®
Vol. 19 Issue 9
Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex
March 24-30, 2014 | FREE
“Choose wisely who you allow to control your mind; Your Money & Your Vote these are the most powerful things you have; Be careful who you give them to.” ~Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher~
Ernest R. McClure: Master of Mixology For 58 years, Lackland Air Force Base icon Ernest R. McClure had a front seat witnessing military history unfold and better yet, historical changes for AfricanAmericans serving in the military. It was during that time that he served in the troops using his class act work as a renounced bartender-mixologist at the military clubs on Lackland Air Force Base from 1948 until his retirement in 2006. “My goal when I accepted the job was to create a profession for myself through hard work, service, dedication and excellence,” he said. “It was not always easy and was a journey with roadblocks and detours. There has been rivers to cross and hills to climb, but in the end it was worthwhile.” At 85, he is a man who now wants to encourage the younger generation to see and understand the value of knowing Black history. “There just is not enough of pure Black history being shared with our people today,” he said. “We are not learning it, not using it and not connected enough to it to building the kind of Black pride and Black insights we need to develop our young people and our communities.” Some of those roadblocks started with the restrictions that were associated with over coming the hurdles of racism and segregation during that time. According to Black Historian Henry Louis Gates, President Franklin Roosevelt articulated in his famous “Four Freedoms” speech on Jan. 6, 1941, African Americans faced segregation, racial violence and deprivation of voting rights. Because of this great gap between the promise and performance of American freedom when it came to race relations,
many black people were alienated from the war effort. A. Philip Randolph’s threat of a massive March on Washington convinced FDR to ban discrimination against blacks in the defense industry in 1941, segregation in the armed forces persisted. Despite the Double V Campaign to rally Blacks to support the war, it was difficult to convince Blacks to do just that. The campaign failed to achieve its goals during the war and segregation in the armed forces remained official policy. In 1946, Truman established a Committee on Civil Rights, which reported back to him in 1947. The committee documented civil rights violations and racial violence and urged Truman to take steps to rid the country of the "disease" of racism. One of the points the report made was that African-Americans who serve their country did so in a racist and discriminatory environment. That report was instrumental in President Truman changing that in 1948. The desegregation of the armed forces was a major civil rights victory for African Americans. Though a number of whites in the military resisted and racism continued to exist within the armed forces, Executive Order 9981 was the first major blow to segregation. More than 2.5 million African Americans registered for the draft when World War II began; and 1 million served. The fight at home was against racial discrimination within the armed forces and the quest for equal and civil rights. That was just as important as the fight against fascism in Italy and Germany abroad. According to McClure, the U.S. Air Force took the changes to heart and set up
Lackland AFB Icon Shares Insights About Our Black Past and Future
See MCCLURE pg. 4
2
W
Read us online! www.a f r a m n e ws .c om
Overtime Pay
e’ve got a lot of you’ve got a chance to get ahead. honored guests So at my State of the Union at here. We’ve got the beginning of the year I laid out middle-class workers who rely on an opportunity agenda to give more overtime pay. We’ve got business Americans a chance to succeed. owners who believe in treating It’s got four parts. Number one, their employees right both because making sure we’re creating more it’s the right thing to do but also good jobs that pay good wages. because it’s good for business. And Number two, making sure that thanks to the hard work and resilwe’re training more Americans ience of Americans like the ones with the skills that are needed to fill who are here today, our economy those jobs. Number three, making has been growing for a number of sure every child in America gets a years now. world-class education. And number Our businesses have created four, which is what I’m going to more than 8.5 million new jobs be focusing on today, making sure over the last four years. The that our economy rewards the hard unemployment rate is at the lowest work of every American. it’s been in over five years. But in Now, making work pay means many ways, the trends that have re- making sure women earn equal pay ally battered middle-class families for equal work. It means giving for decades have gotten worse, women the chance to have a baby not better. Those at the top are without sacrificing jobs, or a day doing better than ever, but for the off to care for a sick child or parent average family, wages have barely without worrying about makbudged. And too many Americans ing ends meet. It means making are working harder and harder just sure every American has access to get by. to quality, affordable health care So we’ve got to reverse those that’s there when you need it. So trends. We’ve got to build an if there’s somebody out there that economy that works for everybody, you know that doesn’t have health not just for a few. And we’ve got insurance, make sure they go on to restore the basic notion of ophealthcare.gov before March 31st. portunity that is at the heart of the That’s a priority. And it means American experience: Opportunity wages and paychecks that help to for everyone; the belief that here in support a family. America, it doesn’t matter where Profitable corporations like Business Cardiffor Paper_Layout 12: you started, you are willing 1to2/18/14 Costco see paying higher wages work hard and act responsibly, as way to reduce turnover and boost productivity. And I’ve asked business owners to do what they can to give their employee a raise. As some of you saw, I was at The Gap yesterday -- or the day before yesterday in Manhattan -- and fortunately Malia and Sasha liked the sweaters I bought them. But part of what I wanted to highlight was 979-921-9908 the fact that, on its own, The Gap 28820 FM 1736 Road Hempstead, TX 77445-7204 decided to give a raise to 64,000 employees across the country. Trophy Hunting: I’ve now called on Congress Whitetail - Axis - Blackbuck to give America a raise by raising Archery • Camping • Camp Fire Canoeing • Family & Church Reunions the minimum wage to $10.10 an Fishing • Guided Nature Hike hour. And in this year of action, Hay Rides • Hiking • Horseshoes while Congress decides what it’s Kayaking • Nature Photography going to do whether it’s going to Pedal Boats • Picnics • Sand Volleyball do anything about this issue and website: www.rsdeerranch.com I hope that it does, and I know email: malonson@rsdeerranch.com Democrats are pushing hard to get TX-2
Politics President Barack Obama President of The United States
minimum wage legislation passed, I’m going to do what I can on my own to raise wages for more hardworking Americans. So a few weeks ago I signed an executive order requiring federal contractors to pay their employees a fair wage of at least $10.10 an hour. Today, I’m going to use my pen to give more Americans the chance to earn the overtime pay that they deserve. Overtime is a pretty simple idea: If you have to work more, you should get paid more. And if you want to know why it’s so important, just ask some of the folks here who are behind me. Nancy Minor works at an oil refinery in Pennsylvania. So for the last 16 years, Nancy has been a single mom raising and educating four kids on her own, and that is not easy, as you might imagine. She’s been able to do it, though, thanks in part to her overtime pay. For more than 75 years, the 40-hour workweek and the overtime that comes with it have helped countless workers like Nancy get ahead. And it means that when she’s asked to makes significant sacrifices on behalf of her company which she’s happy to do they’re also looking out for her, recognizing that that puts a strain on her family and having to get a babysitter and all kinds of things, adjustments that she has to make. It’s just fair. It’s just the right thing to do. Unfortunately, today, millions of Americans aren’t getting the extra pay they deserve. That’s because an exception that was originally meant for high-paid, white-collar employees now covers workers earning as little as $23,660 a year. So if you’re making $23,000, typically, you’re not high in management. If your salary is even a dollar above the current threshold, you may not be guaranteed overtime.
