Rising
By: Crystal LaShan
Committed, focused, hilarious, and leaving everything on the stage, are perfect descriptions of the super-talented actor, Nicholas Lewis. Born and raised in Houston, TX, he is a 2005 graduate of Sterling High School and former drama student of the multiple UIL One Act Play State Awardwinning Theater Educator/ Director Yvonne Dupree. When Nicholas was Ms. Dupree’s student, he won Best Actor for his role in August Wilson’s play, Jitney. That was only the beginning of his success in the arts.
Welfare and the Black household
By: Jeniece Thompson
Has Welfare crippled or destroyed Black families? Welfare was initially created to help those in need. At least that is what the definition tells us. It was in 1935 that Welfare was created under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was primarily focused on creating jobs for those unemployed individuals. He also supported governmental aid for children in poverty and other dependent individuals.
The Great Depression was the “longest downturn” the United States has ever experienced. It lasted from 1929 to 194, and greatly
impacted industrial production and many people lost their jobs and suffered financially. According to the Federal Reserve’s History, it was Ben Bernanke, who was a member of the Federal Board of Governors during that time, he acknowledged that, “The Federal Reserve’s mistakes contributed to the ‘worst economic disaster in American history.’”
The Fed’s decided to raise interest rates in 1928 and 1929 thinking it would be in the best interest of the economy. However, this decision backfired and recessions started all over the world.
Welfare on pg. 3
From being a seasoned Express Children’s Theater actor, to his flawlessly emotional portrayal of Miss Raj in the Colored Museum, to his most recent beautifully layered portrayal of the controversial DJ Randall in the Ensemble Theatre’s production of Brother Toad, Nicholas never disappoints. He digs deep into his soul to give authentic and poignant portrayals of every role he plays.
Take note, Nicholas is definitely an actor to watch. He aspires to continue his passion for acting, prop, and set design. All while pushing the limits of his work and seeking to become a prominent artist amongst his peers. When asked what his acting philosophy is, Nicholas responded, “I speak to young performers and tell them, if you feel silly on stage nine times out of ten, you’re doing it right… and never be afraid to go big.” Nicholas Lewis, remember his name, he will definitely be among the superstars in the near future.
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
African-American News&Issues FREE June 4, 2023 Vol. 28, Issue 20
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
A
stAR
nicholAs lewis
EDITORIAL
President/Chief Editor
Contributing Writers
a revival of God consciousness
Bobby Mills, Phd
When any society has more guns in civilian hands than citizens, that society is in big spiritual trouble. Moreover, when military-style weapons are sold to civilians across the counter we are in double damn trouble. When school children are not safe in schools, and fear attending schools, we are in a paranoid state of existence. When families cannot attend worship services, go to shopping malls, recreational public facilities or visit a medical facility, we have become a schizophrenic gun society. Any American can be in the right public space, but at the wrong time, and end-up losing his or her life. What a shame! Therefore, the question must be asked do you feel safe anywhere in America? And the resounding spiritual answer must be a resounding no because of America’s ungodly gun culture. Think about it, if we believed in God with the same fervor and loyalty of conviction as we do
guns what a better society we would be. It is so easy to change our gun culture simply by voting out of public office politicians who refuse to vote for sensible gun legislation. Guns, guns, and more guns is not the answer to America’s societal ills. The real spiritual answer to all social ills, especially our love affair with guns is, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12: 2). Because “as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9: 27). Moreover, a clear spiritual understanding of the Two Great Commandments is the absolute answer to all of America’s societal ills: “The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
the Overflow
The New HISD
I first want to start this article off by saying that I have a lot of respect for former HISD Superintendent Millard House II, and the amazing HISD staff and faculty for all the great work they have done. Superintendent House accepted his role with a great challenge before him, and what he did in the short time he was superintendent was nothing short of phenomenal work.
I understand why takeovers must happen, but I was not a fan of this one. HISD was making good progress and started turning many schools around. If HISD was given more time, I believe they would have continued to turn more of their schools around. Greatness takes time, and I wish we could have seen what all could have happened under the leadership of House. I had the opportunity to interview House a couple of months ago, and I am honored to have gotten the chance to speak with him. He is very humbled, passionate, a hard worker, and truly cares about the students he serves. It is hard to come across good leadership that is genuine. In
some cases, you have leaders who are all about themselves and have personal agendas that may not fit the needs of the individuals they serve.
It will be interesting to see how HISD performs in the next couple of years under the leadership of the new Superintendent Mike Miles, who was the former superintendent of Dallas. It has been stated that he plans to focus the first year on the 30 schools that need the most attention and will bring a new “staffing model” that will increase teachers’ salaries to $85,000. It also was stated that roles like librarians will be cut. If this is true, I find it incredibly sad to cut librarians as they are vital to schools when it comes to literacy, research, exposing kids to different books and just knowledge in general. How can you take that away?
