Vol 28 Issue 17

What Color Is God?

Mankind’s desire is to play God. To not honor and serve God is a monumental problem. Therefore, individuals have always sought to define God in anthropological terms, rather than ontological being terms. God is a universal ontological being, Alpha and Omega, no beginning no end. Thus, “God is Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in truth” (John 4: 24).

It is Biblically recorded that God was deeply disappointed by the behavior of Aaron and

Miriam because of their bias against an Ethiopian woman’s skin-color. Hence, it is spiritually recorded in the Book of Numbers how God dealt with Miriam and Aaron for criticizing their brother Moses for marrying an Ethiopian woman. “Moses was a meek man. However, God was so angered by the behavior of Miriam and Aaron that he told the three of them to come into the tabernacle of the congregation.

God on pg. 3

By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.

It was Coretta Scott King who said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” This is why Deron Gadsden, founder of BE Impactful, created the nonprofit organization in 2021, that is focused on community empowerment through social intervention, educational engagements, and community improvement projects.

As a community, Gadsden noticed that we lacked access to either resources or information in various formats, so BE Impactful acts as a bridge from the community to the resources needed. One of their premiere events includes Black Literature Matters, which occurs every Black History Month and is an opportunity “to expose our community to Black authors, Black publishers, Black publishing companies, and Black bookstores that they may not know exist.” This helps to create a platform for those creatives to come and be supported by a new customer base.

happy mother’s day

Impactful on pg. 7

Bobby Mills, PhD

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

Deron Gadsden

Bobby Mills Dr. Chelsea Davis Bibb Crystal Lashan

a revival of God Consciousness

Bobby Mills, Phd

spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the rooftops” (Luke 12: 1-3).

the Overflow

There is a world of difference between ownership and stewardship because it is written, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24: 1). Unfortunately, we have too many individuals in America who do not spiritually know the difference between the two concepts.

Hence, American society is plagued by unadulterated ungodly hypocrisy. Hypocrisy not only degrades the land (earth), but it spiritually degrades themselves as well as others for greediness. Consequently, America is in the spiritual wilderness of devilish ignorance, but “in the meantime… beware ye of the leaven of the pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore, whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have

Christian Right Evangelicals, GOP, White Nationalists, Fox “FAKE” News, and some spiritually misguided Blacks and other minorities, all shall come to the light. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Galatians 6: 7-8). Christian Right Evangelicals and Christian Right GOP pastoral leaders appear to be preaching an ungodly doctrine of White Power, White Privilege and White Pleasure rather than the inclusive doctrine of Jesus Christ. America, this is an ungodly abomination, and will not survive in a multi-cultural democratic society. Therefore America, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12: 15).

God has provided an abundance of His creation and bounty, and it is more than enough! God simply requires that we spiritually practice good stewardship.

For Mom

It was an early morning on July 11, 2018, the day I became a mother. I remember when I first held my daughter in my arms, I cried immediately. I was overwhelmed with so much joy even though I had no idea what to do next when we took her home. I did, however, have and still have an amazing example of what motherhood looks like. I have my mom. For me, she was the first example of how a mother should be. Even though I am almost five years in the motherhood game, I still consider myself somewhat still a new mother. When my son got here in 2021 (a COVID baby), I felt more confident because it was my second time around, but I also had my mom. She has been there for me since day one, and without her influence, support, and guidance, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

Being a mom is not easy, and I am still trying to balance motherhood, being a wife, working full time, and having somewhat of a social life. I know there are a lot of moms who may share

this same challenge. Raising kids can be a lot, but what I have learned is that at the end of the day, they don’t require much. They need of course the necessities like food, shelter, and water, but outside of that, they need to feel safe, be loved, and supported.

Mother’s Day is a very special day. It is where we show our love for the women who got us here, and who have played a major role in our lives. Outside of the cards, gifts, flowers, balloons, etc., we must stay focused on why Mother’s Day was created in the first place and never lose sight of that.