Texas • December 9-15, Texas • March12-18, 24-30,2013 2014 Texas • August 2013
The Progressive CaucusL “Better Off Budget”
D
uring our economy’s best decades, Congress invested in the American workforce and every family was better off for it. But recent years have been dominated by growing inequality and a Republican majority in Congress obsessed with slashing the budget, making it harder for working Americans to find decent jobs and save for the future. The Congressional Progressive Caucus’ Better Off Budget reverses the damage budget austerity has inflicted on hard-working families and restores our economy to its full potential by creating 8.8 million jobs by 2017. The Better Off Budget reverses harmful cuts that have hit working families the hardest—starting with repealing across-the-board budget cuts known as the “sequester.” It creates a fairer tax code so that low and middle-income families no longer pay more than they should while the world’s biggest corporation’s benefit from unnecessary loopholes. Our budget reverses harmful pay freezes, expands benefits for federal retirees and strengthens federal health care and retirement programs Americans rely on. When the federal budget invests resources wisely, we can meet the needs of working families and shrink the deficit. The Better Off Budget not only creates jobs, it reduces the deficit by $4.08 trillion over the next 10 years. It’s the right budget for the country, for working families and for our future. Some highlights of the Better Off Budget: Creating Good Jobs creates 8.8 million jobs by 2017. Long-term Unemployed provides access to training and employment services to match employee potential with employer demand. Infrastructure creates jobs in building and construction industries to repair and modernize our ailing roads, bridges and water infrastructure.
Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee TX 18th Dist.
State Aid provides assistance to states to allow them to hire and rehire public employees such as police, firefighters and health care workers. Public Works and Education a direct hire program that includes seven jobs corps to hire physicians, students, construction and community workers and an education program boost to hire more teachers and improve schools. Reversing Harmful Cuts repeals the Budget Control Act and Sequester, restores Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, restores unemployment insurance, fully funds the Prevention and Public Health Fund, and ends the federal worker pay freeze. Equity for Women and People of Color – enhances federal programs targeted at creating equity and improving outcomes for women, people of color, and their families.
R.D. Malonson S.A. Malonson Darwin Campbell Chandra Jarmon Bria Taylor-Johns Rebecca S. Jones
Publisher President/C.E.O. Editor Production Web/Prod. Asst.
Distribution
General: news@aframnews.com Ads: sales@aframnews.com Website: www.aframnews.com African-American News&Issues is published by African-American News & Issues, Inc., 6130 Wheatley Street, Houston, Texas 77091, (713) 692-1892. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:15am - 5pm. The entire contents of the paper are copyrighted by African-American News & Issues, Inc. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. African-American News&Issues is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the publisher.
African
Texas • March 24-30, 2014
Edit rial & Opini n
Paul Ryan Doesn’t Represent America Rev. Al Sharpton
I
President, National Action Network
t’s easy to attack and demagogue those who don’t have a voice. It’s easy to blame others when you fail to provide true leadership. And it’s easy to reinforce stereotypes and misconceptions to win elections, or to win over your party’s base. That is precisely what Republican Rep. Paul Ryan did last week when he made despicable comments regarding inner cities, and inner-city men in particular. Discussing a “tailspin of culture” of “men not working and just generations of men not even thinking about working or learning the value of work,” Ryan insulted generations of men and women who rise early every morning for an honest day’s work, or to look for work. Whether or not Ryan believes his own deplorable statements doesn’t matter; it’s the fact that he feels the need to utter them that should make us all very worried. 2014 is another pivotal year. The midterm elections -- the outcome of which will determine what direction the nation heads -- are around the corner. Do we want to keep progressing forward, or do we want to revert back to a time when culture wars and scapegoating were the norm? Based on his own comments and actions, it would appear that Ryan would like to do the latter. Referencing Charles Murray, co-author of The Bell Curve, a book that called blacks inferior and was widely viewed as racist, Ryan knew exactly what he was doing. Using code words like “inner-city” and “culture,” he sent subliminal messages to an audience he was clearly trying to cater to. How can the House Budget Committee Chairman not be held
accountable for such despicable words? He knew better, or rather, he knew exactly what he was doing. Blaming the “inner city,” blacks, or minorities in general for society’s ills is nothing new. Whether it was Reagan’s “welfare queen” or more modern covert phrases/actions like Ryan’s, it is beyond tired and played-out. Why don’t we actually try taking a look at real facts for a change? Approximately 17.7 percent of people living in non-metropolitan areas are in poverty, as compared with 14.5 percent of those in metropolitan areas. According to the USDA, that means about 8.5 million people in non-metro areas live in poverty. That is the unfortunate reality. While I never condone blaming the poor or impoverished, let’s not act like it is confined to the inner city. Instead of trying to blame the boogeyman, Ryan should maybe try to create or pass programs that assist those desperately looking for work -- many in his home state of Wisconsin. When I was growing up in the borough of Brooklyn, every single morning I saw men (and women) scraping ice and snow from their cars to make it to work, or to look for work. I saw people rising before dawn to run to trains and head into their first job -- yes, first job. My entire life, I have seen men and women in the “inner city” work tirelessly to provide for their families and make ends meet. So when Ryan, an elected official, makes these sorts of outrageous comments, he is insulting every hard-working American who sacrifices day in and day out while he goes on a radio show and spews this nonsense. The point is not whether he believes his own misrepresentations and vitriol but where we are in this country. Why do people like Ryan and so many others feel the need to pander to others who hold these type of ignorant and biased views?
American News&Issues
3
“We MUST never forget slavery, lynching, Jim Crow Laws, the disrespect of the Black race and the first Black president.”
“Affordable Housing” False Illusion for the Poor
H
aving a roof over your head is one of the most basic necessities. Question is how do you get one and how are you able to keep it in an uncertain economywhere political decisions on the surface sound good but have serious undercurrents. The new political buzz-word spreading like wildfire in the Black community is “affordable housing”. African-Americans pay hefty prices for back room political deals that enrich the pockets of developers and politicians, and leave many working class Black families behind. Facts don't lie. When Houston city leaders talk about building affordable housing across the city of Houston in minority neighborhoods and do not talk to the public about the fine print and their ever changing definitions of “affordable housing”, the Black communities needs to be upset and ask some questions. We MUST Understand that “Affordable housing” is being used as an incentive to bring new construction to neighborhoods badly in need of a new facelift. However, the devil is in the details because with pay scales and inequality, home loans and jobs available in the Black community are at an all-time low. Greedy developers are lurking in the shadows to profit from the deals they can with politicians make on land in these areas. Who are those political friends and developers working for? Not for that single mom with kids, or dad struggling with bad credit, a low paying job or the
general poor. The real truth is in the numbers. Statistics from Black Demographics indicate that as of 2009, 43.6 million Americans are living in poverty. The official poverty threshold is $21,756 annually for families having two adults and two children (for a family of 4). That threshold increase is based on a family paying for food, clothing, shelter, utilities and medical expenditures, in which it is raised to a threshold rate of $29,602. (2009). For African Americans, the poverty rate increased in 2009 to 25.8-percent or about 9.9 million. The unemployment rate for Blacks in America is at 2.9 million and is 16-percent of the total unemployment statistics. According to the U.S. Census Bureau 11.5-percent of African Americans live in government housing or Section 8 housing, while 13.6-percent receive TANF cash assistance (formerly referred to as welfare checks). Just over 25-percent of African Americans receive SNAP benefits formerly known as Food Stamps. The largest benefit received by Blacks is Medicaid health insurance, which mostly consists of children. Black families with children under 18 headed by a single mother have the highest rate of poverty at 47.5-percent compared to only 8.4-percent of married-couple Black families. These same families who pay more than 30-percent of their income for housing struggle and may have difficulty affording even basic necessities such as food, clothing, transportation and medical care.