It was also noted that school closures are likely to happen later, and that his “vision” would take five to six years. Imagine if House had that kind of time to execute his vision and the plans he and his team were working on. The new superintendent and board of managers will be walking on the shoulders of House and the great work he and his team have done. I guess we will see what will happen with HISD under new management. Only time will tell.
For more visit aframnews.com We are lookinG for historical Writers That can produce stories that address current and historical realities affecting our community. Please send your inquiries to prod@aframnews.com
2 AFRAMNEWS.COM June 4, 2023 GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D. News: Office: (713) 692-1892 Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D. - Editor
Dr. Bobby Mills
Dr. Chelsea Davis Bibb Crystal Lashan Asia Williams
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America, Do You Feel Safe?
Therefore, Welfare was created to help with the economic disaster. What started out as a true need with good intentions has ended up crippling Black families, and has produced some dependent individuals who solely rely on the government for their income.
According to Brittanica, the Great Depression impacted African Americans the most. “The Great Depression of the 1930s worsened the already bleak economic situation of African Americans. They were the first to be laid off from their jobs, and they suffered from an unemployment rate two to three times that of Whites.” And in early governmental assistant programs, “African Americans often received substantially less aid than whites, and some charitable organizations even excluded Blacks from their soup kitchens.”
It was Roosevelt’s administration that shifted and gained the support of African
Americans to the Democratic Party.
It was through the New Deal that helped African Americans and established programs to restore the economy of the United States, including Welfare. However, there were some assistant programs that disqualified Blacks, especially Black mothers who needed support to help raise their children. It was programs like Mother’s Pension, and Social Security (formerly known as Old Age Insurance), and Aid to Dependent Children (changed to Aid to Families with Dependent Children) just to name a few, that made sure Black mothers were excluded. There were “punitive policies” that were put in place to control Black mothers and break down the Black family.
Today, Welfare is still breaking down Black families and some Blacks have become dependent on it. Welfare is supposed to be a temporary issue for families until they get back on their feet, but many families have
relied on this source of income. According to the Texas Workforce Commission,
“In 1995, the Texas legislature passed landmark legislation, House Bill 1863, in anticipation of the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). House Bill 1863 established time limits and work requirements for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients. House Bill 1863 also laid the foundation for the current Texas welfare, workforce development and subsidized childcare systems.” TANF replaced AFDC. For Texas, to qualify for Welfare assistance, you must be a resident of Texas, a U.S. citizen, a legal alien, or qualified alien, and are low income. In addition, you must have a child 18 years of age or younger, be pregnant, or be 18 years of age or younger and the head of your household.
histoRYintheMAking
By: Stacy Brown
President Joe Biden announced his selection for the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman.
Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr., an exceptional fighter pilot with extensive knowledge of China, has been chosen for this significant role, making history. If Brown wins confirmation, it will make African Americans the majority in the Pentagon’s top military and civilian roles.
“General Brown is a warrior, descended from a proud line of warriors,” Biden declared, noting that Brown’s father, U.S. Army Colonel, C.Q. Brown, served in Vietnam. His grandfather, Army Master Sgt. Robert E. Brown, Jr., led a segregated unit in World War II. “And command pilot General Brown brings to this role more than 3,000 hours of flighting — flying experience, including 130 combat hours,” Biden stated.
“He knows what it means to be in the thick of battle and how to keep your cool when things get hard, like when your F-16 was on fire.
“And you returned to the base in Florida in 1991. C.Q. had to eject more than 300 mi- — 300 miles an hour, landing in the Everglades.” The current Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, the first Black Pentagon chief, has been serving since the start of the administration. Previously, Army Gen. Colin Powell was the only African American to serve
as Joint Chiefs chairman. Once the Senate approves, Brown will replace Army Gen. Mark Milley, whose term concludes in October.
President Biden formally introduced Brown as his pick during a Rose Garden event on Thursday afternoon.
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AFRAMNEWS.COM 3 June 4, 2023 GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Welfare cont. Celebrating FOllOWerS
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Shape Community Center preSentS the 44th annual pan - afriCan feStival
By: Crystal LaShan
African Dancers, African Clothes, African food, and plenty of African Culture was the theme of the 44th Annual Pan-African Cultural Festival. There were fun activities for every age. The kids enjoyed bounce house, face painting, lawn scrabble, and other activities. We also enjoyed yoga, raffles, African dance lessons, drum circle, and panel discussions. One of the best parts of the festival was the amazing vendors like KaZee Essentials,
Delali Artwork, Kassi Kreations, Art by Amber, Kyniti’s Exquisite Trap, Comrade Sisters, and more. This awesome festival is funded in part by the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance. We also can’t forget the amazing entertainment Idiginis, Peyton, Nicotine, KoumanKe’le’, Lord Gabe, Fun Size Candy Kids, Jeremy King, Diamante, Capoeira, and more. The sounds were beautifully provided by All Real Radio. As usual, Shape Community
Center’s team did an amazing job blessing our community with an awesome opportunity to fellowship, celebrate our culture, and pay tribute to our ancestors. If you want to find out about the next opportunity to attend a Shape Community Center event, go to www. shape.org for more details.
