®
State Senator John Whitmire Vol. 19 Issue 5
Greater Houston/Southeast Texas
February 24 - March 2, 2014 | FREE
See Pg. 7
Promoting the Fight for REAL Justice & Equality
Trayvon Martin, 17 Sandford, Florida
Jordan Davis, 17 Jacksonville, Florida
Renisha Mcbride, 19 Detroit, Michigan
Alfred Wright, 28 Hemphill, Texas
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
New Black Panther Party for Self Defense sparks new “Civil Rights Movement”
See PANTHER pg. 4
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Votes to Avoid Republican Default
The need for today’s action is highlighted by a new analysis by Ways and Means Committee that shows the consequences families in Texas would face under a Republican default. The new analysis shows the damaging effects of default on tax refunds, mortgage rates, retirement savings, Social Security, veterans’ disability and pensions, student loans and Medicare. That is it is crucial to the American families and businesses that some Republicans have stopped holding hostage the full faith and credit of the United States. Defaulting would put an enormous financial strain on American families, from higher interest rates for mortgages and credit cards to lost retirement savings to delayed
Stomp Out Poverty
Social Security payments and tax refunds, particularly here in Texas. Economists of all political stripes are warning about the potential consequences of default. With just days left, I am glad that some Republicans have taken that prospect seriously and today we have voted on a bipartisan basis to stop playing political games with the full faith and credit of the United States and the livelihoods of American business and families. The new analysis shows that mortgage rates could rise dramatically during a default, pushing up overall home loan costs. Retirement savings are expected to fall significantly, potentially costing the average person in Texas a drop of $15,000 in 401(k)
are living in poverty. This country’s policies and programs addressing poverty have not kept pace with the growing needs of It is unacceptable that nearly millions of Americans. It is time 46 million people in our country we make the commitment to live in poverty, and nearly 16 confront poverty head-on, create million of them are children. In pathways out of poverty and communities of color, poverty provide opportunities for all. rates are even worse. A staggerBusiness Card for Paper_Layout 1 2/18/14 12: From 1967 to 2012, the ing 27% of African Americans poverty rate fell from 26% to 16%, taking into account the safety net. But fifty years later, our nation’s fight to stamp out poverty remains unfinished. Today, all too many Americans still live on the outskirts of hope, struggling under stagnant wages, 979-921-9908 widening income inequality, and 28820 FM 1736 Road Hempstead, TX 77445-7204 a growing deficit of opportunity. Trophy Hunting: That is why Democrats, led by Whitetail - Axis - Blackbuck President Obama, have made Archery • Camping • Camp Fire rebuilding our economy to work Canoeing • Family & Church Reunions Fishing • Guided Nature Hike for all Americans our primary Hay Rides • Hiking • Horseshoes mission. Kayaking • Nature Photography Pedal Boats • Picnics • Sand Volleyball That is why today I am fighting to restore emergency website: www.rsdeerranch.com email: malonson@rsdeerranch.com unemployment insurance for TX-2
Politics Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson TX 30th Dist.
assets and almost $23,000 in IRA assets just as they did in July and August 2011, when Republicans pushed the U.S. to the brink of default. 3,657,907 Social Security recipients here in Texas may not get their monthly checks, 299,877 disabled veterans may not get their pensions, and tax refunds could be delayed, with the Treasury Department unable to borrow. Student loans could cost significantly more. And doctors and hospitals may not get paid for treating patients with Medicare. Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee TX 18th Dist.
the 1.4 million Americans still searching for work, who are cut off from this critical lifeline. These temporary emergency benefits helped keep 600,000 children out of poverty in 2012, and 11 million Americans out of poverty since the recession began. I am working to increase the minimum wage to $10.10, which would result in a pay raise for an estimated 30 million Americans and lift more than 4.5 million hardworking Americans out of poverty. Also to alleviate poverty amongst our children we need high-quality early education which is one of the most important opportunities we can give our children.
• December 9-15,2,2013 TexasTexas • February 24 - March 2014 Texas • August 12-18, 2013
Give America and Texas a Raise
No American who works full-time should have to live a life of poverty. Even Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner begrudgingly applauded when President Obama made that remark in the State of the Union Address. But our current minimum wage is so low that a father working at a minimum wage job full time makes just $14,500 annually, far below the poverty level for him and his child. That’s why a clear majority of Americans – both Republican and Democrat – support raising the minimum wage, and it’s why 21 states plus Washington D.C. have implemented minimum wages higher than the federal one. Our low minimum wage hurts our economy. Just last November we heard about an Ohio Walmart that held a food drive so its employees could celebrate Thanksgiving. From this we learned that Walmart, which specializes in selling cheap groceries, doesn’t pay many of its employees enough to buy those groceries. If those employees made more money, they would spend more, much of it presumably at Walmart. Henry Ford understood this situation well. He famously doubled his workers’ wages, providing them with an income that allowed them to purchase their own cars – usually Fords. This worked out well for everyone. People who previously couldn’t afford automobiles were then able to afford them, and car companies like Ford sold more cars. We once again live in a society where working class people often don’t make enough money to buy necessities, much less modest luxuries, and businesses suffer as a result. People
Honorable Garnet Coleman TX 147th Dist.
can’t buy anything when they don’t have any money, and when people aren’t buying, that means businesses aren’t selling (which in turns means they aren’t hiring or expanding). It’s a problem that needs to be addressed from many sides, but raising the minimum wage is one of the easiest ways to push back against this negative economic reality. Of course raising the minimum wage isn’t a cure-all. We can’t simply make everyone rich by making the minimum wage to $100 an hour. That would be ridiculous, and no one is proposing that. Instead, President Obama has called for Congress to pass the Harkin-Miller bill, which would gradually raise the current minimum wage of $7.20 an hour to $10.10 an hour and key it to inflation after that.
