiby the planter Warful, rich White woman ren Maxwell. The kissing an ugly Pekinnarrative centers ese dog. My daddy on Maxwell, his gave me the clean verson Hammond, sion and explained and the Mandinthat Black men realize go, aka Mandinka, that White folks cared slave Ganymede, or more about dogs than Mede. It is a tale of Michael Vick us, therefore a dog’s life cruelty toward the was better than ours Blacks of that time, in a racist nation. I later learned containing vicious fights, poisonthe dirty, “Jungle Fever,” version, ing, and violent death.The book but I won’t go there. Even so, that inspired the 1975 film Mandinjoke came to mind while analyzing go and a series of books over the the Atlanta Falcon’s quarterback next three decades.-Wikipedia Free Michael Vick’s alleged dogfighting Online Encyclopedia). You’ve probconspiracy media feeding frenzy. ably seen the movie. Truth is, in Since dogfighting, on a much less a nation born from violence, the profitable scale was once a trend media overkill about dogfighting is among youths targeted by Acres somewhat hypocritical. That was Home War on Drugs, I’m certain- then, but this is now aside. Presily aware of the inhumane sport. dential candidate Barack Obama Nevertheless, the media is definite- recently coerced the U. S. Senate ly blowing it way out of proportion. to apologize for not enacting antiIn comparisons to gruesome acts, lynching legislation. inflicted on humans, dogfighting A portion of the resolution read: just isn’t that big of a thing from a “Coming to terms with this paingrassroots’ Black perspective. Race ful part of the nation’s history is card notwithstanding, at the behest the only way the United States can of PETA dogs are getting more effectively champion human rights sympathy than Black males have abroad. Lynching took place in all ever gotten. History records that but four continental states, and the

TX-2

s editorial watchers on the wall (for citizens of good conscience indigenous to the land of the free who have curious minds and want to know the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth), African American News&Issues has become a committee of one to take the spin out of special agenda power brokers’ propaganda from an uncompromised Black perspective. Thus, we must challenge our colleagues, when they suffer from media amnesia. We don’t relish challenging our much more resourceful colleagues but, alas, poor memories negate the Free Press mandate to report all news without fear or favor. Yet, it pains us to discredit, or question other media’s motives. We Must Understand, however, total objectivity is essential to a free press’ credibility. For a Black newspaper to persistently challenge much more resourceful mainstream media that a consensus of made in America Africans’ intelligentsia (e.g., the NNPA and NABJ) are wont to depend on, gives one cause to pause and ponder whether, or not, our motives are pure. We can only offer a preponderance of evidence that our criticism is warranted. The Houston Chronicle’s July 15, 2007 chronicled: “Since he arrived in Houston from Phoenix, Police Chief Harold Hurtt hasn’t had it easy. He walked in the door just as hundreds of his officers were walking out, taking advantage of generous pension benefits negotiated by the previous administration under Mayor Lee Brown. Hurtt also had to preside over the cleanup of the crime lab scandal, a legacy of botched evidence and tainted cases from the previous decade that exploded into public view shortly before Hurtt assumed the helm at the Houston Police Department. Attempts to clean up the image of Houston cops by setting appearance standards earned the chief the enmity of police unions. Through it all, Hurtt has provided strong and innovative leadership, tackling the manpower shortage with overtime and introducing TASER stun guns in an effort to bring down the number of fatal police shootings.” Levity aside, we must respond like that Geico ad’s caveman: “What?” Are they talking about the same Chief Hurtt that our publisher chastised in his Sept. 915, 2004 Analysis (Can Chief Hurtt Shoot Straight?), that’s in our archives www.aframnews.com? We Must Understand, while editorials ideally

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PUBLISHER’S NEWS ANALYSIS

reflect a collective opinion of a particular media, lest their perspective includes the good, the bad and the ugly history of their topics they aren’t valid. Perhaps, the Chronicle’s editorial staff doesn’t read our paper, or didn’t recall Malonson’s rant: “I must question a man’s judgment whose first act is to undo something that it took citizens decades to get done. Either Hurtt wasn’t briefed on Houston’s political history, or he’s simply a pawn-- manipulated by Mayor Bill White-- to arbitrarily shake up his command staff and replace civilian jailers with veteran cops,” in response to their article. Nevertheless, common sense suggests that Hurtt’s bone-headed mistake contributed to HDP’s manpower shortage. Then again, that was from our racist Black perspective. The Chronicle staffers should’ve remembered HPOU Union chief Hans Marticiuc revelation. (FYI: The Houston Police Officers’ Union today announced it has initiated a survey of Houston police officers to determine their professional opinion on the job performance and policies of Chief Hurtt. This survey comes two years after Chief Hurtt assumed the top leadership position at HPD, a two-year period during which violent crime in Houston increased after a long-term period during which crime had declined. More than 4,700plus surveys have already been mailed to HPD officers, and the HPOU hopes to gather, tabulate, and announce the results on July 11.“We believe that the people of Houston, the mayor and city council all deserve to know what the first responders of HPD have concluded about the police department’s leadership,” said Hans Marticiuc. “Houston’s police officers have routinely expressed serious concerns about the leadership of Chief Harold Hurtt since late last year. As the first responders in the fight against crime, we have repeatedly asked that Chief Hurtt stop focusing on trivial matters that insult and alienate officers and, instead, get serious about the crime increases in Houston. Instead, the police chief has systematically returned HPD to an autocratic style of management that has put public safety second.” –Houston Chronicle, June 20, 2006.) In essence, the only way one can conclude, “Through it all, Hurtt has provided strong and innovative leadership,” is to fixate on the good and forget the bad and ugly. Consequently intelligent citizens agree that Media Amnesia Confuses.

BUD’S EYEVIEW

ON: Racism Bonds

Bud Johnson: The Old African Warrior

oebeit today’s Black athletes fail to grasp the concept of representing the heart, soul and indomitable spirit of descendants of slaves. Even so, I have a bigger problem with the whitewashed mindsets of the people whom they represent. Hey, you might as well queue The Twilight Zone theme, Because one can’t talk sports in 2007 America without trespassing into The Outer Limits of racism. First, however, allow me to qualify a simple truth: The sports media’s ongoing vendetta against Bonds makes me ashamed that I was a member of their fraternity for over 32 years. I say this, just in case my adversaries think I’m not qualified to salute Bond for making history. For real, if you check Texas’ historical archives, you’ll learn that I won 10 NNPA Awards as a sports editor during my first incarnation. I was only 19 when I launched a sportswriting career that ended in 1985 with much fanfare, e.g., a City of Houston Bud Johnson Day proclamation. My day culminated with a celebrity “throw down” at Club Was (aka Club Classic), orchestrated by the late Artice “Cboy” Vaughn and “The Judge” (Lloyd C. A. Wells), when I retired at age 51. So can we talk? Okay, let’s get the obvious out of the way before we analyze the deeper issues bedeviling made in America’s good, bad and ugly in general and our best and brightest celebrities in particu-

lar. I will set the tone by deferring to Jonathan Curiel’s May 25, 2006 article (The debate over race) in the San Francisco Chronicle. Incidentally, the Chron’s publisher tried to lure me to the west coast in 1965 when the civil rights movement initiated an affirmative action to “darken” the nation’s

vast majority of the slayings were committed in southern states. Mississippi, Texas, Georgia and Louisiana led the southern states with the most people killed in lynching. And lynching became social events, with children in some towns getting out of school, and workers taking off to witness men being tortured, burned alive, hanged or shot to death. History also records that some of the

children found the Black victims death throes often caused them to giggle. While there’s nothing funny about any kind of inhumanity against man, or beast, dog fighting simply doesn’t register very high on the outrage scale in today’s cold world. I’m not even shocked when a father stuffs his baby in a microwave to kill him. Meanwhile, in the ‘hood today bad dogs are presti-

Barry Bonds, Jr.

