Vol 28 Issue 1

afram news ceLebraTes 28 years

By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.

Freedom’s Journal was the first Black newspaper that was created in 1827, the same year slavery was abolished in New York State. It was created by several free Black men in New York City, and was edited by Samuel E. Cornish and John B. Russwurm. The paper was published “to counter racist commentary published in the mainstream press,” according to PBS. The newspaper was a four-page, four

column standard that was published weekly.

The paper consisted of editorials, events, anecdotes, and addressed current issues like slavery and colonization, birth and death announcements and so much more. Freedom’s Journal was a voice for the Black community and the publication was not afraid to speak the truth. It is newspapers like Freedom’s Journal that have set the foundation for other 28 Years cont. on pg. 3

TradiTions and Legacy

By: Crystal LaShan

Traditionally, debutante balls were an opportunity for a girl of marriageable age to be presented to society to find a husband of suitable social standing. Today, debutante balls are a rite of passage to celebrate the coming of age of a young woman and her amazing accomplishments. The Wilson family, Mrs. Faye Powell Wilson, and her daughters, Tracie Wilson Payne and Leah Wilson Drummer along with Tracie’s daughter, Taryn represent three generations of Jack and Jill Houston Chapter Debutantes. They are a beautiful example of the evolution of innocence, womanhood, and cultural achievement that the debutante tradition represents.

Just like Quinceañeras are a rite of passage in the Hispanic culture, Jack and Jill Debutante balls allow young Black ladies and men who have matriculated through Jack and Jill programming and activities to be presented to society celebrating their coming of age and amazing accomplishments thus far. There are two weeks of workshops, activities, and themed parties in honor of the Jack and Jill debutantes and stags (young men) which mark the debutante season, usually occurring between December to the Holiday season when students return home. Scholarship, community involvement, and etiquette are the points of interest in the social organizations that debuts participants.

For more visit aframnews.com

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

News: Office: (713) 692-1892 Wednesday

The Overflow

EDITORIAL

political affiliation, sex, gender, religion, etc. It’s a reminder to never forget what Dr. King and so many others fought for.

“Embrace” The Statue

The image comes from a place of love, which is what we need more of in this world. With so much division and hatred, this statue serves as a reminder. A reminder to love, a reminder to “embrace” each other regardless of skin color,

I can’t help but think that if this statue was of anyone else, this may not have been such a big deal and people may not have made such mockery over the statue. It pains me to read some of the comments that have been posted. It’s not funny. It’s about history. Important history that has helped shape America. It was Aristotle who said, “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” This statue is significant and holds so much value to our culture, our society, our everyday life. We must “embrace” it as it is and accept the statue, just like we must learn how to accept everyone’s differences, everyone’s culture, everyone’s beliefs, religion, and life choices. We have gotten to a point to where we can’t even agree to disagree in a way that is respectful. To me, everything comes down to communication and treating people how you would want to be treated. My mom has always told me since I was a little girl that “it’s not what you say, but how you say it.”

A Revival of God Consciousness

Phd

There Are No Comparisons

From the day Donald J. Trump descended the golden escalator in Trump Tower, he was destined to become America’s Greatest National Disaster, and an enemy of American multi-cultural democracy. There are no comparisons! Many of President Trump’s governmental appointees had to resign because of ethical, moral failings and shortcomings. There are no comparisons! President Trump criminalized the Justice Department, including the FBI, CIA and

even some Local Police Departments in different cities. Trump was able to compromise Fox “FAKE” News as an Alternative News Outlet for undemocratic propaganda purposes while seeking to transform America into a White Privilege Autocracy. There are no comparisons. Trump was able to intimidate and corrupt certain News Correspondents for political gain. There are no comparisons. Trump even attempted to corrupt the Military for political gain purposes. There are no comparisons, ask Generals Kelly and Milley. Trump sought to corrupt and politicize the entirety of the U. S. governmental system for personal gain and White Privilege Autocracy. There are no comparisons.

For more visit aframnews.com Comparisons cont. on pg. 7

from all over the houston area (Acreage home, independent heights, Third Ward, fifth Ward, missouri City, Piney Point, Carverdale, Bordersville, north forest, and all other Black communities) that can produce stories that address current and historical realities affecting our community. Please send your inquiries to news@aframnews.com.

