January 2, 2022
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Vol. 26, Issue 50 A house divided against itself 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”
IN MEMORIAM: ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU
By: Nevaeh Richardson
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a South African human rights activist passed away at the age of 90 on Sunday. The activist earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for fervently fighting against racism and institutionalized segregation at the hands of the oppressive white minority that occupied South Africa. Tutu, a clergyman, used his influence at the pulpit to speak out against racial injustice all vertently led to events over the world, as well as being a prominent like the insurrection- ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Tutu was ist attack on the capi- also known for his support of Palestinian tol earlier this year, people in their fight against oppression from the unjust murder of the Israel government. Ahmaud Arbery and Nelson Mandela and Tutu were close partners protestors gunned in their fight against institutionalized racism in down by Kyle Ritten- South Africa, and after Mandela became the house, who walked country’s first Black president, Tutu spearfree without answer- headed the Truth and Reconciliation Coming to his crimes. mission which exposed the truth about the But not all corrupt white minority’s oppressive rule over the leaders start off with country and it’s majority Black inhabitants. status and power. For“His contributions to struggles mer chief against injustice, locally and Memoriam operating Corruption globally, are matched only by cont’d page 5 cont’d page 3 officer
CORRUPTION!
By: Roy Douglas Malonson
Lately it seems that there has been a series of leaders and executives being exposed for corruption in their companies. Corruption is nothing new and there has always been some degree of exploitation from the higher ups in business and even in running the country. But maybe it’s time to ask the big question: are we actually putting qualified people in po-
sitions of power, or is nepotism, money, and status all the qualifications we need? One of the best examples of a powerful but unqualified leader is Donald Trump. Though Trump was a multi-billionaire and a mogul in the world of entrepreneurship, his money and status didn’t hide the fact that Trump had no experience as a politician. Trump’s lack
of qualification as the president of the United States had a devastating impact on the social climate of the nation that can still be felt today and will take years to heal. Trump allowed his personal prejudices to lead the country into an era where racial and social justice has taken a step back. His cultlike followers cannot be contained, not even by him, and has inad-
2 AFRAMNEWS.COM
January 2, 2022
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.
American Democracy: Russian Autocracy Can America spiritually live up to the constitutional declaration of who she says she is, and at the same time, transform what she has become? The Founders wrote an almost perfect document; but it was too materially costly f o r them to live-up to the spiritual moral tenets, because they were unwilling to give-up the economic rewards and benefits of slavery. Therefore, as a democracy America must ask itself this eternal question: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Unfortunately, there are still too many Americans such as Judge Roy
Moore who advocate openly that America was great when slavery existed, and just as Putin openly advocates that the collapse of the Soviet Union Empire was a great historical tragedy: shameful. Both declarations represent leadership insanity to the nth degree. Question: America how do we constitutionally build the nation we say we want, and at the same time, transform what we have become?
L ong ing for the sins of the past is indeed a losing proposition, because God has warned US about desiring the sins of the past; remember Sodom and Gomorrah. However, if we do not teach the sins and errors of the past we are doomed to repeat them because of greed, envy and jealousy. America is paralyzed because of the fearfactor of too many Whites who subscribe
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
EDITORIAL
to Judge Roy Moore’s doctrine, and are fearful of losing “White Privilege”: something for nothing. On the other hand, Putin is not fearful of losing White Privilege, because no one non-white desires to visit or live in Russia; because everyone knows that Russia is without spiritual understanding! Autocracy is absolute insanity, because when you continue to do the same ole same ole, and expect a different result that is the classic definition of insanity. Most assuredly Russia can terrorize the world c om mu n it y m i l i t a r i l y, and this is precisely what she is d o i n g in Ukraine: militarily terrorizing the free world. Putin lives in a glass house on thin ice, and he has no business throwing rocks (threats) placing his own fellow countrymen in harm’s way. Here’s the socioeconomic-political rub; former President Trump, and his GOP cronies desire to keep-up so much
Democracy cont’d page 7
Partin’ the Waters By Omowale Luthuli-Allen
Whatever happens to any of us had better be the business of all of us American has two birthdays, 1619 and 1776. 1619 represents that enslaved people landing at Point Comfort – Jamestown Virginia in 1619. “My people didn’t land on Plymouth Rock,” as Malcolm pointed out when he slapped those of us who had amnesia, “Plymouth Rock landed on us!” No, this is not part of a diatribe against Europeans because we are fully woke and know that greedy African kings played a poisonous role in enabling the transatlantic African slave trade. 1776 represents the second start of the American nation as marked by the patriot/slaveowners’ signatures on the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of United States. It is a legitimate date, but so is 1619.