It is always important to know the
history of the community events that become the heartbeat of our culture. On May 24, 1963, during the formation of the Organization of African Unity summit, where 32 African Heads of State were in attendance, Kwame Nkrumah stated, “We all want a united Africa, united not only in our concept of what unity connotes,
but united in our common desire to move forward together in dealing with all the problems that can best be solved only on a continental basis.”
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4 AFRAMNEWS.COM June 4, 2023 GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
The kids were excited to see this African princess on stilts.
The Griot, Kijana Wiseman-Fusilier and Aundre Fusilier were sharing the health benefits of Gingartum.
Dressed beautifully in African Garments Jamilah Beene and vendor George Kwakuyi of @ delaliartworks were working hard to make a sale.
African Dancers were amazing and ready to teach the crowd their routine.
Shop ADLE was excited to spread the word about the new book-Comrade Sisters: Women of the Black Panther Party. Angela D. LeBlanc-Ernest and her daughter, Fuchsia C. LeBlanc-Ernest shared great knowledge.
Yolanda “Monya” Lee, with her husband, Mr. Lee were seeking blood donors to help her receive a blood stem cell transplant.
African American Male Wellness Agency Executive Board Rev. Wade Edwards, Sr., Jocelyn K Williams (Director of Operations), Jamail Johnson (Executive Director), and Wilsonh Magnima.
howard’S 1St women’S rugby team CompeteS in houSton
By: Crystal LaShan
Howard University (HU) is known for being a pioneer for many firsts, so it was no surprise that HU would be the first HBCU with a Women’s Rugby Team. Howard Rugby Captain and Co-Founder Takunda Ruskie stated, “Our program gives an inclusive space for current and future generations of Black Women Athletes to play Rugby. They are destined for greatness. The future of women, specifically Black women in Rugby, is bright, and I cannot wait to see how far the Howard Rugby Club goes.”
Howard University Alumni Club of Houston President Dr. Erika Gentry was excited to support her Alma Mater with her Executive Board when the Howard Rugby Club came to Houston to compete against Claremont University. The Lady Bison Rugby Team started
playing as a club team in 2021. They represented Howard in Houston for the National Collegiate Rugby Championship game. Howard Alumni Club of Houston met their coach, Katherine Aversano, a Howard Law alumnus, who is leading the efforts of recruiting more African American females to coach, manage and play rugby in the US and specifically at Howard. Howard didn’t beat Claremont for the championship, but they are off to a great start, and we commend their effort.
Black women’s participation in College Rugby increased by 111.8% between 2013 - 2020. This is amazing because Rugby is not traditionally played in the USA, and many women have avoided it due to the sport’s competitive and strenuous nature. BIOPIC Players comprise 32.6% of the USA Rugby
National Team Players Pool. According to Howard Rugby Player Kameren Haliday, “Joining this team out of curiosity has been one of the most rewarding things I have done at Howard. It’s a unique experience where I push myself mentally and physically alongside my team and make great friends to smile and laugh with.”
We are always elated to see our HBCU Scholars being trailblazers and crushing stereotypes to prove Black people can do anything we put our minds to. Make sure you follow their progress on Instagram at @howardwomensrugby. We want to continue to cheer them on and support their hard work.
AFRAMNEWS.COM 5 June 4, 2023 GREATER HOUSTON EDITION COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
We are lookinG for historical Writers That can produce stories that address current and historical realities affecting our community. Please send your inquiries to prod@aframnews.com
Howard Alumni Club of Houston Vice President Renee Woods (Left), Howard Rugby Club members, and Howard Alumni Club of Houston President Dr. Erika Gentry were beaming with pride as they welcomed the girls to Houston.
Howard Rugby Team is in action against rivals Claremont for the championship game.
Howard University Lady Bison Head Coach Katherine Aversano (HU Law School alumna).
The Howard Alumni Club of Houston Executive Board. Janene Roberson-Marshall, Donna Bostic Ward, Dr. Erika Gentry, Renee Woods, and Lisa Jackson
PuBlic NOTice
Notice To Proposers
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 log in to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link https://houstonisd.ionwave. net/Login.aspx until 2:00 p.m. (CST) Tuesday, June 27, 2023, for the following solicitation:
RFP 23-05-06/ J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Programs
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.