Bobby Mills,

28 Years cont. newspapers to continue the work that the founding group of men intended to do.

One newspaper that has picked up this challenge is the African American News and Issues Newspaper (Afram News). Since 1996, Afram News has been educating the Black communities about historical and current realities affecting our communities. Roy Douglas Malonson, one of the publishers discussed how the Black press has evolved. He stated, “There’s a lot of Black papers in Houston, and when integration came in, they quit being Black. They got away from the mission and their purpose, and that’s why we started it. We started it to be the people’s paper and the people’s voice and started documenting history, because every time someone died, our history died with it.” He also challenges all Black newspapers to be Black and get back to that mission.

Mr. Malonson also believes in the importance of preserving our history and teaching younger generations about our history so that it won’t die. In a world that is trying to erase history, the Malonson’s goal is to document it. Schools don’t want to talk about slavery, and want to exclude certain books, and create textbooks that may not include certain aspects of history. Some people want certain statues taken down and just want to erase all of the bad that has happened in our country like it never happened. We know that there are some

terrible things that occurred, but that does not mean we have to act as if it didn’t happen. We must acknowledge the past to embrace a better future. Let’s talk about these conversations. They are difficult but it’s how we move forward towards racial healing and “a more perfect union.” If you didn’t know, the day after the MLK holiday, is National Day of Racial Healing. If you’re not familiar with the term, racial healing has been known as restoring “individuals and communities to wholeness.”

that they “are not afraid of what’s written, “because the truth is what will be published. He also talked about mainstream media and how they won’t report information about us. This includes information about our communities, our stories, and our history, which is why the Black press was created in the first place.

Mr. and Mrs. Malonson also discussed the importance of being aware of what information you are taking in. Not all information is good information, and in the days of technology and social media, there is a

certain events, news stories, and so much more.

Mr. Malonson stressed, “The more miseducated Black folks get, and the changing of their thinking, the more they see there is not a need for a Black paper.”

When asked about where the Black press is headed, Mr. Malonson said, “There will always be a mission and a purpose of people knowing who they are and who their people are. Once you know who you are, you really start having pride and greatness for yourself, so there will always be a purpose for Black media to be a voice for Black people.”

Angel Jones, an avid reader of Afram News discussed her reasons why the Black press is important.

“Racial healing repairs the damage caused by racism. It facilitates trust, builds authentic relationships, and bridges divides.” We can’t move forward and heal if we ignore the past. There is so much to learn about the past and how the past can help shape our present and future.

Publisher Shirley Ann Malonson believes in speaking the truth even when it is information that may be hard to hear for readers. Mrs. Malonson noted that it is important that when people read the newspaper

lot of information that can be fake or may change the way you think, which can be “dangerous,” according to Mr. Malonson. He further mentioned, “It is really important that people know how to sort through this information because there is too much information out there.

The Black press needs to figure out how we can do a better job in educating people about that and making them more aware.”

If people aren’t aware, then they can’t be educated properly on

“The Black press is important as it expresses our purpose for existence and our culture’s beauty. It’s our voice, our truth, and our legacy. I love African American News and Issues for its diversity and inspiration of hope that allows small voices to be heard in a powerful way to create change to help our communities be heard.” She concluded with, thank you African American News and Issues, for your strength gives us strength.”

Afram News has been reporting Black news since 1996, and is proud to be a voice for the people. Black news was important back then, is still important today, and will remain important in the future. In the words of Mr. Malonson, “We will tell the truth, without fear or favor.”

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Jack and Jill of america TradiTions and legacy

BridgerTon TeaTime honoring nia BuTler

The Bridgerton Luncheon was held at the Briar Club honoring Debutante Nia Butler. The Debutantes and their guests were dressed in their best gowns, ready to promenade and make everyone in the Ton swoon. Several women leaders, including members of the Houston Metropolitan Chapter of the National Women of Achievement and the Houston Chapter of Jack and Jill, sponsored this beautiful luncheon. The chairperson of the luncheon was LaTricia Williams.