This is one of the ways that we intellectually push back against the attempts to whitewash and erase Black history from our books and discourse. The New York Times 1619 project co-crafted by Nicole Hannah Jones must become a staple in every Black home, soaking into the minds of men, women and children. As soon as a child is weaned and acquires the norm of reading to enter school, a vaccination of true history must be injected. As the opposition prohibits the 1619 Project, we teach the Tulsa destruction of Black Wall Street that took place in Sherman, Texas in 1930. This carnage against Black townspeople started with the lynching of George Hughes. Similar carnages took place in Elaine, Arkansas and Colfax, Louisiana. As the opposition freakishly bans Nobel laureate Tony Morrison and Ta-Ne Hi si Coates, we adopt the motto, “Each one Teach one, Each one Reach One.” This is part of our response to the falsification and evisceration of Black
Business cont’d page 7
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION Memoriam cont’d the depth of his thinking about the making of liberatory futures for human societies,” the Nelson Mandela Foundation said in a statement. The cause of death has not yet been made clear, but the activist was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the late 1990’s and has been hospitalized several times to receive treatment. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden released a statement on Sunday that read: On this morning after Christmas, we are heartbroken to learn of the passing of a true servant of God and of the people, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa. We were blessed to spend time with him on several occasions over the past many years. His courage and moral clarity helped inspire our commitment to change American policy toward the repressive Apartheid regime in South Africa. We felt
January 2, 2022 his warmth and joy when we visited him during the 2010 World Cup that celebrated the diversity and beauty of his beloved nation. And, just a few months ago, we joined the world in celebrating his 90th birthday and reflecting on the power of his message of justice, equality, truth, and reconciliation as we confront racism and extremism in our time today. Born to a school teacher and a laundress and into poverty and entrenched racial segregation, Desmond Tutu followed his spiritual calling to create a better, freer, and more equal world. His legacy transcends borders and will echo throughout the ages. On behalf of the Biden family, we send our deepest condolences to his wife Leah and their children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. And on behalf of the people of the United States, we send our deepest condolences to the people of South Africa who are mourning the loss of one of their most important founding fathers. May God bless Archbishop Desmond Tutu. - AANI
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
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
atipfromgilbert@gmail.com
4 AFRAMNEWS.COM
January 2, 2022
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
HEALTH
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OMICRON By: N. L. Preston
The omicron variant is the latest to cause concern around the world. South Africa reported the detection of the new variant to the World Health Organization (WHO) in November, and on December 1, the first confirmed case of omicron in the United States was confirmed and has been rapidly spreading with many cases right here in Houston. According to the Houston Methodist, through new accelerated test-
ing methods, the hospital system’s comprehensive genome sequencing project reveals omicron is now responsible for 94% of its symptomatic COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 PCR testing also shows a greater than 50% positivity rate for several days in a row since Dec. 23, which is a new record for daily test volume and positive tests, exceeding those set during previous waves of the pandemic.