R.D. Malonson S.A. Malonson Darwin Campbell Chandra Jarmon Bria Taylor-Johns Rebecca S. Jones
Publisher President/C.E.O. Managing Editor Production Web
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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 • February 24 - March 2, 2014
Edit rial & Opini n
President Obama to Launch New Initiative to Address Challenges
P
resident Obama will unveil this week a new program to address specific challenges facing black and Latino young men, who studies show are disproportionately unlikely to graduate from high school or attend and finish college. In the “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative, which the White House has dubbed the program, the president will direct the federal government to look for ways to help minority boys and young men, such as a recent set of guidelines issued by the Department of Education that encourages schools to try to avoid suspending students, as minority males are often those who are removed from classrooms. Obama will also announce a partnership with business leaders and foundations in which they will pledge to develop and support programs around the country to help minority students, White House officials said. This program is modeled after a project started by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in 2011 called the Young Men’s Initiative. It also targeted black and Latino men and boys for extra help. This new effort, which will include an event at the White House on Thursday, is an attempt to meet two of Obama’s goals. It’s part of his strategy this year to work around Congress and instead use business leaders and other officials to enact his policies. And the initiative fulfills the promise Obama made last year in his speech after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in
Perry Bacon, Jr. On-Air Analyst, MSNBC
the killing of Trayvon Martin to target some of his policies specifically to help young male black men. More broadly, this initiative, like policy changes announced last year by the Obama administration to reduce drug sentencing disparities that disproportionately affect minorities, show a president who wants part of his legacy to be policies that benefit people of color and low-income Americans, two groups whose struggles Obama says motivated him to get into politics in the first place. The initiative could address criticisms by black activists such as commentator Tavis Smiley, who argues AfricanAmericans have twice voted overwhelmingly Obama, but he has done little in return to address the high jobless rate among blacks. White House officials would not say how much federal money would go into this new program. Obama aides said that Thursday’s event would include boys from a Chicago-based group called “Becoming a Man.” The president has become an informal mentor to some of the students in this group, meeting with them in Chicago early last year and then inviting them to the White House.
American News&Issues
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“We MUST never forget slavery, lynching, Jim Crow Laws, the disrespect of the Black race and the first Black president.”
Disrespecting President Obama Proves Racism is Not Dead
"There's a level of disrespect for the office that occurs in some cases and maybe even many cases because he's (Barack Obama) African- American. There's no question about that. And it's the kind of thing no one ever says, but everybody's thinking it." - Oprah Winfrey Oprah Winfrey has never been a lady to hold her tongue and neither am I when it comes to disrespect. It is no secret that some Whites express serious discontent and hatred for the nation having a Black Commander-in-Chief. However, does this disdain for a Black President warrant people lashing out at him and railing against him for personal political gain while disrespecting the highest office in the land. Attorney General candidates Dan Branch and Barry Smitherman and Lt. Governor candidates Dan Patrick, Todd Staples and David DewHurst and Texas incumbent Senator Ted Cruz all have demonstrated high levels of disrespect for President Barack Obama and the Constitution of the United States. We MUST Understand that these and other political candidates across Texas and America are wearing racism on their sleeves and using “OBAMA” as a code word for him and Black people. Their political advertising and the crowd they run with are sending strong messages to African-Americans to let them know clearly that their political agenda, priorities and goals do not include us. In political ads, Branch uses the
words, “Take on Obama”; Staples said, “Mr President You are not a King” and challenges the president with fighting words, “If you still want to mess with Texas, Come and Take it,” even including a cannon symbolizing battle; DewHurst, Patrick and Senator Ted Cruz all talk of “Fighting Obama” and accusing the President of “Attacking Texas”. This kind of talk is treasonous, divisive, hateful, rebellious and challenges the very nature of “One Nation Under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for All.” In their sound bytes, they call for rebellion and breed secession, political upheaval and chaos and send subliminal messages with their weapons. If any African-American, Hispanic or an Arab American spoke the same offensive words against a Caucasian President, he would be under fire, marked for treason and labeled a terrorist or traitor. These men are not talking about working for all people – only for those in their small White conservative groups. They have no plans to represent all Texans, especially Black Texans, because they only see one color – White. The Lieutenant Governor's job is to be the first individual to take over leadership of the state in event of the loss, absence or death of the sitting governor. He also controls work in the State Senate and controls state budgeting. None of those candidates are addressing the real issues of prison reform, the needs of the poor, education or developing a fair criminal justice system in
- Roy Douglas Malonson
We MUST Understand By Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher
Texas. The presidency is part of the original government established by the “Founding Fathers” in the U.S. Constitution. We MUST Understand that what these men and others like them don't respect is the U.S. Constitution. The President is the nation's “Chief Executive” and head of the Executive Branch. He is elected by the people to be manager and director of the federal government. The president sees that the government runs smoothly and that the laws of the land are enforced and obeyed. He promises to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution. He is also the “Head of State”, and acts as the ceremonial head of our government. He travels to other countries to meet with heads of foreign governments. He also serves as the “Commander in Chief” of the Armed Forces. We MUST Understand that these objections to a Black President demonstrate a real desire for some to return to the old ways and days of Jim Crow, Black Codes, Segregation and Slavery. It is time to tell these race mongers and rebel rousers to stop spilling their venom because they are not only showing their personal ignorance and disregard for the Founding Fathers of this nation, but also poisoning the waters of democracy for generations to come. TX-3