Three Generations of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Houston Chapter Debutantes. (L to R): Leah Wilson Drummer, Tracie Wilson Payne, Taryn Payne, and Faye Powell Wilson.

Treasured traditions. Tracie Wilson Payne (left) on her wedding day. Her daughter, Taryn, is wearing her mom’s wedding dress which was altered to fit her for her 2021 Debutante Ball.

Beautiful 1992 Debutante Leah Wilson-Drummer gracefully enters her Debutante Ball.

Charlene Tombar ushers in the Debutantes & guests as they enter the lovely Bridgeton Luncheon.

Bridgerton Tea at the Briar Club (L to R) Myoshi Collins; Dr. Nnema Nwabuoku; Cheryl Butler, Mother of Honoree Nia Butler; Angela Sterling as Queen Charlotte; LaTricia William’s, Event Charlotte Yovanda Williams

During this fun-filled luncheon, Angela Sterling portrayed the Extraordinary Queen Charlotte with the 2022 Houston Chapter of Jack & Jill Debutantes

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

iT’s a deBuTanTe World

During the debutante season, there are loads of parties thrown by the debutantes and parties given in their honor. This is a Different World themed Debutante Party honoring Sheldyn Cole, Kendall Harris, and Madison Phillips that was given to them by their big sisters, who were past Debutantes. Big sisters: Sidney Phillips (2016 Debutante), Kennedy Harris (2020 Debutante), and Sydney Cole ( Debutante). The honoree debutantes are proud students who attend college at the University of Texas - Sheldyn Cole, Howard University - Madison Phillips, and the University of Albany - Kendall Harris. All 28 debutantes were invited to the painting party to have a fabulous night of painting and bonding with their debutante sisters. Everyone was encouraged to wear their college sweatshirts to represent their school. It was a great night of Sisterhood.

Jack & Jill 2022 deBuTanTe yoga evenT honoring elise genTry

Nourishing your mind, body, and soul is crucial for a happy and successful life. So, it was the perfect gift to bless the 2022 Debutantes with. A yoga and mindfulness workshop in honor of Debutante Elise Gentry hosted by her Jack and Jill “Aunties” Yvette Henry, Camille Hodrick, Lisa Mead, and Renee’ Woods at Love Dance HTX. Instructor Crystal Wickliffe led the “Nourish Mind, Body & Soul” workshop to encourage understanding of yoga and meditation’s benefits. This hour-long workshop included savasana movement and meditation exercises accompanied by the individual, warm, lavender compresses. The debutantes were gifted yoga totes and mats and presented with sage advice while enjoying a delicious, Mediterranean lunch. What a fantastic way to encourage the benefits of self-care.

2022 Jack and Jill Debutantes were showing off their gorgeous Debutante gown paintings.

It’s A Different World Debutantes (L to R) Sheldyn Cole, Madison Phillips, and Kendall Harris

Elise Gentry

Yoga Instructor Crystal Wickliffe leads the Debutantes in breathing and yoga exercises.

2021 Jack and Jill Debutantes join their hostesses (Standing)Shannon Davis Hunter, Yvette Henry, Camille Hodrick, Crystal Wickliffe (Yoga Instructor), Renee’ Simmons-Woods, Natashia Miller

Debutante Elise Gentry and Mom, Dr. Erika Gentry.

It’s Debutante World Hostesses:(L to R) Sidney Phillips, Dr. Nikki Cole, Cynthia Phillips, Holly Harris, Kennedy Harris, and Sydney Cole (Not Pictured)

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids, in duplicate, addressed to OST/Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority will be received at 5445 Almeda Rd, #545, Houston, TX 77004, until 2:00 pm (CST) on Friday, February 17th, 2023. Hard copies of the bid must be delivered in person. Bids will be publicly opened and read at 2:05 PM on Friday, February 17th 2023 for furnishing all necessary materials, equipment, superintendence, labor, and incidentals for the Construction of Additional Park Upgrades and Improvements at Park at Palm Center. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS are on file at www.civcastusa.com. There is no cost to download the Bid Documents but you must register at civcastUSA.com. The right is reserved, as the interest of the Owner may require, to reject any and all bids, and to waive any informality in bids received. In Person Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 5445 Almeda Road, Suite 545, Houston, TX 77004, on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 10:00 am (CST).