That data alone illustrates the seriousness of omicron, and there is much more out there. To aid in keeping you and your loved ones safe, here’s what you need to know about omicron, according to the Centers for Disease Control. • The omicron variant is likely more transmissible than the original variant. Anyone infected with the Omicron variant can spread the virus to others, even if they have re-
ceived a vaccine or are asymptomatic. • It is not yet known if the Omicron variant causes more severe illness and death than other variants through infection, reinfection, and breakthrough infections in people who received COVID vaccinations. • Though it is likely for fully vaccinated people to receive the virus, current vaccines are expected to prevent severe illness, hospitalizations and death from the Omicron variant. • It is still being
determined how well existing treatments for Omicron work. Because of the mutated genetic make-up of the variant, some treatments are expected to remain effective while others will be less effective. • The CDC maintains that vaccines, masks, and testing for COVID-19 are our best defenses for slowing the spread and limiting new variants. - AANI
Enero 2022
EDICIÓN DE HOUSTON
Volumen 3, Numero 5
“Nuestro voto y nuestro dinero son las dos cosas más poderosas que tenemos. Ten cuidado a quién se los das. “ - Roy Douglas Malonson
NUEVA LEY EN HONOR A VANESSA GUILLÉN
Por: Nevaeh Richardson
El presidente Biden firmó el lunes la Ley de Autorización de Defensa Nacional de $ 770 mil millones que también promulgó la “Ley Soy Vanessa Guillén” que comenzará el 1 de enero. De acuerdo con la nueva ley, los comandantes y otras posiciones de la cadena de mando militar ya no estarán involucrados en investigaciones de agresión sexual y acoso sexual. Los miembros del servicio que denuncien agresión sexual y acoso sexual también recibirán protección contra represalias. La nueva ley también requiere que otros casos relacionados con asesinato, secuestro, violencia doméstica y abuso infantil sean manejados por fiscales privados en lugar de oficiales militares. La sentencia generalmente era determinada por diferentes comités de oficiales con poca o ninguna experiencia u orientación sobre la sentencia mínima. Los jueces ahora serán responsables de sentenciar a los infractores. El acto honra a la nativa de Houston Vanessa
Guillén, quien era una especialista del ejército de 20 años estacionada en Fort Hood. Guillén denunció que estaba siendo acosada sexualmente dos veces antes de desaparecer en abril de 2020. Sus restos fueron encontrados en el condado de Bell dos meses después y una investigación sobre el asesinato llevó a los oficiales al especialista del ejército Aaron Robinson, quien fue detenido, pero logró escapar y lo mató antes de ser capturado por la policía. La muerte de Guillén provocó una investigación sobre cómo se manejaron los asuntos de agresión sexual y acoso sexual en la base, lo que llevó a que 14 líderes del Ejército fueran despedidos o suspendidos. “No creo que muchas personas fuera del ejército entiendan el precipicio que experimentan estas víctimas”, dijo Khawam sobre las represalias contra las víctimas de agresión sexual. “No solo Vanessa continúa en la página 2 son acosados o agredidos,
LO QUE NECESITAS SABER SOBRE OMICRON Por NL Preston
La variante omicron es la última en causar preocupación en todo el mundo. Sudáfrica informó la detección de la nueva variante a la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) en noviembre, y el 1 de diciembre, se confirmó el primer caso confirmado de omicron en los Estados Unidos y se ha propagado rápidamente con muchos casos aquí en Houston. Según el Houston Methodist, a través de nuevos métodos de prueba acelerados, el proyecto de secuenciación in- Omicron continúa en la tegral del genoma del página 4
FOR ENGLISH TRANSLATION VISIT HISPANIC-NEWS .COM
2 HISPANIC-NEWS.COM
Enero 2022
ÁREA METROPOLITANA DE HOUSTON
EDITORIAL
PARA TI Editora Gerente
Editora Gerente
Por: Roxanne Castillo, Editora
El comienzo de otro año. ¿Recuerdas cuando pensamos que nunca veríamos más allá de 2000 y luego no más allá de 2020 y nos miras entrando en 2022? Los medios de comunicación utilizan para hacernos creer que estaríamos en el año de los robots. Pero no, no estamos, sino que estamos aquí en los años del covid. No sé ustedes, pero preferiría estar en los años
Vanessa continúa de la página 1 sino que son tratados como si fueran mentirosos, siendo expulsados, golpeados”. Los casos de represalias se enviarán a un fiscal específico y los informes anuales de represalias se harán al Congreso bajo la nueva ley. “Sé en mi corazón que si no fuera por el trabajo incansable, apasionado y tenaz de la familia Guillén, esta
DESEÁNDOTE UN FELIZ AÑO NUEVO de los robots. Antes de ver lo que nos depara este nuevo año, me gustaría hablar de lo que nos dejó el final de 2021. 2021 fue uno de los peores años que hemos visto. Perdimos mucho el año pasado familia, trabajos y nuestra independencia. Fue duro. Perdimos a tantas personas que influyeron en lo que somos como cultura, incluidos representantes, actores y cantantes. Personas con
las que nos crecimos ya sea a través de las noticias, las películas y a través de nuestras radios. Recuerdos que tendremos por el resto de nuestras vidas. Qué cosa tan hermosa esos recuerdos. Ahora, al entrar en el nuevo año, debemos hacer lo mejor que podamos para mantenernos a salvo del crimen, la violencia y este virus. Sé que todas estas son tareas desafiantes, pero somos una cultura fuerte y venimos de raíces fuertes.