African
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American News&Issues
Quanell X & New Black Panther Party for Self Defences Marches for Justice on the streets of Hemphill, TX
PANTHER from pg. 1
he march for justice is on and the unified call is out for the AfricanAmerican community to stand up and proclaim from housetops and city streets, “Enough is Enough!!! The tragic killings of Alfred Wright, Jordan Davis, Renisha Wright and Trayvon Martin indicate that the time is now to stand up, speak out, unite and demand real justice and legislation across this country that protects the futures of African-American babies and youth. “It is open season on Black people and its appears some are being allowed to hunt and shoot us down like dogs,” said Krystal Muhammad, National Chair of the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. “History is repeating itself and the only way can stop the madness of these random slaughters is to wake up, open our eyes and put the pressure on until we get results.” The call is for all Black community, religious, social and political organizations to join in developing a tidal wave of solidarity demanding complete justice and equality and providing the kind of positive momentum that will not only sweep state houses across the United States, but also take the Capital and White House by storm. TX- 4
Cover Story
That trumpet will be sounded loud May 5 on the National Justice and Equality Day in Washington, D.C. Leading up to that event, freedom fighters are continuing to protest and marches in March and April in support of the Alfred Wright family in Sabine County and Hemphill, Texas. Muhammad said the initiative is part of a new movement born out of the current epidemic of unjust verdicts coming out of courtrooms across the country and the rash of police shootings and neighborhood shootings and killings of unarmed African-American men and youth are being gunned down or killed at an alarming rate. “We are at a point in history where Black people must come off the sidelines,” she said. “We need justice and freedom and that will only happen when we give some time and energy to the movement.” Driving the need for a new movement sad stories being told across the country about Black youth losing their lives without justice being served. Cases drawing national attention point to the need to shake things up from here to the White House, some of them include: Alfred Wright, a 28-year old black man from Jasper. According to reports, in November, Wright, a physical therapist, was on his way
to treat a patient when his truck broke down near a convenience store just outside of Hemphill. He called his wife for help and when his parents showed up, they only saw his parked truck. He was missing. The Sabine County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search, but it was called off after four days. The family could not believe deputies ended the search so soon and continued the search on their own. The family questions how hard deputies looked. For the next two and a half weeks the search continued until Wright’s friends and family members located his body lying face down in the woods about a mile and a half from the convenience store where his truck broke down. The mysterious disappearance and events surrounding his death continues, especially after as a toxicology report found drugs in Wright's body and the Sabine County Sheriff Department ruled it an overdose – Wright was not a drug user. Also, medical evidence has been revealed that his body was found with his throat slit, his face pulled off, his eye taken out, his ear cut off, his tongue cut out and his teeth pulled out. Family members believe he was brutally tortured and murdered and the real truth is being covered
Texas • August 12-18, Texas • February 24 - March 2, 2013 2014
up. The investigation is now in the hands of the U.S. Justice Department. Hemphill is about 35 miles north of Jasper and infamous for being the site of the 1998 hate crime murder of James Byrd Jr., who was dragged to death by a group of White men. Another case is in Florida and involves Jordan Davis, who would have been 19 now if he lived. The Black teen was killed in 2012 while sitting in a car with his friends outside a Jacksonville, Florida convenience store, listening to music. That music was too loud for Michael Dunn. Following an argument over the volume, the 45-year-old man fired his gun into the carful of teenagers, killing Davis. Dunn told his fiancee the teens were playing "thug music." The case was tried and despite damning evidence against Dunn, the trial ended in a mistrial on the first-degree murder charge for shooting Davis. However, the jury found Dunn guilty of attempted second-degree murder and a count of firing into an occupied car. Another case happened in a Detroit suburb. Last November, 19year old Renisha McBride got into an early morning car crash. According to police report, it is alleged the woman may have been disoriented following the crash. She apparently sought help at the home of Theodore Paul Wafer, 54, a White man. Wafer allegedly shot the 19-year-old as she stood on his front porch trying to get help. McBride was unarmed, and there is no evidence that McBride attempted to break in. Still, Wafer fired his weapon from behind a closed, locked screen door. He later claimed the shooting was accidental. After pressure from the dead woman’s family, the homeowner was charged with manslaughter. In Sanford, Fla., Trayvon Martin was an unarmed, 16-yearold who was killed by a neighborhood watch member George Zimmerman as he walked to his
father's home in a gated community. Zimmerman admitted to shooting and killing him, but was not initially arrested or charged. After nearly six weeks and considerable public outcry, prosecutors charged Zimmerman with second-degree murder in the case and was later acquitted. Muhammad and other civil rights leaders across the country are calling for more sweeping action and changes or abolishment of the so-called "Stand Your Ground" self-defense laws. Dunn also used the "Stand Your Ground" defense to justify shooting Davis. “We are dealing with a mindset and it will not stop until people who love justice and righteousness stand up to make sure justice is served and Black people and the Black community is respected,” said Kofi Taharka, leader of the National Black United Front, Houston Chapter and who supports the movement of freedom fighters for justice and equality. “The system is devaluing Black life and doing what it was designed to do and that is to contain, weaken, control and oppress Blacks, Latinos and the poor. We must move now to change it.” The last great movement that spun victory for African-Americans was the initial Civil Rights Movement. Those were people who were truly “tired of being sick and tired” of how they were being treated like second-class citizens. During that era, Black people had to tolerate being segregated drinking from separate water fountains and using separate bathroom facilities. Blacks could not attend schools with Whites and could only enter movie theaters to sit in the balcony or enter restaurants only from back entrances. To continue reading visit www.aframnews.com Cover Story by : Darwin Campbell, African-American News&Issues Photo By: Kofi Taharka
