Vol 27 Issue 12 by AFRAMNEWS.COM

April 10, 2022

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

African-American News&Issues

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

Vol. 27, Issue 12 Your vote and your money are the two most powerful things you have. Be careful who you give them to. - Roy Douglas Malonson

Ketanji Brown Jackson

HISTORY IN THE MAKING Cont. on Pg. 3

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April 10, 2022

President/Chief Editor

Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.: Associate Editor

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Griselda Ramirez: Production

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A Revival of God

Consciousness Bobby E. Mills, PhD

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

Violent Crimes Mayor Sylvester Turner said, “Violent crime in Houston is a public health crisis.” As of February 7th, 2022, only Chicago had (61) homicides compared to Houston’s (57) homicides in 2022. New York and Los Angeles, America’s two largest cities were somewhat respectively lower: 34 and 30. Houston’s homicide numbers reveal a disturbing alarming significant trend: Houstonians are becoming more violent, more ungodly, and more undisciplined and the question is why? Houston, I hate to tell you this, but Houston is a vibrant affluent culturally diverse socio-economically viable city, and some of the individuals who are moving into the Houston area have ungodly reasons for doing so! Therefore, Houstonians must now become more sophistically aware of our environmental surroundings, and not become prey for criminal minded individuals. We must exercise

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

EDITORIAL safe behavioral practices. Thus, Houston’s year to year trend shows an alarming (54%) increase in homicides. Question: how do we as a city and local neighborhood communities reduce these senseless criminal behaviors and violent crimes from occurring? The City of Houston must deploy more community-based policing in high crime areas. Additionally, local communities must have viable community watch programs. If you see something say something and call the police department. We spiritually know that individuals who do not know the Lawgiver will not obey neither God’s nor manmade laws. Murders and violent crimes are on the rise in Houston. The spiritual question is why, and the following statistics are indicators of the trend related to violent crimes. Again, how do we bring violent criminal behaviors under control in the City of Houston? In 2021 Houston recorded (473) murders an increase of (71%) from the number of murders in 2019. For more visit aframnews.com

Unsolicited

By: Laisha Harris

Stopped By The Police I think I can say this boldly and loudly, that it is we, black people, who genuinely fear for our life when we are stopped by police. With the history of unacknowledged brutality and violence by the police against black men, women, and children, I thoroughly understand why we are reluctant to trust and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. The law has not always been on our side. However, that fear or distrust should not stop us from embracing the rights that we have. Knowing your rights can be empowering the moment you recognize they are being violated. If we want to stand against injustice, we have to know what is just. What are your rights if you are stopped by the police? If you are a law-abiding citizen walking down the street, you do not have to engage with the police. If you are doing nothing illegal and you are stopped by an officer, you have a right to ignore and walk away. If you are in a

high crime area, it is lawful for an officer to conduct a stop and frisk for dangerous weapons. If you are stopped by an officer because you committed of a traffic violation, officers are acting within the law when they ask for ID, registration, and insurance. This is information needed in order to check warrant status and to issue a ticket. In fact, some traffic violations are arrestable offenses. If you have not been placed under arrest, an officer would need reasonable suspicion or probable cause to search you. No one wants to hear “stay calm” in situations where you’re being mistreated or taken advantage of. However, for those of us who live to tell the story of police misconduct or abuse of power, we have options. You can file a complaint with the agency involved, the Police Chief and the Internal Affairs Division. You can always contact a civil rights attorney if you are a victim of police brutality or misconduct.

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

April 10, 2022

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

By: Laisha Harris

After a challenging four-day confirmation hearing and deadlock in the Senate committee, America has taken a step towards acknowledging and validating a Black woman in the highest court of the country. This summer, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, will be sworn in as the first Black woman to serve as Justice in the United States Supreme Court. Presiding Houston Immigration Judge Erica Hughes stated, “It was amazing, watching the first Black female Vice President confirm the first Black female Supreme Court Justice.” In 1776, when the Constitution was written, all men were created equal. In 1857, the United States Supreme Court said that the Constitution was not meant to include enslaved Black people. The framework has not always been designed to embrace or validate people of color. However, through the Civil Rights Movement and the enaction of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, legislative and executive opportunities that were typically dominated by White males became available to Black men and women. In 1967, Barbara Jordan was elected the first Black female Senator in Texas, while Thurgood Marshall became the first Black Supreme Court Justice. History is typically filled with his stories of great triumph and rising above adversity. Throughout history, the tales and legacies of Black women have been overlooked and underrepresented. Before Dred Scott, there was Elizabeth Freeman. Before Frederick Douglass, there was Sojourner Truth and Maria Stewart. Before Barack Obama, there was Shirley Chisholm. Black women have a way of contributing and reflecting the

