Vol 28 Issue 21

Is the educatIon system FaIlIng our kIds?

By: Jeniece Thompson

It was Carter G. Woodson, author of The Miseducation of the Negro who said, “Philosophers have long conceded, however, that every man has two educators: ‘that which is given to him, and the other that which he gives himself. Of the two kinds, the latter is by far the more desirable. Indeed, all that is most worthy in man he must work out and conquer for himself. It is that which constitutes our real and best nourishment. What we are merely taught seldom nourishes the mind like that which we teach ourselves.” From our HBCUs to some of our school districts, is the education system failing our kids?

Literacy is very important as it gives us access to information. It is also a way of life. If you’re not informed, then you can easily be taken advantage of, misguided and so much more. During the slavery era, there were anti literacy laws that made it illegal for Blacks to read and write. These laws were created because if slaves were literate, they were considered a “threat.” Slave owners didn’t want slaves to escape or forge any documents declaring their freedom. These anti literacy laws were called “slave codes.”

One of the laws was the Alabama Slave Code of 1833.

Education on pg. 3

Smart’n Up Black male SUmmit

By: Crystal LaShan

Young Black males are our diamonds in the rough that we must mold, support, and help polish to ensure the successful future of our culture. Black men are sometimes not given second chances if needed and often, society assumes the worse and expects the least from our young men. We know as a culture that our Black men are amazingly brilliant and talented. Our responsibility is to make sure our children have the knowledge, tools, and information to be their best self in the classroom, the public, and in any situation, they may find themselves in. I felt proud, excited, and grateful for the exceptional Black men who were a part of the summit and willing to share priceless knowledge with the young men in the room.

Brother Deric Muhammad, the author of the empowering book New Rules, has captured the tools our young Black men need to survive and thrive in our world today. We can no longer depend on a society that doesn’t value our young Black males’ greatness.

For more visit aframnews.com

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D. - Editor

Contributing Writers

The Overflow President/Chief Editor

Dr. Bobby Mills

A Revival of God Consciousness

Bobby Mills, Phd

Education is the Dividing Line in Politics

Even so, the Founders believed that citizens knowing how to read the Bible was extremely important in relation to the spiritual well-being of a democratic society. Every American citizen must spiritually understand that a democratic society is of the people, by the people, and for the people. Thus, this is what the right to

Bridging the Gap

Police were created to serve and protect our communities, but over the years, the trust between police and communities have dwindled. We can’t forget the tragic incident of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and sadly, a host of many others, which has led some individuals to lose trust in their law enforcement. To help rebuild this trust, some individuals have tried to find different ways to bridge the gap between the community and police officers. There is one New York City community that has tried civilian policing. The organization is called Brownsville in Violence Out and they have civilians prevent crimes that range from shoplifting to assaults. This civilian patrol takes place over a span of five days, and any 911 calls are forwarded to the civilian responders rather than police officers. Law enforcement is present in plain clothes to look out for the civilians and can engage if needed. I find this experiment to be interesting, and I can understand the concept, but

I don’t think I would want that to happen in the city of Houston. There is too much crime going on in our communities and we need experienced and trained officers on our streets. Building trust is one thing, but police presence is needed. There are ways to rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement without having civilians act as police officers.

Some of these things do take place, but sometimes they do not happen on a regular basis. Consistent community events would be great as families from all over can speak with officers and get to know them in a different setting. For some individuals, their first time engaging with a police officer may be during an arrest, an accident, etc., but I think that is part of the problem. When something happens and police have to be called, it is usually because something has gone wrong. In addition, having police officers go to the schools regularly and talk to kids and engage in fun activities with them can have a positive impact on how they view police officers. If you have this positive engagement at a young age, it could help bridge that gap in the long run.

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

Dr. Chelsea Davis Bibb Crystal Lashan Asia Williams

Tristar Web Graphics - Layout Design/Print

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vote is all about because voting is the sacred cornerstone of democracy. Education spiritually helps individuals to understand the why of it all, because education is a key concept in a multicultural society. Democracy is always worth fighting for and even dying for, and education is the differential between life and death in a democracy. Hence, understanding where your individual rights spiritually begin and end is the essence of being educated in the human rights principles of democracy, because individuals should “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). America, God is always with individuals who are seeking the truth to preserve a just democratic society, because: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples; indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8: 31). Education is a dividing line, but in God there is no division, only love, truth and just judgment.

Education cont.