Texas • February 24 - March 2, 2014
4 Ways to Reduce Youth Unemployment
Crossposted from the U.S. Chamber Foundation's Center for Education and Workforce blog. Even though the number of young people with a postsecondary credential or college degree is on the rise, the same cannot be said for youth employment, as many struggle to secure a job. Youth unemployment in the United States currently stands at 16.3%, an unacceptable figure, made even more dismal when including those who are currently working in jobs that do not make full use of their skills and abilities—commonly referred to as the “underemployed.” According to a recent report by the youth advocacy organization Young Invincibles, youth unemployment is costing American taxpayers $25 billion annually. 4 ways to reduce these numbers: 1. Increase student exposure to jobs that are in demand—as well as providing a better understanding of industry needs. This increases the likelihood that young people will find careers that suit their interests while making best use of their skills. Imagine if students were encouraged to explore several careers before and during college through internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, or classroom-based community projects. In a 2013 report released by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, 78% of employers said that completing “an intern-
Business
ship or communitybased field project to connect classroom learning with realworld experiences” has the potential to help students succeed. 2. Postsecondary partnerships. Some colleges and universities have started to provide students with real-world applications. For instance, the University of Oregon’s Sustainable Cities Initiative partners students with business leaders and local government officials to create business plans and solutions to real problems in sustainability, transportation, infrastructure, and city planning. The Sustainable Cities Initiative is now taking place in 11 states, doing their students a great service by proactively connecting them with work experience. 3. Industry-focused skills programs for students. There are many industry-focused programs that use innovative practices to connect students to employers at an earlier stage of the job search. In addition, companies such as Modern Technology Council and General Assembly work with young people after they have completed their formal education to sharpen the skills needed to be viable job candidates in the industry of their choice. 4. Better align workforce demand with college instruction. Business leaders play a critical role in communicating which skills are in demand and necessary for success in today’s workforce. By using data more effectively to inform recruiting practices, industry leaders can implement feedback mechanisms for institutions to ensure curricula and instruction is applicable for today’s job market. To continue reading visit www.aframnews.com
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Living Life One Snap At A Time HOUSTON- Ferrell Phelps love photography, but knew something was missing in his life. He started out working for a photography studio in a local mall. He stayed for a few years, but he was convinced there was more to life than just working that particular job. “Frustrated with my working environment, I asked God a question,” he said. “When is it time for me to leave this job?” Phelps recalled the day he first fell in love with photography. It was the day he got a Nikon camera on clearance at a local department store and the manager held it for him until he got paid. He got it for just $25. He decided to branch out and started working for a nationally known photography company. There he honed his skills and for the first time started realizing his dream. “It was a challenge, because I was the only African American,” he said. “I felt that the recognition and rewards for my work was not forthcoming.” During his transition to becoming self-employed, he did not get much encouragement from his former employer. However, Phelps continued working hard and developed his own concept and unique style to doing photography and business. “Those discouraging words were just the words I needed to propel me to success,” he said. “There were naysayers but, you have to know who you are wellenough to believe what not to believe.” His first major celebrity photo shoot was 10 minutes with Dionne Warwick here in Houston. Since that time, he has never looked back. Ferrell has been in business for over 20 years, photographing families, unvarnished fine art, the first photos of Destiny's Child,
Muhammad Ali while promoting his The Greatest cologne, Delta Burke, Nancy Wilson, Shaquille O'Neal, Angela Bassett, Kelly Price, Robert Horry and many other famous celebrities. He also had the opportunity to photograph for Sister 2 Sister Magazine and other well-known publications. Phelps explained how much he believes in working with integrity and always being prepared is the key to a successful photo shoot. One of the books he referenced that inspired him to be all he could be as a photographer was, “Half past Autumn: A Retrospective” by Gordon Parks. “People would ask me why would you mentor people who could compete with you and I would reply saying; What God has for me will be for me,” he said.
Ferrell Phelps
The main focus of his work is to create photographs that matter. That's why he published a book, “In My Life Time”, in honor of President Obama. With the help of famed singer Yolanda Adams, Phelps was able to get his book to the White House book shelves. In the future, Phelps can see himself producing short films and continuing to build a museum (or collection) of professional and artistic photos that he has collected throughout his years as a photographer.
Story By: Keandra Scott
Silver Anniversary 25 thAnnual Awards Banquet Friday, March 28, 2014 7pm-9pm Beulah Ann Shepard Building
6112 Wheatley Street • Houston, Texas 77091
Phone: (713) 692-7003 or (713) 692-7161 E-mail: info@acreshomecenter.org Keynote Speaker:
Craig Washington
Theme:
“NOW is the TIME”
RSVP by Monday, March 21, 2014 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
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Accountants
ELECTRONIC FILING Member AICPA
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of Ad to run in AAN&I’s Marketplace.15+ years of experience Citywide Chemical Janitorial & Commercial n Date: March 25-31st edition Pest Control Company Rodrick Dow, PC 713-862-4332
824 West 27th St. Houston, TX 77008
ATTORNEY’S Damian E. LaCroix Attorney at Law
The LaCroix Law Firm, P.C.