authenticity and compassion that holds the community together. “We’ve always been ready but never had that opportunity,” Judge Finch reflected. Thinking about how far we have come, we deserve a moment of pause and celebration. Black women judges in Houston stated how “excited is an understatement.” The Presiding Judge of Harris County Criminal Court Toria Finch is “overwhelmed with joy! This confirmation legitimizes the place of Black women in the judiciary. It’s not common for people to consider Black women to be serious candidates.” The work that Black women

have put into contributing to the fairness and equity in America ought not go unnoticed. While the system is not fixed, there are a lot of people working on it. In 2018, Houston made news by appointing 19 Black women to the bench. For the first time, in more than one space, a defendant would come face-to-face with a person who can see, understand, and validate their humanity. In a field typically dominated by White men, Black women like Barbara Jordan to Stacey Abrams are forging a path on the roads less traveled for little Black girls across the county. This new generation of children have seen a Black President, a Black Vice President, and a Black Supreme Court Justice. We have almost made it into every facet of the government that so

diligently worked to exclude us. “It means the world to me, specifically because no matter who is against it – the world is changing,” stated Judge Hughes. Judge Finch, along with Judge Hughes, were among the Houston-19. “We didn’t realize how big of a deal it was until it happened. Now, we have a stronger voice and appearance. Now, there’s Black women in almost every election,” Judge Finch said, “[Jackson’s] confirmation validates our seat at the table for consideration.” This is a moment in our history that cannot be defined by one writer, one citizen, or even a few. The role in which Black women have in the lives of others is paramount. The impact of this moment will range from excitement to indifference, depending on who you ask. What is undeniable is the symbolism behind the confirmation. As a law-student with judicial aspirations, the applause and standing ovation for Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson fills me with joy. Justice Jackson reflects the aspirations of little Black girls who have dreams of being in rooms we were once excluded from. This moment in history reflects the shift from my existence as an exchangeable commodity to an interpreter of the highest court of the land. Black women, we have been working vigorously to keep our families afloat, our dreams pruned, and our eyes on the prize. Whatever your prize, you deserve a moment of peace and celebration.

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GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

EDUCATION

BLACK MALE TEACHERS, WHERE ARE THEY?

By: Courtney Riley, M.A.

Black men do not want to deal with kids. Black men do not want to deal with a lesser salary. Black men do not want to do a woman’s job. Black men can’t pass standardized tests. Black men are considered to always be the authority. Black men are supposed to listen and follow instructions, not teach. Black men are not becoming teachers in the United States. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Black male educators account for 2% of the nation’s population of teachers. In Fall 2020, 49.4 million students attended elementary and secondary school. 7.4 million were Black students, and 14% of the nation’s students were Black. In the country, there are 3.2 million teachers and yet, 60,000 of the teachers nationally are

Black males. These numbers reflect the shortage that is occurring with retaining teachers. The teacher shortage around the nation including the Houston area has caused constant attention to the American education system. Many teachers realized during the pandemic that teaching had many perils and downfalls. Jeremy Davis, an educator in the Houston area stated, “Educational stakeholders have demonstrated limited evidence of

attracting or retaining Black male educators.” The underrepresentation of Black male educators within school communities continues to be a problem within the education workforce. Ineffective school leadership, chaotic school climate, and poor recruitment and retention efforts are among several factors that explains why Black male educators are poorly represented within the school communities. One such downfall of employing Black male educators was the amount of work required without the desired pay. “Educators tend to be paid less than other professions, especially in areas where educators are needed the most,” said Educator D’Andre Edwards. He further mentioned that “In order to attract more male educators, we have to increase the pay. Increasing pay will ensure that Black males have the power to thrive.” Teachers have expressed sentiments of equitable pay for the profession in recent years. Educator Jamaur Barnes mentioned how, “Black men are not teaching because we don’t know that we can. I think that our society has pushed the