- Roy Douglas Malonson
We MUST Understand By Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher
Also, about 12 million renter and homeowner households now pay more than 50-percent of their annual incomes for some form of housing. That means a family with one full-time worker earning the minimum wage cannot afford the local fair-market rent for a twobedroom apartment anywhere. We MUST Understand that “Affordable housing” is not for the poor or the disadvantaged. The words are like seeing a mirage in the desert. You look up through the heat waves and want to believe water and shade is near only to find out that what you thought you saw is not really there. The poor cannot find a place to live with a reasonable rent rate or even purchase what is deemed new “affordable housing” in the community because they just can't afford it. To make units affordable, estimated rents for housing should always be below the regular market rent in challenged areas, thus helping to increase access and income of the residents. The next time a city councilman or housing developer talks about building “affordable housing”, ask him about the numbers and then challenge him tell you what he is really doing to the African-American community. “Affordable housing” is putting lipstick on a pig. You may put a nice costume on the pig, but it is still a pig. TX-3
4
African
American News&Issues
Cover Story
for a job to pay some college expenses. He and a friend went to the Lackland Officers Club for a job. The club offered them jobs as waiters. He began as a waiter, but ended up bartending. Except for a two years in the Army, McClure never looked back. He went onto finish his studies, but never got his teacher’s certificate. He applied his skills and new found love by attending managing schools at military and civilian levels. He studied under mixology schools in California and New York as well as attending wine school Le Comite National Des Vins de France. He always made it clear that he was a bartender turned mixologist. The difference is the bartender only learns to make a few drinks, while a mixologist studies, always learns and creates drinks. In his time, McClure created several drinks that became so popular among serviceman and officer alike that the base named his Hazel & Ernest R. McClure, Married 45 years bar, “Ernie’s Hideaway”. programs to help Blacks move tolerated,” he said. “Job opportuMembers could come into the ahead, but those initiatives only nities were limited elsewhere. The club and be served 12 original went as far as the entry gate to base was more progressive and drinks created by McClure the base. Off base was a whole had programs designed to give ranging from His “Special” to different story. you a chance to get ahead.” his “Delight”, which consisted “Blacks serving were not as His career as a super mixoloof a mixture welcome outside the of apricot gates at that time,” brandy, two he said. “Some even types of rum stayed on base the and several whole tour of duty at fruit juices to Lackland (because His famed, of the racist climate “Breeze”, off base). If you left a non-alcothe post you were on holic drink your own.” consisting of He recalled how fruit juices. the base established During a Black Employees that time he Program. The BEP served some was a Department fun events of Defense and that involved command sponsored more than program designed to Col. Horace Larry & Ernest R. McClure 800 officers assist in the identifiwho were cation and removal stationed there for training from of racial barriers and other acts of gist started from very humble be1950 to 1959. discrimination in the workforce at ginnings. In 1948, after graduating “The 1960s brought more Lackland. high school in Yokum, Texas, he Black officers to Lackland and the “There were a few isolated began pursuing a teaching degree club,” he said. “The Air Force events, but they were dealt with at St. Phillips College. One day, made it crystal clear that it had a and handled because it was not he got sidetracked when looking low tolerance for harassment and TX- 4
Texas 12-18, 2014 2013 Texas••August March 24-30,
prejudice. Some accepted that and others who didn’t did not stay.” Some of his brighter moments of service came serving several U.S. Presidents, including President Lyndon Baines Johnson, Congressmen and dignitaries from over 70 countries, Air Force Chief of Staff, Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Air Force.
more than 50 years of outstanding service to Lackland Air Force Base and the state of Texas. However, one of his most prestigious awards came from an U.S. president. In 1998, then President William Jefferson “Bill” Clinton recognized McClure with a special letter signed by the president for his leadership, example and dedi-
Ernie’s Hideaway
Of those officers, many ended up as generals, including Andrew Iosue, Tom Richards and Daniel “Chappie” James – the first Black Four-Star General. The best memories of his career came from a time when Lackland’s second officer’s club, a former mess hall, was a hot spot for famous performers, “Harry James and the Ink Spots.” Countless comments about him indicate that many who know McClure described him as a man who always cared deeply about customer service and one with a heart of gold and a memory like a computer. Club patrons decreased with improvements in civil rights and the racial climate, changing attitudes toward servicemen that attracted them off base and the development of San Antonio’s entertainment and restaurant districts in the 1960s and 70s. McClure is a man who for his service has been recognized with numerous awards by commanders at Lackland AFB and by the Texas House of Representative for
cation to government service. Ernie is actively involved in St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. He is married to Hazel McClure, is a proud father of three and a grandfather of two. His hope for African-Americans looking ahead is that people will wake up from hibernation and see the value of education and making us competitive again. “No one is entitled for anyone to take care of them,” he said. “We must take the first steps as parents and as a people to prepare our youth for life. Do your part to stand up, get that baton and carry it with purpose and pride.” He refers to the sacrifices made by many from Black military servicemen to civil rights leaders and calls on mindsets to change. “Things are better, but not where they should be,” he said. “There is still a lot of work to do in many areas of life, but we must do it if things are going to get better.” Cover Story By: Darwin Campbell, African-American News&Issues
Educati n/Y uth
Texas • March 24-30, 2014
TMI Student Wins Speech Contest
Aaron Cornelius
SAN ANTONIO- Recently, Aaron Cornelius, a junior at TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas, won first place in an oratorical contest at the Southwest Regional Xinos-Kudos Conference, a youth event sponsored by the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, held in Little Rock, Arkansas. He represented San Antonio’s Gamma Tau chapter in the Kudos division for boys in grades nine through 12. Participants were required to speak from memory, with no more than 100 words written on note cards or paper. Cornelius chose the topic of the importance of motivation to
young people. “Like determination, motivation allows us to push through the hardest times of our lives,” he said. “Motivation is the most vital driving force for accomplishing any goal…finally finishing that essay on a long Sunday night, pushing myself harder than I ever have in the fourth quarter of a game, becoming a prosperous up-and-coming African American male and increasing the chance of joyful lives for my children and my children’s children.” At TMI, Cornelius is a member of the National Honor Society and was a recipient of a merit scholarship. He is a cadet master sergeant and commander of the Saber Guard in the Corps of Cadets (JROTC), As a varsity football player last fall, he received Academic All State recognition from the TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) conference. He also plays basketball and runs track. About 500 high-school students
attended the annual conference, whose theme was “Fifty Years Later: Still I R.I.S.E. (Remember, Inspire, Select and Encourage), recognizing the “Little Rock Nine” on the 50th anniversary of the integration of Little Rock’s Central High School. At the conference, students compete in oratorical presentations, debate current issues, attend educational workshops, visit local colleges and universities, and display talents through music, song, dance, arts and crafts. The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa is an organization of professional female educators with 133 chapters throughout the United States, Barbados and Liberia. Its southwest region comprises 23 chapters in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. The youth conference is part of the sorority’s Y.E.S. (Youth Education and Service) Program of leadership training, encouraging academic achievement, social growth and community service.
their own experience and better prepare them for whatever they pursue after graduation; college or career. At the high school level, Career and Technical Education courses are organized into clusters, where students select a pathway matching their interests and career goals. The Academy of Engineering is part of the STEM pathway at Kimball. Stennis teaches an introductory class to ninth-graders and biotechnical engineering to eleventh-graders. “It’s exciting, because in ninth grade they develop ideas for creating a product of their own, and when they’re in my class in eleventh grade I pull out those original ideas. We look at them,
tweak them based on what they know now, and the students can see how far they’ve come,” said Stennis. She has coined a term for how they build upon ideas each year – she calls it “vision-eering.” For Stennis, the relationships she develops with the students are key. She has expectations of them and encourages them, establishing a personal connection. Tomiko Lewis, an instructional specialist in Career Education and Workforce Partnerships expressed, “Brandi knows how to help her students reach their goals and is truly the glue that holds the program together.” Brandi Stennis continuously seeks out training to stay current for her students. She finds it extremely rewarding to watch students in the program pursue their career goals.
