Vol 27 Issue 52

African-American News&Issues

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

equality For all

By: Roy Douglas Malonson

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.” Every year we celebrate the life and work of the great late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He is a person who will always be remembered for his courage, persistence, bravery, compassion, and so much more. He worked tirelessly to help change the life of Black folks so that we could have equal rights and be treated like the human beings we are. But are we truly equal?

The Reconstruction Era occurred from 1865-

1877 after the Civil War and was an attempt to address the many inequities that Blacks had to face. It was the chance to “reintegrate the Southern states from the confederacy and four million newly-freed people in the United States.” Even though many slaves were freed, there were still many slaves living in the south under Black codes, which kept the slaves enslaved and continued to use them as a labor source. In fact, many slaves in the south didn’t know they were free until sometime later. The south did not want to recognize that the slavery was abolished. Slavery was a money maker for Equality cont. on pg. 3

Jack & Jill Preserving Black cultural History

By: Crystal LaShan

Legacy, tradition, brilliance, beauty, pride, and joy are a few words that come to mind when experiencing a Jack and Jill Debutante Ball. Many people believe this tradition is outdated, unnecessary, and archaic, but in a time of Black Lives Matter movements, HBCUs value revalidation and consistent distress for Black people. keeping the Black Debutante tradition is essential for celebrating the legacy of Black Excellence in our culture now and for generations to come.

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. boast 252 chapters nationwide, representing more than 40,000 family members. Each chapter plans annual programming activities guided under a general five-point programmatic thrust: cultural awareness, educational development, health (education and advocacy), civic (legislative advocacy and service), and social/recreational areas. Through service projects, Jack and Jill of America created a medium of contact for children to stimulate their growth and development. Through lobbying, educational programming, dissemination of educational materials, and the organization of community and charitable events, Jack and Jill have promoted the public awareness and interests of children, including child development, growth, quality of life, childcare, and the promotion of children’s rights.

For more visit aframnews.com

Dr. Martin luther king Jr.

President/Chief

EDITORIAL

The Overflow

A Legacy to Remember

American president in 2008. When he won the election, I remember thinking of Dr. King, hope, peace, and unity. I thought about progress and how far we have come as a Black race. Outside of the “I Have a Dream” speech, “A More Perfect Union,” is one of my favorite speeches by Barack Obama. The speech was given during his campaign and was written with Dr. King in mind and with the goal to continue his legacy, and his fight for equality. He said, “This was one of the tasks we set forth at the beginning of this campaign - to continue the long march of those who came before us, a march for a more just, more equal, more free, more caring, and more prosperous America.”

A Revival of God Consciousness

Phd

Radicalized Politics

One person who comes to mind is former President Barack Obama, who became the first African

It has been years since the death of Dr. King, but his vision and his dream still carries on from generation to generation. He further states, “I chose to run for the presidency at this moment in history because I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together - unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction - towards a better future for of children and our grandchildren.”

Politics should be about a search for the TRUTH, and The TRUTH belongs to GOD. Therefore, political compromise is the art of diluting the Truth. Thus, in American society Politics is the spiritual moral art of compromise based upon the desire for universal societal common good. The Preamble to the U. S. Constitution is a perfect spiritual document based upon Biblical Truths and Principles that could easily be canonized. Unfortunately, the Articles of the Constitution are grounded in interpretation and political compromise. All human beings were included in the Preamble

to the Constitution regardless of race, color, or creed, but excluded in the articles of the Constitution because of compromise. Hence, Amendments were enacted to The Articles of the Constitution, especially the 14th (citizenship) and the 15th (voting rights) to include. Unfortunately, Christian Right Evangelicals, The GOP and White Nationalist Groups have radicalized politics in American society for the three (Ps) White Power, White Privilege, and White Pleasure: something for nothing based upon skin-color. America, let’s cut it out and live by the spiritual moral tenets of the Preamble, because America is a multicultural society, not a sixteen century English privilege oriented society.

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Bobby Mills,

Writers

Crystal Lashan

We ARe lookinG foR CommuniTy And BlACk hisToRy WRiTeRs

Equality cont.

many Whites, and a lot of them loved the power they had over the enslaved.

It was noted that, “During Radical Reconstruction, which began with the passage of the Reconstruction Act of 1867, newly enfranchised Black people gained a voice in government for the first time in American history, winning election to southern state legislatures and even to the U.S. Congress. “This was a positive moment for Blacks and the entire nation. A moment that consisted of steps in the right direction towards equality. However, some White people couldn’t handle it as the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) made it a priority to rip to shreds the progress Blacks made through violence and instilling fear into the souls of many. It only took “less than a decade” for this deconstruction. Some progress was made through the Civil Rights Bill of 1866 that declared all people born in the United States to be citizens regardless of color and those who were enslaved, and many years later, President Lyndon Johnson would sign

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which “prohibited discrimination in public places, provided for the integration of schools and other public facilities, and made employment discrimination illegal.”