Podemos hacer cualquier cosa. Para el nuevo año quiero que continúes haciendo lo mejor que puedas, no te rindas a ti mismo,
a tu familia o a tu fe. ¡De nuestra casa a la tuya te deseamos un bendito Año Nuevo!
reforma probablemente no habría sido posible”, dijo la representante estadounidense Jackie Speier de California, copatrocinadora de la ley que también sirve en el Comité de Servicios Armados de la Cámara de Representantes. El coronel retirado de la Fuerza Aérea Don Christensen, presidente de Protect our Defenders, ha sido un ávido defensor de poner las decisiones de enjuiciamiento en
manos de oficinas independientes en lugar del sistema tradicional de justicia militar. “En este momento, sabemos por las encuestas que las represalias están por las nubes”, dijo Christensen, cuya organización trabaja para poner fin a la violencia sexual, la misoginia, el racismo, los prejuicios sexuales y las represalias en el ejército. “La encuesta semestral de los militares pregunta sobre
las represalias. En el más reciente, más del 60% de los hombres y mujeres que denunciaron agresión sexual dijeron que experimentaron represalias”. “Tenemos un problema real con las víctimas que tienen acceso a información básica de documentos, que sus abogados a menudo necesitan para llevar su caso a juicio”, dijo Christensen. “Es muy difícil para las víctimas obtener una copia de su propia
declaración que proporcionan a los investigadores, es difícil obtener resultados del kit de violación, si se encontró ADN acusado, resultados de exámenes en sus propios teléfonos”. Estados Unidos está siguiendo a otras naciones como Canadá y el Reino Unido, que están impulsando las decisiones de la fiscalía con respecto a la agresión sexual en el ejército en los tribunales civiles.
FOR ENGLISH TRANSLATION VISIT HISPANIC-NEWS .COM
ÁREA METROPOLITANA DE HOUSTON
Enero 2022
HISPANIC-NEWS.COM 3
SALUD
CONSEJOS DE LA TEMPORADA DE RESFRIADOS Y GRIPE
Por: StatePoint
Un estudio reciente encontró que aproximadamente tres de cada cuatro visitas de emergencia por accidentes relacionados con medicamentos de venta libre para el resfriado y la gripe entre los niños pequeños se realizaron después de que un niño tomó el medicamento por su cuenta. ¿Todos sus medicamentos se guardan en un lugar seguro? Con una temporada de resfriados y gripe potencialmente difícil aproximándose, los expertos instan a los padres y cuidadores a recordar que deben mantener los medicamentos en las alturas y alejadas, y fuera de la vista y el alcance de los niños pequeños. “Durante la temporada de resfriados y gripe, siete de cada 10 personas buscarán medicamentos de venta libre para tratar fie-
bres, dolores de cabeza sinusales y otros síntomas no deseados. Eso representa una gran cantidad de medicamentos adicionales en el hogar. Los niños son curiosos, de modo que los padres y cuidadores deben tener cuidado de poner los medicamentos en su lugar, fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños pequeños, después de cada dosis”, dice Mary Leonard, directora gerente de la Fundación Educativa de la Asociación de Productos de Atención a la Salud del Consumidor. La campaña Up and Away es una iniciativa de los Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades y su Iniciativa PROTECT, en asociación con la Fundación Educativa de la Asociación de Productos de Salud del Consumidor. La campaña Consejos continúa en tiene objela página 4
CERCANO. FLEXIBLE. ACCESIBLE. HAZ DEL 2022 TU MEJOR AÑO!