Dallas ISD Spotlight: Brandi Stennis
Brandi Stennis
DALLAS-Rigorous yet exciting. That’s how Brandi Stennis describes the engineering curriculum at Justin F. Kimball High School. She feels that the structure of the curriculum puts learning in students’ hands, allowing them to facilitate
Read us online! w w w. aframnew s. com
5
Aldine ISD Offers Texas-Size Pay to Starting Teachers District seeks to recruit and retain top teachers with competitive pay and professional supports
Superintendent, Dr. Wanda Bamberg
HOUSTON- The Aldine Independent School District is serious about recruiting top notch teachers for its students. The Aldine ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved the new starting pay rate for first-year teachers to $50,000 base pay starting this fall as part of the district’s strategic plan to attract and retain strong teachers for all students. “We recognize that teachers have the greatest impact on student achievement, and to attract the best and brightest, we must offer them a competitive starting salary,” said Superintendent Wanda Bamberg. “We thank the Board for taking this bold move and we believe it will be a useful tool in our recruiting efforts.” The district is already accepting applications from teaching candidates. To apply online, visit www.TeachInAldine.com or call the Human Resources Department at 281-985-6306. The move makes Aldine the largest district in Texas to offer new teachers a $50,000 base salary. It represents an 8.2 percent increase from the previous starting pay of $46,200. In addition, board-approved salary stipends for Aldine teachers in high-demand fields are among
the largest in the region -- $4,500 for bilingual teachers and $3,000 for secondary math and science teachers. “If you want a good football team, you hire a good coach,” said Aldine Board member Dr. Alton Smith. “It we want the best students, you hire the best teachers and getting the best talent out there should put us way ahead of others on education and starting teacher pay.” Aldine anticipates needing to fill roughly 700 teacher vacancies for the upcoming school year, and district recruiters are busy attending job fairs at colleges and universities throughout the nation. Nearly 250 student teachers have worked in Aldine classrooms this school year while completing their college degrees. Aldine has a well deserved reputation for not just recruiting and retaining great teachers, but also for giving them excellent opportunities to grow professionally. More than 92 percent of Aldine’s campus principals and more than 94 percent of Aldine’s assistant principals once taught in Aldine classrooms. Bamberg indicated that the raise is made possible by strong fiscal management The district estimates the cost of the starting pay increase to be about $1.5 million. Aldine is able to fund the increase despite having lowered the property tax rate last year, thanks to strong fiscal management. Aldine recently earned an impressive 4-star rating from the State Comptroller’s 2013 Financial Allocation Study for Texas, which evaluates districts’ academic achievement compared to overall spending. To continue reading visit us online @ www.aframnews.com Story By: Darwin Campbell, TX- 5
Rate and size of 2” ad to run in AAN&I’s Marketplace Edition. Run Dates: November 18-24, 2013- May 12-18, 2014 6
Marketplace
Read us online! w w w. a fr a m n e w s. c o m
Accountants
ELECTRONIC Member AICPA
MICHAEL LOVE, CPA
black Chamber Acres Homes Chamber for Business & Eco. Dev.
713-692-7161 6112 Wheatley St
CHEMICAL
Rodrick Dow, PC
Citywide Chemical Janitorial & Commercial Pest Control Company
15+ years of experience Walk-ins Welcome Fee- $30
832-297-9206
3440 Ella Blvd. Houston, TX 77018
713/227-4808 or 4809 Janitorial Supplies
FloWER SHOP
Sales-Service-Supplies Wholesale-Retail
ALUMNI
Houston ISD 281-723-1656
Tuesday & Wednesday Evening 6:00p.m.- 9:00p.m. Saturday Morning 8 am- 2:00 p.m.
3521 Jensen St. Houston, TX 77026
824 West 27th St. Houston, TX 77008
B.T. Washington
Gabrielle Hadnot- Instructor
Houston, TX 77091
Email: mlovecpa@yahoo.com www.michaellovecpa.net 713-666-2900 Office 713-666-2932 Fax 2626 South LoopW, #420 Houston,TX 77054
713-862-4332
Defensive Driving
We repair buffers, vacuum, shampooers and all other machines.
Charles SAME DAY FREE DELIVERY Dawson US METRO Dawson Chemical Chemical & Janitorial Supply Company
& Janitorial Supply Company 6010 Irvington -Hou.,TX 77009 4308 Kelley St. • Hou., TX 77026
713/697-7137
713/633-9019
Shirley Ann’s Flower Shop AD COST
713-692-1100 Size: 1 col. x 2” 6130 Wheatley St. Price: 26 weeks = $780.00 Houston, TX 77091 +$25.00 (One time set-up fee)
of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Marketplace. Online Funeral Home Subtotal= $805.00 Advertisment n Date: March 25-31st edition G.W. Carver School Total Amount Due : available P.O. Box 10625
Houston, Tx 77206
Alumni of Aldine ISD 713-806-9889
P.O. Box 551056 Houston, Tx 77055
ATTORNEY’S Damian E. LaCroix
Boyd Funeral $805.00Home NOW! 281-445-0971 For more info call 7411 Wheatley St. (713) 692-1892 Houston, TX 77088 or email Heading Title Attorney sales@aframnews.com Johnson Funeral Home 713-747-9604
CHurch
Texas • March 24-30, 2014
PUBLIC NOTICE
Heading Title:
Rat
REQUESTING PUBLIC INPUT ON THE Defensive Driving DRAFT 2014 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN The 2014 Annual Action Plan (Plan) is the City of Houston’s application for federal funds, as well as its guide for increasing and conserving affordable housing through rehabilitation and homeownership assistance, assisting those with special needs, and providing infrastructure upgrades to low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The Plan outlines the priorities of these activities for the City ofContact Houston’sInformation Fiscal Year 2015 (July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015). The City will submit its Plan, which includesHadnot its consolidated application, to the U.S. Department of Housing Name: Gabrielle and Urban Development (HUD) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the Company: CheckPoint HOME Investment Grant (HOME), the Housing Opportunities for Persons with Phone: Partnerships 832-297-9206 AIDS GrantEmail: (HOPWA), and the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). gmhadnot@aol.com Address for tearsheets: Funding priorities are housing, 3440 Ella Blvd. supportive services, infrastructure/neighborhood facilities, and economic development. goal of the 2014 Plan is to promote strategies that will result in Houston, TXThe 77018 the (1) targeted revitalization of communities, (2) elimination of chronic homelessness, (3) improvement of quality of life, and (4) fostering of community economic development opportunities for Houstonians, the majority of whom are low- and moderate-income. The format and information presented in the Plan are based on HUD requirements. The 2014 Annual Action Plan describes how the estimated $40,274,888 in federal funds and $277,756 in program income will be used to benefit income-eligible residents during the 40th Program Year (July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015). A draft copy of the complete Plan was made available for public viewing at Housing and Community Development Department on March 19 until April 18. Also, the 2014 Plan draft will be placed on HCDD’s website at www.houstonhousing.org, at the City of Houston’s main public library (500 McKinney), at the City of Houston Secretary’s Office (900 Bagby), at HCDD’s Office (601 Sawyer), and will also be submitted to City Council for approval. The general public may comment on this Draft Summary and the draft 2014 Annual Action Plan, including the revised Language Assistance Plan (LAP), by Friday, April 18. HCDD encourages public input and participation in the Plan development process. Public comments may be submitted by email to: andrea.jones@houstontx.gov or by mail: HCDD, ATTN: Andrea Jones, 601 Sawyer, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77007. The public may also submit comments at the scheduled public hearings on Thursday, April 3,
5730 Calhounfax Rd. Contact Information Please sign for approval and back to 2014 713-692-1183 at 6:00 p.m. at Neighborhood Resource Center, 815 Crosby Street and on Tuesday, Houston, TX 77021 Name: Damian E. LaCroix April 8, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall Annex, Council Chambers, 900 Bagby Street. For Antioch M.B.C. Wednesday for or the ad will not run. LaCroix Law Firm, P.C. 5 p.m. Company: LaCroix Firm, P.C. more information, contact Andrea Jones at 713.868.8439. TTY/TDD: 713.864.2734. Please AmericanTheNews&Issues •by Texas •(713) February 10-16, The 2010• 7 Lawpublication Antioch 692-5333
Attorney at Law
416 Westheimer Rd. Houston, Texas 77006 713-429-1546/Office 713-429-1561/Fax Services Offered:
Real Estate Personal Injury Signature Wills
Criminal Record Expunction Occupational Licenses
This should be your ad! Advertise with us! BEAUTY SHOP
Natural Kreations Melanie Malonson
Phone: 713-429-1546
LOCKWOOD
Missionary 5902 BeallFax: St. Baptist713-429-1561 Address for tearsheets: Houston, Tx 77091 Church
CHURCH ADS
416 5902 Beall Westheimer St. antiochmbc85@yahoo.com
Rd. Rev. F.N. Williams, Houston, Tx Houston, Texas 77006 Sr. Pastor
BAPTIST 77091
Funeral Home, Inc.