Did you know that Mother’s Day was founded by Anna Jarvis in 1908, and it was created to simply honor motherhood. Jarvis felt like American holidays were geared towards males and their accomplishments, but not much was being celebrated about women, moms specifically. Her mom died in 1905, and I believe that this was a way of honoring her mom as well. After pushing for Mother’s Day to be nationally recognized, Mother’s Day became a holiday in 1914 signed into effect by President Woodrow Wilson.

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And God came down in the pillar of a cloud, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forth. And he said hear now my words: if there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself know to him in a vision, and will speak unto him a dream…. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed from the tabernacle; and, behold Miriam became leprous, white as snow; and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous” (Number 12: 1-12). Racism is a sin that seeks to tempt the Spirit of God. Aaron repented and cried out to God seeking forgiveness, because he realized that he and his sister Miriam had acted very foolishly. Just to set the record straight, it makes absolutely no difference concerning Jesus’s skin-color or skin-tone, because both God and Jesus must be worshipped in Spirit and Truth.

However, the only physical description of Jesus recorded in the Bible appears in the book of Revelation. “His head and hairs were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were as a flame of fire; and his feet like unto fine brass, as if they were burnt in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters” (Revelation 1: 14-15). This description sounds mighty Bohemian! Moreover, the Biblical lineage of Jesus in the Bible is described as coming from the house of King David. King Solomon was King David’s son, and Solomon describes himself in the first chapter of the Song of Solomon. “I am black, but comely, o ye, daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon. Look not upon me, because I am Black, because the sun has looked upon me” (Song Solomon 1: 5-6). These are the spiritual words of the wisest and richest man recorded in the Bible. Therefore, America let’s clearly

Celebrating FOllOWerS

understand that God created all human beings in his spiritual image, not anthropological image, and just a little lower than Angels. However, “Man that is born of a woman is of a few days, and full

of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not” (Job 14: 1-2).

However, the eternal question is: “If a man die, shall he live again?

All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come” (Job 14: 14). Moreover, according to historical record, the oldest human skeletal remains were found on the continent of Africa, Lucy. Lucy’s remains were scientifically determined to be over six thousand years old. No further commentary is necessary because we all know the color of the inhabitants of Africa. Hence,

whatever biological evolutionary processes have occurred over time in no way negates the African biological origin of human life.

God gives the church spiritual eternal instructions for worship, because “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time” (1 Timothy 2: 5-6). There are too many professing Christians who do not know how to get to God, but Jesus made it crystally clear. “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also, and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him” (John 14: 6-7). America, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4: 12).

Unfortunately, Christian Right Evangelicals, The GOP, White

Nationalists, and Fox “Fake” News are seeking to make skin-color God and transform Christianity into a White Privilege oriented ungodly religious cult. Racism drives individuals insane, because God hates sin, not skin color. Sadly, racism has morphed into a White privilege religion. Institutional Christianity has worked well for Whites because they have tried to make the Bible static, unhistorical, and unscientific in character, rather than about human interdependence and human community under the reality of God. For after all, there is no life that is not lived in human community, and no community not lived under the reality of God. The paradox of racism dichotomizes human existence into two categories: physical and spiritual. Racism forces individuals into living by the physical (external) socio-economic categorizations, rather than the spiritual (internal values).

We are beyond grateful to announce that african american News & Issues has reached a phenomenal milestone of 50,000 followers! Your continued support and engagement have helped us to grow faster than we ever imagined.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

XULA HoUston ALUmni CrAwfisH BoiL & fisH fry

By: Crystal LaShan and Trey

Xavier University (XULA) Houston Alumni Association had an awesome time at their Annual Crawfish Boil and Fish Fry Membership Drive. This fun event was the kickoff for their membership drive to add more dues paying members. Delicious food and jamming tunes make for a great party. For more information about their future events, you can follow them on Instagram at @xualumnihouston or visit https://www.memberplanet.com/events/xulahouston/jazzbrunch2023.

s.H.A.P.E.

intErnAtionAL fEstivAL

By: Crystal LaShan and Trey

S.H.A.P.E. Community Center resumed their annual International Food Festival since the pandemic brought it to a halt. This event was a labor of love from the unique international community of Houston, as the various food vendors donated food from their respective country to raise money for S.H.A.P.E. They believe that a way to confront xenophobia and misunderstanding of different cultures and people, is by sharing food and communing together to help foster people to connect and fellowship. The festival featured artists from genres across the world. This event is also leading up to the 44th Annual Pan-African Cultural Festival that will take place on Saturday, May 27, 2023.