newsrooms. History aside, Curiel’s article reads: “During his quest to overtake Babe Ruth’s home run total, Barry Bonds complained that racism was the reason so many fans were rooting against him. That may be so, but it doesn’t explain how divided African Americans are about the validity of Bonds’ claims of racial enmity or why some of them, too, might be unhappy to see Bonds surpass the Yankee slugger. Not since the O.J. Simpson trial

have Blacks seemed so polarized about whether a well-known African American has been subjected to unfair treatment. On blogs, in conversations and in other public forums, Black Americans are talking not about Bonds’ homers but about whether he deserves empathy or contempt. Those Blacks who ridicule Bonds say he has appropriated ‘the race card’ to turn himself into a more sympathetic figure at a time when steroid allegations against him have diminished respect for his athletic achievements. In this anti-Bonds camp are Garry Cobb, a former NFL player who has said that ‘using a racism charge to protect Barry Bonds is what makes us as Black people look like a joke,’ and St. Louis PostDispatch columnist Bryan Burwell, who argues that Bonds is ‘a brother of convenience.’ The war against racism and inequality in this country is far too important to be wasting ammunition on make-believe issues of race.” There it is. And it is that the joke is on the Black folks (suffering residual affects of Willie Lynch’s “How To Make a Slave” indoctrination) who tend to believe it’s intelligent to jump on the mainstream media bandwagon without validation other than what a racist media propagates. When envious and racist journalists unfairly persecute arrogant Black males, it should bond a people, rather than divide and confuse them. Then again, when Black folks buy into a media instigated “war on drugs” (so totally until they demonize their own kids for being casualties of war), they’re already divided and confused. I wonder if anybody knows where I’m coming from? gious and oftentimes lucrative, just as it was for slave owners who pitted their bad “Bucks” against other slave owners’ baddest “Bucks” and wagered on the outcome. Usually, the Bucks fought for life, or death, because angry owners often treated a loser the same as “Bad Newz Kennels” is accused of doing. But we don’t have to revisit

See INHUMANITY page 3

African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 8-14, 2007 • 3 HILLARY -from Page 1 cial assistant for consumer affairs in the Carter administration. She went on to found EMILY’s List and is now president of America Coming Together.-Wikipedia Online Free Encyclopedia.) Perhaps, the ambigious questions concerning Obama’s “Blackness” that has been langishing in Black America’s pysche since Hillary and Obama clashed one-onone at Howard University on June 29, was rekindled. The Associated Press reported on June 30, 2007: “If Bill Clinton was the ‘first Black president,’ his wife and Barack Obama are vying to be the second. Obama, the only Black running for the White House, came into a debate Thursday night at predominantly Black Howard University with the crowd on his side, chanting his name as all eight Democratic candidates posed for pictures on stage. But Hillary Rodham Clinton appeared to win many of them over in an impassioned performance that addressed their anger over inequality. ‘If HIV/AIDS were the leading cause of death of White women between the ages of 25 and 34, there would be an outraged outcry in this country,’ Clinton said to the biggest applause line of the night, bringing the audience to its feet.” Accordingly, a presumption that Black women love Hillary provided fodder for KCOH (1430AM) Radio’s popular “Person-to-Person” call-in talk for several days. One caller revisited a June 29, internet blog that said: “I’ve been quite surprised by the famous Black women such as Sheila Jackson Lee, Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Maya Angelou, Victoria Rowell, etc. who have come out in support of Hillary Clinton over Barack Obama and offered no good issues-based reason for doing so. I mean Maya Angelou basically endorsed Hillary Clinton because she’s a woman. There are plenty of black women who do support Obama-Oprah, Halle Berry, and lots of women on the-ground.

However, those who are supporting Clinton over Obama perplex me. What is it about Obama that is antithetical to black women’s interests? Better yet, what is it about Obama that is antithetical to the interests of some of Clinton’s Black male political supporters’ like Kendrick Meeks, John Street, and David Dinkins? “Am I saying that Black politicians should support Obama because he’s Black? No. I’m saying that they should support Obama because his record and policies are much more attuned to the political opinions of Black Americans than are Hillary Clinton’s. In the same way, Clinton should not get away with women voting for her just because she’s a woman. Women should vote for her if her record and policies are more aligned with their interests relative to other candidates.” As Texas’ widest circulated and read newspaper with a Black perspective, African American News&Issues is obligated to objectively answer a very pertinent question. Hillary’s much maligned “Universal Healthcare” plan resonated with Black Texans in general and/or our mothers in particular, insofar as the state has shown a propensity not to value Black kids’ health. Truth is, if one reads it carefully from a Black perspective, the medical plan (that Hillary was disparaged for) would be a boon for Black medical professionals as well as African Americans indigenous to disenfranchised, underserved urban jungles and impoverished locales throughout the land of the free. Meanwhile, if Hillary is courting Black women to return her to the White House, the time is now for Black America’s “Sisterhood” to galvanize and set an agenda for whoever relishes their powerful vote. Lest Hillary and other candidates forget, Black women from the 9th Ward in New Orleans’s 9th Ward can vote in the presidential elections 2008, too.

INHUMANITY-from Page 2 slavery, or Jim Crow history, to support the Black perspective that there are racists who think it’s funny to drag a Black man behind a pickup truck. Lest we forget, some fun loving White cops find it amusing to Taser Black men and watch them dance a “n-word” jig. Surely, Inhumanity Ain’t Racism

per se, but I have seen too much race relation inhumanity against my people by racists to be outraged over dogfighting. To contact Bud Johnson, please call 281- 847-9929 (8-5- Wednesdays & Thursdays) or via e-mail at Africanwarrior@aol.com

Fort Worth students place in ACT-SO FORT WORTH- Two Western Hills High School students returned to Fort Worth as “Olympians” after

Roy Douglas Malonson-Chairman Shirley Ann Malonson-Pres./CEO Bud Johnson-Mgr. Editor Emeritus Darwin Campbell- DFW Metroplex Mario Salas-San Antonio Marvin D. Cloud-Production Mgr. Lisa Smith - Production Assistant Billy ‘Hollywood’ Groves - Reporter Malik Kenyatta - Reporter Lori Landry - Cont. Writer Hattie Smith - Cont. Writer Oswald J. Scott -Cont. Writer Roger Jackson-Photographer Jesse Simon-Photographer Fred Smith-Advertising/Sales James Johnson-Distribution Allen Carlton-Distribution David Johnson-Distribution • Advertising: 713-692-1178 • Houston: 713-692-1892 • DFW Metroplex : 817-283-7945 • 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).

placing in their categories at the 30th NAACP Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) in Dearborn, Michigan. Vincent Causey took first place in the Poetry category and Chancellar Jenkins won third place honors in the Entrepreneurship category. Causey and Jenkins competed against teens from across the country in the ACT-SO event, along with Fort Worth ISD students who placed in the local ACT-SO competition. For their wins, Causey received a $1,000 cash prize, and Jenkins took home a $500 prize. ACT-SO was founded in 1978 by renowned author and journalist Vernon Jarrett. The program provides a forum for African American youth to demonstrate academic, artistic and scientific prowess and expertise. ACTSO is a year-long enrichment program designed to recruit, stimulate, improve and encourage high academic and cultural achievement.

PATRIOT-from Page 1 words of comfort who said their fallen soldier will live on forever in the hearts and memories of his loved ones. In one case, the minister said, “In a world of give and take, only a few are willing to give what it takes and Brandon was one of them,” said Minister Corey Shaw in his sermon. “Brandon did not die on July 17. He will not die until we destroy his memory from our hearts.” The Army offered words of condolences stating, “Greater love hath no man than he who lays down his life for his brother,” said another Army representative to the grieving family and friends. “Brandon was one of the best the Army has to offer. In the Army, we respect our soldiers like our own children and now our responsibility to Brandon is to honor him not with our words, but with our actions.” Many others who knew him and commented on his guestbook called him a brave American hero, a great man and courageous to make the ultimate sacrifice. Others shared the joys of knowing such a vibrant soul, while others wrote about the tears of sorrow for a life lost and gone too soon. His mother was presented with her son’s Bronze Star medal and a Purple Heart for his service to his country and for the ultimate sacrifice of his life. Truth is, none of it matters now. She still has to wrestle and deal with the loss of her baby- a son she brought into this world for good, for the rest of her life. According to the Antiwar.com Web site, since the war began (3/19/03), 3,648 Americans have been killed and an estimated 26,953 have been wounded. Many of the more than six dozen Texas casualties, which now includes Bobb, are African Americans. Bobb is the third Port Arthur soldier to lose his life in this so called “War on Terror.” According to DOD reports, with Bobb on that terrible day was his buddy and friend, Pfc. Ron J. Joshua Jr., 19, of Austin. He also died as a result of the attack. The young men were in basic training together and had developed a lasting friendship during their time in the Army. Other local soldiers to suffer the same fate include Sabine Pass native U.S. Army Spc. Ryan Berg, 19, who was killed Jan. 9 in Baqubah, Iraq, just days af-