713-633-1492
"Committed to the Future" 9402
Lockwood Dr. Date AD COST Houston,Texas 77016 SUNDAY Size: 2” ad=$1,040.00 SERVICE
“A Traditional Church with the Anointing”
SUNDAY SERVICES Sunday School ~ 9am Morning Worship ~ 10:45am Evening Worship ~ 7pm
Loving Memories
(for 52 week run) 8 AM and 11 AM 713 692-5333 +$25 one-time set-up fee BIBLE STUDIES
Norman & Wynn’s 281-820-7070 Leonard N. Barksdale, Pastor **You may pay 1/2 now norm_ant@yahoo.com Fifth Ward Missionary and 1/2 at a later date.** 8011 W. Montgomery Rd antiochmbc85@yahoo.com
Subtotal Wednesday 7:30PM= $1,065.00
Baptist Church
4300 Noble Street, Houston TX 77020 Ph: 713/675-5111 • Fx: 713/675-1522
Houston, Tx 77088
Amount due to begin 2”ad in Website: www.fwmbc.org Gift Shop March 25-31, 2013 edition: Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church $532.50
Galilee M.B. Church
Sin 19 ce 94
contact HCDD if special arrangements are needed for the public hearings by March 31st.
Responses to public comments will be available upon completion of the entire 2014 Annual Action Plan.
Hay For Sale
Investment
Photography
Horse Quality
Rodrick Dow, PC
Creative Colours By RJ
824 West 27th St. Houston, TX 77008
4925 Richfield Lane Houston, Tx 77048
janitorial
Support those whom support you!
P.O. Number Jiggs & Tifton 85
Large Round Hay Bales $85/Roll 713-244-4067
HUNTING Signature
RS DEER RANCH
www.rsdeerranch.com
979-921-9908
members will endeavor to provide a strong foundation of love; we will stand 281-898-4716 on Biblical Truths; and we will equip Bee Glam Salon 713-697-1758 one for another to spread theand Gospelfax of Je-back to 713-692-1183 Please sign approval (Parkway Plaza Shopping Center) sus Christ inD.S. our community and in our 6616 Bailey Lane by 12 NOON Wednesdayworld. the week before Monday publication or the 6130 Wheatley St.ad will not run. 4653 South Main
713-692-1195
Stafford, TX 77477
HOU-6
Signature
school enrichment programs are of-
Houston, TX 77091
CHURCH OF CHRIST
Date FIDELITY CHURCH OF CHRIST
Houston, TX 77091
713-862-4332
Kingdom Floors & Janitorial Service
Residential & Commercial
832-602-5296 lspain73@yahoo.com
Media Kit available at www.aframnews.com
713-734-1442
Date Shoe Repair
Mighty Fine Shoe Repair Men & Ladies - Boots & Shoes Shined, Waxed, Glazed, Dyed & Repaired
281-448-9255 mfshoes@aol.com
Major Credit Cards ACCEPTED 1400 South Victory Houston, TX 77088
ED
Na Co Ph Fa Em Ad 60 Ho
Ple and
by for
Texas • March 24-30, 2014
March
27
Thursday Acres Home Library Computer Help 8501 W. Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 11:30am For more info contact: (832)393-1700 Thursday Smith Library After School Zone w/ Graduation Game Plan 3624 Scott St Houston, TX 77004 From 4pm - 5:30pm For more info contact: (832)393-0993
Mar. 24 - Apr. 14
Monday - Monday Ensemble Theatre By The Way, Meet Vera Stark 3535 Main St Houston, TX 77002 *Various Showtimes* For more info contact: (713)520-0055 Tuesday Our Mother of Mercy Parish Civil Rights Class 4000 Sumpter St Houston, TX 77020 From 7pm - 8pm For more info contact: (281)704-6655 Monday Stanaker Library After School Zone w/ Graduation Game Plan 611 S-Sgt Macario Garcia Dr Houston, TX 77011 From 5pm - 6:30pm For more info contact: (832)393-0993
Mar.Friday 28 -- Sunday Mar. 30
The Ark Church W.O.R.D Forum 6013 Selinsky Rd Houston, TX 77048 *Various Times* For more info contact: (832) 689-8681 Friday Acres Home Chamber for Bus. & Eco. Dev, Inc. Silver Anniversary 25th Annual Awards Banquet 6112 Wheatley St. Houston, TX 77091 From 7pm - 9pm For more info contact: (713) 692-7161 info@acreshomecenter.org
25
28
Mar. 25- Mar. 27 Tuesday-Thursday Acres Home Library After School Zone 8501 W. Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 4pm For more info contact: (832)393-1700
Email your Community Event to news@aframnews.com 2 weeks in advance!