Lone Star College te ofrece una educación accesible, de alta calidad, y cerca de casa. Encontraras todo, desde programas con transferencia académica, a lo mas moderno en entrenamiento para la fuerza laboral. 12.10.21.06
Foto por StatePoint
Comienza, LoneStar.edu/Start
4 HISPANIC-NEWS.COM
Enero 2022
ÁREA METROPOLITANA DE HOUSTON
MERCADO DEBIDO A COVID19 PANDEMIA
NOSOTROS ESTAMOS
TEMPORALMENTE
CERRADOS HASTA NUEVO AVISO
SE BUSCA AYUDANTE
RESIDENTIAL HOUSE CLEANING EVERY MONDAY ¡CADA LUNES! WALLER COUNTY FIELD STORY AREA
$15 PER HOUR 713-244-4067
Omicron continúa de la página 1 sistema hospitalario revela que el omicron es ahora responsable del 94% de sus pacientes sintomáticos de COVID-19. Las pruebas PCR de COVID-19 también muestran una tasa de positividad superior al 50% durante varios días seguidos desde el 23 de diciembre, lo que supone un nuevo récord para el volumen diario de pruebas y pruebas positivas, superando las establecidas durante oleadas anteriores de la pandemia. Esos datos por sí solos ilustran la gravedad del omicron, y hay mucho más por ahí. Para ayudar a mantenerlo a usted y a sus
DEBIDO A COVID19 PANDEMIA
ORDEN POR TELÉFONO
Lunes, Martes, Miércoles, Jueves y Viernes
ENVÍE SUS HISTORIAS Y ANUNCIOS DE LA COMUNIDAD PROD@HISPANIC-NEWS.COM
ANUNCIE
SU NEGOCIO CON NOSOTROS PROD@HISPANICNEWS.COM
713.692.1892
713.692.1100
www.shirleyannflowershop.com
seres queridos a salvo, esto es lo que necesita saber sobre omicron, según los Centros para el Control de Enfermedades. • La variante omicron es probablemente más transmisible que la variante original. Cualquier persona infectada con la variante de Omicron puede transmitir el virus a otras personas, incluso si han recibido una vacuna o son asintomáticas. • Todavía no se sabe si la variante de Omicron causa una enfermedad y muerte más graves que otras variantes a través de la infección, la reinfección y las infecciones irruptivas en personas que recibieron vacunas COVID. • Aunque es probable que las personas completamente va-
cunadas reciban el virus, se espera que las vacunas actuales prevengan enfermedades graves, hospitalizaciones y muerte por la variante Omicron. • Todavía se está determinando qué tan bien funcionan los tratamientos existentes para Omicron. Debido a la composición genética mutada de la variante, se espera que algunos tratamientos sigan siendo efectivos, mientras que otros serán menos efectivos. • Los CDC sostienen que las vacunas, las máscaras y las pruebas para COVID-19 son nuestras mejores defensas para frenar la propagación y limitar las nuevas variantes.
Consejos continúa de la página 3 tivos para prevenir la ingestión accidental de medicamentos en niños pequeños y quiere que familias sigan estos consejos: • Conserve los medicamentos, incluidos los que se llevan en bolsos, bolsas, bolsillos u organizadores de píldoras en un lugar seguro que sea demasiado alto para que los niños pequeños curiosos los alcancen o los vean. • Nunca deje medicamentos o vitaminas sueltas sobre una mesa o mesón, o al lado de la cama de un niño enfermo. Para un niño pequeño, las píldoras pueden tener aspecto de dulces y los medicamentos líquidos pueden parecer bebidas azucaradas.