ter returning to combat. Also, Port Arthur native U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Edward “Jay” Reynolds, 27, was killed on Sept. 26 when a roadside bomb collapsed a bridge as his convoy was crossing. Reynolds’ vehicle went into the river below, trapping him inside. The soldier was rescued from the vehicle, but died en route to the hospital. Deaths in Iraq are causing family circles to be broken and dreams to be shattered forever. Children will never see their fathers, fathers never see graduations or proms and hundreds of great Americans, some scientists, researchers, business gurus and computer wizes will never be born because of this war. Ranging in age from 19 to 35, these fathers and mothers have been sacrificed and cut down before their time and we will never experience, know or see the pinnacles of their successes, hopes and dreams. Bobb is now part of the thousands of men and women who lost their lives because countries, religions and political idealisms get in the way of people just wanting to live their lives and enjoy the natural resources God put here on earth for all of us to share. Words are not strong enough or powerful enough to replace the losses or ease the years of what might have been had this young man been left to chart his course in life separate from the failed policies of the Bush administration and his crony advisors who before the war thought they were Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and the other founding fathers when they came up with this foul plan for Iraq and abusing the office and powers of the Presidency. History reveals how the Russians failed in the same way, making the same errors in Afghanistan. America ran through the same stoplights and warnings, underestimated its enemy and the costs and rushed headlong into Afghanistan and Iraq and are now mired in a quagmire. The fallout is that daily our young men and women are paying a high price for it. Most of the “president’s men or women” or congressional leaders are feeling that daily anguish. The majority of them are not attending funerals and burying loved ones. Only the mothers, fathers, spouses and family members from small town America and poor inner

city and minority neighborhoods are suffering the very down to earth, ground level grief and pain. It is what the Bobb family went through in burying their son and is repeated with every family who has been notified that their son, daughter, husband or wife is dead. All these proverbial idiots did was devise a deadly plan and create a death trap for our sons and daughters to walk through. It begs one question, and that is, who are the real terrorists? They have taken innocent lives and paraded them across a chess board hoping to get checkmate, but only finding themselves in a bad draw. As they did in Vietnam in the 1960s, the poor stand in the stead and pay the ultimate price and sacrifice for the richest of the rich and the most powerful enclaves of society whose children hide in the Ivy League halls of Harvard, Princeton, Yale and other state universities, far from military service, the hot sands of Iraq and the sounds and drums of war. It is so easy to talk about dying from freedom and a cause and perhaps it is even some form of a balm to believe that a person died for something, but when sticking your head out of the matrix of lies being woven by politicians and the news media, the real truth is young men are dying at an alarming rate for nothing and this government and administration has failed every parent and child by not learning the lessons from Vietnam. Black people today need to focus and become aware of the high price being paid by African Americans and the Black talent being lost in this meandering war on terror that continues without direction and purpose and is killing off young Blacks at an alarming rate. Those who remain are in harm’s way dodging sniper fire, hidden roadside bombs and facing suicide bombers bent on hurting and killing them. Far often, these missions have not been successfully completed, leaving too many of our family chains and lines broken and shattered. This war is taking a huge toll on Black America and the long-term pain on the psyche and the losses for mothers, fathers and spouses continues to be staggering. It is truly changing and altering faith (in the system), family life and futures, here in America.

PARK-from Page 1 races. Institutionalized racial segregation was rampant in the South until civil rights demonstrations ended the tide thanks to the efforts of civil rights activists Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr. and others. These great warriors battled at the risk of death from a period after World War II through the passage of the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Many of their efforts were acts of civil disobedience aimed at violating the racial segregation rules and laws, such as refusing to give up a seat in the Black part of the bus to a white person (Rosa Parks), or holding sitins at all-White diners. By 1968, all forms of segregation had been declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court, and by the 1970s opposition to formal and legal segregation had dissolved. Segregation and racial discrimination was declared illegal in school systems, businesses, American military and government and separate bathrooms, water fountains and schools all disappeared due to

the strong national public support for the civil rights movement. For years, Emmett J. Scott High School was the only Black high school exclusively for African-Americans in Tyler. The school opened in 1918, and in its 52 years of existence, more than 12,000 people passed through its hallways. The high school stood across the street from the park from 1918 until 1970. It was a casualty of the progress brought on by the Civil Rights movement and the push for integration. Many former students of Emmett Scott were transferred, having to trade in the maroon and white colors of Emmett J. Scott High School for Robert E. Lee red and John Tyler blue. However, it is the namesake of the school whose contributions to Texas and Black history that is often hidden and overlooked. Emmett J. Scott, an African American author and administrator, was born in 1873. From Houston, TX, he briefly attended Wiley College in Marshall, TX before starting to work as a journalist for the Hous-

ton Post in 1881. In 1894, he started his own weekly newspaper, the Houston Freeman and soon after became the personal secretary for Booker T. Washington. He was awarded an honorary M.A. from Wiley College in 1901. From this position, Scott was elected secretary of Tuskegee Institute in 1912. He became widely recognized as the leader of what was to later be known as the “Tuskegee Machine,” the group of people close to Booker T. Washington who wielded influence over the Black press, churches, and schools in order to promote Washington’s views. According to The Encyclopedia of AfricanAmerican Heritage, after Washington’s death, Scott became a special assistant to the U.S. secretary of war in charge of Negro affairs at the start of World War I. This was at a time when race relations in the military were an issue of debate and it was here where Scott became a liaison between Black soldiers and the War Department. For 20 years, he held positions as secretary, treasurer, or business manager at Howard University. Scott died in 1957. To mark the event for the ages, a plaque was place in the park. The words on that bronze plaque reads, “In honor of Emmett J. Scott High School: Graduating Proud and Prosperous.” Many people said that the park is a great tribute to the memory of the school, but will also help remind future generations of that key link to Tyler’s African American past.

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TX-3

POLITICAL NEWS

4 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 8-14, 2007

Dallas City Hall hosts community teen summits The youth had the chance to meet Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert African-American News&Issues and take pictures with him and others. According to Caraway, he hopes DALLAS- It is the first step in what to broaden the mind of young peocity leaders will help pave the way ple from disadvantaged areas of to better lives for African-American South Oak Cliff, Pleasant Grove and youth and other disadvantaged ju- South Dallas believing that broadveniles. The Community Teen Sum- ening their perspectives on life will mit kicked off at Dallas City Hall with make a difference in their lives. The teens and adults putting their best goal of the summit is to serve as a feet forward and doing their best to prevention and intervention tool stop future crime in its tracks before for youngsters before they comit gets off the ground. More than mit crimes or make bad decisions in 200 youth attended the first summit their lives. “many of whom never had been to According to Caraway, he is pascity hall. My goal is show the youth sionate about making a difference of Dallas that life is greater,” said in the lives of youngsters not only in Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Car- his district, but city-wide. The sumaway. mit and efforts to change youth “We want to make responsible and neighborhoods is just one of adults of these kids.” It is the first of the many tenets included in Cara series of summits that will be held away’s 20-point plan. This summit every fourth Saturday over the next helps to encourage parents to play 10months. The summit meetings are a more active role in raising their being held in City Council Cham- children, and provides enhanced bers to give participants access to support services where necessary the location where the city council to accomplish that goal. makes decisions that affect their7/31/07 evLeppert gauged the1vision, hopes RU080507AA_5_56x10 9:58 AM Page eryday lives. and dreams of the youth probDARWIN CAMPBELL

ing their goals for the future. He told them that education must be in the plan for each to realize their goal. Also supporting the summit and partnering in efforts to change lives and make a difference in these youth are Leppert, District 7 Councilmember Carolyn R. Davis, District 8 Councilman Tennell Atkins, Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins, Judge Thomas G. Jones, Bishop Larry McGrief, the Dallas Police Department, Dallas Fire-Rescue and the Dallas Park and Recreation Department’s Youth Services. Financial support for the Community Teen Summit is provided by Allyn and Company. The first program focused on forums for teens to give them a chance to share withsummit organizers on topics and issues they are facing in the community. It was also a chance to listen and find out more about what youth wish to learn more about. Teens also got first-hand testimonials from members of I Won’t Complain Ministries and from two gang members who shared tragic stories about events that happened and

Reaching all of our youth is important before it is too late. The goal of the Dallas City Hall Youth Summits is to provide youth with new insights and directions in life. have touched them and their families. Some teens said they attended the summit because of the examples set by some from the community who are actively involved in efforts to change the community and stop crime and violence on the streets. Other meetings will be held every fourth Saturday for the next nine months and focus on different topics such as teen pregnancy,

responsible parenting, drug abuse, truancy court, job training, education and many other topics affecting teens and their families. Groups and youth interested in attending the event should call (214) 670-0781 to reserve slots. All youth attending the event need to be accompanied by an adult or be part of a church group or organization attending the event.