Legall

Legall

Xavier Alumni Marianna Varnado was spreading HBCU love everywhere & looking cute doing it.

Xavier Alumni Delta Sigma Theta Sorrors (L to R first row) Teresa Terry, Christine Criner Smith, Krystene Wirmley Woodard, April Tasso, & Ariel Johnson.

(L to R standing) Joell Solomon, Alaina Curry, MD, Anya Mitchell, MD. Tina Newsome, Courtney Danclar, & Shianne Baggett

Xavier Alumni Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorors enjoying their picnic. (L to R) Jameaker Morrison, Monique Wakeford, Antoinette Marks, Sarah Freddie, Dione Carter, Yolanda Gautier, Teal Holden, Deidra Allen, and Shenita Outland.

Xavier Alumni (L to R) Teresa Terry, Candice Montegomery, Krystene Wormley Woodward, April Tasso, and Melanie Roberts enjoy delicious crawfish and great company.

Simone Simon of “Roots and Rhythm.”

Terry Parker

Sandra Netter and Brother Deloyd Parker

Ramond Thompson, Michelle Bridges, Jahzara Duncan, and Verita Duncan

Angelina Chambers, Karl Parker, and Ifueko Omorogbe

Sakinah, Sidi Mukhtar Kah, and Brother Deloyd Parker

AUdrEy LAwson imPACt AwArds And fAsHion sHow

By: Afram News

Fashion, style, and fellowship perfectly describe the Audrey H. Lawson Impact Awards Luncheon and Fashion Show. Together for Good Ministries and the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Women’s Guild, celebrated a fantastic legacy of successful fundraising at this beautiful event presented as “A Diamond Jubilee: Celebrating Sixty Years of Scholarship, Service, and Style. This year’s event highlighted seven individuals whose impact and work in the Greater Houston community has truly made

a difference. This beautifully executed event was led by Karen Aubrey, Dr. Rose Austin, and Candyace E. Mayberry, The honorees-Danielle Keys Bess, Mary A. Daffin, Esq., Dr. Regan Flowers, Dr. Aziza Glass, Christopher Hollins, Esq., Angela Veale Joubert, and The Honorable Mayor Sylvester Turner. For more visit aframnews.com

Cynthia Benson, Judge Wand Adams, Dr. Janice Beal, First Lady Audrey Marie Cosby, Melanie Lawson, and Rev. Bill Lawson

Former Honorees, Atty. Genora Boykins, Chair of South Texas College of Law Board and Dr Ford past President of Houston Community College with PR Icon Judy

Ollie Harris, an investment banker by day and a model on the weekends.

Houston Best Dressed Icon Gayla Gardner with Pat Williams who helps Houston families build strong foundations for our kids at the Imani School.

Powerhouse Houston Leaders, Paula McCann Harris, Astros Foundation and CEO of the Houston Children’s Museum, Rayanne Darensbourg having a lovely time at the fashion show.

Past honorees we’re absolutely stunning in their Sunday best.

ABC Anchorwoman Melanie Lawson and Houston Mayoral Candidate and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

Dr. Janice Beal and Harris County Judge Candidate Lillian Henny Alexander

Angela Veale Joubert was recognized for her extraordinary work to raise 22 million dollars to build Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church’s new Cathedral.

PuBlic NOTice

The Houston Independent School District Purchasing Services Department located at 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, TX 77092 is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link https://houstonisd.ionwave.net/Login.aspx until 11:00 a.m. (CST) Wednesday, June 21, 2023, for the following solicitation:

• RFP 23-03-14 Excess Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Pre-proposal conferences via Microsoft Teams will be held in conjunction with these RFPs. Information regarding dates, times, and instructions to receive a link to join the meeting can be located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab specific to this solicitation.