• Ya sea que usted esté en casa o de viaje, mantenga los medicamentos en envases resistentes a los niños. • Si su medicamento tiene una tapa de bloqueo giratoria, dele vuelta hasta que ya no pueda girar o hasta que escuche el “clic”. • Enseñe a los niños qué son los medicamentos y por qué usted u otro cuidador deben ser quienes se los entreguen. • Recuérdeles a las niñeras, huéspedes y visitantes de la casa que guarden los bolsos, bolsas, maletas o abrigos que contengan medicamentos en lo alto y lejos y fuera de la vista cuando estén en su casa. Guarde el número de Poison Help (Ayuda para Venenos) (800222-1222), en su teléfono, de modo que siem-
FOR ENGLISH TRANSLATION VISIT HISPANIC-NEWS .COM
pre lo tenga cuando lo necesite. Asegúrese de que las niñeras, los niños mayores, los abuelos y los visitantes familiares frecuentes también tengan esta información, en caso de que haya una emergencia cuando estén a cargo. Llame a Poison Help de inmediato si cree que su hijo podría haber tenido acceso a un medicamento o una vitamina, incluso si no está completamente seguro. También puede visitar poison.org. Para saber más y obtener recursos gratuitos adicionales, visite upandaway.org. Esta temporada de resfriados y gripe, y durante todo el año, mantenga a los niños seguros poniendo siempre los medicamentos fuera de su vista y de su alcance.
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION of the Houston Indep endent School District, Brian Busby, worked his way up from a janitor to his executive position. Recently, Busby was indicted for taking cash bribes from a landscaping contractor who overbilled HISD by $6 million. Busby and HISD contract vendor Anthony Hutchinson were arrested for public corruption. A man who took years to work his way up from extremely humble beginnings to a position of power blew it all by allegedly robbing Houston taxpayers and HISD students. We have to ask why. Where did Busby go wrong? Is he an example of giving too much power to the wrong people? On Dec. 14, a federal grand jury returned the indictment against Busby, 43, and Hutchison, 60. And they are not alone in this. Several other former HISD officials have also admitted their guilt in the same corruption case. “We will not stand idly by when there are people in positions of trust who are suspected of such wrongdoing. We will consider any matter our law enforcement partners bring us involving suspected fraud, waste and abuse of power by those in whom we
Corruption cont’d
have placed our faith and confidence and work to hold them accountable,” Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery said. Former HISD Board of Education president Rhonda SkillernJones, 39, Houston, had entered a plea agreement, as well as several other former HISD officials. Those officials include Derrick Sanders, 50, Missouri City, officer of construction services; Alfred Hoskins, 58, Missouri City, general manager of facilities, maintenance and operations; Gerron Hall, 47, Missouri City, area manager for maintenance (south); and Luis Tovar, 39, Huffman, area manager for maintenance (north). The 26-count indictment charges Busby and Hutchison with conspiring to engage in a bribery scheme. Busby allegedly helped award HISD construction and grounds maintenance contracts to Hutchison in return for cash bribes and hundreds of thousands of dollars in home remodeling. According to the indictment, Hoskins, Sanders, Hall, Tovar and Skillern-Jones conspired with Busby and Hutchison to accept bribes from
January 2, 2022 Hutchison for helping to award, or not interfering in the award of, HISD contracts to Hutchison. Operating as Southwest Wholesale, Hutchison allegedly entered long-term contracts with HISD to provide grounds maintenance to schools. The indict-
son also obtained purchase orders for construction, repair, landscaping and maintenance jobs at particular HISD schools. Hutchison obtained these jobs by paying cash bribes, mostly in the form of kickbacks, to HISD personnel who assisted him in ob-
m e n t alleges that from 2011 to 2020, Hutchison systematically overbilled HISD and inflated bills for services, causing millions of dollars in loss to the school district. Hutchison paid a portion of his fraudulently boosted profits to Busby in the form of cash payments and free home remodeling, according to the charges. According to the indictment, Hutchi-
taining business with HISD, according to the charges. Those allegedly included Busby, Sanders, Hoskins, Hall, Tovar and Skillern-Jones. According to the indictment, once Busby and Hutchison learned of the federal criminal probe, they took steps to interfere in the investigation. Sanders, Hoskins, Hall and Tovar have admitted they helped