State Representative Turner hornored for child advocacy

Big Deals for Back to School

HOUSTON- State Representative Sylvester Turner of Houston will be honored by the Texas Pediatric Society with its 2007 Child Advocacy Award. The award is being given to Turner for his “tireless work on behalf of Texas children which culminated in the passage of HB 109 during the 80th Legislative Session,” according to Gary W. Floyd, M.D., president of the Society. HB 109 extended the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to an additional 127,000 children. “Our Executive Board voted to bestow you this honor based on watching your courageous fight for the youngest Texans,” Floyd said in a letter to Turner. “We believe there was no greater champion for children and appreciate your never wavering support for

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CHIP.” “I am very honored to receive this award from the Texas Pediatric Society,” Turner said. “Certainly, there is no better cause for which to fight than the health of our children. We won this battle for CHIP this year but I will continue to do all I can to see that more of these vulnerable young Texans receive the health care they deserve.” The Texas Pediatric Society will present the Child Advocacy Award to Turner at its 2007 Annual Leadership Planning Summit in Austin, Friday, August 24, 2007. Turner was also honored with the Presidential Award of Merit from the Texas Association of Family Physicians for his important role in protecting the health of Texas children and families through his work on House Bill 109.

Roy Minter, Jr., chosen to lead police department DENTON- The city of Denton has chosen an African American to head its police department. Roy W. Minter, Jr. was appointed police chief and will begin his employment on Monday, August 13, 2007, according to Denton City Manager George Campbell. He will oversee the operations of the Police Department and Animal Services Unit. Denton Police Captain Scott Langford has served as the Interim Police Chief since October 2006. Minter currently serves as the Commander of the District One Station for the Aurora, Colorado Police Department. The Aurora Police Department is the third largest law enforcement agency in Colorado with 635 commissioned members. Aurora covers 150 square miles and has a population of 305,000 residents. Minter has implemented several crime-reducing, and commu-

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nity-based programs including: Lunch with Blue, Business Advisory Group, and Robbery Awareness seminars. In 2006, Minter’s Aurora Police Department District showed a 13% decrease in their violent crime rate. Prior to joining the Aurora Police Department, Minter worked for the Houston Police Department for 10 years as a Police Officer in the Special Operations Bureau/Tactical Services Bureau. Minter holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Masters in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. He also has extensive Law Enforcement Training including: Senior Management Institute for Police - Executive Strategic Management Course, Police Executive Research Forum; Prevention and Deterrence of Terrorists Acts Instructor Training, Department of Homeland Security; Advanced Ethics Instructor Training, The Center for International Law; and Anti-Biased Policing Instructor Training, Colorado Regional Community Policing Institute.

To get FREE coverage of your political events and news and announcements, please send items to news@aframnews.com. TX-4

COMMUNITY & EVENTS THIS

BUD’S FOR YOU

TwiliteZone.com—Howbeit I fully intended to play on my close encounter with the failing health kind to reduce my (self imposed) weekly work load by discontinuing this column. Ideally, people columns are a stable of weekly newspapers that the entire staff contributes to. In other words, it’s very hard work to compile material to fill this space each week. That’s why it’s an onerous task that’s regulated to young, energetic roving reporters just starting their careers, or retired journalists that enjoy socializing. For sure, I’m not either one. Even so,

George Bud Easter Johnson, Jr. I’ll confess that flattery will get African American News& Issue’s dedicated readers (lamenting this witty epistle’s demise) everything. Thus, This Bud’s For You is back (periodically, rather than weekly) by popular demand. LostInSpace—My eldest son,

TSU-from Page 1 to have been awarded this opportunity to allow TSU to administer this center which will bring together leading experts and researchers with the goal of developing transportation security solutions,” stated Congressman Green. “This NTSCE will allow TSU to harness expertise and knowledge, create jobs, and serve as beacon for the development of transpor-

George Bud Easter Johnson Jr. (aka “Chip” off the old block) had much to lament when his 49th birthday was Lost In Space at a very unfortunate time, inasmuch as his beloved aunt, Faye Marie Baines Lindsey, died on July 3, his birthday. Chip, consoled himself by working in his TDCJ HortiFaye Marie Baines culture Lindsey project and plans to plant Azaleas in honor of his Aunt Faye. Meanwhile, his mother’s only sibling’s life was celebrated on July 7, at New Macedonia BC, 6425 Cebra, with Rev. Henry D. Lewis officiating at the discretion of senior pastor, Rev. Leroy Ford. Rev. R. L. Hudspeth, Sisters: Willie Mae Hudspeth, Donna Lewis, Vickie Brown, Barbara Riggins & Ruth Gaskin participated in the order of service and Kendrick Waters, Darrell Lindsey Jr., Elliot Rawl, Damian Corney, Cedric Lindsey & Kourtney Rawl were active pallbearers. George “Chip” Johnson Jr., Bruce W. Johnson, Robert Jones, Gregory Barrett, Darrell Lindsey and Cedric Watson were honorary pallbearers for Faye Marie, who was born Nov. 29, 1938 to Wharton, Texas’ Robert “Bob” Baines, Sr. and Bernice Johnson in Houston, Texas. Faye accepted the Lord and was baptized at the age of 10. She was a member of New Macedonia Baptist Church She was a 1956 grad of Aldine ISD’s G.W. Carver and worked for Murray Rubber Company until she retired because of failing health. Faye, a free spirit who enjoyed family gatherings, fishing and cooking was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Bobby Baines; one son, Wilbert Roy “Yogi” Lindsey; tation security solutions. I could not be more proud to have played an instrumental role, under the leadership of the Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, to bring this NTSCE to a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). This NTSCE will serve to enhance transportation security for the Houston Metropolitan Area, the State of Texas, and across this great nation.”

African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 8-14, 2007 • 5 one daughter, Claudie Rawl and her beloved sister, Hallie Baines (Johnson) Smith. She leaves two sons, Gregory Barrett and Darrell Wayne Lindsey (Malika); three daughters, Sharon Jones (Robert), Bernice Harmond, and Joyce Watson (Cedric); 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; two nephews, George Bud Johnson Jr. and Bruce Wayne Johnson; one niece, Monica Wilson; one goddaughter, Felicia Starks; two god-sisters, Dyna Haynes and Willie Mae Hudspeth; a very special first cousin, Vera Gaines; and a host of other relatives and good friends like Jim Gainous. Well done Faye Marie Baines Lindsey! InDaHood—Many people in the ‘hood will mourn the passing on Marvin Zindler, who an old sister once called “a God’s sent man” for disenfranchised Black folks. His passing gives me pause to pause and ponder my own mortality, insofar as if I had become the long defunct Houston Press daily newspaper’s first full time sports writer/columnist, Marvin would’ve been the photographer assigned

Marvin Zindler to me by Sports Editor Bob Rule. For sure, since I met Marvin before he could afford his first “make over,” I knew the man behind the face. Throughout the years, he always went out of his way to talk with me at press conferences. Especially when he was working in the Harris County Sheriff’s Department. In fact, we actually worked on a couple of things together, such as making HISD allow poor kids to take driver education classes free. We also collaborated to protest sense-

less high speed police chases to no avail. I would like to think, however, our efforts made cops think about it before being seduced by “hot pursuits.” Many people might have forgotten, but Marvin parlayed the “Consumer Fraud Deparment” he created while working as a Deputy Sheriff into his long and lucrative TV career. He was definitely one of kind and surely made the world a better for passing this way. So long old pal. It’s been good to know you….You might want to check out Front Page: Newspaper Production from the Collections of Wheeler Carter and The Museum of Printing History at the Museum of Printing History, 1324 W. Gray. It’s an introduction to the history of newspaper that allows you to walk through the past alongside great or infamous headlines (“Men Walk on Moon,” “Dewey Defeats Truman,” “Elvis Is Dead”) and much more dating back to the 17th Century that will be displayed through Sept. 15, 2007. For information call (713) 5224652… . Happy belated birthday to Audrey Elmore, the legendary, long retired educaAudrey Elmore tion, who responded, “That number is unlisted,” when her pastor asked her how old she would be on her birthday. Congrats Mrs. Elmore. I hope that you will have many more. SportsWatch—It seems that Jackie Carr, the erstwhile Wheatly High School coaching legend, once again stole the show during Prairie View A & M University’s National Alumni Convention at the Westin Galleria, although he was among sports legends like Bill Russell, whose defensive play with the

