Volume 26 issue 49

December 26, 2021

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

Vol. 26, Issue 49 A house divided against it’s self can not stand.

-----------------------------There can be no democracy where racism and the big lie exists.

- Roy Douglas Malonson

“Addressing Current & Historical Realties Affecting Our Community”

Without fear or favor, African-American News&Issues has not backed down from bringing you thought-provoking commentary and in-your-face breakdowns on national and local news. Here are some of the biggest headlines for 2021, and for complete coverage on any of these topics, visit AframNews.com.

Insurrection:

Derek

Inauguration: Chauvin / On January 20, President Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, and Kamala Harris, making history, was sworn in as Vice President. Harris is the first woman, and the first woman of color – being of Black and South Asian descent – to hold the office.

Bill Cosby Murder of George Floyd released from prison: Trial:

Former police officer Drek The Pennsylvania Supreme Chauvin is found guilty of Court overruled Bill Costhe murder of former Jack by’s assault conviction on Yates High Scholl alum June 30, 2021 after a preGeorge Floyd by kneeling vious prosecutor failed to on Floyd’s neck. Chauvin convict him, leaving him was sentenced to 22.5 open to give self-incriminating statements. years in prison.

Murder of Ahmad Arbery Trial: Travis McMichael, his father Gregory McMichael, and William Bryan were sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Ahmad Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man shot to death while jogging in a neighborhood in Brunswick, Georgia.

On January 6, the nation was left with mouths agape as “Make America Great Again” MAGA and GOP supporters stormed the U. S. Capitol, scaling the walls, breaking into official government offices, destroying property, fighting with police officers – even resulting in some deaths – all while “protesting” the win of Joe Biden over former President Donald Trump. The infamous “insurrectionist” attack will forever be stamped in history.

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December 26, 2021

President/Chief Editor

Tristar

Griselda Ramirez: Production

News:

A Revival of God

Consciousness Bobby E. Mills, PhD

Office: (713) 692-1892 Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Second Commandment: Second Amendment American society is toying with utter destruction, because too many Americans refuse to spiritually acknowledge what God demands of all of us: “Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and love thy neighbor as thy self.”

(The First and Second C o m m a n d m e nt s ) .

There is a difference between serving God, and serving one’s local community and nation. The First and Second Amendments to the constitution are about freedom of religion, speech, press, the right of free assembly, and the right to keep and bear arms.

Mass school shootings are clear-cut spiritual examples of a nation state in moral decline, because of an overly exaggerated interpretation of Second Amendment Rights.

America, know this: our children are our future.

Sandy Hook (12-

14-2012) shook the soul of America, and Christian Right Evangelicals and The GOP did absolutely nothing about it. Parkland (2-14-18) inspired children to march in the streets to affect a real spiritual difference/change in our gun-culture oriented society, and Christian Right Evangelicals did nothing. Oxford, Michigan (November 30, 2021) raises the spiritual question of: how do we live as a society when our children are motivated to carry guns to schools rather than books?

Question: what are we going to do now? Because: it is spiritually written “Lo. Children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” (Psalm 127: 3).

What life do we have if we cannot live in peace and harmony with each other? Life must be lived in human community, and human community must be lived under the reality of GOD; that equal is equal, not more or less equal.

Too many Americans are attempting to have a love affair with The Second Amendment (GUNS) rather than The Second Commandment (LOVE).

Hence, “Except the

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

EDITORIAL

Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” (Psalm 127: 1).

Christian Right Evangelicals (The So-Called Moral Majority), The GOP and White Nationalist Groups desire to live superficially by the First and Second Amendments to the constitution rather than live spiritually by the First and Second Commandments of GOD. Consequently, America has become a ball of violent oriented confusion; whereby might makes right, not truth. Hence, the Ontological spiritual conceptualization of God has become a money making acronym for a false g-o-d: guns, oil, and drugs.

Too many Americans; especially our children are growingup experiencing selfhatred as well as being taught to hate others, because of skin-color.

Hatred kills. America has the most sophisticated military system on earth to protect Americans from foreign enemies.

For more visit aframnews.com

Think About It

By Dr. John E. Warren

The First Amendment, Hate Speech, and Religion From time to time, it becomes necessary to remind some of us of what the freedom of speech provision of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution actually says while addressing the issue of “hate speech” and the idea of religious freedom.

The First Amendment to the Constitution actually says: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, abridging the freedom of speech.

Or of the press, or the right of the people, peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

“Shall make no laws respecting the establishment of religion.”

This means that there shall be no state religion in this country.

Hence, all the religions of the world are found in the United

States of America. It also means that you are freed to have no religion. It does not mean you have a right to prohibit the faith or practices of another person’s religion. The phrase “or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ” means Muslim, Hindu, or any other religion has a right to be practiced in this country without inference from those of a different faith.

“Congress shall make no laws abridging the freedom of speech.”