The Civil Rights Movement took place in 1954 to 1968, and one of the major events that occurred during that time is the historic Brown v. The Board of Education, which desegregated schools all over the nation and took down the “separate but equal doctrine.” It was the work of Dr. King, Thurgood Marshall, and many others that have paved the way for Blacks to have the rights that we do now.

The Civil Rights Movement also served as a foundation for other oppressed groups to push for equality such as The Women’s Rights Movement and The LGTB Movement, and even Black Lives Matter Movement just to name a few. With everything going on in the

world, what is the state of our culture now? What would Dr. King say about our race, our world? How would he feel about his legacy and if we are living “the dream he wanted.” Do you feel equality exists for all? We may not have to sit in restaurants or refuse to give up our seat on a bus, but our fight is still far from over. We saw this with the Black Lives Matter Movement and the protests that have come from it. We saw this with voting restrictions and them trying to suppress voters. We have made great strides in the 21st century with history being made with the first Black President, Barak Obama, and Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first African American woman as Supreme Court Justice, just to name a few. In the 21st century, we con-

tinue to make history, but there is still a lot of work to be done.

Dr. King believed in Black people and the human race in general. He believed that change was possible and that a better world was attainable, and that this idea of “The American Dream” was not impossible. Anyone could achieve this dream regardless of skin color. He fought for peace and equality, and even though it has been years since his passing, his legacy still continues, and we should look at the MLK holiday as a reminder. A reminder to not forget about The Dream. A reminder to not forget about those who fought endlessly so that we can vote, and so that we can sit in restaurants amongst White people, and so many other things. So this MLK holiday, take time to reflect on your life, your community, and this nation. Everyone has to do their part and continue to make strides towards “The Dream.”

Dr. Martin luther king Jr.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

What a Wonderful World 32nd Biennial Jack & Jill of america, inc. deButante Ball

What a Wonderful World was the perfect title for this extraordinary Debutante Ball. With towering florals, shimmering chandeliers, and the best dressed guests attending a ball this season, the Jack & Jill Houston Chapter Debutante Ball was the place to be. Every guest beamed with pride and

joy as the brilliant and beautiful Debutantes and Stags were presented.These young people already have accomplished what many people only dream of, but we were all left excited to see what the future holds for each of them. Congratulations!

deButante en Vogue

By: Crystal LaShan

What an awesome runway style Debutante Reception! Everyone was dressed to impress in black and ready to enjoy the runway show! The most amazing images of Who’s Who of Black Excellence in Black Culture flashed on the big screen as these Debutantes strutted down the runway. What a night to remember!

2022 Jack & Jill of America, Inc. Debutantes enter the ballroom.

The Thompson & Collins Families congratulate their beautiful Debutante Brooke Thompson.

Gorgeous Debutante Madison Phillips escorted by Mr. Christopher Lowe.

Lovely Debutante Kalyn L. Cole presented by her Father, Mr. GeJuan Cole.

The breathtaking Debutantes curtsy together in their gorgeous white dresses.

Ravishing Debutante Nia Butler presented by her Grandfather, Mr. Allen Nelson on behalf of her Father Mr. Jarvis Butler.

The graceful Debutantes performed their choreographed dance for their guests.

The Sensational Six Debutante

Mothers:

Top row: L to R Cynthia Phillips, Holly Harris, Judge Toni Wallace. Bottom row: L to R Melanie Evans-Smith, Dr. Nikki Cole and Dr. Erika Gentry.

Debutante parents are beaming with pride, Atty Greg Phillips, Cynthia Phillips, Debutante Madison Phillips, Debutante Kendall Harris, with Parents Holly Harris, and Ken Harris

Debutantes Sydney Wallace and Debutante Madison Phillips killing the runway.

Debutantes En Vogue featured the Sensational Six Debutantes (L to R) Sydney Wallace, Kayla Smith, Elise Gentry, Kendall Harris, Sheldyn Cole and Madison Phillips.