416 Westheimer Rd. Houston, Texas 77006 713-429-1546/Office 713-429-1561/Fax Services Offered:
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713/227-4808 or 4809 Janitorial Supplies Sales-Service-Supplies Wholesale-Retail
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Texas • February 24 - March 2, 2014
Investment
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Joseph Moore
When it comes to servicing the community, Joseph Moore is committed to lending a hand or two for individuals who are prepared to excel in various state approved needs. Moore is the CEO of a "One Stop Shop"; VIP Driving School, VIP Moore Education and VIP Dayhab center for (MR) learning disabilities, located at 501 West Gulf Bank Road in Houston, TX. The driving school offer services that include: State approved defensive driving education for teens, adults and instructors, and permit and driver's license test. “I'm a people's person”, Moore stated. “If you are looking for a place to obtain your high school diploma, VIP Moore education has a four to six week program to assist you.” VIP Dayhab Center allows individuals from 12 years and up with (MR) developmental disabilities to have access to an array of services to ensure each person's unique needs are met. Moore, a native of Lubbock, TX, received his Bachelor's degree in Music (B.A.) and Masters
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in Business Administration (B.B.A.) from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, TX. For the past 30 years, he has worked in music education for North Forest I.S.D., Lubbock I.S.D., and Aldine I.S.D., until his recent retirement from Anderson ALL STARR Academy (Aldine I.S.D.). In addition to Moore's role as an educator, he is the Founder, Bishop & Pastor of Victory & Praise Church on 7406 Touchstone, Rd. in Houston, TX. Moore has major plans in the near future for his church, which will include opening up a food bank for the community. He often reflects on how his mother use to work very hard in an all white uniform and the education in the early 1900's versus today. “We want to be able to help everybody, especially the youth; and to guide and put them on the right track.” he said. “We want to help them if we can, but if we can't, we want to provide opportunities. This motivates me to go forward.” Story by : Darwin Campbell, African-American News&Issues
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Texas • February 24 - March 2, 2014
1475 N. Loop W Houston, TX 77008 WHT14_008
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African-American News&Issues Endorses State Senator John Whitmire
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Thanks to our efforts, members do not disregard the JOHN WHITMIRE Texas has closed three adult will of minority voters and
Isprisons the leader weyouth trust to fight for Democratic values in the Texas Senate. and seven citizens.
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The African-American News&Issues is endorsing State Senator John Whitmire for State Senate District 15. It is a decision made by the editorial board after considering the needs and priorities for the African-American community and who can best understand those needs, communicate those priorities and deliver in Austin. We believe Senator Whitmire has earned our trust and has never forsaken or gone astray from his mission of serving the people and the communities who sent him to Austin. He has shown he wakes up every morning wanting to help people and wanting to make a difference.. As Chair of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, he has dedicated his time and efforts to reforming our adult and juvenile criminal justice systems by championing . adv. paid for by alternatives the John Whitmire Campaign. to incarceration through prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programs.
facilities and is now the national model on criminal justice reform. In addition to reforming the prison system, Whitmire is committed to making our U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee judicial system fairer so that TX District 18 everyone has access to quality representation, impartial judges, and accountable District Attorneys. He also works continues to work at both the state and Rep. Senfronia Thompson federal levels to put District 141an end to ticketing in our public schools. As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, he is a vocal advocate for increased funding for our public schools, colleges and universities, and crucial health and human service programs. In a state of vast resources there is no excuse for leadership to continue to cut taxes while the neediest continue to suffer and income disparity continues to grow. Whitmire's experience in the Senate will give the poor and needy a much needed voice on critical funding issues. Since 2003, he has been know as the “Dean of the Senate”. It is a title he earned by serving the people for 42 years, not using his position 1475 N. Loop W TX 77008 of seniorityHouston, to beat his own drum or advance personal WHT14_008 goals. Whitmire has defended the people and knows how to prevent partisan gridlock and ensures that majority
In a recent census, Senate District 15 shows the voting age population is 32.8-percent Anglo, 23.6-percent African-American, and 38-percent Hispanic. It is a Sen. Rodney Ellis majority-minority district and District 13 should always be protected as such under the important principles of the Voting Rights Act. We believe that Sen. Whitmire will continue to Rep. Sylvester Turner protect and represent that District 139 diversity, in particular the minority make-up of the district. The issues important to our citizens and our families are still the same. We want good jobs and fair wages, quality public schools, access to affordable health care, safe streets and neighborhoods, a fair and just criminal justice system. We believe Whitmire will continue to work with our citizens on the issues that matter and ensure that Senate District 15 and its concerns and needs are represented in Austin. Experience counts, but we believe in his ideals and his goals to continue to be a servant of the people. We believe his commitment to citizens and his passion and commitment to the citizens of Senate District 15 and to the people and Pol. adv. paid for by the John Whitmire Campaign. families across this state who deserve a voice on the issues that matter makes him the best candidate to continue carrying our will to Austin.