29
Meet & Greet Celebration 6920 TC Jester Blvd Houston, TX 77091 From 3pm - 7pm For1213_FAST_Ad_2x2.pdf more info contact: 1 6/21/2013 9:30:31 AM (281) 224 - 0280
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Saturday Acres Home Library After School Zone w/ Graduation Game Plan 8501 W. Montgomery Rd Houston, TX 77088 From 2:30pm - 4pm For more info contact: (832)393-0993 Sunday First Baptist Church of Lincoln City Men’s Appreciation Dinner 844 Fortune St Houston, TX 77088 Beginning at 11:30am For more info contact: (832) 892-5078
30
African
American News&Issues
7
NOTICE
of Public Hearing
27
25
27 Thursday Windsor Houston
What’s Happenin’ in 2014
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX
(METRO)
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX (METRO) will hold a public hearing on Friday, April 4, 2014, at 12 noon to receive public comment about proposed June 2014 service changes. The proposed service changes include: Implementation of new midday service on the 402 and schedule changes to the 25, 32, 46, 82, 85, 170, 214, 216, 217, 219, 221, 246 and 298 bus routes. The public hearing will be held in the METRO Board Room on the 2nd floor at 1900 Main Street in Houston, TX (served by METRO routes 3, 9, 11, 30, 44, 52, 56, 60, 66, 77, 78, 88, 102, 108, 249 and METRORail). The meeting will also be streamed live on RideMETRO.org. Copies of proposed timetables will be available Monday, March 24, 2014, for public review at the following locations: • •
Online - RideMETRO.org METRO Administration Building - 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 from 8 AM to 5 PM weekdays, and at our two METRO Outreach Offices located at: – Las Palmas Shopping Center at 6215 Harrisburg (served by route 50) – Palm Center at 5330 Griggs, Suite A104 (served by routes 5, 77)
HOW TO COMMENT ABOUT THE SERVICE CHANGE • Attend the public hearing on April 4, 2014 • Write us at METRO, ATTN: June 2014 Service Change, 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 • Fax comments with a subject line referencing “June 2014 Service Change” to (713) 652-7956 • Call METRO’s Customer Care Line at (713) 635-4000 • Submit comments at METRO’s website - RideMETRO.org Comments should be received by METRO no later than the date and time of the Public Hearing. HELP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES For individuals with disabilities, assistive services or copies of public documents in an alternate format can be provided. Please call (713) 750-4271 or (713) 635-6993 (for persons with a hearing impairment) a minimum of five (5) working days prior to the public hearing. LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION Any person who requires language interpretation or special communication accommodations is encouraged to contact METRO Community Outreach at 713-739-4018, or via email at tm10@ridemetro.org. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate your needs. 1. This Public Hearing conforms to requirements described in the Federal Transit Administration’s Circular 9030.1D, published May 1, 2010, page IV-13. 2. METRO does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or in treatment or employment in, its services, programs, and activities. 3. METRO is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its transit services on the basis of race, color, or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
HOU-7
African
8
American News&Issues
C mmunity
Texas • March 24-30, 2014
Dodson Parents, Activists and Community Tells HISD “We Hold the Purse!” of fear and defeat being perpetuated by the Houston ISD will stand up for their school, children and community,” she said. “We are encouraging parents to stand in solidarity against the unjustified school closure by protesting and boycotting.” Numerous attempts were made to contact HISD to get a response about the boycott, but HISD Parents and Community activists tell HISD hands off our community during protest did not return the phone calls. In the words of former U.S. has been a nightmare for parents Plans are to boycott by keeping Navy Admiral John Paul Jones, and education,” said Loretta children out just long enough to the citizens of Dodson intend to Brock, Activist and spokeswoman impact state and federal fundsend a strong message to Houston for the group. “We are going to ing. Attendance records is one of Independent School District that boycott because we want HISD the ways school district receive they “have only begun to fight” for to know that the people hold the funding. the school they love. purse.” The decision to close the school Standing in solidarity this week The protest is in response to was based on a HISD report that at Dodson Elementary, parent, HISD's decision to close Dodson recommended the school be closed community leaders and friends are Elementary School despite the cry because of decreasing enrollment ready to boycott the district over the of the minority community to keep and enrollment and growth projecvote to close Dodson Elementary its neighborhood school open. tions for that area. for as long as it takes. “Dodson parents who have Parents and community leaders “(Superintendent) Terry Grier chosen not to succumb to the spirit
T
YOU, THE LAW AND YOUR RIGHTS
he objective of this series of articles is to enable its reader to learn the basic laws, rights and rules of conduct one should know to avoid incarceration and reduce the chances of recidivism. Of course it is impossible to eliminate the occurrence of arrests for that is beyond one ultimate control; an officer can and may arrest you improperly if he/she chooses, and there is nothing one can do without the risk of injury or loss of life. The judicial system may provide vindication at some later date. Notwithstanding, to be Forewarned is to be Forearmed. To know the basic functions of the Criminal Justice system, your rights and certain rules of conduct TX-8
call the report and the vote foul and want Grier fired. “We are taking back our schools and our community,” she said. “These tax dollars are our dollars and the only way to get their attention is to hit them in the purse.” Brock said another concern is the tactics that HISD is using in an attempt to stop the boycott. “They have been “robocalling” parents and warning them about district attendance rules,” she said. “This kind of intimidation is nothing more than “tele-bullying”. Residents also want the district held accountable for at much as $4 billion in bond money voters approved, but are yet to see the dollars working in their neighborhoods. According to Brock, minimum enrollment guidelines are not applicable to specialty schools. Dodson is a Montessori specialty school with 430 students, about 30 more than Blackshear Elementary- the school Dodson is being combined with. The school has 15 six grade students and one class of fifth grade traditional class.
CRIMINAL LAW PART. 8 dant says can be used against may greatly enhance one ‘s defendant in court of law. chances of successfully negotiat(e) Right to terminate ing the system and remaining questioning at any time. free. (f) Whether defendant perCONFESSIONS sonally asserted right to counsel. An important factor in determining factor in whether Written Statement a confession is lawful is the (a) The following warnMIRANDAWARNINGS. ing required by Article 15.17 of Whether Miranda warnings were Code of Criminal Procedure must administered before start of interbe given by the person to whom rogation, admonishments about statement was made: following matters. (i) Right to remain silent (a) Right to remain silent. and not make any statement at all. (b) Right to presence of (ii) That any statement may attorney. be used against defendant at trial. (c) Right to appointment (iii) Right to have lawyer of attorney before questioning if present to advise him or her prior defendant cannot afford to hire attorney. to and during any questioning. (iv) If unable to employ (d) That anything defen-
lawyer, the right to have lawyer appointed to provide advice prior to and during any questioning. (v) Right to terminate interview at any time. A statement is inadmissible if it does not show on its face that these warnings were administered, even if the record shows that the warnings were actually given. Oral Statement The following is a checklist of facts counsel should ascertain when determining the admissibility of a defendant’s oral or sign language statement. (a) Contains assertions of facts or circumstances. (b) Found to be true. (c) That conduce to
Records indicate that the student count argument is not valid because the school had over 200 Montessori applicants and few were enrolled and some were told to there was no more space. Dodson also has over 218 applicants for the coming school year and was part of a grant program. She said HISD has not been forthcoming with information requests from community leaders and parents – something she vows will no longer be acceptable. She said HISD school communities have good children, good parents and are close communities and citizens tired of the disrespect. “They are taking our schools and our money and doing what they want and that affects our quality of life,” she said. “We are showing them who is in control because the only thing they understand is money.” Brock said this is only the beginning and the district should not expect the momentum of this new community awareness movement to die down any time soon. Story By: Darwin Campbell, African-American News&Issues
Judge Warren Fitzgerald The Right Side of Justice establish defendant’s guilt, such as following: (i) Location of secreted or stolen property. (ii) Location of instrument with which defendant states offense committed. Attorney Warren Fitzgerald Muhammad is a native of a Acres Homes Community. He is both an Attorney and Municipal Court Judge. His office is located at 6415 W. Montgomery, Houston Texas 7091. He may be contacted at 713-692-4688.
Texas • March 24-30, 2014
C mmunity
9
Read us online! w w w. aframnew s. com
Davis Seeks Input from African-American Voters on Real Community Issues & Concerns
Wendy Davis, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate
When it comes to AfricanAmericans, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis is making it clear that one of her number one priorities are to listen and hear the voices and issues from every sector of the Black community. “We will not leave anyone out of this campaign,” Davis said in an exclusive interview with the African-American News&Issues. “I want to be in touch with the people. I want to hear them speak and I am very interested in listening to all their ideas, and concerns.” Davis, also a State Senator, is locked into a tight battle with Republican nominee and current Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott that is expected to go down to the wire. Davis, is trying to make history and be the first woman governor of the state since Ann Richards election in 1990. – A feat that will set Texas politics on its ears. However, the issue is making history is not on Davis’s mind. It is reaching out to the community and finding a way to connect her message with African-Americans and others and have that message reflect the voices of the people from every community. “The African American vote is very important to me,” she said. “We will boost our exposure and presence in African-American newspapers and on radio. We are also seeking visits to AfricanAmerican churches throughout
each city and community.” She describes herself as a candidate who not only understands, but also has experienced many of the challenges that face the poor, disadvantages and working class Texans. Davis said she would make every effort to ensure voters feel a part of her campaign. “It is not about me talking to people and only communicating my ideas and platforms. It’s about using the power of listening,” she said. “Each time I go to a different community or speak to groups I learn something new. It is exciting because you learn and are able to consider something important that you have not thought of before. My hope is to get in front of as many people as possible to have that type of conversation.” Raised by a single mother, She began working after school at age 14 to help support her mom and three siblings. By 19, she was on her way to becoming a single mother, working two jobs just to make ends meet. Knowing that education was the only path to creating a better life for her young daughter, she enrolled at Tarrant County Community College. After two years, she transferred to Texas Christian University. With the help of academic scholarships, student loans, and state and federal grants, Davis became the first person in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree, graduated first in her class, and went on to Harvard Law School. After graduating with honors from Harvard Law, She helped grow a successful business in Fort Worth and served nine years on the Fort Worth City Council, where she was recognized as a leader on economic development issues. As chair of the City’s Economic Development Committee, Davis helped create numerous publicprivate partnerships and successfully helped bring thousands of new jobs to Tarrant County.