This slave code was “a set of laws that restricted aspects of slaves’ lives to depending on the state.” In addition, it also controlled other elements like slave travel, marriage, and employment. These codes also gave certain rights to slave holders, according to the Smithsonian American Arts Museum. There were some slave owners who taught their slaves to read and write, but this quickly changed after the actions of one man named Nat Turner. He was born in Virginia on the plantation of Benjamin Turner, where he was able to

learn how to read and write. After being sold three times as a child, he ended up working for John Travis. Nat was a “fiery preacher” and led many enslaved individuals as he felt he was chosen by God to do so. On August 21, 1831, he and a few others started an uprising when they killed the Travis family, stole weapons, and killed 55 White people. Nat was convinced by voices and signs he believed in that told him to do it. Nat was eventually found after hiding for several weeks and was hanged with 16 others for their involvement. Because of this rebellion, there were

great consequences. According to History. com, “His action set off a massacre of up to 200 Black people and a new wave of oppressive legislation prohibiting the education, movement, and assembly of enslaved people.”

This tragic event put fear into many slave owners, and it was the beginning of stricter laws for enslaved people.

It was now up to slaves to educate themselves and help others learn as well. One person who made it his mission to learn how to read and write was Frederick Douglass. As a young child, he recognized

the connection between literacy and freedom. He always found ways to educate himself despite laws that restricted it. He even began to teach other slaves how to read and write as he knew that his found knowledge would benefit all slaves and not just himself. It is because of this selflessness that many others found their way to freedom.

It is important for us to fight for our kids and their education, like Nat Turner and Frederick Douglas fought their way through literacy. We can’t be afraid and just sit back and watch our kids receive less than

they deserve. While it is legal for our kids to learn how to read and write, there are still other elements that could hinder them from reaching their full potential. This could include a lack of resources, access to technology, books, funding, and lack of leadership. In addition, when some school districts do get resources, they are not effective because they may not be implemented effectively which means students are not benefiting from the resources. Also, diversity plays an important role when it comes to our students as they need teachers

Developing Places with Purpose

METRO’s Tidwell Transit Center will be a key connection point for the upcoming METRORapid University Corridor Project and we want to make it even better.

We’re looking for suggestions on how METRO can unite outstanding transit service with housing, mobility and economic development to help enhance the vibrant Eastex-Jensen community.

Join us at an open house in your area or scan the QR code for more information.

that not only look like them but can understand them and their background. Representation does matter and it can make a difference.

How are our schools failing?

According to Good Reason Houston, an organization that transforms schools, stated that “about 1 in 3 students in Houston are attending a lowperforming school,” and “only 44% of thirdgrade students are reading on or above grade level.”

Smart’n Up Black male SUmmit Special GUeSt and Vendor Fair

By: Crystal LaShan

The Smart’n Up Black Male Summit was a great event that shared invaluable information under one roof. From the resources offered, to the guest speakers who talked about the importance of entrepreneurship, to growing your food, or discussing the importance of hanging out with the right friends, the guest speakers were dynamic and empowering. There were also opportunities to learn about Knowledge First Empowerment Academy for an alternative education environment. In addition, the Houston Health Department brought several of their divisions to share the vast resources that they offer. From the Area Agency on Aging to the Nutrition specialist, to the dental hygiene division, the health department was ready to share vital resources that are available to Houston residents. The president and founder of Burden Bearers Project, Re Attuquayefio, was excited to share the benefits that his non-profit offers, which was established to assist financially disadvantaged single minority fathers. Brother Deric Muhammed and his Smart’n Up Black Male Summit team did an excellent job bringing resources that would truly support our young men on their journey to an empowered and prosperous future.

Mr. Talked shared priceless knowledge of the importance of entrepreneurship and finding a problem to solve on how society needs to build a source of income.

Houston Health Department of Oral Health/ Dental reps Teena Ellis and Rangela Porter were excited to share their vital services.

Knowledge First Empowerment Academy Director Jyrmone Reed and Principal James Allen were excited to share information about their great school.

Mrs. from the Area Agency on Aging shared valuable resources for our elders.

Brother Thomas X came from Indianapolis to share excellent knowledge with our young men.

Houston Health Department reps BJ Robinson and Alice Moore-Baines was excited to support the Smart’n Up Black Male Summit.

Marcus Glenn with the Black United Fund of Texas empowered everyone to understand the value of Texas’s Billion-dollar Agriculture business.

The president and founder of Burden Bearers Project, Re Attuquayefio.

Arthur “Silky Slim” Reed.