By: Crystal LaShan

Photo Credit: Debutante Ball

Photographer Credit: Mercia B. Studios and LaCresia Montgomery

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

harlem nights in houston

By: Crystal LaShan

Harlem Nights in Houston Debutante Party was in honor of Debutantes

Brooke Thompson, Regan Peppers, Eliot Aiman, Kalyn Cole, Bria Woodard, and Cimone Woodard who were absolutely gorgeous in their gowns. Every detail of this beautiful party allowed each guest to travel back in time to the age of probation, the birth of Jazz and the sultry sounds of the Cotton Club. What a great experience the Harlem Renaissance right here in Houston. Congratulations on nailing this awesome and creative theme!

a night in Wonderland

Mystical, magical, and gorgeous are the best words to describe this amazing Debutante party. Every guest was in awe of the entertainment, detail, and splendor that was breathtakingly engaging as they entered the party. It was an enchanting night and everyone felt like Alice in Wonderland.

Harlem Nights in Houston Debutante Party was in honor of (L to R) Debutantes Brooke Thompson, Regan Peppers, Eliot Aiman, Kalyn Cole, Bria Woodard, and Cimone Woodard.

Angela Flowers (middle) and her daughters, Bailey and Maya Flowers came dressed ready to step back in time to party like it was 1920!

Harlem Nights Debutantes’ Mothers: (L to R) Krystene Woodard, Carolyn Benton Aiman, Lorraine Cole, Alisa Peppers, Leslie Thompson.

Enjoying their time warp to the Roaring 20’s is Floretta Collins, Leslie Collins Thompson, and Glenda Sandling

Dancing Showgirls welcoming guests to Harlem Nights in Houston Debutante Party.

Taylor Thompson looking gorgeous in her Roaring 20’s costume perfectly posed.

Wonderland Debutante’s (L to R) Torryn Sales, Minla Phillips, Nia Butler, Hailey Burnette, and Ella Brissett.

Enjoying the splendor of Wonderland are (L to R) Donna Glover, LaTricia William’s, Cheryl Butler, Stevens Evans, Dr. Lynn Porche, Linda Knight Burkley and Henry Porsche

Wonderland Debutante’s Mothers (L to R) Cheryl Butler Esq., Dr. Vernicka Sales, Erica Burnette Esq., Dr. Annette Brissett and Kimberly Phillips

Photo Credit: Kayla Elisse Photography and CommonPolished and the photographer.

POLITICS a star is Born

America and Latino America and Asian America; there’s the United States of America.”

By: NNPA

It’s possible that after the bitter campaign for House Speaker ended on January 7th, Americans – especially Black Americans – felt a strong sense of déjà vu.

New York Democratic Rep. Hakeem Jeffries provided a masterclass on leadership and served up a clear reminder of what an upand-coming senator from Illinois named Barack Obama once did during a divided America.

“Progress asserted itself tonight, manifested in [Hakeem] Jeffries, even amidst a hostile takeover of the House by neo–fascists,” Jason Randolph of Vote.org commented.

Randolph said Jeffries delivered “what’s likely the best political speech not given by Obama in generations.”

On July 27, 2004, during the Democratic National Convention in Boston, a 42-year-old Barack Obama, who a few months earlier won a Senate primary in Illinois, spoke eloquently and inspiringly about the divide facing America.

“Now even as we speak, there are those who are preparing to divide us, the spin masters, the negative ad peddlers who embrace the politics of ‘anything goes,’” Obama asserted.

“Well, I say to them tonight, there is not a liberal America and a conservative America; there is the United States of America. There is not a Black America and a White

Nineteen years later, in 2023 where many say politics are as divisive and dangerous as ever, Jeffries, 52, channeled Obama by providing a masterclass on leadership.

He called for “maturity over Mar-a-Lago,” a direct shot at new House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s praise of Trump.

Throughout Jeffries’ speech, Trump supporting Republicans jeered while Democrats rose to applaud the Brooklyn born congressman.

Jeffries smoothly went through the alphabet to capture all the ails America, and what’s needed to repair the divided nation.

“House Democrats will always put American values over autocracy, benevolence over bigotry, the Constitution over the cult, democracy over demagogues,” Jeffries asserted.

“Freedom over fascism, governing over gaslighting, hopefulness over hatred quality of life issues over Q’Anon, reason over racism, substance over slander, triumph over tyranny, understanding over ugliness, and voting rights over voter suppression.”

Earlier, the Republican Party did, in fact, select a speaker, albeit grudgingly; however, given the 15 rounds it took for McCarthy to secure the necessary votes, it’s possible that his tenure as speaker won’t last.

Whether or not McCarthy remains speaker, his ascension to the top post in the chamber is unlikely to be remembered as the 118th Congress’ defining moment.

CHANGE Real IS ROOTED IN ACTION

H-E-B was founded on the unwavering belief that Each and Every Person Counts.

As proud sponsors of the 45th Annual “Original” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Celebration & Day of Service, H-E-B pledges to do our part to advance education, equity and inclusion across our great state.