She was elected to the Texas Senate in 2008, defeating a longtime incumbent in a race widely considered one of the biggest upsets in Texas politics in recent years. She said she hopes to use a similar strategy to reach AfricanAmericans in the way she did during her State Senate Campaign in Fort Worth. “I also knocked on a lot of doors during my Senate campaign and it was a helpful way for me to take my message straight to the people,” she said. “Now that I am running statewide, I am going to need a lot of help to knock on all the doors in the communities we will visit.” Part of her on the road message includes economic development and jobs for underdeveloped and disadvantaged communities. Improvements to public education system and preparing economically underdeveloped areas by finding solutions to build them up are at the top of Davis priorities to address the issues. While serving on the Fort Worth City Council, Wendy took the lead on economic development. Working with community, political, and business leaders, her efforts yielded $260 million in new investment, thousands of jobs, and revitalized communities. While a state senator, she authored a bill to put “Texas Jobs First” requiring the state government, when possible, to give Texas companies the first opportunity at contracts, and passed legislation requiring the Department of Transportation to grant preference to local contractors for certain Texas road projects. Davis has also pushed for and supported policies that would create jobs for our service men and women upon their re-entry into civilian life and make sure that veterans, service members, and their families are provided every opportunity for a quality education. On education, Davis said too
many of our public schools and universities are overcrowded and under funded and too many of students end up never graduating from high school. Davis has fought to improve public schools by reducing the number of standardized tests students are forced to take, and by negotiating the first cost-of-living increase for retired teachers in more than a decade. In 2011, Wendy filibustered a budget that cut over $5 billion from education funding and she has continued to fight tirelessly to restore that funding to education. “We need a 21st Century education system that is going to equip our young people for jobs in the 21st Century,” she said. “We also need to use economic
development tools and expertise to develop partnerships and investments being sensitive to the needs of each community and studying those needs and finding ways to provide opportunities.” Davis said she hopes that African-Americans will be open and candid with her on issues affecting their communities. Some other issues that may come up on the campaign trail include issues in the criminal justice system, prison reform and execution case reviews, school closings and the gentrification of African-American communities in To continue reading visit us online @ www.aframnews.com Story By: Darwin Campbell, African-American News&Issues
Black Kollectibles & F lowers
Flowers for All Occasions Funerals • Birthdays • Anniversaries • Events • And More BlACk kolleCTiBleS Store Hours: Thur: 11:30am-4pm Fri/Sat: 11am-5pm 6130 Wheatley Street Houston, Texas 77091
FloWer SHop Store Hours: Monday Thru Friday 8am - 5pm Major Credit Cards Accepted Wire Service Available
GET READY FOR EASTER CALL: 713-692-1100 • retail@shirleyann.net TX-9
10
Read us online! w w w.a f r a m n e w s .com
The Power of Hope
Nothing can compare to the electricity, fully saturated with the smell of sweat, that permeates the air as men who tower over most of us battle head to head and hand to hand in search for nothing but net. As the longest-acting chaplain for any NBA team, having served the 2011 NBA Champions Dallas Mavericks now for over three decades, I’ve become acutely familiar with the feel, smell, and taste of this atmosphere as if it were an extension of my own. It is both rousing and disarming at the same time. I love it. One can’t help but recognize it as soon as you enter an arena. The air hangs thick
with anticipation and hunger, consuming anyone who walks into the presence of the players and coaching staff. To say that passion dominates the mood would be an understatement. It is more like urge, a pure ache for greatness. When two teams make it to the NBA Finals, five men on the court from each side unapologetically seek to prove who is the best. They are men on a quest – men with one goal, and that goal is nothing short of declaring to the entire world their greatness. Yet, at the end of the day, one locker room erupts, while the other locker room echoes
Religion Profile
Dr. Michael Bell
Dr. Michael "M.A." Bell has served as Senior Pastor of the Greater St. Stephen First Church-Baptist, Fort Worth, Texas, since July 31, 1985. Pastor Bell is a graduate of Kirkpatrick High School, Fort Worth. He has earned degrees from the following colleges and universities: Bachelor of Science, Wiley College, Marshall, Texas; Master of Divinity, Howard University Divinity School, TX-10
Washington, D.C.; Master of Arts University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, Texas; and a Doctor of Ministry, Interdenominational Theological Center & Morehouse School of Religion, Atlanta, Georgia. Pastor Bell has served locally, statewide, and nationally in a number of capacities. Among them: International Dean for Pastor Preparation and Leadership Development for the Family Life International Fellowship (famlif.org), 2012-Present; Tarrant Baptist Association African-American Pastor's Fellowship, Tarrant County, Texas 1994-2013; C hair, Tarrant County Local Organizing Committee, Education SubGroup, 1995-Present; Chairman of the Tarrant County Board of the American Cancer Society (ACS), 2002-2003; President, Baptist General Convention of Texas 2005-2006 (The only
Religion
with the eeriness of an exhausted and depleted quiet. One city cheers, while the other city mourns, licking its wounds. One banner will be raised while the hopes for that same banner will taunt the thoughts of those who fought so hard to claim it, yet fell short. In sports, as is often the case in life, when one person celebrates – another person cries. One person’s victory means another person’s defeat. One person’s promotion is another person’s stagnation. One person’s hope fulfilled is another person’s hope deferred. So what do we do with disappointment? What do we do with defeat? The same thing every successful person has
ever done: We wipe off our sweat, toss our worn and tattered jerseys in the wash, and we move on. The difference between a person of victory living out his or her destiny and a person who gets stuck in the rut of defeat can be found in how that person views life’s experiences. A victorious person will view his or her life experiences – even the defeats and failures– through the lens of purpose. They will recognize the connecting thread taking them to the destiny God has for them (Jeremiah 29:11). As a pastor and spiritual leader over your sphere of influence, God has uniquely positioned you to offer people His hope. Hope is the one thing that
African-American to lead the 5,700 churches of the BGCT in its 130-plus years of history); President, African-American Fellowship of Churches 20092011; Chairman, Texas Baptist Committed ( txbc.org), 20092012; Chairperson, Black Church Studies Advisory Board, Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University, 2008-2012. A life-long educator, Dr. Bell has taught in the public school systems of Longview and Fort Worth. He was Chairman of the Social Studies Department at Longview High School. He is a former assistant professor of Religion at Jarvis Christian College, Hawkins, Texas. Since 2005, he has led a weekly Theological Reflection Group at Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth. In 2002, Dr. Bell was inducted into the Mainstream Baptist Network Hall of Fame, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the only African American to be accorded this
honor. In March of 2003, Dr. Bell was the recipient of the Invisible Giant Award, presented by the National Civil Rights Institute and Museum, located in Selma, Alabama. In the summer of 2009, he was recognized by N'Cobra (the National Coalition Of Blacks for Reparations in America). His awards and recognitions are too numerous to list. Dr. Bell is engaged to speak in revivals, conferences, and workshops across the country. He has conducted racial sensitivity/diversity training for the Coordinating Council of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and the police department of Mansfield, Texas, among others. He has been the commencement speaker for several colleges and universities, including the Baptist University of the Americas (2005) and the University of Texas at Tyler (2006). He has been the featured speaker at college religious emphasis week programs, most recently at Wiley College (2007),
Texas • March 24-30, 2014
Pastor Tony Evans Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship people need the most. You are to teach them that how they manage, or mismanage, the experiences in their past will have everything to do with their future. Instruct them to learn from their past; not live in it. Tony Evans is the senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas, and President of The Urban Alternative. Visit TonyEvans.org Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, Texas (2007), and Berea College, Berea, Kentucky (2008). He has appeared on World News Tonight and other television and radio programs. His radio broadcasts are heard Sundays on KHVN 970 AM (Dallas-Fort Worth) and KJTX 104.5 FM (Tyler-Longview-Shreveport). Dr. Bell is heard over the airwaves every Sunday in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex over KHVN 970 AM (6-6:30 am) and in the Ark-La-Tex region over KJTX 104.5 FM (7-7:30 am). The broadcast can also be heard via the internet at www. khvnam.com. His poltical commentary, "I'm Just Saying…" is heard Saturdays at 10 am on K104.9 FM in the Waco/Central Texas Area. Snippets of our Pastor's sermons can be seen @ www. youtube.com/timefortheword. Story By: Darwin Campbell, African-American News&Issues
Texas • March 24-30, 2014
Texas HBCU Corner
African
American News&Issues
11
Support OUR Texas HBCUs! If WE don’t, then who will?