7, 2023.

26, 2:00PM; callin number 1-408-792-6300, Meeting #2624

• Contact: pamela.johnson@lonestar. edu or (832)813-6782.

POLITICS

The anTi-whiTe supremacy biLL

By: NNPA

That’s enough of racism and bigotry, says Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.

The Democratic representative from Texas has introduced House Resolution 61, which would amend Title 18 of the United States Code to broaden the definition of hate crimes, with the goal of preventing and prosecuting hate crimes motivated by white supremacy and conspiracy to commit such crimes.

The text of the bill reads as follows: “A person commits a white supremacy inspired hate crime when white supremacist ideology has motivated the planning, development, preparation, or perpetration of actions that constituted a crime or were undertaken in furtherance of activity that, if effectuated, would have constituted a crime.”

With respect to any information or evidence obtained by the Department of Justice of any unlawful action specified in JacksonLee’s bill, the DOJ shall have the authority to conduct operations and activities pursuant to such crimes.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) would also be authorized to conduct investigations, intervene, and take any other measures it deems necessary and appropriate to prevent, mitigate, or stop any

potentially violent action.

The Department of Justice’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program would keep track of white supremacist-inspired hate crimes and other related actions, and Justice Department officials would have the authority to prosecute those responsible for them.

Jackson Lee has requested that the DOJ report its findings annually to the relevant Congressional committees.

Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Republican from Colorado, claimed the legislation “makes a mockery of the First Amendment.”

While Boebert, a right-wing leader, misrepresented the legislation after reading a misleading news article, Jackson Lee schooled her on Twitter.

“First of all, it took me about 32 seconds of reading the article you cited to understand that none of you know what you are talking about,” Jackson Lee scolded.

To be convicted of a hate crime in some jurisdictions, “H.R. 61 simply deals with adding white supremacy to a list of reasons,” the Texas Democrat explained.

She elaborated:

“So, when the article states that ‘only white people can be charged with’ this crime, that’s flagrantly false.

Comparisons cont.

Former President Trump is a chronic habitual liar telling over 35,000 documented lies while in The White House.

There are no comparisons. The Top-Secret Documents that Former President Trump transported to his private country club residence number into the hundreds placing the lives of Foreign and Domestic Agents in danger. There are no comparisons. Therefore, with the preponderance of ungodly information and empirical facts that we have concerning the mind-set and Presidential actions of Donald J. Trump, there are no comparisons. Sadly, 73 million mostly White Americans believe that Donald J. Trump is the salvation for those who believe in White Power, White Privilege and White Pleasure, something for nothing in a multi-cultural democratic society simply because of skintone. It’s about sin, not skin. “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). Selfrighteousness is a sin. Not to compare, because there is no comparison, but President Joseph R. Biden was reluctant to seek the Office of President. Biden lost the initial democratic primaries, especially Iowa and New Hampshire, but thank God for South Carolina, and Senior Statesman Representative James Clyburn’s heartfelt endorsement which saved Biden’s campaign. In a multi-cultural society, the sanctity of the VOTE is the equalizer. This is precisely why so many Republicans fight so hard to obstruct and deny universal

voting rights to all American citizens, especially Blacks and other minorities. All of us believe in second chances, even though Trump has had untold chances to repent, change his moral character, and redeem his intellectual integrity, but Trump has shown no remorse for repentance or forgiveness. There are no comparisons. The Biden mishandling of classified documents both in scale, quantity, and the process and procedure that Biden used to return the documents to the National Archives is different. The process for returning the documents was taking place, even though the General Public was not aware of the incident, but Biden was meticulously following the procedure for returning the documents. Ungodly Republicans are seeking to establish immoral equivalency: there is none. America, Biden spiritually understands just as the Gospel Writer Paul understood. “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure” (2 Corinthians 12: 7). Sadly, the 73 million Trump voters, especially Christian Right Evangelicals have no shame in their ungodly game. Representatives Santos, Greene, and Jordan are classic examples, even though, it’s all in vain, because “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). America, nothing can separate us from the love of God! Amen.