Street art For mankind

By: Crystal LaShan

Street Art for Mankind, a global nonprofit run by co-founders Thilbault and Audrey Decker, takes great pride in promoting Art for Social Change. They have traveled the world, allowing visual artists to share their art worldwide. Right here in Houston, they have worked with local artists and artists from around the world that have come to Houston to create these ginormous murals that have an essential message for everyone. Big Art, Bigger Change Murals, is an unprecedented series of 29 large murals curated by Street Art for Mankind and created by prominent international and local artists to amplify social and environmental justice in Houston and beyond. The murals beautify downtown and transforms it into “The New Street Art Destination.”

For more visit aframnews.com

That can produce stories that address current and historical realities affecting our community.

Thibault Decker, Co-Founder of Street Art for Mankind.

Mr. Decker continues the Downtown Houston Mural Tour.

A young local boy named Houston, portrayed in the mural on the side of the Scanlan building at 405 Main St., was in awe of his likeness when he first viewed his mural. Case Maclaim is a German urban artist from Frankfurt.

Hera (aka Jasmin Siddiqui) is a German-born artist.

Vinie is a French street artist originally from Toulouse.

Bimbo Adenugba is a Nigerian artist, now based in Houston Texas.

Nomad Clan is the collective of AYLO and Cbloxx, an internationallyacclaimed, street art muralist duo with bases in Manchester UK and Los Angeles U.S.A

Mr. Cenz (aka Julian Phetean) is a London-based graffiti artist who has been scribbling on surfaces since 1988.

PuBlic nOTice

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 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 Visi-

tor 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.

ShOe rePair

TrOPhy hunTing

GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

pride month aWareneSS

In the LGBTQ+ community, it is known as a world where love knows no boundaries.

Annually, Pride

Month vibrantly celebrates acceptance, diversity, and simply loving each other for who we are and nothing less. Since the Society for Human Rights in the 1920s, and the Stonewall Riots in 1969, many have been inspired to further discover who they truly are, and live and love freely as they wish and not have to think about societies’ expectations.

Heights High School upcoming senior Olivia Whitley identifies as queer in the LGTBQ community. For her, this blissful month of June is important because it is a chance for her to express who she is to herself as she cannot quite do so comfortably around her religious parents. “I think because they’re so strong in their beliefs, finding out that I’m queer would shatter them,” Whitley says. “So, pride is more of

an internal expression. Pride month is a time of embracing all that I am.”

Along her journey, Whitley has struggled the most socially as she found it hard fitting in especially with her majority straight friends. Stating that she doesn’t have many queer friends, she always feels a sort of detachment from them especially when pertaining to “boy talk.” “As much as they try to include me, I always feel that sense of isolation,” says Whitley. Even though she identifies as queer, she often feels that she doesn’t have a specific type at all. She simply just loves compassionate human beings.

She says she has tried giving herself a multitude of different labels form lesbian to bisexual, to pansexual, and yet she’s still exploring what queer means to her.

Looking back on

METROPOLITAN TRANSIT AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS (METRO)

CALL FOR PROJECTS FY2021 AND FY2022

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County is conducting a call for projects regarding the 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities grant program.

This program provides federal funding for the purpose of assisting private nonprofit groups in meeting the transportation needs of older adults and people with disabilities when the transportation service provided is unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate to meeting these needs.

the progression of the LGBTQ community since the start of the movement, Whitley noticed much more visibility towards trans rights, and other groups beyond lesbian, gay, and bisexual. As far as representation within TV shows, books, and films, etc., Whitley feels that the community is represented to an extent as far as LGTBQ movies and books, yet the media still lacks Black queer representation. Not only that, but she also feels that homophobia is often embedded in the Black community.

For more visit aframnews.com

The 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities grant program aims to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding transportation mobility options. This program supports transportation services planned, designed, and carried out to meet the special transportation needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities in all areas. Eligible projects include both "traditional" capital investment and "nontraditional" investment beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services.

Proposals are due by July 24, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. (CST).

Email proposals to GrantApplications@RideMETRO.org.

Late submittals will not be accepted.

METRO will host a virtual pre-application workshop on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. The workshop registration information, application package, worksheets and related documents are available on the 5310 Grant Program ResourceSpace page: https://metro.resourcespace.com/pages/search.php?search=% 21collection329406

For more information about these programs or questions regarding the application and budget process, please email your questions to GrantApplications@RideMETRO.org or call Albert Lyne, METRO Deputy Chief Strategy Officer at 713-739-4697

Questions submitted by July 7, 2023, will be posted on the 5310 Grant Program ResourceSpace page by July 14, 2023. RideMETRO.org

Call or text 713-635-4000

Olivia Whitley