Praire View Lady Panthers Make History
offensive rebound with 2:24 left swung the momentum back to PVAMU as Jackson and Scott combined to nail 3-of-4 free throws for a 59-53 advantage. Sidney hit a basket to close within 59-55 and PVAMU had to hold on as they turned the ball over twice during the next 1:20. The Panther nation in attendance could finally breathe a collective sigh of relief as TSU turned the ball over which led to two more free throws by Jackson and a 61-55 lead with 31 seconds left. TSU scored once more but Jackson hit two more
free throws down the stretch and closed the door as PVAMU will go dancing once again to the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship. Jackson led the way with 22 points, nine rebounds and four assists while Washington added 20 points and six rebounds. Larissa Scott, who returned for PVAMU’s tournament run, scored nine points, grabbed eight rebounds, blocked two shots and dished out five assists. Photo Credit: Chris Jones Sin 19 ce 94
Black Legends
Head Coach and Lady Panther’s Celebrate after a wining game
HOUSTON – Prairie View A&M officially became a part of SWAC history as the Lady Panthers captured the 2014 SWAC Tournament Championship for the fourth straight year following an emotional 63-58 win over Texas Southern at the Toyota Center. The Lady Panthers became only the third team in SWAC history to win four consecutive SWAC Tournaments as senior LaReahn Washington leaves PVAMU with four rings on her fingers while Jeanette Jackson cemented herself as PVAMU’s all-time single season scoring leader. The first five minutes belonged to TSU as they led 9-3 before a timeout by PVAMU at the 15:01 mark. Following the timeout, PVAMU went to the paint as Larissa Scott and Asha HamptonFinch hit back-to-back jumpers to close within 11-7. Both teams continued to feel each other out from that point during a two-minute scoreless span until Jazzmin Parker’s free throw with 9:50 left. Freshman Alexus Parker
picked up the pace with a muchneeded three-pointer with 8:52 left in the half as PVAMU closed to within 12-10. TSU turned the ball over on the ensuing possession and Washington made them pay as her triple put PVAMU back on top 13-12. The lead flipped flopped as TSU’s Sarah Williams and Parker exchanged baskets but PVAMU kept on charging as they went on a 13-3 run over the next four minutes to lead 26-17. However, the lead was brief as the emotions stemming from the heated rivalry went back to TSU as Brianna Sidney scored a layup followed by a PVAMU turnover which led to another TSU layup and five-point lead. Another missed shot by PVAMU and a turnover led to five more points by TSU as they knotted the contest at 26-all with 1:43 remaining. PVAMU finally broke its drought with two free throws by Jeanette Jackson for a 28-26 lead but Jazzmin Parker nailed a trey to send the momentum back to TSU with 30 seconds left. With 13
seconds left, Washington displayed the senior leadership head coach Dawn Brown has asked for with a huge trey for a 31-29 advantage which stood as the halftime score. TSU stuck first to open the second stanza but PVAMU answered as Jackson connected on two consecutive jumpers for a 35-31 lead. But once again, the momentum moved back to TSU as they went on a 9-2 surge to lead 40-37 with 15:10 left. TSU would lead over the next four minutes until a huge trey by Jackson and four consecutive points by Washington moved PVAMU on top 48-43 at the 10:03 mark. A five-point swing tied the contest at 48-all two minutes later and with 5:38 remaining, the teams were tied again until the JacksonWashington duo came through with successful drives to the basket for a 56-51 PVAMU lead with 4:37 left. From that point, baskets were hard to come by for both teams but PVAMU stepped it up defensively over the next two minutes as TSU missed its next four shots. A TSU technical foul after Larissa Scott’s
Available Now!
Tuskegee Airman
Buffalo Soldier 11 1/2“ tall
11 1/2“ tall
Black History is 24/7/365
100% Black Owned We Appreciate Our Customers
Store Hours:
Thursday 11:30am-4pm Friday & Saturday 11:30am-5pm
For more information 713-692-1195 6130 Wheatley Street Houston, Texas 77091
TX-11
African
12
American News&Issues
Texas • March 24-30, 2014
Read us online! w w w.a f r a m n e w s .com ®
®
Get up to
FREE
12 in 5 items!
$
38
with in-store coupons
LENTEN
save more than
6
$
15 FREE in
items!
BUY
with in-store coupons
buy
Central Market Coconut Water 33.8 oz.
That’s up to
1.98
$
two (2) Striped Pangasius Fillets 2 lb. bag
get 5 items
free! with in-store coupons
• H-E-B Shredded Cabbage 8 oz.
• H-E-B Mixla Tortillas
free! buy
Hot or Lean Pockets 12 ct., or SideShots Pockets, 22 ct.
assorted varieties
10 oz., assorted varieties
• H-E-B Cilantro Cotija or Creamy Avocado Sauce, 3 oz. • H-E-B Soft Drink, 2 L btl.
free! with in-store coupon
H-E-B Specialty Green Tea 20 tea bags
GET Llévatelo
free! ¡gratis! with in-store coupon Hot Pockets
That’s up to
4.88
$
free! buy
Betty Crocker Tuna Helper 5.3 - 7.3 oz. assorted varieties
12 ct.
• H-E-B Fish Fry Mix
GET
That’s up to
5 pk. assorted varieties (located in frozen)
Llévatelo GET
¡gratis! free! with in-store coupon
Hill Country Fare Chunk Light Tuna in Water, 5 oz. can
76¢
free! buy H-E-B Lunchmeat
16 oz. tub assorted varieties
assorted varieties
That’s up to
Llévatelo GET
¡gratis! free! with in-store coupon
Hill Country Fare String Cheese 10 oz., regular or swirls
3.38
$
free! buy Marie’s Salad Dressing 11.5 - 12 oz. assorted varieties
Prices Good Wednesday, March 26 Thru Tuesday, April 1, 2014 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.
Some items may not be available in all stores. Items not valid at Central Market. Due to the popularity of our Extra Low Prices Every Day, we reserve the right to limit quantities. Limit Rights Reserved. We Accept Lone Star Card, WIC And Manufacturers’ Coupons. ©2014 HEB, 14-1462 visit www.heb.com
HOU-12
Llévatelo GET
¡gratis!
free! with in-store coupon
one (1) head of Iceberg Lettuce That’s up to
1.38
$
free!
Llévatelo
¡gratis!