Black man to be ‘The Head of the Household,’ which in turn forces him into more financially driven roles such as being an engineer, a doctor, a lawyer, etc. Whereas an educator is a job that is generally marketed more towards women, who are thought to be more of a ‘nurturer.’” Historians and educators suggest that integration led Black teachers not being able to rely on staying in education. Many talented Black teachers were not afforded the opportunity to teach at the newly integrated White schools with more resources because integration was not accepted by all. White leaders would deny qualified personnel the opportunity to teach and lead in what was deemed as their spaces. Entrepreneur Ryan Sherman believes that Black culture was cultivated from the lack of respect received. “Leaders are built from within and are comfortable with voicing an opinion”, said Sherman, owner and creator of several Black businesses that support developing confidence in Black leaders. For many Black men, teaching is not always the career sought after, especially those seeking careers that hold esteem and power.

GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

April 10, 2022

COMMUNITY

ACRES OF ANGELS

By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.

Founded in 2009 by Edna Griggs, Acres of Angles is a membershipbased organization that goes out and do different events with seniors who may have been overlooked. The purpose of the organization is to “bring awareness to physical health and empower them to be able to live the rest of their life in dignity.” Over the years, the organization has made such a great impact in the lives of many seniors. Griggs made it known that the seniors are very appreciative that someone has taken the time to look out for them. She stated, “They are so involved and so excited just knowing that somebody cares about them and have not forgotten them.”

Acres of Angels hosts many events throughout the year for the seniors. One of the events include a senior gala where seniors can dress up, play bingo, and enjoy the evening. Different vendors are also present from the medical community to give them different resources they may need. They also have a diabetes walk, which hits close to home for Griggs as she is living with diabetes. The diabetes walk is an event that is used to help bring awareness to the illness as well as the importance of eating healthy. She made it known that there is a disparity within the community when it comes to For more visit healthy food and aframnews.com vegetables.

L to R-Claude Cummings, Joyce Wiley, Edna Griggs, Councilwoman Tarsha Jackson

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GREATER HOUSTON EDITION

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Notice to Proposers Sealed Request for Proposals will be received by Lone Star College for: • CSP # - 786 – Refrigerator Compressor Replacements. Mandatory Site Visit Monday April 11, 2022 at 10:00AM Lone Star College University Park campus, Building 11 Dallas Conference Room, 20515 TX-249, Houston TX 77070. Online WebEx preproposal meeting will be held on Tuesday April 12, 1:00PM; call-in number 1-408-792-6300, Meeting# 2624 142 1416 BID DEADLINE to submit proposals Wednesday April 27, 2022 at 11:00AM. Contact: Donna.E.Cottrell@lonestar.edu or (832)813-6275. Must Register to Bid: http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar. edu/istar/supplier.htm . If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the on-line registration process, contact vendors@lonestar.edu.

Request for Proposal will be received by Lone Star College for: • RFQ #808 Contact Center Services. Electronic bids due by 11:00AM, Tuesday, May 06, 2022. Online WebEx pre-proposal meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 20th, 2:00PM; call-in number 1-408-7926300, Meeting # 2624 151 6571#. Contact: pamela.johnson@lonestar. edu or (832)813-6672. Must Register to Bid: http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar. edu/istar/supplier.htm. If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the online registration process, contact mcvendors@lonestar.edu Notice to Proposers Sealed Request for Qualifications will be received by Lone Star College for: • RFQ # 806- IT Security Assessment. Electronic bids due by 11:00AM, Wednesday, May 11th. Online WebEx pre-proposal meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 27th, 2:30PM; call-in number 1-408-7926300, Meeting # 2621 802 7146 # Contact: donna.e.cottrell@lonestar. edu or (832)813-6275. Must Register to Bid: http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar. edu/istar/supplier.htm . If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the on-line registration process, contact MC-vendors@lonestar.edu.