Boston Celtics revolutionize the NBA; Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Morgan and his former Houston Astros’ teammate Jim “Toy Cannon” Wynn. According to Bobby Hayes, who once helped sponsor such gala events as a representative for Silver Eagle (Budweiser Distributors), the camaraderie among the former athletes on the dais was infectious and Jackie was right at home among former PVAMU legends. Other PVAMU legends were: the Oakland Raider’s greatest ever fullback Clem Daniels; retired basketball coach Tommy “Gun” Johnson and his brother Earl, who both played at BTW High School with the real estate mogul John Hightower, who enjoyed the event, along with as former Yates/ TSU/ Harlem Globetrotter’s George “Stalky” Gray. Also in the mix was Dan Meekins, who starred in track and basketball at Jack Yates and PVAMU, circa 1950s. For sure, Jackie equally enjoyed being inducted into the Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association’s 28th annual Hall of Honor banquet at in Fort Worth on July 28. He deservedly highlighted the Class of 2007. Carr was Wheatley’s coach from 1969 to 1985, compiling a 532-112 record that included four state championships, six regional championships and 11 district titles. But what really impressed me was when he came out of retirement, after almost a decade, and resurrected Wheatley’s basketball program and took them to the state playoffs again. You might remember my article (Jackie Carr Made Wheatley’s Dry Bones Live Again?), that he called one of the best he’s ever read about himself. Jackie was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. He also was inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor at its annual banquet on August 1. Congrats again Jackie, This Bud’s For You!

University Line Join us! METRO has been listening to you and working to incorporate ideas from all over the community. METRO, on behalf of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration announces the availability of the University Corridor Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).

Public Meeting/Open House You are invited to a Public Meeting/Open House where copies of the DEIS will be available for review. METRO staff and consultants will be on-hand to answer questions regarding the document at sessions to be held on:

Monday, August 13, 2007 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Holiday Inn Select-Greenway* Windsor Ballroom 2712 Southwest Freeway Houston, Texas 77098

Tuesday, August 14, 2007 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 3826 Wheeler Avenue Houston, Texas 77004

*Garage parking (only) will be validated.

University Corridor Public Hearing METRO and the FTA will be receiving formal comments on the document at a public hearing to be held on:

Monday, August 27, 2007 1:00 p.m. Open House (Fellowship Hall) 2:00 p.m. Public Hearing (Sanctuary) South Main Baptist Church 4100 Main Houston, Texas 77002 Copies of the DEIS will be available for review.

Congressman Al Green makes the announcement that Texas Southern University has been selected to establish a National Transportation Security Center. FORT WORTH- The Fort Worth/Tarrant County “Millions More Movement” Local P.O.W.E.R. Organizing Coalition, The Ministry of Cultural Arts Sciences and Technology and the Lyricist Loft will be holding its first Annual SANKOFA Cultural Arts Festival: Re-linking Community and Culture. The event will be Saturday September 8, 2007, 10:00 am - 4:00 p.m. at Hillside Community Center, 1201 East Maddox Ave. Special guests: Erykah Badu, Rickey Smiley and Professor Griff. For more information call (817)386-0369 or e-mail ministryofartsculture@mmmfortworth.org.

Any person who requires language interpretation or special communication accommodations is encouraged to contact METRO Community Outreach at 713-739-6838 at least two working days prior to the meeting. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate your needs. The meeting location will be wheelchair accessible. For bus or rail route information, call 713-635-4000 or visit www.ridemetro.org. Para información en Español llame al 713-635-4000. Please see the ad in the legal section of the August 3, 2007 Houston Chronicle for locations where hard copies of the document are available for public review. The DEIS is available on METRO’s website at www.ridemetro.org.

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and BUSINESS NEWSPAPERS/BLACK African Herald Dr. Richard Nwachukwu 8204 Elmbrook Ste. 217 Dallas, TX 75247 African News Digest 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

African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 8-14, 2007 • 7 Marketplace Heading: Continental Airlines sponsors convention for the Real Estate Organization of Black Airline Pilots

REAL ESTATE WHY PAY RENT? Por qué paga el alquiler?

HOUSTON– The planning of the 31st Annual Convention for the Organization of Black Airline Pilots (OPAP), $2500 TOWARDS NEW HOME bears many similarities with pre-flight INCENTIVES preparations pilots do daily. The OPAP BIG HOME-SMALL PRICE. pre-convention checklist is done and is Grant Programs Available. set for take-off August 14-18, 2007 at Good Credit... No Credit.... the Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel, Buen credito...No Credito... 1600 Lamar, Houston. OBAP is led by CALL: 713-453-4381 its President and CEO Captain Karl Minter, Flight Operations Duty ManRESTAURANTS ager for United Airlines and Captain Leonard’s Famous Burgers Albert T. Glenn, Chairman of OBAP’s 1913 W. Little York Rd. Board of Directors and former Director Houston 77091 of Flight Operations for FedEx Express (713) 686-3555 Corporation. OBAP’s annual meeting is being Josie’s Place 1.5” Ad For 4 Weeks: held in partnership with The Bessie 7473 N. Shepherd $ 150.00Dr. Coleman Foundation, Inc. (BCF); The Members of the Organization of Black Airline Pilots. Houston 77091 +One Time Set-up Fee: Black Flight Attendants of America, (713) 695-7711 $ 25.00 Inc. (BFAOA, Inc); The Negro Airmen International, Inc. (NAI); U.S. Army Black Aviation Association, Inc. (USABAA), and The Ten Empowerment Network (TEN). Because TotalSERVICE cost to run ad: STATION/AUTO REPAIR these organizations are all a part of the aviation family, they find it makes good economic $175.00 sense to have their annual gatherings held at the same time and location. The Organiza6960 TC Jester @ Little York tion of Black Airline Pilots introduces young African Americans to its profession through RAPID LUBE Acres Home Auto Repair the development and support of Project Aviator, a program developed to help young leaders of tomorrow who have an interest in the aviation industry attain the dream. WithTune-Ups in Project Aviator, there are five initiatives: Aviation Professionals in Schools, Aviation Brakes Full Service 99 Career Education Camp; Flight Academies (Basic and Advanced); Scholarship Programs $ Front End Work Oil Change and Professional Aviation. Tires - Batteries In May 2007, The W. K. Kellogg Foundation awarded a $360,000 grant to OBAP to Alignments Up to 5 qts. + EPA + tax provide minority youth with opportunities to improve their quality of life by expandA/C Work ing OBAP’s current services and capacities. One of the highlights of the convention will Check Engine take place on Friday, August 17, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. during the Corporate Luncheon with Lights State Inspections a conversation with vice presidents of Flight Operations. Taking part in this discussion CV Joints - Axles will be: Fred Abbott, Continental Airlines; Steve Dickson, Delta Air Lines; George Semak, Original Owner is Back! Engine Diagnostics ExpressJet Airlines and other VPs of operations for major domestic carriers. The Friday No Credit Check Financing for Repairs evening Awards Banquet keynote speaker is Siza Mzimela, CEO of South African Express Airways. For more information on the annual convention, please call (281)575-8155. SOUL MUSIC ONLY $300 EARNEST MONEY Sólo $300 fianza

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HOUSTON- Anthony W. Hall, Jr. will be the keynote speaker for the African American Chamber of Commerse of Greater Houston’s monthly “Lunch Bunch” luncheon, for the month of September. Anthony W. Hall, Jr., is the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Houston. Since the early 1970s, he has been actively involved in local and state government and civic affairs and has gained substantial experience in public law. He served as a State Representative in the Texas Legislature from 1973 to 1979, on the Houston City Council from 1979 to 1989, Chairman of the Board of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County from 1990 to 1992 and City Attorney from 1998-2004. Anthony W. Hall, Jr. Hall serves on the Board of Directors of El Paso Corporation and Houston Endowment, Inc. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Houston Bar Association, State Bar of Texas, National Bar Association and the Houston Lawyers Association. He is a graduate of Jack Yates High School, and he received his B.A. in Economics from Howard University in Washington, DC, and his J.D., cum laude, from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas. He served in the U.S. Army from 1967-1971, attaining the rank of Captain. His military service included tours in Berlin and Vietnam; decorations include the Purple Heart and three Bronze Stars. Serving the community is important to Hall as evidenced by his involvement with some of the following: United Negro College Fund - Chairman of the Executive Board/Houston Area Junior Achievement, Inc.- National Board of Directors, Executive Committee, American Leadership Forum - Past President, Board of Directors, Houston Symphony - Vice President, Board of Directors; Executive Committee, The Ensemble Theatre - Board of Directors, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc. , The Boule Foundation, Chairman - Board of Trustees and, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston - Board of Trustees. For more information about the AACCGH’s monthly luncheon, please call, (713)692-7003 or visit their Web site at www.aaccgh.org.