ShOe rePair TrOPhy huNTiNg

The Houston Independent School District Purchasing Services Department located at 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, TX 77092 is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link https://houstonisd.ionwave.net/Login.aspx until 10:00 a.m. (CST) Wednesday, June 14, 2023, for the following solicitation:

RFP 23-04-03 Capital Program and Project Management Software

Pre-proposal conferences via Microsoft Teams will be held in conjunction with this RFP. Information regarding dates, times, and instructions to receive a link to join the meeting can be located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab specific to this solicitation.

RELIGION

WoNDEr WomaN

By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.

The Wonder Woman Conference hosted by Dr. La Shawn Denise Witt, “The Global Strategist,” took place at the Hyatt Regency Houston West (13210 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079) this past weekend. The weekend-long conference was presented in association with sponsors Dr. La Shawn Denise Witt, My Sister’s Keeper, Divine Diva Events, and many others. Each day during the conference, Dr. La Shawn Denise Witt signed copies of her new book titled The DIVA Herself.

The name Wonder

Woman is significant to Dr. Witt because of what it represents. “Wonder Woman simply is the brand name because it targets women who do a multitude of things. We’re talking about balancing a life as a mother, a wife, a caretaker… you’re working professionally, but most importantly, you’re an entrepreneur in the marketplace, and you are in the ministry.”

The conference had a lot of great sessions that women attended, and Dr. Witt wanted women to take what they needed from the conference to reach the “next level.”

“This conference is going to help women build holistically. We’re going to be dealing with success in the marketplace and developing women mentally and emotionally. A lot of times we don’t tap into our emotional health, and I want to come from a different aspect of women who want to be kingdom purpose wives…I want women to walk away with fresh ideas, find their purpose, and push their vision to make money.”

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“We advocate for both people that want to step into that space as well as people that can understand what representation looks like in that space,” Gadsden said. Another event BE Impactful hosted was an event surrounding mental health awareness. They had mental health professionals that focused on the various eight dimensions of wellness. This included physical therapy, emotional trauma, relationship wellness, and financial wellness. In attendance were also trainers and nutritionists to talk about health as well. For Gadsden, it is all about creating access for people and linking them to resources that can improve their well-being.

The inspiration behind creating BE Impactful was derived from Gadsden wanting to do something for the community even though he didn’t know exactly what he wanted it to be. He started doing research and thought about where we as a community and culture best aligned. He found that we were best

served as a culture pre-segregation. “When we all had to focus on this one small community, unfortunately by force…whether you were a doctor, a mechanic, or a schoolteacher, you all lived on the same block, and you all served each other.”

Gadsden discussed the circulation of the Black dollar because during that time there

of being impactful. Our goal is just to make sure that we put a platform on so that everyone has the opportunity to do it.”

Gadsden described it as “collective impact,” which is how we the community spend time together while making an impact. He further stated how the fingerprint in the logo is the most important part because everyone’s choice of impact is unique to them.

“Whether you do it alone, whether you do it with others, whether it’s art, whether it’s engineering, whether it’s newspapers… choose to BE Impactful while you do it.”

was nowhere else for Black people to shop but in the Black community. Gadsden wanted to recreate this and the concept of “Black Wallstreet” and implement this into the community where everyone’s able to touch everyone.

The BE Impactful logo is a stamp with a fingerprint with the idea that everyone has their own fingerprint.

“Everyone has their own opportunity, their own unique way

From toy drives to food giveaways, helping the homeless, and so much more, BE Impactful is truly making its mark on our communities. Gadsden encourages everyone to BE Impactful stating, “You can BE Impactful in any way, shape, or form. There’s no real format to it, but as long as you leave the situation better than you found it, then you were impactful.”

For more information about BE Impactful, you can follow their Instagram page @beimpactfulfoundation, or visit their website at www.beimpactful.net.

Impactful Cont.