JOHN WHITMIRE
Sen. Sylvia Garcia District 6
Rep. Harold Dutton, Jr. District 142
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Actress Irma P. Hall On Hand For Festival Named In Her Honor
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ore than 400 middle and high school students participated in the annual Irma P. Hall Theatre Arts Festival held recently at Wilmer-Hutchins High School. Hall, a well-known actress and former Dallas ISD teacher, was on hand to work with students as they showcased
their talents in playwriting, directing, and acting. Students from 25 Dallas ISD theatre arts programs participated in a number of categories including original monologues, improvisation, physical acting, costume design and original 10-minute plays. For the first time in the
AISD Student-Athletes Earn Scholarships on National Signing Day
Back row, (l-r): Eisenhower High principal Ben Ibarra, head football coach Kerry Bamburg, Aldine ISD School Board Secretary Dr. Alton Smith, defensive lineman Quintin Jackson (Sam Houston State University) and Carver High School principal Rosalyn Sweat. Front row (l-r): Devlin Isadore, Trevion Roberts, Donald Catalon, Trenston Hawkins, and Jon Johnson.
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isenhower High School had the most student-athletes sign as six football players were awarded scholarships. Running TX-8
back Donald Catalon, one of the most sought-after backs in the state, signed with the University of Texas and will be a part of head coach Charlie Strong’s first-ever
Educati n/Y uth
festival’s eight-year history, Sunset High School took home a prestigious Irma Award which is presented to the high school teams that win gold medals in three categories: playwriting, directing and acting. Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts also won two Irma Awards. Middle school students were awarded individual medals. The performances were judged by a panel of collegiate and professional directors and actors. The festival was supported by the faculty at UNT, Shakespeare Dallas, Le Theatre de Marionette, Cara Mia Theater, Jubilee Theater, Dallas Theater Center, The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, The Dallas African American Museum, Junior Players and others. Students from Thomas Jefferson High School were also on hand to serve as contest managers. recruiting class at UT. Strong was hired in January to succeed former head coach Mack Brown, who resigned after 16 years as the Longhorns’ head coach. Other Eagles who signed on Wednesday were quarterback Trevion Roberts, who signed with Texas’ 12 rival Oklahoma State. Defensive back Devlin Isadore signed with Angelo State University, while defensive lineman Quintin Jackson inked with Sam Houston State University, linebacker Jon Johnson signed with Navarro College and defensive back Trenston Hawkins signed with Presentation College in South Dakota. Nimitz High School had two football players and one soccer player sign on National Signing Day and Aldine High School had one signee. AISD coaches are hoping more student-athletes will sign later in the spring.
Texas • February 24 - March 2, 2014
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
ataihya Collins, a fifth grade student at J.H. Rowe Intermediate School of Jasper ISD, has been selected as Student of the Week. Lataihya was selected by her Math teacher Ms. Rae Warner. According to Ms. Warner, Lataihya is a hard worker who will strive toward any goal given to her. She is always willing to help others and she never gives up. She loves to read fiction Lataihya Collins books, make breakfast for her mother, and play with her sisters and brothers. Lataihya is the daughter of Demarco and Latoya Collins.
“Out of the Mouth of Babes” Youth Sound Off on School Closings
Story By: Darwin Campbell, African-American News&Issues
students, faculty and alumni. "I don't understand," said 12-year old Aerial McGee. "We want to be here. Programs are great here." Willis said students are upset because they feel the district Kyra Stringer & Caytlin Willis protest is targeting their school and breaking f you want to know the up their community "family". hard impact of proposed HISD made a business school closings in the decision to close Fleming along Houston Independent School with four other schools in order District, just ask the children. to save money and put schools "This move is very disreon the chopping block hurting spectful to us and the Black student academic psyches rather community," said 12-year old than cut the fat in administraCaytlin Willis, who attends tion. Other campuses affected Lamar Fleming Middle School. "You have good students by the plan include Dodson, here and now they want to break Nathaniel Q. Henderson, Jones High School and Port it up and take that all away." Houston Elementary. Students are experiencing Fleming has a total of 464 anxiety, fear and betrayal by closely knit students. The school school officials wanting to break has been targeted for its decreasup years of pride, traditions, ing enrollment numbers, despite hard work and a solid academic having good achievement on the part of See BABES pg. 8
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Texas • February 24 - March 2, 2014 BABES from pg. 8
students, solid test scores and performing to state standards. "We care about our community and each other," said 12-year old Kyra Stringer. "You tell us to make good grades and you will leave no child behind. Now we do what you say and you take it all away. This is very demotivating to us." Under the current proposal, the majority of students — 305 — will be zoned for Key Middle School. Another large group of students — 143 — will be zoned for McReynolds Middle School. A small number of students — 16 — will be rezoned for Marshall Middle School. Plans are already being made to make Fleming the new home for the Ryan Professional Support & Development Center or use it for swing space as the district continues to work on bond construction projects. One of the greatest fears and concerns from many students
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centers around student safety going to and from a new school and the security at the schools children may end up attending. "Key and Fleming have a bitter rivalry and now they are putting us in that mix," Akilah Johnson and Stringer both said. "They don't understand how dangerous they are making things for us and putting the good students here at risk." Other students said Superintendent Terry Grier either doesn't know about the dangers at the schools or does not care about risking the students health and safety over protecting his "botton line". Fleming has been a noted school as the first model Magnet School in the district and has turned out a number of successful students and had produced a past HISD Principal of the year. "He does not know us and does not care about us," said 13year old Lillian Derousselle. "If