Business and community leaders ponders Independence Day

MALIK KENYATTA

African-American News&Issues

were classified as non-human. Bill was member of the pre-Black Panther for organization in the 1960s, the Deacons for Defense. It was an organization dedicated to defending Black neighborhoods from racists who were terrorizing them. He said, “In those days, the all-White police departments were cells of certified klansmen hiding behind their badges, but we could not let them terrorize our community, we had to protect our families.” Rev. Vandyke, a well-respected preacher, and family man said, “The Deacons for Defense came out of the Black church, they were church deacons that said ‘enough is enough.’ They were not afraid of the Klu Klux Klan or the racist police down in Louisiana. I know because I was there, living in Louisiana when they first organized.” As the C.E.O. of GCCS, of Houston, Bill helped thousands of mar-

Please sign for approval andWhy fax back to 713-692-1183 HOUSTONshould Black Americans by 12 NOON Friday or the ad will not run. celebrate the Fourth of

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July? That was the profound question that was debated by several people at Bill Lawton’s home at anDate annual get together. Bill the former C.E.O. of Gulf Coast Community Services), and his wife, Audrree, hosted the event featuring community leaders, activists and politicos. The question should be analyzed from a clinical or forensic perspective by Black America, because at the time of the so-called “Independence Day,” in 1776, America was a slave-holding country with millions of Black African descendents held in bondage as captives without any kind of human rights and

ginalized and disenfranchised people. “I thank God for blessing me with my wife Audree, she is a great mother and help meet, especially during those sometimes rough days at Gulf Coast, she helped me to maintain some balance and direction.” Bill and his twin brother Henry are from Troy, Ohio, where Bill taught high school. Audree said “Bill has taken on a new lease on life, since the advent of our two little beautiful granddaughters Cidney and Shelly. Bill’s love for our family is real, and we love him just as much.” Mr. Lawtons’ daughter is a practicing attorney. Bill expounded on the subject of the 4th of July by saying, “We must develop the independence of thought and that will free us of the mental bondage that we suffer from today, if we free our minds we will free our behinds.” Attorney Asberry Butler said “Its

amazes me, the way Whites pretend like they do not understand, why Blacks should even ask the question.” Minister Charles X White said “Bill is a Blessing to us all, he is one of the most brilliant persons I have ever met. He has blessed many with his help. Some people became millionaires because of Bill’s help.

Henry Lawton, Rev. Ray Martin and Bill Lawton.

To get FREE coverage of business, please send items of interest to news@aframnews.com For more information, call (713) 692-1892. TX-7

EDUCATION NEWS

8 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 8-14, 2007

Changing image, fate of minority students, focus of new Dunbar High School principal DARWIN CAMPBELL

African-American News&Issues

FORT WORTH- For Douglas Williams, education appears to be more than a paycheck “it is a mission.” It is a mission that involves preparing young minds to take their places as leaders of tomorrow in the minority community. He has proven that his form of leadership, dedication, discipline and planning should quickly take root and make a difference as new principal of Dunbar High School. Dunbar is a predominantly Black school in southeast Fort Worth that over the past few years has produced excellence on the

basketball courts, but has struggled to provide the kind of fo-cused and disciplined leadership Douglas Williams and training in the classroom that translates into real education and preparation for life. The school has been severely lacking in providing much needed services through its school Web site and is apparently disconnected from its parents and community leaders concerned about working in at least, some limited capac-

ity to bring more role models and volunteerism into the school. Williams is coming from an environment where he developed winning formulas that put children back on track, restored goals and visions, put curriculums in order and nurtured a successful teamwork among staff that worked to benefit children, the schools and the surrounding community. He brings 26 years of education experience to the Fort Worth ISD During his tenure with the San Diego Unified School District, he served as a junior high school mathematics teacher, pupil advocate to improve the performance of an underachieving student population, high school vice principal and principal of Hoover High School.

His work at Hoover High School in San Diego has been profiled on the California Department of Education website, an Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) article and in several books, including Improving Adolescent Literacy: Strategies at Work and Creating Literacy-Rich Schools for Adolescents. Part of his plan for the upcoming school year: Parents are to be contacted/ responded to by teachers and administrators within 24 hours. An open door policy will be established that includes students, parents and teachers. Parents are invited and encouraged to visit the campus and to contact their child’s teacher with regard to their school academics. A website will be established so students and parents can access assignments and all other pertinent information. Accountability will be

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a top priority-not only with campus administrators, but also with the entire Dunbar staff. His potential to change the Dunbar educational and learning environment shows promise, especially after the California Department of Education recognized and praised his work as principal of Hoover Senior High School in San Diego. According to that report, Williams was responsible for changing the learning landscape and confidence levels of students at the school resulting in increased achievement. During the mid-90s, Hoover Senior High School in the San Diego Unified School District was, by all accounts, a school in trouble. The school’s achievement scores were the lowest in the state. Teacher morale was low and turnover was high. Crime, poverty, and basic skills were the most frequent topics of conversation on campus. Then, the school established a staff development committee of Hoover teachers and administrators as well as colleagues from San Diego State University. They identified seven instructional strategies, all focusing on content standards that could be used to permeate the school at every level. Committee members wanted the strategies to be transparent to the students and wanted literacy strategies in content-area instruction to become commonplace in English, science, social studies, art, physical education, music, and shop classes. The school’s governance committee approved the seven strategies. Every teacher in the school was expected to use them and the teachers were promised that priorities would not be shifted. Over the next three years, school leaders devised a professional development plan centered on the seven adopted strategies. Today classroom observations continue to provide teachers with support and feedback for the refinement of their pedagogy. Lessons are often videotaped and used in teacher-led professional development days. Writing and sustained silent reading (SSR) classes provide additional opportunities for students to read and write. The library includes a full spectrum of reading levels in its collection, and library media staff collaborates with content teachers on classroom research projects. Most teachers identify block scheduling, featuring four 90-minute classes per day, as the crucial underlying structure that makes available sufficient time for in-depth, multifaceted instruction. As teachers have implemented content literacy instruction, student achievement has increased. Results from a variety of indicators show that Hoover High students are catching up; the gap is closing, the report said. His successes have been featured in an article written in Principal Leadership, published by the National Association for Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Titled “Five Lessons for Leaders,” the article outlines the administrative process Williams used to improve Hoover High School -lessons he intends to use at Dunbar. Fort Worth ISD School Board Member Christene Moss, Superintendent Melody Johnson, District administrators and staff, a number of retired teachers and administrators, including Lucretia Branch, Mae Cora Peterson, Helen Wallace, Willie B. Jones and Coach Robert Hughes Sr., former State Representative Reby Cary, Councilman Frank Moss have endorsed Williams. Also, many students and parents, Dunbar alumni, PTO members, Dunbar Booster Club members, local ministers and other community organizations all are optimistic about Williams and have promised to support Mr. Williams in his efforts. He said part of his plan is to increase academic success at Dunbar High School using some of the model now in place at Hoover.

ENTERTAINMENT/AUTOMOBILES African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 8-14, 2007 • 9 words were well-received and an indication that our youth are being Black radio town hall meeting draws large crowd ignored by mainstream media. “Mitch and Lee,” two DJ’s provided the meeting with good jazz and a “talk radio skit” that dramatized the importance of radio and how it does not provide positive information. The program ended with a prayer from both the Christian and Muslim community by Rev. Thomas and Bashir Muhammad. Refreshments were served and over $1,100 was raised towards getting an engineering study. SACR must meet an October deadline set by the FCC and must raise some initial money to complete an engineering study that must be submitted.