This means Congress can not make laws limiting or stopping one’s freedom of speech. It does not mean that this freedom is without limits. It has long been held that the freedom of speech clause does not carry with it the right to shout “fire” in a crowded theatre where such a shout could cause death or harm. We may have the right to say what we want to or about another person, but that right carries with it consequences, including libel, defamation, and damages for pain and suffering based on the harm caused either physically or emotionally.

For more visit aframnews.com

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

Kyle Rittenhouse Trial:

December 26, 2021

AFRAMNEWS.COM 3

in o j e s a e l P

Gilbert Andrew Garcia

as Co-Grand Marshall at the 44th Annual

Martin Luther King Jr. Parade January 17, 2022 10:00 am - 5:00 pm 1000 Lamar Street Houston, Texas 77002 Then 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse fatally shot two BLM protestors in Kenosha, Wisconsin on August 25, 2020. Rittenhouse was found not guilty on all charges during trial in November 2021.

R. Kelly found guilty

a Tip from Gilbert Talk, Inspiration and Prayer Mondays 11:00 am to 11:45 am KWWJ 1360 AM/96.9 FM Call in at: 832-570-8075 www.atipfromgilbert.com Episodes are also streamed live on my facebook: www.facebook.com/gilbertandrewgarcia1

After more than 25 years of accusations and a federal court trial in New York that lasted seven weeks, R&B singer R. Kelly has been found guilty of charges including sexual exploitation of a child, bribery, racketeering and sex trafficking involving five victims. Kelly faces a possible sentence of 10 years to life in prison. He is expected to be sentenced in May 2022.

atipfromgilbert@gmail.com

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December 26, 2021

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

NOTABLE DEATHS

Cicely Tyson Cicely Tyson, one of the most iconic actresses in Black history and Hollywood, died at the age of 96.

Tyson was a pioneer that paved the way for Black actors for years to come.

Tyson won 49 awards out of 52 nominations throughout her almost 70-year career.

Earl “DMX” Simmons Rapper DMX died on April 9 at the age of 50 after suffering from a heart attack.

The influential hip-hop artist was known for his introspective lyrics that explored his trauma and his light.

Ronnie Wilson Ronnie Wilson, the older brother of “Uncle” Charlie Wilson as well as a cofounder and one-third of the legendary Gap Band, passed away at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Nov. 2. His wife, Linda Boulware-Wilson, said her husband died peacefully as he held her hand before he drew his final breath. He was 73 years old.

Colin Powell Colin Powell, and esteemed diplomat, politician, and Army officer was the first Black U.S. Secretary of State who helped shape America’s major foreign policies throughout the late 20th and early 21st century. He died at the age of 84 due Melvin van Peebles to cancer and COVID-19 Melvin van Peebles, the complications. iconic filmmaker and movie director whose groundHank Aaron breaking work like “Sweet Hank Aaron made MLB Sweetback’s Baadasssss history in 1974 after he Song” went on to become shattered Babe Ruth’s cult classics, especially in the home run record becom- Black community, died on ing the “Home Run King.” Sept. 21. He was 89 years old.

Anthony “A.J.” Johnson Actor and comedian Anthony “A.J.” Johnson died at the age of 56. The actor was widely known for his role on the “Friday” franchise of movies. There was no official cause of death immediately released.

Born Gloria Jean Watkins, notable author known for her work on the intersectionality between race and feminism died at the age of 69 in her hometown in Kentucky.

Dr. Shirley McBay Dr. Shirley McBay, a pioneer in the world of mathematics and the first Black student to receive a doctorate from the University of Georgia died at the age of 86. She was a leader in the movement for diversity and inclusivity in mathematics.

Her cause of death was diabetes and dementia.

Kangol Kid Born Shaun Shiller Fequiere, rap pioneer Kangol Kid died less than a year after being diagnosed with colon cancer.

A member of the 80’s rap group UTFO, Kid was known for his affinity for Kangol hats, and is said to be the first rapper to sign Virgil Abloh an endorsement deal, later A world-renowned fashion followed by Run DMC. icon and first Black artistic director for Louis Vuitton, bell hooks Virgil Abloh died from his (Preferred lowercase pre- battle with a rare form of sentation of her pseud- cancer, cardiac angiosaronym in honor of her coma, at the age of 41. great-grandmother and to draw greater attention Lee Elder to her ideas instead of Former professional golfer her identity.)

Lee Elder became the first

Black person to play in the Masters Tournament, and played 448 matches in the PGA Tour, winning four times. Elder died at the age of 87.

Antwain Fowler The adorable, viral Youtube sensation Antwain Fowler died at the age of 6 years old due to a serious disease known as auto-immune enteropathy, which he had been battling most of his life.

Michael K. Williams Renowned actor Michael K. Williams, known for his roles in “The Wire’ and “Lovecraft County” was found dead in his apartment at the age of 54. The cause of death was drug intoxication.

Gloria Richardson Gloria Richardson was a prominent leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Notable Deaths cont’d page 7

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

December 26, 2021

AFRAMNEWS.COM 5

I’m a mom first.

I may be Dr. Nina Ford-Johnson a pediatrician, but I’m a mom first. My babies are my top priority, always.