Notice to Proposers Requests for Qualifications will be received by Lone Star College for: • RFQ # 813- LSC-Montgomery Building C First Floor Redefinition . Electronic bids due by 11:00AM, Thursday, April 28, 2022. Online WebEx pre-proposal meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 19 , 1:30PM; call-in number 1-408-792-6300, Meeting # 2624 509 4723 # Contact: donna.e.cottrell@lonestar.edu or (832)813-6275. Must Register to Bid: http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/ istar/supplier.htm . If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the on-line registration process, contact MC-vendors@lonestar.edu.

Notice to Proposers Sealed Request for Proposals will be received by Lone Star College for: • RFP # 801 - Signage Kingwood. Electronic bids due by 11:00AM, Wednesday, April 27th. Online WebEx pre-proposal meeting will be held on Thursday, April 14th, 10:00AM; call-in number 1-408792-6300, Meeting # 2621 550 2583 # Contact: michael.loudis@lonestar. edu or (832)813-6532. Must Register to Bid: http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar. edu/istar/supplier.htm . If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the on-line registration process, contact vendors@lonestar.edu.

Notice to Proposers Sealed Request for Proposals will be received by Lone Star College for: • RFP # - 807 - ADA Accommodation Management Software Solution. Electronic bids due by 11:00AM, Friday, May 6. Online WebEx preproposal meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 20 @ 10:00AM (CST); call-in number 1-408-792-6300, Meeting # 2620 194 7900# Contact: Pamela. Johnson@lonestar.edu or (832)8136782. Must Register to Bid: http:// wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/istar/ supplier.htm . If registered, please ensure your registration is up to date. For assistance with the online registration process, contact vendors@lonestar.edu.

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April 10, 2022

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

EDUCATING THROUGH MUSIC

By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.

Growing up on the south side of Houston in a community called Sunnyside was not easy for Roneshya Paul, whose stage name is Ronan Banks. As a child, she moved around a lot and was in and out of different schools. She did not always embrace the instability, but now as an adult she appreciates her experiences. “I think it was a good thing for me. I don’t have a problem meeting new people and adjusting to different environments.” Her stage name Ronan came from the old cartoon “Ronin Warriors,” and since people already called her “Ro,” the name was a perfect fit. The name Banks comes from “prosperity and faith for wealth and longevity.” Banks graduated from Hightower High School in 2009 and felt prepared for college as she took all AP/Honors courses. She then attended Sam Houston State University (SHSU) where she found her love for rapping. While at SHSU, Banks began hanging

Roneshya Paul PHOTO CREDIT: Jennifer Lake

around people who would rap and freestyle. She started listening to the rhythm, started freestyling with them, and things took off from there. Banks graduated from SHSU in 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management with a minor in Business Communications. When she returned home from school, she still wanted to continue rapping and one of her goals was to release a song on Apple Music. While working for a school district, one of her colleagues connected her with different celebrities, which opened some doors for her to perform. “I started doing challenges and winning the challenges. It just happened so fast.” Through her music, she started expressing herself while building a brand for herself. When speaking about her music she stated, “If I wrote it and I feel good about it, and if people can viably understand it and relate to it, I feel like I’ve done my part as an artist.” Music allows Banks to come alive. She referred to music being a “fresh canvas” to paint her picture. Banks furthered discussed her love for lyricism. “If you know how to put words together, my mind is blown.” With this love, she wanted to educate people through her music. “I want to use my educational background and incorporate it into my music.” She wants to give her audience material that will require them to look something up and learn something new. She also reflected on her love for English and how

it taught her similes, metaphors, and other elements that helps her create the music she wants to share with others. When discussing how Banks remains true to herself while pursuing her music, she mentioned how it is because of God. “I have a good relationship with God. He is my foundation for everything. I really care about how he uses me. When you spend time with him, you start finding out who you are. I already stand out, there’s no need for me to try

harder to do that. Being rooted in who I am is what keeps me in the space of not trying to portray something I’m not.” She further mentioned that when she spends a lot of time with God, it helps her to keep a good healthy relationship balance between social media and living her life. She stated, “I fast sometimes from social media just so I can stay mentally healthy.” For more visit aframnews.com

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