he came to this school he would see how much we love our school, care about our education and how much the teachers love teaching us." Quincy Cooper, 13, said the board needs to leave school alone. "People may think we are dumb because we come from 5th Ward, but we are smart and understand what is going on and the students are willing to stand up, speak and fight for what is ours." One of the main excuses being offered up by the HISD is that the falling enrollment jeopardizes the resources and services now being provided to students and that consolidating sites opens up more learning and growth opportunities for children - a fact students flatly reject. District officials also contend that it is necessary because no other housing or growth currently is planned for that area and
School Closure Decisions Are Never Easy
Many factors have led the HISD administration to propose the closing of five schools at the end of this school year. What’s not at play is the desire to target any groups of students or neighborhoods. The policy of the Board of Trustees requires HISD to evaluate all schools with low enrollment each year to decide whether it makes sense to keep these campuses open. There’s a lot at stake, both from an academic and economic standpoint, and these proposals are never made lightly. This year, after extensive review, the administration, in
keeping with board policy, decided to propose the closing of Dodson, Nathaniel Q. Henderson, and Port Houston elementaries; Fleming Middle School; and Jesse H. Jones High School. Students at these schools would be sent to nearby schools with room to accommodate them – stabilizing their size, too. Here’s what we know: Small schools in most cases cannot offer the same level of educational programming as larger schools and cost more to operate. From a practical perspective, these are the classes and services every parent wants for their child: Art, music, library services, and
dedicated on-site nursing staff to name a few. We also know the city is changing. Thanks to improved demographic data, we’re better able to project changes in housing patterns and enrollment throughout HISD. A good example is Jones High School, where protests about the effects on the immediate neighborhood have been some of the most heartfelt and compelling. I recognize and appreciate that Jones represents a school and community with a rich history. But today Jones has attracted only 54 out-of-zone students to its Science Technology Engineering and Math magnet,
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that fact means that the decrease in available housing equates to a decrease in the number of students who live in the Fleming Middle School attendance zone translating into figures that suggest there aren’t enough students to support the school any more. Board representatives stopped short of answers and would not even guarantee that any teacher affected by the closure decision would be guaranteed a job. "We have student pride, parent pride and teacher pride here," said 13-year old Akilah Johnson . "That pride motivates us to learn and be the best we can be. You are taking that away from us and for what reason? It does not make sense." Former Fleming student and graduate Angelique Stubbs, 23, said kids need to stand up for the school, support its teachers and do whatever it takes to send a message to Grier and the school board. while a whopping 915 students zoned to the school have chosen to transfer to other schools. With a building capacity of 1,425 and only 440 students attending Jones today, it would be irresponsible for HISD not to critically evaluate it – looking to nearby campuses to see if the consolidation of students and resources could lead to better, stronger schools. Recommending that a school be closed is always difficult. As most everyone knows, the proposal to close Jones has been on the table for several years because Jones has been struggling for several years. HISD has also struggled with how to help Jones. And despite assertions, HISD has tried to help.
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"This is your education and you have the Democratic right to stand up and say something about it," she said. "Changing the course starts with you all so you should be the first to tell them, I got this from Fleming." Stubbs said, “Fighting closure may seem challenging, but nothing is impossible when it comes to having a stake and say in your own future." Community leaders are convinced that closing the school will shut the door on the hope of future progress and growth for the community. Both parents and students now upset and feel Grier and the school board lied to them and others affected by the proposal. Home schooling and a boycott could be the next big step for frustrated parents who want to send a strong message to HISD.
Terry Grier Houston ISD Superintendent
Over the past few years, the district has infused Jones with per-pupil funding well above most other HISD schools – hoping that the additional resources would help keep this school open and make it a stronger option for neighborhood students and a more attractive magnet option for students from across the city. Last year, for example, Jones received $10,377 per pupil funding. In contrast, HISD schools on average receive $4,997 per pupil. TX-9
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Religion Profile Rev. Dr. Edwin A. Davis
H
Rev. Dr. Edwin A. Davis
e is one who has protected the public and now he is shepherd of
the flock. Rev. Dr. Edwin A. Davis pastors the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church at 6616 D. S. Bailey Lane in Houston. He was born on February 15, 1954 in Houston to Chester A. and Loyce M. Davis (Tennard) and grew up in the Third Ward. He was reared by his grandmother, Ophelia P. Davis who had a great impact on
his life. Baptized by the late Rev. N.C. Crain, he received his early religious training at St. John MBC on Gray Street. Educated in the Houston Independent School District, he attended J. Will Jones Elementary, Miller Junior High and is a 1972 graduate of Houston Technical Institute (formerly San Jacinto Senior High School.) He has a broad education history including attended Texas Southern University; a 1988 graduate of the University of Houston; a Master of Arts degree in Theology from the Houston Graduate School of Theology Seminary in 1990; a Masters of Education in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University in 1993; a Master of Divinity Degree from Houston Graduate School of Theology Seminary in 1997; and 18 hours of doctoral stud-
Religion
ies toward a Doctorate of Ministry. In addition he has received a Doctorate in Education from the University of Houston in 2004 and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity in May 2007. Davis retired from the Houston Police Department after 30 years of service as a police officer. During his tenure, he was formally named Chaplain of the HPD in 1993. During that time he supervise his department's volunteer chaplains and jail ministers and served as a liaison to the department Ministers Against Crime group and local religious communities. He has been recognized with numerous commendations and holds a number of key certifications. After retiring in 2006, he became a professor at Houston Community College in the Criminal Justice Department. He was one of the first to teach in the new HCC North-Line Campus in 2008 and was also adjunct professor at Prairie View A&M in 2007 and 2008.