AFRAMNEWS.COM 5 award, or refrained from interfering in the award of, HISD jobs to Hutchison, typically at Busby’s insistence. As part of her plea, Skillern-Jones admitted that, in return for bribe payments from Hutchison, she caused an expenditure of funds for school landscaping and construction projects to be placed on a 2017 HISD Board agenda and voted to approve it. They were eventually awarded to Hutchison. In her plea agreement, she admitted Busby personally delivered thousands of dollars in bribe payments to her from Hutchison. During execution of search warrants in 2020 at the homes of Busby and Hutchison, authorities allegedly discovered over $186,000 in cash. The indictment gives notice of the government’s intent to forfeit these sums as proceeds of the charged crimes. Busby and Hutchison are charged with conspiracy, bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, and witness tampering. Hutchison is further charged with wire fraud. If convicted, they face up to
five, 10 and 20 years, respectively, for the conspiracy, bribery and witness tampering charges. Hutchison also faces up to 20 years for each count of wire fraud. Busby and Hutchison are presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law. Hoskins, Sanders, Hall, Tovar and Skillern-Jones have pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charges. They face up to five years in prison. All of the charges also carry a $250,000 maximum possible fine. The FBI and the IRS - Criminal Investigation are conducting the investigation. So, leading back to our original position. It takes experience to be a dependable leader. To be trusted in a position of power you need prior experience of leading with integrity. Even though Busby came from rags to riches, was it his lack of access to power that led him astray when he finally made it into an executive position? It’s time to place power into the hands of people who have proven time and time again that they are qualified to lead with honesty and for the good of the group. From our local officials to national leaders in office, it’s time to look less at status and more at the quality of leadership. - AANI
6 AFRAMNEWS.COM
January 2, 2022
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
MARKETPLACE ARTS, GIFTS
CHEMICAL
CHURCH
FLOWERS
MAILING
SHOE REPAIR
E-Z MAIL MANAGEMENT
OPEN
Wed., Thurs., Fri. 10am – 4pm
OPEN Wed., Thurs., Fri. 6130 Wheatley St. Houston, Texas 77091
AUTO REPAIR Foreign & Domestic
• Free Towing w/Job • Free Diagnostics • Allison Transmission Millitary & First Responders Discount Up to 3 Yrs. 30,000 Mi. • Warranty Avail.
713-236-1307
Willie Wright Jr Ministries, Inc.
A Ministry Committed to the Worth of the WORD and Energetic Evangelism “Christ-centered, Bible-based, and Prayer-minded”
www.williewrightjr.com
www.facebook.com/wwjrm
2810 Rosedale St. Houston, TX 77004
TERENCE J. REED, OWNER
Facebook: Go Vintage, LLC Instagram: govintagellc 713-489-8905/281-901-4966
Facebook: Go Vintage, LLC Instagram: govintagellc 713-489-8905/281-901-4966
t
OFFICE RPC FURNITURE PRINTING
713.244.4067 LOCAL
& DESIGN, INC.
“FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS”
MON–FRI, 10A–4P
SOUL FOOD
MRS. EʼS KITCHEN
MON - SAT 11AM-6PM
soul food onl y sold on saturda y 2201 W. LITTLE YORK RD. HOUSTON, TX 77091
(LOCATED INSIDE: FLOYDʼS PREMIER SERVICE)
713.857.0094
832.277.0563
RANCH
TOURS
713.244.4067 LANDSCAPING
REAL ESTATE
Landscaping by the Jelks
VINTAGE CARRIAGE
COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL
COMPANY, LLC
Services: Mowing, Landscape Renovation, Edging, General Lawn Clean Up, Shrub Trimming and Removal, Brush Clearing, Lawn Fertilization, Flower Bed Installations
TERENCE J. REED, OWNER
FACEBOOK: GO VINTAGE, LLC INSTAGRAM: GOVINTAGELLC
713.489.8905 281.901.4966
ezmailhou@aol.com
FOR SALE VINTAGE CARRIAGE COMPANY, LLC
TERENCE J. REED, OWNER
PRINTING
CALL US TODAY
• Family Tours • School Tours • Church Tours • Nature Walks
Mon-Fri. 8-6pm Sat. 8-1pm
VINTAGE CARRIAGE COMPANY, LLC
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
301 Sampson
CARRIAGE RIDE
713-780-9804
CHURCH
ASTROS TRANSMISSION Bring ad to get $125 Off
6130 Wheatley St. Houston, Texas 77091
www.shirleyannflowershop.com
PLEASE WEAR MASKS
713.692.1195
713.692.1100
Services: Direct Mail Consulting, 1st Class Mail, Standard/NonProfit Mail, Mail Merge, Folding/ Tabbing/Inserting, Mailing Lists, Postcards, Political Mail, Bulk Mailing, Courier Services
PLEASE WEAR MASKS
10am – 4pm
WE OFFER QUALITY SERVICE AT A COMPETITIVE PRICE
Terrence Jelks
AFRAMNEWS.COM African-American News&Issues
6030 Pebble Ln., Houston, TX 77087
Cell:832.713.0102
jamesbond6030pebble@gmail.com
RECY DUNN
• Education Tours • Deer Breeding Tours • Trophy Deer Hunting • Cattle Roundups • Nature Photography • Camp Fire • Hayride • Kayak • Fishing • Day Camp • Overnight Camping • Outdoor BBQ • Ranch Breakfast
ADVERTISE ERTISE E ONLINE WITH US
ASKRECY@KWCOMMERCIAL.COM
• Mother’s/Father’s Day • Anniversaries • In Memory Of • Birthday • Graduations • Weddings etc.