MARIO SALAS

African-American News&Issues

SAN ANTONIO- An overflow crowd gathered at the Frank Garrett Center to hear San Antonio Community Radio, Incorporated (SACR) reveal its plan to bring community radio to San Antonio. Over 150 people crowded into the center to be educated and entertained by the organization. The program’s theme was “The Value of a community-owned radio station in a commercial-dominated industry.” The program began at 2:30 p.m. with an opening prayer by Rev. Thomas. Lorena Robinson, a talented local female singer, sang two beautiful songs that motivated the audience to the up-beat efforts of trying to restore the voice of the African American and minority community. I provided some opening remarks and served as moderator for the program which began with Gayle Sledge providing a history of how their group, “Restore Our Voice,” brought the vision of community radio to San Antonio, by contacting and working with viable community based organizations to begin these efforts. Next on program was Frank Garrett Jr., who is serving as a consultant for SACR, Inc., and who perhaps explained it best when he talked about the needs of the community and how in a commercial-dominated industry the needs of the community would never be considered first priority. Frank Garrett Jr., the son of the late Frank Garrett, whose name graces the building in which the meeting was held, spoke quite forcefully about empowering the community through radio. He

Divas of Literature Tour 2007 A cross section of the community represented made up the over 150-member crowd that listened to SACR’s plan to bring community radio to San Antonio. drove home the point that as long women. The audience clapped to women, our youth, and members as we do not control the airways, the beat and rapping rhythms. of the military at Lackland AFB and then those whose interest is outThe program and efforts to cre- Fort Sam Houston. Also in attenside of the community will, and ate a community radio station dance was a representative of the those issues that affect the lives of also received the support of the Prometheus Radio Project, Mrs. minorities would be ignored. Vice-President of the San Antonio Deanne Cuellar, who is providing Next on the agenda was Dr. Mar- School District, James Howard, and technical assistance to SACR. Gracus Nelson, associate superinten- the District 2 representative. Those ciela Sanchez, of the Esperanza dent of the Judson School District, in attendance, included former City Peace and Justice Center, was also who delivered information on how Councilman Art Hall, former Coun- present. Giving comments were important it is to use community cilman John Sanders, representa- members of the Brown Berets who radio to educate and empower our tives from City Council Districts 1 stood in support of the efforts to youth with positive music and edu- and 5, and former mayor Ed Garza. empower the community with a cation that can up-lift a communi- District 2 City Councilwoman Shei- solid educational voice for the comty rather than tear it down. Dr. Nel- la McNeil also sent her support to munity. son is also a good positive rapper. the group. Hundreds of emails of A young rapper by the name of He provided the audience with a support poured into the organiza- “Philly Mike” described how hard it sample of the type of positive RAP tion’s email box and some of them was for talented youth to be given that could be played on commu- were read. a chance to be on radio despite nity radio, free from the “N” word They included emails from Afri- the fact the radio stations are supand the disrespect shown toward can Americans, Hispanics, Whites, posed to work with local talent. His

HOUSTON- The Divas of Literature Tour 2007 comes to Houston, Saturday, August 18, 2007 at 12p.m. at the Galleria Mall, 5135 West Alabama. The tour strives to embrace, enrich and empower communities across the nation on their first five city and gives the public an opportunity to meet and greet five amazing authors: Rene Flagler, “Mountain High Valley Low,” & “Miss-Guided”; Mahogany Star, “Where Secrets Lie”; Esther Armah, “Can I Be Me”; Naija, “Between my Thighs”; and Ebony Dawn, “Moments.” Through the support of advid fans and bookclubs, the authors are able to make a tremendous difference and will do readings, raffles, photographs and autograph their latest fiction and non-fiction books. Houston is the third city on the tour. For more information, visit www. divasofliterature.com.

Deals & Wheels Would you like a lifetime powertrain warranty? GWENEVERE M. CLOUD Automotive Correspondent

HOUSTONWhen I wrote about manufacturers’ vs third-party aftermarket warranties, I kept this column generic, because it is a consumer education piece and not a sales piece. However, with Chrysler’s recent announcement that the company would extend its powertrain warranty from the 3-year/36,000mile Basic Limited Warranty to a new Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, I can not pass up this opportunity, as bias as it might seem. The new Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty applies to most new Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles purchased from dealer inventory and delivered on or after July 26, 2007. It covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair covered powertrain components – engine, transmission and drive system. I concur with Steven Landry, one of our Executive Vice Presidents who said, “This ... is a statement of confidence to our customers to the reliability of their powertrain. It’s peace-of-mind reassurance for as long as they own the vehicle.” This underscores our focus on quality and customer satisfaction and demonstrates the confidence we have to produce quality, reliable and durable vehicles. Why else would we put “lifetime” on it?

Gwenevere M. Cloud is Business Development Manager for Gulfgate Dodge, 7250 Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX. For more information, call (281)4776767 ext. 6130 or email her at gcloud@ gulfgatedodge.com.

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CHURCH/COMMUNITY NEWS

10 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 8-14, 2007 CHURCHES 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 “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.

SUNDAY SERVICE

8 AM and 11 AM BIBLE STUDIES Wednesday 7:30PM Leonard N. Barksdale, Pastor

Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church 4300 Noble Street, Houston TX 77020 Ph: 713/675-5111 • Fx: 713/675-1522

CHURCHES

Greater Progressive Missionary Baptist Church 840 Ringold Houston 77088 (281) 445-8603 Hope in Christ Church 10310 Antoine Drive Suite A Houston 77091 (832) 882-7925 Mt. Ararat Baptist Church 5801 W. Montgomery Houston 77073 (713) 692-9954

Texas Southeast First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ, Inc., holds 35th Holy Convocation MARVIN D. CLOUD

African-American News&Issues

HOUSTON− The Texas Southeast First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ, Inc., held its 35th Holy Convocation, July 22-27 at the Wyndham Green-

spoint Hotel, 12400 Greenspoint Dr. in Houston. Under the leadership of Bishop Rufus Kyles, Jr., jurisdictional Bishop, the theme for the event was, “Soaring to Higher Dimensions as we Celebrate a Glorious Past and Embrace a Promising Future.” Bishop Kyles, pastor of the Evangelistic Temple C.O.G.I.C., stated,

of credentials committee; Dr. Mary Nell Hines-Singletary, commissioner of Education/Dean (CHMBC) and Sis. Diane Woods, executive hospitality. Lena McClain, supervisor designee stated concerning their theme: “There is a beautiful parallel between the the eagle soar-

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and School 1055 W. Tidwell Rd. Houston 77091 (713) 680-1419 Progressive Missionary Baptist Church 944 Reverend B.J. Lewis Dr. Houston 77088 (281) 447-2342 St. Monica Catholic Church 8421 West Montgomery Rd. Houston 77088 (281) 447-5837

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

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

14055 Dublin

Houston, TX. 77085

Office: 713-7289503

www.gfmbc.com Experience the Friendship! Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is a church with a mission- “Let Each One, Reach One!” They have been committed to following the Lord’s command to reach out to the lost (Matt. 28: 18-20) since their found-

SHADY ACRES

CHURCH OF CHRIST 730 West 26th St, Houston, TX 77008

713/861-6625

Sunday

Minister Frank Melton Jr. Res.713/733-0868 Off. 713/861-9249 FX 713/861-2744 Assoc. Minister Glen Burgess, Sr. Res.713/734-8983

Early Worship 6 am Sunday School 9:30 am Regular Worship 10:30 am Evening Worship 6 pm

Wednesday General Song Practice

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.

Standing room only crowds embraced the Convocation during day and night services. My prayer is that this will be one of the most resourceful convocations Texas Southeast has ever had. The topics for the training sessions have been designed to aid the local church. The midday services will be a blessng to all who attend. Also, God has blessed us this year, like always, with some of the church’s greatest and most anointed speakers. Texas Southeast is proud to join our National Church in celebrating a glorious past while we embrace a promising future.” Under Kyles Jr., leadership, other jurisdictional officials include: Pastor Alfred White, first administrative assistant; Supt. Gary L. Cantue, administrative assistant of finance, Supt. Kurt L. Thompson, personal executive assistant, Pastor Ralph Wells, Sr., vice-chairman, jurisdicional assembly; Supt. John L. Banks, chairman of superintendents, Supt. Connie L. Cooper, jurisdictional secretary, Pastor Ronald Morris, chairman, Pastors & Elders council; Missionary Lena McClain, supervisor designee, department of women; Missionary Myra Banks, marketing; Sis. Sandra Duhon, marketing; Missionary Diane Woodard, public relations; Elder James Dancer, chairman

ing in the air and the believer living above the power of temptation. It is a picture of the kind of life saints of God are privileged to live by the power of the Holy Spirit. Yes, we celebration Bishop E. Woodard, Sr., and Bishop Robert E. Woodard, Jr., who have laid and built on the proven foundation, Holiness. Thus, I’m confident with our present leader Bishop Rufus Kyles, Jr. that we are embracing a future that pleases God.” Plenary speakers were Pastors Johnny Tates, Ronnie Morris, Superintendent Designee Johnny Tates; and Elder Ronald Morris. The Spoken Word was presented by Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., International Presiding Bishop C.O.G.I.C., Inc., Bishop John Henry Sheard, Chaiman Board of Bishops; Evangelist Patricia R. Lewis, supervisor, Pakistan Jurisdiction. Kyles also delivered the Official Convocation Message. Events, held at four locations throughout the city included a Monday Musical Extravaganza, daily breakfast, midday worship, daily luncheon, the Bishop’s Honor and Recognition Luncheon and training institutes.