Texas • February 24 - March 2, 2014
In 2009, Davis was appointed to Major with Harris County Sheriff's Office by Sheriff Adrian Garcia, he oversees the Sheriff's Officer Community Support Bureau. In June 2001, he received his basic Jailers License Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. This multi-talented pastor is also an accomplished musician playing both the piano and organ and served as pastor of First Mount Olive Baptist Church in 1987 and has been at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church since 1987. Some of his awards include being inducted into the Religious Hall of Fame in 2003; getting the L.A. Simpson “Pastor of the Year in 2005; the Living Legend Award from the College of Education at
Prairie View A&M University, 2011; Visionary Pastor's Award in 2013; and the Star of Success Award from the National Forum of Black Public Administrators in 2013. Davis is an excellent role model and mentor for children for children. His humility and perpetual attitude of gratitude are an inspiration to all who know him. Dr. Davis is married to Dr. Charlotte J. Davis, and had four lovely children, Eric, Erica, Chelsea and Courtney and one grandson, Aubrey. By: Darwin Campbell, African-American News&Issues
Member
“More Colorful ThanYou Think: Is Racism Dead inAmerica?”
In honor of Black History Month, the R.E.A.C.H. youth group of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church hosted an essay contest for youth. Mykia Rhodes The theme of the 250 to 300 word essay was “More Colorful That You think: Is Racism Dead in America.” The goal was to get young writers to share what influence race has played in America and in their own lives and offer some ways to get rid of racism. Winners were selected from two categories; one from Senior High school category for 9th TX-10
each other. through 12th grade and one R.E.A.C.H youth coordinafrom the Junior High level for tor Trinia Thibodeaux said, 6th through 8th grade. The “I wanted to find a way to Senior High category winner is Caitlyn Floyd, honor Black History 17, who wrote her Month by getting essay on the chalthe youth involved lenges of being and make it into a Black and having learning process; I to deal with the came up with the many shades of theme Is Racism Dead because “Black” and the knowing our history, difficulty of stereotypes I wanted to get relating to skin color in the kids view communities where on how is racshe has lived. Caitlyn Floyd ism still active The Junior High and what impact does it still category winner is Mykla have on our lives today.” Each Rhodes, 13, whose essay racwinner received a 7-inch Tablet ism in current times as it relates PC Android with Multi-Touch to current events, President Screen. Barack Obama and Trayvon African-American Martin lamenting that racism is News&Issues would like to real and can only stop when all congratulate the winners. races embrace each and respect
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Texas • February 24 - March 2, 2014
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Texas Southern University Released Environmental Justice Milestones Report
HOUSTON- Recently, dozens of environmental justice groups and coalitions from around the country commemorated the twentieth anniversary of the historic Environmental Justice Executive Order 12898 "Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations" signed by President Clinton. As part of the 20-year anniversary, the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs released its “Environmental Justice Timeline and Milestone, 1964-2014” report. The report chronicles environmental justice milestones, accomplishments and achievements in the United States over the past four decades, beginning with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The Executive Order after twenty years and three U.S. presidents (Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama) has never been fully implemented. Still, the environmental justice movement has made tremendous strides
over the years. Out of the small and seemingly isolated environmental struggles, emerged a potent grassroots community driven movement. In 1994, only four states (Louisiana, Connecticut, Virginia, and Texas) had a law or an executive order on environmental justice. In 2014, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have instituted some type of environmental justice law, executive order, or policy, indicating that the area of environmental justice continues to grow and mature. In 1990, Dumping in Dixie was the first and only environmental justice book. In 1994, there were fewer than a dozen environmental justice books in print. Today, hundreds of environmental justice books line the shelves of bookstores and classrooms covering a wide range of disciplines. Environmental justice courses and curricula can be found at nearly every college and university in the U.S. The number of people of color environmental groups has grown from 300 groups in 1992 to more than 3,000 groups and
a dozen national, regional and ethnic networks in 2014. Prior to 1994, only a couple of EJ leaders had won national recognition and awards for their work. In the past twenty years, more than twodozen environmental justice leaders have won prestigious national awards, including the Heinz Award, Goldman Prize, MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship, Ford Foundation Leadership for a Changing World Award, Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leaders Award, and others. For example, Hilton Kelly, who directs Community In-Power and Development Association (CIDA), won the 2013 Goldman Prize for his environmental justice work in addressing pollution near oil refineries in Port Arthur, Texas. And in 2014, Kimberly Wasserman Nieto of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO) won the Goldman Prize for her collaborative work in shutting down the Fisk and Crawford coal plants in Chicago. The movement is still under-funded after decades of proven work. This is true for private foundation and government funding. Overall, foundation and government funding support for environmental justice has been piecemeal. Environmental funders spent a whopping $10 billion between 2000 and 2009. However, just 15 percent of the environmental grant dollars benefitted marginal-
ized communities, and only 11 percent went to advancing "social justice" causes, such as community organizing. After years of hard work, struggle, and some victories along the way, the quest for environmental justice for all communities has yet to be achieved. Even in 2014, the most potent predictor of health is zip code. Race is still the most powerful predictor of locally unwanted land uses or LULUs and access to healthy
foods. The EPA’s Plan EJ 2014 is a road map that will help the agency integrate environmental justice into its programs, policies, and activities over the next 20 years. For more information about the work within the Barbara Jordan – Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, please visit us at www.tsu.edu/academics or contact LaRence Snowden at 713 313-6844 or snowdenLB@tsu.edu. Sin 19 ce 94
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