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
The Houston Independent School District is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may log in to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link https://houstonisd.ionwave.net/Login.aspx until 10:00 a.m. (CST) Wednesday, July 12, 2023, for the following solicitation:
• RFP 23-05-02 Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY)
Pre-proposal conferences via Microsoft Teams will be held in conjunction with this RFP. Information regarding dates, times, and a link to join the meeting can be located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab specific to this solicitation.
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A FootbAlleR leAving his M
By: Asia Williams
“I just always loved the sport of football,” said Madison High School senior Chase DeVaughn, also known as “The Ticket” by friends and family, who has been playing football for as long as he can remember. In fact, his name “The Ticket” was earned through his great work ethic and dedication as people saw him as a ticket out of the rough area he is from, Hiram Clarke. Not playing football is something that is beyond unimaginable for him, not only because his community believes in him, but because the sport will always hold a place in his heart.
DeVaughn’s football journey began at the age of three. He shared the interest
with his older brothers who played football themselves. Growing up, he split his time between football, basketball, baseball, and track. Yet football has always been his number one sport, as he’s attended numerous football camps that have boosted his skill enormously and shaped him into the player he is today. At the age of four he played football at Townwood Park in Houston with the South Main Mustangs. In elementary school he attended the Vince Young Madison Alum Camp, Neil Brockers Football Camp, Brandon Lafells Football Camp, and a host of others all
around the Houston area. When middle school came around, he continued to play Little League all the way through 6th grade to prepare for playing for a school team in 7th grade in which he attended Pershing Middle School. Here he attended the Houston Texans Annual Football Camp at NRG, where every year he attended he was titled MVP. When DeVaughn graduated 8th grade, he immediately made the varsity football team at Madison High School his freshman year. “I think I was the only freshman on the varsity level at that time…and the rest is history they say,” said DeVaughn. Even though DeVaughn is nothing but talented and was born with athletic skills, his football career would not be as sturdy as it is now without the support of his loving parents. They have always supported him in tremendous ways as they are the reason behind all his amazing trainers, and Little League
teams. “There’s not one game I’ve had and looked in the stands and did not see my parents there,” DeVaughn said. “With every sport they supported me through any condition.”
Aside from attending camps and doing practice drills in his free time to get better, DeVaughn sticks to his very own workout routine to build strength that will guarantee he be the best he can possibly be on the field, which includes 200 pushups every night, running, stretching, and lifting. He says he fell in love with working out and is now apart of his daily routine. Working on mobility is key to his improvement and is a must every day at home. DeVaughn
feels that because of football, his daily workouts, and the sport itself helps him in every aspect of his life. “It teaches me to stick with it. It teaches me to work as a team and it gives me that grit to work hard in anything I do,” DeVaughn said. DeVaughn looks up to J.J. Watt as a role model. He feels that Watt changed the Houston community in many ways just by living off of what he loves the most; football. Watt is a big inspiration to DeVaughn as he
wants to help people with his football fortunes just like Watt does. In the future, DeVaughn plans to attend and play football for Morehouse College. “I want to leave my mark at Morehouse as the best to ever step foot on a football field there,” DeVaughn stated. He does not want to just be known as a football player, but as an entrepreneur who’s a one-man band with instruments to success.
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION
Chase DeVaughn
8 AFRAMNEWS.COM June 4, 2023 GREATER HOUSTON EDITION H - E - B VISA® CREDIT CARD The new H - E - B DEBIT CARD The CASH BACK 5 on H-E-B BRAND PRODUCTS ©2023 HEB, 23-4784 The H-E-B Visa Signature® Credit Card is issued by First Electronic Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc. The H-E-B Credit Card is powered by Imprint Payments, Inc. Subject to eligibility. See Rewards Program Terms & Conditions and Credit Program Cardholder Agreement for more details. 5% cash back on in-store register purchases of H-E-B brand products, or on heb.com using your H-E-B Credit Card. Exclusions apply. See heb.com/credit for details, including products, locations, exclusions, and limitations. The H-E-B® Debit Deposit Account and H-E-B Debit Mastercard are established by Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC. 5% cash back on in-store register purchases of H-E-B brand products, or on heb.com using your H-E-B Debit Card issued by Pathward, N.A. Exclusions apply. See hebdebit.com for details, including products, locations, exclusions, and limitations. Cash back not sponsored by Pathward, N.A., Mastercard, or Netspend. Deposit Account opening is subject to registration and ID verification. Online access required to complete registration. + CASH BACK 5 on H - E - B BRAND PRODUCTS 1.5 on EVERYTHING ELSE Scan this QR code or visit heb.com/debit-credit to learn more!