C. 832.541.7466 O. 281.444.3900
For more information sales@aframnews.com
Broker Associate Director of Commercial
WWW.HOMESDUNNRIGHT.COM
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION Business cont’d
January 2, 2022
The apologists for white supremacy and history from our edu- fake history cannot cational system. With speak for an empowdigital access to infor- ered and woke Black mation bases there is community. zero reason for anyEmmet Till’s mother one to be ignorant. had the courage to But we recognize that look at her disfigured no one is so blind as he that refuses to see. May God bless the willfully blind and ignorant. Kujichagulia- self-determination is the second principle of KWANZAA. KWANZAA is global celebration of the fruits of the har- boy that was stolen in vest and Pan- Afrikan the night and mursurvival, well-being dered and proclaim to and Black futures. It the nation that I will means “to define, create, determine the narraand speak for ourselves”. tive about the life and
death of this child, family and nation. It is our historical duty to follow in the footsteps of Crispus Attucks and the enslaved ancestors who ignited the revolution at Boston, Lexington and Concord after supplying the uncompensated labor for the birth of the American nation. From 1619 to 1776 to 2022, our store and role in the f or m at i on and finishing of the American Nature must be honestly told. This is KUJICHAGULIA. - AANI
Autocracy. America, know this January 6, 2021 was an orchestrated play-book Russian-style overthrow of democracy, and we should never forget it. This is precisely why Christian Right Evangelicals (the so-called moral majority), The GOP which was once known as the Party of Lincoln, and has become the TrumpCult, White Nationalist Groups who once wore white robes and hoods; now wear three piece suits, and hold high political positions of authority and, are still hell bent on
destroying inclusive multicultural democracy. There is spiritual hope for America, but Russia is doomed, because listening and doing good is Godly: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” America: “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.” Amen - AANI
Democracy cont’d socio-economic-political confusion that America cannot help Ukraine defend its national sovereignty or even help itself, because of the confusion associated with issues of The Critical Race Theory, and other nondemocratic issues. Moreover, Putin is assisting Trump and his political White Privilege Cronies financially and politically with false doctrines (lies) in order to transform American democracy into Russian-style
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
8 AFRAMNEWS.COM
January 2, 2022
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Weekly Savings you just can’t miss. Sign up ASAP!
SEE SEE WEEKLY WEEKLY AD AD SAVINGS SAVINGS ON ON YOUR YOUR SMART SMART PHONE. PHONE. SCAN SCAN QR QR CODE CODE OR OR TEXT TEXT SMART SMART TO TO 52180 52180
SCAN TO SEE OUR WEEKLY AD!
Offers shown are examples only and may not reflect actual offers.
SIGN UP AT JOEVSMARTSHOP.COM TO RECEIVE OUR WEEKLY AD RIGHT IN YOUR INBOX! Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Text HELP to 52180 for help. Text STOP to cancel. Full terms and privacy at joevsmartshop.com
©2021 HEB, 22-0844