Bishop Rufus Kyles, Jr. delivers the Official Convocation Message.

Lena McClain, supervisor designee

Wednesday

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

OFFICE: 713/674-5131

140 Fidelity Rd. Houston Tx 77029

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Ministers from all over Texas participated in Convocation activites.

Photos by: Roger Jackson

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HBCU/EDUCATION

African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 8-14, 2007 • 11

Paul Quinn’s probation tarnishes hope for a brighter future DARWIN CAMPBELL

African-American News&Issues

DALLAS- What should be the next step for fixing the ailing image of Paul Quinn College? Leadership, mission, vision and future at one of this country’s oldest historically Black colleges appears to be lacking and hopelessly lost in a sea of problems that could soon sink this great institution. The college was put on probation for one year by the Commission on Colleges because it failed key litmus tests needed to reaffirm and maintain that accreditation. The latest problems and twists at Paul Quinn is more than just an inconvenient glitch – it is an indication that something needs to happen to break the academic malaise on campus and bring big changes in attitudes that lead to the kind of refreshed leadership and vision that can help the college survive and compete well into the future. Michael Sorrell, Interim President of Paul Quinn issued a statement about the latest turn of events stating, “While this sanction is disappointing, we are committed to addressing the concerns of

SACS in an appropriate and forthright manner… Paul Quinn is not the first well-known institution of higher learning to have been placed on probation. Several Texas colleges have also received this warning from their accrediting agencies. Our sister schools were able to satisfy the guidelines set forth for them by their reviewing panels and we intend to do the same.” Paul Quinn College is a four year, undergraduate, coeducational, Christ-centered liberal arts institution, affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Making excuses or taking this latest turn lightly is not the answer either. The fact remains that in order to gain or maintain accreditation with the Commission on Colleges, an institution must comply with the standards contained in the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement and with the policies and procedures of the Commission on Colleges – Paul Quinn has not. According to the report, the college has numerous issues and discrepancies relating to academics, infrastructure, financial stability, faculty support and services and

must show improvements in every area before the June 2008 reevaluation. The cited Core Requirements expect an accredited institution to provide evidence that it has (1) an effective process for evaluating institutional quality, (2) a sound financial base and financial stability to support the mission of the institution and the scope of its programs, (3) ample faculty to support the mission and programs of the institution, and (4) adequate library collections and services. The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is the recognized regional accrediting body in the 11 U.S. Southern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia) and in Latin America for those institutions of higher education that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degrees.The Commission’s accreditation decision on Paul Quinn affects and includes all components of the institution—all programs, branch campuses, offcampus sites, and distance learning programs as reported to the commission and the current status applies to the entire institution. In his statement, Sorrell puts the best spin possible for supporters, stu-

dents and the community, but in reality, the school is drifting like a ship without an anchor. Accreditation is the lifeblood of college survival. It is what makes it an institution of higher learning respectable and credible in the eyes of academia, business, and community and government circles. Sorrell and Paul Quinn College are in the fight of its collegiate life – trying to convince itself and those who grant accreditation that the school can overcome its financial and academic hurdles and exorcise the “demons” that now have the school teetering and facing an uncertain and possible grim future. On its Web site, Dr. Belle S. Wheelan, president of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, makes it clear that when it comes to educating young people and preparing them for life and careers, academic standards and accreditation principles are high with no room for errors. “When an institution has earned accreditation by the Commission on Colleges, it signifies that it has ‘a purpose appropriate to higher education and has resources, programs, and services sufficient to accomplish and sustain that purpose.’ In addition to ensuring that our institutions provide quality programs

for students which determines eligibility for Title IV funds (student financial aid), the Commission on Colleges works to influence legislation and regulations that impact the work of our member institutions,” Wheelan stated. “Our accrediting process and all of its policies, processes, procedures, and decisions are based on the concepts of integrity or dealing openly and honestly with the member institutions, with which we work, and quality or an ongoing program of improvement that ensures fulfillment of their stated mission.” According to Sorrells, the administration is taking steps to regain its status as the institution prepares for its upcoming year. Prior to the announcement of SACS’ findings, the College had already begun implementing changes that we feel will improve the educational experience of our students. Among these changes are: (1) extended library hours; (2) a remodeled cafeteria; (3) mandatory class attendance; (4) a revamped curriculum; (5) expanded career services office; (6) increased security presence; and (7) an improved financial aid office. These are important steps on the road to recovery and needed to move forward and away from the hanging dark clouds.

Houston Prince Hall Masons Take Top Honors for 2007 HOUSTON- Each year Prince Hall Masons from all over the state of Texas gather in Fort Worth for their annual Grand Lodge session. This year over 500 Prince Hall Masons attended this grand event. There are 28 Districts and 158 Lodges in the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas and its jurisdictions. Each year top awards are given to the district of the year, and to the lodge of the year for outstanding performance in community service, scholarship sponsoring and youth mentor programs. Houston’s District 15a and True Square Lodge #108 took top honors as district

and lodge of the year. “Our lodges pulled together in Houston and worked hard serving the community to make this a stellar year. This award could not have been possible without the support of our female organizations as well” said Past District Deputy Grand Master Charles Potter. Our District will be hosting a Meet & Greet event on August 11th 2007 at the Texas Café 2400 N. Shepard starting at 2pm. We invite anyone interested in learning more about our male and female organizations. If you would like to attend you can go to www.hightwelveclub. com to RSVP.

Grand Master Wilbert Curtis and the Brothers of District 15a.

Forest Brook High School students earn nearly $3 million in scholarships HOUSTON- More than 60 Forest Brook High School and M.B. Smiley High School graduates earned just shy of a total $2.9 million in scholarship monies. Forest Brook seniors Lance Calloway, Kiara Marie Fontenot and DaShanda Rivers helped fill out that total, with each receiving a coveted Gates Millennium Scholarship valued at $400,000 a piece. The awards, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will finance the students unmet educational needs from the first year in college through completion of professional or doctoral programs. Several students from both campuses received $12,000 awards

from the Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show. Forest Brook and M.B. Smiley high schools are part of the North Forest Independent School District. Many others, who plan to attend Texas A&M University or the University of Texas at Austin, also received lucrative scholarship packages from the schools. NFISD graduates have been accepted at and received scholarships to many other universities, including the University of Houston, Stephen F. Austin University, Prairie View A&M University, Lamar University, Barry University, Jarvis Christian College, Texas College and Hutson-Tillotson University.

Grand Master Wilbert Curtis and True Square Lodge #108.

Texas Black Colleges and Universities Directory Huston-Tillotson University 900 Chicon Street Austin, 78702-2795 (512)505-3000 www.htu.edu

Paul Quinn College 3837 Simpson Stuart Road Dallas, 75241 (214)376-1000 www.pqc.edu

Southwestern Christian College P.O. Box 10 Terrell, 75160 (214)524-3341 www.swcc.edu

Texas Southern University 3100 Cleburne Avenue Houston, 77004 (713)527-7011 www.tsu.edu

Jarvis Christian College P.O. Box 1470 Hawkins, 75765 (903)769-5700 www.jarvis.edu

Prairie View A&M University P.O. Box 188 Prairie View, 77446 (409)857-3311 www.pvamu.edu

Texas College 2404 N. Grand Avenue Tyler, 75702 (903)593-8311 www.texascollege.edu

Wiley College 711 Wiley Avenue Marshall, 75670 (903)927-3300 www.wileyc.edu

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12 • African-American News&Issues • Texas • August 8-14, 2007

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