With this Delta variant going around affecting Black kids at a higher rate, I’m telling any parent with children 5 and older to get the COVID vaccine.

Find vaccines near you at vaccines.gov

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December 26, 2021

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

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GREATER HOUSTON EDITION Notable Deaths cont’d fighting against racial inequality and unfair labor laws. She is the subject of an iconic photograph where she is standing against an officer with a bayonet in her face. She died at the age of 99.

Suzanne Douglas Esteemed actress Suzanne Douglass starred in many culturally revered movies like “Jason’s Lyric,” “Tap,” and most recently “When They See Us.” She died at the age of 54 from cancer.

Gregg Leakes Gregg Leakes, a former real estate investor and husband of NeNe Leakes of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” reality TV series, died September 1 at the age of 66 after a three-yearlong battle with colon cancer.

Bob Moses Robert “Bob” Moses, a lifelong educator and civil rights leader who inspired generations of organizers, engaging with them around the importance of collective action and respecting local knowledge, died on July 25. He was 86 years old.

Biz Markie Biz Markie, the pioneering rap star

whose hit song “Just A Friend” made him a household name in the ’90s, died on Friday (July 16) following a long battle with diabetes. He was 57 years old.

December 26, 2021 known for his persona Humpty Hump.

Mary Wilson Mary Wilson, one of the founding members of The Supremes, has died at the age of 76. Her death on Feb. Clarence Williams III 8 was unexpected.

Clarence Williams There was no cause III, the enigmatic of death immediately actor who rose to announced. fame as the character “Linc” On “The Mod Leon Spinks Squad,” becoming Former heavyweight a Black power icon champion Leon during the ’70s, died Spinks died on Feb. on June 4 at the age of 5 after a five-year 81 after a battle with battle with prostate colon cancer. Some and other cancers. of Williams’ most no- Spinks, 67, was most table credits include famously known for playing troubled fa- one of the greatest ther figure type roles sports upsets of all in the smash hits, time during a 1978 “Purple Rain” and boxing match with Sugar Hill.”

Muhammad Ali, where he beat the Paul Mooney champ, securing Legendary comedian the heavyweight tiPaul Mooney, whose tle. Several months real name was Paul later Ali reclaimed Gladney, passed away the title. on May 19 at the age of 79 after suffering “Marvelous” Marvin a heart attack at his Hagler home in Oakland, “Marvelous” Marvin California.

Hagler, the legendary boxing middleweight Shock G champion, died Digital Under- March 13 at the age ground’s Shock G of 66. Hagler’s wife died on April 22 from said in a Facebook unknown causes. He post that he “passed was 57. The eccen- away unexpectedly tric and charismatic at his home” in New frontman rose to Hampshire.

Durprominence in the ing his career that 80’s and 90’s, culti- spanned 14 impresvating the group’s sive years, Hagler lost sound to helped steer just two times and Oakland, California, scored 53 knockouts as a vital ground in while amassing 62 hip-hop. Shock G wins. was also famously

AFRAMNEWS.COM 7

Need money for a down payment to buy a home?

By Arcy Muñoz, Vice President, Community Relations, Wells Fargo

G

aps in homeownership among people of color in Houston existed well before the economic fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we know more needs to be done to create housing solutions.

To help solve this problem, the NeighborhoodLIFT® program is returning to the city for a third time to provide hundreds of Houstonians with $15,000 in down payment assistance to buy a home.

Why homeownership is important Homeownership is a key foundation to wellness, dignity, and economic opportunity. Yet, far too many families face uncertainty of rising rents because they struggle with overcoming the barrier of saving for a home down payment.

With a commitment to create positive change, the Wells Fargo Foundation, NeighborWorks® America, and Avenue, are teaming up to provide $15,000 in down payment assistance to more than 300 eligible homebuyers in Houston. Interested homebuyers can get a home loan with any NeighborhoodLIFT-approved lender while funds are available.

Who is eligible for NeighborhoodLIFT? NeighborhoodLIFT will provide $15,000 in down payment assistance to eligible homebuyers. Interested omebuyers must meet eligibility requirements including earning 80% or less of family median income in Houston, which is $63,840 as determined by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council.

Need money to buy a home?

The NeighborhoodLIFT® program for Houston will help 304 people buy homes with $15,000 in down payment assistance.

How to prepare to apply for NeighborhoodLIFT • Complete eight hours of HUD-approved homebuyer education • Get a mortgage pre-approval from an eligible NeighborhoodLIFT lender NeighborhoodLIFT Home Ownership Counseling also available to help people prepare for homeownership.

Participating NeighborhoodLIFT nonprofits and lenders are available at avenuecdc.org/lift/

Houston NeighborhoodLIFT program What is NeighborhoodLIFT? $15,000 down payment assistance to buy a home Local NeighborhoodLIFT homeowners assisted to date: 700+

LIFT program homeowners assisted in U.S.: 25,000+ since 2012

Learn more at: wellsfargo.com/lift © 2021 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801

Equal Housing Lender

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December 26, 2021

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION